VGCC students awarded Golden LEAF scholarships

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— courtesy of VGCC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2018

 

VGCC students awarded Golden LEAF scholarships

A group of students from Vance-Granville Community College recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The scholarship can be used to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare expenses related to attending classes during the 2017-18 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon course completion. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational (continuing education) and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The VGCC students who were awarded Golden LEAF Scholarships for the fall 2017 semester (with their respective programs of study) included:

Angela Bullock of Warrenton (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Whitney Cox of Oxford (Radiography);
Brittney Darnell of Henderson (Business Administration);
Catherine Demming of Oxford (Criminal Justice);
Ethel Fogg of Warrenton (Culinary Arts);
Coleen Green of Creedmoor (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Holly Heston of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration);
Latosha Hunt of Oxford (Business Administration);
Jan Maniace of Henderson (Radiography);
Tracy Matthews of Oxford (Medical Office Administration);
Tyvoria Richardson of Warrenton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Crystal Satterfield of Oxford (Associate Degree Nursing);
Ashley Sawyer of Franklinton (Associate Degree Nursing); and
Shalinda White of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration).

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to have awarded over 11,800 Golden LEAF Scholarships to help North Carolinians attend our state’s community colleges,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “Our hope is that these scholarships will help build the talent, knowledge and skills of our current and future workforce, which are in demand by industry, especially in the rural areas of our state.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,558 grants totaling more than $802 million since its inception. For more information about the foundation, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.

Students interested in applying for a Golden LEAF Scholarship should contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3280.

–VGCC–

Henderson Police Department

Bank Robbery Suspect Apprehended (2-20-18)

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Press Release – Tuesday, February 20, 2018

On February 20, 2018 around 11:30AM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Carter Bank & Trust at 300 Dabney Drive Ext. in reference to a robbery in progress.

A single individual entered the location and demanded money, and an undisclosed amount of money was obtained from the business. The suspect then fled the scene on a motor vehicle. A description of the vehicle and person was obtained by individuals that were present during the robbery. The vehicle was located a short time later in the area of Raleigh Rd. and Miriam St.

The suspect had fled the scene prior to locating the vehicle and officers checked the surrounding area. A uniformed commander of the Henderson Police Department and a Vance County Deputy checked an abandoned structure on the unpaved portion of Nicholas St., locating the suspect in the rear of that location.

The suspect was identified as 36 year old Johnathan Brookes Faulkner. Faulkner was also wanted in connection with a robbery in Brunswick County, NC on February 14th, 2018. Faulkner has been placed in the Vance County Jail under a $240,000 bond and has a first court appearance of February 27th.

We are grateful for the assistance provided by our citizens, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Vance County Schools Update 02/19/18

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News 02/20/18

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Henderson Police Department

Individual Shot Near Marketplace Saturday – Suspect Surrendered Monday

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Press Release – Monday, February 19, 2018

On February 17, 2018 around 9:00PM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to an individual being shot at 907 S. Beckford Drive, Marketplace Cinema. The incident occurred outside the cinema. The victim was transported to an area facility to receive treatment for his injury. From information gathered during the investigation, the victim was the sole intended target of the assault.

Our officers along with other external agencies worked quickly to identify the suspect and warrants were obtained for the arrest of Kaleb Zijon Perry, age (17). At approximately 3:00 PM today Kaleb Zijon Perry surrendered himself to Henderson Police Department Detectives at the Vance County Courthouse. He received a $110,000 secured bond and has first court appearance date set for March 20th.

If anyone has further information they are urged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141, Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925, or through the use of the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous and Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in criminal acts.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

NC Coop Extension

Master Gardener Symposium March 24 – Registration Required

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The following is a press release written by Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties:

The theme for the annual Master Gardener(sm) Symposium, to be held on March 24th at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, is “Backyard Gardening: Changing Times, Changing Conditions.” The keynote speaker will be Sam Pearsall, formerly of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program who will explain how climate change is impacting both natural ecosystems and our own gardens. Other expert speakers from North Carolina State University will address pollinators, water conservation, weed management and more. The Symposium will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. Registration for the symposium is only $30 if received by February 28th, and includes lunch. An optional afternoon Rain Barrel workshop is available for an additional fee. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Download the registration form from https://go.ncsu.edu/vancegarden. For more information contact kerrlakemg@gmail.com or call the NC Cooperative Extension office at 252-438-8188.

—
Paul McKenzie
Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties
NC Cooperative Extension
305 Young St., Henderson, NC 27536
158 Rafters Ln., Warrenton, NC 27589
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu
252.438.8188 (Vance) 252.257.3640 (Warren)
@pgmckenzie

West End Community Watch Meeting Tues, Feb 20, 2018

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WIZS has been asked to announce:

The West End Community Watch meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will take place in the fellowship hall at West End Baptist Church on Dabney Drive.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow is scheduled to speak.

All are welcome.

See more — www.hvcrimestoppers.org/event/west-end-community-watch-meeting-2/

News 02/19/18

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VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

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— press release and picture provided by VGCC

VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

HENDERSON, N.C. – Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will support the “Vanguard Apprenticeship Collaborative,” a VGCC initiative designed to cultivate highly skilled workers for partnering companies in a number of industries. Grant funds will provide scholarships to adult students who are accepted into registered apprenticeship programs. Funds will also be used to purchase some equipment used for technical training and other supplies.

“Apprenticeships are key to meeting the workforce needs of our region’s industries while also supporting students’ academic and career success, and this new grant will allow Vance-Granville to continue to grow this exciting initiative,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “On behalf of our current and future apprentices and our local employers, we sincerely appreciate the strong support of our partners at Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.”

From left, VGCC Vice President of Institutional Research & Technology Dr. Ken Lewis, TechHire grant project manager Kenneth Wilson and (at far right) President Dr. Stelfanie Williams accept a symbolic check representing the new grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans (third from left). (VGCC photo)

“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy district manager. “These students will gain valuable hands-on experience while directly helping meet the needs of the region’s industries.”

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

About Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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(Both VGCC and Duke Energy are advertising clients of WIZS.  This is a news release.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

Community Partners of Hope

Community Partners of Hope Provide Men’s Shelter Updates

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer for Hire

Community Partners of Hope, operators of the local men’s homeless shelter currently located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church in Henderson, have recently shared shelter updates with WIZS.

Shelter Updates:

Kaine Riggan, Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission director, is currently searching Henderson for a suitable space to meet the shelter’s long-term needs. Anyone with a suggestion for a location is asked to contact Riggan via email at kaineriggan@gmail.com.

Community Partners of Hope is excited to announce that a new fundraising portal has been created and can be viewed at https://www.youcaring.com/communitypartnersofhopehendersonmensshelter-1009964.

Donations are needed for day-to-day shelter operation expenses. The organization plans to begin a capital campaign once the new shelter location has been identified.

Shelter managers Darryl Jones and Kenny Blackwell have recently taken over the duty of scheduling meals and supervision. All meals for the rest of the season have been scheduled; however, the shelter is facing a shortage of male volunteers willing to work the welcome or the overnight shifts.

The shelter reports that there are paid staff on duty who can run the operation without the assistance of volunteers, but volunteers are essential in providing backup, especially in the case of an illness or emergency.

Volunteers are welcomed even if they can only commit to helping for one night. On-the-job training will be provided by a shelter manager or night manager. Interested volunteers should contact the shelter manager at (252) 820-0701. The shelter keeps an updated calendar on their website at www.cp-hope.org. The latest schedule is listed under the calendar tab.

Hope House Updates:

Four men from the shelter have recently moved into the Hope House-a transitional housing unit offering the next level of assistance to qualifying men.

In order to transition into the Hope House, men at the shelter must meet the following qualifications: demonstrate they can follow rules and live peacefully with others, have a job or be close to securing a job, pass a drug screening and have a mentor.

The Hope House is currently in need of male or female volunteers to mentor residents. Mentors are asked to:

  • Maintain weekly contact with assigned resident-a minimum of one in-person meeting each month
  • Encourage goal setting, both long-term and short-term
  • Review goals and the steps taken to accomplish goals
  • Be available to listen
  • Inform the Mentor Coordinator of progress towards the completion of goals
  • Should setbacks occur – inform the Mentor Coordinator immediately and provide resident’s plan to get back on track
  • Communicate with the House Manager on issues that pertain to occupancy

Healthcare Initiative:

Thanks to a generous grant from the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, Community Partners of Hope is able to offer healthcare services to shelter occupants.

Monies will support CPOH Health Interventions, providing primary health care screening and treatment for homeless men through the emergency shelter and transitional house.

Treatment will focus on hypertension, high cholesterol, substance abuse, prostate issues and diabetes. Strategic partners in this initiative include:

  • Chief Marcus Barrow, Henderson Police Department
  • Brian Short, Henderson/Vance Emergency Services
  • James Kenney, Beckford Medical Center
  • Jeanne Harrison, Alliance Rehabilitative Care
  • Lisa Harrison and Shauna Guthrie, Granville-Vance Health Department
  • Krystal Harris, Vance County Department of Social Services
  • Lori Giang, CEO/Executive Director and Nicole Banahene, Director of Partner Relations, NC MedAssist
  • George Daye, Raemac Transportation

Community Partners of Hope staff will coordinate the care offered and maintain records to demonstrate that CPOH is having a measurable impact on the health of the community.