Sometimes a building is more than meets the eye
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Socks with Crocs?
South Johnston freshmen learn art of debate
UNC Health Johnston adds transportation option
Community Calendar
Ioften think about my days in the newspaper business, and how much I don’t miss them. But while you can take the guy out of the newspaper, you can’t take the newspaper out of the guy.
Recently, the Shelby Star building was torn down to make way for a new justice center — and a little piece of my life went with it.
That was the site of my first full-time newspaper job. It was where I learned how to write a decent lede, cover high school sports — all of them — and discovered that Tar Heels is two words, and not one.
It was the place where I found my voice as a writer, picking up a few press awards along the way, and it was a spot under the learning tree, as I got to sit five feet away from a legend in the newspaper business, Alan Ford, for more hours than either of us care to count.
That spot on East Graham Street in Uptown Shelby is where I learned to conduct a proper interview and, both inside the building and out, challenge authority. It was where I got to cover my alma mater, Gardner-Webb University, fairly and impartially, which meant a great deal to my development as a journalist. buildings.
As the weather has gotten warmer, I have begun to wear my Crocs again. I have pretty much stopped wearing what used to be a warm weather staple for me, flip-flops. I find Crocs to be much more comfortable.
I’ve heard a lot that you don’t wear socks with sandals. I’ve seen that described as the “German on vacation” look.
But are Crocs considered sandals? Or, are they shoes? According to Wikipedia, they are neither, but instead are clogs.
According to footwearnews. com, Crocs were inspired by Dutch clogs and were originally intended to be boating shoes. And, as you might guess from the name, they are indeed named after the crocodile. The name was chosen since they were originally designed to perform on both land and in water.
The first Crocs model, called the “Beach,” was introduced at the Fort
Lauderdale Boat Show in 2002. Each pair of Crocs, no matter what size, has 13 holes. The holes serve as ventilation and let out excess moisture to keep the shoes smelling fresh.
Since their inception, there have been more than 200 million pairs of Crocs sold worldwide. They are available in more than 90 countries.
In addition, there is a Crocs rain boot that goes above the ankle and doesn’t have the signature holes.
Want to decorate your Crocs? There is also a collection of charms called Jibbitz that will attach to them. These can be purchased in themes such as Hello Kitty, Minecraft, NBA teams, Winnie the Pooh, Looney Tunes and many others.
Celebrities who wear Crocs include John Cena, Whoopi Goldberg, Prince George (son of William and Catherine), Justin Bieber, Al Pacino and Bad Bunny. Athletes who wear them include hockey player
Sidney Crosby, football player Tom Brady, retired basketball player Dirk Nowitzki and basketball player
C.J. McCollum.
A quick survey in which six people responded reveals four people saying I should wear socks with them if I want and two saying absolutely not.
Crocs.com offers a “starter pack” which consists of a pair of Crocs and three pairs of socks. They also offer the “ultimate Crocs pack” which has a pair of Crocs, a pair of socks and a container of Crocs Shine to keep the Crocs looking spiffy. Who knew there was such a thing as Crocs Shine?
Since they offer socks, I’m going to say the people at Crocs believe it’s OK to wear them with their clogs. In fact, they offer socks in many different colors. Crocs.com says “The debate goes on about wearing Crocs with socks, but we want you to come as you are.”
Bustle.com says the roomy design of Crocs will accommodate various sock thicknesses that will allow them to be worn in cold weather as well as warm. Quora.com answers the question by saying Crocs are designed to be comfortable with or without socks.
Wearablyweird.com says the best way to wear socks with Crocs is to wear quarter-length or half-length socks. They say it looks “goofy” to wear fulllength socks with Crocs.
Socksadviser.com says it is more fashionable to wear them without socks. However, this same website says the trend now is to wear them with socks.
I have worn them both ways, and find them to be more comfortable with socks. And thus, this is what I will do most of the time. I’ve never been really fashionable anyway.
It is the first of April as I begin to write about May’s character trait of the month. I find it deliciously serendipitous that I should be pondering the virtues of honesty on April Fool’s Day, a day that is by custom, a time when we are invited to lie!
Even though this date and its occasion will have passed by the time you read this, I feel compelled to explore its relevance to this month’s topic of honesty. I have already slipped hopelessly down the rabbit hole, beckoned by the whiff of a certain wisdom there. Yes, we must dutifully pause to examine this curious holiday which induces so much hilarity by way of premeditated deception.
For a tradition that has been observed for some 500 years now, how could it not earn our serious attention? Wouldn’t we be fools to overlook it? Curiosity hangs thick over this one. The voices in my head say, “Follow the signs, woman! History is calling with an important message. Answer the phone!”
So, I must.
There does seem to be a message waiting to be discovered. As with any investigation, we must start with good questions. My first question would be, “Just why does this day of lies and pranks deserve a place of honor on our calendars?”
The mission of that day is to set out to fool someone into believing something that is not true. Unlike many other calendar holidays which elicit a solemn observance, April Fools does a “180” and commands the practice of ridiculous performance humor. Not just any humor, but the sort designed specially to expose gullibility.
A famous example of such a stunt was the prank performed by the fast-food chain, Burger King. On April 1, 1998, the restaurant giant announced that they were launching a new product called “the lefthanded Whopper.” The product was said to be especially tailored for southpaws who apparently require a special arrangement of condiments to achieve feeding satisfaction.
Time magazine reported that several customers lined up to “swallow that whopper.” (If you are as old as I am, you will also detect another layer to the joke. The ad campaigns in the 70s used a jingle that crooned, “It takes two hands to handle a Whopper, the two-fisted burger at Burger King!”)
So, my second question would be, “Why is exposing someone’s gullibility so important or necessary?
If you are embarrassed by “flunking” the prank, that is, falling for a lie, perhaps there is something you need to do to adjust your truth detector. Don’t feel bad, the prank was actually a gift. Detecting what is true is as important as telling what is true. After all, being self-deceived is a kind of dishonesty.
⋆ Next Month: Loyalty
CLAYTON
and middle grade author
C. Anne has published her first book, “The Lower World.”
It is the first installment in her new middle-grade fantasy series: A Home Called Haven.
Transplanted into a new family, two neurodiverse children, Fox and Otter, are whisked away to a mystical realm known as the Lower World. There they set out on a journey to find their way home. Along the way, they learn the importance of healing old wounds and the true meaning of friendship.
The tale encourages children to reflect on their emotions and trust their instincts, while celebrating their uniqueness.
A homeschooling mother of two boys, Anne drew inspiration from her children and their struggle with fitting in. She incorporates aspects of Shamanism in her work as a way to explore soul searching and finding one’s place in the world.
“I look for the magic in the everyday to better understand myself and the world, and I teach this to my boys,” Anne said. “I’m hoping I can open the eyes and hearts of other children to the beauty around them.”
“The Lower World” garnered a 5-star rating from Readers’ Favorite, which claimed, “Parents, get this book now, read it with your children, and enjoy the journey together.” Reader Views calls it “a spellbinding adventure.”
Anne will launch a children’s picture book called “Give You The World” later this spring, while the second book in A Home Called Haven series will be published in the fall.
To learn more, visit www.c-anneeverydaymagic.com.
Submitted by SMITHFIELD-SELMA HIGH SCHOOL
SMITHFIELD — Smithfield-Selma High School students competed recently at the annual N.C. Distributive Education Clubs of America Career Development Conference. DECA is a business club that aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to excel in their future careers.
Ninety-seven percent of chapters from all over the state arrived at the Greensboro Koury Convention Center to compete, network and attend workshops. Additionally, a select number of chapters were given awards for their hard work in improving their chapter.
SSS DECA members worked hard to earn high placements in their selected events. If they are a top six finalist in their selected event, they are given a chance to compete at the International Career Development Conference, or, if they are an overall finalist, they are given the chance to participate in workshops at ICDC.
The SSS DECA members who achieved an award and a chance to advance to ICDC were Jude Reece for second place in Human Resources Management, Greer Lee and Bryannah Harbinson Wheeler for finalist in the Entrepreneurship Team Decision
Making and Jackeline Garcia Ulloa, Sherelle McDaniel and Joseph Evans for first place in the Innovation Plan Event.
“It’s a great opportunity and it gives students the chance to take learning from inside the classroom to real-world scenarios,” said SSS student and DECA member Stuart Guerrero-Hernandez.
Submitted by SMITHFIELD-SELMA HIGH SCHOOL
SMITHFIELD — Recently, the FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6004 f(x) Robotics from Smithfield-Selma High School competed at tournaments at Rolesville High School and UNC Asheville.
At UNC Asheville, the team concluded the tournament ranking seventh out of 29 teams and won the “Imagery” award in recognition of their “attractiveness in engineering and outstanding visual aesthetic integration of machine and team appearance,” as detailed on the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology website.
At Rolesville High School, Team 6004 f(x) Robotics won the “Excellence in Engineering” award. The award, as described on the FIRST website,“celebrates the team that demonstrates a professional approach to the design process.”
FRC is a robotics-based competition where teams are challenged to build an industrial-sized robot to compete in an alliance with two other teams. Teams gain skills in STEM, engineering, design, marketing, communication and business. The f(x) Robotics team based out of Smithfield-Selma High School was founded in 2015. This is their eighth competition season as a team.
This year, Team 6004 partnered with their host school’s Project Lead the Way to in-house fabricate most of the components of their robot. Main structural
parts and supports were milled with a CNC machine and smaller components like brackets and clips were 3D printed in orange Polylactic Acid printing filament.
The team completely modeled their robot in Onshape and finished a detailed engineering notebook that documented the process of designing their robot from brainstorming to prototype to the final product. It was the implementation of these engineering and design methods in partnership with their school that led to f(x) winning the award.
Those interested in learning more about FRC Team 6004, f(x) Robotics, should email frc.team6004.robotics@gmail.com or visit their website at frc6004.com.
Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FOUR OAKS — Who doesn’t love a good debate? In various forms, debating has a long history, and can be traced back to the philosophical and political debates of ancient Greece.
For ninth-grade students in Machelle Rowe’s World History class, debating has become a South Johnston High tradition. Over the last 10 years, Rowe’s students have learned the art of debating. The idea came from one of her daughter’s teachers. “I just took it to the next level,” Rowe said.
She has even structured the debates like the NCAA basketball March Madness brackets. The students' first challenge is to decide who they think is the most historical figure of all time because of their impact on the world.
Rowe then provides a list of names, and if a student wants to deviate from said list, they must provide reasonable research for their consideration. Historical figures have included Prince, Steve Jobs and Lady Diana, to name a few.
She stated that when she makes the assignment at the beginning of each semester, not all of the students are excited, initially. That seems to change over time. “Most of the time the kids really get into it,” Rowe said. Parents have even come to her to tell her how their students won’t stop talking about the debates.
Freshman Diego Cruz welcomed the assignment. “I couldn’t wait to start debating,” he said.
Cruz chose The Beatles for his historical figure. A longtime fan, Cruz knew how impactful the band was because of the fact that even 60 years later, people still talk about them and listen to their music. He was interested in learning the secrets behind their success.
What surprised Cruz the most about The Beatles is how they have remained successful. As of 2019, they have had more than a billion streams, and have sold more units than Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, making them the most successful band in history.
Once the students have chosen their historical figure, Rowe teaches them research skills, and where to get information. Sometimes the findings aren’t always favorable. “It isn’t about whether the figure was a good person, but rather how the person influenced history,” Rowe said.
For example, in this year’s final debate the two historical figures were Henry Ford and Joseph Stalin. Clearly Stalin is not the best person, but Ford also had some skeletons in his closet.
Once the research is complete and each student prepares their facts, they present them in front of the class. Students also begin to learn about attacking, the term used for trying to prove the other person wrong.
Then the official debating begins. Each year Rowe switches things up to keep it interesting. “I try to do something a little bit different,” she said.
In years past, the debates were just between students in each individual class until the final debate. This year, students from all of her classes debated with one another. The change brought about an additional challenge, because each debater had no knowledge of the other person’s debating style.
Students who do not make it through the initial rounds of debates are still involved in the process. They contribute by critiquing debaters, doing research and making commercials and jingles in support of their debaters.
“I wanted them to understand that it isn’t just the people on stage,” Rowe said. “There’s a whole group of people behind the scenes that support the debaters.”
She also employs last year’s debaters, mainly 10th graders, to assist with critiquing the finalists, and give advice and ideas. “I bring in some of my former students to be the authentic audience,” Rowe said.
One of those students is Brooke Winborn, who participated in the debates last year. Her biggest takeaway was that she learned different real life scenarios. “It showed me how to communicate clearly, and even though everyone may not support your argument, consistency is key for the point you are trying to make,” she said.
For 10th grader Kellen Smith, whose sister had Rowe for World History a few years earlier, it was a welcomed assignment. When his sister had Rowe, Smith said she was always talking about the debates. “I was extremely thrilled!” he said.
He chose John F. Kennedy as his historical figure. One reason he chose Kennedy is because of the way he handled the Cuban Missile Crisis. “I’m a big history guy,” said Smith. “I love my presidents.”
Once the initial debates are complete and the finalists have been named, the final debate is held in the auditorium for all ninth graders to watch. There is no time limit, so the debate goes until it becomes repetitive. When asked if the debates ever become heated, Rowe said emphatically, “Oh yes!”
This year’s finalists were Audrey Peacock and Zach Lee. When Peacock first learned of the assignment, she was a bit nervous. “I’m not an argumentative person,” she said.
She was, however, very interested to see what would happen, and what the outcomes would be. She chose Henry Ford as her historical figure. “I wanted to choose someone whose name was used in abundance in history, who helped throughout the world and had an influence that would continue for many generations to come,” Peacock said.
Lee chose Joseph Stalin because he knew the most about the former Soviet politician and dictator. When the assignment was first handed down, he thought it was going to be easy. What surprised Lee the most was that during the debates, Stalin continued to win against others significantly more influential than himself.
Once the final debate was over, the ninthgrade students then voted on who they thought was the best at proving their person’s historical impact on the world. This year’s winner was Stalin. Lee said that the most important lesson for him was, “That even if something isn’t likely to happen, it doesn't mean you can’t win.”
Rowe said she hopes the biggest takeaway for her students is “that they have a voice and what they say matters.” She also emphasizes how and why they should research information before creating an opinion on something.
Overall, the event was a huge success, and there is no debating that!
SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County Heritage Center is looking for writers to contribute to the second edition of its Literary and Historical Journal, scheduled for publication in the summer.
“We are looking for short stories, essays and poems with a Johnston County connection,” said Heritage Center Executive Director Todd Johnson.
Writers from within and outside the county are encouraged to contribute, but entries should relate to Johnston County people, places and events. “We would especially encourage recent immigrants and other newcomers to submit entries that reflect impressions of their life before and after coming to Johnston County,” Johnson said.
Johnson and Cleveland community resident Dot La Motta of the Triangle East Writers Group will be co-editors for the Journal, which is funded in part by the Cynthia DeFord Adams Literary Fund.
There will be both Adult and Junior Divisions. For more information or to receive submission guidelines, prospective contributors should call Johnson at 919-938-4708 or send an email to todd.johnston@johnstonnc. com.
Take the pledge, learn how to secure alcohol in your home, and request a free cabinet lock today!
johnstonsup.org/
The
It’s never too early to start the conversation.
Talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking including the negative impact on the developing teenage brain.
Set clear guidelines about the expectations in your home.
Learn
When there is alcohol in the home, secure and monitor it.
Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home.
Make sure alcohol is not easily accessible by putting it in locked spaces.
“I became interested in it when I was 13 or 14, and it was just fascinating to learn about bees and beekeeping,” he said. “I would say the key to me getting started (as an adult) was Bailey Bee Supply having a shop open on South Saunders Street (in Raleigh). So, I just stopped in and they were going to have classes starting the following spring. So, I signed up for the classes in 2015 and started ordering supplies.
“From the moment I took the class and got the bees, it was so fascinating. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and learning about it. And it really continues today.”
The learning doesn’t stop for Hagwood, and it’s a notion he passes on to his students.
“The class helps you have a better understanding of the honeybee colony,” he said. “The honeybee colony has to succeed, not just the individual bees. So, you come away (from the class) with a better understanding of the history of beekeeping, what we’ve learned and the current
science of what we know today.”
Education in the class setting is important, but picking the brains of your fellow beekeepers is important as well, Hagwood believes.
“When you tackle it alone without the knowledge of your fellow beekeepers, it also contributes to your frustration,” he said. “The course is great as a foundation, but there are also county-level beekeeping clubs that also help the new beekeeper to learn. There’s a Johnston County Beekeepers Association (www.jocobee. org) that holds meetings, so we encourage students to join that club or one like it that’s closer to them.”
By RANDY CAPPSSMITHFIELD — Patience
and a willingness to take advice are two keys to learning anything new. According to Chris Hagwood, the instructor for the beekeeping course offered at Johnston Community College this spring, the same applies to tending to honeybees.
“It’s not an easy task to keep a honeybee colony alive,” he said. “A lot of people get started into backyard beekeeping to ‘save the bees,’ but without taking the time to learn how
to manage them successfully. It leads to a lot of frustration. Something like 80 percent of (new beekeepers) quit in the first two years.
“When people want to get started in beekeeping, that’s why it’s so important to take a course like the one offered at JCC.”
Hagwood
With the proper foundation, patience and an eagerness to learn, beekeeping can become a lifelong pastime.
“It’s doing 100 percent of something I enjoy,” he said, when asked to compare beekeeping to his former profession. “The police world, there’s a lot of things you do that are stressful and tragic. In beekeeping, watching people light up at the information and the miraculous stuff that goes on inside a colony is incredible.”
To learn more about the program, visit www.johnstoncc. edu/continuing-education/ beekeeping.aspx.
Johnston has recognized Annette Williford of Newton Grove, a radiologic technologist, as Ambassador of the Month.
During a recent presentation, UNC Health Johnston CEO Tom Williams said Williford helps her department in myriad ways, from ordering supplies and training new teammates to coordinating shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage. “She is thoughtful, dependable and hardworking,” Williams said. “Throughout the day, she is positive and has a smile for teammates, physicians and patients.”
Williford says she enjoys her job because she likes being around
people. Before coming to Johnston in March 2006, Williford worked with a mobile X-ray clinic for four years and with Sampson Regional Medical Center for 16 years. Along the way, she opened a restaurant in an old country store her father ran for many years on N.C. 50 near the Meadow community.
Teammates say Williford is always willing to plan and celebrate birthdays and other milestones. While she still enjoys cooking for those special occasions, she has since turned over the restaurant to her granddaughter, Brecklee Johnson.
Through the ambassador program, UNC Health Johnston recognizes teammates who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer excellent service.
In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Williford will receive eight hours of paid time off.
by SMITHFIELD-
SMITHFIELD — The arts are blossoming in Selma with the new arts exhibition, “Joy Unfiltered.”
The exhibition, held recently, was the second to be hosted by the Youth in Art Initiative, a youth arts group founded by Smithfield-Selma High School International Baccalaureate student Courtney Lassiter.
Lassiter’s last exhibition with the Youth in Art Initiative in November, titled “Pieces of Us,” was a success, and resulted in multiple art pieces being sold and more than 100 members of the community attending throughout the day. As a young artist herself whose art has been showcased from Minneapolis to the U.S. Capitol, Lassiter was inspired to offer opportunities for the creatives in her area.
Recently, she did a TEDx Talk in Raleigh titled “The Art of Art Careers.” “I’ve always wanted the youth to feel as if they have a place in the world of art,” Lassiter said.
For more information, visit the Youth in Art Initiative’s website courtneylassiterart.wixsite.com/youthinartinitiative, or their Instagram page @youthinartinitiative.
Submitted by NAMI OF JOHNSTON COUNTY
CLAYTON — Clayton resident and writer Lauren Raguzin recently raised $650 for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Johnston County.
As a first-time author of a new book, “Women Standing Strong Together Volume II,” Raguzin decided to purchase books and host a local book signing with all sales benefiting the organization. The collaborative book features 13 other authors, including Raguzin's childhood best friend, Nicole Walker, who came to Clayton from New Jersey for the event at Draft and Vine.
Co-author Dina Baker from Mooresville also attended the event to sign books. Raguzin's story, "When GOD Came to my Pity Party," chronicles her year-long depression after experiencing her first career layoff, and her decision to partner with NAMI was a result of losing her best friend to suicide in 2021. Raguzin is passionate about helping others, but particularly
devoted to raising awareness for mental illness based on her experience and the tragic loss of her friend.
Cara Chester, proprietor of Cara's Cakery, made and donated a cake featuring the book cover and a free raffle gift basket featuring a $25 gift card from Draft and Vine, Pampered Chef products and autographed copies of books, was awarded to Clayton residents Gina and Kyle Swiers.
This event also celebrated a 40-plus year friendship between Raguzin and Walker. In 2021, Walker was an author in a previous collaborative book, “Awakening the Consciousness of Humanity,” and her story, “Nothing is Random” about loss and death, healed Lauren’s heart after losing her beloved mother-in-law.
In October 2022, Walker asked Raguzin to consider being a co-author on her new project. According to Raguzin, Walker inspired her to take a leap of faith and share her story. And given the current economic downturn, Raguzin felt the timing was right
Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
SMITHFIELD — The Partnership for Children Park – A Place for All will soon be celebrating its fifth anniversary with a new addition – a children’s stage.
The Partnership for Children of Johnston County recently hosted a Stage Grand Opening Celebration to showcase how the space will be used to promote imagination and creativity through children’s programming such as storytelling, interactive dance and musical performances.
The park is located at 600 East Booker Dairy Road in Smithfield. It began as a shared vision between the Partnership
for Children of Johnston County Board of Directors and The Miracle League of Johnston County that all children, regardless of ability, should be able to play together in one space.
to share her story to help others dealing with career layoffs.
Raguzin moved to Clayton in 2017. She has been writing since she was 10 years old and has been in communications for more than 20 years. She has always wanted to be a published author.
“I hope my story will help many,” she said. “It has been a healing and cathartic journey. I believe that sometimes the pain in life we experience occurs so we can have greater self-awareness about ourselves and maybe help others. My philosophy and how I try to live my life is “sharing is caring.”
This vision became reality in 2018, following seven years of planning and fundraising, when the Partnership for Children Park opened as the first play space in Johnston County allowing access to children of all abilities to explore, play and learn. The complex helps to serve the more than 6,000 children with special needs in the county and surrounding areas by providing the opportunity to play like other children, without having to worry about accessibility.
The park offers a variety of robust playground equipment, open natural areas, and now a stage – constructed by Gray Wolf Homes – all in the effort to include and promote the development of all children.
Find out more about the programs and services offered by the Partnership for Children by calling 919-202-0002 or on social media @PFCJoCo.
Submitted by UNC HEALTH JOHNSTON
SMITHFIELD — UNC Health Johnston is contracting with a ridesharing company to save expenses on transportation needs largely filled by ambulances. The hospital is using WEMOVV, a startup based in Smithfield, to run lab specimens and transport pre-approved patients.
Until now, UNC Health Johnston relied on ambulances for such tasks, said Tracey Carson, vice president of patient care services. “We’re now able to free up those ambulances for transporting patients between our hospitals in Smithfield and Clayton,” she said.
Dante Evans, owner of WEMOVV, thinks his company is a good fit for health care because the service operates 24/7, has short lead times and can accommodate patients using wheelchairs. Unlike other ridesharing companies, his drivers wait for patients during their medical appointments, he said.
“Our personalized service includes going inside hospitals, clinics or medical offices to assist patients to and from appointments,” Evans said. “We also help them get settled when we take them home. And on the way, we’re glad to stop and pick up prescriptions, groceries or drycleaning — whatever the patient needs.”
Carson says the hospital is offering WEMOVV as an option to patients paying their own way. “This gives them an alternative to waiting for hours if they don’t have friends or loved ones available to pick them up,” she said. “Or if it’s late at night when taxis or other ridesharing companies aren’t running.”
The company accepts all forms of payment except cash and checks. Evans, who has more than 30 years of transportation business experience, grew up in Baltimore where he started a bicycle courier service in the early 1990s.
On a delivery to a law firm one day, someone asked if he could transport clients. It piqued his interest in combining logistics and technology to move people and things economically. WEMOVV is a certified Historically Underutilized Business or HUB.
Monday, May 1, 6 p.m.
⋆ Financing Your Small Business
→ JCC Small Business Center — Virtual Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions range from “who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me,” to “how will this business make money and will it be enough to pay back a loan or attract an investor?” Get to the heart of business financing in this webinar. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. For more information, call 919-209-2015 or 919-209-2224 or email jccsbc@ johnstoncc.edu.
Thursday, May 4, 10 a.m.
⋆ May Spirit Day
→ Romeo's Pizza, W. Main St., Clayton Riverwood Middle School will hold its May Spirit Day Thursday, May 4, at Romeo’s Pizza. A percentage of the proceeds from that day will go to the RMS PTSA.
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.
⋆ Birding for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Howell Woods will host Birding for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Saturday, May 6. Are you looking to learn more about the birds you see around your yard, or a nearby park or outdoor area? If so, join a local wildlife biologist James Sasser on a guided walk around Howell Woods and learn how to identify many of the bird species commonly found in our
region. To register, visit www. johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods. For more information or questions, call (919) 938-0115.
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.
⋆ Run the Branch 5K
→ Clayton Municipal Park, McCullers St., Clayton Clayton Parks and Recreation is bringing back its 5K, only this time they are hitting the greenway! Participants will run, walk or jog down Sam’s Branch Greenway and back. Registration is $40. To register, visit runsignup. com/Race/NC/Clayton/ RuntheBranch5k. For more information, call 919-553-1550.
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.
⋆ Ham & Yam Festival
The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation will present the annual Ham & Yam Festival Saturday, May 6. The annual event is teeming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork, sweet potatoes and more. There will be arts, kids’ activities, live entertainment and the popular "What's that Yam Thing?" art contest, a favorite for school-aged children given the opportunity to turn sweet potatoes into works of art. Follow www.facebook. com/HamandYamFestival or call 919-934-0887 for more information.
Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.
→ Southern Bostonian, N. Raiford St., Selma Sparrow & Finch will be on hand to help you create your
own personal glass framed vintage style collage perfect for your own home or as a Mother’s Day gift! Bring photos or other vintage materials from your home, or find them on location at the Sparrow & Finch booth. The workshop is free — the only cost is for materials. Snacks, coffee and a number of free supplies will be provided. Reserve your spot for $5 (can be used for materials) or just drop in! Reservations taken at The Southern Bostonian.
Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.
⋆ A&P Spring Fest
→ 810 S. Wall St., Benson A&P Spring Fest, a vendor and dog adoption event with lots of vendors, furbabies looking for their furever home and great music and food, will be held Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 810 S. Wall St. in Benson. Shop for Mother’s Day and adopt a dog from rescues on site. Special guest will be DJ Jazz. For more information, email PattySchmiedling@ gmail.com.
Saturday, May 6, 2 p.m.
⋆ Solid Gold: Johnston County Chorus Spring Concert
→ The Clayton Center
The Johnston County Chorus will present its Spring Concert on Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. at the Clayton Center. Tickets will be $16 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under plus taxes and fees. For more information, call the Clayton Center at 919553-1737 or email event info@ townofclaytonnc.org.
Saturday, May 6, 2:30 p.m.
⋆ Portofino Derby
→ Portofino Equestrian Center, N.C. 42, Clayton
After a two-year hiatus, Derby Day is back! This event, held annually at the Portofino Equestrian Center in Clayton attracts over 800 guests who will walk the red carpet in their finest Derby hats and fashion, sip mint juleps and enjoy three live horse races, a dressage expo, refreshments, derby outfit contests and more. Proceeds will benefit the Johnston Health Foundation. To learn more, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2023unc-health-johnston-derby-daytickets-556639934027.
Saturday, May 6, 9:30 p.m.
⋆ Shotgun Mary in concert
→ The Junction, Tarheel Road, Benson
The Shotgun Mary Band will perform at The Junction on Saturday, May 6 at 9:30 p.m.
Shotgun Mary is a Raleighbased, modern and traditional southern country band. For more information, call 919-207-1580.
Sunday, May 7, 1 p.m.
⋆ Bark n' Brunch
→ Deep River Brewing Company, W. Main St., Clayton
Pawsitivity and Deep River Brewing Company will host Bark
n Brunch Sunday, May 7 from 1-4 p.m. Deep River has teamed up with Snacks Provision Company and 3 Pups Bakery to give you and your pup the cutest brunch date opportunity. Tickets will include a DR beer, a charcuterie cup from Snacks Provision Company, a Barkcuterie cup from 3 Pups Bakery and a customized dog bandana
from Pawsitivity. Deep River will donate $1 for each selected beer to Greater Neuse Golden Retriever Rescue. For tickets, visit checkout.square.site.buy/ JMCT7IN4AU5JKYZ2D5RFQOVT.
Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m.
⋆ 6th Annual JoCo Latino Festival
→ Downtown Selma
The sixth-annual JoCo Latino Festival will be held in Historic Downtown Selma Sunday, May 7 from 2-6 p.m. There will be Latino music, dance, food vendors, street vendors and a KidZone. For more information, call Selma Parks and Recreation at 919-965-9841 or visit www. selma-nc.com.
May 9 and May 26, 9 a.m.
⋆ Free Adult Eye Screenings
→ Johnston Health Department, N. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
The Smithfield Lions Club will hold free eye screenings for adults Tuesday, May 9, Friday, May 26 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Johnston County Health Department, 517 N. Brightleaf Blvd. The screenings will take place in the Acute Care Clinic, which is inside the Health Department. If needed, the clients will receive a voucher to an optometrist.
Thursday, May 11, 9 a.m.
⋆ Business Organization and Recordkeeping with the IRS
→ JCC Small Business Center — Virtual
The Johnston Community College Small Business Center will provide a free online webinar, Business Organization and Recordkeeping with the IRS, Thursday, May 11 from 9-10:30 a.m. Businesses need
to know their options when it comes to legally structuring their business and how it will impact their tax liability. Speakers will be Fred Parker and Jackie Kinni, lawyers with the firm Gardner Skelton. The IRS is co-sponsoring this program. It will be presented via Zoom. To register, visit www.ncsbc.net. For more information, call 919-2092015 or 919-209-2224 or email jccsbc@johnstoncc.edu.
Thursday, May 11, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ May Let's ConnectNow COED Clayton WIN
→ Deep River Brewing Company, W. Main St., Clayton Clayton Women in Networking will host its Let’s Connect for May on Thursday, May 11 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Deep River Brewing Company. On the second Thursday of each month, WIN members and guests gather for a social night of networking. Tay & Sons Enterprise will host and provide light bites and beverages for your enjoyment. Remember to bring your business cards! For more information, email claytonwinboard@gmail.com.
Friday, May 12, 6 p.m.
⋆ Relay For Life
→ Smithfield-Selma High School, M. Durwood Stephenson Pkwy, Smithfield
This is a family event that is filled with food, fun and fellowship! It is an opportunity for the community to come together to help raise cancer awareness and to partner with the American Cancer Society in our mission to celebrate our survivors, remember those we have lost and lead the fight to a world without cancer! To learn
more, visit secure.acsevents. org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_ id=103701.
May 13 and 14, 4 p.m.
⋆ Clayton School of Dance 2023 Recital: Hollywood Films
→ The Clayton Center
The Clayton School of Dance will present its 2023 recital, Hollywood Films on Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, from 4-6 p.m. in the Clayton Center auditorium. Tickets will be $15 plus taxes and fees. For more information, call 919553-1737 or email eventinfo@ townofclaytonnc.org. To purchase tickets, visit www. theclaytoncenter.com and follow the links for the show or visit www.etix.com.
Thursday, May 18, 11:30 a.m.
⋆ May Clayton WIN General Meeting
→ The Clayton Center Clayton Women in Networking will hold its May General Meeting Thursday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m.until 1 p.m. at the Clayton Center. The special guest speaker, Liz Rossilli from Sales Savvy, will demonstrate how to turn your expo table into sales. WIN members and guests will enjoy networking, learning and lunch. There is a $15 fee for this event. Pre-registration is required. For information on how to register, email claytonwinboard@gmail.com.
Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m.
⋆ JWL's "Friends of the League" Community Event
→ Country Club of Johnston County
The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) invites you to the Country Club of Johnston County on Thursday, May 18
at 6 p.m. for its Friends of the League community event — an evening of networking and connecting with more than a dozen nonprofits from across Johnston County. This public event will serve as a platform for these organizations to educate guests about their sustainable, servicedriven solutions to problems impacting citizens in our local communities. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to mingle and speak directly with nonprofit leaders about their meaningful, handson initiatives and explore how people of all ages are able to proactively support their efforts. Please register in advance at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ jwls-friends-of-the-leaguetickets-590375648457. For more information about the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield and its initiatives, please visit www.jwlsmithfield.com or email jwlsmithfield@gmail.com.
Friday, May 19, 8:30 p.m.
⋆ One Horse Town in concert
→ Tap It Bar, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Country music band One Horse Town will perform at Tap It Bar Friday, May 19 at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 984-766-0241.
Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m.
⋆ 11th-annual Johnston County
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 5K Walk/ Run and 1-Mile Fun Run
→ Clayton Municipal Park, McCullers St., Clayton
The Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (JCAC) is hosting its 11th Annual Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. 5K Walk/Run and 1-Mile Fun Run. on Saturday, May 20, in Clayton at Municipal Park. The Taking Strides for Mental Health Awareness is a fundraiser to support scholarships for high school seniors and community service programs benefiting Johnston County. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit the House of Hope of North Carolina. To learn more, visit www.runnc. com//taking-strides-formental/details/.
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.
⋆ Kids Care Pediatrics
Kids Health Expo
→ Kids Care Pediatrics, Kellie Dr., Smithfield
Kids Care Pediatrics will host a Kids Health Expo Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Kids Health Expo is a free event open to all families in the area. The goal is to provide families with access to resources and information to help them make informed decisions about their children’s health. There will be a variety of activities and educational booths, and fun activities for kids. For more information, call 919-938-3749.
Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m.
⋆ Adventure in Oils & Cold Wax Workshop
→ Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Raleigh Road, Clayton Artmosphere Community Arts Center will host an Adventure in Oils & Cold Wax workshop
Saturday, May 20 from 1-3:30 p.m. This expressive and fun medium will have participants loosening up their inner creativity. Participants will experiment by mixing oil paints with cold wax on both paper and wood. Included will be demonstrations on blending,
mark making and collage to enhance pieces. The cost for the workshop is $78, which includes all materials. For more information, call 919-938-8015.
Saturday, May 20, 2 p.m.
⋆ Pine Level Firemen's Day Pine Level Firemen’s Day will be held Saturday, May 20 from 2-9 p.m. The event will begin with a parade starting at 2 p.m. The parade will end at the Sam Godwin Park where all the fun awaits. There will be food trucks, a kids area and much more. Tuesdays Gone, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, will play in the evening and, to top it all off, there will be a fireworks display at the end of the night. Saturday, May 20, 5 p.m.
⋆ Harnett Cruisers and Jordana's Pizza Cruise In
→ Jordana’s Pizza, S. Walton Dr., Benson
The Harnett Cruisers and Jordana’s Pizza will host their monthly cruise in welcoming all customized cars, vintage and modern, Saturday, May 20 from 5-8 p.m. at Jordanas Pizza. For more information, call 919-894-5559.
Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.
⋆ JWL's Big Night OutCasino Royale
→ The Farm at 42, N.C. 42, Selma The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) invites you to The Farm at 42 for Big Night Outs Casino Royale. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, and of course, your chance to win one of many silent auction items! Delicious, butlered heavy hors d’oeuvres (glutenfree options) and desserts will be served, and beer and wine will be available for your
enjoyment. Come dressed to impress. This is an event that you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $85 per person. Proceeds from this year’s Big Night Out event will help sustain initiatives like Student Scholarships, Professional Development Grants and JWLs Blessing Boxes. It will also afford JWL the opportunity to expand its reach with quick impact grants such as those most recently awarded to Johnston County DSS, JCPS teachers and Coats for Kids at Christmas. To learn more, visit www.jwlsmithfield. com/big-night-out or email jwlsmithfield@gmail.com.
Saturday, May 20, 9 p.m.
⋆ Bad Addiction in concert
→ Tap It Bar, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Bad Addiction will perform at
Tap It Bar on Saturday, May 20, at 9 p.m. For more information, call 984-766-0241.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County for both those who are in recovery with mental illness (NAMI Connection) and for their caregivers, loved ones and friends as well (NAMI Family Support). For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, visit www.namijcnc. net, email namijcnc@gmail. com or call 919-980-5277.
Let's find
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Running Club
Join the Smithfield Running Club each week to meet new people, get back in shape, train for races and explore the growing downtown area of Smithfield. For more information, find them on Facebook by searching for Smithfield Running Club or email smithfieldrunningclub@ gmail.com.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.
⋆ Cleveland School Rotary Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Garner Cleveland School Rotary Club meets bi-weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.
Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield
Come for dinner and learn about this volunteer service club with a focus on actively supporting children’s programs. Learn about Smithfield and neighboring communities from weekly presenters. There are community and social opportunities as well. Visit www.facebook.com/ KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.
Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.
⋆ Story Time
→ Kenly Public Library Check out story time at the Kenly Public Library each Wednesday. Call the library at 919-284-4317 or email kenly. library@townofkenly.com for more details.
Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.
⋆ Trivia Party
→ Clayton Center for Active Aging
Join the folks at Clayton Center for Active Aging with trivia each Wednesday at 2 p.m. Call 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919-553-4350.
First and third Tuesdays, Noon
⋆ Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club
→ Virtual meeting via Zoom
This small group of serviceminded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County. Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonMiddayRotary to learn more.
First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
⋆ Smithfield Lions Club
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield This group gathers for fellowship and business. The
dinner is self-pay. The meal begins at 5:30 and the meeting begins at 6. Come learn about the club and how it helps with local community service projects. For more information, contact Karen Brown at 919934-2555.
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 919550-0694 for more information.
First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting
→ Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield
Fellowship Masonic Lodge
#84 meets the first and third Thursday of each month. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are welcome. The lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com.
First Tuesday, Noon
⋆ Clayton Visual Arts meeting
→ The Clayton Center Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) is a nonprofit 501(3)c organization dedicated to bringing art to Clayton. Its members are artists, educators and art lovers. CVA engages and promotes the visual arts and strives to emphasize quality, diversity and accessibility to all local artists. Please consider joining and help support the arts in Clayton. Monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at The Clayton Center in
the York Room on the second floor. They also host monthly artist receptions on the first or second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. For more information, visit www.claytonvisualarts. org or contact CVA president Bronwen Fullington at bronwen. fullington@gmail.com.
Second Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ PACT meeting
→ Virtual Meeting via Google Meet Parents of Adult Children in Transition meets the second Monday of each month. To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@ yahoo.com.
Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.
⋆ Johnston County Chapter
of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting
→ Golden Corral, Smithfield
Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email jimnow42@ gmail.com.
Second Wednesday, Noon
⋆ The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting
→ TWCC building, Church St., Clayton
The Woman’s Club of Clayton (TWCC) is a nonprofit
philanthropic organization made up of professional women who share a common goal: to work together to improve our local community, socially, physically, culturally and educationally. Please consider joining to help serve those in need of assistance. TWCC meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August). For more information visit www.twccnc.org or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.
Second Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Triangle East Writers
→ Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield
Join a hard-working group of local writers and poets, beginner to advanced, who network, critique each other’s work, listen to guest authors and organize open mics and
write-ins around the county. It’s free and open to the public. For more information, email facilitator Cindy Brookshire at jocowriters@gmail.com.
Every other Monday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Kiwanis Club of Clayton
→ Virtual meeting
The Kiwanis Club of Clayton serves the community with emphasis on school youth Kiwanis programs. It advises two local high school KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) clubs and one elementary school club and meets each month. Visit www.facebook.com/ ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.
Third Monday, 7 p.m.
⋆ Vietnam Veterans of America
→ Smithfield American Legion Post 132
The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting
→ Johnston County Ag Center
The Johnston County Beekeepers Association serves beginner and experienced beekeepers with educational programs and experiences. We teach and
encourage better apiculture methods and promote cooperation and sharing among beekeepers, homeowners and farmers. Our monthly meetings are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@jocobee.org.
Third Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.
⋆ Widowed Persons Fellowship Group
→ Parkside Cafe, Pine Level
The Widowed Persons Fellowship Group, Johnston County, cordially invites widowed males and females to join them at their monthly self-pay dinner meeting. There is no charge to join their group. Come and see what they’re all about. Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.
Third Tuesday
⋆ Johnston County AfricanAmerican Caucus meeting
→ 1302 W. Market St., Smithfield
The Johnston County AfricanAmerican Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. Attend in person or visit www. us02web.zoom.us/j/9216132965
to attend via Zoom. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email AACJCDP. chair@gmail.com or call 954696-7833.
Third Thursday
⋆ Johnston County Republican Women
The Johnston County Republican Women (JCRW) meet on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December). Their meeting location changes monthly. For more information email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.
Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Disabled American Veterans meeting
→ Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
⋆ Clayton Rotary Morning Club
→ Virtual meeting via Zoom Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet. Learn more at www.claytonrotaryclub.org.
Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.
⋆ Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings
→ JCC Workforce Development Center
Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. Meetings
can also be offered via Zoom if requested by a member. For more, visit www.claytontm.com.
First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
⋆ Four Oaks American Legion meeting
→ American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks
All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.
⋆ Caring Hearts Civitan Club
→ Cleveland Draft House, Shotwell Road, Clayton
Caring Hearts Civitan Club would like to invite anyone interested in helping others in the Johnston County area to come to its meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding July. The club is a service-based volunteer organization that seeks members who are like-minded and would like to partner with other clubs and support worthy causes. Dinner begins at 6 and the meeting at 7. Those interested in attending or making a presentation about their organization should email grahamhound1966@gmail.com.
