VGCC instructor graduates from leadership program

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Dr. Kambiz Tahmaseb, a Biology and Chemistry instructor at Vance-Granville Community College, recently graduated from the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP). He is one of approximately 35 community college faculty and staff members from across the state who completed the program this year.

The six-month leadership program, which includes face-to-face instruction at various locations, provides preparation and training to develop future community college leaders. The program is highly experiential in nature, and, this year, participants worked in teams to address challenges at hypothetical community colleges. They became involved in every aspect of those colleges, from naming and branding to strategic planning.

In addition to strengthening their leadership skills, NCCCLP participants learn about the structure and governance of the community college system, enjoy opportunities for networking, and form a diverse pool of qualified educational leaders.

“The major lesson I learned from the program is that leadership is not about being the president of a college, or a company or a nation,” Dr. Tahmaseb said. “Leadership happens in every level of our lives. In the NCCCLP, I learned a lot about myself, and how I interact with others, both in my private life and professional life, and how those interactions affect how I may influence those individuals. The lessons I learned will help me as a husband, father, teacher and colleague.”

A resident of Durham, Tahmaseb earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry at Willamette University in Oregon and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at Wright State University in Ohio. He was also a postdoctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tahmaseb joined the VGCC faculty in 2012 and has taught both face-to-face and online science courses, spending most of his time at the college’s South Campus near Creedmoor. He is also currently serving his second term as the elected vice president of external affairs for the North Carolina Community College Faculty Association.

The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program was created in 1989, under the auspices of the state chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, to provide an interdisciplinary approach to leadership training through professional development. Graduates have used the skills and connections gained from the program to be more successful leaders in all areas and at all levels in the North Carolina Community College System.

–VGCC–

NC Dept of Agriculture

Fun planned at agritourism farms this fall

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RALEIGH – The start of fall is just a week away, and agritourism farms across the state are ready to open their doors to visitors. There are more than 700 agritourism farms across the state, and many are hosting fall activities ranging from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to harvest festivals and grape stomps.

Following is a list of some of the special fall events:

Western North Carolina

  • Ashe County Farmers Market in West Jefferson will hold its Fall Harvest Festival Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes a corn-shucking contest, fall recipes, an apple press demonstration, antique farm equipment and more.
  • Red Wolf Farm in Maiden is celebrating the opening of its new location at Hwy. 321, exit 33. The farm will host its Pumpkin Patch and Adventure Maze Saturdays and Sundays in October, with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, horseback rides, farm animals and more.

Triad

  • Howard Family Farm in Harmony will host its annual corn maze and pumpkin patch. The farm opens to the public Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 29. Other dates are available for school groups, birthday parties, corporate events and large groups.
  • Kersey Valley Attractions in Archdale will have a Maize Adventure corn maze on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 17 through Nov. 4.
  • Miss Angels Farm in Mount Airy will offer pumpkin and apple picking Fridays through Sundays starting Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. In addition, the farm will offer haunted attractions from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31.
  • Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King will host a Fall Open House Sept. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 1,600 mums, 100,000 pansies and violas, as well as perennials, fall vegetables and more.
  • Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla will kick off its Fall Fun on the Farm weekend events Sept. 23. The farm also will offer various educational tours for school groups and weekday afternoon hayrides from Oct. 2-31.
  • Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin will host its National Alpaca Farm Day event Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can tour the working alpaca farm, learn about the animals and visit the farm store. Admission is free.
  • Ridenour Ranch in Thurmond will have a “Pickin’ in the Pumpkin Patch” event Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include pick-your-own pumpkins, hay rides, llama walks and more.

Triangle

  • 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill will host a series of fall workshops for all ages throughout October, and offer haunted hay rides Oct. 26-30.
  • Adams Vineyards in Willow Spring will host its 10th annual Grape Stomp Sept. 16 from 1-3 p.m. The event includes a stomping contest, an “I Love Lucy” lookalike competition, grape picking and more.
  • Lazy O Farm in Smithfield will have a Trick or Treating in the Maze event Oct. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and visit the farm for a family friendly event featuring farm animals, hayrides, mazes and pumpkin picking.
  • Smith’s Family Fun Farm in Hillsborough will open its seasonal pumpkin patch Sept. 29-Oct. 31. In addition, the farm will have a sunflower maze, play area and tractor rides. All activities are included with purchase of a pumpkin.
  • William Lyon’s Blueberry and Pumpkin Farm in Creedmoor features more than eight acres of fun with pumpkin picking, hayrides and corn mazes. The farm is open to the public on weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Field trips are also welcomed during the week.

Agritourism farms are found in nearly every county of the state. Consumers looking for a farm experience can go to www.visitncfarms.com for a full directory.

Franklin County Logo

Triangle North Franklin Business Park Welcomes Cedar Peaks Enterprises Franklin County’s Shell Building May be Occupied by Mid 2018

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Cedar Peaks Enterprises has purchased the shell building built by Wake Electric at 481 Airport Road at Triangle North Franklin Business Park joining the Alliance tobacco receiving station as the second tenant at the Park.

Cedar Peaks Enterprises is a licensed General Contractor in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, owned and operated by David Rifenburg and Brian Birdsall of Wake Forest. The company was founded in 2013. “We began with only 15 full-time employees and have now grown to over 90 and still counting,” commented David Rifenburg.

The company’s main focus is airport related asphalt paving and airfield lighting/electrical projects. Cedar Peaks also does asphalt production, excavation and grading as well as subbase installation and utilities.

“Franklin County has been experiencing population and industrial growth making it a perfect site for a growing business,” Mr. Rifenburg continued. “As an added bonus, we get to have the address: 481 Airport Road, which fits perfectly with our business since it is geared to airports.”

Cedar Peaks will begin the up fit of the shell building, customizing the space to meet their needs. Initially the building will house eight full-time administrative employees and serve as the meeting point for field workers and superintendents. “We will begin construction right away,” commented Mr. Rifenburg, “with a goal of being in the building by mid 2018.”

“We welcome Cedar Peaks to the Franklin County business community and are pleased they selected Triangle North Franklin for their Headquarters’ location,” commented Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Cedric Jones. “It is an ideal location situated adjacent to Triangle North Executive Airport.”

“We are excited to welcome Cedar Peaks Enterprises to the Triangle North Franklin Business Park,” said David Smith, Chairman of the Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Corporation, which owns and develops Triangle North’s business parks. “As we work together regionally to bring new jobs and economic growth, private sector commitments such as this show confidence in the region and our ability to meet their workforce needs. We appreciate the company’s decision to locate in Triangle North Franklin.”

Triangle North is a network of four tax-advantaged business parks located in the four north-central North Carolina counties of Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren. Triangle North was created by the four county governments with funding and assistance from a variety of local, regional, state and federal organizations.

“Cedar Peaks has demonstrated expertise in their field having done work at Raleigh-Durham International, Charlotte Douglas International, Richmond International, Greensboro International as well as at the Triangle North Executive Airport and many other regional and local airports throughout the region,” added Economic Development Commission Chairman Matthew Winslow.

For additional information, please contact Richie Duncan, Franklin County Economic Development Director, at (919) 554-1863.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.

###

About Franklin County Fitch Ratings upgraded Franklin County December 19, 2016 from ‘AA’ to ‘AA+’ on its outstanding general obligation (GO) bonds. The Fitch credit rating system has 10 levels of credit ranking. The ‘AA+’ rating is only one level from the top of its credit rating system. The upgrade reflects the county’s stable economic base. The higher rating (AA+) will ultimately translate to lower interest rates on any new debt the County incurs when compared to the lower (AA) ranking. Better ratings mean lower interest costs for taxpayers. The full press release can be found at: https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1016735.

Vance County Board of Education presented Gold Bell Award

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The Vance County Board of Education was presented with the Gold Bell Award from the N.C. School Boards Association (NCSBA) during the District 3 meeting for the organization in Chapel Hill on September 13.

The Gold Bell Award is a prestigious award presented by the NCSBA to boards after all of their members have successfully completed extensive training.

The local Board of Education members earned the award after each of the seven members completed 12 hours of training from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.

The Gold Bell Award was presented during the district session held at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, and attended by representatives of 16 public school systems in the North Central Region of the state.

Members of the Vance County Board of Education who earned the award are Chairwoman Gloria J. White, Vice Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine, Margaret Ellis, Dorothy Gooche, Ruth Hartness, Clementine Hunter and Edward Wilson.

News 09/15/17

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News 09/14/17

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McGregor Hall Opens Season With Gulf Coast Band & Fundraiser For Hurricane Victims

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HENDERSON, N.C.—An award-winning eight-piece band that helped redefine the sound of “Gulf Coast Soul” opens the 2017-2018 season for the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 21, and half of the ticket sales to the show will be donated to help the victims of this summer’s hurricanes.

The Suffers hail from Houston, Texas, the site of catastrophic flooding near the end of August as Hurricane Harvey became the first major hurricane to strike the United States in more than a decade, bringing rainfall amounts of 40 inches and more to the region. The band still makes its home in Houston and its members and their families were impacted by the storm.

Seats for the 8 p.m. show will be $25 and $22, and McGregor Hall will give 50 percent of each ticket sold to the American Red Cross to help the victims of the recent storms.

“This simply felt like the right thing to do since we have such a popular band from the very center of the hurricane flooding coming to entertain us here in Henderson,” said Mark Hopper, vice president of the McGregor Hall board of directors. “Not only can we help the victims of the storm with our financial contributions, we have an opportunity to connect personally with victims of the Houston crisis in a unique way and show our concern.”

The Suffers are coming to Henderson on the heels of a Sept. 16 scheduled performance at the renown Monterey Jazz Festival in California, followed by a show at the Whale Rock Music Festival in Templeton, Calif.

Established in 2011, The Suffers soul band was organized by bassist Adam Castaneda and vocalist/keyboardist Pat Kelly, who brought on trumpet player Jon Durbin, trombonist Michael Razo, guitarist Kevin Bernier, percussionist Jose “Chapy” Luna, and drummer/vocalist Nick Zamora. Frontwoman Kam Franklin tops off the group with soaring vocals.

The group describes their music as a mix of musical styles and cultures found in Houston and around the Gulf Coast area — blues, soul, country, Cajun, hip hop, and Caribbean, according to a 2015 radio interview.

Brennan Carley of Spin Magazine said in a 2015 review: “The Suffers are a ten-piece soul collective that steeps their tracks in jazzy history with a modern twist. They’re the sort of neo-retro group you never knew music was so badly missing.”

The last three years have taken the band to new heights as they have played in more than 300 shows across North America. They have also appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah, and National Public Radio’s “Tiny Desk Concert” for Bob Boilen.

Their debut album, “The Suffers,” was selected by Billboard magazine as one of the “Top 10 Anticipated Rock & Alternative Albums” and Buzzfeed included the Suffers as one of the “25 New Artists You Need in Your Life in 2015.”

They recently finished their first international tour, spreading Gulf Coast Soul across the Caribbean, Western Europe and Australia.

While they have accepted invitations nationally for featured performances at festivals and events, the band has remained a local Houston favorite, accepting 23 Houston Press Music Awards over the past four years.

The show at McGregor is one of five shows scheduled for North Carolina venues in September.

The Suffers are the opening act of the McGregor Hall Heritage! series for 2017-2018. While individual tickets to the show are available, patrons still have an opportunity to buy a package of five shows for $100, representing $25 off regular ticket prices.

In addition to The Suffers, the Heritage! package will offer “Hairspray,” Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5; a new stage play, “Daddy’s Boys,” by North Carolina African-American playwright Garrett Davis, Jan. 13; the Masters of Soul Motown Revue, March 3; and Rod of God with comedian Roderick Allison, April 14.

McGregor Hall is also selling season tickets to two other series, McGregor Live! and Joy!

McGregor Live! will feature six shows: Lorrie Morgan, with 14 Top 10 Country music hits, on Oct. 8; “Hairspray,” performed and produced with local talent, on Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5; the Christmas Wonderland holiday spectacular, Dec. 5; world-renowned magician and mentalist Joshua Lozoff, Jan. 6; Al Stewart, known for the Top 10 hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages,” and his band, the Empty Pockets, Feb. 17; and the original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, March 16. The six-show package, with a regular price of $160 if purchased individually, is priced at $125.

Joy! will feature three shows featuring five well-known Christian artists and groups: Dove- and Grammy-award winning Jason Crabb, Nov. 12; Karen Peck with New River, Feb. 23; and the Talleys with Tribute, April 7. With a regular ticket price of $75, the three-show package will be reduced to $50. Those purchasing the Joy! series can also add on the Christmas Wonderland show for a reduced price of $20.

All three series will have the option for spreading payments over four quarterly installments.

Tickets to The Suffers show and the series packages can be purchased online at any time at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling the Box Office at (252) 598-0662, or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. When purchasing tickets online, patrons should make sure they are purchasing tickets through McGregor’s secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. The Box Office is open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m., and, starting Monday, Sept. 18, Box Office hours will expand to Mondays through Fridays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Patrons can save online fees when ordering directly with the Box Office staff.

VGCC to hold Bone Marrow registration events

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Vance-Granville Community College, in partnership with the Project Life Movement, is planning a three-day, three-campus bone marrow registration drive in October.

Members of the community are invited to join VGCC students, faculty and staff at one of the events being held on three of the college’s campuses: Tuesday, October 3, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the seminar room (G1131) on South Campus, located between Creedmoor and Butner; Wednesday, October 4, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the student center/lounge in Building 2 on Main Campus in Vance County; and Thursday, October 5, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the multi-purpose room on the Franklin County Campus near Louisburg. 

At each event, participants will have their cheek swabbed to provide DNA that will enter a growing bone marrow donor registry. The painless registration process takes only a few minutes, but could save a life if a participant turns out to be a match for someone in need of a bone marrow transplant. Such treatments are the only hope for many people diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and other blood cancers and diseases. Around 60 percent of those in need of a donation currently cannot find a donor match, according to Project Life, a national movement that started with students at Davidson College and has spread to more than 25 other schools. VGCC first held a college-wide bone marrow registration event with Project Life in the fall of 2015.

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in good health to be on the bone marrow registry.

Taking the lead on this initiative at VGCC are students in the Radiography program.

For more information, contact Radiography Clinical Coordinator/instructor Stacey Soles at (252) 738-3515 or soless@vgcc.edu, or Ann Henegar at (704) 299-6310 or www.projectlifemovement.org.

Anyone who is unable to attend one of the VGCC events but wants to join the bone marrow registry can find more information at www.deletebloodcancer.org.

–VGCC–

VGCC Golden LEAF scholarships Spring/Summer 2017

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— news release courtesy of VGCC

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 2016-17 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 spring 2017 semester, the summer 2017 term, or both (with their respective programs of study), included:

Sally Alston of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Jennifer Bauduin of Louisburg (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Sonia Bishop of Stem (Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies);
Gloria Chavis of Butner (Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse);
Whitney Cox of Oxford (Radiography);
Taylor Crisp of Warrenton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Catherine Demming of Oxford (Criminal Justice);
Emory Gant-Hawkins of Henderson (Business Administration);
Latosha Hunt of Oxford (Business Administration);

Quiana Miller-Fisher of Henderson (Human Services Technology);
Nahu Palacios of Henderson (Associate in Arts);
Crystal Satterfield of Oxford (Associate Degree Nursing);
Kimberly Vargo of Oxford (Associate in Arts); and
Tiffany Williams of Henderson (Culinary Arts).

“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 1,346 grants totaling more than $591 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–

Vance County Food Giveaway Thurs. Sept 14

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— information courtesy of NC and Vance County Cooperative Extension Service

Community agencies and the faith-based community have joined forces to help feed Vance County! On Thursday, September 14, 2017 the NC Central/Eastern Food Bank will be distributing bags of food to community members who are in need of food at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. with volunteers from various agencies from across the county. Citizens will receive disbursements using a drive through method, as bags will be brought to individual cars when citizens arrive at the site. Citizens are asked to not arrive until 10 a.m. and to refrain from lining up ahead of time blocking traffic.

This project is being sponsored locally by St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Vance County Department of Social Services, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, and the Vance County USDA Farm Service Agency.