MARCH 2015
VPC WINS SIGNAGE SMACKDOWN
Remodeling Magazine

VPC Builders is proud to have been chosen as one of Remodeling Magazines Signage Smackdown winners! The signs were judged on informativeness, clarity, legibility, and the appeal of their content. Click here to see the winners. 

 

Remodeling Magazine also wrote an article about the wine barrel signs entitled More Than Your Average Sign, and published it on their website. The article highlights VPC's creative approach to lawn site design. The author, Rena Goldman, shares some info about the signs, how they are made, and the story of how we came up with the idea.

PROJECT INSPIRATION OF THE MONTH
All About The Details...

PURPLE HEART HOMES 

High Country Chapter

   

For Service Connected Disabled Veterans who currently own a home that no longer   meets their physical needs, Purple Heart Homes partners with local volunteers in the community with the intent of restoring dignity and 'quality of life' by creating a safe, barrier free living environment. Renovations are provided at no cost to the Veteran. Our proposed chapter will meet unmet housing needs of these American Heroes and help change a veteran and their families lives.

Please help us start a Purple Heart Homes Chapter in the High Country by donating to our fundraiser. All the money we raise will go to a local veteran in need. Help us give back and make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and our country. If you would like to volunteer, contact Whitney Burns at 828-295-0707. Please click here to donate. Learn more at purplehearthomesusa.org 

THOUGHTS FROM THOR...

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful spring weather we've been having! I know I certainly am. Especially since I just had my birthday on March 9th! 

 

Spring cleaning feels great-once it's finished. But getting there isn't always so fun. To help you get to the enjoyable side of spring cleaning, I've rounded up some tips and tricks to streamline the process and leave you with more time to enjoy your fresh and tidy home. 

  1. Disinfect Your Sponge - If you've got a big job to do and only one sponge to do it with (the horror!), freshen things up by squeezing it out & microwaving it on high for a minute.
  2. Clean the Garbage Disposal - Drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt, and a few ice cubes to clear away any unwanted odors or built-up residue.
  3. Wax Your Stovetop - After you've scrubbed the grime off your stovetop, apply a thin layer of car wax and then buff it off with a clean towel. Not only will this make it look shiny and new, it will make wiping off future spills a breeze.
  4. Use a Lemon to Clean Stainless Steel Faucets - Cut the lemon in half and start rubbing to remove hard water stains and rust from stainless steel surfaces.
  5. Steam-Clean Your Microwave - To remove old food stains from the inside of the microwave, steam them before you scrub. Fill a bowl with 1 to 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and zap the mixture for 5 minutes.
  6. Dust With Dryer Sheets - Dryer sheets are a cheap substitute for electrostatic cloths, and work just as well. Socks, when worn as a mitten, work for dusting tight areas and Venetian blinds.
  7. Use Your Dishwasher for More Than Dishes - Once every few months, toss some of the following into the dishwasher for a deep clean: contact lens cases, hair brushes, makeup brushes, pet dishes, plastic kids toys, refrigerator shelves, soap dishes, tweezers, and various knobs and pulls.
  8. Clean Your Dishwasher - After you remove any visible grime, place a (dishwasher safe) cup of vinegar on the top shelf and run the hottest cycle your dishwasher has. After that, sprinkle a cupful of baking soda around the bottom and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water.

Hope you all get outside and enjoy the beautiful beginning of spring :) To conclude, here's a little dog wisdom: "If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."

 

Best Regards,

Thor  

GARY SMITH FINISHES 20 MILE RACE
Congratulations to our very own Gary Smith for completing the Uwharrie Mountain Run 20 mile trail race! What an incredible accomplishment! Gary finished in 115th place in 4 hours and 35 minutes.

Gary is an avid runner and enjoys participating in trail races around the High Country. He is planning to complete the Spartan Race on April 11 with the VPC Builders team and then the very next weekend race in the Grayson Highlands Marathon. Way to go Gary!
WHAT INSPIRES US...
Robin Roberts: Arthur Ashe Courage Award Speech, 2013 ESPYS

 

At the ESPYS on July 19, 2013, longtime ESPN journalist and host of ABC's 'Good Morning America' Robin Roberts took the stage to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, when she spoke about having strength and faith when life throws you challenges. Roberts is a survivor of breast cancer, which she first conquered in 2007, prior to battling a rare blood disorder, myelodysplastic syndrome.

 

Her sister Sally Ann donated bone marrow for a transplant that would save Robin's life. Roberts became ESPN's first black broadcaster in the 90s, and she will remain a pioneer and leader for many decades to come.

 

In her inspiring speech, Roberts recited a special quote from her late mother. "Momma used to say, 'Make your mess your message,' " Roberts told the crowd. "Find the meaning behind whatever it is you're going through because everybody's got something."   Watch the full speech here. 

LOCAL NEWS
Mountain Leaf Development in Blowing Rock Clears Legal Hurdle

The group calling itself the Concerned Citizens of Blowing Rock had its motion to stop the Mountain Leaf development project denied in Watauga County Superior Court. The development would be located on Main St. in Blowing Rock from the entrance to Chetola to Hill St. and house a 112-room hotel, 26,000 sf of retail/restaurant space, and 20 condominiums.  Read more.  

Watauga High basketball coaches Rob Sanders and Klay Anderson were both named Coach of the Year in boys' and girls' basketball respectively, in the Northwestern 3A-4A Conference. In 11 years with the Pioneers, Sanders is third all-time in wins at WHS with 158.  Read more.  
With the support of nearly 1100 of us, the Town of Blowing Rock will proceed with seeking funding for a sidewalk project that would stretch pedestrian access from Main St. in Blowing Rock to Bass Lake.  The Federal Lands Access Program could provide 80% of the funding to build a sidewalk from Main St. in Blowing Rock along Hwy 221 to the entrance to Bass Lake.   Read more.
HOME NEWS AND IDEAS

The thought of spring cleaning can be as entrancing as a fairy tale - but getting through a giant list of tasks while having a busy life can be unrealistic. The key to successful spring cleaning, then, is to not try to do it all. Instead, pick from one of these six themes for your spring cleaning - and focus your energy where it will count.  Read more.  

Adding value to a property shouldn't be of interest just to those who are planning to sell in the near future. Many of the small improvements you can make when preparing to sell not only can add value, but can increase your enjoyment of your home. So whether you're selling or staying put, consider these small improvements you can make for less than $75.  Read more.
12 Fresh Updates to Get Ready for Spring
It's that tricky time of year when spring is almost here but there are still some chilly days ahead. While you're waiting for the sunshine and greenery to make a proper appearance, try boosting your mood by adding a few cheery touches to your home. Read more.
VPC BUILDERS + WINE TO WATER
Let us help you with your home projects and we'll donate 1% of the building cost to Wine to Water!

Wine to Water is a non-profit organization that has provided clean water and sanitation to people in need all over the world.  
Nearly 800 million people in the world today lack access to adequate water and 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation. Wine to Water is devoted to fighting this epidemic. Please see their website to learn more  about this wonderful group of people! www.winetowater.org 

All you need to do today is contact VPC Builders for any home project, reference this article, and we'll donate 1% of the building cost- it's that simple!
ABOUT US
VP C Builders is a full-service construction firm specializing in commercial and residential construction in North Carolina and South Carolina. We are the High Country's leading builder in Green design and LEED certification with solar and geothermal energy expertise. VPC Builders offers quality craftsmanship with exceptional customer service with an in-house design team specializing in drafting and interior design. If you need additional information about our services please don't hesitate to call. 

Visit our website to learn more about our company and our recent projects!
March 19  The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to The Holmes Center in Boone with their unrivaled family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and on-court fan interaction, this event will entertain the whole family.  Find out more.
OLD TIME DANCE AND EVENING AT THE MUSEUM    
March 20  Come in out of the cold and shake a leg with the fun and comradery of old-time dance - circles, squares and lines! Absolutely NO experience is necessary and people of all ages are welcome. Dance instructions will be given and live old-time music will be provided by the Laurel Creek Stringband. Find out more.  
A CELTIC CONCERT 
March 21 One of the premier Celtic performers, Jamie Laval will be performing at BRAHM. During this concert, Jamie will weave stories of the Scots-Irish who settled here in the High Country and how their music influenced old-time and bluegrass music in Appalachia. Find out more. 
BONFIRE NIGHTS AT CHETOLA   
March 21  Every Saturday from 5-8pm at the new lawn firepit. Featuring live music, S'mores, and an outdoor bar. No reservations are necessary.  Find out more.
BANFF FILM FESTIVAL  
March 27-28   The Schaefer Center at ASU presents the BANFF Mountain Film Festival. BANFF showcases the world's best mountain films. Experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world's wild places.  Find out more.
BLOWING ROCK EASTER EGG HUNT 
March 28   Games and activities start at 10:00am, Easter egg hunt starts at 11:00am. Visit from the Easter Bunny during games! Free and open to the public, held at Blowing Rock Memorial Park.  Find out more.
DOWNTOWN BOONE EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA  
March 28   The fun starts at 2 pm at the Watauga Co. Library located on Queen St. in Boone. Children then "parade" down to the Jones House for more games and an Easter Egg hunt. Free refreshments, prizes, and more.  Find out more.
MELT DOWN GAMES
March 28-29  A full weekend of crazy events you won't see any other time of the year! At Appalachian Ski Mountain. All slopes open and great conditions! End of season blow-out!  Find out more.
BLOWING ROCK TROUT DERBY 
April 4  Always on the first day of Trout Season, the free Derby kicks it off with a family-friendly competition event. Bring your catch to the Derby Headquarters to measure and enter for great prizes! Kids can fish downtown and catch special tagged fish, too! Free "Fish for Fun" bags and art contest for kids.  Find out more.
BEECH MTN EASTER EGG HUNT 
April 4  Buckeye Recreation Center will host an Easter Egg Hunt from 9-12pm. Join us for games, activities for kids and photo ops! Free event.  Find out more.
EASTER SKI BENEFIT WEEKEND 
April 4-5  Ski at 1/2 price to benefit the Greenway at Appalachian Ski Mountain! ASM is staying open an extra weekend to raise money to help complete the Middle Fork Greenway, a foot/bike path that will connect Blowing Rock and Boone.   Find out more.
VPC Builders
989 Main Street
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Phone: (828) 295-0707
Fax: (828) 295-0047
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