1000 x 90

Today’s Email Announcements

1) July Programs at Grandfather Mountain State Park

Clouds

Sat, July 11, 2015   |   1:00PM-2:00PM

Meet at: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway)

Appropriate for all ages (Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Have you ever looked up at the clouds and formulated an image of something into them (for example you see the image of a dog when you look at the cloud)? Chances are you were looking at a cumulonimbus cloud. Join Ranger Sicard to learn how to identify cloud types and what kind of weather is associated with the each cloud. Participants have the option to make a cloud poster to take with them at the end of the presentation. This program will be held at Boone Fork Parking area at 1pm and will last approximately 30 minutes. If wanting to stay and make a cloud poster plan to stay an additional 20 minutes after the presentation. If it is raining the program will be held at the park office 9872 Hwy 105 S. Please no pets.  Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. For more information please call Andy Sicard at the park office 828-963-9522 or email:andy.sicard@ncparks.gov.

Amphibian Prowl

Sun, July 12, 2015   |   9:30AM-10:30AM

Meet at: Profile Parking Lot (Hwy 105 South – 1/2 mile north of the Hwy 184 intersection)

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

Join Ranger Sicard on a prowl for amphibians that live on Grandfather Mountain. We will discuss some of the expected species we would find along the Boone Fork, their habitat, and unique adaptations they have before setting out to search for these amphibians. Please note there will be a very short 200 yard hike to the Boone Fork and be sure to wear suitable footwear and clothing that you do not mind getting wet if you would like to search in the water for these amphibians. There will also be a place where if you would like to just observe and not get wet you can do so.  Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. For more information please call Andy Sicard at the park office 828-963-9522 or email: andy.sicard@ncparks.gov.

Twilight Hike

Sun, July 12, 2015   |   8:00PM-10:00PM

Meet at: Profile Parking Lot (Hwy 105 South – 1/2 mile north of the Hwy 184 intersection)

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

Join a Park Ranger for an evening stroll through the Southern Appalachian Forest and see the woods come to life after the sun sets. Experience the park from a different prospective and learn about nocturnal wildlife. Participants must bring flashlights or headlamps and are encouraged to wear hiking boots. Insect repellent recommended. Hike will go approximately 1.5 miles. Dress appropriately for the weather.  Please contact Luke Appling with any questions. 828-963-9522 or luke.appling@ncparks.gov.

Volunteer Trail Work Day

Sat, July 18, 2015   |   9:30AM-3:00PM

Meet at: Contact office for location

Please note: Registration is now required for our volunteer days. Volunteers must register no later than 2 days before scheduled work day. To register, please contact our office at 828.963.9522 or grandfather.mountain@ncparks.gov.

Suitable for adults and children above 12 years of age. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal adult guardian present.  Do you enjoy being outdoors and meeting new people? Share in the adventure by volunteering on one or more of our trail work days. Volunteering is a great way to have a little fun while giving back to some of your favorite hiking spots. Join our park’s staff for a day of trail maintenance and get a feel for what goes into managing a highly popular hiking destination. Volunteers will learn how to safely and effectively use tools, be shown sustainable trail design techniques and become familiar with trail labor. Work will be based on experience and skill level of volunteers and will range from easier, low level physical activity to advanced, highly physical trail construction. Volunteers should be dressed in appropriate clothing for outdoor work, bring work gloves, wear closed toed shoes. Bring food and water for refreshments during the day.  Volunteer Work Days are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month from May to October.

 Forest Literacy

Sun, July 19, 2015   |   3:00PM-4:30PM

Meet at: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk, NC

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

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! Program is appropriate for ages 8 through adult. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and wear hiking footwear. We will have a brief discussion followed by a hike lasting approximately one hour.  Please contact Luke Appling with any questions. 828-963-9522 or luke.appling@ncparks.gov.

Nature Journaling: Observing and Recording Your Natural Surroundings

Fri, July 24, 2015   |   9:00AM-1:00PM

Meet at: Park Office – 9872 Hwy 105 S, Banner Elk, NC

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

No skills are necessary for this workshop. You just need to be able to disengage from the day’s interruptions. You’ll learn to observe and record what is around you. We’ll start in the park office and then venture out to the Profile Trail (weather permitting). We won’t walk far, but we’ll be outside if the weather allows. If you have a journal, please bring it. Otherwise we’ll supply one. Dress for the weather, wear closed toed walking shoes; bring water, snacks and a day pack if you have one. Children 8 years and above are welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This is not a suitable activity for pets.

Pre-registration is required.   Call 828.963.9522 or email susan.mcbean@ncparks.gov to register, or if you have any questions.

Stream Ecology

Fri, July 24, 2015   |   3:00PM-4:00PM

Meet at: Boone Fork Parking Area (Just north of the 300 Milepost on Blue Ridge Parkway)

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

Join a Park Ranger to learn about how the living and non-living things interact in mountain streams. What are all of those bugs and other critters swimming and crawling through the creek? We will catch and identify what type of creature they are and what these species could tell us about water quality. Nets will be provided. Any participants wanting to get into the stream should bring waders or clothes that can get wet and a towel to dry off.  Boone Fork Parking Lot is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway; just north of mile marker 300.  Please contact Luke Appling with any questions. 828-963-9522 or luke.appling@ncparks.gov.

Basics of Wilderness Survival

Fri, July 31, 2015   |   5:00PM-6:00PM

Meet at: Lowes Foods parking lot; Highway 105 at intersection of Highway 184

Appropriate for age 8 through adult – children under 16 must be accompanied by adult t. 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 on World Ranger Day (July 31st) to learn the Basics of Wilderness Survival. We will handle equipment, learn the minimum gear to carry and practice making survival fires. This program is appropriate ages 8 through adult and will last approximately one hour.  Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. For more information, contact Luke Appling at the park office 828-963-9522 or email:luke.appling@ncparks.gov.  We will meet at the left (north) side of the Lowes Foods parking lot.

2) Upcoming Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Programs

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:30 am – Informal Upstairs Tour at Cone Manor

From 10:30-12:30, the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for a do-it-yourself tour. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions.

Saturday July 18, 2015

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00 -Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor

Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tour is approximately 45 minutes long and reservations are required. To reserve a tour: call 828-295-3782 or sign up at the NPS information desk at the Manor House. Reservations are accepted beginning at 10:00am Friday for the upcoming weekend only. No advance reservations, please.

Julian Price Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 296          

7:00 p.m. – Coat of Many Colors

Come out and learn about one of the world’s most abundant and successful canids, the fox.

Approximately 45 minutes in length

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00 -Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor

Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tour is approximately 45 minutes long and reservations are required. (See Saturday above)

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Special thanks to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Eastern National, and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway for their financial support of these programs

 3) Season Ticket Sales Begin July 21 for Walker Center in Wilkes

The Walker Center Season Shows ticket sales open to the public on July 21. A video about the season shows is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPDp18_z2AY.

“We have an exciting and diverse lineup to offer for 2015-2016. It’s a great mix between ’60 rock ‘n’ roll, bluegrass, magic, pop, country and the always popular holiday show,” said Tabitha Hudler, lead events specialist. “The Walker Center offers people in this region the opportunity to see nationally-acclaimed performances without the need to travel great distances.”

The 32nd season begins with Amy Grant on Thursday, September 10, 2015. This incredible singer, songwriter and recording artist has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. She is one of only a few artists to successfully cross over into the mainstream pop market while still maintaining popularity in the Christian music realm. During her celebrated career, Grant has won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards and more than 20 Dove Awards. This performance is sponsored by Hardee’s.

“The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!” will entertain guests of all ages on Friday, October 30, 2015. To say that Bill has had a magical life would be no exaggeration. From the moment he received his first magic kit in 1986, his world has not been the same. He launched his professional magic performing career in 1996, at the age of 16 and has been selling out shows across the country ever since. This performance is sponsored by Interflex Group.

Shenandoah comes to town on Friday, November 13, 2015. When country music lovers talk about the greatest groups, Shenandoah is always at the forefront of any discussion and is known for delivering songs that celebrated the importance of faith and family while reveling in the joys of small town life. The band became known for delivering No. 1 hits like “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South” and “Two Dozen Roses” as well as beautiful classics like “Next to You, Next to Me,” “I Want to be Loved Like That” and “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart,” a duet with Alison Krauss that won a Country Music Association Award and a Grammy. This performance is sponsored by Carolina West Wireless.

The Annie Moses Band presents the Christmas show on Saturday, December 12, 2015. This talented ensemble of six musicians, singers and songwriters deliver a cutting-edge sound by fusing American roots, folk rock, classical and jazz in stunning performances that feature strings, keyboards, guitar and rhythm. The Annie Moses Band combines the best of beloved genres in a style that unifies audiences, young and old, classical connoisseurs and roots enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs. This performance is sponsored by Carolina West Wireless.

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the Walker Center presents “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” called the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll musical. Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of phenomenally-talented actors and musicians tell Buddy’s story, from his spectacular rise to fame to his final legendary performance. Buddy Holly was a rising star when a tragic plane crash struck him down in 1959 at age 22. This performance is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Dailey & Vincent with Jimmy Fortune appear at the Walker Center on Saturday, May 14, 2016. They join forces to present a unique and spectacular show that exhibits the industry’s top tier of vocals and hit music. This ‘quartet-style show’ features the rich blend of vocals performed by Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Jimmy Fortune and Christian Davis.

Collectively, this collaboration has accumulated multiple Grammy nominations, Dove and IBMA Awards, among other awards and recognitions and has penned No. 1 hit songs such as “Elizabeth,” “My Only Love” and “Too Much on My Heart,” in addition to “More Than A Name On A Wall” and “On The Other Side.” Performing together for only a limited amount of dates a year, this show makes for an unforgettable night. This performance is sponsored by Hampton Inn of Wilkesboro, Holiday Inn Express of Wilkesboro and visitwilkesboronc.com.

For more information about the Walker Center’s 2015-2016 season or to purchase season tickets, contact the Walker Center Box Office at 336-838-6260 or walker.boxoffice@wilkescc.edu. Visit the Walker Center online at www.walkercenteronline.org or on Facebook.

Tickets for individual shows go on sale August 10.

The John A. Walker Community Center is proud to be this region’s premier venue for cultural experiences and the preferred gathering place for meetings, weddings, receptions, conventions, banquets and parties. It is where business, entertainment and celebration come together.

The Walker Center and Wilkes Community College are 100% Tobacco Free.

Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC continues to build on a strong history of meeting the educational needs and cultural interests of our students, community and workforce. WCC prepares learners for success in a dynamic world.

4) Evening Campground Programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway for Sat. July 18

 Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 316

7:00pm- Wilderness Skills: From Lost to Found with the Linville Central Rescue K-9 Team

We think that the worst will never happen, but if it does then what? Come learn how to prepare for the possibility of getting lost in the woods, and what steps search and rescue groups will be taking to find you. This will include a demonstration by the search dogs of the Linville Central Rescue K-9 team.

Approximately 45 minutes in length

Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater- Milepost 340

 7:00pm- COYOTES in our Midst

Coyotes are adaptable and resilient carnivores that have greatly expanded their range. Learn about this fascinating animal and what to do if you encounter one face to face.

5) International Day of Peace Planning Meeting

Wednesday, July 22nd at 5:00 pm

Watauga County Public Library

140 Queen St, Boone, NC

The theme of this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Peace is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.

Please partner with us in this year’s celebration through art, music, parade, and ceremonies.

Contact Lexie Danner lexie.danner@yahoo.com 828-964-5627 with questions.

5) Fourth Annual Junaluska Jubilee Scheduled for Saturday, July 18

Junaluska, Boone’s historic black neighborhood, will hold its Fourth Annual Junaluska Jubilee on Saturday, July 18. Members of the public are invited to attend. This year the Jubilee honors the venerable Boone Mennonite Brethren Church at 161 Church Street, also the location of the Jubilee festivities.

Coffee and hospitality begin the event at 10 am in the church’s fellowship hall. The celebration service starts at 11 am and will be followed by lunch in the fellowship hall (monetary donations are welcomed.) Afternoon entertainment beginning at 2 pm will include a magician, the Junaluska Gospel Choir and a homemade cake raffle. Please call 828-773-2540 by July 14 if you plan to attend. Attendance is free.