One of VGCC’s Earliest Graduates Establishes Scholarships

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Almost half a century after he enrolled at the school that is now Vance-Granville Community College, Steve McRavin is giving back by establishing a pair of scholarships for today’s students.

Along with his wife, Patti, McRavin recently created annual scholarships through the VGCC Endowment Fund in memory of several of his family members.

Steve McRavin graduated VGCC with his vocational diploma in Automotive Mechanics on August 22, 1971 – the college’s first graduating class for curriculum programs. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

The Allen and Margaret Jones/Lucy Jones Allen Scholarship in Nursing is named for his grandparents and his eldest aunt, Lucy, who was a nurse. In awarding this scholarship, preference will be given to second-year Associate Degree Nursing students and students who are single parents.

Meanwhile, the Howard and Thelma “Kitty” McRavin Memorial Scholarship in Automotive honors the memory of his parents. VGCC will prioritize students in the Automotive Systems Technology, the current name for the program from which McRavin graduated, for this scholarship. In both cases, other eligibility requirements will apply.

Steve McRavin grew up on a small farm in Williamsboro, and took automotive classes at Vance County High School. Upon graduating from high school in 1970, young Steve wanted to continue learning and was excited to learn that the new Vance County Technical Institute would soon start offering automotive mechanics as one of its very first curriculum programs.

That summer, McRavin worked for a local construction company. “By coincidence, one of the jobs I worked on was helping to build the automotive and welding shop at Vance County Technical Institute,” he said. “I knew then for certain that the automotive program was going to be a reality! I got to meet Dr. Greene [the school’s first chief academic officer] when he would come out and look at the progress on the buildings, and I told him I would be enrolling that fall.”

Taking classes on that original campus – the former Maria Parham Hospital building – McRavin studied under the head of the new automotive program, the late Thomas Welch, whom he describes as “a great man.”

McRavin graduated with his vocational diploma in Automotive Mechanics on August 22, 1971, in the school’s first graduating class for curriculum programs. He then worked at the local Firestone until he was drafted in 1972 into the United States Army. He served in military intelligence for the next two decades, much of that time stationed in West Germany.

McRavin continued his education while in the service, obtaining an associate’s degree in automotive technology and a bachelor’s degree in workforce education/development because he knew he wanted to work in education in some way after his military career ended.

He retired at the rank of First Sergeant in 1992 and started working at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington.

Steve McCravin (right) and Patti McCravin (center) receive the President’s Lifetime Circle recognition as part of the South Pudget Sound Foundation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Even after all those years, McRavin credited the inspiration for his new career to Mr. Welch. Starting as a lab technician for the SPSCC automotive department, McRavin served in a variety of roles: teaching automotive classes, advising students, and overseeing recruiting. He retired from the college as a full-time administrator but continues to teach there part-time.

McRavin said the new VGCC scholarships are his way of giving back to a school and a community that had helped him. The local community still includes a number of his relatives, and he has returned to visit from time to time. Describing himself as a “country boy from Vance County,” McRavin also wants to inspire today’s youth to take advantage of educational opportunities, as he did. “It’s not where you start – it’s where you end up,” he said. “You never know where you’re going to go.”

He is also not the only member of his family to benefit from the college. “One of my daughters, Gillian McRavin Johnson, graduated in 1991 from the VGCC Associate Degree Nursing program,” McRavin said. “She raves about the program at Vance-Granville to this day.” Currently a registered nurse in the state of Washington, Johnson is working on becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

McRavin’s wife, Patti, has also worked in higher education and non-profit community groups during her career.

Currently residing in Spanaway, Washington, the McRavins said that they both have a passion for higher education, because education changed the course of their lives. They have also established scholarships at South Puget Sound Community College.

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vance-Granville Community College, it is extremely gratifying that one of our first alumni, and someone who literally helped build the foundation of our institution, has reached out from across the country to pay forward what he received,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “We appreciate Steve and Patti’s service to education and their generous support of our students.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,400 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

NCDOT

Proposed Widening of Creedmoor Road to be Discussed at Public Meeting

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation

The N.C. Department of Transportation will host a public meeting later this month to discuss two concepts being considered to widen Creedmoor Road (U.S. 50) between Interstate 540 to north of N.C. 98 from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided highway.

The goal of the project is to ease congestion, increase access and safety, and enhance mobility to provide an improved north-south connection in the region.

The first concept would incorporate Reduced Conflict Intersections. An RCI would control the direction that motorists going onto Creedmoor Road from side streets could travel, greatly reducing the chance for crashes on the main road, and often improving travel time through the corridor. The other concept features traditional intersections. The preferred alternative may include elements of both the traditional and RCI designs, based on comments received.

Two options are also being considered for the Creedmoor Road interchange at I-540. One would improve the current diamond interchange, while the other would reconfigure it to a Diverging Diamond Interchange.

A map of the project area can be viewed on the NCDOT public meetings website. Area residents will have a chance to view them in detail at a meeting on Tuesday, August 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the Amran Shriners Club, 11101 Creedmoor Road, which is 2.2 miles north of the I-540 interchange.

No formal presentation will be made, but project staff will be available to answer questions and receive comments relative to the concepts throughout the meeting. The comments and information received will be taken into consideration as work on the project develops.

Anyone unable to attend the meeting can still offer comments via NCDOT’s public input portal, or by phone or email to Allison White, NCDOT project manager, at 919-707-6341 or akwhite@ncdot.gov by September 13, 2019.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in the meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Diane Wilson at pdwilson1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6073 as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Persons who have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Commissioners to Hear Water/Sewer System Fee Presentation – Aug. 13

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Water and Sewer System Development Fee Presentation – City Engineer, Amy Ratliff.

Consider adopting a Resolution to accept a loan and adopt a Capital Project Ordinance for the 2017 B Sewer Line Replacement Project.

Consider adopting a Resolution to partner with the US Census Bureau and the State to ensure every resident is counted for the 2020 Census.

Please click here for complete Oxford Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes.

Garrison Says He’ll ‘Continue Seeking Relocation of DHHS’ to Granville County

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As stated by NC House District 32 Representative Terry Garrison in his recent newsletter message:

Passing a biennium budget during a long session and odd year of the North Carolina General Assembly is the most important work that this legislative body will do while in session. During this 2019-2020 session of the General Assembly, both chambers of the NC House and NC Senate passed its version of a biennium budget in June.

The two budget versions had differences which then required them to be referred to a Conference Committee to develop a consensus budget. A consensus budget was completed and approved largely along political party lines. As Republicans hold majority memberships in both the House and Senate, they also largely comprised the Consensus Committee. As a result, the Consensus Bill, HB 966, 2019 Appropriations Act was also approved along political party lines, on June 27, 2019.

HB 966 (Appropriations Act) did not include Medicaid Expansion which was the number one budget priority for Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and the Democratic Party. Additionally, the conference budget did not allow citizens a choice on deciding whether to invest in a bond for much-needed school construction as desired by the Governor.

Further, the conference budget provides an average of 3.8% teacher pay increase as opposed to 9.1% sought by the Governor; gives all state employees a $1,000 raise as opposed to 2% or $800 raise, whichever is greater; and provides a 1% cost of living increase for state retirees as opposed to a 2% cost of living increase sought by the Governor.

A few differences between the conference committee and the Governor’s budget are shared here, but there a number of other differences between the two budgets which were objected to by Democrats in both the House and Senate as well as the Governor.

The Republicans included a number of perks within the conference bill which mainly benefited their constituents.

The relocation of the headquarters of the NC Department of Health and Human Services to Granville County was included in the conference budget by the Senate without any special conditions. However, the House changed the relocation to the Triangle North Granville Business and Industrial site in Oxford on condition of my commitment to override the Governor’s veto of the budget. While I fully support the relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North Granville site, I cannot in good conscience vote to override the Governor’s veto.

Governor Cooper vetoed HB 966 as expected. The state is currently operating under a continuing budget resolution, or more specifically, operating under the 2018 budget until a new biennium budget is passed. A vote on the override of the Governor’s veto is pending and has not occurred as of this time. If an override of the Governor’s veto of budget does not occur, then the budget will have to be renegotiated until a consensus budget can be achieved.

It is my plan to continue seeking relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North site. While the Governor is leaning toward a study bill for the relocation of DHHS, I am optimistic that Granville County will remain the target site for consideration of such project relocation.

Further, it is my goal to advocate for more jobs and related initiatives promoted by the state within Granville, Vance and Warren Counties within this upcoming biennium.

Granville County Detention Center Administrator Retires

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

After 21 years of service, Mr. Jimmy Hayes has retired from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office as Detention Center Administrator.

Hayes was recognized by Granville County Commissioners for his dedication to the job at the Monday, August 5, 2019, meeting. A retirement celebration was held on June 26, Hayes’ last official day on the job, in honor of his outstanding service.

Prior to his work with Granville County, Hayes had a 34-year career with the N.C. Department of Corrections. He is pictured here with Commissioner and former Granville County Sheriff David Smith.

After 21 years of service, Mr. Jimmy Hayes has retired from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office as Detention Center Administrator. Pictured: Mr. Jimmy Hayes (right) and Granville County Commissioner David Smith. (Granville Co. Govt photo)

 

 

Flags Flying at Half-Mast in Memory of El Paso, Dayton Victims

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Amerian flags are being flown at half-mast today in honor and in memory of the victims of the tragedies in El Paso, Texas and in Dayton, Ohio.

Earlier this week. the White House issued the following proclamation:

“Our Nation mourns with those whose loved ones were murdered in the tragic shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and we share in the pain and suffering of all those who were injured in these two senseless attacks… Through our grief, America stands united with the people of El Paso and Dayton. May God be with the victims of these two horrific crimes and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.”

Pictured: flags at half-mast at the Granville County Courthouse, in honor and in memory of the victims of the tragedies in El Paso, Texas and in Dayton, Ohio. (Granville Co. Govt photo)

 

 

VGCC Inaugurates Seventh President

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. The historic occasion was also part of a series of events held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the community college, which was established in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute.

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. (VGCC photo)

Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, performed the ceremonial investiture of the president, who has been on the job since earlier this year. In his remarks, Wright said, “We take this opportunity to look back on the rich tradition we have of providing education and training to our community. At the same time, we mark the start of a new era, and consider all the possibilities of the future.”

He then presented Desmarais with a medallion, featuring the college’s seal, to represent the authority of the president’s position.

Making her inaugural address, Desmarais remarked, “Vance-Granville Community College has been shining the light of education and opportunity in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties for 50 years. I am proud of this legacy of learning and service. Indeed, I am honored to have been called to this college — to serve these communities. My life’s goal is to ‘make a difference’ in whatever I do. Likewise, I believe this institution has made a difference and will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. As we embark upon the next 50 years of learning and service, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to being a community educator, convener, and partner.”

Several dignitaries brought greetings on behalf of the state and the four counties served by the college: Peter Hans, the president of the N.C. Community College System; Archie B. Taylor, Jr., chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Alisa McLean, superintendent of Granville County Schools; Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager; and Vincent Jones, Warren County Manager.

VGCC students also played key roles in the event. Tyshii Scarborough, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, gave welcoming remarks, and two recent alumnae of the college, Angelica Bridges and Evan O’Geary, presented musical selections.

Special guests included not only local community leaders but also presidents of several community colleges from across the state.

Granville’s New Teacher Homecoming Tailgate to be Held Tues., Aug. 13

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce and Granville Health System are sponsoring a welcome event for new teachers coming to Granville County on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, from 3 until 5 p.m. on the grounds and in the cafeteria at the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford.

This event will welcome and recognize new employees to Granville County who are being employed at Falls Lake Academy, Granville County Public Schools and Oxford Preparatory School.

The Homecoming Tailgate event will provide an opportunity to meet local elected officials, as well as business owners and leaders in Granville County.

Upon arrival, new teachers will be met by Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers and will be encouraged to take selfies of their “First Day of School” with their cellphone cameras. Cheerleaders from each of the schools have been invited to greet and welcome the new teacher arrivals to the event.

Presiding will be Tanya Evans/Duke Energy, President of the Chamber, with remarks from event sponsor Granville Health System CEO John Snow.

Guests will enjoy typical tailgate food in the cafeteria and will hear remarks from Vance-Granville Community College President, Dr. Rachel Desmarais, as well as each administrator from the three schools.

The outside grounds at the Masonic Home will have a tailgate atmosphere with tents where Chamber of Commerce member businesses have been invited to set up tables with their business information and to bring interactive games to go along with the tailgate/Homecoming theme. Sponsor Granville Health System plans to have a sports medicine tent at the event.

The Chamber is preparing new teacher gift bags, provided by GHS. Chamber member businesses wishing to contribute items for gift bags for the 100 new teachers should contact either of the Chamber’s offices – Toni Anne Wheeler, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com or Wanda Garrett, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Special Meeting – Aug. 8

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NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at 5 p.m. at the Masonic Home for Children, St. John’s Building Conference room.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss policy matters related to Board operations, and to enter session pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1), (a)(3) and (a)(6) to prevent the disclosure of confidential personnel records and to consider matters relating to employee performance, and to consult with the Board’s attorney.

Dywanda Pettaway, Clerk to Board of Education

Terry Garrison

Governor Roy Cooper Shows Support for NC House Rep. Terry Garrison

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On Sunday afternoon, Governor Roy Cooper visited Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson and was officially welcomed by Mayor Eddie Ellington. Cooper was in town to support NC House 32 Representative Terry Garrison.

Ellington thanked Cooper for being a “friend” to the local area and praised Garrison’s support of the community. “Rep. Terry Garrison and I as well as the City Council, city manager and staff have always worked well alongside one another, when he was our county commissioner and now as our State House Representative,” said Ellington. “He has championed legislation that improves the lives of our citizens.”

Garrison, a local Democrat who represents areas in Vance, Granville and Warren County, has stood firm with the Democratic governor in not voting with Republicans to override the governor’s veto of the state budget.

Numerous carrots have been dangled in front of Garrison as incentives, including the much-ballyhooed Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) move.

In reference to recent discussions on possible jobs created by the potential DHHS move from Raleigh to Granville County, Ellington clarified, “People need to understand and get the facts. These ‘1800-2000′ jobs already exist. This is not for new jobs or positions. It’s basically moving the building. Of course, I realize some may not want to drive and may quit. But most are not, given these are state jobs with good benefits and it’s probably an easier drive to Creedmoor than downtown Raleigh.”

In recent interviews with Garrison on WIZS’ TownTalk, he said there was more at stake than just the DHHS. In fact, Medicaid expansion, which could affect approximately 19,000 people in Vance County alone, is at stake as a part of the state budget, as is additional money for education and teacher compensation.

“Representative Garrison and I have had long talks in regards to the need for Medicaid expansion and the effects that it would and can have on our community partners, Maria Parham Health and the jobs of the ones that continue to invest and work there, but also the needs and lives of our residents,” Ellington said.

“The studies have been done and accepting federal funds for Medicaid expansion would generate close to 175 jobs in Vance County, $79 million in Vance County business activity and $591 thousand in new Vance County revenue. Keep in mind these numbers are for Vance County and Henderson. Imagine what can be done for the entire state. Talk about an economic boost along with providing healthcare to those who so desperately need it.”

The reception was a timely and strong showing for Garrison. He has been under tremendous pressure, even to the point of health concerns, since this all began to unfold more than a month ago.

In the intense political arena of late, Henderson and Vance County have gotten a lot of attention, and while there has been disagreement from some locally as to Garrison not, in effect, voting against the governor, what has been firm is Garrison’s stance to continue to negotiate.

If there is any room in the final sentence or two of a news story, which has otherwise been fact, it’s this: Garrison, so far, has not been for sale. His bargaining appears to have been open and honest, and it’s very possible, despite the fact that Garrison could himself at some point benefit too, that his negotiations have already produced more tangible results than a boat full of political promises from elsewhere. Time will tell…