SportsTalk: Mark Packer Remembers His Father, Billy Packer
Enjoy this post of Mark Packer speaking about his father, legendary basketball announcer Billy Packer.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-29-23 Noon
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Home And Garden Show
On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
- Tall fescue care (broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, fertility, mowing)
- Vegetable gardening planting and preps
- Planting shrubs correctly
- Strawberry planting
- Pesticide safety tips
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TownTalk: Continuing Education At Vance Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College is offering several Open House opportunities for students to learn more about a variety of program opportunities available, especially for those non-traditional students who work during the day and need to take classes in the evening or online.
Stephanie Tolbert is VGCC’s dean of Business, Applied Tech and Public Services, was a guest on TownTalk and shared just a few of the programs and classes that are available.
“We know life is busy,” Tolbert said, but especially in this post-COVID world, “people are juggling things in their personal lives. By creating night programs and online programs, student can learn at their own pace or when they have the time, whether that’s early in the morning or late into the evening.
Nighttime welding classes are available at the Main Campus in Henderson, and a new evening welding class has opened up on the Franklin Campus. South Campus in Butner has revived its HVAC class as well, Tolbert noted.
These classes typically meet in the evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which gives students a bit of time to finish their jobs, grab a bite of supper and then head to class. They fall under the category of Applied Technology, which means they are held in person and involve a lot of hands-on learning.
But there also are a wide variety of classes that are 100 percent online, she said. Students can learn medical coding and supply chain management, among others, at “any time that fits their schedule.”
The Open House offers students and prospective students an “all-access pass ” to VGCC campuses, Tolbert said.
The upcoming schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Main Campus, Henderson
- April 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Franklin Campus, Louisburg
- Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon – South Campus, Butner
During these open houses, school representatives will be available to speak with attendees about anything from admission requirements to particular degree programs and financial aid.
Unsure about a career path or need to change course? Then Linda Fletcher, director of Career Services, may be the person to speak with.
Whether you’re interested in taking a single class to learn about, say, small engine repair, or are interested in a certificate program or an associate’s degree, VGCC is a good resource for the community.
“As life changes, our needs, interest levels, goals change,” Tolbert said. VGCC can help students who may begin taking a single class develop a program that could ultimately become that career path or completion of a higher degree.
“We’re dedicated to meeting students where they are and helping them get to where they want to go,” she said.
Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more and to register to attend one of the upcoming Open House events.
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L.B. Yancey Students Participate In Career Day And Expo
When you’re a fifth grader, it’s tough to visualize where you may see yourself in the future, but thanks to L.B. Yancey Elementary’s Career Day and Expo, but at least one young person’s eyes were opened to the possibility of becoming a photographer when she grows up.
The “I Am Tomorrow” career expo was held in the school gym on Mar. 22. Students dressed up as doctors, chefs, police officers and more as a way to share information and interests about different careers.
Staff members joined in the fun and parents were invited to participate as well as the children – a much livelier event than last year’s, which had to take place virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions on gathering.
Numerous career professionals set up displays to help the students learn about a variety of career opportunities, from being a barber to a meteorologist. On the list of specially invited professionals was:
- Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation Robotics Team
- Spectrum News 1 Meteorologist, Vernon Turner
- Maria Parham Primary Care Physician, Dr. Gary Smith
- Fitness Trainer, Jessica Rice-Hawkins
- Entrepreneur, Jinell Cheek of Nellie C Photography
- Barber, Richard Terry
- Licensed Funeral Director, Joshua Hicks
- Musician, Justen Ward
- Entrepreneur, Taylor Evans with Cricut Personalizations
- Representatives from the Walmart Distribution Center
- Vance County Sheriff’s Office
The day started with a parade, and students walked the school’s hallways while Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” filled the air. Other students lined the hallways,armed with handmade posters with inspirational messages to cheer on the parade participants.
Career Day Expo Chairperson Alicia Clarke said the goal was to allow students to see different professionals as a way to motivate them to set goals for themselves and then working toward achieving those goals. “If this Career Day was any indication of what is to come, then the world will be in good hands,” Clarke stated.
L.B. Yancey Principal Dr. Shannon Bullock agreed. “The school’s Career Day and Expo was a very successful event. The students and parents were so excited to see all the different career choices provided for them. Students were able to see successful individuals from Henderson and other nearby cities, and know that they are able to achieve anything they set their mind to.”
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-28-23 Noon
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The Local Skinny! “Paws For Granville” At The Barn At Vino
There’s still a sliver of time left to purchase a ticket for the upcoming fundraiser event sponsored by the Humane Society of Granville County. “Paws for Granville” takes place Saturday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, but Humane Society President Anne Crews said there’s little time to waste.
“Ticket sales have been brisk,” Crews said on Tuesday’s Pets and People segment of The Local Skinny! If you’d like to purchase a ticket, find Humane Society of Granville County on Facebook before Wednesday, Mar. 29.
The dinner and silent auction event at the Barn at Vino I Stem is the group’s major fundraiser, and the proceeds are split between the Humane Society and the Granville Animal Shelter, both of which use the money to spay and neuter dogs and cats.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun,” Crews said. This year’s selection of silent auction items includes a yearlong pass to any N.C. state park, jewelry from Diamonds Direct, Durham Bulls tickets and a VIP 4-pack to see ‘Six’ at DPAC, just to name a few.
The Humane Society partners with the shelter to help provide services, including spay/neuter programs for low-income pet owners and support of several feral cat colonies across the county.
Cats can have several litters of about kittens a year, Crews explained, so trapping and returning feral cats helps to reduce the cat population. “Before you know it you’ve gone from two feral cats to 40 in one year. We believe in getting in there and spay and neuter” the cats, remove those who are candidates for adoption. A small snip made in the neutered cat’s ear indicates that the animal is “feral but sterile,” she said.
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TownTalk: Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular Happening On April 22nd
It’s only a few weeks away, but there’s no need to purchase tickets or send an RSVP with the number of people who will be attending – the Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular takes place on Saturday, April 22 and it’s free, free, free.
As the name implies, this is an event for the entire family, said Kevin Kilgore, one of the organizers. The event will again be held at SaddleRock Farm, 1786 Weldon’s Mill Rd., Henderson. Whether the little ones want to ride a horse or prefer to go on a hayride, there surely will be plenty to do between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to keep everyone entertained.
“Hopefully the weather will be good…to come out to an outside event,” Kilgore said. There also will be a variety of inflatables for the youngsters to enjoy – slides, bounce houses and games, he said. And not to overstate it, but it’s all free.
Want some popcorn? Free. Choose a fruity sno-cone? No charge.
There IS one particular ride that requires a wristband to ride, but Kilgore said it’s not to check minimum height. That wristband indicates that you’ve passed through the Tent of the Wordless Book to hear the Good News from Christians ready to share information about their faith.
It can be a long day for the teams of volunteers who work hard to keep things going smoothly. Kilgore said Pam Wilder is helping to coordinate the groups of volunteers that will be needed, especially for set up and take down, and to man the inflatables.
“There’s pretty much something for everyone” to help with, Kilgore said.
The goal of the event is to make sure everyone feels welcome, he added.
The three ingredients for another successful event, he said – in no particular order – are good weather, volunteers and prayers.
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TownTalk: Gateway CDC April 12 “Social” To Discuss What’s Next For Henderson Revitalization Efforts
Any type of social gathering is likely to create opportunities for folks to take part in conversations on a variety of topics and to share their unique and collective perspectives. Heather Joi Kenney, president and CEO of Gateway CDC in Henderson, wants the entire community to come out to what she’s calling a community social on April 12.
Southern Charm Event Venue is the gathering spot, and Kenney said on TownTalk that the social will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’re hoping to see everyone come out and talk about Henderson,” Kenney said. Of course, it’s always good to hear what’s great about a community, but Kenney said it’s important to know what’s not so great, too. If the community can observe problems and look at them as opportunities to improve, that’s half the battle.
Kenney is a real “glass half full” person, and she and her organization are interested in revitalization – of properties, of mindsets, of attitudes – that have a real impact on Henderson and its future.
“The Henderson Vision” is one tangible facet of this revitalization. Established through $25,000 in grant funds from Duke Energy’s Hometown Revitalization program, Gateway was able to help downtown businesses with microgrants to pay for façade improvements, as well as some interior renovations, Kenney said.
That money is long gone, but Kenney said she expects more money will be coming in, through grantors like Duke Energy, but also from local government support and from collaboration with other community partners.
Downtown revitalization has been a recent focus, but Kenney said it’s important to include areas near the city’s heart as well – William Street, Chestnut Street, as well as areas like Flint Hill and West End.
“We are working to raise some more funds so we can help additional businesses,” she said.
Kenney challenged city and county officials – as well as absentee landlords – to step up to show support for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
“It’s important to get our act together…when we support these businesses, it shows them that we care.”
She applauds local governments for the support they’ve given. “They are doing great work,” but she’d like to see them give “a little bit more” in more tangible ways to promote building ownership and pride in the community.
Gateway’s Small Business Development program helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners learn about and access resources that could prove helpful to them.
Providing support and a desirable atmosphere to encourage small business owners goes a long way toward giving the community places to eat, shop and relax. But it also is a way to attract visitors. Visitors, tourists and guests who spend money here, adding to the local tax coffers.
“Henderson IS the destination,” Kenney said, an upbeat note in her voice. “We just have to make sure that other folks know that as well.”
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Granville County To Host SKYWARN Training April 11 At Expo Center
Learn how to become a volunteer weatherspotter for the National Weather Service at a training in Oxford, Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Granville County Emergency Management is hosting a SKYWARN Severe Weather Spotter Training at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. This is a free event and open to the public. Registration is not required – just show up at 6:30 p.m. to learn about SKYWARN.
SKYWARN volunteers support their local community by providing the NWS with timely and accurate severe weather reports. These reports, when integrated with modern NWS technology, are used to inform communities of the proper actions to take as severe weather threatens. The key focus of the program is to save lives and property through the use of the observations and reports of trained volunteers.
For more information, contact Granville County Emergency Management at 919.603.1310.