Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County Tourism

Pamela Hester Named Vance Co. Tourism Director

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-Press Release, Vance County Tourism Development Authority Board

The Vance County Tourism Development Authority is pleased to announce the hiring of Pamela Weathers-Hester, as the next Tourism Development Director. She will begin in this position on July 2, 2018.

Mrs. Hester has background experience in advertising, marketing, and community outreach locally and in areas across North Carolina. She previously worked with Henderson’s Main Street Program organizing, directing, and coordinating overall operations of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and the Main Street Program.

Mrs. Hester is excited to be able to show the world that Vance County, Home of Kerr Lake, is a great place for hosting tourism-related events and activities. She will be a welcome addition to the county’s management team and the Vance County community.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Youth “Fishing With a Mentor” Program at Fox Pond Park

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks, in conjunction with the City of Henderson and Vance County, announces “Fishing With a Mentor,” a program for local youth ages 6 – 18 to be held at Fox Pond Park, 375 Vicksboro Rd, Henderson.

This free program is a mentor-led, department supported event to enhance youth participation in fishing while enjoying real-life conversations centered around present-day topics while utilizing Fox Pond and its amenities.

An opening ceremony for the program will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Fox Pond Fishing Pier. Free food will be provided to participants after the event.

Dates for the fishing program include Wednesday, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Those interested may register at the Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Rd, Henderson.

For more information, call Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 or email tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us or Gregory Kelly at (252) 431-6099 or email gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

West End Baptist

West End Community Watch Hears from City Manager, Fire Dept.

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-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch

The West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, June 19 at West End Baptist Church. Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier was pleased to report that taxes and city sewer rates will not increase. Still, due in part to the fact that the City now has reduced debt, City employees will receive 5% raises.

Additionally, many other improvements have been made or are in progress. The Wastewater Plant renovations, which began in 2011, have been completed. Renovations to the old municipal building and the downtown Fire Station are in progress. Several streets have been resurfaced. The City’s retention rate of employees has improved greatly. Discussions are underway for future stormwater projects.

Captain Lee Edmonds, fire prevention officer of the Henderson Fire Department, informed the group that most houses in other areas of the city had already been visited by the fire department. Homes in West Henderson will be the last ones visited. The annual visit can be expected before the end of summer. In November, the rotation begins again. These inspections have been made by the Henderson Fire Department since 2009.

Statewide, there are been more fire-related deaths this year than ever before. Therefore, the State has stepped up fire prevention methods. All fire departments in the State of NC are now required to make regular home visits. When the fire department enters a home, the firemen do a quick safety inspection and check the placement of smoke detectors. They make sure the detectors are operational and replace them or their batteries, when necessary. A resident can call to request an inspection or assistance with a smoke detector.

Plenty of Programs for Adults at Perry Memorial Library

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-Information courtesy the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library website

Upcoming events for adults at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson:

Adult Summer Reading – Saturday, June 16 – Friday, August 3. Reading, Movies, Programs, Prizes. Pick up prize card at the Reference Desk.

Photograph & Document Preservation Program – Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Experienced digitizers will facilitate this program and have equipment available to digitize items. Bring any photo or documents, a flash drive and any questions you may have.

Books to Movies Book Club – Monday, June 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. The movie “The Martian” based on the novel by Andy Weir will be viewed followed by a discussion on both the movie and the novel. Books are available at the library now for checkout. Bring a bag dinner and a friend!

Cookies & Coloring – first Sunday of every month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. All materials provided by the library.

Needlework Club (formerly the Knitting Club) – every other Monday from 1 – 3 p.m. Check the library’s calendar for exact dates. All adults – all needle crafts – all skill levels.

 

Mako Medical & Medical Arts Raise Over $1K for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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With the recent hot, summer temperatures, Medical Arts Pharmacy and Mako Medical Laboratories picked the perfect time to partner together and hold an ice cream fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis.

Held at Medical Arts Pharmacy, 235 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, on Friday, June 15, the group raised $1,100 in funds, with all proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Ice cream was provided by FRESH. Local Ice Cream, a mom and pop ice cream shop based out of Raleigh, NC.

“Medical Arts Pharmacy was excited to team up with Mako Medical Laboratories for an ice cream fundraiser to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Brandon McEachern and Brett Ross of Mako Medical Laboratories scooped ice cream, while guests enjoyed taking pictures with Mikey Mako,” said Cara White Kirby, vice president of marketing for Medical Arts Pharmacy.

“The City of Henderson was very supportive – from the Health Department to Rose Oil, we had a ton of people come out last Friday,” said McEachern.

“Business leaders from Charles Boyd Chevrolet, Rose Oil, Phillips, Dorsey, Thomas, Waters, & Brafford CPA Firm, Mayor Eddie Ellington, Henderson Councilwoman Sara Coffey and many others stopped by to support this great cause,” Kirby said.

Mako and Medical Arts’ mutual connection with Cystic Fibrosis made this focus an obvious choice according to Kirby, “Mako has a personal connection with Cystic Fibrosis and our pharmacy takes care of several patients from the community. Medical Arts is committed to providing the best pharmaceutical care for the people of Vance and surrounding counties, and we were delighted to be able to give back to our community in this way!”

“We are working hard to make a lasting impact in Henderson; this was one step in the right direction,” McEachern said.

Photos courtesy Cara White Kirby

 

Relay for Life Only Four Days Away – Event Schedule Released!

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-Event schedule information courtesy Cindy Robinson, Volunteer, Vance County Relay for Life

With only four days to go until the 2018 Vance County Relay for Life, Relay organizers have released an event schedule for teams, volunteers, survivors and participants.

This year’s Relay for Life event will be held, for the first time in downtown Henderson, this Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Specifically, the event will be held in the square between the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library and the Henderson Police Department.

The opening ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

The theme for this year’s Relay is the yellow brick road from “The Wizard of Oz.” Saturday’s event will feature all of the prepurchased bricks laid out to form a “yellow brick road” of those who have fought cancer.

Between donations and fundraising events, organizers hope to raise at least $100,000 for cancer research this year.

EVENT SCHEDULE

11 – 11:50 a.m. Welcome Everyone to Relay (Intro MC Trey Snide with WIZS)

(11:05 a.m.) Prayer (Ryan Hill)

(11:10 a.m.) National Anthem

(11:20 a.m.) Welcome (Mayor Eddie Ellington)

(11:25 a.m.) Welcome (Downtown Development Director- Kaine Riggan)

(11:30 a.m.) Opening Ceremony – Survivor Walk

(11:50 a.m.) Somewhere Over the Rainbow

12 – 1 p.m. Brake Tyme Band

1:05 p.m. Contest – (Best Witch’s Cackle)

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Brake Tyme Band

2:35 p.m. Contest – (Best Cowardly Lion’s Roar)

3 – 4 p.m. Brake Tyme Band

4:05 p.m. Contest – (Best Skippers)

4:30 – 6 p.m. Tranzition Band

6 p.m. Contest – (Best Ruby Slippers)

6:15 p.m. Caregiver Ceremony

6:30 p.m. Survivor & Caregiver Walk – Torch carried by Natalie Watkins Brooks

7:30 p.m. Blessed Generation Youth Group

8 – 9:20 p.m. Unashamed Southern Gospel Quartet

9:30 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony

9:45 p.m. Moment of Silence followed by Prayer – Reverend Michael Hobbs

10 p.m. Contest and Raffle Winners Announced

10:45 p.m. Wrap up of Event

11 p.m. Closing Prayer – Pastor Abidan Shah

 

ON-GOING EVENT SCHEDULE

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reading of “Wizard of Oz” in Children’s Circle at Perry Memorial Library

11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Silent Auction in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center lobby

11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Amusement ride – $3 per person

1 – 5 p.m. Horse & buggy rides will be available at the corner of Breckenridge and Wyche Street – $5 per person.

 

VENDOR & TEAM SCHEDULE

7 a.m. Trailers and cookers arrive for set-up. MUST BE SET-UP BY 8 A.M.

8 a.m. ALL TEAMS or anyone with tents arrive. MUST BE SET-UP BY 9 A.M.

 *Teams with tents: dismantling of tents not allowed until 11 p.m. (end of Relay)

(This is not an advertisement)

Kerr Lake’s Independence Day Celebration Set for Sat., June 30

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-Information courtesy Norman Dickerson, Admin. Assistant, Vance County Department of Tourism

Independence Day Weekend Celebration – Fireworks, Entertainment & Food

Fireworks over the water at Kerr Lake, Satterwhite Point, in Henderson, NC on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

Entertainment presented by “Frankie Faucet & The Drips” Band.

Food vendors on site. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Enjoy the music and good food.

FREE event admission, but $7.00 per car gate fee charged by NC State Parks.

7 – 10 p.m.

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED!

Directions: From I-85, take Exit 217 and follow the signs to the park. Park entrance located directly across from 6254 Satterwhite Point Road.

Sponsored by Vance County Department of Tourism – www.kerrlake-nc.com

(This is not a paid advertisement; however, there are paid advertisements on WIZS for this event)

National Weather Service

Stay Cool and Exercise Caution in Extreme Heat

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It’s a scorcher out there, folks! According to the National Weather Service website, Henderson is expected to see dangerous heat and humidity this week with the high for today reaching 96 degrees. Heat index values reached as high as 104!

According to some forecasts, today was the hottest day of 2018 thus far.

The excessive heat and humidity ensure that our forecast shows chances of showers and thunderstorms through next week, though highs are expected to drop to the 80’s as early as Friday.

Extreme heat leads to multiple deaths each year, so it is important that you remember safety tips to avoid danger. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, especially when doing outdoor activities.

Be aware of the forecasted temperatures and heat index and act quickly if you begin to experience the symptoms of heat illness. Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, vomiting, heavy sweating and rapid pulse may require medical attention.

Those working outdoors should avoid overexertion and take regular breaks in a cooler area. During periods of extreme heat, it’s best to avoid extended time outdoors between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WIZS would like our listeners and viewers to stay cool, stay safe and have the number of your local AC service technician close by, just in case!

Families Living Violence Free

High Number of NC Homicides Makes Families Living Violence Free Say “Enough!”

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-Information courtesy Peggy Roark, Sexual Assault Advocate & PREA Coordinator, Families Living Violence Free

As of June 3, there have been 32 domestic violence homicides in North Carolina in 2018!

The youngest victim was 7 months old…

It’s time to say “Enough!” SPEAK UP!

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call Families Living Violence Free at 919-693-5700 Crisis Line or the Hispanic Crisis Line at 919-690-0888 Day or Night!

We are here for you!

You could be saving a life…it might be your own.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

NCDOT’s Office of Civil Rights Seeking Stakeholder Participation

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-Press Release, NCDOT

DURHAM – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is inviting stakeholders not limited to but including small businesses, general contractors, suppliers and supportive and professional service providers, to participate in the department’s next session of it’s 2018 Community Engagement Series.

“This series is designed to offer networking and learning opportunities for contractors, consultants and other companies seeking to do business with NCDOT, and is being hosted in each of NCDOT’s 14 Highway Divisions throughout the remainder of 2018,” said Chief Deputy Secretary David Howard.

“OCR’s motto is to ‘Recruit, Train, Retain and Grow,’ and this series is a conduit for us to execute that mission on behalf of the department and the taxpayers of this great state,” said Office of Civil Rights Director Shelby Scales.

The next meeting in the series will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, on the campus of North Carolina Central University inside the NCCU School of Law building at 640 Nelson Street, Durham.

NCDOT is committed to ensuring that no person shall – on the grounds of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, income status, sex, age or disability – be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any NCDOT program or activity, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination laws and authorities.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in the Series. Anyone requiring special services should contact Mark Whisenant at 919-508-1822 or mawhisenant@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

For more information contact: NCDOT Office of Civil Rights at (919) 508-1808 or ncdotocr@ncdot.gov.