INSIDE: Dog park opens with book giveaway
When I was sitting in a hangar at Johnston Regional Airport a few weeks back, waiting for the press conference that led to the cover story in this month’s issue, I had an epiphany. Well, maybe that’s a little overstated. I’ll just say that it occurred to me that Johnston County is a different place now than it was when I moved here back in 2008. When Shanna and I chose Four Oaks off a map, there were about 80,000 people
here. Things were quieter. The interstate wasn’t constantly under construction, McGee’s Crossroads had more farms than fast food restaurants and life generally moved a little more slowly. We were different, too. We were the parents of a first grader, and the Four Oaks Journal and Johnston Now magazine were still just figments of our imaginations. It was hard to imagine just how much our lives would change in the next 15
years. We raised Ethan here, started a business and, in the process, lived here longer than we’ve ever lived anywhere else.
As our lives have changed, the county has as well. There are more like 210,000 people here now, and it seems that almost all of them drive down Cleveland Road at some point during the work week.
The secret is out. Johnston County is a great place to work and live. And it’s up to us to make sure it stays that way. Maybe that was the epiphany.
Volume 7, Number 3 A
There are some odd products advertised on TV. While watching my usual array of sports on TV recently, I began taking notice of some of the things advertised on there. Particularly on ACC Network and Tennis Channel, there are some unique products the ads hope to entice viewers to buy.
Of course, most of these come with the line, “If you call now, we’ll include this free gift with your order,” or “If you call now, we’ll double the offer for the same low, low price.”
This is particularly true for sets of supposedly indestructible cookware that nothing will ever stick to. No amount of advertising will ever make me believe you can throw pieces of hard candy in a pan, melt them, and then wipe it off with a cloth. Nor will it make me believe you can put rocks in said pan, smash them with a hammer, and leave the pan without a scratch.
While watching during the recent holiday season, this was the first year I remember not seeing commercials for the Chia Pet or the Clapper. For as long as I can remember, those have been holiday staples.
A quick online check shows you can still buy a Chia Pet if you want one. I’m not sure why anyone would want one, but if you do, they are available in Star Wars, hedgehog, Bob Ross (the famous painter from PBS), Willie Nelson and many more varieties.
And, no worries, if you want to be able to turn stuff on and off by clapping your hands, the Clapper is still widely available as well. However, should you feel inclined to run out and get one, any rhythmic sound can turn on or off whatever is plugged into it, and it doesn’t work well with the newer fluorescent light bulbs. Apparently the new bulbs pull a smaller amount of current than the Clapper needs to operate. One of the rhythmic sounds that will turn things on and off is a dog barking. I’m not sure how
that would go if a dog realized it can turn the lights on and off by barking.
Snax the Sloth will talk back to a child that’s playing with it. Of course, being a sloth, it does so very slowly. According to the TV commercial, Snax will also bark back to your dog, also slowly.
Who doesn’t like bacon? Well, there’s a new way to make it called Yummy Can Bacon. It is a can-shaped device with racks on the inside. You take the top off, hang the bacon on the racks, and put it in the microwave. It is supposedly splatter and mess proof and collects the grease in the bottom. This is also one of those where you can get the double offer, and they say they will even throw in free shipping.
Having trouble sleeping or aches and pains when you get up? Then maybe the Contour Swan is for you. It’s a candy cane-shaped full body pillow that according to the ads, “Helps you get restful sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.” Who doesn’t want that? However, there may be better ways to do this than this fairly expensive pillow. This one,
too, comes with a special offer of a bag to wash it in and free shipping.
If you need a workout but don’t want to get out of your chair, then maybe you should try LegXercise. This is an electric, motorized gadget that moves your legs back and forth while you sit. It supposedly moves your legs up to 4,200 times in an hour and, during that hour, simulates a 1.7 mile walk. This device is rather expensive as well.
And, there are any number of credit cards and personal loans guaranteed to make your financial situation better. I’m not sure how taking a loan and going into debt makes that better, but maybe I’m missing something.
While I’m not going to run out and buy any of this stuff, I guess these commercials show that there is a market for pretty much anything, even a stuffed sloth that will bark back to your dog slowly.
What does it mean to be fair?
It’s interesting when you pose this question to kindergarteners, as I had done in the ‘80s as a philosophy teacher in Harlem, and then more recently, in two elementary schools in Johnston County. Judging from their very passionate and astute participation in class, it would seem that children are born with a keen sense for fairness.
The children, kindergarteners and fifth graders alike, had strong opinions about what is fair and cared deeply about playing by the rules and doing what is right. Feelings have a lot to do with how they formulate their opinions, which I believe is a good instinct.
While feelings alone may not determine what is fair, they do seem to act as an internal guidance system for correct action. We might say that feelings put the compass in the term “moral compass.” But feelings aren’t all there is
to it. Reason needs to temper their sometimes flighty nature.
I was tickled by a particular discussion with students in a kindergarten class at West Smithfield Elementary. The children were asked to talk about whether it was fair that six people having dessert together would be served different sized slices of cake. At first there were groans and hollers of protest. It couldn’t be fair unless all pieces were equal!
But by the time we finished, the children had come up with several reasons equal slices might not be fair! “What if someone has diabetes, should they have as much cake as those who do not?” “Is it unfair to give a dad a bigger slice than the baby?” Brilliant! They were entertaining the thought that there might be more to fairness than making everything equal.
Hopefully, we are careful to balance our feelings with reason when it comes to determining matters of fairness. Consider the popular social practice of the “Everyone
Gets a Trophy” ethic adopted by many communities for children’s sports teams, talent and academic “competitions.” In this case, the “slices” are cut all the same regardless of the quality of the performance.
The guiding principle here is to protect children from feelings of disappointment without regard for the devaluing of excellence on the one hand and committing “merit inflation” on the other. Feelings run amok here as the adults cannot bear for the children to have any hurt feelings about losing.
Meanwhile, is reason shirking its duty? Why not have them learn to lose
gracefully? Children may then develop the virtues of resiliency and being a good sport for starters, not to mention that the trophies may be considered dishonest. It seems to me that what is fair should also be wise.
Mine is not the last word. These matters should be entertained and discussed locally to gain clarity and perspective. It is crucial that communities understand the moral influences on their children. Whether we are mindful of the fact or not, we all exert moral influence upon everyone we encounter.
⋆ Next Month: Integrity
SMITHFIELD — The North Carolina Department of Transportation released its North Carolina: The State of Aviation report recently, and it’s 16 pages of facts and figures touting the economic benefits and impact of aviation on our state and local economy.
It’s good data, but Chris Johnson, director of Johnston County Economic Development, drilled it down for a crowd gathered at Johnston Regional Airport to celebrate the report’s release last month.
“When you look at this facility alone,” he said, pointing around the hangar in which the press conference was held, “there’s close to $40 million worth of aircraft, and that means a huge impact for the county of Johnston when you think about tax revenue. None of these we have to run water or sewer to, none of these we have
to educate and they drink a lot of fuel, which goes into the coffers of the county. That’s the true importance of the airport and why we’re here.”
The report states that Johnston Regional Airport (JNX) generates about $210 million in economic output annually, in addition to sustaining 1,100 jobs. The facility also generates $74.17 million in personal income and about $13.6 million in state and local tax revenue each year.
“(The report) confirms what we all know and believe, which is that the airport is rolling like the rest of the county,” Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Butch Lawter said. “It’s great to take a minute and step back and celebrate the things that are positive that are going on, and JNX, Johnston Regional Airport, is just one of the gems of Johnston County.”
N.C. House Representatives Donna White and Larry Strickland and newly-elected State Senator Benton Sawrey were also on hand for the announcement.
“It is an integral part of the economic engine of Johnston County,” Sawrey said. “When large corporations come to talk about Johnston County as a landing place for a manufacturing plant or investment, they look to see if this runway has capacity. They look for available hangar space to move employees and executives in and out.
“It’s come a long way. I was talking to (JNX Airport Director Phil Lanier) on the way over here, and discussing how it (used to be) a single building and a grass field. … Now we have these beautiful terminals and these new investments, so just like Johnston County is continuing to grow, this airport is continuing to grow.”
The evolution of JNX also feeds the county’s overall economic development, giving Johnson and his staff a bigger, more modern airport to present to would-be corporate partners.
“The airport here, with the growth of RDU that we’re excited about, is a huge marketing tool for the county,” Johnson said. “With that, some of those jets are being relocated, and we want to make sure we get a good piece of that pie. … When you’re buying a $13 million aircraft, you want to make sure to put that in a garage. These hangars are high-class garages for aircraft, and we’re excited about the future here.”
The complete report is available at www.ncdot.gov/ aviation.
Submitted by SHANNON MANN
CLAYTON — The robots are coming!
Don’t worry, this isn’t the newest sci-fi movie where robot borgs take over the local town. Rather, it’s the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education that is taking over Clayton High School in early March.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics will hold a district robotics competition on March 11-12 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This is the first time that Johnston County has been home to a district robotics event. Nearly 2,000 students, coaches, volunteers and spectators will take part in the two-day tournament aimed at building students’ knowledge and skills in design, engineering, coding,
marketing and business. Thirty-four teams from across the state will descend on Clayton High School, setting up 10x10 pits and competing on a field roughly the size of a high school basketball court.
Johnston County is home to four FIRST Robotics Competition teams, including G-Force Robotics, an all-girl rookie team based in Clayton. Clayton Chamber of Commerce President Dana Wooten saw the team speak at a Clayton Women in Networking meeting last July and knew that Clayton would be the perfect place to host FIRST North Carolina’s growing tournament structure.
“The chamber is very excited to partner with so many entities to host the FIRST Robotics competition here in Clayton,” Wooten said. “We realize the economic impact that tournaments such as these can bring to a community. A competition in the hometown of G-Force Robotics seemed like a no-brainer. We hope that this will increase awareness of how engineering technology, such as robotics, is used in Johnston County industries such as Grifols, OPW Global and Caterpillar.”
FIRST Robotics Competition, or FRC as most students call it, boasts nearly 3,400 teams across a span of 32 countries. In 2022, 80,000 students participated in the program geared to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. North Carolina is home to 75 teams from many different counties.
“FIRST is so much more than robots,” said Marie Hopper, president of FIRST North Carolina. “Our students discover a safe space to explore and learn about STEM and themselves. They discover their leadership potential and their abilities to collaborate as a team. FIRST is growing in North Carolina because our students are hungry for meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them to grow into thriving, contributing members of society.” Students have two months to build a 125-pound robot designed to meet specific challenges for that season. Participants develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, communication and leadership, preparing them for success in school and the workforce, no matter what path they take.
Leigh Dement, associate scientist at Focal Medical and coach of G-Force Robotics, knows the importance of the program having first been a participant herself while in high school, and later becoming a mentor and coach. She said the program lays the foundation for gaining both technical and interpersonal skills.
“FIRST gives students the opportunity to gain real world design and fabrication skills, and hosts it in a collaborative environment that builds universally applicable leadership, problem-solving and communication skills,” Dement said.
One major benefit of the program is that students also work with and learn from professionals in the field. “Who better to gain career-applicable skills from than professionals in these industries? The students on our team are learning from engineers at Caterpillar, Schneider Electric and Novo Nordisk, including those who developed their own STEM interests through robotics competitions in FIRST, NASA and even Discovery Channel’s Battlebots. The opportunity to be mentored by these professionals to
develop such critical and advanced skills is one that most teenagers are not exposed to.”
Johnston County, and Clayton in particular, have several corporations and businesses that support this growing program from Caterpillar and Grifols to family practitioners and attorneys, and even the local Rotary clubs.
“Businesses and business leaders see the value of programs such as this because they help to prepare students for careers that require creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving and much more,” Wooten said. “These skills translate for a future workforce for employers. I have seen G-Force in action and have come to know some of the young women who participate. Their futures are extremely bright.”
All four Johnston County teams will compete at the tournament held at Clayton High School. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about FIRST North Carolina, visit https://www. firstnorthcarolina.org/.
SELMA — The Town of Selma will unveil its newest quality of life addition this spring at Harrison Gym Campus, a sleek and modern outdoor Fitness Court with a supporting mobile app.
This capital project is a featured part of a 2022 initiative launched by National Fitness Campaign, a nationwide consulting organization that partners with cities and schools to plan, build and fund healthy infrastructure.
This year, the Town of Selma and dozens of other select recipients from around the country were awarded a $30,000 grant from NFC to help support the program. In addition
to grant funding, a city match and local sponsorships will make the project possible.
“It is an exciting time in the Town of Selma and for the Selma Parks and Recreation Department. We are ecstatic to partner with the National Fitness Campaign and bring an outdoor fitness court to Selma,” said Selma Parks and Recreation Director Alyssa Fox.
The new Fitness Court at the Harrison Gym Campus, located at 601 W. Noble Street, will be an open-air wellness center that allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout. Created with adults of all ages in mind, the Fitness Court will be adaptable for all fitness levels.
Submitted by TOWN OF SELMANew users can also download the free Fitness Court app, a coach-in-your-pocket style platform that transforms the outdoor gym into a digitally-supported wellness ecosystem. The app, entitled “Fitness Court,” is available for iOS and Android.
The National Fitness Campaign developed the trademarked seven-station system in 2012 hoping to inspire municipalities to transform public spaces into community fitness hubs. There are currently 100 active Fitness Court locations across the country, and the to campaign hoped to reach a total of 500 cities and schools by the end of 2022.
Residents are invited to attend an opening day launch event in the spring to try the Fitness Court and learn about upcoming community wellness events and programming. For more information, visit www.selma-nc.com or contact Selma Parks and Recreation at 919-975-1411.
The home is the #1 place youth access alcohol.
It’s never too early to start the conversation.
Talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking including the negative impact on the developing teenage brain.
Set clear guidelines about the expectations in your home.
When there is alcohol in the home, secure and monitor it.
Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home. Make sure alcohol is not easily accessible by putting it in locked spaces.
Take the pledge, learn how to secure alcohol in your home, and request a free cabinet lock today!
johnstonsup.org/ talk-it-up-lock-it-up/
Learn more: JohnstonSUP.org
The Johnston County Substance Use Prevention Coalition is a proud partner of the Poe Center for Health Education. www.poehealth.org
Funded in whole or in part by the SAMHSA Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant awarded to the NC DHHS DMH/DD/SAS # H79SP080986.
CLAYTON — Clayton High senior Sarah Fuccello is comfortable being in the spotlight. She sings, acts and is president of the Interact Club, just to name a few of her activities.
She has performed in productions with Clayton High Performing Arts including “Into The Woods,” “Rumors,” “Chicago,” and, most recently, “Peter and The Starcatcher.” Fuccello was also named to the 2022 N.C. Honors Chorus. Out of approximately 800 students that auditioned, she was one of just 179 students that earned a spot. She recently performed with the other students from around the state in Winston-Salem.
She, as well as the other students from across the state, worked on and learned eight songs for the event. Then they all came together to work on them, and ultimately
performed the songs at the end of the weekend. “It’s so strong when everyone sings together,” Fuccello said.
The thing Fuccello loves the most about the performing arts is watching the show or concert come together. She enjoys the process and the way everyone works so hard to make the magic happen. “It’s always a good experience,” she said.
She was also recently named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Fuccello is one of approximately 34,000 students who received letters of commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.
Commended Students are named based on a nationally applied selection index score, and some of these students do become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
“I’m really honored and grateful,” she said.
The youngest of three girls, Fuccello is a Clayton native, and a thriving Johnston County Public Schools student. Being such a well-rounded student takes a lot of grit and determination, which she credits to her father’s Italian side of the family.
Her father, who has competed in several Ironman competitions, triathlons, and a 50-mile run, has provided a great model for Fuccello. “He has a lot of skills,” she said.
A jack of all trades, her dad has a degree in physical therapy, is a carpenter who built an entire second floor on their house, and a Realtor. “He has always inspired me to pursue my dreams and to never give up,” she said.
Fuccello’s paternal grandfather is another one of her inspirations. A history
professor, he taught himself to speak Japanese by listening to records. She comes from a long line of relatives that are willing to do whatever it takes in life.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Fuccello is also a jack of all trades. In addition to academics, chorus and theater, she runs cross country and track and is president of the Interact Club, a kind of junior Rotary Club for young people between the ages of 14 and 18.
She is a member of YMCA Youth and Government, a nationwide civic program that prepares high school students for moral and political leadership. It is a student-led, mock state government.
Fuccello wrote a couple of bills, one that would require all schools to have one nurse per school. The bill made it through the mock House and Senate, but not through the Governor’s cabinet.
It seems like anything she can learn, she does just that. The thing that sets her apart is that Fuccello seems to master whatever she sets her mind to.
“I’ve always loved learning,” she said. “The more knowledge I gain now, the more successful I’ll be in the future, and the bigger impact I can have on the people around me.”
While a student at Riverwood Middle, Fuccello was part of the math club Math Counts. She and her teammates got to compete with other peers from different schools working to solve complex math concepts. Her team earned second place in the competition.
In the summer of 2021, she attended a life science camp at Virginia Tech, where she was able to learn about all the different sides of science.
Clearly a fan of math and science, chemistry is Fucello’s favorite subject because it takes math and applies it to real world settings. Fuccello said she really enjoys the experiment side of chemistry. “Chemistry shows us how we actually use those things in real life,” she said.
Her master plan is to attend college, either Virginia Tech, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or
the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and study biochemistry with the ultimate goal of going into medical research.
Her biggest motivation, and the thing that keeps Fuccello so positive, comes from thinking about her future. It drives her to do well now so that she can be successful. “When I think about going to college and being in a career that I love, that really excites me,” she said.
While in college, she definitely plans to join a chorus so she can continue singing, and welcomes the opportunity to perform in a college stage production if the opportunity presents itself.
When asked who her hero was, she replied, “There’s so many people I look up to.”
She decided to name all four of her grandparents, who loved her unconditionally. “They showed me how to love other people, how to respect others and how to live life to the fullest,” Fuccello said. “They had a passion for life.”
That passion has definitely rubbed off on her. It is clear why she is comfortable in the spotlight, and her light is destined to shine as she navigates her way through life.
SELMA — Pickleball is becoming more popular among people of all ages in Selma.
This is also true throughout the country, as pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. People in Selma are choosing the sport to stay physically, mentally and socially active.
Selma’s recent Holiday Slam Pickleball Tournament had 182 players registered. Over the event’s three days, more than 700 people came to Edgebrook Park.
More than $8,000 in prizes was awarded
during the tournament. Players came from California, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia in addition to North Carolina.
Tournament directors were Enfry Mendez and Gary Stewart and the tournament host was Jesse Simon. Simon is a 5.0-level pickleball player who has earned more than 50 medals since 2012.
Winners included Ricky Stephens and Steve Vozza in the men’s 60-plus open, Carol Wright and Tammy Brown in the women’s 60-plus open, Mick Ray in the
singles open, Collin Shick and Sarah Carpenter in the mixed doubles open and Simon and Stephen Scala in the men’s doubles open.
“In many ways, pickleball is an ideal sport as it can accommodate people of varying fitness levels while still offering a good aerobic workout,” said Kelly Blanchard, community engagement coordinator for the Town of Selma.
For more information about upcoming pickleball tournaments, contact Gary Stewart at garystewart61@yahoo.com.
BENSON — Johnston County’s inventory of high-quality industrial space is set to continue growing as E.D. Parker Corporation finalizes plans for a speculative building in Benson that will span from 275,000 square feet to 295,000 square feet.
The Johnston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved performance-based economic development incentives in support of the project. Economic development leaders anticipate the property can attract an advanced manufacturer or life sciences operation to Johnston County.
“Our ability to continue bringing high-wage jobs to Johnston County relies on having ready-to-go buildings that can accommodate today’s high-wage industries,” said County Commission Chairman R.S. “Butch”
Lawter Jr. “Modern businesses seek well-located spaces equipped with the latest infrastructure and amenities. The county’s innovative buildinglease program supports private construction of Class A industrial properties, which will yield lucrative benefits for our local economy over many years.”
The new facility, tentatively known as “Benson Global Building,” will be located on Chicopee Road in Benson. E.D. Parker Corp. is a Benson-based company specializing in commercial and office construction. It intends to invest up to $25 million in the building, which the company estimates will be able to accommodate at least 25 jobs at wages comparable to those of Johnston County’s life science and manufacturing operations.
Johnston County’s building-lease program includes performance-based incentives that enable economic development leaders to be proactive in recruiting companies that pay aboveaverage salaries. The program also helps private developers manage the financial risks associated with building speculative space.
Like all projects considered for county incentives, this project, called “Project Ready,” underwent an economic impact analysis by Dr. Michael Walden, distinguished professor emeritus of economics at North Carolina State University. Walden’s study found that construction of the building will bring just more than $15 million in immediate benefits to the local economy, while operations of the completed facility will add more than $23 million to the
county’s annual gross domestic product. County and municipal governments will derive $255,575 in yearly tax revenues from the building’s operations, according to Walden, who is also a consultant in Raleigh.
“In this highly competitive region, having quality product available and speed-to-market has never been more paramount. With the Fed’s recent rise in interest rates, it has thrown a curve for meeting these needs locally and working with lending institutions,” said Dale Parker, president and CEO of E.D. Parker Corporation. “We have the ability to develop in other areas of the Triangle region, but we are bullishly confident in the market in Benson and Johnston County. It is our company’s goal to have this proposed facility leased prior to the completion of the Class A building and not have to use the building lease program that the county has generously offered.”
Randy Jones, who chairs the 14-member Johnston County Economic Development Advisory Board, said the county is “missing out on jobs
and investment dollars when we can’t respond to opportunities because we lack modern, ready-to-go industrial buildings. We’re proud to partner with E.D. Parker, a longtime Johnston County company, as it addresses this deficit and paves the way for promising companies and the livable jobs they bring here,” said Randy Jones, chair of the Johnston County Economic Advisory Board.
The Building Owners and Managers Association, an international trade association of commercial real estate professionals headquartered in Washington, D.C., classifies “Class A” buildings as those with “a definite market presence [that can] compete for premier tenants.”
Such buildings include state-ofthe-art electrical, telecom, plumbing and other operating systems, highquality finishes and “exceptional accessibility,” according to BOMA’s website, www.boma.org.
E.D. Parker expects to complete the Benson Global Building by spring 2024. “Inquiries continue pouring into
our office at a high level,” said Chris Johnson, director of the Johnston County Economic Development Office. “Unfortunately, we’re having to decline many of them due to not having properties that fit clients’ search criteria. The county’s building-lease program is an innovative partnership that incentivizes the creation of new industrial product while also maximizing the strategic impact of speculative projects.”
Project Ready marks the third time in 13 months that the county has partnered with the private sector to expand the local inventory of high-end industrial real estate. In November 2021, AdvanceTEC, a Richmond, Va. firm that designs and builds cleanroom space, launched a $10 million project on a 12-acre property off U.S. Highway 70 Business between Clayton and Smithfield. In October of this year, commissioners approved plans by Ohio-based Al. Neyer LLC to construct an industrial facility in Smithfield on 25 acres on Brogden Road at I-95.
by JOHNSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SMITHFIELD — Dr. Vern Lindquist has been named the fourth president of Johnston Community College.
Lindquist was chosen from five finalists who were part of an extensive search led by a committee of internal and external stakeholders and executive leadership associates. He comes to JCC from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill. He has served as vice-president of academics at Lincoln Land for five years. Lindquist has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, including almost two decades as an instructor at a community college.
The North Carolina Board of Community Colleges approved the recommendation for Lindquist’s hire at its meeting in December.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Lindquist has accepted the position. The board believes Dr. Lindquist is the right person to lead JCC during this time of great growth in Johnston County and
Submitted by TOWN OF SELMA
SELMA — AdVenture Development has opened a dog park at Triangle East Collaborative at 67 JR Road.
To celebrate the opening, the dog park is partnering with Old North State Food Hall to give away a treasured children’s book, “Big Dog … Little Dog” by P.D. Eastman, with every food and beverage purchase. The book is available in English or Spanish, as well as in a board book for toddlers.
The dog park, located in the same business center as Old North State Food Hall, has segregated areas for big dogs and little dogs and offers waste bags, waste receptacles and benches.
“We offer travelers along I-95 a one-stop destination for good food, clean restrooms, and now, a place to walk their dogs. I have fond memories of reading
“Big Dog … Little Dog” to my children and hope this literacy initiative introduces a whole new generation to this beloved children’s book,” said AdVenture Development president Kevin Dougherty.
In early 2023, Old North State Food Hall plans to introduce future book giveaways and create a small library of children’s books and family board games for guests to enjoy when they visit the food hall, Dougherty said.
To learn more about Old North State Food Hall, visit www.onsfh.com. For more information about TEC and AdVenture Development, go to www.adventuredev.com.
on our campuses,” said JCC Board of Trustees Chair Lyn T. Austin. “We would also like to thank the trustees, faculty, staff and community members who dedicated their efforts to this search or provided us with valuable feedback.”
Lindquist and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 35 years. They have two grown children. Lindquist began his new role at JCC on Jan. 16.
▸ The Robert P. Holding Foundation has contributed $250,000 to the Youth Zone, a campaign of the Johnston Health Foundation, to renovate an existing space inside Johnston Medical Mall for children participating in the Healthy Kids program at HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center. Holding was a trustee and strong supporter of Johnston Memorial Hospital (now UNC Health Johnston) in its early days. From left are Amanda Johnson, foundation development specialist; Tom Williams, CEO and president of UNC Health Johnston; April Culver, vice-president of external affairs; Jeff Parlier, senior vice president of retail banking at First Citizens Bank and Kevin Cielinski, UNC Health Johnston vice-president of finance. (Photo courtesy UNC Health Johnston)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County for both those who are in recovery with mental illness (NAMI Connection) and for their caregivers, loved ones and friends as well (NAMI Family Support). For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, visit www.namijcnc. net, email namijcnc@gmail. com or call 919-980-5277.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Running Club
Join the Smithfield Running Club each week to meet new people, get back in shape, train for races and explore the growing downtown area of Smithfield. For more information, find them on Facebook by searching for Smithfield Running Club or email smithfieldrunningclub@ gmail.com.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.
⋆ Cleveland School Rotary Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Garner
Cleveland School Rotary Club meets bi-weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.
Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield Come for dinner and learn about this volunteer service club with a focus on actively supporting children’s programs. Learn about Smithfield and neighboring communities from weekly presenters. There are community and social opportunities as well. Visit www.facebook.com/ KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.
Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.
⋆ Story Time
→ Kenly Public Library
Check out story time at the Kenly Public Library each Wednesday. Call the library at 919-284-4317 or email kenly.library@townofkenly. com for more details.
Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.
⋆ Trivia Party
→ Clayton Center for Active Aging
Join the folks at Clayton Center for Active Aging with trivia each Wednesday at 2 p.m. Call 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919553-4350.
First and third Tuesdays, Noon
⋆ Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club
→ Virtual meeting via Zoom
This small group of serviceminded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County. Visit www.facebook.com/ ClaytonMiddayRotary to learn more.
First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Lions Club
→ Mayflower Restaurant, Smithfield
This group gathers for fellowship and business. The dinner is self-pay. The meeting and meal begins at 5:30 p.m. Come learn about the club and how we help with local community service projects. For more information, contact Karen Brown at 919-934-2555.
First and third Thursdays, 6:45 p.m.
⋆ Clayton Civitan Club meeting
→ Clayton Civitan Building, McCullers St., Clayton Join the Clayton Civitan Club for its monthly meetings. Call 919-550-0694 for more information.
First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting
→ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Fellowship Masonic Lodge
#84 meets the first and third Thursday of each month. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are welcome. The lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com.
First Tuesday, Noon
⋆ Clayton Visual Arts meeting
→ The Clayton Center Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) is a nonprofit 501(3)c organization dedicated to bringing art to Clayton. Its members are artists, educators and art lovers. CVA engages and promotes the visual arts and strives to emphasize quality, diversity and accessibility to all local artists. Please consider joining and help support the arts in Clayton. Monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at The Clayton Center in the York Room on the second floor. They also host monthly artist receptions on the first or second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. For more information, visit www.claytonvisualarts.org or contact CVA president Bronwen Fullington at bronwen.fullington@gmail. com.
Second Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ PACT meeting
→ Virtual Meeting via Google Meet
Parents of Adult Children in Transition meets the second Monday of each month. To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.
Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.
⋆ Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting
→ 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 jimnow42@gmail.com.
Second Wednesday, noon
⋆ The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting
→ TWCC building, Church St., Clayton
The Woman’s Club of Clayton (TWCC) is a nonprofit philanthropic organization made up of
professional women who share a common goal: to work together to improve our local community, socially, physically, culturally and educationally. Please consider joining to help serve those in need of assistance. TWCC meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August). For more information visit www.twccnc.org or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.
Second Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Triangle East Writers
→ Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
Join a hard-working group of local writers and poets, beginner to advanced, who network, critique each other’s work, listen to guest authors and organize open mics and write-ins around the county. It’s free and open to the public. For more information, email facilitator Cindy Brookshire at jocowriters@gmail.com.
Every other Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Kiwanis Club of Clayton
→ Virtual meeting
The Kiwanis Club of Clayton 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. Visit www.facebook. com/ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.
Third Monday, 7 p.m.
⋆ Vietnam Veterans of America
→ Smithfield American Legion Post 132
The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting
→ Johnston County Ag Center
The Johnston County Beekeepers Association serves beginner and experienced beekeepers with educational programs and experiences. We teach and encourage better apiculture methods and promote cooperation and sharing among beekeepers, homeowners and farmers. Our monthly meetings are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@jocobee.org.
Third Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.
⋆ 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.
Third Tuesday
⋆ Johnston County AfricanAmerican Caucus meeting
→ 1302 W. Market St., Smithfield
The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. Attend in person or visit www.us02web.zoom. us/j/9216132965 to attend via Zoom. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email AACJCDP. chair@gmail.com or call 954-696-7833.
Third Thursday
⋆ Johnston County Republican Women
The Johnston County Republican Women (JCRW) meet on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December).
Their meeting location changes monthly. For more information email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.
Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Disabled American Veterans meeting
→ Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road
Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
⋆ Clayton Rotary Morning Club
→ Virtual meeting via Zoom
Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet. Learn more at www. claytonrotaryclub.org.
Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.
⋆ Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings
→ JCC Workforce Development Center Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. Meetings can also be offered via Zoom if requested by a member. For more, visit www. claytontm.com.
First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Four Oaks American Legion meeting
→ American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks
All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Caring Hearts Civitan Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Shotwell Road, Clayton Caring Hearts Civitan Club would like to invite anyone interested in helping others in the Johnston County area to come to its meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding July. The club is a service-based volunteer organization that seeks members who are like-minded and would like to partner with other clubs and support worthy causes. Dinner begins at 6 and the meeting at 7. Those interested in attending or making a presentation about their organization should email grahamhound1966@gmail. com.
Thursday, Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Frank Creech Art Gallery Exhibit Reception
→ Frank Creech Art Gallery, Johnston Community College
The February exhibit features the works of Priscilla Williams, Haywood Watson, Diana Fernandes, Betsy lucena, Adriana
Ameigh, Shelia Blevins and Kristin Sasser. The reception, hosted by the Johnston County Arts Council, is set for Thursday, Feb. 2.
Thursday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m.
⋆ Setting up your Google Business Profile
→ Virtual class, JCC Small Business Center
In this free, online seminar, you will learn how to set up, verify and manage your business profile on Google using a free tool called Google My Business. Whether your business is online or offline, it is important to make sure your customers can find you online and learn more information about your business. You will learn tips and best practices for setting up your profile and managing how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. Attendees must be preregistered, and must be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit www.ncsbc. net/Events.aspx.
Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m.
⋆ Jeep Day
→ Waffee Station, U.S. Highway 301 South, Micro A Jeep Day is set for Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8-11 a.m. Bring out your Jeep and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Waffee Station. There will be designated Jeep parking in the grass area.
Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m.
⋆ Heather Land Live
→ The Clayton Center
Heather Land will perform Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8-10 p.m. at The Clayton Center. Comedienne, author and singer Heather Land tells it like it is with sarcasm and Southern charm. Practically overnight, Land burst through the clutter of the online world with her hilarious and witty videos, which have garnered more than 300 million views. For tickets, visit www.etix. com/ticket/p/4912089/ heather-land-live-claytonthe-clayton-center.
Monday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.
⋆ How to Write a Business Plan
→ Virtual class, JCC Small Business Center
A business plan can be the most important tool for a small business owner. In this free, online webinar, learn how to turn your ideas into a solid plan for financing and longterm success. Learn the important components of a business plan, and lay the foundation for a winning plan. Find out how marketing, operations and finance are interrelated. Discover how a business plan is used by potential lenders, the dos and don'ts of writing a plan and steps for making the
process easy. This webinar is designed for new and established business owners. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. To register, visit www.ncsbc.net/Events. aspx.
Thursday, Feb. 9
⋆ Interactive Black History Month display
→ Kenly Public Library
Don’t miss the Kenly Public Library’s Interactive Black History Month display, designed for all ages. It’s an all-ages Lego building event with Gear Shifters. Cost is $5 per family. Call the library at 919-284-4317
or email at kenly.library@ townofkenly.com to register.
Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
⋆ Starting a Non-Profit
→ Virtual class, JCC Small Business Center
Starting a nonprofit 501(c) (3) public charity is not a decision to be taken lightly. Public charities are subject to federal and state rules and regulations that are not imposed on for-profit small businesses, including how they will generate income. The purpose of this free, online workshop to be held Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. is to help newly
established and potential nonprofit founders gather information needed to make an informed decision on how to move their charitable missions forward. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit www. ncsbc.net/Events.aspx.
Friday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Third Annual DaddyDaughter Dance
→ Selma Civic Center, N. Webb
St., Selma
Selma Parks and Recreation will host its Third Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance
Friday, Feb. 10, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All dads are encouraged to bring their daughters 13
years of age and younger. Tickets are $15 for dads and $12 for children. The ticket price includes dinner, a DJ and a photo booth. The dress code is semi-formal. For more information, contact Selma Parks and Recreation at 919-965-9841.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.
⋆ Landscaping for Wildlife
→ Howell Woods, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks Howell Woods will host Landscaping for Wildlife on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. until noon. Food, cover and water are three of the four requirements for wildlife and they can be difficult to provide. Participants will
learn ways to improve the area where they live for wildlife the natural way. While this program will be geared primarily towards benefiting birds, bees and butterflies in residential settings, there will be some discussion on idlearea and small woodlot management to benefit multiple wildlife species. To register, visit johnstoncc. edu/howellwoods. For more information, call 919-9380115.
Monday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.
In this free, online seminar, gain a beginning basic workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your small business. You will get an overview of the three most important financial reports, and an overview of how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. If you’re a new small business owner or a potential small business owner, this webinar is designed for you. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. To register, visit www.ncsbc. net/Events.aspx.
Monday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.
⋆ Your Small Business Taxes
→ Virtual class, JCC Small Business Center
This free, online webinar to be held Monday, Feb. 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. is important for both new and experienced business owners. It will help business owners gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business, become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes, discover how everyday business decisions can have tax implications that can affect your bottom line and more. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. To register, visit www.ncsbc. net/Events.aspx.
Monday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.
⋆ Owl Safari
→ Howell Woods, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks Howell Woods
Environmental Learning Center will host an Owl Safari Monday, Feb. 20, from 6-8 p.m. Join them as they search for the elusive Barred Owl. They will introduce raptors, visit the Birds of Prey exhibit and then take a truck ride to
search for these nocturnal creatures! The cost for this program is $5. For more information, call 919938-0115. To register, visit https://www.johnstoncc. edu/howellwoods/forms/ public.aspx.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Soybean Production Meeting
→ Johnston County Agricultural Center, N.C. 210, Smithfield
N.C. State Cooperative Extension, Johnston County Center, invites all growers to attend a soybean production meeting at the Johnston
County Agricultural Center. Pesticide credits and CCA credits will be offered. To register, visit www.go.ncsu. edu/soybean. If you need assistance with registering, please call 919-989-5380.
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.
⋆ Business Etiquette: Making & Maintaining a Positive Impression
→ Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, Outlet Center Drive, Smithfield
The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce will host Business Etiquette: Making & Maintaining a Positive Impression on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Join
the chamber and April Furr of the North Carolina School of Protocol and Etiquette for a session that is sure to enrich your business relationships. Although work cultures and climates are constantly evolving, the art of business etiquette still has its place. During this meeting, participants will be briefed in business etiquette, networking, netiquette and best practices for communication. For tickets, visit www.business. triangleeastchamber.com/ events/details/businessetiquette-making-andmaintaining-a-positiveimpression-10194.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.
⋆ Chili Cook Off
→ Smithfield Moose Lodge, JR Road, Selma
A Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Smithfield Moose Lodge. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a dessert and sweets table, free popcorn, free coffee and, of course, chili.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.
⋆ Children's Bead Jewelry Making Class
→ Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Church St., Kenly
The Tobacco Farm Life Museum will host a
children’s bead jewelrymaking class with instructor Christina Slocum-Kornegay. The class is part of the museum's Stepping into the Past Saturday Series. Jewelry making is a historical art and craft. This class will cover the basics of bead jewelry with a modern look. Please register in advance by calling the museum at 919-2843431. The class costs $20 which includes all materials and instruction time. It is recommended for children aged 7-13.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m.
⋆ Blood Drive
→ Deep River Brewing Co., Main St., Clayton
Deep River Brewing Company will host a blood drive Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1-6 p.m. A $20 charitable donation will be made for every donor. To register, visit donate. thebloodconnection.org/ donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/199572.
Monday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.
⋆ Marketing Your Small Business
→ Virtual class, JCC Small Business Center Successful marketing and a solid market plan are great ways to start your small business. Many small businesses will not take time for planning. This free,
online webinar will help you get started with a plan that fits your small business. The program features how to easily create a simple marketing plan, how to set goals that will work for your small business, how to evaluate your marketing plan, the difference
between marketing and advertising and how to find low-cost and no-cost current marketing that works. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend.To register, visit www.ncsbc. net/Events.aspx.
Enter to win Monster Jam or Harlem Globetrotters tickets + $100 Visa Gift Card!
1. Use this as your coloring sheet.
2. Parents, post the Masterpiece and #LAAKIDSCOLOR (You can also tag us on Instagram @Lanedds or Facebook @LaneDDS.Dentistry).
YOU MUST INCLUDE THE HASHTAG TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN!
Winners will be selected on March 3rd and contacted via social media messaging. One entry per child aged 12 and under.
Visit lanedds.com/color for more details.
