More at Four program accepting applications Applications for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County’s More at Four Program are now available. More at Four is a no cost pre-kindergarten program for 4 year olds that provides high quality early education to enhance kindergarten readiness. To qualify for the programs, Johnston County families must meet income guidelines and children must turn 4 by August 31, 2010 (born between October 17, 2005 and August 31, 2006). Children meeting the most risk factors will be given priority for placement. The program is NOT first come, first served. Applications can be downloaded at www.pfcjc.org, stop by the Partnership office at 1406-A S. Pollock St in Selma or call (919) 202-0002. Pre-scheduled appointments to submit completed applications will be available from Feb. 23 - April 30.

Dine and Take Charge of Your Diabetes The Dine and Take Charge of Your Diabetes Cooking School is a five-evening course that provides instruction, information, and nutritional recipes for people living with diabetes. It is open to all individuals with diabetes and their family members. The cost is $15 per person. Each evening we will eat the food prepared in the cooking demonstration. Event Dates and Times: Thursday evenings: March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. each evening. Pre-registration is necessary. For more information visit www.ces.ncsu.edu or contact the JC Cooperative Extension office at (919) 989-5380.

Curves Food Drive for Harbor, Inc. Curves of Cleveland is accepting food donations during March for Harbor, Inc. Harbor, Inc., located in Johnston County, provides shelter and assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Curves will also waive their service fee for donors wishing to join. For more info call (919) 661-9646.

Opening Art Reception at Eye of the Eagle The paintings of Tom Krasowski will be on exhibit in the Green Room for the Month of March at the Eye of the Eagle Art in Clayton. The exhibit runs from March 1 through March 30. The opening reception for the artist and guests will be on Monday, March 1 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Krasowski works primarily in oils and his paintings reflect his interest in cubism, both modern and abstract. While in the military traveling through Europe, Krasowski was inspired by the art he saw in places such as France, Italy and Spain.

Play tells story of nation’s first published African American poet The N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh will present a readers’ theater play written by award-winning poet and playwright Rudy Wallace. The play Sacred Fire: Phillis Wheatley and Her Friends tells the poignant story of the nation’s first published African American poet. Born in Senegal, Africa, in 1753 or 1754, Wheatley was enslaved at age seven and purchased by the John Wheatley family of Boston. The Wheatleys accepted her as a family member and taught her to read and write. They encouraged her creativity, which led to her poetic success. Sacred Fire: Phillis Wheatley and Her Friends reveals her life through the words of those who knew her. The dramatization, performed by the Raleigh theater company Voices in Concert, will take place Friday, March 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. The cast includes local professional actors with credits nationally. Admission is $5 for adults and free for ages 12 and under. To register in advance, call 807-7992. Tickets can be purchased the night of the event in the Museum Shop. For more information, call 807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org. The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton St., across from the State Capitol.

Mount Zion’s Ole Fashion Supper Satisfy your appetite and refresh your spirit at Mt. Zion’s Annual Ole Fashion Supper on Saturday, March 6 from 4 – 8 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. With tickets just $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4 to 12, ages three and under are free. This is an evening of culinary delights for the entire family. You can feast in our fellowship hall or fix your plate and take it out. Enjoy mouth-watering country cooking including fried chicken, barbeque, ham, chicken and pastry, hot dogs, fat back, streak-o-lean and even chitterlings. Feast on a variety of tasty vegetables including collards, potatoes and green beans. And, delight in homemade hushpuppies and buttered biscuits so light and flaky you’ll be begging for the recipe. Topping it all off will be the legendary Mt. Zion dessert table, a delectable display of sweet cakes, melt-in-your mouth pies, and that Southern staple - - banana pudding. It’s Johnston County cooking at its very best! The profits from this fundraiser go to our building fund. Tickets are available ahead of time by calling the church office at 772-8415 and can also be purchased the day of the Ole Fashion Supper. Mount Zion is located at 15772 NC 50 N, 1/4 mile south of the Hwy. 42 / Hwy. 50 intersection. Mount Zion welcomes visitors to its fellowship. For additional information, please contact the church office or e-mail info@mountzion-umc.org. Additional information about Mount Zion can be found at www.mountzion-umc.org.

Driven Quartet concert at Plainview Church The Driven Quartet will be in concert on Saturday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at Plainview Presbyterian Church, 2712 Plainview Church Rd. in Angier. A love offering will be taken. For more information call (919) 639-7767.

MCAA 10U Softball Draft The McGee’s Crossroads Athletic Association’s softball program will be holding a 10U softball draft on Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m. at McGee’s Middle School. If you’re interested in joining the 10U program, please contact Heather Krebs at hskrebs@gmail.com. Limited space is also available in the 8U and 18U divisions.

Friendly Chapel gospel program Friendly Chapel PFWB Church will be having a gospel program with Alvin Smith in the style of Elvis. The program will be held Sunday, March 7 at 6 p.m. Friendly Chapel PFWB Church is located at 11455 Hwy 50 N in Benson.

Republican Party meeting and convention The Johnston County Republican Party will hold its annual precinct meetings and county convention March 9 at the county courthouse, 207 E. Johnston St., Smithfield, 27577. Precinct meetings will begin promptly at 7 p.m., followed by the county convention. All registered Republicans are strongly encouraged to attend. For more information please contact Chairman Andrew Tyree at (919) 634-0015.

Upcoming events at Johnston Health Want to know more about gangs? Detective Kritch Allen of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department will talk about what’s going on lately with gangs. He will speak from 6 till 7 p.m. on March 8 in the auditorium of the Johnston Medical Mall. The event is free and for adults only. For new parents New parents are invited to childbirth and Lamaze classes on March 6 & 13 in room 1404B of the medical mall. The first Saturday session is from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. The second Saturday session is from 8 a.m. till noon. The fee for the classes is $80 per couple. Pre-registration is a must. Call 938-7736.

CPR classes Want to learn CPR or need to re-certify? A beginner’s class will be from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. on March 17 in room 1404B of the medical mall. The re-certification class will be from 1 till 4 p.m. on March 10 in the same room. To register for either class, call 938-7736. The fee is $71 and includes materials.

Advanced Life Support classes Want to learn pediatric advanced life support or need to re-certify in advanced life support? A PALS class will be offered from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. on March 24 & 25 in the medical mall auditorium. An ACLS re-certification class will be from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. on March 8 in the same room. To pre-register for either class, call 938-7736. The fee is $200 and includes materials.

Breastfeeding class Want to learn about the advantages of breastfeeding your baby? New parents are invited to a class from 7 till 9 p.m. on March 9 in the medical mall auditorium. The fee is $30 per couple.

Diabetes class Want to learn how to better manage your diabetes? A class for outpatients will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 23 in room 1404B of the medical mall. Participants must have orders from their doctors to attend and must contact the hospital’s scheduling department for an appointment. Insurance will be filed. Diabetes Alert Day Get your blood sugar checked during a free screening from 7:30 till 9:30 a.m. on March 30 in front of the mall auditorium.

Mt. Herman Missions Conference Join us at Mt. Herman Christian Church, 8925 White Oak Road in Garner, NC for our 2010 Missions Conference with special visiting missionary guests. Services: Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m.; Missions Banquet - Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m; Sunday morning 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and 10:45 a.m. Worship service and Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. For more information call (919) 773-6155.

Garner Relay for Life Fundraiser ALL proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life! Spaghetti Dinner – Friday, March 12 at Panther Branch Community Center, near the intersection of Ten-Ten Road and Benson Road (Hwy. 50), 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. We plan to sell tickets ahead of time at a discount. Plates will include spaghetti, garlic bread, and a dessert. People will have a choice to add meatballs and Parmesan cheese.

Beauty and the Beast hits the stage at Middle Creek High Please join Middle Creek High School's Fine Arts Department for the 2010 Spring Musical: Disney's Beauty and The Beast! Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, this "tale as old as time" offers a great opportunity to bring friends and family together to enjoy theatre at its best. Performance dates: March 11 – 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 14 at 2 p.m. (Children, dress as your favorite Disney character!) Location: Middle Creek High School (123 Middle Creek Park Avenue, Apex, NC 27539) Ticket info: $10 at door or purchase now online to reserve seats! www.seatyourself.biz/middlecreekhs

Clayton Teen Fest Clayton Teen Fest 2010, a Christian youth conference and festival for teenagers, will be held Saturday, March 20 at 4 p.m. at the Clayton Civitan Football Field. This festival is the brainchild and senior project of student Jordan Wing. There will be music, bands, speakers, entertainment, dramas, testimonies, games and a lot of rides.

Spring Fashion Runway Event Looking for an afternoon full of Fun and Fashion? Spring Fashion Runway Event March 20 ~ 2 p.m. Hosted by “The Shoppes on Main” 212 S. Main Street, downtown Fuquay-Varina The fashion show will feature the new Spring and Summer children’s lines from Sweet Treat Boutique, a local children’s clothing designer. The Preteen & Teen designs will also make their debut at this event! Open to the public at no charge, this is the perfect event to find that special item for a little princess in your life while browsing the 11 unique stores that offer everything from handcrafted gifts to gourmet foods. For more information visit sweettreatboutique.com

Benton Battlefield reenactment Tickets are available for the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina’s largest Civil War reenactment, slated for March 20-21, at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, near Four Oaks, I-95, Exit 90. Bentonville Battlefield is the largest Civil War Battlefield in the state and the site of the only offensive battle to stop General William T. Sherman’s March from Atlanta, Ga. More than 3,500 re-enactors and 30,000 spectators are expected to attend the event, which includes two battles, military and civilian encampments and special educational programs over a two-day period. For more information, visit www.bentonvillebattlefield.com.

Red Cross Blood Drive at Mount Zion UMC On Sunday, March 21, there will be a Red Cross Blood Drive at Mount Zion United Methodist Church from 12:15-4:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For appointments go online to www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule click on “search by sponsor” and enter sponsor code “1310” or call Sandy Wise at 894-2203. All presenting donors are automatically entered in a drawing to win a $1,000 Gift Card! Mount Zion is located at 15772 NC 50 N, ¼ mile south of the intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 42. Mount Zion welcomes visitors to its fellowship! For additional information, please contact the church office at 772-8415 or e-mail info@mountzion-umc.org Additional information about Mount Zion can be found at www.mountzion-umc.org.

Hope Church Spring Festival Hope Church is holding its Second Annual Spring Festival Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Clayton Middle School on Guy Road, Clayton. There will be something for everyone including games, rides, food and crafts vendors. They are also conducting a canned and boxed food drive to benefit Clayton Area Ministries. This is a FREE event, except for food and beverages. Bring a friend! For additional information contact Gary Capps (910) 262-0872 or Dorothy Lemay (919) 413-6353. See photos of last year's event at www.hopechurchclayton.org.

Apex Golf Tournament Apex Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday, April 20 at Crooked Creek Golf Club. The registration deadline is April 13. To register or for more information, contact the Apex Chamber of Commerce at (919) 362-6456 or visit us at www.apexchamber.com

Inspiration Station-Sundays at Mount Zion UMC Mount Zion United Methodist Church extends an invitation to all to their new family-friendly, interactive Worship Service called “Inspiration Station.” It is where kids and parents can learn about God together. It is casual, upbeat and energetic. It is held every Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Chapel. Please join us for this exciting worship experience! Mount Zion is located at 15772 NC 50 N, ¼ mile south of the intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 42. For additional information, please contact the church office at 772-8415 or e-mail info@mountzion-umc.org Additional information about Mount Zion and opportunities for worship can be found at www.mountzion-umc.org.

New church announces services We are excited to announce the launch of Faith & Victory Church. We currently are meeting at The Hampton Inn at Hwy 40/42 at 10:30 a.m. Children's Church and coffee provided! We have Lifegroups meeting Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. For more information contact Pastor Rodney at (919) 820-9332.

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Tuesday OA is not just about weight loss, gain or maintenance; or obesity or diets. It addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet. If you want to stop your compulsive eating, welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Overeaters Anonymous meets on Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Sovereign King Church, 110 Donmoor Ct. in Garner. Rotating format: Speaker, Big Book, OA/AA 12&12, Traditions and OA stories out of Lifeline. Driving Directions: From Raleigh on 70: Turn left on Mechanical at light (just before Lowes), left onto Donmoor. From Garner on 70: Turn right on McCormick, left on Mechanical, right on Donmoor. Contacts: Dale M. (919) 630-2592 or Liz V. (919) 661-0183. For more information, visit the group’s web site at www.triangleoa.org.

AWANA program at Mt. Herman Mt. Herman Christian Church, located at 8925 White Oak Road, Garner, NC 27529 has an AWANA program for children aged 3 years through 8th grade every Sunday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us if you are looking for an excellent Bible-based activity for your children. We will not meet on March 14 or April 4. Safe-child policies in place.

TUREMC  Bible Study The Upper Room Experience Ministry Church will be holding a weekly bible study on Fridays at 7 p.m. We will be studying and discussing the Scriptures about end times through the DVD series "What in the world is going on? by Dr. David Jeremiah. If you have any questions please call us at (919) 550-9627 or visit turemc.org for more information.

Arboretum organizes “Plant a Row” project The Johnston Community College Arboretum will dedicate several rows of spring and fall vegetable crops to feed the hungry. The Arboretum is seeking community volunteers to help grow the seedlings in the greenhouse, transplant and maintain the crops in the ground, and then harvest the food for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Knowledgeable staff will help volunteers understand each of these processes while gaining valuable hands-on experience that they can transfer to their own home garden. Seed planting began Feb. 18. The Arboretum staff will conduct informal gardening sessions each Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. prior to your working in the garden. For further details or to sign up, please call Lin Frye, Arboretum director at 209-2052, or Minda Daughtry, Arboretum technician, at 209-2184.

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