TownTalk: Gas Prices

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Gas Prices and Some of the Impacts.

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Warren Emergency Mgmt. Gets $383,500 To Renovate Gym That Will Serve As Emergency Shelter

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— Information courtesy of Warren County Manager’s Office

Warren County Emergency Management will get more than $380,000 in state grant money to help renovate a gymnasium that will serve as the county’s central emergency shelter.

Warren County was one of 24 sites to get funding from the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Capacity Building Competitive Grants program for emergency management agencies. The county will receive $383,500 toward improvements at the John Graham Gym, which will become the county’s central emergency shelter.

The funds from this grant will assist in the gym’s renovation to provide shelter during emergency events, such as hurricanes, ice storms, and any disasters where citizens are displaced.

“I would like to thank the NCDPS for providing these funds,” County Manager Vincent Jones said in a press release to WIZS News. “I’d also like to commend Chief (Joel) Bartholomew and our Emergency Manager, Capt. Chris Tucker, for their diligence in identifying a need and pursuing a solution that will allow us to increase our ability to recover from disasters we may face.”

Jones said the funds will provide an emergency shelter that has all the required amenities to properly provide temporary shelter to Warren County residents in a time of need.

“This project will be a game-changer for our citizens that may become displaced during a disaster. This shelter project will be one of only a few in North Carolina,” said Tucker, who also thanked Karen Solomon, emergency services senior administrative assistant, for her work on  the project.

The John Graham gym is located at113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC, 27589. For more information about this grant, contact christucker@warrencountync.gov

Warren County Seeks Community Emergency Response Team Volunteers

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— Information courtesy of Warren County Manager’s Office

Disasters can be enormous or small, affecting entire cities or significant areas that straddle state lines. After a natural disaster or catastrophic event, first responders, utility workers, and emergency service workers are inundated with emergencies and recovery efforts.

But having an active Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program allows residents to be more self-sufficient which, in turn, lets emergency personnel attend to the recovery efforts promptly.

Warren County is looking for volunteers to be certified in the CERT program to learn how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters that may affect their community. The program provides a consistent approach to disaster preparedness training and organization that first responders can rely on during a disaster. CERT members receive training in the following areas to help them care for themselves, their families and their communities:

  • Disaster Planning
  • Damage Assessment
  • EOC assistance
  • Team Organization
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Disaster Simulation

Volunteers must be 18 or older, agree to comply with Warren County Emergency Management ethics policies, complete a 21-hour CERT training series and obtain the FEMA online training certificates, take an American Heart Association CPR class, and complete 16 volunteer hours annually in emergency management, training and outreach and community involvement programs and sign a Code of Conduct certificate.

Any class participant and certified CERT member who is unable or unwilling to meet or maintain the Public Safety CERT program requirements, including the background check criteria, will be removed from the program and lose their CERT membership.

If you are interested in joining Warren County CERT Program, please call or contact Lewis Mustian 804.512-3045  lmustian@verizon.net or contact Chris Tucker  252. 257.1191  christucker@warrencountync.gov.

TownTalk: Great Shows A Part Of Rec Players’ 50th Anniversary

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The seats in McGregor Hall are a little more comfortable – ok, a lot more comfortable – than those hard, wooden seats in the E.M. Rollins auditorium. But once the house lights dimmed, the audience settled in to those wooden seats to enjoy another performance by the Henderson Rec Players.

This year, the Rec Players celebrate 50 years of bringing live theater to the area. There have been some changes since that first season in the summer of 1972, but not that many. Just ask Tommy Nowell – he’s been around for each and every one.

Nowell said he graduated high school in June 1972 and it was June 1972 when the first rehearsals started. He said a few years ago he’d counted up, and reckons he’s “spent somewhere like 25 years of my life at the auditorium of E.M. Rollins.”

He and Jo Ellen Nowell spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk about this season’s shows, as well as the importance of introducing children to the theater arts.

The first production is Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” which will run from June 23-26.

“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” is scheduled for early July, followed by a children’s production of “Frozen Jr.” Capping off the season’s offerings is “The Fantasticks,” which will be performed Aug. 12-14.

Dwight Pearce was the group’s first director, and Jo Ellen Nowell said she co-directed “Bye, Bye Birdie” with Pearce in 2002. After that collaboration, Pearce was able to retire knowing that he’d successfully passed the baton. She has served as primary director since 2003.

“Right around that same time,” Jo Ellen said, “we were so fortunate that Mark Hopper came to town” and began working with the Rec Players to direct his first show – “The Wizard of Oz” – in 2003.

Dustin Britt will direct “Our Town,” Jo Ellen will direct “Forum” and Hopper will take the reins for “The Fantasticks.”

Audience members will have an up-close and person vantage point for “Our Town,” Jo Ellen said, because the audience also will be located on the stage.

Tommy said the seating will create almost a theater-in-the-round experience, making it intimate and different.

“You get a lot of energy from the audience when you’re that close,” he said.

“Forum,” with music by the late Stephen Sondheim, has two weekend runs – July 8-10 and 16-17.

“It is a flat-out comedy,” Jo Ellen said, “and fairly politically incorrect – it should be very interesting.” This production will have a full orchestra.

And the final production of the season is “The Fantasticks,” which includes a 4-piece orchestra. This season finale is special for Nowell and for Hopper – “It is Mark’s and my favorite musical ever,” he said.

The Rec Players have not shied away from performing long-running Broadway shows like “The Fantasticks” and others that have great lasting power. The company sticks to much of the traditional production, but feels free “to put our own twist” in the performances.

“You want to do shows that will appeal to the most people,” Tommy said.

That may be one reason why the children’s theatre camp will perform Frozen Jr.

Cindy Clark will conduct the two-week camp in July, culminating in a July 31 rendition of the blockbuster Disney movie.

“A lot of these children can sing the songs already,” Jo Ellen noted. During the first week or more of the camp, the young people will be learning about the theater, how it works and the different technical aspects that go along with a production.

“It’s a really great learning experience for the kids,” she said. The last part of the camp will be performing the show at McGregor Hall.  The camp runs from July 18-31. Performances are scheduled for July 29-31.

Education is an integral part of what the Rec Players is all about. “We need to expose the arts to our children,” she said. “We need to teach it to them and teach them to love it, because they are the ones to carry it forward.”

The casting calls are less about auditioning and more about finding a way to include anybody who wants to be a part of a production, she said.

Tommy said there’s just something about being part of a production that, once you’ve experienced it, stays with you.

Just ask Robert Peace. He called in to the show to express his thanks for the Rec Players and bringing live theater to the community. He said he participated in the Rec Players in the late 1970’s and enjoyed every moment. “I just fell in love with theater,” he said, adding that he continued to find ways to tap in to theater during the next 15 years or so when he was in the military.

“This is great what you guys are going,” he said to the Nowells. “Kids get a feel for this and it just stays with you. I still love it to this day.”

Purchase season tickets by calling 252.598.0662 or visit www.mcgregorhall.org.

The deadline to become a season patron is June 21.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 06-07-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for June 7th, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Name of the Company: Spectrum Medical Solutions

Jobs Available: Multiple Job Openings – Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA certification required); Billing Representative; and Verification Representative (individual with experience in the medical insurance industry to help verify benefits for patient care.)

Method of Contact:  Questions can be emailed to April@spectrummedsolutions.net.  919-892-7085

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Name of the Company: Versatrim

Jobs Available: Multiple Job Openings – Industrial Electrician ($18-$22 per hour salary); Maintenance Mechanic ($17 -$20 per hour salary); Inside Sales Rep ($15 per hour salary); Color Coordinator ($14 per hour salary); Finishing Line Operator ($17-$18 per hour salary).  These positions are all 1st shift, Mon-Fri, 7 am – 4 pm.  Applicants must be 18 years or older with a High School Diploma or GED.

Method of Contact: Apply online at www.Indeed.com or www.versatrim.com.  Questions call Viridiana Badillo at 866-200-8132. Ext 131.

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Name of the Company: Vescom Textiles

Jobs Available: Multiple Open Positions.  Experienced person(s) preferred.  Must show desire to want to learn if hired without experience.  All positions require a high school diploma.  Full-time.  Ability to lift 50-75 lbs., and require standing/stooping/lifting/pushing.  Willing to train the right person(s) for the job.  Available jobs include: Jacquard/Dobby Textile Weavers – operates a loom to weave yarn into cloth.  Must be detail oriented; Jacquard/Dobby Loom Fixers – sets up, adjusts and repairs loo to weave cloth.  Knowledge of loom functions and waving necessary.  Must be able to read diagrams and manuals.  Mechanically inclined a must; Tie-In Operators – Ties in yarn wrapping beams into the loom for weaving.  Attention to small details a must; Warper – Operates warper to create beams for weaving.  Places cones of yarn on creel for warper.

Method of Contact: Send resume to Connie Loftis at c.loftis@vescom.com.  Vescom Textiles is located at 2289 Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC.

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Name of the Company:  Belk Department Store

Jobs Available:  Full and part-time sales and support positions are available.  Employees enjoy competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and associate discount.

Method of Contact:  Text the word JOBS to belk4u.  Or stop by the Henderson Belk Store, located at 350 North Cooper Drive, Henderson Square Shopping Center.

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Name of the Company: AmeriStaff, Inc. (Employment Placement Service)

Jobs Available: Seeking candidates for 2 positions:  1.  Administrative Assistant needed for a medical office in the South Hill, Va. area. Candidates must have office experience and good customer service skills.  Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm.  $13.50 per hour.  2.  Laborer and Helper needed for a warehouse company in the Keysville, Va area.  Candidates must have a good work ethic, must be able to stack and pull lumber.  Full-time.  $14 per hour.

Method of Contact: Send resume to Kpreston@ameristaff.net.  Questions: Call Kennedy Preston at 276-632-7088.

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Name of the Company: Variety Wholesalers (Roses Stores)

Jobs Available: Warehouse Clerk Trainee.  Full-Time.

Method of Contact: Apply through NC Works office – 857 South Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson NC 27536.  For questions call 252-438-6129.

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 Name of the Company: City of Henderson – Governmental

Jobs Available:  Hiring now for multiple positions.  Full-time and part-time.  Positions include:  Administrative Support Specialist for Human Resources Dept; Utility Maintenance and Street Maintenance Crew Leaders and Solid Waste Equipment Operator for Public Works Department; Firefighter; Police Officer; Recreation and Parks camp counselor, lifeguard, facility supervisors, and Aycock Center facility supervisor.  Excellent benefits such as paid holidays and vacations, health and dental insurance, and life insurance.

Method of Contact: Apply online at www.henderson.nc.gov or at 134 Rose Avenue, Henderson, NC

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Name of the Company:  GFL/Waste Industries

Jobs Available:  Truck Drivers Needed.  Must have Class A or B CDL License.

Method of Contact: 241 Vanco Mill Road, Henderson, NC  27537

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Name of the Company: Kids World Inc

 Job Openings:  Child Care Teacher and Teacher Assistant positions.  Applicants will instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote intellectual and creative growth.  Create fun and safe learning environment.  Develop schedules and routines to ensure adequate physical activity, rest and playtime.  Previous experience in childcare, teaching, or other related fields.  Prefer Associates Degree and Early Childhood Certificate.  Passionate about working with children, ability to build rapport with children, and have a positive and patient demeanor.  Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills

Apply – Send resume to Hiring Manager dana.greenway@kidsworldinc.org  Kids World Inc is located at 420 Red Oak Road in Henderson, NC

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS. Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast. This is not a paid ad.

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Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden

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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.

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S-Line Rail Corridor

June 16 Workshop, Open House Set For Warren Residents To Discuss S-Line Rail Corridor

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-information courtesy of Warren County Community and Economic Development Director, Charla Duncan

As plans continue for rail service through North Carolina, Warren County and the NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division will host a design workshop and public open house next month to allow the community to provide input toward a vision for the transit-oriented development in the area.

The proposed S-Line is a rail line that involves about 95 miles in North Carolina and will connect  Richmond, Virginia and Tampa, Florida, with stops in Norlina and Henderson, according to information received from the office of Warren County Manager Vincent Jones.

The design workshop will be held Thursday, June 16  between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Warrenton Armory Civic Center, 501 U.S. Hwy 158 Business East in Warrenton. Members of the community are invited to come any time during the three hours to provide their own ideas, suggestions and feedback as they learn more about the vision for the S-Line rail corridor in Norlina.

The public open house will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., also at the Warrenton Armory. Families are invited and there will be a “kids zone” with children’s activities.

In addition to Norlina and Henderson, the S-Line project includes Apex, Franklinton, Raleigh, Sanford, Wake Forest and Youngsville along the 95-mile stretch of rail line.

Transit-oriented development has a goal to connect communities and public spaces by increasing accessibility without having to rely on a personal vehicle. An important aspect of this study is public engagement.

More information about the S-Line Transit Oriented Development Study can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/s-line-study.

For more information, contact Charla Duncan, director of community and economic development, at 252.257.3115 or by email at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.

SportsTalk: Ray Noel Prepares For AD Position At VCHS

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Ray Noel said he’s looking forward to his new job as athletic director at Vance County High School, but right now, he’s focused on his closing out the school year at Granville Central High School, where he will still be athletic director until the end of June.

July 1 marks his first day in Vance County, and Noel said he’s excited about the new opportunity.

When his teams faced Vance County High School’s teams, Noel said he noticed how close and tight-knit the community seemed to be.

He told David “Doc” Harris, Bill Harris and John C. Rose on Monday’s Sports Talk that really made a lasting impression on him.

“I’d see the turnouts for sports in Vance County,” he said, adding that he looks forward to being part of an athletic program that receives such positive support.

But Noel said he values his 15 years at Granville Central High School – he took a job there upon graduation from Averett University – and will miss the relationships that he has developed with staff during his time there.

Noel takes over the AD position from Joe Sharrow, who announced in April that he would be leaving VCS, took the AD position at Jordan High School in Durham.

“I hope to continue the success that Mr. Sharrow had and take it to the next level if we can,” Noel said.

It’s important for student athletes to be recognized for their efforts, Noel said, and there are a number of athletes at VCHS who will get a lot of attention on social media and elsewhere for their accomplishments in sports.

But, he acknowledged, not everybody who plays high school sports makes it to the next level of sports. Quality, stable athletic programs are important to help students be successful after high school, he said. “We want them to be good men and women out in the job force,” Noel said.

 

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