High Country Host Welcomes New Member: Woof Pack Pet Services!
We are proud to welcome our newest member, Woof Pack Pet Services! They offer dog training, pet sitting and much more!
Puppy Kindergarten is a class for puppies from 4 months – 1 year in age focusing on socialization, problem puppy behaviors.leash walking and 6 of the basic commands.
Basic Obedience is a class for dogs over 1 year in age focusing on learning 12 basic commands with distraction and proper leash walking.
AKC Programs – Dogs do NOT have to be purebred to participate in either program
AKC STAR Puppy Program is for puppies (up to 1 year) who want to get a head start on their Canine Good Citizen skills and work through puppy problem behaviors. At the end of the 6 weeks your puppy will be tested to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R program
AKC Canine Good Citizen is a class for dogs (over 1 year) who are working towards their 10 skills in the Canine Good Citizen Certification.At the end of the 6 weeks your dog will be evaluated to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen.
For more info, visit: http://www.woof-pack.net
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Watauga Medical Center Among Top 10% Nationally for Patient Experience for the 4th Year in a Row
For the fourth straight year, Watauga Medical Center has received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from HealthGrades. This distinction ranks Watauga Medical Center among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide based on an analysis of patient satisfaction data for 3,797 U.S. hospitals. In addition to the Overall Patient Experience Award, HealthGrades also named Watauga Medical Center among the top 5% in the U.S. for Overall Pulmonary Services in 2012.
“This is something for the community, the patients and the staff to be very proud of,” said Richard Sparks, President & CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, “Earning positive feedback from our patients is one of the highest honors.”
HealthGrades analyzed HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) hospital survey data obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and identified those hospitals performing in the top 10% in the nation for patient satisfaction, based on survey responses from patients treated at those facilities. Hospitals had to meet bed size, survey-response size, and clinical-quality thresholds in order to be eligible for the award.
When making healthcare decisions, patients consider not only the outcome of a procedure or treatment, but the kind of experience they can expect to have at a hospital. A recent McKinsey & Co. study found that 20% of a patient’s choice is based on a hospital’s clinical reputation and 41% of patients consider patient experience measures to be an important factor in choosing a hospital. This is in sharp contrast to the conventional wisdom that such considerations are much less important.
According to HealthGrades, 80% of patients treated at the nation’s best-performing hospitals would definitely recommend the hospital compared to only 55% of patients who received care from the poorest-performing hospitals.
The more information consumers have about the health care choices available to them, the more confident they can be in selecting the best medical care for themselves and their loved ones. The Outstanding Patient Experience Award is a distinction generated by patients for patients.Information on award recipients and the ratings methodology is available, free to the public, at www.healthgrades.com.
“It’s clear that patients are driving higher quality in our nation’s hospitals,” said Dr. Rick May, HealthGrades Vice President of clinical quality programs. “Hospitals like Watauga Medical Center take HCAHPS survey results very seriously and invest time and resources to ensure each patient’s experience is the best possible. This is yet another example of how transparency in health care drives quality.”
When compared to hospitals performing in the bottom 10% for patient satisfaction, HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award recipient hospitals are attributed with the following:
- 45% more patients gave the hospital an overall rating of a 9 or a 10 (10 being the highest possible)
- 34% more patients responded that they always received help from staff quickly
- 24% more patients reported that the staff always explained their medications to them prior to administering them
- 19% more patients felt their pain was always well controlled
- 45% more patients reported that they would definitely recommend the hospital to their family orfriends.
About Watauga Medical Center
Watauga Medical Center, part of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, is fully accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed as a 117-bed regional referral medical complex, offering both primary and secondary acute and specialty care. In addition to the main hospital, the campus of the medical center includes The Cardiology Center of ARHS, The Sleep Center of ARHS and the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, offering both radiation and chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. The Cancer Center is recognized as an approved Community Cancer Care Center by the American College of Surgeon’s Committee on Cancer.
Other units are: The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center, The Rehabilitation Center, The Wound Care Center, ARHS Home Health, which provides a full range of home care services, Appalachian Regional Pain Clinic, and a branch of the Northwest Area Health Education Center.tauga Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for certification as a Primary Stroke Center.
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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High Country Host Welcomes New Member: Boone Independent Restaurants!
The mission of Boone Independent Restaurants is to unite the independent restaurants in and around Boone, NC to preserve the individuality of the community served by each member establishment; improve quality, service, and social responsibility of each member restaurant; and ensure the longevity of our member establishments.
Our Objectives:
- Market member establishments effectively
- Generate excitement around independent restaurants
- Sustain an effective non-profit organization
- Educate member establishments on responsible business practices
- Make the public aware of the benefits of dining locally
To learn more, visit: http://booneindependentrestaurants.org/
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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High Country Host Welcomes New Member: Grapevine Properties!
Coming to visit Appalachian State is a big step in the right direction! Whether you’re coming for your first visit through the admissions office or coming back for homecoming to that BIG game where you’ll see people you haven’t seen in years; finding a convenient, comfortable place to stay is important…after all this location will be part of the memory of Parent’s Weekend or Graduation!
Remember when you were in college, how great was it to have a home cooked meal and have Mom do your laundry! Stay at our house…the perfect way to bring the family together and still be close to the FUN at ASU.
For more info, visit: http://www.goapprentals.com/
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Join us in welcoming new High Country Host member, Frogurt!
The High Country Host is pleased to welcome new member, Frogurt!
Located on at 668 Blowing Rock Road in Boone,
Frogurt Frozen Yogurt is…
Good for your bones :
An excellent source of calcium: Based on 2 servings (8 fl oz)
A well-balance diet with adequate calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Good for your tummy :
Contains probiotics to promote good health and wellness.
Helps maintain general digestive health
Good for you overall — Promotes good health and wellness :
Live Active cultures and probiotics to promote a healthy immune and digestive system
Low Sodium: Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Low Cholesterol: (NonFat / No sugar Added products)
Visit http://www.frogurtusa.com for more information!
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Downtown Boone Art Crawl on November 4th!
Join us for the Downtown Boone Art Crawl on the first Friday of every month!
Shop, mingle and meet local artists from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at our shops and galleries and stay late for live music, food and drinks at one of our many fine restaurants.
For more info and to download a brochure, visit: http://boone-nc.org/artcrawl2011
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Offers Lectures on Current Exhibitions in November
Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is holding special lectures for two exhibitions that are currently on display through January 2012.
The first lecture on November 3 at 7 p.m. will discuss the artist and the exhibition, Living in the Light: A Retrospective, displaying a compilation of beloved photographer and former chair of the photography program at Appalachian State University, the late John Scarlata’s work.
On November 9, artist Val Lyle will hold a lecture on her current exhibition, Sanctuary, which emphasizes the aspects of life in the Appalachian mountains. Both lectures are free and open to the public. Call 828-262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org for more information.
Living in the Light: A Retrospective- John Scarlata
November 3, 2011
7-9 p.m.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Lecture Hall
*Reception to follow in the galleries
Guest lecturers Jay Phyfer (Professor of photography and digital imaging, Virginia Intermont College), Gil Leebrick (Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Wellington B. Gray Gallery, East Carolina University) and Pac McLaurin (Photography Department, Appalachian State University) joined by close friends of John Scarlata will gather for an in-depth conversation about the artists life and his work. Other special guests will include Joe Champagne (Professor of Photography & Digital Imaging Virginia Intermont College), Jackie Leebrick, Ben Garfinkle (Oakland California) and Tom Braswell (Photographer and Interim Gallery Director from Wellington B. Gray Gallery, East Carolina University). A reception will be held in the galleries immediately following the lecture.
Sanctuary- Val Lyle
November 9, 2011
7-8 p.m.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Lecture Hall
Join artist, Val Lyle as she discusses her latest work, Sanctuary located in the Mayer Gallery. This exhibition and installation continues the artist’s exploration about what it means to be a human being in Appalachia which is in its eighth incarnation of the exhibition.
Other Upcoming Events at the Turchin Center
First Friday Reception
November 4
Free and Open to the Public
7-9 p.m.
Presented in conjunction with Downtown Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl, the Turchin Center will be open for all visitors to come and celebrate the current exhibitions as well as welcome a new exhibition by painter, Gabriel Lehman celebrating the opening of his solo exhibition My World opening on November 4. Painter and installation artist, Val Lyle, will also be in the gallery to talk to guests about her exhibition Sanctuary.
Healing Arts: Yoga in theMayer Gallery
Saturdays, October 15, November 5 & 19
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
$10 per participant
Inside Exhibitions
Free guided tours by one of Turchins volunteer docents one Saturday a month on the exhibition of their choice.
Visit www.tcva.org for more information.
Fall Workshops
Turchin Center offers a variety of arts workshops for kids, older teens and adults throughout the year. Visit www.tcva.org for more information on how you can register.
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Festivals Offer Opportunities To Experience Fall In The NC High Country
The slopes of the North Carolina High Country are turning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow this month and area festivals offer great ways to enjoy the season. The range of elevations in the area make it a premiere location to watch the leaf change and the mix of small towns provides an eclectic offering of autumnal events.
The Boone Heritage Festival October 8 celebrates Appalachian and Daniel Boone heritage with 18th century living history demonstrations, craft vendors, music jam sessions and storytelling. Located at Hickory Ridge Homestead, the event will feature make-and-take crafts including dipped candles, cornhusk dolls and scarecrows.
The weekend of October 8-9 brings the cry of “yodel lay he ho” to the High Country during the 21st Annual Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest. The event, at Sugar Mountain Resort, mixes Bavarian and Appalachian culture and is a great experience for the whole family.
The Valle Country Fair, October 15 in Valle Crucis, is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in North Carolina.
That same weekend is when one of the High Country’s most well-known events takes place. The 34th Annual Woolly Worm Festival will be held in Banner Elk October 15-16. Crafts, festival foods and the Woolly Worm caterpillar races predicting the coming winter’s weather make this a must-see event!
The 6th Annual Valle Crucis Punkin Festival will be October 22. The Punkin Festival benefits local organizations and offers Punkin Sack Races, Punkin Bowling, crafts and music.
The Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad is safe, scary fun for the whole family. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday evening in October. Visit the Haunted House, Freaky Forest, 3-D Maze and take a journey on the Ghost Train – if you dare!
Many other events occur throughout the month of October including the Todd New River Festival, art crawls in Boone and West Jefferson, Halloween festivals in Blowing Rock and at Grandfather Mountain, special programming at area state parks and natural areas and opportunities to enjoy bluegrass and mountain music at Crouse Park in Sparta.
For ticket information, times and more information on all High Country events please visit the High Country Host website, www.mountainsofnc.com.
North Carolina’s High Country provides the best vacation experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area includes 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and many popular tourist destinations including Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Linville, Sparta, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro.
The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization. For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.
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Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Announces Fall Workshop Schedule and Outreach Programs
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is offering workshops for kids, older teens and adults throughout the fall months.
Workshop topics span from exploring various art mediums and mask making for kids to jewelry making and acrylic painting for adults. Enrollment is limited and advance registration is required. Discounts are offered for Turchin Center donors. Call 828-262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org to register today!
2011 Fall Workshop & Special Events Schedule
*All workshops are located at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Art Reproduction Services
September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Instructor: Diane Godwin, Waterfall Studios
Cost: $50; please see details at www.tcva.org for additional fees
Photography sessions will be available by appointment only for your art reproduction needs. A limited number of 1-hour sessions will be available.
Healing Arts: Yoga in the Mayer Gallery
October 1 & 15; November 5 & 19, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10, Instructor: Vicki Rodriquez
Registration opens at 10:15 a.m.
Self Discovery Through Art
October 1 & 15, Noon – 2:00pm
For Ages 6-10, Instructor: Tunde Afolayan
Cost: Donors $40 or $20 each day, Non Donors $50 or $25 each day
This workshop will expose students to the exploration of multiple media for creative expression.
MASK MAKING: Identity Mask
October 1 & 15, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
For ages 11-13, Instructor: Tunde Afolayan
Cost: Donors $40, Non Donors $50
Create a mixed-media mask by combining materials such as construction paper, feathers, fibers, beads and yarns. Participants will partake in the technical process involving facial molding with plaster gauze, painting and a montage of different elements.
Jewelry Workshops
October 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Francine Barr
Cost: Donors $160/ Non Donors $180. Individual workshops: $45 for Donors / $50 for Non Donors
This four-week class will teach beginning students the fundamentals of creating wire art jewelry. Visit tcva.org for each weeks schedule.
Exploring Acrylic Painting
October 6, 13, 20 & 27; November 3 & 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Pat Grant
Cost: Donors $145 /Non Donors $160
Explore perspective, color mixing, how to set up your palette and your home studio, learn to properly transfer an image, how to effectively work from a photo and more! Artists of all skill levels welcome.
Palette of Vision
October 14, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tunde Afolayan
Cost: Call for more information
Explore various paint applications, brush work and use of a palette knife while focusing on the importance of value, texture and color.
VIVID STROKES: Live Painting Performance
November 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Tunde Afolayan
Cost: $25
Participants are invited to be a part of a live painting demonstration and interactive discussion with artist Tunde Afolayan. Wine and light refreshments will be served.
About the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts presents exhibition, education and collection programs that support Appalachian State University’s role as a key regional educational, cultural and economic resource.
The Turchin Center is located at 423 West King St., in Boone. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,Tues.-Thurs. and Saturday, and Noon-8 p.m., Friday. The Center is closed Sunday and Monday, and observes all university holidays. There is no admission charge, although donations are gratefully accepted.
For additional details about the Turchin Center, becoming a donor, the upcomingexhibitions, to be added to the mailing list or to schedule a tour, please call (828) 262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org. You can also follow the Turchin Center on Facebook and Twitter @TurchinCenter.
Sponsors
The Turchin Center receives critical support from a group of outstanding media sponsors that are dedicated to promoting the arts in our region, including: The Mountain Times, Watauga Democrat, the High Country Press, the Winston-Salem Journal, WNC Magazine, Charter Media, Mountain Television Network, Mix 102.3, Oldies 100.7, WFDD 88.5, WDAV 89.9, WETS 89.5 and WASURocks 90.5FM.
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
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K.D. Lang Performs July 15th!
July 15, 2011
K.D. Lang & the Siss Boom Bang!
“…the best singer of her generation” – Tony Bennett
Grammy Award-winner k.d. lang‘s breathtaking voice had the power to strike at our deepest emotions for over 25 years. The smooth sound of country-rock matched with her edgy style captured the country’s attention, and it wasn’t long before her 1988 album Shadowland was in the Top 10 on the Billboard Country album charts. In 1989 she took home her first Grammy: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Absolute Torch and Twang, and from that point forward she was no stranger to success. With the 1992, platinum-selling Ingenue she had fashioned a sound—if not a genre—all her own: an elegant and impassioned adult contemporary approach.
Her biggest hit, Constant Craving, was a product of that album and awarded lang another Grammy, this time for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. lang has collaborated, in the studio and on stage, with many pop and country greats, including Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and Tony Bennett, with whom she recorded the 2002 Wonderful World duets album. lang released her latest album, Sing it Loud, in April of this year with her band The Siss Boom Bang. This collection of songs includes lead single I Confess and a striking version of the Talking Heads’ Heaven.
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