High Country Magazine July 2018

Volume 13 • Issue 6 July 2018

YMCA The Pride and Joy The

Williams

of Avery County

The Road ConStruction In Blowing Rock Is Finally Done A ROSE With Wheels | Fostering Love | Mystery Hill Turns 70 July 2018

High Country Magazine

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DI A N N E DAVA N T & A S S O C I AT E S EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN SINCE 1979

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High Country Magazine

July 2018

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Lake Norman | 704.727.4170

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. including, 2 Property H i ginformation h C o u herein n t risyderived M a gfrom a zvarious i n e sources July 2018 but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer theahouse doenot include g h to C the o ubase n tprice r yof M g a and zin Julyoptions 2018or premiums, unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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High Country Magazine

July 2018

High Country Magazine

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C O N T E N T S

20

Highway 321 Project Nears the Finish Line Taking a look back from start to (almost) finish of the Highway 321 expansion project that has seen mixed reviews from the Blowing Rock community.

34

20

Williams YMCA: Over a Decade of Service to Avery County The Williams YMCA of Avery County has become such an important foundation for promoting health and wellness to the citizens and their communities.

44

The Power of the Sun

60

Touching Lives Through Foster Parenting

Appalachian State University’s solar car team recently unveiled their latest creation and revealed how this program went from a dream in 2013 to a present day reality.

34 44

Roger and Sheri Church have dedicated much of their lives to being foster parents for almost 100 children in the High Country.

80

The Magic & Marvel of Mystery Hill

90

Turning Metal into Art at Anvil Arts Studio

One of the High Country’s most popular attractions for all ages, Mystery Hill, celebrates 70 years of business.

Craftsman and artist, Bill Brown, shares some memories and details some of his finest works of art at his studio in Linville Falls.

100

Celebrating 60 Years of Home Tours The 60th Anniversary of the Blowing Rock Tour of Homes will take visitors through some of the most fabulous homes in Blowing Rock, all for a charitable cause.

on the cover Todd Bush – The sunset photo on

the cover was made by Todd Bush taken from Jane Bald, NC (5807’) looking toward Roan Mountain’s Roan High Knob, TN (6285’). The Appalachian Trail runs right over the rocks on Jane Bald which is easiest accessed from the Carver’s Gap trailhead at the NC/TN state line where TN143 meets NC261.

You can see more of Todd’s photography on his website; www.BushPhoto.com

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READER SERVICES ABOUT US

The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper� is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts.

Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance.

Our offices are located in Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.

BACK ISSUES

Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Variations on a Theme Gregory Smith & Tim Turner July 5 - July 28 Opening July 7, 4-6pm

Sunday Conversations An Approach to the Meaning of Art Noyes Capehart

Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.

July 15, 2-4pm

Contact us at:

Visual Energy

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262

Zoey Brookshire.

July 29, 2-4pm

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High Country Magazine

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FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications

Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie

Art Director Debbie Carter

The Price of Progress

I

Ken Ketchie

t’s been a long time coming. The road construction on Blowing Rock’s Highway 321 By-Pass is just about done. With a few more streetlights to be installed and landscaping along the route to take place this fall, Blowing Rock can finally put this nightmarish episode behind them. It’s taken over six years for construction to be completed on the 4.1-mile stretch of road that was upgraded from a two-lane road to a four-lane thoroughfare with mediums, turn lanes, new stoplights and intersection configurations.

It took six years of construction, and before that there were more years of negotiating a route, the process of right away compensation, and then time spent by folks just wondering if the project would ever happen. Well, it appears to be done. Mostly, you’re hearing from people saying it turned out pretty nice. The road definitely has plenty of lanes to zip right on through, and the sidewalks, streetlights, iron fencing and nice faux rock walls are a pleasant touch, as will the future landscaping taking place this fall.

But for many businesses and some residents along the new stretch of road, there are still problems and issues that are bothering them on top of the pain and suffering they endured over the six years of construction. Any business owner on the by-pass will tell you about the untold business and monies they lost during the process – in some cases you’ll hear about hundreds of thousands of dollars lost, and the loss of customers that may never find their way back to Blowing Rock. Now they are dealing with the results of the new design of the roadway that included lost parking spaces for their parking lots, driveway entrances that delivery trucks are having a hard time using, excessive noise from speeding vehicles and an elevated roadway that diminishes the view of their business. Papa Joe’s Restaurant now sits four feet below the roadway, something they had no idea about when construction started. I heard it explained that supposedly solid bedrock was found right beneath the original roadway – which made it too expensive to blast and dig the trenches for utility lines and piping – so they elevated the road instead. Calls to the North Carolina Department of Transportation were never returned when doing this story for some explanations, so we don’t know for sure. It’s been hard finding anyone that will talk to you at the DOT. That has been another contentious issue, the unresponsiveness of the NCDOT to people’s concerns and questions.

Highway 321 is now four lanes from the I-85 intersection in Gastonia all the way up the mountain to the entrance of Appalachian State University. It’s taken 40 years to complete the section from Lenoir to Boone. I know that because the first phase of construction on this stretch started just outside of Lenoir during the same year the Sundown Times began in 1978. We had the paper printed at the Lenoir News-Topic, so every week I navigated the construction that started there and continued up the mountain. I watched them literally move mountains and fill in valleys. The NCDOT moves slowly but surely.

And along the way of their road building efforts, there is a human toll that we should acknowledge for those folks who paid the price of progress for us all.

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July 2018

Advertising Director Jeffrey Green Contributing Writers Nathan Ham Jan Todd Tim Gardner Elly Murray Savnnah R. Watts Sherrie Norris

Contributing Photographers Todd Bush Lonnie Webster Jan Tood High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:

HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2018

by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

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July 2018

High Country Magazine

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Calendarof Events Compiled by Elly Murray

JULY 2018

7 Fourth of July Festival and Parade, Downtown Blowing Rock, 828-295-4636

7 Christmas in July Festival, Downtown West Jefferson, 336-846-9196

7 App Summer: Kool and the Gang, Holmes Convocation Center, 828-262-4046

7 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: Passport Please!, Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709 7-8 Art on the Greene, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-387-0581 8 Summer Concerts at Fred’s Gazebo: The Cockman Family, Fred’s General Mercantile, 828-387-4838 11 App Summer: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

12 App Summer: I’m With Her, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

12 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: The Night Moves Band, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

12 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

12 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

14 Todd Summer Music: Angela Easterling and the Beguilers, Cook Memorial Park, 828-263-6173

14 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

14 App Summer: Shaken and Stirred: Michael Feinstein and special guest Storm Large, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

14 Blowing Rock Art in the Park, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

15 App Summer: Eastern Festival Orchestra Featuring Misha Dichter, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

15 Summer Concerts at Fred’s Gazebo: Cane Mill Road, Fred’s General Mercantile, 828-387-4838 18 Hayes School of Music Faculty Recital: Iconic, Intimate, and Innovative, Broyhill Music Center, 828-262-4046

19 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

19 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

19 Movies in the Park: Finding Nemo, Memorial Park, 828-295-5222

19 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: Crossing Avery, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

20 Music in the Valle: Lauren Hayworth, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

20 Concerts on the Lawn: Everydays and Lazybirds, Boone, Jones House, 828-268-6280

20 App Summer: NC Black Repertory Company: The Legend of Buster Neal, Valborg Theatre, 828-262-4046

20-21 BBQ Boot Camp, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521 20-22 Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival, Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-898-5605

21 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

21 App Summer: The Hot Sardines, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

12 Movies in the Park: The Incredibles, Memorial Park, 828-295-5222

21 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: Passport Please!, Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709

12-15 63rd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, MacRae Meadows, 828-733-1333

22 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Where in the World?

Part 2, Broyhill Music Center, 828-262-4046

13 Music in the Valle: Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

21-22 Grandfather Mountain Hang Gliding Reunion, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013

13 Concerts on the Lawn: Never Too Late and Danny Whittington, Boone, Jones House, 828-268-6280

21-29 K-9s in Flight: Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

13-15 SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061

24-29 Charity Horse Show: Hunter/Jumper, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700

13-18 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: My Way, Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709

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High Country Magazine

July 2018

26 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

DON’T FORGET CARLTON GALLERY

EVENTS

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Appalachian Summer presents

An Appalachian Summer Festival is celebrating its 34th season of enlightening and entertaining our community this summer, and what better way to help them celebrate than inviting all of you lovely people to attend their events?

July 1: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 2: Film: “Amazonia�

July 3: Film: “In Between (Bar Bahar)�

July 5: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 7: Kool & The Gang July 9: Film: “Swallows and Amazons�

July 10: Film: “In the Fade (Aus dem Nichts)�

July 11: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet July 14: Shaken & Stirred: Michael Feinstein and special guest Storm Large July 15: Eastern Festival Orchestra featuring Misha Dichter July 16: Film: � A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantastica)�

July 18: Hayes School of Music Faculty Recital July 20: NC Black Repertory Company: “The Legend of Buster Neal�

July 21: The Hot Sardines July 22: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 23: Film: “Wunderkinder�

July 24: Film: “Summer 1993 (Estiu 1993)�

July 25: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 26: Rhiannon Giddens July 28: Rosen Sculpture Walk July 28: BODYTRAFFIC July 29: Rosen-Schaffel Competition July 30: Film: “Jasper Jones�

July 31: Film: “Paradise (Ray)�

Aug. 3: Film: “From the Land of the Moon�

Aug. 4: Kristin Chenoweth

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by Andrew Braitman & Lisa Boardwine July 28 – September 15 - Opening Reception: July 28, 2-5pm 1"*/5*/(4 t $-": t (-"44 t 4$6-1563& t 800% t '*#&3 "35 t +&8&-3: Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community

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July 2018

High Country Magazine

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MORE

Calendarof Events

JULY 2018

AUGUST 2018

26 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

26 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: The Starlighters, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

26 Movies in the Park: Ratatouille, Memorial Park, 828-295-5222

2 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

26 App Summer: Rhiannon Giddens, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

2

27 Symphony by the Lake, Chetola Resort, 828-295-7851

2 Movies in the Park, Brave, Memorial Park, 828-295-5222

2 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: The Roadrunnerz, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

3 Music in the Valle: Rastacoustic, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

3 Concerts on the Lawn: John Cockman Family Band and Amantha Mill, Boone, Jones House, 828-268-6280

3 First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-262-4532

4 Crafts on the Green, Gazebo Park, 828-387-4838

4 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

1 Animal Enrichment Day, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-1059 1-5 Charity Horse Show: Hunter/Jumper, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

Watauga County Farmers’ Market Symphony by the Lake

27 Concerts on the Lawn: David Childers & Lauren and Earleine, Boone, Jones House, 828-268-6280

27 Music in the Valle: The Worthless Son-in-Laws, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

27-28 Ashe County Fiddlers Convention, Ashe County Park, 336-846-2787 27-8/4 Ensemble Stage: Slow Dance on the Killing Ground, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844

28 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-355-4918

28 Ensemble Stage Saturday Kids Theatre: Marmalade Gumdrops, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844

4 App Summer: An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

4 The Denim Ball, Chetola Resort, 866-308-2773

28 App Summer: BODYTRAFFIC, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

28 App Summer: Rosen Sculpture Walk, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

5 Summer Concerts at Fred’s Gazebo: Rhodyjane Meadows and Thistle Dew, Fred’s General Mercantile, 828-387-4838

29 Summer Concerts at Fred’s Gazebo: Strictly Clean and Decent, Fred’s General Mercantile, 828-387-4838

9 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: One Leg Up, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

29 App Summer: Rosen-Schaffel Competition, Broyhill Music Center, 828-262-4046

9 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

30 Live eTown Radio Show Taping, Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046

9 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

31-8/5 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: In the Heights, Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-8709 14

High Country Magazine

July 2018

4-5 Ashe County Studio Tour, Ashe County, 336-846-2787

10 Music in the Valle: The Sheets Family, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-963-9239

10-12 Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival, Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-898-5605

11 Todd Summer Music: Melissa Reaves, Cook Memorial Park, 828-263-6173

11 Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Horn in the West, 828-3554918

11 Blowing Rock Art in the Park, Park Ave., 828-295-7851

11-12 Riders in the Sky: America’s Favorite Cowboys, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061

16 Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, Park Ave., 828-298-7851

16 Avery County Farmers’ Market, Old Banner Elk Elementary School, www.averycountyfarmersmarket. net

16 Banner Elk Concerts in the Park: Clockworx, Tate-Evans Park, 828-898-8395

17 Music in the Valle: The Dashboard Hula Boys, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828963-9239

17-25 Ensemble Stage: Weekend Comedy, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844

18 Todd Summer Music: The Lucky Strikes, Cook Memorial Park, 828-263-6173

BEFORE July 2018

High Country Magazine

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mountain

echoes

Sugar Mountain Returns with Downhill Mountain Biking

B

bike community in the High Country ack in the ‘90s and 2000s and the maturation of the mountain’s Sugar Mountain Resort was infrastructure. famous in mountain biking It’s no secret around the southeast circles throughout the southeast. Its that Boone has great mountain biknotoriety came from having trails fit ing. While a lot of attention still goes to host two National Off Road Bike to the riding down in the Brevard Association national championships and Asheville area, Boone is catchand a collegiate national championing up. The newly built Rocky Knob ship. At that time, Sugar Mountain Mountain Bike Park is certainly a was the best of the best. big factor in that. It’s received attenBack in those years mountain tion from across the region as a great bikes were still a new thing. The trail system for intermediate and adbikes themselves were heavy and The Summit Express chairlift has been retrofitted to carry vanced riders and has helped foster a cumbersome, sometimes even danMountain Bikes. Sit back, enjoy the view, and get ready to shred. mountain biking culture in Watauga gerous, and the trails were rugged, county. backcountry affairs. Since then a lot The other key to Sugar Mounhas changed. Mountain bikes have tain’s resurgence is that their winterbecome lighter and more maneuvertime services have been built up and able, and the trails they shred have are working great. Kimberley Jochl become more finely tuned and flowy. explained that “during the mid 2000s These changes left the Sugar Mounthere was an ebb in mountain biktain trails in the dust, and for about ing.” Because of that, mountain bika decade few mountain bikers have ing took a back seat while the resort turned their wheels to ride up there. focused on developing the winter This summer the sleeping giant sports experience. With new local enis stirring again. On June 30, 2018 ergy and excellent winter sports ameSugar Mountain opened a new liftnities, Jochl says that “now’s the time served downhill mountain biking trail system. The new trails incorporate parts of the old trails and ski to get mountain biking back on track.”

In the baselodge of the mountain the Boone-based Magic Cyinfrastructure, rebuilt and retrofitted for the demands of today’s mountain biking. “We’ve taken the old mountain bike trail system cles will be opening a satellite shop to rent bikes and do minor and expanded and rebuilt it,” says director of marketing Kimberley repairs. They’ll be renting downhill and all mountain bikes from Jochl. “Trails are wider; expert terrain is better than ever; begin- Giant and Santa Cruz.

The Summit Express Chairlift operates from 11:00 to 7:00 on ner and intermediate line options offer choices from the summit to the base, and added features like rollers, pumps, and jumps are Fridays and 10:00 to 6:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost scattered about the park.” The six-person Summit Express chairlift, $15 for a one-time ride, $30 for a junior all-day ticket, and $40 originally designed for skiers, has been retrofitted to zip mountain for an adult all-day ticket (12 years and older).

For more information visit Sugar Mountain’s website: bikes from the bottom of the mountain to the top.

Sugar Mountain’s renewed enthusiasm about mountain biking www.skisugar.com/bikepark/ – Joe Wiswell comes with the momentum of two things: a growing mountain The old Sugar Mountain downhill trails have received big updates. Now with more pumps, berms, jumps, and great new beginner and intermediate trails.

16

High Country Magazine

July 2018

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mountain

echoes

Joan Sporn “Contemporary Impressionism” Show July 17-August 14 – Reception on July 28 Benefits Cancer Research “The High Country has lost a treasure – a wonderful person, as well as a successful artist.”

Forest and Field

Bouquet

H

Musicians

undreds are grieving the loss of beloved Linville Ridge artist Joan Sporn who died this year following an extended battle with cancer. Alta Vista Gallery in Valle Crucis represented Sporn for 21 years and is hosting her art show, “Contemporary Impressionism,” and the Sporn family is donating 10% of the pro18

High Country Magazine

July 2018

ceeds of her sales to cancer research.

Sporn’s show will feature 25 to 30 framed oil paintings and will hang from July 17 to August 14.

On July 28, the public is invited to attend the show’s opening reception. Drop in from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy the show and to mingle with others celebrating together how Sporn’s work mirrors her life.

“Sporn’s art always mirrored her life,” says gallery owner Maria SantomassoHyde. “Colorful. Energetic. Emotional.

Bold. Fun. That’s why she was the gallery’s best-selling artist for two decades.

Customers love her bright colors and heavy, bold brush strokes and paletteknife marks.

“Matisse said, ‘Creativity takes courage,’ and it definitely takes courage to paint in the bold way that Joan did, so I’ll add courage to the list of attributes. She also had courage in her battle with ovarian cancer, doing all she could to enjoy life.

She was always a positive person – before cancer and during it.

“Her personality was genuine and friendly, so she was loved by everyone who met her. She always asked how you were doing, and then she truly listened. And fun, she was so much fun! She laughed a lot, which made people feel happy around her. There’s a lot we can learn from how Joan lived.

“The gallery often gets e-mail notes from customers saying how much they liked Joan and how they enjoy the Sporn paintings they own. She is missed by so many. The High Country has lost a treasure – a wonderful person, as well as a successful artist.”

The Sporn show features oil paintings in a variety of sizes and subjects, including: rivers, mountains, trees, musicians, chefs, flower gardens.

Maria Hyde and Joan Sporn, at her Show in June of 2014 Sporn began making art as a child. As a young adult, she painted in the “Abstract Expressionist” style. In the 1990s, she studied weekly with the late Jim Crompton, whose Impressionist style influenced Sporn’s work a great deal.

“After many years of studying with Crompton, Joan’s very loose Impressionist style caused her to become Alta Vista Gallery’s best-seller,” says Hyde.

“When Jim Crompton died, Joan began taking as many classes as she could, with as many different teachers as she could find. She felt it was important to keep learning throughout life, to stretch yourself, to not get in a rut. For example, she was planning to do a workshop a few days before she died, and she was painting right up to the end.

“The current Sporn paintings shown at Alta Vista Gallery are Contemporary Impressionist style, because they push to the edge some things, like color choices. Joan always said that she liked her paintings to be ‘a bit abstract, but not so abstract that people don’t know what they’re looking at. Abstraction is about emotions, and I want viewers of my art to have a good journey that brings them joy.’

“Joan also often said, ‘My art is my therapy.’ But I say that her art is our therapy, for all of us who get to enjoy it.”

Alta Vista Gallery is located in a National Register historic farmhouse at 2839 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis – between Mast Farm Inn and Mast Store Annex.

For info, call 828/963-5247 or visit www.

AltaVistaGallery.com or on Facebook.

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July 2018

High Country Magazine

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DON

* E

Papa Joe’s Restaurant

*W

ELL,

ALMOST

Looking North from Papa Joe’s Restaurant

U.S. Highway 321 Project: Six Years Later

By Nathan Ham

T

December of 2011. he U.S. Highway 321 Project will South Carolina state line.

Contractor Taylor & Murphy was Ground clearing and blast preparacertainly be remembered as one of the most talked about, delayed and originally awarded the project contract in tions started relatively smoothly, despite fears from some residents of polarizing highway projects in what the blasting might do to the High Country. the area.

The project, entering its “A lot of people are sixth year, began construcafraid that it’s going to look tion in January of 2012 after like Caddyshack and just be environmental studies by the blown to bits, but that’s not North Carolina Department how this works. You will feel of Transportation was commore when a truck goes by pleted in December of 2007. your house than you will with The project was designed to the type of blasting that will widen Highway 321 into four be done,” said Jerry Higgins, lanes from Blackberry Road in NCDOT Division 11 Public Caldwell County to the Tanger Information Officer.

Outlet in Blowing Rock, thus After six years and almost 200,000 tons of gravel and After that, things started making the road a four-lane 175,000 tons of asphalt, the Highway 321 four-lane project opened all four lanes to traffic by the July 4 holiday. to go awry. highway from Boone to the 20

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July 2018

Blowing Rock’s

Hwy. 321 By-Pass

Foggy Rock Restaurant

A 1800 - Now Looking South from Papa Joe’s Restaurant The project got delayed almost from the get-go with winter weather delays and plan revisions, followed by financial struggles within Taylor & Murphy. Then in February, 2013, the NCDOT was forced to find a replacement contractor after the financial struggles for Taylor & Murphy were simply too much to overcome.

“The way it was described to me, the downturn of the economy has just taken its toll on the amount of work that they had going on,” said Doug Eller, the NCDOT Division 11 resident engineer.

Eller said that Taylor & Murphy had hoped to restructure and remain in control of the project, however the bonding company associated with the project, Travelers Insurance, took control of the project on Feb. 8 to eventually award the rest of the project to another contractor.

At the time, three other contractors had reached out about taking over the project.

“We’re being told that a more local contractor will take over this job,” Eller said. “It’s really up to the bonding company who they choose. Once the bonding company takes over they end up choosing who they want to finish the job because they are the ones that are exposed to all of the costs of the job now.”

That local contractor turned out to be Maymead, Inc., based in Mountain City, Tenn. Maymead was also one of the original contractors to bid on the project in 2011 and was being used as a subcontractor already by Taylor & Murphy.

Despite the contractor change, design changes and weather delays, the plan was still projected to be completed in October, 2015 according to the NCDOT. However, it did not take very long for that date to change. After the NCDOT and the town of Blowing Rock worked together to change the design pattern on 36 of the

40 retaining walls being built, the project completion date was pushed out to June 30, 2016 with the Blowing Rock portion of the project to be done by April of 2015.

After the first full year of construction, crews had already hauled nearly 76,000 cubic yards of granite offsite or to be used as fill later on. That equaled out to over 57,000 tons.

As the project continued, the cost of the project also continued to rise. The initial cost of $66.4 million did not include the amount of money that would be required to be paid out by the NCDOT for easements and right of ways.

Deniel Miles, the NCDOT Division 11 Right of Way Agent, estimated that it would take almost $26 million to purchase 173 parcels of land, bringing the total cost of the project to a little over $92 million.

She also said that this number did not include the property owners that were pushJuly 2018

High Country Magazine

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Norwood Circle

Looking West Toward Grandfather Mountain at Norwood Cir. Intersection

Canyons Restaurant (now Ridgeline)

22

High Country Magazine

July 2018

View From Ridgeline Restaurant Toward Green Park Inn

ing back against the NCDOT and filed claims to attempt to keep their land or receive a higher dollar amount.

Land acquisition began for this project in August of 2009 with some parcels still needing to be purchased even after construction had started.

What items are on the land also makes it tough to get a final dollar total for land acquisitions.

“It is tough to compare one parcel with another even if they are the same size. There may be different items on the parcels that affect the estimate, such as a house,” said Higgins.

From day one of construction, the Town of Blowing Rock has tried hard to do everything they can to keep businesses from feeling the brunt of roadwork, road closures and traffic headaches.

“Blowing Rock is open for business.

This project has been in the works for

South Main Street Intersection

Looking South From Tanger Outlet Spotlight to Main Street Intersection many years. Conversations between the Town of Blowing Rock, businesses and citizens of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Tourism Development and NCDOT have been ongoing,” said Tracy Brown, the Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development, in 2013. “Blowing Rock is a destination and as such, roadwork getting to us should not deter a visitor. We have worked to keep visitors informed of the current and upcoming construction through our website and social media outlets.”

Brown continued on, saying “we expect our visitors to be happy when they get here. They want to be here.

Our businesses will do what they’ve done for over 120 years and that is making sure that our visitors are treated well and have a good time while they’re here.”

Green Park Inn

July 2018

High Country Magazine

Hwy 321 in Front of Green Park Inn Looking Toward Town

23

2011

Photos by Lonnie Webster

Before and After

2018

The view coming into Blowing Rock past the Green Park Inn has certainly changed with the recent completion of the Highway 321 four-lane roadwork project.

The winding, curvy two-lane road that drivers grew accustomed to for so many years is now just a memory that will be forever kept in photographs.

As drivers head into Blowing Rock, the road is still as straight as it used to be, however the added lanes and the median certainly change the landscape.

The removal of the tall power lines and phone line and burying the cables underground, changed the skyline view along Highway 321.

The view near Canyon’s Restaurant just as you enter Blowing Rock is also a little bit different with cars entering and leaving the High Country.

Lonnie Webster PHOTOGRAPHY

L

onnie Webster’s idea of photographically documenting the transformation of Highway 321 started out in 2011 just as surveying on the road was beginning. Webster got the idea after he had already taken over a project photographing Main Street in Blowing Rock, a project started by the late Jerry Burns.

“I knew it would take a long time but I think it looks good.

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July 2018

It has been painful for a lot of folks. All they need now is the signage so people don’t miss Blowing Rock when they come through,” Webster said.

Webster said he did not have a set schedule as to when he would take photos to document the roadwork, but that he would usually take photos each fall every two years.

See Lonnie Webster’s work at www.lonniewebster.com.

As with any large-scale project such as this one, there will always be some business owners worried about its impact.

“There are some businesses on the by-pass that have voiced concern, especially about the median and fewer places to turn into a business,” Brown said. “NCDOT is continuing to work hard and make as little negative impact as possible. It’s hard to say what the overall impact will be during construction, but at the end of the project, I think we’ll have a better stretch of highway that will better serve our locals and visitors.”

With construction creeping along and the realization that the project was not going to be done during the spring of 2015, Maymead Inc. filed for an extension and was ultimately granted approval, moving the completion date of the Blowing Rock portion of the project to July, 2015.

However, that date once again came and went without the project being finished. The NCDOT now put a timeline of summer of 2016 for the Blowing Rock portion of the project and summer of 2017 for the entire completion.

Approximately 40 rock walls were constructed alongside Highway 321 as part of the road improvement projects.

What is the hold up?

Residents, business owners and elected officials were becoming increasingly frustrated about the project and wanted their voices to be heard.

“Further delay of this project can be a financial knockout punch to a number of our fine folks who are struggling to make a living from local businesses that are hard hit by this manmade disaster,” said Bob Burroughs, a former North Carolina Superior Court Judge and Blowing Rock Civic Association (BRCA) Vice President.

Burroughs went a step further, reaching out to then North Carolina Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Tata, to have the proj-

Two new stoplights were added along Highway 321, including this one at the intersection of Sunset Drive that was first activated on June 25.

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July 2018

High Country Magazine

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Newly-built sidewalks add a nice look alongside the highway and allow for much safer foot traffic along the road. ect expedited. Tata sent NCDOT Chief Engineer Mike Holder to take a look at the project.

Town councilman Dan Phillips was an opponent of the project and noted that at the time, it had been over 40 months since the project bid was awarded to Taylor & Murphy.

“The general feeling by citizens is ‘I don’t care what the excuses are,” Phillips said. “The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was built in 42 months.”

Phillips added, “We need to remove any and all obstacles that the DOT are claiming that are in their way to free them up to get the job done. If that means nights and weekends then so be it. If anyone is happy with the performance so far on this job I look forward to their explanations to the public.”

Engineering technician Caprice Cheek pointed out that delays on road projects of this size are not unusual.

“It’s understandable that folks are curious about the project, but there’s absolutely nothing going on out there that is unheard or unfamiliar on other roadway projects. Every roadway project has their own challenges and delays,” Cheek said.

She also added that not all of the delays are from the construction end of things.

Cheek said that there were design modifications requested by the town that included underground utilities. During excavation, crews had no ability to know beforehand what problems they might encounter underground, even with information from geological studies that had been conducted previously. Unpredictable weather played a factor in delays, as it does with most road projects.

Project managers, NCDOT officials, 26

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July 2018

New street lamps are being put up along the highway from Tanger Outlets up to the Green Park Inn. concerned citizens and business owners all had a chance to sit down and share their concerns at a meeting in June of 2015.

Ironically, one of the lasting comments from that meeting came from Holder, the NCDOT Chief Engineer who spoke at the meeting hoping to ease concerns of the citizens.

“There have been rumors and other things about 2018, but I can assure you folks that 2018 is not part of the conversation,” Holder said then.

NCDOT Board Member Jim Palermo was in attendance at this meeting and reminded the citizens eager for good news

that the “Memorandum of Understanding” signed in 2004 concerning this project dictated working times and days. Palermo cited the tourism-based economy, Appalachian State University football and leaf season as times when visitors were not to be inconvenienced with road construction.

“How can you fast track this project?”

Palermo asked. “I had this conversation yesterday. It isn’t up to you or us. It’s up to the elected body who originally said do this within provisions of when you can and can’t work.”

NCDOT officials said from almost day one that this project is sequential, meaning that one thing has to be finished before another portion of the project continues.

According to the contract, if the entire project was not completed by Oct. 1, 2015, then daily fines of $4,000 begin to accumulate. However, with the extensions that were granted, those fines never started occurring. All of the problems that caused the delays were deemed to be beyond Maymead’s control, according to NCDOT officials at this meeting.

The BRCA gathered together again for another meeting, this one on July 20, 2016. Palermo and NCDOT High Country Division Engineer Mike Pettyjohn were in attendance and proclaimed that the four-lane project in Blowing Rock would be completed by the fall of 2017.

According to Pettyjohn, the previous meeting in 2015 helped step up the pace of the project substantially. Extra crews were brought in and were working six days a week, 10 hours a day.

Fast forward to June of 2017, two years after the initial BRCA meeting that saw of-

ficials and local citizens clash over the finishing date of this project. The goal was to have the project completed before winter of 2017, that from a statement by Eller, who is now the NCDOT District 11 Supervisor.

“We’re making really good progress right now and getting a lot done. We are still targeting the end of 2017. Our goal is to try to hit completion before winter,” he said.

2017 has come and gone, and the project was not finished.

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The finish line

As the summer of 2018 arrived, so to did good news about this project.

According to Maymead Project Engineer, Kipp Turner, Highway 321 through Blowing Rock will be open for all four lanes of traffic by the July 4 holiday.

“It’s just a matter of some touch-up things and pavement markings. We are trying to get pavement markings down. We have temporary striping down, but we need to get the long-life markers down. Those things will help with the fog, snow and overall visibility issues we encounter here in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Turner said.

One of the final hurdles was the new traffic signal at the intersection of South Main Street and Highway 321. It was turned on and activated on Monday, June 25.

“That was an additional traffic signal that was not in the original plans. The NCDOT asked for it after recognizing a need for it. I think it has turned out nice,” Turner added. “It has been a tough project to get that signal in there. I was glad to see that get turned on and I think that will work well for that end of the town.”

Turner says that while the lanes will be open, there will still be some work projects and revisions that the NCDOT recognized needed to be done before the project was officially completed and all of the equipment leaves town.

“We are still doing some additional drainage and side street work that will not affect getting the four-lane pattern striped and open. There is still going to be a presence over the next month or so as we try to wrap up loose ends where we might have to do a short-term lane closure,” Turner said.

“The end is in sight and we are excited to finally get to this point of getting the road open to the public.”

According to Turner, approximately 40 retaining walls were built during the completion of this project, between 150,000 and 200,000 tons of gravel was used and 175,000 tons of asphalt was put down for the driving surface.

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July 2018

High Country Magazine

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Businesses Struggle Through Years of Roadwork and Headaches A conversation with businesses along the roadway

By Nathan Ham

T

here is light at the end of the tunnel for the completion of the four-lane project of Highway 321 in Blowing Rock.

For several business owners in the area, that light has felt like a train at times.

“I about went broke. People couldn’t get in here for two years,” says Keith McDonald, owner of the Blowing Rock Citgo.

That was the feeling talking to numerous businesses up and down Highway 321, better known as Valley Boulevard through Blowing Rock.

“It was extremely painful, I think for all of us. I also think we lost a whole lot of our tourist base. Who wants to come spend vacation up here and sit out in traffic all day long,” said Cyndi King at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant. “In the last six years I’d say we’ve lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’d say everybody has along the street. Half the time you couldn’t even get in our parking lot.”

Joe Papa, the owner of Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, has been in business for 36 years and still has plenty of reservations about the road even as it is nearing completion.

“They (NCDOT) dropped us down four feet, we had no idea that was happening. I talked to people on the town council when this started and they had no idea that the road was going to be elevated. No one knew it was going to happen, they just threw it on us,” said Papa. “This has been going on since the end of 2011 and the road still isn’t finished. Here we are, six or seven years later, and we still have lanes closed.”

For Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub and Sunny Rock Eggs and Things owner Burt 28

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July 2018

Myers, all his businesses have ever known has been what life is like with roadwork going on. Myers said Foggy Rock opened at the exact same time as blasting started on the new road.

“We really don’t know what it’s like without construction going on and everything happening here, it’s just been constant,” Myers said.

Part of the real hassle for restaurant owners along the road has been the inability of food and beverage trucks to get in and out of their parking lots without getting stuck.

“Trucks still can’t pull down and un-

load, they get stuck. We have to call tow trucks all the time for big trucks that can’t get out,” said Myers. “Trucks park in the road and have to wheel the stuff down to the restaurants.”

Myers said he has even had to relocate his recycling dumpster because the trash pickup truck could not get down into the parking lot where it used to be.

The struggles have been about the same at Papa Joe’s.

“One of the biggest problems we have is when you have a large delivery truck that gets stuck in the driveway. They bottom out and can’t get over. I will say probably six times in the last nine months trucks have bottomed out and have had to call a wrecker to get them out,” King said.

It’s not just restaurant owners that have felt the brunt of the roadwork either.

Lorry Mulhern, the general manager of the Green Park Inn, has been vocal about this road project almost since day one, especially about the design of the road and the speed of drivers on the road.

“It’s a disaster. An absolute disaster. It’s completely disingenuous to pretend that this road is designed for 35 miles-per-hour,” she said. “If they (NCDOT) wanted to say we should raise the speed limit to 45 or 50, then they should have made that argument, they shouldn’t have just pretended.”

The increase in traffic lights in Blowing Rock from two to four on the new road has also drawn criticism from several business owners and residents in the town, including Mulhern.

“The more traffic lights we add to try

Road construction pictures taken in September of 2014.

First picture is at Norwood Circle intersection and second picture is in front of Woodlands Restaurant. to compensate for a road that was just poorly designed, what does that do to the charm factor of the town? Putting the traffic light at the Skyline Drive curve, I see a fatal accident within three months,” Mulhern said. “Drivers are coming around that corner at 50, 60 miles-per-hour. I would say the average speed along through here is 50 in a 35 mile-per-hour zone.”

As for the Green Park Inn, they have experienced a downturn in business much like the restaurant owners.

“Business was hurt through the construction, it’s still hurt now. People that check in on the front side of the building, when trucks come blowing through, they

come down to the front desk wanting to move rooms,” says Mulhern.

Mulhern estimates that she has also lost about 10 to 12 parking spaces due to the road project.

Homeowner Lauren Brown used to live alongside Valley Boulevard, but the roadwork became too much for her to continue stay in that location.

“The construction noise, the speeding, it drove us to move away. There’s been a huge difference in the way people drive,” Brown said. “We love Blowing Rock, but we moved away from here.”

Brown says that speeding trucks have been a major headache for residents and

visitors in the town, thanks to the new road.

“Trucks don’t pay attention to the speed. I would call the trucking companies because they were going 55 miles-perhour, I would tell them that their drivers are going too fast,” said Brown.

Another homeowner, Mel McCarthy, has been frustrated with the increased amount of noise along the roadway.

“We don’t like the noise, but there’s not much we can do about that,” he said.

McCarthy said he has spent $50 of his own money to buy a sign to put in his yard along Sunset Drive that asks people to slow down.

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High Country Magazine

29

“It’s a beautiful highway, but the problem is that it’s a racetrack,” McCarthy said. “The four lane was necessary because of the traffic, we just wish it wasn’t as noisy.”

Looking ahead to the future now that the project is complete, there were some echoes of optimism from business owners and town officials.

“I’m looking forward to it being better. I’m not worried about what happened six years ago,” McDonald said.

Myers says that he’s taking a wait-and-see approach as the landscaping is completed and remaining work is completed to bring down utility poles.

Power and phone lines were buried underground as part of the project.

“The sidewalks are a nice addition. I see a lot of people jogging and walking from the hotels. I think it will be really nice when it’s all done,” Myers added.

Bob Burroughs and the Blowing Rock Civic Association, a group of over 300 concerned citizens and business owners that helped speed up the process of completing this road project, are happy to know that the project is ever so close to being finished.

“Everybody is glad it’s finally going to be done, it’s just been a long, hard slog to get it done,” said Burroughs. “It took the DOT longer to complete this project than it took for the United States to enter World War II and win it.”

Burroughs added that he felt like, at the end of the day, this completed road will help people get to the High Country.

Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, who was elected after the project had already started and operates the Blowing Rock attraction, understands the frustration of business owners.

“I know a lot of business owners, including us at the Blowing Rock, have suffered because people have decided to take other routes to get here. Even though we can’t recoup lost revenue, I think we’re going to see a greater traffic flow now that it’s done,” Sellers said. “Unfortunately progress is progress and we’re going to have it, but ultimately in the long haul, it’s going to be a good thing for the community.”

While the roadwork may be over, there will still be some landscaping and odds and ends to tie up that residents and travelers will notice for the next few months.

“The landscaping is going to be done by the DOT, they’re going to start on that in October because that seems to be the prime time for planting,” said Sellers. “The Town of Blowing Rock will eventually take over the responsibility of the medians and the town has already taken over the responsibility of mowing near the sidewalks.”

With the many issues that went on with this entire project, from start to finish, it’s easy to forget that when it came right down to it, the town as a whole had just as much interest in this project as residents and business owners along Highway 321.

“Blowing Rock had very little say so over Valley Boulevard because it is a state road, but I think Blow30

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July 2018

Papa Joe’s Restaurant “They (NCDOT) dropped us down four feet, we had no idea what was happening.”

Foggy Rock Restaurant “Trucks still can’t pull down and unload, they get stuck.

We have to call tow trucks all the time.”

Green Park Inn “Drivers are coming around that corner at 50, 60 MPH. I would say the average speed through here is 50 in a 35.”

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ing Rock’s government and citizens had a fair amount of input, scape plan that goes all the way from Tanger to Green Park Inn,” which was important,” Sellers said. “From what I understand, the said Evans.

Evans added that the NCDOT will keep up the maintenance of town council, the mayor at the time (J.B. Lawrence), and citizens worked closely with the DOT for medians, turnouts, traffic lights the new landscape for two years and then turn it over to the town.

For some people, the project just hasn’t been worth it, even and so on. Of course the DOT has their own specifications they have to go with and I think they did vary some. I feel like we’re with the finished product open with all four lanes.

“As pretty as people think it is, it’s just not what it used to be. probably blessed with what we got.”

Mayor Sellers addressed the issue with speeding through town It was pretty. Now it’s blacktop and concrete. How can that be as pretty as what we used to have,” asked Joe Papa. and acknowledged there had been some complaints.

“This was a very poorly designed road and it’s not going to get “Speeding has been an issue. For almost nine years, we had construction going on, people couldn’t speed, and back before then better. I sit here and watch people make U-turns right over the mewhen it was two lanes, the road was curvy, but we had speeders dian and I don’t blame them. I just kind of chuckle and know that’s how it’s going to be,” then. Now that we “We love Blowing Rock, but we “Drivers are coming around that corner said Cyndi King. have four lanes, it just moved away from here.” at 50, 60 miles-per-hour.”

“You’ll have people tends to make it more that will say it’s not desirable for increased “I about went broke.” “I’m looking forward to it being better.” ruined, but it is. They speeds,” he said. don’t work out here The mayor added “It’s a beautiful highway, “In the last six years I’d “It was extremely all day long, every that some people have but the problem is that it’s say we’ve lost hundreds painful, I think for day, to see this.” complained about the a racetrack.” of thousands of dollars.”. all of us.”

Maymead Project speed limit being too Engineer Kipp Turner low. hopes that now that “My thought on “Trucks park in the road “Speeding has “As with any project, people the bulk of the work that is, we’ve got a and have to wheel the stuff are adverse to change.” been an issue.” is done, life can return pretty town, it gives down to the restaurants.” to some sort of norpeople time to slow “This was a very poorly designed road “As pretty as people think it is, it’s malcy for residents in down and take a and it’s not going to get better.” just not what it used to be.”

Blowing Rock. look at the flowers in “Anytime you Blowing Rock,” Sellhave a project like ers said.

“When you’ve been out here for four or five years, you realize how much this, there are inconBlowing Rock work has really went into it.” veniences for homTown Manager Ed Evans, who took the position in January of 2017, says that the eowners and business owners. We did a lot of the work on those road from the Tanger Outlets to Holiday Inn was basically com- driveways that were not in the DOT plans. We have to leave this pleted so he hasn’t seen nearly as many complaints as the previous looking good for the businesses, they’re going through enough difficulty with us out there disrupting things,” Turner said. “We had to staff had heard.

“As with any project, people are adverse to change. This was do extra work with those driveways to leave them with a good road change that was not welcomed because they felt like the four-lane and it looking good in front of their businesses. Hopefully they are changed what the people perceived to be as the village atmosphere,” satisfied with the end product.”

Turner added that he felt like everyone worked together to Evans said. “That was very important to people. There are still a lot of people that think having the four-lane road out there is diverting make this project work out as best as possible.

“When you’ve been out here for four or five years, you realize all of the traffic that comes to Blowing Rock, and it’s not. It might be diverting some, but Blocking Rock is still a destination people how much work has really went into it. It really has been a good teamwork approach with the subcontractors, the town of Blowing want to come to.”

Evans also took some time to address the speeding concerns Rock, town council and the town manager’s office. We had a good relationship with them all and we feel really good with the relationthat some citizens have expressed.

“There are a lot of people that complained that the road has ship we’re leaving here with,” said Turner.

Despite numerous efforts to contact NCDOT personnel and increased speeds. I don’t agree with that, I think you will have lawbreakers everywhere, I don’t think it’s as excessive as everyone get an explanation as to why the road was elevated so much, no calls or emails were ever returned. thinks it is,” he said.

Turner says that as a contractor, all they can do is construct the Evans added that the landscaping that is yet to be done will road project based off of the plans they are given. make a difference with the looks.

“We generally follow the plans out here. There were some “Aesthetically, the road is an improved appearance and I think when they get done with landscaping, it will be a major improve- things that had to be changed. With the road elevation, those things are pretty much set by the DOT and we recognized that,” he said. ment,” he said.

According to his estimates, Evans says that between $400,000 “I knew it was tough on those businesses and we knew we were and $450,000 of landscape work on the medians and on the shoul- in their way and blocking their driveway. I tried to be sensitive to that and we tried to work schedules as best we could to avoid peak ders of the road is still remaining to be done.

“This is a Landmark Landscape design from the North Carolina hours and not block their driveways. There were a lot of growing Department of Transportation and we are expecting to hear from pains to get through that, I just hope in the end we have given them them in early fall on when they will start. It is an extensive land- something nice.” t 32

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Avery County’s

Williams YMCA

A Sports Fitness, Physical Rehabilitation & Community Outreach Crown Jewel

By TIM GARDNER

W

hat originally began as a simple plan to construct a swimming pool at Crossnore School, Inc. morphed into creation of the Williams YMCA of Avery County, which has become one of the High Country’s all-time greatest treasures and resources.

The Williams YMCA is a vision that came to life for John Blackburn (Linville), Tom Cousins (Atlanta, GA) and the late Dr. Phyllis Crain (Crossnore). The idea for a YMCA in Avery originated when Cousins, a longtime supporter of Crossnore School, Incorporated, wanted to donate money for a school project.

He asked its director, Dr. Crain, what was a most immediate need at the school.

She replied a swimming pool as the county did not The Williams of Avery County YMCA namesakes, Leonard and even have a YMCA where Marjorie Williams, are shown in a its school students could painting that hangs in the Y’s lobby. go to swim as all YMCA’s

The 2016 groundbreaking for the John Blackburn Athletic Facility featured Blackburn on the far right with various Williams YMCA youth participants.

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July 2018

have pools. Cousins immediately had a new and bigger idea. He asked Dr. Crain about helping him obtain a YMCA for Avery County where students and others could not only go to swim, but could use many other fitness, sports and recreational facilities and participate in various physical wellness programs.

Cousins and Dr. Crain then asked Blackburn, the Linville Resorts President and General Manager, to join them to aggressively pursue the creation of a YMCA in this small mountain Photos by Ken Ketchie community. The three proved to be an unstoppable force, and in 2007, Avery County opened a YMCA. Many do not realize what a monumental task it was for Avery County to be awarded a YMCA and have such an asset at its disposal. YMCA of the USA does not approve for independent YMCA’s to be built in communities with a population less than 35,000. But thanks to Cousins, Dr. Crain and Blackburn and major financial donors like Wayne Huizenga, Jr., Stuart Dickson and Leonard and Marjorie Williams, the necessary funds were raised to help Avery become an exception. The Williams Family gave a lead gift of $1,500,000.00 to earn the right to be the namesake of the YMCA. Those who use the Williams YMCA of Avery County reap the rewards of the efforts of the aforelisted benefactors and all others instrumental in making its existence materialize.

Providing a powerful regional impact and various health benefits

Blackburn also served on the Charles A Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and helped obtain already available

Above - The Williams YMCA of Avery County has an abundance of modern and sophisticated sports fitness equipment, some of which is shown in its spacious workout center. Middle - Sloop Medical Office Plaza, adjacent to Cannon Memorial Hospital houses the Williams YMCA Headquarters. Bottom Right - The entrance to the YMCA offices. space in the hospital to house the YMCA headquarters, with a commitment to immediately construct an adjacent facility to house its physical fitness center. The YMCA has added additional facilities, which are all located on the hospital grounds at 436 Hospital Drive in Linville.

Indeed, the Williams YMCA has become a pillar in the Avery County community during the past 11 years. From an economic development standpoint, its colossal benefit to Avery County cannot be overstated. It pours close to $1,000,000.00 in salaries back into the community, employs close to 100 local people and its operation does not cost the tax base. Besides Avery County residents, the Williams YMCA also serves people from surrounding areas and regions across North Carolina, East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. “The most attractive feature of any, and of course, our Williams YMCA, is that it positively affects those from any social or economical July 2018

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Williams YMCA of Avery County Chief Executive Officer Trey Oakley

Membership Associate Jayden Johnson

Athletics Director James Pendley and professional or personal level who use it,” Blackburn shared. “The Y’s diversity is what makes it so important to helping better so many lives. It’s as valuable as any organization you’ll find.”

Trey Oakley, who became the Williams YMCA’s Chief Executive Officer in 2013 after serving in the capacity for several months on an interim basis and was initially employed there in 2010 through a partnership with Avery County Schools as an Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Specialist, shared the YMCA’s operational objectives in the following comments: “The Y operates within three focus areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We also work within the parameters of five core values: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring and Faith.

Through our programs, we hope to instill these values into our participants.”

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July 2018

Development Director Michelle Scott

Oakley, who has a varied professional athletics background that also includes having coached football and track coach on the high school and middle school levels in his native South Carolina and baseball at Avery High, possesses a deep passion for the YMCA. And that is evident to those who know him best and others with whom he comes in contact. He elaborated about his near-lifelong association with it. “The YMCA has been a most welcomed part of my life,” he said. “It truly has made my life better, first as a participant as a child and then as a teenager and young adult in South Carolina. And that has gone full-cycle while I have worked in various capacities for the Y, including leading the Williams YMCA. In essence, my heart lies with the YMCA. Like so many, it’s a most important fiber in my existence. The Y has been so beneficial to me and millions of others who used it

across America and I urge everyone who can to become active in the YMCA.” Numerous programs are offered at the Williams YMCA of Avery County for people of all ages. They include: aquatics; over-all physical wellness; various youth activities and summer camps; martial arts; Early Childhood Development, youth and adult athletics; Special Olympics; providing care for Avery County Schools and Crossnore Academy students after school, on school snow days and holidays and in the summer; and a Community Outreach program through which meals are delivered to those in need.

The YMCA continues to change lives daily and it has expanded its programs, including those tailored toward chronic disease prevention and management such as: Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring; Cancer Survivorship; Parkinson’s Management; Arthritis

PICTURES FROM THURSDAY EVENT The Williams of YMCA of Avery County Staff includes: (Left-to-Right)- Bonnie Clark, Dennis Betz, Trey Oakley, Michelle Scott, Holly Magid, Traci Ellis, Jenn Roark, Edie Young, Karen Fugate, Sheila Bauer, and James Penley Management; and Diabetes Prevention.

One of the Y’s most popular programs is Enhance Fitness, geared toward older adults. Participants in the program with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, never have to do any activities that cause them pain. They also can use chairs for support, if necessary, and increase the weight they use for strength training at their own pace.

Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between those using the program. Besides its physical benefits, re-

search has shown that, among participants in Enhance Fitness, their personal health costs were lowered each year by close to $1,000.00.

Carmen Lacey, Chairperson of the Williams YMCA of Avery County and President of Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital, proudly declared: “The Y is the single best thing that we have done for the health of those in our community and all who use it.”

The Williams YMCA is known for having a general staff consisting of the ultimate professionals who are highly-trained

in their respective crafts and always eager to assist all using the Y’s facilities and participating in its programs. The Y also has a Board of Directors that includes sixteen goodwill ambassadors who work tirelessly on its behalf. And like every YMCA across the nation, the Williams Y also relies on other volunteers besides its Board of Directors to help out at events and serve on committees.

“We have a staff that is one of the best within the Y movement, wonderful volunteers plus an incredibly dedicated and diverse Board of Directors,” declared Oak-

Left: Longtime Benefactor John Blackburn was paid special tribute during the Williams YMCA of Avery County’s Annual Celebration June 28 held in the facility named for him. Right: Williams YMCA Chief Executive Officer Trey Oakley (standing) address the large contingent of its Capital Donors and members seated at the Annual Celebration highlighting the past year.

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The Williams YMCA has every physical fitness and medical rehabilitation machine available featuring top-of-the-line cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, stretching areas and an indoor track.

A knowledgeable staff of certified professionals and trainers on hand to help members reach their fitness goals. ley. “Without these individuals and their hearts for this community, there would be no Williams YMCA. When we talk about program growth or organizational growth as a whole, it’s a direct correlation to the quality of people who work for the Y.”

Superior facilities make Williams YMCA a marvel

The Williams of Avery County YMCA has an impressive array of facilities with various fitness machines, weights and oth-

er sports and recreational equipment that rivals that of any YMCA in America.

“I’ll put our facilities and programs up against every YMCA,” proclaimed Oakley.

“Our staff is incredibly proud of our stateof-the-art equipment, incredible group exercise programs, aquatic complex with an awesome swimming pool and other athletics facilities. Of course, all our facilities are handicapped accessible. And we have sports, fitness, rehabilitation and community outreach programs for every conceiv-

able purpose.

“But I’m most proud of our atmosphere.

We set high standards for ourselves. I want our visitors to leave and tell their friends and family how well they were treated, how clean our facilities are, and all of the opportunities and help with which they were provided.”

The first stage of the Williams YMCA opened in 2007. It then was primarily a fitness center, with a few program offerings in group exercise and child watch. The facility

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July 2018

The heated and near-Olympic size swimming pool in the Wayne Densch Indoor Aquatic Center at the Williams YMCA gives the community a great way to have fun and exercise at any age or experience level.

A variety of programs such as swimming lessons, water fitness classes and pool parties are offered. quickly expanded to include a wide variety of fitness equipment and wellness features, which includes an Exercise and Dance Studio, Indoor Spin-Cycle Center and Arcade Interactive Fitness Zone for ages 6 and up.

Additionally, it includes spacious locker rooms, showers and lounge areas. As an annex to the hospital, the Y also has provided space in its wellness center for both physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation. In fact, Cannon’s physicians prescribe patients to use the YMCA’s workout and rehabilitation equipment and programs.

While its members were enjoying using

2007-2017 how to swim. The program was changed in 2017 to include Kindergarten and Second Grade students.

Additionally, the Martha Guy Child Development Center—named for the longtime Avery County Bank President and Williams YMCA benefactor and Board of Directors member—was created and is housed near the Y’s offices. The Child Development Center offers children of its members for six weeks to six years of age circle time, creative play, art activities and social interactions free of charge. And during each child’s stay in the Child Develop-

the wide variety of fitness equipment and the indoor track, the Williams Y was constructing the Wayne Densch Indoor Aquatic Center, named for the long-time supporter of the YMCA’s throughout the country and Anheusher-Bush beer executive. For the first time, Avery County children had a safe and supervised place to swim any time of the year. The addition of the aquatic center also made possible the SPLASH Program-a data driven and privately funded program through a partnership with Avery County Schools that taught every Pre-Kindergarten and Second Grade student in its system from

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The John Blackburn Athletic Facility (above) is another focal point of the Williams YMCA. Its features include two full-size gymnasiums (both shown below) that have composite vinyl flooring for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and perhaps the nation’s fastest growing sport, pickleball.

ment Center, the YMCA staff provides nurturing care in a safe and fun environment.

“I’m incredibly happy to have the child care facility named for me and I’ve strived to help out the Williams YMCA whenever I can because it’s so beneficial for the community and all who use it,” stated Guy, who will turn 96 years young on August 20 and may be the oldest person in the nation serving on a governing Board of any kind.

In 2012, the Williams YMCA opened another building, located less than a tenth of a mile from its headquarters. Named the Hugh Chapman Center for Families in honor of the Linville Resorts member and philanthropist, it initially was used for children’s programs. This facility will be remodeled in the fall of 2018 to become the YMCA’s new Teen Center. It will provide a safe place out of school for teenagers to gather, as well as serve as a venue for Youth and Government, Model United Nations (Model UN) and the Young Leaders Club. The center will include food and drink options, ping pong tables, air hockey tables, foosball, shuffleboard, and of course, the ever-popular video games.

In 2015 as the YMCA continued to grow and serve its community, a fundraising campaign began to construct the John M. Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility and the Paul and Susie O’Connell Fieldhouse (named for the Beech Mountain residents and Thoresen Foundation executives) , which opened in December 2017.

The $2,000,000.00 project includes two full-size gymnasiums with composite vinyl flooring for basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and pickleball as well as four batting cages, three golf simulators, indoor turf and a functional fitness option in the 6,000 square-foot, adjacent O’Connell Fieldhouse (Center), which features Astroturf, rubber and concrete floor surfaces.

The Blackburn Athletic Facility is ideal for use during times of inclement weather, which for the High Country is several months out of each year.

Michelle Scott, Development Director for the Williams YMCA of Avery County elaborated about its services. “When it comes to health and physical fitness facilities, equipment and health programs, if you need it, we’ve got it,” she said. “And we are most eager to share our Y with all who are interested in participating in our services.”

Healthy Living Program Director Bonnie Clark added that “more than one hundred people use our Williams of Avery County YMCA daily and many thousands every year.”

Long-range goals and operational and membership details

Truly, the Williams of Avery YMCA has achieved astounding success in various ways as Oakley is quick to point out. “I’m

Four batting cages, three golf simulators and a functional fitness option area are located in the Paul and Susie O’Connell Field House, adjacent to the Blackburn Athletic Facility.

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The Williams YMCA of Avery County operates on a $1,800,000.00 budget of which over $350,000.00 must be raised by the way of its Annual Campaign to balance the budget. The Y relies on membership dues, program fees and private and foundation contributions to exist. most proud of what our Y has achieved in growing number of participants, added facilities and expansion of programs we offer,” he stated. “Each has surpassed my wildest dreams. It has been a wild and fruitful ride... that’s for sure. We are always more ways to benefit those who use our services.

And you can never have too many ways to help others—particularly when it comes to physical fitness, medical rehabilitation and programs designed especially for the youth and senior citizens.”

Oakley told about “pet projects” on his drawing board that he wants to see through to fruition.

“The foremost objective is for our Y to be financially sustainable,” he said. “The addition of the Blackburn Athletic Facility and O’Connell Fieldhouse put us on the right track. In addition to those upgrades and remodeling the Hugh Chapman Center into a teen center, the Y will be adding recreational field space and developing a donated 2,500 square- foot office space into a Youth Development Center. There’s also the possibility of football programs, camps and facilities being added. My hope is that within the next ten years we also will witness the prevalence of chronic diseases and childhood obesity drastically decrease in our area and see the health and the happiness and vibrancy of our community increase. I think our Y will continue playing a prominent role in that decrease and increase. ” The Williams YMCA of Avery County operates on a $1,800,000.00 budget of which over $350,000.00 must be raised by the way of its Annual Campaign to balance the budget. The Y relies on membership dues, program fees and private and foundation contributions to exist. The Y does not receive any state or county funding.

Oakley revealed specifics about the Williams YMCA’s fundraising. “The majority of our fundraising is done face to face with individuals, in foundational giving or through

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High Country Magazine

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The YMCA’s Martha Guy Child Development Center gives nurturing care in a safe and fun environment.

The YMCA’s mirrored and spacious group exercise and dance studio is located next to the Aquatic Center.

The YMCA’s Spin Room also features the most modern equipment for those who use them daily and in special classes.

golf tournaments we sponsor. Our donors and members are what keep our organization going and our community partners are who allow us to reach outside of the walls of the Y. None of what we do could be done without an enormous amount of help from others, which to me is the ultimate example of a community.

“And for the past few years we’ve been fortunate to grow our relationship with Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland and its North Carolina Mountains Invitational. The Y has been the recipient of more than $40,000.00 from that tournament, which has allowed us to provide scholarships to Avery County residents. For the past two years, these funds have allowed the Y to provide its ‘LiveStrong’ at the Y Cancer Survivorship program for free, which is data driven and held in YMCA’s nationally that serves those who are currently battling cancer or who have won the fight against the horrid disease.

“The past two years the Y has also held a Charitable Golf Tournament with Grandfather Golf and Country Club to benefit its Scholarship Campaign, which also has raised more than $40,000.00.

This year’s tournament was held in May at Linville Golf Club.

These fundraisers have provided tremendous help to the Y and our staff looks forward to those we’ll hold in the future.”

During the Williams YMCA’s Annual Celebration honoring its donors on June 28, Oakley paid special tribute to Blackburn for his efforts on its behalf. “John Blackburn is a pillar of our community and has done countless good deeds for it for many years through various ways,” Oakley commented. “If there’s a need, John is eager to help and he does so while deflecting the spotlight from himself. He has been crucial to the YMCA’s founding and operation.”

Ray Edwards, owner of A Cleaner World Restoration Dry Cleaning Company in High Point, NC and a Williams YMCA Capital Donor, echoed Oakley’s remarks about Blackburn. “I’m elated to be involved with the Williams YMCA and a lot of that pride is having the opportunity to help an endeavor that John is involved in. The YMCA is helpful for so many, especially those less fortunate in whatever ways. And John has been a vital cog in providing that help.”

Y Member J.D. Hughes, who also attended the Annual Celebration added: “The Williams YMCA has got so many good things happening and a key reason why is because of John Blackburn. You know when John works with something, it will be done right.”

The Williams YMCA offers memberships that provide access to certain facilities, such as fitness centers and a swimming pool, and allows for enrollment in other YMCA programs at no additional cost, or both. . Some YMCA organizations also offer membership or program pricing on a sliding scale for low-income individuals and families.

There is a general $25.00 joining fee to the Williams YMCA of Avery County. But cost should never prevent anyone from being involved with the Y. In 2017, it provided upward of $370,000.00 in scholarships and subsidies with 20 to 100 percent discounts to Avery County residents who needed assistance with membership or programming fees.

Summation

Cannon Memorial Hospital and the Avery County Rotary Club donated land and equipment for the YMCA’s massive playground.

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The YMCA is a national organization that serves all, identifies and meets community needs, and is a place where everyone is a family regardless of your personal background and where you’re from. And the Williams YMCA of Avery County personifies each to the fullest extent and even beyond.

The Hugh Chapman Center for Families will be remodeled in the fall of in 2018 to become the YMCA’s new Teen Center to provide a hub for teenagers to gather and participate in numerous sports, recreational and social activities.

Athletics Director James Penley aptly summed it up: “The Williams YMCA is a life-changing place for so many. I think any of members, other participants or anyone else who is familiar with it would agree. And what our Y offers has just kept getting better.”

Charles Baker, a Family Practice and Pediatrics Doctor in Avery County since 1979—first at Sloop Memorial Hospital (originally named Garrett Memorial) in Crossnore and then at Cannon Memorial in Linville—and a long-time member of the Williams YMCA’s Board of Directors, put it even more succinctly with this story’s concluding quote: “In my 39 years living and working in Avery County, there’s absolutely been no greater happening for the county and region than the Williams YMCA.” Further information about the Williams YMCA can be obtained

by stopping by its offices; by phone (828) 737-5500; or by logging onto its web site at: ymcaavery.org. To volunteer to work at the YMCA or to make a monetary gift to the Ys Annual Campaign, contact Trey Oakley by phone (828) 737-5500, Extension 304 or via email: Trey0@ymcaavery.org.

The Williams YMCA’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., on Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. t -Tim Gardner is a longtime High Country Press journalist and YMCA enthusiast who makes his home in Avery County. His articles have appeared in national, regional, local and specialty publications.

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ROSE BLOSSOMS Team Sunergy Appalachian State’s

Solar Car Team Unveils Their Latest Creation Much of the rest of the unveiling was a chance for the team to be proud of their accomplishment, as well as show eam Sunergy, Appalachian State’s the crowd all the features of the car they solar car team, had a grand unveilworked so hard on. ing of their newest solar Dan Blakeley, the founder of car, ROSE, on June 22.

Team Sunergy, was doing much ROSE, which stands for Racof the explaining. He described ing on Solar Energy, is the first how the motors, the batteries, solar car that Team Sunergy has and the solar panels are set up, built completely from scratch. as well as details like how much She is 100 percent their own, storage space the car has (quite and they can’t wait to take her a bit), and how far it can run on to the two races that they’re one battery charge (300 miles). competing in this summer, the However, Team Sunergy is Formula Sun Grand Prix and most excited for one particuthe American Solar Challenge. lar feature—the cupholders. As Chancellor Sheri Everts got Blakeley paused to add, “We the ball rolling by welcoming the care about our cupholders.” crowd of about 150 to the unveilTeam Sunergy is extremely ing of ROSE. She talked about thrilled to be finished with how proud she and the entire ROSE, and after all their hard university are to be supporting work, they cannot wait to bring Team Sunergy, saying, “Because Dan Blakeley announcing the name of the new her to the races and let people we are committed to changing solar car, ROSE, at the ASU Foundation see what a practical and sleek the world for the better, the uniBoard of Directors meeting on May 4th. work of art she is. versity has empowered the team’s the nation when they do their racing in the summer, and without fail each and every team talks about how nice the team members (of Team Sunergy) are, but also

Story by Elly Murray

T

passion around changing the face of transportation. In turn, the team’s dedication and success serve as examples of how intentional, forward-thinking citizens who focus their abilities on change can make a measurable difference.”

The chancellor also mentioned later that, “I hear from the other teams around

All you need is sun... to grow a ROSE 44

High Country Magazine

July 2018

about how much they help the other teams...and then I also hear that it’s the hardest working team.”

She added with a laugh, “Apparently some solar car teams go out at night and enjoy themselves; our team stays and works.”

Beginnings However, these solar car superstars have come a long way from their first solar vehicle challenge five years ago.

Dan Blakeley has been the project director of Team Sunergy for five years.

However, in September of 2013, he was

On June 22nd, Team Sunergy unveiled their new solar car, ROSE, to a gathering of about 150 people.

The crowd included family, friends, and the chancellor of ASU. The chancellor gave the opening welcome and remarks, speaking on how proud she was to be supporting this team. just a young college student trying to make his way through the sustainable technology program at Appalachian State. ‘Team Sunergy’ was a term that had never even been heard of before, and Blakeley was enrolled in a transportation systems class.

As many professors at App State tend to be, the professor of the class, Chris Tolbert, was a little bit eccentric. He wanted his students to be creative, and think out-

side the box, as opposed to just getting good grades—crazy, right?

According to Dan Blakeley, Tolbert, “charged us with doing something a little bit different, and told us to pick a project that could go just beyond that one class.”

Tolbert is now one of the faculty advisors for Team Sunergy. When asked later if he had anticipated such an astounding outcome as Team Sunergy when he’d

proposed this question, Tolbert replied, “It was something that I had dreamed for the kids. I thought it would be a wonderful experience to be where we are today, but at that time I really didn’t know what would pan out. I didn’t know if the students would stay engaged with it, and it’s evolved into something greater than I anticipated.”

As his fellow students brainstormed

Team Sunergy is composed of 32 student team members, seven faculty advisors, and one university photographer.

July 2018

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Halle Kuttel

Kali Smith

Kali Smith

R.O.S.E. (Racing on Solar Energy) Designed and built entirely in-house by student team members, R.O.S.E. is Team Sunergy’s first cruiser-class entry and second solar vehicle to date. ROSE will be a four-wheeled, two-passenger vehicle capable of charging its batteries from its array as well as by traditional Electric Vehicle wall-charging ports. Engineered for racing, ROSE also satisfies safety, accessibility, and utility requirements featuring an electronic dashboard, speakers, cup-holders, cargo space, and of course, a passenger seat.

Mechanical Specs: • Body & Chassis: carbon fiber aeroshell with lightweight honeycomb chassis • Suspension: Double wishbone suspension • Brakes: Double redundant hydraulic braking system, Regenerative Braking System • Tires: Bridgestone ECOPIA with ologic solar car tires • Roll cage: 1” OD 4130 chromoly • Safety: ºº 5-point harness on both driver and passenger seats ºº Aluminum honeycomb impact attenuator crush zones ºº Drape formed Polycarbonate windshield Performance Stats: • Top speed: 75 mph • Range: 300 miles on a single charge (no solar input) 46

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• Charge Time(0-90% State of Charge): 4 hours from level 1 charging station, 1 hour from level 2 • Peak cruising speed: 55 mph Features: • Two Seats • Spacious interior • 2 Cupholders • 7” HD digital dashboard • Dedicated cargo area Electrical Specs: • 900 Lithium-Ion Batteries with 13.2 kWh capacity, max power output of 11kW (for voltage range, amps, etc.)

• 326 SunPower monocrystalline solar cells with a max output of 1250 W • 2x Mitsuba 3-phase PMAX brushless highefficiency motors with a combined 13.4 Horsepower and 50 ft-lbs of Torque

for an idea for a project in response to this question, Blakeley recalled a conversation he’d had a few weeks prior with a friend about solar car races. “My passion is sustainability,” Blakeley explained, “but I also love racing, so I felt like it was kind of a perfect opportunity to combine the two.” He proposed the idea to the class, and the vote in favor of pursuing it was almost unanimous. The idea of what would become Team Sunergy had begun to sprout.

The students knew, of course, that they wouldn’t be able to build a full solar vehicle by the time the class ended in December. The time constraints were too close and the materials were not as plentiful as they needed. So they agreed to aim more towards a proof of concept, although Blakeley adds that, “we were always having the intention that we were going to build a full-sized solar racer eventually.”

Kali Smith and Dan Blakeley

Brandon Schwartz and Dan Blakeley

Cody Waters and Mike Montalvo John Lalevee and Dan Blakeley

Dan Blakeley and James Furr Creating a solar car completely from scratch involves many different areas of team expertise. The suspension was designed from scratch using modeling software. The body of the car is made of infused carbon fiber, and they used sandwich panels, made of carbon fiber and honeycomb Kevlar, for the chassis. Then they had to bond the roll cage to the bottom shell of the car using a strong adhesive. Photos by Chase Reynolds, Appalachian State University So, over the course of the semester, they converted a golf cart from gas to electric, and they added solar to it in late spring of 2014. They had gotten their team together, and now they had enough experience to try to compete in the solar races.

Waiting for Support There was only one problem, however.

For almost an entire year, Team Sunergy was put on the back burner as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon drew all of Appalachian State’s attention and resources. The DOE Solar Decathlon occurs biennially, and is a collegiate competition designed to challenge college students to build the most efficient solar house.

This international competition has raised a large amount of awareness for the potential of solar technology, and is a truly amazing competition. However, it made it extremely difficult for Team Sunergy to get anything off the ground during that time, due to lack of student focus, faculty focus, and resources.

So, Team Sunergy sat back a little bit and made plans, dreaming of the day when they could finally race their own solar car. Blakeley recalls, “We had actually been in the process of designing our own car over that past year. We had a lot of sketches and we had a lot of ideas, but nothing concrete other than some batteries and simple electrical components.”

An Exciting New Opportunity Finally, in October of 2014, news came that there was going to be a solar car conference for the high school solar car races in January 2015. Team Sunergy eagerly attended, excited to see what the generation after them was designing.

While they were there, they found out that the collegiate level for the competitions they were looking to race in was going to hold a conference for the first time in about a decade.

The collegiate conference was scheduled for late March 2015, and while they were there, Team Sunergy was approached by Iowa State University’s solar car team, PrISUm. Team PrISUm is the leading collegiate solar car team in July 2018

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ROSE is partially powered by battery, and she has 900 individual batteries called Lithium Ion-18650’s. Blakeley describes them as “basically oversized AA batteries” and that they’re “some of the most energy dense batteries that you can get on the market.” ROSE gets her back up energy from her batteries, and on a full charge, she can run for 300 miles.

the United States, and according to Kali Smith, the current business director of Team Sunergy, “It’s actually the team that’s been around the longest in America...I think their team is 31 years old this year, very old.”

Team PrISUm approached our team and offered them the body and roll cage of one of their cars as a donation. Blakeley describes the conversation, “We were approached by Iowa State University’s solar car team and they just said, ‘We know you’re a new team trying to start up. We have the body of our old car, and we’re wondering if you’re interested.’ And we obviously said absolutely, because that gave us a platform to build off of.”

For Team PrISUm, the most elite of the solar vehicle teams, to see our team struggling to get started, and turn around and help them like that, that was something that Team Sunergy never forgot.

Team PrISUm’s original name for the solar car that they donated was Hyperion, and Team Sunergy renamed it Apperion, as sort of a tribute to them.

Austin Shaw, the current electrical director of Team Sunergy, describes it as, “we wanted to keep something similar that would kind of pay homage to them, but that would kind of put our own unique touch on it. So Apperion was what we ended up with.”

Apperion

ROSE’s motors are 2x Mitsuba 3-phase PMAC brushless, high-efficiency electric motors with a combined 13.4 horsepower and 50 ft-lbs of torque. According to Wyatt Bailey, “The motors are housed in the rear suspension of the car, connected directly to the rear wheels.

This helps reduce energy loss by applying torque directly to the wheels.”

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July 2018

Team Sunergy went on to make everyone proud, achieving quite a few impressive goals with Apperion. At their first race, the 2016 Formula Sun Grand Prix, they won 3rd place, a momentous achievement. Blakeley says that first year that they raced had to be his favorite moment in all five years of being with this program and that, “We had no idea what we were doing and we were racing against 27 other colleges and universities from around the world. We were not an engineering school, and we had never raced at a solar car race before, when other teams had 25 plus years of experience, and yet we still placed 3rd.

So for us to go into that completely oblivious and have no idea what the race would be like and then place that well, that was a monumental achievement. I think that really drove the project to a completely different level than it is today. If we didn’t do well in that first race, I don’t think we would have

as much support and drive and interest in our project as we do today.”

They went on to the 2016 American Solar Challenge, which Kali Smith describes in conjunction with the Formula Sun Grand Prix as, “kind of like a two part race. Every summer there’s a Formula Sun Grand Prix, but every other year on even years there’s an American Solar Challenge. So this was one of those years where the Formula Sun Grand Prix serves as a qualifier for the American Solar Challenge.”

Team Sunergy, having won 3rd place with Apperion, certainly qualified for the American Solar Challenge, and they absolutely smashed the race, coming in an impressive 6th place.

Then at the 2017 Formula Sun Grand Prix, they received 2nd place, beating their score from 2016.

A Car All Their Own However, Team Sunergy really wanted to try their hand at building a solar vehicle completely from scratch, one that would be all their own.

Wyatt Bailey, the current engineering director, explained that, “Some people in the solar racing world might think that we got a body and roll cage from a very experienced team, Iowa State. They’re very tenure, they’ve been to a lot of races, and they’re very successful. So this is kind of the first time we’ve been able to branch out and say, ‘This is what we can do’, from scratch.”

They began designing a new solar car, which of course needed a snazzy new name. Austin Shaw describes their process of deciding, “On our social media, we had people suggesting names and tons of team members suggesting names. Then we just kind of slowly narrowed it down to about 10-15 that we thought were good, viable options that were unique, hadn’t been used before, and that really spoke to how we felt, whether it was some connection to the Appalachian mountains or some connection to our mission. And then we just had a big team vote on it.”

And from this whirl of suggestions came ROSE: Racing on Solar Energy.

ROSE’s Mission So far, Team Sunergy had been competing in the Challenger Class at their races. Bailey explains that, “Challenger classes are built to just

The First Solar Car, Apperion

T

eam Sunergy’s first solar car, Apperion, was built from the body and roll cage of a solar car that Iowa State University’s solar car team, PrISUm, donated to them. The original name of the car was Hyperion and Team Sunergy changed the name to Apperion, as a tribute to Team PrISUm. They have raced Apperion at all of their races so far, achieving 3rd place at the 2016 Formula Sun Grand Prix, 6th place at the 2016 American Solar Challenge, and 2nd place at the 2017 Formula Sun Grand Prix.

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High Country Magazine

49

Dan Blakeley Founder and Executive Faculty Director Dan Blakeley suggested the idea to build a solar racing car in one of his tech classes five years ago, sparking the creation of Team Sunergy. He just graduated in May, but has been hired by the university to stay and be the executive faculty director to the team.

He’s been slowly handing over more responsibilities to Wyatt Bailey and Kali Smith, the new leadership team, and he says, “I’m just there to help however they need my help.”

run as fast and efficiently as possible, but they’re not very practical at all.”

This year, ROSE will be competing in a new class, the Cruiser Class, and Kali Smith describes that, “The other class is fun...but we wanted to build a car that was more practical, one that people could see themselves driving, and when they see it, they know it’s a car. They don’t have to ask questions about it, they know what it is. So the car that we’re building right now, it’s two seats and it looks like an actual car.”

Shaw says that with ROSE they were, “trying to create some actual consumer interest...it looks a lot better and it’s just a step toward an actual solar powered electric vehicle that may be driving down the road one day. (A car) that people can actually see themselves in and it gets people more excited than seeing a one passenger car that is really weird looking and flat.”

Possibly the most excited for the new design and practicality of ROSE is Chris Tolbert. He has become one of the faculty

Kali Smith,

Business Director Kali Smith has been on the team for two years, and has worked her way up from team member, to operations director, and now to business director (which is basically half of the entire leadership team). Her new position as business director lets her handle logistical and outreach types of challenges, while still working hands on with the team.

Austin Shaw,

Electrical Director Austin Shaw has been an integral part of Team Sunergy for almost two years. He will be the electrical director for the team until he leaves for New York City in July. Currently, he’s helping the next electrical lead get some experience, “so he can get a feel for it so come the fall when I’m gone he’s not just thrust into a new position that he doesn’t have any experience with” 50

High Country Magazine

July 2018

advisors for Team Sunergy since challenging Blakeley’s class, and he says, “I’m kind of an old guy with a bad back, and there was no way I could get in our old car without potentially damaging the solar sails. But this new car is for the daily driver, and it has a door that opens up to the side just like a regular sports car. So I’ll be able to get in it, the chancellor will be able to get in it, anybody can get in it and drive it.”

Team Sunergy believes that one of the

Wyatt Bailey,

Engineering Director Wyatt Bailey started in August 2016.

He says that he, “didn’t really know a lot about the project, but it sounded very interesting and I wanted to get involved.” He worked his way up to assistant mechanical director, and is now the engineering director (the other half of the leadership team).

His position focuses on overseeing which mechanical and electrical components will work best.

John Lalevee

Lead Mechanical Engineer John Lalevee joined the team in his junior year, and has since then risen to the status of Lead Mechanical Engineer. He’s an Industrial Design major with a concentration in Furniture Design, but within a month of working with Team Sunergy, he was the lead body designer for ROSE. He also designed the wrap for the car.

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Photo by Chase Reynolds, Appalachian State University

CAR 828

Team Sunergy poses with their car at the unveiling. Every race car is required to register with a car number, and they chose 828 to represent the Western North Carolina area code.

that normal people can actually drive? best advantages that they have when com- lem in a much more effective way.”

Kali Smith describes this approach, These varied areas of knowledge also peting in these races is that the other teams are comprised of almost entirely engineer- give Team Sunergy a leg up when it comes saying, “For a lot of teams, a lot of the ing students. They approach the design of to design. Whereas some engineering design aspect doesn’t get taken into actheir cars as an engineering challenge, to teams may be concerned with only speed count, it’s more engineering and what and efficiency, Team Sunergy really wants works. And our team, we wanted to have get it running and running well.

But Team Sunergy isn’t made up of their car to appeal to audiences as well; an attractive car. We wanted to have a car they want a car that people could see that people stop and look at and they’re engineers. like, ‘damn’. And so our car looks comThe body of the car was designed by themselves driving in their daily lives. pletely different from all the furniture design major, John other cars in our class. It’s realLalevee. Wyatt Bailey, a susly exciting. So I’m very excited tainable technology major, to show up to the race with it designed the roll cage and the and have it beside all the other chassis of the car. Austin Shaw, cars as well.” a physics undergrad, was in charge of electricity and wiring. Kali Smith, an economics Preparing for the Races major, knows this car inside All of the members of Team and out, and she and a few othSunergy are extremely excited er teammates actually race the to compete in these races, but car in competitions. of course all for different reaThe fact that Team Sunergy sons. pulls perspectives from all difWyatt Bailey has only been ferent fields and areas of knowlto last summer’s Formula Sun edge is what really gives them a Grand Prix, and he is excited huge edge on the other teams, for the challenge of racing cars Chris Tolbert, the professor who originally inspired Dan in this race and in all of their running on solar power across Blakeley’s class to create something bigger, considers races. Bailey says, “We believe half of the continental United himself, “more of like a coach, a coach that gets his that gives us an advantage. I States. Although he does admit hands dirty and gets out on the field sometimes.” like to think that we can apthat, in addition to the race, proach a problem with a much “I’ve never been to the west That is, after all, the entire point of coast, and to see that part of the United more open mind, whereas from an engineering perspective, classical engineering these solar cars; to show people how this States; I’m personally very excited.” says, ‘it can only be done this way.’ We technology can affect them daily, and as Austin Shaw has also only attended can approach a problem dynamically and a result, affect the planet. But why would the 2017 race, so he’s excited to go back think critically about it and use all of our people be interested in a solar car that this year with a car that he’s gotten to different experiences to solve that prob- runs efficiently, but doesn’t look like a car help with a lot more. As he explains, “In 52

High Country Magazine

July 2018

the last race, when I joined the team, we already had that car so I didn’t do anything in designing or building it. I did some work on it beforehand and made sure it was ready for the race, but this one is just a lot more personal, having spent so much time working on this car and really seeing it being built from the ground up.”

Tolbert describes how dedicated these kids are, and how stressed they are, “but that’s what it’s about —stepping up...If you play baseball and you never have the bases loaded, and you never have a chance of knocking a home run or a grand slam, then what are we out here for? That’s what it’s all about, and it’s the same thing about this. Yes, they’ve got the bases loaded and somebody’s gotta step up to the plate and come through no matter the cost, and that’s just what’s exciting, to be learning like that. There’s a lot of frustration that comes along with it, and there’s a lot of sweat and tears and busted knuckles but that’s part of it.

That’s part of the experience.”

Dan Blakeley pulls the feelings of his teammates together and says, “All of us are incredibly excited...to share this car

with our community that we built from the ground up, that we’re going to be able to bring to a global stage. I think a lot of people in the community are going to be incredibly proud to see this car and hopefully support it at our races.”

Stressful Scrutineering Before they can even get to the races, Team Sunergy faces the daunting challenge of scrutineering. This is a three day period before the first race, the Formula Sun Grand Prix, where judges examine every aspect of their car and put it through rigorous testing to determine if it’s safe enough for the road. Chris Tolbert claims, “That’s the most stressful part of the event for the whole team.”

If a judge finds something wrong with their car, the team quickly repairs it and returns to try again. They have three days, and if by the end of those three days they haven’t passed scrutineering, they’re out of the race.

However, last year Team Sunergy was the first team to get through scrutineering, which was a big deal, and gained them a lot of respect from other teams. Tolbert explains that, “I think that shocked a lot of the teams, they were like, ‘Wow, App

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53

AMERICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE 2018

STAGE/CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS & SCHEDULE • SOLAR CARS! • JULY 14-22, 2018 • 1700+ MILES

The American Solar Challenge 2018 is a collegiate event featuring both single and multi-occupant solar powered vehicles.

Traveling primarily on US highways, State roads, and other non-interstate routes, the cars will follow portions of the Oregon Trail and other trails heading West, ARCO & with stopping points along the way.

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SEE THE SOLAR CARS & MEET THE TEAMS After scrutineering July 6-9, and the Formula Sun Grand Prix July 10-12, Team Sunergy will OMAHA, NE JULY ARCO, JULY 19 in Omaha, NE, and ends in Bend, take13-14 on the American Solar Challenge.

This ID race begins Lewis and Clark National Trail Headquarters Butte High School and Challenge Bottolfsen Park OR a Historic total distance of 1,700 miles. The American Solar is a nine-day race, so the Display July 13, 3:00-7:00pm (Lewis & Clark Landing) Stage Stop July 19, 9:00am-6:00pm team will have to change out drivers about every six hours.

Follow the race on social media Start Line July 14 at 8:00am by going to the team’s website:OF www.sunergy.appstate.edu CRATERS THE MOON JULY 20

Ready To

Race!

GRAND ISLAND, NE JULY 14

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Checkpoint July 14, 11:00am-3:00pm

Teams will trailer from Arco to here for morning charging

Stage Start July 20, 9:00am

in front of it at all times, for protection. everybody’s in there waiting, holding State finished that first?’”

MOUNTAIN HOME, ID JULY 20 the team, to the doors open for them, and when they As a result of being the first through A judge also accompanies Walmart GERING, NE JULY 15-16 come in, they just rush into the parkensure that they follow all rules July of the scrutineering, Team Sunergy had an exCheckpoint 20, 11:30am-4:00pm Scotts Bluff National Monument ing lot, get out of the cars, and they’re road and rules of the race, and the trailer tra day toStage prepare for the race, and they Stop July 15, 9:00am-6:00pm in case the solar spent thatStage timeStart doing some testing follows closely behind, BURNS, July 16 atextra 9:00am OR JULYsprinting 21-22 to the bathroom. They’re going to the restroom as quickly as they on their car, and helping some of the car is in need of repair. Downtown Business District Stage Stop 21, 8:00am-5:00pm CASPER, WY JULY 16 can, because they want to do the driver All of these people stay with theJuly team other teams.

Stage Startrace.

July 22 9:00am as quickly as possible, and then National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center the entire nine-day throughout If at change The fact thatHistoric they willingly helped Checkpoint July 16, 12:30pm-6:00pm their competitors may seem a little sur- the team camps on the side of the road they’re running out. And everybody’s Possible late arrivals July 17, 9:00am-10:30am BEND, JULY cheering them on in the gas station. I’d campOR there as 22 prising, but there is a huge amount of for the night, those people High Desert Museum never experienced that before, but it’s a well.

When the team pulls in for a quick camaraderie and friendliness between LANDER, WY JULY 17-18 Finish Line July 22, 11:30am-4:00pm the teams.

TolbertCounty compares it toMuseum a mar- pit stop, bathroom break, and driver neat experience, and that’s exciting for Fremont Pioneer These solar car events freekids and to open the public; however, seeto that.” people cer- arethe athon, “When somebody goes down, change, the accompanying Stage Stop July 17, 9:00am-6:00pm some host locations may charge an admission fee as part of their Stage Start July 18 at 9:00am Team Sunergy is extremely of the operations. opportunity you’ll see people go back and pick them tainly take advantage normal Please understand that the arrival of the solar excited to compete these races this year, with for a restroom. cars may be impacted by weather, traffic,inand energy up and help them across the finish line.” management decisions by own each of the teams.

Follow FARSON, WY JULY 18 their solar car that theyalong built from Tolbert describes one year where he made online for the most up-to-date information.

EdenThe ValleyRaces Community Center was driving the trailer, and the team scratch. However, most of the team isn’t Checkpoint July 18, 10:30am-1:00pm www.americansolarchallenge.org The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a was going to do a driver swap. He was concerned as much about winning, but three day track race, and once Team in front of them, so he went ahead to a just about the experience and the chance Sunergy completes that, they move on gas station to prepare them, “So we go to show the world what this technology to the American Solar Challenge. This is into the gas station and we tell them that is capable of.

Blakeley says that, “I feel confident a nine-day road race from Omaha, Ne- we’re Appalachian State University, and braska, to Bend, Oregon, a distance of we have a solar car that’s about to pit. that we will do well, but I never, never We’re going to change drivers and there’s say that we’re going to win or we’re goabout 1,700 miles.

Drivers typically switch off every six going to be about 15 people running into ing to get first place. It’s more the opporhours, but they’re not the only ones mak- the gas station to the restroom. We asked tunity to learn, honestly. Yes, everybody ing such a long commitment. The solar the manager, ‘Is that okay with you?’ and wants to win, but there’s a lot more learnvehicle must have an ASU car behind and they said, ‘Yeah that’s really cool!’ And ing and growth that goes into seeing our 54

High Country Magazine

July 2018

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55

rience in my college career. It’s been a lot of work and it’s been stressful at times, but last summer at the race was when I The Future realized how worth it it all is to be a part As Team Sunergy looks toward their of this team and to see something that future, each member has something comyou worked so hard on completing, racing up that they’re excited for. ing and driving on the road past you. So First, they have plans for their old it’s definitely been extremely solar car, Apperion. They’ve fulfilling, and it’s been a big decided to take Apperion on Team Sunergy has had three “cars” over the years, challenge, and I’ve learned a lot one last tour around North although so far only one has been raced: Apperion. that I wouldn’t have learned in Carolina, before hopefully class at all, just about electric retiring the car to a museum. vehicles and working on large Kali Smith commented, “We complex electrical systems, have had a few offers over the and teamwork, leadership.” years, but have not decided However, what he’ll miss where the car will stay yet.” most about Team Sunergy afSmith is also preparing the ter being such a huge part of it team for the Energy Summit, a for two years is the friends he massive conference held every made and the sense of camarayear at Appalachian State. It derie, “The people who work will be July 30, 31, and August hard are always there working 1, after the team returns from and you end up spending a lot the two races, and some amazof time with them. I’ve made ing speakers will be presenting some really lasting, strong as the team celebrates. She’s friendships because of it” also planning for the World He went on to say that, Solar Challenge, “the longest “I’m definitely upset that I’m running and biggest solar chalGolf Cart-Completed spring 2014 leaving. I know that they’re lenge in the world.” It will be going to keep doing well, and Team Sunergy’s first time parthey’re definitely in a position ticipating, racing across the to keep growing and keep imAustralian Outback, and they proving. With the university will be competing with incredsupport we have now and the ible teams from all around the support of the community, it’s world. definitely going to continue to Bailey is very hopeful for be a growing project. While the future as well, and says I’m disappointed that I’m leavthat, “We’re all very excited Apperion - Donated to Team Sunergy March 2015 ing, I’m glad that I’m leaving and we’re very happy that the and that I feel good about the community is behind us in our team’s future still.” endeavours. To see all the peoTolbert, who has gotten ple, especially the chancellor to watch these kids grow and and all of the administration, learn as they build incredible get so excited about our projfeats of solar engineering, deect, that’s also very inspiring scribes it like this, “It’s kind of and very helpful.” like a farmer who sows a seed Dan Blakely just graduated and he gets to take care of the in May, but thankfully the unigarden through bad weather versity hired him to stay on as ROSE- Completed June 2018 and good weather. They get to the executive faculty director see it grow and then they get to to the team. He’s also excited to get to teach a few classes in sustain- of July, to help the team with the races. see the ripe tomatoes, and then they get able transportation, electric vehicle de- He’ll be moving to New York City in to enjoy the tomatoes, as they’re ready to sign, and solar vehicle design. He’s been August, and he says that, “I’ve lived in harvest and eat. It’s the most rewarding slowly handing over more responsibilities North Carolina my entire life so I just experience, I can’t think of anything in to Bailey and Smith, who will take over wanted to change it up and do something a profession where you get to see it start the main leadership of the team this fall. a little crazy, and I felt like New York was from a seed and then grow into what it has grown into now and then still get to As Blakeley says, “I’m just there to help a good option for that.”

Shaw says that Team Sunergy has, be a part of it and enjoy it with the kids. however they need my help, but they’re the ones who ultimately are deciding on “certainly been the most fulfilling expe- It’s a humbling, awesome experience.” t project than trying to get first place.”

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High Country Magazine

July 2018

what races to go to, how to design the car, what their design intent is. Overall team management and leadership within the team, that’s all together their responsibility now.”

Andrew Shaw also graduated recently, but he’s only staying until the end

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Fostering Love

Roger and Sheri Church Have Fostered 96 Children Over the Last 24 Years

By Savannah R. Watts

I

Haylee and Nana spending a summer day at Grandfather Mountain, 2017.

Poppie and Paige looking for minnows in the New River in Ashe County on July 4, 2015.

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n the past six years, North Carolina has had a 25% increase in the number of children in the foster care system.

Though poverty and unemployment are both contributors to this increase, North Carolina’s opioid epidemic has recently become a primary factor as well. In a report of the foster care system by Child Trends , in 2015, 5,597 children entered the foster care system.

Of these children, the primary reasons for entry were neglect and parental substance abuse.

The current number of children in the foster care system in North Caro-

lina is at its highest number in 10 years, and unfortunately is still increasing.

Additionally, the turnover rate for social workers has also increased by 6% in the past year. According to a federal review, NC’s foster care system is rapidly declining as the number of children entering increases and the number of available homes decreases.

In 2016 alone, 38% of North Carolina’s children in foster care entered due to parental substance use—a 7% increase in just three years. Yet, in Watauga County, 49% of foster children in out-of-home care were victims of pa-

Andy and Haylee ride the Mouse Mine with Nana and Poppie last summer, 2017.

After 24 years as foster care parents, Roger and Sheri hold their 96th child—a medically fragile infant who came to them at four days old. First licensed in 1994, the Church family was one of three foster homes in Watauga County.

For the first 15 years, Roger and Sheri constantly had a foster child in their home. rental substance use. “Substance use disorder is a tragic disorder that can tear apart families and leave children without stable, nurturing homes,” says Whitney Tucker, research director at NC Child. “The opioid epidemic is driving crisis to a new level in our state.”

The need for foster parents in NC has become its own crisis as children continue to be removed from unsafe homes. Children are being removed from their families for number of different reasons, but fundamentally because their home environment is not safe. Though the overall hope for these children is reunification with their birth parents, it has become difficult to find enough safe foster families to temporarily care for children until then.

But, one foster family in Watauga County has become a beacon of hope for the crisis.

Sheri and Roger Church, lifetime residents of Watauga County, realized the need for safe and loving homes for these children 24 years ago. In 1985, with one child of their own, they began babysitting

continued to inspire Sheri in her adult years when she and Roger decided to become foster parents. Now, Sheri describes their house as “always full” not just of children, but of love and trust, too.

In their late 60s, the Church family is the longest standing foster home in Watauga County, but they didn’t start imagining they would provide a home to 96 children in 24 years. When they first decided to become foster parents, Sheri says Roger told her she couldn’t foster because she would become too attached.

“He was so right!” Sheri admits, “When that first child left, my heart broke.” But that didn’t stop the Church family from opening their home to 95 more children who needed a loving home.

In their 24 years as foster parents, Sheri and Roger have kept all ages of children from newborns to teenagers. Some children have stayed for a few days while others have stayed longer durations. “Early on, most [children] stayed 18-24 months, but now, we have few that stay more than a year,” Sheri tells. She says their original

“I had visions of sitting in a rocker, with this small baby in my arms happily being cuddled and bottle fed, as I rocked it. The room was already set up as a nursery as we awaited that first call.” a little girl for a single father. When the baby was five months old, Sheri and Roger adopted the little girl who is now their daughter Arielle. Ten years later, they began to refill their home with children in need as a result of what Sheri describes as her “early onset ‘empty nest syndrome.’”

They have since been foster parents to 96 children—and counting.

As a teenager, Sheri’s godmother was a foster parent to teenage girls for Watauga DSS. She states, “[My godmother] had no children of her own, but some of ‘her girls’ were there for her in her final years. … I was impressed with what she did and the impact she had on her girls.”

This exposure to the impact that a loving foster home could have on children

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Bubba came to live with Sheri and Roger when he was 5 weeks old and stayed with them until he was adopted at 2 years old. He is now 16 and often visits his “third set of grandparents.”

In June 2014, Poppie takes a stroll with siblings Blaine (2 years) and Bella (3 months).

Poppie puts Nono (nickname) in a bubble at Mystery Hill, August 2013.

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plan was to only keep infants, “I had visions of sitting in a rocker, with this small baby in my arms happily being cuddled and bottle fed, as I rocked it. The room was already set up as a nursery as we awaited that first call.” Their plan was immediately changed when their first call gave them a four-year-old boy.

Sheri and Roger were both working full-time when they started fostering children and have only retired from the workforce in the past few years. Sheri worked as a dog groomer and retired four years ago, while Roger, after retiring from the military, worked as a manager for Chandler Concrete until he retired six years ago. Sheri says the majority of foster families have dual-working parents. “We’re real parents,” says Sheri, “they may call us foster parents, but we’re real parents.” Since retiring, Sheri and Roger now care primarily for medically fragile infants—premature or drug-addicted newborns— because they have the ability to give these newborns the extra attention they require.

The children welcomed into the Church family’s home have had a variety of personalities and backgrounds—each child has their own needs. Becoming foster parents changed Sheri and Roger’s lives “in every possible way.” Long gone are the days of set routines, of personal consistency. Sheri says their routine and the set-up of their home changes immediately to fit the needs of a child with one call from Poppie teaches Andy to drive the Watauga DSS. Plans have lawn mower in summer 2012. been postponed, vacations

Left to right: Cassie, Sandra, Joe, Stephanie (standing in front) in 2000 Pictured above is Cassie with her family right before her adoption in 2000. Pictured to the right is Cassie’s family last spring before she graduated in June 2017.

In 1999, Cassie came to Roger and Sheri when she was 2 weeks old. While in their home, Cassie was able to begin receiving care from physicians as well as physical and occupational therapists for sensory integration.

At 15 months old Cassie was adopted.

“We will always consider Roger and Sheri a part of our family,” says her mother Sandra.

“I know Cassie would not be the successful young adult she is without their early intervention and love.”

Left to right: Stephanie, Joe, Sandra, Cassie cancelled at the last minute, all to ensure the child will feel comfortable coming into their home. “Flexibility is key!” Sheri says, “Our foster children have always come first in our lives. Whatever they need we try to find a way. Our time and needs must be worked in and around theirs, if considered at all.”

The ever-changing nature of their lives was something they anticipated, but they never dreamed of hosting so many children. Sheri says that each and every child has impacted their lives in one way or another. “We have fallen in love with all of our children and have grieved the loss when they moved on.” It doesn’t seem to get any easier to reunite children with their birth parents or new, adoptive parents, but Sheri and Roger feel that as long as they are able and have a bed open, their home will always be available to take in

children in need.

Even though their life is constantly changing, it’s paramount that the children that come into their home understand the mutual expectations in order to make it “the best possible arrangement for everybody concerned.” Sheri explains how to make it the best arrangement saying, “Boundaries and consistency and trust are so important for these children.”

Children come into their home to live with total strangers, so establishing consistency and trust is essential for each child. “Trust and consistency for some of these children is something they’ve never had. In our house, those things are very important to us.” Sheri and Roger’s consistency is rooted in creating set routines, boundaries, and expectations based on the individual need of child they have in their home at that moment.

This kind of selfless love is rare. 96 times Sheri and Roger have created a “new life” for themselves based upon the child coming into their home. Sheri and Roger are adamant about making sure each child that stays with them feels safe, protected, and loved. “Any child that comes into our house is our own. The minute they enter our door, they’re as much ours as if they were born to me.” The Church family leaves no questions about the children coming to their family—they are family.

Finding Acceptance and Love in a New Family Sheri and Roger’s family has grown throughout their marriage from their first son Richard in 1972, to adopting Arielle in 1985, to welcoming 96 foster children over the years. However, in 2000, Sheri and Roger opened their home to foster July 2018

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of family’s church—and many their daughter, Esther, when people were adamant that her she was 15 years old. mother “should have already Esther was the first teenbroken [her] spirit and MUST ager that Sheri and Roger fosdo so before it was ‘too late.’” tered, but despite their hesitaWhen Esther was 14, she tion to fostering teenagers, was sent to a Christian “boardEsther changed their minds. ing school” which she de“There was something about scribes as “a whole other level that girl that just touched me,” of abuse.” Esther only attended says Sheri. “She was everything for eight months before being we didn’t want to deal with in kicked out. After being back teens, that was Esther.” Eshome for a few months, Esther ther’s story demonstrates the ran away—this time for good overwhelming love Sheri and until her adulthood. “I stayed Roger give to anyone who enFormerly known as Roger and Sheri’s runaway and troubled with siblings, friends, slept ters their family. teenage foster child, Esther has since been “on the under cars to stay warm in the Esther grew up in rural straight and narrow” according to Sheri and is an brutal winter, even on playMichigan as the youngest of incredible mother to four beautiful children of her own. grounds. I was raped multiple eleven children. She describes times, ran with a gang, and her biological household as a By the time she was 12 years old, “very strict, religious, authoritarian style Esther and her mother began “butting stole food, all just to survive.” She started home.” Her upbringing was centered heads” which lead to arguments and even using drugs and alcohol regularly, but for around the rules of the church that she physical fights. Although she says there Esther, surviving alone out in the world believes became her parents’ rules, which were many factors influencing their rela- was better than being trapped with her left her feeling an absence of love from her tionship, Esther mentions being strong- mother in an abusive home heavily lackparents from a very early age. She recalls, willed and molested at a young age as two ing in love.

In January 2000, 15-year-old Esther “Life was very serious with our religion important ones. Her refusal to be physiat the core and if we did anything out of cally punished was supported by the pri- and a friend paid someone to drive them line, punishment was swift and severe.” vate school she attended—an extension from Michigan to Boone, NC. Esther’s

Extended Families: Cassie’s Adoption W

hen Cassie was just two-weeksold, she was welcomed into the foster home of Roger and Sheri Church. It wasn’t long before Sheri and Roger recognized Cassie’s special needs and quickly advocated for sensory integration assistance for Cassie. Because of Roger and Sheri, Cassie was able to receive help from physicians as well as physical and occupational therapists.

Joe and Sandra began their adoption journey like most due to infertility.

In 1997, through the help of Children’s Home Society of Greensboro, Joe and Sandra were able to adopt their first daughter, Stephanie. Three years later, they decided to adopt a second daughter—Roger and Sheri’s foster child, Cassie.

Somewhere between six to nine months, Joe and Sandra received a call about Cassie and hurried to Boone to meet her. Their first meeting with Cassie took place in Roger and Sheri’s home. Of the first meeting Cassie’s 64

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mother Sandra says, “They were welcoming, educated up on Cassie and her needs, and just let things happen naturally.” Roger and Sheri even gave Joe and Sandra some alone time with Cassie and seemed genuinely happy for each them and Cassie that the bonding process was going smoothly.

On a later visit to Boone, Joe and Sandra were able to introduce Cassie to their daughter Stephanie. “They treated Stephanie like she was one of their children,” says Sandra. “Stephanie has special needs and they didn’t hesitate to help [us].”

Cassie was legally adopted by Joe and Sandra at 15-months-old. Six months later, Cassie graduated from both physical and occupational therapy and has since had no long-term effects. She will turn 19 this month, graduated from high school in 2017, and now attends cosmetology school.

Joe and Sandra’s family have always kept in touch with Roger and Sheri. As Cassie and Stephanie grew

up, Joe and Sandra would sometimes take trips to visit Sheri and Roger in Boone. “They even babysat both of our girls when my husband and I celebrated our anniversary with a weekend getaway in Boone,” tells Sandra.

Sandra says that she has called Sheri several times for advice for both Cassie and Stephanie. She also says, “I never felt anything but support from them. I don’t know if I could have done it without [Sheri’s] support.” Sandra feels that in the flawed foster care system of North Carolina, Sheri and Roger are “true advocates” for their foster children, treating them as family in their home and in the homes of their new, adoptive parents as well.

“We will always consider Roger and Sheri a part of our family,” claims Sandra. “I know Cassie would not be the successful young adult she is without their early intervention and love.”

The only danger? Roger spoiling kids with candy may have caused a cavity or two.

friend was talking to a guy online, and with no place left for her in Michigan, Esther came with her. Esther told everyone she was 18 and many people believed her, until she found herself caught in the lie by a drug-dealer. Scared by what she heard of foster care systems, she was “desperate” for help, so in the middle of the night, she called 911 and reported herself as a runaway. After being taken into custody of the Watauga County Department of Social Services, Esther met the two people who would transform her life forever—Sheri and Roger Church.

Esther was taken to Sheri and Roger’s home as an emergency placement. She shared a room with their daughter Arielle, who was also 15 at the time. “Looking back,” Esther says, “I’m surprised they weren’t scare of me, instead of the other way around.” After two nights at the Church’s home, Esther ran away.

However, much to her embarrassment, she was taken right back to the home of Sheri and Roger.

Scarred by her past, Esther was terrified to return to their home, fearing what kind of punishment they might bestow on her. “I only knew what my

Foster care entry reasons 80%

Neglect

61% 39% 36%

Parental substance abuse 23% 14%

Inability to cope Physical abuse Child behavior problem Inadequate housing Parental incarceration

NC

US

Display of the increasing numbers of children in NC state custody from 2011 to 2016, provided by NC Division of Social Services.

9% 13% 8% 11% 15% 10% 7% 8%

Abandonment

5% 5%

Sexual abuse

4% 4%

Other

5% 5%

With more than 11,000 children in state custody in 2017, the foster care system is pushing a state of crisis as children continue to enter despite the shortage of available foster families. The rate at which children are being taken into NC State Custody has pushed the foster care system to its highest numbers in ten years. Many attribute the 25% increase of children in foster care to NC’s opioid crisis, but children most often enter due to multiple reasons—primarily neglect. NC foster care data closely reflects our nation’s data, but if NC numbers continue to rise, they may soon surpass the national averages.

Foster care caseload by race/ethnicity Foster care population in NC 49% 33% 8% <1% 7% 2% <1%

General child population in NC White African American Hispanic or Latino Asian Multiple races American Indian/Alaskan Native Pacific Islander

53% 23% 15% 3% 4% 1% <1%

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Third Annual High Country Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Conference - Sept. 13

R

oger and Sheri used to attend an annual weekend-long conference hosted by the North Carolina Foster and Adopt Parent Association (NCFAPA) where foster and adoptive parents could receive all of their training hours for the year in one weekend. A few years ago, the NCFAPA dissolved and Roger and Sheri missed these weekends.

Three years ago, with the help of Rhonda Yates, Joel Guinn, and Susan Weinberg, Roger and Sheri started the High Country Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Conference. Collaborating with both local and state talent, Roger and Sheri were able to create an interactive, educational, and fun weekend for foster and adoptive parents to receive all their training for the year.

The weekend is designed to foster and adoptive parents to celebrate their service while acquiring new skills. This conference also allows the content to address the specific needs in the foster and adoptive community of the High Country. Thanks to local businesses and donors, the conference is able to provide breakfast and lunch to attendees for both days, as well as many great door prizes.

This year, the 3rd Annual High Country Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Conference will be held the second weekend in September.

This training also lines up with the Watauga County Department of Social Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; next TIPS-MAPP training for new foster parents on September 13, 2018.

parents had done previously and could only imagine what the foster parents would do,â&#x20AC;? she says. Much to her surprise, Sheri and Roger were not aggressive, but showed Esther grace, a completely new concept to her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They held me accountable for my actions and provided a way for me to choose another path.â&#x20AC;? Sheri and Roger began to show Esther that family was not supposed to be founded on brutal punishment or torture, but love. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the persona of a very tough kid, spiky hair, bunch of earrings,â&#x20AC;? says Esther. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the reality was that I was just a scared little girl, desperate for parents to love me unconditionally, to except me as I was, and not expect me to be perfect. I just wanted to be a normal teenager with a normal, safe life.â&#x20AC;? While staying with the Church family, Esther was enrolled in a public school, given clear and unquestionable boundaries, and even a curfew. Finally, Esther began to feel the normal life she always wanted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the same rules as Arielle did, the same rules as any other normal teenager,â&#x20AC;? states Esther.

At the time, Sheri and Roger didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep teenagers, so Esther was soon moved into a permanent placement home. After a few months, this placement fell through. She was sent back to Sheri and Rogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but this time she knew it would only be for the weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At 15-yearsold, I had one option: a group home. â&#x20AC;Ś I was

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Never Alone

To Nana, the one who put trust in me when I needed it the most… And to all the foster families out there that do their best for each child that comes thru their door.

I came into a new world Not wanting to shed a tear But I couldn’t help it …I was overcome with fear.

I walked thru a door Into some else’s home And I felt the emptiness Of being completely alone.

I tried not to show it, But my heart was breaking I had hope though.

‘Cause my Daddy’s heart was also aching.

He would come to get me!

He would save me…

But someone else couldn’t open their eyes, They couldn’t see…

Daddy’s didn’t come, He gave me to the state And in my heart Grew anger and hate.

I decided to run away ‘Cause I didn’t care if I died.

I tried so hard to be tough, But in my heart I cried.

Embarrassment and shame Was all I felt When I came back through that door So I just lied to myself I told my heart to “chill.”

That I wouldn’t be stuck forever…

And I came to the decision That I’d run again never…

I was soon placed in a home Where at first I was happy; But then the stress got to me And I began to feel pretty crappy.

One argument brought about A lot of tears and pain But in the end I’ve found That thru that I did gain.

Again I was replaced…

Back to where I had runaway; But things were different this time —It was my decision to stay.

I soon became very attached And realized these people really loved me And in there was something That only that could see.

So this one strange place Is now my home And here I know Never again will I feel alone.

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-Breaker July 2018

The poem to the left was written by Esther in her teenage years after being accepted into Roger and Sheri’s home as a permanent placement.

Esther found a love for writing poetry to express her feelings when she was enrolled in public school by Roger and Sheri. After running away from home in Michigan, 15-year-old Esther found herself longing to be a “normal teenager with a safe life.” Alone yet desperate, Esther feared the foster care system. However, over time, Esther realized that in the loving family of Nana and Poppie, she would never be alone again. terrified and [tried] to figure out how I could run away before I was supposed to go there.”

Then, the unthinkable happened.

When Sheri and Roger heard Esther was to be replaced in a new permanent home, they reached out to Watauga DSS and said they wanted to take her.

“She was everything we didn’t want in a teen,” Sheri says, “but something about her touched our hearts. And it was just a good fit.” For the first time in her life, Esther felt the real love of a family that she had longed for. “She had chosen me,” states Esther. “Somebody CHOSE me. Nana and Poppie chose me.”

Sheri and Roger asked Esther to join their home “as a member of the family, as a permanent placement,” Esther states. Sheri and Esther took a walk where Sheri explained the lifestyle of their family and Esther’s responsibility as a part of the family. Sheri said, “I told her, ‘If you will commit to being everything you can be as a member of our family, then we will commit to everything we can to help you get the best start to the rest of your life that we can.”

After being “committed” for two years, at 17-years-old Esther began to slip back into old habits of drinking and using drugs. “I knew I couldn’t bring that stuff home, so I acted out until I had severed ties with Nana and Poppie—my mom and dad.” Being emancipated at seventeen, Esther walked out on her job, dropped out of high school two months before graduation, and she and her boyfriend moved in with a friend. Not much later, Esther ended up in jail and “was calling Nana.”

Sheri and Roger went to bail Esther out of jail and on the way home picked up a pregnancy test. “Three days before my 18th birthday I was pregnant,” she says. Esther moved back home—to Nana and Poppie’s—and began working at Sheri’s company while receiving

her high school diploma and enrolling at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. Sheri became her birthing coach, while Roger was her camera man in the delivery room.

They all welcomed Esther’s daughter into the world together, as a family.

Although she was never legally adopted, after her emancipation, Esther legally changed her last name to Church.

Esther became as much a part of the Church family as she could be. “She’s my daughter, absolutely,” says Sheri.

“When she went on her own and had her name legally changed to Church, she’s ours. End of conversation.” The Church family may not fit the “traditional” idea of family, but their family is committed to one another, committed to making the best out of the hardest situations.

“I messed up so much, looking back,” she says. “I don’t even know how Nana and Poppie put up with all my junk, my foolishness, my brokenness, and loved me anyway.” Since then, Esther has married and now has four children of her own. Sheri says Esther has told her she didn’t learn motherhood from her own mother, but rather her children have Nana to thank for their lives. The Church family taught Esther “what a real family is like.”

“Three days before my 18th birthday I was pregnant.”

A Commitment and A Calling For Sheri and Roger, fostering is more than just a commitment. Sheri describes fostering as a calling. Fostering these children is more than just giving them a place to rest their heads at night. It’s about understanding and advocating for the individual needs of each and every child. It’s not easy, and it’s not for everyone, but Sheri and Roger feel that they have been called to commit to caring for every child that enters their home.

Fostering is a commitment from the heart. Sheri says, “We’ve always said this is our calling. Well you know,

there’s nowhere in the Bible that says, ‘answer the calling until you’re done.’ So, we have decided there is no limit [to how many children we will foster], we just answer the calling.” When asked if she thinks they’ll make it to 100 foster children, she responded “We’ll answer until we can’t do it anymore or they don’t want us anymore—whichever comes first.”

Sheri laughs saying, “Chances are we’ll make it to 100.”

The children they have fostered have come to them with a lot of emotions that require Sheri and Roger to find the therapist hidden within them, to listen to these children and understand their needs. They need boundaries; they need someone to help them with whatever life throws at them. It’s a calling that requires patience, dedication, and time.

Many families fear becoming foster parents because they fear they will be too attached to the children to let them go; in fact, Sheri says early on she and Roger often felt discouraged when they became attached to children who would return to their parents. “Later on, [we] discovered that learning to attach was a very important emotional need of the child.”

It’s this dedication to the needs of the children that make Sheri and Roger the outstanding foster parents they are and have been to 96 children.

Being a foster parent is what Sheri calls a volunteer job. It’s about letting children know that they are important, supported, and “above all—these children need to know that they are loved.” Sheri and Roger have clearly shown all 96 of their foster children that they are undoubtedly loved and hope to continue spreading that love to more children as they come.

There is an evident need for more families like Sheri and Roger to become foster parents. It’s a large commitment to open your home to children who carry a lot of hurt not knowing when they will come or how long they will stay. “Keep your sense of humor,” says Sheri when offering advice for people considering foster care, “You’re going to need it.” It can be a long process, a taxing process, but opening homes to children in need may be the best way to break the cycle and reduce the number of children entering the

Child and Foster Care Services near the High Country

Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent in NC

• Catholic Social Services, Western Regional Office, Asheville, NC • Children’s Home Society of NC, 10 locations across NC • Children’s Hope Alliance, Banner Elk, NC combination of Barium Springs Home for Children and Grandfather Home for Children • Christian Adoptive Services, Matthews, NC • Department of Social Services for Ashe County, Avery County, and Watauga County • The Children’s Home, Winston-Salem, NC

Eligibility Requirements • Must be 21 years old • Must have a stable home and income • Must maintain a drug-free environment • Must be willing to be fingerprinted and undergo federal background check • Must complete training and be licensed by the state

“Many people would be surprised to learn that we get a subsidy equal to $15-20 per each 24-hour period,” Sheri says.“That just about covers the food bill for a hungry teen.”

Monthly Financial Compensation Ages 0-5: $475 | Ages 6-12: $581 | Ages 13 and older: $634 Steps to Become a Licensed Foster Home in NC 1. Watch mandatory Foster Parent Orientation Video through NC Department of Health and Human Services.

2. Choose an agency, local DSS or private foster care agency.

3. Attend an orientation with your chosen agency.

4. Complete TIPS-MAPP course. Trauma Informed Parenting-Model Approach to Partnerships and Parenting.

foster care system.

“The world needs more foster parents like Nana and Poppie,” says Esther. “People willing to open their hearts and homes to brokenness and start the healing. It’s not easy, I know I didn’t make it easy for Nana and Poppie; but, I know I was worth it to them.”

For 24 years, Sheri and Roger have been accepting children as they are and giving them the love and care that they deserve.

5. Completion of Mutual Home Assessment for foster care licensing. Not the same assessment for adoption home study.

6. Agency will complete and submit Foster Home Application to the NC Division of Social Services for review and licensure.

7. Once licensed by NC DSS, consider and accept foster care placements based on the needs of the children and your family’s abilities.

License must be renewed every two years.

They have been opening their hearts and homes to begin healing the deep wounds of some of these children. With hearts like theirs, it’s no surprise to hear them say that each and every child, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance, has made an incredible impact on their lives. “I have no idea what our lives would have been if we had not decided to foster,” says Sheri. “I just know that this is our life and we love it.” t

Watauga County Social Services 132 Poplar Grove Connector, #C Boone, NC 28607 (828) 265-8100 www.wataugacounty.org July 2018

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Welcome Back

Summer Dining Guide It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner.

For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages.

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PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER BOONE BAGELRY BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free. Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local. Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www. boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 78

CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100-year-old railroad repair station, used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad. Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their

extensive wine & beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience. Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino.net. See ad on page 76

CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern ItalianAmerican cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly offer homestyle meals made with love and meticulous care. Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and newFAIRWAY organics for CAFE guests to try. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and&clasVENUEa full sical guitar every Sunday. The restaurant also features bar and fantastic drink selections to delight even the pickiest patron. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com. See ad on page 73

Definitely say yes when we ask if you want dessert, because that’s just a good way to live your life.

Louisiana Purchase... as fancy as you make it!

IN THE HEART OF BANNER ELK SERVING DINNER:

Monday – Saturday, Opening at 5:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS REQUESTED:

828/ 963-5087

or

828/ 898-5656

Yes, wine will definitely be flowing!

Wine Spectator’s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2018

July 2018

High Country Magazine

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Six Pence

Restaurant & Pub A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock

Featuring British & American Fare

Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio

Dining: Sunday - Thursday , 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight

Full Bar (open until 2am)

20 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews

Courteous and Friendly Staff

828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. 72

High Country Magazine

July 2018

CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm, and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating.

We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers. Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 75

C.R. Catering boone. C.R. Catering Co. is Casa Rustica Restaurant’s sister company. We are pleased to offer the High Country’s finest gourmet catering for events on and off site. We provide fresh, distinctive food and quality service for each and every event. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and regularly prepare vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan meals. North Carolina’s freshest seafood and the finest locally grown vegetables appear regularly on our custom designed catering menus. Want a family favorite included in your menu? No problem! We can customize any item for your special event. Need the perfect space to accommodate your catering needs? We can serve 25 to 150 guests on-site with ease. Give us a call. n 828-406-7721. www.CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 73

DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era.

Local, craft and draft beers, seasonal and specialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825-414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 75

E N J O Y L O C A L Q U A L I T Y, F L AV O R & F R E S H N E S S

EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked, delicious goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes.

These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy.

We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop” in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family.

These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on page 74

Since 1981 we have pledged an ongoing commitment to serve local farm fresh foods and support our beloved community. We are honored to call the High Country our home.

www.CRCateringCo.com | 828.406.7721 www.CasaRustica1981.com | 828.262.5128

FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE

The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome to enjoy the finest cuisine. Spend a leisurely morning with us, or grab a quick bite on your way out for the day. Either way, an outstanding breakfast awaits you each morning in our dining room. For the evening meal, select your choice of seven meticulously prepared entrees crafted by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute at the helm of your culinary experience.

The menu changes daily, and also offers an extraordinary seafood buffet every Thursday evening with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com.

See ad on page 79

July 2018

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73

EAT CROW EAT PIE

EAT CAKE

EAT PIE

EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE

Delicious Sandwiches

(Served on our homemade bread)

1JFT t $BLFT Shepherd’s Pie 4UFBL "MF 1JF $IJDLFO 1PU 1JF English Specialties

$BUFSJOH

Serving Dinner Twice Monthly Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com

'BCVMPVT #SJUJTI $IFG 0XOFS

Dominic& Meryle Geraghty

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4 pm Lunch Served 11am - 3pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe

fairway cafe & venue boone. Not just for golfers! The Fairway café is located at the Boone Golf Course with a beautiful view of the course with an inside dining room or outdoor patio seating. The public is welcome to come enjoy the local fare.

The menu is extensive with an array of salad selections, a half of dozen sandwich choices, hot dogs anyway you like them and hamburgers from the classic to the fancy. The spacious indoor area features a beautiful 32 foot handcrafted maple bar.

FAIRWAY Our venue is also CAFE & perfect for any of VENUE life’s memorable moments.

Ideal for cocktail parties, fundraisers, wedding events and anniversary parties. The Fairway Venue features clean minimal lines, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We have full ABC permits and can seat about 100 inside and roughly 40 on the outside patio. Looking to accommodate even more? A tent can be set up if needed. Come check us out! n 828-264-0233. www.CRCateringCo. com. See ad on page 73

F.A.R.M. CAFÉ boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy & inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means.

Our meals are nutritious & delicious!

Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan.

Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Feed All Regardless of Means Cafe tries to have REAL. GOOD. FOOD. something for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org.

See ad on page 77 74

High Country Magazine

July 2018

Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 84

THE LOCAL BOONE. a place to enjoy a fresh meal, crafted in-house from local High Country ingredients. Serving traditional southern favorites, shecrab soup and shrimp & grits, as well as grass-fed beef burgers, specialty sandwiches, unique tacos, woodfired flatbreads & pizzas, quinoa bowls, steaks, seafood and plenty of gluten-free and vegan choices. The Local also features 20 taps, serving mostly local and regional beers, as well as national favorites. At The Local you can enjoy drinks & appetizers while relaxing on comfortable leather couches in the lounge, play a game of billiards, or watch your favorite sports event on large flat screen TVs. The Local is also the place to be for Live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Experience

Local. Open Daily 11am. Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm. n 828-266-2179. www.TheLocalBoone.com. See ad on page 78

LOUISIANA PURCHASE FOOD & SPIRITS BANNER ELK. Celebrating 34 years in beautiful downtown Banner Elk, Chef Owner Patrick Bagbeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu evolves with the changing seasons, and will always include all the favourites. Featuring house made Cajun and Creole cuisine and always fresh North Carolina seafood. We are AAA three diamond award winner and recipient of Wine Spectator Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best of Award of Excellence since 1994 through 2017.

Our delicious meals begin with beautiful ingredients thoughtfully prepared and our seasonal menu features fresh NC seafood, local produce and proteins from Trosley Farms, Springhouse Farm, Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greenhouse and Heritage Farms to name a few. We make every effort to keep our ingredients seasonally relevant and enjoyed at their peak.

Each item is prepared daily in house and made to order. We offer a full bar, craft cocktails, fourteen wines by the glass and a selection of local beers Although reservations are preferred, we are happy to seat walk-ins. Our dress code is business casual. We want you to come comfortable and hungry. Be sure to browse through the many selections on our menu. n 828-963-5087 or 828898-5656. www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com. See ad on page 71

Proper BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www.propermeal. com. See ad on page 76

Chestnut Grille

Divide Tavern Dinnerfood service is Serving & drinks available seven days a seven nights a week! weekOpens starting at 5pm. at 5pm

Open 7 nights week Thursday - Sundayaevenings 6:00pm - 9:00pm from 6pm - 9pm Reservations recommended.

Offering comfort cooking in a warm inviting setting, WE gourmet ARE PROUD AND EXCITED TOand INTRODUCE the Chestnut Grill features a seasonal menu inspired by the North CHEF SAMAnd â&#x20AC;&#x153;FtheRYDivide â&#x20AC;? BEASLEY , perfect Carolina High Country.

Tavern is the setting enjoyMENU an evening of conversation over a glass of wine or AS: AS WELL ASto NEW SELECTIONS AND PREPARATIONS , SUCH hand crafted cocktail complimented by an extensive bar menu.

GRILLED FLAT IRON STEAK FRIED CHICKEN Garlic yukons, Sweetwhipped tea brined and grilled asparagus, buttermilk battered chicken crispy shallots, and breast, mashedjus Yukon blackberry potatoes, pan gravy

LECHON THE C UBAN ASSADO ANDWICH Traditional Cuban slow Roast pork, ham, Swiss roasted pork, cheese, pickles, mojo house marinated, andand served with seasoned mustard on ciabatta bread black beans and rice

HRIMP AND SSHRIMP &G GRITS RITS grits,over a HerbLime-thyme sauteed shrimp wilted spinach, bed of cheddar grits, mushrooms, bacon, and lemon-butter sauce, white winepan sauce bacon crumble

GRILLED RIBLAMB EYERACK Achiote spiced rubbed half Watauga County grown rack of lamb with limeCascade hops-rubbed & thyme grits, fried brussels, grilled eye, bourbonand rib blackberry jus peppercorn demi-glaze

MACT-HE N-C HICKEN CUBAN Traditional shredded Macaroni pasta, house roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese sauce, roasted cheese, house pickles, chicken, bacon & sriracha and whole grain mustard on ciabatta bread

FFISH CHIPS HIPS ISH & &C Beer batter fried cod,cut Batter-fried cod, house house cut chips, chips, tartar sauce, lemon & tartar sauce, lemon &malt maltvinegar vinegar

www.greenparkinn.com 828.414.9230 9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock

Facebook.com/GreenParkInn Instagram & Twitter: @thegreenparkinn July 2018

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Red Onion CafĂŠ

Homestyle Southern Cooking with a modern, seasonal slant

BOTTLES AT HALF PRICE

Open Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm

142 S. Water St.|Boone NC 28607 828-865-5000|www.propermeal.com

RESPECTABLE. CORRECT. GENUINE

Boone. Established in 1985 as one of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion CafĂŠ opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening. The Red Onion CafĂŠ has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The cafĂŠ has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. Look for weekly dinner specials and the kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu items as well.

The Red Onion CafĂŠ also offers several of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well as friendly staff on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu. The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner on

warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 79

REID'S CAFE & CATERING BANNER ELK. At Reid's Cafe & Catering we offer seasonal menus customized for every occasion, specializing in locally sourced and handcrafted foods. We believe in the importance of bringing  those you love together through food and conversation. We value the handmade and fashion from scratch details as small as the aioli and dressings we use, to house made focaccia and pastries, slow roasted meats and naturally fermented pickles. We avoid industrially grown and processed foods. This translates throughout our planning process to include varied menu possibilities ranging from traditional favorites to ethnic flavors from around the world. This summer Reidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe

*// t 3&45"63"/5 t 41" t &7&/54

TABLE AT CRESTWOOD 10% OFF THE Must present this coupon to receive offer. Excludes Gratuity & Tax. EXPIRES 9/30/18

828-264-7772 3JWFST 4USFFU r #PPOF

Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials

Our goal is to create southern inspired dishes and an unforgettable atmosphere. Enjoy the highest quality food and beverages, while admiring one of the most spectacular views in North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Country.

Indoor or Outdoor Dininďż˝ XXX DBGFQPSUPĂąOP OFU

The Spa at Crestwood is pleased to offer a variety of treatments for rejuvenating mind, body, and soul.

BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT | RELAXING SPA

THE INN AT CRESTWOOD RESTAURANT & SPA 3236 Shulls Mill Road, Boone NC 28607 828.963.6646 | www.crestwoodnc.com

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boasts a beautiful new space that has doubled their seating capacity and added a bar area with both beer and wine taps as well as handcrafted cocktails. n 828-268-9600. www.reidscateringco.com. See ad on page 73

six pence pub Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a Blowing Rock staple for visitors and residents alike ever since. Known all over the High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, delicious food and extensive beer and wine selection make this local watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to Restaurant & Pub A m e r i c a n style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street. Who knew that one could find

Six Pence

such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-295-3155. www.sixpencepub. com. See ad on page 72

STONEWALLS BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials.

Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com. See ad on page 76

Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats”

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

617 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) www.farmcafe.org

July 2018

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The Table at Crestwood

)0634 .PO 4BU BN QN 4VO BN QN

Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day Espresso Coffee Bar 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Featuring Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro

t '3&& %&-*7&3: t )PNF PG UIF 'BNPVT #BHFMJDJPVT OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION

8FTU ,JOH 4U t www.boonebagelry.com

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High Country Magazine

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Featuring Boone Bagelry Bagels Espresso Coffee Bar serving locally roasted Coffee Gourmet Lunch Menu Breakfast Served All Day Check Out Our Menu Online at: bbwaterwheelcafe.com )0634 .PO 4BU BN QN 4VO BN QN

Free Delivery!

AT THE 105 WATERWHEEL

(SBEVBUF -BOF t www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com

BOONE. Here at The Table Restaurant, fresh is always in season. Our goal is to create southern inspired dishes and an unforgettable atmosphere. Enjoy the highest quality food and beverages, while admiring one of the most spectacular views in North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Country. This rustic Blue Ridge Mountains resort is just 3.9 miles from historic Blowing Rock and 7.3 miles from Boone on the scenic Shulls Mill Road. The Inn at Crestwood is a hidden jewel. Beautiful surroundings, spectacular views and excellent service. n 828-963-6646. www.crexstwoodnc.com. See ad on page 76

vidalia Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;creative American cuisine.â&#x20AC;? Featuring creative menu items for lunch and dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights.

Famous menu items include the apple and gorgonzola salad, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mushroom ravioli, with finishing choices like stone ground grits and cheddar mac nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cheese. All of these choices come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to patrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines which can be expertly paired with meals by the staff, a large selection of craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 74

water wheel cafĂŠ BOONE. Welcome to the Water Wheel CafĂŠ, featuring Boone Bagelry bagels.

Find us on Highway 105 in Boone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just look for the monumental Water Wheel in our parking lot! We are locally owned and operated our location offers a lodge-like feel with an impressive rock fireplace, a spacious open floor plan, and cozy booth seating. Our Culinary Team developed The Water Wheel Cafe menu to feature many of the Original classics we are known for, as well as new and exciting menu items that will win you over.

We also offer a coffee bar with Espresso drinks. We look forward to serving you. n 828-262-1600. www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com. See ad on page 78

Where flavors reach new heights.

All taste buds on deck.ďż˝ 7Â&#x2026;iÂ&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;½Ă&#x20AC;i Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026; >LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x203A;i Ă&#x192;i> Â?iĂ&#x203A;iÂ?] Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;i½Ă&#x192; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Â?Ă&#x17E; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;i Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; `Â&#x153;pLĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Â&#x153;Vi>Â&#x2DC;½Ă&#x192; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;i>Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192; `Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iVĂ&#x152;Â?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;>LÂ?i° Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;V>Ă&#x2022;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x152; `iÂ?Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192; >Ă&#x153;>Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152; Ă&#x17E;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022; iĂ&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E; /Â&#x2026;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;`>Ă&#x17E; >Ă&#x152; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; v>Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192; Ă&#x192;i>vÂ&#x153;Â&#x153;` LĂ&#x2022;vviĂ&#x152;°

(VHHROD FRP Ĺ&#x2DC; (VHHROD FRP

Over 33 Years in Boone!

CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

Food & Spirits 8960 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock 828.414.9922 www.ridgelineblowingrock.com

Come for the view & stay for the food!

CAJUN CHICKEN FETTUCINI â&#x20AC;˘ PESTO â&#x20AC;˘ CHICKEN FAJITAS WRAP SOUTHWESTERN WRAP â&#x20AC;˘ CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD â&#x20AC;˘ LASAGNA LOW COUNTRY SALMON â&#x20AC;˘ CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA TUSCAN RED PEPPER CHICKEN BOURBON GLAZED CENTER CUT RIBEYE ARTICHOKE DIP WITH TOASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD SOUP & QUICHE OF THE DAY...

Outdoor Covered Patio Dining 227 HARDIN STREET IN BOONE

We have Wi-Fi!

828/264.5470 redonionboone.com

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER July 2018

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK High Country Magazine

79

70Years of Intrigue

Mystery Hill

By Jan Todd

“

Y’ever seen rattlesnake eggs?” asked were the ones that discovered the natu- in a tree, and it took more force to push 70-year old Wayne Underwood, as ral gravitational anomaly. They didn’t it one way than it did the other.”

Matthew continued, “One day, Mr. know what it was, but they knew there he welcomed me to Mystery Hill.

“I can’t say that I have,” I replied, as he was something strange going on out in Hudson was out working in the orchard and sat down to rest. He handed me a small packet. noticed that two of his “They’re safe,” he asworkers, twin brothers, sured me. “They’ve been were standing on one of the frozen, so they won’t new platforms he’d built hatch. Some people take for cider pressing. As he ‘em for their heart.” glanced at the brothers, he I opened the packet, noticed that one appeared and immediately dropped to be about six inches taller it as it vibrated in my than his brother, who was hand and emitted a rather standing on the other side alarming rattling sound. of the press. Mr. Hudson Wayne doubled over knew that the twins were laughing, and asked, “So in fact almost the same how’s your heart?” exact height, and he also He has probably pulled knew that the platform that gag hundreds, no, was level, because he’d just thousands of times on visibuilt it. Mr. Hudson veritors to Mystery Hill, and The original Mystery Hill, which became an iconic tourist attraction fied both facts, and after evidently it never gets old in Blowing Rock, was built by William F. Hudson in 1954. a round of experiments, for him! Wayne has spent proved that anyone who most of his life working at this iconic attraction in Blowing Rock, the orchard. They knew that when they stood on one end of the platform apspinning tales of natural anomalies and walked through this particular section of peared to be taller than they did on the intriguing tourists with optical illusions, the hillside, they’d feel a little bit dizzy other end. He could look at people on magical experiences, and feats of pure and lightheaded. They knew that strange the platform from any angle, any spot things happened; the apples fell and and the same thing was true.” science.

“So there were several weird things, landed on the upper path instead of the That’s right, science.

I admit that until recently, I thought lower path below the tree, like you’d ex- with no explanation. Then one day, Mr. that Mystery Hill was simply a roadside pect. They had an old tire swing hanging Hudson saw a Life Magazine article about a place in Santa Cruz, Calicuriosity full of gimmicks. But then fornia that had occurrences similar I learned that there is solid science to what was happening in his orin them there hills! chard. He was excited to find out Wayne’s son, Matthew, the more, and so the Hudsons ended up third generation of Underwoods taking a trip to California to see the to run Mystery Hill, told me the place and learn what they could.” story. “Mystery Hill started out While in California, the Hudas the old Hudson Apple Orchard, sons found out that there were which was run from the 1920’s several other places in the world through the 1940’s. The Hudsons 80

High Country Magazine

July 2018

Roarke, Matthew, and Wayne Underwood

Photos by Ken Ketchie Three generations of Underwoods currently work at Mystery Hill.

Above from left, Roarke Underwood, his father Matthew, and grandfather Wayne. Wayne’s collection of antiques, including those farm tools, are incorporated throughout the attraction.

Wayne Underwood

with so called “gravitational anomalies”, and some had built attractions where visitors would pay to experience the phenomena. On the way back to North Carolina, Mr. Hudson decided to build a “Mystery House,” like the one he had seen in California, to enhance the visitor’s experience. He started with a shack in 1948, then ended up building something a bit larger and calling it “Mystery Hill.”

“The timing was good,” explained Matthew. “A blight had come through and killed all of the apple trees, so the Hudson’s needed a new way to make a living. Roads were being built, and tourists were coming to the area.” The Hudsons ran Mystery Hill for about ten years, and then decided to sell the property and retire to Florida. R.J. Underwood and his wife purchased the property from the Hudsons.

Wayne jumped in with his personal account. “It was in 1958, and I was ten years old at the time. My parents had three restaurants in Boone, and they were looking to open a fish camp restaurant. Tweetsie Railroad had opened in 1956, so the Hudson property was in a good location, right next to it. They bought the property, opened up the restaurant, and operated it for four months before they ever walked in the front door of Mystery Hill.”

The Underwoods didn’t have any initial interest in Mystery Hill. “My dad grew up in Aho, and my mother came from over the mountain on Bamboo Road, and neither of them had ever even heard about Mystery Hill,” said Wayne. “Visitors who came to the new restaurant often asked about it, so when Mr. Hudson came up from Florida in the springtime, he gave my father the keys and explained about Mystery Hill, how it got started and what it was all about.”

I asked Wayne what he thought of the phenomenon, as a ten year old boy. He said he remembers being very skeptical. “Mr. Hudson took us July 2018

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The Mystery Platform represents a phenomenon found at other anomaly spots in the world.

Although the platform is not slanted (as proven by a level), people appear taller on one side than they do on the other.

William Hudson first noticed this peculiarity when observing twin brothers at work at a cider mill. Although the brothers were the same height, one appeared 6” taller than the other. Wayne and Matthew Underwood demonstrate above. through and talked about the peculiari- incorporated more science into the pre- to pick their brains,” Wayne remarked.

“There’s science behind it, what hapties of the hillside, the strange pull, and sentation. “We’ve had German scientists the platform where you grow and shrink. here, the Army Corps of Engineers, peo- pens and why it happens. We don’t unI remember thinking, “Sure, I don’t be- ple from other natural phenomenon spots derstand all the details, but we know basically what happens,” added lieve a word of this.” But as Matthew time went on, people kept The introductory room coming, and then kept comfor the tour of Mystery Hill is ing back, having fun, and currently being transformed bringing others with them. into an interactive Science So I began to believe that Room, with Sir Isaac Newthere really was something ton – or at least his likeness – to it.” as the host to explain about After four years of runhow gravity works, and how ning the visitor attraction anomalies such as Mystery and the restaurant, R.J. UnHill bend the rules. As the derwood decided that it was story goes, Sir Isaac Newton a lot less work running Myscame up with his theory of tery Hill than it was the fish gravity as he observed an apcamp, so he ended up leasing out the restaurant and operA group gathers in the newly renovated introduction room, begin- ple fall from a tree. Given ating Mystery Hill full time. ning their tour with scientific explanations of what they’ll witness. Mystery Hill’s history as an apple orchard, could there “We just told people what Mr. Hudson told us to tell ‘em,” said like this, and we’ve learned a lot from be a better mascot?

Matthew elaborated, “We used to Wayne. “It’s been in operation for 70 them. Not a week goes by that we don’t years now, and people just keep coming.” get somebody that knows a lot more than take people directly into the Anomaly.

Over the years, the Underwoods have we do about what goes on here, so we try We’d start explaining the science behind

Inside the anomaly room, a suspended broom is used to demonstrate the gravitational pull.

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In the Hall of Mystery, visitors can strike a pose and see their silhouettes captured on the “Shadow Wall.”

The Underwood family, Sharon at the front desk, with her husband Wayne, son Matthew, and new employee Kade Hatten.

Four generations of Underwoods have worked at Mystery Hill.

“I was leading a tour a few years ago, the anomaly is caused by a large iron it. But maybe one in a hundred people actually heard what we were saying. The and we had one lady who claimed that deposit that is likely in the mountain.

Anomaly room is crazy, people get dizzy, aliens put equipment in the ground. She “If you think about gravity, most of us and they’re overwhelmed. So we added said, “I know what causes it. The aliens think about planets having gravity. But the Science Room so that we can talk sci- put equipment in eighteen places in the actually, every object has gravity, pulling ence before people are in the middle of world, and it causes vibrations in the other objects, or even people, towards it. What we find is that very few people earth. They’re going to use this one day it,” he said. “You don’t feel it, because really understand what gravity is, so to take over the world.” At this point ev- the earth’s gravity is so strong and overpowers it. The bigger an we try to explain that. object is, the more mass Then we tell them about that it has, the more anomalies. An anomaly gravity that it has. So in is anything that devithe ground, if there is a ates from the standard. big enough mass from That’s all it is. Gravity a mineral deposit, the behaves slightly differgravitational pull is deently here at Mystery tectable. That’s all that Hill than you’d expect at is happening here.” most places on earth.”

He continued, “The There are lots of reason we think there theories about why that is an iron deposit here happens. Matthew said, is that the Cranberry “A lot of people come Iron Mines are less than in and talk about the ir12 miles away, in Avery regularities of the earth, County. Up until the and how that causes it.

1970’s, the mines were Then we have some followers of “ley lines.” Mystery Hill has endured two major fires, one in 1963, and another in 1989 the largest producers of If you start looking at (pictured above). The Mystery House came through unscathed in each fire, iron in the Southeast.

The same vein of iron these anomalies on the but over 225,000 irreplaceable antiques were lost forever. that runs through Cranearth and drawing lines between them, they seem to create tri- eryone else on the tour started backing berry is thought to run through here, angular patterns that some people think away from this lady,” Matthew laughed. so more than likely, if you were looking have some sort of spiritual significance. “But that’s okay. Everyone can have their for dense mineral that would cause this type of gravitational anomaly, it would I can’t find any science behind it, but we own opinion.”

As for Matthew, he believes that be iron.” let everyone have their own opinions.”

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1958

1965

Tour guides use displays in the Science Room to explain different theories about the Anomaly, and also incorporate illustrations about optical illusions. “There is no trickery in the Anomaly Room,” explained Matthew. “The Mystery House is built just like any other room, with straight lines. It is simply built sitting on an angle. Your eyes perceive light, and the brain processes that. So when your eyes see straight lines, your brain perceives that you are in a level room, even though your equilibrium is sending a different message.”

Before taking me into the Anomaly Room, Matthew warned me that some people feel dizzy and disoriented at first, but the feeling usually subsides after a moment or two. There are rails along the walls to steady oneself if needed. (I needed.)

Matthew explained that the Anomaly Room is in the middle of the gravitational vortex, which radiates out in a egg-shape spiral pattern, about a thousand feet up the hillside. The force of the anomaly weakens as it goes out from the center.

Inside the room hangs a swing that sways slightly on its own from the gravitational forces, a clear visual representation that something is amiss.

Pushing the swing in one direction is easy, but takes considerably more effort to push it in the other direction. Visitors are encouraged to try for themselves, and can feel the difference. They can also experience the optical illusion of water

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Over the years, the Mystery Hill attraction has evolved to contain displays of history, mystery, and science. Visitors have experienced the anomaly as children, then returned with their own children and grandchildren to share the experience once again.

1962

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running uphill, and a ball rolling up a hill under its own power.

Looking Toward the Future The enhancement of the introductory Science Room is just one of the new additions at Mystery Hill. After a couple of decades off the mountain, Matthew has recently rejoined the business full time, and has big plans for a major expansion. “Dad just had his 70th birthday, so I figured it was time to give him a break,” he told me.

Matthew graduated from A.S.U. in the late 1980’s, and worked in Information Technology for the healthcare industry. He has been involved in Mystery Hill along the way, taking care of the website and social media, and weighing in on new additions to the attraction over the years. He is eager to take the attraction into some new directions in coming months.

“We’re starting a big expansion this year, the first major one in about twenty years. We’re adding a new building, moving the

R.J. Underwood (left), who purchased the Mystery Hill property in 1958 to open a fish camp restaurant, soon found the tourist attraction to be a more lucrative business endeavor.

His son Wayne (right) grew up working at Mystery Hill and took over the reins of leadership in the late 1970’s.

Wayne pictured with his parents, R.J. and Novel Underwood in 1979.

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Wayne Underwood has big plans for the future of Mystery Hill, including an “Orchard Village” with thematic shops, places to eat, and demonstrations and entertainment.

The Village will tie in with the Middlefork Greenway, providing a destination along the trail. gift shop and ticket office. On the floor above, we’ll have a meeting room with a big party room. On the back side of the property, we’re going to build an Orchard Village, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, places to eat, and a stage for music.” Matthew described.

With the development of the Middlefork Greenway, Matthew has lots of ideas about how to make the Mystery Hill complex a fun stop along the trail.

“The Village will be open to the public, so they can wander through, with no ticket required. This will really be the entertainment corridor of the Greenway, and we’ll have bike rentals and fishing rentals, ways for people to enjoy the Greenway itself.”

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In addition to ushering in the new, Mystery Hill is also planning to bring back the old. “We’re planning to replant the orchard,” Matthew announced.

“We’ve said for years that we’d love to bring the apple trees back. Most of the trees were killed in the blight in the 1940’s, and nobody replanted, because the efforts were concentrated on the Mystery Hill attraction,” said Matthew.

“Now if we were to replant the same variety of apple trees that were originally grown here, the blight would wipe them out again, because the disease is still here. So we’ve been working with North Carolina University, and they’re going to take that original variety of apple trees, graft them with root stock from some

blight resistant trees, and then replant the orchards with the original variety raised here by the Hudsons.”

Another variety of apples will also be planted, one that Matthew is particularly excited about. While working with the folks at NC State, Matthew came across an article describing Woolsthorpe Manor in England, where Sir Isaac Newton grew up. “In the back yard is the very apple tree where Newton used to sit, the place that he had the idea about gravity when he observed an apple falling off the tree. That tree is still alive today, and still producing apples, more than 300 years after Newton developed his theory. The variety of Newton’s tree is the Flower of Kent, which is very rare

today. I contacted the guys at NC State, and told them about the tree and asked if they could find out anything about it. They looked into it, and it turns out that the climate that the tree requires is exactly what we have here in the mountains. NC State is able to get a cutting from this tree, and we’re going to plant

one grove of trees from this Flower of Kent tree. So just imagine, about five or so years from now, you’ll be able to have a cup of cider from the apples that fell on Isaac Newton’s head, while you’re here at Mystery Hill, defying gravity!”

With the development of the Orchard Village, the Underwoods plan to inte-

grate the apple orchards with shopping and entertainment aspects that go along together, including cider making, fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, and even distilled hard cider. “We’ll be able to expand the appeal of Mystery Hill to a variety of different people,” said Matthew.

“And as new people visit, hopefully some

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The historic 1903 Dougherty House, which housed the founders of A.S.U., was transported to the Mystery Hill property in the late 1980’s. It now houses a collection of antiques, along with a few pieces from the Dougherty estate, and depicts early Appalachian mountain life. Photos by Jan Todd of them will also want to go to our ticketed attractions.”

Something for Everyone The signature attraction on the property is, of course, Mystery Hill’s Anomaly Tour and Hall of Mystery. After visiting the Anomaly Room, visitors return to level ground and enter the Hall of Mystery. There they can see natural minerals that glow in the dark, a scientific display of a lightbulb glowing without the use of any battery or electricity, and a magical floating water spigot with water flowing. There is a “Shadow Wall,” a phosphorescent wall with a timed light source that captures and displays a person’s silhouette which remains for a few seconds before fading away.

The second room in the Hall of Mystery is devoted to bubbles. Giant bubbles.

I felt like a kid blowing on a film of soap to create a floating bubble about two feet in diameter! People can step onto a round platform and let a friend lift a giant bubble wand around them, so they’re actually inside a soap bubble!

The Underwoods have been collecting novelties and interactive science exhibits for years, but have only been able to display a fraction of them in the available space. The new expansion will allow a much science museum, with plenty of interactive displays for all ages.

Education is integrated with family fun in other attractions on the property, including Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, the Appalachian Fossil Museum, the Native Ameri-

Downstairs in the Dougherty House is a Native American, displaying what might be the largest private collection of artifacts and arrowheads.

This past January, the collection was featured on the Fox Network series, “Strange Inheritance with Jamie Colby.”

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can Artifacts Collection, and the 1903 Dougherty House.

The Dougherty House, built by Dauphin Disco Dougherty in 1903, was the home of the brothers who co-founded Watauga Academy, which eventually became Appalachian State University. The house is reportedly the first in Watauga County to have both electricity and running water, and the original North Carolina Public Education Act was written and signed in the house.

The house was located on the southern side of the A.S.U. campus, where the

Rivers Street Parking Deck is now, until the mid-1980’s. To make room for University expansion, the house was moved to State Farm Road, where it fell into disrepair. Wayne Underwood created a non-profit organization, the Appalachian Heritage Museum, to help fund the relocation to the Mystery Hill property and enormous restoration project that began in 1989.

Now, the first floor of the Dougherty House serves as the museum displaying thousands of Native American arrowheads and artifacts. Upstairs, the house is filled with antiques from the early 20th century, depicting early Appalachian life. There are even a few pieces from the original Dougherty estate.

One of Wayne’s favorite stories about the house is about how Dr. Dougherty helped bring the railroad into Boone. At the time, the Tweetsie engine was part of the East Tennessee Western North Carolina railroad. “They were trying to raise money to build the tracks by selling bonds, but the business people just weren’t buying. So as the story goes, Dr. Dougherty invited the business community together on his front porch for a meeting. Dr. Dougherty started out by saying, “These railroad people must thing we’re a bunch of dumb hillbillies.

Here they are trying to get us to buy bonds to bring this train into town. They ought’r know that we have to keep our money in order to build rooming houses, storage buildings, restaurants and the whole structure to take care of those people when the train comes to town.”

Wayne paused. “Before they left the porch that day, every bond was sold, and the train came to town. I think the neatest thing about this is where the train came through in Boone, it ran right in front of the house. And guess what? Now where the house sits, the train still runs right by the house, because Tweetsie is right next door.”

The Underwoods plan to celebrate Mystery Hill’s 70th anniversary all season long, with special events during the summer, and an Old Fashioned Christmas at the 1903 Dougherty House during December.

Wayne reflected, “We’ve had more than a million visitors, from all over the world, come to Mystery Hill over the years. A lot of them come year after year, bringing children, then grandchildren.

It’s almost like the magnetic force just pulls ‘em in.” t

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Bill Brown in his early days of creating forged elements

Bill Brown and the Anvil Arts Studio in Linville Falls

Art in the Garden

H

By Jan Todd

“A lot of what I do comes from being in this world at this time,” Bill reflected.

“For instance, the refugee situation is on my mind right now. I see these people on the news, and it is just a nightmare, people in boats or sleeping in tents, standing in lines, nowhere to go. I’ve started a series of work called “Refugees,” which will be exhibited at the Turchin Center in about a year.”

Each of his “Refugee” sculptures has a different face, of sorts. Bill’s work is largely contemporary and abstract. The bases of the figurative “Refugee” pieces may resemble a house, a rocking boat, or a round base representing a circle of ground from the person’s beloved homeland. “These people are just trying to find a place to be,” explained Bill, “whether it be a tent, or a culvert, or a house.”

Bill’s hope is that this series of sculptures will raise awareness to the refugee crisis in the world, and spark dialogue and action. He plans to donate a percentage of each sale from these sculptures to or-

ammers and chisels of all sizes swing from hooks hanging on the walls, and the floor is cluttered with pieces of metal, anvils, and industrial sized air-powered hammers. Located out in the country in Avery County, you might think you’d wandered into a machine shop, instead of an art studio.

But just outside, the finished products leave no doubt that at the Anvil Arts Studio in Linville Falls is a place where there is a master at work.

Bill Brown, acclaimed metal sculptor, artist, and owner of the studio, is a meticulous craftsman, but in his creations, it is evident that the soul of the artist plays first fiddle. A short conversation with Bill reveals that the inspirations and meanings behind his sculptures come from deep within his heart, his feelings and observations about current events and culture, and the impact on people of all countries and backgrounds.

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Vices To Virtue

ganizations aiding the refugees. “They need tents, blankets, water, basic supplies,” said Bill. “I’m not saying I have a fix for the situation, but I’m trying to help, use art for something tangible for these people.”

Life experiences and personal passions are poured into Bill’s work. His ability to transform thoughts and feelings into physical art was developed at a very young age. Bill’s father and namesake, Bill Brown, Sr., was a sculptor and design teacher, and the director of the Penland School of Crafts, a distinguished art school in Mitchell County, North Carolina. Beginning his tenure in 1962, he was responsible for adding new fields of study and new programs to the school, and served at the school for twenty-one years.

With his playground as the Penland School, Bill Jr. grew up among some of the most influential and talented artists of the late twentieth century. Interacting with artists either teaching or studying at the school, Bill was exposed to master potters, sculptors, glass blowers, and painters. He learned from them, and served as their apprentice.

“A lot of what I do

comes from being in

Bill Brown uses mainly forging techniques in his sculptures, shaping hot metal with a combination of hand tools and large air hammers.

this world at this time.”

Instead of delving directly into the art world as a young man, however, Bill decided to explore a different lifestyle.

He moved to Florida and got a job on a cattle ranch. As part of his job, he began learning to make horseshoes, finding himself working with metal in a practical way. He continued his career in metalwork when he moved to Savannah, working as a blacksmith making everything from gates to railings to lighting.

Honing these skills reawakened his interest in forging for artistic purposes, and after a few years he circled back to Western North Carolina to do an art residency.

Back at Penland School, Bill met and married Liz, who was at the school doing a concentrated study in jewelry makBill and Liz Brown, inside their gallery at Anvil Arts Studio. Most of Bill’s work is metal sculptures, however he also paints, including the work shown.

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Liz and Bill met while Bill was working as a resident artist at the Penland School of Crafts in the 1980’s.

ing. Together they opened the Anvil Arts Studio in the fall of 1981. The location is a bit unexpected for an art studio and gallery. “People come here and are amazed to find a place like this in the middle of nowhere,” Liz laughed. “Originally, the building served as a workshop for a logger, who was a good friend of Bill’s. When his friend passed away, Bill took over this space, and it ended up being perfect for his studio.”

When they started out, the Browns had a small office and gallery space inside the shop. They later built a separate building for a gallery, and then added a garden to display the sculptures as Bill transitioned to large scale work. Located less than a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden and Gallery became a destination in its own right. Just a few years ago, the Linville Falls Winery opened up across the street at the Red Barn Tree Farm.

“That has certainly added to the experience here, opening the area up as a destination for new clientele. People will come to the winery, then stop by and wander through the garden and visit the gallery,” said Liz. “We also get a lot of hikers and visitors from the Falls, since we’re so close.”

Liz manages the Gallery, and works with customers alongside Bill. She is no stranger to the art world. “My mother was a collector of arts and antiques, and art always spoke to me in a special way. I studied Art History in college. When Bill opened the studio here, I ran the business,

Photos by Jan Todd

In the Sculpture Garden, Liz stands beside a clay work by Tinka Jordy, and Bill stands beside one of his own pieces.

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Bill and Liz opened the Anvil Arts Studio in 1981, taking over the building originally used for a logging operation. Over the years, they’ve expanded and added to the property, opening a gallery and Sculpture Garden to invite patrons to enjoy the work and envision how the art may appear in their own homes. Visitors are invited to come to the garden any time, whether or not the studio is open, to simply relax and enjoy the sculptures. Often during the summertime, events are held to introduce artists and their work to the public.

Photo by Conrad Leavitt, Trillivision

and had flexibility during the years of raising our two children, Whitney and Gamble.”

In the early ’90’s, Liz was the first paid director of the Avery County Arts Council. “I really enjoyed that time,” she remembered. “We were focused on bringing arts into the school, writing grants to bring everything in from African American dance ensembles to poets, giving the kids in the county exposure to things they

“Originally, the building served

as a workshop for a logger, who was a good friend of Bill’s.”

never would have seen otherwise. That was a wonderful experience.”

Liz has been by Bill’s side as he has transformed as an artist. “When he was blacksmithing, he started doing some sculpturing as well, and tried to have a balance between the two. He really loves the techniques of manipulating the metal, using traditional techniques of forging, but creating contemporary pieces,” she commented.

“Life experiences have made a huge difference in the way I see things,” Bill elaborated. “Fatherhood, famJuly 2018

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A

Photos by Jan Todd

B

C

D

Recently, Anvil Arts Gallery has incorporated the work of other artists, which is displayed alongside Bill’s art in the gallery and garden. Above, stone sculptures are designed by Carl Peverall (A & B). Bill’s steel sculptures are Autumn Moon (C), Breakaway (D), Window (E), Vices to Virtues (F), and Stonecutter’s Helper (G). The cast iron piece, “Jedi Meditation” (H) is by Tripp Jarvis. ily, world events. The more personal you politics, I was thinking about people with span?”

“The arch is the strongest architecmake the art, the more inclusive it is. As different opinions and thoughts, how you express a personal feeling, you have they’re expressed in social media and ev- tural piece, used in building bridges, so I to be vulnerable to an extent. You have to eryday conversation. I wondered, couldn’t used the arch as the focal point.”

He then added wheels to the sculplet people in. When you’re an artist, most there be a way to communicate back and often you’re working alone, and you’re not forth, work things out, and bridge the tures, to represent movement. “I feel that as a human race and indiout there in the world, until viduals, we need to be able you display your art.” to cross a bridge of some Liz added, “That’s somekind, to find movement in thing that is true for many our thinking and search for artists. When you reveal a common elements and paths new work, you’re revealto communication.” ing yourself. It’s something On some pieces, the you’ve put everything you wheels have a total of twelve are into it. Artists are conspokes, a significant number stantly sharing themselves in that represents completion. different ways, through their Yet some of Bill’s spokes work. It goes beyond the don’t go all the way to the process, to the motivations, end; they are broken off the inspirations and feelings mid-circle. This intentional behind the work.” imperfection sends a mesDoes Bill have a particusage. “Something will work lar theme or genre? He contemplated. “I’ve been doing Bill designed his “Bridges to Communication” series using arches without perfection,” Bill this for so many years, that it and wheels, proposing solutions to polarization and divisiveness in explained. “The wheel will kinda flows along like a river. our culture. In the bottom piece, one spoke was left short, to imply still roll. Going back to the that perfection is not necessary. Photos by Jan Todd communication thought, the Things move and change, piece says that everything and as life changes, your doesn’t have to be perfect to artistic thinking moves forget both sides to move and ward. Sometimes the matecome together.” rial is showing you things as you work.” As he molds the metal, Bill is deep in thought, The Sculpture gaining perspective, gaining Garden clarity.

Contemplation is not an One series of sculptures activity reserved for the arthe calls “Bridges to Comist himself. The Browns have munication.” These largedesigned a Sculpture Garden scale pieces were motivated to encourage everyday peoby Bill’s concerns about pople to experience that very larization and divisiveness. practice. A quiet space under “Whether it is religion or the trees, the Browns invite 94

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F

the public to rest, enjoy, and meditate.

“It’s about exploring, experiencing, collecting,” said Liz. “It is rare to have a gallery that has a garden space, where all of the work is available to purchase. The idea behind the garden was to help people visualize what the work might look like in their own space, whether it be a home or a corporate setting, a garden or an open lawn.”

For the garden, Liz tries to choose work that people will respond to. “Your experience and understanding of the work changes as you come and visit. Sometimes a piece will

G

H On a summer morning, with the birds chirping and the early morning light dancing on the dew drops, the garden is indeed a welcome oasis in a busy world. It is easy to see why people are drawn to the space. Different artists and pieces come and go, so the garden is always changing.

Just last summer, Liz began incorporating the work of other artists in the gallery and garden. She said, “For a number of years, we thought about having other artists on display. We had been developing the space to show Bill’s work, and it was a natural evolution to incorporate

speak to you right away, other times it is more of a process and takes some time.

We’re excited to give people the opportunity to see how a piece might fit into their lives.”

“The gallery doesn’t have to be open for people to come to the garden,” Liz

“They can come anytime, sit on

the deck, relax and enjoy the art.” emphasized. “They can come anytime, sit on the deck, relax and enjoy the art.”

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Indoor sculptures are displayed in the gallery, representing work by glass artist Rick Beck, clay artists Christine Kosiba and Tinka Jordy, and steel sculptures and paintings by Bill Brown. and others in clay. Just bringing in that diversity makes the gallery that much more an exciting destination, allowing people to experience sculpture in different ways.

What resonates with one might not with another.â&#x20AC;?

The inclusion of more artists has allowed Liz to expand the events held at An-

other artists. It makes it more engaging, to have the diversity. Visitors can experience different mediums, outside and interior.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have one artist, Tripp Jarvis, who does a lot of casting with iron and steel, which is a different approach than Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Another, Carl Peverall, works in stone,

vil Arts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have regular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art Talks,â&#x20AC;? where our featured artist brings in more work and holds an open house to speak to the patrons, answering questions and explaining pieces. Rick Beck, a glass sculptor, held a talk in June. Christine Kosiba will be the featured artist in August. She works in clay, interior work. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll create

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Hammers and chisels of all sizes swing from hooks hanging on the walls, and the floor is cluttered with pieces of metal, anvils, and industrial sized air-powered hammers. Bill Brown’s studio resembles a machine shop but the finished products that are created in this space leaves no doubt that at the Anvil Arts Studio in Linville Falls is a place where there is a master at work. human and animal forms in figurative pieces, either for display on the wall or on pedestal.”

In July, they’ll hold the annual “Sculpture Garden Party,” on Saturday, July 21st and Sunday the 22nd.

Liz described, “It will be a festive time for people to come and experience the work. We’ll have refreshments and music, and extra artists with their work.

People will have the opportunity to meet and talk with artists, and just celebrate the art.”

Liz hopes to have some of Christine Kosiba’s new pieces on display at the party in July, as a teaser for her show in August.

A new artist to the gallery, Beau Lyday, will have some of his work on display. His sculptures, using reclaimed metal roofing, are inspired by gothic architecture and stained glass, a unique addition to the gallery.

Whether at an event or alone in the garden, the Browns invite others to share in their artistic journey. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-5pm year round, and Sunday afternoons 1pm-5pm during summer months. They are located at 9600 Linville Falls Highway, across from the Linville Falls Winery and less than a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 317. t

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July 2018

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There is Much To Do

in Abingdon Barter Theatre’s annual draw of over 150,000 patrons along with the nearly as popular biking and hiking activity on the Virginia Creeper Trail allows Abingdon, VA to offer entertainment, shopping and dining experiences on a par with Old Town Alexandria, Williamsburg and Old Salem.

In addition to the theatre, covered in last month’s issue, there is much to do in Abingdon:

The Creeper Trail

The Virginia Carolina Railroad was constructed in the late 19th Century running from Abingdon, VA to Todd, NC. After an easy run from Abingdon, old steam engines carrying heavy loads labored slowly up the grade from Damascus to White Top Mountain, hence the name “Virginia Creeper.” The railroad struggled for many years before finally closing in March 1977.

Today the 34-mile long old railroad bed is a haven for walkers, runners, horseback riders and scores of bikers. Damascus is also a major provision point for hikers on the Appalachian Trail which runs through the town. Bike rental facilities will shuttle riders to the top of the trail in White Top nearly 2,000 feet and 18 all downhill miles to Damascus… a ride anyone can easily accomplish.

A full list of bike rental companies can be found at www. vacreepertrail.com/services/bikerental. html

battle of Kings Mountain in SC during the American War of Independence. Keller Interpretive Center is open daily. 780 Muster Place, Abingdon. 276-525-1050. www.abingdonmustergrounds.com Outdoor Adventures – there is an abundance of camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding and mountain climbing in the area. www.visitabingdonvirginia.com/things-todo/outdoor-adventure/ White’s Mill – Working grist mill and adjacent Community Store outside of Abingdon. Free. 12291 White’s Mill Rd, Abingdon. 276-628-2960. www.whitesmill.org William King Museum – Exhibit halls, artist studios and museum store in a renovated 1913 school. 415 Academy Drive, Abingdon. 276-628-5005. www.williamkingmuseum.org Wolf Hills Brewing Company – Abingdon’s only local craft beer. Open Monday thru Friday 5-9 pm, Sat 1-9pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. 350 Park St., Abingdon. 276-473-1953 www.wolfhillsbrewing.com

Where To Stay

The Martha: Martha Washington Hotel and Spa Directly across the street from the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Barter Theatre you’ll find a historical Bureau – Extensive travel and attrachotel known locally as “The Martha.” tion information. 335 Cummings St., Originally built in 1832 as a private Abingdon. 276-676-2282. www.visithome for General Francis Preston it abingdonvirginia.com converted to a hotel in 1953. The hotel Abingdon Vineyard and Winery – has a covered pool, workout facilities Wine tastings and tours. Picnic along The Martha Washington Inn originally built in 1832 and a world-class spa. the South Holston River. Easy access The Martha - 150 W. Main St., from the Creeper Trail. 20530 Alvardo Abingdon. 276- 628-3161. www.marthawashingtoninn.com Rd, Abingdon. 276-623-1255. www.abingdonwinery.com The Arts Depot – Resident artist Dining studios, exhibit galleries and art sales The Tavern. In a tiny kitchen on in the old Abingdon rail road freight the second floor of Abingdon’s oldest station. 314 Depot Square, Abingdon. historic building, German immigrant, 276-628-9091. www.abingdonartsdeMax Herman, produces some of the pot.org finest food in town. The building was Farmers Market – Food and crafts built in 1779 as a tavern and lodgings at a covered open air market downfor stagecoach travelers. town. Tues 3 pm-6pm, Sat 8 am – 1 The Tavern - 222 E. Main St., pm. 100 Remsburg Drive, Abingdon.

Abingdon.

276-628-1118. www. www.abingdonfarmersmarket.com abingdontavern.com Muster Grounds of Abingdon – The Tavern, the oldest of Abingdon’s historic buildings and The Overmountain Men Militia beone of the oldest west of the Blue Ridge, was built in 1779.

Compiled by Jeff Green gan their journey here in 1780 to the

Other Things to Do

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PLAYING IS FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART. STAY THAT WAY.

Never stop playing.

It’s always play time in Abingdon. visitabingdonvirginia.com • 888.489.4144

July 2018

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TOUR of

St. Mary of the Hills

Homes

Showcasing Homes For a Good Cause: Annual Tour Of Homes Has Long, Storied History

By Sherrie Norris

I

n the late 1950’s, a group of civic-minded women in Blowing Rock came up with an idea to showcase some of the area’s homes as a way to draw people into their quaint village. Archived notes from scrapbooks collected through the years described the first tours as those giving visitors the opportunity to see “a variety of architecture and decoration.”

Sponsored from the beginning by the women of St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church, with a few years of partnership with the Blowing Rock Women’s Club, the Blowing Rock Tour of Homes has stood the test of time, with very few major changes occurring along the way. In recent years, the women of the church have been joined by men in leadership roles. It is a village effort, indeed. Although St. Mary’s hosts the tour, many people come together to aid in its successful outcome.

Always held on the fourth Friday of July, with “official drivers” providing rides from the church lawn to each home, the tour has opened doors to a variety of homes — from those with treasured and sometimes surprising histories, including one reminiscent of a European castle, to the more contemporary dwellings, condos and practically everything in between.

While some have had their single moment in the spotlight, others have been featured on the tour numerous times, such as Shadowlawn, which boasts the largest acreage in Blowing Rock, and the Graystone Tower, the “castle” described above.

One note states, “Blowing Rock residents have been generous in offering their homes for the tour, and in doing so, have benefitted many local charities.”

The one-day event has brought thousands of guests to Blowing Rock and has generated more than $1 million for local nonprofit organizations.

Only one mention in the archives, and happening in the formative years, has any monies been used for the church itself, and that was in 1964 when proceeds went to purchase pew cushions. That year, the tour made $1200.

Tickets for the tour started out at $3 and remained so for a number of years, eventually going to $6 in 1980, and rising with the times from $10 in 1984 to today’s $30 price. The attendance, too, grew through the years from a handful to hundreds, coming from all across the southeast and beyond.

There is mention of only two years when the tour was cancelled: In 1979 when the church parish was undergoing “massive overhauls” and again in 1982, when notation reflects “no homes available for the tour.”

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RHODES HOME

shadowlawn

chestnut manor These homes represent a glimpse into the past of the Blowing Rock Tour of Homes, now in its 60th year of showcasing the best of the best.

Through the years, event pamphlets identified the homes on tour, while providing notes of interest for ticket holders.

Otherwise, each year, at least four, but no more than seven homes or establishments have been featured on the tour.

While remaining the backbones of the event, the women of the church have served and continue to serve in a number of capacities — from enlisting home owners to participate, to working closely with same in preparation of the tour, including writing descriptions of the homes for the media, to organizing drivers to and from the homes, providing traffic flow tips, and assigning hostesses at each site — and sometimes several, depending on the property size — and keeping a close eye on the home owner’s treasures during the tour. Additional responsibilities of the hostesses, in addition to welcoming and greeting patrons, include pointing out to them significant architectural details and describing artwork, furnishings and arti-

facts The hostesses learn these facts during a preview “walkthrough” prior to the tour.

There are many stories the hostesses have told through the years, including the one of the male guest who, passing by a formal dining room laden A few of the women from St.Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal with beautiful delectable desChurch who were influential in the first tour of homes, either serts, for display only and not as home owners or event hostesses included Mrs. Van Ness, for consumption, began eating Mrs. Stradley Kipp, Mrs. T.H. Fleming and Mrs. William Allison. from the table, which horrified the hostess. cars. However, that idea was short lived And, there were the English teas on the church lawn that were when one bus failed to return to the discontinued because some guests filled church to pick up a second group, anoththeir purses with “goodies” that were not er bus was unable to maneuver between steep driveways and another experienced meant for take-outs.

What seemed like a good idea at the burning breaks while trying to get down time, records indicate, was utilizing buses a hill, and unloading its passengers while for transportation, rather than dozens of trying to get to a level spot. Needless the

These notes from the 1962 tour of homes committee are well-written and easily understood, with the basic premise remaining the same today.

A

B

C

D

A) “Chestnut Manor” , home of Dr. Othell and Martha Hand, overlooks the Blowing Rock Country Club. This renovated mountain home contains lovely tintypes and antiques. A special feature of this home is the “Le Chappelle Drive Inn” – a mini cathedral filled with antiques and stained glass. B)“Respite”, the home of Mickey and Charles Shuford, is one of the newest additions to the love homes on Green Hill. This large, contemporary home combines warmth, comfort, and openness with a breathtaking view of Blackberry Valley. C) Westglow”, which was built in 1917 by artist Elliott Dangerfield, is now the home of Glenda and Bob McPheters. This estate commands a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has been decorated in a manner characteristic of the period in which it was built. D) “Far Horizons” was built in the 1920’s. It is now the home of 2018 and Hcharm i g h of Co u nhome t r y isMthe a gview. azine 101 Zachary Reynolds Tate. This newly renovated home is one of the oldest in Mayview. Only surpassing theJuly beauty this

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Handwritten notes from the early days depicted the start of documentation that has proved to be helpful to subsequent planners and are archived today in the church library.

say, cars and vans were used most every year afterward.

The weather has also factored into the tours, as one time when the restored historic Greystone Tower was to be featured, heavy rains came during the patron’s party at the castle. To reduce tracking of the castle floors the next day, the owners arranged for overnight delivery of several hundred pairs of surgical booties to be worn by the patrons. At the end of the day, the castle floors were still relatively dry, but the hostess was not, as she had to move used booties outside in the rain from the back door back to the front door for other patrons.

As one archived “reflection” notes, the list of tour homes reads like a “Who’s Who in Blowing Rock homes,” as well as several businesses, including Westglow Spa, the 1917 home of re-nown artist Elliott Dangerfield.

Listed as the most successful Tour of Homes, up to that time, was the Golden Jubilee in 2008, to honor the 50th anniversary of the event. Marge Bartlett, “a Blowing Rock treasure,” was chosen to serve as honorary chair, and the celebration included a number of special events over the weekend including the Patron’s Party, a “welcome back picnic,” with many of the former home tour chairs

present. The “main event” perhaps, was the appearance of Barry Dixon, who was described as one of America’s “hottest designers,” presenting a “Glorious Homes” lecture. He was joined by the esteemed horticulture expert Hunter Stubbs, who provided a slide and lecture show titled “Gardens and Landscape.”

Back at the church, the beautifully landscaped lawn has served not only as a terminal of sorts, but also, through the years, it has provided a place for guests, before and after their tour, to enjoy lunch and other fundraising efforts, including a bazaar, a bake shop, silent auction, raffles and more under the festive tents.

In recent years, a Patron’s Party has served as the official kick-off to the tour a couple of weeks before the event and is usually held at one of the featured tour homes.

Six decades later, after a small group of church ladies decided to make good use their historic and spectacular dwellings, The Blowing Rock Tour of Homes is still considered one of the south’s most treasured annual events and is open to the public. You, too, can be a part of history in the making by planning to be part of this unique opportunity in one of the High Country’s storybook settings. t

T

Blowing Rock Tour of Homes: “Opening the Doors” for 60 Years Annual Event Set for July 27

will be the stage for this festive-attire event to celhis year marks the 60th anniversary of the highly ebrate the 60th year Tour anniversary. Reid’s Catering anticipated Blowing Rock Tour of Homes, sponwill provide delicious hors d’ œuvres. Todd Wright sored by St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. and Friends will serenade partygoers while they dine Opening the doors to the public to some of the and enjoy a silent auction featuring such items as town’s most spectacular homes has become an dinner parties for 12 and fly fishing trips to Uruguay. iconic event that draws hundreds of visitors to the The event is open to the community and tickets High Country each year. are available now on line at www.stmaryofthehills.

Not only does the tour offer a rare opportunity for org or at the St. Mary of The Hills in Blowing Rock for guests to admire the unique features and furnishings $75 per person. Come enjoy the magic of the gala that have been cherished by homeowners for genand preview this special estate steeped in history. erations, it serves as a fundraiser to benefit numerous Tour tickets are $30 in advance and may be purcharities and nonprofit organizations in the area. chased online at www.stmaryofthehills.org, at the The 2018 tour, scheduled for July 27, features church office or the Blowing Rock Chamber of Comsome of the town’s historic and treasured homes, merce on Park Avenue. and includes the following: Far Horizons, home of According to tour co-chairs Susie Greene and Loy the Caudles; Owls Roost, home of Nan and Edgar McGill, in the spirit of community, the Tour of Homes Lawton; Merlin Glenn, home of Jim Fort; Tuckaway, Loy McGill, left, and Susie Greene, right, have and Gala have galvanized members of the Blowing home of Tracy Woody and Gene Ostrow; and Mayteamed up as co-chairs for the 60th Annual Blowing Rock Tour of Homes, and have done a Rock community to come together for 60 years to mont, Sylvia and Cullie Tarleton’s home. In addition to the tour, other activities offered at the church will marvelous job of organizing the event that benefits open doors and make money for worthwhile area promany local charities. Photo by Sherrie Norris grams. Since the tour’s inception in 1958, over $1 milinclude a $15 lunch provided at the Church Café, a lion dollars has been given to charities. This year, past bazaar with baked and savory goods and a tag sale chairmen are being honored at the Gala for their efforts over the last 60 years. offering unique items.

On July 12, A Tour of Homes Opening Doors Gala will be held for the entire All are honored, although not all are still alive. Countless individuals in the High community, during which ticketed guests will be treated to some of the best Country have benefited from the generosity of the women and men who have food and hospitality the High Country offers. A private preview of Far Horizons participated in making the event possible. See Tour houses on the two pages.

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B

uilt in 1924 by James W. Cannon, Jr., and recently the home of Bud Shaw, Tuckaway is a gem hidden among the rhododendron along Wonderland Trail, but accessed from Meadow Lane. This beautiful multi-gabled house features new poplar and chestnut bark siding, stacked stone accents and unusual round columns on the front side.

Tuckaway has been beautifully restored and updated by new owners, Tracy Woody and Gene Ostrow, with the help of local interior designer, Suzanne Wilson.

Great pains were endured to preserve the architectural integrity of the residence. Custom-finished hardwood floors blend splendidly with the neutral brown and gray colors used throughout

TUCKAWAY the home. The renovated master bedroom suite features a raised cathedral ceiling.

Three new windows flood the renovated kitchen with abundant light. And, a new breakfast room or family room nestles in

J

im Fort has spent many of his 90-plus summers at Merlin Glen, his Laurel Park Road home, originally built in the 1920s by James L. Coker, Jim’s maternal grandfather. Built adjacent to a working apple orchard on a 12-acre property, the home is graced with mystical views of the Johns River Gorge.

In the 1990s, when Jim and his wife, Jean, needed more space for their children and grandchildren, they expanded the house by following the original. Later, a garage featuring guest quarters was added to the property.

Having belonged to one family for nearly 100 years, the home is full of sto-

MERLIN GLEN ries about everything. Jim recalls that, although the house was originally wired for electricity, kerosene lamps were used until electricity became available on the

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what was originally an enclosed breezeway.

Tuckaway features select original furnishings mixed with new contemporary upholstery.

The original 1924 dining table, antique bedroom chests, an historic grandfather clock and a variety of antique tables give the historic house a sense of place.

This deceptively large house offers much to see, including a delightful garage apartment with bunk beds. The gardens, originally modeled by Mrs. Shaw after the Monet garden in Giverny, France, are a delightful haven and beckon the visitor to linger.

The entire landscape has been thoughtfully and timelessly updated by Greenleaf Services in Linville. The home and gardens beckon the visitor to linger. mountain. Water was initially provided by a waterwheel located near a spring below the house. To the left of the fireplace in the living room, one can see a curved piece of wood salvaged from the old waterwheel. The original shingles, which were chestnut, were replaced in the 1970s with cedar shakes. Several of the original shingles may be seen on the porch.

This historic home and its views will take you back to a time when summer life in the High Country was nothing short of immersion in mountain wonder from dawn to dusk. Be a part of that magic at Merlin Glen.

t the end of Hidden Water Lane stands Owls Roost, one of Blowing Rock’s hidden gems. Unnoticed by many, this 1932 home remains in nearly original condition and has many interesting stories to tell. If only these walls could talk!

The house was built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s son-in-law, David Milton, for Milton’s mother. Mr. Rockefeller was a frequent guest of Milton and his wife, Abby (Babs) Rockefeller Milton. It is thought that David Milton’s brother-in-law, Wallace Harrison, was the architect. Mr. Harrison is credited with designing the Metropolitan Opera House, the United Nations Building and Rockefeller Center in New York.

The home was subsequently owned by Mrs. Julius (Laura) Cone, the widow of the youngest brother of Moses Cone, from 1946 to 1969.

Much loved in Blowing Rock, and largely responsible for the building of the Blowing Rock Hospital, Laura Cone oversaw the expansion of the original structure of the house.

Mrs. Cone’s sisters-in-law were Dr. Claribel and Etta Cone, famous

M

aymont, the main street home of Sylvia and Cullie Tarleton, began its life as a simple mountain cabin. Originally built

by S.F. Harper in 1887, the home featured three rooms downstairs and three upstairs, with an outside stairway. The home was sold in 1902 to General Matt W. Ransom of the Confederate Army.

Prior to the Civil War, General Ransom served as a member of the North Carolina State Legislature and as North Carolina Attorney General. Following the end of the Civil War, Ransom was granted a pardon by President Andrew Johnson, later served in the US Senate and as an ambassador to Mexico. After his death, Ransom’s widow summered in the house, taking her meals at the popular and fashionable Blowing Rock Hotel, located just across the street.

The house was ultimately inherited

by Pat, one of the General’s sons, and his

MAYMONT wife Mary (May), who gave the home the name Maymont, meaning “May in the mountains.” The home was purchased by the Tarletons from Mary’s grandchildren in 1996, ushering in a new era for the residence. The home was completely renovated when the Tarletons gutted the structure and added a new kitchen, pan-

O

riginally built in 1924

by William Alexander, the Charlotte capitalist and real estate developer who built Mayview Manor Hotel and created the Mayview area, Far Horizons was home to Anne Cannon Reynolds Tate Forsyth for 50 years before being passed on to her son, Zach Tate. Far Horizons lives up to its name, offering spectacular views of the Johns River Gorge, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Hawksbill, and, on a clear day, Charlotte and Mt. Mitchell.

Zach Tate, who grew up spending his summers in the house, reminds us that the large home was built as a summer house unintended for winter use. Zack recalls that the pipes frequently froze, despite

the home’s eight fireplaces. The home’s lack of insulation, coupled with Blowing Rock’s trademark winds and sometimes brutal temperatures, combined to make

for their collection of Impressionistic art.

The Cone collection is currently housed in the Baltimore Museum of Art and contains many world-famous paintings. Etta, who died at Owls Roost in 1949, was a frequent summer visitor.

The home was purchased in 1970 by current owners Nan and Edgar Lawton, who have thoroughly enjoyed the house with their four children and 11 grandchildren. Furnishings purchased with the home include beds, tables, chairs and chests of drawers, all made locally

by Misters Moody and White. Original quilts, china and precious books are also displayed in the home, which the Lawtons have kept as close to the original as possible. As Nan Lawton explains, “We have preserved its essence — keeping it true to its time. We love it just like it is. Of course, we have made small changes, but we have basically just maintained it.”

The house is divided by a dog-run, and the garage doors open; together, these features provide cooling air flow to the first floor. Similar air-flow is provided

FAR HORIZONS

try, laundry room, master bedroom suite and a garage. Drawing upon their experience and expertise in restoring old houses, the Tarletons located old heart-of-pine flooring that matched the original, restored the original mantles, saved and reused the original bead board, and found old paneling from a house in Gastonia that was used as wainscoting and crown molding in several rooms of the house.

The Tarletons have lovingly furnished their home with several period antiques, noteworthy for their beauty, but, more importantly, because many are family pieces and objects collected by Cullie and Sylvia throughout their married life. Every piece has a story that goes with it. As Cullie says, “The house never was and still isn’t a grand or a show house. It’s where we live and entertain our friends and family. Simply put, it’s our home!” the owners a plumber’s best friend!

In 2014, the home suffered a small furnace fire, which caused extensive smoke damage. A major renovation was initiated under the supervision of interior designer, Dianne Davant.

During the renovation, spaces were reconfigured, new tiles and finishes installed, and the interior made cozy and warm.

In short, the residence now functions like a new house, but with the charm of an old estate on a grand landscaped lot.

Far Horizons , the home of the Caudles, will be the setting for the Opening Doors Gala July 12, when patrons will kick off the season with this community fundraiser that benefits local non-profits. to the second floor by the upstairs breezeway and doors.

Tour patrons should do not want to miss their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this remarkable, history-filled residence!

TOUR of July 2018

St. Mary of the Hills

Homes

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Saloon Studios has the feel of an 1880’s Old West town with a saloon that offers an intimate, top-notch concert venue inside to see some legendary performers in West Jefferson.

Saloon Studios in West Jefferson Offers a True Music Experience for Artists and Fans Story and Photos by Nathan Ham

Hidden well off the beaten path lies one of the newest musi- Jefferson as well as the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain. Murray was blown away by the quality of the equipment cal sensations in the High Country.

Saloon Studios, located in between Fleetwood and West Jef- and the potential that Saloon Studios can reach.

The “town” has different individual ferson in Ashe County, is an intimate, 100buildings that replicate numerous towns of seat mid-19th century saloon replica music yesteryear, including a general store, a jail, hall that features some of the most highan undertaker, a bank and a post office in quality sound and studio recording equipaddition to the saloon. ment you’ll see anywhere in the country.

“We have a complete, tricked out Old Owners Mike and Laura Jones moved West town, each of these individual buildfrom Florida to Ashe County and have lived ings are themed. Three-quarters of the here for 18 years. The saloon-style setting saloon is an 1880s Old West saloon. One came about because of Mike’s enjoyment quarter of that saloon is one of the most of watching Westerns and the memories of tricked out stages you’ve ever seen in your sharing those moments watching Westerns The Saloon has 100 seats available life,” said Murray. with his father. or its live shows.

With the limited seating, those that Donovan Murray, the Entertainment come to a show get to enjoy a real fan expeDirector for Saloon Studios, has had several years of experience working with festivals and events in the rience, up close and personal with the artists.

“We only seat 100 people so part of this whole thing is the High Country, including the Christmas in July Festival in West

Take a stroll through the town and see a little bit of everything they have to offer, including a blacksmith shop, a general store and a visit with the undertaker.

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“H

ound Ears is our mountain haven! Our golf course is f irst class. The hiking trails are so peaceful and Clubhouse dining is an experience to remember. We’ve made many friends for life who are fun and unpretentious. You won’t f ind a happier, more fun-f illed community than Hound Ears Club.”

– Mark & Cyndy Hunt

July 2018

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The stage inside Saloon Studios offers the latest musical and recording equipment for a show in case the band doesn’t want to haul around their own stuff for the show.

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experience. You’re not sharing it with Lucky (First Time I Was a Fool),” “Drivin’ thousands, you’re sharing it with 100 peo- Wheel,” and “I Just Want to Make Love ple,” Murray said. “We hope to be a place to You.” As part of the “Rising Stars” concept, where legends play and stars are born.”

Murray says the plan is to bring in a Kelby Costner, Nashville country music lot of well-known acts but also give up-and-coming musicians a chance to show what they can do.

Dave Mason and Steve Cropper played the opening show at Saloon Studios as part of The Legend Series.

Rick Derringer followed that up with a show on June 16 and Peter Rivera, the original lead singer and drummer of Rare Earth, played a show on June 23.

Next up on schedule of thrilling musical performances will be a show The saloon’s concert venue features tables from legendary rock band Foghat will with chairs and barstools. be happening on July 28. Foghat, a band that originated from London, Eng- artist, will be playing at the saloon on Aug. land, has released a total of 24 singles and 4. Costner, a Lincolnton, North Carolina put together 19 albums during their storied native, moved to Nashville and saw his rock career. Some of their most famous career take off. Costner opened for multihits include “Slow Ride,” “Third Time platinum recording artist Colin Raye and

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Dave Mason and Steve Cropper as well as long-time rocker Rick Derringer have already found their way to Saloon Studios to put on a show for some of their fans.

Foghat will be playing at Saloon Studios on July 28. has had over 2 million hits with a cover of the song “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett young. Costner is currently working on his debut album that will include his first single, “Hold On.” The musical talents for shows will vary as acts continue to be booked.

“What we hope for it to be is an entertainment venue, and the beauty of this is that we have the capabilities of broadcasting,” said Murray.

Shows will be streamed live on saloonstudioslive.com.

Still yet, another major selling point of Saloon Studios is the ability for an artist to not only record a live show here, but also record a music video. According to Murray, one music video has already been shot in the replica Old West town.

For artists looking to produce a show or record a music video, the audio and video recording equipment is very highlevel gear that will make for the creation of terrific audio and video works. There is a wide variety of instruments and microphones already available if the performer does not want to travel with a van full of equipment. Built-in production equipment, professional lighting and a state-of-the-art control room makes Saloon Studios the perfect location to rehearse a show, record a show or just play for a live audience.

The venue will also be able to be reserved by the general public for reunions, work training events, large parties and the like. Right now, however, weddings and receptions are not on the list of events that the space can be reserved for.

For more information on upcoming shows and all of the things that Saloon Studios has to offer, visit their website at www.saloonstudioslive.com. Tickets for upcoming shows can also be purchased here until they are sold out.

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ADV E R T I S E R S I N D E X Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you.

All Area Codes are 828 unless noted.

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

A Cleaner World..................................... www.cleanerworld.com................. 39

Hound Ears Club.............................................. 963-2137......................... 107

Abingdon Virginia........................................ 888-489-4144........................ 99

Inn at Crestwood Restaurant & Spa................... 963-6646........................... 76

Alta Vista Galleries........................................... 963-5247......................... 109

Linville Falls Winery......................................... 765-1400........................... 97

Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery.............. 765-6226......................... 109

Linville Ridge................................................... 898-5151............................. 4

Appalachian Blind & Closet Co........................ 264-1395........................... 55

Local, The........................................................ 266-2179........................... 78

Appalachian Home Care................................... 963-8233........................... 65

Lodges at Eagle Nest........................................ 771-9343........................... 19

Art Cellar......................................................... 898-5175 ���������������������������� 6

Louisiana Purchase................................. 963-5087 & 898-5656................. 71

Ashe County Arts Council............................. 336-846-2787........................ 41

Mast General Store .....................................866-FOR-MAST ���������������������� 11

Avery Heating & Air Conditioning..................... 733-5842........................... 38

mhs Technologies............................................ 733-0141........................... 43

Banner Elk Realty............................................. 260-1550......................... 108

Mike Smith Builders......................................... 297-7528........................... 95

Bee & The Boxwood, The................................. 386-6212........................... 57

Monkees of Blowing Rock................................ 295-0708............................. 6

Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500........................... 89

Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225 ����������������������� 89

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery................ 295-0041........................... 25

Mountain Tile................................................... 265-0472 ���������������������������� 5

Boone Bagelry......................................262-5585 and 262-1600................ 78

Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 ������������������������ 159

Cafe Portofino.................................................. 264-7772........................... 76

New River Building Supply............................... 898-5660............................. 7

Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 13

Piedmont Federal Bank..................................... 264-5244............................. 1

Carolina West Wireless................................. 800-235-5007 . ..................... 41

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.......... 877-539-9865....................2 & 3

Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128........................... 73

Proper Southern Food...................................... 865-5000........................... 76

Chestnut at Blowing Rock................................. 964-5438........................... 51

Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470........................... 79

Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn...................... 414-9230........................... 75

Reid's Cafe & Catering..................................... 268-9600........................... 73

Christmas in Blowing Rock............................... 295-9696........................... 13

Re/Max Realty Group....................................... 262-1990........................... 63

Consignment Cottage Warehouse..................... 733-8148........................... 96

Ridgeline, The.................................................. 414-9922........................... 79

Dacchille Construction..................................... 964-5150........................... 15

Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801........................... 63

Dande Lion...................................................... 898-3566........................... 27

Six Pence......................................................... 295-3155........................... 72

DeWoolfson Down ...................................... 800-833-3696 ���������������������� 17

Southern Highland Craft Guild.......................... 295-7938........................... 27

Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ��Inside Front Cover

Steve Lambert.................................................. 266-1836.... Inside Back Cover

Divide Tavern & Restaurant............................... 414-9230........................... 75

Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453........................... 58

Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127......................... 108

Stonewall's Restaurant...................................... 898-5550........................... 76

Eat Crow.......................................................... 963-8228........................... 74

Sugar Mountain Resort................................ 800-SUGAR-MT....................... 49

Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover

Summit Group................................................. 898-3500......................... 102

Elk River Club.................................................. 898-9773........................... 31

Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 �������������������������� 67

Eseeola Lodge.................................................. 733-4311........................... 79

Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088........................... 29

F.A.R.M. Café.................................................. 386-1000........................... 77

Tri-Cities Airport......................................... www.triflight.com.................... 103

Florence Thomas Art School........................ 336-846-3827...................... 102

Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 74

Gamekeeper..................................................... 963-7400 ������������������������� 77

Village Jewelers............................................... 264-6559........................... 85

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery......................... 963-2400........................... 66

Water Wheel Café............................................. 262-1600........................... 78

Graystone Eye...............................................888.626.2020............ 15, 38, 65

Watauga Surgical Group................................... 264-2340........................... 87

www.HCPress.com

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July 2018

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Parting Shot...

Picture By Ken Ketchie

(from left to right) Jim Brooks, Fred Pfohl, and John Wade celebrate 47 years of their wonderful event.

The 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog: This Year the Name is Finally True

N

o, you read that right.

Every year since 1972, it’s been the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog. This year it finally has actually been 47 years since the first one.

The first one was hosted at John Wade’s house, and the second one was moved to the Beech Alpen Inn. When 200 people showed up the second year, John Wade realized the event was getting too expensive to pay for himself, so he gave it over to the fire department for the third year.

Fred Pfohl, who owns Fred’s General Mercantile, joined the 47th crew and became part of the tale when the fire department took it over. It was a fire department fundraiser for quite a few years, and eventually it became a community effort through the Chamber of Commerce.

Wade moved down to Charleston after a little while, and he believes that the reason that the 47th Annual Roasting has remained so popular over all these year is Jim Brooks and Fred Pfohl, “They are really the glue that has kept that thing together all these years, not me.”

When asked what he and Pfohl have done to make this event so popular for so 112

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many years, Brooks joked, “We sit around while the meat cooks very slowly and tell people a lot of lies.”

A main part of why the event has done so well for 47 years has got to be the fact that they cook their meats in such a unique and delicious way. They take hickory wood, split it, and then burn it down to the coals.

Only then do they start to very, very slowly cook the meat with those coals, to give it that amazing hickory flavor.

Jim Brooks says that, “you won’t find many places that go to the trouble that we do to make the charcoal and cook it the way we cook it. But it’s the right way.”

They cook the meat in the parking lot next to Fred’s General Mercantile, which Fred is pretty happy about. He says that, “People stop by while they’re cooking, wondering what’s going on, and they sometimes get a sampling of some of the meat.”

When they cook the meats now, everybody has a station that they work for most of the event. Wade describes it saying, “Jim Brooks, Fred Pfohl, and I usually cut up the meat and get it out to be served...it’s kind of fun because people come up and

talk to you.”

Wade is excited to come back this year and see all of his old buddies. When asked what he thinks of the event being called the 48th Annual Roasting next year, seeing as this year is the actual 47th, he responded, “We’ve always called it the 47th, so whether they decide to rename it the 48th next year, I don’t know. Of course, a lot of this depends on Jim and Fred; they’re there.”

These three men, and the many other people who have helped them over the years, have truly given something lasting back to their community. They have created and maintained an event where little kids can run around on the grass, screaming with laughter, while their families socialize with the other members of their community, and form lasting friendships like these three men have.

Pfohl says that the 47th Annual Roasting is, “one of the special times of the year for us old timers that think back, who have worked on it every year since. It’s just a lot of fun to be a part of every year.”

– by Elly Murray

July 2018

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Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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TIME