Citizens Aligned to Take Back Henderson Holds Second Meeting
On Monday night at the Maria Parham Medical Center Auditorium, a group of concerned citizens known as “Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, NC”, met to discuss the state of dilapidating structures within the city limits. Steve Cordell, fire chief for the City of Henderson, and Alan Faulkner, of Faulkner Grading & Landscaping, addressed concerned citizens and provided quality answers to questions.
Cordell broke down the process of burning down a structure. Cordell said, “We have to evaluate the home for asbestos, check tax leans, financial considerations, process of removal, it’s a lot.” Cordell went on with, “…apply for demolition permits…file for air quality, get state approval, and do a cost benefit analysis.”
The process of burning abandoned houses in the City of Henderson is going to take time and money. However, there are other options.
Faulkner said, “It costs as much tear down a house as it does to take it to the landfill.”
The general consensus of the meeting was whether it is burning down abandoned homes or tearing them down, something must be done for the appearance and perception of the City of Henderson and all of Vance County.
The next step for the group is to take their cause to both the Henderson City Council and Vance County Board of Commissioners.
To learn more about Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/cleanuphenderson.
Granville Chamber Banquet to feature WRAL’s Scott Mason
The Granville County Chamber’s Annual Banquet has been scheduled for Monday evening, January 25th, 6:30 pm in Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus Civic Center.
Meetings committee chairman William Adcock announces that the evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.
Guest presenter for the evening will be Scott Mason, Reporter, WRAL-TV and “The Tarheel Traveler”. Mason is a broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of television experience. Scott has worked as a reporter and bureau chief for several network affiliates. His success caught the attention of WRAL-TV. In April, 1997, Scott became the station’s Documentary Producer. He researched, wrote and produced nine documentaries before adding his talents to the nightly news team as a reporter specializing in features.
Today, Scott is known as the Tar Heel Traveler. His Monday-Thursday features series on WRAL takes viewers along the back roads of North Carolina where he meets memorable characters, finds out-of-the-way places and unearths fascinating historical footnotes. The series has become so popular it has led to Tar Heel Traveler half-hour specials, which Scott produces each quarter.
A buffet dinner will be provided by Chamber member Ted’s Catering. Tickets are $40 each. Corporate tables of 8, with reserved seating, are available for $300.00. Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380.00. Tickets/reservations are required prior to the event – by January 15th. Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices – 919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.
Banquet sponsors are: Duke Energy/Presenting Sponsor; BB&T, CertainTeed, Granville Health System, The School of Graphic Arts and Time Warner Cable.
Ellington set to lead Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association
Mayor-elect Eddie Ellington is going to be a busy man. Last night at the Golden Corral in Henderson, Eddie Ellington was voted as the next president of the Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association. Ellington succeeded Dr. Gene Wood of the Calvary Baptist Church. Dr. Wood had held the position for the last three years.
Leonard Hight was voted by the board of directors as the new vice president of the Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association at the same meeting to replace Ellington’s vacated seat.
The Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association is widely regarded in North Carolina as it is the only such association in the state.
North Carolina Central University Teams with Vance-Granville Community College to Launch Eagle Voyage Criminal Justice Program
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Department of Criminal Justice and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) signed an agreement today (Dec. 2) launching Eagle Voyage, a new program offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice on the VGCC campus.
Representatives of the college and the university held a signing ceremony in the Civic Center on the community college’s Main Campus in Vance County, where VGCC will provide classroom space and technology support and NCCU will provide a two-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree for students holding an associate degree in Criminal Justice from VGCC.
Not only will Eagle Voyage represent the first bachelor’s degree program available at VGCC facilities, it will also mark the first time in which a full-time NCCU academic coordinator will be based on a community college campus to coach, advise and assist students working toward their four-year degrees.
With credits transferring from the associate’s degree, students will complete the accelerated program over the course of nine, eight-week mini-sessions and one summer at VGCC. NCCU will assist with recruitment of students for each annual cohort.
“This is another exciting learning and partnership opportunity for NCCU and Vance-Granville Community College as we continue to work together to highlight our ability to provide a more seamless educational experience for our transfer students,” said Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This partnership with Vance-Granville Community College adds to the growing number of partnerships that NCCU has with community colleges across the state. It is through these types of partnerships that we are able to provide access to educational opportunities and academic resources to prepare Eagle Voyage scholars for success in the field of criminal justice.”
Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, said her institution has been working to strengthen relationships with four-year universities to promote student success.
“Research indicates that when community college students have clear academic and career pathways, they are more likely to continue their education and graduate, and they have better employment outcomes as well,” she said. “Through this partnership, our Vanguards will have a new way to continue their own academic voyages, soaring as Eagles into successful careers as leaders in criminal justice and public service.”
Courses will be taught in a hybrid format consisting of a one day per week onsite session at VGCC’s Main Campus, with additional work completed online via Blackboard, a Learning Management System. Students enrolled in the B.S. program in Criminal Justice at Vance-Granville Community College will be encouraged to join student organizations at NCCU and take advantage of other university resources such as access to the James E. Shepard Library and other NCCU online services.
Students also will have learning opportunities outside the classroom involving real-word experiences and programs to promote public safety. Upon completion of the degree, students will be qualified to work in public or private criminal justice agencies and similar organizations.
“It is truly amazing to realize that right here on this one campus, someday, we will have students ranging from the ninth grade level at the Early College High School all the way up to college seniors completing their bachelor’s degrees at NCCU,” said Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic and student affairs, in her remarks at the ceremony. Also participating in the program were VGCC Public Services department chair Steven Hargrove, NCCU Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dr. Debra Parker, and VGCC Criminal Justice program head William Clements.
The VGCC Criminal Justice associate degree program prepares students for careers in the local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Emphasis is placed on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics and community relations. VGCC also offers a certificate in Criminal Justice & Special Populations and a separate Basic Law Enforcement Training program.
NCCU’s bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice equips students to apply critical and analytical thinking skills in problem-solving situations, develop leadership and written and oral communication skills, and exercise ethical and sound judgment. The NCCU Department of Criminal Justice is the only program in North Carolina that is certified nationally by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
For more information, please visit NCCU online at www.nccu.edu/criminaljustice or contact William Clements at Vance-Granville Community College at clementsw@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3242.
North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Flagship programs include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, nursing, education, law, business and the arts. Founded in 1910 as a liberal arts college for African-Americans, NCCU remains committed to diversity in higher education. Our alumni are among the nation’s most successful scientists, researchers, educators, attorneys, artists and entrepreneurs. Visit www.nccu.edu.
Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.
Vance-Granville Community Band to present free holiday concert on Dec. 3
The Vance-Granville Community Band will perform its eighth annual Christmas Concert, entitled “Making Spirits Bright,” on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. Admission is free and the public is invited.
The band has prepared a program featuring a variety of holiday-themed favorites, including “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “A Holst Christmas,” a march called “Christmas Joy,” “The Bells of Saint Mary,” “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” a sing-a-long of popular Christmas songs, and “May the Good Lord Keep and Bless You.”
The concert will also feature students in the VGCC Music Scholars program: Shontiara Williams of Oxford (on vocals and piano), Kaleb Williamson of Bullock (guitar), Tiffany Barnes of Henderson (vocals) and Charles Keith of Raleigh (bass).
VGCC music instructor Ivory Brock is the band’s primary conductor. Also conducting for a portion of the concert will be Brian Miller, the recently-retired band director at Louisburg High School.
First formed in 2008, the all-volunteer Community Band has included VGCC students, local high school students, educators, and interested citizens from all four counties of the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin) and beyond. For more information, call Ivory Brock at (252) 738-3222.
VGCC registers 350 potential lifesavers
A recent Vance-Granville Community College service project added some 350 people to the registry of potential bone marrow donors. In partnership with the Project Life Movement and the “Save the Fox” campaign, the college held events on each of its four campuses during the week of Oct. 26-29.
Students, faculty, staff and community members signed up and swabbed their cheeks to provide DNA samples at these events. The painless registration process took only a few minutes, but could save a life if a participant turns out to be a match for someone in need of a bone marrow transplant. Such treatments are the only hope for many people diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and other blood cancers and diseases. Around 60 percent of those in need of a donation currently cannot find a donor match, according to Project Life, a national movement that started with students at Davidson College and has spread to more than 25 other schools and has registered more than 13,000 donors.
The “Save the Fox” campaign is named after North Carolina Superior Court Judge Carl Fox of Orange County. Judge Fox was diagnosed with blood cancer in April and has searched for a suitable bone marrow donor.
At a kickoff event on Oct. 26 at VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, welcomed participants and commended the students, faculty and staff who contributed their time and energy to the project. “I love it when we take these opportunities to integrate service with learning and to give back to the community,” Dr. Williams said. “Like the students at Davidson College who started Project Life, our students are leaders of the future and can make a difference.” She particularly thanked the students in VGCC Health Sciences programs who took the lead in the registration drive. The very first student to register as a potential donor was Kala Williams of Henderson, a Pharmacy Technology major.
Also speaking at the kickoff was Project Life executive director David Lindsay, who received a successful bone marrow donation and helped found the organization with his fellow students at Davidson College. He thanked all of the participants in the VGCC registration drive. “This will create more chances that a patient like Judge Fox or a patient like me 25 years ago will have a second chance at a miracle,” Lindsay said. “That’s what the drive is all about: creating the possibility for miracles. Potentially everyone in this room is a match for someone you don’t even know.”
He noted that the decision to register as a potential donor, particularly for a young person, would have an impact for years to come. “Students who are 20 will be on the registry for 40 years,” Lindsay said. “Think about what it would feel like to get a call, find out you’re a match, and save someone’s life. I’m glad that Vance-Granville is now part of the Project Life movement, and I hope it becomes an annual event because the potential is immense.”
Attendees then heard remarks from VGCC Financial Aid Assistant Glynnis Wilson, who actually saved a life as a bone marrow donor. She was on the registry for more than eight years until 2006 when the National Marrow Donor Program called, informing her that she was a match. “People ask me if it hurt when I donated bone marrow,” Wilson said. “I always say that whatever I felt was nothing compared to what my recipient had endured. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
VGCC Radiography student and Save the Fox student leader Nick Kemp of Franklinton thanked all of the volunteers who made the drive a success. “What we are really working for is the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, hopefully multiple people’s lives,” Kemp said. “Everyone who registers is a potential lifesaver, maybe not for Judge Fox but perhaps for one of the hundreds of thousands of other people who are looking for a match.” He said that those who registered could look forward to a day “when your phone rings and you get the opportunity to help a fellow human being in need. I don’t know about any of you, but I hope my phone rings sooner rather than later.”
VGCC academic and career coach Seletha Pherribo, who helped spearhead the project, said that Save the Fox had helped unite the college and the community. After the first day at Main Campus, events were held at the Franklin County Campus on Oct. 27, the South Campus in Granville County on Oct. 28 and the Warren County Campus on Oct. 29. Pherribo thanked Project Life for its support. Project Life works with the Delete Blood Cancer organization to process the new potential donors. For more information on becoming a donor, visit www.projectlifemovement.org or www.deletebloodcancer.org.
New VGCC Job Driven Initiative staff connect area residents with training
Two professional staff members are now in place at Vance-Granville Community College to help area residents obtain education and training through a special grant.
The college, in partnership with the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board, received a $147,000 “NCWorks Job Driven Initiative” (JDI) grant in 2014, made possible by federal funds awarded to the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions. VGCC currently ranks second out of 12 North Carolina community colleges in the number of students who have been approved for grant funding.
Rosemarie Baker is the new JDI Grant Program Marketer and Connie Ragland is the Grant Coach, both working in the VGCC Continuing Education division. Baker’s role is to educate the community about the program and recruit potential students, after which Ragland helps to see if they qualify for the program. For those who do, Ragland tracks their progress and helps guide them to success.
Baker, a resident of Clarksville, Va., spent more than 15 years teaching business and marketing classes, most of which were in the Vance County Schools system. She graduated from Longwood College (now Longwood University) in Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with concentrations in Management and Marketing Management. Baker said that although she is new to her position, she knows the college well. “I actually began my college experience as a freshman at VGCC, I have taught classes for VGCC, and now, I’m recruiting students to take advantage of this great training under the JDI grant,” she said. Baker noted that if students meet the requirements as determined by NCWorks, the grant funding will pay for their tuition, books, certain supplies and certification testing fees.
A Henderson resident, Ragland has held various positions at area organizations including Kittrell Job Corps Center, FGV Partnership for Children, Granville County Schools and, most recently, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. She earned a degree in Business Administration at North Carolina A&T State University. Over the course of her career, Ragland has enjoyed working in many capacities that allowed her to help people of all ages, from young children to adults. Her proudest accomplishments, she said, have come from the benefits of operating two non-profits with her husband, R.O.Y. and New Horizons Training Group. “As the NCWorks JDI Grant Coach, I hope that this opportunity to serve will help someone be able to continue their educational pursuits because of the tuition assistance that it can provide,” Ragland said. “I’m excited to be a part of the Vance-Granville family.”
VGCC’s programs as part of the JDI are all designed to lead to industry-recognized or state-regulated credentials, and to prepare students for various entry-level jobs that address the needs of local employers. These programs include BioWork Process Technician, Certified Logistics Technician, Certified Production Technician (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council), Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL–B), Health Unit Coordinator, Health Unit Secretary, Nurse Aide, Home Health Care Aide, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Guest Service Gold, Hospitality (START), and Heavy Equipment Operator.
Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in the grant program. For more information, contact VGCC at raglandc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3452.
H-V Chamber Membership Drive Update
The Ambassador team secured eight businesses and the Board team secured two businesses. Looks like the Board team is going to be wearing the aprons!
The following new businesses joined the team since we put the membership drive into action during the end of October.
Hoyle’s Tire and Axle on Highway 39 in Henderson. They sell new and remanufactured mobile home and utility axles and tires. They also sell parts to repair and mount axles to all types of trailers. They are open from 7AM til 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. For more information, please call them at 252-438-2818
Shelia’s Accufile and Business Services at 418 S Garnett Street in Henderson. She offers bookkeeping, personal and business tax and payroll services. Shelia is an IRS authorized Efile provider and offers affordable pricing. Please 252-430-0226 call for more information.
Owners Lisa and Bennie Blackwell have opened Middleburg Steak and Seafood House at 7139 Broad Street in Middleburg. They offer a wide variety of great food choices on their menu each day of the week along with a hot buffet on Sundays for those looking for a great meal on Sundays after Church. For more information please contact them at 919-971-9963.
NC Coyotes is a professional ABA basketball team showcasing the best talents from the Triangle, Oxford, Warren, Franklin, Granville and Vance Counties. The North Carolina Coyotes dream began when Founder Reynaldo Espinosa wanted to have an effective gateway for the men in the community to restore their skill-sets and showcase their talents. Through his organization, the Second Chance Basketball Foundation, the Coyotes were born. Restoring hope for a small community, the Coyotes finished out their 2014-2015 season as DIVISIONAL RUNNER UPS in just their second year out of 82 teams across the country.
Scottish Inns located at 1759 N Garnett Street in Henderson. Contact information is 252-438-6172
Quality Inn located at 197 Parham Road in Henderson joined the Chamber under new management. Contact number is 252-4320-6501.
Econo Lodge located at 112 Parham Road in Henderson. They are open 24 hours/seven days a week. For more information or to book a reservation contact Chris or Ashok Patel at 252-438-8511.
Access Counseling Services at 314 S Garnett Street in Henderson. Owner Nekisha Williams offers outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents ages 5 to 21. Others services are parent coaching, clinical assessments, academic testing and substance abuse assessments. For more information, please call 252-915-8966.
The Board team secured LIMBionics. They are in Durham and will be locating an office here in Henderson at 851 S. Beckford Drive. Brittany Stresing, president of the company is in the process of getting the office setup for business. She can be contacted at 919-908-8975 until the office is ready for clients. Brittany Stresing, has earned the highest accolade in Prosthetics and Orthotics! She is officially one of the few Fellows of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists which is an accolade few achieve in their career. This title goes to those who prove dedication to the profession in academics, professionalism, and improving the profession and patient care. Brittany is one of less than 8 Fellows in the state and she is the only female!
They also secured Watkins Insurance Agency at 133 N Mecklenburg Ave. in South Hill, Va. They can be contacted at 434-447-3544.
Many thanks to all that took part in making our membership drive a success. The volunteer support we receive from our Board members and Chamber ambassadors is truly inspiring and shows me the passion and measure of commitment that they have for our Chamber. Thank you; we could not do what we do throughout the year without you!
A tremendous thanks goes out to all of our new and renewing members for helping us make this a great event. Your support means so much to us.
The Membership Drive may be over, but its still not too late to join more than 300 plus business members. Contact Annette Roberson at 252-438-8414 and become a member today!
Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Recognizes Granville County, NC Small Businesses by Celebrating Small Business Saturday®
Today the Granville County Chamber of Commerce announced its participation in the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on November 28th to support independent businesses in Granville County, NC. Founded by in American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday® is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride.
Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our participation in Small Business Saturday and the Neighborhood Champion program. On Saturday, November 28th the greater Granville County area is encouraged to take part in our Small Business Saturday Shop Granville First event across the county. The event will feature special offers by local businesses and giveaways to consumers. The event will begin at both Chamber Office locations, where Shop Small® shopping bags and Passports, along with coupons, a list of participating businesses, and other materials will be provided to consumers.
How the Passport Promotion Works:
Consumers may pick up a Passport at either Chamber Office OR at a participating business on or before Saturday, November 28th.
Patrons of small businesses in Granville County may participate for one of the Grand Prizes by bringing their Passport to participating small businesses on November 28th, shopping and getting their passport stamped.
Passports may be turned into either Chamber Office by Friday December 4th. Grand Prize winners will be determined by the amount of different business stamps on a passport. Winners will be announced on Tuesday December 8th.
American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. Participating organizations include the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the International Downtown Association, the Latino Coalition, the National Main Street Center, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.
About Small Business Saturday
November 28th marks the sixth annual Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers.
CONTACT:
Ginnie Currin, 919.693.6125