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Wilson This Week -- Dec. 12, 2024 |
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City officials help launch train station improvements
Federal, state and Wilson city officials celebrated the completion of $4 million in improvements to the G.K. Butterfield Station, making the train station safer and easier for passengers with disabilities to use.
“Providing an accessible travel experience is a top priority and we’re actively advancing construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across our national network,” Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera said during the Dec. 4 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Michael Stanford, chair of the Wilson Committee for Persons with Disabilities, saluted the improvements.
“Accessibility is a key priority for our committee, and today’s upgrades reflect a commitment to ensuring that all members of our community, regardless of ability, can travel safely and comfortably,” Stanford said. “These enhancements not only improve physical access to the station, but also contribute to a broader vision of inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone.”
The Wilson station gives customers access to a 435-foot-long concrete platform featuring additional lighting, guardrails and signage. The platform provides a sturdy, uniform surface for customers to board on and off the train and includes a detectable warning system along the edge of the platform. The system is a hazard warning to alert customers who are blind or have low vision if they are close to the platform edge.
Customers will find accessible paths of travel to and from the station, parking spaces, the Thruway bus section, and the intersection of Nash and Lodge streets.
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Council meets Thursday
Wilson City Council meets this Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St. N., third floor, for its final meeting of 2024. It's a week earlier than usual due to the holidays and the agenda is fairly light. See it below.
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How to watch online
Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting, but we also stream it live so you can watch it anywhere live or later. This link will go live just as the meeting is set to begin. Afterward, the meeting will be archived on the City of Wilson's Vimeo page.
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Pickleball complex opens next week at Gillette
We're thrilled to announce the opening of Wilson's new Pickleball Complex on Monday, Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. This exciting new addition to Wilson’s recreational facilities is located at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex, 3238 Corbett Avenue NW and is set to become a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts in the community.
The complex features 26 state-of-the-art courts designed to meet the needs of players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
Join us for the first day of open play at the new courts!
• Free Open Public Play: Starts at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16. Bring your paddle and join the fun!
• Winter Hours: Open Daily 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (weather permitting) starting Tuesday, Dec. 17.
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Final entries sought in Christmas Cheer Challenge
You have less than a week left to enter the first ever Wilson Christmas Cheer Challenge! The deadline to submit your home, neighborhood or business is next Monday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m.
We already have dozens of entries, but we'd love to have more. You don't actually need to have award-quality decorations; our goal is to fill up the map and give residents a way to see lots of colorful decor and feel the holiday spirit. So if you are proud and want to show off your holiday skills, enter! We already have people using the maps to create family memories.
Right now we plan to judge the contest between Tuesday, Dec. 17-Sunday, Dec. 22, so have your lights on those evenings from 5-9 p.m. We will be announcing winners on Monday, Dec. 23, and you will have a beautiful yard sign to display on Christmas Eve and Christmas. That's the sort of thing that maybe gets Santa's notice, maybe gets your stockings a little fuller!
Interested? More info here:
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Holiday Lights & Games!
Reindeer Games - hosted by Wilson Youth Council
Join the holiday fun this Saturday, December 14, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Recreation Park Center Gym (500 Sunset Rd. NW, Wilson, NC 27893) for Reindeer Games, a free event for kids ages 11 and under!
What to Expect:
- Fun holiday-themed games
- Awesome prizes for participants
Make It a Magical Night:
Pair your Reindeer Games adventure with a ride on Vaughan's Jewelers Train of Lights before or after the fun!
Bring the family and let’s get into the holiday spirit together!
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Vaughan's Jewelers Train of Lights!
Experience the holiday magic with Vaughan's Jewelers Train of Lights at the Recreation Park Miniature Train (500 Sunset Rd, Wilson, NC)! Starting back this Thursday, Dec. 12.
Event Details:
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Dates: December 12 - 22 (Thursdays - Sundays)
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Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
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Cost: $2 per person (cash only, tickets purchased onsite)
Enjoy a festive ride through dazzling lights and holiday cheer, complete with hot chocolate and cookies available for purchase. Proceeds from treats benefit Special Olympics Wilson County!
Bundle up, bring the family, and create unforgettable holiday memories!
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Toy Drives for Christmas in the South
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Friday, December 13
Stop by Larema Coffee House (109 Tarboro Street) from 1 PM to 4 PM to drop off a new unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation. Enjoy a cup of coffee, meet the Wilson Police Department Command Staff, and support an incredible cause.
Tuesday, December 17
Join us at Cups of Joy on Airport Blvd from 7 AM to 5 PM to contribute to the annual Christmas in the South Toy Drive. Bring new unwrapped toys or make a monetary donation to help spread holiday cheer!
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About Christmas in the South
The Wilson Police Department’s annual Christmas in the South event will take place on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Reid Street Community Center (901 Reid Street).
This heartfelt event distributes toys to families in need, ensuring every child gets to experience the magic of Christmas. Families are welcome to participate, but both children and guardians must be present. Doors open at 2 PM, and the line typically starts forming early.
Your generosity and community spirit have already made a difference, and we’re thankful for your support in making this holiday season brighter for Wilson families!
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