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Shanna Says You don’t have to visit Hollywood to enjoy awards season Awards season is a blast. I enjoy watching the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys where you get to see celebrities honored for exhibiting their talent (or sometimes for just being the most popular). I camp out in front of the television two hours early to see the red carpet arrivals. The glitz of the designer dresses, jewels and styles mesmerizes me. It’s fascinating to listen to the acceptance speeches, when you get to hear a celebrity’s true feelings without being filtered by a publicist. I especially get tickled when they slip up and say things that would make their publicity team cringe. But, none of the stars in Hollywood and beyond shine nearly as brightly as the unsung heroes right here in Johnston County that do so much to make a difference. We are absolutely delighted to share the photos of your neighbors and friends being honored for their passion and dedication to our community. Thank you to the many partners who submitted these photos so that we can give these exemplary citizens the credit they have earned. If I’m being honest, I get a little nervous attending banquets. You see, many years ago, I was an award winner at a chamber of commerce banquet in Shelby. A hypnotist was the entertainment, and I was one of the unlucky people called up on stage to participate in the show. I’m not typically shy, but this was outside of my comfort zone. Rumor has it, I clucked like a chicken, solved problems Lucille Ball style, danced the hula and competed in a beauty pageant while under the hypnotist’s influence. At the end of the performance, I’m guessing the hypnotist said some magic words, and the participants all came back to reality. Then, I could remember everything as if it had been a dream or a movie, and it seemed that I watched my actions as a bystander. It was hilarious, embarrassing and the talk of the town. While I was flattered to be honored with an award that night, most of my community found the rumor of my on-stage antics much more interesting. And I can’t blame them. I am, however, very grateful this occurred before the age of digital cameras and social media. Thankfully, the award winners featured in this edition of J-Now weren’t required to cluck, hula or pageant wave — but they sure are worthy of applause. Shanna Capps shanna@johnstonnow.com Comprehensive Treatment ONE TIME SERVICE, MONTHLTY & QUARTERLY TEATMENTS AVAILABLE. TERMITE INSPECTION (During Initial Service Visit) ELIMINATES: ANTS | ROACHES | FLEAS | PANTRY PESTS | SPIDERS | TERMITES | BEDBUGS FREE ESTIMATES & INSPECTIONS PRESSURE WASH YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE! MARCH 2017 | 29