Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Covid Info Granville Vance; Vaccine Info

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— submitted by Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance District Health director

Since Jan. 26th, there have been 260 new cases of COVID-19 in Granville and 284 in Vance.
Unfortunately, there have been 4 additional deaths reported this week. A 69 year old male from Vance County passed away on Jan. 24th, a 57 year old male from Vance County passed away Jan. 26th, a 45 year old female associated with the outbreak at Central Regional passed away on Jan. 23rd, and a 71 year old male from Granville County passed away on Feb. 1.
The GVPH data dashboard is currently under construction. As we shift our priority to COVID-19 vaccines, we are reevaluating what data we are able to share and how we share it. We appreciate your patience during this time. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the NCDHHS COVID-19 Dashboard. Relevant graphs from these dashboards are available on our website at https://gvph.org/covid-19_dashboard/.
We want to reiterate a few points as we do our best work in a tough environment and answer some questions we’ve been receiving.
We only receive a few hundred doses of vaccine each week – that’s true for the hospitals and our health department locations alike. The state asks those of us providing vaccine to be sure to use all of our vaccine allotment each week – they want us to run out before we get more in the next shipment sent to the state from the federal level. If we don’t use it all we risk losing more shipments. For now, we can easily vaccinate more than 200 people per day in our clinics, and at that rate, we are easily all out of vaccine each week and have to wait for the next shipment. For that reason, we cannot keep doing mass vaccination clinics because there isn’t enough vaccine supply for those unless we get a transfer from another area of the state (like last week – that’s why we could have a last-minute effort in Henderson on Sunday).
It is important for people to know when we run out this week, we’re not out for good – we’re just out for this week and more will come in its place next week. I don’t want people to panic when they hear we’re out of vaccine because more is on the way. But, it does make it hard to plan any additional mass vaccine clinics or schedule appointments too far into the future.
Here are some answers to a few additional questions we have heard lately:
Q: How do we get registered in the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS) and how did people sign up for the clinic on Sunday at the High School?
  • If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine, please call the GVPH COVID Vaccine Hotline at 252-295-1503. This hotline is the source for ALL GVPH clinics for vaccine whether they are in Vance County, in Granville County, or even for the clinic we held with Maria Parham and Vance County Schools in Henderson – all appointments are made via the hotline. We receive tens of thousands of calls a day so I know it’s hard sometimes to get through, but we are always increasing the number of people working the hotline and we have to have a fair and equitable approach to the vaccine appointments.
Q: Why didn’t we know about the vaccine clinic on Sunday at Vance County High School? (people entered the traffic line at Clarke Elementary School in Henderson and proceeded through informational stations to Vance High School across the street for the flow of things – but it was all the same vaccine clinic in the same general area).
  • We do not advertise vaccine clinics when we host these because we host what we call ‘closed pod’ clinics which means people must already have an appointment and must already be registered in our Covid Vaccine Management System (CVMS) to streamline the process. The places across the state that have opened up their mass clinics to people who did not have appointments have been over-run with miles-long waits of cars coming from everywhere so we only do closed pods, people must pre-register, and traffic is restricted. As I mentioned, we book all appointments through our hotline so community members should call for an appointment and will be informed of the location at that time. For this clinic, Maria Parham was able to receive a transfer of 975 doses of another hospital’s allotment so it all came together quickly – we all found out about the doses being available on Thursday, January 21 at 9am and the clinic was held on Sunday, January 24 – it came together that quickly strictly based on vaccine availability.
Q: Do I still need to wear my mask after I get my first vaccine shot?
  • Yes! The virus is still spreading in our communities and it takes a few weeks after each dose of the vaccine for your body to build up immunity and be ready to fight it off well. It is still important to practice the 3 Ws – especially with new strains of the virus being discovered, we must stay protected with wearing our mask, washing our hands, and waiting six feet or more apart from others.
Q: How will the public be notified of the timing for their second dose? 
  • Notification comes by way of the COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS) in which everyone who gets the vaccine must register in NC. In addition, we will be handing out a reminder card for the second dose as well as scheduling people for their second dose when they come for their first dose. It’s important for people to return to their same location for their second dose that they went to for their first dose.
Q: When will frontline essential workers be vaccinated?
  • Soon! Teachers, court system employees, grocery clerks, county and city employees, and so many others are important frontline essential workers. Many have reached out to ensure we don’t forget about them – I promise we won’t forget anyone in this important vaccine initiative. We want EVERYONE who wants a vaccine to get one, and there are some key infrastructure and front line workers who have been very patient. We believe we will get to these groups around the end of February or beginning of March. Front line essential works is a different phase (Group 3 below) than what some have called ‘frontline HEALTH CARE workers.’ So far, we have been focused on those MOST at-risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19 and that includes our health care workers, long term care staff and residents, congregate living facilities (like group homes and homes for the intellectually and developmentally disabled), and other places where we see tremendous outbreak activity and know that we need to focus vaccine administration first. Also, those most at risk of dying from COVID-19 are over age 65. Between these two counties of Granville and Vance, more than 25,000 people in these first two groups alone. Since we are only receiving a few hundred doses of vaccine each week, it’s taking a longer time than we would like to reach the most high-risk groups. As soon as we and the state feel like we have done a good job with the high risk groups 1 and 2, we will be able to move on to group 3. Everyone is important and everyone needs a vaccine, but with vaccine doses coming out slowly as they are produced and going around the country and around the world at the same time, it calls for patience before we can get to some really important groups that we know are all at some level of risk.  Thank you for understanding and for being patient. Again, we will get to EVERYONE who wants a vaccine, just not all at one time. More information and frequently asked questions can be found online here: https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/.
Be Well,
Lisa Macon Harrison,
Health Director
NC SBI

SBI Special Investigations Unit Investigating Shooting of Suspect Involving Agent After Hours-Long Standoff

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— press release

At approximately 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, special agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force along with deputies from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant and search warrant at a residence located at 3147 Cannady Mill Road, Franklinton, North Carolina, in Granville County.  The arrest warrant was for:  1st degree statutory sex offense (1 count); 1st degree sexual exploitation of a minor (4 counts); disseminating obscenities to a minor (1 count).  The search warrant was for the production of child pornography.

Upon arrival, the suspect named in the arrest warrant, who was armed, retreated into the home.  The Franklin County SWAT, Wake Forest Police SWAT and SBI Special Response Team were called to assist with taking the suspect into custody.

After an 18-hours long standoff, at approximately 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, the suspect approached the door entrance from inside the home, armed with a long gun.  An SBI agent fired a shot striking the suspect.  The suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene.  The SBI’s Special Investigations Unit is now investigating and pursuant to standard operating procedure, the SBI agent has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The SBI always seeks to preserve life and to use the minimum amount of force necessary.  Rarely, there are those occasions where the use of deadly force is exercised by our agents.  As with every officer involved  shooting the case will be fully investigated and reviewed with the District Attorney.

Names of the suspect and agent will be released at a later time.

Virtual Hiring Event Tuesday, Feb. 9th, Sunrock

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According to information obtained from the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments and NC Works, Carolina Sunrock will hold a virtual hiring event Tuesday, February 9th.

It will start at 11 a.m. To register, go online to events.kerrtarworks.com.

You are invited to join in for this virtual hiring event at Carolina Sunrock. Jobs opportunities are included for equipment operators, CDL A and CDL B drivers, pipe and grading foreman as well as others.

Call 919.693.2686 for more information or email joseph.jung@ncworks.gov or lonnda.brothers@ncworks.gov.

City of Oxford Executive Assistant Blair Organizes Masonic Home Donations

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The community has an opportunity to show a little love to two Granville children’s homes in February. Donations chosen from the homes’ wish lists are being accepted through Feb. 24, according to an employee of the City of Oxford who is organizing the event.

Alyssa Blair devised the plan to support Central Children’s Home and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Blair has organized similar events for other groups and wanted to do something to help these two organizations.

There is a dropbox for donations located just inside the front door at Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.

Each home created a wish list that includes basic household items such as dish cloths, batteries, bath towels, among other items.

Central Children’s Home: (https://www.oxfordnc.org/Central%20Children’s%20Home%20Wish%20List.pdf)

MHCO at: (https://mhc-oxford.org/current-needs-2/?fbclid=IwAR0PRQSvCMrIf-MeMOaKIxpI1yPl_S0COfqzAdc1PVHUGQd91lJS32PuRVU)

“Alyssa said she wanted to do another drive and this is the first one for the year,” said MHCO administrator Kevin Otis. 2020 was a tough year and 2021, Otis told WIZS, is looking like it is going to be rough, too. “She asked ‘what better way to spread love and joy…(than) to help others,’” he added.

“We are humbled and honored to share the love and joy from the community with Central Children’s Home,” Otis said, and reiterated that his residents really do need the items on their wish list.

Otis said houseparents and children have a case of cabin fever because of pandemic restrictions, but the “Kids are doing great in school thanks to all the support and encouragement from our houseparents and tutors.”

About 20 employees have received their first COVID-19 vaccination, he said. “Once we can get all our direct care staff vaccinated, we will be able to mingle more on campus, take in admissions more readily, and provide support services in person and directly with the children.  It’s been a lot.  We feel blessed and appreciate everyone’ prayers,” he added.

Contact Alyssa Blair at 919.693.1102 for more information about donating to this event.

Granville Area Bridal Tour Coming Up; Register Now

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The 4th annual “Brides on Wheels” is set to hit the road in Granville County next month, but prospective brides need to say “I Do” soon to register for the March 28 event, according to Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen.

“Go ahead and get your tickets now, because they might not be available closer to the event,” Allen said to WIZS TownTalk. “This is a great opportunity in a very relaxed atmosphere,” she said. Feedback from previous participants was always positive, she continued. “They never felt pressured, they never felt like they had to make a decision that day,” Allen said. “They really got time to just ride around or drive around, see some very beautiful places, talk to some wonderful professionals, and it really kickstarted their whole wedding planning process. And we are happy to do that here in Granville County.”

Another important component to this event is vendor participation, Allen said. She invites vendors to contact her if they’d like to take part in the event, which begins at noon and should end by 6 p.m. She’s looking for deejays, wedding photographers, caterers, event planners, florists, and transportation and bridal wear specialists from Granville County, but vendors from the surrounding area are welcome to participate as well. Email angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or contact he office 919.693.6125 to learn how to take part. The original Feb. 5 deadline has been extended to Feb. 22 for vendor registration, Allen noted.

Check out the full scoop by listening to Angela Allen on TownTalk. Click play…

This year’s tour begins in the southern part of the county at Cedar Grove Acres near Creedmoor. Brides and a guest will have a contact-less check-in there, tour the facilities and then either hop on a chartered bus or follow along in their own vehicles to the other three locations: The Barn at Vino, Carlee Farms and the Orpheum in Oxford.

Each venue provides unique indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and receptions, Allen said. Restrictions on gathering can affect how a bride and groom can have a wedding, and outdoor venues could be a perfect solution to those solutions. At this time, the venues must follow the 30 percent occupancy restriction, Allen said.

Those restrictions limit attendance at the BOWS event, too, Allen said. Space is limited to between 20 and 25 participants, she said. If the statewide restrictions loosen between now and March 28, she could make room for additional people to attend.

The first three stops have indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The last stop on the tour is in downtown Oxford. “The Orpheum is a refurbished old movie theater,” Allen said. “I love seeing the lights on the building light up,” she added, noting that there’s a mezzanine where brides can have a reception or simply allow for additional guests. This tour, Allen said, shows off the variety of options that Granville County has to offer bridal parties. “There are ways you can have your wedding, even during times like we’re going through now,” she said. “We’re happy to be able to offer this tour to brides, grooms, to engaged couples.” Each venue is currently booking for the 2021 season, Allen said.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, all tickets must be purchased through the website Eventbrite. Each ticket is $20, and covers the cost for the bride and one guest.

Visit www.brides-on-wheels.com to stay up-to-date on all things BOWS, Allen said.

Register to take part in the bridal tour at www.granvillebows2021.eventbrite.com.

Granville County Public Schools Back to Plan B March 1

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— Press Release

At their regularly scheduled meeting on February 1, 2021, the Granville County Board of Education voted (6-0 with one member absent) for students to return to Plan B, or in-person learning on a modified schedule, beginning March 1, 2021.  The approved motion directed staff to prepare for students to return to their schools under the same Plan B schedule that was in place prior to December 16, 2020.  Students will be assigned to the same 2 cohorts (A or B), each physically reporting to school two days a week.  Group A will attend school on Mondays and Tuesdays, and group B will attend schools on Thursdays and Fridays.  Both groups would attend school virtually for the other three days they are not physically in school.  All families who previously chose to have their students remain on full virtual learning will do so for the remainder of the school year.  When students return on March 1, they will begin their Plan B schedule immediately and will not follow the staggered entry that was previously shared.

Superintendent McLean offered her perspective, stating, “We stand ready to serve our students and look forward to them returning.  We will be vigilant in making sure that all screening and safety protocols are followed meticulously.  It is imperative that we put the health and safety of our students and staff as a priority as we shift back to Plan B.  We ask our families and community to support us in this effort and to please follow the guidelines and directives provided by our health experts.”

During a presentation shared at the meeting, Lisa Harrison, MPH, Health Director of GVPH and Dr. Shauna Guthrie, MD, MPH, and Medical Director of GVHP, provided data on the spread of COVID in our community.  In addition, they provided updates on the progress of the efforts to vaccinate the public.  Progress continues to move forward in this effort yet is limited by the amount of vaccine doses made available by the state.  Discussions are already underway to plan mass vaccination events in the community, some of which could be targeted to educators, who are considered “frontline essential workers” and part of phase 3 of the state’s vaccination plan.

Throughout the pandemic action report, Dr. McLean, Board members and senior staff urged community members to join the ranks of substitute teaching to help the district maintain safe levels of staffing. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne explains, “If you love children, are 18 years or older, have a GED or high school diploma and can pass a full background check, then please consider becoming a substitute teacher.  We need you and will train you prior to entering the classroom.”  The need for substitutes varies by school, with elementary schools typically experiencing higher demand.  All schools currently need additional substitutes.  Starting pay is $82 a day for those with minimal experience.  Compensation can be as high as $105 a day for those with teaching experience and credentials.  Interested candidates must complete an application which can be found on our district website.  Questions can be directed to Kathy Bradley, HR Specialist at bradleyk@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Chairman Richardson offered his thoughts on the shift to Plan B, saying, “It is my hope that we can meet the needs of the students, educators and families while keeping safety a top priority.  We are thankful for the support of Granville County Public Schools and its students as we continue to finish out this year successfully.  The Board remains committed to hearing feedback from all points of view of our stakeholders and encourages our citizens of all ages to stay engaged with us. ”

— by Dr. Stan Winborne
Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Human Resources
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Community Response Grants

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Triangle North Healthcare Foundation’s annual grant program opens today, Feb. 1, 2021. The Community Response Grants provide up to $20,000 to nonprofits, governmental and educational organizations for programming that responds to the effect COVID-19 has on families and communities, according to Val Short, the foundation’s executive director.

Organizations that serve counties in the Triangle North Region comprised of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties are eligible to submit applications, Short said in information provided to WIZS. Individuals are not eligible to submit an application.

Find the link to the grant application at www.tnhfoundation.org. New applicants must register for an account. Any organization interested in submitting a grant application should schedule a meeting with Triangle North Healthcare to discuss the project. Virtual meetings via Zoom will begin next week, Short said. Call TNH at 252.430.8532 to learn more about the grant process. Completed applications are due no later than July 31, 2021.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation began funding projects in 2013. To date, more than $2 million has been awarded to fund more than 80 health projects serving the four-county region.  The grants support programs in the focus areas of child well-being, chronic disease, mental health and substance use disorders, nutrition and physical fitness, and reproductive health.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is a regional healthcare grantmaking organization, established in November 2011 after the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center with the for-profit Duke LifePoint.  The foundation has been funded by an endowment that was created from the assets of the former nonprofit hospital.

Camp Oak Hill, Summer Camp, Early-Bird Rates, But What You Get is What Counts

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Although the recent snowfall and cold temps scream winter, parents may already be thinking about how their children will spend at least some of their summer. And parents with an eye toward saving money can check out nearby Camp Oak Hill – it has early-bird rates for reservations made before the weekend is over.

Camp Oak Hill, located in northern Granville County, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Current Board President Missy Edlin said the goal is to have 400 campers over the course of the summer.

In a normal summer, the camp could handle up to 200 campers a week. “We have a heavy protocol for COVID,” she said Friday. The camp follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control as well as the American Camp Association, of which it is a member. “We want to make sure we’re well prepped for…this summer,” she said. There are different camp sessions, which begin in mid-June, for elementary, middle and high school students.

Registration opened in October, she said, for the 2021 summer camp offerings. The reduced rates end Sunday, at which time she said the rates would go up. Visit campoakhill.org to learn more.

Repeat campers enjoy the variety of activities the camp offers, from campfire singalongs to swimming and arts and crafts. Edlin is excited about a new program for rising high school seniors called Servant Leadership Training. She is putting the finishing touches on the curriculum. That camp is scheduled for July 11-23.

Edlin was herself a camper at Camp Oak Hill, starting in 1986. She was later a counselor and in charge of the aquatics program. As an adult, her ties to COH remain strong. She has been a board member and is now board president.

Her son has been attending the camp for 7 years, she said. There are many others like her family – former campers who now send their own children as campers or counselors.

There are some positions still to be filled for the upcoming summer camp season. Although most, if not all, of the female staff positions have been filled, Edlin is still looking to hire male counselors and staff. Visit the website to learn how to apply.

“I just love the family, and love the community” feel at Camp Oak Hill, which has its roots in traditional Christian values, Edlin said. “Also building that personal relationship with Jesus,” she added. It’s part of what makes Camp Oak Hill such a special place – the sharing and nurturing of faith.

Pandemic restrictions have taken a physical and emotional toll on everyone, but especially children, Edlin said. Children’s spiritual selves also have been affected, she said. We can go to church online, but it’s just not the same thing as being in community, Edlin said. She would like to create ways to be in touch virtually with campers, she said, so “at least they can feel like camp is kind of caring for them.”

VGCC Logo

New Production Technician Class; Real Skills, Better Pay, Certifications

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— press release

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce a new Production Technician program. The program is designed to provide fast, hands-on training to learn job skills in safety, math, quality practices, teamwork, communications, problem solving, production processes and basic bio-processing. Our 96-hour program will prepare workers to help increase productivity, performance, competitiveness and enhance value/profit. The program will start February 15 and runs for only 16 days.

Learn skills needed to be effective contributors in production operations and achieve credentials that get employers’ attention. If you are already in the industry, improve your performance and obtain a higher-paying job within the industry. The Production Technician program is a competency-based training program designed to provide students with enhanced career opportunities in manufacturing. Students will be introduced to the concepts of process improvements and emphasizing the importance of quality and its role in company profitability and job sustainability.

This course prepares people to enter careers as a production technician, machine operator, packaging machine operator, assembly-line worker or assembly-machine operator. Often, entry-level production technician positions are the starting point for a new employee to advance within the company.  In this role, you need to understand and perform tasks based upon setup or job sheets, processes and the use of technology. According to Career Coach, new workers could start around $41,000. Entry-level compensation typically varies between $30,000-$40,000 per year.

Students completing the course:

  • are guaranteed a job interview.
  • receive the North Carolina Manufacturing Certificate.
  • are certified as a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
  • are certified forklift operators.
  • are certified in OSHA 10 safety.

Tuition scholarships are available. Full scholarships will be provided to the first eight applicants.

Act now, because class capacity is limited. To register for this course, visit

https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/productiontech/.

Dale Folwell

Treasurer Folwell Recommends Improved COVID Vaccine Distribution Plan

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— from the office of North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell

For weeks North Carolina lagged behind much of the nation in administering the doses of COVID-19 vaccinations it received, and state Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, will outline the consequences of the state not being prepared for the rollout during his monthly “Ask Me Anything” conference call for members of the media on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

Treasurer Folwell is advocating for a “PPP” approach to execute rapid, efficient supply chain delivery. Rather than concentrating immunizations in local health departments and more expensive hospitals, he believes it makes greater sense to expand availability of the shots to primary care physicians, pediatricians and pharmacies – the three Ps that have been reliably and professionally administering vaccines for more than 100 years.

The Department of State Treasurer has amassed about 26,000 health care providers in the State Health Plan’s Clear Pricing Project network. Many of them are willing and qualified to provide the shots but state health officials have kept them on the sidelines.

The treasurer contends the shaky rollout likely is contributing to more deaths, will increase poverty because business lockdowns will remain in effect until the vaccines can be more widely administered to contain spread of the virus, and students will continue to fall further behind in their education and suffer increased mental health problems because most schools remain closed.

Another topic the treasurer will discuss is the potential community harm from the pending sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to health care giant Novant Health.

Treasurer Folwell contends the acquisition is the latest in a series of hospital consolidations that have inflicted negative consequences on North Carolina taxpayers and health care consumers. An article in Fortune magazine supported his position that increased hospital concentration and monopolies lead to higher costs, lower quality and decreased access. The article noted 74% of North Carolina general hospitals belong to mega-health care systems. Only three other states have a higher percentage.