Polk County’s new 2-1-1 service kicked off its efforts with a celebration Thursday, Aug. 8. Funders of the project included the following agencies and their representatives: Jimmy Hines, director Rutherford-Polk-McDowell Health District; Kathleen Carr, self-sufficiency coach Western Carolina Community Action; Tim Mathis, director Region C Workforce Development – Isothermal Planning & Development Commission; Anne Britton, board member – Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry; Jean Eckert, executive director – Hospice of the Carolina Foothills; Laura Lynch, administrator Region C Area Agency on Aging – Isothermal Planning & Development Commission; June Beddingfield, executive director – Seasons of Life Home Care; and Rachel Ramsey, executive director – Steps to HOPE. NC 2-1-1 is a statewide information referral service providing call service to about 90 percent of state residents. (photo submitted by Lou Parton)