Antoinette Dickens

VGCC’s Dickens Receives Statewide Award for Work-Based Learning

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Antoinette C. Dickens, Department Chair of Public Service and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Vance-Granville Community College, was recently named the winner of the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA) Jon A. Young Award for 2020. This award recognizes the outstanding NCWBLA member of the year, one who exemplifies the ideals of Work-Based Learning by making significant contributions to the mission and goals of the association.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program at VGCC that combines classroom studies with on-the-job, career-related work experience. The goal is to provide students with not only the curriculum to succeed but also with the hands-on and on-site experience they will need to succeed in the workforce.

Antoinette Dickens holds her plaque for the NCWBLA Jon A. Young Award. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“We congratulate Antoinette for being recognized at the state level for her talents and her contributions to Work-Based Learning,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “She has revised and streamlined the WBL processes at VGCC, helping our students gain skills and prepare for promising careers.”

A resident of Rolesville, Dickens has served as the WBL Coordinator at VGCC since 2016. Under her leadership, the Work-Based Learning program saw a 27% increase in student hours completed from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. In her other role at the college, Dickens provides leadership for several curriculum programs: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Technology.

She has served in leadership roles at the NCWBLA, as an at-large board member and as Treasurer.

“WBL is an experiential class/program that provides students with the opportunity to apply theories and skills learned in class to the workplace,” Dickens noted. “It is a win-win-win situation for all parties involved! First, students are able to gain experience and work skills needed to be successful in their careers. Second, employers benefit from having students and graduates who possess the skills and education to successfully meet their employment needs. And third, VGCC benefits from WBL in that it allows the college to forge new community relationships, or strengthen existing ones.”

Dickens started her higher education at VGCC, earned a Paralegal Certificate from the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a master’s degree in human services counseling: criminal justice at Liberty University.

She has held a variety of positions in the justice system, as a Deputy Clerk of Superior Court in Vance County, a legal assistant in the District Attorney’s office in Oxford, a juvenile court counselor, and a paralegal working for law firms in Louisburg, Warrenton and Raleigh. Dickens was an instructor for VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program from 2004 through 2010. She rejoined VGCC in 2013 as the first person to head the college’s Paralegal Technology program.

For more information on participating in WBL at VGCC, contact Dickens at (252) 738-3609 or dickensa@vgcc.edu.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Solidifies Partnership With North Carolina A&T State University

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to build new partnerships that support transfer student success with senior institutions in North Carolina.

Earlier this semester, VGCC solidified a partnership with North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. The North Carolina A&T ‘Aggie Plus’ agreement provides students with guaranteed admission to the university and promotes the success of transfer students seeking to earn a baccalaureate degree.

The co-admission agreement represents innovations that are being put into place by community colleges and universities in NC. VGCC is one of a growing number of community colleges to partner with NCA&TSU on the Aggie Plus Program. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and NCA&TSU Chancellor Dr. Harold Martin signed off on the partnership effort, and now students will benefit.

As a part of the agreement, VGCC students will receive career, financial aid and academic counseling from assigned N.C. A&T and VGCC advisors. Following completion of the associate degree, Aggie Plus participants will receive priority review in the final N.C. A&T admissions process. The application fee for Aggie Plus participants will be waived and students will engage in an Aggie Plus program orientation session at VGCC. Further, N.C. A&T will organize at least one Aggie Plus program visit day to N.C. A&T each year.

“Our college continues to be intentional about providing multiple pathways to success for students. The Aggie Plus Program is yet another example. Ultimately, N.C. A&T provides a quality education for students in many areas including STEM. VGCC students will benefit from this opportunity!” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Aggie Plus Program, please contact our staff at (252) 738-3234. Further, if you are interested in applying for general admissions to the college, please apply at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234.

S-Line Rail Corridor

S-Line Rail Corridor Meeting to Address Future Opportunities for Local Area

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Please join the S-Line (rail corridor) Stakeholder Committee for a virtual meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 1 – 2 p.m. to hear from transit-oriented development and land-use planning experts. You will learn how the local area can plan for current and future opportunities along the S-Line.

Meeting agenda:

1 – 1:05 p.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks, Mayor Mann of Sanford, Mayor Jones of Wake Forest, Co-Chairs of the S-Line Stakeholder Committee

1:05 – 1:20 p.m.: S-Line Update, NCDOT Deputy Secretary Julie White and Rail Director Jason Orthner

1:20 – 1:40 p.m.: Using Rail to Create Place and Economic Value: NC Case Studies, Terry Shook, Shook Kelley

1:40 – 1:50 p.m.: Tailoring Land Use and Economic Development Opportunities for S-Line Communities, Jeff Bandini, Urban Land Institute

1:50 – 2 p.m.: Next Steps and Closing, Julie White, NCDOT

To register for the virtual meeting, please click here.

For more information on plans for the S-Line, click here.

Elizabeth City State University

VGCC Forms New Partnership With Elizabeth City State University

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Faculty, staff, and leaders from Vance-Granville Community College and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) recently attended a virtual signing ceremony to formalize an agreement that creates new opportunities for students from the community college to complete bachelor’s degrees.

The co-admission agreement, which is designed to improve transfer student access and success through a collaborative baccalaureate degree program, was signed by ECSU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon and VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais.

“ECSU continues to collaborate with North Carolina community colleges to afford transfer students a greater opportunity to earn their undergraduate degrees,” Chancellor Dixon said in a statement from the university. “We are excited to work with President Desmarais and her staff to provide these students with a clear path to ECSU so they can continue their education.”

VGCC is the fourth community college to sign such an agreement with ECSU, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system offering more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

“This strong new partnership with Elizabeth City State University will help VGCC students achieve their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the community college. “We look forward to supporting Vanguards who choose to continue their education as Vikings.”

Under the agreement, VGCC students can choose a “co-admission” transfer pathway in which they can take ECSU degree programs without actually leaving the community college. Students will receive special joint academic advising services and virtual support. There will also be assistance for active-duty military and veteran education benefits and resources available to qualifying students. Students will receive either on-site or virtual classroom presentations; joint virtual financial aid counseling; access to the ECSU library online resources; and access to programming through the university’s Office of Student Activities and other campus organizations.

Alternatively, eligible students can complete the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Fine Arts degree programs at VGCC, and if they maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), they will be guaranteed admission to ECSU. Application fees for these transfer students will be waived.

“We are excited about creating opportunities for our students that will assist them with long-term success!” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement & success. “Our team has worked diligently to create multiple pathways for students, including non-credit to credit, and from our institution to four-year institutions. A special thanks to Kali Brown, Dean of Student Access and Support, and Dr. Antonio Jordan, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services, for partnering with me on this important work for our students. Further, I appreciate the visionary leadership of Dr. Rachel Desmarais, as we continue to strategically seek partnerships that will benefit our students.”

For more information, prospective students can apply for admission online at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234.

Drewry Volunteer Fire Dept

Drewry Volunteer Fire Dept. Holding Drawing for Handmade Quilt

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-Information courtesy Judy E. Stainback, Drewry Volunteer Fire Department

The Auxiliary of the Drewry Volunteer Fire Department will hold a drawing for a handmade queen-sized quilt on December 18, 2020.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and can be purchased at Ellington’s Hair Trends, 121 Rose Avenue in Henderson or by calling (252) 492-3051.

Proceeds to benefit the Drewry Volunteer Fire Department and The Auxiliary of the Drewry Volunteer Fire Department.

NC State Board of Elections

Counties Complete Recount in Supreme Court Race; Newby Leads by 401 Votes

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All 100 North Carolina counties have completed the statewide recount in the North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice contest.

After the machine recount, Republican Paul Newby leads Democrat Cheri Beasley by 401 votes out of nearly 5.4 million cast in that race.

“The recount showed minor differences from canvassed vote totals, but did not change the outcome of the contest,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We appreciate the hard work of the county boards of elections throughout the recount process.”

When the recount was requested, the margin between the candidates stood at 406 votes, favoring Newby. Several counties subsequently recanvassed, at which point the margin was 416 votes, favoring Newby.

After the recount, the margin is now 401 votes, favoring Newby.

Minor differences are expected with any recount, as different machines may read stray marks differently.

Pursuant to state law, within 24 hours, Beasley, as the second-place candidate, may demand a hand-to-eye recount in a random sample of 3% of voting sites in each county. The State Board will hold a drawing to determine the random samples.

If the results of a hand-to-eye recount differ from the previous results within those precincts to the extent that extrapolating the amount of the change to the entire state (based on the proportion of ballots recounted to the total votes cast for that office) would result in the reversing of the results, then a statewide hand-to-eye recount of all ballots would be conducted.

Meanwhile, both Supreme Court candidates have filed a total of more than 100 election protests that are either scheduled for consideration by the county boards of elections or have already been heard at the county level and appealed to the State Board. The State Board plans to hear the appeals once the county boards have completed the proceedings.

Here are the protests: https://dl.ncsbe.gov/?prefix=Requests/2020/2020 General Protest Filings/

Here are the appeals: https://dl.ncsbe.gov/?prefix=Requests/2020/2020 General Protest Filings/

For 2020 election results, go here: NCSBE Contest Results.

For recount results, go here: 2020 Statewide Recount Results.

Ballot Count Changes by County

County Beasley Newby
ALAMANCE +14 +15
ALEXANDER 0 0
ALLEGHANY 0 0
ANSON +1 +1
ASHE 0 -2
AVERY +1 -3
BEAUFORT +1 -6
BERTIE -2 0
BLADEN 0 0
BRUNSWICK -2 0
BUNCOMBE +2 +2
BURKE +1 +2
CABARRUS -3 -2
CALDWELL -3 -3
CAMDEN +2 +2
CARTERET +1 -1
CASWELL 0 +4
CATAWBA -21 -22
CHATHAM +1 +5
CHEROKEE 0 0
CHOWAN 0 0
CLAY 0 -1
CLEVELAND 0 0
COLUMBUS -2 0
CRAVEN 0 -6
CUMBERLAND -4 0
CURRITUCK 0 0
DARE 0 +1
DAVIDSON +9 +5
DAVIE -1 0
DUPLIN +2 +1
DURHAM -3 +1
EDGECOMBE -3 0
FORSYTH +30 -26
FRANKLIN 0 0
GASTON -1 -2
GATES 0 +1
GRAHAM 0 0
GRANVILLE -1 -1
GREENE 0 0
GUILFORD +2 +5
HALIFAX -2 +3
HARNETT +3 -2
HAYWOOD +1 -4
HENDERSON 0 -2
HERTFORD 0 0
HOKE -5 -3
HYDE 0 +1
IREDELL -3 -2
JACKSON 0 0
JOHNSTON -6 +4
JONES +1 -1
LEE -2 -2
LENOIR -4 -1
LINCOLN -1 0
MACON -3 -2
MADISON -1 0
MARTIN +6 0
MCDOWELL 0 -1
MECKLENBURG -8 -1
MITCHELL -1 0
MONTGOMERY 0 -2
MOORE 0 +5
NASH +2 0
NEW HANOVER 0 0
NORTHAMPTON 0 0
ONSLOW -3 -2
ORANGE -2 -3
PAMLICO +1 0
PASQUOTANK -2 0
PENDER +2 0
PERQUIMANS +7 +8
PERSON +7 +9
PITT 0 -3
POLK 0 0
RANDOLPH -2 -2
RICHMOND 0 0
ROBESON 0 0
ROCKINGHAM -3 -1
ROWAN -6 -5
RUTHERFORD +6 +13
SAMPSON -1 -1
SCOTLAND 0 +1
STANLY +2 -1
STOKES 0 0
SURRY 0 0
SWAIN -2 -2
TRANSYLVANIA -1 +2
TYRRELL 0 0
UNION +1 -1
VANCE -1 0
WAKE -13 -6
WARREN -1 +1
WASHINGTON -1 0
WATAUGA -2 +5
WAYNE -1 +2
WILKES +1 -5
WILSON -5 -7
YADKIN +1 +3
YANCEY 0 0
Grand Total -20 -35

Values in each column represent [County’s Recount # minus County’s Final Canvass #].

Note: Some counties recanvassed after November 13.

Warren Co COVID Testing

Warren Co. Health Dept. to Offer COVID Drive-Thru Testing

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The Warren County Health Department will hold a COVID-19 drive-thru testing event on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m.

No appointments are necessary. Please bring your ID and insurance card if you have one. There are no co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.

The Warren County Health Department is located at 544 West Ridgeway Street in Warrenton, NC. For more information, call (252) 517-9090 or (252) 257-1185.

NCDHHS

Winter Heating Assistance Available to Qualifying Seniors, Disabled

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced it will issue an automated payment to thousands of eligible households to help with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

The automated payment will be issued beginning Dec. 1 and is designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating assistance in a safe and socially distanced manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“More of our neighbors may be facing financial hardships because of COVID-19, and this funding can help eligible households with their heating expenses this winter,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “We want to ensure seniors and people with disabilities are healthy and safe during a difficult time of the year.”

Eligible households may qualify to receive an automated payment for the 2020-2021 LIEAP season if a member of the household 1) is age 60 or older or a person with a disability receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, 2) currently receives Food and Nutrition Services and 3) received LIEAP during the 2019-2020 season. These households will be notified of eligibility in November and do not need to apply for this benefit.

Any household with a person age 60 or older or with a disability receiving DAAS services who does not receive notice of an automated payment is encouraged to practice social distancing and submit a paper application for LIEAP assistance through U.S. Mail or fax to their local department of social services. Applications may also be dropped off at the local DSS, and applicants may contact their local DSS for information on how to obtain a paper application.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, all other households may apply online through the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov or submit a paper application through mail, fax or dropping it off at their local DSS, but they do not have to go into the agency to apply. Individuals may also contact their local DSS to apply. All household applications will be accepted from Jan. 2, 2020, to March 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for their heating cost

For more information on the program and eligibility, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.

Miss NC Christmas Spectacular

McGregor Hall to Host Miss North Carolina Virtual Christmas Spectacular

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Welcome in the holiday season with McGregor Hall and the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Organization! McGregor Hall is thrilled to be the host venue and streaming sponsor for a Virtual Christmas Spectacular Show on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 7 p.m.

The show will feature the reigning Miss North Carolina, Alexandra Badgett, and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Karlee Sanderford; Former Miss North Carolinas and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teens from years past; and 10 current local Miss and Outstanding Teen candidates vying for the state crown in 2021.

Purchase a $25 ticket reservation (click here) to receive an exclusive viewing link to tune in virtually on December 12 in the comfort and safety of your home. This Christmas Spectacular will be streamed across the state (and nation) for all ages to enjoy.

The event will be pre-recorded, following all state and health protocols, at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, North Carolina. Performers will be recorded individually to ensure personal safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

4-H Logo

Warren Co. 4-H Seeks Volunteers for Restorative Justice Initiative

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-Information courtesy the Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

The Warren County 4-H W.A.Y. program has added a new “Sentencing Circle” component to serve youth ages 6 – 18.

Sentencing Circle is a restorative justice initiative. It aims to recognize the needs of victims, secure the participation of the community and identify the rehabilitative needs of the offender. Unlike many other restorative initiatives, it is part of and replaces sentencing in the formal justice system.

To help make the program a success, we are recruiting youth and adults to become volunteers to serve. Training will be provided!

If interested, please contact Tawanica Bullock, 4-H W.A.Y. Program Assistant, tlbullo2@ncsu.edu or Crystal M. Smith, 4-H W.A.Y. Program Manager, cmsmith2@ncsu.edu, (252) 257-3640.

Read more at https://warren.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/11/lets-make-a-difference/ 

Please RSVP by November 30, 2020.