Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC student leaders graduate, continuing their education

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Vance-Granville Community College recently celebrated the graduation of a number of outgoing leaders in its Student Government Association (SGA), sending many of them off to four-year universities, including Duke, East Carolina, N.C. State, N.C. Wesleyan, NCCU and UNC-Charlotte.

Among them is Lydia Hendrick of Oxford, SGA senator for the college’s South Campus, who graduated with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science degree as a Granville Early College High School student. Hendrick accomplished that feat in four years rather than the typical five. She is now on her way to Duke University in the fall with her entire first year covered by the Washington Duke Scholars Program. “It is a relatively new program designed to support first-generation college students with demonstrated financial need,” Hendrick explained. “I am so grateful that I received this scholarship and the opportunities that come with it; without it, attending Duke University would just be a far off dream.” She called her VGCC degrees “the best foundation that I could ever have to build upon.”

Like Hendrick, SGA Secretary/Treasurer Isabelle Louise Snyder of Butner also graduated with both degrees through Granville Early College High School. Snyder, her high school valedictorian, is planning to continue her education at N.C. State University. Daniel Davis of Norlina, the SGA Parliamentarian, completed both degrees as a Warren Early College High School student and served as the college’s student speaker for commencement. He is headed to East Carolina University in the fall to study business, with future plans to go to law school. “Early College at VGCC gave me a smooth transition from high school to the college experience,” Davis said. “It made me responsible and gave me more confidence.”

His Warren Early College High School classmate, Shane O’Malley of Inez, the senate chair for Main Campus and Warren Campus, is transferring to N.C. State to major in animal science. Her goal is to become a veterinarian. “I definitely feel that my experience at Vance-Granville has prepared me well to take on a four-year university, because I’ve been taking college classes since I was a freshman in high school,” O’Malley said. She decided to go to VGCC through the Early College program “to get on my career path as fast as possible,” she said.

Another future member of the Wolfpack is SGA Vice President Cassandra Saroza of Louisburg, who was a Franklin County Early College High School student and graduated with an Associate in Arts. At NCSU, Saroza intends to double-major in biological sciences and psychology and minor in cognitive science. She will her start her four-year university experience with a study-abroad trip to Colombia in June and July, which will earn her a Sociology credit. She has received several scholarships from NCSU. Saroza praises her VGCC instructors, whom she called “passionate about the subjects they teach, and always willing to help you….Everyone at VGCC wants you to succeed.”

SGA President Aleria Perry of Henderson, Public Information Officer Keyanté Lindsey of Oxford, and Samantha Huffman of Durham, senator for South Campus, also each completed an Associate in Arts degree. Perry, a U.S. Army veteran, is planning to continue her education without having to leave VGCC’s campus through the new Eagle Voyage program at North Carolina Central University. The program will offer a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Perry would like to attend law school after completing that degree, and credits her VGCC graduation with giving her “a boost in self-esteem.”

Lindsey, meanwhile, is planning to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to study physical therapy. At VGCC, he was a member of the Vanguards basketball team and performed in the recent dramatic production of “Deathtrap.” He and his fellow officers are proud of what they accomplished through SGA. “We made a big difference on campus,” Lindsey said, citing VGCC’s first-ever pep rally and talent show, for which he and O’Malley served as emcees. “We’ve gotten great feedback from events like that.” He said he would always appreciate the friendships he made at the college. “It’s like a big family here,” Lindsey said.

Angelique Taylor of Macon, assistant secretary/treasurer for SGA, graduated with a degree in Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse. She completed her degree while raising a child as a single mother. Now, Taylor will attend North Carolina Wesleyan College on a full scholarship. She plans to double-major in biomedical science and psychology, with ultimate plans to go to medical school and specialize in forensic pathology. “I want to be an example for single mothers to say if I can get through this while pregnant and raising a child, you can do it, too,” Taylor said. “So many single mothers think they have to wait until their child is older to go to college, but at Vance-Granville, there are people here to help.”

Dianna DeWeese of Creedmoor, senate chair for South Campus, completed degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. She is transferring to N.C. State University to continue studying the same subjects. N.C. State’s bachelor’s degree in accounting is consistently ranked as one of the top 35 undergraduate accounting programs in the country. DeWeese, who came to VGCC after being retired, is interested in forensic accounting. “I’m the first person in my family to get a college degree,” she said, excluding her husband, Jacob, who graduated from the VGCC Culinary Arts program last year. She encourages VGCC students “to take advantage of every opportunity that Vance-Granville gives you.” DeWeese served as a tutor, a student ambassador and president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She recalled that people she met as an ambassador later provided her with letters of recommendation.

One graduate, Emory Gant-Hawkins of Henderson, SGA senator for Main Campus, completed a Culinary Arts degree but is actually returning to VGCC in the fall to complete a degree in Business Administration.

“We are proud of how these graduates have developed their leadership skills and served their fellow students,” VGCC Vice President of Employee and Public Relations Stacey Carter-Coley. “They seized some unique opportunities that our college afforded them and have positioned themselves well for future professional and personal success. We are grateful for their contributions, which have set positive examples for Vanguard student leaders.”

McGregor Hall offers opportunity to leave ‘lasting impression’

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The Performing Arts Center at McGregor Hall wants you to “leave your mark and ‘Take a Seat.’”

In addition to purchasing tickets for events in the new performing arts center, patrons are being given the opportunity to leave a lasting impression by naming a seat in honor or memory of individuals, groups, businesses and organizations.

“The completion of the Performing Arts Center at McGregor Hall marks an important milestone for our region,” said Tommy Deadwyler, director of the new arts and education center located in Henderson at 201 Breckenridge Street. “We have created the Take-A-Seat campaign to provide an opportunity for area citizens and organizations to mark their place in history on this important landmark.

“Soon our new center will have brass markers on each of the 997 seats in the hall with the names of those who have demonstrated their love of the arts.”

A gift or pledge of $1,000 secures the lasting tribute, noted John Wester, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation (ECCF).

“We started the Take-A-Seat campaign soon after our doors opened,” Wester said. “The heavy lifting has been done by some generous donors to get our beautiful new facility in operation. Start-up funding is needed now to help us secure the programming for 2016-2017 to attract patrons and meet ongoing facility needs.

“Already dozens are getting on board with Take-A-Seat to help us make this exciting new venture an immediate success. Already we have some individuals who want to remember family members with a memorial plate,” Wester added. “Businesses and civic organizations also are seeing this as a way to show their support and creating a lasting tribute for their entity.”

Wester added that the gift to the Hall is a meaningful way to mark a birthday, anniversary or holiday. Special gift acknowledgment letters are sent to persons who are specified.

Among those who have shown their support is George M. Harvin of Henderson, who has “taken” several seats.

“I want to remember my family and I want to show appreciation to the community,” Harvin said. “Those are the basic reasons, but this is also a fun thing. This is a really positive accomplishment for our town and I certainly want it to succeed.

“There’s the obvious fact that it is renovating and revitalizing downtown,” he added. “It’s also a show of pride in the community. That’s the biggest thing.”

“McGregor Hall belongs to all of the communities surrounding its central location in Henderson,” added Deadwyler. “We are seeing support grow from beyond Vance County’s borders to bring in friends from Granville, Franklin and Warren counties as well as Mecklenburg County, Virginia, and beyond.

“Contributions to McGregor Hall’s ‘Take-A-Seat’ campaign are welcomed from all individuals and organizations who will be enjoying the events our new theater is able to offer,” Deadwyler said.

“At every event, donors will have the pleasure of knowing their generosity has made it possible for someone else to experience the unique joy of entertainment, understanding and self-discovery that comes only with the performing arts available to our communities.”

For those who wish to make installments to make the contribution, the donation can be spread over four payments within the scope of a year. Credit card payments are accepted.

A brochure is available from McGregor Hall with more details on the project, and additional information and a pledge form are available on the web at www.mcgregorhall.org. Forms and payment information should be mailed to the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, the Performing Arts Center at McGregor Hall, P.O. Box 1333, Henderson, NC 27536.

Questions can be directed to Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or info@mcgregorhall.org or James Edwards, ECCF board treasurer, at (252) 213-8221 or jamesdedwards@gmail.com.

VGCC to offer Enrollment Day on June 16

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Vance-Granville Community College will hold “Enrollment Day” on Thursday, June 16, from 9 a.m. until noon, and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., at all four of its campuses. During those times, VGCC counselors and other staff members will be ready to assist anyone who is interested in enrolling at the college for the Fall 2016 semester, which starts Monday, Aug. 15. No appointments are required.

For new students, the process of enrollment begins with an application for admission and an application for financial aid. Then, students must request their official high school transcripts, and in some cases, their transcripts from other colleges they have attended. Next, they should meet with an academic/career coach and schedule a placement test, unless it is waived. Finally, students complete an orientation session, either online or in the traditional face-to-face format. On Enrollment Day, incoming students will be able to accomplish all of these tasks or schedule them, so they can stay on track to start classes in August.

For the convenience of working adults, a similar enrollment event will be held on the evening of Tuesday, June 28, between 5 and 7 p.m., at all four campuses.

VGCC’s Main Campus is located on Poplar Creek Road in Vance County (about midway between Henderson and Oxford) at the intersection with Interstate 85 (Exit 209).

The Franklin County Campus is located just west of Louisburg on N.C. 56.

South Campus is on N.C. 56 between Creedmoor and Butner.

The Warren County Campus is located at 210 West Ridgeway Street (U.S. 158 Business) in Warrenton.

Registration for fall classes at VGCC is ongoing, through July 29. For more information, contact VGCC at studentsuccess@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3330, or visit any campus.

Benchmark Community Bank Holds Grand Opening

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Henderson businesses take note:  you now have a new local banking option.

On Wednesday, May 25, Benchmark Community Bank held a grand opening celebration at its new office on Graham Avenue across from Ribeyes Steakhouse.  With the help of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Benchmark’s headquarters, Vice President and Business Banker, Kim Jordan, officially cut the ribbon and welcomed chamber members, Henderson officials, and area businesses.

The Henderson location is Benchmark’s second in North Carolina.  In 2014, an office specializing in real estate loans was opened in Wake Forest.  After a very successful first year, both the staff and the focus at that office were expanded.  The decision to add a separate location in Henderson to serve the business community here quickly followed.

Although its physical presence in North Carolina is new, Benchmark has been helping North Carolina residents and businesses with their borrowing needs for many years.  Established in 1971 in Lunenburg County, Virginia, the bank expanded into southernmost central Virginia starting in the late 1980’s with South Hill.   Folks from across the border were among the early customers there.  The Clarksville loan office, opened in 1998, saw an influx of North Carolinians seeking loans to buy or build on lake property.  Then, in 2004, when a loan office was opened in South Boston, a number of Roxboro area residents were added to the client mix.  With the establishment of full-service branches in each place, and the advent of Internet Banking, many North Carolina customers chose to open deposit accounts as well. While services are still limited in North Carolina, some of these customers can now tend to certain financial affairs here.

Jordan is an experienced business banker who has been deeply involved with the Henderson community for a number of years.  Her expertise is in developing financial strategies that give businesses an edge in a highly competitive commercial world.  She invites potential new clients to come talk with her. To learn more about Kim and Benchmark, visit www.bcbonline.com/nc or call 252-436-0051.

VGCC celebrates Male Mentoring students

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The first-ever PRIDE awards were presented as the Male Mentoring program at Vance-Granville Community College recently held an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding students who have participated in the program.

The ceremony, held May 2 in the VGCC Civic Center, began with welcoming remarks from the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams. “I want you to know how important you are to us as male leaders in our college and in our community,” Dr. Williams told the students being recognized. “We are glad that Vance-Granville has played a part in your growth and development.

The highlight of the evening was the first presentation of the Male Mentoring PRIDE awards. As Greg Nash, co-coordinator for the Male Mentoring program and chair of the VGCC Adult Basic Skills department, explained, PRIDE stands for “Pin Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence.” Each honored student received a lapel pin designed by Nash.

The PRIDE Award for Engagement went to Computer Technology Integration student Bradley Gooch of Oxford and Vance County Early College High School/College Transfer student Christopher Blue of Henderson for being active in the program and making a concerted effort to keep in touch with their coaches (members of the VGCC faculty and staff) on a consistent basis. Gooch has served as vice president of the Male Mentoring Club this year, and Blue has served as recorder/treasurer.

For their longevity being active in the program, College Transfer student Moises Ortiz of Louisburg and Computer Technology Integration student Jordan Bunting of Rocky Mount received the PRIDE Awards for Tenure.

College Transfer student Benjamin Marshall of Butner received the PRIDE Award for Leadership for his work to share the program’s vision with others and helping with various events. Marshall has served as Male Mentoring team leader for VGCC’s South Campus.

The PRIDE Awards for Scholarship were presented to students who have completed at least 50 credit hours while maintaining a GPA of 3.2 or higher. The honorees were Warren Early College High School/College Transfer student Christopher Ford of Manson (who has served as president of the Male Mentoring club this year), Franklin County Early College High School student Sean Griffith of Wake Forest and Computer Technology Integration student Dajuan Harrison of Henderson.

Students and staff members presented highlights of Male Mentoring events and activities from the past year. Academic and Career Coach Seletha Pherribo discussed an educational trip to Washington, D.C., that included a White House tour. Academic and Career Coach Anthony Pope, co-coordinator for the Male Mentoring program, recounted a visit to Warren Early College High School by former Harlem Globetrotter James “Twiggy” Sanders that the program sponsored. VGCC Criminal Justice student Matthew Jaurique recalled another guest speaker, former Dallas Cowboy Greg Ellis. Tim MacNeil, assistant coordinator for the VGCC Academic Skills Center, talked about the “Math Matters” presentation by distinguished N.C. State University professor Lee Stiff. Student Christopher Blue recapped a presentation by Delores S. Eaton and what her story taught him about African-American history. College Transfer student Mikal Williams gave his perspective on the recent Male Mentoring trip to Atlanta, which included stops at several historically black colleges and universities. Donal Gooch, a student-athlete on the VGCC Vanguards basketball team, discussed a tour of the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner. The tour was designed to bring awareness to students of federal government career opportunities and to highlight the importance of developing strong critical thinking skills through education. Gooch’s teammate, Alcyone Moore, recalled a presentation by Psychology instructor Peter Metzner, “Relax Your Way to Better Grades.”

In addition to the PRIDE awards, Anthony Pope presented a certificate to every student who participated in the program this year. In closing remarks, VGCC Dean of Students George Henderson congratulated students on their success and thanked the coaches for making a difference in the lives of their mentees.

Supported by a grant from the N.C. Community College System, the VGCC Male Mentoring program involves an active, intensive, and engaging process of academic coaching and case management to help male students succeed. For more information on the mentoring program, contact Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395, or Greg Nash at nashg@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3305.

A note from Citizens Aligned

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The Henderson City Council will have a public hearing on their proposed 2016-17 budget, this Monday at City Hall at 6:00. We believe it is very important for all citizens to know what is happening in their town and how their money is being spent. Do you agree?

People are always asking us how they can help and we so appreciate it. If you are interested in making our city a better place to live, we ask that you attend this very important meeting. We can’t stress its importance!Together, ALIGNED, we can make a difference.

There is power in numbers.

Thank you for your continued support!

Heidi

Hope

Tommy

Hendersonian Gerald Alston Returns To Perform With Grammy-Winning Group The Manhattans

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Legendary Rhythm and Blues group The Manhattans, featuring lead-singer Gerald Alston, will perform at the newly opened McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., on June 18th at 8 p.m.  Born and raised in Henderson, Alston has been singing with The Manhattans since 1970 and led the group to several chart-topping hits like the Grammy-winning song Shining Star.

The son of the Rev. J.B. Alston and Geraldine Harrison of Henderson, Alston was inspired by music at an early age, singing both gospel and secular music with his group The New Imperials. Along with his musically talented father, Alston’s uncle is the late Gospel-music great Johnny Fields of Henderson, a founding member of the group 5 Blind Boys of Alabama, and his aunt Shirley Alston-Reeves of Henderson is the lead singer of The Shirelles, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group. Along with earning a Grammy for the song Shining Star, Gerald Alston was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2015 after his 45-year career with The Manhattans as well as numerous solo records.

On June 18th, Alston will once-again perform in his hometown of Henderson as the lead singer of The Manhattans. “This concert is expected to be a sold-out show,” said Tommy Deadwyler, executive director of the newly opened McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson. “We are thrilled that Henderson’s new performing arts center allows us to host Gerald and his group within his hometown and we know the community is especially excited about this concert.”

ABOUT THE CONCERT: The Manhattans featuring lead-singer and Henderson-native Gerald Alston will perform at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center (PAC) on June 18th at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. The 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art McGregor Hall PAC opened in February 2016 as part of Henderson’s revitalized downtown. Media passes available upon request. For interviews and more information, contact McGregor Hall’s Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or email him at tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org.

Henderson PD Press Release – Shooting

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Press Release: May 16, 2016

On May 15, 2016, at approximately 4:00 AM officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 1524 Dabney Drive in reference to a person who had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found Corey Cheek Jr, 21, of 315 Davis Street, Henderson, suffering from a gunshot wound. Vance County EMS arrived and transported Mr. Cheek to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Tamar Unique Daye, 24, of 112 Old Baker Street, Oxford has been arrested and charged with second degree murder. She was placed in the Vance County Jail under no bond. The investigation at this time indicates that Corey Cheek and Tamar Daye were involved in a domestic relationship.

The investigation is being conducted by members of the Henderson Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. If anyone should have any information related to this case, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that may lead to an arrest. Callers may remain anonymous.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Ag commissioner says now is the time for farmers, agribusinesses to prepare for hurricane season

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016

CONTACT: Jen Kendrick, public information officer
NCDA&CS Public Affairs      
919-707-3005

 

RALEIGH – Hardly a county in North Carolina can say it is immune from hurricane damage. From Ivan in the mountains, Hugo in the foothills, Fran in the Sandhills, and Isabel and Floyd in the East, hurricanes have cost lives and livelihoods in every region of the state.

Scientists are predicting another active hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, which means North Carolina could again find itself in the path of a storm.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging farmers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, pesticide dealers, timber owners and other agribusinesses across the state to prepare now for hurricane season.

Troxler says that taking some precautions and thinking through your emergency plan now and discussing it with employees can help no matter what type of emergency strikes.

“Employees should know how to react if you should lose power or are at risk for flooding,” he said. “Being prepared is the key to getting your business back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Farmers and businesses should review insurance policies to ensure they have proper coverage, including wind, hail, flood and catastrophic coverage if necessary. Some coverage takes 30 days to go into effect.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a website, www.ncagr.gov/disaster, with links and resources for different types of agribusinesses to plan and recover from a disaster. A Farm Emergency Plan Template is available on the site to help organize information that is needed after a disaster.

Troxler offers farmers other ways to prepare in advance for a disaster:

  • Consider purchasing, leasing or negotiating a rental arrangement for a backup generator in advance. If you plan to rent a generator, read the contract carefully, as some rental contracts are only for eight hours use per day.
  • Have a transfer switch properly installed so you can use a generator. This is critical for the protection of farm facilities and utility workers.
  • Put together an Emergency Preparedness Kit: fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, a camera that stamps date and time, flashlights, batteries and other items, plus food and water for several days for each family member, employee and pet.
  • Purchase a NOAA weather radio and batteries.
  • Keep drainage ditches clear of debris so water can run freely.
  • Prune or remove trees in danger of damaging power lines.
  • Maintain an inventory of the farm or business, including photos of valuable items.

 

 

Faith Spa Essentials Joins HV Chamber

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A ribbon cutting was held on Friday, April 22nd for Faith Spa Essentials to celebrate the company’s membership with the Chamber and to showcase the business and all that it has to offer.  They were joined by friends, family and local dignitaries to celebrate their opening.  All guests were treated to a tasteful treat and beverage after the ribbon cutting.

Faith Spa Essentials is excited to welcome you to their brand new store located at 634 Dabney Dr. Henderson NC 27536. They have a variety of male and female products to include: fragrant oils, shower gels, hand lotions and butters.  Their store also carries handbags, wallets, men’s socks, ties and more!

Stop in and meet owner Gloria McDuffey and check out this new business.  For more information, please contact them at 252-572-2229 or by email at customerservice@faithspaessentials.com.  You can also check the business out at www.faithspaessentials.com.