Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

The Local Skinny! ‘Next NC Scholarship’ Helps Students Pay For College

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When it comes to paying for a college education, one of the first things for parents and students to know is the difference between scholarships and grants versus loans. A loan has to be repaid; grants and scholarships don’t.

Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said her school’s financial aid officers at each of the college’s four campuses are ready to help prospective students as they navigate the sometimes choppy waters of paying for post-secondary schooling.

The Next NC Scholarship is just one of the funding streams available to many state residents, Desmarais said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Students in households that make less than $80,000 are eligible for at least $3,000 an academic year at a community college under the Next NC Scholarship. There are several other criteria to be eligible for the Next NC funds, including being a state resident already enrolled in a program and taking at least 6 credit hours.

Close to one-third of VGCC’s traditional student population use some type of financial aid to pay for their tuition and fees, she said.

Whether students are in a path for a certification, a two-year associate degree or want to transfer to a four-year college or university, Desmarais said it’s important to keep student loan debt as low as possible.
“The less debt you can accumulate during that time is important,” she said, adding that scholarships like the Next NC Scholarship and Pell Grants from the federal government both help students be able to afford college.

“They help individuals get that good job and not be stacked with debt,” Desmarais said.

“If you’re spending all your money repaying student loans, you’re not really getting ahead,” she noted.

Many high school seniors and their parents are in the process of completing the all-important Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which opened on Dec. 31, 2023.

VGCC will host a FAFSA Day on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the Main Campus in Henderson, Desmarais said. This is a time when families can learn more about the financial aid process and get help completing the online documents. The event will take place in Building 7, with check-in in the front lobby. There is plenty of nearby parking to accommodate participants.

“We’re here to help,” Desmarais said. “We enjoy meeting new folks and helping them walk through the financial aid process. We’re excited about helping people plan for college.”

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Wreaths Across America Mobile Museum Plans Stop In Oxford Jan. 26-28

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The City of Oxford is one of the scheduled stops for a Wreaths Across America tour, whose mission is to recognize military veterans and remember those who died in service to the country.

The organization’s Mobile Education Unit will be set up at 105 Lewis St., Oxford from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28, according to information from Karen Worcester, the group’s executive director.

“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Worcester said in a press statement.

“The Mobile Education Exhibit provides the unique opportunity for communities to come together and share the stories of those who served and sacrificed. Through our partnership with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the exhibit also serves as an official ‘Welcome Home’ location for our nation’s Vietnam veterans,” she said.

The exhibit will be set up for two days in the northeastern part of the state before it comes to Oxford; from there, it will continue to stops in Havelock, New Bern and Mooresville. Each stop will allow the community, veterans, active-duty military and their families to engage in interactive exhibits, view short films, share stories and educate visitors who come to the exhibit.

When the mobile exhibit arrives, all veterans, active-duty military, their families, and community members are invited and encouraged to visit, take a tour and speak with WAA representatives and volunteers. They can also share more about the national nonprofit and its volunteer work to support our heroes and their communities year-round.

To host the MEE in your community, whether it be for a parade, a school-related or veterans’ organization, or a public or private event, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/About/MobileEducationExhibit to make a request.

You can sponsor a veteran’s wreath anytime for $17 at www.wreathacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes toward a live balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 14, 2024, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Webster in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, and thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Granville County Animal Shelter

Granville Animal Shelter Short-Staffed By Illness, Resulting In Limited Services

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  • Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Due to illnesses among many staff members, Granville County Animal Shelter will have limited public services available over the coming days. The shelter will be open from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 through Saturday, Dec. 30 for adoptions, return to owners and rescue pulls. Existing appointments for rabies vaccines will be honored, but no new appointments will be scheduled until Jan. 2, 2024, at the earliest.

While the shelter is short-staffed, the following policies will be in effect:

  • Surrenders of cats or dogs will be suspended. The public is encouraged to utilize Rehome by Adopt a Pet at https://rehome.adoptapet.com/. The site is free and trusted by animal shelters and rescues across the United States. The Granville County Animal Shelter utilizes this site to advertise adoptable pets.
  • If you locate a stray animal, do not confine the animal yourself unless you are willing and able to hold it until at least Tuesday, Jan. 2.
  • Report all stray animals directly to Granville County Animal Management via email at   https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/granville-county-animal-management/animal-shelter/ with a photo of the animal, the street address if known, or at least the name of the city and street and the closest cross street. You may also send the same information to the volunteer-run Granville County Animal Shelter Friends Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/granvillecountyanimalshelterfriends.

Oxford Seeks Input On City Marketing Strategies Via Online Survey

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The City of Oxford and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation are working to create a brand identity and marketing strategy to promote Oxford as a place to live, visit and conduct business.

Part of the effort will include creation of a dedicated brand to promote Downtown Oxford as a unique destination, according to information from Sabrina Richards, communications specialist for the city of Oxford.

Richards stated that city leaders will hold public workshops in 2024 to gather input from the community as the strategies are developed.

Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OxfordNC.

City of Oxford

Oxford Official Completes REDI Training From N.C. Rural Center

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Alyssa Blair, Downtown Development director for the City of Oxford, is among the most recent class to complete the Rural Economic Development Institute.

REDI, the N.C. Rural Center’s flagship leadership development program, is a three-month training program that offers participants resources and tools they need to tackle economic and community development issues facing rural North Carolina, according to a press statement from Bill Holmes, senior director of communications for the Rural Center.

In a press statement, Sabrina Richards, communications specialist for the City of Oxford, said “Alyssa’s participation in REDI reflects her ongoing commitment to professional growth and her passion for promoting economic development. We have no doubt that the knowledge and skills she has gained through this program will be invaluable in her role as Downtown Development Director and will continue to benefit the City of Oxford.”

Now in its 32nd year, REDI has trained more than 1,100 leaders across the state. As a graduate of REDI, Blair now joins that extensive alumni network that spans all of North Carolina’s 100 counties and includes graduates from the Rural Center’s other leadership training program,  Homegrown Leaders. Many of the center’s leadership alumni are active in state and local government and in philanthropic, nonprofit and small-business sectors, as well as in faith- and  community-based organizations.

“We had an amazing REDI class this year made up of a diverse group of participants from various sectors representing 18 different North Carolina counties,” said Olaunda Green, director of leadership training for the N.C. Rural Center. “Something magical happens when you put individuals into a room, who seemingly have nothing in common, but after going through this program, relationships form, connections are made and lifelong partnerships are created.”

Rural Center President and CEO Patrick Woodie delivered the final remarks of the graduation ceremony and encouraged the new graduates to return home to build bridges.

“Congratulations to this year’s class of REDI graduates for investing in yourselves and your communities through this valuable training,” Woodie said. “Rural North Carolina needs leaders like you willing to look at challenges in a new way, and we know you have many successes  ahead of you.”

To learn more, visit https://www.ncruralcenter.org/.

Granville County Residents: Three Rabid Skunk Cases Reported In Recent Weeks

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– Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Animal Control Officers have confirmed three separate cases of rabid skunks in recent weeks – one case on Harry Davis Road in Bullock, one on College Street in Oxford and one on Oak Valley Drive near Old NC 75 in Stem. Two of these cases involved a rabid skunk fighting with a family dog, which serves as a reminder to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines.

All cats, dogs and ferrets are required to receive regular rabies vaccines in North Carolina, and failure to do so could result in a required quarantine or euthanasia if an unvaccinated pet is involved in an altercation with another rabid animal.

Make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines, and if they are not, schedule a vaccination with your veterinarian or contact the Granville County Animal Shelter to receive a vaccine for a fee of $6. Rabies vaccines are available during the shelter’s public operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

Call the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919.693.6749 to schedule an appointment to vaccinate your pet or to receive additional information about this statewide regulation. The shelter is located at 515 New Commerce Dr. in Oxford.

 

 

Recreation Mini-Grant Applications Available Now For 2024-25

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The Granville County Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is accepting through January 2024 recreation mini-grant applications to be awarded in 2024-25.

Local government entities and registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Granville County are eligible for up to $25,000 in grant funding specifically for projects related to recreation. These grant funds are used to facilitate the development and support of active and passive recreation and leisure activities for county residents, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

“The funding helps further the county’s reach in providing recreational amenities to a broad spectrum of residents, especially in areas of the county that are underserved or those that have not received prior funding,” stated Deputy County Manager Korena Weichel. “The Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is grateful to the board of commissioners for continuing to provide funding for this important program over the  past several years,” Weichel said in a press statement.

Examples of past projects funded by mini grant awards include playground equipment at Jack Day Community Park in Stem, fishing piers at Lake Rogers Park in Creedmoor, facility improvements at South Granville High School and picnic shelters at the Grassy Creek Community Center. Signs are erected at project sites to inform residents that their county tax dollars helped provide the amenities.

Program guidelines and application are available for download on the Granville County website at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/recreation/recreation-grant/. Printed copies may also be obtained from the Granville County Planning Office, located at 122 Williamsboro St., Oxford.

All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2024. Complete submission requirements and instructions are included in the program guidelines.

To learn more about this grant opportunity, contact Weichel at 919.603.1366  or email korena.weichel@granvillecounty.org.

City of Oxford

Eligible Oxford Residents Can Apply For No-Interest Loans For Home Repairs

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–Information courtesy of City of Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards

The City of Oxford has been awarded an additional $66,000 by the NC Housing Finance Agency in the 2023 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program, designated to assist residents who live within the city limits.

The program provides funds for very low- and low-income homeowners whose residences need repair or modifications because they pose imminent threats to life or safety, according to information from Sabrina Richards, communications specialist with the City of Oxford.

Eligible households are those that earn less than 30 percent of the median income. Examples of work typically done include roof, HVAC or accessibility features like ramps or bathroom modifications. This brings a total to $132,000 in funds for this program. Program assistance will be provided to owner-occupants in the form of an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $3,000 per year, until the principal balance is reduced to zero. The maximum lifetime limit according to the guidelines of URP23 is $12,000.  Applications and program information are available on the City of Oxford’s website at https://www.oxfordnc.org or by calling the Planning Department at 919.603.1116 or 919.603.1117. The funds provided by NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Granville County Library System

Oxford’s Thornton Library Welcomes New Manager Lisa Dendy

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Library System has announced Lisa Dendy as the new branch manager for the Richard H. Thornton Library. Dendy brings a wealth of experience and extensive background in library services, both in public and academic library settings. She brings a deep understanding of community engagement and a passion for promoting literacy and learning to her new role.

Dendy joins the Granville County Library System with 19 years of experience in library services, most recently at the Davis Library at UNC-Chapel Hill. Before her time in Chapel Hill, Dendy worked for 14 years with the Durham County Library. Dendy holds a Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Library Science from N.C. Central University.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Dendy join us as the Richard H. Thornton Library Branch Manager,” said Granville County Library System Director Will Robinson. “Her wealth of experience at two of the most esteemed academic and public libraries in the United States, her educational background, and commitment to community service align seamlessly with the values of the Granville County Library System. We feel that she will bring the Thornton Library and the entire Granville County Library System to even greater heights with her focus on creating an inclusive and dynamic library environment that caters to the diverse needs of Granville County residents.”

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main St. in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or follow  the library system on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/granvillecountylibrarysystem

Granville Haunt Farm Named Top N.C. Attraction By State Travel Industry Association

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When Grey Blackwell started the Granville Haunt Farm nine years ago, he just wanted to give folks a fun – and entertainingly scary – experience around Halloween. Since that first season, the seasonal event has grown into the “anchor” for fall events in Granville County. Blackwell and The Haunt Farm were recognized recently as the North Carolina Attraction of the Year by the N.C. Travel Industry Association.

“When we started Granville Haunt Farm…we never anticipated the impact we would have on tourism in Granville County,” Blackwell said. He credits Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen and the county’s Tourism Development Authority for helping to elevate the Haunt Farm’s popularity.

“We’re grateful for their partnership in helping us bring memorable experiences to our visitors and humbled to receive this award.”

Necessity is the Mother of Invention, they say, and Blackwell pivoted his walk-through event to a drive-through during the COVID-19 pandemic. And he hasn’t looked back.

Vehicles fill the field-turned-parking-queue on the weekends, waiting their turn in line.

In just a few short years, the “Drive-Through Drive-In” attraction has gone from a beloved local event to an attraction that draws visitors from across North Carolina and beyond. The unique attraction generates about 20,000 customers a year and has led to the creation of a spinoff Christmas Farm Drive-Through that brings more than 9,000 visitors to the county.

In 2023, the Granville Tourism Development Authority’s marketing objective for the Haunt Farm was to direct even more people to its website. The campaign resulted in a total of 550,000 impressions, a 93 percent increase in traffic, 95 percent increase in users and a 116 percent increase in number of page views.

To learn more, contact Allen at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or 919.693.6125. See a complete listing of events at www.visitgranvillecnc.com .

Visit https://www.granvillehauntfarm.com/ and https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/ to read more about Blackwell’s events.