NC MedAssist Has $55,000 Goal To Provide Inhalers To Patients

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Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.

The average person takes between 12 and 20 breaths each minute, which adds up to about 22,000 each day. This simple, but essential, action goes unnoticed by so many, until there’s a problem. Like asthma.

Asthma is a condition that makes that simple, but essential, action more difficult for 670,000 North Carolinians. May 2 was observed as World Asthma Day, and a non-profit agency has a campaign open through May 16 to raise money to help those who live with asthma.

NC MedAssist serves the uninsured and low-income residents of the state, providing free medications to treat chronic illnesses like asthma, COPD. About 17 percent of  patients currently need inhalers to treat these chronic respiratory conditions. “It’s not a luxury item, it’s an item that allows them to continue breathing,” stated Jessica Yarzumbeck, director of communications and marketing for MedAssist.

The Charlotte-based agency receives all of its prescription and OTC medicine through generous in-kind donations, but inhalers have recently been removed from the list of available items, which directly affects 3,236 of its patients, Yarzumbeck said.

The agency has an immediate to provide respiratory therapies like inhalers to the patients it serves. A gift of $111 can support one patient. The goal is to be able to support 500 – making the goal $55,000.

Donate at https://medassist.org/take-action-on-asthma/

 

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VGCC Foundation Scholarship Priority Deadline May 31

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Scholarships offered through the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation for the 2023 Fall Academic Year are open for applicants. The priority deadline for full scholarship consideration for Fall 2023 is May 31, according to VGCC officials.

“We know our students are often already working, raising families, and going to college in their spare time,” VGCCF Executive Director Tanya Weary stated. “At VGCC, we work to help them graduate with as little debt as possible.”

The VGCC Foundation has more than 300 endowed scholarships based on a variety of factors – merit, financial need, degree choice and more. Scholarships are awarded individually to curriculum students based on criteria outlined for each award. Selection will be based on an overall assessment of academic performance, leadership skills, character and community service, according to a press statement from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Scholarship funding is limited, and completion of the application does not guarantee an award. All applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be considered for a VGCC Foundation scholarship; many scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship selection committee unless otherwise stipulated in the criteria of the scholarship.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of private citizens, organizations and businesses. To apply for VGCCF scholarships, visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/scholarships. For additional questions, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

 

Cooperative Extension With Jamon Glover: Choosing Childcare

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Listen 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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Area Chambers Name Winners Of 2022 Small Business Of The Year At May 3 Luncheon

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Four local Chambers of Commerce announced the 2022 Small Business of the Year winners at a luncheon in Henderson Wednesday.

Vance County Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson presented Kilian Engineering with the award. What Michael Kilian began in 2001 with one employee has grown to five offices in Henderson and surrounding areas, Wilkerson said.

The firm is very interested in establishing local partnerships – from the new men’s shelter in Henderson to internships for local high school students.

“They do what they do because they want to do the right thing,” Wilkerson noted. Other groups the firm has sponsored include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and a recycling program, the proceeds of which are donated to McGregor Hall.

Rhonda Wells accepted the award on behalf of Kilian Engineering.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Photo L-R: Sandra Wilkerson, H-V Chamber President; Bobby Pegram; Rhonda Wells; Janelle Kilian; Shade Bolling; Bert Long, H-V Chamber Board Chair

In Granville County, Next Door Radio was named 2022 Small Business of the Year. Lauren Roberson, director of the Granville Chamber, called Trey Snide to the podium to accept the award.

“Trey is a pure asset to our community,” Roberson told the group of about 35 at the event. Snide and Next Door Radio give the community a platform to express ideas, opinions and more. “He’s one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet,” Roberson added.

Franklin Chamber Executive Director Richie Veverka presented his award to the Youngsville ABC Store. Veverka said the store, which opened in 1971, has consistently given back to the community. In fact, he estimated that their giving back to various organizations across Franklin County has totaled more than $5.6 million.

Bridget Stanley, general manager, accepted the award. The new location opened at Youngsville Crossing on Capital Boulevard in 2021.

Person County’s Small Business of the Year is 1792 Beer Co., a bottle shop that strives to welcome its customers, whether they come to grab a beer at the bar or choose from the wide variety of beers, ciders and other beverages for purchase. In her remarks, Roxboro Area Chamber Executive Director Samantha Bagbey said owner Kyle James and his partner opened the business in 2019 – just in time to be told they had to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now they’re thriving and really are staples of our community,” Bagbey said. The business is located at 106 N. Main St. in Roxboro.

Kerr-Tar COG Gets $200,000 To Promote Safety, Reduce Traffic And More Around School Areas

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-information courtesy of Kerr-Tar COG and NC DOT

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is among a dozen recipients who will share $3 million in grant funding for educational programs as part of the Safe Routes to School program. KTCOG will get $160,000 in federal funds, with an additional $40,000 in local matches for a total of $200,000, according to Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, KTCOG’s communications & administrative coordinator and SRTS coordinator.  Funding is for two years of Safe Routes to School program implementation and operates on a reimbursement basis, which means that once the funds are spent, NCDOT can reimburse the participating organization.

The grant funding comes from the Federal Highway Administration and the money will be used to develop creative and educational programs to teach community members about safe driving, walking and biking practices near schools.

Safe Routes to School promotes healthy and active lifestyles by encouraging children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school. Also, the program facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects and activities that improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution near schools.

“This is an important way to improve child safety and promote the healthy benefits of walking and biking,” said Ryan Brumfield, director of the Integrated Mobility Division.The local SRTS program began in 2019, when the organization was first awarded funds for this project. The Kerr-Tar COG will use funds from the new 2023 SRTS grant cycle to continue the programs endeavors within the region for K-12 students.  The project evaluates public, private and charter schools within the five-county region to address how SRTS programs could be implemented or improved.

Recommendations for education, activities and future infrastructure improvements will enhance walking and biking activities around the region, Gomez- Jimenez stated. The intent of these activities will be to make biking and walking fun for students and adults, encouraging healthy behaviors for a lifetime. The target audience for this project will include the following: School Personnel, Students and Parents, Law Enforcement, City/County Employees, Individuals who volunteer and otherwise assist with school activities.

The Kerr-Tar COG’s SRTS program is especially committed to ensuring that its initiatives are benefitting all demographic groups, with particular attention to ensuring safe, healthy and fair outcomes for low-income students, students of color, students of  all genders, students with disabilities, and others.

Collaborative partners for the Kerr-Tar COG’s 2023 SRTS grant application include: Franklin County Schools, Granville County Public Schools, Person County Schools, Vance County Schools, Warren County Schools, Henderson-Family YMCA, City of Oxford Parks & Recreation Department, 4-H Vance County, Turning Point Community Development Corporation & NCDOT Division 5 Office.

For more information, visit NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division’s Safe Routes to School.

TownTalk: What’s Happening In May In Granville County

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If the phrase “a rolling stone gathers no moss” applied to a geographic entity, then Granville County would be that moss-less stone. The array of activities is dizzying, and Tourism Director Angela Allen shared just a glimpse into what’s in store for May on Wednesday’s TownTalk with WIZS’s Bill Harris.

First up is Quittin’ Time in downtown Oxford, which kicks off May 4 stretches across May and June on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Area restaurants and other retail outlets have joined forces to create what Allen called a “little version in downtown Oxford of Spanish-style tapas dining.” Patrons can stroll from spot to spot, ordering up small plates and specialty drinks along the way.

“For me, Quittin’ Time takes it up to a whole ‘nother notch,” Allen said. “We really want people to think of this as a gathering time – a great excuse to get outside.”

Participating businesses include:

  • Strong Arm Baking Co.
  • Main St. Oasis
  • The Hub on Main
  • Milano’s
  • Orpheum
  • Harvest
  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  • Oxford Oaks Distillery
  • Uptown 101

Find details about menus and more on Visit Downtown Oxford’s Facebook page.

Other upcoming events in Granville County include:

  • Granville Little Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which runs consecutive weekends beginning the weekend of Friday, May 5. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and there will be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, with tickets for students, seniors over 65 and veterans $10. The shows will be held in the auditorium of City Hall, located at 300 Williamsboro St. in Oxford.
  • Butner’s Friday Movie in the Park – Bring lawn chairs and blankets to Gazebo Park on Central Avenue in Butner on Friday, May 5 to enjoy the family movie “The Sandlot.” There will be free popcorn and water, courtesy of a local church, Allen said. The movie begins about 8:15 p.m., so make sure you get there early to get all set up. Just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, the movie will move to the Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena.
  • Alive After Five – The kickoff will be Thursday, May 11, a raindate from the original date in late April. Everything else is the same – Things crank up at 5 p.m. with The Konnection Band and then The Orpheum will host an “after party” until about 11 p.m.
  • CultureFest – Saturday, May 13 is the date for this year’s CultureFest, which celebrates world cultures with food trucks, vendors, performers and demonstrations. From cloggers and African drummers to the art of tortilla making and blacksmithing, the area around Littlejohn Street in downtown Oxford will come alive with tastes, sounds, sights and aromas from all around the world. “It’s a wonderful experience to get together (to) learn about other cultures and enhance your love for your own culture,” Allen said.
  • Cedar Creek National Teapot Show – The Creedmoor gallery puts on this show every three years, Allen said. It kicks off on May 20, but the teapots will be on display through September. While many are functional, Allen said that some of the teapots are quite artistic. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1150 Fleming Rd. off Hwy 15 outside Creedmoor.

 

Find all these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com, or follow Granville Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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SportsTalk: Orange Co. Speedway Is A Destination For Short Track Racing

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Stephen Dunn — race promoter, announcer and enthusiast — discussed short track, Saturday night racing at Orange County Speedway.  Also, we talked about North Wilkesboro and Hickory and the CARS Tour.

Dunn operates several businesses that help in the sport of racing and beyond.  He is Founder at RPM Group (rpmgroupnc.com), CEO at GXS Wraps (gxswraps.com) and Principal at Graphix Solution (graphixsolutionnc.com).

The Stickered Up Podcast, the Official podcast of the Solid Rock CARS Tour, is hosted by Dunn and can be found anywhere you download podcasts.

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Home And Garden Show

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

  • When seedlings emerge check for areas that might need reseeding.
  • Should you skip mowing this month?
  • Start checking for insect pests and signs of disease.
  • Make sure you have a good nitrogen only fertilizer on hand for vegetable gardens and flower beds. These areas may need supplemental nitrogen through the season. Blood meal is an excellent choice, organic and slow release.
  • Check out your irrigation system
  • Do you have garden areas that won’t be used this year? If so, plant a cover crop.
  • Don’t over water plants check soil media first if it is moist wait another to water your plants
  • It is way past the recommended date for fertilizing and seeding tall fescue, as well as spraying for broadleaf weeds.
  • Wear sun protective clothing even on cloudy days.
  • Growing vegetables in containers? Use large container that are clean, plus good quality potting mix. Never use soil from yard or garden.

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The Local Skinny! Shriner’s Fish Fry Is Scheduled For May 17th

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The Tri-County Shriner’s Fish Fry is on again for its traditional third Wednesday in May and area Shriners are gearing up for another long, but productive day, with delicious results for its patrons.

Plates are $10 each – take-out only – and sales will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, said chairman Vernon Mustian.

Mustian and Donald Seifert were guests on WIZS “The Local Skinny!” to talk up the 59th fish fry.

You just may spy Mustian near the cookers on Fish Fry Day. “I have been cooking there for awhile,” he acknowledged. He holds the club’s office of First Vice President, but the club also put him in charge of the whole event this year. “It is a chore,” he said, adding that his admiration has grown for those who have organized past events.

“We try to put out a good plate,” Seifert said. “The price is reasonable and if we have good weather, I’m sure we’ll have a good turnout.”

Drive out to 210 Industry Drive near Lowe’s and Mako Medical to pick up plates. Delivery is available for 10 or more plates. Call 919.369.0316 to make delivery arrangements.

You can buy tickets in advance or purchase plates at the take-out tent.

“We are hoping to raise more than last year, “ Mustian said. “We had a good year last year, and we’re looking for a big number – at least $10,000.”

Shriner Henry Gupton told WIZS in an earlier interview that all proceeds after expenses will be donated to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC.

THIS  STORY WAS ORGINALLY PUBLISHED MAY 2, 2023 AND IS BEING RE-POSTED FOR VIEWING AT THIS TIME.

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