Today’s Email Announcements

Adult Spelling Bee Set for April 12

Kid Friendly Fun at High Gravity Adventures

·         Designed for Kids – The Kids’ Course itself was built lower to the ground with young explorers in mind. Utilizing state-of-the-art systems and leading technology, the park prides itself on adhering to industry leading standards for construction, inspection, equipment and staff training. “Ground School” is also an important first step that each guest must complete before entering the course. This staff-led orientation is where climbers will be introduced to the equipment and course procedures before taking to the air. Parents are also welcome to join their child during this orientation.

·         Explore Independently or Together – For kids ages four to seven, a responsible adult (i.e. parent, chaperone, teacher, etc.) must be present while they are exploring their new found aerial playground. This means after the “Ground School” orientation, parents have the option of heading over to the Kids’ Course for an adventure together with their child or taking pictures from Adirondack chairs from the spacious observation desk – the decision is entirely up to them. The purchase of an additional kid’s ticket is required for parents to explore the course with their child.

·         Juniors and Young Adults – Juniors, from ages seven to 10, can even explore the Adult Course as long as they are accompanied by an adult. An adult must be present to help kids who may not be tall enough to move through all areas of the course by assisting with equipment transitions. Young adults, from ages 11 to 13, are allowed to be in the course on their own, but a responsible adult must be preset on the observation deck. Only kids ages 14 and older can climb at High Gravity Adventures without a chaperone present.

·         Activities on the Course – There are many exciting elements on the course from which kids can choose, such as walking over aerial bridges, crossing tight-rope walks, swinging through floating foot loops and traversing giant spiders’ webs from a height of their choosing. Unlike zip lines or canopy tours, individual climbers can decide what route to take and the height with which they’re comfortable. Whether your kid wants to stay at 15 feet at the Kids’ Course or climb up to 50 feet in the adult course, the decision is entirely up to them at High Gravity Adventures.

Spring on the Farm Set for April 9

Soggy Bottom Farm and Happy Hens and Highlands present Spring on the Farm on April 9. Join us for a fun filled day with local, farm fresh products, handmade arts and crafts, music and a petting zoo. Rain date set for April 16. Fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2365 Altapass Highway in Spruce Pine, 28777. For more information, check out soggybottomfamilyfarms.com or happyhensandhighlands.com or call 828-385-2365 or 828-208-5015.

ARHS to Host Living Will Workshop on April 16

Come celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day by creating a living will, also known as an advance directive. The Living Will Workshop, sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in the High Country, will be held on April 16, 2016, in the Watauga Medical Center auditorium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Different from a traditional will, a living will is established to communicate end-of-life medical decisions. If a patient is unable to communicate, a living will explains the level of life-saving measures the patient prefers to their family and medical providers.

The free workshop will allow participants to complete a basic living will and assign a healthcare power of attorney. Healthcare professionals will be available to answer questions and notarize the completed advance directives. Additionally, Carolina Donor Services will be on-site to provide attendees with an opportunity to become organ donors.

Participants are welcome to come anytime, or attend brief educational sessions held at11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Participants should bring their driver’s license or another form of photo identification, as well as the name, address and telephone number for the person they wish to designate as healthcare power of attorney.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register at https://www.apprhs.org/will. Once registered, participants will be directed to a new window where they may print/complete their advance directive forms ahead of time. Remember do not sign the forms until in the presence of a notary on April 16. Walk-in’s are also welcome.

For more information, please contact Melanie Childers at 828-266-1178.

To learn more about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System visit https://apprhs.org/. For more information on Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in the High Country visithttp://www.caldwellhospice.org/.

BHAC Welcomes New Practitioners