News Flash

WHAT: Veterans Recognition Ceremony

WHEN: 5 p.m., Monday, November 3

WHERE: The Clayton Center

                111 East Second St.,

                Clayton, NC 27520

WHO: Free and open to the public 

Join the Town of Clayton as it celebrates the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our military veterans at the annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. The event begins at 5 p.m., Monday, November 3 at The Clayton Center (111 East Second Street). All members of the community are invited to attend and show their appreciation for those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

The evening will feature special remarks, patriotic music, and a heartfelt tribute to local veterans who have defended our nation’s freedom. This ceremony provides a meaningful opportunity for residents to come together, reflect, and honor those who have served in every branch of the military. 

Guest speaker Mayor Pro Tem Michael Sims, retired U.S. Marine, will share his personal experiences and insights from his years of service. Sims’ perspective on dedication, sacrifice, and leadership will inspire attendees to consider the lasting impact veterans have on both the community and the nation. 

The ceremony will last about an hour and takes place just before the Regular Town Council Meeting at 6 p.m. across the hall in Town Council Chambers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive special Veterans Day pins and green light bulbs, allowing them to continue the celebration and recognition at home or in their workplaces. 

In support of Project Green Light, a national initiative encouraging visible appreciation for veterans, the Town invites residents and businesses to display green lights during the week of Veterans Day. By shining a green light in a window, community members can take part in a powerful and enduring tribute, extending the spirit of the ceremony throughout Clayton. 

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Sims believes a veteran’s service does not end when they return home. As this year’s featured speaker for the Town of Clayton’s Veterans Recognition Ceremony, he hopes to inspire others to see how their leadership and example can continue to shape the community long after their military service has ended. 

“I want every veteran to know that the job is not finished yet,” said Sims. “You can still be impactful, still engage, and still share life lessons with others.” 

The Veterans Recognition Ceremony begins at 5 p.m., Monday, November 3, at The Clayton Center (111 East Second Street). The annual event invites all members of the community to join in recognizing the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of local veterans. Guests will enjoy patriotic music, heartfelt tributes, and special remarks from Sims, a retired United States Marine who served for 21 years. 

Sims’ military career began in 1979 and took him across the world, from Korea and Iraq to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where he worked in both communications and aviation. He spent nine months deployed in Iraq during Desert Storm and said his time in service taught him the values that continue to guide his life today. 

“Discipline, courage, and initiative are things the Marine Corps instilled in me that have never left,” said Sims. 

Among his many memories, one moment stands out the most.  

“There was nothing better than coming home,” he said. “After being away for months, walking off that bus and seeing my family waiting with open arms is something I will never forget. Every veteran knows that feeling.” 

Today, Sims continues to serve his community through public service and leadership. He is also the author of Leading from the Front, a book that explores lessons in leadership drawn from his time in the Marine Corps. In the book, he reflects on how integrity, perseverance, and compassion can guide both veterans and civilians to lead with purpose. In the spirit of honoring veterans, the Town of Clayton is also launching Operation Green Light. From November 3-11, residents and businesses are encouraged to display green lights as a visible sign of appreciation. Starting Monday, October 27, free bulbs will be available at Clayton Town Hall, located at 111 East Second Street, (one per family or business, while supplies last). 

For more information about the Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Operation Green Light, visit the Town’s Facebook event page. 

Clayton’s Juneteenth Celebration brings the community together to learn, reflect, and connect. It offers a welcoming space for people of all ages to explore history through music, storytelling, and art. The event encourages thoughtful conversations and invites neighbors to take part in a shared, meaningful experience.

The Town hosted this annual event, which took place on Saturday, June 14 at The Clayton Center (111 East Second Street). Residents, town leaders, and local organizations gathered to take part in a program that honored the spirit of Juneteenth through several performances.

This year’s celebration featured a powerful theatrical presentation by Mike Wiley, an actor and educator who shares true stories from history on stage. His one-man play followed the life of Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. The story focused on Robinson’s strength, leadership, and steady determination during a time when he was not treated equally.

The program helped the audience see what life was like during that time in America. Robinson often stayed in different hotels than his teammates, used separate locker rooms, and was sometimes asked to enter restaurants through the back door. On the field, he was a star. Off the field, he still faced unfair treatment. Wiley’s performance showed how Robinson continued to stand tall and lead by example, even when it was not easy.

In addition to the featured presentation, several community groups shared their talents through music, dance, and other creative acts. These contributions added energy and emotion to the event and gave attendees a chance to experience a wide range of artistic expressions.

Town council members and administration were present at the event, demonstrating the Town’s dedication to supporting community initiatives that foster education and fellowship.

Following the program, guests gathered for a short reception. This gave attendees the chance to talk about what they saw, share their thoughts, and meet others in a comfortable and inviting setting.

The Town of Clayton and The Clayton Center thank all who helped make this year’s Juneteenth Celebration a meaningful and successful event. From the performers and organizers to those who came to take part, every voice and effort played an important role.

To learn more about upcoming programs and performances, visit townofclaytonnc.org. 

As the unofficial start to summer kicks off, the Town of Clayton is excited to share an array of activities designed for free family fun. From outdoor adventures to live music, there is something for all to enjoy this summer. 

Stay cool with the Splash Pad at Municipal Park (325 McCullers Drive), open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and then get moving on the sporting fields and courts, try out the new bocce, tennis, shuffleboard, and pickleball courts next to the Clayton Community Center (715 Amelia Church Road), or enjoy a relaxing picnic at any of our parks. A full list of park amenities can be found on ClaytonNC.org/Parks. 

For a unique outing, visitors can explore the interactive StoryWalk and the 18-hole Disc Golf Course at East Clayton Community Park (1774 Glen Laurel Road). Whether staying active or simply enjoying the outdoors, there’s plenty to do. Additionally, the new playground at Clayton Community Park (715 Amelia Church Road), built with support from the 2019 Parks and Recreation Bond, provides a fun spot for all ages. 

The Clayton Sculpture Trail, an open-air art gallery, features 13 stunning sculptures scattered throughout the town. This ongoing collection offers a chance to enjoy free public art and explore the creativity woven into the Town’s landscape. Access the brochure virtually or download a copy by visiting townofclaytonnc.org/Sculpture-Trail.  

Library programs continue to thrive at The Clayton Center (111 East Second Street) and Town Hall while Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is closed for renovations and moving to its temporary location. And good news, the Summer Reading Challenge is still on with plans to kick off in July. Stay tuned for more details.  

Enjoy free live music all summer long. The Downtown Concert Series at Town Square kicked off with sounds of Snap Back on Friday, May 9. Here’s a look at the rest of the lineup: 

• 512: The Selena Experience on Thursday, June 26
• Second Helping: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band on Thursday, July 17
• Clayton Locals Night on Thursday, August 14
• Sleeping Booty on Friday, September 5

Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show activities kicking off at 6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and get ready to dance the night away while enjoying food trucks, drinks, and activities for the kids. 

Don’t forget about the big summer events. There are three exciting celebrations that everyone won’t want to miss: 

• The Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14 at The Clayton Center, followed by a community reception.
• Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4, with a full Main Street festival and a fireworks show lighting up the sky.
• Popsicles in the Park on Thursday, July 24 at Municipal Park, featuring free refreshing treats and activities to celebrate the end of National Parks and Recreation Month.

“Clayton is quickly becoming a must-visit destination, especially in the summer," said Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. "With so much to explore and enjoy, from outdoor activities to live events, the Town does an incredible job of creating cherished experiences for both residents and visitors. We're dedicated to offering something for everyone, making every summer in Clayton one to remember.” 

For more information on these events and other exciting summer activities, be sure to visit ClaytonNC.org and stay connected with the Town of Clayton. 

A group of 30 local children is walking away with a newfound understanding of what it takes to respond to an emergency, keep essential utilities running, and organize a community arts production. Through hands-on experiences, they gained a greater appreciation for the teamwork, skill, and planning involved in these vital services. By stepping into the shoes of local government employees, they now have a clearer view of how their Town functions and how they might play a part in it one day. 

On Thursday, April 24, the Town of Clayton offered kids the chance to contribute to their community during Take Your Child to Work Day. Children of Town employees were invited to explore the many departments that help keep Clayton running smoothly every day. 

“My favorite part was when we got to spray the water at the fire department,” said 11-year-old Jackson Bryant, who spent part of the day learning about fire safety and response. 

They spent time with staff from fire, police, inspections, electric, cultural arts, public works, water, engineering, human resources, and the library. Children participated in hands-on activities, asked questions, and engaged with employees who shared what makes their jobs special. 

“Yes,” said 14-year-old James Damarripo, when asked if the day helped him think about his future career. “I'm going to be an electrician, so I want to learn how electricity works and how houses are wired.” 

Each child received an official Town of Clayton badge with their photo. This keepsake helped them feel like part of the team as they moved from one department to the next. The day also included group discussions and interactive demonstrations to showcase how teamwork and dedication contribute to making Clayton a great place to live and work. 

“We got to see the fire trucks, and there was a bus,” said nine-year-old Sawyer Shelton. “That was my favorite part because I’ve never been on a bus.” 

"Take Your Child to Work Day is a wonderful opportunity for employees to share their passion for public service with their children and families,” said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “It helps foster a deeper sense of pride in the work we do every day. For the Town, this day may even inspire future employees who could return one day as part of our dedicated team. It’s not just about showing children the value of public service. It’s about connecting with the next generation of leaders who may shape Clayton’s future." 

Take Your Child to Work Day also helps children discover careers in local government, giving them a better sense of what their parents or caregivers do each day. For some, it may even spark an interest in a future job with the Town of Clayton.  

“Oh, I don’t know,” giggled five-year-old Indi Melton when asked what she thought her dad does at work daily. 

"The Town of Clayton is proud to support events, like this one, that inspire young minds and bring families together," added Cappola. 

This event is part of a nationwide tradition that encourages career exploration and family engagement. Each year, more than 37 million Americans across 3.5 million workplaces take part, according to the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, giving children firsthand insight into a wide range of professions.