TownTalk: Local Author Michael Elliott Has Faith In The Music Of John Hiatt

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His name may not be a household name, but John Hiatt is the force behind many popular singers and bands – and Mike Elliott has written a book of the singer-songwriter’s life.

For longtime WIZS listeners, the answer is yes, OUR Mike Elliott. The Oxford native and former program director and operations manager of the radio station, who spent more than a decade on the local airwaves, got caught up in a different medium – writing stories, reviews and now a book which chronicles the life of someone he has admired for many years.

The biography, Have a Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story, is set for release on Sept. 14, but pre-orders can be made now, Elliott told Bill Harris on Wednesday’s Town Talk.

“It’s great to be back on the radio,” Elliott said. He left in June 2001 to continue his career, which ultimately took a turn to print media on sort of a whim.

“I’ve always written for fun,” Elliott said. Then one night while writing, he decided to submit a story to Bitter Southerner, a nationally known online publication. A few months later, he got word that the story he’d written about growing up around music and loving music would be published as part of its folk life collection. That was a few years ago, and Elliott said he branched out from there to include album reviews, among other things.

The research for this biography was done by phone and Skype, Elliott said, thanks to COVID-19. Which turned out to be sort of a blessing in disguise – everyone he wanted to interview would normally have been on the road and hard to catch up with. But not during COVID-19.

“It made people slow down, take stock and reassess,” Elliott said of the pandemic. “And they were home – not touring.  So they said, yes, they’d talk to me.”

Elliott was a teenager when he first learned of Hiatt. He said he was probably watching the music video channel VH1 when he took note of Hiatt’s voice – it was an “amazing raspy, soulful voice,” Elliott recalled.

The more he listened and learned, the more he was enamored of this man called John Hiatt who was writing songs for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Suzy Boggus and many others.

“The man is a powerhouse – he’s writing all this stuff,” Elliott said, adding that the song “Have a Little Faith in Me” has been recorded by many singers and is considered a current standard.

And it’s that song that Elliott said encapsulates Hiatt’s story of resilience, hitting rock bottom and coming back better and stronger.

His first two records weren’t great, Elliott said, and his record label dropped him. From there, he got gigs playing at colleges – even standing atop a table in a cafeteria singing for students eating all around him.

There were some other twists and turns that brought him to seek treatment for substance abuse and addiction – read the book to find out details – and that’s when he wrote “Have a Little Faith in Me.”

Hiatt, sober since 1984, was writing it about himself, Elliott said. “(That song) gave him the strength he needed to go forward.”
Big-time names like Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy all have recorded Hiatt’s songs. And although his name may not be a household name, Hiatt’s songs are probably familiar to many.

Hiatt’s story isn’t the typical rags-to-riches type story of a musician who hit it big, lost it all, then climbed back up the ladder of success. No, Elliott said, Hiatt’s story is about someone who was “kind of fair to middlin’, cleaned up and became artistically huge.”

Elliott said he was very pleased when Hiatt’s management team helped clear the way to talk to the artist himself. “I was planning to write the book without him…but I did want his personal take.” He said he was indebted to the 69-year-old for his contributions to the book

“When he started opening up about his life, he gave me stuff that he’d never given anyone before. He felt like it was time to just tell it,” Elliott recalled, for which he is grateful.

You can place pre-orders for Elliott’s book from online retailers or visit michael-elliott.com to find a link to purchase. The book also will be available on Audible. Listeners to the audio format may recognize a familiar voice  – Elliott will be reading the introduction.

 

 

New Maria Parham Women’s Care OBGYN: Know Facts About COVID-19 Vaccine, Pregnancy

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Dr. Michaela Beynon, an OB-GYN, has joined Maria Parham Women’s Care and brings to the practice experience in high-risk pregnancy management, among other women’s care concerns and issues.

Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard said Beynon’s commitment to women’s health issues and wellness is an asset to the MPH organization. “Dr. Beynon further strengthens our network of physicians, as she is devoted to providing high-quality care and helping people make important health care decisions,” Beard said in a written statement to WIZS News.

Beynon received her medical education at Ross University School of Medicine in the West Indies and completed her residency at Aultman Hospital OBGYN in Canton, OH. She also has a masters of neuroscience from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

Beynon has not wasted any time getting important information about the COVID-19 vaccination out to pregnant women and those who want to become pregnant.

She addresses some frequently asked questions about pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine – its safety and effectiveness for women who are pregnant, who have recently given birth, or who plan to start or add to their family in the future.

Beynon wrote an article titled “Creating Healthier Families One Shot At A Time” which she recently shared with WIZS News.

“I love helping moms-to-be stay healthy and prepare to welcome their baby into the world,” Beynon writes. “As you can imagine, one of the most important conversations I’ve been having lately with my patients is around COVID-19 vaccines and their safety for those who are pregnant or who are in the planning stage of their pregnancy journey.”

Beynon spells out through a question-and-answer format information for women and families to consider, from possible fertility issues the vaccine may cause to the safety of breastfeeding and the vaccine.

Contact 252.492.8576 or visit the Find a Doctor tab at MariaParham.com to make an appointment. For help finding a medical provider near you, call 800.424.DOCS.

Following are commonly asked questions to which Beynon has responded:

Q: Why is it important for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

A: Pregnant individuals are at a higher risk for severe illness, complications and death than non-pregnant individuals if infected with COVID-19. Also, in some cases, pregnancy can come with medical conditions that put women at even further risk. The best way to protect yourself against potential harm from a COVID-19 infection is to be vaccinated. This is especially true with the continued rise of cases from the more contagious Delta variant and new variants as they emerge.

Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause fertility problems for women or men?

A: The simple answer is no. There is no evidence that getting the COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility in individuals trying to become pregnant, including those using in vitro fertilization methods. The safety profiles and the way the vaccines work to prevent infection and illness from COVID-19 do not cause infertility in men or women.

Q: If I’m trying to become pregnant, do I need to avoid pregnancy for a specific period of time after being vaccinated?

A: No. Whether you are trying to have a baby now or in the future, it is safe for both parents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need for a waiting period. Additionally, if you become pregnant after your first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should still receive your second dose as indicated and recommended (three weeks after your first dose of Pfizer and four weeks after your first dose of Moderna).

Q: Do I need to take a pregnancy test before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: No. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend routine pregnancy testing before getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Q: What if I am currently pregnant or breastfeeding? Is it safe for me to get the vaccine?

A: Yes. Whether you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding your new baby, it is safe for you to get vaccinated against COVID-19. None of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized or approved vaccines contain the live COVID-19 virus, so the vaccines do not present a risk of COVID-19 infection for you or your baby.

 

 

 

 

 

TownTalk: MerleFest Brings Music And Families Together

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It started as a simple attempt to raise money to build a unique garden on a community college campus in western North Carolina three decades ago, but it has evolved into a favorite event for music lovers all over the region.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 31, 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.

Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehab Center  

Jobs Available:  Openings for: CNA’s for all shifts, LPN/RN – these are 8 hr shifts and every other weekend positions.  Dietary positions are also available. Offering sign on bonuses for full time employees.

Method of Contact: If interested please come by the facility located at 1245 Park Ave. in Henderson, Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm to fill out an application

Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Jobs Available: 4 Deputy Sheriff positions, 1 School Resource Officer Position, 1 Office Administrative Assistant position, 5 Detention Officers and 1 Maintenance Person

Method of Contact:  If interested contact the Sheriff’s Department

Community Workforce Solutions

Jobs Available:  School Based Transition Instructor – this position is responsible for providing direct services to students (ages 14-22) with disabilities and will be under the supervision of the Transition Services Manager. Requirements are: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or closely related field preferred. Experience may substitute for degree. Must have a valid NC Driver’s License with a driving record that adheres to Agency standards. Must be able to work in various schools in multiple counties. Salary is based on experience.

Method of Contact: If interested please email a copy of your resume to hr@nc-cws.org

Maria Parham Health

Jobs Available:  Now hiring registrars, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians and sitters

Method of Contact: for more information visit www.mariaparham.com and click on careers

Kilian Engineering, Inc.

Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer – this position requires site visits to the Lake Gaston area, also requires experience with AutoCAD and structural design. This is a subcontractor position and the ideal candidate would be retired or soon to be retired

Method of Contact: email resumes to jeff.iannicelli@gmail.com – no phone calls please

Pinnell Insurance, A Division of Watkins Insurance Agency

Jobs Available: Administrative Assistant  – Looking for someone to be the first point of contact with clients, be part of a team and direct the front office, If you are interested please send in a 3 minute or less video of yourself answering these questions: What has been your life’s greatest achievement? What frustrated you the most about your last position or job? What most attracted you to respond to our ad?

Method of Contact:  Please send all video’s to info@watkinsinsurance.com and be sure to include your name and phone number

Carolina Sunrock

Jobs Available:  Industrial Electrician, Mechanic and Plant Utility Person

Method of Contact:  To apply go online to ncworks.gov to register or come in person to one of the NC Works locations in Henderson, Oxford or Warrenton

Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity

Jobs Available: Accounting Clerk and Business Outreach Coordinator

Method of Contact: To apply go online to ncworks.gov to register or come in person to one of the NC Works locations in Henderson, Oxford or Warrenton

Mako Medical Laboratories

Jobs Available: COVID Accessioning Associate, COVID Accessioning Auditor and COVID Accessioning QC Auditor

Method of Contact: To apply go online to ncworks.gov to register or come in person to one of the NC Works locations in Henderson, Oxford or Warrenton

Vance Granville Community College

Jobs Available: Store Manager I

Method of Contact: : To apply go online to ncworks.gov to register or come in person to one of the NC Works locations in Henderson, Oxford or Warrenton

Hollander Sleep Products

Jobs Available: Mechanic I

Method of Contact: To apply go online to ncworks.gov to register or come in person to one of the NC Works locations in Henderson, Oxford or Warrenton

Henderson Collegiate

Jobs Available:  School Nutrition Assistants

Method of Contact:  email resume to jhetrick@hendersoncollegiante.org

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.

 

Clayton Homes Partners With Rebuilding Hope To Make Home Repairs, Improvements

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Employees of Clayton Homes in Oxford spend their days building homes in their off-site facility. But last month, a five-member team spent the day working to build a ramp at the home of a single mom in the area.

The Clayton Home employees volunteered with Rebuilding Hope Inc, a Henderson-based nonprofit organization that makes home repairs for those who cannot make the repairs themselves.

The event was so successful, said Clayton’s meda contact Caitlin Crosby, that there’s a wait list for the next five-member team to volunteer. The plan is to have one team per month work with Rebuilding Hope.

The idea came about as part of Clayton Impact, a program that “pays” employees to volunteer their time and talent in their communities.

“I’m so proud of our team members who are putting their home-building skills to work to help families here in our community,” said Dan Goodin, Clayton Oxford general manager.

The program offers full-time team members eight paid hours of VTO and part-timers four hours every year so they can volunteer. “If every team member in the state of North Carolina volunteers through the Clayton Impact program, they will contribute over 14,000 volunteer hours to local volunteer activities and non-profits each year,” Crosby said in a press release.

Clayton has more than 1,700 employees in North Carolina in its retail home centers and local facilities.

Clayton Homes was founded in 1956 and offers traditional site-built homes and off-site build housing, from modular and manufactured homes to tiny houses and college dormitories. The company built 56,240 homes across the country in 2020.

The Local Skinny! Lock Your Car

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Lock your car. Push the button. Use the lever. Click the remote. Whatever it takes, remember to lock your car.

Whether it should be called a rash is up for interpretation, but at least one prowler and thief continues to strike in Vance County at night. And this thief and any existing similar thieves are taking things from unlocked cars.

Local law enforcement is well aware, but you need to report any property crimes that you encounter as soon as possible. It is another chance to gather evidence, show a pattern and find the suspect or suspects.

Without being privileged to many details, some enforcement action has already taken place here locally.

The suspect or suspects continue to be brazen however, pulling up in a vehicle, getting out, and stealing from unlocked cars. Video surveillance is available now more than ever as homeowners and property owners have cameras around, recording and uploading the video and audio to cloud storage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lock your car. Secure your belongings. What’s being taken so far is what’s easily accessible and is found in an unlocked car. It’s a pain easily avoided if your car is locked.

In one Vance County location several years ago, a thief took change and loose items from unlocked vehicles, leaving behind cell phones, purses and electronics.

In another instance, a thief broke out a small rear window to gain entry to a front seat storage of loose change. The thief re-locked the vehicle after exiting, leaving behind several more valuable items.

There have been times when it was kids and teenagers committing the crimes, and the process was a game of sorts, or even just straight up theft of money to then go make less than straight up purchases. Drugs. Or even just drinks and gasoline from the store.

But the recent spree, which spans several Northern Vance County areas among others, involves obvious adults arriving and departing the crime scenes in a vehicle. And who truly knows exactly what was taken other than the victims?

Trespassing and other larger dangers and consequences could arise as well. It’s not safe.

Fortunately so far in this latest outbreak of thefts, that click or push of the lock mechanism on your continues to be a great deterrent.