Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market to Offer Pre-Orders, Curbside Pickup

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its 2020 sales season this Saturday, April 25 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Pre-orders and curbside pick-up will be available on market Saturdays this year, and customers are strongly encouraged to pre-order. All pre-orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the Saturday pickup.

The following vendors will be at the market on Saturday, April 25 and are taking pre-orders:

Adcock Farms               
Canned goods including tomatoes, string beans, chow chow, pickles, onions; jellies and jams including strawberry, peach, blackberry, damson, grape, fig; honey and seasonal fresh produce.
Contact: Calvin Adcock: 252-204-6853

Dixon & Sons Farms     
Strawberries, sweet potatoes; seasonal fresh produce; pasture-raised pork; vegetable slips; bedding plants.
Contact: Kelly Dixon: 919-691-1367

Faulkner Family Farms
Pasture-raised pork
Contact Don Faulkner: 252-438-0982

Maul-N-Wedge
Barn wood furniture
Contact: Kenneth Fuller: 919-669-5801

Sweet Inspirations
Baked goods including pies, cakes, cookies
Contact: Eric Hargrove: 412-758-5184

Teresa’s Creations
An eclectic mix of handcrafted items including inspirational note pads, bath balms, herbal oils
Contact: Teresa Hicks: 252-438-8509

JW Creek Farms           
Pasture-raised beef and eggs
Contact: Janice Murphy: 919-691-1804 or William Murphy: 919-691-1529

2020 Market Schedule/Hours

April 25 – May 31 ~ Open Saturdays 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
June 1 – September 30 ~ Open Wednesdays & Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Special Twilight Markets (in lieu of Wednesday markets) Open on Tuesday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 28 from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
October 1 – December 5  ~ Open Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Handcrafted Holiday Market on Saturday, November 21 from 8 a.m – 2 p.m.

Market closes for the season on Saturday, December 5.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is a significant community resource, providing food for the community and an important market outlet for local farmers. The management of the Farmers Market is doing everything possible to provide a safe, clean, sanitized environment in which to shop, but doing so will require cooperation from everyone, including vendors and customers. To that end, customers are being asked to follow these guidelines.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Customer Shopping Guidelines – Effective April 25, 2020, until further notice:

1. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE MARKET IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL OR HAVE A COUGH, FEVER OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH, OR IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19.
2. Maintain Social Distance (6 feet) between you and all others. Follow posted directions regarding entry and traffic flow. No more than one customer at each booth.
3. Practice good hygiene with hand sanitizer or handwashing. A convenient hand wash station is available for your convenience.
4. Please wear a mask or face covering during your visit.
5. Shop with a purpose – do not linger at a vendor’s booth after your purchase (this opens space for the next customer).
6. Designate a shopper from your family and do not bring everyone to the market.
7. Refrain from touching produce and products. Let the vendor handle and package your selections.
8. When possible, refrain from touching surfaces within the market.
9. Cover coughs and sneezes.
10. Be prepared for a brief wait outside if the building reaches the safe, maximum capacity.
11. Consider placing pre-orders with vendors so they can have it ready for “curbside” pick up.
12. Above all, please be patient and courteous.

The good news: COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness. According to the CDC, it is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission, not eating. The routes to be concerned about include being in close proximity to many people or coming in contact with high touch surfaces.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Join H-V Rec. & Parks for Virtual ‘Body Blast’ Wednesdays

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Don’t let the gyms being closed stop you from working out and staying healthy! Join Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks staff on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for a Facebook Live “Body Blast” workout led by VJ Hunt.

Body Blast is a 45-minute high energy, high impact group circuit training, focusing on all the problem areas.

Please like H-V Rec. and Parks on Facebook (Henderson-Vance) and join us for this free virtual workout!

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Total COVID-19 Cases Increase for Vance, Granville; Several Released From Isolation

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Brian Short, director of H-V Emergency Management

As of April 20, 2020, there are 113 known cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, 31 cases in Vance County, and 6,764 confirmed cases in North Carolina. Of the positive test results in Granville County, 74 are being reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC.

There have been a total of six (6) deaths in the health district – one in Vance County and five with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County. Of the 39 community-based cases in Granville County, 11 have been released from isolation and 10 of the 31 cases in Vance have been released from isolation.

According to a recent update from Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance Emergency Management, three individuals remain hospitalized in Vance County, while 18 individuals are currently isolated at home.

Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) does not have official guidance at this time to determine whether someone is ‘recovered’ since many details about this virus and its effects are still being discovered. GVPH can share the number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ as determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

According to the CDC site, the decision to discontinue isolation should be made in the context of local circumstances. Options now include both 1) a time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery (non-test-based) strategy, and 2) test-based strategy.

Time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery strategy (non-test-based strategy):

Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

  • At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
  • Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
  • At least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Test-based strategy:

Previous recommendations for a test-based strategy remain applicable; however, a test-based strategy is contingent on the availability of ample testing supplies and laboratory capacity as well as convenient access to testing. For jurisdictions that choose to use a test-based strategy, the recommended protocol has been simplified so that only one swab is needed at every sampling.

Persons who have COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

Persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may discontinue isolation when at least seven days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness provided they remain asymptomatic.

For three days following discontinuation of isolation, these persons should continue to limit contact (stay six-feet away from others) and limit any potential dispersal of respiratory secretions by wearing a covering for their nose and mouth whenever they are in settings where other persons are present.

In community settings, this covering may be a barrier mask, such as a bandana, scarf, or cloth mask. The covering does not refer to a medical mask or respirator.

While the mainstream media has begun to have discussions about ‘reopening the country,’ Short stated that H-V Emergency Management continues to strongly encourage citizens to continue to observe social distancing parameters and closing orders.

To stay current on the number of cases in our state and local area, please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Coronavirus statistics page at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc.

GVPH is also updating its website with Vance and Granville statistics daily at www.gvph.org/COVID-19/

NCDHHS

NCDHHS to Provide Additional Food Benefits for More than 800,000 Children

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, to help families purchase food for children impacted by school closings due to COVID-19. NCDHHS is working to operationalize the program and families will begin to receive this benefit in the coming weeks.

“So many families are in need, especially with so many out of work right now. This approval helps people get assistance faster to feed their families,” said Governor Cooper.

The program provides a benefit on an EBT card to North Carolina families whose children are eligible for free and reduced lunch at school. Families will receive $250 in P-EBT benefits per child, provided in two installments, with the possibility of an additional benefit if North Carolina schools are closed beyond May 15. Families will be able to use the P-EBT benefit to purchase food items at EBT authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores.

Families will not need to apply for the P-EBT program. P-EBT eligible families already receiving Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits will receive an additional benefit on their existing EBT card. P-EBT eligible families not already enrolled in FNS will be mailed a new EBT card in the next few weeks. Families who receive a new EBT card will receive a letter from DHHS in the mail explaining how to activate and use their card.

“As our schools closed, many families across the state worried about where their next meals would come from—and we knew we had to take action,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “The P-EBT program will provide extra help buying groceries for the families of the more than 800,000 children who normally receive free and reduced lunch at school.”

North Carolina is one of the first four states to receive federal approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide P-EBT benefits, which are entirely federally funded.

The new P-EBT program is in addition to other services families may be participating in. As announced previously on March 30, 2020, all families that receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will receive the maximum amount allowed for March and April 2020 for their household size. Families are encouraged to continue utilizing feeding programs at local school and community meal sites for free, nutritious meals for children.

Henderson Family YMCA to Hold American Red Cross Blood Drive

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Family YMCA

The Henderson Family YMCA will hold a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Thursday, April 30, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the YMCA gym.

To support social distancing, appointments are required for this event.

The need for blood is constant and patients need your help. To schedule your appointment, please go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results

 

Local Area Eligible for U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Financial Relief Initiative

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

To extend a helping hand to small businesses suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund.

The Fund is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.  You will be asked to put in your zip code (27536 is an approved area) and you will need your business W-9 form.

Grants will be awarded on a weekly basis, but you only need to apply one time to be eligible for funding. Once the grantee has been notified and submitted payment information that meets compliance checks, it will take 3-5 days to process the payment. The number of grants awarded will be scaled in proportion to the demand and available funds.

The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20, 2020, at 3 p.m. ET.  To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit savesmallbusiness.com.

Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church Moves 220 Fundraiser to July

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-Information courtesy Dorothy Wimbush, Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church

The Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church fundraiser has been rescheduled for Monday, July 6, 2020, from 4 – 7 p.m. at 220 Seafood Restaurant in Henderson.

Tickets are still the same price of $8 in advance or at the door. Eat-in or take out. Plates include trout, french fries and slaw. Beverage provided for eat-in meals only.

Contact Dorothy Wimbush at (252) 425-7366 for advance tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the door the day of the event.

H-V Emergency Operations

Vance County COVID-19 Cases Rise to 27; Granville Reports 105

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

As of April 16, 2020, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County increased to 27. Presently, 25 individuals are self-isolating at home with two (2) others currently undergoing treatment at Maria Parham Health.

One death has been reported in Vance County as a result of complications associated with Coronavirus infection.

According to Granville Vance Public Health, there are 105 known cases in Granville County, with 74 of these cases being reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner. The NC Department of Health and Human Resources reports four (4) virus-related deaths in Granville County.

North Carolina reports a total of 5,465 cases.

It is still very likely that given the progression of this virus elsewhere in the world and in our country, cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead.

At this time, the Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations coordinated response posture remains the same. We strongly encourage our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders issued by the governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.

Treasurer Folwell Announces $2 Billion Received as Part of CARES Act

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-Press Release, NC Department of State Treasurer

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the Financial Operations Division (FOD) of the Department of State Treasurer (DST) announced on Thursday that North Carolina has received more than $2 billion from the federal government as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The CARES Act, as passed by Congress and signed by the President, will provide $150 billion for the Coronavirus Relief Fund including direct payments to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and eligible units of local government based on population as provided in the CARES Act.

Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) along with the Office of the State Controller and staff at DST completed the application on April 14 and the funds were received by the State Bank (DST/FOD) the next day. The money is the first disbursement from the federal government of more than $4 billion slated for North Carolina.

“As keepers of the public purse, we’re responsible for receiving money and putting it in interest-bearing accounts,” said Treasurer Folwell. “We’ll process the withdrawal when directed by the legislative and executive branches.”

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) will decide how the state’s money will be spent as part of legislation expected near the end of the month. Once an agreement has been reached, OSBM will distribute the funds. In the interim, the Investment Management Division at DST will invest the money in a short-term investment fund (STIF) that is high quality, low risk and interest-bearing. The money will be held until the NCGA and/or OSBM directs where it will be spent.

DST serves the people of North Carolina through a variety of functions related to the financial health of the state and its citizens. Folwell serves as the state’s banker and chief investment officer and is responsible for approximately $200 billion in assets.

The department administers the employee retirement systems for more than 900,000 public workers, along with their 401(k), 457 and 403(b) plans. DST also oversees the State Health Plan, which provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.

Fiscal assistance and expertise are provided by the department to local governmental units by aiding them in the sale of local government debt obligations and in maintaining sound budgeting, accounting, and reporting procedures. The department also administers the NC Cash unclaimed property database.

Town Talk 04/16/20: Tribute to Lt. Walter Fuller, Jr., Fire & COVID-19 Fighter

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Debbie Scott, niece of Lt. Walter Fuller, Jr., the first person to die in Vance County from complications of COVID-19, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Scott contacted WIZS directly to pay tribute to her uncle, who passed away on Easter morning, Sunday, April 12, 2020, at the age of 72, following a confirmed positive case of the virus.

Fuller was well-known and respected in the community as a former Henderson Fire Department (HFD) lieutenant who retired with over 28 years of service in 2000, said Scott, and served as a “father-figure” to many, herself included.

Long-serving Henderson firefighter Lt. Walter Fuller, Jr., passed away on Easter morning, Sunday, April 12, 2020, at the age of 72, due to complications of COVID-19. (Photo courtesy the family of Fuller).

“Most people would know him as Lt. Walter Fuller, Jr., but we knew him in the family as Uncle Peewee,” Scott said. “That was his nickname because he only weighed three pounds when he was born.”

Prior to his decades-long service with the HFD, Fuller served as a firefighter for two years in Philadelphia before returning home to Henderson.

According to Scott, Fuller was also a professional photographer who captured joyful moments for his family and community members at weddings and other special occasions.

“He was a good person who went about doing good deeds; his profession was saving lives. He was a father, grandfather and great grandfather, and he was a wonderful uncle,” Scott said. “He was brave; he was the rock of our family and our hero. We looked up to him.”

While Scott would prefer Fuller to be remembered for his service to the community as opposed to his distinction as the first Vance County death due to COVID-19, she also warned listeners of the dangers of the virus.

“This virus is very serious and dangerous. I think we should do everything we can to follow protocol at this time. The way you have to deal with this is painful – you can’t see your loved one, talk to them or even be in the same building with them. No one wants to experience this.”

Scott said the healthcare workers at Maria Parham Health, Fuller’s ICU nurse, in particular, were instrumental in providing comfort during an emotional time for the family.

“We called his nurse for two days, and she was so wonderful. She gave him messages for us. We wanted him to know we loved him; he couldn’t talk. I called her back yesterday to thank her for what she did.”

In a touching surprise to Scott, WIZS reached out to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell and former chief Danny Wilkerson, both who worked with Fuller for years, for comment.

Chief Cordell had this to say about Fuller, “He was a good, Christian man. When I came to work at the fire department in 1992, Lt. Fuller was a fire engineer, and I worked under him for my first six months. Lt. Fuller took me under his wing and taught me the ropes. I will always appreciate the effort he put into me as a young, 20-year-old coming in the door.”

Cordell continued, “I was able to see Lt. Fuller go from fire engineer to fire lieutenant over fire prevention, and he excelled in that position; he made a tremendous impact on young kids. He was able to take the enthusiasm that he brought every day to the job and use that to educate young kids and adults on fire safety.”

Wilkerson said, “He was a great person and a very good firefighter. He was at the fire department a few years before I started in 1975. Being a new firefighter, he gave me a lot of guidance, and I really took that to heart. He is also one of the first African-American firefighters that the Henderson Fire Department had.”

“The one thing Walter did that really stood out to me,” Wilkerson added with a chuckle, “was that he was all for enforcing the City’s fire lane and handicapped parking. I believe he wrote more fire lane and handicap parking violations than any firefighter or police officer at the time.”

Wilkerson’s final thoughts on Fuller echoed Scott’s sentiments expressed during the interview, “The thing that I always respected about Walter is that he put God first, then his family and then his fire department family, and he would tell you that is how your priorities in life should be.”

To hear the interview with Scott in its entirety, including comments from Cordell and Wilkerson, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.