News 10/03/19
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Camping Season at Kerr Lake’s Hibernia Extended to Dec. 1
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-Press Release, Kerr Lake Park Watch
It’s been a long time coming and it’s only a little over a month, but in the immortal words of Fred Flintstone, “YABBA DABBA DO!” That’s the reaction to this week’s announcement by NC State Parks & Recreation that the camping season at Hibernia will be extended for the first time.
Kerr Lake is getting its first west bank winter (actually late fall) camping in an NC State Recreation Area. Winter camping has previously been restricted to certain areas of Nutbush and Satterwhite, but for the first time Hibernia’s Area 2 will be open this year until December 1. Hibernia usually closes around October 25 and reopens between March 15-20.
Campers may call Reserve America or go online to book. For nine years Kerr Lake Park Watch has advocated extending the camping seasons as more and more RV’s are equipped for cold-weather camping. You can see the extended camping area in the map below.
“We see this as the tip of the iceberg,” said a jubilant Frank Timberlake, Lead Public Affairs for Kerr Lake Park Watch, “and additional camping time should be added. We agree with state parks folks that December could be slow, so why not add a month earlier in the Spring. We hope the state will publicize this; we surely will.”
Kerr Lake Park Watch Steering Committee member Larry Matthews added, “It’s refreshing and rewarding to know that our state parks leaders are hearing and responding to the campers or moreover to the pleas of their customers; and customers we are because while there may be some tax revenues involved, we pay for every stay.”
Kerr Lake Park Watch has maintained that the salaries for rangers, maintenance and support staff for the seven state recreation areas go year-round, so more of the parks should be open for longer seasons. Campers continue to want more; and in some cases, demand or pass campgrounds by, that don’t build and rehab sites for RV’s with eight-foot bodies, three-foot slides, and eight-foot awnings with at least water and 50-AMP electrical service.
More and more of the RV’s today have enclosed bellies, heated lower sections and even heated water, sewer and grey water tanks. The folks who own those RV’s are looking for close-by facilities for “winter escapes,” not to mention there’s the added bonus of promoting and seeking out tourists passing through the Kerr Lake region.
“This is a long-awaited event for those of us who have winter-camped at Kerr Lake for many years, to now have another option on the west side of the lake,” commented long-time Kerr Lake Park Watch Steering Committee Member Tom Elmore, who’s camped at Kerr for over fifty years. “There are those of us who know the value of Hibernia and believe that this change will be an exciting opportunity for both the campers and the park system, plus the local businesses. On a personal camping basis, being year-round campers, we’ve been limited in the past and have not stayed, and get this, spent money locally, as much as we’ve wanted to.”
Timberlake added, “I would think that the tourism people in Vance and Warren, and even Granville counties would see what a monumental occasion this is as the park seasonal operations haven’t been changed or upgraded with the times in decades. It’s a small step, but certainly one in the right direction, and just 300 or so extra tourists in the area can really add to the community coffers.
I would think that some regular hours at the entrance station will need to be held, maybe at all three parks with extended seasons. Hopefully, we should be fairly cool in November, but in a recent stay, I had nine campers tell me that they could not buy stacked firewood at the entrance station because no one was there.”
Pointing to continued needed improvements, Timberlake, who’s been visiting many of the parks since he was a young child and camping at the SRA’s since he was 14, said, “The next thing we need to do at the seven state recreation areas is to standardize the open/close times for the gates. The other day a seasonal employee told me the gates closed at 10 p.m. Luckily, we were back before 9 p.m., where shortly after the camp host told us that the gate closed at 9 p.m. Mishaps like that can cause problems for staff and certainly inconvenience visiting customers of the parks, possibly leading to bad reviews and no returning campers.”
“We’ve had numerous requests for extended camping, so here it is,” said Timberlake.”If we get a high response, we can see getting the Division of State Parks to extend more time in more parks. Please share this new extended camping season with your Kerr Lake friends!”
Henderson Fire Dept. to Hold Fire Prevention Day on Breckenridge St.
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-Information courtesy Captain Lee Edmonds, Henderson Fire Department
The Henderson Fire Department will hold a Fire Prevention Day for the public on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
This free event will be held on Breckenridge Street between the Henderson Police Department and the Perry Memorial Library in downtown Henderson from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Activities include a smoke safety house, games for kids, fire safety information, a cooking fire demo and fire truck demonstrations.
Free pizza, hotdogs and refreshments will be served.
Everyone is invited for a day of fun and fire safety education.
Town Talk 10/02/19: Chief Frankie Nobles Talks Vance Co. Animal Services
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NC Farms Open for Fall Events
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-Press Release, NCDA&CS
Travelers looking for unique farm experiences will have plenty of options this fall as farms across the state open their gates to welcome visitors. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to festivals and farmers markets, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Following is a selection of activities being offered at N.C. agritourism destinations through the end of the fall season. Visitors are encouraged to verify event dates and hours of operations before they go.
Eastern North Carolina
- Alpaca Dreams in Louisburg is participating in the National Alpaca Farm Days Sept. 28-29 and will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days.
- Galloway Farm is now open in Hallsboro. This year, the farm is featuring a new augmented reality scavenger hunt. The farm also offers an 11-acre corn maze, two-acre kid’s fun maze, hayrides, barrel train, cow-patty miniature golf and more.
- Garner’s Corn Maze in Newport is open for the season from Sept. 28-Nov. 2. They are open to the public Saturdays and Sundays and offer reserved educational field trips Monday through Friday. In addition to the corn maze, the farm offers a you-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, children’s activities, farm animals, concessions and more.
- Hood Swamp Corn Maze in Goldsboro opens from Sept. 27-Nov. 3. The sixth-generation family farm offers a corn maze, hayrides and activities for kids.
- Hubb’s Farm in Clinton is open for the season through Nov. 9. Now in its 12th fall season, the farm offers pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, animals, plus more activities. Educational tours are welcome Tuesdays through Fridays.
- The Farm On Grape Creek in Cove City will host the Fall Farm Festival Oct. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring pumpkins, hayrides, farm tours, animals, music, games and food. Cost is $10 per person, which includes a small pumpkin. The event is free for children under 3.
- The Farmer’s Barn in Chadbourn is now open with a large selection of on-farm fun. Activities include a tube slide, cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch, zip line, animal corral and more. A Haunted Maze also will run Oct. 19-26 with special offerings from NC Farm Bureau members.
Central North Carolina
- CATHIS Farm in Lillington is now open. The farm’s Pumpkin Hollow offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals and many other family fun activities during the day. Those looking for a scare can visit the Devil’s Playground at CATHIS Farm for a haunted house on the farm Friday and Saturday nights from 8-12.
- Chickadee Farms in Clayton is hosting its premier farm-to-fork event of the year on Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. The event includes a pig picking, pie contest, music, crafts, farm tours and more.
- Come out to Flint Rock Farm in Cameron for group field trips, day camps for kids, educational activities, family outings, and farm learning experiences with a bullying prevention theme. Pre-register October through mid-November.
- Gross Farms in Sanford will be hosting fall fun Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 3. The farm has a variety of fall fun activities including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayride, play area, slide, kettle corn, homemade ice cream, bands and entertainment
- The Guilford Local Foods Celebration will be held Oct. 5-12. The week-long celebration includes farm tours, local tastings, cooking demonstrations and more events to celebrate Guilford County farmers.
- Huckleberry Trail Farm in Siler City is open Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. The farm strives to offer an accessible farm and an autism-friendly environment.
- Ken’s Korny Corn Maze in Garner is open through Nov. 9. Visitors can enjoy the six-acre corn maze and other activities.
- The Living Well Folk School at Sustenance Farm in Franklinville will be offering workshops in local self-reliance, long-term sustainability, emergency readiness, modern homesteading, healthy living and community building on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
- Mckee CornField Maze in Rougemont is open through Nov. 3. Visitors can enjoy pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals, corn hole, children’s play areas, games, crafts, music and fall family fun. The farm also will host a movie night on Oct. 26.
- McLaurin Farm in Greensboro will open its pumpkin patch through Oct. 27. The farm also will host the 28th year of the Woods of Terror haunted attraction.
- Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur will be hosting OktoberFest each weekend in October, and an Apple Cider 5k and 10k run on Nov. 2 at 9 a.m.
- Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will hold its Fall Open House Sept. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served all day and hotdogs will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This annual event sets the stage for the fall growing season.
- Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin is celebrating National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hayrides, interacting with the alpacas, live music and magic, food vendors, John Deere Equipment, and a local beekeeper with a hive on display. Alpaca items, honey, and jams and jellies will be available for purchase.
- Reverence Farms in Graham will offer fresh Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings for pickup on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the farm’s cafe, see farm animals and enjoy free food samples. Turkeys should be purchased in advance.
- Sonlight Farms in Kenly will be open every Saturday through Oct. 26. This fall, they are hosting two themed Saturdays with special activities and crafts, in addition to their regular activities including hayrides, pumpkins, animals, playground and more. On Oct. 26, visitors can conquer their corn maze at night with the farm’s Blackout Challenge.
- South Fork Sweet Sorghum Festival will be held Oct. 26 in Hillsborough. Bringing 19th-century traditions into the 21st century, featuring demonstrations of harvesting, stripping, milling, cooking and bottling sweet sorghum syrup.
- Visit The Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy in Efland for the Orange County Feargrounds Haunted Barn Oct. 25, 26 and 31 from 7-11 p.m. The dairy also is hosting the Tarheel Antiques Festival and Christmas Craft Show Nov. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Hunter Farm in Weddington will open its pumpkin patch Sept. 29-Nov. 17. The farm also offers hayrides and petting barn where visitors can feed the farm animals. The farm is open daily through Oct. 31, and on weekends starting in November. Food trucks are on-site on Saturdays.
- The Well Fed Community Garden in Raleigh will be hosting its Art in the Garden event Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by The Irregardless Café, a local Raleigh restaurant, the garden donates 20 percent of its bounty to volunteers and neighbors with the remaining 80 percent served in meals at the restaurant.
- Tractors Corn Maze in Wake Forest is open Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 28 through the end of October. Enjoy an eight-acre corn maze, pumpkin patches, free pumpkin, hayride, corn pit and games.
Western North Carolina
- Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk offers visitors the chance to get up-close and personal with the alpacas, donkeys, goats and other animals that work and play at Apple Hill Farm. Fall tours are available through Oct. 18. Tours are offered Sundays-Fridays at 2 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Products also are available at the on-site Farm & Yarn Store.
- Cherry Mountain Farm in Rutherfordton will hold a Goat Shearing Festival Oct. 12 starting at 9 a.m. Come early to see the Angora goats get their fall haircuts, enjoy food from a local food truck, visit the llama and horses, and enjoy hanging out at the farm. The gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s 11th annual Punkin Chunkin Festival Oct. 20-21. The family-friendly event features a pumpkin throwing contest using catapults, trebuchets and air cannons, plus a chili and anything-pumpkin cooking contest and more.
- Harvest Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Valle Crucis invites travelers to experience the best weekend fall family fun in the High Country. Visitors can take a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, harvest their own pumpkin or choose from a selection of pre-picked pumpkins at the barn.
- Shelby Corn Maze in Shelby is open for the season through Oct. 27. Visitors can enjoy farm and fall-themed activities including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow train, apple launcher, corn cannon and more.
- The Farmer’s Daughter in Taylorsville is open through each Saturday of October with hayrides and pumpkins.
- Trosly Farm in Elk Park will open its harvest and holiday market Saturdays from October through December. Visitors can find fresh breads, baked goods, produce, holiday gifts and more.
- Walnut Hollow Ranch in Hayesville offers educational farm tours, farm stays and more. The ranch is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations for lunch tours are available on those days during the autumn.
Raleigh Road Baptist Church to Hold Fall Bazaar
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-Information courtesy Cindy Pernell, Raleigh Road Baptist Church
Raleigh Road Baptist Church will hold a Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the church’s activity center.
Handmade décor for fall, Christmas and all year round will be for sale! Wreaths, wooden signs, cakes, cups and so much more.
Free Hot Dogs will be served!
Raleigh Road Baptist Church is located at 3892 Raleigh Rd in Henderson.
News 10/02/19
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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.