Vance-Granville Community College Drama students will present “Crimes of the Heart,” a Pulitzer Prize winning play, on Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 at VGCC’s Main Campus. The tragicomedy, written by American playwright Beth Henley, will be staged six times over the four days.
Performances begin on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. All performances are in the small auditorium in Building 2 on the Main Campus in Henderson.
The play features VGCC and Vance County Early College High School students Savannah Morgan as Lenny McGrath, Mary Parish as Babe McGrath Botrelle, Jamie McGinn as Meg McGrath, Rebekah Varker as Chick Boyle, Matthew Varker as Barnette Lloyd, and Blake Lee as Doc Porter.
Members of the cast and crew of VGCC’s fall production of “Crimes of the Heart” prepare for six performances of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. Shown above are, front row, from left, Nick Kurtz, stage manager/assistant director; Matthew Varker (portraying Barnette Lloyd); Blake Lee (Doc Porter); back row, Jamie McGinn (Meg McGrath); Savannah Morgan (Lenny McGrath); Mary Parish (Babe McGrath Botrelle); and Rebekah Varker (Chick Boyle). (VGCC Photo)
Set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in the mid-20th century, it’s the story of three sisters who gather to await news of their grandfather’s death.
Betsy Henderson, director of the show and VGCC’s Theatre Arts/speech instructor and department chair of Fine Arts and Humanities, said the sisters are characterized in this manner: “Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at 30 and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach.”
She added, “Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her.”
The play is ultimately the story of how these young characters can escape their past to seize the future, Henderson said. “The telling of the story is very true and touching and consistently hilarious, guaranteed to entertain audiences,” she said.
In addition to winning the Pulitzer, the show was the winner of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1981. A critic for the New York Times said, “While this play overflows with infectious high spirits, it is also, unmistakably, the tale of a very troubled family. Such is Miss Henley’s prodigious talent that she can serve us pain as though it were a piece of cake.”
The crew will be composed of Nick Kurtz, stage manager/assistant director; Jenna Walker, assistant stage manager/props; Megan Kokus, costume designer; Amanda Cease, costume and prop assistant; Lane Wade, sound board operator; and Cheyenne Guerrant, light board operator.
Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for students and VGCC employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but attendees are encouraged to secure their seats by making reservations. For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3371, or purchase your tickets online through Eventbrite here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Crimes-of-the-Heart-Cast.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-26 17:03:192018-11-26 17:03:19VGCC Drama Students To Present ‘Crimes Of The Heart’
With only three Saturdays remaining before the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) wraps its 2018 season, Market Manager Tracy Madigan urges customers to stock up on fall produce – such as sweet potatoes, collards and greens – while they still can.
The market will close after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th and will remain closed until mid-April of 2019. Rental of the VCRFM is available all year long and is particularly popular during the holiday season.
According to Madigan, it has been a great year for vendors and produce variety. “We had a really good year as far as increasing the number of vendors,” said Madigan. “That has provided more variety and greater quantities of produce.”
In addition to produce, Madigan said the number of regular craft vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to candles has increased, along with the offering of baked goods.
Madigan reported that the customer count has remained steady at 9,000 – 10,000 visitors despite a surge in numbers during the peak summer season. This year’s pattern of inclement weather, especially during the spring and fall months, may have contributed to the customer stagnation.
“It has been a really strange year for the farmers weather-wise as well, but they have still come through with a lot of good produce and variety,” Madigan said.
Another draw to the market this season includes recent landscaping improvements courtesy the Cooperative Extension-based Master Gardeners.
“The Master Gardeners came into a grassy area around the market that previously flooded all of the time and made walkways and benches. Now it’s a nice area to enjoy and get some ideas of plants and flowers for your own yard,” said Madigan.
The addition of Gavin’s Grub Hub, a food truck operated by owner Gavin Jackson, is also bringing visitors in. “Gavin is a huge draw,” Madigan said. “Anytime we advertise that he’s coming, people show up to get their breakfast, brunch or lunch and are always pleased. He has also catered several events for the market.”
Of course, the best feedback comes directly from the mouths of visitors. “We get feedback all of the time from people who say they enjoy it and have made friends. It’s a relaxed, fun and local environment. I truly appreciate the patronage and support from the community,” Madigan said.
Madigan is pleased with the progress VCRFM has made over the years and said she can see its reach extending. “It is a regional market. The first two or three years it was mostly Vance and Granville county patrons; we are getting more visitors from Warren and Franklin now.”
In the future, Madigan would love to see VCRFM become a full-time operation. “I wish we could get someone full-time and get enough customers to run it six or seven days a week. That would really make it an alternative to fast food and grocery stores.”
For additional information on renting the VCRFM for your next event, please contact the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center at (252) 438-8188.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0055_Farmers-Market-Edited-e1461854851601.png.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-11-21 16:57:352018-11-21 16:57:35Madigan, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Manager, Reflects on 2018 Season
Vance-Granville Community College honored 326 students receiving scholarships, as well as the donors and partnering organizations who established those scholarships, at a dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.
In this third annual event of its kind, rescheduled from Oct. 11 because of inclement weather, students were given the opportunity to meet and have dinner with community leaders and supporters of the college’s Endowment Fund.
Dr. Gordon Burns, the interim president of VGCC, thanked the donors who have supported students through the Fund. “Because of you, these students have a greater likelihood of succeeding in life and being contributing members in our society,” he said. “These students have the time and the freedom not to worry about financing their educations and accruing debt and thus can focus their energies on their studies and academic success.”
VGCC Nursing student April Zuniga-Trejo speaks on behalf of her fellow scholarship recipients at the VGCC Endowment Fund Scholarship Awards Dinner. (VGCC photo)
Commending the student scholarship recipients for their academic accomplishments, he also said, “These students, too, one day will be able to reach out to help a deserving student in financial need to further his or her education.”
Speaking on behalf of the scholars was April Zuniga-Trejo of Henderson. She is a graduate of Vance County Early College High School who is currently dually enrolled with VGCC and North Carolina State A&T University in the four-year RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) program.
Describing how she was given the opportunity earlier to meet the donors for her scholarship — Phil Dixon and his wife, Cathy, who started the Henry and Cathy Dixon Annual Scholarship — Zuniga-Trejo expressed her appreciation to Dixon and other donors.
“By investing in our students, the gap between students and their goals is finally shortened,” she said. “Having the connection with my donors has helped me realized the importance of investing in a student’s future. It is not only helping to pay for our education, but it is also paving the way in making our dreams a reality.”
Zuniga-Trejo is studying to become a nurse midwife and plans one day to start her own medical clinic for the disadvantaged.
Speaking on behalf of the donors at the dinner, Dixon followed his scholarship recipient on stage with his remarks on how he decided to contribute to the VGCC Endowment Fund as a birthday gift to his wife because of their love for education. Dixon said they realized that “there were probably a lot of people not far away that have needs that are not getting met,” so he decided on the gift of a scholarship. “I’d have to say it’s almost like a ‘two-fer.’ Cathy got a gift and April got a gift.”
Sharing a thank you note that he and his wife received from Zuniga-Trejo at their first meeting, Dixon read aloud to the audience her words: “I was overcome with happiness,” Zuniga-Trejo wrote. “I felt as if it was a sign from the universe that I was headed in the right direction and that I would make it through. All in all, your acts of kindness made an incredible difference in my life. I’m about to begin my first semester of nursing thanks to both of you.”
Dixon concluded by adding his own words, “I suggest to you that being able to make a difference in someone’s life is one of the greatest gifts that any of us can receive. I think Cathy and I received the greatest of gifts.”
VGCC donor Phil Dixon of Oxford, who contributed the funds for Zuniga-Trejo’s scholarship, speaks on behalf of donors at the VGCC Endowment Fund Scholarship Awards Dinner. (VGCC photo)
The dinner ceremony also featured the announcement of the first-ever Presidential Excellence Award, a new scholarship level. The first of those scholarships was endowed by the family of Donald and Betsy Seifert of Henderson.
Sponsors for the scholarship awards dinner were Altec, CertainTeed, Duke Energy and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.
Scholarships of various levels, including 62 Presidential Scholar Awards (the most prestigious endowed scholarships), 59 Presidential Merit Awards, 179 Academic Achievement scholarships and 26 annual (non-endowed) scholarships were awarded to students this academic year, representing more than $240,000.
The scholarships presented to students this year bring the total to more than 9,400 awarded by the college to date. Endowment Fund officials have estimated VGCC has awarded nearly $5 million since the inception of the program.
VGCC scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
Here is a list of the awards that were presented for 2018-2019. The list is separated by scholarship category first, then by the county of residence of the students. The student’s program of study is in parentheses.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: VANCE COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Brenda W. Beck: Evan O’Geary of Henderson (Associate in Arts);
John T. Church, Sr., Memorial: Jolina Anne Chiong of Henderson (General Science AAS Degree);
Gilbert and Frances Capps: Jerry Dickerson of Henderson (Criminal Justice Technology);
Julius M. and Breda O. Frazier Memorial: LaQuad Holden of Henderson (Automotive Systems Technology);
GSK: Amanda Miller of Henderson (Associate in Science);
GSK: Shadi Nagi of Henderson (Associate in Science);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: DeLonna Martin of Henderson (Radiography);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Wendy Jordan of Henderson (Associate Degree Nursing);
Guild Gift Gallery Volunteers: Michelle Matthews of Henderson (Radiography);
Daniel Knight Jr.: Shelly Benson of Henderson (Cosmetology);
Marsha J. Nelson: Kathy Wiggins of Henderson (Accounting);
Revlon: Kaylee Gleason of Henderson (Welding Technology);
VGCC Faculty & Staff: Amber Peoples of Henderson (Radiography);
Edward Tarry Watkins Memorial: Madison Hetrick of Henderson (General Science AAS Degree);
Felix McDaniel Family: Courtney Mitchell of Kittrell (Medical Office Administration); and
John K. Nelms: Ethan Cole of Kittrell (Associate in Science).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: GRANVILLE COUNTY RECIPIENTS
John T. Church, Sr.: Courtney Crute of Bullock (Early Childhood Education);
Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Brittany Buchanan of Bullock (Associate Degree Nursing);
The Johnson Educational Fund: Brianna Norris of Butner (Early Childhood Education);
Past and Present Volunteers Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Emily Padgett of Butner (Associate Degree Nursing);
Gean Bobbitt/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Shanae Rhoades of Creedmoor (Associate Degree Nursing);
Jerome and Dora Faulkner Memorial: Shanice Alleyne of Creedmoor (Radiography);
Glen Raven: Daniel McIlvaine of Creedmoor (Welding Technology);
Patricia P. Graham: Paige Snider of Creedmoor (Radiography);
Eben G. & Mary Frances McSwain: Brandon Sparrow of Creedmoor (Automotive Systems Technology);
Oxford Lodge #103, I.O.O.F.: Hannah Parrott of Creedmoor (Associate in Science);
VGCC Faculty/Staff: Charlene Kearney of Creedmoor (Business Administration);
John Weaver: Seham Mansour of Creedmoor (Early Childhood Education);
William David Barker, Sr., and Anabel Manderson Barker: Savannah Brogden of Oxford (Associate in Arts);
GSK: Kelsey Williamson McKeel of Oxford (General Science AAS Degree);
Guy Thomas and Lelle Courtney Horner/Guy T. Horner: Daniel Brown of Oxford (Automotive Systems Technology);
M.R. Williams, Inc.: Alyssa Gupton of Oxford (Business Administration);
Mary Ruth Nelms: Daniel Burnette of Oxford (Associate in Science);
Harold and Helen Sherman: Penny Glover of Oxford (Early Childhood Education);
Leon Turner: Katelynn Cheek of Oxford (Accounting); and
Jerome and Dora Faulkner Memorial: Solange Tant of Stem (Associate Degree Nursing).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: FRANKLIN COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Leslie Carswell/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Stephanie Parham of Franklinton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Rehoboth United Methodist Church: Kayla Romig of Franklinton (Associate in Science);
Revlon: Cassidy Burton of Franklinton (General Science AAS Degree);
Rudolph and Ruby Keller Corbitt: Megann Casady of Louisburg (Practical Nursing);
Glen Raven: Aislinn Julian of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Glen Raven: Nicolas Tucker of Louisburg (Welding Technology);
GSK: Shalinda White of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration);
Vera M. and H. Dermont Hedrick: Robert Holovnia of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Beverly Tucker, MD/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Dulce Santillan of Louisburg (Radiography); and
Franklin Mills/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham: Allison Thurkill of Youngsville (Radiography).
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARDS: WARREN COUNTY RECIPIENTS
Robbie Gilliam Hedrick/ Robert Jerome Hedrick: Megan Proctor of Macon (Radiography);
Lelia C. Brigham Memorial: Caleb Brauer of Norlina (Associate in Arts);
Glen Raven: Jennifer Newell of Norlina (General Science AAS Degree); and
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/VGCC-Scholarship-Ceremony-2018.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-21 16:56:462018-11-21 16:56:46More Than 300 Students Honored At VGCC Scholarship Awards Dinner
Vance-Granville Community College’s Board of Trustees has narrowed the search for the college’s next President to three candidates.
A search committee composed of six board members recommended five candidates from among nearly 90 applicants for the position, and the full board selected these finalists:
Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais of Clemmons, who is currently serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem;
Dr. Quentin J. Johnson of Mooresville, currently vice president of Student Support Services at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro; and
Dr. Melanie W. Thornton of Albany, Ga., the vice president of academic affairs at Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Ga.
The action came Monday, Nov. 19, at the regular bimonthly meeting of the board on the college’s Main Campus.
Following protocol established by the North Carolina Community College System, the trustees now present the finalists to the State Board of Community Colleges for vetting. The three candidates will be invited to the college for public forums individually on Nov. 30, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
“We are extremely pleased with the quality of the candidates who are interested in the position, and we are confident that we are on track to select an excellent leader to carry our college into our 50th year and beyond,” said Danny W. Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees. “We want for Vance-Granville a president with visionary leadership and a commitment to student access and success and economic development in the communities we serve.”
The board plans to have the new president in place early in 2019.
Invitations to the forums are being sent to county officials, school officials, area chambers, and VGCC faculty and staff, among other groups. The public is invited to attend. The forums will be held in the Civic Center on the Main Campus. Each will begin at 12:15 p.m. Dr. Johnson is scheduled to speak at the Friday, Nov. 30, forum; Dr. Thornton, on Monday, Dec. 3; and Dr. Desmarais, on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Dr. Desmarais earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., in 2015. She earned her Master of Science degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Bachelor of Music degree from Mars Hill College. She was an Aspen Institute Community College Excellence Presidential Fellow in 2017-2018. She has been with Forsyth Technical Community College since 2002, starting as a department chair before becoming a vice president in information services and in planning.
Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md., in 2010. He earned his Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University and his Bachelor of Science from Defiance College in Ohio. Prior to beginning work at Guilford Technical Community College in July 2012, he worked with Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College in West Virginia in 2011-2012 and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 2004 to 2011.
Dr. Thornton earned her Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., in 2007. She received her Education Specialist degree from Troy University in 2002, two Master of Education degrees from Georgia Southwestern State University in 1995 and 1997, and her Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State University in 1991. Prior to going to Columbus Technical College in 2013, she was vice president for Academic Affairs at Okefenokee Technical College in 2012-2013, and Dean and Professor of Reading at Darton State College in Albany, Ga., in 2007-2012.
The Board of Trustees began accepting applications for the position on Oct. 8 with a deadline of Nov. 9 for applications and nominations. A nationwide search was conducted under the guidance of the firm of Executive Leadership Associates (ELA) LLP of Emerald Isle. ELA, described as “a consortium of former North Carolina community college presidents who are committed to ensuring that our internationally recognized community college system continues its proud tradition of excellence,” was selected by the Board of Trustees at its Sept. 17 meeting. The firm helped the Trustees by creating the presidential profile of the ideal candidate needed, guiding the search process, and recruiting and screening applicants, as needed.
Serving on the Trustees’ presidential search committee were Trustees Deborah Brown, chair; Herb Gregory, vice chair; N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/vgcc.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-20 16:57:282018-11-20 16:57:28VGCC Trustees Narrow Presidential Search To Three Finalists
Representatives from the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments (KTCOG) were on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the Area Agency on Aging’s evidence-based chronic pain and disease management programs. The KTCOG represents the five-county area of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties.
Classes are currently offered to community members “age 60 and better” with chronic pain or chronic disease issues. These sessions consist of six-week, two-and-a-half hour workshops that are free to the qualifying public and their caregivers.
According to Jillian Hardin, aging director for KTCOG, classes will introduce tools that can be used to better manage pain and/or disease symptoms. “You will learn about exercise and walking,” Hardin said. “You will also learn about managing emotions because depression is a big part of chronic pain or chronic disease.”
The chronic disease self-management class, titled “Living Healthy” is currently offered at the Senior Center in Vance County for those with two or more chronic conditions. “We say you have a chronic condition if it lasts more than three months,” said Hardin. “People often say ‘I don’t have a chronic condition,’ but I have heart disease or diabetes; those are chronic conditions.”
Hardin said the importance of these classes demonstrating positive, evidence-based results cannot be discounted, “Evidence shows that when people take these six-week workshops, they have less pain, can better control their symptoms, have fewer trips to the doctor and hospital and save money in healthcare costs.”
Harvey Holmes, family caregiver specialist with the Area Agency on Aging, was also on the program to discuss the “huge” need for caregivers and caregiver support.
Holmes mentioned former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s famous quote about caregiving to sum up the importance of the role, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
Referred to by Holmes as the “godfather” of aging services in the five-county region, KTCOG offers services and classes to help participants cope with the emotional battlefield that is caregiving.
“You’re always going to have ups and downs, pitfalls and stumbles, and a lot of people can get discouraged,” said Holmes. “Your emotions do tend to change along the journey. Caregiving, as a whole, is a journey and the journey is different for each individual.
For more information on the chronic pain or disease classes or caregiver services, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at (252) 436-2040.
You may also call NC 2-1-1, a 24/7 information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways and public and private partners across NC. Service is available in all NC counties.
Callers may dial 2-1-1 to obtain information on health and human services and resources within their community. The service is free, confidential, and available in most languages.
To hear the interview in its entirety, click here.
As hundreds of students were being honored with scholarships at Vance-Granville Community College’s annual Scholarship Awards Dinner, the college announced the creation of a new level of scholarship and celebrated the first Presidential Excellence Award in honor of Donald and Betsy Seifert.
The new award was fully endowed with a gift of $60,000 from the family of the Henderson couple, and future student recipients will receive an annual award of $3,000 to cover tuition, books and fees at the college.
The announcement came as hundreds of scholarship donors and VGCC students gathered for dinner in the Civic Center on Tuesday, Nov. 13, to recognize more than 300 students receiving scholarships for 2018-2019.
Above, Dr. Gordon Burns, interim president of Vance-Granville Community College, and Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, gather with Donald and Betsy Seifert, shown holding the check in the center of the photo, and the Seifert family to celebrate the creation of the first-ever Presidential Excellence Award scholarship. From left are Dr. Burns, the Seiferts’ son Sam Seifert, daughter-in-law Jennifer Seifert, son Brent Seifert, Donald Seifert, son Clem Seifert, Betsy Seifert, daughter-in-law Donna Seifert, son-in-law Sandy Gabel, daughter Laura Gabel, and Ferguson. Unavailable for the photo was daughter-in-law Amine Seifert. (Photo Credit: VGCC)
Donald C. Seifert Sr. has been a member of the VGCC Board of Trustees since 1996 and served as the chair of the board for nine of those years. Appointed to the board by the Vance County Board of Education, he also serves on the college’s Endowment Fund Board of Directors.
“Our parents have shown us, through their good examples, that we should give back to our community,” the members of the Seifert family said in their statement announcing the honor. “They have demonstrated over and over again just how to give and why.” The statement was read by Eddie Ferguson, director of the college’s Office of the Endowment.
“Community can be defined in many ways,” Ferguson read. “Community is our home, our neighborhood, our workplace, our church and our community college. (Our parents) give – and have given – generously of their time, their talent, and their treasure for many years…. Their community is so important to them – they have dedicated themselves to their community – their hometown.”
“Their children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren establish this scholarship to honor two special people and their commitment to the place they call home. They will, no doubt, downplay their role and the many ways they support and contribute to this community. That is who they are and that is what makes them special to us and, we hope, to their community. Those of you who have helped to create scholarships that we honor tonight, thank you. Those of you who are scholarship recipients, go and be a blessing to others in your community – however you define your community,” the statement concluded.
The announcement by Dr. Gordon Burns, VGCC’s interim president, and Ferguson was a surprise to the father and mother. As the details of the scholarship were being announced, the family members filed into the Civic Center to join them on stage.
“It’s exciting to see the bar raised in our efforts to help students receive the financial assistance they need in getting an education so that they can pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Burns. “We commend the Seifert family for their passion for community and expressing that passion through the support of our students.”
The Seiferts have one daughter and three sons, all of whom attended the event, along with their son-in-law and two daughters-in-law: Laura Seifert Gabel and husband Sandy, of Oxford; Donald C. “Clem” Seifert Jr. and Donna, of Wilmington; Brent Seifert and Jennifer, of Salisbury; and Sam Seifert of Decatur, Ga., whose wife, Amine, was unable to attend.
With the new scholarship level, the Endowment Fund now has four tiers of scholarships. In addition to the new Presidential Excellence Award, a $25,000 donation creates a Presidential Scholar Award that provides $1,250 per year to a student; a Presidential Merit Award, started with a $15,000 donation, awards $750 per year to a student; and a gift of $10,000 starts an Academic Achievement Scholarship, which awards $500 a year to a student.
The scholarships presented to students at Vance-Granville this academic year bring the total to more than 9,400 awarded by the college to date. VGCC scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Seifert-VGCC-Scholarship-2018.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-19 16:58:102018-11-19 16:58:10Seiferts Honored By Family As New Scholarship Level Created At VGCC
-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson
Waste Industries will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22, 2018. To make up for the missed day, regularly-scheduled Thursday pick up will be done on Friday, November 23; regularly-scheduled Friday pick up will be done on Saturday, November 24.
Waste Industries will also be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2018, in observance of Christmas and Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in observance of New Year’s Day. For the time period of December 25-28, 2018, and January 1-4, 2019, regularly-scheduled pick up will be delayed by one day.
For additional information on the holiday schedule for the Vance Granville branch, please visit the Waste Industries website by clicking here.
Robin Pate, area coordinator with Samaritan’s Purse, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss “Operation Christmas Child,” the global ministry’s program to provide children around the world with both fun and necessary items.
According to their mission statement, Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Operation Christmas Child,” an annual project of Samaritan’s Purse since 1993, collects small gifts and fills “shoe boxes” with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The boxes are then delivered to children ages 2-14 in war-torn and/or impoverished countries all over the world.
“We work with countries that we know have few resources for children due to famine, poverty, war or disease,” said Pate. “We always work through local churches, but distribution may happen at an orphanage or a school.”
Packaged boxes are collected predominantly in the United States and are then delivered to approximately 100 countries all over the world. Samaritan’s Purse has set a goal this year of delivering 11 million boxes. “We start distributing boxes around Christmas and continue throughout the year,” Pate explained.
Participants are asked to start with a medium-sized cardboard or plastic box and to decide whether to pack for a boy or a girl in the age range of either 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. “We ask that you select a ‘wow’ item such as a soccer ball, stuffed animal or a doll and then fill in around the box,” Pate said.
According to Pate, the number one gift for both boys and girls is a soccer ball with a pump. Other suggestions of well-received items, in addition to stuffed animals and dolls, include roll-up fleece blankets, tee shirts, polo shirts, dresses, shoes and flip-flops.
“For most of these children, it is the first gift they’ve ever received, and it may be the only gift they ever receive,” said Pate. “We ask that people consider this and send good stuff – stuff that’s not going to tear up the first time the child uses it.”
The ministry also asks that candy, toothpaste, used or damaged items, war-related toys, breakables, food, liquids and seeds not be included as these items will not clear customs.
A donation of $9 is also suggested to cover project costs including collection, shipping and distribution of boxes. Participants can even see which country received their box by giving their donation online via the ‘Follow Your Box’ link. Donations are tax-deductible.
With November 12 -19 being National Collection Week for “Operation Christmas Child,” now is the time to bring your boxes to a local drop-off site. If you do not have a suitable box, a box will be provided for you to pack your items at the drop-off location.
Local drop-off locations include:
North Henderson Baptist Church – 1211 N. Garnett St., Henderson
Central Baptist Church – 2310 Ruin Creek Rd., Henderson
Tar River Baptist Association – 92 NC-56 Hwy. E, Louisburg
Flat River Baptist Association – 118 W. McClanahan St, Oxford
Additional drop-off hours and locations may be viewed by clicking here.
To find out more about Samaritan’s Purse and “Operation Christmas Child” including suggestions for box items, drop-off information, videos of the fun way boxes reach children and local volunteer opportunities, please visit www.samaritanspurse.com/occ.
To hear the interview in its entirety, click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Operation-Christmas-Child-Logo.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-11-16 16:53:422018-11-16 16:53:18Samaritan’s Purse Collecting Boxes for ‘Operation Christmas Child’ Through Monday
General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county: Franklin.
Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Youngsville Regional pump station in Youngsville. The spill was a result of rain on Monday, November 12, 2018. The spill occurred at 8:20 p.m. on November 12, 2018, and discharged until 5:30 a.m. on November 13, 2018. The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 10,800 gallons and it entered into an unnamed tributary of Richland Creek which is a tributary of the Neuse River Basin. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started clean up after the overflow stopped.
Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Franklinton Regional pump station in Franklinton. The spill was a result of rain on Monday, November 12, 2018. The spill occurred at 9:08 p.m. on November 12, 2018, and discharged until 9:33 p.m., then started discharging again at 12:46 a.m. on November 13, 2018, and discharged until 5:30 a.m. on November 13, 2018. The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 8,200 gallons and it remained on the pump station site. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started clean up after the overflow stopped.
The division of Water Quality was notified of these events on November 13, 2018, and is reviewing the matter. For additional information concerning this event, please contact Chris Doherty, Franklin County Public Utilities Director at (919) 556-6711. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us and our Facebook Page.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0056_Franklin-County-NC.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-15 16:55:362018-11-15 16:55:36Pump Stations in Franklin Co. Release 19K Gallons of Untreated Wastewater
LOUISBURG – Representatives from the N.C. Department of Transportation, Franklin County, and the 401 Citizens Action Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for a section of the U.S. 401 improvements project between N.C. 96 and Flat Rock Church Road/Clifton Pond Road.
Developed through extensive collaboration between state, local and federal institutions, the improvements along the greater U.S. 401 corridor in Wake and Franklin Counties are designed to widen the corridor to a four-lane median divided highway between north of Ligon Mill Road and N.C. 39 in Louisburg.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Tobacco Receiving Station in Louisburg, NCDOT Division Engineer Joey Hopkins thanked a host of local partners and emphasized the importance of the coming improvements: “This is an exciting time for transportation in Franklin County and our entire state. Together, with you, we have realized a vision to give folks a safer and more efficient route to travel. We are improving mobility, reducing congestion, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.”
Emceed by the N.C. Board of Transportation’s Valerie Jordan, the ceremony also included remarks from Sidney Dunston, Franklin County Board of Commissioners; Cedric Jones, Franklin County Board of Commissioners; Gary Cunard, 401 Citizens Action Committee; and The Honorable Lucy Allen, Former Representative, N.C. House of Representatives.
Once started, this latest section of improvements is expected to open by Summer 2022.
***NCDOT***
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NCDOT-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-11-14 16:54:582018-11-14 16:54:58Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for U.S. 401 Improvements Project
