Calendar of Events
Jan. 4
HIGH COUNTRY HOSPICE: will be hosting a four-week grief support group at the Hospice Office, 136 Furman Road, Suite 2, Boone, in February. The group will be offered at no charge and will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25. The group is open to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. For more information or for additional grief support services, contact the bereavement coordinator at (828) 265-3926.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 5
LIMITED FREE AND LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER: for pit bulls and pit bull mixes will be offered while funding is available by the Avery County Humane Society. The program starts Jan. 5. The program is for low income residents. Proof of household income is required. Funding is available to provide 10 free and 20 low cost ($25) spay/neuter to qualified residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost of a required $6 rabies vaccination must be paid in advance by applicant. For more information, call 828-733-6312.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 6
AARP TAX-AIDE TRAINING: AARP Tax-Aide, the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service is seeking volunteers to assist in tax assistance and preparation and to become leadership coordinators. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Participants do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to volunteer. Volunteers receive free tax training and are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses. They help customers one-on-one at tax sites, including the Watauga County Library and the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center. This year's training dates are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 6 and 13 at the Watauga County Library. Call Monica Caruso at 264-8784 for more information and/or to register for the trainings.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 7
ROOK TOURNAMENT: The New River Volunteer Fire and Rescue in Ashe County will begin its rook tournaments at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. Food will be served starting at 6 p.m. The department will have rook games on the first and third Saturdays through March. For more information, call 977-0243.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 8
EPIPHANY SERVICES: at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone on Jan. 8 will be an 8 a.m. Mass and a 11 a.m. Mass.
A BAHA'I DEVOTIONAL: meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 300 Beaver Dam Road in Bethel.After the devotional, there will be a study class on Islam. Baha'is believe that all the world's great faiths are divine in origin. For more information and directions, call 297-6222.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 9
AMNESTY WEEK AT THE LIBRARY: Area residents who have overdue books or still have fines for books returned late will have a chance to "redeem themselves" at the Watauga County Public Library. The "redemption" will take place Monday, Jan. 9, through Saturday, Jan. 14. Bring in cans of staple food items, and a credit of $1 per can will be applied toward fees levied for late book returns. All canned foods will be given to the Watauga County Hunger and Health Coalition for local distribution to those in need. Canned food redemption may be applied to late fees only, not toward damaged or lost items. The main library is located at 140 Queen St. in downtown Boone. The branch library is located at 1085 Old U.S. 421 in Sugar Grove.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 12
HIGH COUNTRY WRITERS: will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Watauga County Public Library. The meeting will feature Wendy Dingwall presenting "The ABC's of Selling," an interactive program. The public is invited. For more information about the organization, the program schedule and meetings, visit http://highcountrywriters.tripod.com .
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 16
NEW YOU HEALTH MAZE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host the "New Year, New You Health Maze" at the Boone Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. The event is free and open to the public and will feature blood pressure screening, diabetes counseling, cancer information, nutrition and fitness testing, body fat testing, stroke risk assessment, Project Lazarus (prescription pain med overdose prevention task force), vouchers for discounted lab work and much more. For more information, call Candy Jones at (828) 268-8960.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 17
CPR COURSE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and AED course from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Watauga Medical Center Auditorium. The course is designed for community members who want to learn CPR for adults, children and infants; how to help a choking victim; and use of an automated external defibrillator. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certification card, which is valid for two years. The cost is $40 per person and class size is limited. Participants must call to preregister and prepay. For more information, contact Candy Jones, ARHS Community Outreach, at (828) 268-8960.
PUBLIC HEARING ON SECONDARY ROAD: Representatives of the N.C. Department of Transportation will meet with the Watauga County Board of Commissioners at a public meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Watauga County Administration building in Boone. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and advise with the Watauga County Board of Commissioners and other citizens present proposed plans and proposals for the 2011-2012 Secondary Road Construction Program for Watauga County. The proposed program is posted in the courthouse for public review.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 18
THE SAVE THE APPALACHIAN THEATRE GROUP: will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Watauga County Public Library. Subcommittees will meet at 9 a.m. and all will gather in the meeting room at 10 a.m.
Jan. 19
PESTICIDE EXAM: A representative from the N.C. Department of Agriculture will be available to administer commercial and private applicator pesticide exams on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone. The exam will begin at 1 p.m., but testers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. Official photo identification is required. A non-programmable calculator and pencil are recommended. All testers, including government employees, will be required to pay an exam fee. Study manuals are available at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office at 971 West King St. in Boone. Contact the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section at (919) 733-3556 to register, or call the Cooperative Extension office at (828) 264-3061 for general information.
JAN. 21
WINTERFEST PAGEANT: The first Little Miss and Little Master Winterfest pageant will take place at the Blowing Rock School on Saturday, Jan. 21. The pageant is open to all area girls ages birth through 18 and little boys ages birth through 5. Registration begins at 10 a.m., competition begins at 11:30 a.m. and the crowning ceremony begins at 3 p.m. Presented by Little Miss and Teen Miss North Carolina and sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Little Miss and Master Winterfest pageant will benefit Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S. For more information, call Carolyn Marley at (828) 295-3880.
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer an Animal Adaptations Hike at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. Meet at the picnic shelter. Animal adaptations enable wildlife to endure the punishing winter on Mount Jefferson. Participants will learn how a bear and other animals survive the extreme conditions of the mountain. Hike is free and open to the public. The event is weather dependent.
Jan. 22
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a "Vista Viewing" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. Meet at the second overlook. Enjoy a view of three states while learning the oral tradition associated with Mount Jefferson and its surrounding mountains. The program is weather dependent. Participants are encouraged to wear winter attire.
Jan. 24
INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's Corporate and Continuing Education will offer a 10-hour "Introduction to Beekeeping" course from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 24 to Feb. 7. The cost of the class is $15 to cover the cost of the textbook. The class will meet on the CCC&TI Watauga campus. For more information or to register, call (828) 263-5370.
"AN EVENING WITH ANGELA DAVIS": ASU's Office of Multicultural Student Development presents the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration with "An Evening with Angela Davis" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Farthing Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. Davis, political activist and scholar, is the author of eight books. She has lectured throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. For additional information, contact Augusto Peña, interim director of multicultural student development, at (828) 262-6252 or email (penaae@appstate.edu)
FIRST AID COURSE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host an American Heart Association First Aid Course from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Watauga Medical Center Auditorium. The course is designed for community members who want to learn basic first aid skills. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a card, which is valid for two years. The cost is $30 per person and class size is limited. Participants must call to preregister and prepay. Call Candy Jones, ARHS Community Outreach, at (828) 268-8960.
JAN. 25
BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST: Join the Village of Blowing Rock as it celebrates the fun side of winter at the 14th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest on Jan. 25 through Jan. 29. The event includes the Chili Challenge, Polar Plunge, WinterFeast, Wine Tasting and Auction, ice sculpture contest and demonstration, pancake breakfast, Winter Paws Dog Show, live game shows and much more. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.
Jan. 26
TAI CHI CLASSES: Two 12-week sessions of tai chi (beginner and intermediate) will begin on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, instructed by Tim Winecoff. The beginner class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. class for intermediate students. The deadline for registration is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Any age may join but priority will be given to persons aged 60 and older. The cost is $48 per person for either 12-week series. The Senior Center is located in the Human Services Building at 132 Poplar Grove Connector in Boone. Call the center at (828) 265-8090 with any questions.
Jan. 27
WINTERFEST AT APP SKI MOUNTAIN: Join Appalachian Ski Mountain and French-Swiss Ski College on Friday, Jan. 27, as they celebrate 50 years during the 2012 Blowing Rock Winterfest. Although there will be skiing, ice skating and snowboarding all month as usual, App Ski will present a special Winterfest Family Night on Jan. 27. Learn to Ski/Snowboard packages will be offered through French-Swiss Ski College. Ski lesson packages are $46 per person. Snowboard lesson packages are $58 per person. Package includes slope ticket from 5 p.m. to midnight, rental equipment and a one-hour group lesson. Lesson times are 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For extra incentive, Appalachian Ski Mountain is also offering ice skating to the nonslope seekers, s'mores roasting by the rink-side bonfire, a dedicated Snow Play Zone by the Ice Arena and more. Reservations are required but no deposit is necessary. For more information, call French-Swiss Ski College at (828) 295-9311, or email (skifrenchswiss@bellsouth.net)
Jan. 28
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a program on "Mount Jefferson Gelogy" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. Meet at the picnic shelter. Three hundred million years ago, colossal mountains may have towered 15,000 feet above sea level. Today. Mt. Jefferson is in the same location, but it is just a fraction of its original size. Come and explore the mountain that was ancient when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Discover how ice and heat have changed an ancient landscape.
Jan. 29
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a hike with the theme "Plants, Birds, Rocks and Things" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. Meet at the picnic area. Hike with a ranger and explore the interconnected threads that have built this mountain ecosystem. See why Mt. Jefferson is a National Natural Landmark.
Feb. 4
MICROCHIP CLINIC FOR PETS: Microchipping is the process of embedding a tiny identification microchip under a pet's skin, which can be scanned and read at shelter facilities to identify the pet's owner. Saturday microchip clinics are routinely held at the Animal Medical Center of Boone, 1582 Old 421 South, from 11:30 am until noon. The $25 microchip fee benefits the Watauga Humane Society. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. The next microchip clinic will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4. For more information, call the Watauga Humane Society at (828) 264-7865, email (adopt@wataugahumanesociety.org) or visit http://www.wataugahumanesociety.org .
Feb. 16
WOODY DURHAM: who served as the "Voice of the Tarheels" for 40 years, will speak at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum on Thursday, Feb. 16. The 12-time North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year is much beloved by UNC alumni and fans. Time will be announced. For more information, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099.
HIGH COUNTRY HOSPICE: will be hosting a four-week grief support group at the Hospice Office, 136 Furman Road, Suite 2, Boone, in February. The group will be offered at no charge and will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25. The group is open to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. For more information or for additional grief support services, contact the bereavement coordinator at (828) 265-3926.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 5
LIMITED FREE AND LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER: for pit bulls and pit bull mixes will be offered while funding is available by the Avery County Humane Society. The program starts Jan. 5. The program is for low income residents. Proof of household income is required. Funding is available to provide 10 free and 20 low cost ($25) spay/neuter to qualified residents on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost of a required $6 rabies vaccination must be paid in advance by applicant. For more information, call 828-733-6312.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 6
AARP TAX-AIDE TRAINING: AARP Tax-Aide, the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service is seeking volunteers to assist in tax assistance and preparation and to become leadership coordinators. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Participants do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to volunteer. Volunteers receive free tax training and are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses. They help customers one-on-one at tax sites, including the Watauga County Library and the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center. This year's training dates are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 6 and 13 at the Watauga County Library. Call Monica Caruso at 264-8784 for more information and/or to register for the trainings.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 7
ROOK TOURNAMENT: The New River Volunteer Fire and Rescue in Ashe County will begin its rook tournaments at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. Food will be served starting at 6 p.m. The department will have rook games on the first and third Saturdays through March. For more information, call 977-0243.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 8
EPIPHANY SERVICES: at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone on Jan. 8 will be an 8 a.m. Mass and a 11 a.m. Mass.
A BAHA'I DEVOTIONAL: meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 300 Beaver Dam Road in Bethel.After the devotional, there will be a study class on Islam. Baha'is believe that all the world's great faiths are divine in origin. For more information and directions, call 297-6222.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 9
AMNESTY WEEK AT THE LIBRARY: Area residents who have overdue books or still have fines for books returned late will have a chance to "redeem themselves" at the Watauga County Public Library. The "redemption" will take place Monday, Jan. 9, through Saturday, Jan. 14. Bring in cans of staple food items, and a credit of $1 per can will be applied toward fees levied for late book returns. All canned foods will be given to the Watauga County Hunger and Health Coalition for local distribution to those in need. Canned food redemption may be applied to late fees only, not toward damaged or lost items. The main library is located at 140 Queen St. in downtown Boone. The branch library is located at 1085 Old U.S. 421 in Sugar Grove.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 12
HIGH COUNTRY WRITERS: will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Watauga County Public Library. The meeting will feature Wendy Dingwall presenting "The ABC's of Selling," an interactive program. The public is invited. For more information about the organization, the program schedule and meetings, visit http://highcountrywriters.tripod.com .
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 16
NEW YOU HEALTH MAZE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host the "New Year, New You Health Maze" at the Boone Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. The event is free and open to the public and will feature blood pressure screening, diabetes counseling, cancer information, nutrition and fitness testing, body fat testing, stroke risk assessment, Project Lazarus (prescription pain med overdose prevention task force), vouchers for discounted lab work and much more. For more information, call Candy Jones at (828) 268-8960.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 17
CPR COURSE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and AED course from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Watauga Medical Center Auditorium. The course is designed for community members who want to learn CPR for adults, children and infants; how to help a choking victim; and use of an automated external defibrillator. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certification card, which is valid for two years. The cost is $40 per person and class size is limited. Participants must call to preregister and prepay. For more information, contact Candy Jones, ARHS Community Outreach, at (828) 268-8960.
PUBLIC HEARING ON SECONDARY ROAD: Representatives of the N.C. Department of Transportation will meet with the Watauga County Board of Commissioners at a public meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Watauga County Administration building in Boone. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and advise with the Watauga County Board of Commissioners and other citizens present proposed plans and proposals for the 2011-2012 Secondary Road Construction Program for Watauga County. The proposed program is posted in the courthouse for public review.
BOONE CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP: The town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division is picking up Christmas trees for Boone residents through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trees need to be placed curbside on the resident's regular garbage collection day and be free of decorations, wire and nails.
Jan. 18
THE SAVE THE APPALACHIAN THEATRE GROUP: will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Watauga County Public Library. Subcommittees will meet at 9 a.m. and all will gather in the meeting room at 10 a.m.
Jan. 19
PESTICIDE EXAM: A representative from the N.C. Department of Agriculture will be available to administer commercial and private applicator pesticide exams on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone. The exam will begin at 1 p.m., but testers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. Official photo identification is required. A non-programmable calculator and pencil are recommended. All testers, including government employees, will be required to pay an exam fee. Study manuals are available at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office at 971 West King St. in Boone. Contact the NCDA&CS Pesticide Section at (919) 733-3556 to register, or call the Cooperative Extension office at (828) 264-3061 for general information.
JAN. 21
WINTERFEST PAGEANT: The first Little Miss and Little Master Winterfest pageant will take place at the Blowing Rock School on Saturday, Jan. 21. The pageant is open to all area girls ages birth through 18 and little boys ages birth through 5. Registration begins at 10 a.m., competition begins at 11:30 a.m. and the crowning ceremony begins at 3 p.m. Presented by Little Miss and Teen Miss North Carolina and sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Little Miss and Master Winterfest pageant will benefit Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S. For more information, call Carolyn Marley at (828) 295-3880.
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer an Animal Adaptations Hike at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. Meet at the picnic shelter. Animal adaptations enable wildlife to endure the punishing winter on Mount Jefferson. Participants will learn how a bear and other animals survive the extreme conditions of the mountain. Hike is free and open to the public. The event is weather dependent.
Jan. 22
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a "Vista Viewing" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. Meet at the second overlook. Enjoy a view of three states while learning the oral tradition associated with Mount Jefferson and its surrounding mountains. The program is weather dependent. Participants are encouraged to wear winter attire.
Jan. 24
INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's Corporate and Continuing Education will offer a 10-hour "Introduction to Beekeeping" course from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 24 to Feb. 7. The cost of the class is $15 to cover the cost of the textbook. The class will meet on the CCC&TI Watauga campus. For more information or to register, call (828) 263-5370.
"AN EVENING WITH ANGELA DAVIS": ASU's Office of Multicultural Student Development presents the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration with "An Evening with Angela Davis" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Farthing Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. Davis, political activist and scholar, is the author of eight books. She has lectured throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. For additional information, contact Augusto Peña, interim director of multicultural student development, at (828) 262-6252 or email (penaae@appstate.edu)
FIRST AID COURSE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host an American Heart Association First Aid Course from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Watauga Medical Center Auditorium. The course is designed for community members who want to learn basic first aid skills. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a card, which is valid for two years. The cost is $30 per person and class size is limited. Participants must call to preregister and prepay. Call Candy Jones, ARHS Community Outreach, at (828) 268-8960.
JAN. 25
BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST: Join the Village of Blowing Rock as it celebrates the fun side of winter at the 14th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest on Jan. 25 through Jan. 29. The event includes the Chili Challenge, Polar Plunge, WinterFeast, Wine Tasting and Auction, ice sculpture contest and demonstration, pancake breakfast, Winter Paws Dog Show, live game shows and much more. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.
Jan. 26
TAI CHI CLASSES: Two 12-week sessions of tai chi (beginner and intermediate) will begin on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center, instructed by Tim Winecoff. The beginner class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. class for intermediate students. The deadline for registration is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. Any age may join but priority will be given to persons aged 60 and older. The cost is $48 per person for either 12-week series. The Senior Center is located in the Human Services Building at 132 Poplar Grove Connector in Boone. Call the center at (828) 265-8090 with any questions.
Jan. 27
WINTERFEST AT APP SKI MOUNTAIN: Join Appalachian Ski Mountain and French-Swiss Ski College on Friday, Jan. 27, as they celebrate 50 years during the 2012 Blowing Rock Winterfest. Although there will be skiing, ice skating and snowboarding all month as usual, App Ski will present a special Winterfest Family Night on Jan. 27. Learn to Ski/Snowboard packages will be offered through French-Swiss Ski College. Ski lesson packages are $46 per person. Snowboard lesson packages are $58 per person. Package includes slope ticket from 5 p.m. to midnight, rental equipment and a one-hour group lesson. Lesson times are 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For extra incentive, Appalachian Ski Mountain is also offering ice skating to the nonslope seekers, s'mores roasting by the rink-side bonfire, a dedicated Snow Play Zone by the Ice Arena and more. Reservations are required but no deposit is necessary. For more information, call French-Swiss Ski College at (828) 295-9311, or email (skifrenchswiss@bellsouth.net)
Jan. 28
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a program on "Mount Jefferson Gelogy" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. Meet at the picnic shelter. Three hundred million years ago, colossal mountains may have towered 15,000 feet above sea level. Today. Mt. Jefferson is in the same location, but it is just a fraction of its original size. Come and explore the mountain that was ancient when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Discover how ice and heat have changed an ancient landscape.
Jan. 29
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA: in Ashe County will offer a hike with the theme "Plants, Birds, Rocks and Things" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. Meet at the picnic area. Hike with a ranger and explore the interconnected threads that have built this mountain ecosystem. See why Mt. Jefferson is a National Natural Landmark.
Feb. 4
MICROCHIP CLINIC FOR PETS: Microchipping is the process of embedding a tiny identification microchip under a pet's skin, which can be scanned and read at shelter facilities to identify the pet's owner. Saturday microchip clinics are routinely held at the Animal Medical Center of Boone, 1582 Old 421 South, from 11:30 am until noon. The $25 microchip fee benefits the Watauga Humane Society. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. The next microchip clinic will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4. For more information, call the Watauga Humane Society at (828) 264-7865, email (adopt@wataugahumanesociety.org) or visit http://www.wataugahumanesociety.org .
Feb. 16
WOODY DURHAM: who served as the "Voice of the Tarheels" for 40 years, will speak at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum on Thursday, Feb. 16. The 12-time North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year is much beloved by UNC alumni and fans. Time will be announced. For more information, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099.