Tag Archive for: #rcaps.henderson

TownTalk: Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society Pays Tribute To Ricky Overby

/by

Most Friday evenings for almost a decade, Ricky Overby would climb into the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society van, put it in Drive and head out of town on a freedom ride. The thousands of dogs and cats that left Vance County for rescue and adoption groups up and down the East Coast owe their lives – literally – to Captain Ricky.

Overby died Tuesday after a short battle with cancer. But Brandon Boyd, RCAPS President, holds Overby up as an example as someone who selflessly gave of his time to further the RCAPS mission of saving animals.

Overby started out as a driver, Boyd told John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk, but as the single van grew to a fleet of vans, Captain Ricky took on more responsibilities with RCAPS.

Boyd remembered his employee – and friend – as loyal and dependable. “He took pride in his work, in his job,” he said. “And he loved saving animals.”

He’d take off usually by 9 p.m. on Fridays, with dozens and dozens of dogs and cats loaded in the van. He’d make numerous stops along his way up the East Coast, his destination sometimes as far North as Albany, New York.

Sometimes, Boyd said, when he found himself awake in the wee hours of a Saturday morning, “I’d call the Captain.” The calls sometimes lasted five minutes; others lasted upwards of an hour, Boyd recalled.

His reputation for a loving, caring person grew as his transports continued – Boyd said it’s difficult to grasp just how widespread that reputation reached.

James Jackson, another local volunteer, stepped in when Capt. Ricky got sick. And Friday night, when Jackson settles in behind the wheel of the van loaded with 50 or 60 dogs and cats headed for New York, he and the other RCAPS volunteers will continue Capt. Ricky’s mission of doing God’s work of caring for animals.

Click Play

TownTalk: Saturday Cruise-In A Success

/by

Combine two things that Brandon Boyd is passionate about – cars and animal welfare – and the result is overwhelmingly positive. And that’s just what happened Saturday, July 31 at the annual Classic Car Cruise-In event in Henderson.

Folks came in from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to the show at 284 US 158 Bypass in Henderson to see classic cars and to learn about Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society. Boyd told John C. Rose Monday on Town Talk that people came from all over to admire the cars. Attendance estimates range from 3,200 to 3,500 on the lot at one time, he said. “It was absolutely fantastic!” As visitors milled about, they also got a chance to see and hear about RCAPS and its mission to find homes for adoptable animals, and also to educate the public about caring for pets.

He said he would love for RCAPS to be able to go in to schools to talk with students about being responsible pet owners. That responsibility includes spaying and neutering pets.

He hopes to one day be able to provide an affordable spay and neuter program in Vance County. “That’s been a vision of the team at Ruin Creek,” Boyd said, adding that perhaps through grant funding or other means, RCAPS can help reduce pet overpopulation.

“There are so many things that we can do, that we want to do,” he said. “I think the people of this area are going to see some really great things” from RCAPS in the future.

Throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, pet adoptions nationwide spiked, he said. Now, however, with loosened restrictions on travel and people getting out more, those dogs and cats that were such a good idea a year ago are now finding themselves in shelters.

And the Vance County shelter is no exception.

From the Carolinas to California, Boyd said shelters are loaded with animals that people adopted. Now, those pet owners have the mentality of ‘let’s take him to the shelter and someone else will take him,’ Boyd said.

“They’re overrun by animals as a result of this problem.”

A pet owner has responsibilities to care for, to look after these animals. From proper veterinary care, to spay and neutering, to discipline, the responsibilities are many.

That’s one reason Boyd wants to start early and introduce pet owner responsibilities to school children. “I don’t want to just find fault,” he said. “I want to correct the fault.”

He said RCAPS enjoys support from a wide base of donors from all 50 states and from 13 countries. Because of this support, RCAPS can keep transport vans on the road that take animals from Vance County up the East Coast, from Virginia to New York, and everywhere in between.

Boyd said the RCAPS staff deserves much credit for being good stewards of donor funds. “We’re so proud that people trust us to that degree” to send money to support the cause. “It speaks volumes to me…and I’m so very proud of it.”

Visit www.rcaps.org to learn more.

Listen to the full interview with Brandon Boyd here.

 

The Local Skinny! Ruin Creek Cruise-In Brings Classic Cars and Community Together

/by

For some folks “a car was made for one purpose, to get from one place to tha ‘nother.”

For others, something happens along the way.  You fall in love with the car, or the engine, or the story of getting from that one place to another or the people riding with you.  And, when that happens, the car becomes a classic.

Car enthusiasts from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and perhaps beyond will visit Henderson this weekend.  On Saturday, July 31 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., the second-ever Ruin Creek Cruise In will take place.

Admission is free for all.

Visit the car show that about 2,500 people showed up for in 2019.

It will take place across U.S. 158 Bypass from Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac and is specifically at 284 US 158 Bypass if you’re putting it in your GPS.

The Ruin Creek Cruise In of Henderson is all about supporting the local Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, according to Brandon Boyd.

Boyd and the society’s volunteers, organizers and supporters have a passion about “saving animals from right here in Henderson at the Vance County Animal Shelter.”  Boyd said, “Krissie Newman, her non-profit The Rescue Ranch, is sponsoring this event this year.  Krissie is going to be there…It’s just going to be a special, special weekend here in Henderson.  We invite everybody to come out.  It’s going to be local vendors from all across this area, food, drinks, live music, and a good time had by all.”

Click play for Brandon Boyd’s Interview on The Local Skinny!

TownTalk: Vance and Granville Co. Animal Shelters Are Full

/by

The animal shelters in Vance and Granville Counties are full and need help!

If you enjoying volunteering and helping animals, then this announcement is for you.

For complete details and audio click play.

Matt Katz, the Granville County Animal Management Director, says the new Granville County Shelter needs to pick up a few volunteers, especially right now for summer. Katz said he and his staff are “looking for some dog walkers and cat snugglers.”

Because of some of the normal strains of summer, like people taking vacations or moving their family to a new location now that school is out, the new Granville County Animal Shelter is getting full. The new shelter houses, for example, almost 20 more dog kennels than the old shelter but is filling up.

Turns out in texting with Brandon Boyd, president of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, the Vance County Animal Shelter is full too –  Code Red!  In May of 2020, the Vance County Shelter was empty.  Boyd texted, “SUMMER TIME!!!  Every June and July this happens and rescues and adoptions slow down.  It’s two tough months always.”

The chief of Vance County Animal Services, Frankie Nobles, texted as well, “A lot of surrenders ands strays.  Adoptions are maintaining about the same.  Still have our regular volunteers coming.”

Katz said by phone some of the main volunteers at the Granville County Animal Shelter are out for a while volunteering on another project, and he said, “We really need to get the dogs out and walk them.” It’s better for the animals both large and small.

Unlike last year when covid was the main topic, this year summer plans, things opening up and travel are cutting down volunteers while more animals are being surrendered, or in come cases, even just left behind as people move to new towns for new jobs.

Last year when families and children were trapped inside more, fostering and rescues were in high demand, as not only was it good to do but it also provided some relief. That tide has turned and more work needs to be done now with fewer folks.

If you’d like to help and volunteer in Granville County, please call 919 693 6749. Or email, animal.shelter@granvillecounty.org.  See more @granvillecountyanimalshelterfriends on Facebook.

Call the Vance County Animal Shelter at (252) 492-3136.  See more @RCAPS.Henderson on Facebook.

RCAPS is Dream Come True, in More Ways Than One

/by

The Friday night “Freedom Runs” that leave the Vance County Animal Shelter ferry animals from the confines of a kennel to foster or adoptive homes. For Brandon Boyd, president of the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society that sponsors the event, it’s a dream come true.

Boyd spoke with John C. Rose on Thursday during a new program called “The Local Skinny.” He started the RCAPS in 2011 and, a decade later, the rescue effort continues. “We’ve had a great start to the year,” he said, “rescue has just been fantastic.”

He is especially pleased to be working with the folks at the shelter in Granville County, and said his plan is to continue growing partnerships with other counties. “We’ve just got a lot of things going on for this new year that is very exciting,” Boyd said. The Granville shelter recently reported a record-low euthanasia rate of 6 percent, which Boyd called “fantastic news.” Incorporating the RCAPS model in Granville could push that percent rate even lower.

In the last month, the group has purchased two new vans to add to the “Freedom Run” fleet. They’re outfitted with kennels to transport the animals. “All of this is about saving lives and getting animals out” of the shelters and to adoption and rescue partners so the animals can find loving homes, Boyd said.

Of course, RCAPS relies on donations and volunteers to make the mission a reality. “There have been so many great things that have been done and so many great things that we are going to continue to do, thanks to the help and support of our wonderful donors,” Boyd said. “We’re only as strong as our network and the people that support this cause,” he said. There’s still a lot of great work to be done. And we plan to do it.”

Among the newer partnerships is Rescue Ranch, which operates in Statesville, NC. Consider volunteering to walk a dog at the animal shelter, he said, or check out RCAPS on FaceBook for a livestream of the Friday evening Freedom Runs.

“We’re doing everything we can to get these dogs out of here and placed in their forever home,” he said. “The work is amazing, the results are just astonishing,” Boyd said. “In my wildest dreams, I never would have believed that (RCAPS) could become what it has become and it makes me so happy and so proud to know that we’re making a difference and we’re saving lives.”

Visit rcaps.org to learn more.

“The Local Skinny!” Thurs, Feb 11

/by

Each broadcast of “The Local Skinny!” invites you to call 492-5594.  You can call with an item you’d like to sell or something you are looking for.  Also, you can call about anything on your mind…a grip, a praise, a news item of interest, a question you’d like to know more about.

And, we’re always ready with local news and information, guests, business spotlights and the latest from Vance County Cooperative Extension.

Run down for Thursday:

11:30 a.m. – Items to Buy or Sell and your calls

11:40 a.m. – Brandon Boyd, president of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society

11:50 a.m. – Jamon Glover, Parenting Task Force with Vance County Cooperative Extension

 

And, The show podcast is always available at wizs.com/thelocalskinny and by clicking on the show logo atop wizs.com.

Next week on the program, guests include Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow Monday, H-V Chamber President Michelle Burgess Tuesday, Britt Sams with Sam’s Furniture and Mattress Center Wednesday and Marcia Allen, Vance County Democratic Party Chair, on Thursday … plus your calls and items.

Stay tuned and tell a friend!

The Friday night “Freedom Runs” that leave the Vance County Animal Shelter ferry animals from the confines of a kennel to foster or adoptive homes. For Brandon Boyd, president of the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society that sponsors the event, it’s a dream come true.

Boyd spoke with John C. Rose on Thursday during a new program called “The Local Skinny.” He started the RCAPS in 2011 and, a decade later, the rescue effort continues. “We’ve had a great start to the year,” he said, “rescue has just been fantastic.”

He is especially pleased to be working with the folks at the shelter in Granville County, and said his plan is to continue growing partnerships with other counties. “We’ve just got a lot of things going on for this new year that is very exciting,” Boyd said. The Granville shelter recently reported a record-low euthanasia rate of 6 percent, which Boyd called “fantastic news.” Incorporating the RCAPS model in Granville could push that percent rate even lower.

In the last month, the group has purchased two new vans to add to the “Freedom Run” fleet. They’re outfitted with kennels to transport the animals. “All of this is about saving lives and getting animals out” of the shelters and to adoption and rescue partners so the animals can find loving homes, Boyd said.

Of course, RCAPS relies on donations and volunteers to make the mission a reality. “There have been so many great things that have been done and so many great things that we are going to continue to do, thanks to the help and support of our wonderful donors,” Boyd said. “We’re only as strong as our network and the people that support this cause,” he said. There’s still a lot of great work to be done. And we plan to do it.”

Among the newer partnerships is Rescue Ranch, which operates in Statesville, NC. Consider volunteering to walk a dog at the animal shelter, he said, or check out RCAPS on FaceBook for a livestream of the Friday evening Freedom Runs.

“We’re doing everything we can to get these dogs out of here and placed in their forever home,” he said. “The work is amazing, the results are just astonishing,” Boyd said. “In my wildest dreams, I never would have believed that (RCAPS) could become what it has become and it makes me so happy and so proud to know that we’re making a difference and we’re saving lives.”

Visit rcaps.org to learn more.

“The Local Skinny,” a new program that WIZS launched on Feb. 8, is a way for the community to stay connected to a variety of local opportunities – it’s Tradio, public service forum and call-in show all rolled into one.

The Henderson-based station has long devoted air time to keep the listening community informed, and this new program is a fresh way to present information over the air waves. John C. Rose hatched the idea as a way to deliver in shorter bursts different forms of information. “The Local Skinny” bundles a few services under a new name as a way to keep things fresh.

Monday’s show included some callers who had items for sale, as well as some other items for sale that had come in earlier to the Tradio program.

“It’s gonna be a hodgepodge of things,” Rose commented during the initial program.

You just never know where the show may go, and that’s what may appeal to the listening audience.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington was the first official guest on the show Tuesday, and christened the program’s official launch with a proclamation of sorts. “I hereby officially proclaim this inaugural show,” Ellington said. Rose reminded listeners that the governor of North Carolina sent a message to the radio station when it signed on for the first time – May 1, 1955. So he felt it was appropriate to have another government official operate in a similar capacity.

On Tuesday’s show, for example, Ellington and Rose discussed what had happened at Monday night’s City Council meeting. The police department and fire department got the green light to pursue a few grant opportunities. “It’s a no-brainer when you have grants coming your way,” Ellington said.

“The Local Skinny!” is a format that the community can participate in and benefit from. “The Local Skinny!” will be live at 11:30 a.m. Mon-Thurs right after “TownTalk,” which has the 11 a.m. time slot M-F.

Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s Animal “Ride To Freedom” Rides On

/by

The yearslong animal rescue “Ride To Freedom,” done weekly by Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society and Vance County Animal Services, continues tonight after a one-week covid disruption.

The plan that has rescued into the thousands of Vance County animals and gotten them to loving, safe homes continues this evening.  While the Vance County Animal Shelter remains closed to the public, and Chief Animal Control Officer Frankie Nobles continues to be unsure when it will reopen, arrangements for the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s “Ride To Freedom” were confirmed earlier this week so the tradition can continue.

Brandon Boyd, president of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, said, “We would like to thank our very important partners Chief Frankie Nobles and (the) Vance County Animal Shelter for their support and effort which allows this to happen along with our many passionate and faithful supporters that give to support this deserving cause.”

The loading of the animals can typically be watched online live via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RCAPS.Henderson.

Covid Case Closes Vance County Animal Shelter To Public For A While

/by

The 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.