Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Colton's Spaghetti Fundraiser

Town Talk 08/13/20: Spaghetti Plate Fundraiser Set for Three-Year-Old Colton Maddox

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Angel Hodges, the grandmother of Colton Maddox, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Hodges announced an upcoming fundraiser for Colton, a local three-year-old boy who was diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia (dwarfism) in addition to multiple other medical conditions.

According to Hodges, Colton has been hospitalized 30 times, been active in five therapies a week, sees 12 doctors regularly and has had many sedated procedures.

Each year, the family, including Colton’s mother Kelsey Maddox, also returns to Wilmington, Delaware to follow up on identifying Colton’s very rare form of dwarfism.

To help cover Colton’s medical and travel expenses, the group Colton’s Adventures will hold the Third Annual Spaghetti Plate and Silent Auction Fundraiser at Kerr Lake Country Club in Henderson on Friday, August 28, 2020. Events will be held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The $7 meal will include spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert. Plates will be available for takeout, curbside pickup and business delivery.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Mike’s Barber Shop located at 1702 Parham St. in Henderson or at Skippers BBQ from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Plates may also be purchased at the event. For more information, please call LeAnn at (252) 432-2045 or email coltonsadventure@gmail.com.

All proceeds will help pay for expenses that insurance does not cover, including equipment, travel and transportation costs. The family hopes to raise enough money to purchase a “ZipZac” for Colton – a miniature, low-to-the-ground wheelchair made for younger children with mobility issues.

“We were told that when Colton was born that he was probably only going to live for a couple of hours,” said Hodges. “So, we fully went to the hospital not expecting to bring a baby home with us, and now he’s three years old. The good Lord has answered prayers, and his little life has just been so joyous to us.”

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

Colton Maddox (Photo courtesy Kelsey Maddox)

Colton Maddox (Photo courtesy Kelsey Maddox)

4 County Community Connections

Town Talk 08/13/20: Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Discusses Upcoming Community Fair

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

Whitney Robertson, System of Care Coordinator, and Monae Davis, Member Engagement Specialist, with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Next week, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare will hold a Four-County Community Connections Fair to provide information on available mental health resources and services for children and families in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

Originally planned as one large, in-person event for the four-county area, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a few format changes. The fair will now be held in a drive-through format at four separate locations on either Tuesday, August 18 or Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

When and Where:

  • Granville Expo Center (Granville Co.) – Tues., August 18 ~ 2 to 6 p.m. – 4185 US Highway 15 South Oxford, NC
  • Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center (Vance Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 200 Community College Rd. Henderson, NC
  • Warren County Armory Civic Center (Warren Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 501 US Hwy 158 Bus E Warrenton, NC
  • Vance-Granville Community College Franklin Campus (Franklin Co.) – Wed., August 19 ~ 3 to 7 p.m. – 8100 NC-56 Louisburg, NC

Participating children and families will receive:

  • Drawstring bags stuffed with school supplies
  • Facemasks (Pack of 4)
  • Meals from Subway (while supplies last)
  • Flyers and videos on community providers and resources
  • Access to the virtual keynote speaker focusing on the #mentalhealthmatters theme to challenge the stigma of mental health and substance use

Sponsors: 4 County Juvenile Justice Behavioral Health Team (JJBH), Vance Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Warren Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Granville Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Franklin Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Gang Free, Inc. and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.

“A common theme we’ve found is that families don’t know about the community resources and don’t know about the providers they have access to,” said Robertson. “This is the reason the community fair was developed. We want to get the information out, and we want to engage young people and families in the community.”

For more information., please email Robertson at Whitney.Robertson@cardinalinnovations.org.

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

KLCC Wounded Warrior

Town Talk 08/12/20: Golf Tournament, Parachute Team Set for KLCC’s Re-Opening Weekend

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

Pam Hester, Frank Hester and Julia Langston, of Kerr Lake Country Club (KLCC) in Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

KLCC will host a grand re-opening event the weekend of August 22-23, 2020, to celebrate its months-long work of changing the course greens from the cool-season bentgrass to the warm-season Bermudagrass.

On Saturday, August 22, the Club will host the first annual Brotherhood of Warriors golf tournament benefiting combat-wounded veterans out of Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune.

The Brotherhood of Warriors is a non-profit organization founded by Master PGA Teaching Professional Brad Clayton. Clayton provides golf lessons at KLCC and, according to Langston, approached the club with the idea for the wounded warrior tournament. To learn more about the organization, visit www.thebrotherhoodofwarriors.org.

Prior to the tournament, a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will be held at 9:30 a.m., and a Special Forces Parachute Jump Team will descend around 10:15 a.m., with a landing set for 10:30 a.m.

The shotgun start golf tournament will follow at 11 a.m. A team of three golfers will be paired with a combat-wounded veteran in a Captain’s Choice format for a $300 entry fee. Participants are encouraged to create a lasting friendship with the veterans while enjoying a great afternoon of golf and fellowship.

“We are expecting to see lots of people out playing golf, enjoying the weather, getting exercise and following COVID regulations,” said KLCC President Pam Hester.

Frank agreed, “The greens are in great shape, the golf course is in great shape and the weather is not too hot. It’s a great time to get out and play golf right now.”

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, closest to the pin, longest drive, most accurate drive and longest putt on every hole. Mulligans, which are not eligible for prizes, are available to purchase by individual and by team.

Those interested in participating in the golf outing (with CDC guidelines and state mandates in place), should contact KLCC at (252) 492-1895.

After golfing, participants are encouraged to visit the various food and drink vendors that will be on-site.

Langston summed up the importance of the weekend by stating, “This will be an outing that is not only special for Kerr Lake Country Club but Vance County as well.”

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

Fearldine Simmons

Town Talk 08/11/20: In Memory of Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Mayor Ellington and the Henderson City Council ordered all City of Henderson flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning Monday until further notice to show respect for Council Member Fearldine Allen Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, who passed away at her home on Sunday.

Simmons, age 73, served as the representative for the Council’s Ward 4 seat, and her term was active through 2021. She also served on the Human Resources and Land Planning Committees, as well as the 911 Board.

“It was a sad moment for us, and we shared a moment of silence at the opening of last night’s Council meeting,” said Ellington. “Mrs. Simmons was a steady voice for the City of Henderson; she thought through every vote with passion. It was a somber night for us.”

A graveside service for Simmons will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden in Henderson on Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements are being made by Betts & Son Funeral Home.

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

Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 9, 2020. (Photo courtesy Allen Simmons)

 

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.