NEWSBRIEFS

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE will be held Thursday, Nov. 19, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Blount County’s American Red Cross building at 906 2nd Avenue NE, Oneonta. All presenting volunteer blood donors will be automatically entered into a drawing for one set of two Delta Air Lines tickets. To give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17 years old, and in general good health. All donors must have photo IDs or American Red Cross donor cards.

HAYDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL FUNDRAISER will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, when Southeastern Gold’s Chris and Sophie Corder will be present to buy unwanted gold from school patrons who will receive cash for their sales. A percentage of the total gold sales that day will be given by Southeastern Gold to Hayden Primary School. RSVP by e-mail to mhenderson@blountboe.net or call 205-492-5415.

BOOSTERTHON FUN RUN FUNDRAISER sponsored by Hayden Primary PTO began Nov. 10 and will last for nine days, through Nov. 19. Students are asking for sponsors who can pledge a dollar per lap or give a flat donation towards students’ fun run. Goal of the event is to raise funds for various school improvements, as well as promote fitness, education, and character in students. Funds received from this fundraiser are allocated for Hayden Primary’s copier rental, copy paper, and printer cartrridges. Hayden Primary PTO, hpspto@gmail.com.

ONEONTA BOOK FAIR will be held Nov. 13 through Nov. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oneonta Elementary School. The scholastic fair closes Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Family night will be from 4:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. The fair will feature specially priced books and educational products, including newly released works, award-winning titles, children’s classics, interactive software, and current bestsellers from more than 150 publishers. All proceeds will be used to benefit the elementary Media Center by buying books, supplies, and Accelerated Reader tests. Visitors must sign in at the elementary school office.

LOCUST FORK FUNDRAISER Locust Fork Elementary PTSO fall festival and craft show fundraiser has been postponed until Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Animal-shaped rubber band bracelets will be offered for prizes and for sale, and there will be many booths for games, food, and other fun events. Booths available to rent; call to reserve. Christina Fletcher, home 205-683-0072, cell 205- 915-4420; Mary Ewing 205-739-8616.

FRIENDS OF THE LOCUST FORK RIVER will sponsor the mill hike again his year. Meet at Horton Mill Bridge about three miles north of Oneonta on Ala 75 at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, to hike to the old mill site. This is a moderate hike of about 1 1/2 hours. For directions or information, go to joestill@flfr.org.

APPLICATIONS TO CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN for clothing will be taken Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 9 through Dec. 11 at Hope House. Requirements include being a Blount County resident; providing a driver license or photo ID; presenting a social security card, proof of residence, and proof of income; and offering a referral from your child’s school counselor if the child is school age.

FREE FAMILY CAREGIVERS WEB CONFERENCE Home Instead Senior Care offices serving Alabama have scheduled a free web conference at www.care giverstress.com for family caregivers Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. as part of National Family Caregivers Month. The web conference, “The Best Care for Your Parents: Senior Care Solutions and Potential Pitfalls,” is designed to help family caregivers plan for their loved ones’ care and will offer participants solutions and resources. To register, go to www.caregiverstress.com.

CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES are invited to participate in an educational outreach initiative program developed by Sesame Workship. Oneonta Public Library is collaborating with The Old Oak Tree, a counseling program for veterans and their families, to provide this program at no charge to the community Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Pre-register by phoning Dr. Sharon Gotlieb at 807-1919 or by e-mailing drgotlieb@urisp.net.