Savvy Saving Seniors

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Colonial School Building
211 West Colonial Drive
Thomasville, NC 27360

Are you struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income? Attend this free financial education workshop to learn how to budget your money to stretch your income, easy ways to save money, how to set financial goals, and whether you might qualify for benefits to help you pay your bills. Advanced registration is required. To register call 474-2754. Program is open to all Davidson County residents 55+. Deadline for registration is February 20.

The Lexington Christian Women's Connection will host "Wrapped in Love"

The Lexington Christian Women's Connection will host "Wrapped in Love" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at J. Smith Young YMCA, 119 W. Third Ave. Find out how you can wrap it and lose it with Brenda Snedeker from "It Works" Body Wraps. Guest speaker Audrey Payne, will share how we can find peace through life's problems and produce precious memories. Reservations required. Call Kathy Wright at 357-2305 for lunch reservations. All reservations not cancelled by this past Monday must be honored. Childcare is free and is now on site at the YMCA and can be reserved by calling Amy Leonard at 859- 3140. Casual dress and no membership required.

Communities In Schools of Lexington/Davidson County will hold a mentor development session at Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department multipurpose room C, 555-D W. Center St. Ext. from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Gail Rogers, a licensed counselor and psychotherapist, will speak on "Avoiding the Rescuer/Victim Role with your Lunch Buddy." The session is free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your lunch. Call Jamie Davis at 242-1520 with questions.

Hospice of Davidson County to Offer Volunteer Training

Hospice of Davidson County will offer a volunteer training session for new volunteers from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 21-23 at the administrative building on the Hospice of Davidson County campus off U.S. Highway 64 East.

Volunteers at Hospice of Davidson County perform a variety of functions, ranging from providing direct patient care to completing administrative tasks. Volunteers receive specialized training, enabling them to provide companionship and caregiver support to those experiencing a life-limiting illness. Hospice of Davidson County encourages volunteers to consider a commitment for one to three hours a week.

Volunteer applications are available online at www.hospiceofdavidson.org. For more information about the volunteer training session, call 475-5444.

DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL?

Friday, February 24, 2012 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Davidson County Government West Center Street Extension Campus
555 West Center Street
Extension
Lexington, NC 27295

Join us for an informational meeting at the Lexington Senior Center. This meeting will help us determine if there is enough interest in a group travel program along with what types of travel are most desired. If you enjoy traveling with a group, please join us! We value your input in planning future programs. Advance registration is preferred. To sign up for this informational meeting, please call 242-2290 or sign up at the Lexington Senior Center today! If you are unable to attend this meeting, but interested in a future travel program here at Senior Services.

Child Flu Fatality for 2011-12 Season

RALEIGH – North Carolina has reported its first child death from flu for the 2011- 2012 flu season. A six-year old died on Feb. 4 of complications from an influenza infection. (To protect the family’s privacy, the youth’s hometown, county and sex are not being released.) The child was at risk for complications from the flu because of underlying medical conditions.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of their child,” said Dr. Laura Gerald, State Health Director. “Unfortunately, this reminds us that flu is a serious illness and can be potentially devastating to people at any age.”

Each year, influenza kills an estimated 25,000 people in the US and causes more than 220,000 hospitalizations. Most influenza infections can be prevented by the simple act of getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccine is readily available and affordable and is the single most effective way to protect yourself and your family.

Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months old. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly. However, almost half of the children who died from flu last season had no known high risk conditions, so public health officials encourage flu vaccine even for those in good health. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including H1N1.

State public health officials monitor the flu activity across the state. Until now, flu activity has been mild but more infections have been detected in recent weeks.

“It is not too late to get your flu shot because flu season can last well into the spring,” Gerald said. “If you do get sick, remember to stay home from work or school while you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, and—most important—wash your hands.”

For more information about flu and to find a flu vaccine clinic near you, visit flu.nc.gov.

Contact: Mark Van Sciver, 919-707-5059

NCDOT to Replace Bridge on Old Mill Farm Road

The N.C. Department of Transportation will close part of Old Mill Farm Road at 8 a.m. Tuesday to replace the bridge over Reedy Creek.

The bridge is located just south of the Perryman Road intersection. Weather permitting, NCDOT plans to open the road and the new bridge to traffic May 17.

While construction is under way, motorists must follow a signed detour route around the area. It will take drivers from Perryman Road to N.C. Highway 150 to Friendship Church Road. Motorists are encouraged to go slow and pay attention in the work zone to ensure safety.

The existing bridge over Reedy Creek was built in 1958, and has a sufficiency rating of 16.9 out of 100. That does not mean the bridge is unsafe. It means the bridge is not built to modern design standards and does not meet the needs of today's traveling public.

NCDOT awarded a $568,445 contract for the bridge replacement to R.E. Burns & Sons Co. of Statesville.

Registrations for a Liturgical Dance and Mime Class

The City of Lexington Recreation and Parks Department is now taking registrations for a liturgical dance and mime class for ages 5 to 18. Students will perform at the Multicultural Festival in May at Finch Park. For more information contact Tammy Curry at 248-3960 ext. 3237 or tammyc@lexingtonnc.net.

Red Cross Offers Volunteer Orientation Sessions

The Greater High Point- Davidson Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold volunteer orientation classes in February and March.

The classes will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and March 7 and 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 20 and March 19 at the chapter at 815 Phillips Ave., High Point

Interested people will learn what it means to volunteer for the Red Cross, the agency's history and its services. Only one session is required.

To register, call 885-9121 or email copelanl@usa.redcross.org.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

Skin Moisturizers: Cream, Lotion, or Ointment?

No matter what your skin type, you should use a moisturizer. The thickness of the moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type.

If you've got itchy or dry skin, you'll probably want to lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner, help hydrate, and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest (water is their main ingredient) and are a good match for oily skin.

You should also base the thickness of the moisturizer on when and where you use it on your body. "Choose a light moisturizer for day and a heavier one for nighttime," says Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD. Or choose a thicker cream for your body and a lightweight moisturizing lotion for your face. You'll also want to stick with lighter, hydrating moisturizers in the summer months.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Look For

Use these guidelines to pick the right type of moisturizer for your skin. Sun protection.No matter what skin type you have, just about every dermatologist recommends getting a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If you’re getting it for your face, Cambio suggests looking for one that is oil- and fragrance-free and has an SPF of 30.
Antioxidants.Moisturizers with antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract may help keep any skin type looking fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals -- molecules that break down skin cells. For oily or acne-prone skin."I like alpha-hydroxy acids, which are also antiaging," says Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD. If you're prone to acne, you'll also want to look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, which won't clog pores.
For dry skin. Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin, while lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture. For sensitive skin.Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance- free moisturizer. “In general, choose one that contains less than 10 ingredients," suggests California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential interactions with fragile skin.
For itchy skin.If a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream doesn’t relieve itching, try a 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream for one week, but no longer. If this doesn’t resolve the itch, talk to your doctor. You may have a more serious skin problem. If you have eczema. Use a thick moisturizing ointment containing petrolatum, or simply use petroleum jelly. Either of these will help sooth cracks and keep skin supple.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Avoid

More ingredients does not make a better moisturizer. Here are some to avoid. Colorings and perfumes.Whether you want to moisturize dry skin, sensitive skin, or something in between, most experts suggest avoiding unnecessary and potentially irritating ingredients, like added colors and perfumes. Antibacterial agents can also be unnecessarily harsh, stripping skin of essential oils.
To prevent facial acne. Cambio suggests avoiding facial moisturizers with lanolin, mineral oil, waxes, or shea butter. These “can clog pores and cause acne on the face, and are more appropriate for the body,” she tells WebMD.
For dry or sensitive skin. Avoid alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid. These ingredients may penetrate the skin too deeply and trouble delicate skin. Stay away from products with alcohols as well.
For itchy skin. Limit your use of steroid creams or ointment to one or two weeks only, unless recommended by your doctor. Overusing steroid creams can make skin very thin and lead to other skin problems.
If you have eczema or cracked skin.Stay away from moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acids. Though these ingredients are good for very dry skin, they can aggravate skin irritation.

3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer

To get the best results from whichever body or facial moisturizer you choose, try these tips:
Use more than one moisturizer if you need to. Nobody needs a cabinet full of moisturizing products, but a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body may be just right for your all-over skin care.
Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp. Smooth on your favorite moisturizer a few minutes after a bath or shower.
Pat your skin dry. Make your moisturizer do double-duty. Be sure your moisturizer contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Want an antiaging boost? The pros recommend vitamin A or alpha- hydroxy acid. Want to even out your skin tone, too? Look for a tinted moisturizer suitable for your complexion.

Bike Ride to Raise Money for Cancer

The annual indoor century bike ride known as Spin 4 Life is in the planning stages for this year's event.

The event has a new location this year at Davidson County Community College in the Brinkley Gymnasium from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 3. Registrations are due by Feb. 28 with the signed waiver completed.

The theme for the fundraiser is "Keeping the Dreams Alive." Proceeds will benefit children and families battling cancer with assistance from Carolina Cancer Services, Kisses4Kate and the American Cancer Society.

Each year the five-hour indoor ride on spin bikes that is coached by instructors with music accompaniment features teams of one to five riders. Riders must arrive 15 minutes before the start of the ride or segment. Someone must be on the bike at all times with a 30-minute minimum. Instructors will allow a five- minute break for bathroom or rider change outs.

The cost is $28 per person, which includes light snacks and T-shirts. Checks can be made out to "Spin 4 Life," Carolina Cancer Services, American Cancer Society or Kisses 4 Kate. Money needs to be counted and in an envelope with the first team rider of the morning.

For more information or to register, go to www.spin4life.net or register at the Forum Gym, Triangle Fitness or Tom A. Finch YMCA in Thomasville. Questions should be directed to Mark Snyder at 309-1265 or mark@spin4life.net.

4th Annual Spin 4 Life

March 3, 2012: 4 Annual Spin 4 Life 8am-1pm, Davidson County Community College, 297 DCCC Road, Thomasville We are excited to invite you out to Davidson County Community College, in beautiful Davidson County, NC for the fourth annual “Spin 4 LIFE, Please help us by Keeping Dreams Alive! Proceeds benefit Children & Families Battling Cancer, Carolina Cancer Services, Kisses4Kate and American Cancer Society For more information call 336-309-1265

Softball: Adult League Meeting

The Lexington Recreation and Parks Department will hold a captain's meeting for teams interested in participating in the upcoming Adult Open softball league on March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Robbins Recreation Center.

Any team interested must have a captain present at the meeting. Topics will include fees, rules and schedules. For more information, contact Matt Swift at 248-3960.

"Spring Forward"

On Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time begins in the United States.

How Daylight Saving Time Works

During late Winter we move our clocks one hour ahead and "lose" an hour during the night and each Fall we move our clocks back one hour and "gain" an extra hour. But Daylight Saving Time (and not Daylight Savings Time with an "s") wasn't just created to confuse our schedules.

The phrase "Spring forward, Fall back" helps people remember how Daylight Saving Time affects their clocks. At 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of Standard Time ("Spring forward," even though Spring doesn't begin until late March, over a week after the start of Daylight Saving Time). We "Fall back" at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November by setting our clock back one hour and thus returning to Standard Time.

The change to Daylight Saving Time ostensibly allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours. During the eight-month period of Daylight Saving Time, the names of time in each of the time zones in the U.S. (map) change as well. Eastern Standard Time (EST) becomes Eastern Daylight Time, Central Standard Time (CST) becomes Central Daylight Time (CDT), Mountain Standard Time (MST) becomes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), Pacific Standard Time becomes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), and so forth.

Randy’s County-Wide Antique & Yard Sale

March 10 & 11, 2012: Randy’s County-Wide Antique & Yard Sale 8am-4pm Davidson County Fairgrounds 400 Greensboro Street Ext., Lexington Bi-Annual event with over 225 booths consisting of fine antiques, collectibles, crafts, homemade items, small businesses to yard sale items. Come to Buy ● Come to Sell ● Come to Eat ● Come to just have Fun! For more information call Randy Raper 704-425-9838.

Public review and comment period announced for infant-toddler program grant application and new federal regulations

RALEIGH – The N.C. Infant- Toddler Program’s federal Part C grant application and new federal regulations are available for public review and comment.

The public review period is Feb. 10 - March 10.
The public comment period is March 11 - April 9.

Part C grant application

The non-competitive awards help states and territories provide coordinated systems of comprehensive, multi- disciplinary, interagency programs of early intervention service for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The application describes how funding will be used to provide supports and services to children and their families.

Federal regulations and proposed changes

The new federal regulations reflect changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. They provide necessary changes to help improve early intervention program services and outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities, and their families. The regulations focus on measuring and improving outcomes for children. This helps ensure that these children are ready for preschool and kindergarten.

The public may access the Part C application, new federal regulations and the Infant-Toddler Program Manual at www.beearly.nc.gov.

Public comment may be made by: Email : ei.publiccomment@dhhs.nc.gov Fax : Part C Coordinator at 919-870-4834; or Letter: c/o Part C Coordinator, Early Intervention Branch, 1916 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1916.
Public hearings:
1. Wed., March 21, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Cardinal Room , Building 3, 5605 Six Forks Road, Raleigh

2. Thurs., March 29, 4 – 6 p.m., N.C. School for the Deaf Chapel, 517 West Fleming Drive, Morganton
Contac: Mark Van Sciver (919) 707-5059

Library opens registration for Creative Book Art Contest

Budding artists can now register for the Davidson County Public Library System's Creative Book Art Contest at any of the system's branches in Lexington, Thomasville, Denton, north Davidson and west Davidson.

The contest challenges participants to create art pieces using books as a medium. Winners will be announced May 24 and will receive cash prizes ranging from gift cards to $100 for the grand-prize winner. Registration is open through April 30 to all ages and to groups as well as individuals. Entries can be delivered to any branch between May 14 and 19 and will be on display through Aug. 3.

"We are excited about offering this contest throughout the communities we serve," said Ruth Ann Copley, director of libraries. "Davidson County boasts many creative people. We are looking forward to seeing their talents applied to this unusual medium."

In addition to receiving prizes, winning entries will be featured in the library system's 2013 calendar.

Contest rules: Project must be made completely out of books, book covers, book pages or any other part of a book; the size of the project must not be larger than the library can display; cost of the project is up to the individual contestant; everyday tools and supplies are permitted in decorating, carving, shaping and support of the books; ideas borrowed from the Internet or any other source must be stated on the entry form; project must be recently crafted by the entrant and not purchased from an outside source; projects must visually resemble books as a medium; and participants must be residents of Davidson County.

15th Annual Welcome Easter Parade

April 14, 2012:
15th Annual Welcome Easter Parade
3pm, Parade Route:
Along Old Hwy 52 from North Davidson Senior High School, travel south and end at Welcome Elementary School. Rain Date: April 15th at 3:30 pm. Local and regional bands, floats and more. For more information contact Judy Butler, Chairman at 336- 731-7391.

BBQ Capital Cook-Off

April 27-28, 2012: BBQ Capital Cook-Off Friday 6pm-9pm and Saturday 9:30am-5pm, Historic Uptown Lexington 207 East 3rd Avenue.

In a city renowned for its heritage of slow cooking pork shoulders over hickory wood that is known world wide as Lexington-style barbecue, it seems logical that a barbecue cook-off would take place on our streets!

Experience the excitement of international teams competing in Lexington’s acclaimed BBQ Capital Cook-off. The competition – with a Grand Prize of $15,900 – is fierce and fun for everyone. Our 2011 event brought 54 competitive teams and over 75 judges from across the United States.

Come Friday night at 6 pm to watch things get started, and stay over through Saturday to enjoy the final awards and all the entertainment.

While the teams serve up their best ribs, chicken, brisket and pork at this KCBS sanctioned event, you can sample all sorts of other treats from local and regional barbecue eateries.

Don’t forget you’ll be in the heart of Lexington, North Carolina and can visit our 19 barbecue restaurants, where the renowned heritage of slow- cooking pork shoulders over hickory is still alive and well.

Then, of course, there are the unique shops within walking distance that bring the best of the past into the present – you’ll love the charm of their individuality.

And just minutes away by car are the national treasures of Childress Vineyards, The Bob Timberlake Gallery and the RCR Racing Museum.

Hosted by Uptown Lexington, Inc. For more information call 336-249-0383 or visit www.UptownLexington.com.