Vance County Schools is partnering with local health experts to present a virtual information session next week designed to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for those with questions about vaccinating children.
Join Dr. Cornelius Cathcart and Granville Vance Public Health on June 2 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the vaccination, according to a press release issued by Aarika Sandlin, VCS public information officer.
A vaccine clinic will be held on Tuesday, June 8 at Vance County Middle School from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The clinic is open to anyone ages 12 and up who wants a shot. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wants a shot has a spot,” the VCS statement read.
In advance of the information session, the public is invited to complete a short survey, which can be found on the VCS website and social media accounts, Sandlin said. “Our district continues to make calls, encouraging families to complete the survey,” she said.
Visit www.vcs.k12.nc.us for information on how to join by telephone.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0077_Vance-County-Schools-Bus.png.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-28 21:55:162021-05-31 21:57:18COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A On June 2, Followed by June 8 Clinic For Anyone 12 And Older
Granville County officials may find out Tuesday, June 1 whether its application will be considered for more than $1.8 million from the N.C. Local Government Commission (LGC) to lease a property in the southern end of the county for a satellite social services center.
Granville County officials have requested $1,871,616 to lease a 9,600 square-foot space in Dutch Village, 2531 East Lyon Station Road in Creedmoor. “We are excited that there was space available in Creedmoor for us to grow into as the county grows,” said Granville County Manager Michael Felts. “We intend to look at the county’s changing needs over the next 10 years as we continue to bring services to where our residents are,” Felts said in a statement to WIZS News Friday.
Back in 2016, the Granville commissioners projected in a five-year strategic plan to “improve inter-local government relationships through partnerships and shared services;” according to county spokesperson Lynn Allred. The lease is a 10-year lease arrangement, with two five-year options to renew, she added. Currently, county residents must travel to the DSS offices in Oxford to conduct business. A satellite office would make it more convenient for residents in the southern end of the county to access services.
If all goes according to plan, the new satellite office will be open for business on Jan. 1, 2022. Design work and upfitting will begin in September 2021 and is expected to take several months to complete.
The county’s request is a small part of the more than $1 billion in financing applications from counties and municipalities from across the state, according to a press release from State Treasurer Dale Folwell. The LGC meeting will be held virtually, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Although the bulk of the requests comes from the cities of Raleigh and Charlotte, and Forsyth, Hoke, Moore and Orange counties.
The request was made because a satellite DSS is “necessary and expedient to meet an ongoing need for additional office space to better serve the southern side of the county,” according to LGC agenda information.
The Department of Social Services in Oxford has a staff of about 90 employees, and Allred said about one-third would be re-located to the new satellite office in Creedmoor. The satellite office will be a full-service site for residents in the southern end of the county – the area experiencing the largest population growth, Allred noted.
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, chairs the LGC.
Local governments must get LGC approval before it borrows money for projects. The LGC determines that the amount being borrowed is an amount that the government can reasonably afford to repay, according to its webpage. The LGC is responsible for selling the debt, or bonds and oversees independent audits each year to monitor the fiscal health of local governments.
Other major requests to LGC include:
Charlotte has two major items on the agenda. It wants to obtain $250 million in bond anticipation notes to pay for capital improvement projects on the city’s aging water and sewer systems. And it seeks to take advantage of lower interest rates and reap savings of nearly $9.6 million by refunding $200 million that was previously issued for the city’s transit system.
The City of Charlotte Housing Authority, now known as INLIVIAN, is seeking $9 million in bonds as part of a $15.9 million package to build 80 one- and two-bedroom units on land leased from Park Ministries northwest of the downtown area.
Raleigh is seeking $200 million in bonds to improve water and sewer systems under the city’s Capital Improvement Program. The Raleigh Housing Authority is seeking $18 million to loan to Primavera Seniors to build 164 one- and two-bedroom apartments for low-income residents in two residential buildings.
Forsyth County wants to obtain $160 million in limited obligation bonds to acquire, build and equip a new county courthouse and a new children’s museum, to renovate and expand Smith Reynolds Airport facilities and to refund existing bonds at a savings of $2.8 million.
Moore County wants to acquire, build and equip a new county courthouse, county offices and other support facilities, and refund prior loans at a savings of $1.1 million. It is seeking approval of $71 million in limited obligation bonds to meet those needs.
Hoke County is asking approval for $50 million in limited obligation bonds to build the James E. Leach Aquatic and Recreation Center, two basketball courts, ball fields and Parks and Recreation Department office space. The facility will serve as the county’s emergency services shelter. Some of the money would be used to refund prior financing at a savings of more than $4.2 million.
Orange County is asking for approval of $28 million in limited obligation bonds for equipment and school projects and to refund previous financing at a savings of about $374,267.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0062_granvillecountyseal.png.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-28 21:40:212021-05-28 21:40:21Granville Closer To Satellite DSS Office in Creedmoor
Vance-Granville Community College held a virtual pinning ceremony on May 14 at 6 p.m. for the associate degree nursing Class of 2021. The ceremony celebrated the 47 graduates of the program. Family and friends were able to join in the virtual event to see the graduates receiving their pins and marking their graduation.
The ceremony was opened by Ugur Celimli, VGCC’s interim department chair of nursing. Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of learning, student engagement, & success, gave welcoming remarks, along with Dr. Anna Seaman, associate degree nursing program head; and ADN Class of 2021 President Cortney Ragan. Seaman noted that 2020 and 2021 presented challenges for nurses and nursing students that no one could have imagined, but he commended them for their perseverance.
Nursing instructor Jamie Davis presented cords to students who participated in the VGCC Student Nurses Association, a chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. She also recognized those students graduating with honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher): Joel Nyamohanga, Cortney Ragan, Steven Pierce, Alicia Moussa, Jolina Chiong, James Ogidi, Diana Orina, Rebekah Edwards, and Kirstie Koski. Mary Wanjiku and Susan Zenker were recognized as the two graduates with the highest GPA.
Brande McILroy shared the story of the VGCC nursing pin. The graduates were then pinned by a person of their choosing at home. Seaman shared where the students plan to work or their area of interest in nursing, plans for continuing education, as well as appreciation to family, friends, and the faculty for their support during their time in school. After this time, the graduates recited the nursing pledge (written by Beverly Hansen O’Malley, RN) with Vanessa Ramseur, Nursing Instructor. Dr. Anna Seaman presented the class as official graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2021. Even though the ceremony was not able to be held on campus in the Civic Center as traditionally held, the graduates remarked that it was still a meaningful and memorable way to mark the end of their journey. The ADN students were excited to have President Rachel Desmarais and other VGCC employees in attendance virtually.
Following is a list of all graduates and where they live: Karla Garcia Cervantes and Karlee Michalina, both of Butner; Emely Aguaviva Reyes of Clayton; Jessica Haskins, Sarah Riley and Sharlett Wilson, all of Creedmoor; Cara Blalock, Justin Kortor and Chris Trotman, all of Durham; Natasha Alston, Kati Hand, Stephen Nyambariga and Esther Ogachi, all of Franklinton; Kelsie Park of Fuquay Varina; Montrella Alston of Garner; Jolina Anne Chiong, Rebekah Edwards, Adrienne Pegram, Steven Pierce, Jaslin Renteria, Ashley Speed, Chelsea Troutman and April Zuniga-Trejo, all of Henderson; Jaysia Brown and Peninah Mburu, both of Knightdale; Cortney Ragan and Leslie Mata Ruiz, both of Louisburg; Cindy Blankenship, Dianne Davis, Wyatt Holley and Monique Watson, all of Oxford; Kirstie Koski, Alicia Moussa, James Ogidi, Angela Okpara, Diana Orina and Mary Wanjiku, all of Raleigh; McKenzie Howerton of Rougemont; Rocio Crews of Stem; Jessica Black and Susan Zenker, both of Wake Forest; Tiffany Eddie, Shaquile Hawkins, Amy Matthews and Georgina Vanegas Reyes, all of Warrenton; Pamela Rucker of Youngsville; and Joel Nyamohanga of Zebulon.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/vgcc-adn-2021.jpg265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-28 19:50:122021-05-31 21:58:15VGCC Graduates 47 With Associates Degree In Nursing
Memorial Day means cookouts and an unofficial kickoff to summer, but numerous agencies in the Vance and Granville area are hosting events to honor and remember Americans who have died in service to their country.
Slightly cooler weather ushers in the long holiday weekend, which should make outdoor observances a bit more comfortable. WIZS News has compiled a list of events that will take place on Monday, May 31:
Maria Parham Health – gather around the flagpole at 10 a.m. to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the military. The ceremony will include prayers, music, guest speakers, laying of a memorial wreath and the reading of names in memoriam.
Henderson American legion Post 60 – 10 a.m. Adjutant Jeremy Hetrick, U.S. Army (Ret) invites the public to the ceremony, during which the names of Vance County veterans killed in combat will be read.
City of Oxford Veteran’s Memorial – 10 a.m. to noon. 300 Williamsboro St., in front of City Hall. Gathering at 10 a.m. and ceremony to begin at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to American Legion #90 building, 914 Williamsboro St.
N. Hix Recreation Complex – Walk of Remembrance on walking track. Signs with names of military veterans as well as fire, EMS and law enforcement members will be posted to honor their service. Sponsored by Kindred Hospice.
Gazebo Park, Butner – 10 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/wizs_0002_Layer-2.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-28 19:45:502021-05-31 21:56:41Local Memorial Day Events Remember, Honor Those Who Served Country
Registration is open now for a summer day camp at Aycock Recreation Center. Young people ages 5-13 can enjoy lots of fun activities offered by Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks.
The day camp is $50 a week per child, and pre-registration and payment is required, according to information from Tara Goolsby, HVRPD program superintendent. The youngest campers must have completed kindergarten to participate. To learn more, contact Curry Hall at 252.438.2670 or via email at chall@ci.henderson.nc.us.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Aycock-Rec-Center.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-28 16:45:502021-05-27 22:30:34Summer Day Camp At Aycock Registration Open Now
The 83rd annual membership meeting of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will be held virtually beginning at noon on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Chamber President Michele Burgess invites representatives from local businesses, educational institutions, government entities and non-profit organizations to attend, during which time the 2020 Citizen of the Year will be announced.
“This is a premiere event for our Chamber of Commerce every year,” Burgess said in a statement to WIZS News. “Our Chamber’s board of directors initially made the decision to postpone the event because of the COVID pandemic restrictions (but) later decided to follow the lead of other Chambers of Commerce, such as Wake Forest and Greenville-Pitt County and moved the meeting to a virtual format,” she said.
Although the event won’t look the same as the traditional in-person banquet, this year’s annual meeting presentation “promises to still be informative and motivational,” Burgess said.
Tyler Brewer, vice-president of Brewer Cycles, who served as the past volunteer Chairman of the Board of Directors will be on the program to offer highlights and accomplishments from 2020. Brewer officially passes the gavel to current 2021 Board Chairman Dr. Levy Brown, who took office in January. Brown is vice president of learning, student engagement and success at Vance-Granville Community College. He will provide an update from the board on the 2021 program of work and will announce new program initiatives. In addition, Brown will also lay out plans for a renewed vision for the organization to add member value in an effort to grow the Chamber’s membership base. The virtual meeting will end with the much-anticipated and exciting announcement of the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award.
“I am excited about the upcoming Chamber of Commerce annual meeting that will be held virtually,” Brown stated. “While we would prefer to be in-person, the team has outlined a wonderful event. We are thankful for each sponsor and supporter who have committed to making this virtual meeting a success. Moreover, there is a high level of excitement about the opportunities to serve as a premier connector and facilitator for business, industry, and other agencies within our community. Great things are in front of the Henderson-Vance Chamber and this area!”
A video link will be emailed to business members, and later will be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook and LinkedIn page that can easily be accessed by the community.
Duke Energy is the presenting sponsor for the meeting. Additional meeting sponsors at the gold level are Walmart Distribution Center and Mars Pet Care, and at the bronze level are Clearview Church, Wake Electric Membership Corporation, J.M. White Funeral Services and Vance-Granville Community College.
For more information contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0042_chamberofcommerce.png.png265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-27 21:52:182021-05-27 21:52:1883rd Annual Chamber Virtual Meeting Set For June 17
Thirty-two new graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s two-year radiography program were honored in a virtual pinning ceremony earlier this month.
Although not held in the traditional manner, the May 10 event incorporated the traditional welcomes and congratulatory remarks that go along with graduations. But Angela Thomas, dean of health sciences and head of the radiography program went a step further when she welcomed all in attendance in the various languages represented in the diverse class – Amharic, English, Swahili and Spanish.
VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais spoke about the students’ accomplishments amidst the trying times of a global pandemic. Desmarais wished the group well in their future endeavors and reminded the group that should they need courses in the future, VGCC would be there with open arms.
Class President Mariah Lawson delivered remarks highlighting the trials the class had to overcome and the good times they all shared throughout the 21-month journey. She concluded with a poem written especially for the radiography class of 2021 which has been coined “The Best Class Ever!” Additionally, some of the graduates communicated what the program meant to them. The overall consensus was that they were more than Radiologic Technologists; they were professionals, according to a statement from VGCC’s Chris LaRocca.
The Academic Achievement Award given to the student with the highest GPA went to Travis Banka of Durham, NC. Banka maintained a 4.0 GPA each semester for the entirety of the program. In accepting the award, he thanked the radiography program and faculty. On behalf of the class, he thanked the faculty for giving them all the tools necessary to ensure success in the program.
Instructor Anthony Twisdale shared the history of the radiographer’s pin before Dean Thomas led the graduates in reciting the radiographer’s pledge as the ceremonies concluded.
Following is a list of all graduates and where they live: Laura Andersen and Mackenzie Cates, both of Efland; Travis Banka, Belete Dress, Eden Ketema, all of Durham; Taylor Beck of Kittrell; Elizabeth Brogden, Glenn Burgess, Coleen Green, Kaylor Lawrence, Terri McGarr, and Katie Rumsey, all of Creedmoor; Cassidy Burton, Datoka Chabala, Dora Dial, and Edwin Vargas, all of Franklinton; Theresa Carrillo, Matthew Denton, Geneva Duncan, and Jakea Spruill, all of Henderson; Raegan Ellis of Prospect Hill, Lawrence Haymond of Wake Forest; Cristal Herrera and Ashley Hicks, both of Louisburg; Sierra Holland, Mariah Lawson, and Charles Maina, all of Raleigh; Osvaldo Martinez of Butner; Robyn Perry of Zebulon; Victoria Swain of Roxboro; and Carly West of Littleton. Not in attendance was Sean Murphy of Raleigh.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/vgcc-2021-radiography-pin.jpg265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-27 21:11:112021-05-27 21:11:1132 Graduate From VGCC Radiography Program
Two J.F. Webb High School art students recently completed a special project commissioned by Families Living Violence Free (FLVF). The artwork has been completed and will be displayed in the FLVF safe house for domestic violence victims.
Sofia Serba-Davis and Brim Royster each received a $100 gift card in appreciation for their efforts, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, public information officer and assistant superintendent of operations & human resources.
FLVF board member Jackie Harris worked with JFW’s art teacher Ophelia Staton to commission the work. Staton received a $50 gift card for her assistance and support of the project, Winborne said.
Both pieces of art depict Bonnie Hawley, a Granville County resident who was killed in a domestic violence incident. The safe house is known simply as “Bonnie’s House.”
L to R: Brim Royster, Mrs. Staton, Sofia Serba-Davis
“Their artwork is phenomenal,” Harris said. “The FLVF board and I are extremely honored to hang their artwork in this special location. It speaks volumes of the students and their teacher.”
Families Living Violence Free is Granville County’s domestic violence and rape crisis center. All services are free and confidential. Learn more at https://flvf.org/
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/FLFV-GCPS-art.jpg265504Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2021-05-27 20:58:212021-05-27 20:58:21J.F. Webb Students Complete Art Project For Display At “Bonnie’s House”
Vance County Schools Named National Beta District of Distinction
Henderson, North Carolina – National Beta is proud to announce Vance County Schools as a 2020-2021 National District of Distinction for the third consecutive year. This award is given to those deserving districts who offer National Beta in all schools in their district, and who induct qualifying students in all eligible grades (4‐12). Vance County Schools is one of only 24 districts to receive this award nationwide.
Through the exceptional efforts of VCS Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, district Beta Club coordinator, Andrew Markoch, school sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks highly of our district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement, and illustrates their dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.
A School of Merit is designated if the school has members in every eligible grade; every one of our schools received this designation. Beta Club advisers in our schools play a major role in the success of the program and recognition of eligible students. Those advisers include:
Kim Burton of Aycock Elementary School
Teresa Hicks of Carver Elementary School
Cheryl Cook-Chavis of Clarke Elementary School
Joy Herndon of Dabney Elementary School
Marian Faulkner of E.O. Young Elementary School
Veronica Young of E.M. Rollins Elementary School
Sharita Jones of L.B. Yancey Elementary School
Cathy Oswald of New Hope Elementary School
Yolande Dixon of Pinkston Elementary School
C’Monee Wilkins of Zeb Vance Elementary School
Gradesa Lockhart of STEM Early High School
Vicki Anne Fullwood of Vance County Early College High School
Sandra Williams-McGlone of Vance County Middle School
Bobbi Parks of Vance County High School
Chameka Williams of Vance Virtual Village
Award recipients received a National Beta District of Distinction award to proudly display at their district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals received a plaque to display at their school.
About National Beta: National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Since its beginnings in 1934, National Beta has been committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages
service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills. For more information about National Beta, visit betaclub.org
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Beta-VCS-2021.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2021-05-27 19:22:432021-05-27 20:24:17The Local Skinny! Vance Co. Schools 1 of 24 in Nation
