Wednesday, September 3

July 17, 2008

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

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



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.eduwww.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

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

Wednesday, July 30

July 24

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

[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.