Thursday, January 28,
12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Michelin Aircraft Tire Corp.
40589 South Stanly School Road,
Norwood

Tuesday, February 9,
2:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Stanly County Family YMCA
427 North 1st Street,
Albemarle

Donors must be 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, provide photo ID and be in general good health. 16-year-olds can donate with written permission from their parents or guardians.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

There are property tax relief programs for eligible elderly and disabled residents of Stanly County. Eligibility requirements for the Elderly Exclusion include being a permanent resident of Stanly County, age 65 or older on January 1st , and having an income not exceeding $27,100 for 2009. The Disabled Exclusion requirements include being a permanent resident of Stanly County, totally and permanently disabled, with an income not exceeding $27,100 for 2009. Applications for this assistance should be filed between January 1-June 1. (Stanly County Commissioners have extended this filing period through July 31.) Proof of income and disability must accompany your application. (Joint income of both spouses, if married, whether or not both names are on the deed.) Please call the Stanly Tax Administration Office at 704- 986-3627 if you think you are eligible or if you have questions.
Susan Whitley
Activities Coordinator
Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
Phone-704/986-3781
Fax-704/986-3776

GREENBRIAR GETAWAY

$369 per person based on double occupancy
$100 deposit due at time of registration
Mon.-Tues. Feb. 22-23, 2010 Trip Opens: Wednesday, Nov. 4 Deadline to Register & Cancel: Fri., Jan. 8 Join us as we travel to White Sulfur Springs, WV. We will have an all inclusive stay! The Greenbriar is a 5-star resort and home to the famous emergency relocation center or bunker. As a National Historic landmark, The Greenbrier's classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape, impeccable service and outstanding amenities have hosted distinguished guests from around the world since 1778. Because of it's prestige, it is quite a treat to stay there. The cheapest packages happen to be in the month of Feb. This trip includes: deluxe motorcoach transportation, 1 night accommodation at Greenbriar, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, the following optional included activities: afternoon tea and concert, The Artist Colony (local artisans), Indoor Pool, Guided tour of resort and grounds, Presidents Cottage Museum, Bowling, Movies, Tavern Casino (gaming), All taxes, resort fees and baggage handling.

Susan Whitley
Activities Coordinator
Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
Phone-704/986-3781
Fax-704/986-3776

Genealogy Symposium

Back To Basics: An Introduction to Stanly County Genealogy and History

A Stanly County genealogy and history symposium "Back To Basics: An Introduction to Stanly County Genealogy and History" will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010, in the Conference Room of the Stanly County Public Library in Albemarle. The event will last from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

The symposium is sponsored by the Stanly County Public Library, the Stanly County Museum, Stanly County Genealogical Society, Yadkin River Patriots Chapter of the DAR, and Colson's Mill Chapter of the SAR.

PROGRAM

9:30 am - Welcome and Introduction: Library Director Melanie Holles

9:45 am - Introduction to Basic Genealogy: Wanda Gantt

10:30 am -10 minute break - Q&A

10:40 am - Genealogical Resources in Stanly County: Priscilla Clarke and Elaine Stewart

11:15 am -30 minute break Q&A

11:45 pm -Native American and African American Genealogical Resources: Melanie Holles

12:30 pm -10 minute break - Q&A

12:40 pm -Regional and Local History: Jonathan Underwood and Zelma Eudy

1:30 pm Wrap-Up

2:00 pm Adjourn

The symposium is open to the public. Those interested should call the Stanly County Public Library (704- 986-3755) no later than Wednesday, February 24 to register. There is a limit of 50 participants.

In the event of inclement weather the symposium will be re-scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Media Contacts: Jonathan Underwood
The Stanly County Museum
704.986.3777
junderwood@co.stanly. nc.us

NCDA&CS offering one-day workshop for current or prospective farmers market vendors or managers

RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Marketing Division will hold a one-day workshop Friday, Feb. 26, that will focus on boosting traffic and sales at farmers markets and also include management tips for markets.

A Successful Season will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Martin Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Cost is $25 and covers materials and lunch. The deadline for registering is Feb. 19. The class is expected to fill up quickly, so early registration is advised.

More and more consumers are looking for locally grown products and we are seeing more interest on many levels in farmers markets, said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. This workshop is designed for vendors and market managers of existing farmers markets, growers interested in selling at farmers markets and community leaders interested in starting a market.

Topics to be covered include maintaining good vendor relations, updates on good agricultural practices, sales-tax collections for value-added products, liability insurance, regulations on homemade products, customer service, product presentation, point- of-sale merchandising, and creating and maintaining market bylaws.

For more information or a registration form, go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizma rketing.htm, or call Annette Dunlap in the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at (919) 733-7887, ext. 257 or Kevin Hardison, (919) 733-7887, ext. 234.

NCDA&CS Public Affairs Division, Brian Long, Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street, Raleigh NC 27601
Phone: (919) 733-4216; FAX: (919) 733-5047

Stanly County Winter Wine Festival

12:00pm - 6:00pm February 27, 2010
Albemarle, North Carolina~ Albemarle Downtown Development Corp. to host Stanly County Winter Wine Festival. Albemarle, North Carolina - February 27, 2010 - an afternoon of great wine, great food and great music at the Stanly County Senior Center. This wine extravaganza is open to the public and benefits the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation. Advance ticket purchases are $20 a piece or $30 per couple and day of the event $30. Admission includes a souvenir glass, wine sampling tickets, gourmet food and entertainment. The Stanly County Winter Wine Festival will feature several of North Carolina's best wineries and vineyards. Take an opportunity to taste some of the best vintages - up close and personal. An excellent chance for learning about today's taste trends or just an afternoon of fun with Wine & Friends. For more information please contact 704.984.9415 - 704.984.9417

Living Healthy Workshop

Feel better and take charge! Do you want to learn to live a healthier life?
The Living Healthy workshop, developed by Stanford University is given once a week for six weeks for people with different chronic health problems who attend together. Classes are highly participative. Mutual support and success build participant confidence in their own ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Subjects covered will include: Dealing with frustration, fatigue, and pain, Exercising for improving strength, flexibility and endurance, Appropriate use of medications, How to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, Nutrition, How to evaluate treatments. This class will be Mondays Feb. 1 Mar. 8 from 9:30am-Noon. Please RSVP, 704/986-3769. Hurry, Space is limited!!!

Open Mobiles in Stanly County:

March 03, 2010 10:30 AM- 3:00 PM
Stanly Regional Medical Center
301 Yadkin Street,
Albemarle, NC

March 21, 2010 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM
Luther's Lutheran Church
4955 Richfield Road,
Richfield, NC

March 29, 2010 8:30 AM- 1:30 PM
North Stanly High School
40206 Hwy 52 North,
New London, NC

March 29, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM
St. Martin Lutheran Church
16592 St. Martin Rd,
Albemarle, NC

April 13, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM
Albemarle YMCA
427 North 1st Street,
Albemarle, NC

April 14, 2010 9:00 AM- 1:30 PM
Stanly Community College-Main Campus
141 College Drive,
Albemarle, NC

April 21, 2010 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM
Pfeiffer University
Us Hwy 52,
Misenheimer, NC

May 07, 2010 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
South Stanly High School
40488 South Stanly School Rd,
Norwood, NC

May 09, 2010 12:00 PM- 4:30 PM
Love's Grove United Methodist Church
4360 Polk Ford Road,
Stanfield, NC

May 14, 2010 8:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Albemarle Hight School
311 Park Ridge Rd,
Albemarle, NC

May 18, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM
First Lutheran Church
230 South Second Street,
Albemarle, NC

Oakboro Cruise-in & Burnout

Schedule - always 4th Friday of month
Cars start arriving around 3 p.m. The event actually starts at 5 p.m. and the burnout is at 9:00 p.m.

2010

Jan. 22

Feb. 26

Mar. 26

Apr. 23

May 28

June 25

July 23

Aug. 27

Sept. 24

Oct. 22

Nov. 26
Dec. - Christmas Eve - no event

2010 BOARD OF ELECTIONS

Board meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 A.M. at the Stanly County Board of Elections office located at 1000 N First St, Suite 16, Albemarle, NC 28001. The board may also call other meetings during the year, which will also be listed here and posted at the Board of Elections office. All meetings are open to the public. Minutes of the meetings are maintained at the Board of Elections office and are opened for public inspection during normal business hours.

January 5, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
February 2, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
March 2, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
April 6, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
April 13, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
April 20, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
April 27, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
May 3, 2010 5:00 PM - Absentee Meeting
May 4, 2010 PRIMARY DAY 2:00 PM - Absentee Meeting
May 11, 2010 11:00 AM - Canvass (Primary)
June 1, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
July 6, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
August 3, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
September 7, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
October 5, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting
October 12, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
October 19, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
October 26, 2010 9:00 AM - Absentee Meeting
November 1, 2010 5:00 PM - Absentee Meeting
November 2, 2010 ELECTION DAY 2:00 PM - Absentee Meeting
November 12, 2010 11:00 AM - Canvass
December 7, 2010 9:00 AM - Regular Meeting

Kimberly Wilson, Director
Stanly County Board of Elections
1000 N First Street, Suite 16
PO Box 1309
Albemarle, NC 28002
704-986-3861
Fx:704-986- 3798

College Students Urged to Get H1N1 Vaccination

RALEIGH  State Health Director Jeffrey Engel strongly urges young adults, including college students and teens, to get their H1N1 vaccinations before returning to campus from the winter break. According to statistics gathered by the N.C. Division of Public Health, people of college age are the least likely to be immunized against H1N1.

More than 495,000 students are enrolled in colleges in North Carolina. Vaccination efforts to date have reached just over 60,000 people between 19 years old and 24 years old statewide. Campus immunization campaigns appear to have reached just a fraction of that number. The latest estimates indicate that fewer than 13 percent of the H1N1 vaccine doses provided by the state went to traditional college- age students.

Our young people are our greatest resource, and we want to make sure they remain healthy, Dr. Engel said. The holidays are a perfect time for parents to ensure that their teens and college students are vaccinated against H1N1.

As of Dec. 15, North Carolina had reported 76 deaths from H1N1. While pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and young children are most at risk for complications, this strain of flu has had a disproportionate impact on young, healthy people.

We have good supplies of H1N1 vaccine on hand, Engel said. The peak of seasonal flu is approaching in late January. Getting both vaccinations now is the best way to protect yourself and your family against both seasonal and the H1N1 virus.

For updated information on vaccination clinics near you, visit flu.nc.gov.

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza and You

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/i nvestigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important:
wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol- based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol- based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.

You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious.

In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year- old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.