Submit items by 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication to mcain@heartlandpublications.com.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Cleveland Angels '03 will be hosting a dance for girls and their dad's.  Feb. 9 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the GCAA Ag Building, 9200 Cleveland Road, Clayton NC 27529.  Cost is $30 per couple and $10 for each additional girl.  Any questions can be directed to coachscooter@gmail.com.

GriefShare Support Group

Shiloh offers a grief support group for those suffering due to the death of a loved one. We want to help you process that grief and find out how you can turn your mourning into joy. Our newest cycle began Jan. 9 and will run for 13 weeks. We meet each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. A nursery and children’s programs are available upon request. If interested in a daytime meeting, please call the church. Shiloh Baptist is located at 3414 N. Shiloh Road, Garner. For details and to register, please contact Lee Smith at 919-553-3319 ext. 202 or on the web at www.shilohgarner.org.

Clayton Piano Festival

The Clayton Piano Festival kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 7 with Jonathan Levin’s free public performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless classic, “Peter and the Wolf.” Levin is the Artistic Director of the festival and will talk about musical characterization and how each personality in the story is represented by different types of music. The performance will take place at the Library of Johnston County and Smithfield at 7 p.m. More performances are scheduled. See www.claytonpianofestival.org for a complete listing of performers and dates.

JCC Free Business Seminars

How to Write a Business Plan: Monday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center. This course covers the basics you need to put together a business plan that will assist you with start up and funding your business.

The ABC’s of Starting a Business: Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kenly Center.This workshop is an in-depth walk through on the mechanics of developing a business concept, feasibility, licensing, and the written plan, plus the financial projections by line item.

Making Educated Decision to Avoid Legal Risk: Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Workforce Development Center. This seminar seminar will help you learn best practices in Human Resources that will help you minimize and avoid legal risk in your business.

Contact Shelley Gardner at 919-209-2591 or swgardner@johnstoncc.edu to register.

Painting at Melody’s

Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. The Johnston County Arts Council invites the public to a painting session where local artists of all skill levels come together to share conversation and work on art. Melody’s is located on third street right across the street from the Johnston County Library. For more information call: Johnston County Arts Council at 919-938-0306 or Jane Kate Brown at 919 965-9785.

Speechcraft Series

February 21 & 28 and March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2013, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Johnston County Workforce Development Center on 135 Bestwood Drive in Clayton. This program is offered by the Clayton Area Toastmasters (CAT). This series offers an opportunity to become familiar with the Toastmaster method of reducing fear of public speaking and improving communication and leadership skills. Registration is required. The workbook fee per person is $25.00. For further information, visit www.claytontm.com or call Vice President Education at 919-346-3936.

Motheread

Motheread is a 12-week Partnership for Children of Johnston County program that combines the teaching of literacy skills with child development and family empowerment issues. Parents and children learn to use the power of language to discover more about themselves, their families, and their communities. These classes are appropriate for all adults, regardless of reading ability or prior educational experience. By teaching the “why” of reading rather than just emphasizing the “how,” classes encourage parents to be reading role models for their children. This class is free to the public. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Light refreshments and free child care during the class are provided as a service to participants. For more information about Motheread, contact Erica Reid at (919)202-0002 ext. 258 or ereid@pfcjc.org

JoCo Kids Consignment

JoCo Kids Consignment will be held in Clayton Corners off of HWY 70 W near Lowe’s Foods, March 7-9. They offer our consignors a chance to earn up to 75% of their sales and they are currently accepting consignors. Those interested should visit www. jocosale.com or email samandalice@gmail.com.

Parenting Class 101

The Johnston County Public Health Department is offering parenting classes for anyone living in the county with children birth to five years of age. Topics include sick child, immunizations, CPR and first aid, lead safety, dental health, car seat safety, child development and discipline. Four series will be offered (March 5 & 12, June 4 & 11, Aug. 6 & 13 and Nov. 5 & 12) from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Johnston County Public Health Dept., 517 North Brightleaf Blvd. in Smithfield. Registration is required. Call Tierra Taylor at 919-989-5200.

Discovery Church Preschool Now Enrolling

Discovery Church offers a half-day preschool for two-, three- and four-year-olds, where young children can feel secure, grow in the Christian faith and gain a love of learning. Children experience God’s love for them through Bible stories, music, games and creative activities while learning the academic essentials to prepare them for Kindergarten. For more information, visit www.discovery-church.com, email dcpgwen@bellsouth.net, or call 919-553-7256.

Widowed Persons Organization of Clayton

The Widowed Persons Organization of Clayton and the surrounding area meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Rainbow Lanes in Clayton at 7 p.m. This is open to singles that have lost their mates from death and are looking for fellowship and friendship with others. The cost is $5 for light snacks and the meeting. Please come and enjoy. For more information, call 919-616-5131 or 919-772-7086.

Birthdays at DanceArt Studio

DanceArt Studio offers private and personal Birthday Parties for all ages. Parties include private party room, energetic party leader, dance, fun, music, games, and more. They provide optional themes, from Disney Princess to Rock n’ Roll. The cost of a two-hour party is $175 but they are currently giving $15 off. Call today to book your party 919-550-6556 or visit our website for more information at www.danceartinc.com.

K-6 After School Tutoring

Available on Tuesdays from 5 – 7 p.m. at Showers of Blessing Community Church, 10 Technology Drive (behind Dairy Queen @ 40/42). Tutoring will not be available when JCS is closed or on Early Release Days. For more information please call 919-673-4012.

A Church with no Pews

New! An untraditional church for an untraditional world, but with an uncompromised message. Sound interesting? Want to know more? Bible study is in place and we are adding to our Impact team for a 2013 launch in the McGees Crossroads area. For more information on how to impact our community please contact Rev Ash Jones at awjones12001@yahoo.com or call 919-219-3240.

Mommy & Me Program

Now enrolling for the fall semester of the Jumpin’ Jax Mommy & Me Program. These weekly instructor lead classes are full of fun and fitness for parents and children, ages 19 months to 4 years old. The new semester began August 27. No registration fee. For more information or to register, call 919-772-5546 or go to jumpinjkids.com.

Baptist Center Church Preschool

Baptist Center Church Preschool is now enrolling for the 2012/2013 school year. Registration is $90.00 per child and tuition is $140.00 per month for the three day program. Classes are held for 2, 3, and 4 year old children. For more information, contact Deborah McAllister 919-215-3428.

Jumpin’ Jax Preschool

The Jumpin’ Jax Preschool is now enrolling for the 2012/2013 school year. We offer two-day, three-day or five-day enrollment options for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Classes begin Tuesday, September 4th and are held daily from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. No registration fee. For more information or to register, call 919-772-5546 or go to jumpinjkids.com.

Military Families Support Group

Meets the 2nd Monday and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Triangle Baptist Church, 9713 Old Stage Road, Garner. Child care and snack provided. If you are worried, scared or don’t know much about military deployment, join others who truly understand what you are going through. Spouses, parents of soldiers, family, friends and supporters are welcome. Contact Ronna Jones at 919-772-3482 for more information.

Beginner Gymnastics/Tumbling Class

This new drop-off class at Jumpin’ Jax will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. for children ages 4-10 years old. The combined program of gymnastics and tumbling is designed to build confidence and strength, increase flexibility, and improve balance and coordination. Classes begin Tuesday, September 4th. No registration fee. For more information or to register, call 919-772-5546 or go to jumpinjkids.com.

Crossroads Civitan Club

Meeting at Golden Corral, first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Exit 312, Interstate 40 and State Route 42, Garner, N.C. Call 919-656-4378 or 919-625-8068.

Faith & Victory Church

We are excited to announce the launch of Faith & Victory Church. We currently are meeting at The Hampton Inn at 40/42 hwy at 10:30 am. Children’s Church and Coffee Provided! We have Lifegroups meeting Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Please contact Pastor Rodney at 919-820-9332.

USS COLUMBUS

Shipmates Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS COLUMBUS CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 and the USS COLUMBUS (SSN-762) past and present, if you would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends and make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope, president by phone at 260-486-2221 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Please email hope4391@verizon.net for more information.

Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free and voluntary parent support program provided by the Johnston County Health Department and funded by Smart Start through the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. PAT serves Johnston county families with children from birth to age 5. Parent Educators visit families at home and bring the latest information on child development along with practical activities parents can do with their children to enhance their development. For more information or to make a referral, please call 919-989-5200 and ask for Tammy Evans.

Baptist Center Church Preschool

Now enrolling for the 2012/2013 school year. Registration is $90 per child and tuition is $140 per month for the three day program. Classes are held for 2, 3, and 4 year old children. For more information contact Kay Johnson, 919-524-0913.

Clayton Area Toastmasters

Meets every Thursday from 6 – 7 p.m. at the JCC Workforce Development Center on 135 Bestwood Drive, just off U.S. 70 in Clayton. For more information, call Anthony Allen, Vice President Membership at 919.585.2098 or visit www.claytontm.com.

NC Father’s Rights

NC Father’s Rights, a grassroots effort to help NC Fathers preserve their parental rights to their children, has started a Johnston County chapter. We want to educate our state legislators on the benefits to children when relationships with fathers are preserved. Join us via our website www.ncfathersrights.org. Membership is free.

Democratic Women of Johnston County

Meetings held the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 S Second St, Smithfield. For more information, call 919-550-4186.

Program provides assistance

The WIC Program provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and community resources. Services are available in Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon, Wake Forest, and Brentwood. Those eligible must: be a pregnant or postpartum woman, infant, or child under age 5; live in NC; have a gross annual income under 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Call (919) 250-4720 for appointment. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Garner Prayer Furnace

The Garner Prayer Furnace is a Jesus Christ-focused ministry of night and day prayer. We have various service times available in order to unite the body of Christ so we may serve our Audience of One-God. For more information, visit www.KingdomAdvance.org or call 919-772-0299. We are located at 309 Holman Drive, Garner, NC.

Youth Center

Thee Spot Youth Center is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 7 - 10 p.m. for grades 3 -12. Those younger than 3rd grade must be accompanied by parent or guardian. This is a safe and Christian environment for all youth sponsored by Showers of Blessing Community Church. Thee Spot is located behind Dairy Queen at 40/42. Contact Kinetta Anderson at 779-7750.