Greetings from BRCA 28605!
Library Tables Delivered
Yesterday Jean and Hodge Kitchin delivered new library tables to the Blowing Rock Library. The tables are a gift from the Kitchin family and Blowing Rock Civic Association. There will be a dedication service on May 15th at 4:30 PM at the library. BRCA is honored to have an opportunity to support our local Library and our community. We will record and post the dedication service next week.
Blowing Rock Planning Board Meeting May 15th
The regularly scheduled Planning Board will be next week at Town Hall at 5:30 PM.
BRCA 2025 Spring Priorities Survey
You will hear more about this in the coming weeks. We are reaching out to you, 2025 will be a pivotal year for you and your property interests in Blowing Rock. Your responses will give current Town leaders, as well as candidates running in the November 2025 Town Council election, insights into your views on important topics. You will be able to access our survey link using the QR Code on the front of the post card or go to www.brcivic.org and look for the Survey tab to let us know your current top three topics of interest using the list below or adding your own topics:
1. Ambulance arrival time improvement to national norm (9 minutes, 90% of the time)
Property tax increases
2. Continuance to limiting short term rentals to defined districts and protection of residential neighborhoods
3. Main Street protection from losing historical charm
4. Redevelopment of Shoppes on the Parkway property
5. Town-facilitated workforce housing
6. Other (please specify any top three topic not listed); you may also add comments on the above topics here
Survey link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PS29PFD
Queens of Blowing Rock Press Release
Award-winning history author pens new Blowing Rock local history book that focuses on eight incredible women
Queens of Blowing Rock
Barry M. Buxton
ISBN: 9798822944305
Publication Date: July 2024
Dr. Barry M. Buxton, an esteemed native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and an award-winning history author, chronicles a chapter in Blowing Rock’s rich history in his new publication Queens of Blowing Rock. The book centers on eight women who each made a unique mark on the town’s future.
Blowing Rock is a small resort town tucked away on the crest of the Blue Ridge and eight incredible women had a special, behind-the-scenes impact on the town’s destiny. Each of these women were heroines who overcame their own difficult obstacles to make their mark on local history. With their efforts combined across time, they built schools, churches, hospitals, and libraries. Driven by an intense love for Blowing Rock and its community of people, these women worked to leave a legacy of compassion and purpose.
Queens of Blowing Rock will appeal to readers interested in the local history of Blowing Rock. Historians will appreciate the book’s fine attention to research and scholarly objectivity. Women have often been overlooked in community histories, and young women looking for role models will be overjoyed to discover these inspirational women.
Queens of Blowing Rock is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com
About the Author
Barry M. Buxton is a proud native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina and he wrote the award-winning local history book, A Village Tapestry. During his professional career he has taken on many diverse positions including college president, science museum director, real estate developer, writer and editor, teacher, researcher, and community leader. He has been honored with induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian award in the state, and received the Paul H. Broyhill Award for Community Service in 2022. He is married to Lyn and his additional interests include golf, tennis, and cycling.
House Bill 765 Still Alive
House Bill 765: Act to Reform Local Government Development Regulations. This bill has many implications and is worth reviewing. There is a lot in this 22-page bill that will redefine Planning and Zoning and remove some of the local government authority in enforcing codes. You should review this proposed bill.
BRCA Summer Concert Series Broyhill Park
June 12: Harris Brothers
July 10: Smokin’ Joe Randolph
August 14: King Bees
On behalf of all of us at BRCA we sincerely appreciate your financial support and your ongoing engagement. Thank you for following us. We also want to welcome our new members and viewers; we welcome you to BRCA. Have a great weekend.