Public Invited to Offer Suggestions on the TANF State Plan

The public is invited to comment on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan for the Work First program. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Social Services submits this plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) every three years. The plan outlines how North Carolina intends to administer the Work First program.

From December 22, 2011  February 5, 2012, the written plan is available on the web at:

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/pub notice/ and a hard copy is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

NC Division of Social Services Central Office
Albemarle Building
325 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27699-2420

The plan is also available at all county department of social services in North Carolina during normal business hours.

Citizens interested in commenting on the plan must submit written comments no later than February 5, 2012. Comments may be emailed to www.work.first@dhhs.nc.gov, faxed to (919) 334-1266, or mailed to:

Sherry Bradsher, Director
Division of Social Services
2420 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2420

The North Carolina Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan is submitted in accordance with Section 402 of the Social Security Act as revised by the Personal Responsibility and Work Responsibility Act of 1996 and the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

The TANF block grant funds must be used for families on public assistance and working families whose income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Services may include child care, transportation, housing assistance, teen pregnancy prevention and services for non-custodial parents.

Lori Walston
Public Information Officer
Office of Public Affairs
NC DHHS
(919) 855-4841
919/733-7447

For your Computer needs
IT Professional

Doug Hathcock
Certified
dhathcock@carolina.rr.com
704-438-5602
Hardware/Software Upgrades/ Consulying/PC Repair/Virus Removal/Security/Network Infrastructure/wireless networking/ custon websites.

Chocolate Festival

February 10, 2012 - February 12, 2012 - The Badin Inn Golf Resort & Club is hosting a Chocolate Festival on Friday Saturday and Sunday, February 10th, 11th & 12th! There will be a reception on Friday Night, the Festival will be all day on Saturday and they will be offering a breakfast buffet on Sunday Morning. All- Inclusive packages are available. For more information, please contact Jennifer at 704.422.3683 ext. 1021. The festival will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Carolina

New Web-Based Wellness Resource Offers North Carolina Small
Businesses Tools to Improve Employee Health and Increase
Productivity

RALEIGH  Gov. Bev Perdue announces the launch of a free, web-based tool to help small businesses develop worksite wellness programs. WorkWell NC, coordinated through the N.C. Division of Public Health, offers free resources to help small business owners and their employees who want to lose weight, quit smoking and manage stress. The WorkWell NC toolkit may be found at www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.

A healthy, educated workforce is essential to keeping North Carolinas economic engine well tuned, said Gov Perdue. I am committed to providing the tools that businesses need to grow, thrive and keep employees healthy and on the job. Programs like WorkWell NC are an integral part of this effort.

According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 50 percent of people employed in North Carolina are employed by a small business (500 or less employees). Nearly one-third of uninsured people are employed by small businesses with less than 100 workers, according to the 2008 Current Population Survey. The WorkwellNC resources provide small businesses the opportunity to offer their employees a benefit that will help keep them healthier and ultimately reduce health care costs.

There is strong evidence that participating in a worksite wellness program pays off for employers, said Dr. Ruth Petersen of the N.C. Division of Public Health. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine estimates that worksite wellness programs deliver an average of $3 return on investment for every $1 spent, through increased productivity and reduced health care costs.

The toolkit is complete  with information ranging from implementing a worksite wellness program to measuring results. Business owners can download posters, newsletters, sign-up sheets, certificates, surveys and evaluation tools. The kit also includes links to videos featuring fellow business owners from a variety of North Carolina companies promoting healthy lifestyles and seeing results. One example that businesses can easily implement is the Ten Minute Challenge­ - a pre- programmed set of activities that employees can do in10 minutes to improve their health.

A healthy and productive workforce means a better bottom line for businesses, said N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco. However, addressing tomorrows health conditions today is not only good for business, its important for the employee so they can lead a healthier and more active life.

I would encourage any business owner to try it  making small changes in your working environment can lead to really big results, said Tara Olsen, Owner of All Points Research in Winston- Salem, speaking about her experience with worksite wellness in one of the featured videos. Other video success stories feature A-10 Clinical Solutions, Acme McCrary Corporation, The Biltmore Company, The Body Shop, Carolina Pad, RE Mason and Salina Naturally.

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina is a statewide movement that promotes increased opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play and pray. For more information on healthful eating and active lifestyles, visit www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com.

Julie Henry
Public Information Officer
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
919-855-4840
julie.henry@dhhs.nc.gov

LIVING HEATHLY WORKSHOP

If you have conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, or anxiety, then the Living Healthy workshop is for you. Youll get the support you need, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, and understand new treatment choices. This class will be held at the Locust Government Center, 186 Ray Kennedy Drive, Locust starting Tuesday Feb. 7th - Mar. 13th from 9:00- 11:30.

Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
For More information call Pamela Allen at 704/986-3781

Annual Lunch with the Commissioners!!!

An invitation has been issued to our County Commissioners for our annual lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 14th at 11:30am. Following lunch, the Commissioners will give updates with what is happening within our county as well as all of you having the opportunity to discuss your ideas, needs, and suggestions with the commissioners. Lunch will be oven fried chicken breast, broccoli with cheese sauce, sliced potatoes, roll, and strawberry short-cake. The cost is $4.00 per person. Please RSVP by Friday Feb. 10th.

Pamela Sullivan
Program Coordinator
Stanly County Senior Services
283 N. Third Street
Albemarle, NC 28001
(704)986-3769
(704)986-3776 Fax
pallen@co.stanly.nc.us

A Time for Brides

February 19, 2012 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm - Dennis Vineyards in Albemarle, NC is hosting a Bridal Show on February 19th called, "A Time for Brides". They will have over 40 different Vendors showcasing everything from the Cake to the Dj! There is always a great turnout so if you're planning a wedding, this is the place to be! For more information please contact 704.982.6090.

Hunter Safety Education Course

AP&R will partner with NC Wildlife Resources Commission to offer a basic hunter safety education course that will allow patrons to gain basic knowledge of firearm safety and proper hunting methods, ethics, and etiquette. This 10-hour minimum course is required for all first time hunting license buyers in North Carolina.
Class will be Feb 20, 21, 22 at 6:00 pm at the EE Waddell Center.
There is no cost for the class. Call AP&R or check online at www.ncwildlife.org for more information.

LIVING HEALTHY WITH DIABETES:

Living with or caring for someone with Diabetes can affect your quality of life. This workshop will give you the support you need to find practical ways to deal with your condition, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. Classes will begin Wednesday Feb. 22nd- Mar. 28th from 2:00-4:30pm at the Senior Center. Please RSVP by Feb. 17th.

Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
For More information call Pamela Allen at 704/986-3781

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

February 2012 Blood Drives  Stanly County

February 06, 2012
Stanly Community
CollegeCrutchfield
102 Stanly Parkway
Locust, NC 28097
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

February 22, 2012
City of Albemarle
Firestation 1
1610 E. Main Street
Albemarle, NC 28001
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is hosting its Fourth Annual Pint for Pounds campaign to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. CBCC will donate six pounds of food for every blood donation now through Feb. 29.

*Please note the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas' minimum weight requirement for blood donors is 120 pounds

Contact:
Jennifer Clendenin
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
(704) 972-4700

WOODCARVING:

Woodcarving classes are held on Thursdays from 9am- Noon. Anyone that is interested in woodcarving or is an experienced woodcarver is welcome to join. There is no charge and no need to register for this class. Just stop in on Thursday mornings and see what its all about.

Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
For More information call Pamela Allen at 704/986-3781

BASKETWEAVING:

Basketweaving classes are on Wednesday from 9am-Noon. Anyone that weaves is welcome to come or if you would like to learn there are individuals that can help you! There is no charge and no need to register, just come and have fun!

Stanly County Senior Center
283 N. Third St.
Albemarle, NC 28001
For More information call Pamela Allen at 704/986-3781

FREE DENTAL CARE FOR ADULTS
*ONLY TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE 18 YEARS & OLDER*

WHERE: HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
106 HIGHLAND DRIVE
NEW LONDON, NC 28127

WHEN: MARCH 16th and MARCH 17th 2012

HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY LIFE BUILDING (GYM) WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A LARGE DENTAL CLINIC. THE CLINIC IS SPONSORED BY HIGHLAND AND ITS MEMBERS AS WELL AS THE NORTH CAROLINA MISSIONS OF MERCY

PATIENT REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 6:00AM
March 16TH AND March 17th
THERE IS NO PREREGISTRATION REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ON FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
REGISTRATION WILL BE DISCONTINUED DAILY WHEN THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PATIENTS REGISTERED CAN BE TREATED THAT DAY.

SERVICES AVAILABLE WILL INCLUDE EXAMS, X-RAYS, CLEANINGS, FILLINGS AND EXTRACTIONS. LIMITED LAB PROSTHETIC WORK, BUT NO FULL DENTURES

ANSWERS TO MOST QUESTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT THE WEBSITE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DENTAL SOCIETY (www.ncds.org) NORTH CAROLINA MISSIONS OF MERCY, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

*NUMBERS OF PEOPLE SEEN MAY BE LIMITED BY TREATMENT CAPACITY, ARRIVE EARLY!
*DENTAL SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR THOSES EARNING LESS THAN 200% OF FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL GUIDELINES

Stanly County Partnership for Children presents a production of the The Commedia Cinderella

Stanly County Partnership for Children presents a production of the The Commedia Cinderella by the Tarradiddle Players on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Central Elementary School Auditorium located at 250 N. 3rd St., Albemarle. Tickets are $5.00 per person and may be purchased at the Partnership office, First Bank locations or at the door the day of the show. In this funny, fast-paced show, the Tarradiddle Players put a slapstick spin on one of the worlds most famous fairytales. Beautiful Cinderella is forced to work as a kitchen maid by her mean Stepmother and two ugly Stepsisters, but thanks to a little help from her Fairy Godmother, she still has a chance to win the hand of the handsome Prince. With roots in the humorous, physical acting style of Italian Commedia dellarte, this production is a lighthearted treat.

For more information, please call 704-982-2038.

Tammy H. Albertson, Programs & Outreach Coordinator
Stanly County Partnership For Children
1000 North First Street, Suite 8
Albemarle, North Carolina 28001
704-982-2038
704-983-8981 - fax

Albemarle Easter Egg Hunt

Join us Saturday, April 7th at the City Lake Park Amphitheater for Albemarles biggest annual Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 10 and younger will find treats left by Mr. Bunny, who will be on hand for pictures!! There will be prizes for each age group for finding the Golden Egg. Dont be late! The hunt begins at 11 am. FREE.

Open Blood Mobiles in Stanly County:

February 06, 2012
2:00 PM- 7:00 PM
First Baptist Church Albemarle
202 N. Second street,
Albemarle, NC

February 24, 2012
8:00 AM- 1:30 PM
North Stanly High School
40206 Hwy 52 North,
New London, NC

March 13, 2012
9:00 AM- 1:30 PM
Stanly Community College-Main Campus
141 College Drive,
Albemarle, NC

April 17, 2012
1:00 PM- 5:30 PM
Pfeiffer University
Us Hwy 52,
Misenheimer, NC

May 04, 2012
8:30 AM- 1:30 PM
South Stanly High School
40488 South Stanly School Rd,
Norwood, NC

May 11, 2012
8:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Albemarle Hight School
311 Park Ridge Rd,
Albemarle, NC