GCPS School Board Seeks Public Input on Superintendent Search

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Press Release

Granville County Board of Education

February 7, 2017

The Granville County Board of Education has hired the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) to help facilitate its search for the next Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools (GCPS). To that end, the board is seeking direct input from interested members of the staff and community to help shape the search process and assist in defining the qualities and characteristics of the next GCPS superintendent.

The board invites parents and community members to participate in a short community survey that can be accessed and completed online by clicking the survey link on the main GCPS webpage: https://www.gcs.k12.nc.us/. All surveys must be completed by Monday, March 27, 2017 with results to be compiled, summarized, and presented by NCSBA at the regular board meeting on April 3, 2017.

In addition, all employees of GCPS will have an opportunity to complete a separate online staff survey. Details about completing the employee version of the search survey will be communicated via school system email.

Citizens may also sign up to address the board during the public comment period at any of the upcoming regular board meetings, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on March 6 and April 3. All meetings will be held in the main board room at the GCPS Administrative Offices, located at 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, NC. Citizens must sign up to speak before the meeting begins and must otherwise comply with board policy.

In addition to input received from the surveys and public comment, written statements from any local groups or organizations may be submitted to Allison Schafer via mail at NCSBA, P.O. Box 97877, Raleigh, NC 27624, via email at aschafer@ncsba.org, or via fax at 919-841-4020. These statements should be received no later than Monday, March 27, 2017.

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Stan Winborne, Ed.S.
Director of High Schools
Director of Career & Technical Education Program
Public Information Officer
Granville County Schools

City of Oxford to hold Personnel Committee Meeting

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CITY OF OXFORD

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

The Personnel Committee for the City of Oxford will meet on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the Training Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the hiring process, code enforcement position, career development and personnel policy.  All those interested are encouraged to attend.

 

Barb Rote, CMC

City Clerk,

City of Oxford

300 Williamsboro Street – PO Box 1307

Oxford, North Carolina  27565

Butterfield Re-Introduces Childhood Cancer STAR Act

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), along with Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), re-introduced the Childhood Cancer STAR (Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research) Act, HR 820, in the 115th Congress.

The STAR Act would improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, and identify opportunities to expand the research of therapeutics necessary to treat the approx. 15,700 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. every year.

Congressman Butterfield: “Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death in American children and we need to take action. The Childhood Cancer STAR Act aims to give young cancer patients and their families better access to life-saving treatments and the support they need even after beating cancer.  I thank my colleagues for their continued partnership on this measure.  No parent should have to lose a child to cancer.  This Act moves us one step closer to seeing that it does not happen.”

Congressman McCaul: “I co-founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus because we need to do more in the fight against the number one killer of our children.  When I was in elementary school, my friend lost his battle to this illness, and this tragedy continues to be a far too frequent occurrence for children across the nation.  That is why we need to move legislation like the STAR Act through Congress this year, and prevent the worst outcomes from becoming a reality.”

Senator Reed: “With far too many children’s lives tragically cut short by cancer, it’s critical that we do all we can to help the brave young people who are fighting these battles.  The Childhood Cancer STAR Act will bring needed assistance to children with cancer and their families by expanding opportunities for research on childhood cancer and providing new strategies to help survivors overcome late health effects, such as secondary cancers.  It is my hope that these efforts will lead to life-saving treatments for children and bring us closer to our ultimate goal of ending pediatric cancer once and for all.”

Congresswoman Speier: “Childhood cancer is a nightmare for children and their families. And for many of these children, the fight does not end with remission,” Rep. Speier said. “That is why I’m proud to reintroduce the STAR Act and fight for its immediate passage in order to address the care and quality of life of the population of childhood cancer survivors, which is expected to reach 500,000 by the year 2020. The joyful news of remission should never be ruined by the serious threat of financial and emotional turmoil due to the on-going medical needs of these incredibly brave survivors.”

Senator Capito: “We must continue making advancements that can help save the lives of those battling childhood cancers. The Childhood Cancer STAR Act will contribute to new developments in research and treatment, and has the potential to positively impact tens of thousands of lives. I’m proud to reintroduce this very important legislation for patients and families in West Virginia and across the country.”

Senator Van Hollen: “There are unique barriers to studying childhood cancer that are slowing and preventing the next big breakthrough in treatment.  We need a strategy to give every child with cancer the hope of a long and healthy life, and the STAR Act is a bipartisan approach to delivering that hope. By taking action to better study this disease and improve the quality of life for survivors, this bill will ultimately save lives and get us closer to the day that no child has to face the diagnosis of cancer.”

Congressman Kelly: “No parent should ever have to hear the words, ‘Your child has cancer.’ I am so grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to introduce this crucial legislation to help make that dream a reality. The STAR Act will be a powerful tool in the fight to eradicate childhood cancer forever, and an ally to the survivors who have bravely fought and beat this disease.”

Senator Isakson: “It is extremely important that we increase research and treatment of the devastating effects of childhood cancer.  This critical legislation is a positive step forward to help find the right cures for our youngest patients.”

Background:

The STAR Act passed the U.S. House in the 114th Congress.

https://butterfield.house.gov

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Boys and Girls Club fundraiser brings a taste of New Orleans to Granville County

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OXFORD – Mardi Gras festivities begin a few days early in Granville County this year when a local venue transforms into a New Orleans-style party spot.

The inaugural Mardi Gras Bash, set for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, is a fundraiser to benefit the Granville Unit of the Boys and Girls Club. Event organizers, most of them members of the local club’s advisory committee, say they expect this to become an annual “signature” event for the community.

“We are excited for the community and for the club,” said Irene Nichols, a member of the planning committee. “When you step through those doors, you’re going to feel like you are right down on Bourbon Street,” she said.

The fundraiser will be held at Thorndale Oaks in Oxford. “Thorndale Oaks is such a beautiful spot,” said Jackie Sergent, another committee member. “We are delighted to be able to have our event there,” Sergent said. Thorndale’s chef has created a New Orleans-inspired menu for the occasion. The event is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with special recognitions and other activities during the evening. Music will be provided by DJ Jay.

Boys and Girls Club members are creating and decorating Mardi Gras masks for the occasion, which will be available for purchase at the event. Local artist Linda Edwards will lead a workshop at the club to help the children create the masks in colorful Mardi Gras fashion.

The local club is in its fourth year of operation in Oxford. It is part of the North Central North Carolina region, which operates clubs in Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties. Each local club has an advisory committee which is responsible for local fundraising annually. The club began at Mary Potter Middle School, but soon needed extra space. Elementary school-aged club members spent part of the afternoons at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Then the BGCNCNC accepted building space, formerly used by  Santa Fe Natural Tobacco. The club officially moved to its new spot in summer 2016.

“This is what true community collaboration is all about,” said Laura Gabel, a local advisory committee member. “We got help from the schools and from a local church when we needed it most,” she said. Advisory committee Chairman Xavier Wortham agrees. “This community identified a need for a Boys and Girls Club,” he said, “and now we need to make sure that this community continues to support everything that the club provides.”

Tickets are $50 a person and are available in downtown Oxford at Stovall’s Gifts, Java Dave’s Cafe, Harvest restaurant and The Purple Bird. Tickets also are available from BGC  advisory committee members and online at bgcncnc.com.

For more information, contact Resource Development Director Mary Ann Avery at the BGC corporate office, 919.690.0036.

 

Mary Ann Avery

Resource Development Director

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Sixth Annual Great Landscape Day Planned at the MHCO

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6th Annual Great Landscape Day at MHCO – March 18, 2017

It’s that time of year again, March 18, 2017 will mark our 6th Annual Great Landscape Day at the Masonic Home! Thank you for your participation in the past as part of this successful Masonic Home for Children’s event.  This day of service and charity has grown from one single Girl Scout Troop to over 120 individuals representing families, businesses, churches, Lodges, and civic organizations.  The beauty that you and others have given to this Home continues today.  Our thanks again for your help in the past and for your consideration of this year’s event.  We hope you can join us and will invite others to share in this day of help and fellowship!  Come and join us for a good meal (two in fact) and the chance to bring beauty, comfort, and security to the home of a child.

When:           Saturday, March 18, 2017 – (NO RAIN DATE THIS YEAR – CALL FOR UPDATES!)

Where:          Campus of Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC

Schedule:      7:30am – 9am – Continental Breakfast for participants

8:30am – 12:00pm – Landscaping Event on Campus

12:00pm – Lunch and Conclusion of Event

Groups can start after 8:30am and/or leave before 12 noon if needed.  Please bring shovels, gloves, wheelbarrow, rakes, and other landscaping implements for your personal use.  A needs list of items that can be given as part of the event is available at www.mhc-oxford.org.  You must RSVP and sign-up on or before March 10, 2017 to participate and must include the number attending.  This is very important to make the most of this day. To RSVP or for more information contact MHCO at 919-603-3930 or jgrimes@mhc-oxford.org.

Thanks,

Jennifer Grimes

Financial Development Assistant & Database Manager

The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Inc.

600 College Street

Oxford, NC 27565

Luncheon to raise funds to support VGCC Culinary Arts students

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The Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College is holding a luncheon to raise funds to help send students to competitions through the SkillsUSA organization. The Valentine’s-themed luncheon will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Masonic Home for Children on College Street in Oxford, where the Culinary program is based.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/VGCCvalentine.

“Our Valentine’s SkillsUSA Fundraising Luncheon will give students the opportunity to demonstrate both front and back of the house skills, while operating a refined, up-scale event that showcases their work, not only in the classroom, but the kitchen as well,” said Chef Teresa Davis, the VGCC Culinary Arts program head.

She said the menu is set to include, for starters, a choice of poached shrimp cocktail with lemon horseradish cocktail sauce, beef tartare on potato chips with a whole grain aioli, crab cakes, mini chicken and biscuits with Dijon maple glaze, or romaine salad with a creamy Parmesan dressing; for the main course, a choice of butter poached salmon with lemon and dill, Au Poivre steak, or brown butter gnocchi with spinach and parmesan; for sides, a choice of roasted asparagus bacon bundles, roasted Brussels sprouts with candied pecans and cranberries, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or creamy grits with roasted corn; and for dessert, a choice of assorted cupcakes, assorted chocolates or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of secondary and post-secondary students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. Among the benefits to VGCC students are opportunities to participate in competitions, which are designed by industry experts and showcase the nation’s top career and technical education students.

In 2016, Culinary Arts student Dustin Gregory of Oxford won a statewide competition and became the first student from VGCC to take part in a national SkillsUSA contest. Several local donors and the US Foods company made donations to help sponsor his trip to the national conference.

For more information about the Culinary Arts program, contact Chef Teresa Davis at davist@vgcc.edu or (919) 690-0312.

–VGCC–

Rusty Pace honored for leadership at VGCC

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Rusty Pace, program head for Welding Technology at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.

Pace’s honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members, and endowing many scholarships for students.

Dr. Williams praised Pace as an innovative faculty leader. “Under Rusty’s leadership, the Welding program, which was already well-known for excellence, has increased its retention rate while also expanding from a one-year diploma to an associate degree program,” the president said. “He has worked hand-in-hand with our Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant department staff to grow his program, meeting the needs of both our students and our local employers.”

Williams also noted that Pace has demonstrated a commitment to professional development, by traveling as far away as Ohio for welding technology training, by attending a conference related to the TAACCCT grant in Florida and by taking courses at the college in online education and computer skills.

A Louisburg resident and native of Franklinton, Pace enrolled at VGCC fresh out of Franklinton High School. He graduated from VGCC with a diploma in Welding in 1978 and quickly became certified through the Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Pace worked as a welder for many years in Wake Forest and Franklin County, eventually opening his own business. He later completed an associate degree in Welding at Nash Community College.

Pace returned to teach Welding at VGCC on a part-time basis in 1998 and became a full-time instructor in 2004. Pace was promoted to the role of program head in 2007. At the college, he has served on the Professional Advisory Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Student Success Committee, and completed the VGCC Leadership Institute in 2006.

–VGCC–

Granville County Animal Management Survey

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Granville County Animal Management and Granville County Senior Services are collecting information about pet ownership in Granville County. We will use this data to better understand pet owners in Granville County and where services are needed.

This survey is anonymous.

Please only take it once.

 

Single Owner Request: If you co-own a pet, please only complete one survey per household.

The link to complete the survey online: https://tinyurl.com/hqzrkpz.

 

 

 

Charla Duncan

Grants Coordinator

141 Williamsboro St.

P.O. Box 1286

Oxford, NC  27565

Butterfield: Trump Voter Fraud Claim ‘Completely Unsubstantiated’

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s claim that up to 5 million votes were cast illegally in the 2016 presidential election:

“Donald Trump’s claim that millions of ‘illegal’ votes are what cost him the popular vote in the presidential election is completely unsubstantiated.

“If there really were millions of votes cast illegally like President Trump is suggesting, then it is hard to believe that every one of those votes were cast in support of Secretary Clinton.

“By calling into question the administration of this election, Donald Trump is also calling into question the legitimacy of his presidency.

“It’s time for President Trump to either show us his proof of this purported voter fraud or concede that most Americans who voted cast their ballot against his divisive rhetoric and regressive policy agenda.”

 

https://butterfield.house.gov

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Multiple B&E Cases Reported in Granville County

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TO:                         News Media

FROM:                  Granville County Crime Stoppers  

DATE:                   January 25th, 2017

SUBJECT:           BREAKING and ENTERING/BURGLARY/LARCENY

Sometime between Wednesday, December 28th, 2016 early evening hours and Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 early morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Highway 15 North, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a storage building, which caused criminal property damage and removed one Stihl BR700 blower, four Stihl BR600 blower, one Stihl FC95 edger, one Stihl HS81 30” hedge trimmer, seven Stihl FS90 trimmers, and one Stihl MM55 Tiller.

On Thursday, January 1st, 2017 during late evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property and criminally entered the garage of a residence located off Tabbs Creek Road, Oxford, NC and removed one Remington 700 30-06 rifle with a leupold vari X2 scope, one black Gamo .177 caliber air pellet rifle, one Bow-Tech Compound bow with quiver arrows and sight, and one wood grain handled Bear Compound bow with sights, quiver and arrows.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon State maintained property of Northside and Cash Roads in Creedmoor, NC and set fire to a four door “2015” Honda Civic-EX, which is registered out of the county of Durham, NC.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of Hasty Mart Convenience store located at 1633 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC and criminally forced entry by throwing a brick through the window of the property and removed several cartons of Kool King, Kool 100’s, Newport Blue King, New Port Men Gold King, Newport Men Gold, Newport NM King, Newport NM Gold 100’s, and Newport Smooth select King and Newport Smooth select 100’s- cigarettes, several packages of Game, Swisher, and Optimo cigarette wrapping papers, along with several White Owl Cigars of various flavors and 12 cans of Bud Light beer.

 

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

 

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.