South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs
South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC, Environmental Programs:
Sunday, July 9, 16, 23 & 3, 2017 - "Fly Fishing 101" Get Hooked! Join angler Jeff Newton at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm for an introductory class on fly fishing. Please bring all personal equipment available. Classes may vary based on interest and skill level of the participants. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations still apply.
Saturday, July 8, 2017 - "Animals of the South Mountains"
Join a Park Ranger to learn about the many animals that call South Mountains home. The program will begin at 11:00am in the Visitor Center auditorium.
"Knot Tying 101" - Knot tying is a fundamental skill for many tasks. Whether you are a beginning climber, backpacker or just want to learn a few knots. Join a Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm.
Sunday, July 9, 2017 - "Let's Talk Turkey". Yelps, purrs, cuts and cackles. Join a Park Ranger and learn about Wild Turkeys in the South Mountains. Participants will learn about characteristics, habitat, populations, life history and vocalizations. Program starts at 2:00pm at the Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 15, 2017 - "Animals of the South Mountains". Join a Park Ranger to learn about the many animals that call South Mountains home. The program will begin at 11:00am in the Visitor Center auditorium.
"The 10 Essentials" - What items should you always carry with you when hiking? Meet a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm to learn about the "10 Essentials".
Sunday, July 16, 2017 - "Masked Bandits". Fact or Fiction: Do raccoons wash their food? Find out the answer to this and much more about those furry little "masked bandits" at South Mountains State Park. Meet Ranger Amanda at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm to learn a few myths and legends as well as fun facts about raccoons. All ages welcome!
Saturday, July 22, 2017 - "Animals of the South Mountains". Join a Park Ranger to learn about the many animals that call South Mountains home. The program will begin at 11:00 am in the Visitor Center auditorium.
"Let's Talk Turkey". Yelps, purrs, cuts and cackles. Join a Park Ranger and learn about Wild Turkeys in the South Mountains. Participants will learn about characteristics, habitat, populations, life history and vocalizations. Program starts at 2:00 pm at the Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 23, 2017. "The 10 Essentials". What items should you always carry with you when hiking? Meet a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center at 2:00pm to learn about the "10 Essentials".
Saturday, July 29, 2017 - "Animals of the South Mountains". Join a Park Ranger to learn about the many animals that call South Mountains home. The program will begin at 11:00am in the Visitor Center auditorium.
"Wilderness Survival 101". Wilderness Survival 101 will cover basic survival information as covered in the Boy Scouts of America handbook. Topics covered will include basic first aid, shelter and others based on class interest and instructor discretion. Program will be presented by park volunteer, Jeff Newton, who also teaches Fly Fishing 101 and has a great deal of experience in the outdoors. Program is free and open to the public. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm.
Sunday, July 30, 2017 - "Let's Talk Turkey". Yelps, purrs, cuts and cackles. Join a Park Ranger and learn about Wild Turkeys in the South Mountains. Participants will learn about characteristics, habitat, populations, life history and vocalizations. Program starts at 2:00 pm at the Visitor Center.
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 for more information.
Cleveland County Extension Services
Would you like to learn how to safely preserve food at home? Whether you are a new comer or quite experienced at home canning, there can be changes and new things to learn. NC Cooperative Extension Cleveland County Center will conduct a hands-on workshop, Basics of Pressure Canning & Freezing, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, in Kitchen 1 of the Cooperative Extension Center, 130 South Post Road, Suite 1, Shelby. The workshop will include demonstrations and hands-on time that will allow participants to practice preparing, packing and processing low acid foods, such as green beans, in the pressure canner. Participants will also learn techniques for freezing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Participants will receive an information and recipe booklet for future reference. Registration fee: $10.00 (payment confirms registration) Registration deadline: July 10th To register for the workshop or for additional information, call Nancy Abasiekong, Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences, at 704-482-4365. Free pressure canner gauge testing is also available at the Cooperative Extension Center. Bring only the lid of your dial-gauge pressure canner. Call for further testing and time information.
Shelby Senior Friends Dinner Group
Please feel free to join us the third Thursday of the month at Showmars 5pm for supper and alternating local restaurants the first Friday of the month. Many have found lasting friendships as we make good memories dining and talking, enjoying fellowship. Feel free to bring a friend and some fresh ideas. For more info. 704-756-0551.
"US Postal Service Note of Thanks"
This is a note of thanks to the residents of Cleveland County who assisted this year's Stamp out Hunger food drive on May 13, 2017. As in previous years past, local residents have helped each other once again with the collection of nearly 10,000 lbs of canned and boxed goods to be distributed to local food facilities. Our Red Cross along with local churches ensure that this food will go to help feed many families through soup kitchens, food banks, and even aide the backpack programs for our school children. Your dedicated mail carrier that collected the food and the tireless volunteers that transported it from the Post Office worked long into the evening on that Saturday. We thank you again and we are encouraged by witnessing your generosity. The USPS, the National Assoc. of Letter Carriers, and the National Assoc. of Rural Carriers, and the National Assoc. of Rural Carriers extend our gratitude.
Habitat for Humanity Cleveland County
Habitat is taking initial applications for its 2017 Home Build now through August 15, 2017. The applicant must be able to make no interest house payments of $475 to $550 a month, must have a real need for better housing, must live in Cleveland County, and must be willing to partner with Habitat by completing "sweat equity" on the home and by attending Homeowner Workshops. The typical Habitat home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and is approximately 1100 square feet. Applications may be picked up at the Habitat ReStore, 323 W. Grover St., Shelby or to receive an application by mail, call the Habitat office at 704-482-6200. In order to be considered, completed initial applications must be received by the Habitat office no later than August 15, 2017. Habitat is an Equal Housing Opportunity organization.

BENEFITS
Fundraiser to Benefit The Abuse Prevention Council to Help the Abused Children of CC
With dedication to the memory of Wendy Panther & the Abuse Prevention Council "Cleveland County Independent Bikers" & "CBA/ABATE of Cleveland County" are proud to support the 8th Annual Yard/Baker Sale and Breakfast Saturday, July 15, 2017, 7:00am - 4:00pm, VFW Post 4066, 855 West Sumter Street, Shelby, NC. Breakfast Buffet served 7:00-11:00am, $6 a plate. Items may be dropped off at the VFW Monday - Friday, July 10-14, 2017 from 2:00-6:00pm. All proceeds go to benefit the Abuse Prevention Council to help the Abused Children of Cleveland County. For more information call 704-881-2603.