STORM WATER AND YOUR RAIN GARDEN

Wendy Pathoprsty, water quality specialist with the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Watauga County, spoke at the Garden and Herb Club Meeting, today. She showed us how we can put plants around water runoff areas, and make a difference for our beautiful streams on Beech. Here is a web site to get more information on this subject: www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/raingarden

Nancy

News from the Beech Mountain Historical Society

Yes, Beech Mountain now has its own Historical Society. We've been meeting for a year, and our goal is to publish a history of Beech Mountain, beginning with the coming of the resort. We've been researching and interviewing, as well as collecting photos, brochures, and memorabilia of all kinds. We're beginning to write up some of our findings, but the research and collecting still goes on. It's not too late to join us.We're doing a lot of work, learning a lot, and having a lot of fun. And it is just the right time to help us, if you have photos or other collectibles, or information that would add interest and color to our resort's history. We will carefully copy what you lend us. Or we will accept donations of photos and memorabalia. On our list of goals is the establishment of a history room, where we can store and display items of interest. We are particularly interested in photos of the club's original buildings, and in photos of the Ski Village, Skating Rink, Red Baron Room, Austrian performers, ski slopes and lifts, the cardboard box derby, bathing beauty contest on skis, ski races, and ballet on skis. If you want to join us, or if you want to lend or donate photos or other documents, please contact Ann Iles, 387-2930, or iles@skybest.com.
A promise for the next posting: a good Beech Mountain story from the "old days."

JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE GOLF PRACTICE RANGE!

It's really coming along. I love to look at it, each time I play golf. Rory Ellington, Golf Course Supt., has promised to give Kathy Barley, a complete report to our Blog, when it is completed.

Nancy

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENING FOR TWILIGHT GOLF!

Yes, here is the usual line up of carts, before the tournament. TG is held every Thursday afternoon at 4:00. You must be a BMC Member, have a handicap, and sign up at the Pro Shop in advance. It is a Scramble Tournament. The first three Th of the month, are pick your own partners, and the Pro Shop pairs golfers on the 4th Th. You may bring guests, if there is space available.

It's fun to look at the private carts, and the head covers, as shown by Doris Abraham and Julie Langdon.

Everyone has dinner at Sports Night Buffet at the Clubhouse afterward.

Come join us!!

Nancy

DO YOU LIKE SCOTTISH MUSIC?

There will be a Ceilidh, which is a family gathering of Scottish Folk Music, Song, and Dance, to be held at Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae on this Friday, July 13, starting at 8:00 P.M. Tickets will be $10 for Adults and $5 for children 12 and under, only sold at the door. This is one of the activities of the Grandfather Mountain Games.

We've been there, in previous years, and have found it very enjoyable.

Nancy

Here is a Healthy Deal for You!!

I'm an old timer, who has never used a piece of exercise eqpt, with exception of our small bike at our home. So I called Nancy Frye, at the BMC Fitness Center, and made an appt to see about how difficult it is. In about 1/2 hour, she took me by each machine, wrote down each setting I should use on a personal chart, and had me use it, while she was watching. There is no charge for this service. Then I went to the BMC office and signed up for one month at $47, and if I choose to extend my Fitness Center membership, this money will be applied to a longer period. I was also given a personal code, to get in the fitness center at any time, and I can retrieve my chart to help me with the machine settings.

That wasn't so hard! Yes, I think I'm going to start doing this. What about you?

Nancy

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

To The Beech Mountain Art Guild, 4th Annual Art Show

Saturday, July 21, 2007

9:00 AM to 4:30

BMC Recreation Room, Lakeledge Rd

Cash or checks only please

BMLGA plays first day of Two Day Ringer Tournament

Members have chosen a partner for the next two weeks. The Tournament is low gross and net for the team.

There are several pictures of the many members playing in this event. Joan Wichman, President, is making announcements, along with John Carrin, Head Pro, and David Critcher, one of the Asst. Pro's.

If you are a Beech Mtn Club member, and have a Handicap Index of 37.1 or below, give Joan a call about joining us. You'll have lots of fun, and its a wonderful way to meet other club members.

Nancy

Sooooo Sorry!!

The hike to Price Lake Loop, for Wednesday, July 11, has now been cancelled, but next week on Wednesday, July 18, we will be going to Little Lost Cove Cliffs. This is a 3 mile, moderate hike.

Please sign up. It's only $8.00, beautiful views, and a lot of fun. This is what being in the mountains is all about!!

Nancy

The Hike to Westbowl Has Been Canceled

The Recreation Dept called and said the area of the trail is being developed, and we are no longer able to hike there. The Low Impact Hikers will now go to Price Lake Loop, on the Blue Ridge. It is 2.5 miles and the charge for an off the mountain trip will be $8.00. Call the Recreation Dept for reservations, wear your hiking shoes, take water and lunch, and your walking stick. Sorry!

Nancy

Free Hike to Westbowl!

This Wednesday, the Low Impact Hikers will go to Westbowl. Call Rec at 387-4208 and push button for front desk, to make a reservation. We meet at the Alpen Haus at 9:00 with hiking shoes, water and lunch. It's a good idea to bring a walking stick. These pictures are from several years ago, but's it's been one of my favorites on Beech, and you will enjoy the long range views.

Nancy

Remember Fred's Wonderful Concerts!!

They are now starting at 6:30, and please remember to bring a chair, and a jacket. The chilly air rolls down the mountain at that location. Last night, one of my favorites, Joe Shannon and his group performed. Next Sunday, The Cockman Family will be there. And the price is FREE!

And remember to thank Fred and Margie on the way in or out!

Nancy

There will be 4th of July Fireworks!!!

I didn't think I heard any fireworks sounds on the Pig Roast night, so I called the Chamber of Commerce. The Fireworks are scheduled for the evening of the 4th. There will be no charge. The Ski Beech Parking lots will be open. The View House will not be open, nor will the Alpen Haus. (the trees now block the view of fireworks from there) Take your jacket, and take a chair.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

Nancy

New Stripes for the 4th of July!!!

I think one of the most important things for the summer people, are decent stripes on Beech Mtn Rds. Many of us have vision problems, and our guests, be they older or younger, are not used to driving on mountain roads...especially in rainy and foggy conditions. Our children have even taken the wrong turn off a curve in the Beech Mtn Pky in bad weather conditions, and they have been here many times before. The yellow stripe on Pine Ridge Rd. was just painted this morning. Club House Rd has not been done yet, but is on the schedule. I don't know the latest status on the town portion of the Beech Mtn Pkwy. The yellow line looked a little shaky a couple of days ago. Freshly painted stripes makes our community not only a safer place to live, but a more attractive one. Please let our Town Mgr or Town Council know how you feel.

Nancy

Please Keep these Folks in your Thoughts and Prayers

I have some sad postings today. Jim and Rachel Dunn's daughter, Leslie, died unexpectedly this week of a massive heart attack. They spent many happy moments on the mountain.

Betty Stewart's father died last week. Betty and Harold Stewart live on Locust Ridge Rd.

Paul Asheim, our next door neighbor on Pine Ridge, died this month. He was a wonderful man! Francis, his wife, is currently at their FL home, but hopes to return this fall for a short stay.

Ed Waligroski, who is currently living in Elizabethton, TN, had 4 stents implanted, and is doing very well.

If you have information on other former or present club members, let me know.

Nancy

Hurrah for the Internet!

I found an excellent article about keeping Deer out of the garden. Check this out:
http://www.bluegrassgardens.com/deer-control-in-the-garden.html

Nancy

Do you have friends like this, around your home?

We just had a very special Lily, along with Daylilies, and Phlox, eaten last night. This is one of three creatures that came through a vacant lot next to our home. I told them how disappointed I was with them. We had been using Irish Spring Soap chips around our plants. (someone has already told me that Irish Spring works very well, til tasty buds appear) Do any of our readers have other suggestions? Help, Help!

Nancy

BMLGA has Playday and Luncheon

Joan Wichman, President, is leading the meeting. We have many events in July. Two days are Ringer Tournaments. On July 24th we will invite the BMLN (9 holers) to play with us, and on July 31 we will hold our Member-Guest Tournament. To join the BMLGA, you must be a BMC Member and have a yearly beginning Handicap Index of 37.1 and below. Dues are $50.00. It's a wonderful way to have fun, increase your golf skills and knowledge, and meet other club members. Call Joan for details at 387-3656.

Nancy

The Latest on the Golf Practice Facility

I spoke with Rory today. He thinks it will be completed the end of July. They are putting sand under the putting green, the sprinklers need to be put in, and sod installed. I think after it is completed, you will see a lot of families honing their golfing skills. It will be open to all BMC members and guests.

Nancy

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

You heard it here, first! I just spoke with a gentleman from Maymeade, who has the contract for repaving the Beech Mtn Parkway (or whatever it is called now) They plan to repave the road the first part of August!!

Nancy