THE LAKE LINK

CONNECTING THE LAKE WACCAMAW COMMUNITY

October 2020

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SHARE THE ROAD: IT'S EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
At Lake Waccamaw and across NC, we are all responsible for making sure our streets and roads are safe for everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Please take a few minutes to review the following safety tips and rules of the road:
When You're Driving:

  • Slow down in areas where you are likely to find pedestrians and always look first for pedestrians and bicyclists before turning, backing up, and when driving at night.

  • Pass bicyclists only when it is safe to do so and be sure to give them plenty of room. (GS § 20-149)

  • Be prepared for bicyclists to take the whole lane —it’s their right if they need it. (GS § 20-146)

  • Yield to people in crosswalks. (GS § 20-173)
When You’re Walking:

  • Where sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians should walk only on the extreme left of the roadway or its shoulder, facing traffic.  (GS § 20-174)

  • Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to approaching traffic. (GS § 20-174)

  • Avoid distraction. Texting or talking on cell phones diminishes the ability of two key senses – hearing and seeing – that are used to detect and avoid cars.

  • At night, walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight, or wear something reflective to be more visible.
When You’re Bicycling:

  • Wear a helmet. It could save your life and if you're under 16 years of age, it's the law. (GS § 20-171.7)

  • Ride in the direction of traffic and as far to the right as practicable. (GS § 20-146)

  • Obey all traffic signals and stop at “Stop” signs. (GS § 20-158)

  • Use front and rear lights and reflectors at night and be as visible as possible. (GS § 20-129 (e))

  • Ride single-file.

  • Use hand signals to indicate when turning. (GS § 20-154)
Participate in NCDOT's Great Trails Survey

NCDOT is requesting public input on priorities for the Great Trails State Plan. This plan will identify a network of shared use paths and trails that connects every county in North Carolina. Please take a few minutes to complete the 10-question survey and we hope you will select "Lake Waccamaw" as the state park you would most like to connect to by trail in the Coastal Plain Region. Our responses will support the State Park and the Town in their quest to construct a walking and bike trail around the lake.
The deadline to complete this survey is September 30th!
Halloween Safe Night

We are sad to announce the cancellation of Halloween Safe Night 2020 at the Boys and Girls Home Equestrian Center. Keeping our little ghosts and goblins safe and the community healthy is everyone's greatest consideration. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Author Emily Herring Wilson to Present Book Review

The Friends of the Rube McCray Memorial Library in partnership with the Ruben Brown House Preservation Society will be hosting writer and educator Emily Herring Wilson who will be reviewing her book, "When I Go Back To My Home Country - A Remembrance of Archie Ammons". The book is a salute to native son and beloved poet, Archie Ammons.

Ms.Wilson developed a close relationship with Archie Ammons beginning in 1974 when Archie and his family moved into a faculty neighborhood on the Wake Forest University campus. Their friendship continued for the rest of Archie's life. The presentation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 am via Zoom. The public is invited to join with the following log-in info:

Link to Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87944451607?pwd=anJOQlM4QVVEUUNZV3FuZXpMZU5Mdz09

Meeting ID: 879 4445 1607
Passcode: 108069
Dial in: 1 929 205 6099
Recent Re-Openings

  • Elizabeth Brinkley Park Playground: Open to the public from 6:00 am - 9:00 pm. Note that NCDHHS advises playground users to wear a face covering, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing from others outside your household.

  • Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum: Open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm and the gift shop is fully stocked! Visitors must wear a mask.

  • Rube McCray Memorial Library: Open for curbside pick up of books. Call 646-4616 to request a book for check out and the librarian will process it for you and coordinate a pick-up time with you. This service is available on Monday - Friday from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm.

  • Lake Waccamaw State Park: The Visitor's Center, trails, campgrounds and public viewing areas are open to the public. Only the picnic area and pier remain closed at this time.

  • NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville: The outdoor spaces, lobby, restrooms and museum store are open Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
CENSUS EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 31st

The courts have recently extended the deadline for participating in the 2020 Census through October 31, 2020, but appeals are underway and we are encouraging everyone to participate as soon as possible.

Please help the Town of Lake Waccamaw get our fair share of federal and state funding by completing your census questionnaire if you haven't already.

Participate by Phone: 844-330-2020.
Regular Town Board of Commissioners Meeting
The regular Town Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Due to COVID-19 the meeting will be held virtually. If you are receiving this e-newsletter, you will also receive information in an email with information on joining the meeting via Zoom or by phone prior to 10/13/20.
COLUMBUS COUNTY
COVID-19 UPDATE
Total Columbus Co. Cases: 1385*
Total Columbus Co. Deaths: 57*
Current Hospitalizations: 5*
Total Cases in 28450 Zip Code: 68**
Total Deaths in 28450 Zip Code: 6**
Total Columbus Co. Recoveries: 1169***

Notes:
* Data from Columbus County Health Dept as of 9/28/20
**Data from NCDHHS as of 9/29/20
***Data from Columbus County Health Dept as of 9/24/20