VGCC President honors Cosmetology department

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VGCC Cosmetology — press release

The president of Vance-Granville Community College, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, recently recognized a group of faculty members for excellence by awarding the “Vanguard Cup” to the college’s Cosmetology department.

The department became the third recipient of the cup, an honor created by Dr. Williams to recognize “exceptional team performance toward the college mission, vision and strategic plan.”

In this case, the president lauded the Cosmetology faculty for their outstanding work on promoting student success on the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensure exam.

“In order to help students achieve professional success, the Cosmetology department set a goal of having 90% of its students pass the state board exam,” Dr. Williams noted. “With clear strategies to accomplish this, they initiated faculty professional development to better prepare students, training videos for students, online modules for student preparation, and a mock state exam review. As a result, this past year, the department exceeded the original goal and achieved a 100% passing rate across all four VGCC campuses.”

Members of the VGCC Cosmetology faculty pose with the “Vanguard Cup.” They include, from left, instructor Wallace Evans, Warren Campus coordinator/instructor Magnolia Terry, program head/instructor Tomeka Moss and Franklin Campus coordinator/instructor Tammy Johnson-Dudding. Other instructors for the program include Vivian Smith, Rhonda Gibbs, Linda Foster, Dorothy Godfrey, Nancy Jackson, Emily Coburn and Salina Alston. (VGCC photo)

The president added, “The Cosmetology faculty are to be commended for their creativity and their commitment. The education, inspiration and support that they provide empowers students to start rewarding careers.”

“We have an exceptionally dedicated team of instructors in the VGCC Cosmetology department who work really hard to ensure our students’ success,” said Program Head Tomeka Moss, who is also a graduate of the program. “Our program’s success is without a doubt a team effort, of which I am extremely proud.”

VGCC offers diploma and certificate programs in Cosmetology, along with a Cosmetology Instructor certificate program. These curriculum programs provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. Students develop their skills in a simulated salon environment at each VGCC campus, located in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. For more information, contact Tomeka Moss at (252) 738-3357.

–VGCC–

News 04/16/18

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Special Date Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

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— Vance County Schools press release

Special Date Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration for 2018-2019 is continuing! Our elementary schools have special registration events planned April 16-19. The events are from 1 to 6 p.m. at each of the schools.

The schedule for the school events includes:

Aycock Elementary – Thursday, April 19
Carver Elementary – Thursday, April 19
Clarke Elementary – Thursday, April 19
Dabney Elementary – Wednesday, April 18
E.M. Rollins Elementary – Tuesday, April 17
E.O. Young, Jr. Elementary – Tuesday, April 17
L.B. Yancey Elementary – Tuesday, April 17
New Hope Elementary – Tuesday, April 17
Pinkston Street Elementary – Monday, April 16
Zeb Vance Elementary – Thursday, April 19

Parents registering their children should bring a document with proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, medical record), their immunization record, Social Security card, proof of residence and proof of income. Pre-kindergarten children must be four years old on or before August 31, 2018, and kindergarten children must be five years old on or before August 31, 2018.

Embrace Henderson This Saturday April 14

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The Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular is this Saturday, April 14. It will last from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Saddlerock Farms on Weldon’s Mill Road. This event is totally free to attend just as it has been since it’s inception. There will be inflatables, horse rides, live music, games, sno cones, popcorn and a special presentation of the greatest story every told. This is a family event, and it is a LOT of fun. Attendance including volunteers and youngsters has approached 1,000 people in recent years. This marks the 8th consecutive year for the Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular. Last year, the Embrace Henderson Family Spectacular was attended by 745 guests, 21 decisions for Christ and 130 volunteers worked the event.  Click the picture to the right.

 

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Narcan Kits Distributed in Vance Co. to Help Battle Opioid Crisis

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

Earlier this week, community members and leaders gathered at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson for a Town Hall meeting and to assemble Narcan kits, the treatment used to counteract a life-threatening opioid overdose.

A total of 700 kits, including a dose of the Narcan intranasal spray, were distributed to first responders, health departments, schools and interested community members in Vance and surrounding counties.

According to Elliot Clark, senior community executive with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, the organization is “helping to distribute Narcan kits and get people resources to be able to literally help save lives and encourage people to enter into treatment for opioid dependence.”

Narcan, the only FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, has been used to combat opioid overdoses, such as from heroin, for decades; however, it was previously available primarily through first responders. With the recent opioid crisis that has swept the nation, and proven especially hard-hitting in Vance County, the availability of the spray is becoming more wide-spread.

“Plenty of law enforcement agents are now carrying Narcan kits in their patrol cars,” said Clark. “They no longer have to wait for EMS to arrive in order to save a life.”

In addition to widely-distributing Narcan to prevent death from an opioid overdose, the local community is also ramping up efforts to promote prevention.

“It’s a community effort – not just one organization, not just first responders, or behavioral health professionals or schools; it’s all of us,” Clark said. “Education and awareness need to be at the forefront.”

According to Clark, County government is taking a very active role in addressing the health crisis. Multiple agencies have previously held, and continue to hold, community forums to discuss the crisis and educate the local area.

Initiatives such as Granville-Vance Public Health’s Project VIBRANT are focused on the opioid epidemic, specifically around the administration of Narcan. The Stepping Up Initiative that involves local law enforcement agents is also addressing the crisis.

“Prevention is hugely important and traditional methods of prevention need to revisited,” said Clark. “We need to start looking at prevention as a holistic health model and make it part of a conversation where even kids are comfortable talking about their mental health and how they are feeling.”

Cardinal Innovations is available by phone 24/7 for crisis support and treatment options. Those facing a crisis situation may call 1-800-939-5911 to speak with a licensed clinician.

(Cardinal Innovations Healthcare is an advertising client of WIZS Radio.)

Infinite Possibilities, Inc. Offers Support/Advocacy for Victims of Abuse

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

Infinite Possibilities, Inc, an advocacy group for victims of abuse, was recently on air to discuss the organization’s services and to announce upcoming events.

Founded in 2009 by CEO Kanika Turrentine, the agency provides advocacy, acts as a resource center and provides a safe haven for those who have been abused sexually or have experienced domestic violence.

The agency also provides legal advocacy by pairing court advocates with victims and working with legal aid to provide free legal representation. Hospital advocacy for victims of sexual abuse, counseling for all victims and assistance finding safe living arrangements are also provided.

With a staff of eight, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. serves victims in the five-county area, including Vance, Franklin, Warren, Granville and Halifax counties.

The agency may be reached by calling their 24-hour crisis line or in person at one of their office locations. In Vance County, the agency is located inside the Vance County Courthouse.

In fact, according to Turrentine, if a victim comes to the courthouse to file civil paperwork against their abuser, they will automatically be connected with an Infinite Possibilities, Inc. advocate.

Turrentine stresses that everything that is discussed is confidential and that staff will perform a danger assessment with the victim to determine what other agencies and departments may need to intervene.

Despite the stigma that victims of domestic and sexual violence are predominantly female, Turrentine reported that there are a fair number of male victims as well. “Domestic and sexual abuse is about power and control,” said Turrentine. “There are individuals of both genders who want to exhibit power and control over another person.”

Turrentine conservatively estimates that the agency helps 1,000 victims each year; however, this represents just a small number of those who experience abuse. “There are those who take the step and make the call, but then there are so many more who are suffering behind closed doors,” Turrentine said.

The agency measures the success of those they help by celebrating even the smallest of victories. “That step of someone actually calling the crisis line when they may have been in an abusive situation for 30 years – that’s success,” said Turrentine.

Other success stories are seen in victims who are able to find safe housing, secure employment, keep their children safe from harm and give back to their community.

“Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is just that,” Turrentine said. “There are no limits to the number of things you can accomplish when you have the right support system, the right knowledge and the right foundation.”

In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, Infinite Possibilities, Inc. is hosting several events, including:

  • A sexual assault awareness presentation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 23 at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson and on Wednesday, April 25 at the Warren County Memorial Library. Participants may walk-through to receive information, meet advocates and ask questions. Both presentations will feature a Silent Witness Exhibit to honor the lives of those lost to abuse. The exhibit will include life-size wooden silhouettes of victims with name plaques.
  • Infinite Possibilities, Inc. encourages the community to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 25. This is a nationally recognized day for all community members to make a social statement by wearing jeans as a means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault and sexual assault victims.

To learn more about Infinite Possibilities, Inc., please visit their website at www.infinitepossibilitiesinc.com or call (252) 431-1926.

Rod Of God Comedy Show Scheduled For April 14

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— press release

GRANVILLE COUNTY LAWYER BRINGS HIS WORLD-FAMOUS ‘CLEAN COMEDY’ TO McGREGOR HALL STAGE

Rod Of God Comedy Show Scheduled For April 14

HENDERSON, N.C. —When you think of comedians these days, you often think of dirty jokes and dirty language. But, on Saturday April 14, 2018, you’ll laugh to some good-ole “clean comedy.” That’s when long-time Comedian Rodrick Allison performs his signature style of “clean comedy” at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson, N.C.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the comedy show starts at 8 p.m.

The Rod of God comedy show featuring Rodrick Allison is a Christian-based comedy show. Allison has performed throughout the world and on stage with legendary performers such as Gospel Artists Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and many more.

“You can be funny without being vulgar and a Christian without losing your sense of humor,” Allison proclaimed.

This “Attorney by Day and Comedian by Night Entertainer” runs a private law practice in Granville County, N.C., and uses comedy to inspire others. He graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1995 as class valedictorian and earned his law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998. In 2013, he was recognized by the NC Bar Association for his dual career in Comedy and Law.

Given his desire to spread the gift of laughter throughout the world, he has released two videos: “I’m Laughin’ In The Rain” and “Rod of God Comedy Live … Laughter Is Legal.” Allison also spends time mentoring others, performing on the trumpet and is a powerful, engaging motivational speaker with a unique ability to inspire and captivate his audience.

The Rod of God performance is the last of five performances in the Heritage! performance series ticket package.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and 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. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

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(This is not a paid advertisement.)

News 04/13/18

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Henderson-Vance Spring Litter Sweep 2018

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Vance County Appearance Commission Press Release

The Vance County Appearance Commission again is sponsoring the annual Henderson-Vance Spring Litter Sweep Week, April 23-28, and encouraging local citizens to get involved in cleaning up and improving the appearance of our community.

Throughout the week, the commission is asking residents of neighborhoods and subdivisions to clean up around their homes, business owners to clean up around their businesses and church and school groups to join in extra efforts to clean up around their facilities.

Local N.C. Adopt-A-Highway groups are urged to clean up along the roadway areas they have committed to keeping litter free during Spring Litter Sweep Week.

N.C. DOT crews and other work crews will be out helping to clean up trash and debris along Vance County roadways. Local volunteer groups are urged to join the efforts.

The week will end on Saturday, April 28, with the annual Vance County Recycling Day event in the parking lot of the City Operations Center at 900 South Beckford Drive in Henderson. Volunteers and recycling agency representatives will be on hand to collect recyclables items from citizens free of charge. Items which will be collected for free include all types of old medications, household recyclables, computer equipment, televisions, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, plastic bottles and containers and metal and aluminum cans.

Representatives of Shred Ace will be on hand to securely shred important personal documents for citizens. Shredding will be limited to one cart per local citizen who participates.

No old paints will be accepted this year at the Recycling Day event.

Volunteers with the Vance County Appearance Commission and students from the Kittrell Job Corps Center will be assisting citizens in unloading recyclables as they bring them to the Recycling Day event.

All Spring Litter Sweep Week and Recycling Day volunteers are invited to attend a free hot dog lunch beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, in the City Operations Center. The lunch again is sponsored by the Wisdom for Life Foundation of Jason Brown and the Fruit of the Spirit community group.

Spring Litter Sweep Week supplies of gloves, bags and orange safety vests will be available for free beginning on Thursday, April 19, at the City Operations Center and at the Vance County Schools Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson.

Anyone seeking additional information about the Spring Litter Sweep Week or Recycling Day event may contact Terri Hedrick at 252-915-9420 or at thedrick@vcs.k12.nc.us.

Vance County Schools Updates

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Terri Hedrick, public information officer for Vance County Schools was recently on air to provide updates on the school system and to discuss upcoming events. These include:

End of the 2017-18 School Year:

The last day of the 2017-2018 school year for all traditional schools will be Friday, June 8, 2018. The Early College High School located on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus will end on Thursday, May 24, 2018. E.M. Rollins Elementary School, Vance County’s only year-round school, will finish on Friday, June 22, 2018.

United Way of Vance County Yard Sale:

The United Way of Vance County, a big supporter of Vance County Schools, will have a yard sale in the parking lot of their new office location at 715 S. Garnett St on Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The new office is located near the post office in downtown Henderson.

Money raised at the yard sale will support efforts to raise funds for needy families in Vance and Warren counties.

Items for sale include adult’s clothing/shoes, children’s clothing/shoes, children’s toys, office and home furniture, office and school supplies, filing cabinets, storage cabinets and much more.

The United Way will be collecting donated items for the yard sale. Board of Directors members will be at the new United Way Office on S. Garnett St on Friday, April 13, 2018, from 5 p.m. and after to collect donated items.

Vance County Board of Education’s April 2018 Meeting:

The Vance County Board of Education will hold their next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, in the Board Room of the Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson.

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent for Vance County Schools, is expected to make recommendations to the Board regarding the recently approved school consolidation plan.

At their March meeting, the Board voted to approve the plan to consolidate the County’s two traditional middle schools and two traditional high schools. As of the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, Eaton-Johnson Middle School and Henderson Middle School will be located in the current Northern Vance High School building. Also happening in August 2018, Northern Vance High School and Southern Vance High School will be located in the current Southern Vance High School building.

This will leave the current Eaton-Johnson Middle School and Henderson Middle School buildings vacant.

The STEM students currently located at Southern Vance High School will remain at that location. This will raise the number of students housed in the Southern Vance building from the current estimate of 900 students to approximately 1,600 students.

Both the consolidated high school and middle school will have a new name, new mascot and new school colors. Students, parents and faculty members will have an input on these decisions, with the Board of Education having the final vote.

Logistics including class changes, cafeteria schedules, traffic patterns, school start and dismissal procedures, the moving of equipment and the protection of previous school archives will all need to be discussed and arranged before the new school year begins.