Lumos breaks ground in Clayton as part of fiber-optic expansion Submitted by Lumos
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LAYTON — Lumos, a leading 100 percent fiber-optic internet service provider in the Mid-Atlantic, broke ground recently in Clayton, in partnership with the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, signaling the start of its construction process to build its network locally. With this expansion, thousands of homes and small businesses in Clayton will have access to Lumos' ultra-fast internet. “The partnership between Lumos, Clayton and Johnston County is an innovative approach in providing a multitude of services to benefit the entire community,” said U.S.
Senator Thom Tillis. “I applaud their efforts in connecting Johnston County residents with fast, reliable internet service.” This community is the first to begin construction after Lumos announced its $50 million investment in Johnston and Harnett County. Lumos will be the first fiber-optic internet provider for many homes in Clayton, changing families' lives through affordable access to a network advanced enough for their current and future digital needs. Lumos' development in the Clayton area comes from partnerships with the town of Clayton, Johnston County and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Through these
partnerships, Lumos is proactively working to bridge the digital divide by expanding its 100 percent fiber-optic network into unserved and underserved neighborhoods in North Carolina. "As society grows more digitally dependent, fiber internet becomes essential for keeping up with the day-to-day," said Lumos CEO Brian Stading. "The Town of Clayton recognizes the importance of fast, reliable internet, and we are honored they chose Lumos 100 percent fiber-optic internet to provide community members with internet built to support the future of Clayton." "The Clayton Town Council and staff are enthusiastic supporters of expanding the availability of high-speed broadband. We are excited to hear about the investment that will be made in Clayton and our underserved communities," said Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. "This partnership will catapult us across the digital divide and keep us competitive in terms of economic development." Lumos is committed to informing communities about its construction process. Community members will receive construction notices by mail and can check Lumos’ website to see if its 100 percent fiberoptic internet is available at their address or when it will be at www.lumosfiber.com/ builtforthefuture.
There's Romance in the Air
By Triangle East Writers
G
arner resident and children’s book author, Dorothy La Motta, launched her debut novella, “The Italian Charmer,” at the Old North State Food Hall in Selma on December 3, part of the Creative Minds Holiday Extravaganza.
This sweetly spiced love story with two unforgettable characters is full of romantic escapades around the world, a touch of wisdom, a fascinating charm bracelet that leads the couple to an unexpected twist, and their “happily ever after.”
La Motta’s culinary tale of love is bookended by a photo of her La Regina Della Cucina (“Queen of the Kitchen”) embroidered apron and five of her beloved family recipes, from classic French chateaubriand, and Italian veal saltimbocca, to prosciutto bread, cannoli and biscotti. Members of the Triangle East Writers, for whom La Motta serves as treasurer, can vouch for the delicious dishes with which she has feted them at board meetings and holiday parties. La Motta composed several drafts of the manuscript throughout 2023, sharing it chapter by chapter with a small group that meets monthly for critique at Coffee on Raiford in Selma. Her critique partners include writers from Smithfield (Gary Ridout and Evelyn Parham), Pine Level (Cindy Brookshire, Julie Johnson and Evelyn Wool), Benson (Barbara Crowley) and Clayton (Cindy Draughon). The book cover is an original painting by Four Oaks artist and Johnston County Arts
Council president Judy Boyette. “I adore Judy’s artwork of what I envisioned, two love birds in a charm, surrounded by flowers,” said La Motta. “I hope the book finds a home as a holiday, wedding or Valentine’s Day gift, or as a relaxing treat for those who just love to cuddle up with a good book and dream, reminisce and cherish the tender world of romance.” She has sprinkled the book with her words of wisdom from a long and fulfilling marriage and she includes book club discussion questions at the back. Her other books are “The Adventures of Sir Crumsby Cricket” and “Oliver the Octopus and the Spooky Ghost.” She is a member of the North Carolina Writers Network, the Triangle Association of Freelancers and is featured as a spotlight artist in the 2023 book, “Johnston County Creates: 50 Years of Creativity.” Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle. For more information, contact Dorothy La Motta at justadotintime@yahoo.com.
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