VCRFM Memorial Garden

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Weekly Online Garden Chat

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The local offices of N.C. Cooperative Extension will host a weekly online Garden Chat beginning Thursday, September 10, 2020. The public is invited to join Master Gardener℠ volunteers from the surrounding area each Thursday afternoon for a fun and engaging conversation about timely garden topics.

Each session begins at 2 p.m. and will feature an informative presentation on subjects such as plants for fall color, sustainable landscaping, selecting groundcovers and fighting fire ants. Seasonal gardening tips and helpful web resources will also be shared.

These interactive sessions will last about 45 minutes and will include time for participants to get questions answered about their own gardening challenges. The Garden Chats are hosted by the Master Gardener volunteers of Warren, Vance, Granville and Person Counties.

Registration is required to obtain access to these online sessions, and complete details are posted at http://go.ncsu.edu/mastergardenerchat or by calling (252) 438-8188 or (919) 603-1350.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Advances the Virtual Classroom through Proven Faculty Development

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) have partnered to advance the success and equitable outcomes for students in VGCC’s four-county service area. The college is the first community college in North Carolina to partner with ACUE to offer its nationally-recognized faculty development program in evidence-based teaching practices for online instruction.

Numerous and independently validated efficacy studies confirm that students are more engaged, learn more, and complete courses in greater numbers—more equitably with their peers—when taught by ACUE-credentialed faculty.

In September, about 75 VGCC faculty will begin their professional learning experience in ACUE’s microcredential courses in Designing Student-Centered Courses, Promoting Active Learning Online, and Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Online Learning Environment—enhancing the college’s teaching and learning efforts.

“In these ACUE microcredential courses, faculty will experience a proven learning design that not only provides foundational knowledge but also enables faculty to have an immediate impact on their virtual classrooms by implementing, reflecting upon and refining evidence-based teaching practices based on peer and expert feedback,” said Petra Kohlmann, partnership director, ACUE.

Faculty who satisfy course requirements will earn microcredential credit toward ACUE’s Certificate in Effective College Instruction, which is the only nationally-recognized college teaching credential endorsed by the American Council on Education.

“We are pleased to begin this partnership with ACUE and view this as an investment in our faculty to the ultimate benefit to our students. VGCC is committed to supporting excellent teaching and learning for the benefit of all students, and research has demonstrated the implementation of evidence-based teaching practices can improve student achievement and close equity gaps,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC.

“As VGCC faculty members and co-facilitators of the ACUE courses that will be offered this fall, we look forward to strengthening our educational practices with what we will be learning. It is beneficial for us as faculty to continuously learn and grow and these courses are great opportunities for doing this. Students will benefit from what we learn because we will be implementing specific strategies in our online classes both this semester and for future semesters. The overall goal is for every student to have an exceptional educational experience at VGCC,” said Dr. Erica Jastrow, department chair of nursing/co-facilitator and Tammy Ball, online retention specialist and instructor of medical office administration at VGCC.

“The quality of online instruction is critical to the success of our student population. Our college has amazingly talented faculty who believe in quality teaching, learning, student success, and equity. We are pleased that our new partnership with ACUE will help us to build upon the transformative student success work being done at the college by faculty and staff,” said Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of learning, student engagement and success at VGCC.

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North Carolina to Move Into Phase 2.5

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Phase 2.5 means the following for North Carolina:

  • Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
  • Playgrounds may open.
  • Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity.
  • Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball, etc., may open at 30% capacity.
  • Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parks, dance halls will remain closed.
  • Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits.

In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to, not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment.

The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m. and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” said Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen stability in our key metrics.

“As we take modest steps forward today, it’s important to remember that moving forward doesn’t mean letting up on slowing the spread of the virus. Our progress is fragile and we need to maintain focus on the 3Ws especially as we head into flu season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness continues to decline.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is stable.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is stable.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

Although these numbers are still stable or declining, they remain high. In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to prevent virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • The state continues to have testing capacity and lab turnaround times are averaging two days. However, fewer people are getting tested. Anyone who has symptoms or has been exposed should get tested. There are supports available to help people who may face challenges in being able to miss work or safely stay home.

Tracing Capability

  • The state continues hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said. Read the Executive Order here.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-1-20 Noon

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Local News Audio 9-1-20; Noon; WIZS Radio

Henderson News, Local News, Election News

  • Ernestine Bazemore, NC Senate District 3 Dem. Candidate
  • Local Voter Registration Deadlines

Click Play Below for Full Details…

 

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG Awarded Funding to Assist Eligible Residents With Home Repairs

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) has been awarded $200,000 by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program to assist residents in the counties of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

The Urgent Repair Program finances emergency home repairs for homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for the area. Only repairs that address imminent threats to the life and/or safety of occupants of the dwelling unit or accessibility modifications will be performed under the program. A total of 18 households are projected to be assisted.

In the Urgent Repair Program, one or two critical problems may be repaired, but the entire house is not addressed. Examples of work typically done under this program include roof or HVAC system repair, well or septic system repairs, adding accessibility features like ramps, bathroom grab bars and wider doors.

The COG will provide assistance, to those whose homes are selected for repairs, in the form of a loan. Homeowners will receive an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero.   The maximum amount of the loan available is $10,000.

Applications are available starting September 1, 2020, and must be returned to the COG office by 5 p.m. on November 1, 2020.  Clients to be assisted will be selected by January 1, 2021.

The application and program information are available on the Kerr-Tar Regional COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling (252) 436-2040.

The funds provided by the NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Melanin Marquee Rescheduled

‘Melanin Marquee’ Rescheduled for Tues., Sept. 1

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties experienced Sunday evening, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center has rescheduled the “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” for Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

The performance will be shown live via the McGregor Hall Facebook page.

Enjoy this incredible lineup of the region’s finest performers free-of-charge from the comfort of your home. A donation link will be available to support McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Make sure to visit the McGregor Hall Facebook page to read the artists’ profiles before tuning in to the live performance.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Melanin Marquee

Reminder: McGregor Hall to Offer Virtual Performance of ‘Melanin Marquee’ This Sunday

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” live via its Facebook page this Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy this incredible lineup of the region’s finest performers free-of-charge from the comfort of your home. A donation link will be available to support McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Make sure to visit the McGregor Hall Facebook page to read the artists’ profiles before tuning in live for the performance.

RSVP by clicking on this event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/372006713784250

(This is not a paid advertisement)

4-H Chopped Challenge

Vance and Warren 4-H to Present Teen Cuisine Virtual Classes, ‘Chopped Challenge’

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Centers of Vance and Warren County present a 4-H Edition “Chopped Challenge” for youth ages 11-18. The 4-H Chopped Challenge will be held Tuesday, October 13 and 20, 2020.

Youth participants must complete Teen Cuisine virtual classes before advancing to the 4-H Chopped Challenge competition.

Teen Cuisine virtual classes will be offered September 8 – October 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. Registration is free and available through Eventbrite (click here). The deadline to register is September 1.

Prior to the start of class, each participant will receive a Teen Cuisine kit.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by Wednesday, September 2 to Vance or Warren County Cooperative Extension.

For more information, contact Vance Co. Cooperative Extension at (252) 438-8188, vance.ces.ncsu.edu, or Warren Co. Cooperative Extension at (252) 257-3640, warren.ces.ncsu.edu.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Students Recognized at Virtual Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College held a Pinning Ceremony for the Practical Nursing Class of 2020 using Zoom on July 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. Twenty-two students successfully completed the program in the summer semester.

Since an in-person ceremony could not be held, students chose to have a virtual ceremony. Family and friends were able to watch the ceremony live, and the recorded ceremony can be viewed on Youtube using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO9cFSz74sU

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president, and Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement, & Success, greeted the graduates and those who have supported them while they have been in the Nursing program. Both pointed out how needed nurses are in the healthcare field during the current pandemic. Jessica Price, Class President, congratulated her classmates and noted that 2020 is “the year of the nurse.”

Dr. Erica Jastrow, Department Chair of Nursing/PN Program Director (for SimLab Coordinator Mrs. Brande McILroy), recognized students graduating with honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher). This is an important accomplishment, as the PN program is a challenging program with class, lab, and clinical components.

Those recognized include Beverly Frierson and Garikayi Nyakudya. Beryl Ogachi was recognized as the graduate with the highest GPA in the class. Mrs. Patsy Pegram, Nursing Instructor, shared the story of the VGCC Nursing Pin, and graduates were then “virtually handed” their pins by Dr. Jastrow. As each graduate received their pin, they shared their appreciation to family, friends, and the faculty for their support during their time in school.

After receiving their pins, the graduates recited the Nursing Pledge (written by Beverly Hansen O’Malley, RN) with Mrs. Kathy Bray, Nursing Instructor. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Anna Seaman, ADN Program Head, presented the class as official graduates of the Practical Nursing Class of 2020.

Many of the graduates plan to return to VGCC for the LPN to ADN Transition program, which is a one-year program in which current LPNs can return to college to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing to become Registered Nurses. The program starts in the summer semester. Current LPNs interested in the Transition program can contact Ms. Seletha Pherribo at pherribos@vgcc.edu for more information.

The graduates recognized were Sade Hunt of Butner; Ronald Kurui and Cavine Otieno, both of Durham; Jessica Price of Franklinton; Jessica Faulkner, Milton Harper, Jessica Martin, and Lizeth Nieto Mata, all of Henderson; Doanita Williams of Louisburg; Angela Grissom of Oxford; Rahabu Fraser, Jennifer Laney, Patricia Makori, Garikayi Nyakudya, Beryl Ogachi, Zipporah Omambia, Ibrahmia Pouye, and Jonique Whitaker, all of Raleigh; Kelley Lynch of Roxboro; Cheyanne Riley of Stem; Ashely Bass and Beverly Frierson, both of Youngsville.

Warren Co. Flag

Warren Co. Parks and Recreation Department Seeks Contract Instructors

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking for contract instructors to teach recreation classes.

If you or someone you know have a way with people and a flair for arts, crafts, sports clinics, exercise classes, or other specialty classes, share your special skill and become a contract instructor with Warren County Parks and Recreation. These opportunities can be conducted virtually and, when it is safe to do so, the department will offer these classes in an in-person, group setting.

Instructors can set their class schedules, title, content, and subject (with the approval of the Recreation Department and dependent upon facility availability).

Instructors enrich program diversity and contribute to the overall success of program offerings. Interested individuals must first submit a Class Instructor Proposal Form; upon approval, instructors must pass a background check.

For more information and to obtain an interest form, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (252) 257-2272.