December HC Magazine

Happy Holidays!

Volume 8 • Issue 3 December 2012

featuring

Shoe Box Gifts Christmas Trees Model Trains

Merry C hristmas 2 0 1 2 December 2012

High Country Magazine

A

DI A N N E DAVA N T & A S S O C I AT E S Excellence By Design Since 1979

B A N N E R E L K , N O RT H C A R O L I N A P O RT S A I N T L U C I E , F L O R I D A

828.898.9887 772.344.3190

W W W. D A VA N T - I N T E R I O R S . C O M

B

High Country Magazine

December 2012

December 2012

High Country Magazine

1

LOWER ENERGY BILL WARMER HOLIDAY! Save $100 when you replace your hot water furnace with an affordable, efficient propane combi boiler from Blue Ridge Energies!

Call us today!

Lenoir: 828-758-4401 Boone: 828-264-3521 West Jefferson: 336-846-2421 Sparta: 336-372-1742 Hickory: 828-267-9944 Newland: 336-898-3884

or visit any of our showrooms located in Blue Ridge Electric district offices Monday — Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation

CURTIS R. PAGE,

Register to win a $250 Visa® Gift Card at GoBlueRidgeEnergies.com

DDS, PA

AND

LARRY J. COOK,

DDS

Caring Professional Comprehensive Dentistry for Adults and Children We Accept and File Insurance and Payment Plans Available

Ex panded Office Hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

828-265-1661

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

516 New Market Blvd. • Boone, NC • Located Across from Boone United Methodist Church 2

High Country Magazine

December 2012

December 2012

High Country Magazine

3

Stone Cavern

TILE & Stone Showroom

828-963-8453

Experience is the difference

• Showers • Kitchens • Backsplashes • Floors • And All the Rest Located in Grandfather View Village at the base of Grandfather Mountain 9872 Hwy 105 (across from Mountain Lumber in Foscoe)

From slate, travertine, and porcelain to reclaimed stone from Jerusalem... we have it all!

Design Consultation 25 different floor displays to help you visualize your tile dreams Installation Services Available

Check Out Our GallerY on our website

828-963-TILE • CALL FOR MONTNLY SPECIALS • WWW.STONECAVERN.COM 4

High Country Magazine

December 2012

UNIVERSITY NISSAN

We’re Open! in Our New Home 135 InnovatIon DrIve (off Hwy 421) Right Beside Our Old Location

Come Visit Our Brand New Building with State-of-the-Art Equipment

January 27th - 30th • Polar Plunge, chili challenge, and more!

√ Everything’s brand new here - with the latest in green technology that keeps out building efficient and eco-friendly to the enviroment.

√ Our customer friendly waiting room has a coffee bar and a viewing

area of the service department so you can see your car being repaired.

√ Our 30 employees are trained and ready to serve you. From sales to financing to repair and service, we’ll take care of you and your vehicles.

We Service All Makes & Models We now have the most modern and highest quality service department in the High Country. We’ll take care of your car or truck - of any make or model.

Ted Nolen, Service, Chris and Jane Welborne, Owners

OPENING SPECIAL

$19.95

OIL CHANGE Good Thru December 31, 2012

UNIVERSITY NISSAN 828-264-7726 • www.UniversityNissan.com • Sales: Mon-Sat • 8am-8pm • Service: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm Sat. 8am-1pm December 2012

High Country Magazine

5

C O N T E N T S

18 White House Christmas Tree

18

Christmas Trees are big business in the North Carolina mountains and trees from the High Country counties of Ashe, Avery and Watauga are widely considered some of the very best. North Carolina has had the most Christmas tree Grand Champions in the nation – more than half of which have come from Ashe County. This holiday season, one tree from Jefferson is even calling the White House home.

28 Story Behind the Box

Since 1993, more than 94 million shoeboxes have been distributed to children in over 130 countries through Boonebased Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child program. Hurting children around the world, including victims of child labor law violations, trafficked children, HIV/AIDs infected children, as well as the poor and impoverished, receive the gifts.

of Love: 52 Labor The Miracle Worker of Bethel In the valley of Bethel there lives a woman who has made a difference in more lives than just about anyone could imagine. This miraculous woman spent nearly 40 years loving and caring for foster children out of the goodness of her heart.

60

A Church for the Unchurched

28

Once a small church of only 40 people, theHeart now boast more than 600 in the congregation. Many in the area are finding their way back to God at theHeart after years away from organized religion and theHeart is offering a unique church experience specific to the High Country.

Trains a Lifelong Hobby 70 Model for Blowing Rock Attorney At some point or another in every little boy’s life they develop an interest in model trains. This is true of Blowing Rock attorney Richard Mattar, but his enthusiasm in model trains didn’t peak until joining a model train club in Boone in the 1990s. From that point on, they become his beloved hobby once again as an adult.

on the cover Scott Boyle

Landscape artist Scott Boyle is a promoter of plein air painting, organizing numerous outdoor painting events each year. Additionally he teaches workshops and frequently speaks on subjects relating to outdoor painting. He continues the tradition of the great 19th century painters who used plein air painting as an indispensable tool to produce more meaningful studio works.

Scott Boyle’s artwork can be viewed at the Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk Or online at – www.scottboyleart.com 6

High Country Magazine

December 2012

52 60

READER SERVICES ABOUT US

The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper� is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts.

Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.

BACK ISSUES

Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.

Contact us at:

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 130 North Depot Street Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262 December 2012

High Country Magazine

7

FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie Art Director Debbie Carter Contributing Writers Jesse Wood Paul Choate Megan Northcote Angela Raimondo Rosebrough Ken Ketchie

Chelsea Pardue

Kind of Like Jumping Out of an Airplane

Andy Pennestri

ave you been to our website yet? We now have thousands of people visiting www.HCPress.com every day, where they’re finding stories and information about what’s going on in the High Country. In fact, during the first week in November our website logged its one-millionth page view – just eight months after being launched, and we’re now averaging more than 3,000 visits a day, which easily puts us on track to be one of those websites that has more than one million visits a year.

The decision to move online has been rewarding. Last year at this time we were faced with the bleak reality that newspapers, as we know them, were on the way out. After 30 years of publishing a weekly, getting that ink all over my hands, it was sobering to watch newspapers begin the way of the dinosaurs. For my generation, (as indeed it probably has been for every aging generation) it’s been an interesting last few years. With technology and the Internet advancing at a breakneck pace and corporate America gobbling up everything in sight, my generation’s comfortable little world has been turned upside down.

But you know what? Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Our transition from a printed newspaper to a digital “newspaper” is looking successful. Although I still have folks tell me they miss the weekly newspaper, I hear from many more who say how much they enjoy receiving their news from HCPress.com.

I, too, am becoming more comfortable with the concept of an online newspaper.

The best part is the unlimited amount of space we have on our website to tell the story.

With a printed newspaper, content was constrained with the pages available. But on our website, we have unlimited room to run as many stories with as many pictures, charts, videos and links possible.

Something else initially concerned me about the online concept. Would we still be viewed as a respected news source? Just before we went to press with this issue, I came across a story (on the web of course) where a parent in Northern Virginia pondered the demise of their local newspaper and wondered who would keep an eye on the local school board. Who would ask the questions to keep local officials accountable for their decisions? That was the role of their local newspaper and its reporters, and this parent didn’t think local bloggers commanded the same level of respect from potentially dismissive politicians and officials.

But for the first nine months of the HCPress.com this hasn’t been the case. Although our medium changed, our craft hasn’t. I find the same level of respect for our journalistic endeavors as we had with our printed newspaper, and our reporters have had the same access as ever before.

The transition to a digital newspaper has sort of been like skydiving for the first time.

What’s it going to be like? Is the parachute going to open? Where am I going to land?

This is a bit of a brave new world for us, and we hope our High Country Press website continues to fulfill the art of journalism and keeps everyone informed and up-to-date.

Rebecca Gitlen

H

8

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Allison West

Contributing Photographers Peter Damroth Andy Pennestri Finance Manager Amanda Giles

High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina

www.HCPress.com HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:

HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2012

by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

WE SUPPORT

SHOP LOCAL

December 2012

High Country Magazine

9

Calendarof Events Calendar # 1

DECEMBER 2012

ov. 23 Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights, N to Blowing Rock Jan. 27 828-295-5500

1

Boone Christmas Parade, Downtown

Boone, 828-262-4532

1

Mountain Home Music’s ‘An Appalachian Christmas,’ Grace Lutheran Church,

Boone, 828-964–3392

2

Fall Boone Handmade Market, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 828-262-3017

7

First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-262-4532

7-9

SugarFest, Sugar Mountain, December 7-9

SugarFest, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828898-4521

7-9

Preseason Ski Clinic, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-

4521

JANUARY 2013

Elvis Holiday Show, Blue Ridge Dinner Theater, West Jefferson, 336-246-2900

8-24

Santa at Sugar, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521

5-6

John Woodall & Friends, Christmas in the Mountains,

8

15

Heritage Hall Theatre, Mountain City, Tenn., 423-7277444

15

Santa Visits Beech Mountain & Lighting of the Tree, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011

15-16

Studio K: The Nutcracker, Watauga High School Auditorium, 828-265-6621

23

Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Buckeye Recreation Center,

5

Shred for the Cup Rail Jam, Appalachian Ski Mountain,

828-295-7828

8

Winterfest, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011 Septuagenarian Party, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-

898-4521

11

12

Fresh Friday, Appalachian Ski Mountain, 828-295-7828 N.C. Snowshoe Championship Race, Beech Mountain

Resort, 800-438-2093

12

National Winter Trails Day, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521

828-387-3003

27-28

USSA Holiday Slalom and Giant Slalom Competition, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521

29

Yule Log Bonfire and Hayride, Famous Brick Oven

Pizzeria, 828-387-3003

31

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Sugar Mountain Resort,

828-898-4521

31

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Beech Mountain, 828-387-

3003

31

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Appalachian Ski Mountain, 828-295-7828

10

High Country Magazine

December 2012

New Year’s Eve Celebration, Appalachian Ski Mountain, December 31

THE VILLAGE OF SUGAR MOUNTAIN PRESENTS:

SugarFest

DEMO THE NEWEST & COOLEST

Try out the latest ski and snowboard equipment from Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride and Line – just about every manufacturer displayed in store showrooms! 9am till 3:30pm, Saturday and Sunday.

ADULT PRESEASON SKI CLINIC

1994 Olympic Gold and Silver medalist, Diann Roffe, returns as this year’s celebrity coach.

8:30am, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

AFTER SKI PARTY & FIREWORKS

Food, drinks and dancing to live bluegrass music by Boss Hawg. 4pm till 7pm, Saturday.

Fireworks presented by the Village of Sugar Mountain. 5:45pm, Saturday.

RAIL JAM

Come out and watch or throw down with some of the area’s best riders and skiers in the Rail Jam. 10am, Sunday.

OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST PAUL WYLIE Watch 1992 Olympic Silver medalist Paul Wylie dazzle us with his amazing skating talent.

Followed by an on-ice clinic. 7pm Friday.

OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS MEET & GREET

Olympic medalists Diann Roffe and Paul Wylie show their medals and sign autographs. 7:30pm, Friday.

SUGARFEAST

Hot Chocolate and Whipped Cream Bar: 6pm, Friday. Soup Safari: 11am, Saturday.

BBQ and Sweet Tea: 5pm, Saturday. Lots of food and drink to fill you up and enjoy!

FANTASTIC LODGING SPECIALS Up to 30% off lodging at participating lodging agencies. www.SeeSugar.com

DECEMBER 7TH-9TH, 2012

A WEEKEND OF WINTER FUN AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT Village

The

of

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

1-800-SUGARMT or www.skisugar.com/sugarfest December 2012

High Country Magazine

11

New York Polyphony, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, February 8

JANUARY 2013...continued

13

Ladies Park Session, Appalachian Ski Mountain, 828-295-7828

19

Kid’s Day at the Sledding Hill, Beech Mountain

Resort, 800-438-2093

21

Telemark Festival, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011

22

An Evening with Maya Angelou, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, 800-841-2787

24-27

Winterfest, Downtown Blowing Rock, 877-295-7801

Harmonia Baroque, Rosen Concert Hall,

25

828-262-3020

25-26

Momentum Dance Concert, Varsity Gym 208, ASU,

828-262-3063 26-27

USSA Slalom and Giant Slalom Competition, Sugar

High Country Junior Race Series Giant Slalom, Glass Menagerie, Valborg Theatre, ASU, 828-262-3063

Annual Snowman Building Contest, Town of Beech

16 20

Around the World in 80 Days, Valborg Theatre,

800-841-2787

New York Polyphony, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU,

800-841-2787

13-17

Mountain, 828-387-9283

FEBRUARY 2013 8

10

Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521

Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521

22-24

Totally Retro 80s Weekend, Beech Mountain Resort, 800-438-2093

Fireplace Sale!

Tell Old Man Winter to take a hike, he is no match for your

FREE PROPANE FOR YOU!

Receive 100 Gallons of Free Propane or a Free Thermostat Remote with the purchase of any Kozy Heat, Lennox, Hearthstone, Regency or Vermont Casting Fireplace or Insert*

We Put the PRO in PROPANE PROFESSIONAL :: Delivery, Service & Installation NEW LOCATION NC BASED & FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1930

division of G&B Energy

www.gbenergy.com

Promotion cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts and is not valid on previous purchases. G&B Oil Co., Inc reserves the right to discontinue this promotion with out notice.

To qualify for FREE PROPANE, you must become an Auto Fill customer and purchase a direct vent unit. Offer not valid on close-out or discounted fireplaces. Other restrictions may apply!

OFFER EXPIRES 11-30-12 12

High Country Magazine

December 2012

BCS Custom Builders, LLC

DON’T FORGET

EVENTS

General Contractors

Winterfest at Beech Mountain Beech Mountain Resort will be gearing up for their annual Winterfest on Jan. 5-6, 2013. Enjoy some of the best winter activities in the High County. In cooperation with the Town of Beech Mountain, the resort has events planned for the entire weekend.

Festivities include the N.C. State Championship Snowshoe Race, a cardboard box derby race, bathing beauty competition, the Village Rail Jam and more. For more information, visit beechmountainresort.com.

JANUARY 5 to 6

We have been creating and building custom mountain homes for our clients since 2003.

• • • •

Winterfest at Blowing Rock One of the “prettiest winter towns in America” will have their 15th annual Winterfest from Jan. 24 to Jan. 27. Festivities include a chili challenge, ice carving demos by the U.S. Army Special Forces Ice Carving Team, dog show, polar plunge and more. Parking is free.

For more information, call 877-295-7801 or visit blowingrockwinterfest.com.admission.

JANUARY 24 - 27

New homes, custom renovations, decks, out buildings, home maintenance and repair.

Our crews are experienced, friendly and efficient.

Member of the National Association of Home Builders and Certified Green Building Professional Fully Licensed and Insured.

We GUARANTEE our work.

The job is not done until you are satisfied.

“Lets talk about your plans and ideas.

Always friendly service and free estimates.”

Bob Cambron

Office (828) 268-0590 Mobile (828) 773-3432 Email BCSCustomBuilder@aol.com December 2012

High Country Magazine

13

mountain

echoes

2012 Election Roundup

W

ell, that’s finally over.

On Wednesday morning, following Election Day, the world seemed to slow down a notch.

The streets were a little more quiet than usual. The polarizing ads over the airwaves and inside overflowing mailboxes were no more, and the soap opera-like bickering between candidates for N.C. House District 93, Cullie Tarleton and incumbent Rep. Jonathan Jordan, stopped.

Perhaps it was the post-election blues with Republicans bummed about another four years of “hope and change,” or perhaps it was euphoria with Democrats drunk on Obama and sleeping off that Wednesday morning hangover.

Whatever it may be, in the High Country and throughout the Tar Heel State, both Democrats and Republicans had something to celebrate, even though neither received every present on their Christmaswish list.

Obviously, Democrats hit the grand slam with President Barack Obama’s reelection, and in North Carolina, Democrats won the races for N.C. Auditor, N.C. Commissioner of Insurance, Secretary of State, N.C. Treasurer and N.C. Supt. of Public Instruction.

But the GOP, in convincing fashion with nearly 56 percent of the vote, took control of the governorship for the first time since the early ‘90s, and also won the races for N.C. Commissioner of Labor, N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture and N.C. Lieutenant Governor.

The state races with Watauga County as a voting district, though, bled red, as incumbents earned another term. Sen. Dan Soucek took the N.C. Senate District 45; Jordan edged Tarleton; and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx clobbered Elisabeth Motsinger for District 5 in the N.C. Congressional House.

However, once again, Foxx lost in her home county where she received 24 less votes than her opponent Motsinger, and this year, the Romney/Ryan ticket had 850 more votes than the Obama/Biden ticket. This was much different than in 2008, when Obama won in Watauga by more than 1,200 votes.

And as usual, Avery County Republicans overwhelmed the county’s few Democrats with nearly 75 percent of registered voters filling the circle beside Romney’s name.

Since Mitt Romney was planting a foot into the GOP sand earlier in the year, political chatter has been non stop – until now. But don’t worry. The Boone Town Council election is next year, and Mayor Loretta Clawson is not seeking reelection.

14

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Local Election Results: Watauga County Board of Education ✔ Brenda Reese: 10,587 ✔ Barbara Kinsey: 10,569 ✔ Ron Henries: 10,365 Jay Fenwick: 10,130 Deborah B. Greene: 7,634 Fred C. Oliver: 6,843 Reese Kinsey Henries Fenwick Greene Oliver 0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 1: ✔ Perry Yates: 13,595 Virginia Roseman: 12,342 District 2: ✔ John Welch: 13,784 Vince Gable: 12,025 District 3: ✔ Billy Kennedy: 13,311 Tommy Adams: 12,781 Yates Roseman Welch Gable Kennedy Adams 0

3000

6000

9000

12000

15000

Avery County Board of Commissioners ✔ Martha Jaynes Hicks: 5,406 ✔ Robert (Reo) Griffith: 5,084 ✔ Kenny R. Poteat: 4,863 Douglas Owen: 2,234 Hicks Griffith Poteat Owen 0

1000

2000

3000

* Blue = Democrat, Red = Republican, Green = Unaffiliated

4000

5000

6000

By Jesse Wood

If YOu ARE HAvINg A HEART ATTACk, mINuTES CAN mEAN THE dIffERENCE bETwEEN LIfE ANd dEATH.

CHOOSE THE AREA’S ONLY

aCCreDiteD Chest pain Center

Frye is the first hospital in the Greater Hickory Metro Area to receive Chest Pain Center Accreditation.

Hospitals that receive accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in treating patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack, meet strict criteria aimed at reducing the time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, and are able to treat patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved.

your region’s heart hospital 828-315-3391 December 2012

High Country Magazine

15

mountain

echoes

Holiday Celebrations At Area Churches Keep the holiday spirit alive. Bring your friends and family to any of these warm and welcoming places of worship for spiritual celebration and fellowship.

Where: Saint Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church, 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone More info: 828-264-8338

Laurel Springs Baptist Church

Boone United Methodist Church

Laurel Springs Baptist Church in Deep Gap will be holding a children’s Christmas program early in the month of December. Then, on Dec. 23, Laurel Springs holds their special Christmas music service.

When: Sundays, Dec. 2 (children’s program), 10:50 a.m.; Dec. 23 (Christmas music service), 6 p.m.

Where: Laurel Springs Baptist Church, 7504 U.S. 421 South, Deep Gap More info: 828-262-1330

Banner Elk Presbyterian Church Banner Elk Presbyterian Church will be holding two special musical events to coincide with the Christmas holiday. Events include a performance by the choir singing “Lead Me Back to Bethlehem” and two Christmas eve services with special music and communion.

When: Sunday, Dec. 16 (“Lead me back to Bethlehem”), 11 a.m.; Monday, Dec. 24 (services), 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, 420 College Drive, Banner Elk More info: 828-898-5406

Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church of Blowing Rock has several events coming up during the holiday season. Events include a children’s choir, a sanctuary cantata performing the “Voices of Christmas”

by Joseph Martin, the anthem “How Great Our Joy” by Craig Courtney with string quartet and also multiple Christmas Eve services.

When: Sundays, Dec. 2 (children’s choir), Dec. 9 (“Voices of Christmas”), Dec. 16 (“How Great Our Joy”); Tuesday, Dec. 24 (services), 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Where: Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock More info: 828-295-7675

Mount Calvary Baptist Church Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Banner Elk will have a special youth winter break getaway after Christmas this holiday season. The youth group will be traveling to Gatlinburg, Tenn., where they will be staying at the Gatlinburg Mansion.

When: Dec. 30 to Jan. 2 Where: church - 1161 N.C. 194, Banner Elk; cabin - 653 Hidden Valley Road, Gatlinburg, Tenn.

More info: 828-898-4735, ask for Ben Price if you are interested in going

Saint Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church Saint Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church in Boone will be hosting multiple holiday masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Events include a holiday family mass, Hispanic mass and midnight mass on Christmas Eve as well as a special Christmas day mass on Christmas morning.

When: Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. (family mass), 6 p.m.

(Hispanic mass), 8 p.m. (midnight mass); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.

16

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Boone United Methodist’s holiday event includes a Children’s Liturgy at 4 p.m. in the chapel with cookies and hot chocolate fellowship following the service. Praise and worship services with communion will be held at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Lessons and Carols will be from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blackburn’s Chapel Worship will be from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Blackburn’s Chapel in Todd.

When: Monday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Where: Boone United Methodist Church, 471 New Market Blvd., Boone More info: booneumc.org

Mabel United Methodist Church Mabel’s Christmas Eve service will start at 6 p.m., and will include a candlelight service with luminaries during the singing of Silent Night.

When: Friday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

Where: 5932 Old US Highway 421, near Zionville More info: hcmcumc.org

Temple Chanukah Celebration The Temple of the High Country will celebrate Chanukah on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. along with the Hillel of ASU. They will be lighting menorahs together (second night of Chanukah) and making and eating latkes. Bring a pot-luck dairy dish to share and your menorah.

When: Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Where: Temple of the High Country, 1043 King St., Boone More info: templeofthehighcountry.org

First Baptist Church of Boone The First Baptist Church will have a their annual Christmas Eve service as well as a Christmas Day luncheon. The times have not been decided yet.

When: Dec. 24 and 25, times TBA Where: 375 W. King St., Boone More info: boonefirstbaptist.org Compiled by Paul T. Choate & Rebecca Gitlen

mountain

echoes

Sugar Mountain—The Sweet Life in the Heart of the Ski Season

T

here’s so much more to High Country skiing than a rushed road trip for one day on the slopes. This winter, Sugar Mountain is making it easy for locals to share the sweet spot of the ski season with visiting friends.

Sugar’s new 2013 lodging packages make it more affordable than ever for skiers to have the fun of a destination ski vacation in the Village of Sugar Mountain.

Sugar’s special midweek lodging packages offer three, four, or five nights of lodging, with lift and lesson discounts—and guaranteed savings of 30-40%. Packages are available between Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and President’s Day—the height of ski season, perfect timing for great skiing and the season’s best snow.

Sugar is the smart resort to recommend.

Everything’s in one spot, the entire village is bustling and busy—but a midweek stay virtually guarantees maximum slope time with ski up to the chairlift convenience.

Sugar is the South’s biggest ski area, with the greatest vertical drop, most exten-

sive beginner terrain, renowned instruction for skiers and snowboarders, the region’s only double-diamond expert run, and cutting edge snowmaking.

There’s as much to do off the slopes as on—day and night. Get giddy on the rush down 700-foot tubing runs. Glide around 10,000 square-feet of outdoor ice-skating.

Take the only guided snowshoe tours in the region and see why families are choosing this easy, adventurous way to embrace winter.

Lodging is diverse, and the slopes can be accessible right from your door. Enjoy the slopeside ski experience in guest rooms, condos, and homes, from the base lodge to the snowiest, most spectacular summit condos. Or get away from it all—cocoon in a home or condo deep in wintry woods.

Sugar is the heart of the High Country— with easy access to other ski towns like Banner Elk, Boone, and Blowing Rock—for dining, shopping, and events, from art gallery exhibitions to spa treatments, winery tours and tastings to snowy hikes on local trails.

And Sugar is also a short drive from Beech Mountain Resort and Appalachian Ski Mtn. Package details and more at www.seesugar.com

December 2012

High Country Magazine

17

Searching For That An Ashe County Christmas Tree

takes

Center Stage at The White House The First Family’s Christmas Tree

This Tree is now in the Blue Room at The White House

By Angela Raimondo Rosebrough Photography by Ken Ketchie

A

s December 25th approaches, visions of bound up evergreens atop SUVs, crossovers and even sedans dance along highways and country roads from coast to coast. After all, what Christmas season can be complete without first finding the perfect tree? What many people may not realize, however, is 18

High Country Magazine

December 2012

that many of the trees seen across the country come from North Carolina – and most of those from these very mountains.

From the “Choose and Cut Capital” of Watauga to Avery County’s “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” nickname to Ashe County’s claim to the most National Champion Christmas

Perfect Christmas Tree

Tree wins than any other county in the nation – it’s no wonder so many choose a High Country tree for their homes every holiday season. Together these three counties comprise roughly sixty percent of the total Christmas trees produced in North Carolina, with Alleghany, Jackson and Mitchell counties round-

ing out nearly thirty-nine percent of our state’s production.

Christmas trees are a big deal in these mountains.

In households across our country, trees are adorned each year with ornaments made up from family heirlooms to gag gifts exchanged at the office holiday party. A grandmother pulls down December 2012

High Country Magazine

19

cates himself to the her delicate green and pursuit of the perfect red glass ornaments “fun, old-fashioned in one home, while family Christmas?” kids make construcAnd in his enthusition paper chains in asm he drags his famanother. The boxes of ily along for quite the Christmas curios, famwild ride whether they ily heirlooms, baby’s want to or not. Sure first Christmas drums we can all laugh at the along with several classic antics of the other tree decorations Griswold family, but noting milestones in a isn’t it because they family’s life are lifted exaggerate traditions and admired. Decowe love? rating the family tree Perhaps one of the with our memorabilia most well-known parbrings up nostalgia of odies from this classic past and future family Not only are Choose and Cut customers buying a tree, they are also shopping holiday film is that of celebrations for many. at local stores and eating at local restaurants. The family tradition has become a the Griswold’s trekIndividual traditions welcomed economic influence on the mountain regions of North Carolina. king into the woods to are unique to each famchoose and cut their ily, making up the vast own Christmas tree. When Clark sees it, his face lights up as he quilt that is American heritage.

Family traditions culminate for many in how they celebrate says “There it is.” Cue the angelic chorus and lights from above the holidays, and the American Christmas tradition is no differ- as the family steps to the over twenty-foot tall tree. He proudly ent. Remember Chevy Chase’s portrayal of Clark Griswold in proclaims to his half frozen wife and children – “The Griswold National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? How much he dedi- Family Christmas Tree.” And despite his family’s skepticism

20

High Country Magazine

December 2012

“We take a lot of pride in our Fraser fir Christmas trees and much hard work goes into growinG Christmas trees year round.

It takes 12-15 years to grow a six to seven foot Fraser fir Christmas tree.”

Jennifer Greene, Executive Director for North Carolina Christmas Trees Association. that it’s too big to fit in their yard, Clark remains undaunted. Even with his family turning into icicles as they shiver and admire the tree and even when his son asks if he brought a saw.

Cue the tree atop the station wagon, its roots hanging off the back.

The tradition of choosing your own Christmas tree continues to gain popularity as families seek to create memorable holiday experiences, and the High Country provides several Every Christmas tree farm in Watauga and Avery counties are family farms and provides a unique great options. Fortunately, most of us experience to celebrate the small farmer. Trees are grown at high elevations where conditions are can avoid the frolics of the Griswold perfect for the native Fraser Fir. Western North Carolina lists 265 tree farms as of 2010, producfamily. During the 1980s a shift ocing over 35 million trees on over 31,000 acres. There’s no shortage of trees to choose from! curred from the domestic production of Christmas trees from natural forests to nurseries and farms, giving rise to a booming economic ducing over 35 million trees on over 31,000 acres. With such a large portion of these farms located in the High Country, Christopportunity.

Now several farms have become quite well known for the mas tree farms bring in tremendous revenue and provide employwarm family experience they provide. With hay rides, farm ment to hundreds of people each year. “Because of our high elevaanimals, cookies and cocoa, and even shopping – a day at the tion we are second in the USA only to Oregon for most Christmas Christmas tree farm is the perfect winter follow-up to a fall day trees, especially Fraser Firs,” says Jennifer Greene, Executive Diat an apple farm. Once visitors arrive they will find many other rector for North Carolina Christmas Trees Association.

Celebrating the small farmer is Watauga County, where evattractions for the area, expanding their day to a short holiday vacation exploring the crafts and charming small town attrac- ery Christmas tree farm is a unique family farm according to the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association. Supporting these tionsof the High Country.

Western North Carolina lists 265 tree farms as of 2010, pro- farms also keeps Watauga’s viewscapes unspoiled as these farms December 2012

High Country Magazine

21

Real Christmas trees, as opposed to artificial Christmas trees, are 100% biodegradable and can be recycled in many ways: chipped up for mulch, sunken in ponds to create fish habitat, placed in the backyard for use as a birdfeeder or using trees to stabilize sand dunes on coastal areas. As trees are harvested, new transplants are continually replanted, to continue the support of area wildlife. provide vital habitats for songbirds, deer, quail, turkey, bear, Avery County Chamber of Commerce lists several Choose and and other small mammals. “Quail Unlimited has recognized Cut Deals on its website as the demand for these holiday vacaFraser fir Christmas tree farms for supporting critical habitat tions continue to grow in popularity. A Choose and Cut holiday needed for Bobwhite quail survival,” according to the Associa- is perfect for the kids, grandparents and everyone in between.

Last year tion’s website. WaAmericans entauga provides sevjoyed nearly 31 eral Choose and million farmCut farms across the grown Christmas region, where famitrees, says the Nalies can spend the tional Christmas day wandering the Tree Association. hillside looking for “The Real Tree their “perfect family industry involves Christmas tree.” an estimated Several families 100,000 people find themselves reranging from turning to the same Scouts on a corner farm year after year, lot to farms plantcreating friending and harvesting ships and traditions hundreds of thouthat run deep as sands of trees each they build on these year,” the NCTA bonds. Avery County goes on to say. has playfully added a North Carolina is fifth season to its calThe Circle C Tree Farm located in Boone, just off Bamboo Road bustles with activity on home to roughly endar, the “Choose weekends leading up to Christmas. Families return each year to choose their tree and then 1,500 Christmas and Cut Christmas the Circle C staff cuts, wraps and loads it up. The barn is stocked with wreaths, garland tree growers on Tree Season.” The and centerpieces, and a place to warm-up with a cup of hot chocolate.

22

High Country Magazine

December 2012

SkiSugar .com Sugar Mountain Resort

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NCSugar 28604 Mountain 828-898-4521

December 2012

High Country Magazine

23

Father and son Rusty (left) and Beau Estes, owners of Peak Farms in Jefferson, stand with Ashe County Agricultural Agent Travis Birdsell (right) and their National Christmas Tree Association champion tree that now resides in the White House. This is the farm’s first time win at the National Competition held annually by the National Christmas Tree Association. Rusty started their farm in 1979 with just 200 trees.

35,000 acres. Ashe County produces 12,000 of those acres and stage as this year’s White House Christmas Tree. That’s right. grew nearly 11 million trees according to the 2009 Census of This year, our First Family’s “Perfect Family Christmas tree” is Horticulture. North Carolina has had the most Christmas tree also Ashe County’s most perfect Christmas tree.

Rusty and Beau Estes, father and son owners of Peak Farms Grand Champions in the nation – more than half of which have in Jefferson, located in Ashe County, are thrilled at their farm’s come from Ashe County.

Ashe County tree farms alone employ 700 year round jobs first time win at the National Competition held annually by the and over 2,000 jobs during harvest. Peak Farms, this year’s Grand National Christmas Tree Association. The contest’s winner has Champion, for instance, employs eight full time and 40 seasonal supplied the White House with its tree every year since it began employees and has 350,000 trees currently planted. The White in 1966, North Carolina has won Grand Champion seven times – five more times than any other House Christmas tree has come from state. Of these twelve wins, seven a tree farm in the United States for the have gone to Ashe County. past 47 years, showing further the im“My dad, Rusty, started in 1979 portance of preserving our traditions when he planted his first crop on – both the holiday and our commitJessie Davis’ land,” says Beau Esment to agriculture in this country. tes, partner at Peak Farm. This The beauty of choosing Real Trees this first crop consisted of 200 trees in holiday season is that it keeps heritage Lenoir. Jessie Davis founded River alive, both locally and nationally.

Ridge Tree Farms in Ashe County The NC Christmas tree industry is in 1983. Davis and Rusty Estes won expected to bring some $100 million National Champion in 2008. Estes in annual revenue according to the established Peak Farms in 1993 in NCSU Cooperative Extension. The Jefferson. His son, Beau, gradunumber one tree grown throughout ated from NC State in 2002 and the High Country and surrounding Cool Springs Nursery in Banner Elk was runner-up in eventually found his way into a full mountains is the Fraser Fir, our most National Competition and takes the title of Reserve time career in Christmas trees and produced tree, which accounts for Grand Champion, earning it’s tree a place in Vice joined up with his father. “We’re ninety percent of our state’s crop. And President Joe Biden’s residence. This is the first time not a giant operation at this point, this year our prized tree – renowned both winners have come from the same state in the but we’re not small either. We lease across the country for its long-lasting 46 years of the competition. about 400-500 acres from Jessie needles and color – will take center 24

High Country Magazine

December 2012

A

19-foot tall Fraser Fir from Rusty and Beau Estes’ Peak Farms in Jefferson recently won at the National Christmas Tree Association competition. The contest’s winner has supplied the White House with its tree every year since it began in 1966.

The special tree’s journey began at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, where it was cut at Peak Farms. After the tree was loaded into a tractor-trailer, it made its way through West Jefferson during the town’s annual holiday parade. The tree also stopped at the Ashe County Courthouse for the “White House Christmas Tree Cutting and Celebration.” Then it was on to Washington, D.C., where first lady Michelle Obama received the tree on Friday, Nov. 23. The tree will be displayed in the Blue Room throughout the holiday season.

Photos by Joanathan and Peter Morris

December 2012

High Country Magazine

25

Davis still, and have retail lots all over the state and in Austin and San Antonio,” says Beau.

Together, Rusty and Beau remain dedicated to education and work with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension on research projects impacting the tree industry. Each year they also invite local first graders to their farm to teach them about the benefits of Christmas trees. There the children work with the farm to coordinate a mapping project where they track tagged trees across the country to see where they have been shipped.

At the end of their field trips, the children return home with a tree of their own to plant at their homes.

After taking first place in Sacramento this past August for their Blue Spruce, Obama Administration officials visited Peak Farms to choose just the right tree for the Blue Room. Although the entertainment of the Griswold’s misadventures had no place on this trip, the White House happily chose a Fraser Fir that will stand exactly eighteen-and-a-half feet tall. The tree was then accompanied to Washington, DC by Rusty and Beau, where it was presented to First Lady Michelle Obama shortly after Thanksgiving.

“We take a lot of pride in our Fraser fir Christmas trees and much hard work goes into growing Christmas trees year round. It 26

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Watauga County is known as the “Choose and Cut Capital” while Avery County goes by “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” and Ashe County has claim to the most National Champion Christmas Tree awards in the country. The High Country is home to some of the most entertaining and scenic Choose and Cut farms across the region.

takes 12-15 years to grow a six to seven foot Fraser fir Christmas tree,” explains Greene.

“Producing the best tree that nature and nurture can provide takes much time and effort. Yet, Christmas tree growers agree that this long hard job is worth it when their trees become the decorative centerpiece of homes during the holiday season.”

The Fraser Fir is native to the mountains and people love them for their lush symmetry, great aromas and dark needles.

They are known to hold up even to heavy ornaments, and they last a long time when properly cared for. Their needles are short and soft, and their color is a very dark green. Fraser firs are incredibly appealing and the demand for a North Carolina Fraser fir is sure to rise after two of them take their place this holiday season in Washington.

Runner up in this competition takes the title of Reserve Grand Champion, earning it a place in the Vice President’s residence. This year, Mark and Paul Smith of Cool Springs Nursery in Banner Elk take this merit. Together they and the Estes team traveled to California for the competition held in August, despite competing in the same contest once they each won their respective categories. That is just one more sign of the solidarity that exists between High Country farmers, and we are surely privileged to have both winners among us. And what makes it sweeter is that this is the first time both winners have come from the same state in the forty-six years of the competition. “It’s really exciting to watch our growers win this year,” says Greene.

Cool Springs Nursery won 2011 State Grand Champion before taking the title as 2012 National True Fir Champion. Like Peak Farms, Cool Springs Nursery is a family venture – beginning with brothers Mark and Paul Smith planting two acres of Fraser Firs with the intention of growing perfect trees for their friends and family. Who would have thought that their humble plot would grow to more than 600 acres and that their trees would be in demand far beyond Avery County. Mark and Paul approach their business with total dedication to providing fresh, perfect trees, and their win this year as Reserve National Champion proves their success.

An issue the farmers and organizations that support Christmas tree farms is one of educating the public about the environmental benefits of Christmas trees. A common misconception is that harvesting real Christmas trees has a negative environmental impact. The truth, however, is that Christmas tree farms are actually great for the environment. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted the following spring to replace them. Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. They remove excessive carbon dioxide from the air while producing “the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people,” according to the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association.

Several options exist at your fingertips to help you choose this year’s Christmas tree. The website for the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association provides everything you need to know from inventory and contact info for local tree farms to where to “treecycle” after the holiday season. And although your family may not find themselves frost bitten and tearing trees straight from the ground this holiday season, we do hope you’ll make a High Country grown Christmas tree the center of your holiday tradition. 

Gifts for the Western Lifestlye

Jeans

for the Whole Family

Thousands of Them

Belts & Buckles Hats

Hundreds of Cowboy Hats

Boots

Work, Fashion & Western

Clothing

Shits, Coats, Vests & more

Watsonatta Western World Western Awesome Store - Since 1969 IN DOWNTOWN BOONE 711 West King Street

264-4540 December 2012

High Country Magazine

27

Journey of a Simple Gift Operation

Christmas Child A PROJECT OF SAMARITAN’S PURSE®

Last year, Madagascar children and their families anxiously await the arrival of OCC shoeboxes transported several miles on this cart by OCC volunteers.

By Megan Northcote 28

High Country Magazine

December 2012

“

THREE, TWO, ONE!

Shoebox lids fly open as the children eagerly tear into each box”

A

nine-year-old boy runs, giggling and squealing, through mounds of trash in his schoolyard, chasing after his soccer ball.

His family and friends, take a break from digging through the trash and wave, covering their mouths with their hands to suppress the stench of putrid, rotting produce emanating from the surrounding trash piles.

Like most Filipino children in his village, Imus Cavite, for this young boy, living amongst the trash piles is a way of life he has come to accept.

Retrieving his ball, Ralph returns from recess to his classroom, his heart racing. Rumor has it, he and his fellow classmates will be receiving a special gift.

A line of dirt covered jeeps laden with large brown cardboard containers surround his school house.

The young boy sits quietly at his desk with his classmates as volunteers remove shoeboxes of different sizes from the containers and begin distributing them to him and each of his friends.

Suddenly the volunteers begin the countdown for the moment the children have all been waiting for – the chance to open their shoeboxes.

Three, two, one!

Shoebox lids fly open as the children eagerly tear into each box, removing all sorts of items from toy cars to socks to toothpaste to the one gift this young boy had been hoping for the most – school supplies!

Just as he’s about to close the box lid, he notices a small booklet entitled “The Greatest Gift of All,” which explains the story of Jesus Christ and his offering of salvation to young boys and girls all over the world.

As the children’s noise and excitement abates, one of the newcomers, an evangelist by the name of Franklin Graham, makes his way to the front of the classroom, and ex-

Photos Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse

Two young Kenyan boys sitting in their community church marvel at their new gifts they received from OCC. December 2012

High Country Magazine

29

plains the message behind the gifts.

These boxes were donated through Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, which distributes shoeboxes and the message of God’s love to hurting children worldwide.

Founded by Graham in 1993, this year, OCC hopes to pack and distribute the 100 millionth shoe box. Since 1993, more than 94 million shoeboxes have been distributed to children in over 130 countries.

In celebration of the 100 millionth shoebox, between April 4-7 2013, all of the international and domestic volunteers and staff, who have made this operation possible over the last 20 years, will gather in Orlando, Fla. in celebration of the Operation’s success.

A public celebration, entitled “100 Reasons to Celebrate” will feature Graham sharing stories of the mission’s 20 years of success as well as guest performances by Christian musicians Michael W. Smith and Matthew West.

Yet many people don’t realize that the

headquarters of OCC, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, is located right in the High Country’s own backyard in Boone off Bamboo Road.

“Our [OCC] slogan is ‘The Power of a Simple Gift,’ but we are very complex project,” Rachael Mills, OCC media relation manager said. “It takes a lot of get those precious little shoeboxes into the hand of a child.”

From packing the shoeboxes to shoebox distribution, thousands of OCC volunteers and staff have given thousands of hours to make sure each one of these boxes packed by local community members ends up in the hands of a deserving child all over the world each year.

But the original vision for the project got its start right here in the foothills of Appalachia by a man named Franklin Graham.

In the Beginning

Preaching and ministering to the masses about the love of Jesus Christ has been in Franklin Graham’s blood since birth.

Born just outside of Asheville on July 14, 1952, Franklin is the eldest son of world renowned evangelist Billy Graham.

In addition, Franklin’s maternal grandfather, Lemuel Nelson Bell, was a medical missionary to China for more than 20 years and a co-founder and executive editor of Christianity Today.

Although born into a family of Christian ministry, Franklin was 22 years old before he committed his love to Christ.

This sudden transformation occurred shortly after Franklin met Bob Pierce, founder of Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people worldwide since 1970.

As fate would have it, in 1975, Franklin accompanied Pierce on a life changing, six-week tour of some of the world’s neediest missions.

From that point forward, Franklin knew he had found his calling, much like his father’s – to minister to those in need of God’s love worldwide.

After Pierce’s passing in 1978, Frank-

A couple Liberian girls were surprised to find hand knitted matching hats in their OCC shoeboxes last year.

30

High Country Magazine

December 2012

So when the opportunity came for the couple to distribute lin became president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy boxes to children in Ukraine in 2008, they couldn’t say no.

Graham Evangelist Association.

“Emi and I couldn’t believe how fascinated the children were Franklin’s second calling came in 1993 when he received a phone call from a man in Wales, asking him to help in collecting with “The Greatest Gift of All,” Dan said. “Once the distribution party ended, the kids didn’t leave a single book behind.” and distributing shoeboxes to needy children in Bosnia.

Witnessing the children’s enthusiasm for learning about God Inspired by the success of this mission, in 1993 Franklin implemented his own shoebox distribution program called Operation motivated the couple to answer their higher calling and become involved as volunteers Christmas Child, origiwith OCC on a year-round nally based out of Cavalry basis.

Church in Charlotte.

Today, the Jarvis’ are In the first year alone, the Church Relations CoGraham and other minisordinators for the High try partners collected and Country Area Volunteer personally distributed Team, overseeing 25 volboxes to 28,000 children unteers serving a seven in war-torn Bosnia. county area, including Each year, the number Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, of boxes distributed and Mitchell, Watauga, Wilthe number of countries kes, and Yancey. served has grown subWithout a doubt, volstantially, working to fulunteers are the backbone fill Operation Christmas of OCC, April Butcher, asChild’s mission to reach sistant manager for volunas many different children teer relations said. worldwide as possible.

Since the project’s Hurting children inception in 1993, over around the world who 140,000 volunteers in the receive the gifts, include United States and over victims of child labor law 500,000 worldwide have violations, trafficked chilserved in every capacity dren, HIV/AIDs infected of OCC from collecting children, as well as the packed boxes to inspecting poor and impoverished. them at processing cen“Operation Christmas ters to distributing them Child is about much more around the globe. than the stuffed animals Domestically, volunand coloring books and teers can either serve in crayons in the boxes,” part time, temporary caFranklin said. “I want evpacities or as year-round ery child who gets a box volunteers. to know that Jesus Christ All year-round volunis the Son of God who teers are trained using the came to die for their sins high impact model. because He loves them so “The high impact much. That’s why OperaA National Leadearship Team volunteer chats with a model is a biblically based tion Christmas Child is young Uganda girl about her new OCC box. volunteer model, which such a great opportunity teaches volunteers that for evangelism.” they all have gifts and talents that they’re called to give back to the Lord,” Butcher said. “Every volunteer is a child of God and each volunteer should take When Dan and Emi Jarvis, Ashe County residents, boarded ownership of how their part of the ministry works.”

Between February and May each season, year-round voluna plan four years ago to distribute OCC shoeboxes in Ukraine, teers are recruited to serve on one of five domestic Area Teams they had no idea their life path would be changed forever.

The couple had already caught the OCC volunteer bug after including: church relations, community relations, collection volunteering at the Boone Processing Center preparing boxes for center, prayer relations and media relations.

This year, about 7,000 year-round volunteers are managed worldwide distribution.

A Call to Action

December 2012

High Country Magazine

31

EAT CROW EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE

Sandwiches

(Served on our homemade bread)

Pies • Cakes Shepherd’s Pie Steak & Ale Pie Chicken Pot Pie English Specialties (On Request)

Holiday Catering

(Pies/Sides) & Catering for all Occasions

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com

Fabulous British Chef/Owner

Dominic& Meryle Geraghty

Top: In 2011, Dominican Republic children anxiously await the final countdown before they can rip the tape of their OCC boxes and uncover the goodies. Last year, many of the OCC shoeboxes in the Boone Processing Center were shipped to the Dominican Republic.

Bottom: A Dominican Republican girl leans forward in her desk to see what toys her friend will find inside her OCC shoebox. by 13 field offices nationwide.

About 263 year-long volunteer teams exist nationwide, blanketing about 60 to 70 percent of the U.S with the goal of eventually covering the entire country, Butcher said.

Each team is headed by an area coordinator, like the Jarvis’, who not only recruits volunteers, but also develops and leads the team, setting the team’s vision and helping them move forward.

EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe (across from Mountain Lumber)

32

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Each of these area coordinators are unpaid volunteers, serving a remarkable 30 to 40 hours per week.

“These team leaders are volunteering so much of their time because this is their calling,” Butcher said. “The lord has given them these gifts and talents and this is how he’s calling them to use them. It really is incredible what they accomplish and… it’s really exciting to see how their passion ignites other people’s passion as well.”

Dan said he and his wife most enjoy recruiting volunteers to serve year-round. In the High Country, many of the year-round volunteers found their passion for OCC when volunteering on a short term basis at the Boone processing center, Dan said.

Throughout the summer, church and community relations teams work diligently to form partnerships with churches, schools, businesses and other civic organizations, encouraging these different groups to pack boxes in the fall.

In 2011 nationwide, OCC partnered with a record-breaking 76,000 churches and mission groups nationwide.

“OCC is not about us helping [churches] with our ministry, it’s really about OCC being a pipeline for the local church to adopt the project as their own mission,” Butcher said.

Since 1993, the High Country Church Relations Team has partnered with 627 different churches, Dan said.

Last year, the Community Re-

lations team formed a wide variety of national partnerships with Life Way Christian Stores, MOPS International, American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H Youth Development Organizations and many others.

Sometimes, community relations volunteers ask businesses to get creative in their giving.

For instance, Mills, who served as former community relations manager, said volunteers might encourage the Dollar Store to ask customers to donate a dollar to purchase a toy for the OCC toy bin, later collected by volunteers.

Locally, Appalachian State University has been incredibly active in hosting shoebox packing events. Over 68 ASU fraternities, sororities, campus ministries, service organizations and other special interest groups on campus have donated boxes to OCC. For several years, David Ward, an ASU assistant track coach and Director of Son’s Light Ministries in Boone, has rallied all ASU students particularly, student athletes, to pack a box for OCC.

Discovering a Barbie doll in her OCC box lifts the spirits of this injured Dominican Republican girl.

t r o f com forter

tle t i l s ’ e r e Th

in a dirty .

com

Enjoy a better night’s sleep— let A Cleaner World clean your comforter.

Bring yours in today!

We do it right the first time or it’s FREE.

www.acleanerworld.com

ACW 0198-12436 (8.5x5.5) Half Page Ads.indd 4

December 2012

H i g h C o u n t r y M a g a2/15/12 z i n e12:57 PM 33

Collecting by the Numbers November 12-19, 2012.

It’s the week OCC volunteers and staff worldwide have been preparing for all year – National Collection Week.

During this one week, all of the prepared shoeboxes are distributed to one of more than 3,200 drop-off sites in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico.

Seven drop-off sites are scattered throughout the High Country, including: Sparta United Methodist Church in Alleghany County; West Jefferson First Baptist Church in Ashe County; Spruce Pine First Baptist Church in Mitchell County; Baptist Home Church, Specialty Car Co., and the Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief facility in Wilkes County; and Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church in Yancey County.

Boone locals need look no further than the Boone Processing Center, located on 801 Bamboo Road to drop off their boxes.

At the end of the week, year-round collection volunteers at each of these drop-off locations load the boxes into church vans and drive to one of 500 collection or relay centers nationwide.

In 2011, just over 1,000 18-wheelers were sent to collect all of the shoeboxes from each of these relay centers, Randy Riddle, Domestic Director of OCC said.

The boxes are then shipped to one of seven processing centers, strategically placed nationwide, including: Atlanta, Boone, Charlotte, Denver, Honolulu, Minneapolis and Orange County, Calif.

Boone and Charlotte are the only two processing centers whose warehouses are permanently owned by OCC. Warehouses for the other five processing centers are donated to OCC on a yearly basis, which means each year, all of the processing materials from these locations are trucked to the Charlotte center for storage until the start of National Collection Week.

“I believe in OCC wholeheartedly,” Ward said. “My goal for the track team is for them to pack 100 boxes each year.

Sometimes these kids overseas don’t even have shoes. Their whole material world is in that shoebox. There are lots of needy children in America who need assistance, but in other countries, sometimes there’s no one to take care of the kids. A lot of people don’t realize how blessed we are here [in America].”

But Ward doesn’t just talk about the importance of OCC, he takes action.

This year on November 10 during ASU’s football game against Furman University, Ward plans to park an OCC truck beside “The Rock” at ASU’s Kidd Brewer Stadium, encouraging students to drop off their boxes.

In years past, Ward has hosted an OCC Kick-off celebration in early November in ASU’s Plemmons Student Union, inviting football coach Jerry Moore to give a motivational speech promoting OCC. However, this

year, with the Student Union under construction, Ward doesn’t foresee this event happening.

But that hasn’t stopped him from trying to promote OCC year round. In the spring, Ward hopes to set up an OCC booth at home basketball games and raffle an autographed ASU football to one lucky student who packs a box.

“I’d love to see ASU set a precedent for other universities across the nation for packing shoeboxes,” Ward said. “OCC is such an awesome opportunity.”

Packing Parties

As soon as summer begins to fade, the media relations team swings into action, promoting Back to Schools sales and the National Tax Free weekend in early August as the perfect time for churches and community partners to start purchasing goodies to fill their shoeboxes.

Just like Santa on Christmas Eve, each fall, church and community relations volunteers flock to their partner agencies

In 2011, slightly over 6 million boxes were distributed nationwide, with 2 million of them being processed in Charlotte. Charlotte’s processing warehouse is nearly three times the size of Boone’s.

Even more impressive, although Boone’s warehouse is the second smallest in terms of physical size, last year, of the seven processing centers, Boone processed the third highest total number of boxes – 768,949.

That’s enough boxes to fill their warehouse floor to floor and ceiling to ceiling two times, Leigh Ellen, administrative assistant for OCC promotions, said.

Each year, approximately 30 to 40 trucks haul boxes to Boone from relay centers in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and even Pennsylvania, Gotwald said.

A Liberian student proudly displays his OCC shoebox and a copy of “The Greatest Gift of All,” which is printed in over 70 languages and given to children worldwide.

34

High Country Magazine

December 2012

distributing empty red and green GO (Gospel Opportunity) boxes for group members to fill. Individuals are also given the option of filling their own standard size shoe box or plastic container.

That’s when the holiday shopping fun really begins.

Every shoe box packer selects a gender and age range and then head out on a shopping spree. Using the packing guidelines on OCC’s website (https://www.samaritanspurse. org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/), individuals fill their boxes with toys, schools supplies, hygiene items, peppermint sticks, t-shirts, socks – anything they think their boy or girl would love to receive for the holidays.

Often times, the more creative gift givers donate handmade gifts, such as knitted socks, hats, and mittens.

Some donors include an optional card with a personalized religious message for the recipient.

In addition to packing a box (or multiple boxes), gift givers are asked to make a minimum $7 donation to help cover shipping and other project costs.

Cash or check donations may be placed inside the box, but OCC team members strongly encourage shoebox donators to donate online through OCC’s website.

By donating online, individuals can actually track which

Top: One OCC Boone Processing Center Staff member stacks newly arrived GO (Gospel Opportunity) boxes for volunteers to help inspect.

Bottom: Last year’s volunteers at the Boone Processing Center formed an assembly line to inspect donated OCC shoeboxes, weeding out inappropriate items before being shipped overseas.

PET PORTR AITS WITH SANTA

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8th 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM PACKAGES STARTING AT $18

A portion of the proceeds goes to the tion Dachshund Rescue. For more informa 3 .018 .995 336 at contact Robin

FREE

*

CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOUR PET! *FREE GIFT WITH ANY PURCHASE.

10” PLUSH BEAR

~ OR ~

YOUR CHOICE! OFFER GOOD EXCLUSIVELY AT BOONE PET SUPPLIES PLUS LOCATION. ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE. NO CASH VALUE. MAY NOT BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. OFFER VALID THRU DECEMBER 24, 2012 ONLY.

3-PACK HOLIDAY FELT MICE

STORE COUPON

BOONE I 828.266.2100 2575 Highway 105,

in Highland Commons Shopping Center next to Ingles Grocery Store December 2012

OFFER EXPIRES 12/24/2012

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 9am to 9pm Sunday: 11am to 6pm

High Country Magazine

35

Gratitude Sale

20% OFF All Products (present ad for discount)

country their box is distributed to. Here’s how it works.

After making their online donation, individuals can print off a donation label with barcode and place it on their box.

Once the box arrives at a processing center, collection volunteers scan the box label and the box’s corresponding shipping container and packing trailer to keep track of the box’s destination.

“The number of people following their shoeboxes online has grown every year,” Chris Gotwald, warehouse operations coordinator said. “We try to hit every label.

We don’t want to miss any, although there is a chance a volunteer might accidently skip over a label or the donator may have forgotten to attach their label to their box.”

Not to fear that your box will get overlooked.

Before the shoeboxes even leave the hands of their donors, the Prayer Mobilization volunteers are enlisted to raise up prayer that the donors’ boxes will safely make their way into the hands of a needy child somewhere around the globe.

Let the Processing Begin

While year-round volunteers are the motor power who keep OCC running each year, short term, temporary volunteers provide the engine fuel to process boxes on a daily basis, especially during National Collection Week.

Each year during the first week of August, when processing center volunteer registration officially begins, the phone

won’t stop ringing with volunteers eager to donate anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks of their time inspecting shoeboxes for distribution, Mills said.

Processing center volunteers are trained the same week as National Collection Week.

After that, let the processing inspections begin!

Volunteers race to their respective processing center assembly lines starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and continue inspecting boxes until December 8.

Volunteers must serve a minimum of four hour long shifts and, for safety reasons, must be at least 13 years old, Gotwald said.

Have a youngster who is not quite 13 years old, but is still interested in learning what goes on inside a shoebox processing center?

Family Day is the perfect opportunity for families with young children to learn more about the world’s largest shoebox inspection project while also participating in child-friendly activities. This year, Family Day was held on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all processing centers nationwide, excluding Hawaii.

In addition, job fairs are held in midOctober each year to recruit paid Christian staff members, such as truck drivers, greeters, volunteer trainers, forklift operators and others, who all help the processing center operations run smoothly.

Henry Ford might have been the first to invent the assembly line, but without a doubt, OCC processing centers were the

One OCC Boone Processing Center volunteer takes a break from the assembly line to share her excitement about packing OCC shoeboxes for shipment.

36

High Country Magazine

December 2012

This year between Wed. Nov. 21 and Dec. 8, community volunteers manned their assembly lines in the Boone Processing Center Warehouse, inspecting and packing shoeboxes for worldwide distribution.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

37

HOLIDAY PARTIES & GIFT CARDS

BUY $100 IN GIFT CARDS, GET A $10 GIFT CARD FREE!

Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 2124 Blowing Rock Road in Boone 828 / 264-7976 • www.makotos-boone.com

38

High Country Magazine

December 2012

first to perfect them.

At each processing center, one group of volunteer pre-inspectors searches the box to remove the $7 donation.

Then, the box is passed down the line to inspectors, who weed out inappropriate items, which won’t past inspection at Customs in airports, including liquid, food, seeds and especially war-related items, such as toy guns and camouflage.

Unused items are dropped into a bucket underneath each inspection table and given to a local ministry or organization that needs them, Gotwald said. For instance, shampoo might be donated to a woman’s shelter or chocolate might be tossed to children at a community parade.

“One thing we want is a full box,” Gotwald said. “If a box only has three items, we want to fill it up with other things, usually gift-in-kind donations from local businesses or extra donations from individuals.”

At the same time, OCC volunteers are instructed to preserve the integrity of the box, by not removing anything from the box unless deemed inappropriate.

Boxes are then taped and packed into shipping cartons.

Over the years, Gotwald said the processing center managers have gotten the packing process down to a mathematical science.

Depending on the shoebox size, between 14 and 23 shoeboxes can fit into each carton.

In an average shipment, a truck might hold 14 shoeboxes per carton with 14 cartons per pallet. Each shipping pallet holds up to 16 pallets packed onto each truck.

Do the math, and that’s nearly 3,000 kids that can be served on one truck alone.

Efficient as the processing centers seem, OCC keeps growing, challenging volunteers to search for new ways to handle more boxes while minimizing storage, Gotwald said.

“This year in Boone, we’re configuring all our teams differently to be able to be more efficient with handling the boxes coming into the warehouse,” Gotwald said. “Currently, we store about 50,000 to 60,000 boxes in the Boone warehouse per year. If we can come up with a way of storing fewer shoe boxes and have a system that’s more efficient, that means we can get smaller warehouses and in turn save money, which is better spent on shoeboxes. People ask what we do the rest of the year [not dur-

“

I want every child who gets a box to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to die for their sins

because He loves them so much.”

– FRANKLIN GRAHAM, Board Chairman and President - CEO

ing the holiday season]. This planning is part of what we do.”

In the off-season, processing center staff are also responsible for determining the location for all processing centers.

Processing Centers are strategically located near seaports, for easy shoebox shipping. Additionally, OCC staff utilize GIS mapping to determine where the highest concentration of shoeboxes are dropped off each year, and uses this data to determine the best locations for new drop-off centers, Mills said.

Based on this mapping system, next

year, two new processing centers will open in Baltimore, Md. and Dallas, Texas, Gotwald said.

‘Tis the Season for Giving

OCC myth number one: All children must receive their shoeboxes on Christmas Day because why else would they call it Operation Christmas Child, right?

Wrong.

“We strive to get as many shoeboxes into the hands of the kids on or before Christmas if possible,” David Thompson,

International Director of OCC (USA) said. “The Christmas holiday is not what drives OCC. In terms of receiving, many of these cultures don’t even know about Christmas. December 25 is not a magical day.”

Shoebox distribution occurs between mid December through February, sometimes as late as March, Thompson said.

To facilitate shoebox distribution, a National Leadership Team is assembled in each receiving country, comprised primarily of volunteers from that country.

Much like the domestic Volunteer

A Madagascar girl smiles for the camera while balancing her newly opened OCC box on her head.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

39

Area Teams, each National Leadership Team is headed by a coordinator who oversees the coordinators of four departments involved in some aspect of shoebox distribution, including: Church Mobilization, Operations, National Prayer Team, and an OCC discipleship team.

“Boone is the engine of growth and mobilization,” Thompson said. “The engine of strategy that makes decisions on where to distribute the boxes is the National Leadership team. We really listen to them.”

Each year, the National Leadership Team works in partnership with 75 to 100 different countries each year for box distribution, targeting countries of greatest economic need.

“We don’t target the same kids every year. We’re striving for the project to impact more new people each year,” Thompson said. “Our focus is to get it in new kids’ hands so more can experience the project.”

Each year, the National Leadership Team works in partnership with 75 to 100 different countries each year for box distribution, targeting countries of greatest economic need.

The project continues to grow, last year adding four new countries: Burundi (east of Democratic Republic of the Congo), Lesotho in South Africa, Suriname (north of Brazil) and Malaysia in Asia, Thompson said.

Mexico and Ukraine have historically been the top two shoebox recipients each year, each receiving over 660,000 boxes each in 2011.

Operation Christmas Child is not the only country sending shoebox gifts. Other sending countries include: United Kingdom (the project’s founding country), Canada, Australia, Austria, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, and, starting next year, Japan.

But not all countries’ government officials are equally receptive to receiving shoeboxes and spreading God’s love.

“One of the hardest parts of operation is figuring out how to import gifts without paying taxes on them,” Thompson said.

“They are gifts to be donated from kids to kids. Getting local leaders to understand that this is not a commercial, but spiritual project is one of the biggest challenges.”

Once the country partnerships have been formed, the shoeboxes are trucked from the seven processing centers to seaports and shipped via sea crates to hub cities in the receiving countries.

The exception is the Denver processing center whose boxes are trucked into Mexico.

All other boxes are shipped strategically, with all Southeast centers, such as Boone and Charlotte, shipping from Charleston, S.C. From Charleston, Boone’s boxes are usually shipped to hub cities in Africa and the Dominican Republic.

Once arriving in the hub cities, the National Leadership team takes over.

That’s when the real challenge begins – finding creative ways to transport these boxes to villages in some of the most remote, dangerous parts of the world.

Canoe, horse, ox, yak, truck, cart, boat, helicopter, car, truck – if you can think of a mode of transportation, it has probably been used in the delivery of an OCC box to a child.

From island villages in Madagascar to prisons in the Philippines to the steppes of Mongolia, shoeboxes have found a way to hurting children across the globe.

Boxes are distributed by the National Leadership Team within six weeks after arriving in the host country to one of over 40,000 ministry partners identified worldwide, including churches, schools and community organizations.

Shoebox distribution events serving up to 200 children, much like the one previously described in the Philippines, are times for joyous celebration and often come as a complete surprise to the children.

Prior to receiving their boxes, the children sing songs and play games with OCC volunteers, building enthusiasm for God’s message and excitement for their special gifts.

Then, the children are told to either lineup by age or sit in the field until all shoeboxes are distributed and the countdown begins.

After the countdown, the children tear into their boxes and shriek with excitement, marveling at their new gifts.

“We want the gift to come as a symbol of the grace that’s come to use. Not to just put a smile on their face. We want them to know there is a god that loves them,” Thompson said.

Without a doubt, the boxes have certainly made an impact on the children.

Ten years ago, while serving as a volunteer in Moscow, Thompson remembers the words of one little girl after receiving

Boone Processing Center volunteers collaborate to pack OCC shoeboxes into cartons before being trucked to a port and shipped overseas.

40

High Country Magazine

December 2012

her gift: “I’ve been praying to God everyday for the past year someone would give me a gift again.” Her prayers were answered.

Surprisingly, even though the children come from disadvantaged backgrounds, Thompson, who had previously worked with the distribution team for the past ten years in the Soviet Union, is always amazed by how generous the children are with their gifts.

“Kids offer me candy from their box. A child who’s never seen peppermint, but so blessed in this moment wants to return the blessing,” Thompson said.

To extend the blessing further, each year about 60 to 70 percent of the receiving countries participate in OCC’s The Greatest Journey, a 12-week follow-up discipleship program designed in 2009 by ministry leaders around the globe to teach children about Jesus Christ.

Last year, nearly 3,200 in-country ministry partners were trained to teach the program to millions of children. This year, the program hopes to reach 1.5 million children worldwide.

The discipleship’s message truly changes lives.

According to BARNA research group, children between the ages of five and 13 in the United States are eight times more likely than teenagers and five times more likely than adults to accept Jesus into their hearts.

Thompson recalls a little girl in Estonia who became Christian after participating in the program. She then rushed home, and shared God’s love with her father, right before he passed away with a brain tumor.

“All this growth, all these logistics, and all this effort, we really give God the glory for all of that,” Riddle said. “It’s not something that man could do alone. We expect this year to send our 100 millionth shoebox and we owe it all to God.” 

Da n c e

y ! a w A t h g i the N

Enjoy a 5 coursE dinnEr with dancing from 9-1 and champagnE toast at midnight $90/pErson (plus tax and gratuity)

Interested in Volunteering with the High Country Area Volunteer Team?

Email occcarolinas@ samaritan.org to begin the application and interview process.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

41

Shop Local for

Christmas “

You should enjoy this a special section we’ve put together to showcase local retail shops. It’s a well written look at your friends and neighbors in business for themselves. Check ‘em out!

Make some of your Christmas shopping local this year.

Read All About Local Shopping Here

Antiques on Howard

BOONE. Walk the Howard Street loop to one of downtown Boone’s best kept secrets – Antiques on Howard, which has a 6,000-squarefoot mall filled with an ever-changing, plethora of merchandise from more than 30 vendors. You’ll find quality items from the past from back when things were made to last!

An eclectic mix of antiques, primitives and estate jewelry exists at Antiques on Howard, including art objects, coins, auto memorabilia, books and tools. We have a section called the mid-century modern gallery with lighting, glassware and casual and elegant painted furniture. You can also find vintage clothing and linens.

It’s almost like being in a museum – except everything is for sale, and our staff is on hand to point you in the right direction or answer any questions regarding the history of any intriguing items. Be in the loop and visit Antiques on Howard at 199 Howard Street – which is located in between Magic Cycles and Char Restaurant.  828-262-1957. Check out Antiques on Howard on Facebook. See ad on page 48

THE ART CELLAR

BANNER ELK. Tis the season…for art, and The Art Cellar Gallery & Frame Shop is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the High Country.

From fine art to folk art, from metalwork to glass, from pottery to paintings, The Art Cellar has that unique, treasured gift perfect special occasions, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Winter Solstice for the art lover and the artist within.

Established in 1993, The Art Cellar began as the lifelong vision of Pamela McKay, who focuses on showcasing the artwork of those indigenous to the mountains of Western North Carolina, which has had an impact on so many in the arts.

Whether it is fresh from the painter’s easel, potter’s wheel, sculpture studio or workbench, The Art Cellar has grand sculptures, ceramic serving pieces and the perfect coffee cup, glass bowls, ornaments, small paintings and much more – including gift certificates for art or framing. The Art Cellar is located at 920 Shawneehaw Avenue on N.C. 184.  828898-5175. www.artcellaronline.com. See ad on page 47

■ Furniture ■ Lighting

■ Gifts

■ Organic Mattresses SER TA ® i COM FOR T® & MOT ION PER FEC T®

■ Custom Design Furniture ■ Reclaimed Barnwood ■ Amish Furniture

Art of Oil

BOONE. Looking for that unique gift? From savory to sweet or spicy, Art of Oil has dozens of exotic oils and aged vinegars – some that are even rare – on tap to try free every day to compliment many dish styles from Italian, Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine to old-fashioned pancakes, fruit salad and other creative dishes.

Art of Oil carries traditional olive oils from California, Greece, Italy, France, Chile, Spain, Australia and other locales. Currently, it has these flavored olive oils in stock: Black Truffle, Blood Orange, Chipotle Olive, Ci-

■ Decor

We Have Evolved ...

From Wolf Creek Traders to Sobleski

828.963.6800

SOBLESKI

10543-4 Hwy 105 S (Foscoe) Banner Elk, NC 28604

December 2012

High Country Magazine

43

lantro and Roasted Onion, Eureka Lemon, Garlic, Tuscan Herb, White Truffle and Wild Mushroom Sage. Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar, Red Apple, Sicilian Lemon, Sherry Reserva, Strawberry and Tangerine Balsamic Vinegars.

And the balsamic vinegars sound just as enticing: Blueberry, Cinnamon Pear, Blackberry-Ginger Aged, Dark Chocolate, Fig, Honey Ginger White and Peach White, Raspberry, Red Apple, Sicilian Lemon, Sherry Reserva, Strawberry and Tangerine Balsamic Vinegars. Along with the 50 plus oils and vinegars (with crush dates and chemical analysis available), Art of Oil carries a number of local products including infused honeys, jams, cheese and pasta. Art of Oil is located across from the Watauga County Courthouse on King Street in Boone.  828355-9313. www.theartofoil.com. See ad on page 45

lodge home. The store features much more than furnishings and includes apparel such onesies, boxers and t-shirts with humurous messages, games and puzzles, gift cards and mountain music.

As for the furnishings, sofa and cocktail tables exist, as do nightstands, bedside and mule chests, wooden bed frames, Moose chandeliers, fly rod accent tables, floor lamps, Aspen Leaf sconces, door knockers, fire rings, welcome signs, cabin scents, log cabin cookie jars, lodge bedding, cupboards, boat shelf wine centers, rugs and so, so much more.

And the best part? All of it is rusticated!

Cabin Fever is located at 915 Main Street in Blowing Rock.  828-295-0520. www.thecabinfeversite.com. See ad on pagem 50

BOONE MALL

art galleries in North Carolina, Carlton Gallery features a spirited collection of artwork in a casually elegant atmosphere.

Celebrating nearly 30 years of business in the High Country, owner Toni Carlton selects creations from traditional to contemporary and features a wide variety of fine art and upscale handmade crafts by over 200 local, regional and national artisans.

From extraordinary blown glass and exceptional pottery to designer jewelry and original paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media, we offer an array of exceptional gift ideas for visitors and collectors, alike.

Workshops are conducted by gallery artists in oils, acrylics, watercolor, drawing, expressive and intuitive arts and mixed media collage. These workshops include traditional and abstract landscapes, still life, figurative and visionary. The Carlton Gallery is located at 10360 on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Community.  828-963-4288. www.carltonartgallery.com. See ad on opposite page

BOONE. With an varied mix of stylish, name-

Penzo

Handpainted pottery Each piece is carefully painted by an African artist. These are a beautiful and unique way to add color to your dinner table.

available at

brand establishments, such as Belk, JC Penny, TJ Maxx, Panera Bread Company, Game Stop, Bath and Body Works, Radio Shack, Old Navy, Black Bear Books and much more, it’s no wonder Boone Mall is called “The Hub of the High Country.”

With ample parking and long hours of operation, the Boone Mall is the one-stop shop for all your holiday needs and basic necessities. Need your hair styled or nails cured? Check out Regis Hair Salons and Le’s Spa & Nails; Shoes? The Shoe Department; Glasses or contacts? Blue Ridge Vision; A smart phone? AT&T; Jewelry? Saslo Jewelers; A four wheeler? Brushy Mountain Motorsports. The list is endless.

Where else can you do all of that and grab a bite to eat? What other fantastic shops are there?

Well, there’s Claire’s, Cookies ‘n Cream, Gigi’s Uniforms, GNC, Hallmark, Maurice’s, Primo’s Pizza Pasta Subs, RUE-21, Sagesport, Sears, Super Clips, South’s Clothiers, Sports Fanatic, Tucker’s Cafe and much more.

The Boone Mall is centrally located with entrances off of N.C. 105 and U.S. 321. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Don’t forget to catch Santa this holiday season, too.  828-264-7286. www. booneshoppingmall.com. See ad on page 49

CABIN FEVER

828-355-9755 Find Us On Facebook

44

High Country Magazine

member

703 W. King street, boone

BLOWING ROCK. There’s a saying at Cabin Fever: “Don’t just decorate...rusticate!”

Since 1996, Cabin Fever has been a leading source of cabin decor and rustic furnishings to compliment mountain living. Visit their showroom, where you’ll find log furniture, rustic and antler lighting, cabin furnishings, rustic kitchen decor, and cabin accessories for every room of your log cabin or

December 2012

CARLTON GALLERY

BANNER ELK. One of the most established fine

The Country Gourmet

FOSCOE. Owner Betsy Murrelle has been serv-

ing sophisticated customers from around the world since 1974. The Country Gourmet is a gourmet kitchen and home accessory shop that abounds in style, selection and service.

Located in Foscoe, The Country Gourmet has what ever you need to set a beautiful table with an endless variety of linens, table cloths, runners, place mats and napkins of every size and color.

With dozens of name brand selections, The Country Gourmet carries a large selection of the finest ceramic tableware handcrafted in Italy, classic glassware, pewter and casual flatware, Italian and casual dinnerware, cutlery, cookware, kitchenware and a variety of collectible accessories for the home that would always make the perfect gift. Whether it’s a casual or an elegant

occasion, The Country Gourmet has the goods to set a beautiful table, impress guests and eat and cook in style.

And, owner Betsy Murrelle says, “If we don’t have what you are looking for in stock, we will find it for you!” The Country Gourmet is located 10543-5 on N.C. 105.  828963-5269. www.thecountrygourmet.com. See ad on page 47

CARLTON GALLERY Celebrating 30Years

DEWOOLFSON

FOSCOE. When you spend one-third of your life sleeping, a quality down pillow, comforter and/or feathered bed is one of the best investments for a rejuvenating, restful sleep.

DeWoolfson is a High Country business, born and bred. Although DeWoolfson imports a variety of fabrics and goose down fills from Eastern Europe, the business’s office, store and factory are located in Foscoe, supplying European-influenced down and products and fine linens to the world’s most comfortable sleepers.

With a seamstress always on duty, custom comforters and the other products are made to order and shipped within 24 to 48 hours all over the High Country, nation and world.

DeWoolfson also stocks one of the largest selections of luxury European linens found anywhere – from France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and other locales. These include well-known names such as Abyss and Habidecor, Matouk, Sferra, Yves Delorme and many more. Good night and sleep tight.  800-833-3696. www.dewoolfsondown.com and www. dewoolfsonlinens.com. See ad on page 7

Winter Group & Featured Artist Exhibition Warren Dennis Small Works Exhibition “2012 Figurative Abstrations” November 23 – April 30

October 27 – December 31

A Gallery Filled with Exquisite Gifts PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • FIBER • WOOD • SCULPTURE • JEWELRY 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community Call or check our website for workshop dates

828-963-4288

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5, Closed Mondays

www.carltonartgallery.com • info@carltonartgallery.com

DOE RIDGE POTTERY

BOONE. The reasonably-priced pottery is stun-

ning, the form and color exceptional.

Bob Meier fell in love with pottery in 1973 after taking a ceramics course on a whim to fill his class schedule at ASU. In 1988, he initially established his studio out of his home on Doe Ridge Road, and since then, Doe Ridge Pottery has moved to a few different locations in Boone.

Today, the workshop/gallery is located in downtown Boone and hundreds of beautiful pieces decorate the gallery, which is home to 14 other talented artists - from functional pieces that are safe for food, drink, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers to home decor such as lamps and vases. Also, several specialty items exist, such as handmade sinks and the unusual vegetable steamer.

A trip to the gallery sometimes feels like a field trip. The studio is visible from the gallery, and if you walk in at the right time, you may see potters in action, throwing clay on the wheel, entranced in that “Zen-like state.”

“I enjoy the process of making things in series where you’re making the same thing over and over again,” Meier said. “You can almost let your mind wander and it’s like a mantra.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

45

You get into a zone or Zen-like state. It’s a nice place to be because you get into this rhythm of work that creates a calming, metaphysical zone.” Doe Ridge Pottery is located at 585 West King Street below The Bead Box.  828-264-1127. www.doeridgepottery. homestead.com. See ad on page 44

FOOTSLOGGERS

SHARING IN YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES SINCE 1971

BOONE. The definition of a footslogger is someone who walks, trudges or marches, and Footsloggers has the footwear and accompanying gear for any trek, such as a month-long backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail or a snowy day-hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

But the outdoor-retail shop offers much more than comfortable shoes for any terrain. From novices to experts, Footsloggers is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and its stocked gear is unparalleled.

Do you want to climb the most rugged cliffs or boulders that exist? Do you want to slip away from the rat race and “get lost” in the backcountry? Do you want to kayak the tumultuous waters of the region or explore nearby waterfalls?

Aside from the four-season attire and high-quality climbing, paddling and backpacking gear, perhaps the most intriguing items are the accessories, which are ever changing and would make perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Local maps, hydration packs, waterproof matches, knives, multi-function watches, tent-repair kits, headlamps, compasses, power bars, mini camp stoves, signal mirrors, ponchos, bear bells with a magnetic silencer, and many more provisions are available at Footsloggers to make any outdoor trek a successful one. Footsloggers is located in downtown Boone and Blowing Rock.  828-295-4453 (Blowing Rock) 828-262-5111 (Boone). www.footsloggers.com. See ad on this page

Gaines Kiker’s Studio

untain Life, Sunshine o e Mo r Sn h t ow joy n !

E

www.footsloggers.com

Footsloggers in Downtown Boone Corner of Depot & Howard, (828) 262-5111

Footsloggers in Downtown Blowing Rock 921 Main Street, (828) 295-4453 46

High Country Magazine

BLOWING ROCK. A designer metalsmith, Gaines Kiker specializes in silver, gold, platinum, mixed metals and precious stones.

His Blowing Rock gallery showcases an impressive collection of sculpture and contemporary jewelry that includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets and functional art and custom designs.

“The feel of the metal in my hands and the gratification involved in the creative process continues to inspire me,” Kiker said. “What I want to do is take your idea and make it into something that is an expression of your personality.”

Kiker earned a BFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University and then completed an apprenticeship with Ubaldo Vitali, an Italian silversmith in New York.

He has studied at Penland School of Crafts, at the Gemological Institute of America and

December 2012

was a student in the University of Georgia’s graduate studies abroad program in Cortona, Italy.

From jewelry and sculpture to wedding, wood and custom pieces, Gaines Kiker’s Studio offers an array of artistic and functional pieces that would be perfect gifts this holiday season. Gaines Kiker’s Studio is located at 132 Morris Street in Blowing Rock.  828-295-3992. www.gaineskikersilversmith.com.

See ad on page 48

THE GILDED AGE ANTIQUES AND INTERIORS

BANNER ELK. The Gilded Age Antiques and

Interiors has been an institution here in the High Country for two decades. Nationally recognized as one of the finest “authentic antiques” stores in the country, the Gilded Age imports fine antiques directly from England and other parts of Europe, which are both formal and upscale, including country furniture and accessories, as well as a large selection of 19th century paintings.

Additionally, the Gilded Age offers its own line of handmade reproduction furniture, such as dining tables and chairs. A large selection of this furniture is available in-stock but can also be custom-made to specifications at no extra charge.

Nine years ago, The Gilded Age Antiques opened its own on-site gift shop, The Gilded Edition, filled with distinctive gifts, home accents, china, candles and a large selection of the best-quality picture frames. Most of the lines carried by the Gilded Edition are exclusive to this area, such as William Yeoward Crystal, William Yeoward Country, Jay Strongwater, Elias Frames and Anna Weatherley China.

Their old-fashioned service includes luxurious gift-wrapping, which is as beautiful as the gifts themselves and free for individual items of $100 or more. The Gilded Edition is a treasure trove of unique items, a truly distinctive, unique gift store, a standalone establishment often referred to by its regular customers as the best-kept secret and the best gift shop of its kind – not just in the High Country, but anywhere. But here’s an even better-kept secret: everything is 30 percent off through the holidays. The Gilded Age and Edition is located at 10890 N.C. 105 in Banner Elk.  828-963-8633. www. gildedageantiques.com. See ad on this page

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery

BANNER ELK. As boulders corral the nearby rushing waters of the Watauga, the Grandfather Vineyard and Winery sits on a terraced mountain side, nestled at the base of Grandfather Mountain. What once started as a hobby for the Tatum Family evolved into the first producing winery in Watauga County.

It’s a treat just to overlook the scenic vineyard, however stepping into the wine-tasting room and sipping the award-winning wines is just icing on the cake. The white, red, rose and ice wines are unique – and that is not only attributed to the skill of Dylan Tatum, the winemaker with a viticulture and enology degree, but also to the weather of the High Country. The warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance the wine.

Also at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, you will find a wonderful array of winethemed accessories and gift items –including gift certificates, so don’t forget: wine makes a great gift at Christmas time. Shipping is available to North Carolina and Florida. The vineyard is located in Banner Elk on Vineyard Lane.  828-963-2400. www.grandfathervineyard. com. See ad on page 51

G A L L E R Y

&

F R A M E M A K E R S

Give the Gift of Art Painting

Sculpture Glass Regional Pottery Museum Quality Framing

INCREDIBLE TOY

BLOWING ROCK. During the holiday season, the

Incredible Toy Company is by far one of the most happening places in the High Country. Local owners John and Kathleen Rowell have provided quality toys that are durable and promote imagination, creativity and, of course, fun for almost two decades.

The customer service is top notch – and so are the high-quality toys such Playmobil, Thomas the Tank Engine, Melissa & Doug Wooden Toys, Corolle Dolls, board games, infant toys, puzzles from 12 to 3000 pieces, green toys, science kits, musical instruments, arts and crafts, travel games, doll houses, playtables and so much more.

It’s guaranteed the kids will have a blast perusing the Incredible Toy Company, but it’s just as much a certainty that the parents or guardians will be entertained as well. That perfect toy for the holiday season is located at the bright red building in between Boone and Blowing Rock at 3411 N.C. 321. Gift wrapping is available.  828-264-1422. Check out the Incredible Toy Company on Facebook for new items in stock and special deals. See ad on page 48

Open MOnday – Saturday 10:00aM – 5:00pM 920 Shawneehaw ave., hwy. 184 • Banner elk, nC 828-898-5175 • www.artCellaronline.Com

Ken Blackburn’s Rustic Rooster

BANNER ELK. The Rustic Rooster’s roots stretch back to London, where Ken Blackburn developed the skills of a master woodworker and a passion for restoring and refurnishing antiques to extend the life of beautiful pieces for new generations to admire. In 1974, Ken left England for America, and soon met Alan Gleason, who together opened a small shop in West Palm Beach.

From there, Ken developed a reputation as an internationally-renowned restoration expert. As the duo’s clientele grew, Ken and Alan expanded into the retail business and soon began offering a complete package – from retail to restoration. After several years they began to offer accessories and quality December 2012

High Country Magazine

47

GAINES KIKER Silversmith / Goldsmith

MAST GENERAL STORE

q

BOONE & VALLE CRUCIS. Imagine downtown Boone or Valle Crucis without a Mast General Store. It’s almost inconceivable. The store is a tour de force. Whether snow is on the ground or the leaves are green, yellow red or orange, more visitors pack into the Mast General Store locations in the High Country than they do The Rock during an ASU football game.

The stores are packed with the highestof-quality goods that range from rugged apparel and gourmet kitchenware to oldfashioned toys and women’s fashions that it is also inconceivable to leave the store empty handed. Oh, and don’t forget about the Candy Barrel.

During the holiday season, prices are slashed to accommodate next year’s inventory, so if you are looking for a special gift for a special somebody (even if that person is you!), be sure to stop in on your next visit to the High Country. It’s an experienced guaranteed to be pleasing.

Not only has Mast General Store revived the downtowns that it inhabits, but the Mast General Store Family has been good stewards of the High Country and good neighbors to the so many that call the High Country home. Two locations exist on N.C. 194 in Valle Crucis.  828-963-6511. www.mastgeneralstore.com. See ad on page 9

u

MORNING STAR GALLERY

Specializing in Custom Design Working Studio and Gallery 132 Morris Street - Blowing Rock

828.295.3992

Antiques A on HowArd n Furniture • Primitives Glassware • Jewelry tools • vintaGe ClothinG

t i

e

828.262.1957

199 Howard St. • Boone, NC 28607 48

High Country Magazine

reproductions, but soon realized that the products from Asia were not up to Ken and Alan’s meticulous standards.

“Even though most of our furniture companies shifted their operations to the Far East, we still have a great deal of talented manufactures here in North Carolina and the USA,” says Alan. After being based in Florida, Ken and Alan devised a plan to open a new business in Banner Elk and arrived in the High Country, an area that compliments their work because of the existing deep tradition and respect for antiquity of the area and its inhabitants.

And thus Ken Blackburn’s Rustic Rooster was born, which is now located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle. Not only does Rustic Rooster provide select antiques and quality reproductions made in the US and Europe, but they also have a large selection of lighting and décor items for the home and local art and gift items. The Rustic Rooster is located at 4501 Tynecastle Highway at the corner of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184.  828-8985161. www.myrusticrooster.com. See ad on page 49

s

BLOWING ROCK. The Watercolor Society of North Carolina once described the Morning Star Gallery as a “haven of beauty and creativity.” This is true.

To delight the eye and make thy heart sing, the Morning Star Gallery, which is

December 2012

packed with a variety of art media and located on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock, provides an outlet to more than 100 artists that excel in painting, photography, prints, shadowboxes, decorative accessories, blown glass, weavings, tapestries, sparkling artisan jewelry and fashion, etchings, woodcuts, pottery and ceramics and garden accessories.

Established in 1985, Morning Star Gallery features, for example, works from Wes Waugh, one of the leading landscape watercolorists in the Southeast, and Rodney Shaw, a sculptor of terracotta bas reliefs, whose works are featured across the country.

And the best part about Morning Star Gallery? All of the imaginative fine art and crafts are handmade in the United States – with a special focus on Appalachian and Southern artists. The Morning Star Gallery is located at 1151 Main Street in Blowing Rock.  828-295-6991. www.morningstargalleryusa.com. See ad on page 50

THE OPEN DOOR

BOONE. Inspired by her eldest son Ryan, who lives in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan and is married to a Nubian woman, Fran Boyette opened The Open Door, a global gifts boutique in downtown Boone, nearly four years ago.

The boutique is a Fair Trade business, and purchases help support foreign micro-businesses and nonprofits such as the project, Hands of Grace, which provides care for orphaned children and vulnerable women in South Sudan.

Most of the items in the store are handcrafted from artisans residing in various parts of Africa, India, Peru, Nepal, Haiti and other parts of the world. Such items include Penzo Pottery from Zimbabwe; telephone-wire bowls, a traditional craft of the Zulu people in South Africa; paper jewelry; highly-decorative Swazi candles; djembes (African hand drums); and a variety of home décor. The Open Door is located at 703 West King Street in downtown Boone.  828-355-9755. Check out The Open Door on Facebook. See ad on page 44

PET SUPPLY PLUS

BOONE. Whether your pet wags a tail, chases mice or makes funny faces in the fish bowl, Pet Supply Plus in Boone should be your next stop for any pet-related shopping because it is the perfect place to find everything you need for your pet.

Pet Supply Plus’s neighborhood stores are big enough to supply all your pet needs but still small enough to feel like your hometown store. It features a wide array of products that are made right here in the U.S, and when you become a Preferred Pet Club Member, you can access awesome deals.

Also, Pet Supply Plus allows you to make

healthy decisions for your furry best friends by offering lines of all-natural foods with ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and savory meats containing essential nutrients that dogs and cats need.

Pet Supply Plus is conveniently located at 2575 N.C. 105 in the Highland Commons shopping center.  828-266-2100. www.petsuppliesplus.com. See ad on page 35

County Living with Elegance

RIVERCROSS MARKET

VALLE CRUCIS. Think of a particular style of

craft and it’s bound to be represented at Rivercross Market, which has one of the finest collections of “Made-in-the-U.S.A” arts and crafts from more than 100 artists. Many of them are local and regional with skills and styles so eclectic, you’ll likely find that oneof-a-kind holiday gift.

For example, one artist presented uses reclaimed lumber from old barns and tobacco sheds to create uncomplicated, functional designs from coffee and end tables to stools and benches. A separate collection at the Rivercross Market, which opened in 2010, features wind chimes made out of recycled, vintage silver plate teapots and flatware while another artists create handbags out of felted wool sweaters, fabric and carpet samples, placemats and napkins, trivets, jeans, skirts, scarves, hats, men’s ties and other items.

It’s located in the beautiful, historic setting of Valle Crucis, right next door to the original Mast General Store. Rivercross Market features fiber arts, pottery, jewelry, wood working, soaps, metal, paper arts, paintings, photography, stained glass, candles, baskets, a fun selection for children and much more.  828-963-8623. www.rivercrossmadeinUSA.com. See ad on page 37

Pu

ttin

g Am

er ica

Back to Wo

rk

4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28607 • (828) 898-5161 • kbrusticrooster@hotmail.com

RUSTIC

BLOWING ROCK. Are you seeking rustic elegance

for your home? If so, then Rustic has the desired handcrafted furnishings, which are made out of reclaimed wood from beams, doors, shutters, flooring and other structural wood from 100 to 300-year-old homes and buildings.

Craftsmen build each piece of the rusticwood furniture, including cabinets and vanities, to order and can add hand-forged hardware to your own custom projects. Also available is wood cabin furniture with woven leather, wicker and rattan accents that incorporate sustainable forested lumber, including mahogany, bamboo, mindi and saur wood.

One-of-a-kind hand-carved teak tables made from ancient-fallen teak stumps would make beautiful additions to your home.

Artifacts from the old homes and buildings, such as old baskets, buckets, and vases, are in stock, too. Rustic has great host/hostess gifts and accessories for the holidays that include boxes, baskets, trays, hand-carved wooden-cutting boards and bowls, wine country accessories, December 2012

High Country Magazine

49

“Mount Mitchell Fall Colors”

Wes Waugh

and rustic lighting, as well as tribal baskets and artifacts. For this holiday season, check out the “2012 Blowing Rock” snowflake ornament, TimberWick candles, hand-woven Textillery Weavers throws made of Sunbrella and bamboo yarns, hand crafted jewelry and even Rustic’s own line of gourmet sea salts.

Show this ad and receive 10 percent off of one item. Rustic is located at 915 Main Street in Blowing Rock, across the street from Knights on Main, and opens at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  828295-9033. www.RusticNC.com. See ad on page 50

cal, family business, though, with Greene’s descendents running the show and providing a 21st-century vision for Farmer’s.

The Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware has more than 100 shops and features a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, handbags, totes, footwear, apparel, baby gifts, handcrafts, framed art, home décor, furniture, toys, stringed instruments, kitchenware, birdfeeders and much more.  828264-8801. www.shoppesatfarmers.com. See ad on page 17

SHANNON’S

Creek Traders, is evolving and recently changed its name to better reflect its product lines of fine furniture. From rustic chic and cottage traditional to custom-built furniture, Sobleski offers only “Made in the USA” products.

In October, Sobleski introduced its Simply Amish furniture line priced below retail cost. Simply Amish isn’t a style; it’s a standard of excellence. All of the fine furniture that Sobleski offers can be customized with any wood (including the ever-popular reclaimed barnwood) and into any style, design, shape or size with only a three to four week wait time. Think high-quality customization at a reasonable price.

Also the home furnishing shop features lighting, gifts and other décor accessories to help decorate your home. The spacious, ever-changing showroom at Sobleski features the top-of-the-line organic mattresses made by Serta, featuring the iComfort and Motion Perfect lines. Customers come first at Sobleski, which offers the very best, highquality products, which, again, are all made in the USA, at a reasonable price. Sobleski is located at 10543-4 N.C. 105 on the way to Banner Elk.  828-963-6800. Check out Sobleski on Facebook. See ad on page 43

BOONE. For almost 28 years, Shannon’s Cur-

1151 S. Main Street • Blowing Rock, NC 828.295.6991 • www.morningstargalleryusa.com

tain, Bed and Bath has supplied customers in the High Country with indoor decorative and practical merchandise that fits their specific needs.

“I opened in 1985” said owner Shannon Russing, “because there was no home furnishing store in Boone and we needed something.”

A full-line linen store, Shannon’s offers window treatments, bedding, sheets, table linens, bath accessories, shower curtains and an array of other accessories.

“We’re your complete decorating source” Russing said. “We try hard to keep our prices affordable, and we try to give people a real good value for their money.”

The store’s best-selling item is its handmade quilts, Russing said, explaining that quilts fit in with the “lodge look” that is so popular in the area and can compliment nearly any décor.

Russing attributes the store’s success to hard work and getting to know her customers on a personal level.

Shannon’s is located at 1950 Blowing Rock Road in Boone.  828-264-8321. www. shannonscbb.com. See ad on page 43

THE SHOPPES AT FARMER’S HARDWARE

BOONE. Some places in downtown Boone are

iconic and provide a link to the past. Think Boone Drug, Appalachian Twin Theater and Farmer’s Hardware. All three, which have been quintessential to downtown for decades, have had to adapt to the changes and pressures of technology and big-box stores.

Farmer’s Hardware, which originally opened in 1924 as a hardware retailer, closed its doors in 2004, changed its business model and reopened the next summer as an eclectic emporium called The Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware.

In 1924, Clyde Greene opened Farmer’s Hardware at the current Boone Bagelry location. Soon, Farmer’s moved to the corner of Depot and King streets, where it stands, albeit in a different form, today. It’s still a lo50

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Sobleski

BANNER ELK. Sobleski, once known as Wolf

THE STONE JEWELERS

BOONE. The Stone Jewelers has a breathtak-

ing collection of fine jewelry studded with green amethyst, pearl, Madagascar ruby, blue sapphire, azure, Tahitian pearl, gold, diamonds and other precious metals and gems.

Established in 1965, The Stone Jewelers is the premier jewelry store in the High Country, striving to offer the very best in service, quality and value. Whether you or your loved ones needs consist of a simple repair or the creation of a complex masterpiece, The Stone Jewelers can service all your jewelry needs.

The store’s showcase features pendants, necklaces, rings, bridal jewelry, earrings, bracelets and more among a number of collections that include Benchmark, Colorel | SG, Mireya, Nancy B, Master IJO Jewelry, Citizen Eco-Drive, Overnight, Rego and

Citizen Signature.

From the birth of a child and a father walking his daughter down the aisle to a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Ronnie Wilson, owner of The Stone Jewelers, and his staff are honored to be apart of so many milestones in their customers’ lives. The Stone Jewelers is located at 240 Shadowline Drive in Boone.  828-264-2000. www.thestonejewelers.com.

See ad on page 3

Tatum Galleries

BANNER ELK. A fresh, new vision for your office

or home– that’s what Sally and Steve Tatum have, for decades, offered the High Country with their “Home Décor Center,” known as Tatum Galleries in Banner Elk. Since it opened nearly 30 years ago, the showroom has expanded to 6,000 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, floor, wall and window treatment and a huge collection of lamps, artwork, decorative accessories and other unique furnishings.

With a seasoned interior design team, the staff offers years of experience and a variety of styles and choices that can accommodate all design needs and budgets – not to mention great service! The vast collection that Tatum Galleries offers will accentuate your home with timeless furnishings. Whether you need a little direction or a complete revamping, Tatum Galleries can help. Let their beautifully decorated showroom spark your imagination and introduce you to the possibilities that await you inside your home. Tatum Galleries is located at 5320 N.C. 105 in Banner Elk.  828-963-6466. http://www.tatumgalleries.com. See ad on this page

S M TS! E IT GIF G IN DAY Z A LI M A HO R FO

Giv for e Loc Ho al W lida in y G es ifts

Watsonatta

BOONE. “Everything for the horse and the horse’s boss.” Though it’s funny, that’s not a joke. Watsonatta Western World’s store in downtown Boone is overflowing with western wear and includes some of the largest collections in the High Country of cowboy boots, work boots, hats, caps, leather coats, genuine furs, purses, leather handbags, saddlebags, tack, belt buckles, men’s and women’s clothing, toys, saddles and much more.

Recently, local owners Darrel and Ellen Watson, stocked the store with the highly anticipated and coveted Game Day Boots with the ASU logo. With the college football playoffs taking place, now is the perfect time to support the Black and Gold – and at the same time support one of downtown Boone’s favorite businesses.

Watsonatta Western World has provided the High Country with quality merchandise for four decades. The shop is located at 711 W. King St. Next time you’re strolling through downtown Boone, stop and see their wide array of country-western merchandise.  828-2644540. Check out Watsonatta Western World on Facebook.

See ad on page 41

“Our terraced mountain vineyard and winery nestled at the base of Grandfather Mountain is the first producing winery in Watauga County, NC. Warm breezes during the day and cool crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance Located on Vineyard Lane in Foscoe Tasting Room Open Thursday thru Saturday Noon till 6:00pm & Sundays 1:00 to 5:00pm (828) 963-2400 • www.grandfathervineyard.com

of our wines. We think you’ll find our wines unique. Enjoy and share with friends!”

Steve Tatum, Owner

Sally and Steve Tatum Are Proud To Welcome You To The First Winery In Watauga County December 2012

High Country Magazine

51

Louiva Ward 52

High Country Magazine

December 2012

I’ve Lead An Interesting Life Story and Photos

By Andy Pennestri

I

At 92 years old Louiva Ward still manages to drive to town every now and then to “pick up a pizza.” And she still mows nearly an acre of land every week on her riding mower.

n the valley of Bethel there lives a miraculous woman. She has touched the lives of more than some of us have ever known so closely.

Her love and caring for so many has been a blessing for so many others that could not manage.

In a span of 37 years, 95 children were given love and attention while they waited for new homes, new parents and a new chance at life. They were warm, comfortable, fed and safe.

All because one woman wanted to do something different. She wanted to make a difference. She cared.

Louiva Ward grew up in Bethel. She met her husband there, she had friends and family there, and she attended school and church there. For 37 years she fostered children there, caring for them, providing for them, clothing them, and feeding them. Sometimes staying up all night while they fought fever, sick stomachs and more.

“My neighbor was keeping kids for an orphanage. I would watch her and help her. I just got interested and wanted to do that. I went to social services talked with them and did what was needed to get my license,” Mrs. Ward stated.

Louiva Ward fostered her first child when she was 34 years old. She had to get licensed through Social Services.

From there each year she had to have December 2012

High Country Magazine

53

her water checked for cleanliness, as she did her home. They kept very tight rules at that time, and you had to stick to them.

“When I started I received $30 a month to buy the formula with. Everything else I furnished. I kept a garden and canned, and drove them to and from the doctor when they needed it,” she said.

Mrs. Ward can remember that the first child she had was an infant, a newborn baby girl. “She was beautiful,” Ward reflected, “I think I kept her for about three months.

Broke my heart when she had to leave, but I knew the rules. It never got easier.”

Most of the children would come to Mrs. Ward when they were about a year old. She would keep most of them anywhere from 3-12 months, although some were as long as three to four years.

“I had one for 4-1/2 years!

The children she fostered were always different. She fostered three different sets of twins. The first set was adopted to a family in Manteo, and the third went to a family at the beach. “That set of twins

contacted me years ago, and comes to visit me now every year!”

She spoke of one child she had to take care of that had seizures. “She was so very sick. I think she had cerebral palsy. She got adopted when she was a year old. She moved to the Midwest. It broke my heart.

But the mother kept in contact with me and even brought her back one time to see me! She lived eight years. I got a call one day from her mom. I knew right then why she was calling. When she died her mother and I just cried and cried. She was so sweet.” Mrs. Ward stated that others would keep in contact from time to time as well.

The house would go from being nearly empty to so full of life that she wasn’t sure just how to act! “At one time we had five kids with five bedrooms. During another period there were two brothers and a sister at the same time!”

That wasn’t the only one that she took care of that needed special care either. “I remember one, Dr. Horn was

the pediatrician in Boone, and I had to have this little boy. He had the awfulist sickness. I had to sit up all night with him; he kept getting sicker and sicker. I called the office and said this little boy is going to die if you all don’t do something with him, and the girl said, ‘Oh, I don’t think so.’ I sat up all night with him, and the next morning I called Dr. Horn at five in the morning at home, and told him what she said and he said, ‘I tell you right now I will take care of that. When I get in the office at 8:00 a.m. and you get there I will take that baby and I will put him in the hospital.’ Dr. Horn told that girl that next morning that, ‘When this woman calls and says this baby is sick you listen. She knows as much about babies as you and me do, and don’t forget it. You sit up and listen!’ The baby was so sick he couldn’t eat, but Dr. Horn took care of him!”

Mrs. Ward went on to say that “When the children got sick, to get their shots and everything I would take them all into town to the doctor for care.”

Mrs. Ward tends to chickens, hens, ducks, and roosters in one barn, and cats and other pets in another. Here she carries one of her mother hens to a safe place after an animal got in and killed one of her others the night before.

54

High Country Magazine

December 2012

“When I started I received $30 a month to buy the formula with. Everything else I furnished. I kept a garden and canned, and drove them to and from the doctor when they needed it.”

– Louiva Ward

Above: Mrs. Ward is holding one of the dresses off the rack of so many others she made for the children she cared for over the years. Right: She is standing with “Reggie”, her adopted daughter Alesia’s doll, that was dressed for Easter and Christmas each year.

She fostered her last child in 2001.

She was 71 years old, and by that time received $265 a month to care for the children. It was all done in her home.

Ninety-five children in all.

Mrs. Ward lived through many changes. She watched constant growth around her as she struggled through the depression, floods and more.

“The 1940s flood was bad down through here. We saw the awfulist looking stuff flow through that creek when it flooded, there is no telling where it all came from. A lot of the bridges were washed out and houses

too. We watched so much go through this valley.

“When we built our house it only had two rooms. Over time we added on as we could.”

She reflected a good bit on her own family as well. “I also had my own family to tend to.” She married when she was 19 to Baker Ward.

“When Baker and I got married he was working for five cents an hour helping people on the farm. We had revivals at our church and young people would come long distances and meet other young people.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

55

“This is squash and over there is broccoli, okra, and cabbage.”

As a matter of fact, there were also tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, sugar corn, beans, and cucumbers.

This garden she tilled, planted, and tends to daily by herself.

“When you are alone, you have a lot of time on your hands, and you have to keep busy somehow.”

– Louiva Ward We walked home. We didn’t have an automobile. Baker walked from Willow Valley to Bethel Church. He walked me home one evening and we started courtin’ after that. We got married in 1938!”

Sadly, Baker passed away at 69-yearsold in 1984.

She and Baker also raised four children of their own. Gareth and Maurice were their two biological children. Gareth lives in the same community and is married.

Maurice passed away three and one-half years ago. Of their two other children, Judy was a foster child that stayed with them. She came to them at just 18 months old, and the parents were not physically 56

High Country Magazine

able to take her back. Louiva and Baker became her parents. They raised her, and she is doing very well today.

Their other daughter, Alesia, was adopted by the Wards, and sadly passed away nine years ago of cancer.

“I have to tell you a story about Alesia,” Mrs. Ward said as she took me on a tour of Alesia’s bedroom. It is still set just the way it was when Alesia was growing up.

“This little doll Alesia named Reggie.

Alesia would always change his clothes at Christmas and Easter and put holiday outfits on. On the Easter before she died she said to me, ‘Now mother we’ve got to change Reggie’s clothes and put his little

December 2012

Easter outfit on.’ I did, and it is still on him today. She passed away in 2003. She died on the third of May. I miss her so.”

Today Mrs. Ward doesn’t have any children running through the house, but that does not stop her from keeping busy!

At 92 years old many days she does not have time to keep still. She manages to drive to town every now and then to “pick up a pizza.” She still mows nearly an acre of land every week on her riding mower.

She tends to chickens, hens, ducks and roosters in one barn, and cats and other pets in another. She helps with her son’s cattle, keeps her house spotless, crochets, embroiders and works on ceramics as

Above: Mrs. Ward’s family photo, from left: Addie Mae Edminsten Love, Marsha Bradford (baby), Madeline Edminsten Bradford, Franklin Howard Love, Elaine Edminsten (front), Loy Greene Edminsten, George Edminsten (back), Nancy Love, Marshal Edminsten (dark suit, Louiva’s father), Sandra Edminsten (little girl), Baker Edminsten, Mary Anne Perry Edminsten (Louiva’s mother), Baker Perry Ward, Gareth Ward (Louiva’s son), Maurice Ward (Louiva’s son), and Louiva Ward.

Left: Baker Ward, 23 years old.

Above: Louiva Ward 17 years old. Baker and she were married in 1938.

The Banner Elk Cafe

828-898-4040

Open 7am Everyday Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily

“CASUAL DINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY” 2 Flat Screens & Live Entertainment

Monday Night Football $1.75 Domestics & 1/2 off Appetizers!

10 The Lodge Pizzeria & Espresso Bar

$

00 Large Two Topping Pizza expires January 31, 2013

Fresh Roasted Coffees and Espresso • 828-898-3444

Smoothie & Frappe Bar & Vitamin Supplements Muffins, Bagels Pastries & Breads Deli Subs & Sandwiches • Salads & Pastas Gourmet Pizza & Calzones

Check our website at: www.bannerelkcafe.com for entertainment schedule and current promotions December 2012

High Country Magazine

57

“I have lived an interesting life. And I don’t intend on stopping any time soon, the Lord willing!”

58

High Country Magazine

December 2012

well. Oh, and there was one other surprise she had waiting to show me before it was over with…

“Let me show you my garden!” she said as she jumped on her John Deer mower to buzz down the hill to show off her veggies!

Expecting to find a small little garden with a few greens, I was amazed at what was waiting for me!

“This is squash and over there is broccoli, okra, and cabbage.”

As a matter of fact, there were also tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, sugar corn, beans and cucumbers. That garden she tilled, planted, and tends to daily by herself!

“When you are alone, you have a lot of time on your hands, and you have to keep busy somehow”, Mrs. Ward stated.

She is an amazing woman. She is an inspiration.

“I have lived an interesting life,” Mrs. Ward said with a smile, “and I don’t intend on stopping any time soon, the Lord willing!” 

Mrs. Ward poses with her niece, Nancy Love, who many times as a child would come over and hold the children and give love and care with her “Aunt Louiva.”

Visit SUGAR MOUNTAIN

WINTER VALUE PACKAGES www.seesugar.com

NORTH CAROLINA

Find a wide selection of great lodging choices to suit your needs and budget - all available in the heart of the season at exciting Sugar Mountain, North Carolina.

Take advantage of snowy outdoors adventures at the South’s best and most accessible winter fun resort - featuring great skiing and snowboarding, tubing park, outdoor ice skating, guided snowshoe tours, lots of wonderful restaurants and that special resort ambiance and hospitality which makes a trip to the slopes the perfect winter vacation. Details at www.seesugar.com December 2012

High Country Magazine

59

A Church for the

Unchurched

Many people in the High Country are finding church for the first time . . .

Or after several years away from organized religion.

H

ands waving in the air. People dancing in the aisles.

A tambourine shaking in the back corner. A teaching of love. Props. Poetry reading. Sharing stories. It’s happening in Watauga High School on Sunday mornings, and it doesn’t look much like traditional church. There’s one service at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria that is discussion-based and one at 10:45 a.m. in the auditorium that is comprised of worship and teaching.

When Jason English first visited theHeart nearly four years ago, there were 40 people in attendance. The church had been planted by Howard’s Creek Baptist Church in 2002 and the

Story by Chelsea Pardue • Photos by Ken Ketchie 60

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Jason English, teaching pastor at theHeart, focuses on simplicity and love in his Sunday morning messages. congregation had stayed steady but not grown much.

After only being at the church for half a year, English was asked to step in as pastor. Today, the church is more than 600 people and has just moved to the two service format. Amidst the steady growth of the church, English and the leadership

team are striving to stay true to simplicity and love -- but it isn’t always easy.

One heart, one mind

Although there has been no strategic planning within the church to grow the congregation, several like-minded people have come together to create a church ex-

perience specific to the High Country.

“When I was in my early 20s, I visited Boone and was walking down King Street and felt this deep burden for the High Country, so much so that my wife and I considered just on the spot moving there to do ministry,” English said. “But I talked myself out of it because of money basically,

December 2012

High Country Magazine

61

because I was afraid to take the chance.”

A few years later, English did move to Boone. He met Ben Cox, a regular attendee at theHeart and a former pastor.

As he and Cox talked, he found that God had worked similarly in Cox’s life. Unlike English, Cox grew up in a Christian home. But in college, Cox turned away

Jamie Barbee is on the welcome team at theHeart. The team hands out nametags and paper for note taking and greets everyone who walks through the doors.

62

High Country Magazine

December 2012

from God and sought to find truth. He and his wife searched diligently until one week on the Oregon Coast, they both became born-again Christians separate from each other. At that point, they realized their calling was ministry.

“I felt a real strong sense of being led to Boone, N.C.,” Cox said. “I joke about that because it’s like being led to Hawaii because it’s such a nice place to be, but I really sensed it. God had spoken to my heart.”

When the pastor of theHeart decided to step down, Cox was instrumental in English becoming the new pastor. He had English speak to the church, and the leadership team agreed with his vision.

At the same time, a man named Scott Lycan was working in Africa with his wife as a missionary. Lycan was a businessman with four children when he decided to go back to school for ministry. As his last child left home to attend college at Appalachian State University, the Lycans felt called to ministry in Africa.

“It was the right season, the right time, and that was the beginning of us becoming engaged increasingly in missions and community development,” Lycan said.

TheHeart meets in Watauga High School every Sunday morning. There is a 9 a.m. service in the cafeteria and a 10:45 service in the auditorium. The auditorium is filled to capacity almost every Sunday.

“Church is not safe,” Cox said. “It’s After working there for five years, he just as political as any other place. People and his wife felt that it was time to move back to the United States. They settled in As theHeart has grown, it has often don’t really love each other. There’s a lot Boone to be close to two of their daugh- become a place for the unchurched. Eng- of acting going on, a lot of hypocrisy.”

But theHeart strives to be different ters, and as time passed, they felt more lish, Cox and Lycan were all burned out drawn to theHeart. With his passion on traditional church when they came to and to provide a safe place for people who aren’t Christians to learn more about Jesus for community ministry, Lycan wanted theHeart.

Christ and His love. English presents his to see if he could offer his help at the messages as simply as church. possible so that those TheHeart is symbolunfamiliar with the ized by three sets of arrows Bible can understand, -- one set pointing up, one and he brings every set pointing inward and the message back to the last set pointing outward. immense love of God. These represent worshipIt also appeals to ping God, sharing life and people who aren’t serving people. English, necessarily burned Cox and Lycan seemed to out on the message of fit perfectly into these catthe church but who egories. are burned out on English works as the the constant activiteaching pastor and continties. Whereas at some ues to lead Sunday morning churches people feel gatherings. Recently, Lypressured to attend can and Cox came alongtwo services on Sunside him as part-time staff to become the equipping The worship team varies each week and generally plays a vari- day, a service on Wednesday night and pastor and the home comety of contemporary Christian music with the occasional hymn. be at multiple gathermunities pastor.

The Heart of theHeart

December 2012

High Country Magazine

63

ings each week, theHeart’s core message is simplicity.

“I think the heart of theHeart is trying to not get caught up or weighed down by so much busyness that you can actually attempt to live out those arrows [that symbolize theHeart], which are worship God, share life, serve people,” English said. “When you’re not busy doing programs, you can actually be in relationships with people. When we’re attempting simplicity, it reminds us what the whole point is with the love.”

But English admits this ideal situation isn’t always easy to live At the end of each message, the band returns to the stage to play and often out. He said he has to say ‘no’ a people come to the front to pray and talk with Jason, Scott, or Ben. lot so that he can leave time free to engage with people rather when I was 10 years old?’ I’m still goofthan continually planning programs and events. As the church grows, ily Scott. I think churches are not meant it’s harder to maintain that identity--but to be an organization. They’re meant Although theHeart appeals to many to be an organism of life and relation- people who have burned out on church, the leaders continue to work at it.

“How do you keep your identity, your ships and your values are carried along the leadership team knows that there are core values, your sense of ethos, how do by that joined relationship, and I think still people who will never step through a you keep that as you grow?” Lycan asked. that’s the big challenge, is to be faithful church door. That’s why English spends “And I’m guessing in many ways it’s like, to the distinctive that theHeart is as an several hours a week sipping coffee at ‘How can I still be the same person I was organism.”

Espresso News, holding meetings at The

Serving Others

MOUNTAIN LAND . . . never a better time!

LARGE TRACTS! mountains4sale.com

Mountain Land C O M PANY

800/849-9225 64

High Country Magazine

December 2012

“When you’re not busy doing programs, you can actually be in relationships with people. When we’re attempting simplicity, it reminds us what the whole point is with the love.”

Local Lion and exploring local culture at bars.

In each case, he is intentional about meeting people who likely won’t come to theHeart. Although sometimes his meetings result in new church attendees, that’s not his ultimate goal.

“The goal is not to immediately smash a wall down,” English said. “I don’t try to spark a conversation that ends just in that window with some sort of religious conversation or debate or argument or proselytizing. I want to develop a relationship with the person and be legitimate friends with them even if they don’t become a Christian. Because I think that what a lot of people do who have those walls up, when they meet someone who’s a follower of Jesus, they immediately assume that that person only wants to be their friend so that they can convince them of something and change their mind, and that’s not really what love is.”

Lycan joined the staff to help mobilize church attendees to help English in his mission to reach those who aren’t attending church.

“Surveys say that any community in America, 40 to 60 percent of people in that

50 FAMILY FUN 50 YEARS YEARS of FAMILY THE PLACE TO LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD 12 Trails, 6 Lifts, 3 Terrain Parks, Quality Rentals

Night Skiing!

7 Nights A Week Now Beginning at 5pm

North Carolina’s Only

App Terrain Park

FLEX TICKET

OVER

Your Session Starts When You Do!

70

Up to

8

Unique Features for All Abilities

Consecutive Hours!

ICE SKATING ARENA November 25 to March 20

12 noon - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 4:30pm 7:00pm - 9:00pm

LATE NIGHT

SKIING! 5:00pm

to Midnight Fri and Sat in January and February Now Also Nov. 23-24 & Dec. 26-30

Scheduled

2012-13 Season: November 16 - March 24

North Carolina’s Only Burton Progression Park

BLOWING ROCK, NC www.appskimtn.com

828-295-7828 www.appterrainpark.com December 2012

High Country Magazine

65

Half Price On Our House Bottled Wines Every Tuesday!

Thursdays 6-9 the music of Klee Liles in the Dining Room

KIDS MEAL

FREE

Kids 10 and under eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Lunch or Dinner.

5 star dinineg

witho ut th casual p rices in a e! er ph os am

Sun, Tue - Thurs: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm • Fri - Sat: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm 970 Rivers Street • 828-264-7772 • w w w. c a f e p o r t o fi n o . n e t

Daily Lunch Specials

FOLLOW US ON

IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL...

Seven Devils Enjoy winter activities like tubing and the Zip Line or just relax by a cozy fire. From adrenaline junkies to nature lovers, there’s plenty to do and see around the town of Seven Devils.

And, an array of lodging choices...for a weekend or a season!

DISCOVER SEVEN DEVILS For Zip Line: 828/963-6561 For a Brochure or Information on the Town of Seven Devils: 828/963-5343 or www.SevenDevils.net Ad Sponsored by the Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority

66

High Country Magazine

December 2012

community will never, ever, ever plug into a Sunday morning rhythm that in traditional Christianity we’ve assumed and assigned to the Christian life,” Lycan said.

“So my thought is, what if authentic God stuff -- caring, mercy, compassion, social justice, speaking the truth in love, open discussion about what we believe and why we believe it -- if that actually happened and had a vibrancy of life to it the other six days of the week. It would be nice if Sunday became the day of rest, not the day of ministry, and the other six days are our busy days.”

When English heard Lycan’s desire, he told him to write up a proposal. Soon after, Lycan became the equipping pastor. TheHeart uses the term “equipping” because Lycan doesn’t simply want to provide service opportunities for the congregation.

Instead, he has decided to look to other organizations in the areas to provide the opportunities. If someone is already doing something well, theHeart will come alongside them to help where needed. Similarly, if someone in the congregation wants to start a new type of service in Boone, Lycan works to equip that person with the tools necessary to be successful.

Jason takes the time to talk to those in theHeart’s congregation—and those who aren’t. He spends time out in the community during the week to meet people who are churchgoers and develop a relationship with them. “Surverys say that any community in America, 40 to 60 percent of people in that community will never, ever, ever, plug into a Sunday morning rhythm that in traditional Christianity we’ve assumed and assigned to the Christian life,” said equipping pastor Scott Lycan.

Mountain Tile Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass, Natural Stone

1852 HWY 105, BOONE

828-265-0472 STORE HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8AM TO 5PM SATURDAY: 9AM TO 2PM

www.mountaintilenc.com BOONE’S PREMIER TILE SHOWROOM December 2012

High Country Magazine

67

When Jason English first visited theHeart nearly four years ago, there were 40 people in attendance.

Today, the church is more than 600 people and has just moved to the two service format.

“The genesis of that is really to take seriously the idea that mature Christians in leadership jobs is really to equip people for the work of their ministry, not to plug them into a hole that we already have in something that we’ve decided we’re going to do,” Lycan said. “And it’s a difference. The idea is like a good teacher. A good teacher is helping a student reach a potential.”

Changes within the church

When English first became the pastor, he had the dream of knowing everyone in his congregation and building relationships with them. Since that time, the

congregation has grown to more than 15 times its original size.

“Now, because it’s impossible to know everyone, there’s been a stronger emphasis on home communities because if you’re in a room with way too many to know, you have to sort of go back to the small in order to have friendship,” he said.

Currently, there are nine home communities at the church and the relatively new role of home communities pastor.

In some ways, the groups are substitutes for a Sunday school class, but they are intended to focus more on discussion and relationships than a typical class.

“We want them to be more discus-

sion-oriented than teacher-oriented,” Cox said. “Somebody studying a lesson to present it [is sometimes] a hindrance to fellowship.”

Although each of the home communities presents lessons, they all do it differently, and that’s not always the main purpose. It’s not just a place to learn; it’s also a place to fellowship and to grow close to others in the church.

“I’d say the number one reason [for home communities] has to do with people to celebrate with and to grieve with, to bear each other’s burdens,” English said.

Rather that just teaching people, Cox and English both strive to teach people

Church members hang out after the service at the entrance to Watauga High School.

68

High Country Magazine

December 2012

who will in turn teach others. In this way, Sunday morning gatherings and home communities are closely tied to one another. Cox has focused on mirroring the way Jesus taught in the Bible and he’s realized that Jesus didn’t just teach in one way.

“He raised up 12 disciples who changed the world, and if Jesus intentionally used a strong relational context to make disciples, then we as the church are foolish if we don’t emphasis strong relational context for making disciples too,” Cox said. “If that’s the way Jesus did it, that’s the way it happens. Jesus had the multitudes, Jesus had the 500, Jesus had the 120, Jesus had the 72, Jesus had the three, Jesus had the one.

There was concentric circles. It wasn’t like one was right, one was wrong. It was like they were all part of it.”

As the church continues to rapidly grow, the leadership team prays often to determine what their next moves should be. They continually point back to God as their source for everything that has happened so far and consider it a blessing to be a growing influence in the High Country. Although some decisions are tough, the team tries to remember their responsibilities.

The church caters to a wide variety of age groups, with classes for children and home groups mixed with young adults, families, and older couples.

“We have two responsibilities,” Cox said. “One is don’t mess it up. And then the other is to steward it right, to be good stewards of what God is doing.” 

Want To Know More

You can learn more about theHeart at www.theheart.us. There’s a place to sign up for the email list, and you can find contact information for each of the pastors.

Church meets at Watauga High School at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Sundays.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

69

Super Conductor 70

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Story by Allison West with Photography by Peter Damroth

Richard Mattar Attorney by day, (model) train conductor by night.

And the occasional weekend.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

71

L

ike most boys of a certain age, Richard Mattar developed an interest in model trains as a child. The irresistible siren calls of the smokestack, the whistle, the chug-a-chug, the sound of speed and strength. And while many kids today grow up more familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine and the mythical island of Sodor, Mattar kicked it old-school, surrounded as a youngster with the iconic Lionel train set sprawled throughout his parents’ basement.

While that slice of Norman Rockwell’s Americana set the stage for a fascination that steamrolled ahead with Mattar through the years, it was only about 20 years ago that boyhood interest morphed into adulthood fervor with all the force of a 72

High Country Magazine

locomotive. Says the local attorney, whose Blowing Rock practice is concentrated in real estate law, “I had an interest in model trains when I was a child, but my passion started when I joined a model railroad club in Boone in the early 1990s.”

That passion has produced a considerable personal collection of modules, three of which Mattar says he retired as they are too heavy, bulky and beat up to display any longer. (Modular layouts are built to be portable, using specifications that are publicly supported to allow any module to properly mate with another module, thereby allowing multiple clubs to join together to create a large operating display.) Mattar describes his current home layout project as “a work

December 2012

in progress,” hamstrung, he says, by the inaccessibility of his basement, particularly when moving “a 12-foot long module to and from a show.” On Mattar’s to-do list is restoring the track work and some of the scenery on those retired modules. “If and when I do,” he says, “I may have a complete loop to run trains on.”

For now, however, he and fellow members of the Raleigh-based Sipping and Switching Society of North Carolina, which Mattar joined in 1996 at the request of Joe Balint and Ken Anderson, both accomplished modelers Mattar met when he joined the railroad club in Boone a few years earlier, routinely tote their working modules to about three shows a year, as well as regional exhibitions and local

Richard stands with his section of a modular, which is fitted together with other people’s modular at a show in Raleigh this November. Modular layouts are built to be portable, using specifications that are publicly supported to allow any module to properly mate with another module, thereby allowing multiple clubs to join together to create a large operating display.

“It is just extraordinary to watch a train move through a scene, build a structure and make it look real with weathering, signs, broken windows, rusty vehicles, weeds and everything else you see in the real world.”

December 2012

High Country Magazine

73

Introducing Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, inspired by American realist artist Bob Timberlake.

Breakfast Daily: 7:30 - 10:00 am Dinner Nightly: 4:30 – 10:00 pm

www.chetola.com | 828-295-5505

74

High Country Magazine

December 2012

public gatherings in church gymnasiums in Boone and Denver, N.C. Members of this 30-member society (whose “sipping,” according to the group’s website, mostly involves traditional beverages of a nonalcoholic nature like Cheerwine and Sundrop, while “switching” their trains from one track to another) build modules that they connect to form a massive and inspiring layout. “Most modules are totally ‘scenicked,’ with permanent tracks, buildings and other structures, signs, roads and highways, lighting in some, and complete and realistic landscaping,” explains Mattar, who names the Minatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, as the greatest model he has ever seen. [Editor’s note: It’s mind-blowing, and there is a must-watch video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ACkmg3Y64_s.]

And herein lies what attracts everyone with a pulse and a past to a model train set, from a wide-eyed toddler and otherwise apathetic teenager to an aging Baby Boomer and timeworn octogenarian: the scenery. The intricate, marvelous creation of another time, another place, another world, a reminder of the glory days of railroading and one of the most popular and enduring hobbies since the 1890s. Quite often the creators of these disarmingly realistic landscapes, which can cost thousands of dollars and hundreds of manpower hours, fashion townscapes that personally affect the viewer, as if the designer subconsciously rebuilt a complete stranger’s childhood town. Recalls Mattar, “We had a lady at one show that was so excited that one of the modules was a replica of her hometown,” even though the module’s creator didn’t build the scenery based on any actual place. Yet, Mattar says, “We frequently see dioramas that are models for a specific town and even a specific day and year.” For its part, the Sipping and Switching Society modules are modeled for a particular period of time, “most commonly,” explains Mattar, “the steam to diesel transition period of the 1950s, because we run a lot of diesel engines and a lot of steam engines.”

Mattar, who also has an affinity for and a notable collection of old cameras, says he used to spend as much as 10 hours a week working on his trains but has not devoted as much time to it in the past year.

He hopes that changes this winter, praying that the season dumps an incapacitating amount of snow, thereby trapping him indoors and forcing him to play, like any

Rick Mattar joined the Raleigh-based Sipping and Switching Society of North Carolina in 1996 at the request of Joe Balint and Ken Anderson (pictured above in blue shirt), both accomplished modelers who routinely tote their working modules to about three shows a year, as well as regional exhibitions and local public gatherings in church gymnasiums in Boone and Denver, NC.

Our Gift Cards Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on Your List FREE $50 Gift Card

$99.00

with the purchase of four $50 Gift Cards

FREE $25 Gift Card

60 Min. Facial & 60 Min. Massage

with the purchase of two $50 Gift Cards

With FREE Aromatherapy Upgrade

FREE Gift Boxes with all Gift Card Purchases Purchase Online at HeavenlyTouchMassage.com

$39.95

60 Min. Massage Introductory Oer Subject to Change

828.264.4335

246D Wilson Drive - Boone,NC December 2012

High Country Magazine

75

T

1 Farmho

us

e

18 6 e h

Restaurant & Winery

When the Weather outside is Frightful... inside it’s So Delightful... enjoY CozY FireSiDe Dining in our Three elegAnT Dining roomS

lunch & Wine Tastings Daily through new Year’s CheCk WeBSiTe For SCheDule jAnuArY - April: 1861Farmhouse.com

Dinner: Thursday - Saturday All Year

reServATionS:

76

High Country Magazine

• Sunday - Brunch

828-963-6301

December 2012

respectable kid, with his trains for hours on end. In preparation for the National Train Show in Atlanta next summer, he’s currently scenicking, as it’s known in model train parlance, what sounds like a nerd’s paradise, the fictitious town of Newtonia.

Named after Sir Isaac Newton, the town will invoke the simpler yet burgeoning time period of the 1930s and 1940s, complete with the Principia Hotel and Café Mathematica, fictitious structures inspired by what is widely considered one of the most important works in both the science of physics and in applied mathematics during the Scientific Revolution. Mattar will build these unique facades from scratch, using only a few sketches as his blueprints.

It’s impossible for the part-time conductor to pinpoint which aspect of the model train experience most excites him. “There are so many parts of my hobby that I enjoy,” he expresses. “The emotional feeling that goes with it varies. It is just extraordinary to watch a train move through a scene, build a structure and make it look real with weathering, signs, broken windows, rusty vehicles, weeds and everything else you see in the real world.”

So like Slinkies, Jack-in-the-Box, Magnetic Scottie Dogs and Pick-Up Sticks, all nostalgia-inducing toys that have drowned in the overwhelming wake of the digital age, does Mattar think model trains are also on the endangered species list?

“The hobby has changed and the Baby Boomers who remember and enjoy model trains are aging and moving on to that roundhouse in the sky,” he acknowledges.

“Hobby shops are rare and even the older modelers buy and sell on the Internet.

On the other hand, the quality of model trains is much better than it has ever been.

Engines and other types of animation are mostly digital now and many engines have sound. Prices are not cheap for those engines, but what one gets for his or her money is incredible. And rolling stock, meaning freight and passenger train cars, is extremely well detailed and relatively still cheap.”

So maybe the hobby’s days are numbered, maybe not. Mattar tends to lean toward the latter, as he ends his observation on a refreshing and optimistic note, one that seizes upon a child’s most primal nature: “Children are still fascinated with moving trains, and I firmly believe that at some time in their lives they will enjoy watching things move in the real, not the virtual, world.”

“Train”ing for Dummies

Budding modelers should purchase a basic starter set, which typically includes engine, cars, track and a transformer. After that, the only limits are time, finances and space. Model trains are made in a number of sizes, or gauges, which indicate the size and scale of the track, which in turn dictate the size of the train. Whether a weekend warrior or committed enthusiast, if you’re ready to hop aboard, know which scale (and price point) meets your needs: ✓✓ 1:24 or G scale — the largest common scale, famously made by LGB, robust enough to run outdoors and the most expensive. Engines range between eight inches and two feet and can cost hundreds of dollars. ✓✓ 1:48 or O scale — the original scale of vintage Lionel, Marklin, Marx and American Flier trains. ✓✓ 1:87 or HO scale — the most common scale in the U.S., also the least expensive, relatively small, low maintenance and easy to find. ✓✓ 1:160 or N scale — roughly the size of a pencil, requiring only a few square feet to lay out track. ✓✓ 1:220 or Z scale — the smallest scale, the size of your pinky finger, and arguably the most difficult to work with due to the delicate, easily damaged nature of the pieces.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

77

ADV E R T I S E R S I N D E X Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you.

All Area Codes are 828 unless noted.

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

1861 Farmhouse, The...................................... 963-6301........................... 76 A Cleaner World............................................... 265-1888........................... 33 Antiques on Howard......................................... 262-1957........................... 48 Appalachian Regional Cardiology Center.......... 264-9664........................... 25 Appalachian Energy.......................................... 262-3637........................... 12 Appalachian Ski Mtn........................................ 295-7828........................... 65 Art Cellar, The.................................................. 898-5175........................... 47 Art of Oil.......................................................... 355-9313........................... 45 Banner Elk Café................................................ 898-4040........................... 57 BCS Custom Builders LLC................................ 268-0590........................... 13 Blue Ridge Energies.............................GoBlueRidgeEnergies.com................. 2 Blue Ridge Roofing.......................................... 264-9328........................... 77 Boone Mall...................................................... 264-7286........................... 49 Cabin Fever Rustic Furnishings........................ 295-0520........................... 50 Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772........................... 66 Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288........................... 45 Casa Rustica Restaurant................................... 262-5128........................... 74 Char................................................................ 266-2179........................... 27 Country Gourmet.............................................. 963-5269........................... 47 Dewoolfson Down........................................ 800-833-3696.......................... 7 Dianne Davant & Associates............................. 898-9887....Inside Front Cover Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127........................... 44 Eat Crow Restaurant......................................... 963-8228........................... 32 Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601.............Back Page Footsloggers.................................................... 262-5111........................... 46 Frye Regional Medical Center....................... 828-315-3391........................ 15 Gaines Kiker Silversmith.................................. 295-3992........................... 48 Gamekeeper Restaurant.................................... 963-7400........................... 76 Gilded Age Antiques, The................................. 963-8633........................... 46 Grandfather Vineyard Winery............................ 963-2400........................... 51 Green Park Inn & Restaurant............................. 414-9230........................... 41 Greenleaf Services........................................... 737-0308............................. 1 Heavenly Touch Massage................................. 264-4335........................... 75

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

Incredible Toy.................................................. 264-1422........................... 48 Jo-Lynn Enterprises, Inc................................... 297-2109........................... 32 Ken Blackburn’s Rustic Rooster........................ 898-5161........................... 49 Mack Brown Chevrolet...................................... 264-9051........................... 81 Makato’s Restaurant......................................... 264-7976........................... 38 Mast General Store........................................... 963-6511............................. 9 Morning Star Gallery........................................ 295-6991........................... 50 Mountain Dog.................................................. 963-2470........................... 78 Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225........................ 64 Mountain Tile................................................... 265-0472........................... 67 Open Door Gifts............................................... 355-9755........................... 44 Organic Hair Design......................................... 898-8111........................... 36 Page & Cook Professional Dentistry.................. 265-1661............................. 2 Pet Supplies Plus............................................. 266-2100........................... 35 Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470........................... 38 Rivercross Market............................................. 963-8623........................... 37 Rustic.............................................................. 295-9033........................... 50 Shannon’s Curtain, Bed & Bath........................ 264-8321........................... 43 Shoppes at Farmers Hardwre............................ 264-8801........................... 17 Ski Sugar......................................................... 898-4521........................... 23 Sobleski.......................................................... 963-6800........................... 43 Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453............................. 4 Stone Jewelers, The......................................... 264-2000............................. 3 Sugar Mountain Sugarfest............................ 800-784-2768........................ 11 Sugar Mountain TDA................................. www.seesugar.com..................... 59 Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466........................... 51 Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola................... 295-5505........................... 74 Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088........................... 69 Todd Rice Realtor............................................. 263-8711........................... 36 Town of Seven Devils....................................... 963-6561........................... 66 University Nissan............................................. 264-7726............................. 5 Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 64 Watsonatta Western Wear................................. 264-4540........................... 27

Area's Best Foods & Treats • Unique Toys MOUNTAIN and ds DOG Frien Great Beds & Bowls • Travel Accessories

The Dog and Cat Store

Grooming Supplies • Dinstinctive Gifts

Centrally located and easy to reach from anywhere in the High Country IN THE STONE HOUSE, HIGHWAY 105 FOSCOE

828-963-2470

Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm • Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5 pm 78

High Country Magazine

December 2012

Visit Us To See What’s Going On Now

www.HCPress.com www.HCPress.com www.HCPress.com Constantly Updated

News • Crime • Obits • Videos • Events • Sports • Business What’s Going On in the High Country? . . . Click December 2012

High Country Magazine

79

Parting Shot...

By

Ken Ketchie

Sugar Mountain Kicks Off Ski Season on Halloween

O

n Wednesday, Oct. 31, Sugar Mountain Resort opened historically early. Prior to this year’s Halloween opening, Sugar Mountain’s earliest opening in their 43-year history was on Nov. 5, 1976. Early risers Jamie Borden, Rosie Hewitt and Ashley Cutrell (pictured above) and members of the Appalachian State University Alpine Ski Club, were at the mountain first on Halloween to be the first customers to ever ski Sugar Mountain in October.

The ski resorts are now getting fired up (or cooled off, depending on how you look at it) for the season. Beech Mountain Resort is celebrating 45 years since its christening in 1967, when it became Eastern America’s highest ski area at 5,506 feet in elevation. The High Country’s oldest ski resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, is entering its 51st year this season. Also, since Sugar Mountain’s Oct. 31 opening, despite some days with warmer weather since the opening, they have been going strong and plan to stay open for the rest of the season regardless of the weather.

80

High Country Magazine

Sugar’s early opening, allowed in part due to the blizzard-like effects from Superstorm Sandy that was big news everywhere, found Sugar Mountain’s early opening mentioned on CNN, NPR, in the Huffington Post and even in The Guardian newspaper in England.

Amazingly, Sugar Mountain was not the only ski area in North Carolina to open in October. The Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, with a top elevation of 5,400 feet, also opened for business on Halloween morning, making it only the second time in their history they opened on Oct. 31.

Aside from providing great recreation opportunities to the public, the ski resorts of North Carolina also hire hundreds of employees every winter and pump huge dollars into the economy. Additionally, they drive people to the countless ski and snowboard shops across the High Country.

In a 2009-2010 report prepared for the North Carolina Ski Areas Association by the research company RRC Associates, Inc., it was determined that the overall economic value of the ski resort industry

December 2012

to the state was $146 million for the period covering the 2009-2010 season.

The report also included data on gross revenue from lodging operations from November 2009 to March 2010 for locations impacted by ski resorts. Watauga County saw gross revenue from ski lodging operations of $4.4 million. The Village of Sugar Mountain came in just under $3 million.

The Town of Blowing Rock saw ski lodging revenue of $2.6 million. The Town of Beech Mountain pulled in $2.3 million, with nearby Banner Elk at $1.1 million. The big winner though was the “Heart of the High Country,” the Town of Boone, with just over $6 million in gross revenue from lodging operations.

Though the data is a few years dated, the report displays just what kind of dollars the winter sports lovers pour into the local economy and just how important the local ski resorts are.

Now that you’ve reached the final page of the magazine, maybe it’s time to get out and hit the slopes.

Story by Paul T. Choate

SAVE

UP TO 8,000 DE TOTAL VALUE WHEN YOU TRA

Mack Brown, Inc.

The People you know, the people you trust.

Here To day and Here to St a y!

IN AN ELIGIBLE VEHICLE

ONE REASON OUR CUSTOMERS RETURN YEAR AFTER YEAR:

Jason, Kent and Josh Brown 2nd & 3rd Generations

0

Financing as low as

% HUGE 4-WHEEL DRIVE SALE

100,000 miles/ 5 year warranty with 24/7 roadside assistance.

PLUS

Take advantage of the new Mack Brown, Inc. Preferred Service Club and enjoy the benefits of being a member!

3 Oil Changes with Multi-Point Inspection

$6999

5 Oil Changes with Multi-Point Inspection

$9999

4 Oil Changes, Tire Rotations with Multi-Point Inspection

$9999

For Over 60 Years! Here To day and Here to St a y!

Mack Brown, Inc. 2705 US HWY 421 S · 828.264.9051

The People you know, the people you trust.

www.MackBrownChevrolet.com

All prices after rebate, plus 3% tax, tag and title fee. See dealer for details. Please see your service advisor for more details. Expires 1 year from date of purchase. Includes up to 6 quarts of oil. Diesel and synthetic oil excluded.

December 2012

High Country Magazine

81

Three Bedroom, Three Bath, One Jaw-Dropping View?

BACK PAGE

4 Bedroom, 4 Bath, A Mountain Top Pool For The Kids?

Page 82

It’s Yours.

It’s Yours.

Echota is the ideal mountain getaway, no matter what your ideal may You need plenty of room, and plenty of things to do. Echota is the be. Our latest neighborhood, Chalakee, boasts one-, two-, three- and ideal mountain getaway, no matter what your ideal may be. Our latest four-bedroom condominiums and townhomes featuring nine-foot neighborhood, Chalakee, boasts one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom ceilings, timber construction, outdoor kitchens and a host of upgrades, condominiums and townhomes featuring nine-foot ceilings, timber appropriately priced fromkitchens $199,900 toa$599,900.

Your ideal mountain construction, outdoor and host of upgrades, appropriately getaway is available today.toBecome oneYour of the families who love priced from $199,900 $599,900. ideal500 mountain getaway is Echota — all for different reasons. available today.

Become one of the 500 families who love Echota — all for different reasons.

Echota Parkway, Boone, 133133 Echota Parkway, Boone, NC NC 800.333.7601 800.333.7601

EchotaNC.com EchotaNC.com

Condominiums,Townhomes, Townhomes, Single Single Family and Homesites Condominiums, FamilyHomes Homes and Homesites 82

High Country Magazine

December 2012