Volume 7 • Issue 6 July 2012
Doc Watson
‘Just One of the People’ 1923 - 2012
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An Ode to Doc
At the age of 89, Doc passed away on May 29. From busking on the streets of Boone to playing the biggest venues in the world, Doc became one of the greatest musicians to ever play guitar. But to those who knew him, there was more to Doc than the music.
Read our tribute to Doc Watson on page 20
on the cover Hugh Morton travelled to Doc’s backyard in 1999 for this issue’s cover shot. A professional photographer, Morton was drumming up publicity for the 75th annual Singing on the Mountain. In those days, black and white was a mainstay in the newspaper world.
C O N T E N T S
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Local Restaurants Section
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Shot Heard Round the World
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Be sure and check out our restaurant section featuring the High Country’s best locally owned dining establishments. Summer is in high gear and our restaurants are at the top of their game, many using locally grown produce to enhance their menus. Stroll through our restaurants pages to find your favorite dining spot – or maybe try something new. Support the local economy by visiting our locally owned restaurants!
On a rainy day in the early 70s, representatives from Augusta National, home of the Master’s, watched a golf pro hit a ball out of the bunkers of the Linville Ridge Golf Club, which was filled with sand from a Spruce Pine quartzite. After that shot, Augusta ordered 13 boxcar loads of the white sand, and the rest – as they say – is history.
A Wagging Pose Lobo, Yin Yang, Noah, Jazz, Luna, Chi-Chi, Blue, Rossi, Joey and Lizzy are the fortunate ones – having been found by the Ashe County Animal Control on the “Underground Railroad” for lost and abandoned animals and taken into loving homes.
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Keep Calm and Throw On
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Letting the Magic Flow
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Doe Ridge Pottery has been a staple in the High Country for three decades. From making functional pottery to abstract renderings, Bob Meier, the owner of Doe Ridge Pottery truly enjoys his craft after all these years.
Painting for more than 25 years, Debbie Arnold listens to her intuitions and works from visions and dreams to create stunning works of art. A prolific artist, Arnold focuses on the journey – not the destination.
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READER SERVICES
Goodnight Estelle
ABOUT US
The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper” is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts. Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.
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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.
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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 and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.
FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.
Contact us at:
High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 130 North Depot Street Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262
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Crafting a Living in Foscoe
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The Wild West on Linville Ridge
Henry Vaughn’s high-end wood shop is hidden off a gravel road in Foscoe. After trying nearly everything from beekeeping to leasing a fish market, Henry decided to try to make a living woodworking more than 30 years ago.
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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 Senior Graphic Designer Tim Salt
What’s Your Doc Story?
T
Ken Ketchie
here’s been many a story told veiling of the sculpture of Doc playing his amongst friends this past month guitar, all us media folks were all hoping about either knowing Doc Watson, he would show up. It wasn’t for sure that seeing him around town at a local store, Doc was going to be there, but of course or even catching one of his many local he came and sat on the porch at the Jones performances, often to a benefit a local House — and even sat in on some songs. It cause. It wasn’t unusual to catch a glimpse was a picture-perfect day and thousands of of Doc — after all, he lived his whole folks enjoyed the afternoon of music and life just down the road in Deep Gap. I’ve festivities, which featured the unveiling of heard some great stories, and it’s been the now famous statue by Alex Hallmark. interesting how the conversation usually After the concert ended, I had gone back ends up with the thought of how we just to our office to upload my pictures. While kinda took Doc for granted around here. they were uploading, I walked back down Certainly for someone who was to King Street and lo and behold — there known around was Doc the world, Watson sitwon seven ting on the Grammy’s, the bench next Grammy Lifeto his statue. time AchieveNow, this ment Award, was a onceand the Nain-a-lifetime tional Medal of picture — so Arts from Preswe thought! ident Bill ClinI raced back ton, and played to the office with some of to fetch my Doc Watson sits on “his” bench on June 24, 2011 the greatest camera and Photo by Peter Morris musicians of our took as many time, it’s an unpictures as I derstatement to say that he was quite a could of Doc sitting, seemingly oblivious star. Yet you would never have noticed it to the crowd, which had gathered around from Doc’s demeanor. I’ve seen Doc many Doc, as he ran hands over the statue, feeltimes during my life in the High Country, ing the likeness of himself. and I even had a chance to talk with him a Back at the office I was bragging about couple times. The conversations were easy the picture of the day, convincing myself and fun, and when you would see him out, and anyone who would listen, that moit wasn’t anything like the hoopla you as- ment would be the only time Doc would sociate with other famous musicians. For visit that bench. But, of course, it wasn’t. our mountain community, he was always Several more times that summer, Doc what he wanted to be — “Just One of the stopped by the bench and sat down and People.” talked with anyone who happened to stop So here’s my Doc story. It happened last by. He sat and talked with the people — June and was the first time Doc sat down the people, who Doc felt he had more in on “his” bench in downtown Boone. Dur- common than any other famous person. ing the celebration surrounding the un- Doc truly was “Just One of the People.” 8
High Country Magazine
July 2012
Graphic Designers Angelo Litrenta John Kilby Contributing Writers Jesse Wood Paul Choate Rebecca Gitlen Ethan Woodhouse Greg Hince Harris Prevost Linda Kramer Clare Tager Contributing Photographers Maria Richardson Frederica Georgia James Fay Associate Editor Angela Rosebrough Finance Manager Amanda Giles High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina
HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:
HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2012 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.
July 12
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Calendarof Events JULY 2012
4-Aug 1 Islands to Highlands, Avery Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 5-10
Bob Meier, Doe Ridge Pottery, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636
6-8
Gathering of the Peacemakers & Yoga Retreat, High Country Motorcycle Camp, 828-295-4610
7
Creedence Clearwater Revisited outdoor concert, Kidd Brewer Stadium, ASU, 800-841-2787 Christmas in July Festival, West Jefferson, 336-846-9196 Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-5265740
12-17
Ann H. Welch, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636
13
Carolina Ballet, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787
Concerts on the Lawn: Fox Kinsman, The Forget-Me-Nots & Todd Wright and Friends, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 Music in the Valle: The Wild Rumpus, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 Music on the Lawn: Smokey Breeze, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466
Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067
Reception for “Islands to Highlands,” Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 Sew Much Fun and quilting projects, Buckeye Recreation Center, 828-387-3003
Todd Summer Music Series: Dave Haney & Lisa Baldwin, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org 7-15
Ensemble Stage: The Complete History of America… (Abridged), Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-414-1844
8
Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concert, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-295-9300
13
Riverwalk Concert Series: Johnson Brothers, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org Mountaineer Ruritan Fish Fry, Sugar Grove, 828-773-5622
13-14
15th Annual Sugar Grove Music Festival, Cove Creek School, 828297-2200
13-15
Meet Bob the Builder, Teetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-5265740
13-20
Ensemble Stage: See How They Run, a comedy, Lees-McRae, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709
14
TCVA Family Day, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787
Faculty Showcase, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 800-841-2787 Mountain Home Music: Celtic Fiddle & Dance, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Rebecca Eggers-Gryder with Amantha Mill, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 9
British Soccer Camp, Brookshire Park, Boone, 877-263-7909
10
Beech Mountain Art Guild Show, BMC Recreational Building, 828387-4208
11
Lunch and Learn with artist Phoebe Brush, Turchin Center, ASU, 800841-2787 Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952
Solas, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-5265740 Art in the Park, American Legion Hall Grounds, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 15
Lunch and Learn with artist Phoebe Brush, Turchin Center, ASU, 800841-2787 12
12-15
10
Eastern Festival Orchestra with Alexander Toradze, Piano, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: The Cockman Family, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838
BRAHM Cork & Canvas, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099
18
Lunch & Learn: The Artists of Poland, Turchin Center, ASU, 800841-2787
Concerts in the Park: Dashboard Blue, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395
Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952
57th Annual Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, 828-7732013
19
Department of Theatre & Dance Presents: Shipwrecked, Valborg Theater, ASU, 800-841-2787
High Country Magazine
July 2012
DON’T FORGET
EVENTS
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games The 57th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will bring colors of hundreds of tartan plaids and the clamor of half a dozen bagpipe bands to the North Carolina High Country. The games, considered one of the best games in the country due to the picturesque mountain setting reminiscent of Scotland, are a four-day event beginning with opening ceremonies on Thursday night, followed by competition in heavy-weight Scottish athletic events, highland dancing competition, bagpipe band parades, piping, drumming and harp competitions, sheep herding demonstrations by Scottish border collies and concerts featuring a wide variety of Celtic music.
July 12-15
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove Expect a family-fun weekend of music in the Historic Cove Creek District on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14 at the 15th annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove. A communitycentered festival in a beautiful setting, its concert performances are intimate. During the course of the weekend, musicians wander the festival grounds, hang out backstage and sign autographs for fans after performances. Advance tickets, which are to be purchased before July 12, cost as follows: two-day reserved tickets $55; Friday $15; and Saturday $20. At the gate: tickets cost $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday.
July 13-14
High Country Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show July 20-22
The 18th annual High Country Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show, part of the Treasures of the Earth Gem & Jewelry Shows, takes place at the Boone National Guard Armory. Jewelry makers, goldsmiths and silversmiths from all over the U.S. who can reconstruct, repair, design or make original jewelry from customer-selected gems, stones, opals and crystals will be in attendance. Hourly door prizes will be part of the event, including a gold ring with a precious stone as the Grand Door Prize.
www.SugarBrew.com
A Summer Festival Saturday, August 4, 2012 12:00 - 6:00pm ing Beer and Wine Tast import Sample an array of craft, nes. and domestic beer and wi Live Music Listen to live music performances by local fav orites The King Bees, The Johnso n Brothers and Soul Benefac tor. Food a Satisfy your appetite with can eri Am e ‘ol od selection of go , ers urg mb style hot dogs, ha sodas, and ice cream. Enjoy The View Enjoy ski-lift rides to Sugar ’s 5,300 ft. peak. Cool mo untain temperatures and fresh mountain air. Shopping Take advantage of Sugar -70% Mountain Sports Shop’s 30 e sal e dis off all winter merchan ted or purchase your discoun ss. 2012-13 winter season pa
Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 1-800-Sugar-MT Purchase your tickets at www.SugarBrew.com July 12
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Concerts in the Park: Jeff Luckadoo & Southern Wave, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 19-24
Kincheloe, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636
20
Linda Eder: Songbirds: Tribute to the Ladies, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787
Symphony by the Lake, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 828-2957851 Concerts at the Jones House: The Dollar Brothers & Carolina Crossing, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576
Music in the Valle: High Standards, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239
Concerts on the Lawn: The Lazybirds & Melissa Reaves, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 Music in the Valle: Kent Doobrow & Midnight Sun, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239
Music on the Lawn: Drive South, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828295-3466 Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067
Music on the Lawn: Lucky Strikes, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828295-3466 Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067
Riverwalk Concert Series: Habitat Date, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 28
Department of Theatre and Dance Presents: Fellow Traveler, Valborg Theater, ASU, 800-841-2787
Riverwalk Concert Series: Night Eagle Band, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 20-21
Spruce Pine BBQ Championship & Bluegrass Festival, Spruce Pine, 828-385-1125
20-22
21st Annual Fine Art and Mastercrafts Festival, Downtown Banner Elk, 828-898-5605
21
The Travelin’ McCourys with Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787
Greater Avery Tour de Art, 14 area galleries and studios, 828-9635247 26th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk, Farthing Auditorum, ASU, 800841-2787 Family Classic Movie Night: Swiss Family Robinson, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787
“Murder at the Double D Ranch,” Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock,800-526-5740
Todd Summer Music Series: Eric Ellis & Eold Blue, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-5265740 22
Eastern Festival Orchestra: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice & Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 “Farm to Table” Cooking Class, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 828295-5533 Mountain Home Music: Community Gathering; Bluegrass & Barn Building, Grace Lutheran Church, Boone, 828-964-3392 Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Watauga Community Band, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838
21-29
K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800526-5740
24-29
Charity Horse Show: Hunter Jumper I, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-2700
25
Lunch & Learn with Preston Lane, playwright, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787.. Chicago and The Doobie Brothers, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, 800-841-2787
Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952
26
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 800-8412787 Concerts in the Park: Mad Dog Johnson with Don Vallarta, TateEvans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395
26-28
High Country Crank-Up, across from New Laurel Spring Church, Deep Gap, 828-264-4977
26-31
Mary Ann Baggstrom, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877750-4636
27
St. Mary Tour of Homes, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7323
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Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-5265740 28-Aug 5 Ensemble Stage: Fit to Kill, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828414-1844 29
Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys with Joe Shannon, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838
31-Aug 5 Charity Horse Show: Hunter Jumper II, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-2700
AUGUST 2012 1
Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952
1-5
Showboat, a musical, Lees-McRae, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709
2
Concerts in the Park: Mountain Soul, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395
2-7
Laura Farthing Brown and Norma Farthing Murphy, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636
2-31
Musings on Duality, Avery Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054
3
First Friday Art Crawl, downtown Boone, 828-262-4532 Concerts at the Jones House: Steve Kruger and Doug Sharkey, Crooked Road Ramblers & Sheets Family, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 Music in the Valle: Dashboard Hula Boys, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239
Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 Riverwalk Concert Series: Tams, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 3-5
BRAHM Art & Antiques Weekend Event, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099
DON’T FORGET
EVENTS
Chicago & The Doobie Brothers Legends of rock ‘n’ roll Chicago and The Doobie Brothers will share the stage for a special night on July 25 at the George M. Holmes Convocation Center on the campus of Appalachian State University as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Grammy-award winning Chicago is the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s list of Top 100 artists of all time. The Doobie Brothers are celebrating their 40th anniversary and have sold an estimated 40 million records over the course of the last four decades. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale now.
July 25
Lees-McRae Summer Theater: Showboat Perhaps the most influential musical of the twentieth century is Show Boat. After three film versions, numerous Broadway and London revivals, countless tours and recordings, legendary director Harold Prince took the helm for a new Broadway production in 1994, and this streamlined version became an instant hit! Based on Edna Ferber’s bestselling novel of the same name, the musical follows the lives of the performers, stagehands, and dockworkers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River showboat, over a span of nearly fifty years, from 1880 to 1927. Show Boat tells the story of a showboat family and their struggles with gambling, race and infidelity and poverty.
Aug 1-5
High Country Festival of the Book The High Country Festival of the Book is a two-day event sponsored by the Friends of the Watauga County Public Library. It aims to promote the Friends of the Library and to draw attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries. The festival takes place at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Whether you do it on a computer, a Kindle, a Nook, or the old fashioned way on paper, come celebrate with fellow readers in the High Country of North Carolina!
Aug 3-4
Summer 2012 Grand Opening & Dedication of the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Thursday, July 12 at 11 a.m. 376 Mill Pond Road
Barefoot & BBQ with music by Nightlife Band Friday, July 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tate Lawn $10 adults/$6 children
BAREFOOT &
BBQ
Stephenson Center for Appalachia Lecture Series
July 11 - Orville Hicks, Mountain Storyteller July 18 - Dr. Pat Beaver, Women & Community Memory July 25 - Dr. Ted Olson, Early Recordings of Traditional Mountain Music 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium - Cannon Student Center
Coffee & Conversation Coffee, pastries and conversation about Lees-McRae College July 11, August 8 and September 12 at 9 a.m. The Alumni House 310 Banner Road
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre Seussical - June 27 - July 1 See How They Run - July 12-19 Show Boat - Aug. 1-5 $25 to $35
Admissions Open House
Avery County Farmers Market
July 14 (rising seniors) September 29
Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Tate Lawn
All events are held on the campus in Banner Elk and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. R.S.V.P. required for May Wildlife Center Dedication, Bluegrass & BBQ, Coffee & Conversation, and Open House. Contact Michelle Scott at (828) 898-2489 or scottmv@lmc.edu. July 12
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Insider tips, fascinating facts, conversation starters and fun stuff to do Local Banjo Prodigy Brandy Miller is Taking the Bluegrass World By Storm; New CD, ‘BrandyGrass Volume 1,’ Available Now
B
randy Miller, of West Jefferson, picked up a banjo for the first time eight years ago and has been wowing crowds and racking up awards and recognition ever since. She has won numerous awards at fiddler’s conventions and bluegrass festivals around the Southeast. She has shared the stage with the likes of Grammy award winner Adam Steffey. She even has her first CD out now, “BrandyGrass Volume 1,” which was released on June 22. That’s an impressive track record for any upand-coming bluegrass musician. But here is the most amazing part of all: Brandy is only 14 years old. She started playing on stage at the age of six with The Dollar Brothers at Sims Country Bar-BQue in Granite Falls and has been honing her skills ever since. “My dad had an old banjo around the house, so I just picked up from there and he got me some lessons,” said Brandy. Joy Miller, Brandy’s mom, said Brandy’s father took her to see Steve Lewis, a musician with ToneBlazers, and
She has also received advice from some of the industry’s top professionals, including Buddy Melton, fiddle player with Balsam Range.
he began giving her lessons. Lewis remains her teacher to this day. “I’m just glad that Steve has helped me all he has,” said Brandy. “It’s been really great and I hope I can do it for a long, long time.”
“They said not to rush it, just take it slow and it will all come together,” said Brandy. And it is definitely coming together. Brandy placed in the top five in the banjo category at the RenoFest Bluegrass Festival in Hartsville, S.C. in both 2011 and 2012. At the Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, Va. she has been amassing accolades since 2008. She took second place in the youth bluegrass banjo category in 2008 in Galax. From there she went on to take first in youth bluegrass banjo in 2009, second
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in youth bluegrass banjo and third in adult bluegrass banjo in 2010, and first in youth bluegrass banjo and fifth in adult bluegrass banjo in 2011. Additionally, in 2011 she was asked to join the International Bluegrass Music Association “Kids on Bluegrass” program. She will be a part of that until she is 18. Then, in early June of this year she was invited to Tom T. Hall’s studio in Franklin, Tenn. and recorded on the upcoming “Daughters of Bluegrass” album. A proud mother, Joy Miller describes her daughter’s future as “endless possibilities, I’m sure. She can take it as far as she wants. I’m sure of that. She just had her first CD come out and that just came in on [June 22].” “We’ve been working on [the album] for a few years and we finally got it out,” said Brandy. “It’s been hard trying to get everybody to come in and get it all done, but we finally got it. We’re actually getting ready to start on a second one pretty soon We’re working on songs to put on it and people to play on it, so that will be fun.” Although she’s not rushing into anything, Brandy’s rise to prominence is certainly on the fast track. When asked if it was ever intimidating to share the stage with older, more renowned musicians she replied, “I think it’s where I’m supposed to be.” “BrandyGrass Volume 1” is currently available at Mystery Hill and Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine in Blowing Rock and Scott Harris’ Guitar Shop in West Jefferson. You can also purchase it online at brandygrass.com. By Paul T. Choate
Brandy Miller with her teacher, mentor and friend Steve Lewis
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Appalachain State University Has Best Baseball Season in Program History
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he Appalachian State University baseball team enjoyed the best season in the program’s history this season, reaching the NCAA postseason for the first time in 26 years. The Mountaineers (41-18) made it to regional play and were one loss away from making it to super regional play. The Apps fell to Oklahoma (42-23) twice in a doubleheader on Monday, June 4, and were eliminated from the NCAA Playoffs. Despite the loss, this season marked the most successful season in Appalachian State baseball history. The Mountaineers won the regular season Southern Conference (SoCon) Title. Pitcher Ryan Arrowood won the SoCon Pitcher of the Year Award and former head coach Chris Pollard won the SoCon baseball Coach of the Year Award. Designated hitter Daniel Kassouf was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) District IV Player of the Year as well as being named an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) first team all-American. He was also a
Photo courtesy of Dave Mayo/ASU athletics
Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist. Additionally, four Mountainers (Nathan Hyatt, Tyler Tewell, Seth Grant and Ryan Arrowood) were selected in the MLB Draft. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, head coach Chris Pollard resigned in June to take the head coaching position for Duke University’s baseball team. In eight seasons coaching ASU, Pollard orchestrated the turnaround of a program that dealt with two 10-win seasons in 2004-05 to a team that came within three wins of the College World Series this year. Pollard finished
with a 244-210-2 record. Pollard was receiving approximately $89,000 annually to serve as the coach of the ASU baseball team, with a $1,000 bonus incentive for winning the SoCon Title. His contract with Duke University has not been disclosed, as per Duke University – a private university – departmental policy. His newest contract with ASU was from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014. According to Pollard’s contract, “it is difficult or impossible to determine with certainty the damages that may result from such termination by Coach and that the liquidated damages provision of this section are not to be construed as a penalty, but as an attempt by Coach and ASU to establish adequate and reasonable compensation to ASU in the event Coach terminates this Agreement prior to its natural expiration. Therefore, the parties have agreed on this liquidated damages clause.” A national search for Pollard’s replacement began immediately upon his resignation. By Paul T. Choate
July 12
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Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Lees-McRae College
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n Thursday, July 12, Lees-McRae College will host the grand opening and dedication of the Dan and Dianne May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 11 a.m. The May Wildlife Center will be located at 367 Mill Pond Road in Banner Elk. It is the first new construction on the Lees-McRae campus since the The Village student apartments were opened in 2005. The new center was made possible thanks to a generous $400,000 donation from Daniel and Dianne May through the Edwin and Jeanette May Foundation. Located near the banks of the Elk River adjacent to the current facility, the 2,500 square foot center will have significant improvements. These are highlighted by the addition of an education area which will help to keep visitors out of treatment areas and also provide a more enjoyable educational experience. This will help to keep the treatment center behind the scenes and allow students access to a multipurpose work room for the training of animal ambassadors. The facility will also include an intensive care and
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quarantine unit for animals who require being kept in a quite location while recovering. Additionally, there will be a room within the center that is dedicated to the study of herpetology – the branch of zoology that
deals with the study of amphibians and reptiles. According to student intern Amanda Goble, the Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute at Lees-McRae College is one of the only centers of its kind in western North
Carolina that is licensed to care for amphibians and reptiles. According to Meghan D. Wright, director of communications with Lees-McRae College, the facility is licensed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and will annually care for over 900 injured or orphaned wild animals from western North Carolina. These include animals attacked by cats, hit by cars, gunshot, caught in fences and other human-induced causes. This wildlife rehabilitation work includes medical assistance in conjunction with trained veterinarians, feeding, housing and supportive care. Fully recovered animals are released in appropriate wild habitats. High Country residents and visitors alike are invited to attend the July 12 grand opening. Lunch will be served following the dedication at Mill Pond. For more information, visit brwi.lmc.edu. By Paul T. Choate
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‘Real Cooking’ and Real People and Employee of the Year at Troy’s 105 Diner
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uthentic 1950s memorabilia covers the walls, the floor is checkered with black and white and the bar-style seating is “the same as it was way back when,” say Troy’s senior guests. Famous for their half-pound, fresh Angus beef burgers, milkshakes and dessert temptations, Troy’s 105 Diner is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Besides the classics, Troy’s serves breakfast all day. Their most popular meals include the made-from-scratch meatloaf, chicken penne pasta and real mashed potatoes and gravy. “It’s real cooking, not out of a can,” said Sarah Grant, Troy’s waitress voted Employee of the Year for Boone. Grant has been a driving force behind Troy’s friendly atmosphere since she started working there in 1996. Grant turns the restaurant into a cozy kitchen. Her regulars don’t even have to place an order - it’s ready for them as they’re coming in. “If my regulars didn’t come in we’d be worried about them,” she said. “It’s like a family.” When her ‘family’ voted her employee of
were here last year...” Grant’s warm hospitality sticks with them year to year. Families love the unique, vintage atmosphere, and kids love that kids meals come in little cars. As for Grant, she loves the day-to-day. “It’s almost like a soap opera in here,” she said. “Every day it’s something different and new.” Troy’s offers discounts for senior citizens and students, as well as daily specials, like Tuesday’s Turkey BLT with Pasta Salad for $5 and Wednesday’s Hamburger with fries for $5. Troy’s is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 1286 Highway 105, Boone. For more information, call 828-265-1344 or visit www.troysSarah Grant, Boone Employee of the Year, at Troy’s 105 Diner. 105diner.com. By Rebecca Gitlen Photo by Maria Richardson the year, Grant was in awe. “I was more than flabbergasted,” Grant said. “I love getting to know everybody and I give them extra special attention.” She says her customers aren’t just ‘Mr. Blueberry Pancake Man.’ She learns their names and lives. Even the summer people say, “I remember you
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Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Introduces ‘SugarBrew’
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ugar Mountain Ski Resort is brewing up another fun mountain festival this summer for High Country residents, visitors and beer and wine aficionados. The inaugural SugarBrew festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 4 from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature drinks, food, music and other kinds of fun for people of all ages. Attendees can enjoy a sample of craft, import and domestic beers from roughly 20 breweries, as well as skilift rides to Sugar’s 5,300 ft. peak, where summer temperatures drop and a cool mountain breeze wafts through the air. Hot dogs, hamburgers, soda and ice cream will be served. Well-known local bands The King Bees, Soul Benefactor and The Johnson Brothers will perform. The Johnson Brothers open the festival from noon to 1:30 p.m., and will play tunes from the 70′s through today, with the main focus on classic rock and oldies. The Johnson Brothers have been playing music in the High Country most of their collective lives. Soul Benefactor will take the stage at 2 p.m. for and hour and a half set. Originally formed for a one-off party performance in August 2007, the band soon decided that playing together was too much fun to simply hang it up. The members of Soul Benefactor have decades of experience under their collective belts, and most of the musicians are multi-instrumentalists. The band is known to cover the songs of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Billy Preston, Junior Walker & The Allstars, Al Green, Sam & Dave,
Otis Redding, Booker T. & The MGs, The Meters, Bill Withers, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, CCR, The Rolling Stones and many more. Headliners The King Bees are a two-piece alternative blues band from Todd, N.C. who often have other musicians sit in with them. They have worn their North Carolina pride on their sleeves for the entirety of their 25 years in the music business, even titling their latest album “Carolina
www.SugarBrew.com
A Summer Festival Bound.” They will take the stage at 4 p.m. to close out the festival. High Country area and North Carolina breweries will be represented at SugarBrew, including French Broad Brewing Co., Natty Greene’s Brewing Co., Lonerider Brewing Company and Olde Hickory Brewery, among others. Also, seven wineries, the majority of which are from western NC, will have selections available. Beer and wine wristbands are $35 and are available at www.sugarbrew.com/tickets. General admission and parking are free.
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Sugar Mountain Ski & Snowboard Foundation. For more information and a complete list of beer and wine vendors visit www.sugarbrew.com or call 1-800-SUGAR-MT. Sugar Mountain will also be holding its 22nd annual Oktoberfest Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival, which is one of the Mountain’s yearly highlights, will feature folk dancing and music from the Harbour Town Fest Band, who Sugar Mountain promises will bring “a festive Bavarian atmosphere.” There will also be performances from the national award winning Avery Smooth Dancers and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers. Admission, parking and shuttle service for Oktoberfest are free. Both festivals will go on rain or shine and are open to families with kids of all ages. For additional information call 828-898-4521. For more information on Oktoberfest visit http://oktoberfest. skisugar.com. The resort will also be selling clothing and equipment from the sports shop for 30-70 percent off and will be selling discounted passes for the 2012-13 winter season. In addition, Sugar Mountain is offering accommodations at a 30 percent discount at three different lodges during SugarBrew. For more information on Sugar Mountain visit www. skisugar.com. By Greg Hince
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Banner Elk Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
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he 21st annual Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival returns to the historic Banner Elk School located in downtown Banner Elk on Friday evening, July 20 through Sunday, July 22. Sponsored by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, this well-respected event brings an eclectic array of artisans together with varied mediums to our region under the umbrella of the High Country summer sky. Susan Freeman, director of the Chamber, shared how this juried festival will again see the return of show favorites, but also will see at least 15 new artists with some only found at this one festival in the High Country. One such photographer and author, Cotton Ketchie, who captures the essence of America, will be on hand sharing stories of his travels and highlighting images of the Linn Cove Viaduct, celebrating 25 years of connecting the Blue Ridge Parkway. Freeman stated the artist selection process is strict and factors in fine art for the most discriminating collector alongside works reflecting the whimsical side of life. This juried event showcases masterfully crafted wares that will leave attendees asking, “How did they do that?” Keeping with our mountain heritage, some of the artists in attendance have learned their craft passed down through generations. The festival provides a great opportunity to find a collectible piece of your own, an original work or heirloom that can be passed along to your children, as well as providing a great time to purchase unique gifts for loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas and holiday gift giving. For more information, contact the Avery County Chamber at 1-800-972-2183.
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‘A Good Man’
Who Happened to Pick an Extraordinary Guitar Doc Watson
March 23, 1923 – May 29, 2012 By Jesse Wood
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Young and Old: Doc, with his electric guitar, performs with Jack Williams and the Country Gentlemen at Singing on the Mountain in the mid ‘50s. Doc sits at MerleFest in 2011. Photo (left) by Hugh Morton; Photo by Jim Morton
hen talking to people about the late, great Doc Watson, who recently passed away at the age of 89, I noticed a recurring theme, and it has nothing to do with his stellar flatpicking that redefined the guitar’s role in folk, old-time and bluegrass music, a talent that put the High Country on the map. More often than not, people who knew Doc talk about his character – his humility and benevolence. For instance, at this year’s Doc Watson Celebration, speaking before the hundreds sitting on the Jones House lawn, Uwe Kruger, a highly skilled guitarist with the Kruger Brothers, harped upon this theme. “Before I could become a good guitar player like Doc Watson, I had to become a good man like Doc Watson. It’s not about the music,” Kruger said. “So keep that in mind [because] Doc always told me he doesn’t want to always be remembered as a good guitar player but as a good human being.” July 12
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“Before I could become a good guitar player like Doc Watson, I had to become a good man like Doc Watson. It’s not about the music. So keep that in mind [because] Doc always told me he doesn’t want to always be remembered as a good guitar player but as a good human being.” – Uwe Kruger, The Kruger Brothers
Photo courtesy of Folklore Productions
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was born on March 3, 1923, in Stoney Fork, a community of Deep Gap on March 3, 1923, as the sixth of Annie Greene and General Watson’s nine children. He lost his sight from an eye infection by the time he was one, but his father didn’t let that deter Doc. He put him to work on the end of a crosscut saw when he was a young teenager and provided Doc with his first musical instruments. When Doc was six, he bought him a harmonica, and thereafter Doc received a new one every Christmas. At age 11, Doc’s father built him his first guitar, using the skin on his grandma’s sickly cat as a banjo head. When he gave him the banjo, General said, “Son, I want you to learn this thing real well. It might help you get through the world.” When Doc was 13, he received his first guitar and a few years later, Doc upgraded his guitar, paid for by Doc’s labor on the crosscut saw and from cutting down dead chestnut trees around their homestead. Soon thereafter, Doc’s music echoed on the streets of downtown Boone in the ‘40s and early ‘50s – his first performances in public.
Tales of a Street Musician
If Doc couldn’t hitch a ride into Boone, Doc would walk the 12 miles from Deep Gap by himself, carrying his guitar case in one hand and finding his way to town using a white 22
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finder stick with a red tip in his other hand. “I got to where I just about memorized every little bad place where I would have to shy right close to the edge of the hard top [road] …and [I] never got nearly hit by a car or anything like that,” Doc said at a press conference in 2011. “I wouldn’t even try to do that today.” At first, he played on a little bench, several feet away from pedestrian traffic but close enough to the sidewalk so people could listen. A tin cup was strapped to the neck of his guitar. Some thought he was panhandling, but Doc disagreed. In an interview in 1999, Doc said, “And I ain’t never been ashamed of it. I used to be a little bit. But I’ve thought back about that since then, and I was selling something [then], just like I do now.” When I asked Doc what it was like busking on the streets of downtown Boone, he recounted his worst experience as a street musician, a tale that involved holster slapping and a rogue, ruthless lawmen – a “coward, rotten” man by the name of Lee Gross. Doc was sitting on a bench playing his guitar and five guys from over in Pottertown were listening to Doc play. “Lee Gross drug me and jerked me off of what I was sitting on [and said,] ‘I told you you couldn’t play on the street.” Those boys behind Doc “flew all to pieces. I heard hands hit pockets and [one of those guys said] ‘Touch him again and your undertakers will take you home,” Doc said, adding that Gross ran like a scared rabbit. After the altercation, Doc walked up the street
President Bill Clinton, when giving Doc the National Medal of Arts in 1997:
“There may not be a serious, committed Baby Boomer alive who didn’t at some point in his or her youth try to spend a few minutes at least trying to learn to pick a guitar like Doc Watson.” N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue on Doc’s passing:
“Over his long and brilliant career, Doc Watson traveled the world playing the music he loved, but his heart never strayed far from his home in Deep Gap, North Carolina. His peerless abilities garnered him countless awards, including North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award, in 1986, and the North Carolina Heritage Award in 1994. Our state was fortunate to have such a worldwide ambassador of North Carolina’s culture and heritage. He will be missed.”
Peter Rowan, musician, in Doc’s biography Blind but Now I See:
“Doc is a force of nature. Without Doc, there would have been no anchor for the last 40 years to keep us remembering the simplicity of the old tunes.”
Wayne Henderson, friend and fellow musician, on Doc’s humility:
“For somebody so famous, he’s really humble and don’t like you making a fuss over him or bragging on him.”
David Holt, friend and fellow musician:
“I think he is one of – if not – the greatest American folk musicians. Thousands of musicians have learned from him. I am certainly one of them. He has great timing, great tone and great taste in the music he chooses.”
Taj Mahal, musician, in Doc’s biography Blind but Now I See:
“I never heard an off night from Doc Watson – ever, ever, ever.”
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with his guitar case, and a shop owner named Jim said, “Doc, come up here and pick. I’ll let him try to run you off of here.” The shop owner had a gun next to his cash register when Gross came back with a mean look. “Jim said, ‘Don’t reach for that gun Lee Gross, if you do, I’ll call the undertakers.’ That’s what he said. I sat right still, and [Jim] said, ‘He can stay here and play as much music as he wants to and make him a dollar and make me a few dollars.” And down the road went Gross. “He figured he bit off more than he could chew that day,” Doc said. As Doc became more proficient on guitar, he started playing radio shows and land sales. At a radio station in Lenoir, the announcer thought Arthel wasn’t a good showbiz name. In the crowd, a young lady said, “Call him Doc.” And the name stuck. In 1953, Doc began playing in a country and western swing band, Jack Williams and the Country Gentlemen. It was in this band, which played popular standards of the time, that
Photo by Jim Morton
Doc started playing lead on electric guitar. Most of the time, the band didn’t have a fiddle player, so Doc flatpicked the fiddle tunes that the audience loved to square dance to. For nearly 10 years, Doc practiced fiddle tunes, honing his flatpicking skills that would become extraordinary by the time the world was introduced to Doc Watson in the ‘60s.
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Stuart Duncan and Alison Krauss perform at the 2002 MerleFest All-Star Jam. Photo by Jim Morton July 2012
Rosa Lee stands with Doc and Merle as they tune before a show at Freedom Park on July 4, 1982. Photo by Jim Morton
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A Timeline of Doc Watson’s Life and Career March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012 1923 Arthel Lane Watson born on March 3 in Stoney Fork Township 1929 Doc starts playing harmonica at age of six 1934 Doc’s father builds Doc’s first banjo 1936 After Doc plays “When the Roses Bloom in Dixieland” on cousin’s guitar, Doc’s father buys Doc’s first guitar 1940 Doc begins busking (playing for tips) on the streets of downtown Boone 1947 Doc marries Rosa Lee Carlton 1949 Eddy Merle Watson is born 1951 Nancy Ellen Watson is born 1951 At a radio show in Lenoir, when the announcer said “Arthel” was to stuffy of a name, someone in the audience cried out, “Call him Doc!” and the nickname stuck 1953 Doc starts playing gigs with Jack Williams’ country and western swing band, innovates fiddle tunes on guitar because band has no fiddler 1960 Ralph Rinzler “discovers” Doc; directs him to focus on acoustic traditional tunes; and first records him for an album with Clarence “Tom” Ashley 1961 Doc plays first concert in New York City featuring Ashley, Clint Howard, Fred Price and Gaither Carlton, his father-in-law 1962 Doc’s first solo appearance at Gerde’s Folk City in New York City 1963 Doc performs on national stage for the first time at Newport Folk Festival 1963 Doc wrote to the state, saying he didn’t need welfare anymore, one of his proudest moments 1964 Merle, a musical prodigy, joins Doc on the road at the age of 15, playing banjo and guitar 26
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“To me entertainment is a pleasure, but my main motive is – and I’m going to get a little deep right here – when I started out in the folk revival my motive was to earn a living for a sweet little woman and two children.” – Doc Watson, 2011
The Folk Revival Boosts Doc’s Career
desperately wanting to hear more from Doc; and eager to present Doc to the fanatics of the bourgeoning folk scene up north. In March 1961, Doc, Ashley, Clint Howard, Fred Price and Doc’s fatherin-law Gaither Carlton stepped off a bus in New York City to perform at a Friends of the Old Time Music concert. The band, dubbed The Clarence Ashley Group, performed to an enthusiastic crowd that cheered and
In 1960 – almost by happenstance, Doc met a man who would forever change the course of Doc’s life and musical career. In spring of that year, Northern folklorist Ralph Rinzler travelled to the Union Grove Fiddler’s Convention with hopes of meeting Clarence “Tom” Ashley, an old-time banjo player who recorded “The Cuckoo” in 1929 and fell off the Doc performs at his last MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove American music map until Rinzler “rediscovered” performance in 2011. Photo by Jesse Wood him, asking Ashley to round up some musicians for new recordings of the old-time songs. Ashley immediately thought of Doc for the lead guitarist slot. Rinzler was skeptical, though, when he met Doc with an “unauthentic” electric guitar in hand. (Doc didn’t own an acoustic guitar at the time.) Anyway, Rinzler and the musicians rode over to the recording session. Rinzler was picking a banjo in the bed of the pickup when the truck stopped. Doc hopped out of the cab and said, “Let me see that banjo, son.” After Doc sang a local variation of “Tom Dula” and told Rinzler that his grandmother knew Tom Dula, Rinzler knew he had found the Real McCoy. The folklorist was enthralled;
1971 Doc records “Tennessee Stud” on Will the Circle Be Unbroken, rejuvenates his career after the Folk Revival ended 1973 Doc receives first Grammy Award for Then and Now 1985 Merle dies in tragic tractor accident at the age of 36 1986 Wins North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, state’s highest civilian honor 1988 MerleFest’s inaugural year 1994 Wins North Carolina Heritage Award 1997 President Bill Clinton presents Doc the National Medal of Arts 2000 Doc inducted into the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Kentucky 2004 Doc earns Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2011 Doc Watson Statue installed in downtown Boone 2012 MerleFest celebrates 25th anniversary and hosts Doc’s last performance 2012 Doc dies on May 29 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton present the National Medal of Arts to Doc at the White House in 1997.
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David Holt and Doc pose with their Grammy Awards for the three-disc Legacy. On this 2001 album, Doc treated this as a spoken-word autobiography because his biography written. Photo courtesy of David Holt.
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove2007. On stage with The Kruger Brothers. Photo by Dave Mayo
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hollered with such abandon that Howard thought the northerners pitied the uneducated musicians from Appalachia. “I thought they was sorry for us. I [told Doc], ‘They don’t like this old music. They just feel sorry for us ‘cause we’re from the down there in the mountains,” Howard recollected to David Holt, a musician and friend of Docs. During that concert, Doc gave Howard a friendly punch and said, “Clint, I believe they like this music.”
In 1986, Doc sits on Doc’s Rock, which is located beside Merle’s Milestones, the stepping stones which cross Shanty Springs Branch on Grandfather Mountain’s Profile Trail. Photo by Hugh Morton; Walking stick by Jim Morton
Doc to just be himself on stage, and with time, the charismatic and humorous Doc shed his stage fright. Seeing that Doc had what it took to perform solo and realizing that those cross-country gigs wouldn’t financially sustain all the members of the band, Rinzler asked the other musicians what they thought about Doc performing solo when there wasn’t enough money to pay all the members. Howard, who welded when the music jobs ran out, understood: “Being blind, that’s how Doc had to make his living.” By the next year in the summer of 1963, Doc came off of Aid to the Blind, a public assistance program through the Watauga County Department of Public Welfare, which Doc proclaimed as the most important
A Solo Act
Shortly after that New York City gig, the musicians found themselves in Los Angeles for their next set of concerts, and in another random occurrence, Doc’s musical career took shape. Just before their first concert in L.A., Ashley came down with laryngitis, leading to Doc fronting the group. During that first show, Doc “was scared more than a kid when he sees a big Holstein bull with spiked horns coming at him,” recalled Doc in a 1968 interview. Rinzler encouraged
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Doc and Randy Travis talk at MerleFest in 2011. Doc cites Randy Travis’ song “Doctor Jesus” has saving his soul. Photo courtesy of MerleFest
Doc and Dolly Parton hug each other at a rehearsal at MerleFest in 2001. Photo by Jim Morton
moment of his career in a 1974 interview with Joe Wilson. As the Folk Revival picked up steam, Doc’s career continued to blossom, even more so after his performance at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, where he was on the bill with such acts as Mississippi John Hurt, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Rambling Jack Elliot, Joan Baez, Bill Monroe and Johnny Cash. After that festival, Vanguard Records came calling, and Doc recorded his first solo record: Doc Watson. That record was followed by another and another, and for the next 40 years, he nearly recorded an album every year. In all, he recorded more than 60 albums, won seven Grammys and the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1997, President Bill Clinton presented Doc with the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists by the United States Government. In 2000, Doc was inducted into the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Kentucky. Even as all of these accolades came his way and his fan base grew by the thousands throughout the world, friends of Doc that knew him before the fame said he didn’t change a bit.
Not Defined By Stardom
“None whatsoever,” said Jerrell Little, a longtime friend and owner of a music shop in downtown Boone that opened in 1961, after being asked if Doc changed any after he became famous. To prove that point, Little recounted a story of Doc winning his first Grammy Award for Now and Then, an album featuring his son Merle, in the category for Best Traditional Recording. Upon returning from the Grammy Awards in Nashville in March 1973, Doc’s first stop was Little’s music store – with Grammy in tow. Doc told Little, “You want to keep it to show your customers?” Little wouldn’t accept it, saying “It’s too precious,” and Doc replied, “Most people probably haven’t seen a Grammy before.” Little ceded saying, “Yeah, that’s probably true,” and kept it for one day. “I made him take it home before he left that day,” Little said. Doc and Little met in 1954 when they performed at a Christmas party in a Boone tobacco warehouse and remained good friends until Doc’s death. During the spawning of the folk revival, Doc would hangout in Little’s music store before catching a bus on his way to New York City. As the fame and accolades mounted, Doc continued to spend time in the music store demonstrat-
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ing guitars for customers – who tended to purchase one after hearing the emanating sound with Doc manhandling them – and even helping Little deliver inventory. On one Christmas Eve in the ‘70s, the wife of a professor at Lee’s McRae College bought a new organ but needed it delivered to their house before Christmas. Little’s staff had already left for the day, so Doc said, “You got anything to haul that in.” Doc helped carry it in the house. “I’ll tell you, the husband was right more excited that Doc Watson came than that organ did,” Little laughed. Many times on stage, Doc recounted that story, saying, “I didn’t put a scratch on it.” Aside from hanging out in the store showcasing the guitars for astounded customers and delivering organs to even more astounded customers, Doc would pick with the younger kids who frequented the store. One of those kids was Little’s son Jeff, who is now a virtuoso piano player, having toured with popular country acts such as Montgomery Gentry, John Michael Montgomery and Keith Urban, and Doc’s influence is glaring when listening to Jeff perform. Jeff was about six or seven when Doc started showing Jeff musical licks, and in the same way that Doc didn’t like to be put on a pedestal, he didn’t treat a child like Jeff or any other “regular” person off the street any different than a more famous individual such as Chet Atkins, a legendary guitarist in his own right. “Doc would play with Chet and then come in my music store and play with a seven-year-old child. He was just that kind of guy,” the elder Little said. “Not many people as famous as Doc would do that.”
An iconic image of Doc. Photo by Peter Figen
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As Humble As They Come, A Family Man
Doc’s humility was a cornerstone of his character, and because he was such a wellknown figure his modesty was seen in an even greater light. In past interviews, Doc has attributed some of that to his blindness, as well as growing up poor during the Great Depression. But another reason for his humility was that stardom came late in life, many years after he had matured as a person. See, he was almost 40 by the time he played his first gig outside of Appalachia and recorded a record. And he was 50 by the time he won his first Grammy. He appreciated the recognition; he really did, but he never let it define who he was. Two Septembers ago at a concert in Todd, a fan walked up to Doc and said, “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” Doc replied, “Why is it an honor to meet me?” Watson said. “I am not the president. I am just one of the people. You know they want to build a bronze statue of me in downtown Boone. I told them if they don’t put ‘I’m just one of the people’ on it, I’ll tear it down. I will.” Doc eventually warmed up to the idea, sitting next to his bronzed self
several times talking to whoever stopped by. Kruger added “He really appreciated the recognition because it came late in life. He had to struggle all his life for success,” Kruger said. Another one of Doc’s friends, Charles Welch, said of the statue, “It’s a special way to honor Doc because in the late ‘40s and ‘50s he played across the street. It’s almost come full circle.” Welch first went on tour with Doc in 1966 and began regularly playing with Doc in 1992. Every time they played together, Welch thanked Doc for the “honor and privilege” of picking with an “awesome person” and one of the greatest guitar players to ever pick up the instrument. “It [was] such an honor to share his stage and audience with me because it [was] Doc’s audience and stage,” he said. “And you know, no matter who is picking with him, he’s the star.” Welch first met Doc through his son Merle, who grew up right down the road from Welch. Merle was Doc’s only son. (He also has a daughter named Nancy.) Merle was musical prodigy. Doc never taught Merle anything on the guitar because Merle didn’t show any interest early on. But while Doc was on tour in 1965, Rosa Lee, Doc’s wife, showed 15-year-old Merle a few chords,
Doc’s brothers, David, 87 (left), and Linney, 93, came to see the downtown statue adorned with flowers on Monday, June 4, after Doc’s funeral. Photo by Maria Richardson 32
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and Merle never looked back. Within three months, Merle was performing live with his dad. Merle was Doc’s best friend, and they shared a special chemistry on and off the stage. But in 1985, tragedy struck. Merle died in a tractor accident in 1985, which nearly caused Doc to come off the road for good. But within a few days, Doc was back on the road. “I think … largely the reason he went back out there is that is where he felt closest to Merle,” said T. Michael Coleman, one of Doc’s longtime bass players. Just before Merle’s funeral, Doc had a dream, a sign for him to continue playing music on the road. In a 2002 interview with Daniel Gewertz, Doc said, “I was in a desert-like place. It was hot and dark, with quicksand. I was so miserable. I knew I’d never get out. And then a big old strong arm reached up and a voice said, ‘Come on, Dad. You can make it.’ He helped me out of that place ‘til it was cool and sunshine. And I waked up and told my wife that Merle wanted me to stay on the road. Merle never liked a quitter.” Family was important to Doc. The only reason he travelled the world to play music was to provide for his family. If it wasn’t for his blindness, Doc always said he would have
become a mechanic, electrician or carpenter. (Doc built a utility shed behind his house, and wired his first house with electricity. Little said that Doc told him he could feel the difference between the white and green (ground) wire. “He survived. So I guess it was true,” Little said laughing.) Doc enjoyed music, but he thoroughly enjoyed making a living and being able to put food on the table. “To me entertainment is a pleasure, but my main motive is – and I’m going to get a little deep right here – when I started out in the folk revival my motive was to earn a living for a sweet little woman and two children,” Doc said at a press conference in 2011. “And they were both young then and every time I got a good concert done and made a little extra money it pleased me.” And there was never a show without Doc professing his love to Rosa Lee, his Merle, David Holt and Doc in the ‘80s. Photo courtesy of David Holt wife of 66 years. Referring to the length of their marriage, Doc always said, “And Flatt and Scruggs. The honest heartfelt renderings of Doc’s voice I wouldn’t take a dollar for one minute of it.” and his fluid, tasteful flatpicking blew them away. “That Doc Watson record was absolutely outstanding,” Uwe said, adding that listening to Doc’s records was how he learned to speak Halfway across the world in Switzerland in 1975, Jens and English. In 1997, the Kruger brothers performed at MerleFest, Uwe Kruger of the Kruger Brothers were sitting in a little coun- which was named in Merle’s honor and became one of the pretry restaurant flipping through old vinyl records, when they miere “traditional-plus” music festivals in the world. Eventually, stumbled upon Strictly Instrumental, a Doc Watson record with the brothers moved to North Wilkesboro with Doc and his mu-
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Doc’s Epic Catalogue of Music Doc Watson has an exhaustive list of about 65 albums. Throughout his career, he won seven Grammy awards plus the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Five of his albums won Grammy Awards; one song off of his Live & Picking! earned a Grammy; and a song featuring Doc on Bryan Sutton’s Not To Far From The Tree album won a Grammy in 2006. Listed below are Doc’s albums with recording dates and/or release date. Grammy winners are listed in parenthesis. (Not mentioned below is a song called “Your Long Journey,” written by Doc and his wife Rosa Lee and recorded by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant on the multiple Grammy-winning album Raising Sand.) 1960’s Songs from the Southern Mountains 1960’s The Doc Watson Family Tradition 1960’s – 2006 Doc Watson - Best of the Sugar Hill Years 1960-62 Old-Time Music At Clarence Ashley’s 1962-63 Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City 1963 Bluegrass at Newport 1963 Jean Ritchie & Doc Watson at Folk City 1963 The Doc Watson Family 1963-68 Doc Watson: The Vanguard Years (4 CDs) 1963-80 Bill Monroe and Doc Watson: Off the Record, Vol. 2 1964 Doc Watson 1964 Treasures Untold 1964-1968 The Best of Doc Watson 1964-98 Foundation: Doc Watson Guitar Instrumental Collection 1964-98 Trouble in Mind: Doc Watson Country Blues Collection 1965 Doc Watson & Son 1966 Home Again! 1966 Southbound 1966 Strictly Instrumental 1967 Ballads from Deep Gap
1967 Old Timey Concert 1967 Home Sweet Home 1968 In Nashville - Good Deal! 1970-76 Remembering Merle 1971 Doc Watson on Stage 1972 Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol. I & II 1972-3 Elementary Doctor Watson Then and Now 1972-78 Tennessee Stud 1972-79 Songs from Home 1973 The Essential Doc Watson 1973 Then and Now (Grammy) 1974 Two Days in November (Grammy) 1975 Memories 1976 Doc and The Boys 1977 Lonesome Road 1978 Look Away 1979 Live & Pickin’ (Grammy for “Big Sandy/ Leather Britches” song) 1979 Reflections 1980’s Sittin’ Here Pickin’ the Blues 1980-1990 Black Mountain Rag 1980-81 Red Rocking Chair 1980-84 Watson Country 1982 Doc & Merle Watson’s Guitar Album 1984 Down South 1984 Riding the Midnight Train (Grammy) 1985 Pickin’ the Blues 1987 Portrait 1987-91 Doc & Dawg 1988 Favorites of Clint Howard Doc Watson and the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys 1990 On Praying Ground (Grammy) 1991 My Dear Old Southern Home 1993 Songs for Little Pickers 1995 Docabilly 1997 Mac, Doc & Del 1998 An Evening with Doc Watson and David Holt 1999 Third Generation Blues 2001 Legacy (3-CD set) (Grammy) 2001 Doc Watson at Gerde’s Folk City 2001 Round the Table Again 2002 Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol. III 2003 The Three Pickers 2006 Black Mountain Rag 2007 Vanguard Visionaries 2008 American Master Series: Best of Doc Watson
Photo courtesy of Folklore Productions
nent stamp on musicians from all over world. “If you go to Africa, people play the guitar like Doc Watson did. I heard a musician in India play the guitar like Doc Watson. They’ve never heard of Earl Scruggs or Bill Monroe, but they know Doc Watson.” Even though Doc has passed away, reuniting with his beloved son Merle, Doc’s legacy should live on indefinitely, his mark on music set in stone. “Where would the mandolin be without Bill Monroe? Where would the banjo be without Earl Scruggs? Where would singing be and guitar playing if it wasn’t for Doc Watson,” Kruger said. “As long as people take up the flat-top guitar and take a finger pick and do a little bit of that flatpicking and sing a nice song with it, as long as people are doing that, Doc Watson will be alive with us.” ◆
sic being a major factor. “People like Doc Watson are rare and to be alive at the same time with somebody like him is like being alive with Mozart and Beethoven. I know that sounds like big words but it’s actually a fact,” said Kruger, who happens to be a classical music aficionado, too. “People here in Wilkesboro, a lot of people think Doc Watson is still the blind guy that sits down by the furniture factory and plays for tips. They don’t understand the hoopla that’s being made about this guy … They have no idea.” (By the way, Kruger wasn’t the only one of Doc’s friends to tell me how underappreciated they felt Doc was in the High Country.) And just like Doc impacted the Kruger Brothers from across the Atlantic Ocean, Uwe Kruger has seen Doc’s perma-
Hours after Doc Watson passed away on May 29, 2012, fans adorned the downtown statue with a beautiful hue of flowers. Some fans were crying as they stood around the statue listening to Doc Watson tunes. Photo by Ken Ketchie July 12
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By Harris Prevost
W
hat do Augusta National, the Atlanta Athletic Club (site of a US Open and PGA Championship), Tidewater in Myrtle Beach, the Honors Course near Chattanooga, Quail Hollow in Charlotte and over a hundred outstanding courses in eastern America have in common with many of the High Country’s great courses? You guessed it: leucogranodioriticmetatonalite! That’s not next year’s killer word for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s adult spelling bee, it’s the geological term for the rock that provides the quartz sand for the best golf bunkers in the world (and also every computer chip in the world). The locals call the rock “spar”, pegmatite or Alaskite--use whichever term you wish!
The story (or geology lesson) begins 380 million years ago. At that time in the geological world, Spruce Pine was located south of the Equator. Around 200 million years ago, Grandfather Mountain was among the highest mountains in the world, even higher than Mt. Everest in the Himalayas. The continent of Africa was being forced toward eastern America by plate tectonic force. The two colliding continents forced down the oceanic crust underneath North America, producing tremendous friction-generated heat in excess of 2,000 degrees. 36
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Around 200 million years ago, Grandfather Mountain was among the highest mountains in the world, even higher than Mt. Everest in the Himalayas. The heat melted the surrounding rocks 9-15 miles below the surface and the intense pressure forced the molten rock into cracks and fissures of pre-existing rock. The rock opened up and sucked up rich mineral-forming fluids. As they cooled, they crystallized, and the depth of the deposits and a lack of water eliminated almost all their impurities. This cooling event took 100 million years, and it happened nowhere else known on earth. Over time, thanks to weathering erosion and a plate tectonic uplift of the Appalachian Mountains 200 million years ago, the rock, which is composed of 65% feldspar, 25% quartz, 8% muscovite mica, and 2% other iron-related minerals such as garnet, rose to the surface. This deposit became the mineral-rich buried treasure called the Spruce Pine Mineral District, a geographical area 25 miles long and ten miles wide extending from Yancey County through Mitchell to Avery County. In the late 1800s, mica was used for electrical insulation and stove windows, and was the prized mineral extracted from the pegmatite. Now, Mica
is a key ingredient in dry-wall joint compound, sheet rock, auto paint, Portland cement and cosmetics. By the early 1900s, feldspar became the most prized, and it remains extremely valuable today for use in bathroom fixtures, ceramic tile, dinnerware and artware, architectural paint, class containers and insulation fiberglass. About 40% of all the nation’s production of feldspar comes from the Spruce Pine District. In the early years, the quartz was a waste product. Over time, the quartz sand became valuable for use in glass of all types including glass containers, flat glass, fiberglass and computer displays. Quartz was an important component of the exterior tiles of the space shuttle. In recent years, Spruce Pine’s high-purity quartz has become the most prized because nothing comparable is found on the planet. Spruce Pine provided the crystal for use in telescopes including the Hale telescope at Mt. Palamor Observatory in California. More importantly, because of its ultra-purity, almost every computer chip in the world uses Spruce Pine quartz in its manufacturing process. The valuable quartz is also used for high intensity lighting in automobile headlights, streetlights and projectors; high definition televisions, cell phones, mp3 players, touchscreens, solar panels, fiber optics and video games.
Bob Kletcke reenacts the shot that convinced Augusta Golf Course that Spruce Pine sand was the best. “It was a rainy day in Linville, but Roberts wanted to see how the sand worked. We went out to the first green and Bob Kletcke hit a few shots out of the sand and that was it. Roberts told Claude to get him some sand and Claude asked how much. Roberts said 13 boxcar loads! Roberts asked Claude what he owed him and Claude said he couldn’t pay for it. Roberts gratefully told Claude he and his friends could play Augusta anytime.”
July 12 High Country Magazine Photo By Maria Richardson 37
Actually, there are two types of Spruce Pine sand. One is leachable and one is not. Leaching is an acid washing process that removes a portion of quartz that has slight impurities when it comes out of the ground. Sand that is leachable has cracks and fissures in it that permits the acid to get inside the particles and clean them out. Unleachable sand has less cracks and thus cannot be cleansed further. Leachable sand becomes the ultra-pure quartz used to make computer chips and other hi-tech products. The unleachable sand is used for mortar, beach sand (around inland lakes to give them a beach-like presence), and for golf course bunkers. Leachable and unleachable sand is identical to the eye. The only way they can be differentiated is through sophisticated testing. Sand in some mines is leachable and sand in other mines is unleachable. Those overseeing the production process know which sand they are dealing with because of the mine from which it came. Spruce Pine golf course sand has some very attractive, distinctive properties. When Augusta National decided to change the sand in its bunkers, its CEO, Clifford Roberts, looked to the North Carolina mountains where he had a summer home. Bob Kletcke, now retired as head golf professional at Augusta and Grandfather Golf & Country Club, said, “Mr. Roberts had two requirements for Augusta’s new sand. It had to be pure white to contrast Augusta’s green grass and secondly, balls would not plug in the bunkers. He never wanted players to have a buried lie in Augusta bunkers.” The edges of Spruce Pine sand are sharp and subangular-like shards of glass with a flat rather than rounded ball bearing-type surface. Its shape makes it more impact resistant. The sand consists of fine rather than coarse particles. In the winter, when the wind blows, courses that have Spruce Pine sand have to cover the bunkers to keep the wind from blowing the sand away. The early sand had particles that were too fine and they ended up clogging bunker drains. A process called “getting the fines out” was developed to screen out the very fine particles. Superintendents like the fact that because of the sand’s shape, it sticks together better than round sand particles and it doesn’t wash off the banks of bunkers as 38
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“Mr. Roberts had two requirements for Augusta’s new sand. It had to be pure white to contrast Augusta’s green grass and secondly, balls would not plug in the bunkers. He never wanted players to have a buried lie in Augusta bunkers.”
This hole is Augusta’s famous “Amen Corner” is the 13th. The “sand” in the bunkers isn’t sand at all, but ground feldspar from Spruce Pine. Feldspar is absolutely pure white when it’s washed and contrasts beautifully with the emerald fairways and greens
much during rain storms. It will hold a nearly vertical angle of repose in the bunker. Players like the sand better, too. Chip King, director of golf at Grandfather, said, “I like the texture of the sand--it has a hardy texture. The white sand looks wonderful against the green. It gives bunkers definition.” Tom Dale, Linville’s long-time golf director, added, “It’s the most consistent sand, period. It is very fine and is more consistent than the coarse sand.”
Until the early 1970s, when the different minerals were separated manually, quartz sand was a useless waste product that was either dumped or used to build up the shoulders of roads and as fill material. The mine owners were interested in feldspar and mica and they couldn’t give the quartz away. The history of the waste product, turned prized bunker sand, takes some interesting twists. Two avid golfer-miners from Spruce Pine, Claude Greene and Bill Norris, thought this waste would make attractive bunker sand and started selling it in the area. Greene, who owned a crushed stone mine and a Chevrolet dealership, was a member at Linville and Grandfather. He was a close friends with John Pottle, general manager at Linville, and Linville and Grandfather pros, Burl Dale and Bob Kletcke. Just as Spanish explorer Fernando
DeSoto looked to Spruce Pine for treasures of silver and gold around 1540, Augusta National’s co-founder (with Bobby Jones) and CEO, Clifford Roberts, looked to Spruce Pine in the early 1970s for a different treasure, pure white sand. Roberts was a Grandfather seasonal resident at the time. Augusta parted ways with its local sand supplier and Roberts was searching for a new and better sand. He heard something about a very white sand in the mountains and he asked Kletcke if he knew anything about it. Kletcke said he knew the man who had it, Claude Greene. Greene had given the sand to Linville so Kletcke set up a meeting at Linville with Roberts, Greene, Pottle, Burl Dale, and his assistant Wayne Smith (now head pro at Blowing Rock). Smith remembered the meeting, “It was a rainy day in Linville, but Roberts wanted to see how the sand worked. We went out to the first green and Bob Kletcke hit a few shots out of the sand and that was it. Roberts told Claude to get him some sand and Claude asked how much. Roberts said 13 boxcar loads! Roberts asked Claude what he owed him and Claude said he couldn’t pay for it. Roberts gratefully told Claude he and his friends could play Augusta anytime.” Kletcke said sending the sand by boxcar didn’t last long because some of the boxcars had coal dust remnants and the sand arrived dirty. It was later truck-delivered by Bill Norris. Norris, who worked at the Lawson United Mine and sold and delivered sand on the side was part of the story from the beginning. He said, “Claude and Tom Lawson came to me and told me Augusta National wanted our sand. Claude’s mine produced road gravel but Lawson’s pro-
duced the sand. I was working for Lawson at the time but he let me have all the sand I wanted because he had no use for it. “We shipped it down to Augusta on railroad cars at first. The people down there didn’t know what to do with it. They put down six inches of sand to start with and raked it. It was nothing but fluff. Balls not only plugged, they completely buried and you couldn’t find’em. “They hated it. We told them to only put down two inches of sand, then wet it down, let it settle for awhile and then rake it. The sand became a big national hit to the millions watching The Masters golf tournament because of its pure white color contrasted with Augusta’s green grass so dramatically on televison. Demand for the sand exploded. “Mr. Roberts told us we could play Augusta anytime we wanted. Claude, Tom, me and five others went down to play one day and we stopped in to see Bob Kletcke. Bob said Mr. Roberts was in his office but he hadn’t had a real conversation with anyone since President Eisenhower died about a month earlier. We thought all we would do was say hello but Mr. Roberts talked to us for 30 minutes.” Claude Greene’s daughter Shiela Robinson remembers when Augusta got sand from her father. “The sand we sent to Augusta is a little different than evereybody else’s sand. They had their own specifications. They wanted it to be a little more coarse so my father’s equipment had to be set up differently for them.”
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Three people supplied most of the Spruce Pine sand. Claude Greene’s mine was for gravel so he got his sand for free or next to nothing from Lawson United (later K-T Feldspar) and Feldspar Corporation. The mines even loaded it up for him to get rid of it. Greene sold sand in the High Country and also the Highlands/Cashiers area, and to some great courses along the South Carolina beaches. Greene got out of the sand business when he sold Mayland Stone to Vulcan Materials in 1999. Vulcan tried to continue the golf course sand part of the business but it didn’t work out. Shiela Robinson and her husband Mack tried to get into the sand business but K-T Feldspar had a management change and decided to sell the sand itself. It later partnered with Golf Agrinomics to handle deliveries. Sheila said, “The sand was getting scarse when we got out. Most of the July 12
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golf course sand came world and chose Spruce from K-T Feldspar with Pine sand. They asked some coming from the Hamrick to ship them Feldspar Corporation. 4,000 tons of the brilToday, both firms are liant white sand. Since a under the same owntruck holds 25 tons, that ership. Claude Greene amounts to 160 truck died in 2007. loads, except the sand had to be shipped in Bill Norris worked special containers so the for Lawson, then Feldnumber of truck loads spar and was selling was closer to 250! sand on the side in addition to hauling for Bill Norris rememGreene. Norris ended bers getting a call from up forming his own pro golfer/course dehauling company, signer Tom Weiskopf Feldspar Trucking, and asking for 5,500 tons he has 45 dump trailers to be delivered to Port Rob Hamrick of Golf Agronomics (they are 40’ long) toRoyal, SC and shipped day. Norris was a major to Bermuda for its famed hauler of sand in the 1970s and 80s, and Ocean Course. Norris, his son and grandhe still sells and delivers sand, but the vast son had to scramble to get that much sand, majority of his hauls today are feldspar. then haul it to the port in time for a barge. Most of the Spruce Pine sand business They worked three weeks straight and today is handled by Rob Hamrick of Golf made it. The barge experienced turbuAgronomics, a firm that provides sand lent weather enroute to Bermuda and lost and soil throughout the Southeast. Ham- much of the sand so Norris had to send rick delivers Spruce Pine sand to over a them 2,200 more tons. hundred courses, mostly in the Southeast, One day Claude Greene got a call from but he goes as far north as New York and a Japanese man speaking broken Engas far west as Oklahoma. In earlier years, lish, asking, “You know Augusta sand?” Hamrick had a written contract with Greene said he knew a lot about it. The the mines to provide the sand for golf man continued, “Me want sand.” Greene courses. They were handling everything thought it was a friend playing a joke on they could get. Today, the dynamics have him so he played it out. changed and Hamrick has a verbal agreeThe Japanese man said, “You send ment with the mines. He acts as a broker sand, me send money,” and Greene counand buys the sand and then hires drivers tered, “You send money, me send sand.” to deliver it. “I have ten plants that make This went on back and forth for awhile sand,” Hamrick said, “and Spruce Pine and Greene realized the caller was real. sand is an important part of my business, Greene invited the Japanese to come to but only a segment.” Spruce Pine to see the sand. Greene’s wife Nyla said, “Claude loved to kid around and he was who he was. He was a hands-on, in-the-dirt guy. He didn’t Monte Melton, retired golf course put on airs for anybody. When the two superintendent at Elk River, came to the Japanese men came in their suits and with High Country from Augusta National. briefcases, Claude met them wearing overHe remembers hearing patrons (what alls and he rode them around in his truck. Augusta calls its Masters spectators) “The floorboard of his truck was so talking among themselves about Augusdirty you could grow tomatoes in it. The ta’s new beautiful white sand. They said, Japanese didn’t want to put their feet in “Clifford Roberts brought that sand in the dirt so they scrunched their knees from Saudi Arabia.” up to their chin and put their feet on the In fact, the opposite is true! In 2008, seat!” They bought the sand. Rob Hamrick got a call from a course in The sale of the sand isn’t its only inDubai. They wanted Spruce Pine sand ternational connection. The mines themand money was no object. The Middle selves have a connection: their owners. East has all the sand you could ask for Lawson United Mine was sold to K-T but they wanted the best for their course. Feldspar which in turn was sold to Imerys, They secured five samples from around the a French company. Feldspar Corporation
July 2012
In 2008, Rob Hamrick got a call from a course in Dubai. They wanted Spruce Pine sand and money was no object. The Middle East has all the sand you could ask for but they wanted the best for their course. was owned by a Peruvian company, Cementos Pacasmayo, SA, which also sold it to Imerys about five years ago. The two mines under one French owner then entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Norwegian Crystalites two years ago to form the Quartz Corporation. Unimin Corporation, which focuses on feldspar and high-purity quartz crystal, is Belgium owned.
The mines ran tests to see how deep their “spar rock” goes. There is no way to tell because the testers drilled 500-600 feet deep and there was no end in sight! Alex Glover, former chief geologist for
the Feldspar Corporation is confident the supply is easily good for another 100 years. That’s the good news. The bad news is that as the economy has dealt a big blow to new golf course construction and even to existing courses, Spruce Pine sand was hit hard, too. Rob Hamrick said, “A few years ago I was supplying around 15 new golf courses a year with Spruce Pine sand and now I’m doing a couple of renovations a year, no new courses. There aren’t many new courses or renovations. All courses except maybe the high end ones are just getting by. The high-end mountain courses have to deal with rough winters and they usually order sand each spring to touch up their bunkers. They get around twenty loads which is 500 tons.” Hamrick is very optimistic, though, about the future of Spruce Pine sand. “I don’t see many new courses being built for the next five years but course renovation might spike. Bunker work should really take off. There is a pent up demand because of the deferred maintance.” Another issue is that the pure white quartz has quickly gone from a waste product to a very valuable resource that finds new uses with every tech-
nological discovery. The purest quartz crystals in the world are in such demand that the mines are focusing more on supplying it for technology products than they are on supplying the quartz sand for golf courses. Hamrick said, “The plants in Spruce Pine are not sand plants, they are feldspar and high-purity quartz plants. Sand remains a by-product, but it still is a very important and good by-product. When the economy comes back, we should be able to get plenty of sand.” Bill Norris said, “I am getting only 3,000 tons a year to haul. An order of a couple thousand tons before is now typically 250 tons. There will always be sand for Augusta National and the courses up here, though.”
w
Special thanks go to Alex Glover, P.G., Director of Mining and Mineral Resources, Active Minerals International and former corporate geologist for the Feldspar Corporation; Bill Rogers, whose family was associated with the Feldspar Corporation from 1929 until the early 2000s; and to Bill Norris, who sold and hauled Spruce Pine sand since the beginning, for providing most of the information in this article.
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eucogranodioriticmetatonalite is surfaced mined. A complicated process takes the spar out of the ground and to its final, diverse products. There is a saying in Spruce Pine that “All quartz is not created equal.” That is the case: There is quartz and then there is high purity quartz. The different types of quartz come from different mines. At Quartz Corporation in Spurce Pine, both types of quartz are separated from the feldspar and mica and iron-related minerals through the same process. The high purity quartz sand has one additional purifying step, a secret one that takes place locally and in Norway. Following is how golf course quartz sand is produced, beginning when the spar is blasted out of a mountainside. The first step is “clearing and grubbing,” which is removing trees from the mountain side and then removing the weathered surface rock. “Drilling and blasting” follows where 6-8” holes are drilled and explosives in-
serted to break the rock. The rock is then crushed into gravel-like stones about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The crushed rock is hauled to the plant and put on conveyer belts to begin a very highly automated continuous 24/7 journey to the final product. The rock leaves the conveyer belt and begins its separation through a froth floatation process. The gravel sized rock falls into horizontal barrels about ten feet long called rod mills. Multiple three-inch wide iron rods ground the rock down into sand and the rods grind themselves up in the process. The result is a milky white liquid that resembles a vanilla milk shake. Various separation chemicals are added to separate the mica. The mica becomes hydrophobic, meaning it wants to get away from the water. The mica attaches to bubbles and rise to the top in the form of foam. Paddle wheels push the foam into a collection trough. Feldspar, quartz and iron go out the bottom into a series of long troughs five
feet deep and thirty feet long. Chemicals are added that have an ionic attraction to anything with iron. Iron hooks to bubbles and the paddles move them out. Only feldspar and quartz are left. The remaining feldspar and quartz mineerals weigh the same, so the process has to get the feldspar minerals to float and the quartz to sink. The acid applied at this stage combines with the the quartz and takes it to the bottom while the feldspar floats to the top and is paddled off. Quartz goes out the bottom of the trough into a drain where it is collected for later processing. The quartz then goes through washing screens 6 feet long and four feet wide. The 40-mesh screens (40 holes per linear inch) separate the fine sand from the coarser sand. The coarse sand is ground a little more, then re-cleansed. All sand eventually goes through the 40mesh screen. The golf course sand is then stored in piles ready to be transported to a beautiful white bunker awaiting your wayward shot!
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Road to Rescue t
By Clare Tager | Photography by Frederica Georgia
he small plane banked over the rime frost covered peaks surrounding Jefferson, N.C. early on a cloudless Sunday morning. Snow had been forecast, so pilot Mary Beth Wicker’s time was limited to get into Ashe County airport, and fly out. Beside the runway, the black shepherd paced and turned his ears toward the sound of the plane. “Lobo” had been abandoned at 48
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Animal Control earlier that month. There at the crowded shelter, he had a one in ten chance of survival. However, due to the efforts of a cadre of unlikely volunteers - a doctor, a musician, freelance photographer, business woman and a rescue group in Connecticut, Lobo was being lifted toward a new life as a service dog for a disabled gentleman with Cerebral Palsy, and was to begin training for search and rescue. Saved, he will now save others.
When Frederica (Freddie) Georgia heard about the efforts of another professional photographer making a difference in shelter adoptions by doing pet portraits, she realized instantly she needed to be doing the same in her beloved Ashe County. Given her love of animals, (she has rescued two dogs and two cats who keep her two horses company), and her community-inspired business, Animal Garden Shop, which is in part a collection of her favorite animal photos, (animalgardenshop.com), it was a perfect match. Freddie travels to the shelter frequently for a shoot that will last a few hours and include all the aniLobo became a validation of all the hard work put in by volunteers on the ground mals who qualify for a chance to be rescued and adopted. She starts and, also in the air by Pilots N Paws. Shown at left with Mandy Wright, and above. by setting up a makeshift studio in a small office to photograph cats and small dogs, and then works Lobo’s story is unique but not unparalleled; success and synwith the larger dogs in and around the shelter compound. Many ergy dot the landscape of the chaos surrounding the thousands more hours of editing follow as she removes chain link fences, of animals abandoned every year. To those who actively parcontainers at the landfill, telephone wires, even leashes and ticipate in the miracle of rescue, the scenario translates into the handlers legs. She never alters or retouches her animal subjects thrilling experience of providing passage for a saved life into a but often adds vignettes, soft backgrounds or borders. Her goal meaningful existence. is to make glamour, ‘rock star’ portraits that show the hearts Last winter a new initiative was begun to publicize the and souls of her subjects and stand out in the thousands of listhomeless pets at Ashe County Animal Control; each volunteer ings on Petfinder.com or Adoptapet.com. Usually she will ‘do bringing equal determination and a combination of skills to affect dozens of such interventions. Director Joe Testerman is pleased with the effect it has had on public image and a 25% decrease in euthanasia statistics at the county shelter. Volunteer Amanda Wright is a teacher in the Junior Appalachian Musicians program and a performing musician with the Crooked Road Ramblers. Her ways with children and animals bespeak traditional mountain gentleness mingled with fierce compassion. She runs the rescue efforts from the remote kennels down by the landfill, knowing it matters that a ball is thrown, a grooming comb stroked through matted fur, a romp allowed in the compound, a soft word offered for the furrowed brow. Mandy brings even the most timid dog back into the realm of the adoptable, then continues The cat initially called Van Go-Gogh, sporting one ear, lives with Freddie and her her work by transporting adoptees to cities and other states, “Black Madonnas” (rescued dogs) and horses and is king of the farm. connecting with rescue groups and adopters. July 12
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with her, a cat sporting a Van Gogh pose (missing one ear). His owner had died and now “Blue” reigns supreme on Freddie’s Creston farm. Many months and many dogs and cats later, Freddie’s portraits of Mandy and her charges have led to adoptions by rescue groups from New England to Illinois, Virginia, and Florida. Many others have had a hand in successes, and none more so than Dr. Sheley Revis of Charlotte, Director of ‘Friends of Ashe County Animals’. Dr. Revis’ long history in rescue has yielded contacts nationwide. She drives from her home outside Charlotte to Ashe County with food and other supplies for the animals. Her Australian Shepherd, “McGrady The Fabulous Deaf Dog” was being held at Ashe Animal Control when she rescued him two years ago. McGrady has inspired pet owners nationwide to give to animal welfare causes, as a visit to his own Facebook page will attest. “Friends of Ashe County Animals” continues to attract a growing number of fans on Facebook, and has been a pivotal factor in establishing an organized rescue effort for the homeless animals in Ashe County. Yin Yang, a black and white harlequin border collie mix, was a nameless stray, until in his photo sessions he displayed a personality worthy of the name bestowed upon him. In the field next to the shelter, with Freddie, he bounded with unrestrained joy, showing the breed’s ineffable enthusiasm for life. His portraits were posted on the Internet, and he now runs his own farm in Ashe County, herding children and cattle, and riding in the truck to town for supplies Great Pyrenees Noah was turned in by his owner for “wandering off.” He paced in his small cage, a torture for a large
Yin Yang, a black and white harlequin border collie runs his own farm in Ashe County now, herding children and cattle. up’ three or four photos of one animal and include a full body shot, a head shot with engaging eye contact, interaction with Mandy who holds the leash, and anything that gives an honest glimpse of that animal’s personality, build, age, health and athleticism. Often her pet portraits receive immediate response from rescue groups or people who may have an interest in a particular breed. Fellow volunteers pass the photos along in a maze of networking. Great photos literally become lifesavers. In this kind of work, sorrow and reward go hand in hand. “In my 32 years of doing professional photography I have never had more gratification than the shooting I do at Ashe County Animal Control,” Freddie said. “Or, for that matter, more heartbreak. There is nothing better in the world than knowing I have done something to save an animal’s life. When a dog or cat I have worked with and felt a connection with doesn’t make it out of Animal Control, it’s even more reason to return and try to save the newcomers. I urge all serious photographers to consider volunteering their talents at a local shelter, Ashe County Animal Control included.” Freddie left one of her first photo shoots taking a rescue 50
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Noah, the Great Pyrenees lives happily with a new family and guards livestock on a 100 acre farm in Illinois.
Tootsie went to B.J. Pim, at Happy Tails Pet Supply. She was adopted immediately by a 10-year old girl and her family. She is read to every night by her new owner.
Zach, pictured with Clare Tager, a white husky mix that Freddie turned into a spirit dog with the mountains cast blue in the winter light, now camps happily with his new family in Eastern NC. July 12
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working dog. He took immediately to Mandy and followed her faithfully each day on her rounds. Noah greeted new residents of animal control with a quiet reserve and reassuring manner. As is a Pyrenees’ nature, he was a working dog, and wanted to protect the other abandoned animals. His photo shoot captured these traits and the attention of ‘Pyr’ rescue groups in the Carolinas and Tennessee. After Freddie’s portraits of Noah led his
his job, was turned in because the family had no recourse but to move in with relatives; One of thousands of animals suffering because of the economy, Jazz’s fate looked bleak, based on the 4% adoption rate for cats and kittens at the shelter. She enjoyed the photo time spent rolling around in a bright red feather boa, which set off her green eyes and silky fur. She was scooped up by Sarah Terry at the Ashe Humane Society and taken home to
Jazz had her portrait forwarded to Sarah Terry at the Ashe Humane Society who brought her home to a new life.
way out, Dr. Revis and Mandy arranged passage north where he now has a proper job on a working farm in Illinois, guarding prize livestock on 100 acres. Jazz, a slinky black and white kitty owned by a young girl whose father lost 52
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become a favorite friend to Sarah’s young children. Luna the kitty came in a few weeks later as a result of a divorce. Her owners brought her bed and toys, like so many others not mindful of the distinct prob-
Animal Welfare and Rescue Groups in Ashe County Friends of Ashe County Animals (Facebook) Contact: Dr. Sheley Revis, Director • email: fabulousmcg@gmail.com This volunteer outreach organization for Ashe Animal Control seeks to spread the word about the many deserving homeless animals at the shelter, and networks with reputable rescue groups and potential adopters. They are the outreach arm for Ashe Animal Control. Ashe Humane Society www.ashehumanesociety.org Contact: Jill Ferguson, President (336-982-4297) ashehumane@skybest.com Promotes welfare of companion animals through programs aimed at responsible pet ownership and reducing the pet population through raising money for low cost spay neuter vouchers, medical care and sustenance for foster animals. Adoption days every Saturday from 10 am -3 pm at their Resource Center at 1175 Old Highway 16 in Jefferson N.C. Second Chance Dogs of Ashe www.secondchancedogsofashe.org Contact: Jacob and Petra Giles email: secondchancedogsofashe@aol.com Dedicated to eliminating the need for euthanasia of homeless adoptable animals in Ashe County through compassionate intervention and community education. The Giles have fostered many Ashe Animal Control adult dogs and puppies in the past year, providing medical attention and a safe home environment, until adopted by prescreened families. Animal Control Adoption fees apply. M.A.S.H Mountain Animal Safe Haven (Facebook) Contact: B.J. Pim • happytailspetsupply@yahoo.com Works to raise the awareness and funding needed for the establishment of a permanent no kill shelter in Ashe County. M.A.S.H. fosters, provides medical attention, socializes, and finds homes for abandoned animals though Happy Tails Pet Supply in West Jefferson. M.A.S.H. takes in Animal Control homeless pets, and adoption fees to Animal Control apply. Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue, Raleigh NC Contact: Dr. Patrice Covington • www.mmahrescue.org A dynamic Non Profit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of homeless animals. Dr. Covington takes in dogs from Ashe Animal Control working in conjunction with Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, Mouth of Wilson, VA.
Rugby Creek Animal Rescue (Facebook & www.rugbycreekrescue.org) Contact: Ashley , Kelly, and Connie Smart Dedicated to provide a safe haven for homeless, abandoned and abused animals. A non profit rescue farm that survives totally on donations which are tax deductible. Cabin rentals on the farm and Equine transport nationwide . Ashe Paws (Facebook) Contact: Tiffany Jones Networking via Facebook to publicize abandoned and adoptable animals in Ashe County and to seek potential families. Connects lost dogs and cats with owners through matching up “lost” ads in print and radio , with “Found” animals. Tiffany’s 700 friends on Facebook offer a broad venue for publicizing the needs of homeless animals . Ashe County Animal Control www.asheanimals.com & Friends of Ashe County Animals on Facebook Contact: Director Joe Testerman Shelter is dependent on county funding, and is struggling with an overpopulation of abandoned pets in Ashe County. 767 Fred Pugh Road, Crumpler, NC 28617 All Creatures Animal Rescue claresmountains@gmail.com & Facebook Contact : Clare Tager • claretager@gmail.com Freddie Georgia • freddiegeorgia@aol.com (with Tiffany Jones and Amanda Wright) Providing publicity and assistance with placement process for abused or abandoned horses, dogs, cats, birds. Working with victims of domestic violence to place their animals. Emergency veterinary care when possible. Networking contacts with purebred and other rescue groups. Donations are needed and tax deductible.
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ability of euthanasia. Mandy took her to B.J. Pim of Happy Tails owner tried to pull him off his teeth found her hand instead. Pet Supply in West Jefferson, who put Luna’s portraits on her Considered unadoptable, Mandy worked with him (without inM.A.S.H. (Mountain Animal Safe Haven) Facebook page, and cident), and Freddie captured his inquisitive and loving nature. within days Luna was adopted by a school teacher who needed a A sympathetic volunteer boarded him to buy time. Rossi now is companion. She relaxes in a sun filled library, and visits nursing the darling of a new household where he hikes and sleeps with his new mom and dad, who wrote that he is a great love and a homes as a therapy cat. In Lizzy the Lab mix’s case, she greeted her chance at free- “perfect gentleman.” One of the many dogs M.A.S.H. sponsored this year was Chidom with typical excitement. Freddie’s photo, highlighting her amber eyes, sable fur, and terrific smile, was featured in the lo- Chi, a small mixed breed who was locked in a foreclosed house cal newspaper. A family whose older dog had just passed away for two weeks without food or water. Chi-Chi now tours in a came to adopt her in late winter. The children crawled into the Winnebago with a retired couple who spend winters in Florida. Simba, a Zen-like kitty recently turned into the shelter, was back seat of the SUV pushing her in first amidst ripples of laughter, and Lizzy gazed happily out the back window as she was adopted by Tiffany Jones, who from her wheelchair deals with paraplegia, and does her own rescue work through her Ashe driven away. Pilots N Paws, as with Lobo, came to the aid of another home- Paws Facebook page. Tiffany not only arranges adoptions but less dog in early spring. Zach, a gorgeous white shepherd husky helps reunite lost pets with their owners, as with cattle dog Vinmix, did everything but talk to the staff at Animal Control. He nie, who was re-claimed by his frantic owner and now stays howled and turned in his cage for hours, until finally exhausted, close to home. An elderly female beagle, Daisy, was turned in by her family slept amidst the barking of other dogs. Once more, a metamorphosis occurred as he tasted freedom outside the kennel and for being old. She was transported by Ashley and Kelly Smart of Rugby Creek Animal in front of Freddie’s Rescue to a family lens. He romped on in Wilkesboro who lead in the frozen are glad to have her field, raised his head cuddle on the couch to breathe scents in her last stages of a on the cold wind, life well lived. and happily offered Unlike the other his paw as a ‘high High Country counfive’ gesture durties of Watauga and ing the photo shoot. Avery, which have The classic image of utilized a diverse this white spirit dog donor base to crewith snow still gracate state-of the art ing the mountains private shelters, beyond grabbed the Ashe County Aniattention of a shepmal Control has herd rescue group few benefactors to in Eastern Carolina, underwrite a large and Zach, like Lobo, scale or continuflew to safety and a ing initiative. While new life. His new Watauga County family took him on has used a spayhis first camping trip neuter ordinance to to the Outer Banks cut their euthanasia this summer and rate to a fraction of he sleeps beside the the national average, children to whom he Ashe County has no is devoted. such requirement Often perfectly and so is mired in a good dogs can get lahigh euthanasia rate beled as troublemakwith thousands of ers, decreasing their puppies and kittens chances of survival. turned in every year. A Yorkie named Ros“Second Chance si got his bad marks for defending himDogs of Ashe” takes self against a Pit Bull in as many dogs as who had gone after possible into a home Snickers went to Raleigh with Dr. Covington. She was adopted immedihim. Rossi attached remodeled to accomhimself to the Pit’s modate this labor of ately by a couple whose elderly Collie had passed away. They adore her. ear and when the love. Dogs are given 54
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Daisy was very ancient; but was ‘rescued’ by Rugby Creek
Rossi, shown with Mandy Wright now has a mountaintop
and they found a home in Wilkesboro for the last of her
home on 14 acres.
days ... on the couch no less.
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Director, Joe Testerman poses with dogs in outdoor kennel (left) and indoor kennel (right). It is not uncommon for people to remark on how clean and well kept the kennels are at Ashe Animal Control (partly due to Mandy’s extensive volunteer efforts).
C
Funds are Needed
ounty funding takes care of only the most basic needs of food, water, shelter and clean kennels. We desperately need foster homes for the animals to buy time, funds for medicine, immunizations, veterinary care for injured animals, an isolation area at Animal Control to set aside dogs who are candidates for rescue so they are not exposed to illness. We need a new facility to house the
‘outside’ larger dogs to protect them from winter weather, and a barn for abused horses. We also are in need of a cat rescue coordinator, foster homes for kittens, as well as larger cages in our cat room so that the cats and kittens have room to walk around (currently the cages don’t allow that space). No donation is too small, and any and all contributions of time, talent or funding will be deeply appreciated.
To assist the animals at Ashe Animal Control or discuss how you can help, please contact: Clare Tager at claretager@gmail.com • ( 336) 877- 2935 Please make checks payable to: All Creatures Rescue Attn: Clare Tager 322 Calhoun Road, West Jefferson NC 28694
DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
NOTE FROM PHOTOGRAPHER Freddie Georgia: I would like to personally thank Clare Tager for taking the time to write this story. Her dedication to saving all kinds of animals has long been an inspiration for me. Clare has opened her home and her heart to many an Animal Control pet, often those considered most unadoptable. She has financed the road to rescues and ‘forever homes’ by generously covering vet, vaccination and board bills on many a ‘happy tails’ dog or cat. It is no surprise Clare’s love of all animals is contagious, and a thing of wonder. For info on volunteering, especially contributing photographic talents, contact; Freddie Georgia at freddiegeorgia@aol.com
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Mandy Wright with puppies rescued by “Second Chance Dogs of Ashe .“
Zoey, the Jack Russell, was shelter-shocked until Mark Steinmetz (pictured left with Zoey), Mandy and Freddy started working with her and then she became a real poser ... and has quite the life at Rugby Creek now.
Simba...was adopted through Ashe Paws (Tiffany Jone’s site), by Tiffany’s grandmother.
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medical attention, rehabilitated and nurtured while prescreened homes are sought. The prospects for Zoey, a Jack Russell mix were not promising. She was too frightened to leave her cage, and growled at the officers. Prognosis: ‘Unadoptable’. After time spent with Freddie, her friend Mark Steinmetz, and Mandy, Zoey reconsidered her dog-to-human tactics and came around beautifully. Freddie’s portrait landed her a ‘job ‘at Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, traveling with Kelly Smart in her equine transports across the country. She now can growl unfettered at fellow truckers who get too close to Kelly’s truck at stops along the way. The Underground Railroad for the lost and abandoned animals of Ashe Animal Control works like patches in a quilt, with
each rescue group part of the pattern that weaves into the hidden seams binding them together; the only way to tackle a problem of such enormity. The tales of salvation will always mingle with the bittersweet sadness of those animals cared for, photographed and networked, yet not saved. With funding, the further joining of public and private efforts, the safe havens found for the few could become the domain of many others, and more good dogs and cats of Ashe County Animal Control might enjoy the fortunes of pets like Lobo, Yin Yang, Noah, Zach, Rossi, Chi-Chi, Zoey, Jazz, Lizzy, Blue and Luna who have found the road to rescue, and, in being saved, graced the lives of those who have taken them in, and welcomed them home. ◆
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Keep Calm & Throw On Story by Ethan Woodhouse Photography by Maria Richardson
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otting has provided a job, therapy and a little bit of stress to Bob Meir’s life for the past three decades. His basement pottery operation headquarters on King Street is caked in clay dust. The mayonnaise jars labeled zircopax, dolomite and tin oxide are tinged brown and gray. Shelves all across the workroom are full of margarine containers, coffee tins and yogurt cups. Their labels are presumably more misleading. After walking through Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery’s showroom and into Meier’s workroom the change in temperaments is apparent. But it is in this dusty, cluttered workshop where he finds the most solace. “It keeps me sane,” Meier says amidst cutting and rolling out handles for 150 or so mugs that will be handed out at the upcoming annual Bear 5 Mile Run at Grandfather Mountain. “The motivation for me, you know, is that I really enjoy the work.” This kind of work doesn’t always present itself to people as a career opportunity. Even in a state like North Carolina (which has the highest per capita of
occupational potters of any state, Meier mentions), becoming skilled in the art takes years of commitment. Even after 35 years in the business, Meier acknowledges his stumbling upon the field was a bit by chance. Meier came to Appalachian State after serving in the Marine Corps and studying at West Chester State in Pennsylvania. He intended to pursue a degree as an English teacher, but the hot fields during the 70s were Industrial Arts and Vocational Education. When he was filling out his schedule for the fall of 1973, he needed one more class to be considered a full-time student. There was a spot available in a pottery class, so he jumped on board. “I thought, I really enjoy teaching and it doesn’t matter to me what I teach, let’s find something that’s a little more marketable,” Meier says. “How bad could it be? I could stick out anything for a semester.” By the end of the semester, Meier’s passion had been ignited. He took at least one pottery class each semester he spent in Boone. So for over three decades, Meier has bounced around Boone as a teacher and
potter. He was one of about 24 folks who opened the Hands Craft Gallery in 1975. He has assisted the university multiple times as an adjunct instructor and worked at Parkway Elementary. His first pottery operation began out of his home on Doe Ridge Road in 1978. He has had shops on Coffey Street and adjoining the Daniel Boone Inn. He opened shop on King Street, beneath Bead Box, three years ago on Mother’s Day. Over the years, Meier has worked through four recessions, but mastering the business aspect has always been the most tedious task. “I had a pretty good background in the technology of making pots, what I didn’t know was how to sell them and maintain a business,” Meier says. “I knew if I found someone who I trusted to work the books, I would be happier working in the studio than doing paperwork, any day.” So Meier has instituted an open door for interns and part-time help, whom he has educated in the craft and provided a place to get started and offer their work for sale. Nathan Fields began working for Meier in 2000 and has been with Doe Ridge for the majority of the time since
“It keeps me sane” - Bob Meier
(left) Bob Meier’s artisan trimming tools have been well-loved over the previous decades. Bisqueware (right) sits on a prep table waiting to be glazed and refired. In the background, Bob and another potter contemplate their next piece.
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Bob Meier works on the potter’s wheel in his studio in 1988. In this picture, he is adding the final touches to a freshly-thrown stoneware.
then. He now owns his own shop, Rattlesnake Mountain Pottery in Laurel Springs and owes much of his progress to Bob. “Everything I’ve learned is from working here,” Fields says. “It’s a very cool, unconventional place. He’s laid back, but very work oriented. He always asks what I think of new pieces and we work well together.” Working with younger people is one of the many benefits Meier experiences in his shop and gallery. Some benefits might be less obvious than others. “Watching someone throw on the wheel, when a big amorphous blob of clay is paced on the wheel and the next thing you know it has a life of its own,” Meier says. “It takes a form and turns into something recognizable and it looks almost like slight of hand.” This soothing nature has immense benefits, particularly when Meier com-
pares his life to that of a “Chinese fire drill,” which is how Meier describes he and his wife raising four children and working multiple jobs during the 90s. “The pottery was a sanctuary to him,” Bob’s wife, Kathy Smith, said. “There’s an element of stress to anything about owning a business, but he works with great people and loves what he does, so during hectic times his shop certainly served as an escape.” “I enjoy the process of making things in series where you’re making the same thing over and over again,” Meier says. “You can almost let your mind wander and it’s like a mantra. You get into a zone or Zen-like state. It’s a nice place to be because you get into this rhythm of work that creates a calming metaphysical zone.” Emotional relief is not the only source of release a person can experience through this process. The tactical nature of the clay can create a rewarding endeavor for people needing physical therapy. Working in clay is recognized as a specific, useful therapy for people recovering from anything from broken bones to carpel tunnel syndrome.
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“For 35 years I’ve gotten up and gone to a job I love.” -Bob Meier July 12
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“There’s an element of stress to anything about owning a business, but he works with great people and loves what he does, so during hectic times his shop certainly served as an escape.” - Kathy Smith
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YEARS
828.898.9756 (O) 828.260.1550 (C)
PO Box 336, 415 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk, NC 28604 Downtown • Beside The Red Caboose www.bannerelkrealty.com
One of Bob Meier’s favorite pastimes is playing with his two dogs. Bob and his wife Kathy Smith play with Tater and Ruby on their back porch.
Meier also hopes his work brings functional use and form value into the homes of his customers. He says he enjoys the idea of his well-designed functional pieces in use, being part of his customer’s everyday life, where he and his patrons are able to vicariously participate in each other’s lives. By extending his concept of functionality, he has learned he can conjoin form and function. “If someone is willing to extend themselves and purchase a formal piece, that’s first and foremost a nice compliment because it’s their hard earned money,” Meier said. “And the other thing is when they take it home the function it serves is that it enriches their lives by having it in their home. They enjoy looking at it like any other piece of artwork. In those terms, it’s still a functional piece.” Meier says he still has a preference for functional work. Making and selling mugs, plates and pots that people use around the house brings him the most satisfaction. In honing his craft, Meier finds peace during times when the economy does his business no favors. “I feel very fortunate in this economy that
there are still people out there with enough money willing to spend it on my work,” Meier says. “It helps to have your business pretty well-established if you’re going to weather a slowdown in the economy.” Well-established may be an understatement for Meier. “After 34 years I have something of a reputation,” he says. “People have heard that I do nice work or have seen my work and admire it and I receive a lot of custom commissions from those kinds of things. Your name has to be worth as much as the work you put it on.” Therein lies the passion required to keep up in the field of pottery. Without an enthusiasm for potting, working in the field could become as dull as working in a cubicle. But Meier has never had to overcome such an obstacle. “I could have made more money working as a welder perhaps,” he says as he finishes rolling out the last of the mug handles. “I have no regrets. For years I struggled running a business, but I found the support I needed to maintain it. For 35 years I’ve gotten up and gone to a job I love.”
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Debbie Arnold shows a collaging technique she created for one of her workshops.
Debbie Arnold Intuitive Artist
“I
t’s like looking at a buffet and fixating only on the mashed potatoes,” says Debbie Arnold, intuitive artist. “You wouldn’t be enjoying anything else. You’re so fixated; you might think that
all you deserve are the mashed potatoes. You haven’t allowed for any other possibilities.”
Allowing for other possibilities is exactly how Arnold approaches
her work as an artist. With more than 25 years of experience, her work has evolved beyond her formal training in graphic arts to something much
Story by Rebecca Gitlen 66 66
HH ii g g hh CC o o uu nn tt rr yy M M aa g g aa zz ii nn ee
October July 2012 / November 2011
Photography by Maria Richardson
more subconscious. Rather than guiding the scene based on any sense of reality, she allows it to present itself based on what she may experience in dreams or visions. Her philosophy on art transcends the canvas and serves to make a larger statement about human nature.. Her style and methods are always evolving without judgments, critiques, right or wrong. She’s never thrown out a painting for going in the wrong direction. Well, only once, “because it was too yellow.” Faith allows her to trust her paintings’ direction. Painting is like meditating to Arnold. She can tap into a greater conscious where she’s like a drop of water in an ocean. She was trained in Transcendental Meditation, and it does influence her work. “People are so fixated on what is or isn’t supposed to happen on what is, what isn’t, or on what they do and don’t deserve. They walk through life without allowing themselves any opportunities for magic,” she says. “You must believe in the magic, and the opportunities will present themselves.” She helps people practice this type of thinking in her art
workshops. Arnold never intended to teaching workshops, but people were passionate about wanting her to help them open up their creativity and get to a deeper place. “If something comes up more than once that sparks your interest, it’s the universe saying, “pay attention,.” she said. Although they were a nebulous thing for her to attempt in the beginning, she has found them to be a lot of fun and even inspiring. In her art workshops, it’s Arnold’s job to bond her students with their intuition. She’s there as a guide, seeing things forming and giving her students a push. Arnold sees that everyone is capable of art, even if they say they’re not artistic. “Everybody has their own style in their process where their personality comes through,” she said. “Some follow through to the end. They start with one thing and finish it. Some people work on 20 different things and never finish any of them. I give them options and help them do what they want.”
An inside view of Debbie Arnold’s studio, along with her pet Yorkie, Champ
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Some students understand the process more than others. It’s a matter of getting into what you’re working on and letting it evolve. Not everyone has that patience, however, most enjoy it even if they get frustrated. After a whole week of workshops, students find they’ve had time to work through frustrations and reach a feeling of resolution. In the end, “they always surprise themselves, which is the fun part,” Arnold saidlaughs. “At first, they don’t feel like they can do an intuitive process. My goal is to give them something to carry into other parts of their lives.” It’s that free-flowing, accepting way of living with intensity of spirit. “We have a narrow definition of what a successful human being is,” Arnold said. “And many people don’t fit into it here or there. Society convinces you that you have shortcomings when you can be so great. Instead, you focus on the one percent that isn’t fitting. Schools, society and parents do it to people, and it’s crazy.” In the workshops, “People start with something that makes no sense to them,” Debbie said. “The analytical part of your brain doesn’t work for this. If you turn it off, the playful, fun right side of the brain can come out and say, “Oh, look, let’s play with that and with this!” Sticking with the left side of your brain can be restrictive. So, to have that spontaneous, intuitive style, Arnold has to get out of her own way. It’s a matter of getting rid of limiting belief systems and the
Starting to see the difference? By releasing all expectations and trusting yourself, it allows the magic to flow. Arnold is attached to the idea of listening to your inner voice. With patience, she lets her life unfold in a natural way and ends up with something better than what she could have forced into being. “Be still,” she says. “Feel it through. We’re taught in society to make things happen, but I don’t feel that’s the best way. The process in the workshop is a metaphor. Have patience and you’ll end up with something magical.” Having patience in art is a lot like approaching life with a certain patience and wisdom. “People act like they’re going to live forever. They – go to school, get a job and get old in this prescribed fashion when there are really a gazillion ways to live. They don’t even think about it or know how to change it.” So how did Arnold escape it? “I made a decision at a very young age that I wasn’t going to live like that and the universe has always supported me in that decision. It wasn’t always easy or exactly what I thought it would be, but it’s worth it.” Arnold has been getting lost in art since she was little. Her older paintings are of women, horses, landscapes and nature. Her newer art has taken a bolder and more abstract direction. Each time she approaches a painting, it’s in one of a hundred ways - dripping paint onto a canvas,
ting. r style of pain e h t u o b a re ents mo hing her stud c a te p o sh rk wo in her weekly Debbie Arnold smearing color with a palate knife, limitations we place on ourselves. “Look around,” she said. “People are doing magical things and they’re not any smarter or more creative. They’ve just let the magic happen.” If you went back in time, showed Arnold her most recent painting and asked, “Can you create this?” She would have said no because she couldn’t have created it if she was trying for it. She was available when the painting presented itself.
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using saran wrap or sponges for texture, painting acrylic with a binder or using handmade paper. Sometimes sheeven starts by building a collage. She once cut a photo of a jellyfish out of a National Geographic magazine, separating the jellyfish from the underwater scene so it would let go of its name and expectations of remaining a jellyfish. It and became just a color in a form. She found the lines that called to her and gave it a place on a full-page, glossy photo of
“Look around,” she said. “People are doing magical things, and they’re not any smarter or more creative. They’ve just let the magic happen.”
Debbie Arnold’s Grey African Parrot, Sir Robi, and one of her latest paintings, “Winter Trees.”
unidentifiable beige and green and brown, discovering the picture. She didn’t tell the images what to be. After assembling the images into their collage, she painted wispy layers and layers over them. Arnold discovered her most recent method when she went to save some old paint by pouring it on a plastic surface to dry. She peeled it off and found a playful new medium. She loosely mixed different colors on the plastic to experiment. When they were dry, she peeled off the flat color blob and started cutting it up and playing around, reforming the pieces into bold and elegantly abstract color splashes. One of her paintings looks like a few pools of paint, without any decisions or direction, flowed into the life of a bouquet of flowers. Arnold believes there is more than the three-dimensional, physical world. Being a physical version of “Debbie” helps her create art, but like a tree that returns to the earth and sprouts again, she’s more than that. Having a relationship with the spiritual side of her helps to freely trust and allow for spontaneous art. Once a painting is complete, the meanings in the image surprise her
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At her husband’s business office, Hearth Stone-Extraordinary Homes located on Poplar Grove Road South, Debbie Arnold has paintings hung throughout. sometimes. She likened it to dreaming or working through something internally. For instance, Arnold didn’t realize one of her paintings was about humanity missing the music of the world until it was finished. The painting is called Waiting for the Music and she sold that painting without ever telling the buyer what it was about. She feels it’s not for her to tell people what the painting should
Debbie Arnold playing with Sir Robi in her home.
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mean to them. “Have them see it for themselves,” said Arnold. “Everyone will find something different.” As an artist, her statement isn’t about putting out some profound message, it’s about the process. Any time you get lost in what you’re doing, you’re finding a deeper sense of self. That’s the process. Some people knit. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing, but it is important to allow yourself a time and space to do that. “When you turn off your brain and you’re not thinking, you’re not limited,” she said. “You’re open to unlimited possibilities. People that run or swim aren’t thinking about their problems. They’re just there, doing it, in the zone.” It’s a physical state of being, like a stage of sleep, it’s just another brain stage. You can learn to guide yourself there. And there are lots of ways to do it. You can feel it all the time. Even Arnold must admit she doesn’t feel it all the time, but she’s aware of when she’s not and reminds herself that you can choose your responses in life. There are very few responses that are automatic - that we’re born with like fear, anxiety or starvation, but how many of us are in that state? You can be
From Start to Finish: Debbie Arnold’s paintings as they start out, and where they end up. Above: “Lyrics of the Sea” Below: “Pegasus”
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“We have a narrow definition of what a successful human being is,” Arnold said. “And many people don’t fit into it here or there. Society convinces you that you have shortcomings when you can be so great. Instead, you focus on the one percent that isn’t fitting. Schools, society and parents do it to people, and it’s crazy.” miserable from a paper cut when 99 percent of the rest of your life is pretty good. People have a tendency to exaggerate what’s wrong instead of what’s right. “People think they have to be upset in certain situations,” she said. “They’re conditioned by society. But paying attention to what you’re feeling and thinking will help you change that.” Understanding what you really feel is all part of trusting in the magic. These days, Arnold’s process calls for more time (“You can’t force the magic,” she says). She used to work 60 hours a week, finishing one painting each week when she had several gallery showings at a time. Now it’s several paintings at one time, completed over the course of a year.
She still finds ways to challenge herself. For one painting, Arnold set out to portray all the shades of lighting in the day in one painting. When she was done, cows were grazing across a landscape from dawn to dusk. Arnold’s paintings are like her children. She loves them all, can’t pick a favorite and wishes they were all a little different. Arnold’s next gallery showing, “The Flow of Nature,” will be at the Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk September 22 to October 21 with an opening reception on September 22. “There is a spiritual awakening happening in the world,” Arnold declaressaid. “Don’t be so fixated on the mashed potatoes and maybe you can hear it.”
Debbie Arnold demonstrating her painting techniques to students in her workshop.
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summer dining GUIDE For Fun, Take a Stroll Through Our Pages of Restaurants
Photo by Freddie Georgi at the Crestwood Inn
“Ca s
ily ”
The Banner Elk Cafe
g for the Whole Dinin Fam l a u 2 Flat Screens & Live Entertainment
The Best Place for FOOD, FUN, & FRIENDS in the Heart of Banner Elk.
10
$
00 Large Two Topping Pizza expires August 31, 2012
The Lodge Pizzeria & Espresso Bar
Fresh Roasted Coffees and Espresso • 828-898-3444 Smoothie & Frappe Bar & Vitamin Supplements Muffins, Bagels Pastries & Breads Deli Subs & Sandwiches • Salads & Pastas Gourmet Pizza & Calzones
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Live Music This Summer!
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM FRIDAY, JULY 6 • Keith Stroud SATURDAY, JULY 7 • Jonathan Maness FRIDAY, JULY 13 • The Kimmels SATURDAY, JULY 14 • Jonathan Maness FRIDAY, JULY 20 • Keith Stroud SATURDAY, JULY 21 • Jonathan Maness FRIDAY, JULY 28 • The Kimmels SATURDAY, JULY 28 • Sound Traveler SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 • Jessie Smith SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 • Jonathan Maness
828-898-4040
Open 7am Everyday Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Check our website at: www.bannerelkcafe.com for entertainment schedule and current promotions.
Bon Appetit!
amalfi’s BOONE. Amalfi’s Restaurant & Pizzeria is dedicated to the authentic flavors of mediterranean cuisine, using the finest and freshest seafood, vegetables, poultry and meats. The owners, Onofrio (Tony) and Lellena (Sardegna) Catta, moved from Naples, Italy, to the US in 1996. Their pastas, rotisserie chicken specialties and prosciutto and arugula pizza with smoked mozzarella will change your life. Buon Appetito! n 828-898-3325.
ART OF BREAD BEECH MOUNTAIN. People are
Over 120 Small Tapas Plates
LET’S EAT OUT. These local restaurants are advertising here to remind you to think about their restaurant when it’s time to dine out. You’ll be warmly welcomed.
Progressive Alternative Dining
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Weekdays 4pm-until... Weekends 3pm-until... 502 West Main St. Banner Elk
www.zuzda.com 828-898-4166
Two Fabulous Bars • All ABC Permits
summer dining
Extensive Wine Selection • Live Music Fri. & Sat.
excited to have a bakery right on the mountain! Wendy Lawson opened the Art of Bread about seven weeks ago inside the Blue Ridge Cannery & Crepe Café in the Four Seasons Hotel and her new bakery features delicious artisan bread, sweet pastries and many other “goodies.” She also bakes up “real” Challah bread by pre-order. The Art of Bread uses organic ingredients, raw seeds and nuts, cage free eggs, homegrown herbs and local honey! Come see what’s baking on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. n 828-387-2520.
www.theartofbreadbakery.webs.com
BANNER ELK CAFE BANNER ELK. Serving 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! n 828-898-4040.
BlOWING ROCK GRILLE BLOWING ROCK. Courtyard dining and friendly atmosphere make this
A Perfect Evening Join us on Thursdays for our lively seafood buffet, or another evening for one of Chef Maisonhaute’s savory offerings such as Boeuf Bourguignon or Grilled Mountain Rainbow Trout. Call for reservations.
The Eseeola Lodge at Linville Golf Club
175 Linville Avenue Linville, North Carolina 28646
www.eseeola.com • 1-800-742-6717
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summer dining restaurant a Blowing Rock favorite. For lunch, try homemade soups, vegetable plates and sandwiches. The dinner menu features fresh fish, pasta, pork, premium steaks and a unique wine list. n
828-295-9474. www.theblowingrockgrille.com
BLue Ridge Bistro BANNER ELK. Blue Ridge Bistro offers a wide array of local favorites! Everything from burgers and veggie burgers to shrimp-n-grits to North Carolina Ruby Red Rainbow Trout and so much more! There are also seasonal favorites like chicken-n-dumplings in the winter and fried green tomatoes in the summer. Many gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. Our food contains no genetically modified organisms, artificial hormones, preservatives, chemical pesticides or herbicides. Come try some of our amazing choices and taste and feel the difference! n 828-898-3325.
Artist
to
www.blueridgebistro.com
Artist
CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. Café Portofino offers a casual atmosphere and truly 5-star dining. The self-described “Garlic House” menu is a creative mix of Thai, Eurasian and Italian influences. For afterhours entertainment, check out the adjoining taproom with billiards, darts, and fifty bottle and draft beers from around the world. n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino.net
Canyons Introducing Timberlake’s Restaurant, a collaboration between
American Realist Artist, Bob Timberlake and Award-Winning Chef, Michael Barbato Breakfast Daily: 7:30 – 10:00 am Dinner Nightly: 4:30 – 9:30 pm
www.chetola.com 828-295-5505
Blowing Rock. This historic restaurant and bar is known for its spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its scrumptious southwestern and ordinary American eats. All dishes are freshly prepared in house with the finest ingredients available. We regularly offer a variety of seasonally fresh items, so ask about our nightly specials in addition to our menu selections. n 828-295-7661.
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summer dining
Half Price On Our House Daily lunch Bottled Wines Every Tuesday! specials
CAROLINA BARBECUE
KIDS MEAL
NEWLAND. A regular favorite is the Large Pork Plate with baked beans, coleslaw and hushpuppies. For the health and protein fans, there’s the 3-piece Smoked Chicken with homemade green beans and dirty rice served with a dinner roll—this healthy meal is even approved by the YMCA! Don’t forget the delicious banana pudding and CBBQ nobake cookies, too! n 828-737-0700.
FREE
ining 5 Star D he Prices without t al in a Casu re! Atmosphe ining All Day D
Kids 10 and under eat free with purchase of adult entree. Lunch or Dinner. Tues-Thurs
CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Casa Rustica has been serving Boone for over 30 years as the premier choice for fine Italian dining. Located in an antique log cabin, Casa was founded on family tradition and quality of experience. From our Certified Angus beef filet to our homemade tiramisu, one is sure to find something to please the pallet. Casa Rustica is capable to handle any need, from large sized private parties to full on and off site catering. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night beside the fireplace or a full family celebration, Casa Rustica is the right choice for dining in the High Country. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com
Cha Da Thai Boone. Cha Da Thai is the only au-
thentic Thai cuisine in the area. Cha Da Thai offers an extensive menu and daily specials. A few favorites inclue Pad Thai served with Tamarind base red sauce and Pad Gra Pow with special Thai basil leaves. From sweet to sour and from salty to spicy, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste. Located on Howards Street. n 828-268-0434.
Sun, Tue - Thurs: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm • Fri - Sat: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm 970 Rivers Street • 828-264-7772 • w w w. c a f e p o r t o fi n o . n e t
Follow us on
Evergreen’s
Restaurant & Lounge Specializing in the Seafood Experience of the Chesapeake Bay Area
www.ChaDaThai-NC.com
crippens blowing rock. Chef Stan Chamberlain is making a name for himself as diners post opinions on tripadvisor.com and opentable.com keeping Crippen’s the #1 restaurant in Blowing Rock and Top 5 in Western North Carolina! Enjoy
LocaLs Receive 10% oFF youR MeaL (Alcohol not Included)
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER MondAY - SAtuRdAY 7:00 AM-10:00 pM SundAY 7:00 AM–2:00 pM
FuLL seRvice
TiKi BaR oPeN Full Menu dRAFt BeeR & SpRItS SundAY 12:00 pM–7:00 pM
Come enjoy drinks by the Pool! Located in the Best Western Mountain Lodge • Highway 184 • Banner Elk, NC (828) 898-4571 • www.evergreensrestaurantnc.com July 12
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summer dining Classic Southern Cuisine & New American Favorites made from scratch using Local and Organic ingredients
the casual atmosphere and fine dining restaurant, with a daily menu featuring a variety of Artisan breads, homemade soups, creative appetizers, fresh seafood, meats and game, and of course delicious homemade desserts. Be sure to ask your server about the eclectic wine list too! n
Sushi On Our Patio Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 2124 Blowing Rock Road, Boone NC 28607 828 264 7976 www.makotos-boone.com
828-295-3487. www.crippens.com
Serving Lunch & Dinner, Beer, Wine, coffee & SWeetS
EAT CROW
11:00am - 9:00pm Thursday - Monday
Quality Casual eatery & gaLLery Coffee Bar Dining for the 11:00am to 9:00pm Entire Family Lunch - 11:00am to 4:30pm featuring Dinner - 4:30pm to 9:00pm Local Farmers Sunday Brunch and Artists 11:00am - 4:30pm 142 Main St. E., BannEr Elk, nC | 828-898-3325 FREE WI-FI | TO-GO
BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes. We offer them by the slice or 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 soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat
The Art of Bread Bakery
Saturday & Sunday 9AM – 2PM
Inside The Blue Ridge Cannery & Crepe Cafe BeeCh MounTAIn PARkwAy, BeeCh MounTAIn, nC
Pre-Orders & Special Order’s available
387-2520
www.theartofbreadbakery.webs.com
Everything at the “Art of Bread” is baked by me handmade from scratch using organic ingredients, raw nuts/seeds, cage free eggs, home grown herbs and local honey right here in the Café’s kitchen. My goal is to provide you with the BESt baked goods available.
I HOPE yOu EnJOy!!!
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summer dining
FLEXING OUR MUSSELS.
up for your family. These entrees vary daily. At Eat Crow, we are always creating something delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Sides are 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.
The Eseeola Lodge
linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome. 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
BANNER ELK, NC SERVING DINNER:
Monday – Saturday Opening at 5:30pm Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence ‘90-’95 Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence ’96-’12
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED:
828/963-5087 or 898-5656
EVERGREEN banner elk. Wake up and enjoy breakfast with us. A breakfast buffet is available on most weekends from 7 to 11. For lunch, come by for a quick sandwich or one of our delicious appetizers. We also offer a full beverage menu. In the summer months, Evergreens also has a poolside tiki bar. It’s the only one in the area. Evergreens Restaurant is located in the Best Western adjacent to the lobby. Whether staying for business or pleasure, we’re sure you’ll find something to please your palate at Evergreens! n 828-898-4571.
www.evergreenrestaurantnc.com
fred & larry’s banner elk. Fred and Larry’s coffee shop offers fresh-roasted Conrad’s coffee and espresso in an artsy, laid-back environment with free WIFI. They serve frappes, smoothies, tea, lattes and locally made organic pastries. Open mic nights are Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Fred and Larry’s beer and wine bar and the first and only Kava bar in the area opens this July. n 828-898-2110. www.fredandlarryscoffee.com
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summer dining
Exquisite Authentic Thai Cuisine
Gamekeeper
Daily Lunch Specials
Blowing Rock. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, 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.
Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00 Sat-Sun 11:30-3:00
Also Open for Dinner Every Day: Mon-Sun 5:00-10:00
www.Gamekeeper-NC.com
GREEN PARK INN
* Serving beer and wine *
BLOWING ROCK. The Green Park Inn is proud to introduce of our Fine Dining Restaurant, The Laurel Room, under the direction of award winning Chef James Welch, who is a James Beard Foundation nominee, and has won multiple awards.
173 Howard Street in Downtown Boone 828-268-0434 Fax: 828-268-0439 chadathai-nc.com
EAT CROW EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE
Sandwiches
(Served on our homemade bread)
Pies • Cakes Shepherd’s Pie Steak & Ale Pie Chicken Pot Pie English Specialties (On Request)
Catering 828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com
Fabulous British Chef/Owner
Dominic& Meryle Geraghty
EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe (across from Mountain Lumber)
Tokyo Restaurant
Vietnamese & Japenese Special Soups, Spring Rolls, Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Rolls, Hibachi & Teriyaki Dishes, Sushi and More!
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Inspire Your Tastebuds Redeem this ad for a FREE appetizer or dessert
Offering a healthy balance between fresh herbs & meats and a creative use of spices to give you high quality Steak & Seafood.
One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer
110 High Country Square • Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.4121 • www.tokyoexpressbe.com
828.898.6800 • paintedfishcafe.com
High Country Magazine
July 2012
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK & SUNDAY BRUNCH 2941 tynecastle hwy • banner elk, nc 28604
summer dining Chef James is no doubt one of the finest Chefs in the High Country. The Laurel Room Restaurant offers extraordinary cuisine, a thoughtful wine selection, and service befitting your expectations. The Divide Tavern and Lounge is an elegant gathering place to enjoy conversation and cocktails. Join us at this newly restored National Historic Register property. The hotel includes 88 guest rooms. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.
com.
JOE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN BOONE. Joe’s family Italian restaurant serves food the way Joe’s ancestors did, handmade from recipes handed down for five generations. Almost everything at Joe’s is made in the restaurant, with no pre-baked, frozen or artificial ingredients. At Joe’s Italian Kitchen, you can choose hot or cold sandwiches, pasta, salads and desserts. And this year Joe has added Joe’s Jazzed Up, an upscale fine dining Italian experience, located right next to the deli. n 828-263-9200. www.joesitaliankitchen.com.
louisianna purchase FOOD & SPIRITS BANNER ELK. Louisiana Purchase has been Banner Elk’s premier restaurant and wine bar since 1984. Made to order elegance. Chef owner Patrick Bagbey’s menu evolves with the changing seasons, and will always include all the favorites. All ABC permits and the largest wine list in the area. Open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. until … Reservations suggested. n 828-963-5087 or 828-898-5656.
www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com.
Makoto’s Boone. Dining at Makoto’s Japanese Seafood and Steak House is an unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. If you’re lucky, your personal chef will provide a little free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makoto’s also ofJuly 12
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summer dining fers a lunch and dinner sushi bar and full ABC permits. n 828-264-7976.
www.makatos-boone.com.
the painted fish café and beer bar BANNER ELK. An upscale experience in a relaxed, casual ambience. Inspired food, fun beers and superb wines all at surprisingly reasonable prices. Organic and locally grown/raised ingredients used whenever possible. Plenty of outdoor dining. Inspired food for friends and family. n 828-898-6800. www.paintedfishcafe.com
Red Onion Café Boone. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering a welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has some-
The Sweetest Spot on Sugar!
Sugar Mountain Café All Natural Smoothies & Wraps
Good For You & Your Spirit! • Grilled Panni’s • Wraps • 1/4 lb Burgers • Fresh Smoothies • Fresh Juice • Soups • Salads • Rice Bowls • Coffee • Cappuccino • Frappachino’s • Latté’s • Free Wi-Fi
• Breakfast served All day- Everyday! • Eat In! • Wrap It To Go! • We Deliver!
At The Bottom Of Sugar Mountain Drive and Tynecastle Hwy (Hwy-184) 2989 Tynecastle Hwy • Sugar Mountain
Call 898-YUMM (9866) Or online at: sugarmountaincafe.com 82
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summer dining thing for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal. The outside patio is perfect for lunch or for warm evenings. n 828-264-5470.
www.theredonioncafe.com.
Six pence PUB Blowing Rock. For a fine example of British fare, you should head over to Six Pence Pub in downtown Blowing Rock. From traditional Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street now with a new patio. n 828-295-3155.
www.sixpencepub.com.
We’ve been told it is ... “the best coffee in town”
s ’ fi l a Am ITALIAN RESTAURANT
& PIZZERIA
Monday - Saturday: 7 aM- 7 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM oPen MiC night, Friday & Saturday: 7 PM - 10 PM Fine art by gwen J. rainwater Espresso, Latte, Coffee, Frappe, Smoothie, Tea, & a Variety of Desserts FREE WIFI
3591 Tynecastle Hwy. • Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-2110 • FredandLarrysCoffee.com
Amalfi’s brings to Boone a traditional flavor of Mediterranean CUISINE. We welcome you to dine in real Italian atmosphere. Gluten Free BUON APPETITO! Options Available! HOURS: Monday-Thursday, 11-9:30 • Friday & Saturday 11–10:30 • Closed Sunday 957 RiveRS STReeT, BOOne, nC 28607 • 828-386-1137 July 12
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R
Restaurant & Pub
R
Six Pence
summer dining sugar mountain café
A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock
Dining Sunday - Thursday 11:30am - 10:30pm & Friday and Saturday until Midnight Full Bar (open until 2am) 14 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews Courteous and Friendly Staff
Featuring British & American Fare
SUGAR MOUNTAIN. After a hard day on the slopes, breakfast before teeing-off on the golf course, or just when you feel like having a healthy bite or a frothy cappuccino - come on by and visit us! We offer all natural smoothies and wraps, angus burgers, soups and chili, as well as breakfast all day long! Open Sunday - Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. n 828-898-9866. www.sugarmountaincafe.com
828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. Truly one of the most romantic settings in The High Country.
The Table at Crestwood Blowing Rock. Our menu is a creative mix of Southern fare with a European touch. Our spectacular views will captivate you while you enjoy terrace or fireside dining. We offer great food, sunsets and an unforgettable experience. Try our Chipotle Bourbon Glazed Scottish Salmon, Spice Rubbed Pork Strip or Brined and Braised Chicken Thighs - or our Oven Roasted Cod - or Shrimp and Grits or maybe our Grilled Airline Chicken Breast. Plus we have a casual menu, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. n 828-963-6646. www.crestwoodnc.com
TIMBERLAKE restaurant
Prime Rib Special on Mondays • Fish & Chips on Tuesdays • Thursday Night Music Series
&
Table at Crestwood Dog Star Bar & Grill OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK
www.crestwoodnc.com | 3236 Shull’s Mill Road | 828.963.6646 84
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BLOWING ROCK. A brand new restaurant has arrived in Blowing Rock at the renowned Chetola Resort. The recently opened Timberlake’s Restaurant will feature a menu inspired by world-renowned North Carolina artist and designer Bob Timberlake’s culinary favorites. From Mesquite-dusted shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, to Carolinaraised trout and roasted Carolina quail, each dish fashioned by Chef Michael Barbato will be one worth savoring. n
828-295-5505. www.chetola.com
summer dining tokyo express banner elk. Tokyo Express has a healthy balance of fresh herbs and meats and a creative use of spices to give you quality Japanese and Vietnamese food. Visit Tokyo Express in Banner Elk and enjoy special soups, spring rolls, hibachi and teriyaki dishes served with fresh vegetables, sushi and much more. Dine-in or carry-out, Tokyo Express is fast and delicious. n (828) 898-4121. www.tokyoexpressbe.com
vidalia Boone. Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” It offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive, 60+ bottle wine list, craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farmto-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com
Zuzda Banner Elk. Zuzda is a “tapas style” chef-owned restaurant that offers over 125 small plates of all cuisines. The “progressive alternative dining” offers the opportunity to taste and share small portions of food in a random order of presentation. Zuzda offers inside and patio dining and two bars, all of which is nonsmoking. Zuzda holds all ABC permits, and the wine list is as extensive as the menu, offering many wines by the glass. n 828-898-4166. www.zuzda.com
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Crafting a Living Henry and His Woodshop in Foscoe
Story by Jesse Wood Photography by James Fay
O
n a spring afternoon, Henry Vaughn’s woodshop is buzzin’. A table saw hums on one end of the shop as sawdust piles onto the concrete floor. At the other end, a curly maple board skirts across the joiner and a cherry slab skids beneath planer teeth. All the while, the drone of an overhead dust collection system resonates. Though some days are spent fine tun-
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ing projects with chisels and sandpaper, other days, like this one, consist of milling wood, eventually to be handcrafted into a front door, fine cabinet or piece of furniture. Located off a gravel road in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain, Vaughn Woodworking is a high-end custom woodshop in Foscoe. Henry’s been woodworking here for two dec-
Henry Vaughn and his son, Kevin, hold a massive mahogany board in the woodshop’s lumber room. The lumber room holds many more varieties of wood.
ades, though you might never have known because he has never advertised his enterprise, nor is there a sign outside the shop. Similar to the patrons of an out-of-the-way, down-home barbecue joint, Henry’s clientele is either repeat or wordof-mouth. The shop specializes in architectural woodwork, furniture and fine cabinetry, but Henry and his staff can build anything wooden – from mahogany bathtubs and spiral-staircase handrails to castle-sized entryways that Andre the Giant could pogo-stick through. “People come and ask, ‘Can you?’ I tell them we can do anything. When they leave, I say, ‘Why did you tell them you can do that?’” Henry quipped, albeit seriously. “It’s bit me more than once, [but it’s] never whooped me.”
From Picking Cotton to Woodworking
Born in 1950, Henry was raised in Homer, Ga., a rural town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains that to this day doesn’t have a stoplight. Like life for many rural folks back in the day, times were tough, and he grew up poor but didn’t know better. His dad was an iron worker, who was never around, and his mom was a homemaker. Henry hoed cotton as a kid, and for three cents a pound, he “was making the big bucks.” “Most I ever picked was 98 pounds,” Henry recalled. “I never could get to 100 pounds from sunup to sundown.” At the age of 16, he left home for Naples, Fla., to try to earn a living – and he tried damn near everything. “Worked on cars, poured concrete, put up buildings, built houses, sold oranges – even tried selling insurance one time,” Henry said, joking that, “I never was smart enough to know I couldn’t do something.” At first, he worked low skill jobs at a gas station and department store; then worked for a steel fabricating plant for seven years; and eventually decided he wouldn’t be able to provide for three kids and a wife working for somebody else, so he became his own boss, putting up metal buildings until the economy went south during the Oil Crisis of the ‘70s. He leased a fish market, but didn’t like being inside all the time. He ran a honey business – but not much money in that. “After three bad years in a row [with the honeybees], I said, ‘I gotta do something to eat, I’m gonna starve to death,’” Henry said. “So I decided to try making a living woodworking – and been trying ever since.” Henry ran a woodshop in Naples for a number of years until he moved to Foscoe in 1991 and July 12
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Henry poses on a staircase in his woodshop in Foscoe. Henry joins a board in the photo below. The wood shop totals 6,000 square feet.
opened a small workshop in the High Country, where he had vacationed in years past and where his first wife attended school. A year later, Henry moved down the road, opening the shop he’s been at for 20 years. He has since quadrupled the size of his shop, which currently consists of four bays totaling 6,000 square feet, and it still feels cramped with the plethora of wood, tools, machines, benches and six working bodies. One of those bays holds his 10,000-squarefoot stockpile of lumber, consisting of many species – walnut, wormy chestnut, heart pine, sapele, poplar, knotty alder, cypress, maple (hard, soft and wormy), a variety of pines, cherry, antique mushroom cypress, hemlock, barn wood, aromatic cedar, among others, and in the back of the barelylit lumber room stands a massive stash of mahogany boards that are two inches thick, nearly 16 foot tall and three foot wide.
A Blue-Collar Gentleman
When Henry, who has huge hands calloused from a lifetime of blue-collar labor and whose work attire in warm weather consists of blue jean shorts and a white tshirt – and if he’s just been fishing, maybe a pair of flip flops – came up as a woodworker, he didn’t have a mentor. He was self taught, saying, “I learned from my mistakes, and golly, I’ve made all of them, I reckon.” Over the years, he’s trained a dozen or so woodworkers. One of those was me. I worked with Henry for about four and half years before I pursued writing full time. He hired me out of college with no woodworking skills whatsoever; I was as green as a frog, but he gave me the chance to learn the craft. He’s always said, “You teach yourself. I just give you the opportunity to learn.” Chris Capozzoli would agree. He worked with Henry for more than 11 years before opening his own woodshop in Western Watauga two years ago. He met Henry while bussing tables at the Mountain House in Boone, where Henry was treating his crew to a meal one evening. There, Henry offered him a job at the woodshop. At the time, Capozzoli was about 20 years old; an aspiring woodworker with a basic skill level set; and “extremely grateful” for the op88
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In his years, Henry has built many custom pieces, including a mahogany bathtub, which along with the other pieces pictured below, rests in his house in Foscoe.
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MOUNTAIN and nds DOG Frie The Dog and Cat Store
• Highest Quality Organic, • • • • •
Human-Grade Dog and Cat Foods & Treats Raw Food Diets Holistic Supplements & Health Products Grooming Supplies Toys, Beds, Blankets Travel Goods and Outdoor Gear
Tom James, a long-time employee of Vaughn Woodworking, sizes a piece of molding to go in a huge front entranceway made out of cherry.
Dogs Welcome.
Meet our four legged staff!
Centrally Located on Highway 105 in Foscoe
828-963-2470 Mon-Sat 10-6 Beginning May 15, Sun 1-5
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portunity to expand his skills. “I gathered that from Henry pretty quick,” Capozzoli said. “Here’s the swimming pool. I am going to toss you in – sink or swim.” Working for Henry can be tough, mostly because he strives for perfection, as he should, for the quality of work – and the price, for that matter – is such that every piece is handcrafted, a oneof-a-kind item that can’t be found in the showrooms of Lowe’s or Home Depot, and once a piece is finished with lacquer
every flaw is magnified. Where time is money, he says what’s on his mind and moves on, though during the heat of the moment, his bark is much louder than his bite. Off the clock, he’s as cool as a cucumber – a ball-buster, very outgoing, inquisitive and extremely generous. “He’ll give you the shirt off his back,” Capozzoli said, adding that Henry “has the biggest heart.” On downtime, Henry, who attends the Foscoe Christian Church, enjoys hanging out with his five grandkids, and he loves fishing –
Derek Ellison (left) and Daniel James abide by the measure twice, cut once rule. In the backgrounds, Kevin Vaughn (left) finds the perfect color match to stain a piece of wood, while Shona Parris (right) smoothes a board with an orbital sander.
though he’d rather be “catching.” And if he can afford to take off work, he and his wife Jamie Aldridge will jump in their truck with the camper trailing and go sightseeing across the country.
Furnishing Homes for the Well to Do
Henry likes to joke that the shop is “world famous.” Though global might be a stretch, his work is nationally
known. He has built cabinets, doors and furniture for high-rise condos in Manhattan; sapele-veneered doors for Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.; and deck railings for clients in Los Angeles, where Vaughn
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The whole crew poses for a shot in late spring 2012. Kevin Vaughn (left), Shona Parris, Henry Vaughn, Daniel James, Derek Ellison and Tom James. Notice the guitar body that Shona is holding. Vaughn Woodworking produces extremely high-quality work.
Woodworking has been featured twice on the Extreme Home Makeover television series. As for the High Country, there must be thousands of pieces furnishing residential and commercial buildings across the area, particularly affluent houses in second-home resorts such as Linville Ridge, Diamond Creek, The Headwaters at Banner Elk, Hound Ears, The Glens of Grandfather and Echota, among others. One piece, for instance, stands out for its enormity and cost. Henry oversaw the
CARLTON GALLERY Celebrating 30Years
Antiques on howArd
“We Celebrate Art”
30th Anniversary Exhibition – July 7 – September 15 Reception July 7, 2-5 pm
“Whispers of Life’s Journey” Toni Carlton - June 23 – July 22
“Realism of Light and Abstractions”
Egi Antonaccio – Landscapes”- July 28 – August 19 Opening Reception July 28, 2-5 PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • SCULPTURE • WOOD • FIBER ART • JEWELRY Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community
TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:00-5:00 • SUNDAY 11:00-5:00 8 2 8 - 9 6 3 - 4 2 8 8 • Call or check our website for workshop dates www.carltonartgallery.com • info@carltonartgallery.com 92
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• Furniture d Primitives Glassware d Jewelry Pottery vintaGe ClothinG
828.262.1957
199 Howard St. • Boone, NC 28607
construction of an entryway that consisted of a pair of arch-top front doors that are three inches thick, four feet wide and 12 feet tall. Like a hat, a threefoot tall arched transom sits on top of the structure and three feet of sidelights extend on the outsides of both doors. That project cost roughly $25,000 and was built several years back before the Great Recession. For a 10-year period from about 1996 to 2006, there was enough work in the High Country for everybody, Henry said. His shop had a steady four-month backlog of work throughout much of the booming years. And during the beginning of the recession, Henry’s shop was luckier than most and kept chugging along because of his clientele’s affluence and the high quality of Vaughn Woodworking. As the recession dragged on though, the workload dropped noticeably. Even though, Henry never completely ran out of work, last year was his slowest year yet. Through attrition and a couple temporary layoffs, his workforce – which was nearly 10 deep before our nation’s economy collapsed
– dwindled to three. But times are a little better now. He recently finished two big jobs that amounted to 80 plus doors for two houses, one in Blowing Rock and another in South Carolina. As of May, six employees – including him – clock in every day, and Henry has more than two months of work scheduled on his clipboard.
can you name? (Had you even heard of those guys?) For Henry, he works for a paycheck, but he also takes pride in doing the job right. “I still get satisfaction when it turns out good and people are satisfied. That’s a good feeling,” he said. “We still take pride in what we do and not ashamed to tell somebody we built something.”
w
‘Not Ashamed to Tell Somebody We Built Something’
Henry has always worked with his hands – and probably always will. He enjoys woodworking, though he has always said, “I would love to work because I wanted to [rather] than because I have to.” Several years back, when I first inquired about an apprenticeship at the wood shop, he told me, “You’re not going to get rich in this business.” Nor is there much fame either. Aside from the late, yet modern woodworker Sam Maloof and the 16th-and -17th century violin maker Antonio Stradivari, how many other famous woodworkers
Vaughn Woodworking is located off N.C. 105 at the very end of 190 Riley Road in Foscoe. For more information, click to www. vaughnwoodworking.com. Contact the shop at 828-963-6858 or info@ vaughnwoodworking.com. The shop is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Friday by appointment.
THE BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM PRESENTS
NORTH CAROLINA
Treasures OPENING AUGUST 10
Bob Timberlake, painter
Glenn Bolick, potter
Max Woody, chair-maker
“CURIOUS COLLECTIONS” ON EXHIBIT THROUGH JULY
6TH ANNUAL ART & ANTIQUES SHOW AUGUST 2-5!
159 CHESTNUT STREET | CORNER OF CHESTNUT AND MAIN 828.295.9099 | WWW.BLOWINGROCKMUSEUM.ORG July 12
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WildWest
C
S to r y b y L i n d a K r a m e r
huck Weber, a real estate developer in Fayetteville, assembled a High Country dream team of designers when creating his Lazy Bear Lodge – an 8,600 sq. ft. home at the top of Linville Ridge Country Club in Banner Elk. Erupting at 5,000 ft. from a rough, rocky outcropping the comfortable lodge, a mix of Adirondack, Arts and Crafts and Mountain Rustic styles, sits on 3-acres. The name Lazy Bear takes after a bronze outdoor sculpture of a reclining bear called Indigo’s Dream by Dan Ostermiller. The home’s combination of Western art, intrinsic vernacular architecture blended with Euro-
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|
P h oto g r a p h y b y d a n f o r e r
pean influences, redefine the meaning of perfection. In the 70’s, Weber traveled out west to ski and fell in love with the regional art, which prompted him to start an art collection that includes works by E. I. Couse, Edgar S. Paxson, Frederick Remington, Howard Terpning and Martin Grelle. As his means increased, so did his collection and today it is museum-quality with a breadth and depth that shapes and defines the region and literally chronicles the history of the genre over two centuries. Banner Elk’s Pamela McKay, ASID of Dianne Davant De-
“The whole thing ... watching it grow and come to life was just an amazing process. The home ranks among one of my favorite endeavors.”
– Bob Mann of A.T.T.I.C Design
sign, Bob Mann of A.T.T.I.C Design, and Vilas’ Baxter Norris of Baxter Norris Construction, made up the core design team. Make no mistake though, Chuck Weber was at the helm. Mann designed the contemporary structure with natural materials. Two types of Montana stone and local fieldstone, 100-year-old reclaimed beams, oak flooring and graceful steel and sculpted banisters were used as well as rusted steel roofCypress posts ing and expansive windows with solid bronze frames, creating a blend of sophistication and sensibility. He was further guided to include the unobstructed 360-degree view of nature and the surrounding peaks including Grandfather Mountain and the owner’s immense art collection. A variety of barks including pine, cherry, poplar and golden and white birches, are used throughout the home, softening and adding texture to the vast wood and are juxtaposed with the stone elements, helping to accomplish the ambiance of living with natural elements. Pam’s strong art background and understanding of the power of texture as well as color in conjunction with Mann’s archi-
tectural skills, appealed to Weber. Pam blended a variety of styles and with meticulous attention to detail, created spaces that could accommodate museum quality art, priceless antiques and new custom furniture living side-by-side while maintaining an intimate feel and a combination of creativity and comfort in such an expansive home.
on the exterior seemingly hold up the roof.
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View from the upstairs reading room overlooks a wrought steel railing sculpted by Kevin Clark
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“I was able to implement very interesting and original applications within this home. My goal was to create an environment beyond the owner’s vision.” – Pam McKay, ASID of Dianne Davant Design
In the foyer a fir tree, a large-scale Naytura fixture, Martin Grelle’s Snake River Culture and antique Black Forest hall tree entice guests into the interiors beyond.
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One of the challenges for Pam was combining the priceless European antiques, Black Forest carvings and handcrafted Adirondack furniture, collected mostly by Weber himself, to create an exciting synergy and a specific narrative. Everything in the home is either antique or custom made. All the rooms are unique and individual and there are lots of nooks and crannies hidden amidst the treasures such as a computer area, various separate sitting areas, and a reading room that overlooks the great room. The diversity of textures Pam introduced helped bring the scale of each room down, letting them be absorbed by the light that provided the rustic comfort reminiscent of old lodges. Pam says, “Designing the Lazy Bear Lodge was an exciting adventure for everyone. Each design project I work on is unique to the homeowners and their style, but I was able to implement very interesting and original applications within this home. My goal was to create an environment beyond the owner’s vision.” The four guest bedrooms are all named: The Lodge Room, The Wiggin’s Room, The Southwest Room and The Adirondack Room. Each has its own marble bath with handmade floating sinks by Ralph Kyloe and natural bark accents. The fifth bedroom, the master suite, shows off antique carved columns, a handcarved Taber & Company bed and chest of handmade mesquite repeated from the dining room table and sideboard, a his/hers bath and a private study centered around Edgar Pax-
A dream kitchen includes custom cabinets, elk antler pulls and detailed carvings on the tri-section refrigerator unit. Two luxurious islands, one for eating and one for prep and entertaining, stand conveniently center kitchen. In the white birch-bark ceilinged dining room, a custom weave fabric replicates an American Indian blanket in the window treatment that hangs dramatically behind the
handmade
mesquite
dining table and chairs. 98
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In the main floor powder room, a slab of cherry and a copper sink with birch-wrapped back simulates a tree.
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In the great room hangs a dramatic custom iron, antler and rawhide chandelier by Peter Fillerup. John Coleman’s bronze Keokuk, Sac and Fox Chief are in the foreground, and Martin Grelle’s Buffalo Dreamer hangs over the fireplace. son’s painting, The Last Shot. On the main floor, the great room, dining room, bar and kitchen are open and flow effortlessly into one another to accommodate frequent entertaining. A dramatic 25 foot high-pitched ceiling in the great room accommodates the display of large artwork and natural light emphasizes the imposing architectural space. There are several well planned niches and gallery corridors throughout the house that highlight gigantic sculptures and are the perfect backdrop for the owner’s art. In fact, there is art everywhere, peeking out from unexpected places – planters, tabletops and corners; and fox and pheasant elements are repeated throughout the house showing off exquisite taxidermy. Peter Fillerup created the massive elk horn chandelier in the great room and off this space is an intimate sitting room, known as the Hearth Room, 100
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“The house surpassed my expectation. Each time I walk in the door I am amazed at what we created.” – Chuck Weber
which takes advantage of the views of Grandfather Mountain and is a favorite spot for the family and many guests who frequent the house. Mann says, “Mr. Weber was a pleasure to work with and open to new ideas which allowed the project to unfold organically while he still maintained a strong hand in the direction. The whole thing ... watching it grow and come to life was just an amazing process. The home ranks among one of my favorite endeavors.” The entire dream team feels the same way, as does Chuck Weber who brought his own tamed vision of the Wild West to the mountains of western North Carolina and says, “The house surpassed my expectation. Each time I walk in the door I am amazed at what we created.” ◆
Southwest-themed guest suite with sand textured walls, doeskin bedspread and antler bed.
formerly
Furniture Decor Lighting
SOBLESKI
Gifts
Organic Mattresses Serta iComfort & Motion Perfect .
10543-4 Hwy 105 S (Foscoe) Banner Elk, NC 28604 July 12
828.963.6800
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ADV E R T I S E R S I N D E X Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of All Area Codes are 828 unless noted. ADVERTISER
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A Cleaner World............................................... 265-1888 �������������������������� 53 Abbey Carpet & Floor . .................................... 265-3622 ������������������������� 40 Amalfi’s........................................................... 386-1137........................... 83 Antiques on Howard......................................... 262-1957........................... 92 Art Cellar, The.................................................. 898-5175 �������������������������� 19 Art of Bread Bakery........................................... 387-2520........................... 78 BJ’s Resort Wear.............................................. 898-4229........................... 44 Banner Elk Cafe................................................ 898-4040........................... 74 Banner Elk Realty............................................. 898-9756 ������������������������� 65 Bella’s............................................................. 898-9022........................... 82 Blowing Rock Grille.......................................... 295-9474........................... 83 Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500........................... 59 Blue Ridge Bistro............................................. 898-3325........................... 78 Boone Mall...................................................... 264-7286 �������������������������� 52 Boone Paint & Interiors.......................... 264-9220 & 898-2022................... 3 BRAHM............................................................ 295-9099........................... 93 Broyhill Home Collections................................ 295-0965 �������������������������� 25 Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772 ������������������������� 77 Canyons.......................................................... 295-7661 ������������������������� 81 Carolina Barbeque............................................ 737-0700........................... 85 Cardiology Center of ARHS.............................. 264-9664........................... 15 Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 92 Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128 �������������������������� 78 Cha Da Thai..................................................... 268-0434 �������������������������� 80 Country Gourmet.............................................. 963-5269........................... 69 Crippins........................................................... 295-3487........................... 82 DeWoolfson Down ...................................... 800-833-3696 ������������������������ 5 de Provence et d’ailleurs.................................. 295-9989............................. 2 Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ��Inside Front Cover Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127 �������������������������� 52 Doncaster OUtlet.............................................. 295-4200........................... 45 Eat Crow.......................................................... 963-8228........................... 80 Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover Eseeola Lodge.............................................. 800-742-6717........................ 75 Evergreens....................................................... 898-4571........................... 77 Footsloggers.................................................... 262-5111........................... 40 Fred & Larry’s.................................................. 898-2110........................... 83 Gaines Kiker..................................................... 295-3992............................. 2 amekeeper....................................................... 963-7400 ������������������������� 76 Gems By Gemini.............................................. 295-7700 ������������������������� 41 Gladiola Girls................................................... 264-4120........................... 47 Grandfather Vineyard & Winery......................... 963-2400 ���������������������������� 7 Green Leaf Services, Inc................................... 737-0308 ���������������������������� 1 Green Park Inn.................................................. 414-9230........................... 79 Haircut 101...................................................... 262-3324 ������������������������� 57 Hardin Fine Jewelry.......................................... 898-4653 �������������������������� 19 Heavenly Touch Massage................................. 264-4335............................. 6 High Mountain Expeditions........................... 800-262-9036 ����������������������� 91 Homestead Inn................................................. 295-9559............................. 2
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our advertisers, a most sincere thank you. ADVERTISER
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Joe’s Jazzed Up & Italian Kitchen..................... 263-9206........................... 85 Lees-McRae Summer Theater........................... 898-8709........................... 13 Life Store Bank................................................. 265-2580........................... 27 Louisiana Purchase.................................963-5087 or 898-5656................. 79 Makoto’s Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar..... 264-7976 �������������������������� 78 Maple’s Leather Fine Furniture ........................ 898-6110 ������������������������� 17 Mast General Store .....................................866-FOR-MAST ������������������������ 9 Master Craft Art Festival................................... 898-5605........................... 39 M.C. Adams Clothier........................................ 268-1505........................... 46 Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc............ 963-8090 ������������������������� 73 Mountain Dog & Friends.................................. 963-2470 �������������������������� 90 Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225 ����������������������� 34 Mountain Tile................................................... 265-0472......................... 103 Mountain Top Golf Cars.................................... 963-6775........................... 39 Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 �������������������������� 16 Mr. Orginal’s Gyros...........................................268-????............................ 82 Mustard Seed................................................... 295-4585........................... 57 Nine Lives........................................................ 963-9109........................... 24 Organic Hair Design......................................... 898-8111........................... 32 Page Dentistry.................................................. 265-1661 �������������������������� 18 Painted Fish Café............................................. 898-6808........................... 80 Park Place Florist............................................. 295-3626............................. 2 Piedmont Federal Bank..................................... 264-5244......................... 105 Precision Cabinets........................................... 262-5080........................... 93 Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470 �������������������������� 81 Rivercross Market............................................. 963-8623........................... 55 Rustic Rooster.................................................. 898-5161........................... 33 Savory Thymes................................................ 263-8181........................... 65 Serves You Right............................................... 95-4438............................ 28 Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801........................... 29 Six Pence Restaurant........................................ 295-3155........................... 84 Sobleski.......................................................... 963-6800......................... 101 Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453 ���������������������������� 3 Sugar Mountain Resort..................................... 898-4521 �������������������������� 11 Sugar Mountain Café........................................ 898-9866........................... 82 Bryan Smith, Artist........................................... 898-5175........................... 62 Sweepstakes.................................................... 963-2700........................... 42 Table at Crestwood Restaurant.......................... 963-6646........................... 84 Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 ���������������������������� 7 Timberlake Restaurant at Chetola...................... 295-5505........................... 76 Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088 �������������������������� 43 Todd Rice Real Estate....................................... 263-8711........................... 42 Tokyo Express.................................................. 898-4121........................... 80 Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 82 Watsonatta Western World................................ 264-4540........................... 34 Wellspring Retirement Community............... 800-547-5387........................ 31 White Elephant................................................. 414-9200............................. 2 WingN’It.......................................................... 898-4199........................... 59 Zuzda............................................................... 898-4166 �������������������������� 75
Mountain Tile Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass, Natural Stone
1852 HWY 105, BOONE
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www.boonepaint.com July 12
High Country Magazine
103
Parting Shot...
By
Maria Richardson
Road Construction Costs Big Bucks in the High Country Multiple Projects Along Highways 421, 321
I
t’s the talk of the High Country – various road construction projects all across the area. “When will they be completed?” “How much are they costing?” If you spend any amount of time talking to the locals, these are questions you are likely to hear. So, will this road construction ever end? Well, the short answer is: yes. Some projects sooner than others, but according to Doug Eller, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 11 resident engineer, progress is moving right along. The project on U.S. 421 (East King Street) in Boone incorporates widening 1.1 miles of U.S. 421 to a four- to six-lane divided highway with a raised concrete median from N.C. 194 (Jefferson Road) to U.S. 321 (Hardin Street). The construction budget is estimated at $16.2 million. According to Division 11 Right of Way Agent Deniel Miles, in addition to the construction budget, $22.1 million was appraised for easements and rights of way on 29 parcels of land, bringing the total for the project to approximately $38.3 million. According to Eller, the final inch of pavement was being put down in early June and is now complete. Painting the final pavement markings began on June 24. “It will take a little while to put all the final pavement markings down, but we’re getting close to finishing this one. With good weather they should be done this week,” said Eller on June 25.
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The original contract slated work on U.S. 421 to be finished on Dec. 31, 2011, “but there were some plan revisions and additions that prevented them from being able to complete it on that time,” said Eller. Another ongoing project is the widening of U.S. 321 from Blackberry Road in Caldwell County through Blowing Rock to Shoppes on the Parkway. The estimated construction cost for this project is $66.4 million. According to Miles, an estimated almost $26 million was appraised for easements and rights of way on 173 parcels of land along U.S. 321. This brings the total for the project to approximately $92 million. Unfortunately for High Country residents and visitors alike, this project is probably not going to be finished for a while. However, blasting began in early June. There will likely be delays for motorists in Blowing Rock as well as those traveling down the mountain into Caldwell County, but the blasting is a sign of steady progress. Another project that had been jamming up traffic was the repair of the center lanes of the bridge on U.S. 321 at Boone Heights Drive in Boone. That project began on April 30, 2012, and was completed ahead of schedule on June 23. The estimated completion date of that
July 2012
project was set for June 29. The contracted amount for the project was $654,381. The Town of Boone has also been working hard to improve area roads for pedestrian and cyclist traffic. The NCDOT awarded Boone a $45,000 grant in June for the Bicycle Plan. After initially not being planned as part of the paving project on U.S. 421 in Boone, the NCDOT decided to add bike lanes after consulting with Town of Boone officials and area bicycle advocates in February of this year. Additionally, Boone has an ongoing sidewalk plan to improve the walkability of the town. This summer and fall, completion is scheduled for sidewalks on Boone Heights Drive, Deerfield Road, Rivers and Water streets. “It is actually going a little better on Boone Heights than we expected,” said Public Works Director Blake Brown, “We’re right on line with what we’re looking at.” There are over 50 sidewalk projects either in progress or scheduled for the coming years. 44 of those projects are on what Brown called the “priority list.” Brown also said, on average, approximately $130,000 is spent annually on sidewalk installation. For more information on area road construction projects, visit ncdot.gov or call the Town of Boone Public Works Center at 828-268-6230. Story by Paul T. Choate
Dream. Piedmont Federal understands that dreams are big in the foothills and High Country. From mountain peaks to river valleys, front porch pickin’ to a backyard Bar-B-Q, these are the places, nestled in and around where you live, that inspire the imagination. For over 100 years we’ve been helping those whose dream is to own their own home with straightforward home mortgage solutions. We have a first-time homebuyers program to help those just starting, and we offer second mortgages as well. At Piedmont Federal we support the dream of home ownership every day.
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Boone Branch 828.264.5244 North Wilkesboro Branch High Coun t r y M a g336.667.9211 azine 105
July 12
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ondominiums, Townhomes, Homesand andHomesites Homesites Condominiums, Townhomes,Single Single Family Family Homes 106
High Country Magazine
July 2012