March 2022

MARCH 2022

Johnston County Arts Council

50

th

Anniversary

“I retired from a career in the Army “

thinking I was in good shape. I had no idea I was at risk for a major heart attack.

But when it happened, the highly trained professionals at Johnston Health saved my life and helped me fully recover.

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CONTENTS

TABLE OF

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08 12 14 18 26 28 32

JCATS breaks ground on expanded facility REACH serves foster youth in Johnston County Johnston County Arts Council to celebrate 50th anniversary Flowers Plantation newsletter Collaborative artwork project bonds Selma community South Johnston student appointed to state student advisory council Wings4Humanity responds to Kentucky tornadoes

[PUBLISHER] column

Make the most of your extra days As I sit here in a frigid office morning, I’m also tired of on a February morning, I have COVID. We’re in the midst some thoughts. of another family/office For starters, I wish I would scare, and if that wasn’t have remembered to switch enough to worry about, I the thermostat from air back had to hitch a ride to work to heat before leaving for the this morning because my car RANDY CAPPS weekend. Cold fingers make won’t start. randy@johnstonnow.com for error-prone typing.

So, it’s a little tough to find I’m also thinking joy at the moment. about Mexico. Sure, the sun If my years of journalism have taught didn’t shine the entire time we me nothing else, I’ve learned perspective. were there, but it’s hard to beat And in this case, things could most warm weather, an in-room rum certainly be worse. dispenser and evenings listening to I could have not had heat at home last Hootie and the Blowfish and night. I could have had an hour commute a few other '90s bands to work today for a job I hate, with people perform live out on the I don’t like in a town I’d rather not be in. patio.

I could have been like many of us and On this Monday lost someone to the pandemic.

YOUR JNOW

TEAM Volume 6, Number 4

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

Publisher Randy Capps

randy@johnstonnow.com

Marketing Representative

General Manager Shanna Capps

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Wanda Sasser wanda@johnstonnow.com

Office Manager

Or, it could have been me.

It reminds me of a column I wrote about Maggie Dixon in 2006. She was the coach of Army’s women’s basketball team who died at 28 of an irregular heartbeat a month after coaching her team to the NCAA Tournament.

I wrote about her as I was a couple of months away from being 30 and about how, instead of worrying about what’s going wrong, I should focus on what’s going right.

Sixteen years ago, I wondered at the end of that column what I would do with my extra days in this life.

Since then, I’m still married to the perfect girl. I got to watch my son grow up and we all started a little magazine.

It’s not a perfect life, but it’s a better one than I deserve.

Creative Consultant Ethan Capps

Terri Atkinson terri@johnstonnow.com

Editor Mike Bollinger

mike@johnstonnow.com

Advertising Operations Manager Kayla Stott kayla@johnstonnow.com

919-980-5522 • www.johnstonnow.com • Facebook.com/JohnstonNow • 1300 W. Market Street, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 • hello@johnstonnow.com Johnston Now Magazine is a monthly publication of Shandy Communications, LLC for our Johnston County neighbors. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent by the publisher.

Advertisers take sole responsibility for the validity of their advertisement. ©2022 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.

WE’RE ALL LUCKY TO CALL SMITHFIELD HOME!

WWW.SMITHFIELD-NC.COM [ MARCH 2022 ] | 5

Am I really THAT old?

Targeted advertising can be who doesn’t, it’s a device you hurtful. wear around your neck with I recently signed up for a button you press if you are satellite TV service. As most having a medical or other of you probably know, when emergency. you do this they ask for a good According to the flyer, I can amount information about get free shipping, free use of the MIKE BOLLINGER mike@johnstonnow.com you. One of the things they equipment and a free first aid ask for is your birthdate. kit (for the person who finds me I understand why this is one of the things to use when patching me up?) when I order. they ask for. I mean, they can’t have 10-yearThe batteries never need charging olds taking their parents’ credit cards and and last up to 10 years. It has a GPS trying to have TV service installed. so someone can find me in case of an A week or so after my service was emergency when traveling. If that GPS installed, my first bill arrived in the acts like the GPS app I have on my phone mail along with some other advertising does sometimes, however, it could take a materials. One small flyer in particular while before anyone found me. screamed at me as soon as I removed it One of the things the flyer doesn’t tell from the envelope. you, however, is how much this costs. A “HELP! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” quick visit to www.lifealert.com reveals that I saw as I read the top of it. “Get HELP their website doesn’t tell you how much it fast, 24/7, anywhere with Life Alert.” costs, either. Is that because they don’t want I’m sure everyone knows what a Life you to have a medical emergency when you Alert is. But in case there is someone do find out how much it costs?

I guess you have to call the toll free number and get the free brochure to find out how much it costs.

The website has pretty much the same information as the flyer, with the addition of the claim that if a Life Alert member goes to a retirement home, it will be five years later than a senior of an equivalent age who doesn’t have Life Alert. OK. Am I really a senior citizen? I guess so, since I’m drawing Social Security. Sigh.

Have I reached that point? I can still play tennis, I still get around OK, I can still drive and do pretty much anything I want to. I do live by myself, but I’d like to think I haven’t reached the point where I need an emergency device yet.

While I have to admit getting this flyer gave me pause for a little bit, I’m going to pass on calling the toll-free number for now.

Hopefully I won’t start getting flyers with discounts on funeral arrangements and burial plots.

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[ MARCH 2022 ] | 7

Breaking ground on a new JCATS facility Feb. 2 were (not in order) District 76 Rep. Donna White, Johnston County Board of Commissioners chair Butch Lawter, North Carolina Department of Transportation District 4 engineer Kevin Bowen, Selma Mayor Byron McAllister, North Carolina Transportation Association executive director David Rhew, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce executive board chair Mark McDonnell, Stephenson General Contractors president Durwood Stephenson, Bobbitt Design Build project executive Neal Conley, Community and Senior Services of Johnston County board vice-chair and Transportation Advisory Board chair Steve Strickland, Neal Davis, executive director of Community and Senior Services of Johnston County Inc. and CSS board chair Jimmy Parker.

JCATS breaks ground on expanded facility

By MIKE BOLLINGER

SELMA — Johnston County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, and with that growth comes the need for expanded public transportation services.

A groundbreaking ceremony held Feb. 2 will allow the Johnston County Area Transit System to expand its facilities, and the intent is to expand services as well. “Public transportation will be a bigger part of what we have to provide,” said Johnston County Board of Commissioners chair Butch Lawter.

“People need transportation to get to their jobs.”

Neal Conley, project executive with Bobbitt Design Build of Raleigh, the firm handling the construction, said the anticipated completion date for the new facility is October.

Lawter said a transportation study will be conducted in the near future. “As we grow, JCATS will be a part of that growing process to provide truly public transportation. We have a long way to go, but we’ve started on it,” he said.

8 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Neal Davis, executive director of Community and Senior Services of Johnston County Inc., which operates JCATS, said the next step will include more transportation options. “Johnston County has never had a public fixed-route transportation service. Interest is growing all the time,” he said. “We will continue to work to get to where we want to be.”

The expansion into the lot next to the present JCATS facility at 1050 West Noble St. in Selma will allow JCATS to double its fleet, Davis said. At present, the service has 32 vehicles and more than 30 employees. He said the new building will allow for in-house employee training as well. “We’re required to do a lot of training,” Davis said.

When there is the threat of inclement weather, JCATS likes to have drivers meet in the mornings for briefings on what situations could arise, and the new facility will provide more room for those briefings.

In addition, Davis said, 12 passengers per day are transferred from one vehicle to another in the JCATS parking lot.

Johnston County Board of Commissioners chair Butch Lawter spoke during the groundbreaking for a new JCATS facility.

“The new facility will have a drive-thru shelter as well as a passenger waiting area,” he said.

JCATS, Davis said, was formed in 1985. It moved to the present site in September 2004 and had 12 vehicles at that time. Now, the size of the fleet has almost tripled to 32 vehicles, he noted, “Our current modular office space and one-bay maintenance facility is severely undersized,” he said.

The purchase of the adjoining lot, approved by the CSS board in 2011, will expand the JCATS site to a total of 4.6 acres, Davis said.

In 2015, the North Carolina Department of Transportation approved a feasibility study for the expansion, and that study was completed in 2017.

Davis said the study evaluated 11 potential sites for a new or expanded facility, and the conclusion was the current site was the most attractive for expansion. The 2017 study estimated the cost for the expansion at about $8 million.

“Our board set a goal to cut that cost in half. We looked at various types of construction that could be more efficient and less design intensive,” Davis said. “We ended up modeling our building after a fire station.”

The next step was funding, Davis said. Early attempts at obtaining grant funding were unsuccessful, as Johnston County and NCDOT submitted unsuccessful applications. Finally, in November 2019, a joint application from the county and NCDOT was approved in the amount of $2.9 million.

Davis said the county commissioners approved a local contribution of $597,000, and the CSS board

agreed to fund the remaining amount. In all, the project will cost about $4.3 million, coming very close to meeting the goal of cutting the original estimate in half.

JCATS, Davis said, is available 24-7 during emergencies. “This building is designed to serve as an emergency response staging area. It will have a larger conference and training area so we can conduct all our training indoors,” he said.

The building will also be able to serve as a short-term evacuation center. It will also be equipped with the necessary equipment for a generator to be used if need be.

CSS board of directors chair Jimmy Parker said in addition to Bobbitt Design Build handling the construction, Stephenson General Contractors of Smithfield will be the project manager.

“We’re very confident the construction of the new facility is in great hands,” Parker said.

Davis said he and CSS board members visited several transportation facilities across the state as part of planning for the new facility. He expressed appreciation to Rep. Donna White and Steve Strickland, chair of the CSS transportation advisory board, for their help with the project.

Kevin Bowen, District 4 engineer for NCDOT, said expanded public transportation will be needed to support Johnston’s growth.

“Public transit is vital to economic planning,” he said.

“Johnston County will need to be further integrated with Raleigh-area systems, and this facility is designed with that in mind.”

Bowen took a moment to praise transportation workers

for their efforts during the ongoing pandemic. “Transit workers have worked through difficult times courageously.

Johnston County can be proud of all its transit workers and it can certainly be proud of this new facility.”

Davis said the people really being saluted at the groundbreaking were the drivers who are behind the wheel every day. “There has been lots of apprehension about coming to work. It’s a risky business. Our drivers and staff have continued to do what they have needed to do,” he said.

Every JCATS employee, Davis said, has been given a badge that reads, “I’m a front line hero.”

“We are in the process of moving toward the implementation of an expanded transportation system and make a commitment to the people of Johnston County,” Lawter said.

Lawter also shared a story about being in a restaurant and overhearing a conversation between three JCATS drivers. The drivers, he said, were talking about people they had picked up and how much those people needed the service.

Davis said the groundbreaking helped him reach one of his main goals as

Construction on a new JCATS facility has begun, and work was going on before the official groundbreaking ceremony.

CSS director. “This has been a main feature on my bucket list of accomplishments. This is the fulfillment of the work we’ve been doing over the past 11 years. It’s taken a long time to get to this point. I’m really proud to have had a small hand in an accomplishment such as this,” he said.

Most of JCATS’ business is from non-emergency medical transportation. The agency also provides several other contracted services.

JCATS also provides Rural General Public transportation to riders when possible, however, seating availability is secondary to contracted services.

For more information about JCATS and the services it offers, visit www.cssjohnston. org or call 919-202-5030.

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 9

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Many of you are finding yourselves feeling irritable or cynical when you used to be hopeful. Some of you may feel fatigued, unmotivated, overwhelmed or apathetic.

You may be experiencing stress that feels never-ending and comes with feelings of emptiness. If any of this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing burnout.

Burnout discussions are happening globally and, more locally, they are taking place in our therapy offices. Most often burnout happens in a job or in a relationship.

You might regularly hear of health care providers who burn out in their profession.

However, I am observing that many Americans are feeling burned out from living or working in our current state of society. And what's even more obvious is that many people aren't recognizing the burnout.

Let's face it, the pandemic feels never-ending, inflation is driving up the cost of nearly everything, grocery store shelves are often missing what we came in to purchase, there are worker shortages everywhere and no one still knows the right or wrong way to do COVID pandemic protocols. Living through these times is hard. And for many it creates a sense of burnout.

So how can therapy help? If you search Google for tips on dealing with burnout, the No. 1 suggestion is turning to other people. Finding someone you trust, even outside of your usual support system is a very helpful way to navigate burnout.

Meeting with a therapist who is unbiased and listens fully, provides one with a space to process feelings of burnout and create solutions. Social contact, reaching out to those close to you, limiting contact with negative people or finding new friends are other ways to help with feelings of burnout.

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REACH serves foster youth in Johnston County Each month, Johnston Now will spotlight Johnston County non-profit organizations and highlight ways people can volunteer with these agencies. To submit information about a non-profit and ways to volunteer, send information to hello@johnstonnow. com.

SMITHFIELD — Remember Encouragement Always Changes Hearts is a mentoring ministry for foster youth in Johnston County. The organization’s motto is “Each One Needs One.” Its mission statement is “Bridging the gap by building relationships with foster youth.”

REACH’s goal is to create an atmosphere where lasting relationships can be formed between Johnston County adults and foster youth which can help

12 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

provide support as they mature into adulthood.

According to information from REACH, an average of 100 youth are in foster care in Johnston County at any one time. There are about 45 active foster homes in the county.

Foster youth are in need of families and mentors to show them love and support.

There are many opportunities with REACH, including prayer partners, event set-up and clean-up, food preparation, games and activities coordinator, advertising, mentors, board members, public relations liaison, tutors, financial partners, skilled people willing to share resources such as sports, cooking, etc. and people willing to share testimony or devotions.

In addition, REACH is in need of gift cards for youth in the county who have aged out of foster care. These cards could be for clothing, fast food, gas and other needs.

REACH often plans gatherings for foster youth with meals, devotions, games and gifts. Volunteers are needed to help with these gatherings and in other ways.

REACH is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Contributions can be sent to REACH at P.O. Box 2631, Smithfield NC 27577.

For more information about REACH, visit its website at www. reachjohnston.org, its Facebook page at reachmentoringministry, or contact Nicki Williams at kwilliams.reach@gmail.com or at 919-518-5515.

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 13

Johnston County Arts Council to celebrate 50th anniversary

By MIKE BOLLINGER

SMITHFIELD — A milestone birthday deserves a big celebration.

Such a celebration will take place March 20 when the Johnston County Arts Council celebrates its 50th anniversary. From 3-5 p.m. in the Frank Creech Gallery at Johnston Community College, the council will host an exhibit and reception showcasing the talents of current JCAC board members and honor council founder John Hobart of Smithfield.

That celebration will take place 50 years to the day from the date the first steering committee met and officially formed the council on March 20, 1972.

“The exhibit and reception will be open to the public. We want the public to attend,” JCAC executive director Darlene Williford said.

Hobart was chair of that steering committee, which also included Norman Grantham Jr. of Smithfield, Faye Lee Lampe of Smithfield, Robert Holt of Four Oaks, Eleanor Hooks of Smithfield and Christine J. Massey of Clayton.

Hobart and his wife, Frankie, are still very much involved in the activities of the arts council.

“I thought an arts council could become a binding force that could bring people in the various communities of the county together in the name of the arts,” said Hobart.

Williford emphasized the council is not just about visual arts. “We have all these different arts: writing, music, theatre and many others. You would be surprised how many artists we have in Johnston County,” she said. “We’re really blessed with the talent in 14 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Johnston County Arts Council founder John Hobart, center, will be honored at a reception to celebrate the JCAC's 50th anniversary March 20 in the Frank Creech Gallery at Johnston Community College. Hobart and his wife, Frankie, left, are still active with the council. Darlene Williford, right, is the JCAC executive director.

the county.”

Hobart said he was in Reidsville working at Rockingham Community College when he saw an arts council being formed for Rockingham County. At that time, the state was encouraging the formation of arts councils in the various communities, and Hobart decided an arts council would be good for Johnston County.

“I grew up in Smithfield, and John had very close connections here,” Frankie Hobart said. “Once we moved to Johnston County, forming the arts council had to do with a sincere hope to help the community. It was a goal to get the whole county involved. It has been a wonderful organization for that reason.”

John Hobart said the idea of having an arts council here also stemmed from an arts and crafts festival that was held at JCC, then Johnston Technical Institute,

that included people from all parts of the county. “Out of that response, and the fact the state was encouraging the formation of arts councils, the inspiration for the Johnston County Arts Council was developed,” he said.

Frankie Hobart said the state arts council, on which she would eventually serve, was just coming into being and it was a goal of then-Gov. Jim Hunt to have arts councils in every county in North Carolina.

The first big event involving the JCAC was when the Artrain visited the county in September of 1974. More than 8,000 people toured the Artrain, which was parked along the side of the road with artists performing in box cars. “It was just one big, fun time,” Frankie Hobart said.

She said that was the real beginning for the council because it was the first time volunteers were used to put on an event.

“I think that gave us an extra push,” Frankie Hobart said.

The council, she said, concentrated on visual arts first, with exhibits in different places and making sure all the schools in the county were included.

Another event that gave the council a boost in its early years was an artist-inresidence program through the state. The state council provided artists to localities who would spend a year in the community.

The first artistin-residence in Johnston was pianist Gary Towlen. “We couldn’t have been more fortunate than to have him. There was a parade in the county and he played piano from the back of a truck,” Frankie Hobart said.

Another visiting artist, dramatist Clint McCown, stayed two years and helped develop the Neuse Little Theater. “The artist in residence was a great project for a small community. It meant the world to us,” she continued.

There came a time when the council had to have 501(c)3 status to receive funding from the state. Frankie Hobart said obtaining that status became a bit of an adventure. “Steve Woodard of Smithfield,

who was an attorney and served as president, saved us. The office that was handling our application moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and everything was lost. We had to do it all again,” she said.

Today, the arts council has several outreach programs. Music for the Lunch Bunch is a weekly concert series performed by local musicians during the summer. Williford noted this series is in its 38th year. “We are really hoping to bring this program back to Smithfield this year,” she said. “It’s a central location, and having it in one place every week causes a lot less confusion.”

Creative Connections is a program that takes place at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center on Tuesday mornings and evenings. It allows artists to gather and work on projects as well as discussing art-related topics.

Grassroots Grants, Williford said, are awarded to non-profit arts groups in the county that support arts programming. There are also grants for individual artists to help them pursue professional development, she said. “We are able to fund these grants with money we get from the state,” Williford said.

The JCAC also partners with JCC to award scholarships to students pursuing careers in the arts, and partners with JCC to provide the Frank Creech Art Gallery, a state of the art facility for exhibits, events and receptions.

Artists in the Schools started in 1999. Williford said through this

This is the first logo of the Johnston County Arts Council when it was formed in 1972.

program, artists visit classrooms in all county schools. “We have a great partnership with the schools on this project. The programs are curriculumbased,” she said.

The JCAC is required to have programming for youth, to give to artsbased non-profits and to support individual artists, Williford noted.

“We try and do as many things for the public as we can where people don’t have to pay,” she said.

Williford said the Hobarts have been, and still are, vital to the success of the JCAC. “After 50 years, these two people are still involved. Ms. Frankie is still an adviser, and Mr. John holds my hand when I go to donors. He’s helped me to learn the people in the county,” she said.

“They value the arts so much, they started an endowment to help support the council. That has been a nice surprise during my tenure. They just didn’t start it and stop. They continued with it and still do,” Williford continued.

The Hobarts credit Williford for the council’s continuing success. “The greatest thing that has happened to the arts council is Darlene. She has been exactly what we needed. There is an advantage to having a county person. She has been the thing that has held us together,” Frankie Hobart said.

“It has been the greatest experience in the world to work on this over the years,” Frankie Hobart said.

Since its formation, the JCAC has had 26 presidents. John Hobart was chair of the steering committee from 197273, Rebecca Stewart of Smithfield was president from 1973-74, Hooks from 1974-75, Richard Williams of Smithfield from 1975-76, John Barefoot of Benson from 1976-78, Frankie Hobart from 1978-79, Woodard from 1979-80, Joan Jones of Benson from 1980-81, Wallace Ashley of Smithfield from 1981-82, Barefoot from 1982-85, Creech, of Smithfield, from 1985-87; Ramona Cash of Clayton from 1987-89, Creech from 1989-93, Cash from 1993-94, Mary Sauls of Clayton from 1994-96, Birmah Stemler of Smithfield from 1996-98, Sandra Honeycutt of Clayton from

16 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

1998-99, Stemler from 1999-2000, James Elmore of Clayton from 2000-02, Laurie Partlo of Clayton from 2002-03, Ginny Smith of Clayton from 2003-05, Carolyn Ennis of Smithfield from 2005-07, Susan Lassiter of Smithfield from 2007-09, Betsy Whittington of Benson from 200911, Joyce Kilpatrick-Jordan of Smithfield from 2011-13 and Judy Boyette of Four Oaks from 2013 until present.

Current board of directors members are Boyette, first vice-president Chandler Pernell of Smithfield, second vicepresident Evelyn Wool of Pine Level, secretary Hope Dougherty of Smithfield, treasurer Kristin Sasser of Four Oaks, immediate past president KilpatrickJordan and Chris Boyette of Kenly, Grace Brantley of Princeton, April Culver of Smithfield, Deborah Dawe of Clayton, Michelle Fields-Laughinghouse of Smithfield, Jonni Martin of Benson, Angie McClure of Smithfield, Mandy McNulty of Clayton, William Strickland of Selma, Mercedes Valenzuela of Willow Spring, Doris Wallace of Smithfield, Myra Wallace of Smithfield and Percilla Williams of Selma. Frankie Hobart and

Ennis serve as advisers.

“We had no idea this would last this long. It used to go this way for a while, then another way for a while,” Frankie Hobart said.

The JCAC is a non-profit charitable organization. It receives support from the local government, the state, businesses, corporations, foundations and private donors.

“The arts are a unifying force that pulls people together to celebrate the human spirit. Fifty years ago, a group of community leaders came together and decided it was time for Johnston County to have an arts council,” John Hobart said.

“Over the years, the Johnston County Arts Council has grown to become a vital force in community life. We celebrate ‘Arts for the People, People for the Arts.’”

“Arts for the People, People for the Arts” is the JCAC motto.

John Hobart said while the council has accomplished a lot, there is still much to be done. “We’ve come a long way, baby, and we’ve got a long way to go.”

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TBJ REVEALS 2022 CLASS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

BY CAMERON SNIPES

Associate Editor Triangle Business Journal

Triangle Business Journal on Wednesday revealed the winners of its 2022 Women in Business Awards.

This year’s class includes 28 decision-makers in a variety of industries, including technology, health care, retail and law.

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Women in Business Awards program recognizes Triangle women who have proven to be dynamic and outstanding leaders with established track records of significant accomplishments in business and/or community service.

The judges pored through about 200 entries to come up with this year’s crop of winners.

“This year’s class of honorees represent the best in professional accomplishment, leadership and community engagement,” said TBJ Market President and Publisher Jason Christie. “We applaud their efforts for what they have done and continue to do in the Triangle and beyond. We look forward to honoring each of them later this year.”

Congratulations to Ms. Flowers for being listed as one of the winners of the 2022 Women in Business Awards!

Ms. Flowers is one of twenty-eight women selected to share this accomplishment and be recognized for her leadership and engagement in the community. Flowers Plantation is proud to have Ms. Flowers nominated in this category and delighted to call her a winner of such an award.

2 | Treasure Newsletter | March/April 2022

This year’s winners will be recognized during an awards luncheon on March 24 at Embassy Suites in Cary. TBJ will profile the winners in a special section that will be published in the March 25 subscriber edition.

A related event, the ninth-annual Mentoring Monday, will take place the morning of Feb. 28 – also at Embassy Suites in Cary. It is part of a larger effort that will happen in 40 markets across the country on the same day and will offer attendees in each market the opportunity to choose from a number of on-site mentors.

Local mentors scheduled for this year’s Mentoring Monday event include Kimarie Ankenbrand, managing director at JLL; Natasha Austin, COO of Dogwood State Bank; Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local Raleigh; and Laura Bunn, Triangle market president of First Horizon Bank.

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TOWNHOMES THE CROSSINGS - TRUE HOMES The Elon floor plan is 2,262 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The Longfield floor plan is 1,762 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 1-car garage. Call 919-899-1594 for more information.

Forrest

SINGLE-FAMILY & TOWNHOMES WHITLEY CORNER - DAN RYAN BUILDERS Single Family Floor plans from 1600–2000 sq ft Townhomes – Offering two different plans (one has a first floor owner’s suite.) For more information please call Lenka Ruzickova at 919-264-1153.

COMING SOON!

Copper Ridge

Whitley Corner

ARDMORE AT FLOWERS A 396-unit apartment community. Ready 2023!

Email info@ardmoreatflowers.com for leasing information.

Visit their website ardmoreatflowers.com

Ardmore at Flowers

Community

NOTHING SAYS FLOWERS LIKE

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT MAY THROUGH OCTOBER

Enjoy a movie under the stars! Our monthly Family Movie Night presentation will be held on the first Friday of each month beginning May through October.

IMPORTANT: The location for Family Movie Night is changing.

Family Movie Night will now be located at the green space in front of Harris Teeter.

We need your help with movie suggestions! Email your ideas to vanessa@flowersplantation.com.

HAPPY EASTER

APRIL 9 I 12:00 - 2:OO PM

Mark your calendars….Flowers Plantation is hosting an Easter Event for their residents and children. Bring the kiddos out to see the Easter Bunny and pick up a treat bag.

If you would like to attend please register your child by emailing vanessa@flowersplantation.com. Provide your address and the number of children that will be attending. This will be for Flowers Plantation residents only, so your address is required for registration.

4 | Treasure Newsletter | March/April 2022

ST. PATRICK’S DAY HOW TO TOAST ST. PATRICK’S DAY THE IRISH WAY

On March 17, raise a glass to St. Patrick and remember, if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough! At least, that’s what one traditional toast says. But there are many a’ f ine sayings that go along with a pint ‘o green beer.

TO IRELAND:

TO HAPPINESS:

Here’s to the land of the shamrock so green, Here’s to each lad and his darlin’ colleen, Here’s to the ones we love dearest and most.

May God bless old Ireland, That’s this Irishman’s toast!

May you have warm words on a cold evening, A full moon on a dark night, And the road downhill all the way to your door.

TO THE PINT:

AND ANOTHER:

Here’s to a long life and a merry one.

A quick death and an easy one.

A pretty girl and an honest one.

A cold pint -- and another one!

May your heart be light and happy, May your smile be big and wide, And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside!

March/April 2022 | Treasure Newsletter | 5

Announcing the line-up for the 2022 Summer Concert Series at the Crossroads!

Flowers Plantation is excited to announce the return of our concert series, Concerts at the Crossroads. We will be bringing concerts to the Flowers Crossroads for three months this summer. Food and beverages will be on site for purchase, along with additional vendor booths.

Concerts will be held on the last Sunday of the month Time: 4pm to 6:30pm Location: Green Space in front of Harris Teeter (67 Crossroads Way, Clayton, NC)

We look forward to seeing you at the Crossroads!

SPARE CHANGE I

NIGHT SHIFT I

NIGHT SHIFT is a 5-piece 60’s, 70’s and 80’s cover band that only performs the most popular and the most fun songs from those three decades. All of have been members of many well-known bands in Connecticut over the years and in 2015 they combined their talents to form this very exciting group. We know you will love every song that they play and will sing along, dance and have a REALLY fun time, from the kiddies to the grandparents!

They always have! And they have amassed a HUGE following in just a short amount of time!

BAND OF OZ I

JULY 24TH

SPARE CHANGE is a regional wedding band based in Mount Olive, NC. This wedding band is one of the most respected and well-known bands in North Carolina. Consisting of five male singers, a female singer, a rapper, an electric violinist, and a trumpet player, the band’s energetic music and choreographed dances ensure that there will be no dull moments. They keep the audience engaged, leaving them intoxicated with their music and enthusiastically exhausted as the night ends.

JUNE 26TH

AUGUST 28TH

THE BAND OF OZ formed in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South. In 1977 the band went on the road full time. Since that time the band has made an exceptional name for itself throughout the Southeast by playing the top clubs and corporate parties, and getting excellent reviews along the way. For several years the group has been a guest on most of the major beach concerts in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia.

FLOWERS PLANTATION 500 NW Flowers Parkway Clayton, NC 27527 919-553-1984 Ext. 1

Beautiful Homes Within Reach | Visit www.FlowersPlantation.com | Email: info@FlowersPlantation.com

Real Country Variety and More Music

www.countryss.com

24 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 25

Collaborative artwork project bonds Selma community Submitted by ACTIVATE SELMA

SELMA — Five local artists ripping brown paper to reveal their new five-panel art mural in downtown Selma brought town officials, business owners, residents and visitors spilling out into the busy intersection of Anderson and Raiford streets. Each panel portrays dance, music, theater, writing and visual arts.

The mural reveal was held Feb. 2 at Treasury Antiques.

In 2021, Activate Selma partnered with the Johnston County Arts Council to create the new mural as one of the arts council’s 50th anniversary projects. Selma resident Allyson Caison coordinated the project, which centers on the theme of “Celebrating Love through Art, Community and Culture.”

Percilla Williams of Selma, portraying dance, took inspiration from American ballet dancer Misty Copeland and put her ballerina en pointe with Selma’s active rail community in the background. “I was inspired with youth in mind ­— youth of all colors. I want them to see they can do anything they want to do, be anyone they want to be. Just be the best at whatever you do, and grow up into someone great,” Williams said.

Sue Avera of Smithfield portrayed music in her panel, painting notes and concentric swirls to help viewers visualize healing and uplifting music being sent out into the community.

Grace Brantley of Princeton chose to portray writing because of Johnston County’s diverse community, where more than one language is spoken in at least one-fourth of all homes.

On her panel she painted the welcoming word, “love,” in nine languages.

26 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

The “Celebrate Love” mural artists, from left, are Judy Boyette of Four Oaks, Percilla Williams of Selma, Grace Brantley of Princeton, William Strickland of Selma and Sue Avera of Smithfield.

Selma artist William Strickland portrayed theater. “For many people who travel to Selma, it’s family tradition to go to the Rudy Theatre. I spotlighted what I think is a Johnston County treasure. The Rudy has been celebrating music and drama since 1998 — it deserves to be put on a pedestal,” Strickland said.

Judy Boyette of Four Oaks was challenged to portray the visual arts.

She focused on the different tools visual artists use to bring their arts to audiences.

“As president of the arts council, let me tell you this was quite a joy for us to collaborate with Allyson Caison in Selma and come up with the plan,” Boyette said.

“We’re celebrating love, but we’re also celebrating Allyson’s perseverance,” said Selma Mayor Byron McAllister. “Allyson and I had a conversation about a year ago, at a point where she thought it

might not come together. But her vision and endurance brought all of this to all of us. The artful changes that are being made throughout our community are just amazing.”

Boyette also had the challenge of finding the correct medium for the panels.

“When we were first asked to do this I needed to get a little product knowledge,” Boyette said.

She went to a home improvement store to explain what the panels would look like and where they would be mounted – on the Anderson Street side of Treasury Antiques. With the help of Kevin Woodard, a former art student of Boyette’s, she determined to use thick cement board, made of cement and crushed rocks, with a metal kind of canvas coating. Woodard mixed up six paint colors in a special formula just for the project.

“It’s not even on the market,” Boyette explained.

“It’s an expensive pigment that is more intense than what you buy off the shelves. I was thrilled with the result.”

She painted a pilot panel that she left on her house deck for three months in the elements. She said it was even knocked over at one point and didn’t get damaged. Once she was satisfied, the artists painted their panels, starting with exterior primer first.

After their artwork was done, exterior sealer was used front and back.

“I found a new definition of art work,” said Chandler Pernell, arts council vice president, to the crowd’s laughter. “Have you ever moved a piece of art?”

Pernell was charged with installing the panels with the help of his work team, Albert

Kensak, Kim Wooten, Ron Hester and Jeffery Hamilton of Activate Selma.

“You’re going to see five beautiful pieces of art. What you’re not going to see is the joy on these artists’ faces when they were asked to create these paintings. You’re not going to see the sweat and the tears on their palettes as they were creating these paintings.

You’re not going to see the excitement on Mr. and Mrs. Kensak’s faces, on this business that had to shut down for a year because of COVID. You missed that,“ Pernell said.

“You’re not going to see Albert out here measuring and mounting these cases like he was building Noah’s Ark. They’re perfect. You’re not going to see Ron and Jeff up on ladders. You’re not going to see Kim out here cutting ribbon in 45 mph wind from

trucks riding by. You missed that. You’re not going to hear the 650 conversations that happened, making this thing coordinate just right. You’re not going to see my guys driving by with their moms and kids, and saying ‘I helped with that.’ Some snicker and say, ‘Art doesn’t improve life.’

That’s okay. But art work does,” he continued.

“Activate Selma is a group of business owners and residents who work together really hard to make our favorite little town unique,” said Wooten, owner of Selma Jewelry.

“We don’t complain; we take action. We figure out what we can do to make things better.”

The group gathers Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at various locations to spark creative problem-solving.

Follow Activate Selma on social media at Facebook.com/

ActivateSelmaNC or Instagram @ activateselmanc or visit www.

ActivateSelmaNC. com.

In 2022, the Johnston County Arts Council celebrates its 50th year of providing quality opportunities in the arts for every Johnston County resident. On Sunday, March 20, from 3-5 p.m., the council will host a special reception for an exhibit of county artists in honor of council founder John Hobart at the Frank Creech Art Gallery on the campus of Johnston Community College in Smithfield.

For more information, visit the council’s website at www. jcartscouncil.org.

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 27

South Johnston student appointed to state student advisory council Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SMITHFIELD — Reagan Williford is a shining star of Johnston County Public Schools. Born and raised in the small township of Meadow, she comes off as shy and soft spoken with a sweet, Southern charm.

When it comes to education and learning, however, this South Johnston High junior is neither soft spoken nor shy.

Williford is making the most of her high school experience and plotting a course for her future.

She was recently appointed to the North Carolina State Superintendent Student Advisory Council. Already a member of the leadership team for the North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly, one of Williford’s advisers recommended she apply for the student advisory council.

The two-year tenure provides Williford and other student advisers with the opportunity to meet once a month and discuss state education issues, advocate on behalf of their fellow peers and ultimately advise state education decision makers.

She will also meet with personnel at the Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education and the General Assembly. She will learn about issues facing K-12 education and what can be done to support students, teachers and their local school districts and charter schools.

When asked why education is so important to her, Williford replied, “It helps prepare you for the real world and is a way to succeed.”

At the conclusion of each year, the student advisers present a proposal to the Office of the State Superintendent as well as other state leaders that addresses an evolving state education issue. Williford is focused on providing more student leadership opportunities in rural communities. “Leadership roles present students with a window 28 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

South Johnston High School junior Reagan Williford has been appointed to the North Carolina State Superintendent Student Advisory Council.

of opportunity to not only learn, grow, and prepare for the future, but also to voice their opinions,” she said. “While there is student government, clubs and sports in school, there are other ways to expand those opportunities to create more options for students to choose from such as internships and volunteering in the community.“ During her appointment on the student advisory council, Williford hopes to become more educated and gain more confidence. South Johnston High principal William Weaver has watched her transformation. “When she attended the SJHS Student Leadership Retreat in October 2021, it was apparent that she had developed into a student leader at our school,” Weaver said.

Outside of school, Williford enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She likes all sports, but softball is her favorite, especially going to her younger sister’s games. When asked about that sister-sister relationship, she said, “It’s actually pretty good. We get along.”

Her love of sports also extends to volleyball, where Williford is the scorekeeper for the volleyball team at South Johnston. Coach Amanda Smith is more than just a coach, she is one of Williford’s heroes. “She’s always trying to push me, and the girls,” Williford said.

Another hero that is very close to Williford’s heart is her grandmother. “She always has worked really hard to provide and give everything she could to help her family,” she said as tears filled her eyes. “I also want to say thank you to my mom and my daddy for always encouraging me.”

After high school, Williford would like to attend a four-year university and seek a degree in the medical field, possibly occupational therapy. She is still deciding which college she would like to attend.

“Reagan’s character, determination, and knowledge will provide her a solid foundation for success in her future endeavors,” Weaver said.

“I just want to help be an advocate for other people (to learn),” Williford said.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY At United, our mission is to provide exceptional banking services while caring deeply for our communities.

Member FDIC. © 2021 United Community Bank | ucbi.com

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 29

Real Country Variety and More Music

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30 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 31

Wings4Humanity responds to Kentucky tornadoes

Submitted by WINGS FOR HUMANITY

SMITHFIELD — When the news of the recent tornadoes in Kentucky reached Wings4Humanity, the group responded. Tornadoes had touched down in Kentucky with more than 240 miles of reported damage and countless lives affected. Since 1995, Wings4Humanity has responded to disasters around the world providing air support, transportation, medical evacuations.

Sunday morning, Doug Pagliolo and Steven Leger received the call to respond.

Grabbing their go-bags, they met at the Johnston Regional Airport, where the organization is based. After a three-hour flight and battling a 40-knot headwind, they landed at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. They stopped to refuel and a crane operator with Gideon Rescue Company joined them. Gideon provides search and rescue teams, rescue dogs, and equipment for disaster relief.

Forty-five minutes into their flight to Kentucky, they came across the tornado’s path. Circling the most devastated areas, they used Google Maps to pin the locations that were most affected. Landing at Mayfield Graves County Airport and seeing the destruction up close filled Leger with a sense of urgency. After landing, the Wings4Humanity group met with the rest of the teams. The thought of someone trapped kept Doug, the Gideon crane operator, up all night. He wasn’t alone.

Early the next morning, plans were made. W4H coordinated with GRC’s president, Brock Mayer, and Heritage Academy’s response team on a plan of action based on the information gathered from the flight the day before. Leger was placed in charge of a box truck to deliver essential supplies from the distribution centers to the communities in need while Doug picked up more rescuers from Nashville, and flew them to Mayfield, Kentucky. Praying to God that He would direct their actions, they split up and got 32 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

to work.

Leger headed towards the airport where some of the supplies were being stored in one of the large hangars. Upon arrival, he discovered that the fairgrounds and airport, the two major distribution centers for food, water, and other essentials, were full to the brim. Not enough people from the communities were getting to the distribution centers to pick up the supplies they needed. Leger stopped by the fairgrounds to meet with Mayer and the academy students. They were handing out small pamphlets to people leaving the fairground and praying with them. These pamphlets talked about hope and how to deal with devastating circumstances in our lives.

“Many individuals broke down crying and were so grateful for our prayers and encouragement. This is when I realized that filling their physical needs was not enough, and that if I wanted to make an impact in the lives of these people, I had to be there for them, physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally,” Leger said.

Leger received a call from Doug. He had landed at the airport with Doane Tarin from Texas to respond to this disaster. When Leger arrived at the airport, they climbed into the box truck.

Leger gave an update on what was happening and Doug replied, “Well, if the distribution centers aren’t getting enough supplies out, we will do it ourselves!”

With that, they went to the supply hangar and loaded the box truck with food, clothes and other essential supplies.

They drove towards a community they identified from the air the previous day.

“We had no idea if we would find a place to drop our supplies, but with a little faith and a lot of determination we set off,” Leger said. “It was getting dark and our hopes of finding a community in need of our supplies was setting with the sun.

Finally, we arrived somewhere called the Moors in Kentucky. Police were blocking

some of the roads. We stopped to ask for directions, but they told us there was nothing ahead and that we should turn around and drop off our supplies at the town’s elementary school. However, we decided to drive ahead to a resort and restaurant.”

This restaurant was feeding all the community members for free. Anyone who needed a hot cooked meal could come and eat. It was here the group connected with some of the resort staff, and seeing the box truck full of supplies, they were elated.

They unloaded winter clothes, food, blankets, baby food, diapers and other items. “The communities in the area were coming to the restaurant to eat and now they could also come to have much needed supplies. When we were done handing out supplies, resort personnel took pictures with us, and on our Instagram (Wings4Humanity) they commented, thanking us for our service.

We found a community in need, and the next day, we would be back to continue serving their needs,” Leger said.

The next day, the group drove to the Airport to load up the box truck and headed to Gilbertsville, Kentucky. “When we got to the peninsula along the lake, the destruction was everywhere. As far as the eye could see the tornado had ripped apart everything. There was sea of two-by-fours, nails and broken furniture, and kids’ toys and houses were laid to waste,” Leger said.

“Every step I took was slow, for every step was riddled with nails and other hazards.

The rescue dogs searched the debris for signs of survivors. Signs commemorating the lives that the tornado took were placed where the houses once stood. Names were spray painted on sheets of plywood along with ‘Rest In Peace.’”

Doug, a former Marine who deployed overseas on different occasions, said this damage and destruction was worse than any war zone he had ever witnessed. As they pulled up to where their team was

working, the group heard cries of excitement as a small red camera was found.

“Pictures and videos of the last precious moments of a family member who had passed away from the tornado were on the camera.

The lady gripped the device tightly to her chest, crying in disbelief that a group like us would take the time to search through the rubble, on a seemingly impossible task of finding a small red camera in an ocean of debris,” Leger said.

Some of the items found were picture albums, a torn Bible, toys and memorabilia scattered across hundreds of feet. Doug found a box of toys and some Christmas presents still intact. He was able to connect with the owner of these presents and send them to the resort with the names of the two girls they belonged to. They got to have their Christmas.

“As I stood watching the chaos around me, an older couple stopped besides us in their car, and asked if the supplies in the box truck were for the community.

We immediately started giving them whatever they needed,” Leger recalled. “The gentleman broke down crying,

and then his wife. Doug and I hugged them, praying with them I felt my own eyes water.

Getting back in the truck, Doug hanging on the back as I drove, I cried. How could I not? So much pain in one place, my heart reached out.”

They then followed a woman, Melanie, from the community to a little community club house where they could unload the rest of the supplies. All the windows had been blown out and leaves and glass littered the floor.

They swept the building and moved all the supplies inside.

“At this time, Brock showed up and started talking to Melanie. He asked her if she would like a shower. Melanie began to weep. So much was happening, and she hadn’t even realized that all she wanted was to take a shower.

Brock coordinated an RV to come up and upon its arrival, she was able to shower,” Leger said.

The volunteers began moving house to house, pulling debris out to the road.

Everywhere they went, they prayed and sometimes even sang songs in a group. “As we moved on to the next home, I would look behind me and see a smile from those we had just helped. I remember finding an

American flag on the ground and running to lift it up, but I was beaten to it by two young girls from Heritage Academy, I watched as they struggled to fold it, but were determined to get it right. Doug came by and taught them how. I was able to take the flag to the owner of the house, and he took it with tears in his eyes,” Leger said.

Finally, when the group had reached the end of the road, there was a house with smoke coming from the chimney.

Mayer and a few others from the group had gone down to see if everyone inside was all right. They found an Army veteran drinking and wanting to take his life. He was devastated by all he had lost and the destruction around him.

“As a team, we cleared his driveway so he could get to his truck. Doug was able to sit and talk with him for a long while as we worked. Doug, the team, and Michael, another crane operator, were able to talk him down from suicidal thoughts, helping him focus on the good. We all gathered around him and surrounded him, singing songs. Then we prayed with him. Encouraging him, we thanked him for his service,” Leger said.

The next day he messaged Doug saying, “Thank you all for saving my life.”

The group worked day and night, bringing aid. They reached out to everyone they came across, filling their needs. “On the flight home both Doug and I meditated on the experience, exhausted from work but proud of the good we had done. It’s not over, though, the need is still not filled. We intend to return soon to follow up and help those we reached out to,” Leger said.

“This is a small part of what we did, and words cannot describe what we witnessed, but I know that I’ll never forget it. I once heard that we are not defined by what we say, but by what we do. Our actions speak louder than words.

So, as I look at the faces of the people we helped, their faces etched in my mind forever, I am filled with a longing to do more,” Leger said. “Every disaster, every car stuck on the side of the road, the person at the grocery store who can’t pay for their food, the souls of those who cry out from the dark pits of depression and PTSD, we are here for you at Wings4Humanity.”

Hospice doesn’t mean giving up hope.

919.877.9959 heartlandhospice.com/Raleigh

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 33

J OHN ST ON C OU NT Y

COVID-19 Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program The Rental Assistance Program is available to renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information visit rentrelief.com/johnstoncounty

34 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Real Country Variety and More Music

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SMITHFIELD

SHAMROCK SHUTTLE

ALL-REGION CHEERLEADER Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Laici Deravil has been named an All-Region cheerleader by the North Carolina Cheer Coaches Association based on a video tryout showcasing her strength and talent in all areas of cheerleading including jumps,

tumbling, stunts and spirit.

Hundreds of cheerleaders from across the region sent in applications, and the 61 cheerleaders selected as All-Region tried out for the All-State team in February.

Deravil is the first cheerleader in known Smithfield-Selma High School history to achieve this honor.

Food & Drink Specials Free Shuttle www.DowntownSmithfield.com DowntownSmithfield

DTSmithfield

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 35

Add your organization’s events to the community calendar at www.JohnstonNow.com or email us at calendar@JohnstonNow.com.

For the full community calendar with hundreds of area events, visit www.JohnstonNow.com

CALENDAR of events

36 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

NAMI Support Groups and Classes

For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, NC, visit www.namijcnc.net, email namijcnc@gmail.com or call 919-980-5277.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m.

Smithfield Running Club For more information, find them on Facebook by searching for Smithfield Running Club or email smithfieldrunningclub@gmail.com.

Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.

Cleveland School Rotary Club Cleveland Draft House, Garner Cleveland School Rotary Club meets bi-weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.

Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting Golden Corral, Smithfield Visit www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.

Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.

Trivia Party Clayton Center for Active Aging Call 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919-553-4350.

First and third Tuesdays, Noon

Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club Virtual meeting via Zoom Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonMiddayRotary to learn more.

First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Smithfield Lions Club Mayflower Restaurant, Smithfield For more information, contact Karen Brown at 919-934-2555.

First and third Thursdays, 6:45 p.m.

Clayton Civitan Club meeting Clayton Civitan Building, McCullers St., Clayton Join the Clayton Civitan Club for its monthly meetings. Call 919-550-0694 for more information.

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

Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are welcome. The lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com.

First Tuesday, Noon

Clayton Visual Arts meeting The Clayton Center Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) also hosts monthly artist receptions on the first or second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. For more information, visit www.claytonvisualarts.org or contact CVA president, Bronwen Fullington at bronwen.fullington@gmail.com.

Second Monday, 6 p.m.

Parents of Adult Children in Transition meeting Virtual Meeting via Google Meet To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@yahoo.com.

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting Golden Corral, Smithfield To learn more, email jimnow42@gmail.com.

Second Wednesday, noon

The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting Virtual via Zoom 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). Email sbrooks@ twccnc.org if you plan to attend the lunch meeting (no fee for guests). For more information go to twccnc.org.

Second Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Johnston County Writers Group Virtual meeting via Zoom The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, email facilitator Cindy Brookshire at jocowriters@gmail.com.

Every other Monday, 6 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C. Virtual meeting Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.

Third Monday, 7 p.m.

Vietnam Veterans of America Smithfield American Legion Post 132 The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting Johnston County Ag Center The monthly meetings are free and open to everyone.

For more information, visit www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@jocobee.org.

Third Tuesday

Widowed Persons Fellowship Group Parkside Cafe, Pine Level There is no charge to join the group.

Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.

Third Tuesday

Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting is a virtual one. Visit https://us02web.zoom. us/j/9216132965 to attend. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email aacjcdp.info@gmail.com.

Third Thursday

Johnston County Republican Women The meeting location changes monthly. For more information, email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.

Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Disabled American Veterans meeting Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.

Clayton Rotary Morning Club Virtual meeting via Zoom Learn more at www.claytonrotaryclub.org.

Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.

Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings JCC Workforce Development Center Meetings can be offered via Zoom if requested by a member. For more, visit www.claytontm.com.

First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Four Oaks American Legion meeting American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6 and 13, 3 p.m.

The Foreigner W.J. Barefoot Auditorium, Benson The Benson Little Theater presents “The Foreigner.” In order to ensure his privacy while vacationing at a Georgia resort, Charlie pretends to be an exotic foreigner who speaks no English. Once alone, he overhears many private and damaging revelations made by the locals with the thought that Charlie can’t understand a word. Hilarity ensues in this hit comedy by Larry Shue. Learn more at www.bensonlittletheater.com/the-foreigner.

Monday, March 7, 9 a.m.

Spring Day Camp Howell Woods, Four Oaks Howell Woods is springing into Spring with a one-day day camp. Join them for a full day of outdoor adventure and fun, including games, crafts, activities and hikes. Contact the Learning Center for registration or information at 919-938-0115 or visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods.

Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m.

Owl Safari Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join a search for the elusive Barred Owl. They will introduce raptors and participants will visit the Birds of Prey exhibit and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures! Please call the Learning Center for more information or to register at 919-938-0115 or visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods. There is a $5 charge for this event.

Friday, March 11, 7 p.m.

Sideline Live at The Rudy, Selma Sideline has become established as a band with firmly entrenched populist precepts. While they remain true to a template that’s etched in the basics of bluegrass, they’re adept at fashioning songs that tell tales from a decidedly personal perspective. Visit www.rudytheatre.com for information and tickets.

Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.

Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market Downtown Selma Gather with friends and enjoy live local entertainment and browse local artists and craftsmen. Shop local and support small businesses. The market is held on North Raiford Street on the second Saturday of the month. Catch the announcement details for the Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County contest. For complete information and/or to set up a booth, contact Selma Parks and Recreation department at 919-975-1411.

Monday, March 21, 6 p.m.

Community Science Watch Series: Frog Watch Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join them as they introduce a variety of citizen science projects this spring. Frog Watch will cover how to identify common frog calls heard in North Carolina and how participants can do this project at home.

Please note that this program will be offered at night. Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. This program is for all ages, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is $5 per participant. For more information or to register, contact the Learning Center at 919-938-0115 or visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods.

Tuesday, March 22, 4 p.m.

Mamm & Glam Johnston Medical Mall, Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield Is it time for your annual mammogram screening? Come out from 4-6 p.m. Registration is required. No walk-ins available.

Screening events include a combination of breast health information, blood pressure screening, a complimentary chair massage, refreshments and a swag bag. Call 919-938-7749 to register for an appointment.

Saturday, March 26, 1 p.m.

The Micro World of Nature Howell Woods, Four Oaks Have you ever wanted to take a closer look at the smaller things outside, from leaves to rocks and more? Learn how to use scientific tools to see nature up close and personal. Please call the Learning Center to register or for more information at 919938-0115 or visit www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods. This program is $5 per participant.

Saturday, March 26, 8 p.m.

Susan Werner The Clayton Center The Chicago Tribune calls Susan Werner one of the most innovative songwriters working today. Don’t miss this clever and engaging performance. For tickets or more information, visit www.theclaytoncenter.com.

Saturday, March 26, 8 a.m.

Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet Barbour's Grove Park, Four Oaks Visit downtown Four Oaks for a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet.

Register your vehicle for trophy and cash prizes. The Four Oaks Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to assist with the festival day event. To learn more, email info@fouroakschamber.com.

Saturday, March 12, 7 p.m.

The Boys from Oak Ridge Live at the Rudy, Selma The Oak Ridge Boys are known world wide as Americas best loved country group. This year, the Rudy Theatre welcomes a tribute band, The Boys from Oak Ridge. This show brings you all the hits you find yourself singing along to. Visit www.rudytheatre. com for information and tickets.

Saturday, March 19, 7 p.m.

The Moores Live at The Rudy, Selma The Moores are six siblings who are each passionate about the music they produce.

Each brings unique skill sets. They are six individuals who are very different, but who come together to create a sound like none have heard before. Their sound is best described as a unique expression of new-traditional bluegrass a sound which will be familiar in many ways, but completely fresh in many more. Visit www.rudytheatre.com for information and tickets.

[ MARCH 2022 ] | 37

This rendering shows what the Thales Academy Flowers Plantation campus, scheduled to open for the 2022-23 school year, will look like.

Thales Academy Flowers Plantation campus enrolling for 2022-23 Submitted by THALES ACADEMY

CLAYTON — Thales Academy, a college preparatory network of K-12 independent schools based in North Carolina, is opening its first campus in Johnston County. Thales Academy Flowers Plantation, located in the Flowers Plantation community near Clayton, is opening a year earlier than expected and is enrolling now for the 2022-2023 school year.

Thales Academy received a generous 19.18-acre land donation from Flowers Plantation to build the new campus in the award-winning master-planned community. “We donated this land to Thales Academy to bring a strong educational option on-site to our families, and we are excited to see children in our community thrive there,” said Rebecca Flowers, owner of Flowers Plantation.

“We are grateful to have the privilege of being a part of the Flowers Plantation community and appreciate Flowers’ generosity,” said Bob Luddy, founder and chairman of Thales Academy. “We look forward to bringing our high quality, affordable education model to families in Johnston County.”

Thales Academy Flowers Plantation will initially offer grades Pre-K through 7 for the inaugural school year. The campus 38 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

plans to add grades in future years, eventually providing a full K-12 offering contingent on adequate interest and enrollment for staffing. The new campus will be conveniently located off Highway 42 just past the Harris Teeter and Publix in Flowers Plantation.

In the first week of admissions for the Flowers Plantation campus, more than 120 families submitted applications for admission. “We knew Flowers Plantation would be a great area for Thales, but we are overwhelmed with the immediate positive response,” Luddy said.

“We are accepting applications now.

I encourage families to submit their applications as soon as possible as we process them on a first-come, first-served basis,” said admissions director Michelle Gruslin.

Thales Academy Flowers Plantation will be led by administrator Caitlin Moody, who has served most recently as the assistant administrator for Thales Academy Raleigh. Prior to joining the administrative team at the Raleigh campus, Moody taught at both Thales Academy Apex K-5 and Thales Academy Knightdale and provided direct instruction method training to fellow teachers.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring our wonderful Thales Academy

education to Flowers Plantation area families, and I am thrilled to open our doors to students this coming school year,” she said.

The Thales Academy Flowers Plantation campus will be similar to other Thales Academy campuses with a design outfitted with the latest safety and security features, including controlled-access doors, security cameras and background check systems for all visitors, as well as advanced HVAC units that provide up to 100% outdoor air to enhance indoor air quality.

Ensuring students are well-versed in technology, the new campus will have Apple TVs in every classroom as well as school-issued iPads included in tuition for junior high (and eventually high school) students and shared iPad and MacBook carts for elementary students.

Thales Academy currently operates 12 campuses in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, instructing more than 4,800 students, and continues to add campuses as demand grows. With the opening of Thales Academy Flowers Plantation along with the new standalone high school campus in Cary also opening this summer, Thales Academy will grow to 14 campuses in the 2022-2023 school year.

For more information or to apply, visit www.ThalesAcademy.org.

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