Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Five VGCC Students Join RIBN Program in NC A&T Ceremony

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Five Vance-Granville Community College students were formally inducted into the North Carolina Piedmont “Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses” (RIBN) program in a ceremony in August at North Carolina A&T State University’s Union Square Campus in Greensboro.

RIBN is a partnership involving the university, VGCC, Davidson County Community College (DCCC) and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC).

This year’s inductees from VGCC are Jolina Chiong of Henderson, Madison Hetrick of Henderson, Jaslin Renteria of Henderson, Chris Trotman of Durham and April Zuniga-Trejo of Henderson.

At the induction ceremony, the A&T School of Nursing welcomed students from VGCC and the other community colleges who will be simultaneously enrolled at the university. RIBN students earn associate’s degrees in nursing over three years (while also taking A&T courses online) and then continue for one year of additional courses at A&T required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Above: Shown celebrating the induction of five new students in RIBN at NCA&T in Greensboro, from left, are VGCC Academic/Career Coach Seletha Pherribo, VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Angela Thomas, RIBN student inductees Jolina Chiong, Madison Hetrick, Chris Trotman, Jaslin Renteria, and April Zuniga-Trejo, VGCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Levy Brown, and Nursing Department Chair Erica Jastrow. (VGCC photo)

Erica Jastrow, the Nursing department chair for VGCC, presented each college’s student inductees with a certificate of induction as part of the ceremony, while Academic/Career Coach Seletha Pherribo read a brief biography of each one.

With five out of the 11 students selected for this year’s cohort, VGCC again had the most inductees among the three community colleges in the partnership. In 2017, VGCC had 11 of the 18 students selected, more inductees that the two other community colleges combined. In the first year of the partnership, 2016, the initial cohort consisted of three students, one from each community college.

The North Carolina Piedmont RIBN initiative is one of nine such partnerships that have been launched in North Carolina since 2008 under the direction of the Foundation for Nursing Excellence (FFNE) to increase the educational preparation of North Carolina’s nursing workforce.

In addition to recognizing the RIBN Advisory Board members, Jastrow thanked employers who have met with RIBN students to outline employment opportunities that lie ahead for graduates. “This really shows how desirable our RIBN students are,” she said. “The employers are seeking them out, wanting to come and talk with them.” She also thanked the community and university administrators for providing the fiscal and human resources to support the RIBN students.

Dr. Terry Ward, director of the A&T School of Nursing, praised the students for enrolling in RIBN. “You are going to reduce the impact on the financial debt for our country by saving money and creating a bridge to your education,” she said. “That’s extremely important in today’s times.”

Citing the rising cost of education for young people and the impact it is having, she added, “It’s amazing to see that so many people are doing what they need to do to create the future nurses that we need, to create people who will have economic stability and power. You are showing people it can be done.”

In addition to RIBN, VGCC has a partnership with A&T to allow graduates of its Associate Degree Nursing program to transition easily to the university’s four-year Bachelor’s program. For more information about Nursing at VGCC and bachelor’s degree options, contact academic/career coach Seletha Pherribo at (252) 738-3518 or Nursing department chair Erica Jastrow at (252) 738-3457.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s album on Flickr!

H-V Chamber Logo

Alpha Brothers Tinting to Hold Coat Drive; Two Drop-Off Locations Announced

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Alpha Brothers Tinting, LLC. will hold a coat drive October 8 – 19, 2018. All new and gently-used coats are welcome. Drop-off stations include:

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

414 S. Garnett Street – downtown Henderson

OR

Alpha Brothers Tinting

691 Bearpond Road – Henderson

All coats will be donated to Infinite Possibilities, Inc.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC to Host 7th Annual Small Business Summit at Warren Co. Armory

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-Information and flyer courtesy the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center Facebook page

The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center will host the 7th Annual VGCC Small Business Summit on Monday, October 15, 2018, from 5 – 8:15 p.m. at the Warren County Armory & Convention Center.

This free event offers aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and non-profit leaders the opportunity to network and discover available resources in the community.

Deadline to register for the summit is Friday, October 5. Register online by clicking here.

Dinner will be served and is made possible by Duke Energy.

Schedule:

4:30 – 5 p.m. – Registration/Networking

5 – 6 p.m. – Keynote Address: What is Your Digital First Impression Online and Why it is Important – Martin Brossman

Your future customers want to know more about you then just what is on your website and they may trust you less if they don’t. We all are looking for secondary validation for everything from credible information for a product, business, person or service. This class is going to show you the free and low-cost way to make the best digital (web-based) first impression that will lead to more sales and more referrals for your business.

6 – 6:10 p.m – Break

6:10 – 7:10 p.m. – Stock Your Pantry With The Right Business Resources

Got a business idea you’d like to cook up from scratch or the possibility of expanding your business or nonprofit? Then, be inspired, gain courage and practical insights from our dynamic panel of experts from planning and zoning, insurance, accounting and legal. Panelists will share insights into pitfalls to watch out for when starting the process as well as where to find resources that can help you succeed. They will also be available for specific questions during the Q&A session to help you better achieve the outcomes you desire for your small business. Ask questions, plan next steps, meet like-minded peers and walk away ready to take action so that your “pantry” is stocked with the right business resources so that you can be successful.

7:10 – 8:10 p.m. – Top 10 Tips: How to Work with Media – Kristen Baughman

What’s a social influencer? How about a micro-influencer? Join Tabletop Media Group’s Founder Kristen Baughman for a session on “Top 10 Tips: How to Work with Media.” During her presentation, she will cover how your brand can help your small business gain more exposure by pitching and engaging with bloggers, media, Instagram stars and more.

Co-Sponsor(s): Duke Energy, Warren County EDC; Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, Chamber of Commerce of Warren County

For more information, contact Tanya Weary, Director, VGCC Small Business Center at (252) 738-3240 or smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

AmazonSmile Purchases Can Benefit Rebuilding Hope, Inc.

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-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. September newsletter

Your Amazon purchases can now benefit Rebuilding Hope! AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate a half percent of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

Every item available for purchase on amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile at the same price. Eligible products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. When you’re shopping online at smile.amazon.com, Rebuilding Hope will benefit from a donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation – and you’re helping us help our communities.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Health Sciences Clubs Conducting Second ‘Prom Attire’ Drive

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Health Sciences clubs are collecting donations at all four VGCC campuses for a “Prom Attire” collection drive through February 28, 2019.

All donations will be collected for a giveaway event to provide local high school students free attire to fulfill their prom dreams, according to Stacey Soles, VGCC’s program head for Medical Assisting and clinical coordinator for Radiography.

The drive is the second for the Health Sciences Clubs in Radiography, Human Services, Pharmacy, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Nursing.

Dozens of prom dresses were donated for the first “Prom Attire” collection drive held earlier this year on Vance-Granville Community College’s four campuses. A drive is now underway through February 2019 to collect suits, shirts, dresses, shoes and accessories to be donated to high school students for free to fulfill their prom dreams. Donations can be dropped off at any VGCC campus. (Photo Credit: VGCC)

The club leaders are asking that only clean, gently-used or new items be donated. All sizes will be accepted. The clubs also request that no dated items be donated.

Items that will be accepted are:
• Suits & Shirts: Tuxedos, suits, suit separates, dress shirts, slacks, vests;
• Ties & Shoes: Neck ties, bow ties, dress shoes;
• Dressy Dresses: Gowns, prom, party, formal; and
• Accessories & Shoes: Jewelry/hair accessories, handbags/clutches.

Soles said that the clubs could use more items for males. “In our initial drive, we received a good number of dresses that are available for distribution next year,” she said. “We are especially in need of suits, dress shirts and slacks for men.”

Drop-off locations are located at:
• Main Campus, Building 5, Room 5225: Audrey Stainback;
• South Campus, Building 2, Room G2212: Stacey Soles;
• Franklin Campus, Building 1, Room F1101: Priscilla Lewis; and
• Warren Campus, Building 1, Room W1101: Ruthie Davis.

For more information, donors should contact Stacey Soles at (252) 738-3515 or soless@vgcc.edu.

Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Recognizes Local ‘Heroes’ at Annual Banquet

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The resounding message at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening was that Vance County has many positive aspects.

“Stay positive and stay above the negativity. This community is tremendous,” commented Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White agreed with Barrow, “When you are out and about and you hear people talking negative, don’t agree with that stuff. Crime is on the downward trend and has been for several years.”

Lt. Governor Dan Forest addresses the crowd at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

White, who was attending his last Crime Stoppers banquet as Sheriff, said he is proud to call Vance County home. “I’m not satisfied [with crime levels] but I feel better. I’m not leaving and I’m not moving. This is our community and this is our home and it’s not going to get any better unless we all pitch in.”

Special guest for the evening, Lt. Governor Dan Forest, addressed the numerous first responders in attendance by praising the work they do in the face of dangerous, and often times underappreciated, circumstances. “There is a certain call on your life to go into harm’s way when no one else wants to. First responders run in because that’s what they do. There is something special about that.”

Forest further explained that events such as 9/11 and the recent destruction of Hurricane Florence prove that first responders are the real heroes of society. “You’re always going to do the right thing no matter what the cost is – not politicians, not Hollywood, not professional sports; you are the heroes.”

Forest’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet and included:

Community Watch Award – presented by Nowell Brooks to Kittrell Community Watch

Local Citizen Award – presented by Pastor Abidan Shah to Lee Anne Peoples

Public Service Award – presented by Frankie Nobles to Jamie Elliott

Public Service Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Randolph Wilson

Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health

Business Award – present by Clarence Hicks to Golden Corral

Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins, vice president of Crime Stoppers, to Edward Woodlief

Following this presentation, four Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community.

Officer Joshua Justice is shown with his Sam Pearson Memorial Award as presented by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

The Sam Pearson Memorial Award was presented by Chief Barrow to Officer Joshua Justice. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

Barrow described a recent traffic stop involving Justice on Roanoke Avenue in Henderson involving a suspect who tossed a gun in a pond.

“That night, [Justice] took off his shoes and climbed in the water in uniform to try to find the gun. He didn’t find it that night but went back on his own time with a couple of officers the next day, climbed back in the murky water and found the gun. That’s the type of officers we have at the Henderson Police Department,” said Barrow.

Barrow went on to detail Justice’s accomplishments while on the force including 120 arrests, seizure of 12 firearms, 400 grams of marijuana, 1200 dose units of heroin and interruptions of robberies in progress.

The next award, the Tom Long Memorial Award, was presented by White to Lt. of Investigations John Christopher Shelton. “If [Shelton] gets a clue, somebody is going to get arrested. He will track them and somebody is going to have a bad day,” White said.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol Award was presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to the 2018 Trooper of the Year Joseph Thomas.

The Vance County Animal Services Award was present by Chief Frankie Nobles to shelter assistant Ellen Wilkerson. “This lady comes to our shelter 3 – 4 times a week and files every report and every piece of paper we have. This allows our small staff to be out working,” Nobles said.

Music for the banquet was provided by Nelson Woodhouse; catering by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.

Community Gets First Look at City’s New Fire Engine

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Local leaders and residents gathered at Henderson’s Fire Station #2 on Friday for the community’s first peek at the new fire engine.

Fire department staff were on-hand to demonstrate the nearly half-a-million-dollar engine. The new model replaces one of the City’s older year models from 1990 and includes newer, faster technology and safety features.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated fire department and adjoining municipal building that previously served as the police department.

Local community leaders admire the City’s new fire engine in front of Fire Station #2 on N. Garnett St. in downtown Henderson. (Photo Credit: Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director)

‘Stars of the Grand Ole Opry’ to Delight Country Music Fans

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-Information and flyer courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“Stars of the Grand Ole Opry” presented by Branson’s Ozark Jubilee will perform Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 8 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson.

The all-star cast of the Jubilee will be performing the music of the great stars of the Grand Ole Opry. This year’s Jubilee features the Australian Sensation, “Jennifer Simmons.” The Jubilee also features Branson’s funniest comedian and world-class fiddler, Doofus Doolittle. If you like Country music and good, clean family entertainment, you’ll want to bring all your friends and come out to see the Ozark Jubilee!

“Star of the Grand Ole Opry” is part of the McGregorLive! Performance Series. Doors open one hour before the show.

Tickets on sale for $32.03 and 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)

Vance Co. Republican Party to Hold “Get Out The Vote” Rally at Pool Rock

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-Information courtesy Judy Satterwhite, Vance County Republican Party

Vance County GOP will hold a “Get Out The Vote” Rally and free hot dog dinner on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 6 p.m. – until at Pool Rock Plantation, 1305 Pool Rock Road (off Hwy 39 North) in Henderson.

Live music will be provided by Jimmy Barrier & Friends.

Meet the Candidates:

Roger Allison (U.S. House of Representatives)
Chuck Early (N.C. Senate)
Charles Pulley (Vance County Sheriff)
Mark Robinson (speaking on Freedom, NRA, 2nd Amendment)
& other candidates

All Republicans, conservatives and “anyone that loves America” is welcome.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

17th Annual ‘Show, Shine, Shag & Dine’ Only One Month Away!

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Vance County Tourism Development Director Pam Hester and Administrative Assistant Norman Dickerson were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss tourism news and upcoming events.

The next tourism-sponsored event will be the 17th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 in downtown Henderson. 1978 and older antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks will cover a ten-block area of Garnett Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.

With only one month to go until the big event, the tourism department is busy preparing for the thousands of guests who will be visiting Henderson and Vance County.

This world-class car show is one of the largest tourism draws and economic boosts to Vance County each year. Local hotels, gas stations, restaurants, stores and places of entertainment all benefit from the dollars spent over the weekend.

2018 Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Schedule:

Friday, October 19

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ~ Cruise-in and BBQ cookout for event guests. Meal served 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. $12 per plate cover charge at the door. Location: Satterwhite Point Park, Kerr Lake, I-85 – Exit 217.

7 – 10 p.m. ~ Receptions at host hotels (for their guests) – Hampton Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Red Roof Inn Plus and Sleep Inn.

7 – 11 p.m. ~ Cruise around town on your own or visit Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-In Theatre.

Saturday, October 20

7:30 – 11 a.m. ~ Car registration – open to all makes and models 1978 and older. Antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks. Judged cars $25; other vehicles $20. Dash plaques to the first 400 cars.

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ~ Show and Shine, live entertainment, DJ Cliff Cox, food, vendors, judging and awards.

7:30 – 11 p.m. ~ Cruise around town on your own or visit Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-In Theatre.

No personal golf carts, bicycles or pets allowed. Golf cart taxi rides will be provided for people needing assistance for health reasons. Children ride with adult supervision only.

For more information, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com or call 1-866-438-4565.