Tag Archive for: #localnews

VGCC Work-Based Learning program partners with Wake Public Defender’s office

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Students in the Criminal Justice Technology and Paralegal Technology programs at Vance-Granville Community College recently heard from a guest speaker, who spoke about his work in the justice system and about opportunities to jump-start their own careers while they are still students.

The speaker was Juan C. Bais, chief investigator for the Public Defender’s Office in North Carolina Judicial District 10 (Wake County), who has formed a new partnership with VGCC to offer Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities in his office.

WBL allows a student to gain relevant experience with an employer, while also earning academic credit that counts toward a degree. Many VGCC programs include WBL courses, either as a requirement or as an elective, as in the case of Criminal Justice Technology. WBL plays a role in VGCC’s five-year “Quality Enhancement Plan” (QEP) called “Advising in 3D: Dream, Design, Discover,” which is focused in part on improved career planning for students.

Bais learned about the program through his fellow investigator in the Public Defender’s Office, Gregory Porterfield, a former VGCC Paralegal Technology student. Both Bais and Porterfield are also former Raleigh Police Department officers. In his current position, Bais said his job is “to get the facts to help the attorneys in the public defender’s office, because when a defendant is appointed an attorney, the attorney may not have all the information they need.”

In order to help handle a large workload on a tight budget, District 10 Public Defender Charles F. Caldwell agreed to allow Bais to recruit a VGCC student to join their team through the WBL program. “It’s a win-win, for us and for the student, who will be getting credit,” Bais said. “I’m looking for a student who’s willing to work hard. I want them to work alongside me, see how it’s done and then do the work under my supervision, so they get real investigative experience that they can put on a resume.”

Bais added, “from what I hear, you are getting great preparation for the workforce at VGCC, and Work-Based Learning is a great opportunity for you.” His general advice to students in the criminal justice field is “to develop people skills, be dedicated and document everything.”

Porterfield also addressed the students, explaining that his office’s mission “is to make sure people are treated fairly, and that innocent people don’t go to jail…You have to be open-minded and not assume guilt or innocence in this line of work. I love to figure things out and put the puzzle pieces together.” He said that students going into law enforcement should always “go the extra mile” and “ask the additional question” so that their work holds up in court.

“Work-Based Learning offers our students work experience that connects directly to their majors,” according to Antoinette Dickens, who coordinates WBL while also heading up the Paralegal Technology program. “A Work-Based Learning experience is not only something that builds a student’s resume and skills, but it also often leads to a job after graduation. There’s nothing like that hands-on experience.”

For more information on Work-Based Learning at VGCC, contact Antoinette Dickens at dickensa@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3609.

Granville Chamber to Host 75th Annual Banquet

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The Granville County Chamber’s Annual Banquet has been scheduled for Monday evening, January 30th, 6:30 pm in Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus Civic Center.

The evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.  The Chamber’s Board of Directors is requesting that member businesses who are/will celebrate a significant business anniversary in 2017 notify the Chamber to be recognized – 5, 10, + years.

In celebration of 75 years, a very special program has been planned that is patriotic and indicative of the 1940’s when our Chamber was founded.  “Letters from Home – The Patriot” stars Erinn Diaz, America’s Bombshell Patriot.  This is “an exhilarating, energized, patriotic show that will have you singing, dancing, laughing, elbowing the person next to you and just bringing back amazing memories and definitely creating new ones.  Erinn Diaz’ ageless tape dancing, timeless singing and goofy interaction with the audience members will have you ‘hootin’ and a hollerin’ for a long time.’

Banquet sponsors are:  Duke Energy/Presenting Sponsor; BB&T, CertainTeed, Granville Health System, The School of Graphic Arts Print and Design Center and Vanness Chevrolet.

A buffet dinner will be provided. Tickets are $40 each.  Corporate tables of 8, with reserved seating, are available for $300.00.  Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380.00.  Tickets/reservations are required prior to the event.  Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices –  919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

 

VGCC Early Childhood program ranked in top 10 nationwide

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The Early Childhood Education program at Vance-Granville Community College recently received recognition as one of the top ten best values in its field across the United States. VGCC came in at number eight on the list of the nation’s most affordable online early childhood degrees published by Texas-based AffordableColleges.com.

The organization, which also recently recognized the VGCC Criminal Justice program, ranked community college programs based on how they combined quality with affordability. VGCC was praised not only for its affordable tuition and financial aid options but also for its low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and its technology resources. The organization’s stated mission is “to help students find a path to a rewarding, quality education that won’t leave them crippled by student debt.”

All of VGCC’s Early Childhood Education courses are offered either fully-online and/or in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with traditional face-to-face instruction. “After the spring 2017 semester, the only course that will not be offered fully-online will be our practicum course, in which our students apply what they’ve learned by working in an early learning or child care center under the supervision of qualified teachers,” explained Tracey Bennett Carter, who chairs the Education department at VGCC.

“We are excited that our program has been nationally recognized, which we attribute to our outstanding faculty, who maintain high academic standards to prepare students for the important work of nurturing and teaching young children,” Carter added.

The VGCC Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares students to work with children from birth through age eight in diverse learning environments. Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs; preschools; public and private schools; recreational centers; Head Start Programs; and school-age programs.

VGCC offers not only the two-year associate degree in Early Childhood Education, but also a three-semester diploma program and three certificate options, as well as a certificate in Infant/Toddler Care.

Registration is going on now for the spring 2017 semester at VGCC, which begins Jan. 9. For more information on Early Childhood Education, contact Tracey Bennett Carter at (252) 738-3471 or bennettt@vgcc.edu.

Shooting reported on East Andrews Avenue in Henderson

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On November 24, 2016 at approximately 1:12 AM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 614 E. Andrews Ave in reference to property damage to a residence. Upon arrival, officers found that a bullet had traveled through the front door of the residence. Officers also learned that the shooting that took place was between an unknown male subject standing in front of the residence and subjects in the parking lot of 517 E. Andrews Ave. (Quick Stop). There were no reports of physical injury to the occupants of the residence.

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Vehicle B&E Reported at Time Warner Cable in Downtown Henderson

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On November 28, 2016 at approximately 10:00 AM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 215 Young St, Henderson (Time Warner Cable) in reference to a vehicle breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee who stated that sometime during the weekend someone broke into and entered one of their company vehicles (2008 Ford Escape). The reporting party advised that nothing appeared to have been taken.

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation endows new VGCC Scholarship

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The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation recently endowed a new scholarship specifically designed to support Vance-Granville Community College Nursing students who are enrolled in a new program to complete bachelor’s degrees.

In awarding the “Triangle North Healthcare Foundation RIBN Academic Achievement Award” scholarship, preference will be given to students in the “Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses” (RIBN) program. RIBN students are simultaneously enrolled at the community college and North Carolina A&T State University. They earn associate’s degrees in nursing through VGCC over three years (while also taking A&T courses online) and then continue for one year of additional courses at A&T required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Val Short, the executive director of the foundation, and Dr. Roddy Drake, chairman of the foundation’s board of directors, visited the college to present contributions to the VGCC Endowment Fund. The new endowment marks a continuation of the partnership between the college and the foundation, which has already created a scholarship for students in VGCC Health Sciences programs.

“As part of our mission of service to the region, we are pleased to be able to provide a second scholarship,” Short said. “Education is something that we value, especially the education of our future health care professionals.”

Both Short and Drake noted that higher education is important to the foundation in general, beyond its benefits for workforce development. “Additional education is associated with improved health for people in our region, because having education beyond high school moves people out of poverty,” said Drake, a retired public health director. “Education and the economy directly influence health outcomes.”

Short added that the foundation was particularly interested in supporting the RIBN program. “This is a great opportunity for students in our area to be able to earn a bachelor’s degree without having to leave their home community for four years,” she said. “In addition, having a bachelor’s degree provides more opportunities for nurses to grow professionally and have more career options, so we are glad to be part of such a partnership.”

The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is a regional grant-making organization that was established in 2011 as the successor to the Maria Parham Healthcare Foundation. The foundation focuses on Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, which also constitute the college’s service area. Its mission is to encourage, support, and invest in quality efforts that measurably improve health in the Triangle North region.

“We are grateful to the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation for partnering with our college to further enhance the RIBN program,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “This scholarship will be a new source of support that will help outstanding Nursing students to achieve professional and personal success.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,500 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Oxford Prep to Hold Open House and Shadow Days

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Open House on Tuesday 12/6 for Prospective New Families

Oxford Preparatory School invites families of prospective students to learn more about the unique offerings of the school. Information sessions will be held at 6:00. Afterwards, tours will be conducted that will allow the opportunity to meet faculty and students.

Open House Dates:

– Tuesday 12/6/16
– Thursday 1/19/17

Student Shadow Days

Oxford Preparatory School invites prospective students to spend time visiting the school so they can experience our unique school program firsthand. Visiting students accompany OPS student guides through their classes during a four-hour visit. It’s a chance to meet the staff and the students and to get a snapshot view of our engaging college preparatory classes. Shadow days take place on the following schedule.

Shadow Days:

– Friday 12/16/16 from 11:10 – 3:10
– Friday 1/20/17 from 11:10 – 3:10

Please call the Oxford Preparatory School office at (919)690-0360, or email our Office Manager, Kate Reetz at Reetzk@oxfordprep.org to make an appointment.

Community Partners of Hope in Urgent Need of Help

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We are in desperate need of volunteers for overnight supervision (9:00 p.m. through 6:30 a.m.). We have 6 peaceful men and we do not want to put them out on the street.

Please contact me if you can step up for any of the dates below or if you can help during December.

Jane King – (252)432-9494

Saturday, 11/19 – tomorrow!
Tuesday through Saturday 11/22-11/26 – next week.

Community Partners of Hope helps homeless men with their immediate need for food, a warm safe place to sleep, and access to shower and toilet facilities for the night. At this time we run a temporary emergency shelter only but expect to expand our services as we grow.
We also try to help men in need to find help to change their circumstances by referrals to the right training, rehabilitation, and support organizations.

VGCC SkillsUSA students donate bottled water to hurricane victims

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Criminal Justice Technology students at Vance-Granville Community College recently conducted a bottled water drive through the college chapter of SkillsUSA. The service project was designed to assist fellow North Carolinians who suffered shortages of clean water as a result of Hurricane Matthew.

VGCC students worked in partnership with the Henderson Police Department, which was collecting bottled water along with several other local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. HPD officers picked up the 47 donated cases of water from the students on Nov. 3.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. Founded in 1965 as V.I.C.A. (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA has served more than 12 million members in its history. Today, the organization has more than 360,000 students and instructors as members nationwide.

The SkillsUSA chapter provides VGCC students with opportunities for leadership, professional development, community service and social activities. Students in a number of different curriculum programs at VGCC are eligible to join.

For more information on the VGCC Criminal Justice program, contact program head William Clements at clementsw@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3242.

HPD and VCSO offer Gun Buy Back Program

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Our local law enforcement’s “Gun Buy Back Program” asks you to anonymously surrender unwanted and illegal firearms with “No Questions Asked” and receive a Visa gift card in return. Assault weapons will receive a $150.00 Visa prepaid gift card and handguns will receive a $100.00 Visa prepaid gift card. Rifles and shotguns will receive a $75.00 Visa prepaid gift card.

The “Gun Buy Back Program” will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at two locations:

Gang Free Inc. located at 940 County Home Road, Henderson, NC 27536

Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department located at 54 W. Main Street Kittrell, NC 27544

 

Vehicle Procedure

The following procedure MUST be followed in order to receive a gift card:

  • Place the unloaded gun inside your trunk, truck bed, or cargo area before leaving your home. Gun must be brought to the site unloaded.
    • Approach the location. Signs will be posted for directions to enter the facility’s driveway.
    • Officers will direct you to the designated area.
    • Please remain in your vehicle at all times. An officer will remove the gun. (If you cannot remotely open the trunk or rear hatch from the driver’s seat, you must hand the officer the key.)
    • After the gun is determined to be a working firearm, a gift card will be given – “No Questions Asked”

Walk-up Procedure

  • Place the unloaded gun inside a bag you can carry before leaving your home. Gun must be brought to the site unloaded.
    • Approach the designated location. Signs will be posted directing you to remain in mthe designated area until approached by an officer.
    • Officers will provide you with directions to follow.
    • After the gun is determined to be a working firearm, a gift card will be given – “No Questions Asked”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Gun Buyback Program?
The gun buyback program is a proactive campaign to take guns off our streets. The buyback program asks residents to turn in their gun(s) and in return receive a Visa prepaid gift card. The “no questions asked” program will allow individuals to anonymously dispose of firearms without fear of charges for illegal possession when turning in the weapon.

Q: How is the gun buyback program funded?
The program is funded by two sources. First, the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office. Second, from donations made to Gang Free Inc. from businesses, churches and organizations.

Q: Why is the community launching this program?
This program is a partnership effort between the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Gang Free Inc. This community has been impacted by gun violence. Taking guns off the street is at the heart of violence prevention and we must do everything we can to put an end to the senseless violence. Every gun turned into the program is a life potentially saved.

Q: Will I get arrested when I deliver a gun to the buyback program? Do I have to identify myself?
No, you will not be arrested when you deliver the gun. However, you must follow the turn in procedure. You will not have to identify yourself. This is a “No Questions Asked” program that means you will remain anonymous when you drop off the firearm.

Q: What types of guns are accepted?
All guns will be accepted. Gift cards will be issued only for assault weapons, handguns, rifle/shotguns. These will also have to be workable firearms. Whether a gun is “workable” will be determined by the officer screening the weapon. BB or pellets guns and ammunition will be accepted without compensation.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of guns I can turn in?
There are no limits to the number of guns that you can turn in as long as buy back money is available. After the buyback spends the entire budget, guns may still be surrendered without payment.

Q: What happens after the gun is turned in?
All weapons will be stored by the Police Department and handled according to state law. If possible, recovered stolen weapons will be returned to the rightful owner(s).

Q: Are gun buyback programs proven to reduce gun violence?
We do know that if a gun is turned in, it will not be used in a future crime. The buyback program is one part of a larger strategy and opportunity to mobilize our community in joint efforts against gun violence. This program demonstrates Henderson’s commitment for safer streets. “No Questions Asked” embraces the philosophy that one fewer gun on the street is potentially many lives saved.