HC Magazine June 2019

Volume 14 • Issue 5 June 2019

Welcome Back Summer Residents The Sights

& Sounds

of Summer

Boone Train Days Dianne Davant Edgar Tufts WYN Youth

June 2019

High Country

The Belvedere M aLinville g a z i n e Ridge A

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS!

DIANNE DA V ANT &ASSOCIATES Margaret Handley,

ASID

Dianne Davant, ASID Pamela McKay, ASID

Priscilla Hyatt,

Banner Elk, North Carolina 828.963.7500 Stuart, Florida 772.781.1400 davant-interiors.com B

High Country Magazine

June 2019

ASID

Diana Proffit, Boone Branch Manager

Live Local. Bank Local.

Our roots run deep in the communities we serve. We believe in knowing customers by name and providing a level of personalized service that separates us from other financial institutions. We are a part of the communities we serve, a neighbor, not just a business, who focuses on offering sound financial solutions.

• Home Mortgages (Serviced here /not sold) • Online Banking • Mobile Banking Business Banking • Checking / Savings / CDs • E-Accounts piedmontfederal.bank Boone Branch | 828.264.5244 | 1399 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC 28607 N. Wilkesboro Branch | 336.667.9211 | 200 Wilkesboro Avenue, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659

MEMBER FDIC High Country

June 2019

Magazine

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Asheville | 828.277.3238 Banner Elk | 828.898.5022

Charlotte | 704.248.0243

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Linville Ridge | 828.898.5151

Lake Norman | 704.727.4170

LIVE LUXURY M A RK ET L E ADE RS , W ITH AN AV ERAG E SALE PRIC E 5 1% H I GH E R TH AN THE M A R K ET AV ERAGE *

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. *Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service. Sales volume based upon sales from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.

High Country Magazine June 2019

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Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer to the base price of the house and do not include options or premiums, unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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High Country Magazine

June 2019

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to yours

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Fine bed, bath and table linens from France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and around the world.

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© 2006-2019 DEWOOLFSON Down Int’l., Inc.

Photo courtesy of John Robshaw

Since 1983

9452 NC Hwy. 105 S between Boone & Banner Elk

Photo courtesy of SFERRA

June 2019

Linens.com

High Country Magazine

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June 2019

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C O N T E N T S

14

Summer Fun

30

A Century of Tweetsie Railroad

40

Living By Design

52

Putting Banner Elk on the Map

74

Influencing the Future

84

40 Years of Support from High Country United Way

30

Here’s your introduction to what’s happening around the High Country this summer. From music to theater, 4th of July parades and fireworks, and all the famous events.

40 52

The Linville River Railway, better known as Tweetsie Railroad, was completed in 1919, bringing a new era to Boone and the High Country.

Dianne Davant Moffitt has spent four decades of her life in Blowing Rock focusing on her passion for style and interior design.

The story of Rev. Edgar Tufts details his ambitions that led to the opening of Lees-McRae College and many other establishments in Banner Elk.

The Western Youth Network works tirelessly to provide a positive impact on the lives of many children and teens in Watauga County.

74

Since 1978, High Country United Way has worked hard to meet the needs of the High Country.

92

Still Standing After 133 Years Mt. Bethel Reformed Church gets a facelift from Blowing Rock native Andrew Critcher as the church turns 133 years old.

on the cover Todd Bush – For this year’s annual June cover shoot, Todd Bush visited Linville Resort

and chose the setting of the BELVEDERE pool and restaurant area at the resort as the backdrop for his photography. Miah Zimmerman, owner of the Canvas Beauty Bar in Boone agreed to be our model this year. This now makes cover number nine for photographer extraordinaire Todd Bush in our Welcome Back Summer Residents series. We thank the staff at Linville Resort for their hospitality in making the shoot possible, and Miah for spending the afternoon modelling a number of different outfits in different settings to get that perfect shot. Mountain Mystic helped Miah with spray tanning for the shoot and Canvas Beauty Bar was responsible for hair and makeup. Todd Bush is well known across the High Country for more than 25 years of photography work for commercial enterprises. You can see examples of his amazing work by visiting his website at www.BushPhoto.com 8

Visit www.bushphoto.com June 2019

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READER SERVICES ABOUT US

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

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

Our offices are located in Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

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

BACK ISSUES

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

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

Contact us at:

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262

The Art of Landscape Scott Boyle, Trey Finney and Tony Griffin June 11- July 6 Artists Reception June 15, 4-6pm artcellaronline.com | 828-898-5175 Hwy 184 Banner Elk, North Carolina June 2019

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FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications

Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie

Art Director Debbie Carter Advertising Director Jeffrey Green

Ken Ketchie

Find Yourself A Seat For Summertime Fun

L

et me tell you it can be really hard to keep up with all that is going on this summer. As we were compiling our annual list of popular events from across the High Country from the local theaters to the art galleries, live music venues, the Fourth of July parades as well as other entertainment schedules and special events, we always come to realize there is so much more going on out there that can be included in the space we have available on our pages. Searching through websites and checking emails to update our listings, we are constantly coming across fundraising events, sporting events, all kind of races, fish fries, community ho-downs, cookouts, and on and on and on it goes with things that would be entertaining for a summer visit.

Although we have a pretty big list included in this issue, it only scratches the surface of what you can find out there. So keep your eyes open, there are always things popping up!

You definitely can’t beat the opportunities available in the High Country for summertheater. The Ensemble Stage Company in Banner Elk is back with a full summer season of shows in their intimate theater setting. Their shows have been selling out in the past seasons, so pick your favorites and get your tickets early. Just down the street, the Lees McRae Sumer Theater will have three shows this year, including one that is being produced locally about the story of Edgar Tufts who founded Lees McRae College among other Banner Elk institutions.

There are so many outdoor afternoon music events going on, there’s something being offered just about every day of the week. The settings cover all kinds of venues and the atmosphere is perfect for an afternoon out to enjoy good music.

Here are a couple of events that don’t usually show up on list that always intrigue me.

One of those is the Sugar Grove Ruritan Fish Fry. This one I’ve been to a few times. A delicious fried fish or chicken dinner every second Friday of the month from April through September. There is room to eat in or feel free to grab takeout and enjoy it in the comforts of your own home. It take place at the fire station and has a great country feel to it. The fish fry is at 1161 U.S. Highway 321 North in Sugar Grove.

And here’s one that is on my list to get to. Each Fourth of July, the small community of Bethel puts together an extraordinary celebration that is one of the best you will find anywhere around the High Country. Nearly 4,000 people typically show up for the celebration led by volunteers from Bethel Baptist Church. Affectionately referred to as the “Bethel Blast” folks gather from all around for a fun time of food, music, fellowship and a 30-minute firework display to celebrate Independence Day. The event is always free and open to the public and is held at Bethel Park.

We hope you’ll find some fun things to attend among our listings and get a chance to discover even more as the days of summer begin.

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Contributing Writers Nathan Ham Jan Todd Madison Fisler Lewis Hailey Blevins Tzar Wilkerson Gianna Holiday

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

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

HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2018

by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

WE SUPPORT

SHOP LOCAL

June 2019

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Calendar of Events JUNE 2018

1

Alpaca Shearing Day, Apple Hill Farm, 828-963-1662

1

Scholarship Rummage Sale, American Legion Hall, elainejimc@gmail.com

1

Boone Fly Fishing Festival, Valle Crucis Park, 828-355-9109

1

National Trails Day Workshop, Profile Trail Parking Area, 828-963-9522

1

39th Annual New River Canoe Race, Zaloo’s Canoes to New River State Park, 336-982-2857

1

Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West Drive, 828-355-4918

4

King Street Farmers’ Market, King Street, 919-624-5301

20

4

Red, White and Bluegrass Jam, American Legion Hall, 828-963-0058

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Avenue, 828-295-7851

21

5

Paint Party, The Inn at Crestwood, 828-719-0812

Doc Watson Day Celebration, The Jones House, 828-268-6280

6

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Avenue, 828-295-7851

22

Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West Drive, 828-355-4918

7

First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6283

22

Blood, Sweat, and Gears Bike Ride, Valle Crucis, bloodsweatandgears.org

8

New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 4 Mile, Fleetwood and Todd, 336-877-8888

25

King Street Farmers’ Market, King Street, 919-624-5301

8

Crafting with the Southern Highland Craft Guild, BRAHM, 828-295-9099

27

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Avenue, 828-295-7851

8

Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West Drive, 828-355-4918

29

Annual Heritage Day and Wood Kiln Opening, Traditions and Bolick Pottery Studio, 828-295-5099

11

King Street Farmers’ Market, King Street, 919-624-5301

29

Ben Folds and The Winston-Salem Symphony, Schaefer Center, 800-841-2787

13

Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Avenue, 828-295-7851

29

Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West Drive, 828-355-4918

14

Cork & Canvas, BRAHM, 828-295-9099

14

Todd Community Old Time Dance, Todd Mercantile, 336-877-5401

15

Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West Drive, 828-355-4918

15

A Cool 5 Race, Beech Mountain Rec Center, 828-387-3003

15-16

Pop Up Boone June, Hatchet Coffee, 704-787-1603

18

King Street Farmers’ Market, King Street, 919-624-5301

18

Red, White and Bluegrass Jam, American Legion Hall, 828-963-0058

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BEN FOLDS WITH THE WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY Appalachian Summer FESTIVAL, JUNE 29

Blood, Sweat and Gears Bike Ride Starts in Valle Crucis, june 22

CARLTON GALLERY DON’T FORGET 1SZSP`ObW\U !%GSO`a

EVENTS

Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summit Crawl

Saturday, July 6 • Climb up to 5,300 feet at Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summit Crawl. Participants can enjoy the ski slopes without the snow in this fun and competitive—if you want it to be—event. Climb the 1,200 foot vertical route in just 1.2 miles from the Sugar Mountain Resort Base Lodge, up Easy Street slope, Gunther’s Way slope, onto the Northridge slope, and finish on the summit. Participants receive a t-shirt and lift ride back to the Base Lodge with their registration fee of $40 for ages 13 and older and $30 for ages 12 and under. You may register until 4 p.m. Friday or in person by 9:30 a.m. on SaturdayAwards and prizes will be given to the top finishers in five different categories, and all participants are eligible to win a 2019-2020 Sugar Mountain Resort Winter Season Pass. Supporters of participants are welcome and can purchase their own lift tickets for the day. Typical Mountain Boys will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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“New Beginnings with Jewels of Art�

Continues thru July 15

;WR Ac[[S` 5`]c^ 3fVWPWbW]\ “Edge of Brilliance by Evolution�

by Andrew Braitman July 27 – September 15 - Opening Reception: July 27, 2-5pm 1"*/5*/(4 t $-": t (-"44 t 4$6-1563& t 800% t '*#&3 "35 t +&8&-3: Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community

56&4%": 4"563%": t 46/%": t Call or check our website for workshop dates XXX DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN t DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ!DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN

Horn in the West

June 21-August 10 • Horn in the West returns for its 68th season in the High Country. Tuesdays through Sundays, the theater performs the nation’s longest-standing Revolutionary War outdoor drama. Since 1952, visitors of Boone, NC have been viewing this thrilling drama involving hardship, danger, family-ties, and romance. Doors open for the show at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum before the show starts at 5:30 p.m., located beside the theater. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in-person on the day of the show at the Horn in the West Box Office starting at 1:00 p.m. until the show’s intermission. General Admission ticket prices are $20 for adults, $17 for students, and $15 for children under 12. For more information about the Horn in the West outdoor drama, visit https://www.horninthewest.com/horn/ or call (828) 264-2120.

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s s d t n h u g Si & So of

S

HIGHLAND GAMES JULY 11-14

r e m m u

By Hailey Blevins

2019 Summer in the High Country Blowing Rock Horse Show

2019 marks the 64th year of the Annual Grandfather Highland Games.

These games celebrate the Scottish heritage within the High Country. A variety of events are scheduled for each day. The Torchlight Ceremony on Thursday announces the participation of clans in the gathering and proclaims that they have again convened to celebrate their heritage.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are filled with competitions in traditional heavyweight Scottish athletic events, highland dancing competitions, bagpipe band parades, piping, drumming and harp competitions, sheep herding demonstrations by border collies and concerts. Guests can bring a dinner or purchase concessions to enjoy a picnic. The games will be held July 11-14 at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain. A schedule of events can be found on gmhg.org.

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JUNE 6-9, JULY 23-28 & JULY 31 For almost a century, Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation has supported education and worthy charities by encouraging and preserving the traditions of horse sports in Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock Horse Show was chosen as one of the top ten hunter-jumper shows in the nation for the second consecutive year by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Tickets are $10 per day and children 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit brchs.org.

June 6 TO 9 Charity Horse Show: American Saddlebred Division July 23 TO 28 Charity Horse Show: Hunter/Jumper I Division July 31 August 4 Charity Horse Show: Hunter/Jumper II Division

One-Time “Not To Miss” Events Singing on the Mountain

The Annual Singing on JUNE 23 the Mountain is in its 95th years, making it as old as its late founder, Joseph Larkin Hartley, this year.

This all-day festival is free and features dozens of gospel singers and groups.

David Chadwick, the senior pastor of Forest Hill Church, will host the radio program. All are welcome to enjoy picnics and musical performances together at Singing on the Mountain at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain. Singing on the Mountain will be held on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit singingonthemountain.org.

High Country Beer Fest

Enjoy crisp mountain air, live music and delicious food as you sip exceptional brews from 50+ carefully selected regional and national craft breweries at the 12th Annual High Country Beer Fest on August 24. Attend one of the educational AUGUST 24 seminars about food pairing or enjoy a variety of food from more than 10 vendors. The festival is committed to safety and offers a free shuttle service for hotel guests and free taxi service anyone within city limits to ensure everyone gets home safely. Parking is free and you can leave your car overnight if needed.

Tickets sold out last year, so purchase yours online at hcbeerfest.com or in person at Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants now before they run out.

Avery Heritage Festival

The Avery County Heritage Festival will be held near the Historical Museum on the Square in Newland on June 15. Join the family gathering from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and learn more about your own family. There will be genealogy, authors and books to help you learn about your ancestry.

The festival also features music, food and dancing. For more information, call 828-733-7111.

Christmas in July (West Jefferson)

The 33rd Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson is once again bringing a bit of holiday spirit to the High Country. Admission is free, and the festival features arts and craft vendors, live music, kid’s activities, a farmers’ market, civil war reenactments, july 5-6 street performers and fun for all ages. Vote for your favorite tree from one of Ashe County’s Christmas Tree growers in the Christmas Tree Competition and be entered for a chance to win a free Choose n’ Cut Tree this holiday season. The festival is on July 6, but a festival music kickoff will be on July 5. For more information, visit christmasinjulyinfo.ipage.com.

Check out the following pages for on-going Summer events.

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola JULY 26

The theme for 2019’s Symphony by the Lake is “A Journey of Imagination.” This is one of the most popular social events of the season. Experience a moving performance by the Symphony of the Mountains, conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth, while surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge landscape. Bring a picnic or enjoy a catered meal. The grand finale of the night will be complete with fireworks lighting up the night sky and Chetola Lake. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. on July 26. For more information, visit symphonybythelake.com.

Art in the Park

Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park is a monthly celebration of area artists and craftspeople’s talent. Free parking is available downtown, in the parking decks on Wallkingford St., and at BRAHM. may 25, june 15, july 13, May 25, June 15, July aug. 10, sept. 7 & OCT. 5 13, August 10, September 7 and October 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The events will feature 90 artisans at each show with their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. For more information, call 828-295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com.

Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festivals

Avery’s Fine Art & Master Crafts Festivals take place July 19-21 and August 9-11 in the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School. Presented by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, the festivals feature handJULY 19-21 crafted wares from over 90 AUG. 9-11 vendors. Show hours are from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday in both July and August. For more information, call 828-8985605 or visit averycounty.com.

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e r t a e h T June 27 to 30 JULY 2 TO 3 July 11 to 14 July 16 to 17 July 30 to 31 Aug. 1 to 4

Horn in the West This outdoor drama tells the tale of America’s forefathers through battles, explosions, fire, history, romance and more. Performances run Tuesdays through Sundays and take place at the Horn in the West Amphitheater in Boone at 8 p.m. House gates open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children. For more information, visit horninthewest.com call 828-264-2120.

June 21 to Aug. 10 CLOSED ON MONDAYS

Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock

“Mamma Mia” “Mamma Mia” “From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story” “From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story” “Newsies” “Newsies”

Blue Ridge Community Theater The Blue Ridge Community Theater performances are at William C. Ross auditorium. Tickets range from $10 to $25 based on seating.

Times for performances of “Boeing Boeing” are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Times for the remaining performances will be announced as they get closer. For more information, visit blueridgecommunitytheater.com or call 706-632-9191.

May 16 TO June 2 “Boeing Boeing” June 6 TO 9 “Bergonzi String Quartet” July 11 TO 28 “A Funny Thing Called Love” Aug. 15 TO 31 “Everybody Loves Opal” Sept. 19 TO Oct. 6 “A Facility for Living”

BARTER THEATRE Barter Theatre in Abingdon, opened in 1933, is the nation’s longest running professional theatre. The theatre aims to be a vehicle for education and provide audiences with extraordinary and enlightening experiences.

For more information, visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-628-5466.

Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock is back for the 2019 season. This season, Ensemble Stage will have four entertaining performances throughout the summer, plus three summer kids theatre performances. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors/students/military and $12 for kids 16 and under. Ensemble Stage is located at Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk. For more information, visit ensemblestage.com or call 828-414-1844.

May TO Aug. 24 May TO Aug. 25 May TO Aug. 25 June 14 TO Aug. 24

June 7 TO 15 July 22, JULY 13 & aug. 3 June 26 to Aug. 3 Aug. 16 TO 24

Ashe County Little Theatre’s 2019 season will present four productions: “Is He Dead?,” “Gypsy,” “Calendar Girls” and “Who’s on First.” The theatre consists of an all-volunteer based theatre group who make their home in Ashe Civic Center. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 336-8462787 or at the Ashe Arts Center. For more information, visit ashecountylittletheatre.org.

“Fortune” “Tortoise vs Hare 2: This Time, It’s Personal” Saturday Kid’s Theatre “Opal’s Million Dollar Duck” “The Redeemer”

Lees-McRae College Summer Theater The Lees-McRae Summer Theater features three shows this summer from late June to early August. Tickets are $38 for adults and $18 for children and students. All performances take place in the Hayes Auditorium. Lees-McRae College Summer Theater is located at 191 Main Street in Banner Elk. For more information, visit lmc.edu or call 828-898-8709.

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“Shrek: The Musical” “Exit Laughing” “Church Basement Ladies” “La Cage Aux Folles”

ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE

june 20 to 24 Aug. 22 to 25 OCT. 13 TO 15

“Gypsy” “Calendar Girls” “Who’s on First”

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c i s u M Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House 828-268-6280 joneshouse.org Every Friday at 5 p.m.

The Jones House Community Center in downtown Boone celebrates its 20th season of Concerts on the Lawn this summer. The concerts are free, though donations are accepted. New for this year is the extra concert (in italics) on the first Friday of the month in conjunction with Art Crawl. The extra concert takes place from 8 to 9 p.m., while the rest of the concerts happen from 5 to 6 p.m.

June 7 Andrew Finn Magill, Jay Brown and Amantha Mill June 14 Beppe Gambetta and Swing Guitars June 21 Doc Watson Day featuring: Charles Welch, Burnett Sisters, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Crouch and Jeff Little Trio (starting at 4 p.m.)

June 28 Worthless Son-in-Laws and Soul Benefactor July 5 Michael Reno Harrell, Luke Mears Band and Songs From the Road Band July 12 Will Easter, Rastacoustics and Downtown Abby and the Echoes July 19 Everydays, Alexa Rose, and Tom Shirley July 26 Earleine, Shay Martin Lovette, and Aaron Burdette and the Fly Rights Aug. 2 King Bees and Ashley Heath and Her Heathens Aug. 9 Hiroya Tsukumoto, Jimmie Griffith and Melissa Reaves Aug. 16 Shelby Rae Moore Band and Fwuit Aug. 23 Cane Mill Road and Hank and Pattie and The Current Aug. 30 Jonah Riddle and Carolina Express, Orville Hicks, The Corklickers, and Surefire

Music in the Valle

828-963-9239 vallecrucispark.org Valle Crucis Park’s annual Music in the Valle series begins May 24 and runs through September 6. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free, but donations of $5 per person or $10 per family is recommended. A Bucket List pass is $75 per person or $150 per family. Food is available for purchase, but seating is not provided, so bring chairs or a blanket with you.

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June 7 Shay M. Lovette June 14 Handlebar Betty June 21 Aaron Burdett & The Fly Rights June 28 Roots and Dore July 5 Shelby Rae Moore Band July 12 The King Bees July 19 The Worthless Son-in-Laws July 26 The Lucky Strikes Orchestra Aug. 2 Lauren Hayworth & Centerpiece Jazz Aug. 9 Tambem Aug. 16 The Sheets Family Band Aug. 23 Soul Benefactor Aug. 30 Carolina Ramble Review Sept. 6 Chatham Rabbits Sept. 13 (Rain make-up date)

THE INN AT RAGGED GARDEN’S Music on the Lawn

828-295-9703 ragged-gardens.com Enjoy food, drinks, and music at the Inn at Ragged Gardens Music on the Lawn series. Pets and outside food and drinks are not allowed into this event. Check The Inn’s Facebook page for more information and updates. Each Friday, weather permitting, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

June 7 Soul Benefactor June 14 Continental Divide June 21 Harris Brothers June 28 Shelby Rae Moore Band July 5 Harris Brothers July 12 Foscoe 5 July 19 The King Bees July 26 Shelby Rae Moore Band Aug. 2 Harris Brothers Aug. 9 Note Ropers Aug. 16 Soul Benefactor Aug. 23 Out of the Blue Aug. 30 Shelby Rae Moore Band Sept. 6 Deep Greens and Blues Sept. 13 Harris Brothers Sept. 20 Soul Benefactor Sept. 27 Drive South Oct. 4 Harris Brothers Oct. 11 Jack Town Ramblers

Todd Summer CONCERT Series

toddnc.org The Todd Summer Concert Series is held in Cook Memorial Park on Saturday evenings from 6-8, except for The King Bees which will be after the Todd Liberty Parade.

June 15 Amantha Mill June 29 Lucky Strikes July 4 The King Bees July 13 Wayne Henderson & Friends July 27 The Tillers Aug. 10 Cane Mill Road

Music at Linville Falls Winery

linvillefallswinery.com/live-music Music at Linville Falls Winery features 30 concerts. The concerts take place in the Winery’s beautiful vineyard from 3-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. Food vendors are usually at the concerts, but the Winery also allows outside food. Leashed dogs are allowed as well.

May 4 Tom Pillion May 5 Bob Sinclair and The Big Deals May 11 Clay Lunsford May 12 Shelby Rae Moore Band May 18 Sound Traveler May 19 Tom Pillion May 25 Bluegrass Blend May 26 Cahoots June 1 Country Boomers June 2 Smokin’ Joe Band June 8 Broken Angels June 9 Bearwallow June 15 Jukebox Boys June 16 Harris Brothers June 22 Clay Lunsford June 23 The Classics June 29 The Cahoots June 30 Shelby Rae Moore Band July 6 The Lucky Strikes July 7 Harris Brothers July 13 Jukebox Boys July 14 Shelby Rae Moore Band July 20 Backstreet July 21 Strictly Clean and Decent July 27 The Classics July 28 The Broken Angels Aug. 3 Bluegrass Blend Aug. 4 Harris Brothers Aug. 10 Wayne Taylor Aug. 11 Shelby Rae Moore Band

Live Music at 5506’ Skybar beechmountainresort.com Ride Beech Mountain’s new ski lifts to Live Music at 5506’ Skybar this summer to enjoy music, food and drinks. Performances begin at 2:30 p.m. and last until 5:30. Tickets for the lift can be purchased onsite at Ski Beech Sports, but the concerts themselves are free.

June 1 Virginia Ground June 8 Handlebar Betty June 15 Shelby Rae Moore Band June 29 Wet Nose Dogs July 6 The Grassabillies July 20 The Highbeams Aug. 31 Brad Heller and The Fustics

Grandfather Vineyard Music in the Vineyard

828-963-2400 grandfathervineyard.com With the beautiful vineyard and an incredible view of Grandfather Mountain, this concert series cannot be missed. These free live music concerts are hosted on Fridays and Saturdays from 2-5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Some concerts are also on Mondays from 2-5 p.m.

May 10 Scott Pickett Solo May 11 The Lucky Strikes May 12 Don Vallarta May 18 Edward Main May 19 Typical Mountain Boys May 24 Tom Pillion May 25 Shelby Rae Moore Band May 26 Harris Brothers May 27 Tom Pillion June 1 Klee & Mike June 2 Handlebar Betty June 8 The Collective June 9 The Lucky Strikes June 14 Mike Preslar June 15 Tom Pillion June 16 Shelby Rae Moore Band June 22 Smokin’ Joe Band June 23 Don Vallarta June 28 Mile Preslar June 29 Roger Miller Duo July 5 Handlebar Betty July 6 Corklickers July 7 Shelby Rae Moore Band July 12 Tom Pillion July 13 Cane Mill Road July 14 Don Vallarta July 19 Tom Pillion July 20 The Lucky Strikes July 21 Harris Brothers July 26 Tom Pillion July 27 The Collective July 28 Edward Main Aug. 4 Shelby Rae Moore Band Aug. 11 Don Vallarta Aug. 16 Mike Preslar Aug. 17 Typical Mountain Boys Aug. 18 Handlebar Betty Aug. 24 The Collective Aug. 25 Cane Mill Road Aug. 30 Mike Preslar Aug. 31 Shelby Rae Moore Band Sept. 1 The Collective Sept. 2 Tom Pillion Sept. 6 Mike Preslar Sept. 7 Jackson Howard Sept. 8 Klee and Mike Sept. 14 Roger Miller Duo SEPT. 15 Don Vallarta SEPT. 21 Smokin’ Joe Bane SEPT. 22 The Lucky Strikes SEPT. 27 Scott Solo SEPT. 28 The Collective SEPT. 29 Harris Brothers OCT. 4 Don Vallarta OCT. 5 Downtown Abby OCT. 6 Shelby Rae Moore Band OCT. 11 Handlebar Betty OCT. 12 Harris Brothers June 2019

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Music

Blowing Rock Concerts in the Park

828-295-7851 exploreboone.com Blowing Rock’s family-friendly Concerts in the Park take place once a month on Sundays. Performances start at 4 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Blowing Rock and range from blues and country to pop and classic rock.

June 16 King Bees July 14 Shay Martin Lovette Aug. 11 Ashley Heath Sept. 8 Sam McKinney Oct. 6 The Starlighters

Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music

mountainhomemusic.com SMHM’s 26th year features 14 concerts this summer. Some concerts are free with donations suggested, but other concerts have an admission fee of $5 for students and $18 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased online or day-of. Food and drinks are not provided, but JSMHM welcomes outside food and drinks.

May 26 (7:30 p.m.) A Memorial Day Salute with The Silvio Martinat Swing Band July 4 (7 p.m.) The Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys and King Street Brass July 11 (2 p.m.) Sheila Kay Adams, Travis Stuart and Rodney Sutton July 20 (7:30 p.m.) The Jeff Little Trio July 27 (7:30 p.m.) “Ivy Rowe” by Barbara Bates Smith and Jeff Sebens Aug. 10 (7:30 p.m.) Maura Shawn Scanlin and Conor Hearn Aug. 17 (7:30 p.m.) The Green Grass Cloggers and The Little Stony Nighthawks Aug. 27 (2 p.m.) The Burnett Sisters

Banner Elk Concerts in the Park

828-898-8395 bannerelk.org The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park are on Thursdays and start at 6:30 p.m. in the Tate-Evans Amphitheater. Food vendors will be on site and there will be a raffle to support the series.

June 27 Soul Benefactor July 4 4th of July Concert: Clockworx, Smokin’ Joe Band and The Extraordinaires July 11 Roadrunnerz July 18 Delta Fire July 25 The Night Move Band AUG. 1 Split Shot AUG. 8 The Collective AUG. 15 The Starlighters with the Gumbo Gang AUG. 22 Jocassee AUG. 20 (Rain back-up date)

West Jefferson Backstreet Park Summer Concerts

866-607-0093 blueridgemusicnc.com The Backstreet Park Summer Concerts are held every Friday evening from June to Labor Day Weekend. These concerts are family friendly and welcome dancers.

June 7 The Lucky Strikes Trio June 21 King Bees June 28 Crooked Road Ramblers July 19 Mountain Laurels July 26 Cane Mill Road Aug. 2 Nobody’s Business Aug. 16 Restless Aug. 23 Gap Civil Aug. 30 Zephyr Lightning Bolts

Bayou Concerts in the Courtyard 828-898-8952 Gather at Bayou Smokehouse & Grill in Banner Elk on Tuesday evenings this summer for a variety of live music. Enjoy wine amnesty every day at the Bayou. Shows begin at approximately 6 p.m., rain or shine. Weather permitting, the music concerts will continue to be scheduled after Labor Day weekend.

June 5 mokin’ Joe Randolph Band & Hope Harvey June 11 Kendelltown Blues Band June 18 Typical Mountain Boys June 25 Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band & Hope Harvey July 2 Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band & Hope Harvey July 9 The Collective July 16 The Collective July 23 King Bees Duo July 30 Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band & Hope Harvey Aug. 6 Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band & Hope Harvey Aug. 13 The Lucky Strikes Trio Aug. 20 The Collective Aug. 26 Rastacoustic Sept. 3 The Collective

Banner Elk cafe bannerelkcafe.com Banner Elk Cafe offers live music every Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Their schedule is announced monthly, so be sure to check their website for more information.

Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series

828-387-2011 beechmountainresort.com Beech Mountain’s Concert Series will offer three outdoor shows this summer. The series is presented by Appalachian Mountain Brewery.

June 15 Steep Canyon Rangers with Acoustic Syndicate July 19 Galactic with The Get Right Band Aug. 24 moe

St. Mary of the Hills Summer Concert Series

stmaryofthehills.org/music These concerts are sponsored by The Friends of Music at St. Mary’s. The Summer Concert Series feature Sunday concerts that begin at 3 p.m.

June 9 Kasey Stokes July 7 Evensong July 21 Adam and Sally Booker Aug. 11 Maryfest (St. Mary of the Hills Choir) Aug. 25 Odd and Even

TRIDFW.com

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t r A leries l a G

There are so many places to see fine art in the High Country. The area is absolutely full of great art galleries and supply stores. Whether it is paintings, sculptures, pottery or any other type of art – whatever your interest is – you can find it all right here in the mountains.

Alta Vista Gallery 2839 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis 828-963-5247 altavistagallery.com On the 4th Saturday of each month, the gallery has openings with refreshments from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m, June - November.

Exhibits

The Art Cellar

Alta Vista Gallery

Carlton Gallery

920 Shawneehaw Avenue, Banner Elk 828-898-5175 artcellaronline.com The Art Cellar in Banner Elk features an array of artists and mediums. This year, many of their events are solo artists, with a few solo shows happening together.

Exhibits May 14 - June 8 Through the Eyes of Robert Eoff and The Nature of Clay with Judy Brater Opening Reception: May 25, 4-6 p.m.

June 11 - July 6 The Art of Landscape with Scott Boyle, Trey Finney and Tony Griffin Opening Reception: June 15, 4-6 p.m.

July 9-27 Panoramic Views with Richard Oversmith Opening Reception: June 20, 4-6 p.m.

July 9 - Aug. 10 From the Earth with Ben Owen III Opening Reception: July 20, 4-6 p.m.

ASU Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Blowing Rock Frameworks

423 W. King St., Boone 828-262-3017 tcva.appstate.edu The Appalachian State University Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is the largest facility of its kind in western NC. It features a wide array of collections throughout the year.

Exhibits July 5 Summer Exhibition Celebration July 27 Rosen Sculpture Walk Competition

and Exhibition thru Aug. 3 Plein Air: Southern Appalachia

Forest with Reiko Goto Collins

and Tim Collins

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Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery 7539 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock 828-295-0041 blowingrockgalleries.com Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing the highest quality framing and art gallery experiences to the High Country. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, the gallery will have three shows and a charity show this year.

Exhibits June 3-15 Wes Waugh & Joe Miller

“Small Works”

Reception: June 8, 5-8 p.m.

June 29 One Day Only Charity Show July 8-19 Group Show

“Blowing Rock Scenic Views”

Reception: July 13, 5-8 p.m.

Aug. 19-31 Jason Drake - “Reflections of Home”

Reception: August 24, 5-8 p.m.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock 828-295-9099 blowingrockmuseum.org Blowing Rock Art and History Museum was incorporated in 2001 and provides an ever growing collection of fine art to the Blowing Rock community and the High Country.

Exhibits June 1 Annual Meeting with Jean McLaughlin June 9 Wise and Otherwise: Honey Bees and Hive Tracks with James Wilkes June 23 Summer Concert Series:

Andrew “Finn the Fiddler” Magill July 28 Summer Concert Series:

Tim McWilliams & William Ritter Aug. 2 BRAHM Gala: A Brush with Genius Aug. 18 Summer Concert Series: Jodi Burns & Thao Nguyen Aug. 23 Fall Exhibition Celebration

Carlton Gallery 10360 Highway 105 South, Banner Elk 828-963-4288 carltongallery.com The Carlton Gallery will feature two exhibitions this spring and summer.

The spring exhibition will include several artists while the mid-summer exhibition will focus on works by Andrew Braitman.

Exhibits May 25 - July 15 Spring Group Exhibition: New Beginnings with Jewels of Arts July 27 - Sept. 15 Mid-Summer Group Exhibition: Edge of Brilliance

by Evolution

Exhibits June 29 SCULPTURE TALK IN THE GARDEN 10:00am

Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery

Features Stone Sculptor Carl Peverall July 3 Bill Brown, Lunch & Learn Talk 12 - 1pm

Turchin Center, downtown Boone, 828-262-3017 July 5 Summer Exhibition Celebration 6 - 10pm

Turchin Center, downtown Boone, 828-262-3017 June 20 & 21 WEEKEND SCULPTURE GARDEN PARTY

Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery & Bill Brown Studio July 27 Rosen Sculpture Walk & Reception with Juror Bill Brown 10am Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone 828-262-3017

Anvil arts sculpture garden & gallery

MOUNTAIN BLUE GALLERY

9600 Linville Fals Hwy./US 221, Linville Falls, NC 828-765-6626 studiosculptiure.com

Explore sculpture under the trees and in the gallery this summer at Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden. Opened in 1981, the studio now features the work of multiple sculptors in various styles and mediums, including owner Bill Brown.

151 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk 828.898.4477 mountainbluegallery.comg 3:00 - 6:00 pm, Artist Reception, Open to Public Mountain Blue Gallery in Banner Elk features fine art from renowned local and regional artists as well as emerging artists whose work has been thoughtfully curated. The gallery offers a diverse selection of encaustics, oils, acrylics, mixed media, kilnformed glass and more.

Exhibits July 13 “Composition of an Abstract Landscape” Steven Page Prewitt July 27 “A Designers Journey” Sharon Saseen Aug. 18 “Camera to Wall, Homegrown Images” Jim Magruder

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p p A me r m u S AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL

Appalachian State University, Boone 828-262-4046 www.appsummer.org There are so many exciting event series happening in the High Country this summer, representing high culture areas such as music, dance, theatre, and art. However, none so far include a little something from every genre of culture. At least, not until An Appalachian Summer Festival returns this summer!

Begun in 1984, this diverse mix was created as a way to educate the people of the High Country—both visitor and local—about our intricate and eclectic culture. The festival is recognized nationwide as an extraordinary display of culture, and in recent years, the festival has been selected as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society.

An Appalachian Summer Festival is celebrating its 35th season. In keeping with its status as a university-based arts program, the festival continually seeks to enlighten and educate—a focus reflected in such initiatives as the festival’s discounts for children’s tickets, school coupons and ticket prices that are typically 30-40% lower than prices for comparable events in other venues. A rich variety of educational opportunities is part of the festival schedule each summer, including exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops, student internships and employment opportunities for young people seeking experience in arts presenting.

Ben Folds w/the Winston-Salem Symphony Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: The Trio Takes Form Film Series: Sing Street Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Bridging the Classical and Romantic Divide July 3 Film Series: A Taxi Driver July 7 NC Black Repertory Company Plenty of Time July 9 Film Series: An Elephant’s Journey July 10 Film Series: Capernaum July 12 Pilobolus

July 13 July 14 July 16 July 17 July 18 July 19 July 20 July 23 July 24 July 25 July 26 JULY 27 July 28 July 30 July 30 July 31 Aug. 1 Aug. 2 Aug. 3

Patti LaBelle Eastern Festival Orchestra featuring Awadagin Pratt Film Series: Fanny’s Journey Film Series: Perfect Strangers Tapas and Tesla Chris Botti A Classic Evening of Lily Tomlin Film Series: Storm Boy Film Series: Becoming Astrid Broadway’s Next Hit Musical Broadway’s Next Hit Musical Rosen Sculpture Walk Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: The Four Bs Film Series: Cinnamon Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Potpourri Film Series: A Translator Punch Brothers Film Series: Never Look Away The Temptations

June 29 June 30 July 2 July 2

The Punch Brothers

Lily Tomlin

Film Series: An Elephant’s Journey

Pilobolus

The Temptations

11 miles from Boone on Highway 105 South Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm • OPEN ALL YEAR • 828-963-6466 5320 Highway 105 South • Banner Elk, NC www.tatumgalleries.com

Solid Wood Furniture Full Line of Outdoor Furniture

Interior Design Service Over 30 Years Experience Home Accessories Impeccable Service June 2019

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m u r Fo FORUM AT LEES-MCRAE

Forum at Lees-McRae College enters its 40th year of bringing a stimulating series of cultural programs to the area this summer. The key to FORUM’s success is the dedicated involvement and cooperation between seasonal residents, local residents and Lees-McRae College. The FORUM Board of Directors is made up of representatives from each of these groups. Doors open at 6 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m in Hayes Auditorium in Broyhill Theatre.

June 17 BBAFAB June 24 Around the World in 88 Keys July 1 Married to Broadway July 8 Symphony of the Mountains July 15 Farewell Angelina July 22 The Joe Gransden Big Band July 29 Tony Pace Aug. 5 The Diamonds

ABBaFAB

Married to Broadway

Farewell Angelina

Fourth of July Boone Parade

Blowing Rock Parade

Banner Elk Parade

Celebrate Independence Day with parades, music, food and, of course, fireworks throughout the High Country this July. Travel around the High Country to experience the Fourth of July in a new way or stay close to home with an event near you! Regardless of where you celebrate with friends and family, you’re sure to see the Fourth of July go off with a blast this summer.

June 28-July 7 4th of July Week-Long Celebration, Sugar Mountain Resort JULY 4 Independence Day Picnic, Orchard at Altapass (10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

JULY 4 4th of July Parade & Celebration, King Street, Boone (parade at 11 a.m.)

JULY 4 Fourth of July Parade & Party in the Park, Downtown Banner Elk (parade at 11 a.m.)

JULY 4 Fireworks Extravaganza, Tweetsie Railroad JULY 4 4th of July Buckeye Family Celebration at Kite Field, Beech Mountain (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

JULY 4 Todd Liberty Parade (11 a.m.)

JULY 6 4th of July Parade and Festival, Blowing Rock (parade at 2 p.m.)

JULY 6 48th Annual Roasting of the Hog & Fireworks, Beech Mountain (6-10 p.m.)

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Tweetsie Fireworks

Fourth of July

The Diamonds

Mountaineer Landscaping

We're a Scenic Attraction

t -JDFOTFE 1FTUJDJEF 4QSBZFS t 4FQUJD 5BOL *OTUBMMBUJPO t )ZESP 4FFEJOH t &YDBWBUJOH t #PVMEFS 8BMMT t 8BUFSGBMMT

Hwy. 105 in Linville at the foot of Grandfather Mountain 828.733.3726 | %FTJHO t *OTUBMMBUJPO t .BJOUBJOBODF June 2019

Member: NC Nursery & Landscaping Association

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There is Much To Do

in Abingdon Barter Theatre’s annual draw of over 150,000 patrons along with the nearly as popular biking and hiking activity on the Virginia Creeper Trail allows Abingdon, VA to offer entertainment, shopping and dining experiences on a par with Old Town Alexandria, Williamsburg and Old Salem.

In addition to the theatre, covered elsewhere in this issue, there is much to do in Abingdon.”

The Creeper Trail

The Virginia Carolina Railroad was constructed in the late 19th Century running from Abingdon, VA to Todd, NC. After an easy run from Abingdon, old steam engines carrying heavy loads labored slowly up the grade from Damascus to White Top Mountain, hence the name “Virginia Creeper.” The railroad struggled for many years before finally closing in March 1977.

Today the 34-mile long old railroad bed is a haven for walkers, runners, horseback riders and scores of bikers. Damascus is also a major provision point for hikers on the Appalachian Trail which runs through the town. Bike rental facilities will shuttle riders to the top of the trail in White Top nearly 2,000 feet and 18 all downhill miles to Damascus… a ride anyone can easily accomplish.

A full list of bike rental companies can be found at www. vacreepertrail.com/services/bikerental. html

battle of Kings Mountain in SC during the American War of Independence. Keller Interpretive Center is open daily. 1780 Muster Place, Abingdon. 276-525-1050. www.abingdonmustergrounds.com Outdoor Adventures – there is an abundance of camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding and mountain climbing in the area. www.visitabingdonvirginia.com/planyour-trip/outdoors White’s Mill – Working grist mill and adjacent Community Store outside of Abingdon. Free. 12291 White’s Mill Rd, Abingdon. 276-628-2960. www.whitesmill.org William King Museum – Exhibit halls, artist studios and museum store in a renovated 1913 school. 415 Academy Drive, Abingdon. 276-628-5005. www.williamkingmuseum.org Wolf Hills Brewing Company – Abingdon’s only local craft beer. Open Monday thru Friday 5-9 pm, Sat 1-9pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. 350 Park St., Abingdon. 276-477-1953 www.wolfhillsbrewing.com

Where To Stay

The Martha: Martha Washington Hotel and Spa Directly across the street from the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Barter Theatre you’ll find a historical Bureau – Extensive travel and attrachotel known locally as “The Martha.” tion information. 335 Cummings St., Originally built in 1832 as a private Abingdon. 276-676-2282. www.visithome for General Francis Preston it abingdonvirginia.com converted to a hotel in 1953. The hotel Abingdon Vineyard and Winery – has a covered pool, workout facilities Wine tastings and tours. Picnic along The Martha Washington Inn originally built in 1832 and a world-class spa. the South Holston River. Easy access The Martha - 150 W. Main St., from the Creeper Trail. 20530 Alvardo Abingdon. 276- 628-3161. www.marthawashingtoninn.com Rd, Abingdon. 276-623-1255. www.abingdonvineyards.com The Arts Depot – Resident artist Dining studios, exhibit galleries and art sales The Tavern. In a tiny kitchen on in the old Abingdon rail road freight the second floor of Abingdon’s oldest station. 314 Depot Square, Abingdon. historic building, German immigrant, 276-628-9091. www.abingdonartsdeMax Herman, produces some of the pot.org finest food in town. The building was Farmers Market – Food and crafts built in 1779 as a tavern and lodgings at a covered open air market downfor stagecoach travelers. town. Tues 3 pm-6pm, Sat 8 am – 1 The Tavern - 222 E. Main St., pm. 100 Remsburg Drive, Abingdon.

Abingdon.

276-628-1118. www. www.abingdonfarmersmarket.com abingdontavern.com Muster Grounds of Abingdon – The Tavern, the oldest of Abingdon’s historic buildings and The Overmountain Men Militia beone of the oldest west of the Blue Ridge, was built in 1779.

Compiled by Jeff Green gan their journey here in 1780 to the

Other Things to Do

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PLAYING IS FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART. STAY THAT WAY.

Never stop playing.

It’s always play time in Abingdon. visitabingdonvirginia.com • 888.489.4144

June 2019

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All Aboard: How the Linville River Railway Launched the High Country into the Modern Age

R

By Madison Fisler Lewis

unning right through the center of Appalachian State University’s campus and providing a thoroughfare toward downtown, it is difficult to imagine Rivers Street being anything other than its modern self. Where today drivers experience asphalt and road signs, ASU buildings and car horns, in the early 1900s, residents would be greeted by the unmistakable sight of a steam engine roaring through town, with the distinctive “tweetsie” sound of steam whistles announcing its arrival.

One hundred years ago, the town of Boone looked very different than it does now. Completed in 1919, the Linville River Railway ran right through where the college campus proudly stands today. In fact, the little rural mountain town of Boone was the end of the line for this railway, bringing with it industry, jobs and a whole new era of opportunity for the rural mountain community and its residents.

Laying the Foundations In 1916, the Linville River Railway extended its line from Montezuma to Linville and Shull’s Mill, where the lumber industry was truly taking off. The W. M. Ritter lumber company utilized the railroad in Shulls Mill, where large logging tracts along the famous Watauga River and neighboring creeks near Grandfather Mountain offered a good return on investment. Seeking more land to log lumber, the W. M. Ritter Lumber Company set its sights on Boone. According to an article in the Watauga Democrat from the time, this railroad “would bring the railroad and passenger service to the little mountain community.”

However, this wasn’t the only railroad racing to get to Boone and to the lumber investments waiting all around it.

“Virginia and Carolina railroads graded right of way out of Todd in hopes to connect to those mountain top timbers,” said Ken Anderson of Appalachian State University.

“The Yadkin Valley Railroad did research on whether to build a railroad connection from the east. There were many attempts, 30

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Photo from George Flowers Collection (Boone Area Chamber of Commerce)

It was 100 years ago that the railroad first came to town. Our story is about what that would mean for Boone Construction of the Linville River Railway brought supplies to Boone that would lead to major growth for the small mountain town. Pictured above, the railroad traveled along in front of what was then Appalachian State Teachers College. To the right, we see the train tracks hat were constructed on what is now Rivers Street that goes through Appalachian State’s campus. You can see the Daniel Boone Monument on the left side of the tracks that is still standing along Rivers Street today.

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The town of Boone in 1939-40 taken on the hill above the foot of Water Street looking east toward Perkinsville. Many buildings still standing can be identified in the picture. Among these are the Appalachian Theatre, the Jones House, the old Town Hall (now part of Farmers Hardware), the Rankin House, the McGuire House, the Jeffcoat House, the Wilcox House, the Angel House, the Rivers House and others. The train depot, train track and rail cars in the bottom middle right corner of the picture. but the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina was already in Cranberry, and points east to the surrounding counties.”

When the railway got to Shull’s Mill, Boone got a bad case of railroad fever, urged by the promise of better transportation to the very remote area and the potential for the railroad to contribute to the growth of the small mountain town.

“The voters passed a bond vote as an incentive for the railway to be built to Boone,” said Johnny Graybeal, a local railroad historian.

“Once it passed, they spent the whole year of 1918 building 8 miles of railway to Boone.

Service officially started to Boone January 1, 1919, but at that time it was a rough track service from there to Shull’s Mill. The real service didn’t truly start until May 15.”

Boone was the end of the line for the Linville River Railway, and the area was famous at the time for the inclusion of a wye, a unique, triangular structure that allowed trains to turn around with the use of what in modern driving terms was the equivalent of a three-point turn. In Boone, this was located adjacent to the depot and ran up the hill which is now the location of Bodenheimer Drive. The wye was long enough to turn several passenger cars and sometimes cabooses, which had to be oriented behind the locomotives, and required less area than the more common balloon loop.

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Passengers waited at the train depot to board Tweetsie Railroad as it came into Boone from its journey back from Johnson City.

Boone was the end of the line for the railroad. The train would have to back up on the tracks to the left to turn around and be able to head back into Tennessee.

The Big Boone Boom “The timber industry along with the train put a lot of locals to work, and caused a large influx of workers coming in to Boone,” Anderson said.

This influx of people, goods and a new, faster transportation system brought with it a wave of revitalization that transformed the county seat of Watauga County from a sleepy, rural town into an industrious center of the area.

“If you want to visualize downtown Boone before 1919, you have to consider that other than the courthouses and the jail, there weren’t many brick structures along King Street,” said Dr. Eric Plaag, Boone historian and principal consultant and founder of Carolina Historical Consulting, LLC. “Before 1919, you just had a collection of frame buildings, some domestic structures scattered along the north side of King Street, and some hotels and businesses in between. Everything was widely spaced out and not well developed in an urban sense like we see today. That all changed when the Linville River Railway came to town.”

Heavily supported by D.D. and B.B. Dougherty of Appalachian State University fame as well as many other notable town figures from the time, the railway provided a way to connect Boone to the outside world. Where once the area was only accessible by muddy, dilapidated dirt roads, the construction of the railway provided a reliable avenue for the delivery and shipment of goods.

“Boone leaders back then knew the train would be good for the Appalachian Training School, as ASU was known back then, and they knew that having a train would become a catalyst for allowing more buildings to be built, expanding the town substantially,” Plaag said.

In fact, the Linville River Railway enjoyed a warm welcome when it first got to Boone. A campaign titled “Watch Boone Grow” served as a concerted effort devoted to building up the core of downtown Boone and expanding the availability of timber, brick and other building materials that would make the expansion of the town, and of the Appalachian Training School, possible. All of this together allowed for a significant building boom between 1919 and 1927 that launched the sleepy mountain town into the modern world.

Numerous buildings were erected during that time that are still well-known in Boone to this day. Such buildings as the Farmer’s Ski Shop on Depot Street, the

Post Office

Buildings that were made possible by the train coming to Boone

Farmers Hardware

Some of the buildings that were constructed from supplies that came into Boone on the railroad still stand today, including the post office on King Street (above), Farmers Hardware on Depot Street (left) and the Appalachian Theatre on King Street (below).

The Appalachian Theatre was first constructed with 50-foot steel beams that could not have made it to Boone any other way than by railway at the time.

The Apppalachian Theatre

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Faculty Street in April, 1939 with railroad tracks in the foreground. The first house on the left was occupied by Dr. and Mrs. D.J. Whitener (Dr. Whitener was the dean of Appalachian State Teachers College). The next house was occupied by Dr. and Mrs. Wiley F. Smith. The other houses are still under construction. The frame houses in the distance were on Appalachian State Teachers College property where the Scott Industrial Arts Building now stands.

Watauga County Bank, the Farmer’s Hardware block, and the old Boone Drug building were built during this boom.

“In just six short years, we had this clustering of brand new buildings going up all because the train has come to town,” said Plaag. “In that window of time, Boone truly becomes a boomtown, bringing in a greater economy in terms of market goods, and people from all over the county to do their shopping. On a different note, having this growth created a sort of community pride, encouraging locals to make investments in the town that they might not have otherwise made.”

One of the most recognizable buildings built during this period is the historic Appalachian Theater. While the materials used in the construction of this building were definitely helped along by railway deliveries, one major piece of the structure would never have been possible if not for the Linville River Railway.

“The Appalachian Theater was only possible because of the train, and here is why,” said Plaag.

“There are multiple 50-foot long steel beams in the construction of the theater, and the only way that would possibly make sense is that they would have come in on a train. The problem was, train cars were only 36 feet long, and we couldn’t figure out how they got a 50-foot beam on a train car without interfering with the others. What we found was that these beams were within mere inches of what could be placed on a single car with just 34

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June 2019

enough hangover on each end to not interfere with the others. After we realized this, we checked the manifests from 1938 and sure enough, on one of those manifests was a large shipment of steel on the train—in fact it was the only shipment of steel made that entire year. We can only assume that shipment carried the beams that made the construction of the Appalachian Theater possible.”

Impacts Beyond Boone Before the arrival of the Linville River Railway, Boone and the surrounding counties were known as the “Lost Provinces.”

Being so remote and difficult to navigate, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties found themselves profoundly cut off from the outside world.

The arrival of the train made the High Country more accessible than ever, and contributed an increase in the tourism industry that has continued to this day.

“Three passenger cars were sold to the railway in 1917, and at the same time they ordered several more passenger cars, one of which was a closed vestibule car which ended up making the passenger service some of the finest narrow gauge in the country,” Anderson said.

“It upgraded a lot of the equipment that allowed for the tourists to make it to their destinations in style. A lot of people used the trains to travel for everyday reasons, but there were also many well-to-do folks who came to the High Country for cooler air in the summertime.”

On the map of the route above, Tweetsie Railroad traveled from Johnson City to the end of the line in Boone to with ome 20 stops along the way including Newland, Roan Mountain, Hampton and Elizabethton.

Known for its favorable weather in the summer, Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding areas were known for camps, golf, hiking and other activities. With the train line making these activities more accessible, tourism continued to grow.

After 1919, trains could more quickly make the round trip journey to Johnson

City, Tennessee each day, making the 66 mile trip in just six hours. This quick trip meant that students from Tennessee could make it to the area more quickly, and many enjoyed football games at the Appalachian Normal School.

Another benefit for visitors and residents alike was the fact that the train sys-

tem also delivered mail along their routes.

“Many railroads had a common carrier service,” Anderson said. “In order to go over properties, a lot of trains were required to carry mail. The combine car would have mail slots and there would be postal workers sorting mail right there in the cars.”

The arrival of the railway did a lot

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more than change the landscape of Boone forever. The train meant a wider availability and more consistent source of goods, including grocery options and medical supplies.

it was renamed the Appalachian State Normal School, grew to be the Appalachian State Teacher’s College in 1929 and became Appalachian State University in 1967.

The Railway and Appalachian State University

The Train Changed the Lives of High Country Residents Forever

Another significant benefit of the train was for the Appalachian Normal School. While before the railway was completed the school was small and remote, with the infrastructure, goods and population increase that occurred after its completion, the school was able to expand exponentially.

“Part of the new goods available were good quality brick and building materials, which allowed the Dougherty’s to quickly build the school buildings,” Plaag said. “Not only that, increased availability of goods meant that days long trips to Wilkesboro for supplies were no longer necessary.”

Combined with the population expansion and the new relative ease of travel to the area. The Appalachian Training School for Teachers experienced so much growth that by 1925,

The arrival of the rail line had a profound impact on early Boone and its residents. The early days provided a positive financial gain to Boone and Watauga County. The logging industry gave jobs to men willing to work in difficult terrain, especially with their work horses to drag logs to drop points.

But it wasn’t just the employment landscape that changed when the railroad arrived.

“Another big impact on Boone and its residents was the products that came by train,” Anderson said.

“Hopper loads of coal for the boiler at Appalachian Teacher’s College, tank car loads of petroleum for vehicles, oils used in home lanterns and lubricants for many industries also came. Box cars of flour, furnishings, the list goes on!.”

The 1940 Flood brought a sad ending to Tweetsie Railroad. In the photo above, floodwaters ravaged the track and washed them several feet off of their original foundation.

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The railroad made it possible for Boone residents to have access to necessary materials for their businesses and their daily lives, and provided easy transportation access to an area that is known for inclement weather and rough terrain. The railroad also revolutionized the way things were transported in the HIgh Country through a unique piggyback service called Trailer on Flat Car (TOFC). This service used custom built railroad cars to transport semi truck trailers from Johnson City, Tennessee to Boone where the trailers were unloaded to a ramp not far behind the Boone Depot.

The trailers would then be hooked to trailers headed to Wilkesboro and beyond.

With the arrival of the railroad, a traveler could board a gauge train in Boone and travel to Johnson City, Tennessee. From there, a passenger could board a train headed anywhere in the United States, a unique and novel experience for Boone natives for whom travel would have otherwise proven to be too difficult or cost prohibitive. Most importantly, it also provided a way for inbound travelers to experience the beauty of the High Country, and fall in love with it just as thousands have for many years.

Unfortunately, the wonder of the Linville River Railway was not to last. In 1940, a flood destroyed a large portion of the tracks, and with business on the decline in the preceding years, they were never rebuilt.

The trains themselves were sold off to different railway companies, with the exception of Engine #12, which now resides at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock.

Engine #12 is the last surviving narrowgauge steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC).

Today, Rivers Street stands on the tracks where “Tweetsie” once rolled its way through Boone, carrying not just lumber, petroleum and materials, but also excited, wide eyed passengers ready for adventure.

Although the Linville River Railway in Boone is no more, there are still lasting imprints left behind. From the historic buildings crafted during the economic boom brought by the train, to the endurance of Appalachian State University and it’s massive growth, to continued prosperity of Boone as one of the most highly-visited parts of North Carolina, the Linville River Railway’s impact can still be seen. And if you need a reminder of times gone by, just take a look the next time you’re driving from Boone to Blowing Rock. If you’re lucky, you might see Engine #12 enjoying her retirement at Tweetsie Railroad. t June 2019

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Dianne Davant Moffitt A lifelong passion for design 40th Anniversary of

Dianne Davant and A ssociates

I

By Jan Todd

n the past four decades, Dianne Davant Moffitt and her associates have brought a sense of style to the High Country like no others. Opened in 1979 in Blowing Rock, Dianne’s interior design business marks its 40th anniversary this year.

Relocated to Banner Elk, the North Carolina studio of Dianne Davant and Associates houses a team of brilliant designers, busy at work bringing to life the homes of their clients’ dreams.

Dianne splits her time between the mountain studio and her firm’s second location in Stuart, Florida, about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach. Residential and corporate design work takes Dianne and her team all over the country, and even internationally, to cater to an influential client base on projects including the Miami Dolphin’s professional football stadium, luxury country clubs, corporate yachts and jets, upscale restaurants and multi-million-dollar homes.

Yet no matter the price tag or size of the project, the goal is the same: to create a classic, comfortable, and enduring space that is as unique and extraordinary as

Dianne is pictured here winning the blue ribbon at the Blowing Rock Horse Show in the mid-50s.

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High Country Magazine

Dianne Davant pictured here in her office where she is looking over plans for her next project. Some of her local projects include work at Elk River Club in Banner Elk, Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville, Hound Ears Club in Blowing Rock and Linville Ridge Country Club in Linville.

Dianne’s mom, Harriet, her brother, Bunky, and Dianne showing their pony, Trigger, at the Blowing Rock Horse Show.

June 2019

Dianne in high school at Salem Academy in Winston-Salem.

Dianne pictured with her beautiful mother, Harriet, and two daughters, Ashley Winkelmann and Alyse Burke, at a family gathering. the client.

Reflecting on her career, Dianne considers herself extremely lucky. “I’ve found my passion. Some people never find their passion in what they do. Even though I work very hard, it’s a blessing, because I’m passionate about what I do.”

Humble Beginnings Dianne grew up in Blowing Rock, the daughter of what she called a “country doctor” and a genteel Southern lady.

Charles Davant, known as “Dr. Charlie,”

Harriet and Charlie Davant, Dianne’s parents, pictured here in the early 90s.

A physician was needed, though, and Charlie convinced Harriet to move to Blowing Rock, where they purchased a home on Chestnut Drive. He was instrumental in the support and opening of Blowing Rock Hospital in 1951 and served patients for more than 50 years, doing everything from treating chicken pox to delivering babies.

In fact, he delivered his own daughter.

“I was born in the middle of a snowstorm in a make-shift clinic,” Dianne shared. “I was supposed to be born at the

and his wife, Harriet, came up the mountain from Lenoir in 1948.

The mayor of Blowing Rock, the late Grover Robbins, Sr., reportedly recruited Dr. Davant to establish his medical practice in Blowing Rock. “It was a very different town, then,” Dianne described. “There were very few full-time residents in our community. Most of the town’s population was folks who would come from the cities or from Florida to enjoy the cool mountain air during the summer months.”

Dianne with her brother, Charles Davant III, better known as Bunky. He has been a doctor in Blowing Rock for over 40 years.

Ashley, Alyse and Charles Davant IV in the late 1970s.

June 2019

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A Modern Take on a Mountain Home Photographer Jonathon Burton

T

his home, located in Old Linville, was a remodel. The original home, a cottage that ended where the fireplace is in the living room, was purchased by a couple from Hilton Head. They added a large master wing and another den and converted the fireplace to a see-through tiled model so the fire could be enjoyed on both sides.

“They wanted a more modern element in their home,” said designer Pam McKay. The light fixtures used are modern LED fixtures The circular floating light fixture in the living room ties in with the porthole inspired windows, added as a nod to the family’s love of boating and the ocean.

The designers incorporated some of the clients’ impressive art collection, including a Herb Jackson piece over the mantle.

into the house,” said Pam. Unique personalities and styles dictate the design of each client’s home. This mountain home contains some traditional touches — exposed beams, wood floors — and blends with contemporary art and light fixtures.

The painting is hung on a pebble wall, and the ceiling has wallpaper that looks like birch bark. The floor is marble inlaid into a geometric pattern of the wooden floors.

The outdoor living room is designed in a style duplicating the indoor living room, with a see-thru tiled fireplace. The hearth and mantel, though, are constructed of concrete made to look like a wooden beam, while resistant to extreme weather conditions.

The glass wall of doors opening to the porch stack, so it can be completely opened up to provide a seamless joining of the indoors to the outdoors, perfect when entertaining guests. The furniture on the porch has the appearance of white birch bark but is actually weather resistant aluminum.

Catering to a Collector

On the reverse side of the interior fireplace is a family room.

“There’s a television over the fireplace and a huge sectional couch where the whole gang can jump in there together,” said Pam. Two Norman Murphy paintings flank the windows on the far wall, and up in the interior soffit is a woven patchwork wall covering.

In the hallway leading to the master suite is a major art piece

by Hunt Slonem – an artist from New York best known for his Neo-Expressionist oil paintings.

“The art can be seen from the driveway, before you even walk 42

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June 2019

Photographer Dan Forer The Davant team incorporated a rare collection of Southwestern cowboy art in this mountain home in Linville Ridge. As an artist herself, Pam McCay said, “Designing this home was right down my alley.

It was challenging, though, because you can’t just look in a catalog for these pieces. We had to have some of the furniture custom made. I flew to Scottsdale, Arizona to look

hospital in Lenoir, but I was premature.

My mother couldn’t convince my father that she was really in labor, and by the time he realized how far along she way, it was too late, and the weather was too bad to make it off the mountain.”

As it turned out, “beating a deadline” was one of the earliest characteristics instilled in Dianne that would carry over into her future career as a designer.

“Even as a small child, I loved to rearrange things,” she admitted. “In fact, my mother said she always had to be very careful not to trip and fall when entering my bedroom after dark, because I was always changing the furniture around!”

Her parents paved the path for Dianne’s career in several ways, she said.

“My mother taught me how to behave — not that it always took!” Dianne laughed. “I learned about manners and how to function in society. My mother is one of the kindest human beings you’ll ever know, and her sense of humor is incredible.”

That sense of humor came in handy, Dianne said. “I think my older brother, Bunky, and I were handfuls for her.”

Harriet is an art lover, said Dianne, and that interest was shared with her daughter. “She painted, and I did as well when I was young.”

In 2016, Harriet Davant was named Blowing Rock’s “Woman of the Year” for her years of volunteering, advocating for education, and dedication to help bring quality medical care and services to the community. She is now 96 years old

Finding her Passion for Design Dianne loved the mountains, and spent much of her time outdoors, enjoying nature. “I was into horses — they were my thing,” she said. “I had a horse that I used to ride all over the Moses Cone Estate. It was like my second home.”

She attended Salem College in Winston-Salem, where she took the majority of her design courses. She moved back to the mountains and graduated from Appalachian State University with a major in Housing and Interiors, and minors in Business and in Art History. “All have come in handy in my business,” Dianne said.

After graduation, Dianne partnered with Sharon Moore to open her design business in Blowing Rock. “I had friends who were architects, builders, developers, and in real estate, so I had a wonderful referral base. After I’d done a few jobs, I started getting referrals from my clients,” she recalled.

The majority of her early work was for vacation homeowners from Florida, residing in Blowing Rock. Dianne started branching out into Hound Ears and homes around Grandfather Golf & Country Club. “When Linville Ridge and Elk River developments got started in the 1980’s, I could tell the growth was headed in that direction, so I opened my own studio in Banner Elk, about 30 years ago,” she said.

Many of her clients, after seeing Dianne’s work on their mountain homes, wanted her to come to Florida to design their other residences. The demand for

Dianne with her husband, Lee Moffitt, with the site of their Diamond Creek house in the background. and resides at the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, which houses the Harriet and Charles Davant, Jr. Medical Clinic, named to honor the contributions of the couple.

“Bunky,” Dianne’s brother, would later become Dr. Charles Davant III, a geriatric medicine specialist who has been practicing for over 40 years in Blowing Rock.

From her father, who passed away in 2003, Dianne said, “I learned my father’s drive for work. He was on call all the time and had a real passion for what he did. I really miss him.”

This photo was taken at a family picnic at Dianne and Lee’s home. Left to right: Patrick Burke, Browning Proctor, Kylie Winkelmann holding her dachshund Dottie, Jack Proctor, Lee Moffitt, Alyse Burke, sons-in-law Eric Winkelmann (standing) and Drew Smith (standing), Ashley Winkelmann, Dianne Davant and Jenny Moffitt.

June 2019

Dianne’s grandson, Luke Winkelmann, is a member of the United States Snowboard Team. He is pictured here after winning a silver medal in New Zealand.

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at hand-carved mesquite furniture for this project.”

The client has several Black Forest antiques, plus Adirondack furniture and lots of bronze sculptures that were incorporated into this very masculine design. A Peter Fillerup antler chandelier is used in front of the picture window, flanked with window treatments woven in a southweastern motif. The leather chairs have clawed feet and arms, and a bronze bear sculpture is set on a tree trunk cocktail table.

The bar has a floating live-edge top that looks like a huge piece of a tree. The gate in the back leads to the wine cellar.

Designing a Castle

Some of the heavier pieces had to be lowered into the home by a crane during the construction phase.

The wine room features antique gargoyle sconces, stained glass windows, and iron gates.

An antique newel post and custom iron railing graces the staircase in the home.

Design by Location Photographer Dan Forer

Whether in the mountains or by the sea, location and views play an important role in interior design. Designer Priscilla Hyatt Councill described this project in Florida, “The surroundings of this home are so breathtaking that we had to be sure to live up to that in the interior. The panoramic view of the ocean influenced our crisp blue and white color palette.”

Photographer Dan Forer

Designers Dianne Davant Moffitt and Priscilla Hyatt Councill found the perfect pieces to bring function and beauty to this cozy sitting nook in one of their Florida home designs. “We took a trip to Antique Row in West Palm Beach where we found the roll top desk, a pair of veined marble top and splayed paw feet brass base accent tables, gold leaf iron floor lamp and the large oblong octagonal mirror. These special pieces are what truly put the finishing touches on this space,” said Councill.

The Davant team has had the luxury of designing a variety of styles — including what they called “the castle,” a private home in the Elk River Club in Banner Elk. The owners, from Dallas, Texas, are originally from North Carolina and wanted a home where they could gather their friends and family for magical times in the mountains.

The owners wanted a gothic style for their new home, with lots of stone, multiple fireplaces, and gothic arches throughout the interior.

Margaret Handley said she studied up on gothic architecture to tackle this job, which required a nationwide search for the perfect complements for the home. As luck would have it, a large castle near Miami had recently been demolished, and Dianne, who was also working on this project, called the clients to explore the salvage yard with her. They found stained glass from the 1500’s, handcrafted in France, light fixtures, and other items to incorporate in their home. Other pieces were sourced from all over the world.

A Home for the Future Photographer Dan Forer

Professional education and study enabled the Davant team to collaborate on this LEED Gold certified home in Florida. “It was a unique and special project,” said designer Priscilla Hyatt Councill, who worked with Dianne on the home. “The clients of this home did it right! From our initial meeting we had all these amazing team members involved which helped us to work together the clients’ dream home a reality.”

With expansive views of the St. Lucie River in Florida, the open concept of this home was designed to bring the exterior in.

As a LEED Gold certified home, sustainable materials were used throughout — including reclaimed Heart Cypress on the ceiling with pecky cypress accents, quarter sawn teak cabinets and porcelain Neolith kitchen countertop and flooring.

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June 2019

let,� Dianne said about Priscilla. “She started with us as an apprentice about ten years ago and has spread her wings down in Florida.�

Each of the designers at Dianne Davant and Associates is a professional member of ASID (American Society for Interior Decorators) — a distinction that sets the firm apart from others in the High Country. “It’s about education,�

Pam explained. “We’ve studied design and know building codes and regulations. It goes beyond just being good Blowing Rock staff. Heather Simon seated on the left.

Designed for Back row: Margaret Handley, Angela Tuck, Pam McKay, Nicole South. at making things look good, Seated: Gary Fox, Dianne Davant and Pete Brown. or just having a knack for Success decorating.�

Dianne said much of her 23 years, and Pam has spent 18 years with Dianne explained that to success is shared with her the firm. They each have a distinguished be a professional member of ASID, designteam of designers. The Banner Elk team list of clientele, though they often colers must complete interior design educa— including senior designers Margaret laborate on projects together. tion from an accredited institution, parHandley and Pam McKay, and design Priscilla Hyatt Councill, a fourth genticipate in continuing education, and pass assistants Nicole South and newly hired eration Miamian who grew up in Hound the National Council for Interior Design Kinley Sanborn — run the North CaroEars, moved back to Florida to help run Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. “Passing lina studio. the firm’s Florida location. “She’s a starthe exam is a big deal,� she said. “It takes Margaret has worked with Dianne for her services in the “Sunshine State� became so great that opening a second office there made sense for her business.

Dianne even had a third studio location during the early 1990’s in Big Sky, Montana. “Some of my Florida clientele had vacation homes in Montana, and I designed their homes there. It was a lot of fun, using Western themes, and I’ve carried a few of those ideas over to inspire some of my projects in the North Carolina mountains.�

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years of education and experience and a lot of hard work. It is very difficult.”

“An allied or associate member of ASID hasn’t passed the exam,” she continued. “When clients hire a designer with a professional ASID designation, they know they’re hiring someone who has a much higher level of education that what we’d call ‘decorators.’”

Margaret added that in some states, including Florida, a license is required to practice interior design. “If a state requires a license, you can’t call yourself an interior designer unless you are licensed — it is a distinction that many people don’t even know exists.” All of the senior designers in the Davant firm are licensed in Florida.

In addition, Margaret is LEED GA certified – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate — which means she has a documented understanding of current green building principles and practices. Margaret and the other designers in the firm have taken many continuing education courses in LEED principles to incorporate earth friendly features in their designs.

“I just completed a house that was Gold LEED certified,” Dianne said. “It is a totally sustainable home, which is very expensive to do. There must be solar power, and materials used must be sustainable — materials such as bamboo which are easily regrown, reclaimed materials, and easy to produce materials that have the least impact on the environment.”

“Even if a home isn’t LEED certified, part of our jobs as designers is to make smart decisions,” added Pam. “We should pull from local resources, present options such as LED lighting, and select fabrics that are made from natural materials instead of synthetics that use a lot of chemicals to produce.”

The level of education and professionalism, along with their design philosophies and commitment to their clients, has resulted in a reputation second to none in the High Country.

Dianne served as Vice President of Interior Design at City Furniture, a major furniture retailer in Florida.

Dianne gives much credit to Amanda Clopton, who served as her in-house CPA for 20 years, and recently retired.

Different by Design The Davant team doesn’t have a trademark “look.” Every job is completely different, just as every client personality is different, explained Pam, who has gained the reputation as a designer who likes to “push the envelope” in creativity.

“Our process varies by the scope of the project,” continued Pam. “Sometimes we do full construction, other times we just change paint color. We work with lots of different types of clients, at all budget levels.”

For a new build, the designers get involved at the planning stage, before the ground is broken. “In looking at plans, it is rare that we don’t make a tweak or

two,” Dianne commented. “It’s good to be involved at that stage because we can look at things with a fine-tooth comb and change things up as needed.”

Throughout the process, the designers work side-by-side with the architects and builders. They serve as advocates for the client and are the contractor’s allies as they lay out options for the client and translate the client’s vision into builder’s language.

No matter the size of the job, the most important part of the design process, according to Dianne, is, “Communication, communication, communication.”

“Most people know what they like, the general direction they want to go,” she elaborated. “They’ll know if they want eclectic and funky, contemporary, transitional or traditional. We work with them to pull out their innermost vision.”

Pam added, “We’re really good listeners, which makes us good at what we do.

Our job is to give the client a house they’re comfortable in and they’re happy to live in every day.”

Margaret agreed. “It’s about what our clients want — not about our personal preferences. We take what we learn about our clients and put a design together to suit their needs, something that will be comfortable for them and inviting to their friends.”

“We don’t ever want to force our ideas on people,” said Dianne. “There are designers who are noted for always doing a certain look, but that’s not how our team thinks.

We like to be creative, not go back to the same concepts time and time again.”

Dianne’s favorite part of the process?

“The installation!” she exclaimed. “That’s when everything comes to life. We have these visions of what the end product will look like, but when we unpack everything, accessorize, and get the paintings on the wall, it is so rewarding.”

She likes it best when she can do what she calls “a big reveal” — with the client staying away during the installation so she and her team can present the end product, with everything complete. “And I do mean everything,” said Dianne.

“We’ll even unpack clothes and kitchens for our clients,” Dianne said. “We’ll have things in place to the nth degree, down to the toothbrushes if they wish.”

Once, Margaret pulled a load of groceries on a sled — uphill in the snow — for a client coming to their newly decorated mountain home for Thanksgiving holiday.

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Photographs of various projects of Dianne Davant & Associates from the Florida Office. Interiors were featured in “Florida Design Magazine” recently. The console, featured upper right, is by our local company, Charleston Forge. ing the ingredients needed for their holiday meal.”

The “never say no” philosophy that Dianne employs when working for clients has inspired the work ethic of all designers and staff on her team. “As Dianne often says, where there is a will, there is a way,” said Priscilla. “There are so many obstacles we face as interior designers but learning how to face those obstacles and find solutions is what makes a project successful.”

Dianne stressed that it is important to her to complete every job on time, no matter what. “I remember one job in Palm Beach, and there was a piece of furniture we had ordered that was a central piece in a room. I was on the balcony talking to the supplier, and I told them I’d jump off the balcony if they didn’t get it delivered on time,” she laughed.

“The supplier couldn’t produce the piece by the deadline, but they gave us a beautiful loaner so I could have the house finished for the “big reveal”, with everything in place, and I just had to switch out 48

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the ordered piece when it came in,” recalled Dianne. “Never say no. If the client wants it, we’ll get it done, by golly!”

Designing into the Future Thinking over the past 40 years, Dianne said many things have changed.

“Clients are so much more educated about design now,” she said, citing internet access to sites such as Pinterest, and television networks and shows devoted to remodeling and design.

“As far as style, things have become much more contemporary,” she said.

“Clean lines, natural elements, and a connection to the outdoors. Right now we’re doing a lot of what we call ‘mountain modern,’ a look that balances sleek design and comfort, with the home blending into the surroundings and the views and landscapes incorporated in the design.”

“But then, we still do a lot of classic mountain homes,” she continued. “Some like the traditional. People are so different — that’s what makes our jobs so much fun.”

Location is paramount in design, said Dianne, and her homes are living proof.

Married to Lee Moffitt, who served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and founded the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, Dianne and her husband own two homes of distinction — one on the St. Lucie River near Stuart, and one in the Diamond Creek development in Banner Elk. “There’s almost nothing in common between the two homes,” she shared.

“Our home in Banner Elk is a true mountain house, Adirondack in style. The house in Florida is very light and airy, and the colors are all water colors, to blend with the river. A home should reflect the area it is in.”

Regardless of the location, regardless of the time, Dianne said the basics have remained the same in her business. “We want every job to be beautifully done, whatever the style. We want to get inside our clients’ heads and give them the very best of what their visions are.” t

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A Tale of Two Homes

D

ianne Davant Moffitt and her husband, Lee, own a home on the St. Lucie River in Florida and a home in the Diamond Creek community in Banner Elk. “There’s almost nothing in common between the two homes,” Dianne said.

“Our home in Banner Elk is a true mountain house, Adirondack in style. The house in Florida is very light and airy, and the colors are all water colors, to blend with the river. A home should reflect the area it is in.”

The warm colors and stone accents in the kitchen of the Moffitt’s mountain home blends with the outdoors.

Photographer Todd Bush

The Moffitt’s sunporch in their home on the St. Lucie River features a tropical flair, with the focus on the beautiful waterviews. Photographer Dan Forer

In the Moffitt’s mountain home, rustic natural elements are used in the design, blending with the wooded surroundings.

Photographer Todd Bush

The Moffitts love to entertain, and the kitchens in both of their homes serve as gathering places for family and guests. This kitchen in their Florida home features a marble topped center island with colors that flow like the river. Photographer Dan Forer

In a traditional mountain home style, with exposed beams, natural log railings, and a deer antler chandelier, the Moffitt’s North Carolina home is warm and cozy.

Photographer Todd Bush

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The main living area of the Moffitt’s St. Lucie home is designed with light neutrals and colors that complement the hues of the river. Photographer Dan Forer

Todd Bush Photography Serving the High Country with Premier Scenic, Lifestyle and Commercial Imagery for over 25yrs Scenic photos available at Banner Elk Artists Gallery in the historic BE elementary school near the heart of town

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One Man’s Legacy Founder of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, Lees-McRae College, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Grandfather Home for Children

I

n the late 1800s, a disliked Methodist minister was accused of drunkenness after mischievous boys sprayed whiskey on his trousers. Incensed, he bellowed from the pulpit that Banner Elk, North Carolina, would make good “kindling wood were the Lord prepared to burn the world!”

The preacher left in a huff, promising never to send another Methodist to the village. Thus, the climate was ripe for a Presbyterian. Young Reverend Edgar Tufts, an apprentice from Hampden-Sydney Seminary, planned to complete his assignment in Banner Elk, return to marry his beloved “Miss Bessie,” then find a church in an urban setting. However, the lure of the mountain people and their needs led him to --indeed marry Miss Bessie-- but then return to Banner Elk where he famously (and amazingly) became the founder of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, Cannon Memorial Hospital, Grandfather Home for Children, and Lees-McRae College. If that were not enough, he was instrumental in the beginnings of Avery County (once part of Watauga), helped to establish a bank, and even brought electricity to the village.

This story is so compelling that LeesMcRae Summer Theatre is setting it to a musical entitled From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story.

Janet Barton Speer, John Thomas

Oaks and Tommy Oaks (author and composers for the very successful Denim King: The Moses Cone Story) have created the work, and the community is solidly supporting their effort. All of Edgar’s founding institutions (the hospital, children’s home, college, and church), along with the Town of Banner Elk, the Banner Elk Heritage Foundation, and a group of “first family” historians, are participating in a 2019 summer event: Celebrating Banner Elk’s Heritage of Service. Displays throughout the town will present vintage photographs from Banner Elk’s history, and each institution is uniquely honoring their founder.

Banner Elk has the distinction of being a town founded on service - service for learning, service for healing, service for sheltering children, and service for faith. It was improbable, to say the least, to find a college, a hospital, and an orphanage in a small town. Reverend Tuft’s vision breached the walls of improbability and made it happen.

Seldom in good health, Mr. Tufts was a small man who probably had tuberculosis three times. But he had an energy that defied physical prowess.

His daughter, Margaret Tufts Neal, would say, “First he saw a need.” He saw impoverished young girls in need of education, so he created a school

Edgar Tufts

The first hospital was built with a mere $2,000. Grace Hospital the III, was established in 1932 but today serves as Tate Dorm for the Lees-McRae College as the hospital was relocated to Linville.

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The first buildings of the Lees-McRae Institute, built in 1910, had its humble beginnings with a class of 12 girls and only two teachers. Today, attendance has reached almost a thousand students.

Rev. Edgar Tufts started the Ministry of Healing in 1908. This medical facility became the motivation for what would later be the first Cannon Memorial Hospital in the early 1960s. Today, Cannon Hospital resides in Linville and was designated as a Critical Access Hospital in December 2005.

Lees-McRae College has grown from a small school in Rev. Tufts’ house to a college with over 1,000 students.

At 3,720 feet above sea level, Lees-McRae College is at the highest elevation of any college east of the Mississippi River.

Rev. Tufts worked with his church members at Banner Elk Presbyterian, featured in the photo to the right, to form a home for orphans in 1914. This was the beginning of Grandfather Home for Children, pictured in the photo at the left.

The home is now part of the Children’s Hope Alliance to provide hope and healing for children.

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Edgar Tufts would even bring electricity to Banner Elk by harnessing the Elk River.

Janet Barton Speer

Lees-McRae

Summer Theatre From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae College

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June 11-17

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is setting for the story of Edgar Tufts to a musical entitled From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story.

Janet Barton Speer, John Thomas Oaks and Tommy Oaks have created the work, and the community is solidly supporting their effort.

for girls – unheard of in those times.

As an educated man, Edgar Tufts believed in the value of learning. According to And Set Aglow A Scared Flame, a book by his daughter Margaret Tufts Neal, “During their first year in their permanent home in Banner Elk, Mr. and Mrs. Tufts began inviting young people to join them in reading around the fireside on winter evenings.”

Interest soon spread across the mountains. “Young people in other communities where he preached heard about the ‘preacher’s school’ and asked if they could board somewhere in Banner Elk and attend the classes.”

The fireside school started in 1899 and support grew quickly so that in September of 1900, The Elizabeth McRae Institute started with 12 girls and two teachers. Local boys came as day students.

Mrs. S.P. Lees of New York increased her interest and her gifts for this school with the motto “In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains,” and in 1903, the ministry of teaching became known as Lees-McRae. The ministry of teaching which started in 1899 as a fireside school has blossomed into a four-year accredited college providing several niche programs as well as traditional degrees for both residential and on-line students. Now in 2019, LeesMcRae College holds an honored and proud spot in Banner Elk, with an enrollment approaching 1,000 students.

In addition to his work starting LeesMcRae College, Tufts saw abandoned children in need of refuge, and created a home.

Edgar Tufts knew firsthand what often happened to children after the death of one or both parents. His own mother’s early death separated his brothers and

Edgar Tufts graduated from Washington and Lee University and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia and went on to marry Ms. Mary Elizabeth Hall, his beloved “Miss Bessie.”

Along with establishing the Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, he was a minister of the Presbyterian Church and went on to form the Grandfather Home for Children.

sisters.

As stated in And Set Aglow A Sacred Flame, as Margaret Tufts Neal’s father “ministered to the people of his mountain churches, his heart was burdened with the plight of little children left by the death or illness of one or both parents to the care of elderly grandparents, other relatives, or a neighbor whose home was already overcrowded.”

Thus in 1914, Grandfather Orphan’s Home was founded as the Christian answer to a human need. The Lybrook Farm was selected as the home’s site, because of its close proximity to LeesMcRae Institute. It was to be a year-round home for children without families who could care for them because of the parents’ death or incapacity.

Furniture for the home initially was provided by a “pounding” at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. Good cows and chickens were requested. A superintendent for the home and a mother for the children were needed. Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Holcomb answered the call and soon had two little girls under their care.

The demand for care was so great that additional facilities were required. Mrs. Annie L. Cannon, member of the Grier Bible Class at the First Presbyterian Church in Concord raised $1,000 to support the cause. Grier Cottage was built for boys in 1917, a girls’ dormitory was built in 1918 and the Baby Cottage was completed in 1922.

Rev. Tufts died in 1923, but his son Edgar Hall Tufts continued his ministry of sheltering for needy children. In 2014, Grandfather Home for Children celebrated 100 years of continuous service to boys and girls. The numerous facilities today at the Banner Elk campus continue in the care, nurture, education and treatment of children in need, now under the umbrella of Children’s Home Alliance.

Another of Tufts’ major accomplishments was bringing medical care to Banner Elk. He saw people in the mountains in need of a doctor and clinic, both of which he provided.

Most of the first classes at Lees-McRae Institute consisted of only girls, which was highly unusual and rare for the time period. Boys came soon, however, as day students.

Pictured here are students from the first class.

In 1914, Grandfather Orphan’s Home was founded. It was to be a year-round home for children without families who could care for them because of the parents’ death or incapacity.

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In the photo at the left, Bessie and the children can be seen here standing outside of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church with Rev. Edgar Tufts in the background. At the right is another early photo of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church with people standing outside.

“Very early in his ministry, Mr. Tufts realized the need for medical care in the mountains. As he was called to the bedside of the sick and dying, he was distressed by the lack of care and the needless suffering and deaths. When he had to take his own wife as far as Roan Mountain, Tennessee, then a distance of thirty miles of rough and often muddy roads to Dr. Woods, and

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when his first two children were born with little or no professional help, he began to search for a doctor who would be willing to come to the mountains,” according to And Set Aglow A Flame.

After securing funds, Tufts built a facility to care for both the doctor’s family and the patients. In 1908, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Reed, returning missionaries from

China answered the call for two years. Edgar visited a nearby lumber camp, inviting the men to come to his service. A young camp doctor, William Cummings Tate responded and not only attended the service, but also offered to play the organ.

Now known as a blessing to the whole mountain area, Dr. W.C. Tate and his fiancé arrived in Banner Elk in 1910 to ex-

Pictures of Dr. W.C.Tate at the Presbyterian Church and on his horse as a younger man.

Dr. Tate was invited to Banner Elk to serve as the town’s doctor by Tuft himself. Tuft saw the need for care in the community and offered him a house, open field, and a chance to use his skills. Dr. Tate had recently completed an internship with the University of Tennessee’s medical program. He went on to become Tuft’s close friend, companion, and advisor. pand the ministry of healing in a way Tufts never imagined. Hospital facilities were built, rebuilt and expanded, medical care became sophisticated and men, women and children began to flourish. Dr. Lawson Tate followed in his father’s footsteps to continue the family tradition. Another generation of medical care benefited the community as Dr. William Tate followed his father Lawson.

The Tufts ministries were joined like siblings in a family. Today, Grace Hospital

III (established in 1932) now serves as Tate Dorm on the Lees-McRae College campus.

Cannon Hospital, originally built in 1962 in Banner Elk, was relocated to Linville in 1999 and is an integral part of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

Edgar was an itinerate minister as well, and until his death, continued to travel as far as Blowing Rock where he preached at Rumple Memorial, sometimes riding up on his horse unrecognizable, totally covered with ice and snow. Parishioners would

Saturday July 6, 2019 10 AM

bring out hot water to free his feet from the stirrups. His ministerial duties also took him to Cove Creek, Hump Mountain, Arbor Dale, Pineola, Elk Park, Shulls Mill, Hanging Rock and others. Some say he was responsible for the beginnings of thirty-three churches.

In the daughter’s book, she noted one “unfulfilled dream” in the Tufts saga. “In guiding and developing the three-part ministries of teaching, healing, sheltering Edgar began to feel one area was lacking

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Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery & Studio of Bill Brown

Edgar Tuft, pictured here with his congregation, originally came to the Banner Elk region in the late 1800’s as a seminary student to organize a church. He later returned and settled down when he saw the many needs of the mountain people. to make the Association a complete service to human needs—that was a home or community for the aged and retired.

At this time retirement communities were few and largely experimental. He presented his idea to the Trustees, and at their fall meeting in 1937, they agreed to add a fourth department to the Edgar Tufts Memorial Association. This was part of their statement: “’To make more complete the Edgar

Tufts Memorial Association’s program of teaching, healing and sheltering, the Trustees at their fall meeting, approved the establishment of a fourth department—a home for the aged and retired. “’In every community, church, or business organization there are those whose days of active work are over, but whose interest in life is still very keen…It is for this group, those who must retire from life’s activity and who would like a quiet,

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with seamless effort. restful home with conResearching the play genial friends in a Chrishas included nearly fifty tian atmosphere that still interviews, books, visthrobs with life, that the its to libraries and mufourth department of the seums, and work spent Edgar Tuft Memorial Asmeticulously retouching sociation is planned.’� old photographs. The From 1937 to 1942, play is set against proEdgar Hall Tufts continjections of these pictures ued plans for this fourth as the audience sees the department, complete story unfold in front of with accompanying images of actual events. cottage industries and History and imagination educational opportuniJohn Thomas Oaks and Tommy Oaks along with Janet Barton Speer will work in tandem to ties involving the other have created From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story. create a magical moment institutions.

Changing economic times and uneasiness about the war in Europe slowed in the theatre where audiences may travel back in time to see plans. The impact and duration of World War II was felt across what Banner Elk looked like in her infancy. Reverend Edgar Tufts the mountains and the impetus to manifest a facility for seniors was an extraordinary man with extraordinary dreams. From the slowed even more. It ended with the untimely death of Edgar H. Mountaintop: the Edgar Tufts Story will bring these dreams to the forefront of our imaginations.

Tuft in 1942.

Celebrating Banner Elk’s Heritage of Service: June 9-July 17 Banner Elk has celebrated Reverend Tufts in the past, but From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story: June 11-17, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is in a unique position to bring the story to life in a different way. Janet Speer has been carefully se- Hayes Auditorium, Lees-McRae College. Box office (828-898lecting actors who have the look and the heart to play the char- 8709) website: lmc.edu/summertheatre email: speerj@lmc.edu t acters representing early Banner Elk. The music, by John Thomas Multiple writers and editors contributed to this story: Janet and Tommy Oaks, is based on mountain tradition and played by Barton Speer, Susan Tate Carter, Ann and Jim Swinkola, Dudley mountain musicians. The Oaks are extraordinary composers who have an uncanny ability to wind the music in and out of dialog Gilmer, Margaret Tufts Neal, Gianna Holiday and Nathan Ham.

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Welcome Back SUMMER GUIDE

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June 2019

PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER

Six Pence

It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner. For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages.

A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock

Restaurant & Pub

BANNER ELK CAFÉ banner elk. Located in downtown beautiful Banner Elk, the Banner Elk Cafe just recently opened their brand new bar and dining area that now connects all their many dining areas, and now provides a great place to meet for drinks and socialize before dining. The restaurant complex has two restaurants as well as four outdoor and covered patios.

The Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery has a friendly coffeehouse atmosphere with a smoothie bar, fresh bakery, and gourmet food. Serving, delicious salads, seared Tuna, pizzas, pastas, and wraps. Best Bloody Mary and Cadlillac Magaritas in town. The Banner Elk Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Great food, ranging from eggs benedict to big, juicy burgers. For the healthy and weight conscience we offer grilled mahi and chicken sandwiches, salad bar, and homemade daily specials. Dinner nightly offering: Ribs, Steaks, Fish and always fresh and creative specials and from our talented Chef. Patios are large enough to entertain parties, great for group functions, rehearsal dinners & bridal luncheons. n 828.898-4040. www.bannerelkcafe.com. See ad on page 64

BOONE BAGELRY

Featuring British & American Fare

Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio

Dining: Sunday - Thursday , 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight

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BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free. Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local.

Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www. boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 70

CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100-

828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. June 2019

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year-old railroad repair station, used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad.

Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine & beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience. Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino. net. See ad on page 72

CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations.

The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly offer homestyle FAIRWAY meals made CAFE & with love and meticulous care. Casa Rustica’s extensive wine VENUE list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics for guests to try. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. The restaurant also features a full bar and fantastic drink selections to

delight even the pickiest patron. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com. See ad on page 73

CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm, and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating. We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers. Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 67

C.R. Catering boone. C.R. Catering Co. is Casa Rustica Restaurant’s sister company. We are pleased to offer the High Country’s finest gourmet catering for events on and off site. We provide fresh, distinctive food and quality service for each and every event.

We are happy to accommodate dietary re-

The Banner Elk Cafe &

The Lodge Espresso Bar & Eatery Fresh Coffees, Salads, Pastas, Pizza, Burgers & Steaks, and Seafood Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | open 7am daily, 7 days a week

828-898-3444 or 898-4040 ENTERTAINMENT Live music from local musicians Friday and Saturdays on the Patio, 6-10 pm Karaoke Every Thursday 9-11 pm Trivia Every Tuesday 8-10 pm Visit our website for entertainment schedule www.bannerelkcafe.com 64

High Country Magazine

June 2019

...showcasing Chef’s Table, “Banner Elk’s little hidden gem of fine dining.”

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Newly remodeled Chef’s Table features gourmet fine dining with new tapas and cocktail menus, private dining, veranda, and VIP seating. Visit our website for our live entertainment schedules.

Sorrento’s Bistro | Chef’s Table | Barra Sports Bar XO Caviar, Cocktails & Craft Lounge The Village of Banner Elk has something for everyone’s tastes — traditional Italian, gourmet find dining and international cuisine. Enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment, stocked bars, a wine room, a cigar lounge, exclusive NFL and college sports viewing, private dining, art galleries, karaoke, a family-friendly arcade and Banner Elk’s best billiards! And coming this summer, our new caviar, cocktails and craft lounge, very upscale, called XO. Call 828.898.5214 for reservations.

Special Events & Catering: Corporate Events, Weddings, VIP Dining Parties Call 828.528.1558 | Email: SorrentoBistroCatering@gmail.com June 2019

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Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4 pm Lunch Served 11am - 3pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe

strictions, and regularly prepare vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan meals. North Carolina’s freshest seafood and the finest locally grown vegetables appear regularly on our custom designed catering menus.

Want a family favorite included in your menu? No problem! We can customize any item for your special event. Need the perfect space to accommodate your catering needs? We can serve 25 to 150 guests on-site with ease. Give us a call. n 828-406-7721. www.CRCateringCo.com.

See ad on page 73

DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era. Local,

craft and draft beers, seasonal and specialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 67

EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh, delicious goods including a large variety of pies and cakes. These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy.

We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop” in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family. These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something

downtown boone’s award winning craft brewery and gastropub

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

130 n. depot st downtown boone 828.265.3506 lostprovince.beer 66

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delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228.

See ad on page 66

The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome to enjoy the finest cuisine. Spend a leisurely morning with us, or grab a quick bite on your way out for the day. Either way, an outstanding breakfast awaits you each morning in our dining room. Then enjoy lunch at the Grill Room in the Linville Golf Club, where resort casual wear is appropriate for daytime meals. For the evening meal, select your choice of seven meticulously prepared entrees crafted by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute at the helm of your culinary experience. The menu changes daily, and also offers an extraordinary seafood buffet every Thursday evening with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com. See ad on page 71

fairway cafe & venue boone. Not just for golfers! The Fairway cafÊ is located at the Boone Golf Course with a beautiful view of the course with an inside dining room or outdoor patio seating. The FAIRWAY public is welcome to CAFE & come enjoy the loVENUE cal fare. The menu is extensive with an array of salad selections, a half of dozen sandwich choices, hot dogs anyway you like them and hamburgers from the classic to the fancy. The spacious indoor area features a beautiful 32 foot handcrafted maple bar. Our venue is also perfect for any of life’s memorable moments. Ideal for cocktail parties, fundraisers, wedding events and anniversary parties. The Fairway Venue features clean minimal lines, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We have full ABC permits and can seat about 100 inside and

We offer more than just accommodations...

Come dine with us!

Chestnut Grille

Divide Tavern Dinnerfood service is Serving & drinks available seven days a seven nights a week! weekOpens starting at 5pm. at 5pm

Open 6 nights week Thursday - Sundayaevenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm from 6pm - 9pm Starting inrecommended.

Summer Reservations

Offering gourmet comfort cooking in a warm and inviting setting, the Chestnut Grill features a seasonal menu inspired by the North Carolina High Country. And WTavern E AREis PROUD TO INTRODUCE the Divide the perfectAND settingEXCITED to enjoy an evening of conversation over a glass of wine or hand crafted cocktail complimented by an extensive CHEF SAM “FRY� BEASLEY , bar menu.

AS WELL AS NEW MENU SELECTIONS AND PREPARATIONS, SUCH AS:

From the Grille...

From the Tavern...

GRILLED LAMB RACK

FISH & CHIPS Beer batter fried cod, lamb with lime-thyme grits, S fried sauce, Rtartar IB EYE FRIED CHICKEN HRIMP & GRITShouse cut chips, brussels, and blackberry jus lemon & malt vinegar Watauga County grown Sweet tea brined and Herb sauteed shrimp over a

Achiote spiced rubbed half rack of

Cascade hops-rubbed & buttermilk battered chicken bed of cheddar grits, LOCAL NC TROUT LECHON ASADO grilled rib eye, bourbonbreast, mashed Yukon lemon-butter pan sauce, Buttermilk and cornmeal crusted, Traditional Cuban slow roasted peppercorn demi-glaze potatoes, pan gravy bacon crumble

butternut squash puree, toasted

quinoa, wilted spinach, and

pork, mojo marinated, served with seasoned black beans and rice

ovenSdried tomatoes MAC-N-CHICKEN THE CUBAN ANDWICH

FISH & CHIPS

Macaroni pasta, house Batter-fried cod, house cut 9239 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock -sauce, 828.414.9230 - chips, www.greenparkinn.com cheese roasted tartar sauce, lemon & cheese, house pickles, and Follow us on Social Media! chicken, bacon & sriracha malt vinegar mustard on ciabatta bread Roast pork, ham, Swiss

Facebook.com/Greenparkinn Instragram & Twitter @thegreenparkinn June 2019

www.greenparkinn.com

H i g h C o u nTtHE r yCM agazine UBAN

Traditional shredded

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roughly 40 on the outside patio. Looking to accommodate even more? A tent can be set up if needed. Come check us out! n 828-264-0233. www.CRCateringCo.com.

See ad on page 73

Homestyle Southern Cooking with a modern, seasonal slant

F.A.R.M. CAFÉ boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy & inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our meals are nutritious & delicious! Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan.

Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Cafe tries to have something for everybody Feed All Regardless of Means each day, so we also REAL. GOOD. FOOD. always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/ menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org. See ad on page 7-

BOTTLES AT HALF PRICE

Open Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm

142 S. Water St.|Boone NC 28607 828-865-5000|www.propermeal.com

RESPECTABLE. CORRECT. GENUINE

Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm.

The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites - ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on this page

How Many Different Ways Can You Enjoy The Gamekeeper?

PATIO

Join us for a drink on the NEW Gk Patio!

Surrounded by native ferns and poplar trees, our shady stone patio is the perfect place to have a drink and sample our Patio Bites menu either before your dinner reservation or just because.

Reservations not required.

DECK

Outdoor dining is available on the Gk deck. Enjoy the best meal of your summer while watching the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. We love being a part of your special occasions, so please let us know if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary!

DINING ROOM

Tucked away in a historic stone cottage, the Gamekeeper dining room is an eclectic mix of fine dining and adventurous menus. Reservations are strongly suggested for our main dining room, while the bar is available on a first come, first serve basis.

CATERING

Enjoy Gk’s quality food and service for family celebrations, rehearsal dinners and wedding parties, or any other occasion that calls for a creative menu and attentive staff. We accomodate parties of any size and look forward to making your special day effortless.

Well, at least this many.

EMU • BISON • VENISON • ELK • BOAR • MOUNTAIN TROUT • DUCK 3 0 0 5 S H U L L S M I L L R O A D B E T W E E N B O O N E & B L O W I N G R O C K | (8 2 8) 9 6 3 -74 0 0 | R E S E R VAT I O N S R E C O M M E N D E D 68

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Formerly Nick’s Restaurant and Pub

Recently Remodeled! nner Elk, NC

le in Ba At Shoppes of Tynecast

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Every Friday!

Join us on Friday evenings for our popular Karaoke Night, beginning at 8 PM. Enjoy our scrumptious Surf & Turf and drink specials while you and your friends take to the stage.

Same great food, same great staff!

BUY ONE ENTREE, GET YOUR SECOND ENTREE OFF! FOR

1/2

Every Saturday!

Join us Saturday evenings for our famous Prime Rib Special and LIVE MUSIC from 8-10 PM!

All Week Long...

Coupon required. Offer good through 12/31/19 on all Sandwich and Specialty Entrees.

Daily lunch and dinner specials, a children’s menu, and a large selection of appetizers, burgers, quesadillas, salads, and wings.

Enjoy BuzzTime Trivia, dancing, NFL viewing, and more!

Visit our NEW Facebook page to view daily specials and LIVE MUSIC listings at:

www.facebook.com/Highlandersbannerelk/

Lunch = Dinner = Full Bar and Daily Drink Specials 4527 Tynecastle Hwy, at the Corner of Hwy 105 and 184 Tynecastle Hwy | 828.898.9613 | highlandersbannerelk.com June 2019

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Highlander Grille & Tavern

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6:00am - 5:00pm Sun. 7:00am - 3:00pm

Boone’s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day Espresso Coffee Bar 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Featuring Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro

t FREE DELIVERY! t Home of the Famous Bagelicious HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

8FTU ,JOH 4U t www.boonebagelry.com

Banner Elk. For over three decades this establishment at the cross roads of state routes 105 & 184 has welcomed locals, visitors, newcomers, and students alike... and all have been made to feel at home. Through over 120 passing seasons this gathering place has become as integral to the landscape as Grandfather Mountain itself. We are proud to present a modern re-imaging of this “High Country� tradition: “Highlander’s Grill & Tavern!� Whether you hail from the coast, the mountains, the north, the south, the east or the west, no matter who you are or where you are from....

When You Are Here You Are A Highlander! With years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants, our chef is excited to present our vision to you and all our guests. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us. n 828-898-9613. www.HighlandersBannerElk.com. See ad on page 69

HORTON HOTEL

BOONE. Downtown Boone’s first boutique hotel and rooftop lounge, offering 15 beautiful rooms, serving beverages and small plates in our lobby and on our rooftop. Step inside our hotel, a space infused with original design, fine amenities, and historical references. The comfort of our rooms will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. For locals and summer residents, we invite you to visit us to enjoy craft beverages and delicious shared plates in our comfortable lobby or rooftop lounge with 360 views of campus and downtown Boone. A great place to meet for afternoon or early evening drinks – our craft cocktails are out of this world. And we also have a fine selection of natural, small batch wines and local imported beers. Lounge Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 4pm – 10pm. Last Call at 10:00 pm. Closed Mondays. We’re located on King Street right in Downtown Boone. n 828.832.8060. wwwthehorton.com. See ad on this page

360° Views Local Craft Beers Unique Wines Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats�

611 W King St | 828.832.8060 | thehorton.com

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

617 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) www.farmcafe.org 70

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Craft Cocktails Small Shared Plates Desserts

LITTLE DEER CAFE

LINVILLE. Eat, drink and be merry at Little Deer Café! We are a specialty food store, bakery, and coffee shop dishing up a freshly prepared breakfast and lunch in Linville, NC. We feature freshly made bread and pastries, gourmet sandwiches and Koffee Kult Coffee Roasters. Dine inside or out on our patio. We’re located next to First National Bank at 3618 Mitchell Ave in Linville.

Open 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday. Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We serve our breakfast menu till 10: am and lunch menu from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. n (828) 733 - 9333. www.littledeercafe.com. See ad on page 73

Summe� T��ditions Some things you want to do every summer...

Hike to Linville Falls, stroll Art in the Park, and have dinner at The Eseeola Lodge.

LOST PROVINCE

BOONE. Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Co. is a destination microbrewery and gastrobpub located in historic downtown Boone, NC. Discover authentic and innovative craft beers brewed onsite and wood fired fare featuring local and regionally sourced ingredients. Lost Province features live music most weekend evenings starting at 7:30 pm. Lost Province provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that is friendly for all. Open daily, Lost Province serves lunch and dinner.

Good Beer, Good Food, Good Times. n 828.265-3506. www.lostprovince.com.

See ad on page 66

Proper

BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www. propermeal.com. See ad on page 68

Red Onion Café

BooNe. Established in 1985 as one of

800-742-6717 Eseeola.com

NC trout, vegetable salad, bell pepper jam, tamari and black garlic glaze

Over 34 Years in Boone!

CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

CAJUN CHICKEN FETTUCINI • PESTO • CHICKEN FAJITAS WRAP SOUTHWESTERN WRAP • CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD • LASAGNA LOW COUNTRY SALMON • CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA TUSCAN RED PEPPER CHICKEN BOURBON GLAZED CENTER CUT RIBEYE ARTICHOKE DIP WITH TOASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD SOUP & QUICHE OF THE DAY...

Outdoor Covered Patio Dining 227 HARDIN STREET IN BOONE

We have Wi-Fi!

828/264.5470 redonionboone.com

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER June 2019

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK High Country Magazine

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828-264-7772 3JWFST 4USFFU r #PPOF

Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials

Indoor or Outdoor Dininďż˝ XXX DBGFQPSUPĂąOP OFU

the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion CafÊ opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening. The Red Onion CafÊ has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The cafÊ has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. Look for weekly dinner specials and the kid’s menu items as well. The Red Onion CafÊ also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well as friendly staff on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu.

The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner on warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 71

REID'S CAFE & CATERING

BANNER ELK. At Reid's Cafe & Catering we offer seasonal menus customized for every occasion, specializing in locally sourced and handcrafted foods. We believe in the importance of bringing  those you love together through food and conversation. We value the handmade and fashion from scratch details as small as the aioli and dressings we use, to house made focaccia and pastries, slow roasted meats and naturally fermented pickles.

We avoid industrially grown and processed foods. This translates throughout our planning process to include varied menu possibilities ranging from traditional favorites to ethnic flavors from around the world. This summer Reid’s Cafe boasts a beautiful new space that has doubled their seating capacity and added a bar area with both beer and wine taps as well as handcrafted cocktails. n 828-268-9600. www.reidscateringco.com. See ad on page 66

six pence pub

Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a Blowing Rock staple

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for visitors and residents alike ever since.

Known all over the High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, deli- Restaurant & Pub cious food and extensive beer and wine selection make this local watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street. Who knew that one could find such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-295-3155. www.sixpencepub. com. See ad on page 63

Six Pence

Sorrentos Complex

Banner Elk. The Village of Banner Elk complex has something for everyone’s taste, gourmet dining, entertainment, billiards, wine room, cigar lunge and more, The history of the recipes at Sorrento’s Italian Bistro goes back over 100 years to Sicily; making the family at Sorrento’s the third generation using these traditional recipes that we SORRENTO’S taste on a nightly basis. Sorrento’s Italian Bistro is a family run and has been serving Italian dishes since 1983. Sorrento’s Italian Bistro has evolved in to an ecletic gourmet Italian restaurant. Now third generation family chefs, Nicole and Anthony Palazzo, continue the family recipes and have added their own new exciting dishes that are featured on our nightly specials. The Chef ’s Table Restaurant offers an eclectic menu featuring American, Italian, and Japanese dishes. Featuring fresh farm to table ingredients, award winning chef Nicole Palazzo creates a menu of fresh, seasonal, local foods and produce—pairing these exceptional recipes with local and regional wines. Located right above the famous Sorrento’s Bistro. Barra Sports Bar and Lounge offers a little bit for everyone in The Village of Banner Elk. Barra has the following amenities; the Main bar with its elegant Boston wood look, karaoke lounge, mini stage, tequila bar, a new pool

room, and a fire pit outside. Barra also features weekly pizza, prime rib, lobster and fish & chips specials. n 828-528-1558. www.BannerElkVillage.com. See ad on page 65

STONEWALLS

BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com. See ad on page 72

vidalia

Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” Featuring creative menu items for lunch and

dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights.

Famous menu items include the apple and gorgonzola salad, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mushroom ravioli, with finishing choices like stone ground grits and cheddar mac n’ cheese. All of these choices come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to patrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines which can be expertly paired with meals by the staff, a large selection of craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 66

E N J O Y L O C A L Q U A L I T Y, F L AV O R & F R E S H N E S S Since 1981 we have pledged an ongoing commitment to serve local farm fresh foods and support our beloved community. We are honored to call the High Country our home.

www.CRCateringCo.com | 828.406.7721 www.CasaRustica1981.com | 828.262.5128

FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE

June 2019

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WYN WESTERN

YOUTH Sydney (above) dreams of being a writer Kaydon (below) wants to be a photographer

NETWORK Pearson Gallery Celebrates the Bright Futures of Western Youth Network’s Kids With A Photo Exhibit at BRAHM

Scott Pearson

This photographer has seen it all.

Over the span of Scott Pearson’s 34 year career in commercial and nature photography, his work has taken him to some of the most exotic and fascinating corners of our world. He has captured the mysteries of the ocean as an aquatic photographer, taking over 300,000 images in his underwater exploits. He has stared into the lion’s jaws through his lens on the African savannah. Hanging from the edge of helicopters he has caught birds-eye shots of many of the most exquisite yachts on the planet. His clients have included National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and more than 300 manufacturers worldwide. Despite the voices from his youth which told him he could never make it as a photographer, he has followed his passion and, as a result of his talent and drive, earned global acclaim.

Scott Meets WYN It was while he was on a local job that Scott first heard about non-profit Western Youth Network (WYN). With a mission to support and empower youth ages 6-18 through 74

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Mentor Kevin Patterson with Kody, who wants to be a lawyer when he grows up

Kendra, future veterinarian, with Mentor Maryann Riley

one-on-one mentoring, out-of-school enrichment, high school success programming, and community health initiatives, WYN seeks to build a better future for this community by focusing on the well-being of its youngest members. WYN’s mission really resonated with Scott: “These kids [that WYN serves] are disappointed a lot. They often have one parent or guardian and that parent may be working two jobs and never have time. It’s tough for the adults and for the kids growing up. But WYN jumps in and helps.” Referring to WYN’s after school program for middle

school students in Watauga County, he said, “They pick them up after school and give them a snack, a place to play, give them things to do, and then take them home. It’s great.” He was also very moved by WYN’s one-on-one mentoring program which pairs an adult in the community with a young person to be a stable support system and role model for that youth. Many of the youth in WYN’s programs come from backgrounds of adversity and face immense obstacles to their long-term well-being and success.

Part of what makes Scott so successful is his versatility: he is as comfortable and capable with his camera alongside sharks and stingrays as he is aboard the most exclusive international charters.

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Andrew's Story Every day, young people in our own community face enormous adversity.

Andrew’s is a story of hardship, but also one of healing and resilience through the power of a mentoring relationship made possible by Western Youth Network.

W

inter had always been Andrew’s favorite season because snow kept people away. When roads were bad and schools were closed, he could be alone.

Childhood had taught Andrew that people hurt you. That life is painful, cruel even, and that the only one you can trust is yourself. Through experience he had learned that, in order to survive, he had to withdraw, isolate himself, and be alone. Only when he was alone could he be safe from physical and emotional harm. Only alone could he be free in a world he could control.

His mother’s boyfriends first taught him this lesson. He watched as they abused her. Watched as they abused him.

The first men in his life betrayed his trust and left him with gaping wounds from physical, sexual and emotional violence.

Andrew’s deep emotional wounds remained untreated, and they festered.

At school, he began to build walls of sarcasm and vitriol so thick that even the most well-intentioned teachers could not reach him. He developed an anxiety disorder which only widened the rift between himself and those around him.

Self-imposed isolation and loneliness followed. Anger soon took hold.

He was angry at the world that had hurt him. He was even angry at himself for living. And he began to blindly direct the anger he felt towards those around him. He lashed out physically and, after several suspensions, with threats to do school-wide harm. The school administrators were left with no other choice than to expel him.

Though a part of him sought to be left alone, the child deep within him wanted nothing more than to be seen, acknowledged, and loved. As he tested the adults around him with threats and violence, the deepest part of him longed to be told to stay. Reflecting back on those angry days

and the expulsion that resulted, a visibly sensitive Andrew concluded that the administrators “Didn’t want me there.” To Andrew, expulsion was a rejection.

After his school expulsion, a system of services sprung into action. Government agencies reached out to connect Andrew to mental health counseling, to put him in a homebound schooling program, and to assign him a probation officer. Adults were suddenly assigned to step in and work directly with him but before he had the chance to let those adults into his heart behind his thick wall of distrust, his therapist took another job and his probation officer was given another assignment. As soon as they had arrived in his life they were gone and Andrew was alone again. His philosophy on life was reinforced; never put trust in others.

And in that space of anger, anxiety and isolation he would have remained to harm himself or others if someone had not been there to catch him, another precious young life falling through the cracks in our society.

But because of Western Youth Network’s (WYN) mentoring program, Andrews story does not end in violence. At the end of the line for Andrew, when no one remained to help him find his way, WYN jumped into action. WYN’s mentoring program is similar to the national mentoring program, Big Brothers Big Sisters. WYN’s mentoring team matches a referred youth like Andrew with an adult of the same gender in the community. Matches spend at least 8 hours a month together for at least 1 year.

WYN matches often last longer than 1 year, with some of our most successful pairs remaining together for 5-8 years.

Mentors often take their WYN “mentees” around the community on little field trips. With the help of generous donations from local businesses, WYN makes

many special activities free for its mentoring pairs. Matches spend time getting ice cream cones at Ben & Jerry’s, fishing at Price Park, throwing a football at the Greenway, and sharing laughs and discoveries at Mystery Hill. Over time, an invaluable relationship forms between mentee and mentor. WYN mentors offer local youth ages 6-17 something lifechanging: the presence of a caring adult and the guidance of a trustworthy role model. For young men like Andrew, their mentors are often the first positive male influence they have had in their lives.

Finding adults with the time and heart to commit to mentoring a local youth is challenging. Finding an adult to mentor a youth with a background as traumatic as Andrew’s was going to be nearly impossible.

Andrew likes to joke that God has a dark sense of humor because in his experience, life has always been painful and unlucky. But somehow this time around, the universe that Andrew so distrusted was looking out for him. One day, out of the blue, WYN’s staff received a miraculous phone call. A local business owner named Dan had been looking for a mentoring program to get involved with.

After digging around online, he found WYN, the only one-on-one mentoring program in this community. Dan came from a challenging upbringing himself and never really had a father figure. He was looking for the chance to give back what caring mentors in his life had given him by helping a boy just like him. He wanted to turn the hard things he had experienced into a gift to help others.

Our WYN team realized that this might be the one. That the perfect mentor for one of our most challenging cases since WYN began in 1985 might have found us. It was almost too perfect to be possible.

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On a more personal level, Pearson has reason to appreciate the services that WYN offers to the community: “My dad worked away from home, so my mother raised us for the most part. My dad would only come home on weekends or every couple weekends. Then when I was married and divorced and had my son, I know what it was like when he was 8 months old and I’m taking him to work to me with a carseat in the pickup.

In my office I had a crib and a bassinette. I had him on my own until he was 2 years old and really didn’t get any help. It would’ve been wonderful to have had an organization like some of these parents use that can pick them up after school and give them a snack, a place to play, give them things to do, and then take them home. What a great deal! To me, that would’ve been great to have things like that when you’re on your own. I can relate to this, being a single parent at one time.”

Scott felt called to volunteer as a Community-Based mentor with WYN and felt that he might be able to help guide and support a local youth. With great wisdom, however, he recognized that his fast-paced and often unpredictable travel

schedule would prevent him from becoming the safe, stable, and nurturing adult that WYN’s youth so badly needed. Not satisfied to sit back, Scott reached out and sought other ways to connect his talents and passions to WYN’s important work.

From this desire to serve, an incredible project was born.

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WYN’s mission had Scott’s heart. Capturing impossible moments and the most elusive human emotions is Scott’s specialty.

His inspiration came when he realized he could connect the two. “So I said, ‘Let’s do a photo shoot. I want to capture the stories in the kids’ eyes.’” He decided to contribute his gift of photography to help WYN’s kids.

His vision was powerful: to use his camera as a medium through which these youths could tell their story of adversity and resilience. “I wanted to show these kids - not as downtrodden, not poor, not desperate, but brave. They have dreams and hopes, and they’re gonna be somebody.” And this is the heart of the project. To show, through the eyes of real children in this community, the reality of opportunity and adversity.

Scott began by visiting WYN’s facility to meet the kids and tell them about how his passions had led him across the world.

The next time he came, he had his camera, lights, and professional equipment in tow. “When I came to take the pictures, I was able to sit down and talk to them about their dreams and goals. These kids pretty much lit up about it. There were some

To become a mentor, one has to submit an application with references, pass and interview, clear a background check, and complete several hours of training.

After all this, the last step before a WYN match can be finalized is for the mentee and his or her guardian(s) meet the potential mentor and give approval to move forward.

Mentoring relationships can be some of the most powerful and transformative in the world, but only when all parties agree to give it a chance.

For months before meeting Dan, Andrew had been confined to his house.

Though expelled from school and receiving homebound education, Andrew’s confinement was largely self-enforced. After his expulsion, he had receded even farther behind his wall of distrust. As a result, Andrew refused to leave his house and his first meeting with Dan took place in his living room. His mom looked on expectantly, hopeful that someone could finally help her son. She loved him and did all she could to help him but she was battling her own trauma and adversity. She too had an anxiety disorder and was often over-

whelmed by repeated domestic abuse. She hoped the two would click and Andrew would have someone to help him.

When she reflects on the first meeting, WYN’s mentoring coordinator

know what she would do. It had been a miracle to find Dan, or rather for Dan to find WYN, in the first place. Some young people wait for five years on WYN’s waiting list for a mentor. If he said no to Dan, he might never get a mentor. And Andrew needed intervention. Fast.

“So Andrew. What did you think? Do you think you and Dan could get along?”

She asked, practically holding her breath.

From beneath his hoodie, Andrew gave his verdict “He’s not so bad.” WYN’s coordinator was blown away. Andrew actually liked him! He was going to give Dan and mentoring a try!

It would become one of the best decisions of Andrew’s young life.

When Dan and Andrew first began hanging out for mentoring sessions, Andrew would not leave his house. He wore baggy sweatshirts and sweatpants and he kept his hair shaggy and unkempt.

He avoided eye contact and offered oneword (usually sarcastic) responses, if he chose to speak at all. He also refused to have his photo taken.

Visit after visit Dan met Andrew

Andrew's Story can’t help but laugh a bit. For the entirety of the meeting Andrew apparently sat in near silence on the sofa and stared across the room at his mentor, assessing him. He would look away for a while and then look back. Look away and look back. Though Dan gave it his best effort to make conversation, Andrew wasn’t ready yet. Impressively, when Dan left he was not the least bit deterred by the young man’s reticence. WYN’s coordinator stayed behind to determine whether or not the boy and his mother were ready to move forward with finalizing the mentoring match. As she prepared to ask Andrew if he wanted to work with Dan, she paused. If Andrew said no to a match with Dan, she didn’t

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WYN’s team pictured from top left to right: Tommy Boyd, Gretchen Summerville, Heather Canipe, Angela McMann, Jennifer Warren, Jessica Mitchell, Sabena Maiden, Colan Dixon, Audrey Emerson, Julia Roberts, Sammi Silar, Olivia Farmer, Charlene Grasinger, Kim Kop, Kiersten Kleene, Melanie Hollis that were skeptical at first, but later on – after a few had so much fun in front of the camera – the other kids all got siked to take their picture. I made it fun for them.” Scott was a natural when it came to making the kids laugh and relax behind the camera: another product of his remarkable versatility. “In an early part of my career I basically worked as a fashion photographer for kids fashion. So that’s another connection I have, maybe, to the kids.

Why this charity is close to me.”

Scott’s fun personality and exciting adventures ensured that he got along well with the kids at WYN. Julia Roberts, WYN’s Director of Development said of Scott’s visit: “These kids have had different types of relationships with adults, not always the best, so it takes a while for them to build trust with strangers. It’s very intimidating to have this big backdrop and lights and this big fancy camera. We wanted to make sure the kids knew him and were comfortable with him first. So he came and did a presentation about his experiences and it was so fun – the kids loved it. They’re middle schoolers – they’re feisty. You never know how it’s gonna go, but Scott’s really good with clients of all ages and he can make his material really interesting and engaging. He had pictures of the underwater places he’s been, these sharks, these safaris, these giant houses. His presentation, his story is sort of a microcosm of what WYN is trying to do – opening horizons. Like ‘Your potential is immense. It’s infinite. Dream it, and with support you can maybe make it happen.’ So he was able to help with that.”

Every child has a dream, but too often circumstances beyond the child’s control determine whether or not they will have the chance to realize their dreams. In his stunning portraiture, Scott manages to capture not only the hopefulness of the children’s dreams but the difficult truth of the obstacles facing these children 80

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as they seek to pursue their goals. “For a lot of folks, these kids and their burdens are almost invisible. Nobody sees them or their needs. With these portraits, people have to see these kids and their lives. When you’re looking at a child one-on-one, you have a connection.” This connection, Scott hopes, will inspire action. “[These kids] are our future. Just because they’ve been dealt a bad hand – by parents that’ve had a divorce, or a single parent, or whatever – that these kids can’t go unnoticed, and that’s what WYN does. These families rely on this, these kids rely on it, [WYN] is a voice of reason for them. They’re a sense of calming for them.

They’re a place for safety for them. They can tell if something’s going wrong in their life or something that could be abuse or any number of things. These kids are gonna be somebody thanks to WYN, and they could use your help.” Whether as a mentor, or donor, or innovative volunteer like Scott, there are so many ways to contribute to the bright futures of our local youth. “WYN definitely needs capital to keep the doors open but not everybody’s gonna be able to write a check. Just as important is the [need for] mentors.

When I saw the mentors there [at the photoshoot], and what a good job they did with the kids, what the kids really need, I was really impacted. Young boys in particular need more mentors. There are a lot of guys on the waiting list for mentors. So I’m hoping that somebody can spare some time to take a kid fishing, go play baseball with them, talk to them, do things that kids like to do and give them a sense of balance in their life. They’re not trying to be their parent, they’re trying to help the parents.”

“My wife and I are trying to do more things in the community.

We want to help people, get involved and try to give back. I really hope that this event will come off like we hope it will and make a difference for these kids.” Through this project, this world-class photographer is inviting his community members to consider the ways they may find fulfilment doing the same.

Scott Pearson Portrait Gallery at BRAHM (Wish Upon a Star Gala, June 14th, 6 pm) Scott Pearson’s goal of connecting the community with WYN kids through photography is represented in his exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Featuring 33 stunning black and white portraits of WYN’s youth, the gallery will be displayed in the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) from June 15th until August 23rd, 2019. A special opening reception and fundraising gala is scheduled for June 14th by invitation only. Interested community members are encouraged to plan a visit to see Scott’s work throughout the summer. This artistic and educational exhibit is offered at no cost, thanks to BRAHM’s efforts to keep art accessible to all members of our community.

What is WYN? Since 1985, Western Youth Network (WYN) has been supporting and empowering youth in Watauga County. Over the years, WYN has grown to provide services in Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes Counties as well. WYN works to heal childhood trauma and build resilience in our children so they can grow to live healthy, engaged, and fulfilled lives. Our entire community is uplifted when our children are thriving. WYN pursues its mission through several core initiatives.

Mentor Program WYN’s oldest program, the mentor program pairs a youth in the community with an adult who serves as a role model and friend for a period of at least one year. There are two formats for mentoring: community-based and school-based. Youth enrolled

where he was. Three weeks in, the goal was to get him to leave the living room and sit on the porch. With time, his persistent presence proved to Andrew that he was committed and that he cared. Two months into the relationship, Dan finally broke through the first layer Andrew’s survivalist wall and the young man agreed to leave the house for ice cream!

It was a tremendous break through.

After this first outing together, Andrew began to get interested in trying new things. The match began to spend more time outside, often connecting while working on craft and construction projects or getting active outdoors. With each hour together, Dan and Andrew’s bond strengthened and trust grew.

According to research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, one of the single most important factors for healing childhood trauma like that which Andrew had experienced is the presence of a stable, nurturing, and safe caregiver. Nurturing

and trustworthy adults give young people a sense of stability that is absolutely critical for proper healing and brain development.

Through these strong bonds, youth also build resilience to overcome future adversity. Very often, WYN mentors become these life-changing adults.

Dan was quickly becoming this lifeline for Andrew. They began to talk more, giving Dan the opportunity to work little life lessons into their conversations. Dan also began making concerted efforts to teach Andrew interpersonal and vocational skills. After Andrew punched a hole in the sheetrock of his home, Dan taught him how to patch it and take responsibility for his actions.

He tried to show his mentee the world beyond the house and the isolation he had come to know. They went to restaurants and learned table etiquette and how to order politely. The young man who used to hide under hoodies had the opportunity to get a professional haircut and started to sit up a little taller. He be-

Andrew's Story

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in the community-based mentoring program spend a minimum of 8 hours a month with their mentors, engaged in any number of enrichment activities. Youth in the school-based mentoring program get to spend approximately 1 hour per week with their mentor, usually during their school lunch break. “Lunch Buddies,” as they are often called, come to school to eat in the cafeteria with their mentee. Having a stable, trusted adult in their lives is essential to healing trauma and building resilience in children. The positive impact a single person can make in a child’s life cannot be overstated.

After School Program

High School Success Program

A WYN team member congratulates one of our students after a great kickball play. WYN provides encouraging adults and supportive environments for youth to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

WYN also offers the only after school program for middle school youth in Watauga County. The organization picks enrolled students up from their various schools across the county and drives them to the WYN facility in Boone. Using the Love and Logic curriculum, WYN’s highly trained staff create a secure and trauma-informed environment in which our youth can learn and grow. During WYN’s after school program, youth receive individualized academic tutoring and healthy snacks while participating in physical activity and enriching extracurricular opportunities activities. At the end of the day, WYN transports students back to their homes if their parents and guardians are unable to pick them up. Community volunteers are essential to the success of after school, as WYN students have a constant need for encouraging academic tutors.

Summer Camp Program

WYN’s exciting new addition of the High School Success Program will assist teens at Watauga High School. While the majority of WYN’s programs focus on middle school students, this latest initiative seeks to increase school engagement and lower drop-out rates by providing youth with a supportive High School Success Coach.

WYN’s high school program can now build on the relationships and trust established between students and WYN during our middle school programs to point students in the direction of academic, personal and professional success.

Community Health Program WYN’s Community Health team serves High Country youth by identifying and addressing environmental factors contributing to cycles of trauma, poverty, and poor health outcomes. Through evidence-based community-empowerment initiatives, this team builds strategic partnerships across their 5-county service area to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable community. Community Health also pursues policy-level change with a strong focus on substance misuse prevention among youth. To this end, they manage multiple local, state, and federal grants, partnering with other local organizations, law enforcement, health providers, and counselors.

Helping Out in Other Ways

How is WYN Making a Difference?

“WYN is truly about breaking While being a mentor is a wonderful thing to A 6-week outdoor adventure camp cycles.

If we can intervene today, we do in order to have a positive influence on a for middle schoolers of all socioecoheal not only the children of today youth in the community, not everyone can do it, nomic backgrounds, WYN’s summer but these children’s children. When whether that is due to time constraints or some programming is a great way for teens the next generation is able to live other factor. However, regardless of this, there to make friends and learn about the are other ways to get involved and help support healthy, contributing lives because world around them. An emphasis is of WYN, the cycles of trauma and local youth through Western Youth Network. placed on building community and poverty are broken. Scott is trying to Because Western Youth Network is a nonprofit challenging participants to get outside help us tell that story. That these chilorganization, it relies on funding from grants, their comfort zones through activities dren have dreams and potential and fundraisers and private donations in order to like cinematography workshops with that by investing in their futures we operate to the best of its ability and provide the Appalachian State, rock climbing, can change their lives and uplift our needs of each child that is involved. high ropes courses, and rafting. While entire community. there is a fee for service, scholarships While WYN is making a differHere’s examples of what your donations can do are available for families that cannot ence at the regional level, I am per• $140 provides 1 month of after school for 1 child pay the full price. sonally passionate about our work • $500 provides 6 months of mentoring for 1 child If you too want to make summer because of the impact we have on • $750 provides 6 weeks of summer camp for 1 child memories possible for a local child, the individual level. If a child has • $1500 provides 1 month of transportation for ALL youth join WYN kids at the Harvest House hope and confidence in themselves on August 22nd at 6pm in Boone for because of WYN, that is success to an evening with renowned Elvis Tribute Artist, Stephen Freeman. me. Incredibly, 100% of the kids who participate in our WYN Ticket sales and funds raised that evening go towards summer mentoring program report that their mentor makes them feel scholarships. Visit www.westernyouthnetwork.org for more in- good about themselves. When a WYN mentor or staff brings a formation about this event and the scholarship fund. smile to a child’s face for the first time that day, we have made

a difference.” t 82

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Andrew's Story gan to make eye contact with new people and to express himself more confidently.

He has come so far that he was willing to bravely share his story with WYN so WYN could help other kids like him. To him, Dan has meant everything.

“He’s [Dan] been through a lot of the same things as me. My mom is there for me, but Dan is different. He treats me better than most people do and yeah, I think he really cares about me. I’ve had to deal with a lot of hard things by myself in life.

I think God must have a pretty dark sense of humor because life has really sucked up til now. I don’t have happy memories and I don’t think life is a lot of fun. But meeting Dan has been the biggest stroke of luck I’ve had in a long while.” When asked what Dan meant to him, he replied, “I love him. I do. I love him like a brother I never had.”

Through his relationship with his WYN mentor, Andrew is learning critical things: how to control anger, to manage time, to work hard for his goals, to think about and plan for the future, to have conversations, to put his best self forward and to have confidence. Perhaps most importantly of all, Dan has shown Andrew that life can be joyful. That people can be good. That life is brighter, richer and more meaningful when we live in healthy relationship with other people. Through his time with his mentor, the innocent child within Andrew will finally receive the nourishment it has been deprived of for so long: love and attention. The defensive wall of anger and distrust that Andrew constructed within himself after repeated childhood trauma will finally be torn down and he is stepping out into the world, open to loving others and being loved himself. And love heals.

Western Youth Network (WYN) helps roughly 300 young people like Andrew across the High Country each year. Our Community-Based Mentoring program like the one Andrew and Dan are a part of, works with youth ages 6-17 years in Avery and Watauga Counties. To learn more about WYN’s work or to get involved, please visit our website at www.westernyouthnetwork. org. Names changed for privacy.

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High Country United Way Offers a Helping Hand “The mission has always been to unite people and resources to improve lives. That’s the way it was then, that’s what we’re still about 40 years later, and what we will be about for the future.”

I

In its 40 years of existence, the High Country United Way has n their 40 years of service, the High Country United Way has been a guiding force in helping Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Mitch- invested over $5.5 million back into the High Country communiell, and Yancey County non-profit organizations find ways to ties through the numerous programs that have received funding.

“The mission has always been to unite people and resources to help their community members.

High Country United Way first organized in September of improve lives. That’s the way it was then, that’s what we’re still 1978 and was called Watauga United Appeal. The name remained about 40 years later, and what we will be about for the future,” the same until the current name was adopted in October of 1997 said Dr. Gary Childers, the Associate Director of High Country United Way. “The High Country when the outreach agency exUnited Way has never backed panded to serving residents in away from helping meet emerAvery County and Ashe County. gency and basic needs. We’re alHCUW continued to expand in ways going to have people who 2016 when they began offering have a helping hand, but we also financial assistance to programs want to give people a hand up.” in Mitchell County and Yancey Childers served as the High County.

Country United Way director The mission statement for for the previous five years until High Country United Way is Marti Phillips took over as the simple: “Unite people and renewest director on May 1. He sources to improve lives in the will now serve as the associate High Country.” director and still be a face in the Historically, the High Councommunity that people are fatry United Way received donamiliar with. tions from businesses and com“It has been a privilege and munity members with the goal honor to serve the community of turning around and dispersthis way with such a wondering those donations to the many ful group of people that are non-profit groups that are doing likeminded and I am so exthe hard work on the ground cited about our future,” said helping families and communiChilders. ties in need. The funds raised by Prior to Dr. Childers, some the HCUW are given to groups of the High Country United Way and organizations inside the directors included Carol Cox in counties that are served in the the mid-1990s, Jenny Miller in High Country. the early 2000s and Linda Slade Times are hard for a lot of people, and it’s certainly no dif- New executive director Marti Phillips pictured here with outgoing up until Dr. Childers took over executive director Dr. Gary Childers. Phillips took over the in 2014. ferent in Western North Caroposition on May 1 after Childers held the position for five years.

Current director Marti Phillina. The High Country United lips, who is originally from JackWay looks at not only the nonprofit organizations in the area that may be requesting money but sonville, Florida, moved to the High Country almost three years also the programs that each organization offers that might need ago. She and her husband currently live in Creston in neighboring a boost. For example, the Hospitality House in Boone received Ashe County with lots of dairy goats, poultry and pigs.

“Nearly all of our time is dedicated to the perpetual renovation three separate program grants this year, as did the Children’s Council of Watauga, while the Hunger & Health Coalition re- of our house or improvements to the land and farm,” she said.

Marti attended Belmont University in Nashville where she ceived funding for both its Food Assistance Program and its Phargraduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She brings macy Assistance Program.

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By Nathan Ham you to know that United Way ex10 years of experience in the nonists, and we do what we do every profit sector, including previous day, because of what you do and management and housing program your commitment to this comdirection for homeless veterans in munity,” Phillips said during the North Florida and South Florida Spring Fling event on April 30. “As communities. executive director, I will do everyBefore moving into her new thing that I can to empower your role with High Country United work, to ensure that you have sufWay, Phillips spent two and a half ficient resources and to make sure years in different roles at Hospitalthat we are all successful for the ity House, including Data and Infuture of not only this organization formation Specialist and RISE Proand your organization, but for the gram Coordinator. future of the High Country. That’s Phillips says her passion is comCheck presentations like this are made quite often why we’re all here and that’s what munity coordination — working to deserving non-profit organizations throughout we all do. I’m incredibly grateful to with nonprofits to increase colthe High Country. serve my community through this laboration and create coordinated vice provider in this community before I new role, and look forward to partresponses to social issues, such as came to United Way so I know how chal- nering with the community to improve ending Veteran homelessness.

“I spent several years working as a ser- lenging it can be on a daily basis and I want lives in the High Country.”

Fundraising goals are set each year to meet the many needs of individuals that rely on non-profit organizations for help.

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High Country United Way Programs SCOTTIE Bus – Blue Ridge Partnership for Children ($4,658) Appalachian Foster Grandparent Program

Appalachian Foster Grandparents will foster intergenerational activities with children who have needs; while enhancing their lives through senior volunteer service. Appalachian Foster Grandparents enrolls senior volunteers, age 60 and beyond to serve a minimum of 20 hours each week with children who have learning problems. They may need assistance with the basics in early childhood education. The volunteers will shadow the children, providing tutoring, skill building, and bringing their schoolwork to a higher level.

Avery County Habitat for Humanity

Avery County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual, church, and corporate donors provide the resources necessary to build Habitat houses. Partner families themselves invest hundreds of hours of labor – “sweat equity” – into building their homes and the homes of others, as well as may serve at the affiliate’s ReStore. Homeowner mortgage payments are recycled back into the program to build more houses.

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission

Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission Inc. (BROC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1966 as a Community Action Agency. BROC serves Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties, with a mission to provide assistance and services to lowincome families, enabling them to move out of poverty. Today, BROC has a staff of over 73 employees and a budget of over $3 million. Services are provided to eligible area residents in Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes Counties in four major program areas: Head Start, Community Services Block Grant, Senior Nutrition Services , Weatherization Assistance Program and Duke Energy’s Helping Home Fund (HHF).

Blue Ridge Partnership for Children

The Blue Ridge Partnership for Children here to serve and support the children, parents, and childcare providers of Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. Smart Start dollars provide the basic fiscal and administrative framework that allows Blue Ridge Partnership for Children to bring other funding into the counties. This effective public-private partnership effort has brought books into the homes of local children, provided both teachers and parents the opportunity to check out children’s books and educational toys, and hosted weekly learning groups for young children and their caregivers. The mission is to enhance the lives of young children and support their families to ensure a strong foundation for learning.

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is a women-led organization that builds an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food. BRWIA was started by a group of female farmers as a grassroots project in 2003.

Since then, BRWIA has worked to rebuild a local food system in northwestern NC. BRWIA has three focus areas: building a fair food system for all, informing consumers about a healthy and sustainable food system, and providing resources, networking, and education to producers. BRWIA takes a holistic approach to this work and many programs fall into all three spaces.

Center for Rural Health Innovation

The Center for Rural Health Innovation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit based in Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, North Carolina. The overall mission of the organization is to apply innovative technologies to improve access to health care in rural communities. Currently they have several projects under way: the Health-e-Schools school-based Telemedicine program and the Homegrown Healthcare project focused on developing rural heath care providers from the region to help address the overall shortage of health care providers. They are also building a three-county network of collaborators to develop a remote home patient monitoring program and are piloting a project to make telemedicine services available at a community clinic in Tipton Hill. Another focus of their work is supporting the development of school-based telemedicine programs through the Mid Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center.

Children’s Council of Watauga County

The Children’s Council of Watauga County is a local nonprofit that works to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the wider community. This is accomplished through such things as administering Smart Start and NC Pre-K funds to support programs to benefit children and their families, convening community stakeholders to develop programs and services that support children and families, serving as a voice for the early childhood community and educating the community on the critical needs of young children and help develop solutions. Every child deserves the opportunity to develop to his or her fullest potential in a community that supports, nurtures, and empowers children and families.

Community Care Clinic

The Community Care Clinic was established in 2006, in response to a growing number of uninsured in the community. It is estimated that over 4,000 adults in Watauga County will remain uninsured in spite of the Affordable Care Act. The Community Care Clinic is located in the Hannah Building (the former Health Department) off of Bamboo Road. The integrated 86

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June 2019

Funding for Avery and Watauga Counties The donations below were made by the High Country United Way to these many non-profit organizations and programs in Watauga and Avery County during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Blue Ridge Academy Student Vision Reality – Avery County Schools ($4,658) SCOTTIE Bus – Blue Ridge Partnership for Children ($4,658) Community Gardens Food Access Program – Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture ($3,357) Food Assistance Program – Casting Bread Food Pantry ($1,736) Raising a Reader – Children’s Council of Watauga ($2,063) Family Literacy – Children’s Council of Watauga ($6,684) Quality Support for Daycare Workers – Children’s Council of Watauga ($2,130) Access to Health Care – Community Care Clinic ($5,063) Foster Grandparents – Appalachian State University ($1,158) Financial Literacy Program – Avery County Habitat for Humanity ($2,315) Financial Literacy Program – Watauga County Habitat for Humanity ($2,315) Avery County Dental Services Expansion – High Country Community Health ($2,531) Crisis Assistance and Rapid Rehousing – Hospitality House ($6,684) Publix Employee Emergency Fund – Hospitality House ($1,710) RISE – Hospitality House ($15,405) Food Assistance Program – Hunger and Health Coalition ($3,241) Pharmacy Assistance Program – Hunger and Health Coalition ($1,158) Beautiful Daughter Recovery Program – Kari’s Home for Women ($1,354) Mediation Program, Watauga and Avery – Mediation and Restorative Justice ($3,473) Drug Court – Mediation and Restorative Justice ($5,139) Mountain Alliance Avery County High School – Mountain Alliance ($1,012) Mountain Alliance Watauga High School – Mountain Alliance ($5,810) Emergency Shelter – OASIS ($2,431) Victim’s Legal Assistance Program – OASIS ($5,063) Parent to Parent – Appalachian State University ($2,894) Senior Companion – Appalachian State University ($3,241) Transportation Assistance – South Mountain Children and Family Services ($579) Equine Therapy Program – Spirit Ride ($810) Low-Income Tuition Assistance – ugar Grove Developmental Day School ($3,126) Food Assistance Program – Volunteer Avery County ($1,621) Total Family Development Program – WAMY ($20,405) Garden Assistance for Seniors – WAMY ($579) Avery Yo – WAMY ($2,720) Afterschool Scholarship Program – Watauga County Schools ($1,736) Mentoring Program – Western Youth Network ($6,684) Afterschool and Summer Programs – Western Youth Network ($4,182) Chronic Disease Management Program – Williams YMCA of Avery County ($2,531) Sheltered Workshop Program – Yellow Mountain Enterprises ($4,050) Clothing Assistance Program – Yellow Mountain Enterprises ($695) The High Country United Way has recently expanded its program funding to Ashe County, Mitchell County, Yancey County and Alleghany County.

HCUW Board Chairman Johnny Carson

Helping the Community

The High Country United Way works hard to try and support as many different organizations as they can with their grants.

The benefits can be seen throughout the community, whether it is with dealing with poverty and hunger, individuals with special needs, helping deal with homeless issues or helping children reach their potential, the HCUW is proud to be a big part of that.

“The High Country United Way is integral to ensuring that we maintain and improve the quality of life for all members

Former HCUW Executive Director Dr. Gary Childers of our community,” said Dr. Scott Elliott, the Superintendent of Watauga County Schools.

Dr. Elliott is also a board member for the High Country United Way so he gets a first-hand look at all of the benefits that local communities get to experience from the organization.

“The HCUW is much more than a fundraising organization. When you donate to the United Way, you can be sure that your donation is put to use in areas where priorities and needs have already been established, and that the donation

Publix Store Manager Joel Wise

will be used exactly as it was intended,” said Elliott. “The partner organizations who provide food, health care, and transportation services for our citizens have a significant impact on the quality of life for the children of our community.”

Johnny Carson is currently serving as the board chairman for the High Country United Way and has been in that position for the past year. He says that the number of people impacted by HCUW and the many programs it sponsors has been a real eye-opener for a lot of people.

“I am a giant proponent of High Coun-

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health care includes primary care, behavioral health, a range of specialties, case management and health education. Appalachian Dental Care and Western Carolina Eye Associates partner with the clinic to provide reduced cost care. Volunteerism (both medical and non-medical) continues to be vital in providing healthcare to the many uninsured patients that we serve.

High Country Community Health

High Country Community Health is a community health center with locations in Avery, Burke, and Watauga Counties in western North Carolina. HCCH provides primary care, behavioral health and dental services within an integrated medicine model of care that treats the whole person. The mission of the HCCH team is to provide quality, patient centered, culturally appropriate, affordable and compassionate care that serves the whole person.

Hospitality House

Hospitality House continues to serve as the only 24-hour homeless shelter facility, outside of domestic violence facilities, for seven rural North Carolina mountain counties (Watuaga, Avery, Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Mitchell, & Yancey). At Hospitality House they offer much more than bed and bread. Hospitality House is a place where self-worth is reclaimed, passion is rediscovered, and souls are redeemed. Approximately 80 percent of homeless individuals only experience homelessness once. The services provided, with the support of partnering agencies, help ensure that those who leave Hospitality House will have the resources to be self-sufficient.

Hunger and Health Coalition

Since the birth of this compassionate organization, The Hunger and Health Coalition has grown from a closet into a county-owned facility, formerly the Watauga County Health Department. This move allowed for the expansion, renovation, and creation of a myriad of programs designed to assist neighbors in need. The Hunger and Health Coalition continues to address the needs of vulnerable populations in the area, providing emergency assistance while striving for long-term solutions to the issues facing those we serve. The Hunger and Health Coalition offers a food pantry, prescription medication assistance, fresh market, food recovery and backpack programs.

Kari’s Home for Women

Kari’s Home for Women is a Bible-based, Christian, ministry, focused on helping women develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, the one and only Higher Power.

The residential, one-year program format consists of two phases. In phase I is the recovery phase. Women participate in a structured Bible based program, attend church and other recovery meetings and are encouraged and prayed for by women who have experienced addiction themselves. The daily schedule of activities is designed to help women grow spiritually and to live responsibly. Phase II is the transition phase of the program.

During this phase the women continue to live on site and begin working and making plans for the future. Kari’s Home for Women clients and residents are required to attend a Christian church and encouraged to attend local recovery meetings such as Celebrate Recovery.

Southmountain Children and Family Services

Since 1903, Southmountain Children & Family Services has been providing care for children and families in North Carolina. Headquartered in Morganton, NC, they operate the State’s first and only foster community near Lake James and four Children’s Advocacy Centers and Evidence-based Treatment Centers serving Burke, McDowell, Watauga, Avery, Ashe, and Yancey Counties. In 2011, there were nearly 300 cases of child sexual abuse reported to either law enforcement or the Department of Social Services. Those cases involved child victims ranging in age from birth to 18 years. A successful method for investigating these cases is the Child Advocacy Model created in 1985 in Huntsville, Alabama. The model outlines specific protocol whereby all of the agencies that would typically be involved with the investigation; primarily DSS, law enforcement, the District Attorney, and a Medical examiner; all work together as a team.

Spirit Ride

Spirit Ride is committed to providing private Therapeutic Riding sessions free of charge to all accepted clients. Through working with the client’s Therapy Team (Educators, Community Professionals and Parents/ Guardians), Spirit Ride is able to create an ideal environment relating to the individual client’s specific needs. Spirit Ride gives their undivided attention to the client and his/her equine partner for the entire duration of each session so that they may provide an opportunity to foster learning and personal growth (self-esteem, boundary setting, appropriate social interaction, as well as any cognitive or physical goals).

Sugar Grove Developmental Day School

Sugar Grove Developmental Day School (SGDDS) is the ONLY nonprofit daycare in the High Country. It is a 501(c)3 corporation, licensed to provide daycare 5 days/week, to 44 children. SGDDS is one of only two daycares in the High Country that offer Sliding Scale Tuition, based on the family’s earnings and other factors. The staff is experienced and kind and the school has an established history. The mission of Sugar Grove Developmental Day School (SGDDS) is to provide quality daycare to meet the needs of families of western Watauga County and surrounding areas.

Volunteer Avery County

Mediations & Restorative Justice Center

Volunteer Avery County finds resources to aid families and individuals that do not qualify for public assistance and fall through the cracks. VAC also works to match volunteers with opportunities to help in the community. Individuals and groups are linked to service projects or volunteer positions that interest them and meet the need of an individual, family or a community. While some people give funds or reduced cost goods and services, others can give time. All offerings are welcomed and put to good use for the betterment of Avery County.

Mountain Alliance

WAMY partners with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged the support and tools they need to become self-sufficient. WAMY has been working to break the cycle of poverty in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey for over 53 years. WAMY programs are designed to give the disadvantaged the support and tools they need to become self-sufficient. The success of WAMY for over five decades, the many community partnerships, and clients’ personal successes have enabled WAMY to remain at the forefront of the fight against poverty.

OASIS

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry, founded in 1987.

Since then, Watauga Habitat has built 26 homes in Watauga County for families in need. Watauga County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Watauga County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

The Mediation & Restorative Justice Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1993, providing mediation and restorative justice services within the Western North Carolina communities of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties. Their mission is to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by unresolved conflict, litigation, and incarceration by providing mediation, alternative sentencing, and other restorative processes that increase the respect, peace, productivity and safety in the communities served.

Each year, Mountain Alliance offers over 100 after school and weekend outings with something new every week. These activities provide exciting and thrilling opportunities to push past perceived limitations and gain confidence for the mind and body. The average teen spends over seven hours a day in front of a screen – let’s create a new world for students – a world of wonderment and adventure.

Students can plug in to fit in their schedule. Sign up for one trip a year or 50. And what’s better? It’s free!

OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter) is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Watauga and Avery Counties. Founded in 1978, OASIS, Inc. is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga and Avery Counties, North Carolina. OASIS works toward this mission in three ways, by: 1. Providing comprehensive emergency services, transitional support, and a safe environment for survivors as they explore options for a violence-free life.

2. Providing education and skill development to encourage families in our community to create and maintain healthy peer and intimate partner relationships that are based on respect and equality.

3. Helping to create a community that supports survivors through advocacy and education.

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Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program serves older adults with special needs, especially older persons living in their own homes, in order to prevent and delay the need for institutionalization. Services are provided to seniors in the hospital or nursing home due to lack of family to provide assistance. The Senior Companion Program provides a means for communities to reduce the social and economic problems of their citizens. The program employs 54 senior companions. Volunteer stations area: 1) Local health department; 2) Senior centers; 3) Hospitals; 4) Hospice; 5) Department of social services and; 6) Skilled nursing facilities.

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June 2019

WAMY Community Action

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity

try United Way and it really is remarkable that until you get involved, you don’t realize how much is done. It’s about meeting needs, it’s about programs that help people pull themselves out of situations that they’re in” Carson said. “Every one of us knows someone that High Country United Way has had an impact on.”

Current HCUW Vice Chair Kate Gavenus, who will take over as the chairperson for the High Country United Way this year, has worked with several non-profit groups prior to joining the HCUW board. She has been able to see how the organization works on both sides.

“As an agency director, when you are out there in the trenches every day working so hard to serve your constituents, it is such a blessing to know that there is another organization out there every day working so hard to get your message out and to raise funds that will support your programs. The United Way does that and you cannot put a dollar value on that huge sense of being supported,” said Gavenus.

“They do a great job if you need financial assistance and also the emotional

support you need as a director of an agency that provides services here in the High Country.”

Prior to her time getting involved with the High Country United Way, Gavenus said that former director Jenny Miller played an instrumental role in getting her to become a part of the organization.

“Jenny was such a positive force.

She came to see me when I was running Partnership for Children and I told her that Avery County has not had a good experience with seeing money returned to the community so I wasn’t sold on it. She managed to sell me and managed to set up a system where it was a good, fair distribution where Watauga and Avery County really benefited and were mutually supportive of each other.”

Overall, Kate says she is really excited for what the future holds for High Country United Way. “It has been just a great process to see the United Way develop and grow.

I feel like with Marti coming on, she is a young, strong leader with good ideas and a great track record with the kinds of agencies that we support with

United Way Staff Executive Director: Marti Phillips Associate Director: Dr. Gary Childers Office Manager: Susan Stuber Executive Committee Chair: Johnny Carson, North Carolina Farm Bureau Vice Chair: Kate Gavenus, Beech Mountain Tourism and Development

Secretary: Barbara Jones, Avery DSS Treasurer: Amanda White, Capital Bank Campaign Chair: Terri Lockwood, Appalachian State University Quality Enhancement

Community Impact: Nancy Reigel, Community Volunteer

Past Chair: Fred Pfohl, Fred’s General Mercantile Board Members Jennie Stultz, former Mayor of Gastonia Diane Creek, Toe River Health Director Dr. Scott Elliott, Watauga County Schools Superintendent Joan Hearn, Community Volunteer Tom Hughes, Watauga DSS Ed Miller, New River Light and Power Nancy Stroupe Morrison Joel Wise, Publix Manager Allen Moseley, Attorney

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Western Youth Network

The mission of Western Youth Network is to transform the High Country community by nurturing and empowering children so that they live healthy, engaged and fulfilled lives. To transform the community and make the brightest futures possible for area youth, WYN is addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their consequences through trauma-informed interventions and advocacy. WYN accomplishes this through five core initiatives: Mentoring, After School, Summer Camp, High School Success and Community Health.

Williams YMCA of Avery County

The Williams YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Y is committed to strengthening community. Every day, they work side-by-side with neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back by supporting our neighbors.

Yellow Mountain Enterprises

Yellow Mountain Enterprises is an adult day vocational program and operates under the umbrella of Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens. AAEC is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization for developmentally disabled adults. AAEC also operates the Avery County Group Home, an adult supervised living facility. The mission at Yellow Mountain Enterprises is to provide jobs that can be scaled to the unique abilities of the workers who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Yellow Mountain Enterprises operate a variety of different enterprises in order to accomplish their mission. It can be a challenge to find a market for what their clients can do well enough to sell, but our enterprises are doing better every day.

2019

a good understanding of our community,” she said. “Gary (Childers) has done so much to really put United Way on solid ground. We’re going to see 40 more years the way it’s set up and running now.”

How to Donate The High Country United Way is always accepting donations. Currently, they do not have any fundraising events planned, however, the needs in the High Country continue to grow each year.

“Grant requests to the High Country United Way this year and the last few years have double the amount of funding that we are able to provide.

This demonstrates significant community need, and we appreciate any and all donations that can help us increase support to the community,” said Phillips.

Donations for High Country United Way come through businesses and private individuals as well.

“We currently have 43 local businesses that offer support for the agency, and one of my goals is to continue to grow our relationship with local businesses,” Phillips said.

Two of the largest donors from businesses in the High Country are Mast General Store and Publix.

“Mast has been a long-term supporter of HCUW and has twice received the Spirit of NC Award for their campaign,” Phillips said. “Publix is a newer account that was established when the store opened. This campaign year the Publix employees raised $25,534 for HCUW. Both campaigns are a critical part of helping us to accomplish the mission.”

Mary Wood, the general manager of the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, has volunteered with the United Way in different states, including here time here in the High Country as well as stints in Florida and New York. She plays a key role in the employee donations from Mast General Store.

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“I am a giant proponent of High Country United Way and it really is remarkable that until you get involved, you don’t realize how much is done. It’s about meeting needs, it’s about programs that help people pull themselves out of situations that they’re in” Johnny Carson, Board Chairman

“We have an annual drive in conjunction with United Way’s drive so once a year we do presentations for all of our High Country stores. Payroll deductions are one of the options we make available to our employees to make it easier for them. It’s the one time that we really ask our employees to consider being as generous as Mast Store is. Talking to the employees almost everybody has been touched by United Way in one facet or another.” Wood said. “I firmly believe in the United Way certainly what they do here in the High Country and what they do as a whole. It’s one organization that I have volunteered and been active with for almost 40 years. They all do good works. That’s one of the reasons it is such a successful campaign.”

Mast General Store adds a corporate donation in addition to what the employees choose to donate to the High Country United Way. For Kate Gavenus, she also believes that High Country United Way is the best place to donate that will make sure that local organizations will get to see money and support coming their way.

“What you’re really doing is offering the people the opportunity to put their resources into things that they already believe.

That is something that United Way can do better than anybody because they have so many partner agencies,” Gavenus said. “If you are looking for one place to put your money that can touch just about every aspect of life in the High Country in a positive way, United Way is the way to do it.”

The easiest way to donate to High Country United way is online at www.highcountryunitedway.org, using the donate button in the top right corner. Donors can also mail a check to PO Box 247 Boone, NC 28615. t

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... the story of

Mt. Bethel Reformed Church of Blowing

Rock

Restoration Efforts Under Way Led By

Andrew Critcher Story By Hailey Blevins Photography by Tara Diamond

M

Mt. Bethel Reformed Church is the oldest church in Blowing Rock, organized in 1886. It will turn 133 years old this year, and thanks to restoration efforts led by Andrew Critcher, the church building is now standing proudly again after a number of years of neglect.

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ount Bethel Reformed Church is beginning to look brand new after Andrew Critcher’s dedicated work to restore the oldest church in Blowing Rock. The church, organized in 1886, will turn 133 years old this year.

While Critcher has worked to restore the church, he has grown in his faith and returned to his childhood memories.

One of those early memories that came back to him was when him and his grandfather used to go every Saturday to Craig’s Grocery, a small, local store in Blowing Rock.

“They had two different sized Cokes. I used to earn the money during the week to have a Coke. When I finished the bottle, I put it in the back and got a nickle back for deposit.

I’ll never forget when I was about five and a half, my grandpa said ‘Son, you’re big enough to have a big bottle now.’ We’d always drink about half and pour salted peanuts in it and have

a real Coke float.”

Growing up around the church and helping take care of the graveyard as a child, Critcher says he’s always had religion around him in his life. He was saved in 1996 and was married in 1998.

He never knew his family’s ties with the church had a religious link until he began researching.

Once he was around the church again, the pieces began to fall together, both for Critcher’s spiritual life and for the church.

“The doors have just opened. Every-

thing I’ve done with this church, everyone said what are you going to do for money, and I said it doesn’t matter. I’m supposed to do this,” he says.

With this obedience to God’s will, Critcher hasn’t experienced any nerves or worry about fixing the church, instead he has felt confident.

“Everywhere I asked, it was a yes.

It’s confidence: ‘Hey, I want the church back! When can I have it?” He knows that this is what he has been guided by God to do.

History

Critcher grew up near the church. His great-great grandfather, Jacob Kluttz, gave the property for the church and the Reform cemetery and started the church. He says his family has lived there all their lives looking after the reformed cemetery and keeping an eye on the church.

Though he’s learned a lot about his June 2019

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Many Hands Have Pitched In For Many Renovation Projects In place of a damage deposit for holding a wedding in the church, the folks from Come Back Shack offered to send 15 volunteers from their restaurant to work helping with church renovations for a day.

The volunteers worked on preparing the inside walls of the church to be painted. family history and the church’s history, Critcher says that he never had any interest in history before.

“I was into World War II; I liked stuff like that, but all this hit me in the last two or three years. It’s very exciting. I learned we were actually famous violin makers in Germany once. There’s a statue in the town, and our violins are on Ebay for a lot of money. That’s where my ancestors came from,” Critcher said.

The church is now back in the Kluttz family’s name, having previously been owned by the Assembly Grounds since about 1991. Over the years, the church and services were passed down through the congregation. It wasn’t until four years ago that Critcher saw the state Mount Bethel Reformed Church was in and realized something needed to be done to help restore the church, so he went to the Assembly Grounds about the matter.

“The church needed a lot of work, and I was standing right over there and it was just like someone hit me in the head with a hammer. So, I went to the previous owners.

I was just furious for some odd reason. I explained to them that the church needed more love than it was getting.”

After leaving, Critcher says that he couldn’t believe he had done it.

Critcher has always had close ties with the church, not remembering a time when it wasn’t a part of his life.

Before leaving for a trip to Boston with his family, he found out that Bobby Higgins 94

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had some of Critcher’s late uncle’s stuff and wanted to know if he wanted it. When he went over to look at it, Bobby reached up and what happened next Critcher says was like fate.

“This book falls down, hits him on the head and lands in my hands,” he said.

The book turned out to be a book Critcher had been trying to find a copy of

Andrew Critcher says it’s been an amazing journey discovering his family history with the Mt. Bethel Church . that talked about the descendants of the Kluttz family.

“Some things are meant to be.”

On their trip to Boston, Critcher and his family took the southern route through

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. To their surprise, they found the oldest German church in America there and learned that Blowing Rock’s church wasn’t the only German Reform Church. They also learned that their ancestors had went to the church in Boston. On their way home from Boston, the family visited two more churches in Rowan County, NC. One of the churches in Rowan County turned out to be where the church in Blowing Rock derived from.

“I go to these churches in Pennsylvania and there’s my family name. My whole family back to 1630 is there,” Critcher said.

Critcher pointed out several places in the graveyard where his family rests. He says the amount of family he has in the graveyard got him into researching why there’s a German church in Blowing Rock.

“I didn’t know there were any roots about it. I just thought there’s a church here because he gave the property after the congregation had services in local homes for five years, no big deal. I had no idea there’s a religion to it.”

He started searching records and found churches his family started or were with in the very beginning of German churches in the U.S., even finding some interesting facts that hint at tension in the first church before it split.

“Lower Stone in Rowan County, that church is exactly one foot bigger than the Oregon church, where they used to go. And I guess they had a split of ways, and they made this church exactly one foot bigger,

so the Oregon one would fit inside for bragging rights,” said Critcher. “That is a story an old man told me.”

But that was just the first of many surprises Critcher has found during his time restoring the church. When a neighbor got really sick, Critcher was led to figure out what spots in the graveyard were still open for burials.

“I knew there were some gravestones missing over here, but I had no idea how many. I figured there were 12 or 15 missing that I remember from growing up,” Critcher said.

“He got really sick, and I was like, if he gets buried over here, I’d hate to bury him on someone else, so I went to the funeral home in Boone, and Mike Austin said ‘Call Keith Seramore. He found all those graves at the school.’”

That’s when Critcher got the surprise of a lifetime.

Together, Critcher and Seramore found 104 unmarked graves in the cemetery across from the church. These graves were first marked with flags, then Critcher marked them in his own way as well.

“That’s what all these little stones are. I’m a masonry contractor, so what I did was, I made a headstone and a footstone for each soul laying there. Some are facing east, some are southeast. We went ahead and marked them the way they laid. That cemetery has brought a lot of publicity.

WBTV News and several others have been here about it,” Critcher says.

Though Critcher didn’t expect to be reforming the church or looking into its history, he’s excited about where it’s brought him.

“It’s just something you’re thrown into. It’s been an amazing journey,” he said.

Growing up, he wondered why Jacob had put a cemetery there when there was one already, but he found that the first cemetery was full. The Elrod-Greene cemetery is a family cemetery. Critcher says it was always just another cemetery that just happened to be across the street. When the Assembly Grounds took over the church, they ended up with the church and both cemeteries. When Critcher got the deed to the church, he asked that he would also get the Elrod-Greene cemetery.

“I met with them and we went back and forth, and I think in October they signed all three deeds to my company, Kluttz Preservation,” he said.

In this way, the church’s history was preserved and put back into Jacob Kluttz’s name. Critcher said that he first tried to name the company Kluttz Properties, but changed it after the government wouldn’t approve it. The company is now a 501c that Critcher, his wife, and Ted (the director of the Assembly Grounds) are on the board. Critcher says his daughter has been added to the board recently, as well.

Critcher found two points in the old cemetery where they believe Revolutionary soldiers were buried. They’ve always known Ed Sullivan was buried in the cemetery from the 1700s. Critcher believes Sullivan is buried under one of two side-by-side logs in the cemetery. Because of this grave marker, they believe that there’s another Revolutionary soldier buried next to him. They are currently looking into that to find out if it is, indeed, another soldier.

“The family is working on it right now. That will be interesting,” said Critcher.

Since finding the unmarked graves, Critcher has looked for leads for who may be buried in the cemetery.

“I put the word out as much as I can. We’ve come up with maybe 32 people that we know are there. We don’t know

Getting The Church Ready for a Fresh Coat of Paint The Mt. Bethel Church is pictured here just before a new coat of white paint was added.

Critcher and volunteers removed the old paint that was peeling and chipping.

Critcher noted that these pictures are close to what the church looked like before he started the restoration process a couple of years ago.

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Ted Wilson, Director of the Assembly Grounds, Andrew Critcher and Andrew's two daughters and wife, Eryn, Ashlyn and Emma. where they’re at, but we know they’re in there,” he said.

Though the church hasn’t had regular services in a long time, it has still received some visitors since then. The church has some services in the summer and The Assembly Grounds had services, but it is mainly other churches in the area.

This summer, Critcher says that Lower Stone, the church that Mt. Bethel branched from, is visiting. Lower Stone visited twice in 2018 and plan to come twice this year, so Mt. Bethel is starting to receive some more visitors.

“It’s not a full-bodied church or anything, but people are visiting,” says Critcher.

As the church’s renovations have progressed, it’s visitors have increased.

He’s noticed that a lot of neighbors come over and walk around, and he is happy to see that. He also says that there have been two weddings and three funerals in the church since, with another possible wedding coming.

The last time the church held full services was in 1920. Critcher says that people came and went and “from the 60s on, it was always called a summer church.

People came here and visited and stuff like that in the summers.”

The majority of the visitors are from sister churches, but Critcher noted that two of the visiting churches that have been

coming to Mount Bethel Church have been coming for 50 years. “It’s just something they do,” he says. “They come here, donate money and have a little service here.”

Critcher went on to talk about the visiting churches, commenting on the differences between their home city and Blowing Rock. “They were talking about tomorrow having to go back to reality to our computers and about how pure it is up here on the mountains. They said that’s where they see God. It must be bad to be so wrapped up in life that you can’t just look up and see the stars and see the trees, you know?”

Though the church itself hasn’t changed much throughout the years,

This chair, which sits behind the pulpit, was donated from a sister church in the 30s.

The stained glass windows cannot be replicated and will remain as they are until “the birds can start flying in.”

The crucifix now sits at the back of the church where everyone can enjoy it.

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its surroundings have. Critcher says he remembers the road during his childhood that has since changed.

“I remember riding on the old road when I was younger on a bicycle and going through the neighbor’s yard up through there and coming back down and out towards Possum Hollow,” he said.

But Critcher hasn’t just heard and read about the church’s past. He says he’s found evidence of the life the church used to contain. With several of the pews, he says you can see actual finger marks in them, alluding to the fact that the good Lord must have really been in the presence of the members back then.

He also noted how God’s presence is still working on visitors to the church.

“We had a church here from Thomasville, and I always sit in the back because I don’t like people sitting behind

me. A man was sitting right there. He was talking a time or two during service, and then he just absolutely stood up and started crying, ‘I give my life to the Lord!’

So there’s a man who got saved in this church, another man who got saved in this church, and a woman got saved in this church,” said Critcher.

Critcher went on to say that that was when it hit him. “This isn’t my church, and this isn’t my building. This is theirs. I’m just the keeper. That was very exciting. God was in the house, and it was really good.”

Inside the Church

When Critcher started working on the inside of the church, the walls were black and the paint was falling off. There were bad cracks in some of the walls that Critcher said had to be caulked. He also ran a dehumidifier to help remove mold.

After some hard work from him and some volunteers from Come Back Shack, who volunteered their time for a day in place of payment for holding a wedding in the church, Critcher was able to finish the walls and start on some of the other issues, even focusing on tiny details.

“These turnbuckles used to be white, and I decided to paint them black, and everyone just absolutely loves them because it’s part of the church,” he said.

Another aesthetic detail of the church that Critcher pointed out inside was a crucifix that was made in 1988. The previous owners voted to put the crucifix on the side wall so it didn’t stand out since it was a gothic cross, but Critcher says he moved it.

“I had a service over here and everyone kept turning their heads, so I took it down and moved it here so everyone could see

The Story of Two Cemeteries

The cemetery behind Mt. Bethel has always been the church’s cemetery and is where many familiar local town folk’s family names are buried. Grover C. Robins is buried here, as well as his sons Grover Jr. and Harry. The names of the Kluttzs, Greenes, Critchers, Holshousers and more can be found on the cemetery’s tombstones. The cemetery had a recent burial last year, and the cemetery is now full with the recent placing of the last spaces.

The Elrod/Green Cemetery is located the across the street from the church and is much older. It had been established as the town’s cemetery. A revolutionary war soldier is buried here. Deeded to the church two years ago, the cemetery had only a few tombstones visible when it came into Andrew Critcher’s care.

Puzzled if there were any burial spots remaining in the cemetery, Critcher had folks at ASU with a ground 98

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penetrating radar come out and was surprised to discovered 104 unmarked gravesites. They were marked with flags, and Critcher was later able to mark those sites with headstones and footstones.

it,” he said.

WBTV visited the church once and ran an article. The maker of the cross called Critcher saying he had seen his crucifix on TV. When he asked if he could carve a plaque to put his name beside it, Critcher had no objections.

A lot of people have asked about the crucifix, but not everyone has liked the addition of it in the church, with some commenting that “you shouldn’t have a crucifix in a German church.” But Critcher firmly stated that “it’s a family church, and they’re buried out here. We’re all family, and if they want to make something nice to put in the church, I’m okay with that.”

Then he moved onto restoring the windows, which had been painted around so many times that they were painted shut.

“It took days for me to get them working again. All the paint, we had to go outside and inside and chisel to get the windows to start working, but we got them all working,” Critcher said.

Unable to find anyone that could duplicate the glass in the windows, he decided not to replace them.

“Every glass here has got a crack or a break or a hole in it. Until the birds fly in, I’m going to leave it the way it is because they’re so authentic.”

When he was restoring the sill plates in the back of the church, he found blocks dating back to the 20s. These were added on later, though Critcher isn’t sure exactly when.

Critcher is trying his best to leave the church with as much of its original parts as he can. He decided to leave the pews as they were. He says that he doesn’t know any history about them, but knows they go back, noting that they have oval nails in them, and they have little pieces of wood that are put in to hold everything together.

One part of the church that Critcher is dedicated to replacing is the pot belly wood stove that was removed years ago.

“I made a plate there. When we put the stove back in, that’s where it’s going to go.

The stove always sat on the floor. It had a piece of metal under it, but regulations won’t let me do that. I have to have two inches of noncombustible material under it. Underneath this rock, the floor is stained from the original stove pan, so I got a rock and set it there. I’m going to set the stove on the rock and put it back exactly where it was and how it worked,” he said.

Critcher has tried to find the original wood stove that sat in the church, or anything that looks like it, but hasn’t been able to find the original, and the ones that are similar turn out to be rusted or broken.

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Steeples The interior of the church after being restored. The pews remain as they were while the walls were repainted, the floor leveled, and window sills replaced, and the crucifix moved to the back wall.

He says he’s likely going to put an identical, which got Critcher’s attention. “Why same spot for 50 years on the floor that but modern, stove that is a replica of what would you spend so much time to match was now jacked up, it had settled to the stoves used to look like in 1880. a notch then shim it up? Well, that center floor’s shape,” he said.

“Unless I can get the original one back, piece came out of something else, and they Critcher said that the piano’s leg being any stove I put in there’s not original rouged it and brought it here and put it off the floor didn’t affect the pianist. “She anyway, so it really doesn’t matter as long under this church.” He’s unsure how far it never missed a lick. I have a picture with as it looks the same,” Critcher said. my hand under it where it sat The church has come a long cocked on the screwed up floor all way from it’s deteriorating shape, those years.” which Critcher says pleases him.

One issue he says he’s run into Some parts of the church have been is that the church used to have a a bit harder for Critcher to restore pump organ in it. to their original form. Critcher “I’ve had one donated to me, says the floor joints were rotten, possibly. The problem is, a lot of so a lot of the bottom needed to visiting churches don’t know how be rebuilt. This led Critcher to to play the pump organ, so we’re a few more surprises. The floor debating doing it or not,” Critcher joints were taken out and replaced says. before he began jacking it all back The hymnals in the church A bible donated to the church by the original preacher. up. However, once the underneath aren’t the church’s originals either, was even according to the lasers but Critcher says they add a history he used, he found that above it “looked dates back, but says the square ax marks in all their own to the church’s. like a snake.” So again Critcher had to use it suggest it’s older than the church.

“These hymnals date back to the ’40s, the laser to get the floor even, knowing The final surprise came during a so obviously they’re not the original, but the bottom of the floorboards would be church service following this according to they are very different and a lot of them different because they were hand-sawed.

Critcher. are very Germanish. Some of them I’ve Underneath the center of the church is “Church service was here Sunday, and never heard of before,” he said. a 10x10 that has notches in it. In a couple I’m standing here talking to them, and Small details like this have gotten a lot places where the floorboards go across, the piano leg is an inch and a half off the of attention and comments from visitors, there’s a notch and they shimmed it up, ground.” After the piano had sat in the according to Critcher. With the inside of 100

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June 2019

the church restored, Critcher is now able to focus on finishing the outside.

Outside the Church

At the start of Critcher’s work on the outside of the church, the paint was chipped and the bottom foot of the walls had rotted and was missing in many spots. The sill plate had also rotted away. They had to go all the way around the church and redo the bottom with the help of carpenters who volunteered their time and supplies.

Critcher hired out the exterior painting, knowing it was too big of a job.

“We didn’t do that part, but we’ve done everything else. We’ve got everything put back together the way it was,” he said.

Now that the outside of the church has been painted, Critcher says they are going to focus on landscaping around the immediate building and restoring some remaining details of the church. Trees around the church need to be trimmed down and one needs to be removed. One such tree is starting to lean and is hollow inside. Critcher noticed a squirrel that went into a hole in the tree and ended up coming out at the top. He says they are planning on removing that tree this summer. The ice storm this winter broke a lot of limbs in the trees and they are hoping the trees will survive and come back in the spring. At the advice of a neighbor, Critcher trimmed up some of the flowering trees in hopes they will come back.

Four trees have been removed to provide room for a parking area. Critcher has put 88 tons of gravel down for the parking area.

Though the church’s renovations are mostly finished, Critcher says he will still continue the upkeep of the church.

“We will still keep mowing the grass and washing the stones. There’s just lots of odds and ends,” he said.

The church originally had a chimney. In addition to replacing the stove inside the church, he says he also wants to put the chimney back. He joked that his retirement one day will include him visiting the church on Saturdays to stoke the fire for Sunday services in the winter.

Critcher has received a lot of help from the community to get the church to where it is now. His aunt, his uncle, his wife and two daughters, carpenters, and many others have volunteered their time and donated money and materials. The community in Blowing Rock has come together to help preserve a part of their history.

For now, he’s focusing on putting it back the way it was, little by little. t

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Parting Shot...

Lorry Mulhern Leaves The Green Park Inn In Top Shape

L

orry Mulhern arrived at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock nine years ago when brothers Steven and Eugene Irace, who had purchase the hotel a few months earlier, were just beginning their efforts at restoring the then 119-year-old property.

Lorry was brought in to lend her hand to the reconstruction efforts.

The plan was that she would be on site in Blowing Rock for a week or two overseeing the reconstruction, then travel back to her home in New York city, and then frequently return to the Green Park to check on the progress. As it turned out, it would be seven months before she had a first chance to travel back home to New York, and now, nine years later, she finally feels that it is time for her to return home to her adult children, and other family, and friends that she thought she was leaving for just a month or two back in 2010.

The Irace brothers credit Lorry with saving the Green Park Inn and steering the Grand Dame of Blowing Rock back to its former glory. As Steve Irace said as her exit draws near, “Those will be big shoes to fill.”

“When we bought this place we knew it was bankrupted, empty and falling down. It had been closed for a year and a half and we knew there was no business. But what we didn’t know was when the hotel fell, it fell really hard. We didn’t know how much ill-will there was out there toward a number of former owners who had let down customers, vendors and the Blowing Rock Community. Bottom line is that’s well in the past now and the hotel’s reputation is excellent, and keeps getting better thanks to Lorry’s herculean efforts,” Steve said.

When Lorry showed up in June of 2010, there were eight painters scattered throughout the enormous building with no real plan on how to forge ahead with the restoration. “I said, let’s focus on a few rooms, complete those, and then move on to another set of rooms,” said Lorry. “The permitting process had which became a huge challenge and it was a bit of a rough start out with some of the town officials. I realized right away that we needed to build some confidence and mutual trust with the town and the community.

So not only were we rebuilding the hotel’s infrastructure, but we were also restoring relationships, and then ultimately refurbishing the hotel right down to new technology systems and staffing. It was pretty daunting!”

Lorry took a room in the hotel where she would live for the next four years. “She was fearless,” said Steve. “She was up on the roof, 104

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crawling around in the basement, dealing with construction workers and she just kept things moving along.” She was working 14-hour days every day of the week. Six months after Lorry arrived, the hotel re-opened on October 29, 2010, with 13 rooms ready for guests.

“I began to find out how significant the building had been to the history of the High Country and that definitely pulled on a few of my heartstrings,” says Lorry. It didn’t take long for her to start falling in love with the Green Park, the Grande Dame of the High Country, as she was also falling in love with the Blowing Rock community as well. That made it easier for her to stay.

“It was one thing after another,” she said. “I completed the initial construction and reopened the hotel – but then there were more rooms do refurbish – and then it was the kitchen – and then more rooms – and then building the reputation back up again. And building the staff – and suddenly it’s now 2019 and nine years later!”

Steve said that early on they made the decision that they never wanted to change the hotel’s historic feel. They wanted to maintain its historic character. “The Green Park was built as a luxury hotel,” Steve said. “I wanted to bring it back to how she was when it opened.

We didn’t want to rip out all of that charm and modernize it as if we were a new hotel. Our plan was to keep the historic charm but add modern amenities.. I think that’s one of our greatest accomplishments, and Lorry is the one that executed that plan. We wrote the checks but she made it happen. So when you walk in here it still looks like it did back in the 1920s.”

Lorry says she feels one of the things she is most proud of is seeing people visiting the hotel from all over the country, and all over the world and seeing those people meet, and make new friendships.

“I can imagine back in the 1890s when the captains of industry would meet here in The Tavern, sitting there with a cigar and a whiskey, solving the problems of the day,” said Lorry. “I still see that today in our Tavern. It’s a gathering place where people from different walks of life, with different opinions meet, and have great conversations and develop strong friendships, and maybe gain a new perspective.”

Lorry is quick to tear up at the thought of leaving the community and the hotel she fell in love with nine years ago. “I said I was going to do this – that I was going to raise the Grand Dame up again – make her grand again – and bring her standing in the community back again. And, while I never planned on that taking nine years, I hope that’s what I’ve done.”

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