Chamber of Commerce of Warren County Announces “Dollar Days Raffle”

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Calling All Chamber Members…Join in Our “Dollar Days Raffle” Chamber Fundraiser to Give Customers Chance For Big Prizes!

I’m excited to announce the first steps in our upcoming “Dollar Days Raffle” for Warren County. If you’re a Chamber member, look for a visit from me or one of our Board Members in the next week as we collect prizes for a big giveaway.

Here’s how the Raffle will work: We’ll give people a chance to win one of 40 prizes (38 prizes from our members and a cash prize of $500 and $250). Beginning Saturday 22 April tickets go on sale at Spring Fest on the Historic Courthouse Square in Warrenton. We’ll have preliminary prize drawings on 15 May and 12 June, with the big drawing to be held at the Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival on 8 July.

How Can You Help? Simple…we’re looking for donated prizes from our Members. If you can’t give merchandise, then you can follow BB&T’s lead and give a $50 Visa Gift Card. I’ll provide a receipt for your taxes. Then, we’ll give each prize-donating business a poster for your window to promote your giveaway and tickets for sale. Your business gets extra promotion and your customers get a chance to win great prizes.

If you’re interested in donating before I get a chance to visit with you, please call me at 252-257-2657 or email me at info@warrenchamber.org. Looking forward to a great promotion!
Craig Hahn

Executive Director

 

United Way of Vance County Announces Fifth Annual Tour de Vance

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United Way of Vance County is proud to announce its FIFTH annual Tour de Vance! What is Tour de Vance? Its a bike ride, family fun, and a chance to help your community. Here’s the full story:

FOUR INCREDIBLE RIDES!

Saturday – April 22, 2017

Vance-Granville Community College

200 Community College Road – Henderson, NC 27536

Start Time: 8:30 a.m. for Party Ride! (10mi), 20mi, 31-62mi rides

Route closes at 2:30 p.m. – choose the ride that best suits your ability.

GET THE FAMILY ROLLING! Participate in our Party Ride – specifically for youth, families and beginners! This is a 10 mile route that is absolutely enjoyable!

READY TO TAKE ON MORE? Sign up for our 20 mile ride – this one is designed for those ready to take on more than 10 miles and is a very “do-able” distance.

SEASONED RIDERS – We have a two rides designed for you! Choose between a 31 mile and 62 mile ride. Thirty-one mile riders will take a circular route through Forest and Farmland. Sixty-two mile riders will take the “Kerr Lake Look” – which includes and out-and-back spur past Nutbush Creek State Recreation Area and a turn around at Kerr Lake’s Bullocksville State Recreation Area.

All 20, 31 and 62 mile riders will be treated to lunch a bar-b-que lunch from Nunnery-Freeman!

Register online at app.RaceReach.com/r/tour-de-vance before 11:59 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 2016 for a shirt. Afterwards (shirts will not be included), register on line until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21, or on-site, beginning at 7:30 a.m. day of race.

Cost: Off-campus rides: 20- $20.00, 30- and 60 mile $40.00; 10 mile $10.00 ea. or $30.00 for 4 riders in the same family.

Proceeds benefit the United We Read – United We Succeed Reading Initiative Program of United Way of Vance County!

For more information: e-mail: tourdevance@gmail.com

252-492-8392, United Way – Wendy Meyer-Goodwin

SAFETY FIRST! ANSI HELMET REQUIRED. WEAR BRIGHT CLOTHING, PREFERABLY YELLOW. NO EARPHONES.

IN EVENT OF SIGNIFICANTLY INCLEMENT WEATHER, EVENT WILL BE CANCELED, WITH NO REFUNDS.

District Attorney’s Schedule May 2017

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Mon, May 1      Warren Trial Court (Hight) – Fuller, Gregory, Raymond

                                  **Franklin District Court (Keith) – Pelfrey, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Watson/Bristo

Granville District Court (Thompson) – Gardner, Allen

 

Tues, May 2              Franklin District Court (Davis) – Hunter, Roberson

##Vance District Court (Keith) – Louis, Watson/Bristo

Granville Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Attorneys 2:00 – 4:00 – Putney

 

Wed, May 3              Granville District Court (Davis) – Pelfrey, Allen

Warren District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Gregory, Raymond

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Public 2:00-4:00 – Putney

 

Thurs, May 4            Franklin Juvenile Court (Keith) – Putney

##Vance District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Watson, Bristo

Granville Dispo Court (Davis) – Gregory, Sellars, Louis

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

 

Fri, May 5                 Vance Juvenile Court (Banks) – Putney

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

 

Mon, May 8       Vance Trial Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Brickhouse

Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Daivs) – Erdmann, Watson/Bristo

##Granville District Court (Keith) – Gregory, Allen

 

Tues, May 9              Franklin District Court (Thompson) – Erdmann, Gregory, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Gardner, Watson/Bristo

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Putney

 

Wed, May 10            Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Allen

Warren District Court (Burnette) – Putney, Raymond

 

Thurs, May 11           ##Vance District Court (Thompson) – Sellars, Watson, Bristo

Warren CMS Prep – Pelfrey

 

Fri, May 12               Warren CMS Prep – Pelfrey

 

Mon, May 15     Warren CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Pendergrass, Raymond

                                    Franklin District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Thompson) – Hunter, Watson/Bristo

**Granville District Court (Keith) – Gardner, Allen

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey

 

Tues, May 16     Vance Probation Court (O’Foghludha) – Gregory, Pendergrass

##Franklin District Court (Keith) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Erdmann, Hunter, Watson/Bristo

Granville Juvenile Court (Burnette) – Putney

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey

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

 

Wed, May 17     Vance CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Erdmann, Louis, Pendergrass, Brickhouse

                       Granville District Court (Burnette) – Gardner, Allen

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

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

 

 

Thurs, May 18    Vance CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Pelfrey, Erdmann, Louis, Pendergrass, Brickhouse

Franklin Juvenile Court (Keith) – Hunter/Gardner

Vance Dispo Court (Thompson) – Gregory, Putney, Sellars, Watson, Bristo

Franklin County Clerk’s Office Hours, 2:00-4:00 pm – Hunter/Gardner

Franklin CMS Prep – Gardner, Hunter

 

Fri, May 19               Franklin Dispo Court (Davis) – Erdmann, Louis, Gregory, Tart, Roberson

Franklin CMS Prep – Gardner, Hunter

 

Mon, May 22     Franklin CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Gardner, Hunter, Pendergrass, Johnson

                                   Franklin District Court (Davis) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Watson/Bristo

Granville District Court (Burnette) – Fuller, Allen

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Tues, May 23     Franklin CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Gardner, Hunter, Pendergrass, Johnson

                                   Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Pelfrey, Roberson

**Vance District Court (Keith) – Louis, Fuller, Watson/Bristo

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Putney

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Wed, May 24     Granville CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

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

##Warren District Court (Keith) – Erdmann, Raymond

 

Thurs, May 25    Granville CMS Court (O’Foghludha) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

                                    ##Vance District Court (Burnette) – Gregory, Watson/Bristo

 

Fri, May 26                Vance Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

Granville Probation Court Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Mon, May 29                                         HOLIDAY

 

Tues, May 30     Granville Probation Court/Grand Jury (Young) – Sellars, Putney

Franklin District Court (Burnette) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Gregory, Watson/Bristo

 

Wed, May 31            Warren District Court (Stevenson) – Fuller, Raymond

 

**mediator available**

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

Entrepreneurs encouraged to dream at VGCC summit in Warrenton

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Established and budding entrepreneurs, representatives of area businesses and non-profit organizations, and a group of Warren County High School students received inspiration as well as practical advice for using technology in marketing during the Small Business Summit, held at the Warren County Armory Civic Center in Warrenton on April 6.

The summit was the fifth such free event organized by the VGCC Small Business Center, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County, the Warren County Economic Development Commission and the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

This year’s event was entitled “Driving Your Business: Staying Ahead of the Curves.” The keynote speaker was Tammy Crowley-Deloatch, a nationally certified personal trainer and president of New Day Fitness in Roanoke Rapids. Her presentation was called “Put Your Dreams to the Test” and was based in part on a book with a similar title by John Maxwell.

“Most people have dreams, but they have no idea about how to achieve their dreams,” Crowley-Deloatch told the audience. Her “test” involved ten questions that each entrepreneur needs to ask in order to succeed, such as “the passion question,” which asks if the dream is compelling the dreamer to follow it. She encouraged small business owners to be responsible “dream-builders,” not merely “fantasizers.”

Crowley-Deloatch advised her audience that “we’re going to fail more than we succeed, but we only learn through failures.” She said that over her 33 years as a small business owner, “I had some growing pains but they made me stronger. It’s been a long journey but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” She concluded, “I can’t wait to see what each of you do with your dream.”

The opening session of the Small Business Summit was called “Google – Get Your Business on the Map” and was led by Craig Hahn, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County. “Google is by far the largest search engine,” Hahn said. “It’s how people find everything.” He said small businesses need to learn how to use their Google search results to bring in customers by inputting information that is up-to-date. Hahn took participants through the steps of “verifying” their listings on Google and using a free tool called “Google My Business,” which is for businesses or organizations that make in-person contact with customers.

The two other sessions at the summit were led by Chisa Pennix-Brown, CEO of Lady Bizness, based in Greensboro. Pennix-Brown teaches small business courses at community colleges across the state.

In the first seminar, “Business Apps Made Easy” (1-3 p.m.), Pennix-Brown taught participants how they can save time and money using mobile apps. She gave her audience examples of apps, almost all of which are free or have free versions, that businesses can use for graphic design, newsletters, press releases, videos, meetings and social media postings. Her second seminar was called “Facebook Made Easy.” Pennix-Brown gave the participants a step-by-step guide to creating a business page on Facebook and how to use the page to engage customers. One of the latest tools that businesses can use, she said, is “Facebook Live” video streaming. She encouraged entrepreneurs to understand their own brands. “Ask yourself, what distinguishes you from other businesses like you?” Pennix-Brown advised. She said entrepreneurs need to “sell” their own personality as part of branding. “If you have succeeded, it’s because of something in particular about you, not just your products,” she said.

CenturyLink was the summit’s presenting sponsor. Other sponsors were Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, The Warren Record, The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer, WIZS 1450 AM, The Daily Dispatch and WARR 1520 AM.

For more information about the services provided by the VGCC Small Business Center, call Director Tanya Weary at (252) 738-3240 or e-mail her at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Warren County Seeks Help in Broadband Initiative Survey

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The Warren County Broadband Initiative is currently conducting a survey to learn about the current extent of broadband service in Warren County and to attract Internet Service Providers to the County that can offer expanded services and higher speed options. Broadband Internet access has become vital to conducting business and to education. This survey is the first step in determining what areas need service.

Warren County invites all Warren County residents and businesses to complete this survey. You can do it now online at the following location: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQS6ZCT or pick up a survey and return to the following locations: – Warren County Memorial Library, 119 S. Front Street Warrenton – Warren County Municipal Office Building, 602 W. Ridgeway St. Warrenton – Warren County Clerk of Courts Office, 109 S. Main Street Warrenton – Norlina Town Hall, 139 Hyco Street Norlina – Warrenton Town Hall, 133 S. Main St. Warrenton – Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce Office, 2357 Eaton Ferry Road Littleton – Food Lion Grocery Store of Littleton, 2467 Eaton Ferry Road – Chamber of Commerce of Warren County, 130 N. Main St. Warrenton – WARR 1520AM, 824 US Highway 158 Business West Warrenton – The Warren Record, 112 N. Main St. Warrenton – Warren County Economic Development Commission, 501 US Highway 158 Business East (Warren County Armory Civic Center)

VGCC, Warren Library partner for discussion of Tennessee Williams & “The Glass Menagerie”

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Vance-Granville Community College is partnering with the Warren County Memorial Library to present a program on playwright Tennessee Williams and his classic drama, “The Glass Menagerie,” which the college is preparing to stage as a dinner theater event.

The educational program is scheduled for Monday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the library on South Front Street in Warrenton. The event is free and open to the public. Betsy Henderson, VGCC’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, will make a presentation and lead a discussion on Williams (1911–1983) and the play, including its poetic elements, in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.

Henderson will also talk about VGCC’s upcoming production of “The Glass Menagerie,” which she is directing. The college’s fifth annual Dinner Theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

First staged in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” is based in part on Tennessee Williams’s own memories of his family. In 1945, the play premiered on Broadway, won the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for the best American play of the year, and launched Williams to fame.

Henderson has an MFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was VGCC’s 2005 Instructor of the Year. As an actress, Henderson has worked professionally with Raleigh Ensemble Players (REP), Deep Dish Theatre Company, Burning Coal Theatre Company, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Theatre of the American South, Hot Summer Nights @ the Kennedy, Temple Theatre, and Justice Theatre Project. Henderson has toured nationally with productions of “Miracle Worker,” portraying Annie Sullivan, and “Diary of Anne Frank,” portraying Mrs. Frank. Her performance in REP’s “Distracted” in 2011 was recognized by the Independent Weekly as one of the Best Lead Performances of the year. Henderson has served on local theatre boards of directors, and as a faculty member for Cary’s Applause Youth Theatre. She is currently vice-chair of the board of directors of Granville Little Theatre, as well as the chair of the GLT education committee. She has also been the Creative Director for the Broadway and Beyond/TeenWorks summer camps for 10 years.

For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or David Spence at davidspence@warrencountync.gov.

–VGCC–

Month of April Offers Multiple Local Opportunities to Donate Blood

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RALEIGH, NC (April 3, 2017) – Eligible blood donors of all blood types are encouraged to give blood through the American Red Cross this spring to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients.

Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need. Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals and must be used within 42 days of donation.

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a Power Red donation, where available. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.

While donors of all blood types are encouraged to give blood, type O, A negative and B negative donors are urged to give Power Reds if they meet the additional eligibility criteria. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients of any blood type in an emergency. Similarly, type O positive can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh-positive or negative patients. Power Red donations help ensure a stable supply of these critical blood types.

Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and Power Red donations may be made every 112 days, up to three times per year.

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).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Granville

Oxford

4/21/2017: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Oxford Prepatory School, 6041 Landis Rd.

Warren

Warrenton

4/24/2017: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Warren New Tech High School, 219 US Hwy 158 Bypasss

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. There are opportunities now to become a volunteer transportation specialist or blood donor ambassador. Transportation specialists deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Red Cross blood donor ambassadors greet and assist blood donors to ensure the donation process is a positive experience. Each role is critical to maintaining an ample blood supply for patients in need. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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DA’s office secures 13 Warren County DWI convictions

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Warrenton, NC— A special Driving While Impaired (DWI) session of District Court was held in Warren County on March 21, 22 and 23, 2017, with District Court Judge John W. Davis presiding.

The Office of District Attorney Mike Waters had a successful session where they secured 13 guilty convictions.

The District Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant District Attorney Nicole Louis and Johnathan Evans, a Traffic Resource prosecutor with the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys.

The DWI cases during this session were investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, under the direction of First Sergeant Jeff Rowan, the Warrenton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Goble Lane, and the Warren County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Johnny Williams.

Mike Waters

Local Chambers of Commerce to Host Administrative Professionals Luncheon

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce, together with Franklin, Warren and Vance Chambers, and the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College,  are sponsoring the annual Administrative Professionals Luncheon.

This year’s event is being held Wednesday, April 26 at noon, at Henderson Country Club.  Business owners and administrators are encouraged to treat their administrative professionals to lunch, networking and an interesting presentation in observance of Administrative Professionals’ Day.

Lunch reservations are required ~ $20/person by April 14th to either of the Chamber’s offices – 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Granville Chamber Requests Nominations for Small Business of the Year Award

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The four area Chambers of Commerce – Granville, Franklin, Vance and Warren, along with Vance-Granville Community College’s Small Business Center, are sponsoring the annual Small Business Award Luncheon May 3rd at Henderson Country Club.

The criteria is as follows:

  • Employs a maximum of 50 people
  • Member of the Chamber and located in the county
  • Viable, on-going business for three or more years
  • Provides critical service or product
  • May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business
  • Business is supportive of community growth sustainability
  • Is not a governmental agency or municipality

Anyone may nominate a business they feel deserves recognition and meets the criteria.

Companies may nominate themselves.  Past Granville County recipients are:  Cardiovascular Care; Stovall’s Gifts;  Preferred Communications; Royster, Cross and Hensley; House of Ribeyes; Lewis Electric of Oxford; The School of Graphic Arts,  Express Employment Professionals, Oxford Ace Hardware, Creedmoor Drug Company, Whitco Termite and Pest Control, F. O. Finch Insurance Agency and Floyd Management and Realty.

Nomination forms are available from a Chamber office or from the website, www.granville-chamber.com and are to be returned to the Chamber by April 13th.