Triangle Literacy Council Brings YouthBuild Model to Young Adults in Henderson

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-Press Release, Triangle Literacy Council

Today the Triangle Literacy Council (TLC) announced the second phase of their Regional Construction and Skills Trades Career Pathway for young adults, ages 16 to 24, in Henderson, NC. The 24-week-long program, called Henderson YouthBuild, offers three integrated components to area young adults: high school equivalency preparation, occupational training, and construction work-based learning.

Henderson YouthBuild aims to build a productive future for young men and women who have dropped out of school or have other barriers to employment. The program will blend academic and occupational course content along with leadership and life skills training, as well as follow-up support to young adults in Henderson. Participants are able to earn up to $50 a week for program attendance and $10 per hour wages for the work-based learning portion of training. Upon completion of the program, participants will have earned a nationally-recognized construction certificate, along with OSHA Certification and work experience, and be given the opportunity to find gainful employment, significantly improving their futures.

TLC currently operates the Bull City YouthBuild program in Durham, NC, providing job training and educational opportunities for at-risk young adults in the inner-city. TLC is excited to provide this same service model for the Vance County region which will inject positive and productive energy into the lives of young adults.

“We are so excited to bring the nationally recognized YouthBuild brand to Henderson, North Carolina. The YouthBuild model opens up new funding opportunities for our Henderson programming and will allow us to take the next step in providing job training skills and employment opportunities for Henderson young adults,” said Laura Walters, President and CEO of the Triangle Literacy Council. “As we establish our program in Vance County, we will be creating new partnerships with existing programs which will better enhance the community.”

Henderson Youthbuild is funded in part by the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board and other funding opportunities on a national, regional and local level are being sought. The program is currently enrolling students in its second cohort. Interested participants should contact Roberta Freeman, Henderson YouthBuild Program Manager by phone at 252-204-2967 or via email at rfreeman@triangleliteracy.org, immediately for more information.

WIZS Note:

Freeman, who was on WIZS’ Town Talk program Wednesday, explained that the Triangle Literacy Council has been a part of a juvenile literacy program that has been in Vance County schools for two years now. “After careful consideration, and looking at the success of our YouthBuild program in the Durham area, the decision was made to bring the YouthBuild program to Vance County as well.”

While attending a four-year college or university is still a viable path to a successful career for many, Freeman said YouthBuild will allow local young people the chance to obtain their GED and “pick up a trade skill so they can further themselves in life.”

To hear today’s Town Talk interview with Freeman in its entirety, click here.

 

H-V Chamber Logo

Reminder: Application Deadline Quickly Approaching for Leadership-Vance 2019

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

It’s time to apply for Leadership Vance 2019! If you haven’t been through the Chamber’s Leadership-Vance program, you don’t want to miss the 2019 session.

Leadership Vance is a proven, structured program, designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in our community. Upon graduation, program participants will be qualified to meet the present and future challenges facing Henderson and Vance County.

Leadership Vance will inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills while learning about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.

Leadership Vance will encourage the development of interpersonal relationships among the participants and establish an ongoing resource network.

The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for volunteer civic and community positions. It will also benefit participants in their business and career goals.

Individuals who live or work in Vance County are invited to apply. A maximum of 25 participants will be chosen by the Leadership Vance Selection Committee and will be selected to represent all backgrounds, occupations and geographic areas of Vance County.

To receive maximum benefit from Leadership Vance, it is essential that participants and their employers be willing to commit the time necessary for successful completion of the program. A participant is expected to attend all sessions, barring extreme emergencies. A maximum of two excused absences are permitted in order to graduate from the Leadership Vance program. All participants are expected to plan and participate as a team in a community service project.

Program cost is $350 for Chamber members and $425 for non-Chamber members. The tuition fee includes all course materials, meals, retreat expenses, travel, graduation banquet and diploma.

All participants should submit a completed application to the Chamber office no later than Monday, January 7, 2019. Notifications will be made by Friday, January 18, 2019.

For more information, contact Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414 or by email at sandra@hendersonvance.org.

Overby Recognized as Rebuilding Hope’s First Outstanding Volunteer of the New Year

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

In over a decade of volunteering at Rebuilding Hope, Bill Overby has found a story behind each project.

“Over the years I have been involved in roofing jobs, steps and railings, floor repairs, and probably 50 or 60 ramps,” says the retired engineer. “I have come to realize that there is a story behind each one of these projects – often difficult and heart-rending stories.

“Understanding that helps remind me to reassure those we assist that Jesus loves them and is present even during their most difficult times.”

Bill began his service to the ministry when RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson spoke to the Baptist Men at West End Baptist Church (WEBC), where he was then a member. Soon after, a lady in the church needed a ramp.

Bill Overby named Rebuilding Hope’s January 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

“I called Randolph to get some direction about design, permitting and construction requirements,” he says. “After that initial experience, I supervised and hosted the WEBC youth for a DNow (Disciple Now) project and the rest is history.”

That history for Bill, a native and resident of Warren County, includes leading teams from various churches in projects, coordinating through assessment and construction of RHI efforts for Warren County and serving on the RHI board of directors.

“Initially, after retirement, I wanted some way to serve that would utilize my professional experience and training while affording opportunities for Christian fellowship and witness to the communities we serve.

“After hearing Randolph’s vision for sharing Christ while working to solve people’s physical needs, I realized God’s perfect timing and preparation for my retirement,” Bill says.

Because his mother was in a wheelchair for the last 15 years of her life, Bill says he had an up-close look at the difficulties that people with mobility problems encounter in their lives every day.

“I think that has given me a special desire to assist with those kinds of projects,” he says.

Special experiences for Bill include helping an amputee who couldn’t leave rehab because he couldn’t get in or out of his home; a 15-year-old who needed a ramp before he could get a wheelchair; an aged dialysis patient who had to navigate steps to go to her appointments; and an amputee on dialysis who lived alone and navigated chest-high steps at his home to get to therapy three times a week.

Bill encourages others to volunteer, “When we make ourselves available, the Lord will give us the abilities we need.”

A member of Enterprise Baptist Church in Littleton, he is director of the church’s Baptist Men’s ministry.

Bill and wife Linda have been married for 55 years and have one son.

In his leisure time, Bill volunteers for RHI and church projects and occasionally shows a 1965 Shelby Cobra that he built.

News 01/02/19

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Vance County Logo

Commissioner Hester Calls for New Study in Vance Co. Fire Redistricting Plan

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In response to a fire redistricting plan that includes switching the Vance County Fire Department and the Golden Belt Fire District to a volunteer company, no longer employing a fire chief in the county and moving existing paid staff to work at volunteer departments during the day, County Commissioner Tommy Hester told WIZS News by phone that he has major concerns.

“I don’t think it’s enough of a plan,” Hester said. “I feel you need a fire chief; the way it was proposed, it seems like they want to do away with the fire chief. That’s not a position they need to be doing away with. You need a leadership position. I’ve never heard of not having a fire chief.”

Another concern is the age of the study being quoted. “The study was done 10 years ago in 2008. Ten years ago versus where we are today is entirely different. I feel we need a professional from outside the county to give us their input,” said Hester.

Yet another concern, according to Hester, is that other locations around the state are doing the opposite of what’s currently being proposed in Vance County. Instead of focusing on volunteer efforts, other areas are increasing paid positions in an acknowledgment of the difficulty in recruiting unpaid staff.

Hester emphasized that a lot of hard work has been put into the present plan by the leadership in Vance County, but said he feels more information and research is needed. “I don’t want us moving in the wrong direction not having looked at all of the alternatives.”

It is unknown at this time how much hiring an outside consultant and conducting a study would cost, but Hester essentially makes the point that the price would be worth the knowledge obtained. “The bottom line is the more information you have, the better decision you can make.”

The Vance County Board of Commissioners’ next meeting will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

YMCA

Bench Press Fundraiser for Raegan Owen, Local Girl Battling Cancer

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-Information courtesy Harry Orr, Brick Power Team

A bench press contest fundraiser will be held for Raegan (Rae Rae) Owen, a local 10-year-old girl battling cancer, at the Henderson YMCA on Saturday, February 16, 2019. The meet starts at 12 p.m.; weigh-ins from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

$5 door charge for those over age 12. Entry fee is $40 for adults; $30 for teens. Trophies will be awarded for first and second place.

For more information, please email Harry Orr at horr2553@yahoo.com or call (252) 432-4196 and leave a message. All sponsors and volunteers are welcome!

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Foot Chase Breaks Outs When Suspect Flees Vance Co. Magistrate’s Office

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WIZS News was sending out a Facebook Live video this afternoon about record rainfall in the local area when suddenly part of a local law enforcement foot chase unfolded in front of the camera. WIZS staff witnessed at least two deputies pursuing the suspect on foot with their guns drawn.

According to an eyewitness, who was standing outside the Vance County Magistrate Office, a man fled the Magistrate’s Office on foot at about 3:10 p.m. on Friday, December 28.  According to the eyewitness, the suspect put himself into the position of nearly being struck by a Henderson Police Department vehicle while he was fleeing across Chestnut Street.

The eyewitness’ description of the suspect turned out to be spot on. WIZS News chose not to show the suspect on video as he was being returned to the Magistrate’s Office a short time later. He was, however, in plain view and easily seen.

Before 3:20 p.m. on Friday, the suspect was taken back into the Magistrate’s Office, meaning his flight, the pursuit and his capture and return all happened in less than 10 minutes of elapsed time. As it was, a uniformed person with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office was seen bringing the suspect into the Magistrate’s Office.

Shortly after the incident, Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame confirmed that the suspect was Orrie Williams who was being brought in to the Magistrate’s Office by his bail bondsman to review his bond. Upon hearing that his bond was set at $40,000, Williams fled the scene.

Williams was originally brought in for failure to appear on two outstanding warrants for arrest, including charges of Driving While Impaired, Breaking and Entering and Felony Larceny After Breaking and Entering.

Brame told WIZS News by phone that he was pleased with the “quick response and a good job by the deputies of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.”

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Fraud Prevention Tip, Courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page

Here is a Friday Fraud Prevention Tip courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office:

No law enforcement agency will ever require, demand, or request payment for anything via prepaid cards of any type. There are a limited number of circumstances where a deputy will accept money, but they are all face-to-face transactions that are accompanied by a civil process. We will never call you and allow you to pay your way out of a warrant with gift cards.

Unfortunately, we have had a repeated scam where someone will contact a target claiming to be Deputy So-and-so, telling the target that there is a warrant for missing Jury Duty or some other sort of reason. The scammer will use forceful language and attempt to coerce the target to go buy prepaid cards and read the numbers off the cards to them over the phone. They keep the target on the phone while they go to the store and purchase the cards. Once they get the numbers from the cards, they distribute the numbers to conspirators who go online and transfer the balance onto other prepaid cards. The funds are then laundered again, making them difficult to track.

The phone numbers they call from are usually “spoofed” using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) to appear to be local numbers. The numbers cannot be traced back to anyone because they are not “assigned” using a legitimate phone service.

News 12/28/18

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Calling All Youth: Audition Date Set for ‘Charlotte’s Web’

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-Information and image courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s Facebook page

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center announces that upcoming auditions for “Charlotte’s Web” will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Auditions will be held at McGregor Hall, 201 Breckenridge St., Henderson.

Directed by Jo Ellen Nowell, “Charlotte’s Web” is a stage play that will be performed at McGregor Hall April 5 – 7, 2019, featuring a cast with an age range of six through young adult.

Come audition for the roles of Charlotte, Wilbur, Fern, Templeton, the goose, the sheep and all your other favorites from the beloved book! All those auditioning will be asked to read lines from the script. No prepared pieces will be necessary.