Retail ∙ Entertainment ∙ Restaurants ∙ Events ∙ Important Numbers Utilities ∙ The Chamber of Commerce ∙ Arts ∙ Theater and More! 2022-2023 ASHE COUNTY hometownmy The Coolest Corner of North Carolina JEFFERSON • WEST JEFFERSON • LANSING • FLEETWOOD • GRASSY CREEK • TODD • CRUMPLER CRESTON • GLENDALE SPRINGS • SHATLEY SPRINGS • LAUREL SPRINGS • WARRENSVILLE • PARKER Rebecca Cox Creston Peggy SturgillCathy Simmons
W elcome to Ashe Coun ty, the cool est corner of NorthWhetherCarolina!alongtime local, a new resident of Ashe, or an explorer looking to make the most of a visit to the area, begin at the Ashe County Chamber of Com merce and Visitor Center to gather information and ideas to enhance your stay. Ashe County’s location in the northwestern corner of North Carolina and its average elevation of 3,000 feet justify the name “the coolest corner of North Carolina,” but there is so much more that contrib utes to this: our beautiful scenery, our rich heritage rooted in arts and music, our vibrant small towns, and our kind and generous people. We invite you to enjoy a virtual tour of Ashe County at localtodarandTheCoolestCorner.comvisitourEventCalenatAsheChamber.comviewthemanyexcitingevents.Onbehalfof the Chamber, welcome to Ashe County! We’re so glad you’re here! Kitty ofAsheExecutiveHoneycuttDirector,CountyChamberCommerce
The communities that shape the county of Ashe
BY RICHARDSONCHANDA Ashe County has become known as “the corner”coolestofNorth Carolina. With an array of popular destinations, enter tainment, shopping and an all encompassing mountain area, the county has its communities to thank for the nickname.AsheCounty, named for Samuel Ashe, a Revolution ary War patriot, governor of North Carolina and superi or court judge, covers 427 square miles. The county seat, Jefferson, was estab lished in 1799. More about the communi ties and places that make up Ashe County is found below: Creston This scenic and rural com munity lies on the border of Tennessee. Located in the northwestern corner of the county, Creston offers an incredible drive through the mountainous area. It is home to the Riverview Community Center, located off of N.C. 88 West and to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005. The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the north western mountains of North Carolina. Fleetwood Fleetwood is located just in-between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and connects Ashe County to Watauga County. It is the home to great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Commu nity Center and the local volunteer fire department. With the recently expanded US Highway 221, the drive through Fleetwood captures a large amount of Ashe
Downtown West Jefferson is a staple in Ashe County and is home to the bustling arts district, good eats and more.SEE ASHE ON PAGE 3
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Welcome to Ashe County Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 3ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN • Cardiolog y • Cardiopulmonar y • Chemotherapy/Oncolog y • Diabetes Management • ExpressCareClinic (MountainFamilyCare) • Fuji Endoscopy • Geriatrics • HospitalistProgram • ImagingSer vices • Internal Medicine • Obstetrics • Mountain Hearts FitnessCenter • Ophthalmolog y • Otolar yngolog y • Pediatrics • Primar yCare (Mount Jefferson Family Medicine &Fleetwood Family Medicine) • Rehabilitation Services • Respiratory Services • Surgical Services • Urolog y • Vascular Surgery 200 Hospital Avenue,JeffersonNC 336-846-7101 •ashememorial.org We are here to keep you healthy County’s beauty. 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 Home of the breathtaking and awe-inspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, access to both Wilkes County and Laurel Springs and breath taking mountain views, the community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County.
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PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
The main road in Lansing has become a scenic byway, perfect for a peaceful mountain drive.SEE ASHE ON PAGE 4
Grassy Creek Just south of the North Carolina-Virginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for delectable dinners. Jefferson A rich history, dating from 1799, lies in the picturesque town of Jefferson. Jefferson was founded prior to its counterpart, West Jefferson, and stood at the base of Mount Jef ferson. The town was first known as Jeffersonton, but then became Jeffer son, and was one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Court house. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town, what did they do on the way and where they goAshenext.County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.
Laurel Springs
The first post office in the town was established in 1882 and served a rural communi ty, made up of a village and outlying farms until the rail road made its appearance, according to www.lansingnc.
Another border commu nity, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before continuing their adventure on the scenic byway.Although it touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats. Also, be sure to stop by the Thistle Meadow Winery for individualized tours of a family-owned wine business. West Jefferson Known as the most popular and heart of the county, West Jefferson makes its mark on the High Country as a destina tion for locals, as well as visitors. Its downtown arts district along with a variety of shops, restaurants and beautiful scenery, it’s hard to bypass the town. The town was built around the RailroadVirginia-Carolinadepotduring the early 1900s. According to the town’s history, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jefferson be gan in 1779 when N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled the British at King’sMoreMountain.thanacentury later, the West Jefferson Land Company surveyed the new town and fixed its limits as a square one-half mile north, south, east and west of the Virginia-Carolina Depot. The town was chartered in 1915. The town’s initial growth came through the railroad, but early development was also spurred by the opening of the First National Bank of West Jefferson in 1915. The bank’s branch office, built in 1962, is now home to West Jefferson Town Hall. West Jefferson is home to many varieties of artwork, from paintings and photo graphs to sculptures and quilted items. More infor mation about the area’s art district can be found at the Ashe Arts Center, located at 303 School Ave., just off of East Main Street. The center is home to the Ashe County Arts Council, which sponsors a variety of community programming and exhibits throughout the year.Apopular spot in the town is the Ashe County Cheese Plant where visitors can see cheese made and go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese Store to purchase a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to pepper jack and the celebrated cheese curds. Old-fashioned snacks and candies and locally made wines can also be purchased at the store. The cheese plant is open year-round and locat ed at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. Just outside West Jef ferson, in the Beaver Creek community, St. Mary’s Epis copal Church can be found. The church is the location for a fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Madonna with child also hangs on the sanctuary wall. Local eateries and cafes offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other.For more information, visit www.visitwestjefferson.org.
The Museum of Ashe County History is housed in the historic 1904 Ashe County Courthouse located on 301 East Main St., Jefferson.
For more information about Lansing, visit explorelansingnc.com.www.
During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restau rant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sale instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devas tating fires in the 1930s and ’40s and faced Hurricane Hugo later that century. Despite these setbacks, the town continued to flourish andTheexpand.Works AdministrationProgressbuiltthe Lansing High School in 1941, using local granite stone. The school still stands today. The scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park.
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Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small, friendly town of Lansing beckons to travelers from near and far to visit and relax, while browsing its shops, trying some home cooking and tasting some locally made wine. The town, in the north western section of Ashe County, is 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson and only 45 minutes from Boone. Travelers can arrive in the town in less than an hour from Abingdon, Va., or Mountain City, Tenn. Several businesses line the street of downtown Lansing and it is also the home to the newly established Lost Province Center for Cultur al Arts, located in the old schoolhouse just outside of the downtown Home-cookedarea.meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salads, along with specialty teas and fresh roasted coffee, are available at Pie on the Mountain. If you’re looking for a good book to read and a soothing cup of coffee, visit Old Orchard Creek General Store, estab lished in 2021. Finally, if you need the refreshing taste of homemade hard cider, visit Molley Chomper, where an array of ciders can be found.
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com.The economy and popula tion began to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to Atown.bigcommodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to transport the ore to mar kets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa.
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Lansing
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 5ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN RAM HEAVY DUTY TR UCKS ARE #1 IN NEW VEHICLE QUALITY IN SEGMENT➋ Ram Heavy Duty Trucks have been honored for their new-vehicle quality Ram is the first truck-only brand ever to win #1 in overall initial quality according to J.D. Power YOUR HIGH COUNTRYDEALER WITH THE LARGEST INVENTORYTOCHOOSE FROM
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New River State Park
The four free access points that New River State Park provides are just the beginning of the endless ac tivities you can partake in.
Ashe County Parks Ashe Park is located in Jefferson and is home to the High Country Disc Golf Course, established in 2006 and offers a course length of 6,992 feet. It also is home to the Fridays in the Park concert series put on by the Ashe County Arts Council, the Fiddler’s Fest and more. You can also enjoy licensed fishing in the pond. West Jefferson Park, also known as the Bowie-Sea graves Municipal Park, is located in downtown. With two large picnic shelters, a number of playgrounds and swings as well as two tennis courts and a basket ball court, West Jefferson park is your spot for all things out doors. There is
hether oralookingyou’reforgoodhikepicnic spot, a place to eat popcorn while watching a good film, a refreshing beverage to sip on while you look at the mountains around you, incredible meals or breath taking works of art, Ashe County is your spot. When visiting the rural area, Ashe County offers marvelous landscapes that grace the wide outdoors. Ashe is located in the heart of the Appalachian Moun tains and features a variety of outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Local canoe, kayak and tube rental services can be found in the area, such as Zaloo’s Canoes in Glendale Springs where you can get together with your family and friends and set off on a smooth ride through the county along the river. Access points can be found throughout the county along with Lansing, Jefferson, Laurel Springs and more. The river winds about 360 miles and hits West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The park itself offers on-site RV canoe-camping,camping,arange of picnic shelters and more.
Fulfill your entertainment needs in Ashe County
W
Ashe County Parks and Recreation Ashe County Parks and Recreation, located at 626 Ashe Central School Rd Unit 16 in Jefferson, offers a handful of activities and opportunities to get yourself and children out and about in sporting leagues, fitness centers and more. They offer rental equipment for various activities, athletics for all ages including soccer, volleyball, basketball, soft ball, baseball, pickle-ball and more and they give the opportunity to enjoy the vast outdoors that Ashe County provides. To learn more, visit www. asheparks.com or call the office at (336) 982-6185.
BY RICHARDSONCHANDA
SEE ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 8
For more information, visit www.ncparks.gov/ new-river-state-park/home. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area Mount Jefferson has become a staple in Ashe County, rising over 4,000 feet above sea level. From the peaks of the mountain, some of the High Coun try’s most beautiful lands can be taken in. The park offers five hiking trails which allow the explora tion of nature. including a child-friendly trail. Take a breath at one of the parks lookouts where you can see the vast mountain ranges of North Carolina. For further information, visit www.ncparks.gov/ mount-jefferson-state-nat ural-area.
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Friday’s in the Park is a concert series put on by the Ashe County Arts Council and take place every third Friday from the months of May to August.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 7ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN OL DB AR N wi nery
The Lansing Creeper Trail park in downtown Lansing provides the ideal opportunity to get out and enjoy nature through a walking trail and seasonal fishing. The park has five fire pits for summer bonfires, three grills for all of your BBQ needs and a newly renovated barn for a number of uses such as the FDR Dinner, wed dings and more. It is also home to the newly established Mountain Warrior Renaissance Faire, which kicked off in Aug. of 2022.
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ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN a walking trail where you can take your dog for a stroll and it is located just beside the Ashe County Public Library where you can rent a book and enjoy the breeze while diving into your favorite story.
WestDowntownJefferson
SEE ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 9
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Known as the heart of Ashe County, downtown West Jefferson has become a FROM PAGE 6 PHOTO SUBMITTED Families took their time floating down the New River.
The Ashe County Arts Council holds a gallery crawl on the second Friday of each month between June and October, offering both locals and tourists to take a walk downtown to take in the breathtaking art in galleries and murals. They also have backstreet concerts in the summer months as well as specials later on in the year. Movie lovers can relax at either the Park way Theater or the Blue Ridge Movie Lounge with popcorn and sweets of all kinds. The farmer’s market offers a wide variety of clothing, knick-knacks and more on the Saturday of each month from spring to fall. For more entertainment opportunities, pick up a copy of the Ashe Post & Times or Mountain Times to see what’s happening in the county.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 9ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Come visit the Historic Lansing CreeperTrail Park 250 N& WLane •Lansing NC 28643 1-336-384-3938 •lansingnc.us PROUD TO BE PART OF ASHE COUNT YCOMMUNIT Y STOP BY AND SEE WHYWEWERE VOTED BEST OF THE BEST Your Health Is Our Concern Our Fam il yH as Se rv ed Ash eC ou nt yF or Ove r 60 ye ars ! Schedule your appointment online or give us acall cu336-846-5651 rrentchiro.com 936 US Hwy. 221 Business, West Jefferson PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON At the Ashe County Arts Council, you can find an array of local artwork and goods. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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The soccer field at Ashe County Parks & Recreation in Jefferson has provided a space for local athletes to build their skills and be active. staple and is now home to tourists and locals. It offers a wide range of shops, including Bull’s, Mountain Outfitters, The Spice & Tea Exchange, the Vintage Locket, Martha Mae’s Emporium, the Ramblin’ Poppy butchery and more.
and websites
BY RICHARDSONCHANDA
Ashe County Building Inspections — (336) 846-5511, partments/building-inspections.www.ashecountygov.com/de N.C. Cooperative Extension — (336) 846-5850, ashe.ces.ncsu. edu. Jefferson Town Hall — (336) 846-9368, townofjefferson.org. Jefferson Police Depart ment — (336) 846-5529, town ofjefferson.org. Lansing Town Hall — (336) 384-3938, lansingnc.us. Todd Community Preser vation Organization — (828) 263-6173, toddnc.org. numbers
Important
In the county, the Ashe County School system has continued to offer its tremendous efforts and ser vices to every student who walks down the halls. Seven schools are included across the district and each offer incredible education to their students.“AsheCounty Schools is home to some of the best and brightest students and teachers in North Caroli na and a truly supportive community,” said Super intendent Dr. Eisa Cox.
“Our strategic vision is to collectively inspire and prepare students to live their best lives. Despite the many challenges during perhaps the toughest year in public education, Ashe County Schools has much to celebrate – Our Career and Technical Education pro gram at the high school was named in the Top 10 in the state for having the highest percentage of credentials earned per student for a total of 707 industry creden tials. Students also earned numerous regional and state awards in forestry, creed speaking, culinary arts, medical assisting and early childhood development.”
“Our Early College had 22 students to graduate in 2022 with both their high school diploma and an associate
Page 10 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN West Jefferson Town Hall — (336) 246-3551, www.townof wjnc.com. West Jefferson Police Dept.— (336) 246-9410, www. townofwjnc.com. Ashe County Sheriff’s Office — (336) 846-5633, www.ashe countysheriff.com. Ashe County Communica tions 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.ashememo rial.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, schools.org/achs.www.ashe Ashe County Middle School — (336) 384-3591, www.asheschools.org/acms. Blue Ridge Elementary School — (336) 384-4500, www. asheschools.org/bres. Mountain View Elementary School — (336) 982-4200, www. asheschools.org/mves. Westwood Elementary School — (336) 877-2921, www.asheschools.org/wwes Ashe County Early Learning Ctr. — (336) 846-3221, www.asheschools.org/elc Ashe Early College — (336) 846-1881, wires.net/domain/1723https://nc02200844.school Wilkes Community Col lege, Ashe Campus — (336) 846-3900, pus/.about-us/locations/ashe-camwww.wilkescc.edu/ Ashe County Parks and Rec reation — (336) 982-6185, www. asheparks.com. Ashe County Public Library — (336) 846-2041, www.arli brary.org/ashe. Ashe County Animal Con trol — (336) 982-4060, www. asheanimals.com. Ashe County Humane So ciety — (336) 982-4297, www. ashehumanesociety.org. Animal Hospital of Ashe — (336) 246-3441, pitalofashe.com.www.animalhos Ashe Animal Clinic — (336) 246-2341. Ashe Arts Council — (336) 846-2787, www.ashecountyarts. org. Ashe Post & Times — (336) 246-6397, times.com.www.ashepostand Watauga Democrat — (828) 264-6397, www.wataugademo crat.com. Ashe Chamber of Com merce — (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) 2460100, centurylink.com. Ashe County Board of Elec tions — (336) 846-5570, ments/board-of-elections.ashecountygov.com/departwww. Emergency Management — (336) 846-5521, emergency-management.countygov.com/departments/www.ashe Ashe County Planning Board — (336) 846-5528, ments/planning.ashecountygov.com/departwww. Ashe Register of Deeds — (336) 846-5580, ter-of-deeds.tygov.com/departments/regiswww.ashecoun Ashe Dept. of Social Ser vices — (336) 846-5719, ments/social-services.ashecountygov.com/departwww. Ashe County Environmen tal Services — (336) 846-3721, vices.departments/environmental-serwww.ashecountygov.com/ Ashe County Landfill — (336) 982-2527, tal-services.com/departments/environmenwww.ashecountygov. Ashe Tax Collector — (336) 846-5577, tration.com/departments/tax-adminiswww.ashecountygov. Ashe County Tax Adminis tration — (336) 846-5577, ments/tax-administration.ashecountygov.com/departwww. Ashe County Tax Mapping — (336) 846-5555, tax-administration.countygov.com/departments/www.ashe E911 Address Coordinator — (336) 846-5520, e911-addressingcountygov.com/departments/www.ashe Ashe County Transporta tion Authority — (336) 8462000, www.actatravels.com. Ashe County Veterans Ser vices — (336) 846-5575, ments/veterans-services.ashecountygov.com/departwww.
SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 12
Inspiring and preparing students: Education continues to lead Ashe County
Throughout Ashe County, education has been seen as a top priority among the parents, students, teach ers and staff.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 11ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Prep your home forwinter by sealingair leak snow.Get more easyenergy-saving tips at BlueRidgeEnergy Want to re du ce yo ur heating/ co oli ng co st sb y10to20%,while increasing your home’sc omf or t? Seali ng air leak sisa nine xp ensiv waytos avee nergy,a nd anyone ca nd oi t ! DIY SAVIN GS CAULKING •DHOW-TO’S: etectair leaksarounddoors (Landwindows. ookfor daylightaroundframes. frOr,trace ames with incense andwatch smokwherethe eispulled.) •Choosea siliconecaulk that will form anawaterdweather-resistantseal. •Prepyoursurface by removingold caulk paand int. Make sure •Ptheareaisdry. repthe caulking gunand do a“test”run on apapertowel. •Aim andpull thetrigger. Hold thecaulk gunata45-degree angle while pulling it toward •Ayou. fter covering2-3 feetofthe surface,run adamp thfingerorfoampaintbrushlightlyalong ebeadtosealthe caulk. •Clean up mistakes beforethe caulkhardens.
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Dr. Eisa Cox and the Board of Education, Dr. Kim Simmons, Vice Chair Dianne Eldreth, Chair Josh Roten, Polly Jones and Wes Cornwell. degree from Wilkes Community College and 16 students to earn a certificate from Wilkes Community College. Collectively, our 2022 graduates were awarded over 2 million dollars in scholarships, including a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, a full scholarship to Yale and a Goodnight Scholar to NC State University,” Cox added. “Ashe County Schools saw similar success in our athletics programs. After joining a new conference, Ashe County had 72 All-Northwest Conference selections, 19 athletes to qualify in individual state tourna ments and a 4-time state champion for track and field. Athletes competed in the playoffs, conference tournaments or states in wres tling, tennis, track and field, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball. Blue Ridge Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, one of only eight schools in North Carolina to be named this past year. Ashe County Middle School was named a National Schools to Watch once again. Our district was awarded a competitive NC Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant for $25 million toward building a new middle school, bringing the total grant award to $40 million dollars. I am proud of all of the accomplishments during this pandemic and look forward to the many successes to come.” learn more about Ashe County’s schools and how to register, visit the Ashe County Schools website at www.ashe schools.org or call (336) 246-7175 to learn which school district your address is located on state require ments and school information found schools below, Ashe County Schools website. Early Learning Center Ashe Early Learning Center’s mission is to provide children with a high-quality and
in.Additional information
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can also be
Ashe
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Matthew Peterson defies his obstacles on the ACHS field.
To
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 13ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN High Pressure Turbine High Pressure Compressor 400 The Professional Dr,West Jefferson, NC 28694 |336-246-1721 |www.geaviation.com GE Aviation One West Jefferson Team Teaming culturethat supports employee empowerment, growth and technical expertise Continuous Improvement &Respect for People to propel West Jefferson forward TEAMWORK FOR ABETTER TOMORROW! PROUD TO BE PART OF THE ASHECOUNTY INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY GE Aviation 2999 Us Hwy221 N.,Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-8989 |www.loghomesofamerica.com developmentally appropriate education to prepare them for growth and more posi tive, educational experiences. The school offers a public pre-kindergarten program. AEL is a place “where little stars shine” and its mission statement is “A great beginning start here for a lifetime of learning.”TheAshe Early Learning Center is located at 406 School Avenue in West Jef ferson. 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 as seen in their vision, which is to encourage dreams, inspire hope, fulfill needs and prepare for students success. EDUCATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 PHOTO SUBMITTED The ACHS Husky Vanguard Marching Band has become a staple for success in Ashe County, winning awards and competitions throughout the year. SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 14
The school’s vision is to create a child-centered environment which prepares students for the 21st century through collaborative efforts of admin istrators, educators, students, staff and stakeholders.Westwood’s motto is, “Improving to morrow by learning today.” Westwood Elementary is located at 4083 U.S. Highway 221 South, West Jef ferson. For more information, call (336) 877-2921.
Ashe Early College is led by Principal Lindsey Williams. The 2018-19 school year was the school’s first, where students were able to work toward a high school diploma and potentially an associate’s degree at the same time. In May of 2021, the school had their first graduation ceremo ny where 14 seniors received diplomas, along with some receiving their asso ciate’s degree from Wilkes Community College.TheAEC mission statement is to offer a learner-centered educational experience that prepares students for college, career and life through academic rigor, relevant coursework, and school, parent and com munity relationships. It is committed to providing a sup portive academic environment where all students are expected to thrive both academically and civically. AEC offers opportunities for first-generation college students, those at risk of dropping out and those who would benefit from accel erated instruction.
Ashe Early College, West Jefferson
Mountain View Elementary School is located at 2789 U.S. 221, Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 982-4200. Westwood Elementary School, West Jefferson Westwood Elementary School teaches grades kindergarten through sixth. The school’s principal is Jennifer Holden.
The school’s motto is “Dream, believe, become, lead ...”
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 Dr. Susan Mochen. A new two-story building which will measure more than 160,000 square feet for the county’s middle school is cur rently under development. The county has been pursuing the construction of a new building for four years and this new building will serve sixth through eighth grade students. The new school is set to be located adjacent to the high school.
The newest addition to the Ashe County Schools family is located on the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College.
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Hundreds upon hundreds of families and students gathered at the Back 2 School Blast on Aug. 13.
Wilkes Community College: Ashe Campus, West Jefferson Offering six full degree programs, in cluding a college transfer curriculum that parallels the coursework required during the first two years of study at four-year colleges and universities, the Ashe Cam pus of Wilkes Community College allows Ashe County locals the opportunity to earn their associate’s degree without hav ing to travel outside of the county.
The school’s vision is to foster an environment to nurture individuals academically, socially and emotionally so that they are equipped to tackle academ ic challenges and become productive members of society. The school’s motto is “Stay on track ... Dream, Believe and Achieve.”AsheCounty 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 the County, Ashe County High School serves students in grades nine through 12. Its principal is Dustin Farmer.Thevision of ACHS is to cultivate a secure and compassionate learning en vironment, one in which varied individ uals can have their learning needs met through rigorous instruction designed to help all students achieve at a high level.
Joallen Lowder is the school’s prin cipal. Blue Ridge Elementary School is located at 5778 N.C. 88 in Warrensville. For more information, call (336) 3844500. Mountain View Elementary School, Jefferson Home of the Eagles, Mountain View Elementary School serves grades kin dergarten through sixth and is run by Principal David Blackburn. The school’s vision is for the commu nity and school to form a unified team that works together to provide a welcom ing and joyous place for academic and emotional support, where each child can reach his or her full potential. Their motto is, “Whatever it takes, our kids are worth it!”
Page 14 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Technical degrees students can ob tain 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.Afteryearsof planning and develop ment, the WCC: Ashe Campus expan sion project broke ground on 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.TheWCC: Ashe Campus is located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson. For more information, visit edu/about-us/locations/ashe-campus/www.wilkescc. or call (336) 846-3900.
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
The school’s motto is “Preparing indi viduals for their future.”
Ashe County High School was built in 1999 to consolidate Ashe Central High School, Beaver Creek High School and Northwest Ashe High School.
Ashe Early College is located at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-1881.
Ashe County High School is located at 184 Campus Drive, West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-2400.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 15ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN BY NATHAN HAM T here are numer ous organizations and madeservicesavailable to the people of Ashe County whether they need a helping hand with food insecurity, help starting a business or additional educational opportunities. The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C, can help visitors find shops, restau rants and other things to do while on their trip to Ashe County. The staff at the chamber can also help point people in the right direction if they are inter ested in purchasing real estate, opening a business or becoming a chamber member. Find out more info about the “Coolest Corner” of North Carolina by calling (336) 846-9550 or visiting the chamber’s website at chamber.com/.https://asheThe Ashe County Pub lic Library has plenty to offer children and adults that want to enjoy a good book or some fun activities. Recently the library has taken part in the Caboose Kids events located on the Backstreet in downtown Public services in Ashe County FILE PHOTO The Ashe County Farmers Market is open rain or shine from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. during the spring, summer and fall.SEE SERVICES ON PAGE 16
Items from the Vietnam War exhibit at the Museum of Ashe County History.
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting at The Old Store in Grassy Creek.
Ashe County has over 800 combined miles of roads that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is responsible for main taining. For questions or concerns about road issues in the county, call the Ashe County NCDOT maintenance yard at (336) 246-5287.
FILE PHOTO
Museum of Ashe County History located at 301 E Main St. in Jefferson. The old courthouse, which was constructed in 1904, was added to the National Register of Historic Places inTo1979.keep up with the latest news in Ashe County, the Ashe Post & Times is a great source. The newspa per is published weekly on Wednesdays and is updated online each day. Drop a news tip to the staff, sub scribe or just visit with the news and sales staff at 7 E Main St. in downtown West Jefferson, or call (336) 8462041 for more information.
SERVICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
Ashe County Cooperative Extension offers numerous courses and workshops throughout the year to aid farmers with everything from food crops to Christmas trees. A sched ule of workshops and other events for the Ashe County office can be found online https://ashe.ces.ncsu.edu/.at
Ashe County Schools are headquartered at 320 South St. in Jefferson, and can be contacted by phone at (336) 246-7175 for questions and information regarding the local school system.Foranimal owners in the county or those interested in finding an animal to keep them company, Ashe County Humane Society is located at 1175 Old High way 16 north of Jefferson. Ashe County Animal Control can be reached at 336-982-4060. Happy Tails of West Jefferson also offers animal adoptions and information on spay and neuter services for your feline or canine pals. Happy Tails is located at 431 E 2nd St, West Jefferson. Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, a visitarea’s219-0244.canRoadcatedanding,sonable1926.servingorganization,nonprofithasbeencommunitiessinceGoodwilloffersreathriftingofclothfurniture,homegoodsmore.Goodwillisloat1291Mt.JeffersoninWestJeffersonandbecontactedat(336)Anyoneinterestedintheextensivehistorycanthe
Ashe County Environ mental Services operates convenience centers around the county, plus a landfill for county residents and property renters to dispose of their trash. Convenience centers are located through out the county serving the communities of Bina, Lansing, Jefferson, West Jefferson, Crumpler and Creston. Beginning in 2023, Ashe County residents must display a sticker from the tax office to be able to use the convenience centers. The Ashe County Farmers Market is open on the Backstreet in West Jefferson every Saturday during spring and fall, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. with spe cial holiday market dates announced annually. There is always a wide variety of locally grown and fresh foods available to purchase as well as crafts and other vendors that are at the market.
PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM
Page 16 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN West Jefferson. Visit www. arlibrary.org/ashe to learn about other ongoing events throughout the year. Safety is of the utmost importance for both visitors and residents in Ashe County. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office patrols the roads and assists on calls 24 hours a day to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible from one end of the county to the other. The Ashe CourthouseCounty at 150 Gov ernment Cir. in Jefferson is home to most of the county government functions that one might need in the county, including county’s DSS services, the county board of elections, register of deeds, tax administration and tag office among others.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 17ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN LOOKING TO BUILD ANEW HOME -LOG CABIN- COMMERCIAL PROPERT Y IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS? Ne wR iver Cu st om Builder 637 LowNotch Road,Grassy Creek ,NC 336-977-2035 |N ew Ri ve rC ust omBuilders .c om EXPERIENCE MATTERS -EXPERIENCE TO DO IT RIGHT COME SEEWHY WE WERE VOTED BEST HOME BUILDER AND BEST CONTRACTOR FOR7YEARS IN AROW IN ASHE COUNT Y OwnerGregTestermanhas been buildinginthe Blue RidgeMountains forO ver 30 Years BY CHANDA RICHARDSON W hen visiting Ashe County, it’s hard to ignore the afford able entertainment services. Whether you’re waiting for that new film to come out or you have an itch for theatrical entertainment, the area is willing to fulfill your needs. Parkway Theater Since opening in 1947, the Park way Theater has been a staple of Ashe County and West Jefferson. Since 1984, the theater has been run by the husband and wife duo, Tony and Sharon Eldreth, whose family have all helped out at some point or another. The Parkway is located at 10 E Main St, West Jefferson. Their doors re-opened in the summer of 2021, issuing safe pro tocols to ensure a healthy movie watching experience and have been thriving ever since. Two theater rooms were orig inally one, and have a concave floor to create clean views for all in attendance. The theater only accepts cash or checks, but at a low ticket price of $6, or $5 for Saturday and Sunday matinees. All of your movie cravings such as popcorn, candy and drinks can be offered for prices between $2-$6. For more information, go to www.parkwaytheater.net or call (336) 846-3281. Ashe County Little Theatre Ashe County Little Theatre has been the hub of community the ater in Ashe since 1972. The group promotes community involve ment in the arts and high-quality performance, without the high ticket prices. With a revolving cast of volun teers, producers, directors and actors, there’s always something unique about each production. They are currently working on Matilda the Musical and hope to have more shows in the future. To be on the lookout for upcoming events, visit www.ashecountylittle theatre.org or call (336) 846-2787. Ashe County’s virtual entertainment FILE PHOTO A large crowd gathering outside of the Parkway Theater in West Jefferson.
A she County is no stranger to giving back to the community that built it. Whether it’s an organization fighting local hunger, or devoting their time to looking after our natural resources, the county has a number of great nonprofits will ing to give back to the community.
BY RICHARDSONCHANDA
This area of land just off of NC Highway 163 is part of the latest New River Conservancy project to allow for river access.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Page 18 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
The New River Conser vancy, possibly the most notable non-profit in the area, has continued to pro tect one of Ashe County’s most treasured natural areas, the New River. The river runs more than 100 miles through forested mountains and pastoral valleys, eventually joining a few miles south of the North Carolina-Virginia line before continuing into Virginia and West Virginia and into the Kanawha and Ohio rivers. In Ashe County, the New River is a prime location for water sports such as fish ing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. New River Conservancy makes sure they keep the historic waterway clean, pristine and accessible to those who wish to take a dip into the water.According to NRC, their mission is to protect the wetland, wood lands and wildlife of the watershed. The nonprofit is respon sible for a number of different conservation efforts along the water way, including organizing volunteer clean up days, funding conservation ease ments, and monitoring water quality through their water watchers program. The NRC has been pur chasing acres upon acres of land in Ashe, and they hope to maintain the beau tiful nature in the area. Other local nonprofits located in Ashe County include Badges of Ashe, which was established to lend support to law enforcement officers, staff and their families of Ashe County, as well as the Ashe County Food Pantry which is the county’s leading food pantry. Aside from keep ing the food pantry itself stocked with goods, the Ashe Food Pantry offers delivery programs such as its “Operation Back pack” program which puts healthy, child-appropriate food in the neediest little hands.Throughout the school year, large family-sized por tions of canned and dried food staples, frozen meat, eggs and more are delivered to families in need. During the school year, healthy backpacks go home through the school each week through their partnership with Ashe County Middle School, Mountain View Elementary, Westwood Elementary and the Nest Alliance, insuring that the children always have food toToeat.learn more about local nonprofits such as the New River Conservancy, Badges of Ashe and the Ashe County Food Pantry, visit ashefoodpantry.org/, badgesofashe.com/ and cy.org/.www.newriverconservan
PHOTO SUBMITTED
New River Conservancy volunteers pull tires and other litter out of the North Fork New River.
Nonprofits giving back to the Ashe County community
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 19ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Yo ur Ho me tow nP ho to gr apher Specializing in portraiture for families, newborns, children, and weddings Sheila Reed Photography 2412 Tucker Road, Lansing, NC 28643 Phone: 336-712-6513 Email: sheilareedphotography@gmail.com FB: Sheila Reed Photography | IG: @sheilareedphotography On the Web: www.sheilareedphotography.com Step BackinTime! TheVintageFarmhouse General Store 424 East Second Street, West Jefferson, NC (336) 846-4777 The VintageFarmhouseGeneral Storeisbringing nostalgia back to Ashe County.Located in West Jefferson in the historic Graybeal familyestate. We featurehand-dippedice-cream, baked goods, coffee, men’s and women’s apparel, children’s apparel, knick-knacks, toys,and so much more. Drop by our storefor atrip downmemorylane andstaya while. Find us on Facebook BY RICHARDSONCHANDA A she helpingbeenHospitalMemorialhaslendingahandto the citizens of Ashe County since being established in 1941, originally as anon-prof it hospital to serve rural communities across the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the hospital has grown from a small medical facility to a world-class hospital offering a wide variety of emergency, elective and preventative health services, the focus has remained the same: to provide the highest level of care possible close to where youInlive.recent years, AMH has continued to grow, intro ducing a heart and vascular center in May of 2022 and also establishing a mammog raphyAshecenter.Memorial Hospi tal offers all routine and emergency medical care, along with the following specialty services: cardiology, cardiopulmonary, chemo therapy, oncology, diabetes management, emergency services, an express care clinic, a fitness center, FUSE endoscopy, geriatrics, a hospitalist program, imaging services, internal medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, primary care, rehabilitation services, respiratory services, surgical services, teleneu rology, telepsychiatry and vascular surgery. The hospital also kick-started the Heart of the Husky Program in 2013, which helps provide EKG screenings and sports phys icals for Ashe County High School students.
Ashe Memorial Hospital is located at 200 Hospital Ave nue, Jefferson, NC 28640. To learn more about AMH and their services, visit ashememorial.org.www.
”When you are sick or injured, you need care close to home,” said AMH. “When you are looking for help stay ing well, you are more likely to use preventative services if they are convenient. Ashe Memorial Hospital delivers the care you need when and where you need it. You do not have to travel far to see a doctor or receive care; and, making an appointment could not be easier.”
Healthcare offering a helping hand in Ashe County
FILE PHOTO Ashe Memorial Hospital offers all routine and emergency med ical care, along with specialty services. Those services include chemotherapy, oncology diabetes management and more.
AppHealthCare also has a location in Ashe County, known as the Ashe County Health Department and is located only minutes away from AMH. During the years of 2020 to the present, they have continued to offer support and advice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, AppHealthCare teamed up with the Ashe County Arts Council to pro vide a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Ashe Civic Cen ter, where hundreds upon hundreds of citizens lined up to receive their AppHealthCareshot.is located at 413 McConnell Street, Jefferson, NC 28640. Visit www.apphealthcare.com for more information.
In addition to the hos pital, they also offer their Mountain Valley Care Center whichoffers gym equipment and exercises classes aimed at helping the community lead a healthier, more active life. This facility is open to the public, regardless of whether you see a doctor at the facility or not.
FILE PHOTO
Page 20 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
BY NATHAN HAM T he Ashe Coun ty Arts Council has played instrumentalanrole in expanding the education and appreciation of art in the county. The arts council has sponsored numerous school events and activi ties over the years, as well as hosting their own art exhibits, gallery crawls and barn quilt tours that bring visitors and residents to all parts of Ashe County. The art exhibits at the Ashe Arts Center in down town West Jefferson bring in some of the finest work from all parts of the country. In addition to these gallery exhibits, the arts council will often feature work from Ashe County students in their annual “Young At Art” exhibit. Exhibits change throughout the year and often include paintings, pho tography, pottery and other fine craft work. Barn quilt tours have become extremely popular in Ashe County. There are over 150 known barn quilts in Ashe County and there are currently six different driving tours, or “loop trails,” that offer travelers the chance to experience beautiful scenery as well as checking out the many barn quits around the county. The loop trails all contain written instructions with mileage, landmarks and road names to help travel ers find as many barn quilts asAnotherpossible.noticeable artis tic attraction, particularly around downtown West Jefferson, are the artistic murals painted around the town. The downtown mu rals began appearing over 25 years ago when the first mural was commissioned by McFarland and Company, Inc. publishing company in 1996. Jack Young’s mural “History of Ashe Through the Ages” was the first mu ral to decorate downtown West Jefferson. The mural was place on the wall of Regency Properties across from the Ashe Arts Center. Other murals begin popping up, including work from local artists Stephen Shoe maker and R.T. Morgan as well as Robert Johnson and Marianne DiNapoli Mylet.
FILE PHOTO
The Ashe County Arts Council helps support many different events that happen each year. The Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention returned in 2022 after COVID-19 forced the event to be canceled in 2021. On the Same Page Literary Festival is also making a triumphant return after the covid pandemic. From Sept. 13-17, the festival will offer writing workshops, dis cussion opportunities with many local writers and the chance to talk about your favorite books and authors with other like-minded readers and writers. Art on the Mountain is another event that has built a strong following and tra dition over the years. More than 30 artists and crafters will be at the Ashe Arts Cen ter displaying and selling some of their finest work. There will also be food and music throughout the day on Sept. Another24.popular traveling tour is the annual Studio Tour that just happened earlier in August. Art ists and crafters open up their studios for guests to visit and see their work and working environ ments. Nearly 15 different artists participated in this year’s Studio Tour in West Jefferson, Todd, Creston, Jefferson and Crumpler.
Bringing art to all corners of Ashe County
Pottery exhibits are always popular at the arts center.
Visitors to the Ashe County Arts Council in downtown West Jefferson can view the different gallery exhibits that change throughout the year as well as purchase many works of art from local artists.
For more information on the programs that the Ashe Arts Council offers, visit their website at ashecountyarts.org/.https://
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 21ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN SLOW DOWN ALIT TLE . As fast as ever. 1400 Mt.Jefferson Road Ste6 336-219-0001 carolinawest.com Bu sinesses,One Conv ienent Location! StoreHours: Monday -Friday,8 am -6pm• Saturday 8am- 2pm 423 E. 2nd St., West Jefferson, NC 336-246-9990 www.peoplesdrugwj.com Home Of The
Page 22 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN BY NATHAN HAM N early businesses500 makeorganizationsandupthe Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is here to help not only those businesses, but also visitors that want to know where to eat and where to shop, and residents that want to find a company or business that can help them with whatev er needs might arise.
The Ashe Bash is the most recent event cre ated by the chamber of commerce. In its inau gural year in 2021, the band Scythian wowed the crowd that gathered at the Ashe County Government Complex in Jefferson and returned again in 2022 for another great performance. Food vendors offer tasty treats for fans to purchase and there is even a park ing shuttle that will bring people to the show from parking lots at the former Lowes Foods shopping cen ter, the Ashe County Civic Center and Ashe Memorial Hospital.Providing scholarships for Ashe County senior students is another major project that the chamber accomplishes each year. Seniors from Ashe County High School, Ashe Early College and homeschool students are eligible to ap ply for Ashe County Cham ber of Commerce Schol arships that are offered through the chamber’s 501 ©(3) non-profit called Ashe County Advantage Project.Formore information on all of the things that the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce has to offer, stop by the Chamber at 1 North Jefferson Ave. in downtown West Jefferson, give them a call at (336) 846-9550 or visit their website at ashe chamber.com.
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is here
The Blue Ridge Brutal cycling race brings about 400 riders to Ashe County each year.
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Scythian on stage at the Ashe Bash held in Jefferson.
Got questions?
to help
PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM
The Ashe County Cham ber of Commerce offers a visitor’s guide that will help visitors find local dining options, stores to shop in, hotels and places to sleep and a list of things to do while on their visit to the HighTheCountry.business directory is always kept up to date with even the most recent mem bers that have joined being added to the directory. The business directory features a little bit of everything including real estate offices, restaurants, stores, con struction companies and even non-profit organiza tions.The chamber also keeps an updated list of events online so visitors and residents alike know what is going on in the Coolest Corner of North Carolina. Live music performances and community events that include farmer’s markets, blood drives and events from the Ashe County Arts Council are updated throughout the year.Inaddition to sharing other events with the general public, the Ashe County Chamber of Com merce has their own group of events and activities that they sponsor and organize. Two of the largest events that the chamber puts together is the Blue Ridge Brutal bike race and the AsheTheBash.Blue Ridge Brutal offers a 100, 75 and 50-mile bike ride that challenges each rider with numerous elevation changes across Ashe County. Volunteers operate rest stops, place signage throughout the race course and operate support vehicles throughout the race to aid riders that might suffer mechanical issues with their bicycles.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 23ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN We Do It Best -for the Farm -Home -Business Projec ts DesignYour NewKitchen Color Your World Come See our SHoWroom We car ry all the painting and staining supplies that giveyour project the professional touch~ br ushes, drop clothes, caulking … YOUNAMEIT WEHAVEIT! VERMONT CASTINGS DEFIANT FLEXBURN BLACK HEAT YOUR WORLD 87th Anniversary BY RICHARDSONCHANDA D espite the ongo ing toservicesrangingbusinessesbecomeThethrivingbusinessesoldpandemic,COVID-19bothandnewhavebeeninAsheCounty.mountainousareahasahotspotfornewofallsorts,fromshuttleandcoffeeshopsboutiquesandrestaurants.ThefollowingisalistoflocalbusinessesthathaveopenedfromAugust2021toAugust2022,asprovidedbytheAsheCountyChamberofCommerce.•BellaWoodsCabin•HavenatGreenwood Glen•The Dew Drop Inn • The Grapevine Re treat LLC • Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals•Allison Yount Designs • Bare Creek Land and Cattle, Inc. • Barks & Co. Dog Boutique•Barn Quilt Headquar ters• Boone Cellular — Ashe County • Calhoun Creative Solutions•CallCreek Concierge Services, LLC • Camp Karuga • Car Rentals of West Jefferson, LLC Ashe County is the hub for new and creative businesses PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Barks & Co., opened in April of 2022, offers a variety of treats, toys and goodies for any dog.SEE BUSINESS ON PAGE 24
Lyndy Phillips cuts the ribbon for Lyndy’s Magic Parlor along with Chamber Director Kitty Honeycutt as well as Chamber
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Weaver,
Page 24 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
ribbon
new shuttle service, CC Rydes, established in June of 2022.
community members.
Madison
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON the for her
Ashe County Amateur Radio Club members, town officials and other chamber members gathered in March 2022 for a ribbon-cutting event welcoming the radio club as the newest members of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce.
along with family, friends, co-workers and members of the Chamber, cuts the ribbon for her new store. • Carolina Dozer • CC Rydes • Credit Mountain, LLC • Everything Vintage • Explore Ashe LLC • Footsloggers • Glendale Ridge Farms, LLC • Happy Tails of WJ, LLP • High Country Performing Arts Academy•Jorge and Family • Krause Family Arborist • Live Well Age Well LLC • Lyndy Phillips Productions, LLC • Madi’s Clothing & Accessories, LLC • Maggie’s Coterie • Mountain Air Duct Cleaning, LLC • Mustard Seed Renovations, LLC • New River Barista • Not Just Old, LLC • Old Barn Winery • Poppies • Precision Building Systems NC, LLC • Ridgeline Garage Doors Inc. • Riverfront Group, LLC • Santos Lawn Care • The Foundry Downtown • The Old Store at Grassy Creek • The Vintage Locket • W J Locksmith LLC • Watson HOME • Wilderness Wonders Co. • Ashe High Country Guttering, ,LLC • Zuryc, Inc. • Appalachian Regional Healthcare System•D’s Famous Hotdogs & More • Ashe County Amateur Radio Club • Ashe County Children’s Endowment • High Country Caregivers • High Country Food Hub • Jefferson Odd Fellows Lodge #38 • NC Tech Paths • Operation Restart Now, Inc. • Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary • Whippoorwill Academy & Village • M. Colton Williams, PLLC • Westhaven Aesthetics & Wellness • Jon Gatewood Real Estate • Backstreet Subs • NRB Taproom & Brewery • Oldhouse Goods BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
Catherine Steele, along with Chamber of Commerce members, volunteers, friends and staff, cuts
PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 25ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN ASEASON FOR EVERYTHING Ashe CountyThe coolest corner of North Carolina www.golifestore.com BY NATHAN HAM Ashe County has a growing and di verse list of restau rants to choose from that includes Thai and Cuban offerings as well as fine dining, food trucks and local sandwich shops. Sweet & Savory Hours: Monday and Tuesday – 11 a.m. — 3 p.m., Thursday and Friday –11 a.m. — 3 p.m., Saturday –11 a.m. — 5 p.m. (336) 846-8888 Sweet & Savory in down town West Jefferson has a great selection of sandwich Dining options in Ashe County COURTESY PHOTO Cruisers American Grill located in Jefferson.SEE DINING ON PAGE 26
Smoky Mountain Barbecue Hours: Monday through Satur day – 10:30 a.m. — 8 p.m. (336) Smoky246-6818Mountain Barbecue in West Jefferson has a little bit of everything on the menu, but their most popular items include their pork barbecue plates and sand wiches, ribs, fried chicken and country ham.
Oshu House Hours: Sunday and Monday – 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday – 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. — 8:30(336)p.m.846-6748
Havana Cafe Hours: Tuesday through Thurs day – 11 a.m. — 3 p.m., Friday –11 a.m. — 7 p.m., Saturday – 9 a.m. — 4 (336)p.m.846-2800
Be sure to check out Oshu House for your favorite Japanese lunch or dinner items.
Boondocks Brewing Hours: Monday, Thursday and Sunday – 11:30 a.m. — 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11:30 a.m. — 10 Boondocks(336)p.m.246-5222indowntown
The Tavern Hours: Tuesday through Thurs day – 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m., 4 p.. — 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m., 4 p.m. — 9:30 p.m., Sunday brunch – 11 a.m. — 2 (336)p.m.846-2121
Park Vista Restaurant Hours (April 1 – Dec. 23): Wednesday and Thursday – 4 p.m.
West Jefferson has lunch and dinner offerings and often host live music events on the weekend either at the restaurant or just a little bit down the street at the Brewhaus.
New River Brewing in West Jefferson has their always-popular wings, pulled pork, burgers, sand wiches and wraps, as well as their tasty craft beer menu.
New River Brewing
Havana Cafe, located on the Backstreet in West Jefferson, offers traditional Cuban food, daily specials as well as sandwiches and desserts.
Hours: Tuesday through Thurs day – 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. — 9 p.m., Sunday – Noon until 8 p.m. (336) 846-2739
Monte D Rey Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. (336) Monte846-2100DReyislocated near Walmart and LifeStore bank on Mt. Jefferson Rd. and has everything on the menu to feed your Mexican food craving.
Log House Uptown Hours: Monday through Satur day, 5 a.m. — 2 p.m. (336) Located846-7737ontheBackstreet in West Jefferson, the Log House Uptown serves breakfast and lunch where the former Smithey’s Cafe used to be located. Village Inn Pizza Hours: Monday through Thurs day — 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. — 9 p.m., Sunday – 11:30 a.m. — 8 p.m. (336) 846-2200 Village Inn Pizza in West Jeffer son has their always-popular pizza buffet and salad bar, but you can also order your own pizza to eat in or take home with you.
The food truck is typically located at 602 S. Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson. They open at 11 a.m. and serve food until they run out. Other locations and hours vary. (336) 977-0657, or visit www. kristins-hookd-on-smoke.com for locations and menu items. Kristin’s Hook’d On Smoke is one of the most popular food trucks in Ashe County. Whether you want pulled pork barbecue, wings, burgers or any of the other deli cious items on the menu, Kristin’s Hook’d On Smoke has plenty of options available.
The Tavern located on East 1st St. in West Jefferson has both a lunch and dinner menu that includes sandwiches, brisket, wraps, pizza, seafood and a variety of appetizers.
COURTESY PHOTO
O’s Thai Express Hours: Wednesday through Friday – 11 a.m. — 3 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. (336) 846-2244 O’s Thai Express recently opened in West Jefferson and has daily Thai specials throughout the week. You can find their daily menu by searching O’s Thai Express on Facebook or go to www.osthaiex presswj.com.
Hole Lotta Donuts Hours: Wednesday and Thurs day – 7 a.m. — 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday – 7 a.m. — 7 p.m. (336) Fresh,846-6000homemade donuts, des serts and tasty drinks are sure to fill your sweet tooth needs in down town West Jefferson. Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks Hours: Thursday and Friday – 4:30 p.m. — 8 p.m., Saturday – 4 p.m. — 8 p.m., Sunday noon –8 p.m.(336) 982-3060 You will find steaks, seafood, sandwiches and more on the menu at Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks, located at the top of the mountain near the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 163.
DINING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
Kristin’s Hook’d On Smoke food truck is typically in West Jefferson at 602 S. Jefferson Ave. Locations and hours do vary.
Page 26 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN es, salads, soups and desserts that make them one of the most popular lunch destinations in the county.
Craft Bistro Hours: Wednesday and Thurs day – 5 p.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 5 p.m. — 9 p.m. (336) 846-1512 Craft Bistro’s fine dining menu is one of the best in the High Coun try. Reservations can be made by calling ahead. Hillbilly Grill Hours: Monday through Thurs day – 6 a.m. — 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 6 a.m. — 8 p.m. (336) 846-4745
SEE DINING ON PAGE 27
Hillbilly Grill in West Jefferson offers breakfast all day and lunch six days a week. They are also open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill Hours: Monday through Sunday – 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. (336) 246-3295
Black Jack’s Pub & Grill is prob ably famous for their tasty burgers, but they have other numerous selections on the menu including sandwiches, chicken tenders, wings and much more. Kristin’s Hook’d On Smoke
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 27ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN WE ARE HIRING AFoundation Built on Trust Since 1977 Call for your FREE estimate today! 336.246. 7244 613 SMain Street, Jefferson, NC •www.tricountypavinginc.com Fully Insured Licensed General Contractor in NC,VA, TN Tri County Paving, Inc. WEST JEFFERSON, NC WE PAVE THEWAY! Parking Lots Subdivisions Driveways Streets Grading and Excavating “Providing Public Transportation since 1986” •Demand Response Service •Subscription Service •Deviated Fixed Route Service •Airport Service 895 RayTaylor Rd •POBox 1836 •WestJefferson NC 28694 www.ac tatravels.com •Phone 336-846-2000 TDD Users 1-800-735-2962 •Fax 336-846-8579 •email: info@ac tatravel.com — 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday –11 a.m. — 9 p.m., Sunday – 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. (brunch menu only). Feb. 18 – March 31: Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Sunday – 11 am. — 3 p.m. (brunch menu only). (336) 877-1440 Park Vista Restaurant, just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a menu full of salads, entrees, sandwiches and appetizers. Osaka Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. (336) 246-3300 Osaka offers Chinese and Japanese meals for lunch and dinner. WJ Slice Hours: Sunday, Monday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. — 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday – 11:30 a.m. — 9 p.m. (336) 846-2990 WJ Slice offers pizza, subs, salads, cold beer, wine and mixed drinks. When the weather is nice, be sure to check out their outdoor seating area. WJ Hometown Diner Hours: Tuesday through Friday –6 a.m. — 2 p.m., Saturday – 7 a.m. — 10:30 a.m. (336) 846-7888 Stop by for breakfast and lunch at the WJ Hometown Diner just as you enter downtown West Jeffer son. Try one of the famous Smithey Burgers or any of the other numer ous menu options. Bobby D’s Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. — 7 p.m. (336) 846-2627 Italian food is the specialty at Bobby D’s in Jefferson. Located on Business 221 between the towns, Bobby D’s offers pizza, pasta, wings and a nice selection of salads. Winners Circle (336) 246-4499 Winners Circle in Jefferson has daily lunch specials Tuesday through Friday and offers a great dinner menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, pizza, sandwiches and much more from Wednesday through Saturday. Plaza Del Sol Hours: Monday through Thurs day – 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. — 10:30 p.m., Sunday – 11 a.m. — 9 p.m. (336) 846-1639 Mexican cuisine served in Jeffer son at 777 E. Main St. Southern Scoops Hours: Thursday through Saturday – 11 a.m. — 7 p.m., Sunday – noon until 6 p.m., Monday – 11 a.m. — 7 p.m.(336) Sandwiches846-9257and ice cream are the specialties served at Southern Scoops, located at 215 Long Street in Jefferson. Cruisers American Grill Hours: Wednesday through Sun day – 11 a.m. — 8 p.m. (336) 846-2789 A classic diner menu of sandwiches and dinner plates. Cruisers is located at 658 S. Main St. in Jefferson. DINING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM Visit New River Brewing in West Jefferson for tasty food and craft beer.
Big Laurel Christian Union Rev. Darrell Graybeal 2550 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 977-1789
Page 28 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Farmers Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Danny Joe Farmer Farmers Store Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 385-6642
Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Cory Halsey 201 South Street Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-9642 http://www.fletchermbc.org/ Friendly Grove Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Kirby McNeill 200 Oak Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-7482
Calvary United Methodist Church Rev. Brian Cornell 922 Railroad Grade Road Fleetwood, NC 28626
Chestnut Hill Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Chris Cox 311 Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Cornerstone Fellowship Pastor Todd Brewer 270 Barnett Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3954
Bristol Baptist Church Rev. Keith Wagoner 1776 Old Highway 16 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-3599
Cristo El Salvador Brother Israel Chupez 342 River Bend Hill’s Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 246-9500
Buffalo Baptist Church Rev. Tommy Graybeal 619 Central Buffalo Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-1694
Bethel Baptist Church Rev. Daniel Peak 15366 Old Highway 16 Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-1091 Big Flatts Baptist Church Rev. Billy Norris 2373 Big Flatts Church Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (828) 964-8837 Big Laurel Baptist Church 1146 Joines Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-1811
BY NATHAN HAM F aith and church have always been important in the Appalachian Moun tains and here in Ashe County it’s certainly no different. Below is a list of contact informa tion for the majority of churches and other religious organizations in Ashe County.
Bethany United Methodist Church Pastor Dan Money 495 Highway 194 South West Jefferson, NC (336) 877-2801 https://www.bumcwj.org/
Big Laurel Mennonite Church Rev. Kirby Herman 5500 Big Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6136 Blackburn’s Tabernacle Rev. J.D. Walton 3986 Todd Railroad Grade Road Todd, NC 28684 (336) 877-1962
Calvary Freewill Baptist Church Rev. Frank Woods 3020 Old Wilkesboro Road Jefferson, NC 28643 (336) 982-4840 http://www.calvaryfwbc.org/
Creston United Methodist Pastor Virginia Peurifoy 160 Worths Chapel Road Creston, NC 28615 (828) 773-7132
Appalachian Church Rev. Steve Ashley 787 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694(336) 977-2911 http://appchurch.org/ Apple Grove Baptist Church Rev. Jullian Owen 553 Ripshin Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-2640
Chestnut Hill United Meth odist Rev. Rob Brooks 604 Martin Gambill Road Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 977-1377
Faith Chapel Christian Church 141 Campbell Glen Lane Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-4249
Ashe Baptist Association Rev. David Blackburn 204 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-5631
Churches of Ashe County
Ashe County Worship Center Pastor Chuck Call 863 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) http://ashecountyworshipcen846-1189 ter.org/ Ashe Alliance Church 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 church.org/http://www.baldmountain
Clifton Baptist Church Rev. Jimmy Galgano 972 Carl Eastridge Road Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 385-2074 Clifton United Methodist Rev. Dennis Gray 1017 Carl Eastridge Rd Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-3391
Baldwin Community Church Rev. Kenneth Grubb 1549 NC Highway 194 S. Todd, NC 28684 (336) 877-9075
Christian Unity Baptist Church Rev. Darien South 326 E. Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-7907
First Assembly of God Rev. Keith Styron 210 Faw Roland St. Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 246-4444
COURTESY PHOTO Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church is located at 201 South Street in Jefferson. SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 29
Beaver Creek Baptist Church Rev. Johnny Goodman 1471 Mulatto Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-8048 Beaver Creek Christian Church Rev. Loren Lung 1676 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3795 https://beavercreekchristian. net/ Ben Bolen Baptist Church Rev. Willis Rash 2835 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6443
Blue Ridge Baptist Church Rev. Teddy Shatley 407 Blue Ridge Church Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-5631
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 29ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Mountain AireGolf Club is an unbelievable place to golf and live. This well-maintained, public course is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Ashe County,just 25 miles from Boone.Eighteen holes of challenging elevations and spectacular views will makethis one of your favoriteplaces to visit. Fortee times,call the ProShop at 336-877-4716 or visit our websiteatmountainaire.com MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB 1396 FAIRWAY RIDGE DRIVE •WEST JEFFERSON 336-877-4716 •MOUNTAINAIRE.COM Rev. Jeffery Rizoti 444 Buck Mountain Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-3820 Friendship Baptist Church Rev. Ken Jones 891 Friendship Baptist Church RoadJefferson, NC 28640 (336) jefferson.org/https://www.friendshipbaptist982-2080 Glendale Springs Presby terian Elder Sidney Crunk 350 JW Luke Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-9258 Grassy Creek United Meth odist 479 Grassy Creek Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-1143 Happy Trails Cowboy Church Pastor Roger Blevins 9331 NC 16 North West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 977-2043 Healing Springs Baptist Church Rev. Kevin Jones 9180 Old Highway 16 Crumpler, NC 28617 (336) 384-2024 Helton United Methodist Church 15309 Highway 194 Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-3382 Highlands Community Church 787 Ray Taylor Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-4310 Holy Trinity Episcopal 120 Glendale School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-3076 Jefferson United Methodist Church Rev. Kristy Burnette 115 East Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) https://www.jumc.church/877-1672 Laurel Fork Presbyterian Church 15232 NC Hwy 18 S Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (828) 406-5832 Laurel Knob Baptist Church Rev. Russel Hart 3707 NC Highway 194 Todd, NC org/https://www.laurelknobbaptist.28684 Liberty Grove Baptist Rev. Toby Oliver 3289 Liberty Grove Church RoadFleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-5790 Little Helton Baptist Church Rev. Brandy Phipps 750 Little Helton Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 246-2259 Little Laurel United Meth odist Rev. Warren Lunsford 2443 Little Laurel Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260 Meadowview Mennonite Church 2334 Tucker Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 384-3674 Midway Baptist Church Rev. Steve Leashomb 1670 Mount Jefferson Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) org/https://www.midwaybaptistnc.246-2012 Mission Home Baptist Church 480 Railroad Grade Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-5371 Mount Jefferson Baptist Church Rev. Keith Casey 1957 US Jefferson,221NC 28640 (336) 982-4783 Mount Jefferson Presbyte rian Church Rev. Will Heyward 201 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) https://mjpc.org/846-7481 Mount Laurel Moravian Fellowship Church Rev. Ted Burcaw 191 Transou Church Road Laurel Springs, NC ship.com/https://mountainlaurelfellow28644 Mount Paddy Christian Union Rev. Tim Roten 822 NC Highway 88 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-3174 CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 SEE CHURCHES ON PAGE 30
COURTESY PHOTO Bald Mountain Baptist Church is located at 1460 Bald Mountain Road in West Jefferson. CHURCHES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
Smethport United Meth odist Rev. Dennis Gray 200 Smethport Drive West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 384-3391
Transou United Methodist Rev. Rob Brooks 191 Transou Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 (336) 359-2344
Peace Haven Community Church Rev. Mitchell Mash 373 Piney Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 (336) 977-7031
Smethport Baptist Church Rev. Phil Arnold 180 Smethport Dr. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-1050
Welcome Home Baptist Church Rev. Lonnie Jones 4087 US Highway 221 Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 982-9410
West Jefferson United Methodist Church Rev. Samuel Lewis 107 W. 2nd Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) http://wjumc.net/246-5292
Pilot Mountain Baptist Church Rev. Keith Woodie Castle Ford Road Todd, NC 28684 (336) 982-4037
St. Francis of Assisi Catho lic Church Father Cory Catron 167 St. Francis Place Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) son.org/http://stfrancisofassisi-jeffer246-9151
Round Knob Baptist Church Rev. Larry Powers 247 Round Knob Church Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 984-1034
Warrensville Seventh-Day Adventist Church Rev. Kevin Morgan 227 Warrensville Drive Warrensville, NC 28697 (336) 384-2840
Pleasant View Separate Baptist 1801 Teaberry Road Warrensville, NC 28693 (336) 384-4671
South Fork Baptist Church Rev. David Cooper 157 South Fork Church Road Todd, NC 28684 (336) church.org/https://southforkbaptist877-8777
Zion United Methodist Church Rev. David Hawkins 253 Zion Methodist Church RoadTodd, NC 28684 (336) 877-9002
Old Fields Baptist Church Rev. Ray “RD” Watson 1964 Conley Cheek Road Fleetwood, NC 28626 (336) 877-1061
Riverview Baptist Church Rev. Curtis Presnell 11789 NC Highway 88 Creston, NC 28617 (336) 385-7729
Warrensville Baptist Church Rev. Jackie Stone 130 Church tistchurch.com/http://www.warrensvillebap(336)Warrensville,StreetNC28697384-3044
Sabbath Home Baptist Church 1938 E Little Horse Creek RoadLansing, NC 28643 Senter Primitive Baptist Nathans Creek School Road Crumpler, NC 28617
Obids Baptist Church Rev. Mark Harless 194 Obids Baptist Church RoadWest Jefferson NC 28694 (336) 982-9251
Pleasant Home Baptist Church Rev. Lonnie Carpenter Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 977-0654
Three Forks Missionary Baptist Church Cabbage Creek Road Creston, NC 28615 Three Top Baptist Rev. Bluford Eldreth Creston, NC 28615
Tuckerdale Baptist Church Rev. Larry Shepard 2678 S Big Horse Creek Road Lansing, NC 28643 Valley Home Baptist Church Rev. Ken Holmes 5563 Three Top Road Creston, NC 28615 Wagoner Baptist Church Rev. Darrell Poole Sr. 115 Wagoner Access Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 667-2154
Oak Hill Baptist Church Rev. JC Darnell 1222 Deep Ford Road Lansing, NC 28643
New River Baptist Church Rev. Wayne Jones 1619 Weaver Ford Road Grassy Creek, NC 28631 (336) 384-2872
Page 30 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Nathan’s Creek United Methodist Church Rev. Kesseling Joseph 422 Nathans Creek School RoadCrumpler, NC 28617 (336) 359-2344
Warrensville United Meth odist Church Rev. Dennis Gray 184 Church (336)Warrensville,StreetNC28693384-3391
West Jefferson First Bap tist Church Rev. Michael Lea 8 E 2nd Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) https://www.fbcwj.org/846-5141
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 400 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 982-3076
Pleasant Hill Church Rev. Terry Woods 534 Roaring Fork Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-5571
Pine Swamp Baptist Church Rev. Steve Viers 3025 Dick Phillips Road West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 877-4239
North Beaver Baptist Church Rev. Rick Miller 8000 NC Highway 163 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) https://northbeaver.org/877-1594
Orion Baptist Church Rev. Lawrence Goodman 477 Frank Dillard Road Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) https://orionbaptist.com/877-6107
Mount Vernon Baptist Church Rev. Bennie Roten 2190 Cranberry Creek Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Sugar Tree Baptist Church Rev. Dustin Farmer 496 Sugar Tree Road Warrensville, NC 28693
Sutherland United Meth odist Church Rev. Warren Lunsford 141 Sutherland Road Creston, NC 28615 (336) 385-6260
West Jefferson Church of Christ Rev. Timothy Canup 130 Robert Street West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) christ.org/https://www.wjchurchof246-5615
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 31ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN At Margate Health &Rehab we: • Specializeinshort term transitional rehab from surger yorillness and out patientrehab forthe entire community. • Feature40new private rooms • Offer alarge state of the ar ttherapygym • Providetransportationtoand from medical appointments • Accept manydifferentinsurance providers including Medicare &Medicaid Medicareand Medicaid At Margate Health &Rehab we’reproud to ser ve Ashe and surrounding counties Call today for more information or schedule afreetour of our facility! Your Recovery is Our #1 Goal! 540 Waugh Street Jefferson, NC 28640 336-246-5581 Improving patients’ quality of living through the delivery of clinical excellence and compassion. www.margatehealth.com (some vendors choose not to participate) Valid through October 2023. #Gearupandgetoutside with your local outdoor experts at Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. ( ) 15% OFF up to three items Your local resource for all you need to Gear Up and Get Outside! 08 ASJefferson Avenue West JeffersonNC 336-846-5888 139 SDepotStreet Boone NC 828-355-9984 921 Main Street Blowing Rock NC 828-295-4453 FOOTSLOGGERSNC.COM |Footsloggers Outdoors |footsloggers_outdoors
FILE PHOTO “The Last Supper” painted by North Carolina artist Ben Long is inside the Holy Trinity Episco pal Church.
Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
BY NATHAN HAM F or nearly 50 years, CountyAshehas been home to a series of fresco paintings from world renowned artist and North Carolina resident Ben Long. Long was born in Texas but grew up in Statesville and attended the University of North Caro lina at Chapel Hill. After a brief stint in the United States Marine Corps, Long spent time as an apprentice in Italy working with artist Pietro Annigoni. This was where he became famil iar with the art of fresco painting.Afresco is an art form where an artist will press pigment into wet plaster. The most popular and wellknown frescoes are those painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Fresco paint ings date back to as long as 3,000 years ago and older. It was in 1974 when Long’s first work began in Ashe County at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. Long met with Reverend Faulton Hodge and created three paintings at the church. The first was “Mary Great with Child,” followed by “John the Baptist” that was finished in 1976. The third and final fresco painting at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church was “The Mystery of Faith that completed in 1977. Long would later return to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in 2012 to touch up the paintings that had remained in their original state for 35 years. In 1980, Long returned to Ashe County and painted “The Lord’s Supper” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs. Long also painted the fresco “Suffer the Little Children” in the E.H. Sloop Chapel at the Crossnore School campus in AveryPreservingCounty.these beau tiful works of art has been important to not only church members, but also members of the surrounding communities. The Ashe County Frescoes Foundation was formed in 2009 with the purpose of protecting the paintings and also making them easily accessible to visitors that travel to Ashe County to view the members,thatFoundationThepaintingsespublicDonationsfrescoes.frombothandprivatesourchelpmakesurethearepreserved.AsheCountyFrescoesisa501©(3)consistsofnineboardfourofwhich are members or affiliated with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church or Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
FILE PHOTO Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs is located at 120 Glendale School Rd. in West Jefferson.
Iconic Ashe County fresco paintings still bring visitors to the High Country
For the 14th time, the Christmas tree chosen for the Blue Room in the White House came from North Carolina. In 2021, the tree was picked at Peak Farms in Jefferson. Farm owners Rusty and Beau Estes were named the 2021 Grand Champion Growers in the National Christmas Tree Association’s Nation al Christmas Tree Contest. The winner of that award each years gets to supply the Christmas tree to the White House. This was actually the third time that Peak Farms had the winning Christmas tree for the White House. It happened in 2008 and again in 2012. The Na tional Christmas Tree Association has presented the official White House Christmas tree each year sinceGrowing1966.Christmas trees takes a lot of time, effort and commitment to the product. On average, it takes up to 12 years for a Fraser fir tree to be plant ed and harvested at an av erage height of six to seven feet tall. The industry pro vides plenty of work, both full-time employment and seasonal employment, for workers that want to find their place on a Christmas treeForfarm.more information about Ashe County Christ mas Tree production, christmastrees.com/.https://www.ashecountyvisit
Christmas tree industry remains strong in the High Country
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Rusty and Beau Estes smile along with Dale Haney and pre vious North Carolina winners including Joe Freeman, Jessie Davis and Larry Smith in front of the selected tree on Oct. 20, 2021.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 33ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN Trus t U s To I nsure Your M ountain H ome lifestoreinsurance.com / 336-246-7297 / Downtown West Jefferson BY NATHAN HAM T he Christmas tree industry in the High Country is one of the big gest and most important economic drivers for the region. It is estimated that there are currently around 850 Fraser fir Christmas tree growers in North Carolina that plant trees on about 40,000 acres of farmland across Western NorthFarmersCarolina.inAshe, Allegh any, Avery and Watauga counties make up four of the top five Christmas tree growers in a state that ranks second in the number of trees harvested each year in the United States. Only Oregon har vests more Christmas trees each year. According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, which is headquartered in Boone, 26% of all of the real Christmas trees that are harvested in the United States come from North Carolina.Fraserfir trees make up almost 95% of the Christmas trees grown in North Carolina, mainly because of how well they grow and adapt to colder temperatures and higher elevations. According to the North Carolina Christ mas Tree Association, the tree’s resilience, needle retention, form, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent and outstanding shipping characteristics has led to the Fraser fir becoming one of the most popular Christmas tree species.
W hen acrossafterfurtherseekingeducationwalkingthestage and receiving your high
Page 34 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
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.
SEE WILKES ON PAGE 35
BY CHANDA RICHARDSON school include heading to a four-year univer sity. Community colleges have become vital in the economic and education growth of local communities and offer an array of options that are cost effi cient and can lead to incredible success.
diploma, not all options
The Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College offers just that and appeals to those just out of high school or those who are seeking to return to the classroom, no matter what age they may be. Located behind Ashe County High School at 363 Campus Drive in West Jefferson, the Ashe Campus has been around since 1969 and has expanded several times in its mission to serve the students and families of Ashe County.TheAshe campus serves about 600 to 700 students a year and about 25 percent of that number includes high school students from the local school system. In addition to ACHS students, Ashe Early College Students can Community College: Continuing education and success in Ashe
Wilkes
FILE PHOTO
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 35ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN YOUR HOMETOWNINSURANCE AGENCY 107 SJefferson Ave• We st Je fferson, NC 28694 336-246-7151 •m il ler insur anc e.org CELEBRATING 72 YEARS OF SERVING THE HIGH COUNTRY Proudtoprovide insur ancesolutions to Ashe Count y and now! p then... Treating our Customers LikeFamily! PHOTO BY DR. GORDON BURNS WCC Board of Trustees’ Chair, Mr. Jay Vannoy dedicated Poe Hall in honor of James Kent Poe. Kelly Vannoy, WCC board of trustee member and daughter of James Kent Poe, cut the ribbon. From left to right, Thomas Stith, N.C. Community College System president; Dr. Jeff Cox, WCC president; Chris Robinson, vice president of workforce development & community education and Ashe campus; Jay Vannoy, WCC board of trustee, chair; Kelly Vannoy, WCC board of trustees; Mark Vannoy, Vannoy Construction; Terry Bumgarner, WCC board of trustees; Allison Phil lips, vice president of institutional advancement, Mallory Phillips; and Hobie Davis, Ashe campaign committee co-chair. also earn their Associates degree when attending the school. In 1969, WCC expanded to start serving students in Ashe County. Back then, the school started with a few classrooms and an industrial area. In 1984, the campus expanded to its current location and has been growing ever since, more recent ly with the construction of Poe Hall in 2020.The new facilities in Poe Hall include healthcare classrooms, a healthcare simulation lab, expanded science labs, an electronics lab, multifunctional class room space that fosters group interac tion, state-of-the-art computer labs, a community meeting room, cosmetology complex and an applied engineering lab andPartclassroom.ofWCC’s expansion to Ashe Coun ty was also done through the community college’s service career areas. A lot of growth was seen during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, much of which was related to the GI bill related with veterans return ing from war in Vietnam. The Ashe Campus of WCC offers sever al degree programs, including in human services, technology, business admin istration, applied engineering technol ogy, accounting, science and art. These degrees can be taken completely in Ashe County and students never have to leave the Ashe Campus. WCC has also recently expanded and rounded out its nursing program after growing the facility and students can take courses for parts of other fields, such as criminal justice and horticulture.According to Vice President of WCC Chris Robinson, community colleges save parents and students money. Total tuition for an academic year is around $2,500, which is cheaper compared to four year colleges. For more information on the Ashe Campus of WCC, visit their webpage at cations/ashe-campus/www.wilkescc.edu/about-us/lo or call (336) 846-3900. WILKES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
SEE PEAK ON PAGE 37
BY RICHARDSONCHANDA
Jefferson State Park had its beginnings when the Works Progress Admin istration constructed a road of little more than two miles to the summit of Mount Jefferson. In 1956, the mountain was designated as a North Carolina State Park and has become a prime loca tion for hiking, site-seeing, picnicking and a number ofMountevents.Jefferson lies along the drainage divide between the north and south forks of the New River—one of the oldest rivers in North America and in the world. This drainage system had an important influence on the size and shape of the mountain.Apaved road winds up the mountain, giving visitors access to six hiking trails, the moderate Lost Province, Rhododendron Spur and Track Trails and the strenuous Mountain Ridge and Summit trails, picnic areas and a variety of overlooks where one can glimpse a birds-eye-view of the surrounding area. From the mountain’s top, guests can enjoy beautiful vistas as they gaze across the High Country and into nearbyCurrentlystates.the mountain is home to more than 750 different species of plants, such as Dutch man’s pipevine, pink lady slipper, rhododendron and mountain laurel, as well as a variety of wildlife ranging from Southern flying squirrel, Virginia opossum, deer and red fox. Plant and animal check lists are available at the park office, located at the entrance to the area. Aside from visitors looking to enjoy the moun tain’s natural charms, the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area has been a location for people looking to test themselves phys ically. Each year during the Blue Ridge Brutal — a long distance bike race — cyclists have the option of competing in the Mount Jefferson Assault. This
The peak of Ashe County, Mount Jefferson
M ount County,heartferson,JeftheofAshehas been a popular attraction to both locals and tour ists over the years. The mountain towers above both West Jefferson and Jefferson and stands at 4,683 feet above sea level and around 1,600 above the surrounding area. Estimated to be older than 300 million years old, the mountain has a rich history. Mount Jefferson is named after Thomas Jefferson and his father, Peter, who owned land in the area and surveyed the nearby North tocreatingpeoplehistory.region’smountain,hasCornerpastborderCarolina-Virginiain1749;andinthea5,000-yearoldKirkNotchspearpointbeenwasfoundontherevealingtheNativeAmericanInthe1930s,tookaninterestinwidespreadaccessthemountain.Mount
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Hiking trails on Mount Jefferson can be both strenuous and moderate and they offer a peaceful walk through nature.
Page 36 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
Views from Mount Jefferson capture Ashe County’s nature and beauty.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 37ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN SHOWTIMES ADMISSION MONDAY~SATURDAY AT 7PM SUNDAY AT 3PM &7PM ALL SEATS $6 SUNDAY MATINEE $5 10 EMAINS STREET |WEST JEFFERSON NC 28694 |336-846-3281 PROVIDING ASHE COUNTY AFFORDABLE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS Don’t Delay! Call DOBY’S Today! Pump Service •Septic Service Well Drilling Service Serving Ashe, Watauga, Avery &Alleghany 24 Hour Emergency Service 336.846.DOBY (3629) “Weare your Plumbing Service and Repair Experts” 712 South Jefferson Ave|West Jefferson, NC www.PlumbingWestJefferson.com •See Cheese Made! •Great Gift Ideas •Tour Groups &Buses Welcome 106 E. Main St. •West Jefferson, NC 336-246-2501 Visit us year round 8:30am to 5:30pm -Mon. -Sat ashecount ycheese.com MAKE ASHE COUNTY CHEESE YOUR FIRST STOP WHILE VISITING ASHE COUNTY FILE PHOTO Mount Jefferson can be seen from many points in Ashe County, including Ashe Park. 3.4 mile challenges riders to peddle to the summit of Mount Jefferson State Recreation Area, at an elevation gain of nearly 1,476 feet. In the past, the recre ation area has also hosted a downhill skateboard race, in which riders will reach speeds of more than 50 miles per hour as they race each other down two miles of pavement. The state park is located at 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road outside West Jefferson. For more information about the park visit home.son-state-natural-area/gov/mount-jefferwww.ncparks. PEAK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
Page 38 • Mountain Times Publications Wednesday, August 31, 2022ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN
There is
the Christmas with
community, and Operation Medicine Drop for people in the county to drop off unused prescription drugs to keep them fromHowchildren.togetin touch with local law enforcement agencies: Ashe County Sheriff ’s Office 140 Government Circle Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-5633 West Jefferson Police Department 1 S. Jefferson Avenue West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 246-9410 Jefferson Police Department 213 E. Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 (336) 846-5529
Staying safe in Ashe County
staff at
Some
program that provides Christmas gifts to children
the department
opportunity to
ASHE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
outreach
BY NATHAN HAM I t’s always important to feel safe in your community. Thanks to the hard work by the Ashe County Sheriff ’s Office, West Jefferson Police Department and Jefferson Police Department, citizens in the county can have some peace of mind as they go about their daily lives. Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell has been the county sheriff since first being elected in 2018. Howell is an Ashe County native and grew up in Laurel Springs. He went to West Jefferson Elementary School and then to Beaver Creek High School before becoming one of the earliest classes of graduates at the newly-consolidated Ashe County High School. Under Sheriff Howell’s leadership, the Ashe County Sheriff ’s Office has experienced significant growth in their community outreach programs while also adding the latest technology and safety equipment available for law enforcement officers. Currently, the ACSO employs around 115 individuals, many of which have been with the department for a decade or more. “Our community involvement is the thing that I am most proud of. It is part of what we are about. We are kind of a family organization here. Almost every person here has one or two kids and most everyone has 10 or 15 years of experience,” Howell said during a previous interview with the Ashe Post & Times in March. In 2020, the Ashe County Sheriff ’s Office received a grant that allowed for the funding of four additional deputies positions that have helped provide better coverage and protection for Ashe County citizens from all parts of the county, an area of more than 400 square miles. Each deputy also received a ballistic shield and helmet and there is now a K-9 unit on duty each shift in Ashe County 24 hours a day. “We have upgraded our radios, we have body cams for every officer including in the detention center. We have data terminals in every single vehicle now. Our goal is 15 to 20 years from now, even after I’m gone, this stuff is getting replaced every four to five years and it’s not an issue ever again,” Howell said. of the community programs instituted by include a Deputy for the Day program for children in the county that get an learn about the numerous jobs and duties of officers and the ACSO. also Cops in the
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Mountain Times Publications • Page 39ASHE COUNTY MY HOMETOWN BY NATHAN HAM
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People coming to the High Country have been able to escape life in the city thanks to remote work ing positions. Not having to sit behind a desk has been a real game changer for folks that want to keep their jobs but be able to work outside of their typi cal office setting. “The pandemic has allowed a lot of people to work from home. It has become the new norm be cause a lot of people aren’t going back. Now, people that have wanted to live somewhere different are now able to because they can work from anywhere. They want to get out of the cities with everything that has been going on and I think people want to raise their kids somewhere safe,” BallouHavingsaid.astrong school system, low rates of violent crime and a reliable rural hospital are certainly at tractive reasons why people would want to move to AsheHereCounty.aresome local real estate companies that can help you find your dream home in Ashe County. Mountain Realty N. Jefferson Avenue Jefferson, NC 28694 S. Jefferson Avenue Jefferson, NC 28694(336) 246-6348 N. Jefferson Avenue Jefferson, NC 28694(336) 489-3042 N. Jefferson Jefferson, NC 28694(336) NC Jefferson, NC
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“I think West Jefferson and Ashe County in gen eral are becoming a place on the map,” said Josh Johnson, a realtor with Vannoy Properties in West Jefferson. “A lot of folks are wanting to live here full-time now, rather than having second homes or vacationCrowdedhomes.”highways and city buses are certainly not part of what you will find in Ashe County. Instead, you’ll find small shops, several local restaurants and a lot of folks taking a stroll through town. It is truly an escape from the city lifestyle that never slows down. “A lot of the people moving here come from the metropolitan areas like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham, and some from Wilmington. We’ve had people from South Carolina in the Charleston area, people from Florida, even folks from Ohio and New York have been mov ing into the area as well,” Johnson said. The COVID-19 pandem ic aided in a lot of people finding the hidden gems of the High Country, includ ing Ashe County. A lot of people made the move to live permanently in Ashe County as a way to feel safer and healthier. “I have been doing this for about 15 years, and the inventory is the lowest that I can ever remember. There are more buyers than there are sellers,” Johnson explained.Johnson said he expects the real estate market to remain strong in the High Country. While the pandemic is nowhere near as bad as it was in 2021, the word has gotten out about the many positive attributes that living and visiting Ashe County has to offer. “I think what draws everybody here is that we are a tight-knit community and people truly care about each other and are very genuine,” Johnson said. “People that move here seem to think that is a rar ity, but for us it makes us who we are and makes this place what it is. It’s a great place to raise a family, to work, to get involved in the community and help your neighbor.”AmyBallou, the broker in charge at New River Re alty in Jefferson, said that a lot of her most recent buyers have been coming from out of state, includ ing from as far away as California, Oregon, Texas and New York. “The market is still very good. It is still very much a seller’s market. We still have lots of people looking but not enough inventory, especially affordable inven tory,” Ballou said. Buyers in Ashe Coun ty and other parts of the High Country continue to be divided between those seeking to establish a permanent residency here, as well as people investing in vacation homes. This has also put a crunch on the inventory available across all ends of the pricing spectrum.“Wehave some higher end homes on the market, but the problem is that a lot of first-time home buy ers or people that are look ing to buy homes locally can’t afford those high er-end homes. We need those too, but we really need more affordable in ventory,” Ballou said. “We are still seeing a lot of peo ple buying second homes. Most of the people that are buying second homes turn around and rent them on Airbnb or Vrbo. A lot of your higher-end homes are being purchased for those reasons.”According to date pro vided by the High Country Association of Realtors, the last two calendar years for home sales have resulted in more than $300 million in home sales in Ashe County alone. In 2020, there were 541 homes sold for a total of $153 million. The me dian home price that year was $265,000. In 2021, the number of homes sold increased to 563 with the total sales number reaching $184 million. The median home price in 2021 was $290,000.
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A ainvolveslifepicture-perfectforsomelivinginquiet,peace ful setting in the woods far away from the cities and towns full of cars and people.While the many small towns in Ashe County are nothing like the city life of many of the metropolitan areas within a couple of hours of the High Country, visitors and residents alike often pack downtown West Jefferson throughout the week. Ashe County has become a popular vacation spot for many, but it is also becoming a place where people want to live yearround.
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