Do you know of an outstanding volunteer or a group that helps your organization by going above and beyond? Nominate that volunteer or group for the N.C. Governor’s Service Award. The nomination period for this honor goes through Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027. Each county is given 10 opportunities to nominate great volunteers. An individual or group from the public, nonprofit, and private sectors may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member to their county-designated coordinator. There are categories for the type of nominee (individual, group, national service, and director of volunteers). To nominate someone or a group for this award, go to www.nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc/governors-volunteer-service-awards. For more information, contact Jennifer Taylor-Ivy, McDowell County volunteer coordinator, at 828-659-0826.
The McDowell County Center for the N.C. Cooperative Extension is looking to hold a food drive for the local Foothills Food Hub. Organizers are taking unexpired canned goods, rice, pasta, dry beans and any other nonperishable food you may want to share with people in our community. Donations can be dropped off at the Cooperative Extension’s office, 60 E. Court St., Marion, or to the Foothills Food Hub located in the former Badcock Furniture Building at 1930 U.S. 70 East, Marion.
The Lions Club of Marion meets at 6 p.m. at the Hook & Anchor on Rutherford Road in Marion on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
The Foothills Community Band rehearses every Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the MACA Center in downtown Marion. The band welcomes players of all ages and experience levels, from high school students to those with decades of experience. For more information, send an email to foothillscommunityband@gmail.com.
Loving Hearts, BEAR Closet is asking for donations of blankets, charcoal, batteries (all sizes), flashlights and cleaning supplies. Contact them at 828-767-2385 or 828-803-8790 and at 337 Garden Creek Road, Marion.
The Arrowhead Art Gallery and Studios in Old Fort will offer private parties with instructor and artist Catherine Bruggeman. Select a project you have seen or pick from a number of fun two- to three-hour stained glass or wire sculpture workshops. All you need are three friends. Call Bruggeman at 910-915-9104 to schedule or get a list of possibilities. Day, evening or weekend times available.
The Arrowhead Art Gallery and Studios in Old Fort will have a series of free art classes for kids. The classes are for ages 5 to 12 years old. Adult participation is optional. The classes are from 2-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. Capacity is 10 students. The free classes use different media and are often taught by different volunteer artists. All supplies will be provided.
The McDowell County Board of Elections will hold a meeting about counting the sample audit on Monday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. The counting of provisional and supplemental absentee ballots will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. The November election canvass meeting is set for Friday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. For more information, call 659-0834.
The McDowell County Chapter of the NAACP will have a pancake breakfast fundraiser today, Nov. 7, from 8-10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Marion fellowship hall, located at 99 N. Main St. in Marion. Tickets are $5 for adults, and kids 6 and younger can eat free. Proceeds raised from this event will support the McDowell Technical Community College NAACP endowed scholarship fund. For tickets, contact Jan Ramsey at jramsey56@yahoo.com.
Navigating Medicare and health insurance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) is offering free, unbiased support to help McDowell County residents explore their coverage options, check prescriptions and doctor networks, and find potential savings during the upcoming open enrollment season. The key dates for Medicare open enrollment are from now to Monday, Dec. 7. The ACA Marketplace open enrollment is through Tuesday, Dec. 15. Whether you are signing up for the first time or simply reviewing your existing Medicare or ACA coverage to ensure it still fits your needs, MATCH team members will be available across the county. The weekly walk-in hours are at the McDowell County Library, 90 W. Court St, Marion on Monday, Dec. 7, and it is for Medicare and ACA; and Monday, Dec. 14, is for the ACA Marketplace. The other weekly walk-in hours are at N.C. Works, 29 S. Logan St., Marion, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, and is for Medicare and ACA; and Wednesday, Dec. 9, is for ACA. More community events are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 30, from 3-6 p.m. at Addie’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 201 Ridley St., Marion (Medicare and ACA). More community events are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14, from 3-6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Old Fort, 203 E. Main St., Old Fort (ACA); and Monday, Nov. 9, from 3-6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Old Fort, 203 E. Main St., Old Fort (Medicare and ACA). Office appointments available Monday through Friday. Call 828-659-5289.
The McDowell County Transfer Station and all convenience sites will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The Transfer Station and all convenience sites will be open for normal operations on Thursday, Nov. 12.Â
The American Red Cross will hold blood drives in McDowell County in November. A blood drive will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Marion Community Building, 191 N. Main St. Another one will be held Friday, Nov. 13, from 3:30-8 p.m. at the Marion Moose Lodge, 999 Bill Cook Drive, Nebo. A blood drive is also scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, from 1-5 p.m. at Nebo First Baptist Church, 5360 U.S. 70 East in Nebo.
The Newcomers and Friends in McDowell County will hold their monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. The event will take place at the Marion Community Building, located at 191 N. Main St. in downtown Marion. Lunch will be provided by Nopale's Fresh Market, though you are welcome to bring your own. The guest speaker will be Weyland Prebor from the McDowell County Senior Center. This club was established to help individuals new to the area connect with others, build lasting friendships, and integrate into the community. Membership is open to all women residing in McDowell County and the surrounding regions. Prospective members are cordially invited to attend a meeting as a guest before deciding to join. If you would like to attend, contact Chris Amsbary at chris.amsbary@gmail.com for more information.
The annual McDowell County Veterans Day service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11, starting at 11 a.m. at the McDowell County Senior Center in Marion. The event will begin with an invocation, and the American Legion Post Honor Guard will present the nation’s colors followed by the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. The service flags for all the branches of the military will be presented, accompanied by the service anthems, and followed by more special music by the Foothills Community Band. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will lay a wreath with brief comments. The guest speaker will be McDowell native retired Navy Commander David Byrd, who is the county’s veterans services officer. Post 56 Commander Alan Mainer will also speak.
The McDowell County Democratic Party will hold a Drinks with Dems gathering on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Hillman Beer - Old Fort.
The McDowell County Democratic Party will hold a Coffee Break with Dems gathering on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 9-10 a.m. at Seeker Coffee in Old Fort.
Cross Mill Church of God, located at 200 Old Hwy. 10 West in Marion, will have its all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 7-10:30 a.m. There will be a tremendous buffet with 18 items. Seniors 60 years and older can eat for $8, kids up to 5 are free, and kids 6 to 10 are $5. Everyone else is $10. The church will also have a Christmas piano concert featuring Howard Smith on Sunday, Nov. 29, at the church beginning at 5 p.m. There is no charge for the concert.
McDowell County Schools will hold a Parent’s Night Out event on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Enjoy a well-deserved break or get your Thanksgiving grocery shopping done, while supporting the McDowell High EF Travel Group. Your student will enjoy an evening of crafts, activities, a pizza dinner and a movie with the EF Travelers. It is for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The Parent’s Night Out will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4-7 p.m. at the McDowell High Media Center. Cost is $35. Spots are limited - reserve yours today. Contact Nicole Carpenter or Stephanie Effler at McDowell High School at 652-7920 for more information.
The McDowell County Democratic Party will hold a Holiday Jingle Mingle on Monday, Dec. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Marion Community Building. There will be games, fun and a covered-dish potluck. Please bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child or mom. Clothing and toiletries appreciated. These gifts are for the Friendship Home for Women & Children.
