MPH Volunteer Services April Fundraiser

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— submitted by Lisa Radford, MPH volunteer coordinator

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health announce their April fundraiser. The Masquerade Sale, where everything is $5.00, will be in the JT Church Classroom Wed. April, 18 (7am-4pm) and Thursday, April 19 (7am-2pm). Necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, rings, scarves, watches, bags and so much more. Come check it out. Something for everyone…come experience the FRENZY!

(This is not a paid advertisement.  However, Maria Parham Health is an advertising client of WIZS Radio and WIZS.com.)

West End Baptist

West End Community Watch Meeting 4-17-18

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— submitted by Claire Catherwood

The West End Community Watch meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17th, 6:30 p.m., at West End Baptist Church on Dabney Drive.  The speaker will be Dennis Jarvis, the new Director of the Economic Development Commission.  Law Enforcement will be present to hear concerns and report events.  All are invited. This watch group regularly meets with three other groups; Westover Terrace, Deepwood, & Shirley. We would like the newly formed Lynnhaven area watch group to join us for meetings. Anyone may attend our meetings, regardless of place of residence.

Veteran Actors Join VGCC Students In Cast For Sixth Annual Dinner Theater

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VGCC Dinner Theater — press release

Vance-Granville Community College students will be joined by veteran theater actors for the college’s sixth annual Dinner Theater production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical comedy, at the end of April.

A collaboration of Vance-Granville’s Drama and Culinary departments, the event is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. each evening in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. Tickets are being sold online for $30 each.

Among the veterans are Brian Westbrook of Durham, who is serving as guest musical director and choreographer while also playing the role of Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney; Andy Dickerson of Henderson, portraying Chip Tolentino; and Peyton Grissom of Oxford, who will portray Rona Lisa Peretti.

Westbrook, originally from Henderson, studied piano in Henderson under Angela Scott and Nella Holden and theater under the direction of Dwight Pearce. He spent nine years with Shadowbox Live in Columbus, Ohio, after studying piano at Appalachian State University. He worked as a band leader, vocal coach and choreographer in Ohio in addition to performing.

Since returning to North Carolina in 2010, Westbrook has been busy in the Triangle area as well as locally. He has served as a director for the Henderson Rec Players (HRP), a choreographer for Granville Little Theater (GLT) and has performed in several shows for the Raleigh Little Theater and Theater in the Park, as well as HRP, GLT and the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. Westbrook most recently played Corny Collins in McGregor’s production of “Hairspray.” His other roles include Lancelot in Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” Beadle Bamford in “Sweeney Todd” and Cosme McMoon in Theatre in the Park’s production of “Glorious!”

He currently works as a marketing manager for the Association of International Certified Public Accountants in Durham and, for the past six years, has been singing with the Duke Chapel Choir.

“I’m so pleased to have Brian work with us on music and choreography in addition to having him take a role in this production,” observed Betsy T. Henderson, director of this Dinner Theater production who also serves as the department chair for Fine Arts and Humanities at VGCC. “It is Brian’s deeply held belief that theater can and is a catalyst for positive change in the world. Brian’s appreciation of the talent and the passion that this area can boast in theater production gives us energy as we work to provide another outstanding live show for our community.”

Dickerson is a 20-year veteran of the Henderson Rec Players in addition to performances for GLT and Temple Theatre in Sanford. Grissom has performed with both HRP and GLT and currently is serving as a board member for Granville Little Theatre. Employed as a registered nurse at Duke University Hospital in Durham, she is an alumnus of Vance-Granville’s nursing program.

Among the students in the cast from VGCC, some of them dually enrolled at VGCC and Granville Early College High School (GECHS) or Vance County Early College High School (VCECHS), are sisters Allison Hines, a “super senior” at GECHS, and Samantha Hines, a junior at VCECHS, playing, respectively, Leaf Coneybear and Olive Ostrovsky; Brittney Patterson, portraying Logainne SchwartzandGrubeniere, in her last year at VCECHS; and VGCC students Nick Kurtz, who plays William Barfee; Blake Lee, portraying Vice Principal Douglas Panch; and Evan O’Geary, playing March Park.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a vibrant score by William Finn, this “bee” is one unforgettable experience, critics have said.

The action in the comedy centers on an eclectic group of six schoolchildren who are vying to win the coveted spelling bee championship. The tweens candidly disclose hilarious, and often touching, stories from their home lives while spelling their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.

For the occasion, Culinary Arts is preparing a menu featuring meatloaf and vegetables, chicken pot pie and a veggie pot pie in addition to salad and desserts.

Patrons are able to choose the table and specific seats they want at the same time that they buy tickets online. The online link to the ticketing service can be found at www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater on the college’s website.

— VGCC —

(Not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC President honors Cosmetology department

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VGCC Cosmetology — press release

The president of Vance-Granville Community College, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, recently recognized a group of faculty members for excellence by awarding the “Vanguard Cup” to the college’s Cosmetology department.

The department became the third recipient of the cup, an honor created by Dr. Williams to recognize “exceptional team performance toward the college mission, vision and strategic plan.”

In this case, the president lauded the Cosmetology faculty for their outstanding work on promoting student success on the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensure exam.

“In order to help students achieve professional success, the Cosmetology department set a goal of having 90% of its students pass the state board exam,” Dr. Williams noted. “With clear strategies to accomplish this, they initiated faculty professional development to better prepare students, training videos for students, online modules for student preparation, and a mock state exam review. As a result, this past year, the department exceeded the original goal and achieved a 100% passing rate across all four VGCC campuses.”

Members of the VGCC Cosmetology faculty pose with the “Vanguard Cup.” They include, from left, instructor Wallace Evans, Warren Campus coordinator/instructor Magnolia Terry, program head/instructor Tomeka Moss and Franklin Campus coordinator/instructor Tammy Johnson-Dudding. Other instructors for the program include Vivian Smith, Rhonda Gibbs, Linda Foster, Dorothy Godfrey, Nancy Jackson, Emily Coburn and Salina Alston. (VGCC photo)

The president added, “The Cosmetology faculty are to be commended for their creativity and their commitment. The education, inspiration and support that they provide empowers students to start rewarding careers.”

“We have an exceptionally dedicated team of instructors in the VGCC Cosmetology department who work really hard to ensure our students’ success,” said Program Head Tomeka Moss, who is also a graduate of the program. “Our program’s success is without a doubt a team effort, of which I am extremely proud.”

VGCC offers diploma and certificate programs in Cosmetology, along with a Cosmetology Instructor certificate program. These curriculum programs provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. Students develop their skills in a simulated salon environment at each VGCC campus, located in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. For more information, contact Tomeka Moss at (252) 738-3357.

–VGCC–

News 04/16/18

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Embrace Henderson This Saturday April 14

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The Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular is this Saturday, April 14. It will last from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Saddlerock Farms on Weldon’s Mill Road. This event is totally free to attend just as it has been since it’s inception. There will be inflatables, horse rides, live music, games, sno cones, popcorn and a special presentation of the greatest story every told. This is a family event, and it is a LOT of fun. Attendance including volunteers and youngsters has approached 1,000 people in recent years. This marks the 8th consecutive year for the Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular. Last year, the Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular was attended by 745 guests, 21 decisions for Christ and 130 volunteers worked the event.  Click the picture to the right.

 

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Narcan Kits Distributed in Vance Co. to Help Battle Opioid Crisis

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

Earlier this week, community members and leaders gathered at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson for a Town Hall meeting and to assemble Narcan kits, the treatment used to counteract a life-threatening opioid overdose.

A total of 700 kits, including a dose of the Narcan intranasal spray, were distributed to first responders, health departments, schools and interested community members in Vance and surrounding counties.

According to Elliot Clark, senior community executive with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, the organization is “helping to distribute Narcan kits and get people resources to be able to literally help save lives and encourage people to enter into treatment for opioid dependence.”

Narcan, the only FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, has been used to combat opioid overdoses, such as from heroin, for decades; however, it was previously available primarily through first responders. With the recent opioid crisis that has swept the nation, and proven especially hard-hitting in Vance County, the availability of the spray is becoming more wide-spread.

“Plenty of law enforcement agents are now carrying Narcan kits in their patrol cars,” said Clark. “They no longer have to wait for EMS to arrive in order to save a life.”

In addition to widely-distributing Narcan to prevent death from an opioid overdose, the local community is also ramping up efforts to promote prevention.

“It’s a community effort – not just one organization, not just first responders, or behavioral health professionals or schools; it’s all of us,” Clark said. “Education and awareness need to be at the forefront.”

According to Clark, County government is taking a very active role in addressing the health crisis. Multiple agencies have previously held, and continue to hold, community forums to discuss the crisis and educate the local area.

Initiatives such as Granville-Vance Public Health’s Project VIBRANT are focused on the opioid epidemic, specifically around the administration of Narcan. The Stepping Up Initiative that involves local law enforcement agents is also addressing the crisis.

“Prevention is hugely important and traditional methods of prevention need to revisited,” said Clark. “We need to start looking at prevention as a holistic health model and make it part of a conversation where even kids are comfortable talking about their mental health and how they are feeling.”

Cardinal Innovations is available by phone 24/7 for crisis support and treatment options. Those facing a crisis situation may call 1-800-939-5911 to speak with a licensed clinician.

(Cardinal Innovations Healthcare is an advertising client of WIZS Radio.)

Infinite Possibilities, Inc. Offers Support/Advocacy for Victims of Abuse

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

Infinite Possibilities, Inc, an advocacy group for victims of abuse, was recently on air to discuss the organization’s services and to announce upcoming events.

Founded in 2009 by CEO Kanika Turrentine, the agency provides advocacy, acts as a resource center and provides a safe haven for those who have been abused sexually or have experienced domestic violence.

The agency also provides legal advocacy by pairing court advocates with victims and working with legal aid to provide free legal representation. Hospital advocacy for victims of sexual abuse, counseling for all victims and assistance finding safe living arrangements are also provided.

With a staff of eight, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. serves victims in the five-county area, including Vance, Franklin, Warren, Granville and Halifax counties.

The agency may be reached by calling their 24-hour crisis line or in person at one of their office locations. In Vance County, the agency is located inside the Vance County Courthouse.

In fact, according to Turrentine, if a victim comes to the courthouse to file civil paperwork against their abuser, they will automatically be connected with an Infinite Possibilities, Inc. advocate.

Turrentine stresses that everything that is discussed is confidential and that staff will perform a danger assessment with the victim to determine what other agencies and departments may need to intervene.

Despite the stigma that victims of domestic and sexual violence are predominantly female, Turrentine reported that there are a fair number of male victims as well. “Domestic and sexual abuse is about power and control,” said Turrentine. “There are individuals of both genders who want to exhibit power and control over another person.”

Turrentine conservatively estimates that the agency helps 1,000 victims each year; however, this represents just a small number of those who experience abuse. “There are those who take the step and make the call, but then there are so many more who are suffering behind closed doors,” Turrentine said.

The agency measures the success of those they help by celebrating even the smallest of victories. “That step of someone actually calling the crisis line when they may have been in an abusive situation for 30 years – that’s success,” said Turrentine.

Other success stories are seen in victims who are able to find safe housing, secure employment, keep their children safe from harm and give back to their community.

“Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is just that,” Turrentine said. “There are no limits to the number of things you can accomplish when you have the right support system, the right knowledge and the right foundation.”

In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is hosting several events, including:

  • A sexual assault awareness presentation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 23 at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson and on Wednesday, April 25 at the Warren County Memorial Library. Participants may walk-through to receive information, meet advocates and ask questions. Both presentations will feature a Silent Witness Exhibit to honor the lives of those lost to abuse. The exhibit will include life-size wooden silhouettes of victims with name plaques.
  • Infinite Possibilities, Inc. encourages the community to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 25. This is a nationally recognized day for all community members to make a social statement by wearing jeans as a means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault and sexual assault victims.

To learn more about Infinite Possibilities, Inc., please visit their website at www.infinitepossibilitiesinc.com or call (252) 431-1926.

Rod Of God Comedy Show Scheduled For April 14

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— press release

GRANVILLE COUNTY LAWYER BRINGS HIS WORLD-FAMOUS ‘CLEAN COMEDY’ TO McGREGOR HALL STAGE

Rod Of God Comedy Show Scheduled For April 14

HENDERSON, N.C. —When you think of comedians these days, you often think of dirty jokes and dirty language. But, on Saturday April 14, 2018, you’ll laugh to some good-ole “clean comedy.” That’s when long-time Comedian Rodrick Allison performs his signature style of “clean comedy” at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson, N.C.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the comedy show starts at 8 p.m.

The Rod of God comedy show featuring Rodrick Allison is a Christian-based comedy show. Allison has performed throughout the world and on stage with legendary performers such as Gospel Artists Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and many more.

“You can be funny without being vulgar and a Christian without losing your sense of humor,” Allison proclaimed.

This “Attorney by Day and Comedian by Night Entertainer” runs a private law practice in Granville County, N.C., and uses comedy to inspire others. He graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1995 as class valedictorian and earned his law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998. In 2013, he was recognized by the NC Bar Association for his dual career in Comedy and Law.

Given his desire to spread the gift of laughter throughout the world, he has released two videos: “I’m Laughin’ In The Rain” and “Rod of God Comedy Live … Laughter Is Legal.” Allison also spends time mentoring others, performing on the trumpet and is a powerful, engaging motivational speaker with a unique ability to inspire and captivate his audience.

The Rod of God performance is the last of five performances in the Heritage! performance series ticket package.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.)

News 04/13/18

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