TownTalk: Fight For Misty BBQ Oct. 2

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She’s done a lot of research since her diagnosis, and Misty Bailey says the heart condition she deals with daily affects 60 out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. That makes cardiac sarcoidosis relatively uncommon. There’s no quick fix, but there are treatments that can help make patients like Bailey feel better. Not well, but better.

Bailey takes upwards of two dozen pills each day and sees a team of doctors to manage her condition and the side effects of medication and the toll all of this takes on her body. She and her husband call those specialists “-ologists.” There’s the endocrinologist, the ophthalmologist, the neurologist, and, of course, the cardiologist, to name just a few.

All this care takes time – and money. And that’s where the “Fight for Misty” team kicks in. A barbecue fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Bailey’s church, Harriet Baptist Church, located at 1354 Ruin Creek Road. Pickup is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Baileys, along with Amy Bowling, were on Town Talk Wednesday to talk about the fundraiser and to increase awareness of the disease, which is described as a chronic inflammatory condition, which has no cure.

The barbecue is $10 per pound. There also are t-shirts, stainless steel tumblers and silicone wrist bands – all emblazoned with “Fight for Misty” – available for purchase. Tickets are available before the event, but drive-ups are welcome.

Bailey said she is humbled and honored to feel the support of people, some of which she doesn’t even know. When she sees folks wearing “her” t-shirt, it evokes emotions of appreciation and gratitude. It also keeps her motivated as she learns to live with a chronic health condition.

“They’re spreading awareness and they don’t know me personally – they want to support me (and) they want to help people that need the help,” Bailey said.

“Even for those who I don’t know that have supported me through t-shirt sales, BBQ, and donations, you all have made me feel special. I can’t tell you thank you enough and how much your support means to me,” she said.

In April, Bailey had a port placed so she could receive infusions every six weeks to reduce the inflammation around her heart. Her rheumatologist said this could continue for several years. Sometime within the next five years, she said “Afib will start showing itself,” so that will have to be dealt with. Afib refers to arrhythmia, when the heart doesn’t pump and beat in proper rhythm.

Dealing with all the side effects takes its toll, she said.

“The hardest part of this heart disease is when I am laughing and having a great time,” Bailey said. “Some people start to think, ‘She looks absolutely fine there. It doesn’t seem like she is in any kind of pain. In fact, she is going out having fun!’”

But, she said, she wants to reply, “Did you know that I had to save my energy all week long just to go out that one night?”

As she continues to manage the daily challenges she faces, Bailey said she feels like she is called to be a voice for this disease. “As long as I have the strength to do so, that’s what I will be doing,” she added.

“A lot of people don’t even realize they have cardiac sarcoidosis until it’s too late,” she continued.

“And I was almost that person.”

 

Click Play to hear Misty

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TownTalk: DEA Issues Public Safety Alert On Fake Medication

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The federal Drug Enforcement Administration launched the One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign Monday and issued a public safety alert as part of its effort to combat the growing availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

DEA Administrator Anne Milgram issued a statement saying that the counterfeit pills are being illegally produced in mass quantities and deceptively marketed as legitimate medication. The pills, Milgram stated, “are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate.”

According to the DEA release, most of the pills that come into the U.S. are made in Mexico, with chemicals supplied by China to manufacture the fake fentanyl.

John C. Rose discussed the campaign launch on Tuesday’s Town Talk and shared some of the statistics contained in the DEA press release. A few highlights include:

  • More than 9.5 million of the counterfeit pills have been seized in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia so far this year – more than the last two years combined
  • There is a “dramatic” rise in number of counterfeit pills containing at least 2 mg of fentanyl – considered a lethal dose
  • A deadly dose of fentanyl can fit on the tip of a pencil
  • More than 93,000 people died last year of a drug overdose in the U.S.

All prescription medication should be purchased from a pharmacy, but fake medications are being marketed on social media and e-commerce platforms. This makes it easier for anyone with access to a smartphone to purchase the illegal drugs.

“We are alerting the public to this danger so that people have the information they need to protect themselves and their children,” Milgram said.

DEA analyses show that two out of every five illegally manufactured pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. “DEA is focusing resources on taking down the violent drug traffickers causing the greatest harm and posing the greatest threat to the safety and health of Americans,” the statement continued.

Of course, prescription medications purchased from legitimate pharmacies, dispensed by licensed pharmacists, and prescribed by medical professionals are not included in this public safety alert. “Anyone filling a prescription at a licensed pharmacy can be confident that the medications they receive are safe when taken as directed by a medical professional,” the DEA officials stated.

Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous and potentially lethal.

Visit DEA.gov/onepill to learn more.

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Tuesday Is National Voter Registration Day; Register By Oct. 8 To Vote In November

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Today is National Voter Registration Day and the state board of elections has issued a statement to remind eligible individuals to register to vote and for current voters to make sure their information is up-to-date.

The voter registration deadline for the November elections is Friday, Oct. 8.

“Voting is a critical way to make an impact in your city or town, county, state and country,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the state board. “If you’re eligible, we hope to see you at the polls this fall.”

In Vance County, although Henderson’s municipal elections have been rescheduled for next year to address the redrawing district lines to comply with Census data, Kittrell and Middleburg will have elections on Nov. 2.

Eligible residents have options to register, including downloading a voter registration application and returning the form to their county board of elections. Applications can be emailed, faxed, mailed or returned in person to your board of elections office.

Eligibility requirements and other information about registering to vote can be found at NCSBE.gov. Voters can check their registration status and information via the State Board of Elections’ Voter Search tool.

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday raising awareness for voter registration and encouraging Americans to register to vote. Since the first Voter Registration Day in 2012, more than 4.5 million voters nationwide have registered to vote on the holiday.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for September 28, 2021. 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 christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

 

JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of September 28, 2021

 

Name of the Company:  Margier White – State Farm Insurance

Jobs Available:  Office Representative – we are seeking an energetic professional interested in helping the business grow through value based conversations and remarkable customer experience. Excellent income and growth potential available. Sales experience preferred. Must be able to obtain Property and Casualty license within 90 days of hire

Method of Contact: Apply and submit a resume online at www.myagentmargier.com; scroll to the bottom of the page and click the We’re Hiring tab

 

 Name of the Company:  Next Level Kennels

Jobs Available: Kennel Attendant – will be responsible for the day-to-day care of training, boarders and personal animals. This includes Feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, and monitoring the well being of dogs and cats. Must have sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects. You will be responsible for keeping the kennels, office, lobby and grooming room neat, clean, tidy and organized. Shifts consist of days, evenings, weekdays and weekends.

Method of Contact:  Call Scott Tarpley at 252-438-4459 or stop by to apply at 1776 Walter Bowen Road in Henderson

 

Name of the Company:  Roses/ Variety Distribution Center

Jobs Available: General Warehouse Associates, Lift Drivers, Team Leads, Yard Drivers, Housekeeping/ Custodial, Supervisors. Available shifts 1st and 2nd  Monday- Friday, Saturday overtime as needed. Potential to earn up to $20.00 an hour, Sign on bonus of $1500.00 and attendance bonus.

Method of Contact:  Apply in person at NEW Roses Distribution Hiring Center located at 218 S. Garnett Street, Henderson, hours are Monday and Wednesday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30am – noon and 1:00pm – 4:oopm.

 

Name of the Company:  Vance County Schools

Jobs Available: IT Security Specialist, Network Engineer and Technology Technician

Method of Contact:  Go to website www.vcs.k12.nc.us  and click on job opportunities. Select Vance County Schools and then the job you wish to apply for.

 

Name of the Company: Hollander Sleep Products

Jobs Available: Sewing Machine Operators, Scrolling Machine Operators, Quality Inspector, Mechanics all for weekend shift. Hours are Friday. Saturday and Sunday – 6am – 6pm. Additionally the following positions are also open: 1st shift Logistics Coordinator and 1st shift Logistics Manager, 2nd shift Warehouse Supervisor and Bilingual Human Resources Admin.

Method of Contact:  for more information contact Jean Murray Recruitment Coordinator at 252-436-2338 or jmurray@hollander.com

 

Name of the Company: Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Jobs Available: RN, LPN, CNA and Floor Technician

Method of Contact:  If you are interested please apply in person at 1245 Park Ave. Henderson

 

Name of the Company: Kerr-Tarr Area Agency

Jobs Available: Aging Projects Coordinator – serving older adults and their families in the five county region of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren Counties. The two main projects assigned are Vaccine Outreach and Covid related supports.

Method of Contact:  Please submit a cover letter, resume and references to Director, Area Agency on Aging at info@kerrtarcog.org or mail to PO Box 709, Henderson, NC 27536 NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 10TH.

 

Name of the Company: RCE Theaters at 907 S. Beckford Drive Henderson

Jobs Available: Looking for someone with an outgoing personality to fill a team leader position.

Method of Contact:  Please stop by the theater to pick up an application form and to receive more information.

 

Name of the Company: Ahner Security in Henderson

Jobs Available: Low Voltage Technician – Experience is preferred, but the company will consider applicants with no experience.

Method of Contact:  Contact Dave Ahner at 252-430-9694.

 

Name of the Company: Carter Bank & Trust

Jobs Available: Financial Services Representative opening at the Henderson Branch at 300 Dabney Drive, Henderson. The hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm and rotating Saturday’s 8:30am – 12:00pm.

Method of Contact:  To apply go to www.cbtcares.com/career/

 

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.

 

Gang Free Inc. Sponsors Hispanic Heritage Month Event Thursday, Sept. 30

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(Disponible en español.)

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and Gang Free Inc. is hosting a fiesta on Thursday, Sept. 30 that will showcase foods, music and dances for everyone to enjoy.

The event will be held at 940 County Home Road in Henderson from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A deejay will be on hand to provide music and there is sure to be a festive atmosphere.

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available and there is a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

Gang Free Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that strives to empower and educate individuals to live a life free of crime through innovative programs and services for at-risk youth and adults.

Visit www.gangfreeinc.org to learn more.

TownTalk: Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony To Light Up Garnett St.

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The Vance County Relay for Life is sponsoring a Luminaria ceremony on Oct. 23 that is shaping up to illuminate a portion of Garnett Street with little bags of light to remember or honor lives affected by cancer.

Like so many events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and safety precautions,  local organizers said they came up with a drive-thru event that people could participate in and enjoy while following social distancing protocols.

Christy Bennett talked with John C. Rose on Monday’s Town Talk and gave details about how to be involved.

It was somewhat of a challenge, Bennett conceded – how would they go from what had become a huge event with lots of people to an event that would satisfy the safety practices and still be a successful fundraiser?

Organizers Bennett, Carolyn Williams and Jeanette Brummitt “got creative,” she said.  “It was really a group effort to try to find something we could do that would work,” she added.

“We’re keeping it real simple. It’s a good way to light up downtown.” People can drive down Garnett Street to enjoy the luminaries or they can walk along the sidewalks, if they have their masks on.

Bags are $10 each and can be purchased on the day of the event, but they also are available ahead of time so they can be decorated with names of loved ones before being returned and placed along with all the others.

They’ve already sold more than 700 so far, but Bennett said “the goal is to sell as many as we can.”

Bennett said the city is expected to add some extra illumination to the event – the underpass will be bathed in a purple glow, and the newly installed fountains will show off their multicolor light show as well.

Luminaries sometimes need a little weight to stay in place, but Bennett and her crew have thought of that, too. They will use canned foods to anchor the paper bags, which will be donated to ACTS afterward.

Visit www.relayforlife.org/vancenc to learn more.

 

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The Local Skinny! Pearson And Harris To Be Honored By City Of Henderson

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The Henderson City Council has approved naming a couple of city-owned properties for two former residents who helped shape the community and make it a better place for their neighbors.

The Operation and Service Center will be renamed in memory and in honor of Dr. Andrea L. Harris, who grew up in Henderson and went on to become a community activist and organizer. She also was instrumental in establishing the N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development, becoming its president in 1990.

And the public parking lot beside Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson will be named for the late Stephen Pearson, who opened Sadie’s in 2019 and was a vocal proponent of downtown revitalization and development.

Neither Harris nor Pearson was born in Henderson, but both made significant contributions to the place they called home.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon told WIZS that Council in August had asked him to investigate possible locations to consider. “(It) made a lot of sense to consider the parking lot next to Sadie‘s Coffee as an opportunity to honor Dr. Pearson,” Blackmon said Monday.  The Council voted unanimously to approve both recommendations at its Sept. 13 meeting. Making signs for the two locations are next on the to-do list.

Councilwoman Melissa Elliott suggested the Operations Center, he said. Harris was an advocate for contractors and the building industry and she also was a civil rights leader, which made the operations center a very fitting site – the operations center is the largest voting location during city and county elections.

Pearson died in March at the age of 57. He was chair of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, and took pride in promoting new business in downtown Henderson.

Harris died in May 2020.

Although Harris was born in South Carolina, she grew up in Henderson and graduated from Henderson Institute in 1966 and then received her undergraduate degree from Bennett College in Greensboro in 1970. She started teaching school in 1971 – the first year of integration – at West End School like her mother had, and then began participating in community activism. She established the first rural transportation program in the state for older adults, among other things, at the local level.

Then, in the early 1980’s Harris began working in Raleigh at the state level. She began at the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. It was during this time that Harris and her colleagues established the minority economic development institute.

She was active locally and participated on a variety of boards, councils and commissions.

She received many accolades and awards over the years, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from three governors and an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Bennett College.

In 2018, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Duke University’s Samuel Dubois Cook Society.

She was a member of the Oxford-Henderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a life member of the NAACP.  Andrea was a trustee and member of Kesler Temple AME Zion Church. She was small in stature but a forced to be reckoned with.  She was always willing to be a “voice” for the underrepresented, breaking down socio-economic, racial, and gender barriers as a broker for change and equality for ALL people.

Pearson, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, is remembered for being the Army’s first Web Master. He earned a doctorate in Global Business Leadership in 2019 and wrote numerous books topics from entrepreneurship to cyber forensics. He taught required and elective classes at the School of Information and Library Science at UNC-Chapel Hill and New York’s Utica College and owned several businesses, including Sadie’s.