Piecemakers Quilt Guild
        Piecemakers Quilt Guild meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Lincoln County Senior Center, Lincoln Campus of Gaston College, 511 Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC, in room 319. We are here to teach and encourage those interested in the art of quilting. Visitors and new members are welcome.
        We also have a new class that meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00am to 3:00pm to provide one to one instruction to beginning quilters. Contact Linda at 704-483-2778 for more information on this class.
Kiwanis Club, Shelby
        Kiwanis Club of Shelby meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at noon at Deer Brook Restaurant, 201 Deer Brook Drive, Shelby. 704-482-4419. Membership dues are $110 per quarter which includes meals and dues.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Shelby
        DBSA support groups are open to anyone who is diagnosed with a mood disorder, has a family member or friend who is diagnosed, or who thinks they might have depression or bipolar disorder. DBSA support groups are not run by professionals, but instead offer peer-to-peer support. The support group meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm at The Episcopal Church in Shelby. For questions or information contact 704-232-5147 or laura@dbsafoothills.com.
NAMI Rutherford Cleveland
        The National Alliance on Mental Illness/Rutherford Cleveland hosts a Mental Illness Family Support Group, always on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00pm., Tuesday, April 16, Cleveland County Red Cross Building, 1333 Fallston Road, Shelby, NC. This Family Support Group is specifically geared to the parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, adult children and close relatives of persons suffering from severe and persistent mental illnesses. The illnesses covered are: Depression (unipolar), Manic Depression (bipolar), Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other neurobiological brain disorders. These meetings are confidential and a safe place to talk with other families members going through the same experiences. We Are Families Helping Families! For more information please call Betty Frye at 704-434-5166 or 704-583-0845.
Council on Aging/Neal Senior Center
        “Bingo” - At Council on Aging/Senior Center, 100 T.R. Harris Drive, Shelby, NC. Each Monday Night (except holidays). Doors open at 5:30 (no admittance after 7:00pm). Jackpot up to $500.00 – Public invited 12 years old and up.
        A Parkinson Support Group Meeting will be held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Neal Sr. Center, 100 Harris Dr., Shelby. Sgl. Doug Murphy 704-487-8822.
        Blood Sugar Screening and Blood Pressure - Thursday, April 18, 8:00am - 10:00am, at Council on Aging.
        Yours and Mine Consignment Shop. Consign your spring and summer items. Consignment store is open Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00am - 3:00pm, at Council on Aging.
        Dine Around (I-Hop) Shelby, NC, Thursday, April 25, 5:00pm. Please call the Senior Center to reserve seating by Tuesday, April 23.
        4th Friday Night Dance: Theme - April Showers, Friday, April 26, 7:00pm - 10:00pm, at the Council on Aging. Cost is $5 for adults age 55 and better. Music will be provided by DJ Dick Hamrick.
    Singles Dinner Group, Shelby
        Singles 50 and over meet for dinner the first Friday of the month at Golden Coral, Shelby, at 6:00pm.  We participate in dancing and other monthly activities.  We invite new members to come join us.  For more info call 704-406-9166.
Solid Rock Garden in Lawndale
        Solid Rock Garden is gearing up for the growing season… If you enjoy gardening and want to help provide nutritious food for our neighbors - please join us. The garden is located on the grounds of the Upper Cleveland Rescue Squad in Lawndale. For more information send an email to solidrockgarden@gmail.com
Cleveland County Arts Council
        Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, NC will be having a “Student Art Exhibit & Competition”. Exhibit Dates: Now thru April 18, Mon.-Fri., 9:00am - 5:30pm. Free to attend. Artwork by Cleveland County students in grades k-12 will be on exhibit during this annual competition which recognizes and gives cash prizes to the brightest young artists of tomorrow. www.ccartscouncil.org
Kings Mountain Historical Museum
        Kings Mountain Historical Museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and the cost of admission is free (donations are appreciated). To find out more about the museum, please visit the museum’s website www.kingsmountainmuseum.org and Facebook page. Stephanie Walsh, Director & Curator, Kings Mountain Historical Museum, PO Box 552, 100 East Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, 704-739-1019. Like the Kings Mountain Historical Museum on Facebook: http://facebook.com/kmhmuseum. Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KMHMuseum.
Family Ties Relay for Life Team Sponsors Event at Mi Pueblito, Shelby
        Family Ties Relay for Life Team Sponsors event at Mi Pueblito, Shelby location, Saturday, April 20. Entertainment presented by The LowDown Acoustics. Members: Jimi and Nick Demetro. $5 donation to Relay for The Lowdown Acoustics Performance starting around 9:30pm. Help support our fight against cancer. Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsor RST Fiber Optic Networks. Luminaries for Relay Night can be purchased. For more information email Jeff: fond92962@earthlink.net or call 704-487-6614.
Cleveland County April Blood Drives
        4/23/13 - First Baptist Shelby, 2:00pm-6:30pm, 120 N Lafayette St, Shelby
        4/25/12 - Shelby Community @ Landmark Baptist, 3:00pm-7:30pm, 1724 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby
        4/25/13 - Township #3 Elementary School, 12:30pm-5:30pm, 526 Davis Road, Shelby
        4/26/13 - East Gold Street Wesleyan, 2:00pm-6:00pm, 701 E Gold St, Kings Mountain
        4/28/13 - Christopher Road Baptist, 12:00pm-4:00pm, 420 Christopher Road, Shelby
Marla Boone Benefit BBQ & Poker Run
        The Marla Boone Benefit BBQ & Poker Run will be Saturday, April 20, noon to 5:00pm, at Skooterz Saloon, 1851 East Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC. Marla Boone and her husband are local residents here in Cleveland County. They have opened their hearts and their home for the past 6 years to dozens of underprivileged children from troubled families, 2 of which they have permanently adopted. Earlier this year Marla was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and is undergoing treatment. It’s our turn to help someone who has helped so many. Join us. Good food. Good music. Good friends. All for a good cause! Poker Run Registration starts at 11:00am. $15 for one hand. $25 for two hands. 50/50 Drawing. BBQ plates start serving at 2:00pm. BBQ plates $5 with non alcoholic drink. For information contact 704-482-0302.
Bostic Lincoln Spring Festival
        The Bostic Lincoln Center has organized the Bostic Lincoln Spring Festival, April 20. All day free entertainment from 10:00am. Food & Craft vendors, student art show, antique cars, petting zoo, bingo, Heritage Hill, 3:00pm “Sparkletones”. Featured performance by the 1950’s Rock ‘n Roll band from Spartanburg, SC, best know for their now-classic massive hit, “Black Slacks.” The band was recently honored to be among the first living group of musicians inducted onto the Spartanburg Music Trail. 4:00pm “Nancy Hanks, Bondwoman”. Produced by Rutherford Community Theatre’s Artistic Director, Les Beale. For more details, call the Bostic Lincoln Center, 828-245-9800 or visit www.bosticlincolncenter.com.
JROTC Drill Championship, Shelby
        The 7th annual, Sgt. Raymond Horton JROTC Invitational Drill championships will be held on Saturday April 20, at the Cleveland Mall, Shelby NC. This years event has been renamed in honor of Sgt. Raymond Horton, USMC. The event is sponsored by the Foothills Detachment, Marine Corps League, Shelby NC. We are expecting 16 schools to be present this year. Everyone is invited to attend and Donations for sponsorship are accepted. If interested, contact Toney King @704-739-7051.
Lions Clubs and Social Worker for the Blind Promote Sight Conservation
        To combat the leading causes of blindness and assist in preserving vision, Lions Clubs in Alexander County, Burke County,  Caldwell County, Catawba County, Cleveland County, Gaston County, Lincoln County, McDowell County, Polk County, and Rutherford County in cooperation with their County Social Workers For The Blind with NC Division of Services for The Blind are encouraging all adults to have regular eye examinations with their optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you are an adult  and legal citizen of USA and North Carolina needing and financial assistance in paying for eye examination and purchasing eyeglasses, then you should contact your County Social Worker For The Blind to determine whether or not you meet their agency or your local Lions Club  income  eligibility  requirements. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.
        The Shelby Lions Club has planned a “Walk Across Shelby” for April 20. This is part of North Carolina Lions “Walk Across NC” event, when Lions and community residents are urged to walk across the state from Murphy to Manteo. The Shelby Club will meet at West Warren Manor (934 W. Warren Street) about 9:45am and walk to Lions Senior Village (211 North Morgan Street) and back. This nearly 3 mile roundtrip will contribute toward total miles walked across North Carolina. The public is encouraged to participate. Shelby Lions want at least 20 people to turn out, making a total of 60 miles. The club wants to raise one thousand dollars to support humanitarian services for the blind and visually impaired. Pledge forms are available by calling Dave Titus, 704-406-9331. Those who want to to sign up sponsors for their walk or to make a contribution to Shelby Lions Club for this walk, can  send  a check to Shelby Lions, PO Box  1082, Shelby, NC 28151. Checks can be payable to either Shelby Lions Club or NC Lions, Inc. noting that the contribution is for the “Walk Across Shelby”.
Hospice Cleveland County
        Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC, April Calendar of Events:
        The Hospice Store - Located at 323 E. Marion Street beside Dollar General Near Uptown Shelby! Jewelry & Purses, Housewares, Glasses & Dishes, Linens, Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles, Crystal & China, Small, Applicances, Books, Artwork, Electronics, Lamps, Musical Instruments, Rugs, Toys & Games, patio Furniture, Tools, Exercise Equipment, and more. Please call Angela Jones at 980-295-8578 if you have items to donate or for volunteer opportunties. Store hours: Thursday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm, 323 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC.
7th Annual Sgt. Raymond Horton JROTC Invitational
        NC Foothills Detachment #1164, Shelby, NC, is hosting the 7th Annual Sgt. Raymond Horton JROTC Invitational (Formerly the Foothills JROTC Drill Championships), Saturday, April 20, Cleveland Mall, Shelby, NC. For information concerning attending, participation, contact Toney King at 704-739-7051 (home), 704-473-7051 (cell), trgking@carolina.rr.com. Donations for this event appreciated. The Foothills Detachment, Marine Corps League is a Non-profit veterans’ organization.
Cleveland County Library, Shelby
        THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE…Spend your lunch hour at the library and feed your mind! The Main Library in Shelby is continuing the series of programs for our community that will give folks a chance to spend their lunch hour being entertained. The idea is to bring your bag lunch and the library will provide water, tea and a great program. The programs will be held in the Plaster Meeting Room and you can “come through the garden gate” entrance. The programs will be on the first & third Thursdays of every month from 12:15-12:45 and will feature stories, music and educational topics.
        April 18th – Enjoy some Jazz Tunes with Georgiana Wright.
        Teen Advisory Group - “Internet, Texting, and Social Media Safety – What You Need to Know….”  The Cleveland County Memorial Library Teen Advisory Group will meet on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Teens ages 12-17 urged to attend this meeting which will feature “Internet, Texting, and Social Media Safety – What You Need to Know….” To obtain a Teen Advisory Group Application or to register for the program call 704-487-9069 or email vking@ccml.org.
        Cool After School - Astronomy Day. The Cleveland County Memorial Library and The Schiele Museum of Natural History will present “Astronomy Day” featuring, Star Lab – The Portable Planetarium, on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 4:15 p.m. Children ages 6 – 11 will experience the wonders of the night sky in the CCML’s very own planetarium!  This program is free, however, pre-registration is required due to space limitations. To register call 704-487-9069 or email vking@ccml.org. 
        Beatles Day - A Wig Is All You Need…Phil Weathers will be sharing his large collection of Beatle Memorabilia at the Cleveland County Memorial Library on Thursday, April 25, 3:00pm - 8:00pm. There will be a Beatle Trivia contest at 6:15 pm for Beatle Door Prizes! Phil Weathers’ new book “This is Meant to be Played Loud! Music Memories of the Sixties, Seventies, and Beyond” will be on sale for $10.00. Phil, Mary Fox and Ronnie Whisnant will be in attendance to sign copies of the book. Beatle Day at the CCML T-Shirts will also be on sale. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book and T-Shirts will go to the library.
        The Library Book Club meets the second Thursday of every month from 10:30am - 12:00 noon. The book for the month of April is “The Round House” by Louise Erdrich. Everyone is invited.
Broad River Greenway, Boiling Springs
        The Broad River Greenway, 126 Broad River Road, invites everyone to join them for an afternoon celebrating nature with a craft activity and guided hike at Broad River, April 21, 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Meet at Phifer Cabin. For more information contact Kim Duren at kduren@broadrivergreenway.com or Ranger Jolly at 704-434-0040.
Foothills Homeless Veteran Stand Down 2013
        The Foothills Homeless Veteran Stand Down 2013, will be in Hickory, NC, April 26, 8:00am - 2:00pm., at American Legion Fairgrounds, 1127 US Hwy 70 W., Hickory, NC. Services include: Medical, Dental, Eye Care, Claims Assistance, Education Assistance, Cothing, Food, Haircuts, Fellowship. Counties include: Alexander, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, Lincoln, McDowell, Watauga, Wilkes. To donate or volunteer, contact: Jim Starkey 828-294-0184, Larry McMullen 828-320-2842. www.foothillsstanddown.org. Veterans Helping Veterans. No man left behind. For transportation: Marty 704-297-6156, Bill 704-477-9799.
2nd Annual Dash, Dine, & Drive In for the Cure
         2nd Annual Dash, Dine, & Drive In for the Cure will be April 27, 7:00am - 3:00pm, at the Masonic Lodge, Boiling Springs, NC. Rain or shine. 5K, 10k & Fun Run. Register by April 18th, $20, free t-shirt. 7:00am check-in/registration $25. Race starts 8:00am. Register online www.hotraddash.com (Paypayl on website) or day of event. Timing by Racing Toes, www.racingtoes.com. Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places. Door prizes for runners. Cruise In: Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles, $15 Donation*. Balloon Artist & face painting for the kids! Entertainment: Step-n-out, 9:00-10:00; TA & Friends, 10:15-11:45; Travis Powell, Noon-1:30; Whitaker Road, 1:45-3:00. Food: Hamburger & hotdog plates $6, includes chips, baked beans, dessert and drink, to go plates available. Homemade Cake Auction at 2:30pm. Monster Team - Free drinks. Vendors: Simply Charms Creations, Pampered Chef; made for me by GiGI, Little Miss Bows, Thirty-One and more. * 1/2 proceeds go to Relay for Life. * Remaining proceeds are in honor of Trudi Biggerstaff and family. For additional information, please contact Shawn Henline at 828-289-5252.
Lost Playwrights, Hendersonville
         Lost Playwrights will meet on Saturday, April 27, 2:00-4:00pm in the Kapplan Auditorium of Henderson County Library, 301 North Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC. Anyone interested in any aspect of theatre or creative writing is encouraged to attend. There are no dues or admission charges.
Equestrians For A Cure 5th Annual Trail Ride & BBQ, Hollis
         Equestrians For A Cure, 5th Annual Trail Ride and BBQ Lunch, May 4, Hollis, NC. Money raised goes to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for research. Only $30 to participate for riders. Register early to receive a t-shirt. Non riders may eat lunch for $8. Rain date is May 11. Please call Jenene Philbeck, 704-418-2664, 704-692-5695, 704-481-5800 for questions or to register.
Long Branch Road Baptist Church: Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
        Long Branch Road Baptist Church, 621 Long Branch Road, Forest City, NC, will be having a Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, Saturday, May 11, 2013, 9:00am - 2:00pm, (Rain Date - Sat. May 18). Trophies Awarded in the following categories: Best Ford * Best Chevy *Best Mopar * Best Truck * Best Import * Best Motorcycle * Most Unique * Pastor’s Choice * Top Twenty. Secure your entry today,  $20.00 entry fee. To enter/register a car(s) contact: Michael Brown, 828-429-0609; Laurie Crowe, 828-429-4479. Proceeds support the Long Branch Road Baptist Church Fellowship Building Fund, Rev. Jerry Ruppe.
Cherryville Little Theatre
         The Cherryville Little Theatre presents Disney’s Cinderella, Kids. This is a condensed tale of Cinderella’s journey from an unloved sister to a beloved princess. Our cast is formed of some mischievous young children who have helped to bring this tale to life. Performances will be May 2, 3, 4, 7:00pm and May 5,  3:00pm. Tickets are $5 at the door. 3 and under free. Doors open thirty minutes prior to performance. Come dressed like a princess for a chance to win a prize!
A Dinner With Ron Rash Annual Event, Shelby
         The Friends of the LIBRARY would like to invite you to an evening and Dinner with Ron Rash and Program/book signing. He is a local author and poet from Western North Carolina. He is the Parris Distinguished Professor on Appalachian Cultural studies at western North Carolina University. Ron Rash was born in Chester, South Carolina, in 1953, grew up in Boiling Springs NC, graduate of Gardner Webb University and Clemson. One of his Best Selling books, titled “Serena” has been made into a movie. The actors in the movie are Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Cost of the  dinner with Ron Rash is $15.00 a plate, tickets must be purchased by April 30th at Cleveland Memorial Library, 104 Howe Drive, Shelby, NC. We will have the pleasure of hearing him talk about his writings which mostly take place in western North Carolina. Not only is he an awesome author he is an awesome speaker as well. This Event will be at The Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1207 West Dixon Blvd., in the EPWORTH building, May 7, 6:30pm. Mr. Ron Rash will be signing books after his program that evening. Members of the Friends Of The Library only,  are allowed. If you want to become a member, please go to the Cleveland Memorial Library, at 104 Howe Drive, Shelby NC to join, membership is $10.00 a person.  The $10.00 membership helps FOL board members purchase items for our library, maintain the Library’s Courtyard and allows the Board to have free book signings/events with popular local Authors for the public. This event will also be our annual Friends of the Library meeting for all the members that attend. Any questions you have please call the Library in Shelby at 704-487-9069.