State Cabinet Secretary Visits VGCC

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College welcomed a member of Governor Roy Cooper’s cabinet, Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders, to the college’s Main Campus on July 18.

During her visit, Secretary Sanders discussed the recently-released “Status of Women in North Carolina Health & Wellness” report, commissioned by the Council for Women & Youth Involvement. The Council is a division of the Department of Administration.

Vance-Granville Community College welcomed a member of Governor Roy Cooper’s cabinet, Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders, to the college’s Main Campus on July 18. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

The report is the second in a series of four publications that provide data and policy recommendations to improve the status of North Carolina women in several key areas. The first report in the series, “The Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment & Earnings,” was released in 2018. The third report will focus on factors related to women’s economic security and economic opportunity, and the fourth on women’s political participation.

The series aims to serve as a resource that may be used to make data-driven decisions about how to shape public policies, prioritize investments, and set programmatic goals to improve the lives of women and families.

Governor Cooper appointed Sanders as Secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration on January 12, 2017. A native of Belhaven, N.C., Sanders brings to the Cooper administration experience in both management and leadership. She is a seasoned pharmaceutical and biotechnology executive who has held the role as vice president of manufacturing and general manager of Biogen’s largest and most advanced manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park.

Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from N.C. State University and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University. As a native North Carolinian, wife and mother of twin daughters, she is passionate about improving the status of women in the state. Some of her work includes creating a Women’s Innovation Network at Biogen.

As Sanders puts it, “Improving the status of women in North Carolina is not just a woman’s issue. This is a family, poverty and economic issue.”

High School Students Explore Medical Science at VGCC South Campus

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has once again partnered with the Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to offer a “Mini-Medical School” camp for high school students. The week-long camp was recently held at VGCC’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor.

Students used computer simulations and hands-on lab activities to learn about topics that included anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cardiology, epidemiology, medical genetics and genomics. The course was taught primarily by Becky Brady, a registered nurse and chemical engineer.

Faculty members from VGCC programs that prepare students for health-related careers gave students information about academic pathways and employment prospects.

VGCC has partnered with Wake AHEC since 2014 on Mini-Med School camps. Based in Raleigh, Wake AHEC serves nine counties: Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Lee, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren. AHECs are located throughout North Carolina and are affiliated with the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

NC AHEC’s mission is to meet the state’s health workforce needs and to provide education programs and services that bridge academic institutions and communities to improve the health of the people of North Carolina, with a focus on underserved populations.

On front row, from left: Tanisha Shetty of Green Hope High School; Darlene Villarroel-Lopez of Wake Forest High School; Abigail Gorman of Green Hope High School; Alexis Duncan of Regan High School; Jenna Curry of Granville Early College High School; Alhanna Cancel-Roman of Wake Forest High School; Kaylee Huff of Granville Early College High School; Shreya Gandi of Enloe High School; and Pooja Shah of Wake Early College of Health & Science; On back row, from left: lead instructor Becky Brady; Anushka Mandalapu of Wake Early College Health & Science; Nijaha Alston of Granville Academy; William Sharp of Leesville Road High School; Ashleigh Kiger of Mt. Tabor High School; Seth Jones of Granville Central High School; Brandon Bowling of South Granville High School; Brooke Bowling of South Granville High School; Lacey Blackley of South Granville High School; and Andre Hargrove of Granville Central High School. (VGCC photo)

Dangerous Heat Continues Through Weekend for Central NC

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-Press Release, National Weather Service 

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will produce dangerously high heat index values on Friday. The situation will get worse Saturday and Sunday when excessive heat is expected, with limited cooling at night.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from noon to 7 p.m. EDT on Friday.

An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued. This Excessive Heat Watch is in effect from Saturday through Sunday evening.

Graphic courtesy the National Weather Service.

Heat Index Values

The heat index will be up to 105 degrees Friday. Then, heat index values potentially may soar to between 110 and 112 degrees for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Heat indices will likely remain between 80 and 90 all night through the period, greatly increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Timing

The most dangerous time will be between noon and 7 p.m. Friday, then all of the weekend. It will not cool below 80 degrees over many areas until 4 or 5 in the morning.

Impacts

Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken. In addition, consecutive days of dangerous heat will continue into the weekend, when the heatwave will reach a peak.

Consecutive days of dangerous heat indices have a cumulative effect on the body, significantly increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.

Precautionary Actions

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions if you must work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Heatstroke is an emergency – call 911.

For additional information and tips, visit the National Weather Service website (click here).

 

DOA Secretary to Present Report on Women’s Health at VGCC

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-Press Release, State of North Carolina Department of Administration

DOA Secretary to Present Report on Women’s Health and Wellness at Vance-Granville Community College

When: Thursday, July 18, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Who: NC Department of Administration with Vance-Granville Community College

What: Presentation on a new report on Women’s Health & Wellness in NC

Where: Vance-Granville Community College (main campus), 200 Community College Road, Henderson, NC (Civic Center Building 9, Seminar Room #1)

Key speakers: NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders

Report Highlights:              

  • North Carolina ranks 11th highest in infant mortality and 9th highest in stroke mortality among women – and the problem is even worse in rural counties.
  • North Carolina’s mortality rates for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast cancer, among other diseases, have decreased since the 2013 report.
  • In North Carolina, more than one-third of women (35 percent) have experienced at least one type of intimate partner violence (IPV) and more than 35 percent of North Carolina women report having experienced some form of aggression or control by an intimate partner.
  • There are wide disparities in North Carolina women’s disease mortality rates by race and ethnicity. The heart disease rate among Black women in North Carolina is more than three times higher than the rate of Hispanic women, the racial and ethnic group with the lowest rate. Black women also have a rate of breast cancer mortality that is more than three times higher than the rate for Hispanic women.

McGregor Hall Announces Audition Dates for ‘Shrek the Musical’

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McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center announces audition dates for “Shrek the Musical” directed by Mark Hopper.

Choose to audition either Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. or Monday, August 19 at 7 p.m. Callback auditions will be held Wednesday, August 21 at 7 p.m.

Auditions will be held onstage at McGregor Hall. They will consist of a cold read and musical material that will be taught as part of the audition. You may choose to bring 16 – 32 bars of a prepared piece (not required).

Performances will be October 24 (two daytime school performances), October 25 & 26 at 8 p.m., October 27 at 2 p.m., November 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. and November 3 at 2 p.m.

Visit McGregor Hall’s Auditions page (click here) for more information or email markhopper@mcgregorhall.org.

We can’t wait to meet McGregor Hall’s Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Lord Farquaad!

Town Talk: Garrison Discusses DHHS Move, Medicaid – 07/15/19

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Town Talk 11 a.m., M-F, 100.1 FM / 1450 AM

In the continuing discussion about the proposed move of The Department of Health and Human Services administrative offices to the Triangle North Corporate Park in Granville and Vance Counties, NC House 32 Representative Terry Garrison says, “If we can get true bi-partisan support on the relocation, I think that provides the greatest opportunity for sustainability.”

Garrison says the majority of the people in the House 32 district have asked him to “vote against the veto on the one hand, but on the other hand, those persons who have been my staunch allies and those who have been in the trenches and have been my front-line workers and sergeants for the campaign of a democratic party, each one of them has strongly advised me to sustain the Governor’s veto, not to override the Governor’s veto.”

Garrison has been told to his face, he said, that his allies plan to run someone against him if he does help override the Governor’s veto.

That type of pressure speaks to the level of pressure Garrison is under, both locally and from Raleigh. And from his Town Talk interview (listed in full below), one conclusion you could draw is that he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.

Garrison is under a lot of pressure with this, and he said, “I want these jobs to come here as much as anyone, perhaps more than anyone.”

Another conclusion and Garrison agrees, the DHHS move is being used as a pawn in a chess game. So much so, Garrison indicated he thought if it were back to the days in North Carolina that the Governor did not have veto power that the State would already have an approved budget and much of this DHHS move may have never come about.

Along those lines, politics got us here and politics is the only way out.

As the Town Talk interview begins, the first two questions are:

WHY NOT JUST VOTE TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF THE BUDGET, WHICH IS THE GUARANTEED WAY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO LOCATE IT’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES IN GRANVILLE COUNTY?
YOU’VE SAID YOU WANTED TO NEGOTIATE THE MATTER OF MEDICAID EXPANSION SOME. WHAT WILL MEDICAID EXPANSION DO FOR THIS AREA THAT THE JOBS AND GROWTH OF DHHS MOVING TO THE TRIANGLE NORTH PARK WILL NOT DO?

Children’s Theater Camp to Perform ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ at McGregor Hall

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PART OF THE ROSEMYR CORPORATION HENDERSON REC PLAYERS 2019 SUMMER SEASON:

The Henderson Rec Players’ first-ever summer theater camp for children and youth will culminate in performances of Disney’s “The Lion King, Jr” at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Three Performances: July 26, 27 at 8 p.m., July 28 at 2 p.m.

Featuring songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, the show tells the story of a young lion, Simba, and the rocky road to inheriting his father’s kingdom.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Warrenton to Offer Free Showing of ‘Incredibles 2’ in Courthouse Square

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-Information courtesy the Warrenton Festivals Facebook page

The Town of Warrenton will hold a family movie night on Saturday, July 13, 2019, starting at 8:45 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton. Disney/Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” (rated PG) will be the featured presentation.

Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K & Festival Set for Sat., July 13

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Don’t miss the 6th anniversary of the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K Run on Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Sponsored by the Ridgeway Historical Society, the run begins at 101 Ridgeway – Drewry Road in Norlina at 8 a.m.

The rural and flat 5K route, a USAT&F certified course, starts and ends near the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department.

Late Registration and Packet Pick-up:  Tommy, the race director, will be at the race site on Friday, July 12 in the afternoon and evening so you can register in person or stop by and pick up your shirt and number. Saturday morning registration will begin by 6:30 a.m.

All runners and spectators are invited to stay after the race and enjoy the Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cantaloupe, Brunswick Stew, hot dogs, festival refreshments, historical displays, kiddie rides, horse back rides, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and more!

For more information, visit the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K website by clicking here.

N.C. Peach Growers Pleased with 2019 Crop

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

After several hit-or-miss years, peach growers across the state are celebrating what is shaping up to be a solid peach growing season.

“Consumers can expect peaches to be in good quantity and quality this year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Many growers began picking in early June with plans to continue through the end of August.”

Unlike surrounding states, most of North Carolina’s peaches are sold directly to consumers at roadside stands and farmers markets. In fact, consumers can find peach orchards in about two-thirds of the state’s counties. Troxler encourages consumers to check with their favorite peach grower for availability and timing of their favorite varieties.

To celebrate the season, the department will host Peach Day events at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on July 11 and the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax on July 12. Both events run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature a peach recipe contest, free samples of peach ice cream and an appearance from the N.C. Peach Queen.

Peach lovers also can enjoy the N.C. Peach Festival in Candor July 19 and 20. The 23rd-annual event includes a parade, music, carnival rides, food vendors and lots of fresh, local peaches.

North Carolina is home to about 800 acres of peaches. In 2017, peach growers contributed $2.7 million to the state’s economy, with more than two dozen varieties grown.