Hello,

We have several announcements for you today.  Stay warm out there!

1.   
2020 Wintertide will be held on Saturday, December 5th in Highland County, Virginia with a visit from Santa, Winter Vendor Market, local shopping, specials and discounts, and holiday displays and lights!  Stay updated with full details by clicking HERE!

2. From the Highland County Department of Social Services:  It is time for the Highland County Dept. of Social Services annual Angel Tree!
 For many years, the Angel Tree has provided Highland children with happy and wonderful Christmases!  Help us continue this tradition of giving in making this the best Christmas ever for a child.  The Angel Tree provides supplemental Christmas assistance to children between the ages of 0-17 years who reside in Highland County and who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits, Medicaid, Child Protective Services and/or Foster Care services.  Each year in the early fall we begin collecting wish lists from children which include clothing, coat, and shoe sizes along with a few fun items to make Christmas special.  This year we have wish lists for young infants, toddlers, school age children, and teens!  A few of the items requested this year are doll babies, gloves, puzzles, snow boots and a winter coat, bedsheets, art supplies, and baby toys.  For those interested in supporting an Angel, the tree will open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 19^th during business hours, from 8:30am – 4:30pm.  Gifts can be dropped off at any time, but must be received no later than Friday, Dec. 14^th to ensure we have enough time to deliver them.  Please call Susan Ruddle for more information, 540-468-2199.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season! 

3. The 2021-2022 Allegheny Mountain Institute Farm and Food Fellowship Application is now open! Allegheny Mountain Institute believes in the power of food to build vibrant, healthy communities. That's why we fully sponsor, train, and empower Fellows to gain the skills they need to dig in and transform the food system.  Fellows build knowledge and skills through hands-on experience that leads to a comprehensive and equity-based understanding of the food system, from agriculture and health to community change.  Apply at www.amifellows.org/fellowship.

4. From VPAS: Cats for Laps!
Seniors and cats - the perfect pairing!  Cats offer therapeutic benefits on a daily basis. Not only do they bring you joy, laughter and comfort, cats keep you company when you are alone. The best part about having a cat is the unconditional love that is always available! For seniors, cats can be the perfect partner—and the benefits go both ways. The Highland County Humane Society will match a senior up with the right kitty. Want a lap cat? A mouser? A goofball to entertain you? We’ve got all ages, shapes and sizes! HCHS covers all vet care, food and supplies and you supply the love! Contact us today about our foster care program - Cats for Laps! Highland County Humane Society, 540-908-9151, PO Box 458 Monterey VA 24465, info@highlandcountyhumanesociety.org  or on Facebook @HighlandHumane

5. The Sounding Knob Fire Tower on Jack Mountain is now open indefinitely from sunrise to sunset every day!  Thank you to Skip Jones for keeping the tower open!  Enjoy one of the best views in Highland County, and put it on your "to do list" in the future. https://www.highlandcounty.org/things-to-do/

6. Sweet news! Congratulations to Back Creek Farms for having their Vanilla Cinnamon Infused Maple Syrup chosen as a winner in the 2020 Made in Virginia Awards from Virginia Living Magazine!!!  The editors of Virginia Living magazine received more than 200 entries from makers across the state for this year’s Made in Virginia contest, the most in the program’s nine-year history. After researching, reviewing, tasting, and testing all of them, the staff selected a record 38 winners to feature in the magazine’s November/December issue. The winners exemplify Virginians’ skill, talent, and creativity across a broad range of categories, including Food, Drink, Style & Beauty, Home & Lifestyle, and even Dog-Friendly.  Order your own at https://backcreekfarms.com/!

Thank you, and I hope you have a great day!