TownTalk: Raleigh Ringers Coming To McGregor Hall

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The Raleigh Ringers are coming to McGregor Hall this weekend for a weekend performance at McGregor Hall. Director David M. Harris and the group of musicians have performed in 39 states, Canada and Europe, delighting audiences with music throughout the year.

But when Harris realized there was an opening in the schedule, he called Mark Hopper. And the rest, as they say, is history. The Raleigh Ringers concert is part of the McGregor Alive! Series.

The Raleigh Ringers performed at McGregor Hall in 2019, and Harris told John C. Rose on TownTalk Wednesday that he was impressed with the acoustics, as well as the overall beauty of the performing arts center. “We were anxious to come back,” he said.

“It’s not often we have a Christmas slot open,” Harris explained, and he and his fellow ringers have a short trip for the Sunday performance. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the concert begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/

The concert will include some holiday standards, including “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” juxtaposed with “Blue Christmas” and selections popularized by Siberian Orchestra.

Also in the repertoire are a couple of songs especially written for handbells.

Harris said the group has played original music written by Henderson’s own Dr. Phil Young, who Harris called a “pioneer” in the area of handbell music.

The Raleigh Ringers began in 1990, when different church handbell choirs formed a loose network and would have a summer concert at the end of their performance season.

Once dependent on the kindness of retirement centers for storage of their equipment, the Raleigh Ringers now has its own building where they can keep their bells and all the other things needed for concerts, as well as having their own practice space.

“Ringers can come in off hours and work on their parts,” Harris said, on top of the three-plus hours a week that the whole group comes together to practice.

For those who may not know too much about handbells, there’s more to a performance than just ringing a bell, Harris said.

“There’s so much choreography,” he said, and ringers need to know all their roles, whether it’s moving different bells for other ringers to use during a song, or exactly which ringer is going to turn the page of music.

“All of that has to be worked out well in advance,” Harris said.

Part of the mission of the Raleigh Ringers is to provide education about the instruments to their audiences. Members of the audience often are invited to the stage after the concert to try their own hand at handling the bells, from the giant ones at one end of the table to choir chimes at the other.

Handbell ringers play in coordination with other ringers to produce a complete line of music, unlike other musicians – like pianists – who play the complete line of musical notes to create the desired music.

For Harris, this is just a part of what sets handbells apart from other musical instruments, and he said it’s part of their mission to educate the community about this particular type of music.

“It’s such amazing teamwork when a piece comes together,” he said.

Visit www.rr.org to learn more about Raleigh Ringers.

 

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TownTalk: Ragland Produces Christian Stage Play

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Connie Ragland’s newest play is called “This Is Why We Don’t Come To Church,” and it premieres on Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

The Christian stage production takes a somewhat satirical look at a serious topic – attitudes about church.

Have you ever known a “pew-owner” – that person who gets into a snit when someone else is sitting in “their” pew? Or have you seen churchgoers shun someone simply because they didn’t dress the right way for church?

Ragland said that these behaviors may contribute to a decline in church membership, and she said her play is going to poke a little fun at some stereotypes.

Things have shifted in the church and in the country, Ragland told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk. Whether it’s because churches had to close their doors during COVID-19 and embrace virtual services, or whether it’s for other reasons, church membership is down, she said.

The play’s title, she said, “is a way to grab your attention and say ‘hmmm, I wonder what that’s all about,” Ragland said.

The play includes plenty of local talent, but some cast members are traveling from as far away as Winston-Salem and Elizabeth City.

“There’s something in it for everyone,” Ragland said. “A lot of the cast are millennials,” she said, with other age groups and generations represented as well.
With a blended cast representing a wide range of ages, she said “everyone will get something out of this show.”

As she was writing the play, she said a particular person’s name popped into her head for a particular role. She called that person, who immediately accepted, saying she had been searching for a way to return to the stage.

“I’m just overwhelmed with joy when people say ‘yes’ to me,” Ragland said, “that people want a part of something of this nature.”

The play is made possible thanks to a joint effort with Connie Ragland Productions, Youth Christian Center and its board, led by Delthine Watson “to help bring positive things back to the community.”

Formed several years ago by the Rev. Eddie Williams, the Youth Christian Center’s mission is to educate and inspire young people, whether they’re learning the finer points of etiquette or how to tie a necktie.

“We’re excited – we’ve got more rehearsals coming up, but the general feeling is yes, we’re ready to get the message out there,” Ragland said.

The play is for the whole family. “It will make you laugh, cry and think,” Ragland said.

Tickets are $15 for youth and and $25 for adults. Purchase them at eventbrite.com or call Vincent Ragland at 252.213.2095. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 11-29-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for November 29th, 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.

Company  Benchmark Community Bank

Job Title  Teller.  Full-time position. The scheduled hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:30-5:30 p.m.  Applicants should be outgoing, service-oriented, with excellent communications skills.  The job involves processing routine financial transactions for customers such as deposits, withdrawals, checks, and loan payments. During your workday, a cash drawer with all the proper controls, vouchers, receipts, security, proofs, ensuring it balances at the end of each day. Being detail oriented and accurate is an extremely important skill since Teller will spend the majority of day counting cash, entering information into a computer, complying with check-cashing guidelines and looking for fraudulent activity.

How To Apply  Apply online at https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/bcbonline/jobs.

 

Company  Select Products

Job Title  Quality Lead position is open.  Successful applicant will administer programs to ensure production operations, from raw materials to finished products, to meet the company’s high standard for quality, integrity, and efficiency standards.  Responsibilities include: conducting daily inspections and quality control checks; assessing test results and approving recommended changes; collaborating with management to develop, prepare, and implement safety policies and procedures; ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, codes, and rules; and other related duties as assigned.

How To Apply  Apply in person at Select Products, located at 1133 Poplar Creek Road in Henderson (across from the VGCC main campus).  Contact Zollie Perry, Human Resource Director.  Email resume to  zollie.perry@selectph.com.

 

Company  City of Henderson

Job Title  Utility Billing Specialist.  Full-time.  Salary level $30,814 – $38,518.  Preferred applicants will be high school Graduates, supplemented by courses in business or accounting, and experience in a billing operation involving multiple step tasks and use of billing software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position is responsible for activities which involve the generation and mailing of the city utility bills; handling customer inquiries relating to utility billings and general fiscal support and reporting activities; preparing and verifying a variety of reports and records; collecting utility bills and other revenues, and coordinating with meter readers and the field services functions. Employees also perform business license billing. Work is characterized by the multiple detailed procedural steps involved in the work, and the required independent knowledge of the utility billing process and computer application. Work involves public contact functions and coordination with other departments within the City’s organizational structure. Considerable tact and courtesy are required in the public contact functions.

How To Apply  Apply online at www.henderson.nc.gov or email your resume to the Human Resources Department at elginlane@henderson.nc.gov.

 

Company  Chick-fil-A of Henderson

Job Title  Hiring now for Team Member positions.  Looking for friendly, enthusiastic people who enjoy serving customers – will teach you everything else you need to know. Flexible hours are available.  Opportunities for advancement available to qualified individuals.  Applicants must be hard working, team-oriented, friendly, honest and have great customer skills.  Age 16+ and Bilingual (English and Spanish) applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

How To Apply  Text “CHICKEN” to 252-359-3232.  Or stop by Chick-fil-A Restaurant, located at 200 Trade Street, off Dabney Drive, in Henderson NC

 

Company  Auto Parts (200 Dabney Drive, Henderson NC)

Job Title  Multiple Positions Open.  Delivery Drivers.  Full-time and Part-time.  Manager In Training. Full-time.  Responsible for supporting the Store Manager in the overall operation of the store to include:  Overall store retail/commercial management, supervision, and policy implementation; Financial management – manage, analyze and reconcile monthly P&L statements; Employee staffing, training, and development; Inventory management; Customer service leadership.  MITs are also responsible for completing operations and management skills training, and learning about key aspects of the business and AutoZone culture.

How To Apply  Apply online at https://careers.autozone.com/jobs.  Or stop by store location to inquire about job details.

 

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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Ellis Honored At Retirement Celebration For 32 Years On School Board

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Margaret A. Ellis was first elected to the Vance County Board of Education in November 1990. Ellis held the District 6 seat for the next 32 years, and the school board honored her earlier this month at a retirement celebration.

The reception was held Nov. 10, 2022 in the Atrium of the Center for Innovation.

Numerous speakers, family, friends and colleagues were on hand to show their appreciation.

“Vance County Schools is grateful for the many years Mrs. Ellis served,” according to a press statement from VCS.
“She truly made a difference not just in our community, but the lives of every student over the last three decades.”

Ellis also worked with WIZS radio for more than 25 years as host of the Sunday morning show “Sounds from Jordan.”

 

S-Line Rail Corridor

Upcoming S-Line Rail Project Updates Set For Henderson, Norlina

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Area residents have a couple of opportunities this week to hear updates about the planned S-Line rail project that includes stops in Henderson and Norlina as part of a 95-mile stretch of rail that that ultimately will connect Richmond and Tampa.

If you’re planning to attend the Henderson Christmas parade Saturday afternoon, then Sadie’s Coffee Corner is the place where a community “pop-up” event will be held.

Stop by anytime between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the 324 S. Garnett St. location to learn the latest about the S-Line and transit-oriented development.

A second opportunity takes place Friday, Dec. 2 outside Rachel’s Whistle Stop in Norlina. There will be an information table set up for interested individuals to stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., according to information from Warren County Director of Community and Economic Development Charla Duncan.

Rachel’s Whistle Stop is located at 123 Hyco St. in Norlina.

Consultants working with the NC DOT Rail Division will provide updates at each event.

The State of North Carolina’s S-Line project includes six other communities in the region that fall along a 95-mile-long section of the S-Line rail corridor including Apex, Franklinton, Henderson, Raleigh, Sanford, Wake Forest, and Youngsville.

Transit-oriented development has a goal to connect communities and public spaces by increasing accessibility without having to rely on a personal vehicle.

Learn more at https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/s-line-study.

The Local Skinny! Animal Services Gets $13K For Spay/Neuter Program

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Thanks to a donation of $13,000 from a nonprofit dog rescue group, the Vance County Animal Services is able to offer free spay and neuter services for dogs and cats in the area.

Frankie Nobles, chief of Vance County Animal Services, said the gift came from the Mona Pants Foundation, a 501c3 organization that is based in Zebulon.

According to information from animal services, residents who turn in a litter of puppies or kittens to the shelter can have their intact dog or cat spayed or neutered at no charge.

Feral or otherwise unowned cats can be spayed or neutered as well as part of a trap-neuter-release effort. And any animals that are brought to the shelter can be spayed or neutered at no charge to the owner in lieu of having to pay fees for reclaiming or redeeming them.

In addition to providing a free service for individuals with pets living in the community, the additional spay and neutering program likely will reduce the number of unwanted animals being dropped off at the shelter.

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TownTalk: Salvation Army Kettle Drive And Music For The Holidays

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Jimmy Barrier describes the upcoming performance at the local Salvation Army as a Gaither-style event.

If you don’t know exactly what that means, then by all means, come out at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 to “An Acoustical Christmas.” And if you enjoy that Gaither style of musical performance, then you already know you’re in for a treat.

Barrier will share emcee duties with the Salvation Army’s Capt. Joshua Keaton, but he will also be behind his familiar bass as he and the Sound Barriers fill the air with Christmas music and other favorites with that Gaither-style Southern Gospel feel.

The concert is free and open to the public and will be held at the Salvation Army, 2292 Ross Mill Rd.

A love offering will be taken to benefit the Anchor of Hope and the Red Shield Club, he told John C. Rose on Monday’s TownTalk. Anchor of Hope is a women’s ministry that helps individuals in need and the Red Shield Club is the after-school program.

“It’s all acoustic, all live,” Barrier explained, “so if you make a mistake, everybody hears it.”

It didn’t take much to get Capt. Keaton and his wife, Capt. Amanda Keaton, on board with the project.

“They were elated to have the Gaither-style Christmas program,” Barrier said, adding that he hoped to make the concert an annual event and name it for the late Gill Clopton, who originally had the idea.

“I want to do that and honor him in that way,” Barrier said. He recalled that Clopton was very happy that the program had been scheduled.

Barrier said he and his wife were out shopping for blankets to donate to the Anchor of Hope’s blanket ministry the day before Thanksgiving and he found himself in the presence of someone singing Christmas carols – right inside the store.

Before he knew it, and to his wife’s chagrin, Barrier was performing a duet with Evelyn Couch.

“We started singing Christmas carols in Rose’s at the top of our lungs,” Barrier said.

But the duets didn’t stop there. He invited Couch to come and sing with the group at the recent McGregor Hall community concert last weekend.

“It was wonderful,” Barrier said of last weekend’s performance at McGregor Hall, sponsored by the Vance County Arts Council.

She will join Barrier again at the Dec. 11 concert to perform “O Holy Night.”

“She sings the fire out of it,” Barrier said.

 

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Sheriff Offers Tips for Safe Shopping

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— press release —

“The holiday season is right around the corner and shoppers are crowding stores and shopping online for the latest gadgets and to find the best deals,” said Sheriff Curtis R. Brame of Vance County.

Shoppers also need to consider their safety when shopping in person and online.  According to Brame, “This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the extended store hours. These factors, and the usual distraction of shopping, create a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.”

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

In-Person Shopping Safety:

  • A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.
  • When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.
  • Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
  • Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick pocketer to remove.
  • Store car keys in your pants or jacket pocket. If your purse/wallet is stolen, you will still be able to drive home.
  • Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • When returning to your vehicle, look around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
  • If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

According to Brame, “During this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to credit and gift card fraud. Online scammers are also on the rise.  However, taking a few preventive measures can help.”

Online Shopping Safety:

  • Make sure the web page where you enter your credit card information is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). The URL that starts with “https” rather than just “http” is SSL secure. A lock icon may also appear before the “https” to indicate a secure website.
  • Only shop on websites you trust or have investigated. Almost any major retail store’s website will be safe to shop. Stay away from suspicious or unfamiliar online retailers.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi while shopping online. Using public Wi-Fi can leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers.
  • Do not save sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card information, on your phone or computer.
  • Keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.
  • Have items shipped to a secure location. If you are not going to be home, consider having packages delivered somewhere that keeps them off sidewalks or porches.
  • Install multi-factor authentication on your accounts to lessen the possibility of getting hacked.
  • Never send your credit card information via email.
  • Check a company’s information on their website. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and telephone number.
  • Do not click on links or attachments unless you are confident about where they came from. Cyber criminals often send emails that look like they are from retailers to try and gain your personal information.
  • Consider purchasing items online with a credit card rather than a debit card. Debit cards draw directly from your bank account, which means fraudulent charges can leave you with insufficient funds for other bills. If you do not have a credit card, consider using a prepaid debit card.

Credit Card Fraud:

  • Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
  • Never write your PIN number on your credit card.
  • Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
  • Shield your credit card number so that others around you cannot copy it or capture it on a mobile telephone or other camera.
  • Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need.
  • Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.
  • Check credit card and bank statements frequently for any fraudulent charges.
  • Sign up for transaction alerts.
  • Consider signing up for identity theft protection services.
  • If your credit card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.

Gift Card Fraud:

  • Never buy gift cards from online auction sites.  This is a large source of gift card fraud.  Many of the gift cards are stolen, counterfeit or used.
  • Only buy gift cards directly from the store issuing the gift card or from a secure retailer’s website.
  • Do not buy gift cards off publicly displayed racks in retail stores, because these are more susceptible to tampering or theft. Only purchase gift cards at the sales terminal from the cashier.
  • Check a gift card before buying it and make sure the protective stickers are still intact. Ask for or purchase a different card if you believe the gift card has been tampered with in any way.
  • Always ask the store cashier to scan the gift card in front of you. This will guarantee that your card is valid when you buy it and that it reflects the balance you just charged on it.
  • Always keep your receipt as a proof of purchase if there is money stored on the gift card.
  • If possible, register your gift card at the store’s website.
  • Never give your Social Security number, date of birth or any other unneeded private information when purchasing a gift card.  No reputable company will ask for this information.

In light of these problems, Brame warns shoppers to be careful so that they don’t become the victim of criminal activity.

“Unfortunately, when shopping online and in-person, people have a tendency to let their guard down,” said Brame.  “However, paying attention and taking precautions can help eliminate their chances of being victimized.”