A wine tasting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 218 S. 2nd St., Smithfield. A wine specialist will introduce eight wines. Also, he will share ways to become more knowledgeable about wines and where to buy them locally. The cost is $10 per person. For reservations, call Ken Ferguson at 631-0035 or the church at 934-2675. The wine tasting is a project of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

'Walk through History'

The Living Well Partnership of Johnston County invites Johnstonians to take part in a "Walk through History" on Saturday, April 18. The noncompetitive, family-friendly event is a 3.2-mile walk through historic and downtown Smithfield. The free event is one way the Living Well Partnership is addressing obesity in Johnston. In addition to the walk, the day will feature games and activities for children. Participants will have the chance to win T-shirts, pedometers and water bottles. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church. To register in advance, which is encouraged, call the Johnston County Public Health Department at 989-5200.

Art in Smithfield

"Achievement" is the name of the latest exhibit at River City Arts, 310 E. Johnston St., Smithfield. It runs through April 12. Hours are 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. Saturdays. An opening reception is scheduled from 7 till 10 p.m. Friday, March 19. The musical group Lion Orion will perform.

Vendors sought

Johnston County's first Celebrate the Earth Festival is seeking vendors. The environmental festival will be held April 17 on the grounds of the Johnston Community College Arboretum in Smithfield. A vendor-registration form is available at johnstoncountyarts.org. The deadline to register is March 22.

Outdoor racquetball

A demonstration of outdoor racquetball is scheduled from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, in the parking lot beside McDonald's on U.S. 70 Business in Clayton. The demonstration is a project of the Military Racquetball Federation.

First aid, CPR

A class in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation will meet Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, at the Red Cross office in Smithfield. Also, lifeguard training will begin soon. For more information, call 934-8481.

Volunteers sought

The Fuller Center for Housing of Johnston County is looking for volunteers for its board and committees. The nonprofit builds and repairs housing for the needy. To learn more, call 866-966-8476 or visit fullercenterjcnc.org.

Benefit golf tourney

A golf tournament to benefit the Johnston County Arts Council will tee off at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, at the Country Club of Johnston County, 694 Country Club Road, Smithfield. The cost is $60 per player. The deadline to register is Monday, March 22. For more information, or to sign up, call the Arts Council at 553-1930 or send an e-mail to info@johnstoncountyarts.org.

Newcomers to meet

The Clayton Newcomers and Neighbors Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, in the Rotary Room at The Clayton Center, 111 E. 2nd St. Dr. Sara Lash, a veterinarian, will speak and answer questions about pets. For more information, call club president Margaret Lee at 359-6003 or visit claytonnewcomers.com.

Habitat meeting

Habitat for Humanity of Johnston County will hold an information meeting for those interested in applying for a Habitat home. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at First Baptist Church, 202 S. 4th St., Smithfield. To reserve a seat, call 919-934-9331

Medicine Drop

Operation Medicine Drop is under way in Smithfield. The event allows people to dispose of expired prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, keeping them out of the wrong hands.

The Smithfield Police Department will accept medications from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. March 17-19 and from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. March 20. The police station is at 110 S. 5th St.

Blood drive

A blood drive is scheduled from 3:30 till 8 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at Hephzibah Baptist Church on U.S. 70 East near Princeton. All donors will be eligible to win a $1,000 gift card. For an appointment, or for more information, call 965-6318.

Genealogy class

The Johnston County Heritage Center will offer a short course titled "A Beginner's Look at Genealogy." Starting April 8, the class will meet from 6:30 till 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through April 29. Also, the class includes a field trip to the State Archives in Raleigh. Michael Watts of the Heritage Center will teach the class, which costs $20. To sign up, call 919-934-2836.