Volume 13 • Issue 5 June 2018
Welcome Back Summer Residents
Dr. Wood Joda at 103 Opioid Problem Farmer’s Market Faces Singing on the Mountain THE Outdoor Afternoon Music Scene
June 2018
Where To Go
High Country Magazine
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DI A N N E DAVA N T & A S S O C I AT E S EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN SINCE 1979
M A R G A R E T H A N D L E Y,
ASID
D I A N N E D A VA N T , A S I D PA M E L A M C K A Y, A S I D
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B A N N E R E L K , N O RT H C A R O L I N A 828.963.7500 S T U A R T, F L O R I D A 772.781.1400 W W W. D A VA N T - I N T E R I O R S . C O M B
High Country Magazine
June 2018
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MEMBER FDIC ©2018 Piedmont Federal Savings Bank June 2018
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Linville, North Carolina | premiersir.com/id/203205 | 828.898.5151
Asheville | 828.277.3238 Banner Elk | 828.898.5022
Charlotte | 704.248.0243
Blowing Rock | 828.295.0776
Linville Ridge | 828.898.5151
LIVE
Lake Norman | 704.727.4170
Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. including, 2 Property H i ginformation h C o u herein n t risyderived M a gfrom a zvarious i n e sources June 2018 but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.
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Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer theubase g h Ctoo n tprice r y ofMtheahouse g a zand i ndoenot include Juneoptions 2018or premiums, unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Photo courtesy of MATOUK
9452 NC Hwy. 105 S
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Stone Cavern
Tile & Stone Showroom
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High Country Magazine
June 2018
EAGLES. BIRDIES. AIRPLANES.
“Elk River is an exceptional golf course. But the best work was accomplished by nature long before I got there.” - JACK NICKLAUS
DISCOVER EXCELLENCE ELEVATED. Nothing compares to the quietness of a cool evening spent gazing out across the majestic mountain landscape, set aglow by golden rays peering down upon the signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. Elk River members "+',6 * +6 1&3&1&"0 02 % 0 + ".2"01/& + "+1"/H ij6 IJ0%&+$H 1"++&0 +! social events. The private airport sets Elk River in a class of its own. But what makes Elk River truly special is the warm camaraderie our members enjoy with each other every day. Elk River is now accepting requests for an "5 )20&3" ,--,/12+&16 1, "+',6 )) 1%" )2 % 0 1, ,Ȭ"/ &+ ++"/ )(H F F Learn more about our Discovery Visit and all that Elk River % 0 1, ,Ȭ"/F &0 ,3"/^ )( &3"/ )2 F ,* q?9?r ?@?K@>>: D I S C OV E R E L K R I V E RC LU B N C . C O M As a 501(c)(7) private, member-owned club, Elk River Club membership is limited & by invitation only.
June 2018
High Country Magazine
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C O N T E N T S
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Summer Music
34
Sharing the Gospel Through Music
Grab your lawn chair, gather up a few essentials and let us show you were to go to have fun for a late afternoon outdoor concert adventure this summer.
“Singing on the Mountain” has been a High Country gospel music tradition for nearly a century. The 93rd annual event will be June 24.
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‘Senging’ in the Wild: A Brief History of Ginseng in Appalachia Hunting for ginseng has and will forever be a tradition kept in living life in the Appalachian Mountains.
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There’s Much to Sample at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market
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Just a taste of what the Watauga County Farmers’ Market has to offer each Saturday in Boone from May to November.
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Combatting Opioid Abuse in the High Country
The Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the Avery County Rotary Club are calling attention to the opioid crisis that has swept the nation, including western North Carolina.
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103 Years Young: The Story of Joda Ollis Avery County native Joda Ollis shares her stories through over a century of living quite a life in the High Country.
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The Good Doctor Has Seen it All At home and abroad, Dr. Jim Wood has saved lives and treated armed forces veterans for 50 years.
on the cover Todd Bush – For this year’s June
cover, Todd Bush takes us to the Elk River Club where member and equestrian, Ginger Karney saddled up her beautiful horse, Hoovey for an afternoon photo shoot. The backdrop is the Elk River Club Equestrian Center that features stables, riding rink and 180 acres of riding trails. This is cover number eight for photographer extraordinaire Todd Bush for our Welcome Back Summer Residents series.
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Visit www.bushphoto.com
High Country Magazine
June 2018
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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 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 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262
High Country Visions Margaret Salisbury June 7 - June 30 Opening June 9, 4-6pm
artcellaronline.com | 828-898-5175 Hwy 184. Banner Elk, North Carolina June 2018
High Country Magazine
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FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER
A Publication Of High Country Press Publications
Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie
Art Director Debbie Carter Advertising Director Jeffrey Green
Ken Ketchie
Summertime Brings Outside Concerts
F
or this year’s Welcome Back Summer Residents annual issue, we throw the spotlight on afternoon outdoor concerts. Summer music is busting out all over the High Country with new venues for outdoor concerts opening up every year. We came up with some 20 venues where folks can hear live music for free. But, I’m sure that we missed a place or two. The long days of summer are perfect for these musical events, most get started around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. and it’s still light outside when they finish up after a couple of hours. The Jones House Concerts on the Lawn was one of the first outdoor afternoon events to get started over 25 years ago. It was started by the Watauga Arts Council who had offices in the Jones House back then. The first year they had a few local bands perform on the front porch of the Jones House with just a few people showing up to enjoy the free concert. The idea carried over to the next year and the Arts Council found they didn’t have to find bands to perform, musicians started lining up for the chance to perform from the front porch. The concerts became so popular that there was concern that crowds could cause harm to the huge trees that sit in the front lawn. That’s when that area was fenced off and ivy was planted to protect the trees from crowds compacting the ground around them. The town of Banner Elk added their concerts about 10 years ago and ended up expanding their park facilities to include a covered amphitheater with a dance floor out front, then a landscaped lawn that is tiered for perfect views of the stage. Now the popular Thursday night concerts are booming with huge crowds. Today you can find a free concert in the High Country every afternoon of the week. From Todd to Beech Mountain to Linville and over to West Jefferson, every town is adding an outdoor concert. Plus, many restaurants and businesses have been adding afternoon concerts as part of their offerings, too. The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock started their Concerts on the Lawn seven years ago on Friday afternoons, and it quickly became the social hangout where everyone shows up to hang out with friends. It’s an amazing scene! One of the best things about these outdoor concerts is that you can pretty much come and go as you please. Since these concerts are free, there’s no pressure if you come late or leave early. You can just come as you are to enjoy the live music of the Appalachian region. The set up is similar at most of the venues—an outdoor setting in a park or on a lawn where folks are invited to bring their lawn chair or blanket, picnic basket, and a few friends You just find a spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy some live music in the beauty of the Appalachian surroundings. Take some afternoons this summer to catch one of the many outdoor shows. 10
High Country Magazine
June 2018
Contributing Writers Nathan Ham Elly Murray Jan Todd Tim Gardner Jessie Campbell Sherrie Norris
Contributing Photographers Todd Bush Jan Todd High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina
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. © 2018 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.
WE SUPPORT
SHOP LOCAL
June 2018
High Country Magazine
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Calendar of Events JUNE 2018
1
First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-262-4532
1-2
Boone Bike Rally, High Country Fairgrounds, 828-733-8060
1-3
Nature Photography Weekend, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
1-9
The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
2
37th Annual New River Canoe Race, Zaloo’s Canoes to New River State Park, 336-982-2857
2
“Friend Raiser” with Ensemble Stage, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844
2
Shriner Parade, Main Street in Blowing Rock, 828-295-4636
23
Ensemble Stage Saturday Kids Theatre: “Marmalade Gumdrops” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844
2
3rd Annual Ducky Regatta, Middle Fork Creek, 704-807-2714
23
Blood, Sweat, and Gears Bike Ride, Valle Crucis, bloodsweatandgears.org
2
Shagging at the Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock on Hwy 321, 828-295-7111
23
BRAHM Gala: An Evening in Venice, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9009
3
Land Trust Day, Mast General Store, 828-262-0000
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7
17th Annual Wine/Beer Tasting & Auction, Blowing Rock American Legion, 828-264-2511
Singing on the Mountain, MacRae Meadows, 336-261-8386
7-10
Charity Horse Show: Saddlebred Division, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700
8-16
Ensemble Stage: “Deadly Murder” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844
8-17
Day Out With Thomas, Tweetsie Railroad, 800-526-5740
remarkable rhododendron ramble grandfather mountain, june 1-9
24-7/1 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “The Wiz” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709
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Movies in the Park, “Black Panther” Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222
29-7/6 Ensemble Stage: “Red White and Tuna” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844
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Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Passport Please!” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709
Avery County Wine & Beer Festival, Sorrento’s Dining Complex, Banner Elk, 828-898-5605
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9-11
Made in the Mountains Quilt Event, Blowing Rock American Legion Building, 828-372-7024
Sugar Mountain Summit Crawl, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521
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10
Art in the Park, Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851
47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-9283
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Animal Birthday Party, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
15
Doc Watson Day Celebration, The Jones House, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280
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Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Passport Please!” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709
21
Kids in Nature Hike, Boone Methodist Church, 828-264-2511
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21-25
12
Ashe County Little Theatre: “The Secret Garden” Ashe Civic Center, 336-846-2787
High Country Magazine
June 2018
Blood, Sweat and Gears Bike Ride Starts in Valle Crucis, june 23
CARLTON GALLERY DON’T FORGET 1SZSP`ObW\U !$GSO`a
EVENTS
Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summit Crawl
Saturday, June 30 • Climb up to 5,300 feet at Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summit Crawl. Participants can enjoy the ski slopes without the snow in this fun and competitive—if you want it to be—event. Climb the 1,200 foot vertical route in just 1.2 miles from the Sugar Mountain Resort Base Lodge, up Easy Street slope, Gunther’s Way slope, onto the Northridge slope, and finish on the summit. Participants receive a t-shirt and lift ride back to the Base Lodge with their registration fee of $40 for ages 13 and older and $30 for ages 12 and under. Awards and prizes will be given to the top finishers in six different categories, and all participants are eligible to win a 2018-2019 Sugar Mountain Resort Season Pass. Supporters of participants are welcome and can purchase their own lift tickets for the day.
A^`W\U 5`]c^ 3fVWPWbW]\
1]\bS[^O`g 1cPWab 1VO`Wa[O by Warren Dennis & Mary-Ann Prack May 26 – July 15
;WR Ac[[S` 5`]c^ 3fVWPWbW]\
A^SQb`c[ 0Sg]\R 1]Z]` /Pab`OQbW]\
by Andrew Braitman & Lisa Boardwine July 28 – September 15 - Opening Reception: July 28, 2-5pm 1"*/5*/(4 t $-": t (-"44 t 4$6-1563& t 800% t '*#&3 "35 t +&8&-3: Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community
56&4%": 4"563%": t 46/%": t Call or check our website for workshop dates XXX DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN t DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ!DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN
Celebrating 21 Years of Fun and Fashion!
Horn in the West
June 22-August 11 • Horn in the West returns for its 68th season in the High Country. Tuesdays through Sundays, the theater performs the nation’s longest-standing Revolutionary War outdoor drama. Since 1952, visitors of Boone, NC have been viewing this thrilling drama involving hardship, danger, family-ties, and romance. Doors open for the show at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum before the show starting at 5:30 p.m. located beside the theater. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person on the day of the show at the Horn in the West Box Office starting at 1:00 p.m. until the show’s intermission. Ticket prices are $35 for adults, $27 for students, and $24 for children under 12. For more information about the Horn in the West outdoor drama, visit https://www.horninthewest.com/horn/ or call (828) 264-2120.
The Dande Lion,
Inc.
Open: 10-5 Monday-Saturday, Sunday 12-4 Shoppes at Tynecastle | 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk (828) 898-3566 | www.DandeLionStyles.com June 2018
High Country Magazine
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4th of July Events Boone
Beech Mountain
Parade at 11:00 .m.
The Boone Fourth of July Parade will be on July 4 in Downtown Boone at 11 a.m, and live music will be provided by the Watauga Community Band! After the parade, the Jones House will be open to the public, and they will have free watermelon, cake, and refreshments. There will also be live music and other festivities at Clawson/Burnley park at 7 p.m., before the fireworks at ‘dark thirty’-thirty minutes after dark. If you would like to join the parade, you can register at joneshouse.org
Blowing Rock
Festivities Begin at 9:00 a.m. Parade Kicks Off at 2:00 p.m.
On July 7, Blowing Rock will host its Fourth of July Festival and Parade in Downtown Blowing Rock. The events of the Festival begin with the Adult Horseshoe Tournament at 9 a.m., followed by park games like water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest, face painting, and more from 9:30 until 11. Then from 12 until 4 there will be inflatables in the park, and from 12 to 1:30, live music will be provided. At 2 p.m., the parade kicks off, followed by live music from 3 to 4, and at 9:30 p.m., there will be fireworks at Blowing Rock Country Club.
Banner Elk Parade at 11:00 a.m.
On July 4, the Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park will be in Downtown Banner Elk. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and leads to the Tate-Evans park for Party in the Park. This exciting event includes food, games like egg toss and sack race, and the Great American Duck Races, where hundreds of rubber ducks race down the creek in the park. It’s quite a delightful sight to see, and definitely something you shouldn’t miss.
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June 2018
Festivities Begin at 5:00 pm. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Every year, Beech Mountain hosts the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks. No, you read that right. Every year since 1972, the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks has occurred. John Wade hosted the first 47th at his house, and signed the invitations “Reverend John R. Wade III”, even though he wasn’t a Reverend or the third.This year is the actual 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog—the name is finally true. The event is hosted on June 30 at the Beech Mountain Resort, and a pork/turkey bbq meal with tea and lemonade is included in the ticket price. In advance, tickets are $17.50 for adults, and $10 for kids age 10 and under. The food is served at 5 p.m., and there are games for kids, a raffle, face painting, concessions, music, and of course, dancing. The firework show begins at 9 p.m., and is truly a spectacular sight to see.
Tweetsie
Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Tweetsie Railroad’s Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on July 4, starting at 9:30 p.m. Last year, Tweetsie Railroad celebrated their 60th anniversary on the Fourth of July, so there was huge celebration in addition to the fireworks. Parking is free this year in Tweetsie’s parking lot, but people have been known to get to Tweetsie and park for the fireworks as early at 8 a.m., so grab a spot before they’re gone! They have a VIP viewing area and dinner available for purchase as well.
Crossnore Parade at 4:00 p.m.
On July 4, the small town of Crossnore will host a big event: the Fourth of July parade and festivities.The parade is at 4 p.m., and will have live music and games for kids, like inflatable play places and a frog jumping contest. The fire department will be selling hamburgers
and hotdogs, and other goodies will be sold for fundraising by local churches, boy scouts, and community groups.The watermelon, however, is free, and there will be a street dance at around 7 p.m. At nightfall, the firemen put on a dazzling fireworks display
Todd
Parade at 11:00 a.m.
The Todd Liberty Parade is an absolutely sensational event, year after year. Last year, the theme of the parade was “Justice for All”, and tons of people dressed up in elaborate costumes and had props to walk in the parade. It was like watching a walking theatre performance, and was similar in style to the famous May Day parade in Minneapolis, MN. In fact, that’s where the Elkland Art Center, the organization that hosts the event, got the inspiration for their own parade. There’s tons of dancing too, both from the people in the parade and from the people cheering it on from the sidelines.The parade this year is July 4th at 11 a.m. in Downtown Todd, and food will be available for purchase. You can’t miss this; it’s just too fantastic!
Sugar Mountain Festivities Begin at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Sugar Mountain hosts its annual Mountain Top Fireworks Viewing on July 4. The event features live performances from Glen Harlow and the North Fork Band from 6 to 9 p.m. at the base of the slopes. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Sugar Mountain’s 5300’ peak, and you can take a lift ride up there. The lift rides are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, and from June 30 to July 8, they are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, select items in the Sugar Mountain Sports Shop are 30-60% off from June 30 to July 8.
Up here, we leave the tweets to the birds
Come Discover Eagles Nest: High Country living the way you want it. There is no better place to experience all the natural beauty and variety of the Western North Carolina High Country than right here. With one of the highest elevations in the area – and just 3 miles from the charming downtown of Banner Elk–Eagles Nest is a haven for year-round outdoor activity, catering to every age and interest.
Home sites available from the 80’s. Turn-key cottage packages from the 390’s. Call 866-370-1052 or visit DiscoverEaglesNest.com
June 2018
High Country Magazine
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An Appalachian Summer T
here are so many exciting event series happening in the High Country this summer, representing high culture areas such as music, dance, theatre, and art. However, none so far include a little something from every genre of culture. At least, not until An Appalachian Summer Festival returns this summer! Begun in 1984, this diverse mix was created as a way to educate the people of the High Country—both visitor and local—about our intricate and eclectic culture. The festival is recognized nationwide as an extraordinary display of culture, and in recent years, the festival has been selected as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. An Appalachian Summer Festival is celebrating its 34th season. In keeping with its status as a university-based arts program, the festival continually seeks to enlighten and educate—a focus reflected in such initiatives as the festival’s discounts for children’s tickets, school coupons and ticket prices that are typically 30-40% lower than prices for comparable events in other venues. A rich variety of educational opportunities is part of the festival schedule each summer, including exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops, student internships and employment opportunities for young people seeking experience in arts presenting.
Kristin Chenoweth
High Country Magazine
July 20: NC Black Repertory Company: “The Legend of Buster Neal”
July 3: Film: “In Between (Bar Bahar)”
July 21: The Hot Sardines
July 5: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 22: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 7: Kool & The Gang
July 23: Film: “Wunderkinder”
July 9: Film: “Swallows and Amazons”
July 24: Film: “Summer 1993 (Estiu 1993)”
July 10: Film: “In the Fade (Aus dem Nichts)”
July 25: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
July 12: I’m With Her
July 26: Rhiannon Giddens
July 11: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
July 28: Rosen Sculpture Walk
July 14: Shaken & Stirred: Michael Feinstein and special guest Storm Large
July 28: BODYTRAFFIC
July 15: Eastern Festival Orchestra featuring Misha Dichter
July 30: Film: “Jasper Jones”
July 16: Film: ” A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantastica)”
Aug. 3: Film: “From the Land of the Moon”
July 18: Hayes School of Music Faculty Recital
Aug. 4: Kristin Chenoweth
I’m With Her
BODYTRAFFIC 16
July 2: Film: “Amazonia”
July 1: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet June 2018
July 29: Rosen-Schaffel Competition July 31: Film: “Paradise (Ray)”
BUY TICKETS ONLINE Please visit our online box office. Tickets ordered online can be mailed to you, or you can choose to pick them up at will-call.
BUY TICKETS BY PHONE Order tickets by telephone by calling locally at (828) 262-4046.Tickets ordered by telephone can be mailed to you, or you can choose to pick them up at will-call.
BUY TICKETS IN PERSON The Schaefer Center for the Perform-
ing Arts is located at 733 Rivers Street on the campus of Appalachian State University. Box office hours are Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.
Kool & The Gang
Rhiannon Giddens
The Hot Sardines
Shaken & Stirred: Michael Feinstein
“W
e joined Hound Ears Club in 2015 and we’ve been thoroughly delighted with our mountain lifestyle. The lifetime friends we’ve made, the fun amenities and cool
climate make Hound Ears the perfect mountain experience.” – Michael Drew & Jennifer Russell
June 2018
High Country Magazine
17
A
Summer Theater
tradition of excellence is how Janet Speer, the theater’s long time artistic Lees McRae Summer Theater has director attributes the program’s longevity to been described. It’s long history is three factors: talent, honest messages onstage rich with productions where audiences have and a genuine love for the art of theater. The productions take place in Lees McRae jumped to their feet for standing ovations, and actors have lit up the stage with world College’s Hayes Auditorium, which was recently remodeled and class performances. Lees McRae College Lees-McRae Summer Theatre upgraded. It’s located on Main Street and has been a part of the Banner Elk Community for over 100 years. a short walk from a number of restaurants. and its always sought to provide a positive There are three productions this summer and collaborative relationship between the and shows are full of delightful people out college and the community. Their Summer for an evening of live theater. As Janet Speer Theater is an outstanding example of that. has said, “. . . people are frequently pleasantly
surprised that we can produce such quality in our little environment, but much of that is due to the heart.We genuinely love our audiences and our art.”
June 9: Passport Please!
July 13-15: My Way
June 16: Passport Please!
July 17-18: My Way
June 24: The Wiz
July 21: Passport Please!
June 26-July 1: The Wiz
July 31-Aug. 5: In the Heights
July 7: Passport Please!
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he Ensemble Stage was founded in December of 2009 in Blowing and built a reputation for quality productions. The theater became a must out evening in Blowing Rock to catch one of their plays. A couple of years ago the opportunity came up for the theater company to make a move to Banner Elk.There was an idea where a theater was envision to be a part of the Historic Banner Elk School as part of the town’s initiative to develop the old school building into a cultural center to serve the area. Ensemble Stage said yes to the opportunity and debut their first production at their new location last summer. There’s been nothing but sold out performances ever since. The Banner Elk community has really stepped up to embrace Ensemble Stage. Going into their second year you’ll find a lot of extra flare involved for the evening’s outing.
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she County Little Theatre, a cozy little theatre hosted in the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson, has a few productions this summer. People from all over the high country, and some from places further away, begin to pour in for the performance. Kids laugh, leaning over the rows to talk to their friends and messing with the folding seats, as adults chatter quietly. The whole room is abuzz, waiting for the performance to begin. And begin it does. Ashe County Little Theatre’s productions are always known for being engaging and entertaining: the audience can’t even look away from the amazing perfor18
High Country Magazine
June 2018
They have four productions June 8-June 16: Deadly Murder this summer. You won’t be June 29-July 6: Red White and Tuna disappointed it you make July 27-Aug 4: Slow Dance on the Killing Ground plans to catch the exciteAug 17-Aug 25: Weekend Comedy ment happening with the Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk. The Historic Banner Elk School right in town and just a short drive from a number of fabulous restaurants. mance for a second. They enjoy the rest of their evening being entertained by a cast of stellar performers, who know how to captivate an audience. You don’t need to bring anything to these performances except yourself and your lovely family and friends. Attend one of Ashe County Little Theatre’s productions this summer for a night of entertainment and fun.
Ashe County Little Theatre June 21-25: The Secret Garden Aug. 23-26: The Savannah Sipping Society
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n the vibrant state of Virginia, there is an alluring little town called June 12-Aug. 12: Madame Buttermilk May 13-Aug. 11: The Lemonade Stand Abingdon. This town hosts the Barter Theatre, also known as the June 19-July 14: Snow White and the May 18-Aug. 11: Sister Act State Theatre of Virginia, and people gather from all over the world Seven Dwarfs to see its productions. May 22-June 10: The Book of Mamaw As they enter the theatre, shining lights wash over the auditorium, July 17-Aug. 4: The Lion, the Witch, and May 28-June 16: Billy, Goat, Gruff: The painting everything a silky gold. They take their seats in the rose colthe Wardrobe Musical ored seats, chattering excitedly as they wait for the performance to Aug. 22-Sept. 8: Ain’t Misbehavin’ May 31-Aug. 11: Steel Magnolias begin. And begin it does, with dialogue so vivid and acting so raw that the audience is absolutely captivated for the remainder of the evening. Founded in 1933, the Barter Theatre received its name during a period where it accepted food as admission during the Great Depression. In celebration of this heritage, the theatre is accepting food as admission again June 13 through 15. The food will be donated to a local food bank, and patrons are asked to bring as much food as would equal in value a ticket. Additionally, during the first performance of each production, visitors can pay as little as $1 for admission as part of Barter Theatre’s Pay What You Can Performances. Reservation for Barter Days and Pay What You Can Performances are not available, so be sure to arrive to the theatre early.
The Barter Theatre
127 West Main Street | Abingdon,VA 24210 276-628-3991 | www.bartertheatre.com
KYLE BUCKLAND KARLA MANN
7539 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock NC, 28605 828.295.0041 blowingrockgalleries.com
A Duo Exhibition: Contrasting Styles June 11-19 ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: SATURDAY
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High Country Magazine
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Summer Music The Late Afternoon / Early Evening Outdoor Concerts Scene Compiled by Ellyan Murray
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he sun seems to stay up forever in the Summer Time, and dusk comes late in the evenings, giving folks lots of daylight to enjoy the full days of summer. And those late sunsets are the perfect scenario to enjoy an evening at an outdoor concert. The venues are beautiful and there is a concert offered every evening of the week! So get ready to grab a lawn chair or your blanket, gather up a few essentials, and let us show you were to go to have fun this summer at a late afternoon/early evening outdoor concert adventure that are happening all across the High Country this summer.
And The Musicians ARE . . .
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nd what a line-up of musicians there are for this summer’s concert series. You can check out the bands and musicians who will be performing along the bottom section of the next 10 pages.
The Jones House Outdoor Summer Concerts Series Todd Community Summer Concert Series The Inn at Ragged Gardens Music on the Lawn Banner Elk Concerts in the Park West Jefferson Backstreet Park Summer Concerts Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard Crestwood’s Summer Music Series Old Hampton Store’s Summer Concert Series Music at Linville Falls Winery Green Park Inn Music on the Veranda Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park Banner Elk Cafe’s Music Series Fred’s Sunday Concerts at the Gazebo Sugar Mountain Concerts on the Deck Valle Crucis Music in the Valle Grandfather Vineyard Music in the Vineyard Live Music at 5506’ Skybar Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
The Dave Calvert Collective
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Asheville H i g h Aces Country
Strickland M a g a z i n e RickJune 2018
Johnson Brothers
Band
The Extraordinaires
Buick MacKane
Roadrunnerz
Thistle Dew
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n bustling downtown Boone, the Jones House hosts its summer long Concerts on the Lawn weekly series. On Friday nights, patrons climb the stone stairs from King Street up to the grassy lawn in front of the 100 year old home that now serves as Downtown Boone’s cultural and community center. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or a blanket, and a picnic if you like, plus your camera and dancing shoes, and stretch out on the grass, surrounded on all sides by leafy green trees.
The Jones House Outdoor Summer Concerts Series
The musicians preform from the front porch of the historic house, and their music can be heard all the way down the street. The location of the Jones House in downtown Boone means there’s tons of places to explore before the concert, including the Mast General Store, shops, art galleries, ice cream and fudge shops and numerous restaurants. The Friday concerts start at 5:00 p.m. and there’s free parking in downtown Boone after 5 o’clock. Grab your lawn chairs, call up some friends, and get ready to enjoy a gorgeous summer evening on the Jones House lawn.
June 1: Junaluska Gospel Choir & Soul Benefactor
July 13: Never Too Late & Danny Whittington
June 8: The Sheets Family Band & Strictly Strings
July 20: Everydays & Lazybirds
June 15: Doc Watson Day Celebration featuring: Jeff Little Trio, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Crouch, Charles Welch, Jay Brown, Presley Barker, and Brooks Forsyth
July 27: David Childers & Lauren and Earleine
June 22: Andrew Fin Magill & The Page Turners
Aug. 10: Bluegrass Showcase: Cane Mill Road, Dollar Brothers, and Surefire
June 29: Shady Martin Lovette & Fwuit
Aug. 24: Alexa Rose & Appalucians
July 6: Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four & Dead of Summer
Aug. 31: Jazzfest: Swing Guitars, Shane Chalke’s BE Jazz, and Todd Wright
August 11: Melissa Reaves
June 30: Wayne Henderson & Friends
August 18: Lucky Strikes
July 4: King Bees July 14: Angela Easterling & The Beguilers July 28: Strictly Strings
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he Cook Memorial park in Todd is an absolutely gorgeous scene, filled with plenty of open, green spaces with room for groups of people to set up for an evening of music. The beautiful New River flows ever northward right beside it were kids enjoy getting their toes a little soaked. The performers sing and play out of an wooden gazebo, inviting the crowd to clap along. Todd is located between Boone and West Jefferson right off N.C. Scenic Byway Highway 194. Todd was founded in 1833 and was a bustling town in the early 20th century because of the timber boom that brought the “Virginia Creeper” railroad to the community. In the heart of Todd’s historic district is Cook Memorial Park where the outdoor Summer Concert Series takes place every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission to the concerts won’t cost you a cent, and food is available for purchase. Large tents will be set up for protection from rain or the sun’s hot rays Half of the fun of going to these concerts is the enjoyment of the stunning drive there. Bring your dancing feet to Todd and kick back to some truly outstanding performances amidst glowing views of the mountains.
Todd Community Summer Concert Series
June 16: Amantha Mill
Aug. 3: John Cockman Family Band & Amantha Mill
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
Amantha Mill
Lucky Strikes Orchestra
King Bees
Strictly Strings
Wayne Henderson
Melissa Reaves
Worthless Son-in-Laws June 2018
High Country Magazine
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The Inn is right off Main Street with its shopping and dining establishments that are wonderful places to check out after the music ends. In addition to the music, non-profit organizations like the Humane Society are scheduled to come
The Inn at Ragged Gardens Music on the Lawn
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ight in historic Downtown Blowing Rock, there is a beautiful little inn that hosts live music on Friday evenings starting around 6:00. The Inn at Ragged Gardens is the place to start your weekend with their Music on the Lawn concert series where hundreds of folks enjoy music, food and drink on their beautifully landscaped grounds. Patrons can bring their chairs to set up under the large tree in the grassy space in front of the inn where the music is performed from a stage.The inn is lit up at night, and with all of the surrounding greenery and flowers, it looks like a fairytale hideaway.
throughout the summer to educate the public about their cause. Although pets, coolers, and outside foods aren’t allowed into the event, a cash bar and lawn menu are available throughout the concert. If the weather doesn’t look promising, you should check the Inn’s Facebook page for weather cancellations that are made by 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Come out to the Inn at Ragged Gardens and enjoy a Friday evening of good music, food, and drink! May 4: Klee and Mike
July 6: Continental Divide
May 11: Shades of Blue
July 13: The Harris Brothers
Sept.7: Klee-James Taylor Tribute Band
May 18: Smokey Breeze
July 20: Soul Benefactor
Sept. 14: King Bees
May 25: The Harris Brothers
July 27: Shelby Rae Moore Band
Sept. 21: Soul Benefactor
June 1: Out of the Blue
Aug. 3: TBA
Sept. 28: The Harris Brothers
June 8: Shelby Rae Moore Band
Aug. 10: Drive South
June 15: Soul Benefactor
Aug. 24: The Harris Brothers
Oct. 5: The Worthless Son-inLaws
June 22: Lucky Strikes
Aug. 31: Shelby Rae Moore Band
Oct. 12: TBA
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f you’re a bit of a daredevil, come enjoy live music every Saturday at Beech Mountain’s 5506’ Skybar, which you might have guessed is 5,506 feet above sea level. The 5506’ Skybar is located at the top of Beech Mountain where the ski slopes begin and is usually accessed by the chair lift, but this year buses will be transporting people from the bottom of the mountain to the bar as two new ski lifts are being installed over the summer. The bar area is housed in glass roundhouse that sits on a large wooden July 28: The Corklickers June 2: Saints and Sinners deck that seems to Aug. 4: The Paper Crowns June 9: J.J. Hipps and the Hideaway be floating above Aug. 11: The Grassabillies June 16: Sweet Sweet the whole world. Performances begin at 2:30 p.m. with food and drink provided at the bar, Aug. 18: If Birds Could Fly June 30: The Johnson Brothers In the event of inclement weather, the performances will be moved to the Beech Aug. 25: Dr. Bacon July 7: Shelby Rae Moore Mountain Brewing Company. located at the bottom of the mountain in the village. Sept. 1: Baby Black July 14: Virginia Ground The 5506’ Skybar’s is the coolest bar east of the Rockies and the music series July 21: Prettier than Matt boasts incredible bands, always cool beverages, rest rooms - and a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that you can only get at the top of the world.
Live Music at 5506’ Skybar
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
The Dave Calvert Collection
Wolf Creek 22
High Country Magazine
The Cockman Family
Soul Benefactor June 2018
The Mountain Home Bluegrass Blues
The Flying Saucers
Strictly Clean and Decent
Sheets Family Band
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he Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce host their ever popular Concerts in the Park on Thursday evenings throughout the summer beginning at 6:30. The setting is at the Tate-Evans Park where an outdoor amphitheater has been specifically landscaped for outdoor concerts with a covered stage with dancing floor out front, and an elevated lawn, almost like theatre seats, for a great view of the stage. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy the music under the stars. It’s quite the social scene as it seems most of the town comes out to chill on the lawn and take in the ambience of a pink Carolina sky framed by nature’s deep green offerings as the sun goes nappy-bye behind the misty mountain silhouettes. Food, beer and wine vendors are available on site, and folks will bring their own coolers full of treats. These concerts are a charming place to take your family for a night of free, inspirational music. The adjacent park also has picnic tables, hiking trails and a playground for kids. Plus, Banner Elk is full of fabulous restaurants for dining and drinks after the concert. Bring your dancing shoes for a fun Thursday evening in Banner Elk!
Banner Elk Concerts in the Park
June 21: Split Shot
Aug. 2: The Roadrunnerz Band
June 28: Jocassee
Aug. 9: One Leg Up
July 5: The Extraordinaries
Aug. 16: Clockworx
July 12: The Night Moves Band
Aug. 23: Cooligans
July 19: Crossing Avery
Aug. 30: The Collective
July 26: The Starlighters
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lowing Rock’s Memorial Park went through quite the transformation over the winter. The aging and diseased trees that dotted the park were taking out and replaced with new trees that has given the park a new open look. And as in years past, the park will again be the setting for Blowing Rock’s Concerts in the Park. The concerts take place
Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park once a month on Sundays following Blowing Rock’s famous Art in the Park event that takes place the day before on Saturdays. There’s plenty of room for lawn chairs and blankets and is family friendly and casual. The May 27: The King Bees park is full of playground equipment for kids to June 17: Handlebar Betty enjoy while parents relax listening to the music. July 15: Swing Set The park is right on Main Street in the middle Aug. 12: Ashley Heath of town so a stroll down Main Street with its shopping and restaurants can certainly be part of the afternoon outing. Sept. 9: Rastacoustic The music begins at 4:00 p.m. and last a couple of hours. There’s free parking along Main Street and there a parking Oct. 7: The Starlighters garage adjacent to the park
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
Shelby Rae Moore
Sure Fire
Out of the Blue
Supatight
Klee and Mike Show
The Harris Brothers June 2018
Jonathan Birchfield
Drive South High Country Magazine
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he setting is a beautiful vineyard with an incredible view of Grandfather Mountain. The wine processing building and the beautiful decorated tasting room sits beside the rushing Watauga River. A covered patio and porch extend out from the tasting room and chairs and tables line the bank of the Watauga River. The Grandfather Winery was the first producing winery in the High Country, opening their doors in 2011. And now it’s grounds and vineyard has matured into a breathtaking scene. The winery’s parking lot is full during the summer months with guest enjoying their world class wines. And on Saturdays and Sundays the Tatum family hosts free
June 13: The Rockabillys June 20: Shelby Rae Moore June 27: Foscoe Four July 2: The King Bees July 11: Typical Mountain Boys July 25: The Collective Aug. 1: The Smokin’ Joe Band Aug. 8: Rockabillys Aug. 15: The King Bees
Sept. 3: Rockabillys
May 26: The Collective
July 1: The Johnson Brothers
Aug. 5: The Smokin’ Joe Band
May 27: The Johnson Brothers
July 7: Edward Main
Aug. 11: Thomas Aaron Garlow
May 28: Tom Pillion
July 8: Don Vallarta Trio
Aug. 12: The Harris Brothers
June 3: The Harris Brothers
July 14: The Lucky Strikes
Aug. 18: Don Vallarta
June 10: The King Bees
July 15: Shelby Rae Moore
Aug. 19: Shelby Rae Moore
June 16: Forty Mile Detour
July 21: Tom Pillion
Aug. 24: Mike Preslar
June 17: Beacon Heights
July 22: Klee and Mike
Aug. 25: Typical Mountain Boys
June 22: Mike Preslar
July 27: Mike Preslar
Aug. 26: The Collective
June 23: Tom Pillion
July 28: Jonathan Birchfield
Aug. 31: Tom Pillion
June 24: Don Vallarta
July 29: The Harris Brothers
Sept. 1: The Johnson Brothers
June 30: Typical Mountain Boys
Aug. 4: The Collective
he Town of Sugar Mountain began sponsoring their weekly concert series last year. It takes place at the Golf and Tennis Pro Shop Deck that overlooks the golf course. The Sugar Mountain Summer Concerts on the Deck is hosted by the Caddyshack Cafe on Wednesday afternoons beginning at 5:30 p.m. It’s becoming known as the “Grillin’ and Chillin’ event because of the $10 plate meals served by the Caddyshack Cafe that gets everyone grinning and having a good time while listening to the live music. The deck was just recently expanded by 700 square feet providing space for a good crowd with tables and chairs for around 85 people.
Sugar Mountain Concerts on the Deck
Aug. 22: The Collective Aug. 29: The Smokin’ Joe Band
Grandfather Vineyard Music in the Vineyard
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June 6: The Collective
July 18: The Johnson Brothers
live music concerts on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The winery is located in Foscoe just minutes from Boone and Banner Elk. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery will become one of your favorite places for a relaxing good time with friends and family where you can enjoy the views of Grandfather Mountain and the rushing river that dances down from the towering peaks and famous profile of Grandfather Mountain.
But if the weather turns rainy their is plenty of room to move the event indoors to the Caddyshack dining area. You can make a day of your visit by even playing a round of golf on Sugar Mountain’s public golf course!
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
Good Vibes Trio
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H i g hAmantha C o u n t Mill ry Magazine
Earleine
June 2018
Mountain Laurels
Strictly Strings
Angela Easterling
Swing Guitar
Todd Wright
Wayne Taylor & Friends
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n 1983, members of the Valle Crucis Community joined forces to preserve a 12-acre tract of land along the Watauga River that was slated for development as a recreational vehicle campground. Their efforts were successful, and the Valle Crucis Community Park was born. The park’s founders held a clear vision for the land: That it should remain undeveloped, and used as a recreational and gathering space for the community, in perpetuity. Today Valle Crucis Community Park has grown into a 28-acre destination for High Country residents as well as visitors to the area. The park is open to the public year-round and provides space for a variety of outdoor activities. The Valle Crucis Community Park is a nonprofit and is funded by visitors and donations from users. One of their fund raising events is the park’s annual Music in the Valle concert series that happens on Friday evenings from May 25 through September 7. Concerts begin at 7 p.m except the last few weeks when they begin at 6:30 as the days get shorter. The admission is free but donations are encouraged June 1: Trio Jinx of $5 per person or $10 per family for entrance June 8: Andrew Finn Magill to the park. Season passes are also available. June 15: Zoe & Cloyd Seating is not provided, so bring chairs or a June 22: Magnus blanket. Food is available for purchase at all June 29: The King Bees concerts. And a side trip to the Historic Mast July 6: The Lucky Strikes Orchestra General Store is always a treat when you’re in July 13: Bob Sinclair and The Big Deals Valle Crucis! July 20: Lauren Hayworth, Centerpiece Jazz
Valle Crucis Music in the Valle July 27: The Worthless Son-in-Laws Aug. 3: Rastacoustic Aug. 10: The Sheets Family Band Aug. 17: The Dashboard Hula Boys Aug. 24: The Carolina Ramble Review Aug. 31: Soul Benefactor Sept. 7: Folk and Dagger
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he Town of Blowing Rock has arranged a concert series on Monday nights during the month of July that takes place at one of its parks located off Main Street in the Mayview section of town. The Monday Night Concert Series is held in the Broyhill Park off Laurel Lane. which includes a small lake and a beautiful waterfront white gazebo. The concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at the gazebo and the music is remenacent from the old Farmhouse Restaurant that was owned by the Blackwell family and operated during the summer months for nearly a quarter century before it closed down in 1997. The restaurant was famous for its singing wait staff that would preform show tunes while patrons enjoyed their meals. The Monday Night Concert Series features vocalists and musicians preforming songs from that era. In fact, one of the performers from the famous Farmhouse Restaurant is responsible for helping organize and produce this concert series. Bring a picnic basket and a lawn chair and set up by the lake for an evening of
July 2: Amy Marie Young and Friends July 9: Andy Page and Friends July 16: Amy Marie Young and Friends July 23: David Clark and Friends July 30: Amy Marie Young and Friends
Blowing Rock Monday Night Summer Concert Series
classic tunes. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the American Legion Building off Park Ave. The concerts start at 7 p.m. every Monday in July, and admission is free. Parking available on Main Street or the parking garage next to the American Legion Building.
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
Possum Jenkins
Aaron Burdett
Tellico
Time Sawyer & Sirius B.
Josh Daniels & Mark Schimick
Shane Chalke
Elkville String Band
Lazybirds June 2018
Andy Page
High Country Magazine
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n Lower Avery, Music at the Linville Falls Winery will have thirty different bands playing live music every Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. The concerts take place in the beautiful forty-acre vineyard and are completely free of charge. The musicians perform in an open air Tuscan style building, and quite a bit of the crowd leaks out onto the elegant vineyard grounds. The kids dart among the rows of grapes and other assorted fruits, and the Wisemans, the family that has been a part of Avery County
Music at Linville Falls Winery
for hundreds of years, watch proudly as patrons enjoy their vineyard music. The vineyard is located in a valley, and you need only tip your head up to gaze at the forceful, alluring mountains that we call home. The Linville Falls Winery usually has food vendors come and set up on big weekends like these, but they’re kind enough to allow outside food as well. Dogs are also allowed at the Winery, but must be on a leash, so feel free to bring your furry pal along. There’s so many of these vineyard concerts this summer that you must attend at least one, to enjoy music from astounding musicians and allow yourself a night of relaxation. May 26: The Johnson Brothers May 27: The Classics May 28: Mark Bumgarner June 2: Sound Traveler June 3: Tom Pillion June 9: Drayton Aldridge & Forsyth June 10: Cane Mill Road June 16: Bearwallow June 17: Cahoots June 23: Broken Angels June 24: Shelby Rae Moore Band June 30: Smokin’ Joe Band July 1: The Harris Brothers July 4: Tom Pillion July 7: Drayton Aldridge & Forsyth
July 8: Beach Music in the Mountains July 14: Cane Mill Road July 15: The Harris Brothers July 21: Beach Music in the Mountains July 22: Typical Mountain Boys July 28: Soul Benefactor July 29: Shelby Rae Moore Band Aug. 4: Queen Bee and the Honeylovers Aug. 5: Broken Angels Aug. 11: Drayton & The Dreamboats Aug. 12: Shelby Rae Moore Band Aug. 18: Johnson Brothers Aug. 19: Wayne Taylor and Friends Aug. 25: Cahoots Aug. 26: The Harris Brothers
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ack in Blowing Rock, where all the action is, the Green Park Inn Divide”, this bar actually straddles the Eastern Continental Divide, is hosting their 2018 Music on the Veranda. This evening of live and has delightful drinks. Attend Music on the Veranda for an evening of exquisite entermusic on the Green Park Inn’s beautiful front veranda is free and tainment. After all, who doesn’t love getting together with a comsure to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, including yourself! munity of good people to kick back and listen to relaxing music?
Green Park Inn Music on the Veranda
The music begins at 5 p.m., and you settle back in one of the many rocking chairs on the covered front porch, ready to be entertained. It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, so May 27: The Harris Brothers of course there aren’t as many crowds of people June 3: Todd McLoud gathered to make listening to the music difficult. June 10: The Harris Brothers The porch squeaks underneath your chair, but you don’t mind; the house is nearly 126 June 17: Shelby Rae Moore years old, having been restored a few times, and June 24: The Harris Brothers was one of the original grande dames of the July 1: The Neighbors high country. July 8: The Harris Brothers The crowd does tend to spill into the lobby area and bar a little bit, but this is a great chance July 15: Flat Fives Jazz for you to check out the bar. Nicknamed “The July 22: The Harris Brothers
Wolf Creek
By theHYoung for the Young at Heart igh Country Magazine
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One Leg Up Band
Jeff Little Trio
June 2018
Typical Mtn Boys
Virginia Ground
Dollar Brothers
Clay Lunsford & Matthew Weaver
Trio Jinx
Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605
chestnutatblowingrock.com Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens 828.964.5438 ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com jerry.hutchens@premiersir.com
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WHERE MAIN STREET AND LUXURY MEET. Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas. From $1,050,000
Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks usedHwith June 2018 i gpermission. h C o Each u noffice t r isyindependently M a g a owned z i n and e operated. 27
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isit a step back in time at the Old Hampton General Store. located at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in Linville. This Historic 1920 general store and grist mill was the original train stop for the Tweetsie Railroad back in the day. Today, the general store is still a thriving place to gather for fun, family, food, art and crafts, and live bluegrass music. Two years ago the owners added a bar area inside May 24: The Johnson Brothers the store called The Tavern that is as charming as can be. On the May 31: The Harris Brothers grounds next to the Hampton June 7: 421 West Store is the 87 Ruffin Street art June 14: Ambush gallery and there’s a large outdoor lawn June 21: Shelby Rae Moore out back where their Thursday afternoon concerts take place. It’s a perJune 28: The Johnson Brothers fect area for blankets and lawn chairs Other dates: TBA and the bands perform from a wooden front porch. There’s plenty of food and drink available from the bar and dining room, so it’s an easy place to
Old Hampton Store’s Summer Concert Series
settle in for a couple of fun hours of music and socializing. And your welcome to bring along your pet dog as long as they stay leashed. The restaurant is famous for its barbecue sandwiches piled high on sourdough bread, plus many other ideas on their menu including a smoked turkey sandwich and banana pudding. It’s a fun place to visit any day of the week with live music in the dining room most days. But their Thursday afternoon concerts that begin at 6:00 p.m. has become the social event of the Linville area that can’t be beat.
and enjoy exquisite music from 6 to 9 p.m., free of charge. Drinks and food are available from the bar, but it is a good idea to call ahead for reservations if you are planning on having a meal from the restaurant. There’s a wide variety of music from South-
Crestwood’s Summer Music Series
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own the bewitching Shulls Mill Road lies a charming inn, home to the Inn at Crestwood Summer Music Series. If you enjoy a more classy and sophisticated setting, these Thursday evening concerts is the place to be. Originally a homestead, the compound was converted into a lodging complex with beautiful restaurant and bar. The patio area and grounds has the most amazing views overlooking Grandfather Mountain, as well as Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain. And the sunsets are incredible. The spacious patio area has plenty of tables and chairs so you won’t have to bring anything but yourself to simply relax
ern Rock to Brazilian and you get to sit outside with great views with really talented musicians. Who could ask for more? Local music, local people and incredible food and drink - sounds like the perfect combination for a beautiful summer evening in the High Country. May 31: Folk and Dagger
Aug. 9: Analog Poets
June 7: Jimmie Griffith
Aug. 16: Handlebar Betty
June 14: Folk and Dagger
Aug. 23: Folk and Dagger
June 21: Handlebar Betty
Aug. 30 Jimmie Griffith
June 28: Analog Poets
Sept. 6: Red Leg Husky
July 5: Folk and Dagger
Sept. 13: Folk and Dagger
July 12: The Mountain Laurels
Sept. 20: Handlebar Betty
July 19: Jimmie Griffith
Sept. 27: Jimmie Griffith
July 26: Analog Poets
Oct. 4: Folk and Dagger
Aug. 2: Red Leg Husky
Oct. 11: Handlebar Betty
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
The Cabin Creek Boys
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Baby Black
H i g h C o uBack n t r Porch y Mag azine Bluegrass
June 2018
The Corklickers
Amy Young & Friends
Strictly Strings
Crooked Road Ramblers
Ashley Heath
Beech Mountain Resort Continues 50th Anniversary Year with Summer Concert Series
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t the base of the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort, a special outdoor stage has been set up for their summer concert series. The three-part series begins in June The ever-popular blues folk trio, The Wood Brothers, kicks off the series June 16th. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. This concert series offers something for everyone, providing an eclectic mix of music with headliners including Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band. The music begins at 6:30 p.m., and the crowd settles back to enjoy themselves and be entertained for the night. The performances will go on, rain or shine, so Beech Mountain urges patrons to come prepared with rain jackets or handheld umbrellas. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but there will be vendors and food trucks available. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the gate for you busy or forgetful patrons. Parking is free and accessible, so there’s no reason not to come enjoy some amazing music on a (hopefully) gorgeous summer evening! June 16: The Wood Brothers (opening act: Sean McConnell) July 14: Trampled by Turtles (opening act: Sarah Siskind and Travis Book) Aug. 11: The Yonder Mountain String Band (opening act: The Forlorn Strangers)
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n the heart of Banner Elk, the Bayou Smokehouse and Grill hosts their Concerts in the Courtyard every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. What a good excuse to take a weeknight off, visit Banner Elk and relax with friends! The band sets up in the courtyard, and the music loving friendly
Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard
crowd spills out onto the dining deck and adjoining courtyard to hear some good old rock’n music. The Bayou Smokehouse and Grill’s location in the center of Banner May 29: The Collective Elk provides a great opportunity to June 5: The Lucky Strikes Trio explore the rest of Banner Elk before and after the concert. Take a stroll up June 12: The Smokin’ Joe Band and down the streets of Banner Elk June 19: The King Bees Duo and discover the little things you never June 26: The Collective would have noticed just driving by. July 3: The Collective There’s outdoor dining space and lawn chairs set up by Bayou, but you July 10: The Smokin’ Joe Band may want to bring a blanket or lawn July 17: Rastacoustic chair just in case they are filled up when July 24: The King Bees Duo you arrive. There’s plenty of parkJuly 31: Typical Mountain Boys ing around the restaurant or adjacent streets. And of course there’s plenty Aug. 7: The Smokin’ Joe Band of food and beverages are available for Aug. 14: The Smokin’ Joe Band purchase from the restaurant. Aug. 21: Typical Mountain Boys The Bayou is famous for their LouiAug. 27: The Collective siana style menu and selections of beer on tap or by the bottle. Sept. 4: The Collective
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n Friday nights in the small town of West Jefferson, down the little road behind South Jefferson Avenue, nicknamed BackStreet, there’s a little park where all the action of the night is. Locals and visitors alike gather with chairs, coolers, and children in tow to spread out across the small park and listen to music from BackStreet Park’s summer concerts. There’s a little wooden pavilion where the band plays, and behind the pavilion is an interesting piece of decor-an entire train caboose.
West Jefferson Backstreet Park Summer Concerts
June 1: Wayne, Helen, and Herb
July 27: Elkville String Band
June 15: The Dollar Brothers
Aug. 3: The Sheets Family Band
June 22: The Crooked Road Ramblers
Aug. 17: The Mountain Laurels
June 29: The Cabin Creek Boys
Aug. 24: Backporch Bluegrass Band
July 20: The King Bees
Aug. 31: Zephyr Lightning Bolts
Concert admission is free and people from all walks of life are welcome. Guests are invited to bring a picnic basket to the event, as food will not be provided. However, the Boondocks Brewing Tap Room and Restaurant is located right across the street, as are a bunch of tiny shops. In the event of rain, the concerts will be moved to the Ashe Arts Center. The concerts always begins at 5:30 p.m. each Friday, except for the Fridays when there is a Gallery Crawl. BackStreet Park is located right in the heart of West Jefferson, so this is a great opportunity to explore the surrounding shops and figure out what really makes up the town!
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
Roadrunnerz Band
Rastacoustic 30
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Carolina Ramble Review
Bearwallow June 2018
Folk & Dagger
Red Leg Husky
The Appalucians
Tom Pillion
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ocated in beautiful downtown Banner Elk the Banner Elk Cafe has just completed a new addition and remodeling project that has greatly expanded their already huge restaurant complex. The new bar area is a work of art providing space for before dinner drinks or to meet friends for a little socializing. This new area now connects their two
Banner Elk Cafe’s Music Series restaurants and four outdoor and covered patio areas. This summer Banner Elk Cafe continues their music series providing live
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red’s General Mercantile has been the gathering place for all of Beech Mountain since it opened in 1979. The Town of Beech Mountain is Eastern America’s highest incorporated town and home to Beech Mountain Ski Resort that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Fred’s is a legendary place, worth a visit just to see what all they have stocked on their shelves. From a grocery store, to a hardware store and clothing store, it’s been said that if Fred’s doesn’t have it - you probably don’t need. it. But if you need an extra excuse for a drive up to Beech Mountain, plan on attending one of Fred’s Summer Concerts at the Gazebo. Located in a field next
June 1: The Boomers
June 30: Josh Perryman
June 2: Josh Perryman
July 6: Josh Perryman
June 8: Sound Traveler
July 7: Vintage
June 9: Vintage
July 13: TBA
June 15: Westwind
July 14: Sound Traveler
June 16: Tom Pillion
July 20: Sound Traveler
June 22: Josh Perryman
July 21: Josh Perryman
June 23: Danny Whittington
July 27: Westwind
music on Fridays and Saturdays beginning July 28: Daniel Couper June 29: Daniel Couper at 6:00 p.m. on either their patio or in the bar area. Owners Les and Cindy Broussard addition to the restaurant the in-house Tavern have been running the Banner Elk CafÊ for and Bar is an inviting place for a summer visit the better part of 30 years and their newest with a wonderful selection of food and drink. to the store, the white gazebo is the setting for the finest bluegrass music found in the High Country. The Sunday events begin July 9th starting at 6:30 p.m. There are some chairs available for the concerts, but it’s not a bad idea to bring along your favorite lawn chair or blanket just in case. And probably a sweater or jacket because at an elevation of 5046 feet, it’s always cool on the top of Beech Mountain. July 8: The Cockman Family July 15: Cane Mill Road July 22: The Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys Aug. 6: Thistle Dew
Fred’s Summer Gazebo Concerts
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And Even More Things To Do This Summer!
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ounded in 1979, the FORUM summer series brings stimulating cultural programs to Banner Elk.The series is a joint effort of Lees-McRae College and community residents. With the help of Lees-McRae College, FORUM has grown significantly and this summer embarks on its thirtyninth year of providing both cultural enrichment and wholesome entertainment to the community.There are eight programs each year ranging in variety.They include: speakers, vocalists, big band music, chamber ensembles, pianists, dance and drama. The selection process for performers is unique. Programs are selected as a result of personal contact between area residents and national talent agents. Each year the committee considers more than 50 candidates, reviews performers, and reduces the number of candidates to 16. These are presented to the FORUM Board of Directors, which selects the eight programs for the year. All performances are held in the evenings at in the Broyhill Theatre of Hayes Auditorium. The community is invited to become a contributor with memberships available for the summer season. A FORUM Patron membership is $150.00 per person for open seating or a FORUM Centurion is $450 per person for reserved seating and reserved parking. Centurions and Patrons are provided a ticket to the eight performances each season. June 18: We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered
July 9: William Michals
June 25: Roy and Rosemary with Special Guest Tiffany Desrosiers
July 23: The Dutton Experience
July 2: Western Piedmont Symphony
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oe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music kicked off its 25th Anniversary this year. The mission of Mountain Home Music is to celebrate diverse styles of Appalachian performing arts. Mountain Home Music strives to educate and build community through the arts,
Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music
providing accessible cross-generational experiences.Time and location of the concerts vary, as does admission price. Some concerts are free with donations suggested, but other concerts have an admission fee
July 16: Branden and James: “From Bach to Bieber” July 30: Glenn Miller Orchestra Aug. 6: The StepCrew
of $5 for students and $18 for adults. Food and beverages will not be provided, so maybe bring a little snack for yourself or to keep the little ones content. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music has a long list of incredible performers for the summer. The styles featured center around bluegrass, but also include styles such as Americana, folk, old-time strings, and many more—a true variety of Mountain Music in the High Country! June 21: The John Cockman Family
July 28: Dom Flemons
July 4: The Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys and King Street Brass
Aug. 18: The Jeff Little Trio
July 10: By the Young for the Young at Heart and Strictly Strings
Aug. 28: Clay Lunsford and Matthew Weaver Aug. 31: The VW Boys
July 21: Puddingstone
MUSICAL ACTS PLAYING ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY THIS SUMMER
The Dave Calvert Collection
Forty Mile Detour 32
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The Cockman Family
Handlebar Betty June 2018
The Mountain Home Bluegrass Blues
Alexa Rose
SureFire
Strictly Clean and Decent
Bob Sinclair & The Big Deals
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Hartley Family Keeping the Tradition Alive By Sherrie Norris Joe L. Hartley Sr., founder of “Singing on the Mountain’s” holding his hat and bible, is pictured in the late 1940s or early 1950s on the edge of the festival grounds at Grandfather Mountain. The event is considered the South’s longest running event of its kind and has been recognized by the North Carolina Arts Council and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area as part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.
Photos courtesy of Monty E. Combs, The Hartley Family, Skip Sickler/ The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and Sherrie Norris 34
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he invitation is still the same after 93 years — “Whoseover Will, May Come.” The Singing on the Mountain, held on the fourth Sunday in June, is now in sight for June 24 with the expected line up of gospel musicians and singers, scheduled along with a midday message of inspiration from a well-known personality. The pastoral MacRae Meadows in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain will remain the setting for the day long festival, and people will come from near and far to be a part of another historic event. The only difference is not something that most people will even notice. To honor the memory of their family patriarch, this year, the descendants of the event founder, Joe Larkin Hartley, will step into their inaugural role as hosts of Singing on the Mountain, one of the south’s longest-running outdoor events of its kind. It’s a new day for the Hartley family in many respects and one that they anticipate with great joy. “Our family is thrilled to be able to continue Granddaddy’s passion of gospel music, preaching and family gatherings,” said Patty Hartley Kincaid. “We hope to continue the flavor of warmth and goodwill that are hallmarks of this event.” Kincaid has recently joined her siblings and several cousins on the board of directors for the newly formed nonprofit organization, Singing on the Mountain, Inc., and explained their commitment to continuing their grandfather’s vision “of a loving gathering of souls in God’s creation.” “Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Founda-
TOP PHOTO: Bob Hope stands on stage with Arthur Smith and other featured performers before a massive crowd at the 1974 Singing on the Mountain. RIGHT PHOTO: It’s been said that Preacher Shelby E. Gragg from the Shulls Mills community was active with the Singing for many years, and “could put the fear of God in you,” with his strong messages, in particular regarding “the bootlegger and strong drink.”
tion decided that the Singing was outside of their stated mission and outside of their tax deductible status,” Kincaid said, on behalf of the organization. “Their choice was to end their support of the Singing, but graciously gave the family the opportunity to take it over and continue it as Granddaddy would have wanted.” The Hartley family has worked closely with Grandfather Mountain since the decision was made, Kincaid said. “So that we could shadow Harris (Prevost) and all the other wonderful people who have, over the years, made this event work. They are far too numerous to name, but they are all local people who have grown up with the Singing and have worked hard to make it successful.” Prevost and Jesse Pope have been very helpful in this transition, Kincaid added, “and the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation has agreed to lease us MacRae Meadows for a very nominal fee in order to be able to stage the event. We are very grateful for the support they have given us.” “While it is expensive to stage, we remain committed to our Granddaddy’s vision. We have one cousin who has generously offered to take the majority of the cost burden for the first year, giving us the time to establish fund-raising venues.
Singing on the Mountain has always drawn local musicians and family members of all ages for the daylong festival. June 2018
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Despite a recent rumor, ‘No way will we be charging admission fee,” said Kincaid. “It’s always been free, and our motto remains —Whosoever will, may come,” just like Granddaddy always said. “Our intention is to honor his memory in the event he loved so well. We sincerely hope that the public will not substantially notice a big change in the Singing.” The current board of directors for the newly established Singing on the Mountain nonprofit organization includes: Ken Hartley (grandson of Charles), Freida Hobson (daughter of Joe Lee), Patricia Kincaid (daughter of Robert), Christy Gliddon (daughter of Robert)
Growing up with the Singing
Kincaid’s memories of the “Singing” as a young child include being with “many cousins,” she said, playing, eating and taking turn on stage singing the songs they had learned in Sunday School. “I think at one time or another all the grandchildren had to take a turn on stage singing, some more successfully than others. It was family, fun and worship — just as we hope it continues to this day. I think the only Singings my dad, Robert, missed were when he was in the Army during World War II. I imagine that is true of Uncle Joe, also.” When asked about the family legacy that’s been left for Hartley’s descendants, Kincaid responded, “I will speak for myself about what I believe our family legacy is, and these characteristics come directly from the example Granddaddy set for all of us. One is the value of education. Granddaddy was taught by Dr. B.B. Dougherty when he had a school at Shulls Mill. He spent a life reading and learning. He quoted the Bible and Shakespeare with ease.” Another of those characteristics, Kincaid said, is the value of hard work. “This man worked every day until his hospital stay at the end of his 95 years. As a child, that could be irritating, because when you came to visit, you were expected to be in the garden right alongside him working. There was an honor and integrity about 36
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George Hamilton, IV, a Grand Old Opry star and native of Winston Salem was a mainstay at Singing On the Mountain event for many years.
Arthur Smith brought his friend Johnny Cash to the Singing in 1974. Pictured are Vassar Clements, Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three.
Bob Harris, a circuit riding preacher, made his rounds to Singing on the Mountain in the early days.
Cliff Barrows, world-famous songmaster of the Billy Graham team, leads a group singing. Dr. Graham and Chairman Joe L. Hartley are seated at the left of the picture.
Metropolitan Opera Company star Norman Cordon sings “Rock of Ages� at the 24th annual Singing on the Mountain in June 1948.
Arthur Smith and the Cracker Jacks, along with George Hamilton, IV, were vital for several decades to the ongoing success of Singing on the Mountain. June 2018
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Patricia Smith is a longtime favorite at Singing on the Mountain, coming from West Virginia and usually accompanied by a bus load of family, friends and neighbors who enjoy the area attractions for the weekend. Granddaddy that he lived every single day with honesty as rock solid as the mountains he roamed every day. His children learned at his feet, and they have taught us all those lessons through the years.”
A Partnership That Stood the Test of Time
Well known musician and singer Michael Combs continues to be an integral part of Singing on the Mountain.
The Primitive Quartet is another popular singing group that has been coming to Singing on the Mountain for many years. 38
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When describing the development of the Singing — and contemplating the reasons why the event has continued for nearly 100 years — Bob Hartley emphasized the importance of the family’s partnership with Grandfather Mountain. “Without the support of Hugh MacRae, Hugh Morton and the Grandfather Mountain organization, the Singing would, of course, not have continued,” Hartley said. Furthermore, he added. it seems “interesting” to place the partnership with Grandfather Mountain in a historical context. The Hartley/MacRae/Morton connections, as well as the ensuing friendships and working relationships, began around the turn of the last century, Hartley explained, “Granddad came to Linville around that time and was a good friend to Hugh MacRae. Granddad even visited with him in Wilmington — Granddad’s only time to see the ocean. It was during that trip when he allegedly proclaimed he saw ‘a fish as big as a boy.’” Hugh Morton also seemed to admire the senior Hartley quite a lot, too, Bob Hartley said. “My uncle Joe and my dad, Robert (who served as co-chairmen of the Singing after Granddad’s passing) spent a fair amount of time with Mr. Morton as boys in the 1920s and 30s and remained good friends throughout their lives. Our Aunt Avis was a nanny to Mr. Morton when he was a boy.” Hartley continued: “Hugh MacRae passed away in 1951, and so I assume Hugh Morton came to own the mountain at around that time. In 1952, the swinging bridge was constructed; in 1962 the gift shop was built; in 1968 Mildred the bear came to Grandfather Mountain. As we know, the Singing began in 1924 as a Sunday school class/church picnic that was organized by our Granddad/Great Granddad.” In a youtube video of a 1962 interview by Clyde McLean (WBTV news reporter), Hartley added, his Granddad said “there were 50 peo-
This Hartley family reunion photo captures a large number of Joe L. Hartley’s descendants, several of which are dedicated to preserving the tradition of Singing on the Mountain through their recently established nonprofit organization. ple at the first meeting.” With these dates, and all this information in mind, Hartley shared, for the first 30 years of the Singing —prior to the development of Grandfather Mountain as a true tourist attraction — it seems the elder Hartley might have simply asked Hugh MacRae if it would be OK for the picnic/ Singing to occur at MacRae meadows. “Of course, Mr. MacRae would have
simply obliged and that permission might have been the extent of Grandfather/ McRae involvement at that time,” he said. “Can you imagine all the folks coming up the Old Yonalassee Road, and later 221, together as friends, to the meadows just to celebrate and worship our Lord with song and sharing the word in such a beautiful setting?” Beginning around 1952 or so, as Hugh
Morton developed the Grandfather, he also provided tremendous support and helped develop the Singing, as well, Hartley added. “Over the years, not only was MacRae meadows made available for the Singing, Grandfather Mountain spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on matters related to the Singing,” Hartley explained. “Countless hours were committed by Grandfather employees with planning, coordinating,
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marketing, clearing the grounds, constructing the stages, bringing electricity to the grounds, dealing with the campers and the vendors.” Hartley points out that another “important friendship,” that certainly helped in sustaining the event, was that of Morton’s and Arthur Smith, as Smith led the music efforts for many years, from the 1960s through the 80s. “And so, originally with the support of Hugh MacRae and later through the partnership with Hugh Morton and the Grandfather Mountain organization, the Singing has thrived,” Hartley said. “It has attracted many ‘high profile’ participants, including Billy Graham (in 1962, the same year as the gift shop opening), Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, Greg Laurie and several others.” While all these partnership factors undoubtedly have helped the Singing continue over the 94 years, Hartley contends, there is one primary reason for its continued success. “The Singing has been genuinely blessed over the years by our creator and Lord, because it has a very noble and honorable purpose. The music and the preaching all come together to worship and praise our Lord in a place that is part of God’s beautiful earthly creation.” Surely, Hartley added, “Granddad would be pleased the Singing has continued, but in that 1962 interview, he said that he did not think it would continue after he ‘went on to Glory.” Thanks to the late Hugh Morton, Grandfather Mountain, and now, again, the Hartley family, it will continue into the foreseeable future as one of the premiere events of High Country, as well as the entire southeast. For more information, visit www.singingonthemountain.org.
Behind The Scenes with Harris Prevost
Anyone who has been involved with Grandfather Mountain in the last 40 years knows that Harris Prevost has had a tremendous influence on the success of Singing on the Mountain and its sister events. Having joined the Grandfather Mountain family in the late 1970s, and given charge of the event soon thereafter, Prevost, current vice president of operations, has maintained a deep loyalty to the Singing, its founding family and the mountain’s longtime owner, who he referred to as “Mr. Morton.” Despite his preference to avoid the spotlight, Prevost agreed to talk with us about Singing on the Mountain. Sitting before a stack of related memorabilia – from Hartley’s year-by-year accounts, commemorative publications, various posters, pictures, a list of all the event’s preachers/speakers since the beginning —and more — he began reminiscing on a deeper level, and shared some of his favorite, personal memories. “There were so many people who have helped me through the years, and I think God richly blessed the event to make things turn out as it did,” he said. “It has been a blessing to work with the people I have worked with, including the singing groups and speakers. To see how meaningful the Singing has been to our audiences 40
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From left: Albert Long from Durham, who leads the Happenings Ministry, was keynote speaker in 1987 and is pictured with his close friend Clyde King, NC Hall of Fame baseball player/ manager of the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees, (keynote speaker in 1995), Hugh Morton and George Hamilton, IV.
Zig Ziglar, second from left, and one of the most popular, inspirational speakers in the country, delivered the message at Singing on The Mountain in 2001. He is pictured with the Furman brothers from Boone, who helped arrange his visit. From left, Richard, Lowell and Jim Furman.
Pictured in 2007 with Evangelist Carroll Roberson and his wife Donna, are local sisters-in-law from Boone, Dot Gragg, Donna Gragg and Debbie Gragg.
Late entertainer, Boots Randolph pictured here signing an autograph, performed his last concert ever at the Singing, his unexpected death due to a stroke occurring just three days later after returning to his Nashville home.
over the years has been very touching.” Singing on the Mountain was important to Hugh Morton, Prevost stressed, “Perhaps, because of his admiration and respect for its founder, known to many as ‘Uncle Joe L. Hartley.’” It has been important to Prevost , as well, to carry out his singing responsibilities “in the exact manner that Mr. Morton did — and how he wanted it run going forward,” he said. Reflecting on the event’s early years, Prevost shared: “Uncle Joe Hartley presided over the Singing, and his groups and
speakers were mostly local. When Mr. Morton got involved, he brought in his good friend Arthur Smith, and between the two, the event added notable speakers and performers, and the crowds grew dramatically. Billy Graham’s appearance changed the Singing forever!” When Arthur Smith retired as the event’s music master, having helped bring in the groups and serving as master of ceremonies, Prevost enlisted “a young 20-something guy” named Tony Greene as Smith’s replacement. “Tony was part of Boone’s famous
Gifts from Cool Grandparents = VERY COOL KIDS!
‘Singing Greenes’ gospel group. The whole family was incredible and they upgraded the musical part of the Singing to a new level. Tony’s far-too-early death in 2010 was a blow to all of us,” Prevost said. “We have since been blessed with co-music masters Michael Combs and John Cockman, who do a great job.” Among Prevost’s favored traditions that has continued since the beginning, is the “dinner on the grounds,” the family picnic in the woods behind the stage. “The Hartley family has brought food to just about every picnic since the first Singing and others bring food, and Grandfather Mountain either provided food or got it catered in. There was always enough food for the Hartley family, the performers and all of us.” Another tradition is the “goodwill offering,” that is collected during the height of each singing, “100- percent of which is distributed among the guest performers,” Prevost added. For many years, Grandfather Mountain maintenance employees and volunteers from the Linville Fire Department/ Rescue Squad have handled the parking,
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Harris Prevost, vice president of operations for Grandfather Mountain, was recognized earlier this year by the state of North Carolina for his contributions to tourism and was presented the state’s prestigious Winners Circle Award from N.C. Secretary of Commerce Tony Copeland, left, and past recipient and longtime friend Mary Jaeger-Gale. Photo courtesy of the N.C. Department of Commerce. “and were so good to come together as a team each year,” Prevost said.
One-on-one with the celebrities
Among his many duties, Prevost said, was at times, picking up the celebrity guests, among those, Jerry Falwell and two of his associates, at the Tri-Cities Airport. “He flew in a private plane, so I picked him up in a private area. A baggage handler recognized Jerry and asked to speak with him about a problem he was having in his life. Jerry basically told me and his assistants to ‘get lost’ for a while so he could talk to the troubled man alone. They talked for about half an hour.” “We were fortunate, one year, to have Dr. David Jeremiah, thanks to Coach Jerry Moore. He was able to help us make the connection since Jeremiah’s son was quarterback for him at Appalachian State University,” Prevost said. “Coach Moore and the Furman brothers got us Zig Ziglar, who is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, inspirational speakers in the country,” Prevost recalled. “I played golf with Zig the Saturday before the Singing, just the two of us. A young boy was playing behind us, who Zig asked if he wanted to join us. After we played the eighth hole, Zig told me to go on ahead, that he felt led to talk to the boy about his relationship with Jesus Christ. They spent about 15 minutes talk42
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June 2018
ing; Zig said he accepted Christ right there on the eighth green.” Moore was also instrumental in arranging for the appearance of Clebe McClary, a Marine who was in a foxhole in Viet Nam with two or three other Marines when a hand grenade landed in the foxhole. “Clebe fell on it to save the others and got blown up pretty bad, but survived,” Prevost said. “He called me up a couple of weeks before the Singing and said that he had made a commitment to preach at a small church in Atlanta that same Sunday and forgot about it when he accepted our invitation. He said he had to honor his first commitment.” Prevost called up a golfing friend of his, a member of the Elk River Club, who flies his own airplane. “I asked if he could fly Clebe to Atlanta that Sunday morning to preach, and then fly him back to preach at the Singing. He said he would be glad to. Fortunately, the Atlanta church was near a small airport, so the trip took a little over an hour. Clebe had dinner with us Saturday night, preached in Atlanta Sunday morning and at the Singing at 2 p.m.” Prevost remembers well when Dr. Billy Kim, the top evangelist in Korea and all of Southeast Asia, came to Grandfather Mountain for the Singing. “He was Billy Graham’s translator when Dr. Graham
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Singing ON
THE
MOUNTAIN
The 2018 Singing On The Mountain Schedule This year’s Singing on the Mountain is set for Sunday, June 24, and will begin at 9 a.m. Musicians and singers include: The Collective, the Cockman Family, Michael Combs, Patricia Smith, and New Covenant. Avery County’s own Tommy Burleson will be the speaker this year. “We chose Tommy because he is a devout local Christian who is well-known, but who also does wonderful charity work that is probably not as well-known,” said Kincaid. Following Burleson’s message, all the singers will be invited back to the stage to share with the audience “Just As I Am,” as a tribute to Billy Graham, who used that song as an appropriate conclusion in his crusades. “In the early days of the Singing the audience, speakers, and singers were local folks who came together to worship in God’s wonderful creation,” said Kincaid. “I think the success of the Singing is in its purity and simplicity. It is simply a gathering of believers who want to enjoy worship under the beautiful mountain sky, in the shadow of the Grandfather Mountain, with friends and family.”
Things to remember •`The event is held rain or shine. •`Casual dress is encouraged, as are lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions and merchandise will be available. •`There is no admission, but a goodwill offering will be collected to support the musicians who volunteer their time to perform. •`The singing begins at 9 a.m. and the music continues through the afternoon with a mid-day break for the keynote message. •`Parking (including handicapped) is available at McRae Meadows, located on U.S. 221 in Linville The Singing grounds are located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Donations to help keep the event going are appreciated and may be made to Singing on the Mountain Foundation, Inc., c/o Ken Hartley, 137 Cross Center Rd. #209, Denver, NC 28037. 44
High Country Magazine
June 2018
From left, Arthur Smith, Leighton Ford and George Beverly Shea stand with Joe Lee Hartley and Robert Hartley, sons of the Singing on the Mountain founder, Joe L. Hartley, and co-chairs of the event for many years. spoke to over a million people in Korea.” Prevost credits Boone native Glenn Wilcox, who started a travel agency in Asheville and handled all the travel plans for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, for Kim’s visit — “a speaker and singing group, the Korean Children’s Choir — unlike any other in the history of the Singing.” Prevost shared: “Billy was orphaned during the Korean War and was sort of adopted by a soldier from Bristol. He brought Billy to America after the war and sent him to school. They became lifelong friends, and whenever he tours the United States with the choir, they stop in the TriCities area. Mr. Wilcox got them to add us to his visit. Members from several local churches housed the children.” Prevost remembers that very few of the children could speak English, so they memorized the songs they sung. “ I got Billy Kim and part of their children’s choir to speak and sing first at a 9 a.m. non-denominational chapel at Grandfather Golf & Country Club, “ Prevost said. “Billy is a great speaker, combining humor with a compelling message. For the closing hymn, the children sang ‘God Bless America,’ and at its conclusion, they went out into the audience and gave everyone flow-
ers. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, and especially so with several men who had fought in the Korean War.” The Singing has had a special relationship with Billy Graham, his family and his evangelical team, said Prevost. “When Billy came in August, 1962, it was the only time the Singing was not the fourth Sunday in June. He brought Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea. Billy’s brother-in-law and fellow evangelist Leighton Ford was our speaker three times, Franklin Graham was speaker three times, his son Will and his sister Anne Graham Lotz spoke (Anne was last year). Billy Kim, Graham’s translator, spoke twice. Grady Wilson, Billy’s right-hand man spoke as did T.W. Wilson’s (also in Graham’s inner circle) son, Jim Wilson.” Others, too, occupying Prevost’s historic list of guests at Singing on the Mountain include: entertainer Bob Hope, Bascom Lamar Lunsford, NC Governors Joseph Melville Broughton, Kerr Scott, Terry Sanford, and James Holshouser; Bobby Richardson (New York Yankees), Millard Fuller (founder/ former president of Habitat for Humanity International) Roy Acuff (Grand Old Opry star) Evangelist Carroll Roberson, Bob Harrington (chaplain of Bourbon Street) and many more.
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Joe Hartley is pictured during his only time to see the ocean, when visiting with his good friend Hugh MacRae in Wilmington. It was during that time that he allegedly proclaimed he saw “a fish as big as a boy.”
Everything In Its Place
Prevost said he has often heard people comment on how well run was the complex, large event. “They said we must have had a lot of meetings and spent many hours planning the event, but they were shocked when I told them we had only one planning meeting and it took less than 30 minutes. Everyone on Grandfather Mountain’s staff and on the Highland Games’ staff involved in setting up and operating the Singing have done it for years. They are all pros and they know what they are doing.” When asked to describe this time of transition, as the Singing returns to its Hartley family roots, Prevost said he and the Grandfather Mountain staff are committed to doing everything they can to help. “The Hartley family began the Singing and they are a great family,” he said. “They are excited about continuing the tradition their grandfather and great grandfather started, and to keeping it as it has been for 93 years — dedicated to the glory of God and inviting whosoever will may come. They are good friends, and I am excited for them, too!”
Precious Memories, How They Linger
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ed. “I credit Arthur’s friendship Mountain. From the early days of with Hugh as being responsible my career, mostly as a free-lance for bringing in big-name talent,” writer in the early 1980s, I cherHartley said. ished writing about the event, one Billy Graham brought “the that my family loved to attend. I biggest crowd ever” to the mounhave carried those stories close to tain, Hartley said. “And then my heart, and have shared them there was Johnny Cash, Bob occasionally with the public. Even Hope, the Oral Roberts Ministry, today, seven years after his death, I and Franklin Graham,” he said. can still see Mr. Robert, as I called “We’ve had some fine people here him, sitting across from me in his on the mountain.” storied family home in Linville Hartley’s “Papa’ worked for where he was born, and again, Hugh’s grandfather MacRae, standing on the front porch where, starting out as a waiter in the late looking straight up to Grandfather 1800s over at Green Park Inn, Mountain, he said it was almost and serving him when he stayed like looking toward heaven. there, he said. “MacRae told my Robert Hartley, who served dad one day that he had bought as co-chair of the event with his some land and planned to develbrother Joe Lee Hartley from op it, and my dad hit him up for 1966 until 2010. loved talking a job.” about Singing on the Mountain. It was 1890, when MacRae He was filled with stories passed started building the Old Yonodown from their “papa,” Joe ahlossee Road, now N.C. Hwy. Hartley Sr., who basically started 221, between Blowing Rock and it all, “quite by accident.” Linville, Hartley recalled. “He Apparently, a 1924 family/ wanted it as a way to haul tourists church picnic in MacRae Meadback and forth on a stagecoach,” ows grew into an annual reunion he said. “MacRae developed Linfor the Hartleys, their friends and Founder of Singing on the Mountain, the late Joseph L. ville Company, and when Hugh local churches, and continued to Hartley and his wife, Zora, prove that the photo booth Morton got it and reorganized it expand into what the elder Hartpopularity of today is really not a new concept. years later, he named it Grandley eventually referred to as a father Mountain, Inc.,” Hartley “convention.” added. “Hugh Morton and my “When my father helped start day, he said, was in 1963, to accommodate dad were also instrumental in getting N.C. it,” Hartley said, “it was a modest gath- the schedule of Billy Graham. ering of local churches. Papa was elected “That year, we had it in August,” Hart- Hwy. 105 built. Papa was on the same paychairman and Jack Cook led the singing ley said. “I was glad he came before my roll in Linville until he was 95 years old, and served as secretary; Rev. Will Cook, daddy died. He always considered Rev. and most of us boys worked there until we got out of school and moved on.” pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church Graham a latter-day prophet.” Hartley was quick to say how Hugh in Boone, did most of the preaching, with Hartley reflected on the early years, regular appearances by Rev. Eber Gragg, when the Morton family property was di- Morton and his family had done a lot for his full white beard, a memorable sight.” vided, and Hugh Morton returned from this area and the entire state. “We will never forget his many contributions,” he addHartley’s “papa” anxiously anticipated serving in the war. the summer reunion that saw the crowds “Hugh inherited Grandfather Moun- ed. “Mr. Morton realized the importance increase each year. tain, which included the singing grounds, of the event to our families and he took a “Back in the ‘20’s, traveling to Grand- and he took an interest in what my daddy big interest in it. Through his expertise as a promoter and photographer, Singing on father Mountain was not easy,” Hartley had begun years earlier,” he said. said. “As the gathering progressed, folks Through Morton’s contacts, the Sing- the Mountain received national attention. came from Avery and Watauga counties, ing gained celebrity status, he said. “Hugh I have no doubt that the gathering will northeast Tennessee and beyond. They knew Grady Cole from WBT-Radio in always receive support as a Grandfather traveled on horseback, in buggies, some Charlotte and got him involved — before Mountain attraction.” It was bittersweet, Hartley said, when on foot and the luckier ones, in Model-T television. He helped us bring in some big Fords. Many churches canceled their ser- names, like Betty Johnson from Charlotte, he became the last of his family, at that vices on that Sunday and congregations a wonderful singer who later made a big time, to keep the legacy alive. How proud he would be today, to know traveled together over the craggy passes splash in New York.” toward Linville.” A “major player” was Arthur Smith that the next generation of his family has The only time the date was ever and his brother Ralph, who brought chosen to continue the time-honored trachanged from its traditional fourth Sun- George Hamilton IV on the scene, he add- dition that he so dearly loved. t 46
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D
aniel Boone made one of his many fortunes scouring the woods for it. Chinese dynasties have risen and tumbled based on the whims of the market. It was also on the first American flagship that sailed to the Far East in the 1790s. Other novice hunters and growers of the elusive root have risked their livelihood, as well as freedom searching for what has become known as Appalachia’s Holy Grail. Known simply as ‘senging, the art of ginseng hunting has emerged, for better or worse, one of the region’s fastest growing pastimes. Botanical specifics aside, ginseng is a highly sought after herbal root that is used as a supplement in energy drinks, Lipton iced tea, pharmaceuticals and to treat chronic illnesses.
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By Jesse Campbell
Dr. Jim Hamilton, Watauga County Extension Director, and Noah Watson, ginseng grower. Photos courtesy of NC State University. Hamilton has been promoting ginseng production in the High Country over the last six years. Wild ginseng faces increasing pressure due to over-harvest. “Although the more potent wild varieties of the plant have now become scarce in their native woods, ginseng once covered the forest floor of the High Country at the same density as the iconic Rhododendron flower. Over harvesting – due in part to the buzz created by reality TV - has pushed the wild root to oblivion. Today, the bulk of the ginseng market is comprised of the commercial grade quality that is found on hundred-acre farms in Wisconsin utilizing artificial growing conditions. There is also wild simulated ginseng that is considered the superior root. While commercial grade quality ginseng can fetch as much as $50 a pound, the wild, uncultivated root can yield a return well over $1,000 (some years). Wild-simulated ginseng is often thought to be the better choice for cultivation as it is not over fertilized or quickly matured in hopes of weighing in heavy at local markets (and in the Asian
export market). Naturally grown ginseng depends on forest canopy to shade the top part of the plant, which is conducive to healthy growth and potency.
The ginseng root Like a fine wine, ginseng’s value increases with age. “Older or wild ginseng is wrinkled and gnarled,” explained Watauga County Ag Office agent Jim Hamilton, who is
known locally as an expert on the root. “There is a belief in Chinese medicine that the more ginseng has to struggle, the more potent it is,” he said. “American ginseng is considered Yin energy… so it’s cool energy.” American ginseng is traded highly on the Chinese market because it complements the Chinese species. It is the Yin to the Chinese Yang of ginseng. American ginseng was first discovered in the early 1700s by a French Jesuit missionary, who was enlightened by Native Americans of the root’s medicinal quality. Since its discovery, ginseng has held a similar lore and mystique that has been rivaled by only gold and pure quality moonshine. Today, it would be nearly impossible to venture into local forests and find untampered and free growing ginseng. Much of the ginseng in the High Country today is cultivated in wild simulated conditions that are nearly identical to the roots’ natural habitat. June 2018
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Blake Dillman, right, hosts fellow forest farmers on a tour of ginseng production at his property near Blowing Rock. The Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmers Coalition along with Watauga Cooperative Extension are working to promote the replanting of ginseng to preserve this unique medicinal plant. “There’s not a lot of old ginseng left,” said Hamilton. “It’s a treasure to find. You have to go pretty far to find at any harvestable size.” While private growing can be lucrative for seasoned growers, it is not for the faint of heart or those short on patience. A typical ginseng crop will take approximately seven to 10 years to mature and
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is susceptible to blight. Deer, rodents and turkeys can also quickly wipe out a freshly planted stand before the plant is able to take root in the rocky, yet fertile Appalachian soil.
‘People will rob ya blind’
Travis Cornett is one of the few men brave enough to endure a ginseng heart-
ache. He began ‘senging in 2005, but had almost entirely given the hobby up when he realized much of the wild plant was nearing extinction due to over harvesting and over zealous poachers. To alleviate the burden placed upon Mother Nature, he decided to start a wild simulated growing operation. Cornett has approximately 15 farms
Ginseng berries are collected from mature plants, then seed is washed and buried in sand for an entire year before planting. Ginseng seed requires a full year of ‘stratification’ to germinate properly. Photo: Cristian Hamilton collects berries from plants at High Country Ginseng.
Local grower Blake Dillman harvests ginseng leaves which he grinds and sells as tea and roots which are sold to local dealers for export to Asia. Over the last few years, wild ginseng root has averaged around $750 per pound. You can find his tea at Stick Boy Bread Co. in Boone under the label: “Four Prongs Ginseng Tea”
spread out between Ashe and Watauga counties. He is among the Top 4 private wild simulated growers in America. He believes Ashe County to be the best location regionally for growing due to its high elevation peaks. Much of his extensive crop operation flirts with the 4,000-feet elevation mark. Along with being one of the area’s pioneer growers, Cornett holds another dubious honor. “I got the first felony conviction on an individual on private land,” said Cornett. A few years ago, Cornett noticed a less than savory character leaving a plot of land strikingly close to his stand of ginseng. He immediately knew that he had been visited by a poacher. Cornett continued to monitor his suspect and later caught up with him a short distance from his land.
“I called 911 and said, ‘You better get someone down here because I’m about to shoot this guy,’” Cornett recalls. “Of course I wouldn’t shoot him, but I was understandably mad.” Along with word of mouth by seasoned criminals, Cornett blames the recent surge in ‘senging, as well as poaching, on reality television shows that romanticized ginseng hunting as an old timey get-rich scheme that has solicited nearly every Tom and Harry from the hollers to the trailer park. Needless to say, he keeps the location of his plants close to the vest and only hires the most trustworthy workers to tend to the metaphorical vines of his operation. But Cornett isn’t the only one to fall victim to the wily
whims of poachers. “Anyone that says they’ve been growing will tell you that they’ve been hit,” he said. In fact, Cornett estimates that one of his plots of ginseng is hit almost annually. Fortunately for Cornett and others, the task of removing the root without damaging it is time intensive and very tedious – one hit won’t sink you. But it’s loose lips that will sink any fledging ship. “They can only get so much,” said Cor-
Moonshine is the storage media of choice for ‘trophy’ roots. Its tincture is taken daily in small amounts for health purposes. The natural ‘ginsenosides’ in ginseng are purported to boost energy and strengthen the immune system. June 2018
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nett. “It’s hard to get out of the ground. It’s just that one thief will tell another thief and he will tell five more and before you know it every ginseng hunter in America knows where you have it planted. Most of the people that are hunting for it are doing it honestly, but there are a select few who are doing it for drugs or that will rob you blind.” Cornett prides himself with having one of the oldest and largest roots to date. He carefully guards a one-pound root in his basement that he is preserving in five gallons of moonshine. He estimates its age to be about 50 years. “I won’t sell it,” he chuckled. “I’ve
been offered $40-$50,000 for it. It’s a once in a lifetime root. Old ginseng is worth a fortune. That’s what’s extinct. It’s like the difference between Folgers coffee and Starbucks. The older it gets, the more valuable it is.” If pressed for his ginseng knowledge, Cornett will gladly divulge trade secrets and will even sell you seeds… just don’t go near his patch.
Unravelling the Ginseng Mystique
Any seasoned ginseng grower will offer a novice grower the same advice: if you wish to grow ginseng, grow thick skin.
As previously mentioned, any ginseng stand takes about seven to 10 years to mature. The root is also fragile and susceptible to disease. Most growers don’t make it past the oneyear mark before they abandon any hopes of earning a sizeable income from the plant. Disease, weather and excessive rainfall can quickly render a plant worthless. To better educate the public on the topic of ginseng, Hamilton began organizing workshops to offer sage advice and to weed out uncommitted growers. He also needed to launch a publicity campaign of his own to dispel some of the myths created by the reality TV shows like “Appalachian Outlaws.” “Before the shows aired, we would maybe get one call a year about ginseng,” said Hamilton. “When the show came out, we started getting one a day of people saying, ‘Hey can you come out here? I think we might have ginseng on our land.’” So that spurred him to start workshops to educate the public. “At our first December workshop in 2013, I thought we would have 10
Ginseng requires moist, shady well-drained woods for production. If you’re interested in learning to grow ginseng on your own property, the Watauga County Cooperative Extension offers workshops and planting demonstrations each September. You can contact Dr. Jim Hamilton at 828.264.3061 or jim_hamilton@ncsu.edu for more information.
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High Country Magazine
ers are lucky enough to stumble upon the roots, they will quickly discover that it is worthless on the international market. While the dye doesn’t damage or kill the plant, it does render the plant useless for commercial purposes. So, the next time inspiration from one of the reality tv shows overwhelms a wannabe hunter, a pleasant surprise will await their soft and unseasoned hands. Like the gnarled and aged roots of this elusive plant, ‘senging is reserved for those who truly care about the health of the plant in its natural habitat.
The Madness of a Simple Process
In theory, ginseng is not that difficult to grow. It’s actually surprisingly simple. Essentially, all you need is a suitable site, simple lawn maintenance equipment and patience. Most growers will recommend placing one ounce of seed per 100 square feet, so adjacent plants are not crowded and won’t be competing for nutrients. “All you need is a rake,” said Hamilton. “It’s not that labor intensive. You rake,
Wilcox Drug - A Ginseng Pioneer
JULY 10 & 11
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people show up, but we had to cut it off at 40,” said Hamilton. “The following year, we had 100 come for our workshop. We are now averaging 80 to 100 people the last few years.” Due to the growing rarity of the plant and poaching concerns, Plant Inspectors from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture commonly collect the driver’s license and the diggers’ county of origin. What officials found was a jump of approximately 50 to 60 percent in new diggers. Again, much of this renewed interest is tied to the surge in coverage by reality tv shows, which erroneously paints ginseng hunting in a romantic outlaw light of renegade mountain men skirting the law like their moonshining granddaddies under the veil of a moonlight mountain night. What little natural ginseng is left, wildlife officials and park rangers are working tirelessly to protect. To deter these unsavory woodsmen, wildlife officials have began dying ginseng roots that are found in protected areas, such as National Parks. If poach-
June 2018
ong before ginseng became a national novelty – with its mystique the driving force behind popular reality TV shows laden with half-truths and stereotypes misrepresentative of the native population – the prize of Appalachia proudly displayed its hometown roots in a downtown drug store. At the turn of the 20th century, Grant Wilcox opened Wilcox Drug in Boone. In the years leading up the mercantile, Wilcox’s family had been involved in the ginseng trade for years, according to ncpedia.org. For several years, Wilcox served as a middleman or go-between for local growers and suppliers before buying from local farmers directly. At one point, local historians declared the Wilcox enterprise to be one of the nation’s largest buyers of botanicals. According to ncpedia.org, Wilcox Drug merged with another company to become Wilcox Natural Products before it was later purchased by a Swiss company. The Wilcox family are just one example of how the root became an early
part of the local ginseng trade. Today, a historical marker in downtown Boone pays homage to the earlier purveyors of the crop, including the Wilcox family. The historical marker is a link to the local ginseng trade’s past and future. While most of the region is completely devoid of truly wild ginseng, a handful of local farmers keep the tradition alive with the wild simulated variety. While the myth and legend of ginseng has faded, the tradition and spirit of ‘sengin’ has remained a favorite Appalachian tradition that is akin with the hobby of moonshining and Bluegrass music.
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Travis Cornett of High Country Ginseng meets with Asian ginseng buyers. Ginseng has been exported to Asia for over 300 years.
Where rustic chic meets affordability ... and very envious neighbors 56
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sprinkle your seed, adding some minimal fertility because the soil around here is low in terms of calcium and pH.” But like a pretty girl, ginseng can easily break a man’s heart into a thousand pieces. Wildlife are quick to purge the earth of the seed or the flower of its plant. A summer with heavy rainfall can certainly ruin a crop if a seasoned hand can not curb the effects. Poaching is a constant concern. The ginseng market is also fickle. American prices are directly tied to demands of the Asian market and although returns are generally favorable, high prices aren’t always a guarantee once harvest time rolls around. Many novice farmers fall into the category of the ‘oneand-done’ growers due to the time intensive nature of the work. They quickly grow tired of the waiting game and decide to opt for another get rich scheme that will likely end in the same manner. Blake Dillman, of Blowing Rock, is not one of those growers. Dillman is a locally renowned hobbyist who inherited the ginseng itch from his grandfather. For years, the Dillman boys would scour the hillsides of southwest Virginia ‘senging and digging. Like many enthusiasts, ginseng hunting is typically a good excuse to get outside, as the growing scarcity of the root would suggest that any outdoorsman could better spend his time trying to land a whopping bass rather than any profitable ginseng root. Potential law-abiding hunters should take note of the root’s open season law. Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 is the legal window to hunt although the root is beginning to fade by then. “It’s a perennial plant,” said Hamilton. “Many people
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will scout it in the summer. A lot of people are digging it out of season. Some will hit the woods in May or June, which is not giving the plants an extra year of seed development. There’s also a lot of deer pressure. Prices will also fluctuate like any commodity. It’s tied to the Asian market and Asian demands. The reason prices are going up is because in the wild, it is getting harder to find. The plant takes 10 years to get to a harvestable size. They are taking those plants out of a system that is already pressured.” After years of cultivating a love for digging in the earth in search of the ginseng needle, Dillman thought he would stand a better chance of seeing the root firsthand if he took up growing instead. He did not have any previous agriculture experience, although he does enjoy spending his summer evenings tending to his garden tomatoes, which many growers akin growing ginseng to. “It was a bit of a learning curve starting out,” Dillman admitted. “I can tell a big difference in the stuff I did last year than now in terms of the germination rate. My first two years were not by the book. I would skip a step or two, thinking that it wouldn’t matter in the end or I would plant in a place that wasn’t conducive to growth. I still have a lot of plants that are growing, but not as much as I should. It’s all about getting better and better.” Now in his fourth year of growing, Dillman is hoping to have his first harvest within the next two to three years, but he’s still not ‘senging his own praises. “I’m a hobbyist,” he said. “Hopefully, it will pay for itself within a couple of years, but if not… that’s okay, too.” Dillman also takes pride in following his own methodology in growing. He doesn’t use any type of fertilizers or sprays. “I’m doing it different than most of the guys,” he said. “Mine is more true wild simulated. It’s more spread out. I don’t treat it with any type of fertilizers or sprays.” He also doesn’t fret over the small setbacks, such as poaching, which he is still susceptible to considering the prominence and age of his Virginia patch. While he is not yet a veteran grower, Dillman does offer some sage advice for those willing to take on this mountain sage. “Be patient,” Dillman urges. “Don’t expect to make a lot of money. If looking to do it, you have to enjoy it. Your odds of making any money are very slim. It’s a labor of love and if you’re lucky to make any money from it, so be it.” t
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Faces of the Watauga County
Farmers’ Market
Story by Jan Todd
F
rom May until November, the place to be on Saturday mornings is the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, at the Horn in the West parking lot in Boone. Arrive after 9am, and it can be challenging finding a parking place. Locals 58
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and visitors look forward to perusing the fresh produce, arts and crafts, pastries, cheeses, meats and flowers. Vendors, some who drive from farms up to an hour and a half away, arrive as the sun rises to set up and prepare for the coming crowd.
Approximately 65 vendors gather each week to sell locally grown produce, meats, flowers, and more. The Watauga Farmer’s Market has been serving the High Country and visitors each Saturday during the summer since 1974. Let’s meet a few of the artisans and farmers that bring their goods our way! June 2018
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Tumbling Shoals Farm
“Fennel is the New Kale,” reads a bumper sticker on the Tumbling Shoals Farm van. It doesn’t take a long conversation with farmer Jason Roehrig to discover that he loves eating, and growing, a variety of vegetables, ranging from the common to the exotic. Customers delight in finding lesser known produce offerings
tion for the Peace Corps. Jason grew up in Pennsylvania, and had a degree in forestry. After returning from the Peace Corps, the two came to central North Carolina to study and work. When it came time to put down roots, Shiloh said she “poked around places in Southern Appalachia,” and they ended up northwest of Wilkesboro, along the banks of Tumbling Shoals Creek.
work in the fields, along with their five full-time seasonal employees. The farm is certified organic, and they strive to build a healthy environment for healthy plants. They enjoy having visitors to the farm, and like to interact with their customers. Shiloh is an avid reader and loves to write. Instead of writing “the great American novel,” she expresses her creativity in a farm blog, with topics ranging from health and nutrition, to farm life, to food and tattoos. Jason enjoys cooking (and eating!) and is gifted at designing creative solutions to challenges on the farm. For instance, to help dry the leaves for lettuce packs to sell at the market, he transformed a washing machine to a giant salad spinner! Tumbling Shoals Farms participates in the Farmers’ Market in Boone, which Jason manages, and the Hickory market, which Shiloh manages. Visit tumblingshoalsfarm.com for information on the farm, recipes, and Shiloh’s blog!
Forage Soaps
Jason Roehrig (left) is co-owner of Tumbling Shoals Farm, and supervises market activity in Watauga County. The farm offers a huge variety of leafy greens and summer vegetables. Customers look forward to their on-site roasted peppers, and their fresh ginger which is available in late summer. at the Tumbling Shoals stand, and Jason is quick to offer explanations and suggestions on ways to prepare the vegetables. Tumbling Shoals Farm is owned by Jason Roehrig and Shiloh Avery, and is now in its eleventh season. Shiloh grew up in Michigan, and went to school in Kentucky. She fell in love with Southern Appalachia and decided that would be her home one day. But first, she joined the Peace Corps as an agri-forestry volunteer. As an environmental educator, Shiloh went out into the African bush and taught women to build cookstoves around their fire to cut down on the use of firewood from the Spiny Forest. It was in Madagascar that Shiloh met Jason, who was working in a forestry sta60
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June 2018
Neither grew up on a farm, but both Jason and Shiloh had grandparents who were involved in agriculture. Jason’s grandfather was a dairy farmer, and Shiloh’s grandparents had a large garden to help feed their family. “My mother, though, would describe herself as having a “black thumb,” laughed Shiloh. “She couldn’t grow anything. I think sometimes farming skips a generation, because it is really hard work. Kids grow up seeing that, and decide to do something else. But I had a garden, and “got bit,” just loved it and thought it was so cool to be able to grow food. Then the hobby became my career.” At the farm, both Jason and Shiloh
If you had to pick a vendor at the Farmers’ Market that was most likely to know her way around a lab full of test tubes, Lisa Smith of Forage Soaps would be a good pick. A former science teacher with degrees in chemistry and biology, Lisa loves anything that involves science or the outdoors. She taught school in McDowell County, as well as at the Grandfather Home and at Crossnore School in Avery County. A few years ago, Lisa’s eyesight began to fail, and she had to give up teaching. Looking for something to do at home, she turned to her passions: soap making, candle making, and wildcrafting. Lisa’s grandmother was from Ozark, Alabama, and taught Lisa the art of foraging for herbs and wildflowers, and making soap. Lisa picked up other skills in the classroom, “trying to teach kids things that they don’t otherwise want to learn,” she explained. As a child of a military family, Lisa grew up all over the country. She graduated from the University of Southern California. When her father retired from
the military, Lisa joined her family as they made one last move to Avery County, where she has now lived for thirty years. She finds the mountains rich with the materials that she uses to make her soaps and candles. “Every single one of our products are made from wild-harvested local herbs and flowers,” she said. “We don’t use any synthetics or fragrance oils. We make scents out of botanicals that are native to the area, harvested in Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, and Madison counties.” Making candles and soaps is a family affair. Lisa’s husband, Chad, pitches in, and her youngest son (age 13) and grandchildren (ages 3 and 7) love to help out. Chad is no stranger to the forest, as he was raised in Roan Mountain by a mother who made soaps and herbal remedies from wild-harvested herbs. “Our business is a mixture between Appalachian folklore, and modern science,” said Lisa. For more information on current and upcoming products, visit www.foragesoaps.com.
Denny’s Nursery
Susan and Larry Denny didn’t start out to raise plants. But sometimes life throws a curve ball. Larry worked in home construction until 1999, when he was involved in a serious accident while on the job. “The accident left him permanently disabled, and he wasn’t able to work a regular job,” said Susan. “But, the Lord watched over him. That’s what got him into the greenhouse, raising plants. There, he is able to work at his own pace, and rest when he needs to. We got through it.” Larry has a “green thumb,” and can grow anything, according to his wife. He was born in Ashe County, and grew up on a small family farm raising tobacco, beans, and cattle. Susan was born in Pennsylvania. “I was raised a city girl, but I think I was always a country girl at heart.” That’s a good thing, because their farm is definitely out in the country, a remote area in the northwestern tip of Ashe County. It takes the Dennys about an hour to
drive to the Farmers’ Market in Boone, where they’ve been selling their plants and produce for about ten years. Early each spring, Larry plants a several variet-
ies of tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers. They sell the plants at the market to help customers kick start their own gardens. Later in the season, the Dennys of-
Lisa and Chad Smith invite customers to touch the wax in one of their burning candle, which is comfortably warm to the touch and luxuriously soft. The candles burn with skin nourishing oils instead of wax, and are scented with botanicals instead of chemicals.
Susan and husband Larry Denny sell starter plants for gardens in the spring and summer, and fresh vegetables later in the season. Larry has a “green thumb,” and can grow anything, according to his wife. June 2018
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fer produce grown on their family farm. As demand for heirloom varieties has grown in recent years, Larry has expanded his offerings to more than twenty varieties of tomato plants, and about twenty varieties of pepper seedlings. The Denny’s son, Matthew, joined his parents at the market a few years ago, selling handcrafted wooden pens. He is now a full fledged vendor, the youngest at the market at age 15. “Matthew was home-schooled until he reached high school,” said Susan. “When he was growing up, we took our vacations in February, at a campground in Ft. Meyers, Florida. We’d spend the whole month there each year, and got to know lots of people there. A couple of sites up from us was a man who made pens out of wood, and he showed Matthew how to do it. Matthew was probably nine or ten years old when he made his first pen.” Deanna Talbert sells refreshing, creatively flavored pops the market. Offering different flavors that appeal to kids and adults. Essie & Olive pops are made with all-natural ingredients. Deanna’s personal favorite is Lavender Chocolate!
Matthew saved up his money, and purchased a small lathe to turn the pens. He has started making bowls and rolling pens, and is developing a following of his own at the market.
Essie & Olive Frozen All Natural Pops
David & Deanna Talbert’s road to the Farmers’ Market began, of all places, in the labor and delivery room where Deanna was a working as a nurse midwife. Deanna went to the hospital’s nourishment room to find something to provide her patient with an energy boost for the final stages of labor. She emerged with an ice pop, a gooey mess made with high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings, and thought, “I can make something better than this!” Thus launched an idea that took shape in her home kitchen, with her four kids and children from the neighborhood as official taste testers of her frozen pop treats. “We had a parade of kids coming through our house everyday, digging into my bottom drawer freezer to see what I’d come up with that day,” said Deanna. Neither David nor Deanna were strangers to a kitchen. They met in Nashville, Tennessee, where they were both pursuing careers in music. Like many in that industry, they were supplementing their income by working in restaurants. “We worked together at the Margot Cafe, where Chef Margo developed in us a tremendous respect for knowing where your food comes from, and a love fro really good food. The creativity of the chefs planted the seeds for some of the flavors that we use in our frozen pops. David grew up in Vermont and worked for Ben & Jerry’s, so he has put to use his experience for developing ice cream. Both he and Deanna come up with flavor combinations, which vary seasonally and are made from whole fruits and natural ingredients. Lavender Chocolate is one of Deanna’s personal favorites, and she’s particularly excited about a new partnership with Hatchet Coffee in the development of a Cold Brew flavor. And for those laboring moms? Deanna has developed a specialty pop with a blend of vitamins and supplements designed to keep the patient hydrated and energized during labor, and to combat morning sickness early in the pregnancy. The name of their company honors women in their lives who loved and nurtured their own families with wholesome food: “Essie” was Deanna’s mother, and “Olive” was David’s grandmother. Essie & Olive is now in its second year at the Farmers’ Market. They also sell their product at the Hickory market, and at their store in Lenoir. essieandolive.com
Against the Grain
Holly Whitesides and Andy Bryant are living the small family farm dream. On their 35-acre farm in Zionville, about 15 minutes from Boone, they cultivate a couple of acres in vegetables, and pasture raise beef cattle, pork, goats, pigs, and poultry. 62
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Andy was raised in Greensboro, and came to the Boone area as a student at A.S.U. He grew up gardening with his mom, and always enjoyed cooking. He studied culinary arts for awhile, and worked in restaurants to help pay for his college tuition. He earned a degree in Appropriate Technology, and worked for the non-profit W.A.M.Y. Holly grew up in High Point. She moved to the Midwest and went to college there, where she was exposed to small diversified farming. She moved back to North Carolina, coming to the mountains where she had “deep roots” in Ashe County. “I came from a perspective of discovering our food system, the ins and outs of how food is grown and distributed in our country, and I wanted to contribute to a change,” said Holly. “The way for me to do that is by growing things.” Andy and Holly began farming together about nine years ago. In 2013, Andy and Holly were introduced to biodynamic farming, and began transitioning their practices to that method. Holly explained, “It’s a whole farm approach to management, fertility, and the nutrient cycling on the farm. So we became
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Against the Grain is a family-run farm offering a wide variety of vegetables, plus pasture raised chickens and turkeys, pork and goat. Their farm is bio-dynamic and organic, and is located in Zionville. certified biodynamic, which includes tenets like protecting waterways, and creating pest control on the farm, naturally. In addition, our vegetables are certified organic, and our livestock is certified animal welfare approved. Our animals are all pasture raised, and are fed GMO-
free food.” When their first child, Beatrice, arrived in 2014, they realized it was time for Andy to make the leap to full time farming. Their second daughter, Corva was born just a few days before the Market opened this spring.
Ryan Higgs is a fourth generation beekeeper. Managing several hundred hives, and processing and marketing the honey, is a full time job for Ryan. In addition to the Watauga County Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, Against the Grain also participates in the King Street farmers’ market on Tuesday afternoons in Boone. “It is a smaller market, more accessible for people who want to
avoid the bigger crowds on Saturdays,” said Holly. Learn more about the farm at www.atgfarm.com.
Blue Ridge Apiary
Ryan and Launi Higgs, of Blue Ridge
Apiaries, stay as busy as bees in their jobs. Managing several hundred hives distributed all over Watauga County, they are involved in the entire process from tending bees, harvesting honey, bottling and marketing their products. “All of our colonies are designed to be mobile,” said Ryan. “In the winter time, we move the bees to lower elevation, then back up to higher elevations in the springtime. It’s not because of the cold. Bees can survive in much colder temperatures than we have here. Taking them to lower elevations produces a stronger build-up in the spring.” “Bees don’t make honey for us. They make it for themselves,” Ryan explained. “They need flowers to forage, and the food they gather helps build colonies. So when we bring them back to the mountains, we have more substantial colonies to bring in the crop of honey.” Blue Ridge Apiaries works with about three dozen farmers in the area. “These are some of the largest farms in the county. Some of them are run by the same families that farmed the land two hundred years ago,” Ryan commented. Agriculture is not a new thing for the Higgs family. Both Launi and Ryan grew
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up in the Midwest, on large farms producing corn, soy, and wheat. Ryan is a fourth generation beekeeper. “I’ve never known a life without bees,” he said. He is passing along the trade to their two daughters. “My oldest was out in the field with me when she was just a year old. It’s just part of the way they’re growing up. If they want to hang out with their dad, then we’ll be out doing something, going somewhere, working with the bees. That’s just our life.” Blue Ridge Apiary produces varietal honeys including Sourwood, Goldenrod, and Basswood, plus Wildflower honey, which is popular among customers consuming for health reasons. They also sell infused honey: Lavender, Cinnamon, and Chipotle (which Ryan calls a “secret weapon” for homemade barbecue sauce.) They also make beeswax candles, and sell Bee Pollen, collected in the foothills and mountains to be used as a nutritional supplement for allergies. Products are available in several local retail establishments in the mountains and foothills; see blueridgeapiaries.com for more information.
Rachael Salmon Photography
If you’re out and about on the Blue Ridge Parkway before the sun rises, you might just encounter Rachael Salmon and her camera. She loves taking pictures of the scenic mountains, wildlife, and flowers, and shares the beauty with others through her note cards and prints. Rachael has been selling her work at the Farmers’ Market for fourteen years. Rachael was born on Vancouver Island, in Canada. “My mother is American, and my father was from New Zealand,” she said. “When I was thirteen, my parents divorced, and my mother wanted to come back to America. We lived in Winston-Salem for a year, and came up to Boone to do the tourist thing. When we arrived, and got to the traffic light at Wendy’s, I told my mom that I could breathe easier and wanted to live here! So it was my idea to move
Rachael Salmon is passionate about the outdoors, and shares this passion through her photography and plants sold at the Farmers’ Market. She sells ready-to-frame scenic photos of the surrounding area, as well as note cards and a variety of plants raised in her garden.
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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD. to Boone, back in ‘93.” Rachel was interested in photography from a young age. “I felt drawn to it because I was afraid I was going to forget things. I wanted to be able to capture things, in order to remember them. I love flowers, and the beauty of everyday life that’s just outside.” Most of her work is from Watauga, Ashe and Avery Counties, around the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in Valle Crucis. Rachel graduated from Watauga High, where she was president of the Animal Rights Group. She wrote a column about animal rights for the school newspaper. Rachel’s photo cards are sold in several shops around town, and she participates in the Watauga Farmers’ Market, the King Street market, and the winter market. When she’s not taking pictures, she works in landscaping. She raises some perennial plants that she sells at the market.
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Mountain Memories Farm
Each Saturday, Mark and Dawn Rhudy truck an hour and a half to Boone, from their Mountain Memories Farm in Elk Creek, Virginia. At the end of the line of vendors on the left, Mark stands at the grill, with sizzling sausages sending irresistible scents into the air. The secret behind that sizzle is Dawn’s seasoning recipes, which range from an exotic Moroccan Merguez link sausage made from lamb meat and hot pepper spices, to traditional Italian pork sausage, to a Boerewors sausage made with a blend of lamb, pork and beef. Dawn comes from a long line of farmers. Her father, a fourth generation farmer, started a dairy farm back in the 1940’s. He also raised beef, sheep, hogs and chickens. When Dawn and Mark took over, they discontinued the dairy but added more sheep, the Katadin Hair Sheep which is bred specifically for high quality meat production. They also grow a variety of produce and sell fresh eggs. Mark and Dawn’s two daughters are in the agriculture business (sixth generation farmers), raising their children who are
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Mark (pictured above with his daughter) and Dawn Rudy (not pictured) sell lamb, pork, and beef from their Mountain Memories Farm located in Elk Creek, Virginia. Customers can often sample sausages made with Dawn’s secret blend of spices, with flavors ranging from traditional to exotic. in the cattle business. “If our new great grandson farms, he’ll be an eighth generation farmer!� said Dawn. Surrounded by animals and all of their antics, Dawn developed a very creative imagination. She would make up stories to entertain her kids and grandchildren as they were growing up. A couple of years ago, she created a book as a Christmas gift to her family. They loved the book so much that Dawn decided to publish it
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Watauga Farmer’s Market, Boone
Where: Daniel Boone Park/Horn in the West Parking lot When: May-November, every Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Approximately 65 vendors gather each Saturday to sell locally grown produce, meats, flowers, and more. The Watauga Farmer’s Market has been serving the High Country and visitors each Saturday during the summer since 1974. This year, they’re excited to bring in some new vendors including a biscuit food truck! Visit www. wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org for more information on events and vendors.
Avery Farmer’s Market, Banner Elk
Where: Old Banner Elk Elementary School (185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk) When: May-October, every Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This farmer’s market is located Banner Elk provides locals and visitors with a selection of local grass-fed meats, produce, breads, jams, jellies, honey, and more. Visit www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net for more information about the Avery County Farmer’s Market.
for sale. She has partnered up with her cousin, and now has eleven children’s books available, with stories about life on the farm and individual animals. Some of these books have a message, such as “Regi the Rooster,� a story about a dealing with bullying. Mountain Memories Farm welcomes visitors, by appointment, for those who’d like to take a ride to the rolling hills of Virginia! www.MtnMemoriesFarm.com t
Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market
Where: Park Avenue (downtown Blowing Rock) When: May-October, every Thursday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A mid-week selection of great locally grown produce and handmade crafts from the High Country farmers and artists at the Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market each Thursday. For information on vendors and events, visit www.blowingrock.com/calendar/farmersmarket.
Ashe County Farmer’s Market
Where: 108 Backstreet downtown West Jefferson When: April-October, every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find fresh seasonal produce grown locally and juried crafts from Ashe County Artisans every Saturday in downtown West Jefferson. For more information about vendors and events, visit www.ashefarmersmarket.com.
King Street Market
Where: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone When: May-October, every Tuesday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This new farmer’s market run by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture offers a weekday opportunity to buy fresh produce, eggs, cheeses, baked goods and more. For more information about events, artists, and vendors, visit www.farmersmarket.brwia.org.
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Finding a Way Bringing Awareness to the Opioid Crisis
H
What’s Happening in Avery County
ardly a day goes by without turning the television on or picking up a newspaper and reading about yet another string of opiate-related deaths, statistics or heartbreaking stories of drug abuse and family destruction. In Avery County, the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club are coming together to sponsor a special information session on June 12 at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk, in hopes of making the community aware of the opioid problems in Avery County and what can be done about it. Food will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by speaker introductions beginning at noon. The cost is $5 and those interested in attending have to register for the event by speaking with a Rotary or Kiwanis Club
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member. The panel of speakers will include Dr.
Story by Nathan Ham Charlie Baker, a well-known physician in Avery County, Avery County Sheriff Kevin Frye, District Attorney Seth Banks, Kelly Icenhour, the Director of Child Protective
Services at the Avery County Department of Social Services and Rep. Josh Dobson, who represents District 85 (Avery, McDowell, Mitchell counties) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s the next step that event organizer and Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk’s Jubilee Chairman Jim Swinkola would like to see happen in Avery County. “We recognize that this is only 90 minutes to get some food and go through the panel, but we’re hoping that this will set the stage for somebody else to pick up the obvious next step of once the awareness is increased, what do we do about it,” said Swinkola. Swinkola says that they also are hoping to have a recovering addict from the
Panelists for Opioid Crisis Awareness
“It is heartbreaking for physicians and other health care providers to see the suffering of patients and families affected by the current opioid crisis.” Dr. Charlie Baker
“Overdoses and overdose deaths are priority concern for law enforcement, but only touch a small part of how the opioid crisis plays a role in what law enforcement deals with every day.” Kevin Frye, Avery County Sheriff
As families are torn apart and the lives of too many of our young people are lost to this terrible disease, we see first-hand the scope and complexity of this problem.” Seth Banks, District Attorney
“Even in our small mountainous county, the beauty is overshadowed by children in despair due to neglect from their parents who are struggling with addiction.” Kelly Icenhour, Director of Child Protective Services, Avery County DSS
“This issue of opioid misuse transcends race, gender and the urban-rural divide and we will continue to work with our state and county partners on this very critical issue.” Josh Dobson, N.C. Representative, District 85
county who will speak and share first-hand their roots. If the panel discussion is car- also resources that aid in prevention for experiences on the constant battle with an ried out with that mentality, our commu- our younger generations, is our hope for nities can begin to not see criminals, drug what this panel discussion is bringing to opioid addiction. The event will include group discussions addicts and hopelessness, but rather see the table.” Larry Hazen, a Rotary member and a at each table, led by “table captains” that brothers, sisters, friends, mothers, fathers, will facilitate these discussions. Some of the children who are no different from peo- member of the Avery County Economic table captains will include mental health ex- ple who aren’t struggling with substance Development Committee, is glad to see this forum taking place in Banner perts from Daymark Recovery SerElk. vices and the panel participants. “I think our society in general “This panel discussion brings is struggling with this problem, and the potential to begin a movement what can be done to at least minitowards changing stigmas and stemize if not solve the issue. Avery reotypes that fuel the epidemic County has not dodged the bullet in our area, as well as to encouron this problem. As a matter of act, age and offer more understanding statistically, it is a bigger issue here of people’s stories,” said Andrea than in the balance of North CaroMarsh and Emily Capps of Daymark Recovery Services in a joint Avery County - Kiwanis Club and Rotary lina. The complications of opioid use are so pervasive that they affect statement. “Substance abuse and Taking A Lead For Awareness all of us on multiple levels,” said dependency is a ‘one size fits all’ Hazen. “The joint forum hosted by disease. We are talking prominent doctors, business professionals and even abuse,” said Marsh and Capps. “Now is the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs addressing those who are homeless and destitute be- our chance to heal as a community and the problem is not only a great example ing affected by the disease, be it personal show compassion and love towards our of two great service organizations coming together for the good of all, struggles with substances or bebut it also will provide our ing affected by a family mem“I think our society in general is struggling with citizens the opportunity to ber or friends struggling to find hear the points of view of and maintain recovery.” this problem, and what can be done to at least a variety of county officials Both Marsh and Capps feel that changing the way people minimize if not solve the issue. Avery County has who are intimately involved with the problems and posview addiction and the struggle not dodged the bullet on this problem.” sible solutions of this crisis.” that goes along with it will be an important part of this panel neighbors. Compiling lists of ways to discussion. Why this matters “We talk of our communities like fam- help our citizens and making a plan of acAcross the nation, this opioid crisis has ily, and it is that connection that entices tion to offer resources that not only help taken hold in almost every small town and people to want to move here and plant those struggling to manage day to day, but large city, no matter the population size, June 2018
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race, ethnicity or gender. Prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl have become such a destructive force. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, drug overdose deaths have increased by 440 percent from 1999 through 2016. The NCDHHS keeps updates each month on the number of drug overdose visits to hospitals and emergency rooms. According to their statistics, there have been 1,756 emergency room visits throughout the state from an opioid overdose in the first four months of 2018. The number has risen each year since 2010. At this time last year, there had been 1,642 emergency room visits. According to Carmen Lacey, the President and Director of Patient Care at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, national opioid overdoses increased by 30 percent from July of 2015 through September of 2017 and varying parts of North Carolina saw increases from 25 to 49 percent in emergency department visits over the same time period. In Avery County, there has been at least one opioid-related drug death each year since 1999, whether it was accidental or intentional. 54 percent of the deaths have been male while 46 percent
have been female. “In the law enforcement perspective of the opioid epidemic, it is often assumed that the major issue is the many overdoses which occur. Overdoses and overdose deaths are priority concern for law enforcement, but only touch a small part of how the opioid crisis plays a role in what law enforcement deals with every day,” said Avery County Sheriff Kevin Frye. “Another major issue besides just the overdoses and deaths is the effect opioid addiction plays in the lives of family members of the addict. Children are often neglected by those who are addicted to opioids because they cannot function in their role as a parent and caretaker.” Frye says that their department deals with a little bit of everything involved with the opioid crisis, including people that have real need for prescription pain relievers having to deal with their medications being stolen. “One of the saddest and most heartbreaking issues occur when addicts are either hired or by virtue of being a family member, are allowed to take care of elderly or very sick people who have to
Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk President, Jeff Davis be on the opioids to have a quality of life. Cancer patients, patients recovering from surgery and patients with severe chronic pain have their medication stolen by addicts, which causes severe suffering by
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Boone, NC
Rate of Opioid Overdose ED Visits by County: North Carolina, 2017* Rate of Opioid Overdose ED Visits by County: North Carolina, 2017*
Statewide rate of opioid overdose ED visits (2017*): 56.6 per 100,000 persons Statewide rate of opioid overdose ED visits (2017*): 56.6 per 100,000 persons *2017 data are provisional and subject to change. Data Source: ED Visits- NC DETECT, 2017*; Population Data- National Center for Health Statistics, 2016. Analysis by Injury Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit *2017 data are provisional and subject to change. Data Source: ED Visits- NC DETECT, 2017*; Population Data- National Center for Health Statistics, 2016. Analysis by Injury Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit
those who should be protected and cared for more than anyone else,” said Frye. “So the problem of opioid addiction plays a far greater role for law enforcement than just overdoses and overdose deaths.” Frye says that his deputies are trained to use NARCAN to reverse overdoses and potentially save someone’s life, “but the greater impact on the families and communities is not so easily solved.”
Going right along with the law enforcement side of the issue is the influx of court cases and sentences that accompany a drug offender. “The opioid crisis represents a real danger to the way of life that we have cherished for generations here in the mountains. Those of us who work in the court system see the effects of this epidemic on a daily basis,” said District Attorney Seth Banks.
“As families are torn apart and the lives of too many of our young people are lost to this terrible disease, we see first-hand the scope and complexity of this problem.” Economically, the rise of opioid abuse has also affected Avery County. A recent study by the NCDHHS estimated that the total loss of money in the county between medical costs and loss of work costs equaled just over $6.3 million in 2016.
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County Demographics of Unintentional Medication & Drug Overdose Deaths, by sex, age: 2012-2016 SEX M
F
0-17
18-24
AGE 25-44
45-64
65+
Avery County, Overall Population, 20122016
54%
46%
16%
10%
26%
28%
20%
Unintentional Overdose Deaths, Avery County Residents, 2012-2016
56%
44%
0%
0%
44%
50%
6%
Unintentional Overdose Deaths, North Carolina Residents, 2012-2016
63%
37%
0%
9%
49%
39%
3%
Estimated Total Lifetime Costs Medical and Work Loss from Medication & Drug Fatalities All intents, 2016
Total Medical Costs in Avery County, 2016 Total Work Loss Costs in Avery County, 2016
$
28,540
$
6,335,295
$
6,363,835
Cost per capita in Avery County, 2016 $
363.32
Combined Cost
County Demographics of Unintentional Medication & Drug Overdose Deaths, by race/ethnicity: 2012-2016 RACE
74
White
Black
Asian
Am. Indian
Hisp.
Avery County, Overall Population, 20122016
90%
5%
1%
0%
5%
Unintentional Overdose Deaths, Avery County Residents, 2012-2016
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Unintentional Overdose Deaths, North Carolina Residents, 2012-2016
85%
11%
0%
2%
2%
High Country Magazine
June 2018
“People who were the primary source of income for a family, if they become an addict, often lose their employment, which creates tension and hostility within the family and that dynamic often leads to domestic violence,” Frye said. “Addicts by necessity become drug dealers so they can support their habits and often are incarcerated, eliminating any possible assistance they could be to the family unit.” Swinkola said that there is hesitation by companies, particularly manufacturing businesses, to consider opening up factories in every county. “There is some concern that there is not a stable enough workforce over here that could survive mandatory drug tests and zero tolerance policies,” he said. Hazen has also realized the same economic impacts that opioid have on Avery County. “I have witnessed this firsthand as a member of the Avery County Economic Development Committee. Besides the obvious impact on families, children, health care, etc., I can see there are also huge economic consequences on our workforce, the ability of businesses to find qualified employees and our ability to help provide a quality of life to our citizens,” Hazen said. Opioid abuse has had a demonstrably negative affect on the number of drug withdrawal symptoms seen in newborns. Between 2012 and 2016, the rate of hospitalizations associated with drug withdrawal symptoms for newborns per every 1,000 births was a staggering 20.7 percent in Avery County. The statewide average is 9.0 percent. “The increase in babies born substance affected is such that the state of North Carolina has enacted policies that every child born substance affected is to be reported to the Department of Social Services and all cases are reported to the CC4C (Care Coordination for Children) for follow up,” said Kelly Icenhour, the Director of Child Protective Services at the Avery County Department of Social Services. For families attempting to raise children and give them everything they need, a parent or caregiver becoming addicted to opiates can completely rip apart families and have lasting negative impacts on children. “Even in our small mountainous county, the beauty is overshadowed by children in despair due to neglect
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June 2018
High Country Magazine
75
Monthly Overdose Monthly Overdose ED Visits by Opioid Class: North Carolina, 2017* 700
# ED visits
191
500
172
400
126
200
100 0
144
259
289
Jan
Feb
151
155
158
Mar
149
154 134
145
226
# ED visits
Other Opioid
600
300
Other Opioid 600 accounted for • Heroin 68% 500(3,924) of the 5,745 opioid overdose ED 155 400 visits in 2017. 144 151
Heroin
700
300
329
Apr
May
393
Jun
142
507 376
Jul
Aug
Heroin
342
360
Sep
Oct
260
283
Nov
Dec
300
126
17
145
• Other Opioids includes 200 39 overdose visits289 due to 300 329 259 226 100 opioids, opium, methadone, or other 0 syntheticJan narcotics. Feb Mar Apr May Ju *2017 data are provisional and subject to change. Data Source: ED Visits- NC DETECT, 2017*. Analysis by Injury Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit
*2017 their data areparents provisional who and subject change. from aretostruggling with the strong pull of addiction is not easy to person average of overCAROLINA 100. Data Source: ED Visits- NC DETECT, 2017*. NORTH DIVISION OF Analysis by Injury Epidemiology and Surveillance addiction. Children’s basic needsUnit of food overcome and relapse is common.” “It is heartbreaking for physicians and and a clean place to play and sleep go unDoctors and pharmacies have played a other health care providers to see the sufNORTH OF inPUBLIC www.injuryfreenc.ncdhhs.gov January 2018by noticed by their CAROLINA parents as theyDIVISION struggle role many ofHEALTH these opioid abuse cases fering of patients and families affected to meet the needs of their addiction,” said as well. The number of outpatient opioid the current opioid crisis. Our medical comIcenhour. “The majority of cases that child pills dispensed per person in Avery County munity bears some responsibility in trigprotective services become involved in are in 2016 was 75 pills, which is higher than gering the current opiate crisis,” said Dr. drug use or have an aspect of drug use even the state average of 66.5 pills. However, Charlie Baker. “Before the 1980s it was if it’s not the presented problem when several counties have much higher num- much less common for us to prescribe narreported. When involved with a family, bers, well over 100 pills-per-person aver- cotics for chronic and acute pain. But in the Child Protective Services seeks to help the age, including Wilkes, Surry, Mitchell and late 1980s we were roundly criticized for children by referring parents to treatment. Caldwell counties. Overall, 25 of North not more aggressively treating nonmaligSometimes this is effective but often not as Carolina’s 100 counties have a pills-per- nant pain. At the same time, we were being
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High Country Magazine
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Ashe County Arts Council
taught that time-release narcotic pills were safe and an effective way to relieve pain. Baker said that all of that meant prescribing opiates for people who said they were in pain, causing a number of them to become addicted. People afflicted by these serious addictions have very few places to turn for help in Avery County, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Their report from October of 2017 said that Avery County has just one substance abuse treatment facility and they did not offer an opioid treatment program as of that date. “The problem doesn’t stop there as often there are limited treatment opportunities for folks that need some type of inpatient treatment as beds in treatment facilities are often on a long wait list,” said Icenhour. “The problem is serious and becoming generational as family members often struggle with similar issues. This makes it difficult for Child Protective Services as they look for family to place children with when they can’t safely remain in their home.”
Taking steps to fix the problem
With the number of opioid overdose cases continuing to rise locally and across the United States, there just is not going to be an easy solution or a fast fix. Lacey says that some steps have already been taken in an attempt to counteract the drug use and prescription abuse. The Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act is a program designed to decrease the amount of prescription opioids that patients receive. “I was proud to be a sponsor of The Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention Act, House Bill 243, which was unanimously passed by both houses of the General Assembly on June 28, 2017,” said Rep. Josh Dobson, who represents Avery County as well as Mitchell County and McDowell County in the North Carolina House of Representatives. “Due to decades of increased prescribing of opioids, North Carolina is experiencing an opioid epidemic. This bill is intended to reduce the supply of unused, misused and diverted opioids circulating in North Carolina and improve care by requiring prescribers to use tools and resources that help prevent inappropriate prescribing.” Changing the way that doctors treat pain will be important to any long-term solution to the problem in North Carolina and across the nation. “In the past, the ED (Emergency Depart-
ment) physician might have chosen to treat pain immediately with an opioid. Physicians now look to evidence based alternatives to opioids in many situations, saving this medication for only those cases in which it is indicated,” Lacey said. “This crisis did not occur overnight, it is going to take time, communities working together and resources dedicated to assisting those with OUD (Opioid Use Disorder) to turn this around.” Dr. Baker says that most physicians are now working to help provide solutions for the nationwide crisis. “Although help at the national level is still pending, the state of North Carolina has passed legislation to help reduce the number of pills that can be prescribed for acute and post surgical pain,” said Dr. Baker. “Our local physician group is actively engaged in teaching and learning other methods for relieving pain, recognizing those at risk for abuse of narcotics and helping our patients to access treatment for opiate addiction and related health problems.” Rep. Dobson says that modifying the criteria used for prescribing an opiate was “identified as an essential and significant step to realize the vision of the North Carolina Action plan to reduce opioid deaths.” “This issue of opioid misuse transcends race, gender and the urban-rural divide and we will continue to work with our state and county partners on this very critical issue,” Dobson added. Better access to rehabilitation facilities and programs would be another step in finding solutions to the opioid crisis. “Hopefully with more effective treatment options and folks’ ability to access the opioids and illegal drugs made more difficult, families can start to heal and make our communities stronger,” said Icenhour. For Banks, he feels like the community as a whole will have to be the driving force behind finding a way to reduce and hopefully one day eliminate opioid abuse in Avery County and elsewhere. “Experience has taught us that the criminal justice system alone cannot provide all the solutions. My office continues to embrace innovative programs like Drug Treatment Court that utilize the skills and expertise of groups throughout the High Country to make a real impact in our community and in the lives of those who have become dependent on opioids,” Banks said. “The change that we see in many of the individuals involved in this program gives us all hope for the future. While the task that we have before us is a daunting one, our community has both the foresight and fortitude to win this battle for our children’s future.” t
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High Country Magazine
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Welcome Back SUMMER GUIDE
78
High Country Magazine
June 2018
PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER
Six Pence
It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner. For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages.
A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock
Restaurant & Pub
BANNER ELK CAFÉ banner elk. Located in downtown beautiful Banner Elk, the Banner Elk Cafe just recently opened their brand new bar and dining area that now connects all their many dining areas, and now provides a great place to meet for drinks and socialize before dining. The restaurant complex has two restaurants as well as four outdoor and covered patios. The Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery has a friendly coffee-house atmosphere with a smoothie bar, fresh bakery, and gourmet food. Serving, delicious salads, seared Tuna, pizzas, pastas, and wraps. Best Bloody Mary and Cadlillac Magaritas in town. The Banner Elk Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Great food, ranging from eggs benedict to big, juicy burgers. For the healthy and weight conscience we offer grilled mahi and chicken sandwiches, salad bar, and homemade daily specials. Dinner nightly offering: Ribs, Steaks, Fish and always fresh and creative specials and from our talented Chef. Patios are large enough to entertain parties, great for group functions, rehearsal dinners & bridal luncheons. n 828.898-4040. www.bannerelkcafe.com. See ad on page 85
Featuring British & American Fare
Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio
Dining: Sunday - Thursday , 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight
Full Bar (open until 2am)
20 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews
Courteous and Friendly Staff
BOONE BAGELRY BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free. Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local. Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www.boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 86
828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. June 2018
High Country Magazine
79
CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100-year-old railroad repair station, used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad. Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine & beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience. Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino.net. See ad on page 88
CASA RUSTICA
E N J O Y L O C A L Q U A L I T Y, F L AV O R & F R E S H N E S S Since 1981 we have pledged an ongoing commitment to serve local farm fresh foods and support our beloved community. We are honored to call the High Country our home.
www.CRCateringCo.com | 828.406.7721 www.CasaRustica1981.com | 828.262.5128
FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE
BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern ItalianAmerican cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly FAIRWAY offer home& style meals made with love CAFE and meticuVENUE lous care. Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics for guests to try. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. The restaurant also features a full bar and fantastic drink selections to delight even the pickiest patron. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981. com. See ad on this page
CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut 80
High Country Magazine
June 2018
Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm, and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating. We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers. Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 83
C.R. Catering boone. C.R. Catering Co. is Casa Rustica Restaurant’s sister company. We are pleased to offer the High Country’s finest gourmet catering for events on and off site. We provide fresh, distinctive food and quality service for each and every event. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and regularly prepare vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan meals. North Carolina’s freshest seafood and the finest locally grown vegetables appear
regularly on our custom designed catering menus. Want a family favorite included in your menu? No problem! We can customize any item for your special event. Need the perfect space to accommodate your catering needs? We can serve 25 to 150 guests on-site with ease. Give us a call. n 828-406-7721. www.CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 80
DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era. Local, craft and draft beers, seasonal and specialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825-414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 83
EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe special-
YES, WE’RE “THAT PLACE.”
Food at its best, accompanied by one helluva wine program.
IN THE HEART OF BANNER ELK SERVING DINNER:
Monday – Saturday, Opening at 6:00 p.m. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: 828/ 963-5087 or 828/ 898-5656 Wine Spectator’s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2018
June 2018
High Country Magazine
81
EAT CROW EAT PIE
EAT CAKE
EAT PIE
EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE
Delicious Sandwiches
(Served on our homemade bread)
1JFT t $BLFT Shepherd’s Pie 4UFBL "MF 1JF $IJDLFO 1PU 1JF English Specialties
$BUFSJOH
Serving Dinner Twice Monthly Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu
828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com
'BCVMPVT #SJUJTI $IFG 0XOFS
Dominic& Meryle Geraghty
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4 pm Lunch Served 11am - 3pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe
izing in fresh baked, delicious goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes. These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy. We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop” in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family. These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on this page
The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome to enjoy the finest cuisine. Spend a leisurely morning with us, or grab a quick bite on your way out for the day. Either way, an outstanding breakfast awaits you each morning in our dining room. Then enjoy lunch at the Grill Room in the Linville Golf Club, where resort casual wear is appropriate for daytime meals. For the evening meal, select your choice of seven meticulously prepared entrees crafted by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute at the helm of your culinary experience. The menu changes daily, and also offers an extraordinary seafood buffet every Thursday evening with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com. See ad on page 86 82
High Country Magazine
June 2018
fairway cafe & venue boone. Not just for golfers! The Fairway café is located at the Boone Golf Course with a beautiful view of the course with an inside dining room or outdoor patio seating. The public is welcome to come enjoy the local fare. The menu is extensive with an array of salad selections, a half of dozen sandwich choices, hot FAIRWAY dogs anyway you CAFE & VENUE like them and hamburgers from the classic to the fancy. The spacious indoor area features a beautiful 32 foot handcrafted maple bar. Our venue is also perfect for any of life’s memorable moments. Ideal for cocktail parties, fundraisers, wedding events and anniversary parties. The Fairway Venue features clean minimal lines, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We have full ABC permits and can seat about 100 inside and roughly 40 on the outside patio. Looking to accommodate even more? A tent can be set up if needed. Come check us out! n 828-264-0233. www. CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 80
F.A.R.M. CAFÉ boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy & inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD. meals are nutritious & delicious! Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan. Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Cafe tries to have something for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org. See ad on page 85
Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites - ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 84
JOY BISTRO BOONE. Purveyors of Fine Food & Drink. Joy Bistro is owned and operated by husband & wife team Gary & Melissa Joy Claude. Specializing in French style cuisine, The Joy Bistro provides diners a cozy intimate dining atmosphere with a personal touch and attention to detail. Head chef and owner Melissa Claude has brought together a well balanced menu of European and American inspired cuisine. Using the freshest ingredients that Boone has to offer, diners are treated to dishes ranging from a local pan seared pork chop topped with whole grain mustard cream sauce, to Fresh North Carolina trout, to our signature Scallops au Poivre topped with a brandy cream sauce. And don’t forget the drink menu. In the front of the house, Gary has put together a unique mix of classic and modern cocktail recipes. n 828-265-0500. www.joybistroboone.com. See ad on page 88
Chestnut Grille
Divide Tavern Dinnerfood service is Serving & drinks available seven days a seven nights a week! weekOpens starting at 5pm. at 5pm
Open 7 nights week Thursday - Sundayaevenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm from 6pm - 9pm Reservations recommended.
Offering comfort cooking in a warm inviting setting, WE gourmet ARE PROUD AND EXCITED TOand INTRODUCE the Chestnut Grill features a seasonal menu inspired by the North CHEF SAMAnd “FtheRYDivide � BEASLEY , perfect Carolina High Country. Tavern is the setting enjoyMENU an evening of conversation over a glass of wine or AS: AS WELL ASto NEW SELECTIONS AND PREPARATIONS , SUCH hand crafted cocktail complimented by an extensive bar menu.
GRILLED FLAT IRON STEAK FRIED CHICKEN Garlic yukons, Sweetwhipped tea brined and grilled asparagus, buttermilk battered chicken crispy shallots, and breast, mashedjus Yukon blackberry potatoes, pan gravy
-N-CHICKEN THE M CAC UBAN SANDWICH Macaroni pasta, Roast pork, ham, Swiss house cheese sauce, cheese, house pickles, and roasted chicken, bacon & sriracha mustard on ciabatta bread
HRIMP AND SSHRIMP &G GRITS RITS grits,over a HerbLime-thyme sauteed shrimp wilted spinach, bed of cheddar grits, mushrooms, bacon, and lemon-butter sauce, white winepan sauce bacon crumble
GRILLED RIBLAMB EYERACK Achiote spiced rubbed half Watauga County grown rack of lamb with limeCascade hops-rubbed & thyme grits, fried brussels, grilled eye, bourbonand rib blackberry jus peppercorn demi-glaze
MACT-HE N-C HICKEN CUBAN Traditional shredded Macaroni pasta, house roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese sauce, roasted cheese, house pickles, chicken, bacon & sriracha and whole grain mustard on ciabatta bread
FFISH CHIPS HIPS ISH & &C Beer batter fried cod,cut Batter-fried cod, house house cut chips, chips, tartar sauce, lemon & tartar sauce, lemon &malt maltvinegar vinegar
www.greenparkinn.com 828.414.9230 9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock
Facebook.com/GreenParkInn Instagram & Twitter: @thegreenparkinn June 2018
High Country Magazine
83
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84
High Country Magazine
June 2018
BOONE. a place to enjoy a fresh meal, crafted in-house from local High Country ingredients. Serving traditional southern favorites, she-crab soup and shrimp & grits, as well as grass-fed beef burgers, specialty sandwiches, unique tacos, woodfired flatbreads & pizzas, quinoa bowls, steaks, seafood and plenty of gluten-free and vegan choices. The Local also features 20 taps, serving mostly local and regional beers, as well as national favorites. At The Local you can enjoy drinks & appetizers while relaxing on comfortable leather couches in the lounge, play a game of billiards, or watch your favorite sports event on large flat screen TVs. The Local is also the place to be for Live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Experience Local. Open Daily 11am. Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm. n 828-266-2179. www.TheLocalBoone.com. See ad on page 87
LOUISIANA PURCHASE FOOD & SPIRITS BANNER ELK. Celebrating 34 years in beautiful downtown Banner Elk, Chef Owner Patrick Bagbey’s menu evolves with the changing seasons, and will always include all the favourites. Featuring house made Cajun and Creole cuisine and always fresh North Carolina seafood. We are AAA three diamond award winner and recipient of Wine Spectator Magazine’s Best of Award of Excellence since 1994 through 2017. Our delicious meals begin with beautiful ingredients thoughtfully prepared and our seasonal menu features fresh NC seafood, local produce and proteins from Trosley Farms, Springhouse Farm, Charlotte’s Greenhouse and Heritage Farms to name a few. We make every effort to keep our ingredients seasonally relevant and enjoyed at their peak. Each item is prepared daily in house and made to order. We of-
fer a full bar, craft cocktails, fourteen wines by the glass and a selection of local beers Although reservations are preferred, we are happy to seat walkins. Our dress code is business casual. We want you to come comfortable and hungry. Be sure to browse through the many selections on our menu. n 828963-5087 or 828-898-5656. www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com. See ad on page 781
Proper BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www.propermeal.com. See ad on page 84
Red Onion Café Boone. Established in 1985 as one of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion Café opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. Look for weekly dinner specials and the kid’s menu items as well. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well as friendly staff on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu. The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner
Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats”
Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.
617 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) www.farmcafe.org
The Banner Elk Cafe &
The Lodge Espresso Bar & Eatery Fresh Coffees, Salads, Pastas, Pizza, Burgers & Steaks, and Seafood Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | open 7am daily, 7 days a week
828-898-3444 or 898-4040 Newly Expanded Bar Area for Pre-Dinner Socializing Live music from local musicians Friday and Saturdays on the Patio, 6–10pm June 2018
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on warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 873
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BANNER ELK. At Reid's Cafe & Catering we offer seasonal menus customized for every occasion, specializing in locally sourced and handcrafted foods. We believe in the importance of bringing  those you love together through food and conversation. We value the handmade and fashion from scratch details as small as the aioli and dressings we use, to house made focaccia and pastries, slow roasted meats and naturally fermented pickles. We avoid industrially grown and processed foods. This translates throughout our planning process to include varied menu possibilities ranging from traditional favorites to ethnic flavors from around the world. This summer Reid’s Cafe boasts a beautiful new space that has doubled their seating capacity and added a bar area with both beer and wine taps as well as handcrafted cocktails. n 828-2689600. www.reidscateringco.com. See ad on page 80
six pence pub Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a Blowing Rock staple for visitors and residents alike ever since. Known all over the High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, delicious food and extensive beer and wine selection make this local Restaurant & Pub watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street. Who knew that one could find such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The
Six Pence
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pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828295-3155. www.sixpencepub.com. See ad on page 79
STONEWALLS BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com. See ad on page 88
The Table at Crestwood BOONE. Here at The Table Restaurant, fresh is always in season. Our goal is to create southern inspired dishes and an unforgettable atmosphere. Enjoy the highest quality food and beverages, while admiring one of the most spectacular views in North Carolina’s High Country. This rustic Blue Ridge Mountains resort is just 3.9 miles from historic Blowing Rock and 7.3 miles from Boone on the scenic Shulls Mill Road. The Inn at Crestwood is a hidden jewel. Beautiful surroundings, spectacular views and excellent service. n 828963-6646. www.crexstwoodnc.com. See ad on page 88
vidalia Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” Featuring creative menu items for lunch and dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Famous menu items
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SEVEN DAYS A WEEK High Country Magazine
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include the apple and gorgonzola salad, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mushroom ravioli, with finishing choices like stone ground grits and cheddar mac n’ cheese. All of these choices come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to patrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines which can be expertly paired with meals by the staff, a large selection of craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 82
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water wheel cafÊ BOONE. Welcome to the Water Wheel CafÊ, featuring Boone Bagelry bagels. Find us on Highway 105 in Boone – just look for the monumental Water Wheel in our parking lot! We are locally owned and operated our location offers a lodge-like feel with an impressive rock fireplace, a spacious open floor plan, and cozy booth seating. Our Culinary Team developed The Water Wheel Cafe menu to feature many of the Original classics we are known for, as well as new and exciting menu items that will win you over. We also offer a coffee bar with Espresso drinks. We look forward to serving you. n 828262-1600. www.bbwaterwheelcafe. com. See ad on page 86
“I heard a guy one explain the beauty of a newspaper. The newspaper, he said, was an adventure through your hometown, and as you flipped trough the paper you never knew what you might find on the next page. That’s what made the paper a part of your life, and that’s what we hope our website can still be – a window to our local communities where our readers are always finding something new as they scroll down our front page.” – Ken Ketchie
We'll bring you great local journalism right to your computer . With 35 years of experience covering the news, the events and the stories that have been the High Country, you can count on HCPress.com to keep you up-to-date with what's going on. June 2018 High Country Magazine Now, with our website, we have an unlimited amount of space to bring you all the stories, with all the
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Joda Ollis
on life and living at 103 Story by Sherrie Norris
A
very County native Joda Greene Ollis celebrated her she means to me,” added Birchfield. That’s pretty much the sentiment of all the staff, as well Joda’s 103rd birthday on April 10 and is still the belle of the ball at the Waters at Roan Highlands in Roan Mountain, Ten- countless friends of all ages. On her birthday, not only did friends and family come to visit, but also did family members of her denessee, where she currently resides. She didn’t want “a big deal” to commemorate her latest mile- ceased and former roommates, such as Jackie Oakes. “She was so stone this year — no TV station or newspaper reporters flashing good to my mother,” Oakes said. “She just became a part of our family. We love to come back to see her.” their cameras, like before, but she did agree to this one interview. Joda was anticipating the weekend and her regular visit from a Even then, the interview had to be squeezed in between her dear friend, Jo Johnson, from Crossnore. “She weekly hair appointment and her monthly comes every Saturday morning, rain, snow or meeting of the Red Hat Club, which was held sunshine, and stops along the way to bring me in her honor, and in between was a pizza party breakfast. She never misses.” with friends. She was still reeling from going out to celebrate with her family the day before. Back on Powdermill The festivities began days earlier and conJoda has lived “a real good life” and has an tinued long afterward with visits, gifts and intriguing story — one that she repeats often birthday cards sent from near and far; calls to and enjoys sharing with others. Her timeline her cell phone were practically nonstop. and recollection are always precise, and rarely “I’m so blessed. I just can’t explain what all does she leave out a single detail from one time this means to me. You just have no idea,” she to the next. said. “I never dreamed I’d ever live this long.” Delivered by a midwife at home on April It’s just another day in the life of Joda Ol10, 1915, she was the first of four children, lis, and what has become expected at the rest and the only girl, born to Thomas J. and Marhome, just a few miles from where she was garet McCoury Greene. She and her youngest born and raised in the Powdermill community brother, T.J. Greene of Crossnore, are the only of Avery County. “There’s never a dull minsurvivors. “I’m the only one I know in our ute,” she said with a smile. family line who lived to be 100,” she said. With an extraordinary mental clarity and “We (children) had chores and worked Joda Greene Ollis as an infant. an infectious enthusiasm for life, the lively hard,” she said. “We grew most everything we centenarian admits to “slowing down just a litate — and raised farm animals for our meat,” tle,” but she’s not ready to give up “just yet.” she recalled. “We milked the cows and churned Sandra Birchfield, the activities director at milk to make our butter. We had to slop the Roan Highlands, confirms: “Ms. Joda comes hogs and feed the chickens; we chopped wood to all of our events – from bingo to Bible study and carried it in to build fires. We carried waand everything in between. She is so active and ter from a spring — we didn’t have electricity is involved in everything. She is the president or indoor plumbing — and washed our clothes of our residents’ council and always lets us on an old washboard. We didn’t have much know how things are going.” money — not many people did back then — As for her presidential role, Joda said, “We but we didn’t go hungry.” run our resident’s council meetings just like Some of her vivid childhood memories you would anywhere. It’s a regular business are documented in a lengthy poem she wrote, meeting that’s called to order, and we invite called “Growing up in Powdermill.” “I want the administrator in and give reports on evmy family, my nieces and nephews especially, ery department in here, from the laundry to to know what life was like back then. the food, to the nurses. We give the cooks a She also wrote “The Stage of Life,” which hard time, bless their hearts, but all in all, it’s she was asked to recite for a nursing assisgood. They listen to us and take care of any tant’s graduation celebration at Roan Highproblems we have. I try not to complain about lands. She recites both poems often, and othJoda, at 29, holds her baby anything, if I can help it.” brother, T.J. Greene. As the oldest ers she has written. “She is a wonderful lady and we all love and youngest of four children, they Joda attended school at Riverside through her. I just can’t say enough about her and what the seventh grade and graduated from Cranare the only survivors today. 90
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berry High School in 1933; she took a business course afterward, but dropped out to care for her ailing mother. “I decided not to go back to school, but got married, instead.”
Stringing Beans and Falling in Love
Joda will always hold dear the memory of meeting Stokes Ollis at the home of her friend, Grace (Buchanan) Ollis. “Grace’s family was having a bean stringing,” she recalled with a smile. “Stokes was working with his dad on the road below her house that day. I didn’t dream of him coming back that night to help (string beans). I’ve often wondered how things would’ve turned out if he didn’t.” Romance blossomed between the couple soon thereafter, but they dated for nearly eight years before marrying, in 1936, in a small church in the nearby Cranberry community. “The preacher met us there, just like he had told Stokes he would.” Her parents didn’t know about the prearranged ceremony. “My dad never wanted me to marry,” she said. “He kept telling me I had been seeing that boy long enough. He said that I’d be sitting up in some holler with a house full of young’uns one day and not have enough food on the table to feed them.” The day she was married, a Saturday, began like most other days did, she recalled. “I had picked beans all day and said I was going to my friend’s house. I got my bath and wrote my mother a note and left it on the kitchen table. I wrote that I was going to get married, but I’d be back. That’s all I told them.” For the occasion, Joda had purchased a pretty white dress, a matching jacket with fur on the sleeves and pearls. “My brother, Ray, was at the store where Stokes and I had arranged to meet. I heard later, than when Ray saw me, he jumped up and ran home to tell Mama that he’d seen me all dressed up — that I must’ve been going to get married.” Joda was 21; Stokes was 22 “Stokes was just making $1 a day working with the CCC Camp, so we didn’t have much money to go off anywhere,” she said. “We spent our honeymoon, if you can call it that, at his brother’s house.” On Monday, the newlyweds returned to Joda’s family home. “We sat down at the dinner table and Papa gave us a little lecture, but nothing more was said after that.” For the first two months of married
Joda Ollis, at 103, is possibly the High Country’s oldest resident alive today.
Joda Ollis is pictured here with Sandra Birchfield, Activities Director at Roan Highlands, who says that “Ms. Joda stays active in everything we do here — from Bible study to Bingo.” June 2018
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Not surprisingly, she made friends easily with the wives of other crew members, and together, the couple formed lasting friendships with many of the others. “The only time I mentioned getting a job, Stokes got kinda mad and told me, to go on and make a living and he’d quit what he was doing and do the housework. I never mentioned working again, but there were times when we could’ve used the extra money.” Joda said she wasn’t the best cook, but Stokes never complained. “He would eat about anything, except for pickled beans and kraut. I always tried to have him a coconut cream pie, which he loved.” When Stokes retired, the couple sold their trailer at his last job site in Bryson City and settled into their new home in Elizabethton, Tenn. “Stokes was 62 when I talked him into retiring,” Joda says. “I’m awful glad he did. We had 11 more wonderful years together — a total of 51 years and nine days — when he died with leukemia in 1973.” Stokes and Joda Ollis as a young couple Her life was forever changed, she soon after their marriage. said. “I still miss him so bad I can’t hardly stand it, sometimes. I’d give life, in the late summer and during a busy anything if I could just see him one more canning season, Joda remembers well, the time.” couple lived between their two families. Joda remained in Elizabethton for 15 Their first home together, at Cranberry years, where she continued as a faithful Gap, she described, was an old house that member of Big Springs Baptist Church, had never been painted. “It was a monenjoyed participating in activities at the strosity, but we were just as happy as if it senior center and working in her flower had been a mansion. I made my curtains gardens. out of flour sacks and I learned you don’t After she suffered a broken hip from need fine things to be content.” a fall, she agreed to move to Crossnore to be near her brother, T.J., and his family. Moving On Up “I lived there for nine years and enand All Around joyed making so many new wonderful Stokes soon got a job with the A.B. friends and going to church,” she says. “I Burton Construction Company in Virginia, and for the next 30 years, he helped loved it there, but I missed my home and my friends and neighbors, and my little build roads through four different states. “He always wanted me with him, so we doctor, in Elizabethton.” bought a little trailer at first, and then later got a nicer one made out of solid metal — war material — and moved it from one job site to another. It was just like a home.” The two lived at 16 different locations in North Carolina, she said, 14 in Virginia, two in West Virginia and four in Tennessee. She eventually grew tired of the constant moving, and was even bored, at times, she admitted, but said it was something Stokes loved. “He was happy and that was fine with me.” 92
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Tennessee Health Care Association’s Tennessee Center for Assisted Living; she was also elected Valentine’s Day Princess at the nursing care facility. “They take such good care of me here,” she said. “My family is so good to me, too. They didn’t put me in here and forget about me. They come regular to see me.” Joda says she is still “in pretty good shape,” despite hearing and visual loss, and she needs “a little pill” for her heart and blood pressure. Her pacemaker had been checked the day before our interview. “They say I have one year and six months left on it, but they don’t know everything,” she said with a laugh. Her faith is what carries her through, she said. “If it wasn’t for the good Lord, I would never have made it this far. He’s been so good to me. I just can’t thank him enough and I’m not a bit ashamed to tell it. I go in my bathroom every night and pray for my family and friends and for our government and everything else that comes to mind.” It is Joda’s wish that everyone come to know the Lord. “I want you to write that down, Sherrie. It’s too important to leave out. I don’t know how anybody thinks they can go through life without him. It’s a sad time we’re living in. God doesn’t promise us it will be easy, but it’s better with him than without him. I know that for a fact.” t
Giving In, But Not Up
In 2010, Joda agreed with her family that it was time to relinquish her independence, and move to the Roan Highlands facility, which kept her close to relatives and friends in Avery County and Elizabethton. She was determined to remain active and adjusted easily. At 100, Joda was named among Who’s Who in Tennessee Long-term care, an honor bestowed upon her by the
Joda and her husband, Stokes Ollis, at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
The Stage of Life Written by Joda Ollis, July 2011
These are the hands of a hardworking woman, Joda Ollis, who at the age of 103 continues to maintain a busy schedule, but mostly for fun.
We step out on the stage of life At the beginning of our birth We know not what the future holds As we journey here on earth. We’re going to have our valleys Which may be long and wide, But there’s always someone waiting To help us get to the other side.
We start back climbing the mountain Which may be rough and steep, And we may stumble and fall, But we’ll get back up and never stop, For we know, if we keep on climbing, We’ll surely reach the top. We have our sorrows and our joy, The sunshine and the rain; God has not promised us our health always, Without some dreaded pain. But, He has promised us strength for the day,
With flowers strewn along the way. We’re going to have our springtime, With its beauty surrounding us all. Then we start walking back down the road Until we get to fall – the fall of life – With its flowers fading and their petals fall. We step back out on the stage once more, Our final bow to all, And thank God for the memories Before the curtain call.
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What’s Up Doc? The High Country’s James (Jim) Wood Doctor Emeritus and Military Flight Surgeon By Tim Gardner
T
his is a story about Doctor James Doctor Wood is to the medical profession “Jim” Wood, one of those who what the statesman is to government. helped perpetuate the humanitarian image of the medical profession in the days when a doctor was more than a person who could fix what was wrong with your health or do something to cure what ailed you. They’re the ones who truly earned that affectionate label of “Doc.” Doctor Wood practiced medicine for a half-century, or as he would rather state, “50 Golden Years.” He and his wife of 32 years, the former Ann Gilmer, a retired nurse, maintain a home deep in heart of the North Carolina High Country at Linville, as well as in Johnson City, TN, the latter where he doctored for 35 years. With a demeanor and an appearance that personifies class, Wood is a blueprint of the doctor everyone needs. And when he was on call, he never complained about it. He is an example of the doctors who never gets ruffled when they are pushed to the limit; who will listen to anyone’s problems; who don’t worry about a patient’s financial status when he or she seeks treatment; and who are steadfastly dedicated to their profession and the communities they serve. These are the Jim Wood’s everyone apJim Wood as a Baylor School cadet in preciates, the doctors who quietly perform the late 1950s their duties with a dignity and respect that makes them among the most important professionals in our society. A true gentleman, Doctor Wood has absolutely no appearance of tension, worry or anger. It’s a safe bet that he’s never made an enemy or ever carried a grudge. He has a genuine warmth and sincerity, which are almost as famous as his medical influence. Trust and truthfulness mark the approach Jim Wood made when practicJim Wood (left) with his sister, Francis, ing medicine. Simply put, and brother, William, in their childhood years. 94
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A medical calling honed in his younger years
Born March 4, 1940 in the Deep South’s largest city of Atlanta, GA as one of three children to Francis Ferguson (Fergy) Wood and Mary Pape Wood. Jim’s father was a Presbyterian minister and his mother was a housewife who played a role in her husband’s ministry. Jim has a brother, Dr. William P. Wood, a former senior minister for thirty years of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, and a sister, Francis Wood Sale, a retired teacher and guidance counselor in Harrisonburg, VA. In 1946, the Wood Family moved to Johnson City. Jim joined his siblings in entering most worthwhile fields as he satisfied an ambition to practice medicine. He remarked: “For most of my youth, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. It just seemed to stay in my mind that’s what my professional calling would be. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to follow through with it. Many things I did through my adolescent years prepared me for a medical career.” Doctor Wood’s maternal grandfather was headmaster of the University Military School in Mobile, AL, and as a result, Jim’s parents were knowledgeable of the benefits of attending a private school. And when Jim was in the eighth grade, his parents decided he should attend a private school. He began attending the Baylor School for Boys in Chattanooga, TN when he was in the ninth grade. He recalled his days at Baylor School: “Dr. James Fowle, a prominent Presbyterian minister in Chattanooga was instrumental in helping me get accepted as a Baylor student. Its tuition was high and I was given a very generous
scholarship. Baylor was very good academically and athletically. All students there wore uniforms and we participated in military drills daily. And it was a requirement that every student there had to participate in athletics. I excelled better in soccer than any sport, and I earned a letter playing soccer. “Since Baylor was a military school, the school had tough guidelines its students had to follow. I was a Boy Scout growing up and you have to follow strict guidelines to be one, so I was used to stern regulations. I was an Honor Roll student my junior and senior years at Baylor and I had a wonderful time there. The lessons I learned from attending Baylor helped prepare me to succeed in my professional craft.�
Doctor Jim Wood in front of an American Flag painting outside his Linville home.
This flag was presented to Doctor Jim Wood (right) by Doctor David Hecht, Chief of Staff of the Mountain Home, Tennessee VA Hospital. Its inscription reads: This flag flown over Mountain Home, Tennessee on Friday, September 11, 2015 in honor of James F. Wood, M.D. for his dedication and service to the veterans of the Mountain Home Veterans Administration Medical Center from August 3, 2008 through July 9, 2016.
A decorated military career and service in multiple countries
After graduation from Baylor School, Wood enrolled at the University of Tennessee where he continued his studies for one academic year (1959-60) for one year. He transferred to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to finish his undergraduate degree from 1961-63. He was a member of Honor Chemical and June 2018
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Biology Societies there. Wood then enrolled at the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine in Memphis, where he began the long, concentrated study to become a physician. He earned his degree as a Medical Doctor in 1966 and soon after became licensed to practice medicine in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. Following an internship in the City of Memphis hospitals, Doctor Wood joined the Air Force, entering with the rank of Captain. He was sent to the School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, TX where he studied from July-September 1967 to become a Flight Surgeon. He was stationed out of three different military bases: the 12th (Twelfth) Air Force Headquarters in Waco, TX from October 1967 to June 1968; the Belgian Congo Joint Task Force, Strike Command from November-December 1967; and U-Tapao, Thailand from July 1968June 1969. In 1968, he completed a required jungle survival course in the Philippines, sponsored by the Pacific Air Force, a major command of the United States Air Force and also the air component of the United States Pacific Command. “I didn’t know where I would be stationed when I entered the military,” Doctor Wood said. “I was young and adventuresome, but there was a war going on so I was concerned about maybe going to Vietnam. I was first assigned to the 12th Air Force Headquarters at the James Connally Air Force Base in Waco. The 12th Air Force was a tactical air command headquarters which oversaw all fighter units in the Western United States and controlled all tactical air command bases west of the Mississippi River. “When I finished the training at the school of aerospace medicine, I realized that as a flight surgeon I had a responsibility to take care of air crew members and the power to ground pilots if there was a mental or physical issue with their ability to fly. And in order to be a flight surgeon, I was required to fly so many hours each month. We had some T-33 subsonic American jet trainer aircraft, C-118 Liftmaster passenger planes and C-54 Skymaster four-engine, transport planes. I flew all over the country.” 96
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Jim Wood at his desk as he prepares to doctor an airman at the U-Tapao, Thailand flight surgery clinic in 1968.
Military Flight Surgeon Jim Wood leaning against a United States Fighter Jet in Thailand in 1968.
The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee where Jim Wood attended and was its bugler as an upperclassman, playing First Call Reveille of the mornings and Taps at night.
Doctor Wood told of being on stand-by for any potential medical problems when President Lyndon Johnson would fly to the region, meeting Texas Governor John Connally and also flying with troops to Chicago to help quash any violence after Martin Luther King’s assassination. “While I was still stationed in Waco, President Johnson landed in Austin, Texas on several occasions and those times, I was flown down there and would stand be- 2001 Honduras Mission Trip side an ambulance so if a medical Above: Registered Nurse Ann Wood emergency happened so I could talks with a young patient. help the president’s entourage,” Top Right: Doctor Jim Wood checks the Doctor Wood said. “One time I ears of a baby. Middle Right: was standing next to the ambuDoctor Jim and Nurse Ann Wood with lance and a man came up to me a young patient and his father. Bottom Left: Ann Wood signs in patients. and said, ‘Hello, Captain, I appreciate you being here. I’m John Connally.’ Many know that he and his wife were riding in the same limousine with President and Mrs. John Kennedy during a motorcade in Dallas a few years earlier when he was seriously wounded and President Kennedy was killed by an assassin’s gunshots. “After Martin Luther King was killed, the air force mobilized 40 C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft, and I was on one of the Force Base in North Carolina and from flights from Waco to Fort Hood, TX where some of the 5,000 troops were there to the MacDill Air Force Base in picked up and used to halt any potential Florida with the 82nd Airborne and violence. I then flew with some of them Green Berets. We then flew to Trinidad, to O’Hare International Airport in Chi- where we stayed overnight. The next cago. The airport had been closed except day, we flew to Paramario, the capital to military traffic because of the violence and largest city of Suriname, and then there from King’s assassination. I returned across the Atlantic Ocean to Ascension back to the air force base in Waco after the Island. It was very barren there and we troops were dropped off. It was surely an spent the night. The United Nations also American crisis as many riots and other had backup forces on Ascension Island. I was the only physician who went over acts of violence broke out nationwide.” Another major happening in Doctor with the American forces, but there also Wood’s military service occurred in late was a Canadian flight surgeon there.” Doctor Wood continued: “We were 1967. He offered many recollections of his told the reason we stayed overnight on experiences at such: “When at the 12th Ascension Island was because we needed Air Force Headquarters, I was called in to land during daylight in Kinshasa, the by the Air Force’s Chief Surgeon. He told me I was being sent to the Belgian Congo Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital (Zaire) and that it was top secret operation. and largest city, as the Chinese controlled He also told I was not to tell anyone that the Regular Republic of Congo’s capital I would be going to the Belgian Congo. I and largest city, Brazzaville, located on was permitted to tell my family that I was the north side of the Congo River and opposite of Kinshasa, and threatened going to Africa, but not precisely where. “Three days later, I went to Wash- to shoot down any American plane that ington, DC and got a foreign countries strayed into its territory. “Early the next morning we flew to travel visa. I then went to the Pope Air
Kinshasa. We had been told when we arrived there fighting might be underway in the streets as there was a civil war happening. But the area where we staying was secured and guarded by not only our 82nd Airborne troops, but Congolese ones as well. The United States was supporting the government of Joseph Motubu against the people of Katanga, which is where most of the gold mines and diamond mines were in that region. The troops opposing the United States there were those led primarily by mercenaries from Germany and Belgium. “We were part of an expeditionary force which also included personnel from the Unites States Navy, Air Force and Army. We had to eat C-rations while we were there. We dropped paratroopers and transporting troops, mostly at Goma and Bukavu, on the border of Rwanda. We stayed at the airport in Kinshasa and flew out every day to many different cities in the Congo. Some places the locals were very hostile, but they did not get near us or our planes. When we out into cities and towns, we were told to keep our backs towards June 2018
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the U.S. Embassy and not go very far, because in the Congo, a mob could quickly be formed. There were concerns about our safety if that happened. “As far as I know, we only got shot at one time. That happened the last week I was there when we flew into Lubumbashi, part of the Katanga Province, to help negotiate an end of war. On takeoff, the pilot told me we had been hit with small arms fire. But we were on a C-130 Hercules, which was a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft that could use unprepared runways for takeoffs and landing. It had a steel plate on its exterior that rejected bullets and it received no damage. I was so proud of the 82nd Airborne. Those in that unit took good care of us and were much disciplined.” Top Left: Doctor Jim and Ann Wood Doctor Wood’s final military pose in front of a statue of Ho Chi Minh, destination was determined earVietnamese communist leader and first ly in 1968 as he shared: “I was president of Vietnam. Top Right: The sent to Thailand and then to the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Philippines for jungle survival hosted the American military command’s daily conference during the Vietnam War. school. This was the last stop for Middle: Russian Mig Fighters such as pilots and air crew members bethis one were flown by North Vietnamfore Vietnam and Thailand. We ese pilots, but would not engage in a were taught about survival and fight against superior American Aircraft. what to expect in the jungle. We Bottom: Doctor Jim and Ann Wood at were helped with jungle survival the entrance of a Cu Chi Tunnel, which by Filipino pygmies called Negrilinked Vietcong support bases over 155tos. They would have us to hide plus miles, from the outskirts of Saigon in the woods. They gave each of to the Cambodian border. us a little chip, and if they found you, you’d give them this chip, and a DC-3 to fly into bases in South Vietwhich they used it to redeem food. Of nam to coordinate bombing missions. course, they always found us. We learned “One evening on a PKC-135 refueling about booby traps and how to find water mission, just off the coast of North Vietand food. We also were taught how to nam on the gulf of Tonkin, we saw tracers direct a helicopter by using reverse co- firing at our fighters. It was really a scary ordinates on a compass. The helicopters sight. We also could regularly hear fighter dropped a jungle penetrator which we pilots, primarily either talking to ground used to climb up into them. The only way crews or other pilots, as they were hitting out was by helicopter and there was no targets on strike frequencies. One time we blending in with the locals in Vietnam. saw the New Jersey Battleship firing, with “The aircraft we had at U-Tapao pri- smoke rings coming from its big guns. marily included B-52 Stratofortress bomb- Once after having just landed in Pleiku, ers and KC-135 Stratotankers, the latter South Vietnam, the military base there which did the air-to-air refueling. We also came under rocket fire. The fuel storage had Navy P-3 Orions, four-engine, turbo- area was hit and caught ablaze. After our prop anti-submarine and maritime sur- forces finally controlled the rocket attack, veillance aircraft, that flew missions from we took back off. And another time, we Thailand all the way to Daeng, South Viet- landed on Antoi Island, off the off the nam looking for submarines and taking South Vietnam coast, where many thoupictures of Russian and Chinese ships that sands of South Viet Cong prisoners from were close by. And we had a C-47 Skytrain the Tet Offensive were held.”
2006 Return to Vietnam
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Doctor Wood described how flying on a B-52 was different than flying on other military aircraft. “We wore parachutes with locater devices and we had various survival equipment including a 38 revolver for identification purposes if we were shot down,” he recalled. “We had a complete briefing before we took off on where the targets were and we would identify different Soviet aircraft. I sat between the pilot and co-pilot. We had a navigator, an electronic warfare officer and a tail gunner on each flight. The three problems that the B-52s had to encounter were anti-aircraft artillery, enemy aircraft and surface air missiles. “As far as the anti-aircraft artillery, most of the time it would explode below us because in order to get to our altitude, the guns had to be mounted on a truck or a railroad bed and our fighters kept them knocked out. I only went north several
times on the B-52s. Most of those flights were diverted from other targets. We were alerted when Russian aircraft flown by North Vietnamese pilots made runs at us. But they eventually turned away because we had F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft designed to escort bombers to and from their targets and those planes had much better pilots than North Vietnamese. “Our electronic warfare officers blocked all ground air missiles fired at us. We lost no B-52s to service air missiles the whole time I was in Thailand. Unquestionably, had the American forces not been restricted to which facilities and where we could bomb and how we fought, the United States would have absolutely destroyed North Vietnam. And those restrictions cost a tremendous amount of American soldiers lives that otherwise would not have been lost. Not letting our forces go all-out in war there was a mistake.” Doctor Wood also told of working out of the United States Embassy in India: “While in Thailand, I was sent to the United States Embassy in New Delhi, India. The regular embassy doctor had returned to the United States for six weeks and I served in his place until he returned to the embassy. I got a diplomatic pass-
port in Bangkok. I did not wear a uniform and people at the Embassy treated me very well. I got to see the Taj Mahal several times. I also spent one day in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The United States Ambassador there then was Chester Bowles, who had been Governor of Connecticut. That was a most interesting six weeks.” Doctor Wood added that it was an ultimate honor to serve in United States Armed Forces. “It was one of the zenith happenings in my life and I would do it all over again if I was needed,” he declared. “There’s no greater thing you can do for your country than to serve in the military.” He received several military decorations and medals for his outstanding service to our great nation, including: Air Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
Veterans Hospital. He then did an Otolaryngology Residency at the University Of Tennessee School Of Medicine. Otolaryngology is the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. Doctor Wood received board certification from the American Academy of Otolaryngology in ’73. He also has professional memberships in the American Medical Association and the State of Tennessee and Washington County, TN Medical Associations. Doctor Wood relocated to Johnson City where practiced medicine in the ear, nose and throat fields from 1973 until he retired in 2016. He co-founded the Johnson City Eye and Ear Hospital, the Johnson City Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Clinic as well as the Watauga Hearing Conservation. He served as President of the Ear, Nose and Throats Associates from 1974-2000 and the Hearing Conservation from 1974-2000. He also doctored at five hospitals in the Johnson City-Elizabethton, TN area, including Johnson City Specialty, where he served as Chairman of the Board; North Side; Johnson City Medical Cen-
VA Doctor and Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist
After his discharge from the Air Force, Doctor Wood returned to Memphis for four years (1969-73) where he was a resident in general surgery for one year at the
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he spoke, you knew that what ter; Sycamore Shoals; and he told you was for your own part-time from 2008-2016 at good and that you better folthe Veterans Administration low his orders if you wanted at Mountain Home, where to get well or remain from he concluded his illustrious getting sick or hurt. medical career. “I’m especially happy I had the opportunity to treat Medical advances, patients in the Ear, Nose and predictions for Throat Clinic at the VA in cures and Doc’s advice Mountain Home,” Doctor Wood declared. “My patients Doctor Wood has seen came from a 150-mile radius many changes in medicine, and were some of the finfrom remedies that included est people I’ve ever met. And aspirin, iodine, a few banthe VA had a staff as good as dages and splints and advancany VA Hospital anywhere ing to today’s arsenal of antiand still does. Its employees biotics, pills for almost every came from East Tennessee, ailment, stretchers, crutches, Western North Carolina and oxygen and specialized surSouthwest Virginia as well geons for every conceivable as various foreign countries. medical problem. They all care deeply about “There have been numertheir patients and are salt-ofous advances in medicines the earth people. I can’t stress such as various antibiotics beenough how awesome it was ing created, whereas used to to work at the VA because of the only real antibiotic was the patients and staff. It was a penicillin,” he said. “Much highlight of my life.” progress has been made in Doctor Wood also served treatments of the ear, nose as a Clinical Associate Proand throat. Perhaps the greatDr. Jim and Ann Wood in the living room of their home fessor in the Department of est medical advance has been at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville. Surgery at the East Tennesin treating of chronic ear and see State University James sinus diseases. When I first at the height of the Vietnam Conflict and H. Quillen College of Medicine in May in other battle-ravaged places. started practicing medicine we didn’t 1996. Additionally, he served a tenure “One of the reasons I lasted as a phy- have many treatments for chronic ear as Chairman of the Board for Mediserve sician so long was because I’ve always diseases—particularly for children. But Medical Equipment. Another venue espe- been able to maintain exceptional self- much progress was made like the develcially close to his and Ann’s hearts was a control,” he explained. “The stress of opment of pressure equalizing tubes that mission trip they took to Honduras where practicing medicine became less and less have greatly helped in those treatments. they gave much-needed medical care and as my career progressed—especially after And many surgical procedures have been treatments to some of that impoverished I retired as a military flight surgeon. After improved through the years making them nation’s citizens. He noted that many that, I took time off from doctoring vari- easier for doctors to perform and faster Hondurans have to survive on less than ous times and went on trips and did other for patients to recover. Some surgeries one dollar per day and a visit to a doctor things I enjoy.” such as those performed by laser became is several times greater, making access to Doctor Wood is the picture of a man so specialized that patients can have them health care close to impossible for most who has no regrets about what profession and return home the same day.” citizens there. Doctor Wood predicted there may he chose to enter. “I enjoyed the study of medicine and its practice as much as any be cures found for most ailments and Fond reminiscences doctor ever has,” he proclaimed. “The per- diseases. In detail he explained: “There Doctor Wood estimated he has treated sonal rewards of medicine have been very have been rapid advances made in treatthousands of patients and helped improve important to me. You gain a great feeling ing and curing more ailments than ever the quality of life of many, and help ex- from helping others. I consider all my pa- before. It’s all-important for doctors and tend their lives. tients friends. I’ve never recovered from other medical and research professionals He treated military veterans of ev- the loss of a patient, and that’s bound to to continue the progress in finding the ery war of conflict from World War I to come if you’re a doctor. But you feel you’ve cures. There have been many advances Operation Desert Storm (Iraq). Doctor accomplished something special each time in cancer research. Some types of cancers are more aggressive than others, dependWood has been all over the globe and you help someone through doctoring.” either traveled to, or doctored in, an asThe difficult times he experienced as ing on which cells and what parts of the tounding 25 foreign countries. Many a physician never dampened his spirit. He body they attack. Plus, there are many times it was in war-torn cities and villages didn’t raise his voice at patients, but when kinds of cancer which makes it difficult to 100
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find a cure for them all. However, many types are already treatable and there’s been cures found for several others. There likely will be cures found for more in the upcoming years. “The greatest need is in preventive medicine. So many people are overweight, smoke and use other kinds of tobacco and alcohol. Each is bad for your health. If everyone would do a good job taking care of themselves, it would help doctors and other medical professionals tremendously. I advise everyone to eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and pure juices, and avoid drinking soft drinks and eating sweets often. I also strongly suggest not to abuse alcohol, not to smoke or chew tobacco and to exercise regularly. If more people would follow these pieces of advice, the life expectancy rates would be much higher and people would feel better.”
Personal hobbies and community and church service
Doctor Wood is motivated by various avocations. One of the foremost is his enduring affinity for wildflowers and landscaping. He also is an avid hiker, and he and Ann love exploring the many trails
in the North Carolina and East Tennessee Mountains. Dr. Wood also plays golf every chance he gets and hasn’t found a course he can’t tame. He is a former president of the Johnson City Country Club. He has played golf with famous sports personalities including Don Shula, Bob Griese, Steve Spurrier, Johnny Majors and Hugh Durham. Doctor Wood’s civic service is extensive. He has served on the Board of Directors at Lees McRae College, the Grandfather Home for Children and the Holston Presbyterian Camp--all in Banner Elk-- as well as for Baysmount Retirement Center of Kingsport, TN. He also served as a Commissioner of the Johnson City Housing Authority from 1981 to 2000 and two terms as a Planning Board Commission there (1978 to 1981 and 1990 to 1993). He and Ann are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City, where his father was Senior Minister for thirty years. Doctor Wood is a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons and a church elder emeritus there. Doctor Wood has four children: daughters Helen Wood Savato of Midland Park, New Jersey, Wendy French of Dallas, TX
and Patty Watson, of Chattanooga, and son, James Wood, Jr., who is deceased. Doctor Wood and Ann have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Summation
Jim Wood burst into the spotlight at his birth and has never been far from it. His life has been exciting, adventurous, sometimes dangerous and derring-do and always satisfying. During his illustrious medical career, Jim Wood treated many military heroes and thousands of ordinary people. Yet, despite staying busy in so many functions as a doctor and in other fields, he never forgot his friends and he’s always made time for them. That’s another in a seemingly endless list of his great accomplishments. t -Tim Gardner is a NC High Country journalist whose articles have appeared in national, regional, local and specialty publications. Tim is a long-time friend to Dr. Jim Wood, who treated his father, George Lee Gardner, for four years at the VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, TN. *Photographs for this article provided by Dr. Jim Wood.
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Parting Shot...
Front row: Heather Ward, Kristina Shableski, Sonya Blakeley & McKinley Goodnight Back row: Olivia Haigler, Patti Hensley, Tonya McKinney, Beaver Robinette & Terri Hodges
E
Celebrating the Educators that Impact Lives
very year in Watauga County, a teacher is selected from each school in the district to be represented as one of the annual teachers of the year. Each teacher is chosen by their peers, and with over 300 teachers in the county across all grade levels, it’s certainly a proud honor for each of them to be recognized. This year, the teachers of the year were McKinley Goodnight (Bethel), Terri Hodges (Blowing Rock), Patti Hensley (Cove Creek), Heather Ward (Green Valley), Sonya Blakeley (Hardin Park), Tonya McKinney (Mabel), Kristina Shableski (Parkway), Beaver Robinette (Valle Crucis) and Olivia Haigler (Watauga High School). “Quality instruction in classrooms across our district starts with exceptional teacher leadership. Our teacher leaders do so much to influence the culture and success of our schools, and this year’s group of teachers of the year is no exception,” said Watauga County Schools Superintendent Scott Elliott. At the end of each year, the Watauga 104
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County Teacher of the Year Award is handed out to one of those nine teachers. This year, that award went to Terri Hodges from Blowing Rock School. Hodges has been nominated for the award four times and has continued to play such an important role in the lives of the children she teaches. She has spent 29 years teaching in the Watauga County School System and has been at Blowing Rock School for all but one of those years where she teaches eighth grade math and social studies.
June 2018
“Mrs. Hodges teaches with great respect. The amount of planning and hours she puts into her lesson planning each day is evident to her students, and they want to work harder themselves because of it,” said Blowing Rock School Principal Patrick Sukow. For Hodges and the many other teachers that love what they do and have touched the lives of so many children throughout their numerous years of teaching, it’s especially important that everyone understands and appreciates the teachers in Watauga County and everywhere else. “Experienced teachers, especially leaders like Mrs. Hodges, bring so much to their school. Their skills and dedication don’t just leave a mark in their own classrooms and with their own students; they do work that extends to every corner of their schools and beyond. We are lucky to have such teachers in Watauga County, especially veteran teachers like Mrs. Hodges,” Elliott said. By Nathan Ham
June 2018
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