Come explore NC rivers at the Clayton Center The Johnston County Arts Council will highlight Johnston County Reads in celebration of the environmental novel Silent Spring with a free lecture on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. The community is encouraged to attend this free event, as the attendees will be given a free copy of the novel Silent Spring by Rachel Carson which is hailed as “the classic that launched the environmental movement”. Ben Casey has embarked on a mission to explore the major rivers of eastern NC that ultimately flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Through slides, photographs, and personal reflections, the audience will join him in his journeys down the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, viewing Loggerhead turtle hatchlings at Hammocks Beach State Park, wild ponies on Shackleford Banks, and old time fishermen surrounded by pelicans. Throughout Johnston County Reads, there will be numerous programs located around the county to celebrate and further expand on the reading of Silent Spring. A lecture will be given by Anne Rogers on Native Americans and Their Use of the Environment on Monday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield. Throughout the month, book discussions will be held around the county and several film screenings will be offered in the first two weeks of May. Johnston County Reads is presented in partnership by The Johnston County Arts Council and The Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield. For more information on this event, please contact Zilphia Adcock with the Johnston County Arts Council at (919) 553-1930 or info@johnstoncountyarts.org. You also can view a full calendar of events for Johnston County Reads at www.johnstoncountyarts.org. This project is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, Statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Hall of Fame nominees to be inducted April 24 It is with pleasure that we announce the Johnston County Hall of Fame, Class of 2010: Mr. Ronald Franklin (Ron) Avery, South Johnston High Mr. Harvey Brooks, Princeton High Mr. Alfred Wells (Spot) Coats, West Johnston High Mr. Norvell T. Lee (deceased), At Large nomination Mr. James Andrew (Andy) Pleasant, Clayton High Mr. Frank Berry Skinner, Sr. (deceased), Smithfield Selma High Mr. Benjamin Ernest Strifert (deceased), North Johnston High The induction banquet will be held at North Johnston High School in their gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. on April 24. Tickets are available at all high schools. The cost is $10 per person.

Upcoming events at Johnston Health 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 April 27 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. For new parents New parents are invited to childbirth and Lamaze classes on May 1 & 8 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. Offering support If you’ve lost a loved one or have been diagnosed with diabetes, you can find information and encouragement from others in a support group. The diabetes support group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 20 in rooms 1404A & 1404B of the medical mall. The grief support group will meet from 6 till 7 p.m. on April 27 in the interfaith chapel of the patient tower. “Finding Your Way” focuses on finding a new normal, slowing the flow of tears and remembering how to have fun. The events are free.

JCC Relay team plans rib cook off and plate sale The Johnston Community College Relay for Life team is planning a Ribs for Relay Cook Off on Thursday, April 22 on the Smithfield campus. The fundraiser will benefit Johnston County Relay for Life, which will host its annual event for cancer awareness June 4 and 5 on the JCC campus. Plates will be for sale for $7.50 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Plates include ribs, boiled potatoes, string beans, and roll. Eat in or take out; rain or shine. For free delivery of 10 or more plates, please call (919) 209-2131. The event will also feature a rib cook off. The entry fee is $25 to compete and must be received by April 20. For more information or to enter the cook off, please contact Art Andrews at (919) 209-2070 or by e-mail at awandrews@johnstoncc.edu

Spay-ghetti and No Balls Dinner to benefit JCAPL Join us at the Senior Center in Clayton, 303 Dairy Road, Friday, April 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. for JCAPL's Spay-ghetti and No balls Dinner. All Plates include: Spaghetti with meatless/or meat sauce (but no meatballs in the sauce!), garlic bread, beverage and dessert. Plates are $7 per person or $20 for three plates. Plates are $5 per person for 5 years and under or 55 years and over. Order your plate(s) online at www.jcapl.org. Pick up your tickets at the door on the night of the dinner. Help support the Johnston Co. Animal Protection League and get a good meal!

Triangle Seagals meeting The Triangle Seagals, WAVES NATIONAL Unit 144, will meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24 at the Eva Perry Library, 2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Lane in Apex. WAVES NATIONAL is a national organization for women veterans of the U. S. Navy, Naval Reserve, Navy Nurse Corps, U.S. Marines, U. S. Coast Guard, Maritime Service and the WRENS, now serving or who have served at any time during periods of war or peace. Veterans of any of these services are welcome and urged to visit with us and become a part of us. Mr. Chris Hudson, representing the American Association For Wartime Veterans, will be with us to explain not widely known benefits available to veterans and/or their spouses. For more information call (919) 303-8205 or go to : http://sites.google.com/site/triangleseagals/Home and “sea what we are all about.”

How to Boost your Credit Scores workshop Tuesday, April 27 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 900 Ridgefield Drive, Suite 90, Raleigh Are you wondering how to best increase your credit scores? Or what a lender values in your credit so that you can be in a better position to buy or refinance a home? You need to learn what not to do that will trigger your scores going down. This is a free educational workshop where we are not selling anything. Amy Bonis, Certified Mortgage planner is the keynote speaker. Reservations needed. Call (919) 747-7935 or email us at support@amybonis.com or register online at www.amybonis.com. Call today, seating is limited!

“Guys and Dolls” at West Johnston High The West Johnston High School Fine Arts Department presents the musical “Guys & Dolls” April 29, 30, and May 1 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling Sarah Phelps at (919) 934-7333 or emailing sarahphelps@johnston.k12.nc.us. We sell out quickly, so reserve today!

Take 2 Kids Consignment Sale Take 2 Kids Consignment public sale will be held from April 30 - May 2 at the Clayton Civitan Building, 340 McCullers Street ,Clayton. Consignors and volunteer helpers will be accepted right up until the sale and will get to shop April 29. Drop off will be April 28. Shop with us for great prices on gently used children's spring/summer clothing, toys, shoes, books, furniture, strollers, and much more! Also visit with several local vendors at the sale. Visit www.take2kidsconsignment.com for details or call (919) 422-4734. Thanks to our sponsor, Lundie’s Photography.

Pack 64 Cub Scout Yard Sale at Mt. Zion UMC Mt. Zion Cub Scouts will have a Yard Sale on Saturday, May 1 from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Items for sale will include adult & children’s clothes, baby supplies, furniture, books, movies, toys, household utensils and so much more! 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..

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 116 Fish Fry The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 116 in Fuquay-Varina is hosting a Fish Fry Dinner for the community Saturday, May 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Legion Hall at 6400 Johnson Pond Rd. Pre-sale tickets are $7.00 per adult and $5.00 for children 12 and under. Tickets at the door are $8.00. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at the American Legion Lounge Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Take-out plates are available also. Please come out and help the American Legion Auxiliary who helps those who have served and are serving in the military for our Great Nation!

Johnston County Arts Council Seeks Board of Directors The nominating committee of the Johnston County Arts Council is currently accepting nominations for service as a member of the Board of Directors. All director terms are for three years and you may not serve more than two consecutive terms. All persons chosen as directors of the Council shall be individuals who are representative of the demographic makeup of Johnston County, by virtue of their residence in the area, their involvement in business, art, science or other charitable organization or other agency operating in the county, or other interest in the welfare of the community. The slate of officers and new board members will be installed at the Annual Membership Meeting held in mid-May. Anyone interested in serving on the Johnston County Arts Council Board of Directors should contact the JCAC office by May 1 at info@johnstoncountyarts.org or (919) 553-1930.

Color Me Healthy workshop Debbie Stroud of the County Cooperative Extension Service and Kimetha Elliot of the Johnston County Health Department are teaming up to provide a Color Me Healthy workshop on Saturday, May 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Johnston County Agricultural Center Auditorium located at 2736 NC 210 Hwy, Smithfield NC 27577. Childcare providers working with 4 and 5 year old children are eligible to register. Participants will receive all the materials needed to carry the program in their classroom. If you are interested in learning more about Color Me Healthy contact Debbie Stroud at (919) 989-5380 or debra_stroud@ncsu.edu. The registration fee is $3.00 and the deadline is May 10.

Smoking Cessation Classes If you are interested in kicking that nasty habit, please attend the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart Smoking Cessation Classes. You will be provided with essential information and strategies needed to direct you in an effort to stop smoking. Classes will be held on the following dates: May 18, May 20, May 25 and May 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Plan to attend all four classes! Classes are free and will be held at the Johnston County Public Health Department, 517 North Bright Leaf Blvd. in Smithfield. For additional information or to register, please contact Jaime Pearce or Kimetha Elliott at the Johnston County Public Health Department at (919) 989-5200.

HealthQuest starts walk fitness program Looking for a safe, cool place to walk? HealthQuest is starting a program at the Johnston Medical Mall to encourage people to walk for their health. The wellness center is offering discounts, gifts and other incentives quarterly to mall walkers who complete the most laps. Participants will also get invitations to a quarterly breakfast, monthly blood pressure screenings and other special events. The mall is open from 5:30 a.m. till 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 5:30 a.m. till 8 p.m. Friday. Weekend hours are from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 till 5 p.m. on Sunday. The program is free and open to everyone. To join, sign up at the front desk of HealthQuest. For more information, call 938-7581. The mall is located on North Bright Leaf Boulevard across from Johnston Medical Center-Smithfield.

Wake County Human Services WIC Program 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, and *have a gross annual income under 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines. For appointment, please call (919)250-4720. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Sharing our stories Sharing Our Stories, an Amedisys Hospice grief support group in conjunction with Resources for Seniors meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Garner Senior Center, 205 E. Garner Road. All are welcome to attend. For further information, please contact Janet Harrison at 779-0122 or gsc@rfsnc.org or Ann Ritter at 773-4865 or aritter3225@amedisys.com.

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. Safe-child policies in place.

Special Ava Gardner Museum tour packages The Ava Gardner Museum offers several tour packages for groups of all sizes. From civic clubs to church groups, bus tours to family reunions, the Ava Gardner Museum regularly hosts tour groups from all around the country. The group’s visit begins with a tour of the Ava Gardner Museum. Admission tickets include a 15-minute biography shown in the Museum’s theatre and more than 5,000 sq. ft of exhibit space. For group tours, admission is $5 per person and each group will receive one free admission for guides and/or driver per each 20 paid admissions. Looking for a more unique experience? The Museum also offers special packages for groups, including the Ava Heritage Tour, a small group package (up to 25 people) that includes admission to the Ava Gardner Museum and a heritage tour of points of interest in Ava’s hometown. There’s also the At the Movies with Ava package, which includes admission to the Ava Gardner Museum and a screening of a classic Ava Gardner film in the Museum’s theater for up to 50 people. To find out more, contact Jessica Meadows Hammett at (919) 934-5830 or jessica@avagardner.org.

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