NC Coop. Extension to Offer Two-Part High Tunnel Produce Learning Opportunity

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Raising produce in high tunnels (essentially a greenhouse heated only by the sun) offers many advantages over field production, such as extending the growing season and providing better control over growing conditions. However, it also adds to the complexity for growers. Farmers and others who would like to learn more about them are invited to a two-part learning opportunity.

Part one is an evening workshop on Thursday, September 26 at the NC Cooperative Extension office in Warrenton. The workshop starts at 4 p.m. with an outdoor demonstration showing the principles of high tunnel construction.

Following the demonstration, there will be two classroom presentations addressing high tunnel management and funding options. Our special guest presenters include Dr. Sanjun Gu, Extension Specialist from NC A&T State University and Jerome Evans of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. A catered meal will be served.

Part two is a tour of local farms that have high tunnels in use. The tour will take place on Saturday, September 28, and will feature stops at two farms (one in Franklin County, another in Vance). The tour will convene at 8 a.m. at the NC Cooperative Extension office in Warrenton, returning by 12:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided, and the first 20 registrants will have the option to ride in provided transportation.

Registration is required for these free events, and participants may register for one or both parts. Get all the details including a downloadable flyer and on-line registration form by clicking here or call 252-257-3640.

This learning opportunity is made possible thanks to the generous support of AgCarolina Farm Credit.

Movie Nights to Craft Projects: Lots to Do at Granville Co. Libraries!

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

From movie nights and game nights to craft projects and student enrichment, your local public library offers a full slate of activities during the last full week of August.

This Saturday, Aug. 24, enjoy a homemade dessert competition at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Bakers from all over the county have been invited to participate in this contest for a chance to win gift card prizes. This event begins at 3 p.m. and is open to the public. Come join the fun!

If baking is not in your wheelhouse, join Young Adult (YA) book lovers for a meeting of the new “Never Too Old YA Book Club.” On Monday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., club members will be discussing the book “Sadie” by Courtney Summers in the Thornton Library’s small conference room. For more details, contact Stefani Perry, Adult Services Librarian, at 919-693-1121.

And for a great family experience, all local residents are invited to “Movie Night at the Library!” On Tuesday, Aug. 27, enjoy “Jumanji” (rated PG-13) on the big screen. The movie starts at 6 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford.

Next week’s “Crafternoon” DIY workshop will be held at the South Branch on Aug. 26 as the “Make Your Own Scented Candle” series continues. The workshop will be held at 2 p.m. for ages 12 and up.

Story Times continue for the younger set, with a theme of “Back to School.” Visit the Stovall Library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m., the South Branch on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., the Berea Branch on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and the Thornton Library at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Contact your local library branch for more details!

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) workshops continue for students in kindergarten through grade 8 each Thursday at the Thornton Library (4 p.m.) and Game Nights are held each Thursday evening at 6 p.m., also at the Thornton branch.

For those needing help with their computer or smartphone, Drop-In Tech Help is available on Aug. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at the South Branch and every Friday at the Thornton Library at 10 a.m.

Today’s local library offers more than just books! To learn more about upcoming programs and events, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us for a complete schedule.

D.R.E.A.M. to Hold Dance Team Tryouts for Youth

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

D.R.E.A.M. (Diverse Roles in Entertainment, Arts and Music) will hold Dance Team Tryouts on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 from 1 until 4 p.m. at Aycock Recreation Center.

Females and males ages 5-17 with high energy who are able to perform an array of dances are encouraged to try out. Please come dressed in a black top and black bottom…no jeans.

No registration fee is required.

For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us.

News 08/22/19

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Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 08/21/19: City of Henderson Names Walters Full-Time DDC Director

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With the recent hiring of Kathy Walters as the full-time director of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), the City of Henderson is one step closer to reestablishing its North Carolina Main Street Program status.

After eleven years of employment with the State of NC, Walters officially returns to the City of Henderson and the DDC on Monday, September 9.

For the past several years, the DDC director’s position has been funded on a part-time, contract-only basis, an arrangement that prevented Downtown Henderson, in part, from being reinstated in the Main Street Program.

“We are extremely delighted and fortunate to have Kathy on full-time with the DDC again,” said Board Chair Benny Finch. “She’s had about 10 years of experience working with the City and she’s very familiar with Downtown Henderson and the Main Street Program.”

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a time that included Walters first tenure as director in the 90s, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.

According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time and effort that the commission is investing in the three-year re-certification process.

“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, as well as grant and networking opportunities.”

Citing her experience with maintaining Main Street status in the past, Finch said Walters was also instrumental in developing the Embassy Square area that now includes Perry Memorial Library, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the Henderson Police Station.

In September 2017, Henderson was one of three NC towns selected by the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center to receive up to three years of technical assistance for the recertification process.

Walters has already made it clear she is the right person for the job, according to Finch, as she has taken the initiative to meet with NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center director Liz Parham in Raleigh before her official day as DDC director even begins.

“We’re happy that Kathy has already taken the step to meet with Liz and to get the ball rolling on that part of the process,” Finch said.

In an email to WIZS, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington echoed Finch’s sentiments:

“We are pleased to welcome Kathy Walters back to the City of Henderson as our new Downtown Development Director,” Ellington wrote. “In our current fiscal year city budget, we allotted funding to provide for a full-time downtown director. It is necessary to ensure a vibrant downtown and re-entry into the North Carolina Main Street Program now that we have this person in place. Kathy, with her experience, knowledge and passion for Henderson, was the ideal candidate and we are looking forward to a bright future while preserving our past.”

To hear further discussion on the hiring of Walters and the future of downtown, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Maria Parham Cancer Center to Offer Free Prostate Screening

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

The Maria Parham Cancer Center will offer a Free Prostate Screening event on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, from 5 until 7 p.m.

Enter through the main entrance of the hospital, 566 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson.

No appointments are necessary. For questions or more information, please call (252) 436-1605.

The American Cancer Society (ACS), among many other organizations, recommends an annual serum PSA testing and a
DRE starting by age 50 for men with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Men at higher risk, such as those of African-American ancestry and those with a family history, should start screening at the age of 45.

Sixth Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Bike Run Set for Sept.

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-Information courtesy American Legion, Post 60

The 6th Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Bike Run will be held Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Sponsored by the American Legion, Post 60, this ride will benefit those that fought for freedom and continue to fight for wounded and unwounded Warriors.

Registration will be the morning of the ride from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Kickstands up and the ride begins at 10:30 a.m.

A meal will be served upon return to the American Legion. All donations will be used in support of Warriors.

For more information, please call Andy Roberson at (252) 432-2432.

The American Legion, Post 60 is located at 110 E. Spring St. in Henderson.

Granville’s Creative Lifelong Learning Program Gears Up for Fall

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

A full calendar of classes, interactive activities and educational trips have been scheduled through Granville County Senior Services’ Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, which offers a wide variety of programming for all interests. Courses range from “Beginning Tai Chi” and a “Basic Self-Defense” class to “Conversational Spanish” and “Nutrition.”

This the second full year that the CLL program has been offered to residents of Granville County, as well as those outside the area. Even though early renewal and membership ended on August 15, anyone can join CLL and register for various classes throughout the year.

Pictured is Conversational Spanish Instructor Laura Gabel at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

According to Senior Services Director Kathy May, the Creative Lifelong Learning program is modeled after the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offered at Duke and N.C. State Universities, as well as other senior center programming in the Triangle. The suggestion for a similar program was made by a local retired couple, who also established an endowment fund which pays for course instructors.

Through the work of a steering committee, led by CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard, many interests have been identified and instructors scheduled for a wide variety of course offerings based on member requests, class leader expertise and balance in the curriculum, with most classes being held at the Senior Center in Oxford. Classes vary in length, with sessions that range from interactive hour-long workshops to day-long trips and/or lectures.

“What we are trying to do is to fill a void in the community,” May said about the CLL program. “We have so many baby boomers here who want to stay active and be stimulated. We are excited to be able to offer this program to all of our citizens.”

The first week of the CLL program kicks off with “The Study of Mark” by instructor Pat Cox, which will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays (until Dec. 19) from 8:30 until 10 a.m. For those interested in learning Tai Chi, a 9:30 a.m. class, “Beginning Tai Chi,” is offered on Tuesday mornings until Dec. 31, as well as a “Tai Chi Continuation” class, offered at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. These hour-long classes are taught by Peter Kay.

Laura Gabel will instruct an intermediate Spanish class beginning Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. and continuing through Nov. 27, with Kathy Wolford offering a 1:30 p.m. class in “Wire Weaving” each Thursday from Sept. 5 until Oct. 17.

A Basic Defense class will also be offered, with instructor Brent Bedwell. This class will be held on Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning  Sept. 9 and scheduled through Oct. 28.

Back by popular demand, the Young at Heart Chorus will meet at Oxford Methodist Church on Mondays at 11 a.m. beginning Sept. 9. This group is under the direction of Sarah Lewis and there is no cost for returning members.

On the second Tuesday of each month, the “North Carolina, Our Home” interest group will resume meetings at 9:30 a.m. and will have their first meeting of the new CLL calendar on Sept. 10. This meeting is free and open to the public, with no enrollment or membership required.

And new to the CLL curriculum is the “My Former Life” series, which offers a glimpse into the professional experiences of Granville County seniors and their careers before retirement. Cynthia Salzhauer will kick off this new offering with a presentation of her background in managing one of the largest ice-skating rinks on the east coast. This session is also offered at no charge to those interested in attending.

Many other classes will follow in coming weeks which include “Clogging,” “The History of Granville County,” “The Romanov Dynasty” and others as more instructors and course offerings are being made available.

For a more complete listing or to see how you can enroll, contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930.

Brick Power Team to Hold Bench Press Contest for Adults, Teens

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-Information courtesy Harry Orr, Brick Power Team

Brick Power Team will hold a Bench Press Contest at Strong Ox Cross Fit Gym, 108 Critcher Rd. in Oxford, on Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Adult entry fee for the contest is $40, $30 for teens. General public – $5 (children under 12 free).

Weigh-Ins will be held from 8:30 until 11 a.m. with the meet to begin at 12:30 p.m. Trophies will be given for first and second place.

For more information or to enter the contest, call (252) 432-4196 or email horr2553@yahoo.com.

Artist Spotlight 08/21/19

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