Spring 2023 High Vistas

reclaiming otter space The Peaks of Otter Chapter, led by Vicki Deppensmith, has partnered with Claytor Nature Center in Bedford, VA to clean and update its Otter Space playground. The group of volunteers took advantage of the winter months to remove leaves, clear debris from the stream and mend the fence. In the coming months, the chapter will rebuild some of the old structures and install new ones like a mud kitchen, a shade structure, tables, benches and a library. It truly is a special place to visit!

Strategic Planning

Our dedicated volunteer Board met in Roanoke February 24-25 to begin work on a strategic plan to guide our mission and vision for the years to come. We are grateful to their dedication and to the Council of Community Services, which provided the expert guidance in

facilitating this process. We look forward to sharing our plan with our volunteers, members and supporters in the months ahead as we all strive to make an even deeper impact in the communities of North Carolina’s and Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

Blue Ridge Jamboree

After a fabulous debut concert in November in Roanoke, we premiered our inaugural Blue Ridge Jamboree fundraiser in Asheville on March 25. Guitar legends T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack

those who performed with Doc, were profoundly influenced by his music, and called him a friend. Mark your calendars for November 11 in Roanoke for our second Blue Ridge Jamboree. Stay tuned for details!

Hinshelwood, joined by author and music scholar Dr. Ted Olson, presented to a North Carolina audience their “Doc Watson at 100” concert at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. It celebrated the life and legacy of Doc Watson by

Want to lend a hand? Give us a call at 800-228-7275 or email us at staff@friendsbrp.org.