Thanksgiving has been celebrated since 1621.  Throughout the years, Americans have kept that tradition alive to celebrate the bountiful blessings of the past year.  Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated by gathering with friends and family to enjoy good food, drink, and watch football.  Celebrations take place each year on the fourth Thursday of November. 

Millions are expected to travel by car to celebrate with family and friends near or far.  This makes Thanksgiving one of the busiest travel times of the year.   With so many people on the roads and the fact that Thanksgiving celebrations often involve alcohol consumption which is a huge contributor to motor-vehicle crashes, the National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel, 507 people may die.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will therefore increase patrols in an attempt to deter dangerous driving such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving.

Please consider the following when you travel:

•    Use less busy travel days – the Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving are the two busiest days.

•     Do not speed – speeding won’t get you there much faster and it can lead to a ticket or worse, a collision.

•    Wear your seat belt.  Wearing your seat belt during an accident may mean the difference between life and death.

•    Don’t text and drive. Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences.

•    Understand that traffic will be heavy and don’t let your frustrations tempt you to take chances. Keep your and your family’s safety your number one priority.

If you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick Counties, or if you or someone you know get seriously injured in an accident at which they were not at fault, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Jana H. Collins

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a significant Christian holiday that commemorates and honors the saints, known and unknown, who have passed away and entered into the presence of God. While it is traditionally associated with the Roman Catholic Church, many Protestant denominations also observe this special day in their own unique ways. In Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, All Saints’ Day holds a special place in the hearts of the local Protestant communities.

All Saints’ Day has its origins in the early Christian Church. It was initially established to commemorate the martyrs who had died for their faith and were considered saints. Over time, the holiday evolved to include all Christian saints, whether widely recognized or not. The date of November 1st was chosen to follow All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) and precede All Souls’ Day, which is observed on November 2nd. These three days, collectively known as Hallowmas or Triduum, mark a period dedicated to honoring the deceased.

In the Protestant tradition, All Saints’ Day is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of faithful Christians who have passed away, emphasizing the “priesthood of all believers.” It is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of these individuals and how their faith has influenced the church and its members.

All Saints’ Day in Protestant churches in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is marked by a variety of meaningful and reverent observances. While specific traditions may vary from one congregation to another, certain elements are common to most Protestant denominations:

Memorial Services: Many churches host special memorial services on All Saints’ Day to remember and honor members who have passed away during the year. These services often include lighting candles and reading the names of the departed.

Liturgical Elements: Protestant congregations incorporate liturgical elements into their All Saints’ Day services, such as hymns, prayers, and scripture readings that focus on themes of hope, eternal life, and the communion of saints.

Communion: The Eucharist or Communion is frequently administered on All Saints’ Day, emphasizing the spiritual unity and connection between the living and the deceased within the body of Christ.

Personal Remembrances: Parishioners are encouraged to bring photos or mementos of their loved ones to display in the church or on a special remembrance table. This allows for a more personal and emotional connection to the celebration.

In Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, many churches also hold community events and gatherings on or around All Saints’ Day. These may include concerts, art exhibitions, and charity drives, all aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate and remember the saints.

All Saints’ Day is a significant occasion for churches in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, providing an opportunity for the local Christian communities to come together, remember their departed loved ones, and reflect on the lives of those who have gone before them. This special day highlights the belief in the eternal bond of the Christian community, transcending the boundaries between the living and the deceased. As these communities continue to observe All Saints’ Day, they carry forward the rich tradition of honoring and celebrating the faith of those who have gone before them, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the people in these coastal communities.

By Jana H. Collins

Despite continued efforts by the U.S. Senate since 2018 to establish permanent daylight-saving time nationwide, for now, we have to continue to change our clocks twice a year.

Starting this Sunday, November 5, 2023, we will set our clocks an hour back, allowing us an extra hour of sleep this weekend, and to enjoy sunrise and sunset an hour earlier.  However, while we win an extra hour this coming weekend, and we will get to enjoy earlier sun rises, when March 10, 2024, comes, we will have to set our clocks forward by one hour – spring forward, and will lose an hour of sleep. 

When the concept of Daylight-Saving Time was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, he believed that the people could save money due to a reduction in the use of candles.  However, as society evolved, the cost of lighting has decreased, and the use of daylight resulted in an increase of heating and air conditioning costs.  Therefore, the thought of saving money by changing our clocks twice is year, is no longer valid.

Studies have found that Daylight-Saving Time is associated with increased emotional instability, hospitalizations, and elevated stress.  Daylight-Saving Time is also linked to an increase in motor vehicle accidents after we set our clocks one hour forward in the spring each year, and a 2020 study found that the risk of fatal traffic accidents increases by 6%.

We can just hope, that eventually, the Senate’s bill that proposes a federal law to make daylight-saving time permanent – the Sunshine Protection Act – will pass.

If you or someone you know receive a traffic ticket or any other criminal charge in Wrightsville Beach or in Wilmington, or generally in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick Counties, or if you or someone you know get seriously injured in an accident at which they were not at fault, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Jana H. Collins