Shoes for Rescues
You may notice a new billboard if you travel south on U.S. 1 Bypass in Henderson. Local business WW Properties has once again donated a billboard for a civic cause.
Tracy Dreibelbis of Animal Advocates Coalition tells WIZS News the billboard came about when the coalition “said yes to the kindness of a local businessman who had billboard space and a passion for the long overdue new (animal) shelter scheduled to soon break ground on Brodie Road.” She said photographer Tara Lynn of In Between the Blinks Photography and an unnamed professional designer helped with the billboard which “gives a hopeful glimpse into a brighter future for the homeless pets of Vance County.”
The present Vance County Animal Shelter stands today at 165 Vance Academy Road, much the same as it did when it was built in 1978. The shelter, according to Dreibelbis, has not seen any renovation, remodeling or expansion in the last 36 years. She said, “Charles Boyd and his family donated five acres of land to Vance County almost five years ago to house a new shelter. Soon, the vision and efforts of many will become a reality.”
The new shelter is expected to be about 8,000 square feet and will include more kennels, a separate intake/exam room, meeting and education space and a separate reception area. This, according to Dreibelbis, will give the present staff, headed by Chief Frankie Nobles, the needed room to work.
To learn more, visit Friends of the Vance County Animal Shelter on Facebook or go to www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com.
Animal Advocates Coalition Launches Shoe Collection Drive to Raise money for Homeless Pets
Shoe donations will also support micro-enterprises in developing nations and reduce what goes into landfills
The Animal Advocates Coalition is conducting a shoe collection drive from October 15 through December 14, 2015 to raise funds for homeless pets. Animal Advocates Coalition will earn funds based on the number of pairs of shoes collected as Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated goods. Those dollars will benefit the homeless pets of Vance, Granville, and surrounding communities. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used or new shoes at any of these drop off locations: WIZS Radio, 535 Radio Lane, Henderson; Butner/Creedmoor News – Creedmoor; Granville Sr. Center – Oxford and Shear Magic – Henderson. If you have a large quantity of shoes, the Animal Advocates Coalition will pick them up from your location. They will also have a collection barrel at the Nov. 14th Hazardous Material Collection Day at the Granville Convention & Expo Center – Oxford.
To help rescued cats and dogs, Funds2Orgs will donate $1,000 to the Animal Advocates Coalition if at least 2,500 pairs of shoes are collected.
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Tracey Dreibelbis. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like donate to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
By donating shoes to the Animal Advocates Coalition “Shoes For Rescues” the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives.
The Animal Advocates Coalition can be contacted via email at AnimalAdvocatesGC@gmail.com.
Local organizations interested in learning more about conducting a shoe drive of their own can visit Funds2orgs.com.
VGCC to hold Business Technologies Fair
Vance-Granville Community College will hold its second annual “Business Technologies Fair” on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.
Attendees will learn about VGCC’s programs that provide training for careers in fields related to business and information technology, including Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Technology Integration, Entrepreneurship, Global Logistics & Distribution Management, Medical Office Administration, Office Administration, Paralegal Technology and Simulation & Game Development.
At the same time, visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to talk about career pathways with representatives of employers who frequently hire graduates from these programs.
For more information, contact Carl Hann at (252) 738-3295 or hannc@vgcc.edu.
VGCC names two educators to leadership roles
via Andrew Beal
Along with the start of the fall semester at Vance-Granville Community College came new leaders for two academic programs.
William Clements of Raleigh became the new Program Head/Instructor for Criminal Justice Technology, while Faith Harris of Norlina, a Computer Education instructor, was promoted to the position of Program Head of Computer Education.
Clements came to VGCC from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Douglas, Ga., where he had been a Criminal Justice instructor since 2011. Previously, he worked in the correctional systems of both Georgia and North Carolina, as an educator, counselor and probation officer. Clements earned a bachelor’s degree in justice studies at Georgia Southern University and a master’s in forensic psychology at Walden University. He is currently continuing his studies at Walden to earn a doctoral degree in public administration.
The VGCC Criminal Justice associate degree program prepares students for careers in the local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Emphasis is on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics and community relations. Additional study may include issues and concepts of government, counseling, communications, computers and technology. VGCC also offers a certificate in Criminal Justice & Special Populations. For more information, contact Clements at clementsw@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3242.
Harris has been a community college instructor for the past 15 years, including service on the faculty at VGCC and at Piedmont Community College. She is also a graduate of VGCC, where she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Computer Programming. Harris went on to complete a bachelor’s degree at Barton College and a master’s degree in Information Systems Security at Colorado Technical University. Before becoming an educator, Harris spent many years in management at Roses Stores. At VGCC, she has administered the Microsoft IT Academy program that allows students to earn a number of different industry-recognized certifications.
The Computer Education department provides instruction for students enrolled in virtually any program at VGCC, and offers the associate degree in Computer Technology Integration (with tracks in IT Support, Networking & Security Technologies, and Web Design & Support). VGCC also offers a degree in Simulation & Game Development in partnership with Wake Technical Community College. For more information, contact Harris at harrisf@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3235.
“We look forward to continuing to grow and develop the Criminal Justice and Computer Education programs under the leadership of William and Faith, who bring experience and enthusiasm to their students,” said Angela Gardner-Ragland, VGCC’s dean of business and applied technologies. “Their excellent programs provide students with the skills they need to succeed in career fields that are in constant demand, both locally and around the world.”
World Class
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Henderson will host the 14th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine and The East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame & Reunion. These world class events are presented by The Vance County Department of Tourism, and director Nancy Wilson.
Follow the links, look at the pictures, go be part of it, and decide for yourself. Anywhere in downtown Henderson will do because nearly all of downtown Henderson will be engulfed with cars, people, food and entertainment. And don’t overlook Sunday’s East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame events at Vance Granville Community College. You could even argue without the hall of fame legends, this would be just another downtown car show.
It’s about fun, nostalgia and prestige, and it’s about tourism. As tourism in Henderson and Vance County continues to develop, citizens here are not only left with positive things to do, but the tourism dollars left behind by our guests. The hotel/motel taxes are huge to our County. Tourism can spawn economic development and accelerate the intense desires of many to revitalize historic downtown areas.
The party starts Friday, October 16 at 11:00 A.M. with a barbecue cookout at Satterwhite Point on Kerr Lake.
Saturday, October 17 is the big show day, when antique, classic and nostalgia drag cars line the streets downtown. Registration is from 7:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. and $25.00 for judged cars and $20.00 for non-judged cars.
Come see John Livingston and Tennessee Thunder, Larry Lombardo and his Jenkins car, Motown Missile, Sox Cars, fuel dragsters and many more.
Stay on Sunday, October 18, for the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame Awards presentation ceremony from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. where they honor drivers from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
It’s all free and open to the public. Call 1-866-438-4565 for more information. Full schedules available in the links above.
Also, Friday afternoon at 2:00 P.M., the City of Henderson and the Corbitt Preservation Association will open the Bennett H. Perry Jr. Museum for the very first time. You can also listen to the Thursday, October 15th edition of TownTalk on WIZS for more details.
A full Corbitt display can be seen in downtown Henderson this Saturday, October 17 at the corner of Montgomery and Williams Streets, as part of the 14th Annual Show, Shine, Shag and Dine presented by Vance County Tourism.
Team Spirit is High as the Henderson-Vance Chamber Gets Geared Up for Membership Drive
The Henderson-Vance Chamber is gearing up for a membership drive. The drive, “Catch The Fever…Join The Chamber Team” will be held November 2 – November 6. The drive has a football theme and promises to be a week of competition between the Chamber Ambassadors and the Chamber Board members, fun, networking and prizes.
The goal of the membership drive is to promote a positive business climate in Vance County and strengthen the Chamber of Commerce.
This year is shaping up to be a great membership drive. “We have passionate, motivated and two dedicated teams to move us toward the goal of business success,” said Annette Roberson, Membership Director and Referee. “We are ready to kick-off the game, play four quarters to the Championship and name a Heisman winner!”
There will be lots of action to the final score as team members compete for recognition, prizes and giveaways. The top producer will be awarded a TBD.
Roberson said, “Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is both an investment in, and a commitment to the outstanding community we have. A larger and stronger member base is one way to facilitate our county’s efforts to attract new businesses and visitors, educate and train our workforce, and build a stronger community.”
Listen to WIZS on November 2nd from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for live updates of the membership drive.
Bennett H. Perry, Jr. Museum
The Bennett H. Perry, Jr. Museum will open Friday, October 16th in downtown Henderson. The City of Henderson and the Corbitt Preserv
ation Association will occupy the downstairs of the former Perry home, located at the corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. The house was willed to the City by well-known and civic-minded, local attorney, Bennett. H. Perry, Jr.
In a notice emailed by Cynthia Walker to Corbitt Preservation Association members, Walker said, “Much work has been done, including painting inside and adding a handicapped ramp outside. The inside is truly gorgeous!!”
Charles Powell, President of the Corbitt Preservation Association, has been talking about this day. And you can hear him discuss it live on “TownTalk” Thursday at 11:00 A.M. Walker wrote, “For some time, (the Association) had searched for a home for its photos and memorabilia of the Corbitt Truck Company, which was a major business in Henderson for 50 years.”
During WWII, Corbitt trucks were in service in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition to producing heavy-duty trucks, Corbitt also had a line of farm tractors.
“Many local residents still remember the Corbitt family,” Walker wrote, “some thinking that Mr. R. J. Corbitt, President and Founder of the Corbitt Truck Company, was well matched with his wife, “Miss Jennie”, who was known in her own right for her cookbook and Tea Room.”
Donations have made the museum attractive, and “a number of Corbitt Preservation Association members have labored long and hard to make the museum a reality. In addition, the contributions of the City of Henderson are evident,” according to Walker.
The museum opening will be held at 2:00 P.M. Parking will be available on Church Street or in the courthouse lot behind the museum.
A full Corbitt display can be seen in downtown Henderson this Saturday, October 17 at the corner of Montgomery and Williams Streets, as part of the 14th Annual Show, Shine, Shag and Dine presented by Vance County Tourism.
(Editor’s Note: John C. Rose is a member of the Corbitt Preservation Association. The links throughout the article will show you additional information. Much thanks to Cynthia Walker.)
Canvass Complete
The Vance County Board of Elections’ canvass of the October 6th Henderson Municipal Election is complete. Two runoffs are anticipated.
Candidates Marion Brodie Williams and Clarence J. Dale finished tied with 234 votes apiece for the Ward 1 Ward Seat. Election Board Director Faye Gill said, “One of the candidates may withdraw up to three days after the canvass by writing a letter to The Board of Elections.” Otherwise, a runoff is expected.
George McCue is Agency Council for the North Carolina State Board of Elections. He said in 2013 there were a handful of ties across the state. “With 550 plus municipalities and multiple contests in each, and with the relatively smaller number of voters, it’s pretty typical in a municipal election year to have at least a couple tie votes somewhere in the state,” he said.
The Ward 3 At Large contest between Melissa Elliott, Brenda Peace and Jason Spriggs wound up with nine votes separating Elliott and Peace. Elliott 1,037 and Peace 1,028. More importantly, Elliott did not have at least 50 percent of the votes plus one more vote. Therefore, a runoff is expected between Elliott and Peace.
McCue said, “The nice thing about October elections is you can have a runoff in November.” When an election is held in November, there are some situations where random selection of a candidate can come into play by state statute.
Early voting starts October 22nd. Election day is November 3rd.
Aycock School News Broadcast
Near and dear to our hearts here at WIZS is a good news broadcast, just another reason its so much fun to tell you about this!
Students and staff members at Aycock Elementary School receive important information about their school each Friday morning through the “Aycock News” television broadcast.
The approximately 10-minute broadcast, seen on televisions stationed in classrooms and other locations throughout the school, features students in grades 2-5 who serve as the news anchors and additional reporters who share information about the week’s weather forecast, the breakfast and lunch menus for the coming week and important announcements about upcoming events.
The broadcasts are done each Friday shortly after 8 a.m. and are led by Edward Ortega and Erika Barnett, both Aycock faculty members, who use lots of technology and hands-on direction with the students to complete each program. Ortega serves as the production manager for each broadcast. He sits at a table in front of a laptop computer and controls the sound and two cameras which depict the students at two separate stations. Each of the stations has a green screen serving as a background for the students. Ortega uses computer software to provide a variety of background images on the green screens. Two additional laptops are used to display the scripts and production schedule for the broadcast.
For the broadcast on October 9, Ortega had a red-white-and-blue U.S. Flag theme as the green screen background. The background was seen behind the two students who were the news anchors and the small groups of students who led everyone in “The Pledge of Allegiance” and students who reported the weather forecast, menus and school announcements. Barnett worked with the students to ensure that everyone was in the right place when it was time for them to be on camera.
The October 9 broadcast was special, because it featured brief speeches by students who were seeking officer positions on the school’s newly established Student Council. They gave their speeches and were scheduled to have their names on the ballots during Student Council elections on October 14.
The broadcast concluded with a few words from Squeaky, a hand puppet controlled by Barnett with a disguised voice from Ortega. Squeaky urged everyone to have a “Super Duper Day!”