A large group enjoys a Guided Hike through the Emerald Outback!
       
 Town of Beech Mountain, Parks and Recreation Department
Buckeye Buzz -  August 2015
Message from the Staff

Summer is winding down, and Beech Mountain is cooling down. Thank you to all of our guests, visitors, and residents who visited us throughout the summer.

 

This warm weather calls for adventures outside, so make sure you get out of the house and explore all that Beech Mountain has to offer! Rent a canoe or kayak and take a picnic to Buckeye Lake, hike the many trails around the area, or even take some photos for our 2015 Photo Contest! See more information below.

 

We look forward to seeing you down at Buckeye. For more information or to find out about volunteering for any of the events/activities in this Buzz, please call the Buckeye Recreation Center at (828) 387-3003.

 

- BRC Staff

  
Coming Up!

Help Buckeye Pack the Canoe for students!
 

Calling all Beech Mountain residents and guests! Summer is on the way out and school is just around the corner.
 

In efforts to support our local community, the Buckeye Recreation Center and the Beech Mountain Chamber are teaming up to "Stuff the Canoe" by gathering school supplies and other donations, for the families and children in need within the Watauga and Avery County School Systems.

 

  
  
For more information, please call the BRC at 828-387-3003 or check out our website www.beechrecreation.org

2015 Photo Contest!

We want to see your experience on Beech Mountain! Bring the camera, and capture some memories. Winners photos will be printed, framed, and hung in the Town Hall for a year. Photos will be available on the Facebook, as well.


Categories include:
Flora/Fauna

Vistas

Sports/Action Shots

Community Service in Action

Waterfalls

Family Activities

 

Contest ends August 28th. Send your photos from around the mountain to Kate at:
Recap of Events
Summer Camp 2015
  

Six weeks of Summer Camp, yet it seemed to pass so quickly! We were happy to see so many familiar faces, and meet many new campers this year. Over six weeks, friendships were formed and adventures were taken as over 50 campers enjoyed trips to Grandfather Mountain, biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, tubing the New River, touring the Beech Mountain Police and Fire Departments, learning about the environment around Beech, and more!

 

The crew visiting Linville Falls.

 

Tubing down the New River with some water toys!

 

Thank you to our counselors Emma Freeman, Riley Pudney, Jack Pendergrast, and AnnMarie Simmons who dedicated their time to making sure these kids had a summer to remember.

  

Conquering Falls Trail.

 

The Buckeye Regatta & Street Dance
  
A smaller crowd, but a loud one at that! The night of the 1st Buckeye Regatta and Street Dance was a warm, summer evening filled with laughter, dancing, racing toy boats, and canoe rides.
Guests brought many dishes to share, while the Recreation Center provided chicken, mashed potatoes, and baked beans. Dinner was followed by building boats, and pleasant rides on the canoes. Later in the evening, the Street Dance was kicked off by Mr. Frank Steele and Julia Moretz, who both kept the music loud and groovy! We want to thank our wonderful volunteers, Gloria Alge and Billie Jean Steele for helping make this new event run smoothly.
   

 


 

 
Hiked it, Liked It
Upcoming Guided Hikes

 
Join our guides, Sean and Kelsey, for the following upcoming hikes!

Aug. 20th - Overlook & Upper Pond Creek
Sept. 3rd - Grassy Gap & Sassafras

Don't forget comfortable hiking shoes and a bottle of water. Guided Hikes generally take between 2-3 hours depending on length of trail.
 
Outdoor Photo of the Month
 
Visitors from South Carolina took a trip on the Emerald Outback, Southern Ridge Trail and captured this photo at the Elk River Overlook. Check out the view!

 

FACEBOOK PAGE!

 

LIKE Buckeye on Facebook!

 

Email us your photos and we will be happy to share them on our Facebook Page.
  
LIKE our NEW Facebook page here and share it with your friends.
Thank you!

In This Issue
 Operating Hours
 
Mon. - Sat. 8:30 am - 8 pm
Sunday, 12 pm - 6 pm
  
 Access to Fitness Room avaliable 24 / 7 for pass members
We are proud to announce our new Recreation Director!
 
  
The Town of Beech Mountain, Tourism Development Authority & Chamber Of Commerce would like to officially welcome Sean Royall as our new Parks & Recreation Director!

Sean, an Appalachian State University Alumni, began his interest in recreation while in high school. Graduating with degrees in Recreation Management, Graphic Design, and Marketing, he worked at the YMCA in Wilkesboro, and for the French Swiss Ski College as a snowboard instructor throughout college. As the Trip Director for a summer action camp, Sean lead teens on a mountain bike trip through Utah and Colorado. After college, he explored Colorado and decided to eventually come back to western NC. You may already know Sean! He started with Buckeye in February of 2014 as the Recreation and Summer Camp Coordinator. He is excited to begin the next chapter is his career, and is looking forward to growing our recreation department and working closely with all entities on Beech Mountain.


Congratulations, Sean!
Town Talk  
  
Mile High Kite Festival
  
The annual Mile High Kite & Craft Festival is back on Beech Mountain! Kite clubs from VA and NC will be coming to teach and demonstrate different types of kites. Craft tables and vendors will be set up around the field. Come up to Beech during Labor Day Weekend for a beautiful, family-fun time!
  
September 5th & 6th, 2015
Kite Field on top of the mountain, across from the Town Hall.
  
kite2.jpg 
  
Street Dances on Beech Mtn.
  
  
  
Join your friends and community members at Town Hall from 7-9pm on these select dates for the town Street Dances:
  
August 21st
September 4th 
 
Enjoy music, friendship, and fun on top of the mountain!
Wellness Tip of the Month

The Importance of Balance

 

Falls and fall-related injuries (including hip fractures) are serious concerns that can have a significant impact on your life and your ability to live independently.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults 65 years of age and older fall each year, and falls are the number one leading cause of injury-related death in seniors.

 

Balance Tips:

  • Try standing on one foot, using a wall for support if needed, for intervals of 10 seconds. Try adding 3 seconds per try.
  • Use a Bosu balance ball and cross arms across chest, shift weight between feet and try to stay upright for intervals of 10 seconds.

 

Click on the August Calendar for new classes!

 

Click here for the August calendar.

      

BUZZ Photos
 
Summer Camp Fun on Beech! 
Floating away!
At the Linville Falls.
  
At the top of the Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge.
  
Campers Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Member of the Month!

 

The Jones Family has visited the Recreation Center for years, and they help make our summer exciting! Not only are they a part of summer camp, but Stacey Jones, busy mom of two, also takes several fitness classes during her stay. Stacey is an encouraging and supportive community member who uses health and wellness to spread positivity on the mountain!

 

 

The BRC Staff is thankful to have them as members at the Recreation Center.

 

We need You!
The Parks & Recreation Department is planning a very active summer full of events, parties and celebrations.  If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Team, give us a call at 828 387-3003! When you volunteer, you recieve a new shirt!
  Also comes in orange.