$300,000 Gift Will Help Girl Scouts; Camp Graham

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The gift is about a commitment made a long time ago to make the world a better place, and it’s that same commitment that Girl Scouts instilled in Margaret Pickard Sirvis, according to her daughter Barb Sirvis.

Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines (GS-NCCP) recently notified WIZS News that a $300,000 gift from the Margaret Pickard Sirvis Fund will go towards revitalizing Camp Graham, just north of Henderson.  Be sure to click here for Camp Graham details.

A lifelong Girl Scout and advocate for women, Margaret Pickard Sirvis, or “Peggy” as she was known by her Girl Scout friends, passed away on April 8, 2017 at 93 years old.  Peggy’s daughter Barb worked with GS–NCCP staff to create a legacy gift to support improvements to Peggy’s beloved Camp Graham.

Information provided by GS–NCCP indicates the $300,000 gift will go towards much needed facilities renovations that will enable Camp Graham to continue providing valuable outdoor leadership opportunities to girls across North Carolina, just as it had for Peggy 80+ years earlier. Renovations will include things like a new HVAC, a full-enclosed bathhouse, updates to cabin units, and much more.

Barb Sirvis told WIZS News in a phone interview that her mother Peggy was very clear she wanted to make sure the Girl Scouts received a generous gift at her death, so the $300,000 came from Peggy’s estate.  Barb said Girl Scouts had always been very important to her mother Peggy, as she was in scouting some 75 years.

“She loved camp,” Bard said.  “She wanted to make sure her gift would continue to provide camp opportunities for Girl Scouts today and into the future.”

When asked how Camp Graham was chosen, Barb said, “My mother was born and raised in Chapel Hill, and she went to camp as a girl at a camp that no longer exists, but she did go to Girl Scout camp as a girl, and she also watched the power of Girl Scouting to shape my life and the camp experience and the life-long friendships that I made at camp.  Then, when she moved back to North Carolina in 2006, a local Girl Scout friend took us to an event with Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines, and there (Peggy) had a chance to talk to some of the staff about her interests, and they were doing a new project at Camp Graham building tree houses.  She said she wanted to see them, and she went to camp, and she fell in love with Camp Graham.”

Peggy told her daughter Barb she wanted to spend some money on this council, that she wanted to leave money to make sure the camp stays here for girls in the future.

It turns out that Peggy was very quiet about her ability to leave a gift like this for Girl Scouts, so by all accounts it had a wow effect, just by the amount alone of $300,000 if nothing else.

It’s the personal side that tells the rest of the story.

Barb Sirvis said, “She and my dad met in 1944 and were married in 1945.  They each had a dream.  His dream was to be an entrepreneur, and her dream was to make the world a better place.  They brought those two dreams together.  He eventually started his own business, and she was the home and corporate treasurer.  They managed wisely and lived modestly their whole life.”

As far as how the money will be used, GS–NCCP went to Barb with a proposal with several options in it.  Barb said the renovations and improvements mentioned “were the ones that spoke to me.”  She said these priorities were on the top of their list, and “I thought they would be on the top of my mom’s list.”

Franklin County Schools

Nowell Brooks Named Director of Alternative Programs for Franklin County Schools

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— courtesy Franklin County Schools

Louisburg, North Carolina – December 12, 2017 — The Franklin County Board of Education approved Nowell Brooks as Franklin County’s Director of Alternative Programs at Vine Academy. The approval came during Monday night’s board meeting.

Nowell Brooks (Franklin County Schools Photo)

Mr. Brooks comes to Franklin County from the Vance County Public School system where he worked as an assistant principal for the last three years at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Prior to that, he was employed with Vance Granville Community College as an Early College Liaison, Campus Coordinator and Instructor. Mr. Brooks has extensive experience in managing school operations, safety, student discipline and academic performance.

Nowell Brooks received his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. His bachelor’s degree in Public Administration was earned at North Carolina Central University.

Mr. Brooks’ first day will be determined at a later date.

VGCC enrolling students for spring semester

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— courtesy VGCC

Area residents have until Jan. 4, 2018, to complete the process of registering for the spring 2018 semester at Vance-Granville Community College, but college officials urge prospective students to register before the holidays.

The semester begins on Jan. 8, with classes offered on schedules of 16, 12 and 8 weeks. Course schedules are available online at schedules.vgcc.edu.

For new students, the process of enrollment begins with completing an application for admission at www.vgcc.edu/application along with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Then, students will request their official high school transcripts, and in some cases, their transcripts from other colleges they have attended. Next, they should meet with an academic/career coach and schedule a placement test, unless it is waived. Finally, students complete an orientation session, either online or in the traditional face-to-face format.

One relatively new resource for students residing in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties is the VanGuarantee scholarship program. The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. For more information on all the various types of financial aid, contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at fao@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3280.

The college offers classes at four campuses and online, including six degree programs that are offered completely online: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Medical Office Administration – Coding Specialist and Supply Chain Management.

VGCC’s Main Campus is located on Poplar Creek Road in Vance County (about midway between Henderson and Oxford) at the intersection with Interstate 85 (Exit 209).

The Franklin County Campus is located just west of Louisburg on N.C. 56.

South Campus is on N.C. 56 between Creedmoor and Butner.

The Warren County Campus is located at 210 West Ridgeway Street (U.S. 158 Business) in Warrenton.

For more information on enrolling, call (252) 738-3234 or visit any campus.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

National Weather Service

Winter Weather Advisory Dec. 9-10

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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area from 10 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday.  Areas include Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin Counties plus much of the remainder of the area like Person, Durham, Orange, Wake Counties and beyond.

The concern is about refreezing of residual snow, slush, and water as skies clear late in the evening. Areas bridges, overpasses, parking lots, and side walks will be most prone for icing.

Original winter storm warnings and advisories have been cancelled.

For the full forecast, click here.

Additional Information: https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=rah&wwa=winter+weather+advisory

See the latest briefing by clicking here.

 

H-V Emergency Operations

Snow Friday?

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The National Weather Service says a little light snow is possible Friday night.

Click here for the latest briefing.

Light accumulations less than an inch, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces, should have minimal impact. Greatest amounts in the I-85 corridor from Burlington northeast.

Travel is not likely to be impacted, however some slick spots on bridges and elevated roadways are possible.

Light accumulations of less than an inch are possible, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces west of U.S. Route 1. The greatest
amounts will be in the I-85 corridor from Burlington northeast.

As always, Vance County Emergency Management Director Brian Short will keep us up to date.  He said, “They are continuing to forecast some light snow for our area tomorrow evening. No significant accumulations or impacts are expected.”

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Announces Expansion of Atlantic Packaging

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— Press Release

Franklin County welcomes the expansion of Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc. (Atlantic Packaging) at 165 Weathers Street in Youngsville. Atlantic Packaging is one of the most technically advanced packaging resource in North America, with capabilities in manufacturing, distribution, consulting and technical service.

Atlantic Packaging is expanding its 45,008-square foot warehouse and logistical operation with plans to construct a new 33,000 square foot facility off U.S. Highway 1. This $1.65 million expansion will increase its logistical capacity with new space for distribution.

The company is one of Franklin County’s largest logistical employers with 38 full-time employees. This expansion will create at least four new jobs with an average hourly wage of $17.53 plus benefits.

“Franklin County continues to offer an attractive location for logistical companies with our proximity to main distribution routes,” stated Richie Duncan, Director of Franklin County Economic Development. “Atlantic Packaging’s continued investment further demonstrates our strength in meeting the demands of industry within the Research Triangle region.”

Atlantic Packaging’s Youngsville facility opened in 2008 and serves the east coast United States by providing packaged product solutions for the pharmaceutical, automotive, food, cosmetics and various other industries. Youngsville’s operation is one of Atlantic Packaging’s 20 locations across the United States, Dominican Republic and Honduras.

“We are excited to continue to grow our industrial packaging presence at our Youngsville location in Franklin County,” said Steve Rafferty, Vice President and General Manager of Atlantic Packaging. “Market demand for our products is creating this expansion opportunity for our location to better serve our key industrial markets. We extend our appreciation to Franklin County for their support for our operation.”

Atlantic Packaging’s expansion will be facilitated by a local Franklin County cash grant incentive of $49,500 paid over a four-year period after taxes are paid and requirements are fulfilled.

“Great things are continuing to happen in Franklin County,” said Cedric Jones, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “We are excited Atlantic Packaging is continuing to grow their presence here with jobs and tax base for our citizens and county.”

About Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc:

Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc. was founded over 70 years ago and has evolved as the market leader in industrial packaging and in customized converted products, always guided by our customers’ needs. Visit www.atlanticpkg.com for more information.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.

DA to Settle Compliance Issues Only Outside of Court

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— courtesy of District Attorney Mike Waters

Information is also available on District Attorney – 9th Prosecutorial District Facebook Page

Beginning December 1, 2017, the District Attorney’s Office will begin addressing compliance issues only outside of Court. On Thursday afternoons, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, in each of the four counties, you may bring proof of compliance for the following offenses, and your case will be disposed of outside of Court.

No operator’s license
Failure to carry a valid driver’s license
Expired operator’s license
Expired/no inspection
DR/allow registration plate not display
Drive/allow MV no registration
Canceled/revoked/suspended certificate/tag
Expired registration card/tag

***This time is for the review of compliance dismissals only and not for the negotiation of contested infractions and criminal charges***

SGA leaders take office at VGCC

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA) has installed a group of officers to serve during the 2017-2018 year.

The officers, elected by VGCC students earlier in the fall semester, include President Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg, Vice-President Aaron Williams of Kittrell, Secretary/Treasurer Brianna Barnes of Manson, Parliamentarian Jai Butts of Durham, and Public Information Officer Fakea Walker of Oxford. All five are students in the College Transfer program at VGCC. Taylor and Williams are both Franklin County Early College High School students.

VGCC Student Government Association officers for 2017-2018 include, from left, Public Information Officer Fakea Walker, Secretary/Treasurer Brianna Barnes, President Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor, Parliamentarian Jai Butts and Vice-President Aaron Williams. (VGCC photo)

As SGA president, Taylor is also the student trustee, representing the interests of her fellow students at all meetings of the VGCC Board of Trustees.

The Student Government Association is designed to promote the general welfare of the college in a democratic fashion and to facilitate communication among the student body, the faculty, and the administration. SGA also provides a means through which students can promote interest in student activities, both on and off campus. For more information on SGA, contact Jermiel Hargrove, coordinator of Student Activities and Athletics, at (252) 738-3246.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

VGCC updates high school officials

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— courtesy VGCC

Administrators and guidance counselors from area high schools recently met at Vance-Granville Community College to learn more about what the college offers, including new opportunities for students. Representatives of schools in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties were invited to attend the update meeting, held on Oct. 26 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

In welcoming remarks, VGCC Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown thanked the educators for collaborating and communicating with the college. “I’m hopeful that we will continue to foster and strategically grow our partnerships to make postsecondary education attainment a reality for students in our four counties,” Brown said. “Ultimately, we desire for all of our students to be successful.”

VGCC Director of Admissions Spence Bailey addresses high school representatives. (VGCC photo)

VGCC Director of Admissions Spence Bailey followed with a presentation in which he traced his own journey from being a student at J.F. Webb High School in Oxford to attending VGCC for two years and then transferring to East Carolina University to complete a bachelor’s degree. “I’ve experienced firsthand what Vance-Granville can do for an individual,” Bailey noted. He encouraged the educators to think of VGCC as a “first choice” for their students, because of its affordability, its supportive environment that helps students succeed, and its engaging student activities that encourage leadership development.

Next, Kathy Ktul, VGCC’s registrar, gave attendees information on the new North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) and how it impacts college admissions. Jeremy Lambert, assistant director of financial aid, discussed various forms of assistance, including scholarships. The college’s new VanGuarantee scholarship program is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students in the four-county area whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support.

In a similar vein, VGCC Dean of Arts and Sciences Cynthia Grissom-Young discussed the College Transfer program, which allows students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree without racking up large amounts of debt. She estimated, for example, that a North Carolina resident saves $34,126 by attending VGCC for two years rather than attending a state-supported university such as East Carolina University for his or her freshman and sophomore years. “It’s important for students to understand this and to stretch their education dollars as far as possible,” Grissom-Young said. She explained how the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) between the state’s community college system and the UNC System and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) between community colleges and private four-year institutions provide students with clear pathways to four-year degrees.

VGCC Fine Arts and Humanities Department Chair Betsy Henderson informed educators about the college’s new Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts degree. That program now has its own statewide articulation agreement, allowing VGCC graduates to transfer to seven public universities, where they can complete bachelor’s degrees in art or studio art. “We have so many talented young artists in our communities,” Henderson said. “Send those students to us, and they can start their arts education here with excellent instructors and affordable tuition.”

Reba Bullock, the college liaison for Granville Early College High School and point of contact for VGCC’s joint high school programs, discussed Career & College Promise (CCP), which allows eligible high school students to earn college credits through several different structured pathways, without having to pay tuition. Bullock said most pathways are for high school juniors and seniors, but some are available to ninth- and tenth-grade students, as well.

Students and parents interested in CCP should contact their high school counselors or the following VGCC staff: for Franklin County students, Evelyn Hall at halle@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3611; for Granville County students, Reba Bullock at bullockr@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3525; for Vance County students: Evangeline Mitchell at mitchelle@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3289; and for Warren County students: Faye Goode at goodef@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3594.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

Franklin County Logo

New Solid Waste Director Selected in Franklin

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— courtesy Franklin County

Brian Haynesworth will join the team in January, 2018

Franklin County, November 30, 2017: Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Brian Haynesworth Solid Waste Director. Mr. Haynesworth will assume the position January 2, 2018 following the retirement of current director John Faulkner. Mr. Faulkner retires today after 30 years of service in Franklin, 25 years as director.

Mr. Haynesworth has served as Solid Waste Program Manager for Durham County since 2007. In that role, he oversees solid waste and recycling collection programs that include recycling collection of 14,000 households and four solid waste and recycling convenient sites that receive over 250,000 visitors a year. He has managed litter control and investigation programs and county surplus property management as well. Mr. Haynesworth has also worked with the City of Durham as a Waste Reduction Coordinator and Environmental Specialist with the State of North Carolina.

Brian Haynesworth – Franklin County Photo

Mr. Haynesworth holds a Bachelor’s of Arts from Lincoln University and has pursued advanced studies in Public Health from the University of Tennessee. Additional certifications and training include SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (NC), Carolina Recycling Association Annual Conference, FEMA-National Incident Management System and Certified Transfer Station Operator.

Mr. Haynesworth and his family currently reside in the Wake Forest area.

“We welcome Brian Haynesworth to our leadership team,” commented Mrs. Harris. “In his role as director, Brian will work in partnership with staff and the community to promote recycling, litter prevention, waste reduction and environmental stewardship.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.