Iannuzzi, Oxford Prep Senior, Selected as National Merit Scholarship Finalist

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Emily Iannuzzi, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. She is the daughter of Chris and Marisol Iannuzzi from Franklinton, NC.

Emily Iannuzzi, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. (OPS photo)

Emily plans to major in Materials Engineering and is considering research into orthotic equine device development.

During her time at Oxford Prep, Emily has earned a number of academic distinctions including being named a member of the High Flyers Club, earning the distinction of Marshal, earning membership in Beta Club and named a Director’s list recipient every quarter. Emily is a leader in the Equestrian Club and has been recognized at local, national and state levels. She is an active member of Interact Service Club. She is a talented cross country runner and gourmet cook.

National Merit Finalists are chosen from among Merit Semi-Finalists. Students who earn this distinction have exhibited consistent high performance throughout all high school coursework in every year. They have attained exceptional scores on the nationalized PSAT test.

Students who reach the finalist stage are now eligible for a variety of National Merit and private scholarships only available to this select group of determined students.

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Oxford Commissioners to Meet With Parks & Recreation Master Plan Committee

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Committee will hold a special session for the Oxford Board of Commissioners on Monday, March 2, 2020, from 3 until 5 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Third Floor Board Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and get feedback from the Commissioners.

All those interested are invited to attend.

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H-V Chamber of Commerce Releases Agenda for Regional Economic Dev. Summit

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-Information courtesy The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce has released the agenda for Focus 20/20, the Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on Thursday, February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at 9:30 a.m.

Agenda:

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Networking and Registration

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
Gordon Wilder, Chairman, Vance County Board of Commissioners
Eddie Ellington, Mayor, City of Henderson
Benny Finch, Board Chairman, Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission
John Wester, Embassy Cultural Center Foundation

9:45 – 11 a.m. Opening Act: Setting the Stage – Hear about the condition of today’s economy and how our region compares to the country and the state. Learn how investment in vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic development.

Facilitator: Richie Duncan, Economic Development Director, Franklin County

Speakers:
Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University

Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council

Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Second Act: Advancing Entrepreneurship – Supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a critical building block for community and economic development. Learn about advancing entrepreneurship to encourage the development of new and innovative businesses that support a resilient economy.

Facilitator: Stacy Woodhouse, Economic Development Director, Warren County

Speaker: Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA

12 – 1 p.m. Lunch/Invocation

Harry Mills, Economic Development Director, Granville County

1 – 1:15 p.m. Introduction: Jordan McMillen, County Manager, Vance County
Remarks from North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. (Tony) Copeland

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Third Act: Developing Talented and Innovative People – Retaining, retraining, and retooling our citizens to prepare them for the jobs of the future is of utmost importance. Connecting top talent with quickly changing business needs will further change the workforce landscape as responsiveness and adaptability become paramount. Hear about innovative workforce initiatives that are preparing our workforce.

Facilitator: Sherry Wilborn, Economic Development Director, Person County

Speakers:
Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services,
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions

Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College

Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools

Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College

2:30 – 4 p.m. Final Act: 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Author and former politician Doug Griffiths provides a revelatory and insightful look at the often universal challenges that limit community success and how to overcome them.

Introduction: Walter Gardner, Board Officer, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

Keynote Speaker:
Doug Griffiths, President and CEO, 13 Ways, Inc.

Closing Remarks:
Dennis Jarvis II, Economic Development Director, Vance County

Event Sponsored by:
Franklin County Committee of 100, Henderson-Vance Industrial Park, Tommy and Jenny Hester and Region K Community Assistance Corporation.

Lunch Sponsored by:
Franklin County Economic Development Commission, Granville County Economic Development Commission, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Person County Economic Development Commission and
Warren County Economic Development Commission.

Dr. Gregory McKnight Appointed to Vacant Granville BOE Seat

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At a special work session on Monday, February 17, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Greg McKnight to the vacant seat for District 5. This seat became vacant when Mr. Ed Mims resigned in December of 2019.

The Granville County Board of Education has appointed Dr. Greg McKnight to the vacant seat for District 5. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

As directed by Board policy, the vacancy was filled through a selection process, which included the submission of an application, followed by an interview process. Three applicants were interviewed for this seat.

Board Chair Mr. David Richardson commented on the decision to appoint Dr. McKnight, stating, “We are very pleased to have someone with Dr. McKnight’s depth of experience in public education, and passion for educating children. We believe his presence on our Board will be a huge asset.”

Dr. Gregory McKnight’s career in public education spans more than 15 years. Some of his previous roles in the field of education are middle school teacher, elementary principal, and professional development consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In his current role, Dr. McKnight is an Educator Support Specialist for SAS EVAAS.

Dr. McKnight holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from North Carolina Central University, a master’s degree in School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC-Chapel Hill. McKnight and his wife Latisa have a daughter Gabrielle, who is a student at G.C. Hawley Middle School.

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Notice of Granville Co. Polling Location, Room Changes for Election Day

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-Information courtesy Granville County Board of Elections

The Granville County Board of Elections announces polling place room and location changes for the upcoming March 3, 2020 Primary and Board of Education Elections. These changes are for Election Day polling places. All affected voters were also mailed cards noting the polling place move and the new location.

NOTICE OF POLLING PLACE ROOM CHANGES ON ELECTION DAY (MARCH 3, 2020)

If your polling place on March 3, 2020 (Election Day) is in one of the following precincts, you will need to vote in a different room.

Election Day Precincts (Room Changes):

Creedmoor Precinct located at Creedmoor Elementary School, 305 East Wilton Avenue, Creedmoor

  • Voting is still in the music room but it is now in the large open area.

Mt. Energy Precinct located at Mt. Energy Elementary School, 2652 NC Hwy 56 East, Creedmoor

  • Voting is now in the Media Center.

West Oxford Elementary Precinct located at 412 Ivey Day Road, Oxford, NC

  • Voting is now in the gym.

NOTICE OF POLLING PLACE LOCATION CHANGES ON ELECTION DAY (MARCH 3, 2020)

Election Day Precincts (At a New Location):

The following precincts have moved to another location and address:

Oak Hill Precinct

Moved from Toler-Oak Hill School located at Toler-Oak Hill School, 8176 Hwy 96 North, Oxford, NC to Camp Oak Hill & Retreat Center located at 1528 Oak Hill Road, Oxford, NC

  • Voting will be in the last room on the right down the sidewalk. There will be a separate entrance for voters to enter and exit.

Salem Precinct

Moved from the Oxford/Henderson Airport located at the Oxford/Henderson Airport, 6514 Airport Road, Oxford, NC to Oxford Preparatory School located at 6041 Landis Road, Oxford, NC

  •  Voting will be in the gym.  There will be a separate entrance from the school on the far right for voters to enter and exit.

Sassafras Fork Precinct

Moved from Sassafras Fork Elementary School located at Stovall-Shaw School, 7696 US Hwy 15 North to Stovall Branch Library located at 300 Main Street, Stovall, NC

  • Voting will be in the conference room.

Tally Ho precinct

Moved from Stem Fire Station located at the Stem Fire Station, 100 Franklin Street, Stem, NC to Granville Central High School located at 2043 Sanders Road, Stem, NC

  • Voting will be in the band room.

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Reminder: Oxford City-Wide Neighborhood Watch to Meet Tues., Feb. 18

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

All Oxford residents are invited to attend a City-wide neighborhood watch informational meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, in the third-floor Commissioners Board Room of Oxford’s City Hall. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Get the information and support needed to start a Community Watch program in your neighborhood, receive the latest on crime in the area and learn about crime prevention from the Oxford Police Department.

Oxford City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro Street.

‘One Noble Journey’ to Pay Tribute to Black History Month at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

In celebration of Black History Month, McGregor Hall will feature “One Noble Journey: A Black History Month Tribute” on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY is a moving play telling the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in Louisa, Virginia. Henry devised an ingenious escape plan — sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Wilton Elementary to Hold Annual Quarter Auction; Business Donations Requested

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-Information courtesy Crystal Beard, Wilton Elementary PTO

Wilton Elementary School’s Annual Quarter Auction will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 6 p.m. Wilton Elementary is part of the Granville County Public Schools system and is located at 2555 NC-96 in Franklinton, NC.

Tickets to enter and bid in the auction are available for $10 in the school office. You will also need quarters to play. Most auctioned items are valued between $10-$100.

Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment such as educational electronics to enhance learning for students.

Wilton Elementary is asking local, state and national businesses to support this event with donations for the auction. Items, services or monetary donations, including gift cards, are welcomed. The school’s PTO is designated as a public charity 501 (c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible.

If you are able to assist or need more information, please email WiltonWildcatsPTO@gmail.com.

Reminder: Focus 20/20 Regional Economic Development Summit – Feb. 20

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments announces Focus 20/20, a Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at
9:30 a.m.

Keynote speaker for the event is Doug Griffiths, author of the bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. Doug works with communities across the US and Canada to identify and overcome challenges that prohibit their ability to become thriving, sustainable, and desirable.

UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that NC Department of Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland will also be making remarks at the Summit.

Other featured speakers for the Summit include:

● Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University
● Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
● Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA
● Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council
● Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
● Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance Granville Community College
● Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College
● Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools
● Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College

“This Summit is a timely and relevant event for citizens who seek to learn more about the advantages and challenges of preparing their communities for economic development success. It will provide best practices and examples that can be applied locally.” -Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Summit presentations will focus on the following:
● Setting the Stage for Economic Development in Your Community
● Advancing Entrepreneurship
● Talent Development-Best Practice Workforce Initiatives
● 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Lessons on what really makes the difference between a prospering community and a failing one.