Online Workshops In August Designed To Support Caregivers To Those Living With Dementia

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Two chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association in North Carolina are partnering with the Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas to host a series of free virtual weekly education workshops to help those who are providing care for family members or others living with dementia.

The series is titled The Empowered Caregiver and it is designed to help caregivers by sharing activities they can apply to their specific situations.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and the most common cause of dementia. Parkinson’s disease dementia also falls under that umbrella term. While the disease states are different, there are similarities in caring for both forms of dementia.

“Our latest Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report shows that dementia caregivers in North Carolina face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as a result of caregiving,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “Dementia is also common for individuals in later stage Parkinson’s. Our goal with this collaboration with the Parkinson’s Foundation is to offer tools and education to help caregivers feel supported and see pathways forward.”

The Empowered Caregiver education series will be offered via live webinar each Thursday in August from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. -with each week covering a new topic.

Building Foundations of Caregiving – August 1

Explores the role of caregiver and changes they may experience building a support team and managing stress.

Supporting Independence – August 8

Focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.

Communicating Effective – August 15

Teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.

Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors – August 22

Details common behavior changes and how they’re a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when help is needed.

Exploring Care and Support Services – August 29

Examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and end of life care.

“We are excited about this partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association because no matter the disease, care partners need help,” says Diana Parrish, senior advancement director, Carolinas Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “As a care partner for 19 years, we have found that the Parkinson’s Foundation’s resources, services, and programs have helped us on this journey!”

There is no charge to participate, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link for the series. To sign-up, visit tinyurl.com/CaregiverAugust or call 800.272.3900.

Drought? What Drought? WIZS Listening Area Removed From ‘Abnormally Dry’ Status

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Given the recent downpours, showers and afternoon and evening thunderstorms, the WIZS listening area no longer is in the “abnormally dry” status posted by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

Just last week, most of the state was experiencing some level of drought conditions, according to NCDROUGHT.ORG, but since then, that level has decreased, thanks to substantial rainfall. Only five counties remain in severe drought, with 30 counties still in moderate drought and 47 others in the abnormally dry category.

Rainfall totals vary widely across the four counties, with some areas reporting 1-inch, 2-inch, even 5-inch totals just in the last week.

The rain has been a welcome sight for farmers with crops in the field. Hopefully, corn and bean crops in the southeastern portion of the state have gotten some relief as well.

Aug. 6, 7 Forums To Provide Updates On Broadband Internet Expansion

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– information courtesy of the Office of N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has scheduled upcoming forums – one in Vance County and one in Granville County – to provide updates on the status of expanding broadband internet across the counties he serves.

Leaders from the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity will provide in-person updates on the state’s efforts to close the digital divide, according to a press statement from Sossamon’s office.

The Vance County forum will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Perry Memorial Library from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. NCDIT Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Equity Nate Denny will be the speaker.

The Granville County forum will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 7, also from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Granville County Expo Center. NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Deputy Director George Collier will be the guest speaker.

To date, the Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has awarded more than $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure across North Carolina. This funding also supports initiatives to help residents afford internet access, obtain digital devices, and access digital literacy resources.

Specific to Granville and Vance counties, nearly $12 million has been awarded for projects connecting 5,828 homes and businesses. Highlights include:

  • Fybe: Awarded $1.8 million in June through the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, with an additional $1.8 million from Granville County and over $1.5 million from Fybe, to expand high-speed internet to 1,720 homes and businesses in Granville County.
  • Spectrum: Awarded $4 million in CAB funds in 2023 to connect 1,530 homes and businesses in Granville County.
  • Brightspeed: Received $4 million in Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants to connect 1,914 homes and businesses in Granville County and nearly $2 million to connect 664 locations in Vance County.

Granville County Schools have also benefited from these efforts, recently receiving $400,000 to expand device lending programs, offer digital literacy training led by student interns, and establish community Wi-Fi locations through the division’s Digital Champion grant program.

Attendees at both sessions will have the opportunity to ask questions about the state’s broadband initiatives and individual projects aimed at bringing high-speed internet service and digital literacy resources to their county.

KTCOG Hosting Family Caregiver Conference Aug. 6; Focus On Dementia Care

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The Kerr Tar Family Caregiver Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6 and registration is now open for family caregivers and professionals who are interested in learning about caring for individuals with dementia.

The half-day conference begins at 9 a.m. with check-in, breakfast and networking at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Auditorium.

The conference is presented by Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. Melanie Bunn, a registered nurse and dementia care specialist with the alliance, is one of the speakers along with Michael Patterson, KTCOG’s family caregiver specialist.

Family caregivers can register for $10; professional caregivers register for $25 and have the opportunity to earn three continuing education unit credits.

Visit www.DementiaNC.org/2024Henderson to register online or contact Lisa Levine  at 919.832.3732 to register by phone. Walk-in registrations are welcome on the day of the conference.

Visit www.kerrtarcog.org to find out about all the programs and services the KTCOG provides across Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties.

Distinguished Alumni Award Due To VGCC Foundation Board By Aug. 31

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation board is seeking nominations for its third annual Distinguished Alumni award. Nominations are due by Aug. 31.

Throughout its 55-year history, VGCC has served the citizens of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, preparing them for careers and further secondary education in dozens of certificate and curriculum programs.

Many alumni of VGCC have gone on to make significant impact in their communities and careers. Two years ago, the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation began recognizing one outstanding VGCC alumnus each year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and honors outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, college or career. Mara Shelton was the 2022 recipient; Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley was honored in 2023.

Alumni who have completed a diploma or degree program at VGCC are eligible for the award. Current VGCC Foundation Board members are not eligible. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Exhibits outstanding leadership and character
  • Achieved significant accomplishments in career area
  • Exhibits outstanding service to the community
  • Supports VGCC in some capacity

Visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation to complete the nomination form or request one via email at foundation@vgcc.edu. Please note that nominees remain nominated for three years after the receipt of their nomination.

The award will be presented during the annual the VGCC Foundation Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Sept. 26.

Granville County Names Stacy Hicks To Lead 911 Emergency Communications Dept.

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Stacy Hicks has been appointed to lead Granville County’s 911 Emergency Communications Department. Hicks joined Granville County government in 2006 as a telecommunicator and has held a variety of positions in the department over the past 18 years.

“I’m honored to have been selected as Granville County’s 911 Emergency Communications Director,” said Hicks.  “The eighteen years I have spent serving the citizens of Granville County has only reinforced how critical the 911 center is for the safety of our community,” she said in a press release issued Thursday.

Since joining the county as a telecommunicator, Hicks has progressed through the Emergency Communications ranks serving as a Telecommunication Supervisor, Emergency Medical Dispatch Coordinator, Training & Quality Assurance Coordinator and Operations Manager.  Hicks most recently served as the Interim 911 Emergency Communications Director.

“While running a 24/7 public safety operation is challenging, I’m confident in our staff’s training and abilities. We hope all citizens and visitors to our county have peace of mind that when they are dealing with an emergency that a calm and professional voice will answer when they call 911,” Hicks said.

Hicks holds an Associates degree in Business Administration from Vance-Granville Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UNC-Greensboro. She is currently enrolled in the Master’s of Public Administration program at East Carolina University.

Hicks has received numerous national and  state certifications including the National Emergency Number Association Emergency Number Professional,  Advanced Level Emergency Medical Dispatch Quality, Emergency Fire Dispatch Quality, Association of Public  Safety Communicators Communications Training Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency National  Incident Management System Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce, North Carolina Division of  Criminal Information Operations, and the National Association of Counties Performance Leader Master  Certificate.

The 911 Emergency Communications Center is located in the Granville County Law Enforcement Center at 525 New Commerce Dr. in Oxford.

Triangle North Business Park Among Top 15 In State For Economic Development Prospects

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Granville County’s Triangle North Business Park has been included among the top 15 locations in the state best positioned to successfully serve major advanced manufacturing projects as part of the state’s Selectsite Readiness Program.

The SRP was created by the General Assembly in 2023 to support the development of sites that will increase the  state’s competitiveness for new or expanded major manufacturing projects in key industries, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina contracted with Site Selection Group, a national site selection firm, and Thomas & Hutton, a full-service engineering and design firm, to evaluate sites across North Carolina to determine those best positioned to serve potential advanced manufacturing  projects.

Triangle North Granville was submitted and approved from among 60 sites that were being considered using criteria including technical/engineering assessments, evaluation of workforce availability, site development costs and overall operating costs.

“Having Granville County and Triangle North recognized by EDPNC as a top fifteen site for economic development is a huge win for our community,” said Tim Karan, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. “Granville County is, and will remain, a top choice for industries seeking to locate or expand in  North Carolina. Being added to the SRP shows the effects of Granville County’s investment in Triangle North to enhance thoughtful and desirable economic development opportunities for our citizens.”

In recent months, Granville County has begun to install water and sewer infrastructure to make Triangle North more desirable to industrial development and has entered into a contract with Portman Industrial, LLC for the sale of 127.16 acres in Triangle North. Portman plans to construct buildings totaling 940,000 square feet, which will be built to accommodate targeted industries that will bring higher tax values and higher paying jobs to the county. Portman Industrial plans to complete the construction of both buildings by early 2026. Vance-Granville Community College is also moving forward with plans to construct an Advanced Manufacturing Center at Triangle North.

The fifteen sites added to the North Carolina SRP are:

  • Triangle North Granville Business Park – Granville County
  • Claremont International Rail Park – Catawba County
  • Triangle Innovation Point West – Chatham County
  • Reedy Fork Industrial Site – Guilford County
  • Crown Industrial Site – Guilford County
  • US 301 Industrial Site – Halifax County
  • Ferncliff Park – Henderson County
  • North Carolina Global TransPark North Site – Lenoir County
  • Holly Shelter Business Park – New Hanover County
  • Farmville Corporate Park – Pitt County
  • Energy Way Industrial Park – Richmond County
  • Expressway Commerce Park @ Monroe South – Union County
  • Camp Helix – Wake County
  • ParkEast Ivey Site – Wayne County
  • Carolinian Innovation Park – Wilson County

For more information about the SRP, read the full report at the EDPNC website https://edpnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SRP-Report-and-Cover-Letter-FINAL-07.01.2024.pdf.

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VGCC Hitting The Road To Bring Enrollment Process To Prospective Students

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– information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

You’ve got ambitions, and Vance-Granville Community College is here to help you reach those goals you’ve set for yourself. VGCC will host several Enrollment Days in July, empowering prospective students to succeed during the upcoming semester and beyond.

College representatives are taking their services out into the community to make enrolling as convenient as possible for potential learners, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

During each event, VGCC faculty and staff will provide information on the enrollment process, degree options, short-term job training, and student support services, including financial assistance. New financial aid options like the Next NC Scholarship make a quality education more affordable and accessible than ever for many North Carolina learners.

Advisors will also assist students in registering for Fall 2024 classes. The new academic year, which begins on Thursday, August 15, offers the flexibility of both 8-week and 16-week classes, as well as online and hybrid options.

Mark your calendar and join Vance-Granville at one of the Enrollment Days listed below:

 

Tuesday, July 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

South Granville Public Library

1550 South Campus Drive

Creedmoor, NC 27522

 

Thursday, July 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Franklinton Branch Library

9 West Mason Street

Franklinton, NC 27525

 

Tuesday, July 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Richard H. Thornton Library

210 Main Street

Oxford, NC 27565

 

Contact admissions@vgcc.edu or 252-492-2061 for more information, and find additional enrollment resources at www.vgcc.edu/future-students.

Granville Selects Lindsey Davidson For Newly Created Finance Role

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Granville County has named Lindsey Davidson to fill a newly created position of assistant finance director. Davidson begins the job on Monday, July 8, having served 11 years in a variety of roles within finance operations of Granville Health System.

“Lindsey brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to our organization,” said  Granville County Finance Director Jennifer Baird. “We are thrilled to have Lindsey join our growing team and we  know this position will be instrumental in ensuring that the tax dollars from our citizens are spent accurately and  with accountability. I am confident that she will serve the Finance Department and Granville County well.”

Since January 2022, Davidson has been controller for Granville Health System, a position which oversees all areas of accounting, preparing annual financial and cost allocation reports, and providing leadership and support to Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Staff Accountants. Prior to her promotion to controller, Davidson worked as a financial analyst, where she collaborated with department heads to develop operating budgets as well as monitoring the health system’s financial position throughout the year. Davidson originally joined Granville Health System as a staff accountant, a position that required reconciling general ledger accounts and bank statements, while also serving as backup to the payroll department.

 

 

TownTalk: New Senior Center Planned For Stovall

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Over the course of the next 12 months or so, the town of Stovall is going to be the site of some groundbreaking activity – literally.

A new senior center is going up at the corner of Oxford and Main streets, and local officials agree that the proposed location is perfectly placed to get a lot of use by folks who live in the northern part of the county.

The $3 million project has cleared all the initial pre-construction hurdles, and Granville County’s Senior Services Director Kathy May said work should begin this month, with an estimated completion date of August 2025.

May and Stovall Town Commissioner Jeffrey Stovall were guests on Tuesday’s TownTalk, and both agree that the new senior center will change the landscape of the tiny town located just a few miles north of Oxford on Highway 15.

The 4.5 acre-tract is situated across from the Stovall library and medical center and is nestled between Stovall Baptist Church and Town Hall.

And although the idea has been about seven years in the making, May said the timing is just right.

Did you know that Granville County has the largest percentage of people in the 50-59 age range? “I was shocked when I found that out fairly recently,” May said.

Forty percent of the county’s population is 50+, a demographic May and her staff know quite well. Residents over 50 are eligible to participate in senior center programs and events; services like transportation, congregate meals and meal delivery are for residents 60 years and older.

As residents “age in” to the services that the county’s senior center provides, May said it’s important to have a facility that can accommodate multiple activities at once.

The current senior center has been in service since the mid-1990’s, and while it’s a nice building (with original hardwood floors), May said it’s basically a single 1200-square-foot room, with no functional outdoor space other than a gravel parking lot.

The new center, by contrast, will have multiple spaces, a walking path and plenty of room outside that eventually will be home to a couple of pickle ball courts.

“A senior center is like a home away from home,” May explained. It’s a place where senior adults can reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, learn how to stay healthy and it keeps them from sitting at home being lonely, she said. The center staff can help connect them with vital community resources, another bonus.

They eat meals together, play games, attend workshops and take classes through the Creative Lifelong Learning program.

May said she plans to hold some of the CLL classes at the new center in Stovall.

“It’ll be great for seniors and the community as a whole,” Stovall said. “I really do think it’s going to bring the town together. He was elected to the town board of commissioners in the last election, and he said town leaders are working hard to make Stovall a place where young families want to live.

“We’re trending upward,” Stovall said, adding that the senior center creates a “confidence booster for us to continue to do the right thing.”

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