RSVP Newsletter Enriching Lives

Meeting Community Needs

RSVP Coordinators

Patti Cameron ext 126 Buncombe & Madison Patti@landofsky.org,

Vicki Jennings, Ext. 130 Henderson & Transylvania

Vicki@landofsky.org

Program Assistant Brenda DeLaCruz ext. 132 Brenda@landofsky.org (Call for Theatre Tickets)

Tel: (828)-251-6622 or

1-800-727-0557

http://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home

Nov-Dec 2009 Buncombe/Madison Co.

Victims Assistance ProgramVictims Assistance Program–– New RVSP Initiative New RVSP Initiative

Special Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsor

Beating the Holiday BluesBeating the Holiday Blues

Plan Ahead to Ease Holiday StressPlan Ahead to Ease Holiday Stress

In 1999 an AARP survey found that older consumers are disproportionately vulnerable to telemarketing fraud. 56% of those identified by the survey as targets of telemarket-ing fraud were age 50 or older. Unable to replace assets lost to these fraud artists, the financial and psychological impact of telemarketing fraud on senior victims can be devastating.

RSVP, the Area Agency on Aging and the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, and the NC Attorney General’s Office are working together to create a Victims Assistance

Program (VAP). The Victims Assistance Program utilizes the skills and availability of trained senior volunteers to assist the special detectives in the State Attorney General’s Office to provide follow-up with community seniors who have been victims of crime to assess their level of functioning, explore a safety plan, identify community and social supports and make referrals to professionals in areas where appropriate and ultimately to reduce the incidence of repeat scams. If you are interested in becoming a VAP volunteer contact Christina Giles in our office. Christina will take your contact infor-mation and notify you when dates have been confirmed. Christina Giles can be reached at 251-6622 ext 108 or email christina@landofsky.org. For more information on the project please go to: http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/vap.htm. Training will be conducted at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council on March 31st, 2010 from 10am –2pm lunch included.

For many, the holidays are about traditions – the eggnog, the decorations, gathering family and loved ones for a visit. But for others, the holidays become a time of stress and loneliness as families are miles apart, and our focus becomes clouded by the tinsel and lights. This is also the time of year when many older adults begin to feel lonelier than at any other time of the year.

“Loneliness is a natural byproduct of the holidays, because of the break in our daily routine,” says Dan Russell, a professor of human development with Iowa State University. “The things we nor-mally do tend to slow down during the holidays, which means we have more time to sit and think about our individual situations.”

Russell recommends that seniors, in particular, find new ways to connect with others if they feel themselves begin to feel the effects of loneliness. “Tis the season to reconnect with both relatives and friends, or possibly make new friends,” he said. "Seniors can also try to find some projects that involve some social interactivity during the holidays. They are typically more abundant during this time of year."

And while family is important, Russell reminds seniors that they don’t have to spend the entire holiday with family if it is too stressful. “We want to see our children and grandchildren, but spending two weeks away from our friends and daily rou-

tines may be too much. Plan accordingly,” he says.

Russell also reminds sen-iors that being honest with family members with things like finances, schedules and personal wishes is best. “If it’s been awhile since we’ve seen our families, they may assume that everything is the same as it was the last visit when, in reality, your energy level may be less, or you may have less income to spend on gifts,” he says. “Letting your children know up front that there may be fewer gifts this year or that you may not have the energy to watch the grandkids every night of your visit is better than surprising them when you arrive.”

And don’t be afraid to get involved, Russell says. Most nonprofit organizations who offer community services are looking for people throughout the holiday season—not just on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. “The best way to avoid the holi-day blues is to get involved helping others,” he said. “This takes the focus off of ourselves and helps us get a better perspective on our world.”

RSVP members can find holiday volunteer oppor-tunities in this newsletter and on our website. See page 8 for information on Congregate Meal Sites you can attend this holiday season.

Keeping you healthy, active and involved is a big part of the RSVP program. It is with this in mind that we bring to you RSVP’s newest initiative the Travelling Volunteer! This is your opportunity to make new friends and have a great time doing it.

Through a partnership with local travel provider Runion Tours and Travel, you have a unique opportunity to explore sights throughout the Southeast without the fuss of driving through traffic, booking hotel rooms or car rentals, purchasing tickets or making reserva-tions. With The Traveling Volunteer, all the work is done for you!

Who is eligible? All volunteers who are affiliated with Land-of-Sky Regional Council and its programs are eligible to register for these exciting trips (RSVP, Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Com-panion Program). Volunteer stations (those places you volunteer) - may purchase trips as a benefit, incentive or award for their volunteers.

What is the cost? Each trip is different and the cost depends on where we go and the activities we choose. The cost for each trip includes round-trip transportation aboard a luxury motor coach and at least one meal. You will know the cost of the trip upfront...no surprises!

Payment Plans? We have also developed payment plans so you can more easily fit a trip into your household budgets. We require a small deposit to hold your place, and then addi-tional payments can be made until the balance is paid in full.

What about Friends? Many participants may want to take a friend or family member with them when they travel. No problem! Since the program is designed for Land-of-Sky volunteers, those not affiliated with LOSRC are welcome to accompany any trip for a small addi-tional fee. Also, if a friend or family member is eligible to be a volunteer with LOSRC, they can register with RSVP and go for the volunteer rate. Now that’s a win-win for everyone!

How do I register? It’s easy! Each time a trip becomes available, volunteers can request a registration form, which will give you more informa-tion about the trip (dates, costs, etc.). Once we have received your completed form and deposit, you are registered for the trip. We will send you reminders about future payments (if ap-plicable) and other information prior to departure.

We Want Your Trip Ideas! These are some of the trips we are thinking of but want to know where you want to go and do. • A tour of Savannah with lunch at Paula Deen’s restaurant.

• A play at the Barter Theatre in Virginia

• A tour of the holiday decorations in historic Williamsburg

• A tour of the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in

Atlanta

Have your own ideas? Contact Vicki at the Land-of-Sky Offices!

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

8:30 a.m.—5 p.m. $39/person includes lunch

Enjoy the Holiday lights, shop and enjoy lunch at the Apple Barn.

To register call Vicki Jennings at 251-6622 ext 130 or toll free 1-800-727-0557 or email vicki@landofsky.org

A $15 non-refundable deposit and registration form is due by November 17th. The balance of

$24 is due on Monday, December 7th.

A day of shopping in

Pigeon Forge & lunch at

The Apple Barn

Introducing a New Benefit for RSVP VolunteersIntroducing a New Benefit for RSVP Volunteers

Get on the Bus with the Traveling VolunteerGet on the Bus with the Traveling Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight Volunteer Spotlight

Henny Caldwell Henny Caldwell By Mike McWilliams September 24, 2009 , Reprinted Asheville Citizen Times.

What's kept Henny Caldwell going for nearly nine dec-ades? “Interaction with young people,” Caldwell said. “They keep you alert. I've been in a retirement home for about a year, and it's much better to be around young people than old people, I'll tell you that right now.”

About 25 people, including Caldwell's family and several members of the Police Department, gathered Wednes-day to honor Caldwell for her volunteer work at APD. She received multiple awards and honors from Chief Bill Hogan and City Manager Gary Jackson.

Caldwell, known affectionately at the Asheville Police Department as “Ms. Caldwell,” started volunteering for the Police Department in 1992, spending nearly all of that time in the evidence section. She will turn 89 in No-vember and has no immediate plans to stop volunteering at APD.

Caldwell grew up in Asheville and worked in Raleigh and Atlanta for several years before returning here in the early 1990s. “I didn't want to stagnate and become a couch potato,” Caldwell said of her inspiration to volun-teer. Caldwell has volunteered at other places, including Meals on Wheels, but decided she liked APD the best. “I came here, and they put up with me,” she joked. “I guess that's the main thing — they put up with me.”

Several of those at Caldwell's surprise party shared stories about the tireless volunteer. Hogan recalled some historical tidbits of Asheville he learned from Caldwell. “When volunteers come into the Police Department, it helps make a connection between the community and police officers,” Hogan said. “Sometimes, we kind of hole up amongst ourselves and get a little cynical, but when volunteers come in, it really makes that connection and reminds us of what we do and whose lives we touch and how important it is.”

Caldwell has volunteered an average of two days a week for between four and six hours each day, APD evi-dence section manager Lee Smith said. Caldwell's job includes data entry, editing, filing, customer service or other tasks that don't involve her handling evidence, Smith said. Smith said Caldwell has a tenacious work ethic and is not afraid to be honest with people — no mat-ter what rank they hold in the Police Department. Smith helped present Caldwell with a large, novelty check for more than $103,000 based on what Caldwell would have earned for her volunteer work. “Her attention to detail, her meticulous work ethic — in the evidence section, that's everything,” Smith said. “If there was ever a question that needed to be asked, she would ask that question because she was always looking out for the department. She was always looking out for the section and making sure that everything we did was

exactly the way it needed to be.”

Henny has been a member of RSVP for 18 years. We thank Henny for all she has done for our community and congratulate her on this wonderful honor bestowed by the Asheville Police Department .

If you know a RSVP volunteer you would like to see in the

Volunteer Spotlight then give us a call!

When volunteers come into the Police De-partment, it helps make a connection be-tween the community and police officers,” Hogan said. “Sometimes, we kind of hole up amongst ourselves and get a little cyni-cal, but when volunteers come in, it really makes that connection and reminds us of what we do and whose lives we touch and how important it is.”

People may be surprised when Cole tells them his Big Brother is 85 years old. What they don’t know is that Wilbur is exactly the kind of mentor Cole was looking for. Back in third grade Cole had asked for a Big Brother who would be “like a grandpa” and who could “make stuff.” And boy, can Wilbur make stuff!

Birdhouses, squirrel feeders, toys for little children; if it can be made with wood, Cole and Wilbur have built it together. They’ve made birdhouses for the local nature park and “pull trains” for holiday toy drives. But the most important thing Cole and Wilbur have built together is friendship. “I liked him as soon as I saw him,” Cole remembers, and since then their relationship has just grown stronger. “I really enjoy our time together,” Wilbur says. It’s all about having fun enjoy-ing friendship … and finding a few “teachable moments”

Woodworking isn’t just a craft for hands, but for minds as well. Wilbur has used their time building things to help Cole understand that algebra and geometry are skills he can use every day. And as warm and friendly as Wilbur is, he does-n’t mess around when it comes to schooling. When he learned Cole’s grades were down, he told Cole they would-n’t do one of Cole’s favorite activities until his schoolwork improved. Cole buckled down and got his grades back to where they should be.

Their years of friendship have brought changes to both of them. Cole has had to deal with growing up, and Wilbur has been coping with life’s challenges like caring for his aging wife and moving into an as-sisted living facility. Through it all, they’ve both drawn strength from their friendship, and they look forward to all their time together. “If Wilbur weren’t my mentor,” Cole smiles, “I’d have nothing to do!”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC has set out to recruit 75 mentors in 75 days. In doing so they are looking for Big Grandparents to share their life experience and hobbies with a little brother or sister. You can volunteer one on one or if you are married you and your spouse can volunteer together with a child.

RR SVP offers short and onSVP offers short and on--going volunteer opportunities for volunteers 55+. going volunteer opportunities for volunteers 55+.

There are opportunities for even the busiest person. For a complete listing There are opportunities for even the busiest person. For a complete listing

of our opportunities please call our office or go to our website.of our opportunities please call our office or go to our website.

http://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home/volunteerhttp://sites.google.com/site/rsvpserniorcorp/Home/volunteer--opportunitiesopportunities

Call-A-Ride: Council on Aging of Buncombe County Do you like to drive? Do you love people? Then the Call-A-Ride program is for you! Volunteers are needed to transport older adults who can no longer drive and cannot use public transportation to medical and other nec-essary appointments. This is the program with the most critical, ongoing need. Geographical volunteers are most needed to service the communities of Black Mountain and Leicester.

Mars Hill Visitors Center Share your love of the area by volunteering at the Mars Hill Visitors Center. Visitor Center volunteers will work two, three, or four hour shifts between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Volunteers can work one regular shift or several shifts weekly.

Colburn Earth Science Museum Colburn Earth Science Museum in Pack Place fosters an apprecia-tion for the Earth and its resources and environments through exhib-its, educational programs and the care of its collection. Volunteers are needed at the Information Desk to greet visitors, answer ques-tions, light administrative work and answer the phones.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters/Big Grandparents

ONONON---GOING VOLUNTEER OGOING VOLUNTEER OGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESPPORTUNITIESPPORTUNITIES

Asheville GreenWorks: Nov 14th 9am-12pm - Community Garden work-day Black Mountain Primary School is having a workday for their community garden. Volunteers are needed to help maintain & set up for the next growing season.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Is moving from their UNCA home and needs help. If you have a few hours, they need help with sorting through files, packing boxes, organizing supplies and transporting. The move is scheduled for late De-cember or January but they need help now.

YWCA Fun Run or Walk : Saturday November 21 @ 9 a.m. The YWCA is holding a fun run/walk at Aston Park to get people in the community active! The route will be a 1 or 2 mile loop that participants can either walk or run once or multiple times. The event is

family friendly with light drinks and snacks provided. 15-20 volunteers are needed to stand on the corner and direct runner/walkers, play games with kids, and hand out water/snacks.

Community Health Assessment YWCA in Partnership with the Buncombe Co. Health Department & Health Partners is conducting a com-munity health assessment. Beginning in November, trained volunteers will conduct health surveys with randomly selected households all around Buncombe Co. Volunteers must attend a 4hr training on No-vember 5th. Volunteers will conduct the Surveys November 6 and 7 – surveying 238 households in teams of two. Interviews will be conducted in 2 – 4hr blocks of time. Volunteers must be willing to travel to predetermined locations in Buncombe Co. Skills needed: comfortable using computers, com-fortable asking very specific questions and protocol for conducting surveys, Ability to speak Spanish or Russian is helpful

Salvation Army—Asheville

Thanksgiving Dinner—November 26th Volunteers are needed to help with food preparation, serving and clean-up for Thanksgiving Meal.

The Angel Tree- Nov 13th- Dec 11th Assist in adopting out “Angels” by documenting simple information and checking in gifts after they are returned. Asheville Mall & Biltmore Square Mall. Flexible hours.

Smoky Mountain Toy Run- Dec 5th– : Help with the collection of toys donated by Harley Riders of WNC.

Angel Tree Set-up- Dec 14th & 15th– : Help set-up of Angel Tree gifts by sorting and arranging for Distribution Days. 750 Haywood Road.

Packing Food Boxes- Dec 16th– : Help in packing food boxes for families and individuals who have applied for Christmas assistance. 750 Haywood Road

Distributions Days- Dece17th & 18th– – Help families with selecting toys for their children at The Salvation Army Toy Shop, pick up Angel Tree gifts and Holiday Food Boxes. 750 Haywood Road.

Christmas Dinner- Dec 25th : Help with food prepara-tion, serving and clean-up of Christmas Dinner.

YWCA Christmas Party Fundraiser Saturday, December 12 (possibly 19th) @ 7 p.m. YWCA Christmas Party Fundraiser event to raise funds for Ruth’s Home, a non-profit for pregnancy support and teen mothers, ages 15-19. This “Winter Wonderland” themed formal event will be held at Classic Rentals in Weaverville. A full dinner is included and music will be provided by a live swing band. Volunteer assistance is needed with event set up, serving the meal, clean-up afterwards.

Manna Food Bank Ingles Giving Tree– Volunteers are needed to sit a the tree outside of Barnes & Nobles at the Asheville Mall and thank mall-goers for donations of food and funds and offering Manna literature if interested.

Black Mountain Neurological Center • Holiday Parade: Help out with their annual Christ-

mas Parade the 3rd of December at 3:30pm. • Gift Wrapping Volunteers- December the 7&8th

Come help wrap gifts for the 160 residents. Shifts Available: 9a-12 noon, 1p-3p, 3p-5p, 6p-8p

SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESSHORT TERM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESSHORT TERM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPHOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPHOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESPORTUNITIESPORTUNITIES

Station SpotlightStation Spotlight

Harvest House WoodshopHarvest House Woodshop A part of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural EventsA part of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Events

It was a beautiful fall day to visit an old friend Jim Sugrue at Harvest House Community Center in Asheville. Each time I meet with Jim I learn something new about him. Some of you might know Jim as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Folk Art Center. This is where I first got to know him and his wife Barbara. What I didn’t know until recently is that Jim is an excellent cabinet maker and has been teaching woodworking at Harvest House for 6 years. Jim contacted me in late summer to ask me to come down to the woodshop and take a look around so I could tell others about this little known secret in Asheville.

Now it has been years since I was in a woodworking shop, not since 1996 when I worked for Habitat for Humanity International and the cabinet makers there taught us “Office Bunnies” (as they liked to call us) how to do a little woodworking. It was so much fun. I made a Stove Rack Push/Pull from old timbers left over from when they refurbished the headquarters. It was beau-tiful 100 year old pine. So proud I was of my accomplishments I made one for every mem-ber of my family. Now that I have moved to the City in my tiny little house I have no room for woodworking or the money to buy the necessary tools. How many of you can relate to this situation.

It was so nice to be back in a woodshop that day surrounded by so many creative projects, people and the wonderful smell of fresh cut wood. The first person in the shop that day apart from me and Jim was a familiar face, Larry Williams, one of our very own Senior Companions. Larry showed me the wooden clocks that he makes and told me “This place is a little known secret, it is a great place for building friendships and it has all the equip-ment I could ever want to use.” He is right. There are band and table saws, jig saws, planer that can plan raw boards, clamps of all sorts, a separate room for drying items, dust collec-tion on all equipment…everything.

“The best part”, Larry said, “is having Jim here to help you through your projects. All you need to do is tell him what you want to do and he will help you find a template, and walk you through the process with such patience, its wonderful.” Jim told me it was best that way so you get the individual attention you need and it fits your schedule.

Currently there are 56 people that use the Harvest House Woodshop and they come from all over, men and women. The shop is open to anyone age 18 and older on Wednes-days & Thursdays from 10-6pm. The cost is $20 and that gets you 10 trips to the woodshop. If you live outside of Asheville the cost is $25. It is an unbelievable value at $2 a day.

The Harvest House is hoping to increase the number of woodworkers using the shop so it can expand to be open 3 days a week. Jim encourages you to come for a tour of the shop any Wednesday or Thursday and see it for yourself and ask questions. While you are there also ask about the many other facilities and classes that they have such as the weaving and ceramics room. You can even volunteer at Harvest House. I had a great day on my tour of Harvest House’s woodshop. I look forward to coming back to sharpen my woodworking skills

and maybe look into starting a Toasty Toes group while I am there. I hope to see you there.

To learn more about the many recreation centers throughout Ashe-ville go to http://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/ParksRCA/default.aspx?id=12722#harvest Pictures: John Lopes: Doll House for Granddaughter Peter Ely: Walnut & Oak High Chair

Harvest House 205 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville,

NC, 28803

Pam Kelly,

Interim Center Director

(828) 350-2051

harvesth@ashevillenc.gov

Harvest House is located in

the Kenilworth neighborhood in

east Asheville offering activi-

ties for all ages. The center

features pool tables, a loaning

library, computer, and large

and small multipurpose rooms.

Several classrooms feature

weaving, ceramics and a full-

service woodshop

Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Program Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Program

Higher Income & Lower Age Requirements Higher Income & Lower Age Requirements -- Opens the Doors to More Volunteers. Opens the Doors to More Volunteers.

LOOKING FOR SENIOR COMPANIONS TO HELP ENRICH THE LIVES OF OTHER OLDER ADULTS The Senior Companion Program is seeking Senior Com-panions to serve in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties. We are looking for Senior Com-panion volunteers to serve in Adult Day Care Centers assisting staff with activities and in the home of a home-bound senior providing assistance to individuals who have trouble with daily living tasks or providing respite to family caregivers. To qualify you must be at least 55 years old, meet in-come guidelines and be willing to commit to volunteer-ing at least 15 hours or as many as 40 hours per week depending upon your schedule. Volunteers are reimbursed a tax-free stipend of $2.65 per hour, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick days plus mileage reim-bursement. For those who are interested please call Tracy Ash at 828-251-6622 ext 128 for more information.

GRANDPARENTS NEEDED TO GIVE A LITTLE LOVE TO A CHILD IN NEED. Foster Grandparents are trusted mentors, confidants and friends to children in need. Foster Grandparents are 55 years of age or older and volunteer twenty hours of time a week. Their goal is to help chil-dren with special needs improve their reading, motor skills, tempera-ment, and behavior. Their efforts enhance a child’s physical develop-ment, improve the children’s self esteem and, in general, they serve the children as invaluable role models.

While providing this assistance to children, the volunteers receive a stipend of $225 monthly to supplement their monthly income. This stipend does not count as income and does not affect other benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, rent subsidy, or supplemental security in-come. Volunteers also receive mileage reimbursement and paid vacation and sick leave.

Foster Grandparents give of themselves each and every day. They are busy, but never too busy to provide their time and energies to children with special needs who greatly appreciate the love and attention they re-ceive. Their service and kindness fosters hope in the hearts of the children. For more information, contact Stacy Friesland, Foster Grandparent Program Manager, at 828/251-6622 ext. 131.

Recipe for Volunteering Recipe for Volunteering by Naznin Dhananiby Naznin Dhanani

2 cups of listening2 cups of listening

1 teaspoon of trust1 teaspoon of trust

1 ½ cups of kindness1 ½ cups of kindness

1 teaspoon of honesty1 teaspoon of honesty

2 cups of happiness2 cups of happiness

1 cup responsibility1 cup responsibility

1 cup of patience & laughter1 cup of patience & laughter

1 tablespoon of communication1 tablespoon of communication

1 tablespoon of compromise1 tablespoon of compromise

1 dash of commitment1 dash of commitment

2 teaspoons of give and take2 teaspoons of give and take

2 dashes of forgiveness2 dashes of forgiveness

2 tablespoons of appreciation of each other2 tablespoons of appreciation of each other

¾ cup of tolerance ¾ cup of tolerance

Method: Method:

Combine listening, trust and kindness.Combine listening, trust and kindness. Mix well. Mix well. Add Add

communication, honesty and compromise.communication, honesty and compromise. Blend. Blend. Cream Cream

happiness, commitment and responsibility until light and happiness, commitment and responsibility until light and

fluffy. Sift together patience, give and take and laugh-fluffy. Sift together patience, give and take and laugh-

ter.ter. Fold together gently. Fold together gently. Add dashes of forgiveness, to Add dashes of forgiveness, to

taste. Top with appreciation and tolerance.taste. Top with appreciation and tolerance.

Results:Results:

“Remembering the essence of volunteering”.“Remembering the essence of volunteering”.

You will need to follow the instructions very carefully to You will need to follow the instructions very carefully to

end up with the results you want!end up with the results you want!

From : http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/join-the-network/

blogs/ivd2006-blog/doc/recipe-for-volunteering.html

PRSRT-STD US Postage

PAID Asheville, NC

Permit no. 367

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Land-of-sky Regional Council. 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806 Tel: (828)-251-6622 or 1-800-727-0557 www.landofsky.org

Return Service Requested

Station Events & GalasStation Events & Galas

RSVP is committed to assisting our members find meaningful ways to spend the holidays helping, serving and building relation-ships with others. One way is to spend time socializing around the lunch table. Several of our stations sponsor “Congregate Meals,” which is where seniors from your area get together and enjoy a nutritious meal for little or no charge. The meals are provided by the Home and Community Care Block Grant. Each meal site has a coordinator and a registration process, so if you’re looking for a way to connect with seniors in your area, check out the congregate meal site near you!

Buncombe County Contact the Council on Aging of Buncombe

County 828-277-8288

Madison County Contact the Madison Co. Department of Community

Services at 828-649-2722

Enjoy a Meal with Others this Holiday SeasonEnjoy a Meal with Others this Holiday Season

Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Thurs, Nov 12, 2009 , 5:00 p.m. Light reception, 6:00 p.m. Presentation Special guest Dr. Gerard Baker, Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and featured in Ken Burns’s National Parks documentary series, will present Natural Re-source Stewardship – An American Indian Legacy and Model for Our Future. For more information call Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Leesa Brandon 828-271-4779, x 224 Go Public! A Celebration for the City Schools. November 5th at the DoubleTree Biltmore. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Featuring local food, beer and entertainment. Come celebrate with us from 6:30-9. The Catering is provided by Design Inno-

vations a new effort of Savoy Restaurant. To register, email: acsf@acsf.org. or call (828) 350-6134. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with this fundraiser as well. Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS): Sponsor a Child’s Holiday Gift Brighten the holidays for a child! BBBS is offering the opportu-nity for you to provide holiday gifts for a disadvantaged child. BBBS staff will provide you with a list from the parent of the child's needs and wants, but there is not a requirement to pur-chase all the items. Call the Big Brothers office at 253-1470 by December 15 to speak with a staff person about this op-portunity.