"Grape Danes," a benefit wine tasting, is scheduled from 7 till 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Hinnant Family Vineyards, 826 Pine Level-Micro Road, Pine Level. The event will feature live entertainment, a silent auction, a catered buffet and more than 40 wines from Hinnant Family Vineyards, Enoch Winery and Adams Vineyards. For more information, call 919-965-3350.

Genealogist to speak

Genealogist Roberta Walker Butler will visit the Johnston County Heritage Center on Saturday, Dec. 12, to promote her recently revised volumes on the Massengill and Snead families. She will be there from noon till 4 p.m.

Her two-volume set on "The Massengills of Johnston County, North Carolina" expands a previous work she completed in 1984-85. "The Sneads of Johnston County" builds on previous research she compiled and published in 1988.

The new volumes are offered for sale along with numerous other local-history books in the Heritage Center's bookstore and gift shop. Many of these books are not sold elsewhere.

A museum and reference library devoted to Johnston County history and genealogy, the Heritage Center is located at the corner of Market and Third streets in downtown Smithfield. For more information, call the Heritage Center at 919-934-2836 or send an e-mail to heritagecenter@johnstonnc.com.

Third on Third

The next Third on Third is scheduled from 7 p.m. till midnight Friday, Dec. 18, in downtown Smithfield. The monthly event feature art, music, movies and carriage rides.

Christmas trees

The West Johnston High School band is selling Christmas trees at the intersection of N.C. 50 and N.C. 210 in McGee's Crossroads, near the CVS pharmacy. The Fraser firs are seven to eight feet tall and cost $49.99. Trees are available from 5 till 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 till 10 p.m. Saturdays and 12:30 till 7 p.m. Sundays.

Toy drive

The second annual Toys and Tabs Drive for the Ronald McDonald House will get under way at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Food Lion, 75 Glen Road in the Cleveland community. SkillsUSA will collect drink-can tabs and accept new toys for children ages 6 months to 18 years old.

Home energy

A workshop on making houses more energy-efficient is scheduled from 6 till 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Selma Elementary School, 311 W. Richardson St., Selma. Families will learn how to make inexpensive and free changes to their homes and routines to save money on energy. The workshop is a project of Selma Elementary School, the Town of Selma and ElectriCities.

Holiday party

The fifth annual Johnston County holiday celebration for children and adults with disabilities will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, at Beulah Hill Christian Church on Keen Road near Four Oaks. For children 10 and younger, the party will begin at 4 p.m. with crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. Older children and adults may visit with Santa at 4:45. In addition to crafts for children, the party will include Bingo and gift-giving. Southland Harmony will perform from 5 till 6. Dinner will follow. Those attending are asked to bring a dessert and drink to share. To attend, call Lynne Martin at 919-553-7940 or Jill Carpenter at 919-553-4031.

Home-buyer workshop

A free workshop for prospective home buyers is scheduled from 4 till 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Johnston County Cooperative Extension, 2736 N.C. 210, Smithfield. Topics include money management, financial planning, strategies for saving and extending income, and what to expect from a mortgage banker, real estate agent and home inspector. For more details, call 989-5380.

Bingo in Selma

Bingo play for older adults is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at McDonald's on U.S. 70 in Selma. Play is free, with prizes awarded. For more information, call the Selma Parks and Recreation Department at 919-975-1411.

MOMS to meet

The MOMS Club of Clayton will meet at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Everett Chapel Free Will Baptist Church on Everett Avenue behind Burger King in Clayton. Those attending are asked to bring a potluck dish to share.

Operation Santa

Operation Santa Claus is seeking donations to buy Christmas gifts for Johnston County people with mental illness. Send donations to the Mental Health Association in Johnston County, 26 Noble St., Smithfield, N.C. 27577.

Food drive

Junior Girl Scout Troop 684 and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce are joining forces for a unique food drive. During the town's Christmas parade on Dec. 12, troop members will accept food donations in wagons they will pull alongside their float. The parade will step off at 3 p.m. Donations will go to a local food pantry.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross will hold two blood drives in Johnston County this month.

Thursday, Dec. 10 -- noon-4:30 p.m., Johnston Medical Mall north entrance, 509 N. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield.

Monday, Dec. 14 -- 2:30 till 7 p.m., Oakland Presbyterian Church, 8927 Cleveland Road in the Cleveland community.

To make an appointment, call Connie Grady at 919-938-7759 or Kim Thompson at 938-7736.