Opportunity Found

Opportunity By Mary Williams

Following my father’s death 18 years ago, my mother selected gifts from his things that she felt would be meaningful for each family member. My daughter received the ring my father always wore, my son, his grandfather’s copy of The Prophet and his pocketknife, my husband, his wellworn cooking apron—my mother gave me the coffee mug Dad received as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels at the Project on Aging.

Dad was a lifelong volunteer. He was a blood donor. He volunteered at his church and with the Boy Scouts, and as a retiree he gave his time to The Project on Aging in Watauga County. My children recall accompanying him on his route and how he would beam with pride as he introduced them to “his people.” These old memories swirled around somewhere in my unconscious brain as I contemplated what to do with my time this past fall.

I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood where people know and care about one another. It is a mix of old family summer homes, now with a new generation of residents, owner occupied homes, and rental properties. The people are as diverse as the dwellings they occupy and range in age from 2 to 86. For the past four years we have gathered for a neighborhood picnic in August. People eat, play, and visit with one another and rarely want to leave when the party is over. This year we were not able to have our annual picnic due to COVID-19. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, neighbors visited from the road and waved from passing cars. I have felt the most for the elderly as they are more isolated than in years past and I’ve marveled at how the working families with school-age children juggle their responsibilities and still manage to remain cheerful.

A wise, compassionate person once told me, “Opportunities are always present, you just need to look harder in a crisis.”

Meals on Wheels resumed their home delivery program as the County reopened in late July.

Having read their ad in the paper, I called to volunteer. Around the same time, parents were faced with the difficult decision of what to do about school. One family with whom I am particularly close decided to homeschool their kindergartener, Mia. Mia and I have always liked each other, and I decided to ask her and her mother if we could spend one morning a week in a kindergarten lesson and delivering Meals on Wheels. They agreed. We chose a day and a delivery route was assigned to us.

Our first day together was Mia’s first day of school. When I picked her up, her backpack was full of notebooks, pencils, crayons, a stylish mask, hand sanitizer and lunch! We spent the first forty-five minutes learning about the calendar, reading a story and wondering what it would be like to deliver food to people.

Mia and I are now several months into our volunteer experience. We have grown and learned a lot. At first, we experienced the formalities of having your temperature taken, filling out forms, counting and remembering our food, learning the route, and meeting and getting to know our people. Mia has blossomed during this time from a cautious child, to one who thinks about what someone might like, what we can do for them, and what she wants to ask or tell them. In her lunch box she might pack a dinosaur and yo-yo to show Mr. John, and a dog biscuit for someone’s pet.

One Monday after a family and friends’ Woolly Worm race, she took her Woolly Worm, named Sassafras, to share. She knew everything about “Woolly Bears,” as they are officially named, and beamed with pride as she answered questions about them. In October, we collected brightly colored leaves to give our friends. She was able to name the tree the leaf came from as we were making a leaf collection to learn about trees.

A sweet friendship is developing among all of us and conversation easily flows back and forth.

After weeks of placing colorful stickers on bread bags, a woman gave Mia a page of stickers she thought she might like. Both were excited about their gift. Recently a man asked her if she knew what day was his favorite? When she said no, he answered, “Today, because I get to see you!” Last week Mia spontaneously said, “I love volunteering!” I said, “Oh really, what do you like about it?” She responded, “I like it because it makes people happy and me, too.”

Opportunity found.

As a department of County Government, the Project on Aging serves as the focal point for aging services in Watauga County. The agency encourages independence and promotes wellness by providing supportive services, including the Home Delivered Meals Program, commonly referred to as “Meals on Wheels,” to the County’s older adults. Learn more at http://www.wataugacounty.org/ App_Pages/Dept/Aging/home.aspx.

Support Crossnore with Holiday Cards & Inserts

You can support Crossnore by spreading the word about their important work and at the same time share some love! Shop at the Blair Fraley Sales Store or online for limited edition holiday cards, holiday insert cards (to include in your personal Christmas cards), and “gift in your honor” insert cards. Visit www.crossnore.org for more information. N.C. Arboretum

Winter Lights throughout the Region “Festival of Lights” at Chetola in

Blowing Rock | This year as you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, you can view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes. The “Festival of Lights” will be open to the public through January 31. The displays illuminate at dusk each evening. https://chetola.com/events/festival-of-lights/

“Winter Lights” at The N.C. Arboretum,

Asheville | From now through January 10, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the N.C. Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. With per-car ticketing, guests can navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. Winter Lights proceeds will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming. Open nightly 5:30-10:30. Visit www.ncarboretum.org/winterlights/ for more information.

“The Hope Shines Brightly Holiday Light Show” in Downtown Lenoir

Hope shines brightly this holiday season in downtown Lenoir, NC. Safely celebrate creativity and be dazzled while strolling through the 10,000 lights of the musically animated Hope Shines Brightly Holiday Light Show! Watch and listen safely from your car or from one of many widely dispersed benches. The show begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. every night through January 4.

https://downtownlenoirnc.com

Downtown Lenoir

WAMY Community Action

WAMY’s weatherization program serves low-income families in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The program helps make homes more energy efficient, usually through the installation of insulation, air sealing and duct sealing. After receiving weatherization, families typically save 30%-35% on their heating/cooling costs. With our extremely cold winters, your neighbors can really use your help this season; consider volunteering time or donating money to this active organization that works hard to break the cycle of poverty in our region. Learn more at wamycommunityaction.org.

Photo by JLR Safechild

Feed the Birds

As winter approaches, offer high calorie and high fat foods to your backyard bird friends! Black oil sunflower is a great overall seed with its high fat and protein content and relatively thin shell. Suet is another great food for winter feeders. Be consistent and keep your feeders full for those long, cold nights. Birds grow accustomed to your feeders, especially

Tin severe weather when your snacks may contribute to their survival.

The Helping Hands Woodlot Ministry

The Helping Hands Woodlot Ministry, an outreach ministry of Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, is located next to the Hospitality House in Boone and is run in partnership with the Hunger and Health Coalition and WeCAN agencies. Volunteers meet every Tuesday year round from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to collect, cut, and split donated trees and wood. The split wood is then given to people who cannot otherwise afford firewood to heat their homes during the winter months. If you have a fallen tree or trees on your property that need to come down and that you would like to donate to this ministry, or if you can volunteer, please contact Harold Stophel at (828)-789-9127.

Mica, in downtown Bakersville, NC, showcases the craft work of its 15 artistmembers, including Penland artist Vicki Essig, the gallery’s newest artist-member. Essig’s work is noted for its quiet, contemplative, and deliberate qualities. Her process incorporates found and ancient daily hikes my pockets gradually fill with artifacts and curiosities that I find along my path,” says Essig. Mica is a must-see destination for those who appreciate the hand made, and is located at 37 Mitchell Ave, Bakersville, NC. Mica is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12–5 p.m. For more information call 828.688.6422 or visit micagallerync.com.

Archie the Aetosaur Makes His Bronze Debut on App State Campus

A four-year collaboration of faculty and students in Appalachian’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) and Department of Art is now on display—Archie “is the largest and most accurate aetosaur sculpture in the northern hemisphere and one of the best in the world.” You can visit Archie in the Fred Webb Jr. Rock Garden and Outdoor Laboratory on App State’s campus. Learn more about this special facility at https:// earth.appstate.edu/facilities/rock-garden. Photo by Dr. Lauren Waterworth

Mayland Offers Personal Enrichment Courses

At Mayland Community College, there’s always something new to learn. Whether you’re interested in local history, digital photography, or beekeeping, or you want to give the pottery wheel a try, Mayland’s Personal Enrichment courses are designed to help you discover new talents and enhance your creative skills. Check out the 2021 Spring schedule and register at www.mayland.edu/continuing-education/.

Winter Farmers’ Market in Downtown Boone

From December through April, Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market, powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, will feature flavorful and nutrient rich local foods. Due to COVID-19, vendors will be spread throughout the parking lot, Agricultural Conference Center, and Warehouse with a system of one-way customer foot-traffic. Upon arrival to the market, you will be greeted by Market Staff and plenty of T maps to help you navigate this new system. The winter market will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon at 252 Poplar Grove Rd., downtown Boone. Visit www.

Vicki Essig

What’s New at Mica

Tobjects into visual compositions. “On my

brwia.org/ for more info.

Local Sculptor Releases New Work

Renowned abstract painter and sculptor MaryAnn Prack, who works from her home/studio and sculpture garden in Jefferson, NC, has recently released a new series of artworks titled, Describing JOY. “At the heart of my sculpture and paintings is an expression of joy that transcends the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us.” View Prack’s newly released work, and other artwork at her website, www.prackartist.com.

Let Us Hear from You! Have an event or tidbit you’d like to share with CML readers? Send your information to the editor at tamara@greenway.today.

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Raising Awareness and Funds to Meet the Needs of the Homeless

The Hospitality House annual Honor Card is a great way to recognize a client, employee, friend or family member this season, while at the same time giving a meaningful gift to someone in need. With a minimum donation of $5 per card, you receive an Honor Card that you can send to an individual or business, allowing you to show your support for the community while acknowledging others during the holiday. 100% of contributions support the Hospitality House’s housing, hunger relief and homeless prevention programs in seven NC counties.

“In the tough times of life are the seeds of great beauty, joy and fulfillment. It’s an opportunity for us to rise above our selfishness and make a change for the better, helping those that have stumbled along life’s path to take one positive step. The Honor Card is a marvelous way to recognize a friend or family member and at the same time impacting a local outreach agency to support the needy and homeless this season.” —William Mangum, 20202021 Honor Card artist

You can purchase your Honor Card online at https://www.hosphouse.org/ honorcard or find them at popular retail locations throughout the High Country.

Local Toy Drive in Progress

Organized by local resident Lynne Lear, and supported by many volunteers, the High Country Toy & Gift Card Drive is in its eighth year, working with the Hospitality House, the High Country’s only homeless shelter servicing seven counties. In addition to all of the children at Hospitality House and its satellite housing, the toy drive also helps individual families in the area who are in need.

“Last year, we were able to bring Christmas to 96 children who would not have had one otherwise,” said Lear. “Many of the children we helped have never had a Christmas present before. This year we have so many more children than ever to help. Every year I am blessed and moved by the generosity of people here in the High Country. One of the best things about living here is the strong sense of community that we all have and how we rally around those in need. ”

You can drop off unwrapped toys and donations at Lost Province Brewing Company in Boone or The Painted Fish Café in Banner Elk. Anyone wishing to contribute in other ways can contact Lear at (423) 794-8825. Checks made out to High Country Toy Drive can be mailed to P.O. Box 2133, Banner Elk, NC, 28604, at any point during the year, and if you would like a tax deduction letter please specify so on your donation.

YMCA Continues Important Work in Our Community

A Message from Trey Oakley, CEO of the Williams YMCA of Avery County in Linville, NC:

The Williams YMCA of Avery County has been the cornerstone of health, wellness, youth development and community outreach in Avery County since its inception. This year is no different. While we have faced challenges, we have and will continue to overcome them. Over the last seven to eight months our organization, staff and our community have hurt, have experienced monumental change, have grieved and have worried about longevity. Also during this time we have pulled together, we have fought, we have remained hopeful and are optimistic about the future.

Since our normal operations were forced to cease in March (2020), the Y has served close to 10,000 meals to children in camp and out of school, we have cared for up to 90 young children a day enabling parents to go back to work, we have completed over 500 wellness calls to seniors, provided opportunities for 80 virtual and distancing healthy living activities and delivered food and medication to seniors who are homebound. In the near future, we will begin delivering food boxes to seniors, completing wellness and home assessments for residents aging in place, and join our school system in ensuring that our students have hats, gloves, socks and coats for the upcoming winter season.

While we continue to undergo financial challenges, we are committed to serving those in our communities who need us most, we remain determined to return to normal operational hours and to better serve our membership. Should you be able, please consider a tax deductible end of the year contribution to the Williams YMCA. Gifts may be restricted to areas of choice (children’s programs, supper feeding program, community outreach, operations, etc). Thank you for your consideration and support as we all strive to ensure a healthier and happier Avery County.

Please visit www.ymcaavery.org to view winter programs and scheduling, and to learn how you can support our local YMCA’s important work here in our community.

Lees-McRae: 120 Years and Counting

Though there have been many changes in the past 120 years, much remains the same at Lees-McRae, a private institution in Banner Elk, NC, founded in 1900. From fireside education for local young women, to the four-year comprehensive college of today, LeesMcRae continues to serve and inspire students from this region and beyond.

As the highest elevated campus on the east coast, the College’s location remains central to its identity, demonstrated in the school’s motto—In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus or In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains.

Lees-McRae’s academic curriculum emphasizes an experiential education. Programs in Wildlife Rehabilitation, Biology, and Wildlife Biology make use of spaces including the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and the 70-acre Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station as student learning laboratories in a natural environment.

Students from the Outdoor Recreation Management, Ski Industry Business and Instruction, Wilderness Medicine, and Cycling Studies also use the location to their advantage with Beech Mountain Ski Resort, Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, miles of trails, and much more just steps from the classroom.

Even the school’s Nursing, Health and Wellness Science, and Emergency Medical Services and Management programs focus heavily on healthcare practices tailored to the unique needs of Appalachia, and the use of cutting-edge technology to serve rural residents.

Lees-McRae was ranked #26 among the top regional colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report in its recent 2021 Best Colleges guide. The institution is included on the Best Colleges for Veterans list and for the second consecutive year, Lees-McRae has ranked with the Top Performers for Social Mobility in the same regional category.

“Our work is not motivated by rankings, but by our 120-year commitment to being a school of opportunity,” said Lees-McRae President Lee King. “Nevertheless, we are proud to be recognized for offering a high quality education and especially proud to serve disadvantaged students and their families.”

Want to see more of what Lees-McRae has to offer? Take a virtual tour at https:// www.lmc.edu/admissions/visit/index. htm.

A New Nature Day Camp Planned for 2021 at Holston

In the midst of the challenges of 2020, Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center (HPCRC) remained committed to its mission—to provide a safe and hospitable environment, in God’s outdoor creation, for guests to experience a transformation of mind, body, and spirit within a community of faith.

This past fall, HPCRC continued to respond to the pandemic’s impact on learning and social environments. They offered two programs for local families: a Student Day Camp and an After School Camp. Both were successful in providing a safe classroom space with academic and outdoor activity supervision.

New programming will continue for 2021. HPCRC, in partnership with Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, is in the process of visioning and implementing a new nature preschool program for fall of 2021. The nature preschool program— made possible through generous contributions from the High Country Charitable Foundation (Banner Elk, NC), the Mooneyhan Family Foundation (Johnson City, TN), and the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk—will offer local families an affordable, quality outdoor early education and childcare option for children ages 2-5.

As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, HPCRC depends on grant funding, as well as the overall cash flow of each program (summer camp and retreats) to pay for overhead expenses including staff, equipment, facilities, maintenance, utilities, and insurance. Due to the pandemic, scheduled retreats have canceled and few have booked future retreats. Additional financial contributions from donors are especially needed for 2021 so that summer camps and other programs remain affordable and accessible to families.

Learn more about Holston, its programs, and ways that you can help at https://holstoncenter.org/. Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center is located at 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Road in

Banner Elk, NC.

Sweet Success for Sugar

A new 75-page website (www. SeeSugar.com) for the Village of Sugar Mountain features plenty of things to do in the High Country for both visitors and locals. It’s just one component of a sixmonth successful marketing campaign that kicked off in May 2020 by the Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority.

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The website, written in a helpful travel guide style, inspires trips to Sugar Mountain during all four seasons. Find photo guides for village attractions including golf, tennis and winter sports, as well as events such as the Fine Art & Master Crafts Show and Oktoberfest. To encourage longer stays on the mountain, website readers also discover things to do within a 20-mile radius, including hiking, waterfalls, dining, shopping and touring the Blue Ridge Parkway. More than 100 Avery County businesses are featured on the website, and a “Top 10 Things to Do with Social Distancing” was added. The Village Hall section (https://seesugar. com/village) includes resources for residents and property owners, including a new page with relocation FAQs.

The TDA partnered with regional and statewide tourism organizations for multiple promotional initiatives, including Avery Chamber, High Country Host, Blue Ridge Parkway Association and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. The TDA also took advantage of the resources of VisitNC, the tourism marketing organization at the NC Department of Commerce.

See for yourself all that the Village of Sugar Mountain has to offer at www. SeeSugar.com.

Winter Highlights at Mystery Hill

Big things are happening at Mystery Hill this winter! From exciting new attractions to scrumptious new vittles, Mystery Hill is creating an enhanced experience for its guests. Of course visitors will still be able to experience the Natural Gravitational Anomaly, The Hall of Mystery, Bubblerama, Native American Artifacts Museum, and the 1903 Dougherty House, as well as throw hatchets at Tomahawk Hill. But winter visitors will also get to enjoy the following added attractions: n The all-new Historic Farmyard at the Dougherty House offers a glimpse at a turn-of-the-century farm with chickens, rabbits, and other farm animals in a petting zoo setting. n Prospector Hill Gem Mining offers an indoor space and new retail shop this winter, with an outdoor flume opening this spring. Prospector Hill is the only gem mining business in the area offering private sluices for each family. n The Bull Riding Challenge is a fun new attraction, allowing visitors to try their luck at riding a mechanical bull. n Mystery Hill’s favorite eatery, Front Porch Eats, is offering a blockbuster brand new milkshake bar featuring Over the Top Mason Jar Milkshakes with creative flavor combinations and monthly features. n While Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Photos has been a popular attraction at Mystery Hill for years, this winter they are expanding to a larger space with new backgrounds and costumes, offering more than just old time photos. n And look for the all new River Runners and VR attractions coming late winter or early spring.

Mystery Hill is an entertainment attraction for all ages located on Hwy 321 in Blowing Rock. Visit mysteryhill.com for more information.

Allen Tate Realtors® Opens New Boone Office

Allen Tate Realtors® now serves the High Country region with two offices, one in Blowing Rock and one in Boone, and more than 45 professional Realtors serving clients in Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson, Banner Elk, Linville, Beach Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Lenoir.

In September, Allen Tate opened its newest office at 736 West King Street. The two-story modern office features a rooftop patio that overlooks downtown Boone.

“We’re excited to bring this beautiful new office to the heart of downtown Boone. We look forward to helping more valued clients find the right home, vacation property or investment property in this highly desirable region,” said Scott MacIntosh, Allen Tate branch leader.

The Carolinas’ No. 1 real estate company opened its first local office at 6236 US Hwy 321 South.in Blowing Rock in 2019. The 64-year-old real estate leader operates 45 local offices spanning five regions of North and South Carolina, with more than 1,600 agents and 20,071 closed transaction sides totaling $5.75 billion in 2019. In addition to real estate, Allen Tate offers a full range of homeownership services including mortgage and insurance.

To contact an Allen Tate Realtor, call 828-278-8337 or visit the Boone or Blowing Rock offices.

Learn more at allentate.com.

Outstanding Chamber of the Year for 2020: Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

The Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recently recognized the 2020 Outstanding Chamber of the Year (for a chamber with under 700 members) at their Annual Management Conference via Zoom. The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce was honored as the recipient of this prestigious award.

The CACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award focuses on acknowledging one or more significant achievements that a chamber has initiated, stimulated, and/or led in its respective service area at some point during the 18 months prior. CACCE is the professional development organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North Carolina and South Carolina. CML congratulations the Blowing Rock Chamber! To find out all that is happening in Blowing Rock this winter, visit the Chamber’s website at https://blowingrock.com.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Timeless Lessons By Katherine S. Newton, CFP® Certified Financial Transitionist®, CeFT®

No doubt 2020 will stand out as one of the most unusual years in any of our lives. And just because it has been so unique, it is a good time to take a look at those timeless lessons of investing.

1. No matter how astute, how on top of the news, or how many degrees we have, we can never be prepared for really big disruptive events. If we react to them with the emotion of the moment, we are apt to hurt ourselves and oftentimes badly. Being successful over the long term is more about temperament than intellect, as Warren Buffett has reminded us. Best to stick to a long-range plan you can adhere to over the course of a lifetime.

2. Even though it may not seem like it, markets have had declines similar to what we experienced in March of 2020 about every five years. The market crashed suddenly, but it came back to reach new highs by August. Likewise, if you look at history, market downturns have been temporary.

3. The market will always anticipate rather than wait for the recovery to happen. Even when all we heard were negative prognostications about the virus and the effects on the economy, the market bounced back. If we “wait for things to look better,” we are liable to miss the positive market moves.

4. Put and keep your attention on what you can control. Continue to save automatically, even, and especially, during downturns. Manage taxes using whatever strategies are available to you. Anticipate and plan for cash flow needs, keeping cash separate from your portfolio rather than having to sell into a down market. Had you needed a distribution at the end of March 2020, it would have been a poor time to be forced to sell.

5. Resist the urge to think “this time is different.” Whether you look at a recent chart of the stock market or one going back 75 years, it continues to go up and to the right.

Bottom Line: 2020 enforced rather than negated the same timeless investing lessons we learn again and again throughout history.

• Katherine Newton, Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Transitionist® or CeFT®, partners with Clients through Life Transitions, helping them craft protectorates for their resources so they can pursue what’s most important in their lives. • She can be reached at katherine@waitefinancial.com or at 828-322-9595. • The views are those of Katherine and should not be considered as investment advice or to predict future performance. •Past performance does not guarantee future results. • All information is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representations as to its completeness or accuracy. • Please note that neither Waite Financial LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Carroll Financial Associates or any of their agents or representatives give legal or tax advice. • For complete details, consult with your tax advisor or attorney. • Investors should consider their investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. • This information is found in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully before investing. • A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a falling market.

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