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On Thursday’s edition of Town Talk, WIZS’s John Charles Rose and Trey Snide discuss the end of the 14-day order that allowed churches to hold services inside and whether places of worship have a choice going forward.
The discussion was a follow-up to yesterday’s posting on www.wizs.com.
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Keith Shearon, director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
VGCC provides customized training programs tailored to meet the needs of a company and its employees. Classes are flexible in design to accomplish specific objectives and are jointly planned by company managers and training specialists from the College.
Funded by the State of North Carolina, Shearon said these programs offer companies training that assists with plant expansions, technological advancements and productivity enhancements.
Pioneered in 1958 to enhance economic development in NC by way of a well-trained and educated workforce, customized training was, and continues to be, a key part in attracting new companies and retaining existing companies, explained Shearon.
Examples of VGCC’s customized training courses include:
Eligible industry sectors include manufacturing, technology-intensive, life sciences, regional or national warehousing and distribution centers, business and technical support centers, air courier services and national headquarters with operations outside of NC.
As an example, Shearon said customized training would be appropriate when a manufacturer purchases equipment and needs to train employees on how to operate the new technology. The company’s management would contact VGCC to schedule an assessment and map out a training plan for employees before and/or after hire.
With five projects currently underway, Shearon said companies are reaching out to VGCC’s Customized Training Program for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have this struggle going on in our economic situation right now,” stated Shearon. “We have some companies that are growing despite the situation, and we have other companies that are struggling because of the situation. A lot of companies are trying to figure out how to use the resources they have available to them to carry on the best that they can.”
While VGCC is typically regarded in the community as a place to register for courses that will lead to the completion of a degree or a diploma, Shearon said the College has much to offer in terms of shorter-term training and business guidance as well.
For more information on VGCC’s Customized Training Program, please contact Shearon at (252) 738-3433, shearonj@vgcc.edu or visit the website at https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/industry-services/.
To hear the interview with Shearon in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Monae Davis, member engagement specialist with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
In recognition of May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month, and with the well-being of many suffering right now due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, Davis announced an upcoming virtual awareness event designed to improve overall health and happiness.
Titled “Moving Forward Together: Virtual Northern Region Mental Health Awareness Event,” the online session is open to residents of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Halifax and Warren counties on Thursday, May 28, 2020, from 1 until 2 p.m.
Topics include mental health awareness, reducing the stigma of mental illness and a discussion on resources local agencies are providing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This virtual event is open to the public to call in or attend virtually, and registration is not required.
Panelists include Monica Kearney, Safe Space: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program;
Whitney Robertson, System of Care Coordinator with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare; Arthur Payne, Morse Clinic of Roanoke Rapids; Amanda Burrafato, RI International; Rhonda Mack, Therapeutic Alternatives, Inc.; and Tawanica Bullock, Parent & Community Advocate.
To participate in the session, either:
Enter Password: 1234
Dial 1-415-655-0003 US Toll and enter Access Code: 471 547 538
With questions or comments for the panel, please email Monae.Davis@cardinalinnovations.org or send a text to (252) 425-2857.
To hear the interview with Davis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Lt. Derrick Smith and Kim Davis, with the Henderson Salvation Army, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
Food Distribution
To ensure that the nutritional needs of the community are met during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army is now distributing emergency food boxes every 30 days instead of the typical every 60-90 days.
Food Bank-provided fresh produce boxes with a variety of fruits and vegetables are also available at the Salvation Army’s new location at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson.
Food boxes are available for pickup Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Picture ID is encouraged but not required for food distribution.
Those in need of transportation can call the Salvation Army at (252) 438-7107 and a ride will be arranged courtesy of KARTS.
Summer Camp 2020
According to Davis, director of the Red Shield Club and Community Center, the Henderson Salvation Army’s summer camp is a go this year for all youth ages 6 to 17.
The Red Shield Boys & Girls Club camp will be held June 15 through August 14, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Participants may attend all nine weeks or may pick and choose weeks. Cost is $55 per week, and snacks and lunch are provided each day.
Activities include spiritual programs, daily devotionals, curriculum programs, lessons on healthy habits, music, drama, painting, sports, gaming, computer lab and much more.
To keep campers and workers safe during the pandemic, Davis said the camp will follow strict safety guidelines and will be thoroughly disinfected daily. “Our number one priority is the safety of all – children and staff. We will be following National Health and Safety standards, along with the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, and will be cleaning every day, all day.”
Registration forms are now available at the front desk of the Salvation Army located at 2292 Ross Mill Road. A $25 registration fee applies; however, the fee is waived for any additional siblings.
Davis said several guardians have completed the camp registration in their car and returned the form to the front desk, decreasing their chances of possible virus exposure and saving them an extra trip.
Other News
Registration for the Salvation Army’s 2020-2021 after-school program begins July 1. Forms may be picked up at the front desk. With local schools potentially starting the new school year on different dates, Davis said the organization is prepared to offer both summer camp and after school care for the weeks that coincide.
On the job front, the Salvation Army has several paid positions available, including Education Coordinator, Program Aide – Sports and Fitness, as well as several summer camp positions. Apply online at www.indeed.com.
To hear the interview with Smith and Davis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Husband and wife team Tommy and Jo Ellen Nowell, along with son Matt, all heavily involved with the Henderson Rec Players and McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
The Nowells spoke about the Henderson Rec Players’ recent decision to cancel its 2020 summer season – the first break since its conception in 1972 – while also remembering the good times of the past and looking ahead to the future.
Jo Ellen, director of the Henderson Rec Players for 19 years, explained that canceling this year’s season was actually a perfect storm that included issues with obtaining performance rights and paying required royalties, along with complications from the coronavirus pandemic.
“Several of the rental houses in New York were going through a merger when we attempted to get rights to the productions in the winter. We were told they were tied up with the merger and requests were on the backburner,” said Jo Ellen. “When the virus struck, rental houses were busy with cancelations and transfers and requests continued to be on the backburner.”
Between issues with obtaining rights and restrictions on physically congregating for auditions, rehearsals and performances thanks to COVID-19, Jo Ellen lamented, “put all these things together and that’s why we had to make the decision to postpone.”
Since planning began for the 2020 season in the winter of 2019, and requests for production rights had already been made, Jo Ellen is hopeful that the Henderson Rec Players are now ahead of the game for the 2021 summer season.
Discussing the history of the Rec Players, Tommy, the former technical director and still an integral part of each production, said he has been involved with the group for 48 years. In talking “Henderson Rec Players All-Stars,” Tommy said he had to start with Chuck Grubbs, then the head of the Vance County Recreation and Parks Department, and Dwight Pearce, a now-retired local English and drama teacher and former mayor of Norlina.
“Chuck had the concept that recreation is more than a bat and a ball; recreation includes theatre and the arts,” said Tommy. “He and Dwight put their heads together and came up with the concept of the Rec Players.”
For all but the last few years, Rec Players’ performances were held in the E.M. Rollins Elementary School auditorium. That changed when McGregor Hall opened its doors with a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat theatre in 2016.
The Henderson Rec Players, previously under the jurisdiction of the City and County via the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department, was incorporated as part of McGregor Hall last year. Matt Nowell, technical director for McGregor Hall, explained that it was “always part of the plan” for the Rec Players to eventually fall under the umbrella of the performing arts center.
Jo Ellen said this change has allowed for more space and an even greater inclusivity for all those interested in theatre. “We are inclusive is so many ways and are one of the few programs open to all ages. It’s great for children to see other children, teenagers and adults all working together and learning from each other. We work with all cultures and all abilities. We do not turn anybody away, ever.”
The Nowells are proud of the fact that many involved in the Rec Players have made theatre or the arts their profession. “So many of the people who have worked with the Henderson Rec Players in the past have gone on from this area to have professional careers. One of the best examples is Bobby Funk who is now a drama professor at East Tennessee State University. Another alumnus is the technical director of the Miami City Ballet,” Jo Ellen said.
With a lengthy hiatus looming, Tommy said he hopes people will reflect on what local theatre has meant to the community.
“I’m hoping people will take this time to realize what they are missing by not having us. There’s an old adage: ‘How can I miss you if you won’t go away?’ Perhaps people will realize that this is a pretty unique thing we have going on here, and the support of the community is absolutely essential.”
The Nowells are humbled by the response they have received from the community since their cancellation announcement and have been touched by those who have reached out in support and gratitude for their time with the group.
“The Henderson Rec Players is a family,” Tommy said. “In a 40 to 50 year period of time, people come in and people go out, but you’re always part of the family.”
Matt echoed that sentiment, “Our mission has always been to entertain the community, but it has also been to provide a place for people who may not feel that they have a place anywhere else.”
To hear the interview with the Nowells in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon and Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Blackmon discussed the $18,992,950 proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 City of Henderson Budget as presented to the Henderson City Council at the May 18, 2020, meeting.
The recommended budget for the new fiscal year to begin July 1 is an increase of 7% over the current year’s budget.
A public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed budget will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m.
Presenting his first budget as Henderson City Manager, Blackmon, who took over the position from retired manager Frank Frazier earlier this year, said this year’s budget was “unique” as considerations were made around COVID-19.
According to Blackmon, city residents may be pleased to hear that the proposed budget does not recommend tax increases or water/sewer fee increases for the new fiscal year.
“The Council and I were very impressed and thankful that they were able to put together a budget with no tax or fee increases while still maintaining the same level of services,” Ellington responded.
The proposed budget also includes an appropriation of $1,500,000 to the City’s Fund Balance, an increase from the $1,066,720 that was approved for the current fiscal year. Blackmon said the City’s fund balance remains well above the minimum requirements as set by the Local Government Commission.
“For the last four or five years, in order to balance our budget, we’ve had to utilize some of our fund balance. Because there isn’t a recommended tax or fee increase this year, we are budgeting a little more fund balance,” explained Blackmon.
Despite initial concerns on the effect COVID-19 would have on sales tax, Blackmon said the City is doing well on that front. “Much to our surprise, we’re actually trending slightly ahead of last year. There was a lot of shopping going on during the months of March and April, so we didn’t see a decline in our sales tax.”
While Blackmon said the new fiscal year’s budget remains “relatively flat,” some increases are expected in electric utilities and employee health insurance costs.
Addressing the on-going mission to reduce the number of job vacancies and employee turnover, Blackmon reported that less than 10 percent of the City’s positions are currently vacant.
The proposed FY 2020-2021 budget is available for viewing in its entirety on the City of Henderson’s website, under the Finance Department tab (click here).
To hear the interview with Blackmon and Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Angela Gardner-Ragland, dean of Business and Applied Technologies at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
With 24 years of experience at VGCC, Gardner-Ragland currently oversees an area of approximately 20 business and applied technology programs including Accounting, Business Administration, Automotive, Heating & Air and Welding. Many of these programs offer two-year associate degrees, one-year diplomas and certificates.
With the majority of these programs being heavy on technology, Gardener-Ragland said VGCC must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.
“Technology is forever changing, and we have to change with it,” stated Gardner-Ragland. “Recently, we have faced the challenge of moving our vocational programs online. As you can imagine, doing automotive, welding or heating and air online can be a challenge. We have excellent faculty and staff who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure our students are still getting that hands-on experience they need for the workforce.”
With COVID-19 requiring many in the workforce to operate remotely, Gardner-Ragland said the college is preparing for an even greater demand for online classes. “Our mindset has to change. We are going to have to be willing to grow and do more online, especially if we are going to meet industry needs and remain competitive. I do think, especially with the pandemic, that there is going to be a new normal in education.”
Gardner-Ragland gave credit to her staff for making informed decisions on needed resources and said she is grateful for recent grants that made the purchase of new equipment and technology possible “without passing the costs on to the students.”
In an example of VGCC’s stackable credentials model where one program builds on another, Gardner-Ragland said the new Truck Driver Training, while not in her area, has crossover potential with an associate degree program in the Business and Applied Technology department.
“My hope its once they complete the training and have been on the job for a little bit, they’ll come back and enroll in our two-year Supply Chain Management with Trucking Operations Management track, which is a completely online program,” said Gardner-Ragland.
To hear the interview with Gardner-Ragland in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
McMillen discussed the $49,268,824 proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Vance County Budget as presented to the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their May 4, 2020, meeting and as discussed in Board work sessions on May 12 and 13.
A public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 1. To adhere to current social distancing guidelines, the public is asked to email comments regarding the budget to Vance County Clerk Kelly Grissom at KGrissom@vancecounty.org prior to the hearing or up to 24 hours after the hearing.
The $49.27 million budget represents a decrease of $84,750 from the current year’s amended budget, due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and the projection of lower revenues, particularly sales tax revenues, in the new fiscal year.
McMillen said coronavirus will have an impact on the economy and local budgets well into the new fiscal year, and possibly for the remainder of 2020.
“Economists are saying it will have an impact at least through the first quarter of the new fiscal year and maybe through the second quarter, which takes us through the end of the calendar year,” McMillen stated. “We haven’t seen the full impact of the current fiscal year yet because revenues come in three months after the sale, so we’ll see that impact in June, the last month of our current fiscal year.”
Considering a continued pattern of minimal revenue growth, uncertainty around the virus, no proposed tax increase and more funding requests this year than in previous years, McMillen said it was not feasible to include approximately $3.5 million in requested funding in the new budget.
“When we talked early in the spring, we said this was the year we really needed to have a tax increase, but when coronavirus came around, we were able to present a budget without a tax increase,” McMillen said. “If we funded all requests, we’d have to raise taxes 13.5 cents just to cover the $3.5 million.”
Among the items not included in the budget:
McMillen said the proposed budget allows Vance County Commissioners to meet top priorities and goals set at the Board’s planning retreat in January, including:
To hear the interview with McMillen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Hal Muetzel, owner and operator of Express Employment Professionals, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Located at 124 Main Street in Oxford, Express Employment Professionals is a staffing company focused on helping people find jobs and providing workforce solutions to businesses. Services include a full range of employment solutions, including full-time, temporary and part-time employment in a wide range of industries.
The staffing company is available to assist you in your job search and has the means to conduct the majority of the employment process, including an initial interview, remotely.
Following up on a Town Talk interview conducted in April, Muetzel said the job market situation is starting to improve slowly but surely.
“I think we are starting to see things slowly come to life,” said Muetzel. “A lot of employees in the area are taking a wait-and-see attitude, so not really taking on new staff at this point and looking at where their orders are and where they will be in the next 30, 60 and 90 days.”
Previously “holding his breath” for the April job report, Muetzel said it was startling to see the number of Americans currently unemployed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recently released April 2020 employment report, total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million people, while the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent. This sharp decline in employment is mainly contributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bureau also reported that unemployment rose in all major industry sectors, with the leisure and hospitality industry facing particularly heavy job losses.
“The job report shows April was a very tough month for everyone – community and nationwide,” stated Muetzel. “Unemployment is the highest it has been in 75 years.”
While some businesses such as Walmart, Amazon and home improvement companies have weathered the storm well and, in some instances, have even seen growth, Muetzel said other industries such as food and travel have not been as fortunate.
“The food industry is a very chaotic situation right now with food processors trying to get things to market but not having all the tools in their toolbox as far as restaurants, schools and large facilities to buy their products. The travel industry, including lodging and transportation, will also be slow to recover as people start to look at how they are going to travel, how close they will sit to each other, etc.”
Muetzel explained industries deemed “essential” by the government, including manufacturing, distribution, food, pharmaceutical, logistics, infrastructure and healthcare, are still the best bet for employment opportunities at this time.
For assistance in finding employment, Express Employment Professionals can be reached by phone at (919) 693-1730 or online at www.expresspros.com/oxfordnc/
To hear the interview with Muetzel in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
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Dr. Abidan Shah, lead pastor of Clearview Church in Henderson, and wife Nicole Shah were the guests of honor on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
The Shahs were on-air to discuss their newly released book “30 Days Through A Crisis: Daily Devotions to Navigate Your Faith,” a labor of love born out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Describing their trip to a mall at the very start of the COVID-19 scare – before businesses shut down – the Shahs said they experienced an “eerie” uncertainty and a current of fear running through store employees and the few remaining shoppers.
“The idea for the book really began the first week of the shutdown,” Abidan explained. “People were beginning to back off, and fear and hopelessness were growing. When you are in that situation of fear and hopelessness, it begins to mess with your mind. No matter how much faith you have, you begin to struggle.”
The Shahs discussed their feelings from that outing and said they came up with an encouraging list of words like ‘hope,’ ‘love,’ ‘grace,’ ‘resolution,’ ‘self-control’ and ‘patience’ – words that later became chapter headings for the book.
“We said to each other that if we need to hear these principles, others do as well, so let’s do something about it. From there, the book was born,” said Abidan.
Nicole gave her husband credit for the conception of the book but said they both took the idea from there, dividing chapters (30 chapters for 30 days) and offering guidance to each other through the process.
After two weeks of writing and one week of editing and design work provided by a combination of church staff and family, the Shahs published their “simple book of devotions.” “30 Days Through A Crisis” is available in both print and audio format online at Amazon or locally at Hill’s Music Shoppe.
While inspired by the COVID-19 shutdown, the Shahs said the book applies to any personal crisis, including health, marriage, family and other relationships. “There is no way we can go through life without trials and other crises coming along,” said Nicole. “We wrote this book with COVID-19 in mind, but it’s very generic so that if you happen to be going through a crisis two years from now, it should still apply.”
Nicole elaborated, “When we hit a crisis, or when a crisis hits us, we tend to forget what God has done for us in the past, and we tend to forget that we will make it through. It’s nice to have that reminder that God is with us no matter what and He will bring us through.”
The Shahs said they have been appreciative and humbled by the community support of the book, which sold out at Hill’s Music Shoppe within a couple of days of first being released. Books have since been restocked and are available for purchase at the music and Christian bookstore located at 51 US-158 Byp in Henderson.
For more information on “30 Days Through A Crisis” and Clearview Church, please visit the church’s website at www.clearviewbc.org or visit Clearview Church, Henderson, NC on Facebook.
To hear the interview with the Shahs in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
