1) Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities in Avery County
There are 100 days of summer and the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to choose their day to give blood and help ensure a sufficient blood supply.
Summer is a difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Nearly 90 percent of donors surveyed this past spring said they planned to take a vacation this summer, potentially making them less available to give. In addition, many schools that host blood drives are out of session during the summer. But the need for blood donations is constant. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed. The Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Avery County
Thursday, July 2
Linville Land Harbor, 22 Land Harbor Road, Linville, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., please call Michelle Trivett at 828-733-8316.
Thursday, July 9
Cannon Memorial Hospital, 434 Hospital Drive, Linville, 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 17
Crossnore School, 100 Dar Drive, Crossnore, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., please call Jessica Greene at 828-783-1272.
2) Kiko Magaña Named Head Coach for Women’s Soccer at Lees-McRae
Kiko Magaña has been named the Lees-McRae women’s soccer head coach, announced the Vice President Director of Athletics and Club Sports Craig McPhail Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m really excited about welcoming back Kiko to campus. He brings a great spirit to the program and will further develop our women’s soccer program,” praised McPhail. “His personality and familiarity to Lees-McRae are key attributes to him. Kiko has a great love for our campus and will make a difference for our team.”
Magaña played for the Bobcats from 2005-2008 and was a key component of the 2007 squad that appeared in the NCAA Elite 8 with a record of 21-2-1.
Prior to LMC, he served as the head women’s soccer coach at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash. from 2012-2015. At BC, Magaña recruited highly skilled and academically qualified student-athletes year round by attending high school and club games and college showcases.
He developed and maintained relationships with high school and club coaches and met with players regularly to support academic achievement, student success, athletic performance of student-athletes and make referrals to campus services as needed.
During his stint at Bellevue, Magaña was a member of the Northwest Athletic Conference Soccer Sports Committee. During that time, he helped insure that the sport is was being conducted in the manner proper for that sport and in the best academic interest of the NWAC conference student-athletes. He recommended revision of sport rules and tournament regulations to the executive board and served as a resource for region coaches and commissioners.
“I’m very excited and privileged at the opportunity to take over the LMC women’s soccer program,” said Magaña. “I want to thank BC for all the support the last four years. I’m looking forward to starting a new era in the women’s soccer program here at LMC.”
Outside of the collegiate realm, he served as head coach for the Mercer Island FC (2013-present) and Seattle United (2012-2013) squad.
In 2012, Magaña served as the assistant coach for the varsity boys’ soccer team at Foster High School in Tukwila, Wash.
He has been first aid and CPR certified for four years and is a Grade 8 Referee and has earned his USSF “D” license.
3) Watauga Parks and Rec Soccer Camps Start Monday
Watauga County Parks and Recreation is partnering with Challenger Sports to host the #1 soccer camp in the USA! This summer’s camp will be held the week of July 6–10 at Watauga High School. There are variety of camp sessions offered for children ages 3–15. The talented British Soccer Coaches make soccer fun for the kids while teaching fundamental and technical soccer skills. More information can be obtained by visiting www.challengersports.com.
4) Annual Fourth of July Book Sale in Newland, Banner Elk This Weekend
Book Sale: Lower Level of Library in Newland
Friday, July 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 4: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, July 6: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.
Book Sale: Old Banner Elk Elementary School
Saturday, July 4: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hardbacks: $1
Paperbacks: 50 cents
All money goes to buy new books for the Avery County Morrison Public Library.
Benefit Bake Sale For Debbie McLean, Assistant Librarian at Avery Morrison Library
Friday, July 3: 9-5 p.m.
Donations of baked goods appreciated. Drop before 5 p.m. on July 2.
5) Melissa Reaves at Sirens on the River, July 19
As we plan for the next Sirens on the Mountain in 2016 (more on that soon, by the way), we’re creating a nonprofit to partner with the festival, an organization supporting women in music and the arts in western North Carolina. To raise funds for this nonprofit, we are hosting Sirens on the River on Sunday, July 19, 4-7 p.m., with Melissa Reaves and her band rocking out at the New River Barn, a gorgeous new event space ten minutes from Boone.
Donations of any amount accepted. Bring your own chair and beverage. This is a private event. Everyone is invited.
Click here for more information.