Quilting classes start up again at VGCC in January

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— courtesy VGCC

As the cold winter weather brings to mind the original use for quilts, Vance-Granville Community College’s long-running Quilting program resumes in January, with three 14-week class schedules.

Peggy Stocks of Manson teaches the classes that will meet on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon, starting Jan. 10, and on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m., starting Jan. 11.

Velvet Boyd of Warrenton, a former student of Stocks, teaches the class that will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., starting Jan. 24. All the classes are held in Building 5 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Students come to VGCC from near and far because a Quilting class, particularly one that lasts as long as 14 weeks, can be difficult to find. At a cost of $100, which comes out to less than $2.50 per hour of instruction, the class is also quite affordable.

Stocks has been teaching the art of Quilting for VGCC’s Continuing Education division since 1995. She has been a quilter since 1980. She credits the VGCC Quilting program’s longevity to the fact that many people come back again and again to take the class and continue learning, but adds that beginners are always welcome. “The students who are new get help and inspiration from those who have done it for a long while,” Stocks said. “I just love doing it. I’ve learned from many other people, and I use my experience to teach others. There’s a lot to learn. It’s not as simple as you might think.”

A student works on a quilt in a VGCC classroom.

VGCC Personal Enrichment Coordinator Gail Clark noted that Quilting students benefit from talented instructors. “Peggy focuses on hand-quilting, and many students are able to complete their quilt in a single semester, following her hands-on, personalized instruction,” Clark said. “Peggy’s students also get together to create and donate quilts. Some of her students have entered quilting contests and received ribbons and awards.” Both Boyd’s and Stocks’s quilts have represented VGCC in state community college system art exhibitions, as well. Boyd has been quilting for 20 years and went from taking VGCC Quilting classes to teaching them in the early 2000s. Her students work on a combination of hand quilting and machine stitching.

Stocks said the appeal of a quilting class goes beyond learning skills. “It’s all about taking some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy fellowship with the other students, to be creative and to do something worthwhile – something that doesn’t involve an electronic screen!” she said.

Clark said that men and women of all ages find the classes to be fun, thanks largely to their patient, helpful teachers.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/personal-enrichment or at any VGCC campus. For more information, contact Gail Clark at (252) 738-3385 or ped@vgcc.edu. VGCC will be closed from Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

Magician Lozoff at McGregor Hall Jan. 6

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— courtesy McGregor Hall

The New Year Kicks Off With Magic & Mystery As Celebrity Joshua Lozoff Brings His ‘Life Is Magic’ Act To McGregor Hall On Jan. 6, 2018

HENDERSON, N.C. (DECEMBER 28, 2017) — Prepare to have your mind blown on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, as McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., kicks off the New Year with a magical performance theater goers will never forget — Joshua Lozoff: Life Is Magic.

Audience members will likely remember Lozoff from his days acting on the TV show “Cheers” or performing on the big screen in movies like “Clueless.” After his show at McGregor Hall, you’ll never forget Lozoff for his sleight-of-hand mastery.

Lozoff has been studying and sharing magic around the world for nearly 20 years. Today, Lozoff is regarded as one of the top magicians and recently had the honor of being one of only two magicians to receive an invitation to perform at the World’s Fair in Japan. He spent two weeks as a featured performer for the USA Pavilion, entertaining visitors from around the globe.

The award-winning documentary Metacarpus, about the power of the human hand, featured Joshua’s sleight-of-hand mastery alongside an orthopedic surgeon and sign language interpreter.

Joshua’s motto is “Life is Magic,” and he walks his talk by performing everywhere from penthouse suites to the slums of Guatemala City; sharing magic with Fortune 500 CEOs, folks on the street, and everyone in between. Joshua says, “the most beautiful thing about magic is how it appeals to everyone. I can go from a black-tie gala to a backyard barbeque, and everyone has a few moments in time which transcend our ordinary reality; moments of awe, of astonishment, and just a flat-out fun time.”

His performances combine his love for the art of magic, and his fascination with psychology as well as the powers of observation and influence. In one moment, he makes a drawing come to life just by pointing; in the next, he predicts an audience members choices even before they know it themself. “Audience members will be amazed by Joshua’s magic and mental demonstrations,” said Mark Hopper, Vice President of McGregor Hall’s Board of Directors. “We are honored to kick off the New Year at the hall with his caliber of magical, jaw-dropping entertainment.”

Tickets are on sale for $17 or $20 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

Joshua Lozoff: Life Is Magic is the first of several performances to be held in 2018. The lineup through April includes:
Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises – January 13, 2018
Al Stewart and The Empty Pockets – February 17, 2018
Karen Peck & New River – February 23, 2018
Masters of Soul – March 3, 2018
Hotel California –  March 16, 2018
The Talleys with Tribute – April 7, 2018
Rod of God – April 14, 2018

For more information on these performances, visit www.McGregorHall.org.

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(McGregor Hall is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is a press release from McGregor Hall.)

Extreme Cold Can Break Plumbing Lines

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Not only has it been cold, but multiple days ahead at the start of the new year are forecast with daytime high temperatures below freezing.  High temps Monday and Tuesday may not crest the freezing mark with lows in the teens, and the extreme cold can break plumbing lines.

Exposed water and sewer lines and improperly installed lines that don’t drain properly along with well pumps and garden hose spigots are at risk among other things.

Larry Satterwhite, owner/plumber of RK&B Plumbing in Henderson, said a big thing folks fail to do is unscrew the garden hose from outside spigots.  As water freezes in the exposed hose it transfers the cold back into the spigot and into the pipe which can then freeze.  Depending on your spigot type, water can go everywhere.

Photo by Larry Satterwhite. He recently replaced an above ground sewer pipe that froze and cracked because it was originally installed with an improper fall.

Satterwhite said even frost-free outdoor fixtures are at risk if the hose is not disconnected because the water is unable to drain from the buffer portion of the spigot.  On a frost-free spigot, the water actually cuts off 8-12 inches back from the handle, but if the water can’t drain and freezes, then the next time the water is turned on the tubing will leak.  “If a garden hose is attached and water in it is already frozen, the draining can’t occur and every spring when you go to water your plants, you will see water shooting down the bricks on the inside foundation or out by the spigot hole,” he said.

As far as other water and sewer lines, Satterwhite said, “As long as direct air doesn’t get to it, it usually has to be about three or four days of below freezing, and the key is daytime doesn’t get above freezing.  When day and night stays below freezing, it’s trouble.”

Make sure if you have a well house that the well pump and lines are covered, shielded from the wind and remember that a single 100 watt light bulb inside the well house works wonders at preventing a freeze.

(RK&B Plumbing is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is a news article and not an advertisement.)

Animals Need Your Care

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When it’s this cold outside, animals need your care no matter where you live.  Bedding, water and shelter from the wind are critical.

Vance County Chief Animal Control Officer, Frankie Nobles, told WIZS, “The key thing is keeping shavings in the dog houses or blankets.  One thing about blankets is blankets get wet, then they do get cold, so make sure you change them our regularly if you’re going to have a blanket.  Make sure you keep fresh water to the animals.  This time of year, of course, it’s going to freeze.  Get that ice out and get them some fresh water.”

Nobles said stray animals that are out all the time tend to be “street smart” in that they know where to find shelter.  Domestic animals are dependent on their owners.  He said, “The wind is the biggest thing that hurts them.  If that wind is blowing, if they can get somewhere where they can keep it blocked off, they can pretty well survive, but that wind really gets them.”

Animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter need supplies and care too, and despite the shelter being a new and warm facility, it is full of dogs at this time.  Nobles said, “Well, right now we are at capacity with the dog situation pretty much — big dogs, adult dogs you know.   What people don’t realize or understand is we have somebody on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year so animals are constantly coming into that shelter no matter if the doors are closed to the public, they’re still coming in.  But, this time of year, the community always supports us and we always get donations, so the community is real good about standing behind us this time of year.”

Nobles appeared on WIZS TownTalk on Thursday, Dec 28, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 11:25 a.m., and the full show can be heard by clicking here.  He praised the community, individuals and larger organizations here in this area for fantastic support.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Granville Vance Public Health Reopens Dec 28

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Granville Vance Public Health will reopen on Thursday, December 28th.  The health department was closed for the Christmas holiday December 25 – 27.

To learn more, visit Granville Vance Public Health online at https://gvph.org

Granville County – 101 Hunt Drive, Oxford – (919) 693-2141

Vance County – 115 Charles Rollins Road, Henderson – (252) 492-7915 phone

Jan 2 and Jan 9 City of Oxford Board of Commissioners’ Meetings

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The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold an agenda meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. It will take place in the Commissioners’ Board Room at City Hall.

Oxford Commissioners will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 beginning at 7 p.m. in the board room at City Hall.

At the agenda meeting on January 2, consideration will be given to adopting the franchise ordinance with Waste Industries as the second of two required adoptions.  The term of the ordinance will be January 2, 2018 until December 31, 2022.  Oxford’s present agreement for solid waste collection, transportation and disposal with Waste Industries expires December 30, 2017.  The first adoption was passed in a 6 to 2 vote during the December 12th regular board meeting.

The agenda meeting will also serve to set the proceedings for the January 9th regular meeting.

A couple of known agenda items for the January 9th regular meeting include considering acceptance of the annual financial report for FY 2016-2017 as well as considering renewal of on-call engineering contracts.

VGCC Natural Hair Care, Manicuring classes start in January

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College will offer a pair of continuing education courses that provide job training related to the cosmetology industry, starting in January. Both the Natural Hair Care and Manicure/Nail Technician courses are scheduled for Monday-Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Jan. 8 through June 5, both in Building 3 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

In Natural Hair Care, students will learn about the general sciences and practices specific to infection control, bacteriology, client consultation, twisting the hair, wrapping, blow drying and thermal ironing, extending, locking, business management, and professional ethics in the workplace.

The Manicure/Nail Technician course covers techniques of nail technology, hand and arm, massage, and recognition of nail diseases and disorders. Topics include OSHA/safety, sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salesmanship, manicures, artificial applications, pedicures, massage, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform nail care, including manicures, pedicures, massage, decorating, and artificial applications in a salon setting and even the best massage bangkok salons.

Students who successfully pass each course will be eligible to take the respective state licensure exam for Natural Hair Care or Manicurist.

The cost of each course is $201.25, plus the cost of the textbook and other applicable fees.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/occupational-extension-schedule or at any VGCC campus.

For more information, contact Director of Occupational Extension Kyle Burwell at 252-738-3300 or oex@vgcc.edu. VGCC will be closed from Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

Terry Garrison

Terry Garrison NC House 32 December 2017 Update

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North Carolina House Representative for District 32 Terry Garrison has written and released his latest from the NC General Assembly.  In Volume 1, Issue 5 for December 2017, Garrison and his office released the following text.

Since being sworn into office of the House of Representatives for District 32 (Vance, Warren and Granville Counties) of the North Carolina General Assembly on January 11, 2017, serving as a legislator has been a tremendous learning experience. The session was action packed with a limited time for newcomers to learn the legislative process. My 28 years of experience as a Vance County Commissioner was quite helpful with trying to adjust to this level of governance.

Serving on committees was where the real work occurred on legislative bills to be considered for approval. My committee appointments included Appropriations, Appropriations-Transportation, Education-Community College, Environment, Judiciary IV, State and Local Government I, and Legislative Redistricting. Additionally, I served on House Democratic Caucus Work Groups of County, Housing, Rural and Indian Affairs. I was also selected to serve as a vice chair of the Freshman Democratic Class.

Learning how to get a bill introduced was challenging. I did, however, manage to sponsor five bills— H372-School Calendar Flexibility, H390-Counties/Internet Infrastructure, H603-Small Farms to Healthier Schools Initiative, H638 Public School Construction & Lottery Changes, and H804 Add Additional Assistant District Attorney District 9B. Also, I co-sponsored nine bills.

During this legislative session, 1,551 bills were introduced; 214 were adopted. Governor Roy Cooper vetoed 13 bills and the General Assembly overrode all of them. Some of the most egregious bills vetoed and overridden were H100-Restore Partisan Elections for Judicial System, S68 Bipartisan Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, H239-Reduce Court of Appeals from 15 to 12, H576-Allow Aerosolization of Leachate, and 656-Electoral Freedom Act.

The legislative session this year was termed a long session because it was the year to approve and adopt the biennium budget. Approving a budget is perhaps the most important action a government can take. The NC General Assembly adopted a $23 billion biennium budget on June 28. Although the budget contained many positives, it could have provided more funding for education, particularly for K-3 grade levels to meet the legislative mandate for class size.

Legislative Redistricting remains the #1 hot button issue to be addressed for the NC General Assembly. Currently, the District 32 design contains little change. A final decision on redistricting is likely to occur in early 2018. Democrats will need to gain six seats in the House or nine seats in the Senate to prevent veto override by Republicans who currently hold super majorities in the House and Senate. Judicial Redistricting is the #2 hot button issue with final decision also likely in 2018.

It was my privilege to sponsor four youths as Legislative Pages—Ashton Murphy and Jabriel Steed of Vance County and Jordon Page and Tonia Hunter of Warren County. A Granville County high school student will be sponsored to attend the Legislative Youth Leadership Assembly in February 2018.

Several citizens within the House District 32 contacted my office during the year with questions, concerns, or requests for help with issues. I have tried to be as responsive and accommodating as possible. In particular, it has been gratifying to support various local programs, services, special occasions, and other activities where possible.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to supporters and voters for electing me as State Representative for District 32 for 2017-2018. I look forward to returning to legislative session on January 10, 2018.

VGCC Pharmacy Technology program leads service projects

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— courtesy VGCC

The Pharmacy Technology program at Vance-Granville Community College has continued its tradition of community involvement with a pair of recent service projects during the fall semester.

First, Pharmacy Technology faculty and students, with help from their colleagues in other VGCC Health Sciences programs, spearheaded a relief drive to help people in the Caribbean who had been affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Pharmacy Technology Program Head Dr. Erica Fleming grew up on the Caribbean island of Anguilla and has family there. Students and faculty set up stations at each of VGCC’s four campuses on two days in late October, where they collected various items and accepted cash donations.

From left, in front, Center for Innovative Learning student Anthony Dixon, VGCC Pharmacy Technology student Tommy Hicks, Pharmacy Technology Program Head Dr. Erica Fleming, Pharmacy Technology student Malissa Chandler and CIL student Jonathan Manzo; and from left, in back, CIL Principal Calvin Timberlake, CIL student Eric Sapp and School Resource Officer Elliott Carver of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

“I would like to thank all of the Health Sciences students who participated,” Fleming said. “We brought all the bags of collected items to the Pharmacy Tech lab on Main Campus, where we sorted and packaged them to provide food, clothes, personal care items and household items to four families in the ‘NC for Puerto Rico’ relocation support network. Cash donations will go to provide support for families on my home island of Anguilla.”

During the hurricane relief drive, Fleming said, her program also forged a new community partnership with Granville County Schools’ Center for Innovative Learning (CIL) in Oxford. “Students at the CIL donated items they collected in their own drive to support our event,” Fleming noted. “The CIL supplied us with new books, folders and school supplies, winter items, socks, undergarments and household cleaning supplies. We want to say a very special ‘thank you’ to Mrs. Louise Terry, school counselor, for coordinating the drive at CIL.” She added, “To everyone who gave to this effort, we say ‘thank you’ for showing our neighbors both here in North Carolina and in the Caribbean that you care.”

Seated, from left, VGCC Pharmacy Technology students Tommy L. Hicks of Franklinton and Malissa S. Chandler of Durham use smartphones to identify and classify medications while Pharmacy Technology program head Dr. Erica Fleming (standing at right) sorts through medications during the “Operation Medicine Drop” event at Walgreens in Creedmoor.

The Pharmacy Technology program also partnered with the Creedmoor Police Department and Walgreens of Creedmoor on “Operation Medicine Drop,” a drug collection event, on Oct. 28. Within four hours, 6,377 dosage units/pills of non-controlled substances and 365 dosage units/pills of controlled substances were collected, according to the police department. The collection consisted of outdated or unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, syringes and veterinary prescription drugs.

“This is the third year that the Pharmacy Technology program has participated in the event, and the fourth year for me,” Fleming explained. “Each year, we have collected numerous ‘C-II’ controlled medications and have safely disposed of thousands of prescription and no prescription medications. The community is reminded that flushing of medications is never advised, because we want to avoid contamination of our local water sources.”

For more information on the VGCC Pharmacy Technology program, call Dr. Fleming at (252) 738-3482.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

Families Living Violence Free

FLVF Closed Christmas Day 2017 and Dec 26

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THE OFFICES OF FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 & 26, 2017.

If you are in need of our services please call our crisis lines at any time 24/7

English 919-693-5700

Hispanic 919-690-0888

Remember, don’t be a bystander… if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault

PLEASE SPEAK UP!

YOU could be saving a life…even your own.

Peggy Roark

Adult & Empowerment Services

Sexual Assault Advocate & PREA Coordinator

Families Living Violence Free

125 Oxford Outer Loop Road

PO Box 1632

Oxford, NC 27565

Email: Proark@flvf.org

Office: 919-693-3579

Crisis: 919-693-5700

Hispanic Crisis 919-690-0888

Website: www.flvf.org

Giving Voice and Support to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims