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Vance Co. Announces Development of 85 Acres at Henderson-Vance Industrial Park

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-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County is pleased to announce that the North Carolina Department of Commerce has approved and the county has received a $2.45 million grant from the Rural ReadySites program for development of phase III of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park. The NC Rural ReadySites grant program helps local communities prepare potential industrial sites for development and provided a total of $14.3 million to a total of 10 North Carolina localities. Vance County’s successful grant will cover development costs to include construction of a new roadway and extension of water and sewer infrastructure through the site. The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments was instrumental in preparing and submitting the grant application.

Vance County Board of Commissioner Chairman and Henderson-Vance Economic Development Chairman Tommy Hester recognized this as a huge step forward for the county. “Receiving this grant puts Henderson and Vance County ahead of our neighbors and puts us in a position where we will have more available assets to attract businesses, industries and jobs. If you look at where economic development is coming from and expanding, it’s obvious with the companies that have expanded recently in the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park. This grant will allow for the necessary infrastructure to be put in place, and unlike surrounding areas, this park has access to rail and natural gas, is adjacent to US 1, is within five miles of I-85 and 25 miles from Wake County. Our number one priority is jobs and this grant moves us in that direction.”

The county entered a purchase contract in April for approximately 85 acres located at the intersection of US 1 and Bearpond Road directly adjacent to the existing Henderson-Vance Industrial Park. The county also has a program underway wherein it’ll make effective use of drone technology (you can learn more about them on Let’s Fly Wisely) to efficaciously attract home buyers. According to County Manager Jordan McMillen, the county has begun due diligence on the land and anticipates completing this in the next few weeks. At that point, the board of commissioners will determine whether to proceed forward with the purchase. The successful grant is a game changer for the area and positions the county not only to own and control a prime piece of real estate, but also to develop raw land to a shovel-ready status. The Henderson-Vance Industrial Park began in 1988 with the purchase of Phase 1 (150 acres) and since that time has been filled with nine businesses contributing approximately 600 jobs and a total value over $62 million. The park alone generates over $5.5 million in tax revenue to the county on an annual basis.

Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director, Dennis Jarvis, II characterized the grant as a big win for the community. “The grant award ensures Vance County is going to be competitive in the region, the state, and the Southeast for new investment and retention projects. We will have a shovel-ready world-class business facility and a new platform to market the community in the global playing field.”

Corbitt Trucks

Corbitt Preservation Association Still Going Strong

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Built in Henderson, NC from 1899 through 1954, Corbitt trucks stood for quality, dependability and local pride. Today, an association over 100 members strong works together to preserve Corbitt’s name, products and property.

In 2003, nine individuals “with a vision of history and love for these great vehicles” formed the Corbitt Preservation Association. Since this time, membership has expanded to include residents of North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Ohio, Georgia, Missouri, Florida, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

Life-long Vance County resident Ken Stegall, treasurer, archivist and webmaster of the Corbitt Preservation is a long-time collector of Corbitt material. “I became heavily involved with the organization seven years ago and it has been full steam ahead ever since. We have a great group and continue almost weekly to find out new information about our brand.”

Five Corbitt trucks in a row. (Photo courtesy Ken Stegall)

Stegall and Corbitt Preservation Association President Charles E. Powell were more than happy to provide WIZS listeners and WIZS.com viewers with updates concerning Corbitt’s recent and upcoming events.

17th Annual Corbitt Truck Show & Reunion

With the 17th Annual Corbitt Truck Show & Reunion a mere four months away, the Corbitt Preservation Association is gearing up to make this year’s event the most exciting yet. Held in conjunction with the Vance County Tourism Development Authority’s Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, this year’s truck show will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018, on the corner of William and Montgomery Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.

“We are expecting about 20 Corbitt vehicles to be there that day,” Powell said. Stegall reported that many Corbitt family members have expressed their interest in attending this year’s show as well.

Corbitt Museum

The Corbitt museum, named the Bennett L. Perry Museum, is located at 180 Church Street in Henderson. The museum will be open all day on Saturday, October 20, 2018, for the annual truck show; any other time by appointment only. Admission is free.

According to the Corbitt Preservation website, the residence of the former Bennett L. Perry was given to the City of Henderson with the purpose of establishing a museum. Renovation work on the residence begun in April 2015 and was completed in October 2015, one day before that fall’s annual truck show and reunion.

Please contact the museum by email at gjammer35@aol.com with questions regarding the museum or to make an appointment to visit.

(Photo courtesy Ken Stegall)

American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) National Convention

Taking place in Lexington, KY May 31 – June 2, 2018, the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) Convention was an informative trip for several local Corbitt Preservation Association members.

“We had six Corbitt’s there and we met so many nice folks,” said Powell. “I got to spend some time with Richard Johnson Corbitt III and his son Richard Johnson Corbitt IV. Seeing them in the 1920 truck of Jerry Capps was nothing short of amazing. A grandson and great-grandson in a truck that their granddaddy built, wow, can it get any better?”

Powell said many important contacts were made at the event, including an ATHS board member from Australia who agreed to bring a Corbitt Tall Boy model home to be placed in Henderson’s museum as well as the donation from owner Codie Lawery of “the amazing 18-month scratch built model.”

 Powell said he is still “pinching myself to believe we are getting these models for the museum.”

Finances

“We have had wonderful success with our shows this year. Between our web sales and show sales we are doing very well with our finances,” said Powell.

“Thanks to Will Corbitt and his family we received a matching amount of $500 to our $500 contribution for a $1000 scholarship that was presented at Senior Night at Northern Vance High School in May.”

The scholarship winner this year was none other than Dustin W. Stainback, Powell’s grandson, who will be entering VGCC this fall. “His plans are to get his first two years of college prep there and then transfer to NC State University for his engineering degree,” said Powell.

The Corbitt Preservation Association was also included in the City of Henderson’s 2018-2019 fiscal year budget for $800 to continue operation of the museum.

This Saturday, June 23, Powell and other members invite you to come see their 1926 Corbitt Fire Truck “run under her own power for the first time in years” at the NC Transportation Museum located in Spencer, NC.

For more information on the Corbitt Preservation or for gift ideas and merchandise, check out the retail page on their website or visit their Facebook page.

VGCC Pins Associate Degree Nursing Graduates

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 34 students who graduated this spring from the Associate Degree Nursing program with a pinning ceremony in the college’s Civic Center on May 9.

Among those honored with distinctive nursing pins at the ceremonies were eight who graduated through the LPN to ADN Transition Program, which helps Licensed Practical Nurses to continue their education and then become Registered Nurses. Those graduates were William Autrey of Henderson; Joan Currin of Kittrell; Tammy Emery of Creedmoor; Brittany McFarland of Kittrell; Latonya Morton of Oxford; Roselyne Muhimpundu of Wake Forest; Laura Murray of Oxford; and Omar O’Brien of Wake Forest.

Members of the 2018 Associate Degree Nursing class at Vance-Granville Community College who received their nursing pins on May 9 included, on front row, from left: Shayne Gravitt, Valerie Strange, Victoria Puplampu, Halie Brooks, Laura Murray, Brittany McFarland, Crystal Satterfield and Courtney Moss; second row, from left: Tonya Berry, Caitlyn Smith, Ashley Drake, Jessica White, Brittany Beddingfield and Jeannie Adcock; third row, from left: Brittani Lynch, Roselyne Muhimpundu and Guadalupe Duran; fourth row, from left: Tammy Emery, Stephen Gakumo, Caitlin Moen, Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan, Christine Kingsley, Kaylan Hoyle, Shakeera Robinson, Tasha Warren and Rachel Morton; back row, from left: William Autrey, Jodie Carroll, Joan Currin, Latonya Morton, Matthew Grooms and Omar O’Brien; not pictured: Joy Harris and Mujahid Yagoub. (VGCC Photo)

The graduates who took courses in the traditional five-semester sequence included Jeannie Adcock of Oxford; Brittany Beddingfield of Oxford; Tonya Berry of Franklinton; Halie Brooks of Raleigh; Jodie Carroll of Oxford; Ashley Drake of Stovall; Guadalupe Duran of Louisburg; Stephen Gakumo of Durham; Shayne Gravitt of Raleigh; Matthew Grooms of Butner; Joy Harris of Oxford; Kaylan Hoyle of Henderson; Christine Kingsley of Louisburg; Brittani Lynch of Hollister; Caitlin Moen of Cary; Rachel Morton of Louisburg; Courtney Moss of Henderson; Victoria Puplampu of Durham; Shakeera Robinson of Franklinton; Mary Ann Rojas-Galvan of Creedmoor; Crystal Satterfield of Oxford; Caitlyn Smith of Creedmoor; Valerie Strange of Bullock; Tasha Warren of Henderson; Jessica White of Louisburg; and Mujahid Yagoub of Durham.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, described the class as being “highly sought after” by employers, colleges and universities because of their educational background and skill level. “Over 80 percent of these students already have a job waiting for them as a registered nurse,” he added.

Associate Degree Nursing program head/instructor Dr. Anna Seaman praised the class for its hard work, dedication and compassion. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “You have the knowledge and the skills you need to be successful. But, most importantly, you have the dedication and the heart to do it with caring and compassion. We know that the dedication and compassion that you possess will be appreciated by those patients and families that you care for in the future.”

Halie Brooks, the president of the Class of 2018 nursing graduates, thanked families for their support as well as the nursing instructors. In remarks to her classmates, she added, “We have made lifelong friendships that we will forever cherish. We have also been each other’s support system through the early mornings, long days and late nights. And without each other, we may not be here.”

Academic honors were presented to graduates who completed the program with at least a 3.5 grade point average: Adcock, Brooks, Carroll, Duran, Emery, Grooms, Hoyle, O’Brien, Strange and finally Murray, who was recognized for having the highest GPA in the class.

Cords were presented to students who participated as members of the National Student Nurses Association, which sponsors community service projects and professional development. These students included Beddingfield, Berry, Brooks, Carroll, Drake, Duran, Gravitt, Grooms, Harris, Hoyle, Kingsley, Lynch, McFarland, Latonya Morton, Rachel Morton, Moss, Pumlampu, Robinson, Rojas-Galvan, Smith, Warren, White and Yagoub.

Instructor Brande McIlroy described the significance of the nursing pin. The unique green and gold pin identifies each nurse as a VGCC graduate and indicates that the graduate has the training and competence to serve as a professional nurse. During the ceremony, graduates were pinned by Dr. Seaman and received lamps and roses from instructors Ugur Celimli and Vanessa Ramseur. Meanwhile, Nursing Department Chair Erica Jastrow read their biographies. After all graduates had received pins, the lights in the Civic Center were lowered, and instructor Crystal Senter led students in reciting the “Florence Nightingale Pledge” by lamplight.

The invocation was delivered by Rachel Morton and the benediction by Brittany McFarland, both of them graduates of the program. Also participating in the program were instructors Patsy Pegram and Michael Frazier.

A Flickr album of photographs from the pinning ceremony is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157696465731814.

Early College High School Accepting New Applicants

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Early College High School is accepting applications for rising sophomores and juniors for the 2018-19 school year.

Applications must be received in the Early College High School office by noon on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

The application is available on the school district’s website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Acceptance notifications will go out to students on July 6, 2018. An orientation session for new students and their parents will be held on July 19, 2018.

Early College High School is located on the third floor of Building 2 on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson.

Interested persons with questions about the application process may contact the school at 252-738-3580.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market: Upcoming Events

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
Farmers Market: June 23, 2018
Fresh Local Summer Produce Now Available At Your Farmers Market
It’s hot, hot hot! The summer sunshine is producing loads of delicious local produce. This week you will find: beets, cabbage (yes, pointy head), cantaloupes, corn & cucumbers; green beans, onions, peaches & peppers; squash, tomatoes ( green, red & heirloom), & zucchini. We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine and unique handmade crafts.
VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

In 2016 the Vance County Regional Farmers Market set out to expand access to the SNAP/EBT population at the farmers market. Through a partnership with the Granville-Vance Public Health Department, the farmers market was able to obtain funding to purchase wireless terminals that could accept EBT. We are happy to be accepting EBT this season! You can use your SNAP/EBT to shop for farm-fresh goods at your local farmers market.

Your VCRFM is a great source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. We have made it a priority to expand access to such food for SNAP participants. From the vendors’ farms to your tables, you will be getting the healthiest, freshest produce available locally.

Upcoming Events
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Peak Season Kickoff Saturday, June 30th
The market is getting into full swing with fresh local fruits and vegetables. Celebrate with us June 30th for our Peak Season Kickoff!
Seasonal Recipes
Not sure what to do with all the fresh produce you find at the market? No worries – we have suggestions and recipes for you to try! Want to share one of your favorite recipes? Bring it to the market – we’d love to try it and let others know about it.
You Make A Difference
The Farmer Foodshare/Donation Station booth at our market collects donations weekly and we have the best customers! You always remember to donate. Thank you. The money collected is used to purchase produce not sold at the market that day, then donated to Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS). ACTS uses the produce to feed our less fortunate members of society and for the Meals-On-Wheels shut-in recipients.
Anticipated Vendors – June 23rd:
A number of our regular vendors will be at the Bee Jubilee this Saturday, which I hope you all plan to attend after your visit to the farmers market. You may find out all the details about Bee Jubilee at the market on Saturday, including event location and time.
Adcock Farm
Backroad Farm & Vineyard
Donation Station
Imperial Stitching
JASM Farms
Kelly Lynn Photography
LouMag Ent.
Pretty Tough Stuff
Short’s Family Farms
Woodwick Designs
Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188
(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 06/22/18

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New Vance Co. Middle School to Require Uniforms

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Students who will attend Vance County Middle School in 2018-2019 will be required to wear school uniforms.

The school uniforms will include white or navy blue tops and navy blue or khaki bottoms.

For girls, the uniforms will include white or navy blue collared shirts and blouses and navy blue or khaki uniform pants, skirts or jumpers. Boys’ uniforms must include white or navy blue collared or dress shirts, as well as navy blue or khaki uniform pants.

Khaki or navy blue jeans and sweat pants are not allowed. Shorts are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in at all times and pants must be worn at the waist. No hats will be allowed.

More information will be shared at a later time with students and parents.

The school uniforms will be available for purchase at a variety of local stores including Rose’s Stores at the Henderson Mall and on North Garnett Street in Henderson; Dollar General stores in Henderson; Walmart Supercenter in Henderson; JCPenney at Henderson Square in Henderson; and Burlington Coat Factory on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh.

Smart Start’s Imagination Library Program Continues to Grow

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Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start was recently on WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss FGV’s reading program and upcoming events.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation in 1995, the Imagination Library has been a part of Vance County on a smaller scale since 2005.

With the recent additional funding provided by the NC legislature, Daeke reports that FGV’s Imagination Library program has grown from approximately 400 participants to almost 2,000 in the tri-county area since January of this year.

Children ages birth to five who are residents of Franklin, Granville or Vance County can receive one book a month in the mail free of charge. “Children can really accumulate a small library, a potential of 60 books,” said Daeke. “These are high-quality Scholastic books and the kids have ownership of them.”

The first book participants receive is “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, which, according to Daeke, plays into Parton’s theme of the fire engine. The last book in the series is “Kindergarten Here I Come” by D.J. Steinberg and teaches children ideas and concepts that will prepare them for elementary school.

According to Daeke, the goal of the program is to make books available to all children, regardless of income, and to increase their exposure to language and concepts at an early age. “Brain science says children’s brains are 85% developed by the age of five. Dolly’s program is teaching children to read and helping them understand higher concepts,” said Daeke.

The books are developmentally appropriate for children at the age of sign up and change each month as the child grows. “Children get really excited about getting something positive in the mail,” said Daeke. “That’s part of the program’s design. They are excited about books, excited about reading and even kind of demanding when their books come each month for mom or dad to sit down right then and read the book to them.”

Applications can be found at various locations around town including pediatric offices, childcare centers, the Vance County Public Health Department, Maria Parham Health, the Perry Memorial Library and the FGV Smart Start office.

Roundtable Discussion – Perry Memorial Library

The FGV Smart Start will hold a roundtable discussion at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St. in downtown Henderson on Thursday, June 28 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. This discussion is open to the public and will include several community organizations including Pre-K Coordinators, Cooperative Extension agents and Smart Start staff.

“The idea is to bring people together for a general discussion on how we can engage and what we can do for children in our communities,” Daeke said.

9th Annual Ducky Derby

The 9th Annual Ducky Derby will be held in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Rubber ducks will race two blocks down Garnett Street with top prizes of $1000, $500, $250 and $100 to the first through fourth place winners.

A festival will be held in the outdoor area between the Perry Memorial Library and the Henderson Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets for ducks will go on sale in the next few weeks at $5 a duck, six ducks for $25 or a “flock” of 25 ducks for $100.

According to Daeke, Greystone Concrete of Henderson will once again pour the ducks out of a cement truck to ensure all enter the race in a timely fashion.

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs. FGV Smart Start is looking for sponsors for this year’s event.

Those interested in any of these events or with questions may contact the FGV Smart Start office at (252) 433-9110 or visit the NC Smart Start website at www.ncsmartstart.org.

American Flag

Wise’s Annual Parade & Car Show, Wed., July 4

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Kathleen Derring, Chamber President~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Mark your calendars for the greatest small town celebration in NC! For those of you who have been…just a simple “Don’t miss the celebration in Wise on the 4th…” is all you need! For those of you who haven’t been yet, it is a “must” event for 2018.

Wednesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. all roads lead to Wise. For nearly an hour they close down US 1 through Wise for a hometown parade. Following the parade, everyone gathers on the grounds of the Wise Baptist Church (the Stone Church) for fellowship, food, fun, live music from The Deep Creek Band and some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste. With activities for the entire family and lots of vendors and crafts, you’ll remember your 4th in Wise for years to come!

As an added entry in this year’s parade, they will have a Vietnam era Huey Medivac Helicopter. Mr. Jesse McGee of Hollister, NC will be the Grand Marshal this year. Mr. McGee is a WWII, US Army Air Corp veteran. They are proud to have a Native American veteran joining them for the 2018 parade and celebration.

This year there’s the additional Classic Car Show. A $10 entry fee gets your classic rod in the competition for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Cedar Creek Gallery’s 50th Birthday Celebration, June 23-24

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

***Photos courtesy Cedar Creek Gallery***

Come out to Cedar Creek Gallery, 1150 Fleming Rd, Creedmoor, and celebrate the weekend of June 23rd & 24th. Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.

Festivities include:
~ Opening of Pat Leveque Oakley: 50 Pots for 50 Years
~ Half-century Customer Appreciation Sale
~ Free Gift to the first 50 people in the door each day
~ Free cookies baked by Strong Arm Baking Company (Saturday)
~ Free Ice Cream Treats (Sunday)
~ Music in the gallery: Larry Hutcherson (Sat) & Kenny Shore (Sun)

Pat Leveque Oakley: 
50 Pots for 50 Years
June 23 – July 29, 2018
pat 1

Pat Leveque Oakley, Cedar Creek Gallery co-founder and
studio artist, has returned to the studio to make 50 pots
in honor of Cedar Creek Gallery’s 50th anniversary.

What is a birthday party without a present?
To celebrate our big milestone, we have a gift for you!
bowls
On both Saturday and Sunday morning, the first 50 people in the door will get a commemorative dish created in collaboration between Lisa Oakley and Jennifer Stas!

For more information, log onto www.cedarcreekgallery.com

(This is not a paid advertisement)