Gillburg United Methodist Church will hold a community-wide Turkey Dinner fundraiser on Friday, March 15, 2019, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 4813 NC 39 in Henderson, NC.
Dinner includes turkey with all the trimmings for $7 per plate! Dine in or take out.
Proceeds to go towards the purchase of a new church sign.
-Information and flyer courtesy Davis Chapel MBC
Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church will present the play “Heavenly Choir” on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 5 p.m. The church is located at 742 North Chestnut St. in Henderson, NC.
The church is expecting a full house. Seating will be on a first come, first seated until capacity basis. Doors will open at 4 p.m. the day of the play.
For more information, please call (252) 438-0940.
Mark Ferri, veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer, was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the shelter’s upcoming Veterans Dog Walk event.
The event – Paws, Tails and Boots – will be held at the shelter, located at 1243 Brodie Rd. in Henderson, on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.
The public is welcome, with veterans, first responders and their families strongly encouraged to attend.
Selected dogs will have leashes and collars and can be walked in two of the pastures surrounding the animal shelter. “A lot of times people will come in groups and there may be 3-4 people walking and interacting with the dog,” said Ferri. “Some like to hold competitions like who can walk the most dogs or who can walk the farthest.”
Founded by Ferri in 2016, the dog walk serves the twofold purpose of matching animals with loving owners and raising awareness of mental health issues.
Serving as a volunteer for three years, Ferri has witnessed just how many of the dogs come to the shelter with traumatic past experiences. “Animals don’t judge, they just offer a never-ending source of love and support for people even though many have been injured or abused,” said Ferri.
Traumatic experiences are something that both the dogs and many veterans and first responders have in common. Ferri, who spoke in the interview of the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), said the interaction between dog and human is a healing experience for both.
“My understanding of PTSD is that being exposed to traumatic events can change you emotionally and can also alter your brain’s chemistry,” said Ferri. “Mental illness is a sickness, much like the flu, and should be treated as such.”
If left untreated, largely due to the stigma still surrounding the disorder, PTSD can lead to suicide. “Veterans commit suicide at a rate of 22 per day, and one first responder commits suicide every three days,” reported Ferri. “We’ve actually lost more service members to suicide than we have to casualties in Afghanistan.”
While the prescribed course of treatment for PTSD typically includes medication and cognitive therapy, Ferri said he has seen just how much caring for an animal helps with the disorder. Dogs and other pets provide companionship, acceptance and comfort, according to Ferri.
During the event, Ferri and other shelter volunteers and staff will be on-hand to answer questions and encourage participants who are eligible to commit to adopting an animal. “One of the purposes of this event is to allow the veterans and first responders to interact with the dogs to see what kind they want. They may also be better suited for a cat, and those will be available for adoption as well.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Mark Ferri in its entirety, please click here.
-Information and photo courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 2 p.m.
Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers has been working with dogs since he got his first puppy, Freckles, a Beagle mix, from the Humane Society. Since their 1980 debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus – even The White House!
A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the show stars mostly dogs rescued from shelters, like Daphne, the world’s only skateboarding Basset Hound; Squeaky, the ladder climbing Fox Terrier; Mr. Pepe, who only responds to commands in Spanish; and Sir Winston, the Pointer mix who only answers to “Sir.” The Animal Planet Pet Star Winners, the Providence Journal-Bulletin calls the show,“…a truly funny, slapstick dog act.”
Tickets may be purchased by:
DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 2 p.m. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)
-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Board of Commissioners met in February for its annual retreat. Held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, the work session provided an opportunity for Commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan.
Economic Development
Since 2017, approximately 20 new businesses have opened in the county including RiceWrap Foods, according to Economic Development Director Harry Mills, who added that opportunities are also being created by expansions at Revlon, Shalag and Altec.
Mills noted that the county’s re-designation as a Tier II county would be a factor in future grant eligibility. The N.C. Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties using factors of unemployment rate, household income, population growth and adjusted property tax base, assigning each county a tier designation. Granville County was ranked among Tier III counties last year which included Orange, Wake and Durham counties. During the grant application process, priority is often given to Tier I and Tier II counties, Mills reminded.
County Commissioners prepare to hear comments from community leaders at the Granville County Retreat, held Feb. 21 and 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)
Tourism
Granville County’s new tourism campaign was presented by Tourism Director Angela Allen and by Corey Hughes of the Hughes Marketing Group, who has been contracted to help develop a marketing plan. Using a survey of residents and visitors as a guide, it was determined that the area’s relaxed and hospitable lifestyle are an unexpected advantage, leading to a campaign centered around the area’s open spaces, welcoming people and close proximity to larger communities. With a tagline of “Uniquely Carolina,” the new campaign includes a promotion focused on gathering places and “hometown” living.
Human Resources
HR Directors Wendy Pennington and Justin Ayscue provided information pertaining to employee turnover in Granville County Government, which has seen a steady decline since FY 2014/2015. In the past few years, a 401K match has been implemented, as well as changes to employee benefits such as a 401K match, an enhanced wellness program and other upgrades. A recommendation was made to implement an employee longevity pay plan to help increase retention. It was also noted that an option to apply for employment online has dramatically increased the number of applications received for vacant positions.
Social Services
Social Services Director Lou Bechtel presented information on upcoming challenges, citing a need for an “on call” staff member for after-hours assistance and anticipated staff additions if Medicaid expansion is approved by the General Assembly. Staff members recently completed NC Fast training and will be “prepared to meet the challenge” of this new program, Bechtel said. Additional technology was requested to initiate the NC Fast mobile applications that will help serve residents with their immediate needs.
Comm. Edgar Smoak facilitates a public safety round table discussion with staff of Granville County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)
Senior Services
Granville County Senior Centers (3) have served almost 12,000 congregate meals from July 2018 to January 2019, Senior Services Director Kathy May reported, in addition to approximately 7,000 meals to homebound residents. Transportation, which includes a fixed bus route, medical transport, etc., are also provided and are funded through various grant sources, with total one-way trips numbering more than 16,000 last year.
Through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), 743 Medicare recipients were provided assistance over the past year. Those choosing the option to change their Medicare Part D plans during open enrollment had a total combined savings of $458,387.
The Creative Lifelong Learning program, offered through the Senior Center in Oxford, has “exceeded all expectations,” May said, with charter membership numbering 250+. More than two dozen classes have been scheduled during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Sheriff’s Office
A summary report for 2018, provided by Sheriff Brin Wilkins, showed a total of approximately 8,000 incidents and arrests through the Sheriff’s Office alone. Across the county, more than 54,000 emergency calls were dispatched last year from the Sheriff’s Office, the county’s five municipalities, Highway Patrol, local fire departments, Granville EMS, Animal Control and other agencies.
Trent Brummitt, Manager of the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, reported that from July 2018 to January 2019, more than 36,000 calls for service had been made. As the county’s population grows, calls to the 9-1-1 Center have seen a steady increase, Brummitt noted, with the highest number of calls received in 2016. This was the year that the Oxford Police Department consolidated its dispatch services with the county’s 9-1-1 Center. Now at its most optimum level, staffing for this department has numbered 18 employees since 2011.
A report from the Detention Center by Sgt. Edward Cash focused on mental health issues which impact Granville County inmates. Through a new telemedicine program, inmates can be evaluated on site and offered treatment and follow up, eliminating the need for transport to other facilities. Since September, the program’s professional psychiatrist has identified 25 inmates who were suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and other issues.
Administration
Finance Director Steve McNally provided a summarized review of the county’s financial status, noting that property taxes collected to date ($36.7 million) are at 89 percent of total budget and one percent higher than at this time last year. Property taxes make up 65 percent of the county’s general fund, McNally reported, adding that Granville County’s revenues and expenditures are “in line” with budget expectations as of Jan. 31, 2019.
The preliminary budget is to be submitted to Commissioners by May 6, according to County Manager Michael Felts, with the budget to be finalized in June. Felts also provided a progress report of projects underway and under review, which includes digital policy updates, a focus on strengthening partnerships, continued economic development, school renovations and financing, advancements in broadband and other priorities.
Granville County is now in the final year of the current five-year strategic plan and will be working with staff in October and November 2019 to develop a new five-year plan for the Board’s consideration during next year’s retreat.
Additional reports
The Board of Education and mayors of all five municipalities were on hand to provide respective reports. Elected officials Senator Mike Woodard, Rep. Larry Yarborough and Rep. Terry Garrison were also in attendance to address the 2019/2020 Legislative Goals as they impact Granville County. “What we should always keep in mind,” County Manager Felts concluded, “is where we are, where we are going and what we need to get there. It is important that we are all going in the same direction.”
(To view Granville County’s five-year strategic plan, visit www.granvillecounty.org)
-Information and flyer courtesy Annette Roberson, Henderson American Legion
The Henderson American Legion Post 60 will hold a Chicken Plate Sale on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for a plate of 1/2 chicken, green beans, red-skinned potatoes, dessert and bread. Pick up and go or stay and eat. Beverage included for eat in only.
Location: Corner of E Spring and S Garnett Streets in Henderson, NC.
Delivery available for six or more plates (call ahead).
Proceeds benefit Vance County Veterans. See a Legion member for tickets or call Andy Roberson at (252) 432-2432.
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners
The following committee meetings will be held in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC:
Planning/Environmental Committee (Faines, Kelly, Wilder)
Wednesday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
– RV Regulations
– Planning Board Ordinance
Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Faines)
Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m.
– 911 Addressing
