Dec/Jan Edition

Blind Elk

Volume 19 · Issue 1 December 2023 - January 2024

TAP ROOM

WHAT’S INSIDE: Dr. Dan Brigman Old Barn Winery Doc’s Rocks & More

Shelby Rae Moore Band · AMOREM’s Mission

Winter Wonderland

Come play and relax in the Village of Sugar Mountain! See our Winter Fun Guide at:

SeeSugar.com/winter

C O N T E N T S Old Barn Winery

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By Jan Todd "Just like a Christmas tree sets the stage for the family to gather for the holidays, a bottle of wine sets the stage for friends and family to gather and enjoy one another’s company.” - Robin Sexton

A Final Act of Love

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By Anna Beth Adcock “The High Country has waited long enough to have its own hospice patient care unit, and AMOREM is honored to provide that service." - Kerri McFalls

Blind Elk Tap Room

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By Anna Beth Adcock “We want to provide different options to the locals and visitors, while still working to provide local options.” - Kyle Silver

Shelby Rae Moore Band

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By Harley Nefe “I feel like it’s what we all were born to do. It’s the one time you feel like you don’t even think about time – It goes by. It’s indescribable.”

- Chet Palmer

Doc's Rocks Gem Mine

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By Harley Nefe “We want you to come in, learn and have fun — And even bring a rock in!” - Randy "Doc" McCoy

Dr. Dan Brigman

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By Tim Gardner "We are all in this together — students, administration, teachers, support staff, parents and families of all those. It's a total team process." - Dr. Dan Brigman

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F RO M T H E P U B L I S H E R

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications Publisher Sam Garrett Editor Harley Nefe Design Ashley Poore Sam Garrett with the first edition of High Country Press - Blowing Rock.

Exciting News!

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he staff of High Country Press Publications has been hard at work this season with the launch of a new weekly print newspaper. On Oct. 3, after almost a year of time and energy spent, High Country Press - Blowing Rock became a reality. And since then, the response from our community partners has been overwhelmingly positive.

The entire team of High Country Press Publications would like to say thank you! Thank you to Blowing Rock leadership, thank you to our advertisers and thank you to the residents who demanded a paper focused on Blowing Rock.

High Country Press – Blowing Rock it is a new breed of newspaper backed by a strong ethos and a refreshing, community-focused approach. With the addition of the print publication, High Country Press Publications is continuing to celebrate a marketplace of ideas and opinions. After you read the paper for a month or two, you are likely to encounter opinions that reflect your voice, as well as some opinions with which you disagree. We endeavor to look at all sides of issues that mean the most to our community, and above all, we are continuing to embrace our core principles of integrity, curiosity and wonder in all that we do – including with High Country Magazine.

In this edition of the magazine, you will find a special focus on AMOREM, the only not-for-profit hospice provider in Ashe, Burke, Caldwell and Watauga counties, serving a total of twelve counties. The organization offers a lineup of services set up to help patients and their family members experience their final days together with as little pain and as much comfort as possible.

We also tap into the rich stories of Blind Elk Tap Room as well as Old Barn Winery. A bottle of wine or a selection of craft beers often set the stage for friends and loved ones to gather and enjoy one another’s company. At these venues, many times, there are live music performances from local bands, such as The Shelby Rae Moore Band. Meet Shelby Rae Moore and her fellow band members as they share an undeniable connection with every song they perform.

In talking about family connections, High Country Magazine also puts the spotlight on Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, locally owned and operated since 2007. And ever since then, Doc and Trina McCoy’s business has always been based on their own personal strong family values. They and their staff strive to treat every customer like family and to ensure that they always feel welcomed. Additionally, their goal is to educate the general public on the historical geology of the Appalachian Mountains, by explaining how they were formed and what can be found in the area. However, no one knows the power of education more than a public school’s superintendent, and that is why we also feature Dr. Dan Brigman of Avery County.

Thank you for allowing us to shed light on the people and businesses that make the High Country so special!

Advertising Director Michelle Harrell Contributing Writers Anna Beth Adcock Tim Gardner Harley Nefe Jan Todd Cover Photographer David Uttley Contributing Photographers Josh Floyd (Astro Yeti Photo Co.) David Uttley High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties of North Carolina.

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Copyright © 2023, All rights reserved

ON THE COVER:

Sam Garrett - Publisher The Blink Elk Tap Room keeps a rotating menu of 15 beers on tap. Photo by David Uttley.

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Hospitality House Receives $2.5 Million Dollar Grant, largest in organization’s history COURTESY OF HOSPITALITY HOUSE

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ospitality House of Northwest North Carolina, a regional nonprofit homeless services agency working in seven rural counties to provide housing, shelter, food access, homeless prevention, street outreach, counseling, and crisis assistance, today announced that it has received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest gift in the organization’s history. This is the sixth round of annual Day 1 Families Fund grants, which recognize leading organizations doing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families experiencing homelessness secure housing and achieve stability.

“Housing unsheltered families has been one of our top priorities for several years now,” said Tina B. Krause, executive director of Hospitality House. “This grant will enable us to expand our solutions-based approach to ending homelessness.

This award, outside of the federal and state grant system, allows us to have a more diversified funding portfolio and will open more innovative opportunities to house families experiencing homelessness.”

This one-time, uniquely flexible grant will support Hospitality House in serving as a critical lifeline to children and adults in families experiencing homelessness, who represent more than a quarter of the homeless population nationally. Hospitality House plans to use its Day 1 Families Fund grant to expand critical lifesaving shelter services to High Country families experiencing homelessness, resulting in permanent housing solutions for the seven rural counties it serves. In addition, the agency will utilize the funds to expand domestic violence transitional housing and permanent supportive housing in Wilkes County on a newly acquired 19-acre parcel of land.

Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. was selected as a Day 1 Families Fund grant recipient by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and experts on homelessness and service provision. National advisors brought expertise on housing 10

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justice, advancing racial equity, and helping programs employ resources effectively to assist families out of homelessness.

Over the past six years, the Day 1 Families Fund has provided 208 grants totaling more than $630 million to organizations around the country working on the frontlines to identify unsheltered families, help families regain housing and connect families experiencing homelessness to vital services. A selection of more than half of the Day 1 Families Fund grantees who received funding between 2018 through 2021 report that, to date, they have used their grants to divert more than 28,000 families from experiencing homelessness, connect more than 30,000 unsheltered families with safe shelter and help more than 75,000 families access the services they need.

This year, the Fund issued a total of $117.55 million in grants to 38 organizations. The Day 1 Families Fund has now granted this award to organizations in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. New states this year include Arkansas, Vermont, and Wyoming. The other organizations receiving grants in North Carolina are Family Promise of the Triangle and The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. The full list of awardees is available at bezosdayonefund.org/day1familiesfund.

Launched in 2018, the Bezos Day One Fund made a $2 billion commitment to focus on making meaningful and lasting impacts in two areas: funding existing nonprofits that help families experiencing homelessness, and creating a network of new, nonprofit tier-one preschools in low-income communities.

The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needlemoving work to help families experiencing homelessness— including those who are unsheltered or staying in shelters—regain safe, stable housing, and achieve well-being. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund. org/Day1FamiliesFund. t

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Business North Carolina names VPC Builders 2023 Small Business of the Year COURTESY OF VPC BUILDERS

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PC Builders has been awarded North Carolina’s 2023 Small Business of the Year by Business North Carolina.

Out of the 70 or more nominees who topped the judges list, VPC Builders and three other small businesses (one from each region) were selected for their outstanding entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst to North Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Judges for the contest were Byron Hicks, the state director of the N.C. Small Business and Technology Center; Jennifer Curtis, co-founder and CEO of Firsthand Foods, a Durham distributor for local farms and meat processors, and one of the 2022 Small Businesses of the Year; and Business North Carolina Publisher Ben Kinney.

The judges considered creativity, community impact, persistence, and other factors in making the selection. The business had to be in operation for at least five years and have fewer than 100 employees. The four selected businesses employ between 15 and 31 employees. “This was not an easy job to select just four,” says Curtis.

VPC Builders success story is built on their Core Values of Doing the Right Thing; Initiative, Grow or Die, Accountability, Community, and unwavering Commitment to Excellence.

Nick London, VPC Builders General Manager further explains, “Being recognized as North Carolina’s Small Business of the Year is attributed to our General Contractor and Owner Matt Vincent living out these core values through a mentoring style of leadership while ensuring that our company’s recruiting and selection process onboards, trains, and retains employees who resonate those same core values from administration, sales, project management, drafting & design, to construction supervision.”

VPC Builders has been growing their commercial division over the last five years, and in response, recently hired two new general supervisors and an assistant commercial project manager.

“We are proud of winning competitive bids on high profile projects such as the Appalachian State University Team Room, The Watauga County Parking Deck, Memorial Park Improvements, and the Town Hall at Beech Mountain. Travis Younger, VPC Builders Director of Business Development remarked, “Right now, we are bidding on several commercial & institutional projects in the area, and as boots on the ground with deep roots in the High Country, I’m always uncovering new opportunities for our team.”

“Because VPC Builders has built a team that manages both commercial & residential new construction & renovations, we have the ability to stay nimble, and mobilize our resources in a timely fashion to serve the High Country and surrounding counties.” Home Project Division Manager, Dave Shableski noted, “Our Home Projects team specializes in everything from new roofing, decking, siding, windows, bath and kitchen renovations as well as large scale renovations and additions.”

About VPC Builders As an innovative, fast growing full-service construction 12

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General contractor and owner, Matt Vincent. Photo courtesy of VPC Builders.

company, VPC Builders has the expertise to manage, build, and deliver projects per our clients’ standards and expectations. We specialize in commercial and residential construction, High Performance Building, custom built homes, and remodeling projects.

VPC Builders operates as a mid-size construction company capable of multiple, diverse sized projects. The experience gained through the years allows our project managers and superintendents to employ the most innovative construction means and methods in new situations. VPC Builders is fully insured, licensed, and bondable for any bid placed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

For more information about VPC Builders and employment opportunities, please visit our website.

About Business NC 2023 Small Business of the Year Award This marks the 28th year Business North Carolina has published the Small Business of the Year award, sponsored this year by Duke Energy. The goal is to honor smaller businesses that form the backbone of the state’s economy. The four winners, one small business from each region of NC, will be honored at a luncheon Friday, December 8th at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. t

Carolina Gal

By Jan Todd

Welcome to Boone Photo by Jan Todd.

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he first time I moved to Boone, it was sight unseen. And it was January.

The year was 1982. My high school years were spent in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shortly after my high school graduation, my dad’s job moved the family to High Point — an eight hour drive from the college I was attending.

When I came “home” from school for Thanksgiving break, it really wasn’t “home” at all. My childhood furniture had been replaced by a guest room setup, and all of my friends were far, far away.

During the break and again when I returned for Christmas, my father encouraged me to consider transferring to an in-state North Carolina school. (And by “encouraging me,” I mean I really had no choice in the matter. It was going to happen.)

Accepting my fate, I went to the library shortly after New Year’s to peruse the North Carolina college catalogs.

Back then, university marketing was minimal, and the catalogs contained the basic information prospective students needed to know — tuition costs, course descriptions, dates and data.

Of all the North Carolina universities I reviewed, Appalachian State was the only one that did not have a published 14

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application deadline for spring semester.

UNC, NC State and all the others required prospective transfer students to register by the end of November. I went home and called Appalachian’s admission office.

They accepted my application over the phone and assigned me a dorm room.

I announced to my parents I’d transferred to App-ah-lay-shun State in some town called Boone, wherever that might be. My dad was thrilled.

Three days later, he drove me up the winding two-lane road into the North Carolina mountains. The rain turned to ice as we climbed in elevation. As we pulled up in front of the dorm, my dad said, “I better head home. These roads are getting bad!”

He didn’t even turn the car off.

Between the blinding snow and the thick fog, I don’t think I caught a good glimpse of campus for two weeks. It was a snowy winter — one of those years when the plowed piles of snow in the parking lots didn’t melt until late April.

I invested in some snow boots and learned pretty quickly not to wear mascara to class. (It would freeze on the way and then melt down my cheeks once inside the warm building.) I joined other students sledding down snowy hills on cafeteria trays (which we later returned to the

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cafeteria, of course.) I even learned the proper pronunciation of App-ah-latch-un.

It would take me over a year to discover the thing called the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a bit longer to hike my first trail. I stayed in Boone over the summer during my junior year and experienced studying next to cool mountain streams. By the time I fully realized what a magical place I’d dropped into, it was time to graduate and start life in the flatlands.

Over the years, my husband and I returned to the High Country whenever we could — bringing our children up to ride the train at Tweetsie Railroad, cheer for the Mountaineers at home football games, learn to snow ski, and camp near Wiseman’s View where we could watch for the Brown Mountain Lights. We fell more and more in love with the mountains.

My second move to Boone was with my husband, nine years ago. This time I was much more prepared. I owned a parka and a real sled, I knew my way around the Parkway, and I could pronounce the name of the university. I knew to consult Ray’s Weather to determine if I needed rain gear or just needed to stay inside. And for everything else? I used something called the In-ter-net. t

From firs to vines — with family intertwined STORY BY JAN TODD

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he tale of Sexton Farms is an evolving story — one producing new crops and ventures to meet changes in agriculture, cultural shifts and an ever-growing family.

Sexton Farms is a fourth generation large-scale farming operation centered in West Jefferson, with plots of land owned and leased throughout northwestern North Carolina and in southwestern Virginia. While The name “Sexton Farms” may not be recognized by most people, many do recognize the names of the Farms’ “offspring”: Frosty’s Choose and Cut (founded in 2002) and Old Barn Winery (opened to the public in 2022).

Over the years, thousands have decorated their homes with Frasier Fir Christmas trees from Frosty’s, and thousands more are

discovering the delights of an afternoon at Old Barn Winery — listening to live music while sipping wine with family and friends.

A little more than sixty years ago, a tobacco farmer by the name of Byron “Barm” Sexton began to wonder if people might spend money to purchase a Christmas tree — rather than just tromp into the woods and cut one down.

“He was a visionary,” said Robin Sexton, wife of Barm’s grandson, Greg. “He was eccentric and had modern ideas — ideas beyond his time.”

According to Robin, Barm had heard about people “out in California” who were purchasing Christmas trees at pop-up retail lots. He went to the Ashe County agricultural extension office to

The Sexton family opened Frosty’s Choose and Cut in West Jefferson in 2002. Old Barn Winery opened to the public in 2022. Photo by Jan Todd

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discuss the idea and profit possibilities of this new farm crop.

“The extension agent told him there might be some potential and suggested that he plant a few trees in his yard to see how it went. Barm replied, ‘Well, I’ve already planted 80 acres,’” Robin laughed.

“Barm was one of the smartest people I ever knew, and he had just an eighth grade education. He was considered one of the pioneers of Christmas tree farming in our area,” she said.

Tree farming became a family affair right away.

Barm’s oldest son, Kenneth, worked in marketing for Roses Discount Stores. He helped finance the fledgling operation, a big help considering a crop of Frasier Fir Christmas trees takes a minimum of seven years to reach six feet tall — and longer for taller trees — delaying the return on investment for the farmer.

Robin said her late father-in-law Kenneth would set aside money from his earnings to cover his family’s groceries and bills and send the rest to the farm.

Once the wholesale Christmas tree farm was established and business began to grow, Kenneth retired early from Rose’s and brought his wife and young teenaged sons, Greg and Jimbo, home to West Jefferson where he worked on the farm until his death in 1997. His two sons are still active in the Sexton Farms — which now includes crops of trees, pumpkins, ornamental gourds, and vineyards.

Barm’s late son Jimmy, who was a high school math teacher in the Washington D.C. area, founded the ongoing Sexton Family Christmas Trees of Northern Virginia, retail tree lots now run by family and by local non-profits as fundraising operations. Barm’s youngest son, Tim, still lives in West Jefferson and works at Sexton Farms.

Frosty’s Choose & Cut

Robin and Greg Sexton in the tasting room at Old Barn Winery. The couple dreamt of opening the winery for years. When their three sons Andrew, Matthew and Thomas graduated from college and were all active in the family business, they decided the time was “ripe”. Photo by Jan Todd

Barm was one of the smartest people I ever knew, and he had just an eighth grade education. He was considered one of the pioneers of Christmas tree farming in our area

Greg and Robin have three sons — Andrew, Matthew and Thomas, - ROBIN SEXTON each born three years apart.

“They all graduated from App State and came right back home to the family business,” Robin said.

The three boys got an early start in Christmas trees — launching Frosty’s Choose and Cut when they were in the 1st, 4th and 7th grades, Robin said.

“We were entering the busiest season of the year, back in 2002,” Robin recalled. “The boys wanted to help. So I told them they could open a little A section of the choose and cut selection at Frosty’s, sharing the property with Old choose-n-cut stand. I told them Barn Winery. Photo by Jan Todd December 202 3 - Januar y 2024

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Old Barn Winery in West Jefferson is nestled among fields of Christmas trees, with beautiful mountain vistas surrounding the property. Photo by Jan Todd

to come up with a name and a slogan.”

The family owned a giant Frosty the Snowman character balloon, purchased for a retail Christmas tree lot they had operated at one time. The boys figured the blow-up snowman would be the perfect mascot, and decided to name their business Frosty’s Choose and Cut. “You pick it, we cut it, we bale it, you The wine bar inside is constructed of reclaimed wood from old barns and topped take it” was their official slogan. with mahogany. Photo by Jan Todd Robin took her boys to WKSK in West worked out great because they learned about operating a Jefferson, where they recorded their first radio business, and they were out of my hair so I could get my advertisement. The boys assigned themselves jobs. own work done!”

Andrew, as the oldest, drove the 4-wheeler to pick up the In the early days, Robin said most of the customers customers’ trees. Matthew handled the money, “because he was good in math,” Robin said. And little Thomas greeted were friends and family. Word spread, and business grew.

“They’ve run it ever since, with the exception of a the customers, handing candy canes to the children and year or two in high school when they were too busy with explaining the procedures to the adults. sports,” she said.

“I would drop them off at 8:00 in the morning with breakfast, check on them and bring them lunch, then Now that “little choose and cut” is one of the largest in pick them up at 5pm,” Robin said. “The boys did it all. It the High Country.

At many vineyards, families are working together in the fields, with a long-term objective. It is very similar to what we do on the Christmas tree farm. And just like a Christmas tree sets the stage for the family to gather for the holidays, a bottle of wine sets the stage for friend and family to gather and enjoy one another’s company.

- ROBIN SEXTON 18

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Guests on one of the patios at Old Barn Winery relax and visit with old friends and new. Photo by Jan Todd

Old Barn Winery Greg and Robin developed a serious interest in wine and vineyards years ago. “We’ve always been intrigued with what you can do with what the earth gives you,” Robin said.

Focus on the family aspect also appealed to them. “It seems every movie you watch about vineyards portrays the family connections,” she said, citing “A Walk in the Clouds” as one of her favorites.

“At many vineyards, families are working together in the fields, with a long-term objective. It is very similar to what we do on

Frosty’s Choose and Cut opened in 2002, run by Greg and Robin Sexton’s young sons. The framed photo features (from left) Thomas, Andrew and Matthew. Included in the frame is a copy of the boys’ first radio advertisement script. “You pick it, we cut it, we bale it, you take it.” Photo by Jan Todd December 202 3 - Januar y 2024

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Old Barn Winery hosts local musicians regularly to entertain guests while they sip wine and chat with friends. A food truck on the property provides meals and snacks. Photo by Jan Todd

the Christmas tree farm. And just like a Christmas tree sets the stage for the family to gather for the holidays, a bottle of wine sets the stage for friend and family to gather and enjoy one another’s company,” Robin mused.

While vacationing, Greg and Robin often took their family to visit wineries along the way. Then they decided to take the next step, and the couple enrolled in classes at Caldwell Community College to learn about the wine industry.

“The instructors said that one of the biggest hurdles for people to start a vineyard was the need for land and tractors,” Robin said.

“Well, we had plenty of land and tractors!”

They planted their first vineyard almost two decades ago and partnered with New River Winery in Lansing (since closed) to produce wine from their grapes. Then they decided it was time to open their own winery, planted more vines and began renovating the “old barn,” a structure used as a sales center for Frosty’s.

“We wanted a venue that felt like your own front porch. Your yard, where you could sit under the trees and enjoy what is most valuable to you — your friendships and family — while surrounded by these beautiful mountains,” Robin described. “Whether it is a couple or a big group of friends or just one person who wants to sit Right Photo: Old Barn Winery is open Thursday – Sunday each week, year round. Photo by Jan Todd

We wanted a venue that felt like your own front porch. Your yard, where you could sit under the trees and enjoy what is most valuable to you — your friendships and family — while surrounded by these beautiful mountains. Whether it is a couple or a big group of friends or just one person who wants to sit and read a book, everyone finds a spot.

- ROBIN SEXTON 20

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Young vines planted in the past few years are growing on the Old Barn Winery property, sharing the vista with Frasier Fir crops on Sexton Farms. Photo by Jan Todd

and read a book, everyone finds a spot.”

Greg spoke of how much he enjoyed interacting with the people who visit Old Barn Winery. “It is so fun to meet people out here. Some who come may not know a lot about wine, but they want to learn. We love to show them around and get to know them,” he said.

A Perfect Pairing The Sextons moved ahead with plans for their winery without any idea who might serve as winemaker. “We had

Gus Wilson joined Old Barn Winery as its first professional winemaker. He conducts private tours and tastings each week in the barrel room. Photo by Jan Todd

Appalachia Cleaning Co.

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Old Barn Winery offers several of the most popular wine variatals along with some creative blends by winemaker Gus Wilson. Photo by Jan Todd

The Old Barn Winery features many comfortable seating areas inside, perfect for gatherings big or small. Photo by Jan Todd

faith we’d find someone who would fit in. Then along came Gus,” Robin said. “We fell in love with him the minute we met him.”

Gus Wilson grew up in Georgia, but his family is from the High Country. His grandparents live in Ashe County and his parents grew up there. While at University of North Georgia pursuing his business marketing degree, Gus got a job as a vineyard assistant at Montaluce Winery and Restaurant, an Italian themed venue near the university.

“I knew immediately I wanted to learn to make wine,” Gus recalled. “One of the winemakers took me under his wing.”

After graduating, Gus spent some time in the Mosel region of Germany — learning to make wine in one of the most renowned wine regions in the country. He then attended the University of California, Davis to study enology, the science of winemaking.

“Aside from my schooling, I’ve learned from winemakers who have been in the business for 30 years or more. Here at Old Barn Winery, I’ve been able to develop and refine my own style, with creative freedom to express what I want to portray after tasting

a grape on the vine,” Gus said. “Creating my own style has been fast-tracked since moving to West Jefferson.”

Grapes grown on the Sexton Farms properties include Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara, Lemberger and Paseante Noir. Gus said he experiments with varietals to find grapes that will grow

Aside from my schooling, I’ve learned from winemakers who have been in the business for 30 years or more.

Here at Old Barn Winery, I’ve been able to develop and refine my own style, with creative freedom to express what I want to portray after tasting a grape on the vine.

Creating my own style has been fasttracked since moving to West Jefferson.

- GUS WILSON

Guests are invited to wander around the property at Old Barn Winery, to find a spot to sip some wine and spend time with their friends and family. Photo by Jan Todd December 202 3 - Januar y 2024

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best in the region.

In addition to the grapes grown on the property, Old Barn Winery purchases grapes from other regions in the country for Gus to transform into wine.

“I’m always trying to get outside the box in my wine styles,” Gus said. “Of course, we’ll always have the standards available, but being able to try some new things is such an attraction for me.”

“If I were a person walking into Old Barn for the first time, I’d be thrilled to see the variety on the menu,” he added.

“Whether it is the first time you are trying wine, or you’ve tasted wines across the world, you will find something on our menu you’ll align with. To me, that is what sets us apart.”

Gus has dry hopped some white wines – adding in a layer of hops to “boost what is already there” with the grapes, he said.

He uses a variety of barrels, including bourbon barrels and brandy barrels, to bring out other flavors and aromas in his wine.

“I’ve also been experimenting with mead — one of the oldest alcohols known to us. Traditionally they are made with honey, water and yeast. By adding grapes and other fruits, I’ve added

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nutrient values to the mixture. I’ve made some sparkling meads with peach, mango, apricot and cranberry.

In a lot of homemade concoctions, mead can be thick and syrupy.

But I’ve gotten them down to a clean, crisp beverage that drinks like traditional wine,” he described.

Gus conducts private wine tastings and tours every weekend, for up to 12 people per session. He has created a menu with about 8-10 wines to taste, some paired Robin with a bottle of their first Estate Wine — made from grapes grown on the property. Many of their wines use grapes grown by vineyards across the country, with cheese. with growing conditions best suited for different varietals. Photo by Jan Todd “Some of the wines are from our menu, and Old Barn Winery’s grand opening was others are pulled directly from the barrel, held on July 4, 2022. Since then, hundreds so guests can taste young and finished visit every week to enjoy the wine and wine. Everyone should learn something live music. The family-friendly winery, from the tour as I walk them through the located at 2152 Beaver Creek School journey from the vine to the bottle,” he Road in West Jefferson, is open Thursday said. through Sunday. t

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A Final Act of Love

AMOREM Brings State-of-the-Art Patient Care Unit to the High Country STORY BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK veryone deserves to experience thoughtful, loving and the last nine years — with goals to continue offering life-changing quality care amid serious illnesses and at the end of their support to families in the area for years to come. lives. During what can be a difficult time for hospice And while many patients are able to obtain the care they need patients and their loved ones, attention to detail, compassion, in their own homes, some circumstances call for inpatient care. integrity and respect, along with trusted, accessible care are This is where AMOREM steps in via the state’s first patient care unit: Stevens patient care unit at Kirkwood in Lenoir, along with absolutely vital.

Enter AMOREM. Latin for an act of love, AMOREM is the the Forlines patient care unit at the Jack and Shirley Robbins only not-for-profit hospice provider in Ashe, Burke, Caldwell Center in Hudson and Valdese patient care unit in Valdese.

“We are different,” said Digital Content Specialist Molly and Watauga counties, serving a total of twelve counties. The Fitzgerald of AMOREM. “We are a local hospice organization organization offers a lineup of services set up to help patients and that did not start out big; we started in a church basement with their family members experience their final days together with as a mission to provide quality, thoughtful and loving care. It is the little pain and as much comfort as possible — from maintaining complete driving force behind AMOREM and something we take independence and making personal decisions to completing very seriously.” important tasks, organizing personal affairs, participating in Currently, AMOREM offers extra support with acute pain, spiritual services and spending time with loved ones. symptom management, respite care and residential care through Beginning over four decades ago as Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care and shifting to AMOREM in 2014, the its three aforementioned patient care units situated throughout organization has served over 1,200 High Country residents over the High Country. But the need for this valuable kind of care

E

Rendering of AMOREM's new High Country Campus. Photo courtesy of AMOREM. 26

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persists. As a result, AMOREM is continually looking for ways to widen its positive impact on the local community. In 2020, AMOREM applied for a special needs petition with the NC Division of Health Service Regulation for a Certificate of Need to build another patient care unit for those living in the High Country.

After receiving approval in 2021, AMOREM recently broke ground on its in-the-works 9,020-square-foot patient care unit, located on Moonstruck Lane in Boone. When finished, the space will offer seven beds, a team of full-time local staff members and a homelike environment featuring large patient rooms and comfortable, serene family areas. To wit, the implementation of another patient care facility in the area is crucial, considering many residents must travel up to two hours to reach the nearest hospice care facility.

We are different. We are a local hospice organization that did not start out big; we started in a church basement with a mission to provide quality, thoughtful and loving care. It is the complete driving force behind AMOREM and something we take very seriously.

Staff celebrated the first year as AMOREM in May of 2022 . Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

- MOLLY FITZGERALD “During the end of life journey, a typical hospice will treat people wherever they call home,” Fitzgerald explained. “This will be a place where nurses are available 24/7, and families can stay there 24/7 if they would like, too. … It will be a place for families to come together and be a family.”

In 2022, AMOREM's Donna Tate (left) was voted Avery County's best nurse practitioner and AMOREM was voted best hospice and palliative care provider. Carol Smith (right) accepted the award on behalf of AMOREM. Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

Giving The Gift Of Love The project, designed by Appalachian Architecture and overseen by Greene Construction, is slated to cost around $8 million. AMOREM is now looking to the local community to catch the vision of providing more quality, support and compassion to the High Country through financial partnership that will help expand resources and care opportunities to residents throughout the High Country.

Raising ~$4.6 million toward the Capital Campaign through corporate and private donors already — including Watauga County, Ashe County, Blue Ridge Energy, ECR Software Corporation, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, SkyLine/ SkyBest and the SECU Foundation, the hospice and palliative care organization is now looking to the public to partner with them toward reaching their goal of bringing this much-needed

Staff stand in front of the location of AMOREM's new High Country facility.

Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

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Donors such as SECU Foundation were critical in making the Capital Campaign a reality. Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

patient care unit to the High Country.

“Over the past several months a group of concerned individuals has partnered with AMOREM to bring a state-of-the-art patient care unit to the High Country,” said Capital Campaign Co-chairperson Anne-Marie Yates.

“We’ve now come to the most important phase of enhancing hospice care in our area … fundraising. Please give prayerful consideration as you review the giving opportunities for the High Country Capital Campaign.”

Collaborative Care Since its establishment, AMOREM has remained steadfast in its goal to offer this necessary end-of-life care to those that need it — regardless of their financial situation.

During the fiscal year 2020-21, the organization provided almost $2 million of gratuitous care to people in the High Country enduring serious and life-limiting terminal illnesses.

And in many instances of increased services that are not covered by insurance, the cost is taken care of either partially or exclusively by donors. These enhanced services consist of things such as advanced cardiac care services, pulmonary

Over the past several months a group of concerned individuals has partnered with AMOREM to bring a state-of-the-art patient care unit to the High Country.We’ve now come to the most important phase of enhancing hospice care in our area … fundraising. Please give prayerful consideration as you review the giving opportunities for the High Country Capital Campaign.

- ANNE-MARIE YATES 28

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care resources, dementia care resources, veteran resources, Legacy Project life stories, ‘Pet Peace of Mind’ resources, massage, aromatherapy, pet visitors, patient care units and community grief resources.

Groundbreaking News Officially breaking ground Sept. 26, the upcoming patient care unit is now under construction. The facility that began with the goal of helping one patient comfortably transition has now provided assistance to over 20,000 patients with a one-of-a-kind, holistic approach to care that serves the patient from their physical needs to their emotional and spiritual health — and the new facility will only serve to further the organization’s mission. Since its inception, AMOREM has been dedicated to providing patient care “the way it was meant to be done — one patient at a time, one family at a time.”

“The High Country has waited long enough to have its own hospice patient

AMOREM nurses complete a skills lab as part of a requirement for annual nursing competencies.

Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

SKI BOONE

.com

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The High Country has waited long enough to have its own hospice patient care unit, and AMOREM is honored to provide that service. As a nonprofit hospice provider, none of this could have been possible without the tremendous support from those in the High Country who have made contributions to AMOREM’s Quality.

Compassion. Support. Campaign.

AMOREM staff and community supporters gather to break ground on the High Country's patient care unit. Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

- KERRI MCFALLS care unit, and AMOREM is honored to provide that service," said Vice President of Community Engagement Kerri McFalls.

"As a nonprofit hospice provider, none of this could have been possible without the tremendous support from those in the High Country who have made contributions to AMOREM’s Quality. Compassion. Support. Campaign.”

Patient Testimonials Further showcasing its mission of providing care to “one patient at a time,” AMOREM displays many stories of how patients and their families have been positively impacted through the care they have received. During 30

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Everyone was excited to help support AMOREM's mission to provide quality, thoughtful, loving care to patients and their families. Photo courtesy of AMOREM.

Get to know AMOREM’s values: • Respect: Honoring others and meeting people where they are by being present with kindness, compassion and without judgment.

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions, actions and words.

• Integrity: Fostering a culture of trust and responding in an ethical manner to every situation.

• Stewardship: Striving to preserve a positive reputation and protecting the people, time, financial and environmental resources entrusted.

• Excellence: Making every effort to exceed the expectations of those served: from patients to families, referral sources and communities.

• Four Levels of Hospice Care: AMOREM’s trusted team of experts has created a customized care plan to meet the one-of-a-kind needs of each patient living with a serious illness.

• Routine Home Care: provided wherever a patient calls home, including private residences, skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities.

• General Inpatient Care: short-term, around-the-clock care provided in the hospital, skilled nursing facility, or in one of AMOREM’s three patient care units.

• Continuous Care: A higher level of care provided in the home for brief periods of time.

• Respite Care: short-term care, up to five days, provided in the hospital, skilled nursing facility, or in one of AMOREM’s three patient care units, thus allowing the caregiver a break to attend to personal needs.

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AMOREM staff were on sight in September to help break ground for the new facility. Photos courtesy of AMOREM.

what is a difficult and emotional time, AMOREM takes into account each patient’s unique set of needs — from the patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs to their families’.

For example, when Capital Campaign Co-Chairperson Evelyn Pierce’s father, Will Pierce, needed in-patient hospice care in 2019, the family moved him to what is now AMOREM in Valdese due to limited inpatient options near their home in Boone. This experience, and the compassion and support shown through it, helped spearhead the effort toward bringing an inpatient care unit to the High Country in honor of Will Pierce.

And this story is just one of many examples of AMOREM's beneficial and effective influence on the High Country community.

Beyond accessibility and convenience, the addition of this patient care to the High Country will provide families something else that is absolutely priceless: the gift of time with their loved ones.

Want to contribute to the life-altering cause and give a gift that is truly an act of love? Learn more at amoremsupport.org, call 828.754.0101 or contact Kerri McFalls at kmcfalls@amoremsupport.org to pledge a donation. t 32

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Blind Elk

TAP ROOM Untapping Community STORY BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

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Photo by David Uttley

“F

ollow a blind elk, and you will find your fortune.” … Untap fortune in the form of craft beer and quality time at Banner Elk’s first and only taproom. Born from the idea of being in the mountains and inspired by the settlers who found their homes here years and years ago, the vision of the local watering hole has been to provide enjoyment and warmth to locals and visitors alike from the day it was dreamt up.

“We are the first [in the area] with a style of business like this,” says Kyle Silver, owner of the local sip spot. “We had to go through alot of town approval and special permits to create this [taproom]. There was a need [in Banner Elk] for a place for people to go, relax and have a drink without the pressure to order food.”

Since its opening a little over two years ago, Blind Elk Tap Room has positioned itself as the prime spot to pop by for after work drinks, to catch up with an old friend or enjoy a date night via its rotating lineup of craft beer and Prosecco on tap, plus wine by the glass—not to mention a cooler chock full of beer labels, hard ciders and hard seltzers.

With a focus on lesser known labels, the taproom hones in on selections of beers that most people are unfamiliar with or available at other places.. “Not so much to be different, but I would get tired of drinking the same beer every time I’d go out,” explains Silver of his product offerings.

“We want to provide different options to the locals and visitors, while still working to provide local The Blind Elk Tap Room is a place for people to go, relax and have a drink without options.” the pressure to order food. Photo by David Uttley.

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The watering hole offers 15 beers on tap, with efforts always in motion for different styles of beer to be available— whether that’s lighter options for easy drinking (think: lagers, pilsners and wheats), seasonal selections or darker drinks (such as brown and amber ales, Belgians and stouts) and a mix of IPAs and sours.

And Silver wants to be sure the wine wows as well. “That’s been something we’ve been very much complimented on,” he says of Blind Elk’s wine program. “We are fortunate with our wine provider, they’ve worked to give us high quality wines that match the look, feel and vibe [of the taproom].”

“We’ve learned that everybody’s tastes vary from one person to the next. My favorite beer could be your least favorite beer… so we encourage everybody to sample it. I want you to enjoy what you’re drinking and what you pay for,” says the hospitality aficionado.

Untapping Potential First brewing up the business idea while he was living in Charlotte, Silver has always been a beer fanatic. “I enjoy it,” he says. “It’s a craft, it’s an art form and I respect it.”

During Silver and his family’s stint living in Charlotte, the now-taproom owner began working on the side with a fellow Appalachian State University graduate who owned a restaurant in Huntersville dubbed Harvey’s and had opened a taproom in Cornelius named the Barley Market. “I started learning the business and learning the industry,” elaborates Silver. Fun fact: Charlie Dyer was Silver’s first phone call when considering branching out and opening his business.

Prior to stepping into the hospitality industry, Silver earned a degree in 2004 from Appalachian State in graphic arts and technology and amassed work experience in sales, printing and marketing after earning his degree. Essentially, when he had the idea to untap a taproom of his own, it meant stepping into entirely new territory and career path.

Yet, once he took the leap, the pieces fell into place— from approvals to expedited construction timelines, much of the prep work went as smoothly as possible, according to the Blind Elk founder. All in all, it was a little under one year for the Blind Elk to make its way from concept to completion.

We are the first [in the area] with a style of business like this.

We had to go through alot of town approval and special permits to create this [taproom]. There was a need [in Banner Elk] for a place for people to go, relax and have a drink without the pressure to order food.

- KYLE SILVER With a rotating lineup of craft beers, wine by the glass options and more, there is a variety of drinks to enjoy. Photo by David Uttley.

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The Blind Elk is currently the only taproom in Banner Elk. Photo by David Uttley.

I didn’t want this business, this taproom to be about me. I want it to be about the town, I want to help grow the area and help create a sense of community. I’m fortunate for the friendships and partnerships that have formed over the last couple of years that I wouldn’t have had without this.

- KYLE SILVER

And Silver holds a vision bigger than the day-to-day operations. “I didn’t want this business, this taproom to be about me,” shares Silver. “I want it to be about the town, I want to help grow the area and help create a sense of community. I’m fortunate for the friendships and partnerships that have formed over the last couple of years that I wouldn’t have had without this.”

Adding: “But it’s not about me at all. My employees are the face of it [the taproom], with their service and making the customers feel like family.” And Silver maintains that his team is what makes the Blind Elk what it is—a place where customers feel at home while visiting. … A locale and experience worth drinking in, indeed.

A Brew-tiful Business Model Officially opening to the public in August 2021—with a soft opening Aug. 3, Silver’s oldest son, Wyatt’s birthday Aug. 4 and a grand opening Aug. 5—it was quite a busy beginning for the new beer business. …“It’s cool that the past two years we have celebrated his birthday and the next day we have a birthday party for the Blind Elk,” shares Silver.

To wit, the taproom owner shares examples of local customers wandering in the store and wondering why they haven’t seen news of the taproom’s existence. “That’s kind of intentional,” he says of his lowkey approach to marketing the sip spot. “I didn’t want to put out the proverbial gorilla and not be able to provide and sustain what we want to do—we didn’t want to outgrow ourselves.” So, now amassing over two years of experience, Blind Elk has aged—and grown in organic popularity since it opened its doors. And this natural business model could, in part, have led to the warmth, comfort and familiarity felt at the watering hole. In essence, “if you build it, they will come.”

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AMOREM NEEDS YOUR HELP TO BRING

more quality. more compassion. more support.

TO THE HIGH COUNTRY...

The Blind Elk is the prime spot to enjoy the company of others. Photo by David Uttley.

Raising the Bar In addition to the tap room’s MO of offering a warm, comfortable and community-oriented space to grab a drink, the locale touts a slew of activities to attract attendees—from live music to trivia nights. For the talented tunes playing found amping up the atmosphere, Silver focuses on showcasing local artists and acts people might not have heard of before as well.

Silver’s mindset is to keep helping out the next person—whether that’s supporting musical artists or showing appreciation to his customers.

And for those ready to show off their smarts, the taproom offers trivia Monday nights at 6:30pm—and Silver even comes up with the questions himself. The game goes on for about an hour, with four rounds each featuring 15 questions and appearing up on the TV screen. As for categories, the trivia mastermind might base his inquiries based on anything from current happenings and sporting events to “a scary look into what my brain is thinking about that day, whatever rabbit hole I go down,” he explains. And for those with ideas, Silver is open to suggestions.

In 2021, the state granted AMOREM’s request to build a hospice patient care unit for residents of Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. Please consider a tax deductible donation to make this a reality.

Donate today or learn more at www.amoremsupport.org/donate, 828.754.0101 or scan here!

“Our gift is an act of love.”

—Family of the late Will Pierce

EVALYN PIERCE WITH FATHER WILL

JOIN THE PIERCE FAMILY TO BRING

more TO THE HIGH COUNTRY

YO U R G I F T I S A N A C T O F L O V E

P RO U D LY SERV IN G A SH E, AV ERY A N D WATAU G A CO UN TIE S SIN CE 2014

828.754.0101  1.844.4AMOREM

Many people pop by for after work drinks. Photo by David Uttley.

WWW.AMOREMSUPPORT.ORG

FORMERLY BURKE HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE & CALDWELL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

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The goal is to provide different options, including local ones, to visitors. Photo by David Uttley.

“It’s been a great addition,” adds Silver of the trivia nights. “We have alot of regulars come in and out of towners, as well as people who come in occasionally.” The weekly trivia sessions typically last about an hour—with prizes on offer. And Silver maintains that trivia is open to all levels. “It’s not Jeopardy style. And you won’t feel dumb when you leave,” he says.

Additionally, the taproom touts a slew of other events including Un-Wine Fridays where guests can enjoy wine for $7.50 per glass and occasional Sunday mimosas.

Pitcher Perfect Beyond the buzzy warm and fuzzies via good drink and first-class community, the ambience of the taproom itself exudes hospitality, good vibes and relaxation. A family-friendly atmosphere as well, the watering hole is situated right next to a park and boasts outdoor seating space by the creek and an openair bar, where patrons can “enjoy a beer and listen to the creek

GET OUT THERE…

not out of touch Our fast, reliable nationwide network goes where you go. In store, online, or on our My CWW app—stop by Carolina West Wireless for the latest smartphones and unlimited data plans.

Carolina West Wireless. Go stay connected.

Blind Elk offers high quality wines and prosecco that match the look, feel and vibe of the taproom. Photo by David Uttley.

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FUN FACTS TO FLAUNT • Occupies a 1,200—1,400 square foot facility located in a mixed used development previously occupied by the Louisiana Purchase.

• The terms “Blind Pig” and “Blind Tiger” were used synonymous for speakeasies during the Prohibition period, in part inspiring the name of the taproom.

• The Blind Elk is currently the only taproom in Banner Elk. • The business offers a rotating lineup of food truck fare throughout the week.

• The Blind Elk offers 15 rotating beers on tap and also has a fridge featuring 70-80 labels of hard-to-find beers, hard ciders and seltzers.

• The taproom is located near Tate-Evans Park.

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flow.” Aside from the outdoor oases, the indoors offers two stories of space with plenty of room for good social gatherings.

Hop to it!

Looking ahead, Silver hopes to continue and maintain the quality community, service and offerings Blind Elk Tap room offers while also growing and improving.

“The main thing is to continue helping to grow the town,” says Silver. “And bring something new and exciting to visitors as well as locals.”

Beyond being a business owner, Silver is married with two sons (a 13-year-

The main thing is to continue helping to grow the town. And bring something new and exciting to visitors as well as locals.

- KYLE SILVER

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I want to provide something that they’re proud of. Something they want to share with their friends—not to have a beer—but for their parents and friends to come to our establishment.

- KYLE SILVER old and a 9-year-old) and spends much of his time at youth sporting events: soccer, basketball and golf. “I want to provide something that they’re proud of,” he says of his sons.

“Something they want to share with their friends—not to have a beer—but for their parents and friends to come to our establishment.”

To wit, Silver enjoys being around people both personally and professionally, and also taking solo drives up the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the serene mountain settings or heading out for a round of golf to decompress.

Need more convincing to crack open a cold one or untap a brewski at Blind Elk? Take it from Silver: “It’s different from what is in the area. We have drinks that you are going to enjoy—or haven’t heard of—it’s a place to come and relax and enjoy the day, catch up with friends and family, and not feel pressure with everything else going on in your life.”

Beer for a good time? Visit Blind Elk Tap Room at 397 Shawneehaw Ave. Mon.–Sat. from 12 p.m.–10 p.m. or Sundays from noon–8 p.m Or give the local watering hole a look online at blindelk.com or @blind.elk. Cheers! t

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With reds, whites, blends and rosés, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Photo by David Uttley

Photo by David Uttley

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Shifting Between Genres w

Shelby Rae Moore Band STORY BY HARLEY NEFE

A

The Shelby Rae Moore Band has been together for eight years. Photo by Josh Floyd.

t many breweries, wineries and song she performs while leading her restaurants across the High band that includes her two uncles Brent Country, live music and different Palmer and Chet Palmer on guitars and concert series are popular choices of Devon Burch on drums.

According to their artists’ bios, entertainment. Despite the various venues Brent creates most of the harmonic and events, there is one local band that can often be found gracing the stage with their eclectic sounds. With the unique ability to move effortlessly between genres including blues, rock, country, soul, Americana, bluegrass, pop and more, no two shows are alike when it comes to the Shelby Rae Moore Band.

The Shelby Rae Moore Band features vocalist Shelby Rae Moore, who comes from a musically talented Caldwell County family. By beginning to sing at an early age, she has evolved into a seasonal professional; Shelby has been wowing audiences for years with her voice, style, poise, stage presence and repertoire. She carries on the family tradition of having an The band features Shelby Rae Moore, Brent Palmer, Chet Palmer and Devon Burch. Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band. undeniable connection with every 46

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Every family gathering revolved around music. We are always getting together and wind up having impromptu jams.

- SHELBY RAE MOORE texture with his acoustic guitar arrangements, while Chet colors the ensemble with tasteful fills and brilliant lead guitar playing. Devon drives the rhythm on drums, always playing with just the right feel for each style of music.

Shelby grew up near the Collettsville community in Caldwell County, and she was surrounded by music at family gatherings and functions.

“I’ve been playing music forever,” Shelby recalled. “It runs in the family.”

However, as Shelby told the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, she can’t even recall when she first started singing with her family members: “I have been singing since before I can even remember,” she said. “I know they were making home recordings of me by the time I was two.”

Shelby further told the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, which serves as the steward of the living traditions of the region, protecting and promoting the distinct music culture unique to Western North Carolina, “Every family gathering revolved around music. We are always getting together and wind up having impromptu jams.”

“It all started with my dad,” Chet shared. “Mine and Brent’s dad.

Her grandpa. He’s 89. He’s a well-known musician, and he did it for years all his life.”

Shelby’s grandfather, Cecil Palmer, is the patriarch of the family, and he is the musical source of much of the band’s inspiration.

“He played in a lot of country and western bands, and he also played rock in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s and ‘70s,” Chet described.

Cecil is an expert fingerstyle guitar player, and he passed along skills to his sons, Chet and Brent, and nephews, Reggie and Ryan Harris, also known locally as the band The Harris Brothers.

“We are definitely influenced a lot by him,” stated Chet, who is named after the musician Chet Atkins. “We don’t really need to practice much anymore because we’re always playing, but when we do practice, that’s where we go. It’s a family thing.”

Shelby frequently stayed at her grandmother’s house growing up, where her uncle was living. They played a lot of music together, singing everything from classic rock and southern soul to Motown music and the blues.

Shelby grew up in Caldwell County, always surrounded by music.

Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

The band plays a variety of genres including blues, rock, country and more. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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I didn’t start playing that much until Shelby came along, but we always played growing up. I worked with her a little bit when she was a teenager, and I was like, ‘She’s really good!’ So, I told Chet, and we started playing gigs. We used to go with our cousins, The Harris Brothers, a little bit and learn all these places.

- BRENT PALMER

Merchandise is available for sale at shows. Photo by Josh Floyd.

Brent Palmer creates most of the harmonic texture with his acoustic guitar arrangements.

Photo by Josh Floyd.

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“I didn’t start playing that much until Shelby came along, but we always played growing up,” Brent described. “I worked with her a little bit when she was a teenager, and I was like, ‘She’s really good!’ So, I told Chet, and we started playing gigs. We used to go with our cousins, The Harris Brothers, a little bit and learn all these places.”

According to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, while Shelby was a frequent participant in the family jams and music gatherings, she was reluctant to take her talents to the stage. “I was really shy from all the attention of performing,” Shelby said. “But, traveling around with Reggie and Ryan (Harris), I eventually got used to it.” As young teenagers, The Harris Brothers invited their cousins to sing with them periodically, and Shelby and the others gained more and more performing experience before starting the Shelby Rae Moore Band.

“Mom and dad’s has always been our little hub – that’s where it really started,” Chet added. “Our basement is known in the community because all the musicians would come and learn from dad, and we would have many jam sessions there.

Christmas, Thanksgiving … During that time of the year, we would all get together, and that’s how this all started. We played for fun to start. We did it because we love it, and it grew out of that and became a profession.”

The Shelby Rae Moore Band has been together for eight years come Christmas, and the band members still remember their first performance: the Blue Christmas Benefit Concert for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina presented by Robert Kearns in Valdese at the Old Rock School.

Prior to that, Chet reminisced on how he started playing music at the age of 16 with a band called the Black Market before joining the U.S. Airforce.

“Then Shelby came along, and she used to play a lot with Gran at home, and I’ve been with this ever since,” Chet said.

Devon, who is from South Carolina, joined the band over a year ago last August.

“I started playing music in church,” he shared. “My mother is a pastor, so I’m a PK, and I just grew from there in certain portions of music.”

As a self described lover of music, Devon has experience playing a variety of instruments with different groups.

The Shelby Rae Moore Band can be found performing many live shows across the High Country. Photo by Josh Floyd.

“Then when I got out of the church scene – I'm not out of the church scene – I’m still in the church scene, but when I crossed over, the first band that I played for was an indie rock group,” he shared. “Being in band and chorus growing up, and having those skill sets, and growing and adjusting. I ended up playing for a rock band after that; that was a whole other experience. Shortly after that, I started playing for a country artist, and I did some touring with him in different

areas. It was really exciting, but I didn’t care too much to be on the road like that, so the opportunity came with these guys, and it’s been a blast!”

A mutual friend of Shelby and Devon connected them.

“We are well known in the music community in the surrounding areas, and a mutual friend that has played with them knew that I was transitioning out of the touring situation and wanted to do something a little different,” Devon explained. “I was interested in doing fill-in stuff for the previous drummer. He

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The benefit is no matter what happens, your band is going to show up. You know they’re going to be there. That’s something good in our band – We don’t tell each other how to do each other's jobs.

- SHELBY RAE MOORE wanted to go a different route, and so, an offer was made to do it full time.”

The Shelby Rae Moore Band is a full-time job for all members. They average performing around 200 shows a year, mostly on Thursdays through Sundays.

“I enjoy doing what we’re doing and being able to make our own decisions,” Shelby said.

The band also does weddings and private parties. However, the large majority of their shows are at local wineries and breweries.

“Sometimes we play twice in one day,” Chet noted. “The summer is really busy.”

“Our peak time is really April through the end of October,” Shelby added. “I usually start booking around now for the next year. I’ve gotten to a point where people call us, but then, we always want to make sure that we’re adding new places.”

Lots of research goes into booking shows.

Shelby tends to take note of where their fans like to go to enjoy music and reaches out to venues to schedule events. In addition to performing locally in the High Country, the Shelby Rae Moore Band will travel to surrounding states.

“It would be good to get into bigger venues,” Chet said. “We did The Appalachian Theatre during Boonerang, and that went well. Not necessarily more gigs, but bigger venues. We’ve been very fortunate with Linville Falls Winery and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery – On a good day, they have over 100 people.”

Shelby added, “They keep us busy – the wineries. I love that. They are some of my favorite venues.”

As far as future goals, the Shelby Rae Moore Band hopes to play at events such as Merlefest in Wilkesboro and the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival.

Chet explained, “We want to be independent, but play some larger venues in addition to what we’re playing, getting more original music and continuing with that. Basically, we want to continue what we’re doing, but just grow it at a manageable level.”

When it comes to working with family, Shelby shared, “The benefit is no matter what happens, your band is going to show up. You know they’re going to be there. That’s something good in our band – We don’t tell each other how to do each other's jobs.”

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Chet Palmer colors the ensemble with tasteful fills and brilliant lead guitar playing. Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

The band put out their first original rock single titled “Unintended Consequence” in May 2023.

“It just kind of came to life,” Chet explained. “The lyrics and the tune and the melody … We all just contributed our parts to it and brought it to life. We performed it live for several months before we recorded it, which helped because when we went to the studio, it was ready.”

The song was recorded by Luc Valcourt of Blue Moon Sound Lab in Hickory. Billy Lackey, owner of Village Inn Pizza, produced it.

It just kind of came to life. The lyrics and the tune and the melody …

We all just contributed our parts to it and brought it to life. We performed it live for several months before we recorded it, which helped because when we went to the studio, it was ready.

The band put out their first original rock single titled “Unintended Consequence” in May 2023.

Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

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- CHET PALMER

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All band members agree that playing music is something they feel they were born to do. Photos courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

“It’s really neat – our one original tune,” described Chet, who wrote the song. “It’s kind of neat when people come up and request that because they heard it, and it’s specific to you. Even the covers we do, we put our own stamp on it. We do it in our style. We put our arrangements on things.”

When asked to describe their music style, Chet responded: “It’s eclectic. A lot of blues, a lot of Americana, a lot of soul. We like everything, jazz to bluegrass. We grew up on everything; there was always a mix on our record player growing up in our

music room. We love old blues and modern stuff, too.”

“I was heavily influenced by lots of old rural blues artists and electric blues music,” Shelby told the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. “Lots of folk, too. When it comes to music, I’m all over the board. I like everything.” Shelby cited artists Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Jerry Reed, and Adele as some of her influences.

However, she is cautious to start a list. “Once you start naming artists, dozens more come to mind,” she said. “There are so many who have been influential.”

Music runs in the family as Brent and Chet Palmer are Shelby's uncles. Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

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I feel like it’s what we all were born to do.

It’s the one time you feel like you don’t even think about time – It goes by. It’s indescribable.

- CHET PALMER To Shelby, the best part of performing revolves around engaging the audience and taking listeners along for the journey.

“That’s what I care the most about,” she said. “When they’re really paying attention and right there with us – that’s the best part.”

Chet added, “Joy. Happiness. When they’re up dancing, having a good time – You’re taking them away from whatever they’re dealing with. It’s good to see people having a good time.

And there’s always an interaction there. We get vibes from them. It’s a back and forth thing. I think we’re very reactive. We feed off each other.”

And being on stage is a feeling like no other, according to the band.

“That’s the best feeling in the world to me,” Chet shared.

“I feel like it’s what we all were born to do. It’s the one time you feel like you don’t even think about time – It goes by. It’s indescribable.”

Shelby agreed: “We do it for the people as much as we do it for ourselves. We want them to be right there with us.”

The Shelby Rae Moore Band continues to perform at local and regional venues around western North Carolina. For more information about the band and their upcoming events, please visit the website https://shelbyraemoore.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. The single “Unintended Consequence” can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. t

Local wineries and breweries are some of the band's favorite venues.

Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

Averaging around 200 shows a year, performing is a full-time job for all members. Photo courtesy of Shelby Rae Moore Band.

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Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine and More STORY BY HARLEY NEFE fter 12 years of being at Mystery Hill and moving to museum, unfortunately, did not bring in a lot of money. It was Blowing Rock’s Shoppes on the Parkway in 2020, Doc’s riding on my back, and there’s only so much we can pay out and Rocks Gem Mine has continued to expand this year with not bring in money. So, it just didn’t make it.”

He continued, “What really hurt us is the state gave us fossil new offerings including Paleo Putt-Putt, Cyber Strike Virtual museum signs, like national museum signs, but between the town Reality Laser Tag and a Nerf Zone Battle Arena. and the state highway, we couldn’t get them put up. So, nobody However, these changes have not come without challenges. really knew it was here.”

Randy “Doc” McCoy, who is the founder of Doc’s Rocks Therefore, the Appalachian Fossil Museum’s collection Gem Mine, said the business moved to Shoppes on the Parkway was moved to various other places, including the Aurora Fossil a few years ago after being given the opportunity to have a bigger Museum and the Catawba Science Center. The North Carolina facility in addition to a larger parking area and a red light. mineral exhibit entirely went to The Blowing Rock.

“We also don’t have to worry about people driving off of the “Everything happens for a reason, you just have to make road and coming into our parking lot by the best of what you got,” shared Doc, accident,” Doc said. “We’re not on a reflecting on recent events. “That’s what blind curve.” we’ve always done.”

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine used When deciding on how to make to share a building with the use of the space that once was Appalachian Fossil Museum; the Appalachian Museum, Doc however, some difficult decisions had to be made.

Right: Doc's Rocks Gem Mine is located “The museum was a heartbreak,” at Shoppes on the Parkway in Blowing Rock. Photo by Josh Floyd.

Doc explained. “Covid and the

A

There is a lot for visitors to explore at Doc's Rocks Gem Mine. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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Paleo Putt-Putt, where customers can enjoy nine holes of dinosaur-themed mini-golf, is one of many activities available. Photos by Josh Floyd.

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went to his wife, Trina McCoy. “Funny story – I told my wife, ‘We have this big space; here’s your budget, which I think was $8,000. What can we do for $8,000 that will bring people in?’” Doc recalled. “We went back and forth with some ideas – hatchet throwing, escape room. And Trina was like, ‘I got the perfect thing,’ and I was like, ‘Cool!’

He continued, “She presented it to us as a group – virtual reality laser tag – and we were like, ‘Whoa! We love that. It’s a small set up, self contained. She won our vote with it, and everyone was on board. Then, she goes, ‘Here’s the downside: It’s a little out of our budget…’”

“How much out of our budget?” Doc asked.

“She went, ‘It’s 10 times more than your budget,’” Doc recalled. “I said, ‘How are we going to do this? Out of the question; there’s no way!’”

However, by scaling back from 12 players to 6 players and making other adjustments, the McCoys were able to find a way.

The Cyber Strike Virtual Reality Laser Tag launched in May 2023 right before Memorial Day Weekend. This activity is where guests can choose to fight their friends and family or fight bots and zombies in a virtual reality world.

“It’s still very new; we’re still trying to get the word out,” Doc described.

Another activity that is new to the business is a Nerf Zone Battle Arena, where visitors can team up and fire away at their opponents.

“We had the battle space, so we thought we might as well use it for something,” Doc said. “My budget was $1,200, and it worked. Why not do both? We have VR, and for kids who can’t play VR, we have Nerf. It’s been a good match.”

Shortly after moving to the new location, Doc’s Rocks also started offering Paleo Putt-Putt, where customers can enjoy nine holes of dinosaur-themed mini-golf with some twists.

“It’s so much fun,” Doc said. “We had too much space, so we wanted to add something.”

These activities provide lots of fun for birthday parties.

The building also has a room designed for children to watch movies on a TV or to draw and play games.

“The birthday parties have been going amazing,” Trina shared. “The gem mining is usually the primary activity, and then we do mini-golf. The Nerf battle has been a really popular one. Everyone enjoys it.”

“We do birthday parties, team building events – things for all ages – school groups, corporate,” Doc said. “You name it; we can do it.”

Doc added, “And we still have room for expansion, so that’s what we are going to focus on over this next year.”

Despite all the new additions to the business, the activity Doc’s Rocks is most known for – gem mining – is still the same.

“That’s what brings everybody in,” Doc shared.

How gem mining works is customers can come in and choose their ore bucket option, being either authentic or seeded.

The seeded buckets mean staff places items in it for

When you find things in that bucket, we teach you about where it came from, how it formed, the minerals that made it, the history of the mine — anything tied to that rock is what we focus on teaching.

- RANDY “DOC” MCCOY

This is where you shred without limits.

customers, and there’s a guarantee gems will be found. Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine has also added more variety for the seeded options. These types are generally marketed toward children who don’t necessarily care about what gems they find; they just want to discover them.

“We try to cater to everybody,” Doc said.

The other option of buckets offered are the authentic buckets that have mine ore that is a mix from different active mines across the Appalachian Mountain Range, including from North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. For these buckets, staff won’t know what will be found until the gems are visibly pulled out, so every bucket is a luck of the draw.

“When you find things in that bucket, we teach you about where it came from, how it formed, the minerals that made it, the history of the mine — anything tied to that rock is what we focus on teaching,” Doc said.

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To request an appointment online scan this code with your phone’s camera and click or visit apprhs.org/appointment Parts of the Appalachian Fossil Museum's collection can still be found around the building. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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There is something for everyone at Doc's Rocks. Photo by Josh Floyd.

Doc and Trina McCoy. Photo courtesy of the McCoys.

The state of North Carolina supplies the world with minerals and has over 800 active mines.

Some of the local minerals Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine gets from Watauga County include topaz, moonstone, feldspar, epidote, ruby and sapphire.

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine also has access to garnet mines in Madison County and a quartz mine in Avery County that produces amethyst, gold, fool’s gold and copper.

“We’re pulling the real stuff in different places,” Doc said.

In addition, there’s a phosphate mine on the coast of North Carolina that Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine uses as well as mines in Georgia that produce aquamarine, tourmaline and chrysocolla and a mine in Virginia that has amazonite.

After customers find gems when mining, they then have the opportunity to have them cut and turned into jewelry at McCoy Minerals, Inc., which is a sister company located at 537 Main Street in Blowing Rock, right across from Chetola Resort.

Not knowing the COVID-19 pandemic was getting ready to happen, Doc and Trina took the retail aspect and made it its own business. The building for the jewelry store was bought back in October of 2019, renovated through the winter and opened in January of 2020. Trina runs the jewelry store.

“This is my baby,” said Trina, referring to the store. “The gem mine is his thing.”

She continued, “McCoy Minerals is where we do all of our gemstone cutting and jewelry making.

We have all of our finished jewelry and high-end specimens. People can choose the style or shape, but we’ll go for the biggest and best cut we can get for each stone.”

Doc added, “All that is done in house – you can visibly see us doing it right there, which is pretty awesome. It seems to be working out really, really

McCoy Minerals is where we do all of our gemstone cutting and jewelry making. We have all of our finished jewelry and highend specimens. People can choose the style or shape, but we’ll go for the biggest and best cut we can get for each stone.

Everyone enjoys gem mining. Photo courtesy of Doc's Rocks Gem Mine.

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- TRINA MCCOY

McCoy Minerals has jewelry for all price ranges. Stop by and shop the finished selection or pick out a gemstone, setting and have a custom piece made. Photos courtesy of McCoy Minerals.

well. People can come in and see what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Everything is all out in the open.”

Trina mentioned how they have customers visit who gemmined with Doc years ago, but they still have their stones.

“Getting them cut or made into jewelry is not something they have to do right

then; they can always come back later,” she said. “Rocks don’t expire or go bad.”

The store also has pre-made jewelry if people are looking for specific gemstones that are already cut. In addition, it has fossils, specimens and rare minerals.

“In this building, you can find everything from watches to jewelry, and

rare and collectable specimen pieces, real fossils and replica fossils, books and some stuff for the younger kids who are interested in it,” Trina described.

“We do have a wide range of guy stuff,” Trina continued. “Our son makes knives, so we have them here, as well as a whole men’s line. It’s not just high end. We try to

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Mining for a Purpose

A

s one of its big fundraising efforts, Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine hosts an annual Mining for a Purpose event to raise money for cancer patients. This initiative has been taking place since 2012; this year, it occurred on October 7.

“We had roughly 1,500 people come through, and it was an amazing event,” Trina McCoy described. “We have people come up to us and thank us for doing this fundraiser for the cancer center. We put it together, but it is really the people that make this event a success at truly supporting the cancer center and the patients. Without them, this event wouldn't be as successful as it is.”

“It’s the first Saturday of every October,” Randy “Doc” McCoy added. “Lots of preparation and organization goes into the event, and we close at McCoy Minerals, so we can be available for it because it’s so special.”

Doc explained that cancer hits close to home for his family.

“In March of 2007, my youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we started the business in May of 2007.

She passed away in September of 2007,” he shared. “Since her, my oldest sister passed away with ovarian cancer. My only surviving sister is a breast cancer survivor. I also lost my brother five years ago to lung cancer.”

100% of the proceeds from the event are donated directly

to cancer patients via the Cancer Patient Emergency Fund.

“Every penny we bring in from this location gets donated,” Doc said. “Last year, our goal was $12,000, and we brought in over $13,000.”

In 2022, $13,735.46 was raised for the cause. Since 2012, $136,394.46 has been donated, not including this year’s numbers.

Trina stated, “Right now, we are sitting at $8,000 for the fundraiser this year, but we have more coming in from the silent auction and the gemstone raffle that will go on until November 5.”

Visitors are able to enjoy looking for gemstones, participating in the Nerf battle zone, playing dino mini-golf, bidding on silent auction items and more – all for a good cause.

Trina shared, “Doc and I want to say thank you to everyone that comes out and supports this event. The businesses are amazing and very generous with their donations, and we have some amazing volunteers that come in from all over the U.S. bringing in food, donations and more.”

Sophia Hendrick, who was a volunteer at the event this year, said, “Doc and Trina are so very nice. They have been nothing but great and so generous.” t

Jacob Ward at the identification table sharing knowledge about rocks. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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Gem mining is what Doc Rocks is most known for. Photo by Josh Floyd.

have something for everyone.”

If McCoy Minerals doesn’t have something someone is looking for, they will outsource and get it from different companies.

“It just depends on what you are looking for,” Trina said. “We have two large cases of loose gemstones that customers can come in and pick out their own stones and create their own type of settings. We’ve been doing quite a bit of custom engagement rings lately.”

She added, “We have just about everything you can think of. We do have some of the really old collection pieces like alexandrite that you usually don’t get to see in jewelry stores.”

A lot of the collection pieces come from families who had members pass away.

“It’s heartbreaking to get them that way, but at least they are not just getting thrown away,” Trina said.

At the store, there are staff on site who can talk to customers about different ideas, products, chains, rings and can help with basic jewelry repairs.

“We have a couple of employees who started out as customers coming up on vacation with their families, and they moved up here, and they were like, ‘We want to work for you,’” Trina shared. “I absolutely love my staff. They are the best people ever. Anything we need from them, they are always there and willing to step up and do whatever we need of them. Our employees are amazing.”

Doc and Trina cross train their employees at both businesses depending

We’re still backed by the Board of Education.We still teach geology. We still teach about what comes from here, which is huge. It’s a huge draw for everybody. That’s really what sets us apart. So, we try to stick with that aspect.

- RANDY “DOC” MCCOY

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McCoy Minerals carries fossils, specimens and rare minerals. Photos courtesy of McCoy Minerals.

on what the interests are.

“We do have a couple who don’t want to learn anything over here because it’s a lot, and it’s intimidating,” Trina said. “They say, ‘I want to be with gemstones and kids.’ Then we have some who are like, ‘I want the jewelry; I don’t want the dirt.’ It’s fun over there. It’s good to go over there and work every once in a while, but I really like being over here.”

“We can teach a little about the stones here, the basic minerals, where they came from if we know,” Trina noted. “But the educational part is mostly going to be at the gem mine.”

Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine’s business goal is to educate the general

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public on the historical geology of the Appalachian Mountains, by explaining how they were formed and what can be found in the area.

One way the staff demonstrates that they are education based is through their summer trips, where they take people out to authentic places and teach them how to find gemstones or pan for gold. The trips generally go from May through October.

“One area is in Watauga County, and a couple of other ones are towards Hickory,” Trina described. “Doc teaches you why you find gemstones there, what you are looking for and how you can dig – and you can keep everything you find. Those tours are

Cyber Strike Virtual Reality Laser Tag and a Nerf Zone Battle Arena are new additions. Photos by Josh Floyd.

really, really popular.”

Other ways the staff educates the public is through helping with school projects or teaching groups or classes. For example, they have taught geology and paleontology classes for Appalachian State University students.

“We’re still backed by the Board of Education,” Doc shared. “We still teach geology. We still teach about what comes from here, which is huge. It’s a huge draw for everybody. That’s really what sets us apart.

So, we try to stick with that aspect.”

For presentations, staff use specimens and other materials that Doc found ever since he was six years old.

Now that Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine has expanded and the businesses, including the store McCoy Minerals, keep growing, it’s interesting to note where the foundation for this all came from.

Doc retired from the US Army as an Emergency Field Surgeon in 2002, and he received his medical degree from Duke University and was specializing in orthopedic surgery. After an extensive medical career, Doc decided to go back to college to study geology. He attended Appalachian State University, where he double majored in Geology and Recreation Management.

McCoy Minerals was started in 2007, when Doc and Trina opened it in an 8 foot by 10 foot shed during Doc’s sophomore year of college. A year later, they moved to Mystery Hill on a porch, which was a minor expansion. The next following year, they moved the business into a gray building beside Mystery Hill. And then in 2011 is when the museum was started.

“It took a good five years to get established with that,” Doc said.

So, where did all this passion come from?

“I love rocks; everybody loves rocks,” Doc said.

Doc grew up in the Tri-Cities area of Kingsport, Tennessee, and his dad was an avid fisherman when he retired.

He came in one day when he was at App State; they had to do a project for inclusive recreations, and he said, ‘We can do gem mining!’ ‘We’re going to sell rocks? Are you serious? We’re going to make a living on rocks?’

And we’ve done really well with it. I thought he was crazy, but it’s provided a very good life for us, and we’re able to give back to the community.

- TRINA MCCOY

Different cuts of stones. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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A two-stage formation of amethyst and druzy. Photo by Josh Floyd.

“That was what he wanted to do,” Doc said. “So, we would go fishing as a family.”

Being a young kid around five years old, Doc would catch a single fish and be done with the activity.

Therefore, he and his mother would walk the river banks and pick up rocks.

“It was his mom who sparked his interest when he was a kid,” Trina said. “He’s been collecting since he was little.”

“My mom would tell me about the fossils and all kinds of cool stuff, and that kind of sparked the beginning of this,” Doc said.

Fast forward some years — after Doc retired from the Army, he had a three month period, where he was not receiving a paycheck; therefore, he needed a part-time job. However, he said no one was really hiring, and at this time, he lived in Fayetteville.

“The only job I could find was Michaels arts and craft store. I was like, ‘I hate glitter, but it was something.’ You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes,” Doc said.

He further said he ended up absolutely loving that job.

“It was a really cool, fun job, and I learned a lot about crafts that I

Unique fossils can be found at Doc's Rocks. Photo by Josh Floyd.

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didn’t care about before,” Doc said.

Trina was also working at that same Michaels store at the time, and Doc and her became really good friends. Trina was about to go to school in Texas, and she said to Doc, “I’m going to Texas, and I really don’t want to go to Houston by myself. Do you want to go?”

Doc figured he had nothing else to do, so they went to Texas and eventually started a life together and got married. They then moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and had a son. And after trying out some other jobs for a little bit, that’s when Doc decided to go back to school.

“He came in one day when he was at App State; they had to do a project for inclusive recreations, and he said, ‘We can do gem mining!’” Trina reminisced. “‘We’re going to sell rocks? Are you serious?

We’re going to make a living on rocks?’” Trina asked.

“And we’ve done really well with it,” she said. “I thought he was crazy, but it’s provided a very good life for us, and we’re able to give back to the community.”

Doc and Trina’s son, Tanion, is now 19 years old, and he’s also a collector.

Various gems that can be discovered. Photo by Josh Floyd.

“He’s not really into working in the family business, but it of the business as well.

“We’re always striving to learn more, so we can teach more,” makes me happy when he picks up a chunk of copper and says, Lawrence said. “If we’re not working, we’re doing research on the ‘Oh, this is mine. I’m taking this home,’” Doc said. “To see him newest thing.” just as passionate as I was. We started the gem mining business When asked about Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, Lawrence shared, when he was two years old, and he was the reason for really “It’s my favorite job I’ve ever had.” getting into it.”

Ward said he considers Doc and Trina family.

And ever since then, Doc’s and Trina’s business has always “I love them,” he described. “They’re like my second parents. been based on their own personal strong family values. They Good people. I call and their staff strive to them mom and dad treat every customer I think my favorite thing is teaching the kids sometimes to mess like family and to with them; I’m not ensure that they always about the rocks the most. Customer service – it’s sure if they like it or feel welcomed. nice to help people out.

Sitting at the identification not, but that’s the best “We want you to way to describe them. come in, learn and have table and teaching kids about rocks … I never It’s nice and a good fun,” Doc said. “And fancied myself a teacher, but there’s something nice time.” even bring a rock in!”

Doc’s Rocks Gem Jacob Ward, who is about it. It’s a very good thing we’re doing.

Mine is located at the Assistant Manager JACOB WARD 100 Shoppes on the for the gem mine, has Parkway Road in been with the business for almost four years. He got involved with the company after his Blowing Rock. Hours of operation are Thursday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The business is closed on Tuesday older brother, Christopher Lawrence, encouraged him to.

“I think my favorite thing is teaching the kids about the and Wednesday. For more information, please visit https:// rocks the most,” Ward shared. “Customer service – it’s nice to docsrocks.org/ or call 828-295-2034. For jewelry, gemstones help people out. Sitting at the identification table and teaching and gemstone cutting questions, please email McCoy Minerals kids about rocks … I never fancied myself a teacher, but there’s at email@mccoyminerals.com or visit the website https:// www.mccoyminerals.com/. The store is open Monday through something nice about it. It’s a very good thing we’re doing.”

Lawrence said the passion for education is his favorite aspect Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sunday. t

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Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman P rovid in g P ower f ul L e a d e r s h i p , V i s i o n , and S t r ate gic T hink ing fo r Av e r y C o u n t y S c h ool s STORY BY TIM GARDNER

D

r. Dan Brigman masterfully personifies the term “consummate educator” considering his qualifications, varied experience, and dedication to his chosen profession.

In his current post as Avery Schools Superintendent, Dr. Brigman oversees all aspects of operations for the county’s public school system, which includes one high school (Avery High), two middle schools (Cranberry and Avery Middle), and five elementary schools (Riverside, Newland, Freedom Trail, Banner Elk, and Crossnore).

Precisely, he has been responsible for the educations of 1,700plus students enrolled in Avery County Schools each school year and supervising an average of more than 450 employees each school year, consisting of teachers, teacher’s aides, support staff, central office personnel, cafeteria and maintenance workers, bus drivers, and substitute workers since he became superintendent in the 2019-2020 school year.

This story further details the many specific roles and

Dr. Dan Brigman, Superintendent of Avery County Schools the past four years.

Photo submitted.

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duties of a schools’ superintendent like Dr. Brigman, along with his educational background, military service, work experience, educational philosophies, observations about heading Avery County’s School System, and his personal life that solidifies his standing as one of the North Carolina High Country’s most prominent and accomplished individuals.

Responsibilities of a Public Schools Superintendent A superintendent of schools is an administrator or manager in charge of various public schools or a school district. All school principals in a respective school district report to the superintendent. The role and powers of the superintendent vary.

Every school superintendent should possess decisionmaking, organization, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. They also need to have extensive knowledge of educational technology and computer skills.

Along with teachers and fellow administrators, school superintendents are also responsible for providing students with a safe, inclusive learning environment. In many ways, superintendents are managers who oversee the day-to-day operations of a school district, but they are also leaders who aspire to improve student achievement. Moreover, superintendents are advocates, confidants, and experts—whatever role their district and students need them to fulfill.

Superintendents are often defined by their ability to manage finances, personnel, and resources, but their role has become far more nuanced in recent years. Now, school boards and communities are seeing superintendents as the leaders they are and entrusting them to promote their district’s vision and values.

Superintendents have, in essence, become the living embodiment of their school districts. Consequently, the role has become increasingly relationship-oriented, with superintendents needing to possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to rally entire communities behind a goal.

Superintendents are hired by school boards: groups of elected or appointed trustees. Together, they share responsibility for a school district. At Board of Education meetings, a superintendent keeps the Board members informed of current

events and recommend initiatives. Although a superintendent’s recommendations carry substantial weight, it’s ultimately the Board members’ decision whether a mandate is approved. Once approved, it falls to the superintendent to see the mandate carried out within the framework of policies adopted by the board.

Leadership, vision, and strategic thinking are among the most important skills for a superintendent to possess. Community members, including parents, politicians, and business owners, are highly invested in the success of their school district and bring divergent perspectives to their school system. Many have or will have their own children in the schools. People care because they appreciate that quality education is one of the foundations of a strong community. Add the transparency and media scrutiny that’s a given in any publicly funded endeavor and it’s easy to understand why a superintendent needs to be a multitalented, consummate leader who can identify key ways for collaborating with every encounter, building and promoting a shared vision with members of the community they represent.

A superintendent is considered the primary instructional leader for a school district, but their work is inherently intertwined with and

I owe my entire existence to public education for taking a poor Western North Carolina boy, who came from a single-parent home, and who grew up in a trailer park, for helping me to this point in my life. I surely didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. But I know from my own experiences growing up and then working in the profession, that education is the great equalizer and always will be.

- DR. DAN BRIGMAN

Dr. Dan Brigman and Riverside Elementary Principal Whitney Baird admire some plants to be further grown by students at the school in its gardening and outdoor learning program in Spring, 2023. Photo submitted.

Dr. Dan Brigman shown being interviewed while he served as superintendent of Laurens County, Georgia Schools, his last job prior to becoming Avery County's superintendent in 2019. Photo submitted.

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Avery County High School

Avery Middle School

Cranberry Middle School

Banner Elk Elementary School

One of the more challenging aspects of being a superintendent is having to make hard decisions, such as cutting staff, when faced with conflicting goals. Providing sound guidance in district budgeting and operations while helping a school district realize its vision is no easy feat, but effective superintendents find a way to make it happen.

Dr. Brigman is a superintendent who is generally considered by his fellow-educators, parents, students, and community members for meeting and successfully fulfilling the aforelisted criteria. In fact, he has presented at state and national levels about the role of a superintendent in educational leadership, as well as about early literacy, school safety, and workforce development.

Dr. Dan Brigman and teacher April Cheuvront with several of her Avery High Science Olympiad Team students. Photo submitted.

dependent on the work of principals, teachers, and support staff.

Responsible for hiring and firing teachers and administrators, superintendents must surround themselves with capable professionals while communicating expectations, investing in professional development, and providing the resources they need to perform their roles effectively. Sharing leadership and fostering a culture of respect is most essential if superintendents are to provide students with the best possible education.

Superintendents must use their managerial abilities when allocating time, money, personnel, and resources. Coordinating short-and long-term goals means taking a system-wide approach, one that accounts for education policies and student achievement.

Dr. Brigman’s Education Philosophies

Dr. Brigman is very appreciative of what public education has done in his life. He knows its challenges, but also recognizes the advantages of public education at its best.

“I owe my entire existence to public education for taking a poor Western North Carolina boy, who came from a singleparent home, and who grew up in a trailer park, for helping me to this point in my life,” he said. “I surely didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. But I know from my own experiences growing up and then working in the profession, that education is the great equalizer and always will be.”

When asked what he thinks of the general state of public education, he replied: “Education needs to continue to receive

We are all in this together--students, administration, teachers, support staffs, parents, and families of all those. It's a total team process and there needs to be collective feedback taken. I believe in two-way communications of top down, bottom up. I will make sure there's some processes deployed to make that happen. I am accessible. I firmly believe that in order to know what's going in the schools, the superintendent must be involved in those processes. And I will do that as long as I'm a superintendent.

- DR. DAN BRIGMAN 70

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Crossnore Elementary School

Freedom Trail Elementary School

the support that is required – not needed – but required to ensure all of our students . . . receive the support and resources necessary to be competitive and successful.”

He declared that the term “students” refers to “ all students—Those who do not speak English; those who come from less fortunate backgrounds or backgrounds of poverty; and those who come from homes who are a little more blessed than others.”

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Dan Brigman is shown with his mother, brothers, and sister. (Left-to-Right): James Brigman, John Brigman, Othella Rice Ogle (mother), Wayne Brigman, Kimberly Brigman, and Dan. Photo submitted.

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Dr. Brigman’s Educational, Military, and Professional Backgrounds Dan Brigman was born and raised in Madison County, North Carolina to a woman who spent 34 years in teaching and at the same time raised him and his four older siblings as a single mother. What he calls his “full inclusiveness” is entrenched from his experiences growing up, serving in the United States Military, as well as from the many varied assignments he’s had as a professional educator.

“I attended elementary school on an island,” he said, referring to an older schoolhouse located on Blannahassett Island in Marshall, North Carolina where both his grandparents had also attended.

He was taught by his mother, Othella Rice Ogle, a teacher for 34 years, in second grade. “That was the most confusing, yet one of the happiest times of my life,” he said, laughing.

After he graduated from Madison County High School in 1986, he attended AshevilleBuncombe (AB) Technical College in Asheville from 1986-1987, where he earned a degree in Diesel Vehicle Maintenance.

“I eventually decided that I didn’t want to work on vehicles all my life, but I was unsure of what I wanted to do then. But I soon decided to join the military,” Dr. Brigman recalled.

He successfully fulfilled an eight-year enlistment in the United States Navy, and was stationed at the old Charleston, South Carolina Naval Base in a combination of active duty (three years), and active (three years) and inactive reserves (two years). He was a quartermaster, or, in his own words, a navigator’s assistant. He served our great nation in the Southeast Asia Campaign in the Persian Gulf in 1988 and 1989 where he earned a multitude of medals and commendations.

After completing his military requirements, Dr. Brigman began his path to his career in education. Using his Montgomery Government Issue (GI) Bill, he enrolled at Mars Hill College in 1991, only a few miles from where he was raised in Madison County. He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in mathematics and social studies.

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While attending Mars Hill College, he taught school (criminal justice) part-time during the 1991-1992 and 1992-1993 school years at Madison County High School.

His first full-time teaching job was in Anderson County, Tennessee, from 1994-1997, where he taught middle school and also launched an alternative school for behaviorally and academically challenged high school students. He also was given responsibility for what he called a “recovery program,” where his primary mission was to help high school students with minimum credits graduate on time through intensive intervention.

Also, while teaching in Tennessee, Brigman completed the necessary studies in 1997 at Tennessee Technological (Tech) University in Cookeville to earn his master’s degree in Instructional Leadership and Supervision. He earned his Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership in 2009 from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Brigman returned to North Carolina following his tenure in Anderson County, where he served as assistant principal and then principal at Bethlehem Elementary School (19971998 school year) and principal at West Alexander Junior High School (1998-1999 and 1999-2000 school years), both in the Taylorsville area of Alexander County. The latter came during the transition from a junior high school to the current middle high school structure. During this time span, Dr. Brigman completed the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Principal Executive Program (1997-1998). He also was the first principal of Rosman Middle School in Transylvania County (2000-2001 and 2001-2002 school years) where he led that new school from construction to grand opening. Additionally, during this interval, he completed the UNC-Chapel Hill Center for School Leadership Dr. Dan Brigman shows off his Avery High Football shirt and cap on his way and Development Principals as Technology Leaders Program. to a home football game for the Vikings. Photo submitted.

Following these successful school-level leadership roles, he served as Director of the Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade (K-12) Gifted Education and Middle Schools Curriculum in Rowan County (2002-2003).

Dr. Brigman then returned to live and work again in Tennessee, being hired for his first superintendent’s job of Coffee County Schools in Manchester (2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2005-2006 school years), a large system with three school districts.

He then moved back to North Carolina, then to Alabama and Georgia, before returning to the Tar Heel State—also all for Superintendent’s jobs.

Dr. Brigman was superintendent of Macon County Schools from 20062012 and then of Catawba County Schools (both in North Carolina) from 2012-2016.

In Catawba County, he oversaw a budget of $140 million and was in charge of a system that had about 17,000 students.

Following numerous invitations Dr. Dan Brigman helps celebrate Hannah Rhodes for being selected as the Exceptional Children’s Teacher of Excellence for the Avery County Schools System for 2023-2024. Photo courtesy of Avery County Schools. and job offers, Dr. Brigman then December 202 3 - Januar y 2024

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Dr. Dan Brigman surveys the exterior of the new addition to Avery County High School, completed in 2022. Photo submitted.

Serving as Avery County Schools Superintendent has been a tremendous opportunity and great blessing for me. I’m fortunate to live in a close-nit, God-fearing community where people take care of each other.

My family and I love Avery County.

- DR. DAN BRIGMAN

moved to Alabama, serving as superintendent of Decatur City Schools from 2016-2017. While there, Dr. Brigman successfully completed training in the Alabama School Superintendents Academy through the University of Alabama and the Alabama Department Education Superintendents’ Leadership Academy.

Dr. Brigman next worked in Laurens County, Georgia (2017-2019).

While there, Dr. Brigman was among the first cohort of the Georgia School Superintendents’ Association Superintendent Executive Leadership Program, 2018-2019.

He became Avery County’s superintendent during the 2019-2020 school year.

Observations about serving as Avery County’s Schools Superintendent

Dr. Dan Brigman and Board Chair, Mr. John Greene recognize Eli Greer as the over all winner of the Amazing Shake. Photo courtesy of Avery County Schools.

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As its Public Schools Superintendent the past four years, Dr. Brigman said he is invested in Avery County.

"Serving as Avery County Schools Superintendent has been a tremendous opportunity and great blessing for me," he said. “I’m fortunate to live in a close-nit, God-fearing community where people take care of each other. My family and I love Avery County."

“I had a desire to again return to the North Carolina Mountains after working the past few years in other states. When the Avery County post became open in 2019, I could not pass up the opportunity to return home to these beautiful mountains to continue my career’s calling. Shortly after applying for the job, I was selected by the Board of Education to be superintendent and allowed to serve the students, staff, and communities of the county in this capacity.”

Dr. Brigman said that many of his objectives for

Dr. Dan Brigman helped to honor Terry Gardner as one of Avery High Sports All-Time Best during a ceremony held December 15, 2022. Photo submitted.

Avery County’s Schools have been achieved, but a lot of work is still to be completed.

“School safety, early literacy, and career and college readiness have been leading priorities for me and our system from my first day on the job,” he noted. “We have made tremendous improvements in each of these areas during the past four school years (2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024). And most recent data indicates our system has had strong academic growth and increased proficiency levels, particularly at the elementary level. As a result of a strong partnership with Mayland Community College, our system has successfully expanded dual enrollment course offerings for juniors and seniors during this time span.

A career center has also been established at Avery High in support of college and career preparation, student internships, and post high school planning for our students and community.

“Despite the shutdowns and other challenges presented during the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), there have been various other accomplishments during the past four years, and over-all our system is strong.”

Dr. Brigman added that he still has goals for the Avery County Schools System to accomplish, several of which are always priorities.

“We (Avery Schools officials) will continue to review our organizational processes and structure to ensure effective and efficient operations,” he stated. “Although our system is much smaller than many across the state, we’re mandated to meet the same

requirements with fewer resources. Funding to support our small school system is being stretched as we maximize every dollar we’re allotted.

"We need to remain focused on improving student achievement, having academic and athletics success as they go hand-in-hand, addressing the growth issues across Avery

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the vast majority of other school systems in the state and nation.

During Dr. Brigman’s tenure in Avery County, we completed a major high school construction and renovation project and have made many other capital improvements to our schools.

His experience and work have been invaluable in ensuring those projects came to fruition. His motto is to ‘First, do what is best for our students.’ His attitude and actions are evidence he has taken that motto to heart. I appreciate his professionalism and dedication. And I am happy that he has chosen to lead Avery County Schools into the future.”

Dr. Brigman’s administrative assistant, Hannah Arnett, said of him: “Working under the leadership of Dr. Dan Brigman has been an absolute pleasure. He has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of our students in Avery County Schools. What sets him apart is not just his impressive knowledge of educational policies and practices, but also his genuine care for the entire school community. Dr. Brigman is undeniably amazing to work for, and his dedication to the betterment of Avery County Schools inspires me.”

Educational Work Honors, Civic Service, Family, and Hobbies

Dr. Dan Brigman visits with then-Avery High senior and current teaching assistant at the school, Emily Grace Jones. Photo courtesy of Dr. Dan Brigman.

County's schools, and making sure that we remain good stewards of every financial dollar of the taxpayers’ money that's given to us by the federal and state governments as well as by the Avery County Commissioners.”

Many of his associates and employees give Dr. Brigman the highest of marks about his education philosophies, knowledge of operating a school system, and passion for being Avery County Schools Superintendent. Avery Board of Education Chairman John Greene offered the following statement about him: “We are blessed in Avery County to have someone with the experience and knowledge of Dr. Dan Brigman to lead our school system. Dr. Brigman’s leadership was critical in navigating Avery County Schools successfully through the Covid-19 crisis, which began only three months after he assumed the position of superintendent. Our students began in-person instruction before

Dr. Brigman has received numerous honors for his work in education. In 2012, he served as President of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators and on the Executive Board of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association. In the 2015-2016 school year, he was a finalist for Superintendent of The Year in North Carolina. He was also a Superintendent of The Year (2014) for Rachel’s Challenge, a non-political, nonreligious, non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive school cultures and ending school violence in all its forms.

Dr. Brigman’s civic service is also extensive. He has been a Chamber of Commerce President, a United Way Vice-President, a Boys Scout Executive Board member, and a Rotarian in various places he has lived and worked. He is currently Chairman of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, Vice-Chairman of the High Country United Way, and an Avery County’s Rotarian club member.

Dr. Brigman is married to the former Cindy Wilson of Taylorsville. Like him, Cindy Brigman is a career educator. She is currently Director of Student Services for Avery County Schools and her office is just a few feet from her husband's in the Avery County Board of Education complex in Newland. They have four children: three sons, Dylan, Evan, and Landon, and a daughter, Emily.

Working under the leadership of Dr. Dan Brigman has been an absolute pleasure.

He has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of our students in Avery County Schools. What sets him apart is not just his impressive knowledge of educational policies and practices, but also his genuine care for the entire school community. Dr. Brigman is undeniably amazing to work for, and his dedication to the betterment of Avery County Schools inspires me.

- HANNAH ARNETT 76

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Avery County Schools district leaders, principals, and superintendent participated in a strategic planning retreat hosted by Grandfather Mountain earlier this year . Photo courtesy of Avery County Schools.

Dr. Brigman declared that his favorite life’s activity is spending every second of time possible with his family.

He also listed traveling, working on his 1978 Jeep CJ-5, hunting ginseng, scuba diving, and music as among his top hobbies. He is a professional drummer and has performed in various musical groups across the Southeastern United States.

A devout member of the Baptist Faith, Dr. Brigman’s mantra is to bless and help others in every possible way.

Many of those who know Dr. Brigman best have spoken of his genuineness and shared that spending time with him is delightful. After all, having an opportunity to visit with such an education legend is often a learning experience and a treasure.

He may be contacted through U.S. Mail: Dr. Dan Brigman, Avery County Schools, 775 Cranberry Street, Newland, NC 28657; by email (danbrigman@ averyschools.net); or by phone (828) 733-6006. t

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High Country Magazine is distributed year round in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties at no cost to readers. This is possible because of the investment made by our advertisers. We are thankful to them and hope you will support their businesses and organizations.

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In Memoriam...

Celebrating Memories and Friendship with Coach Bobby Knight STORY BY TIM GARDNER

B

obby Knight, one of the most successful coaches and influential figures in college basketball history, a dear friend, and an avid advocate of the North Carolina High Country, passed away November 1. He was 83.

Getting to be friends with the legendary Knight is a highlight of my life. In 2000 when Knight was head coach at Indiana University, I wrote a column supporting him after its then-school president Myles Brand adopted a “Zero Tolerance” mandate for Knight to follow, which was one that even Mother Teresa may have had a difficult time meeting.

Paul Dietzel, a mutual friend of Knight’s and mine, who then lived on the Avery County side of Beech Mountain, a former college football coach, and Knight’s boss at Indiana for several years as athletics director, mailed Knight a copy of my column as did an Indiana University alumnus from the High Country.

Coach Knight called and thanked me for “having the nerve (he actually used a different word as he was known for saying exactly what at he thought) to write and publish the article.”

He was so kind and even told me that whenever I wanted anything from him or any time with him, I would always have it. I was not only impressed, but in awe.

Knight also told me then that he comes to the North Carolina High Country to fly fish each year and that he could meet me during the times he came. He particularly enjoyed fishing in Elk Park in Avery County and in Valle Crucis in Watauga County.

And he loved this region and its people. About the North Carolina High Country and its residents, Knight told me: “Of all places I’ve traveled, and I’ve been to a lot throughout the world, many of which are very pretty with wonderful people, the North Carolina High Country is as good as it gets.

Everywhere I’ve been there is beautiful, all people I’ve met there have been extremely nice to me, always welcomed me, and been most helpful if I needed help.

“I’ve been blessed to be involved with championship teams, athletes, and what I consider championship-caliber places and people. The North Carolina High Country is certainly a championship place with championship people.”

He added that “fly fishing there is awesome, which makes it an even better place.”

Knight compiled a record of 902–371 at the United States Military Academy (Army), Indiana University, and Texas Tech University during his 41-and-a-half year’s head coaching career. He had won more games than any college coach ever when he retired and his total wins currently ranks as the sixthmost ever. Knight is the only coach to win NCAA (1975-1976, 1980-1981, and 1986-1987 seasons) and NIT (1978-1979) championships, an Olympic Gold Medal (1984), and a Pan American Games Gold Medal (1979). He was the foremost expert on motion offense and man-to-man defense.

Those who follow college basketball are likely aware of controversies involving Knight. Granted, he did things that 80

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Bobby Knight poses for a publicity picture while head coach of the Texas Tech University Red Raiders.

A young Army (West Point) head coach Bobby Knight (left) with his starting point guard and team captain Mike Krzyzewski during the 1968-1969 season.

he should not have, many of which he later regretted and wished he would have done or said differently or not done or said at all. But he never cheated and was not a hypocrite. He also helped make the thousands of players he coached better players, while insisting that they also excel in their academic work. The good deeds Knight did far outnumber his bad ones.

I most remember Bobby Knight as someone I admire greatly who loved the North Carolina High Country and is the best college basketball coach of all-time. t

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