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16 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY AUGUST 2026 Back to School Means Sharing The Road By Jennifer Johnson As Wayne County settles into back-to-school routines, daily traffic increases across rural roads. School buses, new teen drivers, and active farm equipment all converge in August, making this one of the most important months to stay alert behind the wheel. Farmers are in peak season, moving tractors, sprayers, and grain trucks between fields. These machines travel slowly, have limited visibility and often turn unexpectedly into field entrances. Giving them space, reducing speed and avoiding quick passing decisions protects both farmers and motorists. The orange SLOW MOVING VEHICLE triangle is a clear signal to slow down and expect speeds under 25 mph. School buses add another layer of responsibil- ity. Drivers must stop for flashing lights and extended stop arms with NO EXCEPTIONS. Children crossing rural roads depend on drivers who are paying attention, not rushing to beat morning traffic. For teen drivers heading back to school, this season is a practical lesson in rural road awareness. Understanding how to safely approach farm equipment, maintain distance and stay patient builds lifelong driving habits. Agriculture keeps Wayne County running and safe roads keep our students and farm families protected. A little caution ensures everyone gets home at the end of the day. Grace In The New Year By Rev Alan Shaw The start of a new school year brings new opportunities and a familiar weight that settles on students, parents, and teachers. Even the most organized fam- ilies feel the shift as routines tighten and calendars fill. After a hot summer that left many already feeling drained, the transition can seem heavier than usual. That's when com- munity becomes essential. Small gestures like checking on neighbors or sharing encour- agement matter more during these first busy weeks. Peace Lutheran Church wants to remind Goldsboro that God's grace meets us not only in life's big turning points but also in everyday pressures. For anyone feeling weighed down by early-morning drop-offs, homework battles, or the juggling act of work and school schedules, the church's message is simple: you don't carry it alone. Peace Lutheran Church offers prayer, conver- sation, and a cool, quiet space for anyone needing a breather from the rush or a place to worship. Let us know how we can pray for you or support you in the routine. As backpacks are packed and buses roll for- ward, we step into this new school year togeth- er. God's grace meets us in every challenge, and Goldsboro shines when we share that grace freely. Grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Join us Sundays at 10:00am (next to Toyota). Rev. Alan C. Shaw Christian Conciliator Cell: 919-608-1131 (text or leave a voicemail) Email: alan@restoringharmonyllc.com SAVE THE THE DATE Literacy Connections is excited to announce this year's featured guest author is New York Times bestselling author Denise Kiernan, whose newest book, Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution, was released this summer. With more than three decades of storytelling experience, Kiernan is the acclaimed author of The Girls of Atomic City, The Last Castle, We Gather Together, and other celebrated works of narrative nonfic- tion. On her website, Kiernan simply says, "I tell sto- ries." At Literacy Connections, we believe stories have the power to connect us, inspire us, and change lives. Every day, we help adults in Wayne County develop the literacy skills to read, write, and share their own stories with confidence. Reading Between the Wines is an elegant evening of fine wines, savory hors d'oeuvres, live music, and conversation with our featured author. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Denise Kiernan and have their books personally signed. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses and individuals who want to invest in literacy while supporting one of Wayne County's premier literary events. Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 22, and plan to join us for an unforgettable evening where the love of stories helps create brighter futures for adult learners throughout Wayne County. Additional event details, sponsorship information, and ticket sales will be announced soon. Emergency Shortage: Donors Needed Now To Stop Alarming Drop in American Red Cross Blood Supply By Kris M. Olaiya, American Red Cross Volunteer Re- cruitment Team Member, Disaster Action Team Member, and Blood Donor Ambassador The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell near- ly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especial- ly serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions to hospitals are nearly 3,500 units higher per week than expected at a time when hospitals often see higher demand for blood products during the height of trauma season. On top of that, busy schedules and the seasonal loss of school blood drives are driving the decline which could put patient care at risk if not reversed. The most important way to help end the blood short- age is to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood. org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). "A readily available blood supply serves as the backbone of modern medicine. Without it, lifesav- ing treatments and critical access points to care are not possible," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRo- jaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.