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.

Cleveland Angels Softball Tryouts

The Cleveland Angels 02 Travel Softball Team is looking for a few dedicated, highly motivated, team-first players and parents for the Fall season. Our team has placed no lower than third in every tournament this spring, including first place in the USSSA State Tournament. We have a solid core group of young ladies, and are looking to add impact players. All positions are being considered, but pitching is a priority. If you are interested in playing for a top-notch organization focused on the ideals of good sportsmanship, loyalty, dedication, discipline and leadership, please contact Brad Faulkner ASAP at 919-696-7921 or cpabrad74@gmail.com. Individual tryouts are going on now. All tryouts are confidential.

GSHS Class of 1977 Reunion

Garner Senior High School is holding its 35th reunion on Oct. 20, 2012. The class would like to inviteme members of the classes of 1976 and 1978 to join us for a night of fun and memories. The location is the Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner. The cost is $65 per person. The deadline is Aug. 15. Payments should be sent to GSHS Class of 77, 2204-E Associate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Music off Main

BrickHouse will perform a variety of hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today, combining tight harmonies, a solid rhythm section and blazing instrumentalists to create a powerful, exciting and entertaining ensemble. The show is Thursday, Aug. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the back lawn of Garner Performing Arts Center (125 Avery St.). Local artists will also be displaying and selling their work. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but no coolers, please.

Benefit Concert for Jenna Watkins

In December 2010, Jenna Watkins was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at the age of 13 months. She has spent the majority of the last 15 months in hospitals, both local and in New York. Jenna completed her treatments and now is cancer free as of March 2012. However, her family is in need of financial support. To help, there will be a free concert with live music by Carolina Road and the Jordan River Band on Friday, Aug. 17 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Garner Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. The GPAC is located at 742 West Garner Road. Donations for Jenna’s family will be accepted.

Garner Area Girl Scouts Needs You!

We need caring volunteers to help lead troops so that we can serve girls who are waiting for placement. We will have an information meeting and registration session on Monday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Faith Alliance Church, 2225 Aversboro Road in Garner.
Come be a part of a 100-year-old tradition and make a difference in the life of a girl! For more information, please contact Meridith Orr, Membership Director, at 919-600-6331.

American Legion Post 232 Fundraiser

Jersey Mike’s Subs at McCullers Crossroads will be donating a portion of its sales for the benefit of American Legion Post 232, during the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22 and 29.
The American Legion is a non-profit organization of wartime veterans united by a common bond of continued service to God and country, supporting veterans, our troops, the Flag, youth programs, Americanism, democracy and law and order.
A Post Officer will be available Wednesday in August to answer questions about The American Legion, activities, family membership and accepting membership applications for The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of the American Legion and The American Legion Riders.
Jersey Mike’s Subs is located at 7949

Fayetteville Road in Raleigh. For more information, call Jersey Mike’s Subs at 919-661-0111. The Garner American Legion Post 232 can be contacted at 919-526-0232 or by mail at P.O. Box 252, Garner, NC 27529-0252.

James Gregory at GPAC

Veteran comedian James Gregory, dubbed the “Funniest Man in America,” brings his down-home humor to the Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road) on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Gregory’s show originally was slated in February as part of the Garner Performing Arts Center’s It’s Showtime! series but was rescheduled for Aug. 24 due to a minor medical situation. Elvis tribute artist Eddie Miles closes out the series’ inaugural season on Nov. 17. Tickets for the James Gregory show are $27. Tickets for any of the It’s Showtime! performances can be purchased by visiting garnerperformingartscenter.com or by calling 919-661-4602 during business hours.

GMHS Cheerleader Clinic

The GMHS Cheerleader Clinic will be held Saturday, Aug. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Come join the varsity cheerleaders for some fun and learn cheers and chants! Participants will receive a t-shirt and cheer at the Aug. 30 home football game. The cost is $25 if registered by Aug. 18, ($30 after Aug. 18). The clinic is open to ages 5 to 12. To register or for more information, contact any GMHS cheerleader or email Helen Cole at hcole@wcpss.net to register.

Parenting Classes

Johnston County Public Health Department is now offering parenting classes to anyone living in Johnston County with children birth to 5 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 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.

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.