February 2019 by Johnston Now

February 2019 | Your Community. Your Neighbors. Your Story.

How Berries Became Business Airport announces

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Freedmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School

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ON THE COVER Jodi Keegan shows off a jar of her elderberry syrup. Photo by Tuesdaie Williams.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The power of elderberries

TEAM YOUR JNOW

Volume 3, Number 3

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

Publisher Randy Capps

randy@johnstonnow.com

General Manager

Shanna Capps shanna@johnstonnow.com

Creative Consultant Ethan Capps

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919-980-5522 www.johnstonnow.com Facebook.com/JohnstonNow 102 N. Main St., Four Oaks, N.C. 27524 Johnston Now Magazine is a monthly publication of Shandy Communications, LLC for our Johnston County neighbors. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent by the publisher. Advertisers take sole responsibility for the validity of their advertisement. Â©2019 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.

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FEATURES

12-13

PAGE 6

HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS TAKE PART IN CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

PAGE 8

BLUE LINE AVIATION TO BUILD STATE-OF-THE-ART COMPLEX AT JOHNSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT

PAGE 10

LOCAL CARDIOLOGIST AND BOARD CHAIR SHARES VISION FOR JOHNSTON HEALTH

PAGE 14

OPERATION LAMB DONATES $1,200 TO THREE JCPS TEACHERS

PAGE 18

NEWS FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS

PAGE 20

A SCHOOL FOR JOHNSTON COUNTY FREEDMEN

PAGE 22

RESOLVE TO BE HEART HEALTHY THIS YEAR

PAGE 24

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

PAGE 28

TWO LITTLE LIBRARIES

GRIFOLS PARTNERS WITH REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO FIGHT EBOLA

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mix tape magic in a modern way Trips to the post office are far better a CD from the Thompsons, who for Johnston Now than they are at are regular visitors to the area. home. On their latest trip, they visited the Ava Gardner Museum (their I don’t even bother with the mail at favorite, I’m told) and had a drink home. I delegated that task to Ethan at SoDoSoPa, which Joe describes long ago. as “deeelightful.”

It’s amazing how much easier it is to put the calendar together when I’m listening to a few tunes.

Randy Capps I’ll need to be randy@johnstonnow.com It’s different at work. Pretty They found a magazine, and sent me careful, though. much every time I open the box, 28 songs — or nearly 79 minutes of Grammar tends to the possibility of good mail far music. Apparently, Joe owns all the become an issue when I get a little outweighs the potential for bills. original vinyl and plays them while too into a James Brown song. putting them on disc. This was especially true recently Anyway, special thanks to a couple when I received “Mancave Music It’s a great collection, ranging of Raleigh folks for brightening a Vol. 207 — The Lizard of Oz” from from The Beatles to Joan Baez to trip to the post office for me. It was Joe and Edie Thompson of Raleigh. Willie Nelson. I’m going to add it way better than getting the latest to iTunes, so I can use it as writing CenturyLink bill. It’s the second time I’ve gotten music. Employment Opportunities Marketing and Communications Specialist

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HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS TAKE PART IN NJMS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

“Deck the Halls.” The choruses and glee club, led by director Lekisha Crouch, also provided music to complement the play. The sixth-grade chorus kicked off the preshow with a joyful arrangement of “O Christmas Tree.” The eighth-grade chorus performed “Let it Snow,” with student animation and movements, as well as “Where Are You Christmas?” and “Christmas is a Feeling.” NJMS art students, led by teacher Cary Quillian, contributed to the Christmas Classic by creating all of the props for the show, including a 12-foot tall Christmas tree. The tree was made entirely of recycled plastic, chicken wire and a volleyball pole. The art students made other set decorations including banners, Charlie Brown’s mailbox, Snoopy’s dog house and Lucy’s psychiatric booth. Sixth-grade band students, from left, Daniel Estala, Kara Aycock, Uriel Cruz and Haleigh Hare share their musical talents with the audience at the NJMS Christmas Classic.

MICRO — Students, staff and community members came together to transform North Johnston Middle School into a performing arts center to host the school’s first North Johnston Middle School Christmas Classic. An eye-popping 290 students participated in the Christmas Classic. More than a 1,000 guests came to the performances held on Dec. 7 and 8, raising $2,484 for the school’s Fine Arts Department. The school’s drama club presented the play “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The school’s band, choruses and glee club provided specially selected holiday music to complement the play.

“Being in the play allowed all of us to gather together as a family,” said eighthgrade student Joy Barber. “It was the first time I was in a play, and I loved it!” The drama club, led by director and teacher Annis Kennedy, began planning for the event in August. For most students this was the first time they had ever done any type of acting or theater. The bands, led by director Melissa Sevigny, performed holiday music throughout the play. The sixth-grade band warmed up the crowd during the preshow, and the seventh- and eighth-grade band entertained the crowd during scene changes. They played holiday favorites including “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and

School staff came together before the performances to create and distribute tickets, create a program and to deck the halls of the school, creating a festive feel that let all attendees know they were in for something very special. School staff gave their time to assist musical groups, park cars, greet guests, take tickets, accept donations and to clean up after each performance. “Many parents asked once the event was over if we will do this again next year,” said Principal Kenneth Sumler. “We’re planning an in-house event each semester which will give the students great experience, massive learning opportunities, and it will also give the community the opportunity to see how great the students here truly are.”

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BLUE LINE AVIATION TO BUILD STATE-OF-THE-ART COMPLEX AT JOHNSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT Submitted by Johnston County Economic Development

aeronautical facilities that are second to none, JNX is the perfect location for Blue Line to build their new aviation complex. SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County Airport Authority Board recently announced a partnership with Blue Line Aviation LLC for the development of the Blue Line Aviation Complex at Johnston Regional Airport (JNX). This $13 million project will include a stateof-the-art hangar and premier flight school for both private and commercial aviation. “Johnston Regional Airport is a significant economic development asset in the heart of Johnston County and the greater Triangle region,” said Ken Starling, chairman of the Johnston County Airport Authority. “Blue Line Aviation’s decision to choose our airport for their aviation complex is a reinforcement of the economic asset this airport is for Johnston County. “We are very pleased to have Blue Line Aviation partner with us as we work to develop and expand the potential at JNX the premier location for economic development, business travel and now aviation training.” 8 | JOHNSTON NOW

“Blue Line is thrilled to become a more intricate part of the Johnston County Airport, the community at-large and call it home,” said Trey Walters, president and CEO of Blue Line Aviation. “We believe that JNX is the best location in the region for the expansion of our business, new offerings while serving clients locally and globally. We look forward to a long-term partnership with the JNX Airport Authority to continue to develop the airport into a gateway to the world for members of the community. “We are equally excited about developing programs and partnerships within Johnston County, like the Johnston County Public Schools, and the local community college.” Phil Lanier, Director of the Johnston Regional Airport, is also enthusiastic about the project. “We are very excited to partner with Mr. Trey Walters and the team at Blue Line Aviation LLC,” he said. “With strong local support in Johnston County for business growth, and

“The public/private partnership announced here today between Blue Line and the Johnston Regional Airport represents an extremely effective capital development model that we can all get behind and support. I hope this is the first announcement of many more to come.” The Blue Line Aviation Complex will be unlike anything the Johnston County or the Triangle region currently has when it comes to aviation training. The complex will include: • Over 50 jobs added in the first year • 22,000 square feet of training, office and restaurant space • 20,000 square feet of hangar space • Observation Area • Playground • Roof-top Restaurant • Full Motion Flight Simulator For more on Johnston County Airport and Blue Line Aviation LLC, visit johnstonnc.com/JNX or LearnToFlyJNX.com.

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LOCAL CARDIOLOGIST AND BOARD CHAIR SHARES HIS VISION FOR JOHNSTON HEALTH Submitted by Johnston Health

He thinks Johnston Health provides safe, high quality care comparable to any hospital in the Triangle, including the academic medical centers. “We have an advantage in that we are committed to the health of you, the individual, and your family,” he added. “And we can provide care in a setting that is more inviting and comfortable than other hospitals.”

SMITHFIELD — Whether he’s talking with a patient or an AM radio audience of thousands, it’s clear that Eric Janis, MD, is passionate about preventing disease. He’s the cardiologist of 23 Dr. Eric Janis, MD years at Johnston Health, and the new visionary chairman of the hospital’s board of directors.

Indeed, Johnston Health has received national recognition for its patient safety and quality of care, most recently an “A” grade from Leapfrog and a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

During a recent interview, Dr. Janis said Johnston Health can distinguish itself by being the health care system that really wants to prevent disease, and really improves the lives of people in the community. “With the help of our employees, physicians, administrators, board members, vendors and community partners, we can make a real impact on the health of people in Johnston County,” he said.

Under the leadership of the board and hospital administrators, Johnston

Health is continuing to make great strides, Dr. Janis said. During the past year, highlights include the addition of neurosurgeons and tele-neurology, the expansion of vascular surgery and enhancements to the joint replacement center. Also notable are the growth in cardiovascular and orthopedic services, and the addition of primary care physicians in the community. “Our doctors and nurses, as well as our services and quality of care are superior,” he added. “Our expertise in cardiology, vascular disease, orthopedics, oncology care, and hospital care allow us to be a hospital where you go to get the very best.”

He points to initiatives already underway, such as the year-long campaign to raise awareness about diabetes, flu-shot clinics at worksites across the county and a program called Healthy Kids that teaches youngsters how to exercise and eat well. He believes that improving health is more than preventing heart disease or breast cancer. “It’s also about preventing car accidents, teaching children to read, encouraging exercise and all of the other behaviors that improve health,” he said. “It’s about fostering an environment where people eat more fruits and vegetables and less fatty foods.”

During a recent swearing-in ceremony, Johnston Health welcomed new and familiar faces to its board of directors. From left: David Mills of Smithfield, Dr. Marilyn Pearson of Clayton, Bobby Parker of Clayton and Dr. Dennis Koffer of Smithfield. Other newly elected officers include Dr. Eric Janis, as board chairman and Jeff Carver as vice chair.

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Life's twists and turns lead area woman to small business ownership By Randy Capps

Photos by Tuesdaie Williams

SMITHFIELD — John Lennon's “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” contains a lyric that says “life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans”

lessened in a couple of days. My husband (Joe) didn't want to take it … so he stayed sick for a little while longer. Eventually, he caved and he took it and he became a believer in it.”

One could forgive Jodi Keegan for having a similar thought every time she opens her hatchback to make a delivery.

Elderberries have been used in holistic medicine for centuries. They have a long list of potential health benefits, including cold and flu relief, boosted immunity, allergy relief, sinus infection relief and improved respiratory health — to name a few.

She's a mother of two who studied Health Promotion at Coastal Carolina, but she's also the Jodi of Jodi's Elderberry Syrup. In 2017, she was taking time away from her job as a physical therapy assistant to raise Bryson, 7, and Alexa, 4, when everyone in her household fell ill. “My family and I had all gotten really sick,” she said. “I had never even heard of elderberry syrup at the time. And a good friend of mine who's very holistic — she's into oils and other homeopathic remedies — turned me on to elderberry syrup. So, I took a jar from her and tried it. “My symptoms and my kids' symptoms

12 | JOHNSTON NOW

“My particular elderberry syrup contains raw, local honey, cinnamon, ginger and cloves,” she said. “So, it's very high in anti-oxidants. … I just saw a need for it in the area. So, I looked up a a couple of different recipes. There are several different elderberry syrup recipes out there, so I played with a few of them. I tried to find the ingredients I thought would make it taste the best and help people take it and feel better.” She also makes a version for children under the age of one, which is made

from berries, water and simple syrup. In addition, she make a version that works with Keto 30 and can also whip up specialty versions upon request. When she first started out, that meant hanging out in her own kitchen. These days, it means something a bit different. She makes her batches in a commercial kitchen, and each one takes about seven hours. Elderberries contain cyanide in their natural state, so there's a bit of preparation involved in the making of the syrup. “Don't ever eat raw berries or dry berries, because they will hurt you,” she said. “They need to be boiled for at least 45 minutes.” She adds the spices to the berries, but allows the mixture to cool off a bit before adding the raw honey — to preserve its benefits. The honey comes from a beekeeper in Chapel Hill, which is the only place that

better. Some people just don't like it. I think it tastes like Christmas.” In addition to learning the ins and out of elderberry syrup production, Keegan had to learn how to operate a small business. “I wish I had gone to school more for (that),” she said. “My biggest struggle is trying to balance social media and family life. I'm so used to having a job where I go to my job, do my work and then come home and I'm off. My job isn't like that anymore. “I never thought I would be here. I never wanted to be a business owner. I worked for a couple of small business owners and I saw their struggles and how hard it is to stay afloat, manage employees and everything. This just kind of came about, and I feel like everything happens for a reason.”

can meet her large orders. The dried berries come from Europe “You can grow them (here), but it's very labor intensive,” she said. “I wouldn't want to be the person harvesting them.” She got her start just making extra for the other members of her Clayton moms group, and now she's keeping 10 different stores around the area in stock. You can find Jodi's Elderberry Syrup locally at C.E. Barnes store, 9BAR coffeehouse, Happy Tails Pet Grooming, Davis Drug Store in McGee's Crossroads, Bulldog Express and Crooked Row Produce. Demand is on the rise, it seems. “It works,” she said when asked about the growth of her business. “That's the

whole thing. It works. I like the whole concept of buying locally, and not buying something that's been sitting on a shelf for who knows how long with all the extra additives in it.” She has the date the syrup is made on the bottom of her jars. And while it needs to be refrigerated, each jar is good for three months. Some people add it to teas, coffee, smoothies or yogurt, but the Keegans prefer a more direct method. “My family does little shots,” she said. “You know the little ibuprofen medicine cups? Everyone does a shot every morning and every night. … Some people don't like the taste of it. I add a lot of honey to mine to make it taste

The business is a family affair. Her dad helps with deliveries, Joe helps out after his regular job and Bryson and Alexa even let their sick school friends know how they can get better faster. But most of the time, it's just Jodi and her syrup. Whether she's whipping up a batch or driving around making deliveries, she may not exactly be living the work life she planned to be. But if one considers that her other professional life was focused on making people feel better, too, perhaps the rise of Jodi's Elderberry Syrup isn't so accidental after all. For more on Jodi's Elderberry Syrup, visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/jodiselderberrysyrup or email jodisberries@gmail.com.

febru ary 2019 | 13

OPERATION LAMB DONATES $1,200 TO THREE JCPS TEACHERS Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

19, from the Knights of Columbus at the A.G. Glenn Building in Smithfield. Representing the Knights of Columbus was retired Johnston County Public Schools educator Will Sanders. The LAMB Foundation of N.C., Inc. was officially incorporated in 1999 to accommodate the growth of a statewide program, Operation LAMB, conducted by the North Carolina Knights of Columbus State Council. LAMB is an acronym derived from the Biblical phrase from Matthew: “to serve the least among my brethren.” Operation LAMB was founded in 1960 by William Scott of the Knights of Columbus. Bill and his wife, Maureen, had two children with intellectual disabilities. The Scotts saw firsthand the extra funds desperately needed by the facilities that care for, educate and help these citizens. Three Johnston County Public Schools exceptional children teachers received more than $400 each through the Knights of Columbus “Operation LAMB” program on Dec. 19. Photographed on the front row (from left) are Knights of Columbus member Marcel Pepin, West Smithfield teacher Alishia George, Pine Level Elementary teacher Sandy Farmer, Selma Elementary teacher Lalita Ragland and Operation LAMB Director Will Sanders. Photographed on the second row are Knights of Columbus Secretary Dave Bacon, Knights of Columbus Warden Joseph Evans, Knights of Columbus member Kevin Pilotte and Knights of Columbus Deputy Grand Knight Tony Ortiz.

SMITHFIELD — Three exceptional children teachers in classrooms across Johnston County received more than $400 each through the Knights of Columbus “Operation LAMB” program, which is organized by The LAMB Foundation of N.C., Inc. The funds will be used to benefit the

classrooms of Pine Level Elementary teacher Sandy Farmer, Selma Elementary teacher Lalita Ragland and West Smithfield Elementary teacher Alishia George. The teachers were recommended through a variety of channels and each was presented a check for $406 on Dec.

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GRIFOLS PARTNERS WITH REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO COMBAT EBOLA VIRUS Submitted by Grifols

CLAYTON — Grifols recently began purifying the first batch of plasma from healthy Ebola survivors from Liberia. The plasma will be used to produce anti-Ebola immunoglobulin, a potential treatment for patients affected by the Ebola virus in Africa, as part of a longerterm Grifols clinical research program. This project is the result of collaborative efforts among Grifols, several non-profit organizations and Liberian scientists at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah, Liberian Minister of Health, said at a December event in Clayton, “We are extremely grateful for the possibilities afforded to us through our partnership with Grifols. Ebola was devastating during the 2014-16 outbreak and we welcome all work that might advance the efforts to prevent and treat this deadly disease.” 16 | JOHNSTON NOW

Dr. Jallah’s leadership and collaboration was instrumental in the success of the project. During the past four years, Grifols has fully financed and built a first-of-its-kind modular plasma donation center that was deployed to Monrovia, Liberia. This novel approach can be adapted to other outbreak situations and scaled as needed. Grifols also constructed a dedicated processing facility at its Clayton manufacturing complex to produce anti-Ebola immunoglobulin. Víctor Grífols Roura, President of Grifols, said, “We want to thank all the healthy Liberian donors who are making this project possible, our employees who are on the ground and every person who donates plasma to help improve people’s lives around the world. This project has the potential to revolutionize the way epidemics are approached and demonstrates our relentless determination to respond to international health

care emergencies wherever they occur.” Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness, with the average fatality rate about 50 percent. There is a significant unmet need for effective treatments, as currently there are no licensed treatments available to neutralize the virus. Grifols is investigating whether treating patients who have Ebola with plasma collected from healthy people who have survived the disease may help strengthen the immune response to combat Ebola virus disease. More than 40 Grifols employees and Probitas Foundation (Grifols’ philanthropic organization) professionals traveled to Liberia and volunteered in the plasmacollection process and community efforts. James Johnson, a Liberian national who led the Probitas Foundation team on the ground, said, “Visiting Liberia brought the harsh realities of Ebola

to life for our volunteers and the far-reaching impact it has on communities. I would like to thank them and all of the healthy men and women who chose to donate their plasma, for their contribution is helping overcome the stigma of the disease and supporting research in the development of a potential treatment option.” Grifols has donated more than $10 million to help tackle the global health threat posed by Ebola, and the company has started the process of purification of the plasma. The first anti-Ebola immunoglobulins will be ready for transfer to the Liberian government by the end of the first quarter of 2019. As part of Grifols’ philanthropic approach, the company will finance the clinical research and with the agreement of the government of Liberia, will deploy the anti-Ebola immunoglobulin to other Ebola outbreak areas.

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NEWS FROM YOUR

CLAYTON POLICE HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL Submitted by Town of Clayton

CLAYTON — Recently, two Clayton police officers attended their first week of middle school. Officers Aurora Mayo and Scott Holzshu are heading to middle and elementary school as the Clayton Police Department’s first School Resource Officers. The Town of Clayton and the Johnston County School Board have partnered through a state grant aimed at increasing safety in schools. Clayton Middle School, Cooper Academy and West Clayton Elementary welcomed Officer Mayo on Monday, while Riverwood Middle and Riverwood Elementary Schools opened their arms and doors to Officer Holzshu. Thanks to the N.C. School Safety Grants program, several municipalities were able to partner with Johnston County Public Schools to fund the new resource officers in the lower grade schools. The General Assembly appropriated $30 million for fiscal year 20182019, of which Johnston County Public Schools received $366,663. The Clayton Town Council approved the partnership just 18 | JOHNSTON NOW

before the holidays. The contract funds the salaries of the two Clayton Police Officers for the next two years. The School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is designed to promote safety, good student-toofficer interaction, mentorship, guidance and communication between school personnel, students, parents and police. The officers might assist in anything from traffic control in the mornings to safety programs after school.

“Creating relationships is fundamental,” said Clayton Police Chief Blair Myhand. “This is a great opportunity for us to make a positive impact on young kids during their most formative years: we don’t plan on passing on this one. We are here where it counts and interacting with students in a positive way, eating lunch, working on homework and letting them see us in a different light.

school administration as a team to address any risk to the safety of the students. He said improving relationships between students and police can bring great benefits and could perhaps prompt some students to consider careers in law enforcement.

“Students have direct access and can talk to the officers every day if they want. One student showed the SRO a couple of card tricks today. Those interactions don’t happen in any other setting. And, if something happens, Officers Mayo and Holzshu will be there and able to react immediately. We know it makes the schools feel safer and we are pretty sure everyone enjoys us being there.”

Both officers specifically applied for the positions to serve in the schools and received special training for these new assignments.

Chief Myhand says the officers will not take an “arrest first” approach, but rather they are there to assist

“I want to look five years into the future just to see what type of impact these officers have in the lives of our students,” he said.

“Johnston County Public Schools is grateful for this opportunity to strengthen its safety program and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the towns of Benson, Clayton and Four Oaks police departments,” said Dr. Ross Renfrow, Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools.

NEIGHBORS

JCPS COMMUNITY TEAMS UP TO FEED THE HUNGRY Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

Schools, LifeSpring Church of Smithfield and the community gathered at Smithfield Middle to package the meals in a fourhour span. The Smithfield-Selma area schools, which are Innovation Academy at South Campus, Selma Elementary, Selma Middle, Smithfield Middle, Smithfield-Selma High, South Smithfield Elementary, West Smithfield Elementary and Wilson’s Mills Elementary, partnered with LifeSpring Church to plan, organize and host the event. “It was incredible to work with people from all various aspects of the community and come together with the one mission of serving, building and giving back,” said Smithfield Middle Principal Heather Anders. South Smithfield Elementary students Savannah Lee, left, and Ellie Mumford (right) package meals at the Generosity Feeds event on Saturday, Dec. 15.

SMITHFIELD — Hundreds of volunteers gathered together to package more than 18,000 meals to fight childhood hunger in the Smithfield-Selma community for the Generosity Feeds event on Dec. 15. More than 400 volunteers from Johnston County Public

LifeSpring Church led the charge of finding sponsors for the Generosity Feeds event, collecting more than $18,000 in donations. Every dollar that was raised paid for one meal for a child in need, according to Anders. Each family in need will receive one packaged box, which includes 50 meals. Each meal is made up of black beans, rice, a beef-based roux and a vegetable mix. The boxes were delivered to the children and their families before the Christmas holiday.

CLEVELAND HIGH JROTC CELEBRATES WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

RALEIGH — Cleveland High School JROTC cadets visited the Raleigh National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans on Saturday, Dec. 15. The cadets were among 200 volunteers who paused during the busy holiday season to honor and remember the veterans’ sacrifices and their commitment to protecting the nation’s freedom. It was done in conjunction with Wreaths Across America and served as a major service learning project for the cadets. The cadets worked to have the wreaths sponsored and helped plan the ceremony that took place at the cemetery. The event started in the Cleveland High parking lot where the wreaths were loaded onto a tractor trailer and led by the Revenant Warriors and Patriot Guard, as well as the Johnston and Wake County Sheriffs’ departments to the cemetery.

Cleveland High JROTC cadets (from left) Deondre Honomichl, Tanner Sponer, Johnquell Bell and Christopher Stahl stand in position to begin the ceremony.

The cadets provided the Color Guard and the ceremonial formations. Jacob Tolar, Cleveland High band student, played taps while Olivia Harvell, Cleveland High chorus student, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The invocation was given by Cadet Christian LaRue. febru ary 2019 | 19

A SCHOOL FOR JOHNSTON COUNTY FREEDMEN By Benjamin Sanderford

Adele Brewer arrived in Smithfield in April 1869. The young white woman from Stockbridge, Mass., and sister of future Supreme Court Justice David Brewer, had come to teach at a small schoolhouse.

first school dedicated to the education of their children later that year on town property. That schoolhouse was later burned by an arsonist, not an unusual tactic of the Ku Klux Klan, and other white supremacist groups were getting their start. Around the same time, the NEFAS ran out of money.

school, now in a crude, drafty building. He agreed.

It was just as well that the Bemises received help from Susan Hayes in early 1868. It was she who purchased land on the corner of Fourth and Caswell streets to move the schoolhouse. The building, The building was 24 feet wide however, quickly proved to by 48 feet deep, built under be inadequate, and it was the authority of the Freedmen’s demolished as soon as the The project of educating the Bureau for the use of black Freedmen’s Bureau agreed ex-slaves of Smithfield fell students. Brewer knew this to set aside money for a new to the American Missionary was a time of great change. The abolition of slavery meant Association (AMA), which had schoolhouse. It was this modest construction that Adele Brewer long championed education that millions of people were saw when she arrived the next for blacks. The AMA leaders no longer forbidden from sent Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Bemis year. receiving a decent education. in January 1867 and they However, teaching would not immediately threw themselves Also at the school by this time be the only concern of Brewer into both teaching and public was Johnston County’s first black teacher. Her identity is and her colleagues. White relations. Bemis reported uncertain, but she was most Smithfield residents would on May 29 in the American need to be won over if the Missionary that they had their likely Betty Morgan Brown, the only black teacher in the school was to survive. “scholars” perform Sunday county listed in the 1870 school concerts in March and Brewer’s new schoolhouse was April in front of Smithfield’s census. not the first such building to leading citizens, including The census further records be constructed in town, and some of their former owners. there being at the Smithfield she was not the first person to school 132 students aged 4 come teach the freedmen. Jane Not only were these wealthy M. Hamilton, Sarah D. Phelps whites impressed by the black to 16, 47 students aged 17 to 30 and 20 students aged and an unknown teacher of children’s singing, but “They 31 to 61. A house carpenter the New England Freedmen’s frankly confessed (to Bemis) named Kedar Ennis, 61, had Aid Society (NEFAS) had that their own children were the distinction of being the left Boston for Smithfield in falling behind.” Some of the oldest student. They came January 1866. poorer white families even from all walks of life, some asked that their children be Local black men built the traveling from miles around. allowed to attend Bemis’

20 | JOHNSTON NOW

What united everyone in the schoolhouse, old and young, teachers and students, black and white, was a love of learning. The state took over the “Lincoln School,” as Hayes and Brewer named it, in 1870. Students continued to attend long after the original teachers moved on until 1913, when the Johnston County Board of Education sold the building. By that time, racial divisions had intensified in the South, sowing discord and inflicting wounds that are still healing. The Lincoln School’s early history was proof that a better future was possible. The reports sent by Hayes and Brewer indicated that local whites, including former slaveholders, supported the school. This was not the case in every Southern town. The determination of the educators and the students’ love of learning impressed the wider community, creating a shining example of what a freedmen’s school could be. Benjamin Sanderford, a resident of Clayton, studied social science at UNC Greensboro. He can be reached at benwsanderford@ gmail.com.

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RESOLVE TO BE HEART HEALTHY THIS YEAR By Melissa Overton

When you think of love and hearts and when to celebrate, I am sure the month of February comes to mind. Not only is it “the month for lovers,” but also the official Melissa Overton month for Heart Health Awareness. We are heading into our second month of New Year’s resolutions with increased resolve or defeat, and either way, most people made a resolution for improved health. We all know that heart attacks are bad, however most of us convince ourselves that it’s a disease of aging. In the past, this was true. However today, heart attacks are occurring at younger and younger ages! In a November study featured by the American Heart Association (AHA) news, from years 1995-2014, 30 percent of those having heart attacks were ages 35-54. The study goes further to explain that it’s due to lifestyle choices, including poor diet control and a lack of exercise. Let’s consider your heart as an electrical and plumbing system. Today, we will look at the plumbing side. If your cardiovascular system was a kitchen sink with plumbing and every night you washed a little bit of scraps

into the sink, what would happen? You knew that even if it was just a little corn or spaghetti, it should go in the trash, but what would it hurt to wash this little bit down, right? Eventually the kitchen sink clogs and you have a mess! At this point, you have two choices, you need an emergency fix, which is usually Liquid Plumr or call the plumber himself. Your heart works the same way. Now that the pipes are clogged, you are creating a mess that can eventually cause fluid backup and permanent damage to the rest of the kitchen. Now I am a Johnstonian born and bred and quite resourceful, but even I know I can’t repair all things. The smart thing to do is to call for help right away, as the problem is only going to get worse. This is the reason that you should call 911! The longer you wait, the more chance you have of permanent damage and death.

for the heart attack and wait for a team to be called. If you find someone who appears to need CPR, I am going to explain in one sentence: Find mid-nipple line of the chest or where it’s supposed to be, and push hard and fast. Today, the AHA still uses the song “Staying Alive” by the BeeGees to tell you how fast of a beat to push while doing CPR. I guess disco never dies, so I will leave you with DISCO to explain signs and symptoms of a heart attack. D — Dizzy I — Indigestion S — Sweaty C — Chest Pain O — Out of Breath

According to the AHA, 50 percent of people who die of a heart attack die outside of the hospital. Unfortunately, as an ER and ICU nurse, I have seen the tragedies of death and disability because someone didn’t call 911 and it was heartbreaking. EMS is trained to identify your heart attack and call for the plumbing crew (heart team) to fix you as soon as you arrive. When you come to the hospital on your own, you now must be checked

Stay alive by recognizing the signs and symptoms and calling 911! Melissa Godwin Overton, RN, BSN is the owner of MedicalTraining.me, which is a first aid, CPR and medical training facility located in Smithfield. With over 25 years of medical experience, including EMS, ICU, ER and Nursing Education, Melissa has a passion for outreach education and explaining things on a relatable level. She can be reached at melissa@medicaltraining.me.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com. For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit JohnstonNow.com. NAMI support groups The Johnston County Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers weekly support groups for those suffering from mental illness (Connection) as well as their loved ones and friends (Family Support). Regular meetings are now held in Benson, Clayton, Selma and Smithfield. For more information, please either call NAMI Johnston County at 919-464-3572; email at namijcnc@gmail.com or visit www.namijcnc.net. Every Monday, 7:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, 7:30-8 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Angels on a Mission Food Pantry Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 9856 Hwy 210, Four Oaks This organization helps feed families in need in Johnston County. It is also in need of volunteers. For more information, contact John Jernigan at 919-320-7387. Every Monday and Thursday Senior Adult Activity Center First Baptist Church Ministry Center, Smithfield Serving men and women 60 years and over, ARC provides a structured program with stimulating activities, socialization, a snack and lunch. For more information, contact Barbara Smith at 919-934-9771 or email arc@fbcsmithfield.org. Every Tuesday, 7 a.m. Cleveland School Rotary Club Cleveland Draft House, Garner Cleveland School Rotary Club meets weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.

First and third Tuesdays, Noon Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club Cleveland Draft House, Clayton This small group of service-minded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County.

Third Monday, 6-7:30 p.m. Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C. Cleveland Draft House, Clayton The Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C., serves the community with emphasis on school youth Kiwanis programs. It advises two local high school KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) clubs and one elementary school club and meets each month. For more information, email president Jack Tucker at mrtcpa@gmail.com or call 805-377-9573.

First and third Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Smithfield Lions Club Golden Corral, Smithfield This group gathers for fellowship and a meal (self-paid), and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Come learn about the club and how it helps with local community service projects. For more information contact, Karen Brown at 919-934-2555.

Third Tuesday Widowed Persons Fellowship Group Parkside Cafe, Pine Level The Widowed Persons Fellowship Group, Johnston County, cordially invites widowed males and females to join them at their monthly self-pay dinner meeting. There is no charge to join their group. Come and see what they’re all about. Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees Golden Corral, Smithfield Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email bhwoodard25@aol.com. Second Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Johnston County Writers Group Selma Public Library Facilitated by retired educator Gary Ridout, check out the Johnston County Writers Group and meet visiting local authors, hear craft talks, enjoy networking and more. Free to the public. For more information, email brookshire1014@verizon.net.

Third Tuesday Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting Smithfield The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month at 17 Noble St. in Smithfield at Dr. Gettys Cohen Jr.’s office. For additional information, email dwcsw610@yahoo.com. Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m. Clayton Rotary Morning Club Rainbow Lanes, Clayton Every Thursday morning, 70 serviceminded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet at Rainbow Lanes in Clayton. Breakfast is served at 6:45 a.m. and the hour-long meeting starts sharply at 7 a.m.

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Every Thursday, 8-10 a.m. Plant a Row for the Hungry - Johnston County JCC Arboretum Volunteers plan and take care of vegetable gardens and an orchard year round, and all of the harvest is donated to local soup kitchens and food pantries. No previous gardening experience is required and training is provided. Adults welcome, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, please contact Tiffany at plantarow@yahoo.com. Every Thursday, 12 p.m. Central Johnston County Rotary Club The Central Johnston County Rotary Club meets every Thursday for lunch at the Johnston Medical Mall and serves the Smithfield and Selma areas. Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m. Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings JCC Workforce Development Center, Clayton Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. For more, visit claytontm.com. Every Third Friday, 6-9 p.m. Free Carriage Rides Downtown Smithfield The Downtown Smithfield Development

Corporation hosts free carriage rides, starting on the corner of Third and Market, around the beautiful, historic downtown area each month. Have dinner and drinks at locally owned restaurants, catch a movie at the Howell Theatre and enjoy some small town charm! First Friday of the month, 7:30-9 a.m. Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Member Breakfast Triple Barrel Tavern, Garner Join the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce for its free member breakfast each month. Contact the chamber at 919-773-8448 for more information. Third Friday Clayton Area Parkinson’s Group All people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are invited to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in friendly and casual meetings. Meeting locations and times vary. To learn more, call Mark or Jane Wilson at 919-359-0633 or 919-631-2628. Or email retiredones@earthlink.net. Last Friday of the month Free carriage rides, Clayton Enjoy free carriage rides in downtown Clayton. Every last Friday, there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides. Come out and explore the downtown Clayton area and go for a nice ride with Southern Charm Carriages. For more details, call 919-946-0924.

Third Saturday, 1 p.m. Refreshing Springs Outreach Ministries Fairfield Inn and Suites, Smithfield Come out to worship and fellowship with a growing ministry at Fairfield Inn & SuitesMarriot. For questions, email Rev. Pam Ballard at pballard@refreshingspringsrc. com or call 919-585-7497. First Sunday, 9 a.m. Special Needs Ministry Four Oaks United Methodist Church Four Oaks United Methodist Church has developed a Special Needs Ministry for the community. Everyone, including families with special needs individuals, is welcome to attend a 30-minute service that uses children’s music and an open format that allows the children to make noise and move around as needed. Parents can relax in casual attire, and no offering will be collected. Join us on Feb. 3 for a puppet show presented by Gaile and Rodney Brittain. For more information, contact Pastor Linda Leuser at 919-938-0000 or email to lindaleuser@gmail.com. Friday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. Benson’s First Friday Visit Downtown Benson for its monthly First Friday event. Participating shops will remain open until 9 p.m. Some shops will offer light refreshments (i.e: wine, beer, etc.) DIY projects, crafts or an exclusive First Friday sale. There will also be a food truck set up in Benton Square.

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