NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Granville County Board of Education will meet in a Regular Session on Monday, December 04, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Administrative Offices, 101 Delacroix Street Oxford, North Carolina. The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday January 8, 2017.
— 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.)
— by Jeff Jenkins, WIZS
The 2017 football season ended for the Northern Carolina Conference last Friday night with South Granville’s only loss of the season — a 35-19 disappointment to North Davidson in the 3rd round of the 2AA East playoffs. The number 3 seeded Vikings had successfully continued their bulldozing running attack into the playoffs until they finally met up with the #2 seed Knights — a former 4A team that had the right (or wrong) combination of tough defense and balanced offense. The Knight defense limited the Viking runners, especially in the second half, and accounted for one touchdown on a pick 6 interception, and South Granville’s mostly run-oriented defense gave up two touchdown passes to ND’s veteran QB and his stable of experienced receivers.
And so the curtain comes down on another local high school football season, but we at WIZS congratulate the Vikings for their 13-1 overall finish, and their perfect 8-0 NCC 2A championship season ! We also wish coach Hobgood a full recovery from the heart issue that sidelined him (briefly) during the latter part of this season.
— courtesy mcgregorhall.org
Meet Santa & His High-Kicking Friends On December 5th For A ‘Branson-Styled’ Holiday Showcase
HENDERSON, N.C. — Get in the spirit of the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 5, as the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center transforms into the North Pole to present CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, a holiday spectacular.
On tour from its year-round performances at The King’s Castle Theater in Branson, Mo., CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND features a highly acclaimed song and dance troupe produced by Spirit Productions and David King of the mega-hit-musical Spirit of the Dance.
Doors will open for this family-family event at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
For this one-night-only show, the production will bring its full cast, sets and scenery to McGregor Hall’s stage. This includes 24 singers and dancers who will present more than 1,000 glittering costumes and more than a dozen holiday tunes.
Guest will enjoy more than a dozen holiday songs, including all the favorites from “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” to “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
“This is the type of high-quality, grand-scale production that McGregor Hall was built for,” said Mark Hopper, Vice President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors.
“CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting shows coming to this region during the holidays,” Hopper added. “From the glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the Mason-Dixon Line, your entire family can start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey.”
Hopper also advised that seats are limited, suggesting that patrons purchase tickets in advance as the theater is expected to sell out.
Tickets are on sale for $35 or $30 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.
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(McGregor Hall is an advertising client of WIZS.)
NEWS RELEASE
GRANVILLE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
November 28, 2017
919.693.6125
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUESTS NOMINATIONS FOR 2018 JOHN PENN CITIZEN AWARD at 76th ANNUAL BANQUET
The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Recognition Committee announces that the committee is accepting nominations for the 2018 John Penn Citizen of the Year Award. This prestigious award, named for Granville County’s signer of the Declaration of Independence, is presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Banquet. The 2018 event will be held Monday, January 29, in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College.
Nomination forms may be obtained at a Chamber office or may be downloaded from the Chamber’s website, www.granville-chamber.com.
This award was designed to recognize a person(s) for outstanding service to the community. Past recipients are: Dr. Joseph Colson, Mrs. Robinette Husketh, Hubert Gooch, Rev. G. C. Hawley, Mrs. Gladys Satterwhite, Hugh Currin, Sr., Rev. Harrison Simons, Tom Speed, John Mackie, Dr. Roy Noblin, Dr. David Noel, John K. Nelms, J. J. Medford, Mrs. Mildred A. Jenkins, Tom Johnson, Mrs. Virginia Tuck, L. Clement Yancey, Mrs. Nancy W. Darden, Leonard M. Dunn, Mrs. Carlene Fletcher, Hubert L. Cox, Leonard Peace, Sr., Marshall Tanner, Harold Sherman, Boyce Harvey Paul Kiesow, Ms. Johnsie Cunningham, Stan Fox, Doan and Bette Laursen, Dr. John B. Hardy, Jr., L. C. Adcock, Jim Crawford, Xavier Wortham, Dr. Richard and Julia Ann Taylor, Gary Bowman and James “Lump” and Mary Ann Lumpkins.
Nominations are due Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
— courtesy U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of NC
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt, sentenced TEVIN TIA’MANE NORWOOD, 25, of Oxford, NC to 100 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
NORWOOD was named in an Indictment filed on April 18, 2017. NORWOOD subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. On July 18, 2017, NORWOOD pled guilty to the charge.
On October 10, 2016, Oxford Police officers observed NORWOOD driving erratically. After a short vehicle pursuit, NORWOOD jumped out of his vehicle while it was still in gear and fled; however, he was captured following a brief foot chase. The vehicle continued into an embankment, thus recklessly endangering anyone in the area. A search of the path of flight taken by NORWOOD resulted in the recovery of a stolen, Glock .40 caliber firearm with one bullet in the chamber. This firearm was positively identified as the same firearm used by NORWOOD in a previous shooting several days earlier also in Oxford. A box of .40 caliber ammunition was found in NORWOOD’S vehicle. NORWOOD subsequently provided an unprotected statement that the Glock firearm was his.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Butner Department of Public Safety, Oxford Police Department, Durham Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
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— courtesy the City of Oxford
Meeting Notice
Pursuant to Sec. 4.3(1) and 3.2 (1)(b) of the Ordinance and Charter, the Oxford Historic Preservation Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 6:00 pm, located at City hall, in the training room located on the 1st floor.
The purpose of this meeting is to review the Certificates of Appropriateness that have been received.
All interested may attend this meeting.
— courtesy Families Living Violence Free
*REMINDER*
Domestic Violence 101 CLASSES BEGIN TONIGHT — 6pm AT THE OFFICES OF FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE
125 OXFORD OUTER LOOP IN OXFORD
QUESTIONS: 919-693-3579
Call the office before 4pm to register for childcare if needed
Week One
UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: POWER & CONTROL
Objectives:
— courtesy of VGCC News Release on 11-27-17
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has appointed Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, to the Governor’s Commission on Access to Sound, Basic Education. The Commission, which the governor created through an Executive Order, will focus on the critical importance of North Carolina meeting its duties under the state constitution as underscored by the landmark court rulings in Leandro v. North Carolina and Hoke County Board of Education v. North Carolina.
The new commission includes experts from a wide range of fields that are relevant to education and student and school success. Dr. Williams was appointed as the representative of North Carolina community colleges. The commission will focus on key areas highlighted in the original Leandro ruling, including:
• staffing each classroom with a competent, well-trained teacher,
Dr. Stelfanie Williams (VGCC Photo)
• staffing each school with a competent, well-trained principal, and
• identifying the resources necessary to ensure that all children, including those at risk, have an equal opportunity to obtain a sound basic education.
The commission is scheduled to hold its first meeting on Nov. 30 in Raleigh. Its goal is to develop recommendations for specific actions necessary to achieve sustained compliance with the constitutional mandates established in Leandro.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with the other leaders on this commission to identify concrete steps that our state can take to improve public education for all our young people in all corners of North Carolina,” President Williams said. “The success of our great state depends on strong K-12 schools, working in partnership with strong community colleges and universities.”
Williams became the sixth president of VGCC in 2012. Since then, she has focused the college strategically on educational excellence, continuous improvement, employee and student engagement in college life, and institutional stewardship. During her tenure, the college has added seven curriculum degree programs, secured the largest grants in the college’s history, the second-largest private donor gift, and held six consecutive highest-yielding annual golf tournaments for scholarships. With a focus on student success, the institution has improved completion rates, graduating the largest classes ever in 2015 and 2016, and initiating a private donor-sponsored college promise program called the “VanGuarantee” in an effort to make college more accessible for students with the greatest financial need.
Prior to leading VGCC, Williams served as faculty and in several administrative capacities at other North Carolina community colleges. She also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the North Carolina State University College of Education. Williams holds dual baccalaureate degrees from Duke University, a graduate degree from Western Carolina University, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University. In 2014, she was awarded the I.E. Ready Distinguished Leadership Award by North Carolina State University.
The Governor’s Commission on Access to Sound, Basic Education is the second education-related panel for which the VGCC leader has been selected in recent months. Dr. Williams was appointed to the “My Future NC” Commission by the president of the University of North Carolina, Margaret Spellings; the acting president of the North Carolina Community College System, Jennifer Haygood; and the state superintendent of public instruction, Mark Johnson.
–VGCC–
— courtesy VGCC
Dr. Ben F. Currin recently retired from the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Board of Directors. That marked the culmination of Currin’s formal association with VGCC, which lasted for a total of 36 years — 18 as president of the college and 18 more on the endowment board after his retirement as president.
Currin, who now lives in Raleigh, became the third president of VGCC in 1981. Under Currin’s leadership, VGCC grew from one campus to four, with a total of almost $18 million worth of new construction at all campuses. During his tenure, VGCC reactivated the college’s Endowment Fund, which grew from $12,000 in 1982 to $5 million at the time of his retirement and provided scholarships for numerous students. In 1985, he started the annual VGCC Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $862,000 to date. A VGCC scholarship, the Dr. Ben Currin Presidential Merit Award, was endowed in his honor upon his retirement through contributions from the college faculty and staff.
From left, VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams and Dr. Ben Currin, the college’s former president, holding a plaque honoring him for his service to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund. (VGCC photo)
A native of Granville County and a graduate of Oxford High School, Currin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959. He earned his master’s degree in education in 1962 and his advanced graduate certificate in professional education in 1963, both from UNC. He received his doctorate in education from UNC in 1970 in education administration with a minor in political science.
Currin assumed the VGCC presidency after having served as a teacher, coach and public school administrator, including 11 years as superintendent of Rocky Mount City Schools. While in Rocky Mount, he also taught graduate courses at East Carolina University as an adjunct professor.
Currin earned high esteem from his peers in higher education. A University of Texas study in 1988-89 named him one of the “best of the best” among community college presidents across the nation, and he was given a National Leadership Award at the Leadership 2000 conference in San Francisco. He was also one of 75 participants chosen nationwide to participate in the Management of Lifelong Education Institute at Harvard University. Currin received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Gov. Beverly Perdue. In 2016, Currin received the highest honor that can be bestowed by the State Board of Community Colleges, the I.E. Ready Award.
The board of directors oversees the Endowment Fund Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to seek and receive scholarship funds and other contributions for the college. Current board members include Robert L. Hubbard (the vice-chair), Rev. Dr. Richard M. Henderson (secretary), Julius Banzet, III, Sarah Baskerville, Rep. James W. Crawford, Jr., Tanya Evans, Clay Frazier, L. Opie Frazier, Jr., Ronnie Goswick, Katharine Macon Horner, Darryl Moss, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., Marshall Tanner, Josh Towne and Todd Wemyss. As president of VGCC, Dr. Stelfanie Williams chairs the board, and Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, serves on the board ex-officio.
Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,100 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 about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
–VGCC–
(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)
