Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Announces 2019 Board of Directors

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

Officers for the 2019 Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have been elected.

Nancy Wykle, Publisher of The Daily Dispatch will assume the role and responsibilities of Board Chair. Hunter Peyton of BB&T will become first vice-chair, and Mel Manning of Quality Investments of Henderson will assume the role of immediate past chair.

Levy Brown of Vance-Granville Community College will assume the role of second vice-chair and Cynthia Ratliff will serve as treasurer.

All new, existing and outgoing Chamber officers and directors were recognized during the Chamber’s 2019 Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet on Thursday, January 31 at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

National Weather Service

NC Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 3-9, 2019

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-Information courtesy The National Weather Service – Raleigh

The 2019 North Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs from Sunday, March 3 through Saturday, March 9, 2019.    With the peak of North Carolina’s severe weather season right around the corner, NOW is the time to prepare! 

There are a lot of great resources that you can use to prepare for the severe weather season.  Please take a moment to visit the NWS Raleigh Severe Weather Preparedness Week web site at https://www.weather.gov/rah/2019ncswpw where you’ll find links to our daily severe weather topics and useful severe weather preparedness tips and information.   

In addition to making a severe weather safety plan, we strongly encourage everyone to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill, which will occur on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.  Every school, business, workplace, and family across the state is strongly encouraged to participate in this drill. It is important that all schools and businesses are aware of the following important points about the tornado drill:

  • The drill will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System via the Required Monthly Test (RMT).  There will not be an actual Tornado Warning issued.
  • Many NOAA Weather Radio receivers (including the older Midland WR-100 radios that many schools have) do not sound an audible alert for the RMT product; instead, they may have a blinking light on the display to indicate that an RMT was received.  As such, when the RMT for the statewide tornado drill is initiated at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, there is a chance that your NOAA Weather Radio will not sound an alarm.
  • Since your NOAA Weather Radio may not sound an alarm at the time the RMT is issued, you will want to do one of the following:
    • Manually turn on your NOAA Weather Radio receiver and simply listen to the audio broadcast to hear when the RMT is issued, which will mark the beginning of the statewide tornado drill.
    • Simply plan to start your tornado drill on your own at 9:30 a.m.
  • There will be no follow-up statements issued by the NWS to mark the end of the statewide tornado drill. It will simply be over when your group, school, business, or organization feels that you have adequately practiced your tornado shelter procedures.
  • If there is actual severe weather occurring on the morning of March 6, 2019, the statewide tornado drill will be postponed.  The alternate date for the drill is Friday, March 8, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.
  • This drill and RMT will take the place of the usual weekly NOAA Weather Radio Alert test (RWT).  That is, there will not be a weekly radio test done between 11 a.m. and noon on that day.

Please share this information and encourage all of your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and especially all schools, to take the opportunity next Wednesday to participate in the drill, and to take a few moments to learn more about severe weather preparedness. 

NC Coop Extension

Register Now for the 2019 ‘Gardening for a Sustainable Future’ Symposium

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The theme for the 2019 Vance County gardening symposium is “Gardening for a Sustainable Future” and will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019. This event, hosted by the Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Vance and Warren Counties, will take place at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

Presenters this year include Dr. Ashley Troth, Extension Agent in Durham County, Mark Weathington, Director of NC State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum, and Kit Flynn, Master Gardener volunteer emeritus and garden writer.

Register by Thursday, February 28 to receive the early bird registration rate of $30. Lunch and snacks are included in the registration cost. Complete details and the registration form are available at https://go.ncsu.edu/vancegarden or by calling 252-438-8188.

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Experiencing Challenging Time, Staff ‘Keeping the Ship Right’

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is currently experiencing a challenging time in its long history of serving the local business community.

In addition to recent news that John Barnes resigned from his position as president effective February 19, the Chamber is set to lose all funding for their Work First program effective July 1, 2019. This includes funding for the position of their Work First coordinator, a role currently filled by Vanessa Jones.

Chamber Chair Nancy Wykle, told WIZS News, “Vanessa Jones’ position was funded through the Work First Program. DSS (Department of Social Services) administered the funding for that, and they had a contract with the Chamber to administer the program.”

According to the Vance County DSS Work First website, the program was created to assist participants in becoming self-sufficient by securing and maintaining employment. Participants receive monthly cash assistance for themselves and their children by signing and adhering to a detailed plan that outlines their goals for becoming self-sufficient.

To qualify, participants are required to be involved in work-related activities for 20-55 hours per week depending on the age of the youngest child and if the family is a two-parent household.

Benefits can be received for up to 24 months if participants remain in compliance; families reaching that limit cannot reapply for welfare for three years.

In 2018, DSS informed Barnes they were pulling the contract with the Chamber saying, according to Wykle, that “we need to rethink how these dollars are being spent.”

Part of their need to reconsider the Chamber’s Work First dollars, according to DSS, included the increased need for foster care funding as a result of the opioid crisis.

At that time, Barnes reduced the blow the Chamber received by negotiating for the Work First money to only drop by 50 percent in the 2018-2019 fiscal year budget. That budget year ends, along with the Chamber’s DSS Work First grant, on June 30.

Wykle said the DSS Work First grant being cut by half and then dropping to zero hurts. “Coupled with losing some sponsorship or folks just choosing to spend their dollars another way, that has made for an interesting financial picture, and we know what we’ve got to do to make up the difference.”

She said, “The staff is really focused on what they need to do, and what they want to do. We are really lucky that we have the staff we have in place because I can’t imagine a more capable group of people keeping the ship right.”

In a press release issued Friday, February 22, the Chamber stated that an interim will be appointed while the organization searches for the next president.

“The chamber board is actively engaged in the process of naming an interim president and will be providing any support the staff needs to ensure that all member services will continue without interruption,” said Wykle.

2019 Leadership Vance Begins

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park.

The Leadership Vance program is designed to inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community and to strengthen their leadership skills while teaching about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.

The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for civic and community positions. The program is ultimately designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community.

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park. (Photo courtesy H-V Chamber)

Participants are exposed to various aspects of Henderson and Vance County, specifically in regard to city and county government, health and community resources, economic development, agriculture and natural resources, history and media and criminal justice and law.

Participants in this year’s class include: Andrew “Joel” Beckham, Pastor – New Life Baptist Church; Eric Brooks, Operations Manager – Walmart Distribution; G. Norman Dickerson, Jr., Admin Assistant/Assist Event Coordinator – Vance County Tourism; Lee Andrew Faines, Jr., Accounting Specialist I – Vance County Dept of Social Services; Ray Gronberg, Managing Editor – The Daily Dispatch; Evelyn Lemay Harris, Director of Distance Education – Vance-Granville Community College; Pam Hester, Executive Director – Vance County Tourism Development Authority; Andre Howard, Engineering Inspector – City of Henderson; Fantasia Johnson, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist – Springs Holistic Center, Inc.; Sharita Antoinette Jones, 4th grade ELA Teacher – Vance County Schools; Elgin J. Lane, Human Resources Director – City of Henderson; Cathy E. Renn, Property Tax Evaluation Manager – Vance County Tax Office; Jason D. Varner, Marketing Manager – SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville; Lemondre’ Watson, Assistant Principal – Vance County Schools; Brian Williams, Account Manager – Temperature Control Solutions.

Paid Assistance Needed for 2020 US Census

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-Information courtesy the US Census Bureau

In preparation for next years Census, the Census Bureau is now offering jobs this spring and summer entailing verification of maps. The individual will be given a digital device with maps near their home. The individual would then survey the area and make the necessary changes to the maps.

In return, the Census will reimburse the individual at the rate of $.58/mile driven and for Franklin & Vance counties $17.50/hr., Warren County, $16.00/hr., and Halifax County, $13.50/hr.

Hours are flexible and up to the individual who sets their own schedule. Apply online at www.2020census.gov/jobs.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Eaves Auction to Hold Relay for Life Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Jeanette Brummitt

A Relay for Life Auction will be held at Eaves Auction, 8521 NC-39 in Henderson on Saturday, March 16, 2019, beginning at 5 p.m.

All funds raised at the auction will go towards the American Cancer Society – Vance County Relay for Life. Anyone wishing to donate items to the auction may contact Jeanette Brummitt at (252) 226-6085 or Angela Matthews at (252) 204-2976.

“Please know that without your support, we simply cannot meet our goal. These much-needed funds are used in furthering cancer drug research and cures. Without it, more lives will be lost.”

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

H-V Chamber Logo

Chamber Launches Search for New President

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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is launching a search for a new president to lead the organization, which serves businesses in the greater Quad-County region.

“We are excited about the opportunity this search represents. We have a chamber staff that does a tremendous amount to provide value to our membership and to connect businesses with each other and the greater community,” said Nancy Wykle, chamber board chairwoman. “The person who fills this leadership role has a tremendous asset in the staff, and will offer new ways to better serve our members.”

The chamber plans to appoint an interim president as it conducts its search.

Former Chamber President John Barnes resigned from the organization Feb. 19 with plans to pursue other opportunities.

“We appreciate John’s years of service in leading the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and wish him well in the next chapter,” Wykle said. “We see this time of transition as an opportunity to re-examine how we serve our members and the community.”

The chamber board is actively engaged in the process of naming an interim president and will be providing any support the staff needs to ensure that all member services will continue without interruption.

Vance County High School

Vance Co. High School to Operate on Early Start Calendar for 2019-2020

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-Information courtesy the Vance County School’s Facebook page

With the Vance County Board of Education’s earlier approval of a restart plan for Vance County High School, the school will operate on an early start calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.

VCHS will follow the same calendar as Early College High for the upcoming school year with classes beginning in early August.

School system officials are seeking input now from parents, students and employees on the proposed calendar for both schools, which has Monday, August 5, as the first day of classes. The proposed calendar also stipulates that first semester exams will occur prior to the Christmas break. The last day of classes in the proposed calendar is Thursday, May 21.

The Board of Education is expected to review and approve the proposed calendar, as well as calendars for all traditional schools and E.M. Rollins Elementary, at its March 11 meeting.

Gospel Music Group The McKameys to Perform at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Part of  McGregor Hall’s JOY! Series

The McKameys will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, March 22, 2019, at 7 p.m.

The McKameys have been singing the gospel for almost four decades at the Grand Ole Opry (Nashville, TN), and although the composition of the group has undergone some change, the motive has remained the same…to honor Him who is worthy of all praise. The group began with Peg, Carol and another sister, Dora. Later, Ruben joined the group and a little later he joined the family by marrying Peg. In 1971, both Carol and Dora left the group to fulfill family obligations and they were replaced by Peg and Ruben’s two daughters, Connie and Sheryl.

Part of McGregor Hall’s JOY! Series: The McKameys will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 22, 2019, at 7 p.m. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)

In September of 1984, the group had its first number one release “Who Put The Tears In The Eyes Of The Lamb” and shortly thereafter Sheryl decided to leave the group to fulfill her obligations as a mother and pastor’s wife. It was at this time that Peg’s sister, Carol Woodard, again joined the group. The vocalists have not changed since that time. Connie’s husband and son, Roger and Eli Fortner play the guitars for the group. The group also uses digital tracks to enhance the value of their performance.

The McKameys have enjoyed tremendous success from the beginning but most of the national recognition has occurred within the last decade. The group has been honored with many nominations and awards including 14 number one songs and almost every single released has charted in the Singing News Top 40 Chart. (The group has had 2 additional number one songs in the US Gospel News chart.)

In 1989, “God On The Mountain” was acclaimed Song of the Year by the Singing News Fan Awards. Peg McKamey Bean has been honored as the Favorite Female Vocalist by The Singing News Fan Awards for 7 years. The McKameys have won the hearts of Southern Gospel music lovers across the country.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)