Health education forum
A Health and Wellness Community Education Forum is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at The Clayton Center, 111 E. 2nd St., Clayton. Doctors and other health professionals will be on hand to talk about blood pressure, chest pain, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, anemia, diet and exercise. Blood-pressure, blood-sugar and cholesterol screenings will be available.

Financial peace
Lighthouse Baptist Church near Four Oaks will play host to Financial Peace University. In the 13-week program, taught by Dave Ramsey, families and individuals learn to manage their money through common-sense principles and small-group accountability. At Lighthouse Baptist, the program will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the church, 2595 Lassiter Road, Four Oak. In a news release, the church said the average family pays off about $5,300 in debt and saves $2,000 in the first 91 days after starting the class. For more information, or to register, call Daniel Simmons at 894-6188 or send an e-mail to dc1simmons@embarqmail.com.

Saluting black educators
"A Salute to Black Educators" is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield, 305 E. Market St., Smithfield.

Linda Levy, a Johnston schoolteacher, and Sheila Jefferson of Johnston Community College will offer their observations and memories of the Johnston public schools. Vandolin Bradley, a "trial" black student at Smithfield High School, and attorney Craig James, a graduate of N.C. Central University, will share their education experiences.

The following will provide entertainment: Daunte Tyler, a teacher and composer; Travis Frierson, a vocalist and poet; Deatha Kirkland, a vocalist.

On display will be African-American photos from the collection of Craig James.

Celebration in Smithfield
A celebration of Black History Month is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at the Family Life Center, 909 E. Lee St., Smithfield. The celebration will feature the film "Black to Africia," a black-history bowl, door prizes, refreshments and vendors.

Vanpool for commuters
The Triangle Transit Authority offers a vanpool from the Princeton-Smithfield area to downtown Raleigh Monday through Friday. The cost is $87 a month. For more information, call Danny Bridgers at (919) 889-1655 or visit www.ridetta.org.

Gospel sing Saturday
A gospel sing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at North Johnston High School on U.S. 301 north of Micro. The following will perform: The Browns, Four in Christ, The Redeemed, The Royal Descendants and Second Edition. Admission is free; the organizers will collect an offering for the groups.

Reverse raffle in Clayton
A reverse raffle to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Johnston County will be held Friday, April 11, at The Wagner House, 121 E. Main St., Clayton. The cost is $40 per person and includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, five hours of childcare at Screamin' Mimi's and chances at raffle and door prizes. The raffle is a project of Mothers Unlimited of Clayton and will run from 7 till 10 p.m. For tickets, call Amy Stiltner at 359-1511 or visit www.mothersunlimited.com.

Soup and sandwiches
Eastern Star Chapter 121 will serve its annual soup and sandwich lunch from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Fellowship Lodge on South Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. The all-you-can-eat meal is $5, with proceeds going to scholarships. Takeout will be available.

Spring dance March 15
A spring dance social is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the American Legion building in Clayton. Open to adults 21 and older, the dance is a project of the William Mason Cooper Heritage Alumni Association. For tickets, which are $10, call John Smith at (910) 977-2120, Joyce Watson at 553-5880 or Jean Bordeaux at 553-5628.

Chess club in Selma
Orchard House Booksellers has started a chess club for all ages. Members meet from 3 till 5 p.m. Thursdays at 117 N. Third St. in downtown Smithfield. Orchard House is accepting donations of chessboards. Players are welcome to bring their own boards. For more information, call 938-1511.