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16 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY MAY 2026 By Jennifer Johnson As the school year winds down, agriculture education in Wayne County is entering one of its most important seasons. Our county high school FFA students are preparing for regional and state competitions, showcasing skills that reach far beyond the classroom in events like public speaking, leadership and hands-on technical knowledge. Their dedication reflects the strength of our local programs. This semester, our office hosted two FFA student interns who have experienced agriculture from a different angle. Their work has introduced them to agriculture career paths that aren't always visible from the outside. Careers such as communications, event planning, environmental stewardship, and agribusiness support. These ex- periences remind students that agriculture is not defined solely by time in the field, it is a network of professionals that keeps our county's largest industry moving. F or graduating seniors who are undecided, agriculture offers more opportunities than ever. Right here in Wayne County, Wayne Community College provides strong pathways through its ag- riculture programs, while the University of Mount Olive continues to expand its degree options that prepare students for leadership roles in the ag industry. As we approach the end of the school year, it's clear that agriculture touches every part of a student's life from the food they eat, clothes they wear, and the careers they may one day pursue. Our role is to keep growing those opportunities, nurturing curiosity, and ensuring that every stu- dent can find their place in this vital industry. Jennifer Johnson is an Extension Agent with the Wayne County Cooperative Extension. Connections By Rev Alan Shaw Recently, I've noticed social media posts about walking barefoot out- doors, a practice called "earthing." The idea is that direct contact with the ground allows the earth's natural energy to reduce stress and improve physical and emotional health. While the concept is interesting, I admit I've been hesitant—mainly because I don't watch my dog "go". I've even seen ads for special socks designed to deliver the same benefits while pro- tecting your feet...intriguing. Thinking about earthing led me to reflect on other kinds of connections that truly matter. Who do you turn to when stress builds? What helps ground you when life feels overwhelming? I worked alongside behavioral health specialists in the military and found comfort simply by sitting in their space when things felt heavy. Sometimes I talked; sometimes I just sat quietly. That sense of connection—being heard and supported—made a difference. Today, I still rely on grounding practices: focusing on what I can see, hear, smell, or feel—simple practices that keep me in the present. Whether through trusted relationships or intentional mind- fulness, these connections help steady us when anxiety pulls us into "what ifs." As for earthing? Maybe it helps, maybe it doesn't. Either way, staying connected is what truly keeps us grounded. Just remember to watch where you step. Rev Alan Shaw is a retired Army officer and serves as an interim pastor at Peace Lutheran Church, where all are welcome to know you are Amateur Radio Field Day The Wayne County Amateur Radio Assoc in con- junction with the Kinston Amateur Society will be joining thousands of Amateur Radio operators who will be showing off their emergen- cy capabilities this coming June, 27th and 28th. Over the past year, the news has been full of reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications during unexpected emergencies in towns across America including the California wildfires, winter storms, tornadoes and other events world-wide. During Hurricane Katrina, Amateur Radio – often called "Ham radio" - was often the ONLY way people could communi- cate, and hundreds of volunteer "hams" traveled south to save lives and property. When trouble is brewing, Amateur Radio's people are often the first to provide rescuers with critical information and communications. On the weekend of June 27 - 28, the public will have a chance to meet and talk with local ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about. Showing the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code, hams from across the USA will be holding public demonstrations of emergency communications abilities. In the Goldsboro area, the Wayne County and Kinston radio clubs will be demonstrating Amateur Radio at 2104 Salem Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530 on June 27th and 28th. We invite the public to come and see ham radio's new capabilities and learn how to get their own FCC radio license before the next disaster strikes. "We hope that people will come and see for themselves, this is not your grandfather's radio anymore," said Allen Pitts of the ARRL. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS! In 1976 a wide variety of people to include doc- tors, lawyers, teachers, tradesmen, housewives, students and military members gathered to form a choral group known as the Bicentennial Singers. Under the direction of Roger Searles, the singers presented programs for different functions during the Bicentennial year. By the end of 1976, these people enjoyed singing so much that they wanted to stay together as a group. Their only problem was their name, the Bicentennial Celebration was about to come to an end, so a name change was needed. Members submitted suggestions and chose the one contributed by George Johnson – III Century Singers. According to Kay Livingston, "we chose the name because we were going into the third century of our county and we knew it would be appropriate". Over the years, III Century Singers has performed four concerts each year and sung at other oppor- tunities as they arose. More than three hundred people have been members. The wholesome spirit of the group, sustained support and a loyal audience speak well of its contribution to the community. Made up of many local church choir singers, we enjoy singing hits from Broadway shows, old standards, popular songs, patriotic, folk and gospel music. III Century Singers has always attracted people who love singing and fellowship. The singers are a 501 c-3 organization, an affiliate of the Arts Council of Wayne and are partially funded by a Grassroots Grant from the NC Arts Council. Write to PO Box 10636, Goldsboro, NC 27532 for more information.