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Community and Local Business News
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Chris Petti and Dr. Al Petti Watauga Medical Center Receives Gift in memory of Dr. Al Petti
When Chris Petti visited her parents’ Avery County cabin as a teen, she didn’t realize just how much the North Carolina mountains would impact her. Nor could she foresee how she and her husband, Dr. Al Petti, would make their own impact on the community.
Before Dr. Petti passed away in 2019 Chris remembers a friend saying, “There are no pockets in coffins. You can’t take it with you, so spread the good around.” And that’s what the Pettis spent more than 40 years doing in the High Country.
At the pinnacle of a lifetime of philanthropy, Chris is still living by the friend’s advice today, but now she says, “is the time to do bigger and better things.” Because Dr. Petti spent many years as an innovative orthopedic surgeon, Chris chose to honor his legacy with a $1 million gift to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation toward a new, ultramodern orthopedic program at Watauga Medical Center. A part of the orthopedic expansion project will bear the Petti name as a tribute to their history of medical excellence and community advancement.
Chris has been a long-time supporter and ambassador of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System throughout her time in the High Country, having personally received exceptional patient care. She has also served with the Pretty in Pink fundraiser, and has made other donations. But in this phase of life she wanted to help position Watauga Medical Center to rival any other hospital in terms of modern technology, advancements, facilities, and people.
“The High Country is such a close-knit community, and knowing the people involved makes it personal to me. . . I’m giving to people who will carry on a quality of care that will honor my husband’s memory and make us proud.”
For more information about the Watauga Medical Center Expansion Project, and how to get involved, visit apprhs.org/higherelevation.
Anne’s Kids Supports School Children
Anne’s Kids started with a dream. Well, actually three dreams. Maria Martinez Sylvester kept getting “visits” from her deceased mother, Anne Marie Davis Martinez, telling her she needed to do something for her community and for the kids, in particular.
Maria Martinez Sylvester moved to Newland, NC, in 2019 and immediately recognized children in her community who were in need. She had the opportunity to discuss this with the school nurse from Newland Elementary and Principal Dr. Monet Samuelson. They both talked to her about how local children were in need of basic necessities. She called on her sisters and some close friends and Anne’s Kids, Inc. was born.
Maria’s mother, Anne Marie, was a devoted mother of six children. She loved and cared for others unconditionally and always made everyone feel accepted and welcome in her home. After fighting a long battle with cancer, she passed away in 1987. Anne’s Kids began as a way to honor her and carry on her legacy.
“All Are Loved” is the motto for Anne’s Kids. The mission is to give all children the security and excitement of going to school fully prepared with all that they need regardless of their circumstances. According to the website, “Whether it is crayons or a new favorite sweater, every child deserves to feel special and Anne’s Kids is committed to making that happen.”
Anne’s Kids is housed in a special room at Newland Elementary School. Children can go in and “shop” for clothes, shoes, coats, underwear, personal care items, school supplies, and even food. Teachers can also pick up classroom prizes and basic supplies. The room is colorful, welcoming and very organized, and according to Dr. Samuelson, every student and teacher at the school has now utilized Anne’s Kids.
You can support Anne’s Kids by going to the website (www.anneskids.com) and purchasing items on the Wish List; you can also make a donation or designate Anne’s List as your Amazon Smile recipient (AnnesKids Inc Newland).
L & N Performance: Auto Repair Experts
The modern auto industry calls for a modern approach. L & N Performance provides top-of-the-line service to include quality, expertise, and the kind of attention to detail that is aimed to satisfy every customer. With the introduction of such developments as Advanced DriverAssistance Systems (ADAS), the general public needs a reliable auto team to care for their vehicles in an ever-changing industry. Since 2007, the shop has remained steady in their promise to always put the customer’s needs first. Awards including “North Carolina Shop of the Year” can attest to the reliable nature of the work performed by this shop and team of professionals. In addition to outstanding customer service and professional proficiency, L & N Performance is proudly founded, owned, and operated by Lucas Underwood. Lucas grew up on the very land on which L & N was built. His passion for fast diesel trucks grew from an expensive interest to a soaring business as he worked hard to figure out every last detail for creating a customer-focused shop. He insisted from the beginning that the focus would not be on the dollar amount, but the communication with customers, warranties with no questions asked, triple-checked work, superior cleanings inside and outside each vehicle, and service as a whole concept rather than the sum of parts and labor. He takes great pride in doing what’s right by the customer, particularly considering that he and his team are caring for, “the second largest investment you’ll ever make.”
Learn: https://lnautorepair.com/. Jessie Kotzmoyer and Thea Young at the new
West Jefferson Footsloggers
Footsloggers Celebrates 50 Years and a New Store!
Footsloggers, the premier source for outdoor travel gear, adventure gear, and water sports gear in the High Country, is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Why not celebrate by opening a new store? The new location is in the lovely mountain town of West Jefferson, NC.
“We were looking to expand, and West Jefferson was at the top of our list,” say owners Wayne and Jenny Miller. The new store sits in the heart of downtown and is managed by Jessie Kotzmoyer, who has been with Footsloggers since June 2020.
“We love the beauty and the people of West Jefferson,” says Kotzmoyer. “We are excited about the future at our new location and look forward to being deeply involved with this community.” Footsloggers has a long history of supporting causes within the communities the business serves and is well known for their model of giving back—much of the company’s profits go to local organizations who work to improve the quality of life for people here in the High Country.
“My favorite part about my job is meeting new folks in the community and catering to their needs for outdoor gear,” says Kotzmoyer. “As the manager, I want to make an effort to ensure our guests enjoy their experience in our shop and have fun. We aren’t just an outdoor store, we are your neighbors!” Stop by their new West Jefferson store this season—or their stores in Boone and Blowing Rock—for premium outdoor gear, shoes, boots and clothing you need to make the most of your journey on the trail, rocks, ice, water, or anywhere under the starry skies. Footsloggers’ knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you choose the right items for your next adventure. Footsloggers West Jefferson: 08 A South Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694 Footsloggers Boone: 139 Depot St, Boone, NC 28607 Footsloggers Blowing Rock: 921 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Footsloggers Online: https://footsloggersnc.com/
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Family owned since 1961 Serving the High Country and Beyond Call 828-733-0525 www.LovenCasting.com
Blowing Rock’s Auto Repair Experts
189 Mystery Hill Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828-266-9077 | lnautorepair.com | Check Us Out On Facebook!
