Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC Truck Driver Training Program Gears Back Up

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce that its CDL Truck Driver Training Program is back up and running.

The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, has been on hold since early March when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all face-to-face classes to cease. The N.C. Community College System has made an exception to allow colleges to resume educating students in transportation courses like Truck Driver Training, in-person.

On May 11, students returned to class and to a “new normal.” Portions of the new daily routine for students include temperature checks, face masks, social distancing in trucks and on the truck practice range.   

“Qualified and licensed truck drivers are essential employees, especially during these uncertain times,” said Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College and Career Readiness for VGCC. “We are excited to get the students back in training, so they can become licensed and employed with companies who need drivers to move goods and services across our service area and across the country.” 

During the next five weeks, students will continue honing their driver training skills such as backing skills, completing pre-trip inspections and backing up to a loading dock. Students will also continue to get their miles and time on the road. All of these skills and requirements are essential in preparing them for the DOT exam in order to get their official CDL-A license and be fully employable as a truck driver. 

For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program at Vance-Granville Community College, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

‘Virtual Bingo’ Offers Fun, Home Delivery of Prizes for Seniors 55+

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold a community-wide “Virtual Bingo” for seniors ages 55 or better on Friday, May 22, 2020, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m.

Participants can join Virtual Bingo by computer or phone.

Participants must contact Crystal Allen by phone (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us to register for Virtual Bingo by Friday, May 15.

Prizes will be delivered to participants’ homes following social distancing protocols.

Town Talk 05/13/20: VGCC Dean Receives Doctorate; Discusses ‘Culture of Support’

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Dr. Jeffrey Allen, dean of Student Retention and Success at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Allen recently received his Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. His dissertation focused on African-American males enrolled in a community college who were persisting towards degree completion.

“Many times, the literature talks about the barriers or what is preventing African-American males from being successful,” said Allen. “I wanted to flip it and look at it from a standpoint of why are they being successful so we can use that information to make others successful.”

According to Allen, the results showed that the most successful of the study group were those who “had a goal and were focus-driven” and those that “knew the college supported them.”

Supporting college students in achieving their goals, whether it be to transfer to a four-year university after completing a two-year degree at VGCC or finding employment after graduation, is part of Allen’s role as dean.

Allen, who has served in various roles at VGCC since 2012, currently oversees an area that includes advising, counseling, male success initiative, student activities, athletics, testing and tutoring.

Along with other VGCC departments, Allen and staff are currently focusing much of their efforts on “educating, inspiring and supporting” students through the coronavirus crisis.

With VGCC’s classes switching to an online format mid-way through the spring semester and all upcoming summer classes scheduled as online sessions, the change has been an adjustment for all involved, Allen said.

“One of the things VGCC has done very well is put out resources for students to make them feel as comfortable as possible and supported during this crisis,” Allen continued. “VGCC has done an excellent job – the faculty, staff and various departments – in making sure students have what they need.”

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

Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

Henderson Rec Players Cancels Summer Season; McGregor Hall Opens Phone Lines

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The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center recently provided updates regarding the Henderson Rec Players’ 2020 Summer Season and the opening of the center’s phone lines.

Henderson Rec Players 

In an effort to protect our beloved actors and patrons, the summer season of the Henderson Rec Players has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While we are sad to see this break in a nearly 50-year tradition in our community, be assured that this is a temporary pause, and the Rec Players will be back to entertain and provide a creative outlet for all ages as soon as it is safe to do so.

Stay strong and we look forward to shining the spotlight on our local talent again very soon.

McGregor Hall Phone Lines

As Phase One of North Carolina’s Road to Re-Opening begins, we are excited to announce that McGregor Hall’s office phone lines are opening again.

Phone lines are now open Monday through Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. You can reach McGregor Hall at (252) 598-0662.

Our Box Office will remain closed to the public for the safety of our patrons and employees until June 1, 2020.

Thank you, once more, for your support during this difficult time. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing all of you soon!

WIZS is in talks with Henderson Rec Players and McGregor Hall representatives to bring you a special edition of Town Talk next week. Please stay tuned to WIZS for more details.

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.