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13 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2026 Goldsboro Elks Lodge Wins National Com- munity Project Award for the 5th Consecutive Year Golds- boro Elks Lodge BPOE 139 earned the national Com- munity Project Award for the fifth consecutive year for their lodge's annual St. Baldrick's Founda- tion Fundraiser at the national convention in Chicago, IL, on July 4, 2026. As a result of the Goldsboro Elks members' volunteer- ing and fundraising efforts, the lodge raised $42,000 to fund research to find cures for many childhood cancers. According to Goldsboro Elks Exalted Ruler Michael Dubrowsky, "I may have accept- ed it, but this Community Project award belongs to our lodge and every lodge member who volunteered, donated, or shaved their head at this year's event." In addition to volunteers for planning and working the day of the event, contestants are needed for the hair and beard shaving event and to fundraise. "Start growing out your hair and beards, because we have a top team trophy to keep out of the hands of our nemesis, Well Travelled Beer," said Dubrowsky. If you would like more information on the St. Baldrick's Foundation and the vital research studies they facilitate, visit www. stbaldricks.org. Back-to-School Basics: Backpack Safety Matters Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Chiropractic First As families pre- pare for another school year, it is easy to focus on notebooks, pencils and new shoes while overlooking one important piece of school equipment: the backpack. From a chiropractic perspective, proper back- pack use can help reduce unnecessary strain on a child's growing body. One of the most important habits is wearing the backpack on both shoulders, rather than carrying it on one side. Using both straps distributes the load more evenly across the shoulder blades and back. Carrying a backpack on one shoulder can create uneven muscle tension and encourage compensation through the shoulders and spine. Weight matters, too. A child's fully loaded backpack should not exceed 10% of their body weight. For example, a 60-pound child should carry no more than about 6 pounds. Parents can help by regularly removing un- necessary papers, toys and supplies. Proper fit is also important. Choose a backpack with wide, adjustable straps and position it so it rests comfortably against the child's back, with heavier items packed closest to the body. If your child must lean forward, or complains of neck, shoulder or back discomfort, lighten the load and check the fit. These simple habits can help children start the school year comfortably and confidently. Local Resident's Father Honored With Highway Marker On Saturday, Au- gust 15th, local resident LaVone Hicks, her sister Patricia Youmans of Virginia, and Representative Rodney Pierce of NC House Dis- trict 27 celebrat- ed a long-await- ed milestone. The ladies' father, Attorney James R. Walker Jr., was honored in his birthplace of Ahoskie with a roadside historical marker recognizing his civil rights contributions. Walker argued landmark cases concerning lit- eracy that reached the Supreme Court, helping lay groundwork for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In 1952, he became one of the first five black graduates of UNC Chapel Hill, where he led efforts to desegregate Kenan Stadium, law school social dances, and the Dialectic & Philanthropic Societies debate team. His ad- vocacy advanced equal access and challenged discriminatory practices across the university. The new historical marker stands at the inter- section of Academy St and Memorial Drive, in front of ECU Hospital. he dedication ceremony was held at New Ahoskie Baptist Church under Pastor Dorian Daniels. Other attendees were Mayor Weyling White, Superior Court Judge Cy Grant, District Court Judge Takiya Lewis-Blalock, former State Senator Angela Bryant representing NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, GWNAACP members Francine Smith, and Rev. Marguerite Morris. T The event honored Walker's legacy and cel- ebrated his lasting impact on civil rights and educational equality. FREE Community Outreach Emphasis Day St. Mark Church of Christ DOC will host a free Community Outreach Emphasis Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 700 W. Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC. Bishop Alton A. Smith serves as the pastor. Organized by the church's Welcome Min- istry with collaboration from several internal auxiliaries, the event is open to the public and offers activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy free food, games, family-oriented entertainment, and access to voter registration assistance. Event organizers emphasize that the gath- ering aims to blend community service with fellowship and joy, reflecting the biblical encouragement in Ecclesiastes 8:15 to findhappiness in one's work and community. For more information, community mem- bers are encouraged to visit the church location at 700 W. Ash St. or attend the event on Sept. 26. Security will be onsite.