If You Have A Covid Vaccine Scheduled Tuesday, Call Now If You Haven’t Already

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The Warren County Health Department took to its Facebook page Sunday to issue what it tabbed an urgent Covid-19 vaccination update.

The bottom line is if you have a covid vaccine scheduled Tuesday at the Warren County Health Department, then you need to be calling immediately to reschedule.  This is especially true if you have not already been given a new appointment.

The organization’s Facebook post said:

Urgent COVID-19 Vaccination Update
If you or someone you know has an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccination on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Warren County Health Department, please call (252) 257-6039. We will not have vaccine available on that day and need to reschedule your appointment. If we have already given you a new appointment, you do not have to call. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Community Response Grants

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Triangle North Healthcare Foundation’s annual grant program opens today, Feb. 1, 2021. The Community Response Grants provide up to $20,000 to nonprofits, governmental and educational organizations for programming that responds to the effect COVID-19 has on families and communities, according to Val Short, the foundation’s executive director.

Organizations that serve counties in the Triangle North Region comprised of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties are eligible to submit applications, Short said in information provided to WIZS. Individuals are not eligible to submit an application.

Find the link to the grant application at www.tnhfoundation.org. New applicants must register for an account. Any organization interested in submitting a grant application should schedule a meeting with Triangle North Healthcare to discuss the project. Virtual meetings via Zoom will begin next week, Short said. Call TNH at 252.430.8532 to learn more about the grant process. Completed applications are due no later than July 31, 2021.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation began funding projects in 2013. To date, more than $2 million has been awarded to fund more than 80 health projects serving the four-county region.  The grants support programs in the focus areas of child well-being, chronic disease, mental health and substance use disorders, nutrition and physical fitness, and reproductive health.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is a regional healthcare grantmaking organization, established in November 2011 after the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center with the for-profit Duke LifePoint.  The foundation has been funded by an endowment that was created from the assets of the former nonprofit hospital.

VGCC Logo

New Production Technician Class; Real Skills, Better Pay, Certifications

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— press release

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce a new Production Technician program. The program is designed to provide fast, hands-on training to learn job skills in safety, math, quality practices, teamwork, communications, problem solving, production processes and basic bio-processing. Our 96-hour program will prepare workers to help increase productivity, performance, competitiveness and enhance value/profit. The program will start February 15 and runs for only 16 days.

Learn skills needed to be effective contributors in production operations and achieve credentials that get employers’ attention. If you are already in the industry, improve your performance and obtain a higher-paying job within the industry. The Production Technician program is a competency-based training program designed to provide students with enhanced career opportunities in manufacturing. Students will be introduced to the concepts of process improvements and emphasizing the importance of quality and its role in company profitability and job sustainability.

This course prepares people to enter careers as a production technician, machine operator, packaging machine operator, assembly-line worker or assembly-machine operator. Often, entry-level production technician positions are the starting point for a new employee to advance within the company.  In this role, you need to understand and perform tasks based upon setup or job sheets, processes and the use of technology. According to Career Coach, new workers could start around $41,000. Entry-level compensation typically varies between $30,000-$40,000 per year.

Students completing the course:

  • are guaranteed a job interview.
  • receive the North Carolina Manufacturing Certificate.
  • are certified as a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
  • are certified forklift operators.
  • are certified in OSHA 10 safety.

Tuition scholarships are available. Full scholarships will be provided to the first eight applicants.

Act now, because class capacity is limited. To register for this course, visit

https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/productiontech/.

Dale Folwell

Treasurer Folwell Recommends Improved COVID Vaccine Distribution Plan

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— from the office of North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell

For weeks North Carolina lagged behind much of the nation in administering the doses of COVID-19 vaccinations it received, and state Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, will outline the consequences of the state not being prepared for the rollout during his monthly “Ask Me Anything” conference call for members of the media on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

Treasurer Folwell is advocating for a “PPP” approach to execute rapid, efficient supply chain delivery. Rather than concentrating immunizations in local health departments and more expensive hospitals, he believes it makes greater sense to expand availability of the shots to primary care physicians, pediatricians and pharmacies – the three Ps that have been reliably and professionally administering vaccines for more than 100 years.

The Department of State Treasurer has amassed about 26,000 health care providers in the State Health Plan’s Clear Pricing Project network. Many of them are willing and qualified to provide the shots but state health officials have kept them on the sidelines.

The treasurer contends the shaky rollout likely is contributing to more deaths, will increase poverty because business lockdowns will remain in effect until the vaccines can be more widely administered to contain spread of the virus, and students will continue to fall further behind in their education and suffer increased mental health problems because most schools remain closed.

Another topic the treasurer will discuss is the potential community harm from the pending sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to health care giant Novant Health.

Treasurer Folwell contends the acquisition is the latest in a series of hospital consolidations that have inflicted negative consequences on North Carolina taxpayers and health care consumers. An article in Fortune magazine supported his position that increased hospital concentration and monopolies lead to higher costs, lower quality and decreased access. The article noted 74% of North Carolina general hospitals belong to mega-health care systems. Only three other states have a higher percentage.

SNOW Totals for Henderson and Vicinity; 5 INCHES

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A National Weather Service web page reporting snow totals shows that Henderson received 5 inches.

Oxford received 5 inches as well.  Littleton saw 5 inches.  Roxboro got 4.9.  RDU airport had 1.6.

Where did it snow the most in our area?  5.9 inches was the highest total according to the National Weather Service, and it was reported 3 miles WSW of Oxford along Lake Devin Road.

There is more snowy and icy weather in the forecast.  Some of the TV meteorologists have been talking about it already, and it does show up in the NWS forecast as well over the weekend.

Free Alzheimer’s Association Workshops in NC in February; Diagnosis, Care Plans, Living With

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The Alzheimer’s Association’s chapters in North Carolina are joining forces to host a three-part virtual education series on Wednesdays in February.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter and the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter will present different topics designed to help families learn more about the disease and how to help themselves and their family members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

According to a press release from the Alzheimer’s Association, the workshops are open to individuals who have received a recent diagnosis or are in the early stages of dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s. In addition, anyone interested in learning more about planning, resources, and services that are available may also attend.

There is no charge to attend the workshops, and participants can sign up for any or all three. Registration is required, however. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/NavigatingALZFeb2021 or call 1-800-272-3900.

“The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing and leads to many questions so this program is invaluable for recently diagnosed individuals and their care partners,” said Lisa Roberts, Executive Director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We want them to know that they are not alone and that we are here for them from the beginning of a diagnosis and throughout their journey with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.”

The first workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 from noon – 1:15 p.m. Dr. Mark Pippinger, a behavioral neurologist with Novant Health, will lead the session titled “Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis: What does this diagnosis mean?” and will help participants understand the disease and the diagnostic process, as well as symptoms and approaches to managing care with professionals.

The second workshop is scheduled for Feb. 17 from noon-1:15 p.m. A panel of experts will discuss care plans and care teams, as well as provide a legal and financial overview and how a diagnosis can affect relationships with family and friends. The program is titled “Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis: The Power of Planning” and panelists include Corinne Auman (family caregiving and aging expert), Alyssa Botte (psychotherapist in memory counseling), and Marjorie Brown (elder law attorney).

The final workshop is scheduled for Feb. 24, again from noon to 1:15 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisors will share their experiences of living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This workshop is titled “Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis: Live Well.”

According to statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association, 180,000 North Carolina residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 479,000 family members and friends provide unpaid care to their loved ones suffering from this disease. Visit http://www.alz.org/facts/ to learn more.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission, through accelerating global research and early detection, is to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The Eastern North Carolina chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 51 eastern North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900.

NCDOT

NCDOT Plans $4.5 Million in Resurfacing in Four County Area

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More than 70 miles of area roads are on the schedule to be resurfaced, according to information from the N.C. Department of Transportation. The cost of the four projects totals nearly $4.5 million.

The work is set to begin this summer and must be completed by August 2022, according to Marty Homan of the NC DOT communications office.

The largest project involves 27.9 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Granville and Vance counties. ST Wooten Corporation won the contract, which will include milling and resurfacing pavement and making shoulder improvements. Roads to see improvements include Fairport Road in Vance and Granville counties, and Belltown, Sanders and E. Tally Ho roads, all in Granville County.

Under a $700,414 contract, Fred Smith Company of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 16.3 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Granville, Vance and Warren counties. Roads slated for improvement include Plum Nutty, Ross Mill and Dick Faines roads in Vance County, Tar River Road in Granville County and Lady’s Lane in Warren County.

Roads in Franklin County will get similar improvements under a $663,670 contract with Whitehurst Paving of Richmond, Va. Almost 18 miles along Duke Memorial and Gardner roads will be improved.

In Person County, 8.1 miles along Zion Level Church Road/Skylark Drive, and Wagstaff, Royster-Clay and Ralph Winstead roads will be milled and resurfaced, as well as receive shoulder improvements under a $338,714 contract with Carolina Road Solutions of Center Valley, Pa.

Warren County Coop Extension has PPE for Farmers and Agriculture

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The Warren County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension has PPE supplies available for farmers and agricultural workers.

According to an email received by WIZS News, “Face mask and other PPE, such as hand sanitizer, are available through the Warren County Cooperative Extension for farmers and those in agricultural related fields.

“If you would like to be able to have some of these products, please contact the Warren County Center at (252) 257-3640.”

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Launches Community Response Fund

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Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has announced the launch of a Community Response Grant Fund, available to nonprofit, local government, and educational organizations, serving the counties of Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren.

The grants will fund relief and response programs related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  “With the continuing stress on our communities from the Pandemic, our local safety net organizations are struggling to make ends meet and respond to their clients’ needs.  We are pleased to announce the Foundation Board’s commitment to provide grants for community relief,” said Val Short, Executive Director.

Applications for grants up to $20,000 each will be accepted, beginning February 1, 2021. Applications will be reviewed quarterly and grants will be awarded in March, June, September, and December.  Through this Community Response program, recipients can receive up to four grants throughout the year.

The Community Response Grant application is now available at the Foundation’s online grant portal. A link to the grant portal is available at the website:   http://www.tnhfoundation.org   Applications will be accepted continuously now through September 1, 2021.

Virtual meetings with Foundation staff will be required prior to submitting an application.  To schedule a meeting, please call 252-430-8532.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is a regional healthcare grantmaking organization based in Henderson, established in November 2011, after the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center with the for-profit Duke LifePoint.  Funded by an endowment created from the assets of the former nonprofit hospital, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has invested over $2 million in over 80 programs in the region since beginning grantmaking in 2013.

(Press Release provided by Triangle North Healthcare Foundation)

Versatrim, NC Works, Kerr Tar COG Team Up for Virtual Hiring Event Tuesday

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A local manufacturing company is teaming up with NCWorks for a virtual hiring event scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Desiree Brooks, business services manager for the local workforce development board of Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, said Henderson manufacturer Versatrim is hiring for about 30 positions. Anyone interested in learning more about the available job opportunities should register for the event via a link on the Kerr-Tar Works Facebook page, Brooks said Monday during Town Talk. Find the link to the event at facebook.com/NCWorksKT. Participants can register up until 11 a.m., when the event begins.

Although this is a virtual event via Zoom, people without access to a computer may register to listen via telephone, Brooks said.

“It’s just like a job fair, but you’re sitting in the comfort of your home or wherever you are,” Brooks said. Some of the job openings include machine operators, packagers and customer services representatives, among others, she said. Versatrim, makers of laminate flooring and moldings, among other products, is located at 101 Eastern Minerals Road in Henderson.

Brooks and Jamie Cunningham shared details of the virtual event with Town Talk host John C. Rose.  Previously known as the Employment Security Commission, Cunningham described NCWorks as “a one-stop shop for North Carolina’s work force system.” Job-hunters can search for jobs, create résumés and find education and training, but it’s also a resource for employers to search for candidates and post job openings as well. Check it out online at www.NCWorks.gov.

Cunningham is operations manager for the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, a federally funded program that helps people who need to go back to school to upgrade their skills, or help them with find employment. “We have a lot of training opportunities that help people upgrade their skills,” she noted.

A Versatrim representative will inform the participants about what the company does, the jobs that are available, and the pay associated with those jobs. Participants also will have the chance to ask questions.

“This is the perfect opportunity for people to learn and hopefully be able to start their career with Versatrim,” Brooks said. Cunningham said a business service representative with NCWorks will also be taking part in the event and can answer questions about what NCWorks does. She said the possibility to partner with businesses allows NCWorks to help fund any additional training needed for an employee “to become that great employee.”

Each NCWorks career center is under the direction of a local workforce board, Cunningham said, and Kerr-Tar (Council of Governments) serves Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties.  The NCWorks Career Center offers job search support and assistance, including a computer resource center with copier, printer and faxing capabilities; career counseling and coaching; virtual job search workshops and scholarships for short-term training.

Contact the NCWorks career at 919-693-2686 for more information or to get help registering for the event.

If you would like to listen to the interview on TownTalk, click here.