Jesse Smith—The Way He Sees It | By Julie Farthing

The Way He Sees It:

Jesse Smith Is Living His Best Life

By Julie Farthing

Jesse Smith, who lives in the quaint town of Crossnore, has roots that run deep. His great aunt and uncle, Drs. Henry and Mary Martin Sloop, were instrumental in bringing healthcare to the isolated mountain community. Mary Martin Sloop, also seeing education as a top priority, founded Crossnore School. Jesse’s father, Dr. E. H. Smith, dedicated his life to healthcare in Crossnore for over 54 years. Jesse, himself, has served the Crossnore community in various capacities; he’s a current town council member and former mayor.

Jesse is passionate about music and astronomy. He takes part in the Bear Race at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, leads a weekly community jam session, and enjoys kayaking on Lake Norman. While all this sounds like many other outdoor enthusiasts and musical aficionados, Jesse Smith has an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and is legally blind.

“Interesting story about how I found out I had RP,” says Jesse. “I was working at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and this radio ad came on with Telly Savalas talking about this eye disease with tunnel vision and night blindness, and how it can cause total blindness. I heard that ad and I thought, that sounds familiar. I was having the same symptoms. So, I went to the National Eye Institute and was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. My eye doctor said I had a 50/50 chance I would go blind. And I thought, ‘Now I can plan my life.’”

By the age of 27, Jesse was totally blind. But the story doesn’t end there. The story was just beginning. Jesse didn’t quit enjoying all the things he loved before he lost his sight, instead he discovered new adventures.

Music has been front and center in Jesse’s life since he was a young boy. “I have always sung. I learned how to sing in church and ‘pop’ tunes on the radio. When I was a senior at Davidson College, I went to hear a band called ‘Pure Prairie League.’ I was on the second row, and right then I promised myself I would learn to play the guitar.”

Blindness has only strengthened Jesse’s love of music. Every Tuesday at 1 p.m., you will find him at the Crossnore Jam at the Meeting House located in the center of town. He also leads jam sessions the first Friday of each month from 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. “You can come to listen, or play. We have a blast all year round!” says Jesse. “I have been really fortunate to hang out with people that encourage me to be positive. My jam buddies are an inspiration to me.”

When he’s not playing music, Jesse is recording it. His recent project involves studio recording software on his Mac computer, which uses a screen reader. “It’s a recording studio in a backpack so you can carry it around and do multitrack recording anywhere,” explains Jessie.

While working with computers and instruments is not new to the visually impaired, there is a formidable feat that even sighted persons strive to accomplish, and that is The Bear Race, a challenging 5-mile race up to the top of Grandfather Mountain during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Jesse, with the help of his son, Nathan, has done just that. During the race, Nathan is his sighted guide. “I have a white cane that we collapse halfway,” says Jessie. “Nathan holds one side of the cane with his left hand and I hold the other side with my right, and we run side by side. Somehow we navigate through 800 people up to the top of Grandfather Mountain!”

Another summer adventure takes place at Camp Dogwood, a destination for the visually impaired and blind, located on Lake Norman in Catawba County, NC. The camp is owned and operated by the NC Lions Inc. “It is an amazing camp,” says Jesse. “I try stuff out there before I try things in the real world. I learn about mobility and using a cane, about exploring.”

His explorations included learning to kayak on the lake. “They have kayaks, and of course I’m totally blind, so I can’t tell which way I’m going and I can stray really fast,” Jesse says of his new water sport. “The counselor had a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. By listening to the speaker, I could paddle around the other kayakers and knew which direction I was going.”

Here at home, Jesse attends a blind support group called New Horizons that meets in Spruce Pine each month. “I like the philosophy of getting together and sharing how a blind person uses different techniques to be better adaptive and live a normal life,” says Jesse of the group that recently took a day trip to Altapass Orchard. “That was a super trip! There was also a beehive there and a worker was explaining what was going on in the hive. I put my hand beside the hive and I could feel the tiny vibrations of the bees!”

For Jesse, opportunities to explore seem boundless. He loves to be among the stars and meets with a group who shares his passion. “I know it sounds weird, but as a blind guy, I’m really into astronomy. We have even had blind stargazing,” says Jesse. “A sighted gentleman, Bob Hampton, attends and describes things amazingly. Blind stargazing is magical.”

Of course, Jesse’s main happiness comes from spending time with his wife and family. “You ask yourself every now and again ‘what do you want out of life?’ I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to do what I do and have what I have.”

Carolina Mountain Life

“CML is more than just a printed magazine, it is the publisher, advertisers, story writers, and photographers who come together to share the heart and soul of the High Country with readers.

Congratulations CML for 25 years of determination and impact, bringing together and sharing the best of this magical place we call home. Thank you for embodying and magnifying the heart and soul of our beloved High Country. “ —Lee Rankin

Apple Hill Farm

A Look Back over 25 Years

• We’ve come a long way in 25 years! From typesetting to photography to layout to printing, publishing a magazine in 1997 was much different than today. But the places and people of our region—the main elements of a good story—are timeless. Here we share some of our favorite covers from past issues, including our inaugural issue published in spring of 1997. • We hope you enjoy this issue! To read back issues of CML, visit CMLmagazine.online.

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“...read all about it” Community & Local Business News

Bluebird Pediatric Denistry

Bluebird Pediatric Dentistry opened its doors in West Jefferson and Boone in 2021. Dr. Martha Hardaway and Dr. Parisa Tashakkori are excited to be serving the children of the High Country. Dr. Hardaway has been practicing pediatric dentistry for nearly 20 years, the majority of which were in Boone, NC. She loves serving this community and decided to open her own practice with a compassionate team that provides high-quality dental care to kids of all ages. Dr. Parisa is a Boone local who after working in general dentistry for several years decided to specialize in pediatrics and return home. She is thrilled to be back in her hometown and working alongside Dr. Hardaway. Bluebird Pediatric Dentistry offers many services to help children grow and maintain beautiful smiles. Their services range from preventative treatments such as cleanings and nutritional counseling to white fillings and laser treatments. Dr. Hardaway and Dr. Parisa practice state-ofthe-art evidence-based dentistry and combine that with children’s specific needs to develop a conservative and modern plan for families. Bluebird strives to help little ones get the care they need with a gentle touch to prevent creating a fear that can carry over into adulthood. The Bluebird team offers several means of treatment and techniques to best treat the needs of each child, including those with special needs.

At Bluebird, their mission is to make a positive difference in lives of children by providing nurturing, high-quality dental care that is personalized to exceed each individual`s needs and expectations in an environment that is welcoming and fun. Whatever your family’s dental needs, visit Bluebird Pediatric Dentistry for the kind of quality, convenient care that means healthy teeth, beautiful smiles, and happy families! 336649-4001, BluebirdSmiles.com

Appalachian Blind & Closet Relocates & Grows

Appalachian Blind and Closet Co. of Boone has just enjoyed another impressive growth surge with their relocation to a new showroom and sales office in Foscoe, located at 8599 Hwy 105. Company owner since 1993, Greg Seiz, notes that this move takes them from 1,800 square feet to 5,000 square feet and offers expansive space to show off more products and design options. This growth has also resulted in the company being able to expand their employee base from seven to twenty-five.

Along with a new location comes new senior management, a change Seiz embraces very enthusiastically. The new COO and VP for Appalachian Blind and Closet is Greg’s son, Austin. After the past few years of becoming deeply immersed in the entire operation, Austin is more than ready to take charge. And Greg will still be available as needed in a consulting and employee training role.

Appalachian Blind and Closet provides shutters, blinds, shades, motorized and automated window coverings, closet storage systems and awnings. And they’re especially proud of being a Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer, offering the full line of Hunter Douglas products and services.

Greg Seiz has grown the business steadily to cover an ever-widening marketplace. With warehouse and shipping in Newland, the company serves both consumer and trade customers within an approximate 100-mile radius, including much of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Seiz credits this success to a dynamic company culture, which combines dedicated employees with a commitment to first-rate customer service and exceptional product offerings.

Another factor in this success story is the company’s corporate role in meaningful community service. Appalachian Blind and Closet is a primary supporter for the non-profit organizations of Western Youth Network and the Musicians Mission of Mercy. And it is an active member of all four local Chambers of Commerce. In each case, the company devotes serious energy to both organizational initiatives and fund-raising events.

Beyond those local civic and non-profit organizational involvements, they will be dedicating a portion of the property beside their building for a new eco-friendly community garden based on Restoration Farming and Soil Replenishing. This visionary project gets underway this summer (for more information on the project, email lauren@appblinds.com). The company’s product gallery website is www.appblinds.com. –contributed by Steve York

Appalachian Apothekary & Tea Room

Welcome to Appalachian Apothekary & Tea Room! No, that isn’t a misspelling. The “k” is deliberate.

Appalachian Apothekary & Tea Room—located at 10543, Hwy 105 South, Suite 2 in Foscoe—is far more than what you might expect. It’s a truly unique, refreshing & uplifting experience. And it’s the most recent inspiration of App State grad and 31-year High Country resident and entrepreneur, Anne Bolyea.

If her name is familiar, that may be because she had been a professional ski patroller at Hound Ears, Hawksnest and Sugar Mountain for 18 years, had owned the Cheerwine Professional Cycling Team with teammates in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and once owned/operated the Apps Grill, which was attached to the old Carmike Theater on King Street in Boone.

More recently she was searching for a new venture that could fulfill her combined penchant towards holistic lifestyle modalities, her interest in healing and spiritually inspired products, and her love of authentic traditional British teas and tea-drinking customs. And the ideal business model for all that? The Appalachian Apothekary & Tea Room.

The Apothekary offers revitalizing tinctures, soaps, candles, wax melts, dried flowers, plus “healing” crystals, minerals and stones from around the world. Akin to this theme are inspirational materials and books covering a rich collection of spiritual knowledge and practices from many cultures, religions and philosophies. And, soon to come will be a dedicated room for informational talks and instruction by experts in these metaphysical and spiritually-oriented traditions.

Anne’s tearoom is a truly unique part of the “experience” for shop visitors. It provides seven tables and a couch for guest seating that can be reserved during set hours for special events and parties. As she puts it, “Ours is a traditional Britishtype tearoom service with a spoonful of southern flair. We offer 45 flavors of tea imported from France along with clotted cream, scones, English biscuits, hot cross buns, Battenberg cakes, Divinity confections, sweet breads from Wolferman’s Bakery plus cookies and macarons baked and delivered from Savannah. It’s a total taste-sensory experience.”

There’s much more. But you need to visit to get the full experience. Hours, products and services are online at www. appalachianapothekary.com and on Facebook. –contributed by Steve York

Children’s Hope Alliance Sells Grandfather Home Property to Lees-McRae College

Children’s Hope Alliance (CHA) and Lees-McRae College recently announced the sale of the Grandfather Home for Children property in Banner Elk to the educational institution. This transaction enables both organizations to grow and serve additional constituents.

Proceeds of the land sale will allow CHA, a nonprofit serving at-risk children and families in the High Country and across North Carolina, to serve ten times as many children in the High Country—from 125 to 1,125 children annually by 2030. Across the state, CHA’s goal is to serve as many as 20,000 children and families in need of support each year, compared to the 2,000 children served today.

“Today’s announcement extends what has been a long and positive relationship between Children’s Hope Alliance and LeesMcRae College,” explained Celeste Dominguez, CHA President and CEO. “As a trusted community partner in Banner Elk from our earliest days, we are confident Lees-McRae will continue to put this treasured land to its best use, while allowing CHA to enhance our mission, grow our services more quickly and expand our reach more broadly.

Lees-McRae College, a private institution with more than 50 academic programs, provides an innovative experiential education to students at its main campus and online. The purchase of the Grandfather Home facilities, as well as 475 acres of land adjacent to its existing campus, will provide much of the space and resources needed for the college to achieve its goal of having 1,000 students in residence within the next decade. This addition to the campus of Lees-McRae will also be vital in implementing the priorities outlined in the 2030 strategic plan.

“The responsibility to safeguard this property is not one we take lightly,” said Lees-McRae President Lee King. “While the ownership of the land is changing, it will continue to be used for its original purpose—education of and service to our community. Our motto, ‘In, Of, and For the Mountains’ will continue to guide us as we plan for new programs and opportunities that best serve our growing student body.”

For more information, visit www.childrenshopealliance.org and www.lmc.edu.

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Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows and Doors Visits The Mountains

You may have seen Renewal by Andersen recently as they held dinner events, met with local businesses and restauranteurs, and visited with homeowners. Their goal? To increase awareness of their custom windows and doors.

Innovation has been a hallmark of Andersen Corporation since its founding in 1903. Andersen implemented “mass production” techniques in 1904 and produced the first completely assembled window unit in 1926. Their guiding principle has always been to “make a product that is different and better.” Today, Renewal by Andersen (a division of Andersen Corporation) continues this tradition of innovation offering durable, beautiful, custom crafted and professionally installed replacement windows and patio doors.

Renewal by Anderson offers a great way to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Their windows can cut your energy bill up to 35 percent, and their SmartSunTM glass blocks 95 percent of UV rays that can fade hardwood floors and damage photographs, artwork, upholstered furniture and rugs. Each window is crafted in the U.S.A. from an exclusive Fibrex® material that won’t crack, pit, peel, rot, corrode, or warp. Fibrex® is a revolutionary composite that combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance features of vinyl; it is two times as strong as vinyl, and you’ll never have to paint your windows again.

Renewal by Andersen’s customers not only receive a topquality product and Signature Service, they get the “Nation’s Best Warranty Coverage” as well: 20 years coverage on glass and Fibrex® material; 10 years coverage on hardware; and two years coverage on installation (so a homeowner can live with their windows and doors through all four seasons—twice). In addition, their warranty is fully transferable to the next owner of the home.

If you’ve been feeling a draft or looking at foggy, rotting windows and doors, call Renewal by Andersen for a free inhome consultation. 828-579-3795

Banks Creek Barn Store

Looking for a new family-fun mountain adventure? Well, here’s one to add to your favorites…Banks Creek Barn Store. If you’re headed south on Hwy 221 to the Linville Falls community and you reach the Hwy 183 intersection, you’ll find yourself in front of Famous Louise’s Rock House Restaurant on the right.

Now continue carefully through a couple sharp curves for another .10 miles and you’ll suddenly see a big sign on your right, in the middle of a curve, that says Banks Creek Barn Store. Turn there at the sign.

This is a true family-fun destination created and managed by Aaron Banks and a whole bunch of the Banks family. The rustic barn store sits right beside rushing creek waters with a long foot bridge that connects to five trout ponds and hiking trails. You’ll find some of the best trout fishing anywhere, right there smack dab in the middle of 100 acres of near pristine mountain splendor. And a good 3,000 “CableMonster” trout (Rainbow) await your line in those ponds.

Inside the store you’ll find high-end gifts and collectibles, antique wood art, Linville Falls apparel, coffee, ice cream, snow cones, popcorn, pottery, custom one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry by TK Burke, canvas prints of beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain scenic photography by Thomas Mabry, and more.

Among new collectibles this spring are Banks Creek signature glasses for enjoying your choice of wines or beers available from their instore tap room. And these glasses really come in handy for relaxing on the store’s decks, beneath covered creekbank seating, or “sipping and fishing” while sitting comfortably pond-side.

The trout-specialty fly and spin tackle section of the store has everything you’ll need to assure you go home with a catch more than worthy of a formidable fish tale. And, if you need a few refresher tips on snagging those trout, Aaron Banks teaches the lost art of fly tying, and Cam Austin can school you with expert casting lessons. Cam is also on tap for personal guide trips along scenic hiking trails and by breathtaking waterfalls.

So, while you’re taking in the other major Linville Falls area attractions, set aside time for your Banks Creek Barn Store adventure. You may find yourself fishing, hiking, relaxing, sipping and lingering there all day. They’re open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. until dark, April through November. Details at www.BanksCreekBarn.com and on Facebook. – Contributed by Steve York

Classic Stone Works

1710 Linville Falls Hwy Newland, NC 28646 Meetings by appointment. Please call 828.737.0040 www.classicstoneworksinc.com

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GENERAL REAL ESTATE FEATURING HEADWATERS & THE RESERVE

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“I have read each and every issue of Carolina Mountain Life for the last 25 years and look forward with great anticipation to reading the upcoming anniversary issue. Keep up the good work, Babette!

When guests from out of state visit my home, I make sure we have some recent copies of Carolina Mountain Life on the coffee table. I plan to secure several copies of the anniversary issue because my guests often ask if they can take the magazine home with them.

If someone does not know about the excitement, cultural and recreational offerings in the North Carolina High Country, I always tell them to find a copy of Carolina Mountain Life.” —Jim Swinkola

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Nothing could be finer… than Outlander in Carolina.

By Steve York

And nothing could be more fitting than a large and growing Outlander-themed membership organization founded and based right here in North Carolina, the setting for much of Diana Gabaldon’s epic Outlander novels and the wildly popular Starz TV series. For the few unfamiliar with Outlander, it traces the fictional, time-leaping love story of Jamie and Claire Fraser of the Scottish Highlands as they—and thousands of Highlanders—fled tyrannical British oppression and migrated to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the late 18th century.

Based upon Jamie and Claire’s passionate yet often perilous adventures, Outlander North Carolina and its signature events—A Fraser’s Ridge Homecoming in October, the new Springtime at Fraser’s Ridge in May, and NC Sassenach Tours during the summer—are the creations of one Beth Pittman of Ashe County and her equally passionate “clan” of partners, co-workers and volunteers.

Both the May and October events are held in view of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Leatherwood Mountain Resort in historic Ferguson, North Carolina. Each provides a rich interactive experience of 18th-century Scottish and North Carolina culture and history, with music, dancing, workshops, historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, food, drink, celebration and special Outlander TV series celebrity guest appearances. For example: last October featured Lotte Verbeek, the beguiling and bewitched Geillis Duncan from the STARZ series. Next October’s event will host Graham McTavish, who plays Dougal MacKenzie. And everyone in attendance comes dressed in full 18th century Scottish attire.

Overwhelming demand from fans of previous October events prompted Pittman’s close friend, Carolyn Baker, to create her Springtime at Fraser’s Ridge event, which debuts May 19-21. Distinctive from October’s agenda, May’s celebration takes you back in time to experience more Scottish history and culture, including Gaelic music, Scottish dance and cuisine. Appearing as a special celebrity guest is none other than Outlander TV star Duncan Lacroix, who portrays Murtagh, Jamie Fraser’s loyal godfather. Lacroix is a native of London who has been living in Ireland for the past 14 years. He spent ten of those years in Galway City in western Ireland, and the last four in Dublin. Besides his starring role in Outlander, his film credits include Outlaw Kings, Vikings, and the bold, dramatic HBO series, Game of Thrones.

Entertainment highlights for May also include Jennifer Licko and Highland Echoes, featuring four Highland dancers and a full band of award-winning musicians who dramatize the story of the Scottish people and all their legends, mystery and history from their 18th-century immigration to present day.

Also back by popular demand, following their appearance at last October’s event, is KIR, Kirk McLeod’s worldrenowned Seven Nations Trio with their electrifying Celtic rock and fusion music. KIR will be back at Pittman’s 2022 event October 20-22 for a command performance.

The Outlander-inspired summer NC Sassenach Tours—co-partnered by both Pittman and Baker—are history-focused weekend expeditions to landmarks, wineries, breweries and restaurants relevant to the North Carolina locations and experiences Jamie and Claire Fraser would have shared in the 18th century.

Outlander NC and its offspring events are as hot at their namesake novels and TV series, with thousands of members and social media followers, and attract eventgoers from as far away as Canada, California, Puerto Rico and even Scotland. Attendance at each Leatherwood Mountain Resort event is limited to 200 people. NC Sassenach Tours cap off at 25. So, it’s always smart to get on their lists early.

All information for events and tours are available at www.outlandernc.com, www. frasersridgehomecoming.com and www. ncsassenachtours.com, as well as via their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Earth Day is April 22

On the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million people in the US commemorated our planet at inaugural Earth Day events. Earth Day became a widespread movement to respect and protect the environment and is now more celebrated than ever. NC State Parks celebrate Earth Day every year with a variety of special events and programs for the whole family! Check with your local State Parks at NCparks.gov.

Want to do one simple act to help earth? Help put an end to the problem of plastic bag pollution. Take your clean, dry plastic bags to one of many retail locations with plastic bag recycling programs (most grocery stores in our area have bins right out front). Better yet, make a goal to use fewer plastic bags—bring your reusable bags with you on your next shopping excursion.

Daniel Boone Native Gardens Plant Sale

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens kick off the 2022 season with two Plant Sales from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 21 and June 18. A variety of native plants will be available from local vendors. continued... member artists will be featured throughout the year in monthly spotlights. For more information call 828-688-6422 or visit micagallerync.com. Follow the gallery on Facebook at Mica Gallery NC or on Instagram at micagallerync.

“Plants range from ephemeral wildflowers to native shrubs such as rhododendrons and azaleas,” according to staff. “When we’re all itching to get outside in the garden, this is a great way to kick off the spring gardening season.” https:// www.danielboonenativegardens.org/

Watauga Women in Leadership

The mission of Watauga Women in Leadership (WWIL) is to empower High Country women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers. The organization presents events that support women through networking and educational speakers.

Coffee Connections are short morning programs that allow participants to network and share educational experiences. Come sip on some coffee and connect at the June 15 Coffee Connections event. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ wataugawomeninleadership

Erin Brockovich to Speak at Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge Power of the Purse Luncheon

The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is excited to have renowned Consumer Advocate and Environmental Activist Erin Brockovich as their guest speaker for this year’s annual Power of the Purse luncheon. Brockovich is proof that one person can make a difference, and she believes that everyone in their own way can do the same.

The 2022 Power of the Purse luncheon will be held Wednesday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Appalachian State University Holmes Convocation Center. Tickets are $125 per person and go on sale May 11. For more information on the luncheon and the Patron’s Party on Tuesday evening visit, womensfundoftheblueridge.org.

Nathan Favors

Mica Open for the Season

Mica, a Cooperative Gallery of Fine Art and Contemporary Craft, is open for the 2022 season! As an artist cooperative, Mica displays the work of its members and invited guest artists. The gallery is located in Bakersville, NC, a charming town between Spruce Pine and Roan Mountain, in close proximity to Penland School of Craft. Two artists are new to the gallery this year, Nathan Favors and Jean McLaughlin. Returning

Take a New Friend on a Spring Walk

As the warmer weather arrives, consider adding a furry companion to your walking routine! We are fortunate to have several animal shelters in our area that do an amazing job caring for animals in need and placing those animals in forever homes!

This spring, visit a Humane Society in Watauga, Avery, or Ashe County and find a special pet to keep you company! Or, search online for your new best friend at wataugahumane.org, averyhumane.org or ashehumanesociety.org. (Note: Ashe County houses feline friends only.)

Enjoy an Outing on Wildcat Lake

Cool off with a splash, catch a big one, or enjoy a simple picnic lakeside! Wildcat Lake is a premier attraction of the High Country, with swimming, boating and fishing available to High Country residents and visitors. Located on Hickory Nut Gap Road in Banner Elk, this 13-acre lake is an iconic summer experience for children and families. This year, Wildcat Lake reopens to the community under new management. Visit Wildcatlake.org or the Wildcat Lake Facebook page for more information.

Coolest Corner Ashe Bash

A FREE musical extravaganza and community celebration will be held on the steps of the Ashe County Courthouse (150 Government Circle, Jefferson, NC) on July 8 at 7 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and fun for all ages! This year’s event features Scythian and Shane Hennessy. Food trucks will be on site (no alcohol or pets, please). Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the show. For more information, visit https://ashechamber.com/.

Valle Crucis Community Park Welcomes New Executive Director

The Valle Crucis Community Park, located near the Original Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis, NC, is excited about its 2022 spring and summer seasons! The park recently welcomed new Executive Director Gardner Hoover (pictured above). Gardner said that he was most attracted to the Executive Director role at Valle Crucis Park because of its importance to the community. He noted that the pandemic was also an eye-opener and made him appreciate more than ever the importance of having a place like the Park. “This is a beautiful and safe place for people and families to spend time outdoors. As a father of a three-year-old son, my family time and father/son time at the Park has been exceptional.” Visit the park this season, and be sure not to miss the Music in the Valle concerts beginning in early summer. www.vallecrucispark.org

Seven Simple Actions to Help Birds

In 2019, scientists documented North America’s staggering loss of nearly 3 billion breeding birds since 1970. Helping birds can be as simple as making changes to everyday habits. Here’s a quick list of 7 Simple Actions you can take to help birds (courtesy of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology): 1) Make windows safer, day and night; 2) keep cats indoors; 3) reduce lawn and plant natives; 4) avoid pesticides; 5) drink coffee that’s good for birds; 6) protect our planet from plastic; and 7) watch birds, share what you see. Visit allaboutbirds.org for more details on how you can go about executing these 7 actions. You can also learn how you can get more involved in local bird advocacy at https://highcountryaudubon.org.

Town of Boone Earns “Gold”

The Town of Boone recently received the “SolSmart Gold” designation from the national SolSmart program (SolSmart.org) for making it faster, easier and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. “The Town of Boone continues to lead the way and serve as an example of how local government can partner with citizens to explore new and exciting ways to prepare for our future. . . and help Boone take one step further along the path of sustainability,” said John A. Ward III, Town Manager. As of February 2022, all Town of Boone municipal electricity is generated using 100% renewable energy sources; this is possible with the partnership between the Town’s two energy providers, Appalachian State’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) and Blue Ridge Energy (BRE).

Newest Exhibit at BRAHM

Folks at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum are hard at work installing the newest exhibit, Imminent Perils: To Wonder at Trifles in the Paintings of John Beerman. According to exhibit details, “John Beerman’s paintings are uncommonly contemporary in their glimpses of natural

and built environments...This exhibition gathers together new works alongside earlier paintings to trace Beerman’s approach to the landscape.” The exhibit will run through July 31 in Rankin West Gallery. Admission to the museum is always free! https://www.blowingrockmuseum.org/ Tidbits continued on next page...

Bicyclists: Save the Date!

The popular Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Ride is scheduled for August 20, 2022, and registration is open now. Ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. Information can be found at www.blueridgebrutal.org and on the event’s Facebook page.

Ski Slopes Making Upgrades

As Beech Mountain Resort leaves the winter season behind, a summer of game-changing upgrades ensues, including terrain redesign, new chairlifts, and increased snowmaking capacity. Beech Mountain Resort is committed to improving the overall guest experience through continued on-mountain enhancements. The resort will share additional improvements throughout the summer months. Visit https://www. beechmountainresort.com for details.

Over at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, many snow sport enthusiasts’ favorite slope, Oma’s Meadow, will get a new high-speed, detachable, four-passenger chairlift this summer. The new 2,225’ long, Doppelmayr quad chairlift will carry 2,400 passengers per hour from the lift’s base elevation of 4,451’ to its summit elevation of 4,915’. For additional information visit www.skisugar.com. The Town’s e-newsletter is also a great way to stay informed. It is sent bi-weekly on Friday afternoons. Sign up for the e-newsletter by emailing admin@tobr.us with “newsletter” in the subject line.

Get Hitched on the Slopes

If marriage is in the air, Appalachian Ski Mtn. can provide a unique and scenic location, as well as professional staff to help you plan everything you imagine for your High Country wedding. The wedding team offers complimentary services, such as assistance in locating florists, bakers, musicians, rental equipment, and more. Appalachian Ski Mtn. also offers chairlift service for wedding ceremonies, as well as convenient on-site mountainside lodging. https://appskimtn.com/

Tools for Visitors to the High Country

Visiting Avery County this season? Stop by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and pick up your copy of the new 2022 Avery Business and Visitors’ Guide. And while you’re in downtown Banner Elk, be sure to visit the Banner Elk Chamber and pick up their new map of the downtown area’s dining, shops, galleries and more! AveryCounty.com, BannerElk.org.

Boone Chamber Relocates

Heading to Boone? The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is now temporarily located at the Peak Insurance Group office at 149 Jefferson Road in Boone. Details about their new permanent home will soon be posted at https://www.boonechamber.com/.

Call Blowing Rock Home?

Make sure you get all the latest communications from the Town of Blowing Rock. If you are not yet following the Town of Blowing Rock on Facebook, hop online and like their page! Timely updates on road work, programming, and Town facilities are posted there frequently. continued...

Tour the Historic Banner Elk School

The historic 1939 stone building in downtown Banner Elk is humming with activity this season. The old school is home to the Town’s Cultural Arts Center and one of the many stops on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/ blue-ridge-craft-trails/). Shop for local arts and crafts at BE Artists Gallery, enjoy live theatre performances at the Ensemble Stage Theater, “bring a book, take a book” at the Banner Elk Book Exchange, hone your favorite pose at the Avery Community Yoga studio, and pick up an extra copy of CML at the CML Magazine “headquarters.”

And don’t miss the Art on the Greene Master Craft Events taking place on the front lawn of the Historic Banner Elk School on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 and May 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. http://www.townofbannerelk.org/ artonthegreene.

Preventing Cybercrime

There’s been a lot of talk lately about Cybercrime, and how you can protect yourself against it. One step you can take is to protect your “login credentials” while on the Internet. Be sure to go to login pages directly, not through a link in an email or a pop-up. Before entering personal information, ensure you are on a secure site by looking for a lock icon at the beginning of the web address. Adapted from a presentation by Retired FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza; www.thelanzagroup.com

It’s time to learn like a kid!

I have been blessed to have a career in the fire service that has lasted over 38 years. Man, how time does fly! There are many things that I have truly enjoyed about my career and some that are difficult to handle at best. The joys that often come to mind are the education programs and the station tours with the kids. For years my colleagues and I have been given the opportunity to see the intrigue, excitement and amazement in the eyes of children as we are presenting fire and life safety education material to them.

Luckily, during my years at Boone Fire Department and going back to my time in Avery County, I have worked for agencies that support education efforts related to fire and injury prevention. These efforts are confirmed by proud parents who will often stop me on the street or in a local business. Parents tell me about how their child came home from one of our fire and life safety programs with their “homework” and got the entire family involved in what they had learned earlier in the day.

Because of these positive encounters I began to wonder, what are the adults doing? Unfortunately, we continue to have adult individuals injured or killed in fires. While we may have made an impact on a child in school, was that information retained? Was it passed on to an adult? Did the parent listen to the child or dismiss the information?

I believe it’s time that adults revisit many of the points we make during fire prevention programs with the children. It is time for all of us to stop thinking about home fires as something that happens to someone else. The truth is, around 25 percent of the population will experience a home fire in their lifetime. Let’s turn back the clock and return to the basics of fire prevention in the home.

Smoke Alarms

Please take the time to insure that you have at least one working smoke alarm on each level. For best coverage, have a working smoke alarm inside each bedroom and

By Mike Teague

in the hallway outside the bedrooms. The vast majority of people who die in home fires die from smoke inhalation. Working smoke alarms in the home will greatly improve your chances of survival. We tell the kids during our programs that “Tuesday is test day, test your smoke alarms on Tuesday.” Make sure to let everyone in the home know before you test the smoke alarm. The test will only take a few seconds and will let everyone hear what the alarm sounds like.

Home Escape Plans

Once you have working smoke detectors, what do you do when the alarm goes off in the middle of the night? It is important to have a detailed home escape plan with multiple escape routes and a meeting place outside of the home.

If you encounter smoke during your escape, what are you going to do? First, turn around and use your second exit path if you can. If you must get through smoke to get out, get low. The practice phrase we use with the children is “Get low and go!” You must get down low where the good air is and crawl out fast.

Your escape plan needs to be discussed with everyone in the home. Here is the kicker…your escape plan also needs to be practiced so that it becomes second nature during a real emergency.

Notification

You have made it outside to safety, now what are you going to do? It’s time to dial 911 and report your fire. This must be done once you are outside and safe! Use your cell phone or head to a neighbor’s house to call. What are you going to say? It is vital that you know your address. With the wide use of cell phones, landlines aren’t used much anymore. The 911 center will have your cell phone number but not your address. You will need to remain calm, tell the 911 communicator what your emergency is, where the emergency is, what your name is. You will need to stay on the line with the 911 communicator while they ask you more questions to ensure you get the right help that you need. All of this sounds easy, but can be very difficult during an emotional emergency.

Remain Safe

“Get out and stay out” is the phrase we use with the kids. Get out of the house as fast as you can and then stay out of the house. Don’t go back into the house for anything or anyone! It is important to remain outside and give directions to firefighters as to where your loved ones’ bedrooms are located. All too often we hear about the person who made it out alive, only to return into the burning home to get something forgotten. Then this person is overcome by the smoke and never makes it out again. Once out, stay out!

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Yes this safety tip still exists and is more useful than ever! The natural tendency for humans is to run if their clothes are on fire. This is the worst thing that you can do. The movement only fans the flames and increases the burn. You must STOP (don’t run), then DROP (yes, get on the ground) and then ROLL (roll around on the ground quickly). These steps will help to extinguish the flames. Hint: it may still hurt and burn, but it will be much worse if you get back up and run. As with other protective measures, practice your stop, drop and roll.

Hopefully, you have picked up several important lifesaving techniques. If you practice each of the skills, it will be easier to remember during the emergency—and you can skip the gym for the day! If you have questions about these tips or any other fire safety issues, you can email me at mike.teague@townofboone.net. Even better yet, come by the fire station and I might let you sit in one of the trucks!

Mike Teague has 38 years of local fire service experience and is currently the Assistant Fire Chief of the Boone Fire Department. Feel to reach out to him at mike. teague@townofboone.net or by phone at (828) 2686180 with questions or topic requests.