1) Baha’i Devotional Meeting to be Held on Sunday
A Baha’i devotional meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 10 at 300 Beaver Dam Road in Bethel. The theme of the meeting will be “the power of prayer.” Baha’is believe in the basic unity of all religions and revere the founders of all the world’s great faiths. For more information and directions, call 828-297-6222.
2) Ranger Programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The follow ranger-led programs will be hosted on the Blue Ridge Parkway in May. All programs are free and open to the public and are approximately 45 minutes long.
SAT. MAY 23: Misunderstood Marsupial, 7 p.m. at the Julian Price Campground Amphitheater, Milepost 296: What is as old as the dinosaurs, as small as a cat, as quiet as a mouse and calls the Blue Ridge Parkway home? Join the ranger to learn more about this misunderstood animal.
SAT. MAY 23: Mountain Murder Mysteries: Death on the Long Hunt, 7 p.m. at the Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater, Milepost 316: Pushing deep into the wilderness, William Linville and his son would give their lives near the river and the spectacular waterfall that still bears their names today. Join the ranger to learn how they met their tragic end.
SAT. MAY 30: Coyotes, 7 p.m. at the Julian Price Campground Amphitheater, Milepost 296: This newcomer to North Carolina has rapidly spread from the mountains to the coast, and is now found in all 100 counties. Why are they so successful? Are they to be feared? How should we treat this new neighbor? Come and find out.
SAT. MAY 30: Yell Fire, 7 p.m. at the Linville Falls Campground Ampitheater, Milepost 316: As one of the classical elements, fire has been seen as a powerful force within the universe. Learn about fire’s positive and negative effects and how wildlife fire is fought.
SAT. MAY 30: Dinosaurs and the Blue Ridge Mountains, 7 p.m. at Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater, Milepost 340: Can you find dinosaur fossils in the mountains around here? This is a frequently asked question by our parkway visitors. Learn the answer and more about dinosaurs, fossils, geology and paleontology of the mountains of western North Carolina at this ranger-led program.
3) Avery County Habitat for Humanity to Host “Women Build” Events May 7, 9
Avery County Habitat for Humanity invites all High Country women to participate in its local “Women Build” days during the week leading up to Mother’s Day. No construction skills or experience required, just willingness to serve. Build events will take place on Thursday, May 7 and Saturday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lunch provided. Work will take place at the future site of the ACHFH Administrative Office on Taylor Road right behind the ReStore. Meet at the worksite at 8:30 a.m. for a group orientation. A maximum of 25 volunteers can participate each day. Potential volunteers should call Melanie Burgin, office and programs manager, at 828-733-1909 to sign up as an individual or a group.
4) Register Now for the May 23 High Country Kids Triathlon
The 2015 High Country Kids Triathlon will take place Saturday, May 23, at the Watauga County Pool and the Greenway Trails. There will be three age divisions: 8 and under, 9-12 and 13-18. Registration fees are $25 before May 10 and $30 after May 10. Register online at www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2126094. For more information, call 828-964-9378.