VGCC Drama to Present ‘Appalachian Geisha’ Dec 6-8

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College 

VGCC Drama is excited to present Appalachian Geisha December 6 through December 8, 2019, at VGCC’s Main Campus.

This presentation represents a first of its kind collaboration across the North Carolina Community College System. Three Colleges: Vance-Granville Community College, Catawba Valley Community College, and Wake Technical Community College are joining forces to stage this regional premiere. The play—written by Kim Stinson, Director of AFA Theatre and a Professor at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory—will be staged five times over three days.

Front row: (left to right) Rose O’Malley, Blake Lee, Mary Parish, and Rebekah Varker; Middle Row (left to right): Kathleen Zoldos, Brian Johnson, Ashley Asycue, and Lane Wade; Back Row: (left to right): Daniel Thorpe, Savannah Morgan, Ronnie Brodie, Amanda Cease, and Matthew Varker (VGCC photo)

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on December 6 and 7, with matinees at 2 p.m. on December 7 and 8. There is a special campus matinee on December 6 at 3 p.m. All performances will be in the small auditorium, in Building 2, on the Henderson campus.

Betsy Henderson, director of the show and department chair of Fine Arts and Humanities at VGCC, also serves as Vice-President on the NCCCS AFA Association Board of Directors with Stinson and Lauren La May of Wake Tech. Together, they have worked alongside university partners to draft Comprehensive Articulation Agreements for the AFA Theatre degree for both the UNC system and Independent colleges. This working relationship is where an idea to collaborate across colleges was born.

Stinson, a BFA graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts, also holds an MA in Theatre from Miami University and an MFA in Playwriting from Spalding University. Kim is also a member of the Dramatist Guild, and an award-winning, published playwright.

Geisha was born out of Stinson’s own personal experiences, “Many years ago, I worked with a woman who never wanted to leave home. She didn’t enjoy traveling and had absolutely no desire to go anywhere. That way of thinking seemed so strange to me. I wanted to explore the way that someone else’s mind worked. At the same time, my love for other cultures always drew me to Asia and Asian theatre styles.” Stinson added, “Appalachian Geisha started as my creative thesis for my MFA in Playwriting degree and has grown and changed in subsequent versions. It is a work in which I explore combining western and eastern cultures, along with writing a main character who is so incredibly different from me, in an attempt to understand my former co-worker.”

Lauren La May, a BA graduate in Theatre Design and Production from UNC Asheville, also holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Theatre from the University of Georgia. Currently, she is a Theatre Instructor within the Communications and Theatre Department at Wake Tech Community College.

La May began working as a dramaturge while at the University of Georgia. After receiving her doctorate, she gained a position with Virginia Stage Company in their educational division to create curriculum and study guides for shows. Le May says, “Through Dramaturgy, I get to continue in my love of history and research while working with playwrights, directors, actors and designers. I love the chance to work with a production team again and am excited for this collaboration with my colleagues from other community colleges.”

Henderson was interested in giving VGCC drama students the opportunity to work so closely with a playwright and dramaturge, and to have these theatre professionals be a part of the rehearsal process. “Not many young actors get to have such an experience,” says Henderson. Both Stinson and La May will also be attending performances of Geisha, where they will take part in a talk-back discussion enabling audiences to ask questions of the cast, crew, playwright, and dramaturge. Talkback discussions will occur immediately following the Friday and Saturday evening performances and there is no extra charge for the audience to attend.

The cast and crew are comprised of both VGCC and Early College students (Vance and Warren Counties). Actors include Savannah Morgan, Brian Johnson, Mary Parish, Rose O’Malley, Daniel Thorpe, Kathleen Zoldos, Blake Lee, and Ashley Ayscue. Brother and sister Matthew and Rebekah  Varker serve as Stage Managers.

The production crew includes Lane Wade, Josh Nehy, Ronnie Brodie, Tre’quan Johnson, and Amanda Cease.

Admission is $15 for the general public and $10 for students and VGCC employees. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but attendees are encouraged to secure their seats by purchasing tickets online. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/appalachian-geisha-tickets-80859983387

For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at (252) 738-3371, or hendersonb@vgcc.edu.

Granville County Public Schools

Young Among Finalists for NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

Twenty-seven teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Beginning Teacher of the Year Award for their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve.

Bethany Young of Granville County Schools is a finalist.

One of these talented educators will be named the 2019 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award will be presented for the first time on December 5, 2019, at the NCCAT Cullowhee Campus.

“We appreciate the enthusiastic response from all over the state for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “These finalists provide a snapshot of the lasting impact great teachers have on our students from the first to the last day they step into a North Carolina public school. We are excited about this opportunity to honor teachers for the important work they do in our state.”

The 2019 NCCAT North Carolina Beginning Teachers of the Year are:

–     Sara Bowen Andrews, Rockingham County Schools

–     Tina Brown, Beaufort County Schools

–     Melissa Canter, Alexander Schools

–     Tria Cope, Randolph County

–     Rebecca Dearien, Craven County

–     Kennedy Dockery, Mount Airy City Schools

–     Victoria Freeman, Gaston County Schools

–     Megan Houchins, Iredell Statesville Schools

–      Cristina Lane, Wake County Public Schools

–      Lara Johnson, Bladen County Schools

–      Sarah Lawrence, Bear Grass Charter School

–      Sydney Paladino, Envision Science Academy Charter

–      Kesli Pinkston, Haywood County Consolidated Schools

–      Robin Kent Pittman, Careret County

–      Damarius Prieto, Cumberland County

–      Allie Reitzell, Newton Conover Schools

–      Elizabeth Riddick, Perquimans County

–      Justine Riddick, The Point College Prep

–      Alaysha Rogers, Halifax County Schools

–      Leanne Rose, Mooresville Graded School District

–      Allison Snyder, Buncombe County

–       Rachel Somerville, Henderson County Public Schools

–       Erin Stewart, Lenoir County

–       Alison Stuart, Catawba County Schools

–       Reba Warren, Pitt County

–       Ziena Walker, Innovative School District

–       Bethany Young, Granville County Schools

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor beginning teachers who are the future of education in North Carolina. Information about the program is online at www.nccatbtoy.com.

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year prizes include:

– $5,000 cash prize

– Participation in a GoGlobal NC trip to Australia in 2020

– Instructional supply funds for the teacher’s school

– $2,000 cash prize to the runner-up

Travel expenses for regional winners to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.

U.S. Department of Justice

DEA’s Drug Take Back Day Yields Highest NC Total Ever Collected

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

North Carolinians participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) 18th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Initiative (NTBI) held on Saturday, October 26, turned in 38,541 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at sites set up throughout the state. This was the highest amount ever collected during the previous 17 Rx drug take back events.

Now in its 10th year, this event continues to remove large volumes of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

Beginning with October’s campaign, DEA accepted vaping devices like the Pax 3 Vapes at 180Smoke.ca, and cartridges in addition to medications at all of its drop-off locations. With hundreds of confirmed lung injuries and dozens of deaths attributed to vaping use, DEA is working diligently in our communities and through our outreach efforts to spread the word about the dangers of vaping. Although no vaping devices/cartridges were reported to have been collected locally, these items may have been collected nationally (pending confirmation).

“Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “DEA’s eighteenth Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign was a success both locally and nationally. While North Carolinians turned in 38,541 pounds of unwanted or expired medications, nationally, nearly 883,000 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications were collected at nearly 6,174 sites made available across the United States. Also, in an effort to combat another emerging public health threat – particularly to our nation’s youth – we’re proud to have extended the same opportunity to those looking to dispose of harmful vaping products.” I would like to thank the multitude of partners (both law enforcement and nonlaw enforcement) who worked tirelessly to make this event another great success.”

The public has embraced Take Back Day events because they provide easy, no-cost opportunities to remove medicines languishing in the home that are highly susceptible to misuse, abuse, and theft. Public demand for safe and secure drug disposal has also resulted in a significant increase in year-round drug drop boxes at law enforcement facilities, pharmacies, and elsewhere, making drug disposal even more convenient.

Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at www.DEATakeBack.com.

DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 25, 2020.

The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justhinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov. Also, follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv.

Census 2020

Census Bureau Begins Job Recruitment Efforts

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

In preparation for the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting workers for temporary jobs, which include recruiting assistants, office operations supervisors, clerks, Census field supervisors and Census takers. The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for these positions online.

A Census representative will also be available Nov. 18, Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 at three branches of the Granville County Library System to provide additional information or to answer any questions about the recruitment process. Locations include:

  • The Stovall Library on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.;
  • The South Branch Library in Creedmoor on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and
  • The Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Applicants will be placed in an applicant pool for 2020 Census field positions for positions they qualify for and will be contacted as work becomes available in their area.

Every ten years, the U.S. Census is undertaken to provide an accurate count of the number of people who live here, as well as demographic information for each household. The data collected impacts decisions made pertaining to education, housing, transportation, health, environmental protection and other issues. From national to local concerns the Census plays a significant role in tracking growth and planning for our future.

For more information about the jobs available, which offer flexible work hours as well as daytime, evening and weekend shifts, visit the 2020 Census Jobs page or call 1-855-JOB-2020. Applicants may also contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov.

Oxford Prep School

Oxford Preparatory Lower School Announces First Quarter Honor Roll

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-Information courtesy Oxford Preparatory School

Oxford Preparatory Lower School held its first-quarter award ceremony during the last week of October. This year the school is serving students in 5th and 6th grades.

During the award ceremonies, students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, as well as for excellence in the arts and music. In addition, four students – Hailey Crowder, Cesar Castillo-Azuara, Zander Boone and Cameron Fauntleroy were recognized as “Rising Griffins,” demonstrating strong leadership and personal responsibility in their daily activities.

The Lower School at Oxford Prep is proud to announce the following students to the honor roll for the 1st Quarter:

5th Grade

A Honor Roll

Tanner Abbott, Grace Allred, Sage Beck, Bristol Bowen, Olivia Burrows, Michael Cox, Lilly Hicks, Allison Martinez-Ramirez, Palynn Nelms, Kaylee Overby, Heidi Strickland, Abagail WIlliamson, Kevin Williford, Parker Wright

A/B Honor Roll

Haroon Alashmaly, Mckenzie Bartlett, Ronald Batchelor, Cason Bedwell, Trinity Blom, Zander Boone, Gracie Brooks, Emma Daniel, Bobby Downey, Katherine Ellis, Ethan Englebright, Alaina Garrett, Jesus Gutierrez-Duran, Piper Hicks, Addison Hoyle, Will Jeffries, Lily Juntunen, Aaron King, Kateyn Lyon, Kylie Marsalone, Abrieanna Peoples, Ayden Pernell, Bryson Preddy, Gabrielle Pugh, Madelyn Reese, Christian Smith, Ashlyn Sturgeon, Landon Tabor, Lila Watkins, Jackson West, Keats Westbrook, Magnus Williford, Bryson Woodlief

6th Grade

A Honor Roll

Hailey Crowder, Kianna Evans, Addyson Faucette, Kaylin Gooch, Elijah Moss, Valentina Ortega-Mora, Tabitha Parker, Bre’Niyah Purnell, Emily Stevens, Susie Stock, Miley Thompson, Hailey Woodlief

A/B Honor Roll

Cesar Castillo-Azuara, Caleb Critcher, Lillian Dingfeld, Jayce Elliott, Anahi Escobar Castaneda, Rileigh Forbes, Abbe Hernandez, Alaina Lovings, Jenna Overby, Solomon Parker, Divya Patel, Dylan Pitcher, Sara Roberson, Harley Jo Stainback, Madison Thomerson, Carley Walthall, Zoey Webber, Alexandria White, Novina Williford

American Flag

Thank-A-Vet Program Launches in Granville County

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

The “Thank-A-Vet” program is ready to launch in Granville County. Beginning November 12, the Granville County Register of Deeds will be providing Veterans with a FREE service as a photo identification card is offered that can be used for discounts at participating local businesses. This service will be available to all veterans who register or have already registered their DD-214 form.

A list of businesses offering discounts will be provided to each veteran who participates in this program and includes:

  • Air Works Heating and Air
  • Art and Antique Gallery
  • Black’s Tire Service
  • Butner Care Care Service, Inc.
  • Comfort Inn and Suites
  • Georges of Oxford
  • Granville Athletic Park (facility rentals)
  • Granville County Expo and Convention Center (facility rentals)
  • Granville Little Theater
  • Lake Rogers, Creedmoor (rentals)
  • Mark E. Bostic, DDS
  • NAPA Auto Parts
  • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts
  • Oxford Car and Truck
  • Peace Point Guest House and Retreat
  • Premier Eye Institute, OD, PLLC
  • Professional Pharmacy
  • T. Owen Electric Inc.
  • Select Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
  • Southern States of Oxford
  • The Hub on Main
  • This and That
  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Whitco Termite and Pest Control

To register for this service, veterans should bring a valid, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, such as their military ID, and an original DD-214 form. If the DD-214 form has already been registered with the Granville County Register of Deeds office, record verification will be provided prior to issuing this “Thank A Vet” photo identification card.

The Granville County Register of Deeds office is located at 101 Main Street in Oxford, inside the Courthouse building. Hours for issuing these cards will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Those with questions about this FREE photo ID service should contact Kathy Taylor, Granville County Register of Deeds, at kathyadcock@granvillecounty.org or at 919-693-6314.

Raleigh Ringers to Bring Holiday Cheer to McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will be filled with the sounds of the holidays on Friday, December 6, 2019, with a special one-night performance by The Raleigh Ringers. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

As seen annually on UNC-TV!

The Raleigh Ringers’ holiday handbell concert runs the gamut of song selections from old yuletide favorites to Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” score and other sounds of the season.

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)

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Chamber to Hold Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 7:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center of Oxford Baptist Church, Main Street, Oxford.

Although there is no charge to attend the breakfast, attendees are requested to bring non-perishable food donations (canned food) for Area Congregations In Ministry (ACIM).

Attendees may expect the customary Southern buffet breakfast, prepared by volunteer men at Oxford Baptist Church. No one will leave hungry as we depart to begin the Thanksgiving holiday celebration!

The School of Graphic Arts/Masonic Home for Children is continuing its tradition of providing attendees with desk calendars for 2020.

Also, the Chamber will be officially kicking off its promotion for the National SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – SHOP LOCAL  – SHOP GRANVILLE by providing attendees with Shop Small tote bags filled with swag from Granville County small businesses. This annual event will be held on Saturday, November 30.

Reservations for the breakfast are REQUIRED with one of the Chamber’s offices by November 20. Please contact Wanda, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com or Toni Anne, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Bridgestone’s continued sponsorship of this annual event spans 25+ years. The November Thanksgiving breakfast began as an industry-sponsored breakfast, and Bridgestone has graciously remained the event supporter for all these years. The Chamber is grateful to Bridgestone plant manager Mark Highland and his staff for continuing their support and sponsorship.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Shop Small, Shop Local on Small Business Saturday – Nov. 30

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce announces its support and recognition of Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2019, to support small, local, independent businesses in Granville County, NC.

Small Business Saturday® was founded by American Express in 2010 to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday® has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce encourages consumers to take part in Small Business Saturday® by supporting small, local businesses. Continuing our five-year tradition, shopping bags with promotional items will be available at the Chamber’s Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast on Wednesday, November 27 at Oxford Baptist Church.

American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country.

Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials at www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.

If your business has coupons, small items, special sale flyers, etc. you would like to include in the 200 Shop Small shopping bags to be given out at the Chamber’s Thanksgiving Breakfast on November 27, bring them to a Chamber Office by the end of the day on Monday, November 18. For the South Office, items may also be brought to the Nationwide Office next to the South Office.  The bags will be prepared by our Chamber Ambassadors at their 8 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

Oxford Christmas Parade

Oxford’s Christmas Parade, Lighting of the Greens Set for Dec. 6

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-Information courtesy Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation

A magical night is planned on Friday, December 6, 2019, for the 14th Annual Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade sponsored by Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC), the City of Oxford and partner Granville Health System. Events are scheduled from 4 until 9 p.m. in downtown Oxford.

The Christmas parade will take place rain, snow or shine, so please plan accordingly.

Event Schedule:

4 – 6:30 p.m. – Vendor Market opens

5:30 p.m. – Line up begins for parade participants

6:30- 6:45 p.m. – Welcome and opening comments

6:45 – 6:50 p.m. – Lighting of the Greens

7 p.m. – Parade starts

The parade will start from Belle Street, travel down Williamsboro Street, then Hillsboro Street, and end by taking a right on McClanahan Street to the Public Works Parking lot. Please note that there will be no parking in the Public Works parking lot (127 Penn Avenue) on the evening of the event.

Those interested in participating in the parade should mail in an entry form (click here) and payment by Friday, November 15, 2019, to City Hall, Attn. Christmas Parade, 300 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC 27587. Space is limited to 85 parade entries on a first-come-first-served basis.

With questions, call Christine Luscavich 561-312-9276 or Mary Yount at 919-603-1164. For additional information on the parade and Lighting of the Greens, including cost, float requirements and drop off/unloading instructions, please click here.