Thursday, January 31, 2013

Calls for Help: Winston-Salem

An emergency cold weather shelter for the homeless opened yesterday, and will be open every day until February 28.  Located at First Baptist Church on Fifth Street in Winston-Salem, check-in begins at 8:15pm, guests will wake up no later than 6:15am and the gym will be cleared by 7:00am.   A meal and clothing ministry is also being provided  by Centenary UMC’s Loaves & Fishes, also located on Fifth Street.

The shelter has specific needs for community involvement.  They are asking for new or gently used blankets, that will be washed between each use.  Your donated blankets can be dropped off at First Baptist on Fifth at the Spruce Street entrance any evening after 8:15pm.  Overnight volunteers are needed, as well as check-in and hospitality volunteers.

The shelter's most urgent need is volunteers that are able to provide food.  A simple prepared meal for 35 people is needed daily (except for Wednesday and Sundays).    

Examples of a meal:
  • Sandwiches, pasta salad and a cookie
  • Chili and bread with a cookie
  • Soup and bread with a cookie
  • Pasta salad, mixed fruit and a cookie
For more information about meal drop-off time, location, and other volunteer opportunities at the shelter go here.



More calls for help:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NCIf you've got time during weekdays, we could really use your help. We've got food drive donations to inspect, sort and repack and thousands of donated eggs to be regraded before we can make them available to our partner programs.   Find out more about volunteer opportunities at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC here.

The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission is asking for volunteers to fill and distribute tote bags to the homeless men that they service.  For more information, as well as a link to needed items, please go here

The Shalom Project has a need for clothes.  All clothing is accepted, but they currently have a specific need for men's clothing, men's shoes sizes 10-13, and children's clothing, socks and underwear. Two regular volunteers are also needed on Mondays from 9:30am-12:00pm.   For contact information please go here

The Salvation Army is in desperate need of breakfast cereal.  They are also out of baby diapers.  You can drop at 1255 N. Trade or 130A Stratford Ct.   

Free Valentine's day Big Band Concert in Greensboro

Join the Greensboro Big Band for a Valentine's evening of music and dancing. Hear your favorite swing tunes and dance the night away or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. A dance floor will be available for those who would like to dance. Refreshments will be available for purchase.




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mother Goose Ballet -- Free Performance in Greensboro

Join the Philharmonia of Greensboro, under the direction of Peter Perret, and special guests Dance Project: the School at City Arts and Story Teller Charlotte Hamlin as it presents the annual Pillow Pops Concert. This concert is fun for the entire family and will be an educational concert for children, as well as adults! Admission is free and all ages are welcome.  







Impending Storm

The clouds are moving quickly!  The first four photos are 4-second time lapse.
The rest of these were taken 
about 30-45 minutes later.








Everyone be safe!




Dear Friends, You can help save more lives from cancer.

Dear Friends,

Very few people in today's society haven't been affected in some way by cancer.  Whether they've been diagnosed themselves, supported a friend or family member as they fought the fight, or mourned the loss of a loved one, cancer is a common thread that nearly all of us share. 

As someone who feels as passionately as I do about seeing an end to cancer, the good news is that progress is being made. Thousands of communities have gone smoke free, more people have access to cancer screenings and treatments, and billions of dollars are being allotted to cancer research. However, more work is still needed.

You can help save more lives from cancer.
You can contribute to research whose purpose is to better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer.
You can personally participate in research that ultimately eliminates cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.
This coming year, select events throughout the country are giving individuals the unprecedented opportunity to participate in research in our local community. The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program will be enrolling participants for their newest research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).
Individuals who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home, are between the ages of 30-65, and who have never personally been diagnosed with cancer are eligible to enroll. Enrollment will take between 20-30 minutes. Once enrolled, a participant’s 20-30 year commitment to the study will involve completing mailed surveys every few years.
If you are unable to enroll, please be an advocate for Cancer Prevention Study-3. Encourage those close to you to take part in this potentially life-saving study in your honor. Spread the word to everyone you know and encourage them to enroll. The Cancer Prevention Study-3 will be enrolling 500,000 people at select events throughout the country over the next few years.
Please visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website www.cancer.org/cps3 for enrollment locations and additional information, or call toll free at 888-604-5888.
Thank you for sharing in the fight to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Sincerely,
Jessica
Founder, Piedmont Triad Living
P.S.  You will need to schedule an appointment and complete the survey before enrolling.  Enrollment will take place at these locations. Go here for local information and to schedule an appointment.
Winston Salem First Assembly Church
Room 100
3730 University Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Click here for driving directions.
Saturday, February 9, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Rushwood Park Wesleyan ChurchFellowship Hall
1810 Old Farmer Road
Asheboro, NC 27205
Click here for driving directions.
Friday, February 8, 2013, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Calvary Baptist Church
Scout Building
5000 Country Club Road
Winston Salem, NC 27104
Click here for driving directions.
Friday, February 15, 2013, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Saturday, February 16, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
American Cancer Society Office
4A Oak Branch Drive
Greensboro, NC 27407
Click here for driving directions.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Thursday, February 14, 2013, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday, February 16, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm



Zumba Flash Mob & Health Fair



It's almost time for another Zumba Flash Mob!

This labor of love is fun! and includes FOUR Zumba Flash Mobs, gift certificates to stores at the Mall, free health screenings and more. 

For more info contact lindsay_cheryl@bellsouth.net





Monday, January 28, 2013

See a Problem in Winston-Salem? There's an App for That!

Winston-Salem has a brand new mobile application for iPhone and Android that will instantly connect you to the City's 24-hour citizen service center to report problems you see around town.  

The CityLink 311 service automatically records GPS location (which can be disabled to report for a different area), and you can also take a photo and submit it with the service request.  Your report is sent to the appropriate department, and you can track your issue until it is resolved.  Citizens are able to view a map showing all service requests, and see if a issue has already been reported and action is being taken.  The app can also connect you directly to a live CityLink agent.  

The app is free and and is available through Apple’s App Store and Google’s Google Play. To download the app, search the App Store or Google Play for “CityLink 311.” 

For more information, please go to the City of Winston-Salem .

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Great Backyard Bird Count: Local Events

After 15 years of success in North America, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will open up to the entire world for the first time in 2013. Anyone, from anywhere on earth, can participate by visiting www.birdcount.org and reporting the kinds and numbers of birds they see during the 16th annual count, February 15­­–18, 2013. 

 A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with partner Bird Studies Canada, the four-day count typically receives sightings from tens of thousands of people reporting more than 600 bird species in the United States and Canada alone.

 
RBNuthatch_ChristineHaines_WA2012_300px.jpg
Red-breasted Nuthatch,
Christine Haines,
WA, 2012 GBBC

“This year’s count will give us a whole new perspective as sightings pour in from around the globe in real time,” said Marshall Iliff at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Millions of people encounter birds every day all over the world. Imagine what scientists will learn if each one of us shares observations from our own area!”
During the 2012 count, participants reported 17.4 million bird observations on 104,000 checklists. Snowy Owls thrilled many participants when these striking birds-of-prey ventured south from the Arctic in record numbers. In 2013, scientists predict that U.S. and Canadian bird watchers will see an influx of Red-breasted Nuthatches and winter finches (such as Pine Siskins) because of scarce food supplies on their northern wintering grounds.
“The GBBC is an ideal opportunity for young and old to connect with nature by discovering birds and to participate in a huge science project,” said Gary Langham, Audubon’s Chief Scientist.  “This year, we hope people on all seven continents, oceans, and islands, will head out into their neighborhoods, rural areas, parks, and wilderness to further our understanding of birds across the hemispheres.”
Participating is easy. Simply watch birds for at least 15 minutes at the location of your choice on one or more of the count days. Estimate the number of birds you see for each species you can identify. You’ll select your location on a map, answer a few questions, enter your tallies, and then submit your data to share your sightings with others around the world.
The global capacity for the count will be powered by eBird, an online checklist program for all of the world’s 10,240 bird species. Participants will be able to view what others are seeing on interactive maps, keep their own records, and have their tallies recorded for perpetuity.

“The popularity of the Great Backyard Bird Count grows each year," said Dick Cannings, Senior Projects Officer at Bird Studies Canada, "and with the new features, participation will be even more exciting.”
The Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored in part by Wild Birds Unlimited.

The Forsyth County Public Library has several events planned in celebration of the Great Backyard Bird Count.  
Walkertown Branch
Wednesday, February 13, 3pm.  The Great Backyard Bird Count is happening February 15-18 and we're celebrating with a fun, bird-friendly afternoon storytime. Come listen to stories about birds, sing songs, and make a take home bird craft. For toddler and preschool ages.
Saturday, February 16, 10:30am-11:30.  Did you know that Walkertown is a Bird Sanctuary?  Come to Walkertown Library and learn how to attract birds to your yard, identify birds at the feeders, and do the count. We’ll go outside and try to spot and count birds! Presented by Liz Schmid, Wild Birds Unlimited of High Point.  Family friendly event.

Clemmons Branch
February 12, 10:30 am Toddlers (ages 18 months-3 years) — Join Jason Slayton, Children's Librarian, as he reads about favorite bird friends.
February 13, 4:00-5:00 pm Family (all ages) — Presentation about the Great Back Yard Bird Count with Bill Gifford. He will show us how to count and identify birds.  Participants become instant experts in identifying some local birds. The group will tour the grounds and discover what birds are in the neighborhood.
February 14, 10:30 am Preschoolers (ages 3-5 years) — Participate while Jason Slayton, Children's Librarian, reads more stories about birds.










Saturday, January 26, 2013

WS Women Connect: Free Event February 23, 2013

February 23 will mark the third year for WS Women Connect, a wonderful FREE event that brings women together as they meet, mingle, shop, connect and learn.  The founders of Women Connect, Angela Levine and Beth Mack, created the event as a way for women to put a face to their business, talk one-on-one with potential customers and build mutually beneficial relationships.  WS Women Connect inspires and encourages the growth of small, local business.
All photos courtesy of Lisa Miller at Simply Southern Photography


This year's event will feature more than fifty businesses and partners... and still growing!  Ranging from service providers to retailers, this is an easy way for you to learn about, connect with and support women in the Triad.  You may be surprised to find out that your favorite business is woman owned!  Several businesses have participated every year, including Luxury Travel, Accessorize This, Reynolda Farm Market, A Step Ahead, Heavenly Cheesecakes by Becky and Winston-Salem Jazzercize.  There is a nice mix between service, selling and sampling, and there is only one business representing a business category.  Go here to see the full list of 2013 participants.


“When a woman is empowered to achieve success, she gives back exponentially to her employees, family and neighborhood. Supporting women-owned businesses not only improves our economy, it improves our community. ”  ~~ Hillary Peterson, owner of partner business Old Winston Social Club
There will be learning centers; small group workshops where you can get a little more in-depth.  Each free workshop will last 45 minutes and topics range from interior design to saving money to trying pilates to understanding social media.
Forsyth Medical Center is a natural partner for WS Women Connect, and they will be onsite with a Women's Health Center. There will be free health screenings available for blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and body mass index.  You'll have a chance to talk about the results and get a referral if needed.    
There will be a whole room devoted to make-overs.  Whether you want a new look for your hair, your wardrobe, or your home, this room will be filled with experts ready to share their knowledge and suggest ways to make the most of your new look!
The  first 400 attendees will receive a goody bag and there will be door prizes all day.  The event will be from 9am-3pm and is taking place at The Village Inn in Clemmons.  Spend the day or spend an hour... your time will be well spent at this one-of-a-kind event.

View Larger Map

We'll be attending the event ourselves!  Look for a follow-up after the event!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Flower Bulbs for W-S Residents to Plant and Enjoy!

Daffodils tend to bloom before Springtime is truly here, and seeing them always gives me a case of spring fever!

The City of Winston-Salem has received a donation of more than 400,000 daffodil and tulip bulbs and is making them available to groups or individuals that would like to plant them in public areas such as street right of ways, parks, schools, or any other place visible to the public.  

The bulbs will be distributed first come-first served while supplies last.  If you are interested in this project call George Stilphen with Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful at 336-403-7824 or send an email to georges@cityofws.org. 




The Bird Shed



Thursday, January 24, 2013

FREE income tax preparation sites in the Piedmont Triad

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is for families earning up to $51, 000 (individuals earning up to $24,000).  This is a compilation of FREE income tax preparation sites in the Piedmont Triad.  Tax Preparation will begin February 1, 2013 and go through April 15. Days and hours vary by site location.  Please call the site directly with questions or to make an appointment if one is required.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.


Important: Bring a picture IDSocial Security cards (or Individual Tax Identification Number) for yourself and each dependent (including children) you are claiming, your W-2 and/or 1099s,the Employer ID number or SS number of childcare providers, and last year's tax returns. If you want direct deposit of any refund, also bring your checking or savings account information. You and your spouse must be both present to file a joint electronic return.



Caswell County

CASWELL COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
649 FIRETOWER ROAD
YANCEYVILLE, NC 27379
336-694-7447
Jan 24-April 11, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED


Davidson County

DAVIDSON LIBRARY-NORTH BRANCH
559 CRITCHER DRIVE
LEXINGTON, NC 27295
336-272-2050
Jan 28-April 13, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

DAVIDSON LIBRARY-THOMASVILLE BRANCH
14 RANDOLPH ST
THOMASVILLE, NC 27360
336-474-2690
Feb 4-April 13, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

DAVIDSON COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD
115 WEST NINTH AVE
LEXINGTON, NC 27292
336-474-2651
Feb 1-April 13, 2013
ENGLISH and SPANISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

DAVIDSON LIBRARY-LEXINGTON BRANCH
602 S MAIN ST
LEXINGTON, NC 27292
336-242-2005
28 JAN 2013 - 11 APR 2013
ENGLISH and SPANISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

DAVIDSON LIBRARY-WEST BRANCH
246 TYRO SCHOOL RD
LEXINGTON, NC 27295
336-853-4800
Jan 28-April 13, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

DAVIDSON LIBRARY-DENTON BRANCH
310 W SALISBURY ST
DENTON, NC 27239
336-859-2215
Jan 23-April 13, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED



Forsyth County

FORSYTH GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
2701 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY
VOLUNTEER PREPARED AND SELF-HELP
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27115
Feb 6-April 14, 2013
WED 4:00PM - 8:00PM
THU  4:00PM - 8:00PM
ENGLISH

FORSYTH EXPERIMENT IN SELF RELIANCE
1550 UNIVERSITY COURT
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27102
336-722-9400
Jan 22-April 15, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

CAREER CONN AND PROSPERITY CTR-NORTH
1253 NORTH LIBERTY STREET
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27101
336-722-9400
Feb 1-April 10, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

MALLOY-JORDAN HERITAGE CENTER
1110 EAST 7TH STREET
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27101
Feb 2-April 13, 2013
SAT 10:00AM - 2:00PM
ENGLISH

WINSTON-SALEM TRANSIT AUTHORITY-VITA
100 WEST FIFTH STREET
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27101
Jan 28-April 15-2013
MON 1:00PM - 5:00PM
WED 1:00PM - 5:00PM
FRI 1:00PM - 5:00PM
ENGLISH


FORSYTH CENTRAL LIBRARY
660 W. 5TH STREET
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27101
Feb 2-April 13, 2013
SAT 9:00AM - 1:00PM
ENGLISH

FORSYTH GOODWILL INDUSTRIES ROC
2760 PETERS CREEK PARKWAY
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27107
Feb 5-April 15, 2013
TUE 4:00PM - 7:30PM
ENGLISH and SPANISH

CAREER CONNECTIONS AND PROSPERITY CENTER
585 WAUGHTOWN STREET
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27107
Feb 1-April 15, 2013
MON 9:00PM - 12:00PM
WED 4:00PM - 8:00PM
FRI 11:00AM - 3:00PM
SAT 9:00AM - 1:00PM
ENGLISH and SPANISH

FORSYTH HEAD START
2555 BUCHANAN ST
WINSTON SALEM, NC 27127
336-785-8741
Jan 22-April 15, 2013
ENGLISH and SPANISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED


Guilford County

WEST END COMMUNITY CENTER
901 W. ENGLISH ROAD
HIGH POINT, NC 27262
Jan 25-April 12, 2013
FRI 3:00PM - 6:00PM
ENGLISH

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
201 4TH STREET
COMM DEV AND HSNG DEPT/CITY OF HIGH POINT
HIGH POINT, NC 27260
Jan 23-April 13, 2013
TUE 5:00PM - 7:30PM
THU 5:00PM - 7:30PM
SAT 10:00AM - 1:00PM
ENGLISH and SPANISH

MACEDONIA FAMILY RESOURCE CTR
401 LAKE AVENUE
HIGH POINT, NC 27260
Jan 23-April 15, 2013
MON 5:00PM - 7:30PM
WED 5:00PM - 7:30PM
ENGLISH

JAMESTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
200 W. MAIN STREET
OLD JAMESTOWN SCHOOL
JAMESTOWN, NC 27282
Jan 24-April 13, 2013
TUE 2:00PM - 6:00PM
THU 1:00PM - 5:00PM
SAT 8:30AM - 12:30PM
ENGLISH

BENJAMIN BRANCH LIBRARY
1530 BENJAMIN PARKWAY
MEETING ROOM
GREENSBORO, NC 27408
Jan 22-April 13, 2013
TUE 4:00PM - 7:00PM
SAT 10:00AM - 1:00PM
ENGLISH

HEMPHILL LIBRARY
2301 WEST VANDALIA ROAD
GREENSBORO, NC 27407
336-373-2925
Jan 30-April 10, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

GLENWOOD LIBRARY-VITA
1901 WEST FLORIDA STREET
GREENSBORO, NC 27403
Feb 2-April 6, 2013
SAT 9:30AM - 12:30PM
ENGLISH

TRUE SALVATION OUTREACH MINISTRY
1204 PICARD ST
GREENSBORO, NC 27405
336-988-0123
Feb 2-April 15, 2013
FRI 6:00PM - 8:00PM
SAT 10:00AM - 2:00PM
ENGLISH

VITA GREENSBORO CENTRAL LIBRARY
219 N CHURCH STREET
GREENSBORO, NC 27401
Feb 2-April 13, 2013
SAT 9:00AM - 12:00PM
ENGLISH

SENIOR RESOURCES OF GUILFORD - BARDOLPH CENTER
301 E. WASHINGTON ST
GREENSBORO, NC 27401
336-373-4816
Feb 4-April 10, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

BETHEL AME OUTREACH-VITA
200 REGAN STREET
GREENSBORO, NC 27401
Feb 4-April 9, 2013
MON 12:00PM - 3:00PM
TUE 5:00PM - 8:00PM
ENGLISH

CHAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY
900 S. BENBOW ROAD
GREENSBORO, NC 27406
336-373-5837
Feb 7-April 11, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

MOUNT ZION BAPTIST-VITA
1301 ALAMANCE CHURCH ROAD
GREENSBORO, NC 27406
Feb 4-April 8, 2013
MON 5:30PM - 7:30PM
ENGLISH


Rockingham County

REIDSVILLE SENIOR CENTER
506 SPRINKLE STREET
REIDSVILLE, NC 27320
336-349-1088
Feb 5-April 9, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

GARDEN OF EDEN SENIOR CENTER
508 ORCHARD DRIVE
EDEN, NC 27288
336-627-4711
Feb 6-April 10, 2013
WED 10:00AM - 2:00PM
ENGLISH


Surry County

SURRY COUNTY SENIOR CENTER-VITA
215 JONES SCHOOL ROAD
MOUNT AIRY, NC 27030
336-786-6155
Feb 1-April 5, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED


Yadkin County

EAST BEND SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER-VITA
473 EAST MAIN STREET
PO BOX 607
EAST BEND, NC 27018
336-699-5100
Feb 7-April 6, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

YADKIN CHRISTIAN MIN-YADKINVILLE LIBRARY-VITA
YADKIN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
233 EAST MAIN STREET
YADKINVILLE, NC 27055
Feb 6-April 11, 2013
WED 9:00AM - 12:00PM
THU         9:00AM - 12:00PM
ENGLISH

YADKIN VALLEY SENIOR CENTER
121 DELOS MARTIN DRIVE
JONESVILLE, NC 28642
336-526-1087
Feb 5-April 9, 2013
ENGLISH
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED




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