New VGCC Job Driven Initiative staff connect area residents with training

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Two professional staff members are now in place at Vance-Granville Community College to help area residents obtain education and training through a special grant.

The college, in partnership with the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board, received a $147,000 “NCWorks Job Driven Initiative” (JDI) grant in 2014, made possible by federal funds awarded to the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions. VGCC currently ranks second out of 12 North Carolina community colleges in the number of students who have been approved for grant funding.

Rosemarie Baker is the new JDI Grant Program Marketer and Connie Ragland is the Grant Coach, both working in the VGCC Continuing Education division. Baker’s role is to educate the community about the program and recruit potential students, after which Ragland helps to see if they qualify for the program. For those who do, Ragland tracks their progress and helps guide them to success.

Baker, a resident of Clarksville, Va., spent more than 15 years teaching business and marketing classes, most of which were in the Vance County Schools system. She graduated from Longwood College (now Longwood University) in Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with concentrations in Management and Marketing Management. Baker said that although she is new to her position, she knows the college well. “I actually began my college experience as a freshman at VGCC, I have taught classes for VGCC, and now, I’m recruiting students to take advantage of this great training under the JDI grant,” she said. Baker noted that if students meet the requirements as determined by NCWorks, the grant funding will pay for their tuition, books, certain supplies and certification testing fees.

A Henderson resident, Ragland has held various positions at area organizations including Kittrell Job Corps Center, FGV Partnership for Children, Granville County Schools and, most recently, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. She earned a degree in Business Administration at North Carolina A&T State University. Over the course of her career, Ragland has enjoyed working in many capacities that allowed her to help people of all ages, from young children to adults. Her proudest accomplishments, she said, have come from the benefits of operating two non-profits with her husband, R.O.Y. and New Horizons Training Group. “As the NCWorks JDI Grant Coach, I hope that this opportunity to serve will help someone be able to continue their educational pursuits because of the tuition assistance that it can provide,” Ragland said. “I’m excited to be a part of the Vance-Granville family.”

VGCC’s programs as part of the JDI are all designed to lead to industry-recognized or state-regulated credentials, and to prepare students for various entry-level jobs that address the needs of local employers. These programs include BioWork Process Technician, Certified Logistics Technician, Certified Production Technician (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council), Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL–B), Health Unit Coordinator, Health Unit Secretary, Nurse Aide,  Home Health Care Aide, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Guest Service Gold, Hospitality (START), and Heavy Equipment Operator.

Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in the grant program. For more information, contact VGCC at raglandc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3452.

H-V Chamber Membership Drive Update

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The Ambassador team secured eight businesses and the Board team secured two businesses.  Looks like the Board team is going to be wearing the aprons!

The following new businesses joined the team since we put the membership drive into action during the end of October.

Hoyle’s Tire and Axle on Highway 39 in Henderson.  They sell new and remanufactured mobile home and utility axles and tires.  They also sell parts to repair and mount axles to all types of trailers.  They are open from 7AM til 3:30 PM Monday through Friday.  For more information, please call them at 252-438-2818

Shelia’s Accufile and Business Services at 418 S Garnett Street in Henderson.  She offers bookkeeping, personal and business tax and payroll services.  Shelia is an IRS authorized Efile provider and offers affordable pricing.  Please 252-430-0226 call for more information.

Owners Lisa and Bennie Blackwell have opened Middleburg Steak and Seafood House at 7139 Broad Street in Middleburg.  They offer a wide variety of great food choices on their menu each day of the week along with a hot buffet on Sundays for those looking for a great meal on Sundays after Church.  For more information please contact them at 919-971-9963.

NC Coyotes is a professional ABA basketball team showcasing the best talents from the Triangle, Oxford, Warren, Franklin, Granville and Vance Counties.  The North Carolina Coyotes dream began when Founder Reynaldo Espinosa wanted to have an effective gateway for the men in the community to restore their skill-sets and showcase their talents. Through his organization, the Second Chance Basketball Foundation, the Coyotes were born. Restoring hope for a small community, the Coyotes finished out their 2014-2015 season as DIVISIONAL RUNNER UPS in just their second year out of 82 teams across the country.

Scottish Inns located at 1759 N Garnett Street in Henderson.  Contact information is 252-438-6172

Quality Inn located at 197 Parham Road in Henderson joined the Chamber under new management.  Contact number is 252-4320-6501.

Econo Lodge located at 112 Parham Road in Henderson.  They are open 24 hours/seven days a week.  For more information or to book a reservation contact Chris or Ashok Patel at 252-438-8511.

Access Counseling Services at 314 S Garnett Street in Henderson.  Owner Nekisha Williams offers outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents ages 5 to 21.  Others services are parent coaching, clinical assessments, academic testing and substance abuse assessments.  For more information, please call 252-915-8966.

The Board team secured LIMBionics.  They are in Durham and will be locating an office here in Henderson at 851 S. Beckford Drive.  Brittany Stresing, president of the company is in the process of getting the office setup for business.  She can be contacted at 919-908-8975 until the office is ready for clients.  Brittany Stresing, has earned the highest accolade in Prosthetics and Orthotics! She is officially one of the few Fellows of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists which is an accolade few achieve in their career. This title goes to those who prove dedication to the profession in academics, professionalism, and improving the profession and patient care. Brittany is one of less than 8 Fellows in the state and she is the only female!

They also secured Watkins Insurance Agency at 133 N Mecklenburg Ave. in South Hill, Va.  They can be contacted at 434-447-3544.

Many thanks to all that took part in making our membership drive a success.  The volunteer support we receive from our Board members and Chamber ambassadors is truly inspiring and shows me the passion and measure of commitment that they have for our Chamber.  Thank you; we could not do what we do throughout the year without you!

A tremendous thanks goes out to all of our new and renewing members for helping us make this a great event. Your support means so much to us.

The Membership Drive may be over, but its still not too late to join more than 300 plus business members.  Contact Annette Roberson at 252-438-8414 and become a member today!

Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Recognizes Granville County, NC Small Businesses by Celebrating Small Business Saturday®

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Today the Granville County Chamber of Commerce announced its participation in the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on November 28th to support independent businesses in Granville County, NC.  Founded by in American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our participation in Small Business Saturday and the Neighborhood Champion program.  On Saturday, November 28th the greater Granville County area is encouraged to take part in our Small Business Saturday Shop Granville First event across the county.  The event will feature special offers by local businesses and giveaways to consumers. The event will begin at both Chamber Office locations, where Shop Small® shopping bags and Passports, along with coupons, a list of participating businesses, and other materials will be provided to consumers.

How the Passport Promotion Works:

Consumers may pick up a Passport at either Chamber Office OR at a participating business on or before Saturday, November 28th.

Patrons of small businesses in Granville County may participate for one of the Grand Prizes by bringing their Passport to participating small businesses on November 28th, shopping and getting their passport stamped.

Passports may be turned into either Chamber Office by Friday December 4th. Grand Prize winners will be determined by the amount of different business stamps on a passport. Winners will be announced on Tuesday December 8th.

American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. Participating organizations include the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the International Downtown Association, the Latino Coalition, the National Main Street Center, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.

About Small Business Saturday

November 28th marks the sixth annual Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

CONTACT:

Ginnie Currin, 919.693.6125

US Public Health Service to present program at Granville Chamber’s Sunrise Forum

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Sunrise Forum will be held Friday, November 13th at Butner Town Hall, Central Avenue in Butner.  The Town of Butner will be hosting the meeting and providing a light breakfast upon arrival.  The program should begin around 8 am, or shortly thereafter.

Kenny Atkinson, Complex Warden for the Federal Correctional Center in Butner, has made arrangements for a group of the members of the US Public Health Service who traveled to West Africa about a year ago to speak to the group.  Their presentation is entitled, “Experience Traveling to Africa to Treat and Train for the Ebola Outbreak.”

The leadership for the group notes that “the key to controlling the Ebola epidemic was to focus on stopping it at its source in West Africa.  That included providing support and care for those courageous healthcare workers and responders who were on the front lines combating this disease.”

Their presentation on November 13th will cover information about their team, training, focus, medical care, etc.

The Town of Butner is welcoming attendees by providing a light breakfast and a time of visiting prior to the presentation.  The Chamber offices would appreciate knowing of intentions to attend – 919.528.4994/Toni Anne Wheeler, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com or 919.693.6125/Wanda Garrett, wanda@granville-chamber.com.

VGCC opens Spring Registration, offers Orientation Sessions online and in-person

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Registration for classes and orientation sessions for new students have begun for the Spring 2016 semester at Vance-Granville Community College, which starts Monday, Jan. 11, 2016.

Attending an orientation session is required for all new students who wish to enroll in any of the college’s curriculum programs, and for students who are returning to VGCC after being away for three or more years. Students must also meet with an advisor or academic/career coach before registering for classes.

To attend an orientation session, a student must sign up in advance by visiting orientation.vgcc.edu.

VGCC now offers orientation in both an online and a traditional face-to-face format. In either format, orientation sessions help students learn where to find resources on campus or online, including how to register for classes through WebAdvisor. Many face-to-face orientation sessions still have slots available, and additional dates may be scheduled.

Orientation sessions scheduled for VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County include: Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m.; and Thursday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m.

The Franklin County Campus near Louisburg has orientation sessions scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m.

Orientation sessions are scheduled at VGCC’s South Campus (between Creedmoor and Butner) on

Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 19, at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m.

Students who want to attend a face-to-face orientation session at the Warren County Campus in Warrenton should call (252) 257-1900 for more information.

Registration for fall classes opened Nov. 2 and closes on Dec. 16. College officials advise students to apply for admission and financial aid, attend orientation/advising, and register for classes as early as possible. The upcoming semester’s course schedule is now available online at schedules.vgcc.edu.

The tuition payment deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 16, by 5 p.m., if paying in person, or by Thursday, Dec. 31, by midnight, if paying online through WebAdvisor.

For more information, contact VGCC at studentsuccess@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3330, or visit any campus.

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Prospective students interested in seeking financial assistance are encouraged to immediately complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov and to visit the VGCC Financial Aid Office.

Eligible students may receive Pell Grants ranging from $626 to $5,775. Students may also qualify for other college or state funds. The Financial Aid Office recommends completing the FAFSA and all financial aid documents by Dec. 11, 2015. In order for a student to charge tuition, fees, and books to financial aid awards, the application must be processed entirely prior to the tuition payment deadline of Dec. 31, 2015. Students with preschool-age children may receive financial assistance to help pay for child care, and applications for this help are also available at the Financial Aid Office.

Information about other resources is available online at financialaid.vgcc.edu.

For more details regarding financial assistance, visit the Financial Aid Office in Room 8215 on Main Campus or call (252) 738-3280.

HELP FOR VETERANS

Military veterans who wish to use their Veterans’ Education benefits may contact the Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3224. Veterans should check with Financial Aid to see if the programs in which they are interested are covered.

Tourism in Vance

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October 16, 17 and 18, The Vance County Department of Tourism hosted the 14th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine and The East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion.  Tourism Director Nancy Wilson said the economic impact here was between $2.5 to $3.0 million.  That figure represents the amount of spending done while the show was here.

As tourism in Henderson and Vance County continues to develop, citizens here are not only left with positive things to do, but the tourism dollars left behind by our guests.  The hotel/motel taxes and retail sales taxes are huge to our County.  Also, tourism can spawn economic development and accelerate revitalization efforts in historic downtown areas.

Wilson said, “Everything went fine.  For the entire weekend, I think our numbers were pretty much the same as they have been.  I would say around 30,000.”  In terms of comparing that to shows in other towns the size of Henderson, Wilson said, “I don’t think there’s anyone who can compare.  We’re not a festival.  That’s not what we do.  It’s an event, a production.  The State Fair is about as close as I can get to the number of people at one location at one time.”

In speaking about the car owners and especially about the Hall of Fame Inductees, Wilson said, “These guys have got so much background in engineering, and they’re master mechanics.  They’ve worked with and in some of the top companies in the country, and they’re innovators.  They make an effort to travel here every year, and they love it.  They have so much to share.

“The East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and Reunion event held at Vance Granville Community College on Sunday has been growing every year.”  Inducted for 2015 were: Sherwood Allen, Robert Bullard – posthumously, Ron Colson, Don Grotheer, Roy Hagadorn, Hasley Hood, Jr., Woodroe Josey, Jim Kerr, Jimmy King, Mike Kosky, Ed Kowalski, Frank LeSueur – posthumously, Larry Lombardo and Della Woods.

A lot of new money is spent in our area because of tourism and the marketing efforts outside this area and marketing in places known to draw visitors.  Anyone staying here spending money, it boosts the local economy.  In the summer, Vance County experiences a retail sales tax boost, and that Wilson said “has to come from our lake business because the City and County are not growing, so I don’t know how you could justify it any other way.”

In 2014, Vance County experienced a 2.97 percent growth in monies generated from tourism totaling $44.10 million.  This information according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.  $5.84 million was the amount of payroll or money paid in Vance County because of tourism jobs.  The 2014 tax savings per resident in Vance County because of tourism was figured to be about $85.35.  Tax receipts were $1.28 million.

Wilson said, “Of course, every dollar we generate through tourism is a tax savings to our tax payers.”

The East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame is still in the works.  Land is owned.  Funds for the building are needed, and Wilson and the building committee are working on that right now.  That would be open year round and would be another point of interest for tourists coming to our area.

Wright’s Commission Seat To Be Filled

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The 60-day deadline to fill Eddie L. Wright’s District 5 Vance County Commission Seat is November 9.  Archie B. Taylor, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, sent a request to the chairman of the local Democratic party asking for the names of individuals good for the position who fulfill the requirements.  Betty Boyd, who is the Third Vice Chair and in charge of publicity, told WIZS News, “We met last Thursday night (Oct 15) at Perry Library.  Four candidates made a three minute speech.  Leo Kelly received the nomination to serve the unexpired term of the late Eddie Wright.”

Vance County Clerk to the Board Kelly Grissom said, “It will go to the board on November 2.  If they decide to appoint him, it would be done during that meeting.  Then, he would be sworn in during the board’s December 7 meeting.”

The board is not bound by state statute to appoint Kelly, but all indications to date seem to suggest the Vance County Board of Commissioners will accept the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Commissioner Tommy Hester, who is Republican, said, “My personal opinion is, yes, I do expect that, but I’m only one vote.  And my vote is to go along with that because that’s up to the Democrats.  If that’s the recommendation, I’m going to vote for it.  I can only talk for myself.  If (Mr. Kelly) is who the Democratic party is recommending, that’s the normal procedure, and that would be who I think we should go with.”

Hester spoke of knowing Kelly for a longtime, his respect for Kelly and that Kelly “is an excellent person.”

Kelly was a longtime Dean at Vance Granville Community College.  A news article published by the college in 2009 quotes VGCC’s president at the time, Randy Parker, as saying, “Leo Kelly is the longest-serving full-time employee in the history of our college, and his dedicated leadership has made an enormous difference in the lives of so many people in our communities.”

Eddie L. WrightWhoever is appointed will fill the seat for approximately one year because the district 5 seat was already due for election in 2016 anyway.  At that point, if the appointee chooses to run for the seat, he or she will either be elected or defeated by a challenger.

Wright was first elected in 2000.  He served on the Granville-Vance Public Health District Board and was a minister of a local church.

Soon after Wright’s death, the news was not as much about this process or who the appointee would be, but rather more about Wright himself.  At that time, Taylor said Wright’s death had come as a shock to him as it had to many others.  While Wright had suffered from joint ailments for years, no one in the public seemed to expect his death.

Taylor said, “The county is going to feel his abscence.  He was a man of great faith and spiritual beliefs, an elder of the church, a pastor and preacher, and he was a champion of the little man.  He was definately wanting of a better quality of life for everyone in this county.  He was a great advocate for those who didn’t have a voice.  He is going to be missed.

“His voice of reason and compassion will be missed.  He showed his faith by his work.  (Wright) had a very supportive family during this illness.  They have been extremely supportive of him and that speaks highly of them and their spiritual values.”

As for the laws governing the appointment to Wright’s seat, Vance County Attorney Jonathan Care provided WIZS News with the North Carolina General Statute.  N.C. G. S. 153a-27 essentially means the newly appointed board member must be of the same political party, a resident of the same district, that the board shall consult the county executive committee of, in this case, the Democratic Party and, if an appointment is not made within 60 days, then the appointment is to be made by the Clerk of Court.  Neither the board nor the clerk is bound by the Democratic Executive Committee’s recommendation.

VGCC to hold Bone Marrow Registration events

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Vance-Granville Community College, in partnership with the Project Life Movement and the “Save the Fox” campaign, is planning a four-county bone marrow registration drive in October.

Members of the community are invited to join VGCC students, faculty and staff at one of four events being held on each of the college’s campuses: Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the student lounge in Building 2 on Main Campus in Vance County; Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose room on the Franklin County Campus near Louisburg; Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the seminar room (G1131) on South Campus, located between Creedmoor and Butner; and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Building 2 on the Warren County Campus in Warrenton.

There will also be a station set up outside on each campus to assist visitors from the community.

At each event, participants will have their cheek swabbed to provide DNA that will enter a growing bone marrow donor registry. The painless registration process takes only a few minutes, but could save a life if a participant turns out to be a match for someone in need of a bone marrow transplant. Such treatments are the only hope for many people diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and other blood cancers and diseases. Around 60 percent of those in need of a donation currently cannot find a donor match, according to Project Life, a national movement that started with students at Davidson College and has spread to more than 25 other schools.

Project Life supports a local campaign called “Save the Fox,” named after North Carolina Superior Court Judge Carl Fox of Orange County. Judge Fox was diagnosed with blood cancer in April and needs a bone marrow transplant.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 55 and in good health to join the registry. A video from Project Life featuring Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is posted online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKVegqJS7hI  to demonstrate the easy cheek swab process.

“We are excited that students are taking the initiative on this drive,” said VGCC academic & career coach Seletha Pherribo, who is helping to organize the events. Nicholas Kemp of Franklinton, a Radiography student, is coordinating the drive at the college’s South Campus, while Associate Degree Nursing student Erica Medlin of Oxford is coordinating it on Main Campus. Medical Assisting students at VGCC’s Franklin Campus are taking the lead there. The Student Government Association and other student organizations will also be supporting the effort. “We hope to make this an annual tradition at VGCC, and register as many members of our community as possible,” Pherribo added. “As the ‘Save the Fox’ campaign says, ‘together, we can save lives.’”

For more information, contact Seletha Pherribo at (252) 738-3518 or pherribos@vgcc.edu or Dr. David S. Lindsay at (828) 772-0365 or www.projectlifemovement.org.

Anyone who is unable to attend one of the VGCC events but wants to join the registry can find more information at www.deletebloodcancer.org.

VGCC announces 2015-16 Vanguards Basketball schedule

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The Vance-Granville Community College Vanguards men’s basketball team is scheduled to play at least 30 games during the 2015-2016 season, including 12 home games. This is the program’s third season under the leadership of head coach Michael Woody.

The Vanguards compete in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II, which includes ten two-year colleges in North Carolina and Virginia.

The regular season kicks off when VGCC hosts conference rival Wake Tech Community College on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. All home games are scheduled to be played at Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson, and all are free and open to the public. The second home game, versus Bryant & Stratton College on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m., will be recognized as Veterans’ Appreciation Night.

VGCC’s tough conference schedule is again highlighted by area rival Louisburg College. VGCC welcomes the Hurricanes to Aycock on Dec. 2, before the Vanguards return the favor in Louisburg on Jan. 18. VGCC also plays the defending national champion, Richard Bland College, in Petersburg, Va., on Nov. 24 and at home on Feb. 3.

The regular season will continue through Feb. 23, with VGCC’s final scheduled game at home, versus Guilford Tech Community College. The team will celebrate “Sophomore Appreciation Night” at that game. After the regular season ends, the Vanguards are scheduled to participate in the NJCAA Division II Region X tournament. The first two rounds of the tournament are to be played at Richard Bland on Feb. 27-28. The semifinals and finals will follow at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, on Mar. 4-5.

Vance-Granville Community College

Men’s Basketball Schedule

2015-16

Date                             Opponent                                 Location                      Time

Nov. 6                          Wake Tech CC                         Aycock                         7 p.m.

Nov. 8                           Univ. of Mt. Olive JV                   Mt. Olive                       3 p.m.

Nov. 10                         Bryant & Stratton                     Aycock                         6 p.m.

Nov. 14                         Davidson Co. CC                      Aycock                         3 p.m.

Nov. 16                         Saint Andrews JV                      Saint Andrews               6 p.m.

Nov. 18                        Patrick Henry CC                     Aycock                         6 p.m.

Nov. 20                         Va. Univ. of Lynchburg            Aycock                         7 p.m. 

Nov. 22                         Central Carolina CC                    Sandhills CC*                3 p.m.

Nov. 24                         Richard Bland College                Richard Bland                7 p.m.

Dec. 2                          Louisburg College                   Aycock                         6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8                           Central Carolina CC                    Central Carolina CC        7 p.m.

Jan. 5                           USC-Salkehatchie                    Aycock                         7 p.m.

Jan. 7                           Lenoir CC                                Aycock                         7 p.m.

Jan. 11                          Methodist Univ. JV                     Methodist                      8 p.m.

Jan. 13                          Patrick Henry CC                       Patrick Henry CC           6 p.m.

Jan. 16                          UNC JV                         Dean Smith Center         9 a.m.

Jan. 18                          Louisburg College                      Louisburg                      3 p.m.

Jan. 19                          Lenoir CC                                  Lenoir CC                      7 p.m.

Jan. 23                          Guilford Tech CC                        Guilford Tech CC            3 p.m.

Jan. 25                          Pitt CC                                      Pitt CC                          7 p.m.

Jan. 27                         Catawba Valley CC                  Aycock                         6 p.m.

Feb. 3                          Richard Bland College                        Aycock                         7 p.m.

Feb. 5                           Mid-Atlantic Christian Univ.         Mid-Atlantic Christian     6 p.m.

Feb. 8                           Wake Tech CC                          Wake Tech CC              7 p.m.

Feb. 11                         Pitt CC                                     Aycock                         7 p.m.

Feb. 13                         Bryant & Stratton                       Bryant & Stratton           3 p.m.

Feb. 15                         Sandhills CC                             Sandhills CC                 6 p.m.

Feb. 16                         Catawba Valley CC                    Catawba Valley CC        6:30 p.m.

Feb. 19                         Va. Univ. of Lynchburg                Lynchburg                     7 p.m.

Feb. 23                         Guilford Tech CC                     Aycock                         7 p.m.

Feb. 27-28                     Region X Tournament                 Richard Bland                TBD

Opening Rounds

Mar. 4-5                        Region X Tournament                 Sandhills CC                 TBD

Semifinals & Finals

 

Bold = Home Game, to be played at Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson, N.C.

Schedule is subject to change.

*As part of the Region X Blast-Off Tournament.

 

VGCC Drama students present Shakespeare spoof

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via Andrew Beal

Theatre lovers will soon be able to enjoy all 37 of William Shakespeare’s plays in one evening — sort of — at Vance-Granville Community College.

Drama students will present “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)” on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson, Nov. 5-8. Performances begin on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. All performances are in the small auditorium in Building 2.

The play features three overachieving actors attempting to perform the entire Shakespearean canon in 97 minutes. Fast-paced, witty and physical, it is an evening of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. The three actors play all of Shakespeare’s characters with help from numerous funny costume changes and props. Due to the nature of the humor, the play is recommended for ages 14 and over.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, founding members of the “Reduced Shakespeare Company,” “The Compleat Wrks” was first performed in 1987. The London Evening Standard called the play “wildly imaginative, thoroughly affectionate to its source material and, above all, infectious fun.”

Students in the cast are Jordan Bunting of Macon, Spencer Nunn of Warrenton and Lee Powell of Oxford.

Betsy Henderson, the VGCC Theatre Arts/speech instructor and department chair of Fine Arts and Humanities, directs the play. Jason Sharp serves as the technical director. VGCC staff member and alumna Tia Garren of Henderson is the assistant director. Other members of the crew include students Chris Nicholson of Bullock, Jerome Bulluck of Henderson, Brittany Patterson of Henderson, Helen Claiborne of Oxford and Jessie Hartley of Oxford.

Admission is $10 for the general public, and $5 for students and VGCC employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but attendees are encouraged to secure their seats by making reservations. For more information and to reserve seats, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3371.