Summer Day Camp At Aycock Registration Open Now

/by

Registration is open now for a summer day camp at Aycock Recreation Center. Young people ages 5-13 can enjoy lots of fun activities offered by Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks.

The day camp is $50 a week per child, and pre-registration and payment is required, according to information from Tara Goolsby, HVRPD program superintendent. The youngest campers must have completed kindergarten to participate.  To learn more, contact Curry Hall at 252.438.2670 or via email at chall@ci.henderson.nc.us.

H-V Chamber Logo

83rd Annual Chamber Virtual Meeting Set For June 17

/by

The 83rd annual membership meeting of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will be held virtually beginning at noon on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Chamber President Michele Burgess invites representatives from local businesses, educational institutions, government entities and non-profit organizations to attend, during which time the 2020 Citizen of the Year will be announced.

“This is a premiere event for our Chamber of Commerce every year,” Burgess said in a statement to WIZS News. “Our Chamber’s board of directors initially made the decision to postpone the event because of the COVID pandemic restrictions (but) later decided to follow the lead of other Chambers of Commerce, such as Wake Forest and Greenville-Pitt County and moved the meeting to a virtual format,” she said.

Although the event won’t look the same as the traditional in-person banquet, this year’s annual meeting presentation “promises to still be informative and motivational,” Burgess said.

Tyler Brewer, vice-president of Brewer Cycles, who served as the past volunteer Chairman of the Board of Directors will be on the program to offer highlights and accomplishments from 2020.  Brewer officially passes the gavel to current 2021 Board Chairman Dr. Levy Brown, who took office in January.  Brown is vice president of learning, student engagement and success at Vance-Granville Community College.  He will provide an update from the board on the 2021 program of work and will announce new program initiatives. In addition, Brown will also lay out plans for a renewed vision for the organization to add member value in an effort to grow the Chamber’s membership base. The virtual meeting will end with the much-anticipated and exciting announcement of the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award.

“I am excited about the upcoming Chamber of Commerce annual meeting that will be held virtually,” Brown stated. “While we would prefer to be in-person, the team has outlined a wonderful event. We are thankful for each sponsor and supporter who have committed to making this virtual meeting a success. Moreover, there is a high level of excitement about the opportunities to serve as a premier connector and facilitator for business, industry, and other agencies within our community. Great things are in front of the Henderson-Vance Chamber and this area!”

A video link will be emailed to business members, and later will be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook and LinkedIn page that can easily be accessed by the community.

Duke Energy is the presenting sponsor for the meeting.  Additional meeting sponsors at the gold level are Walmart Distribution Center and Mars Pet Care, and at the bronze level are Clearview Church, Wake Electric Membership Corporation, J.M. White Funeral Services and Vance-Granville Community College.

For more information contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414.

32 Graduate From VGCC Radiography Program

/by

Thirty-two new graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s two-year radiography program were honored in a virtual pinning ceremony earlier this month.

Although not held in the traditional manner, the May 10 event incorporated the traditional welcomes and congratulatory remarks that go along with graduations. But Angela Thomas, dean of health sciences and head of the radiography program went a step further when she welcomed all in attendance in the various languages represented in the diverse class – Amharic, English, Swahili and Spanish.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais spoke about the students’ accomplishments amidst the trying times of a global pandemic. Desmarais wished the group well in their future endeavors and reminded the group that should they need courses in the future, VGCC would be there with open arms.

Class President Mariah Lawson delivered remarks highlighting the trials the class had to overcome and the good times they all shared throughout the 21-month journey. She concluded with a poem written especially for the radiography class of 2021 which has been coined “The Best Class Ever!” Additionally, some of the graduates communicated what the program meant to them. The overall consensus was that they were more than Radiologic Technologists; they were professionals, according to a statement from VGCC’s Chris LaRocca.

The Academic Achievement Award given to the student with the highest GPA went to Travis Banka of Durham, NC. Banka maintained a 4.0 GPA each semester for the entirety of the program. In accepting the award, he thanked the radiography program and faculty. On behalf of the class, he thanked the faculty for giving them all the tools necessary to ensure success in the program.

Instructor Anthony Twisdale shared the history of the radiographer’s pin before Dean Thomas led the graduates in reciting the radiographer’s pledge as the ceremonies concluded.

Following is a list of all graduates and where they live: Laura Andersen and Mackenzie Cates, both of Efland; Travis Banka, Belete Dress, Eden Ketema, all of Durham; Taylor Beck of Kittrell; Elizabeth Brogden, Glenn Burgess, Coleen Green, Kaylor Lawrence, Terri McGarr, and Katie Rumsey, all of Creedmoor; Cassidy Burton, Datoka Chabala, Dora Dial, and Edwin Vargas, all of Franklinton; Theresa Carrillo, Matthew Denton, Geneva Duncan, and Jakea Spruill, all of Henderson; Raegan Ellis of Prospect Hill, Lawrence Haymond of Wake Forest; Cristal Herrera and Ashley Hicks, both of Louisburg; Sierra Holland, Mariah Lawson, and Charles Maina, all of Raleigh; Osvaldo Martinez of Butner; Robyn Perry of Zebulon; Victoria Swain of Roxboro; and Carly West of Littleton. Not in attendance was Sean Murphy of Raleigh.

The Local Skinny! Vance Co. Schools 1 of 24 in Nation

/by

May 27 – The Local Skinny! – VCS Press Release –

Vance County Schools Named National Beta District of Distinction

Henderson, North Carolina – National Beta is proud to announce Vance County Schools as a 2020-2021 National District of Distinction for the third consecutive year. This award is given to those deserving districts who offer National Beta in all schools in their district, and who induct qualifying students in all eligible grades (4‐12). Vance County Schools is one of only 24 districts to receive this award nationwide.

Through the exceptional efforts of VCS Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, district Beta Club coordinator, Andrew Markoch, school sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks highly of our district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement, and illustrates their dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.

A School of Merit is designated if the school has members in every eligible grade; every one of our schools received this designation. Beta Club advisers in our schools play a major role in the success of the program and recognition of eligible students. Those advisers include:

  • Kim Burton of Aycock Elementary School
  • Teresa Hicks of Carver Elementary School
  • Cheryl Cook-Chavis of Clarke Elementary School
  • Joy Herndon of Dabney Elementary School
  • Marian Faulkner of E.O. Young Elementary School
  • Veronica Young of E.M. Rollins Elementary School
  • Sharita Jones of L.B. Yancey Elementary School
  • Cathy Oswald of New Hope Elementary School
  • Yolande Dixon of Pinkston Elementary School
  • C’Monee Wilkins of Zeb Vance Elementary School
  • Gradesa Lockhart of STEM Early High School
  • Vicki Anne Fullwood of Vance County Early College High School
  • Sandra Williams-McGlone of Vance County Middle School
  • Bobbi Parks of Vance County High School
  • Chameka Williams of Vance Virtual Village

Award recipients received a National Beta District of Distinction award to proudly display at their district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals received a plaque to display at their school.

About National Beta: National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Since its beginnings in 1934, National Beta has been committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages
service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills. For more information about National Beta, visit betaclub.org

TownTalk 05-27-21 Memorial Day Weekend

/by

Host John C. Rose discusses Memorial Day Weekend travel and honoring soldiers.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Henderson Police Department

Two Dead From Car Wreck Tuesday on Andrews Avenue, Driver Injured

/by

– HPD Press Release –

On Tuesday around 5:50PM, Officer Hunter of the Henderson Police Department was travelling West on Andrews Avenue when a vehicle in the opposing lane veered into his lane of travel, crossing both oncoming lanes, and exited the roadway in the 500 block of W. Andrews Avenue.

The vehicle collided with a tree, pinning in the occupants of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Christopher M. Sanderson, 33, of Red Springs, NC, was extricated and transported to a medical facility.

The front passenger, identified as Chadwick S. Cornell, 48, of Vance County, and the rear occupant, Jennifer D. Smith, 34, of Garner, where also extricated and transported to a medical facility where they later succumbed to their injuries.

The vehicle was a 2009 Toyota Prius, and belonged to the front passenger, Mr. Cornell. No tire impressions were found on scene and the cause is still being investigated. The Police Department is grateful for the quick response of all first responders.

If you have any information that may assist in this investigation, please contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Officer T. McDaniel is the lead investigating officer.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Urges Patients to Schedule Cancer Screening

/by

– MPH press release –

Maria Parham Health has joined a nationwide effort to encourage patients to resume appropriate cancer screening to prevent excess deaths.

Maria Parham Health is urging people across the country to talk with their health care provider to resume regular primary care checkup and recommended cancer screening. This has the potential to lessen the negative impact that the pandemic is having on identifying and treating people with cancer.

Throughout the pandemic, many healthcare resources were redirected to combat rising COVID-19 cases and to prevent the spread of the virus. Elective medical procedures, including cancer screening, were largely put on hold at the onset of the pandemic. The impact was immediate as screening related procedures dropped drastically in March and May 2020 according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Estimates also project 35% of Americans missed routine cancer screening due to COVID-19 related fears and service disruptions. ACS foresees that the pandemic-related reductions in health care access and cancer screening will result in a short-term drop in cancer diagnoses and a later corresponding increase in late-state diagnoses and preventable deaths.

“Simply put, regular cancer screening tests can improve and save your life,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of The Cancer Center at Maria Parham Health. “Screening increases the chance of detecting some cancers early, when they may be easier to treat. We’re encouraging everyone in our community to talk to their doctor or a health care professional about getting on track with their recommended cancer screening.”

Screening refers to testing individuals who have no signs or symptoms of disease. It is critical to ensure that patients with signs or symptoms associated with cancer undergo diagnostic evaluation as soon as possible. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women and colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of death among men and women in the U.S., yet nearly one in three people for whom screening is recommended were not up-to-date with screening prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about cancer screening, visit www.mariaparham.com or contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

(Maria Parham Health is an advertising client of WIZS Radio and wizs.com.  This is not a paid ad.)