Farmers Market VERY OPEN
— information courtesy Vance County Regional Farmers Market
OPEN September 16 & 20 from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS AND CRAFTSMEN
We need your support! While summer officially ends next week (the first day of Fall is September 21st!), we continue to have a nice variety of summer produce available at the farmers market. Think of us when planning your football tailgating parties and cookouts. We have pasture raised beef, pork, hot dogs, and kielbasa just waiting for you to throw on the barbie. Plus, lots of veggies to complete your spread. You may even be able to get that one last watermelon this Saturday!
The VCRFM is open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and features a variety of locally grown produce, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and shrubs, pasture raised beef, pork, eggs, and handmade crafts.
There will also be canned goods, cupcakes, jams, jellies, salsa & sauces.
Knowledgeable farmers, nursery vendors and Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer planting and growing questions.
GET YOUR MID-WEEK FRESH FOOD FIX! VISIT VCRFM THIS WEDNESDAY.
What You Will Find This Week
Beef (Saturdays only)
Beets
Butter Beans
Cabbage
Cucumbers
Eggs
Eggplant
Garden Plants & Vegetables
Grapes
Honey
Jams
Jellies
Okra
Onions
Peas
Peppers
Pork
Potatoes
Salsa
Sauces
Squash
Tomatoes – Green & Red
Watermelons
Zucchini
FALL MUMS HAVE ARRIVED!
Now is the time to add beautiful color to your yard, deck, porch or patio with mums from Franklin Brothers Nursery.
PLANTING BULBS WORKSHOP COMING IN OCTOBER
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14 and plan to join us at the farmers market for a workshop on planting bulbs – PLANT NOW, ENJOY LATER. Learn what is a quality bulb. Learn how to stagger your spring bulb’s bloom times by planting in layers. Participants will be able to select their choice of bulbs to take home. Please pre-register for this workshop by contacting Paul McKenzie, Vance-Warren Agricultural Extension Agent at 252-438-8188 (Vance), 252-257-3640 (Warren) or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu. You may also let Market Manager Madigan know. There will be a $10.00 fee for the workshop to cover the cost of the bulbs and container.
HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY MARKET SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We will be hosting our annual Handcrafted Holiday Market Saturday, November 18 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. With over 30 craft vendors featuring handmade items from soaps and candles, wood crafts and furniture, clothing and jewelry, to quilts and wreaths, this is the place to get truly unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list – including yourself! Santa Clause always stops by and the Buggs Island Community Band provides a festive atmosphere with Holiday music. And of course there will be a variety of yummy baked goods, canned goods and fall produce!
Social Media: For more information about the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, view our website at vancecounty.org, plus follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Contacts: Persons interested in selling at the VCRFM may contact:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188
Location: The VCRFM is located at 210 Soutpark Dr. Henderson, NC, off Beckford Dr. behind the DaVita Dialysis Center.
VCRFM is open Wednesdays & Saturdays 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
***If you or your business need a venue for your dinners and parties, the VCRFM is available for rent! Contact Market Manager***
Week Five Vance County Friday Night Football Preview
by Jeff Jenkins
Southern Vance
Southern Vance continues conference play on the road tonight, traveling to the wilds of Granville County to meet Granville Central, one of the Northern Carolina Conference’s two 1A members. These two teams have not played each other since 2011 and 2012, when Central was a very new school, and Southern Vance was riding pretty high. In 2011, the Raiders finished 9-3, while the fledgling Panthers ended up with 3-8 record. That year, Southern won the contest 45-6, and in 2012, when the Raiders had begun to slip, they still smothered the Panthers 58-6. Fortunes have reversed for both teams in the intervening years, with Granville Central enjoying 4 consecutive playoff appearances, and winning a Tar-Roanoke 1A conference championship in 2015. During those year’s Southern Vance slipped further into mediocrity, winning only 3 games in the previous 3 seasons.
This year, both teams have new head coaches, and both schools started off their season with games against Bartlett Yancey. Southern Vance won that game 30-22 in OT, while the Panthers defense led the way to a 7-6 victory. Central won its only other nonconference game 33-8 , against everyone’s favorite creampuff Kipp Pride; but got a rude introduction to its new conference last week with a painful 46-0 shut out at unbeaten Roanoke Rapids. After 4 games, The Raiders are 1-3, but have averaged scoring 27.5 point per game, almost double last season’s average. The defense has allowed 33 points per game, but Southern has not been beaten by more than 13 points. At 2-1, Granville Central has only averaged 13 points scoring and is allowing 20 (thanks to the 46 scored by Roanoke Rapids).
On offense, the Panthers keep the ball on the ground, dividing the work among Jr. Deandre Moore, averaging 66 yards per game and 3 total TDs, Jr. Mike Wood, (50 yards per game and 1 TD), and Soph Jed Evans (30 yds per game). Two soph QB’s, Kobe Jones and 5’2”, 120 lb Brady Smith, have played so far, but neither has passed much, and no TDs have been scored through the air. The Panther defense held Bartlett Yancey to 6 points – better than the Raiders, and Central has returned one fumble recovery for a score. Also, unlike Southern Vance, Granville Central has two players who have kicked extra points: Jacob Burnette is 1 for 1, and the diminutive Smith is 3 for 5.
If the Raiders play as they have for the past 4 weeks, they should come out on top. But they can not think of Granville Central as a 1A team, and they will have to be prepared for a defense that was quite effective until they ran into Roanoke Rapids. And so far, Southern Vance is no Roanoke Rapids.
Northern Vance
The Vikings of Northern Vance are happy to be home tonight hosting the Eagles of Warren County. They are happy to have made it out of Creedmoor alive last Friday, after the 54-0 drubbing they took from South Granville – all 54 points scored in the first half. and they should be happy to be playing against a team tonight that is not picked to win any championships. Warren is 3-1 on the season, with a win over 1A conference member Louisburg last week, and therefore have a right to be ranked third in the Northern Carolina behind unbeaten South Granville and Roanoke Rapids. But it must be pointed out that all of Warren’s wins have been against 1A competition, including longtime pushovers Northwest Halifax and Kipp Pride Charter school. They lost to Northampton County 22-17 – a good close game to be sure, but that looks like their only real test so far. But in spite of the weak schedule, Warren ahs shown that they can score points and play defense: they average scoring 31 points per game, and have only allowed 14 per game, and those numbers create a type of momentum that Northern Vance has not had a chance to create.
These two teams got together quite a bit during the offseason, matching up at a couple of 7 on 7 events in the summer and participating in a jamboree or two, so they know each other pretty well. Jr. QB Cornelius Davis, who had a tough time in the starter role last year, has settled in well this season, passing for over 150 yards per game for 5 TD’s and 4 interceptions. Davis can also run, gaining about 50 yards per game on the ground. Three of Davis’ TD passes have been caught by Sr. WR Cornell Hendrick, who has 19 grabs for 336 yards on the season, and Jr. WR Laquan Satterwhite has the other two scoring catches. The eagles 11 rushing touchdowns have been evenly divided among Jr. RB Dekarri Green who has 5, Hendrick with 3, and Davis with the other 3.
VGCC instructor graduates from leadership program
Dr. Kambiz Tahmaseb, a Biology and Chemistry instructor at Vance-Granville Community College, recently graduated from the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP). He is one of approximately 35 community college faculty and staff members from across the state who completed the program this year.
The six-month leadership program, which includes face-to-face instruction at various locations, provides preparation and training to develop future community college leaders. The program is highly experiential in nature, and, this year, participants worked in teams to address challenges at hypothetical community colleges. They became involved in every aspect of those colleges, from naming and branding to strategic planning.
In addition to strengthening their leadership skills, NCCCLP participants learn about the structure and governance of the community college system, enjoy opportunities for networking, and form a diverse pool of qualified educational leaders.
“The major lesson I learned from the program is that leadership is not about being the president of a college, or a company or a nation,” Dr. Tahmaseb said. “Leadership happens in every level of our lives. In the NCCCLP, I learned a lot about myself, and how I interact with others, both in my private life and professional life, and how those interactions affect how I may influence those individuals. The lessons I learned will help me as a husband, father, teacher and colleague.”
A resident of Durham, Tahmaseb earned bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Chemistry at Willamette University in Oregon and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at Wright State University in Ohio. He was also a postdoctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tahmaseb joined the VGCC faculty in 2012 and has taught both face-to-face and online science courses, spending most of his time at the college’s South Campus near Creedmoor. He is also currently serving his second term as the elected vice president of external affairs for the North Carolina Community College Faculty Association.
The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program was created in 1989, under the auspices of the state chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, to provide an interdisciplinary approach to leadership training through professional development. Graduates have used the skills and connections gained from the program to be more successful leaders in all areas and at all levels in the North Carolina Community College System.
–VGCC–
Fun planned at agritourism farms this fall
RALEIGH – The start of fall is just a week away, and agritourism farms across the state are ready to open their doors to visitors. There are more than 700 agritourism farms across the state, and many are hosting fall activities ranging from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to harvest festivals and grape stomps.
Following is a list of some of the special fall events:
Western North Carolina
- Ashe County Farmers Market in West Jefferson will hold its Fall Harvest Festival Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes a corn-shucking contest, fall recipes, an apple press demonstration, antique farm equipment and more.
- Red Wolf Farm in Maiden is celebrating the opening of its new location at Hwy. 321, exit 33. The farm will host its Pumpkin Patch and Adventure Maze Saturdays and Sundays in October, with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, horseback rides, farm animals and more.
Triad
- Howard Family Farm in Harmony will host its annual corn maze and pumpkin patch. The farm opens to the public Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 29. Other dates are available for school groups, birthday parties, corporate events and large groups.
- Kersey Valley Attractions in Archdale will have a Maize Adventure corn maze on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 17 through Nov. 4.
- Miss Angels Farm in Mount Airy will offer pumpkin and apple picking Fridays through Sundays starting Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. In addition, the farm will offer haunted attractions from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31.
- Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King will host a Fall Open House Sept. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 1,600 mums, 100,000 pansies and violas, as well as perennials, fall vegetables and more.
- Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla will kick off its Fall Fun on the Farm weekend events Sept. 23. The farm also will offer various educational tours for school groups and weekday afternoon hayrides from Oct. 2-31.
- Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin will host its National Alpaca Farm Day event Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can tour the working alpaca farm, learn about the animals and visit the farm store. Admission is free.
- Ridenour Ranch in Thurmond will have a “Pickin’ in the Pumpkin Patch” event Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include pick-your-own pumpkins, hay rides, llama walks and more.
Triangle
- 1870 Farm in Chapel Hill will host a series of fall workshops for all ages throughout October, and offer haunted hay rides Oct. 26-30.
- Adams Vineyards in Willow Spring will host its 10th annual Grape Stomp Sept. 16 from 1-3 p.m. The event includes a stomping contest, an “I Love Lucy” lookalike competition, grape picking and more.
- Lazy O Farm in Smithfield will have a Trick or Treating in the Maze event Oct. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and visit the farm for a family friendly event featuring farm animals, hayrides, mazes and pumpkin picking.
- Smith’s Family Fun Farm in Hillsborough will open its seasonal pumpkin patch Sept. 29-Oct. 31. In addition, the farm will have a sunflower maze, play area and tractor rides. All activities are included with purchase of a pumpkin.
- William Lyon’s Blueberry and Pumpkin Farm in Creedmoor features more than eight acres of fun with pumpkin picking, hayrides and corn mazes. The farm is open to the public on weekends in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Field trips are also welcomed during the week.
Agritourism farms are found in nearly every county of the state. Consumers looking for a farm experience can go to www.visitncfarms.com for a full directory.
Triangle North Franklin Business Park Welcomes Cedar Peaks Enterprises Franklin County’s Shell Building May be Occupied by Mid 2018
Cedar Peaks Enterprises has purchased the shell building built by Wake Electric at 481 Airport Road at Triangle North Franklin Business Park joining the Alliance tobacco receiving station as the second tenant at the Park.
Cedar Peaks Enterprises is a licensed General Contractor in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, owned and operated by David Rifenburg and Brian Birdsall of Wake Forest. The company was founded in 2013. “We began with only 15 full-time employees and have now grown to over 90 and still counting,” commented David Rifenburg.
The company’s main focus is airport related asphalt paving and airfield lighting/electrical projects. Cedar Peaks also does asphalt production, excavation and grading as well as subbase installation and utilities.
“Franklin County has been experiencing population and industrial growth making it a perfect site for a growing business,” Mr. Rifenburg continued. “As an added bonus, we get to have the address: 481 Airport Road, which fits perfectly with our business since it is geared to airports.”
Cedar Peaks will begin the up fit of the shell building, customizing the space to meet their needs. Initially the building will house eight full-time administrative employees and serve as the meeting point for field workers and superintendents. “We will begin construction right away,” commented Mr. Rifenburg, “with a goal of being in the building by mid 2018.”
“We welcome Cedar Peaks to the Franklin County business community and are pleased they selected Triangle North Franklin for their Headquarters’ location,” commented Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Cedric Jones. “It is an ideal location situated adjacent to Triangle North Executive Airport.”
“We are excited to welcome Cedar Peaks Enterprises to the Triangle North Franklin Business Park,” said David Smith, Chairman of the Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Corporation, which owns and develops Triangle North’s business parks. “As we work together regionally to bring new jobs and economic growth, private sector commitments such as this show confidence in the region and our ability to meet their workforce needs. We appreciate the company’s decision to locate in Triangle North Franklin.”
Triangle North is a network of four tax-advantaged business parks located in the four north-central North Carolina counties of Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren. Triangle North was created by the four county governments with funding and assistance from a variety of local, regional, state and federal organizations.
“Cedar Peaks has demonstrated expertise in their field having done work at Raleigh-Durham International, Charlotte Douglas International, Richmond International, Greensboro International as well as at the Triangle North Executive Airport and many other regional and local airports throughout the region,” added Economic Development Commission Chairman Matthew Winslow.
For additional information, please contact Richie Duncan, Franklin County Economic Development Director, at (919) 554-1863.
Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.
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About Franklin County Fitch Ratings upgraded Franklin County December 19, 2016 from ‘AA’ to ‘AA+’ on its outstanding general obligation (GO) bonds. The Fitch credit rating system has 10 levels of credit ranking. The ‘AA+’ rating is only one level from the top of its credit rating system. The upgrade reflects the county’s stable economic base. The higher rating (AA+) will ultimately translate to lower interest rates on any new debt the County incurs when compared to the lower (AA) ranking. Better ratings mean lower interest costs for taxpayers. The full press release can be found at: https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1016735.
Warrenton Revitalization Presents Family Movie Night
by Craig Hahn
Come join us September 23rd at 7:00 p.m. on the courthouse square in Warrenton for a viewing of 2016’s “The Jungle Book!” Free Admission. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
Refreshments will be sold…start a new family tradition and join us for this classic movie under the stars.
A huge thank you to our local grocery stores, Just Save and Food Lion for donating hot dogs! So, hot dogs, popcorn and beverages will all be sold! Y’all come on out and enjoy the evening with us!
Vance County Board of Education presented Gold Bell Award
The Vance County Board of Education was presented with the Gold Bell Award from the N.C. School Boards Association (NCSBA) during the District 3 meeting for the organization in Chapel Hill on September 13.
The Gold Bell Award is a prestigious award presented by the NCSBA to boards after all of their members have successfully completed extensive training.
The local Board of Education members earned the award after each of the seven members completed 12 hours of training from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
The Gold Bell Award was presented during the district session held at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, and attended by representatives of 16 public school systems in the North Central Region of the state.
Members of the Vance County Board of Education who earned the award are Chairwoman Gloria J. White, Vice Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine, Margaret Ellis, Dorothy Gooche, Ruth Hartness, Clementine Hunter and Edward Wilson.
