Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises – Sat, Jan 13
The following is a press release from McGregor Hall, not a paid advertisement.
New Play Coming To McGregor Hall Delves Into Issues Facing The African-American Family
‘Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises’ Debuts On McGregor Hall Stage On MLK Jr. Weekend With Promise To Entertain & Educate Audience
HENDERSON, N.C. — “Come out and support issues facing the African-American family during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,” declared Garrett Davis, the award-winning urban theatrical playwright who recently announced that his latest stage play, “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” is coming to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the play starts at 8 p.m.
The play delves into the role of men as fathers, according to Davis, who said the issue of a fatherless home has become “a widespread problem, especially in the black community.” Davis, who is not one to shy away from hard issues, further explained that the play “takes audience members on an emotional journey that stresses the importance of fathering.”
During the production, the character Jessie known as Pops (Chris Ross) wasn’t always there for his three sons; however, when he’s faced with the last days of his life due to cancer, he comes to realize he needs to do more to be a better parent while he still has time. The three sons include Junior (Kenneth Pierce, Sr.), Punkin (Devonte Wells) and Charles (Dartez Wright).
“Each role will entertain you with humor, singing and an honest message that’s especially fit for young men, fathers and mothers,” Davis said, adding that “Daddy’s Boys” also educates men about prostate cancer.
According to the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Furthermore, PHEN reports the African American prostate cancer incidence rate is 60 percent higher, and mortality rate 150 percent higher compared to any other racial or ethnic group.
According to Davis, one of the major contributors to the prostate cancer crisis is a lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease. “Knowledge is critical to surviving prostate cancer,” he advised, noting that black men need to know about the their risk level, early detection testing and treatment options. “‘Daddy’s Boys,’” he said, “aims to help educate African American men about prostate cancer.”
This is not the first time Davis has created a play with a mission to educate and advocate. His plays, “Mama’s Girls” and “Mama’s Girls 2” partnered with American Association of Retired Persons to launch the “Prepare to Care” project — a national outreach effort that raises the awareness of caregiving as well as with the American Diabetes Association.
Another production, “Forget Me Not” is more personal for Davis as it was written to provide closure for his real-life inability to cope with and care for his Grandma Goodness stricken with Alzheimer’s. His outreach, advocacy and awareness for Alzheimer’s led to successful partnerships with the US Against Alzheimer’s Network, Emory Hospital’s Brain Center and AstraZeneca that allows him to reach more people and make a difference in people’s lives. His partnership with Emory Hospital’s Brain Center successfully registered over 100 participants for clinical trials.
Davis explained, “I would hate for there to be a cure but it didn’t apply to us for lack of knowledge.” In addition, as U.S. Ambassador for the National Alzheimer’s Association, Davis learned more about the disease, and the regulatory laws as well as the platform to educate and further share the importance of the caregiver. He co-founded The African American Network Against Alzheimer’s with Honorary Co-Chairs former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, Rev. Al Sharpton, The Honorable Kay Coles James and Melody Barnes, formerly of the Obama Administration.
Davis’ brand of reality infotainment as he calls it, impact the way we learn, feel, think and live our best lives. For “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” he invites you to join others in the region for this life-changing message.
Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available.
Tickets 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. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.
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Vance County Food Giveaway Thurs, Jan 11, 2018
Vance County Food Giveaway Thurs, Jan 11, 2018
NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release – Wednesday, January 10,2018
From: Turner Pride, County Extension Director
Community agencies and the faith-based community have joined forces to help feed Vance County! On Thursday, January 11, 2018 the NC Central/Eastern Food Bank will be distributing bags of food to community members who are in need of food at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. with volunteers from various agencies from across the county. Citizens will receive disbursements using a drive through method, as bags will be bought to individual cars when citizens arrive at the site. Citizens are asked to not arrive until 10 a.m. and to refrain from lining up ahead of time blocking traffic. This project is being sponsored locally by St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Vance County Department of Social Services, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, and the Vance County USDA Farm Service Agency.
Vance County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
305 Young St.
Henderson, NC 27536
Phone:252-438-8188
City and County Leaders Vote to Demolish Abagayles Books Property
In the respective Vance County Commissioners and Henderson City Council meetings Monday night, the boards each voted to demolish the former Abagayles Books property on Garnett Street and that the effort would be jointly funded 50/50.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington indicated the council “moved ahead with that to joint fund with the county 50/50.”
Vance Commissioners Chairman Tommy Hester said, “Yes, we did approve.”
Monday night’s Vance Commissioners agenda packet, of which the entire agenda is available online by clicking here, indicated the properties committee met and reviewed quotes received to demolish the building at 405 South Garnett Street. The committee recommended its demolition.
The agenda packet information reads as follows on page 16 of the document:
“The committee met and discussed recent quotes received by the City of Henderson for demolition of the jointly owned Abagayles Books Building on Garnett Street. Previously the city and county considered adding a roof to the structure at a cost of $24,000 although a recent structural evaluation by an engineer determined significant repairs would be necessary inside of the building. The City land planning committee has recommended and the city council will be considering demolition of the building at their January 8th meeting. Recent quotes obtained for the demolition have a low bid of $18,000 plus an additional $500 to increase the liability insurance to 2 million. The county would cover 50% of the demolition cost from existing budgeted funds, or not to exceed $9,250 subject to approval from the City of Henderson. The committee discussed the potential presence of asbestos and recommended including an additional $5,000 as a contingency to cover 50% of any asbestos cost. An asbestos report completed since the committee meeting indicates no presence of asbestos, although a contingency is still advised. All county costs associated with the demolition would come from existing budgeted funds for joint property demolition and maintenance. The committee recommended proceeding with the demolition but requested that the adjoining building owner be notified of any responsibility for the shared wall following demolition. Also, the owner of the adjoining vacant lot has given permission for use of the lot for access during demolition. Recommendation: Approve demolition of the Abagayles Books building and authorize use of existing budgeted funds for 50% of the demolition cost or not to exceed $9,250 plus $5,000 as a contingency for asbestos abatement subject to approval from the City of Henderson.”
Henderson City Council Meeting 1-8-18
Update: 9 p.m.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington told WIZS News that the resolutions covered below “both passed unanimously.” Furthermore, he said, “The Department of Transportation came up with another $100,000 on the project.” He said he received the call today.
These two resolutions considered at Monday night’s meeting protect the historical aspects of the old First National Bank Building downtown and clear the way for a Beckford Drive widening project.
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In the agenda packet for the Henderson City Council meeting for 1-8-18, among other items, is consideration of a resolution for a First National Bank Building preservation easement downtown and the consideration of a resolution to amend the budget for a Beckford Drive widening project.
Several potential buyers had expressed an interest in purchasing the old First National Bank Building, but the offers were low.
City Manager Frank Frazier said, “Our land planning committee met and asked the staff to draw up some covenants to protect the integrity of that building. We wanted to make sure whatever was done, particularly with the outside of the building, to make sure that’s kept in tact and so forth.”
The City would love to see it restored and in private hands but also wants some guidelines to protect the historical nature of the building.
A City Council Action Form, which is also part of the agenda packet, said, “The City-owned First National Bank building is one of the most important structures in the City’s historical downtown district, which was established in 1987. Staff recommends that the building’s unique character be protected through restrictions placed in any deed used to transfer ownership.”
As to the matter of widening Beckford Drive, the portion up for consideration is from the front of the City Operations Center down to the next intersection near the Universal Commerce Center and the Social Security Administration office.
Frazier said, “It’s to widen from two lanes to three lanes to get a turn lane in there plus a sidewalk if funds are available. We got the money years ago through Congress really with a re-authorization bill. We’ve been working for years getting rights of way…We’re getting close to being able to go out to bid on the project.”
Henderson Man Arrested 1-5-18 on Drug Charges
Henderson Police Department Press Release:
On January 5th, 2018 members of the Henderson Police Department Special Response Team and Vice-Narcotics Section conducted a search warrant at 424 Thomas Street, Henderson after receiving complaints of drug sales. During the execution of the search warrant fifteen (15) grams of cocaine was located and seized. James Glover Jr, 46, of 424 Thomas Street, Henderson was arrested and charged with Felony PWIMSD Schedule II, and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling. He received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on January 16, 2018 in Vance County.
Authority: Chief Barrow
Body of Michael Bowes Found Near the Old Washout
The following press release from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White:
On Sunday, January 7, 2018, the body of Mr. Michael Bowes, age 46 of 650 Gun Club Road, Lot 6, Henderson, NC, was located.
He was found deceased inside of his vehicle at approximately 1 p.m. on a private farm path on Washout Road in the eastern corner of Vance County by a resident that lived nearby.
Mr. Bowes was reported missing on December 21, 2017.
Two individuals have been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with Bowes’ death.
John Jefferson, age 23 of 1507 Parham Street, Henderson, NC, was charged on January 7, 2018 along with Tynetta Mayfield, age 17, of Henderson, NC.
They are both currently in the Vance County Jail without bond.
Their court date is February 26, 2018. Other charges may be pending in this case.
ASPCA Grant Will Help Vance Animals
— courtesy of Vance County
Vance County Animal Services is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of a $7,865.00 anti-cruelty grant from the ASPCA.
The grant was applied for on September 30, 2017 and will be used for:
- Purchase more cases for cruelty case animals
- Purchase feeders for our pastures for our livestock cases
- Purchase hay ring for our pasture for our livestock cases
- Purchase water tanks for our pasture for our livestock cases
- Purchase lead lines/halters for our equine cases
- Purchase enrichment toys and supplies for our livestock
- Purchase a video camera for video footage of cruelty cases
- Purchase a camera and accessories for taking better pictures at our cruelty investigation
- To send two Animal Services Officers to Leti Cruelty Investigation School
These items would greatly improve our animal cruelty investigations by having the ability to take better, more detailed pictures and videos for a greater chance of an animal cruelty conviction. It would also help us provide appropriate care and housing for the animals in our custody. The enrichment toys will help us provide valuable socialization for livestock, which will increase their chances of getting adopted. These items are essential for us to provide the proper care.
Frankie Nobles
Chief of Vance County Animal Services
Vance County Animal Shelter
1243 Brodie Rd.
Henderson, NC 27537
Phone: 252-492-3136
https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/animal-control/
Check out our Animals on PetFinder: https://awos.petfinder.com/shelters/nc59.html
Like Us Up On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfVanceCountyAnimalShelter