Tag Archive for: #warrentonnews

Recent VGCC grad featured in career pathways discussion for educators

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Educators, local industry representatives, community leaders and a recent Vance-Granville Community College graduate shared ideas at a panel discussion organized on June 21 by the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA), a partnership of VGCC, Granville County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Warren County Schools and Vance County Schools.

The event was part of “AMSTA Summer Cruisers 2017,” a multi-day program that brought teachers from the four counties together to learn more about manufacturing and the regional economy. Day three of the program was held at Franklinton High School and began with greetings from the state’s deputy superintendent of public instruction, Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, who applauded the participants and said AMSTA is a model for the state.

Next, a discussion on “career pathways” featured panelists Ronnie Goswick, the director of business and economic development at Carolina Sunrock and a former Franklin County economic development director; Arlan Peters, manager of sustainability at Novozymes North America in Franklinton; Eric Breit, director of strategic initiatives for the Capital Area Workforce Development Board; and Thomas Boyd of Henderson, a recent VGCC Mechatronics Engineering Technology program graduate.

Barbara Boyce, representing the Triangle Regional Career Pathways Collaborative (TRCPC), served as the moderator. The collaborative consists of three workforce development boards, five community colleges (including VGCC), ten public school districts and numerous community and industry partners. The primary goal of TRCPC is to develop career pathways to align with the regional labor market and support the regional economy.

Goswick told educators that he hopes K-12 teachers will focus on so-called “soft skills,” good work habits and professionalism, which apply to any type of work. “We can train them on the job skills they will need for a particular job,” he said of new workers at his company. Similarly, Peters said that schools should produce “students who are good thinkers, who can solve a problem,” and said basic science was essential for his company. “Even in jobs that aren’t science-related, you can use your scientific training,” he noted.

Boyd was asked to talk about his pathway. He graduated from Southern Vance High School, worked for a few years, and then enrolled at VGCC, originally intending to study web design. Boyd then switched to the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program, primarily due to his interest in robotics. “Mechatronics is a program that combines different parts of many different fields, a little electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, a little bit of design, and overall industrial maintenance, so you’ve got a little bit of everything to get you started when you’re looking for a job,” Boyd said. “After a year in the program, I was approached about an internship opportunity for a design job at AXIS Corrugated Container, a manufacturer in Butner. I enjoyed taking the design classes, so I took the internship. After I completed the internship, they offered me a full-time job, and I’ve been working there a little over a year now.” In May, he became one of VGCC’s first three Mechatronics graduates.

Boyd said it would be beneficial for younger students to learn generally about how businesses operate, how to network and how to communicate professionally. He added that teachers should explain to students the job opportunities available for students if they earn two-year degrees, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. “Your average high school student thinks they want to go to a four-year school and they’ll automatically get a great job right from the start, but a lot of them don’t realize that you can get a two-year degree and get a really nice-paying job,” Boyd said. “Even if they want to go to a four-year school, doing the two years at a community college first will help them out in the long run. It gives them a good start with a couple years to figure out what they really want to do, and then they can decide on furthering their education somewhere else.”

Breit, representing the workforce development field, said according to the latest research, “the quality of the current and future workforce is now the single most important factor for industry recruitment and retention, so employers want to know about not only current workers but also about the local schools.” He added that the nine Triangle-area counties, including both urban and rural areas, are considered a single labor market, “so it makes sense for workforce development boards, community colleges and public schools throughout the region to put our heads together to see how we can better collectively serve the region, our employers and our students.” Breit said that TRCPC is focused on jobs that are in demand, in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences and health care.

After the discussion, a second panel was held to discuss school choice and its impact on the public school systems. Speakers included Dave Machado, director of the Office of Charter Schools at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, assistant director of that office.

Finally, attendees received updates from several guests. Jo Anne Honeycutt, director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said that her department is emphasizing Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities and is working on a new high-school-to-college articulation agreement that will help students transfer their high school course credits to colleges. LaTanya Patillio, a former CTE teacher and the new teacher advisor to Gov. Roy Cooper, addressed educators and said that “AMSTA is an example of what public schools are doing right.”

Tresha Layne from the Southern Regional Education Board said that she is working with AMSTA on professional development tied to project-based learning, and praised the partnership for helping the K-12 schools collaborate with VGCC and employers to develop a skilled talent “pipeline.” Sara Lloyd, VGCC’s director of customized training, added that she fields calls from industries about their workforce development needs and helps to connect them to K-12 schools and the college concerning internship opportunities.

Attendees concluded the event by touring Franklinton High School’s Career & Technical Education wing.

For more information on AMSTA, contact Stephanie Ayers at ayerss@vgcc.edu or (919) 316-0026.

–VGCC–

Warren Family Institute Back To School Supply Drive Thru July 31st

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by Craig Hahn

The Warren Family Institute is currently conducting a Back-ToSchool Supply Drive. You can help them by donating school supplies for the Children of Warren County. Any size donation will be greatly appreciated.

The Supply Drive goes on now thru 31 July. Items may be dropped off at the following location: 427 West Franklin Street, Warrenton (on the campus of Hawkins Ed. Ctr. Bldg. 6). Or you can call for pick-up at 252-257-1134. If you would rather donate money to buy school supplies, please mail your check to:

Warren Family Institute PO Box 150 Warrenton, NC 27589

All school supplies will be given away at various Warren County Community Events.

Thank you!

VGCC connects students and new graduates to employers

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As the end of the spring semester approached, the staff of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program at Vance-Granville Community College held their first-ever “College-to-Career Mixer” for students to meet with potential employers. Not only were 15 new graduates of the Welding Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology programs in attendance, but also five students who were not yet ready to graduate but were looking for potential Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities.

Prior to the event, college staff members drilled the students on job interview techniques, and some students participated in mock interviews. All received resume preparation assistance and detailed information about the employers who would be in attendance at the mixer. Participating employers included BFS Industries, LLC, of Butner; Bridgestone/Bandag of Oxford; Novozymes North America of Franklinton; Carolina Sunrock of Kittrell and Butner; Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions of Youngsville; Glen Raven of Norlina; Delhaize America of Butner; J.P. Taylor/Universal Leaf of Oxford; and Altec of Creedmoor. 

“As we move forward, VGCC will be looking for ways to increase our synergy with our employer partners while providing a robust pipeline for qualified future employees,” said Zane Styers, who manages the TAACCCT grant. “Industry tours, Work-Based Learning, internships and apprenticeships are options that form the framework for our College-to-Career pipeline.”

The $1.75 million TAACCCT grant, the largest single competitive grant in VGCC history, has helped the college develop and enhance innovative training programs for advanced manufacturing careers. The TAACCCT grants are part of a nearly $2 billion initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor to expand targeted training programs for unemployed workers, especially those impacted by foreign trade. For more information on TAACCCT, contact Zane Styers at styersz@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3342.

–VGCC–

Keep Independence Day celebrations safe with these fire-safety tips

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RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Forest Service encourage people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk starting fires with their own fireworks.

“The careless use of sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can cause wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger people, destroy millions of dollars’ worth of timber and property, and damage the environment.”

If people use their own fireworks, here are some safety tips:

  • Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
  • Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
  • Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
  • Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
  • Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always use in a large, open and, preferably, paved area or near a body of water.
  • Have a rake or shovel and a bucket or two of water on hand.
  • Monitor the area for several hours after use.

With more homes being built in wooded areas, it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas, said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline,” Lane said.

Ashes should be doused in water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure the ashes are cold. Never put ashes in a paper bag or other flammable container, but instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in a garden. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.

The Crossing at Lake Gaston Coming August 12th

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by Craig Hahn

The Eaton Ferry Bridge is the place to be for a morning of fun for the entire family. The Crossing begins promptly at 9 am. Registration begins at 8:00 am.

THE CROSSING is an annual event for the Lake Gaston Community and is sponsored by O’SAIL. The goal is to encourage the Lake Gaston population to annually get in the water and join others in a non-motorized crossing of the lake in mass. THE CROSSING will occur in a protected area adjacent to the Eaton Ferry Bridge secured by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

THE CROSSING requires registration of all participants. There is a preregistration fee of $25.00 or $30.00 the day of the event. Upon completion of the event, participants will receive complimentary fruit and water at the finish and a limited edition t-shirt. (Note: Preferred T-Shirt size cannot be guaranteed for those who register the day of the event)

The two classes of participants are:
 SWIMMERS o Under 13 years of age must have signed life guard statement that they have a proven ability to swim the distance or be accompanied by an adult throughout the swim. o Must wear swim cap for visibility, swim caps will be provided at registration check-in.  NON-MOTORIZED VESSELS o All riders must wear PFD. o Can be individual or team entry
o Can use commercial or self-made vessel. All vessels must be water sound and may be disqualified by officials at the entrance area if they are deemed to be unsafe or not able to make the distance.  THE WAVERS o Beyond the usual non-motorized water vessels, we’re encouraging you to use your imagination. The WAVER category was created to encourage small or large groups to cross together in the most creative ways possible. Some examples might be connected by noodles or even floating atop their own creation of a boat, barge, raft, etc.

How can you join the fun? Register below and show up the day of the event ready to have fun with your team and your creation. *NOTE: Registration may be completed online through 5PM, Friday 8/11. Registration the day of the event is $30.

VGCC celebrates first graduates supported by ‘VanGuarantee’ scholarship

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HENDERSON, N.C. — When six students walked across the stage to receive their degrees at Vance-Granville Community College’s May commencement exercises, they quietly made history. They were among the first graduates of the college who had received the “VanGuarantee” scholarship to help eliminate any financial barriers standing between them and their academic goals.

The innovative scholarship program was first announced in 2016 by the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, with the first scholarships being awarded in the fall 2016 semester. The VanGuarantee was made possible by a $1.6 million bequest to VGCC from the estate of Wilbert A. Edwards, a resident of Oxford at the time of his death and a native of Vance County. The gift, announced in 2015, is the second largest in the history of the college. 

Three of the VanGuarantee recipients participating in Commencement were graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program: Brittany Champion of Creedmoor, Courtney Humphries of eastern Granville County and Erin Woodlief of Franklinton. Alicia Toler of Raleigh, a former Granville County resident, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Kristen Honaker of Henderson completed a degree in Pharmacy Technology. Tanisha Silver of Warrenton graduated from the Medical Office Administration degree program.

“Receiving the VanGuarantee meant a lot to me,” Silver reflected. “I received a community college grant for the fall 2016 semester, but I still didn’t have enough to pay for my books. I was told about the VanGuarantee scholarship, and I was ecstatic about it. It has helped me out a lot, because it has made it possible for me to finish school.” Silver is currently in the job market for employment in a doctor’s office or hospital setting and is considering continuing her education at the bachelor’s degree level. A former certified nursing assistant and a mother, she said she waited until all of her children were in school to work on advancing her own career through education.

Toler said she was very appreciative of the opportunity that the VanGuarantee provided her. She intends to transfer into a four-year university to study nursing. “Had it not been for the VGCC Financial Aid Office staff, particularly Ms. Tonya Strum, telling me about the VanGuarantee scholarship, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in school,” Toler said.

At least two graduates are already employed, Champion in the emergency room at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham and Humphries at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, working in Outpatient Surgical Services. “I am very thankful that I was able to receive the VanGuarantee this year,” Humphries said. “It has helped me finish my last two semesters of RN school. I am truly blessed beyond words!”

The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. The program is one of a number of “promise” or “guarantee” programs across the country, created by individual colleges or by states, in response to growing concerns from policymakers and students about the rising cost of higher education. In 2016, the VanGuarantee was recognized by the White House and national groups focused on college affordability.

Some college promise programs are open only to recent high school graduates, but the VanGuarantee applies to all eligible adults in the four counties, reflecting VGCC’s longstanding tradition of helping adults retrain for new careers at any age.

Among the eligibility requirements for the VanGuarantee, students must reside in the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties) and qualify for in-state tuition. Eligible students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester in any VGCC curriculum program and not already possess a post-secondary degree from any college or university. They must first apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. Next, they apply for endowed VGCC scholarships. When students still lack the funds to pay for their education after exhausting those and other sources, the VanGuarantee program helps to fill the gap. That makes the program an example of what is often called a “last-dollar scholarship.”

Once enrolled in the VanGuarantee program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the scholarship.

For more information on applying for the VanGuarantee, students can visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/vanguarantee.

–VGCC–

District Attorney’s July 2017 Schedule

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S SCHEDULE JULY 2017

 

Mon, July 3 Warren Trial Court (Rozier) – Fuller, Raymond

Franklin District Court (Keith) – Gardner, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Davis) – Gregory, Dickerson

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Attorneys, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Tues, July 4 Holiday

 

Wed, July 5 Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Dickerson

Granville Juvenile Court (Burnette) – Putney

Warren District Court (Davis) – Louis, Raymond

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Public, 2:00-4:00 pm – Putney

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Thurs, July 6 Franklin Juvenile Court (Keith) – Putney

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Pelfrey, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Dispo Court (Thompson) – Sellars, Louis, Erdmann, Dickerson, Brickhouse

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Fri, July 7 Vance Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Louis

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Mon, July 10 Franklin Trial Court (Gray) – Gardner, Gregory, Johnson

Granville Trial Court (Hight) – Waters, Capps, Garrett

##Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Thompson) – Erdmann, Dickerson

 

Tues, July 11 **Franklin District Court (Thompson) – Louis, Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Fuller, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Putney

 

Wed, July 12 ##Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Dickerson

Warren District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Pelfrey, Raymond

 

Thurs, July 13 Vance District Court (Wilkinson) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

 

Fri, July 14 Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

 

Mon, July 17 Warren CMS Court (Rozier) – Fuller, Pendergrass, Raymond

Franklin District Court (Davis) – Gregory, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Putney, Watson/Hargrove

**Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Dickerson

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Erdmann, Louis

 

Tues, July 18 Vance Probation Court (Rozier) – Gregory, Pendergrass

Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Louis, Fuller, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Juvenile Court (Burnette) – Putney

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Louis

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours – Attorneys – 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Wed, July 19 Vance CMS Court (Rozier) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Louis, Pendergrass, Allen

Granville District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Dickerson

**Warren District Court (Stevenson) – Putney, Raymond

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours – Public – 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

 

Thurs, July 20      Vance CMS Court (Rozier) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Pendergrass, Allen

Franklin Juvenile Court (Davis) – Gregory

Vance Dispo Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Putney, Louis, Watson/Hargrove

Franklin County Clerk’s Office Hours, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

Franklin CMS Prep – Gregory

 

Fri, July 21 Franklin Dispo Court (Stevenson) – Fuller, Erdmann, Gregory, Tart, Roberson

Franklin CMS Prep – Gregory

 

Mon, July 24 Franklin CMS Court (Rozier) – Gardner, Gregory, Pendergrass, Johnson

Franklin District Court (Keith) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Thompson) – Pelfrey, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Davis) – Fuller, Dickerson

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Tues, July 25 Franklin CMS Court (Rozier) – Gardner, Hunter, Pendergrass, Johnson

Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Pelfrey, Roberson

**Vance District Court (Keith) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Fuller

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Wed, July 26 Granville CMS Court (Rozier) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Gardner, Gregory, Dickerson

Warren District Court (Keith) – Fuller, Raymond

 

Thurs, July 27 Granville CMS Court (Rozier) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Gardner, Watson/Hargrove

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

 

Fri, July 28 Vance Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

Vance Trial Prep – Fuller

 

Mon, July 31 Vance Trial Court (Hobgood) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Allen

Franklin District Court (Burnette) – Gardner, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Putney, Watson/Hargrove

##Granville District Court (Keith) – Sellars, Dickerson

 

**mediator available**

##9:30 am regular docket, PLUS POSSIBLE 2:15 pm DWI docket##

Local Teachers Attend Summer Professional Development Training

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2017 

Career and Technical Education teachers in Vance County Schools are joining their counterparts from Granville, Franklin and Warren counties in a three-day “AMSTA Summer Cruisers” professional development training this week.

The educators are shown in the accompanying photo as they worked on an activity during their “Lean Manufacturing” training today in the Vance County Schools’ Administrative Services Center.

They began the training on June 19 and toured the Dill Air Controls and Revlon manufacturing plants in Granville County. They also heard presentations on youth services and how to best prepare students to be career and college ready. In addition to the manufacturing training session today, they also are touring the bioMerieux plant in Durham County. They will conclude their participation in the AMSTA event tomorrow at Franklinton High School in Franklin County, where they will meet with state commerce officials and listen to educational presentations including a session entitled, “School Choice and the Impact on Public Schools.”

VGCC to offer Enrollment Day on June 29

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Vance-Granville Community College will hold “Enrollment Day” on Thursday, June 29, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., at all four of its campuses.

During those extended hours, VGCC admissions, financial aid and advising staff members will be ready to assist anyone who is interested in enrolling at the college for the Fall 2017 semester, which starts on Aug. 14.

Students are encouraged to pre-register at www.vgcc.edu/enrollmentday.

Refreshments and free VGCC t-shirts will be available for incoming students on Enrollment Day while supplies last.

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 classes at VGCC is ongoing, through Aug. 10. For more information on enrolling for the fall, call (252) 738-3234 or visit any campus.

–VGCC–

Tammy Care Takes Home Maria Parham Health’s 2017 Mercy Award

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Maria Parham Health recently announced that Tammy Care has been recognized as the hospital’s 2017 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2002 to honor the life of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

“At Maria Parham Health, we share LifePoint’s commitment to Making Communities Healthier, and we recognize this is supported by the good work and service of our employees on and off the job,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We are extremely proud to recognize Tammy Care for her efforts on behalf of our patients and our community. She goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that every person she encounters receives the highest level of care and compassion.”

Tammy and her family moved to Henderson in 1999. She has been employed at Maria Parham Health for ten years and is an active member on many committees in the hospital including Sepsis, Infection Prevention, Emergency Management and Cardiac/Stroke Accreditation. Giving back to her community and volunteering for the betterment of others are two very important components to her lifestyle. Care prepares and serves meals the 2nd Sunday of every month to those in need, and every summer her and her husband take a week to work with middle and high school students on annual mission trips. Care is also active in many organizations in the community including the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, Llocal high school swim teams, and the local men’s shelter.

Each hospital winner, including Care, will be considered for LifePoint’s 2017 company-wide Mercy Award. The company-wide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August, to which Care and all hospital winners are invited to attend.