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Animal Shelter Closing The Yancey County Animal Shelter will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1st. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
YCHS Accepting Donations for its
Annual Big Fall Flea Market The Yancey County Humane Society has started taking donations of slightly used items for their Annual "Big Fall Flea Market" which will be held on September 26th and 27th. Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday's and Saturday's at the former Byrd's Furniture Store (Next Door to Fred's.) on 19E Bypass. Please no donations after September 17th. For more information, call 682-9510 or 682-7010.
Mitchell Senior Center Fall Classes The Mitchell Senior Center, at 152 Ledger School Road will be offering the following Fall Classes: Monday Afternoon……”Quilting”
Tuesday Afternoon……”Cards for Fun (Bridge, Rook, etc.)”
Wednesday Afternoon…”Knitting”
Thursday Afternoon…...”Art”
“Tracing Your Family Roots”- Date and Time to be Set
Classes are open to all ages and are free to those over 60. Call the center to get more information and to register at 688-3019.
Yancey County Board of Education
Special Meeting Announcement The Yancey County Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2008, at 3 p.m. to award the Mountain Heritage High School roofing project bid and to discuss personnel. The meeting will be held at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville.
Mitchell Board of Commissioners Meeting The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners will meet in Special Session on Thursday, August 28 at 8:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room located at the Administration Building in Bakersville. The purpose of this session will be to consider and approve a Resolution Providing Final Approval of Terms and Documents for QZAB School Improvements Financing and any other business the Board deems necessary.
Remembering Our Childhood Summer Vacations The Mitchell Senior Center at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville will be having an activity on "Remembering our Childhood Summer Vacations" Thursday August 28th at 12:15pm. For more information call 688-3019.
Home-School Hang Out Are you Home-schooling or thinking of home-schooling? Hang out with area home-schoolers, connect with other parents, share ideas, suggestions, resources, at a Home-School Hang Out Event Friday August 29th from 10am-noon at Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church, one block north of the Burnsville Square. Kids can play on the playground or in the gym. Bring sandwich fixings and a blanket and enjoy picnicking together, too, either on the Higgins playground or at one of the two community playgrounds close by. For more information call Kim Garland 682-7490 or Alice Hutchins 682-5649
Newdale Fire Department Annual Car Show The Newdale Fire Department will be having their Annual Car Show Saturday August 30th from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Micaville Elementary School. The event will include fun, games, and music with all proceeds benefiting the Newdale Fire Department. For more information call Josh Nelson at 208-5499 or Tracy Cox at 284-4360.
Hospice of Yancey Needs Volunteers If you are looking for a way to help those in need in your own community, Hospice of Yancey County has a place for you. Volunteers are needed to help in the office, with fundraising events and to provide companionship to patients in their own home and in the nursing home. For information on how you can help and become part of the hospice team call Angie Higgins at 682-9675.
Old Burnsville Gym Now Open The Old Burnsville Gym has re-opened. The schedule for Monday through Friday is as follows: 8:30am-10:00am Walkers and Exercise
10:00am-12:00pm Open Gym
12:00pm-1:30pm Walkers and Exercise
1:30pm-4:30pm Open Gym For more information please call 682-3814. (In the near future, the gym will have "Open Gym" at night.)
Youth Soccer Coaches Needed! Soccer Coaches are NEEDED now more than ever! We held our coaches meeting on Thursday and had only a few coaches showed up. The lowest turnout in 10 years! We NEED COACHES! If you are a parent, friend, former coach or player then you are an ideal candidate as a coach. Our community's youth soccer experience is dependent on volunteer coaches. We need anyone willing to reap the joys of coaching our youth to volunteer their time for only a few hours a week. Your support is vital to our league's success and our energetic and excited youth playing soccer are relying on YOU! With over 150 signed up and only 50 having coaches we need you! We have 8 coaches and need 16 coaches more! We can help you get started coaching by providing you with personal instruction (like sharing practices with other experienced coaches), literature, and training. Soccer is a simple sport with no complex rules. It's VERY EASY to coach soccer. If not the easiest of all the organized sports! Please call NOW!!! WE WILL MAKE IT AS EASY AS WE CAN FOR YOU TO COACH! At the coaches meeting we only had one U8 coach with at least 7 more coaches. Only three U6 coaches showed up with at least 5 more needed! Only one U10 coach showed up with at least 5 more needed! And for the first time in years we have enough U14 signups to form a team. We also need a U14 coach for them. Only the U12's had enough coaches. Practices start this week and we have kids that have to wait for someone to step up and make the most important commitment of all, to our kids before they can start enjoying the world's most popular sport. Take the lead and make this an enjoyable season for all by calling Gregg at 208-4307 or email him at gregg@ycyla.org. Since our U6, U8 and U10 age groups need coaches then most of your kids will be impatiently waiting for an adult to make this most important commitment. Just ask yourself, "Why wouldn't I want to help? What is holding me back?" We need your help, NOW!!! Don't hesitate! You will not regret the joy of helping our community's youth and watching them grow together on and off the field. There is no greater reward than helping one another!
Free Line Dancing The Mitchell Senior Center is offering free line dancing classes on Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm. (no partner needed). For more information, call 688-3019.
Cane River Health Advisory The following health advisory is from the Toe River Health District. Because of continuing problems at the Burnsville Waste Water Treatment Plant, no swimming or wading is allowed in the Cane River from the Burnsville Waste Water Treatment Plant downstream until further notice.
Appalachian Music Jamboree Encore Saturday, September 6, 7:30pm at your Burnsville Town Center. If you missed them last year, now is your chance to see a lot of talent all in one show. Terry McKinney, Judy Alexander, Eddie Graham, Lenny Ski & Tom Sparks with Special Guest: Brian Gurl. Featuring Chet Cutshall, Eual Owens & Sergio Cassenego. If you saw them last year, we know you'll be back for this encore performance. Tickets are just $15. Call 828-766-0208 or 941-468-7123.
Upcoming Sessions at Yancey Senior Center Beverly Nelson, Area Agent with the NC Cooperative Extension, will host two upcoming sessions at the Yancey Senior Center. The first session will be held on Monday, September 8th, at 10:30 am and the topic will be “Saving Money at the Grocery Store.” The second session will be held on Monday, September 22nd, at 10:30 am and the topic will be “Managing your Money”. Everyone is invited to attend.
Yancey County Board of
Education Meeting
The Yancey County Board
of Education will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, September 8,
2008 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Board of Education office,
100 School Circle, Burnsville.
Fire Safety Class On Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 10:15 am there will be a Fire Safety class held at the Yancey Senior Center. The Burnsville Fire Department will conduct the class. Everyone is invited to attend this class, as it is very informative and beneficial to all. Also, if you plan to use wood as your heating source this winter, this would be an excellent class to participate in. For more information, please contact Cindi Renfro at 682-6011 or 678-3581.
Women Cookin’ and Movin’
at Yancey County Health Department Monthly sessions combine healthy eating with ways to be more physically active. We cook new recipes, make new friends, and talk about our progress to eat healthier. You will have a chance to pick up a new skill, try new recipe ingredients and use locally grown produce that is in season to help you accomplish eating more fruits and vegetables and less fat. Cookin’ and Movin’ Sessions are FREE and being held at the Yancey County Health Department in the community-teaching kitchen. To help plan for food, we ask that you call 682-6118 Ext. 29 to reserve a spot. Times and Dates for Women Cookin’ and Movin’: September 16th 10am-12 noon
Registration Open for Second Annual
Monster Dash 5K 2008 Registration has opened for the 2nd Annual Monster Dash 5K. The event will take place Saturday, October 25th at 9:00 am. This challenging trail run will traverse through Eliada's historic and wooded campus, which will be decorated in a Halloween theme especially for the event. Runners will pass through the 'haunted orchard', an old cemetery, and along the spooky trail before crossing the spider web finish line. Runners are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female age category winners and the top 3 winners overall, as well as for best costume. The Monster Dash 5K qualifies as an Asheville Track Club Grand Prix race. Registration is $20 and includes chip timing, snacks & beverages, and a t-shirt for the first 100 registrants. The event will also include a free 1-mile fun run, registration for which will be on-site the day of the race. Runners and volunteers are still needed to help make the event successful. Registration and more information is available online at www.eliada.org/race , or by contacting Kelley Corwin at (828) 254-5356 x 156 or kcorwin@eliada.org. All proceeds benefit the children and families served by Eliada. Later in the day, the course will become the "Trick or Treat Trail". Sponsors of the 5K will be on hand to pass out candy to invited children's groups along the wooded trail. Face painting and other children's activities will also be available. Scouting organizations, youth groups, or other children's organizations who are interested in learning more should contact Kelley Corwin at (828) 254-5356 x 156 for information.
46th Annual Fall Roan Mountain Naturalist's Rally The 46th Annual Fall Roan Mountain Naturalist's Rally will be held at Roan Mountain State Park September 5th through 7th with speakers Ed Schell and Jamey Donaldson, nature hikes and discussions, catered meals, etc. For more information call Gary Barrigar at (423)543-7576 or email barrigargn@embarqmail.com.
Local Man to Run for Cancer Awareness On Thursday, Sept. 11th, Chad Trivette will be running from Spruce Pine, up by Mitchell High School and on to Bakersville-ending at the Creek Walk to raise Cancer awareness. He is looking for sponsors and donations. His goal is to raise five thousand dollars in honor of his mom, Pam Trivette, an RN and supervisor of the Mitchell County Home Health who was diagnosed with cancer in late June of this year. All funds received will be donated to help local patients in Mitchell County. Your donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, or could help in some other way, do not hesitate to contact one of the people listed below. Thank you for your consideration of this important health issue.
Jessica Farley-MCHD Health Promotion Coordinator: 828-688-2183 ext.34
Kathy Garland-MCHD Social Worker: 828-688-2183 ext. 22
Chris and Lisa Boone: 828-385-1211
Chad Trivette: 828-467-2082
17th Overmountain Victory Celebration In honor of the 228th anniversary of Kings Mountain, the 17th annual Overmountain Victory Celebration will be held September 11 thru September 14, 2008 at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 331). This celebration highlights the Revolutionary War story of the Overmountain Men and their famous victory at King’s Mountain, South Carolina. The Overmountain Victory Celebration begins with two days dedicated to special demonstrations for hundreds of area school children on September 11 and 12. During this time, children will witness history firsthand and experience life as it existed during the Revolutionary War. Reservations are required for this part of the event. A special invitation to home school groups is being extended for Saturday September 13th and no reservations are required for Saturday. To view a list of activities that are open to the general public, click here
Spruce Pine Pow Wow The public is invited to the Spruce Pine Pow Wow Friday September 12th through Sunday September 14th, 9am-9pm Friday and Saturday and 9am-5pm Sunday, on Highway 226 in Spruce Pine behind Music, Jewelry and Loan. The Pow Wow will feature native storytellers and demonstrators, music by a N.A.M.Y. Award Winner, native traders and food vendors, camping for dancers and vendors and more. Dance registration is $5. Spectator admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Friday is kid's day. For more information call 765-3073 or 765-1667.
"Taste of the Blue Ridge" Mitchell County United Way will host a Fundraiser event on Monday, September 15th entitled “Taste of the Blue Ridge.” There will be food samples from many local restaurants, food demonstrations, local farmers market specialty foods, artfully decorated table settings and live music. The event will event will be from 5:30-8:30 at the Cross Street Commerce Center (former Hampshire Hosiery Building) at 31 Cross Street in Spruce Pine. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple, tickets are available in advance or at the door. All proceeds benefit the United Way of Mitchell County, Inc. For more information, call 765-7724.
Ft. Hamby Park Pow Wow The Fort Hamby Park Pow Wow will be held in Wilkesboro, N.C. September 19th through 21st, 9am-9pm Friday and Saturday and 9am-5pm Sunday. The event will include native storytellers and demonstrators, music by a N.A.M.Y. award winner, native traders and food vendors, camping for dancers and vendors, luck-of-the-draw dance money and more. Dance registration will be $5. Park fee is $1 and spectator admission is $5 per adult, $2 per child. Friday is Kid's Day. To get there, at milepost #293 on US-421, 6 miles north of Wilkesboro, N.C., turn south on South Recreation Road to the end of Ft. Hamby Park. Entertainment is at the Forest's Edge Amphiteatre, dancing and vendors will be at the swimming area inside the park. For more information call 765-1667.
Public Hearing on Mitchell Adult Care Home A public hearing on a Hickory health care company's project to develop an 80-bed adult care home in Mitchell County will be held Friday September 19th at 10:00am at Mayland Community College's Gwaltney Hall, Room 205, at 200 Mayland Drive in Spruce Pine. Anyone may file written comments concerning the proposal, no later than September 2nd, to: Certificate of Need Section
Division of Health Service Regulation
2704 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-2704 For additional information call Ronald Loftin at (919)855-3881.
Rabies Clinic The Yancey County Humane Society Animal Shelter will conduct a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, September 20 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the Shelter, 962 Cane River School Road. Rabies vaccinations cost $6.00. Other vaccinations will be available. Microchipping is available for $20.00 per pet. Low-cost spay/neuter certificates will be available. Volunteers will conduct Shelter business as usual during the above hours.
Humane Society Big Fall Flea Market The Yancey County Humane Society has scheduled the Big Fall Flea Market for Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27. Friday hours will be 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. and Saturday hours will be 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Please note the new location - the former Byrd's Furniture Store (next door to Fred's) 19E Bypass - Burnsville.
Volunteers Needed for the
N.C. Guardian ad Litem Program This year, the N.C. Guardian ad Litem program is celebrating its 25th anniversary of being a voice for children who are victims of child abuse and neglect. Established by the N.C. legislature in 1983, the Guardian ad Litem program trains volunteers to represent the best interests of abused children in the state court system and help make sure these children have a safe, permanent home – what every child needs. The Guardian ad Litem program can't do it alone. They need volunteer guardians from cities and towns across North Carolina due to the continued rise of child abuse and neglect hearings – more than 38,800 in 2007. Additionally, last year alone, more than 4,614 volunteer guardians represented 17,701 children. Those numbers illustrate the need for more volunteers. If you have just a few hours each month to rise to the challenge and volunteer, call 1-800-982-4041 or visit www.ncgal.org
Intermountain Head Start Intermountain Head Start is currently recruiting Pre-school children for the present school year and for the school year 2008-2009 that will begin in August. Head Start provides individualized care and guidance for children, helping them to fulfill their developmental potential, including special needs children. For further information, in Mitchell County contact Pam Snyder at 828-688-2190 ext #17 or in Yancey County contact Reamona Thomason or Laura Fortner at 682-6668.
How You Can Help Save a Life Narconon Arrowhead is saving lives, reuniting families, and making stronger communities through effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn how and why a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol and what you can do to help, log on to www.stopaddiction.com or call 800-468-6933 to receive free counseling, referrals and assessments. Stop the cycle of addiction today!
Funds For Free Sterilization Available If you are considering either a tubal ligation or vasectomy, the Yancey County Health Department currently has limited funds available for FREE sterilizations for person over 21. The tubal ligation and vasectomy are safe procedures and do not require an overnight stay. Contact the Health Department as soon as possible. Call Fran or Donna at: 682-6118
Low-Cost Online Tax Return Options Gov. Mike Easley has announced that taxpayers will have more options this year for filing their North Carolina tax returns online for free or at a minimal charge through the state Department of Revenue's expanded electronic services program. He also warned taxpayers to steer clear of high-cost refund anticipation loans, which can substantially reduce the tax refund a person receives. Last year, the state received more than 2.2 million electronically filed individual returns, 55 percent of the 3.98 million individual state returns filed with the Revenue Department. The Department's web site has direct links to the online tax-preparation services. Online preparation of federal tax returns is available as well. Information on e-filing and links to the services can be found on the home page of the Revenue Department's web site: www.dornc.com. Click on the "E-File" logo on the right side of the web page. The Department of Revenue reminds citizens on its website that taxpayers who file through online companies are under no obligation to use refund anticipation loans or purchase any product from the participating company. The N.C. Office of the Commissioner of Banks has more information about tax refund loans and how to avoid paying too much for one on its website at www.SaveTheRefund.org.
Lost a Pet? Call Humane Society First The Yancey County Humane Society is reporting that they have received a higher than normal number of strays that have been turned in to their shelter. If you have lost an animal, please contact the shelter so they can put your information in their lost/found book and notify you should it arrive at their shelter. They also want to make everyone aware that they keep animals for 3 business days and then put the animal up for adoption, so it's very important that you notify them when your animal is missing...otherwise it could have a new home if you wait too long. Since pets tend to roam this time of year, it's a good idea to buy a collar with identification tags for your animal so that you can be reunited quicker should it begin to stray from home. For more information call 682-9510.
Girl Scout Volunteers Needed You can read about great lives, or you can make someone's life great. Right now, girls are eager to be placed in a girl scout troop so they may begin exploring the fun and excitement of Girl Scouts. What's missing is you! Become a Girl Scout volunteer and use your skills to make an impact on a girl's life-- It's forever!. Call Aileen Sheehan-Wilson for more information at (800) 522-6280 ext. 312 or visit them online at www.girlscoutswnc.org.
UPWARD: County-wide Sports Ministry UPWARD is coming...a new county wide sports ministry that is interested in making a positive difference in children's lives. They are inviting boys and girls, ages kindergarten through 6th grades, who are interested in basketball or cheerleading. Upward League desires to change lives and recognize that every child is a winner. They are focused on providing the opportunity for every child to grow in their fundamental understanding and enjoyment of sports, as well as developing the character of each child. Talent is distributed to promote equal teams and there is equal playing time for each player. Every child will be given the opportunity to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Parents will have the opportunity to be directly involved in the positive reinforcement and development of their children. Upward emphasizes the building up of children and their parents, as well as the fact that there is much more to life than "Win at All Costs". For more information call 765-0660 Monday through Wednesday 8am-noon, leave a message otherwise.
WAMY Community Action Looking for Testimonials WAMY Community Action is searching for former customers and staff of their non-profit agency. Have you ever participated in any of WAMY’s many different programs? Did WAMY help you get back on your feet when you really needed help? Have you even been employed by WAMY? If your life has ever been impacted by WAMY Community Action, give them a call or stop by sometime! Call 682-6618 for WAMY’s Yancey County office and share your story today!
Protect Yourself Against Rabies Public health officials say that rabies cases have increased compared to this time last year. As a result, they are urging North Carolinians to be wary of wild or strange animals. Precautions include:
* Vaccinate pets.
* Don't try to rescue, pet or touch wild animals.
* Avoid physical contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats.
* Do not sleep in a cabin, tent or shelter if bats are present.
Any mammal can get rabies, but raccoons are the most common carrier in North Carolina. The disease can occur at any time of year, although humans are most likely to be exposed in the warm months when they are outside more often. More information on rabies in North Carolina, including county-by-county data, is available on the web at http://www.rabies.ncdhhs.gov
Volunteers Needed* The Blue Ridge Fitness and Rehabilitation Center is looking for a few good men and women to volunteer. Volunteers are needed at the center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-3pm. If you have some extra time on your hands, and would enjoy helping the staff at Blue Ridge Fitness and Rehabilitation Center in providing quality care for its patients and the best fitness services possible for its members call 766-1770.
Mitchell Senior Center The Mitchell Senior Center needs substitute volunteers for all routes, but for the Bakersville area especially. Substitutes are people who are willing for them to call at the last minute when they need someone to deliver meals. They know a sub can not always drop what they are doing and come out to deliver the Meals on Wheels, and that's okay, they do it when they can. All the Meal Routes are approximately 1 hour from pick-up at the Senior Center until the last meal is dropped off. So all in all it takes about an hour and half to do a Meal Route. They have 7 Meal Routes and serve approximately 85-95 Meals on Wheels 5 days a week. Wed-Bakersville Area Thu-Ledger Area Fri-Glen Ayre Area. Please call 688-3019 or come by the Senior Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Shriner's Hospitals Children with serious medical problems face many challenges in life. That's why Shriner's Hospitals for Children offers help and hope by providing world-class medical care to kids with orthopedic, spinal cord or burn injury problems, totally free of charge! Shriner's Hospitals combine leading edge research with outstanding teaching programs and there is a Shriner's Hospital helping kids from this area. If you know a child they could help call 1-800-237-5055 or visit www.shriners-hospitals.org
Yancey County Families Encouraged to Apply for WIC The Yancey County WIC Office is encouraging eligible families in Yancey County to sign up for WIC. WIC is a program that provides nutritious foods along with counseling and education to all women, infants and children who qualify. If any families are interested about signing up for WIC or need some additional information please feel free to call the Yancey County WIC office at ( 828) 682-4198.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group Meeting Parkinson's Disease Support meets at Grassy Creek Presbyterian Church the second Tuesday of each month at a new time: 10:00am. The rear entrance has a wheelchair/walker friendly doorway. Please bring your caregiver if you wish and share your thoughts & ideas.
Help for Starting or Expanding a Small Business Are you interested in starting or expanding a small business? If so, then W. A. M. Y. Community Action, Inc. may be able to help with funding or other assistance. W.A.M.Y.'s Micro Enterprise Program makes small business loans and also can arrange for various types of training to help small business owners. Call (828) 733-0156 and ask for the Micro Loan Coordinator to learn more.
Fair Housing is the Law in North Carolina Fair Housing is the law in North Carolina. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in housing because of your race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, or family status you have options. If you wish to report a fair housing complaint and you live in Yancey County, call the Yancey County Manager's Office at 682-3971, the Burnsville Town Hall at 682-2420, or you may contact the North Carolina Human Relations Commission at 1-866-324-7474. The hearing impaired may dial 711 to access Relay North Carolina.
Fibromyalgia Support Group A fibromyalgia support group meets at Spruce Pine Community Hospital on the last Thursday of every month at 12 noon. Bring your lunch with you or stop by the hospital's cafeteria. Desserts and coffee provided. For more information, call Pauline Carter at (828) 689-4949.
Grief Group Meeting The Yancey County Grief Group meets every Thursday at 4pm at the Hospice of Yancey County at 856 Georges Fork Road. If you have lost a loved one and would like to talk to others in a similar situation you invited to join the group. For more information call 682-9675.
Community Service Workers Available to Non-Profits The North Carolina Department of Corrections Community Service Program is seeking non-profit agencies who would like to be considered for placement of court-ordered persons to work off community service hours at their location. For more information call William Whiteside at 682-6300 or email WWH04@DOC.STATE.NC.US.
Free Basic Skills Classes for GED Completion Mayland Community College offers free Basic Skills classes for those seeking their GED. Come at your convenience. Call Joyce Boone at 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 291 for more information.
Spruce Pine Kiwanis Club Meeting For 50 years, the Kiwanis Club of Spruce Pine has been actively involved in projects that make our community a great place to work and live. They focus on providing services to help children and youth, funded by conducting events such as fish fries and golf tournaments. During the past 2 years, Kiwanis of Spruce Pine has conducted reading and grade improvement programs in local schools, supported clubs and activities in Mitchell High School, distributed and read more than 500 books to Elementary classes, sponsored a dental hygiene education program for students, and established and endowed a scholarship at Mayland Community College. They invite all interested persons to attend their meeting any
Tuesday at 7pm at Western Sizzlin' on Highway 226 in Spruce Pine for food, fun, fellowship and a chance to be a part of these programs which support our youth. For more information call Douglas at 766-7777.
SafePlace Fresh Start Program SafePlace is working with local agencies to improve lives of the underemployed and homemakers who have lost financial support through divorce or death of a parent or spouse through their Fresh Start Program. This program offers job counseling, job training, health and educational services to those wanting to re-enter the work force and is offered free of charge to individuals, both male and female, who qualify. Upcoming Life Skills classes are scheduled for Monday evenings at the Trinity Episcopal Church and Employability Skills Development classes are held at the JobLink Center Tuesday afternoons from 3-5pm. Computer Classes are held at Mayland's Main Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a complete list of classes, dates and times and more information and registration call Elizabeth Artalejo at 765-4015 or 765-4044.
FVC Needs Volunteers with Trucks & Strong Backs If you have a little time to donate every now and then to help move furniture, appliances, and other heavy items, then the Family Violence Coalition needs you. The Family Violence Coalition never knows exactly when a family will be leaving the shelter or when they'll receive donations of furniture and other items too heavy for their female staff members to move, so they'd like to assemble a list of willing volunteers they can call on from time to time to help out. Also, right now The Family Violence Coalition does not have a truck and could really use one. If you have an old truck you would like to donate, it would be appreciated and would be tax deductible. They'll give you a tax receipt for the donation. If you or your church group is interested in volunteering or if you'd like to donate a truck, call Samantha Phipps at 678-3436 or 208-2981 and leave your name and phone number.
Domestic Violence Support Groups Mitchell County Safeplace has a support group for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. If you'd like more information call 765-4044. The Family Violence Coalition of Yancey County offers a support group for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. For information about this group call 682-0056. Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteers The Yancey County Meals on Wheels program needs volunteers to deliver meals to Yancey County shut-ins, any weekday from 10:30am-noon. If you'd like to volunteer, call the Yancey County Senior Center at 682-6011.
Support Group for Parents The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service offers Parenting Matters, support for parents of kids of all ages. The group meets Tuesdays from 6-8pm at the Yancey County Extension Service office and Thursdays from 9am-11am at the Mitchell Extension Service office. For more information call 682-6186 in Yancey or 688-4811 in Mitchell.
Parent to Parent
Family Support Network High Country Does your child have special needs? Find out more about a special need, disability, or diagnosis and receive information on resources and services. Also, talk to a trained support parent who also has a child with special needs. We sponsor workshops, trainings, and support groups while promoting collaboration among parents, families, and service providers. Find out more by visiting our website www.parent2parenthighcountry.org or call are toll free family line 866-448-5781.
Call Humane Society First When Missing a Pet When you notice your pet is missing give the Yancey County Humane Society and Mitchell County Animal Rescue a call to see if the animal has been turned in there. They usually notify us of animals that have been dropped off there, and the Yancey County Humane Society will hold an animal up to 72 hours before trying to find the animal a home. If you wait too long to call them, your pet could be adopted out to a new home. To call the Yancey County Animal Shelter call 682-9510 and the Mitchell County Animal Rescue number is 765-6952.
Parents Healing Together Support Group Parents Healing Together is a support group for parents of infant children who have passed away. This group meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Spruce Pine Community Hospital board room. For more information call 765-2659.
Health Department's 5 R's of Rabies Prevention The Mitchell County Health Department encourages everyone to practice "Responsible Pet Ownership" by following the 5 R's of rabies prevention. (1) Rabies Vaccination...have your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies and keep their vaccination up to date. (2) Remove food from your yard...food items left outside will attract wild or stray animals that may have rabies. (3) Restrict your pets to your property...this will lesson the likelihood that your pets have contact with sick animals. (4) Receive prompt care from your medical provider if you are bitten by an animal. (5) Report animal bites and unusual animal behavior...such as refusal to eat or drink water, staggering walk, sick wasted look or extremely aggressive or passive behavior. For more information call your local health department. In Yancey County call 682-6118. In Mitchell County call 688-2371.3
Fundraiser for Mitchell Animal Rescue Mitchell County Animal Rescue is collecting and recycling printer cartridges and old cell phones as a fundraiser for shelter pets awaiting adoption. Drop off your used cartridges and old cell phones at the shelter, Blue Moon Bookstore in Spruce Pine, or The Gallery Upstairs in Bakersville. For more information call Patricia at 766-7348.
Yancey 4-H Friends The Yancey 4-H Friends, governor one on one volunteer program needs your help. They need Volunteers, men and women, who can be a role model for referred youth. It only takes 2 hours a week to make a big difference in friends life. Call 682-6186 or 682-6393 and ask for Bob.
Heritage Adult Day Retreat Need help caring for your loved one? Call Heritage Adult Day Retreat at 682-1556. They're open Monday through Friday 7:30am-5:30pm. They provide assistance with medications and personal care, social activities, a registered nurse on staff...and transportation and financial assistance is available. They're located on Highway 19E at Riverside.
Volunteers Needed For Yancey Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver meals for Yancey County's Meals on Wheels program at the Yancey Senior Center. Mileage will be reimbursed. For details on how you can volunteer call 682-6011.
To Tutor or Be Tutored The Yancey County Literacy council is a non-profit organization that gives free one-on-one tutoring to both children and adults. If you need a tutor or would like to become a tutor with the Yancey Literacy Council call 678-9646 for more information.
MY Meds Medication Ministry MY Meds Medication and Health Ministry is a local non-profit organization that provides help to Mitchell and Yancey County residents who have no prescription health plan and often have to decide between buying food and buying medicine. No one should have to make that choice. If you need help paying for needed prescription medications call MY Meds office at 766-6336.
Breast Feeding Support The Yancey Health Department and WIC Program provide breastfeeding education and support to all women in Yancey County regardless of income. Breastfeeding counselors are available 24 hours a day to offer one-on-one assistance before and after pregnancy. This service is made possible through funding from Mitchell-Yancey Partnership for Children. For more information call the Yancey County Health Department at 682-6118.
Facts About Blood Donation * Every 2 seconds in the U.S. someone needs a blood transfusion. * By donating blood regularly, we can be assured blood will be available for an emergency. * It takes about an hour to give blood (The actual amount of time the needle is in the donors arm is approximately 10 minutes). * Only 5% of the medically eligible population is willing to take about an hour to save someone's life. * You can give blood even if you're on most medications. * You may be able to give blood even if you have had most types of Cancer as long as the Cancer has been in remission for 5 years. * You may be able to give blood if it has been 5 years since your last chemotherapy or radiation treatment. * You have to be at least 17 years old to give blood, but there is no upper age limit. * You have to weigh at least 110 pounds. * Because blood can be separated into 3 components, a single blood donation can save up to 3 lives. * By donating blood you save lives and become a hero, and the American Red Cross would like to thank your for giving the gift of life.
Reach to Recovery Have you just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you have questions about recovery, a prosthesis, or reconstructive surgery? Do you need someone to talk to? Reach to Recovery is a peer support program aimed at women who have been newly diagnosed or just treated for breast cancer that helps to answer these questions. If you or a loved one would like information on Reach to Recovery, contact your doctor or the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-866-227-7798. | 
P.O. Box 744 