Guardian’s Haven Project, a nonprofit founded by Army National Guard combat veteran Erin Chism, will host its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, 2025, on the beautiful grounds of Homestead Farm in Warrenton. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for self-guided tours of the farm’s botanical gardens and walking trails, with dinner served at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The evening will feature a locally sourced gourmet dinner, highlighting seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats from farms in the community. Guests will enjoy local beer from Bragging Rooster, wine from Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, live music by Haley Ellis and The Hundley Brothers, along with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For tickets, click here.

ABOUT GUARDIAN’S HAVEN PROJECT

Guardian’s Haven Project was founded by Chism after serving in Afghanistan in 2012–2013 with the 514th Military Police Company, 60th Troop Command. During that deployment, the unit sustained multiple casualties, including SSG Donna Johnson, SGT Jeremy Hardison, and SGT Thomas J. Butler IV. Inspired by their sacrifice and motivated by the challenges veterans face accessing care through the VA, Chism created Guardian’s Haven Project to provide meaningful, trauma-informed support for veterans and first responders.

“Our mission is to honor the fallen by supporting the living,” said Chism. “Through trauma informed equine-assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, opportunities to learn self-sustaining skills, and camaraderie, Guardian’s Haven Project offers a place for healing, purpose, and community.”

Homestead Farm, the family property where Guardian’s Haven Project is based, has been transformed by Chism’s parents, Steven and Susan Bender, into a welcoming destination with gardens, trails, and gathering spaces. The farm is open to the public every Saturday and serves as the backdrop for the nonprofit’s programs and events.

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On Saturday, Sept. 6, the community gathered at the Haliwa-Saponi Multipurpose Building in Hollister to celebrate the life and legacy of Faith Hedgepeth during the annual Faith’s Smile Scholarship Fundraiser.

The day was filled with love, laughter, and remembrance as family and friends came together to keep Faith’s light shining. Guests enjoyed a plate sale and silent auction, with all proceeds supporting local students in pursuit of their college dreams.

Created in honor of a vibrant and loving American Indian woman, the Faith’s Smile Scholarship is open to female students connected to a recognized American Indian tribe in North Carolina through membership or ancestry, entering their freshman year at a four-year college or university.

Faith’s radiant smile continues to inspire, and her legacy lives on through every scholarship awarded and in the hearts of all who love her.

Donations may be sent to:
104 Haliwa Drive
Warrenton, NC 27589

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For over four decades, Jereann King Johnson has woven various fabrics with intricate details into her quilted works to share stories and traditions with the world.

Now, her own life story is being told in an upcoming documentary.

The Resource Center for Women and Ministry and the Black Feminist Film School are producing, “Not I, But OUR: Jereann King Johnson, a Life of Art, Activism, and Community Building,” (working title) a documentary film that will tell the story of the life and work of African American quilter, educator, and community organizer Jereann King Johnson.

A long-time Warren County resident, Johnson pieces together people, organizations, and resources into racial and social justice. For Johnson, quilting is a dynamic metaphor for living, community development, and creative expression; quilting involves putting together often-discarded pieces to make something new.

Using archival footage and interviews with Johnson and her colleagues and friends, they will create and distribute a one-hour (56:46) documentary film. Rafael Samanez and Leilani Clark of Elevate Media Films are working their magic as the filmmakers and producers.

When asked, Johnson stated that she “felt honored” that the women in her circle saw something in her that merited time and resources to tell a story. She continued. “And the story is more than just my story, it’s the story of many black women who emerged from strong communities that show them a way to muster up the courage to try and build better communities for everybody. I hope that my story reflects the stories of countless women who are inspired by the work of their hands and in my case, quilting and textile arts to step out of the box and work for social change.”

Jereann King Johnson has a legacy of artistic creation and working for equality. She assisted in launching two quilting groups: African American Quilt Circle in Durham and the Heritage Quilters in Warrenton, NC.

Johnson and her fellow quilters work to preserve and highlight African American quilting traditions; they also speak to the present moment by creating quilts that artistically portray historic and current events. One such quilt of Johnson’s is called “Hope in Impossible Odds.” Made with black and white cotton and red linen, it depicts a figure behind bars against a swirling black-and-white background.

In addition to quilting, the Heritage Quilters work directly in the community by leading community tours, working with the schools, and organizing a giving circle that funds scholarships and youth field trips.

In the film, the producers will document the many ways that Johnson has been a pivotal figure in her community and beyond, and show the ways she connects people, encourages artistic expression, preserves and contributes to a fiber arts tradition, and works for justice.

The Resource Center for Women and Ministry is hosting an exclusive sneak peek of the forthcoming documentary on Sunday, August 25, from 3-5 pm at The Fruit in Durham. Alongside Johnson, attendees will meet director Courtney Reid-Eaton and film editor Tamar Rachkovsky. To donate or for more information, visit rcwms.org.

The Fruit is located at 305 S. Dillard Street in Durham, NC.

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Prepare a delicious meal from home along with Chef Ashleigh Fleming of Blue Jay Bistro for a great cause!

From the website:

Join us as they travel to Littleton, NC and visit Chef Ashleigh Fleming in the kitchen of Blue Jay Bistro. Your ticket purchase includes a link to the live event and a curated meal kit delivered to your home to cook alongside the chef!

Experience a taste of North Carolina’s agriculture and hospitality industry from the comfort of your own home with signature dishes from Blue Jay Bistro and ingredients sourced directly from North Carolina farmers.

When: Tuesday July 19th 6pm

How: An exclusive link to the live event will be sent via email

What: Meal kits (serves 2) featuring locally sourced ingredients will be shipped directly to your home the week of the event. Instructions on any additional ingredients, food preparation or suggested spirit pairings needed ahead of the event will be sent via email.

This event makes for a perfect date night or gathering! Grab your friends and neighbors and order additional meal kits here.

Join Chef Ashleigh and on screen guests in preparing the following:
* Barbecue Spiced Shrimp
* Cilantro Lime Rice
* Sweetpotato Salsa
* Sweetpotato MaiTai from the Blue Jay Bistro bar
Bonus recipe: Salad with Coconut Lime Vinaigrette

“This quick and easy summer time recipe is a great mash up of my Texas flavor roots, North Carolina produce, and of course my love affair with all things tiki, represented in our cocktail of choice! I will also include a bonus recipe for a Salad with Coconut Lime Vinaigrette. I recommend it, but it is definitely not necessary. I can’t wait to cook alongside y’all during our stream event and answer any questions you may have. Let’s get ready to have some fun!”- Chef Ashleigh Fleming

All proceeds will benefit the Mobile Market Program serving Eastern North Carolinians by making fresh, healthy food accessible and affordable for all.

For more information, click here.

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