Briefly
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on October 19, 2004 2:00 PM
March of Dimes walk
The WalkAmerica fund-raiser is taking place Saturday at Herman Park to help the March of Dimes combat premature births.
Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10 a.m.
The number of premature births has increased 27 percent since 1981, and affects one out of every eight babies. Many babies born prematurely die or face lifelong disabilities. More than half the time, premature birth happens for unknown causes.
"We need everyone in Wayne County to join WalkAmerica," said Matthew Rhodes, the coordinator of this year's event. "It's easy -- just call 1-800-849-2663 or visit walkamerica.org."
For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.
Ballantine to visit
Republican gubernatorial candidate Patrick Ballantine will visit Wayne County on Thursday.
The public can meet Ballantine at Wayne County Republican Party headquarters, 147 S. Center St., at 2:30 p.m. or at Southern Belle Restaurant in Mount Olive at 3:15 p.m.
He will also be attending a private luncheon and visiting Eastern Wayne High School during his tour through the county.
Ballantine, of Wilmington, is a former state senator who is challenging Gov. Mike Easley.
Fair share finalist
Katrina Reynolds, an employee with Wayne County public schools, is the seventh finalist to get a chance to win a truck in United Way's Fair Share Challenge.
Weekly drawings are held each Saturday through Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at Goldsboro Jeep. Those eligible have given "fair share," which is an hour's pay a month or 1 percent of salary, to United Way.
The final drawing will be held Nov. 20 when each of the 11 finalists pick a key in the order that they qualified. The finalist whose key starts the truck will win.
AARP driving classes
The AARP Driver Safety Program gives classroom driver refresher courses for people over 50 and plans to offer one at Wayne Community College.
Classes run from 8 a.m. until noon on Oct. 25 and 26 in room 145 of the Dogwood Building
AARP officials say several major auto insurance carriers in the state are offering discounts to graduates of the program. To register, call Dan Lawson at 734-5275, and plan to bring a $10 fee to the first class.
Livestock winner
Douglas Williams of Goldsboro raised the grand champion barrow at this year's N.C. State fair, according to a release from Harris Teeter. It was purchased by Harris Teeter for $10,000.
Overall, the junior livestock grand champion winners took home over $40,000 at the fair's Junior Livestock Auction held Saturday.
Help needed for Boo It
Boo It Downtown is just around the corner. On Friday night, Oct. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., children can enjoy fun, games, face-painting and safe trick-or-treating.
If you are a civic organization and interested in helping, please call Sherry Archibald at the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. at 735-4959.
Bloodmobile
The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross will have a Bloodmobile on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cherry Hospital. Donors will receive a coupon for a free car wash.