Town Talk: Kerr Lake Fireworks; Dolly Parton Imagination Library 06/24/19

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

On Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, Vance County Tourism Development Authority’s Pam Hester and Norman Dickerson provided details regarding the 2019 Independence Day Celebration at Kerr Lake.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 6, the celebration will feature new, kid-friendly activities and events. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Also on Town Talk, Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start, discussed local success with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, the Imagination Library offers youth one free book a month – via mail – from birth through age five.

To hear Monday’s Town Talk in its entirety, including additional details on the Independence Day celebration and ways to enroll your child in the free Imagination Library program, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk 06/21/19

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

4-H Logo

Town Talk: 4-H Offers Wide Range of Summer Youth Programs 06/20/19

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Lina Lue Howe, extension agent with Vance County’s 4-H Youth Development program, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the organization’s 11 planned summer fun camps.

Serving as the nation’s largest youth development program, Howe said 4-H seeks “to educate children on leadership development, agriculture and volunteerism in a fun environment.”

To offer these skills to local children, Vance County 4-H is currently enrolling youth in summer camps ranging from growing produce to visiting the Asheboro Zoo. Camps for ages 5-18 are available from late June through early August.

Register in-person at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. The Vance County office is located at 305 Young St. in Henderson.

For the online registration packet and more detailed information about each camp discussed in the Town Talk interview, please click here.

With additional questions, please contact Howe at (252) 438-8188 or lelue@ncsu.edu.

To hear Howe’s interview in its entirety, including additional information about the planned 4-H summer activities, click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

Town Talk: June is PTSD Awareness Month 06/19/19

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Mark Ferri, veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss June’s designation as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s website, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.

Ferri discussed the stigma of mental health disorders and the importance of seeking treatment and support.

Citing studies that show interacting with animals is soothing to those with PTSD, Ferri encouraged listeners to participate in dog walks at the Vance County Animal Shelter. Dogs may be walked in one of the shelter’s fenced-in pastures.

Hours of operation for the Vance County Animal Shelter, located at 1243 Brodie Rd in Henderson, are Monday: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday: Closed, Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sunday: Closed.

To hear Ferri’s interview in its entirety, click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk: ‘Servants on Site’ Event to Prepare Youth for Mission Work 06/18/19

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Robbie Parham, a volunteer with Rebuilding Hope, Inc., was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the local ministry’s seventh annual Servants on Site week. This year’s event will be held June 22 – 29, 2019.

The event serves as a summer mission camp for middle and high school youth from various churches and organizations.

During the week, participants will help repair roofs and flooring, and build handicap ramps and handrails for local residents. Youth will have an opportunity to meet the homeowners and will participate in a worship service each evening.

“This gives young people an opportunity to see mission work, to be the hands and feet that Christ has called us to be,” said Parham.

To hear Parham’s interview in its entirety, click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk: Local Discussion on Juvenile Delinquency 06/17/19

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Town Talk: Vance County Schools News Program 06/13/19

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One of the two segments of TownTalk on Thursday, June 13 featured Terri Hedrick, Public Information Officer with Vance County Schools.  She said the 2018-2019 school year is complete at this point.

Click Here To Listen To TownTalk With Hedrick

There were three uplifting graduation ceremonies this spring resulting in almost 400 graduates from Vance County Public Schools.

VCHS Graduation Story

Early College High School Graduation Story

Advance Academy Graduation Story

Hedrick said the school system is so pleased with the school year, considering the changes with consolidation and how the challenges were met.

Following a safe and happy summer, remember the 2019-2020 school year starts early for three schools.  Vance County High School, Early College High School and EM Rollins, of which Rollins is year round, will start on Monday, August 5.

The first school day otherwise for the remaining schools still on the traditional calendar is Monday, August 26.  Open House is August 22.

And, over 900 school system employees will gather at McGregor Hall on Monday, August 19 for the annual convocation.

Click Here To Listen To TownTalk With Hedrick

Town Talk: June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month; #ENDALZ

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More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, but less than half are ever diagnosed.  Acknowledging why your loved one is acting differently is hard, but early detection and care can make a significant difference, according to a public service announcement recently received at WIZS.

Today’s edition of Town Talk featured Lisa Roberts, Executive Director, of the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina and Bethany Wood, Manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Eastern NC Chapter.

Click here or on the WIZS logo below to listen to the show.

6 Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s

If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Early detection makes a world of difference, and so does the way you approach the conversation with a family member or a friend. If you notice a pattern of memory loss or behavioral issues that are affecting one’s ability to function, it’s essential to talk about it so they can be evaluated. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:

1. Have the conversation as early as possible – Ideally, it’s best to talk about the Alzheimer’s warning signs with a family member or friend before they even occur, so that you can understand how someone would want you to approach them about it. However, many people aren’t planning for Alzheimer’s before it happens. If you’re noticing signs of dementia, start a conversation as soon as possible, while mental functioning is at its highest and before a crisis occurs.

2. Think about who’s best suited to initiate the conversation – There might be a certain family member, friend or trusted advisor who holds sway. Consider asking this person to step in and plan around how to have the most supportive and productive conversation.

3. Practice conversation starters – The following phrases can help broach the conversation.
a. “Would you want me to say something if I ever noticed any changes in your behavior that worried me?”
b. “I’ve noticed a few changes in your behavior lately, and I wanted to see if you’ve noticed these changes as well?”
c. “Lately I’ve been considering my own long-term care plans, and I wanted to see if you’ve done any advance planning you can share with me?”

4. Offer your support and companionship – Seeing a doctor to discuss observed warning signs of Alzheimer’s may create anxiety. Let your family member or friend know that you’re willing to accompany them to the appointment and any follow-up assessments. Offer your continuous support throughout the diagnosis process.

5. Anticipate gaps in self-awareness – It can be the case that someone showing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s is unable to recognize those signs in themselves. Be prepared to navigate confusion, denial and withdrawal, as people may not want to accept that their mental functioning is declining.

6. Recognize the conversation may not go as planned – Despite your best intentions, a family member may not be open to discussing memory or cognitive concerns. They may get angry, upset, and defensive or simply refuse to talk about it. Unless it’s a crisis situation, don’t force the conversation. Take a step back, regroup and revisit the subject in a week or two. If they still refuse to get help, consult their physician or the Alzheimer’s Association for strategies that may help.

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BRAIN
START NOW. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

BUTT OUT: Smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health.

HEADS UP: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt and use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike.

FUEL UP RIGHT: Eat a balanced diet that is higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

CATCH SOME ZZZ’S: Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Some studies link depression with cognitive decline, so seek treatment if you have depression, anxiety or stress.

BUDDY UP: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Find ways to be part of your local community or share activities with friends and family.

STUMP YOURSELF: Challenge your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Play games of strategy, like bridge.

BREAK A SWEAT: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates heart rate and increases blood flow. Studies have found that physical activity reduces risk of cognitive decline.

HIT THE BOOKS: Formal education will help reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Take a class at a local college, community center or online. Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Visit alz.org/10ways to learn more.

Town Talk: City Budget Unanimous; Water Line Replacements in Earnest

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The Henderson City Council met Monday night. The fiscal year 2019-2020 budget passed according to Councilman William Burnette. City Manager Frank Frazier said the budget’s approval was unanimous. It totals $42,270,030. No property tax, sewer or regional water increases were adopted. However, as proposed, a water rate increase of 2.5% was included.

Another matter was consideration of approval of 1) Resolution 19-22, authorizing execution of change order #1 with H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc., on the Young Avenue Asbestos Cement (AC) Waterline Replacement Project Contingent Upon NCDEQ (North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality) Division of Water Infrastructure’s Approval; and 2) Ordinance 19-27, amending the budget to allow contingency funds within the project to be utilized.

Frazier said the change order was approved.  In other words, some things cropped up during the project which were good and necessary for a proper completion and the extra funding will be provided.

Also, there was a work session on the proposed Beckford Drive widening project. Fraizer told WIZS News, “The Beckford Drive road project came in over the engineer’s estimate and over the available funds. (We are) working with the Department of Transportation to see how we may be able to take out items within the project and other funding sources to see how to make up the difference.”

(Click here to listen to Town Talk.)