Things 2 Know

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities at the Harrill 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? Come learn about ways to get involved at the senior center. Musicians are encouraged to join the bluegrass music time every Thursday morning. Volunteers are also needed to lead activities during weekday mornings. For more info, stop by the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone or call 828-265-8090 and ask for Tabitha.

Wetland Conservation Volunteers Needed…
Wetland conservation volunteers are needed. For more info, email Wendy_Patoprsty@ncsu.edu or call 828-264-3061.

Volunteer with Community Care Clinic…
Medical providers, health educators, and community members with diverse skills are sought to assist in expanding services at the Boone Community Care Clinic, which provides health care to low-income community members who lack health insurance. Interested primary care and other medical providers, acupuncturists, nutritionists and health educators may contact Clinic Director Marian Peters. Medical practices willing to accept one or more patient referrals monthly should also call. For more info, call 828-265-8591.

Volunteer with Cancer Resource Alliance…
The Cancer Resource Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with local fundraisers and help in the Cancer Resource Center speaking with patients and ensuring that local physicians’ offices receive the quarterly newsletter. For more info, or to sign up, email cra@apprhs.org or call Barbara Doughton at 828-297-1459.

Volunteer with Disabled American Veterans Transportation System…
The Disabled American Veterans Transportation System is seeking volunteers to take area veterans to local VA Hospitals for appointments. The van, insurance and expenses will be provided. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and no uncontrolled medical problems. For more info, contact Bernie Lee at 828-964-6442 or Dave Pickard at 828-964-8368 or contact the station.

Volunteer with Hunger and Health Coalition…
The Hunger and Health Coalition needs volunteers to unload the weekly food truck. Volunteers are needed around 11:00 a.m. on Monday mornings when the food arrives. For more info, call 828-262-1628 or email info@hungerandhealthcoalition.com.

Horse Helpers of the High Country Needs Volunteers and Webmaster…
Horse Helpers of the High Country gives sick, abused and unwanted horses and other equine a second chance. They are looking for general volunteers and a volunteer webmaster. For more info, email Betsy Nicholls at bcoan.nicholls@gmail.com or call 704-607-9604.

Join the Club—Meeting Notices

High Country Writers Guild, Watauga Public Library, second and fourth Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 828-773-9554

Lap Quilting Guild, Western Watauga Community Center, Sugar Grove, every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 828-297-5195

Boone Rotary Club, Golden Corral, Boone, every Thursday, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., 828-265-7211

Avery Rotary Club, Bella’s Italian Restaurant, every Thursday, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., $12 lunch, 828-898-3111

Martini Society, Crestwood, Blowing Rock, every Thursday, bar opens at 4:30 p.m., society members begin arriving at 5:30 p.m., 828-963-6646

Diabetes Education & Support Group, Western Watauga Community Center, Sugar Grove, Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m./Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 828-297-5195

Fit Club, Harrill Senior Center Classroom 3, Boone, Fridays, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., free, 828-265-8090

Weaving Guild, Western Watauga Community Center, Sugar Grove, every Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 828-297-5195

Boone Running Club, Greenway Trail, every Saturday, 9:00 a.m., 828-773-6482

Old-Fashioned Rug Hooking Guild, ages 60+, Western Watauga Community Center, every Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 828-297-5195

Overeaters Anonymous, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone, Mondays at 6:00 p.m./Wednesdays at noon, 828-260-2437

Woodcarving Guild, Western Watauga Community Center, Sugar Grove, every Tuesday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., 828-297-5195

Kiwanis Club of Boone, Paolucci’s Restaurant, Boone, every Tuesday, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 828-263-0728

NAMI Connections Support Group, Watauga County Project on Aging, Boone, Tuesdays, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., 828-265-8090

Toastmasters Club, St. Elizabeth’s Fellowship Hall, Boone, every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., 828-264-9010

Addiction 12-Step Recovery, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone, every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., 828-297-7455 or 828-964-8888

Civil Air Patrol, Boone National Guard Armory, every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., 828-773-4609

Seven Devils Art Guild, bring art supplies and a bag lunch, Seven Devils Town Hall, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $30 annual fee, 828-963-5343

Friends of the Ashe County Library Meeting, Ashe County Library, downstairs, every fourth Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., 336-384-4255

General Interest—Opportunities

Watauga Public Library Charity Clothing Drive…
The Watauga Public Library is again collecting clothing donations on the “Giving Tree” for the upcoming holiday season. Any new or “gently used” items would be welcome additions to the tree: cozy hats, warm gloves, mittens and scarves as well as ski pants, blankets and other larger articles would be most appreciated. The items received will be distributed to the local Salvation Army, OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter), Hospitality House, and individuals in need of winter clothing. Bring your offerings any time between now and New Year’s Day. For more info, call 828-264-8784.

Lees-McRae College Scholarships…
Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk is offering scholarships for graduating seniors from Avery, Watauga, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Mitchell, Yancey, Wilkes, Caldwell and Carter counties. Students who graduate from a high school in one of these counties, apply and are admitted to Lees-McRae will receive a $1,000 grant. Scholarships may be renewable for up to four years. Current academic merit-based scholarships range from $3,000 to $10,000 with limited full tuition awards. Performance-based scholarships vary and are determined by the athletic or performing arts department. For more info and to apply for admission, click to www.lmc.edu.

Share the Warmth…
The Mast General Store, along with Columbia Sportswear, invites you to share the warmth in your community by “sharing” your clean, gently-worn coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, and even blankets so others can be warm this winter. You can drop off your items at the Original Mast General Store and the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis. Your donation to the Original Store will go to the Eastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia tornado victims and the Valle Crucis Elementary School, and the Annex will be given to the Hospitality House and Valle Crucis Elementary. Donations at the Boone Mast Store will be given to Green Valley Elementary School as well as to the April 2011 tornado victims. For more info, call 828-963-6511.

Town of Boone Commemorative Program…
The Town of Boone Greenway, Parks and Gardens Committee proudly introduces the Town of Boone Commemorative Program. The Town of Boone Commemorative Program is designed for those who wish to remember or pay tribute to a loved one by making a contribution to the town to purchase a commemorative bench located in parks and along trails within the Boone town limits. For more info, call Shannon Isaacs at Town of Boone Public Works at 828-268-6230.

Support to Families of Individuals with Dementia…
The Avery County Senior Center in Newland offers a program that is designed to help both individuals suffering from dementia and their caregivers. The program is offered on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is known as “Caregiver’s Haven;” it is a fully supervised program that provides caregivers with some free time to relax, run errands, attend to personal appointments, etc. Participants are lead in numerous activities such as physical exercise, music and crafts as well as discussions and projects specifically designed to stimulate the mind. Counseling is also available. For more info, call 828-733-8220 or 828-733-2787.

Watauga Seniors Guide Book…
“A Guide for High Country Seniors to Resources, Opportunities, Information and Things to Do in Watauga County” is now available. It is a 37-page document chock full of information describing things like educational opportunities, organizations, where to donate/buy used goods, recreational facilities along with contact information. In all, listings are grouped under 27 different headings and it is free. Click to www.wataugaseniors.com to read it or download it. For more info, email wataugaseniors@bellsouth.net.

One-on-One Computer Classes Offered…
The Watauga Public Library in Boone will offer one-on-one computer classes. For more info or to make an appointment, call 828-264-8784.

Literacy Coaching…
If you know an adult who can’t read, the Watauga Literacy Association, a nonprofit community organization, can help. The association offers free, one-on-one coaching to improve reading and math. For more info, call Beth at 828-265-293.

Single-Family Rehab Program…
WAMY Community Action will offer assistance to homeowners in Watauga County who need comprehensive rehab work done on their home. To qualify, applicants must meet 80 percent of the median income guideline. Funds will be offered through a forgivable loan agreement. Manufactured homes do not qualify. For more info and to receive an application, call 828-264-2421.

Lees-McRae College Community Membership Available…
Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk will now share its facilities with members of the community. The membership fee is $100 per person per year. All paying members will receive an official college photo ID. The ID will allow community members to access the Broyhill Fitness Center, Arthur Student Recreation Complex, Rhea Lyons Swimming Pool, James H. Carson Library, tennis courts and any exercise class offered by the college. The facility use form and payment can be completed in the Cannon Student Center or the Arthur Student Recreation Complex. Paying members are allowed one guest per day for $5 for each guest pass. To obtain a guest pass, the guest must have a valid photo ID. For more info, call 828-898-8753 or 828-898-8797.

Humane Society Dog Park Open…
The Watauga Humane Society Dog Park on Don Hayes Road off Old Highway 421 is open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset year-round. Day passes are available for $3, and annual passes are available for $50 for up to two dogs. Visit the Humane Society in Boone with proof of your dog’s current rabies vaccination to fill out an application for a pass. For more info, call 828-264-7865.

Disabled American Veterans Service Office Open…
The Watauga County Chapter 90 DAV (Disabled American Veterans) service office is now open at Idol’s Tire on East King Street in Boone. If you need help with your VA claim or think you may be eligible, call for assistance. Services available by appointment only. For more info or an appointment, call 828-264-0089.

VA Hospital Services Info…
If you are a veteran, you have the benefit of being in the VA Hospital System. If interested or for more info, contact Dave Pickard at 828-964-8386 or Bernie Lee at 828-964-6442, or contact the station.

Harrill Senior Center Classroom Space Available…
Free classroom space is available at the Harrill Senior Center in Boone for afternoon and evening meetings. For more info or room availability, contact Tabitha at 828-265-8090.

Grief Counseling Services Available…
High Country Hospice offers free counseling and support to those who are grieving. To schedule an appointment or for more info, call Jennifer Johnson at 828-265-3926.

Medication Management Supplies Available…
The Watauga County Project on Aging has medication management supplies available free of charge while supplies last to Watauga County residents ages 60 and older. These items include medication travel kits, mini measuring cups, an assortment of pillboxes including boxes with talking reminders and timers, pill crushers, pill splitters, foil pack pill openers and syringe organizers. For more info, call the Project on Aging at 828-265-8090.

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