Pinto bean supper
A benefit pinto bean supper and bake sale will be held for the Rev. David Testerman on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cove Creek Elementary School Cafeteria. Cost will be $7 for adults and $4 for 12 and under. Live music will be provided by Wayne Henderson, Southern Accent, Sacred Ground and the Piney Grove Singers. For more information, call 828-297-6186 or e-mail pgbcb@skybest.com  


Pinto bean supper
The Women on Mission group at Poplar Grove Baptist Church will host a pinto bean supper and bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. Come enjoy all-you-can-eat pinto beans, cornbread, potatoes, slaw, cobblers and more, and then shop at the Bake Sale for something to take home. Dinner is by donation and bake sale items will be priced, with all proceeds benefiting international missionaries. For directions or more information, call 828-963-9390 or visit www.poplargrovebaptistchurch.com.


Assistance to attend college
On Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. a program will take place on "How the College Foundation of North Carolina Web Site Can Assist College Students." The presentation will focus on how the CFNC.org Web site can help college students find funding for educational opportunities in North Carolina. This presentation will cover the whole site, with special attention on college searches, grants and scholarships, career/personality assessments, and financial aid. The presentation will be held in the meeting room of the Watauga County Public Library, 140 Queen Street. Call the library reference desk at (828) 264-8784 for further information. The program is free.

 
Hospice volunteer training
High Country Hospice is offering volunteer training on Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 14, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help with office tasks, fundraising events and patient care. Applications and volunteering information can be found at www.highcountryhospice.org or at the High Country Hospice office at 136 Furman Road, Boone. For more information, call 828-265-3926.


Kickoff to the ski season
The Buckeye Recreation Center and the town of Beech Mountain will hold a kickoff to the ski season with a celebration at the Buckeye Recreation Center on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. There will be a BYOB cookout for $6  per person, special guests from Ski Beech, door prizes and a special presentation of ski movies that were filmed on Beech. "Please join us to celebrate the upcoming ski season and welcome the cold weather," a spokesperson said.


'A Dulcimer Christmas'
Presnell's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church will present its 10th annual "A Dulcimer Christmas" on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Matney Community Center in Matney, located between Banner Elk and Valle Crucis on N.C. 194. Folk songs, hymns and Christmas carols played on mountain dulcimers made by Edd and Nettie Presnell will be presented by Susie Hepler, granddaughter of the Presnells. Other artists will also be performing, including a singing solo by Aaron Effoe. There will be special performances by storyteller Glenn Bolick and local dulcimer maker Charlie Glenn. Admission is $3, and 12 and under free. There will be live and silent auctions, adonation ticket drawing and refreshments will be available. For more information, call (828) 297-4049 or e-mail Rhelpler@triad.rr.com. "This is not a professional concert. This is a fundraiser for the church building fund," a spokesperson for the event said.


Judgement House
A Judgement House will be presented at Howard's Creek Baptist Church, 240 Howard's Creek Church Road, Boone. "A Judgement House is a true-life drama played out in a series of rooms. It tells the story of several individuals and the choices they make that change their lives forever," a spokesperson for the event said. Judgement House will be presented by members of Howard's Creek Baptist Church and other area churches. The dates Saturday, Nov. 7 (5-9:30 p.m.); and Sunday, Nov. 8 (4-8:30 p.m.). Reservations for large groups are recommended. Call 828-264-1908 to make reservations. Walk-ins are welcome.


Hiking Club
The Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club on Saturday, Nov. 7, will hike Two Linville "Cool" experiences. The group will travel to Linville Caverns for a tour/walk below ground. And then travel to Linville Falls for a hike on the Erwin's View Trail (easy/moderate). Cost for the Caverns is $7 unless you are over 62, then it is only $5.50. Dress for the weather and the caverns. Bring a picnic lunch. Hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be provided. If the weather is a bit chilly, the group may end up at Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant in Linville Falls. No dogs. Hike leader: Sandy Sisson, 828-295-8055.


'Giving Thanks' seminar
A seminar on "Giving Thanks" - creating a gratitude journal - will be held at The Inn at Elk River. Cost is $150. Journal and pen are provided. The session is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is included. Special room and seminar packages are available.