Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging Offering Caregiver Vouchers

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Harvey Holmes, family caregiver resource specialist with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

The agency offers aging and adult services to residents in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties.

With November’s designation as both National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, Holmes was on the program to discuss Kerr-Tar’s caregiver voucher program.

To assist with the heavy financial burden of providing care to a loved one, Kerr-Tar will reimburse caregivers up to $750 in eligible out-of-pocket expenses within 90 days of incurring the charge.

Eligible expenses include hiring in-home assistance such as a nurse, CNA, neighbor or relative (who does not live in the home) to care for a loved one.

“Caregiving is extremely expensive,” said Holmes. “With the voucher program, you get to choose who you want to be in your house. More importantly, you get to choose who the recipient is comfortable with.”

To learn more about the voucher program, please contact the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging at (252) 436-2040 or email Holmes directly at hholmes@kerrtarcog.org.

Additional information can be found at www.kerrtarcog.org or on the agency’s Facebook page (click here).

To hear the interview with Holmes in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Holmes’ segment begins at the 17:50 mark.

Tickets Available Now: McGregor Hall to Ring in Season With Holiday Shows

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss these special events at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson this holiday season.

The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert 

  • Friday, December 6, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Raleigh Ringers’ holiday handbell concert runs the gamut of song selections from old yuletide favorites to Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” score and other sounds of the season.

Black Nativity

Black Nativity is a heartfelt musical presenting a fresh, new way to relive the birth of Jesus Christ. Based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and favorite gospel songs, Black Nativity leads us back to the manger through the rhythm of drums, the feet of high energy dancers and the souls of passionate storytellers.

Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular

  • Monday, December 16, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand!
Christmas Wonderland is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. Featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North. This performance is pure holiday magic – with enough fun and festive cheer to power all the Christmas lights in town!

Tickets for these events may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Retired VGCC Faculty Member, Wife Establish Scholarship

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Wesley and Sheila Smith of Kittrell recently established a new scholarship for students at Vance-Granville Community College.

Wesley Smith has a longstanding association with VGCC. He graduated from the college’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology (often called HVAC) program in 1988. Several years later, Smith returned to become an instructor and head of the same program. “I was a good fit for the job,” he recalled – so good, in fact, that he remained in that position for 27 years, before retiring from VGCC in 2018.

Left to right: Kay Currin, Sheila Smith, Wesley Smith, Dr. Rachel Desmarais, Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)

Now, Smith and his wife have created the “Wesley E. and Sheila K. Smith Academic Achievement Scholarship,” which will be awarded each year to a worthy student. Preference will be given to students in the HVAC program who meet certain academic requirements.

“I want to help students because this is a great career and the HVAC technician can make a good income,” Mr. Smith said.

“Wesley Smith spent decades educating, inspiring and supporting students while preparing them for their careers, and now, he is continuing his outstanding legacy of service through this scholarship,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “We thank Wes and Sheila for their generosity, which will help students complete the training they need for good jobs in our community.”

VGCC Endowment Fund Director Eddie Ferguson added, “Dedicated, caring faculty members like Wes have helped make our college a special community over the past five decades, which makes it fitting that he and Sheila have created a scholarship during our 50th anniversary year, which will reward excellent students for years to come.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982.

Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Town Talk 11/21/19: ‘Most Influential Fisherman’ Speaks to Vance Co. Students

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Pastor Bobby Fletcher, with First United Methodist Church of Henderson, and Clay Dyer, described as “the most inspirational fisherman on the planet” were the guests of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

Dyer, whose life motto is “If I can, you can,” shared his message with students at AdVance Academy today, visits Vance County Middle School tomorrow and will be the guest speaker at First United Methodist Church on Sunday.

Photo courtesy Clay Dyer

Born with no left arm, a partial right arm and no lower limbs, Dyer said he has never let his physical build limit his potential as a human being, an award-winning fisherman or a man of God.

“There’s nothing in life that can get you down unless you allow it to,” said Dyer. “Handicapped or disabled is a state of mind. You’re only as handicapped or disabled as you allow yourself to be.”

According to Dyer’s website (www.clay-dyer.com), he started fishing at age five and began competing in fishing tournaments at age 15. He fished with FLW from 2000 to 2010 and began his career with BASS in 2012.

His television appearances include ESPN, Fox, CNN Headline News, Versus, the Outdoor Channel, Fox Sports South, the 700 Club and CBS.

Published articles on his fishing prowess have appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, Bassmaster and FLW Outdoors Magazine.

Video examples of Dyer’s fishing technique and tips can be viewed by searching his name on YouTube.

Dyer currently fishes the Bassmaster Open Series and select charity events but spends the majority of his time sharing his life experiences through motivational and leadership presentations to various charities, churches and schools.

“I’m just trying to have a positive impact on God’s kingdom by encouraging people and showing them that no matter what adversity they may face in life, they can overcome,” Dyer stated.

Fletcher said bringing Dyer’s positive message of resiliency to the community is just another step in making Vance County an even better place to live.

“Vance County has a lot of potential; we need to let the good things be known. Bringing in an outstanding, world-known speaker like Clay will greatly encourage the kids. He will show them how to be a champion.”

To hear the interview with Dyer and Fletcher in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Additions to VGCC Building Will Enhance Public Safety Training

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently marked the completion of the second phase of renovation and construction work on Main Campus Building 10, providing additional instructional capacity for the Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs. That represents the culmination of a complete overhaul of the 16,000-square-foot building, a former commercial structure that the college purchased in 2010.

Pictured: Steve Barney, Head instructor for EMS programs at VGCC, in the EMS Lab. (VGCC photo)

Building 10 is located on Poplar Creek Road in Vance County, across the street from the rest of the college’s Main Campus. The first phase of its renovation was completed in 2016, providing new space to train public safety professionals and other students. Now, the newly completed area of the building allows participants to benefit from cutting-edge practical simulation training.

A new EMS lab will allow VGCC to provide training that was not previously available, using state-of-the-art equipment that gives students opportunities to participate in real-life scenarios. The lab will be used for EMT-Basic through EMT-Paramedic students, to include continuing education classes. Enhanced manikins in the lab provide immediate feedback to EMS personnel, so they can improve their skills. The equipment allows the instructor to input changes to various types of feedback from the manikins to the students, for maximum training flexibility.

In addition, the completion of Phase II includes a driving simulator that helps prepare police, fire and EMS students for safe emergency vehicle operations in a controlled environment. Finally, a firearms simulator provides 21st – century scenarios for officers to practice all forms of de-escalation techniques and all levels of the use of force. Both simulators help current officers improve their driving and firearms skills.

Pictured: Delton Farmer, VGCC Program Head -Business, in a car simulator. (VGCC photo)

“We are so very excited about the new space and equipment that allows us to better serve our fire, rescue, emergency services and law enforcement students and community agencies,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “Vance-Granville is proud to be able to provide this resource as we continue to meet the region’s demand for jobs in these areas.”

VGCC Board of Trustees member Doris Terry Williams added, “We are very fortunate to have this state-of-the-art expansion to our campus and the opportunity it provides for first-class training of area law enforcement officers and first responders.”

The H.G. Reynolds Company began renovation of this 3,200-square-foot portion of the building in 2018. In addition to the renovation, parking lot space was expanded.

A grant from the Cannon Foundation and funds from the statewide Connect NC bond (approved by North Carolina voters in 2016) supported the project.

FREE ‘Tidings of Comfort and Joy’ Community Concert Coming to McGregor Hall

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Vance County Arts Council Facebook page

The Vance County Arts Council presents “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” with Christmas music and dance for the soul on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson.

Performances begin at 4 p.m.; doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Performers include The Holden Brothers of Washington, DC, Brenda Branch & Chosen, Saxophonist Nick Tucker, Tyrone Burwell, Andrew Chien, Miguel Vitug, Brotherhood, Work in Progress, the Ballet Arts Allstars and more!

Sponsored by The North Carolina Arts Council, Maria Parham Health and Vance Family Medicine.

VCS’ Dr. Anthony Jackson Named NC Superintendent of the Year

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony D. Jackson was named the 2020 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the North Carolina School Board Association Conference.

The event was held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro and the honor is given by the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association and the North Carolina School Boards Association.

Dr. Jackson has served as Superintendent for Vance County since 2015. Since being in Vance County, he has played a significant role in obtaining the Golden Leaf Grant, which helped the district implement the WeInspire Digital Transformation Initiative. Additionally, he has helped develop instructional programs including Youth Empowerment and Advance Academy, while student achievement is improving and graduation rates are increasing.

The NCSBA conference was filled with many other accolades for Vance County Schools as well. The Board of Education earned Master 2 certification, the only board in the state to earn such a distinction. Additionally, Vance County Middle School placed 2nd in the state-wide middle school video contest, while Vance County High School took the first place spot in the high school competition for the second year in a row.

There were several staff members from the district who presented at the conference as well, including Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Mrs. Michelle Burton, Director of Human Resources, and Mrs. Kedecia Stewart Faines, Vance County Schools teacher and former District Teacher of the Year.

Our district is, without question, Vance County Proud!

Vance-Granville Community College Band to Present Winter Concert

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

On Monday, December 2, 2019, the Vance-Granville Community College Band will present its Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. in McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson, NC. The concert is free to the public and will last about an hour.

Brian Miller, the conductor of the band, commented that the band is playing classics of band literature. “All of our music is good, solid, traditional band music,” said Miller. “We will open with Sousa’s ‘Manhattan Beach March’ and will close with his ‘Century of Progress March.'”

On Monday, December 2, 2019, the Vance-Granville Community College Band will present its Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. in McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson, NC. The concert is free to the public and will last about an hour. (VGCC photo)

“No band concert is complete without Sousa, for Sousa is the greatest band composer of all time. His music has a universal and timeless appeal,” commented Miller.

In addition to the Sousa marches, the band will perform some light classics that include a transcription of Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2,” and themes from Wagner’s “Tannhauser,” incidentally considered by Sousa to be the greatest operatic composition of all time.

A chief focus of the concert, of course, is seasonal holiday music. Claire Ramsey will read “The Night Before Christmas” with a special band accompaniment. Audience members will hear such traditional favorites as “Blue Christmas,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” and a medley entitled “Christmas Around The World.”

The Old Vanguard Woodwind Quartet will perform in the middle of the concert and will have some special Beatles transcriptions that the audience will recognize and appreciate.

“Band concerts are very old-fashioned and traditional,” said Miller. “What a great way to start the Christmas season! We are pleased to present this wonderful music in the middle of historic downtown Henderson. McGregor Hall is such a terrific performance venue. We are so fortunate to have such a facility in Henderson.”

Miller, in addition to conducting duties for the Vance-Granville Community College Band, teaches online Music Appreciation courses for Vance-Granville. He is the band director and assistant administrator for Crosscreek Charter School in Louisburg and plays the pipe organ at Louisburg Baptist Church.

Prior to coming to Crosscreek and Vance-Granville, Miller was the longtime director of the Louisburg High School band program.

“Please tell everybody you know about our concert,” concluded Miller. “It will be fast-paced, interesting, and should leave you humming favorite tunes. The VGCC Band strives to be ambassadors of music in our multi-county service area. It is our pleasure to present this beautiful traditional music to the public.”

For more information, contact band director Brian D. Miller at 919-496-5877 or by email: Bmiller9302@vgcc.edu

Fourth Annual Henderson-Vance Community Dinner to Offer Free Thanksgiving Meals

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Fred Robertson

Individuals and local businesses have teamed up for the Fourth Annual Henderson-Vance Community Day Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Meals are available free of charge to the public from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by Fred and Jennifer Robertson, and Williams and Tracey Jones, and will be held at the Elk’s Lodge located at 326 W. Rockspring Street in Henderson.

Delivery is also available by pre-order! The deadline to place delivery orders has been extended to Friday, November 22 at 5 p.m. Orders can be placed by email – pvtjoy33@yahoo.com, or texting (252) 432-8804 or (252) 213-8350.

With questions, please contact Fred at (252) 432-8804 or Tracey at (252) 213-8350.

Event Sponsors: Chris & Shannon Bullock, H & H Rental Brokers, Dr. Bridget Busby Waters, Bail Bonds by Kendra Henderson, Attorneys Joyce Fischer & Chrystal Satterwhite, Jones Trucking by Earlie Jones, Geter Barber College, Divine Styles by Barbara Bobbitt and St. Beulah Holiness Church.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Rescue Squad Announces Christmas Raffle Winners

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

On behalf of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Treasurer Mike Fisher would like to thank those who purchased raffle tickets for the Christmas Spending Spree raffle.

This year’s raffle winners are:

1st Prize – $800 – Donna Stukes

2nd Prize – $500 – Robert Maddry

3rd Prize – $300 – Rachel Daye

4th Prize – $200 – Roger Matney

Please contact the Rescue Squad at (252) 438-7360 for more information.