— press release courtesy of the Warren County Arts Council
Warren County Arts Council Awards Funding to Regional Artists
The Warren County Arts Council has awarded $6,701 in direct funding to 7 artists in the North Carolina Arts Council’s first ever Artist Support Grant program. The Warren County Arts Council was chosen by the North Carolina Arts Council to be the lead arts council in a grants region that includes: Warren, Vance, Halifax, Northampton, Granville, and Franklin counties.
“The Artist Support Grants program responds to the impact of the pandemic by ensuring that artists and the state’s arts infrastructure have the resources needed to help our state make a strong social and economic recovery,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council.
“We are honored to serve as the lead arts council in this new initiative,” said Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council. “Working with our regional partners in this new consortium of rural counties gives us a chance to impact local artists in ways we haven’t been able to do before.”
Twenty-two artists from all six counties and from various disciplines applied for funding in this competitive application process, requesting a total of $25,900 in funding. Artists were not allowed to request more than $1,200 in funding. This year the grants are non-matching, but will most likely require a match in future cycles.
“Our review panel had a tough decision to make. The state only granted our region $5,000. The Warren County Arts Council chose to contribute $1,000 to increase the impact,” stated Duncan. “The Vance County, Franklin County, and Northampton County arts councils also contributed, so in total we were able to increase our region’s funding by $1,700.”
Awards went to: Senora Lynch, a potter from Warren County; Marvin Richardson and the Stoney Creek Singers, contemporary pow wow singers from Warren County; Ellen Newbauer, a woodworker from Warren County; Jereann King Johnson, a quilter from Warren County; Lydia Dudley, a singer from Warren County; Allison Darcy, a writer from Granville County; and Brandi Parker, a theatrical director from Vance County.
Funding will be used to support projects or needs that enhance the artists’ craft and careers.
The grant review panel consisted of arts professionals from across the state, and not members of any of the arts councils in the qualifying region. The panel included: Trista Porter (Executive Director, Greenville Museum of Art); Amy Grossman (President & CEO, NC Folk Festival); Hobey Ford (master puppeteer and Kennedy Center Partner in Education); Antoine Williams (mixed media artist and Guilford College professor); and Sarah Bryan (Executive Director, NC Folklife Institute).
“We were so honored to have such a thoughtful and intentional group of panelists,” said Duncan. “It was clear that they value the arts in rural communities as much as we do.”
For more information or questions please contact the Warren County Arts Council at warrencountyartscouncil@gmail.com. The Warren County Arts Council can be found online at warrencountyartsnc.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @wcartcouncil.
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About the Warren County Arts Council
The Warren County Arts Council was founded on April 20, 1999 in order to promote and increase appreciation for the arts in Warren County.
About the North Carolina Arts Council
The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s longstanding love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. www.NCArts.org
Noon News 12-31-20 Animal Shelter; Sewer Bypass; Livestock Webinar; Rev. Ola Thorpe Cooper
/by Bill HarrisStories include:
– Vance Co. Animal Shelter closed due to a Covid 19 related issue
– Sewer bypass and storm water issues
– livestock emergency webinar
– City Council woman Rev. Ola Thorpe Cooper
For full details and audio click play.
What Do You Do When There Is A Livestock Emergency?
/by John C. RoseAccording to information obtained from Matthew Place with Warren County Cooperative Extension, there will be a webinar January 14th to address the questions of what to do when there is a livestock emergency.
Hosted by the Warren County Cooperative Extension, you’ll hear from Dr. Michelle Bouchey, DVM from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The “Dealing With Livestock Emergencies” webinar will take place January 14th at 1 p.m. Zoom will be the platform.
Register for the webinar at livestockemergencies.eventbrite.com. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dealing-with-livestock-emergencies-webinar-tickets-132323913387)
And contact Matthew Place at 252 257 3640 or mbplace@ncsu.edu with questions.
Season Starting Fast For Vance Charter Lady Knights Basketball
/by John C. RoseWhen a sports team plays 30 games and only loses two, that’s something to be celebrated. That was the case last year for the Vance Charter School Lady Knights basketball team. But the celebration must end when the next season begins, and for the Lady Knights and Head Coach Brian Howard, that time has come.
With the first game of the season right after the start of the new year, and with needing to overcome the mental and physical effects covid has had so far on everyone, a week’s worth of preparation and mindset will have to do.
Coach Howard joined SportsTalk host Trey Snide (click below to listen) on WIZS Tuesday at 1 p.m., along with co-host Ron Noel, and Howard said for the first game “I just want to see a lot of hunger. I think at times they still harking back to going 28-2 last year and not realizing, ok, we’re 0-0 again. We have to do this whole process over. And so I just want to see a lot of aggression and a lot of hunger from my team. That’s all I can ask for for the first game.”
That’s how the season starts, but if you want to get to the end and have it be a banner season, then goals, mindset and more plays a factor.
Howard said, “It’s just the fact that I didn’t know how everybody was going to adjust to wearing the mask during practice. And so before practice started I just went ahead and I told them…This is what is expected of us this year, and I’ve seen it can be done because I’ve seen other schools do it. And I said and those other schools I’ve seen do it, they don’t have the caliber athletes that we have in his gym right now. So we’ll make the best of the situation, and we’re going to go out here and we’re going to perform to the best of our abilities because at the end of the season whoever wins the conference is still going to get a trophy. And I want the trophy. And so just adjust your mindset now to…this is a covid season or whatever you want to call it. Just get rid of that mindset and just understand that at the end of the day, we still have to go out and perform at the best of our abilities. Everybody else is in the same boat. Everybody’s doing the same things that we have to do, so there’s no room for complaining or any excuses that need to be made.“
Henderson Trying To Address Sewer Bypasses Caused By Heavy Rain
/by John C. RoseLeaders in the City of Henderson are trying to address sewer bypasses caused by heavy rain. Storm water inflow and infiltration continues to present issues and a lot of times in the same areas.
WIZS News finds not fewer than 10 press releases in 2020 about sewage bypasses in Henderson.
At the nearby RDU airport, the National Weather Service indicates rainfall amounts about 10 inches above normal this year. The Greensboro area is about 18 inches above normal. In Fayetteville, the 2020 total is about 15 inches above normal.
Most recently, the City of Henderson’s sewer collection system bypassed approximately 115,180 gallons of untreated water on December 24, 2020, as was disclosed by a press release from the City.
The press release read, “The overflows occurred at Sandy Creek Pump Station, and several manholes including Neathery Street, intersection of Alexander Avenue/S. Elizabeth Street, intersection of Alexander Avenue/Willow Lane, intersection of Pinkston Street/Farrar Ave, S. Pinkston treet (Green Acres). Approximately 114,420 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 760 gallons of untreated water was contained on the ground.
North Carolina General Statutes require a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
In an email to WIZS News, Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said these issues “will continue to be here until we are capable of adequately and systematically addressing both our aging and in some cases non-existent infrastructure. I choose not to dwell too much on the past although it has impacted our present and how we address issues in the future. But, also, keep in mind that some weather events do create challenges that we just can’t prepare for that are not just confined to Henderson, but shared by other communities around the region.”
Blackmon continued, “The City of Henderson recently adopted a storm water ordinance which is a requirement by the State of NC if we intend to keep issuing building permits and encouraging development in our community. There are basic requirements that we have up to five years to comply with as a part of our storm water management program. Further, the City Council did agree to apply for a $2.5 million loan to assist with addressing some of our storm water issues. We will know in early spring whether or not we were successful with this effort. This process will be a marathon and not a sprint, but we have started making strides to address these issues.”
Covid Case Closes Vance County Animal Shelter To Public For A While
/by John C. RoseThe Vance County Animal Shelter is closed until further notice, according to a printed notice on the front door of the facility.
This is a covid-related situation.
Chief Animal Control Officer Frankie Nobles told WIZS, “We had a positive case, and we are taking all precautions to keep the public safe.”
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen said, “As far as operations within our animal services department, we are still able to make emergency response calls with the staff that we have available – albeit a limited staff at the moment. Although the shelter is shut to the public this week internally we will be able to continue with feeding, cleaning and working with the animals, but due to staff shortages and to keep the public safe we have closed the shelter this week.”
The Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society of Henderson, which normally loads up and transports shelter animals each Friday night, has indicated to WIZS that the normal two masked folks from the society are not being allowed inside the shelter this week. To complete the adoption run anyway, and attempt to keep the adoption lines open to the northeast to places like New York and Pennsylvania, Ruin Creek Animal Protection is attempting to work with others, including Granville County.
Artists in Warren, Vance, Granville Awarded Funds
/by WIZS Staff— press release courtesy of the Warren County Arts Council
Warren County Arts Council Awards Funding to Regional Artists
The Warren County Arts Council has awarded $6,701 in direct funding to 7 artists in the North Carolina Arts Council’s first ever Artist Support Grant program. The Warren County Arts Council was chosen by the North Carolina Arts Council to be the lead arts council in a grants region that includes: Warren, Vance, Halifax, Northampton, Granville, and Franklin counties.
“The Artist Support Grants program responds to the impact of the pandemic by ensuring that artists and the state’s arts infrastructure have the resources needed to help our state make a strong social and economic recovery,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council.
“We are honored to serve as the lead arts council in this new initiative,” said Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council. “Working with our regional partners in this new consortium of rural counties gives us a chance to impact local artists in ways we haven’t been able to do before.”
Twenty-two artists from all six counties and from various disciplines applied for funding in this competitive application process, requesting a total of $25,900 in funding. Artists were not allowed to request more than $1,200 in funding. This year the grants are non-matching, but will most likely require a match in future cycles.
“Our review panel had a tough decision to make. The state only granted our region $5,000. The Warren County Arts Council chose to contribute $1,000 to increase the impact,” stated Duncan. “The Vance County, Franklin County, and Northampton County arts councils also contributed, so in total we were able to increase our region’s funding by $1,700.”
Awards went to: Senora Lynch, a potter from Warren County; Marvin Richardson and the Stoney Creek Singers, contemporary pow wow singers from Warren County; Ellen Newbauer, a woodworker from Warren County; Jereann King Johnson, a quilter from Warren County; Lydia Dudley, a singer from Warren County; Allison Darcy, a writer from Granville County; and Brandi Parker, a theatrical director from Vance County.
Funding will be used to support projects or needs that enhance the artists’ craft and careers.
The grant review panel consisted of arts professionals from across the state, and not members of any of the arts councils in the qualifying region. The panel included: Trista Porter (Executive Director, Greenville Museum of Art); Amy Grossman (President & CEO, NC Folk Festival); Hobey Ford (master puppeteer and Kennedy Center Partner in Education); Antoine Williams (mixed media artist and Guilford College professor); and Sarah Bryan (Executive Director, NC Folklife Institute).
“We were so honored to have such a thoughtful and intentional group of panelists,” said Duncan. “It was clear that they value the arts in rural communities as much as we do.”
For more information or questions please contact the Warren County Arts Council at warrencountyartscouncil@gmail.com. The Warren County Arts Council can be found online at warrencountyartsnc.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @wcartcouncil.
###
About the Warren County Arts Council
The Warren County Arts Council was founded on April 20, 1999 in order to promote and increase appreciation for the arts in Warren County.
About the North Carolina Arts Council
The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s longstanding love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. www.NCArts.org
Home and Garden Show 12-29-20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
WIZS Noon News 12-30-20: Arrests, Garbage Collection; School Audit; Gold!
/by John C. RoseWIZS Noon News 12-30-20:
Vance County Sheriff’s Office Charges Against Suspects
New Year’s Garbage Collection in Henderson
Granville County Public Schools Good Audit
GOLD!! Local Gold in Franklin County
Click Play For WIZS Local News Audio…
Free Wellness Conference Call Jan 4th: High Blood Pressure and Diabetes (more info Monday on TownTalk)
/by John C. RoseHenderson City Councilwoman and the pastor of Holy Temple Church, Rev. Ola Thorpe-Cooper, plans to appear on TownTalk Monday, January 4th. She is a past worker for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
It is also planned that Ola Thorpe-Cooper will be joined by Toni Wilson, who operates the Talk to Toni Wilson YouTube Channel.
On TownTalk, they will discuss and promote a free wellness conference call which also is scheduled for Monday, January 4th, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The topic will be “Understanding Hypertension and Diabetes affect on Blood Vessels.”
Free Call-in Line
(425) 436-6330
Access Code – 8605811#
In an email to WIZS News, Ola Thorpe-Cooper wrote, “This Conference is for anyone 21 years and over with a goal of good health consciousness!!”
For more information ahead of time, call 202 236 4637.
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Sidebar:
At the Henderson City Council meeting September 14, 2020, Council members voted to appoint Ms. Ola Thorpe-Cooper to fill the unexpired term of Fearldine Simmons. Simmons passed away at the age of 73 on August 9, 2020. Her term was active through 2021.
Thorpe-Cooper was approved by a 5-2 ballot vote and will serve as the representative for the Council’s Ward 4 seat.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington said, “Ms. Ola Thorpe-Cooper is a fine lady that will serve our City well. If you look back on her impressive, noteworthy achievements through the years, that’s what she has done her whole life, help others. We welcome her aboard and look forward to her encouraging personality and many talents.”
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 12-29-20 – Meat Goats
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.