AUGUST 2010 OPEN & CLOSED BLOOD DRIVES

MEDIA APPEAL!!  0 NEG AT CRITICAL LOW

(Please call for an appointment --- LESS WAITING TIME!)

8/27 – Friday – Bethel Baptist Church (30) – 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm – In Honor of Brayden Lewis. 600 S. Dekalb Street, Shelby, NC. Free American Red Cross Tote Bags. Two Double Red Cell Machines. Call Ashley for an appointment 704-481-0037.

8/29 – Sunday – Gargoyles Motorcycle Club – 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Grover Rescue Squad. Fourth Annual “Drain the Vein” Blood Drive (25). 107 N. Main Street, Grover, NC. Free American Red Cross Tote Bags & Free Cleveland Mall Chick fil-A Coupons. One Double Red Cell Machine. Call Bodean for an appointment 864-839-2298.

Just Pickin’ Grass

The Bluegrass Gathering Spot on Saturday Nights from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. This is FREE and is located on Hwy 18 South between Shelby and I-85 (1/2 block from the Sundrop Plant.) Call 704-713-4787 for more info. “No Alcohol” Ya’ll come out and hear local and booked bluegrass bands. Refreshments available, taking donations, and catering by Hot Dog Chefs.

South Mountains State Park Programs

8/28 – “Birds of Prey” –  Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm and learn about some of the birds of prey found in the South Mountains. You will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of these animals, and find out why they are called birds of prey.

8/28 – “What’s in the Water?” – Saturday – 11 am. How many different kinds of critters live in the river?? Join a Park Ranger in the stream to turn over some rocks and learn more about what you might find there. Come prepared to get wet!!  Meet at the Visitor Center at 11:00 am.

8/29 – “Element of Disguise” – Sunday – 2 pm. Can you see me now? Kids, join a Park Ranger for a program on animal camouflage.  Learn how both predators and prey use the true art of camouflage for survival. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm.

9/4 – “Black Bears: Majestic Creatures of the Wild” – Saturday – How dangerous are black bears? Can we coexist? Why are black bears so unique? What should I do if I see a black bear? The program will begin at 11:00 am in the Visitor Center.

“Bats” – Are bats blind? Do they fly into your hair? Do they turn into vampires?  Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm to learn some Bat facts and have an opportunity to view some Bats.   

9/5 – “Skulls and Skins” – Sunday – Look for a Park Ranger and his interesting display of skulls and skins at the Visitor Center.  Drop by between 11:00 –12:00 and hear about some of the animals that call South Mountains State Park home.

“Birds:  The Good, the Bad, the Funny” – Join Ranger Waltz for an indoor program and a short hike to identify and to learn more about our feathered friends.  Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm.

9/11 – “Tree ID Hike” – Saturday – Join a Park Ranger for an easy 1.0 mile walk along the Hemlock Nature Trail.  Tree identification will be the focus of this hike which will begin at the Jacob Fork Parking Area at 11:00 am.

“Bats” – Are bats blind?  Do they fly into your hair?  Do they turn into vampires?  Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm to learn some Bat facts and have an opportunity to view some Bats.   

9/12 – “Skulls and Skins” – Sunday – Look for a Park Ranger and his interesting display of skulls and skins at the Visitor Center.  Drop by between 11:00 –12:00 and hear about some of the animals that call South Mountains State Park home.

“Owl Pellets” –  Join a Park Ranger to examine owl pellets and reconstruct prey skeletons.  Owl pellets are clean of flesh, odorless and can be handled easily by all age groups.  Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm.  

9/18 – “The 10 Essentials” – Saturday – What items should you always carry with you when hiking?  Meet a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 11:00 am to learn about the “10 Essentials”.  

“Birds of Prey” – Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm and learn about some of the birds of prey found in the South Mountains. You will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of these animals, and find out why they are called birds of prey.  

9/19 – “Skulls and Skins” – Sunday – Look for a Park Ranger and his interesting display of skulls and skins at the Visitor Center.  Drop by between 11:00 –12:00 and hear about some of the animals that call South Mountains State Park home.

“The Roles and Responsibilities of an NC State Ranger” – What does a Park Ranger do on a day to day basis?  Meet in the Visitor Center auditorium. At 2:00 pm.  

9/25 – “8th Annual Nature Day” – Saturday – Join us for the 8th Annual Nature Day at the park.  A variety of programs, exhibits, hikes and music are scheduled for your enjoyment.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Contact the park office for more information at (828)433-4772.

9/26 – “Skulls and Skins” – Sunday – Look for a Park Ranger and his interesting display of skulls and skins at the Visitor Center.  Drop by between 11:00 –12:00 and hear about some of the animals that call South Mountains State Park home.

“Birds of Prey” – Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm and learn about some of the birds of prey found in the South Mountains. You will learn about the distinguishing characteristics of these animals, and find out why they are called birds of prey.   

South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18.) We welcome the community to join us for our monthly educational interpretive programs. Call the park office at (828) 433-4772 or www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo for more information. 

Partnership for End-of-Life Issues

“Funeral Home Tours” – Tour includes a look into the embalming room (optional), a visit to the selection room, and presentation by a funeral service professional discussing pre-needs, pre-planning, cremation, and ways to memorialize your loved ones.

Stamey Funeral Home – Fri., Sept. 3 at 10:00 am – 846 E. Stagecoach Trail, Fallston.

Cleveland Funeral Services – Wed., Oct. 6 at 10:00 am – 2518 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby.

For more information on Journey, please contact Len Byers at 980-487-3855.

Cleveland County Arts Council

“Made for Each Other” – September 9 – October 14 – A Juried Art Exhibition Featuring Ceramic Cream & Sugar Sets.

“Y’ art Sale” – October 2nd – Saturday – 8 am - 1 pm. The Arts Council is having it’s 2nd annual Y’ art sale. Do you have any art materials or supplies, pottery, framed prings or paintings, art books, anything art related that you would like to donate, please bring to the the Arts Council between 9 am - 5:30 pm Mon.- Friday by Sept. 30th. We need your donations to have a great Yard Sale. This sale is to benefit the Arts Council.

Hospice Cleveland Co. – Upcoming Events

8/26 – Reflections – Thursdays – 10:30 am - Noon – This grief support group meets for six weeks in the morning and is most beneficial if all sessions are attended. No cost and open to anyone who has lost a loved one. Please RSVP to 704-487-4677, ext. 166 if you plan to attend. Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC.

9/21 – Memory Bear Workshop – Tuesday – 9:00 am - Noon or 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm – Participants will have the opportunity to make a teddy bear out of a loved one’s shirt or other article of clothing. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP to ext. 166 if you plan to attend. Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC.

10/16 – Yard Sale – Saturday – 7:00 am - 11:00 am – Rib Sale and Music: 10 am - 1 pm. Donate your new or gently used items to Hospice Cleveland County and support a great cause. Items can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm until Wednesday, October 13th at Hospice Cleveland County. No clothing please!  Shop and enjoy live music by Rock Springs Bluegrass and BBQ ribs by Skip Warrick, while they last. For rib pre-orders call 704-487-4677. Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC.

Required Vaccines for School-Aged

Children Available Free of Charge

Required vaccines for school-aged children available free of charge at the Cleveland County Health Department while supplies last — For this school year the state of North Carolina has provided a special limited allotment of required vaccines for school-aged children (kindergarten-8th grade).These vaccines are currently available at the Cleveland County Health Department at no charge. Once the state allotment for our county is depleted, insured individuals will be required to provide their insurance card and copay if applicable. The immunization clinic administers vaccines Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm with no appointment necessary. For additional information call 704-484-5154 or visit www.clevelandcounty.com/cchd. Have your child vaccinated today.

Upward Soccer, New Hope Baptist Church

    Upward Soccer Evaluation/Sign-up will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, Earl, NC, Friday, August 27, 5 pm - 7 pm; and Saturday, August 28, 9am - 11 am. Early Registration cost is $55.00 and after Aug. 27th the cost will be $65.00. Scholarships Available. Everyone MUST attend 1 evaluation!!!! Practices begin the week of September 6th and Games on Saturday, AM. This event is for Boys and Girls K-6th grade. Every Child Plays! Every Child Learns! Every Child Is A Winner!

Shelby City Park Football Sign-Ups

    The Football Sign-ups will be held Friday, August 27th 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday, August 28th from 9 am to 1 pm. Ages are 5 & 6 (Flag Football), 7-9 years (Pee Wee League), and 10, 11, & 12 years (Midget League). All ages are as of Sept. 1st, 2010. Absolutely no 7th graders are allowed to participate in Football, regardless of age. The fees are $22.00 (if residence is inside the city limits of Shelby), and $37.00 (all others). Payment is due at time of sign-up! At time of registration a parent or guardian must be present. If you did not play in the league last year, you must bring a copy of your birth certificate. Both new and returning players must sigh-up to be eligible to play. All new players and returning players, moving up from one league to another, will enter the draft to be assigned a team. For more information, call the City Park Office at 704-484-6811. Free Football Physicals for Shelby City Park Football participants are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 30th.

Ride & Festival Benefit Fundraiser for Wesley T., Bessemer City, NC

Aug 28th, Poker Run from 11 am to 5 pm starts at Winners Circle, Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, $20 a hand, $30 a couple. Best and Worst hand pay!!! You don’t have to have a bike to ride, you can drive a car, horse or tractor) you can also buy your hand all at once or enjoy the ride. Ride will end at Kevin Millwood Park, 8th St., Bessemer City where everyone is invited to stay and enjoy, Music by Loaded Mule, N Johnny Train, Magic by Chastain Criswell, Food by Sunnyside BBQ, ice cream, funnel cake, games, bounce houses, and more, from 5-10pm. Admission is donation. Ride and Festival to benefit 21 yr old Wesley T, who on 8/9/10 had a life saving double lung transplant. All proceeds will be used for transplant related expenses. The family needs to raise at least $35,000. Come out and join the fun for a great cause! To donate to silent auction or more information please call 704-449-9949. 

4th Annual Masonic Golf Tournament

    Casar Lodge 579 will hold the 4th Annual Masonic Golf Tournament on Saturday August 28, 2010. Check in at 7am, shotgun start at 8am. Captains Choice 200.00 per team. All proceeds will go to support the Masonic Childrens Home and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. For more information call Eric Newton 704-692-8503. 

Shelby City Park Cheerleading Sign-ups

   Sign-ups will be held Monday, August 30 - Friday, September 3 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm ONLY. **These will be the only sign-up dates**. Ages: 1st - 6th grades (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cheer for pee-wee) (5th and 6th cheer for midget). *Returning cheerleaders will cheer for the same team as last year. The league director will assign new cheerleaders to a team. The cost: Pee-Wee and Midget; T-Shirt = No Charge; Skorts: $11.00; Pom-Poms: $17.00 (Pair); Reg. Fee: $22.00; TOTAL: $50.00 each. **Full Payment is Due when Signing Up**. If your child did not cheer last year, she NEEDS to be with you when signing up. There will be samples to try on to make sure the sizes are correct. Once orders are placed THEY ARE FINAL! Uniform pick up will be announced when they arrive. Please wait to hear from your coach about practice times! Cheer Clinic Tuesday, September 7th in the gym at the Park from 4-5:30 pm and cost is $1.00/ MANDATORY PARENT/GUARDIAN meeting following clinic from 5:30-6pm. Questions, please call 704-484-6811 and please visit: www.cityofshelby.com/parks. 

Greater Shelby Community Theatre

Holding Auditions

    Greater Shelby Community Theatre is holding auditions for 3 roles (2 men aged 30-40’s, and 1 woman aged 40-50’s) in the mystery-thriller “Deadly Murder”. Winner of the 2008 Edgar Award, this play tells the story of Camille, a wealthy socialite, who finds herself held at gunpoint by a young waiter she met at a society gala. Once the security guard gets drawn into the situation, Camille must use all of her cunning to save her life. The production will be directed by Frederick Van Patten, who has an extensive background in semi-professional and professional theatre. Auditions will be held in the Arts Council basement (Washington St.in Shelby) on September 2 and 3 at 7:00pm and September 4 at 2:00pm. Actors will be asked to read from the script. Production dates are Fri., Oct 22, Sat., Oct. 23, Sun., Oct. 24, Fri., Oct. 29, Sat., Oct. 30, and Sun., Oct. 31. 

Shelby City Park Fall Gymnastics Classes

    Registration is under way for fall gymnastics classes at Shelby City Park. Co-ed classes are available for children one year through high school. Instruction includes tumbling, beam, bars, vault, rings, and tumbl-trak. Classes begin the week of Sept 7. The fee for each 6 week session is $60. Registration papers may be picked up at the park Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 or may be downloaded from www.cityofshelby.com. Call 704-538-3834 for more information and registration. 

Distribution of Surplus Commodities

The Shelby Lions Club will be distributing food on September 9th, 2010 at the Cleveland County Fair Ground. There will be fifteen items for distribution. One of the items will be cheese.

Cleveland-Rutherfordton Kidney Assoc.

On Wednesday, September 15th The Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Assoc. will sponsor a Golf Tournament at Deerbrook. It will be a 1:00 pm Shotgun start and Captain’s Choice. Price is 4 man teams at $240 and hole sponsorships is $100. 

Heroes – New Wilderness Adventures

Heroes: Be the man you’ve always wanted to be. A weekend journey into Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. For the restoration, freedom, and life of the masculine soul as designed by God. September 16-19; only 20 spots available; held at the Green River Lodge in Rutherfordton, NC. Cost is $175.00 per person for men 18 and up. Register by September 1st. This event will fill up fast. For more information call 704-860-9719 or www.newwildernessadventures.com.

Camp Call Masonic Lodge Annual BBQ

The Annual BBQ at Camp Call Masonic Lodge will be held Saturday, September 18 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children, and under 6 free. You can eat-in or carry out. The proceeds will go to Oxford Orphanage. 

ServSafe – 16 Hour Food Safety

Certification Course

ServSafe is a 16-hour Food Safety Certification Course, which teaches cost-effective food safety practices for your operation. The curriculum was designed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Successful completion of the course allows a food service establishment in the state of North Carolina to receive two additional points on a county health inspection. Who Should Attend? Foodservice managers, supervisors and other personnel in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, child-care facilities, school cafeterias and other foodservice establishments. When: Monday, September 20 – 23, 2010 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Exam will be Monday, September 27, 2010 at 9:00 am. Cost: $105.00 per participant (includes book, exam, certificate and refreshments). Register by: Friday, September 10, 2010. Event Location: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Cleveland County Center Auditorium, 130 South Post Road, Suite 1, Shelby, NC. Contact: Nancy Jones, MS, RD, LDN, Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences at               (704) 482-4365 or by email, nancy_jones@ncsu.edu or Visit: http://cleveland.ces.ncsu.edu to download brochure and registration form. Event Sponsor: North Carolina Cooperative Extension and The Cleveland County Health Department.