NCDHHS shares COVID vaccine changes

NC Department of Health and Human Services advises that people 65 and older, and those with a compromised immune system, can now receive an additional dose of the updated vaccine to protect themselves against severe illness from COVID-19.

Everyone older than six months will now only receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine that protects against more variants of the virus.

Anyone 6 years and older is considered up to date if they have already gotten an updated (bivalent) dose. The bivalent vaccine protects against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the newer Omicron variants.

These changes are based on an updated authorization by the Food and Drug Administration and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on April 19.

COVID-19 vaccines are still free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. However, COVID-

In 1993, Miss Ashley walked through the front door of Bolin’s Daycare Center and began her career with them. She was the lead teacher in the 3 and 4 yearold class, before moving to the 2 year old class.

For the past 15+ years, Miss Ashley has opened the daycare at 6:30 a.m. tackling many duties such as collecting tuition, taking calls, and preparing meals and snacks while continuing to care for toddlers.

Many of her former students now bring their children to her.

Ashley is married to Larry Brafford and has a daughter Paisley. She is best known for her kindness, gentle spirit, singing songs and loving heart.

Bolin’s Daycare Center is grateful for Ashley’s hard work and dedication saying, “Thank you for choosing Bolin’s Daycare 30 years ago Ashley! We are so grateful for you.”

NPS awards $4.5M to protect 193 acres at two Civil War battlefields

In March, the National Park Service (NPS) awarded $4,543,144 in Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants to protect 193 acres in two battlefields in Virginia. Funded by the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) grants, state and local governments spearhead projects to protect significant battlefield landscapes that are vital to the shared history of their communities and the nation. These awards are made possible by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which reinvests revenue from offshore oil and natural gas leasing to help strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities across the nation.

“Battlefields are hallowed spaces where every American can honor the history that has shaped and defined our nation,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “The state and local government partners that receive American Battlefield Protection Program grants are dedicated to ensuring that unparalleled battlefield landscapes across the country are protected for generations to come.” the rest of the Union assault force struggled to advance, the 22nd division focused their assault on the left flank of the Confederate defenses manned by battle-hardened and well-positioned Confederate troops. Against overwhelming odds, the 22nd division succeeded in pushing the Confederates out of an 800-foot stretch of earthworks, helping to secure a Union victory and putting U.S. forces closer to the capture of Richmond.

This Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant will fund the preservation of 49 acres of the New Market Heights battlefield. An easement granted to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, will preserve the woodland ecosystem and surviving historic Confederate earthworks at New Market Heights for the benefit of the American public. The awards are to:

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation $660,500.00 for preservation of 49.09 acres at Chaffin’s Farm/New Market Heights Battlefield in Henrico County, Virginia.

19 vaccines will soon become available like flu shots and other routine vaccinations and may no longer be free for everyone.

People who do not have an established health care provider can find a vaccine provider nearby at MySpot.nc.gov or visit ncdhhs.gov/LHD to contact their local health department.

One of these historic battlefield landscapes is Haskins Farm, a stretch of farmland in Henrico County, Virginia, where Black soldiers of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) cleared a stretch of Confederate earthworks, raised mounds of earth built as a barrier for defense in battles, to help win the Battle of New Market Heights. The battle began on September 29, 1863 as Federal troops assaulted Confederate defensive positions to clear a path for the Union capture of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. Upon reaching the Confederate lines, Union forces faced heavy fire from an elite group of Texan troops well protected by a series of earthworks stretching the battlefield. As

SHRIMP SALAD

Mary Akers Guyton

1/2 pkg. macaroni

2 Tbsp. dill weed

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 lb. shrimp

Hellman’s mayonnaise jello dry. Add other ingredients. Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation $3,882,644.81 for preservation of 144.62 acres at Second and Third Winchester Battlefield in Frederick County, Virginia.

NPS ABPP’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants empower preservation partners nationwide to acquire and preserve threatened battlefields on American soil.

In addition, the program administers three other grant programs: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Interpretation and Battlefield Restoration grants. Financial and technical assistance support sustainable, community-driven stewardship of natural and historic resources at the state, Tribal and local levels.

FROSTING

1 box confectioner’s sugar

1 stick margarine

¼ cup strawberries

(Ed. Note: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “Something Old, Something New” by White Plains Shrinettes.

SPAGHETTI SALAD

Betty Hipp

1 lb. spaghetti

1 (8 oz.) bottle Zesty

Italian dressing

1 bell pepper

1 purple onion

3 tomatoes

Salad Supreme (get at

Food Lion or Roses)

Cook spaghetti according to directions on box. Drain and rinse 1 time with cold water. After draining, put back in bowl and add Italian dressing. Set aside. Chop pepper, onions, and tomatoes. Put into bowl with spaghetti and add 4 tablespoons Salad Supreme. Chill. Will keep 4-5 days in refrigerator.

Boil macaroni with dill weed until tender. Drain and rinse. Cook shrimp in lemon juice, drain. Add mayonnaise and salt to taste. Tastes best if allowed to season overnight.

STRAWBERRY CAKE

DeLane Guyton

1 box Duncan Hines white cake mix

1 pkg. strawberry jello

3 Tbsp. cake mix

4 eggs

1 c. cooking

1/2 cup water

1 cup strawberries, drained Grease and flour tube cake pan. Mix cake mix and

Spread over cool cake.

MILLIONAIRE PIE

Ivery Nolen

1 can Eagle Brand milk

½ cup lemon juice

1 (9 oz.) Cool Whip

1 No. 2 can crush pineapple, drained

½ cup nuts

1 small pkg. coconut

¼ cup chopped maraschino cherries, reserve cherries for topping

Combine ingredien ts in mixing bowl. Divide mixture in half and put in 2 baked pie shells. Top with cherries. Chill and serve.

Free Adult Basic Education Course offered CCC and Goodwill

Goodwill is partnering with Cleveland Community College (CCC) to offer an Adult Basic Education course in Shelby in the community room located inside their Shelby retail store.

In this course, participants will prepare for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) exam, which is the new alternative to the GED exam. Passing the HiSET exam demonstrates that you have attained the academic knowledge and proficiency equivalent to those of a high school graduate. The HiSET diploma/certificate is accepted by employers and accredited colleges in all 50 states. Like all of Goodwill’s courses, the Adult Basic Education course is offered free of charge.

The completion timeframe will vary depending on a participant’s educational background, knowledge, and motivation. Participants can re-enroll in each 8-week session until they obtain their certificate.

Participants will have access to computers and the required software throughout the duration of this course.

After successfully passing the HiSET exam, participants will receive a diploma/certificate that is accepted by employers and accredited colleges in all 50 states. Having a high school level of education is the steppingstone you need to continue your education or grow your career. The HiSET is accepted by employers and accredited colleges in all 50 states. With your HiSET diploma/ certificate, you can also take advantage of other post-secondary learning opportunities, like Goodwill’s Customer Service course.

The job market has changed, and in today’s world, most family-sustaining jobs require at least a high school level of education. Passing the HiSET exam will earn you the recognition that you have achieved a high school level of education. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed a difference of more than $6,800 per year in average earnings between non-graduates and persons who held either a high school diploma or its equivalent.

To register for this course, interested participants can call 704-9161610 to get started.