NC Dept of Agriculture

Updated State Forest Action Plan Approved, Ready For Use

/by

 

– Story courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

North Carolina’s updated forest action plan has been approved by the USDA Forest Service and is now ready to be implemented by forestry stakeholders across the state.
The plan is a thorough review of the state’s forestland, focusing on changes and trends that have occurred since 2010. The plan not only evaluates past and current forest conditions, but also addresses factors that may impact forest health and sustainability moving forward.

Ninety-six percent of the state’s 18.75 million acres of forests is timberland, according to the plan, which classifies it as capable of commercial production and not in reserved status or unproductive. Most of the forestland in Vance County is privately owned, according to the details in the plan.

“Input from our forestry partners, along with the efforts of stakeholder working groups and our forest service staff, has paved the way for this plan,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With the continued work of our N.C. Forest Service and forestry partners across the state, this plan will serve as a roadmap for efforts on the ground to protect, conserve and enhance our forest resources and the many benefits we enjoy from them.”

Updating North Carolina’s Forest action plan was a collective effort, involving feedback from nearly 70 organizations on the conditions, needs and opportunities of North Carolina’s forests. 

Many of the recommended strategies identified in North Carolina’s initial forest action plan, which was released in 2010 as a result of the 2008 Farm Bill, have been successfully put into action. Among those accomplishments have been reforestation projects, prescribed burns and the mitigation of forest fuels to reduce wildfire risk. Longleaf restoration and the conservation of priority species and habitats have made significant gains as well.

“One trend worth noting has been the collaboration between new partners, often resulting in opportunities for private forest landowners and for land conservation that may have otherwise been unavailable,” said Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Scott Bissette. “The intent is for all forest stakeholders in North Carolina to use this plan as a guide for including applicable strategies into their organization’s efforts so we can collectively roll out this plan, keeping our woodlands healthy, resilient and productive.”

To learn more about North Carolina’s updated forest action plan, the national priorities and goals behind it and the plan’s associated Geospatial Viewer, visit https://www.ncforestactionplan.com/.

Granville Board Of Education To Meet Monday, Feb. 7

/by

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Mary Potter Center of Education, 200 Taylor Street, Oxford, NC 27565. Members of the public are invited to view via livestream. Join the livestream meeting here: https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

The board will also meet in closed session for attorney/client privilege.

Public comments for this meeting can be made in person at the board meeting, or in writing by using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/y37evl6z. Comments made using the link must be submitted between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2022.  A copy will be distributed to the board of education members.  A maximum of 30 minutes in total will be allotted for public comment.

All those in attendance at the meeting are required to wear mask in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

HVDDC: Shop Downtown Henderson and Win Free Stuff

/by

Shoppers who visit retailers in downtown Henderson have a chance to get a little something extra, just for shopping local, thanks to a campaign sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Committee’s promotions committee.

Amanda Ellis, chair of the downtown development board, said the idea is to increase foot traffic in the downtown area – “get people in the doors and stores,” she told WIZS News Tuesday.

Shoppers attach their receipt for $25 or more from participating businesses for a chance to win a gift basket valued at more than $250. Shoppers can submit up to five receipts, Ellis said.

“We’re hoping this is going to jumpstart” retail activity, she said. “The idea is to get people downtown in the stores,” Ellis said. The campaign continues until March 1. The drawing will be held on March 1 at the DDC office, Ellis said.

Another wrinkle includes coordinating with the upcoming dance studios and competitions scheduled for McGregor Hall. Ellis said the plan is to get some food trucks to drive in some evenings and on weekends when the dancers and their families are in town, and encouraging them to eat local, too, instead of getting in their cars and driving somewhere else.

 

Friday, Feb. 4 Is Wear Red Day To Promote Awareness Of Heart Disease In Women

/by

Tomorrow – Friday, Feb. 4 – is National Wear Red Day to promote awareness of heart health. Join the employees at Maria Parham Health by wearing red to support awareness of women and heart disease. Donna Young, MPH marketing and communication coordinator said local businesses that participate have a chance to win a free quarter-page ad in The Henderson Dispatch. See the Maria Parham Health Facebook page for details about how your business can enter.

Wear Red Day is just one way the staff at MPH are showing their support of February’s American Heart Month.

The American Heart Association created National Wear Red Day in 2004 with a mission to dismiss myths and raise awareness of heart disease and stroke as the number one killer of women. To support heart health in women locally, Maria Parham employees are encouraged to wear red. Photos of employees will be shared on the hospital Facebook page throughout the day. Community members are also welcomed to wear red and share their photos on social media using the hashtag #MPHWearsRed.

Maria Parham Health has kicked off “28 Days of Heart” as a way to provide a wealth of heart health information each day during February. Visit MariaParham.com each day to learn tips about how to keep your heart healthy, from recipes to fitness.

Maria Parham’s Facebook will have heart-healthy recipes, fitness tips, and medical information geared at keeping your ticker ticking as it should.

Granville Tourism Mini-Grant Application Period Open Through April 18 For 2022-23

/by

The Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) is now accepting grant applications for the upcoming fiscal year.

The primary purpose of the GTDA’s mini-grant program is to assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the promotion and marketing of events and activities that encourage tourism and create an economic impact from visitor spending. The goal is to help stimulate events/activities that can grow and eventually thrive on their own merit, without direct funding. Any approved funding should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, nonprofit organization, or a municipality or recognized community located within Granville County. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funding unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community-supported organization.

Projects to be considered should encourage out-of-county visitors, with primary consideration given to those that promote the GTDA’s mission of marketing the area as a travel destination. (The tourism industry’s definition of a “visitor” is an individual trekking outside of 50 miles to attend an event or activity.) Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority.

Total funding of any event, project or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request can be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance of up to $1,000.

Grants applications will be accepted until April 18, 2022, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2022 through June 2023). The GTDA Board will review applications and will be prepared to make recommendations for approval during their June board meeting. Award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2022, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online or through the Granville County Tourism Development office, 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford.

Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/tda-mini-grant-2022-2023/ to access the application or to learn more about grant requirements and/or the review process. Those interested may also contact Angela Allen, Tourism Director, at 919.693.6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Supervision And Safety, Pt. 1

/by

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

 

TownTalk: Events In Granville County For Valentine’s Day And Beyond

/by

In the leadup to Valentine’s Day, visitors and locals have plenty of opportunities to show their love for Granville County artists, foods and entertainment.

Angela Allen is Granville County’s tourism director and the quintessential cheerleader for all things Granville.

She talked with John C. Rose and Bill Harris on Thursday’s Town Talk about all the goings-on in February – and beyond.

The big focus is on Friday, Feb. 14. It seems a ways off, but Allen said several restaurants and other establishments have special offers that may sell out fast, so now is the time to reserve your spot.

  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. has a special Valentine’s dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes two entrees, two sides, two drinks and a dessert to share. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.
  • Uptown 101 bar and restaurant also offers a special meal, including a starter, main course, sides and dessert, with champagne or a house mixed drink. Meal service begins at 5 p.m. There will be live music by Detroit Yancey. Check them out on Facebook to learn more and to get tickets.
  • Harvest is creating a whole dessert menu to surprise your loved one with for Valentine’s Day. Check out their website to learn more.

Allen said the visitgranvillenc.com website or the Facebook page will have updates as other events come on line, so make sure you check those sites for the most up-to-date information.

There are plenty of events coming up between now and Valentine’s Day that are sure to please, she said.

  • For instance, right now – at 5 p.m. – Bigfoot BBQ is cooking up some good food. The local barbecue pop-up will be at The Hub on Main until 7 p.m.
  • Cedar Creek Gallery, located on Fleming Road in Creedmoor, has CUPful going on now through the end of February. There are beautiful mugs for every taste imaginable, from the functional to the whimsical.
  • On Saturday, Feb. 5, “Puppy Love” is going to be held at The Barn at Vino. 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem. The quarter auction fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will benefit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont.

The Hub on Main is offering an exclusive opportunity for the first 10 people who sign up on Eventbrite called Bottle Share. The first event occurs on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. and the wine host is Hub owner Pierre Gingue.

Allen said Gingue and The Hub on Main have been strong supporters of new enterprises in the area over the years. “That’s one thing I love about the Hub – they’re always welcoming entrepreneurs.” They continue to introduce new types of businesses into the community, like the sushi Sundays and Thai food events that they host a couple of times each month. Food is prepared fresh by Sticky Rice. Stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Check the website for the next event.

A cupcakes and wine pairing event will take place on Friday, Feb. 11 at The Hub. It’s a fun time to come out with your gal pals, Allen said, and taste test four different wines and how they complement four different types of cupcakes. Cost is $45 per person. Please contact The Hub or the Granville Arts Council to reserve your spot.

Allen said there’s something for children to enjoy as well – the arts center (located below the Hub) is hosting a slime-making workshop on Saturday, Feb. 12. “The great part is the arts center is doing an open art studio,” Allen said. It’s a drop-in event between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for children ages 3 and up. Cost is $10 a child. Please call The Hub or the Arts Center to sign up.

The icky, not-so-sticky goo popularized by a Nickelodeon kids’ show is something that young people just love to create themselves, and Allen said the open art studio will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

And, as only any tourism director worth her salt can, Allen offered a sneak peek into an event that will take place Mar. 26 and 27  at the Granville County Expo Center. It’s called The Viking Experience, and Allen said it is shaping up to be one of the biggest events ever held at the expo center. Details include interactive characters, musical entertainment, acrobats, dinner theatre, and ax throwing. Yep. Ax throwing.

Stay tuned.

 

 

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund Open Statewide

/by

North Carolina Homeowners Financially Impacted by Pandemic May Be Eligible for Housing-Related Help

— press release

The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses. Established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Fund offers assistance of up to $40,000 for qualified homeowners as long as funding is available.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt by many North Carolinians,” said Scott Farmer, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, which is administering the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund. “This program is designed to help homeowners who are experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships hold on to their homes while they get back on their feet. Ensuring that families have stable housing has always been our mission and that has become even more critical during this ongoing public health crisis.”

For qualified homeowners, the fund offers:

• Housing payment assistance for primary residence in North Carolina (for example, single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home).

• Assistance for mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments (first or second mortgages) or other housing-related costs due to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default.

• Assistance covering other housing-related costs such as homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner’s association dues/fees or delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure.

Homeowners may be eligible for assistance if they are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss or business closure, reduction in hours or pay, difficulty obtaining new employment, death of a spouse or co-borrower or increased expenses due to the pandemic. Increased expenses can be due to health care, the need to care for a family member, increased child care costs due to school closures or increased costs associated with quarantine. Applicants must be seeking assistance for a primary residence in North Carolina and meet income and other requirements.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.