The 2012 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is now accepting applications. Classes will meet weekly from 1 - 4:30pm beginning on Wednesday, March 7 and continuing through May. Applications can be picked up at the Watauga Cooperative Extension Center located at 971 West King Street in Boone, or downloaded at: http://wataugaces.blogspot.com/2012/01/become-extension-master-gardener.html

Schedule of Events The 2012 A Cool 5 Race Weekend will be held June 8th and 9th, 2012 on Beech Mountain, NC. Events include a pre-race pasta dinner hosted at the Buckeye Recreation Center with live music, games and activities, and a guest motivational speaker (to be announced). Pre-race packet pick-up will be available for race day participants at the Buckeye Recreation Center during the pasta dinner festivities. Saturday consists of the 5 mile race, pet-friendly (complete with doggy water stops), 1.5 mile fun run and walk, race expo, kids fun village with bounce house, complementary beer, and post-race meal and awards presentation with live music and games for the family. Friday, June 8th, 2012 Race Packet Pick-up at Buckeye Recreation Center 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Pre-Race Community Pasta Dinner 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9th, 2012 Pre-registered racers are guaranteed a race t-shirt, a post-race meal voucher, and other free swag in the works. For those of you 21 and over, you will also receive 2 free adult beverages upon finishing one of the A Cool 5 races. Race Day registration will be available; however, race t-shirts and swag will be given out on a first-come first served basis and sizes may be limited. Be sure to register early to geet your race T and swag! Note: Running Strollers are allowed on the entire race course. Dogs will be allowed for the first 1.5 mile fun run/walk event. Doggy water stops and "doggy bags" will be available along the way as well! Race Day Registration and packet pick-up 7:00 a.m. 5 Mile Race Start 9:00 a.m. 1.5 mile fun run and walk 9:15 a.m. Post Race Festivities 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The overall male and female finisher will be recognized and will receive awards for their accomplishments. Age group awards and prizes will also be given out to the top 3 male and female contestants in the following age group categories: Under 13 13 - 17 18 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70 and above