NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Farms Open for Fall Events

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Travelers looking for unique farm experiences will have plenty of options this fall as farms across the state open their gates to welcome visitors. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to festivals and farmers markets, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Following is a selection of activities being offered at N.C. agritourism destinations through the end of the fall season. Visitors are encouraged to verify event dates and hours of operations before they go.

Eastern North Carolina

  • Alpaca Dreams in Louisburg is participating in the National Alpaca Farm Days Sept. 28-29 and will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days.
  • Galloway Farm is now open in Hallsboro. This year, the farm is featuring a new augmented reality scavenger hunt. The farm also offers an 11-acre corn maze, two-acre kid’s fun maze, hayrides, barrel train, cow-patty miniature golf and more.
  • Garner’s Corn Maze in Newport is open for the season from Sept. 28-Nov. 2. They are open to the public Saturdays and Sundays and offer reserved educational field trips Monday through Friday. In addition to the corn maze, the farm offers a you-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, children’s activities, farm animals, concessions and more.
  • Hood Swamp Corn Maze in Goldsboro opens from Sept. 27-Nov. 3. The sixth-generation family farm offers a corn maze, hayrides and activities for kids.
  • Hubb’s Farm in Clinton is open for the season through Nov. 9. Now in its 12th fall season, the farm offers pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, animals, plus more activities. Educational tours are welcome Tuesdays through Fridays.
  • The Farm On Grape Creek in Cove City will host the Fall Farm Festival Oct. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring pumpkins, hayrides, farm tours, animals, music, games and food. Cost is $10 per person, which includes a small pumpkin. The event is free for children under 3.
  • The Farmer’s Barn in Chadbourn is now open with a large selection of on-farm fun. Activities include a tube slide, cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch, zip line, animal corral and more. A Haunted Maze also will run Oct. 19-26 with special offerings from NC Farm Bureau members.

Central North Carolina

  • CATHIS Farm in Lillington is now open. The farm’s Pumpkin Hollow offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals and many other family fun activities during the day. Those looking for a scare can visit the Devil’s Playground at CATHIS Farm for a haunted house on the farm Friday and Saturday nights from 8-12.
  • Chickadee Farms in Clayton is hosting its premier farm-to-fork event of the year on Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m. The event includes a pig picking, pie contest, music, crafts, farm tours and more.
  • Come out to Flint Rock Farm in Cameron for group field trips, day camps for kids, educational activities, family outings, and farm learning experiences with a bullying prevention theme. Pre-register October through mid-November.
  • Gross Farms in Sanford will be hosting fall fun Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 3. The farm has a variety of fall fun activities including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayride, play area, slide, kettle corn, homemade ice cream, bands and entertainment
  • The Guilford Local Foods Celebration will be held Oct. 5-12. The week-long celebration includes farm tours, local tastings, cooking demonstrations and more events to celebrate Guilford County farmers.
  • Huckleberry Trail Farm in Siler City is open Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. The farm strives to offer an accessible farm and an autism-friendly environment.
  • Ken’s Korny Corn Maze  in Garner is open through Nov. 9. Visitors can enjoy the six-acre corn maze and other activities.
  • The Living Well Folk School at Sustenance Farm in Franklinville will be offering workshops in local self-reliance, long-term sustainability, emergency readiness, modern homesteading, healthy living and community building on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
  • Mckee CornField Maze in Rougemont is open through Nov. 3. Visitors can enjoy pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals, corn hole, children’s play areas, games, crafts, music and fall family fun. The farm also will host a movie night on Oct. 26.
  • McLaurin Farm in Greensboro will open its pumpkin patch through Oct. 27. The farm also will host the 28th year of the Woods of Terror  haunted attraction.
  • Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur will be hosting OktoberFest each weekend in October, and an Apple Cider 5k and 10k run on Nov. 2 at 9 a.m.
  • Mitchell’s Nursery and Greenhouse in King will hold its Fall Open House Sept. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served all day and hotdogs will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This annual event sets the stage for the fall growing season.
  • Raynay Alpaca Farm in Ruffin is celebrating National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hayrides, interacting with the alpacas, live music and magic, food vendors, John Deere Equipment, and a local beekeeper with a hive on display. Alpaca items, honey, and jams and jellies will be available for purchase.
  • Reverence Farms in Graham will offer fresh Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings for pickup on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the farm’s cafe, see farm animals and enjoy free food samples. Turkeys should be purchased in advance.
  • Sonlight Farms in Kenly will be open every Saturday through Oct. 26. This fall, they are hosting two themed Saturdays with special activities and crafts, in addition to their regular activities including hayrides, pumpkins, animals, playground and more. On Oct. 26, visitors can conquer their corn maze at night with the farm’s Blackout Challenge.
  • South Fork Sweet Sorghum Festival will be held Oct. 26 in Hillsborough. Bringing 19th-century traditions into the 21st century, featuring demonstrations of harvesting, stripping, milling, cooking and bottling sweet sorghum syrup.
  • Visit The Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy in Efland for the Orange County Feargrounds Haunted Barn Oct. 25, 26 and 31 from 7-11 p.m. The dairy also is hosting the Tarheel Antiques Festival and Christmas Craft Show Nov. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • The Hunter Farm in Weddington will open its pumpkin patch Sept. 29-Nov. 17. The farm also offers hayrides and petting barn where visitors can feed the farm animals. The farm is open daily through Oct. 31, and on weekends starting in November. Food trucks are on-site on Saturdays.
  • The Well Fed Community Garden in Raleigh will be hosting its Art in the Garden event Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by The Irregardless Café, a local Raleigh restaurant, the garden donates 20 percent of its bounty to volunteers and neighbors with the remaining 80 percent served in meals at the restaurant.
  • Tractors Corn Maze in Wake Forest is open Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 28 through the end of October. Enjoy an eight-acre corn maze, pumpkin patches, free pumpkin, hayride, corn pit and games.

Western North Carolina

  • Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk offers visitors the chance to get up-close and personal with the alpacas, donkeys, goats and other animals that work and play at Apple Hill Farm. Fall tours are available through Oct. 18. Tours are offered Sundays-Fridays at 2 p.m., and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Products also are available at the on-site Farm & Yarn Store.
  • Cherry Mountain Farm in Rutherfordton will hold a Goat Shearing Festival Oct. 12 starting at 9 a.m. Come early to see the Angora goats get their fall haircuts, enjoy food from a local food truck, visit the llama and horses, and enjoy hanging out at the farm. The gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Clay County Chamber of Commerce will hold it’s 11th annual Punkin Chunkin Festival Oct. 20-21. The family-friendly event features a pumpkin throwing contest using catapults, trebuchets and air cannons, plus a chili and anything-pumpkin cooking contest and more.
  • Harvest Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Valle Crucis invites travelers to experience the best weekend fall family fun in the High Country. Visitors can take a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, harvest their own pumpkin or choose from a selection of pre-picked pumpkins at the barn.
  • Shelby Corn Maze in Shelby is open for the season through Oct. 27. Visitors can enjoy farm and fall-themed activities including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow train, apple launcher, corn cannon and more.
  • The Farmer’s Daughter in Taylorsville is open through each Saturday of October with hayrides and pumpkins.
  • Trosly Farm in Elk Park will open its harvest and holiday market Saturdays from October through December. Visitors can find fresh breads, baked goods, produce, holiday gifts and more.
  • Walnut Hollow Ranch in Hayesville offers educational farm tours, farm stays and more. The ranch is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations for lunch tours are available on those days during the autumn.

‘Shrek the Musical:’ A Favorite Story Will Come to Life at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Everyone’s favorite movie is coming to McGregor Hall’s stage! DreamWorks Classic’s SHREK THE MUSICAL is the story of dreams becoming reality for a group of misunderstood fairy tale creatures who learn that our differences are what make us strong. This Broadway styled musical will feature glamorous costumes, a magical set, and a LIVE, professional orchestra.

The six performance dates include:

  • October 25-26, November 1-2, 2019, at 8 p.m
  • October 27, November 3, 2019, at 2 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Warren Co. 4-H: Youth Mentors Needed for Community Service Hours Opportunity

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-Information courtesy Warren County NC Coop. Extension

Know a youth in need of internship or community service hours?

Warren County 4-H will be staring a mentoring program called “4-H L.I.T.” (Leading Into Tomorrow) and is in need of youth mentors.

Seven youth mentors are needed and must:

  • Love working with youth
  • Attend required training on Monday, Sept. 30
  • Complete mentor application
  • Commit to 60 hours by the end of the school year

An online application is available on the Warren County 4-H website (click here). The application deadline is Saturday, September 28.

With additional questions, please contact Rashawn Steverson at (252) 257-3640 or email rhstever@ncsu.edu.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Announces Grants for Bioenergy Research, New & Emerging Crops

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production as well as new and emerging crops.

“We are excited that the North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative will offer $1 million in competitive grants for projects focused on bioenergy and the production of exciting new crops,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our state’s investment in agricultural research has helped maintain agriculture and agribusiness’ strength as the leading industry in the state. Bio-based industries and new emerging crops and products offer opportunities to increase N.C. farm income.”

High consideration will be given to projects that focus on crop production in either the field or forest that will provide feedstock for bioenergy-related technologies, potential edible crops, new adaptations of crops and economic analysis.

Projects can focus on production and harvesting methods and plant variety work, including:

  • Genetic improvement and selection
  • Identification of crops with economic potential
  • Weed management
  • Harvest management such as methods, timing, transportation and storage
  • Stand management such as renovation for productivity, planting dates, crop management and eradication when necessary
  • New species with bioenergy potential
  • Education and demonstration
  • Economic analysis and enterprise budgeting
  • Innovative uses of biomass for energy

For a copy of the grant application and additional information, go to the Bioenergy Research Initiative website at www.ncagr.gov/bioenergy/Grants. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 8.

For more information, contact Allison Medlin, at allison.medlin@ncagr.gov or at 919-693-2483.

Rasheed Sworn In for New Term as VGCC Trustee

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Abdul Sm Rasheed of Henderson recently took the oath of office for another term as a member of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

He is the retired president/CEO of the N.C. Community Development Initiative and currently serves on the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority board. He has also been a trustee of his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University.

Rasheed was reappointed to the board for a four-year term by the Vance County Board of Education.

The Board of Trustees has 12 voting members, with some appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and some by the county commissioners and the boards of education of Vance and Granville counties.

From left, retired District Court Judge Randolph Baskerville administers the oath of office to VGCC Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed, alongside Rasheed’s granddaughter, Jada Lewis; and wife, Marolyn Rasheed (holding granddaughter Lenox Rasheed). (VGCC photo)

NC Opens 24/7 911 Network Monitoring & Assistance Center

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-Press Release, NC DIT

The N.C. Department of Information Technology on Thursday officially opened the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center (NMAC), which will help support an uninterrupted flow of communication for emergency call centers that have adopted next-generation 911 technology.

NC DIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette and N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris were joined by 911 board members and staff in Raleigh for a ribbon-cutting unveiling the center. The first of its kind in the nation, it is staffed 24/7 and equipped to monitor service and performance on North Carolina’s new digital emergency services network, called ESInet.

N.C. 911 Board Members watch as members of the N.C. Department of Information Technology cut the ribbon on the N.C. 911 Network Monitoring & Assistance Center. From left: network engineer Gerry Means, NMAC manager Stanley Meeks, NC DIT Secretary Eric Boyette and N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris. (Photo courtesy NC DIT)

Sixteen of the state’s 127 911 centers – including those in Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Martin, Polk, Robeson, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Wilson counties – have already migrated to ESInet.

Under state law, the remainder must develop and fully implement plans to migrate no later than July 1, 2021.

“As more and more 911 centers across the state upgrade their technology to support next-generation 911 services, the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center will play an important role in making sure services run smoothly across the state,” Boyette said.

For example, technicians monitoring ESInet can quickly reroute emergency calls to other 911 centers as they identify increased trends in emergency calls – particularly in cases such as severe weather or major events that draw large volumes of people to a particular area.

During Hurricane Dorian, technicians at the NMAC were prepared to assist in rerouting calls from the coast to counties farther inland, however, it was not necessary.

“The NMAC can immediately troubleshoot network issues and help behind the scenes to provide seamless 911 coverage, so emergency personnel can focus on helping North Carolina residents get the assistance they need as quickly as possible,” Harris said.

ESInet, or the Emergency Services IP Network, makes that possible.

It enables call centers to connect through high-speed internet-based routing services to more quickly and effectively communicate with callers as well as other 911 centers.

The ability to reroute emergency calls is one important capability. Call centers also have the option to let users send photos and videos, in addition to voice calls and text messages.

ESInet is a core function of Next Generation 911 – an upgrade to the current 911 system, which was developed in the 1960s – to ensure residents can access 911 services regardless of their location or how their communicating.

“Although reliable, our current 911 system can no longer accommodate how we communicate today,” Boyette said. “Fewer people are using landline phones, and the popularity of wearables and other digital communication services are on the rise. Our residents expect to be able to communicate these ways. And that’s where NC DIT comes in.”

VGCC Introduces Online Career Coach Program for Students

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently introduced a new web-based service that will help students explore careers and make plans for their future.

Through the interactive “Career Coach” program, students can:

  • take a career assessment and get suggestions for possible career goals, based on their interests;
  • access the latest information about jobs and salaries in the region for various career fields; and
  • learn about particular VGCC education and training programs that lead to the careers they want.

By linking jobs to education, current or future students can see the potential “return on investment” of community college programs. They can even see a list of employers in the region who have posted jobs for a particular type of career within the last year.

“Not only current students, but also people who are thinking about becoming students, can use the site to learn more about various career options and the VGCC programs that prepare them for those careers,” said VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher. “Users can create accounts which allow them to save the results of their assessments and their favorite careers or programs of study. We think this will help members of our community make well-informed career decisions and get training for skills that are in demand by employers.”

Other special features of Career Coach include a tool that allows veterans of the armed services to find civilian careers that are related to their military occupations and a tool that helps users create a professional resume.

Career Coach is linked from the VGCC.edu home page and can be accessed directly at vgcc.emsicc.com.

I Voted Sticker

Warren Co. Board of Elections to Hold Voting Systems Demonstration

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-Information courtesy Warren County, NC

Notice is hereby given that the Warren County Board of Elections will hold a public demonstration of voting systems recommended for use in Warren County, NC.

The demonstration will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158-Bus E, Warrenton, NC.

This notice is given by order of Esther Terry, Chairman, Warren County Board of Elections.

For further information, contact Warren County BOE staff at (252) 257-2114.

Scholarship Fund Established at VGCC in Memory of Local Teacher

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Friends and colleagues of the late Robert C. Pirie, Jr., have established a scholarship fund in his memory at Vance-Granville Community College.

Pirie passed away in May at the age of 75. A Vance County native, he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, including service in Vietnam. He retired from the Vance County school system after teaching for more than 30 years, primarily at Zeb Vance Elementary School.

From left, Mike Bullard, Billy Horner, Wanda Bullard and VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson meet to discuss plans for the scholarship in memory of Robert Pirie. (VGCC photo)

Retired educators Michael and Wanda Bullard, along with Pirie’s best friend, Billy Horner, and his wife, Patricia Horner, helped set up the scholarship at VGCC. “I was a student of Mr. Pirie’s during his first year of teaching and then had the honor of teaching with him for 12 years,” Wanda Bullard said. “He encouraged me to become a teacher and then became my mentor. We became very close and I thought of him as a second father. I am one of many that he encouraged and supported.”

Bullard noted that Pirie received several awards for his math teaching abilities. He also coached the Zeb Vance Eagles Pee Wee football team for many years and was well-respected in the school system and the community. She recalled that Pirie and Horner shared a love of college sports, attending numerous Duke University home football games and ACC basketball tournaments together.

When Pirie struggled with health issues in his later years, Bullard and Horner helped take care of him. “He was like family to both of us,” Bullard said. “We wanted to start the scholarship in his name as a way to continue his legacy of encouragement and support of students being the best they can be.”

“We are touched that those who knew and worked with Mr. Pirie, those he taught and those he inspired, have been generous and thoughtful enough to honor his memory through a scholarship,” said VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. “When fully endowed, this new scholarship will help VGCC students continue their education, and that’s a perfect way to pay tribute to an outstanding educator.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,400 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff.

Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information or to make a contribution to help fully endow this scholarship, call Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.

Contributions to the scholarship fund can be mailed to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund, at P.O. Box 917, Henderson, NC 27536.

Town of Warrenton Announces Fall ‘Movie Nights on the Square’

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-Information courtesy the Town of Warrenton Facebook page

The Town of Warrenton, NC announces its fall schedule of three free outdoor “Movie Nights on the Square!” Movies will be played at dusk in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main Street in Warrenton.

Saturday, September 14 – “A Dog’s Way Home” (rated PG)

Saturday, October 5 – “Bumblebee” (rated PG-13)

Saturday, October 19 – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” (rated PG)

Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.

In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown indoors at the newly renovated Warrenton Town Hall.