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VGCC “Boot Camp” Offers Skills To Get Jobs, Plan For Careers

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Vance-Granville Community College is offering a job readiness “boot camp” for anyone interested in learning valuable skills to get employed and stay employed.

All four campuses are having the four-day sessions, designed to provide 24 hours of instruction, according to information from Tanya S. Weary, dean of business & industry solutions at VGCC.

The class is limited to 10 students, and will focus on several key topics, from interviewing and resume writing to goal setting and communication.

Participants should be at least 16 years old, according to Kyle Burwell, VGCC’s director of occupational extension. This type of employability skills class has been offered in the past by VGCC, but this is a new format designed to provide students with skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment.

Find the location to fit your schedule:

  • Main Campus: June 7-10
  • Warren Campus: June 21-24
  • South Campus: July 12-15
  • Franklin Campus: Aug. 2-5

For more information, contact VGCC at 252.738.3276 or visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/hrd/

Spring Recycling Event Diverts 22,000 Pounds of Materials To Proper Disposal

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The annual Spring Clean Out and Collection Event May 15 netted more than 22,000 pounds of material – from shredded paper to ammunition. That’s 11 tons of stuff that will not languish on a tractor barn shelf, be stacked in a storage shed in the backyard or clutter up someone’s garage. Granville County’s Environmental Services Department hosted the event, held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, and event organizer Teresa Baker said she appreciated everyone’s efforts to make the event a success.

Baker, who is recycling and sustainability coordinator for Granville County and for Granville County Public Schools, said the event went smoothly, thanks to volunteers who removed items from vehicles at the drive-through event, to the vendors who were on hand to accept the items and safely dispose of them.

Vendors included Veolia, Shred Ace, RMR Recycling, the N.C. Department of Agriculture/Pesticides Division, Recency Technologies, DART Containers, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and Interstate Batteries.

Here is a breakdown of materials that were collected:

  • Shredded paper: 5,460 pounds
  • Latex paint: 5,000 pounds (6 pallets)
  • Electronics: 4,132 pounds
  • Oil-based paint: 2,000 pounds
  • Books: 1,720 pounds
  • Pesticides: 1,624 pounds
  • Toxic compounds: 1,000 pounds
  • Flammable compounds: 1,000 pounds
  • Aerosols: 420 pounds
  • Fluorescent lamps: 150 pounds
  • Outdated prescriptions: 110 pounds
  • Ammunition: 25 pounds
  • Mercury devices: 5 pounds
  • Polystyrene: 1,000 pieces
  • Car/vehicle batteries: 30
  • Household batteries: Three (3) five-gallon buckets
  • Power tool batteries: One (1) pallet

“These numbers reflect thousands of pounds of materials that will not be harming our environment,” Baker said. “Thanks to the vendors who were on site, the many volunteers who came to help, and all the residents who participated by bringing items to the Expo Center.”

Oxford Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

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Press Release —  Department of Justice, Eastern District of NC

An Oxford man was sentenced yesterday to 169 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Jaleel Duncan, 29, was a passenger in a car that was the subject of a traffic stop by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) in Oxford, North Carolina. When the car stopped, Duncan jumped and ran from the vehicle carrying a bag. An ALE agent chased Duncan through a neighborhood and saw him throw several items from the bag as Duncan ran. Duncan then threw the entire bag over a fence. ALE agents eventually apprehended Duncan and recovered the bag, which contained a loaded 9mm pistol and marijuana. Along Duncan’s flight path, agents found heroin laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and quinine, as well as quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana. On February 2, 2021, Jaleel Duncan, pled guilty to the charges.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-CR-202-M.

South Granville Rotary Busy With Projects, Fundraiser

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The Rotary Club of South Granville County has been busy lately with projects and fundraisers.

Buy a duck for the June 5 “Rubber Duck Race” and you could win a vacation package, a round of golf, an iPad, gift cards and more, according to club President Angela Allen.

“Buying a duck can support the local and international service projects on behalf of the club,” Allen stated. The race will be at 10 a.m. at West Point on the Eno. It is not necessary to be present to win, she added; winners will be contacted if not present.

On May 7, the club distributed more than 100 “care packages” to senior adults at the Creedmoor Recreation Center. The packages were filled with snacks, personal hygiene, household, and entertainment items collected and donated by club members and others in the community. Allen offered a special thank you to Christian Faith Center, Altec, CertainTeed, Southern Snow Company, First Horizon Bank of Oxford, KARTS, ACIM and The Help Center.

The club participates in other community projects throughout the year, including providing meals to homebound seniors, building and maintaining “Little Free Libraries,” and donating items for children in foster care. The club also provides electrical systems and vocational skills to underserved communities overseas, Allen added.

For more information on the Rotary Club of South Granville County and its projects, please contact Allen at 919.725.6486 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Grants Available To Support Downtown Revitalization; Submit by May 31

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Local non-profit organizations in the community still have time to submit grant proposals to a Duke Energy program poised to give $500,000 to help downtown communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hometown Revitalization Grant program (click the link for details) is designed to award non-profit/small business partnerships in 20 communities in North Carolina grants of $25,000 that can be used to help small businesses pivot and continue to succeed as changes to “business-as-usual” practices have been implemented because of pandemic restrictions.

Applications are due May 31; funding decisions will be made in July and announced in August.

Whether modifying physical spaces, improving e-commerce site for online sales or purchasing specific items to comply with public health measures, the grants will be administered by the non-profit agency in the form of a small business support microgrant program, according to information from Tanya Evans, district manager for Duke’s local government and community relations. The microgrants will range from $500 to $2,500. The non-profit may use up to $2,500 of the $25,000 for administering the microgrants.

The small business support awards also may be used to reimburse small businesses for expenses already incurred. The programs must be started by Sept. 30, 2021 and the award recipients must announce the recipients by Nov. 30.

Churches and governmental agencies may not apply for the grant, neither fraternal nor lobbying groups, according to the website. Please visit Hometown Revitalization Grant program for details about the program and submitting a proposal.

(Duke Energy-Progress is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid ad.)

Memorial Day Event To Honor Fallen Heroes In Service To Their Country

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The Memorial Day holiday is a welcome day off for many, shortening the week by a day for many workers and schoolchildren. On this Memorial Day, May 31, Kindred Hospice in Oxford is offering a way for area residents to honor those whose lives have been lost in service to their country.

The public is invited to submit applications to have names included on the “Walk of Remembrance” that will be open all day on May 31 at Hix Recreation Complex in Oxford. Remembrance signs with the names of those being remembered will be posted along the walking trail at the recreational complex, located at 313 E. Spring St., Oxford. The deadline to submit “Fallen Hero” applications is Friday, May 28, said Britany Wilson of Kindred Hospice.

The Fallen Hero stories are a way to honor and remember the sacrifice of fallen military, fire, EMS and law enforcement members, she said.

Wilson said the Walk of Remembrance is for any veteran who has died, not just those who died in active duty.

Applications are available at the Kindred Hospice office, located at 136 Roxboro Rd. The office is open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Wilson at 919.609.3403 to learn more.

Completed applications may be delivered to the Kindred Hospice office, or submitted by email to Britany.wilson@kindredhospicecare.com or mail to:

Britany Wilson

Attn: Fallen Hero Story

P.O. Box 70

Oxford, NC 27565

GCPS Considers School Closings at May 17 Work Session

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The fate of a couple of school campuses may become clearer during a work session of the Granville County Board of Education next week.

The work session will be held Monday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mary Potter Center of Education. The purpose of the meeting is to hear a first draft of staff presentations on studies regarding the reorganization of schools, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, assistant superintendent of operations & human resources and public information officer for GCPS. Members of the public are invited to view via livestream. Join at https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

The school board is considering several different options that include closing schools and consolidating campuses in the southern end of the county. Wilton Elementary and Creedmoor Elementary are being looked at for possible closure. Also being studied is closing Granville Central High School in Stem and repurposing the campus to house either South Granville High School or G.C. Hawley Middle School.

Seating at the work session is limited for those who attend, and all participants will be required to wear face coverings, undergo health screenings before entering the building, and follow social distancing protocols.

Mary Potter Center of Education is located at 200 Taylor St., Oxford, NC.

GAP Phase III Complete; 11 More Acres For Tennis, Volleyball, Other Activities

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Granville Athletic Park’s Phase III is finished and now open to the public, adding tennis courts, open green space, sand volleyball pits and more to the GAP’s existing ball fields, walking trails and splash park.

“We are extremely excited about this expansion,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman. “As we are able to get outside more and enjoy the many recreational opportunities across the county, we invite our residents and visitors to come out enjoy the new tennis courts, playground equipment and other features, as well as all the other amenities already available at the GAP,” she said.

The newest section of the park uses 11 additional acres of land the county bought in 2013, bringing to 80 the total number of acres that comprise the park.

In addition to the tennis courts, green space and volleyball pits, there is an easily accessible and inclusive playground, a fitness station, a picnic shelter and designated areas for cornhole boards. There are plans to add nine holes of disc golf as well, according to a statement from county public information officer Lynn Allred.

The goal of this project is to encourage healthy activity and to provide a safe, appealing and functional outdoor environment for residents and visitors to the area, according to Allred.

Expected use of the tennis courts includes scheduled tournament play for athletic associations and tennis clubs, as well as access for practice and casual community enjoyment. Groups, teams and individuals can now reserve one of the six tennis courts and be put on the GAP’s calendar for specific dates and times. Call 919.693.5240 to learn more or to reserve a court.

Planners used results from a 2015 countywide recreation survey to choose how to outfit the addition. The creation and construction comes from grant funding from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF, $300,000), the National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF, $250,000), the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA, $50,000) and the U.S. Tennis Association’s USTA Southern ($20,000).

County leaders will have a ribbon cutting to officially dedicate the Phase III addition to the GAP is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, which will be held in conjunction with Granville County’s 275th anniversary celebration at the park’s sheltered sports pavilion area and amphitheater.

Granville Athletic Park is located at 4615 Belltown Road in Oxford. Visit www.granvillecounty.org to learn more.

 

“Quittin’ Time” On Thursday Afternoons in Downtown Oxford

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Looking for something a little different to do after work on Thursdays in May and June? Check out Oxford’s “Quittin’ Time” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a time to wind down, stroll through downtown and sample small-plate fare and libations from a variety of restaurants.

Participating downtown establishments are Uptown 101, Milano’s, Oasis, Harvest, The Orpheum, The Hub, Tobacco Wood Brewing Company and Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen.

Oxford’s Downtown Economic Development Corporation is a sponsor of the event, said director Mary Yount. “But this was the ‘brainchild’ of Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking and Kitchen,” Yount told WIZS News.

The idea is to visit the participating restaurants, have a taste of food and a beverage, then move along to the next location.

“We wanted to bring an event to downtown Oxford that encouraged walking around, spending time in the downtown area, dining outside and visiting all restaurants to offer support as we come back to full life after a year of COVID,” Blaine told WIZS News.

Restaurants have fun creating a different dish every week, she said, offering a style of food they don’t often cook. “It lets chefs get creative without a huge investment,” she noted.  Diners can expect prices between $4-$6 per small plate, with rotating offerings each week.

Blaine said she lived in Spain for three years and that inspired the Quittin’ Time idea.

She described the Spanish custom of tapeo (a combination of tapa – appetizer or snack and paseo – a leisurely walk) as a time when diners trade a big dinner for “a relaxed amble through the streets, snacking and drinking and enjoying their town and community.” Traditionally, lunch is the largest meal of the day and dinner is usually light.

“I loved this part of Spanish culture,” Blaine said. “It is perfect for our current needs of wanting to dine outside, reminding the community about the restaurants in our area, and encouraging folks to spend more time in their downtown – the heart of their town.”

Quittin’ Time continues each Thursday through June 24 in downtown Oxford.

Oxford Preparatory School Inducts 12 Into Order of the Griffins

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Oxford Preparatory School inducted 12 new members into its Order of the Griffins society on Monday, May 10.

Membership is based on a student’s academic performance and their demonstration of meeting the school’s mission of commitment to service, appreciation of the arts and call to leadership, according to Upper School Director Victoria Bradsher.

Rising 7th graders are eligible for membership, Bradsher said.

The new members of the Order of the Griffin will lead the processional for commencement for the year 2020-2021 and will serve as Griffin ambassadors in the coming year – greeting guests at the school, helping with awards ceremonies and serving as a guide for visiting students and their families.

Congratulations to the following students and newest members of the Order of the Griffins:

Tanner Abbott

Grace Allred

Sage Beck

Olivia Burrows

Lauren Carroll

Michael Cox

Carsten Doby

Lilly Hicks

Lily Juntunen

Kaylee Overby

Madelyn Reese

Olivia Smith