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Mark Your Calendar For These Granville Co. Events

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY will host a Book Sale on Saturday, March 14 at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Come browse through the selection of hardback and paperback books that cover a wide range of topics for all ages. Members of the Friends of the Library will be admitted at 10 a.m., with the public invited from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Contact the Library at 919-693-1121 for more details.

ENJOY YOGA AT THE LIBRARY as a class for beginners is offered at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor on Sunday, March 15. At 3 p.m. the public is invited to join in this free “Ivengar Yoga Class.” Participants are asked to bring their own mat. Call the Library at 919-528-1752 for more details.

AN AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASS will be offered at the South Granville Senior Center in Creedmoor on March 16. Topics include maintaining proper following distance, turning at intersections, limiting driver distractions and others. The class will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. and preregistration is required. Call 919-693-0848 for the fee schedule and details.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY with a special “slime-making” workshop at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Participants will make “Shamrock Slime” at 4 p.m. on March 16. Bring the entire family and whip up a batch for some gooey fun. The South Branch Library is located at 1547 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor. Call 919-528-1752 for details.

LEARN ABOUT FAMOUS ARTISTS with “Art Fusion” through the Granville County Library System. Edgar Degas is the first artist to be featured on March 16 (Stovall) and on March 31 (Thornton) at 4 p.m.  Students in grades K through 6 can use the artist’s techniques in a hands-on activity during the program. Contact Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for details.

BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES are being offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library. On Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m., participants can learn how to create their own Gmail account and how to navigate email. Registration is required. Call 919-693-1121 for more details.

MARCH IS NUTRITION MONTH! Learn more about healthy eating on March 17 at the North Granville Senior as the Cooperative Extension Service presents “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.” This information will be presented at 10 a.m. by Area Extension Agent Jennifer Brown. The North Granville Senior Center is located at 118 Highway 15 North in Stovall.

CLASSES IN T’AI CHI will be offered at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford as part of the Creative Lifelong Learning program’s spring session. Instructor Peter Kay will teach two classes for beginners and continuing students on Tuesdays beginning March 17. The beginners’ class will be offered at 9:30 a.m., followed by a continuation class at 10:30. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

THE SOVIET UNION is a topic for study as instructor George Robinson leads a class on Mondays through April 13. This Program, “The Rise of the Soviet Union” is offered weekly until April 13 (10 a.m.) and is available through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services. To register, contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930.

GET READY FOR EASTER with a fun and creative class offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program. Instructor Julie Yacos will teach participants how to make a bunny door hanger from 1 until 3 p.m. on March 18. Registration is required. Call the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930 to register or for more details.

THE MASONIC HOME FOR CHILDREN is a topic for discussion on March 19 as the Creative Lifelong Learning program continues. On March 19, learn more about this historic residential care program from Administrator Kevin Otis. The program is free and begins at 10 a.m. Call 919-693-1930 for more information.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH with a free nutrition program for adults, scheduled at the South Granville Senior Center. Each Friday through April 24, sample healthy foods, learn how to cook and eat better and take control of your diet. Programs are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. To register, call 919-528-0848. The South Granville Senior Center is temporarily located at 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road in Creedmoor.

THE YOUNG AT HEART CHORUS meets on Mondays at 11 a.m. through May 4. This group, led by Minister of Music Sarah Lewis, was formed through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program of Granville County Senior Services and gathers at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan Street in Oxford. Participation is FREE. Call 919-693-1930.

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Keep Warren Co. Beautiful Committee to Hold Community Training

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County is working towards becoming an affiliate of the national organization Keep America Beautiful, an organization that works to end litter, improve recycling, and beautify communities.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Isaac Nicholson, a representative from Keep America Beautiful, will be conducting a training held at the Warren County Armory Civic Center. The training will be held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; the first hour is for the general session and open to the public.

The Keep Warren County Beautiful Committee was organized by the Warren County Board of Commissioners to address the problem of litter on roadsides throughout the county and to educate citizens on the importance of proper garbage disposal and the impact that untidy roads have on community members, visitors, and potential for economic development.

The goal of the Keep Warren County Beautiful Committee is to ensure that local government, citizens, and visitors work on community solutions to address the problem of littering and identify opportunities for beautification efforts in Warren County by initiating diverse partnerships with a wide array of community stakeholders.

The Warren County Armory Civic Center is located at 501 US-158 Business East, Warrenton. For more information, contact Warren County Public Works at (252) 257-3795.

News 03/12/20

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Town Talk 03/11/20: Relay For Life Quarter Auction, Survivor Dinner

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Hope Breedlove, a social worker in the Cancer Center at Maria Parham Health and a member of the Relay For Life Survivor Committee, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

This year’s Vance County Relay For Life event will take place Friday, June 19 in downtown Henderson from 5 – 10 p.m. Relay For Life is a community event to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against a disease that has taken too much.

The Survivor Lap will take place at 6:30 p.m. and all cancer survivors are invited to participate. As a cancer survivor, you’ll be a guest of honor and cheered on by your community. Caregivers are also a major part of Relay For Life events and are honored for their support.

Quarter Auction

The Maria Parham Health Quarter Auction & March Madness Buffet fundraiser for Relay For Life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020, at the Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 per person and seating is limited to 100 attendees. The ticket price includes one paddle, buffet dinner, drink, dessert and door prize entry. Extra paddles can be purchased at the event for $5 each.

With over 100 items available for auction, including gift certificates, wreaths and televisions, Breedlove encouraged participants to bring plenty of quarters and make sure to purchase extra paddles to increase the chance of winning.

As this is a basketball-themed event, participants are encouraged to wear their favorite ACC shirt or jersey.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Kimberly Smith (252-436-1656), Hope Breedlove (252-436-1605), Amanda Wilkins (252-436-1615) or Cassidy Grissom (252-436-1544).

Survivor Dinner

The 2020 Relay For Life Survivor Dinner will be held on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church (905 Americal Rd., Henderson). Cancer survivors in Vance and surrounding counties and their guests are invited to enjoy an evening of food and entertainment.

“Cancer survivorship is defined as the moment you are diagnosed with cancer throughout the remainder of your life,” explained Breedlove. “You do not have to be in active treatment or be in remission to be a survivor. If you fit into that category, you qualify to participate in the survivor dinner.”

Survivors are welcome to bring one family member to the dinner. Please RSVP on or before April 12 by contacting Sue Cain with Relay For Life at (919) 334-5221 or sending an email to Sue.Cain@cancer.org. If leaving a voice message or sending an email, please provide the following information:

  • Your name and phone number
  • Will you bring a guest?
  • Your t-shirt size

“Your prompt RSVP will ensure we have enough food and survivor t-shirts for everyone attending,” Breedlove said. “This is always a very special event in our community and we look forward to it each year.”

Survivors, caregivers and walkers are welcome to register for June’s Relay For Life event online at www.RelayForLife.org/VanceNC or by calling 1-800-227-2345 (choose option #2 from the menu). Paper registration forms will also be available at the survivor dinner.

With additional questions regarding these Relay For Life events, please call (252) 436-1605.

To hear the interview with Breedlove in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

 

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AARP to Discuss Free Income Tax Return Service at Vance Co. Senior Center

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-Information courtesy Arline Richardson

AARP will present a tax counseling session for the elderly at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at the Vance County Senior Center in downtown Henderson.

The guest speaker will be Phyllis Hicks. Hicks will speak about the free income tax return service that she and other trained volunteers provide to the public. Refreshments will be served.

MPH Volunteer Services to Hold $5 Masquerade Sale

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-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Volunteer Coordinator, Maria Parham Health

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health announces its March fundraiser. The exciting $5 Masquerade Sale will be held in the John T. Church Classroom at MPH in Henderson on Wednesday, March 25 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday, March 26 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come experience the frenzy…. EVERYTHING is only $5. Earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, scarves, lunch totes, bags, umbrellas, flashlights, leggings, phone accessories and so much more. Gifts for children, men and women of all ages.

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Franklin County Responds to Coronavirus Concerns

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Effective March 11, 2020, and in consultation with the Franklin County Emergency Management Services, Sherriff’s Department, County Administration and the Louisburg Police Department, the Franklin County Health Department is opening the Franklin County Coronavirus & COVID-19 Joint Information Center (COVID-19 JIC) Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Purpose: This JIC will serve as the place for residents, businesses and other agencies to obtain timely, accurate, reliable and actionable Franklin County-specific information regarding the coronavirus and COVID-19 within Franklin County.  The Franklin County Health Department combines information from our regular updates with Federal and State Agencies, together with our local resources, to provide you and/or your organization with the best Franklin County-specific information available.

Local Virus Questions: If you want reliable information, please call: (919) 496 – 8113.

As more people become concerned about the coronavirus, it is vitally important to ensure that everyone has the most up-to-date, accurate and reliable information possible. The Franklin County Health Department, with our local communicable disease professionals and our epidemiology team, has been working with State and Federal Officials to ensure everyone in Franklin County receives properly vetted, accurate and actionable regional and local information regarding the coronavirus.

For the most up-to-date information on the virus, please use the NCDHHS website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina.

Please note that there are currently NO confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus (that causes COVID-19) in Franklin County. The Franklin County Health Department will keep our residents apprised of the situation as soon as accurate, reliable and actionable information becomes available.

Increased Available Testing: As the Novel Coronavirus continues to spread, and with relaxed testing guidelines and increasing numbers of test kits available, there will be individuals today who now meet the criteria for testing, who just a week ago did not. That will increase the number of people being tested, which is welcome news. However, increased testing is just one part of our prevention efforts.

Time of Year: Given the time of year, there are many illnesses that are at their peak in late February and early March in our area (i.e. influenza, strep, etc.), whose symptoms mimic COVID-19. As a result, many individuals who are sick with a variety of other ailments (i.e. flu) will now be able to “rule-out” coronavirus given these new standards and increased testing capabilities. Given that the modes of transmission for these other ailments are similar to the Novel Coronavirus, precautions already being used (given this time of year) to protect you from these other ailments will also protect you from COVID-19.

When More Actionable Information Becomes Available, We Will Get the Word Out: The Franklin County Health Department is in close contact with state and federal officials, our local hospital, Maria Parham Franklin, and all other Franklin County Healthcare providers, daycare centers, schools and other governmental agencies, to keep everyone updated with the most current information regarding the virus’ spread, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

As soon as there is any information available that the public, healthcare providers and/or other governmental agencies will need to enhance their own safety, we will get the information to you as soon as possible.

Current Status: There are numerous people across our region being monitored and/or tested for this virus. At this point in time, we have NO confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 in Franklin County. IF there were individuals who presented with symptoms that indicated the need for testing, all healthcare providers are aware of the protocols to implement in order to protect their staff and the public (i.e. quarantine and isolation procedures) while they test and treat anyone suspected of having the virus.

EMS staff and other first responders should already be practicing the same set of cleaning and personal protection measures designed to keep them safe from flu (given it is peak flu season), and those same measures will keep them safe from the novel coronavirus.

What Can You Do: Given the virus has been confirmed in Wake County, and will likely spread to surrounding counties at some point, everyone should practice personal protection measures to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe:

  • avoid touching your face (including eyes, mouth, nose and ears);
  • Wash your hands frequently & thoroughly (front & back) with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds AND if available, use hand sanitizers frequently;
  • cough/sneeze into your elbow/arm, and avoid any physical contact greetings (i.e. no handshakes, etc.);
  • avoid others if you’re sick;
  • stay home from work/school and don’t visit anyone (especially older adults & children and those with chronic conditions) if you’re sick;
  • If over the age of 60 and/or suffering from a chronic health condition, avoid large public gatherings (issued by CDC on 3-7-19);
  • Avoid being closer than 6 feet (or 3 feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill;
  • All agencies and businesses have been advised to practice their enhanced cleaning and personal protection protocols, as is normal practice for this time of year (given it is peak flu season).

Bottom line: The virus has not reached Franklin County yet, but it will likely be here eventually. Prepare yourself by practicing the steps above, and you can minimize the risk to your family and friends.

For additional information, please call the Franklin County Coronavirus COVID-19 Joint Information Center at 919-496-8113 or visit https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health.

Oxford Prep Lower School Students Win Diversity Essay Contest

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

For schools across the nation, February is a time to highlight important accomplishments by African-Americans with the nationally recognized observance of Black History Month. March brings about Women’s History Month, which seeks to do the same by highlighting important women in history.

Students at the current Oxford Preparatory Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide diversity essay contest. Contest winners, pictured left to right: Michael Cox, 5th grade; Bre’Niyah Purnell, 6th grade and Novina Williford, 6th grade) (OPS photo)

For cultures and peoples marginalized by a traditional curriculum, these months of observance bring about conversations on diversity and inclusion. Students at Oxford Preparatory School kicked off this discussion with an important question: why does diversity matter?

Students at the current Lower School, presently 5th and 6th grade, participated in a school-wide essay contest with that exact question in mind. The essay contest had few guidelines, encouraging students to utilize critical thinking skills and reflection on the topic.

After a guidance lesson on the definition of diversity and discussions with classmates on the topic, students went right into writing their reflections. Some chose to use the time to research important figures who fought for diversity, such as Martin Luther King Jr, while some reflected on their own experiences. Students reflected on times that they felt like the “odd one out,” and even came up with suggestions on how to better support diversity at their school.

Fifth-grader Lily Juntunen writes, “I also always felt singled out for how I looked because I would always get told how I’m too tall to do anything, that I should give up. That’s another reason why diversity matters. People should not feel like they need to change themselves because others aren’t happy with the way they look.”

The three winners – 5th-grader Michael Cox and 6th-graders Novina Williford and Bre’Niyah Purnell – were treated to a bagel breakfast with their friends and family members and bravely read their essays out loud.

For some, this was the first time they had to present their work to an audience. However, as a college preparatory school, these students are being prepared to present their work and discuss such topics.“I had a lot of fun researching for the essay,” shared Cox. “I was really nervous to read it out loud, but I felt a lot of relief after I did it.”

To quote 5th-grader Madelyn Reese, “Diversity does matter in our world today. Regardless of our talents, skin color, gender, language, and culture, we all need to be treated fairly.”

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 03/11/20

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Home and Garden 03/10/20

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