1) Free Kindle Version of New Mystery/Fable
Author C.S. Thompson is getting ready to release the first book in a 3 book mystery/fable series, The Jasper Lilla Chronicles. During the week of March 16th – March 20th of 2015, readers can download a copy of “Jasper Lilla and the Wolves of Banner Elk” on Kindle at no cost to them.
For readers who enjoy mysteries with fable undertones, “Jasper Lilla and the Wolves of Banner Elk” is a must read.
“Loved the book,” said Debbie McLeish, Dreamland Alpacas. “Each chapter is filled with clues that draw you in closer to the amazing conclusion. You may want to put it down but you simply can’t until the very end when the writer reveals all the pieces of the puzzle. This book leaves you with the hope that there will be more adventures to follow.”
Another reader enjoyed the surprises that unfold at the end of the book.
“It is good. I really liked the ending,” said DeeDee Galliher. “A total shock.”
Thompson has written several other mystery books as part of his Natasha McMorales Mystery series. When asked the inspiration for the storyline and the cause of the new mystery series, he said there were several things that brought it about.
“In the last mystery novel I wrote, ‘Why Now?’, I wrote parts of the book in first person and realized I really enjoyed writing in first person,” said Thompson.
In “Jasper Lilla and the Wolves of Banner Elk”, there is a wolf tooth necklace that appears to cause super human power when worn along with some unexplainable interactions with a pack of wolves.
“When I was writing the book ‘Why Knox?’, I traveled to Cherokee, N.C. and discovered a story about Nicatani Indians, the legendary, priestly Cherokee clan and I became absolutely fascinated by the legend,” added Thompson.
2) Research Subjects Needed for App State Study
Perceptions and processing of visual information, part 3 (IRB #14-0275)
Principal Investigator: Lynette Holman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Department of Communication, Appalachian State University.
What is the purpose of this research? You are being asked to take part in a research study. To join the study is voluntary. You may refuse to join, or you may withdraw your consent to be in the study, for any reason, without penalty. Research studies are designed to obtain new knowledge. This new information may help people in the future. You may not receive any direct benefit from being in the research study. There also may be risks to being in research studies; however, to the best of our knowledge, the risk of harm and discomfort from participating in this research study is no more than you would experience in everyday life.
The specific purpose of this research session is to learn how women interact and attend to online health content.
Who can take part in this research? You are invited to participate because you are a 20-35-year-old woman. If you volunteer to take part in this study, you will be one of about 60 women to do so. You should not take part in this research if you are pregnant. This study poses no risk to your health whether you are pregnant or not.
What will I be asked to do? The time to participate in this research session will take approximately an hour.
As a participant, you will be asked to:
• Meet with the researcher at a computer lab on campus.
• View a website and watch the attached Web slideshows or complete a word search
• Fill out a pretest survey.
• Complete a Sudoku puzzle
• Perform a computer diligence task.
• Watch a Web video clip and health communication video.
• Complete a posttest questionnaire, including filling out demographic data.
• Complete a posttest word completion task.
• Discuss your experiences with the researcher(s).
Will I be paid for taking part in the research? We will pay you $25 for the time you volunteer while being in this study.
How do I sign up for the study or obtain more information? Please send an email message to holmanlm1@appstate.edu, or call 828-262-2487 or 757-679-0307.
3) Revival at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church
The Mount Lebanon Baptist Church revival takes place from Sunday, March 15 to Wednesday, March 18 – featuring 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. service on Sunday and 7 p.m. services on Monday through Wednesday.
Speaker is Dr. Benny Carper of The Bright Spot Gospel Hour of Greenville, S.C. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Pastor Wynn Greer at 828-963-4596.
4) Events at Watauga County Cooperative Extension
Heirloom Apple Pruning Workshop
March 24 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Watauga Extension Service along with Doug Hundley, Avery County Extension Integrated Pest Management Technician, and heirloom apple enthusiast, will host a free workshop where we will cover pruning techniques to renovate a neglected apple tree, as well as how to prune a young apple tree. There will be lots of other information on heirloom apples.
Workshop will meet at an older orchard that is located at 558 Rocky Rd. Banner Elk, For more information and directions call the Watauga Extension Service at 828-264-3061 or see our website at www.watauga.ces.ncsu.edu
Hands On Ornamental Pruning Workshop
March 16 from 5:15-6:45 p.m., Watauga County Cooperative Extension Service, along with members of the ASU Ground Department, will host a hands-on pruning workshop. Learn how, when, and why to prune various ornamental trees and shrubs. We will demonstrate proper techniques, and then allow you a chance to work in small groups with knowledgeable professionals to practice what you’ve learned. You will leave much more comfortable with making cuts that will create aesthetically pleasing plants with good structure.
Class will be held at Hardin Park Elementary School, 361 Jefferson Rd. Call Watauga Extension Service for more information 828-264-3061, registration not necessary but to help with planning it would be great to know how many will be attending.
5) Investor Education Workshops in Watauga County
Watauga County residents will have several opportunities to learn more about how to avoid investment scams when the NC Secretary of State’s Office holds a series of three investor education workshops in the county on Tuesday, March 17.
An Investor Education Specialist with the Secretary of State’s Office will discuss the risk of fraud in investment schemes and offer tips for making wise investment choices and steering clear of securities scams during a workshop at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, located at 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite A in Boone on March 17th at 11:00 a.m.
Two afternoon workshops will focus on the Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention (EIFFE) program. Developed at the Baylor School of Medicine in Texas, EIFFE is designed to train medical professionals and others who work with senior citizens to spot the signs that a senior may have fallen prey to investment fraud, or may be particularly vulnerable to investment scams. Senior citizens, family members and anyone acting as a caregiver to the elderly are also encouraged to attend any of these sessions to learn more about how to protect themselves and their loved ones from investment scams.
The first afternoon workshop is scheduled from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Western Watauga Senior Center, located at 1081 Old US Hwy 421 in Sugar Grove. The second afternoon workshop will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, located at 232 Faculty Street in Boone. All of these events are free and open to the public. Media coverage is welcomed.
The Secretary of State Securities Division enforces and administers the State’s securities laws, which are designed to protect the investing public. The Division investigates complaints and allegations of fraud involving securities brokers and dealers, investment advisers and commodities dealers. Contact the Division toll-free at 1-800-688-4507 to verify the registration or disciplinary history of a securities salesperson or the salesperson’s firm. For more investor education and protection information, please visit the NC Department of the Secretary of State website at www.sosnc.com.
5) Inn at Crestwood Bridal Showcase
If you’re planning a wedding or know someone who is, this event is for you.
The Inn at Crestwood hosts a bridal showcase on March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Inn at Crestwood is located at 3236 Shulls Mill Road near Boone. For more information call 828-963-6646 or click to www.crestwoodnc.com.
6) Watauga Swim Team Swimmers at State Meets
Several swimmers from Watauga Swim Team qualified for and participated in the state meet over the last two weekends in February. The team’s “short course” season–they race in 25 yard, indoor pools–is winding down, and in order to go to state, each swimmer must meet a difficult time standard in individual events. “For a team our size to take this many swimmers to state is really outstanding. These girls have worked so hard since August, and it’s been thrilling to see their work pay off,” said WST Head Coach, Nathan Fields.
Caroline Forsyth (age 15) led the way by qualifying for state in seven individual events. She was joined by Julianna Silver (16) at the Senior Championships at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary on Feb. 19-22. Silver competed in three events. Greta Klein (10) led a younger cohort of girls by qualifying in five individual events at the 14 & Under Short Course Championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on Feb. 28-Mar. 1. Lindsay Scott (10) and Lauren Patterson (9) each swam in one individual event. Klein, Scott, and Patterson were joined by Virginia St. Clair (10) to swim in two relay events.
Forsyth advanced from prelims to finals (top 24 participants) in the 100 breastroke, 200 breastroke, and 200 individual medley. Her times in those three events are considered “sectional” times, which gives her the option of competing against swimmers from six other states at the Eastern Section Southern Zone meet in Greensboro. She achieved personal records (PRs) in her 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 100 backstroke. Klein and Patterson also grabbed PRs in the 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke, respectively, and qualified for 14 and Under sectionals in Atlanta. Additionally, the girls’ 9-10 medley relay team dropped six seconds off their previous best time for a new PR.
Assistant Coach Faye Kelley added, “All of the WST coaches are extremely proud of all of our swimmers. This is a great group of girls, and it’s encouraging for our younger or newer swimmers to see these swimmers meet their goals.”
Watauga Swim Team is a non-profit, year-round swim team for children ages 5-18. For more information, go to wataugaswimteam.com.
Below are the events for each swimmer including any top 20 finishes:
Caroline Forsyth:
- 100 breaststroke–1:05.70, 4th place
- 100 butterfly–1:01.51
- 50 freestyle–25.71
- 200 brst–2:22.93, 7th place
- 100 backstroke–1:01.69
- 100 free–55.16
- 200 individual medley–2:10.63, 12th place
Juilanna Silver
- 100 brst–1:13.20
- 200 brst–2:41.17
- 200 free–2:10.17
Greta Klein
- 50 free–31.96
- 100 free–1:09.36
- 200 free–2:31.55
- 100 back–1:18.07
- 200 IM–2:55.96
Lindsay Scott
- 100 brst–1:32.24
Lauren Patterson
- 100 brst–1:28.69, 14th place
Girls 9-10 200 freestyle relay (Klein, Scott, Patterson, St. Clair)–2:16.46
Girls 9-10 200 medley relay (St. Clair/back, Scott/brst, Patterson/fly, Klein/free)–2:29.18, 17th place
7) Auditions for the 15th season of Tom Dooley Play
Auditions will be held at 216 Ninth Street, North Wilkesboro on Tuesday, March 10th from 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 14th from 10:00 a.m. until noon. A second run of auditions will be held in the same space on Tuesday, April 14th from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 a.m. until noon to fill any remaining roles.
There will be cold readings from the script. All roles are open and the cast ages range from small children (if they cannot read they can recite a nursery rhyme) to senior adults. Understudies will also be cast for the roles of Tom, Anne, Laura and Perline. Those interested in working behind the scenes are encouraged to attend the auditions and sign up. Everyone is asked to be at the auditions 30 minutes prior to audition start time so that audition forms can be filled out and info about the show discussed.
Based on the popular lover’s triangle, murder of Laura Foster and hanging of Tom Dula (pronounced Dooley) made famous by The Kingston Trio ballad, Tom Dooley – roles include: Adult roles (18 years of age and older) : Tom Dooley, Anne Melton, Perline Foster, Laura Foster, James Melton, Lotty Foster, Ma Dooley, Gwendolyn Smith, Calvin Cowles, Martha Cowles, James Grayson, Julia Grayson, Jack Adkins, Governor Zeb Vance, Celia Scott, Anna Dooley, Preacher, Preacher’s Wife, Betsy Scott, Martha Gilbert, Aunt Discretion, J. W. Winkler, Jonathan Gilbert, Bob Cummings, Jack Keaton, Caroline Barnes, Michael O’Hara, Doc Carter, Will Foster, Lieutenant Hendrix, Yank, Reb and Sam Teenagers Ages Approx.16 to 18 : Ida Mae, Mary Beth, Jenny Lynn – Young Boys & Girls (elementary to junior high age): Delivery Boy at Lotty’s house, Eliza Dooley, Boys announcing soldiers, flag boy, James Foster. There is also a need for Townspeople (great for newcomers to the stage – and soldiers). For audition questions, contact Karen Reynolds atpan4life@embarqmail.com.
The show will be presented outdoors at the Forest’s Edge Amphitheatre on Hwy 421 North in Historic Fort Hamby Park, Wilkesboro, July 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and August 1. Rehearsals begin mid June.
About Bleu Moon Productions
Bleu Moon Productions is produced through a partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and is a proud member of The Institute of Outdoor Drama headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina and also the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. The show was created for and is committed to the support of tourism in Wilkes County and its surrounding areas.
8) NCDOT Seeks Feedback on Draft Schedule for Transportation Projects
The N.C. Department of Transportation is asking the public to provide feedback on the Draft 10-Year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This is the first STIP developed under the new Strategic Transportation Investments law, which established the Strategic Mobility Formula.
NCDOT is hosting 10 information sessions across the state between March 17 and April 23, to receive input on the steps leading to and resulting in the Draft STIP. Anyone who cannot attend a session in person can easily view the materials and submit their comments electronically through MindMixer, an online public engagement tool.
During the past year and a half, NCDOT has been working with the legislature, local planning organizations, and other stakeholders across the state to implement the law and develop the 2016-2025 STIP.
NCDOT wants the public’s feedback on:
The process to develop the STIP and ideas for improvement
The variety and geographic diversity of the projects
The feedback period runs through April 23.
The 2016-2025 Draft STIP, the first under STI, is one of the department’s most comprehensive programs ever. The document includes 1,073 projects across all transportation modes and all 100 counties.
The Board of Transportation is expected to approve the Final 2016-2025 STIP in June, which will be the final step in implementing STI. Feedback from the information sessions will be shared with the Board and used by the Prioritization Workgroup for consideration in the next round of project prioritization and by the department in the development of the 2018-2027 STIP.
9) March at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
March 19, 11 a.m.
River of Sorrow in the Land of the Sky: Flood in Asheville, 1916
Presenter: Anthony Sadler, Appalachian State University
Learn about the class, race, and the rise of industrial capitalism in America’s first frontier as we discuss the lasting legacy of the exploitation of people and the environment in the twentieth century. Part of the Scholars & Scones discussion series featuring exciting research taking place at our region’s universities and colleges. Coffee and refreshments provided. $5 donation. Contact Leila at 828-295-9099 x 3006 orleila@blowingrockmuseum.org.
March 20, 7 p.m.
Old Time Dance and Evening at the Museum
Come in out of the cold and shake a leg with the fun and comradery of old time dance – circles, squares and lines! Absolutely NO experience is necessary and people of all ages are welcome. Dance instructions will be given by caller and dancer extraordinaire Rodney Sutton of the Green Grass Cloggers and the Laurel Creek String Band. $5 / person, children (12 and under) Free. Contact Leila at 828-295-9099 x 3006 or leila@blowingrockmuseum.org.
March 21, 7:30 p.m.
Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music Presents A Celtic Concert: The Scots-Irish Forefathers, featuring Champion Fiddler Jamie Laval. One of the the premier Celtic performers on the international music scene today, Jamie enraptures audiences with his intensely passionate performances of the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and Quebec, rendered with hints of classical refinement and ethnic music from around the world. During this concert, Jamie will weave stories of the Scots-Irish who settled here in the High Country and how their music influenced old-time bluegrass music in Appalachia. This program is funded in part by the Watauga County Arts Council and Grassroots Funds of the North Carolina Arts Council. $10 / adult, $5/ student, children (6 and under) Free. Tickets are available at BRAHM and onlinewww.moutainhomemusic.com
March 24, 11 a.m.
Coffee with the Curator
Take a walk through the galleries with the Curator and learn about our latest exhibits! We’ll be taking an inside look at the development of Selections from the Collection, Ruined Landscapes: Paintings of the Balkan War Zone, and Jerry Burns: Through the Lens. Afterwards, please join us for coffee and informal conversation with the Curator in the Community Meeting Room. General admission. Contact Dianna at828-295-9099 x 3007 or dianna@blowingrockmuseum.org
Ongoing:
Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.
Afterschool Art Club
Children ages 6 to 10 years of age and invited to join us at the Museum for creative art-making activities. Participants will find inspiration from current exhibitions and will introduce them to different art mediums, from watercolor to clay. Tuesdays, from 3:30 – 4:40 pm. Free for museum members and $5 for non-members. Contact Ethan Brooks-Livingston 828.295.9099 x 3004 or email: ethan@blowingrockmuseum.org.
Thursdays, 1 – 2 p.m. & 3 – 4 p.m.
Doodlebug Club
Preschool age children and a parent/guardian are invited to Doodlebug Club, a fun educational art program focused on basic art skills. Projects concentrate on basic art skills such as holding your paintbrush, the primary colors, or holding a pair of scissors while introducing them to different art mediums, from watercolors to clay. After clean up it is story time! It’s a great way to introduce your child to art and meet other children and parents. Thursdays from 1-2 pm. Free for Museum members, $5 for non-members. Space is limited. Contact Ethan Brooks-Livingston at 828-295-9099 ext 3004 or emailethan@blowingrockmuseum.org.
10) BRAHM’s Summer 2015 Youth Programs
General Information:
- Class size is limited, so please register early!
- Registration deadline for classes is two weeks prior to the start date of the camp.
- Unless otherwise noted, all supplies are included in the cost of the workshop.
- Each camper will receive one free family pass to the museum.
- Limited scholarships are available. Please inquire.
- For more information on camps and instructors, please visit: www.blowingrockmuseum.org or contact Leila Weinstein, Educational Programs Coordinator, on 828.295.9099 ext. 3006 or Leila@blowingrockmuseum.org
ONGOING
Tuesdays, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Ages 6-10
Afternoon Art Club with Ethan Brooks-Livingston
Free/members, $5/nonmembers
Registration required: Ethan@blowingrockmuseum.org
Thursdays, 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., Ages 3-5
Doodlebug Club with Ethan Brooks-Livingston
Free/members, $5/nonmembers
Registration required: Ethan@blowingrockmuseum.org
JUNE
Saturday, June 13, 10-11 a.m.
Summer Stories: Traditional Tales told by ReVonda Crow, all ages. Suggested donation of $5 per family. Registration not required.
Wednesday, June 17 – Friday June 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Brilliant at BRAHM with Dacia Trethewey, Ages 6-10
A variety of creative activities are combined to make this a “brilliant” three-day art camp experience. Activities include: tie-dyeing, painting, 2d/3d and mixed media with explorations on and off site. Campers should bring a brown-bag lunch. $110/members, $130/nonmembers. Registration required.
Monday, June 22, 1-4 pm
Felted Beads and Bangles with Jane Campbell, Ages 6-12
In this three-hour workshop, participants will make felted beads and bangles using animal fibers. We will lay out the animal fibers, add water and a bit of soap and use plenty of elbow grease to tangle the fibers together to make making a nonwoven, beautiful and functional item. $20/members, $25/nonmembers, Registration required.
Wednesday, June 24, 1-4 p.m.
Fun and Fanciful Artist Books with Sigrid Hice, Ages 8-12
Description: In this three-hour workshop, children will have fun learning how to create shaped, non-traditional artist books, such as the secret room book, a spiral book, and a concertina book. In addition to learning various techniques creating these artist books, children can let their imagination fly away by drawing, collaging, or writing on the pages of their handmade treasures. We’ll use a variety of colored and decorated papers as well as some Asian papers, which are included in the workshop fee. $25/members, $30/nonmembers, Registration required.
Friday, June 26, 1-3 p.m.
Our Rocky World from the Colburn Earth Science Museum, Ages 5-8
Hold the treasures of the Earth in your hands and learn about the rock cycle with this rock & mineral ID lab. Experiments will teach young geologists how to test the properties of minerals and identify basic rocks. Each camper will receive a free guest pass to the Colburn Earth Science Museum in Asheville, NC. $12/members, $15/nonmembers, Registration required.
Saturday, June 27, 11-12 a.m.
Get Your Kicks Clogging with Rodney Sutton, all ages
Rodney Sutton has performed under the names The Fiddle Puppet, Mr. Limberjack, and Cornmeal Sutton during his 40-plus years of bringing his love of Appalachian Step-dancing to audiences across the US, Canada and the British Isles. Sutton will share the history of Appalachian Step-dancing by demonstrating the steps that define flatfooting, buck dancing and clogging, while weaving stories of his friendship with two High Country dance legends: Willard Watson and Robert Dotson. Be prepared to join in the fun as Rodney encourages his audiences to participate in his shows by learning a simple version of Robert Dotson’s famous Walking Step, and he will take you on a journey out into Willard Watson’s barnyard to give Willard’s animal dances a try. With Rodney including sing-a-longs, hamboning and a sit-down square dance, it all adds up to guaranteed FUN for all ages! $5/members & nonmembers, Registration not required.
JULY
Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kids’ Workshop with Dacia Trethewey, Ages 6-10
Mixed media designs using paper. Inspired by BRAHM’s textile exhibit and regional Appalachian traditional quilts. Campers should bring a brown bag lunch. $25/members, $30/nonmembers, Registration required.
Tuesday, July 14 – Wednesday, July 15, 1-4 p.m.
Build your own can dulcimer with John Peterson, Ages 7-14
On the first day, students will build dulcimers from tin cans. Students will assemble instruments by attaching the can resonator to the fingerboard, attaching the tuning machine, install the nut and the bridge, then gluing frets into place. The fret spacing will represent the major musical scale (do ra me fa so la ti do ). On the second day, students will practice playing their instruments by learning basic playing techniques and simple folk songs. Students will take home a booklet with simple tunes. $40/members, $50/nonmembers, Registration required.
Friday, July 17, 1-3 p.m.
Fossil Fanatics from the Colburn Earth Science Museum, Ages 8-13
Become a paleontologist for the day! Students discover how scientists unearth clues to our past through fossil excavation and identification. Learn about different fossils, recent excavations, and identification methods while creating your own artifact to preserve for years to come. Each camper will receive a free guest pass to the Colburn Earth Science Museum in Asheville, NC. $12/members, $15/nonmembers, Registration required.
Saturday, July 18, 10 -11 a.m.
Summer Stories: A Hero’s Journey: Stories for the Young and the Old, the Meek and the Bold, told by Sherry Lovett, all ages
From the adventures of the mighty Perseus to the silly antics of Glooskap, heroes all have their stories. Join Sherry Lovett for a hero’s journey. There’s sure to be laughter and surprise and lots of fun along the way. And, who knows, maybe in the end, you’ll see the hero in you. Suggested donation of $5 per family, Registration not required.
Wednesday, July 22, 1-4 p.m.
Nature Weaving with Jane Campbell, Ages 6-12
Description: The class will start out with a group project: each student will decorate a strip of paper and will weave them together into a wall hanging. This group project will show the interlacing of the individual strips into a woven piece. After the group project, the class will move on to smaller, individual cardboard loom weaving projects that will use yarn and natural objects, such as grasses, twigs, and the stems of flowers. $20/members, $25/nonmembers, Registration required.
AUGUST
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4 & 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Into the Mountains with Dacia Trethewey, Ages 6-10
Artworks using water-based and mixed media inspired by artists and by life in the mountains. Projects include individual, group, and on-and-off-site explorations. Campers should bring a brown bag lunch. $65/members, $75 nonmembers, Registration required.
Saturday, August 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
Appalachian Music and Jug Band Program with John Peterson, all ages
Learn about the history of musical instruments used in traditional Appalachian music (guitar, fretted and fretless banjo, mountain dulcimer, and harmonica). Traditional Appalachian music techniques will be demonstrated on each instrument. The program will be followed by an audience participant jug band using washboard, wash tub bass, tambourine, kazoos, cow bell, jugs, shakers, and more. Suggested donation of $5 per family, Registration not required.
Saturday, August 15, 10-11 a.m.
Summer Stories, all ages
Suggested donation of $5 per family, Registration not required.