NC Arts Council Grant Application Open To Support Local Artists

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Listen up, local artists! The Artist Support Grant is open now for Region 4, which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

Applications and more details are available at www.warrencountyartsnc.org. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 30, 2021, according to information on the Warren County Arts Council website.

Whether it’s to create or update a website, attend a special training or to pay for studio recording time, this grant opportunity supports artists as they create and share their talents for others to enjoy.

Maximum grant request is $1,000.

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC’s Brown Selected For National Leadership Fellows Program

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Dr. Levy Brown, Jr., vice president of learning, student engagement & success at Vance-Granville Community College, has been selected to participate in the 2021-22 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to prepare the next generation of community college presidents.

Brown is one of 40 community college administrators chosen for the 10-month fellowship, which begins in November. He is one of two from North Carolina to be selected.

Nationally, almost 80 percent of community college presidents plan to retire in the next decade, according to information provided by VGCC. The Aspen fellowship program works to equip the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the future.

“The opportunity to be a part of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is something I do not take for granted,” Brown said. “I am truly humbled and grateful for the chance to develop lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and engage in deep thought about what community college excellence looks like, both now and in the future.”

Brown and the other 39 participants were selected because they share a commitment to make higher education better by being transformational leaders, according to Monica Clark, director of leadership initiatives at the College Excellence Program. “To become institutions that truly advance social mobility and talent development, community colleges must have presidents with a clear vision for equitable student success,” Clark said.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said being selected is an honor for the college and for Brown, who has been with VGCC for four years.

“As an Aspen Community College Presidential Fellowship Cohort 2 participant, I know the incredible value and honor of being selected for this program,” Desmarais said in a statement to WIZS News. “On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, I am incredibly proud that Dr. Brown has been admitted to this program and will benefit both professionally and personally from participation. Dr. Brown will be able to hone his transformational leadership skills amongst the senior fellows and incoming participant fellows in this auspicious program.”

During the program, fellows will be mentored by current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students during their careers in education. Through collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, participants will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers and other community partners.

Brown was vice president of student services at VGCC, and in his current role, serves as the college’s chief academic and student affairs officer. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with faculty and staff in the areas of academic programs, teaching and learning, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Before coming to VGCC, Brown was dean of arts & sciences at Lenoir Community College. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, and has a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on higher education from East Carolina University.

Sweet Finesse a Business Sweet Dream Come True

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Opening a new business can be a nerve-wracking experience. Opening a new business during a pandemic is something that Hillary Hipps-Burwell never anticipated, but she and her business partner defied the odds to realize their dream.

Sweet Finesse is a new clothing store in Henderson, and Hipps-Burwell and business partner Brittney Phipps are working hard to offer more clothing choices for the area.

The two women work in day care, and they originally thought about opening a kiddie club house. “But when COVID hit, I got to thinking: thinking what does Henderson need?” Hipps-Burwell told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk.

Sweet Finesse carries brand names like Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren for males and fashion labels like Pink and Off White for females.

She said clothing at an affordable price is the goal – clothing that “people can purchase without breaking their pocket.”

Hipps-Burwell describes herself as a plus-size woman, and her vision is to offer more plus-size choices. Sweet Finesse carries women’s clothing, including casual clothes and summer dresses from size small to 5X. They also carry purses.

“I’m very honest about all the clothing we have,” she said. “I want everything to fit you and be comfortable. I want to serve the plus-size community as much as I can.”

LISTEN TO THIS FULL STORY HERE FROM TOWNTALK

Once she and Phipps get the clothing side organized, Hipps-Burwell said the plan is for her husband, Brian, to bring in a shoe department. She said he knows what buyers are interested in and current “hot” styles.

The Aug. 9 ribbon cutting was the culmination of a long process of establishing the business, Hipps-Burwell said. The first challenge was finding a suitable location, and once that happened, then the worry about opening and being able to make it when the rent kicked in. And then, once open, the worry would be possibly having to shut down again quickly because of COVID, she said.

With all those worries churning, however, they located a site – “then we had a building and couldn’t do anything with it,” she recalled, because “that’s when the world shut down.”

Finally, in true entrepreneur fashion, she said they “kind of shook it off and decided to go ahead and fill it up with clothes.”

The store has been in operation a couple of weeks now and Hipps-Burwell hopes to get the word out that they’re open for business.

The store is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The location is 1700 Parham St., which is the former Nits, Nats building.

Hipps-Burwell laughed and said she’s had people wander in expecting to find the record store, only to browse her inventory and even make some purchases.

Jobs in Vance for 8-24-21

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 24, 2021. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

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Hollander Sleep Products
Jobs Available: Looking for Mechanics, quality Inspectors, Machine Operators and Sewers
Method of Contact: If interested in applying go online to www.hollandersleepdecor.com

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Mako Medical Laboratories
Jobs Available: Covid Accessioning Associate, Covid QC Auditor and Covid Accessioning Auditor
Method of Contact: if interested please apply with NC Works

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Turning Point CDC
Jobs Available: Instructional Assistant – Should have experience with educational settings, tutoring/academic support and youth development. An Associate degree and 2 years childcare/education experience are preferred . This is a part time position.
Method of Contact: Apply on website at www.turningpointcdc.org/get-involved. Applicants with questions can call 252-621-5190

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Granville Vance Public Health
Jobs Available: Community Development Specialist I/ Community Systems Change Consultant – Minimum qualifications for this position are graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience with community system change and community development or experience in management of community coalitions is strongly preferred.
Method of Contact: To apply for this position, interested applicants must submit the following: a completed state application (PD 107), college transcript, and three work-related reference contacts. Submit via email to humanresources@gvdhd.org or mail to Personnel Director, Granville- Vance District Health Department, PO Box 367 Oxford, NC 27565

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Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Human Resources Coordinator – provides administrative support for the Human Resources Team.
Method of Contact: to apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC

Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Buyer’s Assistant – Determines the best sources, recommends vendors and orders supplies and fixtures within budget to support achievement of departmental goals and objectives
Method of Contact: to apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC

Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Henderson Distribution Positions – General Warehouse Associates, Lift Drivers, Team Leads, Yard Drivers, Housekeeping/ Custodial Sanitation, OTR and Local Truck Drivers (CDL required). Available shift are 1st shift: Monday- Friday (with some scheduled Saturdays); start times from 6:00am – 8:00am. 2nd shift –Monday – Friday (with some scheduled Saturdays) 8-hour shifts, start time 3:00 pm with $1.00 hour shift premium
Method of Contact: To apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St, Henderson, NC

*****National Hiring Event!!!! August 26th – 30th Variety Wholesalers are interviewing on the spot for Cashiers, Stockers and Store Management for both full and part time. If interested go to any Variety Wholesaler Store and inquire inside******

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Select Tissue of NC
Jobs Available: Truck drivers CDL license Class A, Supervisor 2nd shift (handles discipline and termination of employees, resolves and troubleshoots issues, monitors manufacturing processes, and works with Operations Manager), Maintenance Mechanics 1st and 2nd shifts (Knowledge of PLC’s Alan Bradley & Siemens knowledge a plus, ability to read schematics & prints, mechanical ability, general electrical, pneumatics and hydraulics knowledge, equipment installation, rebuilds and repairs, minor building repairs/maintenance including electrical and plumbing)
Method of Contact: Apply in person at Select Tissue located at 1133 Poplar Creek Rd, Henderson, NC 27537.

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Lowe’s Home Improvement
Jobs Available: Customer Service Associates (various departments), Head Cashier, Cashiers, Day Stocker and Pro Loader
Method of Contact: apply online at Lowes.com/careers

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Belk, Inc. of Henderson
Jobs Available: Seeking full and part time sales associates. Associates will enjoy competitive pay, flexible scheduling and associate discounts.
Method of Contact: Apply online at Belkcareers.com or text jobs to belk4u (235-548)

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Express Employment Professionals
Jobs Available: Immediately hiring for Warehouse Workers Warehouse Pick/packers: for a Henderson Distribution Center – Sunday- Thursday start time 11:00, hours vary, Pay $12.50 an hour, 2 years or more of warehouse experience preferred. Also looking for 50 Warehouse order pullers: Monday – Friday Day shift 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, pay $13.00 an hour with a $1,000.00 Completion Bonus available. Also looking for Manufacturing Supervisor: 3 years of Management experience preferred. Evening shifts, Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 11:00pm pay $20.00 – $23.00 an hour PLUS shift differential pay.
Method of Contact: For immediate consideration call 919-693-1730

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Express Employment Professionals
Jobs Available: Looking for multiple Administrative Assistants – 2 or more years experience in MS Office,, data entry and customer service, experience in Quickbooks is a plus, pay range: $12.00 – $16.00 an hour
Method of Contact: For immediate consideration call 919-693-1730

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Servpro of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties
Jobs Available: Technicians – on the job training is available for water, fire and mold mitigation and restoration. Lots of opportunity to grow. Full time hours but college students are welcome to apply.
Method of Contact: Apply in person at Industry Drive in Henderson or call 252-433-0005 to receive an application by email.

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS. Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast. This is not a paid ad.

Gill Set To Retire Oct. 29 After Two Decades As Vance Elections Director

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Vance County Elections Director Faye Gill has overseen many elections in her more than 20 years on the job. She’ll be passing the baton to a new director come the end of October, as she plans to retire and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

As with most folks contemplating a well-deserved retirement, Gill said she’d been thinking about it for a couple of years, but in a more serious way since the beginning of 2021.

John C. Rose shared an appreciation for Gill, her professionalism and service to the county on Monday’s Town Talk and noted that deputy director Melody Vaughan will become the new director, effective Nov. 1.

Vaughan will waste no time getting used to her new role – Kittrell and Middleburg hold municipal elections the very next day – Nov. 2.

Henderson elections have been pushed back to early 2022, thanks to the recent release of Census data that may result in redrawing of district lines.

Rose spoke by phone with Gill and Vaughan about the job, their close relationship and how things have changed through the years.

Gill has seen the change from punch cards to electronic ballots, among other improvements. But Rose said he has always been impressed with, and appreciative of, the professionalism that she shows in doing her job.

Having access to information about candidate filings, and any changes regarding elections that need to be shared with the public is essential for media outlets, Rose said. Preparation and reporting on election night coverage does not just “happen – if you don’t have a plan, and cooperation and a good relationship” with elections officials, the job is an uphill battle.

Fortunately, there have been no uphill battles with local elections officials. Just a little good-natured “pickin’ at each other,” Rose said. After that first minute or so of exchanging little digs or jokes, there is always professionalism from both Gill and Vaughan. “When it was business time, it was business time,” he added.

Vaughan has been with the board of elections since 2013, and Rose said that the women are good friends.

They must have a close working relationship as well – literally and figuratively – they share the same office space in the Henry A. Dennis Building on Garnett Street. No doubt, Gill has modeled for Vaughan over the years how to deal with the public and how to manage a team of volunteers, which is so crucial to having a smooth elections process.

“We are one big family. We can’t do our job on election day without volunteers,” Gill told Rose.

When Rose spoke to Gill and Vaughan via telephone earlier Monday, Vaughan told him that Gill “is a really good friend and a great boss.”

As for her new role, Vaughan told Rose, “I have the confidence to do what is asked of me and I will do it to the best of my abilities.”

The last 21 years spent with the board of elections comes on top of a 27-year career working with one of the vice presidents of Rose’s Stores. Almost a half century of work, Gill told Rose she is looking forward to spending time with her family and the arrival of her first great-grandchild.

Well-wishes for a job well done, Faye Gill, from the WIZS family.

Please enjoy here this special edition TownTalk audio.

Vance County Vipers over Warren County Eagles Recap

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A GAME ONE VICTORY FOR THE VIPERS OF VANCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

34 TO 26

OVER THE WARREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES

FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 20, 2021

REMEMBER YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE VIPERS’ GAMES LIVE AND FREE ON WIZS EACH FRIDAY NIGHT

HERE’S YOUR GAME 1 AUDIO RECAP

From Haircuts To Sports, P.U.L.L. Event Offers Fun For Community

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The sixth annual P.U.L.L. event is set to kick off on Wednesday, with a full schedule of activities and events for the whole family through the weekend. P.U.L.L. stands for Peace – Unity – Love – Live, according to information from Shantel Hargrove with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department.

The HVRPD is teaming up with area businesses and others to offer a host of activities, including free simple haircuts for school-age children on Wednesday to a basketball tournament at Aycock Recreation Center on Friday evening.

Kutz 4 Kids will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Eastside Barbershop, 81 Vicksboro Rd. and from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Geter Barber College, 931 W. Andrews Ave.

On Thursday, there will be a softball game at Aycock Recreation ball field, beginning at 6 p.m. Contact Mike Bullock at 336.253.8389 to learn more. Cost is $2 per player.

The sport changes to basketball on Friday evening for a Battle of the Brands tournament. Adults’ (18 and older) tickets are $7 each; children ages 6-17 are $3. Children 5 and under get in free.

Saturday there will be a street festival and community cookout at Chestnut Street Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a school supply giveaway, vendors and more, including a COVID-19 vaccination station.

Two additional free haircut events will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ice Cold Cutzz, 238 Raleigh Road, and Heavenly Reign, 507 Dabney Drive.

Community sponsors include Eastside Barbershop, Ice Cold Cutzz, Gang Free, Davis Chapel Baptist Church, Risen Faith Outreach Ministry, Boys & Girls Club of NCNC, Rowland Chapel Christian Church, United Faith Way of the Cross Church, Heavenly Reign, Geter Barber College, Granville-Vance Public Health, The Manhood Project, the Presbyterian Church, Working on Wellness and more.

Visit https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks to find a complete schedule of activities.