Local

In the next few days construction will begin on the theater with a projected completion date of summer of 2022.

In the next few days construction will begin on the theater with a projected completion date of summer of 2022.

NEW PAC COMING SOON

After a year of planning, construction on the new Highlands Performing Arts Center will begin in the next week. “Basically, we had to scrap our design and start over with a new company,” PAC Executive director Mary Adair Trumbly said.
Shane Meade and the Sound said their genre is soul infused folk rock, with a splash of jazz and mountain funk.

Shane Meade and the Sound said their genre is soul infused folk rock, with a splash of jazz and mountain funk.

Shane Meade and the Sound ready to rock Saturday on Pine

Shane Meade was a late bloomer to the music scene, picking up his father’s guitar in 2005, but that hasn’t stopped him from rocking out the past decade. Meade and his band Shane Meade and the Sound are gearing up to take the stage at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on July 17.
Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff                 Center for Life Enrichment President Lee Garrett will present “The Magic of Toy Trains,” on July 20 at the center.

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Center for Life Enrichment President Lee Garrett will present “The Magic of Toy Trains,” on July 20 at the center.

ALL ABOARD!

Highlands local and Center for Life Enrichment President Lee Garrett has had a love for Lionel model trains since he can remember sitting underneath the Christmas tree at eight years old.
The Board of Trustees at their annual membership meeting.

The Board of Trustees at their annual membership meeting.

HBF names new president, Grumbles steps down after 10 years of service

The Highlands Biological Foundation celebrated a passage of a legacy during its annual membership meeting as Julia Grumbles wrapped up 10 years of service as the board’s president. Almost 15 years ago, Grumbles started on the HBF Board of Trustees. She recalls that time as a period of transition.

Highlands Playhouse welcomes new executive director

Recently, the Highlands Playhouse has hired a new Executive director. Scott Daniel has plotted a dynamic new course for the historic theater. Daniel has appeared on the Playhouse stage as a performer and has had an extensive career developing and managing productions of all kinds.
Photo by Michael Ohearn/Crossroads Chronicle    Dr. Walter Clark, Dr. Richard Hudspeth, BRH Staff, HCHF Board and staff cut the ribbon to the Blue Ridge Health Clinic.

Photo by Michael Ohearn/Crossroads Chronicle Dr. Walter Clark, Dr. Richard Hudspeth, BRH Staff, HCHF Board and staff cut the ribbon to the Blue Ridge Health Clinic.

Blue Ridge Health Clinic opens its doors

Blue Ridge Health Highlands-Cashiers has opened its doors to serve patients in both communities with a mission to improve health in rural areas. The clinic is located at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in the Jane Woodruff Clinic Building.
The first Delta case in the United States was diagnosed a couple of months ago, in March, and it is now the dominant strain in the U.S.

The first Delta case in the United States was diagnosed a couple of months ago, in March, and it is now the dominant strain in the U.S.

Local doctor warns about Delta Variant

By Christopher Smith editor@highlandsnews.com Local internal medicine physician Dr. Richard Ellin is among several doctors across the nation are warning about the new Delta Variant of the COVID-19 virus.
Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff   Ben the reading dog helps students gain confidence in their reading skills.

Photo by Christopher Smith/Staff Ben the reading dog helps students gain confidence in their reading skills.

Fight off the summer slide at Highlands Literacy and Learning Center

At the Highlands Literacy and Learning Center, students have been fighting the “summer slide” by participating in the center’s annual summer camp. “The activities that we do in the summer camp are all STEAM related activities,” Executive Director Bonnie Potts said. “This week has been space theme.
The “Scaly Screamer” outdoor coaster is scheduled to open Labor Day Weekend.

The “Scaly Screamer” outdoor coaster is scheduled to open Labor Day Weekend.

Alpine coaster coming to Scaly Mountain Outdoors Center

Scaly Mountain Outdoors Center plans to unveil its alpine rollercoaster, the “Scaly Screamer” by Labor Day this year. About a year ago the idea for the coaster was made, drawing now manager Dow Harris to the Outdoors Center.