New Sandy Creek Baptist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School June 26-29. The program theme is “Ready, Set, Move” and runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to any young person from 0 to 12th grade, according to information from Jackie Ayscue. The church is located at 1699 Weldons Mill Rd. Dinner will be served each night, with a special “family night” on June 29 to conclude the program.
Register online at www.myvbs.org/newsandycreek.
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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
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It’s been a long time coming, but the sign announcing the “future home of Epsom Park” will soon be replaced – by Epsom Park.
Franklin County has received $434,625 in state grant funding to begin the process that ultimately will lead to Phase 1 completion of the park, located on Hwy. 39 at the Vance-Franklin county line.
Will Doerfer, Franklin County’s assistant manager, gave WIZS’s Bill Harris a little background on the process of finally getting matching grant funds from PARTF, the state’s Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
“It has been a long time,” Doerfer said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The old Epsom school was torn down back in the mid 2000’s and the sign planted, but after that, “for a variety of reasons, the park never developed.”
Now, with the grant funding, the park can move from planning and design to construction and installation. Phase 1 includes a multipurpose field, playground, volleyball court, paved walking trail, restrooms and picnic shelter. They have three years to use the money, but Doerfer said he hopes it won’t take that long to complete.
“The community is certainly excited about a park being developed,” he added. Given the location, residents from both counties will be able to enjoy the park’s amenities.
Franklin County’s grant is part of more than $17 million awarded to counties across the state in 2022 in the form of matching grants to local governments to attain their goals of increasing park and public access in their communities.
Doerfer said the county is planning a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off the construction of the park.
Get updates on progress at https://www.franklincountync.gov/
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Six words capture the mission and work of Hubzone Technology Initiative and those six words sit right at the top of the HTI webpage for all to see:
You Donate.
We Convert.
They Receive.
Briant Davis is operations manager for Hubzone Tech, located in Garnett Street Station, the former freight station at 208 N. Garnett St.
Henderson is Hubzone Tech’s main location, although it serves the surrounding community and reaches into the Greater Triangle area.
The concept is simple, Davis said on WIZS TownTalk – refurbish donated computers and donate them to organizations to be distributed to people who need them.
It’s a way to properly recycle computers – if they can be reused, great. If they can’t, HubZone makes sure they’re disposed of properly.
By doing this, Davis said HTI can be good stewards. “We take them, we wipe them clean,” he said. After they are converted to Chromebooks, they are given to organizations that give them to those in need.
They conduct periodic donation drives, and folks may have noticed collections bins in various businesses in the area, but there’s always a bin in front of their offices – Suite F – at Garnett Street Station.
Businesses that may be doing a complete overhaul of their computers, however, need only make a phone call to HTI at 252.590.0240 to make arrangements for a courier to pick them up.
“We prefer laptops,” Davis said, “but we have downstream partners willing to take digital technology and recycle it correctly. We have ways of taking any old technology.”
Chromebooks work pretty much like any other laptops, he explained, adding that the software does a good job to ward off malware and viruses.
“As long as a person has an internet connection, a Chromebook performs very well – it’s snappy and fast.”
The HTI technicians that refurbish the computers scrub the hard drives of any data stored. They also offer COD’s – certificates of destruction – to those who want to ensure that there will be no data breaches.
“We’re very good stewards,” Davis said. “We follow government standards to make sure hard drives are completely erased.”
A team of grant writers at HTI is constantly searching for funding sources, but Davis said there are fundraisers to help them become more sustainable.
The organization also has an eBay store where it sells items and equipment that are still perfectly functional, but can’t be converted to Chromebooks.
Visit https://www.hubzonetech.org/ to learn how to make a donation, become a community partner and more. Or send an email to info@hubzonetech.org.
(This story and audio originally appeared on WIZS and WIZS.com May 18, 2023 but is being presented again at this time.)
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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
Granville County’s recent recycling and hazardous waste disposal event diverted more than 25,000 pounds of materials – from medication to metal – from finding its way to the landfill.
Vendors were on hand to take the variety of items for recycling and safe disposal, according to Teresa Baker, the county’s recycling and sustainability coordinator.
Here’s a breakdown of what got collected during the May 20 spring clean-out event:
“Residents who participate in Granville County’s clean out events leave knowing that these waste materials will either be recycled or properly disposed of instead of harming the local environment,” said Baker. “A huge thank-you to all vendors, staff, volunteers, and participants who helped make the Spring Clean-Out event a great success.”
For more information about safely recycling and disposing of waste in Granville County, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.
-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.
The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.
Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.
Accounting & Finance:
Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;
Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;
Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.
Associate in Arts:
Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;
Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;
Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;
Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;
Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;
Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;
Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;
Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;
Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;
Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;
Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.
Associate in Science:
Kacey E. Katz of Butner;
Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;
Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;
Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;
Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.
Automotive Systems Technology:
Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.
Business Administration:
Destini L. Foster of Butner;
Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;
Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;
Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;
Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;
Logan Kurth of Youngsville.
College Transfer Pathway:
Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;
Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;
Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;
Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;
Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;
Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;
Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.
Cosmetology:
Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;
Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;
Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;
Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.
Criminal Justice Technology:
Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;
Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.
Early Childhood Education:
Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.
Early Childhood Education, Local:
Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;
Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.
Electrical Systems Technology:
Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;
Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.
Electronics Engineering Technology:
Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;
Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.
General Science AGE Degree:
Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;
Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;
Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;
Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.
Histotechnology:
Jennifer Lomas of Durham;
Euice T. Duque of Henderson.
Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.
Information Technology:
Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;
Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;
Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;
Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;
Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;
Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;
Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Larry P. Card of Franklinton;
David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;
William J. Currin of Oxford.
Medical Assisting Diploma:
Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.
Medical Office Administration:
Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;
Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;
Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.
Office Administration Diploma:
Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.
Public Safety Administration:
Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;
Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;
Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;
Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;
Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;
Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.
Radiography:
Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.
Welding Technology:
Townes A Keithley of Butner;
Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;
Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;
Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.
Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;
Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.
Associate in Arts:
Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;
Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;
Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;
Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;
Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;
Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;
Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;
Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;
Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;
Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;
Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;
Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;
Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;
Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts:
Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;
Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.
Associate in Science:
Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;
Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;
Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all of Henderson;
Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;
Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;
Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;
Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;
Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.
Automotive Systems Technology:
Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.
Bioprocess Technology:
Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.
Business Administration:
Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;
Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;
Haley L. Williams of Henderson;
Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;
Cain Stewart of Raleigh;
Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;
Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.
College Transfer Pathway:
Reese E. Newton of Bullock;
Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;
Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;
Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson; Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;
Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;
Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;
Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;
Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;
Luannie Arreola of Stem;
Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.
Cosmetology:
Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;
Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;
Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;
Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;
Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;
Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;
Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.
Criminal Justice Technology:
Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.
Early Childhood Education:
Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;
Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.
Early Childhood Education, Local:
Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.
Electrical Systems Technology:
Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;
Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.
Electronics Engineering Technology:
Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;
Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.
General Science AGE Degree:
Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.
Histotechnology:
Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;
Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;
Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.
Human Services Technology:
Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.
Human Services Technology, Gerontology:
Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.
Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse:
Netitia C. Jones of Durham;
Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;
Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.
Information Technology:
Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;
Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;
Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;
Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;
Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;
Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.
Medical Assisting:
Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;
Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;
Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.
Medical Assisting Diploma:
Erin E. Womble of Butner;
Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;
Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.
Medical Office Administration:
Candice Brooks of Cary;
Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;
Madison N. Yorks of Durham;
Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.
Paralegal Technology:
Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;
Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;
Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.
Public Safety Administration:
Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.
Radiography:
Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;
Camden J. Spain of Henderson;
Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;
Anna Nie of Raleigh;
Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;
Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;
Jenna M. Curry of Stem.
Technical Special Student:
Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;
Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.
Welding Technology:
William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;
Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;
Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.
Michele Burgess, this year’s recipient of the George Watkins Citizen of the Year award, said she was “very, very honored” to be in the company of previous award winners who have given so much to the community.
Watkins received the first award in 2014, and Burgess, newly retired from her role as president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that the fundraiser dinner on May 18 was a fun evening that involved many from the community, all to benefit Boy Scouts.
Emie Clevenger is vice president of resource development for the Eno River District of the Scouts’ Occoneechee Council, which includes Vance County. This year’s event exceeded its goal and netted close to $80,000.
“It’s something we’re proud of – to be able to give back to the community through Scouting,” Clevenger said.
The funds promote “Scoutreach,” whose mission is to recruit strong adult leaders and bring Scouting to youth in underserved areas.
Burgess recounted the event’s speakers for the evening, including Brandon Lawrence, who grew up in the area and was a Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and also ended up earning every badge that a Boy Scout can earn – more than 140, Clevenger confirmed.
Lawrence spoke on the importance of scouting, Burgess said.
But she said Lawrence represents so much more for the community – he’s part of the younger generation who will need to step up to provide leadership.
“Scouting is such a great leadership building program,” Burgess said.
Individuals interested in learning more about Scouting programs can visit www.ocscouts.org or contact Clevenger at Emie.clevenger@scouting.org.
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There are so many up-sides to having pets – dogs, cats and a whole range of animals bring so much joy and happiness to their “people.” Our furry friends depend on their owners to provide them food, shelter and medical care.
But what happens when money is tight? Where can pet owners get help?
Amanda Arrington, with Access to Care of the Humane Society of the United States, spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! to talk about some options.
Arrington said that HSUS has some long-standing programs – including Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) – that provide direct services to pet owners who live in poverty or in underserved areas of the nation.
There’s a new program called “More Than A Pet” whose mission is to address some of the inequalities that pet owners face.
“This is not a new problem,” she said, “but inflation and the pandemic have exacerbated the issues.” Barriers to basic care and access to resources include transportation, language, time and finances.
People love their pets and so many get treated like family, so when pet owners can’t provide food or medical care for whatever reason, it causes emotional and mental distress, Arrington said.
Pet owners who are facing any of these challenges should look for help locally, she suggested. Animal service providers and shelters may be able to offer some relief.
“We can’t promise access to everyone,” but the HSUS does have a list of resources on its website that could help.
The HSUS is working on a national level to distribute food and supplies across the nation to those in need. In 2022 alone, in partnership with Chewy, more than 500 truckloads of pet food valued at $22 million were delivered across the country.
Visit https://www.humanesociety.org/more-than-a-pet to learn more.
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Vance County High School Graduates 153 Seniors
— press release courtesy of Vance County Schools
Graduation season is officially underway in Vance County Schools, as Vance County High School awarded 153 students with their high school diplomas on Friday, May 26, in the Vance County High School stadium.
Principal Nealie Whitt III shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCHS Class of 2023 graduates Mercedes Fields and Fantasia Scott, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.
Mercedes Fields reminded her fellow graduates – “Stay gold. Stay gold for as long as you can. Remember where you came from and who you are today. And let it positively guide you and motivate you to get the life that you’ve always wanted.”
Fantasia Scott shared, “This is the end of our chapter here, and the beginning of another. Now that we are all done, may we go down different paths, but may they align together in the future.”
Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Nealie Whitt III, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, and Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair.
Congratulations, Vance County High School Class of 2023!
Click Play for the WIZS Broadcast Audio of VCHS 2023 Graduation.
VCHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts:
The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
Vance County Early College graduated May 26, at 6 p.m. Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m., followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.
