[ Publisher ] column
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video games. Surely, I could find ways to be ince I started writing these columns back a bit more positive, or perhaps I could finally in 2015, I always arrive at the one for start writing that novel I’ve always wanted January with the same thought: to bring to life. Don’t do the resolution Looking back at the column. demolition derby that was the On this frosty winter morning, latter half of 2023, I’m struck I started wondering how long by the need to be more present. it had been since I wrote the You never know when the boilerplate January piece “last time” will be. The last about the promises we make to time you hold your child, or ourselves as the calendar flips the last time you pick them up over. After a bit of research, I Randy Capps from school. found that the January 2019 randy@johnstonnow.com In my case, I never knew edition is the last time I went to that the last time I’d ever see that well. Mike was through our glass door. We all had Since once every few years is OK, I find COVID, and he brought us some teas and myself now pondering resolutions. various medical supplies. I could certainly spend less money on
After he had taken a few steps back, I tossed some money out on the porch and thanked him, and a few days later, he was gone. I don’t regret the things I’ve done, but I sure wish I had said something more meaningful to one of my best friends in what turned out to be our last face-to-face conversation. Hence the idea of being present. Enjoy the moments, keeping in mind that they may never come again. Say the kind word. Do the nice thing. Be the best version of yourself. Make 2024 the best year it can be for yourself and those close to you. Happy New Year everyone!
The home is the #1 place youth access alcohol. Take the pledge, learn how to secure alcohol in your home, and request a free cabinet lock today!
It’s never too early to start the conversation.
When there is alcohol in the home, secure and monitor it.
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.
johnstonsup.org/ talk-it-up-lock-it-up/
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A Matter of Principle
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Selma man in need of kidney transplant
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JCPS selects Living Legends
Small changes can net big results in 2024
Publisher Randy Capps
General Manager Shanna Capps
randy@johnstonnow.com
shanna@johnstonnow.com
Marketing Representative Justin Roy
Marketing Representative Wanda Sasser
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Advertising Operations Manager Kayla Stott
Office Manager Terri Atkinson
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terri@johnstonnow.com
Magazine Delivery David Atkinson
Special Projects Manager Jamie Strickland
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jamie@johnstonnow.com
919-980-5522 www.johnstonnow.com Facebook.com/JohnstonNow 1300 W. Market Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 hello@johnstonnow.com
Community Calendar
Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home. Make sure alcohol is not easily accessible by putting it in locked spaces.
Volume 8, Number 2
A Shandy Communications, LLC publication
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. ©2024 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.
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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.
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