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Today’s Email Announcements

Native Plant Society to Meet Nov. 9

It’s that time for our monthly meeting soon. It will be onWednesday November 9th(Second Wednesday) at the Holiday Inn Express in Boone.
We will have a presentation for this meeting by Dr. Larry Mellichamp, President of the North Carolina Native Plant Society. He is an expert on Carnivorous Plants and has written several books the latest of which is on the Native plants of the Southeast United States. He will discuss the carnivorous plants and discuss how to grow them in a bog garden in your yards. Larry is an excellent speaker so don’t miss this opportunity to learn about this unique group of plants. I look forward to seeing everyone next week for what promises to be a wonderful program.

Watauga Medical Center Earns “A” Grade for Patient Safety

Watauga Medical Center Earns “A” Grade for Patient Safety in Fall 2016
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
Boone, NC (November 1, 2016) – New Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide and provide the most complete picture of patient safety in the U.S., were announced today by The Leapfrog Group, a national patient safety watchdog. Watauga Medical Center was one of 844 hospitals to receive an “A”, ranking among the safest hospitals in the United States.
Leapfrog Fall 2016

“We are consistently working to ensure all who enter any of our facilities are safe from harm.  It is great to have Watauga Medical Center recognized, once again, with an A for Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. I commend our staff on their outstanding work to keep patients safe,” stated Richard Sparks, President & CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

“Protecting patients from harm is the most important charge for any hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We recognize and appreciate ‘A’ hospitals’ vigilance and continued dedication to keeping their patients safe.”
Developed under the guidance of an Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
WMC from Deerfield Rd
Watauga Medical Center
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. TheLeapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
About Watauga Medical Center
Watauga Medical Center is a 117-bed regional referral medical complex, offering both primary and secondary acute and specialty care. The Medical Center maintains certification by The Joint Commission and also serves the region as a Joint Commission accredited Primary Stroke Center. On the campus of Watauga Medical Center is the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center and The Cardiology Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS). Watauga Medical Center is part of ARHS which also has Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville and Blowing Rock Rehabilitation & Davant Extended Care Center. The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, slated to open in the winter of 2016, is a 112-bed Post Acute Care facility located in Blowing Rock. The Foley Center will replace Blowing Rock Rehabilitation & Davant Extended Care Center. Appalachian Regional Medical Associates, also part of ARHS, manages several primary and specialty care physician practices in Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties.
For more information about Watauga Medical Center, visitwww.apprhs.org.

Coffee with a Cop at Beech Mountain

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Secret Season Passes at Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain offers ‘Secret Season’ passes

The turn of the calendar signals a new season on Grandfather Mountain — and the return of a bargain allowing unlimited access to the park for six months.

The Secret Season Pass allows passholders unlimited access to the mountain Nov. 1 through April 30, 2017, for $32 (plus tax) for adults — less than the price of two regular tickets. A child’s Secret Season pass (ages 4 to 12) is $18 plus tax.

A group pass, good for up to six people traveling in the same vehicle, sells for $90 plus tax and pays for itself on the first visit.

The pass allows guests to experience the wonders of Grandfather Mountain without the bustle of spring, summer and fall. Whether your interest is snapping shots of snow-dusted evergreens, sipping soup from Mildred’s Grill or just savoring the solitude, the Secret Season Pass is the most affordable way to do it.

“Grandfather Mountain becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Association, the nonprofit organization that oversees the popular Linville travel attraction and nature preserve. “Rime ice coats the Mile High Swinging Bridge, the otters frolic in their frozen pond, and the mountain itself seems exceptionally peaceful.”

The Secret Season passes are now available at the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate and are valid through April 30, 2017.

Grandfather Mountain is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in winter, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Park opening is delayed until all roads and paths can be cleared of snow and ice, but a phone call to the entrance gate at (828) 733-4337 can confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing.

The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, call (800) 468-7325, or visit www.grandfather.com to plan a trip.

Holiday Hikes at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Christmas Day

Christmas Day Photo Scavenger Hunt

Appropriate for all ages.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please.
2-mile hike round-trip  |  Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Looking for an opportunity to try out your new camera?  We have the perfect program for you! And… your pics can earn you the chance to win some great prizes!  Join a park ranger for our guided Christmas Day Photo Scavenger Hunt.  If you photograph at least 12 of the items on the list, you’ll be eligible to enter the NC State Parks Photo Scavenger Hunt drawing to be held in January.  For more information on the hunt, visit: www.ncparks.gov.  You can print the list and bring it with you or one will be provided at the beginning of the hike.  Please contact our park office for more information on the hike.  Questions about the scavenger hunt can be submitted to: ncparkphotohunt@gmail.com ** Snow or ice may affect this hike. If weather is questionable, please contact the office or check our website for cancellations.

Date of Event:  Sun, 12/25/2016 – 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Start Location:  Profile Trail Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s

New Year’s Day

First Day Hike (Holloway Mtn Rd)

Please arrive by 9:45AM.  Appropriate for all ages – children under 16 must be accompanied by adult. Please no pets.
2-mile hike round-trip  |  Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Start a New Year’s Day tradition.  Join a ranger for one of our park’s 2017 First Day Hikes. Hikers will meet at the gravel parking lot on Holloway Mountain Road, 1 mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp (Parking area is located on the gravel portion of Holloway Mtn. Road).  Hikers can enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike on the Tanawha Trail.  If there are several inches of snow, the hike will still be held and will be led as a snowshoe hike. The park has a few pairs of snowshoes for the first arrivals (if you have your own, please feel free to bring them along).  Please dress appropriately for weather conditions; bring snacks, water or non-alcoholic beverages.  The hike will be a minimum of 2.5 hours and will take place even with snow.

An additional First Day Hike will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Profile Trail Parking Area.  http://www.ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountain-state-park/events-and-programs/first-day-hike-1

Date of Event:  Sun, 01/01/2017 – 10:00am to 1:00pm

Start Location:  Gravel parking lot on Holloway Mountain Road, 1 mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp (GPS:36.139870, -81.757525) (Google map:https://goo.gl/Mg5BCb)

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First Day Hike (Profile Trail)

Appropriate for all ages – children under 16 must be accompanied by adult. Please no pets.   
2-mile hike round-trip  |  Difficulty Level: Moderate

Start a New Year’s Day tradition.  Join a ranger for one of our park’s 2017 First Day Hikes.  Hikers will meet at the Profile Trail parking lot on Hwy 105 S, 1/2 mile north of the intersection of Hwys 105 and 184.  Hikers can enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike on the Profile Trail; the hike will take about 2.5 hours to complete.  Please dress appropriately for weather conditions; bring snacks, water or non-alcoholic beverages.  ** Snow or ice may affect this hike. If weather is questionable, please contact the office or check our website for cancellations.

An additional First Day Hike will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the gravel parking area on Holloway Mountain Road.  http://www.ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountain-state-park/events-and-programs/first-day-hike-0

Date of Event:  Sun, 01/01/2017 – 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Start Location:  Profile Trail Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s

Collection Sites Announced for Operation Christmas Child, Nov. 14-21

NOV. 14-21: BOONE OPENS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR GLOBAL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHARITY
Local Volunteers to Collect 80,000 Shoebox Gifts for Children in Need
BOONE, N.C., Nov. 01, 2016—Several local locations will serve as collection sites this year for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 14 – 21, Boone residents will donate shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball—for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, Boone and surrounding cities residents hope to contribute more than 80,000 shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.

“The shoebox gifts donated by Boone volunteers at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said regional leader Keith Burney.“Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

LOCAL COLLECTION SITES:
Boone, NC – Boone Processing Center
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

Mon, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boone, NC – Three Forks Baptist Church
1922 US Highway 421 S
Boone, NC 28607

Burnsville, NC – Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church
101 N Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714

Mon, Nov. 14: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

NEW 2016 COLLECTION SITE:
Newland, NC – Oak Grove Baptist Church

1790 Millers Gap Highway
Newland, NC 28657

Mon, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

North Wilkesboro, NC – North American Ministries
411 Elkin Highway
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Mon, Nov. 14: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

North Wilkesboro, NC – Specialty Car Company, Inc.
119 Old Brickyard Road
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Mon, Nov. 14: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

North Wilkesboro, NC – Baptist Home Baptist Church
2367 Sparta Road
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Mon, Nov. 14: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sparta, NC – Sparta United Methodist Church
190 N Main Street
Sparta, NC 28675

Mon, Nov. 14: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Spruce Pine, NC – First Baptist Church
125 Tappan Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Mon, Nov. 14: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

West Jefferson, NC – West Jefferson First Baptist Church
8 E Second Street
West Jefferson, NC 28694

Mon, Nov. 14: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tue, Nov. 15: 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 16: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 17: 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri, Nov. 18: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Sat, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 20: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 21: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Hours subject to change. A full list of area collection locations can be found online.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call (704) 583-1463  or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. By going online to give the suggested donation of $7 per shoebox gift, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered. They can also pack a shoebox gift online and even upload a photo and note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

Soil and Water Board to Meet Nov. 23

The Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District Board will hold its regular Board meeting Wednesday November 23, 2016 at 8:00 am at the Soil & Water Office located at 971 West King Street, Boone NC 28607.The public is invited to attend.

St. Mary of the Hills Concert Nov. 6

For Those We Love but See No Longer

The choir of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock will present a concert in honor of All Souls – “For Those We Love but See No Longer” – on Sunday afternoon, November 6th, at 2 p.m. in the nave of the church.

All Souls is the day in the church year on which we remember all of the ordinary ‘saints’ we have known – our family members, friends, and loved ones – who have died.  The program will include four movements from theRequiem by Maurice Durufle (Requiem aeternam, kyrie eleison, Lux eterna,and In paradisum), the Prayer of the Venerable Bede by Proulx (Kathryn Santiago, soloist), Nunc dimittis from Howells’ Collegium Regale (Dr. Gennard Lombardozzi, soloist), and the haunting Song for Athene by John Tavener.  This last piece is familiar to most people from its performance during the funeral of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

Dr Joby Bell will play the church’s Lively-Fulcher organ for this concert.  Dr. Bell is on the faculty at Appalachian State University where he teaches organ performance and church music, and has developed quite a following both for his performances and for his lively discussion of organ music and performance on his blog at www.jobybell.org.

Please join us for this very special concert.  St. Mary of the Hills is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock.  Call (828) 295-7323 for more information, or follow us on Facebook: MusicfromStMaryoftheHills.