Weekly Village Update 6.7.18

View as Webpage

Edition: June 7, 2018

Chamber Events & News

Saying Goodbye is Never Easy...

Remembering Jeff Eason Our dear friend and long-time editor of The Blowing Rocket, Jeff Eason, passed away on June 2nd. Blowing Rock is mourning our loss of this talented musician, local historian, attentive journalist, and all-around great guy. Moments after leaving this world, love for Jeff and his impact was echoed throughout the media. His Facebook wall is covered in memorial tributes. WNCW radio station dedicated a special segment to Jeff’s memory at 10 am on Monday, June 4th. Many have spoken of his spirit, talent and goodness; but we especially loved the way that Penny Zamagni from the King Bees summed up our friend Jeff - “Hearts are breaking and loss is a somber presence all over our High Country. For those here who love music and the arts, excellent journalism, humorous perspective, and community spirit, Jeffrey Scott Eason was a creative force who nourished all of these with indefatigable dedication and great passion. When Jeff committed his powerful talents to promoting the greater good, he was unstoppable. When cancer entered his life, Jeff took us on his journey, telling his story without a particle of self pity and often with an ample seasoning of his beautiful wit and playfulness. He fought incredibly hard; he didn't let on to despair; the soul of this gentle man shone bright with courage and love of living. Shine on Jeff; so eager for knowledge as you were in this life, you now know All. Our deepest sympathy to Jeff's family.”  A celebration of life for Jeff Eason will be held at 4 pm Thursday afternoon, June 7th, in the chapel of Hampton Funeral Home, Boone. The Eason family will receive friends from 2-4 pm prior to the service. Memorials may be sent to the Eason family to help with final expenses in care of: Chuck Eason 485 Wes Randall Rd. Deep Gap, NC 28618. Click here to read Jeff’s obituary by Anna Oakes, Watauga Democrat.

Remembering Betty Pitts Pillar of the community, Betty Pitts passed away on June 3rd. Recent recipient of the Chamber’s Jerry Burns Ambassadorial Award, Betty served Blowing Rock in so many ways during her 88 years here. Blowing Rock News shared a wonderful obituary remembrance of Mrs. Betty: "Some of her accolades were serving the Town of Blowing Rock for 14 years as First Lady of Blowing Rock. She served as Chairman of the March of Dimes drive in Blowing Rock for many years. She was chosen as the President of the Hilltop Parent Association and was honored as Parent of the Year at Western Carolina Center. Betty spearheaded the drive to build the Chapel at Western Carolina Center and helped raise the funds to build the Chapel. Betty was instrumental in organizing the Blowing Rock Rescue Squad where she served as an EMT and Chaplain until her retirement. Betty was the first President of the Blowing Rock Ruritan Club Auxiliary and served as President of the Ruritan Club many times and was awarded the Ruritan of the Year Award. Betty established the Blowing Rock Hospitals Budget Box to raise funds to assist patient’s needs and continued to serve as President of Blowing Rock Hospital Auxiliary until its’ move to the new Foley Center. She continued to volunteer at the Foley Center until December when she became ill. Betty served on the Blowing Rock Hospital’s Board of Trustees. During her tenure on the Board, with the cooperation of Mr. Bob Bumbaugh and Dr. Charles Davant, Jr. organized the building of the Chapel at Blowing Rock Hospital. Betty volunteered many years with the Blowing Rock Hospital Fashion Show where she was later honored as Honorary Chair for her many years of work for the hospital." Read the entire obituary here. The family suggests memorials be made in their choice of the following: to Middle Fork Baptist Church, 268 Bishop Ridge, Blowing Rock; to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, PO Box 393, Blowing Rock; to The Foley Center, PO Box 8, Blowing Rock, NC; or to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Click here to share online condolences.

Symphony Tents Available - Reserve Yours TODAY! Would you like to sponsor a tent in the side section at Symphony by the Lake? This year's theme is "Colors of the Mountains". More details can be found on the sponsor reservation agreement. New tent locations will be reserved on a first come - first served basis; complete and return your reservation agreement today to claim a spot! Tent Sponsor Reservation Agreement

Have questions? Please email Sarah or call 828.295.7851.

Farmers Market Every Thursday, 4 - 6 pm Park Avenue The Blowing Rock Farmers Market includes farm raised produce, meats, cheese, honey, eggs, plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, artisanal breads and desserts, natural body products, and whole foods from local farms, growers, and whole food producers. Parking is available at the American Legion.

Visit Website

Blowing Rock Young Professionals Quarterly Meetup Monday, June 11th at 5 pm The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop Open to anyone, age 21 - 45. BRYP's mission is to create a platform for members to build relationships, both professionally and personally, to engage politically and philanthropically, and to contribute to projects that enrich our community. For more information, email Olivia.

Join the BRYP Facebook Group

Economic Census Response due date: Tuesday, June 12th The US Census Bureau measures the nation's population once every 10 years. It also measures US businesses every 5 years with the Economic Census. Companies who receive the 2017 Economic Census are required by law to respond.

Economic Development Council Quarterly Meeting Wednesday, June 13th at 3 pm Chamber Office This is a very important EDC meeting as we will be establishing and authorizing the new Blowing Rock Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, we will have reports from the three committees: Community Economic Development, Business and Entrepreneurial Development, and Tourism Economic Development. Please make every effort to attend!

China Trip Orientation Wednesday, June 13th, 6 - 8 pm Blue Ridge Energy, Lenoir The Blowing Rock, Boone and Caldwell Chambers of Commerce are hosting a joint orientation for the Chamber Trip to China. This Q & A will be perfect for anyone already signed up for the trip, or for those who are still in the decision making process. Register for Orientation

Trip Information & Itinerary

Art in the Park Saturday, June 16th, 10 am - 5 pm Park Avenue RAIN OR SHINE! Art in the Park is host to over 90 juried artists at each show. Some of the best local, regional, and nationally known artists showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Free trolley from Tanger Outlets and Food Lion. Free parking downtown on the street and in the parking decks on Wallingford St. and at BRAHM.

Visit Website Follow on Facebook

Concert in the Park Sunday, June 17th, 4 - 6 pm Memorial Park, Blowing Rock Blowing Rock’s Concert in the Park Series is an annual set of free outdoor concerts. Always on Sundays following Art in the Park, the performances offer entertainment from a variety of musical genres.  Family-friendly and casual. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy listening to Handlebar Betty!

Visit Website

Business After Hours Tuesday, June 19th, 5:30 - 7 pm The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop Join us for a fun evening of networking & nibbles! Don't forget your business card! Business After Hours is FREE for Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Members.

Facebook Event

FREE Resources for Small Businesses The US Small Business Administration offers FREE resources as well as an informative newsletter for small businesses. To learn more, and sign-up for the newsletter, visit their website.

Member Events & News

Now Open 7 Days a Week Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn is now open 7 nights a week through the rest of the season.   For more information, call 828.414.9230

New Summer Menu & Sunday Brunch Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow is happy to announce its new summer menu! Come to our house for dinner and enjoy fine dining in the High Country. Rowland’s is now offering Sunday Brunch every week from 11am-2pm! Please call 828.295.5141 for reservations.  Thankfully, Westglow and Rowland’s Restaurant have been unaffected by the 221 road closure and remains open to guests.

View New Menu

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Saddlebred Division Starts Today! Thursday - Sunday, June 7th - 10th L. M. Tate Horse Show Grounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve You don’t want to miss this segment of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show! The Saddlebred classes are loaded with chrome and flash. The atmosphere at a Saddlebred show is electric, with spectators shouting encouragement and rooting for their favorites from the stands. Admission is $10 per day, children 12 and under get in free. Parking is available at the show grounds. There are concessions available, and general seating is available in the grandstands.

Photo from the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show website. Visit Website

Day Out With Thomas Friday - Sunday, June 8th - 17th Tweetsie Railroad Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine™ chugs his way through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt™, listen to Thomas and Friends™ storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station. Plus a full day at Tweetsie Railroad with amusement rides, deer park zoo, panning for gold, live entertainment, and more!

Information & Tickets

Passport Please Saturdays, June 9th & 16th, July 7th & 21st Theatre Arts Building, Lees-McRae College Passport Please! is an exciting adventure that teaches children about the diversity and beautiful cultures that make up the world. This new interactive musical is full of exciting original music and colorful characters from every corner of the globe, and is perfect for young audiences. Fascinating facts about the countries are revealed as the children tap their toes and clap to the magic of musical theatre!

Purchase Tickets Online Summer Theatre Season

The Page Brothers: Wes Montgomery Tribute Sunday, June 10th at 5 pm Meadowbrook Inn The High Country Jazz Society offers outstanding jazz concerts every 2nd Sunday of each month from May through October! Concerts are hosted at the Meadowbrook Inn. Call the hotel at 828.295.4300 for your reservations or plan to arrive early for best seating. This month's performer is The Page Brothers with their Tribute to Wes Montgomery.

Facebook Event

The Maker's Table: A Brief History of Chair Caning Tuesday, June 12th at 6 pm Blowing Rock Art & History Museum This talk is full of fascinating historical facts and contemporary applications of this ancient and global craft. From King Tut’s Tomb to the tea and spice trade, mid-century Denmark and Ikea, $5,000 Christian Dior handbags to the carriage that Prince Harry & Meghan Markle rode off in a couple of weeks ago, chair caning was and IS a THRIVING art. This is an interactive show-and-tell with some hands-on weaving.

Learn More

Once in a Blue Moon Dinner Thursday, June 14th The Village Cafe Seatings at 6:15 pm, 6:30 pm, and 6:45 pm Bar opens at 5 pm This 'once in a blue moon' dinner will have a special, limited menu. Seating is limited; reservations are highly recommended. Call 828.295.3769 for information & reservations.

Preview Menu and Follow The Village Cafe on Instagram

Ongoing Entertainment

Tunes at the Trout Live music every Thursday, 6-8 pm at The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop.

Karoake Fridays by Welter Entertainment every Friday, 8-12 pm at Barra, Banner Elk.

Music on the Veranda Live music every Sunday, 5-8 pm at Green Park Inn

For more information on these events, please click the link in the description to visit their website.

Our website calendar is packed with local events! Visit this calendar often to be in the know about the latest happenings around our area. Click here to check it out!

Do you have an event or announcement to include in an upcoming newsletter?  Click the submit event button for our policy and instructions.

Submit Event

Newsletter items must be submitted no later than 5 pm Tuesday.

Chamber Events, Information & Meetings

Blowing Rock Farmers Market: Thursdays, 4 - 6 pm, Park Avenue Board of Directors: Wednesday, June 13th at 8 am Economic Development Council: Wednesday, June 13th at 3 pm Art in the Park: Saturday, June 16th, 10 am - 5 pm, Park Avenue Concerts in the Park: Sunday, June 17th, 4 - 6 pm, Memorial Park Business After Hours: Tuesday, June 19th at 5:30 pm, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop Executive Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 26th at 8 am First Friday Sip & Shop: Friday, July 6th, 3 pm - until..., Downtown Retailers Symphony by the Lake: Friday, July 27th at 6 pm, Chetola Resort All meetings are held in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.