July 2 — “Friendship is a cozy shelter from life’s rainy days.”

June has faded into the background and July is upon us, in six months 2016 will be arriving.

As we celebrate the 4th of July let us pause to remember all those who fought to give us this freedom. God bless America!

Mrs. Betty Noblin and Mrs. Sally Mottley have returned home following a visit to see their families in Chesapeake. Betty visited with Dave and Paula Noblin and children. While visiting they celebrated Allie’s seventh birthday. Sally was glad to be able to visit her children and grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Smith drove to Raleigh on Friday.  They spent the afternoon shopping then had a delicious Italian dinner complete with candlelight and soft background music at Casa San Carlo Restaurant.  Saturday morning they went by the flea market held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds and then to the North Carolina State Farmer’s Market.  Before returning home they enjoyed a Mediterranean lunch at NUR Deli.

Sunday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Smith attended the luncheon held for infant Lincoln Sawyer in honor of his baptism and hosted by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sawyer.

Richard and Margaret Stockton attended the fish fry in Cumberland last Saturday. The food was delicious. They also attended the surprise birthday party” for their son Lon on Saturday night. This was a great party.

Miss Debbie Woodson, of Sanford, N.C., is here this week visiting her father Garland Woodson. She will also be visiting other family members.

A special celebration was held last Saturday and Sunday for the Reverend Calvin Gray in recognition of his 25 years of service to the New Jerusalem Baptist Church near Appomattox.

The members of Appomattox P.E. Presbyterian Church at Tuggle invite you to worship each Sunday. The Rev. Chuck Klotzberger will be with them on Sunday.

The membership of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church at Prospect invites you to worship; Sunday school is at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m.

Calvary Chapel-Farmville invites you to worship Sunday at 10:30 a.m. They invite you to join them on Wednesday evening for Bible Study for all age groups at 7 p.m. The church is located at 302 Industrial Park Road in the former Stackpole-Carbone building.

Happy Birthday is wished to all those celebrating a birthday during the month of July, your flower is the larkspur and your birthstone is the ruby. Those I know about having a July birthday are: Billy Allen (1), Elfrieda Kerns (2), Stephanie Roach (3), Martha Webb (4), Beverly Schulz of Florida (5), Wilson Cook (6), Jennifer K. Dickson (7), Shirley Martin (9), Cathy Kelsey (10), Abby Kelsey (10), Kristin Sadler (10), Larry Derrenbacker of Richmond (10), Evelyn Johnson (11), Lynn Fulcher (13), Lindy Hamlett (14), Brandon Bolt (16), Bill Tolbert (16), Rev. Otis Worley (17), Larry Allen (19), Judy Bolt (19), Adam Schulz of Florida (19), Bettye Brisentine (21, Marie Adams (21), Henry Booth (23), Tom Young (24), Judith Reynolds (26), and William “Buckie” Fore (29).

Happy Anniversary is wished to those celebrating an anniversary during July. Those I know about are: Larry and Jean Derrenbacker (12), Bob and Paula Card (23), and Steve and Terri Bolt (25).

If you would like to contribute something to the News, call 392-6431 or email to mom@moonstar.com.