Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrap Up Summer At Perry Memorial Library

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It’s September, which means that schools are back in session, and parents and kids are getting back into a routine – and that includes programs and activities at Perry Memorial Library.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said there’s certainly something for everyone at the library, from familiar favorites like Mother Goose Story Time to a new Gaming Club for tweens and teens.

The Gaming Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on The Local Skinny! segment. Prepare to enjoy some new games and gaming systems – and there will be snacks, too! This is a drop-in program, so no registration is needed – just come by and spend some time with fellow gamers.

The Reading Buddies program is a way for children in grades K-5 to build their confidence with reading.

“It’s not tutoring, but just a support,” Peters explained. Parents can sign up for a 30-minute slot on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Volunteers will read with their buddies and help get the youngsters exposed to the joys of reading.

Thursdays are busy days at the library, with Mother Goose Story Time at 11 a.m., Lego Fun and Games from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a 4:30 p.m. story time for busy families – “one book and bubbles, for families on the go,” Peters said.

Teen Time moves to Mondays, and the first program is set for Sept. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Participants will have some fun creating objects with beads. The Teen Time continues on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 for kids in middle and high school.

Young people in middle and high school – and their parents or caregivers – are invited to a special workshop to learn about the negative consequences of smoking and vaping.

Project Open Air and its Creator Lab will come to the library at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21.

There will be pizza, Peters said, so come hungry and come prepared to help turn what you learn into a presentation that can be used to help others understand how tobacco use and vaping affect your health and community.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, come celebrate the First Day of Autumn with a leaf-rubbing art activity for all ages.

And on Sept. 28, the library is hosting an Open House to showcase all the different programs, activities and amenities that are available for all to enjoy.

Peters invites the community “to come out and explore all the amazing things that they may not know about our library.”

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete listing of programs and services the library offers.

 

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TownTalk: VGCC Trustees To Consider The Possibility Of Hosting An Educational Forum About Data Centers

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The Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees will convene Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at a special called meeting to consider the possibility of hosting an educational forum about data centers.

With lots of uncertainty across the community surrounding this polarizing issue, VGCC leaders have been approached about having an information session that could present relevant information in an objective format.

With uncertainty comes speculation, and although the county has not gotten any applications for any data center project, there is plenty of speculation floating around about a particular tract of properties along U.S. Hwy. 158 Business that recently was rezoned to Light Industrial.

County commissioners approved the rezoning in April, which made a final tract and the roughly 500 or so adjoining acres, and tracts, to conform with one another.

Names on the rezoning request included Natelli Investments, a Maryland-based developer associated with data centers.

In early July, Thomas Natelli responded to an email from a Vance County resident regarding the rezoning approval.

In the email, Natelli included an update on the project.

“Since the rezoning was completed in April, we have been conducting extensive due diligence on a range of matters and developing a program for a data center campus on the site. We expect to begin community engagement later this summer in conjunction with the site plan process. That will include community meetings where we will share project information, answer questions, and listen to community feedback,” the email stated.

He referred to pending legislation in the General Assembly that could have implications for the project. Senate Bill 730 is one of the pieces of legislation that focuses on water and electricity use that data centers require, among other issues.

“We recognize that the limited information available during the rezoning process has created the perception of a lack of transparency. I want to assure you and the community that we are committed to engaging openly with the community as our program for the site comes together. In the meantime, we are happy to continue the dialogue,” the email continued.

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TownTalk: Rebuilding Hope Celebrates 20 Years

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In the Bible, Jacob labored for 20 years for Laban. And that’s how long the Israelites were oppressed before Samson came on the scene to be their deliverer. And it’s how long it took Solomon to build his temple.

Tom Wille, co-director of Rebuilding Hope, shared those biblical references with those gathered Thursday to celebrate 20 years of the local non-profit.

“Twenty years is a significant number in scripture in terms of what God wrote down for us in his book,” Wille said.

And so the question is, he said, What now?

“What’s the continued call of this ministry? We’re going to keep on…is there more there? I don’t know,” he continued.

The first 20 years of the ministry began in a little office in Warrenton, where Randolph and Gail Wilson and a few other volunteers started out.

They worked the first 10 years operating out of donated space in Henderson before purchasing their current home – the former Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

And now, looking back at the first 20 years, Wille looks ahead to the future, and said the volunteers – brothers and sisters in Christ – will continue the mission of faith through acts.T

“Twenty years have flown by in the Rebuilding Hope land,” Wille said. In the 13 or so years he’s been involved, the building has changed and the circumstances have changed and the equipment has changed, he said. People have come and gone, but the mission has remained the same and the organization’s name says it all: Rebuilding Hope.

The audience gave a round of applause when Wille thanked the Wilsons for the work they’ve done and continue to do. “They took a huge leap (of faith) when they were called to do so,” he said.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony began, Wilson told WIZS that he is thankful for everyone who has been a part of this ministry. Starting Rebuilding Hope was simply something “I couldn’t not do,” he said. “I had to.”

Henderson-Vance Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said Rebuilding Hope defines perfectly the term non-profit.

“We are so grateful to help you celebrate 20 years,” Wilkerson said in remarks before the ribbon-cutting – you really show what a non-profit is all about and we thank you. Rebuilding Hope does exactly what its name says, said Chamber Board member Kevin Wade. “You give encouragement to people, you give love – that’s what we need more of today.”

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NC State Board of Elections

The Local Skinny! North Carolina Judicial Voter Guides

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The N.C. State Board of Elections will be sending out postcards this fall to share information about an online judicial voter guide to educate voters about the state courts and the candidates running for seats on those courts.

WIZS has interviewed candidates for Seat 1 on the N.C. Court of Appeals, the incumbent John S. Arrowood and challenger Michael Byrne.

Seat 1 is one of three seats that voters will decide on November 3.

There are 15 judges on the state’s Court of Appeals, and they sit in 3-judge panels to review cases and hear appeals that have been decided in lower courts.

One seat on the N.C. Supreme Court is on the November ballot. This is the state’s highest court and has one chief justice and six associate justices.

To learn more about the state’s judicial contests and the candidates seeking election, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election/judicial-voter-guide-2026-general-election.

To learn more about the state board of elections, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Cool Season Grasses

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Tall fescue is an excellent cool season grass that grows well in the piedmont.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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