The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is now open on Wednesdays!
You now have two days to shop at the Market – Wednesday & Saturday – 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Wednesdays, there will be produce vendors, craft vendors and a food truck serving breakfast.
Location:
Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
-Information courtesy Mary Cervini, founder of Community Partnership for Pets
The Warren County Animal Shelter, Community Partnership for Pets and Warrenton Animal Clinic are announcing a new spay/neuter program to help qualified, low-income families in Warren County get their dogs and cats fixed.
Families must provide proof of income and can purchase their voucher at the Warren County Animal Shelter, 142 Rafters Lane, Warrenton. The cost of the vouchers is $10 for cats and $20 for dogs. The voucher will cover the pet’s surgery, rabies and distemper vaccinations and pain medication.
For more information about this new program, please contact the Shelter at 252-257-6137.
Please help reduce the number of unwanted animals in Warren County by opting to get your pet fixed. If you would like more information about Community Partnership for Pets and their statewide spay/neuter initiatives and/or to donate to spay/neuter pets in your county, please visit www.communitypartnershipforpets.org.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
The Warren County Commissioners will meet tonight at 6:00 (June 4, 2018). The meeting will take place in the Armory Civic Center Meeting Room located at 501 US Hwy 158 Business East in Warrenton.
A group of citizens in Warren County has reached out to WIZS News and asked that this meeting time and location be announced on air and published on WIZS.com. The full agenda of the meeting is available publicly online by clicking here.
There are 12 total items on the agenda, and the group of citizens wants the public to be aware of item 9 in particular, County Attorney Concerns, which is made up of three parts: A. Amendments to the Noise Ordinance; B. Racing Moratorium; C. System Development Fees.
The citizens group comprised of Daphene Herring, Karen Lawton, Wadie Ryan, Deborah Ferruccio and Ken Ferruccio emailed WIZS News and stated item 9 was “crucial to the county’s future.” The email submitted to WIZS News from the group also said, “Important countywide high impact land use precedents are being set. So, please ask family, friends, neighbors, and members of your community to attend the meeting. Item 9 is nearly at the end of the meeting; come late if necessary.”
WIZS News spoke to Deborah Ferruccio by phone is addition to receiving her email.
-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties – NC Cooperative Extension
The annual Warren County Farm Tour will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018.
This year’s tour will feature produce processing, a well-established produce farm and also an up-and-coming operation. We will also have a few minutes to shop and meet the vendors of the Warren County Farmers Market.
Aspiring and experienced farmers will see what it takes to build a successful operation, and non-farmers will get a behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a farmer. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the farms that contribute so much to the community, and learn how they operate.
School-aged children are welcome to attend if accompanied by a supervising adult. The tour is made possible through the generous support of AgCarolina Farm Credit.
The day begins at 8 a.m. at the Warren County office of NC Cooperative Extension, concluding at 2 p.m. The cost is only $5 which includes lunch and transportation. Registration required by noon on Wednesday, June 13.
For details call 252-257-3640 or click https://go.ncsu.edu/wcfarmtour.
(Photo courtesy Paul McKenzie and NCSU)
Dr. Ray Spain, superintendent of Warren County Schools, was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council.
Gov. Cooper issued an executive order in February to reauthorize North Carolina’s council. Federal law requires each state to establish an early childhood advisory council. North Carolina’s Early Childhood Advisory Council provides leadership in the development of a premier learning and development system for children birth to age 8.
“Investing in early learning and development is essential to building a better future for our children and our state,” Gov. Cooper said in a press release. “Quality early learning gives children the opportunity to succeed in school and life, helps produce the workforce we need to drive our state’s economic prosperity, and saves taxpayers money in the long run.”
The council will focus on creating and guiding a bold early childhood action plan that aligns with other efforts to advance the state’s early childhood system; building awareness of the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences to future education and career success to ensure young children in North Carolina are learning and thriving; and recommending and advocating for policies and funding that improve equitable access to high-quality early childhood services and better outcomes for young children and families.
Dr. Spain was appointed superintendent of Warren County Schools in 2003. He began his career as a teacher’s aide in Halifax County and served as a classroom teacher, coordinator for education-related programs, and principal before becoming superintendent.
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
The Norlina Market Festival is the biggest celebration to come to Norlina to highlight and celebrate farming and agriculture! Rain dampened most of the originally-scheduled day on Saturday, May 19, so the organizers rescheduled the event for Saturday, June 16.
There will be fresh foods, produce, goods & services available from local and neighboring county farms. The celebration includes live music, fun & exciting games, arts, crafts, food trucks, vendors, fresh locally grown fruits, fresh locally grown vegetables, locally raised meats, and more!!!
This family event will take place on Saturday, June 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Norlina Junction Park on Liberty Street near the Norlina Post Office.
If you’re interested in setting up goods for sale or to educate the participants…or if you have a food truck looking to set up at the event, please contact Latarshia Turner-Brothers via Facebook or call her at (252) 425-9845. You may also email her at newlifeofwellness@gmail.com!
This Festival is the first event as a result of the Revitalization & Planning Committee for the town of Norlina. Headed up by Norlina resident Latarshia Turner-Brothers, this committee is designed to give local families an opportunity to attend events without having to leave the county.
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Dr. Jean Jackson returned home to offer inspiration to Vance-Granville Community College’s newest graduates, encouraging the Class of 2018 to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
“In many ways, you are Vance-Granville Community College,” the Middleburg native told members of the 49th commencement exercises on May 11. “You are the very best advertisement of what is possible from work done here and how you apply that work as you go forward in your lives.”
Members of the class were joined by hundreds of family members and friends at the outdoor ceremony in front of the gazebo on Vance-Granville’s main campus.
“You’ve been prepared professionally,” Dr. Jackson said. “Now it’s up to you to see what will make you feel successful and be happy in life. You have all of the tools that you need, and it’s up to you to write the rest of your story.”
Currently serving as the vice president for college programs at Meredith College in Raleigh, the principal commencement speaker became a member of the English faculty at the Raleigh college in 1983 and continues to teach courses on English poetry of the Romantic Period, in addition to overseeing planning and budgeting for offices such as Academic and Career Planning, Athletics, Campus Police, the Dean of Students and Student Leadership and Service.
A 1971 graduate of what was Vance County High School, Dr. Jackson recalled the early days when VGCC was first called Vance County Technical Institute. Her family’s telephone
Above: Meredith College Vice President Dr. Jean Jackson delivers the commencement address at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC Photo)
number was only one digit off from that of the new college, she remarked, which led to “a lot of calls for the new college!” in apparent misdials.
“Your school work may be done, or done for now, but work will change and demand your ingenuity and skills and grit for the rest of your lives,” Dr. Jackson said. “All of us still have much to learn, even those of us who graduated long ago because the world is changing much more rapidly than are our institutions of higher learning.”
“What you have learned here — your writing and research skills, your organizational skills, your collaborative skills and dozens and dozens of other skills that we could name — will help you whatever you choose to do in your work life…. Education, inspiration and support have served you well at Vance-Granville and, if you give them the opportunity, will serve you as guides for the rest of your long, happy and successful lives.”
Also offering inspiration to the Class of 2018 was the student speaker, Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg, speaking on behalf of her classmates.
Above: Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg speaks on behalf of the graduates at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC photo)
VGCC, like the virtual assistant “Siri” of Apple’s phone and computer devices, can serve as a GPS, Taylor told the graduates. “We’ve made it to this day. Don’t look back and wonder what you could have done better or regret a road you didn’t take…. When we take a detour or meander away from our path, Siri says, ‘rerouting,’ and that’s what you have to do.”
“You’re a Vanguard, so I know everyone here is going to go on and do great things in their own way. Vance-Granville has prepared us for that,” she said. “Even if you miss a stepping stone, Vance-Granville will help you find your footing.”
A Franklin County Early College High School student, Taylor is only the second student from an early college program to serve as president of the VGCC Student Government Association and student member of the college’s Board of Trustees. She plans to continue her education this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Following the speakers, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, applauded the graduates for their achievements, announcing that 487 degrees and diplomas were being awarded to the Class of 2018. “You are to be commended for your dedication and achievement,” she told the graduates. “You are surrounded by your loved ones, family and friends and I know that they celebrate your success.”
Above: Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Stelfanie Williams places a medallion around the neck of Academic Excellence Award recipient Andrew Lynam of Youngsville, right. (VGCC photo)
The president added that the Class of 2018 includes 65 inductees into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and one-third of the class has been recognized as honor graduates. She noted the diversity of the class, who included not only young Early College High School students, but also “others who have attended college while taking care of families, and others who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.”
“You graduates truly reflect the living mission of Vance-Granville Community College,” Dr. Williams said.
Dr. Williams recognized Andrew Lynam, recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award, during her remarks. During the procession of graduates, the president paused to place a medallion on Lynam to honor his outstanding achievement. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year. Lynam graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Welding Technology. A home-schooled student, he first enrolled at VGCC at age 16 through the college’s Career & College Promise program.
After Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown presented the candidates for graduation, Board of Trustees chair Danny Wright and President Williams presented degrees and diplomas and congratulated the graduates.
Above: Meredith College Vice President Dr. Jean Jackson delivers the commencement address as the students await the presentation of degrees and diplomas at Vance-Granville Community College on May 11. (VGCC Photo)
Members of this year’s class, including those predicted to graduate at the end of the summer term in July, were awarded 207 Associate in Applied Science degrees in a variety of curriculum programs, 153 Associate in Arts degrees, 60 Associate in Science degrees and 53 technical and vocational diplomas. Many students graduated with more than one credential.
SGA President Taylor led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels as the ceremony concluded. Music was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band, conducted by Brian Miller. Bearing the ceremonial mace for commencement was Science Department Chair Steve McGrady, the college’s 2017-2018 Faculty Member of the Year. The invocation was given by Deborah F. Brown and the benediction by Donald C. Seifert, Sr., both members of the Board of Trustees.
More photos: Check out the VGCC Commencement 2018 album on Flickr.
Video from the Ceremony: Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
The Lake Gaston Association’s Lake Clean-Up Committee is finalizing their plans to make their Eighth Annual “Take Pride in Lake Gaston” Lake Cleanup event on Saturday, June 2 the most participated in event ever. But … they still need YOUR help!
There are many ways to join this effort. If you own waterfront property, clean along your shoreline. Consider cleaning along your subdivision shoreline as an individual or neighborhood activity. You can cover a lot of ground in a canoe or kayak. Many communities schedule their own cleanup activities in the spring; join them. Keep a trash bag in your boat and pick up debris you spot while cruising.
If you are really proud of the lake and would like to clean up an untended stretch of shoreline, contact the Clean-Up Committee. They can direct you to areas that could use some support.
Don’t own property at the lake, but want to help to keep Lake Gaston clean? Contact us and we will assign you to a clean-up team.
The staffed dumpster sites at Washburn’s Marina and Morningstar Marina will have trash bags available for you on June 2. Volunteers will be on hand at these sites from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist you as necessary. Or, the trash can be taken to your local convenience center if it’s closer.
The LGA asks that pictures are taken to show how much trash was collected in support of the Eighth Annual Lake Gaston Clean-Up Day. Email them to lakecleanup@lakegastonassoc.com.
This great event gets great support from many organizations: The Lake Gaston Striper Club collects trash from several of the islands. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 93 is on the water in case of emergency. Support is also provided by Dominion, the Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, the FABS, many Subdivisions/Home Owners Associations, and clean-up crews from area correction facilities.
For further information contact the LGA at lakecleanup@lakegastonassoc.com or call 1-888-586-6577 or (252) 586-6577.
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
You can help an incredible group of volunteers at the Churchill-Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department celebrate their 37th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (rain or shine)!
There will be food and fun for all ages with demonstrations and tours; important fire, water & health safety info; a car show; Smokey The Bear; Naturalist Frank Newell & his animals and gifts for kids!
Enjoy lunch at the fire department with pork BBQ sandwiches, hotdogs, chips, drinks and desserts all for sale. And if you’d like some great barbeque for later, it’s only $8 per pound.
Join in the fun of raffles for cash prizes, quilts and gift baskets!
As a public service, the Churchill-Five Forks VFD invites you to bring in your fire extinguisher to be refilled and picked up at a later date or bring your old extinguishers for disposal.
The Churchill-Five Forks VFD is located at 1168 Churchill Road in Macon.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook
Jerome Williams, WCS STEM/SEMAA Director, is announcing Warren County Schools NASA SEMAA (Science, Engineering, Mathematics & Aerospace Academy)/STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) in Partnership with NASA MUREP Aerospace Program @ ECSU will hold its annual summer interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camps at Warren County High School on the following dates:
CAMP ONE – June 11 to June 15, 2018
CAMP TWO – June 18 to June 22, 2018
CAMP THREE – June 25 to June 29, 2018
The NASA-SEMAA program has been located in Warren County Schools since 1998. This STEM-based program has a history of providing rich and fulfilling activities for school-age students in the Northcentral region of North Carolina and South Central Virginia. Students have attended the program as far away as Baltimore, Maryland and Atlanta, Georgia.
This year the Warren County Schools NASA SEMAA program is pleased to offer students the opportunity to experience firsthand the exciting world of rocketry design, flight simulation, robot assembly, First Lego League training courses, drones design and operation, 3D printing and manufacturing technology, coding and game design, video and sound production, just to name a few.
Sessions will run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and are free and open to all students currently in grades kindergarten to 12. Free breakfast and lunches will be provided to all students in the program. Parents are encouraged to participate in some of the activities as well. Moreover, this summer the camps will have a concentrated focus on the application of mathematics in science and introduce the next generation science standard which is essential to future college and career pathways opportunities.
Bus transportation will be provided for Warren County Schools’ students. Encourage your children to attend one of these STEM camps and take full advantage of the STEM activity offerings provided this year.
Applications can be found and downloaded at the following website: wcsemaa-nc.weebly.com. Once completed it can be emailed to stem-semaa@warrenk12nc.org or mailed to the following:
Mr. Jerome Williams
Warren County SEMAA
149 Campus Drive
Warrenton, NC 27589
