ALLEGHANY INSIGHT'S STEPPING INTO FREEDOM meets Friday nights at 6:30 at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship on 1276 Grandview Rd. in Sparta, NC. It is a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, Twelve-Step Program. If you are serious about Living Free from addiction or other life-controlling problems, call today to learn more: Judi, at 919-961-3144, or David, at 406 437-3908.   Feedback

PTSD SUPPORT GROUP An open, free, peer-led support group for those with various types of (civilian) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and trauma-related stress disorders. Trauma Matters provides a safe climate where participants can be heard, have a sense of belonging and support healing for trauma survivors. Trauma Matters meetings will be held from 6-8 pm, in the Business Development Center conference room, 115 Atwood St., Sparta, NC. Vending machines available and occasional small meals provided. No child care will available, but children are welcome with attending members. Meeting Schedule: Nov. 4; Nov. 18; Dec. 2; Dec. 16. For more info, visit facebook.com/christine.venrick   FB Feedback

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? Join the Jefferson Odd Fellows! Lodge #38 meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7:30 pm, at 226-A East Main St., Jefferson . Learn more about what we do! Call 336-620-1167.   Feedback

MOTHERS TO MOTHERS PLAYGROUP, for children 7 and under, Mondays, 10:30 am, at the North Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, corner of 6th and D Sts. 336-670-3468.   Feedback

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (DAV) meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm, at 446 Ashe Park Rd., Jefferson. 336-982-3743.   Feedback

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW) meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm, on Ashe Park Rd. For info, 336-982-6233   Feedback

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men & women who share experience, strength & hope, whose primary purpose is to stay sober and help others recover from alcoholism. Not allied with any sect, denomination, organization or institution, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. We meet 6 days/week at West Jefferson United Methodist Church, Room 113. Enter through the side door facing the parking lot. Closed meetings for alcoholics and those who feel they may have a drinking problem, Saturdays at noon, Sundays, 4 pm, Mondays & Tuesdays, 7:30 pm. Open meetings for alcoholics and those interested in learning more, are Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm.   Feedback

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP meetings are held at 6:30 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Mt. Paddy Church, Jefferson, NC. Open to individuals who have had weight loss surgery, as well as those who are considering this surgery. Call Terri, 336-877-7018.   Feedback

GUARDIAN AD LITEM ADVOCATES serve as the judge’s eyes and ears on abused and neglected children who have been taken from their homes and are now in foster care. More than 1,500 abused and neglected children in North Carolina go to court without someone to advocate for them. Be a voice for the child and speak up for their best interests. For Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes Counties, to find out more about being a Guardian Ad Litem, call 336-651-4421 or visit volunteerforgal.org.   Feedback

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS meets Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, at Jefferson United Methodist Church, 115 E. Main St. Come to front of Church on Main St. (door on the far left.) Meetings are open. Also meeting Mondays from 6-7 pm, at Sparta United Methodist Church, 190 N. Main St., Sparta.   Feedback

MARINES, SEMPER FI breakfast at 9 am, every Friday morning, at Log House Restaurant on the Backstreet in West Jefferson. All veterans are welcome to tell their tales and sea stories. Call Tugboat at 828-406-4446 for more information.   Feedback

WORLD VISION, KNIT FOR KIDS is a nationwide program for volunteer knitters to fight poverty, give hope and warmth to children living in poverty around the globe. For millions of children, a handmade sweater, blanket or hat is a chance for better health and protection and warmth from freezing temperatures. It’s a symbol of support for a better future. Many items are distributed as far away as Armenia, Nicaragua, Swaziland and Tanzania. Others to destinations as close as Appalachia, New Orleans and the Bronx. Sometimes these items go to an area that experienced a recent natural disaster. You can drop off your items at the SecondHand News Plus office, 101 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown West Jefferson.   Feedback

ASHE MEDICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS provide help for people to get some of their medicines FREE. Medications are ordered directly from the drug companies after financial screening and return of documentation from the doctor. You may apply in person at our office located at 225 Court St. Jefferson, NC. (behind the old courthouse). We are open Mon. thru Thurs. From 7:30 am to 3: pm, and Fridays by appointment. You must live or work in Ashe County. Please bring current income tax form 1040, social security statement, one month’s pay stubs, proof of residence and your prescriptions and/or medication bottles. You may call us at 336-846-6001 or 336-846-6002.   Feedback