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Preparing For A New School Year By Selena Bennett Executive Director After a long, fun-filled summer of days on the beach and endless activities, going back to school can offer a return to structure and routine for many families. Preparing for a new school year can help set your child up for success as they get back to the classroom and to that regular routine. A big struggle for many families is the shift to a scheduled bedtime and earli- er wake up time. By starting an earlier bedtime routine a few weeks in advance, you can help ease your child into the transition and ensure that they are well rested and ready for the first day. Attend- ing open house, meeting the teacher, or going to welcome night school activities, gives you and your child the chance to become familiar with the new classroom setting. This can ease concerns about the unknown, so that young students can be excited to go back to school and it can also limit any anxieties. Talking about goals before school starts is a good way to learn what your child hopes for in a new school year, while also preparing them for new expectations. These goals can include things like grades, activities, and ath- letics. Goals can also include making new friends, learning new skills, and being more active in the community. These steps will help prepare your child to make the best of the new school year and set them up for learning, growth, and success. 7 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2026 Leons We Never Chose By Ryan Lane The school season has begun, but here is a little secret: some of life's hardest lessons come from classes we never signed up for. Some of these les- sons include grief, addiction, a lost job, failing health, and depression. Each can suddenly place us in a classroom we never wanted to enter. We may not choose the classroom, but as believers, we do not have to enter it alone. Before Jesus left His disciples, He prom- ised "another Helper," the Holy Spirit, who would be with them forever (John 14:16–17). Paul later wrote that in our weakness, when we do not even know what to pray, "the Spirit Himself inter- cedes for us" (Romans 8:26). Whatever classroom life has placed you in today, Christ has not left you there alone. If you have received salvation through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is present—helping, strengthening, and teaching you hope for the next step. If you have not placed your trust in Jesus, you can do that today. Scripture promis- es, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). Call on Him. Trust in Christ. You do not have to face life's next lesson alone.. Tired of Getting Unsolicited Phone Calls? The Medicare Lady, LaVone Hicks, shares these tips: Unsolicited calls are illegal, so ask the caller for their name, company, and National Producer Number. If they remain on the line, tell them you do not want to be contacted again and that you will report any future calls to the state insurance commissioner. Once they realize you are informed, they will likely end the call. If they call again from another number, repeat the same steps. The simplest approach is to ignore unknown calls or hang up as soon as you recognize a so- licitation. Many of these calls come from out-of-state call centers. If you already have a local broker, you may already be enrolled in the best plan you qualify for. Unless you move, your income decreases, or you become eligi- ble because of a chronic condition, con- sider staying with your current Medicare plan until the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15–December 7. I hope this information is helpful. Remembering 9/11 and Celebrating 250 years of America By Kriquette Davis September invites reflection in many ways. As we approach another anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember a day forever etched into the hearts of Americans. Most of us can still recall exactly where we were when we heard the news. The shock, heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty united our nation in a way few moments in history ever have. We remember the innocent lives lost and the extraordinary courage shown by first responders, military members, and ordinary citizens who be- came heroes in unimaginable circumstances. We remember the firefighters who ran toward danger, the passengers who fought back aboard Flight 93, and the countless families whose lives changed forever. For 250 years, our nation has faced wars, hard- ships, division, and uncertainty. Yet time and again, Americans have shown remarkable strength, determination, and compassion. The story of America is not one of perfection. It is the story of people continuing to strive, sacrifice, rebuild, and hope. The freedoms we enjoy today were built through the courage and perseverance of countless indi- viduals who believed future generations mattered. That legacy now belongs to us. We honor it not only by remembering history, but by how we treat one another today. Perhaps the greatest lesson from both 9/11 and our nation's long history is this: even during our darkest moments, hope and unity still rise. As we move through this September, may we remember those we lost, honor those who serve, and continue working toward communities rooted in kindness, respect, and compassion. America's strength has always been found in its people. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Through every generation and every challenge, faith and hope continue carrying people forward.