Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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Free Expungement Clinic to Offer Possibility of Fresh Start

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-Information courtesy Tracy Edwards, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, Vance County Child Support

Is your criminal record holding you back? Join us for a FREE Expungement Educational Clinic on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, to see if you are eligible for a
fresh start.

This Legal Aid Clinic is made possible by Vance County Child Support, Gateway to Employment, the New Start Reentry Program and Legal Aid of North Carolina. For further information, call Vance County Child Support at (252) 431-1200.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Summer Musical Movie Matinees for All Ages at Perry Memorial Library

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-Information courtesy the Perry Memorial Library website

2018 Summer Musical Movie Matinees at Perry Memorial Library:

Friday, July 27 at 1 p.m. – “Enchanted” – Rated PG

Thursday, August 2 at 1 p.m. – “Mary Poppins” – Rated G

Thursday, August 9 at 1 p.m. – “Grease” – Rated PG-13

Friday, August 17 at 1 p.m. – “The Sound of Music” – Rated G

Movies will be shown in the Farm Bureau Room of the Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson. Food and drink are allowed during the movie! All ages are welcome to attend.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

State Board Approves Dr. Burns as Interim President at VGCC

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College 

The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges has approved the appointment of Dr. Gordon Burns as the interim president of Vance-Granville Community College.

The former leader of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro was the longest-serving president in the history of the western North Carolina college, retiring in 2014 after 18 years at WCC and 46 years in education.

The approval came today (Friday, July 20) at the regular meeting of the State Board, held this month at Pitt Community College in Winterville, following the VGCC Board of Trustees’ selection of Dr. Burns as its choice for an interim.

Dr. Gordon Burns, retired president of Wilkes Community College, has been named the interim president of Vance-Granville Community College. He will lead the college while the Board of Trustees searches for Vance-Granville’s seventh president. (VGCC Photo)

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the sixth president of VGCC, announced plans in May to take the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13. Dr. Burns will work alongside Dr. Williams for his first two weeks at Vance-Granville and will officially become the interim president on Aug. 11.

“We are excited to get someone of the caliber of Dr. Burns to help lead Vance-Granville during this time of transition,” said Danny W. Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees. “At Wilkes Community College, Dr. Burns demonstrated an ability to assemble and lead a strong team of administrators, faculty and staff that took their college to new heights during his tenure.”

“We feel very fortunate that, after just a few years of retirement, he still has a burning desire for community colleges and the excellent work we do to educate students of all ages.”

Vance-Granville will be his fourth community college home in North Carolina. Prior to his time at WCC as president, Dr. Burns served as executive vice president at Lenoir Community College in Kinston, and as vice president for instruction and dean of continuing education at Wilson Community College in Wilson. After completing high school in Easton, Pa., Dr. Burns earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, Ky., and his Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia. His Ph.D. major was Industrial Education with support areas in Educational Administration and Industrial Management.

Dr. Burns described his management style for the VGCC Trustees as “participatory.” “I like to engage and I like to involve the staff, faculty and students in the life of the college, the decisions that are made, the planning that is done and the execution of those plans,” he said. “I can honestly say that much of what was accomplished in my career was not accomplished by me. It was accomplished by the people that I supervised and that I worked with as team members.”

Operations will be the top priority during the transition, he said. “The ultimate compliment at the end of the period would be that we didn’t miss a beat, that the college continued on its journey. I would not be here to change things so that things would be done in the Burns way or in the Wilkes Community College way. They need to be done in the Vance-Granville way with the Vance-Granville people.”

“Dr. Williams has continued the journey of creating a great work environment and a great learning environment here and a supportive one for all, the students, the faculty and the staff and has worked well with Trustees in the governance of the institution,” he added.

At Wilkes Community College, Dr. Burns is credited with leading the college through a period of significant growth and successes in enrollment, donations to the college’s Endowment, construction and renovation projects, technology, academic offerings, planning, and school, university, business and industry partnerships.

At the VGCC Board of Trustees’ July meeting, a search committee of six Trustees was appointed to find the permanent president. Deborah F. Brown was appointed chair of the search committee, and Herb Gregory was named vice chair. Rounding out the committee are N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester. The committee was selected by Trustees Chair Wright.

Wright Re-elected Chair of VGCC Board; Two Trustees Reappointed

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

At their regular bi-monthly meeting held July 16, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees re-elected Danny W. Wright as the chair of the board for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, Herb Gregory as vice-chair, and Deborah F. Brown as secretary after nominations from a committee chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr.

Retired North Carolina Ninth District Court Judge Henry Banks swore in two Trustees for additional terms. Trustee Barbara Cates Harris was reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the board. Chair Wright was appointed to a new four-year term by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Wright had been appointed in 2015 to fill an unexpired term on the board. He was also a commissioner in 2011-2013 when he was appointed by the governor.

Building Update

In his update on capital projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., reported that preparations will begin in August to renovate seminar rooms in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC Trustee Danny W. Wright is sworn in for a new four-year appointment on the college’s board by Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks. Also serving as the chair of the board, Wright was appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. He also served in 2011-2013 when appointed to an unexpired term by the governor. From left are Judge Banks, Wright, and Wright’s wife, Betty Wright. (VGCC Photo)

The assessment phase of an exterior masonry repairs project on Main Campus was completed in May, and a design service proposal has been sent to the State Construction Office (SCO) for review. The project is expected to be bid out in February 2019 with renovations starting the following April. The majority of the masonry work is being funded by the Connect NC State Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016.

Seifert also reported the SCO is expected to issue a design contract this month for fire alarm replacements and renovations to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Main Campus. The fire alarm replacements will be completed first with the HVAC renovations expected to start in 2020.

The second phase of renovations to the newest building on campus, Building 10, are expected to start in August and be completed in December, Seifert said. Space is being renovated to add a Practical Simulation Lab for Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs, among other expansions.

Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks administers the oath of office to Vance-Granville Community College Trustee Barbara Cates Harris of Oxford. She has been reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the college Board of Trustees. From left are Judge Banks; Harris; Maurice Harris, Jr., Harris’ grandson; and her husband, Phillip Harris. (VGCC Photo)

Budget Amendments

The 2017-2018 Budget Resolution was amended upon recommendation from the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed. The State Current Fund increased $1,959,983 to a total of $21,512,238, the County Current Fund was unchanged at $2,578,292, and the Institutional Fund increased $340,947 to a total of $9,993,779, for a combined Amended Operating Budget of $34,084,309. The Capital Improvement Budget increased $348,943 to a total of $889,653. The total Combined Amended Budget is $34,973,962.

 Other Action

In other action:

  • The Trustees voted to terminate Warren County High School as an off-campus site with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The site had been approved in November 2015; however, the high school has requested that dually enrolled students take their college courses at VGCC’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton. No college classes are currently being offered at WCHS, and students are completing their work at the Warren Campus, according to Trustee Harris, chair of the Curriculum Committee. The change will be effective as of the Fall 2018 academic term.
  • An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was given by the Personnel Committee, chaired by Trustee Sara C. Wester.
  • New and amended board policies for the 2018-2019 Policy Manual were approved by the Trustees on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, chaired by Trustee Wright. The policies cover areas of organizational structure, public information and campus safety, personnel policies, academic affairs, institutional research and technology, and finance and operations.
  • Trustee Frazier, chair of the Investment Committee, reported on the progress of the college’s investments.

A Board Retreat has been scheduled for August 7, and the Trustees will participate in Ethics Training on August 29. The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 17, at the Main Campus.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Beat Summer Boredom and Bring the Kids to the Farmers Market!

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Bring the Kids!

Have the kids become bored during their summer break yet? Need something to entertain them? Bring them to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market this week for a fun family outing.

The VCRFM provides you with wholesome, healthy food while you support our local community. Children are naturally curious. By meeting the farmers that actually grow the food you take home to eat, your children can ask all about where the food came from and how it was grown.

There is a huge disconnect between most Americans and their food. We’ve stopped asking where it came from or how it was raised. Bringing your kids to the farmers market lets them see what’s being grown locally and encourages them to become healthy eaters.

What You Will Find at the Market This Week

Beets, blueberries, butter beans, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, pork, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 21:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Cakes Delish

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Faulkner Family Farms

Glover Gifts & Crafts

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

JASM Farms

JW Creek Farms

LouMag Ent.

Master Gardeners

O’Relly’s Curry Q & Sauce

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

VCRFM is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson. SNAP/EBT accepted and welcomed.

Contact Market Manager Tracy Madigan at 252-598-0814 or Extension Agent  Paul McKenzie at 252-438-8188 with questions or for more information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Offers a Number of Volunteer Opportunities

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. – July 2018 Newsletter

How to Bring a Group to Rebuilding Hope, Inc. (RHI)

RHI has a number of volunteer opportunities throughout the year and will work with you or your group (youth or adult) to not only meet the needs of homeowners but also to meet the needs of your group in its effort to put its faith into action serving others.

We provide job locations and materials for hands-on experience and will arrange for one-day projects or projects for more than one day. Overnight accommodations can be arranged. E-mail us at rwilson@rebuildinghopeinc.org or call 252-438- 5132 for more information or registration.

RHI – Here to Help

To request help to build a wheelchair ramp or to make home repairs, visit our office where a volunteer will take your application. RHI does not take applications over the phone or make monetary awards. Depending on the type of work requested, RHI may require evidence of ownership of property. A landlord’s permission for a wheelchair ramp is required. While RHI provides services at no cost, donations from applicants are appreciated.

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Contact Information:

414 Raleigh Road, Henderson

(252) 438-5132

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

www.rebuildinghopeinc.org

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Super Bowl Champ Ellis Wyms to Participate in Community Day, Sat. Aug 4

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-Information courtesy Chalis S. Henderson, Executive Director, Turning Point Community Development Corporation

Ellis Wyms, Super Bowl Champion and Founder of Athletes For Computer Science, in collaboration with Oasis of Hope Ministries and Turning Point CDC, will host the 9th Annual Community Day on Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Henderson, NC.

This free event is open to the public and will include a number of activities for all ages to enjoy including: distribution of 150 backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, free hotdog meals, UNC Mobile Kidney Center, Microsoft One Hour of Code workshop (10:30-11:30 a.m.), wet zone, game zone, Vance County Mobile Food Market, a four car seats giveaway by Vance County Safe Kids, free books from Vance County Smart Start, and many more community resources and entertainers.

“This annual event is an opportunity for our ministry and community development organization to give back to our communities by sharing our resources and enjoying a day of fun activities for the entire family,” said Chalis Henderson, executive director of Turning Point Community Development Corporation. Turning Point is the community development arm of Oasis of Hope Ministries.

Ellis Wyms will be at the event sharing information about “Athletes For Computer Science,” co-facilitating the coding workshop with Microsoft, and leading activities for the participants.

 

WHEN:            

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Community Yard Sale: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

WHERE:     

Oasis of Hope Ministries

2495 US 1/158 Business (N. Garnett St.)

Henderson, NC 27536

 

Search Committee Appointed To Seek Next VGCC President

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College 

A search committee of six members of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees has been appointed to find a successor to Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college’s president who is taking a position with Duke University in August.

Deborah F. Brown has been appointed chair of the search committee, and Herb Gregory will serve as vice chair. Rounding out the committee will be N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester.

Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright made the appointment at the board’s regular bi-monthly meeting on July 16 at the college’s Main Campus.

Dr. Williams, the sixth president of VGCC, announced her plans in May to take the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13.

Looking back at her tenure at Vance-Granville, Dr. Williams offered her reflections to the Trustees, recalling the support given to the college through grants, donations and governmental and community partnerships; the thousands of students who have been educated and have graduated; and a supportive faculty, staff and Board of Trustees.

“I have one big wish for a bright future ahead for Vance-Granville Community College,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity that you all have provided for me to serve over the past six and a half years. It’s the people who have really made this a special place and a great experience for me. I will forever be grateful. And I will forever be a Vance-Granville Vanguard.”

NC Coop Extension

Vance Co. Cooperative Extension Offers Exciting Programs for Youth & Adults

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Turner Pride, director of Vance County Cooperative Extension, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the center’s many upcoming programs and events.

Cooperative Extension is active in every state in the country and is funded through each state’s university. “We are fortunate enough to have two [funding] universities in North Carolina – North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T,” said Pride.

Both NC universities provide research-based information for Cooperative Extension’s four program areas including 4-H, Community & Rural Development, Agriculture and Family & Consumer Sciences.

The ever-popular 4-H programs target youth ages 5-19 and offer training in life skills with an agricultural twist.

“Right now there is a big push to form 4-H clubs of five youth and one adult leader based on a specific interest,” Pride said.

One such special interest 4-H group may be formed after the upcoming Livestock and Horse Interest meeting is held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018, at the Vance Co. Cooperative Extension Center. Youth interested in livestock and horses are encouraged to attend.

Four Vance County youth are attending 4-H Congress, a youth leadership conference, this summer at NC State University. Part of the requirements for successful completion of the program is their participation in a community service project.

Assisting with these programs is Cooperative Extension’s new 4-H agent and Oxford native Lina Lue. “Lina attended NC State and majored in extension education, so she’s tailor-made for our position here and we’re very excited to have her on our team,” said Pride.

Pride also announced that Vance County Cooperative Extension is working regionally with Warren, Franklin, Granville and Person counties, as well as with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and the Department of Agriculture on an agriculture app for phones.

“This will be an app for your phone that promotes local food, farmers market information, restaurant information, etc.,” said Pride. “We are really excited for the direction the app can go in, especially for the profitability of our farmers.”

Upcoming Events:

Kerr-Tar Beekeepers Association – meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

at the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 305 Young St., Henderson

 

Organic Vegetable Production Workshop – Monday, July 23, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson

Discuss principles of organic production, organic certification, plant disease prevention, pest prevention and how to plant organically

 

Growing the Fall Garden Workshop – Monday, July 30, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson

Discuss fall vegetables, nutrient needs and season extension frost protection techniques

 

Vance County Regional Fair – August 8 – 12, 2018, at the fairgrounds on Hwy 39

4-H Livestock Show on Saturday, August 11, 2018

 

Parenting Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at 12 p.m.

Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson

For parents and children entering Pre-K or kindergarten

Tips on preparing children for school – door prizes, books and school supplies

 

Parenting Series: The Incredible Years – September 12 – December 19, 2018

Held each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center

Parents and children between the ages of 3-5 are invited to attend. Catered meal and childcare provided. Transportation provided as needed. Register by calling Cooperative Extension. Grant funded through the Smart Start Partnership for Children.

 

For more information on Vance County Cooperative Extension or to register for a program, please call (252) 438-8188, visit their website at vance.ces.ncsu.edu or stop by the office at 305 Young Street, Henderson.

Vance County Logo

Commissioners to Discuss Relocation of Vance County Dept. of Social Services

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

The Vance County Commissioners’ Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder) is scheduled to meet Monday, July 30, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

Topics to be discussed include an offer on a foreclosed property and relocation of the Department of Social Services.

All commissioners are invited to attend.