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  • Ongoing water crisis in Yanceyville impacts Caswell County school calendar

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    YANCEYVILLE, N.C. — Caswell County Schools leaders are hopeful they can get back to a normal schedule next week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Caswell County Schools is preparing for children to return to in-person classes after canceling classes Friday and operating remotely Wednesday and Thursday due to their ongoing water crisis

    • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction allows for five remote learning days, and Caswell County Schools used their other three during the winter storm 

    • Administrators in the district say water is back at all schools but with usage restrictions and quality concerns remain they are making plans to adjust their school calenders



    The district used its last two remote learning days Wednesday and Thursday after Yanceyville issued a Water Supply Emergency Declaration.

    Interim Superintendent Lance Stokes said water is back at all schools in the county, but usage restrictions and quality concerns forced the district to hold off on allowing students to return to classes Friday.

    “The information that we received from our Emergency Management System is that the systems need to flush and clear the line so we are looking to have clear water when we get those reports back,” Stokes said. 

    Caswell County Schools use the second-most amount of water in the county.

    “Some parents were questioning why not just send them to school with a bottle of water, but you have to understand there is a water shortage. Most of our systems operate off of boilers for the heat and the HVAC,” Stokes said.

    The state gives all school districts five days in the calendar year to operate remotely for unforeseen times like these.

    Stokes said Caswell County used two this week and the others during the winter storms.

    “We utilized three of our remote learning days during the inclement weather. It is very crippling when you have two systems coming back-to-back,” Stokes said. 

    Now that all the remote days are gone, Stokes said he will need to speak with the school board about ways to adjust their calendar.

    “We would have to either amend the school day or the calendar or the very unpopular one — we would have school during spring break. That isn’t an option that we’ve had to explore yet, but it could be a possibility looking to take some instructional days and put them into spring break if we have any more inclement weather,” Stokes said. 

    He said they are adhering to local guidelines, providing water and working with agencies across the county to make sure students return to safe schools.

    “When you have these types of crises, particularly in a rural area, you have to pull through it. We’re not one of the larger districts with more resources, so all of our agencies have to pull together and support our community,” Stokes said.

    Stokes said their goal is for students to return to class Monday.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Caregivers receive night of relaxation through sound healing

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Caregiving is a demanding job. In fact, according to an AARP report, more than 60% of caregivers say that responsibility increases their level of stress and worry.

    A North Carolina woman is volunteering her time and expertise to give a group of caregivers a night of peace and relaxation using sound.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 60% of caregivers say caregiving increases their level of stress and worry, according to an AARP report

    • Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses sound bowls and instruments to help provide sound healing

    • One caregiver said she could “feel the colors” during the sound bath and meditation

    • The Gladys Love Project helps coordinate nights of relaxation and provides regular events for caregivers


    Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses various instruments like wind chimes, an ocean drum and crystal sound bowls to provide what she calls sound healing.

    “All of the bowls are tuned to different frequencies, which actually work in harmony with different parts of the body,” Washington said.

    Those receiving this kind of healing sit in chairs or lay on the ground for what may be the only hour of peace they have all day. They’re all caregivers, and Washington says this sound bath and meditation allows them to focus on their own needs for a moment.

    “With so many people relying on them, it’s just really important that we offer some space focused on their wellness as they are focusing on making sure that other people are well and have what they need,” Washington said.

    Dayna Wade takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease and says the sessions have worked for her.

    “I actually felt the colors when she was playing the instruments,” she said. “And I felt peaceful. I felt present in my body, and it was just a beautiful experience.”

    Kym Motley of the nonprofit, the Gladys Love Project, helped coordinate this night of relaxation. She says the community you can gain from events like this is also key.

    “I would say that community is so important, and that will counter the effects of senior isolation, which does lead to early death and caregiver burden, the enormous amount of stress that caregivers are under,” Motley said.

    Washington does this for a living but offers it up to groups like this from time to time because she believes everyone should have access to the benefits.

    “This allows us to create an environment where hopefully those caregivers have an overflow that they can now pour from instead of pouring from an empty cup,” Washington said.

    The Gladys Love Project offers regular events like this for caregivers.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Britni McDonald

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  • N.C. A&T students host first of several early voting events

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — The first day of early voting kicked off with a march to the polls from N.C. A&T.

    What You Need To Know

    • N.C. A&T students walked to the polls after the State Board of Elections decided against early voting locations at their campus

    • All 10 early voting sites around Guilford County opened this week

    • The two closest to the university’s campus are the Old Guilford Court House and the Guilford AG Center, but both are more than a mile away

    • The event is the first of many voter turnout events students said they will be holding leading up to the primary election March 3



    The event comes after the State Board of Elections decided against adding early voting locations at the university along with UNC Greensboro and Elon University.

    Organizers said it is the first of many more voter turnout events they’re planning to help students navigate voting off campus.

    “Aggies do what is necessary for our rights, for our survival and for our people,” said N.C. A&T student Jae’lah Monet, who joined more than 60 other students and community members in a walk to the nearest polling site about 1.3 miles away from campus.

    She said the event helps students get to the election site safely while demonstrating to the State Board of Elections how important a polling site is on campus.

    “We will be there all day, and we will all get a chance to vote. Accessibility is truly, truly so important to all of us Aggies, because we understand not everyone has a car, not every student has money for Uber, so we work together to make sure that everybody has an equal chance, and that is what it means to be an Aggie,” Monet said.

    There are 10 early voting sites around Guilford County. The two closest to campus are the Old Guilford Court House and the Guilford AG Center, but both are more than a mile away.

    Charlie Collicutt, director of the Guilford County Board of Elections, said this is usual for this election, but the school will remain a voting location on election day.

    “There’s never been a midterm election, primary or general election that used any of our college campuses. We’ve only ever used them in presidential elections,” Collicutt said.  

    “We’re staffed up at all of our polling sites. Any voter going to any site should see a fairly efficient process,” he said as students began lining up in the registration and voting lines.

    Monet said they hope this walk changes that.

    “There are a lot of things in this country that people have never had, and that doesn’t make them right. That doesn’t mean that it’s always fair, and this country is not known for always being accessible. That is why the future matters so much. The goal is to have polling sites for every election cycle, on our college campuses,” she explained.

    Monet serves as a canvasser with the N.C A&T Chapter of the NAACP, where she’s trying to make sure more than 15,000 students are registered to vote.

    “Every day, I meet a new Aggie who is doing something in the community to encourage their peers. Campaign trailblazers want people who are out making an impact every single day,” she said while standing in line to vote. 

    Monet said more than 200 other student organizations are working together to help get students to the polls for the primary election.

    The final day to cast early in-person ballots is February 28. Primary election day is March 3.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Icy roads cause a 10-13 car pile-up in Winston-Salem. How to stay safe

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    Ice on High Point Road in Winston-Salem was the cause of a pile-up involving 10-13 vehicles Tuesday morning, police said.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Winston-Salem Police Department said 10-13 vehicles slid off High Point Road Tuesday morning as the result of ice

    • “The area is a solid sheet of ice,” police said in a Facebook post

    • Drivers are asked to use extreme caution as black ice remains a concern in many areas


    Around 10 a.m., Winston-Salem Police Department said it was “responding to numerous vehicles that have slid off the roadway and are disabled due to ice” between Robbins Road and Ridgewood Road, including Friedland Church Road.

    “The area is a solid sheet of ice,” police said in a Facebook post.

    Officials say emergency vehicles are struggling to reach the disabled vehicles. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

    “While some main roads and highways may appear clear, dangerous black ice remains widespread. Many secondary roads and neighborhood streets are still icy and unsafe this morning,” official said. “Road crews are working as quickly as possible, but extremely low temperatures are limiting the effectiveness of treatment efforts.” 

    Anyone traveling on the roads is asked to follow these tips to ensure safe travel:

    • Drive slowly and allow extra time
    • Increase following distance; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
    • Accelerate and decelerate gently
    • Use extreme caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, where ice forms first

    Across the state, between 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 8 a.m. Jan. 27, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said it has responded to 1,213 crashes and 1,477 calls for service statewide.

    The SHP said it has not responded to any deadly incidents.

    Lexington police confirmed one weather-related death that occurred Saturday night when a woman was hit by a car that slid off the roadway and down an embankment. Her body was found the following morning.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • USDA removes ‘moderation’ from dietary guidelines on alcohol

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture updated dietary guidelines for Americans this week.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to a 2025 Gallup Poll alcohol use is at its lowest record ever at 54%

    • Previous alcohol suggested limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women, while the update reads to “consume less alcohol for better overall health”

    • Dr. Beth Mayer-Davis, a former member of USDA Scientific Advisory Committee for dietary guidelines, said the language could send a confusing message



    One of the most notable changes involved removing language defining moderate alcohol consumption.

    “Alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together in the best-case scenario. I don’t think you should drink alcohol, but it does allow people an excuse to bond and socialize,” said Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz.

    From 2020 to 2025 the USDA guidelines recommended drinking in moderation.

    “Moderation” was defined as limiting intake to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women.

    The new guidelines simply reads “consume less alcohol for better overall health.”

    UNC Chapel Hill Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Nutrition Medicine Dr. Beth Mayer-Davis served on the USDA’S Scientific Advisory Committee for the dietary guidelines in the past.

    She said the updated language is too vague. 

    “I think that it was a serious omission to not provide more information about what limiting alcohol intake looks like and why that’s important, especially with regard to risk for common cancers that people care about, like breast cancer and colon cancer. People care about those diseases. People worry about what might be contributing to risk for cancer,” the professor explained. 

    Mayers-Davis said the World Health Organization has long classified alcohol as a carcinogen, linking it to seven types of cancer. 

    “People need to have the information so that they can make informed decisions. And alcohol is not less of a worry. It’s more of a worry because the more we learn about alcohol, the more we learn that it is contributing to risk for cancer and other outcomes,” Mayers Davis said.

    The latest state Alcohol and Related Harms Data also shows North Carolina experienced more than 5,800 deaths, 66,000 emergency department visits, and a loss of $15 billion due to alcohol use in 2023.

    According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services it was one of the highest on record.

    But since then the number of people drinking nationwide has been declining. 

    According to a recent Gallup poll, young people’s perception of alcohol being bad for health rose to a record high of 66% in 2025.

    And they are not the only ones calling it quits.

    The same poll showed that the overall number of people reporting to drink fell from 62% in 2023 to its lowest record ever at 54%.

    Bars on Spring Garden Street like Bites and Pints have long been a hub for college students, including longtime customer and new general manager Allan Leondro.

    “Throughout college I would go over to, you know, different places around, Spring Garden to grab drinks, grab food,” Leandro said. 

    He and his Operating Manager Ronny Real said they have seen the shift in the alcohol industry in real time.

    “I noticed throughout the years the Gen Z, or younger, crowd definitely has decreased. During this time, it’s became more about health awareness. Basically, you know, just trying to balance out your lifestyle,” Real explained. 

    The managers said they have new promotions and deals to help draw out more people.

    In the meantime they believe their customers will continue to drink responsibly no matter the guidelines.

    “People have to be have to have a good balance. And I think that’s something that we’re seeing nowadays. Gen Z and younger people are considering that a little bit more drink, drink socially every now and then. Make memories with it. Use that as a space for you to have minimal, meaningful conversations,” Leandro said.

    The new guidelines also advise people with a family history of alcoholism to be mindful of alcohol consumption and associated addictive behavior. 

    It advises  people who should completely avoid alcohol include: pregnant women, people recovering from alcohol use disorder, anyone unable to control the amount they drink, people taking medications and people with medical conditions that can interact with alcohol. 

    Read the USDA guidelines in full here.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Restaurant celebrates New Year by offering traditional ‘lucky’ foods

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    CARY, N.C. — On the first day of the New Year, many brought in the holiday by eating foods they believe could bring them a little luck this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • People around the state celebrated New Year’s Day by eating foods some believe will help bring them prosperity this year

    • Some southern traditions include eating black eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, pork, cakes and grapes 

    • Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen serves “good luck foods” like those every day, and every year they invite customers to enjoy “lucky“ New Year’s meals



    Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary invited the community to celebrate that tradition.

    Executive Chef Dan Hoskins has been preparing the New Year’s meals for more than 10 years.

    “It was a surprise how many people came after New Year’s, and now it’s just kind of a regular tradition now,“ Hoskins said.

    He said the New Year’s menu is curated to honor longtime holiday traditions.

    “The New Year’s tradition is that a lot of people eat pork because it’s moving forward, and then, black-eyed peas are for coins. Cornbread is for gold, and collard greens are also for paper money,” he explained.

    “We have ham with red-eye gravy, crispy black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread for gold,” Hoskins said.

    These holiday food traditions are an annual custom in the south.

    “Every culture has a tradition for New Year’s, and this is our culture,”  Hoskins said as the restaurant began to pack with people.

    Management said each item on the menu is also available year-round for customers who want a little extra luck.

    “Some of the best moments are made over a good meal, and so we remember that, and we know that it’s true in our culture, that we want to create experiences,” Lucky 32 General Manager Tiffany Maye said.

    Some believe to bring sweetness into your new year you should eat cakes and honey.

    People also traditionally eat grapes for a full year of fortune.

    Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen has locations in Cary and Greensboro.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • New furniture manufacturer taps community college for new hires

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    DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. —  North Carolina has one of the largest manufacturing workforces in the Southeast, which is why a new Lithuanian furniture company has chosen to open its first U.S. facility in Davidson County.

    What You Need To Know

    • North Carolina is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast

    • A new Lithuanian furniture company in Mocksville says that’s one of the many factors that attracted them to open its first U.S. facility in Davidson County

    • SBA Home partnered with Davidson-Davie Community College to help fill positions

    Davidson-Davie Community College students Logan Walterman and Austin Blackburn practice powering DC and AC every Tuesday.   

    It’s one of the many basics they learn in their industrial system technology class, where Blackburn focuses on mechanics and Walterman focuses on electricity.

    “As a kid, you know, I liked to help my daddy, you know, work on his bikes, and that’s where it all started,” Walterman said. 

    Both students are getting paid to learn their skills through the Davidson-Davie apprenticeship consortium by working for its newest employer partner, SBA Home. 

    “In my town, Marksville, where I’m from, and, you know, the idea of like, finally learning how to be an electrician and especially getting to work on robots, like, that really interested me. So I immediately, like, took interest in the program and SBA,” he said. 

    Blackburn is also in the program

    “It’s a two-year degree across four years, since we’re working full-time, like I said, 32 hours at the plant and then eight hours here. So you get yourself a full pay check,” he explained. 

    The new Lithuanian furniture manufacturer opened its first U.S. facility in Mocksville this August and is estimated to create 250 jobs by the end of 2029.

    “We’re thrilled the community needs these students. They need workers in manufacturing, especially now. It’s more important now than ever. With the whole tariff thing going on and companies moving back to America,“ said Davidson-Davie Community Industrial Systems Technology Instructor Billy Willard. 

    This summer, Walterman and Blackburn became the first two apprentices SBA hired. 

    “It’s been a big help being able to be here to get hands-on experience without actually having to use the stress in the field,“ Blackburn said. 


    “It’s actually pretty cool how I’ve got to, like, use stuff in this class at work,” Walterman added.

    SBA Home is the 11th employer to join the Davidson-Davie apprenticeship consortium.


    CEO Jurgita Radzevice said they have been working to open the facility since 2023, before tariffs were put in place. Now, their new facility allows them to be even more financially competitive with companies that rely on imported goods.

    “We will stay much more competitive than others, let’s say, market players who will be importing goods from Europe or other countries. So, for us, it just brings much more competitiveness and will bring much more affordability for American people. So I will say this is a win-win,” Radzevice said.


    In addition to strategic partners, the company hosted community days to find workers for its first shift. 

    They will begin hiring for a second shift this spring.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Parrish Grandma Club celebrating the holiday season

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    PARRISH, Fla. –– A group of high school seniors in Manatee County started a club three years ago where the requirement for membership is to invite a grandma and love on them.

    Hence the Grandma Club began.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Sandy Angilly moved to Florida after retirement and needed to meet new friends

    •  Sandy’s granddaughter Mia decided to form a school club to help other grandmas connect with friendships

    •  The Parrish High School Grandma Club has grown and is connecting a multigenerational group of women


    Sandy Angilly is excited this holiday season to be decorating with a group of multigenerational friends.

    As she was crafting an ornament, she said it is a “great experience for someone at my age looking to be taking on something this new.”

    She is referring to her new social club.

    Sandy moved to Florida from Rhode Island in 2022.

    She is a retired nurse who cared for cancer patients and is no stranger to challenging moments.

    “Everyone would say, ‘well how could you do that?” she recounted. “Well because maybe you could brighten somebody’s day who is going through a terrible time.”

    Mia Polseno is a senior at Parrish Community High School in Manatee County.

    With graduation months away, students need to complete community service and other requirements to be eligible for scholarships and other awards. But this requirement is not just a task to check off.

    If you listen closely to Mia, she takes after her grandma, Sandy.

    “It’s a lot more than just signing off the hours on paper and turning it into the office,” said Mia. “We wanted to do something that we could see make a difference because it brightens our day.”

    To create a social network for Sandy as a new Floridian, Mia and a group of her friends created the Grandma Club in 2022.

    “I hadn’t had to think about how to make friends in a long time,” said Sandy.

    From making Christmas cookies to crafting decorations, the club does more than just bring the ladies together. The ladies meet new friends and spend time with other young women once a month in different social settings.

    Other events include making floral arrangements, pottery painting, bracelet making, etc.

    “You know what, sometimes it’s good to be put outside of your comfort zone,” said Sandy.

    What Mia did not realize is how many other women in the community would appreciate a club like this, such as 92-year-old Marion Balancia.

    The high school girls often pick up Marion and give her a ride to the events, which take place once a month.

    “It’s nice seeing our acts of kindness like trickle down to areas and people reaching out help us,” said Mia.

    Mia is referring to the support the club has received from other organizations and businesses. One of them is the Parrish Fire Department which provides the community room at the fire station where meetings happen.

    For Sandy, the time spent in her new social club has translated to new friends. But most importantly, Sandy has shared more time with her granddaughter Mia.

    “It’s a wonderful experience all those generations melding together, you know,” she said. “The kids are great.”

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Seagrove pottery weekend returns

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    SEAGROVE, N.C. — Seagrove Pottery Weekend kicked off Friday with one of the community’s most important events of the year, the 18th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Gala, which helps support the Seagrove Area Potter’s Association.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly 5,000 people from across the state will visit Randolph County for two major events during Seagrove pottery weekend

    • The 18th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour showcases work from 28 local pottery studios, the largest collection of Seagrove pottery in the United States

    • The 43rd Seagrove Pottery Festival features pottery from statewide and local artists



    Every year, over the weekend before Thanksgiving, potters in the area showcase their work at two weekend-long events: the 43rd Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival at Seagrove Elementary and the 18th celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour at the newly renovated Luck Comer Lail Center. 

    Seagrove Stoneware Pottery co-owner Alexa Modderno has been selling her art in the pottery capital of the U.S. for more than 20 years.

    Her co-owner, David Fernandez, is also a potter and serves as mayor of the town. 

    Modderno said they look forward to the weekend every year. 

    “I like it when everyone can get together and see each other, so I look forward to that part of this,” she explained while getting ready for the first night of the three-day event.

    She said pottery weekend also means a boost in traffic for local pottery studios.

    “For the potters here, it is an income for the rest of the winter. In the winter after Christmas, our tourist presentation here diminishes, and so a lot of this gets us through the rest of the year,” Modderno explained.

    So far this year, business has been steady, she said, but some costs of materials have risen.

    “Our clay has gone up a little bit. Some of what’s gone up the most are the ingredients in our glazes, the metals, some are imported so, they have gone up some this year,” Modderno explained.

    More than 100 potters live in the area and rely on the industry to put food on the table. 

    “We have an organization here called the SAPA organization, Seagrove Area Potters Association, and we try and look out for each other. So we started this potters relief group for if someone has health problems or has a disaster happen, then we have this fund. We have our potters’ relief booth, where several of the potters donate pieces to help in case potters run into hard times,” said fellow artist and Seagrove Pottery Association member Eck McCanless. 

    He said the whole town normally sees an increase over the weekend, and although more people are tightening their belts this year, they still expect a great turnout.

    “It’s interesting that sometimes the economy does not reflect what the customers are going to be buying. We tend to do OK because we’re a luxury item. You know, we tend to do OK even in tough times,” McCanless explained.

    The weekend will include live demonstrations, self-guided tours, a kids booth and a chance to interact with potters from across the state.

    Both events help support potters in North Carolina. 

    This year, the 43rd Annual Pottery Festival invited western Carolina artists to come at a discount, and for the first time 25% of the proceeds from the silent auction at Friday’s gala will go toward creating a scholarship fund for local high school seniors pursuing art programs.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Mpox cases on the rise in Mecklenburg County

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    Mpox cases have been on the rise in Mecklenburg County, public health officials said Friday. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There were three cases of Mpox in Mecklenburg County in October compared to seven so far this month 

    • Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is most commonly spread through close skin-to-skin contact 

    • Common symptoms include rashes, fever, chills and other flu like symptoms  

    • Vaccinations are available at Mecklenburg County Public Health clinic locations


    There were three cases in October and seven so far this month, according to Mecklenburg County Public Health.

    This comes while Clade I, a more deadly strain of the virus, has been reported in parts of Europe and Africa.

    “While the overall risk from mpox in our community is very low, we encourage those who are at higher risk to take steps to protect their health,” Mecklenburg County’s Health Director Raynard Washington said. “The vaccine remains the best tool we have to prevent mpox and serious complications from the virus.” 

    Mpox, previously called monkeypox, can spread from rodents and primates, like monkeys, to humans, according to the Mayo Clinic. But it is mainly spread person to person through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected.  

    People at higher risk for contracting the virus are those with weakened immune systems, babies, pregnant women and people who have had eczema.

    Common symptoms include:

    • Rashes
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Exhaustion
    • Muscle aches and backache
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • Nasal congestion
    • Cough

    Getting vaccinated can help reduce the likelihood of contracting mpox and make symptoms less severe if so.

    Mpox vaccinations are available at Mecklenburg County Public Health clinic locations. People can call 704-336-6500 to make an appointment or walk in any time during business hours. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Caroline King

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  • Paul Mazzapica brings joy to assisted living center residents through karaoke

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Pinellas County man has made it his mission to lead a group of church volunteers to be a blessing to their community. Paul Mazzapica’s joyful spirit really shines as he leads his team.

    Mazzapica said he was meeting with some fellow members of Countryside Christian Church seven years ago when they came up with the idea for a volunteer team called Operation Influence. That grew to include giving blessing baskets to local businesses, bags filled with necessities to homeless people, handing out hundreds of wood crosses and recently something called Shine Your Light.

    What You Need To Know

    • Paul Mazzapica leads the Shine Your Light team from Countryside Christian Chuch.  

    •  The team sings karaoke songs with residents of the Collier’s Assisted Living facility. 

    •  Mazzapica and other church members started Operation Influence seven years ago. 

    • Operation Influence does a number of good works in the community. 


    Shine Your Light team members go to assisted living centers to sing karaoke with residents. On a recent evening at Collier’s Assisted Living, Mazzapica was setting up his karaoke gear inside a large meeting area. There was a computer for streaming music and some large speakers.

    “We wanted to put our faith into action. So, we said what better way to do that than to share love. And there’s no better place to do that than this place, Colliers,” said Mazzapica. A few minutes later Mazzapica was playing some music and gathered residents were clapping to a song.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. “We are here to love on you and let you know you are not alone. God has us. God has you,” he said.

    The idea behind the karaoke night is the bring joy from the outside world to the residents who might feel forgotten. Team member Bob Elliot kept the energy going with leading much of the singing.  It’s a fun filled experience for everyone.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. (Spectrum News/Rick Elmhorst)

    “I’ve seen them dancing. I’ve seen them singing along,” said Mazzapica. “One thing I see is a lot of smiles.”

    Resident Eileen Mcaulay said the karaoke sessions bring residents out of their rooms at night, and everybody has a good time.

    “The whole idea of operation influence is to get out and be the hands and feet. That’s what we want to be,” said Mazzapica. “Not just sitting there in church wanting to do it. We do it.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Samaritan’s Purse welcomes new 767, retires DC-8

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    After 217 aid trips, one of Samaritan’s Purse‘s busiest workers is saying goodbye.

    What You Need To Know

    • Samaritan’s Purse retired its DC-8 aircraft

    • Capt. Andrew Klischer  piloted Samaritan’s Purse’s DC-8 on missions around the world

    • Samaritan’s Purse is now turning to a new Boeing 767



    Friday, the aid organization retired its DC-8 aircraft.

    Capt. Andrew Klischer piloted Samaritan’s Purse’s DC-8 on missions around the world including Africa, Poland and Jamaica.

    “Some of the most memorable things, going into Beirut right after the silo exploded. Approaching Beirut and seeing a 25-kilometer circle around the harbor that had been affected by the shockwave from this huge explosion, and, you know, landing in Ethiopia in Mek’ele high up and seeing 25,000, 30,000 people outside the fence in the airport who were refugees looking for a safe haven,” Klischer reflected while aboard the DC-8, the aircraft a majority of his flights were taken on.

    The airplane can carry 76,000 pounds of cargo, along with 32 crew members. 

    “I just married my daughter. This is almost as bad. It’s very difficult to just think that, I might have one or two more trips on this thing, and that’s it. We carry 32 passengers, and we carry flight attendants. It’s the relationships, that’s going to be a thing that will be sorely missed,” Klischer said. 

    Samaritan’s Purse is now turning to a new Boeing 767. 

    It’s already made trips to Israel and Jamaica. 

    “It gives us an opportunity to increase our lift capability and not only lift capability but distance-wise. So we get to take a lot more humanitarian aid a longer distance,” Klischer said.

    The 767 can carry three times the cargo, including a full emergency field hospital.

    After flying professionally for nearly three decades, Klischer said it’s a blessing to be putting his skills in the cockpit to use for a good cause. 

    “We’re using big airplanes to do more than just go from A to B and take somebody from, you know, Phoenix to Charlotte. We use big airplanes for a purpose that has an impact on personal lives,” Klischer said.

    Samaritan’s Purse will use its new Boeing in its next trip to Jamaica on Sunday.

    The retired DC-8 has an uncertain future.

    It’ll either be sent for scrap or to Liberty University to serve as an aviation museum. 

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County woman is involved in a several great causes including raising and training service dogs. Carole Adamczyk is the group leader for MacDill Puppy Raisers. 

    On a recent evening Adamczyk and about a dozen other volunteers from the group were at a Lowe’s parking lot in Brandon training the future service dogs. Part of the training was to get the dogs to stay still at their handler’s side.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

    •  Group members raise labrador service dogs for Dogs Inc

    •  Adamczyk leads group training sessions twice per month

    • Adamczyk has raised about a dozen of the service dogs in her home 
    • HELP PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING DOGS TO PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES: dogs inc.


    “If your dog gets up during it, just put him back in his sit again. It’s okay,” said Adamczyk.

    The dogs are all Labradors, and the organization Dogs Inc. will place them with the person who needs a service dog. That could range from a blind or sight impaired person or a veteran with PTSD.

    Adamczyk facilities the real world training twice a month. That includes taking the dogs inside the Lowe’s store to get them used to unfamiliar places with lots of people.

    Dogs can get excited about a new person coming up to them, but they are taught to stay very calm.

    “They have been practicing this for a while, so they know not to lunge when somebody approaches them,” said Adamczyk.

    Adamczyk has raised about a dozen dogs in her home including her current dog, Chloe. She demonstrated how she trained Chloe at her kitchen counter using treats and a paw pad.

    “I’m training her to stay on my left-hand side because that’s where we want them as they continue to grow,” she said.

    Adamczyk also takes Chloe for long training walks in her neighborhood using a special collar. The training is a rewarding experience when she sees her dogs make progress. “And the first time they get it, you are overjoyed. It’s wonderful.”

    The best part of the experience is when the dog is ready to be placed in a home.

    “That day that you meet that person is wonderful. When they tell you they saved their life, it’s amazing,” she said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Nurse Karla Pedersen recognized for her volunteer work

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    PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A Pinellas County nurse’s sense of compassion makes her great at her job at HCA Florida Northside Hospital.

    It’s also the reason the hospital recognized Karla Pedersen for her volunteer work away from the hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • Karla Pedersen works weekend overnights at HCA Florida Northside hospital in Pinellas County

    • The hospital recognized her for donating the most volunteer hours to the community

    • Pedersen grooms and walks horses and other animals at the A.R.K. in Palm Harbor

    • The organization provides animal therapy to special needs children


    Pedersen works weekend overnights in the neuro ICU at the hospital. She mostly cares for stroke and brain injury patients.

    “We get them where they are at the worst moment of their lives,” she said. “I’ve had bad moments in my life and I’m able to give back some of the compassion that’s been given to me.”

    The hospital recently recognized Pedersen for her volunteer work. She had donated the most hours to the community of any staff member.

    Pedersen volunteers a couple of mornings a week at the A.R.K-Animals Reaching Kids outreach at Live Oaks Bible Church in Palm Harbor. The organization has horses, donkeys, miniature horses and even a cow. They provide animal therapy for special needs children.

    She spends most of her time grooming animals, like a horse named Gabel.

    “We groom all the large animals the same way,” she said. “It keeps them healthy. It keeps them clean.” 

    The grooming also keeps them calm.

    “Some of these special needs kids, when they see a large animal, it makes them nervous, so we need to teach these guys to be calm.”

    Pederson usually comes to A.R.K. early in the morning after she has worked all night at the hospital. It’s a great stress reliever.

    “But then I come here on Monday mornings and it’s my decompress time,” said Pederson, who added that her decompression time includes taking the horses for a walk along a wooded trail.

    She started volunteering at A.R.K. as a project for her homeschooled teenage son.

    “It’s something that I do with my teenager. It gives us common ground. It gives us a place to do something that gives us something that we both enjoy.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Disconnect between two Florida databases could affect vote by mail

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — A disconnect between two Florida state databases could cause big problems for the 2026 elections all across Florida if it is not closed.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida DMV’s new license numbers aren’t updating in the state voter database

    • The disconnect mostly affects mail-in voters in Florida

    • Voters with new licenses are encouraged to update their registration info to avoid disruptions


    This year, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles started issuing driver’s licenses with more random numbers to better protect people’s personal information. Everyone who gets a new license will get a new number.

    But when people get those new licenses, the information is not going into the Florida Department of State database, which is used to verify IDs when voting.

    “If they don’t update their voter registration at all, then that data is not bundled up and sent to the Secretary of State and then down to the Supervisor of Elections,” Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph said.

    Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel says the gap between the FLHSMV database and the state department database is affecting people who need to vote by mail.

    Castor Dentel’s office reported last year that nearly 152,000 people voted by mail in Orange County. That’s about 25% of all the votes cast in that election.

    “We’re seeing people who have problems requesting their vote by mail ballot and other issues if they don’t update that driver’s license number,” Castor Dentel said.

    Castor Dentel says voters will be able to vote at the polls on election day by bringing their current ID or voter registration card, but some people who are trying to get a vote by mail ballots may not receive them as the databases do not talk to each other.

    “Not everyone can get out to the polls and vote,” she said. “Whether their work schedule does not permit it or they have disabilities that won’t permit it. So it is important that people do have access to the vote by mail.”

    Castor Dentel and Randolph are working on temporary solutions. Customer service workers at the tax collector’s office are asking every person who gets a license to update their voter registration, even if they don’t want to make any changes.

    “When my employee asks you to update your voter registration and you think, ‘I don’t have any changes,’ please just go through the steps. I promise if you go through those steps, you won’t have that issue,” Randolph said.

    Randolph says in the end, the solution must come out of Tallahassee.

    “In the longer term, the two state agencies, DHSMV and the Secretary of State, are going to have to work out their databases to cure this issue,” he said.

    Another short-term solution, Castor Dentel says, is people can call or visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, and the staff will update their voter ID information, so it goes into the Department of State database correctly.

    Spectrum News reached out to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of State by phone and email on Tuesday to see what they are doing to fix this problem. We did not hear from either agency on Tuesday.

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    Keith Landry

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  • A look back at The Center of Anna Maria Island’s inspiring recovery efforts

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    ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — The Center of Anna Maria Island became the central hub for recovery in a community battered by back-to-back storms.

    The damage Helene and Milton left behind, you can still see today.

    During the time shortly after the storms passed, The Center also became a symbol of community and inspiration.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Center of Anna Maria Island turned into the community’s recovery hub

    •  Christopher Culhane is the center’s Executive Director and said the yearlong efforts to get back to normal have been tough

    •  The Center has been providing youth sports and other activities for the community which relied on it for hurricane relief


    The Anna Maria Island community suffered major impacts twice, however, the place most residents consider a home base also became a beacon of hope.

    Holmes Beach resident Brooke Svoboda said she has lived on the island for years and The Center on Anna Maria Island became an integral part of the days after the storms.

    “And then the supplies started coming in and it was a home. You got a smile when you started coming in, warm food, supplies,” said Svoboda. “They know it’s the heartbeat of this community and they know the island would not be the same without it.”

    A year later, the community center’s children are scoring big during the center of youth soccer league games, which started back up for the fall season a couple of weeks ago.

    Ironically, that league start would put it on the same timing as the storms arriving a year ago.

    “The hurricanes damaged a little bit of everything on the island,” said The Center of Anna Maria Island Executive Director Christopher Culhane, as he started talking about his recollection of the storms. “Pretty dramatic. All of the tennis court. All of the higher fencing, all of it got blown over. The scoreboard we lost as well. “

    A newly installed scoreboard is now up. And what caused all of this is a bad memory for most residents in the Bay area.

    From fires bursting from downed power lines to rushing water over submerged streets, the moments right after the hurricanes were incredibly challenging and a chaotic scene.

    The double impact of hurricane winds and flooding devastated Anna Maria Island and anything on it.

    But Culhane also said something else happened soon after.

    “The Center stepped up with many other organizations and started a volunteer effort to put the island back together,” he said.

    Neighbors were in need, such as Svoboda, who relies on The Center for her family’s youth activities.

    A year ago, she relied on them even more.

    “We did stay on the island. We didn’t evacuate,” she said. “And after the hurricane hit, we came to The Center, we got supplies. It was like our home when everything was chaos and destroyed.”

    And more started to happen.

    The Center would then help plant almost 30,000 plants to renourish the beaches.

    They also held a relief concert last November with Lynyrd Skynyrd, raising more than $400,000 for temporarily unemployed AMI hospitality workers.

    The Center being so close to the water, like everything else on Anna Maria Island, also faced its challenges.

    It has been a yearlong effort to get back. The sod on the soccer fields had to get redone. The fencing and tennis courts are not fully restored.

    Nevertheless, they are playing on them today.

    The Center and its staff got recognition for all the arduous work they did over the year, and following their social media one can see how much.

    As well as the efforts continue even today to inspire others like Svoboda’s son, Parker.

    “We started a little business, and we thought it would be good to donate some back to the Center,” said Parker. “And we’ve done it enough to get to have our jerseys.”

    Proceeds from Parker’s printing business is going back to The Center to help in other ways.

    Because the kind of teamwork you see on the field during the youth games is also what happens on Anna Maria Island, according to Culhane.

    “This community steps up,” he said. “The Center wouldn’t be here without the community. And the community always stands strong with events like this past year.”

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Triad man raises money, awareness about heart disease

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — People gathered this weekend to raise awareness and money to fight cardiovascular disease, which the America Heart Association says is the leading cause of death in the United States.

    The Triad Heart Walk was held at Triad Park in Kernersville on Saturday. It’s one of six Heart Walks held across the state each year.

    Greg Stump served as the chairperson of this year’s walk and said his community connections helped to recruit companies and organizations to take part in the walk and raise money.

    Stump is a vice president with the Budd Group, a facilities services company. His company is a sponsor, and employees take part in the walk.

    “I cannot count the number of times that we’ve had employees that have had to be taken into care because of high blood pressure or what became later learned is a heart attack. And, it’s a need for our employees to be able to know where they can get health care and how having health care can prevent the heart diseases that the American Heart Association is focused on working with,” he said.  

    It’s not just a professional endeavor for Stump. It’s personal.

    His mother suffered a stroke in 2009.

    “The prognosis was not good,” Stump said.

    She spent eight weeks in a hospital, but Stump said his dad got her the care she needed. 

    “After about three and a half months or so, she walked out of the rehab center and returned home and of course, she is still with us today,” he said. Stump said she has even written a book about her experience with having a stroke.

    “The research and work that’s done by the Heart Association was a part of her recovery and understanding how to prevent this from happening again,” he said.

    Stump said his family started participating in Heart Walks about 15 years ago. The importance of heart health hit the family again, however, when two of his wife’s cousins died in recent years in their early 60s.

    “It was really a wake-up call for us to think about how, you know, we can do all the right things, but we just don’t know if we haven’t gone and sought the right medical care,” Stump said. 

    Now, he’s trying to do all he can to educate and protect his team and others.

    “One thing that we want to do is not only be working to provide healthy lifestyles for our employees but also bring people together as a community.

    Stump said people who signed up for the Heart Walk had access to a video teaching CPR skills. That training and education is a big part of the American Heart Association’s efforts.

    The organization says CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. 

    Stump has also been involved in a campaign called “Doctor, it’s been too long.”

    The message is simple: if you feel bad, you need to go to the doctor. If not, you don’t know what you’re dealing with.

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    Justin Quesinberry

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  • The Carolina Classic Fair returns to the Triad

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Carolina Classic Fair kicked off Friday morning in Winston-Salem.

    What You Need To Know

    • The 143th Carolina Classic Fair welcomes visitors to Winston-Salem

    • Over the next week, 300,000 guests will enjoy thrills, sights, sounds and tastes of the fair season

    • This year features more than 100 attractions provided by vendors from across the state



    Over its 10 days the event is expected to draw in more than 300,000 people from across North Carolina.  

    This year marks the first time the QRC Ice Arena will be open for public skating during the fair, and it’s just one of several new additions. 

    With more than 100 attractions, rides and delicious food the Carolina Classic Fair offers something for everyone, and for longtime fair Director Cheryle Hartley that favorite attraction is Yesterday’s Village.

    “All of these buildings were donated to the fair, and we rebuilt them. It’s always been one of my favorite spots. It is where I come to de-stress,” Hartley said.

    Hartley has worked for more than 35 years to bring the fair to life, and in 2018, she became the first female fair director. 

    Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines honored her commitment as he announced her retirement at the opening ceremony. 

    “Cheryle on behalf of the hundreds of thousands and that’s no exaggeration, hundreds of thousands of families who have enjoyed the Carolina Classic Fair under your leadership, I want to thank you for your loyalty, wisdom and perseverance,” Joines told the crowd standing outside the main gate.

    Hartley said she and her team began planning the 143th Carolina Classic Fair last year, and they have been working to make this year her best one yet. 

    “If the weather stays like this, I’m hoping to break records. Pre-COVID attendance was around 300,000 to 350. We’re getting close to that 300,000 mark now,” Hartley explained.

    The Carolina Classic Fair, formerly the Dixie Classic Fair, is the second-largest agricultural fair in North Carolina, and contributes significantly to the $1 billion in tourism Forsyth County brings in each  year. 

    Hartley said seeing people experience all the fair has to offer is what she will miss most, and while she may not work the fair anymore after this year, she still plans to attend in the future. 

    “It’s bittersweet for me, so yes this is the last first day, but I’m looking forward to the nine more beautiful ones and coming back,” she said.

    In addition to new attractions there are also a few new policies. 

    The big one is the clear bag policy. If you don’t have one, there are some available.

    There are also lockers available for people to store their belongings.

    Another new policy asks anyone attending or participating in the event to be courteous and treat everyone with respect and fairness.

    The Carolina Classic Fair concludes October 12.

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    Sasha Strong

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  • N.C. furniture maker looks to ramp up production as tariffs are set to begin

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    HIGH POINT, N.C. — President Donald Trump this week laid out plans to impose tariffs on a range of strategic imports, including timber, wood products and furniture. 

    An executive order signed Monday includes tariffs of 25% on upholstered furniture and 10% on softwood timber and lumber that take effect Oct. 14, with exceptions for some trading partners, such as the United Kingdom.

    What You Need To Know

    • New tariffs are set to take effect this month on timber and wood products, including upholstered furniture

    • A furniture maker in High Point, North Carolina, says he is seeing a surge in demand from customers who are unsure how the tariffs will affect supply 

    • But the owner of Dominick’s Furniture says to meet higher demand, he will need special machinery and skilled workers who can operate it

    • The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy has been working to teach skills such as sewing, cutting, framing and upholstery

    Fourth-generation furniture maker Anthony Pennisi, who owns Dominick’s Furniture in High Point, North Carolina, said the move is already helping his business see a surge in demand.

    But to offer competitive prices, he said Dominick’s will need more skilled workers.

    “These customers who are getting, you know, 15, 20 containers a month for the big box stores are panicking. The uncertainty of whether they’ll be able to get it, and if the tariffs are going to continue to rise, is causing them to start looking to see about domestic manufacturing,” Pennisi said. “So we have been quoting nonstop.” 

    But Pennisi said that to meet that higher production rate, he needs specialized machinery.

    “Our labor cost is one of the things that is the highest part of making the product. So, when there’s going to be a need to ramp up and make the 100 sofa frames, we need to be able to have a CNC router that will cut all the plywood,” Pennisi said.

    Pennisi has 15 employees and said that he would need to hire more skilled workers to operate those machines and to handle upholstery.

    “If we could just get that back in schools to have future candidates and employees, that would be great because, you know, that’s what we need,” he said.

    The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy has been working to answer that call by teaching skills like sewing, cutting, framing and upholstery to students enrolled in its night-time program.

    “It’s critical to our region, and this is the furniture capital of the world. We can add High Point; there are two cities where the focal point is furniture, and so we need to be able to produce really good students so that they can go to work for our partners, and they can hit the ground running day one,” said executive dean of economic development and corporate education Gary Mullen.

    A new daytime course also offers the same opportunity to inmates.

    It has been life-changing for students like Eli Cobb, who will graduate in spring.

    “I thought it was a great opportunity for me to learn a new skill and to get a better pay increase. I’m planning on moving, maybe to this area also, and I know that this area will need skilled trainers,” Cobb said.

    Trump’s tariff on certain upholstered furniture is set to increase to 30% on Jan. 1.

    Pennisi said that higher rates could also impact American manufacturers importing electronic mechanisms for their products.

    “I was kind of excited about the tariffs because I think it’s going to bring us business,” he said. 

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    Sasha Strong

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  • Foster parents Aaron and Jolene Slavik adopt five children

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Pasco County couple has adopted five children over the past three years. Jolene and Aaron Slavik adopted the children after taking in dozens of foster children. 

    The first child the couple adopted was a boy who they had taken in as a foster child.

    The adoption was finalized in 2022. That boy is now 14-years-old. Then, they adopted three young siblings in 2023. Finally, they adopted a little girl in 2024.

    “Then I said there is no more room in the inn, and we are done,” Aaron said with a smile and a laugh.

    What You Need To Know

    • Aaron and Jolene Slavik have been foster parents to dozens of children

    • Their two biological children encouraged the foster home idea

    • The couple decided to start adopting foster children several years ago

    • The Slaviks stay very busy caring for the special needs of their five adopted children


    The couple has a very busy schedule keeping up with the special needs of the children. The children have various physical and other issues that require trips to specialists. Aaron says he keeps up with all the appointments by using an online calendar.

    “I haven’t been bored in seven years. I don’t remember what that’s like anymore,” said Aaron.

    The Slaviks try to keep a very structured environment in their home. That includes special exercises for the children.

    “We do occupational therapy with our children to help regulate their system,” said Jolene. “We have learned through our OT (occupational therapist) to do different exercises that get all their large motor skills going to regulate their systems. Because if the children are dysregulated when they go to school today their brain is not going to be set to learn,” she said.

    The Slaviks have pictures of many of their former foster children on a wall along the stairs leading to the second floor. One of the reasons they chose to adopt was because of the heartbreak of the foster children leaving their home.

    “All of our foster kids we considered ours as well, said Aaron. “And we loved them like they were ours. We never went on a vacation without them.”

    Jolene said it was a special moment when adoptions were finalized. “Once you are told they are yours it’s like your heart just explodes.”

    The couple’s two biological children were 11 and 14-years-old when they started fostering children. They encouraged their parents to take in foster children and then to adopt.

    “And because they came to us and asked us, it became a family ministry for us,” said Jolene. The biological children are now adults. “Our daughter does their hair, and our son comes and brings them to the park or brings them to Disney.”

    “We have looked at this like it was a higher calling for us,” said Aaron. “It was something I never planned on. I planned on two kids and being done. But it’s kind of that old phrase,” he said. “Man makes plans and God laughs.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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