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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! July Is Poppin’ With Activities At Perry Memorial Library

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The Perry Memorial Library is filled with books and other reading material for patrons to enjoy, but reading and literacy find their ways into so many aspects of summertime activities, books are just the beginning of the fun!

If you missed Tuesday’s 4 p.m. Color My World In Comics program with Curtis M. Harvey, Jr., there’s one more chance to learn about his book, “The Perfect Pair,” which he wrote and illustrated.

Harvey will be back for the finale of the Vance County Reads program on July 29, according to Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please register at Signup Genius or simply go to https://www.perrylibrary.org/home and find the flyer that has the link and a QR code.

Peters reeled off a dizzying number of programs and events that are coming up in the next couple of weeks as summer stretches into late July and August.

“We are just having such a great turnout for our programs,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on the Tuesday segment of The Local Skinny! program.

She prepared staff for the several hundred or so kiddos that were going to be coming through the library Tuesday for the various programs that are taking place.

She said she was expecting at least 50 young people for the Color My World in Comics, during which Harvey, who grew up in Henderson, would discuss how he came to write and illustrate the children’s book that was published in 2024.

The Vance County Reads programs culminates at the end of July with Harvey and local author Angie Ellington, author of “Autumn at Apple Hill.” Peters said multiple copies of both books were available in places all over the county for residents to pick up, read and either keep or return for others to enjoy.

Having homegrown authors come back and share their experience is important, she said. “They do want to give back,” Peters said. “It’s a good way to have an impact on your community.”

Families can come to the library on Sunday, July 20 for another installment of Family Story Time. The upcoming theme is Crayons, in keeping with the Color My World summer reading theme, and Peters said there will surely be creative crayon art activities following the story.

Thrilling Thursdays offers something for all ages at the library, Peters said.

There’s a 10 a.m. story time for groups and homeschoolers, then there’s a repeat at 11 a.m. during the Mother Goose Story Time for the general public.

Then, come 3:30 p.m., there’s a quick story time for busy families on the go – a story and bubbles and, boom! you’re back out the door, Peters said.

The LEGO Club cranks up at 4 p.m. and the Teen Space opens its doors at 4 p.m. for gaming and snacks.

And if that’s not enough, there’s one more free movie scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 at 11 a.m.

The final installment is Sonic3, another in the adventures and misadventures of that iconic video game character as he takes to the Big Screen once again.

A final hurrah happens not at the library but at the Community House at Satterwhite Point on Kerr Lake at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 31 – everyone’s welcome for freeze pops and Mother Goose story time.

Peters thanks the Kerr Lake State Parks folks for partnering again this year to make this event possible. There’s no entry fee associated with the story time – just tell the person at the gate that you’re coming to the Mother Goose Story Time!

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home for a complete listing of programs, activities and more that the library offers.

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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Great Southeast Pollinator Census

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Michael Ellington, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Today I’m speaking about the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science effort that can change the world. I’ve also shared reminders for related events.

Pollinator ID Workshop

go.ncsu.edu/pollinatorid

Great Southeast Pollinator Census

www.gsepc.org

Harvesting Healthy Habits

go.ncsu.edu/hhhvc

Heirs Property Gathering

go.ncsu.edu/vcheirsproperty

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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TownTalk: Business Spotlight – Vanco Crawl Space

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Will Bumgarner said the work his team at Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration does isn’t glamorous or fancy. In fact, he described it as dirty, nasty work. But it’s good, honest work, he said. And when homeowners or business owners need professionals to take care of problems under their homes or businesses, Vanco is the one to call.

Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration is the newest member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and Bumgarner said he’s been in business for about 4 ½ years. The company’s general manager is Angel Perez.

The company has two teams that do all kinds of work in crawlspaces from insulation and sump pumps to foundation drainage, mold remediation and installing dehumidifiers.

“Pretty much anything that’s underneath a house, we handle,” Bumgarner said during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Chamber office.

They’re based in Henderson and serve Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties, but they also do work from Greensboro to the coast.

“My game plan is to provide that (top) level of service for Henderson so the citizens of this county don’t have to look elsewhere,” Bumgarner said.

Sam Seifert, a member of the Chamber board, was among a handful of local dignitaries on hand to welcome Bumgarner to the Chamber.

Seifert said he’d recently had to go under his own house and said he’d likely be calling Vanco soon. “I appreciate you and Angel who are doing that kind of work,” Seifert said. “I appreciate keeping it local.”

Call Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration at 919.999.9572 or visit www.vancocrawlspace.com to learn more.

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(This is not a paid ad.)

Estate Sale To Benefit American Cancer Society In Full Swing Through Saturday, July 19

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To some, she’s Sally Garrett. Others call her Frances. And sometimes it seems like she’s doing the work of two people – or more. But whatever name she answers to, rest assured that she’ll tell you right quick why she enjoys raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Garrett is a five-time cancer survivor, she told WIZS’s Scout Hughes when he sat down to talk with her during the estate sale, going on now at the former INCO building at 602 S. Garnett St.

She was doing some research after completing treatment for her third bout with cancer, and she said, “Every treatment that I had at that time had been funded or partially funded by the American Cancer Society,” and that’s when she decided to do something to help keep that research going.

Each year, a representative from each Congressional district goes to Washington, D.C. to present their checks from fundraising efforts.

And last year, this Congressional district was the largest contributor, she said.

The estate sale concept is part of the success, she noted. Auctions had sort of run their course, she said, and once the idea of having an estate sale format gained traction, they were off to the races.

“We just did great,” she said. “We made $14,000 that first sale and that really fired us all up…we can do this!”

She said it speaks well of the community the size of Henderson and Vance County that she and her team of volunteers can raise that kind of money. “It all comes from friends getting together and doing something we love,” she said.

Not to brag, but Sally & Friends was the top fundraiser group at last year’s Relay for Life in Granville County with $30,000 going to the cause to find a cure for cancer.

“You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” Garrett said. “We don’t know who this money is going to help, but it’s going to help somebody…it could be my family, your family or somebody across the world.”

The sale is scheduled to continue through the week, but Garrett said it would depend on how many items are left and how many people are coming in to shop.

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The following was the original post of this story on Friday, July 11, 2025:

Come check out the items up for grabs at the annual estate sale to benefit the American Cancer Society. Sally Garrett and Friends are conducting the sale, which kicked off Thursday and continues through the weekend.

Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The sale picks up again on Tuesday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and could continue as long as Sunday, July 20, depending on how sales go, said Frances Garrett, one of the organizers.

This is the second year for the sales, said Chuck Martin, another volunteer who helps with the sale. The items are donated by people who may be downsizing or who have things left from other sales. This sale takes place at the former INCO building, located at 602 S. Garnett St, and features furniture, home furnishings and more.

Visit https://www.estatesales.net/ to see photos of the featured items.

“Every dime goes to the Cancer Society,” said Martin. “Sally Garrett represents the American Cancer Society and assures that all money raised is accounted for and deposited with the state ACS in Raleigh,” he added.

The building space is donated by Jason Stewardson.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Native Plants

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Planting native plants can improve your landscape while helping the environment.

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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The Local Skinny! Vance Co. Tourism Reports Record Attendance For Independence Day Celebration At Satterwhite Point

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— information courtesy of Vance County Tourism

Satterwhite Point Park was THE place to be over the Independence Day holiday, and tourism and park officials said the daylong celebration on Saturday, July 5 brought out thousands of people to enjoy lakeside activities.

Pam Hester with Vance County Tourism called it “an unprecedented turnout,” which featured food vendors, music and more leading up to the evening’s fireworks display.

According to State Parks Superintendent Bill Stanley, “This is the first time in 10 years I can remember hitting the complete parking capacity.”

According to State Parks traffic counter, 2,167 vehicles entered the park on Saturday, July 5. Using a standard estimate of three occupants per vehicle, that means at least 6,501 people attended the park alone.

And that doesn’t count the hundreds who arrived by boat or who gathered at nearby locations to view the show.

Campsite usage hit peak levels, too, and the campground reached 100 percent capacity well before the weekend of the Fourth. A limited number of sites, typically held back for emergencies such as double bookings or maintenance issues, were also fully utilized by Saturday, according to Hester. “The strong demand reaffirms that visitors specifically plan their vacations around the annual celebration. State Parks reported approximately $28,000 in park fees collected, directly tied to the influx of holiday visitors and fireworks anticipation.”

Local vendors benefited significantly from the crowd, too. Food and novelty vendors reported selling out before the end of the evening.

Participating businesses included: Bob’s Wind Planes, Ships, and Novelties; Bun on the Run; De Tocho Morocho; DPC Concessions; Hudson’s Grill & Chili; Kernel Craze; King Southern Style Cooking; Ninja Realty; R J’s Grill; and Taba’s Facepainting.

The event would not be possible without the support of local agencies, volunteers and the community. Their collective effort delivered a safe, fun and memorable celebration for all in attendance.

  • Bill Stanley and every member of the State Parks Team go above and beyond!
  • Vance County Rescue
  • NC HWY Patrol
  • Vance County Sherrif’s Office
  • Vance County EMS
  • NC DOT
  • NC Wildlife Commission
  • NC Fire Marshal
  • Vance County Fire Marshal
  • Vance County Fire Department
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Hicksboro Fire Department
  • Vance County Commissioners
  • Chris Senter
  • A Fresh Potti
  • Warren County DOT
  • Granville County Emergency Management
  • DJ Jay
  • Pyro Shows East Coast
  • The Daily Dispatch
  • WIZS Radio
  • Tom Burleson, Graham Nobles, Larry Allen

 

 

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Public Safety Committee, Fire Commission Plan Joint Meeting July 29 To Discuss Fire Study, Future Of Rescue Squad

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The county’s Public Safety Committee and the Vance County Fire Commission have scheduled a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at 4 p.m. to discuss the fire study.

The public safety committee consists of Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Valencia Perry and Board Chair Carolyn Faines.

At Monday’s regular monthly meeting, commissioners discussed the pros and cons of having a separate county rescue squad. The contract extension ended on June 30, but commissioners approved a 90-day extension to allow for more discussion before making a final decision.

Commissioners heard from Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky about the role of the rescue squad and the specialized certifications necessary for rescue squad members to perform several different types of rescues, including high-angle and water rescues.

Carpunky spent the early moments of his presentation refuting information shared at the previous meeting about the status of rescue squads in other counties.

He talked about the extensive training involved in the rescue certification process. Members of the rescue squad do more than water rescues, but besides the City of Henderson fire department, only Watkins Volunteer Fire Department is heavy-rescue certified. More than half of the rescue squad members are fire certified, he said.

The commissioners agreed to a 90-day contract extension so allow time for the county to purchase equipment and Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison shared information about various pieces of equipment that he’s been researching.

“All departments should be self-sufficient in every way,” he said. Harrison is looking at an all-terrain vehicle, as well as different types of water craft, including one that rescuers can dive from, and an inflatable craft. Harrison said whatever equipment is purchased would be available to any of the county’s fire departments.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt said sending the issue back to the public safety committee would allow for more in-depth conversation. He said the county shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money “duplicating things that we already have that we could be working together on.”

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Maria Parham Celebrates Phase 1 Of Emergency Department Renovation

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Wednesday’s ribbon cutting that marks the near-completion of Phase 1 of the Maria Parham Health Emergency Department renovation is a giant step toward creating a safer space for staff and law enforcement officers working to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis get the care they need.

If the final inspections go as planned, the Phase 1 project could open as soon as July 24, said Donna Young, MPH’s communications officer.

It’s been six years in the making, but this phase of the renovation creates specialized space that will serve individuals with mental health challenges.

In remarks during the event, MPH CEO Bert Beard told those gathered that the project is a perfect example of a public/private partnership to make things happen. Tours were offered to show just how the patients will move through the ED more efficiently to get the care they need.

Noting the somewhat smaller waiting area, Beard said “it shouldn’t be about waiting.” Like a home renovation to better accommodate a family’s needs, the ED design and construction better addresses the particular needs of those in mental health crises.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said, “I’m definitely excited about it, especially having the space for the sheriff’s office and the Henderson Police Department to bring people who have mental issues out here and have them evaluated.” Officers will no longer have to sit out here with them 24 or 48 hours at a time while they await evaluation and treatment or transportation to another facility. “And they’ll have a secure location, not only for the deputies but for the staff here at Maria Parham Hospital,” Brame said.

The Rev. Frank Sossamon, MPH’s lead chaplain, spoke about helping to secure $5 million in funding from the General Assembly when he served District 32 in the N.C. House.

Sossamon said the project has many positive aspects, including providing mental health care for patients and protecting the safety of everyone involved, from hospital staff to law enforcement officers who bring patients to the ED for help.

This renovation contributes to the hospital’s role as an economic driver, too, he said.

The event was an official ribbon cutting of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Post Originally Made on July 2nd, 2025

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