Dobbins Heights celebrates inaugural Community Day

DOBBINS HEIGHTS — It was the perfect day for an outdoor celebration as the weather cooperated on Saturday, July 27 at the town’s park. The free event took place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. which attracted many people.

Apostle Linda Ross was inspired to put the event together in giving back to the community as an outreach for her birthday, which she was also celebrating on Saturday.

“Last year, the city of Dobbins Heights, Mayor Antonio Blue, City Counselor Angeline David, and Mayor pro tem Tyre Holloway honored me on my 70th birthday, and I wanted to pass along the blessing to the community with an annual community day,” Ross said about her motivation for the event.

Ross also mentioned her daughter Shada Lowman being instrumental in helping with the event — as she organized all the vendors — as was her husband, Mordecai Ross, who helped with the planning and worked behind the scenes as well as manning the grill on the day of the event so all could enjoy a mouth-watering hot dog free of charge.

The Central & Eastern Food Bank was on site giving away free gifts, as was the Dobbins Heights Food Pantry through Faith Assembly Church. The food was donated by Rockingham Food Lion and Aldi. Teresa Kelly, with the Food Bank said,

“Linda Ross’ agency has been part of the food bank for 12 years,” said Teresa Kelly with the food bank.

There were numerous other vendors set up; one was Goshen Medical Center, which was giving free cardiac screenings as well as offering free sports physicals to all who signed-up.

The atmosphere was alive with gospel music as Pastor Larry Williams and his gospel group from the Tabernacle of Faith Church in Dillon, South Carolina echoed praises throughout the day. They also blessed attendees with gifts.

At one time you could hear Williams giving a testimony of a mission trip he and his wife had taken.

“My wife, Magelie, who worked for the United Nations at the time, and I had just arrived back in Haiti the day the bad earthquake hit in 2010,” Williams recalled. “God protected us; he always takes care of us in our time of need.

“The destruction was devastating,” Williams continued. “My friend Mikey was the president of Haiti at the time of the earthquake, and I witnessed how tirelessly he worked to help the people. When we got back to the states, we got together a gospel concert in Florida which allowed us to raise money to help the people in Haiti.”

Williams has been ministering for 40 years.

Kevin Clark, who was attending the event, pointed out how important community was for the people, and one could tell as all were enjoying the food, music, gifts, and most of all fellowship.

“It was a wonderful event with a great turnout. The vendors were amazing, and I want to thank everyone for coming out. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better birthday in being able to share it with the community. I look forward to it again next year,” said Ross.