Maria Parham GI Welcomes New Gastroenterologist Varnita Tahiliani, MD

/by

–information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator

Maria Parham GI welcomes Varnita Tahiliani, MD, to its team of medical professionals. A board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 10 years of experience, Tahiliani specializes in treating general GI issues as well as hepatological problems and inflammatory bowel disease.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Tahiliani join our Maria Parham Health team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our patients,” said MPH CEO Bert Beard.”Her dedication to delivering superior patient care aligns with our mission to provide the best possible care and treatment to our patients.”

Tahiliani received her Doctorate in Medicine from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Buffalo.

Now accepting new patients, call Maria Parham GI at 252.430.8111 or 800.424.DOCS. Visit MariaParham.com  to learn more about Varnita Tahiliani, MD.

TownTalk: Turning Point CDC Takes The Kids To DC

/by

There are still some open seats on the bus to Washington, DC that Turning Point CDC has chartered for later this summer, and Chalis Henderson invites anyone in the community to consider joining the adventure.

Henderson, Turning Point’s executive director, was a guest on TownTalk and said the bus departs bright and early on Friday, July 21 – 4 a.m., to be exact.

“Our trip is open to everyone,” she said. “We’re going to have a full day out in the city,” planning to return to Henderson by 10 p.m.

“It’s going to be an action-packed day,” Henderson said, which includes visits to the African American Museum of History and Culture and then the National Mall.

The price is $100 per person and doesn’t include meals, she said. And an adult should accompany each young person.

Providing the community access to such cultural activities is part of Turning Point’s mission. “Being able to provide a community trip is very special.”

Turning Point’s summer campers and staff have taken some of the 56 seats on the bus, but there are still about 20 left.

Register online at www.turningpointcdc.org. or call 252.621.5190 to learn more.

The Washington trip is one way to engage the community, but Henderson said Turning Point’s 13th annual Community Day is another way to bring a variety of resources and agencies together at one location for a sort of one-stop shopping.

Turning Point is teaming up with Oasis of Hope Ministry, its companion agency founded in 2001.

“We’ll have a  ton of community resource partners,” Henderson said. The free event will be on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turning Point/Oasis of Hope campus off Norlina Road, just past Skipper’s  Forsyth’s restaurant.

There will be backpacks – courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield – and a school supplies giveaway, not to mention children’s activities, food, ice cream, music and more.

“We’re excited to give back to the community on Community Day,” she said.

“A lot of our nonprofit friends will be joining us.”

Visit www.turningpointcdc.org to learn about the services and programs that Turning Point offers.

Make donations online, drop them in the mail at Turning Point CDC, P.O. 2656, Henderson, NC 27536, or better yet, stop in and see how the resources are being used, Henderson said.

 

 

TownTalk: Dingee Promises To Be Stingy As State Auditor

/by

Charles Dingee is running for N.C. Auditor in next year’s general election, and the slogan he’s come up is helpful for voters to know how to pronounce his name and remember the office he’s seeking: Dingee will be stingy with taxpayer dollars.

Dingee was a guest on TownTalk Monday and talked about his platform and areas of improvement with the state auditor’s office.

The election is more than a year away – November 2024 – but Dingee said it’s not too early to campaign.

“We are crisscrossing the state and educating voters,” Dingee said, “letting them know why I’m the best person to do this job.”

The state auditor is a member of the Council of State, a 10-member body comprised of elected officials that is part of the executive branch of state government.

Dingee said the first things he’d do as auditor is to seek funding code reform and to make the anonymous tip line public.

Citizens who suspect fraud or other wrongful acts within state government can call the tip line.

With more than 120 employees, the auditor’s office should be the vehicle that ensures transparency, he said, “responsible for making sure your money – your taxpayer money – gets where it’s supposed to be.”

Dingee has experience with the banking industry and with running his own business. Small business owners “know the value of a penny (and) make sure every penny is accounted for.”

His “strong conservative business background,” coupled with his Republican affiliation, are what make him the better candidate for the job currently held by five-time incumbent Beth Wood.

“Frankly, the current state auditor hasn’t been doing (the) job.”

In addition, he said he wants to see all larger state agencies undergo an annual – or at least biannual – audit. For example, the state Board of Elections hasn’t had an audit in 13 years, and that’s too long.

“I would like to hope that our bureaucratic officials …are doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” he explained. “But if nobody’s looking, is everthing ok?”

“Government should work for the people – government should be letting people know this is what we’re doing. I’m going to make sure it happens when I’m your state auditor.”

Visit https://charlesdingee.com/ to learn more.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Cokesbury Fire Department

The Local Skinny! Fireworks At Cokesbury On Saturday

/by

If you’re looking for some fireworks fun this weekend but don’t want to go all the way to Kerr Lake, you may want to head over to the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department before dusk on Saturday, July 1.

Chief Adam Pegram said gates will open about 6 p.m. for the annual fireworks display. Folks can park across the street and then head over to where the action is – there will be music and food vendors will hamburgers and hotdogs, popcorn and sno-balls to enjoy.

“We’ll start shooting when the sun goes down,” Pegram said.

The Cokesbury event is the same evening as the county tourism fireworks display at Satterwhite Point, but Pegram said it’s not about competition – it’s about giving back to the community that supports the fire department.

“We’ve been working together for several years,” Pegram said. The goal is “having family fun at both locations and enjoying the holiday.”

Please keep in mind, however, that no matter where you enjoy the holiday, to be safe and considerate, Pegram reminds.

“Just be patient when we’re trying to exit and empty the parking lot,” he said.

“Come and enjoy yourself and have a good time,” Pegram said, but please remember to pick up your trash before you leave.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free Seeks Volunteers To Fill Openings On Board

/by

Families Living Violence Free, the only domestic violence and sexual assault center in the area, is seeking volunteer leaders to join its board of directors.

The FLVF staff provides an array of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are free and confidential, said Peggy Roark, FLVF executive director.

The board of directors is a group of volunteers that come together for monthly meetings to govern, organize and support FLVF’s strategic planning. In addition, each member serves as a goodwill ambassador for FLVF and serves on at least one board committee. Board members are expected to participate in community events and make a personal financial contribution to the organization.

Families Living Violence Free’s board also is seeking to fill the position of treasurer. This also is a volunteer position. Candidates with experience in accounting, budgeting and finance are encouraged to apply.

The board plans to expand its membership and needs individuals with a variety of skills, with a strong emphasis on board candidates with accounting, legal, fundraising, and media expertise.

If you are interested in an opportunity to volunteer your time and talents to an organization committed to giving voice and support to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, please submit your resume to proark@FLVF.org or P.O. Box 1632 Oxford, N.C. 27565.

North Henderson Baptist

North Henderson Baptist Hosts VBS July 16-19

/by

Youngsters of all ages are invited to attend North Henderson Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School.

The VBS will begin July 16 and continue through July 19, according to information from Pastor Eddie Nutt. Classes are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be classes for each age group.

A meal is provided each evening as well.

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

Search On For VCHS Athletic Director In Wake Of Noel’s Resignation

/by

Vance County High School Athletic Director Raymond Noel has resigned his post, and VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin has told WIZS News that the district is seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position.

“We are very appreciative of all that Mr. Noel did for VCHS,” Sandlin said in a statement to WIZS.

“Vance County Schools is committed to finding a strong leader to continue the work of the Viper Athletic program,” she said.

Candidates must hold a valid NC teacher certification and have at least five years’ experience as a PE teacher or coach; candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education; a master’s degree in athletic administration or equivalent training and experience is preferred, according to the job description.

Find the complete job description at www.vcs.k12.nc.us. Click on Job Opportunities in the top right corner of the home page.

Interested applicants should apply on the VCS website www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

NC Cooperative Extensions Offer Pesticide Application Recertification Hours June 27

/by

Anyone who needs recertification hours to stay certified for pesticide application can register to attend a class offered June 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Participants can earn two recertification hours for categories A, B, D, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T or X.

Class locations are listed below.  Registration is required. Sign up by calling the Person County Extension Center 336-.599.1195 or by visiting https://go.ncsu.edu/2023multicredit.

This will be an in-person class only.

Be sure you have all your credit hours to remain certified for applying the pesticides you need. If you have any questions regarding this information or about requirements needed for your current licensure, contact Mikayla Berryhill at 336.599.1195 or 919.603.1350 or by email mikayla_berryhill@ncsu.edu.

 

CLASS LOCATIONS:

  • Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Granville County Center, 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Person County Center, 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro
  • N.C. Cooperative Extension, Warren County Center, 158 Rafters Ln, Warrenton