– information courtesy of Vance County Schools
February is Career and Technical Education Month and Vance County Schools is shining a spotlight on a variety of careers from health care to hospitality that students can learn more about during the monthlong series of programs with the theme of “Career Rodeo.”
CTE classes in Vance County Schools prepare students for careers in health care, information technology, automotive, culinary, early childhood, business, carpentry, public safety, entrepreneurship and the list is growing, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS director of marketing & communication.
Middle- and high school students will be learning about developing a resume, how to interview, job searching, career exploration, professionalism, professional dress, college experiences and much more!
High school students currently enrolled in a CTE course, as well as any senior, will be able to sign up for guest speaker sessions at Vance County High School as part of the “Career Rodeo” to hear from professionals in a variety of careers. This opportunity allows students to learn from people in the field of work they are most interested in
and ask questions. Access to business and industry leaders allow students the ability to gain knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their future. Some of the careers featured include an auto mechanic, dental hygienist, a phlebotomist, radiologist, esthetician, speech pathologist, among others.
Throughout February, Vance County Schools will highlight CTE areas and the work taking place that is helping students be prepared for jobs and careers after graduation. Partnerships with business and community groups help students prepare for the path they choose following graduation.
Some of the district’s CTE areas include:
Culinary Arts – House at the Center for Innovation, culinary arts students they become ServSafe certified. They are able to provide food service to local events within the community, as well as in partnership with local businesses. Their next engagements include providing a light breakfast for the County Soil & Water Conservation District on Feb. 23 and hosting the culinary experience at Arts Alive Heart of the Art on April 22.
Public Safety – students learn about career opportunities and gain skills that allow them to achieve certifications. Students most recently practiced extinguishing a controlled fire, showcasing their skills in correctly handling a fire extinguisher.
Agriculture/horticulture – the local Farm Bureau is restoring a greenhouse where students can learn hands-on about plants, as well as understanding how climate-controlled greenhouses work. Students will be able to take their skills to the next level with this on-site lab experience in the greenhouse.
Trade & Industry (T&I) – this program allows students to gain valuable knowledge and experience around engineering, construction and carpentry. The district currently has four students interning with Kilian Engineering and gaining experience with AutoCAD. Those students will serve as class foremen and lead the construction of a tiny house, which will be 20’x24′ and have full plumbing and electricity connections. The tiny house, made possible through local partnerships, donations and CTE funding, will be auctioned off or raffled upon completion.
Early Childhood – students learn about caring for children and gain valuable experience through work at local daycare centers. As students work through the program, they learn how to support the needs of students physically and emotionally to fully prepare them for the hands-on experience that culminated with this pathway.
Business – this program pathway focuses on teaching students skills relative to marketing, office programs and entrepreneurship, leading to opportunities for students to develop items throughout a full business plan and bring those items to life in the entrepreneurship lab at the Center for Innovation.
Foods and nutrition – this program focuses on culinary skills, but without the commercial grade experience. Students still create culinary delights; however, their focus is on residential grade appliances and uses, which give a different experience from the culinary arts pathway.
Autotech – this pathway allows students to learn about the basics of automobiles, while providing opportunities for them to gain skills in a lab setting located on the campus of Vance County High School. As students advance in the pathway, they gain knowledge and engage in more hands-on experiences in the mechanics of a vehicle, maintenance and repairs. Some certifications include entry-level certification in brakes, maintenance and light repair.
Middle school students will get to learn about career exploration with the creation of a Paxton Patterson Lab, Sandlin said. VCS recently close to $50,000 from NCDPI with a CTE Modernization and Support Grant. The lab combines problem-based learning experiences with help from educational consultants to give students a customized program of study while they learn more about their individual strengths.
The Paxton Patterson Lab joins the SLICE on Site lab on the campus of Vance County Middle School. SLICE stands for Simulated Labs for Interactive Career Exploration, Sandlin explained.
The N.C. Committee of Business Education provided $30,000 in grant funding to VCS to develop a program that gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to get experience within five career-focused internships in the field of technology.
The program is offered through the VCS technology department, and the students selected to participate will get paid for 6-10 hours a week in their work with other district departments.
Warren Health Dept. Seeks Community Input To Community Health Assessment
/by WIZS StaffThe Warren County Health Department is in the process of completing its four-year community health assessment and asks county residents to contribute to the assessment by taking a short survey to identify key health needs and concerns.
The survey is a list of questions related to personal behaviors, risks, health goals and priorities, as well as overall health. This community health opinion survey questions are formed by a diverse representation of community citizens, businesses and key stakeholders.
The purpose of this assessment survey is to learn more about the health and quality of life of Warren County residents. The results from the surveys will be used to help develop plans for addressing major health and community issues in Warren County.
All information is confidential and respondents’ opinions and answer choices will not be linked to them in any way.
This health assessment tool provides a way for communities to voice any unmet health needs or concerns. It is important to have this survey tool to collect data from the community as it helps Warren County Health Department and other county agencies with areas of improvement. This will allow Warren County to determine what social determinants of health the community prioritizes.
The survey can be found at www.warrencountync.com, Warren County Health Department Facebook page, and at https://freeonlinesurveys.com/s/lMyK41pb. Printed copies are available for pick-up at the Warren County Health Department.
The Warren County Health Department is located at 544 W. Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, NC. For more information about the Community Health Assessment, visit www.warrencountyhd.com.
The Local Skinny! What’s Happening At Perry Library
/by Laura GabelPerry Memorial Library has several opportunities for patrons to observe Black History Month as they take part in interactive workshops, take book walks and go on scavenger hunts.
Youth Services Director Melody Peters ran down a list of activities that are already underway or will be presented during February.
The “pop up” story walk located right outside the library features the classic children’s book “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, Peters told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! This literary classic is the first children’s book that features an African American child as the main character, she said.
The story walk idea blends activity with learning, “to encourage little ones to read – and walk. When you’re walking and reading and learning,” Peters said, it builds excitement for what’s going to be on the next panel. This story walk will be up all month for families to enjoy.
Speaking of families, Peters said the next family program will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and will feature Mama Azia’s African Dance, Drum & Storytelling. This culturally immersive interactive workshop, Peters said.
Participants will have a chance to learn new things, but they’ll also have a chance to dance, Peters said. There are currently about 30 people in the ongoing family program, but Peters said there’ plenty of room for more.
Youngsters can take part in a scavenger hunt to learn more about inventions during Black History Month.
“Kids love a hunt,” Peters said. “They love to find things.” Pick up a card at the Youth Services desk, find all the items and return the card to get a prize.
Adult patrons can opt for a “Blind Date with a Book” in the Adult Services area of the library. Read the first line of novel to get a hint of what the novel may be about while also becoming interested in reading something new.
Next Saturday, Feb. 18, families are encouraged to bring the little ones for a children’s dental health workshop. The workshop will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is presented by CDA Ny’Kirah Street, a student in N.C. A&T State’s health services management program.
Kids can learn how to brush and floss and promote dental health from someone who’s not a dentist…or their parents.
“The key is learning good habits early,” Peters said.
Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ for a complete list of events and programs at the library.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 02-07-23 Noon
/by WIZS StaffClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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“Career Rodeo” Showcases VCS Career And Technical Education Opportunities
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of Vance County Schools
February is Career and Technical Education Month and Vance County Schools is shining a spotlight on a variety of careers from health care to hospitality that students can learn more about during the monthlong series of programs with the theme of “Career Rodeo.”
CTE classes in Vance County Schools prepare students for careers in health care, information technology, automotive, culinary, early childhood, business, carpentry, public safety, entrepreneurship and the list is growing, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS director of marketing & communication.
Middle- and high school students will be learning about developing a resume, how to interview, job searching, career exploration, professionalism, professional dress, college experiences and much more!
High school students currently enrolled in a CTE course, as well as any senior, will be able to sign up for guest speaker sessions at Vance County High School as part of the “Career Rodeo” to hear from professionals in a variety of careers. This opportunity allows students to learn from people in the field of work they are most interested in
and ask questions. Access to business and industry leaders allow students the ability to gain knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their future. Some of the careers featured include an auto mechanic, dental hygienist, a phlebotomist, radiologist, esthetician, speech pathologist, among others.
Throughout February, Vance County Schools will highlight CTE areas and the work taking place that is helping students be prepared for jobs and careers after graduation. Partnerships with business and community groups help students prepare for the path they choose following graduation.
Some of the district’s CTE areas include:
Culinary Arts – House at the Center for Innovation, culinary arts students they become ServSafe certified. They are able to provide food service to local events within the community, as well as in partnership with local businesses. Their next engagements include providing a light breakfast for the County Soil & Water Conservation District on Feb. 23 and hosting the culinary experience at Arts Alive Heart of the Art on April 22.
Public Safety – students learn about career opportunities and gain skills that allow them to achieve certifications. Students most recently practiced extinguishing a controlled fire, showcasing their skills in correctly handling a fire extinguisher.
Agriculture/horticulture – the local Farm Bureau is restoring a greenhouse where students can learn hands-on about plants, as well as understanding how climate-controlled greenhouses work. Students will be able to take their skills to the next level with this on-site lab experience in the greenhouse.
Trade & Industry (T&I) – this program allows students to gain valuable knowledge and experience around engineering, construction and carpentry. The district currently has four students interning with Kilian Engineering and gaining experience with AutoCAD. Those students will serve as class foremen and lead the construction of a tiny house, which will be 20’x24′ and have full plumbing and electricity connections. The tiny house, made possible through local partnerships, donations and CTE funding, will be auctioned off or raffled upon completion.
Early Childhood – students learn about caring for children and gain valuable experience through work at local daycare centers. As students work through the program, they learn how to support the needs of students physically and emotionally to fully prepare them for the hands-on experience that culminated with this pathway.
Business – this program pathway focuses on teaching students skills relative to marketing, office programs and entrepreneurship, leading to opportunities for students to develop items throughout a full business plan and bring those items to life in the entrepreneurship lab at the Center for Innovation.
Foods and nutrition – this program focuses on culinary skills, but without the commercial grade experience. Students still create culinary delights; however, their focus is on residential grade appliances and uses, which give a different experience from the culinary arts pathway.
Autotech – this pathway allows students to learn about the basics of automobiles, while providing opportunities for them to gain skills in a lab setting located on the campus of Vance County High School. As students advance in the pathway, they gain knowledge and engage in more hands-on experiences in the mechanics of a vehicle, maintenance and repairs. Some certifications include entry-level certification in brakes, maintenance and light repair.
Middle school students will get to learn about career exploration with the creation of a Paxton Patterson Lab, Sandlin said. VCS recently close to $50,000 from NCDPI with a CTE Modernization and Support Grant. The lab combines problem-based learning experiences with help from educational consultants to give students a customized program of study while they learn more about their individual strengths.
The Paxton Patterson Lab joins the SLICE on Site lab on the campus of Vance County Middle School. SLICE stands for Simulated Labs for Interactive Career Exploration, Sandlin explained.
The N.C. Committee of Business Education provided $30,000 in grant funding to VCS to develop a program that gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to get experience within five career-focused internships in the field of technology.
The program is offered through the VCS technology department, and the students selected to participate will get paid for 6-10 hours a week in their work with other district departments.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 02-06-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
The Local Skinny! Around Old Granville with Mark Pace
/by Laura GabelWatch out, Oxford. Your tiny neighbor to the south is gaining on you. It will only take a couple of hundred more people to stake the claim of being the largest town in Granville County.
That, according to local historian Mark Pace, who talked with WIZS’s Bill Harris for the “Around Old Granville” segment of The Local Skinny! Monday.
Butner’s growth today, however, pales in comparison to the early to mid-1940’s when the U.S. government built Camp Butner as it was gearing up for World War II.
Pace said William B. Umstead and his brother John were instrumental in getting the federal government to locate Camp Butner in the southwest corner of the county, close to a big city (Durham), but not “too” close, Pace said.
Construction began in February 1942, on more than 4,000 acres of mostly farmland, much of which had been owned and worked by families for 200 years or more.
“It was amazing how quickly it was built,” Pace said. Within five months, there were numerous structures, including an armory, sports building and a water tower, all of which are standing today.
“They had 15,000 people working 24-7 to build that camp,” Pace said. And because it was a federal project, the state’s segregation laws were superseded by federal jurisdiction, which meant that for the first time, African Americans were hired the same as their White counterparts, he added.
Camp Butner was home for thousands of workers, civilian and military, but also for more than 4,000 German and Italian prisoners of war.
“So many farm people had been called up to serve, POWs would go and work farms,” Pace said. “And they’d get paid a little bit, too.”
After the war ended, much of the property reverted back to the landowners, but the footprint of Camp Butner became what is now considered the town of Butner. But until it was incorporated in 2007, the town was run by the state of North Carolina.
“Go to the town hall,” Pace said. “There’s a marvelous museum in the lobby” chronicling the creation of the town that once was known as Camp Butner.
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TownTalk: Andy Perkinson Reflects On Public Works Service
/by Laura GabelGrowing up, Andy Perkinson watched his daddy work tobacco. By watching, and working, he developed a strong work ethic. But he also listened to his father, who told him to find a job that had some benefits and some retirement.
“I listened to him,” Perkinson told John C. Rose on Monday’s TownTalk. “I’m grateful that I did.”
Perkinson, who turns 51 next month, recently retired from a career with the City of Henderson.
He started out in 1993 as a maintenance worker. But when he officially retired on Jan. 1, held the position of public works director.
“The city was good to me,” Perkinson said, but added that he felt he also was good to the city. “Whatever I did, I did it with my whole heart,” he said.
City employees are responsible for everything from maintaining city cemeteries to fixing broken water mains, with lots of other things in between.
All the city’s department heads have great responsibilities, he said, it’s the public works director that responds to calls for service from everywhere.
A city’s public works director has got “everybody to worry about – police, fire, recreation,” Perkinson said.
The utilities and public works groups were combined under previous city manager Frank Frazier, which Perkinson said was a way to get employees cross-trained so they could multi-task or fill in where needed.
Whether dealing with a water main break or other problem that is going to result in an interruption of service, Perkinson said often the actual repair was the easy part.
“The repair isn’t the hard part,” he said. “It’s getting to it.”
Placing a call to 811 is a critical step to knowing where all the other utility lines are located. Having the right inventory in the warehouse is another key component to timely restoration of the service.
“If we didn’t have it in the warehouse and couldn’t fix it, it means people would be without service for an extended time,” Perkinson said.
Handling administrative tasks as public works director probably wasn’t tops on Perkinson’s list of things to do, but he did them, and credited the city staff for incredible support while he was learning the role.
Mayor Eddie Ellington reflected on Perkinson’s time with the city.
“I tell you, we already miss him,” Ellington said in a recent interview with WIZS News. “Andy was a guy (who) would delegate, but he would also get his hands dirty,” the mayor said.
Ellington said he happened to stop by the site of a city repair crew and asked where Perkinson was. “He pops up out of the ditch and says ‘I’m right here,’” Ellington said with a chuckle.
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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Wildlife – Forest Stewardship
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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Fire Chief Steve Cordell
/by John C. RoseCelebration of Life Audio Feb. 2, 2023
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