Daily Dispatch & H-V Chamber Seeking ’10 Under 40′ Nominations

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-Information courtesy Sandra C. Wilkerson, Director of Administration and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Do you know someone under the age of 40 making a difference in the Henderson-Vance County community? The Daily Dispatch and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce are seeking nominations to identify our community’s young, emerging leaders in politics, business, nonprofit, and the faith community.

To nominate someone, go to https://bit.ly/10under40form. You can also pick up forms at either the Chamber office at 414 S. Garnett Street, Henderson or at The Daily Dispatch at 304 S. Chestnut Street, Henderson.

Deadline to submit nominations is August 10, 2018

Check out the video on the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Facebook page where Chamber President John Barnes and The Dispatch Publisher Nancy Wykle talk about why it’s important to identify the people under the age of 40 who are helping move our community forward.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Seeking Donations for New Teacher Welcome Bags

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-Information courtesy Sandra C. Wilkerson, Director of Administration and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome new teachers to the Vance County area on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The schools include all Vance County Public Schools, Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy, and Vance Charter School.

We are looking for donations from local business owners to pack into bags for these teachers. We have approximately 210 new teachers that we will be welcoming to the area.

If your business would be able to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Donations are being accepted now until Tuesday, August 7.

Thank you for your generous donations and for being a part of this special project.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

U.S. Department of Justice

Stolen Equipment Leads to Charges of Mail/Wire Fraud for Employee

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a twelve-count indictment charging BILL BAEZ, JR., age 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina, with six counts of Mail Fraud and six counts of Wire Fraud.

The indictment alleges that beginning in or around October 2017, and continuing until in or around January 2018, BAEZ engaged in a scheme to defraud his employer by stealing over $40,000 worth of its medical equipment and selling the items on eBay for his own profit. BAEZ mailed the stolen medical equipment to his buyers via the United States Postal Service. When law enforcement arrested BAEZ on January 30, 2018, they recovered several pieces of stolen medical equipment. Some of those items had been packaged for mailing.

If convicted of all counts, BAEZ could face a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on twitter @USAO_EDNC.

News 07/26/18

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Henderson Police Department

Four Local K9 Officers to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests

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-Information courtesy Franklin Co. Sheriff Kent Winstead’s Facebook page

The Mona Pants Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue group, is donating bullet-proof vests to four K9 Officers – two from the Henderson Police Department and two from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

The lucky recipients of the “vestification” project, started by the Mona Pants Foundation in 2016, include Franklin Co. K9 Officer Ace (Corporal A. Barrett), Franklin Co. K9 Officer Oli (Corporal K. Gunter), Henderson K9 Officer Deli (Sergeant J. Thomas) and Henderson K9 Officer Nero (Officer Machelick).

These bullet-proof and stab-proof vests are in the process of being made and should be ready for the K9 Officers in a few weeks.

For more information, including pictures of the officers, please click here.

Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues; Critical Need for Type O Donors

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-Press Release, American Red Cross

Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Maya Franklin of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”

There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25 – August 15, 2018:

Franklin

Youngsville

7/29/2018: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Youngsville Masonic Lodge #377, 110 W. Main Street

Granville

Creedmoor

7/27/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

8/9/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oxford Baptist Church, 147 Main Street

Vance

Henderson

8/13/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., MR Williams, 235 Raleigh Rd

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

McGregor Hall

Open Auditions for McGregor Hall’s Production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’

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-Information courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center website and Facebook page

We are pleased to invite you to open auditions for McGregor Hall’s fall production of “Beauty and the Beast.” All roles are available for audition including those of Belle and the Beast. Join us for the rare opportunity to perform in a 1,000-seat state-of-the-art venue with elegant professional costumes, a professional live orchestra, and top-flight tech and set.

  • You may choose to audition on either Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m. or Sunday, August 19 at 7 p.m. You may subsequently be asked to attend a callback audition on Monday, August 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Auditions will be held at McGregor Hall, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. Please enter through the backstage door facing Winder Street at the top of the handicap ramp.
  • All those auditioning must complete the online pre-audition form available by clicking here
  • The production opens on October 25 with two daytime performances for area school children.
  • There will be four 8 p.m. evening performances on October 26 & 27 and November 2 & 3. There will be two 2 p.m. matinee performances on October 28 and November 4.
  • Rehearsals will begin on August 27.
  • Onstage chorus members may be asked to purchase or rent costumes at their own expense.
  • A list of characters appearing in the production with their descriptions is available by clicking here
  • A printable flyer with additional information on audition requirements is available by clicking here
  • Break a leg!

Visit www.mcgregorhall.org/beauty-and-the-beast-audition-info for requirements, the pre-audition form and for more pertinent information. You may also email info@mcgregorhall.org for information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Graduates 19th ‘Tea & Etiquette’ Class

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has graduated its 19th “Tea and Etiquette” class with an Afternoon Tea highlighting the celebration.

The class held its final meeting and graduation ceremony on April 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson with a tea party organized and carried out by the students of the class.

Graduating were Mary Adcock of Oxford, Vickie Bailey of Creedmoor, Jean Carter of Roanoke Rapids, Kay Currin of Oxford, Patty Currin of Oxford, Sandy Lehman of Roanoke Rapids, Frankie Marks of Oxford, Sharon Murrell of Henrico, and Dr. Paula Wood of Bracey, Va.

Above: Seen here in a parlor at First Presbyterian Church of Henderson are, from left, graduates Mary Adcock of Oxford, Sharon Murrell of Henrico, Kay Currin of Oxford, Dr. Paula Wood of Bracey, Va., the class instructor Dr. B.K. McCloud of Oxford, graduates Sandy Lehman of Roanoke Rapids, Vickie Bailey of Creedmoor, Jean Carter of Roanoke Rapids, Frankie Marks of Oxford, and Patty Currin of Oxford. (VGCC Photo)

The instructor for the class was Dr. B.K. McCloud of Oxford. Vance-Granville has been offering the class since it was founded by the late Constance Lue in 2006.

Among the tea selections for the graduation were Southern Tea Lady’s, Lemon & Ginger Delight Black, and Harney & Sons Fine Teas. On the menu were: for savories, Goat Cheese Pepper Boats, Petite Ham Biscuits, Quiche Florentine, and Aunt Virginia’s Asparagus Sandwiches; fruity scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves; and, for sweets, Luscious Lemon Bars, Salted Caramel Strawberries, Orange Blossoms and Brownie Tuxedos.

The graduation also included a rousing rendition of “The Old North State,” the official state song of North Carolina, written by William Gaston and collected and arranged by Mrs. E.E. Randolph.

In the course, students learn about the history of tea; the difference between an afternoon tea party, a royal tea party and “High Tea”; and the proper way to make the best pot of tea. They have tastings of a wide variety of teas (black, white, green, Oolongs and herbal) at each class meeting. Beyond the specifics of teas, students study grace, civility and etiquette.

For information about future tea classes, contact Gabbie Norfleet at (252) 738-3275 or ped@vgcc.edu.

View a photo album from the graduation on our Flickr site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157669044789608.

News 07/25/18

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Henderson Optimist Club Respect For Law 2018

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Front row from left: Graham Woodlief, Tyler Coleman, Victor Ward, Britt Sams, Adam Pegram, Josh Southerland, Chad Olds, Bryce Fleming; Back row from left: John Pecora, Tony Pendergrass, Steve Cordell, Peter White, Charles Hearn, Chris Wright, Darby Guy, Frankie Nobles, Tommy Farmer

Tuesday night at 6:00, the Henderson Optimist Club met at the Henderson Country Club and held it’s annual Respect for Law program.

Henderson Police Captain Tony Pendergrass presented the Officer of the Year award to Sgt. Graham Woodlief.  Pendergrass said, “Since January of 2018, through numerous arrest and search warrants, Sgt. Woodlief has seized $28,961 in cash, 10.8 pounds of marijuana, 12,744 dosage units of heroin, 194.7 grams of cocaine, 50.5 illegal pills and 16 firearms.”  Woodlief said, “It was a collective effort,” and praised his fellow officers and co-workers.

Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell presented the Henderson Firefighter of the Year award to Senior Firefighter Tyler Coleman.  Cordell said the city was lucky to have Coleman.  Cordell said every time he’s seen Coleman in recent years he’s either doing his job or headed to class.  Cordell said Coleman had learned a lot and earned his certifications and he’d very graciously shared what he’d learned with his peers.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White awarded court bailiff Victor Ward with Deputy of the Year honors.  White said rarely are law enforcement officers thanked like what the Optimist Club does, and he said, “A simple thank you goes a long ways.”  Ward said something White told him had really stuck with him and helped him, and that was to “‘Be kind and be kind and be kind until you can’t be kind anymore.”‘

Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright spoke passionately about Adam Pegram, the Vance County Firefighter of the Year.  He said Pegram puts his family first and that was something he looked for in firefighters.  Wright said, “My guys have worked together.”  No one said it at the meeting, but firefighters usually do stick together like a family, and they surely have to in the many dangerous circumstances they face.  Fire Captain Adam Pegram, who got his start as a young man in the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department, said to the audience, “Y’all are my family.  Without y’all, there is no me.”

The North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year is Josh Southerland.  Sgt. Darby Guy said Southerland had removed 128 drunks from the road last year.  Southerland was also the recent recipient of a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers award and became the proud driver of the first stealth patrol cruiser.  Southerland said, “Our leadership and coworkers keep us motivated.”

“The Singing Animal Control Officer,” Chad Olds received the Vance County Animal Control Officer of the Year award from Chief Frankie Nobles.  Olds is the officer seen recently on Facebook singing to animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter.  It’s been viewed more than 15 million times.  Nobles said Olds is there “no matter what, when, how long.  I’ve got a good team.”  Olds spoke of brotherhood, community and family.  He said he understood those things now better than ever.  “Frankie is a good teacher,” he said.

Optimist Tommy Farmer introduced Bryce Fleming as the Kerr Lake Park Ranger of the Year.  Fleming is park superintendent at the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.  Farmer introduced Fleming as the caretaker of a major resource in our area, and one that attracts a tremendous number of visitors.  Fleming thanked the already mentioned officers and departments for all they do.  He said, “A park ranger blends a lot of what you do.  Everyone of you has helped us, and we thank you.”

Musical entertainment was provided before the presentations by J and J including Jimmy Barrier on bass and vocals, Keith Aiken on the dobro, Mike Watkins and Roger Knox on guitar and Curtis Tyndal on Bass.  Mr. Jerry Delbridge also sang and presented a most lovely poem, from memory, about God forming man.

(My thanks to the Henderson Optimist Club and President Britt Sams for an excellent meal and a good program and fellowship. – JCR)