May 2019 by Johnston Now

May 2019 | Your Community. Your Neighbors. Your Story.

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ON THE COVER Taylor Rhodes and Daniel Hill pose at The Lee House in Four Oaks. Photo by Megan Morales Photography.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prom In Joco

TEAM YOUR JNOW

Volume 3, Number 6

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

Publisher Randy Capps

randy@johnstonnow.com

General Manager

Shanna Capps shanna@johnstonnow.com

Creative Consultant Ethan Capps

Advertising Manager Irene Brooks

Office Manager Katie Crowder Senior Graphic Designer Tuesdaie Williams Editorial Consultants Mike Bollinger, Rebecca J. Blair and Kait Leggett Interested in advertising? Send an email to hello@johnstonnow.com or call 919-980-5522

Story idea or a photo to share? Send an email to hello@johnstonnow.com or mail it to P.O. Box 58, Four Oaks, N.C. 27524

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

4 | JOHNSTON NOW

FEATURES

26-28

PAGE 6

FIRST BAPTIST FOUR OAKS FORMS BOND WITH MONTANA CHURCH

PAGE 10

READY SET ESCAPE HAS NEW OWNERS

PAGE 12

JOHNSTON COUNTY WRITERS GROUP HOSTS WRITERS CONFERENCE

PAGE 14

NEWS FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS

PAGE 16

JCPS HONORS OUTSTANDING FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS

PAGE 20

NEUSE CHARTER SCHOOL ROBOTICS

PAGE 32

HUNDREDS COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPRING GAMES

PAGE 34

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FORMER N.C. STATE PLAYER NAMED WEST JOHNSTON BASKETBALL COACH

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ready or not, time marches on I was struck with an odd sensation when Shanna and I walked into the auditorium at South Johnston recently.

the various things that come with Ethan’s When I hit 17, I 12th grade year. was counting the days until high As I listened to an informative panel school graduation. Surely, I had just been there. describe the senior year experience in all For a multitude of sorts of detail, I thought back. reasons, I couldn’t We just went to freshman orientation, wait to get out and right? Where we learned all about what I mean, it wasn’t that long ago when we see what the world high school life had to offer for our only walked into Four Oaks Elementary for had to offer. Randy Capps son. his first day as a first grader. This can’t randy@johnstonnow.com really be happening, can it? Ethan is more It turns out that meeting was THREE hesitant to finish years ago, and this latest gathering was to I remember a banner on the wall, his high school journey. I think it has a tell us all about Ethan’s upcoming senior welcoming the Class of 2020. That was a lot to do with how much he likes going to year. million years away, or so I thought. South. My primary takeaways from this experience were the reams of paperwork associated with applying for college and the buried treasure I’m going to need to dig up before I can afford to buy all of

As with most things in life that Still, the countdown is on to his involve the flipping of calendar pages, graduation day. Change is coming, no complaining does little good. Still, I can’t matter how I feel about it. help but measure my son’s childhood against my own.

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FIRST BAPTIST FOUR OAKS FORMS BOND WITH MONTANA CHURCH By Samantha Surles

The founders of the Christian faith intended the church to be a light in the community in which it was planted. They also expected churches in prosperous places to give generously to those in less prosperous places. In pursuit of this founding principle, a local Baptist church has forged an unlikely friendship with a sister church in Browning, Montana. As part of an initiative to discern the will of God for their congregation, First Baptist Four Oaks determined that they could grow internally by reaching out. Several members of the outreach missions work group, including Music Director Phyllis Toothman, Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) Director Laura Rogers and Deacon Don Rogers, had formed second-hand connections with Native American missionary groups in the west. After much prayer and counsel from sister congregations who had gone before, they decided to spend a week with the Blackfeet United Methodist Church of Browning, Montana. From January to February of 2018, the area in and around the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northern Montana was pounded with winter storms. According to the Great Falls Tribune, parts of the reservation received as much as 70 inches of snow in February alone. Repairs and rebuilding from the winter storms were still underway when a group of 28 from First Baptist Church Four Oaks arrived. Their task was to build a barn.

6 | JOHNSTON NOW

Since they're more than 4,000 feet above sea level, Browning and the Blackfeet Reservation have about four months of warm weather per year. When the winter storms descend, snow drifts can reach up to 20 feet, more than sufficient to kill livestock and ruin equipment. In this kind of climate, sound shelter becomes the most essential of the basic needs. When they arrived, the group before them had placed about 30 20-foot poles four feet deep in the ground. There were no walls, no frame, no roof structure and very few supplies. Of the many different kinds of spiritual gifts, the practical kind are ever in great demand, but the knowledge and experience of one or two can mobilize an entire community. So, while Terry Parker, a general contractor and Josh Champagne, a lifelong builder, possessed the knowledge and skills necessary for the task, it was carried out by all, acting as their hands. In the single week allotted to them, the mostly unskilled group members framed the new barn, hung plywood for the walls, wrapped the walls, installed headers and put in hardware for the doors. A nearby lumber yard supplied the husks of logs at a discount. These, still covered in bark, were used for the outer walls. There was no scaffolding or ladders to finish the upper half of the walls. The bucket of a tractor sufficed. The small local building supply ran out of the screws they needed, so they had to go hunting throughout the reservation for more. Sherwood Lee was deployed on

hourly supply runs. Reverend Calvin Hill was surprised when his pallet of plywood ran out in a few hours.

sister churches and organizations to move the work along.

Reverend Hill and his wife, Sheri, pastor the Blackfeet United Methodist Church. The resource-rich and beautiful landscape of northern Montana supports agriculture, ranching and forestry — which are also the cornerstones of Blackfeet Nation heritage.

With a new team each week, coordinating work is twice the challenge of the usual construction project, and there are always other daily jobs to do. Those who did not spend all 20 hours of daylight on the barn helped with other jobs on the ranch — moving hay, mucking out stalls, caring for the horses and feeding the workers.

The Blackfeet United Methodist Parish ranching ministry is fairly old. When the reservation treaty was finalized, the Methodist church was given several hundred acres of land for three churches and an adjoining ranch. The pastor is expected to lead all three of these churches and to maintain the ranch.

The group also met Chief Earl Oldperson of the Blackfeet Nation, who has met every president since Harry Truman. The First Baptist Four Oaks group ordered the trusses for the roof before they left so that the next group could start work on the inside of the barn.

Rev. Hill, of the Navajo Nation, is the parish’s first Native American pastor. His background in ranching and rodeo is rejuvenating the mission. He intends to expand the equine operation and bring people in from the reservation to train the horses, run the equipment and learn ranching. He hopes that one day the ranch and the churches can be a hub for the community, and he intends to build cabins for work groups, retreats and ranch workers. The ranch builds the relationship which is often a necessary prerequisite for sharing the Word. Hill takes all groups for the four seasonable months in the summer and has formed many partnerships with

The Blackfeet Mission Project Leadership Team has decided to return to continue the mission effort from July 6-15, during the North American Indian Days Celebration in Browning. First Baptist will host a 5K fundraiser for the Blackfeet Mission Project on May 4 at 7 a.m. Sponsors will be listed on signs marking the route, which will include all the residential streets of Four Oaks. Donors can also give signs in honor of a loved one. Last year, the run served as a capstone for the fundraising and a rallying event for the mission team. More than 125 people ran or walked in the race, and many more appeared to support the runners and the mission. To learn more, visit www.fbcfouroaks.org.

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SCOTTISH ORIGINS IN JOHNSTON COUNTY By Benjamin Sanderford

life was threatened after the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when the British government decided to punish the Highlanders for their attempt to overthrow King George II. The clan structure was dismantled, the tartan banned and the Gaelic language outlawed.

Sarah Campbell Sanders. Photo courtesy of Johnston County Heritage Center.

Of all Johnston County’s various immigrants, few are more associated with its history and culture than the Scots. Names such as McGee and McLamb are as common among Johnstonians as Smith and Jones. The Scots enriched Johnston County with their industriousness, entrepreneurial spirit and hope for the future. The story of most of these Scottish immigrants began in the Highlands of the old country during the 18th century. Here, Gaelic-speaking people had labored on small farms for hundreds of years. That way of

Like many persecuted peoples before and since, thousands of Scottish Highlanders sought sanctuary elsewhere. They were joined by a small number of Lowlanders fleeing economic dislocation caused by the industrialization of agriculture in their part of Scotland.

Also present were Scottish settlers from Northern Ireland (the Scotch-Irish) seeking to escape the poverty of their homeland. Most headed for America, with a significant number settling in a colony named North Carolina. Of course, this land was already inhabited by settlers from England and Wales, and many of them did not like having these “rebellious Scots” as neighbors. In fact, the colonial governor, a Lowland Scot named Gabriel Johnston, was accused of favoring his countrymen.

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Ironically, the county named after Governor Johnston had a relatively small Scottish population until well into the 19th century. Most Highland and Lowland immigrants to North Carolina migrated up the Cape Fear River, while most ScotchIrish traveled over land from Pennsylvania to the mountains. However, some Scottish names like McCoy, McCullers and McIlwain do appear in Johnston County records during the 18th century, and others join them after 1800 from Sampson and Harnett counties. Like other Johnstonians of the time, these people were mostly “yeomen,” small farmers who mainly grew food crops instead of tobacco or cotton, but the Highlanders in particular had their own culture. They brought whiskey, which comes from the Gaelic word for water, “uisge” and many of them continued to speak Gaelic at home until the 1850s. Even more enduring is the Scottish contribution of harmonizing, droning (a continuous note or chord throughout the song) and melancholy to country music, a staple of Johnston County radiolisteners. The newcomers also brought their piety as well as their revelry to Johnston. Presbyterianism, the Church of Scotland, was almost completely unrepresented in the county until the Scots arrived, and it was not until

1858 that the first congregation, Oakland Presbyterian Church, formed officially in Cleveland Township on land donated by the wealthy landowner Sarah Campbell Sanders, herself a Scottish descendent. Today, there are around 1,500 Presbyterian Johnstonians. Other Scottish folks made their own mark. The McCullers family, among the first Scottish immigrants to Johnston County, helped found Clayton in 1869. The town, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last month, is now the county’s most populous municipality and a vibrant center of culture. Today’s Johnston County Scots have come a long way. Their ancestors arrived in these ohnston woods poor, traumatized and, in many cases, unwelcome. But they persevered. They built themselves up into productive ohnston members of the community and never lost hope.

Perhaps that is their greatest trait, for to leave one’s homeland forever requires more than just ohnston raw toughness and intelligence. That is why the Scottish ounty immigrants deserve to be honored, as do all those who came before and after them.

Benjamin Sanderford, a resident of Clayton, studied social science at UNC Greensboro. He can be reached at benwsanderford@ gmail.com.

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SO, WE BOUGHT AN ESCAPE ROOM!

By Randy Capps

I'm turning 43 this month, and that's OK. Hitting 40 was a bit of a crisis for me, as loyal readers might remember. But an additional three trips around the sun have given me a bit more perspective. The truth is I never imagined living this long. Most of the things I dreamed of doing as a child have either already happened (being a father and a writer) or never will (fighter pilot and NFL quarterback). There's freedom in knowing that my future is wide open. It's a space I can fill with almost anything. Like an escape room, for example. We met Joe Schmelzer at Ready Set Escape last year when we helped him beta test his new Hollywood Heist room. We've since done the other two rooms at RSE and we got to know Joe and his grandson, Ian, a bit. He told us earlier this spring that he was trying

to sell the business. He's had some health concerns and Ian is about to graduate from high school — so keeping it going just wasn't going to be an option. We heard this news, and got a little sad. Our only experience with escape rooms was inside the walls at RSE, and we hated the idea of it going away.

I was skeptical. I liked the concept, but I kept waiting for a grown up to tell me it wasn't a good idea. I couldn't find one. Shanna's parents liked the idea so much that they're helping us with it, and even our accountant, who never fails to give things to us straight, said it was a worthy investment.

So, we got a little crazy and agreed to buy it from him. It's a leap of faith, but we're used to those around here. After all, you're holding the fruits of our last foray into the unknown in your hands right now. Let the record show that buying Ready Set Escape was Shanna's idea. Aside from her choice of husbands, she has always had excellent judgment.

So, what is an escape room, you may ask? Our friends at Wikipedia tell us that “an escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand.” That's pretty close to the mark. Some escape rooms are scary, but none of ours are like that. The only thing one has to fear at RSE is not figuring out all of the clues before the timer hits zero.

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10 | JOHNSTON NOW

The biggest challenge for me is understanding the rooms well enough to offer hints to the players. The role of Gamemaster is an important one, so we're all studying up.

So, as of this month, we are the proud owners of Ready Set Escape. We're not going to change much out of the gate. You know, while we're learning what the heck we're doing.

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to help track down a missing Oscar in the Hollywood Heist room, search for treasure in Pirate's Plunder or try breaking the bank in Monopoly Mania, we've got an adventure for you. I'm mildly terrified. When we started a magazine, I had a wealth of experience in journalism on which to draw. Now, all I know about escape rooms is that it takes a good team to get out of one. Of course, the Four Oaks Journal and Johnston Now weren't supposed to work, either. Beating the odds is what we do. All I know is this: If owning Ready Set Escape is anything like the last journey into the unknown I took, it should make for quite a story. Ready Set Escape is located at 1304-D West Market St. in Smithfield, and you can learn more about our new venture at www.ready-set-escape. com.

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JOHNSTON COUNTY WRITERS GROUP HOSTS WRITERS CONFERENCE By Dot La Motta

they had, below are some choice tips that were presented at the conference: • Socialize with people that inspire you, energize you and support your goals and dreams. • Join writing groups/associations that offer valuable classes, speakers and workshops. • Believe and trust in yourself. • Even small moments of writing can sometimes be the most important. • Use your gift of writing to teach, inspire and inform others. • Work to improve your vocabulary. • Being a passionate reader can only make you a better writer. • Take criticism well.

SELMA — It doesn’t take much to lure passionate writers to a writing conference, as The Johnston County Writers Group learned recently when it hosted its first writers conference at the Selma Women’s Club.

information about writing and were able to unlock their creative talents. For some, dreams of becoming a writer became a real, achievable goal that they can pursue fearlessly thanks to the support of local writers.

• Confide in a trusted person who knows your particular genre well to critique your work.

The theme for the conference was “Unbox Your Creativity,” and unbox they did.

The speakers were: Dr. Stephanie Andrea Allen, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of BLF Press and author of “The Road to Publication;” L. Diane Wolfe, Owner and Senior Editor of Dancing Lemur Press and author of “How to Pitch Perfect: Query Letters, Pitches and Critique Partners” and Celia Rivenbark, New York Times best-selling author of seven books, whose book talk “Laughing All the Way… Finding the Funny in Your Fiction” was presented free to the public.

• Do excellent research.

The room was filled with locals who came for a laugh, learned how to put humor in their stories and enjoyed a journey through the tales of the humorous South.

Dorothy La Motta is a freelance writer from Garner who writes fiction, non-fiction, children’s stories, devotionals and North Carolina articles of interest. She can be reached at justadotintime@yahoo.com.

Want-to-be writers, novices and local authors all attended with open minds, eager to hone their writing skills by learning from the lineup of professional and published speakers. Attendees enjoyed a fun and educational day full of networking; successes were shared, strangers became friends, door prizes brought giggles and smiles and book signings and vendor tables invited browsers and buyers alike. Everyone was delighted to learn from the experts who shared their own personal stories of failure and success. Newfound passions were ignited in many attendees as they learned a wealth of

For those who were unable to attend but wish

• Hire someone who knows how to format your writing well, especially if you don’t. • Learn one genre very well first before venturing out to another. • Hire a good graphic designer for your book cover. • When submitting a story, article or book, make sure you’re meeting the publication’s submission criteria. • Step out of the box every once in a while and discover the real you!

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Across the hedge. Down the street. Around the block.

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CLEVELAND RAMS ARE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS CHAMPIONS Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

Photographed, from left, are Shiloh Wrigley, Sarah Clodfelter, Coach Stephanie Haumont, Jessica Brown and Adam Smith.

The Cleveland High Rams were the first-place winners of the Johnston County Public Schools High School Battle of the Books Competition.

second-place winner was South Johnston High and the third-place winner was Clayton High. Corinth-Holders High, Princeton High and Smithfield-Selma High also participated in the competition.

Students on Battle of the Books teams from several JCPS high schools participated in the competition at the JCPS West Campus Conference Center on March 22.

“I am very proud of what this small team was able to accomplish together this year,” said Cleveland High Media Specialist and Battle of the Books Coach Stephanie Haumont. “Not only did the team remain dedicated to reading throughout the school year, but they worked amazingly well together. This is such a great group of young adults.”

Each team read a total of 15 books and answered questions to show their overall knowledge of the novels. The competition encourages a love of reading in students by exposing them to high quality literature in a variety of genres. The first-place winner of the competition was Cleveland High, the

Students on the winning team are Jessica Brown, Sarah Clodfelter, Adam Smith and Shiloh Wrigley.

SAL Y PIMIENTA COMES TO CLAYTON

Looking for a bit of international flair in a casual environment? Sal y Pimienta — that's salt and pepper in Spanish — is now open in Clayton Town Center. Rosemary Coffaro and Jim Koonce are the owners, and Sal y Pimienta offers Venezuelan, Cuban, Italian and American cuisine in a fun, lively and energetic environment. There's also a sports bar with a racing theme. In addition, Sal y Pimienta offers catering services, special events, music, happy hours and early dining deals. They also offer special dishes daily, and delivery service is available. They're open daily, and for more information, visit www.salypimientarestaurantandsportbar.com.

14 | JOHNSTON NOW

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NORTH JOHNSTON HIGH RECEIVES $5,000 DONATION Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

maintains high academic and athletic standards. Over the years, several North Johnston High School student athletes have won the CFCU Scholar Athlete Award, which includes a plaque and a $400 donation to the athlete’s school. The winning athlete also has an interview featured on a local radio station.

North Johnston High Principal Dr. Ben Williams accepts a $5,000 donation for NJHS athletics from Coastal Federal Credit Union Vice President of Corporate Affairs Creighton Blackwell. Photographed on the front row, from left, are Jessica House, Blaine Crocker, Camilla Crocker, Dr. Ben Williams, Coach Jay Poole and Austin Lee. Second row: Maira Teruel, Diego Santiago, Blackwell, Imandre McFarland, Justin Vann, Camden Aycock and Justin Richardson.

KENLY — The North Johnston High athletic program received a $5,000 donation from Coastal Federal Credit Union (CFCU) for having a history of producing scholar athletes.

The credit union is a longtime supporter of high school academics and athletics through their Scholar Athlete of the Month Award. The award is given to a local high school student athlete who

North Johnston High was one of three schools in the state recognized for having multiple student athletes. CFCU Vice President of Corporate Affairs Creighton Blackwell presented the donation to Principal Dr. Ben Williams in front of NJHS student athletes in the school’s media center on March 19.

reiterated CFCU’s commitment to supporting student athletes and their schools. He praised Panther Coach Jay Poole for his support of the credit union’s educational involvement in partnering with North Johnston High, and he thanked the students for their commitment to excellence in the classroom and in athletics. “North Johnston High is very appreciative and honored to have the support and generosity of Coastal Federal Credit Union and their support of high school scholar athletes,” said Poole. “This is a great partnership we hope to continue for many years to come. Thank you to Creighton Blackwell for coming to North Johnston to recognize our student athletes and coaches.”

In his presentation, Blackwell

CLAYTON AUTHOR RELEASES CHILDREN'S BOOK by Randy Capps

A walk in the park can be a great way to unwind and slow life's pace a bit. It can also be a place to pick up a few life lessons. For example, the new children's book, “The Dozen Buzzin' Cousins,” by Clayton resident Theresa D. Berger shows us how a group of bees set out to find a new queen.

“It's about 12 cousin honeybees that go on a mission to look for a new queen for their hive, because their queen died,” Berger said. “And they go around to all the other queens in the area, and none of them want to be their queen. So they were very disheartened. Then, they finally go looking in the forest, and they find a queen bee that is willing to be their queen. “It just came to me. It just came to my head. The Dozen Buzzin' Cousins was a title that came to me, and I just went on from the title.” The cousins are all female, as worker bees are, and all feature distinct personalities and appearances as they search for their new queen. “They all have either a different hat or they're wearing pearls or they have glasses,” she said. “So they all have their own individual

personalities.” The book, featuring the illustrations of Jeffrey L. Davidson, is written in limerick form and teaches children the values of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Berger published the book herself through her company, Sunsational Publishing. She is also the author of a self-help book entitled “Me and My Boy Skippy...Living Life with Autism.” “I've always wanted to be a writer,” she said. “My whole life. I have stories galore that I have to have illustrations done for.” Berger is already working on the sequel, “Queen Bee, Penelope,” and plans to have it ready by the end of the year. She lives in Clayton with her 15-year-old son, Mario, her 13-year-old daughter, Molly, and Peanut, a basset hound mix. To get a copy, find Sunsational Publishing on Facebook, drop by Pauper's Books & More in Clayton or search for “The Dozen Buzzin' Cousins” on Amazon. You can also meet the author on June 1 at 3 p.m. at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield where she will be reading and signing copies of her book while dressed as a honeybee.

May 2019 | 15

JCPS HONORS OUTSTANDING FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

recognized for their outstanding performance in the classroom for the award. Those who were nominated for the award include:

Standing with Lance Atkinson is Alison Hudson, with Horace Mann Insurance Company, who sponsored the First Year Teacher of the Year award, and Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ross Renfrow.

Johnston County Public Schools named Lance Atkinson as the First Year Teacher of the Year at the annual Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year Banquet on April 4.

being named the JCPS First Year Teacher of the Year. Benson Middle teacher Katie Carraway and South Johnston High teacher Ashley Brittain were also named finalists for the award.

Atkinson, a teacher at Clayton High, received a $500 check sponsored by Alison Hudson with Horace Mann Insurance Company for

There were 26 first-year teachers who were

Michael Prouty, Archer Lodge Middle; Cristal Atkinson, Benson Elementary; Katie Carraway, Benson Middle; Lance Atkinson, Clayton High; Jacob Diehl, Cleveland High; Isabella Boorey, Cleveland Middle; Haley Sauls, Cooper Academy; Anna Lee. Corinth-Holders Elementary; Nella Chamblee, Corinth Holders High; Heather Meyer, Dixon Road Elementary; Logan McCullen, East Clayton Elementary; Kristin Bolejack, Four Oaks Elementary; Dianne Noel; Four Oaks Middle; Grant Shoaf, JC Early College Academy; Kessler Sorrell, McGee's Crossroads Middle; Savannah Frossard, North Johnston High; Michael Lane, Princeton Middle/High; Kaitlyn Fulkerson, Riverwood Elementary; Alissa Fritz, Selma Elementary; Jordan McDaniel, Selma Middle; Cole Bray, Smithfield-Selma High; Ashley Brittain, South Johnston High; Kelsie Clary, West Johnston High; Melanie O'Dell, West Smithfield Elementary; Megan Gibbons, West View Elementary and Brittany Clements, Wilson's Mills Elementary.

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SMITHFIELD MAYOR ANDY MOORE PROCLAIMS 'AMERICAN LEGION WEEK' Submitted by Town of Smithfield

SMITHFIELD — Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore signed a proclamation honoring the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion and recognizing the week “which includes March 15-17 as American Legion Week” in the Town of Smithfield. The proclamation identifies the organization “comprised of nearly three million men and women who have served their country with honor during one of the wars since the 20th century.” It also calls upon “all citizens, companies and organizations to join with us in

commending the good works of this organization as an expression of appreciation for the wartime and peacetime services of our Legionnaires.” Mayor Moore presented the proclamation to Smithfield Post 132 at their meeting on Thursday, March 14. Moore thanked the Legionnaires “for their service to our country while in the military and for their continued service to our community.”

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NEUSE CHARTER SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM HAS SUCCESSFUL SEASON By Shelby Garrett

as you walk in, you can see the effort each team has put in. You can hear the commotion of final tweaks and strategies coming together. You can hear robots moving and the team buttons rattling. You can tell immediately every team is like a family. Everyone is nervous but everyone is ready. The whole place is abuzz. And there’s so much to see and understand.

SMITHFIELD — Two years ago, Neuse Charter School’s FTC (First Tech Challenge) Robotics Team NUSA began. NUSA’s goal is to spread the word of robotics, grow as a team, innovate their robot to the best balance of creativity and effectiveness and have a successful season. In competitions, NUSA wants to carry their own weight and not rely solely on their alliance partners to get them to the top of the leaderboard. This year, NUSA achieved all that and had a very successful season. The team competed in two qualifier tournaments — one in Farmville and another in Greensboro. During competitions, teams earn a rank based on their robot’s performance and can earn awards

for their ability to impress the judges with their connections to their community, marketing and engineering notebook. It isn’t all about the robot. In Greensboro, NUSA won third place in the Motivate Award. The robot did very well and they were able to make it to the semifinals where they lost in the last second.

At first, you’re like, “E.T phone home!” But soon enough you find yourself drawn into everything and everyone. It’s a place for everyone to connect and meet other teams with lots of diversity. Near the end, the atmosphere gets a little stuffy and by that time the gym is a boiling, hot sauna as the semifinals and finals roll in. NUSA ended in fifth place overall. They lost in the semifinals, but robotics isn’t all about winning.

In Farmville, NUSA won the third place in Connect Award, third place Think Award, first place Motivate Award and the second Place Inspire Award. The Inspire Award is the highest award an FTC team can earn.

Robotics involves teamwork, the ability to listen to others, dedication, hard work and creativity. Students work with building, designing and programming a robot, but you don’t have to be a tech guru to join the team. Other key roles include marketing and organizational skills.

Since NUSA won the Inspire Award, they qualified to go to the State Competition on March 2 in Greensboro. The state tournament is an entirely different atmosphere. As soon

Students have to keep track of an engineering notebook showing the engineering process, documentation of problems and fixes, brainstorming, early robot designs and much more. That’s

where those organizational freaks come in. You know the type, the ones that color code everything. In addition, marketing needs those creative, artsy people. Students don’t even have to have any skills to join. Plus, robotics is also for all ages. There are team levels that range from kindergarten to high school. It’s a journey for everyone, including the coaches and mentors that help the team along the way. How can robotics compare to the energy of the crowd at a sporting event, the nail-biting anticipation and the crazy, intense people with their faces painted blue? Well, robotics has all that too! Well, maybe not the last one, but you get the picture. Now, sadly, this isn’t a Star Wars movie either. There are no intergalactic fights with massive explosions and characters making it out at the last second, but there are heated competitions. Robots go toe-to-toe in matches with alliances and a time limit. Teams both drive the robot and program it to run autonomously. Those last few seconds always have the atmosphere as high as Brendon Urie’s forehead. At the end of the day, robotics is all about growing, working, learning, teamwork, and most importantly, having fun. Anyone can do it! Shelby Garrett is a student at Neuse Charter School.

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FORMER N.C. STATE PLAYER NAMED WEST JOHNSTON BASKETBALL COACH Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

West Johnston High School named former N.C. State standout Chucky Brown as the school’s head basketball coach recently.

BENSON — West Johnston High School named former N.C. State standout Chucky Brown as the school’s boys basketball head coach at a press conference last month. Brown also had a 13-year professional career and helped the Houston Rockets win the 1995 NBA Championship. He was a decorated player at State, and he helped lead the Wolfpack to the 1987 ACC Tournament and the 1989 regular-season championships.

“Coach Brown’s basketball expertise speaks for itself. As the athletic director, I view his innate ability and passion for mentorship, service, coaching and building young successful men a true blessing for our student athletes at West Johnston,” said West Johnston High Athletic Director Josh Plisko. “I am excited for the positive impact he will have on so many of our athletes.” The West Johnston High boys basketball team, students, staff and community members were in attendance at the press conference to welcome Brown to the Wildcat family.

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Brown will step into the role of head boys basketball coach following Scotty Williams, who resigned in March to devote more time to his growing family as well as to pursue other opportunities in athletic administration. “I started my coaching career here and have loved every moment of being here. I’m excited to cheer on and support the program as it takes the next step,” said Williams.

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“In addition to coaching our varsity boys basketball team, Coach Brown has shared his interest in building relationships with our students and staff as a part of our larger Wildcat community,” said Principal Jennifer Swartz. “We are excited to bring Coach Brown to West Johnston as a strong, knowledgeable and hard-working person to serve as a role model for all of our students.”

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“I wanted to coach in high school because I felt like I could do something good in the community and help young men reach above their potential both on and off the court,” said Brown. “For me it’s all about the kids. I hope that 10 to 15 years from now they will remember me, and I can have a positive impact on their lives like my high school coach had on me.”

Brown has eight years of NBA Development League coaching experience as both a head and assistant coach. He also has seven years of experience as a scout with the New Orleans Pelicans.

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DREAMING OF BLUEBIRDS IN JOHNSTON COUNTY? By Tony Nicosia

Here are some basics: Food — Bluebirds consume a wide variety of insects. Offering daily meal worms before and during nesting season is the first step to getting their attention. These birds will also eat a wide variety of berries, such as sumac, holly and elderberry. Adding these berry-producing shrubs to the yard will help create a bluebird-friendly landscape.

One of the most asked questions I receive in spring here in the store is, “How do I attract bluebirds to my yard?” Bluebirds are some of the most sought-after backyard birds in North Carolina. We have a real passion for this beautiful bird, and we will spend as much time with our customers as is necessary to explain the ins and outs of attracting them to their yard. The key to attracting bluebirds is to meet these birds' specialized needs for food, water, shelter and nesting sites.

Water — Bluebirds require fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing, and a low basin with one or two inches of water is ideal. Moving water with a bubbler or small fountain will attract their attention more quickly, but choose a birdbath design that is large enough to accommodate bluebird family flocks. There may be a dozen birds all vying for a drink. Shelter — Choose just a few mature trees and opt for low ground cover surrounding open grassy areas to provide these ground-feeding birds security while foraging. Berry-producing shrubs that are a good food source are an excellent choice for plants that will do double duty as food and shelter. In winter, supplement bluebirds' shelter with medium or large roosting boxes to provide shelter from storms and freezing temperatures. Nesting sites — The Eastern Bluebird is a

cavity-nesting bird. Their boxes should ideally be placed four to seven feet above the ground in open areas. Putting out nesting materials such as pine needles and cotton scraps may attract bluebirds' attention to the houses. Monitor bluebird houses to discourage house sparrows and European Starlings that may usurp the nesting spots and could harm the bluebirds, and clean bird houses after each brood fledge to encourage additional nests. Bluebirds are one of the birds that everyone wants in their yard. Here are some interesting facts: • Bluebirds can spot bugs and caterpillars from a distance of over 50 yards. • Bluebirds will eat about 12 percent of their body weight in insects each day. That would be like a 200-pound person eating 24 pounds of food. • Bluebirds are capable of flying at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. • When a predator approaches, the female bluebird will let out a warning cry in an effort to bring a protective male to help. Tony Nicosia owns the Clayton location of Wild Birds Unlimited. He can be reached at wildbirdsclayton@gmail.com.

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Prom Across JoCo

Pictured at Barbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grove Park, from left to right, are Raylee Gardner, Olyvia Tressider, Jasmine Gregory, Nick Olivares, Adrienne Stanley, Logan Allen, Kylee Denton and Devyn Wiggins. At center, Rhonda Lee is holding a photo of Brock Currens.

Calesie Godwin and Nolan Blackmon at the Lee House in Four Oaks before South Johnston's prom. Photo by Megan Morales Photography.

26 | JOHNSTON NOW

Noah Autry, of Four Oaks, poses with Zimirria Shaw, of the Cleveland area, at Art Watkins' home in Cleveland. Photo by Melanie Autry.

Some Cleveland High students visited the N.C. Museum of Art before their prom recently.

South Johnston students pose at The Barn at Broadslab with their principal, Dr. David Pearce.

Our creative consultant, Ethan Capps, walks in style before his prom at South Johnston. Photo by Shanna Capps.

Andy Willberg and Skylar Smith before the Cleveland High prom. Photo by Crystal Johnson.

Cody Willberg and Anna Johnson before the Cleveland High prom. Photo by Crystal Johnson.

May 2019 | 27

Alex Medlin and Bella Leonard pose before South Johnstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prom. Photo by Vic Medlin

Smithfield Middle student Aniya Williams poses at Lazy O Farm in Smithfield. Photo by Brittany Williams.

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Alexis Elliott and Julianne Faucett in Downtown Smithfield. Photo by Michelle Faucett

Izabella Bullard poses before the Cleveland High prom. Photo by Holly Bullard

Smithfield-Selma Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Casey Taylor poses at Holt Lake. Photo by Steve Crank.

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THE ORIGINAL DRIFTERS TO HEADLINE 35TH ANNUAL HAM & YAM FESTIVAL IN SMITHFIELD Submitted by Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation

SMITHFIELD — The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is pleased to announce that The Original Drifters will headline the 35th annual Ham & Yam Festival presented by Stevens Sausage and Agri Supply, with a free concert scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. With roots in Doo Wop, Soul and R&B, The Original Drifters are among the most purchased, most played and most popular groups in the history of beach music. More than 50 years ago, The Drifters launched what would become an incredible career. The music that made them a legendary act carries on today through The Original Drifters. The current lineup, assembled by Bill Pinkney, an original member of The Drifters, includes band mates Chuck Cockerham and Richard Knight Dunbar, as

well as Russell Henry and Roger Whitehead. Among their most popular hits are “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Up on the Roof,” “On Broadway” and “Under the Boardwalk.” “We are excited to bring The Original Drifters to Smithfield for the Ham & Yam Festival,” said Sarah Edwards, festival organizer and Executive Director of Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. “With their talent and multigenerational appeal, we’re looking forward to a great show that will have the audience up dancing and singing along.” In addition to the free concert, there will be entertainment on the festival’s three stages throughout the day. “We are fortunate to have a large number of

very talented up and coming musicians and entertainers here in Johnston County and North Carolina, and are pleased to be able to shine a spotlight on them at the festival,” said Edwards. A full schedule of events on Saturday, May 4 will attract thousands of people to Downtown Smithfield, where the festival occupies several blocks. Craft and commercial vendors line the streets, food vendors offer a variety of fair foods and menu items featuring country ham and sweet potatoes and additional entertainment comes in the form of pig races, children’s activities and more. The Ham & Yam Festival is organized by the nonprofit Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. To learn more about the Ham & Yam Festival, visit www.hamandyam.com or call Sarah Edwards at 919-934-0887.

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Dr. Melissa Palmer Melissa Palmer Audiologist Audiologist

» Hearing loss, tinnitus, & auditory processing disorders » The latest hearing aid technology and styles » 30 day FREE trial » Fair & competitive pricing » Complete hearing healthcare plan

A family-owned practice helping those with hearing loss improve their quality of life through better hearing

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HUNDREDS COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPRING GAMES Submitted by Johnston County Public Schools

Students from Johnston County Public Schools walk in the opening ceremony parade. Photographed, from left, are Princeton High student Lydia Pearson, Smithfield-Selma High student Ben Weaver, Smithfield-Selma High student Quinton Brady and Princeton High student Jasmine Hernandez.

SMITHFIELD — Hundreds of students from Johnston County Public Schools competed in the Special Olympics of North Carolina Spring Games last month at Smithfield-Selma High. The Smithfield-Selma High athletic fields were transformed into an Olympic Village to host the games for the athletes. Elementary aged students competed on Thursday, while middle and high school aged students competed on Friday. “To see this type of event come together is magical. It warms your heart to see everyone come together for the students of Johnston County Public Schools,” said JCPS Director of Exceptional Children Programs Ashley Radford. Students from across the district spent

the past several months preparing for the competitions. The games were made up of different track and field competitions including the long jump, softball throw, 25-meter walk and run, 50-meter walk and run and the 100-meter walk and run. “The Special Olympics is such an important day in the lives of these students,” said West Smithfield Elementary teacher Sarah Crane. “These kids are excited about this event. They don’t typically get to participate in school sports. This is a day that they get to shine doing something that they love.” Johnston County Public Schools assisted the Special Olympics of North Carolina in organizing and hosting the Spring Games. Crane said teams began preparing for the event in August 2018.

“It takes a lot to put on such a huge event like this,” said Crane. “All of the hours and hard work are totally worth it to be able to see these students smile, compete in the games, and earn their medals.” Hundreds of JCPS students and staff also participated in the games by volunteering their time. Volunteers helped with timing events, distributing medals and ribbons, face painting and registering and assisting athletes. “There is so much collaboration that goes into planning for our Spring Games,” said Radford. “From our student volunteers, our teacher volunteers, and Special Olympics of North Carolina, everyone worked together to pull off this event.”

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com. For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit JohnstonNow.com. NAMI support groups The Johnston County Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers weekly support groups for those suffering from mental illness (Connection) as well as their loved ones and friends (Family Support). Regular meetings are now held in Benson, Clayton, Selma and Smithfield. For more information, please either call NAMI Johnston County at 919-464-3572; email at namijcnc@gmail.com or visit www. namijcnc.net. Rudy Theatre Summer Jubliee The Summer Jubilee is underway at the Rudy. For dates and times, visit rudytheatre.com. Every Monday, 7:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, 7:30-8 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Angels on a Mission Food Pantry Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 9856 Hwy 210, Four Oaks This organization helps feed families in need in Johnston County. It is also in need of volunteers. For more information, contact John Jernigan at 919-320-7387. Every Monday, 8:30 a.m. Coffee Club Edward Jones, Hwy 70 Bus. West, Clayton Join a coffee club, hosted by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Brad Palmer, and discuss current events, the economy and investing in a relaxed and informal setting. It’s a great way to get to know one another. Coffee and breakfast pastries provided. Call Christine at 919-879-8974 or email brad.palmer@edwardjones.com by the Friday prior to RSVP. Every Monday at 7 p.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 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. 34 | JOHNSTON NOW

Every Monday and Thursday Senior Adult Activity Center First Baptist Church Ministry Center, Smithfield Serving men and women 60 years and over, ARC provides a structured program with stimulating activities, socialization, a snack and lunch. For more information, contact Barbara Smith at 919-934-9771 or email arc@fbcsmithfield.org. Every Tuesday, 7 a.m. Cleveland School Rotary Club Cleveland Draft House, Garner Cleveland School Rotary Club meets weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner. First and third Tuesdays, Noon Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club Cleveland Draft House, Clayton This small group of service-minded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County. First and third Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Smithfield Lions Club Golden Corral, Smithfield This group gathers for fellowship and a meal (self-paid), and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Come learn about the club and how it helps with local community service projects. For more information contact, Karen Brown at 919-934-2555. 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 919-5500694 for more information. Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees Golden Corral, Smithfield Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second

Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email bhwoodard25@aol. com. Second Wednesday, noon The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting 109 Church Street, 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 us and help us 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 Selma Public Library Facilitated by retired educator Gary Ridout, check out the Johnston County Writers Group and meet visiting local authors, hear craft talks, enjoy networking and more. Free to the public. For more information, email brookshire1014@verizon.net. Third Monday, 6-7:30 p.m. Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C. Cleveland Draft House, U.S. 70 Business The Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C., serves the community with emphasis on school youth Kiwanis programs. It advises two local high school KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) clubs and one elementary school club and meets each month. For more information, email president Jack Tucker at mrtcpa@gmail.com or call 805-3779573. 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 Smithfield The Johnston County AfricanAmerican Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month at 17 Noble St. in Smithfield at Dr. Gettys Cohen Jr.’s office. For additional information, email dwcsw610@yahoo.com. Third Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. Clayton Women In Business meeting Rainbow Lanes, Clayton Clayton WIN’s core purpose is to support emerging and established women entrepreneurs, leaders and other professionals, empowering them through mentoring, learning, development and professional networking thereby giving back to the community. For more information, visit www.ClaytonWin.com.

Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m. Clayton Rotary Morning Club Rainbow Lanes, Clayton Every Thursday morning, 70 serviceminded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet at Rainbow Lanes in Clayton. Breakfast is served at 6:45 a.m. and the hour-long meeting starts sharply at 7 a.m.

Every Thursday, 8-10 a.m. Plant a Row for the Hungry - Johnston County JCC Arboretum Volunteers plan and take care of vegetable gardens and an orchard year round, and all of the harvest is donated to local soup kitchens and food pantries. No previous gardening experience is required and training is provided. Adults welcome, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, please contact Tiffany at plantarow@yahoo.com.

Every Thursday, 12 p.m. Central Johnston County Rotary Club The Central Johnston County Rotary Club meets every Thursday for lunch at the Johnston Medical Mall and serves the Smithfield and Selma areas. Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m. Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings JCC Workforce Development Center, Clayton Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. For more, visit claytontm.com. Every Third Friday, 6-9 p.m. Free Carriage Rides Downtown Smithfield The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation hosts free carriage rides, starting on the corner of Third and Market, around the beautiful, historic downtown area each month. Have dinner and drinks at locally owned restaurants, catch a movie at the Howell Theatre and enjoy some small town charm.

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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. Third Thursday, 6 p.m. Four Oaks American Legion Ladies Auxiliary meeting American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks All veterans’ wives are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. First Friday of the month, 7:30-9 a.m. Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Member Breakfast Triple Barrel Tavern, Garner Join the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce for its free member breakfast each month. Contact the chamber at 919-773-8448 for more information. Third Friday Clayton Area Parkinson’s Group All people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are invited to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in friendly and casual meetings. Meeting locations and times vary. To learn more, call Mark or Jane Wilson at 919-359-0633 or 919-631-2628. Or email retiredones@earthlink.net. Last Friday of the month Free carriage rides, Clayton Enjoy free carriage rides in downtown Clayton. Every last Friday, there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides. Come out and explore the downtown Clayton area and go for a nice ride with Southern Charm Carriages. For more details, call 919-946-0924. Third Saturday, 1 p.m. Refreshing Springs Outreach Ministries Fairfield Inn and Suites, Smithfield Come out to worship and fellowship with a growing ministry at Fairfield Inn & Suites-Marriot. For questions, email Rev. Pam Ballard at pballard@ refreshingspringsrc.com or call 919585-7497. 36 | JOHNSTON NOW

First Sunday, 9 a.m. Special Needs Ministry Four Oaks United Methodist Church Four Oaks United Methodist Church has developed a Special Needs Ministry for the community. Everyone, including families with special needs individuals, is welcome to attend a 30-minute service that uses children’s music and an open format that allows the children to make noise and move around as needed. Parents can relax in casual attire, and no offering will be collected. For more information, contact Pastor Linda Leuser at 919938-0000 or email to lindaleuser@ gmail.com. Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. Bluegrass and Country Hall of Fame Concert W.J. Barefoot Auditorium Check out an all-star lineup of bluegrass and country music talent at the Bluegrass and Country Hall of Fame Concert at W.J. Barefoot Auditorium on May 1. Clyde Mattocks, Marshall Stephenson, David Guthrie, Frank Poindexter, Jeff Huffman, Tim Smith, Joe Pessolano, Curtis Lee and John Mark Batchelor will be on hand to provide the entertainment. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at Glenda’s Sweet Shoppe & Grille on S. Wall Street in Benson. For more information, call Marshall Stephenson at 919-6335576. Friday, May 3, noon C.W. Pleasant Memorial Golf Tournament Riverwood Golf Club Don’t miss the C.W. Pleasant Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Clayton Civitan Club. This four-man, superball tournament is the clubs primary fundraiser to benefit the Johnston County Special Olympics. Cost is $75, and for more information, visit bit.ly/2GcdWmX. Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. Ham & Yam Jam Little Brown Jug Come kick off the Ham & Yam Festival with One 80 Live at The Little Brown Jug.

Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk Blackfeet Mission Fundraiser First Baptist Church Four Oaks The purpose of this event is to benefit the July 2019 Blackfeet Nation Mission Trip to Browning, MT, sponsored by First Baptist Church Four Oaks. Download the registration form at www.fbcfouroaks.org. Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. Taking Strides Against Family Violence 5K Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center Register today for Johnston County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Thetas 2019 Annual 5K Walk Against Family Violence to benefit Harbor Inc., Johnston County’s only nonprofit agency for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and women in transition. For more information visit johnstoncountydeltas.com. Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. Mason’s Warrior 5K and Family Fun Run Carolina Premium Outlets They will have a 5K race in the morning as well as a Family Fun Run immediately following. There will also be a full vendor event and food truck rodeo all taking place at the outlets and Clayton General Store location. For more information, call 919-585-2288. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. Plant sale Main St. Community Garden, Clayton The Main St. Community Garden in Clayton will be holding a plant sale from 9 to 2. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. 2019 Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival Come out for the 35th annual Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival presented by Agri Supply and Stevens Sausage Co. on Saturday, May 4 in Historic Downtown Smithfield. The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is pleased to announce that The Original Drifters will headline the festival with a free concert scheduled for 8 p.m. With pig races, inflatables, vendors, entertainment and ham and yam foods, it’s a fun day for the entire family. For more information, visit www.hamandyam.com.

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. Rooted in the Arts Plant and Art Faire Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Clayton Check out the Rooted in the Arts Plant and Art Faire. There will be a plant sale, art vendors, face painting, farm animals, food truck, dog rescue, working artists on site and more. The event will be held rain or shine, and there is no cost for admission. For more information, email artmospherecac@ gmail.com or call 919-938-8015. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. Free Comic Book Days Pauper’s Books & More Free Comic Book Day is coming to Paupers Books & More. Thousands of free comics, face painting, raffle prizes and much more. Saturday, May 4, 2:30 p.m. Portofino Derby Classic 2019 Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. Other than Kentucky, the Portofino Derby Classic is the only place to be to celebrate the Derby. Net proceeds will benefit cancer patients through the Johnston Health

Foundation’s Angel Fund. Sip a mint julep and cheer for the best dressed in the ladies’ hat contest and the men’s and children’s derby outfit contests. For more information, email info@ portofinoderbyclassic.com. Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. Put Your Retirement Plan to Work Seminar Cleveland Draft House, Clayton Check out the Put Your Retirement Plan to Work Seminar, hosted by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Brad Palmer. Dinner will be served, but space is limited. Call Christine at 919-879-8974 by Friday, May 3, to RSVP. Thursday, May 9, 9:30 a.m. NCWorks Career Center Job Fair Clayton Community Center Join NCWorks Career Center and local employers for a job fair on Thursday, May 9, at the Clayton Community Center. Bring plenty of resumes and dress to impress. Sponsored by S.T. Wooten. This event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, call

Melissa Behan at 919-553-0953, ext. 217 or email melissa.behan@ncworks. gov. May 9-11, 10 a.m. Seventh annual East Coast Truckers Jamboree Kenly 95 Petro Check out Kenly 95 Petro for its 7th Annual East Coast Truckers Jamboree. There will be live music, exhibits, trucks on display and much more. The Part-Time Party-Time Band will appear in concert on May 9 while On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band will perform on May 10. There is also a fireworks show set for 9 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Friday, May 10, 1 p.m. Dream Big Charity Golf Outing Reedy Creek Golf Club The Temple Dream Center is hosting a four-man superball tournament ($75 per person/$300 per team) to raise funds to create a residential facility to serve women and mothers with children who are caught in the cycle of domestic violence, coercive control and sexual exploitation. Register online at www.templedreamcenter.org.

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