Issue link: https://timwrob.uberflip.com/i/1545691
Reading During the Summer Months By Selena Bennett CSS Executive Director Family reading during the summer months is a great way to help instill a love of learning for reading! It also provides a special family time where favorite books can be shared. Here are a few suggestions for "Family Read-Alouds" that everyone will enjoy! Chapter Book Family Read-Alouds Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis) The Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall) Ramona, Mouse & the Motorcycle, Ribsy, etc. (Beverly Cleary) Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, etc. (E.B. White) Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls Wilder) The One and Only Ivan (Katherine Applegate) Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, James & the Giant Peach, the BFG, etc. (Roald Dahl) Summer is also a time for family adventures. Here are a few suggestions for family fun in Wayne County! Fireworks over Wayne at Wayne County Fair- grounds on July 4th Visit the NC Freedom Fest in Downtown Goldsboro on September 12th Visit Old Waynesborough Park for an educa- tional look into the past Take a StoryBook Walk at Herman Park or Cliffs of the Neuse Visit the Wayne County Farmers Market Ride the Kiwanis Miniature Train at Herman Park Sign up for local camps through Parks & Rec Visit the Library Skating at Round-a-Bout Skate Center Go hiking at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park 7 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY JULY 2026 Summer Travel Sticker Shock? Here's How To Stretch Your Vacation Budget By Mallory Dumond Experiencing sticker shock while planning a summer vacation? You're not alone! Rising fuel prices, inflation, geopolitical events, and continued demand for travel have pushed costs higher for everything from airfare and hotels to rental cars and road trips. The good news? You don't need to cancel your vacation plans—you just need to travel smarter. Flexibility is one of the biggest mon- ey-saving tools available. Adjusting travel dates by even a day or two can often result in significant savings on flights and accommodations. You can also consider alternative airports, package deals, and destinations that offer similar experiences at a lower price point. Cruises and all-inclusive resorts continue to provide strong value because lodging, dining, and entertainment are bundled into one price. Families can also save by traveling during weekdays, booking in advance, and utilizing loyalty programs and rewards points. Here's THe Deal By Mary Kay Best - Pastor The Church at Beston "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; When character is lost, all is lost." Billy Graham Remember, the Lord Jesus will take you back, if you sincerely return to Him and repent. Then you must not look back or go back to your sin. You make a decision to follow Christ for the rest of your life. It will be so much better and God will restore everything. I know because I took that chance, that God would help me, even though I had sinned greatly against Him. He took me back and I trust Him. You can trust Him to take care of absolutely everything. It is a day by day trust. He shows you and then you know there's no denying His great love for you. That's what we all want—to be loved. No one can love you and take care of you any better than the Lord Jesus Himself. Stop putting it off. Surrender to Him now while you still have time to. But, the window of grace is closing. He will return in the eastern sky. You can't get ready then. It'll be too late. Take your chance with God and give up all the worldly pleasures—He will greatly suprise you with more and better things, opportunities and people. A clean heart and a sound mind. Peace and joy. He did it for me, so I know wholeheartedly He'll do it for you. Freedom, Gratitude, and Community By Kriquette Davis Every year when the Fourth of July arrives, com- munities across America gather for cookouts, parades, fireworks, and celebrations. Children wave flags, families spend time together, and neighbors reconnect in ways that remind us what makes small-town Ameri- ca so special. Beneath all the festivities, however, lies something much deeper: gratitude for the freedoms we often take for granted. Freedom is one of those blessings that becomes easy to overlook when we've always known it. The ability to worship freely, speak openly, vote, gather with loved ones, and pursue our dreams came at a tremendous cost. Generations of brave men and women sacrificed greatly so we could enjoy liberties many people around the world still long for today. The Fourth of July is also a reminder that patriotism is not only about fireworks and flags. It's about caring for our communities and each other. It's shown when neighbors help neighbors, when people volunteer their time, and when communi- ties rally around families facing difficult seasons. True patriotism lives in everyday acts of kindness, service, and unity. America has certainly faced challenges throughout its history, and we continue to navigate difficult conversations and divisions. Yet one of the beauti- ful things about this country is our resilience. Even in hard times, people continue to show up for one another. We continue to hope, rebuild, and believe in better days ahead. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the blessings surrounding us. Let's honor those who served and sacrificed, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and remember that our communities grow stronger when we choose compassion over division. May your July be filled with gratitude, laughter, meaningful moments with loved ones, and a renewed appreciation for the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy every single day.