SportsTalk: Vipers Prepared to take on Knightdale

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The Vance County Vipers wind up a long stretch of away games when they travel to Knightdale for a 7 p.m. conference matchup against the Knightdale Knights.

Both teams have a 1-5 record, and Vipers Head Coach Aaron Elliott said he’s been reviewing film and statistics to help figure out Knightdale’s strengths.

The Knights quarterback is one of the team’s best rushers, Elliott said, so the Viper defense needs to be prepared to shut down the opponent’s run game. But they also have to be able to cover and put pressure on the quarterback when he’s in pass mode.

“If we can control the quarterback, we can control the game,” Elliott said.

As for the Vipers, Elliott said he’ll stick with the game plan that’s been in place this season, “putting an emphasis on getting better and fixing the small stuff,” he said.

In last week’s loss to Wake Forest, Elliott said the punting unit had a solid performance, and he said the fact that the Vipers were able to block a few field goals is proof that the work the team is putting in during practice is showing off a little bit.

Area High School Football Games for Week 8:

  • Vance County (1-5, 0-1 N6C) @ Knightdale (1-5, 0-1 N6C)
  • Franklinton (5-1, 1-0 N6C) @ Heritage (1-5, 0-1 N6C)
  • Wake Forest (2-4, 1-0 N6C) vs. East Wake (3-3, 1-0 N6C)
  • J.F. Webb (4-2) @ Orange (0-6)
  • South Granville (2-4) vs. Carrboro (0-6)
  • Warren County (5-1) @ Northampton County (1-5)
  • Louisburg (6-0) vs. ALA-Johnston (4-3)
  • Bunn (4-2) vs. Wake Prep (4-2)
  • Mecklenburg County, VA (1-5) vs. Magna Vista, VA (5-0)

Vance County travels to Knightdale High School for Week 8 of the 2025 season on Friday, October 10th and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting around 6:50 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

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TownTalk: ‘Break the Silence, Stop the Violence’ Event at Clearview Church Oct. 25

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So often, victims of domestic violence suffer in silence, too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help or support to lead them out of an awful situation. But Debbie Scott, domestic violence educator with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, wants them to know that they are not alone, and that help is just a phone call or a conversation away.

That’s the message of the 7th annual ‘Break the Silence, Stop the Violence’ domestic violence awareness event that is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at Clearview Church in Henderson.

Scott and other victim advocates have planned an afternoon of speakers who work in law enforcement and advocacy to shed more light on domestic violence and where victims can go to get help.

In addition to several speakers lined up for the event, Scott said others will share their own experiences with domestic violence. “We will have two very powerful testimonies,” she said, adding that she considers it a blessing to work with strong advocates like the women who will share their stories to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thanks to a supportive community and a lot of hard work, Scott said the number of domestic violence or dispute calls coming into the Vance County 911 center dropped 11.5 percent from the previous year.

Between Oct. 1, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2025, 911 received 1,041 calls related to domestic violence or domestic disputes. The previous year’s total was 1,177. Sexual assaults dropped by 1 – from 46 to 45, but Scott said any step forward is progress.

“Our statistics in Vance County are changing,” Scott said. “We are changing the narrative…we can break the stigma. We can break the shame.”

The Oct. 25 program is going to be a combination of education, awareness and celebration, she said.

Contact Scott at 252.738.2235 or by email at dscott@vancecounty.org

 

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‘Pink With A Passion’ Oct. 11 Event To Raise Awareness, Funds

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Pink With A Passion is hosting a fish plate fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 11 on the campus of Warren County Middle School as part of its mission to raise awareness and providing financial support for people who need help as they battle the disease.

“Hopefully, one day we won’t have to talk about breast cancer – or cancer of any kind,” said Elaine Tunstall-Smith, a member of Pink With A Passion, a nonprofit based in Warren County founded by breast cancer survivor Amena Wilson.

The fundraiser runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plates are $12 and include fish, buttered parsley potatoes, green beans and hushpuppies. Dessert and beverage vendors will be on hand at the site, located at 118 Campus Dr., Warrenton.

In addition to the fish plate fundraiser, the “Pink Out for Hope: Cancer Awareness Benefit” will have Pink With A Passion T-Shirts for sale – $20 for short sleeve and $25 for long sleeve, as well as cancer awareness literature and a voter registration table.

The day is a chance to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones, and support awareness in the community. And, of course, a great opportunity to wear pink!

Pink With A Passion is thriving, Tunstall-Smith said, thanks to support from the community, and from family members and friends of individuals who honor and remember their loved ones who have battled – or battle – breast cancer.

“Any efforts we can do to help people be more aware of what’s available,” she said, is what the organization is all about. Early detection through screenings and education provide valuable information that work together to increase awareness of the disease.

The group hosts a walk in the spring and had a “Rainbow” luncheon in June for survivors of all types of cancers.

At that luncheon, speakers shared stories of encouragement and support to those gathered as a way to give hope to those survivors.

“It’s important to celebrate so that hope stays alive for those who are currently fighting a battle,” she said.

Donations from the fundraiser are used to host the events and workshops, support groups to encourage strength and hope to connect with people who are in the struggle.

“Every dollar that we make we try to use to help save lives and support survivors,” Tunstall-Smith said. The group has helped fund transportation, medications and prosthetics.

It’s a way to “just hand somebody a dollar and a smile to remind them that they’re not in the battle alone.”

To learn more, contact founder and president Amena Wilson at 252.213.5735 or Elaine White at 443.983.4742 or visit www.pinkwithapassion.org

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Community Information Series: GED/Second Chance Workshop Oct. 14

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The upcoming Community Information Series topic is a GED/Second Chance Workshop titled “It’s Never Too Late to Learn.”

The community is invited to attend the event on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Baskerville Funeral Home chapel. The funeral home is located at 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.

Learn about opportunities to complete your GED, continue your education, and take the next step toward your goals. Representatives from TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers and Piedmont Community College will be available to share information on academic advising, career workshops, and free assistance with college applications, testing, and financial aid.

For more information, call 252.430.6824.

American Red Cross: Create An Escape Plan In Case Of Fire – And Then Practice!

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– information courtesy of the American Red Cross

During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross North Carolina Region reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

“Home fires don’t wait for the right moment, but being prepared makes all the difference,” said Sharonne Hayes, the Red Cross regional Communications Manager of the North Carolina Region. “When a smoke alarm sounds, your family should be ready to act fast. Testing your smoke alarms and practicing your escape plan helps ensure your family knows what to do when every second matters.”

Here are a few tips for creating a home fire escape plan and practicing a 2-minute drill:

  • Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
  • Smoke is dangerous. Get low and go!
  • Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
  • Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.
  • If a fire starts, you may have less than two minutesto get to safety. Time your fire drill and find out: What’s your escape time?
  • While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Smoke alarm safety:

  • Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
  • In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
  • Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Local Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are home fires.

For emergencies like home fires, our volunteers provide comfort during what can be the worst days of people’s lives. Learn how you can volunteer for our Disaster Action Team at redcross.org/DAT. Since October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,479 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods across the country. Our local Sound the Alarm initiatives have helped save 87 lives across North Carolina by installing more than 83,600 free smoke alarms in high-risk communities. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

If you need assistance, visit redcross.org/NC for a free smoke alarm installation.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Visit NC Farms Mobile App Helps Visitors Find Local Agritourism Destinations

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— information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

 

People looking for fun agritourism activities this fall can now find statewide listings through the Visit NC Farms website as the platform transitions from a mobile app to expand access for farms and visitors. The website will also allow agritourism farms to update their event information quickly.

Visitors can find information, or farms can list information, at visitncfarms.com

Launched in 2018, the Visit NC Farms mobile app helped connect thousands of residents and visitors with local farms, farmers markets, food and drink experiences and agritourism destinations. The app provided a strong foundation for raising awareness of agritourism and local food across the state, which the website will build on.

“Interest in agritourism continues to grow and visitors have even more options today,” said Erica Calderon, agritourism marketing specialist. “Visit NC Farms has always been about connecting people to the food, farms and communities that make North Carolina unique, and we hope visitors will check out the new website when they are looking to make plans.”

On-farm activities and experiences can be sorted by nine category filters, including farm visits, u-pick, farm stays, farmers markets, trails, workshops, sips + bites and special events. This helps make exploring simple and intuitive, Calderon said.

Other advantages of the new Visit NC Farms website include:

  • Free platform for farmers: Businesses and event hosts can be listed at no cost, opening the door for broader statewide participation.
  • Broader accessibility: Available on any device, without requiring a download.
  • Faster updates: Farms and event organizers can update listings quickly, ensuring accurate information year-round.
  • Industry support: Dedicated resources make it easier for agribusinesses to get listed and submit seasonal events.

 

“The app gave us a strong start, and now the website allows us to take that mission even further,” Calderon said.

The launch of the new website underscores NCDA&CS’s long-term investment in agritourism and agribusiness marketing. It maintains the program’s core mission while opening opportunities for more farms to share their stories and for more visitors to discover authentic North Carolina farm experiences.

For more information or to explore farm-fresh experiences, visit visitncfarms.com.

Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on October 13th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • There will be a Home Composting Workshop on October 27th at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Collect your soil test now. What you do now will affect next year’s garden.
  • Start collecting your season extension materials.
  • Control any weeds that have started to go to seed.
  • Get ready to compost! Leaves will be falling soon. Do you have a compost bin for the leaves?
  • Check nurseries for trees and shrubs you would like to plant this fall.
  • Clean and store any equipment now that you won’t use till next spring.
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • We are in Hurricane season. Have your Storm plan ready.
  • Start ordering your fall planting bulbs now.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

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

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TownTalk: Make a Joyful Noise ACTS Benefit Concert Coming Up Oct. 11

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The ‘Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord’ concert to benefit ACTS is coming up quickly, and Executive Director Thomas Blackwell is looking forward to the Oct. 11 performance at McGregor Hall. Blackwell has been in the role since January, and this will be the first chance he’s had to attend.

So far, local performers like Evelyn Couch, Eric Hargrove and praise teams from Harriet Baptist Church and Clearview Church are among those taking the stage over the course of the concert, which begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. Children 12 and under get in free.

Sponsorships are available and there’s still time to sign up to perform, Blackwell said on Monday’s TownTalk. The deadline for both is Oct. 6.

And while the concert will be a feast for the ears, Blackwell said it’s a way to support the mission of ACTS to feed people – and not just with food.

“We want to feed people spiritually, not just bodily,” he said.

ACTS continues to provide hot meals at lunchtime, but since the COVID pandemic, those meals have been served outside.

He estimates that ACTS is serving between 200 and 300 plates a day, but some of those are take-home plates, so the number of individuals is lower than that figure.

“There are a lot of people who just need a little help,” Blackwell said, quoting statistics that state there are close to 4,000 children in Henderson alone who are food-insecure.

Blackwell said volunteers, as well as the cook, are working to put a plan together to return to providing meals indoors for those who rely on hot lunches at ACTS.

“We really want to bring people back inside, to build relationships,” he said. “We want Gospel opportunities in all that we do.”

Blackwell said he sees the mission of ACTS as part of The Great Commission, taking Jesus’s message to the corners of the world. Henderson is one of those corners, too, and the work of ACTS is a way to fulfill that mission close to home.

People “need hope, dignity, compassion,” he said, “someone to point them to Jesus.”

Follow ACTS on Facebook, where Blackwell keeps an updated list of particular needs for food donations and more. With school back in session, for example, the Backpack Buddies program is up and running, so there’s a need for single-serve food items for students to take home on weekends.

Contact Blackwell at ACTS 252.492.8231 or via email at tdblackwell@actsofhenderson.org

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