Garner Deadlines

Thursday by 12 p.m. (the week prior to publication date) is the deadline for submission of typed, faxed and handwritten items to be submitted for the following week’s paper. They can be faxed to 919-552-7564. The deadline for e-mailed submissions is Friday by 5 p.m. Send email to kgriffith@raleighsouthonline.com. Submissions should be no longer than 150 words.

Cans for a Cure/Chairs of Hope

Aluminum cans can be dumped loose in the blue recycling dumpster at Vandora Springs Elementary anytime during the summer with recycling proceeds going to benefit Garner’s Relay For Life and The American Cancer Society. Vandora Springs Elementary is located at 1300 Vandora Springs Road in Garner. Vandora Springs Elementary is now looking for donations of wooden chairs to paint in the coming year for the Chairs of Hope project, which also raises money to benefit Relay For Life. For more information, please contact Jim Hunt at 919-779-6939, or email jhunt@wcpss.net.

Host Families Needed

Spend the summer with an international student. Host a student from France or Spain. Students have good English skills, bring their own spending money and health insurance and are eager to meet a U.S. family. The French three-week program is from June 30 to July 21. The Spanish four-week program is from June 24 to July 20. Students are between the ages of 14 and 17. There are 8 students still needing host families for the summer programs. For more information, contact Crystal at 919-413-3652 or email crystalallis@me.com by Wednesday, June 20.

VBS at Ernest Myatt PC

Thursday - Saturday, June 21 - 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church in Garner. A meal will be provided for the attendees from 5:30 to 6 p.m. VBS is free to children between the ages 3 and 10. For more information, call 919-772-4611 or visit www.emyattpc.org.

Believers’ Community

On Friday, June 22, a singles fourth Friday will be held. The event will be a potluck, worship and teaching night for singles of all ages from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Crossroads Fellowship Millbrook campus in the great room.
Pastor George will be teaching on “Unity that Builds Community” and Lynn Bell and band will lead the group in a powerful time of worship. Bring a dish to share and invite your friends! Free Childcare will be provided.
Crossroads Fellowship is located at 2721 Millbrook Road in Raleigh. For more information, email singles@crossroads.org.

Dance Like No One Is Watching Gala

On Friday, June 29, the second annual “Dance Like No One Is Watching Gala” will be held. The event is a dance for any individuals young through adults young at heart who have a life altering illness, are in need of vital organ transplants or disability of any kind. Due to circumstances such that have impacted them many of these individuals felt left out. Things such as weight gain from steroids, loss of hair, and the fear of not having an escort made many of the teenagers we help forgo their prom experience. We believe this is unnecessary!
DLNOW will be inviting local and surrounding businesses, Teaming up with the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association and The Hilton North Raleigh to reach out to local organizations such as; Duke Childrens Hospital, A Small Miracle Inc., Duke Cancer Program, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish and SECU Family House as guest at the event.
The organization is in need of volunteers who would like to donate their time, or professional services (photographers, make-up artist, etc.) For more information, contact David Alejo at 919-570-4107 or at dfalejo@ncsu.edu or DLNOW Founder Naomi Smith at 919-866-8677 or dancelikenooneiswatchinggala@yahoo.com.

Vacation Bible School

Mount Zion United Methodist Church invites children ages 3 (must be potty trained) through rising eighth graders to attend the “SONRISE National Park” Vacation Bible School, Monday through Friday, July 9 through July 13, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. There will be a light supper served each evening from 6 to 6:25 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The VBS musical program will be held on Sunday, July 15, at the 11 a.m. Worship Service, followed by a covered dish lunch. You can pre-register for VBS online on our website beginning on June 3. Registration forms will be in the Narthex. You will be able to pick up VBS forms in the Church Office beginning on June 4. Mount Zion’s VBS is free.
Mount Zion is located at 15772 NC 50 N, ¼ mile south of the intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 42, in Garner. 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.

Summer Rowing Camps

Interested in rowing? Try the Triangle Rowing Club’s Summer Rowing Academy. These camps are designed for both novice (brand new) and experienced rowers. There will be two remaining sessions this summer: July 16-20 and July 30-Aug. 3. Email camp@trianglerowing.org for registration forms and more information. We include sweep and sculling instruction and maintain a one boat per coach ratio. All of these programs will meet at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh. The typical week is Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. A snack is provided for the campers each day. The cost is $180.

Parenting Classes

Johnston County Public Health Department is now offering parenting classes to anyone living in Johnston County with children birth to five years of age. Parents will have the opportunity to gain more knowledge on what to do if your child is sick, immunizations, infant CPR and first aid, dental health, lead safety, car seat safety and child development. We are offering classes on July 18 and 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Oct. 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Please plan to attend both classes. If you have any questions or would like to register for the parenting class, please contact Tierra Taylor at 919-989-5200.

GSHS Class of 1977 Reunion

Garner Senior High School Class of 1977 is looking for its members. The 35th class reunion is planned for Oct. 20, 2012 at the Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner. The reunion planning committee wants to reach as many classmates as possible. If you have not been contacted by a classmate, please send your information to the committee at gshsclassof1977@hotmail.com.

Country Garden Montessori

Country Garden Montessori currently has one Children’s House classroom (ages 3-6), with plans to expand (ages 6-9). It provides a very nurturing and warm educational environment. The student to teacher ratio is low, which allows for more individual attention for each child. The school was started three and a half years ago by Claudia Vickers, who has been a Montessori teacher for 18 years. Before starting her own school, she taught at private Montessori schools as well as Sterling Montessori and Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School. She has two bachelor degrees (one in early childhood education – Birth through Kindergarten Education) as well as graduate level work. She also has a N.C. teaching license. She was excited to branch out with her own school, bringing Montessori to Johnston County.Open house events are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Country Garden Montessori has just started enrolling for Fall 2012. Scheduled visits and observations are welcome. For more information on scheduling a visit or the open houses, call 919-639-8388, email claudia@countrygardenmontesori.net or visit www.countrygardenmontessori.net.

Sunday Afternoon Story Time

Visit White Deer Park Nature Center on the first Sunday of each month from 2-3 p.m. and listen to fun and entertaining stories about nature. This free activity is perfect for the entire family. No reservations are required. An adult must accompany children at all times.

Garner Prayer Furnace

The Garner Prayer Furnace is a Jesus Christ-focused ministry of night and day prayer. It is our desire to gather our city together in a place of fellowship and unify as ONE in the Body of Christ. We are here to exalt the name of Jesus as we contend for a breakthrough in the lives of people, a city, a region, a nation and the world. We believe God for full teams of musicians, singers and intercessors who will lift their voices in praise and supplication, asking God to fulfill His promise and give the nations of the earth to Jesus as His inheritance. 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, please visit us at www.KingdomAdvance.org or call us at 919-772-0299. We are located at 309 Holman Drive, Garner, NC 27529.

hopekids preschool

“hopekids preschool” is pleased to announce the opening of the new Garner campus. We are currently registering for the 2011-2012 school year. Programs will be offered for children ages 1 through transitional Kindergarten age. hopekids preschool is a Christian preschool offering half-day programs in the mornings. Please visit our website for class options, tuition information and a downloadable application form at www.newhopenc.org/Children/HopeKids-Preschool.aspx. hopekids preschool is a ministry of newhope church and is located at 2967 Benson Road in Garner. To arrange a tour please call 919-206-HOPE (4673) or email hopekidsgarner@newhopenc.org.

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 North Carolina; and have a gross annual income under 185 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. For an appointment or for more information, please call 919-250-4720. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Kisses from Heaven

New grief support group, KISSES FROM HEAVEN, will hold monthly meetings the last Sunday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meeting will take place at Elite Chiropractic Center located at 8837 US Hwy 70, in Clayton. This support group is open to parents and siblings who have lost a child 2 years of age and under. We are excited to have THREE grief counselors on site. This support group is free to all who participate. The goal of KISSES FROM HEAVEN is to provide time for fellowship, sharing, healing and support to one another through our healing processes. Contact the Miracle of Matthew at 919-631-1438.

Christian Women’s Job Corps

Do you feel stuck in life and need a hand UP? Christian Women’s Job Corps can help. Learn to manage your money, save and create a budget. Learn how to handle and avoid conflict. Learn skills that help you when applying for jobs and help you keep a job. Attend Bible study. Get support and encouragement from a mentor who will cheer you on! Become a stonger you, with hope for your future! If you would like to hear more about being part of this program call 231-3995 ext. 113. Staff is in the office Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Leave a message anytime. For more information, email cwjc@raleighbaptists.org.

Sharing Our Stories Grief Support Group

Sharing Our Stories, a grief support group sponsored jointly by Resources for Seniors and Heartland Hospice meets biweekly, first and third Mondays of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Garner Senior Center, 205 E. Garner Road. Those who have experienced loss are invited to join anytime. Contact Dot Murray at 919-877-9959 or Janet Harrison at 661-6894.

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.

Calling Service Minded People

The Garner Lions Club is expanding! Our club is looking for individuals who are interested in getting involved with their community and helping people in need. The Garner Lions club has helped over 20 individuals in the local area with assistance in getting an eye exam and getting glasses over the last year. We had a BBQ chicken fundraiser in late winter to raise funds to help local citizens in need. Our main goal is to assist those who are visually impaired. We help provide help for Camp Dogwood, a camp specialized for those who are visually impaired. We also help in funding Campaign SightFirst, an international effort to eradicate preventable blindness throughout the world. Contact Ed Ketron at 662-5266.

Volunteers Needed

Can you spare one hour per month? If so, would you donate it to us? Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers who are willing to spare one hour of their time to deliver lunch to home bound citizens in the Garner area on weekdays only. Call the Garner Senior Center at 919-772-5057 or visit 205 E. Garner Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays.

Scouts Needed

Troop 397 meets every Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary Mother of Church in Garner (1008 Vandora Springs Road). The Troop is looking for new members, but those interested must be in at least sixth grade. The Troop does a number of activities including camping, hiking and community service projects.

Bible Buddies

New Life Wesleyan Church is offering Bible Buddies, a special needs class, for ages K-5th. Held every Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The class focuses on music, sensory activities, art, snacks and one on one Bible teaching. Each child is prayed for every Sunday. All disabilities are welcome. Lots of fun for the kids and a chance for parents/caregivers to relax.

Local Military Families Connect

Local Military Families Connect, the Homeland Heroes Military Family Program, meets the second Monday and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Childcare and snacks are provided. The group meets at Triangle Baptist Church, 9713 Old Stage Road in Raleigh. These meetings are to connect local military families, including parents of soldiers, friends, and supporters that don’t live near a military base to find resources and the support they need. We are here to help you navigate this roller coaster ride we call “deployment”, to make it a smoother ride for you. You will learn many things: military life, how/what to do when your soldier deploys to a war zone (before/during/after the deployment), communicate, support your soldier, and deal with your feelings/worries…We have, reliable information about anything you need. It is very helpful and stress relieving to talk with people who know EXACTLY how you feel — (lost/ anxious/ fearful/what to do/expect…) We also have expert speakers on various subjects. Call Ronna Jones, coordinator, 772-3482 or email rjmfsg@live.com.

Christian Academy

Lighthouse Christian Academy now enrolling grades 1-12. A.C.E. Curriculum, We offer relaxed atmosphere, positive influence, small class sizes, Art, Drama, Key Club, Service Projects, History and Science Fairs, P.E. and Tutoring. Call 427-8362.

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.

Volunteers Needed

The North Carolina Emergency Reserves (NCER) has opportunities to get involved in most aspects of disaster-response. Membership is open to all state citizens age 18 and up. Call 919-269-3453 or email ncerpio@yahoo.com for more information.

Jordan Lake Sudbury School

Jordan Lake Sudbury School is a participatory democracy for students from kindergarten through high school. Operating in Cary but planning a move to the 64 corridor in the near future, this private school provides a vibrant community of mixed-age learners who initiate and pursue their own course of study in a way most appropriate for them. Enrollment is open. Students are accepted year-round. Please go to www.jordanlakesudbury.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 eighth 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.

Needmore Ruritan Club

The Needmore Ruritan Club holds its monthly dinner meeting the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 1812 Bass Lake Road. Join us as we work to build a better America through fellowship, goodwill, and community service. Please call club president, Bruce Church, 919-422-8520 to find more information about the organization.

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.

Overeaters Anonymous

Meets Mondays Overeaters Anonymous are people recovering from compulsive eating. We meet each Monday night at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is at the intersection of 70 and 50 (Benson Road) next to the Dollar Store in suite 527 at the Sovereign King Church. Please contact Dale M. at 919-630-2592 or Barbara at 919-760-3661 or www.triangleoa.org for more information.

Showers of Blessing services

Showers of Blessing Community Church welcomes community members to join them during worship celebrations on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The church is located at 10 Technology Drive (right behind Dairy Queen at 40/42). Call 779-7750 or visit www. showersofblessing.org. Rev. Gail I. Myers, Pastor.