Ashe County My Hometown 2019-20

my 2019 - 2020 ASHE COUNTY hometown JEFFERSON • WEST JEFFERSON • LANSING • FLEETWOOD • GRASSY CREEK • TODD • CRUMPLER CRESTON • GLENDALE SPRINGS • SHATLEY SPRINGS • LAUREL SPRINGS • WARRENSVILLE • PARKER

The Coolest Corner of North Carolina

Maggie Witherspoon

Cassandra Neaves

Lakota Blevins

Kristin Weaver

Mike Sipple

Peggy Sturgill

Terry Blevins

Beth Roten

Kelly Cameron

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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

2 - Mountain Times Publications

The communities of

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Ashe County

BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com

H

idden among the mountains of Ashe County are the various, vibrant communities which call the area home. The people of these communities have made Ashe County what it is today, and have helped the corner of North Carolina thrive.

The county is named in honor of Samuel Ashe who fought in the Revolutionary War and later became the ninth governor of North Carolina.

CRESTON Scenic, rural Creston is home to some of the most attractive sights on the sides of its winding, mountainous roads. Bordering Tennessee, Creston is home to the Riverview Community Center, located off N.C. 88 West.

The community-focused 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.

FLEETWOOD Between Deep Gap and West Jefferson, Fleetwood is a rural community with strong bonds.

Community gatherings convene at the Fleetwood Community Center and also the Fleetwood 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.

Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which adds to its outdoor beauty, this scenic area has become mustsee during the summer and fall seasons.

Glendale Springs is also home to the well-known fresco painting by Ben Long. The painting,

PHOTO BY LOGAN PARKS The Historic Old Hotel on the corner of West Main Street and Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson.

located at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, has helped Glendale Springs become revered for its growing arts community.

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 The county seat of Ashe, Jefferson was established in 1799. Founded prior to West Jefferson, the town was first known as Jeffersonton. It would be known simply as Jefferson, becoming one of the first towns in the United States to bear the name of founding father Thomas Jefferson.

The town features the Museum of Ashe County History, which was originally the county’s courthouse. The museum has collect-

PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR Cattle graze the hilly terrain of Highland Meadows Cattle Co. in Lansing.

ed a plethora of items from the county’s past and is 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’s government is still

based in Jefferson, with the new courthouse, Ashe County Sheriff’s SEE COMMUNITIES ON PAGE 3

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Entertaining Ashe

Mountain Times Publications -

ASHE COUNTY PARK LOCATIONS

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

T

heater, film, art and outdoors are a few of the ways Ashe County locals and visitors like to be entertained, and there are ample options for all of these activities, and then some — for all ages, types, interests and hobbies.

One of the initial draws that often brings people to Ashe County is the great outdoors. Situated among the rugged old Appalachian Mountains, Ashe naturally features plenty of sightseeing opportunities, paired with two state parks and a host of other ideal spots for outdoor recreation, from paddling the New River to hiking Mount Jefferson.

New River State Park features four access points for visitors to enjoy the ancient New River, free of charge. The New River is widely believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, perhaps having formed just after the Nile River in Egypt.

Rent a canoe from one of several local river outfitters, or strap your own flotation device to the car roof and drive out to Laurel Springs, Jefferson, West Jefferson or Piney Creek to experience the river in its scenic, serene glory. Check the information attached to this story for NRSP access addresses, and go online to www.ncparks.gov/ new-river-state-park for more information.

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PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR A volunteer holds back Diane Littlefield’s kayak while New River State Park Superintendent Joseph Shimel (not pictured) counts down from five to start her race.

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area rises more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, casting both Jefferson and West Jefferson in its mighty shadow.

Five hiking trails allow exploration of rare geology and plant communities in Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, including a child-friendly trail and a strenuous scramble along the mountain’s ridgeline, according to the park’s website, located online at www.ncparks.gov/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area. The park

COMMUNITIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Office and N.C. Extension Ashe office all being in the town’s limits.

Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.

LANSING One of Ashe County’s 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 Jef-

is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every a demanding, uphill, miles-long day except Christmas. challenge that will push any cyclist Elsewhere outdoors in Ashe, to their limit.

Lansing’s Creeper Trail Park Ashe County Arts Council is conprovides an ideal opportunity for stantly coming up with countywide strolling and trout fishing. entertainment for people to enjoy.

The Bowie-Seagraves Municipal On the second Friday of each park has tennis courts, a basketmonth between June and October, ball court, a baseball diamond and the arts council holds a gallery a large playground. The park is crawl, encouraging people to pop located behind the Ashe County into local galleries and see what Public Library, which also hosts Ashe County has to offer. A special many activities for all ages.

Christmas Crawl is held later in For cyclists, the annual Blue SEE ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 4 Ridge Brutal, held in August, is

ferson and West Jefferson, the community in the corner of the county is less than an hour 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 and surrounded by adventure, Laurel 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.

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 celebrated 40 years in 2018. Headquartered at the Ashe Arts Center just off of East Main Street, the Ashe Arts Council has helped introduce numerous art projects that can be found all

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson (336) 246-9653 New River State Park (336) 982-2587 U.S. 221 access and visitor center 358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs Wagoner access 1447 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson Elk Shoals access 349 Methodist Camp Road, West Jefferson Kings Creek/ Alleghany access 2250 Kings Creek Road, Piney Creek 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 Creeper Trail Park Downtown Lansing (336) 384-3938 Todd Island Park Railroad Grade Rd at Castle Ford, Todd (336) 877-5401 Walter and Ann Cook Memorial Park Downtown Todd (336) 877-5401

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 then go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese store to purchase a variety of cheeses, old-fashioned 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 Dept.— (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) 8465611, 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 Ctr.— (336) 846-6322, www.ashememorial.org.

Ashe County Schools — (336) 246-7175, www. asheschools.org.

Ashe County High School — (336) 846-2400, www.asheschools.org/achs.

Ashe County Middle School — (336) 384-3591, www.asheschools.org/acms.

Blue Ridge Elementary School — (336) 3844500, www.asheschools.org/bres.

Mountain View Elementary School — (336) 982-4200, www.asheschools.org/mves.

Westwood Elementary School — (336) 8772921, www.asheschools.org/wwes.

Ashe County Early Learning Ctr. — (336) 8463221, www.asheschools.org/elc.

Ashe Early College — (336) 846-1881, nc02200844.schoolwires.net/domain/1723.

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) 9824297, www.ashehumanesociety.org.

Animal Hospital of Ashe — (336) 246-3441, www.animalhospitalofashe.com.

Ashe Animal Clinic — (336) 246-2341.

Ashe Arts Council — (336) 846-2787, www. ashecountyarts.org.

Ashe Post & Times — (336) 246-6397, www. ashepostandtimes.com.

Watauga Democrat — (828) 264-6397, www. wataugademocrat.com.

Ashe Chamber of Commerce — (888) 343-

2743, www.ashechamber.com.

Blue Ridge Electric — (336) 846-7138, www. blueridgeemc.com.

SkyLine Telephone — (336) 877-1350, 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) 8465528, 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) 982-2527, 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) 846-9368, townofjefferson.org.

Jefferson Police Department — (336) 8465529, townofjefferson.org.

Lansing Town Hall — (336) 384-3938, lansingnc. us.

Todd Community Preservation Organization — (828) 263-6173, toddnc.org.

ENTERTAINMENT

ting zoo.

The Parkway Theatre in West Jefferson is a great way to relax and enjoy a movie.

Visit www.parkwaytheater.net or call (336) 846-3281 for showtimes.

Moviegoers can also try Blue Ridge Movie Lounge, found online at www. blueridgemovielounge.com or by phone at (828) 263-6255.

For a healthy outing, the Ashe County Farmers Market operates in downtown West Jefferson on Saturdays from spring to fall. Visit www.ashefarmersmarket. com for dates and times.

On the lookout for more entertainment? Pick up a copy of Ashe Post & Times or Mountain Times and see what’s happening in the community calendar section, where arts and entertainment listings are posted weekly.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the year, as well as Tree Fest, at which seven trees are decorated with unique themes crafted by local artists.

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 to put on the calendar.

The fourth Saturday in September is the home of the Art on the Mountain Craft Show, highlighting arts and crafts to the High Country. With warmer weather comes Spring Fest, a one-day celebration of the arts that features live performances, a talent show and a pet-

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

FILE PHOTO The Parkway Theatre has two large screens to enjoy the newest films.

Theatre and theaters of Ashe County

BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com

Be it stage shows or cinema, Ashe County has theaters of all different types.

The legendary Parkway Theater and the Blue Ridge Movie Lounge cover the newest movies out, while the Ashe County Little Theatre has 47 years of community theater productions experience.

PARKWAY THEATER Opened in 1947, the Parkway Theater is a staple of Ashe County and West Jefferson.

Since 1984, the theater has been run by the husband and wife duo of Tony and Sharon Eldreth, whose family have all helped out at some point or another.

The original two theaters were originally one, and have a concave floor to create clean views for all in attendance. The theater only accepts cash or checks, but the low ticket price of $6, or $5 for Saturday and Sunday matinees, means it’s affordable for all.

For more information, go to www.parkwaytheater.net or call (336) 846-3281.

BLUE RIDGE MOVIE LOUNGE The Blue Ridge Movie Lounge in West Jefferson is the newest movie theater on

the block. Ditching the traditional aesthetic of theater seats and popcorn, the BRML uses recliners and couches for an at-home vibe. They also feature catered food from local restaurant Bobby D’s.

Family-owned and -operated since its opening in 2018, the BRML is all about keeping it small and accessible to those who visit it.

For more information, go to www. blueridgemovielounge.com or call (828) 263-6255.

ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE Since 1972, Ashe County Little Theatre has been the home of community theater in Ashe. The group promotes community involvement in the arts and high-quality performance, without the high-quality ticket prices.

With a revolving cast of volunteers, producers, directors and actors, there’s always something unique about each production. Their 2019 productions include “Is He Dead?,” “Gypsy,” “Calendar Girls” and “Who’s On First.”

For more information about the Ashe County Little Theatre, visit www. ashecountylittletheatre.org or call (336) 846-2787.

PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR The view from Mount Jefferson State Natural Area sunset overlook, as seen the afternoon of June 21, the first day of summer.

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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Ashe County public services

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

Ashe County services and infrastructure are expanding on all fronts, from the widening of U.S. 221, to the construction of two new schools in the near future.

Various services are available to Ashe County residents and visitors for a variety of needs.

The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 1 N Jefferson Ave. in downtown West Jefferson is a good starting place to ask questions, grab a county map and learn about Ashe County from the helpful, friendly local faces who staff the office.

Interested in finding out more about local businesses, or need directions to somewhere in Ashe County? The chamber of commerce has an abun-

PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR An Ashe County Environmental Services truck drops an empty dumpster at the Baldwin Convenience Center, where more than 589 tons of trash were deposited during the 2017-18 fiscal year.

dance of answers and local knowledge, and can be contacted by phone at

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(336) 846-9550.

The Ashe County Courthouse at 150 Government

Circle in Jefferson houses most of the county’s DSS services, as well as local

administrative, county board of elections, register of deeds, tax administra-

tion, economic development, emergency management, planning and other offices that work for the people.

To report problems with the county’s more than 800 miles of publicly maintained roads, the Ashe County NCDOT maintenance yard can be contacted at (336) 2465287.

The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and county detention center also operate out of Government Circle in Jefferson, providing for the safety needs of the county’s people.

Also on Government Circle, the Ashe County Cooperative Extension is available to assist farmers and other agricultural endeavors in the farm services building beside the law enforcement center.

The Ashe County Public SEE SERVICES ON PAGE 6

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

6 - Mountain Times Publications

Education for all

Learning opportunities abound in Ashe County

BY LOGAN PARKS logan.parks@ashepostandtimes.com

Whether it’s elementary schools, high schools or higher education, Ashe County is far from lacking educational opportunities for its youth. Within the Ashe County Schools system are seven schools offering a range of opportunities for students of all ages, in addition to the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College.

Ashe County Schools Superintendent Phyllis Yates has served in her role since July 2016. In her time, she and the board of education have been responsible for the growth and development of each of Ashe County’s schools, as well as the final push for the opening of Ashe Early College and the development of a new building for Ashe County Middle School.

“Ashe County Schools are proud to be family and community oriented. Our educators care about each child, focusing not only on their academics, but their social and emotional needs

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR Ashe County High School teacher and coach Nathan Colvard talks to incoming freshmen during the first day of the 2019-2020 school year.

as well,” Yates said.

“Each school offers students a warm, inviting and safe environment in which to learn and grow.” Yates added. “The diversity in learning opportunities offered to our students help to ensure student success in today’s world.”

To learn more about Ashe County’s schools and how to register, visit the

ASHE EARLY LEARNING Ashe County Schools webCENTER site at www.asheschools.

A high-quality, public org or call (336) 246-7175 pre-kindergarten program, to learn which school the Ashe Early Learning district your address is Center’s mission is to located in. provide children with a Additional information high-quality and developon state requirements and mentally appropriate eduschool information can also be found by contacting cation to prepare them for growth and more positive, the schools below or by visiting the Ashe County SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 7 Schools website.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., then Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plenty of pages to quench a bookworm’s thirst for reading.

Ashe County Environmental Services operates five convenience centers around the county, plus a landfill in which county residents and property renters can appropriately dispose of trash. The convenience centers, located in Baldwin, Bare Creek, Riverview, Bina and on N.C. 16, are open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For prospective homeowners, SkyLine SkyBest offers fiber-optic internet capabilities across most of Ashe County, setting the Coolest Corner apart from surrounding counties. A number of local realtors can be accessed by contacting the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce.

For fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted goods, the Ashe County Farmers Market is open on Backstreet in West Jefferson every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from spring to fall, with special holiday market dates announced annually.

Ashe County Schools is headquartered at 320 South St. in Jefferson, and can be contacted by phone at (336) 246-7175 for questions regarding the local school system.

For animal lovers, Ashe County Humane Society is located at 1175 Old Highway 16 north of Jefferson.

For Ashe County Animal Control, call (336) 9824060.

Anyone interested in the area’s past can drop by the Museum of Ashe County History at 301 E Main St in Jefferson, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For those looking to keep up with the news of Ashe County, Ashe Post & Times is a locally run weekly newspaper with newsstands dotted around many of the county’s dining and shopping establishments. Drop a news tip to the staff, subscribe or just visit with the news and sales staff at 7 E Main St. in downtown West Jefferson.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

FILE PHOTO Blue Ridge Elementary School art teacher Elizabeth Lauer oversees her third-grade students Jonah W., Kayden K., Lanie B., Alex F. and Chris H. as they use their new art supplies in May 2016.

EDUCATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

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, Blue Ridge Elementary teaches leadership and life skills to its approximately 525 students.

The school’s motto is, appropriately, “Dream, believe, become. Lead.”

Joallen Lowder is the school’s principal.

Blue Ridge Elementary School is located at 5778 N.C. 88 in Warrensville. For more information, call (336) 384-4500.

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, JEFFERSON 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.

WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WEST JEFFERSON Home of the Timberwolves, Westwood

Elementary School teaches grades kindergarten through sixth. The school’s principal is Jennifer Holden.

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.

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 under development and is expected to begin construction in spring 2020, but in the meantime, Ashe County Middle School is still being recognized as a high-level learning institution. In 2015, the school was awarded the Schools to Watch 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.

SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 9

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FILE PHOTO In October 2018, Ashe County Middle School participated in National Bullying Prevention Month, encouraging students to stand up against bullying. Each day during the week of Oct, 15-19, students were asked to dress up for a daily theme to show support in taking a stand against bullying behavior. At the end of the week, ACMS staff and students gathered on the school’s field to spell out ‘UNITY.’

EDUCATION

information, call (336) 846-1881.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE: ASHE CAMPUS, WEST JEFFERSON

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 extracurricular 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.

Offering six full degree programs, including a college transfer curriculum that parallels the coursework required during the first two years of study at four-year colleges and universities, the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College allows Ashe County locals the opportunity to earn their associate’s degree without having to travel outside of the county.

Technical degrees students can obtain at the WCC: Ashe Campus include accounting, business administration, applied engineering technology, human services technology and associate degree nursing. The Ashe Campus also works closely with Ashe County High School to provide students with higher educational opportunities.

After years of planning and development, the WCC: Ashe Campus expansion project broke ground on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, making way for the two-story, 36,000-square-foot addition that will increase opportunities for students in Ashe County, featuring new computer labs, more classroom space, a healthcare simulation lab and other cutting-edge technology.

The WCC: Ashe Campus is located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson. For more information, visit www.wilkescc.edu/ about-us/locations/ashe-campus/ or call (336) 846-3900.

ASHE EARLY COLLEGE, WEST JEFFERSON The newest addition to the Ashe County Schools family, Ashe Early College is located on the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College.

The 2018-19 school year was the school’s first, where students were able to work towards a high school diploma and potentially an associate’s degree at the same time.

The school started with a combined 60 students across freshmen and sophomore students.

Ashe Early College is located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson. For more

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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Ashe County’s health and medical options

BY LOGAN PARKS logan.parks@ashepostandtimes.com

MEDICAL SERVICES IN ASHE COUNTY

M

edical care in the High Country is not in short supply, and Ashe County provides some of the top medical facilities in the state.

Since its founding in 1941, Ashe Memorial Hospital has provided the best medical care available for the people of Ashe County. While the hospital has grown from a small medical facility to one of the Top 100 critical access hospitals in the United States, its focus — to provide the highest level of care possible for the rural areas of Ashe County — has remained unchanged.

Patient care is one of the top reasons AMH was named one of the top 100 in 2018, being one of only two other North Carolina hospitals on the list. According to 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.

In July, AMH received a $750,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration for the development of a rural residency program in conjunction with Campbell University’s Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Lillington. The hospital has also had an ongoing residency program with Campbell since July 2018.

Through the already established partnership,

Ashe County has several other medical services available for those in need, including:

FILE PHOTO Students of the Camp Med program at Ashe Memorial Hospital attend a class during the weeklong program, which provides medical training and experience for high school students in Ashe County.

FILE PHOTO Ashe Medics serves the county as a 911 emergency service, responding to an average of nine calls per day.

AMH serves as 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.

With the HRSA grant, a new rural residency program is currently in its early stages of development. Once implemented,

the program will increase the number of trained physicians in the county, according to Robin KingThiele, associate dean of post graduate affairs and designated institutional officer of graduate medical education at Campbell

University.

The hospital is also an active member of the community, hosting numerous events for people to attend.

AMH has hosted fashion shows 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 high school students.

Beyond AMH, Ashe County features a number of medical first responders, including Ashe Medics, which provides 911 service to the county, and Ashe County Rescue Squad, which responds to all sorts of emergencies throughout the county.

In October 2018, Ashe Medics introduced 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

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

nine calls a day. They have three 24-hour trucks, and new monitors were just added to each.

For more information on hospital services or community involvement, call (336) 846-7101, visit ashememorial.org or find them on Facebook.

For more information on Ashe Medics, call (336) 8469111 or visit www.ashemedics.org.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

Mountain Times Publications -

11

New businesses bloom across Ashe County

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

Business is booming in Ashe County, according to county chamber of commerce executive director Kitty Honeycutt.

The following is a list of 63 local businesses that have opened between August 2018 and August 2019, according to the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: • Animal Garden Shop • Ashe Pregnancy Care Center • Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development • Blue Ridge Theater & Event Center • Brushy Mountain Anglers • Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast • Carolina Timberworks • Casey Miller and Family Tree Service • Check-Mate Inspections • Christian Unity Baptist Church • Cool Grocery Delivery • Craft Bistro • Cruise Planners • Due South Outfitters • Edward Jones • eMuWave Engineering • EPIC Family Chiropractic • ETAH • Events on the New • High Country 3D Printing & Laser Works • High Country Breast Cancer Foundation • High Country Farm Sitting Services

NEW ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Alan Briggs Arthur Barr Becky Burgess Bob Powell Burton and Sandra Prange Carol Dodson Hannah Abee Jane Lonon Michele Boyce-Obenchain Wesley Barker PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR From left in foreground, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kitty Honeycutt holds a ceremonial ribbon with the New River Family Wellness staff during their chamber of commerce ribbon cutting ceremony: Dr. Daniel Landon Allen, Dr. Caitlin Marie Sullivan, nurse Brandi Allen and son, Sawyer.

• Highlander Motel • His High Places • Hole Lotta Doughnuts • Honeysuckle Construction • Jodi Province Counseling Services • Liquidation Station • Little Peak Creek Farm & Studio • Lori Eastridge Photography • Medi Home Health & Hospice • Miller Architecture • Mistletoe Meadows • Mountain Bound Fly Guides • Mountain View Home Management • N.C. Guardian ad Litem Program District 23

• New River Family Wellness • New River Headwaters Preserve • New River State Park • Peck Properties • Ridgetop Yoga Retreat • River Phoenix Vacation Cabin • Riverview Community Center • Salerno’s • Salon B • Stomp and Brew Events • Streetdreamz Tire and Auto • Studio 143 • The Bryer Patch • The Farmhouse Juice & Wellness Corporation

• The Feathered Nest • The Market Place • The NEST Alliance • The Nesting Place Bed and Breakfast • The Todd General Store • The Walker Center • Third Day Downtown • Timber Rivers Wedding and Event Venue • Unlock It Escape Room • Valencia’s Graphics • Vannoy Properties • West Jefferson Specialty Foods • WWII Collector To learn more about the new business cropping up across Ashe County, contact the chamber at (336) 846-9550, and check the weekly Ashe Post & Times newspaper for business briefs, ribbon cuttings and feature stories.

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

12 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Mountain Times Publications -

Chamber expands to match booming business

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

A

s business booms, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce in downtown West Jefferson is annexing a neighboring office to meet the needs of its growing member list.

“We will be expanding into the area next door and offering it to all of Ashe County as a meeting and event space,” said chamber executive director Kitty Honeycutt. “It will be a flexible space for people to conduct business, or have a hot desk environment with Wi-Fi and printer access, or hold meetings and off-site trainings or other events.”

Once it is up and running in early September, the flex space will give Ashe County residents and businesses a place that can be reserved for any number of needs, from wedding rehearsals, to interviewing for jobs, to

providing gallery space for up-and-coming artists during Ashe County Arts Council Friday night gallery crawls, according to Honeycutt.

While the space is available for anyone in Ashe County to rent, chamber of commerce members will be able to rent further in advance, and at a reduced rate from the public offerings, Honeycutt said.

Morning mingles will be hosted at the new space, providing chamber members an opportunity to network with other local business owners before heading back to work, similar to chamber member blasts, but in the morning rather than evening, according to Honeycutt.

Between August 2018 and August 2019, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce added 73 members — 63 businesses and 10 individuals — to its list, which now stands at 454 chamber members strong, Honeycutt said.

“Business is great, we’re seeing consistent increases in the number of visitors through the door, and the amount of Ashe County gear that people are buying to wear,” Honeycutt said. “Consistent, substantial increases in both those things.”

Alongside the chamber’s growing physical presence in the center of West Jefferson, the group will continue to sponsor the Walker Center stage at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, and keep offering scholarships through the Dick Miller Youth Leadership program, plus more and higher-valued scholarships to graduating seniors, along with continuing Leadership Ashe and other programs hosted and supported by the Ashe Chamber.

Find a full list of new chamber members see page 11, and pay the chamber staff a visit at 1 N Jefferson Ave., in downtown West Jefferson.

Ashe Post & Times Charla Rae Armitage

(Inside Remedy House of Hair)

13

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is expanding, including meeting and event spaces.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Local church information

Faith and religion are important parts of life in Ashe County.

Whether it’s 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 787 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694 (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) 846-5631 Ashe County Worship Center Pastor Chuck Call 863 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-1189 Ashe Presbyterian Church in America Rev. Herb Parunak 220 Lynch Colvard Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-2979 Bald Mountain Baptist Church

PHOTO BY LOGAN PARKS Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church located at 201 S Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson.

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

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Church Rev. Loren Lung 1676 Beaver Creek School Road 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 3986 Todd Railroad Grade Road Todd, NC 28684 (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 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 1017 Carl Eastridge Rd Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-3391 SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 15

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Cornerstone Fellowship Pastor Todd Brewer 232 Frank Witherspoon Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3741 Creston United Methodist Pastor Betty Henson 616 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (828) 773-7132 Cristo El Salvador Brother 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 Assembly of God Rev. Keith Styron 210 Faw Roland St. 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 201 South Street 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 350 JW Luke Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 God’s 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 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 195 JW Luke Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (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 Lansing, NC 28643 Laurel Fork Presbyterian Elder Jeff Bumgardner 15232 NC Hwy 18 S Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Laurel Knob Baptist Church Rev. Russel Hart 2945 Bald Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-7050 Liberty Grove Baptist Rev. Toby Oliver 3289 Liberty Grove Church Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-5790 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

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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 Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-9326 Mount Jefferson Baptist Church Rev. Keith Casey 1957 US 221 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-7691 Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church Rev. Will Heyward 201 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7481 Mount Laurel Moravian Fellowship Church Rev. Ted Burcaw 8586 Hwy 88 Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Derrick Hodges

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204 Leather Hinge Dr. Church Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Rev. Rick Miller (336) 262-5373 3991 Hwy. 221 N Mount Paddy Christian Jefferson, NC 28640 Union (336) 982-8658 Rev. Tim Roten Oak Grove Union Bap822 N.C. 88 tist Jefferson, NC 28640 Rev. George Grubb (336) 846-3174 174 LeChemain Dr. Mount Vernon Baptist West Jefferson, NC 28694 Church Oak Hill Baptist Church Rev. Bennie Roten Rev. JC Darnell 2190 Cranberry Creek Road 736 Carl Eastridge Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Warrensville, NC 28693 Mount View Indepen(336) 385-6824 dent Methodist Obids Baptist Church Rev. Tommy Stevens Rev.Mark Harless (336) 385-1225 458 Will Vannoy Road Mount Zion Baptist West Jefferson NC 28694 Rev. Fred Richardson (336) 877-1553 236 Richardson Hollow Old Fields Baptist Lansing, NC 28643 Church Nathan’s Creek United Rev. Larry Powers Methodist 124 Dillard Dr. Rev. Rob Brooks Jefferson, NC 28640 422 Nathans Creek Sch. (336) 246-9073 Road Orion Baptist Church Crumpler, NC 28617 Rev. Steven Allen (336) 977-1377 261 Mt. View Dr. New River Baptist Jefferson, NC 28640 Church (336) 977-6160 Rev. Wayne Jones Peace Haven Commu227 Buffalo Meadows Road nity Church West Jefferson, NC 28694 Rev. Bill Miller (336) 877-4360 SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 16 North Beaver Baptist

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CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

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 Pleasant Grove Baptist Rev. Roosevelt Carlton 293 Clearview Road Moravian Falls, NC 28654 (336) 921-2515 Pond Mountain Primitive 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 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 Stuhrenberg 167 St. Francis Place 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

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 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 Drive 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 253 Zion Methodist Church Road Todd, NC 28684 (336) 877-9002

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Mountain Times Publications -

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YOUR HOMETOWN INSURANCE AGENCY Offering reasonable insurance rates to Ashe County ‌ then!

FILE PHOTO The Fraser ďŹ r is the most popular tree at Ashe County’s choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms, referred to by many as the Cadillac of Christmas trees.

Ashe County Christmas tree growers lead the nation in Fraser fir production

BY LOGAN PARKS logan.parks@ashepostandtimes.com

Dotted across the hillsides of Ashe County are the seemingly never ending rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees, and the farming of these trees is one of the most lucrative industries in Ashe County.

Contributing upwards of $85 million to the county’s economy, Christmas tree farmers across Ashe County work diligently throughout the year to produce some of the finest Fraser firs in the country. According to the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association, more than 20 million trees

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 Creston, NC 28615 (919) 787-1929 tri@ipass.net Big Springs Nursery & Tree Farms

have their roots planted in Ashe County spanning across 12,000 acres.

Currently, Ashe County leads the nation in Fraser fir production, according to Ashe County Cooperative Extension Director Travis Birdsell. Much of Ashe County’s success in the Christmas tree industry can be attributed to the climate, which is particularly suitable for Fraser firs, according to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association.

Ashe County Christmas tree farms also help drive the local economy, contributing over 700 local jobs year-round and an

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

SEE TREES ON PAGE 18

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 PO Box 1076 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 877-7615 clarksevergreens@yahoo.com Cline Church Nursery 160 Hewed Log Gap Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 SEE FARMS ON PAGE 18

Offering reasonable insurance rates to Ashe County ‌ now!

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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN

18 - Mountain Times Publications

FARMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

(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 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

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 (336) 846-9088 blackburnrc@skybest.com Richard Woodie Tree Farms PO Box 524 Sparta, NC 28675 rwtreefarm.com rwoodie@hotmail.com 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

TREES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

additional 2,000 jobs during the tree harvest season, according to the ACCTA. The Fraser fir tree is the most commonly grown type of Christmas tree in Ashe County, as the popular tree is native to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southern Appalachia. The ACCTA 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.

Growing a Fraser fir is no simple task.

Before taking root on the farm, trees typically spend their first five years growing in a nursery from seed to a height suitable for transplant. Once reaching that height, trees are transplanted to a farm and left to grow. If left alone, a Fraser fir can reach heights of up to 80 feet, but for the most commonly used trees during the holidays, it takes another 8 years on average for a

(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

tree to reach its ideal height of 7 to 8 feet.

Though the process can be difficult and time-consuming, Christmas tree growers agree that the return on investment is worth it when their tree becomes the centerpiece of a family’s home during the holidays, the NCCTA says.

Christmas tree season lasts all year long in Ashe County, with events such as the Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson serving as proud celebrations of the Fraser fir Christmas tree industry. Ashe County also holds the record for the most Christmas trees sent to be displayed at the White House than any other county in the United States, with seven trees sent in total.

With so many Christmas trees rooted in the county, choose-and-cut farms — where families can visit, pick out a tree and take it home — are a popular destination for many visitors in the area, taking home with them their very own cut of Ashe County.

For a list of choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in Ashe County, visit www. ashecountychristmastrees.com.

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Breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack Good eats in Ashe County

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

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ocal restaurateurs are constantly coming up with new ways to keep the people of Ashe County well-fed and their taste buds tickled.

From Lansing, down to the Jeffersons and tucked away on the winding highways of Ashe County, there are delicious meals to be had for all tastes, from barbecue, to Cuban, to Mexican, to Italian, to Chicago-style hot dogs, hamburgers, all-you-can-eat and beyond — finding quality, locally-cooked and oftentimes sourced meals is as easy as checking the list of restaurants posted alongside this story.

New restaurants crop up with frequency around the area. The best way to get a taste for local flavors is to step inside, talk with the owners and employees who work hard to bring their culinary talents from the kitchen to the table — and of course, fall in love at first bite.

LOCAL FOOD IN ASHE COUNTY West Jefferson 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 Havana Cafe 109 Back Street (336) 846-2800 Hillbilly Grill 601 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-4745 The 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 Park Vista Inn and Restaurant 1907 Park Vista Road

PHOTO COURTESY PIXELS ON PAPER Jared Yelton, chef and owner of Craft Bistro, outside of his latest venture in the restaurant business. Craft Bistro now serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

(336) 877-5200 Rosebud Bakery 102 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-3333 Smoky Mountain Barbecue 1008 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-6818 Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli 6 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-8888 Jefferson La Chatis Mexican Kitchen 419 E. Main St. (336) 846-8603 Southern Scoops and Sandwiches 215 Long St. (336) 846-9257 Harvest Cafe 234 E. Main St. (336) 846-3000 Plaza del Sol 777 E. Main St. (336) 846-1639 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

Step Back in Time!

The Vintage Farmhouse General Store is bringing nostalgia back to Ashe County. Located in West Jefferson in the historic Graybeal family estate. We feature hand-dipped ice-cream, baked goods, coffee, men’s and women’s apparel, children’s apparel, knick-knacks, toys, and so much more.

Drop by our store for a trip down memory lane and stay a while.

The Vintage Farmhouse General Store 424 East Second Street, West Jefferson, NC

(336) 846-4777 Find us on Facebook

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Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Wilkes Community College Developing the workforce in Ashe County

BY LOGAN PARKS logan.parks@ashepostandtimes.com

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PHOTO BY LOGAN PARKS Pictured from left to right are County Commissioner Larry Dix, Jefferson Alderman Charles Caudill, Board of Education Chairman C.B. Jones; Board of Education members Polly Jones and Dianne Eldreth; West Jefferson Alderman John Reeves, West Jefferson Mayor Dale Baldwin, County Commissioner Paula Perry, Sheriff B. Phil Howell and Vice Chair William Sands of the Board of Commissioners at the groundbreaking ceremony for the WCC: Ashe Campus expansion held on Thursday, Aug. 8.

ommunity colleges are essential in providing every citizen with access to affordable, quality higher education, and the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College has continued to do just that for Ashe County since it was established more than 20 years ago.

Located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson, the WCC: Ashe Campus serves students of all ages in their pursuit of an associate’s degree. Students can also attend WCC for their first two years to earn college credits before transferring to a state university or college and obtaining their bachelor’s degree. Whatever a student’s plan, the community college is an ideal place to take the first educational step beyond high school, according to Wilkes Community College President Jeff Cox. A project to expand the Ashe Campus has been in its early stages of development for several years, effectively doubling the size of the campus once completed. The two-story, 36,000-squarefoot expansion is expected to increase opportunities for students in Ashe County, featuring new computer labs, more classroom space, a healthcare simulation lab and other cutting-edge technology, according to WCC. The expansion will also include a separate cosmetology wing, an outdoor learning area and a 1,400-square-foot meeting space for the community to reserve.

In August 2019, Ashe County elected officials and community members gathered alongside the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees and administrators to break ground on the long-awaited expansion project for the Ashe Campus.

“This is the future of Ashe County right here,” Jeffer-

FILE PHOTO The Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College serves about 600 to 700 students each year and about 25 percent of that number includes high school students from the local school system.

son Alderman Charles Caudill said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “The biggest problem that we have in the mountains is we export our greatest asset, and that’s our young, brightest people.

This is a way to keep some of those good, smart, intelligent folks here.”

Expected to be completed in 2021, the $12 million expansion project has received funding from the county, towns of West Jefferson and Jefferson, as well as individual donors. In November 2018, the Ashe County Board of Commissioners committed as much as $8 million in county funding for the project, in addition to the $3 million being provided by bond money from WCC. One of the greatest assets the expansion is projected to provide for students is job-specific workforce development, according to WCC vice president Chris Robinson. Through the Ashe Campus, the community college provides a highly trained, flexible workforce for companies in Ashe County, such as G.E. Aviation, Robinson said. Students can also seek certification in real estate, nursing assistant, phlebotomy and other areas through the Ashe Campus.

Currently, the Ashe Cam-

pus provides six full degree programs, including a college transfer curriculum that gives students a head start in earning their bachelor’s degree, as well as technical degrees in accounting, business administration, applied engineering technology, human services technology and associate degree nursing. With the expansion, more job-specific educational opportunities will also be provided, according to Robinson.

Bailey Witherspoon, a student of WCC, will receive her associate’s degree exclusively though attending the Ashe Campus. She said at the groundbreaking ceremony that driving 45 minutes to WCC’s main campus can create a financial burden for many people living in Ashe County, but by having a campus in county, much of that burden is lifted.

Students of Ashe County High School and Ashe Early College also make use of facilities at the Ashe Campus, enriching their learning environment and preparing them for the next step towards higher education.

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.

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Ashe County’s arts

BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com

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ike the New River flowing through the mountains, arts flows through Ashe County’s veins. Ever-present in West Jefferson especially, you can’t go 100 feet 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 COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL For 41 years, the Ashe County Arts Council has nurtured the arts scene in the county and let the arts community thrive. The core value of the organization has been promoting local artists, galleries and the communities they come from.

After 38 years of leadership, Executive Director Jane Lonon retired from her role at the end of June 2019. Taking up the mantle is Jeff Fissel, who now oversees the continued growth of the arts community.

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 Ashe Arts Center also features a gallery shop which has works from more than 100 artists. Including things such as utensils, decorations and tools, each piece is a unique work of art in itself.

For more information on upcoming events and pro-

grams hosted by the Ashe Arts Council, visit their website at ashecountyarts. org or call (336) 246-2787.

ASHE CIVIC CENTER The home for the performing arts in Ashe County, the Ashe County Civic Center 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 2019 productions include “Is He Dead?,” “Gypsy,” “Calendar Girls” and “Who’s On First.”

For more information about current and upcoming events and performances at the Ashe Civic Center, visit www.ashecivic.com or call (336) 846-2787. For more information about the Ashe County Little Theatre, visit www.ashecountylittletheatre.org.

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 more information a them can be found by contacting the Ashe Arts Council at

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ashecountyarts.org or call (336) 246-2787.

In West Jefferson is the Quilt Square Girls, who make custom barn quilts and feature other works from local artists. Barn quilts can be purchased as-is or custom made. For more information, visit www.ilovebarnquilts.com or call (336) 385-0197.

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.

The school is also home to the Corey Anne Celebration of Women in the Arts, a month-long exhibit with new artists, and the women who have made the arts special. Corey Anne Considine died June 6, 2013, in Calistoga, Ca. The Ashe County native had a passion for the arts, as well as advocating for women of all ages. Her father, Pat Considine, helped start the

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR The R.T. Morgan and CatchLight galleries are just two of the many art galleries in West Jefferson.

celebration in her honor, and it has grown and developed in that time.

For more information on the Florence Thomas Art School, visit www.

florenceartschool.org or call (336) 846-3827.

MURALS 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 SEE ARTS ON PAGE 22

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GALLERIES Below are the galleries that allow the arts community of Ashe County to flourish: Ashe Arts Center 303 School Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org CatchLight Gallery 118 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-1551 catchlightgallery.net R.T. Morgan Gallery & Glass by Camille 120 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 246-3328 www.rtmorganartgallery.com Quilt Square Girls 5 E. 2nd St., West Jefferson (336) 385-0197 www.ilovebarnquilts.com The Vintage Locket 16 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-7600 (828) 263-7253 www.thevintagelocket.com Backstreet Beads 111 A N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 877-7686

ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN www.backstreetbeads.com Great Southern Gothic 103 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-2410 www.greatsoutherngothic.com Bohemia 5 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-1498 Originals Only Gallery 3 B N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-1636 www.originalsonlygallery.com Florence Thomas Art School 10 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-3827 www.forenceartschool.org Acorn Gallery 103 Long St., West Jefferson (336) 246-3388 www.acorngallery.com Shoemaker Studio 113 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 877-7642 www.stephenshoemaker.com Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery 105 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-2218 www.ashecustomframing.com

ARTS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEFF FISSEL In the Arts Council’s 41-year history, an overwhelming majority included the leadership of Executive Director Jane Lonon, who announced her retirement plans in February 2019. Weeks before she left her post, Jeff Fissel was announced as her successor.

Fissel came from running a historical society in Hickory to the High Country, knowing how big the shoes were he planned to fill. Fissel, not an artist himself, dove in headfirst to the arts scene, wanting to be the arts leader the Council needed him to be.

Fissel has talked about driving the routes of the Blue Ridge Brutal, seeking advice from those steeped in the community and taking the time to soak in the gallery just down the hall from his office.

“I’ve been roundly impressed with the welcoming nature of everyone in Ashe County,” Fissel said when he was introduced to the Ashe County Board of Commissioners in July. “Most importantly, I just want to continue on the great legacy that is left by Jane Lonon, and continue the strong work and furthering the mission of the Ashe County Arts Council.”

ARTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

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.

The most recent addition is “Tree of Appa-

PHOTO SUBMITTED Painted fire hydrant located in front of Black Jack’s, artist Catherine Altice.

lachia” by Whitney Stuart Landwehrmann.

Landwehrmann said it was a great honor to join the rich history of West Jefferson’s murals, adding she already is planning two more.

It’s hard to see all 17 murals that are spread throughout West Jefferson in one trip. However, to see so many beautiful pieces in a setting like West Jefferson is wellworth a second go-round.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR In the 2018-19 fiscal year, ACTA’s fleet of 19 vehicles made 70,989 trips driving Ashe County residents to and from airports, doctor appointments, college classes, the post office — anyplace they need to go.

Ashe County Transportation Authority maintenance keeps Ashe on the roads

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

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she County Transportation Authority is a local nonprofit with one clear mission: putting people in seats and getting them where they need to be, according to ACTA Director Amanda Roten.

In the 2018-19 fiscal year, ACTA’s fleet of 19 vehicles made 70,989 trips driving Ashe County residents to and from airports, doctor appointments, college classes, the post office — anyplace they need to go, Roten said.

“We have as many out-of-town trips as in-town trips,” Roten said.

“We take people to Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, High Point, Sparta, Wilkes, Blowing Rock, Mountain City.”

In total, those almost 71,000 trips amounted to 841,356 miles traveled during the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to Roten.

ACTA employs 35 Ashe County residents, and the nonprofit has gone 1,731 days — more than four and a half years — without missing a preventative maintenance check on one of its vehicles, good for more than 2.7 million miles of driving, Roten said.

The organization offers deviated fixed routes around the Jeffersons, as well as a reduced price Lansing run once a week for anyone disabled or those older than the age of 65, Roten said.

For more information, go online to www.actatravels.com, or call to schedule a pickup at (336) 8462000.

PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR ACTA Driver Shannon Barr flashes a quick smile for the camera before hurrying off to pick someone up.

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Festival fun in Ashe County

BY IAN TAYLOR ian.taylor@ashepostandtimes.com

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she County plays host to some of the biggest festivals in the High Country.

From Christmas festivities in the heat of July to antiques and art shows many times a year, numerous festivals and events promise fun throughout the county all year long.

Following is a look at a few of the festivals and special events hosted in Ashe County.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY The annual Christmas in July festival is a hallmark of Ashe County since its inception in 1987. Celebrating the lifeblood of the county’s economy, the Christmas tree, the event has grown into something more than just a Fraser fir festival.

For one weekend, the streets are packed with locals and visitors alike. Arts and crafts vendors, fair food setups, live music and a Civil War reenactment surround the signature Christmas tree competition.

For more information on the Christmas in July Festival, visit www.christmasinjuly.info.

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in at the Christmas in July opening ceremony.

ASHE COUNTY BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME FIDDLERS CONVENTION A celebration of the traditional music found in the region, the fiddlers convention is a yearly gathering of hundreds of music lovers from all over.

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.

WEST JEFFERSON OLDE TIME ANTIQUES FAIR For two days every year, downtown West Jefferson is covered in blasts from the pasts.

During the 2019 fair, about 80 vendors will have their vintage signage, old furniture, seasoned coins, weathered quilts, timeworn pottery and other antiques on display and for sale, all in the same place.

The eighth annual West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair is 1-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

21, 2018.

For more information about the West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair, visit www.wjantiquesfair.com, or find them on Facebook.

cludes authors, poets and writers including Beth Macy, Robert Gipe, Alan Michael Parker, P.T. Deutermann, A.J. Mayhew, Stephanie Powell Watts, Georgann Eubanks and Ronni Lundy.

The event will be highlighted with a reading and discussion from N.C. Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, Sept. 20.

For more information, visit www.onthesamepagefestival. org.

ART ON THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL Sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, Art on the Mountain features more than 30 artists and crafters set up on the grounds of the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson.

Holiday gift ideas, fall-themed 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. 21.

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

TODD NEW RIVER FESTIVAL

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR Cheryl Roberts spinning wool and silk at Art on the Mountain on Sept. 22, 2018.

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 12th annual On the Same Page Literary Festival is Sept.

17-21, featuring a kickoff event Sept. 16 with humorous historian Elliot Engel.

The rest of the festival in-

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 2019 Todd New River Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, and tickets are available via highcountryhost.com.

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