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16 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2026 September's Local Agriculture Snapshot By Jennifer Johnson As September settles into Wayne County, the shift in local agriculture becomes easy to spot. Sweetpotatoes move into peak har- vest, late-season tomatoes and peppers con- tinue to come in, and early fall greens begin appearing as cooler mornings return. It's a month when fields change color, trucks get busier and the Farm Credit Farmers Market becomes one of the best places to see the season unfold. The Farm Credit Farmers Market will high- light fall crops throughout September with a series of family-friendly events designed to connect residents to local agriculture. One of the most anticipated activities is the Bicy- cle Rodeo (September 12), where children can ride through an interactive obstacle course and learn safe riding habits in a fun, hands-on way. It's a great way for families to spend a Saturday morning. Later in the month, Tasty Friday (September 18) will shine a spotlight on one of Wayne County's signature crops: sweet potatoes. Visitors can sample recipes, learn simple preparation tips and meet growers who bring this staple to market each week. Ad- ditional crafts and children's activities will round out the schedule, offering something for every age group. September is a reminder that agriculture is always close to home. It's Another Year By Rev Alan Shaw Peace Lutheran Church is lifting up students, parents, and teachers in prayer as a new school year begins. The return to class- rooms brings excite- ment, fresh opportu- nities, and – let's be honest – a fair share of stress. Whether it's navigating new routines, tackling academic challenges, or simply adjusting to the pace of fall, our congregation wants the community to know they are not walking into this season alone. We pray intentionally for the safety, growth, and well-being of students. We pray for par- ents balancing busy schedules and supporting their children through changing seasons. And we pray for teachers, whose dedication shapes young minds and strengthens our community in ways that often go unseen. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply in need of encouragement, Peace Lutheran Church warmly invites you to reach out. Sometimes support looks like a conversa- tion, sometimes a prayer, and sometimes just a place to sit and breathe. We welcome all who wish to join us on Sundays at 10 a.m. You don't need to have everything "figured out" to sit and hear words of grace and love. Come as you are. And as the school year unfolds, we stand ready to support you, pray with you, and walk beside you. Rev. Alan C. Shaw Christian Conciliator Cell: 919-608-1131 (text or leave a voice- mail) Email: alan@restoringharmonyllc.com T-Mobile Invests in Literacy - and Shows Up for Our Community Literacy Connections is celebrating a new $5,000 grant from T-Mobile Foundation to strengthen the technology that helps adult learners connect, learn, and succeed at our new downtown Literacy Center. The grant will help support critical network infra- structure, secure reliable Wi-Fi and technology used every day by our students, tutors, interns, and staff. From digital literacy instruction and evidence-based learning resources to volunteer training and tracking student progress, reliable technology has become an essential part of help- ing adults reach their educational and life goals. But T-Mobile's support didn't stop with a check. Five local T-Mobile team members recently rolled up their sleeves and joined Literacy Connections at a community Back to School Bash expected to reach 1,000 parents and children. Together, we distributed parent literacy kits designed to help families bridge the gap between home and school; supporting parents as they help with homework, stay connected to school announcements, and communicate confidently with their child's teacher. For T-Mobile, that hands-on involvement reflects a company culture that encourages employees to serve the communities where they work. "We love seeing the community help each other," said Falon Kiper, our local T-Mobile contact. We couldn't agree more. T-Mobile's partnership is helping Literacy Con- nections build connections in more ways than one—through technology, volunteerism, and a shared investment in stronger families and a more literacy-rich community. Goldsboro Wayne NAACP Announces 2026 Freedom Fund Awards The Goldsboro Wayne Branch NAACP is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Freedom Fund Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses, and young people whose leader- ship, service, achievement, and commitment are making a difference in the community. The honorees will be recognized during the 2026 Freedom Fund Gala on September 12, 2026 . "Our Freedom Fund Awards give us an op- portunity to recognize people in our commu- nity who are doing the work, serving others, leading, creating opportunities, and making a difference," said Goldsboro Wayne Branch NAACP President John Barnes. "We are proud to honor this outstanding group of recipients and look forward to celebrating them at this year's Freedom Fund Gala." 2026 Freedom Fund Award Winners President Award Francine Smith Civic Engagement Award Councilman Roderick C. White Community Service Award Jeffrey Leon Burden Humanitarian Award Commissioner Bevan Foster Councilwoman Brandi Matthews Education Award Angela R. Griffith Religious Affairs Award Reverend David Elliott Legacy Business of the Year Washington Shoe Repair Shop Emerging Business of the Year ArtXecute Trailblazer Freedom Award Timothy Dortch Female Freedom Fund Youth Achievement Award Megan Chimombe Male Freedom Fund Youth Achievement Award Christopher Adams Youth Promise Award Nyasha Chimombe The Goldsboro Wayne Branch NAACP invites the community to join us in congratulating the 2026 honorees and celebrating their contribu- tions to Goldsboro and Wayne County. P e t B l e s s i n g s P h o t o B o o t h A n i m a l C r a f t s B o u n c e H o u s e F i r e T r u c k + D a l m a t i a n s S a t u r d a y , S e p t e m b e r 2 6 | 1 0 : 0 0 A M - 1 2 : 0 0 P M | G o o d S h e p h e r d L u t h e r a n C h u r c h E V E R Y O N E I S W E L C O M E ! E V E R Y O N E I S W E L C O M E ! P e t s s h o u l d b e : F r i e n d l y V a c c i n a t e d L e a s h e d o r s a f e l y c o n t a i n e d COMMUNITY ANIMAL Celebrate God's creatures! FESTIVAL B r i n g t h e w h o l e f a m i l y a n d y o u r f a v o r i t e f u r r y ( o r f e a t h e r e d ) ( o r s c a l e d ) f r i e n d ! I n v i t e y o u r n e i g h b o r s . M e e t n e w f r i e n d s . C e l e b r a t e G o d ' s l o v e f o r a l l c r e a t i o n . F R E E A D M I S S I O N G o o d S h e p h e r d L u t h e r a n C h u r c h i n v i t e s y o u t o a G o o d S h e p h e r d L u t h e r a n C h u r c h R o o t e d i n F a i t h , G r o w i n g i n G r a c e 5 3 2 C o u n t r y D a y R o a d G o l d s b o r o , N C 2 7 5 3 0 9 1 9 - 7 3 5 - 0 1 2 8 w w w . g o o d s h e p h e r d g o l d s b o r o . o r g F I N D U S A T