Volume 7 • Issue 5 June 2012
Cool & Easy
Summer Welcome Back Summer Residents
The Sights
& Sounds of
Summer June 2012
High Country Magazine
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C O N T E N T S
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Welcome Back Summer Residents The High Country has so much to do in the summer for residents and visitors alike. The area is rich in scenery, music, arts and activities. As we welcome back the High Country’s summer residents, we have provided a comprehensive calendar of events and collection of things to do during the summer season.
28 Musicfest ‘n Sugar Grove at 15
In its 15th year, Musicfest ‘n Sugar Grove will once again bring the community together at old Cove Creek Elementary School. What began as Doc Watson Appreciation Day has expanded to welcome visitors from across the country and world. This year’s festival will return to its roots, celebrating Doc’s life and hosting North Carolina bands, like Carolina Crossing and Amantha Mill
38 Local Girl in the Limelight
Local Valle Crucis Elementary School student, 13-year-old Olivia Waters, is coming up in the world of theater. Waters is playing the leading role in the upcoming comedy Moon Over the Brewery, produced by Blowing Rock-based professional theater company Ensemble Stage.
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Old Watauga and the Civil War In the spring of 1865, the Civil War came to Watauga County in earnest. Residents fought for both the Union and Confederate armies during this difficult time in the High Country. The Conscription Act, which required men between 18 and 35 to enlist, also caused hardships and produced hordes of deserters.
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Cover Photo by
Todd Bush
The Elk River Club was the setting for this month’s cover picture by Todd Bush. And that’s Lisa VanArnam out for a walk with her dog “Jet.” Lisa and her husband Mark are tremedous supporters of finding wayward dogs good homes. They currently have 12 “rescue dogs” at their home now. Lisa says, “Everyday when I wake to a new day....I choose to dedicate my life to helping those that can’t speak for themselves...those that can’t help themselves!” You can visit Todd’s website at www.bushphoto.com
ABOUT US
The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper” is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts. Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.
Is it
Bedtime yet?
© 2012 DeWoolfson Down Int’l., Inc. Photo courtesy LuLu DK Matouk. Petals
READER SERVICES
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.
BACK ISSUES
Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.
FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.
Contact us at:
High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 130 North Depot Street Boone, NC 28607
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www.dewoolfson
9452 NC Hwy. 105 June 2012
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Heavenly Mountain: Past, Present & Future
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Carlton Gallery Celebrates 30th Year
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Highway 194 Construction Near Completion
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Boone’s hidden wonder has finally found restoration and respect. The Art of Living Foundation and the International Center for Meditation and WellBeing are working to restore Heavenly Mountain to a place of worship. The inauguration is expected to draw over 1,500 people from all over the world.
To commemorate its 30th year of bringing fine art to the High Country, Carlton Gallery will host an opening reception on Saturday, July 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. Owner, curator, artist and Boone native Toni Carlton will bring music, demonstrations, tasty catered food and exquisite art to her gallery all summer long.
Over 100 years ago, historic Valle Crucis Road provided a dirt route from the Avery/Watauga county line through Matney and Valle Crucis. Now Highway 194, renovation work that began November 2010 should reach completion by October. After nearly two years of work, drainage, mobility and safety are all expected to improve.
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Linville Falls Mountain Club Despite the many setbacks the Linville Falls Mountain Club has experienced since its inception in 1995, the club and golf course are now thriving. The 6,939-yard course, designed by golf legend Lee Trevino, offers picturesque views of the Linville mountain range and the Inn at Blue Ridge allows golfers to play and stay at the club.
1675 Blowing Rock Rd | Boone (828) 265-2580 | www.golifestore.com 6
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LifeStore Bank is the only locally owned, true hometown bank in the area. Since 1939, local customer service has been our cornerstone. Our team can help you choose the right checking account or loan. Simply call or stop by today.
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CONTACT US ABOUT OUR PLANS FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY
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June 2012
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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 Graphic Designer Tim Salt Contributing Writers Jesse Wood Ken Ketchie
Summer Again
Paul Choate Becky McRee Rebecca Gitlen Allison West
H
ere’s a big “Welcome Back” to our summer residents returning to the High Country this year to spend another summer season in our mountains. We hope you are in a good mood and ready to spend some money. And that’s not meant to be a joke. Many businesses depend on you, and we all can appreciate what our summer residents do for the local economy. We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place where more than just a few folks are willing to spend millions of dollars on a summer home. For the thousands of other summer residents filling mountain cabins, houses and condos, they too spend many of their dollars at our local restaurants and shops, as well as for home services, maintenance and other professional services. Plus, the money raise for charity by our summer residents is unbelievable! Please know all of this goes a long ways helping to keep the High Country up and running. It’s no secret that the last couple of years have been tough economically for us all. I think we’re all hoping that this summer signals a turn-around where business gets back to normal and everyone makes a little money. Here’s something else for all of us to think about: shop local when you can. When you shop local, so much more of the money you spend stays right here in the High Country, supporting families as well as all the businesses and services they support year round. With all that said, let me now encourage you to check out our lead off story in this issue . . . it’s actually a big old long listing of calendar events. We’ve put together a day by day look at what’s happening in the High Country for the next three months - and we’ve taken a couple of extra pages to highlight some of the recurring events at musical venues, what’s happening with theater, as well as previewing some exhibits and shows at local art galleries. Many of the listings are probably events you may recognize, but I bet if you take some time to read through our extensive calendar, you’ll find a few little gems you didn’t know about. Did you know that there is an awesome monthly fish fry put on by the Ruritian club out in Sugar Grove every month? Have you ever been to a “Singing on the Mountain” at Grandfather Mountain or maybe a cooking class at Chetola? There’s those and so much more . . . So go have fun – there are a lot of things to do this summer!
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Ben Wofford Harris Prevost Michael Hardy Contributing Photographers Maria Richardson Lonnie Webster Samantha Floyd Associate Editor Angela Rosebrough Finance Manager Amanda Giles High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina
www.HCPress.com HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:
HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2012 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Introducing a Brand New Newspaper Webpaper
www.HCPress.com EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!
T
his winter, the High Country’s favorite newspaper took a giant leap and took its publication to the World Wide Web. On February 29th, the High Country Press fired up its new website where you can still find everything that was in the printed version, but now more room is available for even more information. It’s no secret that the Internet has just become a better way to deliver news. So with HCPress. com, we are able to publish news and information as it happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can add as many pictures as we want - and video, too. The possibilities are endless. Of course, everybody loves to read a hard-copy, but as Bob Dylan sung many years ago, “The Times They Are a Changing.” For the HCPress. com, we no longer put ink onto paper each Thursday. Now, we are a harmony of pixels everyday. The website will still be the community news source that readers expect and have grown to love. But now, we aren’t limited by space or the time constraints of a weekly newspaper. So, come check us out while you are in the mountains - you might read something you weren’t aware of.
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High Country Magazine
Our News Site is constantly updated 24 hours a day. To make it easier to follow the stories you’re interested in, use our Story Archive Box. There you will find your favorites all together in one place.
Using Our Story Archives
You’ll first find all of our stories presented on the front page of our website, with the most important stories near the top of the page followed by our other stories as you scroll down the page.
Some of Our Most Popular Archives Are: Sometimes you only want to read one section of a newspaper. Perhaps you pull out the sports section or the business section and toss the rest of the paper on the coffee table. Well with our website you can do that too. With our story archives you can read only the section of the news you want to read. Some of our most popular sections are news, crime reports, upcoming events, real estate and letters to the editor. Our userfriendly layout allows you to navigate right to what captures your interest. Also, with unlimited space on the World Wide Web, we don’t have to pick and choose what articles “run” in each section of our webpaper. We can run it all, and with as many pictures as we need to include with any article to tell the whole story. We hope you enjoy this new format. The High Country Press has always been committed to providing community news with top-notch journalism. Now, with unlimited space, we can do that even more extensively
News
Things To Know
Upcoming Events
Crime
Real Estate
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n e w s pa p e R
Take A Tour...
BREAKING NEWS
As news happens and press releases are made available, they’ll be posted here at the top of our website. There is also live updating of things to do, places to go and the calendar of events.
Story Archives
All our stories are posted as they become available in chronological order. Once these stories reach the bottom of the page and go off our main page they are sorted to these archives. Here you will find headings for News - Sports - Arts - Nightlife, etc. where like topic stories are filed. The archives take you to what you want to know fast and easy.
Most Read Stories
This is where you’ll find out what everyone else is reading. The most read stories during the last 24 hours will rotate to the top here. This way you stay on top of the news with just a quick look!
Press Releases
Keep in touch and up to date with our local non-profits and organizations through their press releases. We receive hundreds of press releases and announcements and we’ll be posting them on our website and in a file for each organization.
Columns & Blogs
A collection of columns, movie reviews and opinions from our readers.
What Would Your Favorite Archive Pages Be? Sports
Arts & Galleries
Nightlife
Candidates
Crime
Real Estate
Business
Letters to Editor
People
Upcoming Events
Festivals
Past Events
Politics
Video Library
Government
Things To Know
Calendar
Photo Page
Education
Green Page
June 2012
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mountain
echoes
Insider tips, fascinating facts, conversation starters and fun stuff to do
BRAHM Gearing Up for a Busy Summer T
he Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has assembled an exciting summer line-up for High Country locals, visitors and art enthusiasts alike. Starting in April, BRAHM opened two exhibits: “ Curious Collections: An Exhibit Celebrating the Passion of Collecting” and “Secession to Sesquicentennial: Commemorating the Civil War.” These two exhibits will be open until August. The Curious Collections exhibit will feature over 25 fascinating collections, from high-end art to antique toys to pastels from famous American artists. “We wanted to look into why people collect what they collect,” said BRAHM communications director Sunny Townes. “These items have lots of monetary value, but it means so much more to the collector. The enjoyment they get out of looking for new pieces and the euphoria they feel when they find a new piece is truly interesting.” BRAHM’s other summer exhibit, located on the facility’s top floor also incorporates the concept on collecting. With the passing of the Civil War’s 150 anniversary, BRAHM has combined forces with Appalachian State University students in Dr. Alima Bucciantini’s public history graduate class to put together the Secession to Sesquicentennial exhibit using items collected by area and regional Civil War enthusiasts. “Commemoration was more complicated in Western North Carolina than elsewhere, because people fought on both sides,” Dr. Bucciantini said. “It avoids creating just another basic Civil War history exhibit, offering visitors something new instead.” The gallery will feature guns, memorabilia and items used in reenactments. While these two exhibits will be on display for the summer’s duration, BRAHM will host other weekly and monthly events through June and into July. “These exhibits are our focus,” said Townes. “But the events we host throughout the summer are a great supplement.” To get started, visitors may be intrigued by the digital photography workshops hosted by Lonnie Webster each Tuesday this June from 10:30 12
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a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On June 14, BRAHM will host ASU Biology professor Dr. Gary Walker as he discusses the history of botanical explorers in Southern Appalachia. BRAHM has been working with the ASU Lifelong Learning Club to make this talk happen. Club members will be admitted free while tickets to the public are $5. BRAHM’s Third Thursday lecture series will continue into the summer on June 21 with folk art collector Barry Huffman. The event begins at 4 p.m. and refreshments will be served afterwards. A flurry of exciting events also will occur in the last week of the month. Susan Powers will host “En Plain Air” June 25 through 27 between 10 a.m. and 2p.m. Powers will lead participants in open air, scenic painting, as the English translation “in the open air” suggests. On June 28, BRAHM will provide visitors with paints, canvases and wine for the Cork and Canvas class. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $35. Children and their grandparents are invited to the “Grand Club” camp on June 28 and 29. Participants will work together on art projects that will create lifelong memories. Looking ahead to July’s Third Thursday event, BRAHM will host historian Elliot Engel as he discusses his book, “Scarlett Fever: The Greatness of Gone With the Wind” on July 19. Yoga and Thai Ji classes are also available all summer. Yoga is held Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thai Ji is Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. The events listed are only a small preview of what BRAHM has planned throughout the summer. Kid’s camps involving everything from history to graffiti are hosted every week but during the July 4 holiday. Watercolor and oil paint workshops will occur in August. BRAHM will also host their 6th annual Art and Antique Show from Aug. 2 through the 5. The event originally occurred in the Blowing Rock Elementary School gym, but will move to the BRAHM building for the first time ever this year. The event will feature 18-20 vendors selling heirloom quality furniture, pottery, vintage jewelry, silver and more. One ticket costs $10 and is good for the entire weekend. For more information and updates throughout the summer you can visit BRAHM’s website: http://blowingrockmuseum. org/site/. By Ethan Woodhouse
mountain
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AppUrgent Care Center: Convenient, Cost Effective Care
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mergency room patients now spend an average total time of four hours and seven minutes waiting in the ER, according to the 2010 Emergency Department Pulse Report: Patient Perspectives on American Health Care. Unfortunately, more than half of emergency room visits are not for life-threatening illnesses or injuries but for minor medical problems that could be handled more cost and time efficiently in a doctor’s office or urgent care center, according to a Blue Ridge Health Care report. AppUrgent Care Center, part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s continuum of care, provides convenient, walk-in care to patients with non-life threatening illness or injury such as sore throats, strains, sprains, fever and flu. “AppUrgent Care is an avenue for residents to receive care when an appointment is not available with their primary care provider,” said Gillian Baker, VP of Corporate Communications for ARHS. “And for visitors, AppUrgent Care’s convenient loca-
tion allows them to be treated close to their leisure activities.” Staffed by physicians, AppUrgent Care is a reliable, costeffective alternative to the emergency room. Several Diagnostic Tests, including Lab Work, Xrays and Electrocardiograms are available. Vaccinations available include the Flu Shot, Hepatitis, Tetanus and more. The center also provides occupational health services. Businesses can contract with AppUrgent Care to provide employees with drug screenings, annual physicals, pre-employment screenings or other tests. “This is one more step in providing a total continuum of care for the High Country,” Baker said. The center reopened May 2 after moving to 2146 Blowing Rock Rd. between Makoto’s and Walgreens. AppUrgent Care is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-265-5505. By Rebecca Gitlen
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Cyclo.Via:
Roller Girls
Building on Last Year’s Experience in Downtown Boone
T
he 2nd annual Boone Cyclo.Via Street Festival will grab hold of Howard, Depot and Rivers Street once again on June 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cyclo.Via street fest concept originated in Bogota, Columbia, in the ‘70s, when town officials blocked the streets for six hours each Sunday and holiday for runners, skaters and bicyclists and set aside areas for aerobics, such as stretching and yoga. “It’s a simple concept where we provide a blank canvas for people to make their own fun,” Oliver said. “We think it’s important that people understand they aren’t coming to be entertained, they’re coming to entertain themselves.” Vendors will supply food and other goods to participants. Bing says jugglers and a bagpipe player made their way to the event last year. This year’s event will feature African drums and BMX stunt
team Freestyle Connections. “The biggest addition this year is the BMX stunt team” Boone Area Cyclist Eric Woolridge said. “We’re hoping this event really caters to the kids out there.” Using half-pipes and a finely tuned arsenal of tricks, Freestyle Connections will perform three different shows on Howard Street during the event. Howard Street will be a much more open environment, Oliver says. Street vendors, arts and crafts will be prominent and people traveling on foot will be welcome. The majority of cycling will occur on Rivers Street. The concept has since stretched all over the world, to some of the biggest cities like Paris or Los Angeles, and smaller towns, like Boone. “We’re building on last year’s experience,” Oliver said. “We want it to be big. We feel this could ultimately change the face of Boone.” By Ethan Woodhouse
Next Home Match is June 27 at the Holmes Center at ASU
S
ome of the finest female athletes on wheels will again be defending their undefeated record on Saturday, June 23, in a home bout at the George M. Holmes Convocation Center in Boone. The Appalachian Rollergirls (4-0), now in their second season, reached this point with three impressive away victories to start the season – against the Charlotte Speed Demons, the River City Rollergirls of Richmond, Va. and the French Broads of Asheville – followed by a 157-61 victory over the Charlotte B-Dazzlers on April 28. Their June 23 home bout will be against the Chattanooga Rollergirls. It is their second-to-last home bout of the season. Their final time skating in friendly confines comes Aug. 4 against the Carolina Bootleggers. The Appalachian Rollergirls have five bouts left in all for the 2012 season. For more information, visit appalachianrollergirls.com By Paul T. Choate
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EXPANDED OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
mountain
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Since 1904, the Brown Mountain Beach Resort On the Mend Again On Wilson Creek Down Near Lenior
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riginally developed in 1904, the Brown Mountain Beech Resort has recently been renovated to offer a scenic getaway within the Pisgah National Forest. Located just outside of Lenoir, the 108-year-old resort has 7 rustic cottages available for short-term rental. All of the cottages have been renovated in the last two years. “The cottages still have the old touch, but modern touches as well,” said Kelsey McDaniel, manager of Brown Mountain Beach Resort. The cabins are located within walking distance of over 38,000 acres of scenic trails, class IV and V rapids and trophy trout fishing waters. The resort is in the final planning stages of building 25 small cottages, 13 along Wilson Creek and 12 slightly off the creek, which will make up the new Fishing Village. The cottages in the Fishing Village will be for sale, with lots ranging from $60,000 to $400,000 and “land + home packages” ranging from $150,000 to $1 million. McDaniel said building will begin this summer and the first
cottage should be done by the fall. She added that only a portion of the 25 cottages will be built initially and the rest will be built after a lot is purchased for one. Owners of cottages in the Fishing Village will have access to River Club privileges. The River Club is the center of common area activities at the resort. The Pavilion building, renovated in April, is part of the River Club and is the host of weddings, seminars, corporate and family gatherings throughout the year. The Pavilion houses a video and book library, coffee bar, private sitting areas, a large stone fireplace and a large screened television. Adjacent to the Pavilion is the Brown Mountain Beach Café. Whether your interests lie in walking the trails, kayaking, rafting or catching trophy trout, the Brown Mountain Beach Resort offers everything you could want for a scenic getaway or a home away from home. For more information, call 828-758-4257 or visit brownmountainbeach.com. By Paul T. Choate
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Your Sealy Posturepedic Headquarters June 2012
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s s d t n h u g Si & So of
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r e m m u By Paul T. Choate
A PREVIEW OF 2012
Calendar at a Glance
JUNE 2012 1 - JUN First Friday Art Crawl, down-town Boone, 828-262-4532 • Concerts on the Lawn: Matthew Weaver and Trevor McKenzie, Swing Guitars & Major Sevens, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Brother Gravity, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: The Harris Brothers, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 1-2 - JUN Boone Bike Rally, High Country Fairgrounds, 828-733-8060 1-3 - JUL Nature Photography Weekend, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 1-10 - JUN Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 2 - JUN Shriner’s Parade, Main Street, Blowing Rock, 2 p.m. • “Plant it Pink” with the Blue Ridge Garden Club, Shelby B. Jones Cancer Center, Boone, 828-295-3970 • Mountain Home Music: Rural Roots/Mountain Songs, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 • Live Music: Kimmels, Banner Elk Café and Lodge, 828-898-4040 2-17 - JUN The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 6 - JUN Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 7 - JUN Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 828-264-9061 7-10 - JUN Charity Horse Show: Saddlebred, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-2700 8 - JUN Concerts on the Lawn: Wayne Henderson & Elkville String Band, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: The Mountain Laurels, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 16
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• Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Mountaineer Ruritan Fish Fry, Sugar Grove, 828-773-5622 8-9 - JUN ASU Alumni Reunion Weekend, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, 866-756-2586 • Music on the Lawn: Soul Benefactor, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 9 - JUN Black and Blue Double Century Bike Relay, Riverside Restaurant, Todd, 336-877-8888 • Blue Ridge Hall of Fame Dinner, Stone Center, Wilkesboro, 336-667-3171 • Mountain Home Music: Red June, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 • Live Music: Jonathan Maness, Banner Elk Café and Lodge, 828-898-4040 10 - JUN Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concert, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4300 • Birthday Party for Animals, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 13 - JUN Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 14 - JUN Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 828-264-9061 15 - JUN Concerts on the Lawn: Celebration of Doc Watson with The Kruger Brothers & Charles Welch, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Sound Traveler, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: The Harris Brothers, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 16 - JUN Wordkeepers featuring musicians Henry Doss and Scot Pope, Ashe County Arts Council, West Jefferson, 336-846-2787
Calendar at a Glance
• Arts and Crafts Fair, Beech Mountain, 828387-3003 16 - JUN Art in the Park, American Legion Hall Grounds, Blowing Rock,v877-750-4636 • National Fudge Day Celebration, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 • Community Yard Sale, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283 • Community Bon Fire, Buckeye Recreation Center, Beech Mountain, 828-387-3003 • Banner House Museum Opening Day, Banner Elk, 828-898-3634 • Avery County Farmers Market opens, beside CVS, Newland, 828-789-9246 • Mountain Home Music: Creative Country/Singers & Songwriters, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone, 828-964-3392 • Live Music: Keith Stroud, Banner Elk Café and Lodge, 828-898-4040 • Valle Crucis Cub 7-Miler, Valle Crucis School, 828-262-7557 16-17 - JUN Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival, Roan Mountain State Park, Tenn., 423-772-0190 • Summer Mountain Bike Race Series, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011 • “Ridgeline of Diversity” Hike, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, 828-828-2013 16-25 - JUN Ensemble Stage: Moon Over the Brewer, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-414-1844 17 - JUN Pops Ferguson Concert, Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851 • Art History Made Easy & Wine Tasting, Buckeye Recreation Center, Beech Mountain, 828-387-3003 20 - JUN Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 21 - JUN Canoe and Kayak Expedition, Buckeye Lake, Beech Mountain, 828-387-3003 • Concerts in the Park: ToneBlazers, TateEvans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 • Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 828-264-9061 22 - JUN Concerts on the Lawn: New River Boys & Roan Mountain Hilltoppers, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Major Sevens, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: The Klee and Mike Show, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Lee Griffen Trio, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 22-23 - JUN Mixed Media and Collage Classes, Turchin Center, ASU, 828-262-3017
22-24 - JUN Dora the Explorer and Diego at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 23 - JUN Appalachian Rollergirls vs. Chattanooga, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, www.appalachianrollergirls. com • Greater Avery Tour de Art, 14 area galleries and studios, 828-963-5247 • Todd Summer Music Series: King Bees, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org • Mountain Home Music: Old Time Banjo, Fiddle and Mandolin, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 • Live Music: Jonathan Maness, Banner Elk Café and Lodge, 828-898-4040 • “Variety: The Spice of Life” by Joan Sporn, Alta Vista Gallery, Valle Crucis, 828-963-5247 • 14th Annual Blood, Sweat and Gears, Valle Crucis Elementary School, sconelson@aol.com • Reception for “Mountains, Legends, and Lore,” Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 24 - JUN 88th Annual Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 27 - JUN Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 27 - JUN Seussical, a musical, thru 1 - JUL Lees-McRae, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709 28 - JUN BRAHM Cork & Canvas, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099 • Concerts in the Park: Billy Scott and the Party Prophets, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 • Cool Summer Nights, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 828-264-9061 • “Meadows, and Mountains and Cows, Oh My” by Sheila Hancock, Alta Vista Gallery, Valle Crucis, 828-963-5247 28 - JUN Alumni at Edgewood, thru 3 - JUL Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 29 - JUN Concerts on the Lawn: 20th Anniversary Celebration with Becca Eggers-Gryder and Amantha Mill, Diane Hackworth & Steve and Ruth Smith, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: The Worthless Sonin-Laws, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: The Harris Brothers, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Reception for “The Grand Scape Series,” Art Cellar, Banner Elk, 828-898-5175 June 2012
Blowing Rock Horse Show June 7-10 & July 24-29 & July 31t -August 5
Singing On The Mountain June 24 – Grandfather Mountain
Blood, Sweat and Gears June 23 – Valle Crucis Elementary School
Appalachian Rollergirls June 23 & August 4-5 – ASU Convocation Center
Mountaineer Ruritan Fish Fry High Country Magazine
17
Calendar at a Glance
Banner Elk 4th of July Parade July 4 – Downtown Banner Elk
Jone’s House 4th of July Festivities July 4 – Downtown Boone
Opening Parade for Highland Games July 12-15 – Grandfather Mountain
Chetola Symphony by the Lake July 27 – Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock
Banner Elk Fine Arts Festival 18
High Country Magazine
29 - JUN 29-30 - JUN 30- JUN
• Riverwalk Concert Series: Rod Horning Project, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org Watauga Humane Society Rummage Sale, National Guard Armory, Boone, 828-264-9116 An Evening with Bill Cosby, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • 4th of July Festival and Parade, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 • 3rd Annual Watauga Lake Cleanup, Watauga Lake, Tenn., 423-768-0363 30- JUN • Mountain Home Music: Gentle Rings, Dulcimer Strings, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 • 48th Annual Roasting of the Hog Celebration, Beech Mountain, 800-468-5506
JULY 2012 1 - JUL
Park Dance, Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 •The Rosen-Schaffel Young Artist Competition, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 828-262-4046 4 - JUL July 4th Parade, downtown Boone, 828-264-4532 • 4th of July Parade, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 • Fireworks Extravaganza, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 • Liberty Parade, Todd, 336-877-5016 • Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 • Mountain Home Music: Bluegrass & Brass, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 4 - JUL Islands to Highlands, Avery thru 1 - AUG Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 5 - JUL Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts in the Park: Buck Haggard, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 5-10 - JUL Bob Meier, Doe Ridge Pottery, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 6 - JUL Summer Exhibition Celebration, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • First Friday Art Crawl, downtown Boone, 828-262-4532 •Concerts on the Lawn: Keith Ward, The Worthless Son-in-Laws & Possum Jenkins, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Creekside Grass, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: Rama Jay, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 June 2012
• Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Silvio Marinat, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 6-8 - JUL Gathering of the Peacemakers & Yoga Retreat, High Country Motorcycle Camp, 828-295-4610 7 - JUL Creedence Clearwater Revisited outdoor concert, Kidd Brewer Stadium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Todd Summer Music Series: Dave Haney & Lisa Baldwin, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org 7-15 - JUL Ensemble Stage: The Complete History of America… (Abridged), Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-414-1844 8 - JUL Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concert, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-295-9300 • Faculty Showcase, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Mountain Home Music: Celtic Fiddle & Dance, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392 • Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Rebecca Eggers-Gryder with Amantha Mill, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 9 - JUL British Soccer Camp, Brookshire Park, Boone, 877-263-7909 10 - JUL Beech Mountain Art Guild Show, BMC Recreational Building, 828-387-4208 11 - JUL Lunch and Learn with artist Phoebe Brush, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 12 - JUL BRAHM Cork & Canvas, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099 • Concerts in the Park: Dashboard Blue, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 12-15 - JUL 57th Annual Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, 828-773-2013 12-17 - JUL Ann H. Welch, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 13 - JUL Carolina Ballet, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts on the Lawn: Fox Kinsman, The Forget-Me-Nots & Todd Wright and Friends, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: The Wild Rumpus, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239
Calendar at a Glance
• Music on the Lawn: Smokey Breeze, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Reception for “Islands to Highlands,” Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 13 - JUL • Riverwalk Concert Series: Johnson Brothers, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www. newlandbusiness.org • Mountaineer Ruritan Fish Fry, Sugar Grove, 828-773-5622 13-14 - JUL 15th Annual Sugar Grove Music Festival, Cove Creek School, 828297-2200 13-15 - JUL Meet Bob the Builder, Teetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 13-20 - JUL Ensemble Stage: See How They Run, a comedy, Lees-McRae, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709 14 - JUL TCVA Family Day, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Solas, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Art in the Park, American Legion Hall Grounds, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 15 - JUL Eastern Festival Orchestra with Alexander Toradze, Piano, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: The Cockman Family, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 18 - JUL Lunch & Learn: The Artists of Poland, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 19 - JUL Department of Theatre & Dance Presents: Shipwrecked, Valborg Theater, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts in the Park: Jeff Luckadoo & Southern Wave, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 19-24 - JUL Kincheloe, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 20 - JUL Linda Eder: Songbirds: Tribute to the Ladies, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts on the Lawn: The Lazybirds & Melissa Reaves, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Kent Doobrow & Midnight Sun, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: Lucky Strikes, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Night Eagle Band, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 20-22 - JUL 21st Annual Fine Art and Mastercrafts Festival, Downtown Banner Elk, 828-898-5605
Gallery & framemakers
May 24 - June 23 Opening Reception Saturday May 26th 4-6pm
Visit www.artcellaronline.com for Anniversary Exhibition Schedule
828-898-5175
Gabriel Ofiesh Trunk Show Ronan Peterson – Woodland Humor
July 26 - 29
Robert Eoff – What a View
20th Anniversary Gallery Bash
Join us on the 20th of each month, hardinjewelry@gmail.com June to October 5-6pm
920 SHAWNEEHAW AVENUE (HWY. 184) | 828-898-4652 920 Shawneehaw Avenue, Hwy. 184 • Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604 artcellaronline.com • 828-898-5175 //H iMon.5agazine June 2012 g h C oSat. u n t10 r y- M
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Summer Mountain Bike Race Series RiverWalk Arts Festival
Highland Games Celtic Jam
June 16-17 – Beech Mountain Resort
June 13 – Grandfather Mountain
August 20 – Downtown Newland
Calendar at a Glance
21 - JUL
The Travelin’ McCourys with Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Todd Summer Music Series: Eric Ellis & Eold Blue, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org 22 - JUL Eastern Festival Orchestra: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice & Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • “Farm to Table” Cooking Class, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5533 • Mountain Home Music: Community Gathering; Bluegrass & Barn Building, Grace Lutheran Church, Boone, 828-964-3392 22 - JUL •Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Watauga Community Band, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 21-29 - JUL K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 24-29 - JUL Charity Horse Show: Hunter Jumper I, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-2700 25 - JUL Lunch & Learn with Preston Lane, playwright, Turchin Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Chicago and The Doobie Brothers, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 26 - JUL Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 800-841-2787 •Concerts in the Park: Mad Dog Johnson with Don Vallarta, TateEvans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 26-28 - JUL High Country Crank-Up, across from New Laurel Spring Church, Deep Gap, 828-264-4977 26-31 - JUL Mary Ann Baggstrom, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 27 - JUL St. Mary Tour of Homes, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7323 • Symphony by the Lake, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851 • Concerts on the Lawn: The Dollar Brothers & Carolina Crossing, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: High Standards, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Music on the Lawn: Drive South, Best Cellar, Blowing Rock, 828-295-3466 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Habitat Date, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 28 - JUL Department of Theatre and Dance Presents: Fellow Traveler, Valborg Theater, ASU, 800-841-2787 • Greater Avery Tour de Art, 14 area galleries and studios, 828-963-5247 • 26th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk, Farthing Auditorum, ASU, 800-841-2787 20
High Country Magazine
June 2012
• Family Classic Movie Night: Swiss Family Robinson, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 800-841-2787 • “Murder at the Double D Ranch,” Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 28 - JUL Ensemble Stage: Fit to Kill, thru 5 - AUG Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-414-1844 29 - JUL Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys with Joe Shannon, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 31 - JUL Charity Horse Show: Hunter Jumper II, Blowing Rock thru 5 - AUG Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-2700
AUGUST 2012 1 - AUG Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 1-5 - AUG Showboat, a musical, Lees-McRae, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709 2 - AUG Concerts in the Park: Mountain Soul, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 2-7 - AUG Laura Farthing Brown and Norma Farthing Murphy, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 2-31 - AUG Musings on Duality, Avery Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 3 - AUG First Friday Art Crawl, downtown Boone, 828-262-4532 • Concerts on the Lawn: Steve Kruger and Doug Sharkey, Crooked Road Ramblers & Sheets Family, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Dashboard Hula Boys, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Tams, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 3-5 - AUG BRAHM Art & Antiques Weekend Event, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099 4 - AUG High Country Festival of the Book, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-264-8784 • Todd Summer Music Series: Amantha Mill, Cook Memorial Park, toddnc.org • Crafts on the Green, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 • Mountain Home Music: Bluegrass: The Early Years, Vol. II, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-964-3392 • Reception for “Musings on Duality,” Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville, 828-733-0054 4-5 - AUG High Country Farm Tour, local farms, info@brwia.org • Appalachian Rollergirls vs. Carolina Bootleggers, Holmes Convocation Center, ASU, www.appalachianrollergirls.com 5 - AUG Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Strictly Clean and Decent, Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain, 828-387-4838 8 - AUG Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952
Calendar at a Glance 9 - AUG
Concerts in the Park: Wolf Creek, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 9-11 - AUG Gnarnia Music Festival, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011 9-14 - AUG Lisa Pepper, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 10 - AUG Concerts on the Lawn: Charlotte Ross, Sound Traveler, Orville Hicks & Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: The Neighbors, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Evergreen, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org • Mountaineer Ruritan Fish Fry, Sugar Grove, 828-773-5622 10-11 - AUG Ola Belle Reed Music Festival, Lansing Creeper Trail Park, Lansing, 336-977-1320 11 - AUG Art in the Park, American Legion Hall Grounds, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 • Mountain Home Music: Celtic Winds, Blowing Rock School Auditorium, 828-964-3392 12 - AUG Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concert, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-964-3392 12-17 - AUG “Groovy Nights” Variety Show, Blowing Rock Country Club, 828-295-9347 15 - AUG Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 16 - AUG Concerts in the Park: Dallas Reese, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 16-21 - AUG Skyland Painters, Edgewood Cottage, Blowing Rock, 877-750-4636 17 - AUG Concerts on the Lawn: Boone Mennonite Brethren Choir & Soul Benefactor, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: 8 Miles Apart, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: Part Time Blues Band, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 18 - AUG 4th Annual Banner Elk Paint-Out, Banner Elk Greenway, 828-733-0054 • Mountain Home Music: The Colors of Country, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-964-3392
in the summer
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive • Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
828-898-4521
June 2012
High Country Magazine
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Lees-McRae College Summer Theater Now in it’s 27th year, the Lees-McRae College Summer Theater will feature three performances this summer from late June to early August. All performances take place in the recently remodeled and renovated Hayes Auditorium on the campus of Lees-McRae. Tickets start at $30 for adults ($25 for “See How They Run”) and $20 for students/children. For more information, call 828-898-8709. June 27 to July 1 “Seussical” by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. (Children/Comedy) July 13 to 20 “See How They Run” by Philip King (Comedy) Aug. 1 to 5 “Show Boat” by Oscar Hammerstein, II. (Drama)
Horn in the West The outdoor drama tells the tale of American’s forefathers though battles, explosions, fire, history, romance and more. Performances run Tuesdays through Sundays and take place at the Horn in the West Amphitheater in Boone. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children. For more information call 828-264-2120. June 15 to Aug. 11 “Horn in the West” by Dr. Kermit Hunter. CLOSED ON MONDAYS (Action/History/Romance)
Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock is back for the 2012 installment of their Main Stage Summer Season. All performances take place at the Blowing Rock School auditorium. This season, Ensemble Stage will have four entertaining performances June through September. General admission tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students/military and $10 for kids under 16 years old. For more information, call 828-414-1844. “Moon Over the Brewery” by Bruce Graham. (Comedy/Romance) July 7 to 15 “The Complete History of America … Abridged” by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. (Comdey) July 28 to Aug. 5 “Fit to Kill” by Victor L. Cahn. (Suspense/Thriller) Aug. 25 to Sept. 3 “All the King’s Women” by Luigi Jannuzzi. (Based on the life of Elvis Presley)
Blue Ridge Community Theater The Blue Ridge Community Theater will have a summer performance this year at the William C. Ross auditorium at Watauga High School. The time of the performance has not been decided yet but it will take place in the evening. More information on this performance will be available at a later date. Aug. 17 to 18 Review of “The Music Man.”
Horn in the West June 15 - August 11
June 16 to 25
Horn in the West June 15 - August 11
Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock
Lees-McRae College Summer Theater
June 16 - September 3
June 27 - August 5
22
High Country Magazine
June 2012
Calendar at a Glance
Mary Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With Dolce & Gabbana and Prada and LaFont and Traction and Francis Klein and... pretty glasses all in a row.
BUY ONE PAIR OF GLASSES AT REGULAR PRICE, GET OR GIFT A FREE PAIR* EXPIRES 7/15/12 NO OTHER SPECIALS ACCEPTED WITH THIS OFFER.*FRAMES FROM A LIMITED SELECTION. INSURANCE PLANS DO NOT APPLY. *EXCLUDES OAKLEY BRAND.
BLUE RIDGE OPTOMETRY
VISION
18-19 - AUG Riders in the Sky, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 20 - AUG Riverwalk Arts Festival, Downtown Newland, 828-898-4292 20-22 - AUG 21st Annual Fine Art and Mastercrafts Festival, Downtown Banner Elk, 828-898-5605 22 - AUG Concerts in the Courtyard: Whip Daddys, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 23 - AUG Concerts in the Park: Deep River, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 24 - AUG Concerts on the Lawn: Buck Haggard Band & Strictly Clean and Decent, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Folk and Dagger, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 24 - AUG Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 • Riverwalk Concert Series: The Legendary JC’s, grandstand behind Lowe’s, Newland, www.newlandbusiness.org 24-25 - AUG Music on the Mountaintop, Grandfather Mountain Campground, 919-818-2614 25 - AUG Greater Avery Tour de Art, 14 area galleries and studios, 828963-5247 • “From Forests to Bowls,” Alta Vista Gallery, Valle Crucis, 828-963-5247 • High Country Half Marathon, Kidd Brewer Stadium, ASU, 828-262-7557 25 - AUG Ensemble Stage: All the King’s thru 3 - SEPT Women, Blowing Rock School auditorium, 828-414-1844 29 - AUG Concerts in the Courtyard: The Get Downs, Bayou Smokehouse, Banner Elk, 828-898-8952 30 - AUG Concerts in the Park: Whip Daddys, Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395 31 - AUG Concerts on the Lawn: Dashboard Hula Boys & Kirby, Welch and Stone, Jones House, Boone, 828-262-4576 • Music in the Valle: Zephyr Lightning Bolts, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239 • Friday Night Bluegrass, Todd General Store, Todd, 336-877-1067 31 - AUG Fall Boone Bike Rally, High thru 1 - SEPT Country Fairgrounds, 828-733-8060
IN THE BOONE MALL C A LL FOR A N APPOI NTMENT
828/264-2020
If you prefer, we will donate your gift pair. Every year we provide Hospitality House, Hebron and Watauga County schools with vouchers for free examinations and eyeglasses.
Tweetsie Railroad
June 2012
High Country Magazine
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c i s u M
Summer Concerts at ASU
Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House
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. For more information, visit www. watauga-arts.org or call 828-264-1789. June 1 Meade Richter, Swing Guitars and Major Sevens June 8 Wayne Henderson and Elkville String Band June 15 Doc Watson celebration with Kruger Brothers and Charles Welch June 22 New River Boys and Roan Mountain Hilltoppers June 29 20th Season Celebration with Becca Eggers-Gryder, Amantha Mill and Diane Hackworth July 6 Cowboy poet Keith Ward, Worthless Son-In-Laws and Possum Jenkins July 13 Bag piper Fox Kinsman and Forget-Me-Nots and Todd Wright and Friends July 20 Melissa Reaves and The Lazybirds July 27 Bluegrass showcase with Surefire and The Dollar Brothers and Carolina Crossing Aug. 3 Old-time showcase with Steve Kruger, Crooked Road Ramblers and The Sheets Family Band Aug. 10 TBD (likely Songwriters and Storytellers Night) Aug. 17 Boone Mennonite Brethren Choir and Soul Benefactor Aug. 24 Buck Haggard Band and Strictly Clean & Decent Aug. 31 Dashboard Hula Boys and Kilby, Welch & Stone Sept. 7 TBD (likely Watauga Youth showcase) Sept. 14 Rhonda Gouge and King Bees Duo Sept. 21 TBD From Left to Right: Jone’s House Concerts on the Lawn,
Banner Elk’s Summer Concerts in the Park, The Best Cellar’s Music on the Lawn
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There are going to be some great live music performances this summer at ASU. Times and locations will vary on performances. For more information and for tickets, call 1-800-841-2787. July 1 The Rosen-Schaffel Young Artist Competition (Rosen Concert Hall, 1 p.m.) July 5 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: A Schubertiade (Rosen Concert Hall, 8 p.m.) July 7 Outdoor Fireworks Concert: Creedence Clearwater Revisited with special guest Lee Brice (Kidd Brewer Stadium, 7:30 p.m.) July 8 Hayes School of Music Faculty Showcase Concert (Rosen Concert Hall, 8 p.m.) July 12 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Divine Inspiration or Intelligent Design? (Rosen Concert Hall, 8 p.m.) July 14 Solas (Farthing Auditorium, 8 p.m.) July 15 Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Farthing Auditorium, 8 p.m.) July 20 Linda Eder (Farthing Auditorium, 8 p.m.) July 21 The Travelin’ McCourys with Sierra Hull & Highway 111 (Farthing Auditorium, 8 p.m.) July 22 The EMF Young Artists Orchestra with the Greensboro Ballet (Farthing Auditorium, 4 p.m.) July 25 Chicago and The Doobie Brothers (Holmes Convocation Center, 7:30 p.m.) July 26 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: The Brahms Piano Quintet (Rosen Concert Hall, 8 p.m.)
Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle is celebrating its 10th annual season this summer at the Valle Crucis Community Park. Admission is free, though a $5 donation is recommended. All the concerts take place at 7 p.m. For more information about the celebration and the rest of the concert series, visit www.vallecrucispark.com or call Caroline Gandy at 828-963-9239. June 1 Brother Gravity June 8 The Mountain Laurels June 15 Sound Traveler June 22 The Major Sevens June 29 The Worthless Son in Laws July 6 Creekside Grass July 13 The Wild Rumpus July 20 Kent Doobrow & Midnight Sun July 27 High Standards Aug. 3 Dashboard Hula Boys Aug. 10 The Neighbors Aug. 17 8 Miles Apart Aug. 24 Folk and Dagger Aug. 31 Zephyr Lightning Bolts
Summer Concerts in the Park
Presented by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, the Summer Concerts in the Park series takes place every Thursday from June 21 to Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Tate-Evans Park. Food vendors will be on site, or you can bring your own picnic. Raffle tickets are sold. For more information, call 828-898-8395 or visit www.bannerelkchamber.com. June 21 ToneBlazers June 28 Billy Scott and the Party Prophets July 5 Buck Haggard July 12 Dashboard Blue July 19 Jeff Luckadoo & Southern Wave July 26 Mad Dog Johnson with Don Vallarta Aug. 2 Mountain Soul Aug. 9 Wolf Creek Aug. 16 Dallas Reese Aug. 23 Deep River Aug. 30 Whip Daddys
The Best Cellar’s Music on the Lawn
Located on Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock, The Best Cellar hosts Music on the Lawn in its big yard at the Inn at Ragged Gardens on Friday nights. All shows are free and begin at 5:30 p.m. Food is available. For more information, call The Best Cellar at 828-295-9703 or visit www. ragged-gardens.com. June 1 The Harris Brothers June 8 Soul Benefactor June 15 The Harris Brothers June 22 The Klee & Mike Show June 29 The Harris Brothers JULY 6 Rama Jay JULY 13 Smokey Breeze JULY 20 Lucky Strikes JULY 27 Drive South AUG. 3 The Harris Brothers AUG. 10 Smokey Breeze AUG. 17 The Harris Brothers AUG. 24 Supatight
Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concerts
The Blowing Rock Jazz Society presents monthly concerts on the second Sunday of the month throughout the summer and into early fall. The concerts are held at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. All performances begin at 7 p.m. For more information visit brjs.blogspot. com. June 10 Lovell Bradford Trio July 8 Larry Lapin with Michelle Amato Aug. 12 UNC Charlotte Jazz Faculty Quintet Sept. 9 Stephen Anderson Trio
Concerts in the Courtyard
Located on Main Street in Banner Elk, the Bayou Smokehouse hosts Concerts in the Courtyard on Wednesday evenings. Food is available. Concerts are free and start at 6 p.m. For more information, call 828-898-8952. June 6 The Get Downs June 13 Whip Daddys June 20 The Get Downs June 27 Whip Daddys July 4 The Get Downs July 11 Whip Daddys July 18 The Get Downs July 25 Whip Daddys Aug. 1 The Get Downs Aug. 8 Whip Daddys Aug. 15 The Get Downs
Aug. 22 Whip Daddys Aug. 29 The Get Downs Sept. 5 Whip Daddys Sept. 12 The Get Downs Sept. 19 Whip Daddys Sept. 26 The Get Downs
Friday Night Bluegrass
Located on Railroad Grade Road, the Todd General Store hosts live bluegrass performances every Friday evening. All performances begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 336-877-1067.
Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts
Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts take place at Fred’s General Mercantile in Beech Mountain during July and August. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 828-387-4838. July 8 Rebecca Eggers-Gryder with Amantha Mill July 15 The Cockman Family July 22 Watauga Community Band July 29 Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys with Joe Shannon Aug. 5 Strictly Clean and Decent
Todd Summer Music Series
The Todd Summer Music Series takes place at Cook Memorial Park on Saturdays beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.toddnc. org. June 23 King Bees July 7 Dave Haney & Lisa Baldwin July 21 Eric Ellis & Eold Blue Aug. 4 Amantha Mill
Mountain Home Music
Now in it’s 19th season, Mountain Home Music again returns to the High County. Most performances take place on Saturday or Sunday at the Blowing Rock School auditorium unless otherwise specified. Performances usually start at 8 p.m. For more information, call 828-964-3392. June 2 Rural Roots/Mountain Songs June 9 Red June June 16 Creative Country/Singers & Songwriters (7:30 p.m. at Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone) June 23 Old Time Banjo, Fiddle and Mandolin June 30 Gentle Rings, Dulcimer Strings July 4 Bluegrass & Brass (7:30 p.m.) July 8 Celtic Fiddle & Dance July 22 Community Gathering; Bluegrass & Barn Building (3:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone) Aug. 4 Bluegrass: The Early Years, Vol. II (at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock) Aug. 11 Celtic Winds Aug. 18 The Colors of Country
From Left to Right: Todd Summer Music Series,
Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts
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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 The gallery shows over 100 artists in oils, pastels, watercolors, and prints — as well as jewelry, fused glass, stained glass, and Mangum Pottery. Exhibits June 23 Joan Sporn, “Variety: The Spice of Life” July 28 Sheila Hancock, “Meadows, and Mountains and Cows, Oh My” Aug. 25 “From Forests to Bowls”
Avery Arts Council Gallery
Alta Vista Gallery
Avery Arts Council Gallery
77 Ruffin St., Linville 828-733-0054 The Avery Arts Council, founded in 1977, has helped provide art enrichment programs and held events for locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. Exhibits June 23 Reception for “Mountains, Legends, and Lore” Through July 1 “Mountains, Legends, and Lore” July 4 to Aug. 5 “Islands to Highlands” July 13 Reception for “Islands to Highlands” Aug. 2 to 31 “Musings on Duality” Aug. 4 Reception for “Musings on Duality”
The Art Cellar
ASU Turchin Center
The Art Cellar 26
920 Shawneehaw Avenue, Banner Elk 828-898-5175 The Art Cellar of Banner Elk is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and will have several exhibits for art-lovers throughout the summer. Exhibits Through June 23 Ronan Peterson, “Woodland Humor” Robert Eoff, “What a View” June 28 to July 28 Bryan Keith Smith, “The Grand Scape Series” Gregory Smith, “A Land Without Bees” June 29 Opening reception for The Grand Scape Series featuring large works in oils by Bryan Keith Smith. Gregory Smith will present his studied collection of critter cages, captured on canvas.
High Country Magazine
June 2012
August 2 to 25 Loren DiBenedetto, Exploring Realism Courtney Martin & John Geci, Artful Union Opening Reception August 4th 4-6pm
ASU Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 423 W. King St., Boone 828-262-3017 The Appalachian State University Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is the largest facility of its kind in western North Carolina. It features two wings of exhibition space and a wide array of collections throughout the year. Exhibits Begins June 2 “26th Rosen Sculpture Competition & Exhibition” Begins July 6 “21 Sztuka: Contemporary Art from Poland” Catherine Altice, “At the Seams” Through July 28 Bryant Holsenbeck, “STUFF: Where does it come from and where does it go?” “North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award Exhbition” Laura Buxton, “Ruined Landscapes: Paintings of the Balkan War Zone”
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 159 Chestnut St., Blowing Rock 828-295-9099 Incorporated in 2001, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has provided an ever growing collection of fine art to the Blowing Rock community and the High Country for over 10 years. Exhibits Through July 31 “Curious Collections: An Exhibit Celebrating the Passion of Collecting” “From Secession to Sesquicentennial: Commemorating the Civil War in Western North Carolina”
Carlton Gallery 10360 Highway 105 South, Banner Elk 828-963-4288 The Carlton Gallery is celebrating 30 years in the High Country this year. Toni Carlton, a native of the area, selects creations from traditional to contemporary and features the widest variety of fine art and upscale handmade crafts by over 300 artisans. The gallery features paintings, jewelry, blown glass, pottery and more. Exhibits Through June 17 Mike Grady, “Return to the Mountain” Through July 1 “Spring Group Exhibition” June 23 to July 22 Toni Carlton, “Whispers of Life’s Journey” July 7 to Sept. 15 “30th Anniversary Exhibition” July 28 to Aug. 19 Egi Antonaccio, “Realism of Light and Abstractions – Landscapes”
ARTS AND GALLERIES Events First Friday Art Crawl takes place every first Friday of the month in Downtown Boone. Several local businesses take place in the art crawl. Featuring new art exhibits, dining and lots of entertainment, First Friday Art Crawl is a great way to meet fellow art lovers. For more information, call 828-262-4532.
Art in the Park takes place once every month through October in Blowing Rock at the American Legion Hall grounds. The event features approximately 100 juried artisans selling jewelry, pottery, fiber works, glass, photography, paintings and more. For more information, call 877-750-4636.
The Greater Avery Tour de Art takes place every fourth Saturday, June through November, at 14 galleries and artist’s studios in Avery County. Organized by the Avery Coalition of Galleries, the event is a unique opportunity to experience a wide array of collections of art in the High Country. For more information, call 828-963-5247.
Carlton Gallery
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
First Friday Art Crawl Dowtown Boone
Art in the Park, Blowing Rock
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‘n More than Music, A Community Renaissance
the sun sets behind a looming George’s Gap Road in May, the Cove Creek community is upright and breathing. On the old school property, the cackle of kids running around the playground echoes through the valley; adults walk the track on the outskirts of the grassy field; and more voices resonate from a basketball game in the gymnasium. Adjacent to Cove Creek, the stream that separates the old school from residential property, a farmer tends to his crops as a dozen chickens meander nearby a chicken coup. This lively scene, while a regular occurrence, exists today because of some hardy members in the community and the MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove.
By Jesse Wood
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Doc Watson and friends perform at the late night jam during the 2001 MusicFest. Photo by Karen James
15 Years of Music ‘n Sugar Grove In its 15th year, MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove began as Doc Watson Appreciation Day, for the legendary musician has helped so many families experiencing death, fires and other tragedies through benefit concerts. “For years, Doc has been helping people in the county, so folks wanted to do an appreciation for him here,” said Tommy Walsh, co-chair of the festival. “We went out here that day and decided it was a good crowd, and everyone came out to wish Doc well, and it started from there.” Since that day, the event has transformed into an annual music festival, attracting thousands of fans and a starstudded lineup each July. The festival’s two outdoor stages, one
of which is solar powered, are on the grassy field in front of the old school, and instrument workshops, intimate concerts and the community Pickin’ Parlor take place inside the school. Unlike MerleFest in Wilkesboro, where fans zigzag across a huge college campus and ride shuttle buses from miles away, all of the festivities at MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove happen within a 50-yard radius. And the musicians that perform each summer in Sugar Grove are as highly regarded as any of the performers throughout the world that play “traditional-plus” music, as Doc calls it. Past performers include Kruger Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Old Crow Medicine, Steep Canyon Rangers and, of course, Doc Watson.
Doc Watson, still picking as fine as ever, performs at last year’s festival. Photo by Jesse Wood June 2012
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This Year’s Festival Emphasizes Doc This year’s festival places special emphasis on Doc, who recently turned 89 years old. Born and raised in Deep Gap, about a 30-minute drive from Sugar Grove, Doc has performed at the festival nearly every year, and it’s his reputation and the chance to see and perform alongside the icon that draws such top-notch acts to the festival, as well as the huge crowd. “He’s brought people here from all over the United States and several foreign countries – been people here from Switzerland, England, France and Russia,” said Walsh. “He’s the name drawer and headliner. With his reputation, it’s made [the festival] possible and successful from the beginning, and it continues to grow.” At a press conference in the old Cove Creek High School before last year’s festival, Doc was asked, “What are you looking forward to most about playing [MusicFest] this year?” Doc replied, “I am looking forward to entertaining some people and helping them enjoy themselves. Just to be with a good audience and some good musicians, that will be good. To me entertainment is a pleasure, but my main motive is – and it’s going to get a little deep right here – when I started out in the folk revival, my main motive was to earn a living for a sweet little woman and two children.”
As Charles Welch (above right) looks on, Doc Watson talks to a fan in front of the Doc and Merle Watson Folk Art Museum, which is inside a classroom in the old Cove Creek School. Inside the museum, photos and newspaper clippings of Doc and Merle Watson and other musicians associated with the two legends adorn the walls. The museum also features writings by musicians whose careers have been impacted by Doc and Merle Watson. During MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, the museum is open. Photos by Karen James (2001). 30
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The Cove Creek community comes alive when kids play on the grassy field in front of the old school. Photo by Maria Richardson
A Source of Pride, The Center of the Community Though the festival started as a Doc Watson Appreciation Day, the purpose of the festival is to raise monies for the renovation of the old Cove Creek High School. Since the beginning, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, which has then been reinvested by the Cove Creek Development and Preservation (CCD&P) nonprofit into maintaining the beauty of the historic Cove Creek community and preserving the local heritage for future generations. Built with local materials, the old school was constructed during the Great Depression as part of a WPA project, which instilled pride in the community because it brought jobs to the area and was built by workers in the community. For decades, the old high school was the hub of the community. In the ‘60s, county schools consolidated into Watauga High School, and an elementary school was housed in Cove Creek until 1995. Amy Shelton, chair of the CCP&D, went to elementary school there
and both her parents went to the high school. “That was a big old building to little kids,” Shelton said, adding that the community was very rural, very family centered with lots of farm communities when her parents went to the high school. And today, just like it was years ago, “[The school] is the center of our community in a beautiful setting,” Shelton said. In 1995, when Cove Creek Elementary School closed and moved across town, graduates of the old high school banded together to save the old rock structure from demolition and formed the CCP&D. “The county talked about tearing it down. I remember a meeting at the county commission. Back then the statement was made, ‘It’s just like throwing money down a hole,” Tommy Walsh, CCP&D coordinator, said. “That just really stirred the folks that were on the board at the time.” In 1998, a structural evaluation determined that the 28,000-square-foot building was sound but internally in bad shape – the roof leaked, the school had been vandalized and the building didn’t have
“Sometimes at night Betty (Boyd) and I will work late, and we’ll come
out and the moon will be full, and it will be warm enough to stand out there, and you turn around and see that building with the moonlight behind it, and hear the quietness of the community, and say, ‘This is why we’ve done all we’ve done. This is why.’ It’s just a grand, beautiful place.” – Amy Shelton, Chair of the CCP&D June 2012
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George Wilson (left), emcee of the festival, and Tommy Walsh, co-chair of the festival, gallivant the grounds of the MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove on a golf cart. Wilson has emceed the festival since its inception. Photo by Ken Ketchie
heat, so extreme temperatures caused the internal structure to expand and contract. The county paid for the new roof and grooms the property to this day, but monies earned through the festival and grants and volunteer efforts from community members and students at ASU led to the near-complete restoration of the facility. Shelton, who has been apart of the community-led effort since the beginning, recalled the board’s initial thoughts after the building became vacant, “When Mable built their new school and left their old school, nothing was done with it. When Cove Creek built its new school and the school left the rock building, we didn’t want our school to disintegrate and be empty with broken windows … We didn’t want that to happen to Cove Creek.” She added, “So some community members came together and said let’s do something, and so we did. It’s been a beautiful project. I love to go outside when the children are playing and people are walking, when it’s groomed and welcoming. I feel pride because I know that the project we’ve done is a part of the reason people come.” 32
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Creating a Sustaining Community A major part of this project has been the collaboration of CCP&D with Sustainable Development Outreach Program (SDOP) at ASU in creating a sustaining community in Sugar Grove. Walsh, who is also the assistant director for the SDOP, said he was sent by ASU to Cove Creek 15 years ago “to help make that a role model
sustainable community.” Walsh didn’t grow up in Cove Creek; he was raised up the road in Mountain City, Tenn., but had cousins that lived in Cove Creek. As a kid, he visited them and befriended many of the local kids at the time, so that was his first association with the area. Now, he sees the festival as a sort of community reunion, where he and other members of the community have a chance to see old friends and family. Since Walsh began working at the old school, the SDOP has been instrumental in revitalizing the area while promoting sustainability and economic development, as well
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The Solar Stage is powered by ASU’s Appropriate Technology program’s DAISEE Trailer, which has solar panels and a small windmill. In the past, the stage has been powered for both days for only two cents – even during thunderstorms, which didn’t interfere with the Solar Stage. Photo by Ken Ketchie
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as creating a bond between ASU students and Cove Creek community members. The building has been retrofitted with the first geothermal heating and cooling system in Watauga County, which cost $900,000, and more than a hundred insulated thermopane windows have been installed so far. (This project requires constant upkeep, and as Walsh said, “It’s an old building. Every time you pull up a board, you open a can of worms.”) As for economic development, the renovated facility has rent-paying tenants and has created dozens of jobs through the Sugar Grove Development Day School, Jung Tao School of Chinese Medicine and two woodworkers, Paul Fuelling and Chris Capozzoli, who are renovating the old lunchroom of the school to use as a woodshop. “It’s been able to sustain itself. We got health care, jobs and good clean living,” said Walsh. “I don’t know of one anywhere that is a better model.” One of the members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops signs autographs for fans after a concert. This aspect adds a bit of intimacy for the festival as fans and artists congregate. Photo by Ken Ketchie Boone’s own Arthur Grimes clogs on the mains stage with the Carolina Chocolate Drops during a past festival. Photo by Ken Ketchie
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Before a performance, The Elkville String Band warms up in the parking lot. This is a neat part of the festival, as fans
Music for the Community by the Community
can walk up to artists and chat or listen to them practice.
Two years ago, Williard Watson III began working with MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove as an intern through the SDOP at ASU. Originally from Fayetteville, Watson didn’t realize he had family in the mountains or that he was Doc’s third cousin until he moved to Boone for college. “I found a project that I could really get a sense of identity from, so I latched onto it [and] just fell in love with the project,” the younger Watson said. Now, Watson III is the co-chair of the festival and working on this year’s lineup while finding sponsors and vendors for the festival. For this year’s MusicFest, Watson III said he was excited to add local musicians from the High Country and ASU into the lineup. Though several world-famous groups will play next month in Sugar Grove, many local talented groups such as Carolina Crossing, Amantha Mill, The New River Boys, Forget Me Nots, Steve and Ruth Smith, Mountain Laurels, The Major 7’s, Brian Swanson and Upright & Breathin’ are all performing, too. “I am excited to see more down-home bands you can only see here, and a lot more student bands,” Watson III said. “[We are] trying to incorporate the university into this community festival, so that way people can see we are all trying to work together to preserve the wonderful heritage we have up here.” ◆
Photo by Jesse Wood
NEW LOCATION! 2228 Old Hwy. 421 S. • BOOne, nC www.gbenergy.com June 2012
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Nuts and Bolts of 15th Anniversary of MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove Expect a family-fun weekend of music in the Historic Cove Creek District on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14. A community-centered festival in a beautiful setting, its concert performances are intimate. During the course of the weekend, musicians wander the festival grounds, hang out backstage and sign autographs for fans after performances. Advance tickets, which are to be purchased before July 12, cost as follows: two-day reserved tickets $55; Friday $15; and
Saturday $20. At the gate tickets cost $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. On Friday, July 13, gates open at 10:00 a.m.; opening ceremony starts at noon; and bands perform from 1:00 to 11:00 p.m. On Saturday, July 14, gates open at 8:00 a.m. and bands perform from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. The Pickin’ Parlor takes place both days from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Musician workshops are to be announced. For more information or to order advance tickets, click to www.musicfestnsugargrove.org/ or call 828-297-2200.
Hungry? The food vendors at MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove have you covered with a plethora of treats. Photos by Ken Ketchie
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opening night is june 16th
Valle Crucis Teen Shines in
Ensemble Stage’s Opener STORY By Allison West • Photography by Lonnie Webster
W
hile most budding teenagers are immersed in daydreams of candy-flavored lip gloss, summers by the pool and which One Direction cutie’s name looks better with “Mrs.” scribbled in front of it, one local 8th grader has other visions dancing through her head. Namely thousands of words that flesh out the script in Moon Over the Brewery, Ensemble Stage’s season opener in which 13-year-old Valle Crucis Elementary student Olivia Waters appears in all but 10 percent of the show. That’s a tall order for any lead, much less for one who spends most school days memorizing Algebraic equations and notable moments in American history rather than page after page of dialogue. Fortunately for Olivia, her impressive work ethic and considerable retention skills made the path to line memorization relatively smooth. Still, she admits that her biggest challenge “is probably just getting to the point where it’s natural, finding the feel of the piece without having to think about what I’m saying. But it’s like anything [one commits to]: after working on something so many times, you can really almost just kind of talk. It’s not just line, line, line, anymore. I’m speaking, but I’m Amanda.” In Bruce Graham’s tender comedy Moon Over the Brewery – which is produced by the Blowing Rockbased professional theatre company Ensemble Stage and runs June 1625 at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium – Olivia plays Amanda, the precocious and fiercely bright 13-year-old daughter of Miriam, a single mom and waitress who obsessively spends
her spare time painting and quilting. As the play opens, Amanda is chatting with Randolph, the fancifully dressed imaginary friend Amanda summoned to help thwart a budding relationship between her lonely mom and Warren, a mailman with a heart as big as his oversized belly. Yet Warren’s oafish, pleasant demeanor belies a wily and wise awareness that challenges Amanda’s genius-level 160 IQ, his battle-tested life full of lessons that Amanda’s books can’t teach. Thus the stage is set for a confrontation between dreams and a less-than-ideal reality. Speaking of reality, according to Gary Smith, Ensemble Stage’s Artistic Director and the director of the play, no suspension of disbelief is required on the part of the audience to accept Olivia in the role of a future Mensa member. In other words, it’s not like we’re trying to watch Denise Richards play a nuclear physicist (see: the James Bond flick The World Is Not Enough). On the contrary, Olivia is more of an Ellen Page type, an old soul who speaks with the eloquence of a university doctoral student and has a penchant for Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan and Billy Joel. “Olivia was essentially the frontrunner from the beginning,” says Smith, who spent four weeks auditioning the part before he officially cast Olivia in the role. “She’s just so natural and has a look about her, a natural intelligence about her. We had a few actresses who were really good, but Olivia fit all the profiles. She has the
“Clearly Olivia represents the best of young teenagers: eager, generous and gregarious.”
presents
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“Olivia was essentially the frontrunner from the beginning. “She’s just so natural and has a look about her, a natural intelligence about her. We had a few actresses who were really good, but Olivia fit all the profiles. She has the whole package.” – Gary Smith, Ensemble Stage’s Artistic Director
whole package.” He’s not kidding. Olivia is so well-rounded, composed and preternaturally selfless that one 30-minute conversation with her can produce a mild-to-severe case of self-doubt from your average 40-year-old. A competitive soccer player on High Country Soccer Association’s U13 team and a former dancer, Olivia also plays the cello, is the consummate student, a budding fashion writer and serves as the vicepresident of Animals People and the Environment (APE), an organization of nine she runs with three of her friends. To date, the group, which raises approximately $500-$1,000 each summer by selling sweets and sodas at Valle Crucis Music in the Park, has distributed funds to such worthy charities as Pennies for Peace, OASIS, Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Watauga Humane Society. Clearly Olivia represents the best of young teenagers: eager, generous and gregarious, the latter a trait she most certainly doesn’t share with her aloof on40
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Scenes from
“Moon Over The Brewery” This wonderfully tender and witty comedy centers around Amanda, a precocious and fiercely bright 13-year-old who, along with her imaginary friend Randolph (whom only she and the audience can see), has successfully used for years her genius-level IQ to run off all of her single mother’s prospective suitors. That is, until the quick-witted duo meet their match in the unlikeliest of characters, her mom’s big-bellied new beau, Warren the Mailman. Engaging razor-sharp banter will keep audiences laughing right up to the play’s final heart-tugging “awwwww” moment.
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“When I first read the script, I could not put it down,” she recalls. “I just thought, ‘This is going to be so fun!’” stage alter ego. “Amanda’s so smart she’s almost unsocial,” explains Olivia. “Her imaginary friend is her only friend.” Fittingly, it was the school-assigned read Flowers for Algernon (a science fiction short story about a laboratory mouse who has undergone surgery to increase his intelligence by artificial means) from which drew inspiration and insight into her character’s brittle intelligence and fear-stunted imagination. And while Olivia is whip-smart herself, that’s where the similarities end, she notes. “Amanda is kind of mean. I can be blunt,” she laughs, “but I wouldn’t consider myself mean. It’s just a really fun part and an entertaining script.” In that respect, it’s Amanda’s endearingly quintessential teenage behaviors – eye rolls, sighs and backpedaling looks of youthful remorse – that instantly attracted Olivia to the script. “When I first read the script, I could not put it down,” she recalls. “I just thought, ‘This is going to be so fun!’” It’s no secret that actors and actresses relish the chance to bite into meaty parts that are the antithesis of their own offstage personalities. So while the tics of teenage exasperation and brushes with fleeting reality are quality catnip, it’s the costumes that are Olivia’s true siren call. Imagine a Project Runway contestant getting to play for weeks in the House of Versace. An aspiring fashion writer whose selfdescribed “quirky and individual” style trends toward mixing ’50s and ’60s pieces together, Olivia is anxious to be onstage with the multitude of crazy outfits in which the irrepressible Randolph will be clad, courtesy of costume designers Lisa Lamont and Alice Neff. Says Smith, “Randolph is always dressed as a character from whatever book Amanda happens to be reading at the time. For example, she’s reading The Great Gatsby when the play starts, later she’s reading Sho-Gun, so Randolph’s attire is befitting of those two novels. Of course those are only examples. … Amanda is a fast reader,” he deadpans. Olivia pointedly says she “would much rather look like a 6-year-old than a 21-yearold.” (That sound you just heard was the collective applause of every mother in the High Country.) In fact, she says her 42
High Country Magazine
“Treasure Island” Kid’s Saturday Theatre Series 2011
“Murderous Vineyard” Winefest 2011 Interactive Murder Mystery
“Pageant Play” 2011 June 2012
“Catfish Moon”
“God’s Man in Texas”
2011
2011
“coolest costume of all time was the blue-flowered dress with a white eyelet headband” she wore for her role in Bye Bye Birdie, which was incidentally Blowing Rock Stage Company’s last musical before the Hayes Center suspended operations in September 2009, Smith and Lamont lost their jobs after 10 years with the company, and then one month later proceeded to make something sweet out of the sourness left by the shuttering of Blowing Rock’s only professional theatre company, which would have celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010. Now, three years later, Smith and Lamont and their community-based labor of love, Ensemble Stage, prepare to kick off the
third season of professional theatre, which consists of a mainstage summer season (see sidebar) as well as a fall performance (which has seen such radio dramas as War of the Worlds and Dracula) and a winter show (i.e. popular installments of Christmas in Blowing Rock). This year could be a major turning point for the company, which for the first two-and-a-half years only passively pursued donors. Now, Ensemble is entering its first active fundraising campaign, as it grows in all facets of audience development, confidence and direction. “The thing we concentrate on is providing a high-quality production that will keep our existing audiences coming back
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High Country Magazine
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Ensemble Stage 2012 Summer Schedule Tickets: $17 adults, $15 seniors/children, $10 children 15 and younger 828-414-1844 | www.ensemblestage.com June 16-25
July 28 – Aug. 5
Amanda, the intellectually gifted child of a single mom, teams up with her imaginary friend Randolph to thwart her mother’s budding romance with a laid-back yet wily mailman.
In this psychological thriller, a charming but self-indulgent chess master marries a sexy, controlling exercise empress, both of whom play cat and mouse with a young reporter harboring her own agenda.
June 16, 19, 22 & 25 at 7:30pm June 17, 23 & 24 at 2pm
July 28, 30 & 31 and Aug. 3 & 4 at 7:30pm July 29 and Aug. 5 at 2pm
July 7-15
Aug. 25 – Sept. 3
Five hundred years are condensed into one zany 90-minute segment that delivers a wildly inaccurate crash course in American history. Contains dialogue that might be offensive to some patrons.
A fast-paced series of vignettes tell the story of Elvis Pressley as seen through the eyes of 17 women. From Tupelo to Graceland, this touching family comedy reveals snapshots of an American culture, people and place. Contains dialogue that might be offensive to some patrons.
Moon Over the Brewery
The Complete History of America (abridged)
July 7, 9, 10, 13 & 14 at 7:30pm July 2 & 15 at 2pm
Fit to Kill
All the King’s Women
Aug. 25, 28 & 31 and Sept. 1 & 3 at 7:30pm Aug. 26 & Sept. 2 at 2pm
and rely on them to tell their friends about us so they in turn prices at a minimum in order to make the shows as accessible as become patrons,” says Smith. “If last summer is any indication, possible to both individuals and as family entertainment. “Everyone should have an opporwe’ve done pretty well with that philostunity to escape, to explore, to laugh, ophy. From opening night of our June to cry,” says Smith about the power 2011 production to the closing perforand effects of live theatre. “These are mance of our September 2011 producmagical moments.” tion, our average single show attendance And what’s more magical than more than doubled. Plus, we’ve already a supremely clad imaginary friend more than tripled the number of season cooked up by the overactive imaginatickets sold for our upcoming summer tion of a mischievous sarcastic teenseason compared to last year.” ager like Amanda? Smith points out that Ensemble’s For Olivia, the magic can be donor campaign goal is an attainable found in what lies ahead. In the long $50,000, a modest figure compared to term, perhaps a future stint at Vogue many other non-profit organizations. is in order, but for now, her sights are The funds will be used to supports all set on what lies around the corner. “I elements of the upcoming summer seacan’t wait to get on stage as Amanson, as well as administrative costs. da for Moon Over the Brewery,” she One show, for example, can amount to gushes. “And after that, I have signed $8,000 to $10,000 in production costs up to take drama at [Watauga] High alone. In non-profit theatre, ticket pricSchool. I really, really want to get into es are not designed to pay for those prothat. And I want to do [Watauga High duction costs; to make each of EnsemSchool’s] Spring musical and go audible’s shows self-sustaining, each ticket tion for next year’s Ensemble Stage would have to cost at least $40 to $50. Olivia Waters season.” That runs contrary to Ensemble’s comIn “Moon Over The Brewery” Like Olivia’s proclivity for fashmunity-based philosophy, ion, her aspirations are equally pro-
which aims to keep ticket 44
High Country Magazine
June 2012
“Christmas in Blowing Rock” 2010
Upcoming Kid’s Summer Camp For ages 5 to 8
Spaces are open for Theatrical Nature Camp, wherein kids will create a show exploring an environment similar to the wild world of Grandfather Mountain.
June 18-22, 9:30am-3:30pm
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High Country Magazine
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Old Watauga and the Civil War Story by Michael Hardy
46
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June 2012
U
ndoubtedly, the rumors that the War might soon end were on the mind of Mary Councill as she began to go about her morning chores in the spring of 1865. Soldiers were beginning to appear in town, many not on official leave, bringing with them stories of the hardships endured by the men in gray in the trenches around Petersburg. Times were just as hard in Boone and the surrounding countryside. Even as Mary sought to care for her family, a new home guard company was organizing in Boone. There were rumors that Jim Hartley’s gang of deserters and Unionists was on the prowl once again. There was some type of commotion on the other end of town, and Mary headed for the door to see what was going on. As she stepped out onto her porch, a scattering of shots rang out, and the bullets slammed into the wooden frame around the door. Mary quickly retreated inside, shaken, but unharmed. After four years, the Civil War had come in earnest to Watauga County. Almost four years before, a different crowd had gathered on the streets of Boone. Local farmer Harvey Davis was in town the same day as George N. Folk, the former general assemblyman who had resigned his seat in order to come home and raise a company for the war. Harvey recalled in his diary that Folk gave a “some-what fiery speech,” at the end of whicha call was made for volunteers. Manymen stepped up, including Harvey. After several weeks of drills, with ample public banquets, the company was off to the war, becoming members of the First North Carolina Cavalry. Rumors abounded on the supposed Unionist sentiment of Watauga County. One newspaper article stated that 500 local men were ready to cross over the mountains into Tennessee and join the Federal army. Just the opposite was actually true. In September 1861, two more companies, two hundred more men, voluntarily enlisted in the Confederate army. These enlistees included one local Native American, Larkin Oxentine, and two free persons of color: Franklin Cousins and his brother, William Henry Cousins. In November, these two companies became members of the Thirty-seventh North Carolina Troops,
Lt. Thomas J. Coffey left Watauga County and enlisted in the Confederate army in Caldwell County. the regiment that lost more men during the war to combat and disease than any other Tar Heel regiment. By the end of 1861, some 300 men out of a population of 4,957 in Watauga County had freely enlisted to fight for the Confederacy. April 1862 brought the despised Conscription Act which required enlistment for white males between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five, unless they were government employees, militia officers, or plantation owners. In Watauga County, there were few government employees, mostly postal workers, and no plantation owners. Men were given until July to voluntarily enlist. Those not voluntarily enlisting could be rounded up and forced into the army. The conscription age range was later expanded from seventeen to fifty. Two more companies of these not-so-willing volunteers enlisted in July 1862. They became members of the Fifty-eighth North Carolina Troops, serving in Tennessee and Georgia. A third company of conscripts from Watauga was added in September 1862. The War was largely fought “some other place”
June 2012
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Lt. Joe Hartley served as a guide and as an officer in a Federal regiment. until late summer 1863. East Tennessee was abandoned by the Confederates in September, a move that empowered both dissidents and Unionists. The role of dissidents, those who chose to support neither the North nor the South, is the great untold story of the War. In 1863, a group of dissidents attacked the home of Paul Farthing in the Bethel community. Thomas Farthing was killed in the attack. Later, John Canada Guy was captured in present-day Todd, taken to Ashe County, and hanged for the crime. Guy’s father, Levi, was also captured and hanged. Governor Zebulon Baird
A portion of an 1863 map of Watauga County. 48
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June 2012
Vance, in response to the increased violence and to enforce conscription, created the home guard in July 1863. Harvey Bingham, a former Confederate officer who was wounded in battle and unable to withstand the rigors of active campaigning, was chosen to command. Bingham’s command was known as the 11th Battalion, North Carolina Home Guard, and eventually contained two companies. A camp which contained cabins was constructed on Cove Creek. Usually, one company was on duty, while the other was back on their farms, tending crops and livestock.
One of the many Confederate veteran parades held in Boone. Bingham and his command faced numerous challenges. The Conscription Act had produced hordes of deserters. Some of these men simply came home to check on their families, while others came to sit out the remainder of the war. Often, these deserters, sometimes both Confederate and Union soldiers, formed themselves into bands of armed men for mutual support. The only way these bands of men could survive was by stealing. Added to this mix was a steady stream of both dissidents from off the mountain and escaped Federal prisoners from Salisbury. Both groups were seeking the lines of Federal forces in East Tennessee. The latter groups used an underground railroad that ran from Blowing Rock, across Boone Fork and Seven Devils, and into Banner Elk. There is no account of this local route across the mountain being used by escaped slaves.
Keith and Malinda Blalock served in both the Confederate and Union armies. June 2012
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High C n ye M aJune 50o u nHti rgyh MCaoguanzti r g a z2012 ine
The North Carolina Highway Marker in Deep Gap. June 2012
Installed in 2012, this North Carolina Civil War Trail marker focuses on Camp Mast in Cove Creek.
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Possibly the most famous couple in Civil War western North Carolina served as guides on the route between Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. William “Keith” and Malinda Blalock were living in Coffey’s Gap on the CaldwellWatauga County border in 1860. The 1862 Conscription Law forced Keith into the service. Malinda, possibly without Keith’s knowledge, cut off her hair, donned men’s clothing, and joined under the name of Sam. The couple wound up in the Twenty-sixth North Carolina Troops stationed in Kinston. After about six weeks, Keith tired of military life. He ventured out into the swamp and rolled in every type of poison he could find. The ensuing rash netted him a discharge. Sam revealed her true identity and the couple were soon on their way back to the mountains. Keith healed quickly, and the conscription officers’ constant badgering forced the couple into a cave on Grandfather Mountain. From that point, Keith began to help guidemen on the underground railroad, and at the same time, battled local Confederates and just about everyone else who crossed his path. At times, other
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Harvey Bingham served as commander of the local home guard battalion. dissidents or Unionists joined with the Blalocks as they roamed Watauga and Caldwell Counties. They even reportedly hid out in a cave on Myria Knob at Price Park. After two years of being on the lam, Keith officially joined the Union army. He mustered in as a private in the 10th Michigan Cavalry in June 1864. Unofficially, he was an enrolling officer, and spent most of his time in western North Carolina, so much time, that at one point his commanding officers passed around the notion that he was a Union deserter. Blalock was not the only local man to join the Union army. A small but steady stream crossed over the Iron Mountains and headed for Strawberry Plains or Knoxville. A few would enlist in more traditional Federal regiments. Most chose to enlist in one of three “galvanized” regiments: the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry, the Second North Carolina Mounted Infantry, or the Third North Carolina Mounted Infantry. All three of these regiments were made up of men who remained loyal to the Union, or who initially had enlisted (or been conscripted) in the Confederate army, but deserted and later joined the Federal army. The Second and Third Regiments have become known as a “Notorious Band of Scoundrels and Thieves.” Col. George W. Kirk led the latter regiment, which sent bands of men into the mountains of western North Carolina to rob, plunder, and impress men into service. Of the 986 men (and one woman) who served in the military during the war years, thirty-six originally enlisted in the Federal army, and were later joined by sixty-eight former Confederates. Not all of these men who joined the Federal army did so willingly. Sixteenyear-old Hezekiah Thomas joined the Fifty-eighth North Carolina Troops in July 1862. At the battle of Missionary Ridge in November 1863, he was captured and imprisoned at Camp Douglas in Chicago. One day in May 1865, a recruiter for the Federal army came through camp, and Hezekiah, claiming later that he and other Confederate prisoners were being starved, joined what became the Sixth United States Vol52
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unteers. Hezekiah was sent out west to battle the Indians. As the life ebbed out of the Confederacy, conditions grew worse in Watauga County. In February 1865, a group of Unionists and dissidents captured Camp Mast in a brazen early morning raid. The raiders came from Banner Elk, surrounded the camp, and, harkening back to the story of Gideon in the Bible, built fires circling the sleeping home guardsmen. Awakening to what appeared to be an overwhelming number of the enemy, most of the camp voted to surrender. The camp buildings were destroyed, and those who had voted to stay and fight were sent to Camp Chase in Ohio. At least two, Paul and Ruben June 2012
Farthing, died as prisoners of war. The shots that terrified Mary Council on March 28, 1865, came not from Jim Hartley, nor Keith Blalock and his band. They came from the vanguard of a 6,000-man Federal cavalry force under the command of General George Stoneman. Boone’s reconstituted Home Guard, made up of disabled soldiers, young boys, and old men, was ill-equipped for the fight it had provoked. Quickly, the federal cavalrymen overwhelmed the locals, driving many into the surrounding woods. Others were wounded and captured. At least two were killed. The Federals cared for the wounded and sent their prisoners to Tennessee, while at the same
time destroying the papers in the courthouse and burning the jail. Almost as quickly as the Federals appeared, they were gone, a portion heading east into Wilkes County, the remainder heading south into Caldwell County. Mary and her neighbors probably breathed a sigh of relief. However, a worse nightmare soon rode into town. The rear elements of Stoneman’s command were composed partially of the Second and Third North Carolina Mounted Infantry. Under orders from Stoneman, they established five bases. In Boone, they cut holes in the walls of the courthouse to use as gun ports. In Blowing Rock, one of the summer homes of the Harper family was dismantled and reconstructed as a fort. Another fort, made of logs and dirt, was built in Deep Gap. For a month, the home Yankees ran rampant across the area. The home of state senator Jonathan Horton was reportedly robed eighteen times in fourteen days. Mrs. J. D. Councill was kept a prisoner in her own home in Boone. On April 27, the Federals rode away. Life would never be the same in old
Michael Hardy writes the North Carolina and the Civil War blog and was named the 2010-11 North Carolina Historian of the Year by the North Carolina Society of Historians. On April 21, 2012, the first North Carolina Civil War Trail Marker was dedicated at the old Cove Creek School in western Watauga County. Hardy played a major role in its installation, from recommending the location to writing the text on the marker itself. He has been writing about the Civil War for over a decade, authored 15 books, and is a six-time winner of the Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the North Carolina Society of Historians. He makes his home in the mountains of Western North Carolina with his wife and their two children. Watauga County. Too many had been killed; too many had fought against family and friends. Many simply chose to move on, relocating to Texas or Oregon. There would be some attempts at reconciliation. One of the first veteran reunions was held at the Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds in 1891. Not only were former Confederates from the surrounding counties invited, but also Union veterans as well. An estimated 18,000 people attended. Reunions were often held every year, and by 1900, the Nimrod Triplett Camp, United Confederates Veterans joined the national United Confederate Veterans organization. Watauga County’s last Confederate
June 2012
veteran Jesse Luther, died in 1946, and is buried in the Gap Creek Cemetery. There is not much left of old Watauga and the war. A few homes exist, along with a few treasured letters and photographs, and tombstones in cemeteries scattered across the mountains and valleys. All traces of the forts built by the federals have been swept away, along with the bitterness that marked the last half of the nineteenth century. Only a few historical markers, like the three cast iron ones denoting Stoneman’s Raid in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Deep Gap, along with the new Camp Mast North Carolina Civil War Trail marker in Cove Creek, with a few words on print pages, are all that re-
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It’s Back
Summer Dining
Kamila Gruszecka and Paul Whitehead at the Table at Crestwood Photo by Frederica Georgia 54
High Country Magazine
June 2012
summer dining LET’S EAT OUT. Our local restaurants are here to remind you to think about their restaurant when it’s time to dine out. Bon Appetit!
BAYOU SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL BANNER ELK. Banner Elk’s own Cajun connection serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo and po’ boys and authentic Texas cuisine such as smoked Beef Brisket BBQ and chicken-fried steak. Cocktails, wine and over 75 beers (10 on tap). Free wireless and NTN BuzzTime Trivia. Sundays feature Brunch and a “MakeYour-Own Bloody Mary Bar.” Dog friendly deck and free Corn Hole games on the lawn! Lawn Party on Wednesdays with live music. n 828.898.8952.www.
bayousmokehouse.com.
Blue Ridge Bistro BANNER ELK. Delicious scratch-made versions of all your favorite dishes prepared with local ingredients and served in a relaxed, friendly, and charming atmosphere. Burgers and Veggie Burgers, Hot Dogs, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches and More! Come try our customer favorites, Spinach and Feta Quiche, Meat Loaf Sandwich with Caramelized Onions, Shrimp-N-Grits with Andouille sausage, North Carolina Ruby Red Rainbow Trout coated in crushed macadamia nuts, Peanut-Butter Balls dipped in dark chocolate, homemade Doughnuts, and seasonal favorites like Chicken-N-Dumplings in the winter and Fried Green Tomatoes in the summer. Many Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options are available. Our food contains no genetically modified organisms, artificial hormones, preservatives, chemical pesticides or herbicides. Come try our classic Bacon Cheeseburger with shoestring French fries and taste and feel the
Half Price On Our House Daily lunch Bottled Wines Every Tuesday! specials
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ining 5 Star D he Prices without t al in a Casu e! r Atmosphe ining All Day D
Kids 10 and under eat free with purchase of adult entree. Lunch or Dinner. Tues-Thurs
amazing difference! n 828-898-3325
CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. Café Portofino offers a casual atmosphere and truly 5-star din-
Sun, Tue - Thurs: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm • Fri - Sat: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm 970 Rivers Street • 828-264-7772 • w w w. c a f e p o r t o fi n o . n e t
Follow us on
June 2012
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summer dining ing. The self-described “Garlic House” menu is a creative mix of Thai, Eurasian and Italian influences. For afterhours entertainment, check out the adjoining taproom with billiards, darts, and fifty bottle and draft beers from around the world. n 828-264-7772.
www.cafeportofino.net
Canyons Blowing Rock. This historic restaurant and bar is known for its spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its scrumptious southwestern and ordinary American eats. All dishes are freshly prepared in house with the finest ingredients available. We regularly offer a variety of seasonally fresh items, so ask about our nightly specials in addition to our menu selections n 828-295-7661. www.Can-
yonsBR.com
CASA RUSTICA
Truly one of the most romantic settings in The High Country.
BOONE. Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. All ABC permits. n 828-2625128. www.casarustica1981.com
Cha Da Thai
Prime Rib Special on Mondays • Fish & Chips on Tuesdays • Thursday Night Music Series
&
Table at Crestwood
www.ChaDaThai-NC.com
Char modern american restaurant
Dog Star Bar & Grill OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK
www.crestwoodnc.com | 3236 Shull’s Mill Road | 828.963.6646 56
High Country Magazine
Boone. Cha Da Thai is the only authentic Thai cuisine in the area. Cha Da Thai offers an extensive menu and daily specials. A few favorites inclue Pad Thai served with Tamarind base red sauce and Pad Gra Pow with special Thai basil leaves. From sweet to sour and from salty to spicy, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste. Located on Howards Street. n 828-268-0434.
June 2012
BOONE. char...where New York City meets the Blue Ridge Mountains! A unique, contemporary bistro located in
summer dining downtown Boone, offering diverse, creative and delectable brunch, lunch and dinner cuisine in a warm, open, cosmopolitan setting. char also features a covered deck and a sleek modern bar. Serving modern American cuisine including signature dishes – Low Country Shrimp & Grits... Angus hand-cut Ribeye Steak...Turkey & Brie Sandwich and Grilled Tilapia Fish Tacos. Nightly Entertainment. Come join us at char for Food • Drinks • Music • Art • Fun... n 828-266-2179. www.
char179.com
COMFORT. BANNER ELK. comfort. Bar and Grill is the newest dining venture from High Country restaurateurs Joshua and Jessica Grogan. The Grogans first hit the High Country dining scene in 2008 with the opening of Char: modern American restaurant, followed by the 2009 opening of Crave Tapas and Martini Bar. Having sold both locations, the pair turned their sights back to the town of Banner Elk, where they had both worked at the once renowned Corner Palate, under the tutelage of Jessica’s mother and Palate owner Marla Stern. Taking over the former Hearthstone Tavern location, the Grogans launched their take on “casually upscale” southern cuisine with the opening of comfort. So come experience the comfort of the mountains, where Jessica and her staff will greet you with a smile and a table at one of the coziest dining rooms in the high country, while Chef Joshua and his culinary team will create tasty dishes that exemplify the down home flavors of the south. n 828-
898-3461. rant.com
formerly Hearthstone Tavern
www.comfort-restau-
The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome.
Lunch
Dinner
Monday-Saturday 11:30-2:30
Monday-Saturday 5:30-9:30
Bar
SunDay Brunch
Monday-Saturday 11:30-10:00
Sunday 11:30-2:00
June 2012
828-898-3461
comfort-restaurant@yahoo.com comfort-restaurant.com 3990 NC Hwy 105 Suite 6 Banner Elk, NC 28604
High Country Magazine
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summer dining Food Made With Love Using Local & Organic Ingredients
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
Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400.
Coffee, Desserts, LunCh, Dinner, Beer & Wine Serving made from scratch Quiche, Donuts, Pastries & more!
eatery & GaLLery
Coffee Bar 8:00am to 9:00pm Lunch - 11:30am to 4:30pm Open 8:00am Dinner - 4:30pm to 9:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday Brunch Menu Wednesday - Sunday 11:30am - 4:30pm 142 Main St. E., BannEr Elk, nC | 828-898-3325 FREE WI-FI | TO-GO
www.Gamekeeper-NC.com
GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. The Green Park Inn is proud to introduce of our Fine Dining Restaurant, The Laurel Room, under the direction of award winning Chef James Welch, who is a James Beard Foundation nominee, and has won multiple awards. Chef James is no doubt one of the finest Chefs in the High Country. The Laurel Room Restaurant offers extraordinary cuisine, a thoughtful wine selection, and service befitting your expectations. The Divide Tavern and Lounge is an elegant gathering place to enjoy conversation and cocktails. Join us at this newly restored National Historic Register property. The hotel includes 88 guest rooms. n 828-414-9230. www.
Mexican and Seafood Restaurant
Try our Puerto Nuevo Special Quesadilla 12-inch flour tortilla with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp and vegetables with rice or beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole
greenparkinn.com.
JOE’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily 2120 Tynecastle Hwy • Banner Elk 828-898-3332 58
High Country Magazine
BOONE. Joe’s family Italian restaurant serves food the way Joe’s ancestors did, handmade from recipes handed down for five generations. Almost everything at Joe’s is made in the restaurant, with no pre-baked, frozen or artificial ingredients. At Joe’s Italian Kitchen, you can choose hot or cold sandwiches, pasta, salads and desserts. And this year Joe June 2012
9200. www.joesitaliankitchen.com. See ad on page 49
JOY Bistro Boone. Purveyors of Fine Food & Drink. Chef/Owners Melissa Joy and Gary Claude welcome you to come in and enjoy delicious food and delightful cocktails in a casual, warm and inviting setting. Fresh and always seasonal ingredients are used in our nightly specials as in our superb menu. Full bar, extensive wine list, & craft beers. n 828-265-0500 www.joybistroboone.com.
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has added Joe’s Jazzed Up, an upscale fine dining Italian experience, located right next to the deli. n 828-263-
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Makoto’s Boone. Dining at Makoto’s Japanese Seafood and Steak House is an unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. If you’re lucky, your personal chef will provide a little free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makoto’s also offers a lunch and dinner sushi bar and full ABC permits. n 828-264-7976.
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PUERTO NUEVO BANNER ELK. You would be hard pressed to find a local who is not in love with Puerto Nuevo Mexican Restaurant in Banner Elk. Puerto Nuevo’s authentic flavors shine in the Pollo Poblano, grilled chicken breast served with sliced poblano peppers, Chihuahua cheese, onions, pico de gallo, rice, beans and flour tortillas. Or tempt your taste buds with the Burritos Tipicos, two rolled, flour tortillas filled with tender beef tips, beans and topped with nacho cheese sauce and guacamole salad, Mucho Grande. n 828-898-3332.
Red Onion Café Boone. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering a June 2012
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summer dining welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal. The outside patio is perfect for lunch or for warm evenings. n 828-264-5470.
www.theredonioncafe.com.
Speckled Trout Café Blowing Rock. Since 1986, the Speckled Trout Cafe & Oyster Bar has been pleasing both locals and visitors with its exquisite choices for dinner. The house specialty is smoked rainbow trout from local waters, but the extensive menu covers everything from steak to roast duckling to catfish. Reservations are recommended. n 828-295-9819.
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The Table at Crestwood Blowing Rock. Our menu is a creative mix of Southern fare with a European touch. Our spectacular views will captivate you while you enjoy terrace or fireside dining. We offer great food, sunsets and an unforgettable experience. Try our Chipotle Bourbon Glazed Scottish Salmon, Spice Rubbed Pork Strip or Brined and Braised Chicken Thighs- or our Oven Roasted Cod - or Shrimp and Grits or maybe our Grilled Airline Chicken Breast. Plus we have a casual menu, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts n 828-963-6646. www. crestwoodnc.com
vidalia
The infusion of the soulful sounds of jazz and our family’s traditional Italian recipes passed down through the generations. A fine dining experience you’ll want again and again! Next door to Joe’s Jazzed Up you’ll find the original Joe’s Italian Kitchen. Enjoy more of the family’s traditional Italian recipes from New York style pizza to delicious hot and cold sandwiches to Joe’s famous handmade meatballs and spaghetti in an atmosphere that takes you back to days in an old New York-style deli.
828.263.9206
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Boone. Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” It offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive, 60+ bottle wine list, craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farmto-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com
Zuzda Banner Elk. Zuzda is a “tapas style” chef-owned restaurant that offers over 125 small plates of all cuisines. The “progressive alternative dining” offers the opportunity to taste and share small portions of food in a random order of presentation. Zuzda offers inside and patio dining and two bars, all of which is nonsmoking. Zuzda holds all ABC permits, and the wine list is as extensive as the menu, offering many wines by the glass. n 828-898-4166. www.zuzda.com. June 2012
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The Past, Present and Future of Heavenly Mountain Boone’s Hidden Wonder Finally Finds Restoration and Respect 62
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June 2012
The flagship of Heavenly Mountain, the main meditation hall of west campus is set to see occupants for the first time since 2005. Recent renovations are preparing it for its new role as the International Center for Meditation and Well-Being.
O
n a full day of security patrol Tom Redmond walks four and a half miles, a trek that takes him across the entirety of Heavenly Mountain-three buildings on east campus, 44 occupied homes in the residential neighborhood and 26 buildings on west campus. Redmond knows all of the buildings he patrols as well or better than he knows each homeowner in the neighborhood. As the head of TME Enterprises, Redmond manages properties all over Boone and the surrounding community but said working at Heavenly Mountain makes every day feel like Friday. Between witnessing the property’s construction in the late ‘90s and his current security duties, Redmond has the rare privilege of watching Heavenly Mountain thrive then falter, and now abandon its derelict days all over again as it returns to a bustling community. “I’ve heard people for years refer to this area as being related to a cult. Well [the Art of Living Foundation] is as far from a cult as anything could be,” Redmond said. “They’ll walk all the way across the parking lot just to talk to you … Watauga County is a friendly county and [AOLF] is a friendly organization. I’m glad to have them here.” The 381-acre west campus of Heavenly Mountain, previously known as Forest Summit, was auctioned Sept. 16, 2011. The highest bidder, Marvin Sault purchased the tract for $11.2 million on behalf of the One in Christ Church, an organiza-
The main dining hall stretches across the ridgeline and will offer guests breathtaking views once renovations are complete. Tom Redmond said this balcony offers a view of the Charlotte skyline on a clear day or night.
Story by Ben Wofford Photography by Samantha Floyd
tion associated with the Ohio International Alliance Missions Trust and Norwalk Bible College. Blue Ridge Preservation Inc. (BRPI) purchased the property through Chartwell Auctions for $6.35 million after Sault failed to meet proper monetary deadlines, according to a High Country Press article last fall. BRPI is a subsidiary of Ved Vignan Mahavidyapeeth (VVM) which is a sister organization of AOLF. With this purchase, the area has become The International Center for Meditation and Well-BeJune 2012
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property. “For Watauga County, [AOLF] is a different culture but the culture is a positive one,” Redmond said. ◆
The founder, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar watches over the smaller congregation hall. This was the first building completed and is currently in use for small group retreats and events for the Foundation. ing (ICMWB) and the American headquarters for the Foundation. An October 2011 press release from the AOLF said: “The ICMWB will work in collaboration with the AOLF, the International Association for Human Values, and VVM to offer programs for all ages including self-development programs for adults, corporate retreats, leadership development for young adults, summer camps for children as well as specialized programs for returning veterans and international cultural events at its new facility.”
The Future of West Campus The International Center for Meditation and Well-Being has seen drastic improvements since major construction and repairs began last October. The winding roads of west campus see construction equipment of all sizes every day. A small army of area contractors and AOLF volunteers are working steadily toward a late-June completion of renovations and major repairs. The inauguration ceremonies for the Center will take place June 30, with many more programs following through July 3. Venkat Srinivasan, manager of operations for the ICMWB, said the inauguration ceremony will feature cultural performances, recognition of local leaders and an official inauguration of the facility by the founder of AOLF, his holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Srinivasan said the AOLF expects more than 1,500 people to attend the inauguration of the Center, most of 64
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which will be traveling from multiple parts of the world. This sizeable guest list will be managed efficiently by the foundation,
“
The ICMWB will work in collaboration with the AOLF, the International Association for Human Values, and VVM to offer programs for all ages including selfdevelopment programs for adults, corporate retreats, leadership development for young adults, summer camps for children as well as specialized programs for returning veterans and international cultural events at its new facility.
”
– An October 2011 press release from the AOLF
A typical class for tenants as there are plans to shuttle is very relaxed and normally guests in and out of the facilhas less than 10 people. The ity to keep area residents from instructors guide the class acbeing affected by excess traffic. cording to the average skill level This level of planning and comof the group. About an hour of munity awareness is what will yoga is enough to get a mild help this global organization sweat and a smile. The guided make their desired connection meditation that follows is nothwith the High Country. ing more than 30 minutes of The Art of Living Foundaan instructor talking through tion was founded in 1981 as a calming relaxation techniques non-profit, educational and huthat help focus the mind and remanitarian non-governmental lax the soul. organization. Srinivasan said Philip Fraser, an AOLF sethe foundation’s mission focusnior meditation instructor, said, es on creating a stress-free and “Once people take the course violence-free world. “If an indiand get a practice they can do vidual is peaceful from within, at home, such as some breathing then they can create peace outexercises…they find the postive side through their family and effects are much more long lastimmediate surroundings which ing.” in turn can have an affect on The same techniques are countries and the entire world,” The massive interior of the ICMWB has seen everything also applied to programs for Srinivasan said. The headquarfrom practitioners of transcendental meditation to returning veterans and the reters are located in Bangalore, skateboarders and their ramps. habilitation of prisoners. These India and the organization programs, workshops, retreats boasts one of the largest volunand more have a High Country teer bases in the world. The AOLF’s operations extend across more than 150 coun- home as the foundation and its Center grows into its new surtries, with retreat centers operating as headquarters in Germa- roundings. ny, Canada, Poland and America upon the completion of the ICMWB. AOLF provides introductory programs for children, youth and adults that focus on breathing techniques, yoga and The Past and Present of West Campus guided meditation. The sprawling Heavenly Mountain property was formerly Most of these techniques are being practiced in some of the home to the Spiritual Center of America. This 7,000-acre proprenovated smaller congregation halls or the BRPI office. The erty is comprised of a west campus and an east campus with a foundation offers free yoga and guided meditation to tenants neighborhood of unaffiliated, private residences in between. The leasing from BRPI. west campus is located at Whispering Hills and Rock Cliff roads and was once home to the Parusha program, which is a transcendental meditation program for single men. The Parusha and its sister program, Mother Divine, were based in the transcendental meditation teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Maharishi founded his organization in India in 1958 and continues to operate worldwide. The site was completed in 1998, according to a press release from Chartwell Auctions. Among its sprawling, mountainous 381 acres are more than 418 apartments in seventeen different Rock Cliff loft apartments peek through the treetops. June 2012
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buildings, as well as, two fully equipped dining halls, two congregational structures and a private water and sewer treatment facility. BRPI currently leases apartments in the west campus to students and community members. Before BRPI, Holton Mountain Rentals was the leaseholder. David Kaplan provided a foundation for Heavenly Mountain in 1993 by investing $8 million. In 2004, Kaplan and his brother, Earl, were named in lawsuits by Heavenly Mountain homeowners. Most of these were dismissed in civil court. The practitioners of Parusha were evicted in February 2005 after David Kaplan became disenchanted with the transcendental meditation practices. TME Enterprises’ largest obstacle to securing the property was the sheer number of college students who would flock to the abandoned buildings after hearing word-of-mouth whispers or seeing online listings. In July 2010, Tom Redmond started his security detail at the property with the removal of area skateboarders. “[The meditation hall] was listed on the Internet as being the biggest indoor skateboard park in Boone,” Redmond said. “When I got here that building was nothing but skateboard ramps.” The owners removed the ramps and secured the building to prevent further vandalism and property damage. And so, the temple once again stood vacant.
The Past and Present of East Campus The East Campus is at the base of the Heavenly Mountain property and is accessed by Heavenly Mountain Road. This road is gated to protect the homeowners of
This ziggurat-esque architecture on the roof of the ICMWB was once covered in copper but was stolen some time after the building was abandoned in 2005. 66
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June 2012
the connected neighborhood and the abandoned buildings that were once home to the group, Mother Divine. Mother Divine is a female transcendental meditation program, a sister organization of the Parusha program that took place on the west campus. Mother Divine was evicted from Heavenly Mountain in 2005, leaving the east campus empty. After Mother Divine’s departure, a motel operated for a short period of time. Craig Werner, president of the Heavenly Mountain residential association, said he is aware that a broker has been engaged to find parties interested in purchasing east campus. Venkat Srinivasan said that AOLF is not currently planning to buy east campus.
The Past and Present of the Neighborhood The lavish homes in the Heavenly Mountain neighborhood are a healthy jumble of private residences and rental properties. According to Werner there are 29 homes and 15 condominiums spread out over 880 acres. While the residential area is quiet and remote, the homeowners don’t let their homes box them in. There are 89 voting members on the residential association. Werner said that two-thirds of the homeowners still practice transcendental meditation privately and as a community. Werner stressed that the residential development has no social agenda.
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A Message from the Art of Living Foundation The entire High Country community is warmly invited for the inauguration of the International Center for Meditation and Well-Being on Saturday, June 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the art of Living Foundation will be inaugurating this new facility. there will be an open event in the morning where the local community will be welcomed to join the celebration followed by a VIP luncheon.
The Art of Living Foundation’s volunteers helped clear buildings for construction while visiting the area for a retreat. All photos on this page are courtesy of The Art of Living Foundation. 68
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“We don’t have any particular mission other than being friendly neighbors,” Werner said. Before long, the constant construction will die down and the Center will become as serene as it was meant to be. Until then, the energy of preparation for June and beyond continues to dominate the Center. The purchase and transformation of this tranquil 381acre tract of land could quickly turn Boone into a node of diversity as international guests filter through the revived mountain property. Homeowners will continue to relish the joys of their quiet mountain roost. And the east campus’ fate has yet to be decided. One thing is certain though, Tom Redmond will continue to take the security of the land very seriously and enjoy himself in the process. As a self-proclaimed good ol’ boy and retired member of the TheFire International for Meditation andwould Well-Being Boone and PoliceCenter departments, Redmond neverisdesert located at 136as Virgil Day Rd, Boone, NC 28607. his watch—especially excitement grows for the future of the For more information on the International Center for Meditation and Well-Being, click to meditationcenterusa.org, or call 800-392-6870. For leasing information from Blue Ridge Preservation Inc. click to blueridgepreservation.com or call 828-264-6040. For more information on the Art of Living Foundation, click to artofliving.org. For more information on the Heavenly Mountain properties, click to heavenlymountain.net. For more information on the previous owners and practitioners of Transcendental Meditation, click to maharishi.org or tm.org.
The main meditation hall faces due east and allows the best views of the sunrise in the High Country.
Hwy. 105 in Linville at the foot of Grandfather Mountain | 733-3726 June 2012
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Carlton Gallery
Celebrates 30 Years
Story by Toni Carlton and Angela Raimondo Rosebrough Photography by Maria Richardson
W
alking into Banner Elk’s Carlton Gallery visitors may find themselves greeted with a hot cup of tea and a chance to settle into a delightfully cozy atmosphere as they appreciate some of the area’s finest artists. Owner and curator, Toni Carlton, is likely to give a personal welcome and may even offer a tour of the several featured exhibits. The gallery’s ambience is informal and inviting, filled with good friends and local artists. Guests quickly realize that here they have found a place where they can be known and become part of a community. To commemorate its 30th year bringing fine art to the High Country of Western NC, Carlton Gallery invites the community to an opening reception on Saturday, July 7 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. All are invited to be a part of the festivities and to enjoy community spirit with painting demonstrations, music, mingling, exquisite art and yummy local catered 70
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June 2012
This series of pictures was taken In the summer of 2006 by Frederica Georgia for a story in that year’s August magazine. This was when Toni’s gallery was located across the street from its current location. She was there 21 years. “it was a little sad to say good-bye to the Creekside Building.,” says Toni . food. Since its beginning as a small fiber studio in 1982, Carlton Gallery has evolved into a fine art contemporary gallery. Getting its start exhibiting a few local artists, wearable art, and sponsoring fashion shows in other venues, the gallery is now known for its fine art exhibitions. It showcases over 200 local, regional and national artists highlighting art of all media – paintings, glass, sculpture, wood, clay, wearable art and jewelry. Toni has been right there every step of the way providing her clients with the individual attention and impeccable service they deserve. “I enjoy speaking to the heart of others in person, through my artwork and through the art of others shown in the Gallery. ”Two artists Toni has continued to represent over the years are Warren Dennis and Debbie Arnold, both of whom exhibited in her first gallery, Woven Works. “Warren Dennis was one of my teachers at ASU,” Toni said. “I took his drawing and art appreciation classes. He’s like a father figure for me and I’m good friends with his family. I’ve had his work since the early ‘80s and he has continued to show with me all these years. I love his work. His humor is wonderful .And it is that connection and down-to-earth approach that Toni infuses into her gallery. For 21 years Carlton Gallery was located in the Creekside Building, formally known as the Kiln Room in the 1970s. In 2008 Carlton Gallery moved across Hwy. 105 into the former Antonaccio Fine Art Gallery where its original energy and spirit remains. “After many floods, challenges with beavers, raccoons, and a leaky roof it was a little sad to say good-bye to the Creekside Building,” Toni says, “but we are happy to be in our new home – the perfect home today.” The Carlton Gallery at Creekside was a landmark for many visitors, artists, and friends of the community. Folks were drawn to the location near the creek, where they would often come to watch the fish or enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn out-
“After many floods, challenges with beavers, raccoons, and a leaky roof it was a little sad to say good-bye to the Creekside Building, but we are happy to be in our new home — the perfect home today.” - Toni Carlton June 2012
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Let Us Sing Recently written by Toni Carlton, “Let Us Sing” conveys in song her personal Expressive Art work and inspiration for deepening the layers of future artwork. The audio can be found on the gallery’s Facebook page at Carlton Gallery – Toni Carlton. We Send Healing to the Waters We Send Healing to the Earth We Sing Praises to the Heavens And Thank You for Our Birth We Sing Throughout the Universe – Our Prayers for All Existence Let Us Sing Let Us Sing Let Us Sing We Send Healing through Our Dreams We Send Healing through Our Hearts If We See the World as Broken Please Forgive Us for Our Part We Sing Throughout the Universe – Our Prayers for All Existence Let Us Sing Let Us Sing Let Us Sing We Send Healing through Our Hands We Send Healing through Our Thoughts As We See the World through Changes Bring Grace to All Our Faults We Sing Throughout the Universe – Our Prayers for All Existence Let Us Sing Let Us Sing Let Us Sing 72
High Country Magazine
Carlton begins an experiment in showing clients how each art piece speaks to an individual. side. Toni still follows the tradition of keeping hot water and a variety of teas on hand to offer her guests and she is pleased to see the gallery as a gathering place for the community, visitors and local artists alike. Carlton Gallery was part of a larger art community, and though the landscape of businesses has changed it has stood steadfast and withstood the test of time. When asked how the recent economy has affected business, Toni confidently says, “it’s about trusting and having faith because things always come back around.” For close to 15 years Carlton Gallery has offered creative workshops to the community of High Country artists and continues this tradition in 2012 with painting workshops. Open to the public, workshops are held each month from May through October. These workshops afford artistic expression in oil, acrylic, water color and mixed media collage, while creating community spirit and inspiration for artists including Toni herself. She is deeply appreciative of the workshop teachers that have influenced and supported her art over the years, including Vae Hamilton, Andrew Braitman, Kichung Lizee, and Charles Lawson. On behalf of the Carlton Gallery, Toni wishes to thank the many artists, literally hundreds, who have helped to create, inspire and give support. Over the years their fine art and contemporary crafts have graced the walls, pedestals, jewelry cases, shelves and gardens. Beginning with weavers and moving into potters, painters, sculptors and jewelry designers, Toni conJune 2012
tinues to select artists internationally, nationally, regionally and locally who are known for their talents and expertise in their fields.
Right: This art piece is called “May Peace Prevail on Earth-Layers of the Journey.” Carlton states, “This is about the journey of the Earth as well as my own.” She ties in 83 different languages within the 3 parts of the entire piece.
Below, right: Carlton shares her inspiration with others about her fine art and contemporary crafts.
Located 10 miles south of Boone and 7 miles north of Linville and Banner Elk in the Grandfather Mountain Community, the gallery’s hours are 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday and 11 to 5 on Sunday. Call (828) 963-4288 or visit www.carltonartgal-
lery.com for more information about workshops, current exhibitions, featured artists, studio tours and a calendar of events.
Portrait of an Artist – Toni’s Rite of Passage Boone native and artist, Toni Carlton, has spent many years as owner/curator of her own art gallery. Despite undergoing changes in name, venues and artists, the overall objective to promote the work of local and regional artists, as well as perfect her own work, has not changed. Artistic talent runs in the Carlton family, as Toni’s grandmother and aunts were locally known weavers. Having spent childhood time with her grandmother, Toni was taught to weave at a young age.Her first gallery space was devoted to weaving landscape tapestries, along with contemporary wall pieces and sculptural basketry. Earning degrees in Industrial Arts and Art Marketing from Appalachian State University, Toni also minored in business. Her art studies concentrated on woodworking, clay, jewelry, leather, photography, architectural drafting, fiber arts, painting, draw-
June 2012
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High Country Magazine
ing, and sculpture. She utilized the skills learned from her father to build a loom in one of her college woodworking classes. Upon graduating from college, her grandmother gave her another small loom which began her search for space to house the looms and find a studio. She found just such a place in her first studio and gallery – Woven Works, where she used that very first loom she’d created in college. She is grateful to many of her professors at ASU who have inspired her artwork over her career, including Marianne Suggs, Loraine Force, Sherry Waterworth, Warren Dennis, Noyes Long, Bill Dunlap, Dean Adylott, Brenda Wey, and Eric Reichard. Toni’s art has evolved over the years – from landscape tapestries, large sculptural 3-dimensional basketry, traditional patterns woven with linen to creating fine art, drawing, and painting in oils. Her contemporary work focuses on mixed media collage. She says, “My hope is that my original creations open our hearts and touch our souls to inspire and lift our spirits. I will continue along a theme that speaks to people’s hearts and touches them in ways that are healing and helpful in developing an understand-
June 2012
ing of our interconnectedness.” In recent compositions called “Art Blessings,” Toni combined calligraphic and Asian symbols through layers of collage, painting and transfer images as she revisited her spiritual journey as an artist throughout the years. “It has been almost 20 years since I have used weaving as an art form so to actually weave each thread as a prayer knowing it will become an integral part of a larger mixed media painting on canvas is coming full circle to connect me to my heritage.” Having both a physical and spiritual Native American connection, Toni’s ma-
Opposite page, top: Carlton explains the small word, ‘oneness’ placed in this piece which relates within another larger piece called, “Oneness.” Opposite page, bottom: Carlton is working on one of her newest pieces that is centered around opening your heart. The hearts are calligraphy that she has drawn on rice paper and then has made a transfer image onto the canvas. Above: One of Carlton’s creations about paintings incorporating mixed media collage. Each piece has it’s own creative story. ternalgreat-grandmother was Cherokee and Toni enjoys time with her Cherokee friends at retreats. She finds inspiration in Eastern philosophies and incorporates this in her contemporary mixed media work. She is also inspired by her love of dance, music, nature and travels to experience different cultures, including trips to Europe, Peru, Mexico, Belize, Hawaii and most recently India. Toni’s latest trip to India is new inspiration for the artwork that will be on exhibit in her forthcoming Featured Exhibition, “Whispers of a Lifetime” June 23 – July 22, along with a representation of many of her works over the years. Toni says, “As one travels through many walks of life witnessing both the pain and the beauty, the balance deepens the awareness of our heart journeys and opens us more to the connection of all, reflecting our own transformation.” “Looking back over my work throughout my creative expressions, it is interesting that I work in a series of colors for a period of a year or so. Last year I worked in blues...and the year before in warm autumn colors – my favorites. On my trip to India I noticed there was a color for each day. The women dressed daily in relation to the col-
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CarltonGallery Calendar of Events
4th Saturdays, May-October – Individual Artist Exhibitions with Receptions from 2-5pm • May 26–June 17 – Mike Grady’s GLASS • WOOD • PAINTINGS • CLAY • SCULPTURE • JEWELRY • FIBER “Return to the Mountain” • June 23–July 22 – Toni Carlton’s “Whispers of Life’s Journey” • July 28–August 19 – Egi Antonaccio’s “Realism of Light and Abstractions – Landscapes” • August 25–September 16 – Andrew Braitman’s “Color Your Life with Art” • September 22–October 21 – Debbie Arnold’s “The Flow of Nature” • October 27–November 18 – Warren Dennis’s “2012 Figurative Abstractions” July 7–September 15 – 30th Anniversary Exhibition with reception on July 7th, 2-5 pm May 26, July 7 and October 6 – Seasonal Group Exhibitions with Receptions November 23-24 – Holiday Open House
Carlton shares her inspiration with others about a piece she created about the journeys of the heart.
Carlton has been in this building since 2008. There are others artists’ work displayed within the art space and she has a studio space where she creates her own fine art upstairs.
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ors of specific gemstones, reflecting the healing properties of the earth. I have found that I create my art in certain colors in relation to the energy I want to offer at the time. Turquoise is my favorite color which to me means communicating through an open heart.� As a heartfelt tribute to those gallery artists who have passed‌Anne Wilder, Sharon Kuhne, Dean Adylott, John McLaughlin, John L. Neff, Jerry Clemons, Linda Phillips, Dorothy Williams, Joe Czarnecki, Robert Broderson, Anita Wooten, Margaret Consley, Tao Strong Stein, David McCaig, Pat and Will Pilchard, Jim Crompton, Martha Gimlin, and most recently Eloise Pope, Toni acCarlton explains the calligraphy within the piece on the left. There are different languages written in the underlayer, prayers clothes in the top left and calligraphy from her heart in the center. The center calligraphy shows giving her prayers up to the sky from within herself.
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Traveling ‘Round the Big “S” Curve
Photo by Ben McKeown 78
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Story by Becky McRee
Hwy. 194 – Banner Elk-Valle Crucis Sees Major Improvements
F
or motorists driving the steep descent from Banner Elk John P.Arthur, at one time (1855-1861), a Stage Company, the to Valle Crucis, the “Valle Crucis Road” (Hwy. 194) Old Albany, was operated by a Mr. Dunn of Abingdon, VA and has always been a beautiful scenic drive, although a carried passengers from Lincolnton to Blowing Rock, Shulls somewhat challenging one. The sharp curves, dips in Mill, Valle Crucis, Sugar Grove, Zionville and on to Mountain the road, narrow lanes, valley-side drop-offs, and maneuvering City and Abingdon. It was a daily line each way with stands, or around the famous “S” curve, where it has laughingly been said stops, at John Mast’s in Sugar Grove and Joseph Shull’s where one passes the little cottage there four or five times, make the J.M. Shull lived. road one for high maintenance driving. Currently, this stretch of road between the Avery/Watauga County line at Banner Elk down through the little community of Matney to Valle Crucis is undergoing major improvements. According to the Resident Engineer, Doug Eller, whose job it is to oversee the administration of the contract for this project, the work was begun on this section of Hwy.194 in November 2010. Completion of the project was set for June 2012, but Eller said, “There have been some right-of-way issues so the work will be delayed a few months, and now we’re anticipating that all should be completed by October 2012.” Contractor for this 7.3 million dollar project is the Maymead Company. For many years before this section of Hwy. 194 became a hard-surfaced road, it was only a dirt path that served Highway 194 begins its journey from Valle Crucis to Banner Elk at the intersection in front of the the residents of the Dutch Creek, Clark’s Valle Crucis Elementary School. Since November of 2010, this stretch of road has undergone some Creek, Matney and Rominger Commuextensive upgrading projects by the NC Department of Transportation at a cost of over $7 million. nities. Horse drawn wagons rumbled over the path as it wound downward Then, in 1914 a charter was secured for a Turnpike Compafrom Banner Elk to the tiny hamlet of Valle Crucis. According to the book, The History of Watauga County, by ny known as the Valle Crucis-Blowing Rock Turnpike Company to run between those points. Mountain residents who lived between Banner Elk and Valle Crucis had to make their way to either Valle Crucis or Elk Park to secure travel arrangements to other locations as transportation was hard to come by in those days. Avery County resident, Gary Townsend, who grew up in Banner Elk, recalled that folks used to catch a ride to Boone on the side rails of the mail truck as it traveled down the Valle Crucis Road. Lees-McRae students riding the Trailways Bus off the mountain recall the bus having to stop and back up to get around some of the hairpin curves. For early settlers, it was a difficult task to get their produce, or goods, to Elk Park to ship by train, or even down to Blowing Rock or Lenoir to sell. Harding Hughes, Jr., stated in his book, Valle Crucis, a History of an Uncommon Place, that timber Photo by Maria Richardson was hauled up the road from Dutch Creek to June 2012
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Photo by Maria Richardson Matney, on to Banner Elk, and then on to Elk Park to be loaded on the train. In the early 1900s, area men would make an autumn wagon trip down to Lenoir or Hickory to sell their produce, usually cabbage, potatoes and beans. The trip took them four whole days, and Mildred Shook Smith of Matney remembers her father
Mildred and Hade Smith - Photo by Becky McRee making that annual trip and camping along the way. She added that in those days local men were required to spend about three days a year doing free labor on the county’s roads. Tom Shook, who was born in 1899 lived alongside the big “S” curve in the road and devoted his life to keeping up the roads around Valle Crucis according to 80
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Hughes’ book. He once commented that the only equipment available to the men early on was one tractor and one road machine for the entire county. Shook’s son, Tom, Jr., now age 91 and living in Clemmons, North Carolina remembers the many years his father spent working for the NC Highway Department and fondly recalls growing up in the little house located there in the famous curve. “The road began as a dirt path and later it was graveled. The original road layout was done by Shepherd Monroe Dugger, and it was not until the late 1920s that the road was paved,” he said. Mildred and her husband, Hade Smith, who grew up in the area and have now lived in Matney since 1947, also recalled that Dugger, who was the surveyor, laid out the original road. Dugger, from many old stories and sources, was quite a character – a Jack-of-all-Trades – and a “brilliant man.” He was the author of several books, was Watauga County’s first school supervisor, supervisor of roads, and a surveyor, among numerous other achievements. In the book, The Bard of Ottaray, which contains
“I remember too when the road was still dirt and when cars got bogged down in the mud, they’d hitch up the horses and pull them up the road.” – Hade Smith
Dugger’s personal letters, co-authors, Carol Timblin and Leslie Banner, state that Dugger called himself the “Colussus of roads!” According to Dugger, Ottaray is an old Indian name for the North Carolina Mountains, and in some references, the big curve in the road is called the “Dugger S Curve.” At one time, the road from Valle Crucis to Banner Elk was a toll road and a pole placed across the road was raised when a traveler rang the attached bell. Harding’s book states that John Matney was the tollgate operator, but Mildred remembers the tollgate being located at the Matney Post Office, the site of the present day Matney Community Center, and the gatekeeper being Robert Mastin. In any case, the toll was 5–10 cents for horses and more for wagons that passed through. Hade and Mildred have fond memories and numerous interesting tales related to the “Valle Crucis Road”. To the best of their memory and that of Tom Shook, Jr., it was 1928 or 1929 when the road was finally improved and paved. Brandon Greer of the Boone District Office of NC D.O.T. produced an old 1930’s map that shows the road was completed at that time. Mildred also remembers the paving of the road (Hwy. 194) through the Balm area of Banner Elk when she
There are scenes along the roadway that probably looked much the same as back in early 1900’s when the roadway was just a dirt path and was just about the only way to get to Banner Elk from Boone. The top photo shows a section of the road that has been upgraded June 2012
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On Highway 194 , just up the road from Valle Crucis, is the The Church of the Holy
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Cross that was established in 1842. The cornerstone for the present day church was laid in 1925. The roadway is also a favorite route for biking and running events.
was about seven years old. “My sister and I went up to the local store that was located in the building where the Banner Elk Upholstery is today. We’d never seen tar before so where it had bubbled up, we walked on it barefooted popping the bubbles. My mother was about to kill us when we got home with tar all over our feet. But my grandmother told her not to worry, and she took us outside and scrubbed our feet with kerosene and a brush. I couldn’t walk for a week!” Hade’s father helped build the Mast Store and also worked on the Banner Elk-Valle Crucis Road when it was paved in the late 1920’s. “I remember too when the road was still dirt and when cars got bogged down in the mud, they’d hitch up the horses and pull them up the road.” Mildred’s mother, Ruth Shook, watched the first auto travel up the road through Matney to Banner Elk, and it was driven by a Mr. Felix Richards. When the road was paved, men like Hade’s father and Lucy and Delia Smith’s father June 2012
labored for $1 for a full day’s work wielding a ten-pound hammer and pounding huge river rocks into smaller gravel. “They had horses pulling a slip pan and I believe they did have a steam shovel,” Mildred recalled. “There was no work then, everyone was poor, and the men were perfectly willing to work for $1 a day.” The Smith sisters, now Lucy Townsend
and Delia Rominger of Banner Elk, recalled their father, Sion Smith, working all day pounding rock and, “We would walk down the mountain from our house to take him his lunch there along the big “S” curve.” When the tracks of the ETWN “Tweetsie” Railroad connecting Linville to Boone were washed away in the 1940 Flood, Hwy 105 was later formed on that original route. Until this road, which is much less curvy and steep, was completed in 1956, Hwy. 194 was the only route from Banner Elk to Valle Crucis and on to Boone. Eller said the original design and plans called for six specific locations on the road to be targeted. “They are changing the alignment in these areas to allow widening of the road,” he explained. Throughout the route from Valle Crucis to the Avery-Watauga County line, work is being done to improve drainage and replace pipes. “In addition to that we have identified areas where the pavement was weak and we are re-habbing some of those sections. When that is done, we’ll re-surface the road so there’ll be a new riding surface the entire route,” Eller said. “Just the re-surfacing will be a great improvement, and re-locating the intersection and visibility at Dutch Creek so it is no longer a blind curve and improving and re-
The Valle Crucis Conference Center is located next to the church and dates back to 1842. Today, guests to the center often spend time sitting in a rocker on one of their porches overlooking the pristine valley that has come to symbolize the sacred ground of Valle Crucis.
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Photo by Maria Richardson
There is a stretch of the road that is known as the famous “Dugger S Curve,” named for Shepherd Monroe Dugger, who was a surveyor, and laid out the original road. It has laughingly been said one passes the little cottage there four or five times the big curve. “Once we’re finished and the inconvenience is gone,” said Resident Engineer, Doug Eller, “it will be a great improvement over what’s there as far as the condition of the road.”
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aligning the sharper curves will help everybody.” Additionally, plans are to add new guardrail painted to match the newest existing guardrail. “Our overall goal is to improve drainage, mobility, and safety along the 5.4 mile route,” Eller explained. Chuck Campbell, who is supervisor for the Maymead Company said the road has definitely been a challenge. “There is no room to work and nothing is simple. Everything has to be transported to the work area because there is not a bit of extra room along the sides of the road.” Campbell added that it is surprising that this little country road has so much traffic. “During the week it’s only locals, but Friday through Sunday, the road is highly traveled.” Designated as a scenic byway, the road attracts many sightseers and mountain visitors. Campbell also expressed amazement that the road was built so well back in the early 20th Century. “We found old drains that were made of chestnut wood that’s not found anymore,” he said. “And, the road beds are of old river rock – 5-6-inch rocks. It was so simply built, but has held up so well. The center sections are still good, but we’re basically building a larger asphalt base.” Eller added that back in those days, the job was much more labor intensive because they didn’t have good equipment like today. “Once we’re finished and the inconvenience is gone,” said Eller, “it will be a
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Linville Falls
NEW LIFE FOR A BEAUTIFUL, FUN GOLF COURSE Story by Harris Prevost Photography by Maria Richardson
A
s you drive along US 221 just south of Linville Caverns, you can’t help but be intrigued by the golf course along side the road. If you haven’t played the Linville Falls golf course, you surely wondered what it’s like. It is a beautiful course, nestled in the upper reaches of the picturesque North Cove of McDowell County. The course meanders through a hardwood forest and over numerous creeks and the North Fork of the Catawba River. The inspiring views of the Linville Mountain range and Humpback Mountain frame the course’s back nine. Hall of Fame golfer Lee Trevino designed the Linville Falls course, which opened for play in 1995. You also are probably aware the course has had more than its share of challenges and setbacks during its 17-year history. Its biggest challenge was a devastating two-hurricane flood in 2004 that shut down the course for 2 1/12 years. Another challenge has been a series of different owners and name changes that left the course with a bit of an identity problem. There is a saying, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger,” and that is the case for the Linville Falls Club. It has met its challenges head on and each time it got knocked down, like movie hero Rocky Balboa, it kept getting back up. What is in place now is an ownership committed to an excellent golf course and a genuine attitude of customer service and appreciation. The Linville Falls story chronicles some of its earlier struggles, but the story has a happy ending and its focus is on a wonderful golfing experience that is available to enjoy today. 86
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ONE MAN’S DREAM A Gulf Oil Company senior executive named Russ McNutt was the founder and visionary for the club. Russ and his wife Ann lived all over the world working for Gulf Oil. An infrastructure genius, Russ designed and built refineries, pipelines and oil transfer stations in Venezuela, Spain (when General Franco was dictator), Saudi Arabia and Iran (when the Shah was dictator). He laid out the Iranian oil refinery in Tehran and built the Kharg Island transfer station in the Persian Gulf where oil destined to countries all over the world is transferred to tankers. Russ is now deceased, but his wife Ann said, “He could look at a piece of land and envision where everything would go.” An unlikely event planted the seed for the Linville Falls Club
16th Fairway
16th Fairway
When preparing at the tee box and looking out onto the fairway of hole #16, be careful because the most scenic part of this par 3 is the North Carolina Mountains! “The elevation starts at 4850 feet at the tee and lands at 4740 feet at the pin. This 110 feet elevation change is equivalent to an eleven story building.”-Linville Ridge NC
Looking out onto the green of hole #16 you can see the magnificent backdrop of the “Humpback Mountains, which is home of the Linville Cavernsat its base and the Parkway’s spectacular Chestoa View at its 4,090-foot crest.” June 2012
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Country Club was incorporated in development. Gulf Oil transferred 1988 and three different properties Russ from Venezuela to Iran in 1959. were purchased in 1988-89 to make He flew into New Orleans and had up the 560 acres that encompasses the some extra time before he was to fly development. out of New York so he decided to drive to New York and explore the The idea was to create a recreSoutheast. ational community that would have Western North Carolina was over 500 housing units plus a small along the way. After spending the country inn. In addition to golf, it night at the Grove Park Inn, Russ would have a hunting preserve and followed US 70 to Marion (I-40 had clear, spring-fed mountain waters not made it to WNC back then). perfect for trout fishing. The land at When he reached the US 70/US 221 1,800 feet elevation was untouched intersection, he noticed the beautifor 40 years and it bordered a national ful scenery up US 221 so he checked park unit (Blue Ridge Parkway) and a the area out. He fell in love with national forest (Pisgah). North Cove’s picturesque valley and Russ felt McDowell County was a thought it would be a nice place to great location for his development belive. Russ’s visionary talent would cause the county was trying to posiThe course consist of 18 holes as 71 Par lobecome a great blessing to McDowtion itself as a retirement destination. cated in the beautiful Linville Mountains. ell County 30 years later. There were several large corporations There are 4 tees for each hole, which makes it Russ’s sister retired to Durham based in McDowell at the time, the great from beginners to the champions. “The and bought a summer home in the development was close to Lake James club is on the most gorgeous piece of property North Cove. He had retired by then, and I-40 was nearby. So were the Blue I have ever seen. I believe everyone, not just too, and he paid her a visit. That’s Ridge Parkway, Linville Caverns, Linpros, should be able to enjoy the course.” –Lee all it took. Russ and Ann purchased ville Falls/Gorge and the High CounTrevino,Architect. a home there to live full time. He try’s ski slopes. soon got tired of doing the usual retirement things so he volunHe put the utilities underground and built a water and sewer teered for every community project that came along. That didn’t system for the development. He built a beautiful inn designed by satisfy him so he decided to build a golf course. the High Country’s own David Patrick Moses. In the plans for Ann said, “Russ woke up every day, enthusiastic and smiling, Moses to design were a clubhouse, fitness center, condominiand ready to go. His favorite saying was, ‘Don’t wait for it to ums, town houses and patio houses. “Russ had a tremendous happen; make it happen!’” vision,” Moses remembers. “He had everything figured out in Russ hooked up with a Swedish wheeler-dealer acquaintance, his mind.” Russ hired Lee Trevino to build the course and Trevino imwho Ann described as “the Swedish Donald Trump,” to back the development financially. The Blue Ridge mediately fell in love with the land. He made multiple visits to
FAIRWAYS Nos. 13- 5 - 10
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CLUB HOUSE The Inn at Blue Ridge is located at the right of the entrance on the golf course with a beautiful view of the mountians, the ninth fairway and green. There are twelve spacious rooms has a stone fireplace and the inn also has a three bedroom condominium
DINING ROOM The Inn at Blue Ridge is a type of “Bed and Continental Breakfast�. Seating in the breakfast room is for 30 plus people as well as cozy couches and fireplaces.
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ces dumped two feet of rain on Linville and 14 inches of rain in the North Cove in a ten-day period and that, combined with horrific winds left the golf course in shambles. The Blue Ridge course was basically closed for over two and a half years. The Iowa group didn’t make any effort to repair the course. About nine holes on the course were still playable and they tried to operate as a hybrid nine-hole course for awhile, but that didn’t work. They sold the golf course to the same Carolinas group that owned the development part. The Carolinas group made some infrastructure reUnfortunately, Mr. Swedpairs to the course ish Donald Trump had been but never got it buying property in Sweden, open for play. They Spain and Germany at the sold the course and same time. He overextenddevelopment to a ed himself and went broke. group from CharWith no money to pay the lotte before the bills, Russ McNutt’s dream repairs were comcame crashing down. pleted. Russ tried to keep the The Charlotte development going for group completed Discover what it would be like to live at a place where the mountain horizon awhile but he didn’t have the major repairs is endless. Linville Ridge is an exclusive mountain top community is devoted the finances. He had to sell and decided to to the finer things in life and offers a range of ownership opportunities the property to a developer make the public throughLinville Ridge Sotheby’s International Realty. from Florida. This turned course an exclusive out to be a bad decision. The private club. This developer made a couple of move upset local golfers who had enjoyed playing the Blue Ridge payments to Trevino, then refused to pay the rest of his fee. In course. The Charlotte group changed the name to Linville Falls the settlement, the Club agreed to expunge the reference of Lee Mountain Club & Preserve. Their private club concept did not Trevino as its designer. References today say that the course was work; no one bought property and only a few existing property “inspired by Lee Trevino,” not designed by him. owners joined the club. The developer brought in some people from Florida to make The Charlotte group had little revenue coming in and they minor design changes. He then got everything out of the develborrowed heavily from a California financier to purchase the opment he could before selling off the golf course to a group development and finish the infrastructure repairs to the course. from Iowa. The developer still had a lot of debt and the McNutts They also spent a ton of money marketing the club. The group got the land surrounding the golf course back by default. was not able to repay the financier and it foreclosed. The course The McNutts then sold the development part to an Irishman and development property was sold on the McDowell County who kept it for awhile and sold it to a real estate group operatcourthouse steps with the same California lender making the ing in the Carolinas. In September 2004, during the highest bid. The course was maintained minimally to resell, but course’s Iowa ownership, hurricanes Ivan and Franthe site as the course was being built, and at its dedication, and the result was a wonderful layout. Moses remembered Trevino saying the course as “an old fashioned type” and he was excited about the way it laid out. Trevino’s design philosophy is to design high quality, player friendly golf courses that are affordable for the average golfer. His course at Linville Falls fulfilled all his objectives. Things were going great.
CHALLENGES AND MORE CHALLENGES
Find A Home at Linville Falls
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not good enough to play. A year later, in 2011, a Hendersonville man purchased the golf course (the California lender still owns the development property). The new owner wasn’t a golfer but he had the financial resources and interest to bring the course back to its full glory. He began maintaining the course in a way a golf course should be maintained. He first relied on a group who owned a couple of golf courses to manage his course but they provided poor service to their customers so he brought in a new general manager for the course, Doug Hollifield.
NEW LIFE FOR LINVILLE FALLS
Hollifield said “The new owner is committed to make the course the best it can be. He has done course maintenance that hasn’t been done in five years. The course is getting better every day.” Linville Falls is a really good golf course with interesting, scenic holes and a tremendous potential. Its dramatic improvement is being noticed by the area’s golfing community. Play on the course has picked up significantly. Under the supervision of course superintendent Tim Carpenter, the 419 Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens are in excellent condition. The course now has new golf carts and badly needed maintenance equipment. Will Rucker is a long-time member and president of the development’s property owners association. He has “seen it all” so to speak, and he is very pleased with Linville Falls’ rapid prog-
e
Tradur In Yo ld & o old Gused un rY! Jewel
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The headwaters of the Catawba River flow through the property of the 18-hole course. Surrounded by a mountainous landscape, this course also offers elevated tee boxes and open fairways without sudden mountain golf grades. of the 150-yard marker (which ress. He said, “The new owner along Under the supervision of course short is a pretty good drive) but a really with Doug Hollifield have made many positive improvements, both superintendent Tim Carpenter, long drive provides a great reward at a great risk. large and small. They have brought the 419 Bermuda fairways and The location of the course has an enjoyable play back to the course. They have become a great neighbor bent grass greens are in excellent fascinating historical heritage. The Clinchfield Railroad passes by the and asset to the development. After condition. The course now has south side of the front nine. Accordbringing the course back to life, our to William Sharpe’s A New Geogdevelopment has seen an increase in new golf carts and badly needed ing raphy of North Carolina, the railroad interest with the sale of numerous lots was built around 1900 to haul coal and we’re seeing some new home conmaintenance equipment. out of Kentucky to South Carolina. struction.” The railroad gains 1,200 feet from Linville Falls’ fairways are firm and fast so the par 71 course plays shorter than its 6,939 yards the golf course to Altapass, a short distance as the crow flies. from the tips and 6,421 yards from the regular tees. The greens Along the way, the tracks pass through an 1,865-foot tunnel. As are small and defend the course well, which happens to be the a train traverses the switchbacks up the mountain, you get 14 different views of it. In one section, an upper loop drops 300 way Donald Ross designed his courses. Accurate approach shots are key to a good score. An example feet over a seven-mile stretch that ends up only 400 yards below is the 319-yard par four third hole. Stay below the hole on your the beginning of the loop. Construction of the tracks was a masapproach shot or pray for a two-putt! The valley course has few sive effort that involved over 3,000 workers. A hospital had to be built at Altapass to care for the sick and wounded. Two hundred hills so it is enjoyable to walk. The flood of 2004 washed away some fairways but the dam- workers died on the job. The back side has some wonderful views of Humpback age actually made two holes (along the highway) better. The creek hazard on the par three eighth is now only three steps Mountain to the north, which is the home of Linville Caverns from the green, making tee shots to a left side pin placement a at its base and the Parkway’s spectacular Chestoa View at its great risk/reward shot. On the ninth, the fairway on the 427- 4,090-foot crest. It is said that both Union and Confederate yard, dogleg left par four narrows to only 18 yards troops who had deserted from the Civil War hid out together in for drives past the 150-yard post. It is best to stay the caverns. Views of the Linville Mountains are also part of the 92
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scenic backdrop. Every hole on the back is an excellent hole. An exception might be the eleventh because it had to be shortened after the flood washed out much of the fairway where it crossed the North Fork of the Catawba River. There is room to move the tee back quite a bit and make the hole a bear. Most of the back side holes would be very enjoyable holes on just about any golf course.
PLAY AND STAY AT LINVILLE FALLS The Inn At Blue Ridge is a great complement to the development. It is independently owned by a New Hampshire couple, Charles and Jan Zecchini, who retired in the North Cove. Charles’ job with General Electric took him all over the country and Jan was a college math and physics teacher. Their last stop before retiring was in Hickory. The beautiful inn overlooks the ninth fairway and green. Each of its twelve spacious rooms has a stone fireplace and the inn also has a three bedroom condominium. The innkeepers are great hosts. Their rates are very reasonable and they provide a healthy continental breakfast for their guests. They don’t serve lunch or dinner. Rooms are $79 Sunday--Thursday and the condominium is $200. The golf course has extremely reasonable green fee rates and those rates also include a cart! It has special deals for groups and afternoon play. The club also has a six-month membership which is ideal for seasonal play, whether in the summer or for High Country residents, in the winter. It can be snowing in Boone while golfers are enjoying a game at Linville Falls. A group outing for two or three days is a perfect get-away, even for local residents. The course is fun and well worth playing, the inn is a treat, and dinner at Famous Louise’s or Spear’s BBQ in Linville Falls is six miles away. A side excursion into the state’s only cavern is only two miles away. A visit or hike in Linville Gorge is minutes away. Be careful. You might get the same bug that brought Russ McNutt back to the North Cove and end up staying here! If so, homesites with wonderful views are very reasonable. For more information about
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BRAHM............................................................ 295-9099........................... 83
Mountain Tile................................................... 265-0472 �������������������������� 45
Broyhill Home Collections................................ 295-0965 �������������������������� 15
Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 �������������������������� 69
Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772 ������������������������� 55
Neighborhood Yoga.......................................... 265-0377 �������������������������� 20
Canyons.......................................................... 295-7661 ������������������������� 55
Organic Hair Design......................................... 898-8111........................... 32
Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 93
Page Dentistry.................................................. 265-1661 �������������������������� 14
Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128 �������������������������� 60
Piedmont Federal Bank..................................... 264-5244........................... 97
Char Restaurant................................................ 266-2179........................... 60
Precision Cabinets........................................... 262-5080 �������������������������� 85
Celtic Building Company, Inc........................... 963-6229 �������������������������� 83
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant.... 898-3332........................... 58
Cha Da Thai..................................................... 268-0439 �������������������������� 60
Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470 �������������������������� 59
Comfort.......................................................... 898-33461.......................... 57
Rivercross Market............................................. 963-8623............................. 2
DeWoolfson Down ...................................... 800-833-3696 ������������������������ 5
Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801........................... 85
Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ��Inside Front Cover
Speckled Trout Cafe......................................... 295-9819........................... 60
Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127 �������������������������� 66
Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453 �������������������������� 33
Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover
Sugar Mountain Resort..................................... 898-4521 �������������������������� 21
Gamekeeper..................................................... 963-7400 ������������������������� 56
Sugar Top Resort Sales.................................... 898-5226 �������������������������� 74
Gems By Gemini.............................................. 295-7700 ������������������������� 91
Table at Crestwood Restaurant.......................... 963-6646........................... 56
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery......................... 963-2400 ���������������������������� 3
Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 ���������������������������� 3
Green Park Inn.................................................. 414-9230........................... 57
Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088 ���������������������������� 7
Green Leaf Services, Inc................................... 737-0308 ���������������������������� 1
Todd Rice Real Estate....................................... 263-8711........................... 50
Haircut 101...................................................... 262-3324 ������������������������� 75
Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 58
Hardin Fine Jewelry.......................................... 898-4653 �������������������������� 19
Wellspring Retirement Community............... 800-547-5387.......................... 7
Heavenly Touch Massage................................. 264-4335........................... 77
Zuzda............................................................... 898-4166 �������������������������� 59
www.HCPress.com 94
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Farmers Markets
T
he Watauga County Farmers’ Market is in full swing again at Horn in the West in Boone. This year both the Wednesday and Saturday markets are operating at Horn in the West from 8 a.m. until noon. According to Tori Cox, market manager, there are 75 vendor spaces available this year and they usually fill up. The market provides a direct link between local farmers and consumers. The market provides a whole array of fresh, local products, including fresh fruits and berries, jams, jellies, fresh herbs, teas, salves, flowers, fresh baked breads, cakes, pastries, farm-fresh eggs, several types of cheeses, and farm-based crafts such as birdhouses, pottery, baskets and much more. Also, for this year’s market, there will occasionally be live music performances and agricultural educational opportunities for young people. The Watauga County Farmers’ Market has been in operation since 1974. It provides one of the best opportunities in the High Country to shop local and help the community while getting great products. Other High Country farmers’ markets are also open or opening soon. • Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market: Located on Wallingford Street in downtown Blowing Rock, the market is open from 4 to 6 p.m. every Thursday. • Valley Crucis Farmers’ Market: Located at the Mast General Store in Valley Crucis, the market is open from 2 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday. • Banner Elk Farmers’ Market: Located on Tate Lawn at Lees-McRae College, the market is open from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday. • Avery County Farmers’ Market: Opening June 16. Located between CVS and the Department of Social Services building in Newland, the market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. • Ashe County Farmers’ Market: Located on Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson, the market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. -Paul T. Choate
&
Fine Art
By Susan Crouch
21st Annual
MASTER CRAFT FESTIVAL On the lawn of the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School
July 20, 21 & 22 | August 18 & 19 FR E E FAM I LY E V E N T W I TH FO OD AN D M USI C 85 Artisans presenting their handcrafted Fine Art and Masterfully Crafted mediums for those with discriminating taste, and art for the whimsical in all of us! SPONSORED BY THE AVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • 828.898.5605
History Alive outdoor drAmA ~ Horn in the West
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
Horn in the West
Hickory Ridge
nAtion’s oldest revolutionAry WAr outdoor drAmA
steP BACk into tHe Wild Frontier oF dAniel Boone’s time
mid-June tHru mid-August | tuesdAy tHru sundAy museum Hours 5:30Pm - 7:30Pm | drAmA Begins 8:00Pm
Dinner With Dan’l - a modified all-you-can-eat buffet on the grounds, catered by Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant ~6:30pm Thurs., Fri., Sat. only ~Reservation Required 591 Horn in tHe West dr. Boone, nC | (828)264-2120 WWW.HornintHeWest.Com | WWW.HiCkoryridgemuseum.Com June 2012
High Country Magazine
95
Parting Shot...
By
Maria Richardson
Remembering Doc
H
ours after Doc Watson passed away on Tuesday, May 29, fans gathered around the Doc Watson statue in downtown Boone. During the night as the stoplights reflected green, yellow and red hues onto the bronze sculpture, fans stopped by to pay their respects, adorning the statue with flowers. Doc passed away at the age of 89. From humble beginnings in Deep Gap, Doc was born on March 3, 1923. His music career started on the streets of downtown Boone. Across the street from that statue, the blind musician would play music for tips. It wasn’t until the folk revival in the ‘60s that Doc became known around the world for his stellar guitar picking. For the people who knew Doc only through his songs or recordings, they might say something like, “He’s one of the best guitar players to ever grace this Earth.” And that would be true. You could mention all the accolades and all the Grammy’s, but if you asked folks who really knew Doc, who really knew the man behind the guitar, they would talk about Doc’s character – his faith, his love for his family, and in particular, his humility. Wayne Henderson, the Virginia luthier and old-time musician, knew Doc since the ‘60s. He told the High Country Press last summer, “For somebody so famous, he is really humble. That’s just the way he is.” Two years ago at a concert in Todd, a fan walked up to Doc and said, “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” Doc replied, “Why is it an honor to meet me? I’m not the president. I am just one of the people.” And that was the genuine truth. 96
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June 2012
He didn’t feel like he was anymore important than anybody else. And that’s why the High Country has so much respect for Doc. People all over the world love Doc because of his lightning-quick flat picking and his charismatic presence on stage. Of course, we love that, too. To hear him play Shady Grove and Tennessee Stud – songs he completely redefined – sure was a treat. But when Doc wasn’t on stage, you would have never known that he was a “somebody” – a legend, an icon. As one local fan said, “He never did get above his raising.” The fame never overtook Doc. To him, music was just a means to put food on the table. It wasn’t a path to stardom. As he always said, if he wasn’t blind, he probably would have been a mechanic or an electrician. Before last year’s MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, Doc said, “To me entertainment is a pleasure, but my main motive is – and it’s going to get a little deep right here – when I started out in the folk revival, my main motive was to earn a living for a sweet little woman and two children.” The Doc Watson statue at the corner of King and Depot streets has become the local attraction since its installation last summer. Folks love to sit next to the bronzed Doc and pose for pictures, and musicians love to bring out their guitar or banjo and pick one for Doc. And Doc eventually warmed up to the idea of the statue. Several times last summer, he sat next to his sculpted self and talked to the people who were around. Doc agreed to the making of the statue on only one condition. At Doc’s request, a plaque on the statue reads, “Doc Watson – Just By Jesse Wood
John Cooper -Founder/Co-Owner Mast General Stores -Piedmont Federal Savings Bank Board of Directors
Mast General Store 1883 / Piedmont Federal 1903
Keeping traditions alive for over 100 years.
When my wife Faye and I moved to Watauga County and bought the Mast General Store in 1980, we inherited a legacy already nearly a century old. Our mission, then and now, has been to serve the needs of the local community – its residents as well as its visitors.
When we were ready to apply for a mortgage, we went to Piedmont Federal because of its reputation for superior customer service. They exceeded our expectations, and some of the same non-commissioned loan officers who helped us then are still with Piedmont Federal today. Piedmont Federal and Mast General Pie Store share the same values of offering quality products and treating customers right. And, since its founding in 1903, Piedmont Federal has never sold a mortgage to another bank, instead keeping its customers’ money close to home. Traditions like these may sound Traditio old-fashioned, but they’re why Mast General Store is thriving – and Piedmont Federal is one of the nation’s most financially sound banks.*
* Piedmont Federal has received a 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial.
Straightforward, commonsense banking. MEMBER FDIC
©2012 Piedmont Federal Savings Bank | 1399 Blowing Rock | H828-264-5244 June Road 2012 i g h C o u n t r y | Mpiedmontfederal.com agazine 97
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