Granville Christmas Events Full of Crafts, History & Santa!

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Make a wooden snowman with “Crafts for Every Season,” offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning program of Granville County Senior Services. This hands-on workshop will be held on Dec. 13 from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. The instructor is Christine Luscavich. Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

Have your pets’ photos made with Santa and enjoy refreshments as the Animal Shelter hosts its annual holiday event. Santa will be available beginning at 11 a.m. at Coldwell Banker Advantage, 2555-A Capital Drive in Creedmoor. For details, contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749.

Create your own hand-crafted holiday chocolates at the Thornton Library on Dec. 14. Beginning at 2 p.m., make (and sample) peppermint chocolate candies. (Must be 18 years of age and older to participate.) Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for more information.

Learn more about genealogy and local history as two programs are presented by the Granville County Library System. North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will show participants how to “discover their roots” as he provides an overview of the history of our area and the resources available to help develop a family tree. These presentations will be held on Dec. 14 at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor and on Dec. 15 at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, both at 2 p.m. Contact Pace for more information at 919-693-1121.

Want to make your own personalized Christmas gift? A series of fun Cricut workshops continue at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Bring your own coffee mugs, plates or other items you would like to have personalized on Dec. 18  at 2 p.m. Supplies will be provided. The event is for ages 18 and up. Call Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Santa and his elves will be turning the South Branch Library into a winter wonderland from 4 until 6 p.m. on Dec. 18. Bring your kids for pictures, greetings and special Christmas wishes. Or enjoy Stories with Santa at the Thornton Library at 5 p.m.– while making a fun holiday craft—on the same day! Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ for a listing of additional events scheduled for all branches of the Granville County Library System.

Learn how to make holiday candles and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as the Granville County Library System’s “Crafternoon” series continues with a workshop at the Berea Library on Dec. 19 (5:30 p.m.) Registration is required to reserve materials for this event. For details, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

It’s Movie Night at Thornton Library! On Dec. 20, enjoy “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6 p.m., complete with popcorn! Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Enjoy holiday music as the South Branch Library hosts a Christmas Piano Student Recital on Dec. 21. Performances begin at 3 p.m., refreshments will be served. To learn more, contact Penelope Mason, Library Branch Manager, at 919-528-1752.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Nominations Requested for Granville Chamber’s 2020 John Penn Citizen Award

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Recognition Committee announces that the committee is accepting nominations for the 2020 John Penn Citizen of the Year Award.  This prestigious award, named for Granville County’s signer of the Declaration of Independence, is presented at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Banquet.

The 2020 event will be held Monday, January 27, 2020, in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College.

Nomination forms may be obtained at a Chamber office or may be downloaded from the Chamber’s website, www.granville-chamber.com.

This award was designed to recognize a person(s) for outstanding service to the community. Past recipients include Dr. Joseph Colson, Mrs. Robinette Husketh, Hubert Gooch, Rev. G. C. Hawley, Mrs. Gladys Satterwhite, Hugh Currin, Sr., Rev. Harrison Simons, Tom Speed, John Mackie, Dr. Roy Noblin, Dr. David Noel, John K. Nelms, J. J. Medford, Mrs. Mildred A. Jenkins, Tom Johnson, Mrs. Virginia Tuck, L. Clement Yancey, Mrs. Nancy W. Darden, Leonard M. Dunn, Mrs. Carlene Fletcher, Hubert L. Cox, Leonard Peace, Sr., Marshall Tanner, Harold Sherman, Boyce Harvey, Paul Kiesow, Ms. Johnsie Cunningham, Stan Fox, Doan and Bette Laursen, Dr. John B. Hardy, Jr., L. C. Adcock, Jim Crawford, Xavier Wortham, Dr. Richard and Julia Ann Taylor, Gary Bowman, James “Lump” and Mary Ann Lumpkins, Laura Gable and Annette Myers.

Nominations are due no later than Thursday, January 2, 2020. 

Formal invitations to the banquet will be mailed to Chamber members. Persons interested in attending may contact one of the Chamber’s offices – wanda@granville-chamber.com, 919.693.6125; tawheeler@granaville-chamber.com, 919.528.4994.

McGregor Hall to Offer Three Performances of ‘Black Nativity’

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature three presentations of “Black Nativity” this weekend: Friday, December 13 & Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Black Nativity is a heartfelt musical presenting a fresh, new way to relive the birth of Jesus Christ. Based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and favorite gospel songs, “Black Nativity” leads us back to the manger through the rhythm of drums, the feet of high energy dancers and the souls of passionate storytellers.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Oxford Logo

Oxford’s Newly Elected to be Administered Oath of Office – Dec. 10

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consider accepting the official results of the municipal election held on November 5, 2019.

Consider appointing Justin Paynter and Ashley Newton to the Recreation Advisory Committee.

Presentations to and remarks by outgoing Commissioners.

30 MINUTE RECESS – refreshments will be served in the first-floor lobby.

Administering the Oath of Office to elected officials – City Manager, M. Alan Thornton

  • Jackie Sergent – Mayor-Elect – Administering Oath, Carolyn J. Thompson
  • Ron Bullock – Commissioner-Elect – Administering Oath, S. Katherine Burnette
  • John Tovey – Commissioner-Elect  – Administering Oath, Cynthia Bowen NCCMC/CMC, City Clerk
  • Teresa S. Gilreath – Commissioner-Elect  – Administering Oath, Mayor Jacqueline Sergent

Reconvene for the purpose of conducting business by Mayor Sergent.

Elect Mayor Pro Tempore.

Consider appointment of City Clerk, Cynthia Bowen.

Consider appointment of City Attorney, J. Thomas Burnette.

Administering the Oath of Office:

  • Mayor Pro Tempore – Administering Oath, (To be selected by Mayor Pro Tempore elect)
  • City Clerk – Administering Oath, Jacqueline Sergent, Mayor
  • City Attorney – Administering Oath, S. Katherine Burnette, 19th District Judge

Appointment of Board Committees:

  • Budget & Finance
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works, Water, & Infrastructure
  • Recreation, Parks, & Environment
  • Property, Building, & Real Estate
  • Planning, Business & Community Development
  • Personnel

Appointment of City Representatives:

  • COG Representative
  • DOEDC Representative
  • Kerr Lake Regional Water System Representative
  • Granville Greenways Advisory Council
  • Masonic Home For Children Community Advisory Committee

Remarks by Newly Elected Officials.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Propane Safety Paramount as Cold Weather Approaches

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Winter weather is fast approaching, and that means paying special attention to keeping your home heated. Many people across North Carolina rely on propane to stay warm, but there are some general safety tips you should observe to say safe.

Winter Storms

  • NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.
  • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. Cylinders must be outdoors and supply the heater through a hose if it is a temporary setup, or through piping or tubing if it is a permanent setup.
  • NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
  • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER APPLIANCE PARTS.
  • If melting snow or ice floods any part of your home or farm, NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
  • DO inspect chimneys, flue pipes, and vent connectors for damage, blockage, or debris.
  • DO inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage, if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard.

Space heaters usage increases during cold weather. While the tools can be helpful, there are also some rules you should follow when using one.

Space Heaters

  • Space heaters come in fixed-location and portable types. Also, some are for outdoor use only and some are for indoor use only. Read the container and instructions carefully to determine if the heater is appropriate for the use you intend.
  • All combustion produces some amount of carbon monoxide, so be careful when using propane or kerosene space heaters indoors. NEVER use a space heater indoors if the unit is specified for outdoors. If you use a propane heater indoors in a tight or poorly ventilated location, you put yourself at risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Heaters specified for outdoor use will cause a more rapid build-up of carbon monoxide than one rated for indoor use.
  • If you must use a space heater indoors, a carbon monoxide detector can help you avoid poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, scentless, tasteless gas that kills in high enough concentrations, so a detector is the best way to warn you when concentrations get too high.
  • Space heaters can also cause suffocation when used indoors, as they use up oxygen to produce heat. Any heater used indoors should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor, which will shut the unit down before it uses too much of the oxygen. However, be warned that it will still generate a higher concentration of carbon monoxide as it decreases the oxygen level in the room.

Lewis Bowling, Local Author & Historian, Hosts Book Signing Dec. 8

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Local author and historian Lewis Bowling will host a “meet and greet” and book signing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. The event will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and will introduce Bowling’s book, “Sam Ragan: North Carolina’s Literary Godfather.”

Local author and historian Lewis Bowling will host a “meet and greet” and book signing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Sam Ragan, also known as the “Berea Bard,” was born to a tobacco farming family in Berea, NC and began writing poetry in grade school. The son of William Samuel Ragan and Emma Clare (Long) Ragan, he would later embark on a career in journalism, where he fine-tuned his writing skills.

Except for three years of service in the U.S. Army, Ragan dedicated his life to the newspaper industry and the written word. His career, which spanned several decades, included work at The San Antonio Evening News in Texas, the Raleigh News and Observer – where he served as state editor, and then executive/managing editor – and The Pilot in Southern Pines, which he purchased in 1968.

His column, “Southern Accent” was the oldest and longest-running column in the United States, and was read in 43 states and in 24 foreign countries.

Ragan’s works also include six collections of verse and four non-fiction books. In 1982, Governor Jim Hunt appointed the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame recipient as North Carolina’s Poet Laureate. Other honors include the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts and two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize, as well as many other achievements.

Lewis Bowling’s book, which will be discussed at the Dec. 8 event, describes why Ragan “justly deserves the title of ‘North Carolina’s Literary Godfather.’”

A book signing will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and will introduce Lewis Bowling’s book, “Sam Ragan: North Carolina’s Literary Godfather.” (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

An author with accomplishments of his own, Bowling has penned six books on Granville County history – including a book commemorating the 200th anniversary of the City of Oxford – and three books pertaining to sports.

Also raised on a tobacco farm in rural Granville County, Bowling has a passion for writing and is a regular contributor to local newspapers with his history column “Looking Back,” which has been published in the Oxford Public Ledger and the Butner Creedmoor News.

On Sunday, Bowling invites the public to hear more about the life and accomplishments of Granville County’s own Sam Ragan. For more details, contact the Thornton Library at 919-693-1121.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. To learn more about upcoming events in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

VGCC Receives $194K Grant From Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Duke Energy

Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $194,160 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will help connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

The investment will be used to expand apprenticeships in the fields of Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance and Welding, as part of VGCC’s “Business & Industry Connect” program. The college will be able to purchase new equipment, provide tuition supports for students and implement additional training, including the nationally-known “Tooling U-SME” program.

From Left to Right: Kenneth Wilson, Tanya Evans (district manager, Duke Energy), VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ken Lewis, Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)

“This grant represents a huge boost to our local industry partners and to students who are looking to energize their careers,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We appreciate the continuing support of Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas because apprenticeships are part of VGCC’s multi-pronged approach to addressing workforce shortages so that our economy can grow.”

“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, district manager, Duke Energy. “These students will help meet the growing and evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing industry.”

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas.

Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

Mims Resigns from Granville Board of Ed. to Serve as Creedmoor Commissioner

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 2, 2019.

After the conclusion of official business items on the agenda, Board Member Ed Mims announced his resignation effective immediately, stating, “The voters in District 5 have afforded me the opportunity to serve in a variety of capacities over the past seven years, and for that, I am deeply grateful.  The voters in Creedmoor during the most recent municipal election expressed their preference that I continue my service, but more directly in the community in which I live. Therefore, effective immediately, I am officially resigning as a member of the Granville County Board of Education. I only want great things for the school district, and I wish you all well.”

At the Granville County Board of Education’s Dec. 2 meeting, Ed Nims announced his immediate resignation as the District 5 representative. Mims will begin his new role as a Commissioner for the City of Creedmoor after being officially sworn in on Dec. 11. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

Mr. Ed Mims has served the constituents of District 5 for almost five years as a member of the Board of Education, having been elected to the position in 2014. Previously, Mr. Mims served as County Commissioner.

He will begin his new role as a Commissioner of the City of Creedmoor after being officially sworn in on December 11, 2019.

Fellow Board Members, Superintendent McLean, and Senior Staff all praised Mr. Mims for his service, citing his dedication to his community. Dr. McLean shared her thoughts, stating, “Mr. Mims, I thank you for the opportunity as you were one of the Board Members who brought me here. I appreciate your confidence and leadership and have enjoyed working with you. I wish you nothing but the best, and I appreciate all you have done for the children of this district.”

Fellow Board Members also expressed their gratitude. Mr. David Richardson, newly elected as Chairman, presided over the meeting and offered these thoughts, “Mr. Mims, on behalf of the Board, and myself, I want to thank you for your service to the board, and I appreciate how much you have meant to the children of Granville County.”

Fellow Board member Rob Rivers also offered his thoughts, stating, “Your honesty, your passion, your sense of urgency will be missed. I appreciate all you have done, and think the City of Creedmoor will be getting a darn good city commissioner. I wish you all of the absolute best.”

The Board will continue with six members until a replacement for District 5 is appointed. The Board plans to begin discussions about this process at the regularly scheduled meeting on January 6, 2020.

Granville County Logo

Holiday Calendar of Events: Granville Library System/Creative Lifelong Learning

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Holiday Calendar of Events for the Granville County Library System and Creative Lifelong Learning Program:

A Gift Wrapping and Cookie Swap will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on Saturday, Dec. 7. Hours are from noon until 5 p.m.

While wrapping gifts and enjoying hot chocolate, participants will sample cookies and share cookie recipes. All gift wrapping supplies will be provided. For more details, contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

The “Young At Heart Chorus” will present a Holiday Sing-A-Long on Monday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. This singing group, formed through the Creative Lifelong Learning Program of Granville County Senior Services, will include holiday favorites and special treats.

The Senior Center is located at 107 Lanier Street. Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for more information.

Learn how to make holiday candles and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at your Granville County public library. The Library System’s “Crafternoon” series continues with a workshop at the Stovall Library on Dec. 9 (2 p.m.), the South Branch in Creedmoor on Dec. 11 (6:30 p.m.) and the Berea Library on Dec. 19 (5:30 p.m.)

Registration is required to reserve materials for this event. For details, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

Want to make your own personalized Christmas gift? Join the Granville County Library System for these fun Cricut workshops. Bring your own coffee mugs, plates or other items you would like to have personalized to the Stovall Library (Dec. 11), the Berea Library (Dec. 12), or the South Branch in Creedmoor (Dec. 18).

All workshops will be held at 2 p.m. and supplies will be provided. The event is for ages 18 and up. Call Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

A Barn Quilt Painting Class will be held on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Scheduled through the Creative Lifelong Learning program, the class offers an opportunity to learn more about quilt designs as participants create their own painting for themselves or for a holiday gift. Nancy Peele will serve as the instructor for this class.

Register by calling Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930.

Make a wooden snowman with “Crafts for Every Season,” offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning program of Granville County Senior Services. This hands-on workshop will be held on Dec. 13 from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. The instructor is Christine Luscavich.

Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

Social Services to Offer Heating Assistance for Eligible NC Residents

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications through county social services departments for the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

Households including a person aged 60 or older, or disabled individuals receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services who have a life-threatening or health-related emergency due to a lack of heating, are eligible to sign up for assistance Dec. 2 – 31, 2019.

All eligible households may apply from Jan. 2 – March 31, 2020 — or until funds are exhausted.

“This funding can help assist eligible individuals and families with their heating expenses during the winter months,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “We want to ensure families are healthy and safe during some of the most difficult times of the year.”

The federally funded program helps households with low incomes with a one-time payment made directly to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of keeping their homes warm.

To apply, individuals should contact their county department of social services (PDF). Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, a household must:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit; for example:
  • For a household of one, a gross monthly income of $1,353.00.
  • For a family of four, a gross monthly income of $2,790.00.
  • Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts or cash on hand, at or below $2,250
  • Be responsible for their heating cost

For more information on the program and eligibility, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.