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.
HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR OLDER ADULTS IN WATAUGA COUNTY: The Watauga County Project on Aging and Watauga Medical Center will be offering health screening clinics to residents of Watauga County age sixty and older. This year there will be a $25 charge for people who have Medicare. There will be no charge for people age 60 and over who do not have Medicare insurance, but donations are gladly accepted from anyone participating in the clinics. The clinics will be held at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center on Thursday, March 8, and at the Western Watauga Community Center on Thursday, April 26. Call 265-8090 to make an appointment or for more information. You must have an appointment for the clinic.
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.
A Time to Embrace?: High Country Churches Examine Same-Gender Relationships from a Faith-Based Perspective. High Country United Church of Christ and the Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship warmly invite members of the faith community to a six-week discussion series inspired by the book. “A Time To Embrace” will meet at the Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 381 East King Street, on Tuesday evenings beginning Feb. 21 and continuing through March 27, from 5:30-7 pm. Snacks will be served and childcare will be available to those who reserve a space for their child. For questions or to reserve childcare, contact Melanie at 268-2207 or (paradoxpreacher@yahoo.com)
Looking Glass Gallery issues call for submissions for March exhibit: Looking Glass Gallery is accepting exhibition proposals for an exhibit that will be displayed March 19 – April 13. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 24 at the Office of Student Programs on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union, or by email to Dianna Loughlin, curator of the Looking Glass Gallery, at (LookingGlassGalleryASU@gmail.com)
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)
4-H Fruit Plant Sale: The annual 4-H Fruit Plant Sale flyer is now available. For an order form, contact Watauga Cooperative Extension office at 264-3061, 971 West King Street or download at http://goo.gl/HCCsy
4-H Camp Registration opens: Looking for a meaningful gift for a child or grandchild? Why not give the gift of an Experience? Consider giving a youth a week at camp, something that will create memories for a lifetime. Now is the time to begin enrolling for 4-H Camp for Summer 2012. Registration will continue beyond January 27, but spaces may not be guaranteed. Contact the 4-H office at 264-3061 for more information or to register. Check the website out at http://www.nc4h.org/centers.
WATAUGA SENIORS - JUST FOR YOU: (and anyone else interested), A Guide for High Country Seniors to Resources, Opportunities, Information and Things to Do in Watauga County. It’s a document chock full of information describing things like educational opportunities, Organizations, where to donate/buy used goods, recreational facilities along with contact information. 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)
Living Healthy Program to Begin March 12: Are you over the age of 60 and dealing with a chronic disease, such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, arthritis, or fibromyalgia? If so, the Living Healthy program may be your answer for a better quality of life. The Living Healthy Program is a six week education group designed to help people like you learn how to live a healthier life with a chronic condition. This free program will be held at the High Country Council of Governments (New Market Blvd across from Boone United Methodist Church) on Mondays from 9:30a.m.-12p.m. beginning March 12. Please call Tabitha at the Project on Aging to register (265-8090). Limited space is available for people under the age of 60.
BOOKS ON TAPE FOR SALE: The Watauga Library has discarded all their audio cassette tapes (Books on Tape) and the Friends of the Library are offering them for sale in the foyer of the Library for one dollar each. We’ve got lots and lots of audio tapes and will be replenishing the table several times a week, so come by often to check.
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.
Call for Proposals! Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant Program: The purpose of the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant is to strengthen our local food system by supporting female farmers, ranchers, and processors who plan to create innovative, sustainable solutions to producing or marketing obstacles in the High Country. Proposals must be RECEIVED no later than March 1, 2012. Please email (contactbrwia@gmail.com) for more information.
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.
Miss High Country Pageant Registration: Registration is open now. All ages, no experience necessary, no residency requirements. Visit http://www.misshighcountry.com or call (828) 773-0017 for more information.
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.
NEW FOOD ASSISTANCE WEBSITE: The North Carolina Association of Feeding America Food Banks recently launched a new website, http://www.fns4nc.org.
YMCA OF AVERY COUNTY OFFERING PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS: The YMCA of Avery County is now taking registration for private swim lessons. For more information, contact the YMCA at (828) 737-5500.
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.
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. Administered by the courts, the program recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of each child in the system. No special experience is required but you must be a mature adult and pass a criminal background check. 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!
Needlework Class at Senior Center: We are now accepting registration for a new session of needlework class. Classes will meet at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center each Thursday from 1-4pm beginning Thursday, March 15. The instructor is Marianne Evans and the charge for the 12-week session is $36.00. Class size is limited. Any age may attend but priority is given to persons age sixty and older. The deadline for registration is 5:00pm, Wednesday, March 14. Please call the Senior Center at 265-8090 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.
Pilates Mat Classes: Classical Pilates mat classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00-9:50 am and Monday evenings 6:15-7:00 pm at Northwestern Studios. For more information, visit http://www.thepilateseffect.com, northwesternstudios.com or call 828-773-0017.
The Watauga County Swim Complex is now registering for Spring Swim Lessons: Session 1: starts March 21- April 6 this is a W, F, M class that starts at 5:30 and ends at 6:15 levels 1-3 Session 2: starts March 26- April 5 this is a Monday- Thursday class that starts at 6:30 and ends at 7:15 levels 1-4+ Session 3: starts April 16- April 26 this is a Monday- Thursday class that starts at 6:30 and ends at 7:15 levels 1-4+ Session 4: starts April 18- May 4 this 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.
Free Eight Week Session of Fit and Strong!: Are you an older adult with arthritis or do you have stiffness or pain in your lower back, hips, knees, ankles or feet? Are you at least 60 years old? CRHA is partnering with the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center to offer Fit and Strong!. Classes will be held for eight weeks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10:30-12 beginning March 12. Contact Tabitha Thomas at 265-8090 for more information or to sign up for Fit and Strong!.
BRWIA opportunities: Call for Proposals! The purpose of the Sustainable Food and Agriculture Grant is to strengthen our local food system by supporting female farmers, ranchers, and processors who plan to create innovative, sustainable solutions to producing or marketing obstacles in the High Country. Proposals must be RECEIVED no later than March 1, 2012. Please email (contactbrwia@gmail.com) for more information.
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 10am-1pm. 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.
Spring Jewelry-Making Workshop at Harrill Senior Center: Friday, March 9, 9:00 am to 12N. Wire-wrapping a three dimensional object. Class fee of $25 includes instructions, hand outs, and use of tools/supplies. Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal item to be wrapped. Cost of materials will vary from $5 to $15 based on type of wire, amount of wire used, and choice of an item to wrap (if they do not have a personal selection). Please call Tabitha at 265-8090 to register. Registration fee will be collected the day of the class. Instructor: Francine Barr.
Weekly Decorative beading and Jewelry making workshops: Tuesday mornings 9:30am-12:30pm 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, 8am-4pm.
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.
CRAFT ENRICHMENT NOW ENROLLING: Registration has begun for the Fall semester for Adult Craft Enrichment classes at Appalachian State University. Various classes available. No experience is required. Classes are limited so please read more at http://www.craftenrichment.com, and register today! You may also call 828-262-2530 if you have questions about any of our classes.
Square & Round Dance Classes & Workshops: Sponsored by Linville Land Harbor Mountain Mixers. Linville Land Harbor Recreation Building Community Welcome. More information 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.
FREE Small Business Center workshop: The Watauga Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute will host a free workshop on using Google Apps for Business and Google Adwords from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Appalachian Enterprise Center, 130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone. Enoch Moeller, Google’s Operations Manager in Lenoir, will be the speaker. For more information, call Evelyn Asher at 719-7227.
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.
FREE Movie Under the Stars: Beech Mountain – Every Saturday night about 9 pm, weather permitting, a different family oriented movie will be shown in the field next to the Brick Oven Pizzeria in downtown Beech Mountain. This movie is provided free of charge. Call for future showings at (828) 387-4209.
HIGH COUNTRY KIDS TRIATHLON: The 6th annual High Country Kids Triathlon will be held at the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department May 19th at 10am. Entry forms are available at the pool or Parks and Rec Dept. Or you can register online at: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2013782. Call Paula Domermuth 828-964-9378 for more info or to volunteer.
Shamrock 4Miler Road Race: The Town of Abingdon and We Run Events have teamed up for the first annual Shamrock 4Miler on March 16th, 2012. Registration and the Start/Finish line will be at the Bonefire Smokehouse Restaurant located on Main Street in Abingdon, registration begins at 3:00pm and the race starts at 7:00pm. For more information on the race, visit http://www.werunevents.com or call 1-800-435-3440.
