Dr. Mills VGCC Scholarship

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Maria Parham Guild Gift Gallery endows VGCC scholarship in memory of local doctor

Volunteers from the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Medical Center recently presented a gift of $25,000 to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund that will create a new scholarship in memory of a Henderson physician, Dr. J. Franklin Mills, who passed away unexpectedly in July at the age of 61.

That brings the total to nine such scholarships created by the Guild Gift Gallery since 2008. The volunteer-operated Guild Gift Gallery offers convenience items and gifts as a service to both patients and hospital visitors. Profits from sales at the gift shop are used to provide scholarships to people entering the health care professions.

The new VGCC scholarship will be named the “J. Franklin Mills, MD / Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Presidential Scholar Award,” and will assist deserving students in programs such as Nursing, Radiography, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.Mills Guild VGCC

A Vance County native, Dr. Mills graduated from Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine before moving back to Henderson in 1985. “When he was training, there was no question where he would practice medicine,” his wife, Janet T. Mills, recalled. “He loved being here as a doctor in his hometown. He thought of his patients and his staff, including his nurses, as his extended family.”

Dr. Mills served for 30 years a family practitioner at Henderson Family Medicine, later called Duke Primary Care of Henderson. To two of the Guild Gift Gallery volunteers who gathered to celebrate the creation of the new scholarship, Gean Bobbitt and Sylvia Edwards, he was their doctor. To another, Lou Reavis, he was her Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Henderson.

“We are honored and humbled to receive this new endowment from the Guild, which continues its generous support for education by honoring the memory of an outstanding member of the community,” said VGCC Endowment director Eddie Ferguson. “Dr. Mills’s example of compassion, service and excellence in the health care field will inspire students for years to come. This scholarship will support our wonderful Health Sciences students, many of whom will stay right here to serve patients in our region.”

Dr. Mills had a specific connection to VGCC through his niece, Carrie, who graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing program and received endowed scholarships from the college. Today, she works as a nurse at WakeMed. Mills enjoyed talking to Carrie about her studies, according to his sister (her mother), Jane Mills Hicks.

“Dr. Franklin Mills was beloved by his patients, who appreciated not only his medical knowledge but also his caring and his dedication to them,” Henderson resident and Guild president Anne Bunch said. “He was carrying on the tradition of service in the community from his father, who was also a doctor. Now, we will try to continue that legacy through a scholarship in his name that will serve as a lasting tribute.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,000 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

–VGCC–

For more information, contact: Andrew Beal, PIO

Telephone: 252-738-3322

E-mail: beala@vgcc.edu

Help Find Truck From Deadly Incident

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The Henderson Police Department is still in need of the public’s help to solve a fatal hit and run which occurred about three weeks ago.  Gordon Hargrove was in a wheelchair and was hit by a tractor trailer on East Andrews Avenue.  He died at the scene.

A press release from Henderson Police says, “We are asking that anyone who was in this area and possibly witnessed anything involving this incident to please come forth with information.”

The release continues — On October 21, 2015, around 9:12 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the area of E. Andrews Avenue and US 1 South in Henderson in reference to a person that had been struck by a semi-truck.  Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Gordon Hargrove, deceased from serious injuries. The driver of the semi-truck struck the wheelchair-bound pedestrian, and then left the scene without contacting local authorities. The semi-truck drove away in the direction of US 1 South towards Vanco Mill Road, Henderson.  The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department with the assistance from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Companies that may have had their semi-trailer trucks in the area around the time of the collision are encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department.

The Henderson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the semi-truck.  Anyone having any information related to this case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offer a reward up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

News 11/11/15

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Steve Cordell

Cordell New Fire Chief

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Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier has chosen Steve F. Cordell to become the next Fire Chief for the City of Henderson.

A press release from the City went on to say, “There were a number of well qualified applicants applying for this position, and after several interviews and careful deliberation, Steve Cordell was chosen as the top candidate to lead this department.

“Chief Cordell has over 24 years of experience with the Henderson Fire Department and has worked his way through the ranks of the department, serving as Assistant Fire Chief since 2008.  He has also served as the Interim Fire Chief since the retirement of former Chief Danny Wilkerson.

“We look forward to working with Chief Cordell and have confidence that he will continue to strive for excellence within this department.”

Police Arrest Suspect On Drug-Related Charges

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On Monday, November 9, Henderson Police Officers arrested Derrick Darnell Hanks Jr., 24, of 197 Big Ruin Creek Lane.  He was charged with the following offenses:  Carrying a concealed weapon, possession with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for keeping/selling controlled substances, felonious possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.HanksDerrick Darnell JRa

Hanks was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a 25,000.00 secured bond.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vance County District Court.

From a Press Release – November 10, 2015

Authority: Chief Marcus Barrow

Shooting Suspect Arrested

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(The following from a press release issued by the Henderson Police Department)

On Wednesday, November 04, 2015, around noon, Henderson Police Officers were dispatched to the area of Water and Pinkston Streets in Henderson in response to someone shot.  While en-route, officers were notified the victim was being transported to medical help by private vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle transported the victim to Henderson Fire Station #2 at which time medical personnel took over the victim’s care.

Jermaine Knott, 28, 1219 Toppleman Street, Henderson was found to be suffering from a gunshot wound.  Knott was transported to Duke University Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

***********Update**********

On Monday, November 09, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigation Division arrested Tashawn Tyquail Baskerville.  Baskerville1-HPDBaskerville, 17, 904 Sombrero Lane, Henderson was charged with the following offenses:  Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle, possession of a handgun by a minor, injury to personal property, and discharging a firearm in the city limits.

Baskerville was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a 175,000.00 secured bond.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vance County District Court on November 24, 2015.

The investigation (is being handled by) the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141.  Information can also be left anonymously with Henderson/Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925.  All information submitted to Crime Stoppers is strictly confidential.  Rewards of up to 2,000.00 are available for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of individuals engaged in criminal activity.

News 11/10/15

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New VGCC Job Driven Initiative staff connect area residents with training

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Two professional staff members are now in place at Vance-Granville Community College to help area residents obtain education and training through a special grant.

The college, in partnership with the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board, received a $147,000 “NCWorks Job Driven Initiative” (JDI) grant in 2014, made possible by federal funds awarded to the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions. VGCC currently ranks second out of 12 North Carolina community colleges in the number of students who have been approved for grant funding.

Rosemarie Baker is the new JDI Grant Program Marketer and Connie Ragland is the Grant Coach, both working in the VGCC Continuing Education division. Baker’s role is to educate the community about the program and recruit potential students, after which Ragland helps to see if they qualify for the program. For those who do, Ragland tracks their progress and helps guide them to success.

Baker, a resident of Clarksville, Va., spent more than 15 years teaching business and marketing classes, most of which were in the Vance County Schools system. She graduated from Longwood College (now Longwood University) in Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with concentrations in Management and Marketing Management. Baker said that although she is new to her position, she knows the college well. “I actually began my college experience as a freshman at VGCC, I have taught classes for VGCC, and now, I’m recruiting students to take advantage of this great training under the JDI grant,” she said. Baker noted that if students meet the requirements as determined by NCWorks, the grant funding will pay for their tuition, books, certain supplies and certification testing fees.

A Henderson resident, Ragland has held various positions at area organizations including Kittrell Job Corps Center, FGV Partnership for Children, Granville County Schools and, most recently, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. She earned a degree in Business Administration at North Carolina A&T State University. Over the course of her career, Ragland has enjoyed working in many capacities that allowed her to help people of all ages, from young children to adults. Her proudest accomplishments, she said, have come from the benefits of operating two non-profits with her husband, R.O.Y. and New Horizons Training Group. “As the NCWorks JDI Grant Coach, I hope that this opportunity to serve will help someone be able to continue their educational pursuits because of the tuition assistance that it can provide,” Ragland said. “I’m excited to be a part of the Vance-Granville family.”

VGCC’s programs as part of the JDI are all designed to lead to industry-recognized or state-regulated credentials, and to prepare students for various entry-level jobs that address the needs of local employers. These programs include BioWork Process Technician, Certified Logistics Technician, Certified Production Technician (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council), Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL–B), Health Unit Coordinator, Health Unit Secretary, Nurse Aide,  Home Health Care Aide, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Guest Service Gold, Hospitality (START), and Heavy Equipment Operator.

Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in the grant program. For more information, contact VGCC at raglandc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3452.

H-V Chamber Membership Drive Update

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The Ambassador team secured eight businesses and the Board team secured two businesses.  Looks like the Board team is going to be wearing the aprons!

The following new businesses joined the team since we put the membership drive into action during the end of October.

Hoyle’s Tire and Axle on Highway 39 in Henderson.  They sell new and remanufactured mobile home and utility axles and tires.  They also sell parts to repair and mount axles to all types of trailers.  They are open from 7AM til 3:30 PM Monday through Friday.  For more information, please call them at 252-438-2818

Shelia’s Accufile and Business Services at 418 S Garnett Street in Henderson.  She offers bookkeeping, personal and business tax and payroll services.  Shelia is an IRS authorized Efile provider and offers affordable pricing.  Please 252-430-0226 call for more information.

Owners Lisa and Bennie Blackwell have opened Middleburg Steak and Seafood House at 7139 Broad Street in Middleburg.  They offer a wide variety of great food choices on their menu each day of the week along with a hot buffet on Sundays for those looking for a great meal on Sundays after Church.  For more information please contact them at 919-971-9963.

NC Coyotes is a professional ABA basketball team showcasing the best talents from the Triangle, Oxford, Warren, Franklin, Granville and Vance Counties.  The North Carolina Coyotes dream began when Founder Reynaldo Espinosa wanted to have an effective gateway for the men in the community to restore their skill-sets and showcase their talents. Through his organization, the Second Chance Basketball Foundation, the Coyotes were born. Restoring hope for a small community, the Coyotes finished out their 2014-2015 season as DIVISIONAL RUNNER UPS in just their second year out of 82 teams across the country.

Scottish Inns located at 1759 N Garnett Street in Henderson.  Contact information is 252-438-6172

Quality Inn located at 197 Parham Road in Henderson joined the Chamber under new management.  Contact number is 252-4320-6501.

Econo Lodge located at 112 Parham Road in Henderson.  They are open 24 hours/seven days a week.  For more information or to book a reservation contact Chris or Ashok Patel at 252-438-8511.

Access Counseling Services at 314 S Garnett Street in Henderson.  Owner Nekisha Williams offers outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents ages 5 to 21.  Others services are parent coaching, clinical assessments, academic testing and substance abuse assessments.  For more information, please call 252-915-8966.

The Board team secured LIMBionics.  They are in Durham and will be locating an office here in Henderson at 851 S. Beckford Drive.  Brittany Stresing, president of the company is in the process of getting the office setup for business.  She can be contacted at 919-908-8975 until the office is ready for clients.  Brittany Stresing, has earned the highest accolade in Prosthetics and Orthotics! She is officially one of the few Fellows of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists which is an accolade few achieve in their career. This title goes to those who prove dedication to the profession in academics, professionalism, and improving the profession and patient care. Brittany is one of less than 8 Fellows in the state and she is the only female!

They also secured Watkins Insurance Agency at 133 N Mecklenburg Ave. in South Hill, Va.  They can be contacted at 434-447-3544.

Many thanks to all that took part in making our membership drive a success.  The volunteer support we receive from our Board members and Chamber ambassadors is truly inspiring and shows me the passion and measure of commitment that they have for our Chamber.  Thank you; we could not do what we do throughout the year without you!

A tremendous thanks goes out to all of our new and renewing members for helping us make this a great event. Your support means so much to us.

The Membership Drive may be over, but its still not too late to join more than 300 plus business members.  Contact Annette Roberson at 252-438-8414 and become a member today!

Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Recognizes Granville County, NC Small Businesses by Celebrating Small Business Saturday®

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Today the Granville County Chamber of Commerce announced its participation in the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on November 28th to support independent businesses in Granville County, NC.  Founded by in American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our participation in Small Business Saturday and the Neighborhood Champion program.  On Saturday, November 28th the greater Granville County area is encouraged to take part in our Small Business Saturday Shop Granville First event across the county.  The event will feature special offers by local businesses and giveaways to consumers. The event will begin at both Chamber Office locations, where Shop Small® shopping bags and Passports, along with coupons, a list of participating businesses, and other materials will be provided to consumers.

How the Passport Promotion Works:

Consumers may pick up a Passport at either Chamber Office OR at a participating business on or before Saturday, November 28th.

Patrons of small businesses in Granville County may participate for one of the Grand Prizes by bringing their Passport to participating small businesses on November 28th, shopping and getting their passport stamped.

Passports may be turned into either Chamber Office by Friday December 4th. Grand Prize winners will be determined by the amount of different business stamps on a passport. Winners will be announced on Tuesday December 8th.

American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. Participating organizations include the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the International Downtown Association, the Latino Coalition, the National Main Street Center, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.

About Small Business Saturday

November 28th marks the sixth annual Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.

CONTACT:

Ginnie Currin, 919.693.6125