CommonGood E-News

Visit CommonGood passed issues

2008-09-17T12:16:00.000-04:00

Email Marketing by Constant Contact®

July 17, 2008

2008-09-03T23:39:00.001-04:00

Discussion on Immigration
Religion and Social Justice
Visit Archives
Mental Health Parity
Open Paw Volunteer Training
Darre Devils Fundraiser
Participate in CommonGood

Illegal is not a noun: Stop the Hate
Our national immigration policy and system is broken and few if any steps are being taken to fix it. As a result, states, counties and even towns are taking things in their own hands and making regulations that impact undocumented workers. We won't be talking about what should be in a national immigration policy but how the lack of a federal policy and the implementation of state and county regulations intersect with values of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, justice, compassion, and our interdependence with each other. I will be facilitating a discussion on Issues of immigration in North Carolina and local counties and towns.

Sunday, July 27

10:30 AM Service
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks
Kitty Hawk, NC

Religion & Social Justice
In case you haven't noticed, I have stayed away from Environmental Issues. It isn't that I don't think it isn't important. It is just that they are hot topics with may opinions on all sides and well represented in the regular press. I've also stayed away from faith-based iniatives in social justice. That has also been a conscious choice. I've preferred to draw attention to community-based nonprofits.

But now I've just 'advertised' up above a social justice discussion that will be taking place at a faith community. I could argue that I'm the discussion facilitator and I am also the editor of this enews. But that seems a bit hypocritical.

Faith based organizations have been engaged in social justice and community outreach for thousands of years. So have people without any faith or belief. Look at the civil rights movements. One might believe it was only faith based organizations taking the leadership. But further research shows that was not always the case. Secular atheists and agnostics also worked for and continue to work in anti-racism.
We are a small community here in lower Currituck and the Outer Banks. Common Good works is done by people of faith and by nonbelievers. Some are organized through faith communities; others are individual or group efforts.

My project CommonGood Enews is not federally funded. (Unless you consider my husband's retirement checks). I belong to a faith community as do many of you. So if your community would like to send me a press release on your social justice or community out reach work - do so. I'll include it as long as it is worded in a multi-faith, inclusive way.

Thanks,

Nancy

Mental Health Parity - House Bill 973 Goes Into Effect July 1, 2008

Who is covered under the new law? People in North Carolina with group health plans are included. Not included in this parity law are individual insurance policies, health plans for companies that "self insure" or companies that are covered under federal ERISA laws (generally large companies operating in more than one state), Medicare, Medicaid, or those in the State Health Plan. What is covered? North Carolina has financial parity for mental illnesses. Deductibles, coinsurance factors, co-payments, maximum out-of-pocket as well as annual and lifetime limits must be the same as for physical illnesses. Nine (9) diagnoses are covered at full parity with physical illness - bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoid and other psychotic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anorexia nervosa and bulimia. This means there can be no durational limits set in insurance/managed care plans for these nine diagnoses. Mental illness diagnoses not included in the nine (9) listed above may have different durational limits, but the minimum benefit required must provide for: Thirty (30) combined inpatient and outpatient days per year and thirty (30) office visits per year. When does this start? The new law went into effect on July 1, 2008. However the implementation provision states that the effective day for each individual is dependent upon their initiation or renewal date. Therefore anytime after July 1, 2008 it will become necessary for applicable health plans that are renewing or initiating to include mental health parity. For many plans that cover a calendar year, the renewal date is January 1. Thus starting January 1, 2009 many health plans will renew and those individuals will have mental health parity.

Check education programs sponsored by the North Carolina Mental Health Association. and the website of Mental Health America. The Mental Health America Site also has a depression screening tool.

Open Paw Volunteer Training

The Animal Lovers Assistance League is starting a new program at the Currituck Animal Shelter. Used nationwide, Open Paw is a program designed to educate the public about dog and cat friendly training methods while helping to train the resident shelter animals to be more adoptable. Kelly Gorman, President of Open Paw states: "The main focus of an Open Paw shelter is to provide a humane education resource for every person in the community." The more people know about how to raise and train their animals, the more likely animals are to stay in their original homes. Furthermore, the thorough daily handling and training of the cats and dogs provides the staff with valuable insight into each animal's personality, which aides in finding permanent homes. The program is designed to teach shelter dogs and cats how to behave in order to get adopted, and to stay adopted. Basic household manners and friendly behaviors are taught in order to assure success in the real world.

Volunteers are a key part of the Open Paw program and the Animal Lovers Assistance League is seeking volunteers who would like to work with the shelter animals while learning fun and friendly training methods. There are four levels of volunteer training for both the dogs and the cats. Volunteers can take the skills they learn at the shelter home to use with their own pets, or, if they don't have a pet, develop skills in preparation for getting a pet. Volunteers can work through the levels at the own speed and stay at any level for as long as they like. The first volunteer training session for level one will take place on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Currituck Animal Shelter at 204 Airport Road in Maple, which is beside the Currituck Regional Airport off of Rte. 158/Short Cut Rd. For more information, please call 252-232-3696 or email Ginger Sikes.

You can also visit Open Paw website for some tips on training.

Daredevils Fundraiser
Come celebrate the Outer Banks Daredevils with Dare Literacy Council as they team up for a Salute to Reading night. The Daredevils will be playing the Peninsula Pilots Thursday, July 24.

The first 50 fans will receive a coupon to Island Bookstore, so make sure to get there when the gates open at 6 p.m. The proceeds for the autograph jersey raffle will go to Dare Literacy Council. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. at First Flight Baseball Complex. Contact Susan Estrella at dareliteracy@gmail.com

July 31, 2008

2008-09-03T23:34:00.002-04:00

Second Journey
Recommended Reading
Visit Archives
Alzheimer Wandering
Lotsa Helping Hands
Kill Devil Hills Donates Bikes
Currituck Child Find Screenings
Participate in CommonGood

Second Journey

Tell me, what is it you plan to do With your one wild and precious life?- Mary Oliver, "The Summer Day"

Turning 60 or retiring is a passage from midlife which carries its own sorts of challenges. Sue Monk Kidd in When the Heart Waits describes it this way "that of confronting the lost and counterfeit places within us and releasing our deeper, innermost self - our true self. [We are called] to come home to ourselves, to become who we really are"

One website Second Journey is about Mindfulness, Service and Community in the Second Half of life. The site contains ideas about
The Heart's Desire
To rediscover ourselves
To live more simply
To recover a sense of place
To live in community
Beyond Golf The Sun City "Lifestyle"The New UrbanismThe Center That Holds
*Birds of a Feather
Aging in Community Accessing ServicesThe Retrofit*Communities Without Walls*Community-wide InitiativesCohousing Intergenerational CohousingElder CohousingShared Housing
Certainly worth a look.

Recommended Reading
I've ordered this book after reading several reviews. The most remarkable from The Miami Herald titled You Think Slavery Ended in 1865?by Leonard Pitts Jr.
Mr. Pitts says: "Douglas Blackmon says it happened hundreds of thousands of times in Alabama alone. Blackmon, Atlanta bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, is the author of Slavery By Another Name. Yours truly flatters himself that he is well versed in African-American history, but this book introduced me to a chapter of that history I did not know. I didn't know, for example, about the so-called "convict leasing system" of the South, wherein poor black men were routinely snatched up and tried on false, petty or nonexistent charges by compliant courts, assessed some fine they could not afford and then ''sold" for the cost of that fine to some mine, turpentine farm or plantation, the money going back to the judges and sheriffs."

Wandering Man with Alzheimer's Found
Currituck County, NC Sheriff's Office found missing Virginia resident and Alzheimer's patient Hiram Foster at the Handy Hugo Exxon Station in Grandy. Thankfully, a clerk spotted him and contacted the Sheriff's office. Virginia Beach police and the Currituck County Sheriff's Office made arrangements with Hiram's daughter to pick him up and get him home safely. 84-year-old Hiram Foster had been missing since 9:00 p.m. July 23.

So if you are ever in Grandy, stop by Handy Hugo's and say thanks.

Information on Wandering From the Alzheimer's Association
Nearly 60% of people with Alzheimer's disease living at home will wander during the course of the disease and sometimes frequently. Once an individual wanders they have a 40% chance of wandering again. If not located within 24 hours, 46% of wandering individuals may die. People who care for Alzheimer's patients often decide to overlook wandering behavior until it becomes dangerous to the patient and to others.

Tips To Prevent Wandering
Check frequently to see if the person is hungry, needs to go to the bathroom, or feels uncomfortable.
Encourage movement and exercise to reduce anxiety and restlessness.
Involve the person in daily activities such as folding laundry or preparing a meal.
Remind the person that you know how to find them and that they are in the right place.
Reduce noise levels and confusion.
Reassure the person who may feel lost, abandoned, or disoriented.
Alert police ahead of time that you care for a person with dementia.
Make a plan of what to do if the person becomes lost.
Be Prepared For A Wandering Incident
Keep a list of the person's age, height, weight, hair color, blood type, eye color, identifying marks, medical condition, medication, dental work, jewelry, allergies and complexion.
Make multiple copies of a recent close-up photograph.
Make a list of places the person might go, such as familiar walking routes, former neighborhoods, places of worship, workplaces, or favorite places.
Keep scented clothing on hand to give to police. Wearing plastic gloves, store a piece of the person's unwashed clothing in a sealed bag. Replace it monthly to retain scent.
Make a list of possible dangerous areas you have identified in the neighborhood.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a wanderer's registry called MedicAlert-Safe Return. When a person with dementia wonders or becomes lost, one call immediately activates a community support network to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver. When a person is found, a citizen or law official calls the toll-free 24-hour emergency response number on the identification product and the individual's family or caregivers are contacted. The nearest Alzheimer's Association office provides support during search and rescue efforts. In addition, should medical attention be required, access to a personal health record is immediately available

What can I do to help?
Lotsa Helping Hands is a simple, immediate way for families facing the challenges of long-term caregiving. It's an easy-to-use, private group calendar, specifically designed for coordinating visits or help with meals delivery, rides, and other tasks necessary for life to run smoothly. It's also a place to securely share vital medical, legal, or financial information with designated family members while keeping these 'circles of community' informed with status updates, message boards, and more.

This is really a cool website for any group that is trying to coordinate support for anyone - new babies, long-term illness, sharing your scheduled visits to a loved one, etc.

It is a free service and you can get started by clicking the calendar above.

Kill Devil Hills Donates Bikes to International Studen Workers

As reported in the The Virginian-PilotThe town of Kill Devil Hills has donated bicycles with LED safety lights, as well as reflective armbands and bicycle safety literature, to Pathways. They outfitted the bikes that had been captured by the town staff but never claimed. Pathways gave the 35 donated bikes to international student workers on the coast. "They were gone within 24 hours," Pathways Director Bellantine said.

Town Clerk Mary Quidley said she was involved with purchasing the lights and reflective bands, which cost at total of around $150, she said. Bellantine said her organization, which estimates that 2,800 international students come to the Outer Banks each year, provides bike safety information on its Web site.

Currituck Child Find screenings.

Currituck County Schools will be conducting "Child Find" screenings at Central Elementary School, Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Child Find is an effort to located children with disabilities and those in need of special education and related services. FMI, call 232-2223 ext. 297.

Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth to 21, who are in need of early intervention or special education services. The Child Find web site is mainly focused on Part C of the IDEA, the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities.

One web resource for learning more about infant and children disabilities is www.kidsource.com. It contains hundreds of links and articles about a wide range of child developmental issues.

August 15, 2008

2008-09-03T23:31:00.001-04:00

Recommended Viewing
Summer Break
Girl Scout Camp
League of Women Voters Currituck
Participate in CommonGood

Recommended Viewing
The 2nd Annual Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival

August 21-23, 2008 at the historic Crispus Attucks Theatre in Norfolk, VA. On Thursday, August 21st, the MABFF in partnership with 20,000 Dialogues, will present the Hampton Roads premiere of "Prince Among Slaves", narrated by Mos Def. "Prince Among Slaves" is an award winning documentary of the inspiring story of prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, who survived 40 years of enslavement in America before finally regaining his freedom. The film synopsis is below. 20,000 Dialogues is a nationwide campaign designed to bring people of different faiths together using films about Muslims to stimulate discussion and promote understanding. It brings the concept of interfaith dialogue into the hands of ordinary people who want to make a positive difference. Artemus Gaye, a living descendant of Abdul Rahman will be present at the Opening Night reception and facilitating the interfaith discussion.
PRINCE AMONG SLAVESThe story of an African prince enslaved in the American south. The enslaved son of an African ruler, who sat with the President of the United States. Abdul Rahman was a popular and controversial African in America. After forty years of enslavement, Abdul Rahman reclaimed his freedom, but he defied the order to return immediately to Africa, and instead traveled throughout the northern states speaking to huge audiences in a partially successful attempt to raise enough money to buy his children's freedom. Finally at the age of 67, after raising funds to free two of his children, Abdul Rahman returned to Africa, only to fall ill and die just as word of his arrival reached his former home of Futa Jalloo in present-day Guinea.Abdul Rahman survived the harsh ordeals of slavery through his love of family and his deep faith as a Muslim.Mr. Artemus Gaye, a living descendent of Rahman and Isabella, will facilitate an interfaith dialogue immediately following the film. He is passionate about the preservation and recovery of their legacy and that of others long forgotten or lost.Tickets may be purchased in advance at Scope Box Office, area Ticketmaster outlets or by calling, (757) 671-8100.Go to www.mabff.org
for the Mid Atlantic Film Festival schedule of events. Center for the Study of Religious Freedom1584 Wesleyan Dr.Norfolk, VA 23502-5599(757) 455-3129(757) 455-2110 (FAX)apshappell@vwc.edu www.vwc.edu/csrf

Girl Scout Camps are unique in that they provide all-girl environments which encourage leadership development in girls

Summer is quickly coming to an end but for many North Carolina Girl Scouts, the memories of summer camp will carry on into the school year. Girl Scouts in the Outer Banks went to camp and learned the importance of "being prepared." Representatives from the American Red Cross spoke about preparing for fires and hurricanes and what to do if someone's choking. They discussed fitness and nutrition and got to meet LPGA Major Golf Champion Cathy Johnston-Forbes. At a camp in Buxton, girls learned about science and astronomy-without even knowing they were learning! They explored the world around them through craft activities, nature walks, and guest speaker presentations. Girl Scouts of Currituck took a walk on the wild side when they were introduced to snakes, spiders, and scorpions at their summer camp session!
"Yikes! I kissed a cockroach today," said Junior Girl Scout Abigail Waldrop. "It felt weird, but it was fun!" Abigail's close encounter took place at "Backyard Safari" Girl Scout day camp in Currituck this week. She and twenty other Girl Scouts slithered, squirmed, and squealed with delight when JB Rattles, a local traveling reptile show, brought snakes, a scorpion, and Allie the alligator to camp! Other guest speakers during the week-long camp included the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, the Network of Endangered Sea Turtles, and the Currituck County Sherriff's Department K-9 Unit."It was kind of heavy but I wasn't scared at all. Girls aren't scared of snakes like people think." Lauren Paul was thrilled to hold Casper the albino Black Snake at the "Backyard Safari" Girl Scout Camp in Currituck this week. Hands-on experiences like these are more than just fun and educational. They foster an interest and compassion for animals and the outdoors which in turn encourages the girls to be environmental stewards
Through camps and other Girl Scout programs, girls are exposed to new and exciting experiences that they might not have had otherwise. Girl Scout camps are different from any other type of camp available. Research shows that the all-girl setting makes girls feel more comfortable to take chances, ask questions, and talk about importance issues facing them today. Girl Scout camps also provide the unique Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Through fun, hands-on activities and the guidance of mentors and role models, girls are able to discover more about themselves, connect with their community and others around them, and take action by taking leadership roles in activities that better the community and the world

Girl Scouting exists thanks to volunteer participation but there is always a need for more! We're looking for volunteers who represent the diversity of the world we live in - women, men, senior citizens, young adults and people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. There are also a variety of ways to lend a hand: you can lead or assist a troop or group, share your skills as a facilitator, help with council events, sign on to help in a special area such as public relations or serve on a council task group. The options are only limited by YOUR imagination. Call 1-800-77-SCOUT or visit wwww.gsccc.org to find out how to volunteer. For more information about Girl Scout membership or volunteer opportunities, contact Marsha Riibner-Cady at(252) 473-3094.

The League of Women Voters Of Currituck County honoring women of Currituck County who are elected and appointed officials.
Women's Equality Day Celebration. Sunday, August 24th2:00 - 3:00 p.m. The Barco Library Meeting Room

Every August the League take this opportunity to thank women of Currituck County who are elected and appointed officials for your service and contribution. Women's Equality Day is the anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. It is also the birthday of the League of Women Voters -so we have a lot to celebrate this day! This is an appropriate time to recognize your service and your attendance will enhance this festive occasion. Please email jlmcgee@yahoo.com or call 252-453-4470 today to make your reservation. Visit the website at http://lwvcurrituck.wordpress.com/

September 4, 2004

2008-09-03T23:24:00.003-04:00

September 4 2008
America United
Recommended Viewing
CommonGood Blog
4 H
Support Our Students
Participate in CommonGood

Bien ComúnAMERICA UNITED MANO al HERMANO America United will be meeting in September to review the following questions:
"What do you think America United should be?"
"What can you commit to the effort?"
"How should we move ahead?"
The Meeting will be held:Friday, September 12th, 7:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, Corner of intersection of Kitty Hawk and Herbert Perry Roads Please RSVP to nancy203@gmail.com

Recommended Viewing

Where on the Outer Banks would you find the above historical marker? In what country, did Governor Jarvis serve as minister?*
Visit the Historical Markers Database.

This website is an illustrated searchable online catalog of historical information viewed through the filter of roadside and other permanent outdoor markers, monuments, and plaques. It contains photographs, inscription transcriptions, marker locations, maps, additional information and commentary, and links to more information. Anyone can add new markers to the database and update existing marker pages with new photographs, links, information and commentary. Markers in this database have links to Google maps pinpointing their location. How cool is this! Does your GPS device support GPX files? You can download the locations of historical markers into your GPS unit with these files. Push the right buttons and your GPS will tell you when a marker is near; or tell you how to get to them. Some units will also display the text of the marker.

*North Carolina (Currituck County), Jarvisburg - A-6 - Thomas J. JarvisGovernor, 1879 - 1885; Minister to Brazil; U.S. Senator; was born in a house which stood here

Hurricane Links

NEW BETA Interactive Doppler

WRAL.COM Hurricane Info

National Hurricane Center
Currituck County Emergency Management

Currituck County Hurricane Preparedness

Dare County Emergency Management

If you think 4-H is just about cows and sheep and cooking, think again.

4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding citizen leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today's global society.

Through the efforts of a dedicated statewide network, 4-H offers programs, trips, and scholarships for members, leaders, and families. There are more than 10,000 established 4-H programs across North Carolina. All youth between the ages of 5 and 19 are invited to join! In 4-H you can go to camp, start a business, ride in a bike rodeo, take part in an international exchange, raise an animal, create a blog, give a presentation, participate in a community service project, develop your resume, practice interview skills, learn about healthy eating habits, build lifelong friendships. Best of all, membership is FREE! 4-H costs nothing to join, and you are not required to purchase a uniform.

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 7 million participants. 4-H is best identified by its green four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf. The four H's on the emblem stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. 4-H is the only youth organization based at land-grant universities and the first experience many youth have with higher education.

Volunteers are the keys to success in the North Carolina 4-H program. Whether you're interested in becoming a leader, or just have a few hours to invest, we've got challenging and fun jobs who want to make a difference. Each County Extension Agent manages the process locally to help volunteers find the role that fits best their interests and schedules.

In Dare County, contact stephanie_goodman@ncsu.edu or
katherine_irby@ncsu.edu

In Currituck County, contact
latoria_moore@ncsu.edu or
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

Currituck County: 4-H/SOSSupport Our Students (SOS) Program is a community based program that provides support and guidance to young people by involving them in constructive activities to keep them focused and out of trouble during after-school hours.

The goal of SOS is to reduce juvenile crime and to reduce the number of youth who are unsupervised after school. 4-H/SOS is Free and open to all Currituck County Middle School Students.What is a typical day like at 4-H/SOS?4-H/SOS begins at 3:15 when students check in. Following a snack, there is time for assistance with homework, tutoring, and special workshops. The program ends at 5:00 or 6:00 pm, depending on whether the students are picked up by parents or ride the bus.

The workshops include activities such as golf,sports and games, and arts and crafts, community service projects, birthday parties, and field trips.

Parents can obtain more information by contacting the NC Cooperative Extension office at 232-2262 or by emailing the 4-H/Support Our Students Department at latoria_moore@ncsu.edu
or
stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu

July 24

2008-07-30T17:32:00.001-04:00

Discussion on Immigration
Religion and Social Justice
Visit Archives
Mental Health Parity
Open Paw Volunteer Training
Darre Devils Fundraiser
Participate in CommonGood

Illegal is not a noun: Stop the Hate
Our national immigration policy and system is broken and few if any steps are being taken to fix it. As a result, states, counties and even towns are taking things in their own hands and making regulations that impact undocumented workers. We won't be talking about what should be in a national immigration policy but how the lack of a federal policy and the implementation of state and county regulations intersect with values of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, justice, compassion, and our interdependence with each other. I will be facilitating a discussion on Issues of immigration in North Carolina and local counties and towns.

Sunday, July 27

10:30 AM Service
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks
Kitty Hawk, NC

Religion & Social Justice
In case you haven't noticed, I have stayed away from Environmental Issues. It isn't that I don't think it isn't important. It is just that they are hot topics with may opinions on all sides and well represented in the regular press. I've also stayed away from faith-based iniatives in social justice. That has also been a conscious choice. I've preferred to draw attention to community-based nonprofits.

But now I've just 'advertised' up above a social justice discussion that will be taking place at a faith community. I could argue that I'm the discussion facilitator and I am also the editor of this enews. But that seems a bit hypocritical.

Faith based organizations have been engaged in social justice and community outreach for thousands of years. So have people without any faith or belief. Look at the civil rights movements. One might believe it was only faith based organizations taking the leadership. But further research shows that was not always the case. Secular atheists and agnostics also worked for and continue to work in anti-racism.
We are a small community here in lower Currituck and the Outer Banks. Common Good works is done by people of faith and by nonbelievers. Some are organized through faith communities; others are individual or group efforts.

My project CommonGood Enews is not federally funded. (Unless you consider my husband's retirement checks). I belong to a faith community as do many of you. So if your community would like to send me a press release on your social justice or community out reach work - do so. I'll include it as long as it is worded in a multi-faith, inclusive way.

Thanks,

Nancy

Mental Health Parity - House Bill 973 Goes Into Effect July 1, 2008

Who is covered under the new law? People in North Carolina with group health plans are included. Not included in this parity law are individual insurance policies, health plans for companies that "self insure" or companies that are covered under federal ERISA laws (generally large companies operating in more than one state), Medicare, Medicaid, or those in the State Health Plan. What is covered? North Carolina has financial parity for mental illnesses. Deductibles, coinsurance factors, co-payments, maximum out-of-pocket as well as annual and lifetime limits must be the same as for physical illnesses. Nine (9) diagnoses are covered at full parity with physical illness - bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoid and other psychotic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anorexia nervosa and bulimia. This means there can be no durational limits set in insurance/managed care plans for these nine diagnoses. Mental illness diagnoses not included in the nine (9) listed above may have different durational limits, but the minimum benefit required must provide for: Thirty (30) combined inpatient and outpatient days per year and thirty (30) office visits per year. When does this start? The new law went into effect on July 1, 2008. However the implementation provision states that the effective day for each individual is dependent upon their initiation or renewal date. Therefore anytime after July 1, 2008 it will become necessary for applicable health plans that are renewing or initiating to include mental health parity. For many plans that cover a calendar year, the renewal date is January 1. Thus starting January 1, 2009 many health plans will renew and those individuals will have mental health parity.

Check education programs sponsored by the North Carolina Mental Health Association. and the website of Mental Health America. The Mental Health America Site also has a depression screening tool.

Open Paw Volunteer Training

The Animal Lovers Assistance League is starting a new program at the Currituck Animal Shelter. Used nationwide, Open Paw is a program designed to educate the public about dog and cat friendly training methods while helping to train the resident shelter animals to be more adoptable. Kelly Gorman, President of Open Paw states: "The main focus of an Open Paw shelter is to provide a humane education resource for every person in the community." The more people know about how to raise and train their animals, the more likely animals are to stay in their original homes. Furthermore, the thorough daily handling and training of the cats and dogs provides the staff with valuable insight into each animal's personality, which aides in finding permanent homes. The program is designed to teach shelter dogs and cats how to behave in order to get adopted, and to stay adopted. Basic household manners and friendly behaviors are taught in order to assure success in the real world.

Volunteers are a key part of the Open Paw program and the Animal Lovers Assistance League is seeking volunteers who would like to work with the shelter animals while learning fun and friendly training methods. There are four levels of volunteer training for both the dogs and the cats. Volunteers can take the skills they learn at the shelter home to use with their own pets, or, if they don't have a pet, develop skills in preparation for getting a pet. Volunteers can work through the levels at the own speed and stay at any level for as long as they like. The first volunteer training session for level one will take place on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Currituck Animal Shelter at 204 Airport Road in Maple, which is beside the Currituck Regional Airport off of Rte. 158/Short Cut Rd. For more information, please call 252-232-3696 or email Ginger Sikes.

You can also visit Open Paw website for some tips on training.

Daredevils Fundraiser
Come celebrate the Outer Banks Daredevils with Dare Literacy Council as they team up for a Salute to Reading night. The Daredevils will be playing the Peninsula Pilots Thursday, July 24.

The first 50 fans will receive a coupon to Island Bookstore, so make sure to get there when the gates open at 6 p.m. The proceeds for the autograph jersey raffle will go to Dare Literacy Council. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. at First Flight Baseball Complex. Contact Susan Estrella at dareliteracy@gmail.com

July 17

2008-07-30T17:27:00.001-04:00

[Enter Post Title Here]

July 17, 2008
Friends of Youth
Recommended Reading
Visit Archives
Got Kids (or Grandkids)
ESL looking for Space
Participate in CommonGood

Friends of Youth
Friends of Youth - An organization that serves at -risk youth ages 6-17 in need of an adult mentor and friend. Adult volunteers are trained and matched one on one with young people to provide continuing, caring companionship.
Friends of Youth serves boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 17 in need of a friend and mentor. Volunteers are caring adults who are concerned about the future of the youth in Dare County. Much consideration is given to interests, preferences, and personal characteristics in order to ensure the best possible match between youth and volunteers. Volunteers are carefully screened and trained before working with youth and make a one year commitment to serve 2 hours per week, or 8 hours per month.Address: 211 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: 252-473-4290

Recommended Reading

Away Down South: A History of Southern Identity "If South-gazing is your bag, Away Down South is your book.... With C. Vann Woodward's death, Cobb is perhaps our best historical interpreter of the South and this may be his best book, better even than his fine book about the Mississippi Delta.... Not only has he done his homework, he has reflected deeply and the result is mature (as in good wine), mellow, stylish and tasty."--Edwin M. Yoder Jr., Weekly Standard
Got Kids (or Grandkids)

Kids visiting for the week and looking for something to do besides the beach. Check out the new website sponsored by Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County. "Connect for Kids" provides a comprehensive community calendar as the cornerstone of its new website. To be truly comprehensive, an online one-stop for community connections, services and activities, this new community calendar requires full participation of area agencies by registering to submit information to be made available online. Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is currently seeking agencies and their contacts to register to place information and events on the new calendar.

"Our goal is to have this calendar as a comprehensive cache of events for families on the Outer Banks," said Sara Sampson, C&YP Family Services Coordinator. Sampson is familiar with many of the agencies, as she is the editor of C&YP's Family Resource Guide. "We hope this website will, first of all, be a user-friendly guide to services available here in Dare County; and secondly, a resource for families to discover events and activities of interest to children and families." Maybe if you run in the right circles you are already familiar with many of these events, but for grandparents with visiting young ones, what a great way to find out more fun things to do. Visit at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=mxhtjpcab.0.0.wtedt8n6.0&ts=S0347&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.darekids.org%2Fcalendar.php&id=preview
For Example, next week's list includes
Story Times, Snack with the Sharks, Childrens Camp, The Nightinggale Play Children's Performance, KDH Waterside Art, Duck Morning Music Series, Nights Behind the Scenes Tour, Breakfast with the Rays, and much more. Check it out!

ESL Looking for space in Kill Devil Hills
Kay Minis who teaches English as a second language is looking for space where she and her colleagues can teach English as a second language. Several local churches have turned her town because maybe her students might be here illegally. Many churches are beginning to charge for space which makes them ineligible as COA relies on the kindness of strangers.

English as a Second Language (ESL) is a program designed to serve adults who need to master English as their second language. Conversational skills as well as writing, listening, and citizenship skills are emphasized. Clase de inglés El programa de alfabetización en inglés es desiñado para adultos. El énfasis del programa es para enseñarles conversar, escuchar y entender el inglés, y además, aprender habilidades de ciudadanía.

This summer schedule COA Roanoke Island Campus 2 MW 9 am - 12 pm ESL COA Roanoke Island Campus 2 TWTh 7 pm - 9 pm ESL Holy Trinity - 7335 S. Va Dare Trl, Nags Head M 7 pm - 9 pm ESL Holy Redeemer - 301 W. Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk Th 7 pm - 9 pm ESL The fall schedule has not yet been announced. If you know of space that can be used for ESL or are interested in how you can help, please contact Kay Minis.

July 3

2008-07-30T17:24:00.002-04:00

July 3, 2008
Spirituality and Practice
Visit Archives
Smoke and Morre Smoke
Host a Lab
Participate in CommonGood

I haven't solicited or printed information about the many good works that houses of faith do in our counties. I was and still am concerned that once I start to do that, I just wouldn't know where to stop.

However, I just can't not tell you about one of my very favorite websites. It is spirituality and practice.com.

This website, created by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, is devoted to resources for spiritual journeys. The site's name reflects a basic understanding: spirituality and practice are the two places where all the world's religions and spiritual paths come together. With respect for the differences among them, they celebrate what they have in common.

You will find ideas on spirituality in books, films, prayers, exercises, imagery, art music and more.

The Brussats review today's films - from Hollywood blockbusters to special interest documentaries. They list the Most Spiritually Literate Films of the last ten years. This includes current films that I probably wouldn't go see. While the Brussats warn about content, violence and racial slurs, they also point positive messages to be found in films like You Don't Mess With the Zohan and Indiana Jones.

They also list some of my favorite foreign films:
The Syrian Bride
The Sea Inside

Monsoon Wedding
and the one I can't get out of my head:
The Lives of Others

There are many other treasures at the website: quotations, books, and e-courses. The e-courses are 40-day subscriptions bringing daily emails with short readings for reflection, practice suggestions to be done amidst everyday activities. Just to list a few:
Practicing Spirituality with His Holiness the Dalai Lama Practicing Spirituality with Joan Chittister Practicing Spirituality with AnglicansPracticing Spirituality with BuddhistsPracticing Spirituality with CatholicsPracticing Spirituality with JewsPracticing Spirituality with Native AmericansPracticing Spirituality with ProtestantsPracticing Spirituality with SufisPracticing Spirituality at HomePracticing Spirituality at WorkPracticing Spirituality with AnimalsPracticing Spirituality with ChildrenPracticing Spirituality with Thomas MertonPracticing Spirituality with Thomas Moore
Check it out.

Nancy

NC - Host Family (or Individual) Needed to Assist in Raising a Labrador Retriever Pup for Homeland Security

Denimcross are presently looking for just ONE dedicated host family or individual in the Outer Banks - Dare County area to be the primary caretaker for our North Carolina pup during its first year of life, which will span the 2008-2009 academic year. We have planned for a number of significant incentives and additional benefits for each of our hosts, and can guarantee a truly exciting year that will lift spirits, touch hearts and be filled with countless life enriching and enduring memories. Undoubtedly, the highlight of each year for our pups, our host families and our supporters will be our annual DenimCross Puppy Olympics, where the pups from each State will be competing against each other for medals in several athletic and obedience categories. Opportunity listed at VolunteerMatch. For more information got to the DenimCross website.

Skills need: A love of dogs, especially of course Labrador Retrievers; energy, enthusiasm, commitment and belief in our mission.

july 10

2008-07-30T17:11:00.003-04:00

July 10, 2008
Hurricane Knowledge and Flotsam
Visit Archives
Harmony Cave
Interfaith Community Outreach
Participate in CommonGood

Hurricane Season: Analysis and Flotsam*

You can sit at your computer and watch Bertha move across the Atlantic, test your knowledge about hurricanes, or check out evacuation routes.

You can also sit on your computer and read an analysis of Hurricane Graffiti (the writing on playwood used to cover windows and doors during a hurricane). "The content of these landscape inscriptions ranges from practical information to deeper expressions of emotion and beliefs. Hurricane graffiti is an under-analyzed yet potentially useful indicator of the range of psychological needs, social tensions, and environmental attitudes circulating within coastal communities." so says Heather Ward and colleagues at the East Carolina University (presented in Boston April 2008) Know the difference between a 'coastliner' and a sea-changer'. Read Ward's article on the emergency communication and risk perceptions in NC's Coastal Zone. [I really love this kind of stuff. It is amazing the diversity and focus of scholars. In the old days, I use to love to browse in the periodical room at the graduate library. ]

Heather Ward is a doctoral student at ECU's Coastal Resource Management Program. She received the 2008 Walter B. Jones Memorial Awards and NOAA Awards for Excellence in Coastal and Ocean Management. She is the 2007-08 North Carolina Sea Grant science communications fellow and a writer for Coastwatch.

"Heather is breaking new ground by examining the role of language and communication in coastal management, paying close attention to how the public, scientists, and policy-makers talk about the coast and its various challenges and opportunities," said Derek Alderman, ECU professor of geography. Given the tension between various stake-holders on the Outer Banks, we need all the help we can get in how we communicate with each other.
Hurricane Information Links

WRAL.COM Hurricane Info

WRAL.COM Hurricane Tracker

WRAL Weather CAMS

Read Virginia Pilot online (June 23, 2008) concern about traffic along evacuation route

National Hurricane Center

Currituck County Emergency Management

The Evacuation Route link on the Currituck website is not working.

Dare County Emergency Management

Test your knowledge about Hurricanes

* Flotsam is a great book by David Wiesner. No words, wonderful illustrations. Caldecott Winner 2007

Harmony Café: Eat out & join us for Great Music, Dessert and Coffee only $5.00A Coffee House, sponsored by GEM Adult Day Services, Inc and the Nags Head Lions Club , begins a monthly Open Mic Night series Friday July 11 at 7pm at His Dream Center, 205 Baltic St in Nags Head. Featured artists are Nick Hodsdon,noted baritone, guitarist and songwriter and Angelo Sonnesso, tenor and keyboardist. Compete for the "Peoples Choice Award" the winner receives a tee shirt. Coffee, supplied by Southern Bean owner Eric Gardner, and delicious homemade treats (supplied by Lions Club and GEM members) will be available for a $5 donation.

The coffee house is held on the 2nd Friday of the month. Those interested in signing up for the open Mic may call Angelo at 202-1190 to reserve a time slot for the evening. Walk-ins are welcome.

Proceeds from the coffee house will support the Nags Head Lions Club in their projects providing services for children and adults with visual problems and GEM's programs supporting Dare County citizens with dementia and their care givers.
For more information about the GEM's Harmony Café call Gail Sonnesso at 480-3354.

Interfaith Community Outreach has made a difference in the lives of others.

The home of a couple in their 80's was in such disrepair that they couldn't afford the high heating bills. A young mother whose newborn did not survive, could not afford to bury her baby girl.
A disabled man, struggling to survive on Social Security payments, lost his home of 17 years, when the trailer park he lived in was sold. He simply couldn't afford the deposits necessary for a new home.A family of seven, left struggling when the Dad, a construction worker, fell three stories, injured his back and was out of work temporarily.A 40 year old single mother of two young boys, suffers with cancer and is unable to work. She gets behind in her mortgage and utilities. The family whose car broke down and cannot afford the repairs. The father must arrange rides to work, if he cannot find a ride then he cannot provide for his family.The family of four who, because they spent their earnings on other necessities, come to the ICO for a food voucher.

Interfaith Community Outreach

Events and Activities listed may not represent the position of the editor, every organization, sponsor or subscriber.
If you would like to add your organization's events to CommonGood E-News, please contact Nancy Proctor.

Please be sure to forward this to anyone who might be interested and encourage them to subscribe.

I will be sending out updates on immigration issues in North Carolina every other week - or Action Alerts as needed. If you would like to receive these updates, please go to the bottom of this newsletter and click on Update Profile/Email Address. You can then add Immigration Issues to your subscription. Nancy Proctor

June 26, 2008

2008-07-02T19:11:00.001-04:00

Immigration Reform Updates
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Visit Archives
Fire and Smoke
Hotline
Participate in CommonGood

Immigration Reform Updates

After a two year study, The League of Women Voters have taken a position on Immigration. The League believes that immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises. Provision should also be made for qualified persons to enter the U.S. on student visas. All persons should receive fair treatment under the law.

The North Carolina Council of Churches, as part of the effort to bring some "climate change" to the anti-immigrant climate in our state, is encouraging people of faith to sign on as supporters of a statement called the Religious Coalition for Justice for Immigrants. There are times when it is important just to speak out publicly, to bring together individual voices to produce a chorus of people of faith. Join in supporting this statement of hospitality and justice.
As an organization with a long and proud tradition of defending civil liberties for all, Anti Defamation League has in recent years taken a lead role in exposing the virulent anti-immigrant and xenophobic rhetoric that has risen to the surface as part of the national debate over immigration. ADL speaks out against discrimination and bigotry and advocates a meaningful and substantive policy that honors America's promise as a nation of immigrants
I will be sending out updates on immigration issues in North Carolina every other week - or Action Alerts as needed. If you would like to receive these updates, please go to the bottom of this newsletter and click on Update Profile/Email Address. You can then add Immigration Issues to your subscription.

Nancy Proctor

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a community of agencies and individuals who serve battered women and their children. We are committed to building a society in which our shared beliefs and institutions discourage violence against women. NCCADV was founded in 1981 with 21 participating programs and now includes over 90 member programs. Areas of support to member programs include technical assistance, training, information about public policy initiatives, and activities to increase public awareness.

Want to know about:

The 45 Domestic Violence Homicides this year in North Carolina

North Carolina Legislative Agenda

Domestic Violence Information
Unless we work for the common good there won't be any
You can visit archived articles of CommonGood E-news at:
CommonGood Blog

Evans Roads Wildland Fire
InciWeb where you can get up-to-the-minute news on the fire at at Evans Roads Wildland Fire. InciWeb site contains photos, maps and other information.

Hotline's well-trained and dedicated staff provide the community with years of crisis intervention experience in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault response, prevention education, support groups, sudden death response and community outreach. Outer Banks Hotline offers the following programs and services:
A 24-hour crisis phone line (473-3366) that connects a distressed caller to a volunteer trained to listen and make referrals. Topics include suicide, family problems, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. A comprehensive domestic violence program that includes shelter, advocacy, support and referral for victims and their children. The program also offers a Batterer's Intervention Group to address the roots of abusive behavior and facilitates a community interagency collaboration, the Domestic Violence Prevention Organization. A sexual assault response program that provides the assault victim with a trained advocate at the hospital, during interactions with law enforcement and in court proceedings. Referrals for counseling options are also offered to the victim and family members. A variety of support groups to empower and educate survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, groups to address the issues of men who abuse their partners and programs for children who are affected by violence and abuse in their families. Training and education for allied professionals, such as law enforcement, social workers, health care workers, child care providers, teachers and other interested groups. These trainings raise the community awareness of the many aspects of personal and domestic crises. Outreach in the community and the schools through community leadership in providing resources for parent education, services for at-risk youth, emergency assistance for individuals in crisis and deliberate participation in community events and task forces addressing issues of compassion and safety.
Hotline is one of Dare County's largest volunteer organizations. Volunteers are indispensible to our thrift stores and provide much-needed assistance with fundraising events such as Festival of Trees. Volunteers answer the crisis line, weave at Endless Possibilities, and serve as advocates for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Other service opportunities are available; call Hotline to discuss the best match for your skills or interests. To learn more about becoming a Hotline volunteer, please call the business office at 473-5121 or write to: Outer Banks Hotline Attn: Volunteer Coordinator P.O. Box 14900 Manteo, NC 27954

Events and Activities listed may not represent the position of the editor, every organization, sponsor or subscriber.
If you would like to add your organization's events to CommonGood E-News, please contact Nancy Proctor.

Please be sure to forward this to anyone who might be interested and encourage them to subscribe.

June 6, 2008

2008-06-11T20:05:00.001-04:00

Tony Melendez in Concert

America United Mano al Hermano is sponsoring Tony Melendez in concert. America United is an organization working toward advancing a more positive relationship between the Latino and Anglo communities of Dare County. This is a great opportunity for families and friends to experience a world-renowned entertainer, composer and musician while sharing his message of hope and inspiration. Read and listen to Tony at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=s8649ncab.0.0.wtedt8n6.0&ts=S0337&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tonymelendez.com%2F&id=preview
He will be appearing at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Kitty Hawk Road on Wednesday, June 18 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 per person with children 10 years and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at La Fogata Restaurants in both Kitty Hawk (255-0934) and Nags Head (441-4179).

Pilgrimage and Walk of Remembrance 2008: "Making Strides toward Abolition and Reconciliation"
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty is grateful to be able to co-sponsor this 300-mile walk from Raleigh to Washington, DC organized by Nazareth House. It is a spiritual pilgrimage and walk of remembrance - remembering murder victims and their families, people on death row and their families, persons executed and their families and calling for abolition of the death penalty.
Begins in Raleigh on June 15th. Concludes in Washington, DC on June 29th. To learn how you can help and articipate click here

Fun Times at the Nags Head Woods Preserve
Learn some fun fish facts before making your own, one-of-akind t-shirt using rubber fish. All ages! Don't have a spare t-shirt? We have a limited supply of heavy weight, white ones you can purchase for $5 each. Dates: June 13th and June 25th Time: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. What to bring: a cotton t-shirt, clothes that can get messy, a sense of fun Cost: $10 per person Explore the shallow waters of Roanoke Sound after a half mile hike through the forests of Nags Head Woods. We will use a variety of nets to catch and then observe underwater critters like crabs, shrimp, and fish. All ages! Led by local naturalist, Rhana Paris. Dates: June 12th, June 26th, and July 3rd Time: 10:00 a.m. to Noon. What to bring: bathing suit, walking shoes as well as shoes that can get wet, dry clothes, towel, sunscreen, hat, bug repellant, a sense of adventure Cost: $10 per personCall 252-599-6498 for reservations and information. Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy's Nags Head Woods Preserve

The Fifth Annual Gathering of The People UnitedTaking Root: Building Community, Sustaining ResistanceJune 27th-29thShannon Farm Community, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia. This is a vitally important moment for us to gather and explore the ways we can connect our struggles to build a stronger movement for progressive social change in this region. There is plenty of space for camping, in-house lodging is available and a reasonably priced hotel is near by. For more information on this and other details, check the website over the coming weeks, or contact Jeff Winder - 434-906-0421.

Events at GEM
GEM Adult Day Services will be celebrating Flag Day on the 11th with the American Legion. Open to the Public. The party starts at 2PM and includes entertainment, refreshments and door prizes.( there is no charge)

On June 13th, join the fun at Harmony Café. It starts at 7PM and for $5.00 you get endless coffee from Southern Bean and delicious desserts from local restaurant. The funds raised help GEM's programs of Dementia education and respite care and the Nags Head Lions Club's support for people with visual problems.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION ALERTS
Talking Points about Access to Higher Education for Immigrant Students

Take Action about Access

H 1291, the Racial Justice Act

Hidden Prejudice
Recent scientific research has demonstrated that biases thought to be absent or extinguished remain as "mental residue" in most of us. Studies show people can be consciously committed to egalitarianism, and deliberately work to behave without prejudice, yet still possess hidden negative prejudices or stereotypes. So even though we believe we see and treat people as equals, hidden biases may still influence our perceptions and actions.
Psychologists at Harvard, the University of Virginia and the University of Washington created "Project Implicit" to develop Hidden Bias Tests - called Implicit Association Tests, or IATs, in the academic world - to measure unconscious bias.

Take a test at Project Implicit's website and see what may be lingering in your psyche. After taking a test, read Tolerance.org's tutorial to learn more about stereotypes and prejudice and the societal effects of bias.

Mommy & Me

2008-06-04T15:31:00.000-04:00

is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide playgroup opportunities, along with educational and social activities, for children ages birth through five. The non-profit group also offers peer support for moms, dads and other caregivers. For more information, call 252-305-0787. Mommy & Me is now involved in fundraising in an effort to assist families and organizations in need.
Over fifty children, moms and dads participated in the March of Dimes Wonder Walk hosted by Outer Banks Mommy & Me. Outer Banks Mommy & Me was founded in November 2001 by Thea Crane O'Neil and Cheri Peele. With the support of the Dare County Children & Youth Partnership and the Dare County Youth Center, Mommy & Me grew from just 10 members to 100 in the first year. Mommy & Me currently has over 100 members and has recently become incorporated.

Dare Community Care Clinic

2008-06-04T15:30:00.000-04:00

is a family of partnerships that provide medical services to our neighbors in need. Staffed by volunteers, including physicians and nurses, the free clinic is available to those who live or work in Dare, have no health insurance and meet a certain set of financial criteria. It provides nonemergency care, prescription assistance, specialty care referrals and health education.
A Community Health Assessment conducted by the Healthy Carolinians of the Outer Banks found that 20 - 25% of our citizens have no or inadequate health insurance. The cyclic nature of our economy and the types of employment available create a significant population of working poor.
The clinic was featured in the Virgnia Pilot last November. For more information, contact the Clinic Director Linda Saturno or call 252-261-3041.

League of Women Voters

2008-06-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The Dare County League sponsors candidate forums prior to local elections for town, county, and state officials and publishes a voters' guide about candidates, their biographical information, and platforms. Monthly informational meetings on topics of local interest are held for the general public. An annual project is the printing and distribution of the Dare County Citizens Guide which contains information about government and county services. Copies are available online. Visit the League site for membership information.

The Currituck County League held voter registration drives in Moyock and Grandy. The League also held its inaugural voters forum on April 24. The meeting held in the historic Corolla Chapel hosted candidates who are running for county commissioner. The League sponsored the event in association with the Corolla Concerned Citizens and the Corolla Extension and Community Association. The Dare League assisted in the planning.

The Currituck Annual Meeting is scheduled for noon on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Sound Park. It will begin with a potluck picnic lunch and families are welcome to attend. The time of the annual meeting is 2 pm. For more information, email Currituck League of Women Voters

Food Pantry

2008-05-22T18:48:00.000-04:00

Beach Food Pantry (BFP) is a 501(c)(3) IRS Tax exempt non-profit organization, managed and operated entirely by an All volunteer Board of Directors and volunteer staff, who are members of various Dare County Religious Organizations. The primary mission of the BFP, which operates under the By-Laws of the BFP, is "to serve" Dare County residents on a temporary basis that have been referred for nutritional and/or personal needs." In 2007, the BFP served 936 households which translates to 2,312 individuals.

The voluntary position of "Chairperson of the Beach Food Pantry" will become available / vacant this summer. Persons interested in volunteering for this position may contact the current Chairman, Gerry Lesko at 261-2586. Also, two other volunteer Beach Food Pantry Executive Board Positions will be available, i.e., Co-Chairperson and 1st Vice President.

Please distribute or announce the above vacancies to your congregation via bulletin, etc. or to anyone you may know who might be interested in serving those in need by volunteering for these positions that will be vacant soon.

Actions to take about Higher Education for Immigrant Students

2008-05-22T18:46:00.000-04:00

N.C. community colleges are the first statewide system to bar illegal immigrants from seeking college degrees, according to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
The move has shaken up the academic world by going beyond the nationwide debate over whether undocumented students should pay lower in-state tuition."This has really caught the attention and caused a lot of alarm," said Dan Hurley, the association's director of State Relations and Policy Analysis. "Charging them out-of-state tuition is one thing, but barring them entirely is another."

For what you can do: Visit America United blogsite. May 19.

or Visit Adelantenc Education

Action on Health Insurance

2008-05-22T18:42:00.000-04:00

Americans spend more on health care than people do elsewhere, but somehow we spend more for less. But it doesn't have to be this way. Costs can come down and quality can improve if we stop letting the insurance companies run the show and focus on prevention and managing chronic illness better.

Take the pledge and join our effort to make health care a top priority for our nation's leaders, no matter who wins the election »Most of us have no clue about the actual cost of our medical care until the bills arrive. And the cost of insurance goes up and up, with fewer services covered. It's time to demand accountability. Your family deserves the security of knowing that they will have affordable quality care when needed. It's time that our leaders examine all solutions that will ensure all Americans access to quality, affordable care, with input from real people like you.

Please take a moment to join us, and pledge to hold our leaders accountable.

SIGN PETITION NOW

Recommended Listening

2008-05-20T16:33:00.001-04:00

Missed something on national public radio? Most programs are available online.

May is National Foster Care Month. In North Carolina, there are almost 11,000 children in the foster care system. While foster care placement is a necessary intervention for many families, a 2007 study at the MIT concluded that children have better life outcomes when they remain with their families. Listen to host Frank Stasio discuss the current state of the foster care system in North Carolina and what lies ahead. Guests include Ashley Rhodes-Courter, a former foster child and author; Jane Volland, director of the North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem program; Kevin Kelley, assistant section chief for Child Welfare in the Department Of Social Services.

Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County

2008-05-20T16:30:00.002-04:00

Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County is a private, non-profit organization designed to provide programs and services to children and their families in Dare County. Created following a State of the Child Conference in 1994, the organization was charged with focusing on issues brought forward at that conference, and worked to establish the Wright Place for Youth and the Dare County Youth Center. In 1997, the Partnership began administering North Carolina's nationally recognized Smart Start Early Childhood program for Dare County, and today offers a variety of programs and resources to ensure the healthy development of all children from birth to five years of age.

Volunteer.

Interfaith Community Outreach

2008-05-20T16:30:00.001-04:00

ICO is an interfaith organization of volunteers who are supported by more than 20 local faith communities and network partners that provide emergency gap services to people on the Outer Banks and surrounding areas who have no other place to turn for help. ICO emergency "gap" services and referrals include:

Food
Utilities
Transportation
Shelter
Medical care
Home Rehabilitation
Child Care
Community Disaster Recovery
and referrals to Department of Social Services, Dare Health Department, Hot Line, Mental Health and Latino Services

Neighbors helping Neighbors

2008-05-20T16:28:00.000-04:00

Interfaith Community Outreach 2008 Inaugural GOLF CLASSIC will be held at Nags Head Links on Wednesday, May 28 with a shotgun start at 2:00 pm. An Awards ceremony and a raffle will follow the tournament with dinner catered by our sponsor, Outback Steakhouse at the Golf Course. 4-Player Teams-Captain's Choice Visit the Interfaith Community Outreach website for more information or contact Margaret Wells for more information at (252) 261-1683

Slowing Down to Dance

2008-05-12T11:06:00.001-04:00

Some people think a call from God can only come through some type of cataclysmic emotional experience. In reality, most people recognize aspects of God’s leadings as gradual in nature as they experience life. The key to learning the dance steps of discernment is prayer along with sound biblical study. You discern the leadings of God in the dancing relationship. You must remain in close communication with God to have any chance of discerning well. Instead of focusing your prayers on God revealing God’s will, focus on God creating godly character and wisdom in you. When your actions, thoughts, and desires reflect God’s priorities, then you are in a better place to discern well.

The problem with discernment is that many of us are so busy doing our own thing—moving too fast to dance the slow dance of discernment with God. You can only hear the heartbeat of God in your life when you slow down, quiet yourself, and invite God to dance with you. To slow down and listen takes a concerted and countercultural effort. The lights and sounds of society distract us if we are not careful. With so much vying for our attention, we must be intentional about disconnecting and taking time to hear what God is saying.

I love that one sentence "You can only hear the heartbeat of God in your life when you slow down, quiet yourself, and invite God to dance with you."

Geneology and History of Currituck and Dare Counties

2008-05-11T18:27:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in tracing your geneology or just want to view some old photos of people and places, check out these great sites with free information.
Currituck County

Darre County

Recommended Listening

2008-05-07T18:35:00.000-04:00

I just discovered John McCutcheon. The Washington Post described John as "Virginia's Rustic Renaissance Man," a moniker flawed only by its understatement. "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player..." (Dallas Morning News). Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theaters, John is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, a festival stage or at a farm rally. He just moved from Charlottesville to NYC.

One of my favorite songs, just perfect for Mother's Day, is:
Calling All the Children Home
Home to the table, home to the feast
Where the last are first and the greatest are the least
Where the rich will envy what the poor have got
Everybody's got enough, 'though we ain't got a lot
No one is forgotten, no one is alone
When we're calling all the children home
Gathered 'round the table and the big, black pot
Everybody's got enough, 'though we ain't got a lotNo one is forgotten, no one is alone
From the sacks in Soweto to the ice of Nome
From Baghdad City to the streets of Rome
When we're calling all the children home

Build a New Animal Shelter for Currituck County

2008-05-07T18:33:00.000-04:00

The current Currituck County Animal Shelter is in the path of the planned expansion of runways and taxiways at the Currituck Regional Airport. The current Animal Shelter operates at or near full capacity almost daily. In spite of the best efforts of the staff and more than 130 volunteer members of the Animal Lovers Assistance League, it is almost impossible to continue to sustain our nearly 90% rate of adopted or rescued shelter animals. Currituck is the third fastest growing county in N. C. In order to provide for the welfare of the animals we must have a new, larger shelter soon. Review the proposal by the Animal Lovers Assistance League to the Currituck Board of Commissioners will include a Dog Park for free use by the public as well as to promote tourism and economic development by also using it for Dog Agility Competitions by groups in the eastern United States and other similar activities.

RELATED WEBSITES
Petfinders
Humane Society

New Survey Service for Nonprofit Organizations.

2008-05-07T18:30:00.000-04:00

Like many of their neighbors, Bob and Fran Green committed themselves to community service and volunteerism when they retired here. They try to support, as "green" volunteers, many important causes and projects here on the Outer Banks, in greater Currituck County, and in Dare County. Bob and Fran also make an effort to contribute to the community the particular knowledge and skills they were fortunate enough to acquire from their educations and experiences. The Green Poll is one of these latter projects.

Green Poll provides consultation at the request of voluntary, non-profit and government organizations. Recent Green Poll clients include the Dare County Health Department, the Whalehead Club, the League of Women Voters-Currituck County, the Corolla Concerned Citizens, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Outer Banks Ministerial Association, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks. Because they are volunteers, they always provide their professional services free of charge. For More Information visit The Green Poll

Outer Banks Birth Network

2008-05-01T23:57:00.000-04:00

Outer Banks Birth Network has a new website. Go to http://outerbanksbirth.blogspot.com

GEM Adult Day Services on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

2008-05-01T23:54:00.000-04:00

We are a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality services to both participants and caregivers. GEM provides a positive and supportive day environment for adults with memory loss, physical and mental disabilities and those in need of socialization.
Care is provided in His Dream Center - Where we provide A lovely, homelike atmosphere with Garden. In this relaxed environment, participants take part in a variety of stimulating activities such as exercise, crafts, baking, current events discussion, pet visits, gardening and music programs.

We invite you to become a part of the GEM family; participants, caregivers, volunteers, donors, advocates and staff are all integral members of our community.
Please call GEM at (252) 480-3354 for information on how you can get involved. Or email Gail at gailesonnesso@gemdayservices.org

Related Websites

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers

Alzheimer's Association

CommonGood Enews

2008-04-26T18:05:00.000-04:00

Aristotle said "Where your talents and the need of the world cross, there lies your vocation." My world now is Lower Currituck and Dare County. After years of professional human resource and marketing communication work, followed by an easy retirement, I feel called to offer a service to my new world. As a relative newcomer, I often don't understand the network of social justice, social action and community outreach programs. I have to read three different newspapers to find out about the good work and good causes in our community. So I propose a new connection: the CommonGood E-News, a nonpartisan, nonprofit weekly e-newsletter communicating events and activities sponsored by grassroots efforts and nonprofits in social justice and community outreach.

If your social justice or community outreach group would like to participate in CommonGood E-News, please contact me at nancyattheproctors.info.

Bring Back the Midwives

2008-04-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

It has been over two years since women on the Outer Banks have had the benefit of full-time midwives trained in normal, gentle, and safe childbirth. The newly created Outer Banks Birth Network wants to be a resource for women as well as a supporter of midwives both in and out of the hospital setting. With this in mind we are launching our network by petitioning the Outer Banks Hospital and its affiliated practices to immediately hire experienced Certified Nurse Midwives to provide the full scope of women's health care as well as 24-hour, seven-day-a-week childbirth coverage.

Please sign our petition by visiting this website.

If you feel strongly about this issue and would like to express your concerns in writing, we are also collecting personal letters to be sent in conjunction with the petition. Please send letters to:

Bring Back the Midwives, P.O. Box 181,
KDH, NC, 27948

NO later than May 5th, 2008.
Tina Mackenzie and Amanda FinchemOuter Banks Birth Networkouterbanksbirth@gmail.com252-207-5601

Voices That Challenge

2008-04-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

"Be the change you wish to see in the world," Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote speaks clearly of the need to create a world in which all lives are honored and treated with dignity and justice. The VOICES That Challenge chapter located on the Outer Banks is a group of middle school age and up youth creating a community that strives to educate and bring about social change. As a group, their voices become one to motivate their peers to follow a path of non violence and justice. VOICES is structured so that young people play a huge role in the decision making process. All activities are organized and led by the youth under the guidance of one or more adults. VOICES encourages all faith traditions and backgrounds to participate and is created to be open and welcoming. Diversity is desired. Justice is served only when all voices are honored and respected. VOICES honors the inner self of all participants and strives to bring youth together to share and learn in unity. During the month of May, VOICES, in conjunction with other local organizations will host a Cultural Sensitivity Workshop as well as Organic Gardening Workshop for the community.Learn more by contacting Teresa Stanley orMichel Sanchez at malameddin@aol.com

America United Mano al Hermano

2008-04-24T00:02:00.000-04:00

is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latinos and helping them become recognized as valued members of our community.

We wish to achieve this by:
-Providing access to available resources and information
-Promoting partnerships with individuals, businesses and government agencies
-Encourage utilization of all educational resources
-Promoting an understanding of the richness of the Latino culture
-Identifying and responding to their needs

Interested in learning more:
contact Kay Minis at kminis@embarqmail.com

Related Websites
National Immigration Justice Center

We Can Stop the Hate

El Pueblo North Carolina