Vance Co. Schools Celebrates Top Educators at Excellence in Education Banquet

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools celebrated the accomplishments and talents of the district’s top educators at the annual Excellence in Education Banquet held on September 11, at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson.

During the event, an audience of about 150 people watched as Angela Cusaac, now a teacher at Vance County High School, received the prestigious award for Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019. Cusaac was presented a very nice trophy by Superintendent Anthony Jackson. She also received a new Toyota Camry from Henderson Toyota to drive for the next year as the district’s top representative for local teachers. Cusaac was selected last school year as the Teacher of the Year for Southern Vance High School. She competed for the coveted district Teacher of the Year title with a field of 14 other outstanding educators chosen as their respective school’s Teacher of the Year.

Davia Johnson, who last year was the Teacher of the Year for Eaton-Johnson Middle School, was named the runner-up in the district competition to Cusaac. Johnson now teaches at Vance County Middle School.

Dr. Carnetta Thomas, principal of L.B. Yancey Elementary School, was named the Vance County Schools Principal of the Year for 2018-2019. She also received a nice acrylic trophy for her award.

The Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year for 2018-2019 is Lemondre Watson, who was nominated for the award when he was an assistant principal last year at Eaton-Johnson Middle School. He is now an assistant principal at Vance County Middle School.

Finally, the district named Donna Stratmon, who last year taught at Northern Vance High School, as the Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019. Stratmon now teaches at Vance County High School.

Those nominees for the Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year included: Cusaac of Southern Vance High School; Johnson of Eaton-Johnson Middle School; Sarah Jeffries of Aycock Elementary School; Mary Bowers-Taylor of Carver Elementary School; Connie Krupa of Clarke Elementary School; Sharonda Bullock-Morton of Dabney Elementary School; Linda Villa of New Hope Elementary School; Nicola Dobbs of Pinkston Street Elementary School; Regina Hilliard of E.M. Rollins Elementary School; Tameka Brown Burwell of L.B. Yancey Elementary School; Katie Tielking of E.O. Young, Jr. Elementary School; Vanessa Davis of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Cherie Dixon of Henderson Middle School; Nordia McLaughlin of STEM Early High School; and Sheri Evans-Bailey of AdVance Academy.

The nominees for Principal of the Year, along with Thomas, were Kristian Herring of Zeb Vance Elementary School (now STEM Early High School); Rey Horner of Southern Vance High School (now Vance County High School); and Stephanie Ayscue of AdVance Academy.

Educators nominated for the district’s Assistant Principal of the Year in addition to Watson were Joy Suther of Dabney Elementary School; Letitia Fields of Zeb Vance Elementary School; Kevin Ross of Northern Vance High School (now Vance County Middle School); and Darwin Carter of AdVance Academy.

Nominees for the Beginning Teacher of the Year award with Stratmon were Craig Harris of New Hope Elementary School; Melissa Matterson of Pinkston Street Elementary School; Le’Cresha Henderson of E.M. Rollins Elementary School; Debian Blackwood of L.B. Yancey Elementary School; Sallie Nelson of Eaton-Johnson Middle School (now Vance County Middle School); Layla Aldousany of Early College High School; and Steven Myerscough of AdVance Academy.

Angela Cusaac, second from right, receives her Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year award from, left to right, Ed Wilson and Ruth Hartness, both members of the Vance County Board of Education, Superintendent Anthony Jackson and Kedecia Stewart, the school system’s Teacher of the Year last year from Pinkston Street Elementary School. (Photo Credit Vance Co. Schools)

Dr. Carnetta Thomas, second from left, receives her Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Award from Superintendent Anthony Jackson, left, as they are joined by Ruth Hartness, Ed Wilson and Vance County Schools Principal of the Year for 2017-2018 Kristen Boyd of Aycock Elementary School. (Photo Credit Vance Co. Schools)

Lemondre Watson holds his trophy as the Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year after he was presented the award by Superintendent Anthony Jackson. With them are Ruth Hartness, Ed Wilson and Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson, last year’s Assistant Principal of the Year who is now principal of Pinkston Street Elementary School. (Photo Credit Vance Co. Schools)

Donna Stratmon holds her Beginning Teacher of the Year award as she is joined by, from left, Ed Wilson, Ruth Hartness and Superintendent Anthony Jackson. (Photo Credit Vance Co. Schools)

NC Coop Extension

Public Invited to Attend ‘Gathering of Gardeners’ Workshop

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

The gardening public is invited to attend a “Gathering of Gardeners: Practical Strategies for Gardening in Challenging Times and Conditions” on September 22, 2018, 9 a.m. to noon. Gardeners in Warren County and surrounding areas can learn about straw bale gardening, rain barrels and more at this workshop sponsored by the Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers.

Participants can also get their gardening questions answered from a panel of Master Gardener volunteers. The event will be held at Buck Spring Park near Lake Gaston, located at 217 Nathaniel Macon Dr. Registration is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. All the details are available at https://warren.ces.ncsu.edu/ or by calling 252-257-3640.

Aycock Rec. Center Announces Senior Bingo Dates

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Seniors age 55 and better are invited to join the Aycock Rec. Center, 307 Carey Chapel Road, Henderson, for community bingo. Bring a prize and a little luck!

Bingo will be played from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, October 4 & 25, 2018

Thursday, November 1 & 15, 2018

Thursday, January 3 & 17, 2019

Thursday, February 7 & 21, 2019

For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us

 

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Government Buildings Closed on Friday

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-Information courtesy Henry L. Gupton, Clerk of Superior Court, Vance County

All Vance County Government buildings will be closed tomorrow, Friday, September 14. The Clerk of Court’s Office will also be closed and will plan to reopen on Monday, September 17.

Vance County court sessions scheduled for Thursday, September 13 and Friday, September 14 have also been canceled.

Vance County Logo

Weather Prompts Closing of Vance Co. Solid Waste Convenience Sites

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Government Facebook page

Due to the weather, all Vance County Solid Waste Convenience Sites will close at 3 p.m. today, September 13, and will re-open on regular schedule Monday, September 17, 2018.

H-V Emergency Operations

Former Eaton Johnson Middle School to Open As Emergency Shelter

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

In preparation for Hurricane Florence, Vance County will be opening an emergency shelter at the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building, located on Beckford Drive in Henderson at 5 p.m. today. Please do not arrive prior to that time and please eat before you arrive as food may not be available at typical meal times.

If you have a pet that you wish to shelter, you will need to take them to the Vance County Animal Shelter, located on Brodie Road in Henderson. Your pet will remain there and you will report to the emergency shelter at the school. You and your pet will be reunited after the storm.

Please remember to bring essential items with you, such as necessary medications, a change of clothes, toiletry items, a pillow and blanket, snacks and other comfort items. These items will not be provided to you, so pack smart. If you are a resident with special needs, you will need to bring essential, life-sustaining items with you to the shelter and your caregiver will need to remain in the shelter with you through the storm.

NO WEAPONS OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE SHELTER AND LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL BE PRESENT.

This is an emergency shelter only that is being established for the storm and it will promptly close as soon as the winds subside and conditions are safe to do so.

News 09/13/18

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City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Declares a State of Emergency

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

The following Proclamation is issued by the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners:

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources indicate that a significant tropical weather system is approaching North Carolina and is likely to produce considerable wind and rain; and

WHEREAS, this wind and rain may cause local and widespread flooding and flash flooding, and may also cause downed trees and power outages; and

WHEREAS, there is a high probability that this storm will create travel and other hazards for the citizens of Vance County and the City of Henderson within the next several hours; and

WHEREAS, the weather conditions associated with this tropical system are such as to constitute a potential and imminent threat to life and property;

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1 of N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A, Article 36A of N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, and Section 5 of the Local Emergency Management Ordinance, I, Eddie Ellington, Mayor of the City of Henderson, and I, Thomas S. Hester, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the City of Henderson and County of Vance.

I further proclaim that the ordinances set forth below, which are contained in Section 5 of the Local Emergency Management Ordinance of Vance County are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within the City of Henderson and County of Vance until this Proclamation expires or is rescinded. I hereby order all City and County law enforcement officers, public safety personnel and all other emergency management personnel subject to my control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances set forth below.

A.

General Emergency Protective Measures are in place. No public restrictions are imposed at this time

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the City of Henderson and County of Vance, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All emergency personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements and to furnish assistance thereunder.

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in City Hall as well as the Vance County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate.

This Proclamation shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect for a period of five days unless sooner rescinded pursuant to G.S. 14-288.16.

Proclaimed this the 12th day of September 2018 at 4 p.m.

Eddie Ellington, Mayor, City of Henderson

Thomas Hester, Jr., Chairman, Vance County Board of Commissioners

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Public Forum for Vance Co. Sheriff Candidates Rescheduled for Oct. 14

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The public forum for Vance County Sheriff candidates Curtis Brame, Charles Pulley and Allen Simmons originally scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2018, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 14 from 3 – 5 p.m. in the Vance County Commissioners’ Room of the old courthouse, 122 Young St., Henderson.

Hosted by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, The Daily Dispatch and WIZS Radio, the forum will allow each candidate the opportunity to make an opening statement followed by a question and answer session from representatives of the Chamber, the Dispatch and WIZS. Each candidate will also be given the opportunity to make a two-minute closing statement.

The public will be given an opportunity to suggest the questions that will be asked at the forum. Those questions should be submitted to john@hendersonvance.org, by noon on Friday, October 12. Prior to the forum, a panel represented by the media and the Chamber’s governmental affairs committee will select the order of questions.

The public will also be given the chance to submit questions to the panel on the day of the forum. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (252) 438-8414 or sandra@hendersonvance.org.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

*WIZS Radio will be recording the forum from 3 – 5 p.m. and airing it in its entirety from 5 – 7 p.m. the same day, Sunday, October 14, following the broadcast of the Carolina Panthers game. It will also be live streamed on wizs.com and posted to wizs.com as a podcast for repeat listening.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Awards Over $340K in Health Grants

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-Press Release, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved $343,450 in grant awards to local organizations in the Foundation’s sixth annual grant cycle. With the 2018 grant award, the Foundation’s contributions to the community total $1.5 million since the Foundation began grantmaking in 2013.

“The primary purpose of our grantmaking is to invest in organizations that share our mission to improve health in our region,” said Val Short, executive director for the Foundation. The 2018 grant awards will fund 12 projects presented by nonprofits and agencies that serve local communities—and all of them will focus on community health and health improvement programs throughout the four-county region. “Our hope is that these grant awards will result in improved health and healthier outcomes for children and adults in Vance, Warren, Granville, and Franklin counties,” said Short.

The 12 grants approved by the board fall under one or more of the five funding priorities established by the Foundation in 2013, including chronic disease, mental health and substance abuse, nutrition and physical activity, reproductive health, and success in school as related to health and wellness.

Most of the 2018 grant projects focus on chronic disease management and prevention and mental health and substance abuse. The TNHF grantees will provide a broad range of approaches to improving health– from programs that provide healing and support to traumatized children, to programs that provide strategies for managing chronic disease, to programs that provide care, treatment, and support for those with substance abuse disorders. “In all of our grant programs, health and wellness are at the heart of the work they will do,” said Short.

A list of the grant recipients and their projects for 2018-19 include:

  • ACTS of Vance County – Healing Hearts— Congestive Heart Failure patients who have been hospitalized will have the opportunity to receive heart-healthy, home-delivered meals for 10 days after discharge to help prevent further hospitalizations and to support a more comfortable quality of life.
  • Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC) – Access to Dental Care – Residents entering the substance abuse halfway house in Henderson will receive a dental screening and preventive care and, when necessary, more extensive dental treatment to prevent further decay and to promote overall health.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central NC – Project Sport – This pilot program will target 4th and 5th graders who will participate in two existing programs, plus they will learn skills that will prepare them to participate in organized competitive team sports activities, including flag football, basketball, soccer and tennis.
  • Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start – Teens Fit for Life – the existing Adolescent Parenting Program will continue the Nutrition & Fitness component through participation in programs at the YMCA and through nutrition education provided by Cooperative Extension.
  • Granville-Vance Public Health – Responding to the Opioid Crisis in Vance & Granville Counties—Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance abuse disorders will be available at the Health Department’s Primary Care Clinic in addition to the continuation of the work of the VIBRANT Coalition to address the four focus areas of the N.C. Opioid Action Plan.
  • Henderson Family YMCA – 1) Girls on the Run – a self-esteem, self- respect and healthy lifestyles program for girls & boys culminating in a 5k run/walk at the end of each semester; 2) Safety Around Water – teaches water safety and drowning prevention skills to 2nd graders in Vance County.
  • NC Med Assist – Free Pharmacy Program & Over-the-Counter Giveaways – provides free medications and support for low income and uninsured individuals in the Triangle North Region. In addition, two over-the-counter medicine giveaways will be implemented this year in Warren and Franklin counties.
  • Shepherd Youth Ranch – Trail to Success – Provide skill building for youth suffering from grief, loss, abandonment and abuse. Partial scholarships will be provided to 10 youth who are referred by the school system or law enforcement who will enter into an intensive 24-week program, which consists of weekly group and monthly family sessions in a unique program that uses horses to help with therapy.
  • Strength and Mending (S.a.M) Child Advocacy Center – Child Forensic Interviews – provides a centralized, child-centered approach to investigation that reduces the risk of trauma to the children who are victims of abuse; increases opportunities for healing for the child and non-offending family members.
  • TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc.) – Rebuilding Lives: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery – provides a two-year residential recovery program with treatment, education, vocational training and care for residents of the Triangle North region who suffer from alcohol and substance abuse, free of charge.
  • Warren County Senior Center. – Diabetes Peer Educator Training and Outreach— in partnership with Warren County Health Department, this program will prepare volunteers to deliver diabetes self- management classes and support to Warren County residents in their own communities.

Located in Henderson, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and schools in Vance, Warren, Granville, and Franklin counties. The Foundation’s grant funding mission has been made possible by the endowment that was established after Maria Parham Health merged with the for-profit Duke-Lifepoint in 2011.

The Foundation will launch a new grant cycle in the spring of 2019, but in the meantime, the Foundation staff is available to discuss ideas for grant projects or to provide assistance with grant writing. Information about our grantees and future grant opportunities is available on the website at www.tnhfoundation.org or call 252-598-0763.