Granville County Library System

Local Public Libraries Offer Wide Variety of Programming

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The four branches of the Granville County Library System welcome the third full week of August with a wide variety of events, presentations and activities. From cooking competitions to assistance with computers and smartphones, each library offers more than just books, but a “gathering place” for cultural enrichment as well as informational programming.

A lawn and gardening class will be offered at the Thornton Library in Oxford on Tuesday, August 20 as Johnny Coley, Horticulture Agent for NC Cooperative Extension, provides tips on how to start and maintain a healthy lawn.

Topics discussed include soil testing, fertilization, liming, herbicides and more. This class is scheduled for 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

On Wednesday, August 21, join the South Branch Library for “Harry Potter and the Battle for the House Cup.” Ages 9 to 14 can participate by joining a team in “Hogwart’s House” to earn points, with the winning team taking home the prized “house cup.”

Registration is available online at https://granville.lib.nc.us or at the front desk of the library, which is located at 1547 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor.

Every Thursday night is “Game Night” at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. From 6 until 8 p.m. on August 22, enjoy a variety of Board games in friendly competitions. All ages are invited.

And each Friday at 10 a.m., “Drop-In Tech Help” is available for those needing assistance with computers or smartphones. Learn to set up an email account, how to post on social media and much more.

“DIY” classes continue as participants learn to make a scented teacup candle in a series of “Crafternoon” sessions. Next week’s class will be held at the Berea branch at 2 p.m. on August 22, with registration recommended.

Those interested, ages 12 and up, can register at https://granville.lib.nc.us/DIY-Candlemaking/. Participation is free, with all materials donated by Candlescience.

For those who enjoy baking, a dessert competition will be held at the South Branch at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 24. Enter a homemade dessert for a chance to win a free shopping gift card. Judges are also needed for this contest.

For more details or to enter the contest, contact the South Branch at 919-528-1752.

For the younger set, Story Times are offered at all four library branches. The theme for the third week of August is “Ninjas!” Children are encouraged to attend a fun and educational program at the Stovall Library on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; at the South Branch in Creedmoor on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; at the Berea branch on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and at the Thornton Library in Oxford at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

The STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) also continues at the Thornton Library each Thursday at 4 p.m. for kindergarteners through students in grade 8.

Contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121 for details.

To learn more about upcoming events scheduled at your local public library in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

WIZS Celebrates FM Anniv., Announces Sat. Event at Ribeyes

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Approximately one year ago today, WIZS quietly celebrated a big event in its now 64-year history – its first broadcast on an FM radio station.

Since first flipping the switch to enter the airwaves on May 1, 1955, WIZS has broadcast on 1450AM. At exactly noon on August 17, 2018, after years of planning and dreaming, WIZS flipped the switch again to add 100.1 FM as a live simulcast.

Trey Snide and John C. Rose put finishing touches on FM transmission line equipment to isolate the FM antenna which is mounted on the AM tower

John Charles Rose, owner and operator of WIZS, and Trey Snide were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program (08/14/19) to discuss the FM simulcast and what it has meant for the station in its first year of existence.

With its ability to reach a younger audience more familiar with the FM format, the simulcast helps ensure a viable future for WIZS as a provider of local news, sports, music, talk and entertainment.

As is often the case in life, the addition of the FM channel was not without its fair share of blood, sweat, tears and a few “hold your breath” moments.

“When we first flipped the switch a year ago, there was an unbelievably long, almost nauseating period of dead air on the AM station,” Rose remembered.

Feeling reassured once the two channels synched moments later, Rose said, “The FM translator is required to be a simulcast of its AM parent. The AM station that has been here since 1955 is the foundation of everything we do.”

The first moments on 100.1 FM were even more poignant for Rose because his mother, Susan Rose, who serves as president of WIZS’ parent company Rose Farm and Rentals, Inc., was the very first person to speak the very first words WIZS ever broadcast on an FM station.

FM Anniversary Celebration

To recognize both the one-year anniversary of FM simulcasting and 30 years of Rose family ownership of the station, WIZS will hold a community celebration on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Ribeyes Steakhouse of Henderson. Ribeyes is located at 2002 Graham Avenue, and the event will be held in the parking lot from 3 until 7 p.m.

The Rick Strickland Band, featuring the award-winning music of entertainers Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson, will be performing live.

Drinks and food specials will be available for purchase; entertainment and good fellowship are free of charge. Rose invited the community to “bring your family, bring your good mood, bring a chair or bring a tent and plan on having a good time.”

Brief History of WHVH/WIZS

On May 1, 1955, Howard V. Harrell, a tv and radio repairman from Oxford, started the station under the call letters WHVH – his initials. The station has been on the air continuously ever since.

The call letters were changed to WIZS around 1959, shortly after the station was sold to Stan Fox and his business partners Irv Fox and Seymour Dworsky.

Rose Farm & Rentals purchased WIZS and assumed operation on June 1, 1989, under president John D. Rose, III, father of John Charles Rose.

For the last 30 years, local news has been broadcast on-air on 1450AM, as well as on the more recently licensed translator 100.1 FM, at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; mid-day news has been reported at various times throughout the years.

Along with the addition of FM, WIZS’ online presence grew exponentially in 2018 with 100,000 people visiting the website and new viewers “liking” and/or following the station on social media daily.

The popularity of WIZS’ Facebook and Twitter pages has grown throughout 2019, prompting the station to begin the process of adding an Instagram presence.

WIZS offers the following weekday broadcast schedule:

“Weekday Wakeup with Brandi Leigh” from 6 – 9 a.m.

Mix of County, Beach and Pop/Rock Oldies music from 9 – 11 a.m.

“Town Talk” at 11 a.m.

“Tradio” at 11:30 a.m.

“Beach Music Blast” with Trey Snide at 12 p.m.

“Sports Mayhem” with Kemp Collins at 1 p.m.

Mix of County, Beach and Pop/Rock Oldies music from 2 – 5 p.m., including the “Afternoon Drive” with John Stevenson starting at 3 p.m.

Weekend programs include “Country Grass” with Ms. Velvet from 7 – 9 a.m. and “Choice Country Classics” from 9 a.m. – 12 noon on Saturday, and Saturday afternoon brings a mix of County, Beach and Pop/Rock Oldies music for your listening pleasure.

Robert Wright provides live news, local church happenings and gospel music on Sunday mornings from 7 – 11 a.m. in a segment titled “Sounds of Jordan.” This is followed by Ms. Velvet’s “Sunday Afternoon Gospel Jamboree,” a popular variety of Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music, from 12 – 2 p.m.

Ending the Town Talk segment of August 14, 2019 with a final discussion on the magnitude of being a part of the FM airwaves, Rose said it was a long-time dream of both his and his father.

“Can you imagine being able to flip a switch and make something happen,” Rose asked. “Can you imagine the preparation that goes into that moment? Can you imagine years and decades about dreaming of doing something and then being able to flip a switch and make that happen? I cannot describe what that moment felt like.  I cannot describe in words what it felt like to witness my mother flip that switch.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

VGCC Grad Pursues NCSU Degree Through New Partnership  

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Ethan Cole starts his first semester as a full-time student at North Carolina State University on August 21, making history as a pioneer in a partnership between NCSU and his former school, Vance-Granville Community College.

Cole, who hails from Kittrell, enrolled at VGCC after graduating from Franklin Academy High School in 2017. The next year, VGCC joined N.C. State’s Community College Collaboration, or “C3,” program, and Cole was among the first to sign up. Essentially, that meant he would apply for dual-enrollment and then be guaranteed admission to NCSU to earn a baccalaureate degree, once he had completed an associate degree at VGCC while maintaining good grades.

Ethan Cole (pictured here) starts his first semester as a full-time student at North Carolina State University on August 21, making history as a pioneer in a partnership between NCSU and his former school, Vance-Granville Community College. (VGCC photo)

For Cole, it was an ideal way to pursue a longtime dream. “I already knew I wanted to go to N.C. State when I first enrolled at Vance-Granville,” he said. “I’ve had that goal for many years. My dad went there, we’re Wolfpack fans in my family, and I knew it was a good school for things like business and engineering.”

The new C3 program presented Cole with a chance to get “a foot in the door to the university,” he said. “Not a whole lot of people knew about it at the time, but it seemed like a good avenue to go down, so I went for it.”

Cole completed what he recalled as a straightforward NCSU application process, was accepted, and met with Martha Harmening, the C3 director from the university, for advising. She came to the VGCC campus, so Cole did not even have to drive to Raleigh.

“She helped me to know the right classes for my major,” Cole said. “I told her that, initially, I had been thinking I would study business administration after transferring from VGCC to N.C. State, but then I started thinking about moving to engineering, particularly mechanical engineering. She explained the criteria and the classes I needed to be accepted specifically into the engineering program.”

By enrolling in C3, Cole was technically an NCSU student, even though he was taking VGCC classes. Getting into the competitive engineering program was never guaranteed, however.

After graduating from Vance-Granville with an Associate in Science earlier this year, Cole took a single chemistry class at another community college in order to become eligible for his chosen major. “I’ve now been accepted into the engineering program,” he said. “I am particularly interested in engineering on the automotive side, developing newer, more efficient vehicles.”

With his VGCC credits in hand, Cole is scheduled to graduate from the university in 2022, for a total of five years in higher education.

He feels that the community college has prepared him well for the next level. “One of the best things VGCC has is the atmosphere of being around other students who are focused and trying to do their best, and that keeps you focused, too,” Cole reflected. “Also, the teachers are down to earth and give extra time and attention to their students.”

Cole excelled as a student, earning Presidential Scholar Award-level endowed academic scholarships, making the Dean’s List and working as a peer tutor at the VGCC Academic Skills Center.

Now, he is looking forward to new experiences at N.C. State, continuing to learn and preparing to start a career.

“The C3 program helps students to transfer and to have a guaranteed spot at N.C. State,” Cole said. “I would recommend it to people who want to get a four-year degree, especially if they are still searching for what they want to major in because it gives you some security and another option.”

Students who may apply for C3 include graduating high school seniors as well as current community college students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of college work.

For more information, contact VGCC’s Admissions Office at (252) 738-3234 or click here for additional details on the C3 program.

Brassfield Fire Dept. to Hold ‘All-You-Can-Eat’ BBQ Fundraiser

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Brassfield Fire Department will hold a Fireman’s Day Fundraiser on Saturday, September 7, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

BBQ Chicken & Pork Plates will be available for $10. Eat-in or take out. Eat-in is all-you-can-eat.

The fundraiser will be held at Brassfield Fire Department – Station 16, 1680 Highway 96 South (three miles south of Wilton).

All proceeds go to support the fire department.

For more information, contact Asst. Chief Hymiller at (919) 906-7828 or visit www.brassfieldfiredept.com.

Granville County Logo

Northern Granville Senior Center to Present Dementia Workshop

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Caring for a loved one or assisting a friend who is living with dementia can be challenging. For those who need a helping hand, the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina has scheduled a two-part Community Dementia Workshop, to be held at the Northern Granville Senior Center in Stovall, on Tuesday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 27, 2019, from 10 a.m. until noon.

These sessions will explore what is happening when signs of dementia are present, how to better communicate with someone who has dementia, ways to better understand changes that may occur, and how to be better prepared to be a partner in care.

This workshop is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested for the two dates scheduled. For more information or to register, contact Phyllis Blackwell, Senior Center Manager, at 919-693-3383.

The Northern Granville Senior Center is located at 118 Highway 15 North in Stovall and is one of three senior centers in Granville County, with additional centers in Oxford and in Creedmoor.

Summer Civic Leadership Program Participants Recognized

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government 

The five high school students selected for participation in Granville County Government’s Summer Civic Leadership Program have completed their summer rotations among county departments and with community partners. Now in its twentieth year, the program helps give insight into how local government operates and how it impacts the community and its residents.

Participants Sarah Elliott, Tanaura Harrison and Akoya Penny-Campbell (students of Granville Early College High School); Anthony Goreman (homeschooled); and Brooklyn Pridgen (J.F. Webb High School) were selected out of a pool of 15 applicants, which has been described as a “competitive” application process.

Program participants Anthony Goreman, Brooklyn Pridgen, Tanaura Harrison, Akoya Penny-Campbell and Sarah Elliott are pictured at the Aug. 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. (Granville Co. Govt photo)

Each rising high school senior followed “tracks” that focused on general government, human services, public safety and community services while learning how each department works together to benefit local residents.

At the August 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, these summer interns made a group presentation about their experience and their “take-aways” from the program.

As the only male participant, Goreman noted that he enjoyed the opportunity to work with the “amazing” people who “keep Granville County running safely and smoothly.” “Everyone was very welcoming and helpful,” he added.

Fellow intern Tanaura Harrison agreed. “I enjoyed interning for the different departments and being able to see how each department individually functions but also how they all work together,” she said. “In all, I truly enjoyed my experience.”

Each participant has been awarded educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.

“This program is not only a great opportunity for our young leaders to learn about careers in local government and the impact of local government, but it’s also a good lesson for our staff,” said Granville County’s Management Analyst Charla Duncan, who facilitated this year’s program. “We can see our roles through the eyes of our young citizens, and that’s an important lens to look through.”

Students interested in participating in next year’s Summer Civic Leadership Program can look for announcements beginning in March of 2020. To learn more, contact Duncan at 919-603-1639 or charla.duncan@granvillecounty.org.

Oxford Board to Consider Funding for Wheelchair-Accessible Playground Equipment

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

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

As an add-on agenda item to their Tuesday, August 13 meeting, the City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will consider accepting the Granville County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Grant award for purchase and installation of a “Cruiser Inclusive Rocker” at Hix Playground.

On July 3, 2019, the Granville County Board of Commissioners approved a $19,500 allocation made by the Granville County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for the ADA Rocker Project. The City of Oxford Finance Department received the grant funds August 12, 2019.

The “Cruiser Inclusive Rocker” is the first piece of equipment at a Granville County playground that allows users to incorporate a wheelchair during play. The Cruiser is both wheelchair accessible and accessible by children of all abilities at the same time.

The “Cruiser Inclusive Rocker” is the first piece of equipment at a Granville County playground that allows users to incorporate a wheelchair during play. The Cruiser is both wheelchair accessible and accessible by children of all abilities at the same time.

The Parks and Recreation Department will also purchase and install a “Touch & Play Piano panel” and a drum panel as part of the playground improvement. The music panels are accessible and will allow children of all abilities to experience and enjoy the benefits of music. The panels aid in the development of fine motor skills & control including coordination and balance.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends accepting and utilizing the grant funds within the fiscal year 2020 for the purchase and installation of the “Cruiser Inclusive Rocker” at Hix Park Playground.

Reminder: ‘Alive After Five’ Set for Downtown Creedmoor This Thursday!

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s second Alive After Five event of 2019 will be held Thursday evening, August 15, from 5:30 until 8:30 pm in the parking lot at VanNess Chevrolet, downtown Creedmoor.

Join the Chamber as we celebrate our 16th year of AA5 events with incredible entertainment and concessions provided by Chamber members – Chick-fil-A, Williamson’s Country Store and Grill, Coca-Cola and Long Beverage.

Music will be provided by the popular “The Attractions Band,” which originally formed in 1965 when “a group of teenagers from Burlington formed a local band in the basement of a music store.”

The band went on to “open for and were the backup band for well-known performers such as ‘The Tams,’ Clifford Curry, Jimmy Ruffin, ‘The Fifth Dimension’ and ‘The Platters.’”

As the group’s members headed off to college and to the Vietnam War, the original band fell apart.

During the summer of 1999, and after 30 years, a reunion of the band was organized and once again, “The Attractions” were all together.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Chamber staff Toni Anne Wheeler and Wanda Garrett are recruiting volunteers to assist in several capacities for the AA5 event – check-in table, Coca-Cola wagon and beverage stations. Volunteer times are 5 to 7 p.m. and 7 until 9 p.m. A free t-shirt to be worn while volunteering is “yours to keep.”

Please contact a Chamber office to volunteer – Toni Anne Wheeler @ 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com or Wanda Garrett @ 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com.

The Chamber looks forward to seeing everyone August 15!

KING MICHAEL: McGregor Hall to Pay Tribute to Jackson, the ‘King of Pop’

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“KING MICHAEL: A Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop” will be performed at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

From early moments with his brothers to his stratospheric rise to become the greatest entertainer of all time, this sensational tribute will include all Michael Jackson’s most popular songs.

Performed by a LIVE band, dancers, and backup singers, this stunning spectacle will bring to life the energy and charisma for which KING MICHAEL was so famous.

Tickets 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)

Brides on Wheels

Wedding Vendors Invited to Granville Tourism’s ‘Brides on Wheels’ Meeting

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville Tourism Development Authority will host a meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the 2020 Granville Brides on Wheels tour. The meeting will take place at Best Western Butner Creedmoor Inn, located on 2578 W Lyon Station Road in Creedmoor.

All Granville County and surrounding area wedding vendors and venues are welcome to come to the meeting.

For more information, please contact Angela Allen, Tourism Director, at 919-693-6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.