November 2023

NO VEMBER 2023

LEE’S GARDEN CENTER Rooted in faith and family pg. 8-9

We are proud of all our team members whose excellent care continues earning national awards and certifications. If you are a health care professional with a passion for excellence and a desire to be a part of a winning team, visit: JohnstonHealth.org/Careers.

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[ PUBLISHER ] column

Enjoy the world as it is, not how you would have it be I

remember being excited for historical figure and Ethan many reasons when I found out loves movies more than I was going to be a father, and I love sports, at least two near the top of the list was the members of the household idea that I’d have someone with are planning to see it. whom to share my love of sports.

I like the emperor I’ve mellowed a bit on that because he was smart, front as I’ve gotten older — but in ambitious, creative and Randy Capps the spring of 2001, when I wasn’t — like all geniuses — a randy@johnstonnow.com working at a sporting event, I was bit mad. Most people are watching one on TV. aware that he was a pretty Of course, I had a son that doesn’t good general, but most don’t know that really care for sports beyond how it might he wasn’t that short (around 5’6”) and intersect with pop culture. Life really is that his set of laws (the Code Civil) is the what happens when you’re making other basis for more than 25 percent of today’s plans. modern governments.

Sometimes, though, our interests align Of course, Napoleon would eventually perfectly. be undone by his hubris, invading Russia The movie “Napoleon” will be out later in the summer of 1812 only to watch from this month, and since he’s my favorite the gates of Moscow while the retreating

Russian Army set it ablaze. That led to a march home without enough food or winter supplies, and an army that left with 400,000 men came home with about 10 percent of that number.

One wonders what might have happened if Napoleon could have been satisfied with controlling most of Western Europe? Or, instead of trying to remake the world as he would have it, he could have simply stopped and enjoyed the one he had already created?

I didn’t get the son I thought I wanted.

I got a talented karaoke singer and movie buff, instead. So, instead of sitting down in front of a football game later this month, we’ll go see if Joaquin Phoenix can pull off playing one of history’s most complex figures.

Now that sounds like fun.

The home is the #1 place youth access alcohol.

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

It’s never too early to start the conversation.

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.

Set clear guidelines about the expectations in your home.

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

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

Learn more: JohnstonSUP.org 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.

4 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Take inventory and regularly check any alcohol in the home.

YOUR JNOW

TEAM

TABLE OF

6 8 -9

Volume 7, Number 12 A Shandy Communications, LLC publication

The reins of responsibility Lee's Garden Center rooted in faith, family

12-13

A LOOK BACK AT THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

14 24

Recovery Alive Home coming to Selma

Publisher Randy Capps

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ON THE COVER The Lee family poses at the Garden Center.

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. ©2023 Johnston Now. All rights reserved.

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WWW.SMITHFIELD-NC.COM/JOBS [ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 5

A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE: THE REINS OF

RESPONSIBILITY

By QAROL PRICE

W

hat a happy coincidence that responsibility should be November’s character trait of the month, just as I am assessing the responsibilities of a new role I have taken on, the Communications Chair of the Triangle East Writers.

This role is new not only to me, but also to the organization that just created it at their latest Board of Trustees meeting. Having been so hyper-focused on the ins and outs of responsibility for this article, I have become rather intimidated by the vast scope of responsibility in our lives.

To explain further as to why I have been so preoccupied with the responsibilities of my new role is because there were no responsibilities for this new role — yet.

In fact, my first duty was to draw up the definition and responsibilities, of all things, for the new seat on the board. One reason I wanted the job is that it is a job for a philosopher.

I would be foolish not to take it. (This is where I put on my philosopher cape, I mean “cap.”)

To me, asking a question like, “what is the purpose of the Communications Committee,” is like asking, “What is the purpose of life?”

But there’s not enough time to go down that road.

In the process of examining the purpose of responsibility, so to speak, I was prompted to make a list of my own responsibilities. As I began listing them, I wondered, “whoa, what have I gotten myself into by taking this job? Am I being irresponsible by putting even more on my plate?” I already fall short of fulfilling the responsibilities I already have!

The first thing I listed, not necessarily in the order of importance, was “household.”

But I couldn’t go on to the next item without first looking at what “household” duties consist of. Every area of a household is a responsibility unto itself! Well, I reasoned, a good household would nurture mental, physical and spiritual health. And the way to that end would be to promote order, cleanliness, ample finances, regular maintenance, a cognizance of style and attitude, healthy meals, etc.

Now, if we go back to look at what is entailed in the responsibilities of keeping “order” alone, we will see that the subject could fill volumes.

Like the multiplying heads of the Hydra, more and more subcategories of responsibilities started rearing their mocking little heads. With ever more discoveries of one’s responsibilities, how can we possibly fulfill all of them?

Taking responsibility starts with acknowledging that you are the primary actor in your life.

You own your actions, choices and their results, whether they pertain to your personal life, work, relationships or any other aspect.

When you take responsibility, you hold yourself accountable for your actions and their consequences. This includes being honest about your mistakes and their impact on yourself and others.

Taking responsibility often involves a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

It means actively working on developing better habits, skills and behaviors to achieve personal and professional goals.

And finally, apropos to the new position on the Triangle East Writers Board of Trustees, being responsible for our communications is about our relationship to truth. Writing this column on character has me checking in with my “service to truth” on a regular basis.

I expect that being a Trustee for a community of writers will only expand my service. ⋆ Next Month: Compassion Qarol Price is a writer and educator. She has taught philosophy to children in Johnston County Public Schools and in Harlem in New York. She is a resident of Selma.

Hospice doesn’t mean giving up hope.

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6 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

KS BANK PARTNERS WITH JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WORKFORCE PROGRAM

Submitted by KS BANK

S

MITHFIELD — A collaboration between KS Bank and the Johnston County Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) “JOCO Works NOW” summer internship program created an opportunity for Angel Ponce, a student at Smithfield-Selma

High School who is part of the International Baccalaureate Career Programme.

By participating in workbased learning, his experience interning with KS Bank will help him build future-ready skills and increase his success in achieving post-graduation goals.

“The local chambers of commerce have been extremely supportive of our work-based learning programs and, in cases such as this, have helped us recruit and promote these opportunities to community workforce partners,” said Kathryn Farrior, CTE Workforce Development Specialist for Johnston County Public Schools, said here.

“Earl W. Worley, Jr., President and CEO of KS Bank, expressed interest in hosting a high school intern through our ‘JOCO Works NOW’ summer internship program at a Triangle East Chamber of Commerce networking event. From there, we connected KS Bank with Angel Ponce.”

Johnston County Public Schools values the impact of students exploring career options early in their schooling. Opportunities such as industry engagement, CTE courses, work-based learning experiences and dual enrollment courses allow students to prepare for postgraduation success.

“Angel Ponce has been an excellent addition to our team at KS Bank this summer, and we are happy to share that he will be continuing his internship part-time with us through his senior year. We are grateful to have a program for talented young people like Angel to learn and get hands-on experience through the Johnston County Public Schools CTE programs,” Worley said.

After graduation, Ponce plans to pursue his career in banking. He believes this internship has provided him with valuable skills and insights into the various types of careers in the financial industry.

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[ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 7

Lee’s Garden Center

firmly rooted in family, faith and tradition Today, Jonathan and Erin have grown the business and their family, placing even deeper roots into the Clayton soil.

“We are definitely a family business,” Erin said. “Haley is our oldest child (17), and, of course, our kids have been (at the business) since birth. Haley is a huge part of the business. She is a born leader and can do anything, from carrying and cutting trees to driving the forklift.

“Our son, Caleb, is 13 and is very helpful with our social media and technology. Our youngest, Michael, is

M

atthew 17:20-21 reads, "...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

It’s a lesson of faith and perseverance, and it’s one that can be seen in action at Lee’s Garden Center.

Jonathan Lee started selling produce in 1993 at 12 years old on the corner of Main and Robertson streets in Clayton with a little help from his father, Raymond Lee, who had been in the produce business his entire life.

“His daddy gave him $300 and three produce bins,” Erin Lee, his wife, said.

After graduating from Clayton High School in 1998, Jonathan started the produce and garden center full time. Six years later, he and Erin started dating and she started working at the garden center part time.

8 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

9, and he ‘helps’ wherever he wants. He loves to help ring up customers inside.”

If you’re walking around the garden center, you might also see Branch, the family cat, and Goose, one of the family dogs, browsing through the plants as well.

One of the things they’re on the lookout for are the fresh cut Christmas trees, which are scheduled to arrive on Nov. 17.

“Our trees are grown in Ashe County by a friend and his brother,” Erin said. “We

have been selling their trees for more than 15 years. Our trees are hand selected just for our garden center.

They are cut as they are ordered, rather than sitting around waiting to be sold. Most box stores’ tree growers start cutting them in the last week of October to be able to keep up with the demand.

“We enjoy the Christmas season, since this is a ‘tradition’ season. Jonathan has seen children at the store and now they are grown up and bringing their kids. We always enjoy seeing the families each year as the children grow up. It’s such a huge reward to watch the kids pick out their tree.”

The Lees get their family tree each year from the first batch, and the plan is to put it up the weekend before Thanksgiving and take it down right after Christmas.

“They always look great until the end,” she said.

This kind of tradition doesn’t happen without quality products and good customer service, which are both hallmarks of Lee’s Garden Center.

“We not only offer great quality but we offer service,” Erin said. “Our plants are grown by local nurseries, with most of them being like Jonathan and myself, husband and wives or secondgeneration nurseries. We take great pride in selling the best plants for our customers so that they can have the best results for their garden — so they come back again!”

Of course, there’s more than just plants and Christmas trees available.

There’s an assortment of candies, jams, sauces and other unique items to help wrap up that shopping list.

On the wall behind the register is Raymond’s photo, a reminder as to where the first seeds were planted.

“We have to thank God first, for blessing us with a supportive family and community,” Erin said of the business’ success. “We just love our customers! We truly appreciate them all and love to watch their families grow throughout the years. We have grown because of their faithfulness to shop with us.”

Lee's Garden Center is located at 401 W. Main St., Clayton. They can be found at www.leesgardencenterclayton.com or reached at 919-550-8425.

[ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 9

SELMA POLICE CHIEF announces retirement Submitted by TOWN OF SELMA

S

ELMA — Chief of Police William M. Thomas, also known as “Chief Billy,” has dedicated himself to serving the Town of Selma for 20 years. On October 1, he officially retired from the Selma Police Department.

He began his career as a dispatcher in 2003 and completed BLET in 2007. Over the next 11 years of his career with the Town of Selma, Thomas served as patrol officer, senior officer, Patrol Sergeant and Patrol Captain. He also received recognition as Selma Police Officer of the Year in 2010. Thomas received his last and most honorable title as Chief of Police in 2018.

The Town of Selma commends Chief Thomas for his dedication and service to the community. Thanks to his leadership and determination, the Selma Police Department has achieved several amazing accomplishments.

“Chief Billy Thomas has tirelessly protected and served the Selma community for two decades,” Selma Mayor Byron McAllister said. “He has overseen the significant growth and improvement of our Selma Police Department in recent years. The positive impact he has had on the Town of Selma cannot be overstated.”

Chief Thomas will be missed by his officers, staff and the community. He has not only served in many roles with the Selma Police Department, but he has also called Selma home for the past 26 years.

The residents and citizens will greatly miss him in his role as Chief, but are lucky enough to still call him a neighbor and friend.

With heartfelt appreciation, Mayor McAllister said, “I have been proud to call him Selma's Chief of Police and my friend.

The Selma Police Department will miss him, but I look forward to seeing how he impacts this community in retirement.”

After retirement, Thomas plans to remain in Selma, travel and enjoy quality time with his family. He has shared a special expression of thanks to his wife, Angie, and daughter, Erica, for helping him make it to the finish line.

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International Food Festival St. Ann Catholic Church hosted its annual International Food Festival recently, with parishioners offering up food options from many different countries. There was also musical entertainment, a silent auction and games for children. Photos courtesy of Patricia Goldsmith.

12 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

[ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 13

RECOVERY ALIVE HOME:

Pathway to Peace hopes to fill a need in Johnston County

By RANDY CAPPS

S

ELMA — Tisha Temple’s email signature looks like most anyone else’s. It simply reads, “Tisha Temple, CADC; Chief Resource Officer; Recovery Alive, Inc.” The “CADC” means that she’s a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and the rest is self explanatory.

She was the point of contact on the press release announcing the ribbon cutting ceremony for Recovery Alive Home: Pathway to Peace, “a Christ-centered recovery home for men in Johnston County.”

Recovery Alive Inc. is an initiative from Temple City Church in Selma that already supports the community through its Dream Center and outreach programs — including a home for women who have been victims of domestic violence.

While Temple’s education and training would have taught her about the potential benefits of a home for people recovering from substance abuse, she learned it in a more practical way.

After growing up in Henderson, she started abusing drugs and alcohol in her mid 20s. She wound up addicted, homeless and even turned to prostitution to help feed her habit.

“After I came out of prison for the third time, there were no connections to care,” she said. “The first two times there were no connections to support group meetings. I was given the

14 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

opportunity to get an education while I was living in sober housing, so I went.

“Oxford House (a recovery house program in Wake County) is the house that built me. I went into that home and was given the support that I needed to not only remain clean and sober while I was there, but to be able to take care of myself when I came out. I started going to school, got a degree in substance use counseling and I'm registered with the board for North Carolina.”

A supportive environment is key, Temple says, for learning how to live on your own again.

“Peer-to-peer living works in sobriety,” she said. “This is not a managed care facility. It's not a business. It's not an entity. It's a residential home where eight men are going to come together.

They're going to live here together, but they're given guidelines … so that they can hold each other accountable for the rent getting paid, the lights getting paid, going to work on time, going to meetings or going to outpatient care if they need that level of care.”

The home, located in Selma, seeks to provide “a safe and nurturing environment for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. (The) faithbased approach offers leadership, accountability, friendship, support, encouragement and, most importantly, the opportunity to experience life-changing transformation through Jesus Christ.”

Recovery Alive Inc., under the direction of Pastor John Eklund,

is the parent organization for more than 60 ministries across the country, and while the overall mission is a constant, individual approaches vary by the community being served.

In Johnston County, one of those areas of focus is community outreach. And that’s where Joey Boykin, who helps direct the organization’s outreach programs, comes in.

He’s a big part of the weekly Recovery Alive meetings at the church (and online) and, like Temple, has real world experience to share with those in need.

He was a Christian, but running a successful business gave him plenty of opportunities to celebrate, or commiserate, with alcohol.

“I went through a divorce and, not long after that, I went through 2008, which was a trying time,” he said of the country’s economic downturn. “But you know, at that time I would pray to God to help me get through this. But just as soon as I would see a little light, I would just go right back to my old ways. … I was straddling the fence.

I was going to church, but I was still living out here in the world.”

The turning point for Boykin came after one night of coping with a stressful real estate transaction.

He drank too much, wound up back at his office and just happened to park in view of the security camera.

“Well, I fell out of the truck,” he said. “When they opened the door, I never moved. I just (fell out). And the next morning, my wife told me, she said, ‘Joey, I want you to look at something.’ She showed me that video. And she told me, ‘you're gonna kill yourself. You're going to kill somebody.’

She looked at me just like I'm looking at you, and she said, ‘you're better than this.’

Those words sparked a change in him, and ignited a desire to serve and help others.

“I just see that people need hope and they need to understand that somebody loves them, Jesus loves them, and we're there to share with them and tell them that,” he said.

If you ask Temple, the parking lot tells the story of Recovery Alive and of Temple City Church itself.

“The parking lot is still not paved,” she said. “So when we go to church every Sunday morning, you know, some people might not notice it or you might. (You might think) ‘they're doing all this stuff over there, but they’ve still got rocks in the parking lot.’

But we’ve got a recovery program where people are finding freedom through Jesus every Friday night and every person that comes through the door that can't afford to eat gets to eat.”

And with the addition of the Recovery Alive Home: Pathway to Peace, even more people are being fed.

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16 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Local youth learn

WATER SAFETY

at foundation-funded camp

Religious Trauma When most people think of “religious trauma,” they often think church hurt. What can be so harmful in these cases is that it's unexpected, which makes the hurt even more painful.

I have been raised in the church myself and have experienced various levels of church hurt. What I can share is that the church is often not a reflection of who or what it was originally supposed to be.

I love the church, I know the church is so much bigger than a building, but rather the group of people. So many churches today are more like a “country club” instead of a “hospital” to help heal broken people — what I think it was designed to be.

What happens is when a church is trying to be a country club, it forgets that the people who attend and even lead are all broken themselves. After all, we are.

Michael Garner, LMFT

We have all heard the expression, “hurt people, hurt people” and this is very much what is happening in the church today.

The past year and a half I have reflected a little more on the idea of a trauma-informed church. That sounds like a really neat concept, but I know all too well how difficult it would be to make this happen.

This is another conversation for another day. When we see clients who have experienced any level of church hurt, I think it is important to just be there and listen without any level of shame or judgment.

Submitted by UNC HEALTH JOHNSTON

S

MITHFIELD — Johnston Health Foundation may be best known for its patient assistance programs. But for the second summer in a row, it has helped a group of kids at HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center learn how to swim and be safe around the water.

During an eight-week camp that wrapped up Aug. 10, teammates at HealthQuest taught swim lessons and water safety to 75 elementary- and middle-school-aged children from My Kids Club of Selma.

At the start of camp, only 10 of the 75 children felt comfortable in the pool, says Ashley Scott, director at the center. By the end, however, all but five of the children could either float on their backs or put their faces in the water and swim. In fact, nine qualified for the swim team or swim club.

Swim instructor Lauren Gregg says 11-year-old Sage Brown of Wilson's Mills was among those who showed tremendous growth. “She couldn’t swim and frequently used the word ‘can’t,’” Gregg said. “But by the end of the

summer, she could swim half the length of the pool.”

Sage loves swimming so much she wants to take more lessons, says her mother, Ciji Dobbin. “I’m excited she’s so excited,” she said. “Every week she tells me something new she learned.”

In September when the family went on a cruise, Sage showed her mother how she could dog-paddle. “She’s inspired me to take swim lessons,” Dobbin said. “I just turned 40, but it’s never too late to learn.”

Lynn Stanley, interim director of My Kids Club, said parents appreciate the lessons their children learn during camp. “While they may not all learn how to swim, they do learn water safety and how they can save themselves from drowning,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children. In the United States, more children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. And for children ages 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of after motor vehicle crashes.

That's something we should already be doing. It might be easy to say “stop going” or find a different church. But for many, this is or was their “family.” Maybe they have had other positive experiences, and they are just trying to make sense of how these positive and negative experiences can co-exist in the same environment.

When I listen to my clients who have experienced church-hurt, I often feel they are torn between these two very different worlds. If we are not careful, it is at this very crossroads where our own bias can jump in and encourage a client to move in one direction or another.

I think it is important to stay in the place where their two worlds are likely crashing in on each other without giving input, but rather by offering reflection and hope.

How can they learn and grow from this? They might even be wondering where was God in this moment? Maybe even imagine with the client if Jesus himself (or fill in the blank with the more appropriate religious leader) was there, how he would have been feeling?

My guess is Jesus himself would be sick to his stomach to see his “hospital” being run more like a “country club.” Maybe this is the very reason why so many churches are struggling today.

Again, this is another topic for another day!

GARNER • CLAYTON • CARY • RALEIGH • HOLLY SPRINGS • WILMINGTON [ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 17

Town of Smithfield Announces

NEW FIRE CHIEF

Director of Fire Training at Johnston Community College. He returned to the town in 2016 as Division Chief of Fire Training and was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 2018.

Daughtry succeeds Chief Mike Brown, who retired earlier this summer.

In a statement, Chief Daughtry said, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the 14th Fire Chief of the Smithfield Fire Department. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. My vision for the department is to be a fully capable and fully functional organization that exceeds the expectations of its customers.”

Submitted by TOWN OF SMITHFIELD

S

MITHFIELD - The Town of Smithfield has announced the hiring of Jeremey Daughtry as Fire Chief.

Chief Daughtry is in his 25th year of fire safety, beginning his career in 1998 as a volunteer for the Brogden Fire Department, where he still assists in that capacity today.

He served as a firefighter for the Goldsboro Fire Department for four years before joining the Town of Smithfield as a firefighter in 2006.

Daughtry left Smithfield in 2011 to serve as the

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JOCOSPORTS.COM HELLO@JOCOSPORTS.COM [ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 19

Accounts payable specialist named

AMBASSADOR OF MONTH Submitted by UNC HEALTH JOHNSTON

S

MITHFIELD — UNC Health Johnston has recognized Danny Beasley, accounts payable specialist, as Ambassador of the Month.

During a recent presentation, CEO Tom Williams said Beasley takes pride in his work and does his best every day.

“He makes sure invoices are paid on time, and he is always willing to help out — no matter how big the challenge,” Williams said.

Prior to coming to Johnston, Beasley worked in accounts payable at Piedmont Service Group in Raleigh for five years and at Progress Energy for 15 years. When he saw the job opening at Johnston three years ago, he jumped at the opportunity to work close to home.

Beasley lives near Coats Crossroads and was born in the local hospital.

His father owned a drywall company in Smithfield for 40 years and always spoke highly of the care he and his wife received at then Johnston Memorial.

▸ At center, CEO Tom Williams congratulates Danny Beasley on being

named UNC Health Johnston’s Ambassador of the Month. At far left and right are: Shannen Turnbaugh, director of finance; and Kevin Cielinski, vice president of finance. In addition to a parking sign and designated parking spot, Beasley will receive eight hours of paid time off.

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Beasley’s sister, Kim Langdon, is the member services manager at HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center. She was named Ambassador of the Month in July 2021.

Beasley says he likes the contact with the departments of the hospital and getting to know employees across the organization.

“I enjoy helping others,” he said.

Shannen Turnbaugh, director of finance, says a recent transition to a new platform in the accounts payable area has been challenging.

“Danny works hard to resolve issues and answer questions,” he said. “We’ve come to rely on him as our on-site expert. I don’t know what we would do without him.”

Beasley has three grown children.

Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and playing golf.

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, Beasley will receive eight hours of paid time off.

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PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY Announces New Executive Director

Submitted by PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY

S

ELMA — Candy Scott will serve as the next Executive Director of the Partnership for Children of Johnston County, the Board of Directors announced recently.

“We are delighted to bring a seasoned leader to Johnston County who is passionate about making a difference for young children and their families,” said Lisa Brodgon, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Candy Scott has the experience and commitment to help us ensure that every child in our county gets the opportunity to thrive and enter Kindergarten ready to succeed, and to build a stronger, healthier workforce for the next generation.”

The Partnership for Children of Johnston County, founded in 1997, is a nonprofit organization that improves the safety, health and emotional well-being

of children birth to five, by enhancing the quality of childcare, supporting strong families and reaching out to at-risk kids. The Partnership works collaboratively with Johnston County businesses, government and nonprofit organizations, as well as families and early childhood educators, to improve the health, safety and school readiness of young children in the county.

“I am thrilled to join the Partnership, and I am looking forward to working with the community to strengthen and grow services for children, families and childcare professionals,” Scott said.

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“Collectively we can ensure positive outcomes for the children of Johnston County.”

Scott comes to Johnston County from the Cumberland County Partnership for Children, where she has served as Vice President of Programs since 2016.

She has over 20 years of nonprofit management experience in early childhood.

She has spent most of her career working in Smart Start and NC Pre-K programs in North Carolina, beginning in 2006 at the Guilford County Partnership for Children. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

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Kenly native, Mount Olive grad parlays academic success into new position Submitted by UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

M

OUNT OLIVE – From her desk, located on the 15th floor of the Bank America Corporation building, Chassidy Hodge has a bird’s eye view of the Raleigh skyline.

“I definitely love the view,” she said. “The traffic, well, that has taken some getting used to.”

The 22-year old Johnston County native is a May 2023 graduate of the University of Mount Olive where she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting. During the summer of her junior and senior years, Hodge interned with Johnson Lambert LLP, a CPA and consulting firm, focused on serving distinct industry niches.

A typical internship day included completing auditing procedures, testing, selecting samples, attending progress meetings and drafting insurance industry audit plans. These experiences, coupled with her educational background at UMO, helped Hodge land a full time position within the firm. She will start that new role as an Audit Associate in August of 2024, after completing her master’s degree.

Talking about her internship experience Hodge said, “One of my biggest takeaways was the knowledge that if you are the

22 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room. There will always be someone else smarter than you are. That was hard for me to learn, because I excelled so well in school. Being surrounded by such intelligent professionals in the accounting field made me realize that it’s a blessing to have that resource of knowledge around you. It keeps me inspired to become as knowledgeable as they have become.”

From an early age, Hodge soaked up numbers like a sponge to water. “I always loved math,” she shared. She took every math North Johnston High School offered, and always loved problem solving. During her junior year, she signed up for her first accounting class.

“The concepts came rather easy to me, and my teacher inspired me to take the next step and study accounting in college,” she said.

Hodge credits her parents and grandparents for the motivation and support to pursue higher education. With a stellar academic record, Hodge had the opportunity to consider many universities, but UMO is the only place she applied.

“As soon as I toured the campus, back in 2019, I knew that I wanted to attend UMO,” she said.

Born in Kenly, Hodge was raised by her grandparents. “I had the best childhood anyone could ask for,” she said.

However, Hodge had to grow up fast. Her grandmother passed away when Hodge was just 13.

“I had to take on responsibilities at home,” she recalls. “It was tough going through my teenage years dealing with that grief and having to mature quickly to help at home while still maintaining my schooling.”

Throughout high school, Hodge worked a part-time job. She also cheered all four years.

She had done all the right things. She studied hard, made good grades and was involved in extra-curricular activities. Yet, when it came time to apply for colleges, she realized funding her education would be a hardship.

“I had no college savings prepared for me, and unfortunately my grandfather was still in debt from my grandmother’s hospital bills. I was determined to go to college without having to take out loans or burden any of my family for help.”

At the University of Mount Olive, Hodge received several institutional scholarships including Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, cheerleading and the UMO Presidential Scholarship.

A member of Micro Original Free Will Baptist Church, she also received an OFWB scholarship. In addition, Hodge annually received scholarship funds from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation. To complete her financial package, the hard working Hodge worked in UMO’s Financial Aid Office under the Federal Work Study Program.

“Because of these wonderful scholarships and opportunities I was not only able to be a first generation college student, but also to graduate debt free,” she said. “I am beyond blessed. I would not be where I am today without the people around me and my life experiences to push me to make something better of myself and to one day be in the position to help my family.”

Although her grandmother was not alive to see her graduate, Hodge said, “I know that she would be so proud of what I am doing.”

In addition to graduating with a 3.9 GPA, enrolling in graduate school, and landing a coveted position at a reputable accounting firm, Hodge received the UMO Accounting Student of the Year Award for 2023.

“I am so humbled,” she said. “I want to thank all the staff from the UMO Tillman School of Business for pushing me to my greatest potential. UMO will always have a special place in my heart.”

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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

24 • [ JOHNSTON NOW ]

Wednesday, Nov. 1, Noon

Friday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m

Ebb and flow are not only terms for a river flow; they apply to not failing in business and life. In this webinar, you can explore our network, connections and contributors and find new ways to interact. Start seeking and experiencing expansive, unexpected and foreseen growth.

The presenter is tenBiz, Inc., and attendees must be preregistered and must be 18 or older to attend. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280430036.

Don’t miss William and Adam doing some acoustic jamming in Smithfield.

⋆ MindSpark: Collaborate Within Your Business → Virtual: JCC Small Business Center

Thursday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m. ⋆ DeWayne's 20th annual Christmas Open House

Don’t miss the official kickoff to the Christmas season with savings on Christmasthemed décor. From 4-9 p.m., enjoy samples from Hinnant Winery, grab dinner from local food trucks, register to win door prizes, sing along with the Victorian Carolers (from 5-8 p.m.) and much more.

Friday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

⋆ Fall Yard Sale, Bazaar and Online Auction → Four Oaks United Methodist Church, N. Church St., Four Oaks

Check out a fun Fall event in Four Oaks. Call 919-963-2095 for more details.

⋆ William and Adam in concert → The Bar Association, Venture Drive, Smithfield

Saturday, Nov. 4, 7:30 a.m. ⋆ Christmas Vendor Fair → Pisgah Baptist Church, N.C. 210, Smithfield

Pisgah Baptist Church is hosting a Christmas Vendor Fair on Saturday, Nov. 4.

There will be different vendors, including Scentsy, Shine Boutique, Bee Vintage, Linda’s Attic, Tobacco Road and more. Breakfast items, cakes and Brunswick Stew will be available for purchase, and proceeds benefit the church’s Backpack Ministry.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.

⋆ JWL's 8th Annual Touch-ATruck → Downtown Smithfield

Touch-A-Truck is a unique and interactive fundraiser that allows children to see, touch and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve and build Johnston County communities. Trucks on display will include emergency vehicles, tractors, machinery, construction equipment, farm equipment, service and delivery trucks and more. This event will also include food trucks, inflatables, special guests, face painting and so much more! Admission is free. $5 wristbands will be available

to purchase for inflatables, face painting, etc. Proceeds from Touch-A-Truck will benefit Johnston County through the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield initiatives like the Johnston County Blessing Boxes and scholarships for women.

Funds also support grants for other Johnston County nonprofits to assist with the development of programs benefiting women and children.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m.

⋆ 1st Annual Poker Run Benefit Ride → Bulldog Harley Davidson, Premium Outlets, Smithfield

Check out a Poker Run to benefit junior enlisted service members at Seymour Johnson AFB. All proceeds go to Operation Warm Heart.

Visit www.facebook.com/ events/1330237814537453/ to learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.

⋆ Best Practices for a Business Website → Virtual: JCC Small Business Center

An online presence with an effective website is crucial for many small businesses.

With presenter Shanna Capps, you’ll learn strategies and best practices for creating and publishing a professional business website to lure in new customers and provide additional information. It is important to understand what works best for online marketing and website design. This free webinar

will help you get started with a plan to create a website or provide revision techniques to an existing website. Learn more at www.ncsbc.net/workshop. aspx?ekey=280430054.

Nov. 10, 17 and 18

⋆ Turkey Shoot → Pisgah Baptist Church, N.C. 210, Smithfield

Pisgah Baptist Church began this fundraising event 10 years ago, and it gets better every year! Prizes and 50/50 money boards will be available. There will be concessions on site serving items such as hot dogs, bologna sandwiches, homemade sausage biscuits and more. For more, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ PisgahBaptistChurchHwy210.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

⋆ Holiday Bazaar → Third Street, Smithfield

The Oak City Collection and The Twisted Willow present a Holiday Bazaar, featuring live music, local vendors and much more.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. ⋆ 2023 Veteran Owned Business Expo → InStill Distilling Co., Main St., Clayton

The VOB Festival is back!

This year the event will be held at InStill Distilling Co. on Veterans Day. There will be drink specials, live music, a food truck and a chance to meet other local VOBs! The cost to have a table is only $25 and includes a free drink ticket. All proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Military Missions in Action. There is also a comedy show and a free yoga class for veterans and family members.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, or to claim your spot, email vobfest@gmail.com

Saturday, Nov. 11, 12 p.m

⋆ VetAid 2023 → American Legion Post 132, Pitchi St., Smithfield

Enjoy food trucks, inflatables, games, prizes, giveaways and more. The Spice of Life Band will perform shows at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. To learn more, call 919-264-9581 or email ajaydebats@ spiceoflifeband.net.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.

⋆ The Fabulous Thunderbirds → Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, Johnston Community College

This event is part of the Donnie E. and Linda Vann Lassiter Performing Arts Series. For more than 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” For ticket information, visit www. johnstonccperformingarts. csstix.com/events.php.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. ⋆ Breakfast with Santa → Polenta Elementary, Josephine Road, Garner

Save the date for Breakfast with Santa. More details will be coming soon. Stay up to date at www.facebook.com/ events/701839255123841/.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. ⋆ Dominant Championship Wrestling

Garner 919.661.5566

→ Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium, W. Noble St., Selma

Dominant Championship Wrestling will present “Sacrifice” in Selma on Nov. 18. A meet and greet will be held before the show, and ticket information and other details are available at www.facebook.com/ events/2252175325172975.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.

⋆ 2023 Christmas Sip & Shop → The Farm at 42

Check out the first ever Christmas Sip & Shop at The Farm at 42. This free, family-friendly event will include a vendor market, photos with Santa, Christmas mini photo sessions, concessions, and more.

Grab your family and come support the local small businesses in our area on Small Business Saturday.

A special appearance from Santa, straight from the North Pole, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find out more at www.facebook.com/ events/1431078904143462/.

Dunn 910.694.3004

[ NOVEMBER 2023 ] • 25

Saturday, Nov. 25, 3:30 p.m.

⋆ Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit → Clayton General Store, U.S. 70 Bus., Clayton

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming back to the Clayton General Store. It is Small Business Saturday and Santa is looking to get a jumpstart on his Christmas shopping.

Be sure to bring the family to drop off those Christmas lists and meet the special guests free of charge. Take as many pics as you would like and our four legged friends are always welcome as well. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ events/1032209417955721/.

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/

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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 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.

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.

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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 919-909-6422.

Second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

educational programs and federal and state legislation affecting current federal employees and retirees. To learn more, email jimnow42@gmail. com.

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

Second Wednesday, noon

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

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

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

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.

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

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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. 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. 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.

Third Tuesday ⋆ Johnston County African-American Caucus meeting → 1302 W. Market St., Smithfield

The Johnston County AfricanAmerican 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 954696-7833.

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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.

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.

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 likeminded 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.

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