Oxford Prep Inducts 47 into Beta Club

/by

Friday, in a school-wide ceremony, 47 students in grades 9 through 12 were surprised as they were tapped to join Oxford Preparatory School Beta Club, an academic and service oriented honor society. Beta Club President Rachel Sanya explained the meaning and history of Beta Club followed by Vice-President Noah Greenway who explained the principles expected of Beta Club members. Senior Beta Club member Alyssa Ross shared with the audience of over 450 people what the requirements are to maintain Beta Club membership at Oxford Prep. Students who were being tapped were then surprised as Senior Betas Zoe Peace, Jonathan Cole, Hunter Strickland, Asa Thomas, Alyssa Ross, Rachel Sanya, and Noah Greenway led in the notification ceremony by calling the names, providing a formal invitation to join and draping a academic excellence medal about the candidates’ necks.

To be invited for membership students must have completed at least 3 full semesters at Oxford Prep, must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must have no grade less than a C. Students must maintain this high academic expectation along with giving 20 service hours per year in order to remain a member of the Beta Club. Students who choose to accept the invitation to join Beta Club will be formally inducted in a formal, evening candlelight ceremony in the fall of 2017.

Students invited to become members of the OPS Beta Club are:

Wes Aitken
Aymen Alashmli
Alex Bare
Josh Blackburn
Jacob Bliss
Autumn Brantley
Hannah Brewer
Brian burch
Kim Campbell
McKayla Campbell
Ethan Collins
Jason Corbett
Callie Danehy
Zach Ellington
Erica Evitts
Nelson Fuentes
Danny Gillis
Claire Gordon
Maria Kate Graham
Montana Hamlin
Misty Holloway
Ridge Huff
Kaylah Hunt
Emily Iannuzzi
John Linge
Jose Kyle Maghanoy
Shawn Matthews
Nathan Metcalf
Sophia Metcalf
Rick O’Neal
Krystal Parrish
Mira Patel
Mackenzie Pendergrass
Cesar Ponciano Quintana
Justin Ranes
Allie Reeder
Trey Reese
Jaylen Rose
Camden Ross
Maecy Ross
Kyle Satterwhite
Adam Sizemore
Hampton Short
Kaitlyn Spain
Jackson Vaughan
Travis Wallace
Christian West
Zoie Wilson

 

Victoria Bradsher

Assistant Director

Oxford Preparatory School

VGCC grads encouraged by presidents of Community College System and student government

/by

 

Less than one year into his tenure as president of the North Carolina Community College System, Dr. James C. “Jimmie” Williamson addressed some of his system’s newest graduates as the principal speaker at Vance-Granville Community College’s 48th commencement exercises on May 12. Members of the Class of 2017 were joined by numerous loved ones at the outdoor ceremony in front of the gazebo on the college’s Main Campus.

While saluting the graduates’ accomplishments thus far, Williamson focused on what their future would hold. “Today is not just an end, it is also a commencement, a new beginning,” he said. “Each of you has a unique ‘what’s next’ path before you. Regardless of your path, you will face obstacles along the way. It’s how you handle those obstacles that will matter the most.”

Williamson said that his own career path had not always been focused. “In hindsight, everything I’ve ever done has led me to this position today, but it was not always so clear for me,” he told the graduates. “Early on in my career, I landed in jobs, almost serendipitously at times, that enabled me to explore new ideas and concepts which I had never considered.” Likewise, Williamson advised graduates to be on the lookout for moments that offer the unexpected. “I’ve never had an opportunity come up to me and shout, ‘Hey, I’m that great opportunity that you’ve been waiting for!’” he said. “No, instead, it presents itself as a challenge or a roadblock that gently steers me in the direction that, upon reflection, seems to be the most obvious of all choices. I would urge you to fully vet any and every opportunity that comes your way.”

The state community college system leader cited the example of twin brothers in the graduating class, Paul and Peter Caroline of Louisburg, who looked at challenges as opportunities to be seized. Williamson formally presented the system’s Academic Excellence Award to Paul, just after he received his Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Both brothers, Franklin County Early College High School students, have received full QuestBridge scholarships, Williamson said, Paul to the University of Pennsylvania and Peter to Stanford University. “They will both make the N.C. Community College System, VGCC and their community proud as they embark on stellar academic pursuits,” Williamson said. “Paul and Peter, we are honored to have been a part of your future.”

Colton Hayes of Epsom, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree, spoke on behalf of his classmates. A Franklin County Early College High School student, Hayes is the first student from an early college program to serve as president of the VGCC Student Government Association and student member of the college’s Board of Trustees. He is set to continue his education at North Carolina State University in the fall.

Hayes said that his time as a VGCC student had taught him about hard work and persistence. “For my fellow students about to walk across this stage tonight, things are about to change,” Hayes said. “Some of you are going straight into the workforce. Some are transferring to four-year universities to further your education. Some may even be going into the line of duty to serve our country. No matter what it is you do, it’s going to be far different from anything you’ve done up until this point, and it’s probably going to be a lot harder than anything you’ve ever done. But we’re going to deal with this the way we’ve dealt with everything else in our lives. We’re going to push forward. We’re going to get stronger. We’re going to get better. And we’re going to jump over every hurdle that life throws at us.”

Following the speakers, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, applauded the graduates for their achievements. “The class of 2017 is a fine group of scholars,” she said, with 70 inductees into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and one third of the class recognized as honor graduates. She noted the diversity of the class, who included not only young Early College High School students, but also “students who have attended college while taking care of families, and some students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. These graduates reflect our living mission.”

After Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine presented the candidates for graduation, Board of Trustees chair Danny Wright and President Williams presented degrees and diplomas and congratulated the graduates. 

Members of this year’s class, including those predicted to graduate at the end of the summer term in July, were awarded a total of 523 credentials. These included 242 Associate in Applied Science degrees in a variety of curriculum programs, 174 Associate in Arts degrees, 59 Associate in Science degrees and 48 technical and vocational diplomas. Many students graduated with more than one credential.

Hayes led the new graduates in ceremonially turning their tassels as the ceremony concluded. Music was provided by the Vance-Granville Community Band, conducted by Brian Miller. Bearing the ceremonial mace for commencement was Law Enforcement/BLET Coordinator/Instructor Andrea Hyson, the college’s 2016-2017 Faculty Member of the Year.

–VGCC–

District Attorney’s Schedule June 2017

/by

Thurs, June 1                        ##Vance District Court (Keith) – Louis, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Dispo Court (Burnette) – Putney, Sellars, Gregory, Allen, Dickerson

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Hunter

 

Fri, June 2                             Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Hunter

 

Mon, June 5                          Franklin Trial Court (Holt) – Gardner, Hunter, Johnson

##Franklin District Court (Thompson) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Gregory, Watson/Hargrove

##Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Allen

 

Tues, June 6                          **Franklin District Court (Davis) – Sellars, Gregory, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

 

Wed, June 7                          ##Granville District Court (Burnette) – Louis, Allen

Warren District Court (Thompson) – Fuller, Raymond

 

Thurs, June 8                        Franklin Juvenile Court (Davis) – Erdmann

##Vance District Court (Burnette) – Louis, Watson/Hargrove

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Fri, June 9                             Vance Juvenile Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

Granville CMS Prep –   Sellars, Putney

 

Mon, June 12                       Vance Trial Court (Heath) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Brickhouse

                Granville CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

                                                Franklin District Court (Keith) – Erdmann, Roberson

##Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Gregory, Watson/Hargrove

**Granville District Court (Burnette) – Louis, Allen

Franklin CMS Prep – Gardner, Hunter

 

Tues, June 13                       Granville CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

                                                Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Keith) – Gregory

Franklin CMS Prep – Gardner

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours, Attorneys, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Wed, June 14                       Franklin CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Gardner, Pendergrass, Johnson

                                Granville District Court (Thompson) – Sellars, Allen

**Warren District Court (Keith) – Putney, Raymond

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours, Public, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Thurs, June 15                     Franklin CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Gardner, Pendergrass, Johnson

Vance Dispo Court (Burnette) – Putney, Sellars, Louis, Watson, Hargrove

 

Fri, June 16                           Granville Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

 

Mon, June 19                                                       No Criminal Court

 

Tues, June 20                                                       No Criminal Court

 

Wed, June 21                                                       No Criminal Court

 

Thurs, June 22                     Franklin County Clerk’s Office Hours, 2:00-4:00 pm – Hunter

Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

Fri, June 23                           Franklin Dispo Court (Keith) – Gardner, Hunter, Erdmann, Tart, Roberson

Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

 

Mon, June 26                       Warren CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Fuller, Pendergrass, Raymond

Franklin District Court (Burnette) – Gardner, Roberson

Vance District Court (Keith) – Hunter, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Davis) – Putney, Allen

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Erdmann, Louis

 

Tues, June 27                       Vance Probation Court (O’Foghludha) – Gregory, Pendergrass

Franklin District Court (Davis) – Hunter, Roberson

##Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Gardner, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Keith) – Putney

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Louis

 

Wed, June 28                       Vance CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Louis, Erdmann, Pendergrass, Brickhouse

                                                Franklin Juvenile Court (Davis) – Gardner

Granville District Court (Keith) – Gregory, Allen

Warren District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Putney, Raymond

 

Thurs, June 29                     Vance CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Louis, Erdmann, Pendergrass, Brickhouse

                                                **Vance District Court (Burnette) – Hunter, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Trial Prep – Fuller

 

Fri, June 30                           Vance Juvenile Court (Stevenson) – Putney

Warren Trial Prep – Fuller

 

**mediator available**

##9:30 am regular docket, PLUS POSSIBLE 2:15 pm DWI docket##

 

Granville Chamber Looking for Leadership Granville Participants

/by

Participants are requested for the upcoming Leadership Granville program, which will begin mid-September and end with graduation early-April 2018.  Individuals with a sincere and genuine interest in future service to the community and those who have demonstrated commitment by previous community activities are encouraged to apply.  Also, individuals interested in assuming leadership positions within their organization and/or community should apply.

The program consists of approximately twenty sessions, most of which are evening.  Session highlights include:  leadership assessment and development, personal and group dynamics, county history, city-county-state governments, education, the arts, agriculture, economics-industry-small business, health services and volunteer agencies, human services, community support, tourism, judiciary and law enforcement, visiting manufacturers, farm, industries, businesses, etc.

Sponsored by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College, Leadership Granville offers citizens of Granville County the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the community and develop their leadership potential.  It offers new citizens an opportunity to become personally and professionally acquainted with county structure and life, which can benefit their present and future leadership.

Interested individuals should contact one of the Chamber’s office locations – 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford/Wanda, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com  or 1598 Highway #56, Butner/Toni Anne, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Noted author salutes VGCC Adult Basic Skills graduates

/by

 

Graduates of Vance-Granville Community College’s Adult Basic Skills programs were encouraged to adopt a can-do attitude and keep learning at their commencement exercises on May 4. The honorees were among those students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

The principal commencement speaker was Dr. Timothy B. Tyson, an award-winning author and Duke University professor who spent part of his childhood in Oxford and now resides in Durham. Tyson recalled that although he now holds a doctoral degree, he did not usually enjoy school as a child.

“I slowly began to withdraw from school,” Tyson said. “I went less and less, and I found other things to do. I dropped out of high school as a junior. I became a construction laborer and then a cook.” But a young woman he was dating, who was in graduate school, told him that he would like college, arguing that it was quite different from high school. “I started at a community college, where I found intellectual excitement and I did well, and then I transferred to UNC-Greensboro,” Tyson said. “I loved college. It was a place where independent thought and passion were rewarded.”

Over time, Tyson discovered more and more educational opportunities that he did not know existed. He encouraged the graduates not to limit themselves but to keep striving for more. “You’re not stuck in some place that your past performance has put you,” Tyson told them. “You can’t let anybody stop you and put you in a box. Keep looking forward and figure it out. There’s a way to do it. It’s not as though, if you took a wrong turn at the beginning, somehow you’re stuck in that groove. You can navigate this, and you can end up doing what God put you here to do.”

The author said he was “thrilled” to witness this “proud and important moment” for the graduating students. “Your education will affect yourself, your children and people who are yet unborn, but it’s not just about advancing yourself, it’s about lifting up everybody,” Tyson said. “Each of us, day to day, doing our own bit, can change the world and have changed the world.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony was Spencer Bojan Boyd of Oxford. Boyd completed the Adult High School Diploma program online. A native of Serbia, he was adopted at the age of six by a family in Johnston County, who later moved to Granville County. He was born without a right leg and with a distorted left leg, which was later amputated. “Throughout my journey, my friends and family, particularly my mother, have stuck by my side, supporting me, saying ‘yes, you can,’” Boyd said.

He said his mother’s insistence pushed him forward, so that now, “I am an adult high school graduate – yes, I am. To be clear, I didn’t become a graduate solely on my mother’s belief that I could. I’m an adult high school graduate because Vance-Granville Community College also believes in ‘Yes, you can.’” He said the online program allowed him flexibility and time to focus.

“Through its resources, VGCC has helped me graduate high school and is in the process of helping me into college,” he said. “By extending my education beyond high school, I will be able to discover new doors and opportunities.” Boyd recently enrolled in the College Transfer program at VGCC. He plans to complete two years at the college and then continue his education at a four-year university to study orthotics and prosthetics to help other amputees. “I hope to encourage, support and take care of those who are less fortunate than myself,” Boyd said. “I hope to use the tools that Vance-Granville provided in the future and really get a hold of my purpose in life.”

He concluded, “No matter what obstacle comes your way or how many hardships in life you face, you can turn the idea of ‘this is impossible; I can’t do this’ into ‘Yes, I can, and yes, I have!’ and the fact that I stand before you as a proud graduate is living proof. Mom, yes, I can. VGCC, yes, I can. Henderson, North Carolina, yes, I can. Serbia, yes, I can. The world, yes, I can.”

In welcoming remarks, VGCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Angela Ballentine congratulated the graduates. “You saw an opportunity to improve your life through education, and you seized that opportunity,” she said. Ballentine urged them to continue their education and invited them to meet with college faculty and staff at the conclusion of the ceremony. “This could be the first of many commencement exercises for you,” she said.

Following Tyson’s address, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, praised the graduates and applauded the Basic Skills faculty for preparing students to succeed. “Commencement, as you know, does not mean ‘an ending’ — it means ‘a beginning,’ and that is especially true for this occasion,” she told the graduates. As an extra incentive for graduates to begin their collegiate studies, Williams announced that each would receive a certificate worth free tuition and fees for one semester of courses in curriculum programs at VGCC, absorbing costs not covered by federal financial aid. “This certificate for tuition and fees is our way of saying ‘congratulations’ and ‘keep going,’” the president said.

After VGCC Adult Basic Skills department chair Greg Nash announced the candidates for graduation, Dr. Ballentine assisted President Williams in presenting diplomas.

–VGCC–

Oxford Prep Teacher named recipient to Fulbright-Hays Program

/by

Ms. Rita Ulrich has been named a recipient of the Fulbright-Hays program for the summer of 2017. She will be studying in Bulgaria. The Fulbright-Hays program to Bulgaria will focus on the nation’s relationship as part of the European Union, N.A.T.O. and the neighboring countries of Turkey and Russia. Over the four weeks, the program will highlight the role that globalization has played in Bulgaria’s development since joining with the E.U.  This study will include the impact that refugee migration into the country has had on the economy, culture, education, and demographics, as well as the results of the “brain drain” of Bulgarians who have left for better opportunities elsewhere.

Ms. Ulrich is the social studies teacher for 7th and 8th grade, as well as psychology teacher to advanced placement students at Oxford Prep. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a double bachelors in social science education and psychology. Ms. Ulrich also has a masters degree in international education from the University of Sydney, Australia. After teaching in both South Korea and China for four years, she returned to the United States two years ago to continue my teaching career at an American school. The reason she applied to the Fulbright-Hays program is to expand my knowledge of the changing dynamics of Eastern Europe, as well as educate myself in how the larger global issues are impacting Bulgaria and surrounding region. Ms. Ulrich states that “It is my goal that the Fulbright program will provide opportunities to connect with the people of Bulgaria who are living through the constant global change in the nation, bringing their varying and diverse experiences back to the classroom. Students who will be enrolled in my A.P. psychology class will then have a chance to analyze how the concepts they learn actually play out in the real world through individual stories and lesson based around these very topics.”

Two VGCC students awarded Mike Bradley memorial scholarships

/by

Brady, a company that provides energy-efficient HVAC systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, recently awarded the annual Mike Bradley Memorial Scholarships to Vance-Granville Community College students Michael Hall of Creedmoor and Cedric Rodebaugh of Franklinton.

Both students, who are studying Welding Technology at VGCC, received a $500 scholarship to help fund their education.

Established by the Association of Community College Facility Operations (ACCFO) in 2014, the Bradley Memorial Scholarship was named in honor of Mike Bradley by his long-time employer, Brady Services. Bradley served as an outspoken supporter of and advocate for ACCFO and was passionate about the North Carolina Community College System, as a graduate of Wake Technical Community College. He passed away suddenly in 2014 after working with Brady for more than 30 years. In his memory, Brady funds the scholarship to be given annually to students at one member college. This was the first year that VGCC has been selected as the recipient school.

ACCFO members are employed as maintenance directors, managers, supervisors, physical plant managers and foremen employed by North Carolina Community Colleges to oversee physical plant operations and buildings and grounds maintenance.

Representatives of Brady recently made a visit to VGCC’s Main Campus to meet the two scholarship recipients and hold a luncheon in their honor. The officials from the company included Brady Vice President of Direct Sales Brad Resler of Greensboro, Account Services Representative Lina Lindberg of Morrisville and Director of Business and Leadership Development Phil Kirk of Raleigh, who is also a former member of the State Board of Community Colleges.

“Brady is a North Carolina company, and one of our missions is to be supportive of our associates and our community,” Resler told college officials and the students at the luncheon. “We had a tragedy strike us about two and a half years ago, with the passing of one of our associates, Mike Bradley. Through this scholarship, we remember him and carry on his legacy in a way that gives back to our community colleges and helps grow the vocational trades in North Carolina.”

Resler added that the scholarship is important not only to the individual students who receive it but also to the company, because it allows them to “reinvest in the workforce of North Carolina, the purpose of the community colleges, and the skilled trades that Brady and other contractors across the state rely upon.”

He noted that nationwide, many more skilled technicians in areas such as HVAC and welding are retiring than are entering those professions. “It’s vitally important that we get qualified, hard-working folks like Michael and Cedric to make the choice to train for these careers, so we’re just thrilled to support what VGCC is doing to develop a knowledgeable workforce. Congratulations, Michael and Cedric, on being selected as the recipients. We look forward to seeing the great things that are ahead of you both!”

Hall, who was accompanied by his mother, Lynn, and Rodebaugh, who was joined by his wife, Tamara, expressed their appreciation to Brady and to the college. Both students have completed the first year of VGCC’s two-year Welding degree program. Hall is already employed in the welding field, at MGM Products in Kittrell.

“We feel very honored and fortunate to have you here to present these scholarships,” Rusty Pace, the head of the VGCC Welding program, said. “I love to see our students and industry come together, whether through employment or scholarships. Cedric and Michael are quickly becoming leaders as students in the Welding program. They are highly motivated, dedicated and set an excellent example for their classmates.”

  1. Keith Shearon, who oversees Welding and other programs as the Applied Technologies department chair at VGCC, added, “It’s always encouraging to have people in the community, especially employers, make an investment in our students.”

“The Mike Bradley Memorial Scholarship makes a significant difference in our community college system, and we are grateful to Brady and ACCFO for selecting a pair of outstanding Vance-Granville students as the recipients this year,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “We can’t wait to see Michael’s and Cedric’s bright futures as they prepare for personal and professional success.”

About Brady

Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, with locations in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and Wilmington. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing over 420 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of HVAC and building solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, performance contracts, access controls, security, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as world-class technical support. Brady is a Trane franchise. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com.

About Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

TRAC in Granville County Region – WIZS Live Broadcast

/by

Thursday May 18th from 10 am to 2 pm, tourism-related businesses in Granville County and the surrounding region will have an opportunity to work with Visit North Carolina staff to learn about its research, development and marketing services, and discuss best practices in reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending. Visit North Carolina’s Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC), a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses, will be held at Cedar Creek Gallery located on 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor.  The gallery offers for sale the work of over 200 of America’s most accomplished craftspeople in a unique, relaxing atmosphere.  For more information about the gallery, log onto www.cedarcreekgallery.com.  The event will also feature the Baton Rouge Cuisine Food Truck providing authentic, fresh Cajun & Soul food for sale.

Log onto https://www.brcuisine.com/ for menu.

There is no charge to attend TRAC, no reservation is required, and there are no PowerPoint presentations. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you’d-like event opportunity for all tourism-related businesses to meet one-on-one with program managers to discuss better ways to promote their property or event. TRAC brings Visit North Carolina’s program managers to local communities to discuss the nuts and bolts of working with the organization. This invaluable program is designed to help tourism-related businesses engage more fully with programs offered by Visit North Carolina and its partners.

WIZS will broadcast live from the event from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for interested citizens and business owners that may not have the opportunity to attend.

Representatives from the EDPNC’s BLNC, N.C. Dept. of Commerce, N.C. Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources, GotToBe NC Agri-Tourism and NC GreenTravel will also be on hand to discuss services they can provide businesses, including strategic planning, assisting with identifying funding sources and serving as liaisons with other local, state and federal agencies. For additional information on this session or to learn more about scheduling a TRAC visit to your community, contact André Nabors at (919) 447-7771.

In addition, Angela Allen, Tourism Director for Granville County will also be in attendance to share with restaurants, retail stores, events and attractions on how she can help drive visitors to Granville and their businesses.  Please feel free to contact her at 919-693-6125 or log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com .

Butner to hold Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony

/by

PRESS RELEASE

MEMORIAL DAY WREATH LAYING CEREMONY

MAY 29th at 10:00 AM

GAZEBO PARK, BUTNER

Please join us for the opportunity to pay tribute and remember our past US Military Service men and women with a Wreath Laying Ceremony.

The event will take place at the Gazebo Park, Town of Butner, on Monday, May 29th beginning at 10:00 AM.

The Ceremony includes keynote speaker Tom Lane, who was the first elected Mayor of Butner (2007-2015).  Also participating are area pastors Reverend Buddy Ritter, Reverend David Richardson; the South Granville Jr. ROTC; and music by the South Granville High School Band.

Winners of the Middle School Essay Contest will present their writings and military vehicles will be on display.

The address for Gazebo Park is 416, Central Avenue, Butner, NC.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena.

Help patients, honor loved ones by donating blood with the Red Cross

/by

DURHAM, N.C. (May 17, 2017) – Before busy summer schedules set in, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to roll up a sleeve to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need.

Donors of all blood types are needed now to help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving cancer treatment.

Kenneth Reed gives blood in his son’s honor. When Trace was 8 days old, he underwent heart surgery and received blood transfusions. “It’s the least I can do. If it wasn’t for donors, he wouldn’t be here with us today,” said Reed. “I don’t call it donating blood; I call it donating life.”

Giving blood is an easy and thoughtful way to honor a loved one who has relied on blood products, to follow in the example of a family member who gives regularly or to simply help others.

As a thank you, those who come out to donate May 26-30 will receive a Red Cross-branded visor, while supplies last. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can then also visit redcrossblood.org/cedarfair to enter to win one of three grand prize packages for four to Knott’s Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Granville

Creedmoor

5/26/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

6/15/2017: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Union Bank & Trust Company, 108 College Street

_______________

Person

Roxboro

5/29/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 605 Burlington Rd

_______________

Vance

Henderson

6/16/2017: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maria Parham Health, John T. Church Building, 566 Ruin Creek Rd