Whitney Robertson, System of Care Coordinator, and Monae Davis, Member Engagement Specialist, with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Next week, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare will hold a Four-County Community Connections Fair to provide information on available mental health resources and services for children and families in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.
Originally planned as one large, in-person event for the four-county area, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a few format changes. The fair will now be held in a drive-through format at four separate locations on either Tuesday, August 18 or Wednesday, August 19, 2020.
When and Where:
Granville Expo Center (Granville Co.) – Tues., August 18 ~ 2 to 6 p.m. – 4185 US Highway 15 South Oxford, NC
Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center (Vance Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 200 Community College Rd. Henderson, NC
Warren County Armory Civic Center(Warren Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 501 US Hwy 158 Bus E Warrenton, NC
Vance-Granville Community College Franklin Campus(Franklin Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 8100 NC-56 Louisburg, NC
Participating children and families will receive:
Drawstring bags stuffed with school supplies
Facemasks (Pack of 4)
Meals from Subway (while supplies last)
Flyers and videos on community providers and resources
Access to the virtual keynote speaker focusing on the #mentalhealthmatters theme to challenge the stigma of mental health and substance use
Sponsors: 4 County Juvenile Justice Behavioral Health Team (JJBH), Vance Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Warren Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Granville Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Franklin Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Gang Free, Inc. and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
“A common theme we’ve found is that families don’t know about the community resources and don’t know about the providers they have access to,” said Robertson. “This is the reason the community fair was developed. We want to get the information out, and we want to engage young people and families in the community.”
For more information., please email Robertson at Whitney.Robertson@cardinalinnovations.org.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Pam Hester, Frank Hester and Julia Langston, of Kerr Lake Country Club (KLCC) in Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
KLCC will host a grand re-opening event the weekend of August 22-23, 2020, to celebrate its months-long work of changing the course greens from the cool-season bentgrass to the warm-season Bermudagrass.
On Saturday, August 22, the Club will host the first annual Brotherhood of Warriors golf tournament benefiting combat-wounded veterans out of Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune.
The Brotherhood of Warriors is a non-profit organization founded by Master PGA Teaching Professional Brad Clayton. Clayton provides golf lessons at KLCC and, according to Langston, approached the club with the idea for the wounded warrior tournament. To learn more about the organization, visit www.thebrotherhoodofwarriors.org.
Prior to the tournament, a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will be held at 9:30 a.m., and a Special Forces Parachute Jump Team will descend around 10:15 a.m., with a landing set for 10:30 a.m.
The shotgun start golf tournament will follow at 11 a.m. A team of three golfers will be paired with a combat-wounded veteran in a Captain’s Choice format for a $300 entry fee. Participants are encouraged to create a lasting friendship with the veterans while enjoying a great afternoon of golf and fellowship.
“We are expecting to see lots of people out playing golf, enjoying the weather, getting exercise and following COVID regulations,” said KLCC President Pam Hester.
Frank agreed, “The greens are in great shape, the golf course is in great shape and the weather is not too hot. It’s a great time to get out and play golf right now.”
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, closest to the pin, longest drive, most accurate drive and longest putt on every hole. Mulligans, which are not eligible for prizes, are available to purchase by individual and by team.
Those interested in participating in the golf outing (with CDC guidelines and state mandates in place), should contact KLCC at (252) 492-1895.
After golfing, participants are encouraged to visit the various food and drink vendors that will be on-site.
Langston summed up the importance of the weekend by stating, “This will be an outing that is not only special for Kerr Lake Country Club but Vance County as well.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/KLCC-Wounded-Warrior.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-08-12 14:55:442020-08-12 14:55:44Town Talk 08/12/20: Golf Tournament, Parachute Team Set for KLCC’s Re-Opening Weekend
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Mayor Ellington and the Henderson City Council ordered all City of Henderson flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning Monday until further notice to show respect for Council Member Fearldine Allen Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, who passed away at her home on Sunday.
Simmons, age 73, served as the representative for the Council’s Ward 4 seat, and her term was active through 2021. She also served on the Human Resources and Land Planning Committees, as well as the 911 Board.
“It was a sad moment for us, and we shared a moment of silence at the opening of last night’s Council meeting,” said Ellington. “Mrs. Simmons was a steady voice for the City of Henderson; she thought through every vote with passion. It was a somber night for us.”
A graveside service for Simmons will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden in Henderson on Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements are being made by Betts & Son Funeral Home.
To hear the interview with Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 9, 2020. (Photo courtesy Allen Simmons)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Fearldine-Simmons.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-08-11 16:30:542020-08-11 16:30:54Town Talk 08/11/20: In Memory of Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons
Joe Sharrow, Vance County High School Athletic Director, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Sharrow discussed the tragic death of 2019 Vance County High School graduate and baseball player Clay Faulkner last weekend at Kerr Lake.
“This is one of those tough times that when you sign up to be in education you don’t think about having to deal with but, unfortunately, it’s part of the job,” Sharrow said. “We’ve had tragedy come through this community before, but quite frankly, this one is the hardest of my career.”
Sharrow said he shared a friendship with Faulkner, who loved baseball and never met a stranger. “Clay and I had a close relationship, but he had a close relationship with almost every person in the VCHS building. That’s just the kind of person he was. I can’t thank him and his family enough for allowing me to be a part of his life. I feel like I’m a better man for having known him.”
In addition to baseball, Sharrow said Faulkner “had an infectious personality and was the kind of kid that always made you smile.”
Faulkner was also unfailingly polite, according to Sharrow, and stood out for his manners and “yes sirs and yes ma’ams.”
Those skills served him well in his role as a server at Chick-fil-A of Henderson. His co-workers remembered him this week, among other ways, with social media tributes, signs, and a memorial in front of the restaurant.
In addition, Chick-fil-A of Henderson has announced that it will close Thursday, August 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to celebrate the life of Faulkner.
“Clay has been a part of the Chick-fil-A family for two years, but it’s hard to remember our team without him,” said Chick-fil-A Operator Joshua Towne. “He meant so much to our Chick-fil-A family, and I want each of our team members to have the opportunity to honor his memory and extend their sympathy to his family by attending his funeral.”
Chick-fil-A of Henderson will resume normal operating hours at 2 p.m. on Thursday, following the celebration of life for Faulkner.
While silver linings are hard to come by in this situation, Sharrow said Faulkner’s life has certainly made an impact on others. “The only positive thing that can come out of this is that we can honor his life, remember Clay for the wonderful person he was and try to live better lives ourselves.”
To hear the interview with Sharrow and WIZS staff in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Clay-Faulkner-1.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-08-05 17:00:372020-08-05 17:00:37Town Talk 08/05/20: In Memory of Clay Faulkner
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/towntalk.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-08-04 13:58:152020-08-04 13:58:15Town Talk 08/04/20: Aftermath of Isaias, Past Storms, General Talk
Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.
Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.
The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.
Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.
For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.
Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.
In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.
As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:
Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.
To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.
To hear the interview with Desmarais in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/VGCC-Logo.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-08-03 12:56:232020-08-03 12:56:23Town Talk 08/03/20: VGCC Receives CARES Act Funding, Readies for Fall Semester
(Update 9:30 a.m. – 8/3/2020)— update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations
Click here for the Isaias briefing as of 9:30 a.m. on August 3. Overall, the local situation remains the same as in previous updates.
Presently, we remain under a Flood Watch and are just outside the boundary of counties who are under a Tropical Storm Watch (though that will likely change to include us).
We are forecast to receive wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph, with rainfall estimated between three and six inches. We should begin feeling the effects late this evening and in the overnight hours into Tuesday. With this much rain and gusty winds, we could certainly have downed trees and power outages.
As of today at 8 a.m., we have activated our Emergency Operations Center in a monitoring capacity and have escalated to a Level 2 status. We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency later this morning just to be on the safe side.
One particular emergency protective measure that could be implemented would be a vehicle curfew. If enacted, this would apply only to the municipal city limits of Henderson and not all of Vance County. Additionally, this limitation would only be imposed if power is lost due to the storm and would only be for the overnight hours beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m.
Beginning this evening, we will be overstaffing the 911 center, and it will remain overstaffed throughout the day on Tuesday.
At this point, we do not plan to open any shelters as we do not believe they will be needed. However, we remain ready to do so if the situation worsens.
We will be coordinating our preparedness activities with our local and state response partners, and we are encouraging our citizens to continue their own local preparedness efforts.
(Update 12 Noon – 8/2/2020)— update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations
Attached (above links) is the morning forecast from the National Weather Service for Tropical Storm Isaias. (Those links above will stay current with subsequent updates.) The storm continues to shift west with each update, and the current track continues to bring it inland through our state following the I-95 corridor. At present, we are forecast to receive some pretty strong wind gusts that at times could reach tropical storm strength as well as between 4 and 6 inches of rain. The rainfall will occur over a relatively short period of time, so localized flooding and flash flooding is certainly possible as are downed trees and power lines.
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
Our office is continuing to monitor the storm closely. We will make a decision early tomorrow (Monday) about declaring a local state of emergency for this event. We will also decide early tomorrow (Monday) regarding the implementation of any additional emergency protective measures.
Remember it is still not too late to work on your emergency supply kit (on Sunday and early Monday) and begin some basic preparedness activities if you have not done so already.
We will continue to forward along additional information as it is received.
In an earlier statement from Brian Short, he said:
Keep in mind that we are now entering peak hurricane season, and the tropics have already been very active. The time to prepare is now and not when the winds begin to blow.
In addition to non-perishable food and water, hurricane emergency supply kits should include:
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.
If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.
We will continue to issue additional updates as they are received or our situation changes.
More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/national-weather-service-logo.jpg266504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2020-08-03 10:08:412020-08-03 15:50:29Latest on Isaias for WIZS Area
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0005_092215-Marijuana-Seized-Sheriff-1024x576.jpg.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2020-07-29 12:52:432020-07-29 12:52:43Illegal Illicit Drugs Have To Go
For George Hoyle, Sr., the head volleyball coach at Kerr-Vance Academy for the last four years, his love of volleyball started with his daughter and club volleyball teams and came full circle with his son, KVA Athletic Director George Hoyle, Jr., as the varsity volleyball program earned back-to-back NCISAA state championships over the last two seasons.
With only seven losses in four years, a 106-7 record, Hoyle said, “It absolutely started with the players and the devotion they put in. Great players make a great coach. We were in the gym three days a week working, but it’s got to be fun. It has to be fun or you’re not going to win. And we made it fun.”
Hoyle said, “It’s been a wonderful six years I’ve been there (as assistant and head coach). I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
And now new coaches have been named, according the the Kerr-Vance Facebook page. The social media account for The Spartans says, “We are thrilled to announce the hiring of our new Varsity and JV Women’s Volleyball Coaches – Casey Ellington and Debra Medlin.
“Head Coach – Casey Ellington a native of Granville County played volleyball at William Peace University and has recently coached at the club level locally.
“Assistant Coach – Debra Medlin previously served as the Head Coach at C.E. Jordan High School from 1989 through 2000. She also recently served as a coach at Person County High School and Middle School.”
Hoyle felt like it was the right time to retire. He said, “We have a lot of the pieces to the puzzle for a new coach to come in…and they’re not going to skip a beat. They are going to have a good team.”
As to working alongside his son, George Hoyle, Sr. said, “It’s a lot of fun working with him. Made a lot of memories there. That just doesn’t happen to a lot of people. All those were great. It was a lot of fun working with him. It was really special.”
In continuing to speak of George Hoyle, Jr., the elder Hoyle said, “He does a great job, and I’m very proud of everything he’s accomplished. Going to miss that part of sure.”
Hoyle said success starts in the off season. “It starts in the off season. Everything starts in the off season. You’ve got to put in the preparation in the summer and winter months to be successful when the season comes around, and that’s what the girls have done at Kerr-Vance.”
For sure, love comes into it as well. “I love coaching and love youth sports more than anything. I absolutely love high school and college. I love to watch and be around it. I have been coaching youth sports since 2003. That’s a long time,” Hoyle said.
In one sport or another, Hoyle has been a coach, mentor and grounds keeper year round for decades.
Hoyle started to coach as an assistant under William Hoyle, who is distant kin, and George said, “William was great. I love him to death, and of those championships, it all started with him being there. And I appreciate everything he taught me about the game, and I started to love it at that point.”
For Hoyle and his family, they achieve by the most honest means. Hard work, dedication, gentleness, grace, intelligence. Congratulations to Kerr-Vance Volleyball and retired head coach George Hoyle, Sr.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/GeorgeHoyleSr072820.jpg265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2020-07-28 18:19:592020-07-28 18:19:59George Hoyle, Sr. Retires as KVA Volleyball Coach
