Community Notes: Oct. 20 | Raleigh News & Observer

EKG technician courses

Johnston Community College will offer a training course for individuals interested in careers as EKG technicians Oct. 23 through Dec. 11. The 48-hour course teaches individuals to interpret cardiac heart rhythms and deliver safe, skillful patient care in hospital or clinical settings. For more information about EKG training at JCC, call 919-464-2355.

“Barefoot in the Park”

The TownePlayers of Garner will present Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” at Garner Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 24, 25, 26 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 26. Tickets ($15 for adults/$12 for students and seniors) are available at the door. “Barefoot in the Park” is the story of a conservative young lawyer who marries a vivacious young woman. Visit towneplayers.org for more information.

Blood drive

A Red Cross Blood Drive is set for 3-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at St. Mary's Church, 1008 Vandora Springs Road, Garner. Call Joyce Unger for appointments at 919-772-6738 or walk in at any time. A special drawing will be held for donors.

Shred event

The Johnston County Register of Deeds will hold a public shredding event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Edwards IGA parking lot, 721 N Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield. The public is invited to shred their documents at this event in an effort to stave off the growing trend of identity theft. For more information, call 919-989-5160.

Operation Medicine Drop

The Garner Police Department will host “Operation Medicine Drop,” a medication take-back event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Garner Town Hall, Building B in the Council Chambers. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions will be asked. For more details, visit NCSafeKids.org.

Walk in her shoes

Harbor, Inc. of Johnston County will host a walk to benefit victims of domestic violence at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Participants in this walk will walk in women’s footwear on the Johnston Health Walking trail on Hospital Road, Smithfield. All proceeds will go to Harbor, Inc. of Johnston County. For more information, visit www.harborshelter.org or call 919-938-3566.

“Bodyology”

“Bodyology” will return to Garner Performing Arts Center on Oct. 28 for two shows at 9:55 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. “Bodyology” is a one-hour theatrical show starring PBS’s Slim Goodbody that explores the inner workings of the human body along with the health practices required to care for it. For more information, visit slimgoodbody.com.

Trick-or-Treat the Trails

Trick-or-Treat the Trails will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road. Participants are invited to trick-or-treat their way around the park trails and collect treats from local community organizations and businesses.

Taste of Carolina Cuisine

The Woman’s Club of Clayton will hold its annual Taste of Carolina Cuisine fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at the Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St., Clayton. A silent auction of will be held, and live music will be featured. The event will showcase 14 Clayton-area restaurants serving taste-sized portions of their best food. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information and to buy tickets, call 919-553-5289.

B.J. Thomas in concert

Pop, country and gospel performer and five-time Grammy winner B.J. Thomas will perform at the the Paul A Johnston Auditorium on the campus of Johnston Community College at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Tickets are available at 919-209-2099 or at www.JCCPerformingArts.com.

Barbecue sale

A barbecue plate sale will be held by Boy Scout Troop 331 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the corner of 7th Ave. and Vandora Springs Road, Garner. Tickets are $8, take-out only. For more information and for advance tickets, email ctanded@nc.rr.com.

Yard sale

Garner American Legion Post 232 will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Civitan Club, 1005 Poole Drive, Garner. All proceeds will benefit the Post’s charitable endeavors supporting local veterans.

Veteran’s Day

The Town of Garner and Garner Veterans Memorial Committee will honor veterans at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at Aversboro Road Baptist Church. The event will include a concert by the Garner Magnet High School band, followed at 11 a.m. by a program featuring Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro as guest speaker. For more information, call 919-455-8278.

Talent show

Auditions will be held for Garner Showcase of Talent on Thursday, Nov. 14. The show is open to all performers who have a connection to Garner. Deadline for registration is Nov. 11. For a complete set of rules as well as an audition registration form, visit www.GarnerPerformingArtsCenter.com.

Flu clinics

Wake County will kick off weekly drop-in flu vaccination clinics from 3-7 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Nov. 14 at the Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway, Fuquay-Varina. In additional to the weekly clinics, appointments can be scheduled. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 919-557-2501.

Southeast Regional Library events

• The Southeast Regional Library will offer Resources for Resume Writing at 11 a.m. Oct. 23. The session, led by librarians, will include an overview of Learning Express Library’s resume course, Microsoft Word resume templates, and tips from the Goodwill Community Foundation’s Learning Foundation. The sessions are free; however, registration is requested.

• Parents are invited to join librarians at 11 a.m. Oct. 25 for recommendations from librarians for books on keeping children healthy.

• Participants are invited to explore their family history at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Experts from the Raleigh and Apex Family History Centers and staff from the Olivia Raney Local History Library will demonstrate the variety of available resources for your genealogical research. The session is free, but registration is required.

Parenting workshops

Partnership for Children of Johnston County offers two programs for parents with young children.

•  Motheread is a 12-week self-paced program that combines the teaching of literacy skills with child development and family empowerment issues.

•  The Incredible Years parent program offers weekly group sessions for 14 to 16 weeks. Participants practice skills to promote children’s academic, social and emotional skills.

For information on times and location, contact Erica Reid at 919-202-0002, ext. 258, or email ereid@pfcjc.org.

Boathouse open

The Lake Benson boathouse is open for the season at 975 Buffaloe Road, Garner. For October, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m. Fridays and Sundays. Boat rentals start at $4 an hour.

No private boats are allowed. Free fishing is available from the dock. Call Stephanie Shaffer at 919-661-6892 or visit www.garnernc.gov.

Classic Car Club meets

Memory Lane Classic Car Club meets for dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Golden Corral, 60 Son-Lan Parkway, Garner. For more information, call 919-553-6229.

Overeaters Anonymous

An Overeaters Anonymous support group meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Lakeside Drive and N.C. 50 in Garner. Park in the rear of the church and look for the OA signs. Call Sherylyn at 919-779-6392 or Regina at 919-614-3425 for more information.