Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC’s Brown Selected For National Leadership Fellows Program

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Dr. Levy Brown, Jr., vice president of learning, student engagement & success at Vance-Granville Community College, has been selected to participate in the 2021-22 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to prepare the next generation of community college presidents.

Brown is one of 40 community college administrators chosen for the 10-month fellowship, which begins in November. He is one of two from North Carolina to be selected.

Nationally, almost 80 percent of community college presidents plan to retire in the next decade, according to information provided by VGCC. The Aspen fellowship program works to equip the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the future.

“The opportunity to be a part of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is something I do not take for granted,” Brown said. “I am truly humbled and grateful for the chance to develop lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and engage in deep thought about what community college excellence looks like, both now and in the future.”

Brown and the other 39 participants were selected because they share a commitment to make higher education better by being transformational leaders, according to Monica Clark, director of leadership initiatives at the College Excellence Program. “To become institutions that truly advance social mobility and talent development, community colleges must have presidents with a clear vision for equitable student success,” Clark said.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said being selected is an honor for the college and for Brown, who has been with VGCC for four years.

“As an Aspen Community College Presidential Fellowship Cohort 2 participant, I know the incredible value and honor of being selected for this program,” Desmarais said in a statement to WIZS News. “On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, I am incredibly proud that Dr. Brown has been admitted to this program and will benefit both professionally and personally from participation. Dr. Brown will be able to hone his transformational leadership skills amongst the senior fellows and incoming participant fellows in this auspicious program.”

During the program, fellows will be mentored by current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students during their careers in education. Through collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, participants will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers and other community partners.

Brown was vice president of student services at VGCC, and in his current role, serves as the college’s chief academic and student affairs officer. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with faculty and staff in the areas of academic programs, teaching and learning, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Before coming to VGCC, Brown was dean of arts & sciences at Lenoir Community College. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, and has a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on higher education from East Carolina University.

Sweet Finesse a Business Sweet Dream Come True

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Opening a new business can be a nerve-wracking experience. Opening a new business during a pandemic is something that Hillary Hipps-Burwell never anticipated, but she and her business partner defied the odds to realize their dream.

Sweet Finesse is a new clothing store in Henderson, and Hipps-Burwell and business partner Brittney Phipps are working hard to offer more clothing choices for the area.

The two women work in day care, and they originally thought about opening a kiddie club house. “But when COVID hit, I got to thinking: thinking what does Henderson need?” Hipps-Burwell told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk.

Sweet Finesse carries brand names like Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren for males and fashion labels like Pink and Off White for females.

She said clothing at an affordable price is the goal – clothing that “people can purchase without breaking their pocket.”

Hipps-Burwell describes herself as a plus-size woman, and her vision is to offer more plus-size choices. Sweet Finesse carries women’s clothing, including casual clothes and summer dresses from size small to 5X. They also carry purses.

“I’m very honest about all the clothing we have,” she said. “I want everything to fit you and be comfortable. I want to serve the plus-size community as much as I can.”

LISTEN TO THIS FULL STORY HERE FROM TOWNTALK

Once she and Phipps get the clothing side organized, Hipps-Burwell said the plan is for her husband, Brian, to bring in a shoe department. She said he knows what buyers are interested in and current “hot” styles.

The Aug. 9 ribbon cutting was the culmination of a long process of establishing the business, Hipps-Burwell said. The first challenge was finding a suitable location, and once that happened, then the worry about opening and being able to make it when the rent kicked in. And then, once open, the worry would be possibly having to shut down again quickly because of COVID, she said.

With all those worries churning, however, they located a site – “then we had a building and couldn’t do anything with it,” she recalled, because “that’s when the world shut down.”

Finally, in true entrepreneur fashion, she said they “kind of shook it off and decided to go ahead and fill it up with clothes.”

The store has been in operation a couple of weeks now and Hipps-Burwell hopes to get the word out that they’re open for business.

The store is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The location is 1700 Parham St., which is the former Nits, Nats building.

Hipps-Burwell laughed and said she’s had people wander in expecting to find the record store, only to browse her inventory and even make some purchases.

Gill Set To Retire Oct. 29 After Two Decades As Vance Elections Director

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Vance County Elections Director Faye Gill has overseen many elections in her more than 20 years on the job. She’ll be passing the baton to a new director come the end of October, as she plans to retire and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

As with most folks contemplating a well-deserved retirement, Gill said she’d been thinking about it for a couple of years, but in a more serious way since the beginning of 2021.

John C. Rose shared an appreciation for Gill, her professionalism and service to the county on Monday’s Town Talk and noted that deputy director Melody Vaughan will become the new director, effective Nov. 1.

Vaughan will waste no time getting used to her new role – Kittrell and Middleburg hold municipal elections the very next day – Nov. 2.

Henderson elections have been pushed back to early 2022, thanks to the recent release of Census data that may result in redrawing of district lines.

Rose spoke by phone with Gill and Vaughan about the job, their close relationship and how things have changed through the years.

Gill has seen the change from punch cards to electronic ballots, among other improvements. But Rose said he has always been impressed with, and appreciative of, the professionalism that she shows in doing her job.

Having access to information about candidate filings, and any changes regarding elections that need to be shared with the public is essential for media outlets, Rose said. Preparation and reporting on election night coverage does not just “happen – if you don’t have a plan, and cooperation and a good relationship” with elections officials, the job is an uphill battle.

Fortunately, there have been no uphill battles with local elections officials. Just a little good-natured “pickin’ at each other,” Rose said. After that first minute or so of exchanging little digs or jokes, there is always professionalism from both Gill and Vaughan. “When it was business time, it was business time,” he added.

Vaughan has been with the board of elections since 2013, and Rose said that the women are good friends.

They must have a close working relationship as well – literally and figuratively – they share the same office space in the Henry A. Dennis Building on Garnett Street. No doubt, Gill has modeled for Vaughan over the years how to deal with the public and how to manage a team of volunteers, which is so crucial to having a smooth elections process.

“We are one big family. We can’t do our job on election day without volunteers,” Gill told Rose.

When Rose spoke to Gill and Vaughan via telephone earlier Monday, Vaughan told him that Gill “is a really good friend and a great boss.”

As for her new role, Vaughan told Rose, “I have the confidence to do what is asked of me and I will do it to the best of my abilities.”

The last 21 years spent with the board of elections comes on top of a 27-year career working with one of the vice presidents of Rose’s Stores. Almost a half century of work, Gill told Rose she is looking forward to spending time with her family and the arrival of her first great-grandchild.

Well-wishes for a job well done, Faye Gill, from the WIZS family.

Please enjoy here this special edition TownTalk audio.

From Haircuts To Sports, P.U.L.L. Event Offers Fun For Community

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The sixth annual P.U.L.L. event is set to kick off on Wednesday, with a full schedule of activities and events for the whole family through the weekend. P.U.L.L. stands for Peace – Unity – Love – Live, according to information from Shantel Hargrove with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department.

The HVRPD is teaming up with area businesses and others to offer a host of activities, including free simple haircuts for school-age children on Wednesday to a basketball tournament at Aycock Recreation Center on Friday evening.

Kutz 4 Kids will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Eastside Barbershop, 81 Vicksboro Rd. and from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Geter Barber College, 931 W. Andrews Ave.

On Thursday, there will be a softball game at Aycock Recreation ball field, beginning at 6 p.m. Contact Mike Bullock at 336.253.8389 to learn more. Cost is $2 per player.

The sport changes to basketball on Friday evening for a Battle of the Brands tournament. Adults’ (18 and older) tickets are $7 each; children ages 6-17 are $3. Children 5 and under get in free.

Saturday there will be a street festival and community cookout at Chestnut Street Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a school supply giveaway, vendors and more, including a COVID-19 vaccination station.

Two additional free haircut events will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ice Cold Cutzz, 238 Raleigh Road, and Heavenly Reign, 507 Dabney Drive.

Community sponsors include Eastside Barbershop, Ice Cold Cutzz, Gang Free, Davis Chapel Baptist Church, Risen Faith Outreach Ministry, Boys & Girls Club of NCNC, Rowland Chapel Christian Church, United Faith Way of the Cross Church, Heavenly Reign, Geter Barber College, Granville-Vance Public Health, The Manhood Project, the Presbyterian Church, Working on Wellness and more.

Visit https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks to find a complete schedule of activities.

Popcorn Subject Of Aug. 24 Event At Granville’s Cooperative Extension Office

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At this time of year, folks driving through the countryside see lots and lots of corn growing in the field. Much of that corn is feed corn, used for livestock. Some of it will find its way to roadside stands or farmers’ markets and ultimately to people’s supper tables.

But is there any chance that some of it could end up being popcorn?

The Granville County cooperative extension service is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about that delicious snack loved by so many – popcorn.

There will be a popcorn field plot tour on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. for anyone interested in learning more about those special corn varieties that explode into the fluffy white stuff that we enjoy while watching TV, movie or sports contest.

According to the cooperative extension, the popcorn field plot is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

Phone 336.599.1195 to register for the tour, during which there will be information about the history of popcorn and the different varieties grown all over the world, including right here in North Carolina.

The Granville County Center is located at 125 Oxford Loop Road. The event is open to farmers, gardeners, farmers’ market sellers, agents and anyone interested in popcorn.

Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Frances Excited About Fall Sports at Vance County High

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“I was surprised at the offer,” new Assistant Athletic Director Christine Frances said about Vance County High School after they contacted her about the position. In fact, the position didn’t even exist until recently.  With Athletic Director Joe Sharrow also taking on the Assistant Principal’s job at the school the athletic programs needed an extra set of eyes and Frances was chosen.

Frances says that in addition to football, which kicks off Friday night, the school has women’s volleyball, cross country, women’s golf, men’s soccer and cheerleading either underway or about to be.

“Coaches are thrilled to be back to something close to normal,” she said. Many sports last year struggled during a season dominated by Covid. She said this year should be better and that it will “feel more like a sports season.”

Fans will be allowed to games this year but Frances stressed that social distancing as much as possible is one way to keep everyone safe. She also said masks should be worn particularly in the ticket and concession areas. Safety is a top priority of the school.

Frances also took a moment during her appearance on SportsTalk with Trey Snide to congratulate Joe Sharrow.  Sharrow was named as a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator this week.

For complete details and audio click play.

SportsTalk: Pender Ready to Kick the Football Season Off

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It’s an exciting time of year for new Vance County High School Head Football Coach Wilbur Pender. Friday night kicks off the 2021 season against long-time rival Warren County. Going into the contest Pender is looking forward to the atmosphere and for plenty of fans to show up in the stands at Viper Stadium.  Last season most teams played with no fans or a very few fans in the stands due to Covid, but it will be different Friday night, and Coach Pender is looking for those fans to be loud and help create the atmosphere that will help notch the first “W” of the season against the Eagles.

Pender has only been at the school for three weeks, and his first practice with the team was August 2nd. Off season was solid but not as long as Pender would have liked. He feels the team would have benefitted from more 7-on-7 practices to allow the timing on both sides of the ball to be better. Despite his late arrival to the Vipers, he is still enthusiastic. “I am excited to see all the players,” Pender said. He spotlighted running back Carl Stephens and QB Isarael Terry as two players who will play a big role for the Vipers this season.

Pender says the Vipers have kids who can run and kids who can catch and that he and his staff, which includes some new faces mixed in with returning staff, have to put the players in a position where they can be successful. He’s also looking to have some fun along the way. “Football should not be a job or a chore. We want the kids to love being here,” Pender said.

While Pender certainly has his eyes on the Won – Loss column, he says there is more to it than victories on the field. “My philosophy is to build great young men for life, preparing kids for almost anything they will encounter.”

The Vipers will take on Warren County at 7pm Friday night at Viper Stadium.  If you cannot attend, but sure to tune it to 1450 AM / 100.1 FM or click on Listen Live at wizs.com.

For complete details and audio click play.