Notes of Interest
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Substance Abuse Services Info: Do you need to know how to get mental health, developmental disability, or substance abuse services for yourself or a family member? Would you like to know about services in the area, or the providers that are available in your community? Are you or a family member having a mental health or substance abuse emergency? If so, call Smoky Mountain Center at 1-800-849-6127, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information online at http://www.smokymountaincenter.com.
Search is on for Senior Poets Laureate: Entries are now being accepted in the 20th Annual National Senior Poets Laureate Poetry Competition for American poets age 50 and older. A laureate poet will be named for each state and territory represented, and the writers of the two best laureate poems will receive the National Senior Poet Laureate Award ($500) and National Senior Poet Laureate Runner-up Award ($100). No experience is necessary to enter, but poets must hold U.S. citizenship to qualify. Deadline is June 30. See details on sponsor’s website at http://www.amykitchenerfdn.org.
Blue Ridge Community Theatre auditions: Auditions will be holding for a musical review of Music Man. We need soloists, chorus members, dancers, musicians, and any talent you might want to show us. Singing or dancing groups are encouraged to come also. Auditions are the morning of June 9 from 10 till 12 at the Watauga High School theater. The show will be presented in mid August. Call Billy Ralph for more information at 828-406-2313.
Rain Barrel Sale: Order yours online by May 30th: http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/watauga-county. Reduced price of only $70.
Water-Friendly Cleaning Kit: The U-Mix-It safe spray bottles are made in the USA from 25% recycled plastic milk containers. For more info: http://wataugaces.blogspot.com/2012/03/water-friendly-cleaning.html.
11TH ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP CELEBRATION HOSTED BY SOUTHERN ACCENT: Come Sat., May 19, 11:30 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. Music. Food. Fellowship. Cove Creek Elementary School, Vanderpool Road, Vilas, NC. No admission, but donations GREATLY appreciated to help offset the cost of the Celebration. Visit: http://www.southernaccent.us. Email: (dpisaacs@skybest.com) Call 828-898-6828 for more information.
The North Carolina Poetry Society holds its annual Awards Day Meeting: Event is Saturday, May 19 at the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities in Southern Pines, NC. Registration begins at 9:15 am, and activities begin at 10 am. We plan to adjourn by 3 p.m. Box lunches will be available for sale ($10, cash or check) until 10:15 am. For more information, visit http://www.ncpoetrysociety.org.
HIGH COUNTRY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE: Bonnie Church is organizing a weight loss challenge for western NC. All those who call will be provided with a FREE Life and Wellness Coaching consultation. No cost to enter. If you are HIGHLY MOTIVATED to lose at least 25 lbs., contact Bonnie Church at (simplewellness@charter.net) or 828/963-6023 for details. Deadline for registering is March 1st.
Foster Parents are needed: Plant a seed and watch it grow! Foster Parents are needed for children of all ages. Spring classes are now scheduled for individuals interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent. Contact Roberta Yates at 265-8100 or (roberta.yates@watgov.org)
WATAUGA SENIORS - JUST FOR YOU: A Guide for High Country Seniors to Resources, Opportunities, Information and Things to Do in Watauga County. It’s free. Go to http://www.wataugaseniors.com on the internet to read it or download it. If you have questions or have problems accessing it, email: (wataugaseniors@bellsouth.net)
BANNER HOUSE MUSEUM: OPEN Tues. - Sat., 11 AM - 4 PM (final daily tour 3:30 PM). Take a guided tour through time in this home built circa 1865 by Samuel H. Banner. Admission: Adults $5, Children 6-12 $1. For more information call (828)898-3634. 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Rd., Banner Elk, NC.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Visioning Plan under way for Daniel Boone Park – the home of the Watauga County Farmers Market. http://wataugaces.blogspot.com/2012/03/visioning-plan-underway-for-daniel.html.
Avery County Relay for Life Fundraiser: Life Care Center of Banner Elk Cookbooks Just $5. For more information contact Life Care Center of Banner Elk at 828-898-5136. All proceeds from the cookbook sales go to the Avery County Relay for Life.
High Country Transitions: High Country Health Care System is now offering new services through a program named High Country Transitions. For more information on High Country Transitions, to make a referral or to become a volunteer, call the toll free phone number (877) 787-5730.
Single-Family Rehab Program: WAMY Community Action Inc. will be offering assistance to homeowners in Watauga County who need comprehensive rehab work done on their home. Any persons interested in the Single Family Rehab program should call (828) 264-2421 to receive more information and/or an application.
Join ArtWalk in Downtown Boone: Always at 611 W. King St., every Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. For more information please visit http://www.artwalkboone.com or call us at (828) 264-9998.
FIRST FRIDAY ARTIST MARKET: The Inventive-n-Imaginative Collective Cooperative evening of fun and music at the market. An open air artist market featuring local artisans and crafters. Located in the parking lot of Green Mother Goods at the intersections of HWY 421 and 321 from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m. The event continues until October 5, 2012. For more information or if you are interested in vending your arts & crafts, please email (friday@ayanahessence.com)
DONATE/BUY BOOKS: Friends of the Watauga County Library are asking for your help. The group is in need of used books which are accepted year round and sold at the library year round. Please bring all books to the Watauga County Library.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SUPPLIES AVAILABLE AT PROJECT ON AGING: The Watauga County Project on Aging has medication management supplies available free of charge while supplies last to Watauga County residents aged 60 and older. For more information, call the Project on Aging at (828) 265-8090.
Dog Adoption at Rescue Ranch: To adopt a dog, first visit the website at http://www.ranch.petfinder.com to learn all about us, see the available dogs then, email (gbelfi@live.com) or call (423) 727-8900 to schedule an adoption appointment.
CAMPS
Appalachian State University Math Camp: Registration is now open for Math Camp at Appalachian State University. This is the 15th summer for this popular educational camp for rising 6th-12th grade students. Read more and register at http://www.camps.appstate.edu, or call the program director, Dr. Anita Kitchens, at 828-264-0181.
Creative Memories Kids Kamp: Camp will be held June 4-7 from 9am-noon each day. The camp is appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Younger children can attend if accompanied by a parent. Please call Paula at 828-964-9378 or email (cmpaula@hotmail.com) for more info.
VOLUNTEERS
Western Watauga Community Center /Project on Aging Volunteer Programs: Please contact: Toni Wait (828) 297-5195. Or inquire at the Western Watauga Community Center for details.
Volunteer Opportunity: Would you like to make an amazing difference in the lives of Hospice patients and families using your gifts of compassion and caring? Then we would love to talk to you and share more information on our Volunteer Services at Medi Home Hospice. Opportunities include companionship, reading, writing notes, playing cards, running errands or providing respite for the caregiver to get away for a couple of hours. Call 828-733-0663 or 866-900-4354 to speak with our Volunteer Coordinator, Ann McMillan.
Volunteer Opportunities at Senior Center: Do you have skills you haven’t used in a while? Would you like to teach a class or help someone understand the world of Medicare? For more information, stop by the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center on Poplar Grove Connector in Boone or call 265-8090 and ask for Tabitha.
Watauga County Cooperative Extension Wetland Conservation Volunteers Needed: You will get very muddy and wet and will work pretty hard. Sounds fun!! If you’re interested, email Wendy_Patoprsty@ncsu.edu or call (828) 264-3061.
Medical providers, health educators, and community members with diverse skills: are sought to assist in expanding services at Boone’s Community Care Clinic http://www.ccclinic.org, which provides health care to low-income persons community members who lack health insurance. The clinic’s telephone number is (828) 265-8591.
Local Guardian ad Litem Program Needs Volunteers: No child should have to suffer the horror of abuse or neglect. After receiving 25-30 hours of free training, you are sworn in and given your first case. A local support staff is available to assist each volunteer. Volunteers are currently needed. Please call Valerie Daniels, Program Supervisor, at (828) 737-6721 today or visit our website at http://www.nccourts.org.
Volunteer opportunities with Avery County Habitat for Humanity: Would you like to help a family realize the dream of home ownership? If you are interested please call Josh Stow, Volunteer Coordinator at (828) 733-1909 or email at (stowj@averycohfh.org)
The Hunger & Health Coalition needs volunteers: to unload the weekly food truck. The food arrives around 11a.m. on Monday mornings. Anyone interested should call (828) 262-1628 or send an email to (info@hungerandhealthcoalition.com)
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS are held at Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store of Boone: To register,call Michael’s at (828) 265-8334. Instructor, Holly Soukup will share a demonstration that will guide beginning and intermediate level students through the process of painting their artwork. Artwork is completed in one workshop session. Bring a friend and come join the fun!
Residential Rain Garden Certification for Professionals: June 7-8, Watauga County Ag Conference Center. For more information and to register: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/rg_200.html.
SWIM SKILLS CLINICS AT ASU: University Recreation is now offering swim skills clinics! The clinics offer children in the community the opportunity to learn and improve specific swimming skills in a structured setting. All classes are taught by qualified and experienced instructors. Group lessons are offered for ages 3 years to 12 years. These are two day courses offered at great prices. Registration is required. For registration forms, fees, and class days/times please visit us online at http://www.aquatics.appstate.edu.
ELKLAND ART CENTER PARADE MAKING WORKSHOPS: Journey to historic Todd this spring, at the old Elkland School: 10279 Three Top Road, Todd, NC., and join experienced parade artists at Elkland Art Center for parade-making fun! Make your very own spectacular parade trophy to take home and share in the creation of Elkland’s new giant puppets inspired by the element of Air for the 7th Annual Liberty Parade in 2012. Parade explorations will begin on Friday evenings. Hands-on studio creation will begin on Saturday and continue through Sunday afternoon. Register by email to Martha Enzmann: (enzmann@skybest.com) Please register by a week prior to the workshop.
Zumba Gold at the Harrill Senior Center: Come join us for Zumba Gold, a dance exercise program geared for older adults. The class meets from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesdays in the dining room of the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone. Suggested donation of $3 per class (not required). Call 265-8090 for more information or just come join us!
The Artist’s Way Workshop: Discover or recover your creative path in a lively and supportive group setting. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. til noon through July 3. Boone location. 12 participants maximum. Call or email Judi Beck at 828-963-1181 or (kmbeck@skybest.com) to register or for more information.
Craft enrichment classes offered at Appalachian: Appalachian State University’s craft enrichment classes are now enrolling students. Register now for basket making, painting, architecture, glass fusing and slumping, spinning, sewing, weaving, pottery, wood working, welding, photography, jewelry and stain glass. Enrollment is limited. Register now at craftenrichment.appstate.edu. Contact Eric Reichard at 828-262-2530 for additional information.
SUMMER SWIM LESSONS: The Watauga County Swim Complex is now registering for Summer Swim Lessons: Session 1: June 13- June 29 is a Wed., Fri., Mon. class that starts at 5:30 and ends at 6:15 levels 1-3. Session 2: June 18 - June 28 is a Monday - Thursday class that starts at 6:30 and ends at 7:15 levels 1-4. Session 3: July 9 - July 19 is a Monday - Thursday class that starts at 6:30 and ends at 7:15 levels 1-4+ Session 4: July 11 - July 27 is a W, F, M class that starts at 5:30 and ends at 6:15 levels 1-3. For more information call 264-0270 or stop by the Swim Complex.
SMALL GROUP SUMMER SWIM LESSONS: The Watauga County Swim Complex is now Registering for Small Group Summer Swim Lessons for Level 1 and 2. The class will be no larger than 6 kids and meet twice a week on Monday and Thursday, Level 1 will meet 3:00-3:50 p.m. and Level 2 will meet 4-4:50 PM for a total of 6 days. Both Sessions Start Monday June 11 and end Thursday June 28. For more information stop by the Swim Complex or call us at 264-0270.
Pilates Mat Classes: Classical Pilates mat classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 9-9:50 am and Monday evenings 6:15-7 p.m. at Northwestern Studios. For more information, visit http://www.thepilateseffect.com, northwesternstudios.com or call 828-773-0017.
2011 renewable energy workshops: To get additional information or to register please see our website: http://www.wind.appstate.edu/education-training/workshops or call 828-262-8818 or 843-412-1506 or by email: (ap66218@appstate.edu)
Craft Class at the Senior Center: Come join us for craft class at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone, held every Thursday morning from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free of charge for people 60 and over, $3 per class for those under 60. Lunch available at noon, free of charge to persons 60 and over. Please call 265-8090 for more information.
Weekly Decorative beading and Jewelry making workshops: Tuesday mornings 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Western Watauga Community Center. A minimal fee covers instruction, tools and materials for each project. Cost may vary. Call to sign up or for more information: Toni Wait 828-297-5195 Monday – Friday, 8 am-4 pm.
Knitting Classes: Classes are forming for beginning or advanced classes for individual or group lessons in Boone. Yarn and accessories are also available. For information, please call 828-297-1666 or 828-964-1405.
Join Mountain Mixers: Experienced area and visiting dancers can join the Mountain Mixers for Western Square & Round Dancing. Dancing from Mainstream to Advance levels feature national and international callers and national round dance cures Don and Linda Hichman. Dances are held at the Recreation Hall, Land Harbor Parkway off 181/221 in Linville, NC. GPS address is 20 Land Harbor Plaza, Newland, NC. Check this paper each week for times, callers, current schedule, and dance levels. For complete information on dances, classes, and workshops, go to http://www.mountainmixers.com.
CRUNCH BREAK- QuickFIT: Get out of the office for a while and join Theresa Keller and Casey Minton for a 35 minute workout session on your lunch break. Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday. You choose which class time works best for you, 12:15 or 1:15 p.m. All ages and skills levels welcome. For more information call (828)773-1335 or visit http://www.hcdancestudio.com.
CAN YOU READ THIS?: If you know an adult who can’t, we can help. Free one-on-one coaching to improve reading, math. Watauga Literacy Association (828) 265-2963.
CCC&TI offers free Basic Skills courses: Now offering Adult Basic Education and GED classes at The Children’s Council (225 Birch St., Suite 3, Boone). The classes are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is no charge for the classes, which also are available on CCC&TI Watauga campus in Boone. Free daycare is available for infants and children up to 5 while the parents are in the GED class. For more information, or to sign up, call 297-5253. For a full schedule of free Basic Skills classes at CCC&TI, visit http://www.cccti.edu/basicskills.
CCC&TI offers free Basic Skills courses: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Basic Skills department is now offering Adult Basic Education and GED classes at Deep Gap Fire Department (6583 Old 421 South, Deep Gap). The classes are every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no charge for the classes, which also are available on CCC&TI Watauga campus in Boone. For more information, or to sign up, call 297-5253. For a full schedule of free Basic Skills classes at CCC&TI, visit http://www.cccti.edu/basicskills.
At YOUR LIBRARY: One-on-One Computer Classes Offered: Give us a call to schedule an appointment with the Reference Department. Watauga County Public Library, 140 Queen Street, Boone, (828) 264-8784.
Learn to be a better dad: The Children’s Council is offering a free service to fathers (old and new). The group will meet at the Children’s Council on Wednesday evenings. Please call Matt Cooper to sign up or ask any questions. (828) 773-5893.
SPORTS/OUTDOORS
Watauga Leisure Biking Club: has scheduled rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Please check website for details. http://www.wataugaleisurebiking.com.