TownTalk: Powerful Tools For Caregivers

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Providing care to family members when they need it for a short-term recovery period is one thing, but being a caregiver for someone with a chronic health condition requires stamina and patience, with a generous done of humor thrown in for good measure.

And although caregivers can be really good at making sure they’re doing the very best for those in their care,  they may not be so great at taking care of their own needs. But a class offered through the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging may be just the thing to help caregivers take those all-important steps to learn how to be good to themselves, too.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week course offered via Zoom for caregivers to learn about self-care as they also learn about resources available in the community, said Susan Tucker, an administrative assistant at KTCOG who also has provided care to a family member. The class begins Tuesday, May 17 and continues on Tuesdays through June 21. The class is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tucker told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk that she was unprepared for her role as a caregiver to her mother back in 2016. When she took this course she said she learned how to “not just survive, but to thrive as a caregiver.”

So much so, in fact, that she became an instructor for the course.

Michael Patterson, KTCOG’s family caregiver specialist, also is a course instructor. “It’s a six-week opportunity to learn not only about caregiving but to learn about themselves,” Patterson said. The course is designed for those who are actively caring for an aging adult. Each session builds on the previous session, so it’s important to try to carve out that 90 minutes each week to log in and participate, Tucker said.

In fact, that’s an important point for caregivers to remember, Tucker and Patterson said – making time to do things just for yourself. It’s not selfish; rather, it’s necessary to maintain a semblance of balance between daily life and being a caregiver.

Burnout is a real issue among caregivers, Patterson said. “It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup,” he said.

The class will help caregivers learn how to manage emotions, reduce stress and cope with the issues and demands that go along with providing care to someone with a chronic condition.

John and Linda Sigmon took the class and they said it helped them with feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated while caring for a loved one.

“You’re fighting not only the disease but your inability to deal with it,” John said, adding that the course increased his understanding and helped him manage his emotions so he didn’t “get totally wiped out.”

Linda said she looked forward to the 90-minute sessions as “a little oasis of time” in her week, during which she learned things that she could adapt and apply to her own situation.

John said he found the instructors to be humorous and witty, but also compassionate. “They’ve been there, too,” he said; the class instructors also have been caregivers themselves, he said.

Patterson said the class teaches breathing techniques and meditation, as well as understanding emotional triggers.

“They learn what ways they can make a difference in their daily living to improve themselves – which will improve them as caregivers,” he added.

To register for the class, contact Tucker at 252.436.2040. Visit https://www.kerrtarcog.org/ to find more information.

 

 

Home And Garden Show 05-04-22

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • Select vegetable varieties that have disease resistance. Ex Celebrity, Early Girl Tomatoes
  • Use heavy duty chemical resistant gloves any time you handle or apply pesticides.
  • If you have weeds in your pond bring Cooperative Extension a sample we can identify the weeds and suggest how to control those pond weeds ex Duckweed, Water Meal.
  • Find out the full grown size of any trees or shrubs you plant and make sure they have room to reach that size.
  • Try electric fence if wildlife are eating your garden.
  • Shrubs with significant dieback will rarely recover to an attractive form. Consider replacing them with a different species of plant.
  • Vegetable gardens need at least 1 inch of rain or irrigation per week.
  • Be cautious with herbicides that provide long term control, as they can damage trees and shrubs through root uptake.

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NC Dept of Agriculture

Horse Owners: Protect Your Animals From Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

N.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging equine owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said in a press statement issued Tuesday, May 3. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent,” he said. However, both diseases are preventable by vaccination.

Last year, there were three recorded cases of EEE and two cases of WNV.

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans, and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellents can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In 2021, seven cases of livestock infected with rabies was reported to our Veterinary Division. Since January we have already had four positive cases in livestock. Most of the cases have been in cows but all livestock are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

The Local Skinny! ‘Step Back In Time’ Event Planned For May 14

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The Franklin County Historic Preservation Commission invites you to “Step Back in Time” at the historic Hudson Manor in Louisburg on Saturday, May 14 for a day filled with activities, food trucks and fun for the entire family – all for a good cause.

Hudson Manor owner Melissa Cogliati is teaming up with the county historic preservation commission to raise money to publish a book documenting the historic architecture of Franklin County, according to commission Chair Bill Harris. Harris, usually the person asking the questions as he interviews guests on WIZS, was the person providing the information on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny! segment with John C. Rose.

“We hope it’s going to be a great event,” Harris said, adding that there is a lot of excitement gathering in the area as the date approaches.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harris said, and will give folks a chance to see a variety of antique tractors and other vehicles – including “Maude,” a lovingly restored antique fire truck that served Louisburg for many years.

Bring a lawn chair to relax in while you enjoy traditional bluegrass music performed by Shannon Baker and Sometime Soon and the Birdsong Bluegrass Band; The Baldwin Storytellers also will be on hand to weave stories of years gone by.

A tractor-powered grist mill will be on hand for demonstrations, as well as various artisans and craftspeople who will share everything from doll making to wool spinning. Local historian and historical reenactor Mark Pace will be present as John Penn, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Members of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe will demonstrate native dances and there will be a silent auction of antique items as well, Harris said. And Tim Fisher of Franklin County’s Portis Gold Mine will have a panning sluice on the grounds for those who may wish to try their hand at panning for gold.

The organizers have worked hard to create a day filled with interesting activities and Harris said the ultimate goal is to get the book published. In 2017, Franklin County underwent a census of sorts to document the historic architecture throughout the county. Harris said the culmination of this inventory is the publication of the book, which will be chock full of information, photos and more to chronicle the county’s history.

And the book also will include the names of anyone who makes a donation of $100 or more.

Public libraries in Louisburg and Oxford have informational brochures about the work of the commission, and also will be available at Hudson Manor on May 14.

Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact Melissa Cogliati at 919.219.9139.

Hudson Manor is located at 908 Moulton Rd., Louisburg. To learn more about the venue and the event, visit https://www.thehudsonmanor.com/special-events.

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One Drug Arrest Made In Julia Avenue Investigation On April 29

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A local woman was arrested late last week on drug charges, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance provided by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at the residence of Ruby Cooper, 2006 Julia Ave., Henderson. The warrant was served shortly before 6:00 pm.

The warrant, served just before 6 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 29, was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug sales in and around the Julia Avenue area, Brame said in a press statement that WIZS News received today (Tuesday).

Cooper, 56, was arrested and faces charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin and cocaine, felony possession of heroin and cocaine and one felony count of  maintaining a dwelling which was resorted to by persons both using and selling controlled substances, according to the press statement.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office “located and seized approximately 110 dosage units of heroin, a Schedule 1 controlled substance, approximately 35 dosage units of cocaine base, a Schedule 2 controlled substance and an additional 6.5 grams of cocaine base,” the statement read.  Various other items, including money, also were located and seized.

 Brame said more arrests are anticipated related to this investigation.

No information was available on whether a bond was set or whether the suspect remains in custody.

Granville County Manager Leaving; Accepting State-Level Job

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Granville County Manager Michael Felts announced his resignation at Monday’s board of commissioners meeting and is set to take a position with the N.C. Association of County Commissioners Risk Management Pools.

Felts was appointed county manager in July 2013 after serving 11 years as the county’s finance director. His last day with the county is set for July 31, 2022, according to information from Terry Hobgood, county public information officer.

During his tenure as manager, Felts spearheaded the county’s first long-range strategic plan and established a capital improvement program for county facilities to deal with current and expected growth to maintain a high level of service to county residents.

Board Chair Tony Cozart called Felts’ departure “a tremendous loss” for the county.

“Michael Felts has done so much for Granville County as a leader and dedicated public servant,” Cozart said in the press statement. “He has guided our county staff with a steady hand and worked  tirelessly to implement policies from this board in a diligent and professional manner.

His ability to identify solutions, develop a strong team, and maintain a visionary focus are truly exemplary.”

The board of commissioners will determine the appropriate process to search for the next county manager and will provide details as they become available.

Felts stated that it was a privilege to serve the citizens of Granville County in his roles as manager and finance director and said he was proud of the work he and the team had accomplished.

“It has been an honor to serve this community and I am confident that Granville County is well-positioned for the years ahead, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the steady and thoughtful leadership of our board of commissioners,” Felts said.

Local Workers Avoid Strike After Last-Minute Deal To Negotiate New Contract

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The Ardagh Group’s Henderson plant will not face a strike of its workers, thanks to an 11th hour deal made during contract negotiations late last week. WIZS received word that the agreement had been reached late Friday, which had been the deadline to approve the new contract.

About 50 people had gathered outside the gates of the Facet Road facility last Wednesday afternoon to show support for plant workers who were awaiting the result of contract negotiations underway between union and company officials.

Prior to the deal being set and a contract signed, workers had been using a contract extension that was a month old. Contracts are negotiated every three years.

Details of the contract were not made available to WIZS News.

During the rally last week, two union members and employees of the plant, which manufactures glass containers, spoke with WIZS’s John C. Rose and said a strike could be a next step if negotiators could not agree on a contract.

Audrey Williams, recording secretary for Local 222M of the United Steel Workers (USW), said the Henderson facility was among more than a dozen glass plants affected by the negotiations taking place in Pennsylvania.

Williams said there are 242 union members at the Henderson plant, and only six employees who are not union members.

Alexander White, Jr. is vice president of the local 222M. He said details of specific demands were not being made public at the time, but indicated union representatives were asking for a wage increase – “a fair contract,” White said. “We’re fighting for fair wages, we’re fighting for fair benefits…our holidays, our insurance,” White said.

TownTalk: Zeta Phi Beta Plans Charter Celebration

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The local chapter of an international sorority is living up to its founding principles with a flurry of activities this weekend to which the public is invited.

The guiding principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood, and the local chapter is checking all the boxes to fulfill those principles.

Nikeena Boyd-Kearsey represents the Phi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and she spoke with John C. Rose about an event taking place on Friday, May 6 to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the local charter. Phi Zeta covers Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties.

The celebration will be held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Tiffany’s of Henderson, located at 110 S. Garnett St. Tickets are $25 and attendees will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and the music of DJ MIC DUB.

“We are so looking forward to celebrating 72 years of being a chapter of Zeta Phi Beta,” Boyd-Kearsey said. The sorority was founded at Howard University in 1920; the local chapter received its charter on May 5, 1960.

The event is a time for dancing, fellowship and just being together, she said, as well as a time to remember the sorority’s founders and members. “We’re looking to have a good time with our community,” Boyd-Kearsey said. The event is sure to check the boxes of sisterhood and finer womanhood – the attire for the event is “dress to impress.”

This particular type of celebration is a first for the local chapter, which is active in volunteer efforts across the counties it serves. The women have participated in the March of Dimes, donated to Warren County Middle School to promote autism awareness and donated items to the Cancer Center at Maria Parham Health, among others, she said. The principle of service – check!

And on Saturday, May 7, the local chapter will join forces with the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Society to host a candidates’ forum for Vance County residents.

The forum will begin at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of E.M. Rollins Elementary on Rollins Ave.

Candidates will discuss important local issues like gun violence, crime and economic development and will have a chance to inform citizens of their platforms, Boyd-Kearsey said.

Organizers request that campaign materials – signs, brochures, shirts and the like –  be left outside the auditorium during the non-partisan forum. There will be a table for campaign materials located outside the auditorium for anyone interested in learning more about the candidates.

As for the principle of scholarship, the Phi Zeta chapter encourages any female who is graduating from a high school in the four-county area to apply for a $150 scholarship from the sorority. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 13. Boyd-Kearsey said winners would be notified by the end of May.

Tickets to the Friday celebration are available from any Phi Zeta member or through Paypal. Contact phizetapay@gmail.com to learn more.

Questions about any of the chapter’s events can be sent to phizetazpb@gmail.com.

 

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