ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
2 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Ashe County’s many communities
W
hile the mountains, climate and unique businesses Ashe County offers are essential to the area, it is the people that truly make the county North Carolina’s coolest corner. Named for Samuel Ashe, a Revolutionary War patriot, former governor of North Carolina and superior court judge, Ashe County covers 427 sq. miles of northwestern North Carolina, including the following eight, the larger, of Ashe County’s many communities:
CRESTON The winding roads of Creston offer drivers a beautiful, scenic route through the northwestern part of the county. Bordering Tennessee, Creston is home to the Riverview Community Center, located off N.C. 88 West. The center is home to events and festivals throughout the year. Also, Worth’s Chapel, listed as a National Historic Building in 2005, was built in 1902 and is located at Creston United Methodist Church. The interior of the chapel is partly finished with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the mountains of North Carolina, causing the tree to be nearly extinct in the region today.
FILE PHOTO Lansing Town Hall is located in the heart of Lansing, one of three towns in Ashe County. Other towns include Jefferson and West Jefferson.
JEFFERSON
FLEETWOOD Fleetwood is found in between Deep Gap and West Jefferson. Community gatherings convene at the Fleetwood Community Center, and also at the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.
GLENDALE SPRINGS This community has become a must for visitors to Ashe County. The area is close in proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which adds to its outdoor beauty, especially during the summer and fall seasons. Glendale Springs is also home to the immaculate and beautiful fresco painting by Ben Long. The painting, located at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, has helped Glendale Springs become revered for its growing arts community.
FILE PHOTO Many wonderful views can be found throughout Ashe County.
GRASSY CREEK Just south of the North Carolina-Virginia border, this tightly-knit community features a
multitude of Christmas tree farms and many smiling faces. The New River also flows through Grassy Creek, and whose
beautiful sights you can enjoy while enjoying a delectable dinner from the River House Inn and Restaurant.
Jefferson is the county seat of Ashe County, established in 1799. Founded prior to West Jefferson, the town was first known as Jeffersonton. However, it would then switch to Jefferson, becoming one of the first towns in the entire United States to bear the name of founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town features both the new and old county courthouses, the latter of which has been transformed into the Museum of Ashe County History. The museum has collected a plethora of items from the county’s past, and displayed open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. It offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town and where they went next. Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course. SEE COMMUNITIES ON PAGE 3
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Mountain Times Publications -
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Things To Do:
How Ashe County entertains BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com
Part of what makes Ashe County the Coolest Corner of North Carolina is things to do. Ashe County has many different activities and forms of entertainment, meaning there’s something perfect for anyone who wants to have fun or just get away. The Community Concert series brings in musical, theater and comedy acts from all over. Hosted by the Ashe County Civic Center and the Ashe County Arts Council, there’s always a show coming up that deserves to be on your calendar. Speaking of the Ashe Arts Council, its work has promoted many different artists and forms of art to Ashe County during the past 40 years. On the second Friday of each month between June and October, the Arts Council holds a gallery crawl, encouraging people to pop into local galleries and seeing what Ashe County has to offer. A special Christmas Crawl is held later in the year, as well as Tree Fest, where seven trees are decorated with unique themes by artists brought in
ASHE COUNTY’S PARKS
PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR Geoff Graham and his son, Austin, soak in the ‘Shadow of the Hills’ exhibit at the Ashe Arts Center.
by the Arts Council. To bring people and the art closer together, the Arts Council holds Studio Tours, where visitors are welcome to travel to artists’ actual studio, watch the process and meet the artists. The fourth Saturday in September is the home of the Art on the Mountain Craft Show, highlighting arts and crafts to the High
COMMUNITIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
LANSING One of Ashe County’s best hidden gems, Lansing is a town rich with tradition, kindness and beauty. Almost a neighborhood as much as it is a town, Lansing is the kind of town where everyone knows your name and offers you a drink, and is a warm and welcoming community tucked away in the mountains in the northwest of Ashe County. Located roughly 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson, the community in the corner of the county is less than an hour
Country. The Spring brings in Spring Fest, a one-day celebration of the arts which features live performances, a talent show and a petting zoo. If you’re more of an active, outdoorsy person, Ashe County has you covered. For the cyclists, the annual Blue Ridge Brutal is a demanding, uphill, miles-long challenge that
away from Mountain City, Tenn., and Abingdon, Va. Lansing is a traditional one-stoplight town, starting out in the 1800s as a rural community of farms and a mountain village, before a post office and a railroad connected it to the rest of the county, according to www. lansingnc.com. The Creeper Trail Park and the Creeper Biking Trail make Lansing a destination for anyone in Ashe County that loves the outdoors.
LAUREL SPRINGS Small town charm mixed with the Blue Ridge Parkway surrounded by adventure, Laurel
will push any cyclist to their limit. The Bowie-Seagraves Municipal park has tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond and a large playground. The park is located behind the Ashe County Public Library, which also hosts many activities for all ages. Ashe County also has some beautiful golf courses in Jefferson Landing and
Springs takes a lot of pride in its location and style. Whether you want to just stop in for lunch, to stretch your legs or lay down roots, Laurel Springs has what you need. Touching Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe Counties, Laurel Springs is no more than 30-minutes away from each county’s seat.
WEST JEFFERSON Art, good food, friendly locals, Christmas trees and milk tanks painted to look like cows, West Jefferson has it all. As one of the premiere destinations in the High Country, West Jefferson has built a reputation for having enough for everyone to have a good time.
Here are a few parks to check out and spend a beautiful day in: Ashe County Park 527 Ashe Park Road, Jefferson (336) 982-6185 BackStreet Park BackStreet, West Jefferson Bowie-Seagraves Park West Main Street, Jefferson (336) 246-3551 Foster-Tyson Park E. Main Street, Jefferson (336) 846-9368 Lansing Creeper Trail Park Downtown Lansing (336) 384-3938 Todd Island Park Railroad Grade Road at Castle Ford, Todd (336) 877-5401 Walter and Ann Cook Memorial Park Downtown Todd (336) 877-5401 Mountain Aire Golf Club. Mountain Aire is public and is good for any skill level, for more information, call (336) 877-4716 or visit www.mountainaire.com. Jefferson Landing Club is a semi-private course designed by U.S. Open and two-time PGA champion Larry Nelson. The course
A hallmark of West Jefferson for more than 20 years, the murals and galleries that fill West Jefferson are a big part of the town’s culture. Curating it all is the Ashe Arts Council, which celebrates 40 years in 2018. Headquartered at the Ashe Arts Center just off of East Main Street, the Ashe Arts Council has helped introduced numerous art projects that can be found all over West Jefferson. At the Ashe County Cheese plant, one of the most popular stops in West Jefferson, visitors can see cheese being made and go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese store to purchase a variety of cheeses, old-fash-
recently underwent renovations, making it a new sight for new visitors or returning players. For more information, call (800) 292-6274 or visit www. visitjeffersonlanding.com/ golf. If you’re all tired-out after a fun day in Ashe County, the Parkway Theatre is a great way to relax and enjoy a movie. Visit www. parkwaytheater.net or call (336) 846-3281 for more information or to see what is showing. On the southside of West Jefferson is Skate Zone, a family-operated nonprofit organization that provides a safe alternative for children throughout the county. It includes air hockey, billiards, arcade games and skating. For more information, call (336) 846-3232. For a healthy outing, the Ashe County Farmers Market operates in downtown West Jefferson. Visit http://www.ashefarmersmarket.com for dates and times. If you’re on the lookout for even more ideas and ways to have a good time, contact the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at (336) 846-9550, or visit www.ashechamber.com.
ioned snacks and candies, fudge and locally made wine. The cheese plant is open year-round and located at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. For more information, visit www.ashecountycheese.com. West Jefferson is filled with restaurants that have the perfect food for whatever you’re in the mood for, and bars for after dinner. Lining North Jefferson Avenue, the hard part is deciding. For more information, visit www.visitwestjefferson.org, or just stop in the office of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, located on the intersection of West Main Street and North Jefferson Avenue.
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Important numbers and websites West Jefferson Town Hall — (336) 246-3551, www.townofwjnc.com. West Jefferson Police Department — (336) 246-9410, www.townofwjnc. com. Ashe County Sheriff’s Office — (336) 846-5633, www.ashecountysheriff.com. Ashe County Communications Center — (336) 846-5600, www.ashecountysheriff.com. Ashe County Detention Center — (336) 846-5611, www.ashecountysheriff.com. West Jefferson Post Office — (336) 246-2601, www.usps.com. Ashe Memorial Hospital — (336) 846-7101, www.ashememorial.org. Ashe County Health Dept. — (336) 246-9449, www.apphealth.com. Mountain Family Care Center — (336) 846-6322, www.ashememorial. org. Ashe County Schools — (336) 246-7175, www.ashe.k12.nc.us. Ashe County High School — (336) 846-2400, www.ashehigh.ashe.k12. nc.us. Ashe County Middle School — (336) 384-3591, www.ashemiddle.ashe.k12. nc.us. Blue Ridge Elementary School — (336) 384-4500, www.blueridge.ashe. k12.nc.us. Mountain View Elementary School — (336) 982-4200, www.mountainview.ashe.k12.nc.us. Westwood Elementary School — (336) 877-2921, www.westwood.ashe. k12.nc.us. Ashe County Early Learning Ctr. — (336) 846-3221, www.acelc.ashe. schoolfusion.us. Wilkes Community College, Ashe Campus — (336) 846-3900, www. wilkescc.edu/about-us/locations/ ashe-campus/. Ashe County Parks and Recreation — (336) 982-6185, www.asheparks. com. Ashe County Public Library — (336) 846-2041, www.arlibrary.org/ashe. Ashe County Animal Control — (336) 982-4060, www.asheanimals. com. Ashe County Humane Society — (336) 982-4297, www.ashehumanesociety.org. Animal Hospital of Ashe — (336) 246-3441, www.animalhospitalofashe. com. Ashe Animal Clinic — (336) 2462341. Ashe Arts Council — (336) 846-2787, www.ashecountyarts.org. Ashe Post & Times — (336) 246-6397,
www.ashepostandtimes.com. Watauga Democrat — (828) 2646397, www.wataugademocrat.com. Ashe Chamber of Commerce — (888) 343-2743, www.ashechamber. com. Blue Ridge Electric — (336) 8467138, www.blueridgeemc.com. SkyLine Telephone — (336) 8771350, www.skyline.org. CenturyLink — (336) 246-0100, centurylink.com. Ashe County Board of Elections — (336) 846-5570, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/board-of-elections. Emergency Management — (336) 846-5521, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/emergency-management. Ashe County Planning Board — (336) 846-5528, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/planning. Ashe Register of Deeds — (336) 846-5580, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/register-of-deeds. Ashe Dept. of Social Services — (336) 846-5719, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/social-services. Ashe County Environmental Services — (336) 846-3721, www. ashecountygov.com/departments/environmental-services. Ashe County Landfill — (336) 9822527, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/environmental-services. Ashe Tax Collector — (336) 846-5577, www.ashecountygov.com/departments/tax-administration. Ashe County Tax Administration — (336) 846-5577, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/tax-administration. Ashe County Tax Mapping — (336) 846-5555, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/tax-administration. E911 Address Coordinator — (336) 846-5520, www.ashecountygov.com/ departments/e911-addressing Ashe County Transportation Authority — (336) 846-2000, www. actatravels.com. Ashe County Veterans Services — (336) 846-5575, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/veterans-services. Ashe County Building Inspections — (336) 846-5511, www.ashecountygov. com/departments/building-inspections. N.C. Cooperative Extension — (336) 846-5850, ashe.ces.ncsu.edu. Jefferson Town Hall — (336) 8469368, townofjefferson.org. Jefferson Police Department — (336) 846-5529, townofjefferson.org. Lansing Town Hall — (336) 3843938, lansingnc.us. Todd Community Preservation Organization — (828) 263-6173, toddnc. org.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Services for current and future residents BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com
Ashe County has become a retirement and relocation destination in North Carolina, with its scenic views, peaceful communities and a multitude of things to do. If you’re thinking of moving to Ashe County, or are in the process of doing so, you’ll need to know what kind of services are available.
BUYING OR BUILDING A HOME IN ASHE COUNTY Being the destination that it is, Ashe County has several realtors that can help you find the house of your dreams, or even just a vacation rental for some rest and relaxation. Whether it’s for one person, a couple or a family, the options in Ashe County will have you covered. The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is a good starting place to find whatever company fits your needs. To get an up-to-date list of professionals, call the chamber at (336) 846-9550 or (888) 343-2743, or visit its website at www.ashechamber.com. Future residents can also go online to find and compare current options on the market by visiting the websites of local real estate agencies that are in Ashe County, including www.highcountryrealtync.com, www. ashecountyrealestate. com, www.regencypropertiesnc.com and many more. If you find the spot that has the perfect view you’ve always wanted to wake up to, why not build a home there? The Ashe County Homebuilders Association’s mission is to protect the well being and professionalism of the building industry throughout West Jeffer-
son. They can be found online at www.ashehomebuilders.com
FINDING A JOB IN ASHE COUNTY Finding work in Ashe County becomes easier every year, and those looking for a job won’t have to look too far. The Ashe Post & Times classifieds feature the latest job openings in print weekly, with new listings added every week. The classifieds can also be seen online at www. ashepostandtimes.com. The Ashe NCWorks Career Center, located at 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, offers services to help anyone find a job including free computer access, NCWorks Online registration, career guidance, resume assisstance, job search help, job market information, training classes, veterans’ services and more.For more information, call (336) 982-5627 or visit www. ncworks.gov. To people who believe in the tried and true method of door-to-door searches, many West Jefferson businesses post “Help Wanted” signs in their storefront windows.
UTILITIES Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation supplies electricity to the West Jefferson and Ashe County area. Blue Ridge Energies is a subsidiary of the company and offers propane and heating services. Their offices are located at 2375 N.C. Highway 163 in West Jefferson. For more information about electric services, call (336) 246-7138 or visit www.blueridgeemc. com. For propane and heating services, call (336) 846-2421 or visit www.
blueridgeenergies.com. In the town limits, residents can get water services and schedule trash or brush pick up by contacting the West Jefferson Town Hall. Their hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by phone at (336) 2463551. SkyLine/SkyBest provide phone, Internet, cable TV and security services for Ashe County residents, and is located at 1060 Mount Jefferson Road in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 246-7138 or visit www.skybest.com. CenturyLink also provides telephone service for West Jefferson and Ashe County. For more information, call (800) 366-8201 or visit www. centurylink.com. Cable TV services are also available through Morris Broadband. Their office is located at 360 South Main St. in Jefferson and opened Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (888) 855-9036, (336) 246-5001 or visit www.morrisbroadband. com.
OTHER INFORMATION Visitors and residents alike can change their voter registration information through the Ashe County Board of Elections. The board office is located in the Ashe County Courthouse at Government Circle in Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-5570. Anyone needing to renew his or her driver’s license can do so at the examiner’s office located at the Law Enforcement Center at 140 Government Circle in Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 246-5001 or for license tag information, call (336) 846-5530.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Mountain Times Publications -
FILE PHOTO Ashe Early Learning Center.
Education in Ashe County BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com
Ashe County is home to seven schools; including three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, one early college and an early learning center meaning the right fit for any child in the county is right around the corner. The superintendent for Ashe County Schools is Phyllis Yates. Since taking the job in July of 2016, she’s been responsible
for the growth and development of all of Ashe County’s schools, as well as the final push before the opening of Ashe Early College. To learn more about Ashe County’s schools and how to register, visit the Ashe County Schools website at www.ashe. k12.nc.us or contact the Ashe County Board of Education to learn which school district your address is located in at (336) SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 6
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
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EDUCATION
information, call (336) 384-4500.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, JEFFERSON
246-7175. Additional information on state requirements and school information can also be found by contacting the schools below or by contacting the Ashe County Board of Education website.
Home of the Eagles, Mountain View Elementary School serves grades kindergarten through sixth and is run by Principal David Blackburn. Mountain View’s vision is to bring the school and the community together to work toward a welcoming and enlightening place for academic and emotional growth.Following that mission, Mountain View was awarded the Exemplary Schools Award for the 2013-2014 school year and also became a North Carolina School of Distinction for the 2011-12 school year. Following the 2016-17 school year, they were honored for Exceeding NC Academic Growth. Mountain View Elementary School is located at 2789 U.S. 221, Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 982-4200.
ASHE EARLY LEARNING CENTER A high-quality, public pre-kindergarten program, the Ashe Early Learning Center’s mission is to provide children with a high-quality and developmentally appropriate education to prepare them for growth and more positive, educational experiences. The Ashe Early Learning Center is located at 406 School Avenue in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-3221.
BLUE RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WARRENSVILLE Blue Ridge Elementary School is all about transforming the children of today into the leaders of tomorrow. Following the “Leader in Me” program and introducing 21st century leadership and life skills to children at an early age. The school’s motto is, appropriately, “Dream, believe, become. Lead.” Callie Grubb is the school’s principal. Blue Ridge Elementary School is located at 5778 N.C. 88 in Warrensville. For more
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
FILE PHOTO
WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WEST JEFFERSON
Blue Ridge Elementary School in Warrensville.
Home of the Timberwolves, Westwood Elementary School teaches grades kindergarten through sixth. The school’s principal is Jennifer Robinson. The schools vision, through collaborative efforts of administrators, educators, students, staff and stakeholders, is to create a child-centered environment while preparing students for the 21st century. The school also strives to foster the expansion
of ideas, sharing, valuing and appreciation of global diversity, with hopes that students will become empowered with skills to become independent and productive in our day and age. Westwood Elementary is located at 4083 U.S. Highway 221 South, West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 877-2921.
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ASHE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL, WARRENSVILLE Serving both seventh and eighth grade students, Ashe County Middle School is the home of the bulldogs and is the only middle school in the county. Its principal is Dustin Farmer. The only middle school in Ashe County, Ashe County Middle School will look very different, very soon. A new building is currently being planned, but in the meantime, Ashe County Middle School is still being recognized as a high-level learning institution. In 2015, the school was rewarded the Schools to Watch award for its academics, student responsiveness, social equality and organization structure and processes. Ashe County Middle School is located at 255 Northwest Lane, Warrensville. For more information, call (336) 384-3591.
ASHE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, WEST JEFFERSON Home of the Huskies and the only high school in Ashe County, Ashe County High
School serves students in grades nine through 12. Its principal is Amanda Hipp. Ashe County High School was built in 1999 to consolidate Ashe Central High School, Beaver Creek High School and Northwest Ashe High School. The school has become well known for its academic and extra-curricular accomplishments and studies. In 2008, Ashe County High School was listed in the U.S. News and World Report among the top 1,500 high schools in the nation. Being the only high school in the county, a lot of pride is taken in the school’s athletics programs, with Husky games of all sports being must-see events for locals. Ashe County High School is located at 184 Campus Drive, West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-2400.
ASHE EARLY COLLEGE The newest addition to the Ashe County Schools family, Ashe Early college is an early college located on the Ashe campus of Wilkes Community College. The 2018-19 school year will be the school’s first, where students are able to work towards a high school diploma and potentially an associate’s degree at the same time. The school will start with a combined 60 students across freshmen and sophomore students. Ashe Early College is located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-1881.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
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Ashe County health and medical options BY COLIN TATE
The High Country is filled with health and medical options, and Ashe County has some of the the best in the region. Ashe Memorial Hospital was once again named among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, with only three other North Carolina hospitals joining AMH on the list. Patient care is one of the top reasons AMH was named in the Top 100. According to an interview with AMH CEO Laura Lambeth, the hospital sends out thank you cards post-discharge and post-surgery to check up on former and current patients. Also, a service is offered where chemotherapy nurses travel to the homes of patients to draw blood prior to chemotherapy treatments, preventing patients from having to come into the hospital for this service. The hospital also entered into a residency program with Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Lillington. Through the partnership, AMH will be a training site for Campbell University residents from Southeastern Health in Lumberton, Harnett Health in Dunn and Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, according to Matthew Huff, Campbell University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine DIO and director of post-graduate affairs. The hospital also participates in and hosts numerous events for the community. AMH hosted a fashion show to benefit their cancer center, participated in the Heart of a Husky program providing physicals for area student athletes and also held Camp Med, a medical camp for area students. The hospital is also starting a breast cancer support group to help with those who are battling or have battled the disease.
MEDICAL SERVICES OF ASHE COUNTY
PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Ashe Memorial Hospital offers all routine and emergency medical care, along with specialty services. Those services include chemotherapy, oncology diabetes management and more.
Ashe County also features Ashe Medics, which provides 911 service to the county. Ashe Medics also has a new community paramedic service to visit patients in their homes to prevent unnecessary 911 calls that can clog the line, according to Candace Barker of Ashe Medics. Ashe Medics averages nine calls a day. They have three 24-hour trucks, and new monitors were just
added to each. “We are the first face that most people see after being in an accident,” Barker said. “We’re the gateway between home and the ER. We’re a rolling ER, and these guys train and bust their butts to make sure we have everything up to state level.” For more information on hospital services or community involvement, call (336) 846-7101, visit
MARGATE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER Margate Health and Rehabilitation, located in Jefferson, specializes in short term rehabilitation. According to Margate’s Scott Davis, Margate focuses short-term rehab and getting folks home who have had an illness or other medical issues. Margate also offers long term care and has developed a hospice hall for those who have entered that stage in their lives. “We’re willing to work with anybody in their situation,” Davis said. “Obviously, theres some things we can’t handle, but we try to meet people where they’re at and accommodate as much as we can. We have a very kind and caring staff, and we’re here to serve Ashe County.” Margate fits fit between the hospital and the home, and Davis said he wants people to realize that Margate is there to only enhance their lives once people can get home. “We want to provide that stop gap and say, ‘You spend two weeks with us, you’ll go home better than you were for the past two years,’” Davis said. For more information on Margate Health and Rehabilitation, call (336) 246-5581.
ashememorial.org or find them on Facebook. For more information on Ashe Medics, call (336) 846-9111 or visit www. ashemedics.org.
Ashe County has several other medical services available for those in need: Ashe Family Healthcare 952 U.S. 221 BUS West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-6500 Ashe Optometric Eyecare Center 306 S Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-8863 Ashe Medical Associates 151 Medical Park Drive Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-7161 Ashe Women’s Center 420 East 2nd St. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-6246 Ashe Pediatrics 303 E. 2nd St. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-4543 High Country Family Medicine 200 Hospital Ave. #7 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-7238 Mountain Family Care Center 200 Hospital Ave. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-6322 Wilma Vannoy Birthing Center 200 Hospital Ave. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-0734
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
8 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
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Hiking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Biking, Canoeing, and Relaxing are just a few of the things that will keep you busy in this area. 2152 Beaver Creeck School Rd. West Jefferson, NC 1-800-238-8733 • local 336-246-8494
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Faith and religion are important parts of life in Ashe County. Whether a Sunday morning service, a Wednesday evening gathering or a special event, there are many ways to get involved in the spiritual community of the area. Check out the listings below for contact information for most area churches and other religious organizations. Appalachian Church Rev. Steve Ashley P.O. Box 1115 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 977-2911 Apple Grove Baptist Church Rev. Jullian Owen 553 Ripshin Road Lansing, NC 28643 Ashe Baptist Association Rev. David Blackburn P.O. Box 850 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-5631 Ashe County Worship Center Rev. Chuck Call 863 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336)846-1189 Ashe Presb. Church in America Rev. Herb Parunak 220 Lynch Colvard Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-2979 Bald Mountain Baptist Church Rev. John Elledge 1460 Bald Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-1550 Baldwin Community Church Rev. Kenneth Grubb 1549 NC Hwy 194 S. Todd, NC 28684 Baptist Chapel Rev. Tommy McClure 142 Ray Davis Road Lansing NC 28643 (336) 384-2888 Beaver Creek Baptist Church Rev. Johnny Goodman 3895 Bare Creek Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3524 Beaver Creek Christian Church Rev. Loren Lung 1676 Beaver Creek School Road
Mountain Times Publications -
Local church information
PHOTO SUBMITTED Midway Baptist Church located at 1670 Mt. Jefferson Road in West Jefferson is pictured. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3795 Ben Bolen Baptist Church Rev. Willis Rash 2835 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6443 Bethel Baptist Church Rev. Daniel Peak 15366 Old Hwy 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-1091 Big Flatts Baptist Church Rev. Billy Norris 466 Stony Ford Road Deep Gap, NC 28618 (828) 964-8837 Big Laurel Baptist Church Rev. Mike Trivette 621 Trivette Hollow Road
Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-9684 Big Laurel Christian Union Rev. Darrell Graybeal 2550 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-3054 Big Laurel Mennonite Church Rev. Kirby Herman 5500 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6136 Big Springs Baptist Church Rev. JB Ham 316 Honeysuckle Lane Lansing, NC 28643 Blackburn’s Tabernacle Rev. J.D. Walton (336) 877-1962 Blue Ridge Baptist Church
Rev. Teddy Shatley 168 Gunm Ridge Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3273 Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Kirby McNeill P.O. Box 1104 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7482 Calvary Freewill Baptist Church Rev. Sonny Thomas 3020 Old Wilkesboro Road Jefferson, NC 28643 (336) 982-4743 Calvary United Methodist Church Rev. Brian Cornell Jefferson, NC 28684 Chesnut Hill Baptist Rev. Chris Cox 139 Clearview Lane
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Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Chestnut Hill United Methodist Rev. Rob Brooks 422 Nathans Creek School Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 977-1377 Christian Believers Assembly Rev. J.B. Hamm 316 Honeysuckle Lane Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-3107 Christian Unity Baptist Church Rev. Michael Carter 391 Walter Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (828) 773-3891 Clifton Baptist Church Rev. Jimmy Galgano 780 McNeil Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-1164 Clifton United Methodist Rev. Margaret Wannemaker P.O. Box 187 Warrensville, NC 28693 Cornerstone Fellowship Rev. Todd Brewer 232 Frank Witherspoon Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3741 Creston United Methodist Rev. Ricky Mitchell 616 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260 Cristo El Salvador Bro. Israel Chupez 342 River Bend Hill’s Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 246-9500 Faith Chapel Christian Church Rev. Dominick Mongiove 141 Campbell Glen Lane Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-4249 Farmers Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Danny Farmer 789 North Flattwoods Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6642 First Asembly of God Rev. Keith Styron 210 Faw Roland St. SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 10
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
10 - Mountain Times Publications
CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-4444 Flat Grove Union Baptist Church Rev. Joey McClure 2517 Big Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-1556 Fletcher Memorial Rev. Cory Halsey P.O. Box 65 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-9642 Friendly Grove Baptist Church Rev. Kevin York 444 Buck Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-3820 Friendship Baptist Church Rev. Russell Hart 891 Friendship Baptist Church Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-2080 Glendale Springs Presbyterian Elder Sidney Crunk P.O. Box 248 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 God Will Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Allen Huffman 415 Ashe Central School Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3717 Grassy Creek United Methodist Reg. Harold Parks 169 Denise Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 Green Valley United Methodist Rev. Ricky Mitchell 616 Three Top Rd Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260 Greenes Chapel Baptist Church Rev. Jimmy Eldreth 7891 NC Hwy 194 N Lansing, NC 28643
(336) 877-7296 Happy Trails Cowboy Church Rev. Roger Blevins 795 Gather Poe Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 982-3016 Healing Springs Baptist Church Rev. Kevin Jones 854 Virgil Greer Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-2024 Helton United Methodist Church Rev. Casey McKenna 16003 Hwy 194 N Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 359-8144 Highlands Community Rev. Alan Ambrose 531 Glenbare Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (828) 406-5416 Holy Trinity Episcopal Rev . Kim Becker (336)982-3076 Jefferson United Methodist Church Rev. David Lawrence 115 East Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-1672 Landmark Baptist Church Rev. Fred Steelman P.O. Box 52 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (828) 234-8458 Lansing Community Unity Baptist Church Rev. Joe Riley Blevins 886 Audrey Tuner Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 982-2786 Lansing Presbyterian Elder John Powers P.O. Box 65 Lansing, NC 28643 Laurel Fork Presbyterian Elder Jeff Bumgardner P.O. Box 5 Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Laurel Knob Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Jim Rash 2945 Bald Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-7050 Liberty Regular Baptist Rev. Russel Sheets P.O. Box 143 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (336) 982-2522 Little Laurel United Methodist Rev. Ricky Mitchell 616 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260 Meadowview Mennonite Rev. Dan Hess 323 Whenlin Ridge Road Lansing, NC 28643 Midway Baptist Church Rev. Steve LeaShomb 1670 Mount Jefferson Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-2012 Mission Home Baptist Church Rev. Lawrence Goodman 1363 Paul Goodman Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-6107 Morning Star Baptist Rev. Jamie Denny P.O. Box 91 Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-9326 Mount Jefferson Baptist Church Rev. Keith Casey P.O. Box 388 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-7691 Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church Rev. Will Hayward P.O. Box 782 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7481 Mount Laurel Moravian Fellowship Church Rev. Ted Burcaw 8586 Hwy 88 Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Derrick Hodges 204 Leather Hinge Dr. Wilkesboro, NC 28697 (336) 262-5373 Mount Paddy Christian Union Rev. Tim Roten P.O. Box 820 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-3174 Mount Vernon Baptist Church Rev. Bennie Roten 940 NC Hwy. 88 East Jefferson, NC 28640 Mount View Independent Methodist Rev. Tommy Stevens (336) 385-1225 Mount Zion Baptist Rev. Fred Richardson 236 Richardson Hollow Lansing, NC 28643 Nathan’s Creek United Methodist Rev. Rob Brooks 422 Nathans Creek Sch. Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 977-1377 New River Baptist Church Rev. Wayne Jones 227 Buffalo Meadows Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-4360 North Beaver Baptist Church Rev. Rick Miller 3991 Hwy. 221 N Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-8658 Oak Grove Union Baptist Rev. George Grubb 174 LeChemain Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 Oak Hill Baptist Church Rev. JC Darnell 736 Carl Eastridge Road Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 385-6824 Obids Baptist Church Rev.Mark Harless SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 11
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Wednesday, August 22, 2018
CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 458 Will Vannoy Road West Jefferson NC 28694 (336) 877-1553 Old Fields Baptist Church Rev. Larry Powers 124 Dillard Dr. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-9073 Orion Baptist Church Rev. Steven Allen 261 Mt. View Dr. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 977-6160 Peace Haven Community Church Rev. Bill Miller 211 Bill Miller Lane Deep Gap, NC 28618 Pilot Mountain Baptist Church Rev. Keith Woodie P.O. Box 1421 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-4037 Pine Grove Union Baptist Rev. Joey McClure 2517 Big Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-1556 Pine Swamp Baptist Church Rev. Steve Viers 793 Gather Poe Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 977-9373 Pleasant Hill Church Rev. Terry Woods 534 Roaring Fork Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-5571 Pleasant Home Baptist Church Rev. Lonnie Carpenter 115 Rayfield Acres Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-0654 Pleasant View Separate Baptist Rev. Dwight Shepard Lansing, NC 28643 Plesant Grove Baptist Rev. Roosevelt Carlton 293 Clearview Road Moravian Falls, NC 28654 (336) 921-2515 Pond Mountain Primative Baptist Elder Eddie G. Lyle 1521 Elliott Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 384-2114 Rich Hill Union Baptist Rev. Tommy Dollar 2702 Frank Dillard Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 Riverview Baptist Church Rev. Evan Moore 195 Grandfather Pine Dr. Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-3098 Sabbath Home Baptist Church Earl & Dottie Goss 1938 E Little Horse Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 Senter Primitive Baptist Bob H. Absher 183 Old Ridge Road Crumpler, NC 28617 Seventh-Day Adventist Church Rev. Kevin Morgan (336) 384-2840 Shelter Baptist Church Rev. Mike Mahaney 1281 Windy Hill Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 Shiloh Baptist Church Rev. Warner Eller 602 Roy Goodman Road Crumpler NC 28617 (336) 982-4078 Silas Creek Union Baptist Church Rev. Danny Miller 1027 Big Windfall Road Lansing, NC 28643 Smethport Baptist Church Rev. Phil Arnold 180 Smethport Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 Smethport United Methodist
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Rev. Margaret Wannemacher P.O. Box 187 Warrensville, NC 28693 Southfork Baptist Church Rev. David Cooper 157 Southfork Church Road Todd, NC 28684 (336) 877-8777 St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Father James P.O. Box 1 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-9151 St. John’s Baptist Rev. Roosevelt Carlton 293 Clearview Road Moravian Falls, NC 28654 (336) 921-2515 St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Rev. Kim Becker (336) 982-3076 Sturgills Baptist Church Rev. Lloyd Day 1301 Claybank Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 Sugar Tree Baptist Church Rev. Jimmy Greer 554 Monroe Miller Road Lansing, NC 28643 Sutherland United Methodist Church Rev. Ricky Mitchell 616 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260 Three Forks Baptist Church Carroll Roten 2422 Rich Hill Road Creston, NC 28615 Three Top Baptist Rev. Bluford Eldreth P.O. Box 123 Jefferson, NC 28640 Transou United Methodist Rev. Rob Brooks 422 Nathans Creek School Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 977-1377 Trinity Baptist Church Rev. Nathan Caprolie P.O. Box 190 Deep Gap, NC 28618 (828) 262-5751 Tuckerdale Baptist Church Rev. Larry Shepard 525 Country Lane Lansing, NC 28643 Union Baptist Church Tim & Roxane Roten 1114 Bee Tree Road Lansing, NC 28643 Valley Home Baptist Rev. Ken Homes Creston, NC 28615 Victorious Life Lutheran Rev. Lambert Gabbert (336) 982-2498 Warrensville Baptist Church Rev. Wade Huntsinger P.O. Box 241 Warrensville, NC 28697 Warrensville United Methodist Church Rev. Margaret Wannemacher P.O. Box 187 Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-3391 Welcome Home Baptist Church Rev. Lonnie Jones 12479 Old Hwy. 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-3188 West Jefferson Church of Christ Rev.Timothy Canup (336) 246-5615 West Jefferson First Baptist Church Rev. Michael Lea 225 Knollview Dr. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-2535 West Jefferson United Methodist Church Rev. Dan Gaddy P.O. Box 826 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-5292 Zion United Methodist Church Rev. David Hawkins (828) 429-3872
Mountain Times Publications -
Public Transportation Ashe County Transportation
Serving Ashe County for 32 Years! Ashe County Transportation Authority provides daily transportation services to all citizens of Ashe County. Our services assists individuals with transportation access to medical and health resources, airports, shopping facilities, education, recreational, and employment and training opportunities. Services provided are deviated fixed route transportation between Jefferson and West Jefferson, demand response service, and airport shuttle service. Our fleet of vehicles is comprised of mini vans, SUV’s, and LTV vans that are handicap accessible. To schedule your appointment, give us a call by 2:00 pm the business day prior to your appointment. Phone: 336-846-2000 * TDD: (800) 735-2962 * Fax: 336-846-8579 Deviated Fixed Route: 336-977-2595 E-mail: info@actatravel.com * www.actatravels.com 895 Ray Taylor Road, PO Box 1836, West Jefferson, NC 28694
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12 - Mountain Times Publications
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
ASHELAWN MEMORIAL CHAPEL & GARDENS 3470 US Hwy 221 N. • Jefferson, NC 28640 • 336-982-2121 www.ashelawn.com • Recorded Obituary • 336-982-2120
Serving Ashe County with Dignity, Integrity & Compassion
Your Open Door in Your Time of Need! Locally owned and operated by Josh and Holly Roten
BADGER FUNERAL HOME 300 E. Main St. • West Jefferson, NC 28694 • 336-246-7114 www.badgerfuneralhome.com • Recorded Obituary • 336-246-5526
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Mountain Times Publications -
13
New businesses and services With a vibrant economy and abundant natural resources, Ashe County is the home to a growing business climate. Several of the new businesses that have opened in the county since last year’s Ashe County My Home Town are found below: Aflac — District Office — Lisa Randolph 502 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3033 lisa_randolph@us.aflac.com Alebrijes 1 N. Jefferson Ave. Suite B West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7866 eliashernandez9857@gmail. com Appalachian Memory Keepers 409 S. Main St. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 620-2000 info@appalachianmemorykeepers.org Appalachian Sherpa LLC PO Box 1074 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-1503
info@appalachiansherpa.com A’s Backstreet Cafe 209 Backstreet West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3873 ABackstreetCafe@gmail.com Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group 875 Mt. Jefferson Rd. Suite 2 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (828) 348-5405 ivorybare@atlanticbay.com Blue Ridge Movie Lounge 17 E. 2nd St. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-3131 infoBRML@gmail.com Bulls 201 Backstreet West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2855 mtnoutfitter@skybest.com Cobblestones of Ashe, LLC 113 Backstreet West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 469-2490 cobblestonesofashe@yahoo. com Diabetic Shoes 15249 N. Hwy 194 N.
Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-1318 carolynshaver1946@gmail. com Factor Counseling Services 19 E. Ashe St., Suite D West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 902-3888 factorcounselingservices@ gmail.com Fidelity Mortgage 1 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite A West Jefferson, NC 28694 (330) 704-9919 jennifer.csora@lionbank.com Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant 7414 NC Hwy 16 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (336) 982-3103 glendalespringsinn@gmail.com Grade Scapes LLC 2671 NC Hwy 16 S. Jefferson, NC 28640 (828) 406-9293 jason@gradescapesllc.com Horse Hugs 415 Jobs Rd. Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (919) 448-7461
sandyspooner@mac.com L R Digital Conversions 299 Clear Branch Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (828) 278-4467 luis@lrdvdproductions.com Little Saps 15534 Old Hwy 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (847) 877-1979 carriemcclain@hart-t-trees. com Musicians Mission of Mercy #5 West Main St. Suite 21 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (828) 434-8888 Catherine@MusiciansMissionofMercy.org NC Works/High Country 626 Ashe Central School Rd. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-5627 allen.osborne@rescare.com NCH Carpentry Remodel and Countertop Repair 316 West Main St. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 380-5331 nchrestorations@gmail.com
New River Escape 181 River Run Bridge Rd. Fleetwood, NC 28626 (828) 278-9831 getaway@newriverescape.com New River Inn & Cabins 264 Trading Post Rd. Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (336) 982-8282 info@newriverinnandcabins. com Pre-Court Mediation Services 200 Luther Rd. Apt. 102 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 977-7360 p.hession2014@gmail.com Rewarded Behavior Continues, LLC 2812 Idlewild Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (828) 263-6153 info@rewardedbehaviorcontinues.com Ridgeline Properties PO Box 1224 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-1400 SEE BUSINESSES ON PAGE 14
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
14 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Chamber of Commerce drives flourishing Ashe County successes BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com
There is talk on the streets of Ashe County that things are changing fast. Between U.S. 221 widening, tourists flocking to a growing abundance of Ashe County festivals and special events, and new businesses opening left and right, it’s no wonder folks speak of change and growth when discussing the region. At the heart of flourishing tourism and business in the “Coolest Corner of North Carolina” is the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce in downtown West Jefferson, and its executive director, Kitty Honeycutt. “Business is great, and it’s exciting,” Honeycutt said. “The chamber has been
PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR From left to right, Kathleen George, Kitty Honeycutt, Leah Privette and Robin Privette make up the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, located in downtown West Jefferson, driving business and tourism to the ‘Coolest Corner of North Carolina.’
very active, we’ve added lots of new members, and that’s wonderful,” Hon-
eycutt said. “But it’s not just the chamber’s work, it shows the temperature of
the whole economy — the attitudes and the excitement in the whole county.” Since August 2017, Honeycutt said the Ashe Chamber of Commerce has added 81 members to its business directory, held 19 ribbon cuttings for new businesses and mailed out more than 1,500 Ashe County promotional DVDs
across the United States. “We’ve been getting a lot of good notice,” Honeycutt said. “There’s excitement — new people are coming to the area, a lot of relationship building goes on, and that pays off in chamber support.” Honeycutt said the chamber’s four committees — business and commercial development, tourism, member services and education — have put in a lot of work to increase chamber visibility over the past year, and as a result she expects the chamber’s three big annual events — outrageously good customer service breakfast, small business of the year luncheon and yearly chamber meeting — to be among the most-attended events the chamber has ever hosted. “There are a lot of entrepreneurs that are doing well, and, of course, the expansion of GE Aviation is a big success story,” Honeycutt said. “We even have new individual members — people who are just individuals who don’t own businesses, but are believ-
BUSINESSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
kent@ncridgelineproperties.com Saloon Studios 313 Old West Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-2374 info@saloonstudioslive.com Sisters on Main 202 S. Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2160 j_absher@email.com Southern Shine 109 B N. Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 219-0002 info@southernshinejuice.com Taste of Chicago 19 E. Ashe St. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-5623 joeignoffo@icloud.com
ing in what the chamber does and are wanting to show support for that and stay connected to all the things going on.” While driving commerce is a key focus of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, it is not their only concern. “Our chamber does a couple of different things that are a little unusual,” Honeycutt said. “We’re a chamber of commerce, so that helps businesses be promoted, be successful, build leaders — all that we can do in the business community, but we are also a visitor center. Not all chambers are set up like that, so we wear a lot of hats in here.” Between attracting tourists to Ashe and building the county’s business community, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is hoping to take its recent successes and build more upon it. “The goal would be to continue to grow,” Honeycutt said. “A rising tide floats all boats, so we want everybody to be successful and help promote every-
The Barn on New River 3364 Lower Nettle Knob Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (704) 798-3512 barnonnewriver@gmail.com Third Day Market 599 NC Hwy 16 South Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-1089 kaitlin@thirddaymarket.com Twin Rivers Family Campground 1863 Garvey Bridge Rd Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 982-3456 twinrivers@skybest.com Two Crafty Moms 219 B Beaver Creek School Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-6006 barb1964@hotmail.com Whiskey Mountain Pottery, Inc. 411 Woodie Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (980) 297-1406 dcbridge.pottery5@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Mountain Times Publications -
15
Christmas tree season in Ashe County is a year-round effort BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com
Commonly sighted on any drive through Ashe County are sprawling rowss of Christmas trees lining the Blue Ridge’s hillsides and mountaintops. Christmas trees are a cherished commodity in Ashe County. Trees, roping and wreaths are an industry that harvests more than 700,000 trees annually, valued at more than $12 million per year, according to the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association. The Fraser fir tree is the most commonly grown type of Christmas tree in Ashe County, as it is endemic to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southern Appalachia. The Ashe County Christmas Tree Association refers to the majestic Fraser fir as the Cadillac of Christmas trees due to its highly-prized aroma, shape, dark green color, excellent needle retention and strong branches capable of carrying heavy ornaments. More than 50 million Fraser firs are grown as Christmas trees on some 25,000 acres of North Carolina soil, representing more than 90 percent of
PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Christmas trees, like these at Sexton Christmas Tree Farm, line the mountains of the High Country. Ashe County is the nation’s leading producer of Christmas trees and greenery.
all Christmas trees grown in the nation, according to the ACCTA. From North Carolina, trees are shipped to every state in the country, all over North America, to the Caribbean Islands, Japan and other parts of the world. Fraser firs can reach a maximum height of 80 feet if left to grow, but on average it takes between 7 and 10 years for a tree to hit the ideal Christmas tree height of 6 to 7 feet, according to
the ACCTA. The species is named after John Fraser, a botanist from Scotland who explored the High Country in the late 1700s. A contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association judged the North Carolina Fraser fir as the nation’s best Christmas tree, and a North Carolina Fraser fir has been chosen as the official White House Christmas Tree 12 times —more than any other species, according to the
ACCTA. As follows is a list of Christmas Tree farms in Ashe County:
Ashe County Christmas Tree Association PO Box 966 Jefferson, NC 28640 info@ashecountychristmastrees.com Barr Evergreens 321 East Healing Springs Rd. Crumpler, NC 28617 (800) 991-3326 barrevergreens.com info@barrevergreens.com Big Meadow Mountain Nursery 19201A Highway 88W
“Serving Ashe County as the oldest firm in the county since 1957.”
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SEE TREES ON PAGE 16
DR. JOHN RYAN
Mark Little - Broker - 704-437-0447 Tammy Howell - Office Manager
PO Box 1076 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-7615 clarksevergreens@yahoo. com Cline Church Nursery 160 Hewed Log Gap Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-4237 clinechurchnursery.com ccnsy@skybest.com Crop Production Services PO Box 1716 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-3339 scott.henson@cpsagu.com Davis Tree Farm 1620 Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 957-7265 davisnc@skybest.com Dixie Fraser Fir Co LLC PO Box 114 Creston, NC 28615 (336) 877-6625 info@radonbusters.net Fernwood Farm 2303 Glenn Miller Road Warrensville, NC 28693 (828) 773-9189 mdomwo@skybest.com Foggy Mountain Nursery 2251 Ed Little Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 384-5323 foggymtn.com foggymtn@skybest.com Fraser Knoll 610 Burnt Hill Rd Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 982-3517 fraserknoll.com sales@fraserknoll.com Furches Evergreens Inc PO Box 62 West Jefferson, NC 28694 336-246-7422 furchesevergreens.com
ASHE OPTOMETRIC EYE CARE CENTER
Mike Burgess - Owner/Broker 336-877-0382 Dayna Price - Broker - 336-877-6807
Creston, NC 28615 (919) 787-1929 tri@ipass.net Big Springs Nursery & Tree Farms PO Box 878 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 385-4000 bigspringsnursery.com rkcdoc@skybest.com Buffalo Fir Co. PO Box 38 Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 977-1267 seshumate245@yahoo.com Business Exit Strategy Team 971 Riverwind Road #5 Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-8840 workmanship@skybest.com Cardinal Tree Farm LLC 571 Baldwin Rd West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2976 www.cardinaltreefarm.com cardinaltree@skybest.com Carolina Farm Credit PO Box 520 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-8856 carolinafarmcredit.com bstanley@carolinafarmcredit.com Carolina Fraser Fir Co., LLC 516 Aubrey Turner Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (276) 579-7733 www.carolinafraser.com cherie.shatley@carolinafraser.com Cheek Brothers Tree Farm 3405 NC Hwy 88E. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-7323 www.cheekfraser.com cheekevergreens@gmail. com Clark’s Evergreen and Landscaping
10 E Main St, West Jefferson, NC 28694 • (336) 846-3281 parkwaytheater.net
Examination & Treatment of Eyes & Eye Disease
Fashion Eyewear for the Entire Family No Line Bifocals Specialty Contact Lenses for Astigmatism, Nearsightedness & Farsightedness Comprehensive Examination Computerized Visual Field Testing Retinal Photography Biomicroscopy Cataract & Glaucoma Evaluation Pre- & Post-Op Refractive Surgery Care
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306 Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson
336.246.8863
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
16 - Mountain Times Publications
TREES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 sales@furchesevergreens.com Gardner Tree Farms PO Box 152 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 337-8373 mnms@embarqmail.com Greenscape Tools, Inc. 160 Hewed Log Gap Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-2672 GreenscapeTools.com info@greenscapetools.com Grouse Ridge Christmas Trees 14911 Old Hwy 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-3337 grouseridgetrees.com shfishel@gmail.com Hart Power Equipment Inc. PO Box 405 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-3431 Hart-T-Tree Farms PO Box 35 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-9603 hart-t-trees.com wholesale@hart-t-trees.com Hartzog Farms 4233 Hartzog Ford Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-6705 cdhartzog@skybest.com Herman Tree Farm PO Box 519 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-3352 hermansurvey@skybest.com Honeycutt Christmas Trees 173 Hidden Spring Road
West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-3272 khoneycuttmk@skybest.com Hudler Tree Farm LLC PO Box 444 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-8627 hudlertreefarm.net hudlertreefarm@skybest.com Lee’s Trees 567 Inspiration Way West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7936 leestrees@skybest.com Lil’ Grandfather Choose & Cut 15371 NC HWY 18 South Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 372-9613 lilgrand.com info@lilgrand.com Long’s Tree Farm 162 Mountain View Drive Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-3659 longstreefarm.com info@longstreefarm.com Lyalls Nursery 238 Mt Valley Drive West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-0067 lyallstrees.com lyallstrees@skybest.com Mistletoe Meadows Christmas Trees 583 Burnt Hill Rd. Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 982-9754 mistletoemeadows.com mistletoem@skybest.com Mountain Advantage LLC 644 Roy Goodman Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 982-6285 mountainadvantagellc.com info@mountainadvantagellc.com Mountain Memories
252 Rocky Gap Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-0170 Naked Ridge Tree Farm 1316 Carson Woods Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 977-0670 www.nakedridgetreefarm.com rsgoodman@skybest.com New River Tree Co Inc. PO Box 846 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2035 newrvertree@skybest.com Omni Farm 1369 Calloway Gap Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-3475 www.omnifarm.com omnifarm@omnifarm.com Parsons Farms & Supply PO Box 389 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-4359 parsonsfarms@skybest.com Pate’s Tree Farm PO Box 38 Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (276) 677-3530 patesfarming@gmail.com Peak Farms 1011 Low Gap Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-6082 peakfarms.com russellpf2@skybest.com RC Blackburn Nursery 451 Don Walters Rd Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-9088 blackburnrc@skybest.com Richard Woodie Tree Farms PO Box 524 Sparta, NC 28675 rwtreefarm.com rwoodie@hotmail.com
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Richardson Tree Farm 235 Colvard Farm Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 977-2109 Rick’s Evergreens 4106 Old Field Creek Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 846-3339 ricknjane@skybest.com River Ridge Farms 8539 US Hwy 221 N Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 982-3953 riverridgetreefarms.com rrfarms@skybest.com RRR Laurel Knob Tree Farm 1029 Rainbow Trail Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-6488 rrrtreefarm.com rrrlaurelknobtreefarm@gmail. com Severt’s Tree Farm Ore Knob Manor Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (276) 768-9001 www.severtstreefarm.com buyatree@severtstreefarm.com Sexton Christmas Tree Farms PO Box 1235 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-8494 sextonchristmastrees.com sextonfarms@skybest.com Shady Rest Tree Farm 287 Trading Post Road Glendale Springs, NC 28629 (336) 977-1659 shadyresttreefarm.com srtreefarm@skybest.com Shatley Farms, LLC 3509 US Hwy 221 North Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-9462 www.shatleyfarms.com shatleyfarms@skybest.com
Smokey Holler Tree Farm LLC 3452 Meadowfork Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 372-2756 smokeyhollertreefarm.com smokeyholler@skybest.com Sturgill Tree Farms 1344 NC Hwy 88 W West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-4343 sturgillstreefarms.com trees@sturgillstreefarms.com Sunnyside Trees 436 Sunnyside Park Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-9235 sunnysidetrees.com LarryElliott436@gmail.com Terry Goss Christmas Trees PO Box 728 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-0601 gosstrees.com goss-trees@gmail.com Tucker Tree Farms 365 Murray Drive Boone, NC 28607 (828) 406-6305 tuckertrees@gmail.com Wayland’s Nursery 1003 Round Knob Ridge Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7729 wecox50@skybest.com Weaver Tree Farms Inc. 2360 NC Hwy 88 West West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-7951 weavertreefarms.com weaverfarms@skybest.com West End Wreaths PO Box 29 West Jefferson, NC 28694 336-384-4440 westendwreaths.com sales@westendwreaths.com
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Mountain Times Publications -
17
DINING IN ASHE COUNTY WEST JEFFERSON
PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR Pie on the Mountain in Lansing serves pizza and more.
Dining: What’s cooking in Ashe County? BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com
One thing that no one in Ashe County has to worry about is finding exactly what they want to eat. Barbecue, southern cooking, a classic burger with fries or just something that reminds you of home, Ashe County’s variety of restaurants have whatever you need or want on a menu. Start your day right with a cup of coffee at the West Jefferson Coffee House or Bohemia. Bohemia also carries fresh smoothies, if that’s what you prefer, and Southern Shine is also a nice smoothie stop. Being in Western North Carolina, Ashe County needs to have good barbecue, so it’s no surprise that it does. If you’re in the market for some, Smoky Mountain Barbecue or When
Pigs Fly BBQ and Wings are the go-to spots to get pork, beef and chicken dishes. Everything thing they serve is completed with classic sides and southern hospitality. Ashe County is filled with good places to get a burger, and Black Jack’s Pub and Grill and Boondocks Brewing Tap Room and Restaurant highlight the options. For something on the more upscale side of things, The Hotel Tavern has hand-crafted burgers, a selection of steaks, weekly drink specials and a large, outdoor deck to enjoy a nice afternoon. After eating at one of the fine establishments already mentioned, why not grab some dessert after your food’s settled. Located in downtown West Jefferson, Rosebud Bakery and Sweet and Savory Bakery and Deli are
good choices for a sweet treat. Maybe you’re not in the mood for classic Americana, well Ashe County still has something for you. Shokudo Japanese Seafood and Steak House or Osaka have your Asian food craving covered, and Monte de Ray carries Mexican food that can carry a kick or just put a big smile on your face, and the Havana Cafe in West Jefferson has Cuban dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The pizza lover inside you should check out Village Inn Pizza in West Jefferson, or make the trek to Lansing to pop into Pie on the Mountain to see what’s cooking. One of the beautiful things about Ashe County is the dining. No matter what you’re in the mood for, it’s here, and it’s accompanied by good service and a friendly smile.
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill 18 N. Jefferson Avenue (336) 246-3295 Bantam Chef 401 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-7888 Bohemia 5 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498 Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant 108 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-5222 Coffee Shop & Waffle House 21 Beaver Creek School Road (336) 246-2345 Havana Cafe 109 Back Street (336) 846-2800 Hillbilly Grill 601 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-4745 Hotel Tavern 5 W. Main St. (336) 846-2121 Log House Restaurant 117 2nd Ave. (336) 846-7737 Louise’s Sweet T. Cafe 423 E. Second St. (336) 246-9990 McDonald’s 11 Ashemont Dr. (336) 246-3061 Monte D. Rey 1447 C. Mt. Jefferson Road (336) 846-2100 Park Vista Inn and Restaurant 1907 Park Vista Road (336) 877-5200 Osaka 1400 Mt. Jefferson Rd. No. 5 (336) 246-3300 Rosebud Bakery 102 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-3333 Shokudo Japanese Seafood and Steak House 920 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-6999 Smoky Mountain Barbecue 1008 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-6818 Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli 6 S. Jefferson Ave.
(336) 846-8888 Village Inn Pizza 432 E. Second St. (336) 846-2200 Wendy’s 1380 Mt. Jefferson Rd. (336) 246-2594 West Jefferson Coffee House 208 Back Street (336) 846-3873 JEFFERSON Blue Ridge Bistro 829 East Main St. (336) 846-6110 Bojangles 158 Northview Dr. (336) 846-3293 Burger King 798 E. Main St. (336) 246-3681 Dairy House 215 Long St. (336) 846-9257 Hardee’s 799 E. Main St. (336) 846-5504 Harvest Cafe 234 E. Main St. (336) 846-3000 Pizza Hut 146 Northview Dr. (336) 246-6077 Plaza del Sol 777 E. Main St. (336) 846-1639 When Pigs Fly BBQ and Wings 658 S. Main St. (336) 846-4747 Winners Circle 825 E. Main St. (336) 246-4499 LANSING Pie on the Mountain 9360 NC Hwy. 194 (336) 384-8008 Glendale Springs Mountain Aire Sea Food and Steaks 9930 Highway 16 S. (336) 982-3060
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18 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Wilkes Community College provides career options for Ashe students BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@mountaintimes.com
FILE PHOTO The Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College serves about 600 to 700 students a year and about 25 percent of that number includes high school students from the local school system.
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Community colleges are essential in providing every citizen with access to higher education every citizen in our state. Whether students want to take their first two years with a community college and then transfer to a state university for the last two years of a bachelor’s degree, or if they want to complete a two-year associate degree program that leads directly on to a career, the community college is an ideal place to take the first educational step beyond high school, according to Wilkes Community College President Jeff Cox. “Wilkes Community College is different than all of the other 57 community colleges in our state, in that we have been designed to meet the specific needs of the region we serve — Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany Counties,” Cox said. “We are constantly reviewing the courses we offer to ensure we are meeting the needs of the students in our region as well as the workforce needs of the businesses and industries in our area.” The community college also serves thousands of students through various short-term workforce and community education courses that offer citizens opportunities to strengthen their work skills or pursue study areas of personal interest. The most popular degree WCC offers is the general college transfer degree, according to Cox. “About half of the curriculum students who attend
WCC are here to get their first two years of general college classes and then transfer on to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree,” Cox said. “Students who start with WCC for two years and then transfer to universities complete their bachelor’s degrees at the same rate as those who go straight to the university right out of high school. They just save their parents a ton of money by starting with Wilkes Community College.” However, Cox added that WCC has numerous programs where students can finish a two-year associate degree and go straight into the workforce. “Some of our programs with the most demand in the labor market are nursing, radiography, diesel & heavy equipment and applied engineering,” Cox said. “We literally have dozens of programs that will allow students to get a two-year degree or even a shorter-term certificate and go out and earn $30,000/ year or more. We are a tremendous value.” The college has just undergone a new strategic planning process, renewing the focus on preparing students to graduate from WCC and either go on to a university or into the workforce to find a job where they can earn a living wage, according to Cox. One of the strategies implemented as part of the strategic plan is the hiring of career coaches for every traditional high school in WCC’s service area. “These folks will be college employees but will be based in the high schools,
working alongside school counselors and administrators to help students understand the career opportunities in our region where they can earn a family-sustaining wage and the educational pathways they need to take to get to these careers,” Cox said. “We are really excited to be putting these positions into the high schools and think they will make a big impact in helping high school students make well-informed decisions about what they want to do after high school.” WCC’s Ashe Campus is vital for Ashe County students, according to Cox. He added that some underestimate the burden some students have commuting 45 minutes to the Wilkesboro Campus. “If students can get at least a year of their two-year degree completed right in their home community, it dramatically increases their chances of being able to complete their degree,” Cox said. “And we have several programs now that students can complete there in Ashe County. “When we complete the $10 million Ashe Campus expansion project and nearly double the size of our Ashe Campus, we will be able to serve even more students there in Ashe County.” Cox said WCC hopes that by the fall of 2020 the community college will be ready to open the doors to the new addition. For more information on the Ashe Campus of WCC, visit their webpage at www. wilkescc.edu/about-us/ locations/ashe-campus or call (336) 846-3900.
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
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Arts in Ashe County BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com
Ashe County wouldn’t be Ashe County without the culture of art that has deep roots in the area, and you can’t go one-hundred feet in West Jefferson without seeing a mural, painted fire hydrant or gallery. A hotbed of creativity and expression; painters, musicians, sculptors and more help make Ashe County unique.
ASHE ARTS COUNCIL 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the Ashe Arts Council, which has been a big part of not just the arts community in Ashe County, but the county as a whole. By promoting works by artists in the area, and the galleries in Ashe County, the Arts Council has allowed creativity to flourish. A major part of this has been Jane Lonon, who has been the executive director of the Arts Council for 38 of its 40 years. The Ashe Arts Center, home of the Ashe Arts Council, features a gallery room with revolving exhibits throughout the year. Between June and October, most exhibits will coincide with a monthly event, the Gallery Crawl. The second Friday of each month, the Gallery Crawls open up the art galleries of West Jefferson, as visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy the works of artists from the region. In December, a special Christmas Crawl takes place. The council is also responsible for the painted pedestals and fire hydrants found on North Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson. They are meant to be little details that add some zest to the town, and are at the perfect height to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. The hydrants are part of the Arts on Fire program, which allowed the community to express their creativity in a public space.
PHOTO SUBMITTED The Gallery at the Ashe Arts Center.
The Ashe Arts Center also features a gallery shop which has works from more than 100 artists. Including things like utensils, decorations and tools, each piece is a unique piece of art in itself. For more information on upcoming events and programs hosted by the Ashe Arts Council, visit their website at ashecountyarts. org or call (336) 246-2787.
ASHE CIVIC CENTER The Ashe Civic Center is the home for the performing arts in Ashe County. At the heart of it is a 282-seat theater, which throughout the year hosts dozens of plays, concerts and other performances. Since 1972, the Civic Center has been the home of the Ashe Little Theatre, an all-volunteer group that puts on three or four productions a year. The group promotes community involvement in the arts and high-quality performance, without the high-quality ticket prices. Their 2018 productions include “Bus
Stop”, “The Secret Garden”, “Savannah Sipping Society” and “Angel Street”. For more information about current and upcoming events and performances at the Ashe Civic Center, visit www.ashecivic.com or call (336) 846-2787.
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BARN QUILTS Barn quilts are a staple of the landscape of Ashe County, with 150 documented examples on the sides of buildings, businesses and of course, barns. Barn quilts are a symbol of comfort, home, community and the heritage of Ashe County. Barn quilts are an art that holds a special value to Ashe County, and a great deal of pride is taken in the ones in the area. As such, the Ashe Arts Council offers six “loop trails” that cover most of the 150 documented quilts in Ashe County. They are one-anda-half to two-hours long and are spread across the county. The routes and SEE ARTS ON PAGE 22
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515 Clarence Lyall Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694 336-877-8824 • www.shatleyconstruction.com
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
20 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Frescoes bless Ashe County churches BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com
The people of Ashe County are deeply rooted in their faith and a shared love of the arts. Nowhere in Ashe County is there a better example of faith and art being so intrinsically intertwined as at the Parish of the Holy Communion’s two churches, home of revered fresco paintings by world-renowned artist Ben Long. Inside the halls of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs, collectively known as the Parish of the Holy Communion, are larger-than-life frescoes by Ben Long, a contemporary artist who has mastered the ancient art of fresco painting. Long grew up in States-
PHOTO SUBMITTED Fresco artist Ben Long’s creation, ‘The Last Supper’ is on display at the Holy Trinity Church, on Glendale School Road in West Jefferson.
ville and apprenticed in Italy to learn the chal-
lenging medium of fresco painting, in which the
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artist presses pigment into wet plaster. The pigment then becomes chemically bonded with the plaster and hardens to produce a surface that is remarkably resistant to time. The oldest fresco paintings are 3,000 years old or older, a testament to their durability, and the
medium has been used by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel in Rome. Long blessed Ashe County with awe-inspiring and eternal art treasures, starting with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in 1974. The first fresco, Mary Great with Child, was fol-
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lowed by John the Baptist. Long then began work on The Mystery of Faith, which would become a magnificent image covering the entire sanctuary wall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. In 1977, Long, along with his apprentices and assistants, created a fresco of The Last Supper at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. All of Long’s frescoes are still on display in the churches they were placed in, and have been preserved in magnificent fashion for more than 40 years now. Long is a well-decorated artist — some of his many achievements are listed online, along with information about his current artistic endeavors, at BenLongFineArt.com. For more information about the frescoes, and the foundation in place to preserve them, visit www. ashefrescoes.org. To see the artworks for yourself, visit St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 400 Beaver Creek School Rd. in West Jefferson, and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 195 J W Luke Road, in Glendale Springs.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
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ACTA travels a million miles a year BY COLIN TATE
Started back in the 1970s, the Ashe County Transportation Authority operated under an umbrella until 1986, when the board decided to become incorporated. In July, 1986, it became official, and last summer the Ashe County Transportation Authority celebrated its 30th anniversary. Sue Thompson, the current director of the the transportation authority, came to the organization in 1997. At the time, a couple of rooms in the old hospital had been supplied to the authority by the county. This is where the transportation authority was then located. In October 1998, it was moved to its current location on Ray Taylor Road in West Jefferson. At that time, the organization only had six vehicles and six employees. The Ashe County Transportation Authority now has 33 people employed and 19 revenue vehicles. In total, they transport an average of 55,000 to 58,000 people per year and average driving 1 million miles per year. The transportation authority takes people to airports, doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, banking and more. However, the authority does not provide emergency medical transport or transport for schools. They do, however, transport people to college if needed. There is 24/7 transportation provided, if the request is made far enough in advance. Thompson and her employees are constantly brainstorming new ways to help the community and provide more services. Through in-house programs and driver of the year programs, they are doing just that. For more information on programs, scheduling and to make an appointment, contact the Ashe County Transportation Authority at (336) 846-2000. The Ashe County Transportation Authority is subsidized by the North Carolina Department of Public Transportation and is a nonprofit organization.
PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Ashe County Transportation Authority driver James Barr chats with David Marsh outside of the Museum of Ashe County History.
Ashe County to benefit from widened U.S. 221 BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@mountaintimes.com
Word on the street is Ashe County has hit a growth spurt. Perhaps the clearest evidence of the changes coming to Ashe Couty is the U.S. 221 highway widening project, which, once completed, will see the primary corridor in and out of the county widened from a simple twolane road to a four-lane, median-divided highway. U.S. 221 widening construction began in summer 2015, and great progress has been made on the five sections of highway proposed in the 16-mile, $154 million project, according to the North Carolina SEE U.S. 221 ON PAGE 22
U.S. 221 WIDENING SECTIONS Section A: U.S. 421 to Idlewild Road in Watauga and Ashe counties is 2.8 miles and is estimated to cost $25.6 million. Section B: Idlewild Road to North of South Fork New River in Ashe County is 1.8 miles and is estimated to cost $21.3 million. Section C: South Fork New River to South of N.C. 194 in Ashe County is 4 miles and is estimated to cost $45 million. Section D: South of N.C. 194 to North of N.C. 163 in Ashe County is 4 miles and is estimated to cost $26 million. Section E: N.C. 163 to U.S. 221 Business/N.C. 88 in Jefferson is 3.5 miles and is estimated to cost $15.4 million.
PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR U.S. 221 Section D, four miles of road from south of N.C. 194 to north of N.C. 163 near West Jefferson, is about 93 percent complete, according to the NCDOT. All four lanes are expected to be opened to traffic in early 2019.
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
22 - Mountain Times Publications
ARTS
enceartschool.org or call (336) 846-3827.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
MURALS
more information a them can be found by contacting the Ashe Arts Council at ashecountyarts.org or call (336) 246-2787.
FLORENCE THOMAS ART SCHOOL Since 2008, West Jefferson’s Florence Thomas Art School has been helping to breed the new generation of artists in Ashe County. The nonprofit hosts workshops and classes for all ages throughout the year. A featured gallery at the Gallery Crawl events, the school has helped exhibit the work of local artists and promote art to the masses. The school was made possible by the late Florence Thomas. An Ashe County native, Thomas began her education in 1930 when she enrolled in the School of Design for Women in Philadelphia. For much of the 20th century, Thomas chronicled the nature of the mountains around her home county. She taught art out of her home, which quickly became her studio, for 20 years. In 1978, she helped form the Blue Ridge Art Clan, which for 40 years has helped artists create their own style, and in the words of Florence Thomas herself, “If they lost their originality, they’ve lost everything.” Thomas died in 2007 at the age of 98. For more information on the Florence Thomas Art School, visit www.flor-
A hallmark of West Jefferson is the murals that speckle the walls of local buildings. What started in 1996 as a simple mural commission by the McFarland and Company publishing company has turned into a series of landmarks scattered through the town. The scavenger hunt of art is now a must-see for anyone spending time in West Jefferson, be it a vacation or a lifetime. Arguably the most well-known mural is Robert Johnson’s “Spring Wildflowers on Mt. Jefferson,” focusing on the spring wildflowers that grow in Ashe County, with a view of Mt. Jefferson filling the background beneath a blue sky. Johnson restored it in 2017, keeping a town landmark of more than 20 years as good as new. In 2001, Stephen Shoemaker, now one of West Jefferson’s Aldermen, completed “Cut at Devil Stairs” on the Dollar Tire building. The mural depicts a dark train on a stark, white background, and remembers the time when Ashe County relied on the railroad. On the wall of Boondocks Brewing’s Brew Haus, “Unity is Diversity”, a project by the Ashe Arts Council and Ashe County Middle School, where students painted the evolving diversity of Ashe County. The mural celebrates the melting pot aspect of Ashe County, and celebrates a multicultural population.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
PHOTO SUBMITTED Stephen Shoemaker’s ‘Cut at Devil’s Stairs.’
PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR ‘Wings and Things’ on the side of the Ashe County Cheese Plant Production building in West Jefferson.
U.S. 221 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
Division of Highways. The 16.1-mile project is designed to improve traffic flow, increase capacity, reduce the number of crashes and increase regional connectivity along this highly traveled corridor, which is a key to connecting Watauga and Ashe counties. According to the NCDOT, much of the widening process involves smoothing out curves and reducing grade inclines to provide a greater sight distance for motorists. Progress is being made in the widening project in five sections, according to the NCDOT, as follows: Sections A and B: The 4.6 miles along the first section
of U.S. 221 being widened are approximately 83 percent complete. Work began on these sections in Dec. of 2015, and completion is scheduled for November of 2020. Section C: The next 4 mile stretch of highway being widened is approximately 46 percent complete. Work began on this section began in Feb. 2017, and completion is scheduled for December 2020. Section D: The 4-mile section closest to completion is nearest to West Jefferson, and is approximately 93 percent complete. Work began on this section in March of 2015, and completion is scheduled for February 2019. Section E: Construction begins in this 3.5 mile stretch of U.S. 221 in Sep-
tember of 2019. According to the NCDOT, some 1.6 million cubic yards of excavation has been done to grade sections A and B, and the southbound bridge over South Fork New River is nearing completion. On section C, the NCDOT said some 3.5 million cubic yards of excavation will be cut out of roadside slopes once the widening project is done, with 3 million cubic yards going to waste. On section D, the contractor is completing median work and placing the final layer of asphalt surface, according to the NCDOT. Once construction begins on Section E, construction should be similar to section D, according to the NCDOT.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
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Festivals celebrate all aspects of Ashe County BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com
From Christmas festivities in the heat of July to antiques and art shows many times a year, Ashe County is host to a number of festivals and special events that promise fun for all. “Festivals and special events celebrate our heritage, culture, scenic and natural beauty, and are a means for attracting visitors to the Ashe County, while also providing high-quality fun for the whole county,” said Ashe County Arts Council Executive Director Jane Lonon. Following is a look at just a few of the festivals and special events hosted in Ashe County. Christmas in July Festival Christmas in July is the flagship festival in Ashe County. For one weekend in July, the streets of West Jefferson are packed with people browsing arts and crafts vendors, eating fair food, enjoying live music and watching Civil War reenactments, all in the spirit of Christmas. Since 1987, the Christmas in July Festival has celebrated Ashe County’s mountain heritage and its Frasier fir tree industry in fabulously festive fashion. For more information on the Christmas in July Festival, visit www.christmasinjuly.info. Ashe County Bluegrass & Old time Fiddlers Convention The fiddlers convention is a celebration of music made in and inspired by the High Country mountains. Each year, hundreds of music lovers gather to hear the twang of the region’s best fiddlers and bluegrass musicians playing at Ashe County Park in Jefferson. The festival is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, and is held towards the end of July each year. For more information, visit www.ashefiddlersconvention.org.
PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus pose with a bearded scarecrow at the 32nd annual Christmas in July festival.
PHOTO BY CARI CARSON Professor Whizzpop is one of the many street performers who make Christmas In July fun for all ages.
West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair The West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair gathers relics of Ashe County’s past along Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson. During the 2018 fair, about 80 vendors will have their vintage signage, old furniture, seasoned coins, weathered quilts, timeworn pottery, dated metals and other antiques on display
and for sale, all in the same place, for one weekend only. If the promise of a mountain of antiques is not enough to get your mouth watering, perhaps the thought of classic American fair food — funnel cakes, kettle corn and fried delights — will do the trick. The seventh annual West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair is 1-8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 14 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. For more information about the West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair, visit www.wjantiquesfair.com, or find them on Facebook. Art on the Mountain Festival Art on the Mountain, sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council,
features over 30 artists and crafters set up on the grounds of the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson. Holiday gift ideas, fall theme items, unique art pieces, crafts and more will be for sale, and several artists will be demonstrating their artwork, including basket weaving, quilting and wood-working. The 2018 Art on the Mountain Festival is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. For more information about the event, visit ashecountyarts.org. On the Same Page Literary Festival The On the Same Page Literary Festival is a celebration of reading and writing, hosted jointly by the arts council and the Ashe County Public Library. The festival gives readers a chance to rub elbows with local and guest authors, and provides authors an opportunity to share their work and themselves with readers. The 11th annual On the Same Page Literary Festival is Sept. 10-15, 2018, featur-
ing a keynotes address by U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, and also including a host of other authors, such as Tommy Tomlinson, Jim Minick, Georgeann Eubanks, Frank X Walker, Abigail DeWitt, West Jefferson’s own Phillip Lewis and more. For more information, visit www.onthesamepagefestival.org. Lansing NC Blues Festival The Lansing NC Blues Festival is one of the newer special events in Ashe County, featuring blues artists from near and far in the quaint town of Lansing’s park each year during the second weekend in June. Musical acts at the third annual Lansing NC Blues Festival June 10, 2018 included Red Dirt Revelators, Smitty & the Jumpstarters, Lawyers Guns & Money, Seth Williams and Half Baked Betty. Greater L.A. Festival The Greater L.A. Festival gathers a crowd every year on the second Friday and Saturday of September to hear live gospel and folk music, and enjoy great food and fellowship. For the kids, there is face painting, hay rides and inflatable attractions at the Greater L.A. Festival. The 2018 Greater L.A. Festival is scheduled for Sept. 8-9. For tickets, visit this link, which will redirect to festivalnet.com: https:// bit.ly/2Bi43Uv. Todd New River Festival The Todd New River Festival takes place on the historic banks of the New River at Cook Memorial Park in the historic town of Todd. The New River is widely believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, and this festival on the river features live music, storytelling, arts and crafts, a checkers playoff and children’s activities. The 2018 Todd New River Festival is scheduled for Oct. 13, and tickets are available via highcountryhost.com.
24 - Mountain Times Publications
ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Compassionate Care in Your Time of Need The Boone Family of Boone Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services have made a pledge and commitment to provide the area's finest care and the widest range of burial and cremation options at the most reasonable cost. Boone Family Funeral Home has been selected by families who have lived here for generation after generation - families who have come to know and trust us over the years. Our experience over the many years we have served assures families that the details you desire will be carried out in a professional way. Being an “Ashe County Owned� funeral home, we feel a special obligation and commitment to this community. We grew up here and live here, and that is why we are the area's only firm to offer this unconditional guarantee:
The Boone Family Guarantee Our fair prices represent the greatest value in the area. Our staff is kind, considerate, sympathetic and knowledgeable. Our facilities are the most modern, comfortable and spotless. Our services are handled with dignity and respect. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, we will reduce or eliminate our ceremony charge.
FAMILY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES
(336) 846-7979 www.boonefuneralhome.com Recorded Obituary (336) 846-2239 2005 Mt Jefferson Road - West Jefferson, NC