Community and Local Business News

Community & Local Business News

Children’s Council Celebrates 45 Years

This year, the Children’s Council of Watauga County is celebrating 45 years of serving children and families. The most recent annual report shows that the agency served over 2,700 individuals last year through their programs and services. The mission of the organization is to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the community.

“We are proud of our history of serving Watauga County children and we are celebrating all year,” says Tara Stollenmaier, Fundraising and Outreach Director. The agency has rolled out a number of events and opportunities for community members to enjoy and support including:

A series of Supper Club events hosted by donors, board and staff members, and friends to share information about the organization.

The 45th Anniversary Celebration Event on Saturday, August 27, at Appalachian Ski Mountain. Guests will enjoy complimentary beer and wine, delicious food, fun and games for adults, including chair lift rides to the top, and opportunities to hear from families served by the agency. For information about reservations, visit www. thechildrenscouncil.org, or social media (Facebook and Instagram) sites.

A Celebration Raffle sponsored by Magic Bound Travel, and Brad and Maggie Farrington, which will offer a limited number of raffle tickets for exciting trips and cash prizes. Tickets go on sale at the Anniversary Celebration event in August and a live drawing will be held on November 2, 2022 to announce the winners.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours on September 8 at The Cardinal.

The Children’s Council provides programs and services that benefit children, and their families, during their first years of life, through age twelve, with particular focus in early childhood. “These events will provide important unrestricted support for the organization,” says Elisha Childers, Executive Director of the Children’s Council. “This type of support is critical for the health of any nonprofit organization allowing us to use funds where they are most needed to support the services we offer and to support the families we serve.”

To learn more about these summer events, or about the Children’s Council, please visit www.thechildrenscouncil.org or contact Tara Stollenmaier by email at: tara@thechildrenscouncil.org. You can also visit their facility at 225 Birch Street, Suite 3, Boone NC, 28607 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Best Musical” Raises Funds for the Banner Elk Firehouse

The first annual Banner Elk Firehouse Fundraiser will feature a very entertaining musical, Always Nina: A Tennessee Story and Songbook. The show will be performed in the sanctuary of the historic Banner Elk Presbyterian Church on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m., August 26 at 2 p.m. and August 27 at 2 p.m.

While this one-woman show has been performed in several states, this will be the North Carolina premiere. In 2018, the Connecticut Critic’s Circle named it “Best Musical of 2018” for the state. Always Nina features Nina Allbert telling and singing stories from her childhood through adulthood in middle Tennessee. Hear tales about bikers, beauty queens, teenage moms, evangelists, country people and millionaires, as well as her own family.

Nina is an authentic Southern storyteller, acclaimed actress and powerhouse singer. Her band joins in for nine original songs with a mix of pop, country, blues and jazz. Music and lyrics are by Joan Burr. Joan will travel from Connecticut to Banner Elk to serve as pianist and music director.

Admission to the shows is free. Members of the church are underwriting all costs of the show, so 100% of donations collected will go directly to the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department. Volunteer firefighters will pass the boot during intermission at each performance. The goal is to raise $5,000 for new rescue equipment and supplies used to save injured people and animals.

According to Banner Elk Fire Chief Tyler Burr, “We will be upgrading our mountain search and rescue equipment due to the significant increase in outdoor activity in our area. We will also be upgrading our patient management equipment, such as carriers to move large or disabled patients out of their home. This equipment will also drastically improve patient extraction time for the technical car accidents involving vehicles off the mountain side.”

“Our volunteer firemen are an indispensable part of our community,” says Nina. “We wanted to thank these heroes for their dedication, time and service to our community. What would we do without them? We feel it is important to give them the tools they need to do their job and do it well. What could be more important than saving lives in our beautiful town!”

Banner Elk Presbyterian Church is located at 420 College Drive SW, Banner Elk. For more info, go to http://www.bannerelkpresbyterian. org/firehouse. Photo: Fire Chief Tyler Burr (left) and Firefighter Tony Terenzio with Nina Allbert.

The Lovill House Inn: Going Green on King

Just beyond the busy sidewalks of King Street in downtown Boone, a historic bed and breakfast offers a quiet respite after a day filled with sightseeing in the High Country. The Lovill House Inn, built by Captain E.F. Lovill in 1875 and home to the Lovill Family for 100 years, has hosted travelers as a bed and breakfast for over two decades.

Tucked behind a towering hedgerow, the inn is an oasis of luxury with its five appointed bedrooms, including the historic Bristol Room, which was where the original state charter for what is now Appalachian State University was typed by William Lovill, under the direction of his father, Capt. E.F Lovill, and the Dougherty brothers.

The Inn was recently purchased in 2021 by the Olsen family, owners of the Montgomery Sheep Farm, a unique 200-acre property in Biscoe, North Carolina. The Biscoe property is home to over 500 head of sheep, horses, and other animals, and all facilities on the farm are powered by a state-of-the-art microgrid featuring solar panels and Tesla energy storage.

The Olsens have brought this eco-conscience concept to the Lovill House Inn and have gone to great lengths to become the first sustainable luxury bed and breakfast in the area, having installed off-the-grid technology such as Tesla Powerwalls, solar panels, and a micro-hydro generator. The Inn has also reduced plastics by offering glass water bottles in each room and refillable shampoo and conditioner dispensers.

Less than a year after opening, the inn was awarded the Building Performance and Energy Efficient Project of the Year by the NC Sustainable Energy Association. The award is given to businesses that have demonstrated professional excellence, high ethical standards and have made lasting positive impacts on North Carolina’s clean energy economy.

The inn’s property spans eleven acres, which includes the 110-year-old Lovill barn, outdoor pergola, flower, herb and reflection gardens, and even its own waterfall. The expansive covered porch that wraps around the inn is home to several rocking chairs—perfect for enjoying the cool mountain breezes of summer.

For more information of the Lovill House Inn, go to their website www.lovillhouseinn.com or call 828-270-0831. —Contributed by Julie Farthing

Creating Amazing Smiles

The tagline for OP Smiles Orthodontics is “creating amazing smiles in more ways than one”—and that’s precisely what their team does with confidence. It’s the mission of Drs. Mayhew, Scheffler, Whiteley, and their team to provide stunning smiles while offering the most advanced and caring orthodontics experience. With their innovative treatment at locations in both Boone and North Wilkesboro, OP Smiles makes sure their patients’ battle against “crooked teeth” is as pleasant and efficient as possible.

The practice offers the advantage of board-certified doctors who provide experienced hands and minds to come up with a careful and thoughtful custom treatment plan. OP Smiles’ cutting-edge care includes 3D x-rays and digital scanners that capture the teeth in multiple dimensions. This technology not only makes OP Smiles Orthodontics an “impressionless” practice, but it allows the patients to see their improved smile before treatment even begins. Treatment plans are digitally customized to the patient’s specific facial characteristics and smile. Spark aligners or Damon braces, chosen by the patient, are used to execute the smile transformation. For those who want treatment to progress as quickly as possible, the practice offers AcceleDent, a soft-pulse medical device that gently accelerates the movement of teeth. The device reduces the orthodontic process, sometimes finishing treatment in almost half the time.

This practice is rooted in the community they serve. Not only does OP Smiles offer annual smile scholarships to patients seeking care, but they also partner with local schools, organizations, and nonprofits to donate over $50,000 annually. OP Smiles also offers reward cards in which patients collect points for things such as good oral hygiene and community service, and then pick a gift card from a variety of choices as they accrue points. “Whether our patients are having a good day or a bad day,” Dr. Nicole Scheffler says, “we want our patients leaving our office smiling as we create the smile of their dreams.”

Learn more about OP Smiles Orthodontics, and Dr. Michael Mayhew, DDS, MS, PA, Dr. Nicole Scheffler, DDS, MS, PA, and Dr. Adam Whiteley, DMD, MS, at www.opsmiles.com, or call 828-276-8299.

Stone Cavern: New Faces in Familiar Places

Since 2005, Stone Cavern has been serving High Country residents, businesses, interior designers, builders and remodelers with exceptional tile and stone products for both new construction and room makeovers. And, as of October of last year, new owner Chad Livingston and son Jaydon have been building upon that legacy from the same location at 9872 Hwy 105 South, Banner Elk. Chad was already well-known here as a first-rate tile installer for over 28 years. And, like-father-like-son, Jaydon has also gained a reputation for his tile work. Together, they are the new faces in the right places at the right time. Why? With limited real estate inventories and new construction hustling to keep up with overwhelming demand, “remodeling” has become the new go-to method for creating fresh, new living and work environments. New kitchens and bathrooms can be beautifully transformed with the installation of the clean, upscale look of new tile and stone countertops, splashboards, floors, shower surrounds, bath spas, sink counters and walls. Stone Cavern brings its seasoned expertise in design, installation, product knowledge and product selection to your remodeling or new construction needs with a variety of tile options, including ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, glass, travertine and more. From their Hwy 105 showroom, they can introduce you to their full array of products along with a vast selection of installation materials. And…even before you visit their showroom, you can go online at www.stonecavern.com and use their exclusive “Visualizer” computer-aided design tool to show you a virtual replication of how your project would look using products like Walker Zanger, Emser Tile and MSI. It’s a convenient and efficient way to see your new look come to life. On top of that, Stone Cavern is an authorized Schluter dealer featuring their innovative systems for both stone and tile. The Livingstons are constantly receiving new samples to keep up with the latest trends and are proud to work with the best custom home builders and interior designers in the High Country. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged for design services. And, if you’re a contractor, ask about their installer discounts. 828963-8453, www.stonecavern.com —Contributed by Steve York

A Very Visual Summer

An Appalachian Summer Festival is perhaps more well known for the live performances that take place on the stages of the Schaefer Center, Valborg Theater and Rosen Music Hall. But those who migrate across campus towards King Street and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will find a host of visual arts opportunities as vivid as the bright geometric mural painted on the grand staircase that leads to the front entrance of the center.

The festival kicks off with an evening Summer Exhibition Celebration that features art in the six galleries of the Turchin Center and is an opportunity for arts lovers to surround themselves with stunning artwork and meet accomplished artists exhibiting in the galleries.

Bart Vargas’ sculpture and paintings built from salvaged materials are featured in his exhibition, Multitudes, in the Hodges Gallery, and are compelling in his use of materials, form, pattern and color. Vargas will lead a gallery tour during the event.

Nicole Pietrantoni’s exhibition, Folded and Gathered, consists of vibrant printed accordion books on Japanese papers that expand to create large scale installations. Much of her work is informed by her time in beautiful but ecologically fragile landscapes.

The works of 37 art department faculty are being featured in the Faculty Biennial at the Turchin Center and at the Smith Gallery (in the Schaefer Center lobby) and provide an opportunity to engage with the ideas and practices being explored by the talented multidisciplinary visual arts educators at App State.

One of Boone’s most well-loved artists, Lowell Hayes, will share his artistic response to the war in Ukraine. The exhibition, Ukraine: A Response to the Madness, is being showcased as part of the Boone 150 celebration.

A highlight of every summer is the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk with the competition’s juror, Elizabeth Brim, who will host an educational tour of the ten selected sculptures installed on campus. The tour concludes with an awards presentation and luncheon.

On Thursdays at noon in July, the popular Lunch & Learn series will be held in the lecture hall. These interactive and informative lectures offer a behind-the-scenes view of the festivals’ offerings in the visual arts and film.

All the summer visual arts events are free. For detailed information visit tcva.org or appsummer.org. —Contributed by Lynn Rees-Jones

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Introducing “ITM” at Mountain Community Bank

Mountain Community Bank, a division of Bank of Tennessee, now offers extended Teller hours to customers with DRIVE THRU plus.

In 2017, Bank of Tennessee converted a few of their ATM lanes to DRIVE THRU plus lanes, which feature an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) to gauge interest and customer feedback. After rave reviews, they began a three-year process of replacing traditional ATMs with ITMs at all Bank of Tennessee, Carter County Bank, and Mountain Community Bank locations.

The ITMs look like ATMs; however, the major difference is that customers can have a real-time, face-to-face conversation with a bank employee using two-way video after touching the ITM screen. This allows customers to complete most of their banking transactions with a live person, the same as if they went inside the bank or used a traditional drive-thru.

“We are excited to offer ITM technology because it allows us to provide personal service to our customers Monday through Saturday from 7a.m. to 7p.m,” said Christy Arnold, Senior Retail Operations Manager for Bank of Tennessee and its divisions.

Customers can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and loan payments, and cash checks, report lost or stolen debit cards, etc. For security purposes, all transactions are recorded, and customers are asked to scan in personal identification to authorize the transaction.

According to Arnold, the bank has received many positive stories where the extended hours of DRIVE THRU plus helped their customers. One customer reported that she was able to do her banking after the bank closed so she could watch the end of her son’s little league game. Another story that came to the bank was about a man who lost his debit card and was able to report it to a DRIVE THRU plus teller who canceled the debit card and ordered a new one for the customer. Extended hours also allow business owners 72 hours a week to do most of their banking with a teller when most banks offer less than 50 hours.

Say Hello to Wup D. Doo!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know all too well that the prices for everything have gone up. Just in time for the summer tourism season, give a warm welcome to “Wup D. Doo’s Spectacular, Super Duper, High Country Coupon Book.” The first of its kind in the High Country, this coupon book is made specifically for the visitors in our area who are looking to save money on eating, shopping and playing in Banner Elk and surrounding areas.

Wup D. Doo is the brainchild of Banner Elk resident Luke Barrow. He knows a thing or two about tourism. His parents, Greg and April Barrow, started Edge of the World Outfitters in downtown Banner Elk in 1981. Edge of the World is the top white-water rafting company in the area, and is now run by his brother Jake Barrow and family. Luke recently returned to Banner Elk with his wife Devon and two daughters after living in Oregon. Before that they owned and operated Edge of the World Costa Rica, where they had an eco-lodge in the jungle overlooking the beautiful Costa Rica coast and catered to tourists from around the globe.

Wup D. Doo’s Coupon Book is a collection of fantastic deals, designed to help families get more out of their vacation dollars. The playful, colorful book features discounts from locally owned businesses in Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Newland, Crossnore, Foscoe and Blowing Rock. Tourists will find great deals for rafting, UTV tours, golf, fishing, local eateries, specialty shops and more. The $25 book can pay for itself with just one deal and has a total coupon value of over $600.

Visitors can purchase the book at various local retailers, including the Avery County Chamber of Commerce visitor’s center in Tynecastle, The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, Edge of the World in Banner Elk, and Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain. Luke Barrow’s hope is that visiting families this summer will be yelling “Wup D. Doo!”

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The Liars Table

The Liars Table is a new destination in Elk Park, NC, offering homemade artisan breads, coffee, organic homegrown fresh produce, and locally farm-raised meats. This is the brain-child of Kaci and Amos Nidiffer, who for years have operated Trosly Farm in Elk Park. Their location is right on 19-E, a short drive from Banner Elk, in what was once an iconic greasy spoon. The restaurant was home to the “Liars Table,” an open table where anyone could pull up a chair, order a cup of coffee and be sure to hear some tall tales.

Kaci and Amos hope to continue in this light-hearted tradition and spirit of this tight knit community with their handmade products that are always best when shared around your own table. You’ll find fresh eggs, dairy, organic grains and flours, beans, jams and cake mixes. They also offer prepared foods ready to take home, and for dessert, they make scrumptious handmade chocolates.

Looking for a great gift to go? Shop for fair trade organic coffee for the coffee lover, books, and locally made gifts to include soaps, candles and jewelry. You can also reserve a spot for one of their farm-to-table supper club dinners or a cooking class. Wanting to host an event? They offer bookings for private events at Liars Table, Evergreen Barn or in your home.

Liars Table is open Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 8060 N US Hwy 19E Elk Park, NC, 28622, 828-742-1605, www.theliarstable.com

Blowing Rock’s premier shopping destination at the south end of Main Street

Our 30th Year!

MONKEE’S

The ultimate in ladies shoes, apparel and accessories. Featuring Tory Burch, Sam Edelman, Johnny Was, P448, Hammitt, Lilla P, Philippe Model, Vilagallo, Vintage Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and Mignonne Gavigan. 100 WEST UNION

Fine clothing and sportswear for gentlemen. OLIVER’S ON MAIN

Outfitter boutique featuring local Blowing Rock and High Country merchandise, signs, home décor, Aftco outer wear, gifts and accessories. MOUNTAIN TIME ON MAIN STREET

Free-standing Buck Stoves and fireplaces, Bob Timberlake outdoor furniture, Amish-made foods, arts and crafts and home accessories. SERVES YOU RIGHT & “Cute-tique” The area’s largest selection of children’s, family and adult puzzles, games, novelties and toys for children of all ages. A grandparents paradise and a parent’s go-to for rewards and bribery!

Plus... Seasonal Pavilions, May - October 1179 Main Street, Blowing Rock 828-265-7065

Treasure Hunting at Village Thrift of Blowing Rock

Have you discovered Village Thrift in Blowing Rock? If not, you might want to pay them a visit. At this unique shop, you’ll find an ever-changing display of treasures at great prices and, at the same time, help fund student scholarships. Village Thrift is run by Blowing Rock Women’s Club, a non-profit group of about 60 volunteers who really enjoy what they do. Started in 1978, this group of women sold t-shirts, held rummage sales, and have now expanded to a shop with all proceeds going into their scholarship fund. This spring they awarded $75,000 to 12 young people. You can follow their Facebook page (Blowing Rock Women’s Club) to see photos of their merchandise.

Located at 8332 Valley Blvd next to Woodlands Barbeque, Village Thrift is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You’ll be greeted by friendly volunteers who will help you find something useful, unique or just plain fun. Merchandise includes home décor, kitchen items, linens, jewelry, women’s clothing, holiday items, pet supplies, books, wall art, candles and so much more. Their ‘regular’ shoppers are waiting in line each Wednesday to see what’s new for the week. When you’re in the area, stop by to see what treasures await you. Also, please think of Village Thrift when you have items (in the categories above) to donate—shoppers and donors are key to helping the organization fulfill their mission. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours and on Monday mornings.

Elevated Metals

By Steve York

Elevated Metals of Banner Elk officially opened its doors November 1 of last year and has already begun to exhibit a highly visible presence “around town.” In fact, if you’re driving into Banner Elk, you’ll see some striking examples of the copper-fabricated artistry created by this very new enterprise. The Banner Elk Café and Tavern signage and chimney crown are the creative works of Zack Hayes and his team at Elevated Metals. And their metal artistry isn’t limited to exterior applications. It’s also being crafted for interior design projects.

To quote Hayes, “My business is a metal fabrication operation that works with all kinds of premium metals, like copper, zinc, brass and stainless. Along with signage, chimney crowns and other outdoor projects, we build countertops, bathtubs, sinks and vent hoods for cooking ranges. We also build beautiful interiors for home accenting with metals and art. We like to use an old-world style of fabrication and an old-world patina process.” At present, Elevated Metals includes Zack plus three fulltime employees, all of whom are either old friends or the children of old friends. And, because his team are all familiar with one another, their metal crafting operation runs as smooth as a NASCAR pit crew.

Speaking of NASCAR…who’d have guessed that the inspiration for Elevated Metals may be rooted in fast cars and hot tracks? “My inspiration for working with metal comes from a long time ago growing up around a bunch of old men who built race cars,” Hayes notes. “My family’s background is in NASCAR racing. They devoted around 30 to 40 years to the racing world, and I spent around 20 years working in NASCAR, including stints with Richard Childress, Ford, Jack Roush, Richard Petty—plus my own two Daytona 500 NASCAR wins. On top of that, I come from a research and development design background with specialization in aerodynamics and structural integrity…particularly in the race car community,” he adds. It is exactly that background which helps explain the root connection between NASCAR, Hayes and his unique skill at crafting metals for both fashion and function.

As a new business with a well-honed fabrication process at his fingertips, Hayes knows that the sky is the limit when it comes to what his Elevated Metals company can do. But, that said, he isn’t envisioning some type of mass-production scale of operation. “Ours is a very customdesigned, single-customer-oriented business. I only want to build small, beautiful, really nice custom projects that improve the quality of someone’s home or business. Our growth plans include getting really involved in the community on the design front and becoming a cornerstone for copper fabrication in the Southeast.”

You can get a look at the range of metal design work Hayes and his team do on their website’s Home and Gallery pages at https://sites.google.com/view/elevatedmetals/home. As Hayes likes to emphasize, Elevated Metals’ mission is to deliver the best possible craftsmanship and customer service…to deliver beautiful products that last…and products that help bring our customers’ ideas to life.

610 Banner Elk Highway Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 737-2700 610partybarn.com

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Jim Ward

The Party Barn Opens in Banner Elk: A Legacy of Red Marbles and Charity By Steve York

“God has given us two hands—one to receive with, the other to give with.”

–Billy Graham

When you first open the High Country Charitable Foundation’s website, one of the first things you see overlapping the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain background is this quote from the late and world-famous evangelist, Bill Graham. That quote—and a story of red marbles—capture the genuine spirit of giving that drives the aforementioned charitable foundation created by Jim Ward of Engel & Völkers Real Estate of Banner Elk. And that spirit—as much as anything—captures the motivation behind Ward’s latest charitable venture…The Party Barn. More on that and those red marbles later…

There seem to be three basic qualities that inspire people to give: empathy, compassion and an inner motivation for charity. These are some of the best qualities of the human spirit. Some people are taught these qualities by their family or community. Some people learn them by personally experiencing what it’s like to be in dire need. And some people seem to be born with them.

In the case of Jim Ward, it seems he was certainly born with them. Jim has been a developer for over 45 years in both Maryland and Florida and first took up summer residence in Banner Elk about 12 years ago. When asked what seminal experience motivated him to form the HCCF he replied, “I can’t say there was any one moment or experience that inspired me to start a foundation to help support Avery County’s charitable organizations and causes. The need to help, to provide some way to help those with serious challenges and special needs in Avery County just seemed obvious. When I get my mind set on something I start trying to find out how to make it work. Plus, I really enjoy being able to help people up here.”

And with that, Jim—who is also a strong animal lover—decided to form the HCCF some eight years ago to help provide grant monies for worthy Avery County charitable organizations and animal causes throughout the county.

“I have been very fortunate in life and in business and I have a wonderful family. But there are many here in Avery who have not been so fortunate, who are doing their best with what they have. Yet, no matter their best efforts, their means fall far short of their needs. So, I wanted to do something to give back,” Ward noted.

As Ward will emphasize, there are plenty of good people of means who would like to help. But they don’t always know the best way to channel their support—how to spread their support effectively and feel confident that their donations are actually going directly to where it’s needed most. “So, with HCCF, they know exactly where their money is going and can see it working for the community,” added Ward.

That’s the basic motivation behind the High Country Charitable Foundation: to create a legitimate, low-overhead organization that could efficiently and equitably provide grants to the most worthwhile charitable organizations in Avery County. And, as of last year, Ward’s foundation awarded grants to 27 different charities throughout Avery. That’s 27 bona fide 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organizations serving the many ongoing needs for the people and animals of just this one county. The need for this largely rural county can seem staggering. And Ward’s HCCF mission was created to meaningfully help address that need (see the Grants page on the HCCF website www.highcountryfoundation.org).

To boost this effort, HCCF began holding its annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser events each summer at Elk River Club. Along with that, Ward started inviting friends over for dinner at his Banner Elk home twice a week to create a warm, social setting for promoting the HCCF’s cause while enjoying good food and good friends. But, as inviting as his home setting may be, it could only accommodate about 10 people. And that just wasn’t a large enough venue to reach an optimum number of potential donors. So, Jim decided to “step it up a notch!” Thus…The Party Barn.

Adjacent to the Engel & Völkers and HCCF offices at 610 Banner Elk Hwy (Hwy 194) and directly across from Elk River Club, Ward’s brand-new Party Barn is…well…just perfect. And it just opened the first week of June. The term “rustic elegance” never had a better reference point than this very impressive facility. Continued on next page

Community & Local Business News

Lots of tall, wide glass windows by the outside entrances give you a broad view to the warm and authentically rustic architectural design inside.

Vintage reclaimed barn wood is everywhere throughout the interior and reaching up to the pinnacle of its cathedral ceiling and exposed balcony floor. Edison-style lighting is hung by long, black chains suspended from real barn doors over two long wooden dining tables. One of these tables, the Chef’s Table, seats 10. The other, the Chairman’s Table, seats 14. Outside patio dining tables can accommodate 20 to 30 people. And another glass enclosed patio room seats 20.

A formidable hexagon-shaped fireplace graces the main floor with magnificent grandeur as its giant black, funnel-shaped chimney— which raises and lowers above the firepit—towers overhead. This signature fixture compliments, without overshadowing, the entire interior design.

There’s an exposed rustic-themed bar tucked to one side on the main floor, a large kitchen hidden away behind that wall and an exclusive wine room visible from every angle and secured behind glass windows and wooden doors displaying a wall of wine racks featuring 300 of the High Country’s best wines.

Upstairs there’s that large open balcony suitable for dining, live music and “partying.” In fact, the whole place was created to “party for charity.” All of this goes to make up the graciously warm and exquisitely cozy venue where charitable hearts can come together to celebrate great food and great friends for great charities.

Long-time friend and favorite Ward family chef Will Hughes is Executive Chef, accompanied by assistant chef and part-time musician Brady Reeves, both of whom are supported by a full wait and server staff. And, to make dining plans a little easier, Will has his menus posted on the Party Barn’s website.

So…how do you get to enjoy everything the Party Barn has to offer? Start with a charitable heart, encourage several of your equally charitable family and friends to join you, go online to www.610partybarn. com, make your reservations and get ready for a wonderful experience of celebrating great dining, great friends in a great atmosphere for great charities. The Party Barn can be reserved Thursday through Monday evenings now through October 17.

One reservation option grants exclusive use of the Wine Room for private dining of up to eight people and provides access to their own personal wine locker to store several of their favorite wines. Pricing and reservation information for the Chef’s Table, the Chairman’s Table, the Wine Room, private parties and corporate group gatherings are available on the website, or by calling Stephanie Grasso or Zachary Platek at 828-737-2700.

Oh yeah…almost forgot about the Red Marbles story. More than anything else, it truly expresses the sentiment of HCCF’s spirit of giving, and provides a little peek into the spirit of Jim Ward, his family and the whole HCCF team. It’s a bit long for this article. But you can—and you really should—read the Red Marbles story under the Who We Are/A Story about Making a Difference link on www.highcountryfoundation. org.

The wonderful thing about authentic photographs is they render words unnecessary.

A Good Old Fashioned Toy Store for Children and Grown-Ups! Over 10,000 Different Items for Fun, Learning & Play. 600 Different Styles of Family and Adult Games & Puzzles - the Largest Selection in the Mountains.

Don’t forget we are famous for our outrageous cards & beverage napkins, plus our beautiful paper goods.

Cute-tique!

Celebrating our 30th year in Blowng Rock!

SouthMarke, 1179 Main Street Blowing Rock, NC 828.295.4438

(Across from Town Tavern)

Get to Know High Country Caregivers

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High Country Caregivers (HCC) is a local non-profit organization that supports families in which grandparents are raising grandchildren, largely because of the methamphetamine and opioid epidemic. Founded in 2006, HCC helps grandparents and other relatives, including great- grandparents, aunts or uncles, who have stepped in to raise young family members in Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, Watauga, Wilkes and Ashe Counties.

“We create a continuum of support to help grandparents put their grandchildren on a positive trajectory,” says Executive Director Jacob Willis.

Donna Miller is a grandmother of four ages 8 to 19. She wasn’t able to just be the grandma who baked cookies and took them to the park for play-time—she became their mother and full-time caregiver since they were infants. They call her “mom.”

This is a classic story that happens when adult children make choices that leave the grandparents in the position of becoming parents again. Miller speaks candidly about her situation and how High Country Caregivers has given her not only financial support through the years, “but emotional support and encouragement that I am not alone.” She has been empowered by their help and the children have learned through meetings that they, too, are not alone in this journey.

Miller says, “This crosses all economic and social tiers—this epidemic of drugs, abuse and simple neglect is a worldwide crisis.” For the local assistance she receives from High Country Caregivers, she says she is forever grateful and hopes others will reach out when in need or give to the cause.

When someone first contacts High Country Caregivers, a site visit is scheduled so that HCC staff can meet the grandparents in their element and hear their stories. “From that moment on, if they are in trouble or need help in any way, they have someone to call,” says Director of Community Relations, Pana Columbus. Some examples of recent calls HCC has received include a grandmother whose car ran out of gas, a teen who was afraid to visit with her father, and a grandmother who needed someone to help her grandchild with her homework. HCC picked up gas for the grandmother, accompanied the youth to visit her father, and found a weekly volunteer to help the child with her homework. “We find it’s much better if families have someone to call before a challenge becomes a crisis,” adds Columbus.

High Country Caregivers also helps grandparents forge relationships with different agencies and resources that address the systemic challenges they are facing. HCC calls this process kinship navigation. When a grandmother kept missing her grandson’s doctors’ appointments because she didn’t have a car, HCC connected her to the Mitchell Transportation Authority to pick them up from their home and take them to his appointments in Asheville. When a grandfather’s water pump stopped working, HCC connected him to WAMY Community Action and their home repair program. Many times when parents disappear, grandparents need legal assistance to get custody of the youth, to be able to enroll them in school or take them to the doctor. HCC refers them to local attorneys and pays for their services.

Some of the most important relationships HCC families create are with other families in the same situation. “Our monthly support groups, called RAP meetings (Relatives as Parents), is the heart of our program,” says Willis. “Not only do these meetings keep us connected to our families, but they also help them create authentic relationships with each other.” A monthly RAP meeting is held in each of the six counties they serve. Meals and childcare are provided.

Something HCC has learned while getting to know grandparents and their grandchildren, is that grandparents know many traditional skills. HCC has also learned how much their grandchildren want to learn those skills. So this June, HCC is launching a seven-month Fine Arts Business Incubator in which HCC grandparents will teach workshops in sewing, pottery, knitting, and baking to HCC youth. This weekly program will culminate in a fashion show and crafts fair in December, in which youth will be able to sell what they made.

Says Columbus, “Because HCC sees relationships as the key to resilience, there are an infinite number of ways people can get involved to help HCC families. Whatever your passion or interest, you can use your gifts to create experiences that help transform the lives of families in the High Country. We hope you’ll contact us soon and become part of the family.” To make a donation, or to talk to someone about how you can get involved, call 828832-6366 or email pana@highcountrycaregivers.com. www.highcountrycaregivers.com

More than a customer

Receiving electric service from Blue Ridge Energy makes you much more than a customer. You’re a member of an electric cooperative formed by local people to serve the local community.

As a member, you elect the board of directors and receive capital credits — money back based on your cooperative’s financial health. Blue Ridge Energy partners with area leaders to help create new jobs, support education and nurture local youth as leaders of tomorrow. Blue Ridge also offers you innovative services and renewable energy options. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.

“...read all about it”

C.S. Smith Management

C.S. Smith Management is a comprehensive property management team that prides itself on providing the highest level of personal and professional service in the High Country. They specialize in customized maintenance and care of non-rental properties for absentee homeowners, including regular property walkthroughs, housekeeping, repairs, vendor oversight and renovation/ project management. “Our reputation is built on a steadfast commitment to our clients and their homes, prioritizing detail-oriented care, communication, and service with a personal touch.”

The team knows that your vacation home is meant to be a place of refuge and restoration. It should be a tranquil escape from the demands of everyday life, and you should be excited about returning home to the mountains knowing that every detail is taken care of. C.S. Smith Management ensures that every personal request has been attended to so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in your serene environment. “We want to help you create cherished experiences in your home by developing a relationship, growing with you and anticipating your needs. Let us handle the demanding parts of home ownership so that you can spend your time sharing special moments with family and friends. The High Country is unique, we want our clients to feel the same way.” www.cssmithpropertymanagement.com

The Famous Tomato Basil Pie of the High Country

Find us: Maw’s Produce - Foscoe Abode Home - Banner Elk booneappetitnc@gmail.com

Your Source for Fresh Handcrafted Food To Go!

In North Carolina 225,493 children live with a relative due to the opioid crisis. 177,662 of them live with their elderly grandparents.

High Country Caregivers is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing respite and resources for kinship caregivers and relatives caring for loved ones with life-limiting illness and debility.

Since 2006 HCC has taken the lead role in the High Country for coordinating and advocating for the development of a comprehensive community-based service to meet the needs of our region’s caregivers.

High Countr ry y Caregiversvers

Families Change Tomorrows

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Sugar Mountain Golf Club

18-hole public golf course with an immaculate putting surface that maximizes every vista. SeeSugar.com/golf | 828-898-6464

Sugar Mountain Tennis Club

Meticulous public tennis courts of fast-dry, Har-tru clay. Men’s, women’s, and mixed friendlys. SeeSugar.com/tennis | 828-898-6746

Caddyshack Café

Delicious food on the outdoor deck with mountain views. Grillin’ & Chillin’ Wednesday Summer Concerts SeeSugar.com/caddyshack-cafe | 828-898-1025

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Go to SeeSugar.com to plan your visit!

20 rooms, including Standard Queen, Standard King, Deluxe Queens, King Suites and an Apartment Suite. Each room has a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker, plus free wifi and cable TV. King Suites have kitchenettes and the Apartment Suit has a full kitchen. (828) 742-1763 | Newland, NC | theinnatshadylawn.com

Apple Hill Farm Store

“Get back in touch with what's real.” Largest selection of alpaca yarns & accessories in the High Country. Summer Hours: Mon - Sat 10-4; Sun 12-4 Banner Elk, NC | (828)963-1662 www.applehillfarmnc.com

L Specializing OPEZ HOSPIT in: ALITY

Cleaning for Air Bnbs, private residence and Real Estate

Property Management |Co-Hosting

Event party prep and cleaning

Personal Assistant |Home Organizing |Pet Care Services

Offering rides to and from Watauga Lake (starting in May)

Let me help you simplify...

GABRIEL LOPEZ able2will.g@gmail.com 828.242.2836

A Store from Days Gone By... BRINKLEY HARDWARE

— ESTABLISHED 1903— 828-733-2107 Downtown Elk Park, NC

Mowers, Tillers, Mulch & Garden Supplies Furniture, Bedding, and Much More!