January 2020

JANUARY 2020 | Your Community. Your Neighbors. Your Story.

Archer Lodge

Memorial dedicated

Area group helps families

with special needs

Wilson’s Mills native

writes novel

heart attack took me away “Afrom my job of 14 years as a volunteer at Johnston Health’s Gift Shop.

Johnston Health Cardiopulmonary Rehab, right here in my hometown, brought me back to work - and back to my life! - Mary Wood Britt Smithfield, NC

“

For Mary’s full story, visit: www.johnstonhealth.org/MaryBritt

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JANUARY 2020 | 3

ON THE COVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jimmy Crayton and Marney Harris Crayton were married on October 5, 2019, at Holts Lake in Four Oaks.

Photo by Erin Schultze Photography.

TEAM YOUR JNOW

Volume 4, Number 2

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

Publisher Randy Capps

randy@johnstonnow.com

16-26

General Manager

Shanna Capps shanna@johnstonnow.com

Creative Consultant Ethan Capps

Advertising Manager Irene Brooks

Office Manager Katie Crowder Creative Director/Designer Frank Spurlock Editorial Consultants Mike Bollinger, Rebecca J. Blair 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 1300 W. Market Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 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. ©2020 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.

4 | JOHNSTON NOW

PAGE 6

JOHNSTON COUNTY 4-H TARGET SPORTS PROGRAM HONORED

PAGE 8

BENSON AREA MEDICAL CENTER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

PAGE 14

NEWS FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS

PAGE 28

GROUP TO HELP CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD

PAGE 30

AUTHOR WITH JOHNSTON COUNTY ROOTS RELEASES NEW NOVEL

PAGE 33

CLAYTON NATIVE SERVED AS GERMAN AMBASSADOR IN 1930s

PAGE 34

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

12

Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial dedicated in Veterans Day ceremony

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Yeah, I’ve always got a story If you’ve learned nothing else from me in this space over the years, you should really know by now that I’m a bit odd.

One of my quirks is that, ironically enough, I always have a story to tell.

That’s why the sequel to last year’s tale of Shanna and I nearly calling off our wedding a few minutes before the rehearsal dinner is smack in the middle of the other wedding stories we collected for this issue.

I’ve got to hand it to our readers. They’ve really outdone themselves this year.

I’m not the biggest fan of weddings — and you’ll know why if you read deeper into this issue — but I like to think of them as the start of a couple’s story together.

Like any other story, no two are exactly alike. Some are comedies, others are tragedies and a few end up becoming Hallmark Christmas movies.

Anyway, I’m grateful for those folks who graciously shared a part of their journey with us. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Wishing God’s blessings  success for you  your family is year!

JANUARY 2020 | 5

Johnston County 4-H Target Sports program honored Submitted by Jonathan Stovall • Photos by Renee Dorman

SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County 4-H Target Sports program was recognized by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recently for their performance at the 4-H State Shooting Sports Tournament in Ellerbe last fall.

The Johnston Sharpshooters (senior team, ages 14-18) of Daniel Clayton, Elizabeth Hall and Sarah Guffey won second place in .22 Pistol, Recurve Archery, Air Pistol and Air Rifle.

Daniel Clayton won individual honors, including third-place finishes in Recurve Archery Match class and Compound Archery.

Hannah Winspear brought home second place in Air Rifle and seventh in Air Pistol; and Tyler Clayton finished third overall in Air Pistol.

The Johnston Marksmen (junior team, ages 9-13) of Luke Clayton, Tyler Clayton and Jacob Davis took third in Recurve Archery and Air Pistol and second in Air Rifle.

The Johnston Bulls-Eyes (junior team) of Rhett, Cutter and Chase Dorman also finished sixth in Recurve.

The age range for the target sports program is 9-18. Anyone in that range can join by enrolling through 4honline.com.

The Johnston County 4-H Target Sports teams were recognized by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recently. Those recognized include instructors Tyrus Clayton, Bill Stovall and Jonathan Stovall; 4-H agent Courtney Stanley and 4-H members Sarah Guffey, Rhett Dorman, Cutter Dorman, Chase Dorman, Bryce Casper, Luke Clayton, Daniel Clayton, Jacob Davis and Elizabeth Hall.

The group exposes 4-H youth to shooting, hunting and other related nature activities and teaches character growth, sportsmanship, citizenship and safety through the use of shooting sports.

They teach the safe and responsible use of

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firearms and archery equipment, while developing competition and teamwork skills of 4-H’ers.

The Johnston County 4-H Target Sports program practices recurve and compound archery and air rifle/pistol shooting at its range on N.C. 210, outside of Smithfield. Thanks to a donation by owner Andy Howard, the members shoot .22 rifle/pistol, trap (shotgun) and muzzleloader rifles at H2O Fowl Farms, a private range in Harnett County between Benson and Coats.

The team participates in two main 4-H tournaments a year, a regional tournament at the Eastern 4-H Center and then a state tournament in Ellerbe.

For more information on the program, contact Courtney Stanley at cnsmit23@ncsu.edu, Jonathan Stovall at jlstovall96@gmail.com or call the Johnston County Cooperative Extension at 919-989-5380.

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Benson Area Medical Center celebrates 40th anniversary Submitted by Benson Area Medical Center

BENSON — Benson Area Medical Center (BAMC) marked its 40 years of service to residents in Harnett, Johnston and Sampson counties on Nov. 19 with a celebration that included many healthcare leaders and remarks from North Carolina State Health Director, Dr. Betsey Tilson.

“The talent and dedication of the providers and staff at Benson Area Medical Center honors the long-standing tradition of healthcare set many years ago when the facility opened,” said BAMC Board Chairman Sonny Surles during his opening remarks.

“There has been a huge commitment from the community over the years to keep the center going, and I think that the fact the organization has been able to be a sustaining force and get new providers to come to this area has been a big accomplishment,” Dr. Eugene H. Maynard, Jr., BAMC medical director, said. “I am excited about the new providers who have recently joined our exceptional team.”

BAMC Medical Director, Dr. Eugene H. Maynard, greets guests at the 40th anniversary celebration.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Tilson, provided her insight on the future of healthcare in North Carolina and how facilities like BAMC will be instrumental in providing high-quality healthcare in service of all people.

Pictured are, left to right, Benson Area Medical Center CEO William Massengill, State Health Director Dr. Betsey Tilson, BAMC Board Chairman Sonny Surles and BAMC Medical Director Dr. Eugene H. Maynard.

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“You have served the community in so many different ways and are an organization that is the foundation and building block for the strength and prosperity of the community as a whole,” she said. “A healthcare facility can energize

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the overall health and economic wellbeing of the community. Of course, there have been lots of transitions and you all have not just survived, but have thrived and that is a testimony to your community, to your staff and to your leadership. Thank you for the past 40 years, and I’m very excited for the next 40 years and for your help in thinking about how to take the next step in improving the health and wellbeing of all citizens.”

William Massengill, BAMC CEO, ended the formal program portion of the celebration and said, “We are committed to making this a healthier community.”

Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Johnston County Public Health Director, talks with Benson Area Medical Center CEO William Massengill.

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JANUARY 2020 | 11

Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial dedicated in Veterans Day ceremony

By Randy Capps

ARCHER LODGE — It’s tough to miss the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial on Buffalo Road. The seven flag poles reaching into the sky catch the eye of passing motorists. The poles, and the memorial itself, provide a sudden burst of scenery next door to Town Hall.

It was a project that took nearly five years to complete, but aside from a bit of minor landscaping, the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial is finished.

“We really wanted to get it done and to a point where we could dedicate it on (Nov. 10),” Doug Long, a member of the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial, said. “We figured, let’s just put the grass down and get it going and we’ll worry about the rest later.”

The committee raised much of the money necessary for the project the old fashioned way — with food.

“Pretty much what you’re looking at was built on biscuits,” Long said. “Every month, we’d have a biscuit sale and make 12 to 15 hundred dollars.”

The Town of Archer Lodge donated the land for the memorial and helped defray some of the cost. The county also chipped in $35,000 near the end of the project. That money helped get the flagpoles erected, Long said.

There’s a fallen soldier statue at the entrance to the memorial, and area veterans are honored in bricks and stone in front of the granite centerpiece.

There’s a nod to each service in the design as well.

“When you enter the memorial circle, the service medallions are placed in the star points by age of inception,” Long said. “Going from right to left, for example, the Army is on the right after you enter since it was the first service. The Marine Corps is to

The Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial Committee members are Mike Mulhollem, CoChair and Treasurer, Saundra Freeman, Co-Chair, Connie Mulhollem, Secretary, J.Mark Jackson, Assistant Treasurer, Mike Gordon, Mark Wilson, Doug Long, Sue Boyette and Jim Purvis. Committee member Daniel Wall is not pictured.

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the left since they were the second, then Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The flags are set the same way with Army first, but they go from left to right with ‘Old Glory’ in the center.”

The finished product is a powerful symbol honoring those who have served.

“It’s hard for any veteran to come here and not get a feel for what it means,” Long, an Army veteran, said. “For a little town like Archer Lodge, it’s really nice.”

In addition to his service, Long had some extra motivation to help with the project.

“I got into this because of my dad,” he said. “He was a World War II/Korean veteran. He died the year I joined. I was pretty much driven for him more than me.”

Long praised the committee for its hard work and tenacity in getting the memorial built.

“The people who did this were very dedicated,” he said.

“At times, it was a little frustrating. But we had to keep going. We’re real pleased with it. … It’s great. We love it.

We would have never thought it would turn out like this.”

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The Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial is designed to honor all veterans, and anyone can purchase a memorial brick to be placed at the site. To learn more, visit www. alvetmemorial.org or follow the Archer Lodge Veterans Memorial page on Facebook.

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across the hedge. down the street. around the block.

NEWS FROM YO Hope 4 NC offers assistance for those affected by hurricanes

Johnston County natives serving around the world in the Navy Submitted by U.S. Navy

A pair of Johnston County natives are serving their country in different parts of the world.

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Cody Mitchell, from Princeton, left, and Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Chandler Mathis, from Morehead City, conduct maintenance on an M240B machine gun aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn.

The ship is underway conducting routine training in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Dayvd Harris, from Clayton, monitors the reception of fuel aboard the Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Carney during a replenishment-at-sea evolution with the cargo ship USNS William McLean. The Carney, forwarddeployed to Rota, Spain, is on its seventh patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners as well as U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

From left to right, Terra Robles, Maria Quintana and Karon Mills are working in Johnston County for Hope 4 NC.

It’s been more than a year since Hurricane Florence passed through Johnston County, and in some places, the effects of that storm are still being felt.

That’s where Hope 4 NC comes in.

The organization is funded by the State of North Carolina, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is operating in Johnston and 26 N.C. counties.

Hope 4 NC works “to assist individuals and communities in recovering from the challenging effects of natural and human-caused disasters through the provision of community-based outreach and psychoeducational services.”

It accomplishes this through its Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, or CCP. The program tries to reach people affected by these disasters — either financially or from a mental health standpoint — by sending licensed staff to connect directly with them in their communities.

The CCP helps storm survivors receive long-term counseling, housing support and other social services they might need.

To learn more, call 919-801-7932.

14 | JOHNSTON NOW

Above: U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fred Gray IV Right: U.S. Navy Photo by Ensign Victoria Reyes

OUR NEIGHBORS Home health nurse named Johnston Health Ambassador of the Month Submitted by Johnston Health

SMITHFIELD — Elizabeth Colclasure, a home health and hospice nurse, has been named Johnston Health Ambassador of the Month.

During a recent presentation, CEO Chuck Elliott said Colclasure stands out because she shares her knowledge and experience, and goes the extra mile to help coworkers work through issues.

“She offers new ideas from the field to boost patient satisfaction. She leads by example, and has the respect of others,” he added. “Many patients ask for her by name.”

Colclasure, who has been with Johnston Health for five years, says she loves her work.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else. I get to spend a lot of time with patients and get to know their families,” she said. “With home health, I have the opportunity to make their lives better by helping with things such as medication, food and heating.”

CEO Chuck Elliott congratulates Elizabeth Colclasure, a nurse at Johnston Health Home Health and Hospice, on being named Ambassador of the Month. Pictured, from left to right, are: Beth Walker, clinical manager of home health and hospice; David Dennis, director of home health and hospice; and Tracey Carson, administrative director of patient care services.

Colclasure says nursing is her third career.

After high school, she joined the Marines and traveled. Afterward, she took a job in billing for anesthesia services. When she decided to go back to school, it was her mother who encouraged her to try nursing. And she did.

Johnston Health Foundation events that support patient funds. And she’s active in her church.

She and her 9-year-old son, Elijah, live in Smithfield.

Through the ambassador program, Johnston Health recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork, and offer excellent service.

“It’s been a great decision for me,” Colclasure said.

Out in the community, Colclasure participates in

In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Colclasure will receive eight hours of paid time off.

Uptown Selma Business Partnership holds first public meeting Submitted by AdVenture Development

SELMA — Nearly 70 business and community leaders and residents turned out to attend the first Uptown Selma Business Partnership public meeting in November at the Selma Civic Center.

Mark McDonnell of Adventure Development LLC serves as president of the six-monthold Uptown Selma Business Partnership created to identify future opportunities in

the downtown Selma business district.

business district.

Uptown Selma Business Partnership Vice President Bruce Radford, former town manager of Selma and, more recently, Apex, facilitated the meeting. Radford led the group in a charette exercise, a method to engage public participation to reach a community consensus. Attendees took an active role in creating a vision for the

“It was my distinct pleasure to return to Selma to facilitate this meeting,” Radford said. “The group was actively involved and worked diligently to determine achievable priorities to create new energy into the Central Business District and surrounding area.”

JANUARY 2020 | 15

16 | JOHNSTON NOW

True love stories about your neighbors, by your neighbors.

Not even a stomach bug can stop engagement plans for Clayton couple Where there’s a will, there’s a way

By Claire Stanley

Adam and I met in college at East Carolina University. I had mentioned at some point in our relationship that I had always wanted to get engaged at a Christmas tree farm.

and ornaments.

The holiday season is my favorite time of the year. Unbeknownst to me, when Adam was ready to propose he searched everywhere around Smithfield/Raleigh area for a Christmas tree farm and couldn’t find what he wanted. So he made his own.

He strung up lights up and had a portable generator. When I walked up there was an ornament on the center tree that said “Claire will you marry me?”

In the back of his parents’ 20-acre farm he set up more than 10 real Christmas trees with one in the center that was decorated with lights

There was a custom sign printed from his print shop, Hinson Printing, that read “Stanley Christmas tree farm.”

It was absolutely perfect.

My own personal Christmas tree farm. After a couple of days of admiring the farm, we donated the extra trees to families that couldn’t afford their own.

By Nichole Silva

He had the ring hidden for some time when I lived in Pennsylvania at my old house. We were heading to Barbados, and I was so sick.

But we were not going to miss the trip, so each day I was in and out of the bathroom, and on October 1, we had pictures scheduled for the night. He knew he wanted to ask before then so the ring was included in the pictures.

Well again that day I was sick and in and out of the bathroom. He tried to take me for a “walk” and I kept pushing him away saying, “no, I just want to go back to the pool,” and eventually had to race upstairs to the bathroom.

With little time to spare — and fresh out of the bathroom in true Nichole and Forrest fashion — he asked!

I couldn’t be any happier. I’m not a big party or bells and whistles girl, so I was thrilled he asked even if I had to race back to the bathroom after!

JANUARY 2020 | 17

Bruce and Alison Hendrix, at the James Iredell House in Edenton.

Kenly residents share details of their ‘fairy tale’ wedding

Benson bride springs surprise performance on her husband

We combined our love of all things Steampunk with my love of the Alice in Wonderland movie and had a truly magical wedding!

In July of 2009, I walked into a little bar in Benson and immediately knew my future was at the end of the bar.

We were living in Clayton at the time but decided to be married in our hometown of Edenton. My mom and maid of honor helped me dress in an upstairs room of the the very charming, victorian-style, Granville Queen Bed and Breakfast.

He told me his name was John, but for the record, his name is Ray.

By Alison Hendrix

I descended the stairs wearing a soft, fairy tale gown with flowy sleeves, and felt something true, something right, the very best thing, was happening.

Downstairs, my two flower girls — each in a blue dress and gloves like Alice in the movie — joined us, along with my ring bearer, who was of course dressed as the Mad Hatter.

We stepped outside and into a horse drawn carriage that brought us to where I would become a Mrs. The carriage stopped in the beautiful garden of a historic home, built in the early 1700s, and the garden was full of my family and dear friends.

As my bare feet touched the grass, I looked up to see my husband to be, wearing a top hat and tails, and I knew this was the beginning of something perfect.

We were wed under an arbor of woven branches and berries, a true fairy tale, and our reception was a mad hatter tea party.

The tables were helter skelter and decorated with lace and leaves and top hats. Our cake was the Mad Hatter hat from the movie.

It was all fun and quirky and definitely reflected our personality as a couple. We both adored our special day, six years and counting!

18 | JOHNSTON NOW

By Amy Adams

That night was truly the start of a wonderful relationship, despite the whole name fiasco. We got married on March 23, 2014 at The Preston Woodall House in Benson.

As a singer, I was planning a surprise for my future husband that I worked on for weeks. We had chosen all of the music for our ceremony, but little did he know, the song I would walk down the aisle to would be sung live, by me.

I practiced for weeks, sneaking off and telling my future husband that I was going to the tanning bed. I even kept tanning lotion in my car so that when I came home I smelled like the tanning bed.

The effort was worth it. On the big day, I started singing “Look at Me” by Carrie Underwood before I even walked out of the foyer into the ballroom.

When I turned the corner and finally laid eyes on my husband, he was a blubbering mess.

After 10 years together, I’ve only seen my husband cry once. We often joke that our relationship started with a little lie in Benson, and so did our marriage.

Why is my dog a picky eater?

By Jason Ast

It’s 5:45 p.m. How do you know? Because your dog is starting to campaign for her evening meal. You hit ‘paws’ (haha, get it?) on the remote, get up and head into the kitchen pantry to scoop out tonight’s meal for Zoe. As the food spills from serving cup to food bowl, your dog takes a sniff…pauses… sniffs again…looks at you, and walks away from her bowl, barely touching her meal.

Sound familiar?

We’ve found that picky eaters come in all shapes and sizes, breeds and age. But they almost all have at least one of these 3 things in common.

• Picky Eaters are often ‘free-fed’—their food is left accessible to them all day.

Although this is very common, and not all dogs who are free-fed become picky eaters, when a dog has free access to food anytime he wants, the ‘value’ of his resource (in

this case, food) lowers. There is no fear of running out, or losing it to a competitor.

The result is a dog who may not eat as frequently as we expect.

• Picky Eaters are often fed many types of foods, including table scraps and people food.

Although I haven’t tried it myself, I can only imagine dry dog kibble being, well…dry! Given the choice between a dry boring dog food, and your yummy dinner—your dog will choose the robust flavors and smells coming from your plate!

The same can happen from swapping your dog’s kibble too often. While we also agree that rotational diets are important, done too often-or with a dog inclined to becoming ‘picky’, can create a Picky Eater.

year? Have you noticed any symptoms of food or environmental sensitivities (yearround itching, hot spots, lethargy, etc)?

Of course, your dog could always just be bored with the same meal everyday. We’re always available to talk with you about your dog specifically, so don’t hesitate to come see us!

Happy New Year!

For more information, contact: Just Dog People 91 Glen Rd., Garner 919-335-5299 www.justdogpeople.com Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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• Picky Eaters often have dental or other health issues, including food intolerances.

Think about it…if your dog doesn’t feel well, he may not eat as often as you think he should.

Has your dog had her teeth checked this

JANUARY 2020 | 19

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When not being used to host business meetings, our Conference Center rooms make a great backdrop for smaller special events. Bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, reunions, birthday and anniversary parties – and just about any other gathering you can think of – have been celebrated at The Clayton Center.

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Kenly native keeps things simple in Goldsboro wedding

By Brandi Creech

On a beautiful October day at 1 p.m., I married my best friend, David Barfield. The Bethany House, in Goldsboro, has no electricity so everything was battery operated.

A few hiccups happened with the music, but overall it was a perfect day! We met in Goldsboro in January 2017, so we knew we wanted to get married close to our meeting place.

Wilson couple improvises at Tobacco Farm Life wedding ceremony

By Ashley Amerson

It was one of the hottest days of the year, but there was a nice breeze in the shade of the country trees and the old country house.

My husband left the ring in his truck. The violinist started playing “Marry Me” and I started walking down the gravel path to him.

He started making hand motions that “the ring was in the truck.” One of his aunts caught on and gave him her ring off her finger just in case she couldn’t find it in his truck.

While she went to find the ring, I was already in front of him, wedding started.

My husband told the preacher quietly the ring is “in the truck.”

Pastor Maultsby stalled with a very long prayer. Once my husband had the ring, he tried to motion to the pastor that he had the ring and we were good to go!

22 | JOHNSTON NOW

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Clayton couple waits for the stars to align

By Cathy Delano

Chris and Cathy dated briefly in high school in Maine in 1987. Upon graduation, their lives would find different paths.

Fast forward to 2005 when Chris tracked Cathy down through the pioneer social media website, classmates.com. Chris was in Florida and Cathy, by this time, was in Clayton.

They rekindled their friendship via AOL chat and a couple of visits, but once again the timing wasn’t perfect.

Another 10 years would pass before Cathy took to social media through LinkedIn to find Chris. Finally, the stars aligned and Chris found himself in North Carolina for good on Christmas Day 2014.

On December 10, 2015, Chris asked Cathy to marry him. They had a rustic themed wedding on April 29, 2017 at Brick & Mortar in Clayton, complete with whiskey barrels as a cake table and as an altar of sorts. Bouquets of baby’s breath in cowboy boots marked the aisle.

Chris made the arch and hanging cross where they took their vows. Cathy even wore wedding cowgirl boots for the ceremony with her bridal dress.

At the end of the evening the bridal couple took a romantic ride through the streets of downtown Clayton in a horse and buggy.

New Jersey couple finds happiness in Clayton

By Elaine Rodriguez-Buz

After being divorced for 10 years and raising my son as a single mom, and after much heartache, challenges and kissing a few frogs, I finally found my king!

Both being from the undesired and stressful hustle bustle of the North, we decided to move to JoCo to recreate our life two years ago.

Since then, we both left corporate positions and took a leap of faith to go after our life’s callings. I am an alternative healing provider and Joe is a small business consultant. We both love helping people and impacting lives.

We are a blended family residing in the Flowers community in Clayton. Live big, laugh hard and love much!

24 | JOHNSTON NOW

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The secret to a good marriage? A weird wedding weekend

By Randy Capps

parents, we changed clothes and started cleaning.

The opening bit of the old show Dragnet always starts with, “Ladies and gentlemen: the story you are about to hear is true.

Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

Less than two hours after professing our love and devotion in a wedding dress and tuxedo, respectively, Shanna was pushing a vacuum through the sanctuary while I took out the trash out from the kitchen — both in blue jeans.

Well, I’m not going to change any of the names when I tell the story of our wedding day and weekend.

We finish up, and it’s dark by this point.

We dodged freezing rain and snow as we headed to Murrell’s Inlet to our favorite seafood place — one of the few places actually open during what passed for a blizzard on the S.C. coast.

It’s been 20 years, after all. What harm could it do now?

To set the scene, think back to January 22, 2000. There was a nasty winter storm that weekend, as you may recall. It wasn’t quite as bad in Mullins, S.C., but it was enough to keep all of our North Carolina friends from making the trip.

We talked the hostess into sitting us by the fireplace in the otherwise empty restaurant to enjoy our first meal as a married couple.

No problem, right? It’s a more intimate setting.

So, we schedule wedding party pictures before the ceremony. That way, we can actually attend our reception.

Well, my Dad was late. So, we did some of them beforehand and the rest afterward.

More on that later.

After my good friend Kevin stopped Shanna from slipping out the back door (she was just unhappy with how the day was going, she assures me), and I declined my Dad’s invitation to take his truck and duck out the side door (tempting for the same reason as my soon-to-be wife’s), we got started.

Somewhere in the middle of the preacher’s speech about love and commitment, my mother walks in.

“Sorry, y’all,” she announced to the room.

“I was getting my hair done.”

OK then.

So, we get through the ceremony with nothing other than a minor wax burn for me from the unity candle, and rush off to finish our pictures.

26 | JOHNSTON NOW

A normal story would be over now. But wait, there’s more.

During this time, the guests made their way to the reception and, since this was late in the afternoon, they began eating.

We finally roll in, I’m guessing, 45 minutes later.

By then, the very limited selection for our over-priced, under-delivered food spread was gone — as were a fair number of the guests. Remember, it was sleeting outside at this point, and people wanted to get home before dark.

We cut the cake, throw the garter and all that. So, it’s time to leave, right?

Shanna and I, leaving triumphantly for our honeymoon as people clap and blow bubbles?

Not quite.

Part of our agreement to get married at Marion-Mullins Freewill Baptist Church was that we had to clean up after ourselves.

So, when we looked around and saw only the maid of honor, Tia, and Shanna’s

Later that night, one of the diamonds fell out of Shanna’s ring as she was getting out of the bathtub. Not a great omen, to be sure.

The next morning, the phone rang in our hotel room before 8 a.m. It was Shanna’s grandmother, who got us the room, wanting to take us to breakfast.

The cherry on top for the weekend happened later that day when we got back to Marion. After driving back from Myrtle Beach, which had three inches of snow on the ground, to Marion, which had seven, we stopped to pick up the other car.

My ring, which was a tad too loose, fell off my finger and into the snow. I wouldn’t see it again until the following Sunday, when the snow melted enough for me to find it.

I wouldn’t trade my marriage to Shanna for anything, but anyone planning a big, complex wedding should consider eloping.

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JANUARY 2020 | 27

Group seeks to help children with special needs transition into adulthood

By Randy Capps

CLAYTON — Being the parent of a child with special needs is a daunting task. There are programs, however, in place to help those children develop and reach their fullest potential.

But what happens when those children become adults? How can their families access resources to ease that transition?

A Clayton man dealing with those same questions is trying to help others in the similar situations find the answers.

Jeff Holland is an educator and the father of two children, Christopher and Ben, with special needs.

“There is no source for these folks,” he said. “I call them ‘the hidden.’ They’re out there, but you don’t know they’re there.

There’s no standard place to go and even start asking (questions).

“I had learned about a group that had formed up in Chapel Hill, and they were tackling issues about residential placement for kids.

I thought ‘what a unique idea.’ I see things like the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Johnston County chapter … but I didn’t see anything that helps parents learn about these issues that involve transitioning into adulthood.”

To fill that gap, Holland helped start a group, Parents of Adult Children in Transition (PACT). Through an email list and a series of monthly meetings at The Church at Clayton Crossings, the group can share experiences and resources to help one another.

“When people come together, they’ve already discovered things you haven’t discovered,” he said. “I think one of the nicest things to hear is when people leave the meetings, they’ve carried away information that was new to them. And they’re constantly sending things my way or adding to the group.

“All these people are coming who haven’t walked this way yet. I love learning what they know that I don’t know. It’s the whole idea of us being a resource to one another.”

PACT began meeting in May, covering topics like “Can My Child Live in His/Her Own Home,” “Navigating Group Homes,” guardianship, special needs’ trusts and educational options at Johnston Community College.

In addition to sharing information, the group has an even larger goal in mind.

The idea is called an intentional community, and it’s a natural extension of the sense of sharing and community PACT already produces.

“It’s a community that’s designed with a special population in mind, and they’re springing up all over the country,” he said.

“There’s one in Phoenix, Dallas, Maryland and I’m seeing two or

This is a rendering of an intentional community.

three in North Carolina that are in some sort of stages.”

Holland’s vision for a local version of an intentional community would feature 20-30 homes, all designed for people with some sort of special need.

It would feature green spaces for exercise or gardening, a community center which would act as the hub and center of the neighborhood and a fence around the perimeter to control traffic in and out of the area.

Holland also stresses the need for it to be affordable to would-be residents.

“I think this could be a tremendous blessing as it develops and comes to be,” he said. “I’m seeing a healthy number of people come together at these meetings and there’s a core of people who really love this idea and the idea that their child could be a part of this.”

PACT meets the second Monday of each month at The Church at Clayton Crossings from 6-8 p.m. To learn more, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.

28 | JOHNSTON NOW

Clayton Middle School student wins poetry contest

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Submitted by Conundrum Escapes

Savannah Slay, a seventh grader at Clayton Middle School, recently won a poetry contest sponsored by Conundrum Escapes, Ready Set Escape and Johnston Now.

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It reads as follows: The door has closed, The clock is counting down.

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JANUARY 2020 | 29

Author with Johnston County roots releases new novel

By Randy Capps

Kimothy Monroe, a part-time Major in the Red Springs Police Department and a former resident of Wilson’s Mills, recently released “Monster Eyes,” a novel based on one of his most memorable cases.

He describes it as “a lightweight, amateurstyle psychological thriller that ultimately leads to the brutal death of two women in a small town.”

Monroe was born in Brooklyn before moving to Wilson’s Mills as an adolescent. He’s the grandson of Theodore and Merida Durant, who owned Durant Grocery store on what is now called Durant Road.

He graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School, Johnston Community College and North Carolina Central University and began his career in law enforcement in Smithfield in 1983 under Chief Joseph N. Pearce. He moved on to Selma, where he served under Chief Charles “Buckwheat” Hicks.

Later, he worked as a state alcohol law enforcement agent before working for more than 20 years in Laurinburg, where he retired as interim police chief. “(My) passion has always been the people,” he said of his career in law enforcement. “(I enjoy) helping people and helping those who for whatever reason don’t have the power or the resources to help themselves.”

It was one case in particular that served as the inspiration for the book.

“About 13 years ago I was involved in a murder and the case took so many turns and twists,” Monroe told The (Lumberton) Robesonian in a recent interview. “It became very compelling to me how the case unfolded. It was a very interesting case. The people involved were interesting, and a lot of lives were entwined.

A lot of lives were shattered.”

Some of the names and places in the book have been changed to

respect those involved, but it’s based largely on the actual events of the investigation.

“Monster Eyes is not only a crime story, but a story of love, family, betrayal, trust, and even touches on mental illness,” he said.

The book is available on Amazon, and Monroe will host a book signing on Sunday, January 26, at 3 p.m. at Wilson’s Mills Town Hall.

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Johnston County Now a Retire NC Community Submitted by Johnston County Visitors Bureau

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Visitors Bureau board members and staff were presented with a certificate designating the county as a N.C. Certified Retirement Community recently.

The RetireNC program encourages retirees and those planning to retire to make their home in North Carolina therefore, bringing tourism to the area, attracting potential workforce and enriching N.C. communities.

The JCVB sales team will participate in tradeshows to market the retirement communities in Johnston County to potential visitors and retirees. VisitNC, who manages the program, is a department of the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. “We have been working already with the 55-plus communities in Clayton and have built a unique landing page for RetireJoCo with offers and a suggested itinerary for retirees to explore our communities as they consider North Carolina as a retirement destination,” said Donna Bailey-Taylor, JCVB President/CEO. The unique landing page can be found at www.johnstoncountync. org/retire-joco/.

Just this year the program became available to counties to submit applications, which meant completing a comprehensive community survey and an asset inventory of the county’s

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preparedness for retiree attraction. Johnston County has become the first county in N.C. to be certified and joins the communities of Eden, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Jamestown/High Point, Laurinburg, Lenoir, Lumberton, Marion, Mount Airy, New Bern, Reidsville, Roanoke Rapids, Salisbury, Sanford, Tarboro, Washington and Winterville.

Clayton native served as ambassador to Germany in 1930s Submitted by Benjamin Sanderford

William Edward Dodd left for Germany as U.S. Ambassador on July 7, 1933. He had been there before from 1897 to 1899 as a student at the University of Leipzig, a major break for the Clayton farm boy.

Since then, Dodd had enjoyed an impressive academic career and became active in the Democratic Party. It was this association that prompted him to seek a position in the new administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Unfortunately, the Germany that Dodd returned to was not the land of intellectual excellence that he remembered, but a deeply troubled country. The new chancellor, Adolf Hitler, had just completed the process of outlawing every political organization other than his own Nazi Party, and he was already showing an obsession with persecuting Jews.

Many officials at the State Department were unconcerned by Hitler’s anti-Semitism, and Dodd himself thought, like many people at the time, that Jews had been too powerful in pre–Nazi Germany. Nevertheless, after explaining to Hitler that it would be better to avoid causing “great offense” while dealing with Jews, Dodd was taken aback when the German ruler snapped that “if they continue their activity we shall make a complete end of them in this country.” The ambassador had been warned.

By this time, March 1934, Dodd was in despair over the Nazi regime’s depravity. Months earlier, he confessed that he had “hoped to find some decent people around Hitler” who could restrain their leader’s worst impulses. Now he realized that “the whole gang” was “a horde of criminals and cowards.”

The murder of Hitler’s remaining political rivals, including his predecessor as chancellor, on the Night of the Long Knives (June 30 – July 2, 1934) confirmed to Dodd the inherent criminality of the Nazis. He thereafter threw himself into analyzing who might feel Hitler’s wrath next. In May 1935, after studying Hitler’s manifesto, Mein Kampf, Dodd accurately predicted that Germany would invade Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland. That

September, he foresaw that Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator who had inspired Hitler, would side with the Nazis against Britain and France.

President Roosevelt valued Dodd’s insight (“I need him in Berlin,” he said), but many other policymakers did not. Some in the State Department looked down on Dodd because he was not a professional diplomat, and they were not nearly as worried about Nazi crimes. Similarly, isolationist members of Congress considered him too anti–Nazi.

By the summer of 1937, the increasingly embattled Dodd’s superiors were pressuring him to attend the Nazi Party’s annual rally at Nuremberg for the first time. The ambassador was not a total stranger to appeasement, he had not supported the journalist Edgar Ansel Mowrer’s attempt to cover the 1933 rally because he found Mowrer too provocative, but he saw no point in legitimizing Hitler’s dictatorship with his presence.

In the end, Dodd managed to visit the United States at the same time as the rally, but another representative was sent in his stead, leading Hitler to gloat about finally having official U.S. recognition.

Dodd had had enough. He wrote his resignation letter intending to step down in March, but Hitler, with a bully’s instinct for weakness, pressured the State Department into getting rid of Dodd that December. William Dodd died on February 9, 1940 convinced that he had failed to persuade Nazi Germany to moderate its behavior. In truth, he was overly hard on himself.

The information he provided was key in convincing Roosevelt that the “Third Reich” had to be stopped, and no diplomat could have lifted the red mist that clouded Hitler’s vision.

“Long live war,” the German tyrant toasted on September 2, 1938, “even if it lasts from two to eight years!”

Hitler would start his war one year later, and he would declare war on the United States two years after that. It would then be time for Dodd’s fellow Johnstonians to take up the challenge.

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

JANUARY 2020 | 33

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 and Classes

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County for both those who are in recovery with mental illness (NAMI Connection) and for their caregivers, loved ones and friends as well (NAMI Family Support). For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, NC, visit www.namijcnc.net, email namijcnc@gmail.com or all 919-980-5277.

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 and Wednesday, 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.

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 919-550-0694 for more information.

34 | JOHNSTON NOW

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.

Second Monday, 6 p.m.

PACT meeting

The Church at Clayton Crossings Parents of Adult Children in Transition meets the second Monday of each month at The Church at Clayton Crossings from 6-8 p.m. To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.

Second Wednesday, 9 a.m.

Veterans Rally Point

American Legion Post 132, Pitchi Street, Smithfield All veterans are invited to attend “Veterans Rally Point” on the second Wednesday of each month. This is a place where veterans to meet, socialize and network. For more information, call Robert Boyette at 919-989-5067.

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.

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 p.m.

Johnston County Writers Group

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.

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 805-377-9573.

Third Monday 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 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 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.

Fourth Monday 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

Rainbow Lanes, Clayton Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded 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.

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We are excited to announce our newest pharmacist, Casey Liverman Johnson! Casey grew up in Selma, went to Smithfield- Selma High School and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Campbell University (Class of 2005 with Alan Carroll)! Casey and her husband Randy have 2 daughters, Carly Rae (8) and Cara (5) and live on their farm in Four Oaks. She spent the last 20 years with Creech Drug in Selma. We are thrilled to have her join our staff at Carroll Pharmacy in Smithfield. Casey is passionate about community pharmacy and loves taking care of her patients.

Please stop by and say hello and welcome her to Carroll Pharmacy!

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JANUARY 2020 | 35

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.

Third Tuesday, 6 p.m.

African American Caucus meeting

1302 West Market Street, Smithfield The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. For additional information, email dwcsw610@yahoo.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.

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.

Third Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Democratic Women of Johnston County meeting

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Smithfield The Democratic Women of Johnston County have a monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month. For more details, visit www.jcdp.org/dwjc.

Third Thursday, 6 p.m.

Johnston County Republican Women meeting

The Johnston County Republican Women meet the third Thursday of each month rotating between Golden Corral in Smithfield and Cleveland Draft House on Shotwell Road in Clayton. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ groups/jcrwrocks/ or email jcrwrocks@gmail.com for more details.

Third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Clayton Area Parkinson’s Group

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, N.C. Hwy. 42 W., Clayton All people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are invited to learn, socialize and exchange ideas in friendly and casual meetings. To learn more, call Mark or Jane Wilson at 919359-0633 or 919-631-2628. Or email retiredones@earthlink.net.

Last Wednesday, 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.

Last Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Johnston County Writers Group Open-Mic Night

Selma Historical Museum Perform your original music, poetry, short stories and screen play snippets in front of a live audience. Writers, singers and musicians of all styles and skill levels can showcase their talent.

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-Marriott.

For questions, email Rev. Pam Ballard at pballard@refreshingspringsrc.com or call 919-585-7497.

Last Saturday, 1 p.m.

Crafter’s Day

James Bryan Creech Public Library, Four Oaks Bring your latest arts and crafts items to share and work with other like-minded people. Learn new techniques and find out how others do things. Have a little coffee while you’re at it.

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Saturday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m.

Chris Lee Benefit

Strickland’s Crossroads Fire Department, Four Oaks Barbecue chicken plates will available at the Friends Helping Friends Chris Lee Benefit on Jan. 4 at Stricklands Crossroads Fire Department. Eat in or take out, it’s $10 per plate. An auction will take place at 6:30 p.m. and a raffle for a zero-turn lawnmower will also be held. All proceeds will benefit Chris Lee and his family with medical expenses during his battle with cancer.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m.

Sound the Alarm (fire safety)

Johnston County Agricultural Center, Smithfield Help the American Red Cross sound the alarm about home fire safety. This month, the Red Cross is partnering with Johnston County volunteers and local fire departments to install free smoke alarms. Need a free smoke alarm installed? Call 919-934-8481 to schedule an appointment.

Volunteers are needed. Must be 16 and older, school groups, scouts, churches and others can email Jennifer.

VanGundy@redcross.org for more information.

Saturday, Jan 18, 10 a.m 4th Annual Polar Bear Run 5K

Uptown Selma Join the fun for the 4th Annual Polar Bear Run 5K through Uptown Selma. Registration is online or the day of the event at the corner of Webb and Waddell Streets. Cost is $10 per runner and pets are free of charge. This is an unsanctioned run, but timers will be available for those interested in knowing their run time. Please bring donations for the Johnston County Animal Shelter including liquid laundry detergent, liquid bleach, dog/puppy food cat/kitten food, old blankets, towels, currency and coins. Call Selma Parks and Recreation for more information at 919-975-1411.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.

Gaylon Pope and SweetWater with guest Ivan Parker

Rudy Theatre, Selma Don’t miss an evening of gospel music, Live at the Rudy.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m.

Regional Industrial Hemp Meeting

Johnston County Agricultural Center, Smithfield The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Johnston County is inviting all interested growers to a production meeting. The meeting will start with a sponsored meal, followed by presentations from Extension Specialist, NCDA and agents.

Pre-registration is required for the meeting.

Call the Johnston County Extension Center at 919-989-5380 to learn more.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5 p.m.

Owl Safari

Howell Woods, Four Oaks Search for the elusive Barred Owl. Learn about raptors, visit the Birds of Prey exhibit and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures. For more information, email t_stanforth@johnstoncc.edu or call 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.

Intro To Feeder Watch

Howell Woods, Four Oaks Come learn about Feeder Watch, a citizen science project that collects data on winter birds. This will help participants identify winter species and collect data for researchers and scientists. For more information, email t_stanforth@ johnstoncc.edu or call 919-938-0115.

Cost is $5 per participant.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.

Federal Taxes for Your Small Business

JCC Small Business Center, Clayton Learn the types of federal taxes for which your small business is responsible. Get current information on the latest federal tax law changes, and learn how to utilize those changes for your small business and how to make informed tax planning decisions. For more information, call 919-209-2015 or email jccsbc@johnstoncc.edu.

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