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Community and Local Business News
COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
The Banner Elk Book Exchange Reopens to the Public
The Banner Elk Book Exchange at the Historic Banner Elk School is back on its regular summer schedule through October: Tues.Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sat. 1-4 p.m.
The Banner Elk Book Exchange is a community-based, volunteer-run book exchange for Banner Elk and Avery County, operating on a “bring a book, take a book” policy. There is no check-out or return of books. Simply bring a book or books and exchange them for the same number of different books. No books to trade-in? In lieu of a book to exchange, you may make a small donation to take a book home.
“We are grateful for the donations that allow others to enjoy reading,” said Donna Dicks with the Book Exchange. “Many people have contributed the books in the Book Exchange that fill our shelves, and a year of being sequestered at home will probably produce an abundance of book donations.” Before bringing book donations to the Book Exchange, she asks that people consider these guidelines:
The Book Exchange accepts hardback books, and paperbacks in good condition.
“We keep the larger, high-quality ones on the shelves of the Book Exchange, and share those we cannot use with organizations like the V.A. hospital in Asheville. Some books also are sent to the correctional facility in Spruce Pine.”
The Book Exchange cannot accept textbooks, reference books (dictionaries, thesaurus, etc.), outdated magazines or selfhelp books, or books that are damaged, mildewed, smelling of smoke, or otherwise unable to be placed on our shelves. When in doubt, ask yourself if you would like to take home the books you are donating. Outdated books and magazines, or those in poor condition can be taken to a recycling center.
The Book Exchange also offers other programs to the community: • Book Discussion Groups • BE Readers • (Children’s book discussion) • Play & Learn Sessions • Science/Nature Programs for Children • (NCexplorers.com) • Music Jams
For a complete summer list of events, visit BannerElkBookExchange.com.
Make Friends in Valle Crucis
For 38 years, the local community has collaborated to preserve the Valle Crucis Community Park. What was originally slated for development instead became, and remains to be, a free local park filled with immeasurable opportunity for life to be explored through nature, environmental education, friendship, play, music, exercise, and much more.
Walking paths throughout the park and wetlands meander between Dutch Creek and Watauga River. Trees, gardens, and native vegetation are living proof of abundant, loving preservation. Convenient picnic shelters remain popular destinations as people seek the refuge of outdoor assembly, particularly in efforts to maintain social distancing. Summer months naturally invite extended outdoor exploration. Fishing expeditions and leisure river fun soak up considerable public interest. The anticipated return of events, such as Music in the Valley, also promises to keep the community adoring of the park. The increase in public traffic, in addition to the growing tourism in the area, creates more need for support from the community and acts as a catalyst for the new suggestion for paying $5 for weekend parking.
The Valle Crucis Community Park exists as a nonprofit organization. Eighty percent of operational funding is composed of public donations, and the remaining percentage is supported by an endowment fund, invested and administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation. Every helping hand plays a part in preserving the park, as it requires $500 per day to maintain the park in its naturally beautiful condition.
Patrons have ample opportunity to support the park. “Friends of the Park” donate monthly or annually and—in addition to facility rental discounts, local business coupons, and a parking hangtag—are allowed maximum tax deductions to the extent of state and federal law. Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages and skill levels. Individuals and businesses are invited to take part in donating items for the annual Park Auction. Memorial gifts and projects are always open for discussion with the park’s director. Additionally, park visitors can abide by the park rules, leave their leisure space better than they found it, and utilize the environmental education opportunities in an effort to further appreciate and maintain the value of the park.
The founding board of directors envisioned the land to be preserved for every person to enjoy the natural resources, for all time. With this vision comes a need for respect and caretaking of the land as its needs evolve. The daily, monthly, and yearly conservation of the park’s features are prioritized in the annual strategic plan, created and carried out by the board of directors. Ashley Galleher, the park’s executive director, stated, “We [as humans] want what’s best for the people we love and for future generations.” vallecrucispark.org
Grandfather Home Visitors’ Center and Museum
An important piece of Banner Elk history resides in a house on Hickory Nut Gap Road. This house, once known as the Grandfather Home for Children’s “director’s house,” opened last summer as the Grandfather Home Visitors’ Center and Museum.
The Center highlights pieces of local history that focus on the children who resided at Grandfather Home for Children. The photos, artifacts, and stories honor more than a century of the lives of former residents and the displays feature the different aspects of the residents’ everyday lives: labor on the farm, education, celebrations, community support, and faith.
“We are so excited to share our rich history. The Visitors’ Center and Museum is the perfect vehicle to tell yesterday’s stories and give anyone a glimpse into the past,” said Grandfather Home Development Officer Madison Cornwell.
For anyone looking to learn about the history of Grandfather Home for Children and its mission and work being done today, as well as historical information about the legacy of Rev. Edgar Tufts and the foundation of Lees-McRae Institute, Grace Hospital, and Grandfather Orphans’ Home, this is a must-see.
The Center also includes a space for small social events and information about the services provided on campus and across the High Country. The multipurpose space will have the capacity to host intimate social gatherings for supporters of the home, as well as birthday parties and celebrations for the youth and families being served by Grandfather Home for Children.
And they are still looking to expand its collection. Anyone interested in donating or loaning artifacts or items related to the history of Grandfather Home for Children should contact the home to advance the progress of the museum and honor its past.
The Visitors’ Center and Museum is open for private tours. Contact Madison Cornwell at 828-897-4527.
Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts Launches Summer Classes
Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts is a nonprofit craft school located in the historic Lansing School building in Lansing, NC (Ashe County). The organization’s mission is to revitalize the historic Lansing School, celebrate and teach Southern Appalachian culture and skills, and support the local community.
The stately Lansing School was constructed in 1938 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It was the center of education in Ashe County from 1939 until the early 1990s, but has since had limited use.
The preservation of the historic property will provide a spacious venue for classes, special events, sustainable multi-use housing, a signature farm-to-table restaurant and a showcase gallery. This summer, the Center is holding their first ever classes in Fiber Arts, Ceramics, and Fermentation, with various on-campus community events throughout the Summer.
Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts is expected to make a great impact on the High Country over the years, both financially and culturally. You can check out their 2021 course catalog and register at lostprovincearts.org. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates on the progress of the Lansing School renovations, as well as all public events.
Give Summer Flowers a Second Chance
Have a yard or home full of live plants that you’re planning to leave behind at the end of the season? Give them to Flowers for Friends! Flowers for Friends was inspired in 1996 while Brent Atwater, an Elk River resident, was visiting her grandmother in a Continuing Care Community. For years Brent had watched gorgeous summer plants discarded at season’s end and wondered how they could be repurposed to bring joy to others.
The rest of the story is on their Facebook page, ‘Flowers for Friends KNOW you are Special and Loved.’ Flowers for Friends was so successful in the High Country, they partnered with Lees-McRae’s lacrosse team, directed by head coach Bradley Dunn. Even during COVID they delivered over 485 plants. This year they hope to collect and distribute many more.
Here’s how it works: Call or email Flowers for Friends to let them know your organization wants to receive flowers/plants. Or, tell them about a person who needs cheering up. If you have plants to donate to the cause, or if you’d like to volunteer, your support is always welcome and needed. If donating, let Flowers for Friends know when your plants need to be picked up and the location. Or, you can drop them off at a designated location.
For organizations and individuals receiving plants, the “repurposed” plants will be fertilized and prepped for delivery. Flowers for Friends will deliver your plant, which can be photographed with the recipient; the photo(s) will then be emailed to you.
Where do the plants go? “We deliver them to regional and children’s hospitals, retirement communities, health care facilities, Meals on wheels, shut-ins and other individuals who need their day brightened,” says Brent Atwater. “If you want us to deliver to your organization, please make arrangements to get on our schedule as soon as possible.” If you know of a group or individual who would benefit from Flowers for Friends’ services, or would like to volunteer, please call 828-898-5557 or email Brent@ brentatwater.com.
Banner House Museum Offers Summer Walking Tours and Porch Talks
The Banner House Museum’s 2020 season, according to Museum staff, was challenging, to say the least. The c. 1870 Banner House saw its second pandemic and waited silently for better times so that visitors could return. However, the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation met the challenge of COVID precautions with technology. The Foundation unveiled a new cell phone-based Walking Tour to allow anyone
COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
to stroll through town at their own pace using the free Pocket Sights app. The app displayed vintage photographs of some of the most iconic places in town and shared a few notes of history along the way.
This summer, the Banner House Museum joyously announces its plans to once again share its history with visitors in person. In lieu of indoor museum tours, museum activity will be moved outdoors in the form of Guided Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Banner Elk. These fun and informative tours offer a leisurely stroll through town, as well a peek into the littleknown past lives of many familiar buildings and other sights. Tours will cover about 1.5 miles and last approximately one hour.
Participants should plan to meet on the Banner House Museum front porch at noon any Wed. through Sat., June 16 through Sept. 18. No reservations are required, but tours will be limited to 10 participants. The cost is $10 per person and special arrangements should be made for large groups. Though the cellphone app introduced last year remains active, guides just might have extra secrets to share! An option is the newly designed “Porch Talks” offering informed conversations about Banner Elk’s history when volunteers are not out on Walking Tours. As with many activities, masks are a must for all interactions with volunteers. The porch talks are offered free of charge, but donations are appreciated.
For more details/updates throughout the season, check ouot their website at BannerHouseMuseum.org. For group resvervations contact BannerHouseMuseum@ yahoo.com or 828-898-3664
More Merriment at Mystery Hill
Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock has added even more family fun to its mountainside entertainment complex. In addition to the all-new Historic Farmyard, which was added last fall, Mystery Hill recently opened Prospector Hill, a gem mining attraction with private indoor sluices for each family, and gemstones from around the world.
Mystery Hill has also added the Bull Riding Challenge, a bucking bull with a range of speeds for everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, Mystery Hill recently expanded their offerings of Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Photos with all new scenes and a remodeled space. Be sure to stop by and see all of the new family fun features—and grab one of their Over the Top Mason Jar Milkshakes. Visit mysteryhill.com for a list of all Mystery Hill attractions and for directions and other information.
Keith Martin Receives 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award
The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to Boone resident Keith Martin. The honor was announced on May 26 during the annual meeting of the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country and awarded to Martin by John Cooper, immediate past chair of the board of trustees.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals who make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Since 1979, the award has been bestowed on North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers, those who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their community. In addition to Martin’s work with the Appalachian Theatre, he has contributed time and effort in support of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Hunger and Health Coalition, In/Visible Theatre, Valle Country Fair and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, among other organizations on the regional, state, national, and international levels.
John Cooper said that it was his privilege to serve as the primary nominator for the award. “Last year, Keith succeeded me as chair of the Appalachian Theatre and, from firsthand observation for over a decade, I can cite his dedication, ingenuity, and unique ability to guide our organization from its grassroots beginnings to becoming a fully-functioning non-profit agency, successfully reopening our region’s lone historic theatre, thus enhancing the lives of students, the university community, and local residents alike.”
Co-nominator Margaret Love, Executive Director of the Valle Crucis Conference Center, recognizes Martin’s invaluable contributions as a volunteer. “His creativity and drive have introduced new ways of looking at fundraising, innovative approaches to capacity-building and ever-widening circles of community connections.”
In accepting the award, Martin quoted lines from two plays by Shakespeare when he said, “Joy’s soul lies in the doing,” in explaining the satisfaction he derives from his volunteer activities, and that “strong reasons make strong actions” as the reason he dedicates his service to many worthy civic organizations. “I receive far more than I give, and applaud the efforts of thousands of local volunteers who make the High Country an ideal place to live, work, and create a vital and caring community.”
Keith Martin is CML’s Cultural Arts editor.
Mica Gallery Presents New Work from Featured Member Artists
Mica Gallery, the members-owned cooperative fine craft gallery in downtown Bakersville, NC, presents a monthly special “Featured Artist Spotlight” exhibiting the work of its member artists throughout the summer.
In July, the spotlight is on Robbie Bell and Claudia Dunaway. Bell’s exhibit, “The Table is Set–A Feast of Dinnerware,” will
showcase an assortment of his pottery: plates of all sizes, bowls, drinking vessels, serving vessels, flower vases, and candle sticks. Dunaway will present “Paper Work,” a series of new woodblock printmaking works-on-paper that she created this past winter and spring.
In August, Mica members Vicki Essig and David Ross will be featured in the gallery. Essig’s exhibit, “Memento Mori,” will show how some of her work is a collaboration between silkworms and herself as the artist. “The silkworm process is fascinating and educational,” she noted. David Ross will exhibit a collection entitled, “Africa Dreaming.” Ross explained, “The Pandemic gave me time to read and reflect on the series of historical novels by Wilbur Smith set during African Colonization. This inspired me to create a series of pottery with African imagery.”
For the month of September, the Featured Artist Exhibit presents “Weaves and Tapestries,” featuring new work by Bakersville’s Fyreglas Studio. Owned and operated for more than 20 years by artists Simona Rosasco and JJ Brown, Fyreglas Studio is noted for its work with a process of making kiln-formed glass art using colorful pattern bars that are cut, arranged, and repeatedly fired to achieve unique designs.
Mica is located at 37 Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC, and is open daily, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12–5 p.m. For more information call 828-688-6422 or visit micagallerync.com. Follow the gallery on Facebook at Mica Gallery NC, or on Instagram at micagallerync.
The Historic Reinhardt Building in Blowing Rock Gets a New Life
Perched next to the Mellow Mushroom at 960 Main Street in Blowing Rock is the historic RS Reinhardt Building. Originally Blowing Rock’s first post office, this one-time single story building was constructed for Lincolnton & Lenoir businessman RS Reinhardt in 1924.
The beautiful stone structure operated as the Post Office until 1944, at which point the second floor was added and the building became the Parkway Hotel. The hotel consisted of 10 rooms upstairs with a dining room and coffee shop downstairs. On the lower left side of the face of the old building, passersby can still see a USGS marker identifying the official elevation of Blowing Rock as 3,400 feet.
In the fall of 2020, after years of admiring this historic building and feeling optimistic of its potential, High Country natives Mike and Molly Northern purchased the building. After several months of renovation, the building was revitalized. Molly Northern, an interior designer and retail shop owner, recently opened her second location of The Bee & The Boxwood in the renovated building. She says, “‘The Blowing Rock Bee’ offers furnishings as well as gorgeous gifts and local specialties with an emphasis on the southern lifestyle.”
Also in the building, at the lower right side of the property, is the latest location of Blue Deer Cookies. Blue Deer, owned by Austin and Callie Northern, is one of the High Country’s newest and most recognizable brands. Founded in 2018, Blue Deer is known for its delicious handcrafted Ice Cream-Cookie sandwiches. “‘Blue Deer on Main’ also operates as a full coffee bar with coffee furnished by Local Lion in Boone,” says Austin Northern.
The second story of the renovated building will operate as “Reinhardt Rooms,” a luxury, short-term rental experience. The three one-bedroom apartments, each fitted to sleep up to four people, were designed and furnished by Molly Northern and will begin booking guests the weekend of July 4. For more information, email ReinhardtRooms@ gmail.com. Visit www.bluedeercookies. com and thebeeandtheboxwood.com.
Big or Small, There’s No Place Like Camp
Who likes vacations with beauty, nature and nice people? What about good food with plenty of wine and beer? And how about adventure … like ziplining, mountain tubing, rock climbing and hiking in the woods? Enjoy relaxing? Picture yourself floating in the lake or laying on the beach soaking up the rays (using sunscreen, of course). And old-fashioned fun… who doesn’t like races, games, campfire sing-alongs, arts ’n crafts and so much more?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could find all this in one place? You can, at Camp Big! Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no better getaway than Camp Big and Camp Big & Small. Camp Big is an allinclusive summer camp for adults only. It’s an adventure camp for grownups, offering endless summer activities, relaxation, great food and tons of fun. It’s a place where anyone over 21 can get away from the day-today and simply chill out and play. The best part? You get to be a kid again!
Camp Big & Small, a new offering for 2021, is a 3-night/4-day, all-inclusive vacay for the whole family. Get away for the long, Labor Day weekend—parents and kids can play together out in the fresh mountain air. Located at the same beautiful site in Banner Elk, NC, this unique vacation offers many of the same indoor and outdoor activities, delicious food and awesome entertainment as Camp Big but with a child-friendly bent— by day. Then, when the little ones go to sleep (in the “Kids-only” cabins), grown-ups can let loose and have their own good time!
Camp BIG & Small: Sept. 3 – 6, 2021
Camp BIG: September 17 – 20, 2021
Call 1-888-613-CAMP (2267) or visit CampBig.camp for more information, and to find out what “special surprise guest” will be coming to camp this year.
–Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Neil Schaffel and Nancy Rosen Schaffel
Schaffels Continue Their Support of App State’s Arts Programming
With hopes of inspiring others’ philanthropy, Neil Schaffel and Nancy Rosen Schaffel and the Murar Foundation made a $1 million matching gift earlier this year to the endowment for Appalachian State University’s An Appalachian Summer Festival. The gift will support the annual festival’s programming of music, dance, theater, film and visual arts.
“This generous gift builds on the legacy of a remarkable family who has strengthened our university arts programs in so many ways,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “This commitment establishes a strong foundation for An Appalachian Summer Festival that enables it to grow, flourish and enrich the cultural life of our campus and community for generations to come.”
An Appalachian Summer Festival is presented each July by App State’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs and annually attracts an audience of more than 27,000.
“By designating this gift in support of all the arts disciplines that make the festival unique and distinctive,” the Schaffels said, “our hope is to sustain a wide range of programming geared to almost every artistic taste and preference—which has been key to the festival’s growth in recent years.”
According to Denise Ringler, director of arts engagement and cultural resources at App State, the Schaffels’ gift will match every gift to the endowment fund over a five-year period, up to $1 million total. Ringler said the gift will not only inspire other festival supporters but will move the festival significantly closer to its endowment goal of $5 million. The gift reflects the Schaffels’ lifelong passion for the fine arts, she said, and encourages others to support university arts programming. Learn more about An Appalachian Summer Festival and this year’s lineup, found in the Arts section of this issue of CML, or visit appsummer.org.
The Manor in Blowing Rock
The Manor is a locally owned, quaint inn soaked in modern indulgence and ready to welcome you to a pampered retreat. Between the southern hospitality and the storybook sophistication—spanning five luxury suite types and 20 rooms—your personal idea of rejuvenation is sure to be matched. Enjoy the fresh mountain air from your private balcony, and refresh in a spa quality bathroom equipped with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. Prepare your drink of choice at your suite’s wet bar and connect with the reliably quick Wi-Fi.
Further concerns may melt away at your request with The Manor’s full service concierge. Once properly relaxed and recharged, step outside the lobby’s front door onto Main Street to find local beauty, shopping, and dining. The Manor provides inspiration for your getaway featuring local guides, reviews and advice. Inquire about the accommodation options for your next event.
Accept the invitation to explore, escape and connect in the Blue Ridge Mountains and allow the newest boutique hotel in Blowing Rock to host and welcome your stay. The Manor is located at 567 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Phone: 828-4142800, or Facebook: @theBRmanor
—Winston Churchhill
Four Steps to a Pain-free Home Office
By Lauren Hutchins, MS OTR/L, The Rehabilitation Center, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted almost every aspect of our lives since early 2020, and work life is a significant part of that. Many who had previously commuted to an office location every day found themselves suddenly working from home in varying conditions.
Although sitting on the comfy couch in your pajamas might sound like a more comfortable way to work, you are at risk for musculoskeletal strain or pain from awkward sitting postures. Following, we offer some tips for setting up a home office and preventing pain and injuries.
Choose the Right Chair
Your body will thank you for investing in a proper desk chair. Although a chair from the kitchen table can work for short term (1-2 weeks), it’s worth investing in an adjustable office chair if you will be working remotely for a longer time.
An optimal office chair will have some adjustable features for height, seat pan depth, tilt, arm rests, and head rests.It will also provide support at your lumbar (low back), and allow for your feet to rest flat on the floor.
If your feet do not touch the floor, a small stool or box can be used to allow for foot support. Additionally, there should not be any pressure from the edge of the chair on the backs of your knees.
Set up Your Workstation or Desk
An ideal workstation should be adjustable so that you can sit or stand throughout the day. It should also have a “waterfall” or smooth edge—sharp edges put pressure on your wrists; pipe insulation or other padding can be used to cover sharp edges if necessary. It also needs to be large enough to accommodate a keyboard, mouse, document holder, and monitor; if you are working from a laptop, an external keyboard and mouse are recommended.
The height of the workstation (keyboard and mouse) should allow for a neutral arm position with elbows at approximately 90 degrees. Measure from your elbow to the floor and subtract 2-3 inches for optimal placement.
There are many options for an external keyboard and mouse; they are not onesize-fits-all. Find a keyboard and mouse that allow your wrists to sit in a neutral position and avoid extreme or awkward positions (bending the wrist too far in any direction). The size of the keyboard and mouse should be a good fit for the size of your hands.
Properly Place Your Monitor or Computer Screen
Your monitor or computer screen should be placed at the correct distance from your eyes to reduce eye strain and forced positioning of the head, and at the correct height to avoid neck pain.It should also be in a position that reduces glare from natural and artificial light.
A monitor should be about arm’s length or 20-36 inches away from your body, depending on font size, number of screens, and your eyesight. If you find yourself constantly leaning forward to see the monitor, it is too far away; or you need to make the font size on the monitor larger.
The height of the monitor should allow for a neutral head position to reduce strain on your neck. You don’t need a fancy solution; a stack of paper, books, or small box is an easy way to adjust the monitor if it is too low.
Reducing glare can help reduce eye strain or engaging in awkward postures to see the monitor more clearly. Monitors should be placed perpendicular to windows if possible, and indirect lighting is recommended to help reduce glare. If overhead light is the cause of glare on the monitor, consider using a task light as needed. To give your eyes a break, every 20 minutes take 20 seconds to look at an object at least 20 feet away.
Considerations for dual monitors: If you use both monitors equally, center them in front of you. You may need to move the monitors further away so that both screens are within your central field of vision. You should not have to rotate your neck repeatedly to look between the two monitors. If you use one monitor primarily and the other monitor occasionally, center the monitor you use the most in front of you.
Develop Healthy Work-from-home Habits
Once you have your home office set up, remember to take breaks and change positions throughout the day. Small breaks, changing positions, and standing up for a stretch break can increase blood flow, reduce the risk of injury, and decrease fatigue.
If you are experiencing discomfort, overuse injuries or muscle strains from your current work station set-up, the occupational therapists at The Rehabilitation Center can provide an assessment and recommendations specifically for you. Give them a call at 828-238-9043, or visit https://apprhs.org/rehabcenter/.
