March 19
Coffee & Conversations for Veterans
When: March 19; 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton
More Info: Guest speaker Jennifer Fowler, VSO answering questions regarding surviving spouse benefits. Spouses welcome! 828-287-6185.
March 20
Legacy Soccer Park Grant Opening Celebration
When: March 20; 4-6pm
Where: Legacy Soccer Park; 520 Piney Ridge Rd., Forest City
More Info: Music, player demos, food giveaways & more! Everyone is invited!
Grand Opening Rutherford Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center
When: March 20; 12pm
Where: 288 South Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton
More Info: RSVP to MyRutherfordRegional.com/events
Health and Wellness Fair
When: March 20; 9am-12pm
Where: 144 Steward St., Spindale
More Info: Free entry, door prizes, health screening, giveaways, vendors. Hosted by Serene Haven Apartments.
March 21
Spaghetti Dinner
When: March 21; 4-7:30pm
Where: Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Club; 1761 Maple Creek Rd., Rutherfordton
More Info: $8. Fund raiser for Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Club House.
Greatest American Cleanup
When: March 21; 10am
Where: Starting at Purple Martin Greenway trailhead; 455 S. Main St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Trash bags, gloves, visibility vests, and grabbers provided. After-snacks, drinks, and free Greatest American Cleanup t-shirt. Register at: https://givebutter.com/gac-rutherfordton or email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org
March 28
Our Night for Their Fight Prom Fundraiser for families of burned children
When: March 28; doors open 6pm, prom 7-10pm
Where: One 13; 113 West Court St., Rutherfordton
More Info: $20 per person. Sponsored by R.C. Chapter of the N.C. Firefighters Burned Children Fund. Open to public. RSVP to: Jimmy 828-429-0705, Austin 828-460-2122, Benny 828-755-6893, Tracie 828-289-3795.
Beyond the Box Celebration with Full Circle Speaker Marvellous Okonne
When: March 28; 10am-12pm
Where: Midway Baptist Church; NC Hwy 108, Columbus
More Info: Learn how he got the name Marvellous. Hear his testimony of how a Operation Christmas Child shoe box changed his life. Learn how The Mountain Gateway Team is sending the good news of Jesus around the world. Meet our team and see how you can become a volunteer. Info: Judy 808-606-3636 or Jennifer at 704-533-3928.
March 30
Red Cross Blood Drive
When: March 30; 3-7pm
Where: Ellenboro Fire Department, Meeting Room; 175 Depot St., Ellenboro
More Info: For appointment call 1 -800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
April 6-30
Spring Litter Sweep
When: April 6-30
More Info: Sponsored by Keep Rutherford County Beautiful. Form a team: Rally neighbors, co-workers, or a team of any size. Pick your spot: Choose where your team wants to shine- parks, lots, roads or trails. Get your supplies: Vests, bags, gloves - we've got it covered! Report what you cleaned, and we can help remove the bags you collected. Sign up your team at https://www.keeprcncbeautiful.org/sign-up-for-a-sweep, email allie@rutherfordoutdoor.org, or call 828-289-3260.
April 7
Harris High Alumni and friends meeting
When: April 7; 8:30am
Where: Denny's; 1493 US Hwy. 74-A bypass, Spindale
More Info: Join us to renew old friendships or create new ones! RSVP by April 5to Joan @ 828-245-2658 or gerjoj@aol.com
April 7 & 9
Safe Kids Safety Event
When: April 7 & 9; 11am-3pm
Where: North Slope Skate Park & Pump Track; 164 Mill St., Spindale
More Info: Join Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and Safe Kids Rutherford Polk and learn all about bike safety. FREE bike helmets for elementary and middle schoolers who need one, while supplies last!
April 11
Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler
When: April 11; 8-10am
Where: Purple Martin Greenway at Kiwanis Park; 128 Green St., Rutherfordton
More Info: Out-and-back race. For America's 250th, finishers of the Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler will receive commemorative medals! Wear patriotic gear and you could win prizes for most patriotic dress! To register: https://runsignup.com/.../Ruth.../PurpleMartinFabulous4Miler. Registration ends April 10 and cost $30.
UltiMutt Race at Tryon Resort
When: April 11; 9am-2pm
Where: Tryon Resort; 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring
More Info: 5k obstacle race & festival to challenge a dog & owner team, over 17+ obstacles. 10% race fees & 100% donations given to Greenville County Animal Care. Free admission, including family dog! Food/Beverage Trucks, Awards, Vendors- 20+ local shops, Photo Booths, Pup Caricatures. Also: Dogs & Drinks Mixer: April 10- 6pm- Silver Spoon Saloon. 9am-2pm: Mutts & Monsters Disc Dog Demos & Club Intro, 9am-2pm: NACC Canicross Harness/Gear Fittings. ultimuttrace.com.
April 16 & 23
Nutrition Classes, "What's Eating You?" Fresh look at Food & Health
When: April 16 & April 23; 6:30-8pm
Where: Bill's Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: Crystal Redmon and school nurse at Lake Lure Classical Academy all lead the classes; door prizes.
April 18
Rutherford Nonprofit Collaborative Community Resource Fair
When: April 18; 12-7pm
Where: Isothermal Community College - Business Sciences Building Parking Lot; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale
More Info: Music, food trucks, resources, giveaways! This event will bring together local organizations and community partners to share resources, services, and support with the community. 828-229-3380.
Matthew Zeke Blanton Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament
When: April 18; morning registration 8am, morning shotgun start 8:30am. Afternoon registration 1pm, afternoon shotgun start 1:30pm
Where: Forest City Municipal Golf Course; 211 Clay St,. Forest City
More Info: Supporting the Matthew Zeke Blanton Memorial Scholarship! Prizes, Closest to the Pin, 50/50 Putting Contest, Half & Half Raffle, Awards presented after each wave. To register call 828-748-7383 or email abennett_18@att.net.
Ruff'ton Roots plant sale
When: April 18; 10am-noon
Where: Ruff'ton Roots; 128 Hospital Dr., Rutherfordton
April 25
Kiwanis Club of Rutherfordton 54th Annual Charity Auction
When: April 25
Kiwanis Club of Rutherfordton Is looking for auction items: If you have something to donate for our auction, email us at ruffkiwanis@gmail.com. Proceeds go to organizations that provide services and benefits for kids in our community. Items suggested: Lawn Mowers, Vehicles, Costume Jewelry, Power Hand Tools, Old Lunch Boxes, Pocket Knifes, Model Car Sets, Antique Hand Tools, Yard/Garden Tools, Antique/Special Pottery, Tractors, Coins, Antique Signs/Advertising, License Plates, NASCAR Memorabilia, Vintage Toys, Air Compressors, Guns and Ammo, Kitchen Counter Appliances, Special Flatware.
May 8
Second Annual Kiwanis Shoot sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City
When: May 8; 3-7pm
Where: Cleghorn Golf Club; 183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton
More Info: Funds raised are used to provide dictionaries to Rutherford County third graders, support the Aktion Club and more.
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday
Forest City Vip Lions Club
When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday; 6:30pm
Where: Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church; 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Rd., Forest City
More Info: We are seeking volunteers or new members for this new Lions Club branch, we serve our community.
Every 2nd Tuesday
Lake Lure Lions Club
When: 2nd Tuesdays 6pm
Where: La Strada Restaurant; 2693 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure
More Info: If you are interested and would like to attend a club meeting, contact club president John Kobland at jkobland@gmail.com.
Every Tuesday
Open Arms Substance Abuse
When: Tuesdays 6-7pm
Where: Highland Apartments Activity Center; 171 Butler Rd., Forest City
More Info: Open to those with substance abuse, parents or guardians of children with substance abuse addictions. Rena: 828-305-1280.
First Tuesday
Rutherford Dementia Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6pm
Where: First United Methodist Church Forest City Fellowship Hall; 341 E. Main St., Forest City
More Info: Discuss topics related to Dementia. 828-395-0083.
First Tuesday
Cancer Support Group
When: First Tuesday each month 5-6:30pm
Where: Rutherford County Senior Center
More Info: For cancer patients & survivors; informative topics, friendship and refreshments. RSVP 828-245-4596, option 1.
Third Tuesday
Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 3rd Tuesday; 6pm
Where: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton
More Info: Come join us and volunteer to serve your community.
Rutherford Beekeepers Monthly Club Meeting
When: Third Tuesday; 6pm
Where: Cooperative Extension Center; 193 Callahan-Koon Rd., beside Senior Center
More Info: Open to anyone interested in beekeeping.
Fourth Tuesday
Rutherford County Woodworkers Club
When: Every Fourth Tuesday
Where: Rutherford County Annex, Rutherfordton
More Info: 919-696-6064 .
Second Thursday
Coffee for Veterans
When: Second Thursday of the month at 10am
Where: Fairfield Mountains Chapel; 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure
More Info: All veterans welcome for free coffee, refreshments, and camaraderie.
Third Thursday
Coffee & Conversations for Veterans
When: Third Thursday monthly; 9:30-10:30am
Where: Rutherford County Veteran Services; 145 College Ave. Suite B, Rutherfordton
More Info: 828-287-6185.
Thursdays
BINGO - Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25
When: Thursdays 7-10pm
Where: Old Green Hill School; 2501 US 64/74A Hwy, Rutherfordton
More Info: Doors open 5:30pm. Early Bird 7pm; Regular Program 7:30pm
Narcotics Anonymous meeting
When: Thursdays; 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Community Healing Recovery & Thriving Center; 648 Withrow Rd., Forest City
Rutherfordton Kiwanis Club Meeting
When: 6:30-7:30pm (except 5th Thursdays)
Where: Woodrow Jones Building, Rutherfordton
More Info: See "Kiwanis of Rutherfordton" on FaceBook. New members welcome and light dinner served. ruffkiwanis@gmail.com
Learn more about the history of the Confederacy
Contact teddybear93_890@yahoo.com. We need new members interested in the history & will help preserve this history. Show your support by contacting me about joining the LT William Corbitt SCV camp. Meetings will begin again soon on the 2nd Thurs night at the Annex in Rutherfordton
Saturdays
Stitch by Stitch
When: First Saturday monthly, 12pm
Where: Rutherford County Library, Callahan Rd., Spindale
More Info: Ages 10 and up; cross-stitch, needle point and slow stitching
Volunteer Opportunities
More Info: Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity's affordable homes are making a positive impact on many families in need. Come volunteer today and lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Volunteers needed for construction, ReStore, Clothing Center, and more. 828-245-0716, www.rutherfordhfh.org, habitat.org
More Info: NC Guardian ad Litem Program trains & supervises child advocate volunteers to represent best interests of kids in court system. www.volunteerforgal.org, 828-288-6121.
More Info: CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking volunteers. Variety of opportunities, including specialized respite support, socialization-companionship, assistance with errands, Veterans program & more. Volunteer roles are designed to support staff. 828-274-9567.
Miscellaneous
What: American Legion member of Post 74 Forest City, Post 423 Henrietta or Post 437 Chimney Rock: pay membership dues at www.legion.org. Join the American Legion, contact Jimmy 704-819-5862.
What: Calling all Andy Griffith Fans! If you're a true fan, email: teddybear93_890@yahoo.com (put tagsrwc in the subject line). Looking to start a new chapter of the Andy Griffith rerun watchers club in Rutherford County. We can do activities such as have marathons, trivia, games, etc. It's free!









