Seniors to gather
Pine Level seniors will gather at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the American Legion building. The Rev. Kenny Lee of Johnston Community Church will lead the devotion. Valerie Hill of Manpower will talk about jobs for seniors, and Kimberly Tilghman of the Johnston County Council on Aging will talk about health insurance. Seniors will play Bingo and sing Christmas carols. Those attending are asked to bring covered dishes and desserts.

Cinderella Ball
The Progressive Women's Club will present its annual Cinderella Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday at Smithfield Middle School on Buffalo Road, Smithfield.

Womanless pageant in Benson
"Divine Miss Diva," a womanless beauty pageant, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, in the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium in Benson. Proceeds will go to the Children's Home in Oxford. Tickets are available at Perfection Graphics in Benson, Snapdragons in Dunn and the Erwin Chamber of Commerce.

Memorial service Dec. 13
Home Health & Hospice Care will hold a candlelight memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 215 E. Caroline Ave., Smithfield.

'Rescue and Recycle'
"Rescue and Recycle," a benefit for Marley's Cat Tales, is scheduled from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. Saturday at Atlantic Scrap and Processing, 2233 Wal-Pat Road, Smithfield. For every pound of nonferrous metals recycled on Saturday, ASAP will donate 10 cents of Marley's, which rescues and find homes for stray animals. Non-ferrous materials include aluminum, cooper, brass and stainless steel. Refreshments will be served, and the organizers will give away at 25-inch flat-screen TV.

Retirees to hold Yule party
The Johnston County chapter of Retired and Active Federal Employees will hold its Christmas party at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Ryan's Steak House on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield.

Book Club to meet
The Library Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E. Market St., Smithfield. This month's topic is "The Worst Hard Time" by Timothy Egan. For a copy of the book, call Ruby Smith at 934-8146, Ext. 3.

Pageants seek contestants
Two Johnston County pageants are seeking contestants.

The Miss Johnston County Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held Feb. 1 at The Clayton Center. The Miss Johnston County will follow Feb. 2, also at The Clayton Center.

The pageants are open to young ladies ages 13-24 who are residents, students or full-time employees in the following counties: Johnson, Harnett, Wake, Wayne and Wilson. Contestants will be judged on physical fitness, interview, talent, on-stage question and evening gown.

A meeting for contestants will be held Jan. 6 at Twinkle Toes Dance Studio in Selma. That's the deadline to turn in paperwork.

For more information, contact Heather Ballance-Brown at 868-0309 or missjohnston04@aol.com or Jamie Ballance at jballance@yahoo.com.