‘A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.’ by David Hayes Coming to McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.” by entertainer David Hayes on Friday, May 10, 2019. Show starts at 8 p.m.

A Part of the Heritage! Series

A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. STARRING DAVID HAYES.

“That was the best singing impersonation of me that I’ve ever heard.”

David Hayes was the subject of this compliment from Sammy Davis Jr. after Sammy saw David perform in Atlantic City.

The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.” by entertainer David Hayes on Friday, May 10, 2019. Show starts at 8 p.m. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)

David has been performing as Sammy Davis Jr. since 1991. He sings like Sammy, tap dances, plays the drums, does impersonations and also looks like Sammy. He sings all of the songs made famous by Sammy, including “Once In A Lifetime,” “Old Black Magic,” “What Kind Of Fool Am I,” “Candy Man,” “Birth Of The Blues” and many more. David has performed at Harrahs in Lake Tahoe, The Venetian, Harrahs and Caesars in Las Vegas, as well as major theatres across the US and some of the biggest cruise lines in the world.

He brings to the stage many years of show business experience as an accomplished comedian, emcee, actor, singer, and musician, as well as being an accomplished visual artist. He has earned the title, in Fun & Gaming Magazine, of “Best Performer in a Production Show” four years in a row, followed by “Best Act.” David is a unique, multi-talented performer who also regularly appears as Sammy in various Rat Pack tribute shows across the country. He has earned several glowing newspaper reviews performing in this show.

“David not only captures Davis’ look but he’s got virtually every stage mannerism of the late performer and measures up to Davis’ distinctive vocal style.” 

– Atlantic City Weekly

“David sounds closest to Sammy and puts across the sharp dance gestures of Davis impeccably.” 

– New Haven Register

“David Hayes does a superb job as Sammy in regard to his vocals and some fancy tap-dancing.” 

– Now That’s Entertainment – Parent World

When you watch David Hayes perform you think you are watching the real Sammy Davis Jr. — without question, he is one of the best tribute artists in the world.

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)

VGCC Names 134 Students to Fall Semester Dean’s List

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 134 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS posted the list of VGCC fall President’s List recipients on Thursday, April 18 (click here).

Fall Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

Accounting & Finance:

Jason A. Murphy of Franklinton;

Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Ernest F. Hill, III, and Tyrell Terry, both of Henderson;

Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.

 

Associate in Arts:

Clay T. Boyd, Christyn M. Campbell, Sarah J. Jones and Brandi M. Umstead, all of Creedmoor;

Rebecca K. Middleton and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;

Viridiana Chavez, Emani’ D. Foster, Viviana Hernandez, Sarah E. Howarth, Henry Huynh, Kristyn M. Medlin, Josie M. Roberson, Daquan M. Southerland, William A. Strickland, Hannah D. Wells, Corey K. Williams, Jr., Haley L. Williams and Al-Leain I. Young, all of Henderson;

Tiffany M. Frank, Rebekah L. Varker and Gracey R. Vaught, all of Kittrell;

Robert J. Holovnia of Louisburg;

Christy L. Beasley, Sherman I. Booker, Savannah L. Brogden, Laci A. Davidson, U’lia K. Hargrove, Asmaa Kassim, Kristie Lumpkin, Erin P. Whitt and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;

Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;

Josiah A. Trotter of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Dakota M. Chabala of Franklinton;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Vlada Balalova of Louisburg;

Kylie M. Blackwell of Timberlake;

Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.

 

Associate in Science:

Astrid Portillo-Granado of Creedmoor;

Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;

James Geary and Kayla D. Romig, both of Franklinton;

William Z. Egerton, Shawn A. Faulkner and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;

Maggie E. Dickerson and Brooklyn F. Fuller, both of Oxford;

Lindsay Fenlason of Wake Forest;

Quavion C. Basyden of Willard;

MacKenzie S. Clifford of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;

Justin T. Reavis of Henderson.

 

Business Administration:

Syreeta D. Scott-Jernigan of Franklinton;

Jennifer S. Crabtree of Kittrell;

Adero B. Bullock of Louisburg.

 

Cosmetology:

Megan L. Sandell of Creedmoor;

Hunter M. Boykin and Bridgett N. King, both of Franklinton;

Shelly C. Benson, Angel N. Bradford and Irina Z. Letts, all of Henderson;

Megan L. Twisdale of Kittrell;

Ashley J. Bennett of Louisburg;

Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;

Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;

Rachel A. Savage of Wake Forest;

Danielle K. Hargrove and Brittney Wray, both of Warrenton;

Sydney G. Sakoman of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Carly J. Minor of Butner;

Salvador I. Manjarrez Moli of Creedmoor;

Amali N. Elayah, Kalin D. Jackson, Keyla Lewis and Dylan Sanford, all of Henderson;

Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;

Sherese L. Hicks of Macon;

Abdon A. Silva and Matthew A. Smith, both of Oxford;

Addison U. Dinglasan of Youngsville.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Courtney Crute of Bullock;

Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;

Rochelle D. Williams of Henderson;

Melissa C. Ayscue and Ellen M. Young, both of Louisburg.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Jacob I. Mitchell of Oxford.

 

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Gloria J. Chavis of Butner;

Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton.

 

Information Technology:

Christian E. Colon and Cody R. Hassell, both of Creedmoor;

Koty R. Glover, Colin Hope and Andrew M. Watkins, all of Henderson;

Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;

Emily Durling of Oxford;

Courtney L. Faison of Wake Forest.

 

Medical Assisting:

Ashley R. Hill of Henderson;

Crystal C. Williams of Louisburg.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Caroline P. Williamson of Bullock;

Savannah N. Jones, Kaitlyn T. Pojman and Galesia E. Williams, all of Durham;

Margaret Avery, Anna D. Davis, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Maryjo M. Parks and Shirley B. Spivey, all of Henderson;

Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;

Lisha T. Harris and Keshonda A. McMannen, both of Oxford;

Amy C. Hildebran of Warrenton.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson;

Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Jane M. Jones of Franklinton;

Fnu Monika of Roanoke Rapids.

 

Radiography:

Frantz Alexis of Chapel Hill;

Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Paige D. Snider, all of Creedmoor;

Brooklyn Rooker of Henderson;

Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal of Roxboro;

Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest;

Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Michael D. Perry of Bunn;

Edmund M. Goulet of Oxford.

Reminder: Eichner to Perform at McGregor Hall Friday Evening

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

A Part of the Classical and Chamber Performance Series

Pianist Solomon Eichner will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m.

Declared by the American Liszt Society as “A sensitive pianist, Solomon’s playing is poetic, beautiful and moving with deep feeling.” Equally at home with solo, chamber and concerto performances, American pianist Solomon Eichner has established himself as an exciting versatile artist known for his commanding interpretations of the romantic keyboard repertoire.

Solomon performed for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in April 2018 alongside Cellist Amit Peled and Violinist Yevgeny Kutik at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall in addition to a solo recital at the Krakow Jewish Cultural Center.

Pianist Solomon Eichner will perform at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m. Eichner’s performance is part of McGregor Hall’s Classical and Chamber Performance Series. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)

Solomon debuted at Carnegie Hall in April 2016 after winning the “GoldenKey Debut” International Competition in New York City.

Solomon won 2nd prize in the 2016 Miami Music Festival’s Concerto Competition resulting in his Miami debut recital at the Steinway Piano Gallery Coral Gables.

Solomon participated in the 2017 Hastings International Piano Competition in England as well as the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in Palm Springs, California.

Solomon won 2nd prize at the 2013 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition and 2nd prize and Chinese Award in the 2013 International Young Artists Competition at Catholic University in D.C.

Originally from Baltimore, Solomon studied privately in Maryland with Irene Kreymer, Reynaldo Reyes and Virginia Reinecke. Solomon graduated with his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music having studied with Arkady Aronov and Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory studying with Alexander Shtarkman. Solomon received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in May 2017. He held a position as staff accompanist with a full scholarship. Solomon studied with Dr. Marina Lomazov and Dr. Joseph Rackers. Solomon’s dissertation is on the Jewish Soviet repressed pianist/composer Samuil Feinberg.

Solomon and his wife Becky recently relocated to Raleigh where he is on staff at Campbell University.

Website: www.solomoneichnerpianist.com

** Originally, this concert was to feature Pianist Gregory Knight, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Knight will be unable to perform.**

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)

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Encourages Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“April until November is prime mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina and when horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. Both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”

Last year, North Carolina saw its first case of EEE in July. There were seven recorded cases of EEE and five cases of WNV in horses in North Carolina in 2018, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said. Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In North Carolina, we see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year. Horses are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

State Highway Patrol Concludes ‘Operation Drive To Live’

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-Press Release, North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety

The State Highway Patrol has concluded a week-long campaign held annually each year to combat fatal collisions involving teen drivers. During the week of April 8 through April 12, troopers participated in Operation Drive to Live, placing emphasis on education and enforcement across the state.

Troopers were out in full force monitoring driver behavior in and around school zones while offering educational programs to local high schools. The operation is conducted in proximity to spring break and prom season, in hopes teen drivers will gain an understanding of the dangers associated with driving.

In 2018, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities.

This year, SHP performed 179 traffic safety presentations and patrolled 540 school zones throughout the week. The following statistics also reflect the efforts of SHP during the campaign.

Speeding 3,973
License Violations 1,248
Seatbelt Violations 1,180
Child Seat Violations 127
DWI Under 21 34
Warnings 1,535

While the operation has concluded, the efforts of reducing teenage driver collisions will continue throughout the year.

For stats related to a specific county, please contact your local SHP office. A contact list can be obtained by visiting the following link: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/law-enforcement/state-highway-patrol/troop-offices

 

Pins for Pets Bowling Proceeds to Benefit Local Spay/Neuter Programs

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-Information and photos courtesy Community Partnership for Pets, Inc.
On March 16, 2019,  animal shelter directors, veterinarians, volunteers, friends, family and bowlers got together for the annual Pins for Pets bowling tournament. This event was held at the Palace Pointe Fun Center in Roxboro, NC.

Over $12,000 was raised through donations, bowling fees, bowling lane sponsors, raffle prizes, silent auction items plus a generous matching grant from the VF Fund.

The art was made from old, used bowling pins re-purposed into one-of-a-kind “pin art.”  Community Partnership for Pets, Inc. thanks each artist for using their talents to create these fun pieces of artwork.

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund spay/neuter programs in Granville, Warren and Vance Counties, NC.

NCDOT

‘Swat-A-Litterbug’ Program Simple Way for Public to Help Keep NC Clean

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Government’s Facebook Page

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s “Swat-A-Litterbug” program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make North Carolina roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter on NC roadways.

The public can report those who litter to NCDOT’s Litter Management Section by filling out an online form or calling NCDOT’s Customer Service Office at (877) 368-4968.

Upon receipt of the reported information, NCDOT will mail the registered owner of the vehicle that was reported a formal notification, signed by the N.C. State Highway Patrol, that informs them of the littering offense, the penalties of littering and urges them to help keep North Carolina clean.

Information that is needed to report a “litterbug” includes the date, time, plate number, county, city, street and violation description (cup, napkin, cigarette butt, etc.).

Please do your part to help keep NC, and our local communities, litter-free!

 

Justice Dept. Files Lawsuit Against Warren Co. Board of Education

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

The Department of Justice announced that it filed a complaint today in federal court against the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County), to protect rights guaranteed to an Army Reservist, Command Sergeant Major Dwayne Coffer (CSM Coffer), by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

CSM Coffer’s job as Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School was eliminated while he was on active duty. According to the lawsuit, Warren County violated USERRA by demoting him to Physical Education Teacher at Northside Elementary School instead of reemploying him in a job that is comparable to Dean of Students.

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are dependent on the selfless duties performed by members of our Armed Forces,” said Dreiband. “When our Country calls servicemembers to duty, its laws, enforced by the Department of Justice, protect their civilian jobs.”

Higdon explained, “The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the brave men and women who serve our Country, and the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing USERRA when it is violated. Members of the Army Reserve, like Sergeant Major Dwayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security upon which our nation depends. They should not have to fear losing their jobs when they answer that call.”

The Complaint seeks to reinstate CSM Coffer into a proper reemployment position and recover CSM Coffer’s lost wages and other benefits and other remedies. In 2012, the United States Department of Justice sued Warren County when it failed to renew the employment contract of CSM Coffer following a different period of military service.

USERRA protects the rights of uniformed servicemembers to retain their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations and provides that servicemembers shall not be discriminated against because of their military obligations. The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at  www.justice.gov/servicemembers as well as on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.

This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor, at CMS Coffer’s request, after an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. The case is being handled by Deborah Birnbaum in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Spring Fest, 5K Run to Offer Something for Everyone in Downtown Warrenton

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-Information and flyer courtesy the Town of Warrenton, NC’s Facebook page

The Warrenton Revitalization Committee presents the annual Spring Fest to be held in the Historic Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

Crafts, artisans, exhibits, food, music, fresh local vegetables and more will be available to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Live entertainment will be provided by T-N-T and the Backyard Bluegrass Band.

The 7th Annual Warrenton 5K will also be held on April 27 in downtown Warrenton. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in front of the Warren County Courthouse at 109 S. Main St., Warrenton, with the 5K beginning at 9 a.m.

To register, visit www.athlinks.com/event/190857.

 

Vance-Granville Selected as Inaugural Host of Teaching Seminars

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College announced today that it has been selected to host an inaugural credit-bearing regional seminar that supports faculty use of evidence-based teaching practices. This seminar, which will take place on Friday, November 15, 2019, is part of a major collaboration between the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to advance faculty and student success through quality instruction at community and technical colleges nationwide.

Vance-Granville is one of 10 colleges selected by NISOD and ACUE to host an inaugural seminar as part of this national initiative, following a competitive application and interview process. Faculty from Vance-Granville Community College and other institutions in the region will be invited to refine their instructional skills by engaging in two learning modules on core teaching competencies and implementing these strategies in their classes.

“Teaching and learning are at the heart of what we do every day. Our faculty are passionate about helping students succeed in the classroom. The credit-bearing seminar on active learning speaks volumes about how the college’s faculty and faculty in the region demonstrates the college’s commitment to excellence in teaching and student success,” said Levy Brown, vice president of Academic Affairs.

The members of the Faculty Planning Team noted that “As community college faculty, we are always interested in relevant professional development that provides opportunities to design, implement, and reflect on new instructional strategies for our courses and that enables us to provide positive learning experiences for our students. We strive to improve student learning outcomes, increase program completion rates, and encourage more students to pursue higher education and careers of their choice. Learning how to incorporate active learning strategies in our classroom will be a valuable tool to help achieve these goals.”

“We were impressed by the selected institutions’ commitment to teaching excellence and faculty professional development,” said Dr. Edward Leach, NISOD’s executive director. “The seminars will equip faculty from the host institutions, as well as their colleagues from neighboring colleges, with strategies proven to make a positive difference in student learning.”

Seminar participants will learn about and implement teaching practices aligned to ACUE’s Effective Practice Framework—a statement of the core instructional competencies every college educator should possess—which was independently validated and is endorsed by the American Council on Education. Faculty who satisfy the seminar requirements, which include implementing at least two evidence-based teaching practices and writing reflections about their experience, will earn credit toward a Certificate in Effective College Instruction, a highly sought-after credential co-endorsed by ACUE and the American Council on Education.

“We’re excited to offer these high-quality learning events, in collaboration with NISOD, that provide faculty with a glimpse into ACUE’s learning design and competencies from our comprehensive, 25-module courses,” Dr. Penny MacCormack, ACUE’s chief academic officer, said. “New and experienced instructors will have the opportunity to learn with and from one another as they prepare to implement evidence-based teaching strategies in their classes, keeping with our mission to impact student success through exemplary instruction.”

The following colleges have been selected to host inaugural credit-bearing regional seminars:

  • City Colleges of Chicago Harold Washington (IL)
  • City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X (IL)
  • Hudson County Community College (NJ)
  • Lenoir Community College (NC)
  • Miami Dade College (FL)
  • Montgomery College (MD)
  • Prince George’s Community College (MD)
  • Vance-Granville Community College (NC)
  • Wake Technical Community College (NC)
  • Wayne County Community College District (MI)

Seminar dates will be announced in the coming weeks. All faculty are invited to register at www.nisod.org/scheduled-workshops.