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.

Warren County Logo

Warren County EDC Lists Local Commercial, Industrial Properties

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development is now listing commercial and industrial buildings, as well as land that is zoned for commercial and industrial development, on its website at warrencountync.org.

Property owners that have eligible property and are interested in listing their property that is for sale and/or lease should contact the Warren County Economic Development office. The property search platform is paid for by Warren County and provided through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).

Listing eligible property is free of charge, but property owners are expected to work in partnership with Economic Development staff to submit, collect, and update the appropriate and required information. Not all property will be eligible for listing; eligibility is determined at the discretion of Warren County Economic Development staff.

Information collected for listings includes, but is not limited to size, property description, sale price or lease rate, ceiling height, and utility information.

Property owners interested in listing their property should contact Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director (Interim), at (252) 257-3114 or by email at WCGOV@warrencountync.gov.

Any questions related to Planning/Zoning and how property is zoned should be directed to Ken Krulik at (252) 257-7027 or by email at KenKrulik@warrencountync.gov.

VGCC Logo

VGCC’s Statement of Support for President Rachel Desmarais

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance-Granville Community College Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright have released the following joint statement:

The college community is deeply saddened and heartbroken to share that President Rachel Desmarais’ oldest son, Ian J. Simmons passed away as a result of a car accident on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students at Vance-Granville Community College fully support President Desmarais and her family during this tragic time.

Furthermore, we send our prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement. And, we ask that you join us in offering up prayers and positive thoughts.

Dr. Desmarais is an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College. The members of our campus community are deeply committed to following the strategic leadership direction established by President Desmarais.

“My heart and the heart of the entire Board of Trustees goes out to the Desmarais family,” said VGCC Board Chair Danny Wright. “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family.”

As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our President and her loved ones.

VGCC Reboot Recover Rebuild

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free Counseling Services

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The Small Business Center Network and Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center have launched the Reboot, Recover, Rebuild (R3) Program offering free counseling services to local small businesses.

Now is the perfect time for small business owners to reach out and receive guidance on solving issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will be available through December 30, 2020. Interested businesses must complete a Counseling Request Form (click here).

For more details or to sign up, please contact Sheri Jones, director of the VGCC Small Business Center at (252) 738-3240.

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC Vice President Levy Brown Appointed to Serve on National Commission

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023).

“I am excited and humbled to have been appointed to AACC’s Commission on Student Success. It is a fantastic opportunity that provides a space for exchanging ideas, connecting, and learning with some of the brightest leaders who champion the success of students,” Brown said. “Community colleges such as Vance-Granville are continuing to positively impact the lives of our students. My goal is to partner with highly motivated professionals from across the country to eliminate barriers that keep our students from being successful. This includes those from underrepresented and marginalized populations. Finally, I am appreciative to work at an outstanding college, and with a supportive president who supports this type of work.”

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Dr. Brown serves as the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer) for VGCC. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with credit faculty and staffers in the areas of academic programs, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Prior to joining VGCC, Brown served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Lenoir Community College and has been engaged in higher education work for nearly two decades. Brown is an active member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and other local boards. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas including, but not limited to, degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer programs. In addition, the commission focuses on AACC’s 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, to showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and improve student success; and to provide affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success.

“At VGCC, Dr. Brown has been an active champion of changing institutional mindset, structures and supports to encourage all students to achieve their best success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “I am proud that he will be representing our college successes on the AACC Commission and look forward to what he is able to glean from the collective wisdom of this national panel.”