COMMONGROUND
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Third Tennis Tournament to Benefit Women's Cancer
The round robin event, which is part of a national breast cancer awareness campaign, will be held Sat., Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Duck Woods Country Club. The entry fee of $30 includes court side lunch ($20.00 going to The Rally For The Cure). For more information, please call Catherine McGrogan at (252) 573-9380.
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October is Children's Health Month
 October is National Children's Health Month and this year's theme is safety. The Dare County Department of Public Health is urging parents,grandparents, and caregivers to take precautions to protect children's health. "Children are our most precious resource. Children's Health Month provides a wonderful opportunity for Public Health to spread the message to parents and caregivers about the importance of providing a safe environment for young children," said Health Director, Anne Thomas.
Here are some simple, low-cost product safety tips to protect children in your home:
1. Never leave standing liquids unattended. Stay within arm's reach while your child is bathing or near any container of water. If the phone rings, let it ring; stay with your child.
2. Prevent tap water scalds by adjusting the temperature on your hot water heater to 120� F.
3. Keep medicines and hazardous household chemicals locked up and out of sight. Use child-resistant packaging for medicines and hazardous household chemicals, and call 1-800-222-1222 if a poisoning occurs.
4. Cut the loops on window-blind cords and call 1-800-506-4636 for a free repair kit.
5. Make sure your hairdryer has a large rectangular plug. This immersion protection device prevents electrocution if the hairdryer is dropped in water.
6. Change the battery in your smoke alarm when you change your clock's setting in October.
7. Have a professional check your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks and your chimney for blockages; put a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area.
8. Prevent electrocutions by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your household outlets.
9. Installing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent electrical fires. AFCIs can sense electrical arc and trip the circuit.
10. Babies on adult beds risk suffocation from hidden hazards such as entrapment between the bed and wall, entrapment involving the bed frame, headboard and footboard, or soft bedding such as pillows, thick quilts and comforters.
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OBX Austism Support Meeting
Due to Hurricane Irene our first OBX chapter autism meeting of the year is scheduled for Thursday, October 6th at 6pm (**please note our new meeting time) at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. Amy Soderstrom, ASNC Eastern Region Chapter Support, will be attending and speaking at our first meeting! Babysitting will be provided upon request. Please email Becci at ncslp@aol.com and Lesle at makosmommy@gmail.com a week prior to our meeting if you will need babysitting. Please include the name and age of each child!
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Annual Open Enrollment Period For Medicare Has Changed!! October 15th-December 7th
It is suggested that you receive an annual review of your current Medicare plan to ensure you have the best one for your prescriptions, as they may have changed! A SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Volunteer will be available, by appointment only. They will be able to answer your questions and can do a Medicare check-up and help suggest a plan change, if necessary. Please call Emily at 475-5638 to make an appointment. You may also call the SHIIP office at 1-800-443-9354.
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Birth Without Fear: "Let Your Monkey Do It!"
 Women have been birthing for all of human history, yet birth today often seems surrounded by mystery, anxiety, and fear. Midwife/author Ina May Gaskin tells women to "let your monkey do it!" when giving birth. Cathi Barrett, CPM, will discuss the normalcy of birth to help allay these negative emotions. We will talk about releasing fear, letting go, and "letting your monkey do it" rather than over thinking birth. Tips for how to do this in labor included!
If you are a new parent, pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or are passionate about birth and babies, this FREE educational event is for you! Partners, family, friends, and babes in arms are welcome. Thursday October 13, 7:00 pm. Kill Devil Hills Library Meeting Room.
For more information, contact Outer Banks Birth Network (252) 207-5601. outerbanksbirth@gmail.com www.facebook.com/obxbirth
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S. O. S. Save Our Sisters
The Baum Center would like to invite you to decorate a bra in the spirit of supporting our mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, nieces, grandmothers, etc who have been affected by breast cancer. You may decorate in any way, so get creative and excited in being a part of our event. There will be prizes for first, second and third place winners, so "Be a sport, and show your support!"
Need some inspiration, just click learn more.This  event will open through the month of October in observance for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donations will be gladly accepted and will go directly to the American Cancer Society in Dare County. Please begin turning in your decorated bras (include a title) starting Monday, September 26th, and the last day will be Tuesday, October 18th. Judging will be held on Thursday, October 20th. For more information, please contact the Baum Center at 475-5635.
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Hospital's Speakers Bureau Available to Local Groups
Today, it is more important than ever to be educated about how to keep ourselves and our families healthy. Part of The Outer Banks Hospital's mission is to enhance the quality of life of community residents by promoting wellness. That's why we are offering our team of knowledgeable healthcare experts to come and speak to your local group or organization on a wide range of topics.
"The Outer Banks Hospital's Speakers Bureau is designed to bring the experience and expertise of our healthcare staff to you," said Amy Montgomery, Director of Community Outreach. "We can provide speakers on health-related topics of interest to you. We are ready to respond to your request, all you need to do is call." The Outer Banks Hospital's Speakers Bureau is a free community service that offers knowledgeable healthcare professionals to present educational and informative health-related programs on a variety of topics for employees, club, church, school or other community organizations. All speakers are affiliated with The Outer Banks Hospital and include physicians, registered nurses, dietitians, counselors, therapists, administrative executives and other health professionals.
"To give speakers adequate time to prepare for your event, we like to be contacted at least four weeks in advance during the off-season (October to April), and six weeks in advance during the in-season (May to September)," said Montgomery.
To reserve Speakers' Bureau engagements, please call Amy Montgomery at 252-449-4516 or e-mail Amy.Montgomery@theobh.com.
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Using the CommonGood Calendar
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Click the button to fill out the friendly event suggestion form. The Submit button can be found in our newsletter, website or the Calendar itself. It is that simple. If you need extra help, contact the wonderful Patty McKenna You can see the calendar at rwww.obxcommongood.org . Click on the Calendar button.. You can Subscribe to the calendar, View and Print out the Calendar by Month, Week, or Listing, and download an event(s) to Outlook or Smartphones
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Volunteer Opportunities  Blog for CommonGround. Focus on Living Green, Wildlife, Wetlands, Energy, Sustainability, or ? I need help on each of these topics once a month, Nancy@obxcommongood.org
Dare County Friends of Youth mentoring program. Volunteers to mentor at-risk young people in the community. A minimum of eight hours a month with a youth for at least one year, participating in activities that build confidence, social skills, and friendship. call Program Coordinator Bonnie Bennett at 475-5753 or Program Assistant Jennifer Wooten at 475-5754.
Food Bank Volunteers in administrative, intake (working with our clients), warehouse (food sorting and packing), special projects (mailings). Volunteer information / orientation is held every Monday at 3:30 PM and every Wednesday at 9:00 AM. For more information or to reserve a spot for the orientation Contact Ms. Laura at 335-4035, Extension 105.
Soaring 100. Centennial Celebration of Orville Wright's 1911 World Record Glider Flight, October 21-24, Volunteer
Register by position, day/date/ hours of availability or specialized skills or interest. Contact Karen Warlitner by e-mail or call 252-491-5165 Monday-Friday.
Kids' First: Volunteers needed to let groups or churches know we are available to speak at their meetings or other events. Fundraising. Board and Committee members. Contact Kids First at (252) 338-5658.
Dare County Community Garden Gardeners are needed to help draw up and outline the layout of the garden, planting the seeds and tending the garden. Contact: Kaitlyn hudgkm8@wfu.edu or (252) 489-1743. . Hands of Hope. Volunteers help support cancer patients including transportation, meal preparation, care for the caregiver, patient companionship, running errands and publicity and promotion including speaking at churches, community events and healthcare screenings. Email: Marie Neilson, Volunteer Coordinator marie.neilson@theobh.com Phone: 252-216-9400
The Outer Banks Hospital Volunteer in Operating Room from 6am-10a.m. Monday thru Friday. Liaison between the Operating Room staff and the patient's family and friends. Contact Director of Volunteers, Kathy Tate at ktate@theobh.com or call 449-5675 Help protect and preserve the wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks. Volunteers in stores, sanctuary patrol. volunteering in our mission related stores or for sanctuary patrol. Help kids of all ages create works of art. Have horse experience? Help with on and off-site horse activities. Contact: Karen McCalpin MANE & TAILL Volunteers: help provide educational programs for children and adults with special needs to learn horseback riding. Horse experience is not necessary, Email or call 489-1774 The Nature Conservancy, NC Chapter, Volunteers: to help restore oyster reef in the Pamlico Sound. Contact: Kate Murray,(252) 441-2525 www.nature.org/nhw Community Care Clinic. Volunteers: Wide variety of skill sets. Contact: 261-3041  Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County: Caring volunteers to tutor at-risk preschool children using WINGS preschool literacy program. Contact Carla Heppert at 441-0614 or wings@darekids.org.
Chicamacomico Station. Volunteers: full or part time docent, gift shop, or handson services such as electric, plumbing, painting, carpentry, restoration; professional services such as accounting, advertising, marketing, design & display, fund-raising, etc.Contact James Charlet 996-0493, or: clss@embarqmail.com.
Children at Play - the Outer Banks Children's Museum: Individuals in assisting in building, painting or creating new exhibits. Contact: 261 0290.
The Dare Literacy Council: Volunteers: fundraising, administrative tasks, publicity, and tutor/student support; to help with assessing students and developing tutor seminars. As little as one hour is a tremendous boost to helping the DLC continue to serve the community. Contact: Marian at 261-6940, or dareliteracy@gmail.com or visit dareliteracy.orgThe Albemarle Commission's Senior Nutrition Home Delivered Meals Program serves seniors 60 years or older, homebound and unable to prepare a nutritious meal. The program needs volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in Manteo and the beach area, Monday through Friday. If you can donate one hour a month in the fight against senior hunger by assisting with meal distribution, please contact Mary Jernigan at (252)475-5637 at the Baum Center or Gianinna Sanchez at (252)475-9279 at the Dare County Center. Respite Care: Volunteers, partnering church or civic / Community organization Contact, Stephanie Bowers, Program Coordinator at 475-5028.
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Need Volunteers?
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Teddy Bear Wellness Hospital
 Children@Play, in partnership with the Outer Banks Hospital,
is proud offer a new exhibit - The Teddy Bear Wellness Hospital. This new exhibit will allow children to play the noble roles of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This playful opportunity also provides a place for children to learn that hospitals help people in our community become healthy and stay healthy. The Teddy Bear Wellness Hospital is designed to teach children that health doesn't always come from a pill or a shot. Sometimes the best medicine is a healthy lifestyle. Grand Opening, October 11th, 10:00am to 5:00pm, Free admission to Children at Play all day long. Children at Play Children's Museum, 3809 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk. Enjoy healthy snacks provided by The Outer Banks Hospital. Call 261-0290 or visit childrenatplayobx.com for more information. |
Green Drinks Mingle and Talk
 Thursday, October 12, 2011. During World War Two, a large part of the Battle of the Atlantic took place in the waters off the North Carolina Outer Banks. In fact, the patrol of German U-boats along Cape Hatteras marked the closest that the war came to the American mainland. To this day, the remains of Allied, Axis, and merchant vessels can still be found along the North Carolina coast.
For the past four years, NOAA's Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, along with UNC Coastal Studies Institute and additional partners, has conducted non-invasive archaeological and biological surveys of these historically significant, cultural resources. Join Lauren Heesemann, Research Coordinator for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, as she brings these shipwrecks, their history and amazing stories to you.
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Benefit for Disaster Recovery
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Dancing for Hotline  |
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OBX Peace and Justice to Show Blue Gold: World Water Wars
 Coming October 18th, 7:00 pm, Kelly's Restaurant: Blue Gold World Water Wars. Water is a basic human right, the right to survive. "Blue Gold" reports on various powers trying to take control of the public's water for profit and control.
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Cyber Nightmare: Youth & Technology in 2011
 Brian Strickland & Melinda Mogowski will present "Cyber Nightmare: Youth & Technology in 2011 This workshop will provide you with strategies needed to help your child safely navigate today's cyber social scene. Don't be intimidated- get the information and tools you need to keep up! We will also discuss handling the inevitable problems as they arise.
Come join us for this fun and informative workshop which is free of charge and is part of the Parenting Enrichment Program's "Family Fun Nights". The workshop will be held at the Outer Banks YMCA. Child Care is provided for a fee of $3 per child. Register online at www.darekids.org or call Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County at 441-0614.
Tuesday, October 25th, 6:30pm-8pm
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Currituck-Dare Women's Fund to hold Afternoon Tea
 For many years, men were the primary holder of wealth in our country. The federal tax code as well as religious ethics supported many early generous philanthropic gifts. Women have had a long history of community service and giving of time and talents that supported activities to benefit the needy and children in our communities. Today, women now are in greater control of financial wealth than ever before in our history. Women's Funds created by groups of women are a more recent and growing area of philanthropy across the country. he Currituck-Dare Women's Fund was organized by the Currituck-Dare Community Foundation Affiliate of NCCF in 2009. The Fund is holding an afternoon tea on October 27, 4:00-5:30, to share with women of the community learn more the fund in Currituck and Dare County. It will be held at the home of Peggy Birkemeier. Please RSVP at 491-8166 or email to pbirk@nccommunityfoundation.org.
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What About Sponsoring A Child for Food for Thought? Helen Ford, co-founder of Food for Thought, recently stated, "We live on contributions. We love our corporate, church, and school sponsors and we all need to think out of the box. What groups are you involved in? What about your bridge group or garden club sponsoring a child?" Bill Pitt, North Banks Rotary board member and Food for Thought board member, shared that food security has grown very important. He continued, "A lot of us belong to one civic group or another. ... Whatever yours is, consider participating and sponsor a child."
Due to the economic situation, the need continues to grow, with over 45% of all Dare County elementary children meeting federal criteria for free and reduced lunches as of May 2011. That's almost double what it was when Food for Thought began. A typical weekend meal bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks. A typical breakfast includes milk, fruit juice and cereal. A typical lunch includes milk, beef stew or beans and franks, fresh fruit, canned fruit, a pudding cup and snacks. How can you donate? There are many ways. You can sponsor a child every weekend for a school year - only $250. That's $6.50 a weekend. And more than 98 percent of every dollar goes to feed the children. Or, consider donating in honor of a family member's wedding anniversary, in memory of a loved one, and as a holiday gift in name of a loved one. If you are interested in participating, check out the website, www.foodforthoughtobx.org or contact Loismary Hoehne, 252-480-0036. Send tax-deductible contributions to: Food for Thought, Inc., P.O. Box 1167, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. Since its inception, Food for Thought has provided more than 299,200 meals to over 2,260 children in Dare County. All funds come from contributions, grants and fundraisers and the tremendous support of over 330 volunteers from 16 organizations and 22 other community partners. The non-profit was one of five in Dare County that received the prestigious North Carolina Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2009.
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What About Sponsoring A Child for Food for Thought?Helen Ford, co-founder of Food for Thought, recently stated, "We live on contributions. We love our corporate, church, and school sponsors and we all need to think out of the box. What groups are you involved in? What about your bridge group or garden club sponsoring a child?" Bill Pitt, North Banks Rotary board member and Food for Thought board member, shared that food security has grown very important. He continued, "A lot of us belong to one civic group or another. ... Whatever yours is, consider participating and sponsor a child." Due to the economic situation, the need continues to grow, with over 45% of all Dare County elementary children meeting federal criteria for free and reduced lunches as of May 2011. That's almost double what it was when Food for Thought began. A typical weekend meal bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches and two snacks. A typical breakfast includes milk, fruit juice and cereal. A typical lunch includes milk, beef stew or beans and franks, fresh fruit, canned fruit, a pudding cup and snacks. How can you donate? There are many ways. You can sponsor a child every weekend for a school year - only $250. That's $6.50 a weekend. And more than 98 percent of every dollar goes to feed the children. Or, consider donating in honor of a family member's wedding anniversary, in memory of a loved one, and as a holiday gift in name of a loved one. If you are interested in participating, check out the website, www.foodforthoughtobx.org or contact Loismary Hoehne, 252-480-0036. Send tax-deductible contributions to: Food for Thought, Inc., P.O. Box 1167, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.
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Dare Public Health and Hospice work with County Schools and Libraries.
Have you ever wondered how you could help a friend or family member who is grieving? Are you trying to think of a meaningful way to honor or acknowledge someone you've loved and have lost? The Dare County Department of Public Health's (DCDPH) Home Health and Hospice Division, Dare County Schools and the Dare County Libraries have teamed up to better support the grief and bereavement needs of our community. These needs are being met by increasing the number of books, DVDs and other resources readily available on the topic of grief, loss and end of life.
 | | Partnership members are showing off the original book plates, designed by Tracy Bell. Pictured (left to right) Ellie Ward, Nursing Director- DCDPH's Home Health and Hospice Division; Sunny Shea, Social Worker- DCDPH's Home Health and Hospice Division; Jonathon Wark, Head Librarian; Tracy Bell, Volunteer Services Coordinator DCDPH's Home Health and Hospice Division and local artist; Susan Lee, Counselor- First Flight High School. |
"Response to loss is typically intensely painful and deeply personal. By having a wide array of resource materials targeted to different age groups, our hope is to increase support for those in our community experiencing grief," said Ellie Ward, Nursing Director with the Home Health and Hospice Division of DCDPH. "We are providing $250 in seed money, from an anonymous donor in memory of Charlie W. Nolan, to start expansion of the resources currently available through Dare County Libraries."
The first resources selected for purchase will be targeted to youth and their parents. "As a school counselor, I am seeing the impact of grief and loss on school aged children every day. Having resources available specifically for young people and their parents will certainly be an asset to our community" said Susan Lee, First Flight High School Counselor.
"These resources will be catalogued and housed in the Manteo branch, but available for check out at any Dare County Library" offered Jonathon Wark, Head Librarian of Dare County Libraries. A "wish list" of resources will be maintained at each library and updated on an ongoing basis. Community members can select a specific resource from this list or make a monetary donation directly to the Dare County Library "Hospice-Library Partnership".
Book plates are available and can be customized to be placed in books purchased in honor or memory of a loved one. These are original designs by Tracy Bell, who works for the Home Health and Hospice Division as their Volunteer Coordinator and is a local artist.
For more information, please contact The Dare County Department of Public Health's Home Health & Hospice Division Nursing Director, Ellie Ward at (252) 475-5034 or Dare County Libraries' Head Librarian Jonathon Wark at (252) 473-2372.
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Trick or Treat Under the Sea Tickets Available Now
 The biggest Halloween event on the Outer Banks, Trick or Treat Under the Sea, takes place on Thursday, October 27, 6-8:30 p.m. at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Count Sharkula will provide some "ghoulish" fun for our trick or treaters. Local businesses and organizations will provide yummy munchies; there will be creepy crafts, activities, spine-tingling scream contests and costume contests. Themed areas will include, "The Legend of Nags Head, Monster Mix-Up, Ocean Puns, Jelly Junction and Duel's from the Deep," will greet children as they enjoy this "howling" Halloween event.
Ticket sales begin October 3rd and are available at the Aquarium for $6 per person; ages two and under will be admitted free. Tickets are limited and all tickets will be sold in advance at the Aquarium. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults please refrain from wearing mask for this fun, safe Halloween event. For information call 252-473-3494 or visit www.ncaquariums.com.
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Outer Bank Marathon Weekend
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Run for a Reason
Volunteer for a Cause! sign up to volunteer for the 2011 Gateway Bank Outer Banks Marathon Weekend Events ! Join the fun November 11-13! We could not have gotten this far without the help of the hundreds of people who have volunteered for the first six years of this event. Please Click here to go to the web page to find the volunteer jobs. Some of the names have been changed, so if you have a favorite, please look at the descriptions. We can't do it without you! Please sign up as soon as you can, and help cover all the positions. Together we can make this Marathon the best one yet! 00% of proceeds support the Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation
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 For questions or more info contact:
Tiffany Phillips
Volunteer Online Coordinator
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