TownTalk: CultureFest Coming To Oxford

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CultureFest is coming to downtown Oxford this Saturday, and organizers say the day’s activities will be a treat for all the senses – there will different types of food, musical performances and plenty of demonstrations for the entire family to enjoy.

“We are literally shutting down the center of town, “exclaimed Cathy Anna, who is the event producer for the sponsoring John Chavis Society. Main Street – between the Courthouse and the roundabout between the post office and Oxford Baptist Church, will be packed with artisan vendors, food trucks and performance stages for the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performances will take place every half hour and will include all types of traditional dance groups representing Polynesian, Latin, Mexican, West African cultures, Anna said. And don’t forget the Cane Creek Cloggers, who will perform with a full bluegrass band providing a musical backdrop.

A Durham-based group will bring traditional dance and drumming of West Africa to Oxford, said Ajulo Othow, treasurer of the John Chavis Society and a direct descendant of the man for whom the society is named.

Part of what makes CultureFest special, Othow said, is that people from diverse backgrounds can make connections through “love, joy, dance, music…arts in general.” The idea is to leave, “feeling more connected to one another.”

Anna said 66 vendor booths will be lining Main Street to offer a unique shopping experience. All the vendors are also the artisans who will have for sale their custom crafted, handmade items – “items you’re not going to find anywhere else,” she said.

There will be “food trucks galore,” Anna said, offering a global culinary smorgasbord – everything from Asian Fusion, Italian, Greek, Soul Food and even “Fair Food.” And there will be plenty of sweet stuff, too – cakes, pies, snow cones and ice cream. These are conveniently located by the children’s craft area that will provide lots of hands-on creative activities for the younger generation.

So whether you head downtown for the Chinese Dragon Dance, Ballet Folklórico or Indian dancers in their colorful garb, or you just want to let your kids to enjoy creating a mandala or a beadwork activity, just know that CultureFest is a fun way to learn more about traditions we may not be familiar with. It’s a way to bring people together and break down stereotypes.

“Couldn’t we use a little bit more of that,” Othow said. “Just a little bit.”

It was Othow’s mother, the late Helen Chavis Othow, who was a driving force in the creation of CultureFest. Othow died in 2022, and CultureFest has continued to gather momentum.

“I like to think of it as a love offering from my mom to the community,” Othow said of the festival. Her family’s roots in Granville County go back to the 1700’s, and Othow said her mother devoted her life to research the many contributions the family made to its community.

Anna and Othow invite the community to come and stay all day – it may just take that long to experience all the sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and touches that CultureFest will provide.

Visit https://culturefest24.planningpod.com/ for a list of performances and times.

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Granville County Library System

Friends of the Granville County Library System Hosting Book Sale on May 11

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The Friends of the Granville County Library System will host a book sale at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Saturday, May 11. The sale will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the Friends of the Library will have early access beginning at 10:00 a.m.

All items will sell for $1.00 with proceeds going to the Friends of the Library to support the operations of the Granville County Library System. For more information, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library at 919-693-1121.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in downtown Oxford. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Thornton Library and the other three branches of the Granville County Library system (South, Stovall, and Berea), visit the library’s website – granville.lib.nc.us or follow the library system on Facebook – facebook.com/granvillecountylibrarysystem.

— information courtesy of the Granville County Library System

SportsTalk: Thomas Works At Rebuilding JF Webb Sports

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During his first year as athletic director for J.F. Webb High School, Keith Thomas has certainly faced some challenges.  The school was unable to field a baseball team this season due to a lack of players but Thomas is hopeful this will change.  “We have a JV team this year and next year those kids can move up,” Thomas said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.

Building J.F. Webb’s programs back up is all about relationships Thomas said. “Community outreach and putting a good product on the field will help us build relationships,” Thomas added. “We want to win but win the right way,” he continued.

The track team is doing well this season.  “I like our kids.  They have a positive attitude,” Thomas said.  He was with the track team in Louisburg for a meet on Thursday.

Softball is also on its way back after two years without a team and the numbers are growing.  Football is also bringing in more student athletes as well.  Thomas was an assistant football coach with the Warriors before taking over as athletic director.  This is Thomas’ first AD job and he says it has been an interesting learning experience.  “I’ve picked up a lot on the fly,” Thomas said of his first year.

 

 

Granville Teen Court Group Brings Home Top Honors At Competition

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

 

Members of the Granville County Teen Court walked away with top honors at the recent Teen Court Statewide Mock Trial Summit Competition held over the weekend in Concord.

Seven youth from Granville County joined more than 200 others from across the state to showcase their skills in the 26th annual competition, hosted by the N.C. Teen Court Association. They assumed roles of attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and defendants to compete against other counties’ teams. Participants and their roles were: Defense Attorneys Cristina Portillo-Martinez and Jazlyn Usher, Prosecutors Joydan Johnson and Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Clerk of Court Iesha Landis, Bailiff Cassie Peele, and Defendant Caitlynne Horton.

These students dedicated weeks of diligent practice to perfecting their roles leading up to the competition. Amidst their regular schoolwork, extracurricular activities and ongoing Teen Court responsibilities, they carved out time to come in for extra sessions on evenings, Saturday mornings, and even during school breaks to prepare. Their perseverance paid off immensely as the team emerged victorious, claiming 1st place in the state competition. Additionally, two members received special recognition for their outstanding performance in the courtroom. Jazlyn Usher was honored with the title of “Best Attorney Courtroom A” in the Defense’s trial, while Jermaine Puryear, Jr. received accolades as “Best Attorney for Courtroom B” in the Prosecution’s trial, as well as the prestigious title of “Best Overall Prosecuting Attorney” across all courtroom trials.

Apart from the Mock Trial competition, the objectives for the three-day event encompassed several key goals: assembling volunteers from all Teen Courts across North Carolina; enhancing volunteer effectiveness in the courtroom; gaining practical experience through the Mock Trial Competition; fostering friendships; and exchanging information and experiences. On Friday night, youth engaged in a  team-building workshop. Following a tense morning of mock trial competition, students were treated to much-needed stress relief and fun at the Great Wolf Lodge water park. On Saturday night, they enjoyed a Dinner Theater presentation titled, “The Douglass-Lincoln

Debates, A One-Act Play and Discussion Event.” The play centered on the authentic and sometimes awkward humanity and vulnerability of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Before the awards were given out,  Glenn Smith, the executive director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc., gave a presentation to discuss restorative justice and the advantages of diversion programs like Teen Court.

Granville County Extension Director Charissa Puryear accompanied the group.

“This was an exhilarating moment for our youth volunteers,” Puryear said. “Throughout the year, they have dedicated themselves to serving the youth of Granville County through their teen court program. These young volunteers commit their time to offering an alternative for youth offenders in the county. The NCTCA summit provided them with the chance to showcase their skills among participants from across the state, and I am immensely proud of their dedication and achievements. As Granville County Teen Court marks its 15th anniversary this year, our volunteers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment and excellence.”

Granville County Teen Court gets funding support from agencies like Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and the County of Granville. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office also supports the effort, as well as the schools the students attend.

Key support comes from adult volunteers who play a crucial role in the Teen Court program, including Judge Katherine Burnette, S. Quon Bridges, and Lori Dutra, who provide invaluable support and feedback during Teen Court sessions, and who prepare youth for competitions throughout the year. Committed volunteers such as Tiana Jones, Nancy Pifer, Carol Wheeless, and Sonia Hernandez demonstrate unwavering dedication to supporting the youth and the program as well.

National Day Of Prayer Observance May 2 At Oxford City Hall

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The National Day of Prayer 2024 is Thursday, May 2 and a local pastor is having a prayer gathering in Oxford as part of the observance.

A Christian group headed up by Pastor Bruce LeGates will hold a Christian prayer gathering at 12 noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St., the same location that has been used for many years.  You are invited and asked to invite your church and Christian friends to gather, join together in faith, and thank God and pray for his gift to us of these United States of America. For more information ahead of time, call Pastor LeGates at 919.497.6427.

TownTalk: Granville County Preparing For Vikings, The Scots And More

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It’s spring, and activities are popping up all over Granville County and Tourism Authority Director Angela Allen gave a rundown of several upcoming events and attractions that are sure to tickle your fancy.

This Saturday, Apr. 20, visit downtown Oxford between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the Oxford on Main Art and Wine Festival. Sponsored by The Hub on Main, this free event brings together craft vendors, kids’ activities, live music and more to Main Street, Allen said during Wednesday’s segment of TownTalk.

Purchase a $40 tasting ticket to sample more than 30 different wines. Visit the Hub on Main Facebook page or Instagram to find the Eventbrite link to purchase tickets.

“Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s still plenty to enjoy,” Allen said.

Then on Saturday, Apr. 27, there are a couple of big events happening in the Oxford area: One is the Central Carolina Highland Games and the other is the Granville Gardeners’ Expo.

Proceeds from the Highland Games benefits Central Children’s Home, which is where the games will be held. Attendees can watch traditional Scottish competitions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy some traditional Scottish cuisine as well.

If plants and gardening are more your jam, head over to the Granville County Convention & Expo Center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition to a huge variety of flowering plants, herbs and more, the Expo – free to attend – features a variety of workshops and speakers on gardening to take part in There will be food trucks on site as well.

Other upcoming events include:

  • April 30 – The Arts in Bloom gala opens at the History Museum in Oxford and features works by school-aged artists from across the county. A collaboration between the museum and the Granville Education Foundation, the public is invited to a reception to open the show from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds from a silent auction will be used to further enrich art opportunities for students in Granville County schools, Allen said. The artwork will be on display until May 2 and the public is invited to stop by and view the students’ creations. Also visit the GEF Facebook page for a sneak peek at some of the artwork that will be on display during the Arts in Bloom gala.
  • May 3-5 – The Viking Experience will host its first event at its new property in northern Granville County. Visit thevikingexperience.com to purchase tickets and find out all the details for rustic camping opportunities, as well as different activities available to immerse yourself in the Viking life – including Saturday dinner around a campfire that will include music, dancing and skits.
  • May 2 – Quittin’ Time begins in downtown Oxford and continues on Thursdays in May and June. “It’s one of our favorites here in downtown Oxford for spring,” Allen said. A number of area restaurants will be preparing specialty small plate meals and cocktails, and patrons can move from one spot to another to sample the fare offered each week and enjoy live music. Visit the Downtown Oxford Restaurant Initiation – DORI – Facebook page to learn more about Quittin’ Time and other food-themed events in the works.

 

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Centering Pregnancy Program at Granville Vance Public Health

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If you are pregnant or know someone who is, the local health department offers a program for expectant mothers to get support from health professionals as well as from others who will be giving birth soon.

“Centering pregnancy” has been around since the 1990’s, and it’s a way for those in the low- to moderate-risk pregnancy categories to learn ways to reduce risk factors like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, among other things.

Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison says the centering pregnancy model is “exciting work,” where women come together and learn in a group setting. Women who participate in the program get one-on-one time with health care professionals, but they also join in small-group sessions where they can ask questions and learn from each other.

“It empowers women to be actively involved in their own health care decision-making,”Harrison said in an earlier interview with WIZS.

The Centering pregnancy program does not take the place of prenatal care that women receive elsewhere, and Harrison said it’s designed to complement the care that women receive from their own providers.

Given the health disparities that exist, especially among underserved populations, Harrison said this program offered by the health department is just one intervention to address maternal and infant mortality.

“It’s a way to set mom and baby up for the best outcomes,” she said.

In addition to the small group sessions during pregnancy, GVPH nurses also make home visits once mom and her newborn are home from the hospital. This service offers support to make sure mom and baby have the resources they need, and can connect them to additional resources to help them survive and thrive.

To learn more, visit https://www.gvph.org/clinic/maternal-health-clinic/.

Check for additional details about Centering Pregnancy and a full list of programs at www.gvph.org.

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Granville County Soil And Water Sponsoring Scholarships To Conservation Workshop At N.C. State

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Soil and Water Office will sponsor two Granville County high schools students to attend the annual conservation workshop at N.C. State University scheduled for June 16-21.

The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong program that involves study and hands-on participation in a wide range of conservation topics, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. The students will stay in campus dorms under the guidance of live-in counselors during their week’s stay.

Rising high school juniors and seniors who live in Granville County are eligible to apply for the program, which will provide real life experiences learning how to manage natural resources in today’s global environment. Find a sample agenda here:  https://www.ncagr.gov/soil-water/swcrcw-sample-agenda/download?attachment 

“Having served as a counselor at this workshop for several years, I believe that it’s a great opportunity for students to experience a taste of college life while expanding interest and passion for degrees in conservation  like environmental science, agriculture, or natural resources,” said Byron Currin, Granville County ‘s Natural Resource Conservationist. “I think it’s a great way to build connections, add a great experience to your resume, and even earn a college scholarship. I can’t speak highly enough of this program and its importance to furthering the aims of Granville County and North Carolina natural resource conservation.”

The application can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/soil-water/swcrcw-application/download?attachment. Completed applications should be sent via email to  byron.currin@granvillecounty.org or may be dropped off at the Soil and Water Office, 518 Lewis Street, Oxford.

Applications are due by Monday, May 13 and will be reviewed by the Soil and Water District Board of Supervisors at their May meeting.

There’s an informational video about the workshop from the Durham County Soil and Water Office at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QiBfkAUPtE

Learn About Child Care Options, Challenges At Upcoming Forums

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N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is hosting forums to discuss the topic of child care in the area – choices, challenges and access to licensed child care facilities for working families. Featured speaker at the forums is Ariel Ford, director of Child Development and Early Education at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The first forum will be held Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Perry Memorial Library in Henderson; the second forum will be held Thursday, May 23 at The Grand at Oxford Days Inn & Suites, 913 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., Oxford.

The public is invited to attend the forum at 6 p.m.; there will be a session earlier – 1 p.m. – for individuals interested in opening a child care site. According to information from Sossamon’s office, North Carolina is considered a child care “desert” when it comes to infant/toddler care, with a statewide average of five families with babies competing for every available slot in licensed child care facilities.

The events seek to raise awareness to the child care crisis in the state and the need for more child care opportunities in North Carolina which support children’s healthy development and learning, allow parents to work and keep businesses running.

Last year, 278 child care facilities closed across the state and the demand for child care far surpasses the supply. A recent survey of North Carolina child care programs from the National Association for the Education of Young Children shows 60 percent of facilities are reporting a staffing shortage and 55 percent are under-enrolled due to the lack of staff. Rural counties in North Carolina are disproportionately impacted.

The child care forums are hosted by Representative Frank Sossamon. NCDHHS. Smart Start, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Childcare Services Association, local child care centers and others participating.

VGCC Logo

TownTalk: VGCC Hosts Career Fair April 25

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With Vance-Granville Community College’s graduate career fair and mixer just over a week away, Director of Career Services Dr. Krystal Foxx said she hopes the VGCC Civic Center will be filled with people from all across the community who want to mix and mingle with area employers to learn about jobs.

It’s not just for current students and graduates, Foxx explained – the Thursday, Apr. 25 event is open to anyone in the community who’s looking for a job, or a different job.

During the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., participants can visit with 46 employers from across the region to learn about job openings. There will be on-the-spot interviews available, too, she said, so come prepared.

“We have quite a few employers coming that are looking for individuals in the applied tech program, in health care, business and government,” Foxx said on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

“We’re excited about the opportunity and looking forward to hosting on the 25th.

Preregister online at www.vgcc.edu/career-services and then select the Career Fairs option on the right side of the page; the first 100 people who sign up AND attend will get a special treat from Chick-fil-A, she said.

It’s more than just a job fair, Foxx noted. It’s a chance “to learn more about the richness of the companies in the community and how they can continue to be productive citizens and give back to the community through the professions and the work they do,” she said.

The college’s career services department guides students in areas such as preparing resumes, effective interviews and job search strategies, she said.

“Our college is putting career selection at the forefront,” she said. A career fair “solidifies that we are there to support their career endeavors.”

The www.vgcc.edu/career-services page also has a list of employers who will be at the fair.

“We know that there is a demand for job opportunities right now,” Foxx said. “We really want everyone to take advantage of that…we want our local employers to feel supported and to be able to recruit from the local community.”

To learn more, phone 252.738.3466 or email careerservices@vgcc.edu.

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