Mark Pace

TownTalk: Mark Pace Named Granville Citizen Of The Year

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Mark Pace said he is scheduled for ten appearances in which he portrays the historical figure John Penn – a signer of the Declaration of Independence with ties to Granville County. No doubt Pace has done his fair share of research into Penn’s life, which was lived in relative obscurity after he signed that historic document. There were no awards given to those original signers – no acceptance speeches or thank you’s to be found.

Too bad, because Pace could have drawn upon Penn’s reactions when he himself was called to the dais to receive the John Penn Citizen of the Year award at Monday’s Granville County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Annette Myers presented Pace with the award, and in comments leading up to announcing his name, she talked about the many hats that individuals wear in the community. Just before the announced his name, Myers put on the hat that Pace wears as part of the Penn costume.

Lauren Roberson, executive director of the Granville Chamber, told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk that the John Penn winner is one of the highlights of the annual banquet.

Pace is well-known as a local historian and North Carolina Room specialist at the Richard Thornton library in Oxford. Roberson said he spreads his knowledge across the county – and beyond, and his genuine enthusiasm for history shines through

“He never turns down a request from the community” to provide assistance or research information, she said.

The annual banquet is usually held in January, but this year’s event was rescheduled because of COVID-19 safety protocols. Roberson said the evening went off without a hitch, which she said is a result of wonderful collaboration.

Outgoing president Cecilia Wheeler presided over the evening’s events. “She is such a trouper and an amazing woman,” Roberson said. Dan DeCarlo, general manager of Creedmoor Forest Products, is incoming president. “The board is excited for his leadership and vision,” she added.

UNC basketball legend Phil Ford was the evening’s keynote speaker.

“He gave an amazing keynote speech,” Roberson said. He talked about everything from his childhood to playing ball at Carolina and then in the NBA, with a focus on faith and where he is now, she said, which was both inspirational and motivational.

In a phone interview with WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, Ford said it was an honor to be at the banquet. There were “a lot of nice people, very welcoming. I was amazed at the camaraderie among the people there –  everybody seemed like one big family, everybody seemed to know each other…everybody seemed to be pulling for each other,” he said.

“It was an amazing evening and I was happy to be a small part of it.”

There was a good amount of Carolina blue among the attendees, too, and Ford graciously spoke to fans before and after the event, signing programs and taking pictures.

 

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VGCC’s 38th Annual Golf Tournament May 9-10; Register Now!

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Registration is underway for the 38th annual Vance-Granville Community College golf tournament. Golfers interested in signing up to play need to swing into action before the April 15 deadline.

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, May 9-10, at the Henderson Country Club.  Gupton Services, Inc. of Henderson will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor.

The tournament is a primary fundraiser for the VGCC Foundation, according to a press statement from VGCC’s Jerry Edmonds III, vice president of Workforce & Community Engagement.

All proceeds from the tournament are used to fund student scholarships and to support the mission of the college.

The golf tournament provides resources for VGCC’s efforts to remove barriers to education as it enhances and expands ways to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners, said Tanya Weary, executive director of the VGCC Foundation.

But the tournament also provides an opportunity for golfers and non-golfers alike to come together and demonstrate their support of VGCC and its impact on the broader community.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said she welcomes the opportunity to interact with all those who come out to play or watch. “We look forward to fellowshipping with our golf friends and thank you for your support of the VGCC mission,” Desmarais said.

The golf tournament will be held over two afternoons. Golfers who want to register in teams are asked to do so on the event’s website https://www.vgcc.edu/golf. Entry fee includes lunch, a golfer swag bag and a cookout at the end of each day.

There also are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to promote their brand and support a worthy cause. Donations may be made via the event website or by emailing  foundation@vgcc.edu.

Presenting sponsor Gupton Services is a local HVAC, roofing and building automation systems company that traces its origins back to 1921, when C.P. Tanner established a sheet metal-working plant in Henderson.  Tanner Roofing became Owen Gupton Roofing and in 2019, Henderson native Greg Etheridge became its owner and president.

“As a local small business, we are happy to take a leadership role in the community and to support Vance-Granville Community College,” Etheridge said.  “If you look at the research, the benefits of postsecondary education and skills training to both the individual and our community are enormous.  The VGCC Foundation helps make education affordable and accessible to this region, and we must encourage that, in order to promote economic mobility and job security for our citizens.”

VGCC continues to be a source of economic growth because it provides an educated and skilled workforce that improves the quality of life for individual students and the community.  Careers in HVAC, electronics engineering, mechatronics, welding and auto mechanics are just a few areas in high demand.

Whether just entering the job market or making a career change, VGCC helps students along their career paths as they develop the skills needed to fill jobs in high-demand areas.

Small Farms Week 2022

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Whether you look forward to that first vine-ripened tomato of the season or simply enjoy strolling the aisle at the farmers market to see what is seasonally available, chances are, that produce comes from a local farmer.

And as the bumper sticker says, “If you’ve eaten today, thank a farmer.”

North Carolina celebrates Small Farms Week Mar. 21-26 and local officials joined producers Wednesday in Warren County for a luncheon to celebrate the contributions that small farmers make to their communities.

“We’re blessed in North Carolina,” said Paul McKenzie, N.C. Cooperative Extension ag agent for Vance and Warren counties. McKenzie said North Carolina’s tremendous variety of agricultural products – from apples to blueberries – is topped only by California and Florida for the wide range of crops it can produce.

North Carolina also has a wonderful network of farmers markets that supply consumers with fresh, local produce. Roadside stands – think Ridgeway cantaloupes – also are a critical link in the food-supply chain, he said.

Johnny Coley, N.C. Cooperative Extension agent in Granville and Person counties agreed.

“They may not raise a lot of any one thing,” Coley told WIZS News Wednesday, but add together all their efforts, and it’s what makes the supply chain work.

Most producers sell directly off the farm or in a local farmers market like the Vance Regional Farmers Market. Coley said one local grower is venturing out into the larger grocery chains to market his products.

“It doesn’t take a huge grower to really make an impact,” he said.

Small Farms Week is in its 36th year to spotlight the contributions of small farmers. The weeklong celebration is being held virtually, and there are five satellite sites across the state – Warren County being one site – that will have “watch parties” to allow for large-scale participation. North Carolina A & T State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences sponsors Small Farms Week.

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TownTalk: GEF Hosts “Arts In Bloom Gala” April 28

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There’s a certain satisfaction artists have when they create something that others also admire and appreciate – “budding” artists (pun intended) in Granville County will have the chance to experience that feeling of satisfaction next month at the Granville Education Foundation’s Arts in Bloom Gala and Silent Auction.

GEF Executive Director Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter invites the community to come out to The Granville Museum, 1 Museum Lane in Oxford, beginning Thursday, April 28 to see local students’ artwork. Carpenter spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk about the event, which is the first of its kind offered by GEF.

She and Amy Rice, GCPS’s STEAM coordinator (STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) both said they are excited about the event, which will culminate on May 3 at 4 p.m. when the winners of the silent auction will claim their art.

Carpenter said GEF came up with the idea “to showcase (student) talent, promote the visual arts and to give back to the community.”

She said that all schools located in Granville County have been asked to submit at least three items to be included in the art exhibit and silent auction, which will include students in grades K-12.  It will be a distinct opportunity for students to be able to see others appreciate, enjoy – and bid on – their artwork, she said.

Rice, whose career in education began as a Science teacher at J.F. Webb High School, said that, for her, “the most exciting part is to showcase the talent of our students.”

Teachers bring the completed artwork to Rice at GCPS Central Services. “I love seeing the artwork as it comes in,” she said.

A teacher recently brought in some entries and commented to Rice that this event allows students to feel successful. Not all students make the A honor roll, Rice said, and the art gala is an important way for students to demonstrate talent in areas other than academics.

Arts in Bloom kicks off with a light reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 28. The event continues on Sunday, May 1 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3.

Musical entertainment will be provided on Apr. 28 by students of Granville Central High School musical director Joshua Carter, himself a recipient of three GEF mini-grants in 2021-22 totaling more than $7,000.

The GEF awards grants to Granville County educators who submit applications for projects to enrich and enhance their students’ educational experience. GEF also funds cultural arts programs that bring in the arts to schools in the county.  Carpenter said the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on the cultural arts arm of GEF programming, but she is happy to report that it will resume this spring.

The art submissions are not limited to paintings or drawings, Carpenter said, adding that students may choose to create in any medium – “we wanted to allow the kids to be creative,” she said, adding that entries could be as varied as crochet, quilting or beadwork.

Proceeds provide resources and enrichment programs for students in all Granville County schools.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for Arts in Bloom, too – $500 Rose event sponsor, $250 Daisy supporting sponsor and $100 Tulip featured sponsor. The deadline to submit sponsorships to GEF is April 7. Details about sponsorship and more can be found at www.GranvilleEdFoundation.org.

Email Carpenter at GranvilleEdFoundation@outlook.com or phone 919.693.7047.

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The Local Skinny! BBQ Fundraiser Will Benefit Masonic Home In Oxford

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The John H. Mills Masonic Lodge 624 in Epsom is having a barbecue fundraiser coming up on April 2, and Jeremy Hetrick, local lodge secretary, said tickets are on sale now from any lodge member.

Hetrick spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about the upcoming event on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny! One-pound containers of pork barbecue will be ready for pickup at the lodge on Saturday, April 2 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. The lodge is located on NC Hwy 39 in Epsom, just across from the fire department.

Proceeds will benefit lodge activities and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford.

Hetrick is retired from the U.S. Army and currently is commander of the Department of American Legion Division 1. He works full-time at Henderson Collegiate Charter School and also is a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge.

The Henderson and Epsom lodges are in the same 13th district of the Division 1, which includes a total of 49 lodges from Person County all the way to the Outer Banks and toward the Wilson area, he said.

The Epsom lodge was founded in 1935 by local farmers who decided to name it after a local minister and Mason, who was instrumental in the founding of the orphanage in Oxford.

Hetrick explained that it was Mills who recognized the need for a home for the numerous orphans at the end of the Civil War.

The group is being a little conservative this year with how many pounds of barbecue they’re producing, largely due to the fact that the fundraiser hasn’t been held in a couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re only going to do 500 this year,” Hetrick said, about half the amount as in previous pre-COVID-19 years.

He encourages anyone interested in purchasing a ticket to do so now – there won’t be many left as the April 2 event day nears. Lodge members will oversee the cooking, which will begin by mid-afternoon on Friday. The pork butts will cook all night and then will be chopped and put in containers Saturday morning in time for pickup.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Hetrick at 252.204.4742.

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Cases Continue Downward Trend In Vance, Granville

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New cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in Vance and Granville counties over the past week, and Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison said that while this is good news for the community, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening outside the community – even on other continents – to remain vigilant about safety precautions.

Vance County reported 10 new cases in the 7-day period ending Mar. 18; Granville reported 16 new cases in that same time frame. Both counties are in the low category for percent positivity – 2.7 percent for Vance and 1.7 percent for Granville, according to information from GVPH.

Both counties are now below the state’s percent positive rate of 2.3 percent.

There have been 14,173 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,809 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 25,982 across the health district.

Granville County has documented 111 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 112 deaths for a total of 223 deaths across the health district.

“It is true that we are in a much better and much different place than we have been during the pandemic,” Harrison said. “It is also true the pandemic is not over. Never underestimate the power of data, of your public health teams, health care provider teams, education support teams, and in general, where many of us turn often: Faith, Hope, and Love. Whatever the future brings, we have the courage and the tools to navigate it,” she said.

Beginning Wednesday, Mar. 23, the DHHS dashboard summary will reflect how the state’s health offiicials are continuing to keep a close watch on COVID-19 trends in the state. The following seven metrics will be used, with less emphasis of the percentage of positive tests:

 

  • Wastewater surveillance, which can detect COVID
  • Emergency department reports of people coming in with COVID-like illnesses
  • Hospital admission numbers
  • Case trends
  • Booster shot rates
  • Prevalence of variants
  • Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on community spread in the states.

This change is being made because so many people are testing themselves at home and not necessarily reporting results to DHHS, Harrison said.

She added information on a recent increase in cases and hospitalizations in the United Kingdom and  other European countries. There are several possible reasons for this increase, Harrison noted: the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron variants, more people gathering more often without masks and waning immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

State public health and political leaders held a press conference on Thursday, Mar. 17 and the main points of the press conference were:

  • We can look forward with the belief that the worst of this pandemic is behind us and it’s also important to take stock at how far we have come.
  • There are COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, testing supplies, and improved infrastructure to help people make choices as they live amid the virus.
  • Now we turn the page on the pandemic to a new phase – “one of individual responsibility, preparedness, and prosperity.”

“While COVID is now a threat we can manage, it has not disappeared,” NC DHSS Secretary Kody Kinsley said. “We will remain vigilant and we will work to equip you with the information and tools you need to make choices that are best for you and your family.”

Four principles will guide the DHHS response, Kinsley said, to “ensure a fast and fair response that improves the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”

The guiding principles are:

  • Empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families
  • Maintaining health system capacity
  • Collaborating with local partners
  • Prioritizing equity in access to vaccines, treatments and other tools, as well as crucial information

Stay up-to-date by visiting https://gvph.org/

Granville Summer Leadership Program for Rising High School Seniors Application Period Open Until April 8

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Granville County’s Summer Civic Leadership Program is back on for rising high school seniors who live in Granville County.

The program, put on pause for the last couple of summers because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is accepting applications, which can be found on the county’s website https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/administration/summer-civic-leadership-program/

or by contacting Debra Weary, clerk to the board, at 919.603.1307.

Eligible students must apply before April 8, according to information from Terry Hobgood, county public information officer. Interviews will be conducted in April and selected candidates will be notified in May.

The leadership program gives high school students the opportunity to gain work experience in local government with hands-on job training across all aspects of county operations and aligns with Granville County’s commitment to developing the next generation of local workforce talent and foster edication and  passion for public service.

Eligible students will be selected to participate in one of the four service-area tracks:

  • Community Services: Cooperative Extension, Economic Development, Landfill, Library System, Planning  and Inspections, Recreation and Parks, and Tourism.
  • General Government: Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Tax  Administration.
  • Human Services: Senior Services and Veterans Services.
  • Public Safety: Animal Control, Detention Center, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management,  and Sheriff’s Office.

Successful completion of the Summer Civic Leadership Program will entitle students to educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.

Plant A Tree In Honor Of Arbor Day

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-story courtesy of N.C Dept. of Agriculture

Today is Arbor Day in North Carolina, a day to remember the important role trees play in the lives of the state’s human residents, but also to the many animals who need wildlife habitats to thrive.

This year marks the 150th observance of Arbor Day, which first was observed in Nebraska in 1872, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

“Trees clean our air, filter our water and are essential to wildlife habitats, which are benefits to all of us,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

One goal identified in the recently updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan is to conserve and enhance the sustainable management of urban forests. Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level including community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources in North Carolina.

“Planting trees is an easy way we can all contribute to the sustainable management and preservation of North Carolina’s forests for future generations,” Troxler said.

North Carolina is fortunate to have a variety of state forestry programs that protect forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree-planting, site preparation and forest improvement, said David Lane, state forester. Among these are cost-share programs such as the Forest Development Program and the Urban and Community Forestry grant program, both managed by the N.C. Forest Service. The NCFS Urban and Community Forestry program also oversees the application and award process for Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA.

Learn more about N.C. Forest Service urban and community forestry programs and services at www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm. Learn more about the updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan at www.ncforestactionplan.com/.

 

TownTalk: Granville Gardeners’ Expo Coming April 23

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From Master Gardeners looking for a little something to add to their flower beds to newbies just hoping to cultivate a green thumb, the upcoming Granville Gardeners’  Expo will have something for just about everyone.

From workshops and demonstrations to plants and home décor, the Granville County Expo and Convention Center on Saturday, April 23 will be filled to overflowing with vendors and others to kickstart springtime gardening projects, according to Christi Henthorn, one of the event organizers.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and it will be a time “to learn, shop and have some fun,” Henthorn told John C. Rose and Bill Harris on Thursday’s Town Talk.

The Granville Gardeners is a nonprofit organization that is filled with all different types of gardeners, from the backyard enthusiast to commercial nursery men and women. “Our job as garden club members is to help folks (find ways to) garden that fits their needs,” Henthorn said. Likewise, local vendors who will be on hand can help you decide which plants best fit the space you have.

Visit https://www.thegranvillegardeners.org/  and click on the Expo link to find the list of plants available for pre-order to be picked up on the day of the event. The link to pre-order is scheduled to go live tomorrow (Friday, Mar. 18), Henthorn said.

Some of the workshops planned for the expo include learning how to compost and putting together attractive planters

“We have some very, very experienced gardeners that have lived here their whole lives and their gardens are just stellar,” Henthorn noted.

There still is room for more vendors, with 10 x 10 spaces priced at $40. Other sizes are available as well, she said. There also are sponsor opportunities as well. Below is a list of the sponsorship levels:

  • Seed – $100
  • Sprout – $300
  • Sapling -$500
  • Bouquet – $1,000+

to learn more or send an email to granvillegardeners@gmail.com. In addition, the club phone number is 919.892.9135.

 

 

 

Christi Henthorn details the upcoming Granville Gardners Expo.

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Reserve Your Place Today For Rescheduled Granville Chamber Banquet

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The deadline to reserve tickets for the upcoming Granville County Chamber of Commerce banquet is fast approaching – members have through Friday, Mar. 18 to register to attend, according to information from Chamber Director Lauren Bennett.

The banquet is scheduled for Monday, Mar. 28 at 6 p.m.  at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center. The speaker is UNC basketball legend Phil Ford.

The Chamber also is accepting nominations for 2021 Small Business of the Year.

Click form to complete a nomination form.

All nominations should be returned to the Granville Chamber by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 18.

Nominations may be submitted in several ways:

Hand deliver:    124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford, N.C.
Mail:                            P.O. Box 820, Oxford, N.C. 27565
Email:                        lauren@granville-chamber.com