The Rocky Mount N.C. Chamber’s Distinguished Citizen Award recipient, Rev. Richard Joyner, will be the special guest at a leadership dinner Friday June 21 at 7 p.m., at the Zion Grove A.M.E Zion Church’s, G Riddle Banquet Hall.

Rev. Richard Joyner of Conetoe, N.C., began a program that helps at-risk young people in his community. Joyner has been the leader of the Chaplaincy Program at Nash Health Care since 1979, and as a result of his leadership, recently was awarded the system’s “Extra Mile Award,” which is given to the hospital staff member who has demonstrated exceptional skills in patient satisfaction.

Aaron Greene, Polk County School’s curriculum director and Asheville Mayor Terry Bellemy will also be speakers. Minister Sterling Abrams, a graduate of Polk Central High School and owner of Smooth Cuts Barbershop in Spindale, N.C., will be the emcee.

Changing Lives Leadership Dinner is sponsored by Unity in the Community, which hopes to establish new visions for Polk County. The group also hopes to inspire the young people, as well as adults, of the community to become great leaders.

The dinner is free and open to the public. It will take place at 5620 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, N.C. 28756. This project is funded by the Polk County Community Foundation.

– article submitted by David Staley