SportsTalk: KVA Looking For A Fifth Baseball State Championship

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The last four years has found the Kerr Vance Academy Spartans baseball team standing on top of the heap at the end of the year.  Four state championships is quite the accomplishment for any team in any sport but KVA and Head Baseball Coach Mike Rigsbee are ready to climb to the top again this season.  Rigsbee’s team posted a 10-5 regular season record and a 3-3 conference record.  With a double bye going into the playoffs, KVA won’t know until late Thursday who they will play in the playoffs or when they will play for that matter.  The weather forecast isn’t looking good for a possible Saturday game so if the weather turns foul, pardon the pun, then another time will have to be found. If the weather cooperates KVA will play at home.

Coach Rigsbee is happy so far.  He said, “I’m very pleased with how the team is progressing.” He relies on his seniors to power the Spartans to victory.  One of those seniors, Shane Musselman, leads the state with .571 batting average. Rigsbee has worked with many of his seniors since 7th grade and that experience helps KVA when facing bigger schools like Rocky Mount, which is undefeated this season.  Rigsbee says playing tougher opponents during the regular season keeps his team sharp. “We say ‘Don’t take a pitch off’,” Rigsbee said. That also applies to those who are on the bench because, as Rigsbee says, you never know when you will be called upon to get into the game.

KVA is coming off a 5-4 loss to Halifax Academy but have won 5 of their last 6 games. He gives much credit for the continued success of KVA’s program to the support his team and school receive from the community and also says local youth programs have helped KVA over the years.

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TownTalk: The Role Of Red Cross In Ukraine

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When disasters happen across the world, whether they are natural disasters like typhoons and tornados, or whether they are manmade like the war in Ukraine, the Red Cross steps into action.

The Red Cross organizations across the globe adhere to the same seven guiding principles, and a longtime volunteer and military veteran shared some insight on Town Talk’s recurring “former military, still boots on the ground” segment with co-host Phyllis Maynard.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Charlie Brown recited those seven guiding principles that serve the Red Cross and Red Crescents across the world: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity.

Though largely self-explanatory, sometimes those principles are misunderstood, Brown told Maynard and John C. Rose.

The U.S. has pledged billions of dollars of relief to Ukraine as it defends itself from neighboring Russia’s advances, and Brown said the Red Cross has deployed volunteers to help, too. That’s the “humanity” principle kicking in, she said. The Red Cross is “responsible for alleviating and eliminating human suffering whenever possible.”

That being said, the “neutrality” principle is what some may have difficulty with. The Red Cross may not take sides or engage in controversies, Brown explained.

So while the Red Cross is sending people to help, they aren’t going into Ukraine, but to countries where displaced Ukrainians are re-locating.

Some of the volunteers have experience working with refugees; others are young people just out of college. The experienced volunteers can provide support for the younger volunteers.

“Most of us have been through all sorts of things, so we are here to be a sounding board for them. It can be a shock, she said, to see refugees fleeing their country with only the clothes on their backs and running from fighting.

“People who are deploying out for service to the armed forces have tended to be at both ends of the age and experience spectrum,” Brown said. She said other veterans, as well as military spouses are among those who volunteer for service.

The Red Cross volunteers keep in touch with families of deployed personnel – “we find out what’s needed and get things to them,” Brown said.

Visit https://www.redcross.org/ to learn more about the organization and the services it provides here and across the globe.

 

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Third Suspect Arrested In Apr. 29 Shooting Death Of Henderson Man

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A third person has been charged in connection with the shooting death late last month of a Henderson man.

Police Chief Marcus Barrow said Jamarius Hakeem Smith, 21, of Stem in Granville County was arrested without incident on Monday. Smith is currently being held at the Vance County Detention Center pending court proceedings, Barrow said in a written statement to WIZS News Tuesday.

James E. Mellon, 27, of 465 Powell St., died of a single gunshot wound on April 29.

Rashaun Hunt and Jada Peace, both 21 years old, face charges in connection with the death. They were remanded to the Vance County Detention Facility pending initial court appearances.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the police department via Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925, by using the P3 app, by calling the police department at 252.438.4141, or by Facebook or Instagram.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information assisting in criminal cases.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 05-10-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for May 10, 2022. 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 Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Name of the Company: Select Products, 1133 Poplar Creek Road, Henderson, NC

Jobs Available: Multiple Positions Open!  Forklift Operator, Maintenance Mechanic, Order Picker/Packer, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, and CDL Drivers.  Skills needed are related to positions, such as certified forklift driving training, or current CDL license, and all positions require good communications skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, organization skills with attention to detail, and mechanically inclined with great problem-solving skills.  Full-Time, Shift Hours.

Method of Contact: https://www.selectproducts-usa.com/careers/ – Submit resume online.

 

Name of the Company: Benchmark Community Bank

Jobs Available: Peak Time Relationship Teller.  Monday-Friday Part-Time.  25 hours per week.

Method of Contact: Apply online at www.applicantpro.com/openings/bcbonline/jobs

 

Name of the Company: Salvation Army – Red Shield Club and Community Center

Jobs Available: Openings for Summer Camp Youth Development Professionals.  Supervises and leads youth activities and programs for summer camp.  In charge of conducting indoor and outdoor camp program, maintain records, maintain program facilities, equipment and materials.  High School Diploma or equivalent.

Method of Contact: Apply online through Indeed.com.  Questions call Gina Eaves at 252-438-7107 at the Salvation Army on Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC.

 

Name of the Company:  Chick-fil-A Restaurant, 200 Trade Street in Henderson NC. 

Jobs Available: Open positions for Cashiers, Drive Thru, Kitchen Help, and Front of House Team.  Part-time and Full-Time, Day and Evening Shifts Available.  Will train the right applicant who is friendly and enthusiastic. 16 years old and older.

Method of Contact:  Apply online at Chick-fil-A.com/careers.  Text the word chicken to 252-359-3232.  Open in-person interviews will be conducted on Thursday, May 12 from 4-6 pm at the restaurant, off Dabney Drive in Henderson, NC.  Show up and automatically get an interview.

 

Name of the Company: Fred’s Towing and Transport

Jobs Available:  Positions that are open are Rollback Driver, Service Technician, Shop Mechanic, Night/Weekend Dispatcher, and Shop Assistant.  Competitive wages offered. Benefits offered:  Medical Insurance, Dental, Vision; Vacation and Sick Time.  Provide on the job training to the right applicants.

Method of Contact: Apply in person at 340 Industry Drive, Henderson.  Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Or email Karrie Fogg at karrie@fredstowing.com

 

 Name of the Company: MR Williams, Inc, 235 Raleigh Road in Henderson.

Jobs Available: Opening for Order Selector/Picker.  $31,000 – 37,400 annual salary range.  Full-Time.  2nd Shift needed, Sunday – Thursday starting at 11 am daily.  High School diploma or 2 yrs warehouse experience.  Must be 18 yrs or older. Mus be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to lift over 50 lbs.  Full benefits offered.

Method of Contact: Apply online through Indeed.com.  Questions, call Human Resource Department at 800-733-8104.

 

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.

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Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Vipers Head For State Playoffs

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Dixon High School in Onslow County will be taking to the road for their first round state playoff softball matchup against the Vance Co. Vipers.  The Vipers have had a long road as well but not because of travel. The team, coached by Jordan Garrett Wilder, got off to a slow start but built momentum as the season as moved along. At one point the Vipers put together a five game winning streak finishing the regular season with an 8-6 record overall and 7-2 in the conference finishing second to South Granville.  The game, which will be played in Henderson, is scheduled to start at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon.

“We are hoping for a good practice and be ready for tomorrow’s game,” Wilder said.  The final regular season game was to have happened Friday night but was canceled due to the weather. An extra day off may help the Vipers to be ready for the contest against Dixon.

Wilder said her seniors, such as Madison Ayscue and Jasmine Richardson, have been a big reason why the Vipers have been successful this season. “She can play anywhere you put her,” Wilder said of Richardson. She not only leads the team in batting average but also has 15 stolen bases to her credit this year.  Richardson’s ability to play anywhere will help the Vipers tomorrow as the team suffered an injury in a game last week against South Granville when an infielder got cleated and will miss 10 days.

Seniors are not the only reason the Vipers qualified for the playoffs.  Wilder also spoke of the success that sophomore pitcher Blake Vick has had this year. Vick has racked up over 100 strike outs this season.

Wilder said the team’s slow start was due to some players  never having played the sport but she was looking for athletes that could grasp the rules and the game.  She and her staff have taken those players and crafted them into a winning program. One that is getting noticed too.  Even the coaches at South Granville told Wilder the Vipers are heading in the right direction.

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Upcoming Blood Drives Scheduled; Make An Appointment To Give

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-information courtesy of the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina

 The school year is almost over, and it’s about time for afternoons at the pool and family road trips. While summer means fun for many of us, it’s business as usual in hospitals across the country. The need for blood doesn’t take a break, and it’s critical that donors take time to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply in the coming months.

In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19, 2022, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood.org/camper. Those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottle and customizable sticker set, while supplies last, according to Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina.

Upcoming blood drive schedule by county:

Vance

Henderson

5/18/2022: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Medical Center, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

5/19/2022: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville

Creedmoor

5/27/2022: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Warren

Macon

5/20/2022: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Macon Baptist Church, 159 Church St.

How to donate blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 

 

 

TownTalk: Tennis Skills and Skills of Life and Mary Lloyd Hodges Barbera

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Sports fans who watch tennis from Wimbledon or the U.S. Open each year may be surprised to learn that 70 percent of the nation’s tennis is played on public courts – in parks or other locations away from private clubs.

That’s according to a couple of tennis aficionados who were on Town Talk Monday to talk about an upcoming event that’s taking place at one such local public park.

Local youth have the chance to participate in a free “skills and drills” tennis clinic at Fox Pond Park in Vance County, one of those public spots where folks can use the courts to learn the game or to hone their skills.

The free clinic is Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for youth ages 5 to 18 – the only requirement is to wear appropriate sneakers or tennis shoes, according to Jerry Edmonds, III, vice president of Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation.

That same morning, two of the courts will be dedicated in the memory of a Henderson junior tennis standout who played at the college level, racking up titles and championships along the way. She spent a lot of time on the Fox Pond courts, and the Henderson City Council last year approved naming courts 1 and 2 in memory of Mary Lloyd Hodges Barbera.

ETEF is putting on the clinic in partnership with the City of Henderson and the N.C. Tennis Foundation and U.S. Tennis Association of North Carolina.

The ETEF was established in 2018 as a way to using tennis to provide academic and athletic opportunities for underserved youth in rural North Carolina.  It is based in Henderson.

Edmonds and N.C. Tennis Association Executive Director Kelly Gaines told John C. Rose about the event and the role tennis continues to play in their lives.

Gaines said Barbera was a little younger than she was, but they grew up playing tennis with and against each other in various tournaments and later at Peace College. Barbera was good enough, Gaines noted, that she’d often “play up,” which meant she competed against older players.

“She always knew how to put (the ball) past me,” Gaines said of her longtime friend and colleague with the NCTA. “It is my honor to shine a light on Mary Lloyd,” she said, adding that she is “thrilled” that the Fox Pond Park courts will bear her name.

Barbera died in 2015 at the age of 49.

The ETEF incorporates education when introducing young people to the sport of tennis. The sport supports development of the whole child, Edmonds said, because it incorporates qualities like honesty, fair play and integrity. It helps that players don’t need a lot of equipment to play – just a racquet, some tennis balls and, of course, the right type of shoe.

Gaines said tennis for younger children is like other sports – it’s scaled down to accommodate the youngsters and to allow them to have success early. Starting out, the kids may use a slower ball, a smaller racquet and a shorter court as they build their skill set.

“Tennis is a sport for a lifetime,” Gaines said. Pairing the sport with that education component is a perfect way to increase the possibility of young people continuing to play into adulthood.

“If they start out (playing tennis) as a child, even if they put the racquet down, they’re more likely to pick it back up as an adult,” Edmonds said.

The ETEF pays tribute to Edmonds’s parents, who moved to the area more than 30 years ago and probably taught more than 3,000 the game of tennis in his time here.

Now, Edmonds said through partnerships with agencies like The Salvation Army, Turning Point CDC, 4-H and the local Boys & Girls Club, youngsters can learn about tennis.

“Now they have that tennis component as part of their summer camps as well,” Edmonds said, which means there will be “more tennis racquets in youths’ hands for a longer period of time.”

“We feel a huge obligation to prepare the next generation to keep this legacy going,” he added.

Gaines said that anyone who knew Barbera – whether as a willowy tennis player hitting balls at Fox Pond or as an adult ambassador for the NCTA for 15 years – can recall that infectious smile.

“She believed that tennis was for everybody,” Gaines said, adding that her friend wanted everyone to give the game a try, no matter their ability level. “It is for all of us,” she said.

“The fact that kids will come along and play on those courts – she’ll be smiling at us and we’ll feel her presence.”

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‘Project Give It A Shot’ Works To Educate, Improve Vaccination Rates

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Project Give It A Shot kicked off in Vance County on Thursday as a way to educate people about the benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19.

The project is not another spinoff from state or federal programs; rather, it’s more of a grass-roots effort from a group of high school and college students who are on a mission to help medically underserved areas try to reach that goal of achieving herd immunity.

Their first stop was at the Henderson office of Granville-Vance Public Health. Three volunteers stationed themselves in the clinic lobby for several hours in hopes of informing clients about the science behind the vaccines and the importance of being vaccinated.

Aanya Sachdeva, a senior at Cary Academy, and Rishi Desni, soon-to-be-graduate of ECU, were joined by local high school senior Justin Gregory. Gregory is set to graduate from Vance County Early College in a few weeks. He heard about the project and reached out to become a volunteer.

“It will allow me to see what it’d be like to work in the area of public health,” Gregory said of becoming a volunteer. He said there are others he knows who may be interested in being trained, too.

From left, Aanya Sachdeva, Rishi Desni and Justin Gregory

What began with volunteers mostly in the Wake County area has branched out in sort of a “phase 2” plan, which means the group will fan out into more rural counties like Vance.

Sachdeva told WIZS News Thursday that she and other volunteers are available to answer questions and to talk about the vaccine to help others gain understanding.

“We want to make it as easy as possible,” she said, for someone to get the vaccine. Sometimes, that means eliminating barriers.

For people without a way to get to a vaccination clinic, Sachdeva said the volunteers have arranged Uber rides. In Vance County, it could mean making an appointment with KARTS. For others who are uncertain about the safety of the vaccines, volunteers can take the time to try to explain in greater detail about how messenger RNA vaccines work. Their information is available in Spanish, also.

Desni, the ECU senior, said sometimes all it takes is patience.

“It’s not like it’s a one, two, three, you’re done” process, he said. As one of the project volunteers, he said taking the time with those who have questions or doubts is a key first step.

Desni said he will continue working as a volunteer after he graduates and hopes to raise awareness and get more shots in arms in counties including Wilson, Wayne and Edgecombe – all closer to him in the Greenville area. Volunteers will continue their work in Vance and spread out into Granville, Warren and Franklin as well.

According to DHHS COVID-19 dashboard data, Vance County has a 57 percent vaccination rate – well below the 70 percent herd immunity goal and below the overall state rate of 62 percent. The more urban counties of Wake, Durham and Orange all enjoy vaccination rates higher than 70 percent, so that’s one reason the Give It A Shot project shifted focus to counties outside the Triangle area.

At first, demand for vaccine exceeded supply. But that has shifted and now the challenge is not availability of the vaccine but having those unvaccinated individuals gaining access to clinics that have plenty of vaccines.

Some people who have interacted with Project Give It A Shot have said they didn’t know how to register to get a vaccine; others said they needed help finding a location. The support from the project volunteers has resulted in 945 vaccinated people, according to its website. And they’re not finished yet.

“Getting the remainder of our population to agree to getting the vaccine will require innovative thinking and building a sense of trust with a world of misinformation. That’s where we come in,” according to a written statement from Project Give It A Shot.

Want to learn more? Visit www.projectgiveitashot.com.

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