Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Clay Faulkner

Town Talk 08/05/20: In Memory of Clay Faulkner

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Joe Sharrow, Vance County High School Athletic Director, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Sharrow discussed the tragic death of 2019 Vance County High School graduate and baseball player Clay Faulkner last weekend at Kerr Lake.

“This is one of those tough times that when you sign up to be in education you don’t think about having to deal with but, unfortunately, it’s part of the job,” Sharrow said. “We’ve had tragedy come through this community before, but quite frankly, this one is the hardest of my career.”

Sharrow said he shared a friendship with Faulkner, who loved baseball and never met a stranger. “Clay and I had a close relationship, but he had a close relationship with almost every person in the VCHS building. That’s just the kind of person he was. I can’t thank him and his family enough for allowing me to be a part of his life. I feel like I’m a better man for having known him.”

In addition to baseball, Sharrow said Faulkner “had an infectious personality and was the kind of kid that always made you smile.”

Faulkner was also unfailingly polite, according to Sharrow, and stood out for his manners and “yes sirs and yes ma’ams.”

Those skills served him well in his role as a server at Chick-fil-A of Henderson. His co-workers remembered him this week, among other ways, with social media tributes, signs, and a memorial in front of the restaurant.

In addition, Chick-fil-A of Henderson has announced that it will close Thursday, August 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to celebrate the life of Faulkner.

“Clay has been a part of the Chick-fil-A family for two years, but it’s hard to remember our team without him,” said Chick-fil-A Operator Joshua Towne. “He meant so much to our Chick-fil-A family, and I want each of our team members to have the opportunity to honor his memory and extend their sympathy to his family by attending his funeral.”

Chick-fil-A of Henderson will resume normal operating hours at 2 p.m. on Thursday, following the celebration of life for Faulkner.

While silver linings are hard to come by in this situation, Sharrow said Faulkner’s life has certainly made an impact on others. “The only positive thing that can come out of this is that we can honor his life, remember Clay for the wonderful person he was and try to live better lives ourselves.”

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

Town Talk Logo

Town Talk 08/04/20: Aftermath of Isaias, Past Storms, General Talk

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

  • Aftermath of Isaias
  • Other Storms in Past
  • Radio Announcer Talk

Illegal Illicit Drugs Have To Go

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Illegal, illicit drugs have to go.  Where are you?  Where do you stand?  The community is not doing enough.

Listen…

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Town Talk 07/27/20: VCRFM’s New Tuesday Twilight Market an ‘Experiment’

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tracy Madigan, market manager for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Madigan announced that the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) will hold its second “Twilight Market” this Tuesday, July 28, 2020, from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. This will be in lieu of an open market on Wednesday, July 29.

VCRFM’s normal summer hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

According to Madigan, the first Twilight Market, held on June 30, was well-received by the community.

“This was an experiment,” Madigan explained. “We had good attendance at the first Twilight Market. We know it’s difficult for a lot of people to get to the market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The vendors and I decided we would try an afternoon/evening market. Hopefully, people who are getting off work can swing by, or if you finish your chores in the morning, you can come by on Tuesday afternoon.”

All vendors and customers are required to wear face coverings/masks, per Governor Cooper’s recent executive order.

The market will feature fresh and local summer produce including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupes, corn, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, potatoes, okra, beets, cabbages, strawberries, radishes, greens and more. Vendors with pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range hen eggs will also be on-site.

Other available items include a variety of canned vegetables, pickles, chow-chow, sauces and local honey. For something sweet, try the pies, cakes, cheesecakes and cookies.

Pre-orders and curbside pickup will remain available throughout the season.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC. To stay up-to-date on events and offerings, visit the market’s Facebook page (click here).

(This is not a paid advertisement)

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

Vance County Schools Logo

Town Talk 07/23/20: Dr. Anthony Jackson Discusses VCS’ ‘Plan C’ Decision

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent for Vance County Schools, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Jackson discussed the Vance County Board of Education’s decision at a special called meeting held July 17, 2020, to begin the 2020-2021 academic year under the state’s Plan C fully remote learning option for the first nine weeks. Current plans include implementing Plan B at the start of the second nine weeks.

The school year begins on Friday, July 31 for Vance County High School and Vance County Early College High School students, and on August 17 for all other Vance County schools, including the new Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3).

While Governor Roy Cooper announced on July 14 that NC schools could choose Plan B – a moderate social distancing measure that allows for a combination of in-person and remote learning – individual school districts are permitted to choose the more restrictive Plan C – fully remote learning.

Jackson said continued evaluation of data received from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Granville Vance Public Health factored heavily into the school board’s decision.

“Our Board of Education chose to go with the more restrictive plan based on our local data. The data says our cases continue to increase and that we are struggling with community spread, and so it would be best to minimize congregate experiences. In the best interest of keeping everyone safe and being as cautious as possible, they chose Plan C.”

Acknowledging the “tremendous amount” of factors that went into the decision, Jackson said the most important was the effectiveness of remote learning. “Most importantly, what went into the decision was the question of ‘can we educate kids effectively in a remote setting?’ The staff that we have, our principals and our teachers, felt this option would be supportive of all the kids and will keep them safe.”

According to Jackson, VCS students will be provided with the necessary technology and internet access needed for remote learning. The school district and/or individual schools will be in touch with parents with more details.

Jackson said he wants to assure parents that VCS understands this is a learning curve for all but believes online learning is now better developed than it was when school buildings closed in the spring.

“The remote learning you will experience for at least the first nine weeks of the new school year will not be the same remote learning that you experienced March through June,” Jackson explained. “It will be more robust, and there will be more expectations around attendance.”

In looking ahead, Jackson said he expects the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to affect the landscape of education.

“More than likely, we’re not going to be going back to school the way it used to be, even when we come back. I think social distancing is going to be a part of how we reengage at our schools. Learning is going to look different, feel different, and the relationships with schools are going to be different.”

With all of the changes ahead, Jackson said the patience and understanding of the community will go a long way. “I’m asking our community for what I like to call ‘preemptive grace.’ We want you to understand that we are doing the absolute best we can under these circumstances with the tools we have at our disposal.”

For more information and updates, visit the school district’s website (click here) or Facebook page (click here).

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

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Town Talk 07/22/20: H-V Rec. Department Discusses What’s Open, What’s Closed

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Tara Goolsby, program superintendent for the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Goolsby discussed what is still open to the public and what is temporarily closed as it relates to the H-V Rec. Department and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

Closed H-V Rec. Department facilities include:

• Aycock Recreation Center
• Aycock Aquatic Center
• Old Aycock Gym – indoor facility
• Fox Pond Park
• All satellite sites
• First Presbyterian Church
• Vance County Senior Center
• All playground equipment and structures

All outdoor parks (with the exception of Fox Pond Park), trails and tracks are open. While Fox Pond Park is currently closed, the walking trails are open and can be accessed from the trails at the back of the Aycock Recreation Center located at 307 Carey Chapel Road in Henderson.

Goolsby explained facilities were closed to follow CDC guidelines and NC Phase 2 directives of limiting social gatherings.

For free, outdoor exercise, Goolsby encouraged residents to enjoy a walk on the paved walking track that curves around four ballfields at the Aycock Rec. Center. Walking the paved track two times equals one mile.

Goolsby also said the parking lot at the Aycock Rec. Center is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and has been a popular place to walk during the shutdown. Walking the parking lot five times equals one mile.

In addition to offering outdoor exercise, the H-V Rec. Department staff has been busy planning virtual sessions for both youth and adults.

Virtual activities include:

• Weekly social media trivia contests focusing on the history of Henderson and Vance County
• Moving Mondays – dance/exercise class on Mondays at 10 a.m.
• Fall Prevention & Exercise Class – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
• Body Blast Exercise Class – Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program – Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
• Virtual Bingo – Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.
• Do It Yourself Crafty Kids – drive-through style craft kit pick up available for $5 each
• Paint With DP – Facebook Live sessions with a prize offered for the best painting
• Recreation Rocks Scavenger Hunt – find and take pictures of hidden rocks around Henderson
• Skills & Drills – athletic training for youth

Please visit H-V Rec. & Parks’ various social media pages for more details on these events. New activities are added regularly, so check back frequently, and stay tuned to WIZS on 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com for updates.

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

Free Meals for Kids

Town Talk 07/21/20: GRRO Offering Free, Healthy Meals to Local Youth

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Lucette Mercer, deputy director of the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The GRRO, started by Henderson residents Henry Crews and Ardis Crews, is a part of the NC Rural Center’s Rural Food Business Assistance Project. This program offers technical training to agribusinesses and builds networks to support local farmers, value-added processors and foodservice businesses.

Partnering with city and federal agencies, the GRRO connects unemployed individuals to construction jobs that restore dilapidated homes and turn vacant lots into micro-farms that feed the community.

Mercer discussed Wellness on Wheels, the most recent initiative of the GRRO, in partnership with Vance County organizations to offer free, healthy meals for local children every Tuesday – Friday through at least August 31, 2020.

“We provide hot, healthy meals to kids 18 and younger in the community, free of charge, no questions asked and no issues,” explained Mercer. “You simply show up at the times and locations promoted and tell us how many kids you’re picking up meals for. We’re trying to find meals that are healthy, that kids want to eat and that parents feel really good about giving their kids.”

Grab-and-Go meals will be available Tuesday-Friday at the following locations and times:

  • Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 180 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson
  • Oasis of Hope Ministries ~ 12 – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 2495 US Hwy 1/158, Henderson
  • Cotton Memorial Presbyterian Church ~ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ Location: 511 N. Chestnut St., Henderson
  • Knoll Terrace Mobile Home Park ~ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ 1261 Americal Rd., Henderson

Mercer said what started as 150 available meals has turned into 500 distributed daily as of this afternoon. That number will soar to 2,000 meals at this Friday’s event as organizers distribute enough meals to feed participating youth for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

“As more and more people are made aware of this resource in the community and, importantly, realize that it is a healthy food resource, more people are coming to us to fill that gap of getting good meals for their kids,” said Mercer.

For more information on the GRRO, and to stay up-to-date on its programs and events, please visit its Facebook page (click here).

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

Masonic Home for Children

Town Talk 07/20/20: Masonic Home Ready to Help Families Through Challenging Times

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Kevin Otis, administrator for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

While MHCO has weathered many events in its 147-year history, COVID-19 has brought a unique set of challenges. “This pandemic has exacerbated a lot of issues that the community faces, including domestic issues, poverty and homelessness,” said Otis. “Many are struggling with what they are going to do with their child during the school year. We want to let folks know that we might be an option for their families.”

Otis said MHCO elementary and middle school students will be educated via virtual instruction through Granville County Public Schools (GCPS) when the 2020-2021 academic year begins August 17. MHCO high school students will attend school in-person for two days, remotely for three.

GCPS announced last week that its Board-approved version of Plan B will consist of two separate groups of students alternating between two consecutive days of face-to-face school each week, with Wednesday being a remote learning day for all students.

With the distinction of being the first children’s home in North Carolina, MHCO continues its tradition of helping young people ages birth to 22 with its Group Cottage Foster Care and Independent Living programs.

As part of its Group Cottage Foster Care program, children reside in cottages with live-in house parent child care workers. Supports are provided to help children with academics, obtain transportation, participate in extracurricular activities, manage trauma and obtain employment.

The Independent Living Program (ILP) provides apartments for young adults, as well as coaching and assistance to obtain employment. Independent living skills are taught relating to a variety of topics including cooking and cleaning, driver’s education, budget management and tax preparation. ILP residents continue education at Vance-Granville Community College, trade schools and four-year universities.

According to Otis, families maintain guardianship, stay involved and have a say in their child’s MHCO experience. “We don’t replace anyone’s family. We co-parent with them to try to address any issues the family or child may be facing.”

Otis said long term goals for MHCO residents include returning home and independence. Scholarships are available to help cover the cost of care.

To learn more about referring a child in need, please call (919) 693-5111 or visit MHCO’s website at www.mhc-oxford.org.

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

Maria Parham Health

Town Talk 07/16/20: MPH CEO Discusses COVID-19 Testing, Opening of New Cath Lab

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health (MPH), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

COVID-19 Testing:

According to Beard, to date, MPH has tested 2,100 patients for COVID-19 with a positive return rate of 8.71 percent, or approximately 183 cases. Beard said the majority of those tested are from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, with a few from southern Virginia.

These totals do not include the 155 participants of the free COVID-19 testing event sponsored by Granville Vance Public Health at Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson on June 24, or patients tested at providers such as Vance Family Medicine or Duke Primary Care.

While Beard said tremendous efforts are being focused on broader community testing, and some providers are offering tests to asymptomatic patients, MPH is currently offering results via rapid testing to symptomatic patients or those who are identified as high exposure risks.

 

MPH’s New Catheterization Lab

Beard was pleased to announce that MPH’s new $3.2 million catheterization (cath) lab will open its doors to patients in early August. Construction began on the lab, located off of the emergency room and adjacent to the helipad, this past fall.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Beard. “It’s as nice a cath lab as any in the region. We are very excited about what we can do from a preventative and emergent standpoint with cardiovascular care.”

The lab will expand on Maria Parham Cardiology’s current services including heart catheterization studies, non-surgical stent procedures, stress tests, echocardiograms, heart monitoring and pacemaker implantation.

Beard said the continued expansion of health services offered in the local, rural community is the commitment of Maria Parham and Duke LifePoint Healthcare.

“We have interventional cardiologists from Duke,” explained Beard. “These are the same doctors you would see if you drove to Durham for care. Our mentality is you shouldn’t have to fight the traffic when you’re fighting for your life.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety precautions, Beard said a virtual tour of the cath lab will be posted online in the next week or so, followed by a live ribbon-cutting event posted on MPH’s Facebook page in early August.

Please visit MPH’s website www.mariaparham.com and Facebook page (click here) for more information. WIZS will also bring you more updates as they are received.

To hear the interview with Beard in its entirety, including additional MPH, COVID-19 and community health updates, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Time to Unwind Concert

Town Talk 07/15/20: It’s Almost ‘Time to Unwind’ Virtually With Greg Milton & Friends

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Greg Milton, of the musical group Greg Milton and Friends, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Milton announced that McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will present “Time to Unwind,” a musical concert featuring Greg Milton & Friends virtually via Facebook on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

This free evening of music will consist of spirituals, hymns, jazz standards, R&B classics, Gospel and much more.

Greg Milton and Friends includes Milton, Deron Keyes (organ), Julian Allred (drummer), Willie Lewis (saxophone) and Clifton Graves (bass).

In addition to Milton’s group, the concert will feature the musical talents of Blakely Bates, Dr. Aliza McLean, Karen Leigh Allen, Stella Jones, Alice Sallins and others.

“This is a great group of musicians, and we’re going to have a great time,” Milton said. “We want folks to kick their shoes off, recline their chairs back at home and just have a good time with us.”

Tune in through McGregor Hall’s Facebook page (click here for link) on Thursday to enjoy the show.

A link will also be provided on McGregor Hall’s Facebook page for those who wish to give a donation to help support the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

(This is not a paid advertisement)