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Reminder to Motorists to Slow Down over the 4th

The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the July 4th holiday. Motorists who slow down and travel at posted speeds will not only increase their chances of arriving at their destination safely they will also conserve fuel. Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state. There will be an increased presence of Troopers on the interstates and major four lane highways. State Troopers will be cracking down on speeders during the holiday and will be using LIDAR and other speed timing devices to assist them in enforcing the speed laws. The 2008 July 4th holiday begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 3rd and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 6th.  Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call

Yancey Animal Shelter Independence Day Plans

The Yancey County Humane Society Animal Shelter will be closed on Friday July 4th but will be open Saturday July 5th from noon-5pm.  The Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams with adoptable cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.  Bring your friends and family and visit the shelter and find the pet of your dreams.

4H College Scholarship Benefit Rummage Sale

BBQ Fund Raiser

Burnsville Patriotic Celebration

The Patriotic Celebration on the Burnsville Town Square will take place on Saturday, July 5th. Arts, crafts, games for the kids will be available starting at 10am and lasting all evening. Entertainment from "Funny Man," Dylan Wilson, at 5:15 enjoy the Glenn Nance Band featuring Lenny Ski, then a free concert from the award winning "Mountain Heart." Fireworks, courtesy of the county, will be after dark to finish off the evening. The Burnsville Patriotic Celebration is being sponsored by the Town of Burnsville, the Burnsville Lions Club, Country Cablevision, Mountain Air Country Club, Heritage Lumber, Young-McQueen Grading and WKYK.

Bakersville Annual Fireworks Display

Special on Cat & Kitten Adoptions in Yancey County

Burnsville Elementary is calling on all Burnsville past, present and future Bobcats! They are collecting box tops which are worth 10 cents each. It is their goal to use this money to help classroom teachers and students. The school is asking for every one in our community to pull together and collect these box tops.  You can send them or drop them off at Burnsville Elementary. Students need to collect them all summer and the class that has the most will win a party at the end of September. Burnsville Elementary School thanks everyone in advance for your support!

Mitchell Commissioners Meeting

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners will meet in Regular Session Monday July 7th at 6pm in the Conference Room of the Administration Building in Bakersville.  Topics covered will include the Rural Operating Assistance Program Application, Discussion of a One-Quartet Cent County Sales Tax followed by Public Comment, Appointments to The Toe River Health District Board and Workforce Development Board, Fiscal Year Operating Assistance Program Application, Lease Agreement with Mitchell County Board of Education, Parkway Insurance District Boundary, and Releases and Refunds.

Senior Activity: Card Making

The Mitchell Senior Center, at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville, will be hosting a card making activity Tuesday July 8th at 12:15pm.  The fee for this activity is $1.  For more information call 688-3019.

Lunch & Learn: Eat Right for Life

The Mitchell Senior Center, at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville, will host a Lunch & Learn event on Wednesday July 9th at 11:30am.  The topic will be "Eat Right for Life".  For more information call 688-3019.

Mitchell County Blood Drives

Mitchell County Relay for Life Event

The 2008 Mitchell County Relay for Life event will be held on July 11th at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine.  To make the survivor/caregiver registration easier this year, those wishing to walk in the Survivors Lap can pre-register at http://events.cancer.org/mitchell or you may call Robin Buchanan at 765-0149 or Melissa Graham at 682-2613. For a complete schedule of events, click here

Magic Show

"Mysteries of the Mind" featuring Master Magician Jim Steed will start at 7:30 p.m. on July 12th at the Burnsville Town Center. It will be a performance of magic, comedy and adult audience participation. Tickets are $5.

Yancey County Board of Education Meeting

The Yancey County Board of Education will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 6:00 pm.  The meeting will be held at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty Workshop Returns to Mitchell County

Due to popular demand and a high turnout last May, the workshop “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” will return to Mitchell County on Monday, July 14, from 2 to 5pm, at Pinebridge Auditorium.  The workshop is free and all participants will receive a copy of Dr. Payne's Book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Space is limited and reservations are required.  You can make reservations and get more information by contacting Lori Gilcrist, at 467-0970 or gilcrists@aol.com. Sponsors for the workshop are Communities in Schools, AMY Regional Library, Blue Ridge Christian News and is underwritten by Progress Energy. Susan Pennock of Communites in Schools of North Carolina will present the workshop.

"Breakfast for a Buck"

The Yancey County Chamber's Small Business Committee will host their next quarterly "Breakfast for a Buck" on July 16th at the Burnsville Town Center from 7:30 am until 9:00 am. The topic for the breakfast is: "How to Compete With Wal-Mart," presented by Russ Yelton with Yelton Consulting.

Q&A with Legislative Delegate on Senior Issues

The Mitchell Senior Center, at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville, will host "What's Happening in Raleigh and Washington, D.C.?"...an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about senior issues to the Mitchell County delegate to the N. C. Senior Tarheel Legislature... Wednesday July 16th at 11:30am.

Super Flea Market Fundraiser

The Little Switzerland Homemakers Club will be having a Super Flea Market Fundraiser for local charities Friday, July 18th from 10:00AM-4:00PM and Saturday, July 19, 10:00AM-2:00PM at Geneva Hall in Little Switzerland.  The sale will include homemade food items, baked goods, household items, books, toys, games, clothes, appliances, collectibles and more. Please bring your tax-deductible donations of gently worn clothes, household items, furniture, appliances and more to Geneva Hall. Wednesday, July 16, 10:00AM-4PM or Thursday, 9:00AM-2PM.  For more information contact 828-765-7652.

 Toe River Story Telling Festival

The Toe River Story Telling Festival will take place on Saturday, July 19^th from  10am to 4pm at Riverside Park in Downtown Spruce Pine.  The cost is $10 for adults, children 10 and under free.

 The American Red Cross urges residents in the Yancey County area to donate blood. All blood types are needed at this time. Eligible blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.  Donors must have a form of positive identification in order to donate.

Tuesday, July 22 at Higgins Memorial Methodist Church from 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Please call Donna Hock at 231-3211 for more information or to schedule an appointment. All presenting donors can enter a drawing for one of three $1000 gas cards! 

Vital Signs & Lunch & Learn on Fire Safety

Blood Pressure and weight checks will be taken at the Mitchell Senior Center, at 152 Ledger School Road in Bakersville Wednesday July 23rd at 10:30am.  This will be followed by a Lunch and Learn on "Fire Precautions in the Home at 11:30am.  For more information call 688-3019.

Wild Blue Yonder in Concert

Back by popular demand!!! "Wild Blue Yonder" will perform in concert Friday, July 25th at 7:30pm at your Burnsville Town Center. "Wild Blue Yonder" puts on a show you really don't want to miss. Having played Dollywood, they know how to entertain. Come hear some Americana, some Bluegrass and some original works. Call 682-7209 for information.

Motorcycle Ride for Cancer Society

Mayland Community College’s Foundation will host a motorcycle ride to benefit the college’s Foundation and the American Cancer Society on July 26. Registration for the ride will begin at the college’s Main Campus at 10 a.m. For more information on the event call 765-7351 or 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext. 312.

8^th Annual Car Show

Mountain View Correctional Inst. and N.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is sponsoring the 8th Annual Car show located on lower street in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 9th.  Registration will be from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, show will be from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Entry Fee is $15.00 per vehicle with trophies awarded for Top 50 vehicles, Top 3 motorcycles, Best of Show and People's Choice.  Door prizes awarded, donations accepted for admission, hamburgers and hotdogs available for purchase.  Music from the 60's. Rain date is Saturday, August 16th.  For more information, contact Linda Miller at 828-766-2395.  

"Balsam Range" in Concert

Bluegrass group "Balsam Range" will be performing at the Burnsville Town Center Friday, August 15th at your Burnsville Town Center. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are just $10. Visit www.balsamrange.com for samples of their music. Call 682-7209 for information.

Musicians Sought for Toe River Chamber Ensemble

Our Toe River Chamber Ensemble is sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) and has performed two or three public performances each year for more than 20 years. Most of the music presented is classical with some pops and Broadway pieces thrown in. They welcome musicians of all ages as long as they are enthusiastic about playing in a group, have had several years of lessons, and can read music. In particular, they need an oboe player and a string bass most urgently. Ages of members range from 25 to 70, and formal training from 4 years to retired musicians. It is a low-pressure environment, because the primary goal is just to have fun. The ensemble meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm at the 1st Baptist Church on the town square in Burnsville. Come any Tuesday evening and listen in, see if its right for you, and bring your instrument. For more information call David Chandler at 675-0449.

Volunteers Needed for the
N.C. Guardian ad Litem Program

This year, the N.C. Guardian ad Litem program is celebrating its 25^th 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     

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

Free Food for the Needy Continues

Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church on Crabtree Creek Road at the Mitchell-Yancey County line continues their food giveaway to the needy in the area.  The winter hours for the food giveaway are Monday through Wednesday from 10am-2pm.  For more information about the giveaway or if you're in desperate need at a time other than their operating hours call Rev. Fred Proctor, the pastor, at (828) 536-4341.

Lost a Pet? Call Humane Society First

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!

Hospice of Yancey Needs Volunteers

Hospice of Yancey County needs volunteers to visit patients. Visits consist of compassionate times of sharing lifetime stories or reading to the patient in both nursing facilities and private homes. Volunteers are also available to provide time for the caregiver to take a much needed break. No personal care is involved. For more information please contact Angie Higgins at 682-9675.

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.

New Financial Option for Farmers

Are you a farmer looking for a new venture, or maybe own some land and have been thinking about how to best utilize the valuable resources you own? If so, you might be interested in W.A.M.Y. Community Action’s Bio-Diesel Crop Initiative. W.A.M.Y. is looking for interested farmers to grow a test planting crop of Sunflower, Canola, and Mustard, which are the primary crops grown in Western North Carolina used to produce bio-diesel. Grant assistance will be available to aid farmers in Mitchell and Yancey counties with the feed stock planting costs for the growing season of summer 2007. If you're interested call Lisa Redman at 828-264-2421 to learn more about W.A.M.Y. Community Action’s Bio-Diesel Crop Initiative.

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.

Funds Available to Help Pay for Child Care

The Yancey County Department of Social Services has funds available to assist with the cost of enrolling your child in a licensed child care setting. You may qualify if you are working at least 25 hours per week, seeking employment, enrolled in school, or have a child with developmental needs. Please contact Melissa Roberts at 682-6148 for more information.

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.

"Copies For Kids"

Donate a ream (or a case!) of paper to Mitchell High School through the
"Copies for Kids" project sponsored by the MHS Academic Booster Club. The paper can be dropped off at the school's library. Be sure to label it "Academic Boosters Copies for Kids" and the paper will be distributed to the teachers. Though the greatest cost for the school is in the actual copying, the Academic Boosters hope that with donations of paper, the school can designate more funds towards copying costs.

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 6pm 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.

Cartridges For Critters

The Office Shoppe and the Yancey County Humane Society have combined  efforts in a project called "Cartridges for Critters" to help Animal Shelter pets.  Please keep your used ink cartridges from your printers and copiers and used cell phones and drop them off at the Office Shoppe, The Heart and Soul Books and Gifts, Chamber of Commerce, First Citizens Bank, Fortner Insurance, RBC Centura, Wachovia Bank, or the Yancey County Humane Society at 962 Cane River School Road.  Proceeds from this project will be used to provide food and supplies for the Animal Shelter and pet food for Pet Meals on Wheels for low-income pet owners.

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.

Shelter Clients’ Needs List

The Family Violence Coalition of Yancey County, Inc. has had a full domestic violence/sexual assault shelter for months, lately resulting in a shortage of some items needed by shelter clients. Pressing needs right now include bath towels, wash cloths, dish towels, sheets/pillow cases for double and twin beds, as well as blankets/bedspreads. The shelter stocks these items for use of shelter clients, but these items often leave when clients move out on their own, plus they become well worn. Also, school is getting ready to start again, so the children we serve are going to be in need of book bags and school supplies. If an individual, group, or church would like to sponsor an individual child or a family for “going back to school clothes,” then you would certainly make a child(ren) happy. If you, your civic group, church, etcetera, are interested in volunteering for the FVC or in any of the above assistance with needed items, then please contact the FVC’s Executive Director, Samantha Phipps, at 208-2981. The FVC programs could not make it without being in such a kind and supportive community as we do! If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, or a sexual assault then call our crisis line at 682-0056.

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.