Ten Local Authors Scheduled for Thornton Library Meet & Greet

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Ten local authors will be featured at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford for an open “meet and greet.” Scheduled for 1 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, the “Local Author Showcase” offers an opportunity to meet writers of a wide assortment of genres. On site will be romance writers, suspense novelists and authors of historical fiction, as well as writers of inspirational guides, educational resources and children’s stories. Those participating include Cynthia Abbott, Lynn Allred, Phil Bowie, Michael Brantley, Mary Clay, DuWanda Epps, S. Denice Newton, Celine Koropchak, Desmond Sneed and Carolyn Thompson.

Cynthia West Abbott’s book, “Forever Loved” is a historical romance novel set in colonial America. Based on real events, the book follows the journey of sixteen-year-old James West, who is sent to America from England as punishment for a crime. After being sold as a convict servant on a Maryland plantation, West meets Sarah Bowman, whom he marries and brings to Granville County in search of the long-lost brother who came to America before him. Abbott, a resident of Oxford, describes the love story of her fifth-great-grandparents in historical settings based on her own research.

With a story from historic Beaufort NC, Lynn Allred of Oxford introduces young readers to Molly, an adventurous girl who lives near the harbor shortly after the town was founded. Inspired by the marker of an unnamed girl in Beaufort’s Old Burying Ground – who was buried in a rum keg – Allred imagines what a child’s life may have been like growing up on the N.C. coast. “Molly’s Beaufort Town,” developed in partnership with the N.C. Press Association, has been published in major statewide newspapers as an educational resource. Allred has more than 25 years’ experience in the newspaper industry.

Phil Bowie of New Bern, NC is a lifelong freelance writer with articles and short stories published in national magazines such as ‘Reader’s Digest’ and the ‘Saturday Evening Post.’ Books he has authored include four suspense novels: “Guns,” set in Ocracoke; “Diamondback,” which takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains; “KLLRS,” with a backdrop of the Great Smokies,” and “Deathsman,” also set in the North Carolina mountains. With lots of twists and turns, these novels – all part of the “John Hardin” series – are described as being “hard to put down.”

Former sports writer and photographer Michael Brantley is author of “Galvanized: The Unlikely Odyssey of a Reluctant Carolina Confederate.” Brantley’s book – his second –  describes the struggle of a North Carolina farmer who fought for both sides in the Civil War before spending time in a POW camp and later becoming involved in a bizarre murder. His first book, a memoir about growing up in eastern N.C., is entitled “Memory Cards: Portraits from a Rural Journey.” Brantley currently works as a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at North Carolina Wesleyan College and resides in Nash County.

Mary Clay’s comical “Daffodils” (Divorced And Finally Free Of Deceitful, Insensitive, Licentious Scum) books have been called “fun reads” as three middle-aged sorority sisters set out to solve mysteries in their hometown. The first book in the series, “The Turtle Mound Murder,” has been followed by “Bike Week Blues,” “Murder is the Pits” and “Murder in the Stacks.” Clay, an economist by trade, began her writing career in her forties, using her divorced friends as inspiration for this light-hearted and witty series.

Life coach DuWanda Epps has received accolades for her positive messages to women and children. Her books include “Broken Silence: Life After the Rain,” “Anastasia’s Adventures” and “Flowin’ Emotions,” as well as others that describe journeys of strength, courage and determination. A resident of Wilson County by way of New York, Epps is the founder of Cultivating Change II, LLC and the Women Rebuilding and Transforming program and is author of 20+ books filled with inspirational messages of hope and resilience.

Celine Koropchak is a retired Duke University medical researcher and blueberry farmer who has authored the books “One With All of Thee: Growing Your Sacred Connection” and “One With All of Thee: Sowing the Seeds for Change.” Using her knowledge of science and agriculture, these collections of essays – filled with practical wisdom –  are designed to be read for daily, weekly or spontaneous inspiration and personal development. Koropchak has also authored more than 30 publications in scientific journals during her career.

Denise Newton, a native of eastern North Carolina, is an inspirational speaker, author and activist. Her most recent book, “Ari’el Rising: 21st Century Empowered Women,” is an anthology that follows 50 courageous women from different backgrounds as they unite to empower women all over the world. Other works include “Keturah’s Song” and “The Messenger,” as well as books of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Newton is a decorated war veteran and the founder of the Ari’el Rising Network, a grassroots empowerment movement for women and girls.

Desmond Sneed’s book for children, “Am I Too Big?” describes the beginning of a school year at the fictional Stovall Kids of Greatness, where students rekindle friendships and compare how they have changed from one year to the next. While some got taller, some got stronger and some got faster, one young student named “Dez” has not realized he has gained a lot of weight until his return to school. That’s when the comparisons officially begin. This book will teach youngsters the importance of healthy eating, as well as having a positive outlook on life. Sneed resides in Stovall, NC.

Minister and Judge Carolyn Thompson of Granville County shares stories and tips to help identify those dealing with domestic violence in her book “Abigail’s Veil: A Domestic Violence Handbook for Clergy and Church Leaders.” Using her extensive experience with cases of abuse, Thompson takes a new look at the traditional roles of women, especially those who may be victims of abusive relationships. This resource guide is used to assist the clergy and church leaders as they encounter victims who may need help to break the cycle of domestic violence.

The “Local Author Showcase” will be held in the large conference room of the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. The public is invited to attend.

News 04/30/19


WIZS 1450AM / 100.1 FM NEWS – 8A, 12 NOON, 5P; M-F

Henderson Police Department Press Release, Shooting Victim

National Day of Prayer services in Vance County, Thursday, May 2

Embrace Henderson Spectacular, May 4, 11a to 3p at Saddlerock Farm

Henderson Rec Players Announce Summer Show Auditions

Relay for Life Plant Sale, Saturday, May 4th, 9a-2p, Tractor Supply

H-V Chamber Logo

Local Chambers, VGCC to Host 2019 Small Business Luncheon

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s March/April 2019 Focus newsletter

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Franklin, Granville and Warren County Chambers and the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center, will host the 2019 Small Business Luncheon in a collaborative effort again this year. The event will be held at Henderson Country Club on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Duke Energy is once again the presenting sponsor for this event.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website states, “We recognize that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.”

As part of National Small Business Week, the SBA takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Of those small businesses and their owners, the organization says, “Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.”

This local annual spring luncheon is a part of the national effort to recognize the merits of small businesses within every community. After lunch and a keynote address, the event will conclude with the presentation of the Vance County Small Business of the Year. This will be the seventeenth consecutive year that the Chamber has presented this award. Franklin, Granville and Warren Counties will also award Small Business of the Year honors for their counties.

Criteria for the Henderson-Vance nominee are:

– Employs a maximum of 50 people;

– Member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and must be located in Vance County;

– Must be a viable, on-going business for three or more years, experiencing growth or stability over its business life;

– Provides critical service or product, fills a void in the business community, or has a unique approach to the delivery of goods and services;

– May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business;

– Business is supportive of community growth and sustainability;

– Is not a governmental agency or municipality

Former recipients of the Vance County award include J.M. White Funeral Service, Medical Arts Pharmacy, Vanco Outdoor Equipment, Quick Print, Satterwhite Point Marina, Dataforge, Johnson’s Block & Concrete Company, Inc., City Tire, Inc., Henderson Wellness Center, Franklin Brothers Nursery & Greenhouses, Inc., Ballet Arts, Interiors Downtown, Fogg’s Exxon, Vance Furniture, Gray’s Gourmet, The Peanut Roaster and Raemac Transportation.

The event is by invitation only and will include lunch and a key address.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or Jay@hendersonvance.org.

Henderson Rec Players Announces Summer Show Auditions

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The Henderson Rec Players, now under the umbrella of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, announces its summer show auditions will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019. Auditions begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at First Baptist Church of Henderson – 205 W. Winder St. (across from McGregor Hall). 

Audition for a role in “Guys & Dolls,” “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.,” and Neil Simon’s stage play, “Rumors.” All those auditioning will be asked to read lines from the script. No prepared pieces will be necessary.

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” is part of a summer theatre camp experience for rising 3rd – 11th graders. Click here for more information on the Summer Theatre Camp for Kids.

“Guys and Dolls” will be performed July 5-7 and 12-13 under the direction of Jo Ellen Nowell. “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” will be directed by Cindy Clark and performed July 15-28.

“Rumors” will round out the Henderson Rec Players 46th summer season with performances August 9-11. The show will be directed by Betsy Henderson.

To learn more about auditions and the upcoming shows, please visit https://www.mcgregorhall.org/auditions.

The Henderson Rec Players Summer Series is proudly presented by the Rosemyr Corporation.

 

16th Year of ‘Alive After Five’ Events to Kick Off Thurs., May 23

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

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s 16th year of Alive After Five events will begin Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Oxford’s downtown parking lot at Littlejohn and Gilliam Streets.

This year’s entertainers will be a band which began in 1958, 61 years ago, the incredible Embers featuring Craig Woolard.

The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and continue to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism.  Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music. They have traveled the country and the world and have performed for every event imaginable, from the highest dignitaries to the hottest back yard frat parties.

The Embers were also honored to travel throughout South Korea to perform their Christmas special “Christmas with the Embers” on American Military Bases for America’s troops in December of 2007 and 2008. They were awarded Military Coins of Excellence for their distinguished service.

The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas, Virginias, the Gulf Coast region of North America and every beach in between. They are a true musical tradition that many Americans have listened to from childhood to adulthood. The Embers consider the genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting memories since its inception in 1958. Simply put – Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music.

Today, touring is commonplace for The Embers, who regularly boast an average of 225 shows per year. They also embark on a cruise each year for their friends and fans to various locations throughout the Caribbean. And don’t miss their Christmas shows – perfect to get you in the mood for the holiday season!

The Embers are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime. Come to their show on May 23, and they will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!”

Additional Alive After Five events include:

Thursday, August 15, THE ATTRACTIONS Band will be entertainers for the second concert in Creedmoor in the VanNess Chevrolet parking lot, 107 West Lyon Street, Creedmoor.

Completing the season will be Jim Quick and Coastline Band in Oxford on Thursday, September 12.

The sponsorship of many, many businesses and industries make these three events possible. This year’s event sponsors are:

PRESENTING STAGE SPONSORS: Clayton of Oxford, Duke Energy, Granville County, Granville County Tourism Development Authority, VanNess Chevrolet, Wake Electric Membership Corporation, WIN Customs – William and Earlene Newton.

BOARDWALK SPONSORS: CertainTeed, Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp., Friend of the Chamber, Granville Health System, Riccobene Assoc. Family Dentistry/Highland Dentistry, Top Window Covering and Union Bank.

SHAGGER SPONSORS: Bailey Farms, City of Oxford, Lewis Electric of Oxford, McDonald’s, PSNC/Dominion Energy.

SAND DOLLAR SPONSORS: Altec, Brummitt Electric, Carolina Sunrock, City of Creedmoor, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Creedmoor Fuel, Cross and Currin/Attorneys at Law, Express Employment Professionals, Granville Family Dentistry, North Central Medical Transport, Inc., Party Time Potties, Plastic Ingenuity, Shalag Nonwovens, Sunrise Biscuit Co., The Links at Thorndale, The School of Graphic Arts, Town of Stem, Waste Industries, Wesco, Inc. and Winston-Williams-Creech-Evans and Co.

HIGH TIDE SPONSORS: Annie’s Florist, Creedmoor Forest Products, Currin and Dutra LLP, Edmundson and Burnette, Gil-Man Florist, Legal Shield/Ruth Ann Bullock, Professional Pharmacy, Town of Butner, Unique Floral Design and Rental and Glenda and Jimmy Williams.

SAND BUCKET SPONSORS: At Properties/Linda Jordan, Butner Car Service, Inc., Cardinal Real Estate Group/LeAnne Daniel, Creedmoor Drug Company, Lawn Ranger Services, LLC, M & H Tires and Select Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

MEDIA SPONSORS: Butner-Creedmoor News, Oxford Public Ledger, The Daily Dispatch, US98.3 FM, WIZS 1450AM/101 FM and Mike Brooks – TV Production and Entertainment.

CONCESSION SPONSORS: Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola.

Faith Dove

Oak Level UCC to Hold Annual Usher’s Program – Sun., May 5

-Information courtesy Katrina Reid, Oak Level United Church of Christ

Oak Level United Church of Christ announces their annual Usher’s Program will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019, beginning at 3 p.m.

The usher board invites all ushers to come fellowship in uniform. Speaker will be Rev. Charles Burwell of Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church. Music will be rendered by Oak Level’s Male Choirs.

Oak Level UCC is located at 5631 Jacksontown Road in Manson, NC.

 

 

 

Wilton Elementary Celebrates 5th Annual ‘Leadership Day’

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Wilton Elementary School celebrated their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification.

The event was attended by family and community members. It was led by their Student Lighthouse Team and included special performances by Wilton’s Show Choir, a Family Feud game with the Student Lighthouse Team and special presentations by a speaker from each grade level.

Attendees were also invited to visit classrooms as students demonstrated their leadership skills in the classroom. Guests could also visit the media center where students shared information on the different extracurricular opportunities at Wilton such as Show Choir, Student Lighthouse Team, Girls on the Run, Clubs, PAW Patrol, Spelling Bee, Battle of the Books and CLAWS.

Guests then met back in the gym for the grand finale in which all students in the school came together to sing.

The event was enjoyed by all and Wilton greatly appreciates the parent and community support!

Wilton Elementary School students sing for guests in celebration of their 5th annual Leadership Day on Friday, April 26, 2019. Wilton Elementary is a Stephen Covey “Leader in Me” school and has achieved Lighthouse certification. (Photo courtesy Granville County Public Schools)

Oxford Logo

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold FY 2019-20 Budget Meeting

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

The Budget & Finance Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at 3 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed FY 19-20 City of Oxford Annual Budget.

All those interested are invited to attend.

Public Meetings to Gather Citizens’ Input on Future of Franklin Co.

-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

“Frankly Speaking,” a series of community meetings about the future of Franklin County will be held May 28-30, 2019.

Franklin County is just beginning the process of creating a new Comprehensive Development Plan to guide leaders’ decisions about future growth, particularly new development and related investments in infrastructure and services. The public is invited to attend one of the following meetings to share ideas and concerns:

  • Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 6-8 p.m. – Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus – 8100 NC-56, Louisburg.
  • Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 6-8 p.m. – Community Center – 115 E. Main St, Youngsville.
  • Thursday, May 30, 2019, 6-8 p.m. – Red Bud Baptist Church – 832 NC 58 Hwy, Castalia.

With questions, please call (919) 496-2909 or email planning@franklincountync.us. For more information, and to take a survey related to the Comprehensive Development Plan, visit www.franklincountync.us.

News 04/29/19