Highlight of Departmental Activities · 2018-04-19 · Maria hosted a resume class Tuesday using...
Transcript of Highlight of Departmental Activities · 2018-04-19 · Maria hosted a resume class Tuesday using...
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The Weekly Report showcases the activities and accomplishments of the many Departments
within Rutherford County Government. Click on the directory lists, headings and text in blue to be linked to more information.
Department Directory
Agriculture/Cooperative Extension
Airport
Board of Elections
Building Inspections
County Manager
County Commissioners
Economic Development
Emergency Medical Services
Fire Marshal
Finance
Human Resources
Information Technology
Library
Public Works and Planning
Register of Deeds
Revenue
Senior Center
Social Services
Soil and Water
Solid Waste
Transit
Tourism Development Authority
Veteran Services
Weekly Report
Highlight of Departmental Activities
April 23, 2018
Agriculture/Cooperative Extension
Jeff Bradley
• Worked with beef cattle producers to begin putting together tractor
trailer loads of value-added preconditioned feeder cattle that will be
sold in June through the Mountain Cattle Alliance.
• Shipped a load of Mountain Cattle Alliance cattle valued at $70,000.
By marketing cattle through this value-added alliance, producers col-
lectively gained an additional $10,000 above normal market price.
• Set up a demonstration plot for seed head suppression in a fescue pas-
ture (pictured on page 2).
• Fescue seed heads have negative effects on livestock performance and
this demonstration is for farmers to see techniques of how to reduce
the negative effects of the fescue seed head.
• Continued to provide technical assistance to livestock producers
through phone calls, office visits, emails and site visits.
Hannah Bundy
• FMNP training update for 2018
• Polk County Friends of agriculture breakfast
• MG field trip at Appeldoorn Landscape Nursery
• McDowell County food council meeting
• Certified Plant Professionals course planning
• Chimney Rock Earth Day celebration
Tracy Davis
• Submitted monthly news column and radio spot.
• Met with Extension & Community Association (ECA) to plan recruit-
ment event.
• Conducted nutrition programs: 521AN for Rutherford Life Services,
4th grade garden program, and Better Food Better Health.
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Agriculture/Cooperative Extension continued from page 1
Photos: On Wednesday, Direc-
tor Jeff Bradley set up a demon-
stration plot for seed head sup-
pression in a fescue pasture.
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Agriculture/Cooperative Extension continued from pages 1-2
Stephanie Rzonca
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program training in Raleigh at State Farmers Market 4/18
• Radio promotion through WAGY 4/20
• Planning for weekly farmers market programming
• Weekly email newsletter to farmers market attendees and vendors
• Farmers Market 4/21
The Farmers Market is open this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Many farmers with produce, garden
plants, meat, and pet dairy will be there! The Circle B Barbecue food truck will also be providing break-
fast and lunch options!
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Animal Control
Animal Control Weekly Update
Total animals taken in
48
Animals adopted into forever homes
7
Animals sent to rescued groups to be vetted and adopted into forever
homes
36
Animals returned to owners
9
Calls completed
77
Animal Control:
• received a donation in memory of Marie Saine.
• picked up our weekly donation of dog food from Wal-Mart.
• received two donations of dog food and one donation of cat litter from the public.
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Board of Elections
Director and staff:
• conducted three poll worker training classes.
• participated in webinar with the State.
• set-up for Early One-Stop Voting.
• processing registrations and party changes.
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911 Communications Center
Call Summary
Rutherford County Communications
240 N. Washington Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Report Date: 04/08/2018 to 04/14/2018
Total 911 Calls
Total Admin Calls
Total Calls
874
2,344
3,218
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County Manager and Commissioners
Listed are several events, meetings, and activities in which the County Manager, Commissioners and staff
were involved with the following individuals, departments and businesses:
• Planning and Projects
• NCACC
• Rural Broadband meeting
• Budget preparation
• DSS Board
• Chief Court Counselor
• PANGAEA
• WR Martin
• Solid Waste
• Opioid Overdose Response Plan meeting
• Human Resources
• Senior Center
• TDA Coffee Talk
• Pick It Up RoCo Event
• Keep Rutherford County Beautiful Committee
• Spindale Town Manager
• Lions and Dragons Meet and Greet - in support of veterans and their families
Other activities and events this week included Forest City, Spindale, and Chimney Rock Town Council
meetings, meetings with citizens, numerous calls, interoffice meetings, conference calls, public relations,
advising, and preparation for various responsibilities.
County Commissioners have resolved to commit revenue from a slight local sales and use tax increase to
help fund critical education facility needs for Rutherford County. The increase is one-quarter of a penny -
that means $1 spent will only be taxed an additional $0.0025. Have questions about the tax referendum or
the education facility needs? Contact us today.
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Human Resources
Fire Marshal/Emergency Management
Finance Department
The Finance Office processed accounts payable. Several interdepartmental meetings were attended by di-
rector and staff.
The HR Director:
• held meetings to discuss personnel issues, exit interviews,
and retirements.
• met with representatives from ISA.
• conducted Library interviews.
• attended the second half of Leadership 360 training (pictured
below and on page 9).
Director Debra Conner and HR Specialist Brooke Watson attend-
ed the NC Department of Labor Safety Banquet on Tuesday
evening. They were recognized and received a Certificate of
Safety Achievement for outstanding safety and health efforts of
Rutherford County personnel (pictured right).
Reminders:
• Blood drive May 9th
• Wellness Fair May 17th
Fire Marshal and staff:
• conducted two structure fire origin and cause investigations.
• received and reviewed fire district budgets.
• attended Western North Carolina Firefighters Association meeting.
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Human Resources continued from page 8
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Human Resources continued from pages 8-9
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Human Resources continued from pages 8-10
State Health Plan Advisory on Reported Scam Phone Calls
(All Members)
A small number of State Health Plan members have reported re-ceiving scam phone calls from peo-ple asking for personal information such as Social Security numbers. These phone calls are not coming from the State Health Plan and if you receive one you should not provide the caller with any personal information. The Plan, as a precaution, is working with our vendors and local authorities to determine the sources of these calls and if any member information is at risk. If so, we will inform Plan members as more information becomes availa-ble. Representatives of the State Health Plan will always identify themselves when they call you and they will never ask for your full Social Security num-ber over the phone. The security of our members’ information continues to be our top priority.
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Information Technology
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Library
New Books New DVDs
Claimed by Alexa Riley
Garden Perennials for the Coastal South by Barbara J. Sullivan
Music, Menus, & Magnolias
Artful Entertaining
All About Palms by Paul Craft
Settings on the Dock of the Bay
The Art of Catching and Cooking Shrimp by Lynette L. Walther
The Art of Catching and Cooking Crabs by Lynette L. Walther
Beauty in the Broken Places by Allison Pataki
Green Sun by Kent Anderson
We Own The Sky by Luke Allnut
The Road Home by Beverly Lewis
The Fallen by David Baldacci
The First Family by Daniel Palmer
The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr
All the Beautiful Lies by Peter Swanson
Hear My Heart by Billy Graham
Eunice by Eileen McNamara
Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes
Outlander season 3
Resident Evil
Barbie as The Island Princess
Planes: Fire and Rescue
The Tale of Tillie’s Dragon
Erika Woody (Haynes Branch)
What’s Been Going On:
• Practicing our upcoming crafts
• Attended the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
(pictured on page 14) • Made owls for PJ Masks (pictured right)
What’s Coming Up:
• Styro-Framed Art, Monday, April 23rd @ 3:45 pm
• PJ Masks Gecko Craft, Tuesday, April 24th @ 3:30 pm
• National Superhero Day, Saturday, April 28th 10 am-1 pm:
Come dressed as your favorite superhero and receive a prize
• PJ Masks Cat Craft, Monday, April 30th @ 3:30 pm
• Story Time, Tuesdays @ 10:30 am
• Build It Club, Tuesdays @ 3:30 pm
• ISpy, all month long
Joy Sharp (Mountains)
• coordinated and attended a Pizza Party for the 5th Grade Book Club at Lake
Lure Classical Academy. The group just finished their book selection and
loved “Fish in A Tree”!
• assisted a patron with setting up her tablet and account for downloading
books from the NC Digital Library.
• selected and ordered new contemporary Easy Reader biographies for begin-
ning readers. We now have books on ballerina Misty Copeland, Women
Who Launched the Computer Age, NASA scientist Katherine Johnson, Olympic athlete Jesse Owens
and astronaut Mae Jemison.
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Library continued from page 13
Maria Davis (County)
Maria has worked this week to finalize flyers for the
Summer Reading Program and Maker Camp and has be-
gun requesting quotes from local businesses for copies. We plan to distribute a flyer to every Kindergarten
through 5th grade student in the county. We are so excited for both programs this year!
Maria hosted a resume class Tuesday using Cypress Resume through NCLive. This is the easiest resume
program we have ever seen and gives great results!
Tamara Edwards (County)
This week we had “frogs in the pond” themed preschool story time at all three branches. We learned about
frogs and even played some leap frog.
I planned for a “teddy bear” themed story time for next week as well as a night time teddy bear story time
at the Rutherford County Library for kids to put on their pajamas, bring their favorite teddy bear and hear
some fun bedtime stories.
We worked on plans for our next tie dye event. And I have continued to work on our summer reading
plans.
Erika Woody (Haynes Branch) at the
Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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Joy Sharp (Mountains)
• coordinated and attended a Pizza Party for the 5th Grade Book Club at Lake Lure Classical Academy.
The group just finished their book selection and loved “Fish in A Tree”!
• assisted a patron with setting up her tablet and account for downloading books from the NC Digital Li-
brary.
• selected and ordered new contemporary Easy Reader biographies for beginning readers. We now have
books on ballerina Misty Copeland, Women Who Launched the Computer Age, NASA scientist Kathe-
rine Johnson, Olympic athlete Jesse Owens and astronaut Mae Jemison.
Don’t forget our Blackout Poetry & Pizza program on Tuesday, April 24th at 4:00 p.m. Ages 10 and above.
Stephanie Long (County) Circulation Manager completed the following tasks this week:
• submitted order cards for patron book requests
• worked with other staff members to edit summer reading/maker camp flyer
• selected book donations to be sent to the Little Libraries
• processed new book arrivals, including:
The Fallen by David Baldacci
The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr
Bad Men and Wicked Women by Eric Jerome Dickey
The First Family by Michael Palmer
• cataloged and processed several new DVDs, including:
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (season 1)
All in the Family (2nd season)
The Big Bang Theory (2nd, 3rd, & 4th seasons)
Boy Meets World (season 3)
Chesapeake Shores (season 2)
The Coroner (season 1)
LBJ
The Office (season 2)
Supernatural (1st season)
Victoria (seasons 1 & 2)
Kenneth Odom (County)
Kenneth finalized plans and ordered supplies for this summer’s Maker Camp. In addition to Maker Camp
for 8-12 year old's, this year we will be introducing Maker Clubs for both teens and adults.
If you enjoy tinkering, building, coding, designing or any other form of making then make plans to join us
for some great activities.
Library continued from pages 13-14
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Library continued from pages 13-15
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Library continued from pages 13-16
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Library continued from pages 13-17
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Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds office works with the public everyday and continues to give prompt, courteous
and accurate service.
Transaction Group
Totals
Certified Vital Records
168
Marriage Licenses
8
Recorded Deeds
113
Recorded Deeds of Trust
46
Recorded Certificates of Satisfaction
36
Recorded Various Other Documents
53
Oath Given to Notary Publics
5
Recorded Plats/Surveys
3
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Senior Center
The AARP Tax-Aide preparation season officially ended Friday, April 13. This was our largest and most
successful year with a total of 1,003 people served:
• Federal returns 563
• Married filing jointly 230
• Questions and answers 210
A very special THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers who made this program such a success this
year:
• Joan King, local coordinator
• Amideus Athougies, state coordinator
• Forest Carpenter
• Jim Cole
• Loretta Cook
• Mae Freeman
• Don Lesher
• Johnny Lingo
• Doug Melton
• John Moore
• Linda Stonecash
Tammy Aldridge and Debbie Conard attend a conference sponsored by the NC Division of Aging and
Adult Services in beautiful Blowing Rock, NC on April 11 – 13th (pictured below). This was Module 4
“Senior Center Planning, Evaluation, and Governance” of the Ann Johnson Institute for Senior Center
Management. The conference garnered a lot of helpful information and invaluable networking with peers
from senior centers throughout the state.
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Senior Center continued from page 20
Senior Games officially began April 10th with a Balloon Release, fun walk, and lighting of the torch. Af-
terwards all senior games participants enjoyed special games and popcorn. Liz Blanton lit the torch to of-
ficially “Let the Games Begin” (pictured below).
Seniors enjoying the FUN WALK…..
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Senior Center continued from pages 20-21
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Soil & Water
Solid Waste
Customers served
443
Loads hauled from Centers
66
MSW loads to Lenoir
40
Recycling loads to Conover
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Tire customers
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Director James Kilgo:
• attended and participated in Science Expo meeting at ICC
• worked on reports.
• attended Leadership 360 Training.
Tony Bumgarner and Eddie Motte:
• attended Leadership 360 Training.
• met with vendors.
Office staff was busy taking care of customers, running reports and helping where needed. Alma
Resendiz had her first group touring the recycle and transfer station, and assisted the 6th grade Science
Expo at ICC.
The staff at the transfer station has been busy processing MSW with extra trash that has been coming
in, recycling tonnages, and stacking and wrapping electronics. Shop staff continues to perform mainte-
nance on equipment and vehicles.
C&D staff have been busy processing C&D tonnages coming in while hauling dirt for daily cover. The
airport staff continue the grass and grounds maintenance.
Please continue to recycle.
The District Administration and Education Specialist worked on:
• District meeting minutes and Supervisor Travel.
• Farmland Brochure and program update paperwork.
• Preparation of soil baby materials, kits and display information for Chimney Rock Earth Day celebra-
tion.
• Education lessons and information for Enviroscape classroom visit.
The Resource Conservation Administrator:
• attended Leadership 360 Training at Annex
• Involved in Farm Visits for inspection and Request for Payment
• attended the Science Expo at ICC for 6th graders
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Tourism Development Authority
Visit our website for a full list of events and times at: timeofyourlifenc.com or call our Welcome Center
at 828.287.6113. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact Taylor Hardin, Admin-
istrative Assistant for the TDA at 828-287-6013 or by email at [email protected].
If you need to pick up travel guides for your business or you would like to be added to the newsletter dis-
tribution list, please contact Project Manager Karen Tegen at 828-287-6130 or by email at
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Transportation Services
EMS:
EMS held monthly crew meeting this week and discussed the upcoming national EMS Appreciation
Week. EMS Appreciation Week will be May 20-26. Director Giles met with Rutherford Regional’s
Emergency Department Director to discuss collaborative efforts and the upcoming World Equestrian
Games. Staff also continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office in regards to tactical paramedic training and
joint efforts for the rescue task force. Viper radios are currently being installed in all EMS vehicles as well
as mobile units. EMS plans to move forward with full implementation in the coming months. Administra-
tion is also working on implementing a full automated inventory control system for medical supplies. This
new system will allow for auto restocking, alerts for expiration dates and employee distribution con-
trols. Call volume for the week is as follows
Transit:
Operations Manager attended an online webinar training on the Collective Data software that Maintenance
Department uses to create work orders and track vehicle maintenance. Transit Director met with a compa-
ny hired by TIEC (who is managing the attendance logistics for the WEG in September) to discuss some
possible parking locations that may be beneficial for handling the projected large number of visitors in the
area. Operations Manager completed orientation with three new part-time drivers, and will complete their
training to be available for revenue service. Transit Staff is coordinating with Creative Bus to arrange de-
livery of five new transit vans in the next couple of weeks. Director, Operations Manager and Office Coor-
dinator attended a webinar and discussion on Managed Care that is scheduled to be implemented incremen-
tally by region throughout the state starting in 2019.
TYPE
CURRENT WEEK
Emergency Calls
176
Non-Emergency Calls
30
TYPE CURRENT
WEEK
WEEKLY AVG
Total Miles
8,469
9,206
Local Trips
1,239
1,122
Out of County Trips
44
89
Unduplicated Passengers
200
215
Total Revenue
$17,507
$20,097
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Veteran Services
Report for this week:
Assisted veterans in the past week with claims, benefits, and other services: 58
Faxes sent for veteran claims, pension, compensation and records: 76
Resa Thompson, Veteran’s Officer, attended the Spring Conference
in Greensboro, NC last week. Resa is now fully accredited to better
serve our veterans (pictured right).
The North Carolina Association of County Veteran Service Officers
had 136 in attendance for the conference (pictured below).
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United States Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Barbara Bush Immediately
through Sunset Saturday, April 21, 2018
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEATH OF BARBARA BUSH
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On this solemn day, we mourn the loss of Barbara Bush, an outstanding and memorable woman of character. As a
wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate
of the American family. Mrs. Bush lived a life that reminds us always to cherish our relationships with friends, fami-
ly, and all acquaintances. In the spirit of the memory of Mrs. Bush, may we always remember to be kind to one an-
other and to put the care of others first.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Barbara Bush, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitu-
tion and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the
White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval ves-
sels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and
possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same
period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military
facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
# # #
http://halfstaff.org/united-states-flags-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-barbara-bush-immediately-through-sunset-saturday-
april-21-2018/
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May 12, 2018
Summey Park (FC-Dunbar track)
9:00 -10:00
(More scheduled walks will continue throughout 2018-2019.)
We will move our walks to the Rail Trail as soon as it is available. We appreciate the Town of Forest City
providing Summey Park as a perfectly nice back up venue in the meantime. We invite you to join us on the
walks. No pre-registration is required. We would love to see your smiling faces each month as we and our
local physicians work to make Rutherford County a healthier place to live!
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GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER! Camp Muddy Sneakers is a nature day camp for rising
1st - 7th graders, and will be held in Rutherford County on July 9th - July 13th! Don't miss out on this
opportunity for your kids to enjoy this fun and educational day camp! Our Outdoor Programs Director,
Dana Bradley, will be one of the camp instructors.
Camp runs from 9 am until 4 pm each day. Campers will need to be dropped off at Isothermal Commu-
nity College (ICC) in Spindale between 8:45 am and 9:00 am each day.
Nature Explorers (1st - 3rd graders) will explore the ICC trail system at the college. Each day will have a
different theme and campers will enjoy games, art activities, nature play, and more! The trail system at
ICC was built by ROC members and offers a safe and beautiful learning environment. Trail Blazers (4th -
7th graders) will explore the trail system at ICC, as well as other local trails, while learning about nature.
Each day will have a different theme and campers will enjoy activities based on the topic of the day, par-
ticipate in active trail/field games, and will have fun exploring our local trails in Rutherford County. The
cost for the week of camp is $299. Some scholarships are available.
For more info or to sign up, visit www.CampMuddySneakers.org.
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THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL UPDATE
The Trail Partners are happy to announce several exciting mile-
stones that are taking place right now:
• Demolition work to remove the rail & cross ties will be
completed by the end of April. You will also see some seeding
and grading beginning along the trail as we welcome the warm-
er weather.
• The County Commissioners approved a contract with Ruth-
erford County bases Site Development Corporation to begin construction on the 13
mile corridor in May!
• We have a logo! Dozens of us have come together with Artifacturing to make a brand
that is impactful and timeless. Please look for this as our official mark on all signage
and publicity materials!
We would like to thank RHI Legacy Foundation for their work to financial support this
project. Stay tuned for more updates as the construction begins.
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County Commissioners County Office
Bryan A. King, Chairman Alan Toney, Vice Chairman Hazel Haynes, Clerk to Board
Michael Benfield, Eddie Holland, Greg Lovelace Richard Williams, County Attorney
Follow us online! www.rutherfordcountync.gov
County Manager Steve Garrison
Kimberly Aldridge, Weekly Report Editor
828.287.6060
Saturday 4/21: • Foothills Conservancy - Fonta Flora Bike Adventure: 10 am at Fonta Flora Bike Trail at Lake
James State Park. RSVP is required by calling (828) 437-9930 or emailing
• Earth Day at Chimney Rock State Park: 11 am - 3 pm on the Riverwalk in Chimney Rock
Village.
• Friends of Chimney Rock State Park - Rainbow Falls Hike: 3 pm at the Old Rock Café,
Chimney Rock. See http://friendsofchimneyrockstatepark.org/ for more information.
• Sun, Moon, and Stars - Statewide Star Party: 7 pm at Lake James State Park - Paddys Creek
Area. Call (828) 584-7728 for more information.
Sunday 4/22: • ROC Pink Beds and Looking Glass Falls Hike: 9 am at Rutherford County Office Building,
289 N Main Street, Rutherfordton. Contact ROC for more information and to RSVP.
• Earth Day Hike to Blue Rock Mountain: 1 pm at Chimney Rock State Park - Ticket Plaza.
You must pre-register by calling (828) 625-1823 or by emailing [email protected]
• Boat Tour: 10 at Lake James State Park - Paddys Creek Area: East Shelter. Call (828) 584-
7728 for more information.
Sunday 4/29: • ROC Summits and Full Moon Hike: 3:30 pm at County Office Building, 289 N Main Street,
Rutherfordton. Contact ROC to RSVP. *Note: We will arrive back in Rutherfordton late,
around 10 pm
Sunday 5/6: • ROC Paris Mountain State Park Hike: 8 am at Rutherford County Office Building, 289 N
Main Street, Rutherfordton. Contact ROC to RSVP.
Email us at [email protected] or call (828) 351-3235 if you would like to sign up for
any of the ROC workdays, clean-ups, or group hikes/river floats.