TownTalk: Pink With Passion Focus On Cancer Survivors

/by

The second “Pink With A Passion” cancer walk planned for Saturday, April 15 in Warren County grew out of one woman’s desire to pay it forward.

Amena Wilson is president of the nonprofit group, which she founded after a 2017 breast cancer diagnosis – thus, the color in the organization’s name.

But Wilson told John C. Rose that she hopes there will be all colors associated with particular cancers present for the event, which will be held at the Warren County Rec Complex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It’s going to be “a day of celebration for patients, survivors, caregivers,” Wilson said on Wednesday’ TownTalk. There will be food trucks and vendors, as well as music and other entertainment throughout the day.

Walkers are encouraged to wear whatever color represents the cancer that has affected them or loved ones they’ve cared for. “It’s going to be a day with great meaning,” she said.

This event is NOT a fundraiser, Wilson emphasized; rather, it’s just a small way to show support and encouragement to cancer patients and to survivors.

And it’s not just for Warren County residents – “we welcome anybody, near and far…we would love to have you,” Wilson said.

Interested in being a vendor? There’s still time, Wilson said. Call her at 252.213.5735 to learn more.

Here are some common cancers and their colors:

  • Lung cancer: white
  • Brain cancer: grey
  • Breast cancer: pink
  • Liver cancer: emerald green
  • Lymphoma: lime green
  • Prostate cancer: light blue
  • Stomach cancer: periwinkle blue
  • Bone cancer: yellow
  • Leukemia: orange
  • Skin: black
  • Colon: dark blue

 

 

Red Cross Announces March Blood Drive Dates

/by

The American Red Cross has announced several opportunities to donate blood across the four-county area in March, which also marks the 80th annual observance of the national organization.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the original proclamation in 1943, but the American Red Cross was established more than 140 years ago by Clara Barton, a nurse who tended wounded soldiers during the Civil War. In 1869, she learned about the Red Cross during a trip to Switzerland and subsequently founded the American Red Cross in the United States.

Whether it’s donating blood, setting up emergency shelters and providing emotional support to those whose lives have been affected by storms, fires or other natural disasters, the American Red Cross honors the legacy of its founder.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in North Carolina rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of  American Red Cross North Carolina. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

If you can’t donate blood or platelets, you can always donate money or volunteer your time. Visit redcross.org to learn more. Later this month, on Mar. 22, the organization celebrates Red Cross Giving Day, a campaign designed to raise money to help provide shelter, food, relief items and support to individuals who have suffered disasters large or small.  Visit redcross.org/givingday to give.

Blood drives happen all year long, but when individuals donate blood, platelets or plasma in March, they will receive by email a $10 Visa prepaid card. And they also will be automatically entered for the chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card.

Consider signing up for one of the following local blood drives:

Vance County

  • Friday, Mar. 17: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Rd.
  • Thursday, Mar. 30: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville County

  • Friday, Mar. 24: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave., Creedmoor

Warren

  • Saturday, Mar. 11: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Reverend C.H. Building, 130 Saponi Trail, Warrenton

Franklin

  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd., Louisburg
  • Friday, Mar. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., State Employees Credit Union, 28 Burke Blvd., Louisburg

John Graham Gym to Close for 2 Months for Renovations

/by

Warren County officials have announced that the John Graham gym, located at 113 Wilcox St., Warrenton, will be closed beginning Monday, Mar. 6 as it undergoes some renovations.

The renovations are expected to take until June to complete, according to information from the county.

When the facility reopens, the completed improvements will include upgrades to the entrance of the gym, as well as installation of a backup generator and installation of air conditioning.

During this time, the public can utilize outdoor courts at Warren County Recreation Complex and Magnolia Ernest Recreation Complex.

In addition to the gym closing, the parks and recreation physical office will be closed next week to allow for renovations to its entrance. Individuals will still be able to call the parks and recreation office at 252.257.2272, even though the building will be closed to the public Mar. 6-10.

Registration for various programs and sports teams can be made in a couple of ways:

Registration at the parks and recreation office will resume Mar. 13, 2023.

Northeast Cattle Producers’ Meeting Mar. 17 In Warrenton

/by

The Northeast Regional beef conference is coming to Warren County next month to provide updates that are relevant and important to beef cattle producers.

Pregistration is requested by contacting your local livestock agent or by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-regional-beef-conference-tickets-543191308827?aff=erelexpmlt#search.

The meeting will be held on Mar. 17 from 1 p.m. to  4 p.m. at Sunrise Ridge Farm, located at 222 sunrise ridge farm Lane in Warrenton.

Lunch will be provided beginning at 12 noon, according to information from Matthew Place, Warren County livestock agent.

Among the topics to be discussed by area representatives include an overall industry update, as well as new VFD regulations, external parasite controls and various weaning scenarios.

A one-hour K,D, N and X pesticide credit will be available as well.

Contact Place at 252.257.3640 to register.

‘Got To Be NC’ Festival A Great Spot To Display – And View – Antique Farm Equipment

/by

If that old tractor that your granddaddy used all those years ago still runs, whether it’s that special shade of green or red or blue, there may be a spot for it during the upcoming Got to Be NC Festival later this spring.

Festival organizers say there’s still space for those farm-equipment items that hobbyists and others can display during the festival, scheduled to take place May 19-21 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

There also are booth spaces available for N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Got to Be NC members, independent vendors and concessionaires at the festival. Applications for all vendor locations are due by April 1.

The Got to Be NC Festival is a family-friendly event that highlights the best of North Carolina agriculture. Visitors can roam through the antique farm equipment, sample and purchase locally made products at the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace, enjoy the excitement of the carnival and relax to live music on an outdoor stage.

Registration forms and vendor applications are online at https://www.gottobencfestival.com/Vendors.htm

 

Warren 4-H Offers 8-Week Dairy Calf Project

/by

The Warren County 4-H program is sponsoring an eight-week dairy calf project for interested individuals and their families. Come out to an informational meeting on Mar. 9 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more.

The 2023 Dairy Calf Project pairs Jersey calves with 4-Hers for weekly sessions in preparation for a couple of upcoming livestock shows, said Matthew Place, Warren County cooperative extension livestock agent.

The meeting will be held at the cooperative extension office, 158 Rafters Lane, Warrenton.

Contact Place at mbplace@ncsu.edu for more information or call the office at 252.257.3640.

Warren County Native Returns – As County Attorney

/by

Warren County has a new county attorney, and she is set to begin her job next week.

The name Shiekel Richardson may ring a bell with Warren County residents – she is a native of Warren County and was graduated from Warren County Schools. She went on to get a bachelor’s in criminal justice and then a law degree from N.C. Central University, according to information from Charla Duncan, senior assistant to Warren County Manager Vincent Jones.

Richardson was appointed to the position last week at a specially called meeting that convened after the county board of commissioners’ annual strategic planning work session.

Richardson was admitted to the North Carolina Bar Association in January 2020. Her first day will be Feb. 28, 2023.

She previously worked for the town of Wake Forest as an assistant to Town Attorney Hassan Kingsberry. Kingsberry is the former Warren County attorney.

In addition to her work with the town of Wake Forest, Richardson has experience as a hearing officer for the N.C. Department of Commerce, working with the N.C. Employment Security Commission, Legal Aid of North Carolina and in private practice with the local law office of Stella D. Jones.

Board Chair Bertadean Baker said she welcomes Richardson back to Warren County. “With all the great things happening in Warren County, the board of commissioners and I are pleased that we have a Warren County native who has become an attorney, and has now chosen to serve the county where she received her start,” Baker said. “This is an outstanding example for the community and our students here in the county.”

Warren Parks And Rec Girls’ Volleyball Registration Open Until Mar. 15

/by

Registration for Warren County Parks and Recreation youth girls’ volleyball league is open now and runs through Mar. 15. The cost is $10.

The league is open to girls ages 9-18. Want to play volleyball AND softball? No problem – the parks and recreation staff will work with those participants who want to do both sports.

Register online at https://www.warrencountync.com/345/Parks-Recreation or stop by the parks and rec office in Warrenton on Wilcox Street Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

N.C. Cooperative Extension Scholarship Open For Those In Business-Related Field Of Study

/by

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association is accepting applications for the 2023 Herter-O’Neal Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students pursuing an associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree in a business-related field of study or who are enrolled in a diploma program that results in a degree. The statewide winner will be awarded $1,000 for tuition and/or books. District finalists will receive $250.

The Herter-O’Neal Scholarship is awarded each year to honor the work and dedication of Edith Herter and Frances O’Neal, founding members of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association.  NCCEAPA membership is comprised of North Carolina Cooperative Extension administrative assistants in 100 counties, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, N.C. State University and N.C.  A&T State University.

The application deadline is Mar. 10, 2023. All questions can be addressed to Granville County Cooperative Extension Administrative Assistant Gwen Rubio at gwen_rubio@ncsu.edu or 919-603-1350. Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off – with ATTN: Gwen Rubio written on the envelope – at the Granville Cooperative Extension and mailed or hand delivered to the Granville County  Cooperative Extension Office located at 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford, NC 27565.

Warren Co. Emergency Services Offers Training On A Variety Of Life-Saving Techniques

/by

Warren County Emergency Services will sponsor a day of training for anyone in the community who wants to learn how more about life-saving techniques, from CPR to Narcan.

The classes will repeat each hour throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chris Tucker will teach:

  • CPR basics
  • Proper use of an AED (automated external defibrillator)
  • How to administer Narcan in the event of an opioid overdose
  • Proper use of a “Stop the Bleed” kit

 

The training will take place at Warren County Emergency Services, located at 890 U.S. Hwy 158 bypass, Warrenton.

To learn more, contact Tucker at 252.257.1191 or by email at christucker@warrencountync.gov.