Vance-Granville Community Band to present free holiday concert on Nov. 27

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— courtesy VGCC

The Vance-Granville Community Band will perform its tenth annual winter holiday concert on Monday, Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. Admission is free of charge.

Included in the concert will be a host of holiday favorites, including “Silver Bells,” “White Christmas,” “The First Noel,” “A French Noel” (Pat-A Pan), “Appalachian Carol” (Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head), and a medley of Christmas classics including “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

“The Night Before Christmas” will be presented in a “story-time” format, as Clement Moore’s famous poem is read with band accompaniment.

The concert will begin with the traditional rendering of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the state song, “The Old North State.” Plus, as is customary for any ensemble led by the director of the band, Brian Miller, a Sousa march will be included. “No concert is complete without Sousa,” according to Miller. “This year, while we are playing almost all Christmas music, we will of course play a Sousa march. It will be Sousa’s classic ‘The Invincible Eagle March,’ which the master of American music wrote in 1901.”

Brian Miller conducts the Vance-Granville Community Band during its 2016 holiday concert. (VGCC photo)

Miller, in his second year as director of the Vance-Granville Community Band, was known locally as the man at the helm of the Louisburg High School band program for more than two decades, a band program that grew into one of the largest in the state and was known for its performance of Sousa marches and traditional band literature. Miller now teaches band and humanities at Crosscreek Charter School in Louisburg, is the organist for both Louisburg Baptist Church and Louisburg College, teaches part-time for VGCC, frequently serves as music director for the Louisburg College Drama department and is found at North Henderson Baptist Church on Sunday nights, playing the piano and sometimes preaching.

“We want everybody to come hear this free concert,” said Miller. “It will be played right in the heart of historic downtown Henderson, in the center of this great community. The concert will only last about an hour, and hearing the band play these great old songs is a terrific way to usher in the holiday season.”

The Community Band, which is sponsored by the VGCC Division of Arts and Sciences, includes people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from throughout the region. No auditions are required. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, on the Main Campus in Henderson, at Exit 209 on Interstate 85 (Poplar Creek Road). For more information, contact Brian Miller at (919) 496-5877 or at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu or Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

NC Coop Extension

2017 Vance County Farm-City Breakfast

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“Celebrating the Positive Relationships Between Farm Families and City Residents”

On Thursday morning at 8:00 at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in Henderson, NC, the 2017 Vance County Farm-City Breakfast took place to show support for the local farmers of Vance County.

A special presentation was given by Lisa Prince with the North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

The following awards were presented:

4-H Volunteer of the Year – Tiffany Hunter – Franklin County School System

Community Supporter of the Year – Christeen Crudup – USDA

Farm Family of the Year – Donald Faulkner – Faulkner Family Farm

Small Farmer of the Year – Gene Matthews – Jasm Farms

Vance County Census of Agriculture:

Total Acres in County – 162,248

Number of Farms – 242

Total Land in Farms, Acres – 54,880

Average Farm Size, Acres – 227

Harvested Cropland, Acres – 13,890

Average Age of Farmers – 62.1

Average Value of Farm & Buildings – $189,883,000

Average Market Value of Machinery & Equipment – $19,270,000

Average Total Farm production Expense – $52,538

VGCC President appointed to major education commission

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— courtesy VGCC

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, has been appointed to serve on the “My Future NC” Commission, a new statewide group focused on educational attainment.

My Future NC was recently created by the leaders of the North Carolina public education systems, including 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. The Commission’s work is being underwritten by grants from The John M. Belk Endowment, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Goodnight Education Foundation. My Future NC brings together top leaders from education, business, non-profit organizations and state government.

The commission will study and discuss state education and training needs, identify obstacles to meeting those needs, and generate policy recommendations. President Spellings is the co-chair for the effort, along with Dale Jenkins, chief executive officer of Medical Mutual Holdings, and Andrea Smith, chief administrative officer of Bank of America.

Dr. Williams is one of two community college presidents on the panel, along with Dr. Jeff Cox of Wilkes Community College. Other members of the commission include corporate and non-profit foundation chief executives, a local school superintendent, a university chancellor, a legislator, and a pair of members of the clergy. Darryl Moss, the mayor of Creedmoor and a member of the VGCC Endowment Fund board, has also been appointed to the commission.

“We have two North Carolinas when it comes to education and opportunity — the affluent, well-educated population centers — and the small towns and rural communities that have been left out of the rising economic and educational tide that has lifted our state,” said President Spellings. “And North Carolina is one of only a few states without a comprehensive strategic plan from pre-K through post-secondary education. The goal of this effort is simple but by no means easy: to develop a multi-year education plan that recommends a robust attainment goal for the state and a broad-based agenda for a stronger and more competitive North Carolina. We can do better and we should do better—the future of our great state depends on it.”

The commission’s goal is to complete its work by the end of 2018.

“Higher education is an absolute imperative for the future of our state and our workforce,” said Andrea Smith, Bank of America CAO and My Future NC co-chair. “Two of every three new jobs now require some form of post-secondary education — whether that’s training credentials, an associate degree, a four-year degree or higher. This reality underscores how critical education is to career growth and how important it is to increasing economic mobility.”

“I am honored to join a distinguished group of North Carolina leaders who will bring our diverse perspectives to the challenges of strengthening and aligning our state’s excellent educational institutions so that all children and adults can succeed,” President Williams said. “I bring to this task my experience from VGCC, which reflects the entire education pipeline, with our two five-star child care centers as well as our partnerships with K-12 school systems, with the business community and with 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.

For more information about My Future NC, visit www.myfuturenc.org.

–VGCC–

Vance Superintendent Received Medal for Technology Implementation

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— courtesy Vance County Schools

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, received the prestigious Friday Medal during a ceremony at the Friday Institute on the Centennial Campus of N.C. State University in Raleigh on November 15.

Jackson, who has been the superintendent of local schools since the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, was presented the award by Friday Institute officials in recognition of his outstanding leadership in implementing effective use of technology into teaching and learning each day in the classrooms of our 17 public schools.

The Friday Medal honors significant, distinguished and enduring contributions to education and beyond through advocating innovation, advancing education and imparting inspiration. In recognition of the commitment of Bill and Ida Friday to educational excellence, the College of Education’s William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation created The Friday Medal. This award is given annually to those who embody the mission and spirit of the Friday Institute.

In collaboration with the N.C. School Superintendents Association, the 2017 Friday Medal was presented to Jackson and six other superintendents. They each received a medal for their own accomplishments and as representatives of the many other dedicated and innovative rural superintendents who serve the students of North Carolina. All of the superintendents honored included:

Darrin Hartness – Davie County
Anthony Jackson – Vance County
Jeff McDaris – Transylvania County
Janet Mason – Rutherford County
Lynn Moody – Rowan Salisbury
Patrick Miller – Greene County
Robert Taylor – Bladen County

News 11/16/17

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Downtown Business Owners Receive Fascade Improvement Grants

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— by Kaine Riggan

The Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission awarded three grants to local entrepreneurs recently. Grantees were selected through a competitive grant process to assist businesses in the downtown business district with making improvements to the overall curb-appeal of their storefronts.

Charles Bowman, a veteran local business owner, renovated the building at 117 Horner Street into an antique car showroom called Southern Classic Cars. Bowman was awarded $1710 for half the total cost of installing new awnings along the front fascade.

“We’ve invested a great deal into making the building something everyone can be proud of,” admits Bowman who has been a classic car collector for decades. “I’m proud of the city leaders and the DDC for making these incentives available to folks who are willing to invest in downtown.”

The DDC’s website (DowntownDevelopment.org) lists the guidelines and eligibility requirements for all of the incentives they offer. The fascade incentive grant can cover 50% of improvement costs up to $2500. The sign incentive grant can cover 25% of costs associated with new storefront signage.

Chef Cherie Pittman of Next Door Bistro and Chef Llew Sutton of Uncle Llew’s Restaurant & Pub received the full 25% allowable reimbursement for their new storefront signage.

Pictured are Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director, Cherie Pittman (Next Door Bistro), Llew Sutton (Uncle Llew’s), Charles Bowman (Southern Classic Cars) and Phil Hart, HVDDC Chair. Photo credit Mike Noel.

“Grants are reviewed monthly by committee and applications are accepted until the annual grant budget allocation is exhausted”, shared Downtown Development Director, Kaine Riggan.

Riggan also worked with downtown’s Kerr Lake Signs & Banners to design and install billboard-type signage across the fascade of the former Abigail’s Books at 405 S. Garnett Street. The property had become an eyesore since the previous owner abandoned the property allowing it to revert by due process into city and county ownership.

“Reaction has been very positive to the recent improvements,” said HVDDC Chair Phil Hart. “An attractive and thriving downtown is the life-blood of any successful city and what we are seeing is both recognition of that from city officials and support of that from a community willing to shop local first.”

In addition to awarding grants, the DDC also offers low-interest loans to bolster investment in its business district. Now in its second round of loan projects, the DDC can offer funds originally awarded through the USDA’s Revolving Loan program at a 3-6% interest rate. More information about any of these programs may be obtained at www.DowntownDevelopment.org or by calling (252) 820-9785.

Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court Nov 6, 2017

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Press Release from District Attorney Mike Waters

HENDERSON, NC- A session of Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court was held during the week of November 6, 2017. The Honorable Robert H. Hobgood, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, presided over the session. The District Attorney’s Office was represented by District Attorney Michael D. Waters and Assistant District Attorneys Melissa D. Pelfrey, Nicole G. Louis and David J. Erdmann. Many cases were disposed of during the session, including the following:

Trevor Bullock pleaded guilty to Attempted First Degree Statutory Sex Offense. Judge Hobgood sentenced Mr. Bullock to a 94 to 173 month active sentence in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC). This case was investigated by the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White.

Quincy Champion pleaded guilty to Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. Judge Hobgood sentenced Mr. Champion to a 40 to 60 month active sentence in the DAC. This case was investigated by Detective Alan Simmons of the Henderson Police Department under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

Bryant Coleman pleaded guilty to 2 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and 2 counts of Discharging a Weapon into Occupied Property. Judge Hobgood sentenced Mr. Coleman to a 60 to 84 month active sentence in the DAC, followed by another active sentence of 60 to 84 months in the DAC, followed by another 25 to 42 month active sentence, which was suspended for 36 months of supervised probation. This case was investigated by the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White.

Vondell Gregory pleaded guilty to trafficking in heroin and manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Judge Hobgood sentenced Mr. Gregory to a 110 to 156 month active sentence in the DAC. This case was investigated by the Henderson Police Department under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

Lamarius Lewis pleaded guilty to trafficking in heroin. Judge Hobgood sentenced Mr. Lewis to a 70 to 93 month active sentence in the DAC. This case was investigated by Special Agent John Rowan of ALE.

Aaliyah Miles pleaded guilty to Common Law Robbery. Judge Hobgood sentenced Ms. Miles to a 10 to 21 month active sentence in the DAC. This case was investigated by the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White.

The case of State of North Carolina versus Tamar Daye was called for trial. Ms. Daye is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Corey Cheek in May of 2016. However, this case could not be tried, because an insufficient number of jurors reported for jury duty. The case was continued and is scheduled for trial in the first half of next year.

VGCC Advisory Committees hold annual meetings

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— courtesy VGCC

Citizens from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties came together at the Main Campus of Vance-Granville Community College on Oct. 24 as the college’s advisory committees held their annual meetings.

VGCC’s 36 advisory committees are made up of people from the communities served by the college who have worked in the fields for which the college offers training or who can provide certain insights or expertise. Committees advise not only curriculum and continuing education programs, but also VGCC’s South, Franklin and Warren campuses, the Small Business Center and other departments. Many committee members are VGCC alumni. Each fall, these committees meet on campus with the heads of the programs they advise.

At the Oct. 24 meetings, VGCC faculty and staff communicated with advisory committee members about new developments in academic programs, about how to tailor classes and training to meet employment needs, and about changes in the workplace. Committee members made suggestions on what the college should be doing to enhance or adapt instruction.

VGCC advisory committee meetings included this gathering of the Human Services Technology Program Advisory Committee on Oct. 24 in a classroom on the college’s Main Campus. Those present included, seated clockwise from left, Yvonne Faison of Franklin County Schools, VGCC academic and career coach/counselor Veta Pierce-Cappetta, Human Services program head Tracy Wallace, Kathryn Thompson of the Vance County Department of Social Services, Human Services instructor Sharon O’Geary and student representative Larecia Bullock of Oxford. (VGCC photo)

Students in VGCC’s Culinary Arts program prepared a reception in the Civic Center, preceding the meetings. The menu had an “international” theme and included heavy hors d’oeuvres like Beef Bourgogne, Tandoori Chicken, antipasti and orzo Greek pasta salad, along with assorted desserts representing Italian, Greek, Indian and Latin American traditions.

In remarks during the reception, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, expressed the college’s gratitude to the advisory committee members for their service and their support. “Your input is crucial to ensuring that our college’s programs and services remain relevant to our community and to our workforce, and that we have prepared our students well to enter into their professions and to continue their higher education,” President Williams told the attendees.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

Public Health Serving You 11/15/17

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News 11/15/17

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