Tag Archive for: #thelocalskinny

37th Annual VGCC Golf Tourney May 3 and 4

/by

Vance-Granville Community College’s 37th annual golf tournament is less than one month away, and VGCC Foundation Executive Director Eddie Ferguson said the event is shaping up to be the most successful ever.

There’s a wait list for golfers, and more than 70 sponsors have signed on so far, Ferguson said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny.

He said the tournament has pledges of about $131,000. Last year’s tournament netted about $110,000. There are still plenty of opportunities to sponsor – $500 to be a greens sponsor and $150 to sponsor a tee box. Each of these sponsorships includes signage with the sponsor’s name, logo and phone number, Ferguson said.

This year’s tournament will be held at Henderson Country Club over two afternoons – Monday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 4. Proceeds are used to help students not only with tuition and books, but with other emergency needs that arise as well.

The tournament consistently brings in at least $100,000 that can be given “directly to students with these different needs and other initiatives of the community college,” Ferguson said. The support over the years from the community and the success of the tournament year after year is “a testament to the community and how they perceive and recognize and value the community college,” he said.

Employers in the four counties that VGCC serves rely on the college for future employees, as well as workforce training and other points associated with economic development. “Honestly, the biggest thing is that the community appreciates what the community college does,” Ferguson said.

Other sponsors include:

Title Sponsor – Gupton’s Services

Afternoon Round Sponsors – Altec and Killian Engineering

Health care Sponsor – Granville Health System

Scoreboard Sponsor – Rose Oil

Car Sponsor – Charles Boyd Chevrolet

Pharmacy Sponsor – Mast Drug.

Driving Range Sponsor – Wester Insurance

Soft Drink Sponsor – Durham Coca-Cola

Contact Ferguson at fergusone@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264.

 

The Local Skinny! April 7; Home And Garden Show

/by

Wayne Rowland and Paul McKenzie of the Vance Co. Agriucultural Extension Service offer home and garden tips.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Jobs in Vance Update Mar 6; The Local Skinny!

/by

JOBS IN VANCE UPDATE MARCH 6, 2021

The following information was compiled by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and is presented here as a public service.

 

Lowe’s Home Improvement has openings for Customer Service positions.  Contact Eric Kitchen, Lowes Manager at (252) 436-0050.

 

The Henderson Family YMCA

Actively recruiting for the following positions:

Aquatics Director:   Seeking responsible, engaging and determined candidate to join our Aquatics team in providing a safe environment for our swimming members and participants. Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.  Minimum age of 21. Bachelor Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, or other related field or related experience is preferred. Experience in aquatics management, leadership, motivation, public relations and staff supervision. Previous experience in water safety, swim instruction and pool management helpful.

Nursery Attendant:  Part time position for drop-in childcare.  Promote a nurturing, caring, and professional atmosphere by providing excellent childcare and exemplifying our YMCA values. Enthusiastically greet parents and their children as they arrive. Provide courteous and efficient service, communicate with parents, and supervise a group of children in a nursery setting.

Member Services:  Part time position for Front Desk.  Staff is responsible for welcoming members and guests into the facility, for answering and transferring calls, and for communicating policy and program information. The individual must be able to provide exceptional customer service with a positive and welcoming attitude by helping multiple people at one time, uphold standards and policies and handle situations that require conflict resolution.  Minimum requirements: Age 18; basic math and reading skills; computer skills; phone skills and accountability with money.

 

Select Products in Vance County

Type of Employment:

    • Full Time day shift 6:00am-6:00pm Monday – Thursday
    • Full Time second shift 6:00pm-6:00am Monday – Thursday
    • Full Time third shift 6:00am-6:30pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday includes a four-hour bonus if 36-hour shift is completed.

Hiring for:

Production Packing Employees

Fork Truck Operator Employees

Machine Operator Employees

Supervisor

Call NC Works to apply and for details about each position; 252-438-6129

Brewer Cycles

Job openings:

Service Technician

Service Writer

Detailer

Set Up/Assembly person

Stop by Brewer Cycles on 420 Warrenton Road, Henderson to fill out an application.

Granville-Vance Public Health Department

Job Opening for a Processing Assistant III

Contact NC Works office to apply:  857 S Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC  or call 252-438-6129

Benchmark Bank

Job Opening for a Relationship Teller position.

Contact NC Works office to apply:  857 S Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC  or call 252-438-6129

Fred’s Towing and Transport

Job Opening for a Second Shift Dispatcher – 5 pm – 11 pm during the week, and every other weekend 12 hours on Saturday and Sunday.  Some light office work included (answering phones and dispatching calls).  Apply in person to Karrie Fogg, owner, at Fred’s Towing, 340 Industry Drive in Henderson during the week, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm.

 

 

The Local Skinny March 31; Home And Garden Show

/by

Wayne Rowland and Paul McKenzie of the Vance County Agricultural Extension Service provide gardening tips.

For complete details and full audio click play.

 

The Local Skinny March 29; Tracy Madigan New HVDDC Dir

/by

Tracy Madigan, presently the manager of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, has accepted a new position effective April 1. She will be the new director of the Henderson-Vance County Downtown Development Commission (DDC). Madigan confirmed the move in a text late last week saying, “I accepted the position as DDD. I have agreed to continue running the market through May — it’s only open on Saturdays — or until they hire a replacement, whichever comes first. Very hard decision; I love our farmers market!”

City Manager Terrell Blackmon confirmed the hire last week while discussing the passing of Dr. Stephen Pearson, who died Thursday at the age of 57. Pearson was at the time of his death the chairman of the DDC board of directors. Blackmon said, “She will be a City employee beginning April 1, 2021. She will be the City’s Downtown Development Director. … She will manage the City’s Main Street Program. She is replacing our previous Director Kathy Walters.”

Blackmon said one of Pearson’s “last acts as DDC Chair in recent weeks was serving on the interview panel for the hiring of the City’s new Downtown Director Tracy Madigan. His passion for Downtown Henderson was unmatched and he will truly be missed by the Henderson community.”

Paul McKenzie, agricultural area agent with Vance County Cooperative extension and immediate supervisor to Madigan, said, “We are incredibly grateful for everything Tracy has done for the market. She is a big part of the reason that the market is as successful as it’s been. Her dedication, her disposition, her demeanor, her professionalism, her creativity, I mean the list goes on and on and on. I mean, she’s the face of the market. We’re very very thrilled that she’s got this new position that she’s clearly very excited about and where she’ll be able to continue making a great contribution that uses her talents to the community.”

According to what Blackmon said, it’s the private industry experience, managing the farmers market and knowledge of the Henderson community that make Madigan a great fit for downtown. He said those are big pluses. “Farmers are also entrepreneurs/small business owners, therefore Tracy already has considerable knowledge in the marketing, retention and expansion of small businesses,” Blackmon said.

McKenzie said, “In a way, we haven’t even lost her because she’s still going to be a champion of the community and a champion of the farmers market.”

He said he was confident of finding a new manager to build on the past and present successes of the market. McKenzie felt like a smooth transition would be forthcoming.

Others are ready to help with a smooth transition for Madigan as well. “The NC Main Street program staff are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to assist with any additional training and technical assistance that Tracy will need to perform her job to the best of her ability,” Blackmon said.

He said, “When recruiting for the position, I certainly leaned on the Chamber Commerce along with other groups and individuals in the community to assist the City with identifying viable candidates to fill the position. There was some interest outside of Henderson, but most of our candidates were local, as well as, our finalists.”

The Local Skinny March 25; Jamie Elliott, Grace Ministries – Easter Eggs and BBQ!

/by

Grace Ministries invites the community to an Easter egg hunt and a free barbecue lunch on Saturday, April 3.

Jamie Elliott said he expects to serve up 500 pounds of barbecue during this free event, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elliott spoke with John C. Rose on The Local Skinny Thursday to discuss the event, as well as other services that Grace Ministries offers.

Elliott said the egg hunt will follow the lunch, and there will be other games and activities for children. Anyone interested in donating either colorful, plastic eggs or candies to put in them are encouraged to do so. He needs the eggs and candy by April 1; desserts are also needed for the lunch, he said. These items can be dropped off at Grace Ministries, located at 961 Burr St., Henderson.

Grace Ministries is offering an after-school program for students, he said. Grace Kids operates on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. he said. Students from 6-18 years are welcome. In addition to homework help, the program provides participants with meals, Bible Study, crafts and outdoor activities.

Elliott said a Tuesday evening program for adults facing addiction problems is another service Grace Ministries provides to the community. The program is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The vision of Grace Ministries, according to the website, is “to have a positive impact on lives in Vance, Franklin, Granville and Warren counties, with the gospel of Jesus Christ…to reach as many who are willing to change their lives and turn away from addictions of any kind and the destructive lifestyles that come from addictions.”

Contact Elliott at 252.204.3617 for more information. Visit graceofhenderson.org to learn more.

The Local Skinny! Broadcast 3-25-21 with Jamie Elliott

 

The Local Skinny! March 23; H-V First Responders Doing Benefit

/by

Past and present individuals who serve various local fire, law enforcement, EMS and volunteer agencies, who form what’s commonly called Henderson Vance First Responders, are planning a 3,000 plate BBQ chicken sale for the local families of Ret. Capt. Mike Davis (HPD) and Master Trooper Brent Montgomery (SHP).

Both served in their respective areas of law enforcement, and both died as a result of covid complications. For a $10 donation, community members at large can enjoy the food, which will be available April 30th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will take place at 210 Industry Drive in Henderson. That’s the physical location the Tri-County Shrine Club uses, nearby to Mako, Servpro and Fred’s Towing.

The fundraising project is the brainchild of a number of current and past first responders according to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. He and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame are helping too along with the Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly known as the Henderson Shrine Club.

Sheriff Brame told WIZS News last week, “All the proceeds will go to the families of Captain Mike Davis and Trooper Brent Montgomery. Follow social media where you can make a donation. Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office have tickets on hand, so please stop by and make your donation.”

Subsequently, Brame has posted on his Facebook page, “The following persons and businesses have tickets; Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, Eastside Barber Shoppe, Ray Fields, James Lilley, Sheriff Brame, Chief Barrow, Billy Currin. If you would like to join us in helping get these tickets out please call 432-4307, and I will get you a stack of tickets. God Bless and thank all of you.”

The Local Skinny! Podcast

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

The Local Skinny! March 22; Covid Update

/by

Thank you for listening to WIZS — Your Community Voice.

“The Local Skinny!” also features Tradio — click here — and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report — click here.

The latest local data update on Covid-19, as of March 21, indicates right at 13 percent of the population of Vance County and Granville County are fully vaccinated.

In email correspondence that Lisa Harrison, health director at Granville Vance Public Health, sends out at least once per week, she wrote “Vance County — Total Doses Administered: 15,299; First Doses Administered: 9,614; Second Doses Administered: 5,685.  Granville County — Total Doses Administered: 21,036; First Doses Administered: 12,929; Second Doses Administered: 8,107.

“Vance County — Percentage of population at least partially vaccinated: 21.6%. Percentage of population fully vaccinated: 12.8%.

“Granville County — Percentage of population at least partially vaccinated: 21.4%. Percentage of population fully vaccinated: 13.4%.”

Additional links you are encouraged to use are “the NCDHHS COVID-19 Dashboard. Relevant graphs from these dashboards are available on our website at https://gvph.org/covid-19_dashboard/,” Harrison wrote.

For a seventh time overall and for the fifth straight NCAA tournament, seven ACC teams made the field (two remain at of 3-22-21 at 2 p.m.), and Harrison says the NCAA has a good model of safety for players, staff and fans  — https://www.ncaa.org/themes-topics/health-and-safety.

Harrison says the NCAA model is good, and it’s clear.  And Harrison and others around the country say we are at a turning point in the fight against the virus, a fork in the road if you will.

To continue the original basketball/model theme of Harrison’s email to WIZS News, the other type of models, like the ones you would use for forecasting the weather for example, these models being run on covid make one thing clear.  “Get your vaccine when it’s your turn and keep practicing the 3 Ws if we want to get out of this as fast as we can! We need to keep making an effort to flatten any future curves that could happen if we let our guard down too quickly or if we allow these variants to take off unchecked. We’re in this until we’re over the hump – and we don’t want any more upward trends,” Harrison wrote.

She wrote, “GVPH had the opportunity to participate in a pilot project recently to understand better how researchers at UNC, NC State University, and Georgia Tech (all good basketball schools I might add) are able to use systems engineering and simulations to model future scenarios related to the pandemic and our response. Very cool! Even more cool is they want to help us in public health with decision-making and communicating where it’s helpful.”

Presently in North Carolina, the daily percent positive is 4.9 percent.

“The Local Skinny!” March 18; Eddie Ferguson VGCC Foundation and more

/by

It may seem like a small detail, but Vance-Granville Community College officials have decided to change its fundraising arm from an endowment to a foundation.

Eddie Ferguson, executive director of the VGCC Foundation, said that changing one little word could make a big difference in fundraising opportunities.

Ferguson spoke with John C. Rose Thursday on The Local Skinny and said the move to become a foundation opens up additional opportunities for funding. The community college awards more than $250,000 each year to more than 350 students on the four campuses, he said.

“We’re very excited about becoming a foundation,” Ferguson said, as a way “to broaden our appeal to many more businesses and particularly other foundations that may want to support community colleges.”

Ferguson cited a recent example: VGCC secured a grant from the Cannon Foundation to repurpose some space at Main Campus and also to purchase equipment and truck driving simulators at the Warren Campus. Some foundations, he said, do not give to endowments, but by becoming a foundation, VGCC could receive additional grants like this one.

“The name change allows us to offer not only the ability to raise money for scholarships but also to help the college raise additional funds for the different types of initiatives and program that we need to create and enjoy,” he said.

Another advantage of a foundation is to raise funds for the college itself, the same way a capital campaign works, he said. “We have many programs that we’d like to expand upon and start and repurpose,” Ferguson said.

There are several ways to give to VGCC, including individuals writing checks and donating appreciated stock to churches and businesses establishing scholarships in memory or in honor of others. VGCC is still a 501c3 entity, which means that contributions may be tax deductible. Over the last 30 years or so, he said, the community has created hundreds of scholarships for VGCC students. That support has not wavered during the pandemic, he added.

“It’s an indication of support the community has provided to Vance-Granville,” he said. “They see the value of Vance-Granville in the community,” and Ferguson said the foundation name will enhance the giving opportunities for individuals, churches and other community businesses.

He estimated that between 15 percent and 20 percent of students receive scholarships. “In a rural community like ours, money is important, so we try to help students as best we can,” tuition, books and other fees can be costly, so “the more we can reduce the cost of education, the more a student can take advantage of education and improve their lot in life with economic mobility.”

To learn more, email Ferguson at fergusone@vgcc.edu or phone him at 252.738.3264.

Visit www.vgcc.edu and click on “Giving” to make a contribution online.

(THE LOCAL SKINNY! ON WIZS AT 11:30 A.M. MON-THURS ALSO TYPICALLY FEATURES CALLS FROM LISTENERS, ITEMS FOR SALE AND THE VANCE COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION REPORT.  CLICK HERE FOR THOSE “TRADIO-LIKE” ITEMS AND CLICK HERE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION REPORTS.)

buy, sell, trade items.NC Coop Extension