Ashe Mountain Times

Jenny Miller of Blowing Rock is an inspiration to all who know her. Her zest for life is awe-inspiring, her courage and determination are enviable.

To celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary earlier this year, she and husband Wayne hiked the Mount Everest Base Camp, one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas with an altitude of 17,598 feet.

As senior members of their team, at 59, the Millers made it to Kala Pattar, the highest point at Base Camp at 18,600 feet. “We owe that to drinking five liters of water a day and preparing for our trip,” Jenny said.

For four months prior, the couple donned heavy backpacks and hiked six to eight hours on weekends, usually from Bass Lake to the fire tower “over and over and over,” she says. “My pack weighed 35 pounds and his was 60.”

That adventure is just one of Miller's many success stories that she will share during the All About Women Expo on Saturday in the Holmes Convocation Center in Boone. The event is free and open to the public.

As a lifelong activist for women, Miller is a founding member of the High Country Women's Fund that has distributed more than $335,000 to help women and children in need throughout the High Country.

Saturday's schedule

 

8:30 a.m.: Doors open

9:00 a.m.: National Anthem

9:03 a.m.: Invocation

9:05 a.m.: Opening ceremonies

9:10 a.m.: Welcome

9:25 a.m.: Jenny Miller breakout introduction

9:45 a.m.: Jean Gatz, keynote speaker

10 a.m.: Floor opens to Vendor Expo

10:30 a.m.: Breakout session I

Noon: Grab-a-lunch and sit down for lunch session awards/speakers

12:05 p.m.: High Country Women of the Year Awards

12:25 p.m.: Jeanne Supin, Breakout Introduction

12:30 p.m.: Jennifer Pharr Davis

1 p.m.: Open floor to Expo

1:30 p.m.: Breakout session II

2:30 p.m.: Breakout session III

4:50 p.m.: Grand prize drawing

4:55 p.m.: Closing ceremonies

 

* During the vendor expo there will be various “quiet” entertainment on the main stage.