North Carolina’s 5th District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia Foxx, received the National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The NAM is a lobbying group that was founded in 1895 and is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing manufacturers in all 50 states. The NAM’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers by shaping a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to U.S. economic growth and to increase understanding among policymakers, the media and the general public about what it considers the vital role of manufacturing to America’s economic future and living standards. The NAM Award honors federal lawmakers whose voting records have consistently supported manufacturing in America. According to the NAM, Foxx’s record was 75 percent.

It’s a big weekend for community support activiteis, with the Trial of Treats on the Greenway and the Rainbow Center benefit. Saturdya is also Make a Difference Day. The commemoration is held each year on the fourth Saturday of October. Dare Stromer, one of the organizers for Make a Difference Day in Wilkes County, says the project is sponsored by the Wilkes County Volunteer Coalition Committee. All volunteers will meet at North Wilkesboro First Baptist Church at 7:30 a.m. for a light breakfast and be ready to go to the job site by 8.

“Over 355 volunteers made a difference last year with their laughter and smiling faces to spread joy to neighbors in our communities who are unable to do the work,” Stromer told the Journal-Patriot. “We expect more volunteers to become involved this year. It’s a wonderful experience for everyone involved. The volunteers give freely of their time and effort.” Projects planned for the elderly and persons with disabilities include building ramps, building steps, replacing flooring, repairing porches, sealing roofs against leaks, repairing porch rails, yard work, washing windows, writing cards to send to veterans and collecting canned goods for human resource agencies, she noted.

For more information about “Make a Difference Day,” call Tina Krause at 651-7802 or Dare Stromer at 667-7l74. Volunteers doing construction should contact Ms. Stromer or Ms. Krause about rescheduling the work in the event of rain.