Macon Program for Progress Head Start parents and staff developed the Back to School Angels Project with a goal to provide backpacks to children leaving Head Start and going into Macon County Public School kindergarten classrooms in the fall. Head Start children receive free backpacks that are filled with ageappropriate school supplies.

MPP, a community action agency, has a limited number of projects that are self-supporting and depend on local donations. The Back to School Angels was developed based on parents in need of assistance who are experiencing financial difficulties.

A benefit gospel singing for the Victory Christian School will be held on Friday evening, May 27, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Ole Mater Farm on Greens Creek near Dillsboro.

The singing will feature Blue Ridge of Franklin along with the Carolina Crossmen of Cullowhee, Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion and Mountain Faith (which features three teens who attend Victory Christian School).

Economists predict rising food costs will continue to affect many families in this area.

N.C. Cooperative Extension provides a program called EFNEP: Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.

Families learn how to get the most from their food dollars by planning, shopping and preparing foods the smart way.

Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) supports the SAFER program

Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) has announced that Cowee Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc. in Franklin will receive $91,360 from the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which Hagan has supported in the Senate.

“This is going to be a good tool in keeping our volunteer fire fighters active and trained without the use of taxpayer money,” said Cowee Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Dustin Pendergrass.

“The courageous first responders at Cowee Volunteer Fire & Rescue help keep Franklin safe everyday,” Hagan said. “In this tough economy, this grant will help the fire department acquire and maintain volunteers, ensuring that there are always firefighters to answer the call and protect the community.”

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