May
WHS graduation events
Watauga High School is preparing to honor about 300 students who will graduate this year with a series of events and ceremonies. Graduation itself will be held Friday, May 30, at Appalachian State University’s Holmes Convocation Center. The ceremony will start at 7:30 p.m. There are several scheduled events leading up the graduation. The annual Capping Ceremony and school-based awards ceremony will be held in the WHS gymnasium on Friday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. and will last until 3:30 p.m. The junior and senior prom will be held at ASU's Panhellenic Hall on Saturday, May 17. The Baccalaureate Service will be held at Boone United Methodist Church on May 18 at 5 p.m. The Senior Scholarship Ceremony will be held in the WHS auditorium on May 20 at 5 p.m. Following graduation on May 30, all graduating seniors are invited to attend Project Graduation, an annual celebration to be held at ASU's Student Recreation Center. Project Graduation is offered as an alternative to house parties or other private celebrations where students might participate in underage drinking or drug use. At Project Graduation, the new graduates will be able to take advantage of all the activities the recreation center has to offer, including use of the climbing wall and other sports facilities. There will also be games and door prizes available. Each year, the event is made possible through donations from community members. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the Friends of Watauga High School at 400 High School Drive in Boone.

May 17
Southern Accent Fellowship Celebration
The 17th annual Fellowship Celebration hosted by Southern Accent will be held Saturday, May 17, from noon to 9 p.m. at Cove Creek Elementary School on Vanderpool Road. Supper will be served at 4 p.m. Groups scheduled to perform are Southern Accent, Darin Aldridge, Blood Bought, Surefire, The Harmon Family, The Combs Family and Familiar Ground. There is no charge for this day of music, fellowship, and food, although donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Paulette Isaacs at (828) 898-6828; e-mail dpisaacs@localnet.com; or visit the Web at www.southernaccent.us

May 20
Public hearing on county budget
The Watauga County manager’s recommended county budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 has been submitted to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection online at http://www.wataugacounty.org; in the county manager’s office, Watauga County Administration building; and at the public libraries in Boone, Blowing Rock and the Western Watauga Community Center. A public hearing on the proposed budget shall be held on Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. to allow public comment. At which time, any persons who wish to be heard on the budget may appear. The budget hearing will be held in the commissioners’ board room at the Watauga County Administration building. For more information, call (828) 265-8000.

May 21
Historian to discuss Sen. Sam Ervin
The Appalachian Pathways Luncheon Series turns to politics with a May 21 luncheon program presented by Appalachian State University history professor Dr. Karl Campbell. Campbell will discuss his book “Senator Sam Ervin: The Last of the Founding Fathers.” The luncheon begins at noon at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. The cost is $19. The registration deadline is May 14. Register online at www.pathways.appstate.edu, or call 262-2530 for additional information. Campbell has conducted extensive research into the life and work of Ervin, who chaired the Senate Watergate hearings in 1973. Campbell will illuminate the character of the man and the historical forces that shaped him by sharing stories and quotes from Ervin’s life. Campbell says Ervin’s career is important to remember because “there is no other historical figure more relevant to the political crises we are facing today.”

May 31
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Watauga County will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 31, to provide residents a safe, convenient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of their household hazardous waste. Please stay in your vehicle during the entire collection. This is for your safety and is required by the disposal contractor’s permit. County personnel will take care of everything, so just sit back and relax. Bring your waste in their original containers whenever possible. Please make sure all containers are closed. It is dangerous to transport open containers. Do not mix different products. Collect your waste containers in disposable boxes or bins, which should be transported in your trunk. Do not put your HHW in the backseat with your children or pets. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Watauga County Landfill, 336 Landfill Road. Items for disposal will include: paint, household batteries, NiCad batteries, lead acid batteries (car type), antifreeze, ethylene, gasoline, lighter fluid, solid and liquid pesticides, oxidizers, used oils and household cleaners. Call Lisa Doty, recycling coordinator, at 828-265-4852 or 828-264-5305 for more information about HHW or questions about recycling.

Under way
Relay For Life team fundraisers
• Luminaria Sales — Purchase a luminaria in honor or in memory of someone with cancer. Luminaria will be lit all night June 20 at Watauga County’s Relay For Life at Watauga High School. It’s $10 for each luminary. Forms are available from any team member or from luminaria chairperson, Kathy Idol (phone: 264-5240).
• Beanie Baby Sale — at Bank of Granite, Wilson Drive, Boone. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Bank of Granite, captains – Margie Aldridge, Brenda Costner & Amber McGuire (phone: 264-4016).
• Auto Bell Car Wash tickets — Buy a ticket good for one inside/outside car wash and half the ticket price goes to Relay For Life; $12.95 each. Sponsored by Relay For Life team P-Paul, captains – Debbie Blake (phone: 297-2069) and Elizabeth Isaacs (phone: 264-5397).
• May 17 — Yard Sale, High Country Cleaners, 7:30 a.m.-noon. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Jerry’s Intimidators, captains Paula Ward (phone: 297-4876) and Beck Younce (phone: 264-9583).
• May 17 — Brighter Smiles for a Brighter Future – teeth whitening, Office of Dr. Jeffrey Lineberry, New Market Boulevard, 9 a.m.; $150 (all proceeds go to Relay For Life), cash or checks only. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Mouth Cancer Catchers, captain – Kim Gragg (phone: 264-3211).
• May 18 – Breakfast, Deerfield United Methodist Church (1184 Deerfield Road), 8:30-10 a.m. Donations accepted. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Deerfield Dream Team, captain – Jeannie Caviness (phone: 264-6455).
• May 24 — Fish Fry, Foscoe Grandfather Community Center, 5 to 7:30 p.m.; $10. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Bank of Granite, captains – Margie Aldridge, Brenda Costner and Amber McGuire (phone: 264-4016).
• May 31 — Brighter Smiles for a Brighter Future – teeth whitening, Office of Dr. Jeffrey Lineberry, New Market Boulevard, 9 a.m.; $150 (all proceeds go to Relay For Life), cash or checks only. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Mouth Cancer Catchers, captain – Kim Gragg (phone: 264-3211).
• June 11 — Celebration of Hope, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church (1218 Main St., Blowing Rock), 7:15 p.m. Celebration of Hope is a service of sacred music featuring the Sanctuary Choir, handbells and instrumentalists. An offering will be taken for the American Cancer Society. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Rumple Rockers, captain Jill Hauser (phone: 264-5036).
Raffles:
• Signature ASU Back-to-Back-to-Back football, signed by players and coaches (60 signatures).
• Magnavox 15-inch flat screen television. Tickets are six for $5. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Ted’s Troop, captain – Della Presnell (phone: 262-0207).
• Queen-size quilt (double ring pattern) made by the late Alma Harmon. Tickets: six for $5. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Alma’s Harmonizers, captain – David Harmon (phone: 297-5802).
• Full-size quilt (yo-yo pattern) made by Faye Foley. Tickets: $5 each. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Foley’s Auction Company, captain – Faye Foley (phone: 297-2181).
• Star pattern queen-size quilt; 2) gas fish cooker; 3) George Foreman indoor/outdoor electric grill; 4) leather travel bag; 5) hand-knitted scarf. Tickets are $2 each, or three for $5. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Friends For Life, captain – Kathy Idol (phone: 264-5240).
• Craftsman 137-piece Mechanics Tool Set (value $129.99); 2) gift certificate for Shannon’s Curtain, Bed & Bath (value $120); 3) VISA gift card issued by State Employees Credit Union (value $50). Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Metamorphosis, captain – Mary Ruble (phone: 963-5328). Call Mary Ruble, Peggy Eller (phone: 262-2183) or Jessica Trivett (phone: 964-0268) for tickets.
• Handmade shawl, tickets $1 each or six for $5. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Rumple Rockers, captain Jill Hauser (phone: 264-5036).
• Char-broil gas grill, (2) Troy-bilt weedeater, (1) 32-inch Sony Bravia HDTV. Tickets: one for $3, three for $5, or five for $10. Tickets available at Hich Country Cleaners or Foscoe Country Deli, or by calling Paula Ward or Becky Younce. Sponsored by Relay For Life team Jerry’s Intimidators, captains Paula Ward (phone: 297-4876) and Becky Younce (phone: 264-9583).
Other Upcoming Events:
• May 19 — Look Good, Feel Better, Seby B. Jones Cancer Center Cancer Resource Room, 2 – 4 p.m. Call Peggy Setzer for information at 262-4332.
For more information about the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, call Glenda Hodges (828-264-8529) or Sharon Trivette (828-297-1691).

May

Watauga blood drives
The Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross announces its May blood drives in the High Country. They include the following:
Thursday, May 15: 3-7:30 p.m., Laurel Springs Baptist Church, 7504 Hwy. 421 S, Deep Gap, sponsored by Laurel Springs Baptist Church; contact Kathy Idol at 828-264-5240.

Saturday, May 24: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Deerfield United Methodist Church, 1184 Deerfield Road, Boone, sponsored by Deerfield United Methodist Church; contact Pat Cashwell at 828-268-0509. (Umbrellas on Saturday, May 24, at Deerfield United Methodist Church during memorial dates.)
Thursday, May 29: 2-6:30 p.m., Boone United Methodist Church, 471 N Market Road., Boone, sponsored by Boone United Methodist Church; contact a member of the missions team or call 828-264-6090.

Friday, May 30: noon-4:30 p.m., Earth Fare, 178 West King St., Boone, sponsored by Earth Fare; contact John or Angela at 828-263-8138.

A "Save a Life and See Hollywood" drawing is taking place through May 31. Donate blood or platelets to register to win two Delta Air Lines round-trip tickets, a complimentary two-night weekend stay for two, and a tour of Universal Studios. For more information, contact Sonny Sweet, Watauga ARC executive director, at (828) 264-8226. or Lu Johnson, senior donor recruitment representative, Carolina Blood Services Region, at 1-800-234-1646, ext . 206, or 336-413-8347.

May
Hiking club events
The Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club schedules hikes year round to experience the beautiful natural features of the area. “You do not have to be a club member to hike with us,” said a spokesperson for the group. “Come share with us and meet new friends while enjoying the outdoors. Hikes vary as to length and difficulty. Bring lunch and drink, and dress for the weather.” “Note, our hikes are not generally suitable for children or dogs,” the spokesperson said. “Call the leader if you plan to hike for additional information, to let the leader know who and how many to expect, and so you can be advised of any changes/cancellations.” For more information, visit its Web site at www.boonenc.org/hiking. Upcoming events include the following:
• Saturday, May 17 – Hawksbill Mountain (Avery County) — Approximately 5 miles, moderate to strenuous hike with spectacular scenery, including Linville Gorge and several distant mountains. No dogs allowed. Bring water and lunch. Leader: MaryAnn Norwood 828-264-9946.
• Wednesday, May 21 – Beauty Spot Bald-Unaka Mountain on the AT – Tennessee/North Carolina. About two hours from Boone. Approximately 6.5 miles total round trip from the very appropriately named Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain and back. Terrain varies from easy to difficult, with 1,000 foot altitude difference between high and low areas. Wildflowers and memorable views of close and distant mountains. No dogs. Leader: Frank Young, 828-963-5188.
• Saturday, May 24 – Boone Fork to Price Park – moderate – Begin at Boone Fork Overlook parking area on Blue Ridge Parkway and hike to Price Park picnic area – approximately 5-6 miles. The group will enjoy the wildflowers in bloom. Bring water and snack, but no dogs. Leader: Dolly Rose 828-264-5884.
• Wednesday, May 28 – Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Ride – (Washington County, Va.) an all-day event. The 17-mile section of the trail from Whitetop Station to Damascus is on the old Norfolk Western Railroad Line that follows Laurel Creek through the Jefferson National Forest. The group will rent bikes at JC’s in Damascus and shuttle to the top. Lunch at the Creeper Trail Cafe in Taylor Valley, about 11 miles down the trail, or bring your own lunch. Make reservations early. No dogs. Contact: Susan Moore, 828-733-5748.
• Saturday, May 31 – Yellow Mountain to Little Hump – Hike north side of Yellow Mountain, with views of forest and water falls. Lunch at Little Hump and hike the ridge back to Mary's house on Yellow Mountain. Approximately 4 miles round trip — moderate to moderately strenuous. Leader: Mary Boys 828-733-9822.

June-November
Election dates, events, deadlines
June
• Monday, June 9 — Soil and Water Conservation District filing opens at noon.
• Tuesday, June 24 — Second Primary Day (if necessary).
July
• Tuesday, July 1 — Canvass day for second primary (if necessary) 11 a.m.
• Monday, July 7 — Soil and Water Conservation District filing ends at noon.
September
• Monday, Sept. 15 — Absentee ballots ready for General Election.
October
• Friday, Oct. 10 — Voter registration deadline for Nov. 4 General Election. Forms must be postmarked or delivered in person by 5 p.m. on Oct. 10.
• Thursday, Oct. 16 — One-stop absentee voting begins for the General Election.
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 — Last day to request absentee ballots in writing.
November
• Saturday, Nov. 1 — One stop absentee voting ends at 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 4 — General Election Day
• Friday, Nov. 14 — Canvass day for General Election 11 a.m.
Source: Watauga Board of Elections

Now open
Watauga Farmers’ Market
The Watauga County Farmers’ Market has opened for its 34th season and will continue being open on Saturdays through the end of October. The farmers will have plenty of fresh local produce and meats, plants for gardening needs, and a selection of mountain crafts. The market is located at Horn in the West, turn next to First Citizens Bank on the N.C. 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. For more information, call market manager Karen Bauman at (828) 355-4918, e-mail info@wcfm.info, or visit the market Web site at http://wcfm.info. The market will be hope rain or shine.

Thursdays
Todd Sustainable Market
The little town of Todd has a new, weekday farmers’ market. The Todd Sustainable Market will be held Thursday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m., in the parking lot of the Todd Mercantile. The market will feature locally grown produce, grass-fed meat, handcrafted lotions and soaps, fresh baked bread, pastries and cookies and artisan crafts. All of the farm products will be naturally grown on farms that practice sustainable agriculture. All produce sold will be grown organically. For more information about the Todd Sustainable Market or to sell at the market, contact Stacy Martin at (336) 709-6541 or at yellowwolffarm@yahoo.com.

Open
Parkway Craft Center
The Parkway Craft Center, located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is now open and celebrating its 57th season at Moses Cone Manor. Parkway Craft Center is one of five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features work from more than 300 Southern Appalachian craftspeople. Work on display includes clay, glass, leather, fiber, jewelry, wood, natural materials, paper and metal. This year a 10 percent discount on purchases over $50 will be offered to those living in North Carolina’s Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties during March. The Parkway Craft Center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 30. Several special focus events will be offered this year at the Craft Center. For more information, call (828) 295-7938 or visit the Web at www.craftguild.org.

Through June 17
Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition on exhibit
The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) is now on display at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone. The exhibition features some of the finest outdoor photography ever captured in the Appalachian area and many of the finalists are shutterbugs from the area. This year’s AMPC is the most competitive yet, with more than 864 submissions judged by a panel of photography experts. Forty-six images have been selected for the preliminary judging period and are on display at the Mezzanine Gallery of the Turchin Center in Boone. The exhibit will be on display until June 7. For more information, visit www.virtualblueridge.com.

Thursdays
Acoustic jam nights
Weekly Thursday night acoustic jams are held at the Jones House in downtown Boone every Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. Musicians and non-musicians are all welcome to come to the Jones House community center for an evening of acoustic mountain music every Thursday night. Musicians of all levels are welcome. There will be a slow jam from 8 to 9 p.m. for folks interested in learning old-time fiddle tunes. There is a suggested donation of $1 to $5 for non-musicians. Coffee and other refreshments are available.