Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Trump Boat Parade

Town Talk 09/08/20: Trump Boat Parade Draws a Crowd; Repeat Scheduled for Oct.

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Jimmy Barrier, coordinator for the Vance County Republican Party, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Barrier discussed the Trump Boat Parade held on Kerr Lake over Labor Day weekend. Following a national trend of boat parades in support of President Donald Trump, Barrier said it was a one-of-a-kind experience.

“I have never in my entire life seen as many boats on Kerr Lake at one time; it was just flooded,” said Barrier. “There were also helicopters and drones. Flares were shot off from the Bullocksville area to let you know it was starting. There were boats there from as far away as Maryland. It was a great day to be a Republican on the lake.”

In a separate discussion with WIZS, parade organizer Austin Link of Creedmoor, NC said the event was “a bunch of Trump supporters getting together and showing support for our great president.”

Link, who grew up camping at Kerr Lake and was down for Labor Day weekend, said parade participants followed his boat from Satterwhite Point to Clarksville, VA with American and Trump flags flying.

“We didn’t know what to expect for a turnout. We heard people say it was at least 1,000 boats there,” Link said.

The majority of participants, according to Link, learned of the event through social media sites and word-of-mouth. One such site is the Kerr Lake for Trump Facebook page which includes parade pictures and videos posted by organizers and participants.

Link is already in the process of organizing and promoting another Trump Boat Parade at Kerr Lake on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 1 p.m. The parade will start at Satterwhite Point and head to Clarksville.

Barrier said the parade also brought heavier traffic to the Vance County GOP headquarters. Located at 1700 Parham Street off Dabney Drive in Henderson, supporters can pick up Trump memorabilia, receive information on Republican candidates, register to vote in Vance County and change their voter registration. The headquarters is currently opened daily from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Featured image photo courtesy the Kerr Lake for Trump Facebook page.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 09/03/20: Granville Tourism Announces Labor Day Weekend Activities

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Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Allen encouraged residents to go outside and enjoy the end-of-summer weather. “I would definitely advise people to get outside this weekend. It’s going to be a beautiful Labor Day weekend in Granville County.”

Outdoor Activities:

Granville Athletic Park (GAP) – open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, the GAP features over three miles of walking trails, baseball and softball fields, regulation soccer fields, a splash park and playgrounds. The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, just off I-85 in Oxford.

The park was recently added to the list of destinations on the Quilt Trails of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers with the installation of a quilt block on its historic tobacco barn.

The block was installed by the Franklin County Arts Council, connecting the GAP and Granville County to a heritage trail that meanders through eastern North Carolina. Easily visible from the main parking lot and walking trail, the block’s design reflects the community’s efforts to preserve the GAP property (click here for the history of the GAP).

Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.

Lake Rogers – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.

Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.

Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.

Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.

Allen announced there will also be a great indoor event this weekend at the Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor – the National Teapot Show XI. The show features over 200 teapots by more than 150 artisans. Styles include traditional, contemporary, functional, conceptual and whimsical teapots created with a variety of materials.

Cedar Creek Gallery has hosted this show every three years for the past thirty years. The show continues through Monday, September 7, 2020. The gallery is located at 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor. Please visit Cedar Creek’s website for additional information (click here).

Looking ahead to the fall and holiday season, Allen said upcoming event details will be finalized and announced soon. With the recent announcement that the City of Oxford has canceled the annual downtown trick-or-treat event and recommends no city-wide or neighborhood candy collections this year due to COVID, Allen said there are still Halloween attractions to keep people entertained.

“I’m happy to announce the Granville Haunt Farm will be open in October, though it will look a little different this year,” said Allen. “They will be the first NC drive-thru haunted attraction.”

Beginning the season October 9, the farm will be open every Friday and Saturday for the remainder of October. Visitors will be able to enjoy a contact-free haunt experience from the safety of their own vehicles, Allen explained. Granville Haunt Farm is located at 4534 US Hwy 15 in Oxford.

“Even during the pandemic, people want to get out,” said Allen. “They may not travel as far as they use to travel, but we are just 30-45 minutes down the road from Raleigh and Durham, and offer plenty to do.”

For more information, including additional events and attractions, please visit Granville Tourism online at www.visitgranvillenc.com or via Facebook at Visit Granville County, NC.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 09/02/20: Michael Fisher, Vance Co. Board of Commissioners (District 2) Candidate

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Michael Fisher, candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Filing after the primary election, Fisher, a Democrat, said he was required to run as an unaffiliated candidate and petitioned for voter signatures in order to add his name to the November 2020 General Election. With 164 supporters needed, Fisher’s name was added to the ballot after receiving approximately 230 signatures from qualified Vance County District 2 voters.

Fisher is running against incumbent Archie Taylor, Jr. for the District 2 seat.

Born and raised in Vance County, Fisher said he has spent 43 years in the field of public safety. As the current treasurer and safety officer of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Fisher acknowledged the potential conflict of interest if he were to be elected. “If I win, I’ll retire from the Rescue Squad and focus on being a commissioner,” Fisher stated.

Mentioning public safety as one of his primary concerns, Fisher said he is “pro-Vance County Rescue Squad, pro-volunteer fire department, pro-Sheriff’s Department, pro-EMS, pro-911 and then some. I am pro-public safety; we can’t do without it.”

Michael Fisher, candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, pictured with wife Paula. (Photo courtesy Michael Fisher)

Asked how he would handle public safety funding requests, such as those made by Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, Fisher said he would try his best to accommodate. “I know Curtis personally and have worked with him hand-in-hand over the years. If he can justify the need for more funding, and if we have the funds available while still keeping taxes low, I would try my best to find the funding for him.”

While petitioning, Fisher said he heard multiple complaints from citizens involving the water system. “When I was out getting my signatures, I heard a lot of complaints about yards being torn up while water lines were being put in and people waiting months to get a tap. I think they need to jump on it right when they receive a call. Little things like that hurt our water system.”

Admitting he was not overly familiar with the water system and its operation, Fisher said he, like any new commissioner, would experience a learning curve if elected. It’s a challenge Fisher said he’s ready to tackle at this point in his life. “I am energetic and feel like I can really hustle and help the community,” he said.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

YMCA

Town Talk 09/01/20: Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance

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Dana Holloman, director of Youth Services at the Henderson Family YMCA, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The Henderson Family YMCA is helping local students, parents and teachers by offering in-person full-time or part-time school assistance/child care through its Back To School Academy. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. After-School Care only is also available weekdays from 2 until 6 p.m.

Though the program began with the start of the new school year on August 17, space is still available for both YMCA members and non-members.

 

Participants are asked to bring their necessary school device, books, work packets, etc.; a yoga/nap mat or blanket for quiet time; an extra set of clothes, swimwear, towel and flip flops; lunch that does not require heating; quiet time material such as a favorite book or magazine; and a reusable water bottle. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon.

According to Holloman, the YMCA provides the appropriate time for the student to log in for virtual learning each morning or for them to work on their online schoolwork or assigned worksheets. Each participant is assigned to their appropriate age, grade or school group.

In the afternoon, participants “have time to unwind” with both indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, youth sports clinics, arts and crafts, robotics, playtime and virtual field trips. Afternoon academic time is provided for those who need to log in for virtual school lessons later in the day.

The YMCA conducts daily health screenings with temperature checks and basic health questions on all campers and camp staff. YMCA camp counselors are required to wear a face covering; masks are optional for campers. Face coverings are available to campers by request.

All Back to School Academy and After School activities, crafts, games and sports adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Back To School Academy Schedule

7:30 am – 8:30 am Arrival, breakfast
8:30 am – 9:00 am Devotion, pledge & prayer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Academic Time (bring devices and/or school work)
10:30 am – 10:45 am Morning snack
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Quiet time/reading time/nap time
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Snack
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Free time

The Back to School Academy weekly full-time cost is $115 for YMCA members and $135 for non-members. Part-time, or less than five days per week, is $95 for members and $110 for non-members. After-School Care only is a weekly fee of $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, call (252) 438-2144 or email Holloman at danah@henfamymca.org.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Ernestine Bazemore

Town Talk 08/31/20: Ernestine Bazemore, NC Senate District 3 Dem. Candidate

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Ernestine Bazemore, the Democratic candidate for the District 3 NC Senate Seat, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Bazemore, of Bertie County, will face Republican candidate and Vance County resident Thomas “Tommy” S. Hester, Jr. for the seat that represents Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Northampton, Vance and Warren County.

Raised with six siblings, Bazemore said she learned the value of a good education and the importance of serving others. She earned a B.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice and served for 28 years in the Bertie County School System in various roles.

Bazemore was elected to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners in 2014, serving as chair in 2018. According to her campaign website, she was also appointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper as a Trustee for Roanoke Chowan Community College and continues to serve on several state and national boards, including:

• District 2 Director for the State of North Carolina (North Carolina Association of County Officials)

• Bertie County DSS Board

• Trillium Regional Board and the Governing Board

• Bertie County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)

• North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Trustees

Bazemore provided the following responses to questions asked during the Town Talk segment:

How will you use your voice to represent your district’s concerns?

“I want to hear from the people. I’m running to serve the people, not myself. There will be a place to call to share their [citizens’] concerns. Preferably, COVID will be over so I can visit in person. If not, we’ll do it virtually or by phone conference, so there is still a way to communicate with my constituents.”

What are the issues people are sharing with you while you’re campaigning?

“Broadband is a major concern across all the counties; not all areas are currently being served. Also, the services offered by rural hospitals as well as Medicaid expansion are big concerns.”

Your webpage mentions unlimited promise for businesses and children. How can you help with that?

“Tier One counties need economic stabilization. COVID-19 has left us in a horrible situation. I’ll be seeking monies from federal funds to help stabilize our communities. Also, education should be at the forefront. We have very good teachers, but the salary is low; therefore, people are leaving education to find other jobs.”

What are some examples you’d point to of helping others?

“As a commissioner, I pushed for Bertie County to implement the quarter-cent sales tax increase. Bertie was one of the last NC counties to receive it. My vote was to give the money to education because we are such a poor county, and there is no money for education. It [sales tax increase] has all been devoted to education. If we are expected to compete with Wake County, Mecklenburg County and other larger counties, we have to put money into our school systems.

I’m also proud of the creation of Bertie Beach. It was such an exciting journey to see that come to fruition. Now Bertie is becoming a destination.”

Why is now the right time for you to seek the NC Senate seat?

“When I became a commissioner, I realized my desire to serve the citizens was stronger than I even imagined. Instead of talking about the troubles, I decided to help solve the troubles, so I ran. It’s an exhilarating feeling when you know you have helped make someone’s life a little bit better. Senator Erica Smith-Ingram has decided to run for US Senate, so maybe this is my time to serve a larger base of people.”

For additional information on Bazemore and her campaign, visit www.bazemoresenate.com.

To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses from Bazemore, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

Mark Pace

Town Talk 08/27/20: NC Room Receives Genealogy Books, Vance Needs Updated Architectural Survey

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Mark Pace, local historian and director of the NC Room at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Genealogy Books

Pace announced that the NC Room recently received a large collection of historical genealogy books from Virginia that are highly significant to the local area.

Explaining the significance, Pace said 90 to 95 percent of those who settled in the “old Granville County” area, which encompassed present-day Granville, Vance, Warren and Franklin County, came from Virginia.

Of the 360 donated books, approximately 250 are Virginia-based and include wills, deeds, marriage records, etc. According to Pace, the Granville County Genealogical Society facilitated the donation and “very graciously agreed” to split the cost of binding the books with the library.

The books, and many other resources, are available for view in the NC Room by appointment on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 2 until 4 p.m.

Architectural Surveys

Discussing architectural surveys in the four-county area, Pace said it has been 43 years since Vance County has had such an evaluation. Granville County is in the process of an updated survey, and Franklin County completed its survey in 2015.

“Vance County, in 1977, had 60 structures that predated the Civil War and at least eight from the Revolutionary War period,” stated Pace. “Since that time – because of development and neglect – these 60 structures are down to 20 to 25. We’ve lost a lot of important architectural structures in Vance County in the last few decades, with the Armory being a recent example. Time takes its toll; what we’ve got left we need to document.”

A few architecturally-significant Vance County properties still standing include the Sneed Mansion and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamsboro; Mistletoe Villa; the Henry A. Dennis Building in downtown Henderson; the former Henderson High (Middle) School building; and the Josiah Crudup House on US-1 in Kittrell.

Bill Harris, with WIZS, was a member of a committee responsible for the most recent architectural survey completed in Franklin County. Harris shared the following about his experience: “Franklin County citizens, with the help of Louisburg College, put together a group of people concerned about saving significant architectural structures. This morphed into the Franklin County Historic Preservation Commission. Franklin County Commissioners nominated people to serve on the Commission and provided seed money for that group.”

Harris explained the results of the survey will be printed in a book next year to serve as both a historic record and an income generator for the County.

In addition, Harris said touring historic homes and buildings that have been restored has a larger economic benefit. “A lot of people may say these are old houses, so what is the importance? The importance is that you can put together tourism out of that. This is a financial benefit to the County.”

Both Harris and Pace said they hope a concerned group will follow a similar process to get the ball rolling on an updated architectural survey in Vance County. Pace said the key is to find people who care and are motivated to put the necessary work into the project, hold public meetings, get the County involved for support and funding and put together a document, such as a book, as tangible proof of the findings.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 08/25/20: Henderson-Vance DDC Chair Discusses Downtown Parking

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Dr. Stephen Pearson, chair of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Pearson discussed the status of parking in downtown Henderson, addressed safety concerns and shared ideas for improving the traffic flow.

When parking along the main strip on Garnett Street is full, Pearson reminded listeners that many side streets in the downtown area offer public parking as well.

In addition, the lot located near the railroad track that runs behind downtown businesses contains 150 available public parking spots.

Pearson said he doesn’t see walking a short distance to downtown attractions as a deterrent. “By having them park in another place, it forces them to go by other stores and see other things they can do in downtown.”

The DDC’s Economic Vitality Committee is currently in talks of adding public parking signs to downtown, as well as reexamining the flow of traffic, according to Pearson. “They are looking at switching street signs around, so instead of coming down Garnett Street and being pushed away from public parking, people would be pushed towards public parking.”

Calling plans informal at this time, Pearson said the DDC is also discussing the possibility of removing parking spaces and adding a median down the middle of Garnett Street. “This could help control traffic and bring the speed back down to 25 miles per hour,” explained Pearson. “It would force people not to park on the roadway but instead use the designated parking lots.”

Pearson, along with wife Amanda, also co-owns Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson. In addition to making people more aware of public parking options, Pearson said tackling the “myth” of downtown crime is also a major consideration in the revitalization of the area.

“I believe the myth of downtown being murder mayhemville is a crock,” said Pearson. “We’ve [Sadie’s] have been down there a year now. We know everyone on that street. All the vendors get along well, and we all talk to each other. I think Chief Marcus Barrows and the Henderson Police Department have done an absolutely fantastic job, and it’s very safe. Until people get over the blown-out hype and stop spreading the myth, it’s not going to change. That’s one of the things we are fighting with the DDC: getting rid of that perception and building consumer confidence back in our downtown.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Heaven Leigh Nelson

Town Talk 08/24/20: Overdose Awareness Event in Memory of Heaven Leigh Nelson, Other Victims

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Patricia Drews, organizer of an upcoming drug overdose awareness event, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Drews lost her 24-year-old daughter Heaven Leigh Nelson to a “drug-induced homicide” on January 28, 2019. Nelson had taken heroin that was laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

“They call it an overdose, but I choose not to use the term ‘accident’ or ‘overdose,’” said Drews. “When an otherwise survivable drug is laced with an un-survivable amount of fentanyl, that is murder or ‘drug-induced homicide.’”

Drews said her daughter grew up mainly in Alberta, Canada, graduating from the School of the Arts there before moving back to the Granville County area.

While talented and full-of-life, Drews said her daughter suffered from anxiety and depression and, like many young people with mental health issues, turned to drugs as a coping mechanism.

Noting that those who are bipolar and/or suffer from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are statistically more likely to use illegal drugs, Drews said ending the stigma around mental health and increasing support services is another part of the equation.

Photo courtesy Patricia Drews

“It’s overwhelming when you see how many young people we are losing at an alarming rate in this country alone,” Drews said. “We lose 192 a day – the equivalent of a full plane crashing every day in this country. Where is the outrage? Where is the change?”

In the roughly year and a half since her daughter’s death, Drews said she has become an advocate for young people suffering from mental health disorders and addiction, as well as a proponent for stricter laws and accountability measures for drug dealers.

“It’s terrible when you lose your child,” said Drews. “I try to tell other mothers that we can lay down and die with our children or we can stand up and fight for justice and change. I will not shut up. I will not give up. I will not go away. That was my only child. We have to hold these drug dealers accountable for their actions.”

In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day celebrated each August 31, Drews, family members who have lost loved ones and various community groups will hold an overdose awareness event on Sunday, August 30, 2020, from 5 until 7:30 p.m. at the Vance County Courthouse in Henderson.

Drews has made a banner for the event consisting of 42 overdose victims from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. A national group called “Can You See Me Now” will also be present with multiple banners consisting of 150 names and faces each.

The event will include a balloon release, candlelight vigil, a remembrance walk, prayer and plenty of support for those in attendance.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Faith Dove

Town Talk 08/20/20: Community Mourns Death of Ian Simmons, VGCC President’s Son

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In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk aired live on Thursday at 11 a.m., community leaders expressed support and sympathy for Vance-Granville Community College President Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais’ oldest son Ian J. Simmons passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday.

In a joint statement released by VGCC Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, Desmarais is fondly referred to as “an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College.”

The statement continues, “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family. As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our president and her loved ones.”

Click here to read the full statement.

Community leaders called-in to Town Talk to express their condolences and to reflect on Dr. Desmarais, her role in the community and her family.

Dr. Jerry Edmonds – vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC

“We, as a community college, are so saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Ian. We appreciate all the outpouring of support. As a small community, this is really a testament to Dr. Desmarais and the fact that she is really engaged in our community.”

Edmonds said Ian was a student in VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, and that his younger brother Conall is a student at Vance County Early College High School, housed on VGCC’s campus.

“We have students on campus that are hurting because they sat side-by-side with Ian in classrooms and labs. We also have faculty and staff that taught Ian that are mourning over the loss of a student. We’ll get through it as a community and as a family.”

Eddie Ellington – mayor of Henderson

“I consider Dr. Desmarais a friend, a colleague and a community partner. Losing a child is the most tragic thing that can happen to any parent. Myself and the City of Henderson express our deepest sympathy to her family.

Dr. Desmarais, if you are listening, or if you listen to this later, please know you’re in our hearts, and we are here for you.”

Michele Burgess – president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

“On behalf of the Henderson-Vance Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to say how sorry we all are. We are all in shock; it’s just tragic news. We offer her our sympathy.”

On a personal note, Burgess said Desmarais, who is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, often spoke about her sons, a bond the two women share.

“She, in conversation, even from the very first day we met, loved to talk about her family and her children. It was a close-knit family, and she often shared fun things about her boys. I have a son also, so we connected on that level as well. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about it.”

Gordon Wilder – chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners

“On behalf of all the commissioners, I want to express our sadness and our shock at the passing of Dr. Desmarais’ son. We want to give the family our condolences and whatever support we can offer at this time.”

Nancy Wykle – publisher of The Daily Dispatch

“Dr. Desmarais has so quickly become such a fundamental part of our community fabric and has such a vision for where we can go. I think we, as her community family, grieve with her, and we want to wrap our arms around her and her family as they struggle through what no parent ever wants to imagine.

We want her to know that we are here in whatever way she needs us, and we are sending love, sympathy and prayers to her and her family.”

John Charles Rose – WIZS

“We just want Dr. Desmarais and her family to know how special they are here in this community. There are a lot of important partners here in this area. Dr. Desmarais and VGCC, in a lot of ways, are an umbrella that encases all of us because it is an institution of higher education that gives people opportunities to succeed in all areas. A lot of that would be true with any president of a community college, almost generically. Guess what? The word of the day for Dr. Desmarais is not ‘generic.’ The word of the day – in addition to ‘love’ and ‘support’ is ‘organic.’

Dr. Desmarais, the people that called [WIZS Town Talk] today care about you beyond your profession. Thank you for being here. On behalf of an entire community, we hurt for you today; we pray for you today; our love for you grows deeper today; we remember you today; we pray for your son and family today.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.