TownTalk: The Red Cross And International Humanitarian Law

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Whether it’s conducting a blood drive to ward off a summer shortage at local hospitals or providing aid to civilians caught up in the turmoil of armed conflict, one of the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross is to reduce human suffering.

And Thomas Harper, senior legal advisor for the American Red Cross in international humanitarian law, told guest co-host Phyllis Maynard that the Red Cross/Red Crescent doesn’t take sides; rather, it works to protect civilians and civilian property by upholding international humanitarian law, which Harper described as “the law of armed conflict, the rules that govern warfare.”

It may sound strange that warring factions are supposed to comply with certain international rules, but thanks to an array of agreed-upon rules among nations throughout the world such as the Geneva Conventions that were established after World War II, Harper said it’s a role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to help ensure those rules are followed.

Harper was the guest on the regular monthly “Former Active Duty, Still Boots on the Ground” segment of TownTalk Tuesday.

Harper, a North Carolina native, needed his parents to sign for him to enlist in the Army at age 17. He was in the Army ROTC at NC State, where he earned his commission as a lieutenant. The Army gave him some time to complete law school at Campbell University and he was a JAG (Army attorney) for about seven years before transitioning to the Army Reserve in 2018. During his active duty, he served in Afghanistan as a prosecutor, special victim counsel and an operational law attorney during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Harper currently holds the rank of major and is a deputy regional defense counsel. “I still wear the uniform, just part-time, nowadays,”he said.

Harper advises the Red Cross on international humanitarian law, a specific subset of policies enacted during wartime.

The evolution of International humanitarian law is the result of “repeated carnage and destruction and just lack of humanity that’s in warfare and saying ‘enough is enough,’” Harper said. Through global treaties like the Geneva Conventions, nations across the globe strive for ways to rein in the destruction that war inevitably creates, while protecting innocent civilians and civilian property.

As international humanitarian law has evolved over time, it has put in place protections and a series of rules that serve to protect the innocent in warfare.

Since February, the world has been focused on the events in Ukraine. Reports of shelling shopping areas, apartments and other civilian areas surface regularly, and it’s instances such as these that come to the attention of the International Red Cross.

The Youth Action Campaign is a Red Cross program that introduces students in the 13-23 age range to the basic tenets of international humanitarian law.

The youth advocates as they are called, form teams in their schools and then are given the task of creating and designing public awareness campaigns to educate others about the ins and outs of IHL.

Just in the past year alone, the youth action campaign has reached more than 40,000 individuals, Harper said. “That’s 40,000 individuals who (now) know more about IHL  and how those protections work today,” he said. “It wasn’t the work of some lawyer in DC or some official at a school somewhere – that was the work of students in a classroom and going out and making an impact in their communities.”

Youth who participate in programs like the Youth Action Campaign are helping to support IHL in everyday, real time.

Harper said it’s grass-roots programs like the YAC, as well as stories, interviews and even radio shows that help the country comply with the Geneva Convention of 1949 – whether it’s a group of teens developing a social media campaign to share in the community or participating in a discussion about current IHL issues.

“These rules have to be respected by all sides,” he reiterated. “Every single person’s voice matters.”

“We don’t take sides, we don’t get into the mix of who’s right or wrong because the goal at the end of the day is to reduce suffering. We’re impartial, we’re neutral, because we have to be.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb Program Coming To Perry Library

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The public is invited to attend a special program, To the Moon and Beyond: James E. Webb, on Monday, July 18 at Perry Memorial Library to learn more about the life of James E. Webb, a Granville County native whose role in the early days of NASA propelled the country’s race to the moon and for whom the giant telescope in the news recently is named.

Local historian and Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will lead the discussion of Webb, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. The hourlong program will be held in Perry Library’s Farm Bureau Room.

Webb ran NASA from 1961-1968 and did more for science that perhaps any other government official, according to an information flyer promoting the event.

Come learn about the life and legacy of this local figure.

Sponsored by the two libraries and NASA@My Library, a program based upon work funded by NASA, but opinions, conclusions or recommendations don’t necessarily reflect the views of NASA.

Houlihan Resigns From Granville Board Of Education

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Granville County Board of Education member Dr. G. Tom Houlihan last week submitted his resignation, effective July 31.

Houlihan represents District 2 and has been on the board since 2014.

In his letter, Houlihan expressed his gratitude to the community during his time as on the school board. “Best wishes to all and thanks to the voters for electing me to represent District 2 for 7+ years,” Houlihan stated, according to a press statement from Dr. Stan Winborne, GCPS public information officer. Houlihan cited the difficulty of school reorganization and closures as reasons for his resignation.

Houlihan has a long, distinguished career in public education, having served as a teacher, principal and as superintendent for both Granville and Johnston counties.

He also served as the senior education advisor for Gov. James B. Hunt in the 1990’s, and led the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, DC during the 2000’s.  During his retirement, he continued to serve children both as a mentor and volunteer in the Oxford area schools. Houlihan is also an author and has served his community through various charitable and service organizations, Winborne noted.

After the resignation goes into effect, the Board will begin the process of appointing an interim board member to fill the vacant position for District 2, Winborne explained. “The details and timelines of this process will be shared with the public and qualified candidates will be encouraged to apply and be interviewed,” he said, and the finalist will be appointed to serve out the remainder of Houlihan’s term, which ends in December 2024.

Corn, Soybean Field Day Set For Aug. 9 At Oxford Tobacco Research Station

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A corn and soybean field day will be held next month at the Oxford Tobacco Research Station.

The daylong workshop is set to begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9 and will feature Ryan Heiniger and Drs. Ron Heiniger and Rachel Vann, according to information from the Warren County Cooperative Extension office.

A breakfast and trade show are just part of the day’s program, sponsored by partners including AgVenture, Granville Farm Bureau, Southern States, the Corn Growers Association of NC, NC Soybean Producers Association and FarmPLUS insurance services.

At least one hour N, O, D and X pesticide recertification credit is available for producers that need it.

Register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/corn-and-soybean-field-day-tickets-377404516067 or call 336.599.1195.

 

Find A Blood Drive And Donate In July To Help Avoid Summer Shortage

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There are several blood drives scheduled for the area, and the American Red Cross could use your help. June’s donations were down by 12 percent, and donations are desperately needed to prevent a blood shortage this summer, according to information from Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina.

Following is a list of upcoming blood drives in the four-county area:

Vance

Thursday, July 21

  • 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.,Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd., Henderson
  • 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Rd., Henderson

Granville

Friday, July 22

  • 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave., Creedmoor

Warren

Friday, July 22

  • 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Norlina Fire Department, 102 Center St., Norlina

Franklin

Saturday, July 23

  • 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Maple Springs Baptist Church, 1938 NC Hwy 56 E, Louisburg

 

There are several ways to register to give blood, Edwards said in a press release. Donors can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit http://RedCrossBlood.org  or call 1.800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767).

Save time at the appointment by completing the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online. Before you arrive. Visit

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html

or use the blood donor app to complete the pre-donation checklist.

Individuals who donate blood during the month of July are entered into a chance to win a Shark Week merchandise package, thanks to a partnership with Discovery. The package includes a beach bike, smokeless portable fire pit, paddle board, kayak and a $500 gift card to put toward additional accessories.

All donors who come in between July 21-24 get a Shark Week t-shirt while supplies last, she said.

New Horseshoe Road Nature Preserve Offers 2.4 Miles Of Hiking Trails

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Another 2.4 miles of hiking trails has opened up in Granville County, thanks to the Tar River Land Conservancy and a lot of hard work by volunteers and other partners.

The Horseshoe Road  Nature Preserve officially opened on Friday, June 17, with a ribbon cutting that included local officials, funding partners, volunteer and neighbors of the tract, located at 3018 Horseshoe Road in Creedmoor.

“This trail project is the culmination of a lot of planning, hard work, and investment by our staff,  volunteers, and partners,” said Derek Halberg, TRLC Executive Director. “We are excited to  open the Horseshoe Road Nature Preserve for the community to explore and enjoy.”

Most of the nature preserve trails were cleared and constructed with hand tools by crews with the Conservation Corps North Carolina, a nonprofit group that partners with land trusts and governmental agencies to expand public trail access across the state.

Work began September 2021, with 80 volunteers contributed 400 hours of service to build trails, construct footbridges and install benches and signs at the preserve. TRLC received generous funding for the trail project from Granville County, the City of Creedmoor, the towns of Butner and Stem, the Jandy Ammons Foundation and the Universal Leaf Foundation, according to a press statement.

Trail brochures are available for visitors at message boards located at the trailhead parking  area. The trail network includes two loops. Red directional signs mark the 1.1-mile Pine Trail while blue signs mark the 1.3-mile Beaver Trail. Both trails wind through scenic pine and hardwood forest and across numerous streams. The highlight is a large wetland along the Beaver Trail where more than 100 bird species have been documented since last fall.

The 241-acre Horseshoe Road Nature Preserve was acquired by TRLC to protect wildlife habitat and drinking water. TRLC purchased 158 acres in 2018 with funding  from Granville County, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Program, and the Wake County Open Space Program. In 2021, Mark and Tara Rein of Raleigh donated 83 acres to TRLC to be added to the nature preserve.

In addition to the Horseshoe Road Nature Preserve, TRLC maintains hiking trails at the Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area and the Roberts Chapel Conservation Area near Butner and Stem. The three preserves offer a total of seven miles of hiking trails that are accessible to visitors year-round during daylight hours.

Granville Adds To Economic Development Team

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Economic Development Office has a new economic development specialist, whose primary focus will be to recruit new industries to the county, with a particular focus on promoting the Triangle North Granville business park just outside Oxford.

Audrey Boone brings nearly a decade of experience in economic development, sales and marketing to her role with Granville County, according to a press statement from Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. Boone most recently was the executive director of the Gainesville, Texas  Economic Development Corporation near the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. During her time in  Gainesville, Boone was responsible for recruitment of industries with a focus on promoting Gainesville’s “shovel ready” sites.

“Granville County is an excellent area primed for growth and I am excited to continue my professional journey here,” Boone said in a written statement. “There are incredible assets across the county and I’m eager to start sharing Granville’s story with industries domestically and internationally that could one day ‘Grow with Granville,’” a reference to the catchphrase used in the county’s promotional materials.

In Texas, Boone also worked with state and local government partners to develop attractive incentive/grant packages to prospective businesses and led efforts to develop Gainesville’s largest industrial property into a  rail-served industrial park with Strategic Rail Industrial Services, which represented a $274 million economic impact to the City of Gainesville.

Before leading the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, Boone served as the Manager of Marketing and Engagement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, which serves the Bryan/College Station region, home to Texas A&M University. She also led marketing and business development efforts for the Abilene Industrial Foundation in Abilene, Texas. Boone has extensive leadership experience with professional organizations serving as a board member of the Texas Economic Development Council and as a member of its Executive Committee, serving as Treasurer of the Workforce Solutions Texoma Board, and holds memberships in good standing with the Southern Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. Boone is a graduate of Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management, Finance and Marketing.

Boone is currently pursuing her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Boone is an avid community volunteer, dedicating her free time to the Big Brother Big Sister program, Kiwanis, United Way and other nonprofit organizations.

The Economic Development Office is located at 310 Williamsboro St. in Oxford and the staff can be reached by calling 919.693.5911.

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service Taking Orders Now For Annual Tree Seedling Sale

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–information courtesy of the N.C. Forest Service

The N.C. Forest Service is now accepting orders in its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 15 million seedlings, the Nursery and Tree Improvement Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant around 30,000 acres of land each year.

“Healthy trees and forests are as important as ever for North Carolina and a benefit to our environment,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “To have a Nursery and Tree Improvement Program producing quality understory plants and nearly 50 native tree species available to landowners across the state is North Carolina’s good fortune, and I encourage landowners to take advantage of it.”

Conifers and hardwoods are sold in units as low as 10 and as high as 100. For those wishing to submit larger orders, the nursery sells tree seedlings by the hundreds and thousands.

Species available this year include Momi fir, Eastern red cedar and Virginia pine. Genetically improved stock is available in loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and white pines as well as other species. These seedlings offer better volume growth, form, disease resistance, straightness and other desirable characteristics needed to produce quality forest products.

See the N.C. Forest Service catalog for a complete species listing.

Seedlings may be ordered in a variety of ways:

  • Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at buynctrees.com.
  • Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1.888.628.7337).
  • Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form found in our current catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
  • A user-friendly catalog is available at the “Tree Seedlings & Nursery Program” link located at ncforestservice.gov. Catalogs will also be available at local NCFS offices beginning in July. Inside the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and cost to order. Each description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore habitats or as marketable timber.
  • Accepted methods of payment are check, money order, Mastercard and Visa.

Distribution of tree seedlings will occur December through mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.

For information on planting trees, people are encouraged to contact an NCFS county ranger. Contact information for your local NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

SBA Rep Speaker At July 12 Granville Chamber “Lunch and Learn”

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The Granville Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “Lunch and Learn” seminar on Tuesday, July 12 to share resources available to small businesses.

Patrick Rodriguez will be the guest speaker for the hourlongevent, scheduled for noon at the Granville County Expo Center, according to information from Chamber Director Lauren B. Roberson.

Rodriguez is senior area manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the federal government that supports and protects the interests of small businesees and entrepreneurs. Among other things, it connects business owners with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

There is no fee to attend but registration is required.
Register on the Chamber’s website:
https://members.granville-chamber.com/events/details/lunch-learn-with-u-s-small-business-administration-4673

Dethmers New Veterans Services Officer For Granville

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The Granville County Veterans Services Office will be led by new Veterans Services Officer (VSO), Christopher Dethmers.

In this role, Dethmers will focus on providing a wide range of services, programs and support to veterans and their families including connecting local veterans to services provided by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“I’m honored that Granville County has entrusted me to serve as Veterans Services Officer,” Dethmers said in a press statement. “My career has been dedicated to serving my country in the US Marine Corps and the NC Army National Guard. I cannot think of a better way to continue my career by working with and for my fellow veterans by providing support and resources to Granville County Veterans and their families. I’m excited to get started, and I look forward to connecting our veterans to services and expanding programs that will enhance the great support  they already receive from Granville County.”

Dethmers is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the N.C. Army National Guard. The Vance County native enlisted shortly after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and served six years while stationed at Camp Lejeune as a member of the 2nd Marine Division (2nd MARDIV) and was  deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2004-2005.

In 2008 he joined the NC Army National Guard Active Guard Reserve. During his time in the National Guard, Dethmers served as Platoon SGT, 1st SG, Readiness NCO and as a recruiter. Dethmers was again deployed to Iraq in 2019-2020 with the 30th Brigade Combat Team and retired  from the National Guard in 2022. He is also the co-founder of the Granville-Vance Warriors Anonymous PTSD group for veterans and law enforcement.

He graduated from Vance-Granville Community College and currently lives in Vance County with his wife of 21 years, Lindsy Dethmers. He and Lindsy have three children (Becca, Izzy, and Austin)  and are the proud grandparents of Brynly Skye Boone. He attends Clearview Baptist Church in Henderson and Delrayno Baptist Church in Oxford.

The Veterans Services office is scheduled to reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 5 and is located at 141 Williamsboro St. in Oxford. The public may contact Veterans Services staff by calling 919.693.1484 or online at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/.