Annual Celebration/March FSO
March 3, 2018
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
You and your family and friends are invited to the Sixteenth Annual Celebration of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) at historic Vade Mecum, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. Now part of Hanging Rock State Park, Vade Mecum is located at 1105 Camp Sertoma Drive, Westfield, NC 27053 (GPS 36.4200; –80.3070).
Beginning with refreshments and displays, the celebration will feature Park Ranger Jason Anthony, who will speak on "Stokes County Mineral Springs Resorts: Reclaiming a Lost History." One of those mineral springs resorts was Vade Mecum itself.
The event, free and open to the public, will include highlights of DRBA’s accomplishments in 2017; a preview of the organization’s 2018 activities; and an after-lunch guided hike on the property. A short business session will include recognition of extraordinary volunteer service and election of board members.
The day’s activities will reflect DRBA’s mission—preserving and promoting the region’s rivers and culture through education, recreation, stewardship, and regional identity. Encompassing portions of sixteen counties in Virginia and North Carolina in its 3300-square-mile watershed, the Dan River Basin includes six rivers—the Mayo, Smith, Sandy, Banister, Hyco and, of course, the Dan. DRBA was formed in 2002 to preserve and promote the region’s abundant natural and cultural resources. Recognizing that this beautiful area shares a history of reliance on the rivers for drinking water, transportation, commerce, and industry, DRBA provides a unified vision of cooperation across geographic boundaries and fosters environmentally sound, sustainable economic development.
With preservation of the rivers at the heart of DRBA’s focus, work continues to preserve and promote the natural resources of the basin. Staff members, including Executive Director Tiffany Haworth and program managers from both Virginia and North Carolina, will report on DRBA’s many activities throughout the past year, as well as provide a glimpse of the year ahead.
Vade Mecum, a Latin phrase loosely translated as “go with me,” was developed in the 1890s as a mineral springs spa, based on the healthful properties of Moore Springs. Acquired by the state in 2014 to become part of Hanging Rock State Park, the 400-acre site is centered on its stunning1902 three-story wooden hotel, the last of the area’s mineral springs resorts still standing. The hotel is closed to the public at this time. Among other amenities, the property includes a stone chapel from the 1930s, cabins, campgrounds, an access on the Dan River, and several miles of trails.
DRBA’s celebration will be held in the spacious gymnasium, or recreation hall, whose only source of heat is a large stone fireplace. Attendees should dress accordingly. The accompanying photo of the meeting place is credited to Johannah Stern.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a light lunch will be provided. Attendees may wish to bring additional snacks of their choosing. After lunch, an easy-to-moderate guided two-mile hike will be offered to explore the property. Beginning at the gymnasium, it will take hikers past the chapel onto the Pelican Pool Trail, the Wiggly Grit Trail, and the Pinnacles Trail, then back to the gymnasium. Those joining in the hike should wear hiking boots or walking shoes, dress in layers, and be prepared to sign a waiver.
LOCATION: Vade Mecum is at 1105 Camp Sertoma Drive, Westfield, NC 27053, (GPS 36.4200; –80.3070).
DIRECTIONS: From Route 8/89, turn onto Hanging Rock Road. Drive 1.5 miles, and turn right onto Moores Spring Road. Drive 3.4 miles, and turn right onto Camp Sertoma Drive. Parking is located at the end of the drive.
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Wayne Kirkpatrick, 540-570-3511, wynbtyk@embarqmail.com
