FOREST CITY — Several hundred people marched through the center of Forest City on a rainy Saturday to advocate for life. The Sept. 10 March for Life raised funds for the local pregnancy center, Hands of Hope for Life.
The Knights of Columbus were active in coordinating the event through a Supreme Knights program, Aid and Support After Pregnancy, which benefits babies and mothers after birth.
Tim Will, March for Life chairman of the N.C. State Council Knights of Columbus, has been teaming up local Knights councils with local pregnancy centers in North Carolina cities or towns to conduct Marches for Life. Marches have been planned for Waynesville, Hickory and Shelby, and additional marches are being considered in other towns.
Marches this fall are considered particularly important so voters can identify pro-life candidates to support in the November election.
— North Carolina Knights of Columbus
HIGH POINT — Pennybyrn retirement community has been honored by the Business High Point Chamber of Commerce as its “Business of the Year” for 2022. The annual award, presented during the chamber’s awards gala Sept. 21, recognizes one business that demonstrates good corporate citizenship, a robust culture of employee support and excellence in service, while also advocating for the High Point community.
“Pennybyrn very much appreciates this recognition of our team’s commitment to the residents, families and the community we serve,” said Rich Newman, president and CEO of Pennybyrn. “This is especially meaningful as we celebrate 75 years of service and care, as we live out our mission of demonstrating God’s love for the lives we touch, and as we prepare for many more years of service. We have approximately 400 staff that serve with love and dedication; this is truly a recognition of their commitment every day.”
Pennybyrn was established in 1947 when five Irish nuns from the Catholic order Poor Servants of the Mother of God established a convalescent home in the former Penny mansion.
Two events are planned at Pennybyrn to honor the dedication of those original sisters, as well as the hundreds of volunteers and staff members who have faithfully served Pennybyrn’s mission since its beginning: one in October for Pennybyrn residents, staff and board members, and a second event in November to recognize donors and supporters.
“As we celebrate 75 years of Pennybyrn serving and caring, I thank God for his faithfulness and for the many staff, leaders, board members and supporters who have served alongside the sisters with such love, generosity and dedication over the years,” said Sister Lucy Hennessy, board chair and mission leader.
— Spencer K.M. Brown