Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Town Talk 10/01/19: Vance Co. DSS Announces Domestic Violence Awareness Events

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In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WIZS’ Town Talk will feature local organizations that deal with various aspects of this prevalent type of abuse each Tuesday in October.

Cassandra Hart, Program Integrity/Child Care Supervisor with the Vance County Department of Social Services, appeared on today’s edition of Town Talk as the first guest in the series.

Other guests and scheduled dates include:

Tuesday, October 8 – Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Tuesday, October 15 – Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks

Tuesday, October 22 – Vance County Schools

Tuesday, October 29 – Domestic Violence Advocate/Therapist

“Every October, DSS collaborates with Infinite Possibilities, Inc., Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department and Vance County Schools, to bring awareness to domestic violence,” explained Hart. “We have been offering domestic violence awareness activities for 11 years now – since 2008.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the definition of domestic violence is “willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.” This includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological and emotional abuse.

NCADV statistics indicate that nearly 10 million women and men, or 20 people per minute, are physically abused by an intimate partner every year in the United States.

To assist those in the community who may be experiencing domestic violence or would like to better understand how to help those suffering from abuse, Vance County DSS, in partnership with local organizations, has several events scheduled, including:

Lunch and Learn Events hosted by Infinite Possibilities, Inc. on Oct. 7, Lincoln Height Apartments at 12 p.m.; Oct. 10, North Henderson Heights Apartments at 2 p.m.; Oct. 14 Cedarhurst Apartments at 2 p.m.; Oct. 16 Highland Green Apartments at 2 p.m.

The 9th Annual Domestic Violence Walk & Candlelight Vigil will be held on the Vance County Courthouse steps at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 24. Walk and presentation, including candlelight vigil for domestic violence victims, last approximately one hour.

A charity basketball tournament will be held Fri., Oct. 25 and Sat., Oct. 26 from 6 until 9 p.m. each evening at the Aycock Rec. Center. All proceeds go to Infinite Possibilities, Inc. to assist victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence training will be held in the auditorium at Maria Parham Health in Henderson on Fri. Oct. 25. Those interested in learning how to properly help domestic violence victims can choose between the 9-11 a.m. session or the 2-4 p.m. session.

Resources and assistance are also available at the Vance County DSS, located at 350 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson, or by calling the main office line at (252) 492-5001.

Infinite Possibilities is also available by calling (252) 431-1926 or the 24-hour local crisis line at (252) 425-2492. A National Hotline is also available by calling 1-800-799-7233.

To hear Hart’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Vance Board of Elections to Remain in Dennis Building for Now

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Properties Committee meeting held Monday, September 30, 2019:

The committee began a discussion on the Henry A. Dennis Building, located at 282 S. Garnett St. in downtown Henderson, in light of a recent request from the Elections Department to vacate the building.

The committee made no commitments for moving any departments from the building but discussed the possibility of utilizing its space more efficiently. With the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building eventually being renovated for Vance Co. Department of Social Services and the Senior Center, we will have several existing spaces/buildings opening up.

One of the main messages from the committee meeting was that we need to work within our financial means when considering the future movement of departments and/or building renovations.

The committee also mentioned the history of the Dennis Building, and we will be doing some research to determine if it is registered or can be registered as historic.

Regarding jointly owned property, the committee will be recommending two jointly owned properties be conveyed to the City of Henderson to allow them to handle the legal work related to offers made on the properties.

VGCC, Granville Vance Health Dept. to Host Community Health Fair

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s School of Health Sciences has partnered with the Granville Vance Health Department to offer a Fall Campus/Community Health Fair on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.

Annual flu shots will be available for all ages, bring your insurance card. No insurance, no problem…see if you qualify for a free or reduced-fee vaccine.

Free screening and education on various health and wellness topics.

Information will be available related to VGCC programs.

With questions, please contact Dr. Anna Seaman at (252) 738-3483 or seamana@vgcc.edu.

Steve Timberlake Named Rebuilding Hope’s Oct. Spotlight Volunteer

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Steve Timberlake’s reason for volunteering at Rebuilding Hope is hard to beat: to witness “the collective efforts of many people with various talents and gifts with willing and compassionate hearts with a common goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ.”

Steve Timberlake named Rebuilding Hope’s October 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

Steve, an Oxford resident and RHI’s Granville County team leader, has volunteered for four years.

He recalls that RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson shared the ministry’s mission with the Baptist Men at Oxford Baptist Church in 2016, the same year that the church sponsored its first SOS (Servants on Site) team.

“I enjoy supporting the SOS teams as well as the handicap ramp ministry,” says Steve. “Providing assistance to others in need helps us all realize how very fortunate and blessed we are.”

Steve, who retired in 2014 after 30 years with Southern States Cooperative, notes that “when a ramp is completed, the appreciation shown from the recipient is very humbling.”

The Granville County native serves his church as an adult Bible study teacher and director of Baptist Men and serves his community as a 30-year member of the Oxford Lions Club.

“The club’s primary focus,” Steve says, “ is to help the blind and visually impaired.”

Steve and wife Ann have been married for 45 years and have a son, daughter and two grandchildren.

North Henderson Baptist

North Henderson Baptist Church to Hold Yard/Bake Sale, Country Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Catherine Abbott, North Henderson Baptist Church

North Henderson Baptist Church will hold a Yard/Bake Sale and a “Good Old Country” Breakfast on Saturday, October 5, 2019, from 7 until 11 a.m.

Breakfast includes ham, sausage, bacon, eggs, grits and more. Events will be held in the fellowship hall rain or shine!

Proceeds benefit Relay for Life.

North Henderson Baptist Church is located at 1211 N. Garnett St. in Henderson.

News 10/01/19

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Town Talk 09/30/19: Code Enforcement, Public Safety on Incumbent Mayor’s Agenda

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.

Ellington is running as the incumbent mayoral candidate against Sharon Owens in the October 8, 2019, City of Henderson non-partisan, municipal election.

Noting that continued improvements to public safety are of the utmost importance to many in the community, Ellington said it has been his goal since taking office in 2015 to increase pay “across the board” for law enforcement officers.

“There has been a 31% increase in officer pay and a 51% increase in sergeant’s pay,” Ellington said of his time as mayor. “We are not quite there [goal pay], but we are well on our way and are mindful that we need a top-notch police department.”

Emphasizing the importance of economic development in the area, Ellington also said that it is essential that local leaders have the appropriate contacts in Raleigh to attract businesses and make decisions quickly.

“Economic development is driven by Raleigh and you’ve got to have the contacts,” Ellington said. “When you have the contacts and you say ‘we’re ready and we’re open for business,’ then if they get someone on the hook, they’re going to bring them right our way.”

A testament to the current relationship City leaders have with Raleigh, according to Ellington, is Mako Medical Laboratories which is now “well on its way to exceeding the 150 jobs they initially promised us.” Mako opened their Henderson location in late 2017.

Ellington said he also wants to continue to focus on code enforcement, especially as it relates to dilapidated housing, and praised local groups that assist with either the removal of or the recovery of these properties.

“We don’t need to pass any more laws or ordinances until we can enforce what we already have on the books,” stated Ellington.

With the removal of over 400 dilapidated structures since 2010, Ellington said the City of Henderson and County of Vance work well together to get through the “red tape, letters and ordinances that have to be enforced to be able to bring down these houses.”

The City’s recent hiring of an additional full-time code enforcer is a move that Ellington said he believes will help with the backlog of structures in need of repair or demolition.

The process of removing potential safety hazards such as these does not happen overnight or with minimal effort, and Ellington thanked local volunteer group Citizens Aligned to Take Back Henderson, NC for the work they do “simply because they care about their city.”

Ellington said Citizens Aligned founders Tommy Haithcock, Hope Hoyle Howard and Heidi Owen “are wonderful people and we need more residents like them.”

A new program for the City, Urban Homesteading, was also mentioned by Ellington as a means of properly updating non-compliant structures that meet certain criteria.

In addition to volunteers and programs, Ellington said it takes the cooperation of local government leaders to make positive changes happen.

“I’ll echo what Chief Marcus Barrow and Sheriff Curtis Brame have said on Town Talk recently about the collaboration they have – local leadership is getting along,” Ellington said. “The City of Henderson and the County have a team that gets together right now and can get together in a day’s notice if industry is looking to come to Henderson. I have a great working relationship with the county commissioners; the relationship is there.”

Ellington said his tenure as mayor has reaffirmed his belief that Henderson is a great place to call home. “It’s easy to criticize, condemn and complain; we are all guilty of that. We have so many great things that are moving in Henderson. We are in the best place that we’ve ever been – all systems go – unless we let the naysayers talk us into thinking otherwise.”

Early voting for the City of Henderson Municipal Election will be held at the Vance County Board of Elections Office located at 300 S. Garnett Street through Friday, October 4.

The submission of absentee ballots by mail ends tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1. Anyone that would like to request a ballot can call the BOE office at (252) 492-3730.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Sharon Owens participated in a similar Town Talk interview with equal on-air and online coverage.)

To hear Ellington’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

‘Shrek the Musical:’ A Favorite Story Will Come to Life at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Everyone’s favorite movie is coming to McGregor Hall’s stage! DreamWorks Classic’s SHREK THE MUSICAL is the story of dreams becoming reality for a group of misunderstood fairy tale creatures who learn that our differences are what make us strong. This Broadway styled musical will feature glamorous costumes, a magical set, and a LIVE, professional orchestra.

The six performance dates include:

  • October 25-26, November 1-2, 2019, at 8 p.m
  • October 27, November 3, 2019, at 2 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Begins Fall Season

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Manager, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its fall and winter schedule in October. The Market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now is a wonderful time to visit your farmers market. It is that in-between seasons transition from summer to fall produce.

The VCRFM continues to have delicious summer produce including yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, canary melons, watermelons, peaches, bell peppers, butter beans, string beans and pink-eye purple hull peas. The white potatoes and sweet potatoes are arriving too.

We are also beginning to get in some of the fall goodies such as apples, beets, butternut squash, cayenne peppers, cucumbers, cabbages, eggplants, gourds, grapes, jalapeno peppers, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, pumpkins, radishes, spinach and turnip greens. Expect to see fresh collards at the market early to mid-November.

Don’t forget that your VCRFM is your local source for pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range eggs. We also have a variety of home-canned goods made with locally grown fruits and vegetables including canned tomatoes, beans, chow-chow, pickles and salsa.

You will also find Caribbean Jerk sauce and Brown sauce, as well as a variety of jams and preserves. Stock up on local honey and blackstrap molasses to see you through the winter months.

Check out the variety of sweet and savory baked goods the market offers – chocolate pies, chocolate chip cake, lemon cake, raspberry chocolate cake, turtle, caramel and chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, hummingbird cake, scones, cupcakes, mini-Brandenburg cakes and so much more!

The holidays are just around the corner. Choose from a plethora of unique handcrafted gifts including soaps, woodcrafts, jewelry, lap quilts, crocheted and hand-sewn items for gifts for everyone on your list – including yourself!

Mark your calendars for our annual Handcrafted Holiday Market, Saturday, November 16, 2019, featuring over 35 vendors. You don’t want to miss it!

Need a space to hold a holiday party, family reunion, business seminar or other social function? Contact the farmers market regarding facility rental availability.

So, remember to visit your VCRFM Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. We accept SNAP/EBT.

For information regarding your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you may contact Tracy Madigan, Market Manager at 252-438-8188 or farmersmarket@vancecounty.org or Paul McKenzie, Vance & Warren County Agricultural Extension Agent at 252-438-8188 or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Participants Needed for RHI’s Annual Men’s Ministry Weekend

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

UPDATE 10/1/19 – Men’s Ministry Weekend has been canceled. 

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. announces that there is still time to register for the 9th Annual Men’s Ministry Weekend taking place October 11-12, 2019.

On Friday evening, men and boys will gather at the RHI warehouse located on Raleigh Road in Henderson for a free meal and a worship service.

On Saturday morning, participants will gather at the warehouse to form teams and receive assignments for hands-on projects in the local community.

To register, please call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132.