Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC’s Dinner Theater Cast Features Students, Alumni & Community Actors

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Special events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vance-Granville Community College are set to kick off in April with the college’s seventh annual Dinner Theater event. Reflecting VGCC’s long history of fine arts education and community involvement, the cast for this production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “Company,” will include students, alumni and community members.

The dinner theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26, 2019. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. each evening in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus near Henderson. Tickets are available online for $30 each.

Alumni members of the cast include VGCC Business Administration graduate Angelica Bridges of Oxford, in the role of Kathy; Morgan McFalls of Oxford, a graduate of VGCC and UNC-Chapel Hill, as David; Peyton Grissom of Oxford, a VGCC Nursing graduate, as Joanne; and former VGCC student Sonya Holloway of Oxford as Susan. VGCC and William Peace University graduate Rachel Pottern Nunn of Raleigh plays the role of Amy, while VGCC graduate and current William Peace University Theatre Education major Spencer Nunn of Raleigh plays the role of Paul.

Cast members for the VGCC Dinner Theater production of “Company” include, on front row, from left to right: Evan O’Geary, Jadyn Jones, Angelica Bridges and Brian Westbrook; back row, from left to right: Rachel Pottern Nunn, Spencer Nunn, Jason Sharp, Betsy Henderson, Peyton Grissom, Jonathan O’Geary, Sonya Holloway, Rosemary Richards and Josh Glasscock; not pictured: Morgan McFalls. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

The cast will also include two current VGCC students: Evan O’Geary of Henderson as April and Jadyn Jones of Henderson as Marta.

Community members Josh Glasscock of Clarksville, Va., will play the role of Peter; Jonathan O’Geary of Henderson will appear as Larry; Rosemary Richards of Raleigh will play the role of Jenny; Henderson native and current Durham resident Brian Westbrook will play the role of Robert.

Rounding out the cast are VGCC Department Chair of Fine Arts and Humanities Betsy Henderson of Kittrell as Sarah and Jason Sharp of Kittrell as Harry.

Cook Shack Catering of Louisburg will cater this special event with a menu of prime rib, lemon rosemary chicken, roasted red skin potatoes with herb seasoning, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, sweet and unsweet tea and citrus water. An anniversary cake prepared by VGCC Culinary Arts students will be served at intermission.

Tickets are now available through the VGCC website at www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater. Audience members will be able to choose the table and specific seats they want at the same time that they buy their tickets online. Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets early in order to have the best chance of getting the seats they want for this year’s show.

City of Henderson Logo

City’s Land Planning Committee to Discuss Central Business District, Parking

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

The Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee will meet on Thursday, April 4, 2019. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss potential land use categories for B1 (central business district) and a possible ordinance regarding residential parking.

This meeting will take place at 1 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

The public is welcome to observe.

North Henderson Baptist to Hold Yard/Bake Sale, Country Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Catherine Abbott, North Henderson Baptist Church 

North Henderson Baptist Church will hold a Yard/Bake Sale and “Good Old” Country Breakfast on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 7 – 11 a.m. – rain or shine!

The sale will be held in the North Henderson Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1211 North Garnett St. in Henderson.

All proceeds go to Relay for Life American Cancer Society.

For questions or additional information, please call Catherine Abbott (252) 430-9631

With Community Support, VGCC Plans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

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-Press Release, VGCC 

During 2019, Vance-Granville Community College marks a half-century of excellence in education and training, and college officials are planning for events that tie into the celebration throughout the year.

These events include: the seventh annual VGCC Dinner Theater, set for April 25 and April 26; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, on May 7; commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class, on May 10; a formal inauguration of the college’s new president, Dr. Rachel Desmarais; and events at each campus on or around Sept. 4 – the date on the college’s original charter, which is traditionally observed as the college’s official birthday. A team of college faculty and staff are currently finalizing plans for additional events and activities.

“The 50th anniversary of VGCC provides numerous opportunities for us to celebrate the positive impact this institution has had on Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while also renewing our commitment to our students and our communities,” Dr. Desmarais said.

Local citizens and businesses have stepped up to support the college’s anniversary celebration. The highest level of anniversary sponsorship is represented by the “Vanguard” sponsors. These include Bob Hubbard of Henderson, longtime vice-chair of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors; Mr. and Mrs. Hutson “Hut” Wester of Henderson, who are also supporters of the Endowment Fund; and Mr. and Mrs. John Nelms, Jr., of Raleigh, the son and daughter-in-law of the late John K. Nelms, who served on both the VGCC Board of Trustees and the Endowment Board. Four businesses are also Vanguard sponsors: Duke Energy, Altec Industries of Creedmoor, the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham, and Henderson Fruit and Produce.

Sponsors at the “Patron” level include Mr. and Mrs. Bob Nelson of Henderson; J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson and Mr. and Mrs. Julius Banzet of Warren County.

“Benefactors” for the anniversary include Janet Mills, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Tanner, Hicks and Wrenn, PLLC, the Honorable and Mrs. Randolph Baskerville, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Towne, Katharine Horner, Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A., CertainTeed, Ruth Brummitt, Nathan Fleming, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Crawford.

“We thank these steadfast friends of the college for their commitment to helping us celebrate Vance-Granville’s rich tradition of service to our region,” said VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.

The four-county educational institution that is today VGCC began in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute. After offering classes in various community locations, VCTI moved into renovated quarters of the former Maria Parham Hospital building near downtown Henderson in January 1970.

Soon, phenomenal growth in enrollment made it clear that the school needed larger, more permanent facilities. Granville County leaders then joined Vance County in supporting a united effort to construct and maintain a brand-new campus.

With the institution renamed Vance-Granville Technical Institute, the new campus was built midway between Henderson and Oxford. It opened in August 1976, just six weeks after the legislature granted community college status, meaning that the school could offer students the first two years of a four-year degree. Accordingly, its name was changed to Vance-Granville Community College.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ben Currin, VGCC’s longest-serving president, the college expanded by establishing additional campuses: South Campus, a facility in southern Granville County, in 1982; the Warren County Campus in 1988; and the Franklin County Campus in 1991. Throughout the years, the institution has benefited from the strong support of citizens in all four counties, in the form of donors’ endowed scholarships and in the form of voters’ approval of bonds to build facilities.

In more recent years, VGCC has been transformed through the addition of online programs that can extend educational opportunities to even more students and through the establishment of four Early College high schools — one at each VGCC campus — in partnership with local public school systems.

“In the short time I have been at Vance-Granville, I’ve heard from so many people in the four-county area about how much pride they take in their community college. They want to see it grow while maintaining a focus on accessibility and preparing students for great careers,” added Dr. Desmarais. “In fact, VGCC Vanguards are all around us in the community, demonstrating the college’s excellence over the past 50 years. Our alumni are leaders in business, in health care, in education, in law enforcement and so many other fields.”

The college is interested in hearing from alumni about how their education at VGCC prepared them for success. To share such a story, or to find out more about supporting the college, contact Eddie Ferguson at (252) 738-3264 or fergusone@vgcc.edu.

2019 N.C. Strawberry Season Underway

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

April signals the start of strawberry season in North Carolina, and local growers are expecting a very good crop that should last through Memorial Day.

“There should be plenty of berries this year despite a wet and cold first quarter in 2019,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We encourage consumers to visit a pick-your-own farm, go to a farmers market or stop by a roadside stand to get the freshest berries available.”

Consumers also can find locally grown strawberries in grocery stores and restaurants by looking for the Got to Be NC logo. The Got to Be NC program is the official state identity program for N.C. agricultural products, and lets consumers know they are buying a product grown, raised, caught or made in North Carolina.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, with about 1,100 acres harvested across the state. Growers have already started picking in Eastern North Carolina. Piedmont growers will begin picking in mid-April and growers in the mountains should start by the first of May. The peak of the season is traditionally Mother’s Day.

The department and the N.C. Strawberry Association will celebrate with two Strawberry Day events in May. The first event is at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on May 2 and at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax on May 3. Both celebrations include a strawberry recipe contest, ice cream samples and a visit by Suzy Strawberry.

More information about the strawberry industry is available at www.ncstrawberry.com. Consumers interested in finding a you-pick strawberry farm near them can go to www.gottobenc.com.

Hinton to Perform at Henderson Institute Museum in Honor of Jazz Month

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-Information and flyer courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

In celebration of April as Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), the Henderson Institute Historical Museum will feature singer, songwriter, musician and entertainer Leah Hinton on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Cost is $25; refreshments will be served.

The museum is located at 629 W. Rockspring St. in Henderson, NC.

Contact the museum at (252) 430-0616 for ticket information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Rebuilding Hope Names Bob “PlumBob” Demarco April’s Spotlight Volunteer

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

When retired plumber Bob Demarco relocated from Maine to Warrenton, N.C., in 2012, he found “the perfect place for me to serve and be able to use the talents and gifts God has blessed me with.”

That place? Rebuilding Hope.

“I was immediately embraced by so many exceptional men and women who mentored and directed me to serve in several different capacities, including plumbing, welding and construction. I took an instant liking to my newfound hobby and even started publishing some battery backup sump pump reviews on the internet,” Bob says.

Bob says he connected with RHI through a member of Central Baptist Church, where he and wife Chris were attending.

Bob Demarco named Rebuilding Hope’s April 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

“I reached out to Charles Granger, asking if he might know of a need as I had a stove and refrigerator to donate,” he says. “Charles told me of Rebuilding Hope and explained the mission and work. It was amazing that God delivered me to Rebuilding Hope so quickly.”

Bob says that “the work I have done at Rebuilding Hope has been the most gratifying and fulfilling work I have ever done.

“One of my favorite events is Kids Camp where I teach younger boys and girls plumbing and drywall construction.”

One camper, Bob says, really paid attention.

“My heart was touched by a young boy who after class went home and looked under the kitchen sink and, with amazement, asked his mom and dad if they knew they had pipes there.”

Now a resident of Johnston County and a member of Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church, Bob continues his volunteer work at RHI.

Recently, his skills were put to use plumbing bathrooms and showers for second-floor bunk rooms.

“To volunteer at Rebuilding Hope fills the needs of the community and fills my soul and heart,” says Bob, who’s affectionately known as “PlumBob.”

At his new church, Bob serves on the Community Service Committee and in the prayer ministry. He also works with Serve the Need of Johnston County, whose work is similar to that of RHI.

In leisure time, Bob says he enjoys reading and drumming.

He and Chris have five children, 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

15 Local Educators Complete Vance Co. Teacher Executive Institute Program

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

An outstanding group of 15 educators with Vance County Schools were honored during the evening of March 28, for their successful completion of the Vance County Teacher Executive Institute (TEI) program for the 2018-2019 school year.

They were each presented framed certificates for completion of the program.

An audience that included the educators’ special guests and each of their principals gathered to recognize their achievements.

Those educators honored included: Angela Cusaac of Vance County High School and the school system’s Teacher of the Year; Christine Francis of Vance County High School; Davia Johnson of Vance County Middle School; Sherrie Evans-Bailey of AdVance Academy; Oscar Suarez of Early College High School; Tammy Barrow of STEM Early High School; Jessica Ayscue of Aycock Elementary School; Patricia Harris of Carver Elementary School; Kristy Martin of Clarke Elementary School; Pat Hughes of E.O. Young, Jr. Elementary School; Cherie Dixon of L.B. Yancey Elementary School; Taylor Evans of New Hope Elementary School; Jhaneille Downer of Pinkston Street Elementary School; Kimberly Holtzmann of Dabney Elementary School; and Vanessa Davis of Zeb Vance Elementary School.

The Vance County Teacher Executive Institute graduates for 2018-2019 include, from left, Jessica Ayscue, Tammy Barrow, Pat Hughes, Sherrie Evans-Bailey, Oscar Suarez, Patricia Harris, Jhanielle Downer, Davia Johnson, Cherie Dixon, Taylor Evans, Kristy Martin, Kimberly Holtzmann, Vanessa Davis, Christine Francis and Angela Cusaac. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Katie Eddings, a teacher at Lee County High School and the current N.C. North Central Region Teacher of the Year, was the featured speaker for the event. Eddings talked with the honored educators and guests about her passion for teaching and urged them all to focus on developing positive relationship with students. She also asked them to use their commitment to children to push for positive changes in public education and our society today.

The Vance County Teacher Executive Institute has been offered to local public school educators since 1993. The program is presented each year by the Vance County Public School Foundation and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. Vance County Schools is a sponsor and partner for the program. TEI is a professional development program for public school teachers, counselors and media specialists. It is designed to bring local educators and business leaders together to form strong relationships so that they can work together for the betterment of our students and future leaders.

Corporate sponsors this year for Teacher Executive Institute included: Duke Energy, Satterwhite Point Marina, Walmart Distribution Center #6091, KARTS, Quick Print, Vance County Farm Bureau, J.M. White Funeral Service, Henderson Family YMCA, The Daily Dispatch, Golden Skillet, Maria Parham Health, Chick-fil-A of Henderson, Wayne and Susan Adcock and Barnett Properties.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

VCRFM to Hold ‘Pesticide Disposal Day’ for Unneeded, Old Chemicals

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

Do you have lawn, garden or farm chemicals you no longer need? Do you have products more than three years old? Protect your family, your pets and the environment by bringing unneeded chemicals to our pesticide disposal day.

This event will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC.

We will accept all pesticide products, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. in original, labeled containers. Both liquids and solids (e.g. granules, powders) are acceptable. For large containers (e.g. 5 gallons or more) or large quantities, please call in advance.

We CANNOT accept fertilizer, paint, solvents, gasoline, household cleaners, or other household hazardous waste.

This service is offered at no charge in cooperation with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. For more information, e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or call (252) 438-8188.

Dabney Elementary Students Welcome Baby Chicks Into Their Classrooms

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Four weeks ago second graders and their teachers at Dabney Elementary School welcomed chicken eggs into their classrooms. Now, they have baby chicks hopping around in their incubator containers.

The learning experience has been a great one for the students and a truly collaborative effort among the four second-grade teachers.

Second-grade teacher Kerianne Owen began the project and got her colleagues, Kimberly Holtzmann, Trish Burroughs and Ellen Harris, to join in. The eggs were donated by a local farmer and the project was sponsored through the Vance County 4-H, with lots of help from Lina Lue, the local agricultural extension agent.

The students can easily answer questions about the process, including how they rotated the eggs three times a day for 21 days and made sure the eggs were always kept warm in the incubators. They can discuss how the chicks made their way out of their eggs and how they have changed in the few days since they hatched.

The chicks’ journey at Dabney Elementary is coming to an end. This week, they will be taken home by Owen and Holtzmann, who plan to raise them on their farms.

“The children have been so excited through this whole process,” Owen said. “Each day, they would come into the classroom and go over to the incubator to say hello to the chicks, even when they were still inside their eggs. Once we saw them starting to peck their way out of their shells, the students’ enthusiasm really went up.”

“This has been an amazing learning experience for our students,” Holtzmann added. “We as teachers have learned, also. It was quite a bit of work to care for the eggs, make sure they were turned enough times each day and kept warm enough. Now that they are out of their shells, the children have learned how to feed them and give them water.”

Of course, the students have given all of the chicks names. They’ve watched them go from “wet gooey messes” as one student described as they hatched, to now “furry” cute things ranging in color from dark brown to yellow.

The students say they will be sad to see the chicks leave their classrooms, but they’re looking forward to Owen and Holtzmann sharing pictures of the chicks as they grow into adult chickens.

Kerianne Owen, a second-grade teacher at Dabney Elementary, watches with four of her students as nine baby chicks move around in the incubator in her classroom. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Kimberly Holtzmann holds one of the 10 baby chicks in her classroom as some of her second graders take turns petting the chick. (Photo courtesy VCS)