The Local Skinny! March 30; Speed A Little, Lose A Lot

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— information from NCDOT press release

Education Leaders Drive Home Safe Driving Message
‘Speed A Little. Lose A Lot’ Enforcement Underway Across North Carolina

State education leaders are teaming up with the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP) to help sound the alarm about speeding, one of the leading causes of death in children and a major cause of death for young adults.

“Speeding repeatedly tops the list of the central causes of preventable roadway deaths, especially among young adults,” said Mark Ezzell, NCGHSP Director.

Until April 4th, the ‘Speed A Little. Lose A Lot.’ campaign will feature increased law enforcement patrols from agencies across the state working to prevent speeding.

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, Granville County saw 23 speed-related crash fatalities.  The number in Franklin County was 22.  Warren County had six.  Vance County suffered four.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on average more than 9,000 lives are lost across America in speeding-related traffic crashes every year.

Sadly in North Carolina those numbers have been increasing.

By the numbers:

(NORTH CAROLINA)

  • A report released today by NCDOT data analysts (full report attached) indicate that from 2019 to 2020 there was an 11 percent increase in speed related crash fatalities.
  • Young people ages 20-29 are most at risk.
  • From 2016 to 2020, males made up 75 percent of these fatalities.
  • In 2020 alone there were 416 speed-related deaths and 18,332 speed-related crashes.
  • Speeding was a contributing factor in 25 percent of all fatal crashes.
  • 91 percent of speed-related fatalities occurred on non-interstate roads; the remainder were on interstates.
  • From 2016 to 2020, the majority, 27 percent, of speed related crash fatalities occurred in these counties:
  • Mecklenburg,
  • Wake,
  • Guilford,
  • Cumberland and
  • Robeson.

(FAQ’s)

  • A crash on a road with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or greater is more than twice as likely to result in a fatality than a crash on a road with a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph, and nearly five times as likely as a crash on a road with a speed limit of 40 mph or below.
  • Between midnight and 3 a.m., 68 percent of speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

NCGHSP is sharing a series of online videos: (elementary) (middle) (high school) (young adult) with educational institutions to use inside and outside of the classroom, as a tool to bring awareness to this issue and ultimately save lives.

“We’re teaching young people to seek higher education opportunities that will offer them job stability, career satisfaction and financial gain, but collectively we as a society need to help guide the behaviors that will help them live a healthy and safe life,” said North Carolina Community College President Thomas Stith III.

“Drivers must remember that our cars carry our most precious cargo – our children and our family members. Slowing down saves lives. We all must do better by paying attention to the speed limits,” said NC Parent Teacher Association President Harold C. Dixon.

“These numbers reveal that so many are in danger on a daily basis, especially our young people,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “As educators, we want to spread this safety message to university students, so that they may thrive and live productive lives.”

“We truly hope sharing these safe driving messages with parents, teachers and students alike will help curb the violent roadway trends that are claiming thousands of lives,” said Catherine Truitt, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“Even one life lost to speeding is one too many. That’s why this series of videos, partnerships with education leaders and increased law enforcement presence is so important,” said Ezzell.

AAA Carolina’s shares these tips for encountering speeders on the roadway.

Transportation officials ask that you too share safe driving messages on social media using the hashtags #SpeedALittleLoseALot and follow @NCGHSP on Facebook and @NC_GHSP on Twitter and Instagram to help shift the culture of speeding.

 

 

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

CANCELLED – Covid Vaccine, PPE, Food Distribution – Fri, Apr 2 at Shiloh – CANCELLED

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UPDATE 4 P.M. THURSDAY

OFFICIALS WITH GRRO INFORM WIZS NEWS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

“(Friday’s) COVID Vaccination Clinic at Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson has been canceled. GRRO was just informed that our allocation of vaccines will not arrive in time for tomorrow,” Luccette Mercer said.

It’s speculated that the delay in the arrival of the vaccine is due to the Easter holiday.

Once the event is rescheduled, it will be posted on wizs.com and announced on the WIZS News.

 

— original press release from GRRO as published about the now cancelled event

On Friday, April 2, 2021, Shiloh Baptist Church is hosting a Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic with free food and PPE distributions. The community is invited to come get their vaccines from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 635 S. College Street in Henderson. The vaccine clinic will be conducted through drive-up or walk-up service, with minimal or no-contact.

Green Rural Redevelopment has expanded their commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolinians with the new Wellness on Wheels Mobile Medical Clinic. The 33 foot mobile clinic will be at the Shiloh Baptist Church parking lot on Friday with a team of professionals who will provide COVID testing and vaccinations. GRRO’s Community Health Workers will distribute groceries to people who get vaccinated.

Shiloh Baptist Church is pleased to be part of a great collaboration with GRRO, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 to provide the Henderson community with another opportunity to get vaccinated.

Remember, the vaccine is your best defense against Coronavirus. Protect yourself and those you love by getting the shot. You have the spot to get the shot.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 03-29-21 – Goat Facilities

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

Vance County Schools Receiving Lifesaving Bike Helmets from State

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— Vance County Schools Press Release

Vance County Schools will be receiving 75 bike helmets as part of an ongoing program to reduce bicycle injuries and deaths in North Carolina. These helmets are being provided through NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative.

The Bicycle Helmet Initiative began in 2007 and has distributed thousands of helmets since its inception. It is funded by the sale of “Share the Road” specialty license plates. Helmets will be awarded by April 30th.

We are excited to partner with Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Dept and YMCA to distribute the helmets.  Distribution will take place in late spring and all participants who come by during distribution will be entered to win a bicycle.

For more information about this grant or distribution locations, contact J. Carraway at jcarraway@vcs.k12.nc.us.

For more information about the program, visit the NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative webpage.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

HVRPD announces class listings

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The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department has several class offerings at Aycock Recreational Center to get you moving on land or in the water. Below are the listings, along with times and costs, according to Tara Goolsby, program superintendent for HVRPD.

Yoga – Classes are Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sessions teach Basic Yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental and spiritual inner peace. Class is limited to 10 participants and cost $1 for members, $2 for non-members. Register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. Masks are required during the class and while in the facility. To learn more, contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 or lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us.

Hip-Hop Water Aerobics – This fun and fast-paced aerobics class takes place in the pool! High-energy, low impact workouts are designed to get you moving! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, classes are limited to 10 participants and masks are required in every part of the building except while in the pool.  Participants must be able to touch the bottom of the 4-ft. end of the pool.  Classes will be held on Thursdays, 7:15 p.m. – 8 p.m. beginning on Thursday, April 8.  Classes are $1 for members, $2 for non-members. Register at Aycock Recreation Center or online  https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ . To learn more, contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 or lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us.

Senior Skills & Drills – Designed for participants age 50 or older to practice or learn about the different sports offered during the annual Senior Games. There is a $2 fee per activity. Register at Aycock Recreation Center or online https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ . Masks must be worn at all times. Contact Crystal Allen at 252.431.6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us) for more information.

Enjoy Henderson Holy Week Services 2021 at hendersonholyweek.com

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A group of local churches is joining together to sponsor a series of virtual noontime Holy Week services, all of which are open to the community.

First Baptist, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Shiloh, Cotton Memorial and Holy Innocents have shared Holy Week services and lunches for many years, and the tradition continues – sort of.

This year, the services will be livestreamed at www.hendersonholyweek.com, according to Dr. Ronald S. Cava, senior minister at First Baptist Church. Although last year’s events were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the churches have had time to prepare an alternative to in-person services.

“While we still cannot have a physical gathering and share lunches, we will have services this year,” Cava said in a written statement to WIZS.

All services Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 at 12 noon will be live streamed and will include scripture readings, homilies, and special music.

The Local Skinny March 29; Tracy Madigan New HVDDC Dir

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Tracy Madigan, presently the manager of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, has accepted a new position effective April 1. She will be the new director of the Henderson-Vance County Downtown Development Commission (DDC). Madigan confirmed the move in a text late last week saying, “I accepted the position as DDD. I have agreed to continue running the market through May — it’s only open on Saturdays — or until they hire a replacement, whichever comes first. Very hard decision; I love our farmers market!”

City Manager Terrell Blackmon confirmed the hire last week while discussing the passing of Dr. Stephen Pearson, who died Thursday at the age of 57. Pearson was at the time of his death the chairman of the DDC board of directors. Blackmon said, “She will be a City employee beginning April 1, 2021. She will be the City’s Downtown Development Director. … She will manage the City’s Main Street Program. She is replacing our previous Director Kathy Walters.”

Blackmon said one of Pearson’s “last acts as DDC Chair in recent weeks was serving on the interview panel for the hiring of the City’s new Downtown Director Tracy Madigan. His passion for Downtown Henderson was unmatched and he will truly be missed by the Henderson community.”

Paul McKenzie, agricultural area agent with Vance County Cooperative extension and immediate supervisor to Madigan, said, “We are incredibly grateful for everything Tracy has done for the market. She is a big part of the reason that the market is as successful as it’s been. Her dedication, her disposition, her demeanor, her professionalism, her creativity, I mean the list goes on and on and on. I mean, she’s the face of the market. We’re very very thrilled that she’s got this new position that she’s clearly very excited about and where she’ll be able to continue making a great contribution that uses her talents to the community.”

According to what Blackmon said, it’s the private industry experience, managing the farmers market and knowledge of the Henderson community that make Madigan a great fit for downtown. He said those are big pluses. “Farmers are also entrepreneurs/small business owners, therefore Tracy already has considerable knowledge in the marketing, retention and expansion of small businesses,” Blackmon said.

McKenzie said, “In a way, we haven’t even lost her because she’s still going to be a champion of the community and a champion of the farmers market.”

He said he was confident of finding a new manager to build on the past and present successes of the market. McKenzie felt like a smooth transition would be forthcoming.

Others are ready to help with a smooth transition for Madigan as well. “The NC Main Street program staff are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to assist with any additional training and technical assistance that Tracy will need to perform her job to the best of her ability,” Blackmon said.

He said, “When recruiting for the position, I certainly leaned on the Chamber Commerce along with other groups and individuals in the community to assist the City with identifying viable candidates to fill the position. There was some interest outside of Henderson, but most of our candidates were local, as well as, our finalists.”

The Local Skinny March 25; Jamie Elliott, Grace Ministries – Easter Eggs and BBQ!

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Grace Ministries invites the community to an Easter egg hunt and a free barbecue lunch on Saturday, April 3.

Jamie Elliott said he expects to serve up 500 pounds of barbecue during this free event, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elliott spoke with John C. Rose on The Local Skinny Thursday to discuss the event, as well as other services that Grace Ministries offers.

Elliott said the egg hunt will follow the lunch, and there will be other games and activities for children. Anyone interested in donating either colorful, plastic eggs or candies to put in them are encouraged to do so. He needs the eggs and candy by April 1; desserts are also needed for the lunch, he said. These items can be dropped off at Grace Ministries, located at 961 Burr St., Henderson.

Grace Ministries is offering an after-school program for students, he said. Grace Kids operates on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. he said. Students from 6-18 years are welcome. In addition to homework help, the program provides participants with meals, Bible Study, crafts and outdoor activities.

Elliott said a Tuesday evening program for adults facing addiction problems is another service Grace Ministries provides to the community. The program is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The vision of Grace Ministries, according to the website, is “to have a positive impact on lives in Vance, Franklin, Granville and Warren counties, with the gospel of Jesus Christ…to reach as many who are willing to change their lives and turn away from addictions of any kind and the destructive lifestyles that come from addictions.”

Contact Elliott at 252.204.3617 for more information. Visit graceofhenderson.org to learn more.

The Local Skinny! Broadcast 3-25-21 with Jamie Elliott

 

TownTalk 03-29-21; Pastor Frank Sossamon Retiring from SHPHC

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The Rev. Frank Sossamon knows precisely where he was on the last Sunday of June, 1985. He was preaching his first sermon as pastor of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church. This Sunday – Easter Sunday – he will preach his final sermon as senior pastor to a congregation he has served for almost 36 years.

He may be retiring from the pulpit, but Sossamon is not planning on slowing down any time soon. He reflected on his tenure at South Henderson on Town Talk Monday, and talked with John C. Rose about his plans for the future.

His son John F. Sossamon II runs Sossamon Funeral Home in Henderson and Sossamon said he looked forward to working more with the funeral home, providing services to help families grieving the loss of a loved one, “not just at the time, but throughout the duration of their difficulty,” he said.

Being able to work with his son will be very rewarding, Sossamon said. He said he would be available to offer grief counseling through the funeral home services. “We’re not just in the business of burying the dead,” he said, adding that he wants families to know that they will be supported before, during and after a loved one has died.  “We want to help you through your time of grief and sorrow…help you through a hard and tough situation.”

He and his wife, Vickie, also plan to do some traveling and it was important to him to be able to retire in good health to be able to travel. He’ll be 67 in October, which he admits is “not old, but it’s still retirement age.” He said he’s seen others keep pushing back retirement dates over and over and then not be healthy enough to enjoy their time once they are retired.

Sossamon said it’s also healthy for the church to have new leadership. “It’s a good time…to have a change of leadership after almost 36 years,” he said, “someone else to create vision and direction and move the church to even a higher level of ministry and productivity in the community.”

A new pastor certainly will have big shoes to fill. Sossamon said there already is a pastoral search committee in place to work with the church conference to receive and review resumes of prospective pastors. This committee will interview candidates, then select one to preach a trial sermon, after which the candidate will be introduced to the congregation.

Then comes a vote to determine whether to call the candidate as the new pastor.

Sossamon spent eight years as a pastor in Marion, NC before he came to Henderson. Since his arrival, he has been involved in local activities and the church has presented musical programs which proved to be very popular in the larger community. He said he would be happy to keep a relationship with the church and its new pastor to be engaged and involved however he’s asked.

He said he may always be seen first as a pastor, and that’s ok. “I want to be Frank Sossamon all the time,” he said. He may encounter someone in the grocery store who needs to discuss an issue with him, he said. “I really cannot fully get away from being a pastor and I don’t mind talking to individuals during those times.”

One very rewarding aspect of being a pastor at one church for so long is seeing youngsters grow and develop in their faith and ultimately assume leadership roles in the church, Sossamon said.

The congregation celebrated Sossamon on Sunday during the morning service and again in the evening in a show of appreciation. He said he was glad to be the preacher at Sunday’s service. Easter Sunday “is such a monumental Sunday at the church – at all Christian churches,” Sossaman explained. This year, however, the first Sunday in April will be remembered not only as Easter Sunday, but also the day Sossamon delivered his “farewell” sermon.

TownTalk with Frank Sossamon Broadcast Audio