Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Chamber “Shop With A Cop” Fundraiser Nets $15,000

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The Shop With A Cop fundraiser sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce was a huge success, and Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said law enforcement officers and first responders were going to have about $15,000 to spend on their upcoming shopping spree with area youngsters.

A celebratory reception held last week for all the sponsors went great, Wilkerson said Monday. About 100 people attended the event, which included a 50/50 raffle. Between the proceeds of the raffle and a couple of last-minute sponsors, Wilkerson said the fundraiser exceeded her initial expectations of $11,000.

According to Wilkerson, Barrow commented that it’s the most money he’s heard any program in the area getting for a Christmas shopping program.

The shopping spree will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 19 at the Walmart in Henderson.

Rebuild Communities NC Teams Up With AARP To Host Computer Classes Beginning Dec. 5

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Join Rebuild Communities NC at Perry Memorial Library for a Digital Skills Ready@50+ program to learn more about navigating an increasingly digital world.

Rebuild Communities NC is again partnering with AARP’s Senior Planet to help senior adults learn more online skills.

Whether you want to learn how to participate in a Zoom call or host your own, the classes will have something for anyone interested in honing their computer application skills.

Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the library’s Farm Bureau Room.

Whether you’re hoping to stay connected with family and friends, interested in learning new technologies, exploring  entrepreneurship, or looking for a job, the classes offer trainings technologies like video conferencing and accessing online job search.

The first two classes – Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Thursday, Dec. 7 – will discuss using Zoom.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the topic will be “Exploring & Downloading Apps;” the topic for Thursday, Dec. 14 is a lecture on Cloud Storage.

The classes will resume in January.

 

 

Churches Sponsor Camp Meeting Dec. 4-8 At McGregor Hall

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Henderson’s second annual weeklong Camp Meeting will be held Dec. 4-8 at McGregor Hall.

Each evening will feature preachers and musical performances. The public is invited to attend – admission is free, but an offering will be taken up each night, according to information from Andy Matthews, one of the organizers.

The nightly meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be moderated by Scott Matthews, who also will be the guest preacher on Wednesday, along with evangelist Dale Vance.

Other preachers include Kenny Baldwin (Monday), Joe Arthur (Tuesday) and C.T. Townsend (Thursday).

Nightly musical entertainment will feature The Matthews Family. The Morrison Sisters will take the stage Wednesday through Friday and special guests Andy Leftwich & Friends will conclude the weeklong activities with a special Christmas show on Friday evening.

The camp meeting is supported by more than half a dozen churches across Vance County, Scott Matthew said. His father, Ronnie Matthews is pastor of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Henderson.

For more information, call Scott Matthews 864.490.0852 or Ronnie Matthews 252.425.9035.

NC Forest Service

Veterans Can Get Seedlings At Discount From N.C. Forest Service

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The N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20 percent discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 13, the discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount.

“Many forestland owners in this state are veterans and current military members who choose country before self to the benefit of us all,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I am proud to offer a discount that not only shows appreciation for their brave service but that also assists them with keeping forests healthy, another act that provides us all with numerous benefits.”

To be eligible, veterans must show a valid military ID, Department of Defense Form 214/215 or National Guard Bureau Form 22/22A is acceptable. Standard shipping rates still apply. Tree seedlings may be ordered by calling 1-888-NCTREES or by visiting www.buynctrees.com.

The N.C. Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement program ensures that residents of North Carolina have access to the best native trees and genetics available for use on their land. Current available inventory includes southern yellow pines, native oaks and hardwoods, native understory grasses and Christmas tree species. For a complete list of available species and pricing, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm.

NC State Board of Elections

State Elections Officials Want Input On New Voter Photo ID Rule

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Now that voters have had a chance – or two – to cast their ballots in municipal elections, the N.C. State Board of Elections wants to hear comments about the new photo ID requirement. A public comment period opened today and runs through Jan. 16, 2024 to allow the public to comment on the rule, which the General Assembly passed into law in 2018.

There are several ways to send comments:

An in-person public hearing will be held on Dec. 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. State Board of Elections Office on the Third Floor of the Dobbs Building at 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Granville Vance Public Health Launches Tooth Club To Promote Oral Health In Children

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Thanks to a $50,000 grant, Granville Vance Public Health is launching a school-based oral health program called the Tooth Club to support and improve dental health among children.

The grant comes from the Triangle North Health Care Foundation and the GVPH Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry clinic will oversee the program to provide preventive and restorative care in various school settings, including Headstart, Henderson Collegiate and Vance County Schools, according to information from GVPH Workforce Development Jesus Peralta.

Regular preventive dental care is essential for good oral health, and early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. Not all children in Vance and Granville counties have access to dental care. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection and pain that can inhibit a child’s ability to eat, sleep, speak, play, and learn, as well as cause chronic childhood health challenges such as diabetes, heart disease and malnourishment.

The Tooth Club will offer preventive oral care, such as cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, sealants and oral health education to uninsured students enrolled in the SBOH clinics. Services are provided at no cost to the student or family – regardless of insurance status, household income or immigration status. Student participants can also receive restorative oral health care services at no cost.

Dr. Navid Nesab, the dentist at Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry, stated: “Our School Based Oral Health clinics allow students to receive preventive oral health services within a familiar school environment, reduce the amount of time students are absent from school for oral health appointments, and keep parents from having to miss work to take their child to the dentist for needed oral health services. Triangle North Health Care Foundation’s grant also allows us the ability to perform restorative care for uninsured SBOH patients at no cost to the families.”

Any child attending HeadStart, Henderson Collegiate, or Vance County Public Schools is eligible to enroll for the SBOH clinics, held at each school location periodically. To enroll your student, please contact the School Nurse at your child’s school to obtain the consent form or contact the dental clinic directly at 919.693.8797 or by email at dental@gvph.org. Visit  https://www.gvph.org/clinic/dental/ to learn more.

 

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon Invites Community To Mental Health Forums Nov. 28, 30

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Mental health and access to quality care for substance use disorders are buzz phrases that continue to capture the attention of government leaders, medical professionals and the community. A couple of forums are scheduled for later this month in Vance and Granville counties, and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon invites interested individuals to come out to learn more.

Working together with Granville-Vance Public Health and Vaya Health representatives, Sossamon said the programs offer residents a chance to gain insight into current conditions in the two counties with regard to mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition learning just what the two topics encompass, there will be two panel discussions – one on youth mental health and one on substance use disorder and addiction, according to a press statement issued from Sossamon spokesperson Clai Keel.

Providers also will be on hand to share information about available resources.

The Vance County forum will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, 511 Orange St., Henderson.

The Granville County forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, 3237 Knotts Grove Rd., Oxford.

Provider booths will include those that specialize in medications for Opioid Use Disorder (e.g., Buprenorphine, Methadone), individual and family counseling, medication management, crisis management, intensive outpatient services, and residential treatment.

A wide range of topics will be covered, addressing crucial issues such as suicide prevention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, crisis events, anxiety management, substance use disorder and recovery, depression treatment, addiction recovery, and primary care services. The forums aim to empower attendees with approachable access points for seeking care and support.

“Representative Sossamon is dedicated to fostering an environment where residents can discuss their concerns, learn from experts in the field, and discover local resources that can make a difference in their lives,” the statement read. “These forums will be invaluable for individuals and families seeking guidance and support in the areas of mental health and substance use disorder.”

‘Operation Christmas Child’ Sends Shoeboxes Of Gifts To Children Across The Globe

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The Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ collection week runs through Nov. 20, and there are several local drop-off spots that will be collecting boxes filled with gifts that will be distributed throughout the world for Christmas. This year’s goal is to reach 11 million children with the traditional “shoeboxes.”

North Henderson Baptist Church is the drop-off location in Henderson, according to information from Dolores Brown with Samaritan’s Purse.

Shoebox gifts prepared by generous donors and filled with toys, personal care items and school supplies may be dropped off now during National Collection Week, which began today and continues for the next week.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for three decades. In 2023, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children. This season, there’s still time for individuals, families, and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.

“This season, children around the world need a tangible reminder that there is hope and that God loves them,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Through these shoebox gifts packed with special items, children also receive the opportunity to hear about the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.”

Participants can use the online lookup tool to find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. It is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop off.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

North Henderson Baptist Church, 1211 N. Garnett St., will accept shoeboxes at the following drop-off times:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 14: 12 noon  –  2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15:  3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 16: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 17:  2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
  • Sunday, Nov 19: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
VGCC Logo

VGCC Foundation Hosts Holiday Tree Online Silent Auction

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance Granville Community College Foundation is helping the community get into the holiday spirit with a Festival of Trees Online Silent Auction. Bids will be accepted Nov. 12-19 for the pre-decorated holiday trees, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

All fundraiser proceeds will benefit the VGCC Foundation and to help provide scholarships, financial assistance and more to VGCC students.

The trees will be on display in the VGCC Main Campus Civic Center in Henderson from Nov. 13-17 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Access photos of each tree on the VGCC Facebook Event page.

Winning bidders should pick their trees up by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

Access the auction here: www.vgcc.edu/festival-of-trees.

In addition to student support, the Foundation supports a broad range of special projects involving education, training and economic development in the community. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Festival of Trees auction or the VGCC Foundation, contact VGCCF at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.431.5913.

 

 

The Salvation Army Launches Red Kettle Campaign In Henderson

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Those familiar donation kettles are getting set up and ready for the holiday season in Henderson as the Salvation Army kicked off the Red Kettle Campaign Thursday morning in front of Belk department store.

This year’s goal is $75,000, but placing spare change and bills into the iconic kettles is just one way to contribute – The Salvation Army has QR codes and online donation sites available to make donating as quick as a couple of clicks of the computer, phone or tablet, according to information from Capts. Josh and Amanda Keaton.

The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s primary fundraiser each year, which helps to provide programming, food assistance, shelter, disaster response and more to those in need.

Volunteers are needed to ring the bell at each kettle location.

“We have integrated Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo into donation options at the Red Kettle,” said Capt. Josh Keaton. “Fewer people carry cash these days and prefer the convenience of using their smartphones for giving. This technology simplifies the donation process and encourages people to contribute to The Salvation Army during Christmas and beyond!” he said.

Across the United States, the Red Kettle campaign raises millions of dollars during the holiday season each year to provide help to families that need support with basic needs – from ultility bills or food assistance.