New Vance Co. Middle School to Require Uniforms

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Students who will attend Vance County Middle School in 2018-2019 will be required to wear school uniforms.

The school uniforms will include white or navy blue tops and navy blue or khaki bottoms.

For girls, the uniforms will include white or navy blue collared shirts and blouses and navy blue or khaki uniform pants, skirts or jumpers. Boys’ uniforms must include white or navy blue collared or dress shirts, as well as navy blue or khaki uniform pants.

Khaki or navy blue jeans and sweat pants are not allowed. Shorts are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in at all times and pants must be worn at the waist. No hats will be allowed.

More information will be shared at a later time with students and parents.

The school uniforms will be available for purchase at a variety of local stores including Rose’s Stores at the Henderson Mall and on North Garnett Street in Henderson; Dollar General stores in Henderson; Walmart Supercenter in Henderson; JCPenney at Henderson Square in Henderson; and Burlington Coat Factory on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh.

Smart Start’s Imagination Library Program Continues to Grow

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Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start was recently on WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss FGV’s reading program and upcoming events.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation in 1995, the Imagination Library has been a part of Vance County on a smaller scale since 2005.

With the recent additional funding provided by the NC legislature, Daeke reports that FGV’s Imagination Library program has grown from approximately 400 participants to almost 2,000 in the tri-county area since January of this year.

Children ages birth to five who are residents of Franklin, Granville or Vance County can receive one book a month in the mail free of charge. “Children can really accumulate a small library, a potential of 60 books,” said Daeke. “These are high-quality Scholastic books and the kids have ownership of them.”

The first book participants receive is “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, which, according to Daeke, plays into Parton’s theme of the fire engine. The last book in the series is “Kindergarten Here I Come” by D.J. Steinberg and teaches children ideas and concepts that will prepare them for elementary school.

According to Daeke, the goal of the program is to make books available to all children, regardless of income, and to increase their exposure to language and concepts at an early age. “Brain science says children’s brains are 85% developed by the age of five. Dolly’s program is teaching children to read and helping them understand higher concepts,” said Daeke.

The books are developmentally appropriate for children at the age of sign up and change each month as the child grows. “Children get really excited about getting something positive in the mail,” said Daeke. “That’s part of the program’s design. They are excited about books, excited about reading and even kind of demanding when their books come each month for mom or dad to sit down right then and read the book to them.”

Applications can be found at various locations around town including pediatric offices, childcare centers, the Vance County Public Health Department, Maria Parham Health, the Perry Memorial Library and the FGV Smart Start office.

Roundtable Discussion – Perry Memorial Library

The FGV Smart Start will hold a roundtable discussion at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St. in downtown Henderson on Thursday, June 28 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. This discussion is open to the public and will include several community organizations including Pre-K Coordinators, Cooperative Extension agents and Smart Start staff.

“The idea is to bring people together for a general discussion on how we can engage and what we can do for children in our communities,” Daeke said.

9th Annual Ducky Derby

The 9th Annual Ducky Derby will be held in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Rubber ducks will race two blocks down Garnett Street with top prizes of $1000, $500, $250 and $100 to the first through fourth place winners.

A festival will be held in the outdoor area between the Perry Memorial Library and the Henderson Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets for ducks will go on sale in the next few weeks at $5 a duck, six ducks for $25 or a “flock” of 25 ducks for $100.

According to Daeke, Greystone Concrete of Henderson will once again pour the ducks out of a cement truck to ensure all enter the race in a timely fashion.

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs. FGV Smart Start is looking for sponsors for this year’s event.

Those interested in any of these events or with questions may contact the FGV Smart Start office at (252) 433-9110 or visit the NC Smart Start website at www.ncsmartstart.org.

American Flag

Wise’s Annual Parade & Car Show, Wed., July 4

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Kathleen Derring, Chamber President~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Mark your calendars for the greatest small town celebration in NC! For those of you who have been…just a simple “Don’t miss the celebration in Wise on the 4th…” is all you need! For those of you who haven’t been yet, it is a “must” event for 2018.

Wednesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. all roads lead to Wise. For nearly an hour they close down US 1 through Wise for a hometown parade. Following the parade, everyone gathers on the grounds of the Wise Baptist Church (the Stone Church) for fellowship, food, fun, live music from The Deep Creek Band and some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste. With activities for the entire family and lots of vendors and crafts, you’ll remember your 4th in Wise for years to come!

As an added entry in this year’s parade, they will have a Vietnam era Huey Medivac Helicopter. Mr. Jesse McGee of Hollister, NC will be the Grand Marshal this year. Mr. McGee is a WWII, US Army Air Corp veteran. They are proud to have a Native American veteran joining them for the 2018 parade and celebration.

This year there’s the additional Classic Car Show. A $10 entry fee gets your classic rod in the competition for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Cedar Creek Gallery’s 50th Birthday Celebration, June 23-24

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

***Photos courtesy Cedar Creek Gallery***

Come out to Cedar Creek Gallery, 1150 Fleming Rd, Creedmoor, and celebrate the weekend of June 23rd & 24th. Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.

Festivities include:
~ Opening of Pat Leveque Oakley: 50 Pots for 50 Years
~ Half-century Customer Appreciation Sale
~ Free Gift to the first 50 people in the door each day
~ Free cookies baked by Strong Arm Baking Company (Saturday)
~ Free Ice Cream Treats (Sunday)
~ Music in the gallery: Larry Hutcherson (Sat) & Kenny Shore (Sun)

Pat Leveque Oakley: 
50 Pots for 50 Years
June 23 – July 29, 2018
pat 1

Pat Leveque Oakley, Cedar Creek Gallery co-founder and
studio artist, has returned to the studio to make 50 pots
in honor of Cedar Creek Gallery’s 50th anniversary.

What is a birthday party without a present?
To celebrate our big milestone, we have a gift for you!
bowls
On both Saturday and Sunday morning, the first 50 people in the door will get a commemorative dish created in collaboration between Lisa Oakley and Jennifer Stas!

For more information, log onto www.cedarcreekgallery.com

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 06/21/18

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Vance County Tourism

Pamela Hester Named Vance Co. Tourism Director

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-Press Release, Vance County Tourism Development Authority Board

The Vance County Tourism Development Authority is pleased to announce the hiring of Pamela Weathers-Hester, as the next Tourism Development Director. She will begin in this position on July 2, 2018.

Mrs. Hester has background experience in advertising, marketing, and community outreach locally and in areas across North Carolina. She previously worked with Henderson’s Main Street Program organizing, directing, and coordinating overall operations of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and the Main Street Program.

Mrs. Hester is excited to be able to show the world that Vance County, Home of Kerr Lake, is a great place for hosting tourism-related events and activities. She will be a welcome addition to the county’s management team and the Vance County community.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Youth “Fishing With a Mentor” Program at Fox Pond Park

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks, in conjunction with the City of Henderson and Vance County, announces “Fishing With a Mentor,” a program for local youth ages 6 – 18 to be held at Fox Pond Park, 375 Vicksboro Rd, Henderson.

This free program is a mentor-led, department supported event to enhance youth participation in fishing while enjoying real-life conversations centered around present-day topics while utilizing Fox Pond and its amenities.

An opening ceremony for the program will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Fox Pond Fishing Pier. Free food will be provided to participants after the event.

Dates for the fishing program include Wednesday, July 11, 18, 25 and August 1, 2018, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Those interested may register at the Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Rd, Henderson.

For more information, call Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 or email tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us or Gregory Kelly at (252) 431-6099 or email gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

West End Baptist

West End Community Watch Hears from City Manager, Fire Dept.

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-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch

The West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, June 19 at West End Baptist Church. Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier was pleased to report that taxes and city sewer rates will not increase. Still, due in part to the fact that the City now has reduced debt, City employees will receive 5% raises.

Additionally, many other improvements have been made or are in progress. The Wastewater Plant renovations, which began in 2011, have been completed. Renovations to the old municipal building and the downtown Fire Station are in progress. Several streets have been resurfaced. The City’s retention rate of employees has improved greatly. Discussions are underway for future stormwater projects.

Captain Lee Edmonds, fire prevention officer of the Henderson Fire Department, informed the group that most houses in other areas of the city had already been visited by the fire department. Homes in West Henderson will be the last ones visited. The annual visit can be expected before the end of summer. In November, the rotation begins again. These inspections have been made by the Henderson Fire Department since 2009.

Statewide, there are been more fire-related deaths this year than ever before. Therefore, the State has stepped up fire prevention methods. All fire departments in the State of NC are now required to make regular home visits. When the fire department enters a home, the firemen do a quick safety inspection and check the placement of smoke detectors. They make sure the detectors are operational and replace them or their batteries, when necessary. A resident can call to request an inspection or assistance with a smoke detector.

Plenty of Programs for Adults at Perry Memorial Library

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-Information courtesy the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library website

Upcoming events for adults at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson:

Adult Summer Reading – Saturday, June 16 – Friday, August 3. Reading, Movies, Programs, Prizes. Pick up prize card at the Reference Desk.

Photograph & Document Preservation Program – Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Experienced digitizers will facilitate this program and have equipment available to digitize items. Bring any photo or documents, a flash drive and any questions you may have.

Books to Movies Book Club – Monday, June 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. The movie “The Martian” based on the novel by Andy Weir will be viewed followed by a discussion on both the movie and the novel. Books are available at the library now for checkout. Bring a bag dinner and a friend!

Cookies & Coloring – first Sunday of every month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. All materials provided by the library.

Needlework Club (formerly the Knitting Club) – every other Monday from 1 – 3 p.m. Check the library’s calendar for exact dates. All adults – all needle crafts – all skill levels.

 

Roanoke Rapids’ First Baptist Invites Youth to Vacation Bible School

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-Information courtesy Rev. Donald West, First Baptist Church – Roanoke Rapids

TEAM JESUS Vacation Bible School will take place at First Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids July 9 – 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Olympic themed VBS will include Olympic Bible lessons, games, snacks, crafts, music, puppet shows and great Olympic fun. This exciting VBS is for preschoolers through 12th graders.

The church is located at 515 Becker Drive in Roanoke Rapids just one mile from Interstate 95 and 20 minutes east of Littleton.

For more information, call 252-537-6171 or access the church website at www.fbcrrweb.org or the church Facebook page. All kids and youth are invited to experience this Olympic challenge!