Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Free, Local Grocery Delivery Service in Need of Volunteers & Recipients

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Scarlette Walker, NC State Coordinator for Shopping Angels, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Shopping Angels is an entirely volunteer-based program that was founded in March by Jayde Powell, an undergraduate pre-med student at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The premise is simple: volunteers grocery shop for individuals who are especially at-risk for COVID-19 and/or those with other health issues, seniors, parents of young children and those who are self-isolating due to possible COVID-19 exposure. Requested groceries are delivered to the recipient’s home with no additional fees added; all the recipient pays is the price on the grocery receipt.

Volunteers or “shopping angels” are matched with recipients and will contact them for a grocery list. Wearing a mask and gloves, volunteers will then go grocery shopping, bring the groceries to the recipient’s door, return to their car and call the recipient to let them know their groceries have arrived.

The volunteers keep in touch with recipients throughout the process and, upon delivery, recipients exchange cash for their items or work out another payment arrangement that is more convenient.

Walker stated clients are never expected to pay more than the exact cost of the groceries as reflected on the receipt, are never expected to pay before groceries are delivered and are not expected to pay gas money, tips or delivery fees.

While the response to Walker’s initial efforts to get Shopping Angels up and running in Vance County has been slow, she was pleased to report that one individual has agreed to sponsor a resident in need of groceries.

“Shopping Angels allows you to request services for yourself or a specific person such as a family member by visiting www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and clicking on the “Request Services” tab,” explained Walker. “Services are offered across the U.S., so service requests are available for various cities and states.”

With food assistance proving a huge topic during the COVID-19 situation, Shopping Angels also has a “Give Now” feature online that allows for donations specifically by the state and city of choice.

To volunteer, to request service or to become a sponsor, visit www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and complete the appropriate form.

For those without computer access, those who need assistance with the forms or with general questions, please contact Walker directly at (252) 226-0131. If Walker is unavailable, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

To hear the interview with Walker in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

L.B Yancey Elementary Thanks Families for Remote Learning Dedication

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-Information and photos courtesy Edward Ortega, Assistant Principal, L.B. Yancey and Pinkston St.

On Sunday, May 10, 2020, staff members at L.B Yancey Elementary School came together for a car parade through areas of the school neighborhood. The goal was to appreciate parents and students for their positivity, flexibility and resiliency during these trying times.

Parents were given a rose and candy, while students were given materials to make a Mother’s Day gift along with other items.

Our families have been committed to the new learning format and we wanted to say thank you for your support throughout this process. Teachers were excited to see students and encouraged them to keep working hard. It was an evening of community and camaraderie.

L.B. Yancey staff pose for a picture prior to the start of the parade.

Dr. Carnetta Thomas, principal at L.B. Yancey, waved at students who were excited to see the parade.

Antonea Nowell received a flower, candy and a goodie bag from L.B. Yancey staff.

Jaden Spruill excitedly waved as the parade went by.

Rasheeda Ingram waved as the school parade participants handed her a rose.

VGCC Vice President Earns Doctoral Degree

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Jerry E. Edmonds, III, the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, is now “Doctor Edmonds.” He recently received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin-based Edgewood College.

His doctoral dissertation was entitled, “How North Carolina Economic Development Leaders Perceive the N.C. Community College System and Rural Economic Development.”

Jerry E. Edmonds, III, the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, recently received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin-based Edgewood College. (VGCC photo)

“We congratulate Dr. Edmonds on his academic accomplishments, and we look forward to his continuing leadership in efforts to help our students and our local employers through job training and continuing education,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “He is a role model for our students, many of whom are also training and learning to grow as professionals while working full-time.”

A resident of Henderson, Edmonds joined VGCC in 2019. He oversees training programs that respond to community needs and prepare students for workforce success, including apprenticeship programs, and economic development support for the region.

In addition, Edmonds leads the development of partnerships with businesses and government agencies and coordinates outreach and marketing for the entire college.

Edmonds previously served as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Halifax Community College. Prior to his role as Dean, he served as the Small Business Center Director at Halifax Community College, from 2014 until 2017.

Edmonds worked for International Business Machines (IBM) and Johnson and Johnson in the private sector before entering the higher education field, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with an emphasis on Marketing, from Marshall University in 1985 and his Master of Science degree in Human Services Management from Springfield College in 2001.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Receives Technology Donations to Improve Remote Learning

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is pleased to announce two recent donations, providing the district with additional resources to assist with our Remote Learning Plan.

Technology and digital access are valuable resources within the digital interface for our students choosing the online virtual learning experience or the blended model. Our goal is to continue to provide our students with all of the resources necessary to be successful, whether inside the classroom or through virtual platforms.

Lenovo Donates 800 Chromebooks

The philanthropy team at Lenovo recently approved the donation of 800 Lenovo 100e chrome books to Vance County Schools, each with a one-year warranty. Each computer also came with a Google license.

Additionally, the district was provided one year of access to the Lenovo LanSchool classroom management software. This donation, valued at over $160,000 in technology, allows us to provide more accessibility to our students. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Lenovo in aiding our efforts in remote learning.

VCS Selected to Receive WiFi Hotspots

Vance County Schools was chosen to receive four WiFi rangers to place on buses, allowing for further connectivity in our community. By utilizing smart buses, the district has the ability to take WiFi into communities where connectivity is an issue.

We are grateful for the NC Department of Information Technology and AT&T for their generosity.

United Way Awards $6,100 in Grants to Local Charitable Organizations

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-Information courtesy United Way of Vance County

The United Way of Vance County has awarded $6,100 in grants to local charitable organizations to assist needy families in Vance and Warren counties with food insecurities.

The grant funding was made possible with contributions to our United Way from corporations that serve our area.

With the corporate contributions, our United Way established a COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide grants to local nonprofits to assist families in need, with a special focus on providing the families with food.

The corporate contributions were received from Duke Energy, Truist Bank (formerly BB&T) and Vulcan Materials Company.

The United Way of Vance County Board of Directors reviewed submitted applications for the grant funds and awarded monies to Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS) in Henderson, Life Life Outreach Inc. in Henderson, and Loaves & Fishes Food Ministry in Warrenton. These three outstanding charitable organizations are using the funds to supply families during the COVID-19 pandemic with necessary food items.

“Our United Way board of directors believe it is very important to support the needs of our community during this very difficult time,” said Terri Hedrick, treasurer of the organization. “We have been contacted by many families expressing a dire need for food. So, we knew immediately how we wanted to help once our United Way received the contributions.”

“We can’t thank the outstanding corporations enough for their amazing generosity to support our community and we are very glad to allocate the grant funds to ACTS, Life Line and Loaves & Fishes, which work tirelessly to meet the food needs of disadvantaged families on a regular basis.”

The United Way of Vance County continues to accept donations for families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those interested in contributing may do so on our website at unitedwayvance.org or by contacting the organization by email at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

Aycock Rec. Center, Fox Pond Remain Closed; Most Outdoor Parks/Trails Open

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A statement from the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department:

Although NC Governor Roy Cooper issued a “soft opening” throughout the state, the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will remain closed to the public at this time.

While the order does reference the opening of parks, it is recommended that additional precautions be taken for community gatherings and that playgrounds remain closed.

Recreation is our business and our responsibility, therefore we are keeping our parks and playground equipment “closed” but will continue to encourage you to utilize the walking trails and tracks we have to offer.

We are asking our Henderson-Vance community to continue to practice social distancing in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Below is a list of Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities and their status.

Closed:

  • Aycock Recreation Center
    • Aycock Aquatic Center
  • Old Aycock Gym – Indoor Facility
  • Fox Pond Park
  • All Satellite Sites
    • First Presbyterian Church
    • Vance County Senior Center
  • All Playground Equipment and Structures

Remaining Open:

  • All Outdoor Parks, Trails and Tracks (excluding Fox Pond Park)

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will monitor the situation and make an assessment on when it is safe to reopen some or all of the affected facilities. Updates about facilities, classes/programs and events will be available on our social media platforms and website at http://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks/.

HTI Turning Donated Laptops Into Chromebooks for Vance Co. Students

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Do You Have Old Laptops You Could Donate?

Matt Raydo with HUBZone Technology Initiative (HTI) recently contacted the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce about collecting old/used laptops. Raydo’s organization converts old laptops into Google Chromebooks and donates them to those in need within Vance County schools.

HTI accepts laptops without cracked screens or missing keys. The laptop’s power cord is strongly preferred, but HTI will accept laptops without one.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, walk-ins are not accepted at this time, however, you can schedule a drop-off by email at info@hubzonetech.org or call Mark Williams at (919) 603-7303. Pick up can be arranged for multiple laptops.

For more information, please check out the HTI website at https://hubzonetech.org.

Click the play button below for a video on HTI’s mission:

Vance County Logo

Vance County Commissioners to Hold Budget Work Sessions May 12 & 13

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

Please be informed that the Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold budget work sessions on Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

These sessions will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

Due to limited space for the public, links have been added to the Vance County website under “Latest News” so that people can listen in on the work sessions.

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen will be on WIZS TownTalk at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14 to discuss the budget sessions. Listen live at 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wiz.com by clicking Listen Live.

NCDHHS

Food & Nutrition Services Participants Now Authorized for Online Grocery Purchases

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

As of May 6, 2020, North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at authorized online EBT retailers. North Carolina is the 10th state to implement this flexibility, which will remain permanently in place beyond the COVID-19 emergency.

The new flexibility will allow participants to buy food while also promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and helping families with transportation and mobility barriers.

“People need to feed their families while also practicing social distancing,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “This will allow families to order groceries at home and lower their risk of getting sick.”

Currently, Amazon and Walmart are the only authorized retailers approved for online FNS purchases nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must approve other retailers who wish to participate in the FNS online purchasing program. NCDHHS encourages other EBT retailers to pursue USDA approval to become authorized online retailers.

All EBT retailers in North Carolina have received information from USDA about how to become approved for online FNS purchases and other retailers are encouraged to seek approval for online purchasing. More information for retailers is available on the USDA website.

More information about North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services can be found at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/food-nutrition-services-food-stamps.

North Carolina individuals and families can apply for FNS at https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do

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GVPH COVID-19 Update: 17 Deaths in District, Three Congregate Living Outbreaks

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 7, 2020, there are 145 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 140 cases in Vance County, and 13,397 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are currently three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC, one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 81 in Granville County are associated with the prison, 46 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 10 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 64 community-based cases in Granville County, 36 have been released from isolation and 58 of the 81 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 140 cases in Vance, 22 have been released from isolation and 12 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 17 deaths in the health district – 11 in Vance County and six with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.