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Today’s Email Announcements

Weekly Events at Lost Province Brewing Company, June 6-June 17

Wednesday, 6/07/17- Trivia at 7pm.

Thursday, 6/08/17-$3 Thirsty Thursday and College Night featuring Live Music with Logan Heafner at 7:30pm.

Friday, 6/09/17-Live Music: Fat Face Band at 7:30pm.

Saturday, 6/10/17-Live Music: Cam Haas at 7:30pm.

Tuesday, 6/13/17-Get Lost for a Cause with SAHA (Southern Appalachian Heritage Association).

Wednesday, 6/14/17-Trivia at 7pm.

Thursday, 6/15/17-$3 Thirsty Thursday and College Night featuring Live Music with Downtown Abby and the Echoes at 7:30.

Friday, 6/16/17-Live Music: Strictly Stings at 7:30pm.

Saturday, 6/17/17-Live Music: Amantha Mill at 7:30pm.

 

Healthcare System Launches New Lung Cancer Screening Program

Boone, NC (June 5, 2017) –  Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States? According to the American Cancer Society, more than 220,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

 
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in the lungs and grow out of control. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, eight out of 10 lung cancer cases in the United States are caused by smoking. Additionally, nine out of 10 people die from the disease because it is diagnosed too late.
 
Good news
 
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that the evidence is sufficient to add a shared decision-making visit and an annual lung cancer screening to the preventative services available under the Medicare program.
 
What is a shared decision-making visit?
  • Face-to-face meeting between the patient and clinicians to discuss the benefits and potential risks of a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan.
What is a Low-dose CT scan? 
  • The LDCT scan is especially effective for diagnosing cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. The patient will lie on the CT table while a CT scanner uses a low dose of radiation to make a detailed image of the patient’s lungs. The outpatient procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes to complete.
Who is eligible under Medicare?
  • Patient must be between 55 – 77 years of age.
  • No signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
  • Current or former smoker with active tobacco smoking within the last 15 years.  
Will private insurance cover the LDCT scan?
  • Private insurance plans do cover LDCT scans for patients between 55 – 80 years of age.
How do I sign up?
In June 2017, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) will launch a lung cancer screening program for patients who qualify. Interested participants should:
  • Complete the LDCT Lung Screening referral form, located at apprhs.org/lungscreening, with their primary care provider.
  • Participate in a shared decision-making visit at Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists located in Boone, NC.
  • If during the shared decision-making visit the patient and provider determine that the patient is eligible for the lung cancer screening program, the provider will schedule the LDCT scan for the patient at Watauga Medical Center.
  • Discuss results of LDCT scan and follow up plan with ARHS’s Pulmonology Navigator.

For more information about the lung cancer screening call the ARHS Pulmonary Navigator at 828-386-2039 or visit apprhs.org/lungscreening.

 

North Carolina Native Plant Society Hosts Monthly Meeting, June 14

It’s that time for our monthly meeting soon. It will be held on Wednesday June 14th(Second Wednesday) at the Holiday Inn Express, 1943 Blowing Rock Road in Boone. The meeting room will open at 6:30 and we’ll start the meeting at 7:00.
 
The presenters at the June 14 meeting of the NC Native Plant Society  are Judith Phoenix, Board Chair of BRWIA- who will give a quick overview of BRWIA 
 
Debbie Bauer,  BRWIA board member, one of founding members of the Seed Library, Bethel School Garden Coordinator, and Lettece Learn Project
 
Julia Showalter, BRWIA board member, one of founding members of the Seed Library, ASU faculty, and Garden Coordinator of the ASU Garden
 
The talk will focus on what seed libraries are, where they are and local seed libraries.  Is there a difference between an heirloom tomato and a native plant?  What ways can native plant lovers join us in facilitating the planting  of heirloom vegetables and native flowers in  community gardens.  
 
It looks to be another exciting program so be sure to attend. I hope our group can join with the Watauga Library Group and start adding native plants to this great cause.
 
Regards,
Mark Rose, Chapter Chairman

 

2017 Back 2 School Festival Seeks Support

BOONE, NC – June 1, 2017: With the current school year having just come to a close, planning for the fifth annual Back 2 School Festival has kicked into high gear. Last year over 800 students received backpacks, school supplies, shoes, haircuts and lunch during the half-day festival.

“The outpouring of generosity from all corners of the community allowed hundreds of children and families to start the school year fully prepared to learn and succeed,” reported Dr. Scott Elliot, Watauga County Schools Superintendent.

Additionally, school social workers have been able to access supplies from the Back 2 School Festival throughout the school year, helping students who enrolled or experienced a need during the year.

“The impact of the festival has become much greater than the day itself,” states Amber Bateman, one of the founders of the Back 2 School Festival. “It is exciting to see how the festival has grown from our first year and gratifying to see how many families are being helped.”

The Back 2 School Festival, started in 2013 as a collaborative effort between The Children’s Council, Western Youth Network, Hospitality House, Quiet Givers and others seeks to improve school readiness efforts in order to have a greater impact on the community. Its objective is to serve any family struggling to afford the high costs of back-to-school shopping in a relaxed, distinguished and respectful environment. Their goal for the festival is for all kids to start school feeling confident and prepared for the year ahead.

“The average cost per child for back to school supplies is $150, and that doesn’t include clothes, shoes, or haircuts.’ says Back 2 School Festival coordinator Kendra Sink. “With over 32 percent of Watauga County residents living in poverty, this event makes a big difference in the lives of local families.”

After five years of building confidence, preparing futures and ensuring success, the number of children and families continues to grow and festival organizers are reaching out to the community for their support and help.

“We need to raise a minimum of $30,000 in order to meet the demand,” says Children’s Council executive director Crystal Kelly. “Last year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, we were able to provide shoes to every child and our goal is to do the same this year.”

Businesses and civic groups can sponsor the festival at various levels, which range between $250 and $5000. For a $100 contribution, individuals can have their name listed on the Donor Board at the festival.

Additionally, the Back 2 School festival is operated on a 100 percent volunteer basis, with close to 250 volunteers needed to make the event a success. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the B2SF Volunteer-Spot at back2schoolfestival.org/volunteer-spot/

This year’s festival, presented by Mast General Store, ECRS Retail Automation and Wells Fargo, will take place Saturday, August 12, at Watauga County High School from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contributions may be made online at back2schoolfestival.org/donate/ or checks made payable to The Children’s Council, with “B2SF17” in the memo line, may be mailed to PO Box 102, Boone N.C. 28607.

For sponsorship information and to learn more about the Back 2 School Festival, please visit back2schoolfestival.org/

 

Help Raise Funds for Our Youth Programs for Watauga County Parks and Recreation

Thanks to everyone who has been helping us with the HikeNC! contest over the last week.  Sadly we are in last place. L 

We need your help. Below are automatic tweets you can use if you have twitter.  Also, if you are using Instagram, make sure you account is set to public. 

My vote is going to @NCParks @BCBSNC to support the next generation of park rangers and #HikeNC #VoteNCParks

https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=My+vote+is+going+to+@ncparks+@BCBSNC+to+support+the+next+generation+of+park+rangers+and&hashtags=HikeNC,VoteNCParks

 

Tweet, tweet, tweet from @ncparks and @bcbsnc #VoteNCParks

https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Tweet,+tweet,+tweet+from+@ncparks+and+@bcbsnc&hashtags=VoteNCParks

 

Support @NCParks and kids programs with #VoteNCParks @bcbsnc #HikeNC

https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Support+@ncparks+and+kids+programs+with+@BCBSNC&hashtags=VoteNCParks,HikeNC

 

Share your love of @ncparks! @BCBSNC #VoteNCParks

https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Share+your+love+of+@ncparks!+@BCBSNC&hashtags=VoteNCParks

 

Image removed by sender.

 Please vote for NC State Parks to win a donation from BCBSNC by using #VoteNCParks and @BCBSNC on Twitter and Instagram.

Friends of State Parks, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 58-1634155   Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  No goods or services were provided in exchange for this membership.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Programs, June 21-25

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:30 am – Informal Upstairs Tour at Cone Manor

From 10:30-12:00, the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for a self guided tour. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions.

 

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:30– Children’s Hour

Activities may include storytelling, traditional games, and/or hands on simple crafts. An adult or older responsible attendee must stay with children in order for them to participate (best suited for ages 4 – 12)

 

Friday, June 23, 2017

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:30 am – Informal Upstairs Tour at Cone Manor

From 10:30-12:00, the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for a self guided tour. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions.

 

Saturday June 24, 2017

Ranger Bear Program

10:30-11:30- Milepost 302, Wilson Creek Overlook

Join a Ranger for a table program and discussion on black bears along the Blue Ridge.

 

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:00, 11:00, Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor

Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tour is approximately 45 minutes long and reservations are required. To reserve a tour: call 828-295-3782 or sign up at the NPS information desk at the Manor House. Reservations are accepted beginning at 10:00am Friday for the upcoming weekend only. No advance reservations, please.

 

1:00-3:00 – Informal Upstairs Tour at Cone Manor

From 1:00 to 3:00, the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for a Self Guided tour. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions.

 

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Cone Manor – Milepost 294

10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00 -Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor

Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. See Saturday (above) for details.

 

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

Watauga County Parks and Recreation Lacrosse Clinics, Register by June 15

Watauga County Parks and Recreation is holding various lacrosse clinics throughout the summer. If you register by June 15, you get a free lacrosse t-shirt as well. Registration for 4-12 graders is $45.  Space is limited. Registration forms will only be accepted after the June 15 if space is available. Those allowed to register after the deadline will not receive a Lacrosse Shirt.

Clinics will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at Watauga High’s Lacrosse Field. During the clinics, boys and girls will be separated and categorized based on age. 

The clinic times are as follows:

5:30 – 6:45 p.m. will be female 4th-6th graders and male 4th-6th graders. 

7:00-8:15 p.m. will be female 7th-12th graders and male 7th-12th graders. 

Male player’s protective gear mandatory for field players include colored mouth piece, lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves and athletic support/cup. Female player’s protective gear mandatory for field players include colored mouth piece and goggles.

More information about appropriate/legal equipment and sizing can be found at: http://www.uslacrosse.org/about-the-sport/equipment/player-equipment.aspx

Equipment and equipment packages may be ordered online or purchased from your local sporting goods store.

CLINIC DATES:

Monday, June 12 Wednesday, June 14

Monday, June 19 Wednesday, June 21

Monday, June 26 Wednesday, June 28

NO MEETINGS during the week of JULY 3

Monday, July 10 Wednesday July 12

Monday, July 17 (rain date)* Wednesday, July 19 (rain date)*

* Rain Dates will only be used to make up clinics cancelled by Watauga County Parks and Recreation due to inclement weather. Participants should call 828-264-9511 to check the status of the day’s clinic. Lacrosse is played in the rain; however, a decision will be made based on safety.

For more information, contact Watauga County Parks and Recreation.

Phone: 828-264-9511 Address: 231 Complex Drive, Boone

E-mail: watco.parks@watgov.org

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm