Cara Boyd Gill, founder and director of S.a.M. Child Advocacy Center in Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
S.a.M. Child Advocacy Center is a 24-hour, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves children who are victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and witnesses to violent crimes in Vance and surrounding counties.
Opening its doors in 2016, the center provides a safe, child-friendly environment for children who are alleged victims of abuse and their non-offending family members to receive child forensic interviews by trained staff.
Victims and their non-offending family members can receive advocacy and support services, referrals to appropriate support services within the community, crisis intervention and medical treatment referrals if needed. All services are provided at no cost to the child or their families.
Gill, who worked for Child Protective Services in Alamance County upon graduating from college, said it was her experience with child investigations and the child advocacy center in Alamance that sparked her interest in offering similar services in Vance County.
“Upon leaving Alamance County – because Henderson is my hometown, and I decided I wanted to come back home – I began talking to our local law enforcement, social services, and our District Attorney’s office to see how they handled cases of child abuse and neglect,” explained Gill. “At the time, they did not have a child advocacy center here, and they would send kids to Duke or UNC with a two or three-month wait, which is not ideal for these kids.”
Gill continued, “A child advocacy center is not a stand-alone center; I also have to have social services, law enforcement, the DA’s office, a mental health provider and a medical provider. In talking with these entities, we began brainstorming how this could happen. The result was we opened in 2016, and here we are in 2020 still expanding.”
For more information on S.a.M., please visit the center’s Facebook page by clicking here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SaM-Child-Advocacy-Center.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-12-14 12:45:452020-12-14 13:30:09Town Talk 12/14/20: Cara Gill Of S.a.M. Child Advocacy Center
WIZS TownTalk host Bill Harris and guest Mark Pace discuss emigration from Old Granville County.
What were the reasons people left the area in the early to mid 19th Century? The need of land was one reason and land was cheap in areas such as Tennessee and Alabama. Land grants from the Revolution also provided incentive, and larger quantities of land were needed as large families with eight to 10 to 12 children grew. Land quality was a factor as well because without enough land, proper crop rotations could not occur.
Where did they go? Numerous communities such as Macon, Georgia or Granville, Tennessee were named for people or locations in the immediate vicinity of Henderson and Oxford. Many families moved to and founded the communities in these areas for better opportunities.
For more details and TownTalk audio click play…and continue reading below…
Additionally, many people with roots here went on to become famous nationally and internationally. Playwright Tennessee Williams, Gen. Braxton Bragg, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and “Lady Bird” Johnson all had or have roots tying them to the area.
Just as Vance, Granville, Warren & Franklin Counties were shaped by those who moved here from Southern and Tidewater Virginia, many areas in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and other southern states were equally influenced by those who left here to make their mark in these states and others.
For more on local history and genealogy visit Mark Pace at the NC Room at Thornton Library in Oxford and visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fgvwgeneaology on the web for more information on Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren county history and genealogy.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Granville-Tennessee-photo-by-Mark-Pace.jpg265504Bill Harrishttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngBill Harris2020-12-10 12:58:222020-12-11 19:13:50TownTalk 12-10-20 Local History With Mark Pace
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Ellington was interviewed by WIZS guest host Brandon Boyd.
Prior to discussing his role as mayor and the City of Henderson’s present standing and future outlook, Ellington talked about growing up in Henderson, his Castello Loughlin family history and the creation of the circus.
When asked by Boyd if being mayor met his expectations for the role, Ellington replied, “I have enjoyed it, but I wear a lot of it on my shoulders and take it personally. Even though things happen that are not related to me, I’m the mayor and it falls back on me. When you’re the mayor for the city, you’re the ambassador and spokesperson for the city.”
(To hear this episode of TownTalk, click play below. TownTalk airs M-F at 11 a.m. on WIZS 1450 AM / 100.1 FM.)
According to Ellington, the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has made this year particularly challenging. “The Henderson City Council, City Manager and I have tough decisions to make. We’re a small, rural community, and we’ve all been hit by the same deal. You take your cards, you play them and you make the best decisions for the public’s well-being.”
In more upbeat news, Ellington reported that the City of Henderson, despite the pandemic, is doing well financially. “The City is in better financial shape than it has been in years,” stated Ellington. “Frank Frazier, the previous city manager, did a wonderful job of balancing the budget every year. Terrell Blackmon, current city manager, has done a wonderful job as well, and he’s going to bring a budget to us in the upcoming months.”
Ellington also reported that Mako Medical, with facilities currently located in Henderson and Raleigh, is in talks of moving its operation to Henderson, resulting in the creation of 100 new jobs for the local area.
“Economic development is the key,” explained Ellington. “When you have jobs, when the poverty rates are low, when people can make a living and provide for their families, when people can go off to college and have something to come back home to, the community thrives.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Henderson-Mayor-Eddie-Ellington-093019.png294560Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-12-09 13:41:592020-12-09 19:45:01Town Talk 12/9/20: Mayor Eddie Ellington With Brandon Boyd
In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87.
Born in Aliquippa, PA on July 31, 1933, he was the son of the late Dr. George Blackmore Rush, Sr. and Cassie Federer Rush. George attended Grove City College, earned his MBA from the University of South Carolina and was a Veteran of the United States Army.
His professional experience included management of credit and collection personnel and sales, consulting, general management and newscasting. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Henderson where he formerly served as a deacon and elder.
Rush retired from WIZS in 2018, in his mid-eighties, after more than 15 years with the station.
“George was there for us many different times and led us through quite a number of trials and tribulations. He was also there enjoying the good times,” said WIZS General Manager John Charles Rose. “In particular, for me, was the time my own father passed away. George was right there to step in, not only as a friend but as a fatherly-figure and someone who could help the radio station continue to sustain what we had and continue to grow at a very difficult time.”
Rose continued, “He was a great businessman; he really knew how to run and operate a business.”
In a special edition of WIZ Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87. (Photo courtesy J.M. White Funeral Home)
Trey Snide, WIZS account manager, said Rush was a “wealth of information” and was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Every time I had a question or a problem, he was able to help solve it. I’ve been here at WIZS going on four years now, and what I remember the most is the knowledge George had of the local Vance County community. I’m grateful he was part of my beginning steps at the station.”
WIZS Program Manager Bill Harris said Rush was “a joy to work with.”
“I don’t think I ever saw George mad,” said Harris. “He always had a kind word to say about people and was extremely nice and considerate. He was always the perfect gentleman.”
Harris said he was impressed by how quickly and thoroughly Rush, a PA native, adapted to the local area. “He had so much knowledge and very much acclimated himself to this area.”
This sentiment was echoed by Tom Hannon, Rush’s former WIZS Town Talk co-host and supervisor while employed at Roses Stores: “George adapted himself to Vance County. He brought a knowledge of national and local implications of such things as gross national product, interest rates and the stock market and explained how these could affect the everyday person in Vance County.”
Matthew Handley, who worked for WIZS while on break from college during the summers, said Rush stands out in his mind as being one of the people to help launch his career. “George was in the room when I had my first interview at WIZS,” Handley explained. “I look back on that interview as being the start of my career in this industry, and that’s one of the things I’m going to remember him for. He took a chance on me that allowed me to get to the point where I am now with a full-time career in Michigan.”
Sherman Wilson, George’s former co-host on Friday’s Town Talk Trivia, said, “It was a pure joy to work with him on that show. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. Sometimes on Town Talk we acted silly and had a lot of fun, but make no mistake about it, George was a really smart guy. No matter who came on the show, no matter what the subject, he could interview them. He did it with ease and made the people he was interviewing feel comfortable.”
Brandon Boyd, Town Talk guest host, said, “We mourn the loss, and we celebrate the life of George Rush. George loved Henderson; he loved Vance County and its people; he loved our stories. George Rush was a name we all knew and a voice we recognized, and George loved WIZS Radio.”
Rush is survived by his wife, Jane Negus Rush of the home; his daughter, Catherine Rush-Braswell and husband, Joseph of Durham; his son, George Warren Rush and wife, Linda of Henderson; a granddaughter, Kelly Twisdale; a grandson, Benjamin Rush; and a sister, Susan Bean and husband, David of Mason, OH. (Obituary information courtesy J.M White Funeral Home.)
A private memorial service will be held today at First Presbyterian Church by Rev. Matthew Copple. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 726, Henderson, NC 27536.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/George-Rush.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-12-08 13:07:092020-12-08 16:27:14Town Talk 12/8/20: Remembering George B. Rush, Jr.
Krissie Newman, co-founder of the Rescue Ranch in Statesville, NC, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
The 87-acre ranch promotes humane education by focusing on animal rescue through hands-on learning and care.
Newman discussed her passion for animals, the operation of the ranch during the COVID-19 pandemic and working with other animal protection services such as the local Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society (RCAPS).
To hear the interview in its entirety, click play.
Locally, RCAPS is dedicated to helping homeless animals find rescue placement and works closely with area shelters.
Heading into the new year, Rescue Ranch will partner with RCAPS for its new foster and adoption program. “We will be taking in volunteers willing to foster with us and working with Ruin Creek on adoptions,” said Newman. “This is something that has been in our footprint at the ranch for a long time; now is the time to bring the dogs and the cats into the program.”
In addition to the rescue foster and adoption program, Rescue Ranch’s future plans include nature hiking and walking education trails, a 24-hour emergency veterinarian clinic with an extern program and a therapeutic riding program.
Tours of the ranch are available by appointment by calling (704) 768-0909. To learn more about Rescue Ranch, please visit www.rescueranch.com. For updates on RCAPS, please visit the group’s Facebook page.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Rescue-Ranch.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-12-07 13:33:252020-12-07 16:05:24Town Talk 12/7/20: Rescue Ranch, Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society to Partner
Jamila Green, supervisor for Work First and Emergency Services with the Vance County Department of Social Services (DSS), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Green addressed the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ (NCDHHS) announcement that it will issue automated payments to thousands of eligible households, including local residents, to assist with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).
To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:
Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
Be responsible for their heating cost
The automated payments began December 1, 2020, and will be issued through March 31, 2021. Payments are designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating in a safe manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a recent press release issued by the NCDHHS, eligible households may qualify to receive an automated payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if a member of the household 1) is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, 2) currently receives Food and Nutrition Services and 3) received LIEAP during the 2019-2020 season. These households were notified of eligibility in November and do not need to apply for this benefit.
Any household with a person age 60 or older or with a disability receiving DAAS services who did not receive notice of an automated payment is encouraged to submit a paper application for LIEAP assistance.
In Vance County, LIEAP applications may be mailed or dropped off at the local DSS office – 350 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, NC 27536 – or applicants may contact Vance County DSS by phone at (252) 492-5001.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Vance-County-Logo.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-12-03 15:20:352020-12-03 15:20:35Town Talk 12/03/20: How to Apply for Winter Heating Assistance in Vance Co.
Charlene Thompson, community health worker with Gang Free, Inc., appeared on the second segment of WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Thompson discussed Gang Free’s “Health for the Holidays” community event to include free COVID-19 testing, crisis intervention and suicide prevention on Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In addition, Thompson said gift bags with masks and hand sanitizer, art supplies and food boxes will be distributed to participants.
Testing and services will be held at the City of Henderson Operations Center located at 900 S. Beckford Drive in Henderson.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
A different sort of day for WIZS TownTalk and Local News today with some last minute changes and a sportscast that preempts the 5 o’clock local news.
To adjust quickly, the news of the day was broadcast during TownTalk, followed by Tradio and then our shorter WIZS Noon News segment.
Hear it all from our Facebook Live video, just as the programs aired on WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/TownTalk_JCR_120220.jpg265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2020-12-02 14:51:462020-12-02 14:51:46TownTalk, Tradio, WIZS Local News for Dec 2, 2020
Captains Derrick and Odessa Smith, husband and wife team with The Salvation Army of Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss the ministry’s holiday events.
Angel Tree & Forgotten Angels
The Salvation Army of Henderson encourages the community to help a child in need this Christmas season by taking a name, either physically or virtually, from the “Angel Tree.” This annual program brightens the holidays by providing new clothing and toys to local children.
According to Odessa, 300 children from the surrounding area will participate in the program this year.
As part of its “Forgotten Angels Drive,” The Salvation Army also encourages the community to consider supporting children ages 10 to 12 who are often left on the tree in favor of younger kids.
In-person – choose a tag off the Angel Trees located at participating Walmart stores (coming soon) or at The Salvation Army of Henderson. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when coming in-person.
Provide age-appropriate, new toys and clothes for the child(ren).
Place the angel tag number and name of the child on all bag(s) of donated items.
Deliver unwrapped gifts to The Salvation Army at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by December 11, 2020.
You may also go to www.walmart.com/registry/registryforgood and enter your location as 27536 to select “Angel Tree of Henderson” (or click here). Items may be purchased online and shipped directly to The Salvation Army of Henderson.
Contact Captain Odessa Smith at (252) 432-7766 or email odessa.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org with any questions.
Kettle Bell Ringers
The Salvation Army is currently accepting volunteer bell ringers that can serve now through December 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Youth are welcome; adult supervision may be required based on age. Individual ringers will be placed at locations for two to four-hour shifts. When volunteers are not available, The Salvation Army must hire ringers, which reduces the funds available for services.
There are over 20 bell-ringing locations across Vance, Granville, Franklin, Northampton, Halifax and Warren counties. Groups willing to cover a location for an entire day can choose any approved location.
In addition to the traditional method of placing change in the red kettle, donors may also place money in the “virtual kettle” by using their Smartphone to access Google Pay or Apple Pay at the stand. The Salvation Army’s Facebook page also has a scan code that can be used with a Smartphone to donate money to the virtual kettle.
All Red Kettle Campaign proceeds support The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Christmas and year-round programs.
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.registertoring.com or contact Captain Derrick Smith at (252) 432-7474 or via email at derrick.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.
“The reality is there is a 40 percent increase in need this year, whether from COVID or other circumstances,” explained Derrick. “We are truly blessed and honored to be able to help those that come through our door. We couldn’t do it without volunteers or folks that donate to The Salvation Army.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
