July 2012 - High Country Council of Governments

July 2012
Volume 32
Issue 2
Calendar of Events
Regional
Achievements
7th Annual HCCF
Benefit Auction
State Energy Sector
Partnership Grant
Transportation
Update
6th Annual Casa
Rustica Golf Tourney
Congratulations Rachel Deal & Anita Davie!
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among
the most prestigious awards presented by
the Governor of North Carolina to individuals
who have a proven record of extraordinary
service to the state. Contributions to their
communities, extra effort in their careers,
and at least 30 years of service to their
organizations are the qualities considered for
receipt of this honor.
Anita Davie, Director of the High Country
Area Agency on Agency, was inducted into
the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on June 24th
in Weaverville. Anita has enjoyed a long
and varied career in many facets of the
human service field and local government.
Before becoming AAA Director at Region D
in 2004, she was a Department of Social
Services Director, held the position of
County Manager in Madison County and
Avery County’s Rachel Deal was inducted served as a state consultant in the
into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at management of services for our aging
Crossnore School, Inc. on May 18th. Rachel population.
has been one of Avery County’s most vocal
advocates for decades and has earned a Anita is also an advocate for our senior
reputation for her determination and years of adults in her personal life. When the need
service to the community through her work for a ministry for the homebound became
with seniors, women, churches, education, apparent, Anita developed a program that
medical care and animals. She has worked enhanced their spiritual wellbeing, as well as
tirelessly for the preservation of its history meeting some of their basic needs. She is
and the conscientious growth of Avery dedicated to her family, her friends and her
County.
community.
Rachel has also served as Avery County’s
Delegate to the Senior Tar Heel Legislature
for Region D since it’s inception by the NC
General Assembly in 1993. For the past 19
years, Rachel has endeavored to bring
Issues related to the wellbeing of senior
adults in our region to their attention by providing information and education on the legislative process and current legislative issues, promoting citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues, and being a
part of assessing the legislative needs of
older adults by convening a forum.
Congratulations Rachel and Anita! The High
Country Council of Governments is very
proud and also extremely fortunate to have
each of you as part of our organization.
Thank you for your selfless service to your
community and continued efforts on behalf
of our aging population.
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Watauga CTP
3:00 PM
15th
RPO
9:00 AM
16th
Advisory Committee Meeting
5:30 PM
20th
Executive Board Meeting
7:00 PM
22nd
Regional Bike Plan Steering
Committee Meeting
10:00 AM
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6th
Watauga CTP
3:00 PM
7th
HCCOG Annual Banquet
6:00 PM @ Linville Ridge
18th
STHL/ACA
12:00 PM
26th Regional Bike Plan Steering
Committee Meeting
10:00 AM
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October
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
2012
Executive Board
Members
Chairman: Robert L. Johnson
Vice-Chair: Gary D. Blevins
Secretary: Brenda Lyerly
Treasurer: Danny McIntosh
Minority Representative
Paul L. Robinson, Jr.
Alleghany County
John Miller, Mayor, Sparta
Ken Richardson, Chair
Ashe County
Dana Tugman, Mayor, Jefferson
Brenda Reeves, Alderwoman,
Lansing
Judy Porter Poe, Chair
Tom Hartman, Alderman, West Jefferson
Avery County
Brenda Lyerly, Mayor ,
Banner Elk
Gunther Jochl, Mayor Pro Tem,
Sugar Mountain
Joel Whitley, Alderman, Elk Park
Kenny Poteat, Chair
Rick Miller, Councilman, Beech
Mountain
Tudor Vance, Mayor, Crossnore
Valerie Jaynes, Mayor, Newland
Mitchell County
Bill Slagle, Chair
Charles Vines, Mayor, Bakersville
Phillip Hise, Mayor , Spruce Pine
Watauga County
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Watauga CTP
3:00 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting
5:30 PM
15th Executive Board Meeting
7:00 PM
24h
Regional Bike Plan Steering
Committee Meeting
10:00 AM
J.B. Lawrence, Mayor, Blowing Rock
Loretta Clawson, Mayor, Boone
Nathan Miller, Chair
Larry Fontaine, Mayor, Seven Devils
Wilkes County
Gary D. Blevins, Chair
Robert L. Johnson, Mayor, North
Wilkesboro
Jimmy Hayes, Town Councilman,
Wilkesboro
Wanda Blackburn, Councilwoman,
Ronda
Yancey County
Danny McIntosh, Mayor, Burnsville
Johnny Riddle, Chair
2
**Yancey County Resident Nominated for North Carolina Governor’s Award **
When Stacie Allen of Burnsville was laid off in June of 2009 from the public
school system where she was an assistant in an exceptional children’s
classroom, she automatically knew she wanted to use the opportunity to
make a better life for her three children.
After visiting the Yancey JobLink Center and discussing her career
path with Career Counselor Donna Kelly, she was enrolled in the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) dislocated worker program. With a goal in mind,
Stacie applied and was accepted into the Registered Nursing Program at Mayland
Community College.
Working hard and experiencing the challenges of
single-parenting and family illness, Stacie remained focused to successfully
complete her training.
With help from WIA and her Career Counselor, Stacie graduated in May 2012 with
an AAS Degree in Nursing with a 3.47 GPA. In June 2012, Stacie passed her state
board test and became a North Carolina certified registered nurse and began working
at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care. Now earning twice her prior wages, Stacie is
proud of her determination and the new life starting for her family.
Stacie has been nominated for the North Carolina’s Governor’s Award in Workforce
Development Excellence which is a statewide competition awarded annually. She is an inspiration of success and is
wished the best of luck in the Governor’s Award competition as well as her new career!
Congratulations, Kathy Miller!
Kathy Miller was recently recognized for 40 years of service to the NC Cooperative Extension Service!
**Boone Senior Expo Presents Celebration of
Living Awards**
Each year, the Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County hosts its
annual Senior Expo at Boone Mall. One of the highlights of the expo
is the presentation of the Celebration of Living Awards. This year, the Caregiver of
the Year Award was presented to Mr. Robert Berger of Deep Gap who has patiently
cared for his wife at home for more than seven years since her stroke. “Mr. Berger is
a loving, caring and dedicated husband who has managed to meet the needs of his
wife and to keep her with him at home despite her paralysis and speech difficulties.
“He is an inspiration to many of us who only hope, that if the need arises, our loved
ones will be as attentive to our needs as he is to hers”, said Brenda Reece, Family
Caregiver Resource Specialist.
L-R: Brenda Reece, Robert
Berger & Boone Mayor Loretta
Clawson
3
Town of Banner Elk Land Use Master Plan Mapping Project
High Country COG performed a Land Use Mapping project for the Town of Banner Elk. The Town completed a Land
Use Master Plan, with assistance from the N.C. Department of Commerce Division of Community Assistance, in June 2012.
The High Country COG supported the Plan with GIS digital data development and a series of specialized maps.
The COG created a parcel-based current land use inventory where each parcel within the town and ETJ were
attributed with current use based on a guideline of land use categories. The COG then performed an analysis to identify all
non-conforming parcels where the current land use is inconsistent with the respective zoning district’s allowed uses as
defined in the Zoning Ordinance. The land use inventory provides the Town with quantifiable information on development
and land use within the Town. It also helps suggest areas that should remain undeveloped or preserved according to the
goals of the Town.
The COG had previously completed a Park and Recreation Master Plan and Water and Sewer Mapping Project for
the Town. Therefore, the COG was able to build upon existing digital data to enhance the Land Use Plan. Additional datasets
created included updated Zoning, updated Town Limits, updated ETJ Limits, updated Trails, Community Service Locations,
Tourism Attraction Locations, Proposed Visual Corridor Overlay District, Historic Overlay District, Steep Slope Ordinance
Classifications, Town and County-Owned Parcels, Conservation Easements and Open Space.
At the completion of the project, the Town received a series of eleven specialized maps for inclusion into the final
Plan. The COG also delivered a Master Town Geodatabase. The geodatabase supplies an organized, single repository for
all of the Town’s GIS data to be accessed, viewed and edited in ESRI’s ArcGIS software. The Town can access all datasets
from recreation facilities to utilities to land use and zoning from one central database stored locally.
Zoomed view of the Town of Banner Elk’s Zoning and Land Use Maps display the existing land use inventory and respective zoning districts with nonconforming parcels highlighted. Final data and maps were developed for the Town’s Land Use Master Plan.
4
Watauga Youth Participate in Service Activity
Watauga Get REAL WIA youth participants and Career Coach, Debbie Ewald,
volunteered to clean up a section of the stream in front of Boone Mall by
participating in the Town of Boone's Adopt-A-Stream Program on Saturday May
19th. Youth came together and removed items such as a shopping cart, a stove,
and an old gas station sign, metal shelves, and every kind of trash imaginable
totaling six bags.
Fulfilling the Adopt-A-Stream program requires cleaning the assigned section of
the stream twice during the calendar year.
SOLID WASTE PLAN UPDATES
Each local government in North Carolina is required
by law to develop a ten-year comprehensive solid
waste management plan, with an updated plan due
every three years that modifies, renews, and extends
their ten-year outlook. 2012 is an update year, and
High Country Council of Governments is assisting
several counties with meeting this statutory
requirement.
Career Coach Debbie Ewald with youth participants.
Municipalities may do their own plan, but all Towns in
the High Country region have chosen to be
incorporated into their County’s plan. The plans
describe all aspects of solid waste collection,
recycling, and disposal in each county, and outline a
strategy for uninterrupted disposal capacity over the
next decade.
In the High Country region, Ashe and Wilkes Counties operate their own
landfills, while Alleghany, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey Counties
transport their solid waste elsewhere to larger, regional landfills. Mitchell and
Yancey Counties together operate a single transfer station. Towns typically
provide residential solid waste pick-up and recycling, and then transfer the
waste to the County facility.
As part of the plan, local governments must demonstrate a good faith effort
toward reducing the per capita disposal rate through activities such as
recycling and source reduction.
5
7th Annual Benefit Auction for Avery and Watauga Family
Caregivers August 11th
On Saturday, August 11th, 2012 the High Country Caregiver Foundation (HCCF) will host its seventh benefit
auction at the Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. HCCF is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit
organization that, to date, has awarded over 200 Avery and Watauga county family caregivers with $500 respite
vouchers.
There is no admission for this event. The event will include a live auction, silent auction and raffle with food and
entertainment on hand. Dinner will be available at Evergreens, located on the premises, and for a donation of
$10 per plate guests can sample their pasta bar.
Among the auction items are a beautiful jewelry armoire, made by a local craftsman; NASCAR collectibles;
tickets to area attractions; gift certificates for fine dining; vacations; tennis, golf and ball room dancing lessons;
hand crafted art; pottery; jewelry; house wares; gift baskets, and much more. The benefit will also offer the public
a meet-and-greet with area healthcare providers and event sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still
available.
The event is open to the public, and all donations will go to help support the High Country Caregiver Foundation.
For more information, or to make a donation, contact Brenda Reece (828) 265-5434, ext. 128 or
breece@regiond.org.
6
Many things probably come to mind when you think about culture change. In today’s nursing facility and adult
care home environments, the term culture change encompasses a variety of efforts to revitalize residentcenteredness with creative and surprisingly implementable ideas. One example is consistent staff assignment, which involves assigning a staff member to work with the same residents each shift, rather than on a
rotating basis. Staff members who have a consistent assignment not only establish a rapport with the residents, but also begin to learn their individual needs and preferences. The result is that residents begin to have
their preferences honored without asking each time and the direct care workers have a more rewarding job
experience due to the meaningful relationships that are developed.
The North Carolina Ombudsman Program has partnered with the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence
(CCME) and B&F Consulting to hold culture change learning collaboratives for long term care facility staff.
The goal is to provide long term care staff with feasible strategies to enhance the quality of care and overall
functioning of their facility. The learning collaboratives are free and held in four different locations throughout
the state. Staff members of the High Country’s long term care facilities were represented in both the High
Point and Asheville locations for the first in a series of five collaboratives.
The next learning collaborative will take place the week of August 20, 2012. Please contact Julie Wiggins, the
High Country’s Long Term Care Ombudsman, at 828-265-5434 ext. 126 or jwiggins@regiond.org) for more
information.
7
State Energy Sector Partnership Grant Update:
More Funds and More Time
The High Country Workforce Development Board Local Area initially received $509,211 in grant funding when the
project began nearly 2 years ago. Now the HCWDB has been able to secure an additional $100,000 in funding and
an extension of the grant period to June 30, 2013. Below are the project accomplishments to date:
Businesses served through Incumbent Worker Training grant :
Incumbent workers received training:
Individuals from the region participated in classroom training:
Individuals from the region participated in on-the-job
training activities or paid work experiences:
Town of North Wilkesboro Awarded $72,000 Building Reuse Grant
High Country COG Planning Staff assisted the Town of North Wilkesboro in applying to the North Carolina Rural Center for a
Building Reuse Grant. The $72,000 grant will be used to renovate a former Lowe’s warehouse and create 6 new jobs. Specifically, the grant will provide funding for a new HVAC system, and improvements to the building’s roof and electrical system. An
observation deck will also be constructed, which will allow line managers to monitor and evaluate the production process. The
grant will provide Powersport Grafx with the additional production space it needs to meet growing consumer demand through
economies of scale: the company’s former building had only 1,000 square feet of production space; the renovated building will
have 7,000 square feet of production space. The resulting increased capacity will allow the company to improve production efficiency by 5% to 7%.
Founded in early 2003 in North Wilkesboro, Powersport Grafx designs and manufactures custom motocross graphics and decals
for some of off-road racing’s most respected and well-established names. With clients such as KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki, as well as some world-champion riders, the company has experienced rapid growth and steadily increasing demand for its
products. Powersport Grafx works with thousands of motorcycle dealers and original equipment manufacturers, sponsors, and
racers around the world. The company has a patent for a manufacturing process called “Gripz”, which incorporates an abrasive
substance into the design of the company’s highly-durable motocross decals.
8
Summer 2012 Transportation Construction
Update
The Summer construction season is here and many projects are moving forward. Steady progress has been made on
many of the construction projects in our region. The list below highlights some of the recent road improvements in the
High Country.
BK-5130: Bridge preservation on US 19E in both directions over the North Toe River and Clinchfield Railroad.
The bridge will be closed for 70 days when work begins. The contractor will give NCDOT fourteen days notice
prior to closing the bridge.
R-2100B: Improvements to NC 16 from Claude Mash Rd to southeast of NC 88. The project is 53.67% complete. The estimated completion date is September 15, 2012.
R-2237C: Improvements to US 321 from Blackberry Rd in Caldwell County to US 221 in Blowing Rock.
Construction began January 17, 2012. The project is 6.57% complete. The estimated completion date is
October 1, 2015. NCDOT has assigned a full-time information officer to this project to answer questions about
The website can be found at
the project. There is also a project website and hotline.
www.ncdot.gov/projects/BlowingRock321 . The project hotline is (828) 964-3260.
The road will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM-3 PM for blasting and the contractor has the
option to close the road on Monday or Wednesday evenings from 7 PM -5 AM.
US 321 Construction
R-2518: Improvements to US 19 from I-26 in Madison County to Jack’s Creek Rd in Yancey County. The project
is 82% complete. The estimated completion date is October 15, 2012.
R-2519: Improvements to US 19E from Jack’s Creek Rd to Micaville Loop. The project is 13.68% complete.
The estimated completion date is July 1, 2015.
R-2710: Improvement to NC 194 from the Avery County/Watauga County line to Valle Crucis. The project is
62.3% complete. The estimated completion date is October 15, 2012.
R-4020: Improvements to US 421 (King St) from US 321 (Harding St) to east of NC 194 (Jefferson Rd) in Boone.
The project is 98.86% complete. The estimated completion date is July 1, 2012.
U-3812: Improvements to NC 88 in Jefferson from US 221 Business to NC 194. The project was let for construction on January 17, 2012. The project is 12.02% complete. The estimated completion date is October 1, 2013.
To obtain real-time travel information for the area at any time call the 511 information line, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or
use NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website.
9
AAA Applies for Grants to Help Support Family Caregivers
Over 80% of long term care is provided by family caregivers. We as a people or nation could never find the funds
to provide long term care if the disabled or dependent person did not have family. With this in the fore front and in
keeping with our mission, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), in
collaboration with other organizations, are seeking funding through grants to help support the family caregivers in
their work to care for their loved one. “North Carolina faces a looming dementia care crisis. It is estimated that
170,000 residents aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, an increase of 31% since 2000. During the same
period, there has been a 40% increase in the segment of the state’s population aged 85 and old, the age of the
greatest risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Family caregivers, an estimated 415,000 of them in North
Carolina alone, provided more that 473 million hours of unpaid care.” (Len Erker, Project C.A.R.E. Director).Over
the last couple of months, the AAA and the FCSP and work on the following proposals:
1.The High Country Caregiver Foundation (HCCF) has applied for a $150,000 grant to implement the REACH
(Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer Caregiver Health) program in Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties. REACH is an evidence-based program designed specifically to assist caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s
disease and other dementias. The Purpose of REACH is to empower family caregivers by providing specialized
support services through in-home or in-office sessions. By using this innovative approach, Dementia Specialists
can enhance the caregivers’ ability to address areas such as caregiver stress, challenging behaviors, home
safety, depression, self-care and social support. Together, the Specialists and the caregiver engage in problem
solving process to find effective and workable solutions. HCCF has made it to the final round of the grant process
and expects to hear about the award by late July.
This grant is being offered by the Rosalind Carter Institute of Caregiving and Johnson & Johnson. The High Country Caregiver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization housed within the High Country Area Agency on
Aging that strives to five family caregivers the support and respite they so crucially need and deserve.
2.The High Country Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP), the regions first program for grandparents and other
kinship care families who have taken on the role of surrogate parenting, will be expanding to Avery Country with
funding from Mountain Electric and Skyline Telephone. Program initiatives include monthly support groups; financial assistance with school-related expenses, recreational opportunities and legal fees; advocacy efforts; educational programs and the annual Holiday for Kids Program.
3. The AAA has worked in collaboration with the Project C.A.R.E. staff at Park Ridge Health to develop and submit a proposal to The Duke Endowment. The title of the proposal is Building on Success and would expand Project C.A.R.E. to Watauga, Ashe, and Wilkes counties. Avery, Mitchell and Yancey are currently being served by
the project. Funds will be made available this October for a three year period. Services would include respite
care, Family consultation who would offer individualized assessment, guidance, counseling, support, advocacy
coaching and education; and REACH OUT, an evidence based program that provides one=on=one training and
skill-building for the caregiver.
2012 HCCF Board Members
10
Workforce Investment Act:
Helping Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth Reach Their Goals
In Program Year 2011, services funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) have assisted adult and youth
customers work toward meeting their educational and employment goals which included services to 656 Adults and
Dislocated Workers and 202 Youth for a total of 858 individuals in the region served to date. Activities included the
following: assessments, classroom training, on-the-job training, work experiences, supportive services, case
management, job search assistance, placement services, and follow-up services.
The chart below shows the top 10 occupational areas for which WIA adult, dislocated worker, and youth customers
were trained:
ONET
Number of WIA Customers
Trained by Occupational Area
Percent of Participants
Trained by ONET
Occupational Area
29
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical
Occupations(29)
259
32.83%
31
Healthcare Support Occupations(31)
201
25.48%
13
Business and Financial Operations
Occupations(13)
56
7.10%
49
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Occupations(49)
51
6.46%
51
Production Occupations(51)
40
5.07%
15
Computer and Mathematical
Occupations(15)
31
3.93%
21
Community and Social Services
Occupations(21)
28
3.55%
43
Office and Administrative Support
Occupations(43)
25
3.17%
19
2.41%
17
2.15%
ONET
CODE
33
25
Protective Service Occupations(33)
Education, Training, and Library Occupations(25)
11
Ashe County and Yancey County have each been awarded $400,000 to conduct CDBG Scattered Site
Housing Rehabilitation Programs. The program assists low-income homeowners with major housing repairs.
The Scattered Site Housing Program is a non-competitive program offered by NC Department of Commerce
through Community Investment & Assistance (CI). Every three years each county throughout the state
receives funding to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to low-income homeowners.
The Scattered Site Housing Program allows the local government to design a program to best fit the need of
that particular community. Funds may be used to treat severely deteriorated homes by replacing them with a
manufactured house or to rehabilitate a moderately dilapidated home to preserve the housing stock. The
County also has the option set aside a maximum of 10% of the funding for small or emergency repairs of up to
$5,000 per home.
Homes are selected for the main portion of the project during the County’s application phase to the state. If
the County opts to conduct the emergency repair program, those homes are selected after funds are
released.
Ashe County has selected five homes to participate in their 2011 program, three will receive rehabilitation
assistance and two will homes will be demolished and replaced. The County has also elected to operate an
emergency repair program.
Yancey County plans to assist four homes with their funding. Three homes are beyond repair and will be
demolished and replaced. One homeowner will receive rehabilitation assistance. Yancey County has also
chosen to conduct an emergency repair program
Over the years High Country Council of Governments has provided administrative services for Scattered Site
Housing Programs in all seven counties. Since 2001, when the program became non-competitive,
approximately 120 homeowners in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties
have received assistance through Scattered Site Housing Programs administered by the COG. The chart
below shows the upcoming funding schedule for all of the counties within the High County region. Pictures of
recent/ongoing projects are located on the next page.
2012
Avery
Watauga
2013
Alleghany
Mitchell
Wilkes
12
2014
Ashe
Yancey
Ashe 2008- Before:
Ashe County Home beyond repair,
scheduled for replacement
Yancey 2008-Before:
Yancey County single-wide manufactured
home. Unable to repair with program
funding, scheduled for replacement.
Ashe 2008- Progress:
Home demolished and cleared
Ashe 2008- After:
Home replaced with new double-wide manufactured home on a permanent foundation.
Ashe 2011:
Ashe County home scheduled to receive rehabilitation assistance in the 2011 Scattered Site
Program
Yancey 2008 –After: Home replaced with new
double-wide manufactured home on a
permanent foundation.
Yancey 2011:
Yancey County home on Scattered Site Program
schedule to be demolished and replaced.
13
Mitchell & Avery Caregiver Appreciation
Events Huge Successes!
At a time when hospitals are releasing patients earlier and sicker, and life expectancy rates continues to rise, more family
members and friends have stepped into the role of family caregivers. Caregivers face one of the greatest challenges
imaginable. Frequently, they have to give up the life that they know in order to support and assist an ill or infirmed loved
one. Rarely, are they prepared for the long and trying journey of caregiving. What might start off as a ride to the doctor or
help making a meal can easily escalate into 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, live-in care. So many caregivers are faced
with the challenges of bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, medication and health care management, etc., and yet so
seldom do they get a chance to take a break or hear the words “you are appreciated.” To help ensure that the region’s
dedicated family caregivers know how much their efforts are appreciated, the Family Caregiver Support Program hosts
events to reward and acknowledge their dedication and commitment.
The first annual Mitchell Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon was held May 4th in Spruce Pine.
The event provided an opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to enjoy fellowship with others in similar situations, delight
in lunch, while learning about available resources in the community. Attendees were treated to a delicious lunch provided
by Stuarts on the Green at Grassy Creek Golf Club, goody bags and multitudes of door prizes.
The Avery Family Caregiver Council hosted its 7th annual Caregiver Appreciation Dinner on Friday June 15th at the
Avery Senior Center. Organizers of this year’s event, Jean Ray, Rachel Deal, Jayne McNeil, RD Daniels and Brenda
Reece worked diligently to make the evening enjoyable and educational to all in attendance. This year’s theme was
"Remember When", stated Brenda Reece, Family Caregiver Support Specialist with the High Country Area Agency on
Aging and Executive Director of the High Country Caregiver Foundation. More than 75 people packed the Avery Senior
Center to enjoy an evening of fun, fellowship and information. This year’s caregiving awards were presented to Lou
Martin and Janet Aldridge, two of the county's most dedicated and devoted family caregivers. The Caregiver Dinner
offered attendees an opportunity to meet other caregivers from the community and learn about the resources available to
them, while enjoying a wonderful roast beef dinner, entertainment and inspirational words from Jesse Smith, Tom
Hartley, Deborah Buchanan.
All of the family caregivers in attendance at the two events were praised for the work that they do each and every day
while caring for their loved ones. Most importantly, the events allowed these caregivers a brief period of respite and
recognition for all of the hard work that they do caring for their loved one.
Plans are underway for this fall’s events to be hosted in Watauga, Ashe and Wilkes counties.
The High Country Caregiver Foundation and the High Country Area Agency on Aging’s Family Caregiver Support
Program would like to give a special thank you to each of our sponsors for their generous contributions. Without their
support these events would not be possible.
Appalachian Brian Estates
Appalachian Home Care
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
Avery Home Health/ Toe River Health District
Avery Partnership for People at the End of Life
Avery Senior Services
Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation
Caregivers Haven
Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation
High Country Area Agency on Aging
High Country Council of Governments
Hospice & Palliative Care of Mitchell County
Lifecare Center of Banner Elk
Mary’s Caring Hands
Medi Home Care
Medi Home Hospice
Mitchell Community Health Partnership
North Carolina Family Caregiver Support Program
Project Care/ Parkridge Hospital System
Roan Highlands Nursing Center
14
High Country Council of Governments Staff
Primary phone number: (828) 265-5434
Administration
Planning & Development
Rick Herndon, Executive Director
rherndon@regiond.org / ext. 125
Phillip Trew, Director
ptrew@regiond.org / ext. 121
Kathy Combs, Receptionist
kcombs@regiond.org / ext. 100
Michelle Ball, Community Development Planner
mball@regiond.org / ext. 115
Fred Sides, Information Systems Specialist
fsides@regiond.org / ext. 110
Jessica Brannock, GIS Planner
jbrannock@regiond.org / ext. 134
Lauren Stamey, Office Coordinator
lstamey@regiond.org / ext. 101
Duncan Cavanaugh, Regional Planner
dcavanaugh@regiond.org / ext. 138
Finance
Kelly Coffey, Senior Planner
kcoffey@regiond.org / ext. 114
Beth Norris, Finance Officer
bnorris@regiond.org / ext. 109
Craig Hughes, Transportation Planner
chughes@regiond.org / ext. 135
Melanie Johnstone, Accounting Technician II
mjohnstone@regiond.org / ext. 103
Workforce Development
Area Agency on Aging
Adrian Tait, Director
atait@regiond.org / ext. 130
Anita Davie, Director
adavie@regiond.org / ext. 122
Misty Bishop-Price, Systems Manager
mbishop-price@regiond.org / ext. 119
Tonia Cook, Contracts Mgr.
Aging Program Coordinator
tcook@regiond.org / ext. 113
Rebecca Bloomquist,
Special Projects Coordinator
rbloomquist@regiond.org / ext. 136
Brenda Reece, Family Caregiver Support Special- Jacob Clark, Energy Sector Specialist
ist
jclark@regiond.org / ext. 129
breece@regiond.org / ext. 128
Diane Tilson, Aging Program Assistant
dtilson@regiond.org /ext. 141
Julie Wiggins, Regional Ombudsman
jwiggins@regiond.org / ext. 126
Don Sherrill, Operations Director
dsherrill@regiond.org / ext. 120
Mary Ann Urka, Program Assistant
murka@regiond.org / ext. 118
High Country Caregiver Foundation to Receive Proceeds
from the 6th Annual Casa Rustica Golf Tourney at Red Tail
The 6th Annual Casa Rustica Charity Golf Tournament returns to the popular Red Tail Mountain in Mountain City, Tennessee. All proceeds will go to the High Country Caregiver Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization passionate
about helping local family caregivers.
Activities begin Wednesday night, August 22nd at 6pm, when dinner will be prepared and served by the popular Boone
restaurant at ASU’s Football Stadium (Club level 5th floor). Spouses of contestants are encouraged to join in on the fun.
A raffle will follow dinner.
Cost is $125 per player in the four-man team scramble that features a morning shotgun start on Thursday, August 23rd at
8:30 a.m. A second shot gun start is scheduled for that afternoon at 1:30 to accommodate the large field that annually returns to this event. Lunch is served to both morning and afternoon starters from noon until 1 p.m.
The Red Tail Mountain Golf Club offers a true mountain course experience with a par 72, 18-hole signature golf course.
An impressive 400 feet of elevation change allows every hole to offer a unique challenge. Spectacular mountain vistas
and dramatic backdrops play host as you take time to appreciate the gifts of nature.
The tournament is known for the great food and great prizes to go with helping a great cause here in the High Country.
Hole sponsorships are still available and like the entry fee, is tax deductible. To learn more about Casa Rustica’s golf tournament contact Rick Pedroni at 828-406-7085 or the pro shop at Red Tail Golf Club at 423-727-7931. You can follow the
scoring live at www.casarustica1981.com
High Country Council of
Governments
468 New Market Blvd
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828.265.5434
Fax: 828.265.5439