1000 x 90

Today’s Email Announcements

Lenoir Oilers Fan Fest Set for Friday

The Caldwell Heritage Museum will have extended hours until the 5:00 pm Friday May 27th prior to the Fan Fest event for the Lenoir Oilers at Walker Stadium behind the Museum. Bring your family out early before Fan Fest and visit your Museum. A special display of vintage Caldwell County baseball memorabilia and photographs will be highlighted in our downstairs revolving exhibit gallery. Admission to Fan Fest and the Museum are free. Food and beverages will be available at Walker Stadium where you can interact with the Oilers players, coaches and staff, get pictures and autographs, Oilers apparel and season tickets, as well as a corn hole tournament. Baseball and history – an unbeatable combo – support the Lenoir Oilers and your Museum!

20-Miles of Mountains-to-Sea Trail Opens June 4

North Carolina state park officials will join Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) volunteers June 4 for the grand opening of a new 20-mile section of the Mountains-to-Sea (MTS) State Trail. The new trail section begins at the Blue Ridge Parkway and travels down BIA 407 for four miles through the Eastern Cherokee Reservation and then along the Blue Ridge Parkway for 16 miles to Balsam Gap. The ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center.
The opening of this segment of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail brings closer the completion of a 30-mile missing gap. Once this gap is filled there will be a 300-mile continuous section of the trail from Clingmans Dome to Stone Mountain State Park. The National Park Service is working on completing the final seven-mile section from the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway to BIA 407.
In 2002, CMC volunteered to assume responsibility for the building this new MST section. After much planning, the first recorded work on this section was in 2006. The June 4 ceremonies celebrate the completion of this effort. Multiple crews worked on laying out and building the trail, with nearly 250 workdays dedicated to this section and almost 25,000 volunteer hours worked by over 100 different individuals over the 10 years of construction.
Touching upon the highest elevation in North Carolina (6,684 feet on Mount Mitchell) and the lowest elevation (sea level at Cape Hatteras National Seashore), over 600 miles of the MST are open for public use and enjoyment.
Along its planned path, the MST passes through more than 30 counties, numerous small towns, three national parks, several national forests and national wildlife refuges, state parks, and larger towns and cities. The continuous route will offer outstanding recreational opportunities while also protecting riparian buffers, corridors of wildlife habitat, and access to resources of statewide significance. As interest in the trail continues to grow, it is the efforts of a multitude of partners across the state that will continue to move forward trail construction.
As part of the day’s events, held to celebrate National Trails Day, the Carolina Mountain Club will be offering two hikes and a chance to help with trail maintenance of the Waterrock Knob Trail during the celebration. REI – Asheville will be providing refreshments for the grand opening ceremonies.
Trail Maintenance 
  • Morning Maintenance – Meet at 9:15 a.m. at Waterrock Knob, located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, to do rehabilitation of the trail going to the top of the knob. Contact Les Love at [email protected] for more information about that morning’s improvement of the trail.
Hikes
  • Morning Hike – Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Waterrock Knob, located at 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, to hike four miles of the MST. Although this will be an easy hike, wear closed toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots. Contact Danny Bernstein at[email protected] for more information about this hike.
  • Afternoon Hike – Immediately following the dedication, CMC will offer an easy 2-mile hike leaving from Waterrock Knob on the MST. Wear closed toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots. Contact Danny Bernstein at [email protected] for more information about this hike.
The CMC is the largest and oldest hiking and trail maintaining club in Western N.C. To find out more about the club and how to become a member go to carolinamountainclub.org.
About the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
The Division of Parks and Recreation manages more than 230,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 17.3 million visitors annually and North Carolina State Parks will celebrate its 100-year year anniversary throughout 2016 with 45 centennial events, which will highlight, showcase and celebrate the historic occasion.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to
experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visitwww.ncdcr.gov.

Vince Crist to Play Next Recital and Evensong at St. Mary’s June 5

Dr. Vince Crist of Hickory will play the next recital and Evensong on Sunday June 5th at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock.  The recital begins at 3 pm, and Evensong follows immediately at 3:30.

Dr. Crist is organist and choirmaster at St. Jame Episcopal Church in Lenoir, and (with a degree in Architecture from NC State University) consults on worship space acoustics and organ design.  He was one of the experts who help St. Mary’s prepare the nave for the Lively-Fulcher organ which was installed last year.  For this recital, Dr. Crist has chosen music by Dan Locklair of Wake Forest University, Georg Bohm, and Langlais.

Evensong is sung daily at Anglican cathedrals around the world, as an opportunity for rest and reflection at the end of a day’s work and worry.  Music for this Evensong includes the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis by Tallis(Short Service), Preces and Responses by Clucas, Palestrina’s O beata trinitas, and If ye love me by Tallis

The choir of St. Mary’s sings Evensong one Sunday each month through October, and everyone is welcome. You’re also invited to talk to Dr. Crist, and to choir members, at a small reception in the Parish Hall after the service.  The church is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock.

For more information on this service, please contact St. Mary of the Hills at 828.295.7323.

Benefit Singing for Kari’s Home June 12 in Bethel

Sunday, June 12th, friends and supporters will gather at Bethel Baptist Church located at 123 Mountain Dale Rd. in Vilas to sing praises, give testimonies, and share the good news about what God is doing at Kari’s Home for Women.

The event begins at 5 p.m., and features popular local artists such as Becca Eggers Gryder, Bethel Road and many others.  A love offering will be taken, and all proceeds will benefit the ministry of Kari’s Home for Women, a local Christian ministry to women
who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
For more information, please contact Debbie Isaacs at (828) 964-6346 or Michelle Lundgren at (828) 406-7591.
The Pretty In Pink Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held this year at Grandfather Golf and Country Club on Friday, June 17, 2016.  A champagne reception will begin at 11:30am with the fashion show and luncheon to follow at 12 noon.  Fashions for the models this year will be provided by Belk of Boone.  The featured speaker will be Gail Haller.

Pretty in Pink Fashion Show Slated for June 17

This event benefits the Avery County Cancer Resource Center at Cannon Memorial Hospital.  The Center is available to cancer patients and their families in the community and surrounding areas.  Patients are referred by their medical provider and have access by appointment to a variety of resources including a wig bank, an assortment of hats and caps, prosthetics, fittings and a variety of literature.  The Avery County Cancer Resource Center is located in the Sloop Medical Office Plaza, beside Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC.
Tickets are now on sale for $50.  You may purchase them online athttp://foundation.apprhs.org/prettyinpink or by calling Addie Cardwell at (828) 262-4391. For more information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, visitwww.apprhs.org.

June Programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park

2016 Annual Wildflower Walks

Free and Open to the Public

You are invited to join a park ranger for a guided wildflower walk in Grandfather Mountain State Park this spring.  There is a walk for everyone – some are more challenging but some do not venture far from the parking lot.  Grandfather Mountain’s forest floor produces an amazing variety of wildflowers, which change from week to week, so join us throughout the season to experience the changes! Wear sturdy hiking boots. Bring a jacket, water and snacks. All ages welcome: participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please.  Download Full 2016 Wildflower Walk Schedule:http://goo.gl/ICVRpk

Sunday June 12   |   1pm – 4pm   |   Boone Fork Parking lot (Google Map: http://goo.gl/dEizYH)

We will hike about three miles round trip.  The trail is easy but rocky and can be muddy. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring water and be prepared to be outside.   DIRECTIONS:  Boone Fork Parking Lot is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway; just north of mile marker 300.

Tree ID Hike

Fri, 06/03/2016 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Location:Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/dBX99s)

Appropriate for all ages.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by adult. Please leave pets at home. | 2-mile round trip

Ever wonder the species of all those trees?  Now you can know! Grandfather Mountain is home to an amazing diversity of trees inhabiting a multitude of natural communities.  Join a Park Ranger for a short hike and learn what species are found along the trail.  The Hike will take 1-2 hours and will cover no more than two miles.  This is suitable for all ages.  Please leave pets at home, wear hiking boots and dress for the weather.  Please contact our office with any questions at 828-963-9522 or [email protected].

National Trails Day 100 Mile Hike (Flat Rock Loop)

Sat, 06/04/2016 – 10:00am to 2:00pm

Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (Google Map:http://goo.gl/dEizYH)

Appropriate for ages 10 and up.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by adult. Please leave pets at home.
4-mile hike round trip  |  Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Celebrate both National Trails Day and North Carolina State Parks’ Centennial with Grandfather Mountain’s 100 Mile Challenge.   Hikers can log more miles for their challenge with our Flat Rock Loop Hike. This four-mile guided hike will take hikers to Flat Rock View along the Nuwati, Cragway and Daniel Boone Scout Trails.  Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and sturdy hiking shoes or boots are suggested. This will be approximately a 4-hour hike so please bring any water or snacks you will need to complete the hike.  To reach the park office, call or email:  828-963-9522 or [email protected].

Twilight Hike

Sat, 06/04/2016 – 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Location:  Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/dBX99s)

Appropriate for ages 8 and up; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please no pets.

Join a park ranger to explore the lower Profile Trail in the twilight hours.  We’ll hope to see and hear nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the woods in that special time of the day.  We’ll walk one mile, round trip.  Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.  Closed toes shoes are highly recommended.  The Profile Trail is located on Highway 105 South; 1/2 mile north of the Highway 184 intersection, Directions: https://goo.gl/WniSwh.  For more information, please call the park office 828-963-9522 or email:[email protected].

Edible, Medicinal and Toxic Wilds

Sat, 06/11/2016 – 9:00am to 11:00am

Location: Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/dBX99s)

Appropriate for all ages (Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Please leave pets at home.

The wilds of the Southern Appalachians can be a useful to those knowledgeable in woodcraft and a curse to those who consume a misidentified plant.  Join a Ranger for a stroll through the woods and learn some science and folklore behind our botanical bounty.  We will not be collecting or consuming plants during this program.  Please dress for the weather conditions and hiking approximately one mile. We will meet at the park office, followed by brief foray into the park.

Please contact our park office with any questions at [email protected] or 828-963-9522.

Basic Wilderness Survival

Sun, 06/12/2016 – 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)

Appropriate for ages 8 and older.  Children 16 and under must be accompanied by adult. Please no pets.

Few things are better than enjoying the great outdoors but would you be prepared if something went wrong?  Do you have the skills and equipment to survive an unplanned night outdoors?  Join a Ranger to learn the Basics of Wilderness Survival.  We will handle equipment, learn the minimum gear to carry and practice making survival fires.  Please contact the park office if you have any questions 828-963-9522or [email protected].

Basic Wilderness Survival

Sun, 06/12/2016 – 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)

Appropriate for ages 8 and older.  Children 16 and under must be accompanied by adult. Please no pets.

Few things are better than enjoying the great outdoors but would you be prepared if something went wrong?  Do you have the skills and equipment to survive an unplanned night outdoors?  Join a Ranger to learn the Basics of Wilderness Survival.  We will handle equipment, learn the minimum gear to carry and practice making survival fires.  Please contact the park office if you have any questions 828-963-9522or [email protected].

Why the Seasons?

Sat, 06/18/2016 – 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Location: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Suite 6, Banner Elk (Google Map: https://goo.gl/Uq0vrX)

Appropriate for all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Join Ranger Sicard for a PowerPoint Presentation focusing on the seasons we experience in the Northern Hemisphere. This PowerPoint will give a glance at the history of how our seasons got their names and some fun facts you may not have known about them. Please contact the park office if you have any questions.  828.963.9522 or [email protected]

100 Mile Hike (Nuwati Trail)

Sun, 06/26/2016 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

Location: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (Google Map:http://goo.gl/dEizYH)

Appropriate for all ages; children 16 and under must be accompanied by adult. Please leave pets at home.
2-mile hike round trip  |  Difficulty Level: Easy

Celebrate the North Carolina State Parks’ Centennial with Grandfather Mountain’s 100 Mile Challenge.   Hikers can log more miles for their challenge with our Nuwati Trail Hike. This two-mile guided hike will take hikers along the Nuwati Trail, an old logging road.  It’s an easy but rocky hike, including a spectacular view of the Boone Bowl and Calloway Peak from Storyteller’s Rock. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and sturdy hiking shoes or boots are suggested. This will be approximately a 2-hour hike so please bring any water or snacks you will need to complete the hike.  Please contact the park office if you have any questions.  828.963.9522 or [email protected].

Concerts at St. John’s Return Sunday with Old Time Hymn Sing

St, John’s Episcopal Church opens it’s 2016 Summer Concerts on Sunday, May 29th, with an Old Time Hymn Sing accompanied by the Holy Cross Vocal and Hand Bell choirs along with some special music of their own.  Concert will be 5:00 pm, Admission of $5:00. children are free.  Bring along a potluck casserole and join concert goers and the musicians for a picnic on the lawn,  St. John’s is located on Herb Thomas Rd., just off Mast Gap Road in Valle Crucis.  (Signs will be posted)  For more information go towwwholycrossvallecrucis.net and click on the link for St. John’s or call 828-963-4609

Wilkes Playmakers Present Peter Pan June 3-12

Wilkes Playmakers invite you to join us as we venture to NeverLand!  This everlasting classic is the account of three children who follow Peter Pan and the invisible fairy, Tinker Bell , to a land where children never grow old and where Captain Hook and his pirates are outwitted !  In this, the original non-musical version of JM Barrie’s enduring tale, the magic is as great as ever ! This production is directed by Erica Marsh.

Performances  will be June 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th at 7 pm  with Sunday matinees on June 5th and 12th at2 pm.  All performances are at Benton Hall, home of the Wilkes Playmakers, located at 300 D Street, North Wilkesboro, NC.   This is a mainstage production located in the auditorium.

Tickets are available in advance on website www.wilkesplaymakers.com or may be purchased at the box office beginning one hour prior to each performance.  Ticket prices are $10 for adults,  $8 for students and senior citizens;  $5 military.  Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more.  Please contact [email protected] for more information regarding group rates or any other questions.

Western Square Dancing at Linville Land Harbor

Western Square Dancing www.mountainmixers.com Linville Land Harbor Recreation Center 20 Linville Harbor Pkwy, Newland, NC 28657 Plus Dancing with announced advanced by National Callers on Sundays. Schedule: 1:30-2:00PM advanced 2:00-4:00PM plus. Dress is square dance attire or dressy casual. June 5th Mike Sikorsky, Mesa, AZ. June 12th Jerry Biggerstaff, Marion, NC Linville Land Harbor Advanced Dancing from June 1st until late September. Dress is casual. Every Monday starting June 6th 7-9PM Jerry Biggerstaff, Marion, NC Every Weds starting June 8th 7-9PM Ron Libby, Land Harbor