March 9, 2007

Bladen JobLink

Job Fair on tap

The Bladen County JobLink Job Fair will be held at the Bladen Community College Multipurpose Auditorium on Wednesday, March 14, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

More than 50 area businesses and industries will be on hand to talk about job opportunities. Some will be taking applications on the spot. Jobseekers are encouraged to bring their resumes if possible. For help in preparing a resume, call the Bladen Community College JobLink Center at (910) 879-5583.

E’town Spring Clean-up Day

On Saturday, March 3l, 2007, the Town of Elizabethtown will hold Annual Spring Clean-Up Day 2007. Residents are asked to place items they wish to dispose of by the roadside for pick-up by 9 a.m. on March 31. Items that will be collected include: lawnmowers, toasters, chairs, yard waste, boxes, vacuums, books, tables, refrigerators (freon removed) and couches. Church groups and other community service organizations are encouraged to participate in this Spring Clean-up effort. Any questions may be directed to the Public Services Department, telephone 862-2035.

Dublin Lions Club

plate sale

The Dublin Lions Club will hold its annual barbecue plate sale/auction at the Lions Club Building in Dublin, March 16. The plate sale will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and plates will sell for $6 each.There will be a White Cane auction at 6 p.m., with the money going to research for the hearing and sight impaired. The plate sale money goes to local projects such as the Boys and Girls Home and camps for the blind.

It is the major fund-raiser for the year.

Pink Ribbon Princess Pageant

Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 Pink Ribbon Princess Pageant held annually will all proceeds going to the Bladen County Relay for Life. The pageant will be April 29 at 3 p.m. at Lu Mil Vineyard in Dublin. It is open to females from birth up. Please contact Heather at 872-0089 or 247-3122 after 6 p.m.

Atkinson F.D. plate sale

The Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a barbecue pork and chicken dinner on Saturday, March 17, beginning at 4 p.m. and serving until all food is sold.

Plates will be $6 and may be eaten at the former Atkinson School Cafeteria or prepared for taking out upon request.Homemade pies and baked goods will also be on sale.

Proceeds will benefit the Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department.

Carver’s Creek Citizen Association meeting

Carver’s Creek Citizen Association will meet Friday, March 9, at the Baldwin Center in Carvers Creek beginning at 6 p.m.

Library board meeting

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Bladen County Public Library Board of Trustees will be Thursday, March 15, at 5 p.m. in the Wanda Campbell History Room of the Elizabethtown Library. The public is invited to attend.

Evening GED class

ongoing in E'town

The Basic Skills Department of Bladen Community College has a new GED class in Elizabethtown at the Paul Brown Center, 1360 Martin Luther King Drive.

The class meets Monday through Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. and is free.

For information call the Basic Skills Department at 879-5561 or 879-5587.

Pancake breakfast

There will be a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 10, from 8-10 a.m., presented by Andy’s of Elizabethtown on 330 South Poplar St. The plates are $5 and you may dine in or carry-out. The breakfast will benefit Wesley Chapel Church’s UMYF. For more information, call 872-0878.

Housing Authority

meetings

The Elizabethtown Housing Authority meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building in Elizabethtown.

The Clarkton Housing Authority meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Oakdale Homes Community Building in Clarkton.

The Bladenboro Housing Authority meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Housing Authority administration office in Bladenboro.

Library Spring Fling

Kids of all ages are invited to Bladen County Library's Kids' Spring Fling, 6-6:45 p.m. on Monday, March 12 at Bridger Memorial LIbrary, Tuesday, March 13 at Clarkton Public Library, or Thursday, March 15 at Bladen County Library. We'll have a snack, make a craft and have a good time welcoming the springtime. To register or for more information, call 862-6990.

Relay for Life BBQ

& chicken plates

Relay for Life will sell barbecue and chicken plates for $5 a plate on Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Zion Hill Baptist Church Activity Center, Hwy. 410 North, Bladenboro. Eat in or take out. Sponsored by the Zion Hill Community Relay for Life Team.

Carvers Creek precinct meeting

The Carvers Creek precinct will hold a meeting March 13, at 7 p.m. at East Arcadia School. All members are invited. If you have any questions, please contact Althea Lesane, precinct chair.

Spring Fling

The 2007 Bladen We Care Spring Fling will be held April 13, starting at 6 p.m. at Lu Mil Vineyard near Dublin. Dinner will be served and entertainment will be provided by Second Time Around.

There will be a silent and live auction during this year’s Bladen We Care Service Recognition.

Proceeds from the event will support Bladen County Needy Healthcare, Bladen County Hospital and Bladen Crisis Center.

Dress will be casual and the tickets are $20 per person, or for a table of eight, $150. Advance tickets only and they may be obtained by contacting Rich Glenn at 874-2016.

Last Chance for Girl Scout Cookies!

March 11 is the last day Girl Scouts will be selling Girl Scout cookies in your area. Get your Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs while they last!

The cookie sale program provides valuable learning experiences and has generated revenue necessary to offset the cost of camp and programs, give financial aid to girls, maintain camps, fund troop/group activities, recruit and train leaders, and provide ongoing Girl Scout programs.

Girl Scouts will be selling cookies at booth sales around the area at local businesses. Catch Girl Scout cookie sellers in action! This is a great opportunity to showcase local Girl Scouts building skills and interacting with the community. For more information on Girl Scout cookie booth sales, contact the Bladen County Girl Scout office at (910) 862-2608.



Sewing Mentors Needed

4-H is looking for adult and teen volunteers to teach sewing. The specific duties of these volunteers would be to mentor a 4-H'er in the process of sewing their 4-H Fashion Review project. Interested volunteers should contact the 4-H Office for a job description and application at 862-4591.

North Carolina Symphony

in concert at BCC

The North Carolina Symphony will be in concert at the Bladen Community College Auditorium on Thursday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the Bladen Community College Library and the Bladen County Arts Council.

Admission is $10 (free to students with ID). Tickets are available at the following locations: Artful Selections and Bladen Office Supply in Elizabethtown, Blue Moon Caf/ in Clarkton, all branches of the Bladen County Library, and at the Bladen Community College Library.

To obtain tickets by mail, contact (910) 879-5641.

White Lake Fire Dept.

paintball tournament

The White Lake Fire Department will host a paint ball tournament on April 21.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the first match at 10 a.m. Registration fee will be $20 for pre-registration and $25 at the gate.

The tournament will be held across from the White Lake Motel at the intersection of Hwy. 701 N. and White Lake Drive.

For more information and pre-registration, contact Stevie Tatum at 876-4995.

Kelly Community preparing for annual festival

Entrants are being sought for the 2007 Kelly Spring Festival Parade to be held Saturday, April 28 at 11 a.m. The parade will flow down Hwy. 53 in the Kelly community of Bladen County, with festivities to follow at the Kelly Ball Park. Church groups, bands, businesses, civic groups, schools and other organizations, beauty queens, horses, clowns, tractors, etc., are all welcome to take part in the annual festival. Vendors are also being sought to set up at the festival. There is no fee for the parade or vendors; however, donations are welcome.

Contestants are also being sought for the Miss Kelly Spring Festival Pageant. The pageant is open to females of all ages and will be held April 7 with the Easter Bunny attending to help crown the winners. A concert is also being planned and details will be announced soon. Brave males are also being sought for the Missed Kelly Spring Festival Womanless Beauty Pageant to be held April 27. For more information, please contact Michelle Fisher at (910) 669-3204, or Janice Corbett at (910) 669-2573.

ECU Scholarship Fund

Development Event

The East Carolina Alumni Association, ECU Pirate Club members, and friends of the Joe H. Bostic and Lacy T. West Scholarship Fund invite you to the ECU Pancake Supper to be held on Thursday, March 15. The pancakes will be hot and ready to eat at the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church Christian Activities building from 4:30-8 p.m. Cost of the dinner is $5. You may dine in or take-out plates will be available.

The Joe H. Bostic and Lacy T. West Scholarship will be available to any senior graduating from a public high school in Bladen County and attending East Carolina in the fall. Since the ECU Scholarship program began in 1996, we have awarded scholarships every year. We are within sight of our goal of a permanently endowed scholarship for a Bladen senior in memory of Joe Bostic and Lacy West. Scholarship applications can be obtained from the guidance office at high schools.

Tickets will be available at the door. You can also purchase tickets from Kyle Bostic, Hayes Petteway, Don Smith, or Alan West. For more information, call Hayes Petteway at 866-4245.

Pre-K and kindergarten physicals

Is your child starting Pre-K or kindergarten this year? If so, contact Bladen County Health Department today to schedule a physical exam. Appointments are scheduled every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Immunizations may also be given at this appointment if needed. Physical includes vision and hearing screenings. Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Healthcare accepted. Payment based on income also available for those without insurance. Call 862-6900 for appointments.

Woodmen of the World will meet

Woodmen of the World, Lodge 208, Bladenboro, will meet the first Monday night of the month. All members are invited to come enjoy a meal and busines meeting. For more information, call Craig Waters, FIC, at 648-4414.

Looking for volunteers

for plays, skits, singing

Extra! Extra! I am looking for people of all ages that are interested in volunteering for plays, skits and singing as a ministry. All songs and plays are Christian based. To learn more, call (910) 648-6910. This is an opportunity to serve the Lord.

BCC GED class

available in Tar Heel

The Bladen Community College Basic Skills program is offering a GED class in the Tar Heel Multipurpose Building (the old fire station) across from Tar Heel Middle School. The class is free and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration is open and individuals may begin at any time.

For information, call 879-5529 or 879-5587.

Bladen County

Youth Focus

The Bladen County Youth Focus will sponsor a fish fry Friday and Saturday, March 30-31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Food Lion parking lot on Hwy. 87 W., Elizabethtown. Plates are $5. For more information, call 862-2183.

Gospel Singing Anniversary

You are cordially invited to Leighanna Tatum’s Fourth Gospel Singing Anniversary. It will be held on March 31 at East Columbus High School. The school is 10 miles east of Whiteville, on Hwy. 74/76. The singing will begin at 6 p.m., featuring Nadine and Stevie of Bolton; Blood Connected, featuring Fletcher Allen, all of Spivey’s Corner; Unity Quartet of Prospect; Leighanna Tatum of Clarkton. There will be no admission, but a love offering will be received. Also, there will be door prizes given away. For more information, call Johnny Tatum at 840-3294.

Controlled burn at

Jones Lake State Park

Jones lake State Park plans to conduct controlled burns during the months of February, March and April. The actual day of the fire depends on weather conditions. Approximately 100 acres will be burned by State Park employees.

The burn will help reduce the chance of wildfires. In addition, it will benefit certain native plants, game species and non-game animals that depend on fires for maintaining top quality environmental conditions.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the importance of prescribed burns, please contact the park superintendent at 588-4550.

Kelly Historical Society

The Kelly Historical Society meets on the third Saturday each month at 10 a.m. at the Kelly Museum. For more information, call 763-6966.

Housing Authority

meetings

These are the meeting dates of the Housing Authorities:

Bladenboro 3/27/2007 @ 6 p.m.

FSU to Hold Information Session

Make plans now to attend the FSU Information Session at Bladen Community College on Wednesday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Lounge.

Representatives will be on hand to provide prospective students information about the many offerings available at FSU in partnership with Bladen Community College.

For more information, please call (910) 672-1607.

4H mentors needed

Bladen County 4-H Friends of Youth seeks responsible caring adults to work one-on-one with youth in need of positive role models.

Volunteers will serve as a friend and mentor to help encourage positive behavior and educational improvement. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a young person, call 910-862-4591 for further details.

Compassionate Friends

Anyone interested in information on The Compassionate Friends may contact Jean Cross and Walt Burney in Clarkton at 647-8401, or Jean Roney, Grief Counselor for Lower Cape Fear Hospice at 642-9051.

The Compassionate Friends, Inc. is an international self-help support organization offering hope to bereaved families following the death of a child of any age, from any cause. The national office, located in Oak Brook, Ill., serves more than 600 chapters across the 50 states. Locally, meetings are held on the second Monday of every month, at Grace Episcopal Church in Whiteville. Registration is not required. There are no membership fees or dues. The group invites all grieving parents to attend. For more information on the Web, contract www.thecompassionatefriends.org.

Volunteers needed to

serve terminally ill

Typical, everyday heroes needed. Community Home Care & Hospice serves terminally ill patients and their family members. Volunteers are the heroes. Many would benefit from your involvement with the volunteer program and you will receive free training. Show that you care. Contact Christina Lowery at (910) 862-9928.

East Bladen reunion

Anyone from the East Bladen Class of 1997 interested in a reunion can log on at http://eastbladen97.wordpress.com for more information.

Housing Authority accepting applications

The Bladenboro and Clarkton Housing Authorities are now accepting applications on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Immediate housing units are available upon completion of the eligibility process.

Persons interested in either location should apply at the main office located at 117 Main Street in Bladenboro. For more information, call 863-4919.

Guardian ad Litem

seeks volunteers

Guardian ad Litem program of Columbus and Bladen Counties needs volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. Free training provided. Make a difference in the life of a child.

Please call Sabrina Ward at 641-4034.

EBHS reunion

planning sought

Members of the East Bladen High School Class of 1994 are interested in planning a class reunion. Contact Kimberly Melvin-Swindell at kswindell1@nc.rr.com, or Jane Howell-Salmon at janehowell2@hotmail.com.

Dance lessons at

Bladen Fitness Center

Dance lessons are back at Bladen Fitness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays Lessons are for children ages 3 and up, and classes include tap, jazz and ballet.

Participants may enroll at any time.

For more information, call Bladen Fitness Services at 862-6533. To enroll, call Leslie Dumas at 850-6363.

St. Patrick’s Day Pageant

The fourth annual NC St. Patrick’s Day Pageant will take place March 17 at 3 p.m. We are taking applications from birth and up. Males birth — 3 years. If you are interested, please call Marie at 863-4722 for more information. Application can be picked up at Toddler and Teen in Elizabethtown. The deadline is March 1.

Proceeds go to a local cancer victim.

Bladen NAACP meets on third Tuesdays

The Bladen County Chapter of the NAACP will meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Focus Building on Martin Luther King Drive in Elizabethtown.