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GARDEN EASILY GROW YOUR OWN FOOD
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CONTENTS
TABLE OF
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08 09 10 12 18
5th annual Johnston Now Honors set for July Daylight Savings Time brings unwanted task Johnston County Education Foundation to hold 'Dream Big for Education' gala Four Oaks United Methodist starts community garden Clayton High student named to N.C. Board of Education Advisory Council
Home &
20-29 GARDEN 34 Johnston Health recognizes three ambassadors
ON THE COVER Adam Netko, 7, holds aeroponically grown celery at his Clayton home.
[PUBLISHER] column
AN ODE TO TENNIS About 30 years ago, I lost Webb, where I walked on a bet. What that bet actually to what was then a Division was has been lost to time — II tennis team in much the or the effect of advancing age same way that I made the on my longterm memory — high school squad, but the result was I had to which is to say try out for the Marion High they needed a RANDY CAPPS School tennis team. warm body. randy@johnstonnow.com Now, I was athletic enough I actually to play the game but had played never picked up a racket until the early a bunch out of spring of my junior year. I made the necessity and lost team, mainly because there wasn’t much a ton. I played for competition for bench spots, and started a couple of years, learning the basics. then decided that I kept at it, and got good enough to graduating on time play doubles as a senior. I was paired was more important than with a freshman, who was greener than tennis. I was burned out and I was, but we won far more often than took a few years off from the sport. we lost by following the prime directive I played quite a bit in my early 30s, of winning tennis, which is the idea of then I took another decade off as my hitting one more ball back in play than weight got out of hand. I picked up a your opponent. racket again last fall, reconstructed my I left Marion and went to Gardnerdodgy forehand (thanks, Mike) and
YOUR JNOW
TEAM Volume 6, Number 5
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started playing again. It’s a thinking man’s game, which has always appealed to me, but it also makes me feel young again. It reminds me of hitting balls in my hometown, on the public court with no bathrooms, or of the time my first coach at GWU banished me to a side court with a ball machine and told me, “Don’t come back until you’ve learned how to hit a backhand.” It’s a game that taught humility to a young man who needed some and one that still offers lessons and hope to a much older version of the same guy. Even as my shoulder or my knees ache after a couple of sets over at South Johnston, I’m still glad I lost that bet. Whatever it was.
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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.
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[ APRIL 2022 ] | 7
5TH ANNUAL JOHNSTON NOW HONORS SET FOR JULY By MIKE BOLLINGER
SELMA — Johnston Now Honors Presented by Johnston UNC Health Care, a countywide celebration honoring local heroes, will take place Thursday, July 14, at The Farm at 95. A VIP reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the awards program will begin at 6:30 p.m. This is the fifth annual Honors event, which honors Johnston County residents in 12 categories. The categories are Excellence in Arts, Inspiring Coach, Distinguished Police Officer, Dynamic Entrepreneur,
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Outstanding Firefighter, Best Health Care Professional, The Legend Award, Rising Star, Spirit of the County, Exemplary Volunteer, Nonprofit of the Year and Veteran Service Award. All winners will be presented with an award on stage at the July 14 ceremony. In addition, a profile on each honoree will be published in the July edition
of Johnston Now. “We’re pleased to announce the return of Johnston Now Honors for its fifth year,” Johnston Now publisher Randy Capps said. “The program continues to be a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on Johnston County residents who are doing amazing things in their community. It’s always fun
for us to be able to tell those stories.” Nominations for award winners in the 12 categories are now being accepted. To make a nomination, visit www.johnstonnow. com/honors and select the category you want to nominate someone in. You can nominate people in more than one category and can nominate more than one person in a category. The Farm at 95 is located at 215 Batten Road, Selma. For more information, visit www. johnstonnow.com/honors and look for more information in future issues of Johnston Now.
Daylight Savings Time
brings unwanted task
“Does anybody really know resumed. what time it is?” Arizona has not observed That’s the title of a song DST since 1967. Hawaii by Chicago released in 1969, has never observed it. In but it could have applied on Indiana, 12 counties observe March 13, or more accurately Central Daylight Time and the night of March 12, when 80 observe Eastern Daylight MIKE BOLLINGER it was time to turn clocks Time. mike@johnstonnow.com ahead an hour for Daylight However, since I don’t Savings Time. control such things, it was I think the whole exercise is pointless. time to change the clocks. All the ones in Let’s pick either Daylight Savings Time the house were fairly easy to change. A or Standard Time and leave it at that. A couple of things I own, not so much. quick poll of the Johnston Now office I wear a watch. That probably dates revealed the majority would prefer no me a little, but that’s another topic for time change and to have DST yearanother time. round. Here are the instructions for setting said This was actually done from Jan. 6, watch. And, these instructions did not 1974, until April 27, 1975, due to the come in writing with the watch. I have to Arab oil embargo. Supporters pointed to look them up online twice a year. more time for recreation, reduced lighting In TIME mode, press and hold SET/ and heating, reduced crime and reduced RECALL. Time zone will flash. To set, car accidents. Detractors said having push + or – to select first or second time DST all the time had children leaving zone. Press NEXT. Hour digits flash. Press for school in the dark and increased the + or – to change hour including AM/PM. likelihood of industrial accidents in the (Scroll through 12 hours to get to AM/ mornings. PM). Press NEXT. Minute digits flash. The country then returned to standard Press + or – to change minutes. Press time for four months from October 1974 NEXT. Second digits flash. Press + or – to until February 1975 when DST resumed. set seconds to zero. When this trial ended in October 1975, I can never do this correctly the first the practice of having DST in the summer time. I always get irritated to the point
I want to throw the watch out of the window until I slow down, take a deep breath and figure it out. Then there are car clocks. I’m convinced they are not really meant to be changed. I have an older car. Really old, as in 2003. First of all, in order to gain access to the clock to change it, you have to punch in a radio code. Fortunately, the person who bought this car new wrote the code in the owner’s manual, which is unbelievably still in the car after all these years. Once you put in the code, following are the instructions for setting the car clock. To set the time, press the CLOCK (or FM) button until you hear a beep. The displayed time begins to blink. Press and hold the Preset 4 button until the hour advances to the desired time. Press and hold the Preset 5 button until the minutes advance to the desired time. Press the CLOCK (or FM) button again to enter the set time. Fortunately, this exercise only happens twice a year. If it has to be done, I much prefer doing the “spring forward” one since that means longer days and warmer weather are on the way. And, at least we don’t have to fiddle with our clocks again until Nov. 6.
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[ APRIL 2022 ] | 9
Johnston County Education Foundation to hold “DREAM BIG FOR EDUCATION” gala By MIKE BOLLINGER
SELMA — Everybody loves a party, especially when it’s for a good cause. Such an event is planned for Friday, May 6 at The Farm at 42, when the Johnston County Education Foundation holds its “Dream Big for Education” gala at 6 p.m. “This will be our major fundraiser for the next couple of years,” said JCEF executive director Darla Peedin. “Our fundraisers were the spelling bee and Showcase of Stars, and because of the pandemic we haven’t been able to hold these since 2019. You have to err on the side of caution when dealing with children. We hope to be able to have the Showcase this year, and we hope to make the gala an annual event.” The gala will include performances by students from local high, middle and elementary schools. It will also feature art and a silent auction as well as a catered dinner, Peedin said. Performers are scheduled to come from Cleveland, Clayton and SmithfieldSelma high schools; McGee’s Crossroads, North Johnston and Swift Creek middle schools and Benson, Cooper Academy and Princeton elementary schools. The art exhibits will come from several schools
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across the county, Peedin said. According to Peedin, items up for bid in the silent auction will include various items ranging from vacations to a basket with Johnston County goodies. “We will award the items periodically throughout the evening,” she said. The featured speaker will be Catherine Truitt, state superintendent of public instruction and a former Johnston County teacher. Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy will also speak, as will former JCEF scholarship recipients. Remarks will also be delivered by JCEF President Eric Brownlee. Proceeds from the gala will go toward annual scholarships awarded by the JCEF and toward a grant program for teachers to help with programs in their classrooms. “We are revamping our grant program for 2022. Also, we will provide supplies for classrooms in the fall. We hope to be able to provide supplies for the second semester as well,” Peedin said. “All proceeds will go toward Johnston County Public School system needs to start in the fall.”
Hopefully, JCEF will be able to expand the grant program to not only support teachers with creative classroom projects, but also individual students, support staff and groups who are committed to education. The funding raised through the gala will also help the JCEF to continue its day-to-day support of teachers, students and staff in Johnston County. Peedin said she is hopeful starting the gala will jumpstart the foundation’s efforts. “We are trying to get more people interested in the success of Johnston County Public Schools. We want to be a leader in the school system,” she said. “We want to be able to help meet the needs of the growing population of Johnston County and the growing population of the school system.” The JCEF, Peedin said, will definitely award scholarships this year. “Every high school announces the winners at their awards banquet. We work with the schools, particularly the counselors, and our scholarship committee,” she said. The foundation also supports the recognition of the Principal of the Year and the Outstanding Beginning Teacher
o t I o g T a
w t t
P 2 S b w s
h
of the Year. “We also support the Beginning Teacher Institute at the beginning of the each year. We also give grants to the Beginning Teacher of the Year recipient and runner-up,” Peedin said. Peedin said because the gala will be its major fundraiser, the JCEF is hopeful of a good turnout. “This benefits the whole county, not just one area of Johnston County,” she said. “So far, commitments Heather to sponsorships Moser have been good.” Planning for the gala, Peedin said, began in October 2021 when it was determined Showcase of Stars would be canceled. “We’ve been working on it ever since,” she said. The planning committee has been made up of event
chair and foundation board member Heather Moser, Peedin, and JCEF intern and Wake Forest University senior Hannah Hill. There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses, as well as chances to donate items for the silent auction. All donations are tax deductible. “This is a great way to showcase the products or services your business has to offer while supporting a great cause,” Peedin said. Sponsorships are available at several levels. Depending on the level of sponsorship, they can include exclusive “presented by” recognition, a one-time teacher grant in the company’s name, recognition by the master of ceremonies throughout the event, tickets and a reserved table, inclusion in a rotating logo display on auction software and digital screens and the company’s
logo, name and link featured on the JCEF website and on social media postings. No one will be admitted to the gala without a ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the foundation website at www. jcef.foundation or www.
eventbrite.com. If using eventbrite.com, go to “browse events,” then to “pick a date” and then enter May 6. For more information about the gala or the JCEF, visit the foundation website or contact Peedin at 919-934-7977.
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[ APRIL 2022 ] | 11
A new community garden has been established at Four Oaks United Methodist Church. The church hopes to grow healthy food for the community as well as having a space for people to use for community gatherings and reflection.
Four Oaks United Methodist starts community garden
Submitted by FOUR OAKS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FOUR OAKS — Four Oaks United Methodist Church is excited to announce installation of a community garden. “God’s Small Garden,” as it is known to the congregation, was established on the church grounds located at 302 N. Church St. in Four Oaks. At God’s Small Garden, Four Oaks UMC hopes to not only grow good, healthy food, but also provide an outdoor space for community gathering, sanctuary and respite. So far, raised garden beds, lettuce 12 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
towers and potato grow bags have been constructed and filled with soil. More raised beds will be added in the near future. Broccoli and sweet peas have been planted. The garden will also have radishes, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, squash and zucchini. In God’s Small Garden, Four Oaks UMC will grow all produce with sustainable and environmentally sound methods. A community garden has been a goal of the church for several years. The congregation had the vision of transforming a part of their unused green space into a garden that would grow healthy, fresh food. More inspiration was
provided by Four Oaks UMC members Alex and Janelle Blackman of Allis Farm in Benson. “Along with a passion and calling to share God’s gift of good food with our community, the Blackmans have provided an immeasurable gift to the garden with their practical expertise and experience, said Rev. Adam Charville, lead pastor of Four Oaks UMC. Besides growing healthy food to eat, the congregation at Four Oaks UMC established God’s Small Garden as a place to gather together. The purpose of this is to build and strengthen relationships among people. “This is not only for people and
families within our congregation, but also includes our friends, neighbors and people throughout our town of Four Oaks. All people are welcome at God’s Small Garden. This may be to work in the soil cultivating plants or harvesting fresh produce,” Charville said. “Some may come to be a part of a community and enjoy life together. Others may want to sit in a peaceful outdoor space and relax. We pray that God’s Small Garden may be a place for all of this and more.” Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to be distant from each other. The congregation at Four Oaks UMC is seeking to rebuild and reconcile relationships in the community in safe and fruitful ways. “God’s Small Garden is one intentional way the congregation feels God calling us to be together, to share life together, to care for one another, and to do so in an inclusive way. We have faith that God’s Small Garden will be a place where relationships are built and faith is nurtured,” Charville said. The produce that is harvested from the garden will be available to anyone
who wants it. People who spend time working in the garden will be able to take home produce with them. That includes both church members and community volunteers. Four Oaks UMC also has a “free food pantry” located at the church along North Church Street. It looks like a bright green newspaper stand and is available to everyone. Currently, it is stocked with only non-perishable food items. Once the garden is producing food, fresh vegetables will also be available to anyone that wants or needs something to eat. Another goal of God’s Small Garden is to teach people how easy, fun and rewarding it can be to grow fresh food. For many people, growing a garden that produces something edible seems like a daunting task. “With experience at our community garden, we hope to give people the skills and confidence to grow food they can eat. We pray that this helps our community practice habits of healthy eating and compassionate stewardship of God’s creation,” Charville said. Community workdays in God’s Small Garden happen on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
and Saturdays at 10 a.m. All community members are welcome to fellowship at the garden. “You may join us in the work of this mission of the church by helping care for the plants and harvesting, eating and sharing what is grown. The God’s Small Garden at Four Oaks UMC is also open anytime to anyone that would like to be in that space to pray, rest and rejuvenate,” Charville said. “At Four Oaks UMC, we are seeking to cultivate hope through love. All are welcome to come grow with us.” Charville noted that God’s Small Garden was made possible by the prayers, donations and labor of the members of Four Oaks UMC, for the health of the community and for the glory of God. A grant to help establish God’s Small Garden was given by The Conservation Fund’s Resourceful Communities program, a part of The Duke Endowment. For more information about God’s Small Garden at Four Oaks UMC or to find out about how to get involved with the garden or the church, contact Charville at acharville@nccumc.org or by calling the church at 919-963-2095.
[ APRIL 2022 ] | 13
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16 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
Clayton High student named to N.C. Board of Education Advisory Council Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CLAYTON — Clayton High School junior Marcela Villasuso Venegas was recently appointed to the State Board of Education Advisory Council. She was personally chosen by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt to serve the two-year term. The State Board of Education consists of the lieutenant governor, the treasurer and 11 members appointed by the governor for eight-year, overlapping terms, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Eight of the appointed members of the Board represent the eight education districts of the state. These districts are drawn by the General Assembly. Johnston County is in North Central District 3.
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Clayton High School junior Marcela Villasuso Venegas was recently appointed to the State Board of Education Advisory Council. She was personally chosen by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt to serve the two-year term.
Other members of the board include the current and prior year’s North Carolina Teachers and Principals of the Year, who serve as advisors. Other advisors include a local superintendent and a local
school board member. Venegas is one of just two high school students on the advisory council. Each year, the state superintendent personally picks a high school junior for the position on the advisory council. “I’m truly grateful to Superintendent Truitt,” Venegas said. “I look up to her so much.” During her tenure on the advisory council, Venegas hopes to be a bridge between students and the state board of education. “Maybe I can be a guide either for the board to see things from our point of view, or for students to understand what happens behind the scenes,” she said. In addition, she plans to make sure the students of North Carolina are getting the education they deserve. “I think it’s important that we have people have people who really want what’s best for our
students making those decisions for us,” Venegas said. Education is a major focus for her entire family. Her father graduated from college in Mexico. Her two older sisters have also both earned degrees, making them the first in Venegas’ family to graduate college in the United States. It wasn’t without struggle, though. Her dad’s job required that she and her family move around a lot. They went from Tennessee to Canada to Wisconsin and back to Tennessee before putting down roots in Clayton, all by the time Marcela was just 9 years old. Being so young, moving didn’t affect Venegas that much. “I enjoyed living in different places,” she said. The same was not true for her sisters. They struggled to maintain their grades, sometimes due to transcripts being lost from one school to the next. They never gave up, however, Marcela took notice. She is also inspired by her parents’ commitment to providing a better life for her and her sisters. “They packed up everything, moved to a new country not knowing a soul and barely spoke the
language,” Venegas recalled. “They always figured out a way to make it work.” That is why Venegas juggles academics and sports with a laser focus and a positive attitude. “School is so important when it comes to finding your niche and what’s important to you,” she said. Venegas is an honor student taking advanced placement and Johnston Community College courses while also being a conference champion tennis player for the Clayton High Comets. “They both create new opportunities and have opened so many doors for me,” she said. She believes the social aspects of school such as sports, clubs, or any extracurricular activity, is just as important as academics. “All of that ties into your education,” Venegas said emphatically. A Clayton High campus leader, Principal Dr. Bennet Jones said, “Marcela is a fantastic representative of not only Clayton High School, but of Johnston County Public Schools and students across the state of North Carolina. She embodies the Comets’
‘All In’ mentality in all that she does, excelling in the classroom, on the tennis courts, throughout the school, and in the community. We are proud to have her serving as a student advisor to the State Board of Education where she can continue to share her experiences and perspectives in advocacy for all students in North Carolina public schools.” With sights set on life after high school, Venegas plans to spend a year in Canada as an au pair while finishing her associate degree online at Johnston Community College and is taking French now to prepare. “I really want to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. After that, it’s on to a four-year university where Venegas plans to major in either journalism or physics. Never without her journal, she writes in it at least once a day. As far as physics goes, “I really love equations,” she laughed. Until then, Venegas will continue to make her mark at CHS and at the state level with the advisory council. “I’m really excited for the next two years,” Venegas said, smiling. “It’s astonishing to think about.”
[ APRIL 2022 ] | 19
Gardening system helps families grow healthy food Submitted by KERRI-LYNN NETKO
K
erri-Lynn Netko is part of a gardening effort that uses an aeroponic system to allow families to produce fruits, vegetables and herbs in less than two feet of gardening space and without soil. The aeroponic system is a fully automated self-contained growing system with the same technology used by NASA that recycles and uses 98 percent less water, grows three times faster and provides 30 percent more yield as compared to conventional gardening in a small amount of growing space, without soil, and it waters itself. “It comes with everything you need to get growing — including me as your guide. It is simple to set up, requires very little maintenance and turns either the back yard, porch, sunroom, rooftop, kitchen, balcony, patio, classroom or even the office into an indoor or outdoor year-round farmer’s market with no digging, weeding or
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This photo shows an example of how an aeroponic gardening system can allow people to grow vegetables, fruits and herbs in a small amount of space.
manual labor required,” Netko said. People of every age and ability can have the satisfaction of sustainably growing 20plus varieties of plants at a time. There is even a teaching curriculum for growers in every age group. Children are more likely to eat what they participate in growing. Netko said she became involved with the system after her son saw it at a friend’s house. “Our 5-year-old saw it in a friend’s kitchen and asked if he could pick off some lettuce, then asked for more! That’s a parenting win. Also, a close family member had recently experienced a health crisis, and as a nurse I knew the importance of making our health a higher priority,” she said. “This was like the easy button and an effective way to get more good food into our bodies. I was tired of throwing out slimy bags of produce or buying herbs for one recipe and them drying out before I could use them all. We now have multiple vertical gardens and no longer have to make frequent trips to the grocery store. As a bonus, our family is saving money!” She said her son did all of the planting, filled the bottom with water and the minerals provided and they plugged it in. She said he is now in first grade and orders salads for lunch at school. “Within two weeks we were enjoying fresh produce. It provides all of the rewards of a garden without any of the work, while at the same time caring about the planet and reducing our carbon footprint,” Netko said. “We are all looking for convenience and this is the healthiest fast food available. It helps that this produce is in plain sight and because it is still living, both the aroma and flavor are incredible. Not many people realize that grocery store produce has lost about 50 percent of its nutritional value before it is even available for us to purchase,” she said. When a person’s goal is eating well, it’s
This is the future of gardening. Having the satisfaction of ‘I grew that’ and it being even better than farm to table is possible because you can’t get more locally sourced than this, and it is such a fun way to experience gardening 365 days a year.” helpful to understand that most produce is picked weeks before it ripens, meaning it lacks the vitamins and minerals their bodies require, so it ends up being harder for peoples to get the nutrition they need. Also, the system helps to avoid harmful chemicals being sprayed on what users eat, the use of genetically modified seeds, heavy metals and contaminants from the soil, or any recalls due to bacteria. “When we give our body higher quality nutrients, we get to enjoy greater wellbeing. Plus, it’s so fun clipping off what we are eating for our next meal and seeing it grow back in record time,” Netko said. According to Netko, aeroponics is a failproof method that does not require any skill, so the person with a black thumb all the way to an avid and experienced gardener will find a lot of joy with it. It can be a great solution for someone without a lot of time or space as well. The taste is fresh, airy, and crisp all at the same time because the roots are suspended and infused with oxygen, minerals and water all while getting to hear a peaceful waterfall. “Previously, we have tried every method of gardening known to man and either did not have enough land or sunlight or had the garden overtaken by weeds, animals and pests after so much time watering and hard work invested. I have seen a growing desire for people to become more self-responsible in truly knowing where their food is coming from and having the ability to safely
and efficiently provide for themselves or their family. With the continual rising prices of groceries and store shelves often being empty, being able to grow your own organic produce for pennies is a smart decision! And you aren’t limited to vegetables because you can also grow fruit, herbs, and flowers,” Netko said. She said the system empowers families to improve their health and habits by growing their own wholesome foods. Whether making omelets for breakfast, salads or sandwiches for lunch, a stir-fry or soup for dinner, snacks, smoothies or juicing, there are endless ways to enjoy clean and nutrient-rich foods. “We went on vacation last summer and returned after a couple of weeks to watermelon, spaghetti squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, eggplant, celery, parsley, dill, chocolate mint, stevia, snap peas, peppers, basil, okra, arugula, kale and more absolutely thriving,” she said. The tower garden system can be found in community gardens, airports, restaurants, office cafeterias, retirement homes, schools and neighborhoods. “This is the future of gardening. Having the satisfaction of ‘I grew that’ and it being even better than farm to table is possible because you can’t get more locally sourced than this, and it is such a fun way to experience gardening 365 days a year,” Netko said. For more information, visit www. fruitandveggielife.com.
[ APRIL 2022 ] | 21
Termites are social, but not in a good way Submitted by HOMEMASTERS PEST CONTROL
T
ermites are social insects, but you don’t want to host any gatherings for them in and around your home. They live in colonies and are typically found in the ground or in wood. They are usually divided into three groups, subterranean, drywood and dampwood, based on the location of their colonies. The most common termite in this area is the subterranean. The Eastern, Western and Formosan varieties pose the greatest threat to property. Subterranean termites are most likely to be found in crawlspace wood with high moisture content. Once termites have begun to infest a home, damage can appear in as little as a year depending on the size of the colony.
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Subterranean termites travel through mud tubes across brick, concrete and cement foundations and also wood framing and walls. Look out for these tubes, as they can be the first sign of an infestation. While it is always best to have a professional inspect your home for signs of termites, there are some signs of potential problems you can look for. Termites often swarm in warmer weather and after a rain shower to start new colonies. The swarming event is usually brief, so if you don’t see new colonies you are likely to see discarded wings around window sills, doors, heating vents, bathtubs and sinks after a swarm takes place. The mud tubes are generally about the size of a pencil and are normally found on
foundations or inside walls. Because termites eat wood from the inside out, you won’t notice any damage until it is already significant. Termites avoid light, but if you should see what you think is a termite, they are light-colored and are about the size of a grain of rice. So, what can you do to keep termites from using your home for one of their social gatherings? You can call the professionals at HomeMasters Pest Control. HomeMasters uses the Sentricon system to keep termites away, the same system used at landmarks such as the White House, the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall. The Sentricon system introduces bait into your yard and home that termites can’t resist. One device is enough to
destroy a typical termite colony. The bait is chemicalfree and termites enjoy it more than the wood of your home. Worker termites find the bait and then share it with the rest of the colony. The active ingredient prevents termites from maturing through molting, which ultimately results in the elimination of all the termites. The Sentricon bait stations are 4.5 inches in diameter and 10 inches long. The number of stations needed depends on the size of the home, and they are placed between 10 and 15 feet apart around the perimeter. Sentricon is effective against termites, but will not harm pets. “A dog could pull up a bait station and chew on it and not be harmed,” said Katie Crowder, HomeMasters marketing
manager. Unfortunately, the North Carolina climate is ideal for termites. “North Carolina weather goes from hot to cold all within a week, so it’s best to have a barrier to prevent bugs from getting into your home,” Crowder said. “Our weather is the perfect climate for termites. Our combination of warm temperatures, humidity and wood construction makes the perfect environment for termites.” A good pest control company can make sure your home isn’t the place for a termite colony to hold its summer gathering. HomeMasters Pest Control has been serving customers in Johnston County since 2001. For more information about termite treatment or other services, visit www.homemasterspest.com or call 1-877-55-PESTS.
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Saturday, May 7
Downtown Smithfield www.hamandyam.com Since 2012
Owning a home can have tax advantages Submitted by FLOWERS PLANTATION
T
here can be all sorts of financial advantages to home ownership and some tax advantages, too. The primary financial advantage of homeownership, as opposed to renting, is that the housing payment never changes. So your mortgage will stay the same for 30 years, but your rent is very likely to go up. Every mortgage payment
you make is a bonus for you, not a landlord. It’s even possible that your mortgage payment will be significantly less than monthly rent. Meanwhile, if the house is well maintained, it’s value is likely go up with time. Your home investment is less likely to be affected by inflation. Of course, there are many other advantages that are not financial: You control your own living space and can
$
make it look the way you want while without worrying about a landlord selling the property. At tax time, several deductions may give you an advantage: • Mortgage interest, a portion of your mortgage payment, can be tax deductible. Your lender will send you a form each year telling how much interest you paid. • Property taxes. These are often included in the mortgage
$$
payment. You can deduct up to $10,000 in property taxes each year. • Home office deduction. Self-employed people can take a deduction for a percentage of their housing expenses. • Mortgage points. If you paid points on a mortgage, these can sometimes be deducted. • As you pay off your house, you acquire equity in it. So, when you need to make improvements, you can get a home equity loan and will be able to deduct the interest you pay.
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Johnston County state of the housing market update Submitted by HOMETOWNE REALTY
S
pring has sprung in the 2022 Johnston County real estate market! We are still experiencing very low inventory levels and high buyer demand in our local market. Interest rates are volatile and have increased over the first quarter. Appreciation rates are increasing moderately as well. This has impacted a segment of our market, especially for first-time home buyers and their ability to purchase. Given the state of rentals and the increased rent rates, in most cases, it’s still a better option to purchase a home, if your credit ratios allow. We are showing less than a five-day period for most homes listed to go under contract in this market. Inventory is lower
this year than the prior two years and demand is still driving the market uptick. Many have asked about foreclosures and if there will be any impact to our market. That’s a good question, and the market will normalize, as will foreclosures over time. With the high equity value in most homes under duress, we don’t see much of an issue with foreclosures or if there will be any possible opportunities to buy one over the next several months. Most homeowners under forbearance still have lots of equity in their home and likely will sell the home before it goes into foreclosure. The foreclosure process typically takes several months before a home will actually go into foreclosure and on the market. We are seeing out of state buyers coming from several metro areas in the West, North
and even Florida. These buyers still view our home prices as a good buy compared to the much higher prices in those states from where they are relocating. Our market values are still affordable to many buyers and they see opportunity to have more appreciation moving forward. Large institutional buyers are also fired up about our market. They are purchasing multiple blocks of housing for their rental portfolios, which competes with most typical buyers and causes inventory shortages locally. Our market is vibrant and in high demand. New road construction and job opportunities continue even in this inflationary period. This area provides a fairly safe opportunity if and when the overall U.S. market slows some. The market actually needs some breathing
[ APRIL 2022 ] | 29
30 | [ JOHNSTON NOW ]
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Johnston Health recognizes three ambassadors
Submitted by JOHNSTON HEALTH
SMITHFIELD — Johnston Health has recognized Stephanie Lombard, a financial support representative in the business office, as Ambassador of the Month for January; Tammy Braswell, the lead CT technologist in radiology as Ambassador of the Month for February and Lynn Rhodes, the intake nurse at Johnston Health Home Care & Hospice, as Ambassador of the Month for March. During a recent presentation, Johnston Health CEO Tom Williams said Lombard offers new ideas, solves problems and is always willing to help her teammates by sharing her knowledge and expertise. Her area of focus is billing for home health and hospice. Before coming to Johnston Health, Lombard worked in medical billing and coding at Trinity Health in Massachusetts. She started at age 17 delivering meal trays and sitting with patients. She enjoyed the work so much that she thought about
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CEO Tom Williams, left, congratulates Tammy Braswell on being named Johnston Health Ambassador of the Month. At right is Josh Hoover, director of radiology. In addition to a parking sign and designated parking spot, Braswell will receive eight hours of paid time off.
becoming a nurse. But when she changed jobs and worked
as a file clerk, she began learning about the hospital’s business side and loved it. In 2018, she and her husband, Todd, moved to North Carolina for his job as an insurance appraiser. And after being a stay-at-home mom for a few months, she applied for an opening in the business office at Johnston Health. “I like change and seeing opportunities to grow,” Lombard said. “And I like that we’re all working together here
as a team.” Lombard is now working toward a master’s degree in health care management. And, she says she’s still tinkering with the idea of becoming a nurse one day. The couple lives in Bailey and has a 12-year-old daughter, Leah, who is a competitive cheerleader. Williams said Braswell stands out for her work to ensure that patients with symptoms of stroke get the timely CT scans needed for a
Johnston Health CEO Tom Williams, second from left, congratulates Lynn Rhodes on being named Johnston Health Ambassador of the Month for March. At left is Beth Walker, clinical manager of home care and hospice, and at right is Tracey Carson, associate vice president of patient care services.
Johnston Health recently recognized Stephanie Lombard as its Ambassador of the Month. From left are Katlyn Creech, analyst and specialty services supervisor in the business office; Eddie Klein, chief financial officer; Lombard; CEO Tom Williams; and Angela Deans, director of patient financial services.
diagnosis and treatment. “With 33 years of experience in our radiology department, she is a valuable resource,” Williams said. “She is a thoughtful leader who is always willing to train and assist her teammates.” Braswell says she loves the community, the hospital and her work family. “When I first started in 1987 as an X-ray technologist, I enjoyed the convenience of working close to home. But through the years, it’s become so much more,” she said. “My work family are the sisters and brothers I never had,” Braswell continued. “We’ve been through births, sickness and death. We share the same level of commitment, compassion and respect.” She and her husband, Roy, live in Princeton and have two grown daughters and a granddaughter. Williams said Rhodes is a fierce advocate who goes above and beyond to get the physician referrals and insurance coverage required to get the services that patients are seeking.
Through the ambassador program, Johnston Health recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. They deliver quality care, foster teamwork and offer
“She shares information with medical offices so that everyone is clear on what’s needed,” he says. “She’s always willing to learn and grow. She offers solutions instead of placing blame,” Williams said. “She is the voice on the phone that everyone wants to hear.” Before joining Johnston Health 14 years ago, Rhodes was a regional director for a home health agency for 16 years and had as many as 800 patients in her area. “I needed to downsize and this job was the perfect fit,” she said. “I love home health now just as much as I did when I first started 30 years,” Rhodes continued. “I get to make a difference in the lives of patients, and I feel that serving others is my calling.” Rhodes and her husband, Vernon, live near Bentonville and have three grown children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching the cooking channel on TV and painting, which she began as a hobby when she was in high school.
excellent service. In addition to a designated month-long parking space, Lombard, Braswell and Rhodes each received eight hours of paid time off.
[ APRIL 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
April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9 a.m.
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Cardio Drumming Class Harrison Center for Active Aging, Selma Cardio Drumming Class every Monday at 9 a.m. Check it out on their Facebook Live on Harrison Center for Active Aging page. No fee. If 50 and older come in person. Hurry in this class fills fast, only 14 spots open. For more information, email tammy@cssjohnston.org or call 919-965-2627.
Monday, April 4, 6:30 p.m.
Marketing Your Small Business Online Johnston Community College Small Business Center Marketing for the 21st century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive webinar. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. Visit www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280420012 to register.
Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m.
Owl Safari Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join them on a search for the elusive Barred Owl. They will introduce raptors, participants will visit the Birds of Prey exhibit, and then take a truck ride to search for these nocturnal creatures! 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, call 919-938-0115 or visit johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods.
Friday, April 8, 8 p.m.
Lorrie Morgan The Clayton Center Rolling Stone magazine has called Lorrie Morgan one of country musics most versatile talents of the past three decades, and rightfully so considering she has been around great songs all her life. Morgan is the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive platinum albums. Leave the Light On (1989), Something in Red (1991) and Watch Me (1992), all earned platinum status. For more information, call 919-553-1737 or email eventinfo@townofclaytonnc.org. To purchase tickets, visit www.event.etix.com.
Saturday, April 9, 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. For complete information and/or to set up a booth, contact Selma Parks and Recreation department at 919-975-1411
Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.
Selma Baptist Church, 1500 N. Webb St., Selma Join them for an Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.selmabaptistchurch.com.
Saturday, April 9, 7 p.m.
An Evening with Sean of the South The Clayton Center Sean of the South, a.k.a. Sean Dietrich, shares his humorous and heartfelt stories of the common man and everyday life. For more information, call 919-553-1737 or email eventinfo@townofclayton.org. To purchase tickets, visit www.event.etix.com.
April 11-15, 9 a.m.
Howell Woods Spring Break Camp Howell Woods, Four Oaks Join them this April on Spring Break Week as they offer an outdoor camp full of fun and adventure! This camp will include games, activities, and more based on local wildlife and having fun outside. This camp is for ages 8-12 and and will be based on the Johnston County Public Schools 2021-2022 school calendar. For more information, call 919-938-0115 or visit johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods.
Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m.
Breakeven and Cash Flow Johnston Community College Small Business Center Small businesses often think they are making a profit, but are struggling to have any money left after paying the bills. An expert in the financial field will discuss how to plan a budget so the small business owner will have cash flow to buy more merchandise or have enough cash flow to bid on a big contract. You will learn the importance of knowing how to budget to plan for a cash flow and break even. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. Visit www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280420013 to register.
Sunday, April 17, 11 a.m.
Outdoor Easter Service Downtown Selma in front of Town Hall, 114 N. Raiford St., Selma Selma Baptist Chursh is hosting an outdoor Easter service for the community will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Those attending are asked to bring a chair. For more information, visit www.selmabaptist church.com.
Tuesday, April 19, 4 p.m.
Mamm & Glam Smithfield Ambulatory Imaging, Johnston Medical Mall 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.
Friday, April 22, noon
Earth Day 2022 Nature Play Day Howell Woods, Four Oaks Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, Howell Woods is happy to offer a free Nature Play Day to the public. It will consist of fun materials to play with, from bubbles to paints and more! 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 free to the public. For more information, call 919-938-0115 or visit johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods.
Saturday, April 23, 10:30 a.m.
Goat Yoga at Homestead at Little Creek Goat yoga is starting up again at The Homestead at Little Creek. Classes will begin at 10:30 a.m. and noon. They partner with their friends at Victory Power Yoga in Clayton. All events are located outside. Once participants arrive at the farm, they will have the opportunity to snuggle all the babies or catch a restroom break in the climate controlled kennel before classes begin. Mats are provided for each attendee included in the ticket price. For tickets, visit thehomestead.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact them at homestead littlecreek@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 23, 7 p.m.
Diane Bailey and Dayle Eason Country Legends Tribute Live @ The Rudy, Selma The Rudy Theatre will host Diane Bailey and Dayle Eason for a Country Legends Tribute Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27, 8 a.m.
ElevateHER Empowerment Summit The Clayton Center ElevateHER, a Clayton Chamber of Commerce Empowerment Summit, is scheduled for April 27 at the Clayton Center. Featured speakers will be Dr. Kadijatu Grace Ahene, psychologist, author, fashion designer and corporate CEO; Stacy Cassio, founder and CEO of the Pink Mentor Network, Charlotte’s first female mentorship community; Vivian Howard, award-winning cookbook author, TV personality and restaurateur and Melissa Overton, RN, BSN and owner and founder of MedicalTraining.me, PLLC. The speakers, lunch and an expo will run from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and there will be a VIP meet and greet reception with wine and cheese from 2:45-4 p.m. To register or for more information, visit www.claytonchamber.com.
Wednesday, April 27, 6 p.m.
How to Write a Business Plan Johnston Community College Small Business Center A successful business will start with a good business plan. When a business fails, statistics show that it’s usually due to no planning or poor planning before the business was opened. In this seminar learn the key points that need to be considered in a good plan. Written business plans are usually required by financial institutions, landlords, and often times vendors. This seminar is a must for all potential and current small business owners. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. Visit www.ncsbc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=280420016 to register.
NAMI Support Groups and Classes
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free weekly support groups throughout Johnston County for both those who are in recovery with mental illness (NAMI Connection) and for their caregivers, loved ones and friends as well (NAMI Family Support). For more information on the support groups and educational classes of NAMI Johnston County, NC, visit www.namijcnc.net, email namijcnc@gmail.com or call 919-980-5277.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m.
Smithfield Running Club Join the Smithfield Running Club each week to meet new people, get back in shape, train for races and explore the growing downtown area of Smithfield. For more information, find them on Facebook by searching for Smithfield Running Club or email smithfieldrunningclub@gmail.com.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 7 a.m.
Cleveland School Rotary Club Cleveland Draft House, Garner Cleveland School Rotary Club meets bi-weekly and serves the citizens of the 40/42 area of Johnston County and Garner.
Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday, 2 p.m.
Trivia Party Clayton Center for Active Aging Join the folks at Clayton Center for Active Aging with trivia each Wednesday at 2 p.m. Call 919-295-9163 to play. For more information, contact the center at 919-553-4350.
First and third Tuesdays, Noon
Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club Virtual meeting via Zoom This small group of service-minded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County. Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonMiddayRotary to learn more.
First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Smithfield Lions Club Mayflower Restaurant, Smithfield This group gathers for fellowship and business. The dinner is self-pay. The meeting and meal begins at 5:30 p.m. Come learn about the club and how we help 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.
First and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meeting Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84, S. Brightleaf Blvd., Smithfield Fellowship Masonic Lodge #84 meets the first and third Thursday of each month. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and visitors are welcome. The lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email Grover Dees at gdees1@nc.rr.com.
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. Visit www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.
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First Tuesday, Noon
Clayton Visual Arts meeting The Clayton Center Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) is a nonprofit 501(3)c organization dedicated to bringing Art to Clayton. Its members are artists, educators and art lovers. CVA engages and promotes the visual arts and strives to emphasize quality, diversity and accessibility to all local artists. Please consider joining and help support the arts in Clayton. Monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at The Clayton Center in the York Room on the second floor. They also host monthly artist receptions on the first or second Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Clayton Center. For more information, visit www.claytonvisualarts.org or contact CVA president, Bronwen Fullington at bronwen. fullington@gmail.com.
Second Monday, 6 p.m.
PACT meeting Virtual Meeting via Google Meet Parents of Adult Children in Transition meets the second Monday of each month. To learn more about this program which benefits families coping with special needs, contact Jeff Holland at hollandjeff@ yahoo.com.
Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.
Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal
Employees meeting Golden Corral, Smithfield Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email jimnow42@gmail.com.
Second Wednesday, noon
The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting Virtual via Zoom 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.
Every other Monday, 6 p.m.
Kiwanis Club of Clayton, N.C. Virtual meeting 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. Visit www.facebook.com/ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.
Third Monday, 7 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans of America Smithfield American Legion Post 132 The Smithfield Chapter 990 meeting of the Vietnam Veterans of America is every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Third Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Johnston County Beekeepers Association meeting Johnston County Ag Center The Johnston County Beekeepers Association serves beginner and experienced beekeepers with educational programs and experiences. We teach and encourage better apiculture methods and promote cooperation and sharing among beekeepers, homeowners and farmers. Our monthly meetings are free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.jocobee.org or email JCBAPresident@jocobee.org.
Third Tuesday
Widowed Persons Fellowship Group Parkside Cafe, Pine Level The Widowed Persons Fellowship Group, Johnston County, cordially invites widowed males and females to join them at their monthly self-pay dinner meeting. There is no charge to join their group. Come and see what they’re all about. Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.
Third Tuesday
Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month. 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.
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Third Thursday
Johnston County Republican Women The Johnston County Republican Women (JCRW) meets on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December). Our meeting location changes monthly. For more information email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.
Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans meeting Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road Smithfield Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m.
Clayton Rotary Morning Club Virtual meeting via Zoom Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet. Learn more at www.claytonrotaryclub.org.
Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.
Clayton Area Toastmasters meetings JCC Workforce Development Center Clayton Area Toastmasters is a public speaking club in affiliation with Toastmasters International. Meetings can also be offered via Zoom if requested by a member. For more, visit www.claytontm.com.
First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Four Oaks American Legion meeting American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks All veterans are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting of Four Oaks American Legion Post 346 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
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