NC AgVentures Grants Up to $8K Available for Innovative Farm Ideas

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

Farmers with innovative ideas to increase farm profits are encouraged to submit a proposal to the NC AgVentures Grant Program.

NC AgVentures is an Extension program that provides grants to NC independent family farms for new and innovative agricultural project ideas which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

The deadline for applications is January 14, 2020. Grant awards up to $8,000 are available.

The program offers two grant options – an individual farm grant or a community grant. Both grant options are available in the following counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northhampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren and Yadkin.

Click here for Sample Application for Farmers, Sample Application for Community Agricultural Project Grants and Application Workshops for Producers.

Program Administration

The NC AgVentures program is being administered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University. Technical assistance for the NC AgVentures grant program is provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents.

Funding

NC AgVentures is supported exclusively by a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. To learn more about the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission please visit: https://www.tobaccotrustfund.org/

Read more at https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

Please contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Center if you have any questions about creating a proposal or filling out the application (Vance – (252) 438-8188, Warren – (252) 257-3640).

Granville Co Sheriff

Recent Fraud Incidents Prompt Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office to Issue Warning

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office reports incidents of fraud as residents – especially senior citizens – are being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Lieutenant Bob Critcher advises all residents to be cautious of phone calls that ask for money or the purchase of “green dot” cards.

Some callers are identifying themselves as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are requesting payments over the phone. Detective Critcher offers a reminder that the IRS does not ask for payments by phone, and to also be careful of those selling items online, as not all sellers are legitimate.

If anyone has any concerns or questions about a phone call in which money is requested, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.

Granville County Government Employees Recognized for Service

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Employees of Granville County Government were recognized for milestone years of service at an appreciation breakfast held earlier this month. Earning recognitions were staff members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year-careers, representing many departments and agencies under the Granville County Government “umbrella.”

Employees of Granville County Government were recognized for milestone years of service at an appreciation breakfast held earlier this month. Earning recognitions were staff members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year-careers, representing many departments and agencies under the Granville County Government “umbrella.” (Granville Co. Govt photo)

35 years:      

Warren Daniel, Granville County Soil and Water District

30 years:   

Dale Evans, Inspections Department

25 years: 

Luanne Cox, Department of Social Services

Angela Wright, Granville County Senior Services

Chris Smoot, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

20 years:     

Sharon Ellis, Granville County Library System

Sharon Jones, Granville County Tax Office

Amy Humphries, Granville County Library System

Lowell Wilkins, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Emma Green, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Timothy McCall, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Tara Short, Department of Social Services

Laura Thomas, Department of Social Services

Benji Laws, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

15 years:   

Angela Balmer, Register of Deeds Office

Charissa Puryear, Granville County Cooperative Extension

Stacy Adams, Department of Social Services

Sherry Stainback, Department of Social Services

Robin Edwards, Granville County Emergency Services

Willie Richards, Environmental Programs

Nicole Duke, Department of Social Services

10 years:   

Debra Weary, Administration

Justin Jorgensen, Planning Department

Raymond Allen, Parks and Grounds Department

Brad O’Briant, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Daniel Tillotson, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Chris Brame, Information Technology

Kimberly Hargrove, Department of Social Services

Stacy Hicks, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications

5 years:    

Jontrell Bullock, Granville County Detention Center

Danya Rumple, Granville County Animal Management

Beverly Ferrell, Department of Social Services

Elliott Carver, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Matthew Katz, Granville County Animal Management

Trent Brummitt, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications

Jennifer Griffin, Granville County Tax Office

“Each of these employees demonstrates dedication to the job every day,” said Board of Commissioners Chair David Smith in his welcoming remarks. “Their hard work makes a difference in our county, our region and our state, and we thank them for all they do for the many residents who live here.”

The annual breakfast was held on Dec. 5 in the fellowship hall of Oxford United Methodist Church. On behalf of the Board and County Manager Michael Felts, Chairman Smith also thanked volunteers of the church who served the meal and helped organize the event.

Students Tour VGCC’s Culinary Program, Granville Health Systems

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-Information and photos courtesy Granville County Public Schools

This month, Granville County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) students visited the Vance – Granville Community College Culinary Arts program. The students learned from expert chefs and small business executives from the local culinary scene, Laura Hackney from RiceWrap and Julia Blaine from Strong Arm Bakery.

South Granville High School Health Science-II students toured Granville Health Systems and heard from department managers about career opportunities and how to maintain safety in a healthcare facility. Their visits included Granville Medical Center, Brantwood, Harold Sherman Adult Day Care and Granville House.

Students learned the benefits of volunteering, internships, and future employment opportunities in our local community related to their curriculum in the CTE Culinary and Health Science pathways.

GrassStreet & The Larry Stephenson Band to Perform at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS: Featuring GrassStreet and The Larry Stephenson Band

Two great bands come together on the McGregor Hall stage for A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS!

Local favorite GrassStreet has entertained fans since 2003 with their mix of original material and bluegrass standards. The Larry Stephenson Band has been entertaining audiences for thirty years including numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV, and as a headliner on festivals and concerts throughout the US and Canada.

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)

Granville Co Sheriff

Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Offers Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

With only a few shopping days left until Christmas, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office offers a reminder for residents to stay safe while completing their holiday shopping lists. This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and extended store hours. Everyone is encouraged to practice these safety tips:

  1. A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative;
  2. When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return;
  3. Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area;
  4. Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry;
  5. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove;
  6. Store car keys in pants or jacket pocket. That way, if your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home;
  7. Have car keys in your hand so that you can avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle;
  8. Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages;
  9. When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of any strangers approaching you for any reason;
  10. If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone – for any reason – find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

During this shopping season, busy holiday shoppers are often more vulnerable than during the rest of the year. Shop smart and be safe while completing your Christmas lists.

VGCC Honors 2019 Retirees at Holiday Event

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College honored five employees that retired in 2019 at a holiday event held on Thursday, December 12 in the VGCC Civic Center.

Retirees and their years of service to VGCC included Phyllis Bynum, 14 years of service; Faith Harris, 14 years of service; June Kersey, 8 years of service; Tina Moll, 14 years of service and Vickie W. Watkins, 14 years of service.

Fellow VGCC employees spoke on behalf of the retirees and thanked each for their hard work, commitment, and invaluable contributions.

Vance-Granville Community College honored five employees that retired in 2019 at a holiday event held on Thursday, December 12 in the VGCC Civic Center. (Front row, left to right): Phyllis Bynum, VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D., Faith Harris. (Back row, left to right): Tina Moll and Vickie West Watkins. Not pictured, June Kersey. (VGCC photo)

GCPS’ ‘Books for Break’ Initiative Encourages At-Home Reading Over Holidays

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools is celebrating reading and readers with Books for Break – Celebrating the Joy of Reading! As part of its commitment to early literacy, GCPS is giving a book to every student in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade to keep and enjoy at home.

During the winter break, we hope students enjoy reading not only these books about characters’ adventures in the snow but also continue reading their personal favorite books. In the words of children’s book author Tomie dePaola, “Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.“

We hope these books offer your family the opportunity to find joy in reading together.

WHO: Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade

WHAT: Books for Break, a literacy initiative of Granville County Public Schools

WHEN: Friday, December 13 (year-round) and Friday, December 20 (traditional)

WHERE: All elementary schools

WHY: To encourage students to continue reading during winter break

NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently announced recipients of over $1.3 million in funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The funding will be used for projects that enhance the quality of specialty crops grown in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, Christmas trees, turfgrass and sod, and nursery and greenhouse crops. Grant proposals were submitted by nonprofit organizations, commodity groups, government agencies and universities.

Some of the funding went to support the N.C. Good Agricultural Practices Program and the N.C. Water Analysis Program. Carolina Farm Stewardship received funding for its project called “Increasing Competitiveness: Food Safety and Quality.”

In addition, N.C. State University received funding for the following 10 research projects:

  • Attract and Kill for Managing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug;
  • Breeding Flavorful Disease Resistant Strawberry Cultivars;
  • Comprehensive Christmas Tree Management Using Drones;
  • Elongate Hemlock Scale and Fraser Fir;
  • Heirloom–Type Tomato Hybrids for Niche-Markets;
  • Hemlock Restoration in Nurseries and Landscapes;
  • Horizontal Planting to Improve Sweet Potato Production;
  • Improving Field Production of Grafted Tomatoes;
  • Postharvest Disease Control for Export Sweet Potatoes;
  • Tulip and Dutch Iris Extended Storage

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered by the department and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 farm bill. More information about the program is available at www.NCSpecialtyCropGrant.org.

McGregor Hall to Transform Into Christmas Wonderland for Holiday Spectacular

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Back by popular demand, the Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular will bring cheer to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Monday, December 16, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Wonderland is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. Featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North, this performance is pure holiday magic!

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)