February 2022
With Love Website connects commuters with open jobs
Events on tap for 2022
Partnership opens second Story Walk
ȀǷ&ȀØsÃȀ²¬ȀÉ ÃȀ× ¿ÞȀ¼sÉ ǓȀÃÉs¿É ¬ Ȁ ȀȀȀ«ÞȀ«²¿¬ ¬ Ȁ¿Î¬ǓȀØ ¬Ȁ&ȀØsÃȀ ÉȀ ȀȀȀØ É ȀÉ Ȁ ¿Îà ¬ Ȁ¼s ¬Ȁ² ȀØ sÉȀ ȀȀȀÉο¬ Ȁ²ÎÉȀɲȀ~ ȀsȀ«s¢²¿Ȁ s¿ÉȀ ȀȀȀsÉÉs £ǘȀ8ÞȀØ Ȁ¿Îà Ȁ« Ȁ ȀȀȀɲȀÉ Ȁ/² ¬Ãɲ¬Ȁ$ s¥É Ȁ ¥ ȀȀȀ ¥sÞɲ¬Ȁ « ¿ ¬ ÞȀ ȀȀȀ ¼s¿É« ¬ÉǺÃȀ ÃÉȀIs ¬Ȁ ȀȀȀ ¬É ¿ǘȀU ȀÃÉsøȀÉ ¿ Ȁ ȀȀȀȀ «« sÉ ¥ÞȀ¼ÎÉȀ« Ȁ²¬ȀÉ Ȁ ȀȀȀȀ¼sÉ ȀÉ sÉȀÃs× Ȁ«ÞȀ¥ Ȁs¬ Ȁ ȀȀȀȀ¥ ȀɲȀ«ÞȀ Î¥¥Ȁ¿ ²× ¿ÞȀ ȀȀȀȀÉ ¿²Î Ȁ/² ¬Ãɲ¬Ȁ$ s¥É Ǻà ȀȀȀs«sã ¬ Ȁ s¿ s Ȁ sÉ ȀÉ s«ǘ ǸȀ ȀȀȀs«sã ¬ Ȁ s ȀȀȀȀ
– David Phipps Clayton, NC
Visit johnstonhealth.org/DavidPhipps for his amazing story.
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Flowe rs P la ntatio n.c o m | 919- 5 5 3- 1984 | Clay to n, NC
06 10 11 12 16 Love letters 22 23 26
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Random thoughts from a random mind
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Plans begin at My Kid’s Club community facility
Activate Selma to reveal “Celebrating Love” mural
FFA teams recognized at board of education meeting
New website connects commuting workers with open jobs
Partnership for Children opens second Story Walk Many events planned for Johnston County in 2022
[PUBLISHER] column
PUTTING THE CEILING/ FLOOR THEORY TO USE There’s a certain comfort harshly, but learning how to in knowing what comes next. deal with uncertainty is a part It’s why you might watch a of life. movie over and over or pick It’s a lesson we’ve all gotten up a familiar book for a few during the pandemic, and it’s minutes at the end of a bad one that keeps popping up day. in my journey as a business RANDY CAPPS The problem is, of course, owner. We make a plan, randy@johnstonnow.com that we often don’t know what quickly realize that plan is truly lies ahead. Not in a car, junk, then scurry around at a job or even inside our own bodies. while trying to make a new one. It’s a scary proposition and one that It’s a process that has taught me what reminds me of the scene in “Days I like to call the ceiling/floor theory. In a of Thunder” when Nicole Kidman’s given situation, I ask, “What’s the best thing character tells Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) that can happen, and what’s the worst?” that, “Control is an illusion, you infantile The best thing, clearly, would be the ceiling egomaniac. Nobody knows what’s going while the worst would be the floor. to happen next.” We try to decide if we can we live with I wasn’t planning to put it quite so the floor and determine our chances
YOUR JNOW
TEAM Volume 6, Number 3
A Shandy Communications, LLC publication
Publisher Randy Capps
randy@johnstonnow.com
Marketing Representative
General Manager Shanna Capps
shanna@johnstonnow.com
Wanda Sasser wanda@johnstonnow.com
What’s the best thing that can happen, and what’s the worst?" of reaching the ceiling. Then, we move forward. It’s not perfect, but at least it gives us to chance to consider multiple possible outcomes. Besides, in order for a movie to become your favorite movie, you have to watch it that first time. Something great could always be just around the corner.
Creative Consultant Ethan Capps
Office Manager
Terri Atkinson terri@johnstonnow.com
Editor Mike Bollinger
mike@johnstonnow.com
Digital Marketing Manager
Amy Stanley amy@johnstonnow.com
919-980-5522 • www.johnstonnow.com • Facebook.com/JohnstonNow • 1300 W. Market Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 • hello@johnstonnow.com 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. ©2022 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.
WE WOULD
TO BE THE TOWN YOU CALL HOME
WWW.SMITHFIELD-NC.COM [ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 5
Random thoughts from a random mind
It’s hard to buy food and me may be a good thing. cook for one person. There is I sometimes think about hardly anything in the grocery expanding my TV viewing store designed to prepare a choices. I really only watch meal for one. live sports and the local news Things are packaged in in the mornings and really quantities that, if you only only watch the news to see MIKE BOLLINGER want to cook enough for one, what the weather is going to mike@johnstonnow.com always result in leftovers. The be. upside to this is there are While watching tennis, leftovers, so there is the savings of making or basketball, or football, or whatever, more than one meal. The downside to I sometimes see promotions for shows. this is there are leftovers, and many times When I see these promos, I begin to stuff gets thrown out because I get tired of wonder what I would even watch. eating it. There is a show that gets advertised Even some cans of stuff are too much a lot where someone moves into a for one person to eat at one time. I’ve house with a bunch of people from the often wondered why there aren’t things opposite sex, eventually picks the one packaged for one person, but food they want to marry and gives that person manufacturers don’t seem to think like I a rose (notice how I worked a rose into do. Come to think of it, not thinking like a column that will come out close to
6 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
Valentine’s Day). I’m sure there’s lots of drama and fun stuff to watch as this selection process takes place, but I don’t think that one would be for me. I’ve also seen ads for one where a group of single people are put together on an island where they will hopefully find a relationship. What? Somehow I don’t think I’d get any amusement out of that, either. Furthermore, why are people having to resort to a TV show to find happiness with another person? Do they get paid to do this and is a relationship a bonus? Do they simply want a relationship badly enough to go on TV and have the whole country (or whatever portion of the country that would actually tune in to one of these shows) watch? Whatever happened to the old-fashioned way of
meeting someone and actually dating them? I apparently have a lot of questions about all of this. Maybe I’ll just stick to watching sports. The supply chain issues have caused problems in finding a lot of things lately, and in my case they turned up in a way I didn’t expect. It has become almost impossible to find black jelly beans. They are kind of hard to get anyway, but it has definitely been worse lately. I looked all over in recent weeks and have been unable to come up with any. This is more of a surprise since, apparently, I am among a small number of people who like them. Most of the people I ask think I’m odd because I like them. Come to think of it, most of the people I talk to think I’m odd anyway, but I digress.
According to a story in the Observer-Reporter newspaper in Pennsylvania, I am indeed in the minority. A study was actually conducted on jelly bean preferences, and on what was obviously a slow news day, the newspaper had a story about it. The study showed that 19.8% of men and 10.9% of women had black as their favorite jelly bean. However, 21.8% of men and 17.8% of women said it was their least favorite. The red jelly bean ranked highly among most people while white and purple were among the least favorites. In addition, the study gave personality traits depending on a person’s favorite jelly bean. Men who like black jelly beans “exercise great personal charm when dealing with others.” They also “avoid endangering their chances for
success.” The study indicated women who like black jelly beans “desire recognition and control” and “are considered persistent in their demands.” I’m not sure how charming I am, but I was grateful when my friends were able to find some black jelly beans and gave them to me. I will enjoy them while attempting not to endanger my chances for success.
[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 7
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Plans begin at My Kid’s Club community facility Submitted by MY KID’S CLUB
SELMA — My Kid’s Club, a Johnston County non-profit providing services for local youth, is set to move forward with the early stages of construction of its new facility on North Pollock Street in Selma. The organization lost its home to Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and has nearly completed a $3 million capital campaign dating back to early 2020. The bulk of the construction is scheduled to begin in early 2022. My Kid’s Club has been running the club from a local elementary school campus since the previous facility was destroyed. MKC’s plans call for a new 5,000 square-foot building on the original site that is adjacent to Selma Elementary School on North Pollock Street. The
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new facility will help MKC increase its capacity for county-wide youth participation, serve as a central hub of operations for club activities and support virtual learning and satellite programming at several other site locations.
After-school programs and summer camps provided by My Kid’s Club lay the foundation for youth to grow through opportunities for academic success with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics fields of study, civic engagement and promoting healthy living habits to achieve their potential as responsible and caring citizens. My Kid’s Club's executive director, Sarah Sheraski, said she expects construction to start in the first quarter of 2022 with a grand opening scheduled for late 2022. “We are so grateful to Selma Elementary for allowing us to operate out of their facilities the past few years, but we are ready for the organization’s next chapter and to have our own building that this community can call home,” she said.
Activate Selma to reveal “Celebrating Submitted by ACTIVATE SELMA AND THE JOHNSTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
SELMA — Activate Selma and the Johnston County Arts Council invite the public to a mural reveal in downtown Selma on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at Treasury Antiques, 102 S. Raiford St. In 2021, Activate Selma partnered with the Johnston County Arts Council to create the new mural as one of the arts council’s 50th anniversary projects. Selma resident Allyson Caison coordinated the project, which centers on the theme of “Celebrating Love through Art, Community and Culture.” The five local artists who participated in the painting of the mural are Judy Boyette, Four Oaks – visual arts; Sue Avera, Smithfield – music; Grace Brantley, Princeton – writing; Percilla
Williams, Selma – dance; and William Strickland, Selma – theater. On the writing panel, Brantley painted the word “love” in nine languages. The words for love and the languages include “aejong” in Korean, “ai” in Japanese, “amor” in Spanish, “liebe” in German, “liefde” in Dutch, “love” in English, “mahal” in Filipino, “upendo” in Swahili and “yeu” in Vietnamese. The mural will be mounted on the West Anderson Street side of Treasury Antiques in late January. Shop owners Albert Kensak, a long-standing member of the Selma’s Tourism Committee, and his wife, Cornelia, installed lighting so the mural can be seen after sundown. Coffee on Raiford will serve coffee, and attendees are welcome to leave business cards or contact information at Selma’s many shops for the chance
Love” mural
to win a Valentine’s Day basket. Activate Selma is a grassroots group of residents, volunteers and business owners promoting Selma and all the town has to offer. A dozen or more members of the 157-member group gather Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at varying locations to spark creative problem-solving. The group’s motto is, “We don’t complain, we take action.” Anyone is welcome. Follow Activate Selma on social media on Facebook at ActivateSelmaNC or on Instagram at @activateselmanc or visit their website at www. ActivateSelmaNC.com. The Johnston County Arts Council provides quality opportunities in the arts for every Johnston County resident. Visit its website at jcartscouncil.org.
[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 11
FFA teams recognized at board of education meeting Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SMITHFIELD — Students from the Cleveland, Corinth Holders and South Johnston high schools' Future Farmers of America chapters were recognized at a recent Johnston County Board of Education meeting. Students and their advisers from these three chapters competed at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis in October. Corinth Holders FFA members Gralin Byrd, Emily Oberman and the entire CHHS chapter won the 2021 National Premier Chapter
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Members of the South Johnston FFA chapter were congratulated by the Johnston County Board of Education for their showing at the national convention. From left are adviser Cindy Adams, Jackson Durham, Adam Miller, Lanie Durham, Kara Allen, Chloe' Sharpe, Joshua Williams, Shelby Robertson, advisor and adviser John Robertson.
Winner for Premier Chapter; Strengthening Agriculture. The Corinth Holders team is one of just 10 FFA chapters in North Carolina that has a three-star rating. Only teams with three stars were eligible to compete for the premier chapter awards. “My experience in FFA has influenced the way I look at things,“ Oberman said. “Not only have I gained experience by showing livestock and competing in competitions, but being in agriculture classes and serving as an officer has taught me so much.” The Treat of Agriculture Trail event, held at Pace Family Farms in Clayton on Oct. 31, 2020, was the project that earned the Corinth Holders team this exclusive award. This Halloween activity served as a safer alternative to trick-or-treating during the global pandemic. Participants
were encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes. As participants made their way down the trail, they received treats and goodies from seven commodity groups and eight local agribusinesses. Members planned and ran each booth in order to share all about agriculture with those in the community. Corinth Holders FFA members submitted their National Chapter Application in April, highlighting how they improved chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a program of activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. South Johnston’s Farm Business Management team and the Food Science team were also acknowledged by the board. They competed
Cleveland High FFA members, from left, Lillian Benjamin, Erin Knittel and Olivia Bondurant were acknowledged for their placement at the FFA National Convention recently in Indianapolis.
[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 13
Corinth Holders High student Emily Oberman was recognized for her team’s accomplishments at the recent FFA National Convention.
in the national competition, bringing home top individual and team honors. The Farm Business Management team earned silver and individual placements included Hannah Freeman, silver; Jackson Durham, gold; Emily Pope, bronze; and
Lanie Durham, bronze. When asked how FFA will benefit her in adulthood, Durham said, “I now know how to run my own business meetings, write resumes, and serve others with a strong willingness.”
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The South Johnston Food Science team won gold and placed seventh overall nationally. Adam Miller won individual gold and finished second overall in the nation. Other individual winners were Morgan Simpson, gold; Josh Williams, silver; and Kara Allen, silver. Allen’s time spent in the FFA program has given her a vision and path toward her future. She plans to attend N.C. State University and major in food science. “By competing on the team, I learned more about food science and discovered I enjoy doing things regarding food,” she said. Next, Cleveland FFA students Olivia Bondurant, Kaylee McLawhorn, Erin Knittel and Lilly Benjamin were recognized for their first place win for North Carolina in the Milk Quality and Products event. These young people then represented the state at the national convention, earning bronze. “FFA is a fascinating organization, filled with endless opportunities,” McLawhorn said. “I have received so many experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.”
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[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 15
I
One shot at a ‘super date’ pays dividends
’ve told a few stories about my relationship with my lovely and talented wife. In our 22 years (and change) of marriage, we’ve had some amazing experiences together and have led a life together that I wouldn’t trade for anything. But if you could go back to May 1998, you wouldn’t have bet on it ever happening. I’m not even sure you could say we were friends back then. We knew the same people and spent time together — and I was sort of dating her roommate — but we didn’t see eye-to-eye on very much. That changed at my college graduation. It was May 9, a day that would become memorable for a few reasons. Shanna showed up at my graduation, dressed to kill in hopes of impressing a former boyfriend (that’s a different story). She turned more than a few heads in Boiling Springs that day, but mine is the one that’s important for this tale. I went on the last date with a woman other than my wife that night, but I was already hatching a plan. What do you do when you suddenly develop feelings for a woman that you’ve been actively hostile to in the six months that you’ve known her? Turn on the charm, of course. Unfortunately for me, Shanna
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wasn’t quick to forgive me for my relentless teasing (that’s another story). Long before “How I Met Your Mother” made it famous, I went to the playbook. Since charm was ineffective, I moved on to mild stalking, or to avoid legal woes, we’ll call it persistence. So, I started asking her out. Often. Shanna was unmoved. She said no every time, no matter the offer. My friends told me to give it up (yet another story there, about how one of them in particular still owes me a case of beer), and I was running out of ideas. Finally, I played my last card. I called her at work, and made her an offer. “Go on one date with me,” I said. “And if you don’t have a good time, I’ll never bother you again.” Shanna, sensing an opportunity to be rid of a pest, agreed. And as soon as I hung up the phone, my joy turned to panic. This had to be the best date ever. Many years later, I heard the term “super date” on “How I Met Your Mother,” but back in 1998, I had to plan one. As any good writer might do, I started with the ending. Knowing Shanna’s affinity for the ocean, I knew we had to wind up there at some point. That opened up a realm of possibilities, since I knew we’d be driving from Marion
Love letters
to Myrtle Beach. Then, in keeping with the writer’s approach, I stuck with what I knew for dinner. Back then, Fuddruckers is what passed for fine dining. And since I didn’t yet own a computer (not that Google was a thing then, anyway), I had to rely on my knowledge of the Grand Strand to tell me that there was one at Barefoot Landing, which of course, is technically North Myrtle Beach. So, that was the beginning of the night sorted. I was feeling pretty good about myself, since I had made it this far in a single afternoon of planning. I needed more, though. There had to be something else in between cheeseburgers and the Atlantic Ocean if this was going to be a date to remember. The next day, the universe dropped the perfect idea in my lap. I heard a radio spot for a concert at the House of Blues, which just so happened to be very close to the aforementioned Fuddruckers. And Better Than Ezra, one of my favorite bands, just happened to be the headliner for that show. I called Information (remember that) and got the number to the ticket office, then called the House of Blues and bought two tickets over the phone with my credit card. The middle part of the date was set, and all I had to do then was wait for the tickets to show up in the mail. Boy, the wheels turned slowly back then. Shanna’s response to the news was less than encouraging. I had to explain who Better Than Ezra was
and she had never heard of the restaurant. Thankfully, I had confidence to spare as a 22-year-old. The big night arrived, and I picked her up. It turns out that she didn’t have a hard curfew, which was encouraging since we had about an hour drive there and back. We spent the drive getting her familiar with the band, thanks to my CD player. I learned later that me singing “This Time of Year,” in her general direction was impactful, but I can’t really take credit for that. I just like the music. I don’t remember anything earth shattering about dinner. I chewed my food with my mouth closed and she ate very little (which would turn out to be standard for the first six months or so). We then went a mile or so down the road to the House of Blues where we watched the first of what has become many Better Than Ezra concerts. They were
awesome, as they always are, which provided a nice transition into the finale — the walk on the beach. I didn’t announce that part of the plan, as I wanted to see how things were going. But, I was feeling pretty good about the evening, so I suggested a side trip to the beach in the parking lot. Shanna, who certainly seemed to be having a good time, quickly agreed. Even if you aren’t a beach person — and I’m not — the ocean on a clear, moonlit night is quite a tableau. We stayed for a while, chatting and soaking it all in. We headed back inland, still listening to BTE but talking much more than on the ride down. We were connecting. So much so that I almost forgot about our deal. I remembered a few miles from her house, but thought
I’d wait until the driveway to ask how the date had gone. We pulled up, got out and headed toward her door. I asked, “So, did you have a good time?” She could have messed with me and said no, but thankfully she didn’t. The night’s success or failure had taken up so much of my thought process that I didn’t even have time to ponder what is usually the most critical question about a first date: How does it end? A bad date might end in a handshake, or a one-armed hug. A decent date might be a hug and peck on the check. The best first dates (for a lady and a gentleman, anyway) end in a hug and a kiss. Ours ended with the latter, the first of many kisses, each better and more meaningful than the last. Love, Randy Capps [ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 17
D
A special message for her nieces
earest Nieces, The role of Aunt or “Auntie” is special whether you have children or not. My oldest niece was born at Easter time. Seeing her in the delivery ward at the hospital, my first comment was that my little brother has a beautiful daughter. My second niece shined like an angel at her christening, as all babies do. When my youngest niece was born several years later, I cross-stitched a needlepoint announcement for her.
I have a funny shirt that says, “An aunt is like a Mom, only cooler.” So, on this Saint Valentine’s Day, I wish my nieces a lifetime full of peace, joy, and love, and to continue to always keep Jesus in your hearts. Happy St. Valentine’s Day to all! Sincerely, Auntie Anne (Elizabeth Anne Temple)
J OHN ST ON C OU NT Y
COVID-19 Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program The Rental Assistance Program is available to renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visit rentrelief.com/johnstoncounty
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A
Family is not always by blood
quote from science fiction author Mira Grant says, “Blood is one thing, but that’s not all that goes into family. The family you choose is the family that really matters. They’re the ones who’ll keep you standing.” Over the last 15 years or so, I have learned that is truly the case. I met Shanna and Randy, who you probably know as the owners of Johnston Now, in 2006 when Randy came to work at the Daily Dispatch in Henderson. I had been sports editor of the paper, and I moved to another position and Randy was hired as sports editor. He and I shared a common love of sports, and also both play tennis, so we hit it off immediately. I soon met Shanna and their son Ethan, and we began to hang out. We quickly bonded as great friends. In late 2007, I suffered an injury playing tennis that ended with reconstructive knee surgery. During the time I was rehabilitating my knee, they checked on me every day to make sure I had groceries and in particular, something to eat since it was hard to stand for any period of time in a brace from hip to ankle. In 2008, we ended up moving to different locations. Shanna took a job in Raleigh, so they settled in Four Oaks. I took a job at a small paper in the mountains of Virginia and was living in Hot Springs. During the time I was moving, they constantly checked in on me to make sure I was getting settled and that my new job was good. They were doing this while going through the process of
moving and getting settled themselves. We kept in close contact for all those years, and soon I became a regular guest in their home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other times for special gatherings or events, or just to hang out on the occasional weekend. I arrived one Christmas and there, hanging on the mantle, was a stocking with my name on it. I say all this because I have learned the quote that I referenced earlier is true. Shanna and Randy have taken me as part of their family. They include me in many of their gatherings and events. We eat countless meals together. We go places together. As it neared time for me to retire from fulltime work, we began to discuss me moving to this area and working part-time for the magazine. Once I retired, I decided it was the right move, and here I am. I am an only child, and my parents passed away many years ago. My family on both sides has lost touch with each other. So, Randy and Shanna and Shanna’s mom and dad, Terri and David, are truly the only family I have. I will never be able to express enough gratitude for the way they have made me part of their family when they certainly didn’t have to. Hopefully this letter to them will be one way I can show how appreciative I am of all they have done, and continue to do, for me. All I can really say to them is “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Love, Mike Bollinger
Love letters
[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 19
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[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 21
New website connects commuting workers with open jobs Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JOHNSTON COUNTY — Johnston County is one of the state’s fastest growing counties in terms of population and employment. A new website, JoCoCareers. org, was launched earlier this month and seeks to align new jobs and workers and reduce the high number of county residents who commute to neighboring towns and cities. County leaders hope the new resource also will alleviate workforce shortages that Johnston County businesses, like those across the state and nation, currently face as the economy sorts out postpandemic opportunities and challenges. The latest jobs data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that as of November 2021, Johnston County’s unemployment rate was 2.9%, slightly above that of Wake County (2.7%) but well below those of
neighboring Harnett (3.8%), Nash (4.6%) and Wilson (4.9%) counties. At the same time, data from the N.C. Department of Commerce shows that 47,744 Johnston County workers, some 51.5% of the local workforce, commute to positions outside the county. “Ours is a county in rapid transition,” said Chris Johnson, director of the Johnston County Office of Economic Development. “We are a popular destination for new residents and home to an expanding base of industries and new jobs. But these two very positive trends are not always in alignment. JoCoCareers.org is designed to connect our growing population with exciting employment opportunities closer to home.” JoCoCareers.org is an innovative, interactive platform that directs users to employers with open positions in a broad array of professional classifications. Private businesses, local governments and educational
facilities are included. The portal begins with a brief survey of salary requirements, educational attainment levels and user preferences. It then guides employment seekers to local HR sites and, ultimately, online job application forms. Local leaders sweetened the process by adding the option for users to enter their name and email address for a drawing to receive gifts of local products courtesy of the Johnston County Visitors Bureau. The site is designed to engage out-commuting workers residing in Johnston County as well as those across the Research Triangle Region who may be seeking new and better jobs. “Among the permanent changes coming out of the pandemic is the desire to minimize commute times and create a better work/life balance,” Johnson said. “The most recent data shows that Johnston County workers commute on average just more than 30 minutes to their jobs. So, this new tool is designed
to address several emerging opportunities that can support our county’s continued population growth, economic diversification and quality of life.” Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau released data showing that Johnston County’s population surged over the prior decade from about 169,000 to 216,000 residents, a nearly 28 percent rate that placed the county in the No. 1 position among North Carolina’s 100 counties for baseline growth. In 2021, companies establishing or expanding operations in the county included Amazon, Berry Global, Bartlett Milling and AdvanceTEC. In the past 12 months, Johnston County’s workforce increased by 5.4% to 102,702, according to the latest BLS figures. The Johnston County Economic Development Office created the www. JoCoCareers.org website. For more information about economic development, visit www.GrowWithJoCo.com.
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Partnership for Children opens second Story Walk Submitted by PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY
BENSON — Partnership for Children of Johnston County is proud to announce that it has officially opened its second Story Walk location, which can be found at 401 South Elm St. in Benson at the Dr. P.K. Vyas, M.D. Community Park. The Story Walk concept offers everyone an opportunity to read a children’s book while walking through the path, providing a very easy way to encourage literacy in children. Participants are guided through questions to ask their children, leading to meaningful family conversations and what will hopefully become a love for reading. Books are rotated periodically, so the experience could be different every time someone stops by the park. Each story, along with the questions, will be in English and Spanish. The Partnership for Children extends a heartfelt “thank you” to Matt Smith, director of Benson Parks and Recreation, and his team for installing the Story Walk and to the wonderful community members that donated to this project through the annual Raise the Booty fundraiser. The featured book to kick off the new Story Walk is “Different but Special,” written by Johnston County’s own Owen
Johnston County author Owen Daughtry, front left, wrote the book "Different but Special" being used for the opening of the new Partnership for Children Story Walk in Benson. Daughtry is joined at a ribbon-cutting by Benson Chamber of Commerce members and Benson town employees.
Daughtry. Daughtry has cerebral palsy and wrote this story when he was a teenager to create awareness on the topic and ensure that every child feels special.
The Partnership for Children hopes that everyone will take this opportunity to visit the Story Walk at the park to learn more about inclusivity with their children.
[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 23
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[ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 25
MANY EVENTS PLANNED FOR JOHNSTON COUNTY IN 2022 Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
SMITHFIELD — When planning excursions around festivals that happen annually, keep Johnston County’s towns in mind. Anyone with interest in learning about any of the events listed below may contact Ashby Brame at the Johnston County Visitors Bureau at abrame@johnstoncounty. org or 919-989-8687, or visit the Johnston County Visitors Bureau website at www.johnstoncountync. org. For a current listing of events in Johnston County throughout the year, visit www.johnstoncountync.org/ events. Events scheduled for 2022 in Johnston County include: • Black History Month, Feb. 24 — Activities and events are held around the county during the month. Among them, the Johnston County Heritage Commission’s Black History Committee is honoring African-American health care professionals on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Reginald Ennis Pavilion in Smithfield. Among those honored will be Lucille Raiford Jones of New York, one of the first black nurses at Johnston Memorial Hospital when it opened in 1951. • Stepping Back in Time Series: One Saturday each month — Visit the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly for demonstrations and displays of traditional arts, crafts and trades. The 26 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
One of the many events scheduled in Johnston County during 2022 is Heavy Thunder at Bentonville Battlefield. This event will feature several types of cannon-firing demonstrations throughout the day.
2022 series includes soap making, quilting, tobacco tying and stringing and more. See the schedule at www. tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org. • Live @ the Rudy, scheduled throughout the year — The Rudy Theatre offers four unique, seasonal, familyfriendly shows with music, comedy and more. The March and April show is the Easter Jubilee, the May through June show is the Summer Jubilee, the August through October show is the Classic Country Jubilee and finally the anticipated Christmas Jubilee in November and December. • Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary, March 19 — Bentonville commemorates the anniversary of the battle the third weekend in March each year, with the large reenactments held every five years. The 157th anniversary commemoration of the battle, “Peace to the Gallant Dead,”
will include living history demonstrations throughout the day and a night-time luminary display honoring the over 4,000 casualties of the battle. • PDRA East Coast Nationals, April 7-9 — The Professional Drag Racers Association kicks off the 2022 season at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson with the PDRA East Coast Nationals. • Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days, April 8-9 — Step back in time and experience a variety of classic antique tractors at the Benson Chamber Park. The event will include tractor games, antique tractors and farm equipment demonstrations, craft vendors, food vendors, a corn hole tournament, free live entertainment, bouncy houses, a pedal tractor raffle and a farm equipment auction. • Bentonville in Bloom,
April 23 — This event will educate visitors on the natural resources of the battlefield and encourage visitors to enjoy the walking trail system throughout Bentonville. • Beach Fest, April 30 — This event held at The Farm entertainment venue in Selma celebrates a unique regional musical genre. This year will be the ninth annual Beach Fest, featuring Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers and Band of Oz. Ticket information will be at www. thefarmnc.com when they go on sale. • Ham & Yam Festival, May 7 — The annual Ham & Yam Festival is teeming with ham biscuits, Bar-B-Q pork, sweet potatoes and more. There will be arts, kids’ activities, live entertainment and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest. • East Coast Truckers Jamboree, May 12-14 — A
three-day truck and car show, featuring big rigs and muscle cars. The event also boasts live music, games and an impressive closing fireworks display. It is held at the Kenly 95 Petro travel center. • Champions Tour Tractor Pull, June 3-5 — Come see the premiere tractor pulling series in the country, the popular Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, which tours the country showcasing the most extreme vehicles and the most talented pulling drivers in the world. This event at GALOT Motorsports park will display six classes of the nation’s top pullers. • U.S. 301 Endless Yard Sale, June 17-18 — Johnston County and its towns along U.S. 301 will host the 10th “Endless Yard Sale” which takes place annually the third weekend of June. The communities will join together with deals, antiques, collectibles and more along a 100-mile stretch of highway between Roanoke Rapids and Dunn. • State Singing Convention, June 24-26 — The oldest Southern gospel convention in the nation happens at the Singing Grove in Benson and celebrates its 101st anniversary in 2022. It includes three days of gospel music competition including amateur duets, trios, quartets, choirs and family groups. • Heavy Thunder, Aug. 20 — This is Bentonville’s annual summer artillery program, which normally involves several different types of cannon firing demonstrations throughout the day. • Four Oaks Acorn Festival, Sept. 10 — This is a great family fun event held in the downtown area each year, including children’s activities, live entertainment, a vendor
fair, an antique car and tractor show, a barbecue competition and more. • Life on Campaign, Sept. 17 — Bentonville hosts many living history events throughout the year. This one focuses on the role of infantry in the Civil War. Experience demonstrations, camp life displays and informative talks. • Benson Mule Days, Sept. 22-25 — The fourth Saturday of September has been home to Benson’s Mule Days festival for more than 70 years. This four-day family fun festival is packed with mule competition events, rodeos, carnival rides, arts and crafts, street dances and concerts. It also boasts the largest parade in North Carolina. • PDRA Drag Wars, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 — The Professional Drag Racers Association makes a stop at the world-class GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson for one of their ultimate events of the 2022 season. • Railroad Days Festival, Oct. 1 — Join the fun in downtown Selma as the town celebrates its rail heritage every year the first Saturday in October. The annual event will offer its regular fare, including live entertainment, vendors, food, rides, a parade and a 5K run. • Monster Truck Throwdown, Oct. 7-8 — Monster Truck Throwdown at GALOT Motorsports Park is an event for the entire family starting with the track party before the show. The show is sure to electrify crowds with breath-taking feats and raw horsepower. The combination of speed, style and destruction will leave those attending on the edge of their seats! • Ava Gardner Festival, Oct. 7-9 — The Ava Gardner Museum is kicking off Ava’s
centennial year with the Ava Gardner Festival. This Southern starlet would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve 2022, and the museum dedicated to preserving her legacy plans to make the festival all about marking the occasion with new exhibits, new collection items and more. • Sonlight Farms, October — This locally-owned farm offers fall fun for the season with corn mazes, hay rides, giant slides, pumpkins, a climbing wall, pedal carts, farm animals and more on Saturdays throughout the month. • Clayton Fear Farm, October — Known all over the state as a regional “scream park,” this haunted attraction offers more than 10 unique scary experiences with one admission. It is open multiple nights a week through the month. Not for the faint of heart! • Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk, Oct. 27 — Small groups will be guided through the cemetery where costumed re-enactors will tell stories about famous (and perhaps infamous) local persons buried there. Previous featured ghosts include Percy Flowers, Ava Gardner and Gov. Gabriel Johnston. • Clayton Harvest Festival, Oct. 27-29 — With roots dating back to 1951, the Clayton Harvest Festival is one of the largest festivals in Johnston County. It includes a midway with fair rides, games, and food, Clayton’s largest vendor fair, the “Squealin’ on the Square” barbecue contest, a classic car show, a tractor show and a bike show as well as local performances. • Bentonville Fall Festival, Nov. 5 — Historic demonstrations, old-time
games, period music, and food trucks are planned as those attending learn about Bentonville, the Harper House and the history of the battle and the land. • Meadow Lights, November and December — The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern N.C. It is family owned and operated and started more than 40 years ago. Attendees can enjoy lights on more than 30 acres and a train ride through more than 10 acres. • Lights on the Neuse, November and December — Boyette’s Farm becomes a winter wonderland. View Christmas lights by hayride, visit with Santa in the 3D Christmas Barn, then stand by the fire to warm up and roast marshmallows to make s’mores. • Christmas Lights on the Farm, November and December — One of Johnston County’s newer light displays, but a local favorite already. Enjoy a hayride through Christmas Town to the Field of Lights display, visit Santa and his friends and there will be music and concessions. • Bentonville Christmas Open House, Dec. 3 — Daytime historic Christmas demos and evening candlelight tours of the Harper House, complete with Christmas caroling and period refreshments. • Drive Through Christmas Village, December — Enjoy outdoor holiday decorations and lights in a rustic, historic setting from the comfort of your own vehicle. The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly works to build each display bigger and better every year. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are also available. [ FEBRUARY 2022 ] | 27
Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at www.JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com. For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit www.JohnstonNow.com
CALENDAR of events
NAMI Support Groups and Classes
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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, NC, 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. Community and social opportunities as well. Visit www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.
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 919-553-4350.
First and third Tuesdays, Noon
Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club Virtual meeting via Zoom This small group of service-minded 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 Virtual via Zoom 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).
Second Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Johnston County Writers Group Virtual meeting via Zoom 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, N.C. Virtual meeting 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. 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
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 African-American Caucus meeting The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting is a virtual one. Visit https://us02web. zoom.us/j/9216132965 to attend. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email aacjcdp.info@ gmail.com.
Third Thursday
Johnston County Republican Women The Johnston County Republican Women (JCRW) meets on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December). Our 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.
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m.
Owl Safari Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join in on a search for the elusive Barred Owl. Learn more about raptors, visit the Birds of Prey exhibit and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures! Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. This program is for all ages, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is $5 per participant. Visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods or call the Learning Center at 919-938-0115 for more information or to register.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 1 p.m.
North Carolina Business Tax Essentials JCC Small Business Center This seminar will cover the basic requirements to help North Carolina businesses understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax-compliant business. Participants will learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of N.C. sales and use tax law and the basics of N.C. withholding tax law in addition to receiving directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns for filing and paying online. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. Registration ends at noon the day of the seminar. For more information or to register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/smallbusinesscenter.
Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.
Soap Making Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly As part of the Stepping into the Past Saturday Series, there will be a demonstration of soap making as part of their demonstrations of traditional arts, crafts and trades. This demonstration is included in regular admission. Activities are subject to vendor/demonstrator participation and weather. Programming is subject to change. For more information, visit www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org.
Saturday, Feb. 12, noon
Great Backyard Bird Count Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join in to celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count by observing animals that overwinter birds! Participants will learn how to identify species and examine birds from feeders and on the trail! This program is $5 per participant. Please visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods or call the Learning Center for more information 919-938-0115 to register or for more information.
Monday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.
How to Build Your Credit Score JCC Small Business Center (virtual) This online webinar is designed to inform existing and prospective small business owners about the importance of good credit, how credit scores are calculated and to deliver successfully proven methods for increasing a credit score. The content of the webinar will prepare small business owners for the preparation for applying for a bank business loan plus much more. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. Registration ends at noon the day of the seminar. For more information or to register, visit www.johnstoncc.edu/smallbusinesscenter.
Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
Winter Wildlife Howell Woods, Four Oaks Come learn more about different signs of wildlife in the winter. Participants can become animal detectives as they learn more about common mammals, while investigating their tracks and furs! This program is $5 per participant. Visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods or call the Learning Center to register or for more information at 919-938-0115.
Saturday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.
The Celtic Tenors The Clayton Center A local audience favorite, The Celtic Tenors, returns to The Clayton Center stage. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theclaytoncenter.com.
Monday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
Bookkeeping Basics for Your Small Business JCC Small Business Center (virtual) Participants in this online webinar will gain a beginning basic workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for their small business. They 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. This webinar is designed for a new small business owner or a potential small business owner. Attendees must be pre-registered, and 18 or older to attend. Registration ends at noon the day of the seminar. For more information or to register, visit www.johnstoncc. edu/smallbusinesscenter.
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Real Country Variety and More Music
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