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13 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY NOVEMBER 2026 The Faces of Gratitude Literacy Connections For many of us, this has been a challenging year. It is so easy to focus on what is going wrong: an unexpected expense, a crowded calendar, or a problem that follows us home. It can be hard sometimes to feel grateful. Often gratitude begins when we pause, look into someone else's face, and consider the challenges they may be facing. Behind every face is a story. Each person carries private worries and challenges. According to Ernest Hemmingway, "We are all broken, that's how the light gets in." At Literacy Connections, we see adult learn- ers finding the courage to ask for help, vol- unteer tutors patiently explaining something, donors investing in learners' futures, and board and staff members planning strategical- ly to move our mission forward. We may never know what it takes for some- one to show up to learn, but their presence makes progress towards independence possible. This season, we are thankful for the courage to begin, the patience to continue, and the generosity that makes learning possible. We encourage each of you to look into someone else's face today with gratitude. To every learner, tutor, donor, board member, and staff member: thank you. You give us reasons to be thankful every day. Watch Out for Incoming Tech Necks! Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Chiropractic First As readers know, I like to break things down to the ba- sics. What is a "tech neck," and why should we be concerned? Tech neck describes the forward-head posture that can develop from spending too much time staring at a smartphone. Over time, you may start to resemble a turkey buzzard! Beyond appearances, this posture can put added strain on your body. The clinical term is anterior head carriage. In simple terms, your head sits too far forward. Your head can weigh up to 18 pounds, and the farther forward it moves, the harder your neck and upper back mus- cles must work to support it. Your shoulders may round forward, and your spine may become more hunched. Here's an analogy: Imagine your skull is a bowling ball. Would you rather hold that ball against your chest or at arm's length for 16 hours a day? Poor posture can also restrict chest expan- sion, making deep breathing more difficult. And, sadly, we often see well-meaning parents handing smartphones to children who haven't even taken their first steps just to keep them entertained. My advice to patients is simple: Don't bow to your cell phone! Golden Agers Golden Agers By Jane Hicks Have you heard about the Golden Agers? Whenever I ask that questions it amazes me most people have not heard about it. The Golden Agers just celebrated 40 years. The Golden Agers meet at the Goldsboro Event Center, 1501 S Slocumb St. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at noon (Nov we will meet on the 1st Wednesday). Both men and women, age 50 and older are welcome to attend. The club is sponsored by the Parks & Rec Center. It is a social/service club. We have interesting programs, speakers, en- tertainment with a short business meeting before we dismiss. We start our meeting off with greeting one another before we begin the potluck. We ask all attendees to bring a dish to share and come a little early put your items out and find a table to sit. We are a friendly group and have fun and fellow- ship with our friends and neighbors. Dues are $10.00 per year and new members are always welcome and can join any- time throughout the year. Interested in learning more about the Golden Agers. Send a request to join the Golden Agers Club Facebook page. You won't know until you try. Here's The Deal By Mary Kay Best Should Christians be involved in politics? They have been since the beginning and founding of this country. Have bad decisions been made? Of course. Humans are involved. Have good decisions been made?Yes. Have there been godly men and women throughout our history who sought God's guidance in solving the problems facing our citizenry? Abso- lutely! George Washington, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Augustus Conrad. A Lutheran minister and member of the Continental Con- gress! He was the first Speaker of the House in Congress. So God is involved in the political realm. He is involved everywhere because His true believers and followers of Christ are everywhere. Those following His guidance and direction in their lives affect posi- tive and good change in the world. Nothing wrong with God's people standing with Him and on His Holy Word in the public square! Mary Kay Best Pastor The Church at Beston 2360 Indian Creek Road DOWNTOWN HALLOWEEN BOO!!! Photos Courtesy of Wayne County Citizens