February 2024

Febru a ry 2024

From Hotel to Home

Selma sisters preserve the past pg. 10-11

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[ Publisher ] column

marriage

YOUR JNOW

I

Shanna and I do — working walked into my BNI together and spending 17 (Business Networking hours a day together, but then International) meeting retreating to separate bed recently and made a beeline rooms — wouldn’t work for to my friend, Johnnie Beasley. everybody.

I had agreed to do But, then again, some of the the group’s 10-minute things I see my married friends presentation the same Randy Capps do wouldn’t work for me. week that Shanna and I randy@johnstonnow.com The American Psychological were planning to take our Association suggests that anniversary trip, so I had to 40-50 percent of first marriages end in let him know that I wasn’t going to be in divorce, and that’s certainly been the town. case in my circle of friends.

“We’re celebrating our 24th I’m proud that I’ve managed to stay anniversary,” I said. He replied with married that long. It’s a testament to my surprise, with a comment on how rare that wife’s patience and endurance, to be sure, was in today’s age. but I also try to let her know everyday how Now, I’m fond of saying that there are a much she means to me. lot of different ways to be married. What

That’s one of the pieces of marriage advice I’d give. Another would be to take down the scoreboard. Whether it’s money, household chores or parenting, keeping count of who’s doing what is a road to nowhere.

The last one? Wake up every morning seeking ways to make your family happy.

You’ll quickly learn that succeeding in that goal will lift you up as well.

Table of

A beginner’s guide to

TEAM

7

A Matter of Principle

9

KS Bank reaches 100-year milestone

10

Selma sisters preserve the past

26

Community Calendar

On the Cover Sisters Josephine Ricks Talton, left and Hilda Ricks Sullivan hold an image of the Merchants' Hotel.

4 Great Shows for 1 low price, $75

WE WOULD

Volume 8, Number 3

A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

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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.

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TO BE THE TOWN YOU CALL HOME

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[ February 2024 ] • 5

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A Matter of Principle:

Fair play

or Fool’s Gold

By Qarol Price

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ll’s fair in love and war,” or so the saying goes. Both conditions are in their own ways extreme, so the usual rules might not apply.

But they do apply everywhere else.

You must practice fair play. In the boxing ring, for instance, it has to be a fair fight. That is why fighters are divided into various weight classes: Featherweight, Bantamweight, Lightweight, Middleweight, Heavyweight. If you put Mike Tyson in the ring against Skinny Pete, nobody but a sadist is going to enjoy the match.

What makes a “fair fight?”

Of course, the combatants must be evenly matched physically. The fight will then prove which of the gloved warriors possesses superior skills.

But suppose one cheats and loads his glove with a horseshoe or a pair of brass knuckles. Down goes his opponent. Does the “victor” have anything to be proud of?

I should say not!

It is what we call a hollow victory because it wasn’t fair.

What has the winner learned about himself? Certainly not that he is worthy of the acclaim the crowd will give him — until they find out what he did, and the Boxing Commission strips the cheater of his title.

In that moment he will be forced to see what he should have seen all along: that he has only proven his unworthiness. He may have gained the world (championship) but only by losing his soul, i.e., his selfrespect.

And the same holds true for the student who cheats on

a test, or who buys someone else’s old term paper. The cheater thinks she has gotten away with something, accomplished something with her devious cleverness.

But the poor fool eventually discovers that her short-cut only got her lost. She has short-circuited the necessary process of growing in skill and in learning. She has simply proven, hopefully to herself, her own unworthiness.

She has, in the final analysis, demonstrated that there can be no real victory, no genuine achievement, without fair play. Without fairness you can never know your own worth.

Remember when, a few years ago, a woman running in the New York City Marathon ducked out and took a shortcut to the finish-line? “Winning” that way is really losing.

You know you couldn’t have won it fairly, so your fancy trophy will be nothing but a

booby prize. If you have any conscience left at all, the sight of that trophy will always remind you what a loser you really are!

But someone might object, what if you play it fair and lose? Where’s the glory in that? But there is glory in it!

You will have the satisfaction of knowing you did your best, and that you played fairly.

That’s the real prize, even if they don’t give you a shiny trophy for it. If you cheat your way to the “A” grade or the laurel wreath, you will have won no gold medal but rather one made of fool’s gold, the only reward for a fool.

Qarol Price is a writer and educator. She has taught philosophy to children in Johnston County Public Schools and in Harlem. She is a resident of Selma.

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Submitted by KS Bank

SMITHFIELD — KS Bank is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 100th anniversary in business.

Currently, there are estimated to be fewer than 1,000 companies in the United States that have survived 100 years — less than half a percent of all businesses in the U.S. Founded in 1924, the institution began as Kenly Building & Loan Association, primarily providing home loans to individuals in Kenly and the broader Johnston County area. In 1961, the company changed its name to Kenly Savings & Loan Association and hired its first Executive Vice President, Harold McRae. Under his leadership, the bank opened a second office in Selma. McRae served as Executive Vice President until 1990, when the first

President and CEO, Harold T. Keen, was elected.

The bank began expanding to other markets, and in 1999, changed its name to KS Bank.

Keen served as President and CEO until January 2022, when Earl W. Worley, Jr. was elected to lead the bank, and Keen stepped into a role as the bank’s President Emeritus.

Since the bank’s establishment in 1924, it has evolved into a full-service,

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state-of-the-art community bank. The bank now operates nine retail banking locations in Johnston, Wilson, Wayne and Wake counties, with a tenth retail branch currently being constructed in Dunn.

In addition to traditional banking products, KS Bank offers business and commercial loans, trust and wealth products, and a complete range of electronic banking products and services.

Target announces

new store in Selma

dventure Development, LLC, is pleased to announce that Target will open a new location at Eastfield, a mixeduse development in Selma.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Target to Johnston County,” AdVenture Development President Kevin Dougherty said. “When we conducted surveys, Target was the retailer that people wanted most in their community. With our diverse mix of retailers in Eastfield, residents can now look forward to having their favorite shops close to home and work.”

Target will join other retail tenants Hobby Lobby, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington and Five Below in Phase 1 of a 200,000 square-foot retail development in Eastfield, located at Exit 97 and 98 on I-95. Construction in the retail development phase is underway

“Our longevity is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers,” said Worley. “For 100 years, we have been a part of various communities in eastern North Carolina, offering not just banking products but also funding the dreams of small business owners, providing stable careers for our employees and giving leadership and financial support for organizations making our communities a great place to live and work. We’re excited for the future of KS Bank and are committed to offering superior service and support for the next 100 years.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion, KS Bank has planned a series of exciting events for the community throughout the year. These celebratory activities will express gratitude to loyal customers and welcome new customers into the KS Bank family.

Connect with KS Bank on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on their celebrations.

with the first tenants opening later this year.

Target will build an approximately 130,000 square-foot store, to be located at 551 Saint Mark Avenue, along Highway 70A and accessed from the Highway 70 intersection.

Eastfield is a master planned, mixeduse development comprising a business park, retail, medical, coworking, hospitality, entertainment, senior and residential living on about 400 acres of land.

Recently completed projects in the development include Shield Republic, Carolina Wholesale Flooring and Old North State Food Hall at Triangle East Collaborative (TEC) and Eastfield Business Park Building 100.

To learn more about Eastfield and AdVenture Development, LLC, visit adventuredev.com.

[ February 2024 ] • 9

▸ An article from The

Morning Post, Raleigh, Jan. 3, 1904 discusses the charter for the hotel corporation. Photo provided by the Johnston County Heritage Center.

▸ Leon Thurston Ricks Sr. and Letha Noble Honeycutt Ricks were married Jan. 4 1930 and purchased the Merchants’ Hotel in 1944.

▸ Josephine Talton's Selma home was built in 1964 using bricks, pine flooring and beams from the hotel her family owned and operated.

Talton laid many of the bricks in the front landscaping area herself.

From Hotel to Home: Selma sisters preserve the past

By Jamie Strickland

G

rowing up inside a hotel made for an unusual but extraordinary childhood for the children of the Ricks family of Selma, who owned and operated what was once the Merchants’ Hotel across from the Union Depot from 1944-1963.

The building, later referred to as Ricks Hotel, no longer stands, but the memories are alive and well with sisters Hilda Ricks Sullivan and Josephine Ricks Talton.

Their mother, Letha Noble Honeycutt Ricks, purchased the hotel on March 4, 1944 after learning about its availability at a church meeting and borrowing the $3,500 it cost from her parents. She ran the hotel and its dining room while her husband, Leon Thurston Ricks Sr., operated Selma’s first taxi service. The family lived in their own quarters inside the hotel.

10 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Talton’s memory may be failing her in some areas, but she retains vivid memories of playing at the railroad station and meeting lots of interesting travelers, including Johnston County native and celebrity movie star Ava Gardner, who her father once drove in his white Plymouth taxi car.

▸ The hotel once stood across from the Union Railroad

Station in Selma, near the intersection of what is now Sellers Street and E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

“To this day if I hear a train blowing its whistle it brings back memories, just like that,” she said.

The two-story, 20-room hotel was built in 1904 by a group of local businessmen. Each room had its own sink but there was only one bathroom with a tub and toilet for the guests to share. Under the ownership of the Ricks, the hotel served as a regular respite for many World War II era soldiers going to and from assignments and railway workers traveling to Selma throughout the years. It had one phone located downstairs, and Talton remembered the phone number as 5-0W because it was displayed on the side of her father’s taxi.

“The men would always want to stay in their same room each time,” Sullivan said. They paid just 75 cents per night and the telephone service cost two dollars per month.

The men loved her mother’s home cooked meals, and Sullivan remembers helping out in the kitchen from as young as five years old.

“She was the best cook,” Sullivan said.

“We would make wild blackberry jam and pick blueberries in jars. I remember peeling peaches and mother would make pickled peaches. I would help her set the table.”

The children got used to having railway men around as they grew up. “They were just like family almost,” Talton said.

And the safety of the children was never a concern. “It was a different time, you could trust people then.”

The hotel even had a permanent resident who was living there when the Ricks’ took over the place and remained until it was torn down. The sisters remember him only as Mr. Gurley, and that he owned a local fish market and loved their mother’s sweet tea.

They laughed as they shared memories of making what they called “Gurley tea.”

“We ran out of tea one time, and Mr. Gurley asked for some. So Jo took the leftover tea from people’s glasses in the dining room and poured it all together and served it to him. Jo was happy because he gave her a big tip, and she used it to buy candy at the train station.”

Talton (Jo) described herself as a rambunctious child, walking along the railroad tracks, riding her bike with local children hanging on the back, and playing in and around storage buildings in the back of the hotel.

▸ A postcard showing the Merchants’ Hotel as it was in 1910. Photo provided by the Johnston County Heritage Center

“I would get out there and swing and jump from building to building,” she said. “They’d come out there and tell me to stop and I’d just hide until they left and then I’d be right back to it. I loved it down there.”

“She was definitely the ring leader,” said Sullivan, who is five years younger than her sister. “All the kids loved to be around her.”

The family had five children in total, four sisters who grew up at the hotel and one brother who was born after

▸ Sisters Josephine Ricks Talton, left and Hilda Ricks

Sullivan hold an image of the Merchants’ Hotel. The fireplace shown is in Mrs. Talton’s home and was constructed with bricks from the torn down hotel’s chimneys. Flooring and wooden beams in the home were also salvaged and reused.

the family moved into a home that still stands in Selma in the area of Ormond Plaza on Pollock Street.

The oldest sibling was Patricia Ricks Byrd, who was 15 at the time the family took over the hotel. Followed by Talton who was 10, Sullivan who was 5, and Kay Ricks Strickland who was a newborn.

Younger brother Leon Thurston Ricks Jr. (Rick) was born later.

When the hotel was torn down in 1963, the family salvaged building materials such as bricks from its five chimneys, and its pine floors and beams and used them for new construction. Talton’s Selma home on Old Beulah Road was built using those materials, as was a duplex building near the downtown area, which the family built and rented out for extra income. “Mother was always thinking of how to make money,” Sullivan said. “She always said all she ever wanted was to be a wife and a mother, but she did so much more.”

Sullivan has many memories of growing up in Selma and recalled a different way of life.

“The grocery stores would set up on the street to sell their produce, and Mother raised her own chickens,” she said. “I remember we entered our sister Kay in a baby contest and she won!”

She added that she’s working with the Johnston County Heritage Center to produce a book about the hotel and her memories of growing up there, and is taking pre-orders from anyone who would like a copy.

To place an order, call 984-213-1004 and leave a message.

[ February 2024 ] • 11

The Relationship Dance Sarah R. Coates, LCMHC

coming March 2024!

Johnston County is home to amazing eats, and JNOW is going to highlight the best. Complete with menus, photos, stories and more, this annual magazine and website will be our area’s go-to dining guide all year long.

of Month

My husband and I recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. Twenty years feels like a lifetime and then it also feels like we’re still youngsters. I’ve almost owned One80 as long as I’ve been married. This year One80 turns 17. Seventeen years feels almost like a lifetime as well.

A lot has happened in 17 and 20 years. I mainly think about how much my marriage has changed. You see, like many newly married couples early married life was tough.

Submitted by UNC Health Johnston

S Sarah Coates, M.Ed, LCMHC, NCC

And so after 20 years of marriage, my main recommendation on how to maintain and sustain a healthy relationship is this : “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.”Maybe you’ve heard this saying before. In marriage that translates to “if you respect and love me, then that makes me want to respect and love you more. And then you feel loved and respected, which makes you show more love and respect towards me.” And this dance if you will, makes the marriage bond stronger & stronger.

The trouble with many couples these days is the human nature of selfishness gets in the way, due to feeling unloved or mistreated. And the scratch my back I’ll scratch yours strategy goes out the window.

The secret to a long successful relationship is Selfless respect & love.

Marriage is definitely a dance. But when we set aside selflessness and focus on showing love and respect to our partner, the dance flows so much smoother.

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Angiographer tech named Ambassador

MITHFIELD — UNC Health Johnston has recognized Krista Shay of Clayton, an angiography technologist, as Ambassador of the Month.

During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Shay recently worked with materials management and Epic support teams to update processes so that interventional radiology supplies and procedures could be fully documented.

“This was a huge undertaking involving many people and steps,” he said. “She filled out forms for thousands of items, listing prices, box sizes and other details. In

addition to her detective skills, she is always pleasant, smiling and eager to help.”

Before joining Johnston in August 2021, Shay helped open an orthopedic clinic in Wilson.

Earlier, she worked in an interventional radiology department for eight years at a hospital in Westchester County in New York. It was her first job after graduating from radiography school.

“I love taking care of my patients, and I enjoy the precise, intricate procedures that come with interventional radiology and the challenge of finding what’s wrong,” she said.

“In the short time I’m with patients, I do everything I can to make them feel better.”

Shay grew up in upstate New

▸ At center, CEO Tom Williams congratulates Krista Shay on being named UNC Health

Johnston’s Ambassador of the Month. At far left and right are: Tracey Carson, vice president of patient care services; and Josh Hoover, director of radiology. In addition to a parking sign and designated parking spot, Shay will receive eight hours of paid time off.

York. She and her husband, Tom, who designs parks and recreation fields, moved to North Carolina three years ago to be closer to clients and projects in Raleigh. They have two sons, Parker, 10, and Maddox, 7. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, sports and watching their boys play baseball.

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

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

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"Do unto others as you want them to do to you." (Matt. 7:12) [ February 2024 ] • 13

ROOFING

Darryl Strawberry to speak at Selma event on Feb. 10

THAT LASTS A LIFETIME!

Submitted by Recovery Alive

S

ELMA — Recovery Alive, Inc. is pleased to announce its Third Annual Gala, “Night of Hope,” featuring New York Times BestSelling Author and former baseball player Darryl Strawberry. The event is set for February 10, at 6 p.m. at The Farm at 42 in Selma.

Strawberry, who played for World Series championships with the New York Mets and New York Yankees, will share his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles as he delves into his battles with cancer, addiction, the pain of abuse and dealing with autism.

The “Night of Hope” gala promises an elegant evening with a four-course dinner, featuring filet mignon, a premier live and silent auction and the chance to interact with key community figures, including staff, leaders, coaches, athletes and students.

Recovery Alive is committed to transforming local communities through the power of local churches. The gala is a celebration of these efforts and an invitation to learn more about its impactful work.

Opportunities for event sponsorship are open. Individual tickets for the event are being sold at $125 per ticket. The event's tickets and sponsorships can be obtained via the official event website https://app.aplos.com/aws/events/2024_gala_darryl_strawberry or at recoveryalive.com.

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120 years later, Selma is still pushing forward

MULTIPLE COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM!�

hey say history repeats itself. In the case of the Town of Selma, that certainly seems to be the case.

I was looking for information on the origins of the Merchants’ Hotel, (the topic of another article in this issue) and the Johnston County Heritage Center was kind enough to send over some old news reports that mention the establishment. I was absolutely struck by the similarities between what is happening in the Town of Selma now and what was taking place 120 years ago.

A 1904 News & Observer article titled “Town of Selma Pushing Forward” talks about community progress and growth driven by local merchants, residents and investors. Parts of the subheadings say “Thrifty People Making Strides to the Front” and “General Improvement Should Set Example to Many Other North Carolina Towns.” Talk about coming full circle.

Anyone who’s been following news from Selma lately will be immediately reminded of the Activate Selma group - an all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of the community. I’ve heard it said dozens of times over the past few years - Activate Selma is setting the example.

This grassroots group is boosting local business, creating a space for dialogue, welcoming new investors and

just generally helping the town put its best foot forward.

These efforts, combined with progress-minded leaders are helping Selma see big results in the form of

are most definitely setting the example, as other nearby communities begin looking to them for guidance.

Princeton has recently launched their own

▸ This feature article about the Town of Selma ran in the Sept. 25, 1904 issue of the

News & Observer. Photo courtesy of Johnston County Heritage Center.

revitalization. In the past year alone, at least five (maybe more?) new businesses have opened up along Raiford Street in the heart of downtown Selma. They

community action group, and efforts to pull together similar organizations are happening in other nearby towns too.

Members of Activate Selma are happy to share their

experience and they welcome anyone who would like a seat at the table. Much like the people of Selma in 1904. The article says, “Selma invites those interested to come and investigate…The people are broad-minded and hospitable.

A stranger finds a warm welcome in their midst.”

Today’s Selma is just as warm and inviting, indeed. This has certainly been my experience as a regular attendee of the group’s weekly meetings.

Nearly every week there is someone new in attendance, and they are always gladly received.

Selma also apparently has a long history of prioritizing education. This article touts “a splendidly equipped graded school,” “it’s own two story modern school building” and a “thoroughly competent corps of teachers.” The recent opening of the brand new My Kids Club facility near Selma Elementary School demonstrates a continued focus on taking good care of the area’s students.

Community efforts, citizen and business partnerships, and years of local fundraising by some very dedicated people are to thank for that facility.

Yet another parallel between 1904 and 2024 from this article is the status of the real estate market. It says, “Real estate which a few years ago could have been bought at your own price now brings handsome prices.

A conservative estimate would be that real estate has increased in value in the last four years 300 percent.” Sound familiar? Johnston County has seen rapid growth and a rapid increase in the price of homes over the past few years, too.

As someone who’s always been fascinated by history for a multitude of reasons, I can’t help but wonder what other “full circles” we can discover in those archives.

[ February 2024 ] • 17

N.C. Cooperative Extension

celebrates Farm-City Week

▸ J. Roland Wood Farms and the Wood family were recognized for their contributions to farms, agriculture and families in

Johnston County at the 2023 Johnston County Farm City Week Banquet recently at the Johnston County Agricultural Center.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Front row — Daniel Hill, Taylor Rhodes Hill, J. Roland Wood and Mary Michael Wood. Second row — Jeremy Rhodes, Suzanne Rhodes, Caleb Rhodes, Michael Wood and Dae Wood.

Submitted by N.C. Cooperative Extension

S

MITHFIELD — The Johnston County Board of Commissioners declared November 16-23, 2023, as Farm-City Week in Johnston County.

N.C. Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with many volunteers and businesses, helps to guide the events of the local Farm-City celebration.

Farm-City Week celebrates the partnership between farmers, agribusinesses and

18 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

consumers that effectively feeds us all each and every day. While everyone participates in the food supply and consumption chain differently, it is evident that we live in a country where food is abundant and widely available while also providing safe and effective nutrition opportunities. With this being said, there are certainly those in our society that have greater challenges and can struggle with access to food.

Farm-City Week in Johnston County even seeks to support those that may be less

fortunate with an associated food drive called 4-H Hungry to Help.

4-H Hungry to Help is part of the Johnston County 4-H community service initiative. 4-H clubs and FFA chapters competed in the food collection. Additionally, those in attendance at Farm-City Week events brought food donations for the food drive.

Food collections were focused on the Backpack Buddies program in local schools. This program provides easy-open, ready-toeat food to needy Johnston

County youth when they are not in school. Food donations were delivered to Polenta Elementary, West Smithfield Elementary, South Johnston High School, South Smithfield Elementary and the Smithfield Salvation Army. 4-H Clubs, Johnston County schools, and Farm-City Week donations brought in a total of 1,812 pounds of non-perishable foods.

Another important event during Farm-City Week is the Johnston County Youth Livestock Festival Supper, an annual event that serves as a fundraiser for the Youth Livestock Show and Sale. The event included entertainment and a buffet of barbeque pork and beef, chitlins, Brunswick stew, slaw, collards, sweet potatoes and all the fixin’s.

More than 100 youth and their families are preparing to compete in the show and sale this coming spring.

Farm-City Week culminates with the Farm-City Week Banquet. The speaker for the event was Dean Garey Fox, of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University. Entertainment was provided by Miss Cleveland, Maura Westbrook, and two local families were recognized for their contributions to food and agriculture over many years.

While the Farm-City Week recognition does not have a specific title, it is a very special recognition of lifetime achievement and legacy in Johnston County. Since 1987, the Johnston County Farm-City Week committee has honored businesses and farmers across Johnston

▸ Powell Livestock and the Powell family were recognized for their contributions

to farms, agriculture and families in Johnston County at the 2023 Johnston County Farm City Week Banquet recently at the Johnston County Agricultural Center.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Front row — Anita Powell, Savannah Powell, Beverly Kennedy and Logan Massengill. Second row — Henry Nelms, HB Powell, Jr. and Lee Massengill. Back row — Jonathan Grimes, Braxton Powell and Cameron Powell.

County for their contributions to our agriculture and society. Those that have been recognized in the history of this event represent the finest of Johnston County.

The business award recognition this year was presented to a family that has been in business for 64 years.

Powell Livestock was born from a business partnership between J.E. Wilson and Hugh Braxton Powell Senior. The Powell Family eventually took over the business operations and they continue to work today under the leadership of HB Powell Junior.

The early days of Powell Livestock included a homemade steel trailer that HB’s father would use to pick up two cows at the time. They also served in helping buy 25 to 30 bulls per week for Carolina Packers.

There were once many dairy farms in the region that looked to Powell Livestock for services as well. Even today,

they continue to diversify with the needs of their customers by not only offering the cattle sale on Thursdays, but in recent years began doing a sheep and goat sale on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

The current barn that stands today is not the original barn where the business was born. In fact, the current barn was built in 1967 after a terrible fire burned the structure before it.

That other barn lacked only one week of having stood for a year before that incident took place. The barn that stands today is a direct result of neighbors, family and friends that came together to rebuild. The same notion remains today of what it means to belong to a community.

The agricultural community, specifically, appreciates Powell Livestock’s service to marketing, selling and caring for livestock.

The farm award this year was presented to a long-time family farming operation that started in 1962. J. Roland Wood farms began when Roland’s father Wilbert Wood helped him start with one acre of tobacco in 1962. After his graduation from Meadow High School in 1966, Roland married Winifred Thornton Wood in 1967 and then joined the army, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.

He returned home in 1969 and went to work at Chicopee in Benson while farming in his extra time. After a year, he dedicated all of his time to his farming roots and began farming full time.

They felt that sweet potatoes could be successfully produced on the sandy soils around their farm, and then in 1979 they took a step further to begin packing and shipping them.

At this time, they had one warehouse that housed

both the storage area and the packing line and they were able to store, pack and deliver sweet potatoes from September to May. In the summer months, they concentrated on the tobacco crop and managing the sweet potato production.

Today, Roland and Winifred’s children Michael Wood and Suzanne Wood Rhodes are both active in the business and serve as the farm and operations manager and office manager, respectively.

They are global GAP certified and can store 400,000 bushels of sweet potatoes produced on 1,500 acres.

With 200,000 bushels of cold storage they are able to store and pack sweet potatoes yearround. In addition, they grow 150 acres of flue-cured tobacco and 400 acres of soybeans.

Their sweet potato brands are Little Mike’s, Suzy’s Supremes, Big Daddy’s, Wood Farms and Sweet Winnie’s.

[ February 2024 ] • 19

Give her what she's always wanted!

Dedicated to your success

Celebrating contributions that empower educational opportunities in Johnston County.

Submit your nomination for the annual LVLWS Philanthropist of the Year through March 31, 2024, and be sure to save the date!

Hazel

Submitted by

108 N. Raiford St., Selma

http://www.johnstoncc.edu/foundation/lvl/

Serving Johnston County For Over 50 Years 919-965-8582

Home Free of Rodents - Wildlife control - Pest control - Rodent control

Celebrate the Night in Black & White for Harbor SATURDAY

17

FEBRUARY

2024

6:00 PM

The Farm at 42 Dinner Cocktails Dancing Entertainment by North Tower Band Tickets on Sale - $100 per person Harbor's Black & White Gala 2024 Sponsorship Options

$50 20 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Sponsorships Available beginning at $500

Off Your Initial Pest or Rodent Treatment

All funds raised go directly to support Harbor of Johnston County. Harbor provides a safe haven to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and families in transition through shelter, advocacy services and other programs and resources.

My name is Hazel and I'm an incredibly smart girl who knows all of the commands and I am so proud to show them off. I love affection and snuggles and love to put my head in your lap. I am so well behaved, I never jump up on anyone and since I am so gentle, I would be great for a retired adopter. I am crate trained and potty trained. Since I'm a calm girl, I would prefer a calmer home too. I don't get into any mischief when you leave me alone, I just patiently wait for you to return. I have a goofy side and love to play with toys. I am good in the car and great on a leash and enjoy walks. Since I love humans so much, I would be fine being the only dog and getting all of the attention.

Contact the JCAPL to meet Hazel or any of their adoptable pets! jcapl.org • 919-989-7601 • help@jcapl.org

February's pet of the month is sponsored by Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue rainbowbridgerescue.org [ February 2024 ] • 21

Submitted by Johnston County Visitors Bureau

S

has been home to Benson’s Mule Days festival for over 70 years now. This four-day family-fun festival is packed with mule competition events, rodeos, carnival rides, arts and crafts, street dances and concerts. It also boasts the largest parade in North Carolina!

MITHFIELD — 2024 features a wealth of opportunities to enjoy festivals and events around Johnston County. Here are a few dates to keep in mind:

Black History Month:

February 22 – Activities and events are held around the county during the month.

Among them, the Johnston County Heritage Center is holding a Black History program on the 22nd from 6:30-8 p.m. with the location TBD.

Live @ the Rudy:

Scheduled Throughout the Year – The Rudy Theatre offers four unique, seasonal, family-friendly shows with music, comedy and more. The March and April show is the Easter Jubilee, May through July is the Summer Jubilee, August through October is the Classic Country Jubilee and the Christmas Jubilee is held in November and December.

Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary:

March 16 – Bentonville commemorates the 159th anniversary of the largest battle on North Carolina soil, fought March 19-21, 1865.

Presented in collaboration with the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, you can explore the journey of surgeons, stewards and the wounded during and in the aftermath of the battle of Bentonville. Living history demonstrations include medical care in and around the Harper House field

22 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Railroad Days Festival:

▸ Mule Days is one of the can’t miss events of the festival calendar in Johnston County. Photo courtesy of Ken Tart Photography.

2024 features busy festival and event schedule in Johnston County hospital, as well as weapons demonstrations.

Classic Antique Power Farm Heritage Days:

April 12-13 – Step back in time and experience a variety of classic antique tractors at the Benson Chamber Park. The event will include tractor games, antique tractors and farm equipment demonstrations, craft vendors, food vendors, corn hole tournament, free live entertainment, bouncy houses, pedal tractor raffle and a farm equipment auction.

Beach Fest:

April 27 – This event held at The Farm Entertainment venue in Selma celebrates

a unique regional musical genre. Going strong for over 10 years now, past Beach Fest performers have included Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers and Band of Oz.

Ham & Yam Festival:

May 4 – The annual Ham & Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbeque pork, sweet potatoes and more. There will be craft vendors, kid’s activities, live entertainment and the popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” art contest.

East Coast Truckers Jamboree:

May 9-11 – A three-day truck and car show, featuring big rigs and muscle cars. The event

also boasts live music, games and an impressive closing fireworks display. Held at the Kenly 95 Petro travel center.

301 Endless Yard Sale:

June 14-15 – Johnston County and its towns along US 301 host the “Endless Yard Sale”, which takes place annually the third weekend of June.

The communities will join together with deals, antiques, collectibles and more along a 100-mile stretch of highway between Roanoke Rapids and Dunn.

State Singing Convention: June 21-23 – The oldest Southern gospel convention in the nation happens at the Singing Grove in Benson

and celebrates its 103rd anniversary in 2024. It includes three days of gospel music competition including amateur duets, trios, quartets, choirs and family groups.

Bentonville Battlefield Heavy Thunder:

June 22 – Hear the roar of cannon fire! Learn how soldiers loaded and fired weapons during the Civil War. Reenactors will be onsite portraying infantry and artillery Civil War soldiers.

Firing demonstrations, historical discussions and family activities will occur throughout the day.

Four Oaks Acorn Festival:

September 14th – A great family fun event held in the downtown area each year, including children's activities, live entertainment, vendor fair, antique car and tractor show, barbecue competition and more.

Benson Mule Days:

September 26-29 – The fourth Saturday of September

October 4-6 – Join the fun in Downtown Selma as the town celebrates its railroad heritage for a full weekend.

The annual event will offer its regular fare, including live entertainment, vendors, food, rides and a parade.

Sonlight Farms:

October – This locallyowned farm offers fall fun for the season with corn mazes, hay rides, giant slides, pumpkins, a climbing wall, peddle carts, farm animals and more on Saturdays throughout the month.

Clayton Fear Farm:

October – Known all over the state as a regional “scream park” this haunted attraction offers over 10 unique scary experiences with one admission. Open multiple nights a week through the month of October. Not for the faint of heart!

Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk:

October 24 – Small groups will be guided through the cemetery where costumed reenactors will tell stories about famous (and perhaps infamous) local persons

buried there. Previous featured ghosts include Percy Flowers, Ava Gardner and Governor Gabriel Johnston.

Clayton Harvest Festival:

October 24-27 – With roots dating back to 1951, the Clayton Harvest Festival is one of the largest festivals in Johnston County. It includes a midway with fair rides, games and food, Clayton’s largest vendor fair, a classic car show, tractor show and bike show, as well as local performances.

Bentonville Battlefield Fall Festival:

October 26 – Bring the family and celebrate fall at Bentonville Battlefield! See demonstrations of historic trades and activities. Also don’t miss wagon rides, old time kids games, crafts and activities, community groups and much more! Bring a blanket or chair and listen to live music. Food trucks will be onsite!

Meadow Lights:

November and December – The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern NC. Family owned and operated, started more than 40 years ago, enjoy lights on over 30 acres with a train ride through 10+ acres, a carousel and an oldfashioned candy store.

Lights on the Neuse:

November and December – Boyette’s Farm becomes a winter wonderland. View Christmas lights by hayride, visit with Santa in the 3D Christmas Barn, then stand by the fire to warm up and roast marshmallows to make s’mores.

Christmas Lights on the Farm:

November and December – One of JoCo’s newer light displays but a local favorite already. Enjoy a hayride through Christmas Town to the Field of Lights display; visit Santa and his friends, plus music and concessions.

Bentonville Christmas Open House:

December 7 – Experience the Harper House as a family residence, not as a Civil War field hospital. Tour the home of John and Amy Harper as it may have been during a Civil War Christmas. Come enjoy the beauty of a 19th century Christmas aglow with candlelight. Also enjoy period refreshments in the kitchen and festive music by a warm campfire. Do not miss your chance to experience Christmas by candlelight at Bentonville Battlefield.

[ February 2024 ] • 23

The home is the #1 place youth access alcohol.

It’s never too early to start the conversation.

Take the pledge, learn how to secure alcohol in your home, and request a free cabinet lock today!

When there is alcohol in the home, secure and monitor it.

Talk to your child about the dangers of underage drinking including the negative impact on the developing teenage brain.

Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home.

Make sure alcohol is not easily accessible by putting it in locked spaces.

Set clear guidelines about the expectations in your home.

Learn more: JohnstonSUP.org

johnstonsup.org/ talk-it-up-lock-it-up/

The Johnston County Substance Use Prevention Coalition is a proud partner of the Poe Center for Health Education. www.poehealth.org “Funded in whole or in part by the SAMHSA Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant awarded to the NC DHHS DMH/DD/SAS # H79SP080986.

STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING!!

During the winter, most pests & bugs are seeking warmth and food, which is found inside your home!

FREE TERMITE AND MOISTURE INSPECTION CALL TODAY: 919-351-0047 • WWW.PIRATESPEST.COM 1820 U.S. Hwy. 70A-East Selma Follow us on www.FB.com/PiratesPestandTermiteControl 24 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Karen E. Atkins • Owner/Manager katkins@piratespest.com Robert G. Dauis, III • Manager/Licensee rdauis@piratespest.com

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

26 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Friday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. ⋆ Mutts

Gone Nuts → Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, Johnston Community College

Imagine nine of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more! The all-star lineup includes the highest jumping dog in the universe, two Guinness World Record Champions, a hilarious six pound Pomeranian Pikachu mix and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip and skip their way right into your heart. Visit www. johnstonccperformingarts. csstix.com/event-details. php?e=505 to learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.

⋆ Using

AI Tools for Business (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly become a tool that can benefit every business owner. You will get an introduction from presenter Shanna Capps of JNOW Digital on the basic concept of AI tools such as Bard and ChatGPT in addition to learning specific ways to utilize them in your everyday business tasks. This class is appropriate for both emerging entrepreneurs looking to start a business and those who are established. Learn more at

www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440002.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.

⋆ Galentine’s Event → The Dragonfly Boutique, E. Market St., Smithfield

Get ready to have a great time with your gals, celebrating them and your friendship! There will be local vendors, sweet treats, a flower bar and more.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/691052396488106 to find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m.

⋆ Experiments in Mixed Media → Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Raleigh Road, Clayton

This $85 workshop will introduce you to ways to paint in oil and cold wax using various mixed media as a way to enhance your paintings. They will cover some of the basics, cold wax application methods, as well as color and composition.

This workshop will also offer discussions/demos, lots of studio painting time, as well as individual critique concerning your own personal direction in your art making. Visit www.facebook.com/ events/707209440743469 for more details.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.

⋆ Becky Robinson: She Gone Tour → The Clayton Center

Becky Robinson is an LGBTQ+ LA-based comedian, writer, actor and voice-over star.

You may also know her as the “Entitled Housewife,” the outspoken viral golf character Becky created to help spread laughter during the pandemic. Visit www. theclaytoncenter.com/ calendar.aspx?EID=1457 to learn more.

Sunday, Feb. 4, Noon

⋆ CHS Band Mattress Sale → Clayton High School

If you or someone you know is looking to replace a bed in the home now is the time!

The Clayton High School Band program is hosting a oneday Mattress Fundraiser, and there will be more than 25 different styles of beds on display for customers to try.

The brand name mattresses are made to order, have full factory warranties, are available in all sizes and are priced below retail. Learn more at www.facebook.com/ events/2284577581931986.

Monday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m.

⋆ Business Legal Structures (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

The structure of a small business affects taxation, legal and financial liability as well as decision-making.

Before selecting a small business structure, you should understand each structure, its unique legal, accounting, and tax consequences. Presenter Dennis Watts will review the various structures a business can take such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company

and more. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440008.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 12 p.m

⋆ Insurance for Small Business (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

Business insurance comes in different forms and flavors and making sure that your business is properly insured can save you a lot of money and headaches. This webinar reviews the various types of insurance products and discusses when they are appropriate for a business.

Presenter Brian Garrison with On Point Insurance Consulting will cover: Business Auto Coverage, Cyber Liability & Data Breach, Key-Person Insurance, Product Liability and more. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440010.

Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.

⋆ Sip and Spin - Wheel Throwing Fun Night → Artmosphere Community Arts Center, Raleigh Road, Clayton

Enjoy your favorite adult beverage while you (wheel) throw down! Get to know the pottery wheel in this fun, adult-only class. You’ll learn how to wedge, center and pull walls in a participation style demonstration. The cost is $55 per person. Check out www.facebook.com/ events/296689572742906 to find out more.

Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. ⋆ Winter Break → The Farm at 95, Selma

Enjoy a buffet meal, comedian Mickey Bell and music by Gaither artist, The Martins, presented by the North Carolina State Singing Convention.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/660518179609422 for more details.

Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.

⋆ Ties & Tiaras - Daddy/ Daughter Dance → Selma Civic Center, N. Webb St., Selma

Selma Parks and Recreation will host the fourthannual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, February 9, 2024. Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/ events/3663050640686291 to learn more.

Friday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. ⋆ Animaniacs In Concert → The Clayton Center

It's going to be a “zany, animany and totally insaney” evening with Animaniacs In Concert. Join the voices of Animaniacs — the iconic animated Warner Bros series (produced by Steven Spielberg) — as they perform the world-famous songs from the beloved cartoon series backed by the original projected animation.

More details are available at www.theclaytoncenter.com/ calendar.aspx?EID=1236.

Saturday, Feb. 10, noon

⋆ Selma's Super Bowl Chili Cook Off → Richard B. Harrison Athletic Complex, W. Noble St., Selma

Check out a chili competition the day before the big game

in Selma. It’s $5 to enter your chili in the event, and $5 for a tasting fee to sample the entrants. Prizes will be awarded. Call 919-965-2627 for more details.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m.

⋆ 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade → Downtown Smithfield

The Johnston County Branch of the NAACP is hosting the 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Downtown Smithfield on Feb. 10. There is no cost to participate, and for more details, please contact Doris Wallace at 919-300-1067 or email DWCSW610@yahoo.com.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

⋆ 3rd Annual Night of Hope Gala → The Farm at 42, Lynch Road, Selma

Recovery Alive is excited to announce legendary baseball player Darryl Strawberry as its keynote speaker and invite everyone to its annual fundraising gala. Doors open at 5 p.m., and you can check out app.aplos.com/aws/ events/2024_gala_darryl_ strawberry%20 to get ticket information.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. ⋆ Smithfield Daddy-Daughter Dance → Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center

The 2024 edition of the Smithfield Daddy-Daughter Dance, presented by Smithfield Parks and Recreation, will have a

Pretty in Pink theme. The price is $45 per couple for Smithfield residents and $55 for everyone else. The price includes a photo of the evening to be mailed, a DJ with dancing and hors d'oeuvres.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. ⋆ Moonlight

Swing Band → The Rudy Theatre, Selma

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Moonlight Swing Band The Moonlight Swing Band, now in its 10th year, is an 18-piece big band that plays all the tunes you know just from growing up in America — songs you can hum along with even if you don't know the words.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/1067201407601912 to learn more.

Monday, Feb 12, 6 p.m.

⋆ How

to Write a Business Plan (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

A business plan can be the most important tool for a small business owner.

Presenter Dennis Watts will help you learn how to turn your ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. This webinar is designed for new and established business owners. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440009.

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.

⋆ Galentine’s

event → Deep River Brewing Company, Main St., Clayton

Enjoy a night of relaxation, shopping, chatting

[ February 2024 ] • 27

and sipping with your girlfriends. With your ticket to Galentine's, you will receive a charcuterie box made by Snacks Provision Company, a beverage from Deep River and a chance to win door prizes ($50$100 value) from each female-owned business attending that night.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/3545345285727833 to find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. ⋆ Polar Plunge → Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center

Support Special Olympics athletes in Johnston County by taking a polar plunge.

The registration link is: give.specialolympicsnc. com/2024JohnstonPlunge and you can learn more at www.facebook.com/ events/3607759992846737.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m.

⋆ Soul Food Feast → Richard B. Harrison Athletic Complex, W. Noble St., Selma

Selma Parks and Recreation is hosting its seventhannual Soul Food Feast.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/415067347514102 for the latest information.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. ⋆ Harbor's 2024 Black & White Gala → The Farm at 42

Harbor's Black & White Gala is scheduled for Saturday, February 17.

There will be dinner, cocktails, a silent auction and dancing the night away 28 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

to North Tower Band.

Tickets are $100 per person. Along with being a wonderful evening with friends, this is Harbor's biggest fundraiser of the year and a great opportunity to help Harbor continue its mission to save lives in the community. For more, visit e.givesmart. com/events/uGF.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. ⋆ Chairmen

of The Board Concert 2024 → The Rudy Theatre, Selma

Chairmen of the Board is an American-Canadian, Detroit, Michigan-based soul music group, who saw their greatest commercial success in the 1970s.

The group, featuring Grammy-winning songwriter and lead singer, General Johnson, recorded such classics as: "Give Me Just A Little More Time," which earned a Gold Record, "(You've Got Me) Dangling on a String," and “Pay to the Piper.”

Learn more at https:// ci.ovationtix.com/35938/ production/1173616.

Monday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m.

⋆ Basics

of Bookkeeping (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

If you’re a new small business owner or a potential small business owner, this webinar is designed for you. Presenter Dennis Watts will help you gain a beginning basic workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your small

business. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440011.

Monday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.

⋆ Your Small Business Taxes (Online) → JCC Small Business Center

This webinar is important for both new and experienced business owners. From presenter Dennis Watts, you will gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business. Attendees must be pre-registered, and must be 18 or older to attend. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280440012.

Recurring events 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, 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. ⋆ Smithfield Kiwanis Club Meeting → Golden Corral, Smithfield

Come for dinner and learn about this volunteer service club with a focus on actively supporting children’s programs. Learn about Smithfield and neighboring communities from weekly presenters.

There are community and social opportunities as well.

Visit www.facebook.com/ KiwanisClubOfSmithfieldNC to learn more.

Every Wednesday, 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 919553-4350.

First and third Tuesdays, Noon ⋆ Clayton Rotary Mid-day Club → Virtual meeting via Zoom

This small group of serviceminded individuals is very dedicated to community betterment in Clayton and Johnston County.

First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. ⋆ Smithfield Lions Club → Golden Corral, Smithfield

This group gathers for fellowship and business.

The dinner is self-pay. The meal begins at 5:30 and the meeting begins at 6.

Come learn about the club and how it helps with local community service projects.

For more information, contact Jana Peedin at 919934-1913.

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.

First Tuesday, Noon

⋆ Clayton Visual Arts meeting → The Clayton Center

Clayton Visual Arts is a nonprofit 501c3 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 Poole 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 Dave Lennon at davelennonart@yahoo.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 Tuesday, 7 p.m. ⋆ Freedom Ministry → Total Construction, 3719 N.C. 42 W, Clayton

Freedom Ministry is a Christian-based organization providing support for veterans, active duty military and spouses. To learn more about the group, call 919909-6422.

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

⋆ Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting → Golden Corral, Smithfield

Join the Johnston County Chapter of National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees for their monthly meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at Golden Corral. Stay up to date on the latest educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email jimnow42@gmail.com.

Second Wednesday, noon ⋆ The Woman’s Club of Clayton meeting → TWCC building, Church St., Clayton

The Woman’s Club of Clayton is a nonprofit philanthropic organization made up of professional women who share a common goal: to work together to improve our local community, socially, physically, culturally and educationally. Please consider joining to help serve those in need of assistance. TWCC meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month (except June, July

and August). For more information visit www. twccnc.org or email sbrooks@twccnc.org.

Every Thursday, Noon

⋆ Johnston Medical Mall, Suite 1404, Smithfield → Central Johnston County Rotary Club

Join a group of diverse business and professional people that promotes leadership and ethical behavior, provides scholarships and spreads peace. Learn more at www. centraljohnstonrotary.org.

Second Thursday, 6 p.m. ⋆ Triangle East Writers

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. The meeting rotates to different venues around the county.

For this month’s location or more information, email facilitator Cindy Brookshire at triangleeastwriters@ gmail.com.

Every other Monday, 6 p.m.

⋆ Kiwanis Club of Clayton → Virtual meeting

The Kiwanis Club of Clayton serves the community with emphasis on school youth Kiwanis programs. It advises two local high school KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) clubs and one elementary school club and meets each month. Visit www.facebook. [ February 2024 ] • 29

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. They teach and encourage better apiculture methods and promote cooperation and sharing among beekeepers, homeowners and farmers.

The monthly meetings are free and open to everyone.

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

Third Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. ⋆ Widowed Persons Fellowship Group → Parkside Cafe, Pine Level

The Widowed Persons Fellowship Group, Johnston County, cordially invites widowed males and females to join them at their monthly self-pay dinner meeting. There is no charge to join their group. Come and see what they’re all about. Call 919-965-3865 with any questions.

30 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Third Tuesday

Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m.

The Johnston County African-American Caucus meets every third Tuesday of the month.

Attend in person or visit www.us02web.zoom. us/j/9216132965 to attend via Zoom. The Meeting ID is 921 613 2965. For more information, email AACJCDP. chair@gmail.com or call 954-696-7833.

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.

⋆ Johnston County AfricanAmerican Caucus meeting → 1302 W. Market St., Smithfield

Third Thursday

⋆ Johnston County Republican Women

The Johnston County Republican Women meet on the third Thursday of each month (except in July and December). Their meeting location changes monthly.

For more information email jcrwrocks@gmail.com.

Fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m. ⋆ Disabled American Veterans meeting → Smithfield DAV, Buffalo Road

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

Every Thursday, 6:45 a.m. ⋆ Clayton Rotary Morning Club → Virtual meeting via Zoom

Every Thursday morning, 70 service-minded people, representing all ages, genders and races meet.

Learn more at www. claytonrotaryclub.org.

⋆ Clayton

Area Toastmasters meetings → JCC Workforce Development Center

First Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

⋆ Four

Oaks American Legion meeting → American Legion Building, Hwy. 301, Four Oaks

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

Fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.

⋆ Caring

Hearts Civitan Club → Cleveland Draft House, Shotwell Road, Clayton

Caring Hearts Civitan Club would like to invite anyone interested in helping others in the Johnston County area to come to its meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, excluding July.

The club is a service-based volunteer organization that seeks members who are like-minded and would like to partner with other clubs and support worthy causes. Dinner begins at 6 and the meeting at 7. Those interested in attending or making a presentation about their organization should email grahamhound1966@ gmail.com.

Serving Johnston County over

29

years

com/ClaytonKiwanis to learn more.

Dream on!!

Josh McConkey

Congressional Candidate for North Carolina's 13th District • Husband, Father, Physician, Combat Veteran and Community leader • Coached for Holly Springs Parks and Rec- T-ball, Baseball, Soccer • Colonel and Commander in the US Air Force Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey is a respected US Air Force Reserve Colonel, physician, and a passionate advocate for leadership and community service. He is running for Congress, committed to using his extensive military, national security, and healthcare experience to serve his constituents and strengthen North Carolina and our country.

Leadership Ethos:

"Be the Weight Behind the Spear!"

This is my call to action for all North Carolinians to engage in their communities to help build the foundations of leadership for our next generation of leaders and contribute to our national security.

Platform: "The 3 S's"

1 Security: Economic Security & Border Security 2 Safety: We must do more to stop the opioid epidemic that is killing

over 120,000 Americans per year and address the rising crime rates

3 Service: "Be the Weight Behind the Spear!"- Volunteer in your

community, school, church, or youth sports programs to help build that foundation of leadership and security for tomorrow's heroes and leaders.

Your doghouse or mine, Valentine?

STAN’S

AUTO CARE Foreign & Domestic 5977 U.S. 301 South, Four Oaks

919-963-2520

He is a member of the United States Air Force Reserves. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the United States Air Force Reserves, Department of the Air Force, or the Department of Defense. All factual military information and photographs are provided in conjunction with other non-military biographical data.

SUBSTANCE AND SERVICE MATTERS! www.joshmcconkey.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Josh McConkey for Congress.

Scan to learn more about Josh and his mission to help North Carolina and our country.

[ February 2024 ] • 31