Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Meet Feb. 3

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, February 3, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) on this evening.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Town Talk 01/30/20: First Aid & CPR Save Lives When Minutes Matter

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Jim Gunderson, First Aid and CPR trainer with Durham-based Divers Alert Network (DAN), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

While Gunderson reported that a perhaps surprising 20 percent of Americans have received First Aid and CPR training, he stressed the importance of the remainder of the general public having at least a basic knowledge of how to properly assist someone experiencing an emergency.

“The average response time for EMS to arrive in an urban setting is seven minutes,” explained Gunderson. “It’s 14 minutes, on average, in a rural setting. In a cardiac event, like a heart attack, for every minute you don’t have basic aid, there is a nine percent decrease in neurological recovery.”

These sobering statistics show that “every minute counts; the faster you can get care started, even before EMS arrives, the better chance that person has of surviving.”

Unfortunately, even a well-trained, experienced person administering CPR will have a low chance of successfully reviving the victim, according to Gunderson. “When you perform CPR without an AED or an automated external defibrillator, it’s about a seven percent chance of them surviving. With an AED, the survival rate goes up to as high as 25 percent.”

AEDs are now a staple in many offices and public buildings and can be used on those experiencing a cardiac emergency. The device delivers an electric shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective beating rhythm.

Even though the chances of survival are low, Gunderson said having more of the public trained on First Aid and CPR is worth the effort, especially considering it could be your spouse, child or other loved one who benefits from your training.

According to Gunderson, 70 percent of cardiac events happen in the home, with 10,000 events happening annually in the workplace. Gunderson said Good Samaritan laws help protect those that render aid to the best of their ability from possible litigation.

“Whether it’s saving a life or just making them more comfortable, it’s very rewarding to know that you’ve helped a person,” he said.

First Aid and CPR classes are frequently offered by DAN, the American Red Cross, county health departments, community colleges and first responder units. Gunderson suggested taking a look at your neighborhood events or calling your local organizations to enquire about class offerings and cost. Costs typically range from $5 to $40 depending on the qualifications sought.

“At the bare minimum, I recommend people get trained in full CPR, which is chest compressions and ventilation,” Gunderson said. “They should also be taught to use an AED and how to deal with airway obstructions that cause choking. For basic First Aid skills, they should know how to stop bleeding, how to treat shock and how to splint a suspected break.”

Classes should be taught by qualified instructors and need to be American Heart Association (AHA) and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) compliant.

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

VGCC Set Stage for Graduate to Succeed in Nursing Career

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Brittni Griffin had a career goal in mind from a young age. “In the fifth grade, I decided what my purpose in life was,” Griffin said. “I was determined to become a registered nurse.”

Brittni Griffin graduated in May of 2015 with her Associate Degree in Nursing from Vance-Granville Community College. Today, she is employed as a clinical team lead for a unit at Duke University Hospital. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

She eventually learned that her local community college could help make that dream a reality. In her senior year of high school, Griffin was accepted to Vance-Granville Community College and soon began taking the prerequisite courses that she would need before entering the selective Associate Degree Nursing program.

“In the spring of 2012, I had completed all the required courses that were needed for the ADN program, and I applied for entry into the program,” she recalled. “I was one person away from being able to enter the program, which meant I had to wait until the following year to try again.” Despite her disappointment, Griffin persisted and was accepted into the college’s ADN program the following year.

“I graduated in May of 2015 with my Associate Degree in Nursing,” she said. Griffin also served as president of her graduating class. Now, she could finally achieve her longtime goal of becoming a registered nurse. Griffin had accepted a job offer in nursing from Duke University Hospital even before she graduated.

“I started my career at Duke in August 2015,” she said. “In January of 2016, I jumped into taking one course at a time to start my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.” The additional degree would allow Griffin to advance in her career and actually brought her back to VGCC to take courses that would transfer to the four-year university level. She was accepted into the University of North Carolina at Charlotte BSN program in 2017 and graduated in May of 2018.

“In October 2018, I accepted a job offer as the clinical team lead of another unit at Duke University Hospital,” Griffin said. “As the clinical team lead, I act as the assistant nurse manager. I complete payroll, conduct counseling with employees, develop educational material for staff, and much more. Thanks to Vance-Granville Community College’s outstanding Nursing program, I was set up for success upon graduation. I am proud to tell people that I graduated from VGCC’s ADN program and refer people to apply often.”

Coop. Extension Announces 2020 Small Farms Week; Scholarships Available

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-Information courtesy Warren Co. Cooperative Extension Office

The 34th Annual Small Farms Week hosted by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is March 22-28, 2020. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Farmers, Sustaining Farms.” The kickoff event is March 20 in Cherokee County, home of the 2019 Small Farmer of the Year.

The Small Farmers’ Appreciation Luncheon is Wednesday, March 25, and will be on A&T’s campus at the Alumni-Foundations Events Center. During this event, the 2020 Small Farmer of the Year will be named.

Registration is $30; however, this fee is waived for NC small farmers. To register, click here.

A limited number of scholarships will be provided for small farmers from selected counties interested in attending the activities to be held on campus as part of Small Farms Week, March 22-27, 2020. Small Farms Week events are designed to provide educational opportunities as well as celebrate and recognize the contributions that small farmers make to this state. The scholarship will cover registration fees and two-nights lodging (double occupancy).

To apply for a scholarship, please complete and submit the application by March 2, 2020. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that your application submission for a scholarship is not a guarantee for approval.

Individuals awarded scholarships will be notified in writing by March 13, 2020. Please note that scholarship recipients must be at least 18 years of age. Children are ineligible for a scholarship and should not apply.

NCCU-VGCC Agreement Supports Growing Life Sciences Industry

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Vance-Granville Community College leaders signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences.

The memorandum of understanding is part of North Carolina’s Pathways to Success program and sets up a streamlined process for graduates of Vance-Granville’s two-year bioprocess technology associate of applied sciences degree to transfer those credit hours to NCCU’s baccalaureate program, entering as juniors.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye and Vance-Granville Community College president Dr. Rachel Desmarais signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences. (VGCC photo)

“Training scientists for the pharmaceutical industry is vitally important for the region’s economy and a strong priority at the university’s Biomanufacturing Research and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),” said NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye.

“By partnering with Vance-Granville Community College, we have increased the pipeline of top students entering NCCU who will complete their Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences. We hope that many stay on, as well, to earn a master’s or a doctorate in integrated biosciences.”

As part of the two-campus agreement, Vance-Granville students can get ahead by taking NCCU coursework prior to officially entering the university. Options include a summer lab-skills workshop, externships at BRITE, and Stackable Credentials to Strengthen the Pathway to Biopharma, an online certificate program offering instruction in regulatory sciences, project management and other knowledge specific to the biopharma industry.

Akinleye and Desmarais shake hands after signing an agreement furthering the partnership between NCCU and VGCC. (VGCC photo)

“We are delighted to enhance our current partnerships with NCCU by providing a new pathway for VGCC bioprocessing graduates to obtain a four-year degree in pharmaceutical science,” said Vance-Granville President Rachel Desmarais. “NCCU is a valuable partner in creating pathways to success for our students.”

The Stackable Credentials program, which has a number of components, receives funding from NIIMBL, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, which contributed more than $400,000 in 2018 to boost the university’s ability to train researchers, technicians and others for the life sciences field.

Biotechnology and life-sciences are among North Carolina’s fastest-growing industry segments, employing more than 75,000 workers with average annual salaries of $90,000, twice the state average. Since 2008, life-sciences employment has increased by more than 19% statewide and is expected to continue to grow as more biological products are used in drug research, development and production processes. A 2018 survey by Deloitte projects that as many as 60% of jobs in pharmaceutical manufacturing will be lacking qualified candidates to fill them by 2025.

“There are a number of career opportunities that our VGCC bioprocessing graduates will be exposed to while completing the degree in pharmaceutical science at NCCU,” said Levy Brown, vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success at Vance-Granville.

BRITE Director Hernan Navarro said the institute’s workforce-development approach to education is part of its mission.

“Today’s agreement gives BRITE the opportunity to expand its student base and gives Vance-Granville Community College students a way to advance their careers, so it’s great for both,” he added.

Faculty and staff thanked for their work on the project were Vance-Granville’s Bioprocesses Program Director Stewart Lyon and Dean of Arts and Sciences Cecilia Wheeler, along with NCCU Pharmaceutical Science professors Kevin Williams and Andy Li, and BRITE academic recruiter Natacha Janvier-Derilus.

Granville County Logo

Black History Month, Local Authors & More Part of Granville’s Feb. Events

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Don’t miss these exciting events happening in Granville County:

“MY FORMER LIFE,” a program offered through Granville County Senior Services’ Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, continues on Friday, Jan. 31 with guest speaker Tyson Laney, who will share his life experiences as a Vietnam Combat Veteran, N.C. Wildlife Officer, private investigator and musician. He may even share a song or two! This FREE program is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center, 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for more information.

ADULT CRAFTERNOONS will be held at all branches of the Granville County Library System in February as participants learn to make wax melts. Sessions will be held at the Thornton Library in Oxford on Feb. 3 (6:30 p.m.), at the South Branch in Creedmoor on Feb. 4 (6:30 p.m.), at the Berea Branch on Feb. 6 (5:30 p.m.) and at the Stovall Branch on Feb. 10 (2 p.m.) Registration is recommended so that materials can be reserved. Call Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 to reserve your seat!

FEBRUARY IS “BLACK HISTORY MONTH!” The Granville County Library System will celebrate this annual observance with two free programs on African-American Voting Rights, presented by Sallyann Marable Hobson. On Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., learn more about Granville County and Post Civil War North Carolina at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor, followed by programs on Feb. 12 (2:20 p.m.) and Feb. 24 (6:30 p.m.) at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. The 2020 theme for Black History Month is “African-Americans and the Vote.” All are welcome to attend.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Line dancing classes are scheduled for Saturdays during the month of February at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Instructed by Tracie Green, classes will be held at 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m. through Feb. 29. Contact Marilyn Howard of the Creative Lifelong Learning program (919-693-1930) for details! All ages are invited to participate.

LOCAL AUTHOR DISCUSSIONS are scheduled at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on Feb. 1 and on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. On Feb. 1, meet Brenda Yancey, author of “After Cancer: A Family’s Journey to Normalcy.” Yancey will discuss how a stage 4 cancer diagnosis changed the life of her family forever and how faith helped her family through this crisis. Dr. Jason Miller will follow on Feb. 16 with a discussion of his new novel “Langston Hughes,” which provides insight on Hughes’ works, as well as his influence on the Civil Rights movement. Contact Adult Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for more information.

UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE programs are being offered through Feb. 18 at the Granville County Senior Center, 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. Instructed by the Families Living Violence Free organization, these informative sessions are being held each Tuesday from 1 until 2 p.m. and are open to the public at no charge. Participants will learn about healthy relationships, personal boundaries, how children are impacted and more. Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for details.

AMERICAN MAH-JONGG is a card game that derives from the ancient Chinese and is increasing in popularity. The game of skill (and luck) is being taught by Joyce Martin on Mondays during the month of February at 3:15 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. There is no fee to attend this class. Contact CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for details. (Limit 8 players).

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Granville Commissioners’ Retreat Scheduled for Jan. 30-31

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a retreat on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31, 2020, at the Granville Expo & Convention Center – 4185 Highway 15, Oxford.

The January 30 session will be a dinner meeting held from 4:30 – 9 p.m. The January 31 session will be an all-day meeting from 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Retreat Agenda includes:

Thursday, January 30, 2020

1. 4:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance

2. 4:35 p.m. – Welcome and Comments from Board Members

3. 5:00 p.m. – Dinner and Presentation by Fred Johnson (during dinner starting @ 5:15 p.m.)

4. 6:25 p.m. – Break

5. 6:40 p.m. – Update from Municipalities

A. Mayor Bobby Wheeler & City Manager Korena Weichel

B. Mayor Casey Dover & Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Cope

C. Mayor Janet Parrott

D. Mayor Jackie Sergent & City Manager Alan Thornton

E. Mayor Terry Turner & Town Manager Tommy Marrow

6. 7:40 p.m. – School System Update on School Social Workers or Other Matters

7. 8:00 p.m. – Break

8. 8:15 p.m. – Legislative Issues & Update

A. Senator Mike Woodard

B. Representative Larry Yarborough

C. Representative Terry Garrison

9. 9:00 p.m. – Recess

Friday, January 31, 2020

1. 8:15 a.m. – Breakfast & Networking Opportunity

2. 8:45 a.m. – Call to Order

3. 8:50 a.m. – Presentation from Masonic Home for Children Oxford

4. 9:00 a.m. – Economic and Development Services

A. Economic Development (10 minutes)

B. Planning & Zoning (15 minutes)

C. Building Inspections (10 minutes)

D. Construction Administration (15 minutes)

5. 9:50 a.m. – Break

6. 10:00 a.m. – Law Enforcement Center Project Update

7. 10:35 a.m. – Animal Management Update

8. 11:00 a.m. – Social Services Update

9. 11:25 a.m. – Senior Services Update

10. 11:50 a.m. – Lunch, Discussion & Break

11. 12:45 p.m. – Board Comments from Lunch with Department Heads

12. 1:15 p.m. – County Administration Update

A. Budget Calendar Review & Review of Process

B. Review of Financial Condition & Debt

C. Local Economic Trends & Conditions

D. Review & Discussion of Open Projects

E. Strategic Plan Update

13. 2:35 p.m. – Break

14. 2:45 p.m. – Follow-Up Discussions from Retreat Items and Key Take Away Items

15. 3:15 p.m. – County Manager Recap

16. 4:00 p.m. – Adjourn

Yancey Shares Family’s Cancer Journey With New Book

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County’s own Brenda Yancey is the first author scheduled for a series of book discussions at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford during the month of February. This book signing and special program will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1.

Author Brenda Yancey with her recently-published book “After Cancer: A Family’s Journey to Normalcy.” (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Yancey’s book, “After Cancer: A Family’s Journey to Normalcy,” describes how her family depended on their faith to guide them through one of the darkest times in their lives. After her husband Larry received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in 2008, the Yanceys’ world was turned upside down. The life her family once knew, she said, was over – and a “new normal” was expected as family members struggled to accept the diagnosis and the impact it made on each of their lives.

“Every person has to make the decision to do what he (or she) feels is best, and what they feel God is leading them to do,” Yancey says in her book. “Every person is different, and each has to do what it takes to handle the situation.”

When the couple received the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Yancey describes their reaction on hearing the news. While she fought back tears she had promised would not come, her husband was quiet as he carefully listened. “Okay,” she wrote. “We are going to trust God and take him at his Word.”

Through this newly-released book, Yancey tells the touching story of the support of her close-knit family and friends, the perseverance of her husband as he fought his battle with cancer and survived, and the choices she had to make concerning her own health. The book was written, she says, to encourage and help build up the faith of others who may be facing their own health battles. On Saturday, she will be sharing her own family’s experiences and signing copies of her work after the discussion.

“Life is good for us because we wake up every morning having a new appreciation for life,” she concludes. “When you come out of an experience like this, you see life totally different, and you understand that life is precious.”

A second local author discussion is scheduled for Saturday, February 16 with special guest Dr. Jason Miller. Miller will be introducing his latest novel, “Langston Hughes,” and will be providing insight into Hughes’ life as the first black author in America. This program will also begin at 2 p.m.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. For more details about the Local Author Discussion series, contact Stefani Perry, Adult Librarian at 919-693-1121. To learn more about upcoming events scheduled at all four library branches, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

Granville County Tourism

Granville Tourism Development Authority Offers Grant Opportunities

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

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, county municipality or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funding unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community-supported event.

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 3, 2020, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2020 through June 2021). The GTDA Board will review applications and will be prepared to make recommendations for approval during their May board meeting. Award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2020, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online or through the Granville County Tourism Development Office, 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford. Visit www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ 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.

Granville County Public Schools

‘Kitchen Table Conversation’ to Focus on GCPS Strategic Plan

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Please plan to come out and join the discussion during Granville County Public Schools’ “Kitchen Table Conversation” on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. The event will be held at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford from 6 until 8 p.m.

The discussion will focus on the district’s Strategic Plan and critical topics related to the success of GCPS.

This event is open to the community; everyone who has a vested interest in the school district is welcome.