Center Street Jam honors armed forces
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 1, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Isabella Houston, 11, sings the national anthem at Thursday night's Center Street Jam that paid tribute to the military. Her father, Lt. Col. Jason Houston, is stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Isabella wants to be in musical theater or sing on Broadway.
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Goldsboro Police Officer Thomas Bailey was one of the members of the joint Police Department and Wayne County Sheriff's Office color guard for Center Street Jam.
The Center Street Jam paid tribute to members of the armed forces, active and retired, during its annual Military Appreciation Night on Thursday.
Mary Archibald handed out red, white and blue parphernalia -- beach balls, beads and headbands among them.
She has volunteered at several downtown events, she said, but felt a special affinity for the occasion this year since her brother is now serving in the Army.
"It's a great thing. It brings people together," she said.
Perhaps the smallest flag-waver was 18-month-old Jymir Carney. Mesmerized by the miniature flag on a wooden stick, he attempted to blow on it until a breeze picked up and helped him out.
Randy and Cheryl Hinson of LaGrange didn't realize it was Military Appreciation Night when they stopped by on their way back from Raleigh until they saw the honor guard from the Sheriff's Office and Goldsboro police lining up for the opening ceremony.
In addition to celebrating those in the military service and their families, it's also a fun way to spend an evening, the couple said.
"It's like meeting old friends," Randy said.
Isabella Houston sang the national anthem to kick off the evening.
The 11-year-old daughter of Lt. Col. Jason Houston admitted it was a little daunting to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
"I have done it probably five times already," she said. "It still makes me nervous."
Her mom said she has been singing "as long as I can remember," since she was probably around 3 years old.
"I really like musical theater and I want to be on Broadway," the rising sixth-grader said.
Attending the event and taking part in the program was an honor, Mary Houston said. She appreciated the invitation her daughter received to sing.
Others with a military background were also grateful for the tribute.
Michael Phillips grew up in Los Angeles, California, and his wife, Michelle, in Arkansas. He retired from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in 2010, after 26 years of service.
"I realized I didn't want to go back to California because it was too expensive," he said with a smile. "I really like the area, the closeness to the beach. It's an almost centralized location and it's a nice quiet place to live."
Events like this are a great way to recognize the contributions the military makes in the community, he said.
"I think this is a good event for Center Street because it brings Goldsboro closer together," his wife said.
This marks the 19th year for the Center Street Jam, held every other Thursday night, sponsored by the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp.
Andrew Jernigan, representing DGDC, praised all the revitalization efforts made possible in part by federal grant money.
Big things are planned for the area he called the "heartbeat of the community," especially in the areas of arts and culture.
"Hopefully, this time next year we'll have an outdoor amphitheater," he said. "And we're also hoping to have a farmer's market as well."
Jerrnigan grew up in this community, he said, and moved away before returning several years later. He paid tribute to the military presence in Wayne County, saying in many ways his hometown has become a "melting pot" with residents who have settled here from all over the United States.
The summer concert series takes place from May through August and includes a variety of bands that play in downtown Goldsboro. The event is free to the public, with the exception of food vendors and draft beer available for purchase.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, but no pets or coolers are allowed.
Concerts are held from 6 until 9 p.m., rain or shine, unless heavy rain and thunderstorms are imminent.
The lineup for the remainder of this season includes Night Years performing on June 14, Soul Psychedelique on June 28, Fantastic Shakers on July 12, Jim Quick and Coastline on July 26, Spare Change on Aug. 9 and The Embers on Aug. 23.