Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

EnTech Mobile Lab Brings Technology To VCS Students

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Vance County Schools and community leaders were on hand Wednesday, Sept. 4 to officially roll out the EnTech Mobile Lab, a lab on wheels that will give students hands-on experiences with various forms of technology.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Vance County High School to launch the lab, during which time Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett thanked partner Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, the Vance County Public School Foundation and the team at the Center for Innovation for making the mobile lab a reality.

Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of Instruction and Innovation, along with Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott, HV Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson and Chamber Board Chair Margier White shared the impact this initiative will have on students in the district.

“The EnTech Mobile Lab exemplifies the district’s commitment to igniting interest in diverse career fields and ensuring that VCS students have access to innovative, experiential learning opportunities,” said Dr. Ross-Putney. “We are excited to see our students engage with these career-aligned stations, developing the skills and knowledge essential for the workforce of the future.”

The mobile classroom can offer cutting-edge learning opportunities to students throughout the district, providing students with hands-on exposure to STEM careers in real-world contexts.

The mobile lab travels to schools, delivering interactive experiences such as drone piloting, robotics, and virtual reality, all designed to foster critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. Each station provides students with valuable resources on the skills, coursework and education required for future careers, ensuring equitable access to career-focused learning experiences for all students.

The EnTech Mobile Lab provides tailored learning experiences that align with classroom needs, ensuring that the curriculum is enriched through experiential, hands-on activities. Through strong collaboration between the CFI team, school administrators, and teachers, the mobile lab will continue to deliver transformative educational experiences across the district.

The EnTech lab was established at the Center for Innovation in fall 2023 and Director Kristin Jeffreys, alongside Learning Specialists Stephen Jones and Patricia Burroughs, develop programs to enrich student learning.

Among the lab’s features are the Lu Interactive Playground, equipped with a laser projector, motion-sensing cameras and a robust sound system to foster immersive educational environments. Additional highlights include a dedicated drone cage, eSports capabilities and advanced robotics.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests got a chance to explore the mobile lab’s interactive stations and see demonstrations that included the zSpace lab, a drone zone, a robotic dog and an emergency simulation.

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Chicken Plate Fundraiser Sept. 27

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It’s not too soon to be thinking about the fall barbecued chicken fundraiser at Rebuilding Hope, Inc. – circle Friday, Sept. 27 on the calendar and make plans to head over to eat in or pick up to-go plates.

The $10-a-plate dinners will be cooked and served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 414 Raleigh Rd., the location of RHI’s offices and warehouse.
The familiar menu will include green beans, potatoes and dessert.
Volunteers will deliver orders for five or more plates. Call and place your order. Dinners may be picked up in the drive-through area or enjoyed in the RHI dining room.
Volunteers are needed both the day before and the day of the fundraiser.
The day before, bread and desserts are bagged; cups are filled with barbecue sauce.

On fundraiser day, helping hands are needed to fill plates and keep the serving line supplied.

Visit https://rebuildinghopeinc.org/ to learn more about upcoming events and ways to help. For more information, call 252.438.5132 or email  info@rebuildinghopeinc.org

September Is Emergency Preparedness Month

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September is National Preparedness Month and Gov. Roy Cooper along with state emergency management officials are urging North Carolinians to review and update their emergency plans and supply kits.

“Recent events like Tropical Storm Debby that caused damage in our state highlight the importance of being prepared,” said Cooper. “It’s not a matter of if, but when North Carolina will face a significant storm or other disruptive events. We must be proactive and prepared.”

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, encourages all Americans to prepare for various types of emergencies. For resources on family disaster preparedness, visit ReadyNC.gov, which offers information on traffic, power outages, and shelters.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray highlighted the state’s comprehensive approach to preparedness: “In this all-hazards threat environment, we plan and train for a range of emergencies, including tropical and winter weather, critical infrastructure failure, cybersecurity incidents,and more. It’s crucial for North Carolinians to have an emergency plan and practice it, communicate it to family or friends, and maintain a well-stocked emergency supply kit with provisions for at least three to seven days.”

North Carolinians can check with their local emergency management offices to find out what local alerting resources are available in their community. Residents should enable emergency alerts on their mobile device to stay informed. Additionally, North Carolina’s Know Your Zone initiative helps eastern North Carolina residents and visitors understand evacuation procedures in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards. Learn more about your evacuation zone and how to prepare by visiting KnowYourZone.nc.gov.

CERT programs play a crucial role in community resilience, providing support in disaster aftermath and contributing to preparedness and response efforts.

Stay informed and prepared by following @NCEmergency on Twitter and Facebook throughout September for daily preparedness tips.

 

Dangers of Fentanyl Topic Of Upcoming Community Info Series At Baskerville Funeral Home

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The dangers of fentanyl is the focus of the upcoming Community Information series on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Baskerville Funeral Home chapel.

Cathy Hazlett, substance use prevention & treatment program manager with Granville Vance Public Health, will discuss how fentanyl is used with other street drugs that makes it so dangerous, as well as how to prevent a fatal overdose.

The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, located at 104 S. Chestnut St.

Call 252. 430.6824 to learn more.

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC “Fill The Pantry” Craft Show Set For Saturday, Oct. 12; Vendor Registration Open Until Sept. 20

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The second annual “Fill the Pantry” Craft Show is set for Saturday, Oct. 12 at Vance-Granville Community College.

Organizers are looking to build on the success of last year’s event, which brought together more than 40 vendors at the VGCC Civic Center on Main Campus in Henderson. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendor registration is open now – simply complete the interest form found here: https://vgcc.jotform.com/232125467677059. The registration fee is $25 for each 10-foot by 10-foot space. This fee is non-refundable and vendor registration will be considered complete when the fee is paid.

Vendors will be asked to donate an item from their inventory to be added to the list of raffle items that will be given away throughout the event.

The cost of general admission is 3 canned food items, non-perishable goods or paper products that will be used to replenish the VGCC pantry for students.

Craft show organizers request that all vendor registration payments be made before the Friday, Sept. 20 deadline.

For more information about this event or the Vance-Granville Community College food pantry, please contact 252-738.3323 or douglasa@vgcc.edu.

Local Leaders Planning Town Hall Meeting In Henderson Tuesday, Sept. 3

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Downtown Henderson is the backdrop for a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Charles J. “C.J.” Turrentine Jr. wants to spread the word to encourage attendance.

“We’re going to do a Town Hall meeting in Henderson – something that’s never been done before,” Turrentine told WIZS News.

“I’m encouraging…my generation and a lot of the Black community to come out,” he said, adding that the gathering is free and open to all, regardless of party affiliation.

The community meeting will be held at Southern Charm, 200 S. Garnett St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The meeting, he said, is designed “to break the barrier of Republican and Democrat, black and white.”

State Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduled to take part in a question-and-answer session. According to a flyer publicizing the meeting, participants can place written questions in an issue box for Sossamon and others to answer.

“It’s going to be a great time for our community,” Turrentine said.

Maria Parham Health Welcomes New OB-GYN To Staff

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Maria Parham Health has added an OB/GYN physician to its team.

Dr. Rachel Anne DeSpenza has joined the MPH staff, according to a press release from MPH Communications Coordinator Donna Young.

“We are excited to bring Dr. DeSpenza to the region to help make our communities healthier,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Her training and focus on community health programs for women and families are exceptional, and Maria Parham is excited for the positive impact she will have.”

DeSpenza received her medical degree and a master’s in Health Science from Yale School of Medicine. She recently completed her OB-GYN Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT, where she served as administrative chief resident.

She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, Santa  Barbara, graduating with highest honors. Her academic and clinical excellence has been  recognized through numerous awards, including the William U. Gardner Memorial Student  Research Fellowship, the Yale School of Medicine Medical Student Research Fellowship, and the  ACOG CT Section Outstanding Student James F.X. Egan Award, among others.

At Maria Parham Health and Maria Parham Women’s Care, DeSpenza brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to patient-centered care, hospital officials said. She is now accepting new patients and looks forward to contributing to the health and well-being of our community.

Call 252.492.8576 to schedule an appointment.

Vance County Schools Honors Top Teachers, Administrators At ‘Excellence in Education’ Banquet

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Vance County Schools honored the district’s top educators at its annual Excellence in Education banquet Thursday evening at the Henderson Country Club.

Jozette Broughton of New Hope Elementary was named Teacher of the Year and Khris-Tina Stewart-Hendricks of Vance County High was selected as the Beginning Teacher of the Year, Top administrators included Facetia Branch of Vance County Middle as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Nealie Whitt III of Vance County High as Principal of the Year.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said, “Being a part of the recognition of our Educators of Excellence is always such an honor. Vance County has some of the best educators in North Carolina, while we can only recognize a few of those stellar educators, I continue to be humbled by their commitment to children by ensuring they are on the path to a successful future.”

The top winners will represent Vance County at the regional level.

A little about last night’s honorees:

  • Broughton earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Strayer University. She has been in education for more than 20 years, and has been at New Hope Elementary for the past four years. She has a new role – that of an instructional facilitator – at the school.

Currently working on her National Board for Professional State Standards, Broughton said she plans to elevate her work through continued memberships in professional organizations and professional development in instruction.

  • Stewart-Hendricks teaches history at Vance County High School, She received a degree in Sociology from the University of the West Indies and is in her third year of teaching with Vance County Schools.  With plans to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology, Stewart-Hendricks said her classroom experience has highlighted the correlation of social and emotional wellness and academic success. She aims to develop effective strategies to support students, enhance their educational experience, and foster their enthusiasm for learning.
  • Branch is an assistant principal at Vance County Middle School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from N.C. Central University and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from East Carolina University. She continued her education at Strayer University with a master’s of Public Administration and at Gardner-Webb University with a master’s of Education in School Leadership.
  • Whitt is principal at Vance County High. He earned a bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health with an emphasis in Secondary Education from N.C. Central University and has a master’s in Educational Administration and a Specialist Degree from Grand Canyon University. Whitt also has a doctorate in Educational Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi.

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
  • Stephanie Sewell-Brown, Aycock Elementary
  • Lillian King, Carver Elementary
  • Cassandra Chartier, Clarke Elementary
  • Justin Wrenn, Dabney Elementary
  • Ebony Watkins, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Christina Welch, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Estelle Mangum, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Jozette Broughton, New Hope Elementary
  • Laura Brown, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Jean Marie Munroe-Criddle, STEM Early High
  • Eva Jennings, Vance County Early College
  • Wennie Perez, Vance County High
  • Deris Mora, Vance County Middle
    ● Cynthia Schlessinger, Vance Virtual Village
  • Venessa Lalor-Lofters, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Dian Bowers, Advance Academy
  • Sharnakay Plummer, Aycock Elementary
  • Tressy Person, Carver Elementary
  • Nordette Givens, Clarke Elementary
  • Nichole Campbell-Gordon, Dabney Elementary
  • Danielle Brissett, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Hailey Reavis, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Keita Kelly Lamay, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Carolina Carraway, New Hope Elementary
  • Ma Viance Estrosos, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Edna Celis, STEM Early High School
  • Vance County Early College, Angelique Bagagnan
  • Khris-Tina Stewart Hendricks, Vance County High
  • Venice Arellano, Vance County Middle School
  • Raymond Pagayon, Vance Virtual Village
  • Niya Sneed, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees: ● McShell Edmonds, Vance County High

  • Facetia Branch, Vance County Middle
  • LaVonda Williams, Pinkston Street Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees: ● Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary

  • Dr. Carnetta Thomas, EM Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Dr. Nealie Whitt III, Vance County High
  • Nowell Brooks, Advance Academy
NC Dept of Agriculture

Certified Organic Producers Eligible For Cost-Share Program Up To $750

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– information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program, according to information from the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.

The program is for the 2023-24 season and is funded through a $135,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31.

To apply, growers must provide a completed application, along with detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all National Organic Program certified costs, proof of payment, a substitute W-9 form and a copy of your certificate or letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All charges must be for USDA organic certification. The application can be downloaded at

https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/marketing-grading-services. Growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.

Application and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Lifsey. For questions, contact Lifsey at 919.749.3337.

TownTalk: Budding Chefs Can Sign Up For 4-H Cooking Teams

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If Micah Sharpe can get young people to buy in to 4-H at an early age, the chances are better that they’ll stick with it through their teenage years. And if some of those youngsters are interested in learning their way around a kitchen to create healthy, nutritious foods, the Vance County 4-H Youth Development agent said they’ll be able to whip up something a little more exotic than Oodles of Noodles.

A team of local 4-Hers from Vance and Warren counties participated in the “Got To Be NC” festival competition back in May and they represented themselves well, said Nitasha Kearney, who works in the Granville County Extension Office’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.

Kearney and Sharpe teamed up to guide the young chefs-in-training on the path to the competition, called the Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge. The kids learn the 4-H curriculum from Sharpe and then Kearney came in with her EFNEP curriculum.

The new classes for youth begin on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m., with the ultimate goal of being in the 2025 competition and bringing home the gold. The classes are free.

“My very first lesson is going to be on food safety,” she said. There are four simple rules: Clean, Separate, Chill, Cook.

Team member Kadin Bowden can attest to that. The 11-year-old Vance Charter student said he learned that “you wash your hands before you touch anything in the kitchen – 20 seconds with soap and water.”

Bowden said he’s learned a lot about cooking and enjoys cooking for his family. Knowing the rules of cooking – using the right temperatures and knowing the right way to cook different items keeps foods “safe for you to eat and not get sick.”

He and his teammate and brother Timothy, see their dad Ken Bowden show off his cooking skills in his food truck T&K Best Bites in Town.

“He taught me all the basic stuff about cooking like Miss Nitasha and Mr. Sharpe,” Kadin said. Breading catfish, cooking eggs, chicken, hotdogs and more, Kadin and Timothy have a role model close by to emulate.

Team Captain Jaque Oliver said he took his role seriously. “I want to try to help as a team,” Oliver said. “Let them have fun, have a nice time, but don’t let anybody down.”

In the competition, the team had to create a salad with a homemade dressing within the prescribed 40-minute time limit. They were given a list of ingredients and one “mystery” ingredient. The final product looked pretty impressive, he agreed, especially since they added some pork balls and fresh strawberries and blueberries.

The setting for the competition didn’t really resemble those popular cooking shows on TV, but there was a nice-sized table that all the team members could fit around to do prep work, Oliver said.

In their own preparation before the competition, Kearney estimated that the team already had created 40 different recipes. “We expect rice, we expect pork chops,” Kearney said, referring to probable foods they’d be working with in the competition. “We don’t expect goat cheese.”

The final product must be healthy and delicious, but the team also must utilize food safety skills in its preparation.

Jamera Oliver is Jaque’s 12-year-old sister and also a member of the team. She said she’s a bit of a party planner and said she’s likely to create healthy dishes as a result of what she’s learned in 4H.

She’s got plenty of experience helping her parents with holiday food prep – turkey and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, and candy apples at Halloween. She said pasta dishes are pretty easy and so is stir fry, but her favorite dish to make is lasagna.

She likes the idea of working with a team to create food. “I feel like these things will help me out through life,” she said, meaning not just cooking, but also other things too, like making new friends. “It was fun working with everyone here, being a team.”

Kearney said “fun” is a key ingredient in cooking and preparing meals that she relishes sharing with her community.

“I feel like this job was made for me,” she said. “The fact that I get to show my community how to cook, prepare healthy foods, (and) how to have fun” while doing it, is icing on the cake.

Visit https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/ to learn more about 4-H in Vance County or call the office at 252.438.8188.

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