NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Farms Open for Fall Events

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Travelers looking for unique farm experiences will have plenty of options this fall as farms across the state open their gates to welcome visitors. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to festivals and farmers markets, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Following is a selection of activities being offered at N.C. agritourism destinations through the end of the fall season. Visitors are encouraged to verify event dates and hours of operations before they go.

Eastern North Carolina

  • Alpaca Dreams in Louisburg is participating in the National Alpaca Farm Days Sept. 28-29 and will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days.
  • Galloway Farm is now open in Hallsboro. This year, the farm is featuring a new augmented reality scavenger hunt. The farm also offers an 11-acre corn maze, two-acre kid’s fun maze, hayrides, barrel train, cow-patty miniature golf and more.
  • Garner’s Corn Maze in Newport is open for the season from Sept. 28-Nov. 2. They are open to the public Saturdays and Sundays and offer reserved educational field trips Monday through Friday. In addition to the corn maze, the farm offers a you-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, children’s activities, farm animals, concessions and more.
  • Hood Swamp Corn Maze in Goldsboro opens from Sept. 27-Nov. 3. The sixth-generation family farm offers a corn maze, hayrides and activities for kids.
  • Hubb’s Farm in Clinton is open for the season through Nov. 9. Now in its 12th fall season, the farm offers pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, animals, plus more activities. Educational tours are welcome Tuesdays through Fridays.
  • The Farm On Grape Creek in Cove City will host the Fall Farm Festival Oct. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring pumpkins, hayrides, farm tours, animals, music, games and food. Cost is $10 per person, which includes a small pumpkin. The event is free for children under 3.
  • The Farmer’s Barn in Chadbourn is now open with a large selection of on-farm fun. Activities include a tube slide, cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch, zip line, animal corral and more. A Haunted Maze also will run Oct. 19-26 with special offerings from NC Farm Bureau members.

Central North Carolina

  • CATHIS Farm in Lillington is now open. The farm’s Pumpkin Hollow offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals and many other family fun activities during the day. Those looking for a scare can visit the Devil’s Playground at CATHIS Farm for a haunted house on the farm Friday and Saturday nights from 8-12.
  • Chickadee Farms in Clayton is hosting its premier farm-to-fork event of the year on Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. The event includes a pig picking, pie contest, music, crafts, farm tours and more.
  • Come out to Flint Rock Farm in Cameron for group field trips, day camps for kids, educational activities, family outings, and farm learning experiences with a bullying prevention theme. Pre-register October through mid-November.
  • Gross Farms in Sanford will be hosting fall fun Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 3. The farm has a variety of fall fun activities including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayride, play area, slide, kettle corn, homemade ice cream, bands and entertainment
  • The Guilford Local Foods Celebration will be held Oct. 5-12. The week-long celebration includes farm tours, local tastings, cooking demonstrations and more events to celebrate Guilford County farmers.
  • Huckleberry Trail Farm in Siler City is open Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. The farm strives to offer an accessible farm and an autism-friendly environment.
  • Ken’s Korny Corn Maze  in Garner is open through Nov. 9. Visitors can enjoy the six-acre corn maze and other activities.
  • The Living Well Folk School at Sustenance Farm in Franklinville will be offering workshops in local self-reliance, long-term sustainability, emergency readiness, modern homesteading, healthy living and community building on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
  • Mckee CornField Maze in Rougemont is open through Nov. 3. Visitors can enjoy pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals, corn hole, children’s play areas, games, crafts, music and fall family fun. The farm also will host a movie night on Oct. 26.
  • McLaurin Farm in Greensboro will open its pumpkin patch through Oct. 27. The farm also will host the 28th year of the Woods of Terror  haunted attraction.
  • Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur will be hosting OktoberFest each weekend in October, and an Apple Cider 5k and 10k run on Nov. 2 at 9 a.m.
  • Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will hold its Fall Open House Sept. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served all day and hotdogs will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This annual event sets the stage for the fall growing season.
  • Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin is celebrating National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hayrides, interacting with the alpacas, live music and magic, food vendors, John Deere Equipment, and a local beekeeper with a hive on display. Alpaca items, honey, and jams and jellies will be available for purchase.
  • Reverence Farms in Graham will offer fresh Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings for pickup on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the farm’s cafe, see farm animals and enjoy free food samples. Turkeys should be purchased in advance.
  • Sonlight Farms in Kenly will be open every Saturday through Oct. 26. This fall, they are hosting two themed Saturdays with special activities and crafts, in addition to their regular activities including hayrides, pumpkins, animals, playground and more. On Oct. 26, visitors can conquer their corn maze at night with the farm’s Blackout Challenge.
  • South Fork Sweet Sorghum Festival will be held Oct. 26 in Hillsborough. Bringing 19th-century traditions into the 21st century, featuring demonstrations of harvesting, stripping, milling, cooking and bottling sweet sorghum syrup.
  • Visit The Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy in Efland for the Orange County Feargrounds Haunted Barn Oct. 25, 26 and 31 from 7-11 p.m. The dairy also is hosting the Tarheel Antiques Festival and Christmas Craft Show Nov. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • The Hunter Farm in Weddington will open its pumpkin patch Sept. 29-Nov. 17. The farm also offers hayrides and petting barn where visitors can feed the farm animals. The farm is open daily through Oct. 31, and on weekends starting in November. Food trucks are on-site on Saturdays.
  • The Well Fed Community Garden in Raleigh will be hosting its Art in the Garden event Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by The Irregardless Café, a local Raleigh restaurant, the garden donates 20 percent of its bounty to volunteers and neighbors with the remaining 80 percent served in meals at the restaurant.
  • Tractors Corn Maze in Wake Forest is open Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 28 through the end of October. Enjoy an eight-acre corn maze, pumpkin patches, free pumpkin, hayride, corn pit and games.

Western North Carolina

  • Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk offers visitors the chance to get up-close and personal with the alpacas, donkeys, goats and other animals that work and play at Apple Hill Farm. Fall tours are available through Oct. 18. Tours are offered Sundays-Fridays at 2 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Products also are available at the on-site Farm & Yarn Store.
  • Cherry Mountain Farm in Rutherfordton will hold a Goat Shearing Festival Oct. 12 starting at 9 a.m. Come early to see the Angora goats get their fall haircuts, enjoy food from a local food truck, visit the llama and horses, and enjoy hanging out at the farm. The gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s 11th annual Punkin Chunkin Festival Oct. 20-21. The family-friendly event features a pumpkin throwing contest using catapults, trebuchets and air cannons, plus a chili and anything-pumpkin cooking contest and more.
  • Harvest Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Valle Crucis invites travelers to experience the best weekend fall family fun in the High Country. Visitors can take a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, harvest their own pumpkin or choose from a selection of pre-picked pumpkins at the barn.
  • Shelby Corn Maze in Shelby is open for the season through Oct. 27. Visitors can enjoy farm and fall-themed activities including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow train, apple launcher, corn cannon and more.
  • The Farmer’s Daughter in Taylorsville is open through each Saturday of October with hayrides and pumpkins.
  • Trosly Farm in Elk Park will open its harvest and holiday market Saturdays from October through December. Visitors can find fresh breads, baked goods, produce, holiday gifts and more.
  • Walnut Hollow Ranch in Hayesville offers educational farm tours, farm stays and more. The ranch is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations for lunch tours are available on those days during the autumn.

Granville Co. Shrine Club to Hold Fish Fry Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Randy Newman, Granville Co. Shrine Club

The Granville County Shrine Club will hold a Fish Fry fundraiser on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at 706 Roxboro Road in Oxford.

Tickets are available for $8 and may be purchased from any Shrine Club member, at Granville Barber Shop in Oxford or at the door the day of the event.

Plates are available for eat-in, take out or drive through pick up.

Proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals.

To hear more discussion on the fish fry, listen to Wednesday’s edition of Town Talk by clicking here. The fish fry segment of the program begins at the 16:10 mark.

Journey to Citizenship: Gutierrez Describes What It Means to be a U.S. Citizen

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On Sept. 17, Citizenship Day was observed to recognize all who have chosen to become U.S. citizens. It is an observance that is held each year, but the day has special meaning for one local citizen, Jesus Gutierrez of Oxford, who says that the choice to apply for American citizenship has been a privilege he does not take for granted.

Jesus Gutierrez with his wife and family. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Gutierrez came to America from the village of Guamajuato, Mexico more than 30 years ago. One of 11 children, he came here for “a better life,” leaving his parents, seven sisters and three brothers behind. While he admits it was “hard” to leave his family, it is a decision, he says, he does not regret.

After arriving in Granville County, Gutierrez found a job in the tobacco fields, working for the Barker family. Almost every dollar he made was sent back to Mexico to help support his parents and his siblings.

He was soon invited by his adopted American family to attend church with them in Dexter. One hour after choir practice each Wednesday evening, he was also given lessons to learn to speak English. Although he describes the language as “difficult to learn,” he says that he is appreciative of the time and attention he was given by Mrs. Barker, who took him under her wing.

“Thank the Lord she was willing to help me,” he noted.

Those lessons helped open a lot of doors for Gutierrez, enabling him to apply for other employment opportunities.

In 1986, Gutierrez became a permanent U.S. resident and continued to work hard for his family. Today, the sixty-year-old works Monday through Friday for Granville County Government as a member of the General Services team, making repairs, running errands, sorting mail, etc. On weekends, he does maintenance and yard work for local residents, as well as cleaning offices.

Windows and doors of property owned by Gutierrez, crafted with lumber from Granville County. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

“In America, if you work hard, you can have everything you want,” he explains. “I work hard, seven days a week. I don’t expect nothing for free.”

While his parents have both passed away since he has been here, his siblings and their families still live in Mexico. One of his brothers is now a teacher, and he has a sister who owns a store that sells school supplies. That store, Guitierrez explains, has helped provide income for his entire family.

Now nearing retirement, this Oxford resident is in the process of constructing a second home on a lot he purchased before coming to America, located next door to where his parents once lived in his “village.” A few times a year, he goes back to Mexico to spend time with his family there and to work on his house, which is being partially built with Granville County materials. He has shipped lumber from Bullock, for example, to build doors and window frames.

“Everything in Mexico is expensive,” he says. “Most of the people in my village only make about $25 a day, so it is a hard life there.”

Gutierrez adds that his family once owned property next to a Mexican river, where they were able to use irrigation to grow peaches, potatoes, lettuce, avocados, etc. The sale of the produce was their major source of income. The construction of a highway through his family’s property, however, caused them to be uprooted from their home and to move to “the city,” where there was much poverty and no running water. They were given no compensation for their land and had to start over “with nothing.”

“Living in America is much better,” he says. “There have been many opportunities here for me.”

Gutierrez explains that he “behaves himself” and “commits no crimes,” and was able to become an official citizen in 2004.

In the process of earning his citizenship, Gutierrez says that he learned about the Constitution and the country’s presidents, as well as what the stars and stripes on the American flag symbolize and other historical facts.

“I learned that Patrick Henry said, ‘Give me liberty or give me death,’” he adds. “That was my favorite part.”

Since moving to the United States, Gutierrez has started his own family, getting married in 2003. His wife Fatima, also from Mexico, is a permanent resident who is working towards citizenship status of her own. The couple has two children and hopes to visit Mexico more often after retirement. But his home, he says, is right here in Granville County.

“I am very happy with my life here,” he commented. “I came to America for a better life, and I got what I was looking for.”

VGCC, Granville Vance Health Dept. to Host Community Health Fair

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s School of Health Sciences has partnered with the Granville Vance Health Department to offer a Fall Campus/Community Health Fair on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.

Annual flu shots will be available for all ages, bring your insurance card. No insurance, no problem…see if you qualify for a free or reduced-fee vaccine.

Free screening and education on various health and wellness topics.

Information will be available related to VGCC programs.

With questions, please contact Dr. Anna Seaman at (252) 738-3483 or seamana@vgcc.edu.

Steve Timberlake Named Rebuilding Hope’s Oct. Spotlight Volunteer

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Steve Timberlake’s reason for volunteering at Rebuilding Hope is hard to beat: to witness “the collective efforts of many people with various talents and gifts with willing and compassionate hearts with a common goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ.”

Steve Timberlake named Rebuilding Hope’s October 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

Steve, an Oxford resident and RHI’s Granville County team leader, has volunteered for four years.

He recalls that RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson shared the ministry’s mission with the Baptist Men at Oxford Baptist Church in 2016, the same year that the church sponsored its first SOS (Servants on Site) team.

“I enjoy supporting the SOS teams as well as the handicap ramp ministry,” says Steve. “Providing assistance to others in need helps us all realize how very fortunate and blessed we are.”

Steve, who retired in 2014 after 30 years with Southern States Cooperative, notes that “when a ramp is completed, the appreciation shown from the recipient is very humbling.”

The Granville County native serves his church as an adult Bible study teacher and director of Baptist Men and serves his community as a 30-year member of the Oxford Lions Club.

“The club’s primary focus,” Steve says, “ is to help the blind and visually impaired.”

Steve and wife Ann have been married for 45 years and have a son, daughter and two grandchildren.

Granville County Logo

Granville Board of Commissioners to Hold Special Meeting – Oct. 3

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

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

All interested persons please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at 7:30 a.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center located at 4185 Highway 15 South, Oxford.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the Board to go into closed session to discuss a matter of attorney-client privilege and a personnel matter pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) and (6).

‘Shrek the Musical:’ A Favorite Story Will Come to Life at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Everyone’s favorite movie is coming to McGregor Hall’s stage! DreamWorks Classic’s SHREK THE MUSICAL is the story of dreams becoming reality for a group of misunderstood fairy tale creatures who learn that our differences are what make us strong. This Broadway styled musical will feature glamorous costumes, a magical set, and a LIVE, professional orchestra.

The six performance dates include:

  • October 25-26, November 1-2, 2019, at 8 p.m
  • October 27, November 3, 2019, at 2 p.m.

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)

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Days/Times/Locations Announced for Granville’s One-Stop Early Voting

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-Information courtesy Tonya C. Burnette, CERA, Elections Director, Granville County

Granville County has received approval from the State Board of Elections to offer One-Stop early voting for the November 5, 2019, Municipal Election (for all locations).

One-Stop Dates/Times:

Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 17, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, October 18, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, October 21, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, October 25, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, October 28, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 31, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, November 1, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One-Stop Locations:

 Richard H. Thornton Library – large conference room (in lieu of the Board of Elections office) – 210 Main Street Oxford, NC 27565

 South Branch Library – multipurpose room – 1550 South Campus Drive Creedmoor, NC 27522

School Resource Officers in Need of Donations for ‘Helping Hands Closet’

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

SRO’s Helping Hands Closet is in need of donations from the community.

Who are we?

We are a group of Granville County Sheriff’s deputies that work as School Resource Officers at Granville County Public Schools.

What is this about?

We come in contact with many children through our jobs, families in distress and others with various needs. We have the ability to reach out and give back to these individuals within our schools and other areas of our community that we serve. We do this by collecting gently used or new clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, toys and other items that we distribute throughout the community as we find someone in need.

Where is this located?

Currently, we are based out of J.F. Webb High School and Hawley Middle School.

How does it work?

As we receive a referral from the community or initiate one ourselves, we will discretely determine the needs of the individual and/or family and have them come in to gather items that they have a need for. In the event they are not able to come to one of our locations, we may be able to gather some items in the sizes they have requested and bring them to a location to see what works for them; however, it is much better for them to come to us.

Who can refer and/or participate?

We accept referrals from anyone. If there is a need that we can service, we will see if we can help that person out.

Why?

Because we are the do’ers. That’s our calling and the profession we chose. We have been placed in the position to give back to others.

These are some of the items but not limited to what we accept:

Clean clothing (all ages, sizes and gender), coats, belts, new socks/underwear, shoes, prom dresses, diapers, blankets and other household supplies, toiletries, personal hygiene supplies, book bags and school supplies, canned and non-perishable foods, great condition toys and children’s books.

We are always in need of clothing garment racks/displays, clothes hangers (adult, child and pant).

You can contact an SRO at one of the schools directly and arrange a drop-off or pick up, or contact Brad O’Briant 919-691-1472 or Jessica Laws 919-691-3519.

Granville Emergency Services Encourages All to Participate in Earthquake Drill

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County residents will soon have an opportunity to join a wide-spread effort to become more prepared in case of an earthquake.

The 2019 Great Southeast Shakeout is an annual public earthquake drill where millions of people in organizations, schools and homes simultaneously practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” which is the recommended action for people to take during an earthquake. This event is scheduled for Thurs. Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m.

An earthquake is a sudden, quick shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and moving of underground rock, and can be followed by aftershocks. While not a highly likely event in Granville County, earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work or travel. A major earthquake can occur at any time, with no warning and with a short time to react.

Granville County Emergency Services strongly encourages local participation in this event. If interested, visit https://www.shakeout.org/southeast/register/ to enroll your organization, school, agency, business or family.

Once registered, participants will learn how to be more prepared for earthquakes; will be counted in the world’s largest earthquake drill; will receive ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness; will make a difference by motivating others to participate and to be prepared.

Drills like this can help residents and businesses be better prepared on how to react if the ground starts shaking. In the case of an earthquake, remember to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

DROP  – get down on the floor when shaking starts, before the quake drops you.

COVER – take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. If you cannot find something to get under, crouch against an inside wall. Keep your head and neck safe by using your arms. Stay away from windows, hanging objects, mirrors or anything that might fall over.

HOLD ON – hold onto a desk, table or piece of furniture. Be ready to move with it during the quake.

To be able to respond quickly, everyone should practice these steps often. There may be only a few seconds before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you.

Millions of people worldwide have participated in Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills since 2008. The exercise is held on the third Thursday of October each year.

Be prepared, and encourage others to join in! Visit ReadyNC.org for more preparedness information.