Issue link: https://timwrob.uberflip.com/i/1543404
9 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY MARCH 2026 A Message From Our Mayor Mayor Charles Gaylor I just want to take a quick moment to respond to concerns expressed by a number of citizens regarding the proposed noise ordinance and how it could impact local youth organizations, downtown commercial activity, and city quali- ty of life in general. This ordinance revision was not tailored or targeted to any specific part of the city or any specific organization. It is a comprehensive review of our noise permitting procedures and ourguidelines to establish reasonable boundar- ies for outdoor noise. To specifically address concerns around the drumline that practices on Center Street— at no time have I ever endorsed or suggested the desire to shut them down. Quite the oppo- site, they are a wonderful organiza tion with an excellent mission made up of talented young musicians. I have spoken with leadership of the drumline to discuss their needs and how we can ensure that they are not negatively impacted as part of this ordinance revision. During the discussion of this agenda item at our latest council meeting, every member of council, myself included, expressed full sup- port for the drumline and for protecting gen- eral commercial activity throughout the city. I appreciate the conversations with members of our community and council members as we develop a reasonable balance and continue our work to make Goldsboro the best place to live, work and play. Round About Books Welcomes Michaela Round About Books welcomes Michaela as its new bookstore manager. Her story reflects the heart of both the shop and the community it serves. Michaela is quick to share a fun fact about herself: she is an eighth-grade dropout who went on to earn a master's degree in English. Living with dys- lexia and other learning challenges she wasalso a delayed reader. It wasn't until age nine that reading began to click— thanks to her mother, who recognized that Michae- la needed more support than the classroom could provide and stepped in to help. Like many children who learn differently, Michaela eventually found solace, confidence, and belong- ing through books. Later, as a graduate teaching assistant, she discovered her greatest joy was teaching remedial writing courses, helping students prepare for college composition. That journey led her to Round About Books, a youth-run, community bookstore dedicated to literacy, learning, and second chances. For Michae- la, managing the bookstore is the perfect convergence of her experiences— working with the printed word while helping make it accessible to others." Being both a book merchant and a mentor to those re-finding their place in the world is an ideal combination of all my previous experiences,"she says."The joy in climbing the ladder is reaching back to pull others up with you." Stop by Round About Books to meet Michaela, browse the shelves, and support local literacy. (Downtown Goldsboro), 106 South Center Street ,Tuesday-Saturday 12-5:30pm 919.735.1990 ext. 5 for Michaela Cold Hard Facts By Jonathan Greeson,CFP® Considering that we are already miserable because of this cold weather, it may be a good time to share a depressing statistic. I think that when we know the challenges we face, it can be easier to overcome them. A recent article in Financial Advisor Magazine said that the average 65-year-old married couple should expect to spend $388,000 on healthcare in retirement. Big number, right? That number doesn't include expenses covered by insurance either! Commercials omit those num- bers, not because they are ignoring them, but because nobody wants to face that reality. As someone who has spent his entire life trying to navigate the healthcare system, I can honestly say you want the ability to choose. Yes, you may eventually become eligible for Medicaid, and it is definitely a needed service, but your choices will be limited. It may be the case that Medicaid is the best option for your situation and there is no shame in it, but wouldn't you like some choices? I know I would! I hate being a fear monger, but these are important realities that we need to think about as we plan our future. Our parents are great examples because their generation was one of the first to transition from pensions to retirement plans, such as a 401k. Our parents realized that nobody was going to take care of their future. Nobody will be giving us the financial resources needed either. Your future is in your hands. Fortunately, I can help you. Email me! Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning is located in Pikeville. For more infor- mation, visit www.jonathangreeson.com. Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA),a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents Grant Funding 101 By Vanessa Spiron It's grant season again but most people outside of the nonprofit world might not know what a grant actually is or how grant funding works. While grants can be a great source of funding for organizations, finding, receiving, and managing a grant can be complex and sometimes downright confusing. Here are a few things to get you started. Grants are assistance that typically come in the form of money or physical assets (like equipment, materi- als, land, etc.) to support an organization, cause, or initiative. While many consider it "free money",that is not usually the case. Funders typically have many requirements to support initiatives. They will require you to ad- vance their mission and priorities through the work that you do. In addition, administering grants correctly is import- ant to ensure that you remain eligible for funding. You must stay within the budget categories that were agreed upon by you and the funding agency. If you need to make a change, a formal amendment is typically required. Grant funding is a great way to push your ideas and initiatives forward, but it is important to adhere to the requirements of the funders. Grant writing and administration can be time-con- suming, but it is usually worth it in the end. Vanessa Spiron is the owner of Spiron Solutions, an organizational development and training business located in Wayne County. Check them out at www. spironsolutions.net .