NC DIT Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Veterans a Success in First Run

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— press release from NC DIT

Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Veterans a Success in First Run
Apprenticeships help connect disabled vets with a new career

Raleigh, N.C. – Disabled veterans are getting access to skills and experience in the growing field of cybersecurity thanks to a unique partnership between state government, the tech sector and community colleges.

The Disabled Veterans Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program is a collaboration between the Department of Information Technology (DIT) and other state agencies; ISG, a Raleigh-based IT firm specializing in cybersecurity; and educational organizations in the state, including Wake Technical Community College and other community colleges. Only disabled veterans who are honorably discharged from service qualify to participate.

More than 200,000 members of the US military return to civilian life each year with 20,000 of them in North Carolina alone. Getting used to civilian life after a career in the military can prove difficult, especially for those who sustained service-related disabilities. The pilot program gives soldiers a new way to serve their country.

Five apprentices work eight-hour days Monday through Thursday, guided by mentors in their work. On Friday, the apprentices meet for training at ISG in Raleigh. They receive regular salary and benefits, and by the time they graduate from the program in October, they will be eligible to take the examination for and obtain a CISSP – Certified Information System Security Professional Associate certification. The two-year, $500,000 pilot program is in its second year.

“When I was selected for this program, it said to me, ‘Thank you for your service’ on a whole different level. It didn’t just thank me for my service, it thanked my family for the sacrifice that they made…. I really feel like the state is giving back. This is the thanks for my service, and now I am able to take care of my family,” said Vicky Steward, a retired first sergeant in the U.S. Army. Steward was injured almost 22 years ago in the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.

ISG has a job placement program in place to ensure that all of the participants are employed after they complete their training, said Maria Thompson, DIT’s chief risk officer. Employers will gain well-trained, reliable, and dedicated workers in cybersecurity, a field that does not yet have enough qualified workers, and veterans receive training and expertise in a rising and lucrative IT field. Veterans are comfortable with changing environments and learning new things, Thompson said. They have been trained to protect, they have already proven themselves able to work hard with high integrity, and they are adept at working on teams.

“All of those things are things that you need in cybersecurity,” says Tony Marshall, ISG’s president and chief executive officer.

DIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette said he and the department will work to bring more veterans into the program. The department intends to ask the General Assembly in the coming legislative session for support to double the size of the next apprentice class.

“It’s great to be able to offer these positions to these individuals, and watch them grow, watch them succeed, watch them teach others, watch them learn, and just be able to be supportive,” Boyette said. “This initiative really needs to grow … and we are going to figure out ways to make it grow.”

For an inside look at the program and to hear from participants, visit: https://youtu.be/fmVfifI_JxQ

###

Registration opens for Tour de Vance cycling event

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – courtesy VGCC

 

Registration opens for Tour de Vance cycling event

Registration is now underway for the Sixth Annual Tour de Vance Bike Ride scheduled for Saturday, April 28. The ride has been growing steadily since its inception, drawing families and first-timers in addition to the most seasoned of cyclists for four separate cycling events.

For the first time, proceeds from the ride will benefit the Endowment Fund at Vance-Granville Community College, with donations supporting scholarships for students enrolled in Health Sciences programs at the college.

Several different options are available for cyclists. The 10-mile route is ideal for youth, families and beginners. A 20-mile course suits riders ready for a bit more distance. Experienced cyclists can choose a 31-mile “Forest and Farmland” circle route through the country or a 62-mile “Kerr Lake Look” that adds to that 31-mile circle route an out-and-back spur to the lake past the Nutbush Creek State Recreation Area.

The rides will start and finish at VGCC’s Main Campus, located off Interstate 85 and Poplar Creek Road at 200 Community College Road in Henderson.

“This event has become a hit not just with locals but also with cyclists from the surrounding area who enjoy an organized event that is challenging but also takes them on a view of the beautiful countryside in our area,” said Wendy Meyer-Goodwin, who has been working as event organizer since the Tour de Vance began. “Last year, we had our largest number of participants ever.”

All riders can register through the Vance-Granville Community College website at vgcc.edu/tourdevance. Online registration will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 27. On-site registration will be an option at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

The 10-mile ride will cost $10 for each rider. The 20-mile ride will cost $20 for those who register by Feb. 28, increasing to $25 thereafter. The 31-mile and 62-mile (or “metric century”) rides will cost $30 for those who register by Feb. 28, increasing to $40 thereafter.

“Vance-Granville’s Endowment Fund is honored to be associated with an event that has become such a success,” said Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund. “This bike ride promotes the importance of exercise and good health. We are pleased to use these proceeds to help our students enrolled in the many Health Sciences programs at VGCC.”

VGCC offers curriculum programs including Associate Degree Nursing, Radiography, Practical Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on April 28. The 62-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m., the 31-mile ride at 9:30, the 20-mile ride at 10 a.m., and the 10-mile ride at 10:30 a.m. Law enforcement will accompany riders on the 10-mile route.

“This year, we are making changes to create a more fun and festive finish line,” Meyer-Goodwin added. “Instead of riders beginning at approximately the same time, we are staggering the start times to have more riders ending near the same time, in a congratulatory party of smiles, relief and story-swapping.”

Lunch will be provided.

Participating sponsors include Maria Parham Health, Carolina GI Associates PC, OmniPoint General Surgery, Nunnery-Freeman Barbecue, Spoke Cycles and Henderson Fruit & Produce.

For more information, contact Wendy Meyer-Goodwin at tourdevance@gmail.com.

–VGCC–

VGCC Trustees OK Budget Requests For County Funding

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC Trustees OK Budget Requests For County Funding

The Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees approved a proposed total budget request of $3,190,150 for the 2018-2019 fiscal year for Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties at its bimonthly meeting on the college’s Main Campus on Monday, March 19.

In other action, the board also heard updates on the college’s recent grant success, the state’s audit of energy consumption, and the annual financial audit by the state.

VGCC’s budget requests for plant operations and maintenance funding, which include $2,578,710 in current expenses and $611,440 in capital outlay, now go to the board of county commissioners in each of the four counties served by VGCC. The capital outlay budget is composed of $95,960 in recurring needs and $515,480 in one-time needs.

“We are requesting level funding for operating funds for each of our campuses from our counties this year,” said Steven Graham, VGCC’s vice president of finance and operations. “We have projected that our continuation costs are in line with the amount of funding that we are currently receiving from our respective counties.”

Of the $2.57 million current expense county budget, $1,151,597 is being proposed for Vance County for the Main Campus and the nursing simulation lab at Maria Parham Health; $752,184 for Granville County for Main Campus, South Campus and the Culinary Arts location in Oxford; $369,168 for Franklin’s campus; and $225,625 for Warren’s campus. The college will be using $80,136 in institutional monies to fund current expenses.

Of the $95,960 in recurring capital outlay requests for facility improvement needs, funding by county is: Vance, $41,220; Granville, $28,740; Franklin, $20,000; and Warren, $6,000.

The college is requesting the one-time capital outlay funds of $515,480 for the Main Campus in accordance with VGCC’s Capital Improvement Plan submitted to Vance County, said Graham. Vance and Granville share in the funding of the campus between Henderson and Oxford on a 3:1 ratio. A total of $386,610 is being requested from Vance County and $128,870 from Granville.

“The majority of that requested funding will go towards parking lot repairs and resurfacing here at the Main Campus,” said Graham, adding that the funds will also help with the replacement of groundskeeping equipment and a campus police vehicle.

County funding represents approximately 9.5 percent of the college’s overall budget.

Grants Update

Vance-Granville has received grants totaling $1,615,222 for 2017-2018, according to a report delivered to the board by Dr. Ken Lewis, the college’s vice president of institutional research and technology.

The grants include: Perkins, $185,266; NCWorks Career Coach, $116,000; Duke Energy/Piedmont Natural Gas Apprenticeship, $200,000; Department of Transportation Summer Institute, $35,000; Basic Skills Continuation, $827,504; Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, $205,000; Heavy Equipment Operator, $31,452; and NC Tobacco Trust Fund, $15,000.

Additional grants are in progress, including the NC TechHire Alliance, Governor’s Innovation Grant, Siemens Solid Edge CAD and Tecnomatix, and Cannon Foundation, Dr. Lewis noted.

The update was provided from the board’s Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris.

Environmental Assessment

Vance-Granville has saved more than $1 million in energy and water costs over the past decade, according to the results of a State Energy Office assessment recently announced by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

“We are pleased to report that Vance-Granville is 30 percent below the baseline for community colleges in energy consumption and 27 percent below our 2007-2008 consumption,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president, in making the announcement to the board.

The environmental quality assessment gave VGCC a ranking of 12th out of the 58 community colleges in lowest consumption, which Dr. Williams described as “extraordinary given the age of our buildings.”

Danny W. Wright, VGCC’s chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “This demonstrates great stewardship on the part of the people who manage plant operations.”

State Financial Audit

The State Auditor’s Office gave Vance-Granville a clean financial statement audit for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to an announcement from Dr. Williams.

“The results of our tests disclosed no deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that we consider to be material weaknesses in relation to our audit scope or any instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards,” said State Auditor Beth Wood in a letter to the college’s Board of Trustees.

“This is a great credit to our Business Office as well as all of the employees throughout the college who deal with financial information,” said Dr. Williams. “I know that I speak for all of the board in commending all staff involved.”

State Budget Priorities

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) has adopted seven legislative priorities for the 2018-2019 session of the North Carolina General Assembly, Dr. Williams informed the trustees.

Totaling $52.6 million in recurring funds and $15.2 million in non-recurring funds statewide, the priorities are: closing the skills gap by investing in short-term workforce training programs leading to industry credentials; modernizing the information technology system; ensuring colleges continue to have direct access to information technology staff; incentivizing student access and completion; ensuring high school students are career and college ready; ensuring students have access to 21st Century equipment; and supporting faculty and staff.

The NCCCS adopted a comprehensive strategic plan in February, “Putting Education to Work,” that will guide the system through 2022, focusing on student interest and access, clear and supported pathways for student progress and success, economic and workforce impact, and system effectiveness.

Building Projects

A final assessment of field work has been submitted to the college for the replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and fire alarm systems on the Main Campus, according to a report of the board’s Building Committee, delivered by Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., chair.

The fire alarm replacement work will be completed first, with the initial HVAC system renovation projects for two of the Main Campus buildings being completed in 2019.

With design work and construction documents scheduled to be completed in April, bids are scheduled to go out in May for the renovation of a 3,200-square-foot area at the back of Building 10 to accommodate a practical simulation lab for the Fire/Rescue, Basic Law Enforcement Training and Emergency Medical Services programs. The renovation should be completed this summer.

Renovations to the Welding lab and a demonstration area in the Welding classroom at Franklin County Campus are expected to be completed in early April.

Each project is being funded by monies allocated by the Connect NC Bond passed in March 2016 by North Carolina voters.

Exterior masonry renovations on the Main Campus, which are scheduled to be bid out in April and to begin in May, are being funded by the bond funds and a remaining balance of $69,000 from county resources used for structural renovations to roofs and masonry.

Other Action

In other action:

• Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg, student trustee and president of the Student Government Association, detailed recent and upcoming events for students.

• The Investment Committee, chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., reported on college’s investments.

• Trustee Sara C. Wester, chair of the Personnel Committee, updated board members on new employees, retirements and resignations, and she informed the board of the plans for the annual evaluation of the president.

• Dr. Williams announced the following events: Sixth Annual Dinner Theater, April 26-27; Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, May 1; Vance-Granville Community Band concert, May 7; and Graduation, May 11. She said the board will have its annual retreat on Aug. 27.

The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, May 21, at the Main Campus.

–30–

VGCC Culinary Arts program accepting reservations for lunch April 5

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— courtesy VGCC

The Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College is inviting the public to enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by students on Thursday, April 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The luncheon will be held at the Masonic Home for Children on College Street in Oxford, where the Culinary program is based.

Tickets are $9, plus applicable taxes and Eventbrite fees, and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/culinaryApril5. Note that the Eventbrite ticketing website works best in the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome web browsers.

“The successful planning and execution of the luncheon will give our students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate both front and back of the house skills,” said Chef Teresa Davis, the VGCC Culinary Arts program head.

She said the buffet menu is set to include:

Shrimp and Artichoke Orzo Salad
Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Pea and Parmesan Pan Sauce
Roasted Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Creamed Kale or Lemony Green Beans
House Made Rolls, and
Apple Puffed Pastry with Vanilla Ice Cream.

For more information about the Culinary Arts program, contact Chef Teresa Davis at davist@vgcc.edu or (919) 690-0312.

–VGCC–

VGCC instructor’s children donate pieces of history to library

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— courtesy VGCC

The children of a longtime Vance-Granville Community College instructor who qualifies as one of the “founding mothers” of the institution recently donated historical records and other items to the college library.

The late Frieda Bender Haun of Kittrell, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 95, became well-known in the community in part for the “personal enrichment” classes she taught at VGCC. Her involvement in the school started long before it opened in 1969, however. In 1965, Haun was appointed to what was then called the “Vance County Community College Steering Committee,” a group formed to research establishing a local two-year college and to gather support for it.

Documents related to that steering committee are among the papers and items that one of Haun’s daughters, Erika H. Rosenberger of Raleigh, inherited. She organized them and offered them to VGCC Director of Library Services Elaine Stem, to become part of the college archives. Stem noted that the items provide unique glimpses into the history of how the college was founded.

Seated, from left, in the VGCC Library are siblings Betsy H. Stuart of Fayetteville, Harold W. Haun of Raleigh and Erika H. Rosenberger of Raleigh, along with some of their mother’s handmade baskets and a scrapbook of materials their mother kept. Standing, from left, are VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson and Director of Library Services Elaine Stem. Another sibling, Veronika H. Marquoit, lives in New York State and was unavailable for the photo. (VGCC photo)

 

“Our VGCC Library scrapbooks only begin with 1969,” Stem said. “What is significant about this collection is that Mrs. Haun had documents dating back to May 6, 1965. The VGCC history book (‘Vance-Granville Community College: The First Thirty Years’) references the 1965 Steering Committee, and now we have some of those original letters.”

The earliest letter in the collection is from Emily Whitten, clerk to the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Whitten wrote to Haun, “Considerable thought has been given by the Board of Commissioners to the establishment of a Community College in Vance County…. We hope we can be in a position to request State funds for this project in the 1967 session of the Legislature. In order to be in this position, many things must be accomplished on a local level. Therefore, the Board has appointed certain citizens of the County to serve on a Community College Steering Committee…. You have been appointed to serve on this committee. We hope you will agree to serve in this capacity to help assure a Community College for Vance County.” Of the 36 people appointed at that time to the Steering Committee, Haun was among just five women.

“She was very proud of the opportunity to serve in that capacity,” Rosenberger said. “She was probably selected to be on the steering committee because she was active in the Kittrell community and people knew that she was interested in education.”

Haun was quickly chosen to be a member of a three-person nominating committee to select the leaders of the new Steering Committee. She was later appointed to serve on the “General Survey Committee.”

The steering committee later changed its focus to seeking a Technical Institute, when it became apparent that the state was not going to approve a community college in Vance County. Local leaders knew they could always seek community college status at a later date, which they eventually did. Haun continued serving on the steering committee to form a technical institute, an effort which succeeded in 1969. One record shows she was involved in discussions of where to locate the initial campus for the technical institute. “I think about the people she served with on the committee back in the 1960s, and I think they’d be pleased to see how the college has grown,” Rosenberger said. “It was just a dream back then.”

A Warren County native, Frieda Bender married Walter Haun, and the couple raised four children. She led an active life, becoming involved in the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, Home Demonstration Clubs, 4-H Clubs, the Kittrell Community Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

“She took advantage of every opportunity to learn and to pass knowledge along to others,” her son, Harold W. Haun, recalled. “She always aimed higher.” Proud of her work at VGCC, he and his siblings remembered that their mother was, for whatever reason, the only one of her siblings who did not have the opportunity to go to college. “But she often said that, despite that fact, she was the only one of her siblings who taught at a college,” Rosenberger added.

When Vance County Technical Institute was still fairly new, Rosenberger said, her mother enrolled to take a continuing education class. “Someone in the class said they would like to learn about chair caning or making baskets, and my mother knew how to do that. She had been teaching things like that for the Home Demonstration Club,” Rosenberger recalled. “So she approached the college in the early 1970s about teaching such classes, and they agreed.” Haun continued teaching arts and crafts classes for VGCC through around the year 2000, when she was 85.

In the 1980s, it became difficult for Haun to leave her ailing husband at home for extended periods of time. With the permission of college officials, she started holding her classes in the basement of her own home. “VGCC became a great vehicle for her,” Rosenberger said. “Having the ability to teach in her basement really enriched her life in her later years.”

Along with letters, the records Haun kept about VGCC included meeting minutes and newspaper clippings. In addition, Rosenberger and her siblings have donated some of Haun’s handmade baskets to represent her artistry. Haun made baskets and stools and was particularly adept at chair caning. A chair she made was selected to represent VGCC in the N.C. Community College System’s art exhibition and sat for one year in the office of Robert Scott, the former governor of North Carolina, then serving as president of the system.

“Our mother would be glad that the college appreciates her collection and delighted that all those clippings she kept will be maintained here,” said her daughter, Betsy H. Stuart. “I’m glad she’s being remembered in this way.”

“We’re so grateful to the children of Frieda Haun for thinking of VGCC and for preserving their mother’s legacy,” said VGCC Endowment Fund Director Eddie Ferguson. “The unique items they have donated will be invaluable to us as we prepare to celebrate our college’s 50th anniversary in 2019.”

For more information on donating items related to VGCC history, contact Elaine Stem at steme@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3340 or Eddie Ferguson at fergusone@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3264.

–VGCC–

2 Arrested and Charged with Nancy Alford’s Murder

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In a press conference today, District Attorney Mike Waters announced the arrest of two suspects related to the Nancy and John Alford murder and arson case in Warren County.

“Orders for arrest have been served on two individuals in this matter for the death of Nancy Alford.  They are Kevin Munn and Lester Kearney, and they are now committed to the custody of the Warren County Sheriff.  They are charged for the first-degree murder of Nancy Alford.  Other charges will be pending and being served in the coming days as this investigation continues to unfold,” Waters said.

He said, “They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but I just again would reiterate what a pleasure it has been to work with such professional and competent law enforcement agencies across the state, particularly to see people just so committed and to work countless hours in this matter.  Again, deepest sympathies to this family and this community for their loss.”

Local and state law enforcement agency cooperation since the incidents occurred last Friday aided in the apprehension of the suspects.

Waters said both suspects “were taken into custody in this community.”  One was arrested in Warren County and the other in Halifax County.

The Mercedes vehicle owned by the couple was recovered after it was abandoned in Haywood County.

Waters said, “This was a robbery.”  He said, “I think they knew of the couple.”

He said the suspects were not authorized for release under any bond.

Warren County Sheriff Johnny M. Williams said, “We are here today to give thanks. … We’d like to thank on behalf of the Warren County — Warrenton Wildwood Fire Department, Long Bridge Fire Department, Warren County Rescue, Warren County Sheriff’s Office personnel, SBI, the District Attorney’s Office and personnel, Warren County Emergency Management, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Halifax Sheriff’s Office, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, ATF – Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and Roanoke Rapids Police Department.”

If you would like to view the press conference, you may do so by clicking on this link to the District Attorney – 9th Prosecutoria District Facebook Page.

VGCC Culinary Arts program accepting reservations for lunch March 15

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— courtesy VGCC

The Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College is inviting the public to enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by students on Thursday, March 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The luncheon will be held at the Masonic Home for Children on College Street in Oxford, where the Culinary program is based.

Tickets are $9, plus applicable taxes and Eventbrite fees, and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/culinaryMarch15. Note that the Eventbrite ticketing website works best in the Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome web browsers.

“The successful planning and execution of the luncheon will give our students the opportunity to practice and demonstrate both front and back of the house skills,” said Chef Teresa Davis, the VGCC Culinary Arts program head.

She said the buffet menu is set to include Spinach Dip Stuffed Mushrooms, Northwest Apple Walnut Salad, Beef Roulade with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce, Shrimp Penne Pasta, and Roasted Root Vegetables. There will also be a Bananas Foster Crepes “Live Action” Station.

For more information about the Culinary Arts program, contact Chef Teresa Davis at davist@vgcc.edu or (919) 690-0312.

–VGCC–

(This is not a paid advertisement.)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Registration Underway for the 2018 Master Gardener Symposium

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor for Hire

The Master Gardner volunteers invite the public to attend the annual Master Gardner Symposium, sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension. This year’s symposium will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson.

The cost of attendance is $30 if registration is received by Wednesday, February 28, 2018. After this date, the cost of registration increases to $35 per person. The price of registration includes snacks, beverages and lunch.

There will also be an optional, hands-on workshop in the afternoon for participants to make, and learn how to use, their own rain barrel with supplied materials. The workshop is limited to 25 pre-registered participants for an additional fee.

According to Paul McKenzie, area agent for the Vance County Cooperative Extension Office, space is limited and tickets often sell out prior to the day of the event. Those interested in attending the symposium are urged to register as early as possible to guarantee entry.

The theme for this year’s symposium is “Backyard Gardening: Changing Times, Changing Conditions.”

The symposium will feature four speakers, including keynote speaker Sam Pearsall, the retired director of the North Carolina Natural Heritage program. Pearsall will explain how climate change impacts natural ecosystems and personal gardens.

Additional speakers include educators from NC State University:

  • Elsa Youngsteadt, Research Associate and science writer, will discuss various species of bees and the role they play in the ecosystem. Specific focus will be given on how to protect bees and attract them to gardens.
  • Barbara Fair, Associate Professor, Landscape Extension Specialist and Certified Arborist, will discuss plant selection, water conservation efforts and rain gardens.
  • Joseph Neal, Professor of Weed Science, will discuss landscape weed management.

“This year’s speakers will address pollinators-how to protect them and get them to visit your garden, plant selection for drought resistance, water conservation and weed management,” said McKenzie. “You will be hearing facts and unbiased, researched-based information, not just the latest, greatest trend.”

Those interested in attending the symposium are encouraged to join the Master Gardner Volunteer Program. Volunteers are provided with 40 hours of gardening training in exchange for 40 hours of volunteer work. “The volunteer program is an amazing opportunity to learn and to give back through community outreach at local schools, farmers markets and other areas,” McKenzie said.

The registration form for the symposium may be downloaded from https://go.ncsu.edu/vancegarden. For more information, contact the Vance County Cooperative Extension office at (252) 438-8188.

 

NC Coop Extension

Master Gardener Symposium March 24 – Registration Required

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The following is a press release written by Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties:

The theme for the annual Master Gardener(sm) Symposium, to be held on March 24th at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, is “Backyard Gardening: Changing Times, Changing Conditions.” The keynote speaker will be Sam Pearsall, formerly of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program who will explain how climate change is impacting both natural ecosystems and our own gardens. Other expert speakers from North Carolina State University will address pollinators, water conservation, weed management and more. The Symposium will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. Registration for the symposium is only $30 if received by February 28th, and includes lunch. An optional afternoon Rain Barrel workshop is available for an additional fee. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Download the registration form from https://go.ncsu.edu/vancegarden. For more information contact kerrlakemg@gmail.com or call the NC Cooperative Extension office at 252-438-8188.

—
Paul McKenzie
Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties
NC Cooperative Extension
305 Young St., Henderson, NC 27536
158 Rafters Ln., Warrenton, NC 27589
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu
252.438.8188 (Vance) 252.257.3640 (Warren)
@pgmckenzie

VGCC Honors Retired Faculty and Staff

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC honors retired faculty and staff

Vance-Granville Community College celebrated employees who had retired from the college — and particularly those nine who retired in 2017 — during a holiday social for faculty and staff, held in December in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, thanked all employees, past and present, for their dedicated service to students and the community. “Our employees make VGCC such a special place,” Dr. Williams said, adding that this year’s retirees included a “super scientist,” a “duo of dynamic directors,” a “talented techie,” an “awesome administrative assistant,” a “creative cosmetologist,” a “champion child care specialist” and the “greatest of all time groundskeepers.” She noted that these nine retirees served VGCC for a combined 136 years.

She called upon various college leaders to make presentations to their departments’ newest retirees.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Cynthia Grissom-Young recognized Dr. Gail Ruby, who, as part of a long career in education, taught Physics, Math and other courses at Main Campus, South Campus and online for four years.

Director of Plant Operations Jack Puckett honored John Allen for his seven years of service as the Groundskeeper on VGCC’s Main Campus.

Puckett likewise praised Dennis Hodge, who was retiring after 12 years. Hodge joined VGCC as a Groundskeeper and eventually became Coordinator of Grounds Maintenance. Puckett recognized both Allen and Hodge for their commitment to excellence that kept the campus grounds beautiful.

Vice President of Institutional Research and Technology Dr. Ken Lewis recognized Chuck Tulloch, Senior Computer Technician/Telecom Administrator in the Information Technology department, who retired with 10 years of service. He also graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Networking Technology.

Myra Poole, interim dean of continuing education and basic skills, praised Jean Blaine, another 10-year veteran, who retired as director of Occupational Extension and was previously an administrator in VGCC’s Prison Programs. She was VGCC’s Staff Member of the Year in 2010.

Vice President of Finance & Operations Steve Graham recognized Jack Puckett, who, he said, wore “a number of hats” in his 16 years of service at VGCC. Puckett retired as Director of Plant Operations.

Registrar Kathy Ktul lauded Deborah Sullivan, a longtime administrative assistant in Student Services, as organized and a “workhorse” who took on numerous vital tasks. She retired after 18 years, many of those years in the Career Center.

Cosmetology Program Head Tomeka Moss saluted Iris Richardson, a Cosmetology instructor who taught at three VGCC campuses during her 18 years. She graduated from VGCC with an associate degree, a diploma and a Cosmetology Instructor certificate.

Finally, Dean Grissom-Young paid tribute to Deborah Harris, Child Care Specialist in the Child Care Center on Main Campus, and, with 41 years of service, VGCC’s longest-serving full-time employee upon her retirement. Harris was also surprised at the social when Dr. Williams presented her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper.

–VGCC–