Today’s Email Announcements

Anne E DeChant in Concert at High Country UCC Oct. 29

Vilas, NC (October 29, 2016)  Anne E DeChant returns to Vilas for a show and second appearance at High Country United Church of Christ, 8233 Highway 421-N Vilas, NC 28692. This will be a solo performance at 7pm, Oct 29 with a $10 suggested donation. The last time Anne E appeared in Vilas she performed with author Frye Gaillard and presented their program, Watermelon Wine: The Poetry of Americana Music. Pastor Tamara Franks said of the performance “Anne E and Frye open up the heart, moving one to another place of warmth and joy. After the concert, one of my people came up to me and hugged me saying, ‘Thank You for bringing Anne E and Frye here. I haven’t been moved like that in long time.’ They know how to tell a story so that you really hear it.!”

DeChant’s most recent CD “The Sun Coming In,” has charted in the top 10 on multiple Roots Music Report charts including a #1 on the “Alternative Folk Song Chart” and a #6 on the Top 50 Ohio Album Chart. This past summer she opened for Melissa Etheridge at Cain Park in Cleveland and wrote, recorded and performed the theme song for the 2016 Transplant Games of Cleveland. Anne E. DeChant first caught the attention of music fans as the charismatic front woman of Cleveland’s Odd Girl Out, showcasing her astute, socially aware songs. Following the band’s breakup, she went on to a busy solo career, producing seven albums. The title track from her 2007 release, “Girls and Airplanes” was featured in the film, “The Hot Flashes”, starring Brooke Shields and Wanda Sykes and in the 2013 documentary, “The Vetters, All We Needed.”

“DeChant is our wake-up call to all of the possibilities found in songs and stories when they’re told with integrity, honesty and heart.  She is what the future of Americana music needs to be in order to endure.”
   -No Depression, Terry Roland

“There’s virtue in honesty, and in intuition, and in openness, and in tough-minded decency.  Those things may or may not make for fine art. In the hands, heart, and voice of Anne E. DeChant, they may, they might, and they do.”
-Peter Cooper, editor, Country Music Hall of Fame

More information about Anne E can be found at the following websites;

High Resolution Photo available upon request.

Official Website: http://www.anneedechant.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-E-DeChant-Band

Twitter: @anneedechant

Meet the Candidates Forum Oct. 25 in Boone

Exclusive Shirts at Tractor Supply to Support FFA

For the third year, Tractor Supply Company is partnering with the National FFA Foundation to produce limited edition, long-sleeved shirts for the National FFAConvention & Expo, which are now available exclusively in Tractor Supply stores. All net proceeds from sales of the shirts benefit FFA by supporting the National FFA Alumni Association and Living to Serve platform.

            The shirts which cost $12.99 plus tax and feature the 2016 convention’s theme “Transform Purpose to Action” will remain in stores while supplies last. Tractor Supply raised more than $217,000 through sales of the shirt last year alone.

“National FFA is grateful for our longstanding partnership with Tractor Supply that is making a positive difference in the lives of students,” said Mark Poeschl, CEO, National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation. “Funds raised through sales of the exclusive long-sleeved shirts are strengthening the FFA Alumni and our Living to Serve platform, vital components of our mission to develop students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”

            In addition to supporting community events benefitting local FFA groups across the country, Tractor Supply also partners with the National FFA Foundation for the annual “Grants for Growing” program, which raises funds for local FFA chapter initiatives and awards minimum $500 competitive grants to selected participating chapters.

            This year’s National FFA Convention will be held Oct. 19-22, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information on the convention, visitwww.ffa.org.

 About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company operates more than 1,500 stores in 49 states. Located in the outlying towns in major metropolitan markets and in rural communities, Tractor Supply Company stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. The Company offers a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and pets including select Purina and Nutrena brand feeds; hardware, truck, towing and tool products; and seasonal products, including lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys. In addition, the company sells work/recreational clothing and footwear for the entire family and maintenance products for agricultural and rural use. For more information on Tractor Supply, access the website atwww.TractorSupply.com.

About National FFA Foundation

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

Short Film “Trail Brothers” Launches MyATstory Video Series Chronicling Inspirational Appalachian Trail Stories

HARPERS FERRY, W.V. (Oct. 18, 2016) – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is pleased to announce the release of “Trail Brothers,” the first short film in the new myATstory video series. This five-film series will showcase the stories of several unique members of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) community, focusing on the transformative role the Trail has had on their lives.

“Trail Brothers,” the first short film in the myATstory video series, chronicles two brothers’ five-day adventure on the Appalachian Trail as they attempt to reconnect with each other and escape from their busy New York City lives.

“The Appalachian Trail has been a source for so many awe-inspiring tales, with more being created every year,” said Javier Folgar, director of marketing and communications for the ATC. “We at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are proud to show the inclusiveness and personality that make the A.T. such a great place to make your own story in the future.”

“Trail Brothers” chronicles a five-day journey with Derick “Mr. Fabulous” Lugo, a New Yorker attempting to rekindle the magic of his 2012 A.T. thru-hike and reconnect with his brother, Carlos Velez.

“I wanted him to experience what I experienced when I thru-hiked, at least a part of it,” Lugo said. “There’s this feeling you get. It just flows through you, where everything is just right. And I’m getting chills just thinking about it.”

Through a series of emotional and literal ups-and-downs, the film follows these brothers on their trek from the heart of New York City to the depths of the forests lining the A.T. Derick and Carlos experience companionship, blisters and, ultimately, a greater appreciation for each other and the benefits that the Trail provides.

“It’s just calming being out here,” Velez said. “Even though it’s exhausting sometimes.”

The myATstory video series is a part of a larger campaign to showcase that the ATC mission is also the Trail community’s mission. The series will not focus exclusively on hikers, instead showing how other groups and individuals have become involved with the A.T. — sometimes without even setting foot on the Trail itself.

“We want to highlight that the Appalachian Trail community isn’t exclusive to experienced hikers or adventure junkies,” said Folgar. “Future videos will show a variety individuals who want to preserve the unique experience that the Trail provides, whether that means protecting an entire mountain from destruction or simply lending a helping hand to the hikers passing through their town. So few places foster such a love both from and for the community, and we’re pleased that the A.T. has that effect.”

The myATstory video series is developed through the collaboration of the ATC, Horizonline Pictures and executive producers Rubén and Valerie Rosales. To view “Trail Brothers,” see the schedule of upcoming videos and learn about the myATstory Contest — where visitors can share their own A.T. stories for a chance to win great backpacking prizes — visit myATstory.org.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park System, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,190 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit appalachiantrail.org.

Gross Farms Wins Statewide Award

STATESVILLE, NC – Carolina Farm Credit is proud to announce that Gross Farms was recently honored as the 2016 North Carolina Outstanding Conservation Farm Family.  The award, given by the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Division recognizes farmers and farm families who are actively taking the initiative to implement sound, innovative and cost-effective conservation techniques, and are actively involved in conservation education.

Gross Farms, located in southeastern Lee County is a true family farm. The farm began in 1983, when John Gross and his father began farming 3 acres of tobacco.  Today, John and his wife Tina, their children Cody, Makayla, Colton, and Kassidy, as well as several full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers tend to the 1,700 acre farm. Crops include conventional and organic tobacco, soybeans, small grains, produce, timber, strawberries, and pumpkins.

L-R: Rebecca Wood, Loan Officer Carolina Farm Credit, Tina Gross, John Gross, Chad Puryear, Chief Lending Officer Carolina Farm Credit.

“I’ve been blessed to do what I do for the past 32 years.  I’ve been blessed with a great wife, great family, and great employees.” ~ John Gross

Gross Farms was honored at a luncheon on their farm.  The event was coordinated by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Division, with help from Carolina Farm Credit.  Attendees included Brad Salmon and Robert Reives of the NC House of Representatives, President of the NC State Grange Jimmy Gentry, and NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

“For all the news and problems you see today, this farm and farms like it are what’s right

In 2002, the Gross’ decided to further diversify and began a corn maze and other activities for people of all ages.  The with agriculture, North Carolina, and the United States.” ~ Steve Troxler, NC Commissioner of Agriculture.

other activities include slides, a bounce pad, a playground, hay rides, and a pumpkin cannon.  In addition to all the activities, the Gross’ also offer educational opportunities for children to learn more about farm life and the food they eat.  The farm hosts school and church groups along with local clubs.

To learn more about Gross Farms, please visit grossfarms.com

To learn more about the Outstanding Conservation Farm Family Program, please visitncagr.gov.

Carolina Farm Credit is a stockholder-owned cooperative providing financing to full and part-time farmers and agricultural-related businesses and also provides financing for the construction and purchase of homes in 54 counties through 32 branch offices.  Other financial services available are credit life insurance, appraisal services, leasing programs and financial planning.

For 100 years Farm Credit has been supporting rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services.

Carolina Farm Credit serves over 9,200 members with loans outstanding totaling more than $1.4 billion.  The association’s territory covers the western half of North Carolina, with branch offices located in Albemarle, Asheboro, Asheville, Boone, Browns Summit, Burnsville, Carthage, Concord, Conover, Ellerbe, Graham, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lenoir, Lexington, Lincolnton, Monroe, Murphy, Pilot Mountain, Roxboro, Rural Hall, Salisbury, Shelby, Siler City, Sparta, Spindale, Statesville, Taylorsville, Waynesville, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, and Yanceyville.

Carolina Farm Credit was recognized as a 2015 Best Employer in North Carolina.  The list of the Best Employers in North Carolina was created by Business North Carolina,the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – NC State Council and Best Companies Group.

Directors for Carolina Farm Credit are L. Kim Starnes, Chairman, Salisbury; W. Rex Bell, Vice-Chairman, Statesville; John M. Barnard, Statesville; E. Bernard Beck, Seagrove; Mark A. Bray, Lawsonville; David M. Coltrane, Pleasant Garden; Susie J. Gambill, Sparta; Joseph A. Lail, Shelby; Clark M. Newlin, Haw River; Thomas E. Porter, Jr., Concord;  Tony L. Ragan, Sanford; D. Kaleb Rathbone, Waynesville; Lewis E. Smith, Lincolnton; Vickie N. Smitherman, East Bend; Dr. Alton Thompson, Summerfield.