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Today’s Email Announcements

Lost Province Brewing Co. to Host Fundraiser on Tues., Mar. 14

Lost Province Brewing Co. will be hosting “Get Lost for a Cause” on Tuesday, Mar. 14, from 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. with live music from 7-9 p.m. This event is a fundraiser for RISE (Relationships Intended for Self-Sufficiency and Empowerment), an initiative of Hospitality House, that is striving to help families overcome poverty in Watauga County. RISE is committed to establishing well-being for all through intentional relationships focused on learning, personal development and community service. 

 

Grandfather Mountain State Park March Programs

Forest Literacy Hike

Appropriate for all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please no pets. | 2-mile hike round trip. 

When you walk through the woods, what do you see? Most of us see the plants, animals and nonliving objects but fail to read the story behind these. If you know what to look for and how to ‘read’ the forest you get a glimpse into the past and understand the how and why of what brought the forest to its current state. Join a Ranger and learn the skills of reading the forest. Become forest literate and unlock the secrets of the forest! Bring snacks and water.  Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and wear hiking footwear. We will have a brief discussion followed by a hike lasting approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.  For Directions to the Boone Fork parking lot, visit http://goo.gl/dEizYH

Date:  Sat, 03/11/2017 – 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Location:  Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway) (GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358) http://goo.gl/dEizYH

Winter Tree ID Hike

Appropriate for ages 10 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Please, no pets. 

Participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately two hours and hike 1 mile (2 miles round trip).  Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. If there is new snow and/or ice, please call ahead. 828.963.9522 or email grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.  Difficulty: moderately strenuous terrain.

Date:  Sun, 03/12/2017 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Location:  Profile Parking Area, Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk (GPS: 36.121990, -81.829993) https://goo.gl/dBX99s.    If The Profile Parking Lot Is Closed:  Hikers will meet at the Lowes Foods parking lot (north end); At intersection of Highway 105 and Highway 184 (GPS: 36.117745, -81.835408 Google Map:  http://goo.gl/2UfGha)

How to use a Compass and Map

Appropriate for ages 13 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  

Have you ever wanted to learn how to navigate by map and compass instead of the GPS on your phone or car? Here is your chance, join Ranger Sicard and learn the basics of map and compass skills for your next hike or to go burry that trunk of treasure you have and let “X mark the spot” so you will find it again.   

Date:  Fri, 03/17/2017 – 4:00pm to 5:00pm

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

 How to use a Compass and Map

Appropriate for ages 13 and up; children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  

Have you ever wanted to learn how to navigate by map and compass instead of the GPS on your phone or car? Here is your chance, join Ranger Sicard and learn the basics of map and compass skills for your next hike or to go burry that trunk of treasure you have and let “X mark the spot” so you will find it again.   

Date:  Sun, 03/26/2017 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm

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

 

The Month of March is Red Cross Month–Donate Blood Starting Mar. 1

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters, who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need firsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said. “Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming dates in March in Watauga County for blood donations:

Boone

3/7/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express Boone, 1943 Blowing Rock Rd

3/9/2017: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Caldwell Community College, CCC, 372 Community College Road

 

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Presents 19th Annual Caldwell Traditional Musicians Showcase

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir will present the 19th Annual Caldwell Traditional Musicians Showcase on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s showcase, titled “Handmade and Heartfelt,” will be hosted by local favorite Strictly Clean and Decent and will also feature several local musicians who help keep the community’s rich history of traditional music alive today. Those featured will include soloist, duets, bands, and members of the Caldwell County Junior Appalachian Musicians program.

In addition to Strictly Clean and Decent and the Junior Appalachian Musicians, acts will include multi-instrumentalist Jimmie Griffith, classic country and Southern rock artists Darren Bryant and Justin Clyde Williams, acoustic trio Sycamore Bones, string band Strictly Strings and traditional bluegrass band Ridgeline. Teacher, poet and musician Nancy Posey will serve as the emcee for the evening.

The show is set for Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $11 for adults and $5.50 for students and children. For more information or for tickets, call the Civic Center Box Office at 828-726-2407 or visit www.broyhillcenter.com.