Town Talk 04/08/20: Community Call-In, Local Support in Face of COVID-19
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Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews
Parton’s Imagination Library Presents ‘Goodnight With Dolly’ Book Readings
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-Information courtesy the Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start March 2020 Newsletter
Dolly Parton is doing her part in entertaining children amid the novel coronavirus. The country singer recently launched a weekly series in which she reads a children’s book to an online audience at bedtime, selecting books from her popular Imagination Library project.
The nonprofit says the goal for Goodnight With Dolly is to provide “a welcome distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books.”
The first book that was read by Parton in the 10-week series presented by Dollywood, Abramorama and The Dollywood Foundation was Watty Piper’s “The Little Engine That Could.”
The other books to be read include “There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake” by Loren Long; “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney; “I Am a Rainbow” by Parton; “Pass It On” by Sophy Henn; “Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon” by Patty Lovell; “Violet the Pilot” by Steve Breen; “Max & The TagAlong Moon” by Floyd Cooper; “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña; and “Coat of Many Colors” by Parton.
The singer’s weekly readings will be posted on her Imagination Library’s YouTube channel, as well as across her Dolly Parton, World Choice Investments and Dollywood channels.
While known as a legend in country music, Parton is also recognized by children as “the Book Lady” after starting her Imagination Library in 1995 in Tennessee. The international book-gifting program launched to a national level in 2000, having delivered more than 130 million free books to children. The organization has shipped books to families in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
Children ages birth to five are eligible for the program and, once registered, will receive free books in the mail monthly. The books are developmentally appropriate for children at the age of sign up and change each month as the child grows.
Parents or guardians can enroll children via the Imagination Library website at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
More information about Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start and its role in promoting the Imagination Library program locally can be found at www.fgvpartnership.org or on the F-G-V Facebook page.
Maria Parham CEO Asks Community to ‘Thank a Healthcare Hero’
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-By Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health
As we continue to fight COVID-19, it has been so encouraging to see the outpouring of support from our community for Maria Parham Health. We have always striven to be a place where you choose to come for healthcare, and we take our responsibility as a community leader very seriously.
As our neighbors have come together to do everything possible to slow the spread of this vicious virus amid unprecedented challenges, we have never been more proud to be a part of this community. It is more important than ever that we all continue to take the important steps necessary to keep our community as safe and healthy as possible, including staying home as much as we can, practicing social distancing and following sound medical guidance.
Today, I would ask one more thing of our community, including myself: thank a healthcare hero.
Some moments ask more of us as a society, as a community and as individuals. Moments like those need heroes. From grocery store employees and delivery workers to educators teaching remotely and those keeping our infrastructure and essential services running, this current moment has no shortage of heroes. And that includes our heroes on the frontlines of this crisis – our healthcare workers.
Our healthcare workers are not only a cornerstone of our hospital’s mission of Making Communities Healthier, they are integral members of our community. They are moms and dads. Brothers and sisters. Friends and neighbors. And – today especially – they are heroes, fighting on the frontlines to provide compassionate, quality care when it’s needed most.
At Maria Parham Health, we honor all our providers and employees working hard to ensure a safe place of care and a healthier community for all of us. I hope you will join me and add your voice to the chorus of appreciation for our community’s healthcare heroes by posting your own message of thanks on your favorite social media, with the hashtag #ThankAHealthCareHero.
Let’s show our hometown heroes how much we appreciate their incredible and inspiring efforts to keep us safe.
And thank you again for supporting Maria Parham Health and trusting us with your care as we help guide our community through the COVID-19 situation as safely as possible. We will get through this together.
NC MedAssist Crisis Fund Provides Medication to Low-Income, Uninsured Residents
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-Press Release, NC MedAssist
NC MedAssist, a statewide free pharmacy, has launched a Crisis Fund in response to the overwhelming need to provide life-saving medication to low-income and uninsured residents across North Carolina.
Through this fund, NC MedAssist will provide support in two areas: providing over-the-counter medicine to marginalized populations and dispensing free prescription medication to those who have lost their income and health insurance due to COVID-19. NC MedAssist is working with key partners such as Novant Health to ensure every North Carolinian with a chronic illness who has lost their job and health insurance will have access to their lifesaving prescription medication.
NC MedAssist is the only free mail-order pharmacy in North Carolina. Their approach allows for minimal contact for patients to receive their prescription medication. Their Free Over-The-Counter store now offers curbside pickup for their customers.
“We have served North Carolina since 1997, and we are beginning to see one of the largest influx of patients since the 2008 recession. People from all walks of life needed access to their vital prescription medicine during that time,” said Lori Giang, CEO of NC MedAssist. “We expect the same surge of patients to come from the COVID-19 crisis and we do not want to turn anyone away. That is why partnerships like Novant Health are so valuable to helping us serve each patient in need of critical medication.”
NC MedAssist hopes to raise $250,000 by May 31, 2020, to prepare for the increase in patients that will need their services.
To donate go to www.medassist.org/donate.
Town Talk 04/07/20: Edmonds, VGCC Focus on ‘Hire Education’
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Jerry E. Edmonds, III, vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Serving in this new position since the fall, Edmonds supports economic development for the region and oversees training programs that respond to community needs and prepare students for workforce success.
In addition, Edmonds leads the development of VGCC partnerships with businesses and government agencies and coordinates outreach and marketing.
“The position of workforce and community engagement is a relatively new combination of functions,” Edmonds said. “Our president, Dr. Rachel Desmarais, was certainly futuristic in her assessment that community engagement would be more and more a part of our community college function.”
Workforce development is what has been traditionally referred to as continuing education, Edmonds explained, and includes public safety, short term healthcare courses such as CNA and phlebotomy, and the college’s new truck driver training, among other programs.
The VGCC Small Business Center also falls under the Workforce and Community Engagement umbrella and has become more visible to the public and business community in recent weeks with the economic repercussions of COVID-19 closures.
Sheri Jones, director of the Small Business Center, appeared on WIZS Town Talk last week to discuss her work with local businesses during the health crisis, which has included assistance with small business loan information.
Along with the Small Business Center, VGCC offers customized training programs specific to the local area. Edmonds admitted that not everyone in the community has been aware of these services in the past, a task that he sees as part of his and his team’s role in marketing the college.
“Marketing is an area that we really have to do a little better job as a community college system in getting the word out about the great programs and great work that we do on a daily basis,” Edmonds stated.
Echoing a sentiment shared by Desmarais in previous WIZS interviews, Edmonds said the system is doing just that by focusing on workforce development with individual community colleges training residents for local employment opportunities.
“The NC Community College System has recently embarked upon a marketing campaign with the tagline that North Carolina community colleges are all about ‘Hire Education’ to use a play-on-words’ of ‘higher education,’” said Edmonds. “At the end of the day, all of our programs, be they on the continuing education side or be they on the curriculum side, seek to give students a living wage employment.”
To hear the interview with Edmonds in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Granville Vance Public Health Hosts COVID-19 ‘Virtual Town Hall’
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Granville Vance Public Health hosted a “Virtual Town Hall” session live via its Facebook page today at 11 a.m.
Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, Maria Parham Health (MPH) CEO Bert Beard, and Major Stephen Staton with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office addressed the COVID-19 epidemic and answered questions that were submitted by the public.
Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Emergency Management director, joined the conversation by phone.
Before beginning the question and answer session, Beard provided an update on protocol changes at MPH. “Currently, we are preparing ourselves for the potential surge that will come as a result of this pandemic. We’ve reevaluated all of our infection prevention protocols, implemented additional visitor restrictions and reduced entry points to the hospital. We’ve also modified our personal protective equipment or PPE policies to provide PPE to our staff, patients and, with limited exceptions, visitors.”
Questions the government and health officials addressed in the session include:
Q: Is it safe to go outside and exercise?
A: Yes, enjoy the outdoors and the weather but practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when around others, if possible. Also, avoid congregating in parks or playing sports together.
Q: How many have tested positive for COVID-19 in our area?
A: There are currently 12 confirmed positive cases in Vance County and 76 in Granville County. Of the Granville County cases, 59 are reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner. These numbers can be deceiving as many infected with COVID-19 may be recovering at home without seeking testing or medical care.
Q: How many ventilators does Maria Parham Health have on-site?
A: Twenty-six ventilators with 10 being designated for emergency use.
Q: How can the public show appreciation to healthcare providers?
A: The number one way is by practicing social distancing and following stay at home orders. PPE donations, homemade mask donations for visitors, food donations and words of encouragement are also greatly appreciated.
Q: How long will we need to wear masks?
A: That is still to be determined. Homemade masks protect others from your respiratory droplets but unfortunately don’t offer much protection to you from the virus.
Q: When we see evidence of the curve flattening, how long will the Stay At Home Order remain in place?
A: That is still to be determined. It’s advisable that we stay at home at least two weeks after we see the deceleration of this epidemic.
Q: What is the best way to protect children from COVID-19?
A: Hand washing and staying at home are the best ways to protect everyone. Other suggestions include keeping their immune system strong and making sure they get enough sleep and exercise. The good news is that most children with COVID-19 have mild cases, though there have been a few exceptions.
Q: Will COVID-19 decrease in the summer months or as temperatures rise?
A: We are still learning a lot about the virus. Many are hopeful that it will decrease with the heat and humidity like other viruses, but time will tell. This also means that like other viruses, it can return in the fall.
Q: Will there be an increase in testing?
A: An increase in the number of people tested and a faster testing turnaround time is expected. Testing results went from a 48-72 hour window up to 10 days, due to demand, and is now down to approximately one day. Testing with almost immediate results is expected in the next couple of months.
To hear the session in its entirety, including more detailed responses to the public’s questions, please watch the video contained in this article, or visit the Granville Vance Public Health Department’s Facebook page (click here).
Second Thursday No Charge Food Distribution Not Possible In April
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The Second Thursday No Charge Food Distribution will not be possible this week.
It is normally held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, off Beckford Drive in Henderson, on the second Thursday of the month, but the facility is not available, and there are not enough volunteers available.
An area citizen called WIZS Tuesday asking about it, and local organizer and volunteer Betty Boyd was able to provide a quick response by phone. Boyd said, “No, we will not be able to proceed (this month). The farmers market has suspended all rentals, and with the volume of food that we normally receive, there’s just not any way we can distribute that with nine people or less.”
You can be sure that the event organizers are disappointed in not being able to do this distribution this month, but that as soon as possible, and in the interim, they are working hard towards future events.
In the meantime, please visit this link from the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to locate food resources in our area: https://foodbankcenc.org/find-help/food-finder/
An area partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, NC Cooperative Extension Office, Vance County Social Services and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, the monthly distribution supplements the food resources of the Vance County community.
NC Cooperative Extension to Offer Backyard Agriculture 101 Online Workshop Series
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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension
Want to learn more about raising your own food, or about taking care of your small farm? NC Cooperative Extension will offer Backyard Ag 101, an eight-part online course to show you the basics.
This series is free and will be offered via the Zoom video conferencing platform. It will include topics such as vegetable gardening, managing backyard poultry, small fruit production, managing small woodlots, small-scale livestock & pasture management, landscape basics, and IPM (bugs, weeds, and plant diseases).
This is an 8-week series beginning Wednesday, April 15 and continuing each Wednesday through June 3 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The course will be taught by Agricultural Extension Agents from the Vance, Warren, Granville, and Person County offices.
To see the full schedule with dates and times and to register for this FREE series visit https://go.ncsu.edu/BackyardAg101. Please note that space is limited and registration is required.
If you have questions, please call 252-438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
Town Talk 04/06/20: NC811 Director Reminds Public to ‘Call Before You Dig’
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Louis Panzer, executive director of North Carolina 811, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
Known for its “Call Before You Dig” slogan, NC811 has provided the public with a communications link between local utility providers since 1978.
With April being recognized as Safe Digging Month, Panzer said now is the perfect time to discuss the legal requirement of having utilities marked before digging.
Panzer explained that NC law requires anyone engaging in excavation or demolition activities to contact NC811 at least three working days prior to starting the work. NC811 will then notify the member facility owners within your area of excavation or demolition requests.
The member facility owner then has three working days to provide a response and to mark any underground facilities that may be in conflict with the work area. Only publicly owned lines will be marked by the facility owner; private lines will not be indicated.
NC811 services are provided to residents free of charge and are designed to protect both the safety of those digging as well as the integrity of the telecommunication and utility networks underground.
“So many people rely on services that we sometimes take for granted,” said Panzer. “Telecommunication has increasingly become important, especially during this time where more people are working from home. People are sheltered in place and their children are at home being educated online.”
With an average of five conflicting utilities around your home or business, Panzer said it is better to contact NC811 and ask questions before engaging in even commonplace outdoor projects such as gardening or planting shrubbery.
Steps in the 811 utility location process include:
- Call 811. Before calling, have information ready such as your address, property specifics, the area you wish to have located, any special considerations, etc. For a full listing of the required information, click here.
- Wait the required time. NC law requires that a three working day notice be given to the utility owners before you dig. Member facilities have three full working days, beginning the first working day after the notice is given, to mark the area requested for underground utilities or to notify the excavator of no conflict in the area.
- Check Positive Response. Positive Response is both a by-phone and online means for the utility members of NC811 to provide information regarding the status of your location request. Click here for more information.
- Respect the marks. The underground facilities located on your property will be identified by color-coded paint, stakes or flags and should not be disturbed.
- Dig with care. If damage occurs, notify the facility owner directly. You can also dial 811 to report damage to underground facilities. In the event of a gas release, remove yourself from the area immediately and call 911 to report.
For more information on NC811, call by simply dialing 8-1-1, download the 811 app or visit www.nc811.org.
To hear the interview with Panzer in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Launches
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-Press Release, U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to small businesses left financially distressed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans, which will be administered at the local level by a national network of banks and credit unions, are designed to maintain the viability of millions of small businesses struggling to meet payroll and day-to-day operating expenses.
“These loans will bring immediate economic relief and eight weeks of financial certainty to millions of small businesses and their employees,” SBA Administrator Carranza said. “We urge every struggling small business to take advantage of this unprecedented federal resource – their viability is critically important to their employees, their community, and the country.”
The loans, which are 100% backed by SBA, are being provided to small businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees, SBA fees, or credit elsewhere tests. Those eligible for the program include small businesses, certain non-profits, veterans’ organizations, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other businesses meeting size standards based on their North American Industry Classification System code.
The Paycheck Protection Program’s maximum loan amount is $10 million with a fixed 1% interest rate and maturity of two years.
The loans are available to cover up to eight weeks of average monthly payroll (based on 2019 figures) plus 25% and payments are deferred for six months (interest does accrue). The SBA will forgive the portion of loan proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated operating expenses for up to eight weeks, provided at least 75% of loan proceeds are used for payroll costs. Eligible expenses for the eight-week forgiveness include:
- Payroll costs (excluding the prorated portion of any compensation above $100,000 per year for any person. Payroll costs include salary, commissions, tips; certain employee benefits including sick leave and health care premiums, and state and local taxes;
- Mortgage interest (not prepayment or principal payments) and rent payments on mortgages and leases in existence after February 15, 2020;
- Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, transportation, phone and internet access for services that began before February 15, 2020; and
- Additional wages paid to tipped employees.
Visit www.SBA.gov/Coronavirus for additional resources about protecting your business, employees and customers.