The Human Rights Book Club has chosen its latest read, “In the Kingdom of Men,” by Kim Barnes.

The celebrated Idaho author will lead the discussion of the book when the club meets, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Idaho Black History Museum, 508 E. Julia Davis Drive.

Participation is free. If you buy the book at the Rediscovered Bookshop, 180 N. 8th St., 10 percent of the proceeds will go to the Idaho Human Rights Education Center.

The novel recreates a world that existed more than 40 years ago when expatriate American men and women lived in gated compounds in Saudi Arabia with servants from India and Pakistan. Barnes’ own aunt and uncle were the inspiration for the book.

Barnes, who teaches at the University of Idaho, is the author of two memoirs and two novels. She is the recipient of the PEN/Jerard Fund Award for an emerging woman writer of nonfiction. Her first memoir, “In the Wilderness,” was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

More about the club: The group, founded by local activists Marilyn Shuler and Lisa Uhlmann, meets on the second Thursday of the month in September, November, January, March, May and July.

WELCOME HONOR FLIGHT VETERANS HOME

Twenty-four local veterans will take a special trip this week, thanks to Honor Flight of Idaho, the local branch of the national nonprofit created to thank veterans for their service.

The Idaho veterans, accompanied by 12 guardians who will assist them during the trip, will travel to Washington D.C. They’ll spend a day visiting national memorials. Southwest Airlines has donated the tickets for the trip. The organization will pay all other costs.

The veterans return to Boise at 10:50 a.m., Friday, Sept. 7. The public is invited to the airport to help welcome them back.

Last year, the Honor Flight network took more than 18,200 World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to see the monuments. Top priority is given to senior WW II veterans and any veteran who may be terminally ill, say organizers.

The WW II Memorial was dedicated in 2004, nearly six decades after the end of the war. Many Idahoans who fought in that war have never seen the monument. Honor Flight tries to remedy that situation.

To find out more, and to make a donation, contact Lance Stephenson, director of Honor Flight of Idaho: 283-9651.

ADA COUNTY NEEDS VOLUNTEER GUARDIANS

Have some time to share with some of the most vulnerable men and women in our community? The Ada County Board of Community Guardians is seeking volunteers to act as advocates for adults who are alone and incapacitated in some way that makes them unable to make safe decisions for themselves. There is no mandatory time requirement. Each case is different.

Volunteer coordinator Marika Clark said the county currently has 17 active cases and 16 volunteers.

“The need is increasing yearly for people who have no other advocates,” said Clark, meaning the need for volunteers is increasing as well. So far this year, she has received 22 referrals from community agencies about people who may need advocates.

Volunteers receive training and people to call for support. If you think this might be a fit for your talents, call Clark at 287-7977 or mclark@adaweb.net.

ROTARY ART AUCTION WILL BENEFIT AT-RISK YOUTH

The Eagle-Garden City Rotary Club’s members work with kids at Pierce Park Elementary School, Eagle Academy, Ada Country Boys & Girls Club, and Arts West School. Now, the group is hosting a benefit art auction to support youth programs.

The auction, which will feature framed pieces ranging in price from $30 to $300, is at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, at St. Luke’s Eagle Medical Plaza, 3101 State St. in Eagle. Entry fee: $10. Call 890-0045 for more.

JIFFY LUBE RAISES MONEY FOR THE MD

Locations throughout Treasure Valley are promoting the Jiffy Lube Muscle UpSM promotion, in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

MDA’s mission is making life better for people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases.

Customers who donate $3 to MDA at any Jiffy Lube location will receive a coupon book worth more than $100 in car maintenance savings. The promotion begins Wednesday and runs through Sept. 11.

Money raised with the Muscle Up MS promotion will help over 560 families living with muscle disease throughout southern Idaho; 77 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to services for those families.