November 09, 2023
Greetings from BRCA 28605!
Blowing Rock Civic Association Continues Multi-Year Veteran’s Day Tradition.
On November 11, 2023, at 11:00 am, the Blowing Rock Civic Association will continue its tradition of assisting the local American Legion Post (# 256) with a program honoring our veterans for their service. Speaking at the American Legion Building, 333 Wallingford Street, Blowing Rock, will be distinguished veteran, Colonel Richard Cantwell (US Army Retired), who among other distinctions, is a decorated combat veteran and served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, both in the U.S. and abroad. Colonel Cantwell is an engineering graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He furthered his education at the University of Texas where he received his master’s degree in civil engineering and at Stanford University. In civilian life, Colonel Cantwell serves as President/CEO of Odell International, LLC, a top international Program Management firm headquartered in Mooresville, NC, concentrating in strategic planning, system design, development, operations, and infrastructure management. He has also continued extensive work for U.S. veterans as Chairman of the Board of Patriot Military Family Foundation which provides many services for veterans and military families, including assistance to veterans experiencing service-related health issues, such as PTSD.
Colonel Cantwell joins a group of other distinguished military officers whom the Civic Association has helped to bring to Blowing Rock for Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day programs, including Vice Admiral Sean Pybus (US Navy Retired), Former Commander of the US Navy SEALS – Memorial Day 2023; Lt. Colonel Wes Young (US Army Retired) – Veterans’ Day 2022; Captain Bryan Johnson (US Navy Retired) – Memorial Day 2022 and Major General Charles H. Swannack (US Army Retired) – Veterans’ Day 2021. The Civic Association is proud to be associated with these events to recognize and honor veterans from our area, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Congratulations to Candidates
BRCA would like to thank all the candidates who participated in the Blowing Rock Town Council and Mayor elections this week for their willingness to run and desire to help our Town move forward. We congratulate Mayor Sellers, incumbent Council member Harwood and Council member-elect Perry on their success and confirm BRCA’s intent to engage with them on Town matters, especially those of interest to homeowners, who are our primary constituents.
Watauga County Commissioners 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, our next local elections will be for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners. Under legislation recently adopted by the NC General Assembly, voting will be by election districts and Blowing Rock will have its own district. Until 2026, two at large seats will also be included. We are still awaiting the district map that will show the specifics of each district. Only qualified voters residing in a district may vote for the Board member from that district and each candidate for a district seat must reside in that district.
On behalf of BRCA we sincerely appreciate your engagement and financial support. We hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful weekend. BRCA is honored to have your engagement and to be able to keep you informed.
Best regards,
Tom Barrett
Vice President/Executive Committee