Sorority presents service project donations
The Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi supports service projects during the year. Beta Sigma Phi is an international sorority, founded in 1931, whose purpose is threefold: social, cultural and service.
Members recently presented two checks. Ora Mae Evans and Norris King, chairwomen of the Service Committee, presented a check to Meghan King, an employee of the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville. President Jean Smith presented a check to Claude Stroud for the Shriners’ Crippled Children’s Hospital.
Each year, chapter members choose several charities to support. Others this year include Mary’s Kitchen and the International Endowment Fund for research.
Library to celebrate MLK’s ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’
The Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library will host a program, “Letter from Birmingham Jail: A Worldwide Celebration,” at 7 p.m. Monday at the library, 510 N. Queen St. The program commemorates the 50th anniversary of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous documents. The program is free to the public.
Initiated by the Birmingham Public Library and supported by the American Library Association, the program will be one of hundreds of readings to commemorate the “Letter” worldwide. Published in The Atlantic as “The Negro Is Your Brother,” it was written in response to a public statement of concern and caution issued by eight religious leaders of the South. It stands as one of the classic documents of the Civil Rights Movement.
During the commemoration, there will be readings from “Letter,” which scholars often have described as giving the world an additional perspective on King. After the reading, a discussion will offer personal stories of protests during the Civil Rights Movement. Patrons are encouraged to join the discussion to remember the times and celebrate King’s legacy.
For more information, contact the library at 252-527-7066 or neuselibrary.org.
Ava Gardner is program topic
GOLDSBORO — Todd Johnson, director of the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Wayne County Museum, 116 N. William St., Goldsboro.
Johnson’s topic will be Ava Gardner, the Smithfield native who became an international celebrity for her roles in movies such as “Mogambo” with Clark Gable, “The Killers” and “Showboat.” Considered one of the most beautiful women of her day, she was married to Mickey Rooney, bandleader Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra. She also grabbed headlines for her relationships with Howard Hughes and Ernest Hemingway.
The program is free and open to the public. Call 919-734-5023.
Library announces annual book sale
GRIFTON — The Grifton Public Library is having its annual spring sidewalk sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 in front of the library, 568 Queen St. The sale will conclude from 2 to 3 p.m. with a $5 all-you-can-fill bag.
Hardback and paperback books will be available. A section of adult titles, plus children and juvenile literature from popular authors, new and old, will be included. Use this opportunity to compile your summer pool and beach reading selections.
The library’s regular hours are 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays. Call 252-524-0345.