VGCC Hosting Office & Medical Office Information Sessions At All Campuses

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will offer information sessions for the Medical Office Administration and the Office Administration programs starting Thursday, October 25.

Those interested in the two programs for career opportunities can attend their choice of five sessions to get overviews of the programs, discover work-based learning and volunteer opportunities, and learn about the prospects for employment in the fields.

Those interested in the two curriculum programs can choose from among these five information sessions:

Main Campus: Thursday, Oct. 25, noon, Building 8, Conference Room;

Main Campus: Thursday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Building 9, Civic Center, Seminar Room 2;

Franklin Campus: Thursday, Nov. 1, 6 p.m., Franklin Campus, Room F1210;

South Campus: Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m., Room G1131; and

Warren Campus: Thursday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m., Seminar Room, Room W4103.

The Medical Office Administration curriculum prepares individuals for employment in medical and other healthcare-related offices. Coursework includes medical terminology, computer information systems, office procedures, medical coding, medical billing and insurance, legal and ethical issues, and electronic health records. Students learn administrative and support functions and develop skills applicable in medical environments.

For graduates with this degree, employment opportunities are available in medical and dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, laboratories, medical supply companies, and other healthcare-related organizations.

VGCC offers the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Office Administration with two tracks from which students may choose: a general track and a coding specialist track option.

VGCC also offers three certificates including the Medical Coding Specialist certificate. Medical coding is the process of reviewing patients’ written medical records and converting them into an alphanumeric language, primarily in order to submit a bill for services or supplies to an insurance company for payment.

The Office Administration curriculum offers an associate’s degree, diploma, and certificate options and prepares individuals for employment in administrative support careers outside the healthcare field. Office Administration equips office professionals to respond to the demands of a dynamic computerized workplace. Students take courses designed to develop proficiency in the use of integrated software, oral and written communication, analysis and coordination of office duties and systems, and other support topics.

Graduates of Office Administration should qualify for employment in a variety of positions in business, government, education, and industry. Job classifications range from entry-level to supervisor to middle management.

Prospective students can learn more about all of these program options at the information session of their choice. Please visit www.vgcc.edu/officeinfosession for more details.

Enrollment of new students is taking place now. The spring semester begins in early January. All courses are available online.

For more information, contact Christal Thomas at (252) 738-3325 or thomasc@vgcc.edu or Hollie Garrett at (252) 738-3352 or garretth@vgcc.edu.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Residents Urged to ‘Shop Granville First’ on Small Business Saturday – Nov. 24

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— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

Now in our 4th year, the Shop Granville First event is even bigger and better than ever. What started as an idea to leverage the consumer-minded weekend and help the small, local business across Granville county has grown into an annual event. We’re excited to see just how much this program is going to benefit the business community in 2018.

“In 2017, an estimated 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday — generating roughly $12 billion in reported spend.” 1

The impact that Shop Granville First has had on the greater Granville county area is significant. Participating business reported that the revenue generated on Small Business Saturday in the first 3 years is an 11% increase over past years. 2

Communities United

“As shopping small catches on in communities everywhere, Small Business Saturday goes from a cause to a day of community celebration. 90% of consumers surveyed said Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community.” 3

Let’s do this again, together!

Neighborhood champions, community leaders, and volunteers are working hard to prepare for the 4th Annual Shop Granville First event to take place on Saturday, November 24, 2018. The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead on this, and will serve as headquarters for any business or consumer who wishes more information on participating. Shopping bags, instructions, coupons and more will be distributed at the Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast.

We look forward to another successful Small Business Saturday. Remember, anything you want or need, you can get in Granville County, so Shop Granville First!

1 The statistic cited is an estimate based on projections from a nationally representative sample of adult consumers as reported in the post – 2017 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. The Survey gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales.

2 The statistic cited is an estimate based on self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales.

3 The statistic cited was based on an online study conducted among a nationally representative sample of adult consumers as reported in the pre-2017 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. The Survey gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales.

Oxford Prep Students Plant Garden to Feed Community Members in Need

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-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School

On a beautiful Friday afternoon, students and teachers from Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) partnered with adults from Salem United Methodist Church to begin a garden that will serve those in need in the community. A critical part of the OPS mission is to grow citizens who give back to those who live in our local community. OPS seeks to partner with those in the counties we serve to help create a more positive life for those who live around us every day.

Oxford Prep students, in partnership with Salem United Methodist Church, planted strawberry plugs to help feed those in need in the local community. (Photo Credit: OPS)

On Friday, October 19, a group of active and focused students put in three hundred strawberry plugs in anticipation of a future harvest. Southern States in Oxford donated work gloves, fertilizer, and lime for this school project. In addition, a master gardener from the local community is eager to help organize the work and plan for ongoing maintenance and future crops.

OPS students, led by Aaron Prestrud and Thomas Venetta, joined by members of Salem UMC, led by Rev. Glenn Stallsmith, look forward to continuing to work together as we get closer to the strawberry harvest while also envisioning together what a spring planting and summertime project might entail.

Guild Gift Gallery Volunteers Create New VGCC Scholarship

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The volunteers who operate the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Health have endowed their 13th scholarship to help students enrolled at Vance-Granville Community College. The new award is the second that specifically honors the service of the past and present volunteers who have donated their time to work at the gift shop over the years.

When 10 of the volunteers met last month for a photo in the lobby of the hospital on Ruin Creek Road, they represented more than 100 years of work in the gift shop. Altogether, there are two dozen volunteers who currently staff the gallery with a combined number of 170 years of service.

The new gift continues a tradition of the organization’s support for education. Since 2008, the Guild Gift Gallery has given over $350,000 to the VGCC Endowment Fund to create scholarships that help deserving students who will become the nurses and other health-care professionals of the future. A small team of the guild is also dedicated to sending out single mothers gifts on Mother’s Day. The same team also operates on sending out provisions to the street urchins so they could send gifts for dad who work outside the town.

Above, a group of volunteers gathers at the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Health with representatives of Vance-Granville Community College’s Endowment Fund to celebrate the creation of their newest scholarship. Seated, from left, are Charlotte Ayscue, Gean Bobbitt, Shaaron Reynolds and Jean Hutchins. Standing, from left, are Kay Currin, Judy Campbell, Vernell Champion, Pat Ayscue, Jimmie Ayscue, Lou Reavis, Sylvia Edwards and Eddie Ferguson. Currin and Ferguson represent the Endowment Fund. (Photo Credit: VGCC)

The latest award is being called the Guild Gift Gallery Past & Present Volunteers Presidential Scholar Award, according to Eddie Ferguson, director of VGCC’s Endowment Fund. The scholarship will award $1,250 each year to a student enrolled in a Health Sciences curriculum program at VGCC.

Of the 24 volunteers who are currently active, the years of service are as follows: Gean Bobbitt, 27 years; Lou Reavis, 22; Louise Bennett, Jean Hutchins, Jean Norwood, and Betty Stevenson, 13 years each; Charlotte Ayscue and Sylvia Edwards, 10 years each; Vernell Champion, 9; Margie Moss and Shaaron Reynolds, 8 years each; Tricia Kleczek, 7; Betty Abbott, 5; Gail Malone, 3; Shannon Clark and Carol Pegram, 2 years each; and Sylvia Anderson, Jimmie Ayscue, Pat Ayscue, Judy Campbell, Fern Ellington, Dave Kleczek, Beverly Parrish, Stephanie Stringer, and Linda Washburn, 1 year each.

“This new scholarship beautifully connects all of the people who worked at the gift shop in the past with those who volunteer today to benefit the students who will help us carry forward into the future,” Ferguson said. “These volunteers have made and continue to make the Guild Gift Gallery such a success.”

Gean Bobbitt, coordinator of volunteers, said, “These women and men go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service to patients and to hospital visitors in a caring and friendly way. It’s so easy to see that they are excited about the work they do and the contribution they make.” She thanked Duke LifePoint and Maria Parham Health for their support of the Gallery.

Dr. Gordon Burns, interim president of Vance-Granville Community College, offered his praises for the work of the volunteers. “This gift shop demonstrates that it is an essential part of the hospital and the community,” he said. “Its local impact is evident as the money that the shop generates stays right here in the local community and it helps local students who are pursuing a career in healthcare at Vance-Granville.”

In addition to the scholarships honoring past and present volunteers, the Guild Gift Gallery volunteers have created presidential scholar awards honoring Bobbitt and in honor of Ann Rose Allen, who is now deceased, and in memory of Leslie Carswell, Dr. J. Franklin Mills, and Dr. W. Beverly Tucker.

The VGCC Endowment Fund and Scholarship Program has now awarded more than 9,000 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been established by individuals, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff to assist deserving VGCC students. 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.

Granville County Survey to Help Determine Tourism Strategies

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-Press Release, County of Granville

In an effort to distinguish Granville County in the marketplace, the Tourism Development Authority is conducting market research to develop a branding strategy and consistent message to visitors and residents. The Hughes Marketing Group of Matthews, NC has been retained to facilitate this process and will be collecting surveys from visitors and residents to learn more about the events and locales that attract visitors and have the most appeal to those who live in Granville County.

Surveys will be collected through Oct. 31 and are available online at www.granville-survey.com or through the offices of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce (Oxford and Creedmoor) and the Granville County Administration office at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. An online survey is also available through the Visit Granville NC website at https://www.visitgranvillenc.com/win100.

Those participating in the survey are eligible for prize drawings such as a $100 Visa Gift Card, tickets to Granville Haunt Farm, gift certificates for Cedar Creek Gallery, Uptown 101, Java Dave’s, Owl House Café or Georges Restaurant and a Visit Granville gift bag.

Questions for residents include a ranking of factors that may attract visitors to the area, as well as residential longevity in the county and personal opinions about reasons Granville County is a unique place to live, work and visit.

Granville County has much to offer not only residents but those who visit our communities for festivals, local attractions, sporting events and more. For more information, contact Angela Allen, Granville County Tourism Director, at 919-693-6125, or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. The Tourism Development office is located at 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford.

 About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov. 

U.S. Department of Justice

In Aftermath of Michael, Dept. of Justice Warns Public to Be Aware of Fraud

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“Following Hurricane Michael’s landfall and as recovery efforts continue, it is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes, impersonation of government officials and solicitations for fake charities,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.  “The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”

Since Hurricane Michael’s landfall, many people are left without food, water, or shelter, and are experiencing devastating damage to life and property. Unfortunately, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:

  • Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
  • Identity theft;
  • Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
  • Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
  • Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
  • Price gouging;
  • Contractor Fraud;
  • Debris removal fraud;
  • Theft, looting, and other violent crime

Numerous U.S. Attorney Offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.

“The NCDF has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints after the recent hurricanes and help ensure that each report of fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director. “Raising public awareness is a great way for the NCDF to reach thousands of people who may one day be subjected to fraudulent schemes.”

Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and exercise due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims. They should also exercise the same care before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims as well as being extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods.

Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll-free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to disaster@leo.gov.  Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here.  Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.

American Flag

Annual Granville Co. Veterans Day Parade to be Held Sun., Nov. 4

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website 

The annual Granville County Veterans Day Parade will be held in downtown Oxford, NC on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

The lineup for the parade begins at 2 p.m. on Belle St. and continues to Spring St. The parade begins at 3 p.m. sharp at CVS, travels up Williamsboro St., takes a right onto College St. and ends at Oxford Fire Department.

Bring your flags and support your veterans!

‘Operation Medicine Drop’ Tomorrow at Oxford Police Dept.

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website 

Oxford Police Department will be participating in Operation Medicine Drop at the Police Department located at 204 E. McClanahan Street in Oxford on Friday, October 19 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Operation Medicine Drop is a partnership of Safe Kids North Carolina, the Riverkeepers of North Carolina, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of North Carolina, and local law enforcement agencies working together to encourage the public to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medication. By providing safe and secure ways for people to get rid of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, Operation Medicine Drop helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse while protecting our waters.

Since 2010, Operation Medicine Drop has collected nearly 89.2 million pills at more than 2000 events.

Oxford’s Finance and Public Works Committees to Meet in Joint Session

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

The Finance and Personnel Committees for the City of Oxford will meet in a joint session on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Training Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street. The purpose of the meeting is to further discuss the Vacation Buy-Back and the Longevity Pay Plan. All those interested are encouraged to attend.

The Public Works, Water, & Infrastructure Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at 2 p.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 funding options for water line projects and Kerr Lake update. All those interested are invited to attend.

VGCC Hosting CCP Information Sessions For High School Students, Parents

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College 

High school students and their parents are being given the opportunity to learn more about how eligible students can earn college credits for free while still enrolled in high school. Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a series of sessions offering information on the “Career & College Promise” (CCP) program.

CCP allows the students to earn college credits towards a college degree, diploma or certificate while still in high school, without having to pay college tuition.

Attendees will learn about the requirements of the program and the steps to apply for admission in CCP. This information will help students prepare to enroll and register for classes in the upcoming Spring Semester starting in January and the Summer Term starting next May at Vance-Granville.

These information sessions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on these dates: Monday, Oct. 22, at the Main Campus between Henderson and Oxford (Building 8, Conference Room); Tuesday, Oct. 23, at South Campus between Butner and Creedmoor (Room G1131); Thursday, Oct. 25, at Warren County Campus in Warrenton (Building 4, Room W4103); and Monday, Oct. 29, at Franklin Campus in Louisburg (Multipurpose Room, F4101).

VGCC’s Career & College Promise pathways lead to students acquiring entry-level job skills and/or credits that transfer to four-year universities. Students who select the College Transfer (CT) option will take general education courses that transfer seamlessly to any of the 16 public universities in the University of North Carolina system or participating private colleges or universities. VGCC currently offers two CT Pathways with a prescribed set of courses: the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science.

VGCC’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways allow students to potentially earn certificates in more than 20 areas, including: Administrative Assistant, Heating & Air, Bioprocess, Business Management, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood, Electronics Engineering, Information Technology, Medical Office Administration, Paralegal, Robotics, and Simulation & Game Development; and diplomas in Carpentry, Electrical Systems, Information Technology, Paralegal and Welding.

Students and parents from anywhere in the four-county service area are invited to attend the CCP meeting of their choice and are not limited to attending the campus in their county.

For more information, contact Lyndon Hall at (252) 257-1900 or halll@vgcc.edu.

More information on the CCP program, including a Pathway Guide, is available at www.vgcc.edu/HighSchoolStudents/index.