Former Early College Student Credits VGCC for Success

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Oneisha Rebecca Leonard came to Vance-Granville Community College in 2011 as a Granville Early College High School student. “I was a good student, with mostly A’s and B’s, but I was not as focused on school as I should have been until I began taking classes at Vance-Granville,” Leonard recalled.

She said that because of her college classes, “I became more focused on my future.”

Oneisha Leonard, former Granville Early College High School student, is pictured on her May 2019 graduation day from Winston-Salem State University. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Leonard said that VGCC prepared her for the next level of education by helping her hone not only her academic skills, such as writing papers and doing research but also her time management skills. Eventually, she transferred to Winston-Salem State University.

“Vance-Granville gave me the tools I needed to succeed in college by preparing me for what to expect and what was expected of me,” Leonard said. “My instructors at Vance-Granville were, and still are, some of the best instructors I have ever had.”

She credits her academic experience at VGCC with setting the stage for her to make the dean’s list every semester at the university. She also became a student leader, as a member and chapter president of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society. “I also presented at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference this past November in Birmingham, Alabama, where I gave a presentation on my research on post-colonialism and psychoanalytic theory as it related to western colonization,” Leonard said.

With her VGCC credits and preparation, Leonard was able to graduate a year early from Winston-Salem State University in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Now, she is preparing to attend graduate school. But she still appreciates where her higher education began, saying, “I would like to thank Vance-Granville Community College for all they have done for me, while I attended and after I left.”

News 12/04/19

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Town Talk 12/03/19: ‘Shop With A Cop’ Raffle Winners Announced

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk featured the “Shop With A Cop” raffle winner announcement recorded at 10 a.m. this morning at Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson.

This annual event is sponsored by the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and Maria Parham Health. This year’s fundraiser will provide local law enforcement with $5,000 to take 40-45 disadvantaged youth Christmas shopping at Walmart later this month.

Photo courtesy H-V Chamber of Commerce

Participating youth are selected by the Vance County Department of Social Services each year through a referral process. DSS partners with local law enforcement and monetarily assists Shop With A Cop to help make this experience a reality for the children it serves.

Changing up the fundraising format this year, 180 “envelope” tickets with various dollar amounts were sold. The higher the dollar amount on the envelope, the higher the potential raffle prize money for donors. Cash prizes included a drawing for $200, $500, $1,000 and $2,000.

The Chamber was happy to announce, thanks to the generous support of the community, all 180 tickets were sold and the 2019 fundraising goal was met.

Names were drawn at random and the raffle winners were:

$200 – Lauren B. Roberson

$500 – Alice Sallins

$1,000 – Michael Waters

$2,000 – Dr. William Wooten

To hear the Shop With A Cop segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Maza Food Mart Clerk Robbed at Gunpoint, Suspect Apprehended

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

On November 29, 2019, at around 3:30 a.m., a W/M subject entered Maza Food Mart at 1421 E. Andrews Avenue, brandished a handgun, and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of currency.

Kenneth Ray Patton, (age 55) of 434 Tower Lane in Vance County, was charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in a case involving Maza Food Mart. (HPD photo)

After a relentless investigation by the Henderson Police Department’s case agent, Detective D.A. Ward and others, the suspect was identified as Kenneth Ray Patton (Age 55) of 434 Tower Lane in Vance County.

On December 2, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 434 Tower Ln. During the execution of the search warrant, the suspect, Kenneth Ray Patton, was taken into custody. Items connected to the robbery were seized, including a firearm.

Kenneth Ray Patton was charged with Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He has a court date set for December 16 and has been remanded to the Vance County Jail under a $95,000 bond.

Henderson Christmas Parade

Reminder: Henderson Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting This Saturday

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-Information courtesy Alice Sallins

The Henderson, NC Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019. The parade begins at 4 p.m. and will proceed along Garnett St. in downtown Henderson, ending at Montgomery Street.

Food vendors will be available at the corner of Orange and South Garnett Street.

Floats, fire trucks, and vehicles with trailers participating in the parade will line-up on the Dabney Drive Extension (enter from Raleigh Road) beginning at 3 p.m.

A tree lighting ceremony will follow the parade in front of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the Perry Memorial Library on Breckenridge Street.

City of Henderson Logo

Mayor Ellington Calls Special Meeting on City Manager Position

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called meeting of the Henderson City Council on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 10 a.m.  This meeting will be held at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

The purpose of the meeting is to hold a Closed Session Pursuant to G.S. 143-318-11(a)(6) Regarding a Personnel Matter pertaining to the City Manager Position.

NC Community College Educators Attend Regional Seminar at VGCC

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently hosted a regional seminar for educators from a number of North Carolina community colleges on the subject of “active learning.” The event was presented through a partnership with the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD) at The University of Texas at Austin and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).

Earlier this year, VGCC was one of just 10 colleges across the country that were selected to host one of these credit-bearing regional seminars, which support faculty use of evidence-based teaching practices.

“It was great to see talented faculty members expanding their knowledge to enhance teaching, learning and the student experience,” remarked VGCC Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success Dr. Levy Brown.

Laurie Pendleton, the Executive Director of Assessment at ACUE, served as the presenter for the training. “I really enjoyed helping faculty at Vance-Granville Community College and colleges throughout the area engage in learning to fine-tune their use of active learning strategies,” said Pendleton, a veteran teacher and professional development specialist.

Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process, with activities that emphasize interaction, participation and critical thinking.

“It is always exciting to work with faculty who are so invested in the success of their students, and I look forward to hearing how the participants bring these research-based practices back to their students,” Pendleton added. “Vance-Granville Community College was an exceptional host, and both NISOD and ACUE appreciate their careful planning, participation and support throughout the day.”

Petra Kohlmann, Partnership Director for ACUE, also participated in the seminar at VGCC. “It was a pleasure to be with faculty at Vance-Granville Community College, as well as ACUE and NISOD colleagues, as we learned together about ways to engage students in large classes through active learning techniques,” Kohlmann said. “Being part of a ‘classroom of instructors’ is always an invigorating experience, and I look forward to more opportunities to share ACUE’s research-backed teaching practices with Vance-Granville.”

Edward J. Leach, the Executive Director of NISOD, thanked VGCC faculty and staff for their help co-hosting the event. “VGCC has raised the bar when it comes to providing an excellent learning experience for Seminar participants!” Leach said.

News 12/03/19

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Town Talk 12/02/19: Free Adoptions at Vance Co. Animal Shelter!

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Frankie Nobles, Chief of Vance County Animal Services, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Nobles was happy to announce that adoption fees at the Vance County Animal Shelter have been covered for harder-to-adopt, large-breed adult dogs and cats now through December 23, 2019.

“We are offering free adoption for the community for adult dogs and cats. This does not include puppies, kittens and smaller breeds because they are easier for us to adopt,” Nobles said.

Those interested in adoption will still need to complete the application process which includes a vet check and landlord approval (if applicable).

“The application process will still need to be completed to ensure the animal is going to a good home,” explained Nobles. “Once the application process is completed and approved, pets that are already spayed or neutered will be able to go home that day. If they are not, an appointment will be made with a vet and the new owner can pick their pet up after the appointment.”

On any given day, Nobles approximates 40 dogs and 10-15 cats are available for adoption and are in need of a good, loving home.

The adoption fee is typically $150 for dogs and $100 for cats. Fee includes the spay or neuter procedure (if not already completed), microchipping and other tests and treatments.

According to Nobles, there has already been increased interest since the recent free adoption announcement; however, he cautions those who are looking for a new pet to fully consider the implications prior to making such a large commitment.

“Make sure you are ready for cleaning up after them and feeding them. You need to make sure you are financially ready to provide for them. If you aren’t ready for that, you aren’t ready for a life change. It is a life-changing experience when you bring an animal home,” stated Nobles.

The Vance County Animal Shelter is located at 1243 Brodie Road in Henderson. Hours of operation are Mondays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The shelter is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Please visit www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com or the shelter’s Facebook page for more information.

To hear the interview with Nobles in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Nobles’ segment begins at the 11:30 mark. 

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Offers Tips for a Safe Holiday

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

“With the holiday season upon us and winter’s low temperatures, the chances of a fire occurring in your home dramatically increase,” said Sheriff Brame of Vance County. “Decorations, candles and Christmas trees are the leading cause of house fires during the holidays.” 

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these fire prevention safety tips: 

Christmas Trees 

  • Select a fresh Christmas tree that has been kept in water at all times. The needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull from branches. When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that the tree is too dry and is a fire hazard.
  • Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
  • The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water. A 6′ tree will use one gallon of water every two days. The water level should be checked daily.
  • Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping and be sure the tree is placed at least three feet from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
  • Dispose of the tree properly.
  • Never burn a real tree, wreaths, or wrapping paper in a fireplace.

Decorations: 

  • Inspect lights before using them to ensure they don’t have frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, or excessive wear.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
  • Turn off Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you will be away from home for an extended time.
  • Never use candles in place of light strands, even on artificial trees.
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm supports to protect from wind damage.
  • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
  • All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant.
  • Never place trimmings near open flames or electrical connections.
  • Remove all wrapping paper from trees and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened.
  • Keep matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children.
  • Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

“The holiday season is a joyful time in Vance County, filled with generosity, warmth, family and tradition,” Sheriff Brame concluded, “But let’s make it a safe time as well.”