“Hairspray”

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Big, Local Cast & Crew Takes To The McGregor Hall Stage To Bring You The Rockin’ Broadway Hit ‘Hairspray’

This Tony-Winning Musical Is Based On The Popular 1988 Silver Screen Comedy That Was Adapted Again In The 2007 Hit Film

HENDERSON, N.C. (OCTOBER 23, 2017) — McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will roll back the clock to the 1960s with a rocking production of the Broadway hit “Hairspray” for two weekends in a row.

A cast and crew of nearly 100 will present six performances of the musical: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28, at 8 p.m. each evening; Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m.

Set in Baltimore in 1962, “Hairspray” tells the story of a spunky and lovable plus-size teenage girl who earns a spot to dance on a local television show. After becoming an overnight celebrity and meeting a colorful array of characters, Tracy Turnblad helps to lead her city to social change.

“The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hairspray is full of laughter, romance, and music and dancing that never seems to stop,” said Mark Hopper, vice president on the Board of Directors for McGregor Hall, who is also the director of the show. The musical brings back the 1960s in nearly 20 songs that will offer melodies to please everyone as Hopper leads a live 15-piece orchestra.

McGregor Hall’s “Hairspray” brings together familiar faces from among the area’s strong theater talent and introduces new young actors and actresses to the big stage, Hopper added.

The show stars Sarah Young of Henderson as Tracy Turnblad, Jonathan O’Geary of Henderson as Edna Turnblad, Brian Westbrook of Durham as Corny Collins, Elsa Wansink of Chapel Hill as Penny Pingleton, and Karen-Leigh Allen of Raleigh as “Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs.

“We’re fortunate to have so much talent in this region,” Hopper added. “We’ll have veterans of the Henderson Rec Players in the show, and we’re happy to be joined by some of the area’s best from other theater groups. To have so many new young people joining us for the first time is making for a meaningful experience.”

In addition to the six shows for McGregor audiences, a daytime performance of the musical will be staged for area schools on Thursday, Oct. 26.

“We’re appreciative of the support for this production we have received through a grant from the North Carolina Community Foundation,” Hopper said, “and we certainly are thankful for the many supporters who are helping us for the 2017-2018 season.”

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $20 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available. Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

“Hairspray” is the second act of the McGregor Live! and Heritage! performance series packages. Upcoming shows in the McGregor Live! series are the Christmas Wonderland holiday spectacular, Dec. 5; world-renowned magician and mentalist Joshua Lozoff, Jan. 6; Al Stewart, known for the Top 10 hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages,” and his band, the Empty Pockets, Feb. 17; and the original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, on March 16.
The Heritage! series will feature a new stage play, “Daddy’s Boys,” by North Carolina African-American playwright Garrett Davis, Jan. 13; the Masters of Soul Motown Revue, March 3; and Rod of God with comedian Roderick Allison, April 14.

Individual tickets are available for each of the shows in the Live! and Heritage! series.

Discounted series package tickets are still on sale for McGregor Hall’s Joy! series, featuring three shows with five well-known Christian artists and groups: Dove- and Grammy-award winning Jason Crabb, Nov. 12; Karen Peck with New River, Feb. 23; and the Talleys with Tribute, April 7. With a regular ticket price of $75, the three-show Joy! package will be reduced to $50. Those purchasing the Joy! series can also add on the Christmas Wonderland show for a reduced price of $20.

For more information on this and other series packages, visit www.McGregorHall.org.

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— press release courtesy of McGregor Hall

(McGregor Hall is a paying advertising client of WIZS.)

Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free Quarter Auction

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WIZS has been asked to announce:

Join Families Living Violence Free on November 3, 2017 for “Quarters For a Cause.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Dinner from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Auction begins at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10.00 (Dinner and Bidding Paddle). Vendor spots are $25.00. All proceeds go to Families Living Violence Free to help Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims and Survivors.

Be the first to buy your Christmas Gifts!!

Bid and win some amazing baskets and more!

Call Families Living Violence Free for more information 919-693-3579.

Or visit their website www.FLVF.org for tickets.

@SVHS_Athletics at Warren County and @GCHS_PANTHERS @NorthernVanceFB

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Vance County Friday Night Football coverage on WIZS this week will feature Southern Vance at Warren County and Northern Vance hosting Granville Central. Join us on air and online for the live play by play. 1450 AM on your radio dial and wizs.com on your phone, tablet and smart TV. Airtime is 6:45 for a 7 o’clock kickoff.  You can also use the Tunein Radio App.

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Scouting Report — Southern Vance at Warren County — Friday 10/20/2017

Going into tonight’s games, Roanoke Rapids, Southern Vance and Warren County are jostling each other for third place in the Northern Carolina Conference (South Granville and Bunn are both 5-0 NCC).  All three teams are 4-2 in the league, but Roanoke Rapids has an edge with a 7-2 overall record and a win over Warren, while Warren has a 6-3 overall record, and Southern Vance is 5-4 after winning 4 of their last 5 games, including a surprising but decisive 44-27 victory over Roanoke Rapids.  Tonight’s meeting between Southern Vance and Warren County could sort out that group, since a win for the Raiders would put them in front of both of the other teams by way of head-to-head wins.  A win for the Eagles, on the other hand, would severely damage Southern’s chances for a playoff spot, since the Raiders would drop to 5-5 overall.   Roanoke Rapids is idle this week, getting ready for its own showdown with Warren County next Friday.

The teams are evenly matched, at least on paper:  Warren County scores an average of 29 points per game, and allows 25.  Southern has gotten better every week, and now averages 30 points scoring per game, while allowing 28 points.   These stats suggest that both teams have trouble on defense.  Both teams are also prone to mistakes, and penalties and turnovers nearly cost the Eagles an upset loss to Webb last week, when Webb forced an overtime with a late field goal, and the Eagles had to win it with a 3-point kick of their own.  Warren will not have to worry about offsetting field goals tonight, since Southern Vance has no kicker, even for extra points.  This has not been much of a handicap for the Raiders so far – their only close loss, a 34-30 disappointment to Bunn, would not have been helped by a kicker.  Against Warren, however, with the teams so close on paper, three points may well decide the outcome.

Much is riding on tonight’s game for both teams, and the determining factor could well be who scores the most in the first quarter, and how effective each pass defense can be.  Raiders QB Elijah Stewart has only thrown 2 interceptions this season, but Warren’s secondary has 10 picks, with Cornell Hendrick has accounted for an amazing 8 of those himself.  Eagles QB Cornelius Davis has been picked off 8 times this season, but the Raiders have been a easier to pass against, with only one takeaway.

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Scouting Report — Granville Central at Northern Vance — Friday, October 20, 2017

One and seven Northern Vance had an open week to regroup from a 54-7 thrashing from Bunn, and to find its way back to the winning ways that began on September 29 with the Vikings’ first victory of the season, a 17-14 squeaker over 1A conference member Louisburg.   Tonight and next Friday the Vikings have  the opportunity for back-to-back wins over 1A Granville Central and 2A Webb, which would improve their record to 3-7, and give them some momentum going into their season finale – the Optimist Bowl against Southern Vance (currently 5-4, 4-2).  Northern Vance is grouped with Webb, Louisburg and Granville Central at the bottom of the Northern Carolina Conference, all at least 3 games back of Warren County, which currently sits right in the middle of the pack.  All four teams suffer from similar deficits – low scoring an soft defenses – but Northern and Granville Central both have one conference win, and tonight’s match up will move one of those teams one game above that bottom level, at least for a week.

On paper, Granville Central has a slim advantage over the Vikings.  The Panthers from Stem are 3-5 overall, and won their two nonconference games (a 7-6 thriller over 2A Bartlett Yancey and a 33-8 morale booster over regional 1A doormat KIPP Pride). But GC was rudely introduced to its new 2A conference mates with a 46-0 loss to Roanoke Rapids in their conference opener.  The Panthers showed spunk in their 50-19 loss to Southern Vance (in the Raiders highest scoring game of the season), and took a 38-7 licking from Warren County.  Then, however, after a 28-0 nonconference loss to North Duplin, the Panthers defeated cross-county rivals J. F. Webb 20-14 and held Bunn to 17 points, although they were unable to score themselves.  Granville Central averages just under 11 points per game on offense, and allows over 25 points.  Northern Vance has scored 8 per game and has allowed opponents 31 per game.  The Vikings should therefore hope that tonight’s game will be a low-scoring affair, like their 17-14 win over Louisburg, while the Panthers will be looking for a game like their 20-14 win over Webb.  The final outcome could therefore be decided by a field goal or a two point conversion.

Granville Crime Stoppers

United We Sing, Friday, Oct 20

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Granville Commissioner David Smith has passed along information regarding a benefit for Granville County Crime Stoppers.

“United We Sing” will take place Friday, October 20th at 7 p.m.

Music will be by Rev. Frank Sossamon, Closer Home and Backyard Bluegrass Boys.

The location is Providence Baptist Church in Oxford.

Donations will benefit Granville Couty Crime Stoppers.

Show Shine Shag & Dine 2017

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Show Shine Shag & Dine 2017 — click for more

East Coast Drag Time Hall of Fame and Reunion — click for more

It’s a world-class car show, Drag Times Hall of Fame reunion and weekend full of fun, and it’s all happening right here in downtown Henderson with an anticipated economic impact in Vance County of about $2 million.

Nancy Wilson, director of Vance County Tourism, appeared on WIZS’s TownTalk this week, and you can hear the audio here.

This week and weekend roughly 35,000 people will come from all over the United States and parts of Canada to participate in and see the 16th annual Show Shine Shag and Dine in downtown Henderson.

Wilson said, “They love our little town.  They never have negative things to say about our area, and they come back year after year, so they must like it.  They enjoy coming here, and they have great things to say about the restaurants and the staff that waits on them, and we do not get any negative feedback.  It’s amazing.”

These types of events can also become the face of a town like Henderson.  During the TownTalk episode today, Wilson said she had and demonstrated an effort to work with our new Vance County Economic Development director and the new director of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission.

As a part of the Saturday morning and afternoon event downtown, the Corbitt Preservation Association will have its annual display of Corbitt Trucks at the corner of Montgomery and Williams Streets.

There are also other events during the weekend on Friday and Sunday.  Be sure to check out www.kerrlake-nc.com for a full list.

For the weekend’s event schedule, click here for a downloadable, printable PDF.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville County Crime Stoppers

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— courtesy Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Monday, September 25th, 2017 and Friday, 29th, 2017 early evening hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Highway 158 West Oxford , NC and criminally removed several antique collectibles.

Sometime between Friday, September 29th, 2017 late evening and Saturday, September 30th, 2017 mid-morning hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Highway 158 West, Oxford, NC and forced entry into a shed and a storage building, which caused criminal damage.

On Friday, September 29th, 2017 during late evening hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Pope Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a Freight Harbor welding machine from underneath a shed.

On Friday, October 6th, 2017 between early to mid-morning hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Buck Hart Road, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a residence and a shed, which caused criminal property damage.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY. YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

7th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival Saturday

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The 7th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival continues tomorrow, Saturday, October 14th.

Every year Oxford welcomes home all of its Masonic Home for Children alumni in the fall. Head Administrator for the institution Kevin Otis talked with WIZS TownTalk this past Wednesday – click here for the Oct 11th archive.

Otis said Saturday morning at 9:30 features the largest and best Shrine parade, followed by campus tours and folks can check out the print shop.  He said it’s a family friendly event with great activities for kids.  There’ll be great food on site at the BBQ pit followed by Jim Quick and Coastline with live, free beach music at noon, according to Otis.

The Granville County Tourism web page, at https://www.visitgranvillenc.com/fall, describes it as a “celebration of North Carolina’s oldest and first home for children.”  Check out more at https://mhc-xford.org/masonic-homecoming-festival.

While on TownTalk, Otis discussed the vocational and educational aspects among other topics concerning the Masonic Home and how it serves Vance and Granville Counties and, in fact, 26 counties in NC.

(Granville County Tourism and The Masonic Home for Children are paying advertising clients of WIZS.)

Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free Candlelight Vigil

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— courtesy Families Living Violence Free

Please join FLVF as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month with our Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor Granville County Survivors and Victims of Domestic Violence who have lost their lives as a result of family violence. We honor and celebrate their lives with a vigil.

“Knowledge is Power… Awareness Saves Lives”

The Vigil will take place in front of the Families Living Violence Free’s Office. (125 Oxford Outer Loop Road)
Monday, October 16th, 2017
5:30pm to 6:30pm

For further information, please feel free to contact Families Living Violence Free: (919) 693-3579

Oxford Kiwanis Lobster Sale

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The Oxford Kiwanis Club is having a lobster sale.  Pre-order now by calling 919-693-0000.  Final orders due by Oct 17th.  You can pick up your lobster Oct 21st from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church located at 140 College Street.

NC Forest Service

Oct 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week

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— courtesy NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and NC Forest Service

With fall fire season approaching, N.C. Forest Service offers tips to prevent wildfires

RALEIGH – As fall wildfire season approaches, the N.C. Forest Service encourages North Carolinians to heed the call of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, and take steps to ensure careful burning of leaves and yard debris.

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires. In fact, debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“Between October and November of 2016, there were 1,138 wildfires that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “All of us can do our part to avoid another fall fire season like last year by exercising caution while burning debris.”

There are many factors to consider before burning any debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

Follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
    Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at https://ncforestservice.gov.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and charcoal grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, log onto https://ncforestservice.gov.