RALEIGH -- The Human Rights Coalition of North Carolina has chosen Jerry Markatos of Pittsboro as the recipient of its 2009 International Human Rights Award.
The HRC called Markatos a "longtime unsung hero" in providing support for the human-rights struggles in Latin America and the Middle East.
The award will be presented at a dinner on Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the N.C. State University Club in Raleigh.
Markatos will speak on "Mark Twain, Human Rights and the Media." The cost is $35 per person; a cash wine bar will be available. Advance payment is required and should be received by Dec. 1. Please send checks payable to HRCNC to: Joyce Scapicchio, 5400 Neuse Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27616. For more information, call (919) 876-0501.
Nonprofit hosts fundraiser Dec. 3
DURHAM -- The nonprofit Milestones Culinary Institute will host its first Open House donation luncheon Dec. 3 at old East End Elementary School, 515 Dowd St.
The public is invited to a noon to 2 p.m. luncheon prepared by the group's students.
The keynote speaker will beCity Councilman Mike Woodard.
Milestones founder James Davis will be on hand to discuss the group's mission: "second chances to learn marketable culinary arts skills."
For more information, visit www.milestonesculinary.org online.
Tree decorating contest slated
DURHAM -- Emerald Pond retirement community will host a holiday tree decorating contest Saturday-Dec. 4.
The event is open to local businesses, churches and other organizations.
Cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place will be awarded.
Judged will be by community dignitaries and each tree will be displayed in a prominent location throughout Emerald Pond's 205 Emerald Pond Lane building. Participants are asked to bring their own trees and trimmings to set up and decorate.
The public is invited to see all the beautifully decorated trees on Dec. 5 at Emerald Pond's free Holiday Tree Fest Open House.
For more information, call (919) 493-4713.
Cancer patient drivers sought
DURHAM -- The American Cancer Society in Durham needs volunteers for its Road to Recovery program to drive cancer patients to and from their cancer treatments.
For more information on becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer, call Tracey Smith at the American Cancer Society at (919) 334-5241 or e-mail Tracey.Smith@cancer.org.
Contact Mark Donovan at mdonovan@heraldsun.com or (919) 419-6655. E-mail news of interest to our readers to news@heraldsun.com.
