Repair Café Coming To Oxford June 24

Let’s face it: we’ve probably all got some item in our homes that just doesn’t work like it used to – it’s broken, but it’s not SO broken that you’re ready to throw it away.

Mark June 24 on your calendar and bring that item to the Repair Café workshop in Oxford.

Repair Café is bringing its free workshop to Oxford United Methodist Church from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 24, according to Don Fick, a resident of Oxford who is organizing the event.

The idea is simple: Individuals bring common household items and receive repair assistance from volunteer coaches. Items commonly seen at Repair Café are lamps, tabletop appliances, furniture, toys and jewelry. A wide variety of tools and talented repair coaches are on-hand to demonstrate repair techniques in collaboration with item owners. With only basic repair parts and no assistance from manufacturers, Repair Cafés typically see 65 percent of items go home fully repaired.

“As we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, people are recognizing that basic repair skills are essential to building resilience, saving money, and conserving natural resources,” Fick said.

The global repair movement has embraced the Repair Café concept of community members freely helping their neighbors learn to repair and maintain common household items, extending their useful life, and reducing the burden of unnecessary consumption and waste. Recent appearances on NBC’s Today, NPR’s Weekend Edition, and the New York Times’ Wirecutter are raising awareness of the work being done in communities large and small across the US and around the world.

Online registration is recommended at https://www.repaircafenc.org/events/oxford-june24. Walk-ins are always welcome. Interested guests and prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact the organizers with any questions by email (repaircafenc@gmail.com).

Oxford United Methodist Church is located at 105 W McClanahan St.

See the full list of upcoming events at https://www.repaircafenc.org/upcoming-events.

Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging Helping Sponsor Walk Against Elder Abuse

In observance of international Elder Abuse awareness & prevention day, several local and regional agencies are partnering to sponsor a walk in Creedmoor on June 15 to show support for the safety of senior adults everywhere.

This annual observance occurs between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and helps to focus on the particular needs and issues surrounding care for the elderly.

The motto for the international observance is “Don’t stand for elder abuse.” And Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging invites the community to come out and walk – not stand around – to observe this important day.

The walk will be held at the Creedmoor Community Center, 108 E. Wilton Ave. in Creedmoor, and there will be free t-shirts, refreshments and more for all participants.

Everyone is asked to wear purple and silver to show the world you care about ending elder abuse and neglect. Don’t want to stop at a t-shirt or sneakers? You can also decorate your vehicle, organizers said.

Prizes will be awarded to the three participants that best display their support for elder abuse awareness and prevention.

To learn more, contact any of the partnering agencies listed below:

  • Granville County DSS – Tyeisha Hewett at 919.693.1511
  • South Granville Senior Center – Christy Southhall – 919.528.0848
  • Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging – Kimberly Hawkins – 252.436.2050
  • Regional Long-term care ombudsman – 252.425.5396

June Blood Drives in Henderson and Oxford

There’s just no way to say it any plainer: The American Red Cross needs donors to sign up and give blood. The need is great and ever growing.

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day that focuses on raising awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply. This simply is not possible without blood donors.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.

The Red Cross collected 26,000 FEWER blood donations than it needed last month alone to meet patients’ needs. Platelets are especially needed at this time.

Please take a moment to find a donation site in your area and sign up to give the gift of life.

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS 1.800.733.2767 to schedule a time to give now.

Upcoming drives are listed below:

Oxford

6/16/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Oxford United Methodist Church, 105 W. McClanahan St.

Henderson

6/23/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

6/29/2023: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Rd.

Auction Direct USA Driving Into Granville County

-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Auction Direct USA announced plans to expand its regional operations to Granville County, which is expected to bring more than 170 new jobs for the new vehicle refurbishment and wholesale facility.

State and local officials welcomed the company executives during an event in Oxford on Tuesday. Auction Direct USA will occupy a portion of the former Santa Fe Tobacco production center located on Knotts Grove Road. The company’s project in Granville County will establish a high-volume location to recondition vehicles and prepare them for wholesale.

“We see our company becoming a part of the Granville County community,” said Auction Direct USA CEO Tim Frank. “Auction Direct has become the company it is today by investing in our employees and preparing them for success with our company and for the future. We know that the culture we build is the most important part of our business model and the monetary success we have as is just a byproduct of creating a place that our employees want to be a part of.”

“Granville County works every day to build a culture of success for our citizens” said Harry Mills, Granville County Economic Development director. “Announcements like this show that Granville is ready to lead the way for our region as we attract new growth, that includes more jobs and opportunities for our citizens. Auction Direct USA has proven that they are committed to ‘Growing with Granville,’ by bringing investment that cultivates success for their customers and our community as a whole.”

“We are always pleased to welcome a new business to Granville County, but we are truly excited to welcome a company known across the country for success and innovation,” said Chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners Russ May. “The board of commissioners takes great pride in ensuring that Granville County is a place that promotes success for our existing businesses and welcomes new investment. I am confident that today’s announcement will have a positive effect on our community for years to come. Auction Direct USA is the exact type of company we hope to attract to Granville; one that will bring in stable, high-paying jobs and become ingrained in our community.”

As a result of Auction Direct USA’s investment with its Granville County facility, the company is eligible to receive a  $2,076,300 Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) over the course of 12 years from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and a $500,000 Building Reuse Grant from the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority. In return, by 2024 Auction Direct USA will invest $2.9 million in facility improvements and create 173 jobs with an average salary of $88,258 – nearly double the current median salary in Granville County.

“Auction Direct USA choosing Granville County as its expansion location shows North Carolina has secured a foothold in the automotive industry,” said Jordan Whichard, deputy secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “North Carolina continues to see economic development success in the automotive sector, and we are thrilled that Auction Direct is showing a commitment to Oxford, Granville County and the State of North Carolina with this major expansion and investment.”

Auction Direct USA was formed in Rochester, New York in 2004 by a group of automotive professionals who loved the car business, but not the way vehicles were sold to customers. This group used their combined 70 years of experience to develop a new approach to car sales that focused on fun and letting customers “drive” the process. This new location in Granville County will provide a base of operations to refurbish incoming stock and allow direct sales to vehicle wholesalers with a new subsidiary called “a.i.m.” This subsidiary will allow Auction Direct to expand into supply chain solutions, providing both wholesale and retail-ready vehicles to the  entire automotive industry, including dealers and digital channels.

Leadership Granville Class of 2023-24 Applications Due By June 30

Granville County Chamber of Commerce Director Lauren Roberson invites prospective participants in Leadership Granville to submit an application before June 30.

The annual leadership development program is sponsored by the local Chamber, in collaboration with Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.

The eight-month long program provides participants with opportunities to network while gaining knowledge about all facets of the county, from local governments to small businesses and large industries to education and service organizations.

The next class begins in the fall and continues weekly through the spring, concluding with a graduation ceremony.

Applications for Leadership Granville are available at www.granville-chamber.com.  Email completed applications to lauren@granville-chamber.com, bring them by the office at 124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford, or mail them to P.O. Box 820, Oxford, N.C., 27565.

If you have any questions about Leadership Granville please contact the Chamber at 919.693.6125 or a Leadership Granville Steering Committee member.

 

Award-Winning Quilt On Display At Berea Branch Of Granville Library System

– information courtesy of Granville Cuonty Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Visitors to the Berea Branch Library of the Granville County Library System will get a special welcome thanks to the generosity and creativity of one local quilter. A floral queen-sized quilt that was hand appliqued and hand quilted by Pauline O’Neal, 95, of Henderson is on display in the library this summer. It was submitted for display by her daughter, Phyllis O’Neal of Oxford. Both women are Berea Library patrons.

The quilt was awarded “first premium blue ribbon” in the in-home furnishing category at the North Carolina State Fair in 2008. O’Neal’s amazing work was noted in the judges’ comments, which included “elegant colors, super applique.”

Special thanks to the Lord Granville Agricultural Association for lending a quilt rack for this display. If you have a quilt that you would like to include in their 16th Annual Harvest Show, they are welcoming additions. For more information visit their website at www.lgaha.com.

The community is encouraged to come see the quilt along with all the Berea Branch Library regularly has to offer. The Berea Branch Library is located at 1211 US Highway 158, Oxford and normal operating hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested are also invited to attend meetings of the Quilt Club that meets regularly at the Stovall Branch Library located at 300 Main St., Stovall.

For more information about the quilt display, contact the Berea Branch Library at 919.693.1231. For more information about the Quilt Club, contact the Stovall Branch Library at 919.693.5722.

To learn more about the Granville County Library System and all programming, including special summer reading  events for adults and children, visit www.granville.lib.nc.us.

 

Granville County Recycle Disposal Event

-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County’s recent recycling and hazardous waste disposal event diverted more than 25,000 pounds of materials – from medication to metal – from finding its way to the landfill.

Vendors were on hand to take the variety of items for recycling and safe disposal, according to Teresa Baker, the county’s recycling and sustainability coordinator.

Here’s a breakdown of what got collected during the May 20 spring clean-out event:

  • Veolia Environmental Services – 3,592 pounds of paint plus an additional 5,620 pounds of hazardous household waste.
  • Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division – 349 pounds of pesticides.
  • Green for Life (GFL) – 2,755 pounds of scrap metal.
  • Shred Ace – 8,340 pounds of shredded paper.
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 103.2 pounds of medications and medical waste plus 40.1 pounds of ammunition.
  • METech Recycling – 2,882 pounds of electronics.
  • Interstate Batteries – 473 pounds of various batteries.
  • RMR Book Recycling – 1,020 pounds.
  • Dart Containers – 3/4 of a trailer of polystyrene

“Residents who participate in Granville County’s clean out events leave knowing that these waste materials will either be recycled or properly disposed of instead of harming the local environment,” said Baker. “A huge thank-you to all vendors, staff, volunteers, and participants who helped make the Spring Clean-Out event a great success.”

For more information about safely recycling and disposing of waste in Granville County, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For Spring 2023 Semester

-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while  carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.  

Accounting & Finance: 

Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;

Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;

Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;

Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;

Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;

Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;

Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;

Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;

Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;

Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;

Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;

Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;

Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.

Associate in Science: 

Kacey E. Katz of Butner;

Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;

Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;

Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;

Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.

Business Administration: 

Destini L. Foster of Butner;

Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;

Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;

Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;

Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;

Logan Kurth of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;

Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;

Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;

Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;

Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;

Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;

Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.

Cosmetology: 

Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;

Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;

Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.

Early Childhood Education: 

Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;

Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;

Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;

Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;

Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;

Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;

Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology: 

Jennifer Lomas of Durham;

Euice T. Duque of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.

Information Technology: 

Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;

Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;

Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;

Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;

Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;

Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;

Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Larry P. Card of Franklinton;

David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;

William J. Currin of Oxford.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration: 

Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;

Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;

Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.

Office Administration Diploma: 

Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.

Public Safety Administration: 

Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;

Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;

Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;

Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;

Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;

Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.

Radiography: 

Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.

Welding Technology: 

Townes A Keithley of Butner;

Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;

Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;

Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance: 

Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology: 

Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;

Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;

Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;

Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;

Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;

Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;

Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;

Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;

Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;

Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;

Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;

Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;

Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;

Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts: 

Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;

Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.

Associate in Science: 

Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;

Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;

Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all  of Henderson;

Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;

Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;

Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;

Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;

Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.

Bioprocess Technology:

Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.

Business Administration: 

Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;

Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Haley L. Williams of Henderson;

Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;

Cain Stewart of Raleigh;

Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;

Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Reese E. Newton of Bullock;

Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;

Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;

Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson;  Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;

Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;

Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;

Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;

Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;

Luannie Arreola of Stem;

Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.

Cosmetology: 

Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;

Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;

Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;

Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;

Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;

Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;

Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.

Early Childhood Education: 

Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;

Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;

Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.

Histotechnology: 

Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;

Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;

Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.

Human Services Technology: 

Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Gerontology: 

Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: 

Netitia C. Jones of Durham;

Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;

Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.

Information Technology: 

Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;

Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;

Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;

Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;

Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;

Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.

Medical Assisting: 

Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;

Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;

Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Erin E. Womble of Butner;

Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;

Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.

Medical Office Administration: 

Candice Brooks of Cary;

Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;

Madison N. Yorks of Durham;

Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.

Paralegal Technology: 

Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;

Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;

Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.

Public Safety Administration: 

Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.

Radiography: 

Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;

Camden J. Spain of Henderson;

Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;

Anna Nie of Raleigh;

Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;

Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;

Jenna M. Curry of Stem.

Technical Special Student: 

Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.

Welding Technology: 

William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;

Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;

Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.

TownTalk: Around Old Granville: History Of Brookston, Greystone And Chalk Level

If you’ve ever wondered about those two small rock buildings that you see when you’re driving out Warrenton Road on the way to Brookston, North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace may have some information that will help.

In the late 1800’s when John Wesley Pegram was going gangbusters as a stone mason, the area where those two one-room structures currently sit were situated on the main North-South route – predating even U.S. Hwy 1.

And Pegram constructed those two buildings as advertising for his considerable abilities, Pace said on Thursday’s TownTalk segment of Around Old Granville.

Anyone who wants to see the “crowning achievement” need look no further than the Methodist Church in downtown Henderson.

Pegram lived in the Brookston community and plied his trade in the late 1800’s. In fact, Pace said, he had his own private quarry nearby. But his quarry wasn’t the only one in the area of Brookston, Chalk Level and Greystone.

There’s been a quarry in operation at Greystone for close to 200 years, and although it’s changed ownership over the years, Greystone may be one of the oldest businesses in the area.

It makes sense that the Greystone quarry has been around since the 1830’s, Pace noted, because that’s about the same time that the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad was being constructed. And just think of all the gravel that goes into making up a rail bed.

There’s a string of quarries along the “Ridge Way,” the flat area that wends its way along the general route of U.S. 1 where railroad planners laid tracks. There’s a quarry in Wake Forest, another in Kittrell, then there’s Greystone and also one at Wise, Pace noted.

Folks in the Greystone, Brookston and Chalk Level communities had high hopes that their sleepy little area would prosper once the railroad came through.

And it almost happened.

Until a wealthy landowner named Lewis Reavis, who owned property near where the old courthouse and former library sit downtown, lured the railroad to Henderson in the mid-1830’s by offering rights-of-way and property on which to build a depot.

It made all the difference. Henderson became incorporated just a few years later, in 1841, and Chalk Level died off.

But the Chalk Level area of what is now Vance County has one of the highest elevations in the area – some 500 feet above sea level – and that’s why a fire tower is located there, as well as a signal tower for the former WHNC radio station.

Just down the road from Chalk Level is Brookston Baptist Church, which Pace said is the oldest African American church around. Founded by the Hayes, Hawkins and Bing families, it could have been established as early as 1858, he said. “But I know it was there by the 1870’s.”

Also nearby is Carver Elementary School, was built in 1954 – the same year as the U.S. Supreme Court ended racial segregation with its ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.

The main speaker at the dedication of the school was Shiloh Church’s pastor, the Rev. John R. Dungee, who is an ancestor of Tony Dungee, the former pro football coach-turned analyst.

First Lady Barbara Bush visited Carver in 1990, when the school hosted a program that offered teen mothers a chance to earn their high school equivalency diplomas while their children attended school.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives In The Four-County Area

 

The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start of summer, when people’s thoughts turn to vacations and relaxing a bit from normal routines. But the American Red Cross is asking for blood donors to keep appointments on their calendars, especially during the summer months and especially near holidays.

Type O blood donors are especially needed.

Blood donations are critical for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to schedule a time to give.

As a small thank you, the Red Cross is giving Red Cross beach towels to all donors (while supplies last) through May 31. May donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB All-Star game in Seattle. The prize includes two tickets to the game, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel stay, $750 gift card and more.

Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.

 

Here’s a list of upcoming blood drives in the four-county area between now and June 15:

Vance

Henderson

5/30/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Rd.

6/8/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville

Creedmoor

5/26/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.

Warren

Macon

6/1/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Macon Baptist Church, 159 Church St.

 

Franklin

Louisburg

6/3/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd.

 

How to donate blood 

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.