Norton Lion’s Club seeking to grow: Asks you to join in serving

Do you have community news or an event you would like to appear in this column? Please contact Myra at mmyra9639@gmail.com

The Norton Lion’s Club will be hosting a Meet-and-Greet on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the Norton Expo Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

While this gathering is also for current Norton Lion’s Club Members, the event is primarily an attempt to recruit ANYONE interested in participating in the organization. Though the needs of our community continue to increase, the number of active members has dwindled in recent years.

If you have a desire to be connected to the community and serve its members, please mark August 14 on your calendars. The Norton Lion’s Club needs you! Our new meeting schedule is the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Norton Community Center.

In addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks being provided for the upcoming Meetand-Greet, the magician and comedian Joseph Young will be performing. Those who haven’t had the opportunity to see Joseph perform are in for a real treat. You will be able to register for great door prizes too and must be present to win.

If there is a need to be met, you’ll usually find a Lion member there. The Norton Lion’s Club serves the City of Norton and surrounding areas in a variety of ways. The Norton Lion’s Club offers two different scholarship opportunities for local students at both Mountain Empire Community College and The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. We also are actively involved with the City of Norton’s Halloween events, July 4th Celebration and parade, Christmas parade and festivities, the Best Friend Festival, and the City’s Easter Egg Hunt.

Aside from sponsoring and co-sponsoring events throughout the year and offering eyeglass assistance to offset the cost of prescription eyewear, as well as volunteering at numerous other events, the group’s Big Heart event takes place the second week of December and serves roughly 180 families, providing food boxes that will feed a family of five for a week. New toys are also purchased for children ages newborn through 12 that have registered for the event.

If you’re unable to attend the August 14 Meet-and-Greet and are still interested in joining the Lion’s Club, applications are available at Judy Miller’s office located at the Norton City Hall and Castle Service Center. You can also message us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nortonlions or talk to anyone you know who is already affiliated with the Norton Lion’s Club. Annual membership is $60 for individuals and $90 for couples who wish to serve jointly. .

Upcoming Norton Lion’s Club events:

August 1: Norton Farmer’s Market

August 14: Norton Expo Center: Meet-and- Greet; 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

August 25: Volunteering at Flag Rock Hill Climb Block Party

August 28: Norton Community Center Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m.

September 5: Norton Farmer’s Market

September 8: Norton Hotel—Cadillac Banquet

September 11:Norton Community Center Regular Meeting

COUNTRY CABIN II

The Country Cabin II provides Saturday night bluegrass music and special music and dance programs. Scheduled to appear 8/5 - Bluegrass Circle 8/12 - Benny Jones Band 8/19-Tony Lawson & The Drywallers 8/26 - The Country Troubadours. Music begins at 7:30 until 10:30 p.m. Admission: $6 adults; $1 children under 12. Alcohol free, drug free facility. Located at 6055 Kent Junction Road, Norton.

KIDS NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Explore the wild and wonderful world of Flag Rock and High Knob on a Kids Nature Scavenger Hunt being held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, during this year's High Knob Outdoor Festival!

This event is open to children ages 4-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will receive certificates and stickers.

Contact Katie Dunn, katied@nortonva.org or 276/679-1160, to sign up.

OUTDOOR TRIPS

Kick off the High Knob Outdoor Festival's outdoor trips with two adventures on Saturday, Aug. 12. Join Clinch Life Outfitters, Inc. (3022 5th Avenue, Saint Paul) at 10 a.m. for a two-hour float trip on the Clinch River. Then, join us at 8:15 p.m. that evening for a stargazing program at High Knob Observation Tower. Questions? Contact Katie Dunn, katied@nortonva.org or 276/679-1160.

HIGH KNOB OUTDOOR

FESTIVAL

The annual High Knob Outdoor Fest is set for Aug. 10-19. The city of Norton is excited to partner with Pro-Art for the music lineup this year! The festival features a variety of outdoor trips and activities, culminating in a celebration from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown Norton.

The festival highlights the variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in the High Knob Region and celebrates the organizations, businesses, and communities working to promote and grow these activities. The High Knob Region primarily includes communities in Wise, Scott, and Lee counties and the City of Norton. More information about the festival at highknoboutdoorfest.com.

Close out the High Knob Outdoor Fest with a downtown celebration featuring outdoor vendors and demos, live music, food trucks, craft beer, and more from 4-9:00 p.m. in the vicinity of the Norton Expo Center, 115 8th St. SW, Norton.

MUSIC LINE-UP:

EMPTY BOTTLE STRING BAND | 4:00 p.m.

The Empty Bottle String Band originally formed to play a one-time stint at a local farmers market, but have already reached new heights in popularity all over the Southeast US. They specialize in playing toe-tapping, highly danceable traditional Appalachian music and are known for their upbeat fiddle tunes and feel-good music. Their impressive stage presence is coupled with a delightfully self-effacing strength and confidence in their music. Their sound is inventive, while still staying close to the old time string band tradition of the 1930's. The band features Tyler Hughes (banjo/banjo uke and vocals), Kristal Harman (guitar and vocals), and Stephanie Duckworth (autoharp/bass and vocals).

HONEY MAGPIE | 5:30 p.m.

Honey Magpie is an indie-folk band from Chapel Hill, NC whose sound is both traditional and modern, blending classical string instruments and three part harmonies with pop, rock, and indie influences. Known for vocal harmonies, classical string instruments, and nature-inspired lyrics, Honey Magpie is fronted by Millennial singer-songwriters Rachael Hurwitz (guitar), Pippa Hoover (cello) and Mandy Mears (piano). Their sound invites comparisons to all-female folk groups like I’m With Her, but draws more influence from pop than bluegrass or old time.

RARE FICTION | 7:00 p.m.

Rare Fiction is an indie rock band from Bristol, TN. Their music is a mixture of upbeat guitar-driven songs and acoustic-focused tunes that offer a variety of sounds and textures. Rare Fiction features Chris Blevins on drums, Lee Jones on bass, and Chris Martin on vocals, acoustic guitar and electric guitar.

ALPINE MOTEL | 8:30 p.m.

Alpine Motel is an Indie rock band from Abingdon. Influenced by music both new and old, their sound consists of nostalgic soundscapes, vintage vibes, and wistful soundtracks for late night drives. They released their debut EP in 2022 and are at work on their next big release!

​