The VSUAA-Greater Triangle Alumni Chapter (NC) is proud to present the renowned Virginia State University Gospel Chorale in concert on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in concert at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3.30 p.m.
The Mistress of Ceremony will be Ms. Phyllis Coley CEO/ Publisher of Spectacular Magazine and Former Host/ Producer of Spectacular Magazine Radio Show, both of Durham, North Carolina. Various acts will open the concert: The South Warren Elementary School Visual & Performing Arts Group from Warrenton, NC under the direction of Mr. Cameron Eaton and Mrs. Morgan Perry; Mr. Joezell Charles, a saxophonist, who is Band Director at Eaton-Johnson Middle School, Henderson, NC; Mrs. Sandra Gibson,Mrs. Black NC 2011/ Smooth Jazz-R&B Vocalist, Apex, NC.
Among The Virginia State University Chorale’s numerous accolades and accomplishments are the following: 2016 National College Choir Competition Winner; 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards- Best Church Choir; 2013 America’s Got Talent- Season 8 Quarter Finals; 2012 Verizon’s “ How Sweet the Sound”-DC Regional People’s Choice Award Winner.
Advance tickets for the event are $10 each, online tickets are $10 each with nominal processing fee ( https://vsugospel.bpt.me ), and at door tickets are $15 each. For more information and/or advance tickets, please contact the following: Henderson area- DeAnna Lewis at dlewis@warrenk12nc.org, Dennis M. Snead at 1906rbl@gmail.com, Cicily Marsh at missceecee@gmail.com, Taylor Whitehead at mrknowitall91@aol.com ; Raleigh area- Anita Jackson at Tlcanj@gmail.com, Orlando Conner at ozat@bellsouth.net ; Durham area- Faye Watkins at fayewatkins75@gmail.com, Vivian Lewis at vivianlewis30@hotmail.com .
Chartered in 2016 as the 46th chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA), Greater Triangle Area Chapter (NC) Inc., is actively working to support students who live in our area and aspire to attend our Alma Mater.
The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale History, Achievements, and Highlights
Founded in 1971 by Ms. Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Mr. Larry Bland as the Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble. The name was later changed to the Virginia State College Gospel Choir.
Recorded its first album, “Everyday with Jesus,” in 1977. After the success of this album, the choir then recorded a second album, “He’s Able,” in 1978. The choir recorded its third CD, “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert,” in 2003.
Has participated off-and-on in a number of competitions. The most notable competition was the National Black Music Caucus Gospel Competition in New York City, where the choir won first place in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996, and 2003, and second place in 1985 and 2006.
Has toured nationally in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, and Washington, DC. Has toured internationally (most recently in 2013 and 2015) in U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Europe (Italy, Hungary, France, Switzerland, and Romania), performing each time at the annual Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert.
Has performed on the same stage as gospel-recording artists Cheryl “CoCo” Clemons of R&B group SWV, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Earnest Pugh, Hezekiah Walker, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and poet Nikki Giovanni.
Made history in September 2012 by competing in How Sweet the Sound, a Verizon experience. Out of the thousands of video entries submitted, the choir was one forty-two choirs, and only one of four college choirs, to compete in the regional competitions around the country. Although the choir did not advance to the grand finale, it would go on to win the 2012 DC Region’s People Choice Award and garner local, regional, and national acclaim.
Made history again in January 2013 by being selected to perform at the DC Citywide Interfaith Food Drive, which was part of President Obama’s National Day of Service. This was part of the official Presidential Inauguration Activities.
In probably their biggest accomplishment to date, was a quarterfinalist is season 8 (2013) of “America’s Got Talent.” This not only garnered national and international exposure for the Chorale, but for the University as well.
Performed at the historic Virginia gubernatorial inauguration of Terence “Terry” McAuliffe in January 2014.
In February 2014, travelled to Bridgetown, Barbados by special invitation to perform as special guest at their Black History month festivities.
Winner of the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards’ Best Church Choir.
Winner of the 2016 National College Choir Explosion.
The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word “choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Additionally, the Chorale is included in two music appreciation textbooks in the gospel music sections.
The choir is currently blessed to have approximately 100 choir members and five musicians – a colorful mix of races, nationalities, and geographical backgrounds. The Chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr. (Faculty Advisor), Perry Evans II (Director), Mr. Michael Rainey (Business Manager), and Mr. Mark Johnson (Musical Director).
Home and Garden Show 02/28/17
/by CharleneFamed Virginia State University Chorale to Visit McGregor Hall
/by WIZS StaffThe VSUAA-Greater Triangle Alumni Chapter (NC) is proud to present the renowned Virginia State University Gospel Chorale in concert on Sunday, April 2, 2017 in concert at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 3.30 p.m.
The Mistress of Ceremony will be Ms. Phyllis Coley CEO/ Publisher of Spectacular Magazine and Former Host/ Producer of Spectacular Magazine Radio Show, both of Durham, North Carolina. Various acts will open the concert: The South Warren Elementary School Visual & Performing Arts Group from Warrenton, NC under the direction of Mr. Cameron Eaton and Mrs. Morgan Perry; Mr. Joezell Charles, a saxophonist, who is Band Director at Eaton-Johnson Middle School, Henderson, NC; Mrs. Sandra Gibson,Mrs. Black NC 2011/ Smooth Jazz-R&B Vocalist, Apex, NC.
Among The Virginia State University Chorale’s numerous accolades and accomplishments are the following: 2016 National College Choir Competition Winner; 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards- Best Church Choir; 2013 America’s Got Talent- Season 8 Quarter Finals; 2012 Verizon’s “ How Sweet the Sound”-DC Regional People’s Choice Award Winner.
Advance tickets for the event are $10 each, online tickets are $10 each with nominal processing fee ( https://vsugospel.bpt.me ), and at door tickets are $15 each. For more information and/or advance tickets, please contact the following: Henderson area- DeAnna Lewis at dlewis@warrenk12nc.org, Dennis M. Snead at 1906rbl@gmail.com, Cicily Marsh at missceecee@gmail.com, Taylor Whitehead at mrknowitall91@aol.com ; Raleigh area- Anita Jackson at Tlcanj@gmail.com, Orlando Conner at ozat@bellsouth.net ; Durham area- Faye Watkins at fayewatkins75@gmail.com, Vivian Lewis at vivianlewis30@hotmail.com .
Chartered in 2016 as the 46th chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA), Greater Triangle Area Chapter (NC) Inc., is actively working to support students who live in our area and aspire to attend our Alma Mater.
The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale History, Achievements, and Highlights
Founded in 1971 by Ms. Jackie Ruffin (formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers) and Mr. Larry Bland as the Larry Bland Gospel Ensemble. The name was later changed to the Virginia State College Gospel Choir.
Recorded its first album, “Everyday with Jesus,” in 1977. After the success of this album, the choir then recorded a second album, “He’s Able,” in 1978. The choir recorded its third CD, “Virginia State University Gospel Chorale: Live in Concert,” in 2003.
Has participated off-and-on in a number of competitions. The most notable competition was the National Black Music Caucus Gospel Competition in New York City, where the choir won first place in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996, and 2003, and second place in 1985 and 2006.
Has toured nationally in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, and Washington, DC. Has toured internationally (most recently in 2013 and 2015) in U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Europe (Italy, Hungary, France, Switzerland, and Romania), performing each time at the annual Pope’s Vatican Christmas Concert.
Has performed on the same stage as gospel-recording artists Cheryl “CoCo” Clemons of R&B group SWV, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Earnest Pugh, Hezekiah Walker, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and poet Nikki Giovanni.
Made history in September 2012 by competing in How Sweet the Sound, a Verizon experience. Out of the thousands of video entries submitted, the choir was one forty-two choirs, and only one of four college choirs, to compete in the regional competitions around the country. Although the choir did not advance to the grand finale, it would go on to win the 2012 DC Region’s People Choice Award and garner local, regional, and national acclaim.
Made history again in January 2013 by being selected to perform at the DC Citywide Interfaith Food Drive, which was part of President Obama’s National Day of Service. This was part of the official Presidential Inauguration Activities.
In probably their biggest accomplishment to date, was a quarterfinalist is season 8 (2013) of “America’s Got Talent.” This not only garnered national and international exposure for the Chorale, but for the University as well.
Performed at the historic Virginia gubernatorial inauguration of Terence “Terry” McAuliffe in January 2014.
In February 2014, travelled to Bridgetown, Barbados by special invitation to perform as special guest at their Black History month festivities.
Winner of the 2015 Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards’ Best Church Choir.
Winner of the 2016 National College Choir Explosion.
The VSU Gospel Chorale is currently listed under the word “choir” in the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Additionally, the Chorale is included in two music appreciation textbooks in the gospel music sections.
The choir is currently blessed to have approximately 100 choir members and five musicians – a colorful mix of races, nationalities, and geographical backgrounds. The Chorale is under the leadership of Mr. James Holden Jr. (Faculty Advisor), Perry Evans II (Director), Mr. Michael Rainey (Business Manager), and Mr. Mark Johnson (Musical Director).
Schewels Furniture Celebrates 120 Years with Ribbon Cutting
/by WIZS StaffHendersonians take note: Schewels Furniture store is celebrating 120 years in business! With the help of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, vendor representatives, and staff, Schewels Store Manager, Charles Hearn, officially cut the ribbon and welcomed chamber members, Henderson officials, and area businesses on Tuesday, February 21st.
When Elias Schewel, a Russian immigrant, began peddling household goods like adirondack chairs in a horse and buggy in 1897, he could hardly have imagined that his fledgling enterprise would have grown to 52 stores in three states. Today the company he founded is owned and operated by his fourth generation descendants, Marc Schewel and Jack Schewel. Schewels is a legendary company that was founded on the principles of comfort, innovation, and industry-leading craftsmanship offering gorgeous stationary furnishings to the iconic recliner, where you can always count on quality and awesome customer service.
Schewels consistently provides great opportunities for savings and special deals to their customers. They offer newsletters, sales circulars, and emails about new sales – all completely free. Let them help transform your house into a home. If you want to take advantage of the many great offers from Schewels stop in today at their location of 940 S. Beckford Drive in Henderson. You can also check them out online at www.schewels.com or call them at 252- 492-7066. Schewel Furniture happily accepts Credit Card, Check Card, Debit Card and eCheck payments and now easy online payments without the charge of a processing fee for any form of online payment.
Vance County Schools Plan Open Houses
/by WIZS StaffVance County Schools pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs opened registration and applications January 1, 2017.
We invite parents to visit our schools on the following dates.
Aycock Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
Carver Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
Clarke Elementary – Thursday, March 16
Dabney Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
E.M. Rollins Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
E.O. Young Jr. Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
L.B. Yancey Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
New Hope Elementary – Thursday, March 16
Pinkston Street Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
Zeb Vance Elementary – Tuesday, March 14
School sites will be open between 1 and 6 p.m. for registration on these days.
Anyone may register their children on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Schools Administrative Services Center at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson.
Pre-kindergarten students must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2017, and kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2017.
Applications also are available online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
Please bring to registration:
Town Talk 02/28/17
/by CharleneCooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 02/28/17
/by CharleneHenderson Land Planning Committee to meet Thursday
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss policies and receive updates, along with other issues associated with City owned properties.
The public is welcome.
Esther J. McCrackin
City Clerk – City of Henderson, NC
134 Rose Avenue
P.O. Box 1434
Henderson, NC 27536
Henderson Wellness Center Celebrates 15 Years with Ribbon Cutting
/by WIZS StaffOn February 16, 2017 Henderson Wellness Center celebrated its 15th year in business with a Business After Hours event followed up by a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, February 21 assisted by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, which was held at the center’s office location on Dabney Drive. Family, friends, staff, business owners, and associates joined together to commemorate the growing practices’ success in treating and restoring a wide range of health and spinal conditions.
Dr. Brandon Taylor opened the practice originally as “Taylor Chiropractic” in February of ’02, later incorporating medical and massage services through KaKeasha Richardson, P.A.C. and Holly Nix, L.M.B.T. The addition of providers proved not only to be auxiliary but key, which he emphasized in a brief speech. “I want people to know that as a team we understand every patient’s complaint is specific to them, and those individual needs are better managed by independent or unified provider care. There are not any pre-requisites needed to see just one of us. Our goals would not be achievable without the helpful support of this community.”
Guests spent time catching up with friends, making new business contacts, enjoying some awesome food and beverage, and winning some great prizes.
For more information, please contact the Henderson Wellness Center at 252-430-8000 or check them out on the web at www.hendersonwellnesscenter.com.
News 02/28/17
/by LarryCooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 02/27/17
/by Charlene