‘Home for the Holidays’ to Help First Responders & Veterans Affected by Florence

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-Press Release, Carolina Loggers Association

When Hurricane Florence slammed into North Carolina on September 14, 2018, as a category 1 rainmaker, it was clear that damage to the already rain-soaked state would be immense. As the state continues the recovery process, two groups – the Carolina Loggers Association’s Logs for the Cause and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation’s United2gether – have joined forces with the St. Bernard Project (SBP) to help first responders and veterans impacted by the storm get one step closer to a Home for the Holidays.

“Every gift given through both the Logs for the Cause and United2gether campaigns between now and January 31, 2019, will go toward SBP’s efforts to rebuild homes for first responders and veterans throughout North Carolina who were impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said Ewell Smith, executive director of the Carolina Loggers Association. “While those affected have long since returned to work, the impact from this storm will be felt for years to come. The logging community in NC – one that was hit especially hard by the storm – is close-knit; we believe in giving back and paying it forward, and helping to kick-start the rebuilding process is the perfect place to start.”

“Recovery is a collaborative effort,” noted SBP co-founder and CEO Zack Rosenburg. “Through this partnership, SBP will be able to provide a predictable path home for disaster-impacted families of veterans and first responders in North Carolina. This is a great example of Americans rallying together for other citizens during times of great need.  We believe that this partnership is an example of the seldom discussed, but ever-present ties that bind us together.”

“Growing up in Eastern North Carolina and seeing first-hand the devastation of Hurricane Florence was heartbreaking,” commented Paige Keselowski. “Immediately following the storm, we created the United2gether campaign to support first responders in affected areas. Teaming up with the Carolina Loggers Association and SBP USA on the Home for the Holidays program is a great way for us to continue our support of first responders and veterans that are still dealing with the impact of the storm.”

The Home for the Holidays program is actively seeking building products partners to assist in the rebuilding efforts. Please contact Carolina Loggers Association executive director Ewell Smith at esmith@ncloggers.com for more information.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks Announces 2019 Winter Swim Lesson Schedule

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department announces its 2019 winter swim lesson schedule. Lessons will be held at the Aycock Recreation Center’s swimming pool each Saturday from January 5 – February 9, 2019.

Parent-Tot Swim Lessons (6 months – 3 years old) – This class introduces being in the water in a safe and friendly environment using games to learn basic swimming skills. Parents in the water with children.

Preschool Swim Lessons (3 – 5 years old) – This class introduces being in the water in a safe and friendly environment using games to learn basic swimming skills. Parents are not in the water with children.

Beginner Swim Lessons (5 – 13 years old) – This class teaches basic swimming skills.

Advance Swim Lessons (5 -14 years old) – This class includes gliding off the pool wall and rolling over onto front and back. A combination of arms and legs in stroke is required. This class will also introduce the breast and back stroke.

Adult Swim Lessons (14 years old and older) – This class teachers basic swimming skills.

Fee of $30 is due, along with completed registration form, by Thursday, January 3, 2019. Class instructor will be Tanya Edwards.

For more information, please contact Aquatics Program Supervisor Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 or email lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us.

 

News 12/04/18

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Curtis Brame Sworn In as Sheriff of Vance County

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(Audio of the entire swearing in ceremony, except the portion for deputies and other staff, can be heard by clicking here.  Sheriff Brame’s first remarks as Sheriff of Vance County are at the end.)

(Video of Sheriff Brame being sworn in and outgoing Sheriff White’s final remarks can be seen at facebook.com/wizsradio and by clicking here.)

Earlier today at the Vance County Courthouse, in a Superior Court Room filled with family, staff and community members, Curtis R. Brame was sworn in as Vance County’s newest sheriff.

Brame, who began his law enforcement career in 1983 as a Vance County deputy sheriff, has worked with three long-serving administrators, including Tommy McGhee, Thomas Breedlove and Peter White.

After a “long” campaign that saw him face-off in May’s primary against two fellow democratic candidates before facing Republican Charles Pulley and unaffiliated candidate Allen Simmons in November’s General Election, Brame was more than happy to celebrate his victory. “It’s been a journey,” said Brame. “This is a day to rejoice and we shall be glad.”

In a ceremony presided over by the Honorable J. Henry Banks, attendees were welcomed by Captain Weldon Bullock and received the Invocation from the Rev. Joann Kittrell.

Remarks were made by Attorney Paul Jerry Stainback, Rev. Dr. Walter Melvin Brame, Rev. Audrey Davis, Brame’s sister and Patrice Brame, Brame’s wife.

Clerk of Superior Court Henry Lee Gupton administered the public oath of office to Brame. Upon completion, Brame was congratulated by Gupton and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

In addition, an oath was administered to deputies, detention officers and the civilian staff of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

In his first official remarks as sheriff, Brame expressed his gratitude for the leadership of Sheriff Peter White and his pastor, Opie Terrell of Nutbush Baptist Church. He specifically thanked White and wife Gloria for their encouragement and support during his campaign.

Brame also addressed the need for unity and communication in the community and promised that he and his staff would have an open-door policy on listening to the concerns of citizens. “Let’s take back our community so our schools can be safe, neighborhoods can be safe and churches can be safe,” Brame said.

Closing remarks were made by Sheriff White who praised Brame’s work ethic. “I’ve known this young man for a long time and I know his work ethic is second to none,” White said. “This guy is work, but most of all, he has a heart for people. I believe his work ethic and his faith brought him to this position.”

“Vance County could not have done any better.”

Following White’s remarks, a benediction was led by Pastor Terrell. A reception followed in the courthouse’s multipurpose room.

Participate in the 2019 Vance Co. Polar Plunge and be ‘Freezin’ For A Reason’

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Vance County Special Olympics 2019 Polar Plunge will be held at the Satterwhite Point Glasshouse on Saturday, February 2, 2019. Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. that morning; jump begins at 10:30 a.m. Inclement weather date will be Saturday, February 9, 2019.

The Polar Plunge is an event for courageous participants willing to jump into Kerr Lake in the middle of the winter, all to support and raise funds for the Special Olympics of Vance County.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with others.

All donations earned from the Polar Plunge will go to support local athletes. Individuals are required to collect a minimum of $30 to participate.

Prizes will be given for best costume (individual and team); most money raised (individual and team); and largest team.

Every participant will receive a t-shirt. There is a limit of 250 participants.

Registration forms, along with donations, are due by Friday, January 4, 2019, to Crystal Allen at the Aycock Rec. Center. For more information on the Polar Plunge and the registration form, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or by email at callen@ci.henderson.nc.us

 

Faith Dove

Greater Ransom Way of the Cross to Serve Free Community Christmas Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Laura Thomas, Greater Ransom Way of the Cross Temple 

You are invited to a free Community Christmas Breakfast sponsored through the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen of Greater Ransom Way of the Cross Temple. Come and bring the family, a neighbor or a friend for a delicious hot breakfast on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Breakfast will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.

Pre-packed food bags containing non-perishable canned and dry goods will also be distributed – one bag per household. Intake process will be required to receive a food bag. The goal is to show God’s love to those in need.

The church is located at 90 South Lake Lodge Extension, off US 1 South, in Henderson. Call 252-492-1824 for more information.

H-V Rec. & Parks Youth Basketball Wait List Registration Deadline – Sat., Dec. 15

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Those interested in participating in youth basketball with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department have until Saturday, December 15, 2018, to register.

Leagues will include:

Boys and Girls Mighty Mite League – Ages 4-6

Boys Pee Wee, Midget, Junior and Senior Leagues – Ages 7-18

Girls Pee Wee, Midget Leagues – Ages 7-14

Ages are determined by January 1, 2019.

Cost to cover registration and insurance includes:

$40 for in-county residents

$30 for those who played baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball or football in the 2018 season

$60 for out-of-county residents

For more information, please contact Steve Osborne at (252) 438-2670; sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us or Victor Hunt at (252) 438-3408; vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 12/03/18

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NC Dept of Agriculture

Vance and Warren Counties May be Eligible for Agricultural Disaster Assistance

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-Press Release, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Farmers with damage from Tropical Storm Michael may be eligible for disaster assistance from the Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018. The $240 million bill approved today by the N.C. General Assembly would help farmers with storm damage and agricultural losses from both Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael.

The program will directly assist farmers who suffered losses to commodities planted but not harvested before Sept. 13, 2018, and livestock. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will administer the program.

“With only two weeks left in the sign-up period, farmers cannot afford to wait to sign up for assistance,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The application process takes about 30 minutes per farm and assistance is available through N.C. Cooperative Extension and the NCDA&CS disaster hotline at 1-866-6459403.”

The seven additional counties pending a federal disaster declaration include Avery, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Watauga and Yadkin counties. With this addition, 61 of the state’s 100 counties would have received either a primary Presidential or Secretarial-disaster declaration.

“Both Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael had significant impacts to agriculture,” said Troxler. “Without this immediate assistance, it will be difficult for many farmers to continue operations.”

Initial estimates for crop damage and livestock losses to North Carolina’s agriculture industry from Hurricane Florence are estimated at $1.1 billion.

To be eligible for assistance, farmers must sign up online by the Dec. 10 deadline. For more information, visit www.ncagr.gov/agriculturaldisasterprogram.

First of Six ‘Future Focus’ Sessions Held at AdVance Academy

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The first of six “Future Focus” sessions for juniors and seniors at AdVance Academy was held on November 28, with Dr. James Hunter, a certified counselor with Vance County Schools, as the featured speaker.

LaShawn Hawley, career placement specialist with the district’s Career and Technical Education Program, is coordinating the sessions.

Hunter is shown in the accompanying photo as he talks with students at the school about their career choices. He told them their strategies for future success should include: researching colleges and careers; building and maintaining support from others; planning; setting goals; and persevering through obstacles.

The remaining “Future Focus” sessions will be held once each month January through May and are designed to provide diverse guest speakers who can discuss with the students their future plans and how to enhance their chances of successfully getting into college and beginning their vocational careers.

Dr. James Hunter, a certified counselor with Vance County Schools, talks with students at AdVance Academy about their career choices. (Photo Credit: Vance County Schools)