Around gilbert & summit

Evan Costner is one of the directors at Cotton Branch Animal Farm Sanctuary. He will be 34 years old on his upcoming birthday. Costner says for the next 34 days he wants to share how CBFAS has changed his life and those of formerly abused and neglected farm animals. He invites everyone to join him as he talks about the rescue stories, challenges and learning experiences of the animals at the farm.

Costner says his experiences have pushed him into a more compassionate lifestyle. You can follow and comment on Evan Costner’s 34 days of Cotton Branch Birthday Fundraiser on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cottonbranch .

Cotton Branch Animal Farm Sanctuary is having a barn clean-up March 16. Volunteers who help will put down new straw and perform other tasks as needed. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older.

Congratulations to Gilbert Middle School 8th grade student James Lever. He is the winner of the National Heritage Essay Contest for GMS. The writing contest is sponsored by the Lexington Sertoma Club. He wrote his essay on “What America Means to Me.” James will be recognized at a banquet March 18, along with other school winners in Lexington District 1.

GMS will have “Muffins for Mom” March 14 prior to classes beginning. The GMS Student Council is sponsoring this event. GMS Honor Choir will represent the school at the annual Lexington One Middle School Choral Showcase March 18 at 7 pm. The event will be at the Lexington 1 District Office on Tarrar Springs Road.

Pond Branch United Methodist Church invites you to a Pork and Chicken Barbecue March 23, 11 am-1 pm. This event is in the Family Activities Building. The cost is $9 for a plate, a pound of pork or a whole chicken. Ribs will also be available for $10 a half rack and $20 a full rack. PBUMC is at 1913 Pond Branch Road.

First Baptist Church is collecting items and money to provide health kits for their ministry to migrants, homeless and others who may be victims of natural disasters in our area. They need toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, wash cloths, combs and bath towels. The Women on Mission is heading this up. For information, call 892-3699.

Birthday wishes this week to Marshall Rish, Eric Bromberg, Susie Snyder, Cole Harmon, Richard Blizzard, Haley Harmon, Nathan Oswald, Shon Smith, John Reeder, Samantha Day, Jean Moore, Evelyn Turner, Jerry Magyar, Linda Powers, Elaine Roberts, Natalie Umbarger, Peggy Meetze and Dustin Harmon.