Raffle tickets continue to be available for a chance to win a nice framed painting, with the winner being announced during Tuesday’s General Membership/Election meeting. The art, 33 inches by 43 inches, comes with an exquisite basketweave frame. Tickets are $5, or 4 for $15. This and a 50/50 raffle are RPAC fund raisers.

You can purchase tickets by contacting the High Country Association of REALTORS office via email (info@highcountryrealtors.org) or calling 828.262.5437. You can also stop by the office at 2348 Hwy 105 South.

A second contest is a guessing game. Do you know the person pictured below? If you know the identity you will be given a chance at a $50 gas card during the meeting, which begins at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Boyhill Inn.

John Volpe, a long-time real estate agent in the area who has represented his local industry at the state level, was recently awarded the 2010 High Country Association REALTOR® of the Year.

Volpe has been a REALTOR® with the Boone office of CENTURY 21® Elliott Properties since 1987. He’s been the company’s top producer and agent of the year for 22 years.

Volpe is also currently serving another term as the state director of the High Country Association of REALTORS®. In this capacity Volpe is a member of the NCAR Board of Directors. He also attends legislative sessions in Raleigh to discuss REALTORS’ concerns with state legislators and other officials who have authority in real estate laws and policies.

A graduate of Florida State, Volpe worked in the restaurant and oil business before moving to the High Country area in 1986. He awarded the HCA REALTOR of the Year award during the group’s February meeting.

“John has spent many of their free hours promoting the REALTOR® interests both locally and at state and national levels representing us at meetings and conferences,” said HCAR president Hope Harvey. “Even though he has received numerous other honors and awards through the franchise real estate company, we certainly hope this will be one of the most honored.”

The REALTOR® of the Year award is given annually in recognition to REALTORS® who have served well not only their profession, but also their communities.

Local schoolchildren who were recipients of HCAR donations in 2010 show their gratitude.

More than $30,000 was distributed to more than a dozen area organizations by the High Country Association of REALTORS® in 2010, continuing a strong tradition of philanthropy by the group.

The High Country Association of REALTORS® unites real estate professionals within Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties for the benefit of REALTORS® and their clients. It also seeks to support and grow various non-profits and community organizations in the three-county area.

Recipients of 2010 donations include:

Hunger and Health Coalition
RAM in Avery
Watauga Backpack Program
Avery YO Backpack Program
Hospice
Habitat for Humanity
Watauga Humane Society
Avery Humane Society
OASIS, Inc. (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter)
Hospitality House, with both gift cards for individuals and cash donation for new shelter
Assisted Living Centers for Avery and Watauga
Grandfather Home for Children
Christmas Child Program, with sponsorship of 69 children
Avery schools Christmas program
Appalachian Kids Program
Homes for NC

There were also other miscellaneous donations in the total of $30,117 given in 2010. In 2009 the High Country Association of REALTORS® donated more than $27,000 to local organizations.