March 2020

MARCH 2020 | Your Community. Your Neighbors. Your Story.

Home & Garden A new look

for some old maps

Selma applies

for HGTV show

The Battle

of Bentonville

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ON THE COVER MARCH 2020 | Your Community. Your Neighbors. Your Story.

For some people, working in the garden is a calming, therapeutic Home & Garden hobby.

A new look

for some old maps

Selma applies

for HGTV show

The Battle

of Bentonville

TEAM YOUR JNOW

Volume 4, Number 4

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Home &Garden

Publisher Randy Capps

randy@johnstonnow.com

12-30

General Manager

Shanna Capps shanna@johnstonnow.com

Creative Consultant Ethan Capps

Advertising Manager Irene Brooks

Office Manager Katie Crowder 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

LOOKING BACK ON FIRST IB GRADUATES AT SSS

PAGE 8

SELMA APPLIES FOR HGTV’S HOME TOWN TAKEOVER

PAGE 10

CLAYTON CELEBRATES N.C. 42 EXTENSION

PAGE 11

NEUSE CHARTER SHOW “MATILDA THE MUSICAL”

PAGE 34

BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE

PAGE 38

JWL PRESENTS $10,000 DONATION

PAGE 41

TECHNO TIGRESSES WIN FIRST-PLACE HONOR

PAGE 43

TOWN MAPS RESTORED

PAGE 44

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

39

Clayton native serving in Europe

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The show must go on Everyone has a professional moment that shaped them in one way or another. Mine happened before I actually started getting paid to make words.

The year was 1997, and the two new faculty advisers of The Pilot, GardnerWebb’s student newspaper, needed a new editor.

Since there were no other upperclassmen available, they chose a classmate and me as co-editors in an oddly breezy staff meeting.

This, as I recall, was a Monday.

Everyone’s copy, including my singlehanded production of a beefy sports section, was due Friday, and the paper had to be sent to the printer by lunch the

following Monday.

The young staff turned in the work one might expect from freshmen and sophomores, while the new co-editors struggled with their new duties.

Since my partner was handling the photography, I drew the short straw of page design.

That means I had to learn a program, Quark, and design all the pages in two days. I spent a glorious Labor Day weekend chained to my desk in the newspaper office, fumbling through pages and drinking unhealthy amounts of caffeine.

On Sunday, I slept in, hit the cafeteria for lunch, worked until dinner, ate at the

cafeteria again and went back to the newspaper office. I worked all night, but when I left at 9:45 Monday RANDY CAPPS morning to go to randy@johnstonnow.com class, a very ugly newspaper was ready for press.

I thought of that when we were putting this issue together, since I spent the last week of our cycle coping with the flu.

Work comes a little more slowly when you’re on cold medication, but as I learned in college, deadlines don’t care about your problems.

The show really must go on.

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MARCH 2020 | 5

Smithfield-Selma High looks back on first IB Diploma Programme graduates

By Daniel Barrett | Photos by Smithfield-Selma High School

During the 2010-2011 school year, administration and teacher leaders at SmithfieldSelma High School (SSS) began working on the candidacy application to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. As they discussed bringing the IB Diploma Programme to SSS, they knew it would be a program that would grow, offering opportunities to students all around Johnston County.

On March 28, 2013, SSS received official authorization to begin teaching the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) to juniors for the 2013-14 school year. The Programme at SSS began with six students.

These students were enrolled in seven IB-level courses, which continued for the two years they were in the programme.

These high-level courses are designed to prepare students for college work. In addition, the students also had to complete a creativity, activity and service project.

Some of these service projects included starting an SSS food pantry, building a Habitat for Humanity house, assisting middle school students with athletics and volunteering around the community.

Finally, they each had to write a 4,000-word extended essay on a topic of their choosing.

This all culminated in their IB exams in May 2015.

Since this class of students 6 | JOHNSTON NOW

graduated, there have been four other classes of graduates, and the ninth class of IB DP students began their journey in August 2019. The largest class to date, 60 students (chosen from 165 applicants), is enrolled for the fall.

In addition to full diploma candidates, the IB DP courses have now been opened to students who wish to take individual courses to supplement the rigor of the high school course load. This has led to the implementation of the dual AVID/IB track which allows students to gain the benefits of both options available at SSS. As for the stats, the five graduating classes (89 students) of IB students from SSS have been offered over $6 million in scholarships.

They currently are enrolled in colleges and universities in North Carolina and across the nation.

While they are broadening their knowledge, they are also continuing to serve their university communities through leadership in organizations, community service and internships. In addition, many IB students have used the flexibility in their schedules (due to earned credits from the IB DP) to travel and study abroad.

Looking back at the first class In June 2015, the first class

of IB diploma candidates graduated from SSS. Here is where they are now: Daniel Avila — In August 2019, he graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in computer information systems. While in college, Daniel started as a member of the men’s soccer team. He attended school on athletics and STEM scholarships. He was also involved in the Video Game Development Club during his studies.

Even before graduating, Daniel was offered a job at Fidelity Investments as a software engineer intern.

Upon graduating, he has

continued his work with the company.

Ina Colon — Through her hard work and commitment to her education, she was able to graduate early from Appalachian State University in December 2018 with a degree in broadcast communication with a minor in Spanish. While in school, she served as the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Omicron Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also studied abroad in China for three weeks during her 2018 summer break.

Following graduation, she enrolled in graduate school IB student Emma Lampe cutting the cake at the IB banquet.

at N.C. A&T, where she is pursuing an MBA while working as a graduate assistant for the Honors Program.

“IB taught me how to believe in myself when I’m being challenged whether it be academically or personally and how to be intentional when maintaining old friendships,” she said.

Emma Lampe — After beginning her college career at N.C. State, Emma decided to take a gap year. During this time, she worked at a small business doing accounting work, traveled to Tokyo to visit a friend she met while attending SSS and decided to apply for a transfer to Meredith College.

She will be graduating from Meredith in December with a degree in communications, concentrating in mass communications and public relations, with a minor in professional writing and presentation media. She is involved in the Meredith student government, serving as the Chair of the Elections Board.

Ashton Makey — While attending the University of North Carolina Ashton was a four-year member of the cheerleading team, holding a leadership position for two of those years. She graduated in May 2019 with degrees in Political science and communication studies, concentrating on interpersonal and organizational communication.

Since graduation, she has moved back to Smithfield, where she is working for Old Mill Stream as the office administrator/manager. She

Pictured are, counter clockwise, from left,: Emma Szczesiul, Dorothy Colon, Ina Colon, Daniel Avila, Ashton Makey, Ariana Wieland, Sarah Wieland and Emma Lampe.

is currently studying for the LSAT with plans to apply to and enroll in law school as a member of the fall 2020 incoming class.

“As hard as IB was, I truly believe I would not have been prepared for what college brought if I would not have done it,” she said. “For me, it wasn’t about getting credit for classes, although that didn’t hurt; however, I feel I was benefited in a much more tangible way by being prepared for the workload, the style of college learning and time management skills that college requires.

“I can, without a doubt, point to the IB DP as the reason I felt so prepared for those things, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the first graduating class from the program at SSS!” Emma Szczesiul — In May 2019, Emma graduated

from the University of North Carolina with a degree in environmental studies with minors in information science and Spanish. While in school, Emma completed a Capstone project while researching in the Outer Banks in the local town hall.

Before graduating, she studied abroad in Costa Rica and completed an internship for UNC’s Sustainability Initiative. Emma is currently living in Chicago working as an environmental health and safety information technology consultant for ERM, one of the world’s largest environmental consulting firms.

Sarah Wieland — After graduation from SSS, Sarah attended East Carolina University. While in school, she was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (the business honors society) and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). As a member of

these organizations, Sarah was selected to be part of the Future Leaders Program as one of two top seniors in her class. She continued with the IB mindset of service by participating in philanthropies such as Pitt County Animal Shelter, the Arthritis Foundation, Pirate Academic Success Center as an economics tutor and the ECU Writes Pen Pal Program. After completing her junior year, Sarah worked as an intern for QVC, where she gained experience in distribution operations.

She graduated magna cum laude in May 2019 with a degree in Business administration with dual concentrations in marketing and supply chain management.

Sarah now lives in Columbia, S.C., where she works with Border States Electric as a distribution leadership trainee, participating in a rotational program and traveling about the country.

MARCH 2020 | 7

Activate Selma submits application for HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover’ Submitted by Cindy Brookshire | Photo by Johnston County Visitors Bureau

Could Selma be the focus of an upcoming HGTV show? Producers of “Home Town Takeover,” a proposed 2021 series with Ben and Erin Napier, are inviting towns across the U.S. to apply. The couple

A look at Downtown Selma.

8 | JOHNSTON NOW

currently hosts “Home Town,” a series now in its fourth season.

architecture waiting to be revealed and a main street that needs a facelift.

Applicants must have a population less than 40,000, homes featuring great

Selma fits the bill with 7,000 residents, 270 town-wide properties listed on the

and a perfect location for growth. I am super excited about Selma’s application to HGTV ‘Home Town Takeover.’ I think we have a good chance of being chosen.”

The group produced a six-minute video, written by Selma Parks and Recreation’s Melissa Dooley and shot and edited by Pastor Todd Daniels of Selma Baptist Church. Selma Museum volunteer Cindy Brookshire created the written narrative, and the group chose five photos of uptown properties in need of HGTV’s “love”: a church, a train station, a filling station and two residential homes.

The HGTV application was submitted Feb. 6 by Activate Selma, a grassroots group of business owners, entrepreneurs, volunteers, residents and friends who have a heart for Selma. Patterned after 1MillionCups.com, they meet every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Selma Public Library to spark creative problem solving and push through broken record stories of the town’s past. The application is their first group project.

— Allyson Caison

The video can be seen at bit.ly/2uVU2cS.

our application for an HGTV Takeover,” said Selma Mayor Cheryl Oliver. “This is a special group taking steps to lead a special town forward. Within two weeks, they pooled their talents and produced a quality product. Whether or not HGTV declares our submission a winner, this effort has already been a win for Selma. It has created a positive spin about our town and encouraged citizens and businesses to focus on our potential as well as what they can do to help Selma shine.”

“I am so proud of our Activate Selma team for all their effort in pulling together

For more information, contact: Allyson Caison at 919-9614130 and allyson.caison@yahoo.com or Cindy Brookshire at 919-202-5990 and brookshire1014@verizon.net.

Selma Planning and Economic Development Director Randy CahoonTingle helped the group focus on three points: Selma is recovering from the past, Selma is well-placed for smart growth, and Selma has a dedicated and active community that needs a helping hand up.

“I knew when I first saw HGTV’s application that Selma would be a perfect fit,” said Selma realtor Allyson Caison, who brought the idea to the group.

“We have it all: small town charm, lots of architecturally interesting properties

“

We have it all: small town charm, lots of architecturally interesting properties and a perfect location for growth.

“

National Register of Historic Places and Raiford Street, home of the Rudy Theatre, which brought 26,000 visitors to the entertainment venue in 2019.

Currently, Raiford Street offers no restaurants for patrons awaiting show times and only a handful of shops — the rest are vacant storefronts awaiting redevelopment.

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MARCH 2020 | 9

Clayton celebrates announcement of N.C. 42 extension Submitted by Town of Clayton

The N.C. Department of Transportation officially gave the green light to a major, multi-million dollar roadway project that will extend N.C. 42 East across U.S. 70, bringing significant relief to local industry and helping alleviate growing traffic congestion in the Clayton area.

Town officials credit North Carolina House Representative Donna White for helping get the project approved.

“We were in the 11th hour, about to lose more than $8 million in federal funding and still needing to go through at least three NCDOT approval meetings,” said Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. “We went to Donna, she believed in the benefits this road extension would bring to residents and businesses, and she made it happen. The project and funding would have been lost if not for her.”

For decades, Clayton has suffered from what’s called an incomplete interchange.

N.C. 42, a primary state highway, gets cut in half in Clayton — with both N.C. 42 East and West essentially dead-ending at U.S. 70 Business until it picks up again almost 2 miles and four local traffic lights later on U.S. 70 Business. This newly-approved extension will connect N.C. 42 East to Ranch Road, allowing drivers to reach the U.S. 70 Bypass in just one mile.

The bypass is part of Future 10 | JOHNSTON NOW

The green dotted line shows the proposed extension of N.C. 42 East to Ranch Road in Clayton.

Interstate 42, which is a vital corridor for freight transport running from I-40 in Garner and connecting Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Goldsboro, Kinston, New Bern and Havelock to the Port of Morehead City.

“Traffic congestion remains one of the top concerns of our residents, and this project is one of those rare projects that you can say will truly benefit everyone,” said Clayton Town Manager Adam Lindsay. “The Clayton Chamber of Commerce was already lining up support,

local industry was behind this, and local residents will see the benefits because it is going to relieve some of their traffic concerns.”

“This is an incredible victory for Clayton, and I worked hard on this, not only because I knew it would help those who live and work in Johnston County, but it would help our major industry in the area, like Caterpillar, Novo Nordisk, Grifols and Guy C. Lee Building Supplies,” said White. “One of my priorities is to ensure the success of

our local economy and this extension will improve the delivery demands and truck routing for these large manufacturers — giving them more direct, faster routes. And for families, I hope it means getting where they need to go is a little easier as the western part of Johnston County continues to grow.”

NCDOT’s Division 4 will be managing the project and will be working on a schedule for the project. Right-of-way acquisition may begin later this year.

The cast of “Matilda the Musical.”

Neuse Charter School presents ‘Matilda the Musical’ Submitted by Leah Williams/Neuse Charter School

Neuse Charter School is proud to present “Matilda the Musical” at the Clayton Center on March 14 at 7 p.m.

This musical production will feature 30 students in grades 5-12. The cast members are, pictured from left to right: First row: Marley Lyman, Gabby Mejia, Olivia Story and Hudson Schwartz. Second

row: Timothy Rouse, Paisley Braswell, Kailey Lambert and Kinsey Williams. Third row: Kimberly Klisiewecz, Summer Vaughn and Michele Phipps.

Fourth row: Abby Cole, Sara Benson, Paige Lee and Alyssa Edwards. Fifth row: Taylor Horne, AJ Boyce and Mikayla Cusack. Sixth row: Griffin Lloyd and Kraig Hanafin.

To learn more, visit www.neusefinearts.weebly.com.

MARCH 2020 | 11

12 | JOHNSTON NOW

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder

By Tim Weiss

Do we remember that phrase? It’s all about making your house “appeal” to your buyers.

What are the best things we can do? Did your home get lots of showings, but no offers? Some may tell you what you want to hear — but this is what you need to do: • Make sure the outside painting is perfect!

First impressions make a memory to the mind.

Especially the front door — paint it or get a new one if needed. You only have one moment to make them remember the entrance.

• Once in your house, have a wow experience — use this moment to make them fall in love with your home.

• Make the rest of the house neutral — remember your favorite color(s) may not be the buyer’s preferred color. Go neutral always — take out any personalization on the walls or doors — repaint if necessary. Remember no black painted ceilings.

• Check your trim, windows and mantle — make sure they are well painted and shiny.

• Don’t offer a painting or carpet allowance — it’s a giant red flag. A few thousand dollars may help you make the house look like the staged photos — don’t forget that it can be the difference from a full-price offer right away, or a low ball offer more than 90 days after you listed. You won’t be happy with that outcome, I guarantee it.

Tim Weiss is the owner of TopNotch Walls. Learn more at www.topnotchwalls.com or call 919-271-1132 or 919-578-1852.

MARCH 2020 | 13

Three step shelf and mantel decorating tips

By Angel Sanchez

Styling a flat surface like a mantel or shelf can be a bit intimidating.

Finding the perfect pieces and telling a story with them is my favorite part of the whole process.

When I style my shelves I always look for some bold statement pieces that are unique and aesthetically pleasing.

The best part about styling shelves is that you can always add on and switch up the pieces to continue the story.

There are three easy steps I always use to decorate shelves and mantels: • Anchor: Your anchor is the focal point. Choose a large center piece to “anchor” your design.

• Weight: To create visual weight on each side of your anchor, pick out a couple of items varying in height. Make sure the items you choose as your weight are shorter than your anchor.

• Fillers: Use smaller items to fill any empty space in your design. This is where you can overlap and use varying heights to give your design texture and depth.

By following these three simple steps, you will create a balanced design that will allow the eye to flow organically in a triangular path.

Framed art work can serve as an anchor.

Small vases, candles, stacks of books or a magnifying glass can serve as fillers.

Happy styling!

For any interior decorating/styling questions, contact Angel Sanchez at angeldiypro@gmail.com.

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A few quick and easy tips to get your home ready for spring Story and photos by Natalie Morgan

It is hard to believe that the first day of spring is fast approaching. And with the change in seasons comes longer days, blooming flowers and an opportunity to renew and refresh your home.

To help us get through the last bit of winter and get ready for spring, I have gathered up a few quick and simple ideas for bringing your home out of hibernation.

• Clean and organize before you decorate: Unclutter shelves, cabinets and table tops. Adding a basket or two is a great way to reduce clutter and change up your

look. A lovely woven basket is the perfect accessory to store everything from throw blankets to dog toys to stuffed animals — while still looking chic and stylish. De-cluttering and reorganizing will give you a whole new outlook for spring.

• Perk up your pillows: One of the best ways to update your home décor is to update your pillows and/or pillow covers. Replace the throw pillows on your sofa or bed with bright and colorful patterns, and do not be afraid to mix and match.

• Add flowers: One of the

A stylish table can make your guests feel more welcome.

16 | JOHNSTON NOW

easiest ways to bring a touch of spring into any room is to add flowers. Decorating with fresh flowers is easy and can be done in every room in your house. If you do not have access to fresh flowers, adding some nice quality faux florals is a great alternative, and sometimes can look just as nice. Between stunning centerpieces and nightstandfriendly bud vases, there is no place in your home that would not benefit from a few flowers.

• Add greenery: It can be hard to keep plants alive when the air turns crisp and the daylight fades away. If you sacrificed a few plants to the season, start fresh and replace them with spring-friendly plants. As we said about the florals, the faux greenery options are great as well, especially if you want something low maintenance.

• Add in new tableware: Another super easy change you can make in your home come spring is in your kitchen and dining area. Keep a set of lighter dishes and cups in storage to rotate when the seasons change. We love using all-white pieces, such as vintage iron stone china, but bright colorful plates and bowls are also perfect for the warmer weather. Blue seems to be a popular trend this spring and summer. Adding some blue china pieces such as the “Blue Willow,” a Johnson Brothers pattern, will bring some color to your space.

• Freshen up your front door décor: Want to smile every time you come home this spring? Swap out your wintry doormat for a happy, modern

A pop of color can go a long way with your china.

one. A new spring wreath or potted plant for your porch are also simple ways to remind yourself it is finally spring when you come home.

• Swap out candles: If you are someone who decks your home out with gingerbread and pumpkin-scented candles around the holidays, it is time to change those candles out for something a little more spring-friendly. Reach for floral or citrus candles to liven up any room in your house.

• Change furniture placement: For no cost and just the effort of some lifting and pushing, a dramatic change to an interior can materialize with just a bit of rearranging. Is there a room or seating arrangement that seems to be neglected and rarely utilized? Perhaps it is

because it is not welcoming and needs to be opened up to invite guests to enter and sit.

• Give a new life to old furniture and accessories: Bring in some color to a room by painting or refurbishing vintage, antique or second-hand furniture and home décor. Side tables, wooden chairs, picture frames and candle sticks are great options that are easily painted with chalk and mineral paint.

It is super easy and there is no need to sand the piece down.

Here in our shop we sell and use Dixie Belle paint products and, as a premier retailer, carry the full line of their products. We offer classes here in our shop, from beginner to advanced, to help you learn how to breathe new life into your old pieces.

Visit Natalie Morgan at Morgan’s on Main, located at 119 East Main St., in Benson, and let her help you freshen up your home for spring with some new décor, new pieces of furniture or a new project piece.

One of the pieces available at Morgan’s on Main in Benson.

MARCH 2020 | 17

In real estate, knowledge really is power

By April Stephens

In today’s fast-paced, always moving society, real estate has become no different. With the ability to get ice cream delivered at the push of a button in a matter of minutes, we have become a bit spoiled. Myself included.

Unfortunately, when making decisions regarding a large purchase or investment those decisions should be handled with care and backed with knowledge. There are so many options when buying or selling a home in this new decade. If handled correctly the possibilities are endless for an amazing end result.

When purchasing in this current market, being armed with the knowledge of the best loan programs available are key. We find that many people do not know there are still several 100 percent loan programs.

For first time homebuyers, there are still tax credits that can be used to increase

how much of a home you qualify for.

Interest rates are still historically low and affordability is at an all time high, it is prime time for buyers right now.

Although home prices are rising, payment wise it is still a great opportunity to be a homeowner in addition to the tax benefits.

Sellers should also know all of their options when selling in this market as they are in a great equity position. There are many “horror” stories circulating regarding how hard it is to “show and sell” a home. Honestly though, with the inventory levels at an all time low, we are experiencing many homes are going under contract in the first five showings.

Assuming a seller is selling at a $200K price 10 percent below market value, that is $20,000. That equates to approximately $4,000 per showing in this scenario.

That is more than a convenience fee. Not only are homes selling quickly, but with more buyers than homes, the process has become less stressful.

Buyers tend to be more understanding with regards to repairs and other issues that may arise. There are also more investors in the market with fewer homes, creating a lot of opportunity for sellers that want to sell “as-is” while giving concessions for needed repairs or upgrades.

Our market is one of the highest for internet buyers in the country, which is honestly a bit surprising given the amount of equity many sellers have. Although they appear to make the process “easy” there are also a lot of fees associated with their processes.

Sellers have a historically high amount of equity right now. If you are considering

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Our market is one of the highest for internet buyers in the country, which is honestly a bit surprising given the amount of equity many sellers have.

selling, we highly recommend knowing the pros and cons

of all options available to you so that you can make the best decision with your hardearned equity. We are hearing stories of many sellers leaving obscene amounts of equity on the table.

It is my hope as the market continues going strong, and our society keeps moving fast, buyers and sellers will arm themselves with knowledge so that they can make a decision that is the best option for their situation.

My team prides itself on staying educated on market trends and tools to help all of our clients be successful where their real estate needs are concerned. We can help with every option and aspect of the process.

For more information, or to find out more, visit www.TheAprilStephensTeam.com or call 919-651-HOME.

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Why is my house turning green?

Story and photo by Jason Creech

North Carolina is unique because we get to experience all four seasons of weather, sometimes in the same week. With the various range of temperatures especially this time of year you may notice the exterior of your house starting to turn green with mildew.

How does this happen? Why does this happen? How can you get rid of it?

One reason is that dirt accumulates on the surface of vinyl siding. Not only does that make the siding look unclean, but it can also lead to mildew because fungus often feeds on dirt and dust.

Another reason someone might find mildew on vinyl siding is that there is moisture somewhere on or beneath the surface. It could be that rainwater got trapped behind the siding or has saturated the ground and cannot dry out. This time of year, when the temperature stays cool most of the day and even colder at night, the siding does not get enough heat to dry, so it retains the moisture and is an invitation for mildew to start growing on a house.

Moisture and dirt are not the only culprits when it comes to mildew growing on vinyl. Mildew and other fungi thrive in dark places, so if part of the house is constantly shaded, it is more likely to develop a fungus problem. In North Carolina, it is most always the side of the house facing north that receives the shortest amount, if any, sunlight.

Moisture, lack of sunlight and dirt are all common causes of fungus growth on siding, but there are ways to help keep mold and mildew from growing. As with anything, keeping it clean is the best way to prevent dirt and mildew buildup. How you clean your home has a lot to do with how big it is and how much work you want to invest in it.

There are several cleaners that you can 20 | JOHNSTON NOW

Before a professional cleaning, and after.

pick up at your local hardware or box store. Before using these yourself make sure you read all warning labels and directions, and make sure you are wearing any personal protective equipment that may be required while using these products.

How will you apply these cleaners to reach the peaks of your house? The most common method for cleaning the outside of a house is to use a pressure washer. The old way of pressure washing was to get the wand as close to the siding as possible and blast the dirt and grime away using high pressure. This is an outdated way of cleaning and potentially causes damage and does not kill the mildew and fungus.

You do not wash your clothes, dishes or vehicle with high pressure so it is a safe bet that it is not good for your house either. There is some type of detergent or cleaner that is used to help get these items clean.

How do you decide to clean it yourself or hire someone? Most of the time money is the biggest factor in deciding how

to do it. A lot of people think hiring a professional is too expensive and that pressure washing is an easy task and you can spend a few hours on the weekend and knock it out yourself.

How much is the pressure washer you are going to buy? How many times will you use it after that first weekend, or will it sit in the garage and turn to junk? If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you must consider that a pressure washer is a piece of equipment like a lawnmower.

Imagine you need to cut an acre of grass; a weed eater, push mower, riding mower or zero turn can all get the job done, but some will take a lot longer than others.

It is the same with pressure washers: the higher-grade equipment will get the job done quicker and more efficiently, but it may not be cost effective.

Then do you need to add a ladder to the cost in order to reach certain areas of the house? Is this something you want to risk doing?

How do you find a good professional?

With any profession there are bad,

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good and great people in them. The biggest resource that can help you is the internet. Social media pages and profiles can help you find a trustworthy and reputable business that will service your home. When it comes to your biggest investment, always do your research and shop around to compare prices. Most true professionals have invested in better equipment and chemicals to make the process more economical.

A few questions to ask to help in your decision-making process are:

• What chemicals do you use?

• How long will it take you?

• What is your process from start to finish?

• What all is included in the price given?

• Are you insured?

The recommended cleaning schedule for your home is once a year. The benefits of a clean home include helping your exterior last longer, healthier living conditions, retaining your home value and curb appeal.

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MARCH 2020 | 21

New decade, new home

By April Stephens

As we enter a new decade, we find it accompanied by a lot of change.

With many diverging demographics of home buyers and sellers we are encountering one of the most interesting and exciting real estate markets in history.

There has been a lot of growth in the county in the previous decade, bringing many opportunities with regards to jobs, infrastructure and homes. Johnston County is currently the third fastestgrowing county in N.C. Buyers are getting more for their money thanks to historically low interest rates and affordable options in our area.

Looks like the secret is out about how great Johnston County is.

The increased growth has driven many new builders and developers to incorporate new styles of homes, communities and amenities to serve the new and existing residents. Johnston County now offers many walkable communities with family amenities, local dining options, organized sports and more. There has also been a need fulfilled in more rural areas of the county where buyers desire more land for a more “country” feel. Our area has done a great job of building and providing homes for residents in all walks of life.

With the new decade will come a new wave of “downsizing” home buyers. The amazing generation of baby boomers now

See beautiful homes like this one during the Parade of Homes next month.

find themselves desiring less maintenance, single-floor living and aging-in-place features. They are also looking for communities with easier access to medical and retail.

A large wave of “millennials,” or firsttime home buyers that are just starting out, seem to also be looking for “low maintenance” living with easy access to amenities and retail. This is creating many similar needs in our current market and builders are working hard to fill the void.

There is a need and increase in custom home options in our current market as well. Fortunately, Johnston County is home to some of the finest home builders in the state. Many of our local builders were born and raised in the area and take

Buyers are getting more for their money thanks to historically low interest rates and affordable options in our area.

22 | JOHNSTON NOW

pride in using their craft to increase the beauty in our county.

Several local home builders are incorporating “green” building features, new technology and aging-in-place elements in their homes in an effort to serve those demands. The building industry also employs a large number of residents in the county.

I am sure we can all think of a contractor, plumber, electrician, etc. that works hard in our county on a daily basis.

We are confident in those in our industry and consider it an honor to serve Johnston County. Please consider “shopping local” for your new home options, renovations or home projects.

A list of our local contractors and suppliers can be found on our website, www.BuildingJohnstonCounty.org.

Save the date to see local craftsmanship on display at the upcoming Parade of Homes event which will be the first three weekends in April.

Visit www.JohnstonCountyParadeofHomes.com for more information on homes that will featured.

• Award-winning ranch and 2-story homes • 1500-3500 sq. ft.

• First floor masters available • Large lots up to 2 acres • Builder assists with closing costs • 10 year bonded builder warranty

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MARCH 2020 | 23

Make yourself at home at The Clayton Center.

Come on out and see a show or rent a space

The excitement continues

for your next event. Our unique spaces provide the perfect setting for business meetings and conferences and offer a timeless and elegant backdrop for your celebrations and special events.

Contact mvandergriff@townofclaytonnc.org for information about rentals.

OUR SPONSORS:

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March 20, 2020, 8 PM Two of today’s most innovative songwriters bring you an engaging evening of eclectic music. Moving effortlessly between folk and pop, retro rock and country, swing and rhythm and blues, Susan Werner and David Myles each deliver skillful, entertaining performances that will leave you with a new appreciation of diverse musical genres. $ 28 susanwerner.com, davidmyles.com

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April 18, 2020, 8 PM Direct from Dry Bar Comedy – the wildly popular online series of specials that offer clean “comedy for everyone” – come Don Friesen and Brad Upton. LOL as Friesen lampoons his life as a suburban husband and father, and Upton muses about everything from millennials to a long-term marriage and just about everything in between. $ 25 donfriesen.com, bradupton.com

theclaytoncenter.com

What are pollinators and why do we need them?

By Tony Nicosia

Pollinators are animals (primarily insect, but sometimes bird or mammal) that fertilize plants, resulting in the formation of seeds and the fruit surrounding seeds.

Humans and other animals rely

on pollinators to produce nuts and fruits that are essential components of a healthy diet.

Meanwhile, the majority of flowering plant species found world-wide require animalmediated pollination to make the seeds that will become the next generation of plants.

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Pollinators are animals that structures (anthers) of flowers to the female structure (stigma) of the same plant species. Movement of pollen (analogous to sperm) to a flower’s stigma results in fertilization of the flower’s eggs. An adequately fertilized flower will produce seeds and

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the fruit surrounding seeds, ensuring that a new generation of plants can be grown.

Pollination is mutually beneficial to plants and to pollinators. Pollination results in the production of seeds and is necessary for many plants to reproduce. Meanwhile, pollinators receive nectar and/or pollen rewards from the flowers that they visit. Sugary nectar provides pollinators with carbohydrates while pollen offers proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and necessary phytochemicals.

Honey bees often come to mind first when people think of pollinators. However, many different animals, including other insects (other bee species, butterflies, beetles, flies), some birds and some bats are pollinators.

Indeed, there are an estimated 300,000 species of flowering plants worldwide that require animal pollinators. This tremendous floral variety supports a corresponding diversity of pollinators, and the vast majority of these pollinators are insects.

For example, while there are only about

1,000 vertebrate pollinator species, it’s estimated that there are at least 16,000 different species of bees worldwide.

There are many important native pollinators within your home landscape. One you may not be familiar with is the mason bee. The mason bee is one of over 4,000 species of native bees in the United States. Unlike the more well known honey bee, mason bees are more efficient pollinators. They are active in pollinating plants even during cool and wet conditions. The honey bee is most active during dry conditions and when temperatures exceed 50 degrees.

Plus, mason bees and other native pollinators will visit certain plants that honey bees don’t forage. Other examples of native pollinators are the digger bee, leaf cutter bee, squash bee, sweat bee and, of course, the bumblebee.

Pollinators are necessary for three quarters of our major food crops. Not every species of plant requires animal-mediated

pollination services. For example, wheat is wind pollinated. However, the majority of crops that we like most to eat and provide most of our nutrition (fruits, vegetables and nuts) use animal-mediated pollination.

Without pollinators, our diets would be severely limited, and it would be more difficult to acquire the variety of vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy.

Outside of agricultural systems, approximately 80-95 percent of the plant species found in natural habitats require animal-mediated pollination. Plants are the foundation of terrestrial food chains.

The foliage, fruits and nuts that plants make are eaten by herbivores which in turn are hunted by predators. Furthermore, plants provide shelter and nesting habitat for many different animal species.

Thus, in order to maintain the diversity of our natural ecosystems, we need healthy pollinator populations to ensure that the next generation of plants will be produced.

Tony Nicosia owns the Clayton location of Wild Birds Unlimited and can be reached at wildbirdsclayton@gmail.com.

Why my dog a picky Warmis Winters Lead to eater?

More Fleas and Ticks By Jason

By Jason AstAst

It’s 5:45 p.m. How do you know? Because Smack! your dog is starting to campaign for first her A mosquito, I thought?

This is the evening meal.

You hit ‘paws’ (haha, geta week of February, and I just smacked it?) on the remote, get up and head into the mosquito on my arm? out tonight’s meal kitchen pantry to scoop Ifor don’t want to sound unappreciative, and Zoe.

maybe I should knock on some wood, but

As food spills from serving cup this to food we the didn’t have a winter in Garner year. bowl, your dog takes a sniff…pauses…

No snow. No weeks of chill. Don’t get me sniffs at you, walksmy away wrong,again…looks though. I still enjoyand starting from her bowl, barely touching her meal. days at the Ugly Mug, chill in the air or

not. familiar?

Sound

But this gentle winter we are enjoying could have downside for ourcome furryin We’ve founda that picky eaters all shapes and sizes, breeds and age. But friends. they almost at least one these 3 While mostall pethave parents treat forofflea and things in common. ticks year round, many others opt to use the winter as a “break,” if you will. Most • Picky Eaters are often ‘free-fed’—their vets will agree — youtoshouldn’t food is left accessible them all skip day. these treatments in the winter.

Fleas are actually pretty tough,and so anot passAlthough this is very common, all dogs who are free-fed become picky eaters, ing chill will do little to rid them from our when dog with has free to humid food anytime yards.aAnd theaccess wet and days he wants, the ‘value’ of his resource (in that we’re seeing, it’s not just your daffodils

thisgrowing! case, food) lowers. There is no fear of are running out, or losing it toticks a competitor.

Unfortunately, fleas and thrive in this type of weather. So, if you’ve noticed ticks, The result is a dog who may not eat as fleas or mosquitoes these last few days, frequently as we expect. you’re not alone. We could be in for a bad flea and Eaters tick season.

• Picky are often fed many types of foods, including tabletoscraps and through people Here’s some quick tips help you food. it: Speak with your vet — He or she will have Although I haven’t tried it myself, I many options for you and your pets, both can only imagine dry dog kibble being, in methods to helpthe prevent and ticks, well…dry! Given choicefleas between a as well treatments for pets who may dry boring dog food, and your yummyhave “tough cases.”dog will choose the robust dinner—your flavors and coming your plate!

Check yoursmells dog! — After from dinner tonight, right before “cuddle time,” look over your The for same can happen from swapping your dog anything out of place.

Our Shelties dog’s kibble too often. While we also constantly have sweet gum seeds in agree that rotational diets aretree important, their fur!

Feel for bumps (ticks) and to look done too often-or with a dog inclined for little jumpers (fleas).

If you go on walks becoming ‘picky’, can create a Picky Eater. in parks or wooded areas, you may need to • Picky Eaters dental or other check your dogoften morehave often. health issues, including food intolerances.

Clean up around the house — Regular vacuuming can do wonders to prevent Think about it…if your dog doesn’t feel fleas ticksnot from spreading.

Don’t forwell, and he may eat as often as you think get to clean your dog’s bedding regularly he should. as well. If you have a flea problem currentHasconsider your dogthrowing had her teeth checked this ly, out the bed (unless

year? you noticed anybroken-down symptoms of the bedHave is costly, or can be food or environmental sensitivities (yearfor cleaning). Just Dog People has flea round itching, hot spots, lethargy, etc)? sprays that are safe for in-home use, bedding, carpet, furniture, etc.always just be Of course, your dog could Natural/Holistic Options — Trying to bored with the same meal everyday.

We’re avoid chemicals, pesticides always available to talk withand youother about your dog specifically, so don’t hesitate flea to mysterious ingredients?

New natural come see us! and tick options are coming-to-market often, and we have many customers who Happy New Year! tell us about their successes with natural flea and tick remedies. Have a friend that represents essential oils?contact: Lavender, For more information, peppermint, Just lemongrass and cedar oils are Dog People popular essential that many pet-lovers 91 Glenoils Rd., Garner claim to work919-335-5299 well.

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For more information, contact: Just Dog People • 91 Glen Rd., Garner 919-335-5299 • www.justdogpeople.com Mon-Sat 10 am to 7 pm • Sun 12 pm to 6 pm

MARCH 2020 | 27

The National Weather Service records that more than 29.5 inches of rain fell on Hampstead during Hurricane Florence in September 2018.

Some of that water found its way inside Hampstead Baptist Church, causing serious damage to the facility.

With most of Eastern North Carolina dealing with similar issues, the church leaders weren't expecting a quick response to their call for help.

But APR Restoration had someone on site the same day. In fact, it handled the repair process so quickly and so well that the pastor, Joey Canady, recorded a message that is front and center on the company's website, praising it for its professionalism and compassion in their time of need.

Talent and experience are great places to start when choosing a company to help you recover from fire or storm damage, but finding a partner you can trust is also key.

That's why APR Restoration believes in radical honesty. As APR Restoration Board Member Danny Murdock is fond of saying, "do the right things, and the right things will happen." ''This fundamental approach around radical honesty has helped in a number of areas," Lopes said. "First, being honest with ourselves and our performances enables us as a company to constantly strive to be better. In life, we believe that most people are honest but it's

The company is a one-stop shop, helping clients with water mitigation, fire restoration, mold remediation, storm damage, roofing and other repairs. That wide array of services, combined with their experience and personal touches, makes them a unique option for potential customers. ':A.PR was founded on the basic principle of transforming the restoration industry with an integrated approach from the initial emergency through the end of the restoration process," APR Restoration Sales and Marketing Executive Bernice Lopes said. ''The restoration process is complicated enough, and we want to help our clients by doing the right thing without them having to be bounced around between companies to ultimately save time in the recovery and limit the exposure for the insurance company financially."

Several of the company's staff members served as firefighters in Fuquay-Varina and Johnston County or have served in the military, which adds a helpful perspective during these crisis situations.

"The history of the fire service in our company runs deep and it has had multiple positive benefits in the evolution of the company," Lopes said. "Knowing the trauma a customer goes through immediately following the event has enabled us to be much more responsive in meeting immediate needs and helped the customer transition from the immediate situation to the restoration process.

"We want our customer to have a single integrated experience to handle the situation from the moment of the sudden loss through to being back in their homes or offices. And all as efficiently and seemlessly as possible:'

APR Sales Team Kristin Roser, Tyson Taylor, Don Lee, Brett Senter, Bernice Lopes the skill to be radically honest that helps us improve and outpace the competition. Additionally, having transparency internally as well as with our clients has helped us create a deeper and more sustaining relationships with our customers and vendors:' How deep do those relationships run? When Hampstead Baptist Church celebrated the completion of the repairs, representatives from APR Restoration were there for the occasion.

To learn more about APR Restoration, visit www.apr-nc.com or call 919-888-9008.

To learn more about APR Restoration, visit www.apr-nc.com.

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How to maintain a beautiful lawn in Johnston County

By Leigh Hudson

I was five years old in 1958 when my parents bought a hardware and grocery store in Garner, and I am going to guess I was about 15 when I started to enjoy helping people grow a more beautiful lawn.

It was about that time that Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue replaced “wire grass” (common Bermuda) as the popular choice of turf grass because it germinated and grew tall in just a few short weeks. K31 Fescue was a prettier green color that also grew under shade trees — unlike Bermuda grass.

While the home builders continued to prefer the fescues, homeowners have learned that these “cool season” turf-type

cultivars require considerable maintenance and expense to survive our summer heat and poor soil types.

most of your lawn in the full sun will be dead and taken over by Bermuda grass by the end of the summer.

Back in the 1980s, I remember reading in the Ortho Book of Lawns that cool season grasses were best suited in the southeastern U.S. “north of a line from north Alabama to Raleigh.”

Upon opening our second store in Clayton in 1985, I was often informed of the “sandy, rocky, clay” soil that the new wave of one acre lot homeowners were confronting. The fescue that the builders threw out to sell the homes quickly turned into what I refer to as a “country yard” full of wire grass, crabgrass and broadleaf weeds.

In other words, if you want to grow fescues south of this line, you better plant it in September, have clay soil that is properly mulched, limed, fertilized, tilled six inches deep with seed raked-in a half of an inch deep, followed by a lawn roller and thick layer of wheat straw. And, without an underground sprinkler system,

Again, without the timely application of water, fertilizers and weed killers, an investment in fescue grasses is a total waste. Fescues must be maintained tall, thick and weed-free to survive the summer heat and wind.

So, for most of our Johnston County customers who have lawns mostly open to the sun, we recommend warm season grasses like Bermuda or Centipede. While Centipede is more expensive to buy and slower to develop, Bermuda thrives in our soil type and is most recognizable as the wire grass that takes over our vegetable gardens. It spreads over the soil, holding in moisture and preventing crabgrass and most broadleaf weeds.

Seeds should be planted for germination late in the spring with growth continuing until the lawn goes dormant in late fall. Most of our local golf courses and ball fields are some hybrid of Bermuda because it is durable and sustainable.

For the best value, please visit a seasoned lawn-and-garden dealer soon to learn the many details of growing and maintaining a beautiful lawn.

It’s hard to go wrong in North Carolina with Bermuda grass.

30 | JOHNSTON NOW

Leigh Hudson is the owner of Hudson’s Hardware & Outdoor Equipment in Clayton and Garner. Learn more at www.hudsonshardware.com.

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Re-enactors participate in the Battle of Bentonville. This year’s re-enactment is scheduled for March 21-22.

Taking a look back at the Battle of Bentonville

By Benjamin Sanderford | Photo by Johnston County Visitors Bureau

William Tecumseh Sherman was relaxed on March 19, 1865. His march through North Carolina was proceeding smoothly.

The Federal forces had encountered serious resistance only once, at Averasboro on March 15-16, since crossing the state’s southern border. This delaying action, Sherman believed, was all that the Confederates were willing to do.

He knew from previous experience that their commander, Joseph E. Johnston, was averse to taking serious risks. The Northern general did not foresee that he would have to fight the last major battle of the Civil War in Johnston County.

General Johnston, however, was desperate.

With the Confederacy on its last legs, he was ready to put his natural caution 34 | JOHNSTON NOW

aside in order to stop Sherman. Johnston’s determination was bolstered by the knowledge that another Federal army under John M. Schofield was advancing up the Neuse to meet Sherman at Goldsboro. Time was running out.

That was why Johnston ordered all available Southern forces to converge on Smithfield preparatory to an all-out attack on the Northern host.

Sherman’s troops were split into two armies traveling eastward in parallel led by Henry W. Slocum to the north and Oliver O. Howard to the south. The Confederate commander’s plan was to destroy Slocum’s wing before Howard could intervene.

It was Johnston’s chief of cavalry, Wade Hampton, the future Governor of South

Carolina, who suggested the battlefield: a rural neighborhood in the heart of Bentonville Township.

Hampton began the fight on the morning of March 19. His troopers dismounted and started harassing the Federal column near the home of Willis Cole, one of whose slaves, Hinton, would become the grandfather of jazz musician Thelonious Monk. As expected, the Northerners pushed the Southern skirmishers back beyond the Cole plantation. They were walking into a trap.

The majority of Johnston’s “Army of the South” was on the field. The left flank was held by Robert F. Hoke’s division, 5,557 men under the overall command of General Braxton Bragg. On the

Rebel right was Alexander Stewart’s 4,500-man Army of Tennessee.

In between Bragg and Stewart was a gaping hole meant to be filled by the two divisions of Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee and his 7,500 veterans of Averasboro. Unfortunately for the Confederates, Johnston’s map underestimated the distance between Bentonville and Hardee’s camp at Elevation. This meant that the Southern army was unable to launch an immediate attack on the Federals.

Hoke’s men fired on the “bluebellies” as soon as they neared the Cole house.

The Yanks, battle-tested Midwesterners, responded by charging both flanks. By this time, Hardee and the time for the “graybacks” to strike

had arrived. Stewart’s men pounced on their foes. They sent the Federal left reeling back, but the right held firm.

The first day of battle ended with an uneasy standoff.

Gen. Sherman was not pleased that night when he heard that the Rebels had nearly overwhelmed half of his army. He promptly ordered Howard to move his wing to reinforce Slocum at Bentonville. Howard’s men joined their fellow Yankees the next day, March 20, bringing the number of Federal troops present on the field from around 20,000 to nearly 60,000, more than three times the size of the Rebel army.

Knowing that further attacks would be futile, Johnston pulled his men back into a

defensive position in the hope that Sherman would make a hasty counterattack. The second day passed without incident.

However, on the third day, March 21, Joseph Mower, a division commander under Howard, launched a “reconnaissance” mission on his own initiative. This attack broke the Confederate left flank and advanced almost as far as the Mill Creek Bridge, Johnston’s only line of retreat. The Southerners only managed to halt Mower’s assault with a desperate counterattack led by Gen. Hardee in person.

Nevertheless, a further Federal offensive would have destroyed the fragile Rebel line, but Sherman ordered Mower to fall back. Johnston

took advantage of his opponent’s lapse of judgment by withdrawing his army towards Smithfield the next day. The Battle of Bentonville was over.

This battle, the last major clash in a war that had already consumed hundreds of thousands of lives, resulted in over 4,100 casualties, several hundred of whom were dead or dying. One of them was Hardee’s teenage son, Willie, mortally wounded while charging the Yankee attackers on March 21.

One of those who sent condolences to Willie Hardee’s grieving father was the boy’s former tutor, Federal Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard.

Despite being on the opposite side, Howard still felt the pain of his old friend.

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

MARCH 2020 | 35

Pines at Glen Laurel brings convenience, luxury apartment living to Clayton It's no secret that Johnston County is growing. As a result, the search for quality apartment homes has become more challenging than ever for longtime residents and newcomers alike.

Fortunately, there's a new option to consider.

The Pines at Glen Laurel Luxury Apartments offer a unique blend of luxurious accommodations, convenience to major highways like U.S. 70, I-95 and I-40 and proximity to a bevy of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

“The location benefits our current and potential residents by being close to the shops and restaurants of Downtown Clayton, but still in a quiet and relaxing neighborhood,” Pines at Glen Laurel Community Manager Jimmy Stine said. “It’s the perfect balance of luxury living and easy access to Highway 70 and surrounding businesses.

“Our goal is to provide the ultimate apartment experience using the best location, materials and design. We are also proud to offer the first mixeduse property that will have dining, shopping and apartment living all on the same grounds here in Clayton.”

Residents can enjoy a sun-splashed day in a resort-style pool, complete with a tanning shelf and sun deck, hang out on the terrace or use the outdoor grilling area nearby or watch their pets play in the leash-free pet park.

Toss in the fact that the Pines at Glen Laurel offers its residents 24-hour access to all inside amenities, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment, there are plenty of reasons to be excited before you ever open a door to one of its amazing apartments.

But where the community really shines is in the amenities it offers inside the apartment homes.

“All of our thoughtfully-designed floor plans from the one bedroom to the three bedroom showcase the same amazing features,” Stine said. “The natural sunlight illuminates all the living space from floors to our nine-foot ceilings. There's wood vinyl throughout with carpet in the bedrooms, and the touch of crown molding throughout gives it a personal touch of home.

“There are granite counter tops in both the kitchen and bathrooms, along with high-end finishes. The kitchen is well-appointed with stainless steel appliances, glass-top stoves and a side-by-side door refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser. There are ceiling fans in each room, and tall upper cabinets in the kitchen offer a great amount of storage, too.”

Storage space can be an issue in some apartment settings, but not so at the Pines at Glen Laurel.

“The amount of storage you get throughout the apartment from the walk-in closets, coat closets, pantry, linen closets is more than most would expect,” Stine said, adding that there is some outside patio storage for some apartments as well.

In addition, some of the apartment homes offer dual vanity mirrors, vaulted and tray ceilings. All units offer discounted rates for cable and internet packages through Spectrum.

“Everything is available on our website (www. pinesatglenlaurel.com),” Stine said. “Our website is a great representation of our community. Not many communities look the same in person as they look online and our property will not disappoint.”

With its location, attention to detail and top-notch customer service, The Pines at Glen Laurel certainly has a lot to offer potential residents. Come visit and see why it’s the right choice for the right reasons!

20 Pine Hall Dr, Clayton • (919) 391-8777 www.pinesatglenlaurel.com

Junior Women’s League presents $10,000 donation to My Kid’s Club Submitted by JWL of Smithfield

SMITHFIELD — On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Junior Women’s League (JWL) of Smithfield presented a check to My Kid’s Club for $10,000.

The funds were raised at JWL’s 4th annual Touch-A-Truck event held in Downtown Smithfield in November. The JWL of Smithfield is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. To date, the JWL has presented $81,000 in community donations and completed over 7,600 hours of community service.

“Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and the individuals and businesses

Pictured are, left to right, Shannon Poore, Catherine Webster, Laura Hill, Sarah Edwards, Dana Satterfield (TAT Committee Chair), Dana Peterson (JWL President), Alison Gammage (Executive Director of My Kid’s Club), Lee Byrd and Kelly Blanchard.

who provided trucks, this year’s TouchA-Truck was the most successful to date,” said Dana Satterfield, 2019 Touch-A-Truck chair. “We are excited to grow our event and its impact next year, and have begun planning our fifth-annual Touch-A-Truck, which will be held Nov. 7, 2020.”

My Kid’s Club serves the youth of Johnston County by encouraging and empowering them to grow in character

and understanding. The club provides opportunities and programs to enhance academic success, civic engagement and healthy living so our youth may achieve their greatest potential as responsible and caring citizens.

For more information about activities and events hosted by My Kid’s Club, please visit their website at https://www. mykidsclub.org.

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Clayton native serving in Europe Submitted by Mass Communication Specialist Fred Gray IV

Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Dayvid Harris from Clayton visually inspects a fuel sample for impurities aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64).

MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Dayvid Harris, from Clayton, visually inspects a fuel sample for impurities aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) during a replenishmentat-sea recently. The USS Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its seventh forward deployed naval force 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.

MARCH 2020 | 39

The Truth About Grief

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By Jenny Compton, LCMHC Our culture has forgotten how to lament. We have learned, instead, to stifle our emotions or numb them using a variety of destructive methods. We would rather do anything to avoid the work of grief and bypass the pain, but when grief is suppressed, it always finds a way out. There is no other way to heal except by way of feeling our emotions; it is only when we allow ourselves to acknowledge and feel the pain of loss that the healing process can begin.

Grief is complex; it obeys no formula and has no set expiration date. Grief hurts, people fear it, and no one likes it because it feels terrible. Suffering takes us by surprise, interrupting our lives and demanding its own way with our emotions and thoughts.

Grief is the body’s natural response to loss, and yet grief is not restricted to the loss of people. We also mourn the death of beloved pets, adverse life events such as chronic illness, financial pressures, job loss, divorce and breakups. This world is subject to torment and bondage and not many will escape without scars.

Please know, whatever your loss, it is okay to grieve. You need to grieve your losses. Not doing so can be detrimental to your mental and emotional health, but don’t do it alone. Reach out to our team of professionals here at One-Eighty Counseling, and let us guide you back to the road of recovery. We were created for community, and you do not have to suffer alone.

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Techno Tigresses bring home first-place honor

Pictured from left to right, Sloan Mann, Sydney Matisoff, Ava Cummings and Kaitlyn Nolte, are members of the Techno Tigresses FIRST Lego League robotics team based out of Johnston County.

Submitted by Shannon Mann

CLAYTON — Johnston County’s only all-girl robotics team won first place at the NC FIRST Lego League State Competition recently in Greensboro.

The Techno Tigresses, a communitybased team of girls ages 11-13 from different schools, took home the first place Inspiration Award in the core value category. This award recognizes a team that excels across the Inspiration, Teamwork and Gracious Professionalism categories.

Teams considered for this award displayed extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, showed they could accomplish more together than they could as individuals and demonstrated respect to each other and other teams at all times. This award was one of only 11 first-place trophies awarded during competition.

FIRST Lego League is the largest STEMbased robotics program in the world.

Students not only compete in robot categories, but also prepare for two other judging components to include an innovative project and solution and an overarching core value category.

North Carolina has more than 500 FIRST Lego League teams that compete at regional events October through December with 120 teams advancing to a two-day competition in mid-January.

The Techno Tigresses were the only all-girl team among 60 teams competing from

across the state on the campus of A&T University.

“It’s been a wonderful rookie season for these girls,” said coach Shannon Mann.

“They’ve really put so much work into this and stretched themselves in all areas of the competition. To win first place in any category is a big deal because all the children who compete are amazing. I’m very proud of them.”

To learn more about FIRST Lego League go to www.firstinpires.org or follow the Techno Tigresses on Facebook.

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Town maps restored in Register of Deeds office Submitted by Johnston County Register of Deeds

Craig Olive, Johnston County Register of Deeds, announced another phase of restoration of documents in his office.

Recently, the town maps were restored and preserved by Kofile Technologies.

Carolina General Statute requires that 10 percent of the fees collected by the Register of Deeds go into this fund for the preservation of records that are housed in the Register of Deeds Office.

Preservation is an ongoing project in the Register of Deeds Office. The office has books and records that date back to 1746, the birth of the county.

The town maps have been in disrepair for several years and were in great need of restoration. This was caused by decades of standard wear and tear. As part of the restoration process, the maps have been placed in easily accessible hanging files and are protected by an archival polyester pocket.

Kofile Technologies performed the restoration at their stateof-the-art conservation lab in Greensboro.

Greg Brooks, from Kofile Technologies, stands with Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive, right, to display one of the newly restored town maps.

During the preservation process, the maps were professionally repaired. The records were de-acidified, surface cleaned, repaired and mended. Adhesives were also removed and stains were reduced as much as possible. Each sheet was inserted into an archival polyester pocket before being placed in a custom hanging binder. These proprietary techniques give new life to old documents.

The Automation Enhancement and Preservation Fund provides the necessary funding to have these maps restored. North

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The maps serve as a vital tool in true historical data research. Paralegals, attorneys and the general public use these maps to verify deed and book reference, lot sizes, confirm ownership and assist in gathering boundary lines.

Having these maps restored will enable researchers to save time and quickly find the data and records they are researching.

“As custodian of the public records, it is my duty to preserve historical records such as these maps,” Olive said. “Over time, we will continue to restore records that are housed in my office. I consider this restoration a vital and necessary duty charged to me and will always strive to ensure records in my office are in the best possible condition for the citizens of Johnston County.”

As custodian of the public records, it is my duty to preserve historical records such as these maps.

— Craig Olive

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MARCH 2020 | 43

J-NOW CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com. For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit JohnstonNow.com.

NAMI Support Groups and Classes

First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Third Monday, 6 p.m.

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.

Second Monday, 6 p.m.

Third Monday, 7 p.m.

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

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.

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.

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.

Every Monday and Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Second Wednesday, 9 a.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.

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 meet, socialize and network. For more information, call Robert Boyette at 919-989-5067.

Every Tuesday, 7 a.m.

Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees Golden Corral, Smithfield Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email bhwoodard25@aol.com.

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.

Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting Golden Corral, Smithfield Come for dinner and learn about this volunteer service club with a focus on actively supporting children’s programs.

Learn about Smithfield and neighboring communities from weekly presenters. Community and social opportunities as well. Looking to grow the club with a diverse membership.

For more information, call Whit at 919-524-6810.

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.

44 | JOHNSTON NOW

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

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 to help serve those in need of assistance. TWCC meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August).

Second Thursday, 6 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.

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.

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, 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 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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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 Friday, 9:30 a.m.

Doodlebugs SRAC Delight in watching your child (ages 18 months through three years) as together you get messy while creating and experimenting with different materials. Experiment with dough, paint, glue, crayons, watercolors and more. You can sign up for one class at a time or for a four-week session.

Pre-registration is required by the Wednesday before each class so that accurate supplies are provided. The fee is $5 per class or $19 for four classes for Smithfield residents and $8 per class or $30 for four classes for everyone else.

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.

Every Fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Selma American Legion Meeting American Legion building, 409 N. Green St., Selma All veterans are invited to attend the monthly meeting of American Legion Post 141 on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

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.

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 919-359-0633 or 919-631-2628. Or email retiredones@earthlink.net.

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.

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 919-8798974 or email brad.palmer@edwardjones.com by the Friday prior to RSVP.

Last Friday

Free Carriage Rides Downtown Clayton Enjoy free carriage rides in downtown Clayton. Every last Friday, there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides. Come out and explore the downtown Clayton area and go for a nice ride with Southern Charm Carriages. For more details, call 919-946-0924.

Last Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Johnston County Writers Group Open Mic Night Selma Public Library Regulars include cowboy poet T.C. Carter of Four Oaks, humorist Ralph Wagner of Goldsboro, historian Ben Sanderford of Clayton, short story writer Cindy Brookshire of Pine Level and memoirist Pat Hovorka of Selma. New performers are encouraged to learn the skill of speaking at open mics while delighting in the mastery of the pros.

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.

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.

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.

Third Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

March 5-6, 7 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.

Sleeping Beauty The Clayton Center East Clayton Elementary School Drama Club students in grades three through five present the timeless classic Sleeping Beauty.

March 6-8

Used Book Sale The Clayton Center The Friends of the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library in Clayton are having a used book sale. The hours are Friday, March 6, from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday, March 9, from 4-7 p.m. A bag of books is $25 on Friday, $15 on Saturday and $10 on Monday. The grocery bags are donated by local merchants, and the proceeds from the sale are donated to the children’s library for programs and equipment.

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.

Winter Tree ID Howell Woods, Four Oaks Have you ever wondered how to identify a tree in winter?

Learn ways to classify trees without their leaves. Terms, tips and techniques will leave you BARK-ing for more!

For more information or to register, contact t_stanforth@ johnstoncc.edu or 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.

Spring Fling Brunch and Fashion Event Brick and Mortar Events, Clayton The Woman’s Club of Clayton will hold a Spring Fling Brunch and Fashion Event fundraiser on March 7 at Brick & Mortar. Enjoy a wonderful brunch, lovely spring fashions presented by Belk, additional fashion displays from Dylan’s and Unique Gifts by Jacquelynn, silent auction, door prizes and fun! Tickets are $35. For tickets call Sandy Harrison at 919-300-1215 or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.

Easter and a Show at the Rudy Rudy Theatre, Selma The Rudy Theatre in Selma is offering Lunch and a Show package tickets for their Easter Jubilee Matinee Show on Saturday, March 7. The package includes a catered lunch at the new Selma Civic Center, a meet and greet with a few of the cast members and a general admission ticket to the Easter Jubilee matinee Cost is $40 per person.

Call 877-THE-RUDY to reserve your seat or visit www. rudytheatre.com to learn more.

Saturday, March 7, 1-3 p.m.

Soap Making Demo and Bath Salts Workshop Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Clayton Participate in a demo on soap making using the hot process method. Learn how to make your own soap and take a sample bar home as well as create your personalized jar of bath salts. For adults and teens ages 13 and up. Cost is $30.

Saturday, March 7, 5-11 p.m.

Raise the Booty Event Country Club of Johnston County, Smithfield The Partnership of Johnston County Pirate Ship will dock at the Country Club of Johnston County for its fourth annual “Raise the Booty” event. Bid on new “treasures” in the silent and live benefit auction while filling your belly with grub from Late Night Porkin’.

Saturday, March 7, 9:30 p.m.

Carolina Sky Band Saddle Up Saloon, Smithfield Check out the Carolina Sky Band live in concert.

MARCH 2020 | 45

March 10, 5:30-7 p.m.

Carolina Youth Theatre Workshop: Wild About Dance!

The Clayton Center Walk on the wild side with CYT on a journey through an animal-themed safari of movement. Using inspiration from the musicals “Cats,” “The Lion King” and “Tarzan,” students will explore fun and engaging movement patterns that translate into dance on stage. The course, taught by Chasta Hamilton, is designed for students in grades two through five. Tuition is $30.

Friday, March 13, 5 p.m.

St. Paddy’s Day Pool Party SRAC Don’t be green with envy, bring a friend to the pool party.

Go on a leprechaun hunt and maybe you will find their pot of gold. The fee is 1/2 of day passes starting at 5 p.m. for pool goers. Call 919-934-1408 for more information.

Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.

Annual BBQ and Fried Chicken Dinner Strickland’s Crossroads Fire Department, Four Oaks Support this fundraiser for the Strickland’s Crossroads Fire Department. Cost is $10 per plate, eat in or take out.

March 14-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification Howell Woods, Four Oaks This five-year mushroom foraging permit meets the criteria required by the state health departments and formally approved for the foraging and selling of wild mushrooms in the following states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Rhode Island. Attendees will receive a study guide and slides a month ahead of the class. It’s limited to 40 people, and no refunds will be available for this event.

Sunday, March 15, 3-5 p.m.

N.C. Seed Swap Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Clayton Bring your seeds for any plants, cacti, flowers, edibles — you name it — and swap with other plant enthusiasts.

March 16, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Carolina Youth Theatre Workshop: Audition Prep: Mastering the Art of the Cold Read The Clayton Center Have you shown up to an audition, had a scene thrown at you and had to read for a character you’ve never heard of before? Come learn a few tips to quickly find your character and show off your acting chops on the fly! This is a great opportunity to prepare for upcoming auditions.

The course, taught by Stephanie Benner, is designed for students in grades six through 12. Tuition is $30.

Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.

Owl Safari Howell Woods, Four Oaks Come search for the elusive barred owl. They will introduce raptors, visit a Birds of Prey exhibit and take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures! For more information or to register, contact t_stanforth@johnstoncc.edu or call 919-938-0115. Cost is $5 per participant.

46 | JOHNSTON NOW

The Horrell Family in Concert Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church, Selma Don’t miss the Horrell Family live in concert.

March 28, 10 a.m. to noon

155th Battle of Bentonville Reenactment Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Visit North Carolina’s largest Civil War reenactment and view encampments, speakers and battles. Battle scenarios are ticketed, all other activities are free.

Carolina Youth Theatre Workshop: Audition Prep: Vocal Edition The Clayton Center This workshop is designed to ease students’ nerves by sharing helpful tips for a successful vocal audition. Before the workshop, each student will prepare and memorize an audition song of their choice that they will sing in front of other participants. In addition to getting feedback from the instructor, students will gain insights into song selection, improve confidence and stage presence, learn how to interact with a piano accompanist and more! Note: A piano accompanist will be provided. Students are asked to bring sheet music, however if that is not a possibility, students may bring a digital recording with vocals removed. The course, taught by Jessica Albright, is designed for students in grades six through 12. Tuition is $40.

Saturday, March 21, 7 a.m.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.

Susan Werner and David Myles The Clayton Center Don’t miss Susan Werner and David Myles live in concert at The Clayton Center. Visit www.theclaytoncenter.com for more information.

March 21-22

Four Oaks Elementary School Benefit Four Oaks Elementary School Friends Helping Kids and the Four Oaks Elementary PTA will host the Four Oaks Elementary School Benefit, in celebration of the memory of Brock Currens, on Saturday, March 21. A 5K run and walk will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a BBQ pork lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s $10 per plate in the school cafeteria. There will be an auction at 7 p.m. and a 50-50 raffle for an Echo PAS-2620 weedeater. The Classics will also be performing. Proceeds will go toward purchasing new playground equipment for the school. To learn more, call 919-915-1157, 919-4649390 or 919-796-2775.

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.- to 7 p.m.

Touch a Truck Vendor Event Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield Join us for a Touch a Truck event at the Carolina Premium Outlets, hosted by the Clayton General Store. Tons of fun for the entire family as the kids can touch and interact with all sorts of trucks and equipment. There will be vendors on site, as well as food trucks all day.

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pop Up Market Broadslab Distillery, Benson Join the JoCo PopUp Market at Broadslab Distillery to shop for handmade, homemade, vintage and antique items.

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Saturday, March 21, 6 p.m.

Johnston County Writers Workshop: Spring into Action Selma Lions Club All are welcome to this event, hosted by Cindy Brookshire, including singers, musicians, poets, storytellers and people who just enjoy the experience! There are two morning sessions with lunch, networking, door prizes and open mic! Session 1 is “Creating Memorable Characters: From the Darling to the Dastardly” with USA Today best-selling author Susan Schild. Susan lives in Clayton and is the author of six books: three in the Lakeside Resort series, and three in the The Willow Hill series. Her genre/niche is small town romance for women over 40. Session 2 is “Writing Memoirs: Dos/Don’ts/Tips/Advice” with award-winning artist Arlene S. Bice. Arlene is the author of “Ghosts Along the Border” and more than a dozen nonfiction books. She facilitates memoir writing workshops, leads three writing groups and hosts Poetry in Nature afternoons. Cost is $25, and includes a box lunch. To learn more, email jocowriters@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m.

The King’s Messengers Selma Original Free Will Baptist Church Join Selma OFWB Church for a special worship service in song by Goldsboro’s The Kings Messengers.

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