Civitan blood
drive slated
Cypress Creek Civitan is partnering with The Blood Connection to sponsor a blood drive on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Blood Connection bus will be in the Pineridge Realty parking lot, 2196 Sledge Road, across from Lake Royale.
To signup and reserve a spot, go to: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/222097.
Walk-ins also welcome!
If you have any questions, contact Ken Smithwick at 252-303-1127 or (252)903-5334, or kensmithwick1940@gmail.com.

Adult reading program scheduled
An Adult Basic Reading Program designed especially for adults who want to build confidence and ability in reading will be held at the Concord Community Center, 645 Walter Grissom Road, Kittrell, starting Jan. 6.
The courses offered will be Basic Reading 1 and 2. There is no tuition fee. The cost of the book is $20. Participants who complete the 12-week program will receive a certificate at the end of the session. The course will run consecutively with a two-week break in between. The classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (final time to be determined.) This class is for adults only.
To register and for more information, contact Diane at 856-834-5063 or email diane@needtosucceed.org. Information can also be obtained at needtosucceed.org.

Alert Christmas parade slated
The 2025 Alert Christmas Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. This is a free event with no entry fees!
Line up starts at 1 p.m. It will be Alert's 35th Christmas Parade and there will be a Best Christmas Decorated Entry contest.
For more information, contact Larry Ayscue at 252-459-9216 or Melanie Bobbitt at 919-497-6081 or melanieb7724@gmail.com.

Coats for Christmas drive underway
The annual Coats for Christmas drive is currently underway. You may drop off your new or good used clean coats, gloves and scarves at the local Farm Bureau office, 496 Redwood Lane, Louisburg.
All sizes are needed especially for kids. Donated items will be taken to Safe Space, the Senior Center and other places in Franklin County as needed. For more information, call Wayne Champion at Farm Bureau, 919-496-2051.

Adapting forestry plans to the market
The Franklin County Cooperative Extension is planning a forestry presentation by an NCSU Forestry specialist on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
"Forest Management Strategies to Adjust Your Forestry Plan to Market Changes" will begin at 10 a.m., at Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center Annex; 103 South Bickett Blvd., Louisburg. Registration is required. Register online at go.ncsu.edu/adaptingforestryplansforchangingmarkets
For more information, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office 919-496-3344.

Credit course for landscapers
The Landscape Professionals December credit class will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at Franklin County Agriculture Center Annex; 103 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg. Speakers will be Dr. Steve Frank, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at NC State and Dr. Navdeep Godara, assistant professor, Turfgrass Weed Science.
NCDA Pesticide Credits: 2 Credits for HLNDX, NC Landscape Contractor Credits: 2.
The cost is $10. Register online at go.ncsu.edu/2025landscapeprofessionalsdeccreditclass. For more information, contact Franklin County Cooperative Extension office, 919-496-3344 or visit, https://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu.

Wreaths Across America, Franklinton
The Franklinton Woman's Club and The American Legion Post 52 are inviting the public to Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 12:30 p.m. for a wreath-laying ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, wreaths will be placed on Veterans' graves at Fairview and Evergreen town cemeteries. This is a free event where children and adults of all ages are welcome.

FC Library announces baking programs
The Franklin County Library is planning a December program for adults called "Bake the Season Bright!"
The event will celebrate the season with the flavors of home with holiday baking books, favorite family recipes and trading some treasured homemade treats.
This program will be at Louisburg Library on Monday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., Youngsville Library on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m., and Franklinton Library on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.

Taxes, records for Carolina producers
On Thursday, Dec. 11, "The Ag Money Gameplan: Taxes & Records for Carolina Producers" workshop will be conducted at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center in Louisburg. Resource recordkeeping materials will also be distributed to the participants (one per family).
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the annex meeting room. Program starts at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served before the program concludes around 1:30 p.m. Cost to participate is $20 per participant. Deadline to pre-register is Dec. 10. Register at go.ncsu.edu/ag-money-game-plan-taxes-records-for-producers.
For additional information, call the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office, 919-496-3344, Martha Mobley Ag Agent, martha_mobley@ncsu.edu.

Sale to benefit students
The Franklinton High School SkillsUSA Vocational Club will have a "Giant Indoor Yard Sale" on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The sale will be in the Franklinton High School Masonry/Construction Lab. (Visitors should enter the football stadium entrance and follow the signs.)