Wilton Elementary School celebrated their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification.
The event was attended by family and community members. It was led by their Student Lighthouse Team and included special performances by Wilton’s Show Choir, a Family Feud game with the Student Lighthouse Team and special presentations by a speaker from each grade level.
Attendees were also invited to visit classrooms as students demonstrated their leadership skills in the classroom. Guests could also visit the media center where students shared information on the different extracurricular opportunities at Wilton such as Show Choir, Student Lighthouse Team, Girls on the Run, Clubs, PAW Patrol, Spelling Bee, Battle of the Books and CLAWS.
Guests then met back in the gym for the grand finale in which all students in the school came together to sing.
The event was enjoyed by all and Wilton greatly appreciates the parent and community support!
Wilton Elementary School students sing for guests in celebration of their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification. (Photo courtesy Granville County Public Schools)
-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford
The Budget & Finance Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at 3 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed FY 19-20 City of Oxford Annual Budget.
All those interested are invited to attend.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Oxford-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-29 16:58:022019-04-29 16:58:02Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold FY 2019-20 Budget Meeting
As the weather turns warmer and many North Carolinians make travel plans for the summer months, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Standards Division is offering a few tips on how to stay safe at the pump after a recent uptick in credit card skimmers have been found.
In the first quarter of 2019, inspectors with the NCDA&CS Standards Division and partnering local authorities found 23 credit card skimmers in gas pumps around the state through routine inspections at the pump. That compares to five skimmers in the first quarter of 2018 and 37 over the entire year.
Also of note is that 11 of the 23 skimmers found in the first quarter were found in Johnston County. This includes five at one location in the town of Selma, and implies a concerted effort to target the Johnston County area with skimmers. Skimmers were also found in Davidson, Mecklenburg and Polk counties.
“On return visits, we found that some of the same stores were hit a second time after the first device was already removed. This leads me to believe that someone is, or at least was, actively working this area,” said Chad Parker, Standards Division measurement section manager. “We have completed our sweep and now our inspector is returning to these stores for his annual inspections.”
Skimmers are electronic devices placed inside a gas pump which collect data whenever a credit or debit card transaction is made at that pump. The owner of the skimmer then returns and collects the device, along with the credit or debit card information stored on it.
For the average customer, there is no way of knowing if there is a skimmer inside a pump, said Parker. Despite that, there are a few steps that consumers can take to reduce the risk of having their information stolen.
If possible, do not use a card at the pump. Paying for your gas inside, with either a card or cash, allows you to pay at a machine that has an employee watching over it all day.
If you do use a card outside, run it as a credit transaction, rather than debit. This way, the machine will ask for your ZIP code instead of your PIN, which leave you less vulnerable if a skimmer picks up your information.
Ask the store what kinds of measures they have taken to protect your information from being stolen
The Standards Division inspects gas dispensers for accuracy and fuel quality. Inspectors with the division check dispensers for the presence of skimmers by request, complaint or during routine gas pump inspection.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Credit-Card-Skimmer.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-26 16:54:062019-04-26 16:23:22NCDA&CS: Recent Uptick in Use of Credit Card Skimmers at NC Gas Pumps
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Monday, April 29, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina for the Board’s consideration of the 2019-2020 budget proposal.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Granville-County-Public-Schools.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-26 16:50:292019-04-26 16:21:52Granville Board of Ed. to Consider 2019-20 Budget in Mon. Work Session
Lindsey Bickers Bock, health education supervisor with the Granville-Vance Public Health Department, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the Prescription Drug Take Back event taking place in Oxford this weekend.
Held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency’s 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the local event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Professional Pharmacy, 140 Roxboro Rd (near Food Lion) in Oxford.
The event is a partnership between G-V Public Health, Professional Pharmacy, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and Harm Reduction Coalition NC.
“We invite the community to bring any type of medication that they aren’t using anymore, as well as any used or unused syringes, to Professional Pharmacy on Saturday and let us help you dispose of them in a safe way,” said Bickers Bock.
Participants are asked to bring medication and syringes in their original containers and to mark over or scratch out identifying information; no personal information is required for participation.
According to Bickers Bock, the event is also an opportunity to educate the public about potential prescription drug abuse and consequences.
“The Take Back event is done as part of the Vibrant Coalition that works to reduce the risk of an opioid overdose. We know that one of the ways people end up misusing opioids is by having too much medication available to them after needing the prescription for only a short time.”
In fact, Bickers Bock said studies have shown that having just a five-day supply more than needed makes a person twice as likely to use opioids a year later.
In a recent press release sent to WIZS concerning the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., expressed concern about the on-going opioid crisis both state-wide and on the national level.
“Across the county and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, we are facing a real and dangerous threat from opioids and other prescription drugs,” said Higdon. “We have unprecedented levels of addiction, frightening numbers of overdoses and an alarming number of deaths because of the over prescription and improper use of these drugs. And this requires each of us to work to solve it. By properly disposing of prescription medication we do not need, we can reduce the risk that these drugs will fall into the wrong hands. Please help us resolve this problem by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”
For more information on G-V Public Health and/or the Prescription Drug Take Back event being held in Oxford, please visit www.gvph.org. With additional questions, please contact Bickers Bock at (919) 693-2141, ext. 148 or email lbickersbock@gvdhd.org.
To locate a collection site that may be closer to you, please go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city or state.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Bickers Bock in its entirety, click here. Bickers Bock’s portion of the interview begins at the 12:38 mark.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Prescription-Drug-Take-Back-2019.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-04-25 16:58:032019-04-25 16:58:03‘Prescription Drug Take Back’ Event to Help Community Properly Dispose of Meds.
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina for the purpose of receiving a financial presentation and financial updates from staff on School System finances.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Granville-County-Public-Schools.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-24 16:54:052019-04-24 16:54:05Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Financial Work Session – Thurs., April 25
Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.
Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.
Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.
In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.
Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.
Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.” by entertainer David Hayes on Friday, May 10, 2019. Show starts at 8 p.m.
A Part of the Heritage! Series
A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. STARRING DAVID HAYES.
“That was the best singing impersonation of me that I’ve ever heard.”
David Hayes was the subject of this compliment from Sammy Davis Jr. after Sammy saw David perform in Atlantic City.
The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.” by entertainer David Hayes on Friday, May 10, 2019. Show starts at 8 p.m. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)
David has been performing as Sammy Davis Jr. since 1991. He sings like Sammy, tap dances, plays the drums, does impersonations and also looks like Sammy. He sings all of the songs made famous by Sammy, including “Once In A Lifetime,” “Old Black Magic,” “What Kind Of Fool Am I,” “Candy Man,” “Birth Of The Blues” and many more. David has performed at Harrahs in Lake Tahoe, The Venetian, Harrahs and Caesars in Las Vegas, as well as major theatres across the US and some of the biggest cruise lines in the world.
He brings to the stage many years of show business experience as an accomplished comedian, emcee, actor, singer, and musician, as well as being an accomplished visual artist. He has earned the title, in Fun & Gaming Magazine, of “Best Performer in a Production Show” four years in a row, followed by “Best Act.” David is a unique, multi-talented performer who also regularly appears as Sammy in various Rat Pack tribute shows across the country. He has earned several glowing newspaper reviews performing in this show.
“David not only captures Davis’ look but he’s got virtually every stage mannerism of the late performer and measures up to Davis’ distinctive vocal style.”
– Atlantic City Weekly
“David sounds closest to Sammy and puts across the sharp dance gestures of Davis impeccably.”
– New Haven Register
“David Hayes does a superb job as Sammy in regard to his vocals and some fancy tap-dancing.”
– Now That’s Entertainment – Parent World
When you watch David Hayes perform you think you are watching the real Sammy Davis Jr. — without question, he is one of the best tribute artists in the world.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/A-Tribute-to-Sammy-Davis.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-23 16:53:252019-04-23 16:53:25‘A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.’ by David Hayes Coming to McGregor Hall
The Public Safety Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Parking and U-turns. All those interested are invited to attend.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Oxford-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-23 16:52:192019-04-23 16:52:19Oxford Public Safety Committee to Discuss Parking, U-Turns – April 25
LaRocca, who joined the college in March after 15 years with Duke University, said his own experience as a graduate of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York made the possibility of working for VGCC appealing.
“Vance-Granville is giving me another opportunity to give back to the community college system that gave so much to me,” LaRocca said. “I gained valuable tools learning how to manage my time, learning how to focus academically, and then using those skills at a four-year college and in my career.”
In addition to Duke University, LaRocca’s career includes stints with the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
While LaRocca believes his educational path was the key to success in his career, he agrees that everyone must define success in their own terms – an opportunity readily offered by the community college system.
“I’m a big proponent of education. I’m a big advocate of getting a four-year degree and even going on to get a master’s degree; however, I’m also aware that college isn’t for everyone. Sometimes getting a two-year degree in a skill or trade is enough to be successful,” stated LaRocca.
While less than two months into his new position, LaRocca said he is encouraged by the positive growth he has already witnessed under the leadership of VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, joined VGCC as the institution’s seventh president in January.
“I love the new, fresh approach at the college. Dr. Desmarais has some wonderful ideas in terms of restructuring and her view on where the college could be in the next few years.”
In a recent Town Talk interview with WIZS, Desmarais explained her vision promoted economic turnaround by helping the four-county area transition “from tobacco and old-style manufacturing into healthcare and biotech innovation.”
Part of that vision, according to LaRocca, is promoting new programs at the college to ensure students have the skills needed to be eligible for emerging career opportunities in the local area.
Two of VGCC’s newest programs – Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security – will be offered as certificate and associate degree programs through the Information Technology Department beginning fall 2019.
“We are making strides to create new programs so there is something available for everyone. I encourage the community to check out our website frequently (www.vgcc.edu) for updates,” said LaRocca.
LaRocca also invites the community to attend upcoming events at VGCC, including:
A “Community Engagement Night” event at the Main Campus in Henderson on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
To hear the Town Talk interview with LaRocca in its entirety, click here. LaRocca’s portion of the interview begins at the 10:00 mark.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/vgcc.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-04-19 16:54:282019-04-19 16:54:28LaRocca, New Director of Communications, Encouraged by VGCC’s ‘Fresh Approach’
