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Today’s Email Announcements

1) Fauré Requiem in Concert on Nov. 1 at St. Mary of the Hills

Gifted organist Dr. Joby Bell and the choir of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church will present a concert performance of the Requiem in D Minor by Gabriel Fauré at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, November 1st in honor of All Souls Day.  The performance will be in the nave of the historic Blowing Rock church, where Dr. Bell will return to the bench of its acclaimed Lively-Fulcher organ.

Fauré’s composition is one of the world’s most beloved settings of the Requiem.  It is hauntingly beautiful, composed during a period when both of his parents died, and stands in stark contrast to masses that focus on Judgement and Fear.  Fauré himself explained that “it is thus that I see death: as a happy deliverance, an aspiration toward happiness above, rather than as a painful experience.”  This attitude is perhaps most clearly seen in the final section of the music, In Paradisum – literally a vision of the Kingdom of Heaven, sung primarily by a host of angelic sopranos.

The choir of St. Mary of the Hills is under the direction of Dr. James Bumgardner.  Guest organist for this performance is Dr. Bell of Appalachian State University, where he teaches organ and church music and maintains a lively discussion of these topics on his blog www.jobybell.org.  Soloists will be Amanda Horton, soprano, and Grayson Milholin, baritone.

St. Mary’s is on Main Street in Blowing Rock.  For more information, please see the Facebook page “Music from St Mary of the Hills” or call the church office at (828) 295-7323.

2) Watauga Soil and Water to Meet on Oct. 28

The Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District Board” will hold its regular Board meeting Wednesday October 28, 2015 at 8:00 am at the Soil & Water Office located at 971 West King Street, Boone NC 28607.The public is invited to attend.

3) Avery Tour de Art Set for Saturday

What makes a better combination that beautiful fall leaves and great art!  Enjoy winding your way through the High Country this Saturday, admiring all the vibrant fall color and stopping at art galleries featured on the Greater Avery Tour de Art.  The galleries have their fall exhibitions in full swing with a vast array of mediums created by local and regional artists.  This is a chance to meet artists and see demonstrations.  Join us for our fall tour this Saturday, October

24 starting at 10 am.  Maps may be picked up at participating galleries:  Carlton Gallery 10360 Hwy 105 S.;  Mike Hill- Artpurveyors 112 Aldridge Park and Hwy 105 S.;  Patti Connor-Greene, Linville River Pottery 2180 Goose Hollow Rd, Pineola;  Studio 140, 140 Azalea Circle Banner Elk;  Sally Nooney Gallery, 7137 Hwy 194 S.midway between Banner Elk and Valle Crucis;  Alta Vista Gallery  2839 Broadstone Rd, Valle Crucis.

4) Local Health Officials Urge Protection Against the Flu

Appalachian District Health Department and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System are encouraging everyone to seek protection against the flu. Recently, the first death due to flu in North Carolina occurred in the Western North Carolina region.
“Tragically, we lose people every year due to influenza and too often, we delay getting vaccinated when there are so many opportunities available to get this important immunization,” said Beth Lovette, Health Director.
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007,  estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
“An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through the community,” stated Dr. Herman Godwin, Chief Medical Officer, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.
There are two types of vaccines:
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine develop in the body.
It is especially important for children, older adults, and those that have medical conditions putting them at greater risks for complications from the flu, such as chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, an immune compromised health condition, or pregnancy be vaccinated against the influenza.
To protect you and your family from flu:
  • Get your flu vaccine!
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, aches, fatigue, cough, and stuffy and/or runny nose. If you do become sick, call your healthcare provider or the health department to find out what he or she recommends.
Walk-in appointments are available at the health department and the vaccine is available at local healthcare providers and pharmacy locations. For more information about the flu, go towww.flu.nc.gov or www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Appalachian District Health Department at (828) 264-6635.
5) Baha’i Devotional Set for Sunday in Boone
There will be a Baha’i devotional meeting from 10.30 until noon on Sunday 25 October at 283 Westbrook Drive in Boone.   There will be an all-ages program on the them “One Human Family” including music, prayers and readings from the world’s scriptures and a craft project to decorate a peace tree with our hopes for and visions of a peaceful world.   All are welcome.   For more information and directions call 264 5620.