SUPPORT GROUPS/CLUBS
AL-ANON 8pm, First Presbyterian Church, Morganton. 828-433-7109.

AL-ANON 7:30 pm. Western Watauga Community Center, Sugar Grove (Cove Creek). 828-263-0555. 7:30pm Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Granite Falls. 828-754-3987. 12pm (NOON) at First Baptist Church, West Jefferson, 336-384-1940.

ACES is a non-profit networking support group for small business entrepenuer’s in the High Country Area. We specialize in wedding and event planning business. We meet once a month on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm. Please check our website for meeting locations. We are at www.a-c-e-s.us

Area Duplicate Bridge Area Duplicate Bridge will he held Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 1:20 at Lois Harrill Senior Center. Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 at the Foscoe Grandfather Community Center. Wednesday night at 6:30 at Lois Harrill Senior Center. Sunday afternoon at 2:00 at the Blowing Rock Ruritan Building (near swimming pool complex). For more information call Susan and Dan Duke 963-9450 or 963-0242. Jane Champion 963-8022 or Flo Channey 963-7326.

AL-ANON TH 5:30pm. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone. Behind downtown Harris Teeter. 7pm. Lutheran Episcopal Church Of The Savior, Newland, 194 across from Mountain Glenn Golf Course. 828-733-3838. 12 Noon Monday. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, behind downtown Harris Teeter, Boone. 828-262-9912. 8 pm at St. Mary’s of the Hills, Blowing Rock. 828-299-6362. 8pm at United Way Building, North Wilkesboro. FR 8pm, Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Granite Falls. 828-757-9741.

Avery/Watauga Chapter of the Autism Society of NC - Contact Carol Sposato at H: 828-387-4520 or C: 828-387-6101 or online at our website: www.AveryWataugaASNC.org

AWANA is back at Mt Calvary in Banner Elk, Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00. There are classes for 3 year olds through 6th grade. Awana blends Bible teaching, Scripture memorization and tons of fun! Awana will impact kids, their families, and entire communities while helping to make them all that God intends them to be! For more information, contact the church office at 898-4735.

BABES IN ARMS & BABES ON THE MOVE Babes in Arms is a Mom (or Dad) informal parenting support group which meets every Monday afternoon at 2pm at the Wellness Center. This group is for babies from birth to 9 months (and their parent). Babes on the Move meets every Monday at 1pm at the Wellness Center. The target age for this group is 9-18 months. The format includes a short presentation, “play” time for the children, and “social” time for parents. The groups are a great opportunity to learn about resources in the community, meet other Moms, and discuss your concerns. Both groups are facilitated by the Birthing Center Education Office at Watauga Medical Center. Groups are free. Call 262-4285 for more information.

BOONE SHAG CLUB dances weekly at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock every Tuesday at 7:30pm. For more information contact George Brown at 773-4969.

BRIDGE GAMES The newly formed High Country Bridge Club offers duplicate bridge games every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00am at the Grandfather-Foscoe Community Center. Grandfather-Foscoe Community Center is located off of Hwy 105 across from Skyline Telephone and the entrance to Seven Devils. Enter at the Grandfather Campgrounds. Drive across bridge and the community center is immediately on your left. Contact Jane Champion, Club Manager at 963-8022 (mornings) for more information.

Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club schedules hikes year round to experience the beautiful natural features of our area. You do not have to be a club member to go hiking. Upcoming Hikes: Contact leader Frank Young, 828-963-5188. For more info, see www.boonenc.org/hiking.

christ centered 12 step meeting at South Fork Baptist Church in Todd. Tues. 7pm 877-5608
CMA-Christian Motorcycle Association Peacemakers of Boone NC Chapter Would like to invite you to come join us for Fellowship and Breakfast on the First Saturday of every month at 8:00am at the Golden Corral on Hwy 321 in Boone .We are located central to the five surrounding counties in the high country. Our chapter meeting starts at 9:00 and will run till 10:00am.Afterwards we will a have ride planned out to enjoy the rest of the day. Come by car or motorcycle,it doesn’t matter just come and join us in speading God’s word and enjoying life.

Cone & Price Memorial Parks Programs Join rangers for a tour of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone (milepost 294). Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays and last about 30 minutes. Reservations are required. Tour times: Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. For reservations call (828) 295-3782 or sign up at the NPS information desk at the Moses Cone Manor House. Registrations accepted beginning at 9 a.m. for the weekend of the requested tour only. No advance reservations please.

crossnore chapter of the national society of the daughters of the american revolution meets on the last Tuesday of the month in the Board Room of the Administration Building on the campus of Crossnore School at 4 in the afternoon. We invite any member or prospective member to join us during these spring, summer and fall months. If you have any questions, please call 733-9207 or 733-5209.

DIVORCECARE is a weekly seminar and support group that meets at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone each Wednesday at 6:30pm. Childcare is available. The church is located at 3505 Bamboo Road. Sessions include Facing My Anger, Facing My Loneliness, Depression, New Relationships, KidCare and Forgiveness. For more information call the church office at 828-266-9700.

FREE Childcare (ages 3-7) available at Town of Beech Mountain’s Buckeye Recreation Center Wednesday’s, 5:00p-7:00p. & Saturday’s, 9:00a to 12:00p with participation in Fitness Class or use of Fitness Room. Call 828-387-3003 to register.

HIGH COUNTRY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS High Country Alcoholics Anonymous Visit www.booneaa.org Watauga County,Boone, Blowing Rock, Vilas

Daily Meetings: Early Birds (C/BB) Mon-Sat 7:00 AM First Baptist Church, Downtown Boone, Noon Group (O/D)Mon-Sat Noon-Boone Methodist Church. Monday Boone Basics (C/BB), 7:00 PM, Grace Lutheran Church, Young at Heart (WW), 7:00 PM Boone Methodist Church

Promises Group (O/ST) 8:00 PM St Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church (Blowing Rock). Tuesday Solutions Group (O/D) 8:00 PM, Grace Lutheran Church. Wednesday Cove Creek (O/D) 7:30 PM, Watauga Community Center (Vilas). Promises Group (O/BB) 6:30 PM, St Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church (Blowing Rock) Thursday Boone Group (O/D/Beg) 7:00 PM, Boone Methodist Church. Friday Womens Serenity (O/D/WW), 6:00 PM St Lukes Episcopal Church. Friday Night Meeting (O/D) 8:00 PM Boone Methodist Church. Saturday Saturday Night Live (O/S) 8:00 PM St Lukes Episcopal ChurchSunday. 11th Stepp Meeting (O/ST) 10:00 AM American Legion Hall (Blowing Rock). Happy Destiny (O/ST) 6:30 PM Catholic Campus Ministry (Behind Blockbuster). Sunday Night Group (C/ST) 8:00 PM Boone Methodist Church

Avery County: Lost and Found (O/D) Tuesday 7:00 PM Canon Memorial Hospital. Newland Serenity (O/ST) Friday 7:00 PM Canon Memorial Hospital

Ashe County: Ashe Unity Group Mon & Wed at Noon, Thu at 7:30 PM Jefferson United Methodist Church Sparta Group Tue & Thu 8:00 PM Presbyterian Church (Sparta)

Wilkes County: Old Town Group at the Medical Arts Building. Mon thru Sat at Noon- (C). Mon & Wed at 8:oo PM (C), Fri & Sat at 8:00 PM (O) Sun 5:30 (C)

Evidence-Based Traditional Taiji and Qigong Program This summer Banner Elk is host to, Alena Nickos, certified Evidence-Based Traditional Taiji and Qigong Program™ instructor for a six week summer session to be held at Lees McRae College. The class will meet on Monday and/or Thursday evenings at 5:30 in the Lees McRae Dance Studio (underneath the Exchange Bookstore.) Participants will learn a concise seven movement Taiji form and the supporting Qigong exercises included in the Program. Taiji and Qigong use a unique combination of flowing movements and quiet meditation that has the power to significantly improve quality of life – physically, mentally and spiritually. For more information please contact: Alena Nickos, 828. 898-2015 or mini.taiji@yahoo.com

HIGH COUNTRY NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS - Thursday - The Fresh Start Group (OD) 8pm at Avery CARES. Saturday - The Fresh Start Group (Open Literture) 8pm at Avery CARES, Sunday - The Fresh Start Group (Open Basic Text) 8pm Avery CARES, Tuesday - The Fresh Start Group (OD) 8pm Avery CARES

High Country christian Singles We are an oganization of single and single again Christian adults who meet the 2nd Monday of each month for dinner, special, programs, fun and fellowship. Dinner is at 6pm followed by a special program for teh evening which ends at 8pm. The meal is $5 except for first-time visitors, who join us as our guests. Child care is R.S.V.P to Mount Vernon Baptist Church office (828)266-9700) or Deanna Holaday (828)264-5358) by Friday before our Monday meeting. We meet at Mount Vernon Baptist Church (in the Meadowview room) which sponsors this Christian Ministry. All singles and single parents are welcome for this time of fellowship and spiritual growth. For more information call (828-266-9700) or (828-264-5358).Mt Vernon Church web page http:/www.mtvernonchurch.org.

Kiwanis of Banner Elk meets Tuesdays at 12 Noon in the rear dining room of the Lees McRae College Cafeteria. Anyone wishing to attend, call 733-8822.

NEW LIFE TWO WHEEL RIDE IN will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30-7:30pm at Smoky Mountain Barbecue in West Jefferson. New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs specializes in the rescue and training of shelter dogs to assist the disabled, providing both person and canine with a new lease on life.

Thursdays — Rotary Club of Avery County- meets from noon to 1 p.m. at Bella’s Italian restaurant in Banner Elk every week. Enjoy a interesting speaker each week and get involved in a fellowship that puts service before self. For more information, call Julia Heinlein, Antler Realty, at 828-898-3111.

Spay and Neuter Program The Avery County Humane Society has a Spay and Neuter Program. You can get your cat neutered for $30. All else for $50. Take advantage of this program and help eliminate the unwanted puppies and kittens from being born. Call the Humane Society at 733-6312 to sign up for the next Spay and Neuter Day.

Spruce Pine Montessori School Thriving and Evolving in 36thYear This is an exciting time at Spruce Pine Montessori School as we work to expand experiential education programs for children, and welcome new staff and board members to the team of dedicated school partners. Spruce Pine Montessori School is a learning center based on the “whole child” educational approach of Dr. Maria Montessori, serving children from preschool through sixth grade. SPMS is currently accepting applications for spaces in the preschool/kindergarten classes. Call Kori Fidler at 828-765-7779 to request information or arrange for a visit.

SEX & LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS Mondays and Thursdays - 6:00 PM. 12-step group sharing experience, strength & hope in dealing with recovery from compulsive sexual & relationship issues. 266-9368.

SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP is now meeting the second Monday of each month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Boone at 6:30 pm. Anyone is invited to attend. For more information, please contact Barbara Armstrong at 964-5779 or Linda Denney at 773-2845.

Treasure Hunters Club of the Blue Ridge The Treasure Hunters Club of the Blue Ridge will meet every first Tuesday at 6 pm at Smoky Mtn. BBQ’s back room. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, July 1. Membership is free. Everyone with the love of gems and the hunt are invited. It’s a fun and exciting way to share your love of precious and semi-precious stones, gold, fossils and more. Plus a great way to buy, sell and trade. You might also choose to join in our occassional treasure hunt trips.

W Y Network’s Mentoring Program Western Youth Network’s Mentoring Program would like to invite you to volunteer your spare time and enrich the youth of Avery County. Call Janet Shook or Amy Turner at 828-773-2567 Or check out our website www.westernyouthnetwork.org and Become a Mentor!

MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCING - When: Thursdays at 6:30-8:00 PM. Where: YMCA of Avery County. Attire: Casual and soft soled shoes. New dancers always welcome. FREE for Y members; $20 for 6 sessions for non-members. Call 737-5500 for information or register at YMCA. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!!

Yoga class at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. Beginner Mondays 10:15-11:15. First class is free! Contact Emily Witherspoon at 828-260-3087

WORSHIP

Acts in Action Acts 2:4 and 2:38 Cornerstone Full Gospel Church would like to invite you for service with us. From Banner Elk light- Right onto 194 to Pigeon Roost Rd.- Right to 2381- first floor. Anyone wishing to receive information on the Holy Ghost please call Rev. Bruce Gray 828-963-2091. Sunday 10am & 6pm, Thursday 7:30pm.

ARBOR DALE PRESBYTERIAN Church 6619 Hickory Nut Gap Rd, Banner Elk. Come worship with us at 9:15 on Sunday mornings followed by fellowship and refreshments at 10:20, then Sunday School for all ages at 10:45. Call 828-898-4628 for more information or visit the website at: www.arbordalechurch.org.

Aaron Baptist Church 280 Old NC Hwy. 181 Banner Elk, NC 828-733-2581

Boone Jewish Community after many years of association with the Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is pleased to advise that we have moved our weekly Shabbat services and meetings to St. Lukes Episcopal Church 170 Council St Boone. For further information please call the Boone Jewish Community at (828) 264-8364.

ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH Route 105, Linville, N.C. 28646. (828) 898-6900. MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 4:30pm (June - September), Sunday 11am, Holy Days 11:15am, Daily 11am (Monday and Friday).

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday School 10am, Morning Service 11am, Afternoon Service 1:30pm. Pastor Brad Calhoun, 166 West 3rd Street, Linville,www.faithbaptistlinville.org

banner elk prebyterian church located across from the Book Store on Lees McRae College campus. Worship at 8:30am (June-Sept) and 11:00am year-round, Sunday School at 9:30, Fellowship at 10:30. . Rev. Joseph Washburn, Pastor.

BANNER ELK UNITED METHODIST The new Sunday schedule, now in effect, begins with Contemporary Worship Service at 9:30am; Sunday School at 10am; Fellowship and Refreshments at 10:30am; and Traditional Worship Service at 11am. Covered Dish Lunch each 4th Sunday following Traditional Worship Service.

Cornerstone Church would like to invite you to worship with us. We are a new group meeting in Banner Elk on Sundays at 2 p.m. and on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. We are truly an Apostolic church from the book of Acts. For more information, call Rev. Gray at 828-963-2091.

CROSSNORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We invite you to worship with us at the historic “Miracle in the Hills” Church. Sunday’s worship service and Children’s church begin at 11:00am followed by warm fellowship and coffee. This is a great time to get to know each other better, meet with our interim pastor, the Reverend McCoy Franklin, or just catch up on yesterday’s news. We have Sunday school at 10:00am for all age groups and provide a staffed nursery for those who wish to utilize this service. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated every second Sunday. We are located off highway 221 in Crossnore; the rock church up on the hill. For more information contact us at 733-1939, email crospres@yahoo.com or visit our web site at www.CrossnorePresbyterian.com.

DESTINY CHURCH 10 a.m. Inaugural service. “The Meeting House” next to town hall in Crossnore.

FLETCHER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cow Camp Road, Newland, 10 a.m.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Come and join us at Grace Lutheran Church for worship, fellowship, education, and outreach to others. Sunday mornings at 8:30, upbeat liturgy, and 11:00, continuing the joyful tradition. Holy Communion at all services, child care provided for 2 and under. Sunday School for children and adults at 9:45am. www.graceboone.org

Greater Joy Fellowship, Hickory Nut Gap Rd., Newland - Pastor Ronnie Pyatte - Service times: Sunday School 9:45 AM, Morning Worship 10:45 AM, Sunday Evening 6:00 PM, Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 PM. The best Praise & Worship team around, dramatic Children’s Church, come see for yourself. For more information, call 733-1804 or visit our website at www.greaterjoyfellowship.com

LIBERTY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Hwy 194 South, Banner Elk, NC. Sunday worship service 8:30 a.m. Dan Brubaker Pastor. For more information call 963-1108. Visitors are welcome!

LUTHERAN-EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 10 am. 2 miles north of Newland on Hwy 194. 828-733-2513

mountianside lutheran church Camp Linn Haven, LCMS - Sunday Service will be held at Camp Linn Haven, Route 221, Linville, NC 10 a.m. Everyone Welcome. For further information call Pastor Dennis Quackenboss 733-4404

NEWLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (on the town square) A caring fellowship of servants in Jesus Christ, welcoming all in joyous worship, committed outreach, enthusiastic evangelism, and the building of confidence in God’s future. Sunday School is at 9:45 am, Worship at 11:00 am. Come see how we’re growing.

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Location: in Elk Park, Avery County- 1 ½ miles down Elk River heading toward Elk Falls, you will cross Elk River on a Large Metal Bridge It is a little white church with a large metal building built on the back. Sunday School is from 10:15am to 11:00am followed by Worship from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Sunday evening Worship is from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Wednesday is from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

SHELTER ROCK MINISTRIES Sunday’s at 10:00 AM - Foscoe - Turn at Taylor’s Store, go 1 mile, on left - Open to all…Morning Worship Service…Come as you are to Worship with us… Tuesday’s at 5:00 PM - Foscoe - Turn at Taylor’s Store, go 1 mile, on left - Open to all…Dinner, Music and Fellowship…Free food/grocery distribution after services…For more information call 963-4135.

ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH Route 105, Linville, N.C. 28646. (828) 898-6900. MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 4:30pm (June - September), Sunday 11am, Holy Days 11:15am, Daily 11am (Monday and Friday).733-1939

ITEMS OF INTEREST
Avery County Museum Winter Hours - Fri. & Sat. 10-3 The Avery County Museum is now open on Friday and Saturday from 10-3. The Museum is located just off the square in Newland next to the Courthouse. Come visit the Historical Museum and see the progress made on the Linville Depot restoration project.

YMCA of Avery County Offering Private Swim Lessons - The air is getting chilly but the pool is nice and warm! The YMCA of Avery County is now taking registration for Private Swim Lessons. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t be learning to swim. For more information, contact the YMCA at 828-737-5500.

Historic Photos needed for Beech Mountain book The Beech Mountain Historical Committee is busy collecting historical photos, slides, maps and other visual representations of the early days on Beech Mountain. All images will be promptly returned to those submitting them. Please call Ann at 828-387-2930 for further information. Those folks without photos, but with historical knowlege of Beech, are also encouraged to call and set up an interview.

Winery Tours & Tastings Banner Elk Winery open for Tours and Tastings Wednesday thru Sunday, noon until five. From light in Banner Elk, north (right) on Hwy. 194 1 1/2 mile. Left on Gualtney Rd. Travel 1/4 mile. 828.898.9090 or 828.260.1790 www.bannerelkwinery.com

NEW YEARS EVE GALA! Antler Realty New Years Eve Gala to be held at the Banner Elk Winery. Time is from 9:30 to 1 AM. $75 per person which includes a live dance band, bottle of wine per couple, delicious food, etc. There will be a bonfire to stay warm! Call Antler Realty at 828-898-3111 for reservations and more information. www.antlerREALTY.net

SLEDDING HILL REPORT BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BEECH MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA Sledding Hill is: Open - Full Coverage Call the Chamber for conditions beyond this week. HOURS: 9 AM – 5 PM (Daily including holidays) RULES: FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER, PLASTIC SLEDS ONLY, NO SKIS AND SNOWBOARDS, NO SNOWMEN BUILDING, PARENTS MUST SUPERVISE CHILDREN, ALL MUST OBEY SLOPE SUPERVISOR, SLEDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE FOLLOWING. LOCATIONS ON BEECH MOUNTAIN: ALPINE SKI CENTER – 828-387-9291, BEECH MEADOWS SKI SHOP – 828-387-4777, FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE – 828-387-4838. PHONE: 828-387-9283, 800-468-5506. FAX: 828-387-5506, EMAIL: chamber@beechmoutain.com

The Avery Rotary Club is sponsoring the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fund raiser again for the 2008 season. Volunteer “Bell Ringers” are very much needed at Ingle’s in Newland and Lowe’s Food Store at Ynecastle. If you are your group would like to help, please contact Leah Willis at 828-733-1684 or email leah.willis@edwardjones.com.

Camp Broadstone is offering Wilderness Medicine classes this spring sponsored by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. Classes are faced paced and hands-on. These courses are ideal for backcountry trip leaders, camp staff, and outdoor enthusiasts. Wilderness First Responder is March 7-15th, Wilderness First Aid is April 18-19th, and Wilderness First Responder Recertification is May 1st-3rd. You will find complete details and can register on-line by visiting our website www.campbroadstone.com and clicking on certification classes. For additional information call Nancy Rogers at 963-4640