Numerous events and observances are planned for the weekend throughout Aquidneck Island in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011.

Beginning Friday night in Middletown, a special service to honor Dr. King is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Temple Shalom.

On Monday, a special luncheon will be held at noon at the Atlantic Beach Club.

Many more events are scheduled to take place in Newport and Portsmouth over the long holiday weekend.

Please see the attached flyer for more information about these and other events throughout Aquidneck Island over the weekend.

Additionally, the Middletown Senior Center has planned a special luncheon for Jan. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a menu designed around the favorite foods of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and entertainment provided by the HBC Gospel Choir. The menu features Butter Bean Soup, Fried Pork Chops, sweet potatoes, biscuits, string beans, and pecan pie. The cost is $10.