The Local Skinny! Live Nativity At North Henderson Baptist Church

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Pastor Eddie Nutt invites the community to a live nativity presentation at North Henderson Baptist Church on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7.

There will be three presentations offered between 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. both nights – lasting just about a half hour each.

Most of the characters will be portrayed by children, Nutt said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! A narrator will read from the Gospels as the children act out the story of Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem.

This is the first time in several generations that the church has put on a live nativity. The idea was born when several church members had a desire to do something new for the community, Nutt said, “a different type of outreach to remind people of the true meaning of what Christmas is all about.”

There will be refreshments served – including fresh popcorn from a brand-new popcorn machine – and folks can come inside to shake off any winter chill in the air.

Nutt said it’s special to see church members who are willing to give their time to create a production like a live nativity. It shows they care for their community and they want to share the love of Jesus Christ, he added.

He admitted his relief that a real live donkey has been secured to take part in the live nativity.

“Because I was the closest thing they had until they got a real one,” he joked.

North Henderson Baptist Church is located at 1211 N. Garnett St.

 

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The Local Skinny! 3rd Annual Vance County Camp Meeting

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It’s called a camp meeting, but it’s not the type of camp meeting that Scott Matthews’s granddaddy Jesse held, always the week of the Fourth of July under a tent on the grounds of Forest Hill Baptist Church.

Back then, it could be 100 degrees, with 1,000 percent humidity, Matthews said, half joking half serious. “I can remember some hot days,” Matthews said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The third annual Vance County Camp Meeting will be held all next week in the comfortable surroundings of McGregor Hall, and Matthews said he couldn’t be happier to head back home to lead the gathering. Things kick off at 7 p.m. nightly on Monday, Dec. 2 and continue through Friday, Dec. 6.

A few years ago, several pastors encouraged Matthews to bring the camp meeting concept back to life. The first year, there were nine churches involved, he said, but last year’s camp meeting had close to two dozen pastors who attended on multiple nights.

Scott and wife Becky spend most of the year traveling the country preaching and singing as Matthews Family Ministries, which includes the couple’s two daughters. They recently returned from Phoenix, AZ and then turned around and headed to Jacksonville, FL.

“I’m just excited for everybody to come together, Becky said. “It’s always good to see everybody there in Henderson and just have a great week of worshipping the Lord.”

A 1000-seat climate-controlled auditorium in early December is the perfect venue to bring people from different churches and denominations to hear the nightly preaching and musical performances that will be offered.

The speakers “have no axes to grind, no agendas to push,” Scott said. They are interested in delivering “messages that encourage the people of God to do more for the cause of Christ right now is what these guys will bring. We’ll try to make it (McGregor Hall) a church every night,” Scott said. “Come on out and join us.”

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YMCA

Remember Henderson Family YMCA On ‘Giving Tuesday’ Dec.3

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The days following Thanksgiving are a retailer’s dream – slash – nightmare – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday.

But then comes Giving Tuesday, where the emphasis is not on retail so much as on ways to support local organizations. It’s a global day of giving that has come into its own as a way to provide support to causes that matter to you, the giver.

This year, the leadership at the Henderson Family YMCA invite its neighbors and community partners to donate on Giving Tuesday – Dec. 3, 2024 – to support the Y’s mission to provide programs and services that help individuals and families across Vance County and the surrounding area.

Director of Marketing and Operations Christina Miceli said, “Many people feel compelled to support an organization that provides vital services to all, especially in their local communities. The YMCA’s ability to create a sense of belonging and a healthy connected community – through afterschool care, summer camps, swimming lessons, fitness classes, or senior wellness – appeals to donors who want to make a tangible difference.”

A $100 donation, for example, equates to three swim lessons for a young person. A donation of $230 provides a family one month of after-school care for a child. And a $582 gift provides one adult a year-long membership with full access to all facility amenities, including the fitness center and the pool.

So whether it’s swim lessons, a workout in the weight room or water aerobics for senior adults, Miceli said the Y provides a wide assortment of programs and activities.

“When people see how their contributions can directly enhance lives and strengthen the community, the YMCA stands out as a truly worthy cause,” Miceli said.
“The YMCA means something different to everyone; it is truly what you make of it.”

For many, the Y is a place where young people learn how to swim, but also a place where they gain confidence, Miceli said. “For others, it’s a place where children can experience summer camp and embrace the gift of adventure. The Y is also a welcoming space for widows and widowers, providing the gift of connection and community during challenging times,” she said.

Teens can play basketball after school, strengthening their passion for sports and the value of teamwork.

“For our members, it’s a space to exercise and receive the gift of activity and health. And for those looking to make a difference, it’s a place to volunteer and participate, giving the gift of purpose and fulfillment,” Miceli added.

Through a variety of programs and partnerships, the local YMCA strives to create an inclusive environment that supports the health and well-being of all community members, Miceli said. That makes the Y a welcoming place for everyone.

With a focus on affordability, inclusivity and community outreach, the Y can be a place for the whole community to use and enjoy.

  • Financial Assistance: The Y offers financial assistance and discounted rates for youth programs, ensuring that low-income individuals and families can participate in memberships without financial barriers. This commitment allows more people to access the amenities and benefits of the Y.
  • Diverse Programming: The Y offers swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone can learn to swim safely. But there’s also a wide range of  fitness classes for people of all abilities, from beginners to advanced. The Y tailors programming for older adults, too, which includes social activities and educational workshops to promote healthy aging.
  • Community Collaboration: The Y collaborates with schools, nonprofits and community groups to expand its outreach. Free programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program, for example, helps participants lower their risk of type 2 diabetes, and the Y’s Safety Around Water initiative targets second graders in Vance County how to be safe around water.

Visit https://www.hendersonymca.org/ and click on the link to donate.

 

The Local Skinny! GRACE Ministries Prepares Big Thanksgiving Meal

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Bobby West said Saturday’s early Thanksgiving meal that GRACE Ministries and volunteers will be dishing up for the community is a way to feed people and nourish souls.

It will take “an army of volunteers,” West said, to prepare 2,000 plates at the 215 Crozier St. location, as well as deliver them to seven other sites across the county.

There will be pork loin and gravy, with all the trimmings, West said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! But those plates also come with a “side” of prayer, he added.

“Our goal is to pray with every meal delivered,” West said, whether those meals are getting picked up and delivered to shut-ins or just enjoyed by families who need a hot meal. “Prayer is shared with every plate,” he added.

“The most important thing is prayer,” West said, adding that it’s that prayer component the nourishes peoples’ souls. But he’s done this before, so he also knows that “the biggest thing is getting all that food ready” to be picked up by 11 a.m.

In addition to the GRACE Ministries location, plates will be available for pickup at the following locations:

  • West End Baptist Church, 619 Dabney Dr.
  • Room at the Cross, 235 Booth Ave.
  • Norlina Baptist Church, 402 Divison St., Norlina
  • Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.
  • Old Aycock gym, 2663 Vicksboro Rd.
  • Corner of Andrews Avenue and Water Street, near the standpipe
  • Grace Baptist Church, 1820 S. Clearview Dr.

The team of volunteers will fill 1,600 plates in about two hours’ time. “We couldn’t do it without the prayers and support” from across the community, he said. “We’ll get eight lines of people packing plates – it goes fast, too,” he added.

Working alongside other volunteers, whether old friends or new acquaintances, creates a humbling atmosphere for West and others at GRACE Ministries.

“You’re humbled and thankful that you can be a part of helping others,” he said. “We want to serve God any way we can.”

 

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NC State Board of Elections

Sossamon Files Protests To Results Of Nov. 5 Election As Recount Continues

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has filed protests with the Vance and Granville elections boards, citing that, at least in Vance County, votes were counted when, for a variety of reasons, they shouldn’t have been.

In an emergency meeting of the N.C. State Board of Elections, Sossamon was among four candidates from across the state whose protests were considered for review.

The three irregularities Sossamon is citing about the election results include:

  • counting ballots of voters who died before the Nov. 5 election;
  • incomplete voter registration information;
  • overseas voters whose ballots should not have been counted because they have not lived in the state

 

According to Paul Cox, general counsel of the state board of elections, Sossamon filed protests with Vance County and with Granville County. WIZS News has received a copy of the 4-page letter and three different letters of protest to Vance County on Wednesday afternoon from Phil Strach, Sossamon’s attorney with the law firm Nelson Mullins of Raleigh.

Among the documents accompanying the protest about incomplete information is a 7-page spreadsheet containing the names of inf more than 250 individuals in Vance County who needed to provide additional information to confirm voter registration – information like a driver’s license and the last 4 digits of a social security number.

WIZS News has asked the Granville County Board of Elections Director Tonya Burnette for information about the protests received in her office; we will update this news story when that information is available.

The state board adopted a draft proposal that basically states a county’s board of elections will be the first line of defense for the protests that are “fact-dependent,” leaving the state board to consider other types of protests to maintain uniformity and consistency across the state’s 100 counties.

“Right now, we’re just asking the counties to make a factual determination…to do a data analysis,” Hirsch told the board.

Protestors have by close of business Wednesday, Nov. 27 to file legal briefs; respondents – the other candidate in the four contests – must submit their briefs by close of business on Friday, Dec. 6.

The protest filings add yet another wrinkle to an already complicated and drawn-out process, now more than two weeks after the Nov. 5 general election. Sossamon currently trails challenger Bryan Cohn by 233 votes, but the protests bring into question the vote totals.

With the state canvass set for Tuesday, the board agreed Wednesday that the certification of statewide election results would take place – except for those with a pending recount, including the District 32 House seat that Sossamon currently holds.

As part of the county canvass process, the state generated lists sent out to county boards of elections as part of the review process to remove any ballots with irregularities – ballots cast by felons; ballots cast by voters who died before the Nov. 5 election date; and voters who had their registration denied or removed.

The state board will consider the other three categories of protests  – registered voters who are challenging eligibility, overseas or military ballots cast by a U.S. citizen and military/overseas citizen voters using absentee process to cast ballots without providing a photo ID –

in an effort to keep uniform and consistent the interpretation of election law across the state.

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library

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So far, Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters has resisted the urge to get the library festooned in red and green for that big December holiday – she said she wants Thanksgiving and Native Peoples Month to have their moments to shine, too.

In fact, next Tuesday afternoon’s activity will feature a story celebrating Native Peoples Month. Participants will surely enjoy the associated craft activity – making “corn” using pipe cleaners and beads.

Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, the library will surely shift its attention to December when thoughts turn to snowflakes and gingerbread men and Christmas decorations.

Peters invites folks of all ages to come out on the first official day of winter to the library’s “Winter Celebration” on Saturday, Dec. 21. Activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include make-and-take crafts for all ages, from kiddos and teens to adults.

And bring your photo-taking device to snap some family selfies in front of a beautiful holiday backdrop, she said.

There are plenty of activities before Dec. 21 to enjoy, too, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

For starters, there’s Pajama Story Time on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Then on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., bring the family to watch the film Polar Express while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling sweet treats.

Youngsters will enjoy hunting for hidden gingerbread people cookies around the library. No, they’re not edible – these are made of felt – but Peters said the children enjoyed looking for them hidden throughout the library.

Sometimes, you’ll find Peters or other library staff out in the community, too.

Visit the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on Saturday, Dec. 7 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a special Market Story Time, which may include decorating some gingerbread cookies that ARE edible, Peters said.

And then later that afternoon, the library will have a float commemorating its 100 year-anniversary in the Henderson Christmas Parade, which begins at 3 p.m.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn about all the programs and services the library offers.

 

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The Local Skinny! N.C. House District 32 Contest

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Incumbent N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has until noon tomorrow – Tuesday, Nov. 19 – to put the wheels in motion to call for a recount in the contest to retain his District 32 seat.

Both Vance and Granville’s boards of elections completed the canvass on Friday, Nov. 15 to certify results of the Nov. 5 general election, including the District 32 race, in which challenger Bryan Cohn holds a 233-vote lead over the incumbent Sossamon.

The N.C. State Board of Elections website lists vote totals as 21,213 for Cohn, a Democrat, and 20,980 for the Republican Sossamon. Cohn won handily in Vance County, taking 60.55 percent of the vote to Sossamon’s 37.26 percent; Sossamon won among Granville County voters by a 52.67 percent to 44.53 percent margin.

State law states that a recount can occur in non-statewide contests where the margin of victory is 1 percent or less of total votes cast. The 233-vote margin is .53 of 1 percent of the total vote.

“In contests under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Elections (including General Assembly seats in which the district lies in more than one county), the recount demand must be in writing and received by the State Board of Elections no later than noon on Tuesday, Nov. 19,” according to the state board of elections website.

There has been no indication about whether Sossamon will make a recount request.

The District 32 race is one of two key contests yet to be decided – the other is District 25 in Nash County – which will determine whether Republican keep their supermajority in the N.C. House.

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The Local Skinny! Henderson Police Department To Participate In CALEA Assessment

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– Press release from Henderson Police Dept. Capt. Chris Ball

The Henderson Police Department will have a site-based assessment in early December as part of the reaccreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The local police department has held accredited status since 2002.

The evaluation will take place Dec. 9-12, during which time a team of assessors will evaluate the department for adherence to national standards and will identify best practices related to life, health and safety procedures, according to information from Capt. Chris Ball of the Henderson Police Department.

There are 462 specific professional standards the department must comply with to achieve and maintain accreditation status. Reaccreditation is a thorough and demanding process, and successful completion demonstrates that policies, practices and procedures align with the highest levels of law enforcement professionalism.

Accreditation follows a four-year cycle, during which police departments like the HPD must maintain electronic records to prove compliance. The records are reviewed remotely each year, culminating in a site-based assessment in the fourth year.

As part of the process, the public is invited to submit feedback via the CALEA portal at http://cimrs2.calea.org/481.

The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as fostering the pursuit of professional excellence.

It is important to know that CALEA is not an investigatory body, and subsequently, the public portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes. Additionally, there will be no response other than acknowledgement to submissions; however, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with standards and the tenets of CALEA® Accreditation.

Standard titles may be viewed on the CALEA website: https://www.calea.org/node/11406. The Henderson Police Department participates in the advanced level of accreditation. Questions related to the accreditation process may be directed to the Accreditation Manager at bstrother@hendersonpd.nc.gov.

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The Local Skinny! Henderson City Council Takes $275K Loan To Purchase Embassy Block Property

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The Henderson City Council approved Tuesday taking a $275,000 loan to purchase property in the Embassy Block area of downtown to create extra parking and a “pocket” park.

Benchmark Community Bank will provide the five-year amortized loan. The council approved the purchase of the Embassy Block in the 2024-25 budget that was adopted in June 2024.

According to City Manager Terrell Blackmon, the property that the city will purchase is bounded by Young and Montgomery streets. It doesn’t include the part of the property that faces Garnett Street. It is where Falkner Building Supply was located, and is currently part of the McGregor Hall holdings.

The council also approved paying bilingual city employees up to $2,000 extra a year for language services they provide for city business transactions with customers whose first language is not English.

Blackmon told council members that the police department has five employees who fit the bill and there are several other city employees who currently help out when needed. At most, Blackmon estimated that it could mean an extra $20,000 in the budget. The languages needed most are Spanish, Arabic and American Sign Language, he noted.

Employees would have to demonstrate their proficiency by passing an exam; details were not provided about the type of exam that would be involved.

Information in the agenda packet stated that the “objective of the incentive is to establish and strengthen relationships with other communities where English is a second language and to provide language assistance  services on a consistent basis. Additionally, the incentive will be a source for future talent for various positions and retention of multilingual staff.”

The water fountain installation at Garnett and Charles streets will be named in honor of former mayor Eddie Ellington. Ellington was the 39th mayor of Henderson and served two terms from 2015-2023.

Blackmon said the city had fielded several calls from members of the community to request that Ellington be honored in some way. He said the city’s Public Works department will create a sign that will be placed at the water fountain with Ellington’s name on it.

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Home And Garden Show

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

  • Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Saturdays 8am-1pm. 
  • The Handcrafted Holiday Market is coming up at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Saturday, November 16th from 8am-2pm. 
  • Take your soil samples to the Vance County Cooperative Extension. Do it as soon as possible. 
  • You need to have your frost protection measures ready. 
  • Go through your cleanup orchard. Clean up those leaves and limbs. 
  • Remember to use personal protective equipment when doing chores in the fall. Eye and ear protection. Even sunscreen. Use a good pair of gloves. 
  • Leaf collection season is upon us. Compost your leaves. Don’t burn them. 
  • Winterize any of your sprayers. Garden hose and other sprayers that have water in them. Let the water out so that it will not freeze and damage that equipment. 

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536 

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