Briefly
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 8, 2004 1:58 PM
Black Caucus rally
U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield and other political candidates will appear next week at a rally in Goldsboro.
The Concerned Clergy called the "Get Out The Vote" rally for 7 p.m. Monday at Mt. Zion Disciples Church, 323 Whitfield Drive. The public is invited.
The main speakers will come from the Congressional Black Caucus's national tour: Butterfield, of the 1st N.C. Congressional District, who is seeking election this fall, and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, who is vice chairman of the U.S. House's Democratic Caucus.
Other speakers will include Dan Blue, former speaker of the N.C. House; State Auditor Ralph Campbell; Judges Wanda Bryant and Jim Wynn; representatives of several state campaigns; and local pastors.
The Rev. Dr. William Barber II, a member of Concerned Clergy, said, "It's a must for all people, and especially African-Americans who for so long had their rights to vote denied, to participate in the electoral process.
"In a time of grave concerns about war, rising poverty levels, school re-segregation, and attacks on civil-rights laws, we must educate and we must participate."
Voter deadline
This afternoon is the deadline to register for the Nov. 2 general election. Voter registration ends at 5 p.m. at the Wayne County and other county election boards.
People who picked up registration forms can still complete and mail them, but they must be postmarked by today to be processed for this election.
People already registered do not need to re-register, but they should change their address information if they've moved since the last time they voted. Updating that now will save people time when they go to vote.
People wishing to check their voter registration can go to www.waynegov.com/boe and check their registration status. They're also welcome to call 731-1411.
Thrift store donations
The Lighthouse of Wayne County battered-women's shelter is opening a new thrift store.
The store, called The Beacon of Hope, will open Nov. 1 at 223-1 W. Walnut St.
The agency is soliciting donations of men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories, children's toys and housewares such as dishes, utensils and small appliances.
The Lighthouse is encouraging members of the community to hold a share-your-closet party for donations. This is the way it works: A group of people get together for a social event and each guest takes at least one clothing item to donate to the thrift store. A representative from the Lighthouse will be available to attend to explain what the Lighthouse is and what it does.
Funds from the thrift store will be used for Lighthouse programs to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Wayne County.
Donations may be taken to the Lighthouse office at 405 E. Walnut St. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of October. After that, they should be taken directly to The Beacon of Hope.
For more information about a share-your-closet party, call the Lighthouse at 736-1313.
Mini-grant applications
The Wayne Charitable Partnership and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce are accepting applications for the fall semester mini-grants for educators of public, private and home-schooled students.
The grants will be funded by money raised from the chamber-sponsored spelling bee in August, where an estimated $12,000 was raised. The grants will be up to $500 per recipient.
Applications can be obtained from the chamber office on North William Street or on line at www.waynecountychamber.com or www.waynecountyschools.org.
Applications must be submitted to the chamber office by Oct. 22. For more information, contact Janet Brock at 734-2241.