The Local Skinny! Fire Department Awards Ceremony

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The Henderson Fire Department recognized several of its own during a recent awards and commendation ceremony at Clearview Church.

Interim Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall said Justin Crowder, an engineer with the fire department received the firefighter of the year award and fellow engineer Justin Simmons received the Chief’s award.

Tyndall spoke with John C. Rose Wednesday, and his interview aired on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The banquet was held on Feb. 16, and Tyndall said all the award or commendation recipients are the direct result of the leadership of this department under Chief Steve Cordell. Cordell died last month after a battle with cancer.

“He made sure that everybody trained regularly,” Tyndall said of Cordell’s leadership style. “Safety was always at the top of his mind.”

Both Crowder and Simmons have accepted leadership roles within the department; Crowder fills in for the company officer as needed and Simmons participates in the department’s honor guard.

“He goes quietly about his business doing the job,” Tyndall said of Simmons.

Firefighters are constantly training and practicing the techniques that their job requires, and whether they’re getting time behind the wheel of a ladder truck or pulling hose to practice pumping operations, Tyndall said the firefighters are up to the task.

They must know their roles well in advance of arriving on the scene of an accident, fire or other emergency.

“Chain of command in the fire service is extremely important,” Tyndall noted. The battalion chief functions as the incident commander on a scene, and he’s got three company officers that report to him – two engines and a ladder truck. Each person must know his or her role to effectively work the scene.

Fire trucks are dispatched to emergencies that don’t always involve a fire, but firefighters often find themselves as first responders. Several newer firefighters were recognized for being good first responders and EMT personnel: Grayson Talbot, Jack Wilkinson and William Breedlove.

Tyndall said numerous lifesaving awards were given out as well to firefighters who provided a serious intervention to a victim to preserve life and health.

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Home And Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • Check all gardening equipment and do maintenance if needed. Ex wheelbarrow tires
  • Fertilize tall fescue, slow release, low P. Getting late for crabgrass preventer.
  • Read information on seed packs.
  • Get ready to prune fruit trees – 2/25, 10 am, Timberlake
  • If you need honeybees for pollination order asap.
  • Begin pruning evergreen shrubs.
  • Make sure when growing plants in doors that plants are getting enough light. Provide grow lights if needed.
  • Don’t be fooled by the warm weather, we are still at risk of frost or freezing. Hold off on planting warm season vegetables and flowers.
  • Cooperative Extension has excellent vegetable publications.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Library Youth Services Upcoming Programs

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Students in middle or high school are invited to take part in a “survival skills” workshop at the Perry Memorial Library, but the skills learned bear no resemblance to those of reality TV shows where you have to eat weird stuff or navigate deserted islands.

No, this month’s survival skills workshop involves sewing machines, said Melody Peters, the library’s youth services director.

Last month, participants learned how to sew on a button – if you stop by the library this afternoon, you’ll see the group sewing mittens, Peters told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Originally designed for youth in grades 6-8, Peters said the class is going to be opened up for high school students, too.

Next month’s project is making a shirt and then they’ll move on to making stuffed toys.

These basic skills used to be taught in home economics classes, if they weren’t taught by parents or grandparents, but Peters said offering the workshop at the library is just one way to interact with young people and help them feel successful.

“Education is your ticket,” Peters said, “but it can look differently for everybody.” Sometimes, kids just need a little help to learn those skills – like basic sewing – as they become more independent and self-reliant.

 

Next Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 4:30 p.m.,  the library programming shifts gears as it welcomes Mama Azia as part of African American History Month. This interactive event features music and storytelling, Peters said. “I’m so excited to see her engage our youth – it’s going to be amazing!”

 

Then, on Tuesday, Mar 7 at 4:30 p.m., the library will have another in a series of workshops called  “life hacks.” The March workshop will help young people begin the process of creating a resume.

“I want kids to be ahead of the game,” Peters said, to be prepared with a resume and choosing references when they go out in search of a summer job, for example.

Participants will get individualized attention from adults knowledgeable about building a resume and what it should include to be as effective as possible.

Peters said young people can have a document in their Google Drive, ready to send at a moment’s notice.

“You can do all of this mobile,” she said. So when kids are out and about and hear about a possible job opportunity, they can retrieve a resume virtually and can send it along to a prospective employer right away. The workshop will give young people a chance to practice interview skills.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ for details on all upcoming events and programs.

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The Local Skinny! JPAC Brings A Variety Of Entertainment To The Area

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Whether it’s the glam style of Cher or the allure of rescue dogs doing comical tricks, chances are the Jones Performing Arts Center at Louisburg College has something of interest.

Robert Poole, director of the JPAC, spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Monday on The Local Skinny! and listed all the upcoming performances scheduled at the venue.

After almost a year and a half of interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poole said “now we’re kind of back up and running.”

Next up is a show by Lisa McClowry, who “looks more like Cher than Cher does,” Poole said. McClowry is a professional singer who tours across the country as Cher, including the obligatory multiple costume changes during the evening’s concert.

The doors open at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for adults to $10 for children.

The “Rhythm of the Dance” is sure to delight, when the National Dance Company of Ireland takes the stage on Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Think Riverdance, Poole said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

The Royal National Dance Company from Tiblisi, Georgia, will perform a free concert titled “Fire of Georgia” on Mar. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will combine folk music from the Repubic of Georgia with classical dance elements. The doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m.

And you won’t want to miss Perondi’s Stunt Dogs on Sunday afternoon, April 16, Poole said.

This group of rescue dogs has been trained to do all sorts of tricks, from jumping through rings to dancing and long jumps. Tickets are on sale now for this show, which is being presented at a family-friendly time of 3 p.m. so parents can bring the kids for a fun-filled afternoon.

Visit https://www.jpacarts.com/ for a complete list of events, as well as ticket pricing and purchase options or call the box office Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 866.733.6354.

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Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

The Local Skinny! Recreation And Parks Dept. Gears Up For Spring

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The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Departments has a long list of sports programs that are gearing up for spring and beyond. Jamal Williams spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on The Local Skinny! to run down just a few of the opportunities for children from 4 years all the way through high school.

Basketball tryouts will be held this weekend for two age groups – youngsters in grades 3-6 are invited to come out to the former Eaton-Johnson gymnasium Friday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.; youth in grades 7-9 will have their tryouts on Sunday, Feb. 19 starting at 2 p.m.

There is no fee for this program – and Williams said young people simply need “to show up with a great attitude ready to learn.”

For some, especially the younger children, this may be their first taste of playing organized basketball. Williams said he hopes to be able to form several teams according to age to travel outside Vance County for tournaments or games with similar teams.

“It’s more than just rec league,” Williams said, adding that it will give the players a chance to compete and play at a higher level. “We definitely want to prepare them for the next level,” he added, including school teams.

Tutoring sessions also will be offered to those who make the team – keeping up grades is part of being on the team.

If basketball isn’t your child’s favorite, try soccer. Registration is open now for the rec department’s soccer program. Register online at XX or visit the rec center in person by Mar. 26. The in-county registration fee is $40; out-of-county registrants pay $60, but Williams said a fee waiver is available for eligible children. The soccer league is open to children between the ages of 4 and 18.

But it’s not ALL about the children, Williams said. An adult kickball league is forming for the first time this spring – “I think it’s going to be a fun time,” he said. Players must be over 18 and each team needs a minimum of 10 players. Sign up a whole group or join individually and get assigned to a team. Call the rec department for details about fees and schedules. The plan is to have five teams, Williams said.

T-ball is a sport for children ages 4-6, and it’s a good first step to get them ready for baseball and softball, Williams said.

Last year, more than 100 children signed up for t-ball alone, Williams said, and he hopes to have that many again this year. Getting older youth involved in sports is a goal as well.

It’s hard to compete with video games and other demands that children have these days, but participating in sports is so much more than physical activity and playing games.

Williams said participating in sports builds character, teaches leadership, helps young people make connections and meet new friends, just for starters.

To learn more, contact Williams at 252.438.3408 or jamalwilliams@henderson.nc.gov

Visit https://henderson.nc.gov/departments/recreation_and_parks for a complete list of programs.

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Home And Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • If growing plants in a greenhouse or cold frame when day temps are 70F higher you may need ventilation in your greenhouse or open the cold frame.
  • Fertilize tall fescue, slow release, low P, crabgrass preventer.
  • Record the dates you plant your seed.
  • Get ready to prune fruit trees – 2/25, 10 am, timberlake
  • When growing plants check soil media before watering.
  • Apply preemergent herbicide to flowerbeds.
  • Make sure when growing plants in doors that plants are getting enough light. Provide grow lights if needed.
  • Don’t be late in planting your cool season vegetables. Follow the schedule.
  • Cooperative Extension has excellent vegetable publications.
  • If growing transplants, fertilize every week or so with a water soluble fertilizer, or as foliage color indicates.

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The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Receives Awards

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For the third year in a row, Vance County Schools has brought home top honors for excellence in school communications, presented to school districts by the N.C. School Public Relations Association.

VCS earned a total of 16 Blue Ribbon awards for outstanding and effective

school public relations, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS director of communication and marketing. The local school district was one of 38 to receive honors at the ceremony held Friday, Feb. 10 in High Point.

“Vance County Schools was recognized in every Blue Ribbon Award category for exemplary work,” Sandlin said in a press statement. “This recognition is an honor for our entire district, as well as a testament to the hard work of our team and the collaboration between departments on a daily basis.”

One of its five gold awards came in the Marketing category and the entry “Center for Innovation: The Hub of Our Community” received a perfect score.

The other four gold award categories and their winning entries were:

  • Photography – Superintendent Bennett Reads Across the District
  • Electronic Media – Moving Forward in our Strategic Plan
  • Special Events and Programs – Business After Hours
  • Digital Media Engagement – Alumni Roll Call: Homecoming 2022

VCS received five silver awards in the following categories:

  • Special Events and Programs – Arts Alive 2022
  • Special Events and Programs – Honoring our Community Partnerships
  • Digital Media and Engagement – New Principal Announcements for the 2022-2023 School Year
  • Photography – Play hard. Laugh louder. Love bigger.
  • Publications- Visual Identity Across the District

VCS received six bronze awards in the following categories:

  • Excellence in Writing – Growing through Accountability
  • Image and Graphic Design – Vance County Schools: A Quick Glimpse
  • Image and Graphic Design – In the Know on the Road
  • Electronic Media: Polly C – A Unique Look at Policies
  • Special Events and Programs – Honoring Wayne Adcock: Auditorium Dedication

Representing Vance County Schools for NCSPRA, in addition to Sandlin, are Brielle Barrow, communications coordinator; Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, executive director of the Center for Innovation; and Kristen Jeffreys, digital learning and innovation specialist. NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 175 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, visit www.ncspra.org.

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The Local Skinny! Dogs Deserve Better To Hold Quarter Auction

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“Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont” is sponsoring its 3rd annual “Puppy Love” Quarter Auction later this month at The Barn at Vino in Stem.

This chapter of the nonprofit organization is based in Granville County, and it serves neighboring counties including Vance, Person, Wake and Franklin. Lucy Poynton joined WIZS’s Bill Harris Monday to launch a new segment of The Local Skinny! Called “Pets and People.”

The doors open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, Poynton said. There will be food trucks and vendors on hand in advance of the 7 p.m. auction start.

Tickets are $10, but if you’re interested in attending, don’t wait – 80 percent of the tickets have already been sold.

Poynton said she and her small band of volunteers have been working for the past 3 ½ years or so to help get dogs off tethers.

“We’d drive around and see a lot of outdoor, chained dogs,” she said. The money the group raises pays for materials to construct 10-foot by 20-foot kennels for the dogs, and other items like dog houses, straw for winter bedding and flea and tick collars.

She estimates that the organization has “unchained” close to 140 dogs, distributed hundreds of flea/tick collars and helped with urgent vet care, including spay/neuter, for 65 animals.

They occasionally will help provide spay/neuter services for cats as well, although the focus is on providing items for dogs – from kennels to toys – “anything to make their life a little better.”

The Barn at Vino is located at 3200 Bliss Trail, Stem, NC 27581.

Contact dddpiedmont@dogsdeservebetter.org to learn more

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The Local Skinny! Vance Co. Arts Council Celebrates Black History Month

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The Vance County Arts Council, in conjunction with McGregor Hall, invites the community to come out for an evening of musical entertainment to learn about the history of gospel music.

The show is free to the public and begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at McGregor Hall, and Vance County Arts Council Executive Director Alice Sallins said folks are in for a real treat.

“We’re so excited,” Sallins said. “We want people to come and behold this beautiful production.”

Sallins told WIZS’s Bill Harris that she couldn’t divulge too much about the show because it will be presented at other venues in addition to McGregor Hall.

Thanks to some grant funding, she said the Arts Council was able to bring in some top-quality perfomers and artists who will take the history of gospel music from its roots in call and response, field hollers and spirituals all the way up to its blending of blues and jazz that creates the familiar sound we know today.

“Thomas Dorsey combined those genres of music with spirituals he heard in church,” Sallins said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! “He came up with this moving music that cause people to clap their hands and move their bodies,” she said.

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