President Jim Street called the meeting to order at the Courtyard Marriott in Boone at 7:48 a.m.  There were 28 attendees:  20 in person and 8 by Zoom.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Sergeant at Arms Nick Friedman shared some humor.  Hanes Boren handled the 50/50 drawing and collected Happy Dollars from Reggie Hassler, Lane Robinson, Jerry Moretz, Beau Wilson, Lynne Mason, John Eckman, Ben Henderson and Bob Gates (some Happy Dollar content may have been missed due to Zoom participation of the Secretary):

• Reggie is “happy to be here.”
• Lane gave a “Public Service Announcement:”  Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is less than a week away!
• Beau complimented the National Park Service for its excellent commentary on his recent visit to Ft. Sumter in Charleston.
• Lynne was happy that her inclination to run late kept her out of the 75 car accident on US 421 yesterday.
• John shared that implementation of a student idea has resulted in a usage reduction of 19,000 plastic bags on campus during Fall semester.  Each time a plastic bag is declined, a “wooden nickel” is given to the shopper.  The wooden nickels can be placed in donation boxes for charities.  They are then replaced by real nickels and forwarded to the charities.
• Ben is happy to be released from doctor’s care after recent surgery.
• Bob acknowledged his 113 month wedding anniversary.

Announcements 

Lynne Mason thanked Hanes Boren, Russell Kirsch and Jesse Lutabingwa for participating in the February 5 Habitat for Humanity work day.

On behalf of Caroline Poteat, Lynne also asked everyone to “save the date” of March 16 for a bingo fundraiser at Lost Province Hardin Creek.

Jim Street announced that the Courtyard Marriott will continue its renovations, so the Club will need to meet in other locations from February 22 through about mid-April.  Please share your thoughts with him regarding other possible locations.  Currently under consideration are the Ag Center for at least one meeting with Food Hub and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture; Valle Crucis Conference Center (suggested by Walter Browning); the Appalachian Theatre; FARM Cafe; Lost Province Hardin Creek (offered by Lynne Mason.)

President Street also announced that Kathy Scott is the President Nominee for 2023-24.

Program 

President Elect Brian Irving introduced Social Worker Amy Townsent and Marketing Director Laura Patrick of The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge.  They spoke about The Foley Center’s facilities and wide range of services offered (https://libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/foleycenter/?y_source=1_MTQ5MzIyNDQtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLmdvb2dsZV93ZWJzaXRlX292ZXJyaWRl)  

The Center replaced many of the services offered by the former Blowing Rock Hospital.  Initially owned by Appalachian Regional Healthcare, the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge is now part of Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services (https://libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/)

A Continuous Care Retirement Center may be part of The Foley Center’s growth plans.

Amy and Laura invited members to tour the facility.

After a Q & A session, Kathy Scott closed the meeting by leading the 4 Way Test.  Adjournment was at 8:33 a.m. by President Street.