Click here to see our compiled list of emails for the week.
1) Bill McGowan elevated to Vice President of Facilities and Security
Lees-McRae is extremely proud to announce Bill McGowan has been promoted to Vice President of Facilities and Security, effective Oct. 2013. “Vice President McGowan is an essential part of our senior leadership,” said President Barry M. Buxton. “We thank him for his hard work and devotion to Lees-McRae. He has played a pivotal role in the renovation and revitalization of our campus, while ensuring our students enjoy a safe campus.” Since joining the college in 2010, McGowan has served as the Director of Security and most recently, Director of Facilities Management. Prior to joining the Lees-McRae family, he enjoyed a well-decorated 21-year career in the United States Marine Corps. A veteran of the Gulf War, McGowan spent two years in the infantry, one year in military police and eighteen years as a criminal investigator which included hostage negotiation as well as instruction at the US Army Criminal Investigation School. For his dedicated service and heroism, McGowan was honored with the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. After leaving the USMC, McGowan spent five years in civilian law enforcement in South Carolina working as a forensic investigator, hostage negotiator and arson investigator. Before moving to Banner Elk, he spent three years as a fraud investigator for Wells-Fargo in Charlotte. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 850 students hailing from 40 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis in leadership and service. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 828-898-5241.
2) Adult Swim Lessons at Appalachian
Appalachian State University Recreation and the aquatics department are now accepting registration for adult swim lessons. This six-week program is open to community members as well as students and faculty/staff members of ASU who are looking to learn or improve swimming skills. An assessment will be made at the first class to determine skill level; level concentrations include: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Whether you are a beginner or a competitive swimmer, this program is right for you. Lessons are from Oct. 28-Nov. 13 held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-6:45 p.m. Register as soon as possible at www.aquatics.appstate.edu.
3) Trunk-or-Treat Needs Your Help
Looking for persons and businesses to come out with their trucks and cars to hand out candy and coupons. Advertise your business for free at trunk or treat on Thursday, Oct. 31, rain or shine at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School from 5-8 p.m. The event will include face painting from 3-7:30 p.m. Decorate your car, open your trunks and share your trick or treat with the children of Avery County. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, vehicles and pumpkin carvings, as well as a pet costume contest. Free hot dogs to kids 12 and under and a haunted house.
4) Lees-McRae Women’s Soccer Ranked 10th
The Lees-McRae College women’s soccer team has cracked the top 10 in the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division II Southeast Regional poll for the first time this season, entering the week tied for 10th in the region, announced NSCAA officials Tuesday. Lees-McRae (9-6,7-1 Conference Carolinas) is currently riding an eight-match winning streak, including six straight clean sheets and a stretch of more than 580 minutes without conceding a goal. The Bobcats rank among the national leaders in several categories, entering the week ranked 32nd in save percentage and 34th in shutout percentage. Lenoir-Rhyne University (10-1-2) enters the week ranked first in the region and 11th in the nation, followed by No. 19 Clayton State University, No. 22 Wingate University, Columbus State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University. The University of North Georgia is fifth, followed by Lander University, Belmont Abbey College and Newberry College. Lees-McRae and Queens University of Charlotte are tied for tenth. Lees-McRae returns to the pitch on Saturday when the Bobcats travel to Mount Olive to take on Mount Olive College at 4 p.m.
5) Boone LPU Meeting Oct. 28
There has been a slight change in the presentation topic scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28. The updated presenters topic is: Rachel Florence & Eric Schneider: Understanding Health Care Reform: How the Affordable Care Act and New Health Care Laws May Affect You.
6) Last Evensong Oct. 27
The choir of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church will present the las choral evensong of the season this Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the nave of the church. Service music will include Orlando Gibbon’s setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis and Preces and Responses by Tim Brown. The Introit will be Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous song to Mary, the mother of Jesus, Rejoice O Virgin. The choir of St. Mary’s sings Evensong one Sunday each month through October, and everyone is welcome. Donations support the Choral Scholarship program at St. Mary of the Hills which provides financial support to students and budding young singers. The service of Evensong or Evening Prayer combines elements of two services, Vespers and Compline, which were part of the seven-service daily cycle of prayer in monasteries. It is said or sung everyday in the cathedrals and collegiate churches of England, as well as in this country since 1785. The service is a fragment of the worship offered to God by Christian people at every hour in every part of the world. The form of the service has changed little since the 16th Century, but the content dates back much earlier-to the Psalms, the hymnbook of the Jewish Temple and the Canticles which are taken from the New Testament. The service is a lovely, quiet way to end the day. For more information on this service, please contact St. Mary of the Hills at 828-295-7323.
7) Appalachian RollerGirls Fundraiser at Cafe Portofino
Appalachian RollerGirls will have a fundraiser tonight at Cafe Portofino’s. The RollerGirls will have a merchandise table, recruitment info and trivia from 6-9 tonight, and 10 percent of the nights food sales will benefit the team. “We are hoping to raise funds for our practice space and so that we can host some upcoming fundraisers for others this Thanksgiving and Christmas.,” said Jennele Vaquera, captain of the team.
8) Howard Street Exchange Festival
This Sunday, Oct. 27, the fourth and final Howard Street Exchange Festival of 2013 will occur from 12-5 p.m. on the west end of Howard Street in downtown Boone. The festival will feature live music, art, vendors, food trucks, beer from Appalachian Mountain Brewery, yoga, pumpkin carving and other activities. This is a family friendly event with something for everyone!