Boys and Girls Club fundraiser brings a taste of New Orleans to Granville County

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OXFORD – Mardi Gras festivities begin a few days early in Granville County this year when a local venue transforms into a New Orleans-style party spot.

The inaugural Mardi Gras Bash, set for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, is a fundraiser to benefit the Granville Unit of the Boys and Girls Club. Event organizers, most of them members of the local club’s advisory committee, say they expect this to become an annual “signature” event for the community.

“We are excited for the community and for the club,” said Irene Nichols, a member of the planning committee. “When you step through those doors, you’re going to feel like you are right down on Bourbon Street,” she said.

The fundraiser will be held at Thorndale Oaks in Oxford. “Thorndale Oaks is such a beautiful spot,” said Jackie Sergent, another committee member. “We are delighted to be able to have our event there,” Sergent said. Thorndale’s chef has created a New Orleans-inspired menu for the occasion. The event is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with special recognitions and other activities during the evening. Music will be provided by DJ Jay.

Boys and Girls Club members are creating and decorating Mardi Gras masks for the occasion, which will be available for purchase at the event. Local artist Linda Edwards will lead a workshop at the club to help the children create the masks in colorful Mardi Gras fashion.

The local club is in its fourth year of operation in Oxford. It is part of the North Central North Carolina region, which operates clubs in Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties. Each local club has an advisory committee which is responsible for local fundraising annually. The club began at Mary Potter Middle School, but soon needed extra space. Elementary school-aged club members spent part of the afternoons at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Then the BGCNCNC accepted building space, formerly used by  Santa Fe Natural Tobacco. The club officially moved to its new spot in summer 2016.

“This is what true community collaboration is all about,” said Laura Gabel, a local advisory committee member. “We got help from the schools and from a local church when we needed it most,” she said. Advisory committee Chairman Xavier Wortham agrees. “This community identified a need for a Boys and Girls Club,” he said, “and now we need to make sure that this community continues to support everything that the club provides.”

Tickets are $50 a person and are available in downtown Oxford at Stovall’s Gifts, Java Dave’s Cafe, Harvest restaurant and The Purple Bird. Tickets also are available from BGC  advisory committee members and online at bgcncnc.com.

For more information, contact Resource Development Director Mary Ann Avery at the BGC corporate office, 919.690.0036.

 

Mary Ann Avery

Resource Development Director

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Sixth Annual Great Landscape Day Planned at the MHCO

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6th Annual Great Landscape Day at MHCO – March 18, 2017

It’s that time of year again, March 18, 2017 will mark our 6th Annual Great Landscape Day at the Masonic Home! Thank you for your participation in the past as part of this successful Masonic Home for Children’s event.  This day of service and charity has grown from one single Girl Scout Troop to over 120 individuals representing families, businesses, churches, Lodges, and civic organizations.  The beauty that you and others have given to this Home continues today.  Our thanks again for your help in the past and for your consideration of this year’s event.  We hope you can join us and will invite others to share in this day of help and fellowship!  Come and join us for a good meal (two in fact) and the chance to bring beauty, comfort, and security to the home of a child.

When:           Saturday, March 18, 2017 – (NO RAIN DATE THIS YEAR – CALL FOR UPDATES!)

Where:          Campus of Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC

Schedule:      7:30am – 9am – Continental Breakfast for participants

8:30am – 12:00pm – Landscaping Event on Campus

12:00pm – Lunch and Conclusion of Event

Groups can start after 8:30am and/or leave before 12 noon if needed.  Please bring shovels, gloves, wheelbarrow, rakes, and other landscaping implements for your personal use.  A needs list of items that can be given as part of the event is available at www.mhc-oxford.org.  You must RSVP and sign-up on or before March 10, 2017 to participate and must include the number attending.  This is very important to make the most of this day. To RSVP or for more information contact MHCO at 919-603-3930 or jgrimes@mhc-oxford.org.

Thanks,

Jennifer Grimes

Financial Development Assistant & Database Manager

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Inc.

600 College Street

Oxford, NC 27565

Granville County Animal Management Survey

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Granville County Animal Management and Granville County Senior Services are collecting information about pet ownership in Granville County. We will use this data to better understand pet owners in Granville County and where services are needed.

This survey is anonymous.

Please only take it once.

 

Single Owner Request: If you co-own a pet, please only complete one survey per household.

The link to complete the survey online: https://tinyurl.com/hqzrkpz.

 

 

 

Charla Duncan

Grants Coordinator

141 Williamsboro St.

P.O. Box 1286

Oxford, NC  27565

Multiple B&E Cases Reported in Granville County

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TO:                         News Media

FROM:                  Granville County Crime Stoppers  

DATE:                   January 25th, 2017

SUBJECT:           BREAKING and ENTERING/BURGLARY/LARCENY

Sometime between Wednesday, December 28th, 2016 early evening hours and Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 early morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Highway 15 North, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a storage building, which caused criminal property damage and removed one Stihl BR700 blower, four Stihl BR600 blower, one Stihl FC95 edger, one Stihl HS81 30” hedge trimmer, seven Stihl FS90 trimmers, and one Stihl MM55 Tiller.

On Thursday, January 1st, 2017 during late evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property and criminally entered the garage of a residence located off Tabbs Creek Road, Oxford, NC and removed one Remington 700 30-06 rifle with a leupold vari X2 scope, one black Gamo .177 caliber air pellet rifle, one Bow-Tech Compound bow with quiver arrows and sight, and one wood grain handled Bear Compound bow with sights, quiver and arrows.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon State maintained property of Northside and Cash Roads in Creedmoor, NC and set fire to a four door “2015” Honda Civic-EX, which is registered out of the county of Durham, NC.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of Hasty Mart Convenience store located at 1633 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC and criminally forced entry by throwing a brick through the window of the property and removed several cartons of Kool King, Kool 100’s, Newport Blue King, New Port Men Gold King, Newport Men Gold, Newport NM King, Newport NM Gold 100’s, and Newport Smooth select King and Newport Smooth select 100’s- cigarettes, several packages of Game, Swisher, and Optimo cigarette wrapping papers, along with several White Owl Cigars of various flavors and 12 cans of Bud Light beer.

 

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

 

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

NCSWIA awards Oxford $10 Million in Water and Sewer Infrastructure Funds

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For Immediate Release

In February of 2016 City Engineer Amy Ratliff recommended that the City apply for NC Connect, North Carolina State funds. Faced with aging water and sewer infrastructure that in places dates back to 1907, the Commissioners approved the recommendation and ordered a plan to proceed.

 

In September of 2016, The Board of Commissioners approved a water and sewer rate increase to meet minimum rates required by the State of North Carolina to apply for the water and sewer grants and loans to allow Oxford to be in a better position to maintain both existing and new infrastructure well into the future.

 

City Engineer Ratliff led the team that developed a $96 million Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that was adopted by the Board in regular session on September 13th, 2016. Project planning on the improvements is already underway and construction is slated to start on the water and sewer infrastructure as early as this summer.

 

On January 18th 2017, the North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority, voted unanimously to grant the City of Oxford over $6 Million in state grants and nearly $4 Million in 0% interest loans to replace over nine miles of water and sewer infrastructure within the Oxford city limits.

 

Securing this funding is the first step in fortifying the water and sewer infrastructure in Oxford. Residents will notice work on these infrastructure improvements in the coming months. The completed system will pave the way for continued residential and commercial growth in our community.

 

Much of the water and sewer infrastructure upgrades need to be completed in time for the City to piggy-back on the North Carolina Department of Transportation resurfacing project scheduled to begin in the spring of 2018. By working with DOT, The City of Oxford will be able to resurface about four times as many road-miles as they have in the past.

American Legion Post 99 News Release

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The American Legion Post 99 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 99 meets every 2nd Monday of the Month at Post 99 located at 1034 Mallard Lane Halifax, Va.

Auxiliary starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Legion begins at 7:00 p.m.

We welcome eligible men and women desiring to assist veterans and/or their families.

Call 434-575-5401 or 434-476-1268 for more information.

(This information came to WIZS via mail)

The Hoppers Return to Henderson

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HENDERSON, N.C. (January 18, 2017)—Following the release of their new album “Life is Good” and back by popular demand, the legendary Gospel music group The Hoppers will grace the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center in Henderson, N.C., for their second concert there on Saturday, January 28th at 7p.m.

Known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music,” the multi-award winning group from Madison, N.C., have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have landed them on top of the Billboard and Singing News charts and featured on Gospel music showcases such as The Gaither Homecoming videos and tours.

The Hoppers are comprised of family members Claude and Connie, sons Mike and Dean and his wife, Kim, and their daughter Karlye. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with numerous awards, including being inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes.

The Hoppers will be joined by two local opening acts: Unashamed and Lynn Cooper. Unashamed, a Southern Gospel Quartet from Henderson, N.C., are comprised of Bill Wheeler (bass), Chris Jarrell (baritone), Scott Brantley (lead) and Cliff Reavis (tenor). From a Country/Bluegrass sound to more progressive Southern Gospel, the quartet offers something pleasing for everyone.

Lynn Cooper is a rising Gospel/Christian recording artist from Durham County, N.C., who now resides in Granville County, N.C., with her family. This past December (2016), Lynn released her first Christian album titled “A Person From The Pew,” which was recorded and produced by three-time Grammy Award recipient Tre Corley of Oak Tree Studios in Hendersonville, Tenn. Along with her music ministry, Lynn and her husband, Joe Don, produce “House of Fate Ministries,” a faith-based performance held at Tungsten Baptist Church in Henderson, N.C.

For more information on the concert, visit www.McGregorHall.org, (252) 598-0662 or visit the box office at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson.

 

For More Information About McGregor Hall, Contact:

Tommy Deadwyler, Executive Director

McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center

201 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC  27536

(252) 598-0662

tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org

Red Cross critically needs donors after winter weather adds to severe blood shortage

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RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Following several rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross urges eligible blood and platelet donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.

Since Dec. 1, about 300 blood drives across 27 states have been forced to cancel due to inclement winter weather, resulting in more than 10,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions.

Blood donor Jim Taylor knows how it feels to have a loved one waiting for a transfusion. His son Aaron was born with a rare liver condition. In the short two months of his life, he received 115 blood products. Taylor said each transfusion gave his family more time with Aaron, so he encourages others to give.

“When the Red Cross says there is a shortage, they are not exaggerating,” said Taylor. “I now know from experience that what they are saying is somewhere there is a father waiting on the donation that will save his son’s life. When the Red Cross asks for help, what that means is a new dad is praying for a miracle.”

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Franklin

Franklinton

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Franklinton Baptist Church, 102 West Mason St.

Granville

Creedmoor

1/27/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

2/10/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville County Shrine Club, 706 Roxboro Road

Stem

2/7/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville Central High School, 2043 Sanders Rd

Person

Roxboro

1/26/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 605 Burlington Rd

1/29/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Theresa Baptist, 3919 Chublake Rd

2/10/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Roxboro Police Department, 109 Lamar St.

Vance

Henderson

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. James Catholic Church, 3275 US 158 Bypass

2/14/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Vance Granville Community College, 200 Community College Road

Warren

Norlina

1/25/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 438 Ridgeway Drewry Road

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

(Press Release)

Granville Crime Stoppers Looking for Help with Incidents in Oxford

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TO: News Media

FROM: Granville County Crime Stoppers

DATE: January 17th, 2017

SUBJECT: Breaking and Entering/Burglary/Larceny/Vandalism

On Friday, December 30th, 2016 between the hours of 1:30pm and 3:40pm an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Breezing Lane, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a residence, which caused criminal property damage.

On Friday, December 30th, 2016 at approximately 3:00pm an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Clear Springs Road, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a residence, which caused criminal property damage and unlawfully removed one 18” Poulan chainsaw, one Poulan gas powered hedge trimmer, one Stanley 12-14 volt drill and impact driver set and one DeWalt tool bag with an 18 volt drill impact driver set.

On Saturday, January 14th, 2017 at approximately 2:00 pm an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Squire Lane, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a residence, which caused criminal damage to property and unlawfully removed one old model .22 caliber revolver handgun, one 12 gauge single barrel shotgun, one .32 caliber handgun, one bone collector cross bow, 600 rounds of .22 caliber bullets, 500 .32 caliber bullets, one air wrench in a case and one whole frozen ribeye loin.

Sometime between Saturday, January 14, 2017 during late evening hours and Sunday, January 15th, 2017 mid-morning hours an unknown person or persons went upon several private properties off Hight Road located in Oxford, NC and caused criminal property damage in plowing yards with a vehicle.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

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Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

At the regularly scheduled January Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr. informed Board members that he had made the decision to retire from employment with the State of North Carolina as Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools effective July 1, 2017.

Dr. Houlihan, Chairman of the Board of Education, offered his reaction to the news, “Speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, we were certainly saddened to hear about this announcement, but at the same time we congratulate him on the remarkable 37-year career he has had serving the students of Granville County Public Schools and we wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

Dr. Howard began his career in public education when he took his first job as an Agriculture Teacher at JF Webb High School in 1980.  Since then, he has served as a vice-principal, principal, Director of Secondary and Career and Technical Education, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and as Superintendent.  All but six months of his career in public education has been spent serving the students of Granville County.

Dr. Howard shared the news with staff members across the district, offering  some thoughts about this important announcement, “I am appreciative of the opportunities which Granville County Public Schools has given me since I began teaching.  As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with others throughout my career.  Each and every one of the employees has been, and I am sure will continue to be, instrumental in creating the type of school environment which fosters learning at the highest levels.”

Dr. Howard, a native of Granville County, and a graduate of JF Webb High School, attended NC A&T for his undergraduate degree, and NC State University for his master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Administration.  He will have completed his third year serving as Superintendent upon retirement.

Dr. Howard concluded his remarks to staff by saying, “I trust that during my remaining five months with you as Superintendent, we all will continue to work together, giving our best for the good of all students throughout the district.  I pray that the future of the students of Granville County Public Schools will be bright.”

(Granville County Schools Press Release and Picture)