Adult reading program
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.

Volunteer award nominees sought
Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Governor's Volunteer Service Award. The awards program, created by the governor in 1979, recognizes North Carolina's most dedicated volunteers. Through the years, the award has been bestowed on thousands of North Carolinians who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local community.
Each county selects up to 10 individuals, businesses, groups/teams and one paid director of volunteers to be recognized for their contributions to their communities. One will be nominated for the Governor's Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, which is awarded to the top 20-25 volunteers in the state. A local committee evaluates the nominations.
Nomination forms are available in Franklin County at the Cooperative Extension Center and can also be found at www.volunteernc.org. Nomination forms are due by Feb. 6, to the Franklin County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension office, 103 South Bickett Blvd., Louisburg. They can also be emailed to charles_mitchell@ncsu.edu. For questions, call Cooperative Extension at 919-496-3344.

Tobacco and GAP meeting
Join N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center, Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., at Franklin Plaza, 279 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, for the Upper Middle Belt Tobacco & GAP Meeting. Lunch will be provided. Two Hours Of NODX NCDA&CS Pesticide Credit. Soil Fumigation training will be offered following lunch. Registration required at https://go.ncsu.edu/uppermiddlebeltgap2026
For more information, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office 919-496-3344, Extension Agent Matthew Place.

Franklin Library's january programs
Enjoy needlework, crocheting, or knitting? Bring your work in progress and join fellow crafters for a relaxing, social time at the library's Sit and Stitch program for adults. This program will be at Youngsville on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m.; Bunn on Monday, Jan. 12 at 4 p.m.; and Louisburg on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 4 p.m.
Also planned is the teen program, Fidget!, where teens will get the chance to make your own fidget toy, all supplies provided! It will be at 4 p.m. at Franklinton on Thursday, Jan. 8; Bunn on Tuesday, Jan. 20; Louisburg on Thursday, Jan. 22; and Youngsville on Jan. 26.
Starting Jan. 5, the library's weekly Family Storytime at 10 a.m. and Afternoon Adventure at 4 p.m. programs will return. Stop by Louisburg on Mondays, Youngsville on Tuesdays, Franklinton on Wednesdays and Bunn on Thursdays to check them out.

American Legion plans stew sale
The American Legion Post 52 at 40 American Legion Road in Franklinton will have their "Famous" Brunswick Stew fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning at 11 a.m. until sell-out, hopefully around 2 p.m.
Only 325 quarts will be made. Walk-ins are welcomed, but to ensure your order is filled before sell-out, pre-order your stew by calling or texting Legionnaire Steve Ijames at (919) 727-0087 or email at stephen.ijames@gmail.com by giving your name, phone number, and the number of quarts you wish to purchase. Cost is $12 per quart (cash or check) or $12.60 per quart with credit or debit card and payable at pick-up.

Pancake supper
Franklinton Lions Club will have a pancake supper 5 p.m., Jan. 8. Location is 205 S. Chavis Street, Franklinton.