WIZS Local News Audio 8-5-21 Noon
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TownTalk: Turning Point CDC Community Day Aug 7
Turning Point Community Development Corporation continues its outreach in the area with Community Day 2021 set for Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Turning Point Director Chalis Henderson invites schoolchildren to come out for backpacks stuffed with school supplies and enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family.
Henderson was the guest on Wednesday’s Town Talk and shared details of the event with John C. Rose and Trey Snide.
“Everything’s going to be outside,” she said, except the barbershop. Two barbers will be socially distanced in the large multipurpose room of the Turning Point community engagement building, located near the interchange of Norlina and Warrenton roads in Henderson. Vendors will be distanced appropriately on the lawn. “We will enjoy seeing people, but we definitely want people to feel safe and healthy,” Henderson said.
“We have a large group of community resource vendors – it’s going to be a family-friendly, fun event,” she said. And those 120 backpacks? They’ll be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so come out early.
One note to parents: Henderson said the child should be present to receive the backpack and parents should be prepared to give a name, phone number and the county they live in for the backpack giveaway.
The mobile learning lab will be up and running for the event as well. Henderson said the school bus-turned learning lab has been outfitted with air conditioning, so it will be on the road in August. A couple of young people will be on the bus to provide demonstrations of some of the lab’s functions.
Last year’s Community Day event was cancelled because of the pandemic, which makes this Saturday’s event even more special and important. It’s important for residents in the area to become aware of resources that are available to them, she added.
Established as a community development entity, Turning Point has become a place of empowerment and community engagement. Providing backpacks and having events to share resources are just two ways for Turning Point to “live” its vision statement: We believe rural communities can thrive and flourish.”
Henderson said she was heartened to see so many community members – and parents that are served through Turning Point – show up to bring donations of school supplies to help fill out the backpacks.
The non-profit had gotten the backpacks and a few school supplies, but Henderson said she felt like they needed some more. So she set up a one-week drive to collect supplies and she said there was “an overflow of resources coming in.”
Turning Point will have raffle tickets available on Saturday for the chance to win a complete HVAC system. Tickets are $10, she said. The prize is made possible by Ranes Heating and Air and Henderson said “100 percent of the proceeds go to Turning Point CDC.” The winner will be announced in October. Tickets also may be purchased via a link on its website www.turningpointcdc.org
Also available at the Community Day event are t-shirts emblazoned with the Turning Point vision statement: “We believe rural communities can thrive and flourish.”
Turning Point CDC Director Chalis Henderson Interview Audio. Click Play Below.
SportsTalk: Trey Snide Named Cross Country Coach At Crossroads Christian
Many people know Trey Snide as the host of the “Beach Music Blast” and “SportsTalk” on WIZS Radio. Some may have bought some advertising from him. Anyone who knows Trey also knows he is a true sports fan. What they might not know is that Trey coaches not only one team at Crossroads Christian but, now, two teams.
In addition to being the head baseball coach at the school, he has now been named head coach of the school’s cross country team. Trey brings experience from his time as a student who ran track for Lees-McRae College in the North Carolina mountains. When asked what that experience as an athlete in college gives him as a coach he said, “Never Give up even though you may feel like passing out.”
He has his runners at Crossroads Christian up early to run. Practice currently begins at 7:30 in the morning, and while that may seem early, he says the beautiful countryside where his players practice makes it much better. “Hills, water, woods, dirt, grass…everything you would find in competition,” Trey says of the area.
Coaching cross-country is different than coaching baseball or other team sports. Trey said it is more about the individual and finding ways for the individual to improve.
His team will have some pieces already in place with a 1A All State Runner and the team will looking to get the most from his and the other members of the team this season. The coach in Trey says, “They may say they can’t do anymore, but as a coach, you try to get a little bit more. Give me everything you’ve got.”
WIZS congratulates our own Trey Snide, the new cross country coach at Crossroads Christian.
For complete details and audio click play.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 8-4-21 Noon
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For Now, Vance County Schools Maintains Face Covering Requirements
Vance County Schools resumes this week and so a statement on masks was needed now, before the scheduled August 9 board of education meeting.
That statement online at vcs.k12.nc.us reads:
“Vance County Schools will maintain our current face covering requirements for all students and adults in all buildings with students. The Board of Education will revisit this at the August 9th Board of Education meeting.”
As Public Information Officer Aarika Sandlin reminded WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, the VCS Early Start School Calendar shows open house for Wednesday, August 4 and the first day of school as Thursday, August 5. Vance County Early College High School uses the early start calendar.
The VCS Year-Round Calendar lists the first day of school as Monday, August 9. EM Rollins STEAM Academy is the only year-round school but is in session, in person before the board of education meeting.
The VCS online statement also says:
“Vance County Schools would like to remind all of our families that we will be back to school face-to-face 5 days a week for the 2021-2022 school year. Should your child wish to participate in virtual learning, they may do so by transferring to our virtual school, Vance Virtual Village Academy, which does require a one-year commitment.”
VCS Traditional Calendar Schools start Monday, August 23.
Nearby to the west, all Granville County Public Schools students and staff will be required to wear face coverings on all school property when school starts later this month, following a board of education decision made during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 2.
The Granville decision came following a presentation from Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison and GVHD Medical Director Dr. Shauna Guthrie about the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Vance County Schools officials also rely of Harrison and Guthrie and GVPH, and the VCS board is likely to be provided much of the same information as was presented in Granville County.
SportsTalk: Pender Announced As New Vance County High Football Coach
Henderson, N.C. – The Vance County Board of Education has approved Wilbur Pender as the new Head
Football Coach at Vance County High School.
Coach Pender is a Franklin County native who graduated from Franklinton High School before continuing his football and academic career at Catawba College. Following his collegiate playing career as a defensive lineman, Pender pursued a career in education and coaching where his experience includes positions as a Math teacher and assistant football coach at East Montgomery High School, Northern Vance High School, Olympic High School, and Clover High School (South Carolina).
He will be joining Vance County High School after most recently serving as the Head Football Coach at
Granville Central High School this past school year. “Coach Pender is a great leader and role model who takes his responsibilities as both a teacher and a coach very seriously” said Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Sharrow of Pender. “He is extremely intelligent, has a passion for teaching, and has demonstrated the ability to establish positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members. Having grown up in the area and having previously taught and coached at Northern Vance High School, he is familiar with our schools and community and we are very excited to welcome him back. I have no doubt he will be a strong addition to the Viper family.” Pender will replace Hunter Jenks, who coached the Vipers for just one season.
“I am beyond excited to get started at Vance County and really dive in and invest in the future of the program.” Pender said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity from Principal Horner, Athletic Director Sharrow, and Vance County Schools for trusting me to lead the Vipers. I loved my time at Northern Vance working with the kids then and now with both schools as one I feel this place is set up for sustainable success on and off the field. There are not many one high school counties left in the state and it’s truly the best situation to have. I can’t wait to get the youth program and middle school program involved with us because we are one family. Go Vipers!”
The Vipers are set to begin the 2021 season at home on August 20th in the County Line Clash rivalry game with Warren County High School
For complete details and audio click play.
WIZS Local News Audio 8-3-21 Noon
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The Local Skinny: Jobs in Vance
The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 3, 2021. 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 christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.
JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of August 3, 2021
Name of the Company: McDonald’s Restaurant
Jobs Available: Looking to fill MANY positions within four locations – Butner, Oxford, Dabney Drive and Andrews Ave. Hiring everything from Maintenance, Openers, Closers, Overnight and Mid- day Crews and Managers. Our rates start at $9.25 up to $12.00 at some locations. Pay depends on experience and Managers MUST have food retail experience. Some of the benefits include FREE Uniforms, Health benefits, Paid vacation, 30% discount and MUCH, MUCH more.
Method of Contact: Can apply online at www.mchire.com or go to NC Works at one of their locations for more information..
Name of the Company: Legacy Human Services
Jobs Available: Full and Part time Direct Support Professionals – These positions are for the group homes which are 24- hour residential facilities serving adults with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties. These positions are for every other weekend and require sleepover. Positions require high school/GED and valid NC driver’s license.
Contact Person: Laura Newton
Method of Contact: come by the office at 626 S. Garnett St. for application or call 252-438-6700 Ext. 204 for more information
Name of the Company: Rural Health Group, Inc.
Jobs Available: Bilingual Interpreter – Henderson Clinic, Clinical Assistants – CMA/LPN/RN for Henderson and Stovall Clinics, Community Health Worker – Henderson and Stovall Clinics, Behavioral Health Specialist- Henderson Clinic, Patient Accounts Specialist- Henderson Clinic, Patient Service Representative – Henderson Clinic
Method of Contact: Applications are available for each position on the Careers tab on www.rhgnc.org. website ONLY ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS – NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Name of the Company: Community Partners of Hope, Inc. (Men’s Homeless Shelter)
Jobs Available: Community Network Specialist – this position will evolve into an executive director type position and will provide services provided to the homeless men shelter. This is a part-time position and this person will be highly collaborative with other agencies, businesses, health care agencies, law enforcement, governmental reps and congregations. This position will report to the Board of Directors. Experience in a supervisory or management role is required and working with a non-profit is preferred.
Method of Contact: Email resume and references to: cpofhope@gmail.com
Name of the Company: Belk’s in Henderson
Jobs Available: Having a job Fair on August 7th from 11:00 – 3:00 – Looking for Full and Part-time Sells Associates
Method of Contact: Come by the store at 350 North Cooper Dive, Henderson
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.
TownTalk: Come Grow With VGCC’s AgriTech Program
Vance-Granville Community College’s South Campus is the site of the upcoming AgriTech program, one of the many continuing education classes offered at VGCC’s four campuses.
Tanya Weary, dean of business & industry solutions and of the South Campus in Creedmoor, said registration is open for the class, which will be held in-person one evening a week for 10 weeks; the remaining two-thirds of the class’s 96 hours will be completed online.
The class begins on Sept. 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the cost is $188.25. Tuition assistance is available for eligible participants, she told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk, which you can hear in its entirety by clicking play below.
As a dean at VGCC, Weary said she enjoys seeing the many exciting things happening on and around the campuses in the four counties VGCC serves.
“Lives are being changed,” Weary said. “It’s an incredible experience to see and witness every day.”
The AgriTech program is one way to help participants gain knowledge about agriculture, whether it’s for launching a business, improving skills for someone who already works on a farm or other agriculture-related endeavors.
“Agriculture is making an impact on society,” Weary said. “No matter what realm of agriculture you’re going into, you’re making some kind of impact.”
Instructor Kelly Dixon will introduce topics such as sustainable and organic farming methods, equipment maintenance, plant, soil and animal sciences, among others. Dixon and her family farm in Granville County and Dixon is the ag teacher at Vance Charter School.
Weary said the class will also discuss basic computer skills and marketing techniques, both important tools for agricultural entrepreneurs who use social media or need to create marketing materials to promote their business.
Another project that VGCC is launching is the result of a $286,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will provide professional development opportunities for K-12 educators to learn more about teaching agriculture and biology.
Weary said VGCC bought some drones that will be used to provide some hands-on opportunities for students to learn how to use drones in agriculture, from simple aerial photography to using drones to check fields.
Weary said U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics point to strong employment opportunities in agriculture between 2020 and 2025. “This program gives (students) an introduction into the economic, environmental and social impacts of agriculture,” she said.
Visit https://www.vgcc.edu/conVanceed/agritech/ to learn more about the class.
Contact Weary at wearyt@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3521.
Click play here for the TownTalk interview with Dean Weary.
Vance, Granville, Warren Masks
Visitors to any indoor Warren County facility must wear masks while conducting business, effective Monday, Aug. 2. As of this publication, there are no mask mandates in Henderson or Vance County buildings, but officials told WIZS that they continue to monitor updates regarding mask recommendations from the state.
All visitors entering a Granville County facility should wear a face covering effective Tuesday, August 3, according to Lynn Allred, public information officer/grants coordinator. In a written statement, Allred said, “Employees should wear a face covering when engaging with the public; Employees – whether vaccinated or unvaccinated – should wear a face covering inside the workplace when within 6 feet of other people. (Face coverings are not necessary if the employee has a private workspace); Social distancing should be practiced wherever possible.”
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen acknowledged that guidance changes, and “at the current time, we are not planning to require masks within the county buildings,” McMillen said in a statement to WIZS News. He added that officials are “highly encouraging the use of masks within the common areas and courtrooms at the courthouse due to the large concentration of individuals within these areas.” According to McMillen, Chief District Court Judge John Davis issued a memo requesting the recommended use of masks in these areas.
“We … continue to watch the guidance as it changes daily. Our intent is to follow state mandates as it relates to social distancing, mask wearing and other precautions if they are implemented again,” McMillen said.
Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said city officials currently are assessing the situation. “As we solicit additional feedback from the health department, a similar announcement may be forthcoming,” Blackmon told WIZS in reference to what Warren County is doing.
In Warren County, County Manager Vincent Jones and Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake issued a statement concerning the updated mask requirement. Warren County is among the 92 N.C. counties with a high or substantial transmission of COVID-19, the statement read. The CDC recommends that residents of those areas need to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. County staff also will be wearing masks indoors.
As of this publication, Warren, Vance and Granville counties are considered “substantial” spread areas. Franklin County is a “high” spread area.