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Support Groups and Health Outreach Services
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Caregiver Support Groups
Sponsored by Dare County Home Health and Hospice & Alzheimers NC The Second Tuesday of each month at 3:00pm (unless otherwise specified) at The Baum Center.
Thursday, May 3rd 252-475-5635
The First Thursday of each month at 11:00am (unless otherwise specified) The Dare County Center Manteo NC, 252-475-9270 The groups are open to all Caregivers as they take on the many challenges and blessings of caring for a loved one. The goal is to provide a safe place to share experiences, express frustrations, gather resource information, while supporting and encouraging one another. For Information, please contact:Ann Groves, Coordinator 252-413-8848 ajg2047@gmail.com
Autism Meeting, OBX chapter
May 3, 6:00 pm.
Mark your calendars for our next monthly meeting on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:00pm at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church.
Our guest speaker will be Jennifer Mahan, Director of Government Relations of Autism Society of North Carolina.
Jennifer will talk about the upcoming changes with managed care and the service system, as well as any other policy issues parents want to discuss. 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! We hope you will join us! Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church
Garden Party to Celebrate Life & Caring
Sunday, May 6th, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
For cancer survivors, caregivers and family, 2-3 tour the gardens, 3-4 light refreshments catered by Kelly's , 4-5 remarks in celebration of life and caring, RSVP to April MacDonald, 480-2670 sponsored by The Outer Banks Hospital and Outer Banks Relay for Life and made possible by a generous donation from The Dominion Foundation. The Elizabethan Gardens
Childbirth Education Class
Monday, May 7 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Expectant parents will enjoy this informative class. The class is free. Call Lisa McGaha at 449-5690 to register. Outer Banks Hospital Education Suite - Medical Office Building - 2nd Floor, Contact Lisa McGaha, 252-449-5690 ,
Breastfeeding Bistro:
Tuesday, May 8th FREE Breastfeeding Support and Information Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am. Connect with other moms and babies and share your experiences with breastfeeding. Get answers to your questions and exchange ideas and information. All pregnant women, mothers, and children are welcome. Professional help available by Laurie Everett, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) birthandbeginnings@gmail.com 252-548-9777. KDH library meeting room,
ABCDiabetes Support Group
Wednesday, May 9th 1:00 pm
The Group is open to individuals with diabetes and/or pre-disposed to diabetes, family and friends that want to learn more about diabetes, share recipes, gather/exchange resource information, and offer support and encouragement to better manage the challenges of diabetes. We will also have guests speaking on related topics of interest, healthy potlucks, and field trips We hope to see you there...... For information, please contact: Ann Groves, Coordinator 252-413-8848, ajg2047@gmail.com The Dare Center, Manteo, NC
Advanced Care Planning Clinic
Thursday, May 10th 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Spring Arbor 803 Bermuda Bay Blvd. Kill Devil Hills. When the time comes to make important end-of-life decisions, approximately 50% of people are not able to communicate those decisions.Take this opportunity to give a gift to your family and loved ones, of knowing and being able to honor your wishes. Assistance will be provided by trained volunteers to help you with completion of Health Care Power of Attorney & Living Will documents. FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Ellie Ward, DCDPH's Dare Hospice Director at elliew@darenc.com or 252.475.5034
Dinner with a Doc: Sleep Apnea
May 10th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Are you tired when you wake up in the morning? Does your sleep partner complain about your snoring? These are just two indications that you may be suffering from a treatable condition known as sleep apnea. Join Dr. Albrecht Heyder for dinner and learn more about the causes and symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep screening included. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 449-4500 to register. : Outer Banks Hospital Education Suite - Medical Office Building
Lunch and Learn: ACS Dieticians On Call
May 10th 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. A Registered Dietician with the American Cancer Society will lead an informative session regarding good nutrition during and after cancer treatment. You'll also learn about the ACS Dietician On Call Program that provides free one-on-one nutrition counseling for cancer patients via phone. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Seating is limited. Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resource Center, Nags Head A complimentary lunch will be provided. Seating is limited. , Call 449-4500 to register, Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resource Center
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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. For more info email outerbanksbirth@gmail.com or call 252-207-5601. Please invite your friends. All events are FREE and open to the public. Note: Doors open at 6:45. Meeting starts promptly at 7pm. ***Please follow the sidewalk on the LEFT side of the building around to the ramp/rear door.***
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Volunteer Proctors at First Flight Middle
 Testing. Proctors will be either in a class setting or an individual student/small group setting with a teacher administering the End of Grade Test. Proctoring time starts at 8:00 am and is usually over by 12:00 pm. The dates for proctoring in May are the 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and the 30th.
The dates for proctoring in June are the 1st, 4th and the 5th.
If you are interested in volunteering at First Flight Middle School please contact
Louise H. Grgurich or Holly Gibbons at 441-8888 x 2205 for Louise and x 2235 for Holly. Thank you very much for giving of your time to the betterment of the students at FFMS.
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Oral History Workshop
Saltwater Connections will hold a second oral history workshop on May 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Avon Volunteer Fire Station. The workshop will serve as a follow-up to a day-long workshop held in Buxton in March, and also will provide an opportunity for folks interested in collaborative oral history projects to explore partnership opportunities.  | |
Photo Credit: hatterasgear.com
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Cultural anthropologist Barbara Garrity-Blake and Saltwater Connections project director Karen Amspacher will co-lead the second workshop. Both have extensive backgrounds in conducting oral history interviews in Outer Banks and Down East, Carteret County communities. Participants are asked to share their experiences recording and transcribing interviews conducted since the first workshop, and to return borrowed recorders. The workshop also will include a discussion on how to make local oral history collections widely available to the public.
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Volunteer
Opportunities with details now online.
 The Town of Duck needs volunteers for summer events series and 4th of July parade. June 9-August 9. Email info@townofduck.com or call office (252) 255-1234.
Creative Choices Crisis Pregnancy Center Volunteers to write thank you cards, fold and sort baby clothes, etc. Volunteers be trained and work with clients. Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-4; special events Lisa DiFilippo Lisa@obxcrisispregnancy.com www.obxcrisispregnancy.com
252-441-1818
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SCORE: Volunteers with management and business experience to counsel business startups and on going businesses. Once a month or more. Email rakmeck@aol.com or call 252-261-8213
Guardian ad Litem program in Dare County: Volunteers to train to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. Call Ricki Tillett 252-475-5587 or 252-331-4755
 National Lung Cancer Partnership Volunteers to distribute lung cancer information, fund raising Cathy Haldas, haldas@centurylink.net 252-453-6000
Animal Shelter at 475-5620 Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied / supervised by a parent or guardian. Corrie Smith, spcaevents@embarqmail.com
Monthly Mobile Food Pantry: Volunteer Third Friday of each month at 5:30. Volunteers are needed beginning at 5:00. Rev. Bettie Francis at 473-3881.
Volunteer aboard the Elizabeth II. Various opportunities are available at RIFP. Call 475-1500 f
Dare County Friends of Youth mentoring program. Minimum of eight hours a month with a youth for at least one year. Program Coordinator Bonnie Bennett at 475-5753 or Program Assistant Jennifer Wooten at 475-5754. Visit Site for link to volunteer application, etc. Food Bank Volunteers in administrative, intake (working with our clients), warehouse (food sorting and packing), special projects (mailings). Volunteer information / orientation every Monday at 3:30 PM and every Wednesday at 9:00 AM. Ms. Laura at 335-4035, Extension 105.
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. Marie Neilson, Volunteer Coordinator marie.neilson@theobh.com 252-216-9400 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, Volunteer 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.
Children at Play - the Outer Banks Children's Museum: Volunteers for music, art and science time with children. {lay children's songs or help with a science project. 261 0290 and ask for Alyssa. Children @ Play is located at MP 4.5 in Kitty Hawk.
The Dare Literacy Council: Volunteers: fundraising, administrative tasks, publicity, and tutor/student support; to help with assessing students and developing tutor seminars. Contact: Marian at 261-6940, or dareliteracy@gmail.com or visit dareliteracy.org
The Albemarle Commission's Senior Nutrition Home Delivered Meals Program. Volunteers to deliver meals to seniors in Manteo and the beach area, Monday through Friday. one hour a month assisting with meal distribution, Audrey Holland at 252-426-7093 x 230 beach area 252-475-5637 or Manteo 252-475-9279.
Respite Care: Volunteers, partnering church or civic / Community. Tracy Bell, Volunteer Coordinator at 475-5057
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Over 2000 people subscribe to CommonGood E-News. People who are actively engaged in our communities by serving as volunteers and paid professionals in a wide range of nonprofit
organizations,and government human services. CommonGood E-News is a great way to reach these wonderful and caring people.
CommonGood publishes a limited number of performing and visual arts, particularly where contributions are made to community outreach organizations. Congregational activities which serve the greater good are also covered. Events and Activities listed may not represent the position of the editor, every organization, sponsor or subscriber or even the publisher.Submissions and Press Releases are welcome. Please submit articles for publications plus attached photographs to nancy@obxcommongood.org by TUESDAY prior to publication date. I can also embed videos in the newsletter. PDF Files will be converted to JPG, sized to 4.5 inch wide, resolution 72, and then optimized for web viewing. Blessings, Nancy Proctor 
This NEWSLETTER may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. CommonGood is making this material available for educational purposes. I believe that this constitutes a 'fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. |
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 Before we continue our focus on youth in our community, I think it would be helpful to think about social norms, real and perceived. As kids we probably said it. Our parents heard it. ' but everyone is doing /going/wearing it." But are they? Is there a disconnect between perception and reality. Do teens and youth behave differently because they misperceive peers behavior.
Researchers have established that college students tend to grossly overestimate the number of their peers who engage in high-risk alcohol consumption. This misperception is believed to influence students to drink more heavily by changing their perceptions of normative expectations (social norms) around drinking. In other words, students may feel pressured to drink because they believe that "everyone else is doing it."
In one series of studies, Dr. Deborah Prentice, a social psychologist at Princeton University. and her team asked student participants, who filled out questionnaires, how much alcohol they drank, and how much they thought a typical student at their college drank. The researchers found students often overestimated how much others drank. The amount students reported drinking was closely related to their beliefs about how much others drank: Students who thought others drank more tended to report drinking more.
 An approach to youth drinking and smoking is a proactive prevention program that communicates the truth about peer norms in terms of what the majority of students actually think and do, all on the basis of credible data drawn from the student population." The basic idea behind a social norms marketing campaign is to turn this dynamic around by using media to inform students about the true levels of alcohol consumption among their peers. Media campaigns (such as newspaper ads, posters, flyers, bulletin boards, banners, and radio ads) can feature positive statistics our youth. The idea of positive community norms be 'marketing' can be expanded beyond youth drinking. Other social issues might include smoking, domestic violence, parents providing alcohol to kids. |
Hunger Remains Prevalent In
Northeast North Carolina
New figures show more than 61,000 people in the Albemarle Region are at risk of hunger or 19.9 percent of the population - in northeast North Carolina are food insecure, meaning that they don't always know where they will find their next meal, according to new research released today by Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization.
The findings result from Feeding America's "Map the Meal Gap" study, which provides estimates on the rate of food insecurity at the county and congressional district level for the entire nation. Food Bank of the Albemarle is part of the Feeding America network.
 The total number of food insecure people in the area has increased 2.7% since last year. As a percentage that sounds slight until you consider that it represents approximately 3,500 people. This is not an insignificant problem for these individuals who now find themselves in the position of not having adequate food for themselves and their families.
"Hunger is the reality that too many of our neighbors in northeast North Carolina continue to face," said Liz Reasoner, Executive Director of the Food Bank of the Albemarle. "Hunger is enough of a problem in and of itself, but the additional issues that come with hunger - children who can't concentrate at school, an undernourished workforce and people choosing between food and medicine- leave a broad footprint on our communities, particularly when we realize the true cost of not providing adequate food. Food Insecurity does have a long-term impact on a person's health. We cannot create healthy productive communities without first feeding the body."
The local trend is similar to what is being seen at the national level, according to the research. Overall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the national food insecurity rate remained relatively unchanged from last year at 16.1 percent in 2010 - or nearly 49 million people nationwide.
The data also shows:
* The cost of an average meal in North Carolina is $2.51. Here in northeast North Carolina the cost of an average meal is $2.57.
* The cost of an average meal in the state of North Carolina is just under the national average of $2.52. However, in our region the cost of a meal is $0.05 higher than the national average.
* In our region, the average food insecure household would need an additional $979.72, annually, to put enough food on the table for an adequate diet.
With every tick of the clock and with every page turned on the calendar, the problem of hunger becomes greater in the 15 counties served by the Food Bank of the Albemarle. The need for emergency food relief grows every day. With rising food and gas prices our resources at the Food Bank of the Albemarle are being. stretched to the limit.
 | | Click here! I can fight hunger and you can too! |
The Food Bank of the Albemarle is looking for a minimum of 365 (now 364) people who accept the challenge to be "24/7 - 365" supporters... JUST $24.00 EACH MONTH FOR SEVEN MONTHS! For less than a weekly cup of coffee at Starbucks or a drive-thru at McDonald's, have a lasting impact on the work of the Food Bank and its more than 125 agencies in 15 counties. All it takes is $24 per month over 7 months! You can make your donation in those 7 recurring $24 payments or a lump sum ... whichever is best for you. All this leads to the September observance of Hunger Action Month & our 30th Anniversary as a force for good in northeast NC.
- Every $24.00 you give to the Food Bank becomes almost 120 pounds of food for the hungry across northeast North Carolina.
- Minimally, over a seven month period,your "24/7 - 365" participation means we can provide about 670 meals.
Invite the Food Bank to speak to your group. Call
Annya Soucy, Resource Development Coordinator
252-335-4035 X113
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God, Justice and Amendment One
 As a person of faith I want to share my thoughts on Amendment One. I believe as people of faith, we are called to speak out against injustice, to foster unity, and to demonstrate and protect love in all its forms.
In September 2011, the North Carolina State General Assembly passed a bill asking residents of our state to vote on amending our state constitution to read "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State." Known as Amendment One, our state will take this vote as part of the May 8th, 2012 primary election. Amendment One will constitutionally limit the definition of family to a marriage between one man and one woman and thereby lead to harmful unintended consequences for our children and all unmarried families. It will take away legal protections, health care and prescription benefits for many children and their parents. Unmarried women, children of unmarried couples, and senior widow(er)s will be harmed the most.
 Basic human dignity comes from God without exclusion or favor. Excluding some of God's children from full legal protections is an affront to God's call to do justice. Amendment One supporters claim it represents God's will. I do not believe this. I share with other people of faith in speaking out against this injustice and continue a tradition of leading people away from harmful division and towards higher moral ground of unity and love.
As a person of faith, I support ALL families joined together by love and commitment. ALL families deserve legal protections regardless of one's theological positions. I cannot stand by and do nothing when the ability for some to provide for and protect their loved ones is threatened. We must vote our conscience to defeating Amendment One. Vote AGAINST harming children and unmarried families, vote AGAINST Amendment One.
 | | Read More About Amendment one at the North Carolina Council of Churches |
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Protection from Identity Theft
 Our next Viginia Dare BPW meeting will be on Tuesday, May 8, at the Good Life at 6 PM, about 4.5 MP (Order individually off the menu at the counter.) Be sure to bring yourself and a guest or two who are interested in joining us for a very informative presentation by Detective Greg South, Nags Head Police Dept., who will speak on "Protecting yourself from becoming a victim of Identity Theft". He will give steps to be taken should you become a victim, and also touch base on simple home safety tips. A Q and A session will follow his presentation. Greg has been with the Nags Head PD for 5.5 years. Prior to that he worked in the Philadelphia area and has been in law enforcement for 15 years. He is trained in forensics and accident reconstruction.
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League of Women Voters Annual Meeting
The LWV of Dare will hold its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at Keefers Bar and Grille at the Pointe Golf Club, Powells Point, on Friday, May 11th at 11:30 AM. New officers will be inducted at this time. A special treat this year will be a program presented by Leaguers from Moore County portraying two famous women activists. This "Lunch With Legends" should prove to be quite fun and informative.
 The "famous guests" will be Carrie Chapman Catt, founder of the League of Women Voters and Frances Perkins, the first woman member of the United States Cabinet. League members are quite proud of the history of the organization and accomplishments over the years, and know that it is imperative to recall those struggles and victories of the women who have gone before us.
League members and guests are invited to attend this annual meeting and luncheon. The cost of the lunch is $15.00. Please call Joan Phifer,Program Coordinator, at 480-3200, or email at jphiferobx@embarqmail.com. if interested in attending. Payment may be brought to the event. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For further information on the LWV contact Lori Williams at lwms@embarqmail.com or Lin Logan at LWVDare@gmail.com.
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Advanced Care Planning  |
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Nutrition and Cancer Treatment
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Sleep Apnea - Dinner w/ Doc
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 | | Click to See All Fundraising Races - Walks - Gatherings |
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Alzheimer's Walk 2012 - May 5th
 Sponsors and walkers are sought for the Outer Banks Alzheimer's Walk 2012 to be held Saturday May 5, 2012 in Kill Devil Hills. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Walk at 10:00 a.m. The 3 Mile Walk will begin and end at the Spring Arbor Assisted Living Facility at 803 Bermuda Bay Blvd.
Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $1,000 and include names and logos on t-shirts and posters as well as the ability to have an exhibitor booth at the Walk. Individuals, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, churches, and other groups can also register as teams to walk. Teams can easily be set-up. Individuals or Team Members averaging $50 per person will receive a complimentary t-shirt on the day of the walk. Participants are encouraged to ask family, friends and co-workers to sponsor their efforts by making a tax deductible donation to Alzheimer's North Carolina. Donations can be made on-line at www.alznc.org, dropped off at Spring Arbor Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills or mailed to: 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Please clearly mark Alzheimer's Walk Outer Banks in the subject line. For more information about corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Dianne Denny, Executive Director, Spring Arbor Assisted Living (252) 449-4455. |
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Run, Ride and Rock
 The Ride to a Wish Foundation was founded in 2009 by a group of volunteers who wanted to give children battling life-threatening illnesses a reason to smile-for just one day, for one hour, or for one moment. Granting wishes for these children and the loving families who support them is the mission of our foundation-the only mission. Although the Ride to a Wish is still in its infancy, it is quickly gaining recognition as an effective grassroots organization that utilizes its network of volunteers, vendors, sponsors and donors to achieve great things. Last year alone, the Ride to a Wish Foundation raised over $100,000 to sponsor the wishes of children. 100/50/33 mile cycling event, 5 K and 8 K run, duathlon, ACA Sanctioned Corn Hole Tournament, food, monster truck rides, kid activities, poker runs, raffles and a whole lot more. To make dreams come true for kids with life threatening conditions of Toby's Dream Foundation. Tyrrell Hall, 906 Hwy 64 E, Columbia, Don Coberly, 919-912-WISH, dcoberly@ridetoawish.org www.ridetoawish.org
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Run Through Nags Heads Woods
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Fish Fry for ICO
 On Saturday May 5th the Currituck Volunteers of the Interfaith Community Outreach will be holding A fishfry at Currituck Sound Park. Under the leadership of Nad Miyasato, a number of Currituck Faith Communities will be working together to make this event successful. Leon Saunders with his family and members of Corinth Baptist Church will be cooking up a delicious Fish and Chicken Fry dinner. Hot dogs, popcorn and sodas for the kids will also be available. All the proceeds of this event will go to benefit the outreach work of the ICO. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and help support ICO in the work of helping our neighbors in need.ICO is a 501c-3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide assistance to people who are facing temporary emergency crisis. If you know of anyone who needs help, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact ICO at 480-0070, or visit our web page www.interfaithoutreach.com
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4th Annual Illuminating Hope Affair
 Sunday, May 6th, at Aqua Restaurant in Duck 3pm - 9pm. The event is held in memory of Elizabeth Redd Lenhart, who died of SIDS at 32 days old in the fall of 2008. First Candle helps so many young families who are affected by SIDS, infant deaths, stillborns and pregnancy complications First Candle is an incredible 501(c)(3) non-profit and has wonderful people working for them. www.firstcandle.org. If you have any questions for First Candle, or are interested in learning more about the mission of First Candle, our point of contact for the Illuminating Hope Affair is Kristin Hassey Brooks. She can be reached at 800.221.kristin@firstcandle.org. |
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March of Dimes Walk
Saturday, May 5, 2012 . Contact: Judith fearingju@daretolearn.org
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