Famed Virginia State University Chorale to Visit McGregor Hall

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The VSUAA-Greater Triangle Alumni Chapter (NC) is proud to present the renowned Virginia State University Gospel Chorale in concert on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in concert at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3.30 p.m.

The Mistress of Ceremony will be Ms. Phyllis Coley CEO/ Publisher of Spectacular Magazine and Former Host/ Producer of Spectacular Magazine Radio Show, both of Durham, North Carolina. Various acts will open the concert: The South Warren Elementary School  Visual & Performing Arts Group from Warrenton, NC under the direction of Mr. Cameron Eaton and Mrs. Morgan Perry; Mr. Joezell Charles, a saxophonist, who is Band Director at Eaton-Johnson Middle School, Henderson, NC; Mrs. Sandra Gibson,Mrs. Black NC 2011/ Smooth Jazz-R&B Vocalist, Apex, NC.

Among The Virginia State University Chorale’s numerous accolades and accomplishments are the following: 2016 National College Choir Competition Winner; 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards- Best Church Choir; 2013 America’s Got Talent- Season 8 Quarter Finals; 2012 Verizon’s “ How Sweet the Sound”-DC Regional People’s Choice Award Winner.

Advance tickets for the event are $10 each, online tickets are $10 each with nominal processing fee ( https://vsugospel.bpt.me ), and at door tickets are $15 each. For more information and/or advance tickets, please contact the following: Henderson area- DeAnna Lewis at dlewis@warrenk12nc.org, Dennis M. Snead at 1906rbl@gmail.com, Cicily Marsh at missceecee@gmail.com, Taylor Whitehead at mrknowitall91@aol.com ; Raleigh area- Anita Jackson at Tlcanj@gmail.com, Orlando Conner at ozat@bellsouth.net ; Durham area- Faye Watkins at fayewatkins75@gmail.com,  Vivian Lewis at  vivianlewis30@hotmail.com .

Chartered in 2016 as the 46th chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA), Greater Triangle Area Chapter (NC) Inc., is actively working to support students who live in our area and aspire to attend our Alma Mater.

 

The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale History, Achievements, and Highlights

 Founded in 1971 by Ms. Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Mr. Larry Bland as the Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble. The name was later changed to the Virginia State College Gospel Choir.

 Recorded its first album, “Everyday with Jesus,” in 1977. After the success of this album, the choir then recorded a second album, “He’s Able,” in 1978. The choir recorded its third CD, “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert,” in 2003.

 Has participated off-and-on in a number of competitions. The most notable competition was the National Black Music Caucus Gospel Competition in New York City, where the choir won first place in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996, and 2003, and second place in 1985 and 2006.

 Has toured nationally in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, and Washington, DC. Has toured internationally (most recently in 2013 and 2015) in U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Europe (Italy, Hungary, France, Switzerland, and Romania), performing each time at the annual Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert.

 Has performed on the same stage as gospel-recording artists Cheryl “CoCo” Clemons of R&B group SWV, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Earnest Pugh, Hezekiah Walker, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and poet Nikki Giovanni.

 Made history in September 2012 by competing in How Sweet the Sound, a Verizon experience. Out of the thousands of video entries submitted, the choir was one forty-two choirs, and only one of four college choirs, to compete in the regional competitions around the country. Although the choir did not advance to the grand finale, it would go on to win the 2012 DC Region’s People Choice Award and garner local, regional, and national acclaim.

 Made history again in January 2013 by being selected to perform at the DC Citywide Interfaith Food Drive, which was part of President Obama’s National Day of Service. This was part of the official Presidential Inauguration Activities.

 In probably their biggest accomplishment to date, was a quarterfinalist is season 8 (2013) of “America’s Got Talent.” This not only garnered national and international exposure for the Chorale, but for the University as well.

 Performed at the historic Virginia gubernatorial inauguration of Terence “Terry” McAuliffe in January 2014.

 In February 2014, travelled to Bridgetown, Barbados by special invitation to perform as special guest at their Black History month festivities.

 Winner of the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards’ Best Church Choir.

 Winner of the 2016 National College Choir Explosion.

 The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word “choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Additionally, the Chorale is included in two music appreciation textbooks in the gospel music sections.

 The choir is currently blessed to have approximately 100 choir members and five musicians – a colorful mix of races, nationalities, and geographical backgrounds. The Chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr. (Faculty Advisor), Perry Evans II (Director), Mr. Michael Rainey (Business Manager), and Mr. Mark Johnson (Musical Director).

Henderson Land Planning Committee to meet Thursday

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The Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss policies and receive updates, along with other issues associated with City owned properties.

The public is welcome.

 

Esther J. McCrackin

City Clerk – City of Henderson, NC

134 Rose Avenue

P.O. Box 1434

Henderson, NC 27536

News 02/28/17

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Wake Forest Police ask for Public’s Help locating suspect

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Wake Forest Police are asking for the public’s help locating Jared Timothy Knaus, 204 Plantation Dr., Youngsville, whose photo is shown (below).

At approximately 12:18 a.m. Monday, police were conducting a driver’s license checking station along East Wait Avenue at the entrance of the Bowling Green subdivision. While speaking with Knaus, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana. After initially consenting to a search and exiting his vehicle, Knaus, 28, jumped back inside the car and struggled with officers before driving away – briefly dragging Officer J.L. McArthur and knocking him down in the roadway. Officer McArthur suffered a minor injury to his knee.

While attempting to elude police, Knaus turned into the Bowling Green subdivision where his vehicle got stuck in a wooded area behind Gracie Girl Way. The subject exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A short time later, a homeowner along Deasley Drive reported that the subject entered their home through the front door, then ran out the back door when confronted. A Wake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit arrived and tracked Knaus but ultimately proved unsuccessful. Officers have also been unable to locate the subject.

Warrants have been obtained for Knaus for felony flee to elude, felony assault on a law enforcement officer causing injury, and assault on a law enforcement officer. Additional charges are pending.

Anyone who believes they may know the whereabouts of Knaus are urged to call the Police Department Tip Line at 919-435-9610. All calls are confidential.

H-V Chamber Kicks off Leadership Vance 2017

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2017 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7.  The group also held its team building and challenge course retreat on February 23 at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park.

The Leadership Vance program is designed to inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community and to strengthen their leadership skills while teaching about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.  The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for civic and community positions.  The program is ultimately designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community.

Participants are exposed to various aspects of Henderson and Vance County, specifically in regard to city and county government, health and community resources, economic development, agriculture and natural resources, history and media and criminal justice and law.

Participants in this year’s class include: Lisa Bender, Capital Campaign Coordinator-Vance Charter School; Desiree Brooks, Advertising Director-The Daily Dispatch; Norwin Fischer, Systems Operations Manager-Walmart DC 6091; Krystal Harris, Director-Vance County Dept. of Social Services; Jennifer Jones, Sales Manager-US Cellular; Sara Lloyd, Director of Customized Training-Vance-Granville Community College; Marty McGraw, Asset Protection Manager-Walmart DC 6091; Sheri Moss, Social Worker II – Work First-Vance County Dept. of Social Services; Jason Spriggs, Water Treatment Operator-Kerr Lake Regional Water System; Paylor Spruill, Assistant to the City Manager-City of Henderson; Joy Suther, Assistant Principal – Dabney Elementary School; Tremanisha Taylor, Youth/Adult Sports Coordinator-Henderson Family YMCA; Ursula Kennedy, Director of Nursing Operations-Maria Parham Health; Tonya Verzaal-Harris, QA Area Manager-Walmart DC 6091; Jessica West, Community Services Sergeant-City of Henderson Police Department; Sallie White, Market Leader-BB&T; Chambers Williams III, Managing Editor-The Daily Dispatch.

News 02/27/17

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Henderson Lions Club Announces Next Meeting

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Henderson Lions – The Henderson Lions will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Henderson Country Club.  The speaker will be Lion Bill Graham from Leader Dog.  To learn more or join the Lions and be part of an active community service organization, contact any Lions Club member or President Randy Oxendine at 252-438-8034.

Thanks,

Randy

Breaking News: Charges dismissed against Mayor Eddie Ellington

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Press Release

Henderson, NC– On November 6, 2016 officers with the Henderson Police Department were called to investigate a report of domestic violence alleged to have occurred at the home of Mayor Eddie Ellington. When the responding officer arrived on scene he called his supervisor. Officers on scene spoke with Cheri Wheeler Ellington. After observing no evidence of physical abuse, officers advised Mrs. Ellington about the procedure for securing warrants if she so desired.

On November 8, 2016, warrants were issued charging Edward H. Ellington with assault on a female and communicating threats.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Ellington, after consultation with their respective civil attorneys, have requested that the charges against Edward. H. Ellington be dismissed.

Attempts to speak with Mrs. Ellington went unanswered.  However, after consultation with Cheri Wheeler Ellington’s civil attorney, District Attorney Michael D. Waters’ office has decided to not prosecute Mr. Ellington.

The decision reflects the desires of the parties and the police reports which indicated a lack of physical abuse.

Michael Waters

Rhythmic Circus’ To Test Stage Of McGregor Hall On March 11

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HENDERSON, N.C. (February 24, 2017)—Since opening one year ago, the stage at McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center in Henderson, N.C., has opened its curtains to a broad array of acts from Grammy-winning recording artist to local community plays. But, on March 11th at 8:00 p.m., the theater will host Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!, a high-energy showcase that includes some of the countries fastest tap dancers.

Will the stage floor, which was built above a special rubber padding in order to support high-impacts, be able to handle this stomping? Folks of all ages are encouraged to find out for themselves as Rhythmic Circus puts the stage floor of McGregor Hall to the test.

Rhythmic Circus is made up of a seven-piece funk band, a beatboxer, and four incredibly talented tap dancers, according to McGregor Hall Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler. “Their show, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!, is a joyous parade of genre-hopping music and hard-hitting percussive dance. With catchy original songs and bright, colorful costumes, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! will have the whole family tapping their toes.” Deadwyler noted that the performance is especially entertaining for all ages and relevant for dance enthusiasts.

Those aspiring dancers throughout the region will have an opportunity to meet the performers of Rhythmic Circus in person, according to Deadwyler, who is offering special student discounts with “meet and greet” passes as well as group discounts to dance studios and other assemblies of 10 or more.  “This is a special occasion for local dance enthusiasts in our area to network with professional, touring dancers and learn more about their talents and their craft.”

Rhythmic Circus will perform Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center on March 11th at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, N.C. For more information, including group rates and student discounts, contact McGregor Hall’s Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or email him at tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org.

News 02/24/17

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