Mobile Free Pharmacy Friday 9a-2p at VGCC Franklin Campus

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NC MedAssist is hosting a mobile free pharmacy event Friday (March 24).  It starts at 9 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m.  The location is the  Vance-Granville Community College Franklin campus.  The specific address is 8100 NC-56, Louisburg, NC, 27549.

The free medicine will be available to individuals 18 and over and families needing over-the-counter items.  Everyone is qualified as there are no identification requirements or income restrictions.

A press release provided to WIZS by NC MedAssist states, “Participants will be able to learn more about NC MedAssist’s free prescription pharmacy program and receive free OTC items such as cough and cold medicine, vitamins, children’s, allergy medication, and first aid supplies. Additionally, Franklin County Health Dept. will provide health screenings, Insight will share information about substance abuse and DisposeRx will bring medicine disposal packets.”

The event will be held rain or shine and is sponsored by the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation.  NC MedAssist always tries to bring enough OTC medicine to events to serve 1,000 people.

The goal is to ease the burden of those in need, who may have been forced to decide between buying food and purchasing medication.

A total of 53 such events occurred in North Carolina last year.

Red Cross Announces March Blood Drive Dates

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The American Red Cross has announced several opportunities to donate blood across the four-county area in March, which also marks the 80th annual observance of the national organization.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the original proclamation in 1943, but the American Red Cross was established more than 140 years ago by Clara Barton, a nurse who tended wounded soldiers during the Civil War. In 1869, she learned about the Red Cross during a trip to Switzerland and subsequently founded the American Red Cross in the United States.

Whether it’s donating blood, setting up emergency shelters and providing emotional support to those whose lives have been affected by storms, fires or other natural disasters, the American Red Cross honors the legacy of its founder.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in North Carolina rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of  American Red Cross North Carolina. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

If you can’t donate blood or platelets, you can always donate money or volunteer your time. Visit redcross.org to learn more. Later this month, on Mar. 22, the organization celebrates Red Cross Giving Day, a campaign designed to raise money to help provide shelter, food, relief items and support to individuals who have suffered disasters large or small.  Visit redcross.org/givingday to give.

Blood drives happen all year long, but when individuals donate blood, platelets or plasma in March, they will receive by email a $10 Visa prepaid card. And they also will be automatically entered for the chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card.

Consider signing up for one of the following local blood drives:

Vance County

  • Friday, Mar. 17: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Rd.
  • Thursday, Mar. 30: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville County

  • Friday, Mar. 24: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave., Creedmoor

Warren

  • Saturday, Mar. 11: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Reverend C.H. Building, 130 Saponi Trail, Warrenton

Franklin

  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd., Louisburg
  • Friday, Mar. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., State Employees Credit Union, 28 Burke Blvd., Louisburg

Franklin County Convenience Sites’ Hours Change With Upcoming Daylight Savings Time Change

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In anticipation of the beginning of daylight savings time on Mar. 12, Franklin County Solid Waste has announced an adjustment in its hours of operation.

Beginning Monday, Mar. 13, convenience center sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Convenience Center #12 at 5 Landfill Road in Franklinton will operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Franklin County Transfer Station will remain on the same operating schedule of 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

For additional information, please contact Solid Waste Director Lee Bodenhamer at 919.496.5002.

Stay updated at www.franklincountync.gov – and sign up for email updates by clicking the “Get Email Updates” button on the homepage.

 

‘Got To Be NC’ Festival A Great Spot To Display – And View – Antique Farm Equipment

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If that old tractor that your granddaddy used all those years ago still runs, whether it’s that special shade of green or red or blue, there may be a spot for it during the upcoming Got to Be NC Festival later this spring.

Festival organizers say there’s still space for those farm-equipment items that hobbyists and others can display during the festival, scheduled to take place May 19-21 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

There also are booth spaces available for N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Got to Be NC members, independent vendors and concessionaires at the festival. Applications for all vendor locations are due by April 1.

The Got to Be NC Festival is a family-friendly event that highlights the best of North Carolina agriculture. Visitors can roam through the antique farm equipment, sample and purchase locally made products at the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace, enjoy the excitement of the carnival and relax to live music on an outdoor stage.

Registration forms and vendor applications are online at https://www.gottobencfestival.com/Vendors.htm

 

TownTalk: Purr Partners Prepares For Kitten Season

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Having a pet can be a wonderful experience – who doesn’t love the idea of a cute little furr ball greeting you when you come home after a hard day’s work?

But with pet ownership comes responsibilities, in addition to general care and trips to the vet, and Lawanna Johnson sees the consequences first-hand when pet owners don’t live up to their end of the bargain.

Johnson is president and founder of Purr Partners, a feline rescue dedicated to saving cats and kittens and finding them forever homes.

The nonprofit was established in 2009 on a shoestring budget and today thrives as a leading rescue, foster and adoption facility for cats and kittens. Johnson spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on a recurring segment of TownTalk called Pets and People.

“There is really an epidemic right now going on of cats being dumped everywhere,” she said. Five years ago, Johnson and others in the rescue world could identify a “kitten season,” usually in the spring, with little or no kittens in February or March. But now, “kitten season is really becoming year-round here in North Carolina,” she said.

Whether it’s because of the economy or because of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the spay/neuter clinics, there are a lot of cats and kittens making their way into shelters and rescue organizations like Purr Partners.

And they’re not in great health. “It’s heartbreaking,” Johnson said. “They’re not thriving, they’re not surviving.” It costs thousands of dollars to get them healthy, she added. Dollars that come from the generosity of regular donors and from fundraisers, like the Purr Partners “Black Cat Bash” held in October each year.

Purr Partners relies on donations and fundraisers to continue their work, which includes taking adoptable cats to three Petsmart locations in the Wake Forest/Raleigh area.

Volunteers are on hand from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each weekend at the PetSmarts in Wake Forest, and the stores at Capital Blvd. and Millbrook Road and Six Forks and Strickland.

Adoptions begin with an application, which provides Purr Partners staff with information to help find the perfect match.

“You’re making hopefully a lifetime commitment,” Johnson said. “You want it to be happy and you want to be happy with it,” she said of the cat or kitten that you choose.

But realistically speaking, thing don’t always work out. And that’s ok. Purr Partners has a two-week trial period, so it it doesn’t work out, you can bring the cat back and either try again or get your adoption fee refunded.

Visit https://www.purrpartners.org/ to see the cats available for adoption or to sign up to volunteer.

 

CLICK PLAY!

The Local Skinny! JPAC Brings A Variety Of Entertainment To The Area

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Whether it’s the glam style of Cher or the allure of rescue dogs doing comical tricks, chances are the Jones Performing Arts Center at Louisburg College has something of interest.

Robert Poole, director of the JPAC, spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Monday on The Local Skinny! and listed all the upcoming performances scheduled at the venue.

After almost a year and a half of interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poole said “now we’re kind of back up and running.”

Next up is a show by Lisa McClowry, who “looks more like Cher than Cher does,” Poole said. McClowry is a professional singer who tours across the country as Cher, including the obligatory multiple costume changes during the evening’s concert.

The doors open at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for adults to $10 for children.

The “Rhythm of the Dance” is sure to delight, when the National Dance Company of Ireland takes the stage on Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Think Riverdance, Poole said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

The Royal National Dance Company from Tiblisi, Georgia, will perform a free concert titled “Fire of Georgia” on Mar. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will combine folk music from the Repubic of Georgia with classical dance elements. The doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m.

And you won’t want to miss Perondi’s Stunt Dogs on Sunday afternoon, April 16, Poole said.

This group of rescue dogs has been trained to do all sorts of tricks, from jumping through rings to dancing and long jumps. Tickets are on sale now for this show, which is being presented at a family-friendly time of 3 p.m. so parents can bring the kids for a fun-filled afternoon.

Visit https://www.jpacarts.com/ for a complete list of events, as well as ticket pricing and purchase options or call the box office Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 866.733.6354.

CLICK PLAY!

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Welcomes New VP Of Learning, Student Engagement And Success

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College’s new vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success will start her new job next week.

Dr. Kim Sepich has been named to the position, and said she pleased to be a part of VGCC.

“I am incredibly excited about serving Vance-Granville Community College and feel fortunate to have the opportunity,” Sepich said in a press release.

“The college’s dedication to student success and meeting community needs is what drew me to the position. It is clear that VGCC is indeed a catalyst for creating opportunity for individuals and employers, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its mission.”

She most recently was director of College Services at the N.C. State University Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Before that, she worked as a vice president of student affairs at Valencia College in Orlando, FL and has held various roles in several community colleges in Davie and Forsyth counties.

The incoming vice president has demonstrated a heart for investing back into her community. During her time at Davidson-Davie Community College, she served as a mentor and board member for Communities in Schools, an organization whose mission is to surround students with a community of support and empower their achievement in school and in life. Additionally, she currently serves as lead facilitator for the NC Community College Leadership Program. Since its establishment in 1989, NCCCLP has equipped community college leaders across the state to “connect, care, and collaborate.”

Sepich has a bachelor’s of science from East Carolina and a master’s degree in student development and a doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University.

 

 

 

N.C. Cooperative Extension Scholarship Open For Those In Business-Related Field Of Study

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The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association is accepting applications for the 2023 Herter-O’Neal Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students pursuing an associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree in a business-related field of study or who are enrolled in a diploma program that results in a degree. The statewide winner will be awarded $1,000 for tuition and/or books. District finalists will receive $250.

The Herter-O’Neal Scholarship is awarded each year to honor the work and dedication of Edith Herter and Frances O’Neal, founding members of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association.  NCCEAPA membership is comprised of North Carolina Cooperative Extension administrative assistants in 100 counties, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, N.C. State University and N.C.  A&T State University.

The application deadline is Mar. 10, 2023. All questions can be addressed to Granville County Cooperative Extension Administrative Assistant Gwen Rubio at gwen_rubio@ncsu.edu or 919-603-1350. Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off – with ATTN: Gwen Rubio written on the envelope – at the Granville Cooperative Extension and mailed or hand delivered to the Granville County  Cooperative Extension Office located at 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford, NC 27565.

Class A Business Park Being Developed In Youngsville

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-information courtesy of Franklin County

A new industrial development has been announced in the southwestern side of Franklin County.

Summit Real Estate Group – a private commercial real estate company – intends to build a five-building business park near 2380 Long Mill Road in Youngsville. The multi-phase project, known as U.S.-1 North Commerce Center, brings the potential for more than $160 million in investment to the county and more than 400 jobs.

“We are excited to have a project in Franklin County located off US-1,” said Mark Billeaud, founding partner and head of investments at Summit. “We are committed to Franklin County, as they have been an exceptionally skilled and resourceful team with whom to partner on this project.”

The U.S.-1 North Commerce Center is located near the county’s existing industrial user base in Youngsville and within 30 minutes of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Summit intends to develop a Class A business park that can accommodate a wide variety of manufacturing and distribution companies that could include light assembly, research and development, office/warehouse, and e-commerce.

“We are very excited to be a part of the first-Class A industrial development in Youngsville, NC,” said Jackson Rives, principal of industrial services at Foundry Commercial. “These traits, along with the support of a strong EDC in Franklin County, give this park the opportunity to service existing companies in the market and bring new tenants to a great county.”

The site is extremely efficient and allows for versatile designs that will be a great place for manufacturers and distributers to grow and serve the region.

“The kind of industrial development that Summit is committed to bringing to Franklin County is vital to the economic success of the region,” said representative Matthew Winslow.

The industrial buildings are estimated to range from 170,000 to 505,000 square feet and the project is expected to progress over a seven-year period.

“We are very happy to have Summit working with Franklin County on developing an industrial complex that will bring jobs and investment to Franklin County,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.

 

Summit Real Estate Group has decades of experience in acquiring, developing and managing institutional-grade real estate throughout the United States in several economic cycles.  Summit is currently focused on industrial real estate development in select markets in the Southeastern U.S. including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.  Modern, well-located industrial real estate has become increasingly important for U.S. companies seeking competitive advantages and growth within the goods-producing and distribution industries.  For more information on Summit, visit https://summitstl.com/.

Tobacco Trust Fund Grant Cycle Open To Receive Proposals Through Mar. 3

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The Tobacco Trust Fund Commission’s grant cycle is open and is now accepting grant applications through Mar. 3, 2023. Access the application, guidelines and other information about the funding opportunity by clicking here.

Federal, state and local governments can apply for grant funding, as well as economic development groups, educational institutions and nonprofits

Individuals can also apply, but the commission’s executive director, William Upchurch, Jr. said trust fund officials encourage individuals to work with a cost-share partner: NC AgVentures at N.C. State University, AgPrime at the University of Mount Olive, and WNC AgOptions at WNC Communities. Upchurch said that the Tobacco Trust Fund is open to talking with folks who have questions about the grant cycle and its cost-share partners.

The Tobacco Trust Fund grant cycle focuses on the priorities of community economic development, skill and resource development, increasing farm profitability, diversification of crops and development of natural resources. They look for projects that support the following outcomes: farmers assisted, jobs created and retained, acreage impacted, new crops planted, funding leverage and new education opportunities.

The trust fund commission was created in 2000 to assist current and former tobacco farmers, former quota holders, persons engaged in tobacco-related businesses, individuals displaced from tobacco-related employment, and tobacco product component businesses in North Carolina that have been affected by the adverse effects of the Master Settlement Agreement.