The Local Skinny! Elder Abuse Awareness Event Is Friday

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Join the Kerr Tar Region K Elder Abuse Conference and Walk on Friday, June 14 in Oxford to learn more about how to help senior adults, get them connected to services and protect them from unscrupulous scammers.

Kim Hawkins, regional ombudsman for KTCOG, said the event will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the campus of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. June 15 is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an observance that promotes awareness and understanding of the many forms of elder abuse and resources available to those at risk.

Elder abuse is defined as “an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological.”

More than 20 different agencies from across the Kerr-Tar’s five-county service area will be on site to showcase their services and to share resources with the community. Home health agencies, long-term facilities, family care homes and adult day programs all will be represented.

“There’s a variety of resources on hand so you can learn what’s available to you,” Hawkins said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The State Employees’ Credit Union will provide information about wills, trusts and estate planning, she said.

The agencies that are participating in the event are showing caregivers that they support the prevention of elder abuse, Hawkins said.

“We’re respecting them, keeping them safe and secure – it’s important to know who’s here on your side.”

There will be t-shirts, goodie bags and lunch provided, she said.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley joins leaders from the local, state and national level to highlight the importance of awareness and education.

“Respecting our elders is a core American value,” Easley stated in a press release. “But too many crooks see our seniors as targets for financial scams. We are prioritizing cases with elderly victims to help stop the frauds and cheats trying to rob our seniors. Learn the signs of elder fraud and abuse. Together, we can give our older generation the respect they deserve.”

Visit the Elder Justice Initiative page to learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts.

For more information about the KTCOG event,
contact Tyeisha Hewett with Granville County DSS at 919.693.1511 or
Kimberly Hawkins with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging at 252.436.2050.

 

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City Council Votes To Hike Property Tax Rate To 65 Cents Per $100 Valuation

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It was not a unanimous decision, but the Henderson City Council voted to increase the property tax rate per $100 valuation to 65 cents at its Monday meeting, just before adopting the FY 2024-25 budget totaling more than $47 million.

In the budget recommended by City Manager Terrell Blackmon on May 13, the tax rate was 55 cents per $100 valuation, which was 10 cents above the revenue-neutral rate. The new property tax rate is 20 cents above the revenue-neutral rate.

Council Member Tami Walker made the motion to increase the tax, which she said would bring in more than $2.5 million in additional tax revenue. Council Member Ola Thorpe-Cooper seconded the motion. Council members Sam Seifert and Garry Daeke cast no votes, and Council members Lamont Noel, Michael Venable, Geraldine Champion, Sara Coffey voted yes with Walker and Thorpe-Cooper.

Thorpe-Cooper made a motion to accept the budget, which totals $47,827,763.

The motion was seconded by Coffey, who joined via Zoom. In addition to Thorpe-Cooper and Coffey, yes votes were case by Seifert, Venable, Walker and Champion.

Daeke and Noel cast dissenting votes.

In another split decision, Council voted 5-3 to accept a $1,500 bonus for each Council member – already included in the recommended budget. The matter had been discussed in earlier budget work sessions, but Daeke and Seifert said they recalled that the money was to be used to pay for training.

Mayor Melissa Elliott insisted that the sum was called a bonus, which, if offered as such, couldn’t have stipulations for its use.

Council Member Venable made a motion, seconded by Champion, to provide a $1,500 bonus to all Council members. Noel, Seifert and Daeke voted no. Coffey, Venable, Thorpe-Cooper, Champion and Walker voted yes.

In a unanimous vote, Council members voted to proceed with the purchase of the Falkner property that is owned by McGregor Hall. The sale price is $255,000 plus closing costs, but the budget line item is for $275,000, Blackmon stated.

TownTalk: S.A.F.E. Highlights Secure Firearm Storage

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Gov. Roy Cooper’s recent proclamation to shine a light on gun safety awareness only lasted a week, but this weeklong public awareness observance serves to remind owners of firearms of the responsibilities they have to keep their guns out of the hands of children and criminals.

The N.C. Department of Public Safety hosted the second annual NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action from June 2-8 t in response to an increased number of gun thefts from vehicles and the alarming rate of firearm-related deaths and injuries of minors across the state.

The message from the S.A.F.E. call to action is straightforward: One simple step can make a lifesaving difference — lock up your firearms.

Capt. Chris Ball of the Henderson Police Department said licensed gun sellers and dealers are supposed to offer gun locks at the time of a firearms purchase, but anyone who needs one is welcome to stop by the police department and get one free of charge.

Distribution of gun locks is one of the things that this statewide initiative, now in its second year, provides to citizens through law enforcement agencies like the Henderson Police Department.

“It’s important that firearms are secured,” Ball said on Monday’s TownTalk. And you should never leave a firearm in your car, Ball said.

In 2022, more than 2,500 guns were stolen from vehicles across the state – those “smash-and-grab” crimes are bad enough, but gunowners who leave their weapons in their vehicles run the risk of having that weapon used in other crimes. Keep guns unloaded and ammunition stored away from where the firearms are stored, too, he added.

Record the serial number of your firearm, so the information will be readily available to share with law enforcement if you need to report the theft of or loss of a gun. Call 911 or the police department’s non-emergency number to file a report (252.438.4141).

Some gun safes use biometrics instead of traditional locks, and Ball said using a fingerprint instead of a key or punching in a combination may make access quicker.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame agrees that guns should be “out of reach and out of sight – they all need to be in a secure location at all times,” the sheriff noted.

Coincidentally, he and two staff members were in Raleigh Monday for a gun safety training, but he took a few minutes to highlight the need for safe storage of firearms.

Brame said he and other sheriffs across the state are fighting to have a recent law repealed that takes the issuance of gun permits out of the hands of the sheriff’s office.

He said sheriff’s offices have access to mental health and criminal files that can provide pertinent information about people requesting the permits.

Visit ncsafe.org to find a safety checklist and other resources.

Summertime Camps, Programs, Events For Young People

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-information courtesy of Vance County Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon

With school out now for kids in the area, parents and caregivers have plenty of options out there to keep from hearing those dreaded words: “There’s nothing to do – I’m bored.”

Vance Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon ran down a list of programs for youth, and many of them are free!

Take a look at some of the opportunities for young people:

  • June 17-21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Ag Summer Camp at VGCC South Campus in Creedmoor. This camp is free and open to rising 9th through 12th graders in Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties. Participants will need to bring their lunch daily. Contact Kelly Dixon at 252.482.4761 to learn more.
  • July 8-11, 9 a.m. to 12 noon – tennis at Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation, 127 Willow Creek Run. Youth between 5-18 years can come learn about tennis or hone their skills.
  • July 15-20, 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Tech Builders camp, in partnership with HubZone Technology Initiative. $10 per child for this STEM program for youth 8-18. They’ll learn how to build a mini computer.
  • July 27, 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Tea and Meditation – For ages 8-18, participants will learn about tea and how to calm their minds through meditation
  • July 22-24, 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Journey Into Science and Health Care – for youth 8-18 who want to explore opportunities within the health care field. Hands-on learning and who knows – maybe someone will discover a passion for science and working in health care!
  • July 29-31 – Ag Day Camp at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Beekeepers, master gardeners and producers will share their knowledge and love of agriculture with participants.

Visit the Vance County Cooperative Extension website to learn more about registering for the summer programs at https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/06/vance-county-4-h-summer-adventure/.

The Rev. William Brodie Receives Governor’s Service Award

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-information courtesy of the office of Rep. Frank Sossamon

Freedom Life Church of God pastor the Rev. William Brodie received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in a ceremony at the church on June 2.

Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award, which honors individuals and groups that embody the true spirit of volunteerism, making a significant impact through their selfless efforts, according to a press statement from Clai Keel from Sossamon’s office.

Brodie’s extensive volunteer work spans multiple roles and institutions and showcases his unwavering commitment to helping others, the statement read.

“It’s my hope and prayer that the good spirit of volunteerism displayed in Rev. William Brodie’s life will spread throughout our community and we’ll see an increase of people of all ages signing up to serve in some capacity in our community organizations,” Sossamon said.

In his role as a chaplain at Maria Parham Health, Brodie’s compassionate care and support provide comfort to patients and their families. His volunteerism extends to pastoral care at both Duke and UNC hospitals.

In addition to his work within healthcare facilities, Brodie dedicates his time to transporting local seniors to health appointments and ensures that military veterans have reliable transportation to and from the VA, reinforcing his commitment to serving those who have served our country.

Brodie’s volunteer efforts are not confined to health-related services, not by a long shot. His dedication to Freedom Life Church in Henderson is equally significant, where he continues to provide spiritual guidance and support. Moreover, Brodie is the proud founder and pastor of I Am My Brother’s Keeper Ministry, an organization dedicated to uplifting and assisting community members in need.

Brodie actively participates in community safety initiatives as well, such as volunteering for the Pinkston Street Community Watch and the Vance County Public Safety Task Force.

Lisa Radford, volunteer coordinator at Maria Parham Health, praised Brodie’s unwavering dedication, noting, “Mr. Brodie was one of the few pastors who continued to come to the hospital during the pandemic. He is known to always be dressed for success, wearing a fine suit and sometimes a matching fancy hat.”

Brodie’s remarkable volunteerism exemplifies the spirit of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, and his contributions have made a lasting positive impact on countless lives in the community.

Maria Parham Franklin’s Hope Benton Receives 2024 Mercy Award

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Information from Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications Coordinator 

A CNA II/Nurse Tech based at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg has received the 2024 Mercy Award for her exceptional dedication to healthcare, community service and advocacy.

Hope Benton is this year’s recipient of The Mercy Award, given to one employee at each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who touches the lives of others in profound ways and represents the spirit and values upon which the company was founded, according to information from Maria Parham’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator Donna Young.

 The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

Benton’s selection as the Mercy Award winner holds particular significance as she becomes the first Maria Parham Franklin-based recipient since the hospital’s reopening nearly six years ago as part of Maria Parham Health. Her commitment to restoring vital emergency services and addressing the region’s mental health crisis underscores her unwavering dedication to the community’s well-being.

From a young age, Benton said she felt a calling to healthcare, inspired by her family’s visits to local nursing homes. Her passion for helping others led to a 22-year career at a local assisted living facility, where she discovered her true vocation in healthcare.

As a highly skilled paramedic and now a nurse tech/CNA, Benton serves as a mentor and guide to her colleagues, earning a reputation as a go-to team member at Maria Parham Franklin. Known for her approachable demeanor and willingness to assist, she embodies the values of a star employee and Mercy Award recipient.

Beyond her clinical duties, Benton is an advocate for the hospital’s mission in the community, actively engaging in volunteer activities with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering partnerships and making a positive impact on community health initiatives.

Benton’s exceptional care extends to behavioral health patients in the Emergency Department, where she demonstrates uncommon empathy and compassion. Her dedication to preserving their dignity and well-being sets a standard for excellence in patient care.

“With such positive energy to serve our community and her home, Hope is making a difference in our health system daily,” said Bert Beard, CEO at Maria Parham Health. “Her unwavering commitment to compassionate care embodies the legacy of Scott Mercy, and we are proud to recognize her as our 2024 Mercy Award recipient.”

TownTalk: Crawford Focuses On ADHD For Children’s Book

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It’s a short book – only 35 pages – but author Fay Crawford said thinks it could have a lasting impact on those who read it or have it read to them.

“My Special Friend” is about a boy named Mikey who is diagnosed with ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – and what he learns about how he learns.

This is Crawford’s first book, but she said writing is something that she has always been pretty good at.

It’s a work of fiction that tackles a very real subject. “ADHD is real and it’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Crawford, a retired schoolteacher, said.

As a classroom teacher for more than 30 years (all of them spent at E.M. Rollins), no doubt she had her share of wiggly second-graders who just couldn’t keep their mind on their work or who had to have the instructions repeated because they just couldn’t pay close enough attention.

Teachers develop strategies and techniques to deal with any number of challenges in their classrooms, but Crawford said she wishes she’d known more about ADHD when she was still teaching.

Once she retired, she delved into research on the topic. “When I did the research, I learned so much – more than I knew when teaching,” she explained on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Without giving too much away, the storyline goes like this: Mikey is diagnosed with ADHD, but he comes to realize his ADHD doesn’t define who he is or what he can become, Crawford explained.

The target audience includes parents, teachers and young people. Children in the 3rd or 4th grade probably can read it independently, she said.

“There are so many children…with this diagnosis,” she said, and it’s important to know what it is and what it isn’t.

“During research, I discovered that ADHD is a brain disorder…children who have ADHD, there are differences in their brain development and brain activity.”

Children with ADHD have to learn how to use their brain – their “special friend” as Crawford refers to it – in a different way. It’s exactly what Mikey does in the story to win a contest.

She recalled a saying she heard from former Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson: “Different is not deficient – it’s just different.”

With a master’s degree in literacy, it’s no wonder that Crawford places such an emphasis on reading – or that she decided to write a book.

“Reading is so important,” she said. “You learn so much from reading – you can go places just from reading.”

Find “My Special Friend” on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/My-Special-Friend-Fay-Crawford/dp/B0CQNNTK75

If you’d like a signed copy, visit Shero Publishing at https://sheropublishing.com/

 

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Understanding Oil Viscosity

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For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

There are many brands of motor oil to choose from, but no matter which brand you choose, there’s one thing they all have in common: a combination of numbers and a letter that describes how thick the oil is – its viscosity.

The Society of Automotive Engineers came up with this combination, but how many of us know how to interpret that number – letter – number combination?

The staff at Advance Auto Parts can help you choose the correct engine oil for your needs, whether you’re shopping for your vehicle, lawn mowers or anything else that uses oil

Generally speaking, the lower the number, the lower the viscosity.

Let’s use 5W-30 as an example. This type of oil is used commonly in newer model vehicles.

The number before the W describes the thickness of the oil at low temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner the oil and the better that oil will perform when the engine is cold.

The number after the W describes the oil’s thickness when the engine’s warmed up. Higher numbers mean thicker oil viscosity, which provides better protection for high-heat or high-load uses.

Trust the staff at Advance Auto to help you choose the right product for your needs.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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