Flanked by a dozen or so fire department colleagues, Henderson Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds presented a check for more than $19,000 to members of the Maria Parham Health Oncology Department on Thursday afternoon.
The money – $19,070.06 to be exact – will be deposited into the cancer center’s Angel Fund, which helps cancer patients in a variety of ways – from helping defray transportation costs to buying medicine and equipment. Hope Breedlove, a social worker at Maria Parham, said the gift for the Angel Fund comes from angels in the community, courtesy of the fire department’s annual “fill the boot” campaign.
“You’re the angels behind the Angel Fund,” Breedlove told the firefighters upon accepting the donation.
Breedlove said 100 percent of the money goes to meet the very special needs of the patients that come to Maria Parham for treatment.
She said the’s crunched the numbers and roughly two patients each day get help from the Angel Fund. “That’d be two treatments that they wouldn’t get,” were it not for the money made available through the firefighters’ fundraising.
The fundraiser had humble beginnings eight years ago with a t-shirt sale, but for the past five years, firefighters have positioned themselves empty boots in hand, in front of the fire station on Dabney Drive, asking for donations.
Edmonds and colleagues handed over the fruits of their labor Thursday afternoon to hospital staff outside the entrance to the Cancer Center, Big Engine 1 providing the backdrop for the presentation.
“This has been a hard year for us,” Edmonds told those assembled to witness the presentation. Fire Chief Steve Cordell lost a valiant battle with cancer in January.
Tim Twisdale was selected to succeed Cordell and he was on hand Thursday as well. “Thank you,” he told the hospital staff, many of whom were in their work scrubs, “for what you’re doing…for all who may not have the necessary funds” to get to and from appointments and treatments.
City Manager Terrell Blackmon echoed those sentiments, adding that city leaders appreciate what the hospital does for the community.
Blackmon said his father died of cancer, and he knows firsthand the impact that cancer has on its victims and their loved ones.
TownTalk: Fire Safety Tips For Your Home
/by WIZS StaffBatalion Chief Lee Edmonds with the Henderson Fire Department reminds residents of several safety measures to preserve property and protect lives as December ushers in colder weather.
Anyone who uses a portable space heater as a supplemental heat source should make sure that it is positioned at least 3 feet from things like furniture and curtains – anything that could catch fire, Edmonds said on Monday’s TownTalk.
And, he said, any electric heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet – please don’t use a drop cord.
“Power strips are a whole lot better to use – if you have to,” Edmonds said, adding that drop cords are for temporary use and not for a permanent use for any appliance, lamp, television or other items in the home.
If your home has a working fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean the chimney a couple of times a year and inspect it to make sure it’s structurally sound.
Place a fire screen in front of the fireplace to reduce the likelihood that ashes will pop. Even if you’re using decorative or gas logs, it’s a good idea to place a screen in front to protect children and pets from getting too close to the heat source.
The fire department is just a phone call away if you need to have your smoke detector or carbon monoxide monitor checked. Edmonds said the department is installing smoke detectors that have a 10-year life span. There are no batteries to replace – when it chirps, simply dispose of it and replace the whole unit, he said.
Contact the fire department to make an appointment at 252.430.1877 and leave a voicemail if necessary.
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The Local Skinny! Christmas Pop Up Shop To Support Domestic Violence Victims
/by WIZS StaffA local nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is sponsoring a Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kearah’s Place, located at 946 W. Andrews Ave., Suite O, is hosting the pop-up fundraiser which includes pictures with Santa, a silent auction and a number of vendors.
More than 1,000 have been helped over the past 10 years at Kearah’s Place, said Jasmine Bryant, executive director.
Kearah’s Place, online at www.kearahsplace.org, partners with numerous local agencies to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as they work through difficult times and strive to become self-sufficient.
“We want to support people in need…and empower people to grow better instead of bitter,” Bryant said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! In addition to providing transitional housing, Kearah’s Place provides a range of victim advocacy services, as well as job skills workshops and more to help individuals get back on their feet, Bryant said. Call the office at 252.598.2025 to find out how Kearah’s Place can help.
Interested in becoming a vendor? There’s still time and space, said administrative assistant Courtney Anthony. “We have room for plenty more – the more the merrier,” Anthony said.
Contact Anthony at 252.204.8079 to learn more or email her at Canthony.kearahsplace@gmail.com.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 12-04-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Christmas Trees
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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MPH Cancer Center Angel Fund Gets $19K Boost From Henderson Firefighters
/by WIZS StaffFlanked by a dozen or so fire department colleagues, Henderson Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds presented a check for more than $19,000 to members of the Maria Parham Health Oncology Department on Thursday afternoon.
The money – $19,070.06 to be exact – will be deposited into the cancer center’s Angel Fund, which helps cancer patients in a variety of ways – from helping defray transportation costs to buying medicine and equipment. Hope Breedlove, a social worker at Maria Parham, said the gift for the Angel Fund comes from angels in the community, courtesy of the fire department’s annual “fill the boot” campaign.
“You’re the angels behind the Angel Fund,” Breedlove told the firefighters upon accepting the donation.
Breedlove said 100 percent of the money goes to meet the very special needs of the patients that come to Maria Parham for treatment.
She said the’s crunched the numbers and roughly two patients each day get help from the Angel Fund. “That’d be two treatments that they wouldn’t get,” were it not for the money made available through the firefighters’ fundraising.
The fundraiser had humble beginnings eight years ago with a t-shirt sale, but for the past five years, firefighters have positioned themselves empty boots in hand, in front of the fire station on Dabney Drive, asking for donations.
Edmonds and colleagues handed over the fruits of their labor Thursday afternoon to hospital staff outside the entrance to the Cancer Center, Big Engine 1 providing the backdrop for the presentation.
“This has been a hard year for us,” Edmonds told those assembled to witness the presentation. Fire Chief Steve Cordell lost a valiant battle with cancer in January.
Tim Twisdale was selected to succeed Cordell and he was on hand Thursday as well. “Thank you,” he told the hospital staff, many of whom were in their work scrubs, “for what you’re doing…for all who may not have the necessary funds” to get to and from appointments and treatments.
City Manager Terrell Blackmon echoed those sentiments, adding that city leaders appreciate what the hospital does for the community.
Blackmon said his father died of cancer, and he knows firsthand the impact that cancer has on its victims and their loved ones.
Optimist Club Essay Contest Open; Deadline Feb. 2, 2024
/by WIZS StaffThe Optimist Club of Henderson’s essay contest is now open! The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 2, 2024.
This year’s theme is “Optimism: How It Connects Us,” and Diane Barberio said the contest is open to any Vance County resident who is a student in primary or secondary school under the age of 19 who hasn’t completed high school.
First prize is $150; second prize is $125 and third prize is $100. The first-place winner advances to the district level for an opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship prize.
Entries can be dropped off at Schewel’s Furniture, 940 S. Beckford Dr. with Charles Hearn.
For more information, contact Barberio at optimist2324essay@gmail.com or visit the club’s Optimist Club of Henderson Essay Contest Facebook page.
Franklin County DSS Gets $2,500 From Food Lion To Address Food Insecurity
/by WIZS Staff– Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks
Franklin County Department of Social Services has received a $2,500 gift from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to address food insecurity needs across the county.
“We are excited to receive the funds provided by the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation as it will enrich our efforts to address food insecurity in our county,” said Franklin County Director of Social Services Andrew Payne.
The county’s Care and Share Center staff and volunteers provide nutritious food items to county residents in need of emergency assistance. The Care and Share Center, located at
at 110 Industrial Drive in Louisburg, is open to the public on Wednesday mornings.
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Salisbury-based grocery store. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $18.1 million in grants.
Granville Youth Leadership Council Gives Teens A Voice In Decision-Making
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
The Granville County Youth Leadership Council provides high school students a voice in local government’s decision-making processes while promoting civic engagement and responsibility.
The Council is a platform that empowers young minds to actively participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to community development, according to a press statement from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. Members are representatives of youth civic engagement, and also can bring about change by bringing new ideas and opportunities to the community.
The purpose of the council is to make sure youth in the community have a voice, but more importantly, that their voices are heard, recognized and valued. Through participation in the council, the youth will gain leadership skills through their service on selected county boards, outreach, initiatives and youth-led projects.
This year’s new members to the council are:
The new class joins the following members already serving on the council:
The council had a strategic planning session retreat in November and worked to plan future initiatives, including launching a Teen Clothing Closet, sponsoring a Teen Night and developing a mental health proposal for teens.
Learn more about the Council and their activities, visit https://granvilleylc.weebly.com/.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 12-01-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Dec. 12 Program To Discuss Supporting Children Of Incarcerated Parents
/by WIZS StaffAs part of its continuing Community Information Series, Baskerville Funeral Home is the location for a program to support children whose parents are in prison or are set to be released from incarceration.
Our Children’s Place of Coastal Horizons Program Director Melissa Radcliff will lead the discussion titled “Invisible Sentence: Recognizing, Supporting and Advocating For Children of Incarcerated and Returning Parent” on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.
The funeral home is located at 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.
The program is free and open to the public.