Weekly gas price update…
Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina decreased by two cents last week to $3.29 as of Monday, Oct. 3. This compares with the national average, which increased by 10 cents last week to $3.75 per gallon, according to www.northcarolinagasprices.com.
National, state debt update…
As of Monday, Oct. 3, the United States’ national debt was $30,927,955,567,955 according to www.usdebtclock.org. That debt figure breaks down to $92,826 in debt per person and $245,822 in debt per taxpayer. Also as of Monday, Oct. 3, North Carolina’s state debt was $52,007,474,469, which breaks down to $5,011 in debt per citizen.
State unemployment and food stamp update…
As of Monday, Oct. 3, 188,990 state residents were registered as unemployed, according to www.usdebtclock.org, and 1,812,988 North Carolinians were registered as food stamp recipients out of a total state population of 10,341,782.
We want to hear from you…
The AJT prides itself in investment in our community. We make an effort to cover everything we possibly can, and want the help of our readers to continue to represent what is happening in Avery County. We want your submissions, but they need to meet a few criteria to be considered for publication:
- Submissions may include a photograph with everyone in the photo identified.
- All submissions must include contact information, including an active phone number.
- All submissions must include basic information.
Submissions are not free advertising. No submission that directly benefits a private individual or for-profit organization, either monetarily or for political gain, will be printed. Some good examples of acceptable submissions are philanthropic events, religious events, community events and any events or occurrences of special interest.
The AJT reserves the right to edit submissions to fit publication guidelines and reserves the right to not publish any submission for any reason.
Crossnore Jam this Friday…
Come join the fun at the Crossnore Jam! Bring your instrument, sing, dance, or just enjoy a good visit. It’s this Friday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tudor Vance Meeting House in Crossnore. The Jam is held every first Friday of each month, year round. Hope you can be there!
Avery County Historical Museum open, free to public …
The Avery County Museum has recently received a needed facelift to the exterior of the old Avery County Jail where historical artifacts from Avery County are housed. It has received a fresh coat of paint and looks outstanding.
The Avery County Museum displays medical, military, and music memorabilia from dedicated local doctors, soldiers and musicians. It has received many compliments from our visitors. They are amazed at how much history is housed in this space.
The Avery County Museum, Old Linville Depot and Tweetsie 505 Caboose are open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
The museum is still looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please call (828) 733-7111. Our address is PO Box 266, Newland, NC 28657. Check us out on Facebook on The Avery County Genealogy Society page.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation webinar on fall color October 6…
ASHEVILLE — The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation will host a free 30-minute webinar at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, with photographer J. Scott Graham, who will discuss the best ways to enjoy fall color along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Graham will share tips for finding and photographing fall color and discuss his experiences exploring the Parkway for 33 years and 33 autumns. He recently released the book, “Blue Ridge Parkway, A Magnificent Journey.” Though most well-known for his legendary images of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Graham has an impressive portfolio that he utilizes to create brands for many state parks, national historic sites, and picturesque destinations throughout the United States and in the Caribbean.
The webinar is the latest installment of the Insider’s Report series, which highlights the nonprofit’s projects and programs, ways to enjoy the national park unit, Parkway history, and more. To register, visit BRPFoundation.org/events.
Newland Fall Festival this Saturday…
Due to inclement weather last weekend, the Town of Newland rescheduled its Fall Festival to this Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Riverwalk, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Handmade crafts, delectable food and food trucks, fall-themed retail, and early Christmas shopping opportunities will be available, with music and entertainment throughout the day. The event will take place at 288 Calvary Street in Newland. Visit Town of Newland’s social media page for more info.
Norris Family Reunion scheduled for October 15…
Descendants, relatives and friends of William Berry Norris and wife, Martisha Ann Trivett Norris, early settlers of Old Beech Mountain, will gather on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Old Cranberry High School for their annual reunion. Doors will open by 10:30 a.m. for those who would like to arrive early for visiting and sharing of genealogy information. A covered-dish lunch will be served at noon. Bring your favorite dish, family memorabilia to share, and your camera, but most of all, just come and join in the fellowship.
Along the way we’ve made new friends, discovered cousins, cried together over the loss of family members, and rejoiced at the birth of new generations. Plan to attend this year and help continue this family celebration.
The Cranberry High School complex is located at the intersection of Highways 19E and 194 in Elk Park. For more information contact Naomi Houston (828) 765-7693, email nmhtch@aol.com or call Harvey Norris (423) 542-5262.
Woolly Worm Festival returns Oct. 15 and 16, grant application process open…
The Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the Avery Chamber of Commerce, along with the efforts of numerous volunteers would like to announce the 45th Annual Woolly Worm Festival that will be held October 15-16, 2022, at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, located at 185 Azalea Circle in Banner Elk. All proceeds from the Woolly Worm festival go to support Avery County Schools grants and local community nonprofit organization projects that benefit our children. For more information on the festival, please go to the Wooly Worm Festival website at www.woollyworm.com.
Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk is proud to accept grants from the schools and nonprofit organizations that benefit the youth of Avery County. The grant application can be found on the Kiwanis of Banner Elk website at bannerelkkiwanis.org.
Avery County Economic Development Committee Workshop coming on October 11 in Newland…
Finding creative solutions to both attracting and training new employees can be challenging. Since this is the case, you may be interested in learning about the apprenticeship training programs that are currently available to you as an employer and the incredible financial incentives associated with these programs. That’s where we would like to help.
The Avery County Economic Development Committee will host a “Win–Win” Program for Employers and Potential Employees Workshop” on Oct. 11, 2022, at the Avery County Community Center building located on the Avery County Cooperative Extension campus at 661 Vale Road in Newland. The workshop presentation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a box lunch provided by your Avery County EDC and catered by the Little Deer Café in Linville. Our keynote speakers will be Charlie Milling, Western Region Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator and Ellis Ayers, Director of Secondary Education and CTE Avery County Schools. There will be a question and answer session following their presentations. Workshop attendees will also be able to spend time networking with both presenters and fellow employers. It is our hope that by presenting this apprenticeship information in such a forum will help you and your business continue to flourish in today’s changing and challenging business climate.
If you would like to register for this workshop or for more information, please contact Dawn Carpenter, Administrative Assistant County of Avery, at (828) 733-8201.
MANNA FoodBank Community Market October 13…
NEWLAND — MANNA FoodBank will be hosting its annual Community Market from 11:30 a.m. until the food runs out on Oct. 13 at the Avery Parks and Recreation Department Rock Gym (185 Shady Street). The event is touch-free, drive-thru pickup, with free groceries, staples and other perishable food products.
For more information, contact Tammy Woodie at (828) 733-6006 or email tammywoodie@averyschools.net, Robbie Willis at (828) 733-8266 or Dick Larson at (828) 260-5389.
GriefShare support group seminar October 22…
Grieving? Know someone who is? When you are grieving a loved one’s death, the holiday season can be especially painful. Our “Surviving the Holidays” seminar will help participants discover how to deal with emotions, what to do about traditions, helpful tips for surviving social events and how to find hope for the future.
Join us for this encouraging seminar on Saturday, Oct. 22, sponsored by Newland Presbyterian Church. Reservations are required by October 17. For more information, click to www.griefshare.org/holidays, email Peggy at peggyleebaird@gmail.com and/or call Terri at (386) 316-8355.
Silver Anniversary Celebration of Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Guild…
In 1997, 13 local quilters met at First Presbyterian Church and formed the Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Guild. The Thursday, Oct. 13, meeting of the Mountain Piecemakers will be a Silver Anniversary Celebration. We will be bringing covered dishes for the meal, and mini quilts made to honor the occasion. There will be historical photos and we hope that everyone who has been part of the guild during the twenty five years will join us. We are returning to…
