The Local Skinny! Sossamon Pastors To Community

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon wants to get the word out about a couple of upcoming community forums that he hopes will shed a little light on the topic of human trafficking – what it is, what it can look like and how to seek help or report suspicions. Scheduling forums like the ones next week is just one way that Sossamon continues to pastor to the community.

The first forum will be held Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Perry Memorial Library, Sossamon said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. There’s a special session for law enforcement representatives from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by the community forum open to the public at 6 p.m.

He said there will be representatives from a variety of agencies and nonprofits well-versed in the issue of human trafficking to inform and educate and help attendees “better understand this enormous and egregious problem.”

The second forum will be held at the Granville Expo Center in Oxford on Thursday, Mar. 14, following the same format as the Henderson event.

When you hear the term “human trafficking,” what often comes to mind is either sex trafficking or labor trafficking.

Oftentimes, Sossamon said, people don’t know what signs to look for, and instances of trafficking could be happening “right up under our noses.”

Attend one of the two forums and come away with information, some training and a better level of understanding about the problem.

Victims of human trafficking are often under such control that they often never say a word, never try to escape, Sossamon explained. Sometimes they wear bulky clothing or stay covered up to hide malnutrition or markings from abuse.

“It’s beyond me to fully comprehend…to be taken against their will…and do whatever they’re told to do,” he said. “It’s such a large topic when you begin to dive into it – it covers so many different scenarios.”

He recalled a recent case that happened here in Vance County when a law enforcement officer discovered a case of trafficking.
Thanks to training that the State Highway Patrol officer had received, he was able to identify and capture the perpetrator and save the victim.

“One of the big things is awareness, even among those who are sworn to protect,” Sossamon said, adding that there are so many demands on law enforcement officers, the more the community can do to help, the better.

“It takes all of us to have a level of awareness and understanding,” he said, adding that it’s important for individuals to be on the lookout, too.

Holding forums in his district is just one way to help keep the community safe, involved and informed.

“It takes all of us to be involved,” Sossamon said.

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Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Extra Stem Cuttings

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

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Granville Tourism Development Authority Grant Application Period Open Now Through May 1

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The Granville Tourism Development Authority mini-grant program is open and accepting applications for projects up to $5,000.

The mini-grant program helps county organizations and agencies promote and market events and activities that encourage tourism and create an economic impact. Funded projects should create visitor spending with a goal of helping stimulate events and/or activities that can grow  and eventually thrive on their own merit, without direct funding. As such, any approved funding should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Eligible organizations include Granville County-based community groups, nonprofit organizations and municipalities – or recognized communities – located within Granville County.  A for-profit group may apply for grant funding IF the event’s revenue will benefit a community-supported organization.

Priority will be given to projects that encourage out-of-county visitors, with primary consideration given to those that promote the Granville TDA’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.

Grant applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year budget (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025). The Granville TDA board of directors will review applications and make recommendations for approval at the June board meeting and award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2024, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online at https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/tda-mini-grant-2024-2025/

or through the Granville County Tourism Development office located at 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford. For more information, contact Tourism Director Angela Allen at 919.693.6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

 

TownTalk: Local Primary Elections, 10 Tips For A Smooth Voting Process

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The state’s primary election is Tuesday, Mar. 5 and elections officials have offered some tips for smooth voting for registered voters who didn’t cast their ballots during the early voting period.

Precincts are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

From basic rules that define a primary election and knowing your precinct to studying a sample ballot and making sure you bring an acceptable form of photo ID, reviewing the list below could save you time on Election Day.

Not sure where to show up to vote? Visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/, click on the Voter Search link at the top to find your precinct.

1)    Know the rules for a primary election. Primaries are elections used to determine each political party’s nominees who will advance to the general election in November. In a partisan primary, voters affiliated with a political party may only vote their party’s ballot and may not vote in another party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose any one political party’s ballot or a nonpartisan ballot, if available in their jurisdiction. There are Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian primaries in our state this year. An unaffiliated voter may choose to participate in one of these party primaries, while a voter who is registered as a Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian will receive their party’s ballot.

2)    Go to your assigned polling place on Election Day. Statewide, nearly 2,600 polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters in line at 7:30 p.m. will be able to cast a ballot.

3)    Find your sample ballot. Voters can use the State Board’s Voter Search tool to locate their sample ballot. The ballot shows the contests that you’ll be voting on.

4)    Bring your photo ID. You will be asked to show photo ID at your polling place when you check in to vote. Most voters will simply show their driver’s license, but there are many other acceptable photo IDs. For more information, including the full list of acceptable IDs, visit BringItNC.com. Voters who do not have photo ID when they vote can make sure their vote counts by either (1) filling out a form explaining why they are unable to show ID, or (2) showing their ID at their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. March 14, the ninth day after the election.

5)    Voters may not register on Election Day in North Carolina. While that is the general rule, voters who become eligible after the regular voter registration deadline, either due to becoming a U.S. citizen or having their rights restored following a felony conviction, are still permitted to register on Election Day.

6)    If you need assistance, request it at your polling place. Curbside voting is available for voters who are unable to enter the voting place without assistance due to age or disability. Once inside the polling place, voters who experience difficulties should request help from an election worker. For more information, see the Help for Voters with Disabilities page.

7)    State and federal laws forbid intimidation or interference with voters. This includes hindering access to the voting place, whether inside or outside the voting site. It is also a crime to interfere with election officials carrying out their duties. Penalties for violations include prison time, a fine, or both. The State Board takes these incidents very seriously. When they occur, we will work with our law enforcement partners to respond. Voters who are harassed or intimidated should notify an election official immediately.

8)    Election results will be posted at the State Board’s Election Results Dashboard. See also the Election Night Reporting Timeline for information on when the public can expect unofficial results on election night.

9)    If you still plan to vote an absentee ballot, act fast. The deadline to have your ballot delivered to the county board of elections is 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Election Day. If you are unsure that the postal service or another delivery service will deliver your ballot by Tuesday, you can instead drop it off at your county board of elections office during business hours, or at an early voting site through 3 p.m. Saturday, when early voting ends. Or you can decide to vote in person on Election Day, and discard your absentee ballot.

10) If you’re participating in the election – as a voter, poll worker, observer, or campaigner – please treat others with dignity and respect. We know the political climate in our country is tense. But let’s make North Carolina a model for accessible, safe, secure and accurate elections.

For more information about voting on Election Day, see Vote in Person on Election Day.

The Local Skinny! Lunch And Learn With Maria Parham Health

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Maria Parham Health will host a Lunch and Learn program on Thursday, Mar. 21 to talk about colorectal cancer early detection and prevention.

Register online at mariaparham.com/event/50 or by calling 252.436.1605. The program will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and will be held in the classroom of the hospital, located at 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

Although colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, health experts say awareness and early detection make it highly preventable and treatable.

“We are committed to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and providing our community with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of the Maria Parham Cancer Center.

“Through events like this, we hope to highlight the importance of early detection and screening in preventing colorectal cancer, ultimately saving lives,” Smith said.

The Lunch and Learn Event will feature board-certified gastroenterologist Varnita Tahiliani, MD, who will discuss various aspects of colorectal cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, screening options, treatment modalities, and lifestyle modifications for prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with healthcare professionals in an interactive setting.

Lunch will be provided. Due to space restrictions, registrations will be limited to the first 30 attendees that register.

For more information about the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Lunch and Learn Event, please visit www.mariaparham.com.

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MPH, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Team Up For May 3 Cancer Survivor Dinner

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Maria Parham Health Cancer Center is planning a Cancer Survivor Dinner on Friday, May 3 to honor the strength and resilience of community members who have been affected by the disease.

The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, located at 905 American Rd., Henderson, according to information from hospital officials.

The dinner will be a celebration of life, courage and hope and serves as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of individuals who have faced the challenges of cancer with bravery and determination.

“We are honored to host this special event to recognize the incredible journey of cancer survivors in our community,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of Maria Parham Health Cancer Center. “This dinner is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for their courage and resilience.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring along one guest to share in the celebration. Please register to attend by calling 252.436.6485.

The Cancer Survivor Dinner promises to be an evening of fellowship, joy and reflection. It provides an opportunity for survivors and their loved ones to come together, share their stories, and draw strength from one another.

“We believe that by standing united, we can inspire and uplift each other in our journey towards healing and recovery,” Smith stated.. “Together, let us embrace the spirit of solidarity and resilience that defines the cancer survivor community.”

Maria Parham Health Cancer Center is committed to supporting cancer survivors and their families throughout their journey. The Cancer Survivor Dinner is just one of the many initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by cancer.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 252.436.6485.

 

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Nematodes In Gardens

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

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SGHS Senior Honored As Chamber’s February Student Spotlight Winner

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A South Granville High School senior has been recognized as the February Student Spotlight winner by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

Madison Lavrack was nominated by Leah Powell, a digital teacher & learning advisor with Granville County Public Schools, for her leadership and advocacy skills she exhibits in both school-based and districtwide roles.

Madison is part of the Student Technology Assistance & Response team – STAR – at her school, and she also supervises a four-member team that manages district and school websites and communications, Powell noted in her nomination.

“Recently, she has taken on the role of managing the STAR team’s new members on the Marketing Team, further displaying her commitment to providing opportunities and information to fellow students,” Powell said.

As a student ambassador for SGHS, she actively promotes a culture of positivity by collaborating closely with staff and students. She is an open-minded individual and willing to share ideas and receive feedback.

As Madison nears graduation, her top school choice is UNC-Wilmington.  She plans to major in business while also having a strong passion for marketing and design as well as business management.  Her experience with the GCPS Marketing & Promotional Support STAR Team has increased her interest in not only marketing but also in graphic design.  Madison strives to continually learn new things and increase her knowledge in various subjects relating to business.

Madison has played a crucial role within their team, with Powell noting her growth over time and her willingness to take on new responsibilities. Described as a go-getter who approaches tasks with care and kindness, Powell expresses immense pride in Madison’s achievements. And indeed, we share in that pride!