VGCC to hold Business Technologies Fair

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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.ECDTHOF2015

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

/by

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

/by

The Bennett H. Perry, Jr. Museum will open Friday, October 16th in downtown Henderson. The City of Henderson and the Corbitt PreservBennett H. Perry Jr (2)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.
corbitt tractor

“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

/by

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

/by

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.

Aycock News

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!”

Vance Principal of the Year

/by

Heddie Somerville, the principal at Pinkston Street Elementary School for the past four years, has been selected as the 2015-2016 Vance County Schools’ Principal of the Year.

She was chosen for the honor after interviews were conducted by a special selection committee.

Somerville 1

Mrs. Somerville is receiving the prestigious award after leading Pinkston Street Elementary to success in the 2014-2015 school year that saw students have some of the highest growth in reading and mathematics in the school district. The school also met state growth standards and increased its School Performance Grade by one grade. The school’s third-grade N.C. Read to Achieve scores also showed substantial improvement with student proficiency rising to 84 percent from 68 percent the previous year.

Mrs. Somerville has worked at Pinkston Street Elementary School her entire educational career over the last 23 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

She is described by Jo Tyler, a member of the Pinkston Street faculty who nominated her for the honor, as a knowledgeable and proficient leader.

“Under her leadership, our school has been recognized for many accomplishments,” Tyler wrote. “She has insight, excellent organizational skills, an in-depth grasp of the curriculum and has worked diligently establishing relationships on all levels . . . She unselfishly gives in innumerable ways and her extreme gift of building relationships with and improving the lives of others (students, parents, staff, colleagues; most everyone she comes in contact with) has made her a great leader.”

Mrs. Somerville earned the Principal of the Year award as a fellow nominee among an outstanding field of educational leaders. Other Principal of the Year nominees and their schools include:

  • Kristen Boyd of Aycock Elementary School
  • Dr. John Hargrove of Henderson Middle School
  • Marylaura McKoon of E.O. Young Jr. Elementary School
  • Dr. Michael Putney of Dabney Elementary School
  • Dr. Harold Thompson of New Hope Elementary School
  • Dr. Larry Webb of Northern Vance High School
Mrs. Somerville was surprised by a presentation to announce her recognition October 9 at her school.  Congratulations to Mrs. Somerville and all of her fellow nominees!

Small Business Summit and Expo to be held October 20 at Warren County Armory

/by

via Andrew Beal

The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center has announced the complete lineup of presenters for the fourth annual Small Business Summit and Expo, which will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center in Warrenton.

The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County, the Warren County Economic Development Commission, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Warren County Center, and the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center are partnering with the college to organize the event, which has the theme, “Weaving the Fabric of a Thriving Economy.” CenturyLink is the presenting sponsor. Other co-sponsors are Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, The Warren Record, Hundley’s Greenhouses, Inc., The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer, 1450 AM WIZS, the Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, The Daily Dispatch and WARR.

The summit kicks off with a keynote address during lunch by Susan E. Harris, owner of Quilt Lizzy in Warrenton. Her discussion is entitled “Why Your Small Town is a Great Place to Do Business.”

For the rest of the afternoon, attendees can choose from among several breakout sessions being held simultaneously.

During Session 1, from 1:15 until 2:15 p.m., the choices are: “Creative Opportunities for Arts and Crafts Businesses in the Community” with professional artist and educator Theresa Brown; “Making Your Business Model Work in a Small Town” with Warrenton town manager Robert Davie; and “Turning Your Passion Into a Business” with Adam Fields, owner of AF Wake & Wakeboard World Champion.

Session 2, from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m., offers these options: “Farm to Fork Enterprise” with Crystal Smith and Paul McKenzie of N.C. Cooperative Extension and Gabe Cummings of Warren FoodWorks; “Emerging Consumer Markets for Agriculture” with Debbie Hamrick, Director of Specialty Crops for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation; and “Social Media: The Black Hole” with Dave Blodgett of Buggs Media.

For the third and final session (3:45 until 4:45 p.m.), attendees will select either “Financing Opportunities for Small Businesses” with Barry Ryan of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center and Lou Grillo of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments; “USDA Loans & Grants Program” with Rhonda Pope, USDA Farm Service Agency’s Strike Force Coordinator and County Executive Director at large, Michelle Winslow, Dock Jones and Rob Satterfield, all of USDA/Farm Service Agency, and Lyn Millhiser of USDA/Rural Development; or “Social Media: The Black Hole” with Dave Blodgett of Buggs Media.

Between breakout sessions, attendees can browse through booths set up by representatives of various resources for small businesses. These include CenturyLink, Carter Bank & Trust, Ag Carolina Farm Credit, N.C. Rural Center, North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Warren County, Warren County Economic Development Commission, USDA, Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments, Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, Vance-Granville Community College, Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center, Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, North Carolina Farm Bureau, North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development, The Daily Dispatch, WARR, and The Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the Small Business Summit and Expo is to engage, empower and enrich participants to help make their small businesses more successful. “We welcome all aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-profit leaders to participate in this inspirational, educational and motivational experience with us,” said Tanya Weary, director of the VGCC Small Business Center.

Lunch is provided free of charge by CenturyLink to the first 50 registered participants. After that point, lunch is $10.

For more information, call Tanya Weary at (252) 738-3240 or e-mail her at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.