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The Ashe Camera Club will hold its first meeting of 2010 on Monday, March 29th. The meeting will be held at the Ashe County Arts Council Building in West Jefferson and begin at 6 PM. Anyone interested in photography is welcome to attend. The Ashe Camera Club is a group of mostly amateur photographic enthusiasts formed in the summer of 2009 with the hope of providing a fun environment where skills could be honed and experiences discussed with others who share the love of this hobby. The Club members vary from those just getting involved and feeling their way with "point and shoot" cameras to those experienced with the latest SLR cameras and lenses, whose skills are at the professional level. But all involved want to learn more about their equipment and how to get the most out of it. There are no dues, no officers, no by-laws and no formality whatsoever. All it takes is an interest in photography. A discussion of the advantages of knowing the depth of field as it varies from lens to lens and camera to camera, at different zoom and aperture settings will be the main topic at the March meeting. A program will be available to calculate the appropriate settings for a specific camera and lens combination. This is essential information for mastering the art of good photography. Members are encouraged to bring one or two photographs to share with the club along with ideas on goals and possible activities for the year ahead. Visit the club’s web site at www.ashecameraclub.com for more information and to see some outstanding photographs from club members.
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This will be the last chance to view the current facility while it is still a school. We will be having memorabilia displayed around the school. There will also be current students available to lead tours if you would like. At 8:00pm that evening Student Council will sponsor a second chance prom. It will be held in the Lentz-Eggers Gym. Dress will be formal attire. There will be refreshments available in the lobby. For ticket information or questions please email: secondchanceprom@hotmail.com
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We will be discussing training opportunities here at the chapter as well as surrounding chapters, also the upcoming training institute at Milligan College in May. As well as ways to get involved with the chapter thru shelter teams, work groups, DAT teams, emergency festivals' just to mention a few. We will also be explaining the deployment process when there are large disasters either in our region, state or nationally. Come join us for a fun filled night with lots of good information and a way to get involved with the Watauga Red Cross. Please call (828) 264-8226 if you have any questions.
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WAFS is a 501(c)3 not for profit orgainization preserving the musical heritage of the Foothills.
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The memorial dedication will be held at the fire department in Banner Elk at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 27,2010. All friends, family and fellow firemen are invited.
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May 2nd – 8th, the week before Mother’s Day. Anytime day or night. Contact info@bakeforhope.org or visit www.bakeforhope.org. Thank you for your support!
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The Humane Society of Wilkes will hold a Pet Adoption Fair at Hollywood Video, 1902 W US Highway 421, Wilkesboro, on Saturday, March 20th from 12:00 noon until 4:00 pm. Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens will be available for adoption. Adoption fees include vet exam, worming, rabies shot and spay or neuter. Pet related items will be for sale. For more information, visit www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org or call 336-984-0227 WEATHER PERMITTING! AND The Humane Society of Wilkes offers a low cost Spay/Neuter Clinic through the SNIP Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic in Hickory NC. Your pet will be transported from the Wilkes County Animal Control location to the clinic, have their surgery, be monitored overnight and returned the next day. Pre-registeration is required. Registration is held every Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at the Wilkes County Regional Library. Payment for services is due at registration. Please call 336-984-0227 if you have questions
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Everyone, We are going to need lots of volunteers to help us package meals for Haiti. The Rotary Clubs of the High Country are sponsoring a meal packaging event Saturday, the 27th of March at the ASU Holmes Convocation Center. We will be looking for approximately 415 volunteers. This event is part of an effort by the Rotary International District 7670 of western North Carolina to package and ship one million meals to Haiti. Our goal in Boone is to package 100,000 meals. The meals are made up of rice, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins, and soy. Each package feeds six persons. The cost of each meal is twenty five cents. Each volunteer would work a two hour shift with an additional 30 minutes to get instructions on what needs to be done. Volunteers will either work a position filling the plastic bags, weigh the bags, heat seal the bags, pack the bags into boxes, or help load the boxes into the shipping container. The younger folks will serve as runners carrying the trays of filled bags from the loading table to the weighing/sealing table. No experience is necessary and the work is great fun as well as vital to help those earthquake victims in Haiti. Please consider helping us make this event successful. We are looking for volunteers from ASU students, civic and community organizations, churches, and from anywhere else in the area. The three shifts are Shift 1 - 9 to 11 am; Shift 2 - 11:30 am to 1:30 pm; and Shift 3 - 2 to 4 pm. Volunteers need to report 30 minutes prior to shift start. If you are interested in making this effort work, please volunteer and lend a hand. I guarantee that you will be tired but happy when you go home again! Contact Rotarian Jonathan Allen at 336-575-6718 or cell: 828-265-9847 for shift one. Contact Rotarian Bob Miller at 828-264-4783 for shift two. Contact Rotarian Mike Kebelbeck at 828-295-7615 for shift three. If you are a fraternity, sorority, church or civic organization, collect your volunteer names and get the list to one of the shift leaders. We are looking at about 130 volunteers for shift one, 140 volunteers for shift two, and 130 volunteers for shift three. Waynesville has already packaged 9,200 meals and Morganton has packaged 268,872 meals! Boone stands ready to do our part and package 100,000 meals! We also need donations to help pay for supplies. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for supplies. We have collected to date about $19,000. If you want to send a check, make it out to "Blowing Rock Rotary Foundation" and in the note section enter "Rotarians Against Hunger" or "RAH". All donations are tax deductable. Mail the check to The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock, PO Box 1300, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Thank you!
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Pre-Race Festivities The A Cool 5 Race weekend will kickoff on Friday, June 11th, 2010 with a pre-race community pasta dinner featuring a guest motivational speaker, live music, games and activities for the family, and pre-race registration and packet pickup. Best of all, the pasta dinner and pre-race festivities are only $6.00! In years past the pasta dinner event has featured racers, family members, and supporters from the local community with participation levels far exceeding 200 guests, so be sure to secure your spot early. Race Day Events Race Weekend festivities continue on Saturday morning with the Third Annual A Cool 5 Race. This year the race will again feature a 1.5 mile fun run/walk and 5 mile (8K) race. The course for each event is set above 5000ft. in elevation with 360 degree views of the majestic mountains such as Grandfather, Mount Mitchell, and Snake Mountain. Typically the weather rarely exceeds 70 degrees and the skies part leaving bright, beautiful blue skies for race day. Race entry is $30.00. Pre-registered racers are guaranteed a race t-shirt, custom DeFeet socks, and a post-race meal voucher. For those of you 21 and over, you will also receive 2 free adult beverages upon finishing one of the A Cool 5 races. Race Day registration will be available; however, race t-shirts and socks will be given out on a first come, first serve basis and sizes may be limited. Be sure to register early to get your race T and socks! Note: Running Strollers are allowed on the entire race course. Dogs will be allowed for the 1.5 mile fun run/walk event. Post Race Events and Awards Following the race events we will hold post race festivities and an awards show. The post race festivities include live music, great food, games and activities for family members, and an age group awards show for race day participants. The top male and female finisher will be recognized and receive awards for their accomplishments. Age group awards and prizes will also be given out to the top male and female in the following age group categories: Under 8 8-12 13-17 18-25 26-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 and above After the post race festivities, many participants find themselves drawn to Beech Mountain’s many hiking trails, streams, water falls, or sport recreation outlets like the golf course and Buckeye Recreation Center for the remainder of the weekend. For more information on Beech Mountain, NC ammenities, please visit the Beech Mountain Links and Ammenities section of our Website (www.acool5.com). Here you will find lodging and dining discounts, recreational opportunities, and area attractions.
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Activities will include: food, live music, door prizes, cake walk, face painting, health assessments, WAMY Community Action yard sale, gift basket raffle, information booths from local service agencies and much more! Join us at the historic Old Cranberry High School on Hwy. 19E in Elk Park, NC on Sat. March 27th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. For additional information, please contact Bobbie Willard at (828)737-0057.
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The Foothills Region of CNPA meets monthly at Studio 102, located at 102 Main St. NW, Lenoir on the 4th Sunday afternoon of the month from 2:30PM - 4:30PM. Our monthly outings a generally the 2nd Saturday of the month. Our outings and meetings are for fun and education. Check CNPA's website [www.cnpa.org] for "REGIONS", "FORUMS", "CALENDAR", and "GALLERIES" details. A calendar of our events may be found under Foothills Region. Contact Bob Phipps [rphipps@bellsouth.net] for further details. We cover Mitchell, Avery, Watauga,Ashe, Alleghaney, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, Alexander, Catawba counties.
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Is your family thinking about starting a garden but have a black thumb? Want to encourage an interest in gardening with your children? Kids sessions on how to start a garden will be offered. These workshops are designed to interest kids in gardening, but will offer some basic information for beginning parent gardeners as well. The workshops are targeted for 5-12 year olds. We will offer some hands-on activities, some fun instruction, and support. We will offer lots of ideas on neat things you can do at home with plants. Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 March 20, The Wonders of Plants April 24, Viva La Veggies! Pumpkin Project and more May 15, Flower Power: Start Your Sunflowers Location: March and April will start off at the Agricultural Conference Center Contact Watauga County 4-H at 264-3061 for more information.
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Diabetes Health Fair, Saturday, March 27, 2010 9:00AM - 3:00PM, Boone Mall, hosted by CCCTI Nursing I students. Public invited.
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Plan to join us for our 4th Annual Relay for Life Spring Thaw 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 10th, 8:30 am, at Greenway Trail, Boone, NC. Entry fee is $15 prior to April 1; after April 1st, it is $20. Bring the whole family! The family rate is $40 and $45 after the April 1 deadline. All pre-registered entries are guaranteed a t-shirt; race day entries will be first come and as available. Race day registration and packet pick up will begin at 7:30 am at the Clawson-Burnley Park picnic shelters (across from the National Guard Armory, just below the Watauga County Swimming Pool Complex). Cash awards will be given to the overall winner (Male and Female), overall masters (40+) winner (Male and Female), and prizes will be awarded to overall age group winners - top 3 male and female. Relay for Life team, Jerry's Intimidators (in memory of Jerry Younce), is sponsoring the 5K run. All proceeds from this race will directly benefit the Watauga County American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For more information and to obtain a registration form, you may call Paula Ward 828-297-4876 or Becky Younce 828-264-9583 or visit our website www.appstate.edu/~wardpy.
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The class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm and is open to beginner and intermediate students. A 6:30 class for intermediate students may be scheduled if needed. The deadline for registration is 5pm Wednesday, March 31st. Any age may join but priority will be given to persons aged sixty and older. The cost is $48.00 per person for the 12-week series. The Senior Center is located in the Human Services Building at 132 Poplar Grove Connector in Boone. Call the center at 265-8090 with any questions.
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March 6th 2010 Saturday 2:00 pm Black Bears Join a Park Ranger to learn about this often feared creature. Black bears can be found throughout a large portion of NC. They often make the news when they pass through a populated area. This program will separate the facts and myths about black bears. Meet at the Visitor Center auditorium at 2:00 pm March 13th 2010 Saturday 2:00pm Animal Tracks Come by the Visitor Center at 221 Access to learn about signs left behind from the New River wildlife. March 14th 2010 Sunday 2:00 pm Animals of the New River Bring the family to New River State Park’s 221 Access Area to learn about some of the animals of the New River. We will be looking at skins and skulls and have a craft project for the kids to take home. March 20, 2010 Saturday 6:30 pm Woodcock Watch Experience the moonlit evening while watching one of the most romantic courtship displays in the bird world, performed by one of its’ geekiest members. Slide presentation at Visitor Center of New River State Park’s US Hwy 221 Access, then a short drive to the viewing area. Wear warm clothing and shoes for a short level trail and bring a flash light. (812) March 28, 2010 Sunday 2:00 pm Bird Feeder Program Join a Park Ranger at the Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center to learn the basics of feeding the bird in winter. All programs are open to the public and are free of charge. Please contact the park office for information about these programs, or for directions. (336) 982-2587
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The Humane Society of Wilkes offers a low cost Spay/Neuter Clinic through the SNIP Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic in Hickory NC. Your pet will be transported from the Wilkes County Animal Control location to the clinic, have their surgery, be monitored overnight and returned the next day. Pre-registration is required. Registration is held every Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at the Wilkes County Regional Library. Payment for services is due at registration. Please call 336-984-0227 if you have questions.
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The Foothills Region of the Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association invites you to join them at Studio 102, at 102 Main St. NW, Lenoir on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM for education and ideas exchange. Check out the CNPA website [www.cnpa.org] Foothills Region for contact info. Review the Gallery and Forums. If this looks like you type of photo group come join us. Bob Phipps Foothills Region co-coordinator
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These prom dresses will be distributed by Christina Welch a teacher at Mabel School and founder of Pioneer Prom Boutique. This will enable any young lady the opportunity to go to prom who cannot afford to buy a dress.
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Conferences and Institutes, a division of Appalachian State University, will be sponsoring an SAT Prep class beginning April 13. The class meets for two weeks, from 6-9pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9am-2:30pm on Saturday. This class is taught by experienced educators, and provides an opportunity for students planning to take the SAT test to sharpen critical reading, vocabulary, and grammar skills, and review algebra, geometry, and word problems. The written essay will be discussed and students will be given feedback on their writing. There is also a section on test taking anxiety and problem solving strategies. The course fee is $175, and covers 22 hours instruction and the class text. Learn more and register at www.camps.appstate.edu, or call 828-262-2530 for additional information.
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Deadline to register is 5pm on Monday, April 12th. This class is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced yoga students. The instructor, Akal Dev Sharonne, has been a yoga practitioner and teacher for more than 30 years. Her classes are a delightful blend of humor, challenge and wisdom. The cost of the 12-week session is $60.00 per person. Any age may register but if the class exceeds the attendance limit priority will be given to persons age sixty and older. You may call 265-8090 with any questions.
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Free of charge for people 60 and over, $3 per class for those under 60. Lunch available at noon, free of charge to persons 60 and over. A variety of craft/sewing projects are available; teacher works with class members one on one. Items can be sold in senior center display window with all proceeds going to crafter. Please call 265-8090 for more information.
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Please call Tabitha at 265-8090 for room availability.
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The 13th Annual Catawba Valley Hamfest is sponsored by the Western Piedmont Amateur Radio Club. Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is both a hobby and a service in which participants, called "hams," use various types of radio communications equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public services, recreation and self-training. Amateur Radio Operators around the world provide Emergency Communications for many disaster events Including the Haiti Earthquake, and the Blizzard of 2010. When telephone and power outages happen Ham operators provide communications in and out of disaster zones. When 911 services fail Ham operators standby for emergency traffic. Todays modern Amateur Radio Operator or Ham, uses many devices to get the message out. Ham operators were wireless before wireless was cool tracing its roots to the late 1800's and early 1900's. The Catawba Valley Hamfest and Computer Show will be free to students under 12, Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the Door. All proceeds are to cover cost of fairgrounds. Dealers from around the nation will display computers, amateur radio equipment, as well as police and fire communications equipment.
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The study involves one, 2 hour long visit to the ASU Institute for Health and Human services. During the visit, participants will complete several questionnaires about their thoughts, feelings, and general health, as well as assessments of verbal and thinking abilities. For more information about the study, call 828-262-7017; press 2 to leave a message if there is no answer, and we will return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may email Brittany Nelson at brittany7997@gmail.com.
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The meetings will give information about Classical education and the college model schedule; two important aspects of the education at Grace Academy that make it unique. There will be an opportunity to visit with teachers in the classrooms and look at curriculum. For more information call 773-7830 or visit our website at graceacademyboone.com
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The 2010 camp will be held June 24th-26th at the Lions Club Park. For more information and applications call Mary Lee, MSW, LCSW, High Country Hospice Bereavement Coordinator at 336-372-8018 or visit our website: www.highcountryhospice.org/camp.html
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Send your recipes and stories by mail to the High Country Hospice office in Alleghany or visit our website, www.highcountryhospice.org/events.html, for an online form to email. For more information call Phyllis Wagoner at 336-372-8018. The High Country Hospice of Alleghany Cookbook will be sold, with all proceeds going to Hospice patient care.
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Meetings are held at the Canton Public Library-Conference Room- 1st Tuesday of each month. For more details call Patsy @ 828-421-8428.
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The Hearts of Hospitality House Ball scheduled for Saturday, February 6th has been rescheduled for for Friday, May 14 at the Broyhill Inn due to weather conditions. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact Rose Bridgeman at 828.264.2733. If you purchased a ticket for tomorrow's event and cannot attend in May, refunds are available by calling Rose.
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Donations can now be dropped off at our donated storage units: Alpine Storage (off Greenway Road) and Boone Mini Storage (on the 105 Bypass). To schedule a drop off, call Vickie Woods at 828-265-3926.
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Nicole will be showing the “Caregivers” video from HBO’s recent Alzheimer’s Project. The seminar will be held at the Watauga County Project on Aging and is open to everyone, including family members, caregivers, and professionals. Please call 265-8090 to RSVP.
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The screening will consist of a comprehensive metabolic panel, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lipid profile, urine analysis, medical history, teaching breast self-examinations and symptoms of prostrate cancer, visual acuity, glaucoma, height, weight, blood pressure, and distribution of educational materials. Eligible persons may participate one time only in a 12-month period. Call 265-8090 to make an appointment or for further information. You must have an appointment for the clinic.
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Please call 828-262-1628 for more information.
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The Ashe County Library Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program provides free Income tax assistance and electronic filing to persons making less than $49,000 last year with simple tax returns. Open Wed, Thurs from 10-3 and Sat from 9-12. Please call to schedule an appointment. 336.877.0100 Tax assistance is provided by IRS Certified Volunteers. Return preparation generally requires an hour. Walk-ins will be accomodated if preparers are available, but appointments are encouraged. This program is sponsored by the IRS, Friends of the Ashe County Public Library and Carolina West Wireless.
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"PLEASE HELP US FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA On April 24, 2010 two students of Appalachian State University will run the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN. They are doing this race to help raise money for research to help find a CURE for Leukemia and Lymphoma. If you would like to contribute to their cause please visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/cmc10/dallworthy Thank you for helping us find a CURE!" Dee and Justin
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Electronic filing (E-file) is available. The Tax-Aide program will run from February 2 to April 13 at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in Boone (265-8090) and the Western Watauga Community Center in Cove Creek (297-5195). Please call for more information including eligibility requirements, appointment availability, and what documents to bring.
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Come In, Get Down and Let The Kids Monkey Around At Monkey Joe's Special Needs Night from 6:15-7:15 pm every fourth Wednesday of the month. Special Needs children and their families are invited to come in at no charge, so swing by any of the four stores in University, Lake Norman, Pineville or Matthews.
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HIGH COUNTRY NAMI CONNECTIONS RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS REGARDLESS OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS. EVERY GROP IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE AND MEETS WEEKLY FOR 90 MINUTES. ALL ARE LED BY TRAINED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ALSO IN RECOVERY- PEPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES WE FACE. NAMI CONNECTIONS GROPS OFFER A FLEXIBLE AND CAUAL ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT AN EDUCATIONAL FORMATE, AND NO REGISTRATION OR ENROLLMENT OBLIGATION IS REQUIRED.
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The Extra Help program can increase cost savings by paying for all or part of the month premiums, annual deductibles, and provide lower prescription co-payments under a Medicare prescription drug plan. To qualify for Extra Help, the annual income must be limited to $1,353.75/month for an individual ($1,821.25/month for a married couple living together). Additionally, the total resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual ($25,010 for a married couple living together). The resources do not include a primary residence or a vehicle. If you believe someone you know may qualify for the Extra Help program, please encourage them to apply on-line at www.socialsecurity.gov, or contact Social Security toll free at 800-443-9354. They may also contact the Watauga County Project on Aging at 265-8090 for assistance in completing an application.
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The group meets each Thursday at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center from 10am-Noon to provide entertainment and lunch is available afterward. Musicians of all ages and abilities welcome. Special musical presentations can also be scheduled for anyone interested in sharing their talents individually or in smaller groups. Please call Tabitha at 265-8090 for more information about this special volunteer opportunity.
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