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 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 100 words.

First Presbyterian Church of Garner VBS Come join us at the First Presbyteriand Church of Garner for Vacation Bible School July 25-27. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Meal will be provided. VBS will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each night. Upcoming events at Johnston Health Need a speaker? Doctors, health educators and other professionals at Johnston Health are willing and available to speak at meetings of civic clubs and community groups. Topics may include healthful living, affects of aging, surgeries, living wills and hospice care. For more information or to schedule a speaker, call 938-7103 or 938-7194. Camping with HealthQuest Looking for summer activities? HealthQuest, the wellness center of Johnston Health, is offering day camps for children (ages 5 to 12) from 7:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. June 14 through Aug. 20. Activities include swimming, fun games and healthy cooking. Parents may choose weekly or daily rates. For more information or to pre-register, call 938-7581. The center is located inside the Johnston Medical Mall.

13U Cleveland Wildcats Blue Tryouts The Cleveland Wildcats Blue 13U baseball team is looking for dedicated players and parents to complete our fall roster. Tryouts will be held on July 18 and July 31 at 3 p.m. Cleveland Community baseball fields located at 8994 Cleveland School Road Clayton NC 27520. Players can’t turn 14 prior to May 1, 2011 to be eligible. This team is planning a trip to Wide World of Sports Orlando, Florida in the summer of 2011. Contact David Mundy, 919-369-8130 dmundy@sshopper.com or Chris Frederick 919-696-6061 fredricks.christopher@rnc.sysco.com to be placed on the schedule for the tryout or to answer any questions.

American Legion Post 116 Sock Hop The American Legion Post 116 will be hosting a Corn Roast and Chicken BBQ at the post (6400 Johnson Pond Road in Fuquay-Varina) on July 24, 2010 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a Sock Hop from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Besides corn and chicken, there will be boiled potatoes and slaw. You can eat in or take out. The Sock Hop will be D.J.'d by 'DJ Ray in the House' with old 50's and 60's music. The cost of a plate will be $6 and the dance is $5. For a plate and dance combo the cost will be $10. Additional corn will be $1 each. Every Friday night we have karaoke and dancing for your entertainment. We have two halls for rentals, too. We're open to the public so come on down and have some old-fashion fun!

Shopping Extravaganza The Clayton Youth Theater is hosting Christmas in July Shopping Extravaganza on July 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clayton Center. Numerous vendors will on site showcasing their products such as purses, jewelry, hand made crafts, girls hair accessories, personalized children’s books, and much, much more! Be sure to stop by the Youth Theater booth where they will be selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle as well as offering face painting for kids. Various cast members will also be performing throughout the day. Come join us for this indoor family fun event where you’re sure to find HOT deals in our COOL facility! Vendor opportunities are still available. Contact Susan at sisstrsuz@embarqmail.com or visit www.claytonyouththeater.com.

Bingo at Elizabeth United UMC Please join us for a fun afternoon of Bingo at Elizabeth United Methodist Church. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women, for the benefit of missions. Saturday, July 24, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. 4269 Cleveland Road, Smithfield, N.C.

Fall, Summer Soccer Fall soccer registrations opened on May 29, and end Aug. 8. Late registrations will end Aug. 14. Please make sure you register by deadlines. Practices begin in late August. Age Divisions 2010-2011 Season Maximum 8/1/95 to 7/31/98 U15 8/1/98 to 7/31/00 U12 8/1/00 to 7/31/02 U10 8/1/02 to 7/31/04 U08 8/1/04 to 7/31/06 U06 8/1/06 to 7/31/07 U04 Ball Sizes U08 & younger #3 U09 to U12 #4 U13 & older #5 www.gomcaa.com MCAA Girls Summer Soccer Camp will be held July 26-30, 6 to 7:30 p.m., for ages 6-13, at McGees Middle Soccer Field. Cost- $40. Please register online now through July 24. www.gomcaa.com.

Sports camps at Cleveland Middle Cleveland Middle School will be hosting summer baseball and basketball camps. Each camp is open to rising 6th – 8th graders. The baseball camp will be held July 26 – 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Campers should bring all baseball equipment needed to participate, as extra equipment will not be provided. The cost is $60. For more information, contact Chase Crocker at 553-7500, or email ChristopherCrocker@johnston.k12.nc.us. The basketball camp will be held July 26 – 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cleveland Middle. All campers need to have basketball shoes and appropriate attire. The cost of the camp is $60. Or, if your child participates in both camps, the cost is $100. Sign up before June 25 to receive a free camp t-shirt. For more information, contact Mark Keener at MarkKeener@johnston.k12.nc.us.

Big Hat Brunch Show off your beautiful hats. There will be poetry and lunch, music and vendors, on Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per person or $15 for two people at St. Paul A.M.E., 402 West Edenton St. in Raleigh. Reverend G.L. Edmond, Pastor. Call 919-832-2709 for tickets and more information.

Upward Soccer The Upward Soccer Fall Season is just around the corner! Open to Girls and Boys Pre-K through seventh grade. Cost is $70, which includes player jersey kit and end-of-year prize. Registration and evaluations will be held between 9 a.m. to noon on July 31, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14 (choose one date) at Faith Alliance Church, 2225 Aversboro Road. For more information, please call Chris at 919-550-9899 or visit www.Upward.org. VBS at Garner Church of Christ Garner Church of Christ will be holding a “Hero Headquarters” Vacation Bible School Aug. 1 – 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night. Kids will discover they can make a difference with God's power at work. Come learn more! Garner Church of Christ is located at 1364 Benson Road in Garner. For more information visit www.garnerchurchofchrist.org or call 772-1534. Lucian Robinson, minister.

Upcoming summer youth camps at JCC Johnston Community College will offer the following summer youth camps. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. Comic Camp (art) – Boys Only Explore the frame by frame action and suspense of comic book art. This four-day camp will instruct you on how to design a cover, develop a character, a series of events, create line work, work with color, and carry through a sequential theme for the making of your own comic strip. Comic Camp is open to rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade boys. The camp will be held Aug. 2-5 from 9 a.m. to noon at JCC’s Cleveland Center. The registration fee is $45. To register, contact the Cleveland Center at 989-2128 or the Continuing Education registration office at 209-2168. Crazy Fun Art Collages & Watercolors – Girls Only Explore creative and inventive ways to make original works of art using collage and watercolor paints. Be ready to experiment and play with color and fun ideas. The art camp is open to rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade girls. The camp will be held August 2-5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at JCC’s Cleveland Center. The registration fee is $45. To register, contact the Cleveland Center at 989-2128 or the Continuing Education registration office at 209-2168.

Parenting Class 101 Parenting classes will be held for Johnston County parents with children ages birth to five years old. Classes will be held Aug. 4, 11 and 18 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. each day. Topics to be covered include dental health, car seat safety, discipline, CPR, first aid and more. Classes are held at the Johnston County Public Health Department. To register or for more information, call Kimetha Elliott at 989-5200.

Evening Fun Family Event Mt. Herman Christian Church is hosting an Evening Fun Family Event on Sunday, Aug. 8 though Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. This will be a time where the whole family can take part in worship, games and learning from God's word. For further information, you can contact the church office at 919-773-6155 or mhcchurch1@bellsouth.net.

Music on Main After Work Concert Series The Music on Main After Work Concert Series 2010 continues with Spare Change Aug. 12 on Main Street in Downtown Garner. The concert series will be held Sept. 9 (Craig Woolard). Bring your chairs, but please, no coolers. Please visit www.downtowngarner.com or call 773-4402 for more information.

Awana at Mt. Herman Christian Church Awana begins at Mt. Herman Christian Church on Sunday, Aug. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children ages pre-K through 12th grade are welcome to attend. Mt. Herman Christian Church is located in Garner, N.C., at 8925 White Oak Road. Contact 919-773-6155 or mhcchurch1@bellsouth.net for information.

Hunter Safety Course at Mount Zion UMC Mount Zion United Methodist Church invites you to attend a NC Wildlife Resources Commission Hunter Safety Course to be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are no age restrictions, but children under the age of twelve must be accompanied by an adult. On Saturday, you will need to bring your own brown bag lunch. Please call the church office at 772-8415 or email: info@mountzion-umc.org to sign up. There is no fee for this class. You must attend all three sessions. Additional information about Hunter Education can be found at www.ncwildlife.org. Mount Zion UMC 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.

Host families needed Youth For Understanding USA (YFU USA) is seeking local host families to host high school exchange students for the next school year. Host families provide a place to live and three meals a day plus the encouragement, advice and love to help their new family member through a semester or year in a new home. The students bring their own spending money and good health insurance plus the willingness to be a good family member, follow family rules and help out with family responsibilities. YFU provides local representatives who support the students and families to ensure a good experience for all involved. Call your local YFU Representative for more information to see if this might be right for you and your family. You can request profiles of students with interests similar to your own. Contact Craig Gaither at 1-919-674-2093 or via e-mail at gaither@yfu.org. For more information please visit Youth For Understanding USA on our website at www.yfu-usa.org where families and volunteers can learn more about YFU USA programs and fill out an on-line application.

Raleigh Drum Circle Drum for the Hoop Jam every Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. until dark (through October) at Pullen Park above the aquatics center. The event is free. Bring your instruments or borrow ours. Extra hula hoops are available too. Visit www.raleighdrumcircle.org for more information.

USS COLUMBUS Reunion USS COLUMBUS CA-74/CG-12/SSN-762 Reunion Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2010 at Best Western Albany Airport Inn. Please contact Allen R. Hope, President by mail at 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46815-4505 or by phone at 260-486-2221 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). You can also fax Allen Hope at 260-492-9771 or email hope4391@verizon.net for more information.

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, please call 919-250-4720. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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. To find out more about our club projects or becoming a member, contact Ed Ketron at 662-5266.

Sharing Our Stories Grief Support Group Sharing Our Stories, a grief support group sponsored jointly by Resources for Seniors and Amedisys 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 Ann Ritter at 773-4865 or aritter3225@ amedisys.com or Janet Harrison at 661-6894.

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. Contact the Garner Senior Center at 919-772-5057 or visit 205 E. Garner Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays.

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. Call Lisa at 919-934-7497 for more information.

Southside Christian School Southside Christian School (near 40/42) is currently enrolling students. Low student/teacher ratio. Excellent ABeka curriculum. Degreed teachers. Join a Christian school for Christian families. Call 919-553-7652.

Military Families Connection This is a group of military families that live away from a base, who meet to learn from and lean on each other. It is very important to be with others that are going through the same thing that you are. We can help you through the difficult time when your loved one is in harm’s way, or will be deployed soon. We have classes, speakers as needed, and discuss problems and resources. Anyone is welcome to come. We meet the second Monday and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Triangle Baptist Church at 9713 Old Stage Road. Childcare is provided. Call 919-661-7755.

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, community service projects and much more.

Christian Academy Lighthouse Christian Academy NOW Enrolling Grades 1-12. A.C.E. Curriculum, We offer relaxed atmosphere, positive influence, smaller class sizes, Art, Drama, Key Club, Service Projects, History and Science Fairs, P.E., Tutoring and so much more! Please call 427-8362 for more information.

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.

Trinity UMC Music Team Do you have a passion for worship through song? Have you ever wanted to be a member of "the band?" Are you ready to step up and lead the Trinity congregation in praise on Sundays? Would you like to be part of our team? We are looking for people like you to lend their talents and lead Trinity in worship on Sunday mornings by providing accompaniment and leading singing. You would be an excellent addition to our growing team of vocalists and musicians. Trinity UMC is located at 112 Butternut Drive (Hwy. 42 West) in Clayton.

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. For more information, call 919-269-3453 or email ncerpio@yahoo.com.

Jordan Lake Sudbury School Jordan Lake Sudbury School (JLSS) 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 and students are accepted year-round. Visit www.jordanlakesudbury.org for more information.

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.

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). Email hope4391@verizon.net for more information.

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 for more information.

Dixon Road Council Volunteer Needed Dixon Road Elementary has a vacancy on the School Advisory Council. This is a volunteer position. If you are interested in serving on the council and would like to learn more about the position please contact Tina Robinson at 894-7771.

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. For more information, please contact Dale M. at 919-630-2592 or Barbarra at 919-760-3661 or www.triangleoa.org.

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). For more information, please call 779-7750 or visit www.showersofblessing.org. Rev. Gail I. Myers, Pastor.

Up to $1,500 available to artists through grant For assistance in applying for a Regional Artist Project Grant, a workshop is scheduled in Johnston County, Saturday, July 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Johnston County Arts Council, 231 E. 2nd Street, Clayton. RSVP to United Arts by emailing jmcintyre@unitedarts.org or by calling 839-1498, ext. 301. Artists from Johnston County may apply for grants up to $1,500 through the Regional Artist Grant Program administered by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to support projects that will further their professional and artistic development. United Arts is now accepting completed applications. Final deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. For complete guidelines and an application go to the ‘Grants to Individuals’ link at the United Arts website www.unitedarts.org . Johnston County Arts Council is also now accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program subgrants through Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Johnston County Arts Council serves as the North Carolina Arts Council’s partner in awarding subgrants to local organizations for arts programs in Johnston County. The Grassroots Arts Program aims to enrich the cultural life of North Carolina’s communities through the support of local arts programming that provides opportunities for every resident to experience the arts. Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Johnston County. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations (theaters, galleries, choral societies, festivals), arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county. Grassroots funds are not generally awarded to arts organizations that receive funding through the North Carolina Arts Council’s General Support Program. Projects must occur between July 1, 2010– May 15, 2011. To be eligible for funding, non-profit organizations must be located within Johnston County. Programs will be evaluated for organizational stability, ability to generate 1:1 matching funds, audience development (size and cultural diversity), artistic quality, responsiveness to the community’s artistic needs and community outreach. Application forms and grant guidelines are available on the Johnston County Arts Council website at www.johnstoncountyarts.org. Johnston County Arts Council will also mail applications and guidelines upon request.

Class of 1975 The Fuquay-Varina High School Class of 1975 plans to hold its 35-year reunion on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Bentwinds Golf and Country Club and is looking for classmates. A reunion committee has created a website (www.classcreator.com) where people may register and read their classmates’ profiles. The committee will primarily use the website and e-mail to provide details concerning the reunion. Classmates without Internet access may call Beth Ragan at 781-2527 and leave their name and mailing address. The class of ‘75 was the last class to graduate from the old Fuquay-Varina High School (now Fuquay-Varina Middle).