TownTalk 4-13-21 NC Medicaid Open Enrollment

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Vance County residents enrolled in Medicaid have until May 14 to choose from one of six managed health plans that best suit their needs, and the local Department of Social Services is sponsoring a couple of drive-thru informational events to help in the decision-making.

The first event is scheduled for Friday, April 30, with a second on Friday, May 7, according to DSS Director Denita DeVega.

She and Goldie Davis, income maintenance administrator with DSS, spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk. Both events will be held at the DSS offices, located at 350 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson. Times for each day are 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

DeVega said that, so far, only about 400 of the county’s more than 13,000 Medicaid recipients have chosen a managed care plan. “I’m afraid that people may not be taking it seriously this time.” The process was started last year but ultimately wasn’t approved at the state level. Davis said those who haven’t chosen a health plan by the mid-May deadline will have a plan chosen for them. The new plan goes into effect on July 1, she said.

“One of the advantages of enrolling yourself,” Davis said, “is that you’ll be able to choose the plan that best suits you.” For example, beneficiaries may decide to choose a plan based on which plan their current primary care physician (PCP) is included in, Davis added.

DeVega said the benefits of Medicaid will not change, rather it will be managed more like traditional health care. Medicaid is currently managed by the state, but Medicaid recipients will choose from six managed health care plans to administer their health coverage.

There will be printed information about each of the plans at the drive-thru events so people can read more about what each plan offers before making a decision. DSS is not involved in choosing the health plan for recipients, but the department is providing information and having plan representatives available to answer questions. Each county DSS has a liaison assigned to help people choose the plan that is best for them. Call the toll-free number 833.870.5500 or learn more online at ncmedicaidplans.gov.

DeVega and Davis invite the community to come to the drive-thru event if they have questions. “If they’re not sure what to do,” Davis said, “we can assist them in getting the information they need to enroll in the health plan.”

For complete details and audio click play.

 

The Local Skinny! April 13: Jobs In Vance

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Jobs In Vance – Week of April 13, 2021

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce compiles the job listings each week and, in partnership with WIZS, provides the information for publication here and on the radio.

Charles Boyd Chevrolet
Charles Boyd Chevrolet is in immediate need for Sales Consultants and Automotive Technicians.
Go by the dealership to pick up an application, 250 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. (252) 492-6161
Contact: Brian Boyd

Legacy Human Services, Inc. is currently recruiting for part-time Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for our 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. The DSP provides the “front line” services to individuals in the home including training in self-care skills, community/public skills activities of daily living, behavior management, and other programs/guidelines devised by the treatment team. If you are interested, please come by our office at 626 S. Garnett Street in Henderson for an application or call 252-492-8699 ext. 204.

Select Products on Ruin Creek Road in Henderson has an open position for a Fork Truck Driver. Apply through NC Works – 857 South Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC 27536 or call 252-438-6219.

Benchmark Community Bank in Henderson has an opening for a Customer Service Representative. Apply through NC Works – 857 South Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC 27536 or call 252-438-6219.

Variety Wholesalers, Corporate Office on Garnett Street in Henderson has an open position for Marketing Content Specialist. Applicant will need marketing expertise, creativity and social media/digital skills to create high quality, fun and engaging content promoting a wide selection of products. . The ideal candidate will have a dash of photography and video skills, be comfortable interacting with all levels of team members while being self-motivated and brutally efficient with your time and resources. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, work hard and have fun…you’re the one. If interested call Patricia Overton in the Variety Wholesalers Human Resource Office at 252-430-2042 or email poverton@vwstores.com.

 

Salvation Army

TownTalk 04-12-21; Capt. Derrick Smith, Henderson Salvation Army Service Events

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The local Salvation Army is the site for several upcoming activities to benefit the community, from medicine giveaways to summer camp, as well as a donation event Saturday to collect food and personal hygiene items.

The Henderson Rotary Club is partnering with the Salvation Army for the April 17 event as part of its Day of Service; Capt. Derrick Smith of the Henderson Salvation Army – and a Rotarian for almost 20 years – told John C. Rose Monday that this is just one way to spread the word about his organization as it helps the community.

“We’ve had such a tough year,” Smith said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a way for us to work together and build on helping our community in these uncertain times.” Smith said he hopes that many folks will come out to make a donation, from canned foods to pasta, oatmeal to ready-to-eat “pop-top” items and anything in between. And, he said, one of the familiar Salvation Army kettles will be on-site to accept monetary donations. Additional needs include hand sanitizer, throw blankets and toilet paper.

Please bring donations between 9 a.m. and noon to the facility at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson.

Smith said having the Salvation Army be the backdrop for community events gives him the opportunity to share that it’s a church as well. “All donations will go to help those families in need that need us most,” he said.

Make an online donation at https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/Henderson.

Smith said he is very appreciative of the community’s effort and groups like Rotary to support the Salvation Army, which allows him and his group to fulfill its mission “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Groups such as Rotary with similar missions to help people and place “service over self” makes for a good fit with the Salvation Army.

Smith said folks can register for and pick up a variety of over-the-counter medications that will be distributed on April 30 when NC Medassist comes to town. This free event will be held at the Salvation Army as well, and Smith said collaboration with community organizations like the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and Triangle North Foundation helped to make this event possible.

“We are honored to host it at our facility,” Smith said. “It will be a huge day for our community” to be able to help people with everything from cough and cold medicines to allergy medications.

An assortment of medications will be available for distribution between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., but event organizers advise registering online at www.ncmedassist.org.The medicines will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

“This is a community effort,” Smith said. “We’re hoping that everybody will participate in some way,” whether it’s to pick up medicines or to volunteer. Volunteers are needed, he said. Sign up at www.medassist.org/volunteers.

The Red Shield Club, a summer camp for children ages 6-17, is celebrating its second year. Camp begins on June 14 and runs for nine weeks, Smith said. There is a $25 registration fee and weekly sessions are $60 per week, or $500 for the whole summer. This year’s camp has an Olympics theme, he said, adding that there are opportunities for field trips and other sports activities and arts and crafts to keep campers engaged and interested. He praised staff, parents and campers for their cooperation last year to adhere to pandemic restrictions. If you need a safe place for your children to come to,” the Red Shield Club could be the right fit, he said.

“Our staff has done a phenomenal job of keeping everybody safe – that’s our big thing – safety first,” he said. “We are very pleased to get to a new day of summer camp which we opened up last year.”

Applications are available at the Salvation Army. Call the office at 252.438.7107 to learn more.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Donate Old, Functioning Laptops to HTI

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HUBZone Technology Initiative (HTI) is collecting working laptop computers to convert to Chromebooks. There are several drop-off sites in Henderson and the surrounding area that will be accepting donations through April 22.

Drop-off sites in Henderson include:

  • HTI office – 208 N. Garnett St, Suite F, Wed-Fri 10 a.m. to noon
  • Restoring Bodies and Minds – 900 Dorsey Ave., Mon-Wed 10 a.m. to noon
  • Perry Memorial Library – 205 Breckenridge St., Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to noon, 2-4 p.m.
  • Freedom Life Church – 1001 Martin Creek Rd., Sundays 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Another drop-off site is the Veterans Life Center, 1005 9th St., Butner.

The laptops must be functional and have their power cords, as well as a hard drive for Google Chromium installation, according to information from HTI. Laptops with cracked screens or mousepads will not be accepted; no desktop computers, iPads or tablets.

HTI is a non-profit organization helping to bring technology resources to those in need within HUBZone communities nationwide, according to its website. The mission is to convert the laptops into Google Chromebooks and distribute them to students or others seeking employment or improving their employment.

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

Shiloh Vaccination Clinic New Date Apr 16

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On Friday, April 16, 2021, Shiloh Baptist Church is hosting a Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic with free food and PPE distributions. The community is invited to come get their vaccines from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 635 S. College Street in Henderson. The vaccine clinic will be conducted through drive-up or walk-up service, with minimal or no-contact.

Green Rural Redevelopment has expanded their commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolinians with the new Wellness on Wheels Mobile Medical Clinic. The 33-foot mobile clinic will be at the Shiloh Baptist Church parking lot on Friday with a team of professionals who will provide COVID testing and vaccinations. As a “thank you” for making a great health decision, GRRO’s Community Health Workers will distribute groceries and PPE to people who get vaccinated.

Shiloh Baptist Church is pleased to be part of a great collaboration with GRRO, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 to provide the Henderson community with another opportunity to get tested and vaccinated.

Remember, the vaccine is your best defense against Coronavirus. Protect yourself and those you love by getting the shot. You have the spot to get the shot.

— press release provided by GRRO

The Local Skinny! Broadcast Audio 4-12-21

 

Sheriff Curtis Brame

From Covid Ashes Rises a Phoenix of Brotherly Love and Support

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— submitted by Sheriff Curtis Brame

If anything positive can be said about COVID in Vance and the surrounding counties, it is how this pandemic has brought groups of people together and true brotherhood has come shining through. Henderson lost two beloved officers due to complications from COVID. Captain Mike Davis of the Henderson Police Department lost his fight in June 2020 and Master Trooper Brent Montgomery of the North Carolina Highway Patrol succumbed just a few weeks ago. Captain Davis, 67, left behind his wife, a son, his mother, a sister and two brothers. Trooper Montgomery, 50, left behind his wife, a daughter, two sons, his parents and two brothers. The two men served their communities unselfishly for a combined 50+ years.

First Responders, past and present, representing various local fire, law enforcement, EMS and volunteer agencies have united and teamed up with the Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly known as the Henderson Shrine Club, and several others representing local organizations to support the families of their fallen fellow First Responder brothers.

The group is planning a 3,000 plate BBQ chicken plate fund raising benefit. The event is set for Friday, April 30 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the physical location of the Tri-County Shrine Club, 210 Industry Drive in Henderson. This is an advance ticket, takeout only, event with all proceeds going to the Davis and Montgomery families. All donations and support will greatly be appreciated.

For a $10 donation your ticket will get you a plate with a grilled BBQ chicken half including 2 sides, bread and a dessert. Places with 10 or more ticket purchases can arrange to have their plates delivered to that location. Call 252-432-7286.

Tickets can be purchased at the following Henderson/Vance County and surrounding area ticket outlets:
1. Davis Royster Funeral Home
2. J. M. White Funeral Home
3. Sossamon Funeral Home
4. Skipper Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q
5. Sherman and Boddie Trucking
6. Granville Barber Shop – Oxford
7. Grissom Fertilizer – Gillburg
8. Cross Creek Outdoor Supplies
9. Boyd Automotive – Oxford
10. Kittrell Grocery
11. Eastside Barber Shop
12. Hwy 39 Restaurant

The Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office also have tickets on hand.

There is talk of this being the first and perhaps the start of this brotherhood group and community taking care of and supporting area First Responders and their families. This group’s conception is a phoenix arising from the ashes of COVID.

Vance, Granville 6 Percent Behind NC for Full Vaccinations

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Each year National Public Health Week, which is always celebrated the first week of April, has bookends, but the latest battle for public health workers hasn’t yet reached its conclusion as Covid continues.

Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, in a weekly email she provides like clockwork, wished a happy National Public Health week to staff and partners of GVPH. “This year, I think we all have a little more understanding and appreciation for the work of public health – usually we’re pretty far in the background fighting disease and promoting health. We’re not quite used to this much work at once, but are glad to be serving our communities in the way we are trained and experienced to do,” Harrison wrote.

She said the vaccine effort continues.  “Our hotline remains open Monday through Thursday and ready for calls to register anyone 18 and older for our upcoming vaccine clinics. If you have already had your vaccine, please find another person who may need assistance calling the hotline and getting registered. We are happy to answer questions about the vaccine. More about safety and effectiveness of the vaccines here: https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/,” Harrison wrote.

Vance County has seen 13,559 people partially vaccinated and 9,829 people fully vaccinated.  At the time of Harrison’s email Friday, that amounts to 30.4 percent partially vaccinated and 22.1 percent fully vaccinated.

Over 19,000 Granville County people are partially vaccinated with nearly 13,850 fully vaccinated.  The percentages from Granville resemble those from Vance County with 31.6 percent partially and 22.9 percent fully inoculated.

Across North Carolina, 40% of the adult population is at least partially vaccinated and 28.4% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Rec Sports Signups – Baseball, Softball, Football, Soccer

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Update 4-9-21 at 3 p.m.

Soccer, Baseball & Softball and 7 on 7 Football registration has been extended to Sunday, April 25, 2021. Registration fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents. For information, please contact Darius Pitt at 252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

— submitted by Tara  Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Soccer–  This is a soccer program for those participants who wish to play recreational soccer.  Youth participating in this program will gain soccer knowledge in rules and skills of the game. Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th  Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

7-on-7 2-Hand Touch Football-Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Athletics will be having its first 7-on-7 2-Hand Touch Football League this spring. Based on the current climate, it’s a safer way for our children to play and learn the game of football, while getting the exercise needed for healthy child development.  Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Spring Baseball/Softball Registration- Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th .  Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).