Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

NCDOT

Parham Road Bridge Closure Starts Monday

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation 

The Parham Road bridge over Interstate 85 in Henderson will be closed for three weeks starting Monday, April 29, 2019. The closure is needed so a contractor can safely put a concrete latex overlay in place on the bridge’s road surface, extending its life and making it a smoother ride for motorists.

Exit and on-ramps for I-85 at the location will remain open.

A signed detour will be in place. Travelers going east on Parham Road will be sent onto I-85 South to the next exit (N.C. 39), where they should turn left at the end of the ramp and then left again onto I-85 North to get back to Parham Road. Westbound drivers have a similar detour, instead going north on I-85 to the next exit (Satterwhite Road), where they can turn around onto I-85 South to return to Parham Road on the other side of the bridge.

Drivers should use caution as they approach the closure from either side and should anticipate needing more time to travel through the area because of the detour.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

News 04/24/19

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New Location for Tri-County Shrine Club’s Annual Fish Fry

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The Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly Henderson Shrine Club, will hold its 56th annual Shriners Fish Fry on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Changing the name to more accurately reflect the members’ residing counties, the Tri-County Shrine Club looks forward to the spring fish fry each year.

Treasurer Donald Seifert, who was interviewed on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, said the name of the club is not the only difference this year – the location has also changed.

“Our former fish fry location on Raleigh Road was leased and is no longer available,” said Seifert. “The Shrine Club has been meeting at 210 Industry Drive behind Lowe’s Home Improvement in Henderson for some time now, so we decided to adapt that location to work for this year’s fish fry.”

The fish fry will be drive-through pickup only; no plates will be consumed on the premises. Deliveries will be available for 10 or more plates.

For $8 a ticket, supporters will receive a “generous portion” of fried fish, coleslaw, potato salad and hushpuppies.

As in prior years, proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, a fact that Seifert says hasn’t changed throughout the fundraiser’s history.

“We certainly hope we can continue to support those hospitals because they do such great work for children. It’s a wonderful association.”

To purchase a ticket, please call Seifert at (252) 438-8355 or WIZS’ own John Charles Rose at (252) 432-0774. Rose has volunteered to help with deliveries on the day of the event.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Donald Seifert in its entirety, click here.

Education Veteran to Address VGCC Basic Skills Grads

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.

Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.

Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.

In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.

Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.

Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Let’s End School Bullying! ‘Stop Bullying for Jacob’ Forum – May 6

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Tourism Authority’s Facebook Page

BoHo’s Party Place & Restaurant, 214 Raleigh Rd in Henderson, will hold an anti-bullying forum titled “Stop Bullying for Jacob” on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.

Parents, teachers, government officials and the media are invited to attend this event to discuss ways to prevent bullying and save lives.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Kerr Lake Park Watch: Upcoming 2019 Fishing Tournaments

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-Information courtesy the Kerr Lake Park Watch Facebook page 

From the US Army Corps of Engineers, here is a list of the permitted fishing tournaments according to the Corps’ Glenn Card:

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Special Events List

4/27/2019 – 4/28/2019 New Horizon Bass Anglers NHBA Kerr Tournament, 6 – 8 Occoneechee
4/27/2019 – Piedmont Bass Classics, 75 Flemingtown Road
4/27/2019 – Hope Baptist Church Charity Fishing Tournament, 15 Longwood Boat Ramp
4/27/2019 – FlW T-H Marine BFL NC #3, 150 Nutbush Bridge
4/28/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra Kerr Spring Final, 30 Occoneechee
4/28/2019 – Meherrin Bassmasters Monthly Club Tournament, 15 County Line
5/4/2019 – 5/5/2019 VA BASS Federation Mr. Bass, 110 North Bend Park
5/4/2019 – Piedmont Bass Classics, 75 Flemingtown Road
5/4/2019 – 5/5/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 High School Champs, 70 Occoneechee
5/11/2019 – Halifax Vol. Fire Dept HVFD 18th Annual Tournament, 50 Staunton River State Park
5/11/2019 – Fishers of Men, Tournament FDM NC Central Legacy To, 20 Henderson Point
5/18/2019 – American Bass Anglers Bass Pro Shops ABA Open, 75 Nutbush Bridge
5/18/2019 – Region 8 Va Bass Federation Region 8 Tournament, 30 Eastland Creek
5/18/2019 – 5/19/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 Championship 90 Occoneechee
5/18/2019 – Region 1 Va Bass Federation Region 1, 25 Longwood Boat Ramp
5/18/2019 – Bojangles Pro-Am, 70 Henderson Point
5/18/2019 – 5/19/2019 – Ridgeway Bass Anglers Club Tournament, 20 Longwood Boat Ramp
5/25/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
6/1/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra 2019 CATT Championship, 100 Nutbush Ramp
6/2/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra 2019 CATT Championship, 100 Nutbush Ramp
6/2/2019 – Bass Nation Of Va Reg 2 Region 2 Stop #2, 20 Rudds Creek

6/8/2019 – Anglers Choice Choice Invit Team 150-200, Occoneechee
6/8/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra Old Noth Qualifier, 40 Flemingtown Road
6/8/2019 – Jon Boat Bass Club of NC JBBC Camping Tournament, 20 Nutbush Bridge
6/15/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
6/22/2019 – 5 Alive Team Trail, 25 Ivy Hill
6/29/2019 – Southwestern VA Bassmaster Bass Tournament, 25 Ivy Hill
6/30/2019 – Pamunky River Mini-Series Bass Tournament, 21 Rudds Creek
8/31/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
9/14/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
9/28/2019 – 9/29/2019 – American Bass Anglers Bass Pro Shops ABA Open, 75 Nutbush Bridge
10/5/2019 – Jon Boat Bass Club of NC JBBC Points Tournament, 20 Longwood Boat Ramp
10/5/2019 – 10/6/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 Championship, 90 Occoneechee
10/5/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
10/12/2019 – 10/13/2019 Anglers Choice Invit Team, 150-200 Occoneechee
10/19/2019 – Meherrin Bassmasters Monthly Club Tournament, 15 County Line
11/9/2019 – 11/10/2019 – Virginia Bassmasters Club Bass Tournament, 11 Rudds Creek
1/27/2020 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Fishing Tournament, 20-25 Longwood Boat Ramp

Bait up, boat up and remember in the boat or in the water, practice the US Army Corps of Engineers water safety motto: “Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns.”

Let’s be safe out there.

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

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

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

A Part of the Heritage! Series

A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. STARRING DAVID HAYES.

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Atlantic City Weekly

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

– New Haven Register

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

– Now That’s Entertainment – Parent World

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

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 04/23/19

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LaRocca, New Director of Communications, Encouraged by VGCC’s ‘Fresh Approach’

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Christopher LaRocca, director of communications for Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

LaRocca, who joined the college in March after 15 years with Duke University, said his own experience as a graduate of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York made the possibility of working for VGCC appealing.

“Vance-Granville is giving me another opportunity to give back to the community college system that gave so much to me,” LaRocca said. “I gained valuable tools learning how to manage my time, learning how to focus academically, and then using those skills at a four-year college and in my career.”

In addition to Duke University, LaRocca’s career includes stints with the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

While LaRocca believes his educational path was the key to success in his career, he agrees that everyone must define success in their own terms – an opportunity readily offered by the community college system.

“I’m a big proponent of education. I’m a big advocate of getting a four-year degree and even going on to get a master’s degree; however, I’m also aware that college isn’t for everyone. Sometimes getting a two-year degree in a skill or trade is enough to be successful,” stated LaRocca.

While less than two months into his new position, LaRocca said he is encouraged by the positive growth he has already witnessed under the leadership of VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, joined VGCC as the institution’s seventh president in January.

“I love the new, fresh approach at the college. Dr. Desmarais has some wonderful ideas in terms of restructuring and her view on where the college could be in the next few years.”

In a recent Town Talk interview with WIZS, Desmarais explained her vision promoted economic turnaround by helping the four-county area transition “from tobacco and old-style manufacturing into healthcare and biotech innovation.”

Part of that vision, according to LaRocca, is promoting new programs at the college to ensure students have the skills needed to be eligible for emerging career opportunities in the local area.

Two of VGCC’s newest programs – Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security – will be offered as certificate and associate degree programs through the Information Technology Department beginning fall 2019.

“We are making strides to create new programs so there is something available for everyone. I encourage the community to check out our website frequently (www.vgcc.edu) for updates,” said LaRocca.

LaRocca also invites the community to attend upcoming events at VGCC, including:

To hear the Town Talk interview with LaRocca in its entirety, click here. LaRocca’s portion of the interview begins at the 10:00 mark.

Reminder: Vance Co. Hazardous Waste Collection & Recycling Event Next Sat.!

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-Information and flyer courtesy the Vance County Appearance Commission

The annual Vance County Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Recycling Day event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Operations Center at 900 South Beckford Drive in Henderson. The event is free and open to all residents of Vance County.

The event provides a safe and responsible way for local residents to dispose of unwanted old paints, insecticides and pesticides, as well as old medications, televisions and computer hardware. It also provides a way for residents to securely shred unwanted or old personal documents and properly recycle appropriate household items.

Residents can simply bring their materials for disposal and recycling to the event on April 27, and volunteers will be on hand to assist in unloading the items from residents’ vehicles and getting them to the proper vendor.

Vendors scheduled to be on hand at the event include:

  • Ecoflow and N.C. Department of Agriculture officials to accept paints, pesticides, batteries, cleaners, light tubes, propane gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and mixed solvents;
  • Vance County Sheriff’s Department deputies to accept prescription drugs, antibiotics, pain medications, allergy medications and any over-the-counter unwanted medications;
  • Local Government Federal Credit Union officials with a shredding truck to securely shred at the site any personal, important documents;
  • Waste Industries bins to collect old or unwanted televisions, computer monitors and computer CPUs;
  • Waste Industries bins to collect cardboard, metal and aluminum cans, plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and containers, newsprint and magazines.

This event is for local residential customers and not designed to take items from businesses or industries.

For additional information on the Collection and Recycling Day, residents may contact Jason Falls, Vance County Environmental Services director, at 252-738-2090 or jfalls@vancecounty.org.