Nella Roo’s in Downtown Henderson, NC

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For the past couple of years, Heather Ruth Hodge has been putting things together to bring her to this place – both literally and figuratively.

Hodge’s family calls her “Roo,” and that’s half the name of her new boutique that has opened on Garnett Street. The first half of the boutique’s name is an homage to her grandmother, Nell, whose own business was situated in downtown Henderson near where Nella Roo’s is today.

Hodge was surrounded by family, friends and plenty of local well-wishers at the ribbon-cutting Thursday morning. The site of the former Carolina Bed Center at 319 S. Garnett St. now sports a different look, and it’s a welcome look for local officials who celebrate downtown revitalization efforts that bring in new businesses like Hodge’s.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Hodge recalled a couple of years ago when she “felt the spirit of the Lord” calling her back to her hometown. “I’m so excited to see where it can go and what it can become,” she said of Henderson and the whole downtown area.

— Click Play below to listen — 

Her grandmother, Nell Wiggins, owned Nell’s Boutique just a couple of doors down from Nella Roo’s in the late 1970’s and early ‘80s. Hodge said she is so happy when customers come in and tell her how much they loved shopping at Nell’s. “She was a huge inspiration for me,” Hodge said.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington said he remembered going to Nell’s with his mom when he was a child and getting into a little bit of trouble for his behavior. But, he said, Nell told his mom it was ok, he was just having a little fun.

Leo Kelly, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, said he remembers Wiggins as an artist. He said he planned to bring one of her pieces – a painting on slate – for Hodge to hang at her new store.

“I think this gives new life to downtown,” Kelly said, adding that Nella Roo’s will serve to draw other businesses to Garnett Street storefronts.

“You’re our catalyst, our leader,” said Tracy Madigan with the Downtown Development Commission. New businesses serve to increase pride in the downtown area, and Madigan said people who own buildings downtown are wanting to fix them up to further improve the area.

Chamber Board Chair Ronald Bennett said things are looking up for Henderson. “Henderson’s coming back,” Bennett said. “Thank YOU for choosing to come back.”

Visit https://www.nellaroos.com/ to learn more.

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The Local Skinny! Home & Garden Show

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

THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN

  • Fall garden planting time is now
  • Garden food safety tip 1: Wash your hands before harvesting your garden.
  • Control weeds before they seed out
  • Garden food safety tip 2: Keep pets and wildlife out of the garden.
  • With recent rains your garden soil maybe too wet to work
  • Garden food safety tip 3: If you use manure, apply it in the fall so it has time to break down.
  • Avoid the rush and start taking your soil samples now!
  • Garden food safety tip 4: Washing produce doesn’t eliminate contamination. Prevention is the key.
  • When going on vacation, have someone harvest your vegetables for you. Let them have the vegetables.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 08-16-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 16, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

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Business Name – Holy Innocents Episcopal Church

Job Opening –  Preschool Program at Holy Innocents is hiring.  Looking for 2 individuals to lead the 2-year and 3-year classrooms.  Monday-Friday from 8:15 am – 12:15 pm, beginning September 6th.

How To Apply – Contact Crystal for more information at 252-430-9604 or hinnocentspreschool@gmail.com

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Business Name – Carolina Sunrock – Kittrell, NC Plant

Job Opening –  Opening for a Plant Utility Person. Responsible for general housekeeping and maintenance of the plant.  Benefits include paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays. In this position routine duties are performed with minimal supervision. Standard practices or procedures allow the employee to proceed alone at routine work. Good judgment and common sense is required in all duties and any other tasks assigned. Normal work hours are 7:00 am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday with weekend hours as needed.

How To Apply – Apply at https://jobsearcher.com/c/carolina-sunrock or at www.indeed.com

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Business Name – Maria Parham Health

Job Opening –  Hiring for a Women’s Health Administrative Assistant.  Full-time. Performs receptionist, registration, and clerical duties associated with and scheduled patient admissions.  High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate’s degree in Secretarial Science preferred.  Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://lifepoint.taleo.net/careersection.  Or apply at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name – Schewels Furniture Company

Job Opening –  Hiring for an Office Associate.  Part-time or Full-time.  Hiring immediately for individual with a pleasing personality, a team player who responds well to pressure. Has the ability to effectively deal with the public.  Must be efficient working with numbers and the handling of monies.  Needs the ability to accurately maintain a cash drawer with no significant problems. Must have demonstrated skills in typing, use of computer and various other office machines. Complete the terms on a charge sale, process cash sale transactions, and answer the telephone and use the intercom in a professional manner.

How To Apply – Apply at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name – Eckerd Connects

Job Opening –  Youth Counselors are desperately needed!  Eckerd Connects is a Manson, NC at-risk girl’s camp (ages 13-17). The girls are court ordered to be there and they need strong role models and positive guidance.  Applicants need to have a high school diploma and at least 2-years experience working with youth, counseling, or non-profit, such as a daycare, coaching, or homeless shelters.  Or a degree in any type of Human Service or Social Service field.

How To Apply – Contact Lorena Marquez, Recruiter for more information or send your resume to lmarquez@eckerd.org.  828-358-8895.

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Business Name – Truist Bank (former BB& T Bank) – Dabney Drive in Henderson

Job Opening –  Senior Relationship Banker.  Requires previous banking experience.  Full-Time.  Monday – Friday.  Benefit Package. Applicants need excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a desire to interact with clients and prospects.  Demonstrated proficiency in basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office.

How To Apply – https://careers.truist.com/job/16401950/sr-relationship-banker-henderson-main-henderson-nc.  Questions, contact April Alston, Branch Manager.

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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The Local Skinny! Business Spotlight Shines On Autobrite Car Wash

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AutoBrite Car Washes Inc.’s location on North Cooper Drive features touchless washes, but Manager Patrick “Bubba” Glosson said there are a few extra features that make the business special.

Glosson spoke with John C. Rose on Monday’s Business Spotlight segment of The Local Skinny! and discussed how things are going so far.

They’ve been open for about four months, and patrons who bring their vehicles choose from four different wash packages – $10, $15, $20 and $25 – and then there’s the $40/month “Wash Club,” which allows customers to come every day if they choose.

All the selections include free use of the vacuums, Glosson said. “Anything you left under the seat, it will grab,” he said, adding that the vacuums are self-serve. There also are cloths and window cleaner available at the vacuum stations for patrons to use.

The only hands-on part of the whole process, he said, occurs before the actual wash. “We prep every car,” he said, “to remove mud, bugs – stuff like that. We try to get it off before it enters the wash.”

Glosson said he enjoys working with customers and he and staff are ready to help folks choose the type of wash that best suits their needs. And customers? “They see it’s a simple process and they love it,” he said.

“Prepping the cars is pretty fun,” he said, and admitted that he gets special satisfaction from helping to clean up vehicles that really muddy or that have been left sitting under trees for a while.

Once the pre-wash prep is complete, customers drive into the wash bay area, slip the vehicle into neutral, and the automated process takes care of the rest.

“The brushes are really soft…like a neoprene fabric, (and) hold no water, hold no dirt,” Glosson said, which helps to protect paint finishes on new cars and on older ones, too.

Glosson said he’s seen brand-new Corvettes pull in for a wash, and he’s also seen 60’s model Chevrolet trucks come in, too.

“Older or newer, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

AutoBrite Car Washes, Inc. is owned by Thomas Howell; Melanie Hutson is vice president.

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Aug. 13 Franklin Freedom Fest Features Dave Bray USA

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Franklin Freedom Fest, a fundraiser for Congressional candidate Sandy Smith, is scheduled for Saturday and participants can take part in a full range of activities through the afternoon and into the evening – from a pig pickin’ to cannon shooting and an open gun range.

The event begins at 3 p.m. at 1770 Seven Paths Rd., Louisburg. Music by Dave Bray USA will begin at 7 p.m.

“We’re hoping to pump up the audience in Louisburg,” Bray told John C. Rose on Thursday’s The Local Skinny!

Smith, a Republican, is running for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield. She faces Donald Davis in the November election. Tickets for the Aug. 13 Freedom Fest are $25.

Bray is a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. He said he’d love to see “some uniforms out there,” referring to the concert audience.

His love for singing and music began early, with church choirs as a child and then garage bands in high school. Even when he was active duty, he said he continued to write music.

He said music can help veterans struggling with emotional scars like post-traumatic stress through creative expression. He said he considers his music career, through which he pays tribute to those who are or were in the military, to be a continuation of his own service to his country.

“Bring your flags, bring your guns…let’s have a good time,” Bray said.

Visit https://www.davebrayusa.com/ to learn more.

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Home And Garden Show

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

Paul McKenzie of the Vance County Extension Service and guest Johnny Coley of Warren County Extension Service discuss paw paws.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 08-09-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 9, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

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Business Name – Central Baptist Church

Job Opening –  Hiring now for a part-time Secretary.  20-25 hours per week.

How To Apply – Email your resume to hal.muetzel@expresspros.com

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Business Name – GFL Environmental (Waste Industries)

Job Opening –  Scalehouse Operator – Full-time clerical position open for Henderson, NC location. Applicants responsible for the scaling of all trucks that enter the landfill or transfer station while providing efficient, courteous customer service. Must have a High School Diploma or general education degree (GED), with 1-3 months related experience and/or training preferred.

How To Apply – Apply at https://gflenv.com (under careers tab) or apply online at Indeed.com.

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Business Name – Vance County Public Schools

Job Opening –  Vance County Schools is hiring now for Music Teachers and Band Directors.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.  Or email resume to Mr. Andrew Markoch at mmarkoch@vcs.k12.nc.us.

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Business Name – Sadie’s Coffee Corner

Job Opening –  Part-time employee opening for responsible applicants, 18 years old or older.  Must be very personable, with good communication skills, and a strong team player.   Must be able to work a flexible schedule including night hours and Saturdays.

How To Apply – Fill out application online at https://www.sadiescoffeecorner.com/ and click on join our team tab or drop by 324 South Garnett Street in downtown Henderson, NC and see Dee.

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Business Name – The Sunrock Group

Job Opening –  Hiring now for and training safety-minded individuals for long term career opportunities.  Immediate openings with Sunrock rock quarries, asphalt plants, concrete plants, maintenance shop, quality control, paving, grading, and trucking. All open positions are local to the region.  Full benefits package available.

How To Apply – Apply online https://www.thesunrockgroup.com/careers/career-opportunities/.

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Business Name – Vance-Franklin-Warren Opportunity

Job Opening –  Hiring now for Weatherization Energy Auditor/QCI Inspector.

How To Apply – Apply through NC Works, at their office, located on South Garnett Street, at the corner of Belle Street (former Bank of America Bank building) or online at www.ncworks.gov.

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Business Name – JR’s Restaurant 39

Job Opening –  Looking to hire a dishwasher for the hours of 8 am – 2 pm, Tuesday-Friday.  Also hiring for waitresses and a fryer cook (4 pm – closing between 9-10 pm)

How To Apply – Apply in person at JR’s Restaurant 39 at their Crossroads Shopping Center location, located on West Andrews Avenue (Hwy 39 North) beside the DMV office.

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Business Name – Maria Parham Health

Job Opening – Athletic Trainer.  Position will provide clinical outreach at local high school.  $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates.

How To Apply – Apply online at MariaParham.com/Careers

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Business Name – Autobrite Car Washes/Autobrite Express

Job Opening – New Team Members Wanted. Car Wash Attendants, Full and Part-time positions open.

How To Apply – Inquire at business, located at 211 North Cooper Drive in Henderson, Apply online at https://www.autobritecarwashes.com/.

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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Vance County Courthouse

Juror Shortage Prompts More Summonses In More Citizens’ Mailboxes

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COVID-19 has been blamed for everything from global supply chain problems to schoolchildren’s lagging academic achievement. And Vance Clerk of Superior Court Henry Gupton said the current lack of jurors for local trials could also be blamed on the virus.

Gupton told WIZS News Friday that for the next five Mondays, the juror pool will bump up to 150 people receiving notices to show up to court for possible jury selection.

“We didn’t have enough Monday a week ago,” Gupton said. Of the 106 summonses that were sent, only 38 people showed up. Some of that number, he said, were excused for medical or other reasons of hardship. “But of those not excused, 38 showed up.”

The summons is not something to ignore, and Gupton said resident Superior Court Judge Cynthia Sturges could step up the process to find out why folks aren’t showing up.

“She’s contemplating how she wants to handle it,” Gupton said, adding that a decision hasn’t been reached yet.

A capital murder trial is slated to begin in Vance County on Sept. 26, but there has to be a sufficient jury pool from which to select a jury. Gupton said the jury selection process could be extended to the first two weeks in September.

“How are we going to administer justice if we don’t have jurors to do it?” Gupton asked.

Sheriff’s deputies could come knocking on your door to find out why you didn’t comply with the summons to appear for jury selection.

“We’ve got to get jurors, there’s no question about that, we’ve got to get jurors,” he said.

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The Local Skinny! Immunizations For Children Returning To School

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-information courtesy of N.C. Department of Health and Human Services

As children across North Carolina head back to school this month, the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life.

Whether children are homeschooled or attend a public, private, charter or religious school, state laws require they stay up-to-date for certain vaccinations based on their age, as recommended by the CDC.

Gov.Roy Cooper also proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina. Alongside the proclamation, the NCDHHS is partnering with health care providers and stakeholders in a statewide awareness campaign to help ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Following CDC recommendations to control the spread of all vaccine-preventable diseases is an essential piece of both child and family well-being,” said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist. “NCDHHS is helping health care providers, parents and guardians take this essential step to protect children’s health in school and at home.”

Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chicken pox, meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others are still seen across North Carolina. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations is the best way to keep them healthy and reduce unnecessary absences from school.

Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to children through 19 years of age. “Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective and successful means available for preventing disease and death,” said Steven Gunn and Karin Szymanski, co-chairs of North Carolina Immunization Coalition.

“They help protect vaccinated individuals and our entire community by reducing and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.” Teens also face unique risks related to communicable diseases. “As children move into their preteen and teen years, they become more susceptible to certain diseases, making it especially important to stay current with immunizations. At the same time, preteens and teens tend to have fewer visits to their doctor’s office, increasing the chance that they are not up to date,” said Dr. Dimitrios Hondros, president of the N.C. Academy of Family Physicians. “This decrease in immunizations accelerated among adolescents during the pandemic, when stay-at-home orders went into effect.”

“You can use any health care visit, including for sports or camp physicals, school health assessments, checkups and sick visits to receive vaccines,” said Dr. Christoph Diasio, FAAP president of the N.C. Pediatric Society. “Talk with your pediatrician or health care professional to make sure your kids are protected against vaccine preventable diseases.”

NCDHHS encourages parents to talk with their child’s healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. During that same visit, parents can talk with their physician about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children ages 6 months and older. Many pediatricians and family practitioners will provide the COVID-19 vaccine for all eligible family members, as well as teens, during that same visit.

Visit MySpot.nc.gov for more information about COVID-19 vaccines.

The CDC has more information and resources for parents and guardians, including a list of all vaccines required for school attendance from kindergarten through high school.

Find out more at immunize.nc.gov/family

 

 

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Home And Garden Show

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

  • Start planting your fall garden. Ex Collards, yellow squash, turnips, broccoli, squash
  • Freezing is a great way to preserve many summer fruits and vegetables that requires no special equipment. For many vegetables, it’s simply a matter of blanching them in boiling water and then storing in plastic freezer bags. Others such as peppers and fruits can simply be cut up and frozen.
  • Keep weeds and grass under control. Use straw mulch to shade out the weeds
  • Harvest vegetables at their peak of flavor. A common newbie mistake is to leave cucs, beans, squash, okra and other fruit on the plant for too long.
  • With recent rains your garden soil maybe too wet to work check moisture by taking some soil and rolling it into a ball then drop it if it completely breaks up the soil is dry enough to till.
  • Any time you use a pesticide, check the instructions for rainfastness.
  • Avoid the rush and start taking your soil samples now!
  • Keep grass clippings out of the compost pile.

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