National Men's Health Month

June is National Men's Health Month.

This month's awareness is to help men become more aware of the health problems that can be prevented with early detection and treatment among men and young boys. The latest statistics show that the health of men in our lives needs vast improvement. It is proven that men die 6 years younger than their female companions.

The Coalition for Health and Wellness will be honoring the men in our lives by having a kick off to their upcoming men's health program. The kick off event is planned for June 20th at Gravely Nature Preserve starting at 9:00am. Canoeing down the Smith River, male friendly healthy cooking demonstrations, and guided trail walks are just the start of the fun! So come out to help celebrate men's health and bring the special men in your life out to this exciting event!

Space is limited and registration is required.
To register or for questions, contact
Diane Sawyer
HCI Program Director
at 276-956-2983 ext. 301.

Registration Deadline Extended for Kayaking Classes

Great news everyone!....the May 29th deadline for the Beginner and Intermediate Kayaking Classes are being extended to June 3rd. It's not too late to get those registration forms in to be able to participate in this wonderful event. If you are interested in obtaining more information, please check out the earlier posting by clicking here.

Help Preserve a Piece of Local History

A truss from the Fieldale Iron Bridge will soon be used as Trail Art
along the Fieldale Trail, and you can help preserve this important piece of local history!

How?
Purchase a plaque to be mounted to the bridge
in honor or memory of a loved one.

All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds will be used for the costs associated with transporting, cleaning, and mounting the bridge truss alongside the trail. With your support,
this section of the Fieldale Iron Bridge will be preserved so it can be remembered and for future generations to enjoy.

3x5 inch plaques are $100 each,
but all donations large and small will be accepted.

Contact 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org for more information.

Please mail donations to:
Dan River Basin Association- Attn: Fieldale Bridge

413 Church Street, Suite 401

Eden, NC 27288

River float to benefit DRBA's work

Three Rivers Outfitters is hosting a river float to benefit DRBA's work to promote and preserve our rivers on Sunday, May 31. DRBA depends on contributions from members and other sources of support in order to work for clean water, natural and historical preservation and educational programs throughout the basin. You make all this possible.

DRBA outings are usually free, but this time, we're asking for your help. Please feel free to share this invitation with those who may not have a boat but would like to sample the rivers! In turn, Three Rivers Outfitters will guide you and/or your friends on a 90-minute scenic river trip on the Smith and Dan rivers, home to abundant wildlife, including playful otters, and rare plant communities.

After taking out on the Dan, Three Rivers Outfitters will transport paddlers back to the 1892 Spray Mercantile Building, near the historic Gov. Morehead Park, where you'll enjoy a picnic supper and musical heritage program.

"Picnic in the Park with Charlie Poole," presented by the Eden Preservation Society, will feature musician, historian and radio personality Kinney Rorrer. Rorrer will present a program detailing the life and music of legendary banjo musician Charlie Poole. Sometimes referred to as the "Father of country music," Poole has been credited with having a lasting effect on the evolution of country music and bluegrass musical heritage. Nearby is the Spray Cotton Mills where Charlie Poole once worked.

In July, 1925 Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers were awarded a recording contract with Columbia Records. Their record was a smash hit and sold over 100,000 copies.

Also in the vicinity is the historic 1898 Nantucket Mill. Piedmont Folk Legacies and its National Banjo Initiative envision a new life for the mill as a National Banjo Museum, recording studio and performance venue.

More details are below. Interested? Just visit the registration page http://riverandbanjoheritage.homestead.com/

DATE: Sunday, May 31
TIME: 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Eden, North Carolina
COST: $50 per person to benefit the Dan River Basin Association.
INCLUDES: Guided trip, boats, gear, transportation from river, picnic and banjo program.

For reservations and additional information: 336-627-6270 or http://www.danriver.org/