The Buzz Around Wayne County

16 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY JUNE 2026 Understanding Wayne County's Voluntary Agricultural Districts By Jennifer Johnson Wayne County's Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) programs are designed to protect working farms and recognize the landowners who keep agriculture strong in our community. When you see the white and green Voluntary Agricultural District signs along the road, they mark farms that have committed to preserving their land for agricultural use. To quality for enrollment, a property must con- tain at least 5 acres of horticulture, 10 acres of cropland or 20 acres of forestland, and it must be managed according to the state's conserva- tion standards. Landowners in a Voluntary Ag District receive protections such as reduced nuisance complaints and notification to neighboring developers that they are entering an active farming area. Enhanced Voluntary Ag District members take an additional step by signing a 10-year conservation agreement, which offers stronger safeguards for long-term farm preservation. Enrollment is voluntary and straightforward. Landowners submit an appli- cation through the Wayne County Agricultural Advisory Board, which reviews eligibility and approves new districts throughout the year. Once enrolled, participants receive their road- side sign and are officially recognized as part of Wayne County's agricultural preservation efforts. For more information or to begin the enroll- ment process, contact Jennifer Johnson at 919-731-1519. Have You Taken Your Temperature Lately By Rev Alan Shaw In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook our own wellness. When we finally pause, we often focus on the "symptom of the day" instead of the whole picture. Let's take a look at our overall well-being and iden- tify areas that need attention. 1) Physical is the most familiar—ex- ercise, nutrition, and rest. It's my New Year's reso- lution every year and I'm still taking steps toward my goals (literally). 2) Emotional means understanding and managing our feelings, expressing them appropriately, and keeping our "emotional temperature" from rising during stress or sadness. 3) Intellectual involves keeping our minds active. In a world shaped by rapid technological change and AI, intentional mental engagement matters more than ever. 4) Relational reflects the health of our connections. Relationships rise and fall with stress, conflict, and neglect. When they fracture, our ministry of reconciliation helps address healing. 5) Vocational is finding meaning in our work. Your vocation is more than you're a job; it's how you interact with the world. 6) Spiritual describes our rela- tionship with God, ourselves, and others. It's more than a "walk in nature"; it's understand- ing your relationship with the Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. If you'd like help assessing your wellness, visit Peace Lutheran Church and let's talk. Rev. Alan C. Shaw Christian Conciliator Cell: 919-608-1131 (text or leave a voice- mail) Email: alan@restoringharmonyllc.com 2026 ARRL Field Day - June 27-28 Ham radio operators from the Wayne County and the Kinston Amateur Radio clubs will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 2 pm on Saturday the 27th until Sunday 2 pm the 28th. The Field Day site will be located in the wooded area across from 2104 Salem Church Road, Goldsboro NC 27530, just south of Lane Tree Golf Course on the left. The public is invited and encourage to come out and see Amateur Radio in operation. Additionally, alone with the many HF (High Frequency) Stations we will have a Satellite Station, CW (Mores Code) Station and a GOTA, Get On The Air, Station. The GOTA Station is open to "anyone" who would like to "try out" amateur radio, no age limit nor Ham License required. This year's event is also noteworthy given that a particularly active hurricane season is predicted. "Hams have a long history of serving their communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communica- tion infrastructure, including cell towers. This has been most apparent with the disaster in Western NC. Ham Radio functions complete- ly independently of the internet and phone systems and a Ham Radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others. Beekeepers of the Neuse to Host Pollinators Day 2026 The Beekeepers of the Neuse invites the public to attend Pollinators Day 2026 on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Old Waynesborough Historic Park in Wayne County, North Carolina. This family-friendly educational event is open to the public and is a celebration of Eastern North Carolina's agricultural history and environmental stewardship with a focus on honey bees and native pollinators. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced beekeepers and environmental organizations through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and educational booths fo- cused on pollinator conservation and sustain- able practices along with games for children and an ice cream truck. Featured exhibits will include: ● Food and Honey Sales ● Basic Beekeeping Equipment ● Products of the Hive ● Kids Area ● Observation Hive ● Queen Rearing ● Wax Demonstrations ● Honey Extraction

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