Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Take a soil sample now to improve your garden this year.
  • Prepare for the upcoming inclement weather. Batteries, food that doesn’t need to be cooked, first aid kits, medications. Check on senior neighbors.
  • Use cat litter or sand on walking areas or drive ways salt can damage lawns and landscape plants.
  • When ordering any seed or plants make sure they are recommended for Zone 7.
  • Order newly released seed varieties ASAP.
  • Does your landscape look drab? Consider planting something to make your landscape more interesting next winter. Consider ornamental grasses, trees with attractive bark, shrubs with berries, and even trees and shrubs that bloom in winter.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them.
  • Check your garden equipment according to the manufacturer. Ex: wheelbarrow tires.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! January Wrap-Up at Perry Memorial Library

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Not only does Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters keep track of all the programs that go on inside the library, she’s got to keep an eye on the weather, too.

And because weekend weather forecasts point to “winter weather,” Peters said she’s decided to reschedule the Teddy Bear Sleepover.

But don’t fret – the loveys and favorite stuffed animals will be invited in February to have their sleepover fun among the books, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Just add that to the growing list of programs and events happening at the library as the calendar turns from January to February.

“We’re getting ready to get rolling,” Peters said. “Things will really get busy and I love it – there’s a lot to celebrate!”

All that wintry weather predicted for the weekend likely will be a distant memory by the time Tuesday, Jan. 27 rolls around. That’s when ‘Teen Time’ launches. Young people in grades 6-12 are invited to the weekly gathering from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maker Space to take part in different activities.

“This is a program that will happen every Tuesday through the end of April,” Peters said.

The program kicks off with make your own pizzas and a t-shirt bag, she said. And while there probably won’t be pizza every week, plan on having some sort of snack while enjoying the activities, Peters added. Participants are asked to bring a t-shirt from home, but there will be extras on hand at the library, just in case.

“Each week will be something different,” she said, giving kids a chance to come to the library to hang out and do crafts together.

The first ‘Community Read-In’ of 2026 will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and the library welcomes back members of the Henderson Fire Department who will create the ever-popular s’mores treats for participants. Explore the fire truck, read a book with a firefighter and then enjoy a deliciously gooey treat, compliments of the fire department and sponsor Fred’s Towing and Recovery.

The library hosts the Anime Club on the last Thursday of each month, beginning at 3:30 p.m. It’s a time when kids in middle and high school can gather to watch an anime and then do a craft activity. Book your spot by calling the library or emailing Peters at mpeters@perrylibrary.com.

Kids of all ages can take part in a Wizard of Oz scavenger hunt at the library as a lead-in to performances on Saturday, Jan. 31 of “Wizard of Oz on Ice” at McGregor Hall.

“It’s just a little something fun, something different,” Peters explained. “We’re happy to highlight and support McGregor Hall. We’re very lucky to have them in our community – they do amazing things.” Get tickets at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/. Visit or call the box office, 201 Breckenridge St., at 252.598.0662.

Find all the details about the scavenger hunt at the Youth Services desk in the library. Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn about all the programs and services offered.

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Freedom Bridge Resource Center Jan. 21 Lunch & Learn Topic: Overdose Prevention

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Join Freedom Bridge Resource Center for a Lunch & Learn session that will focus on overdose prevention.

The program, presented by Catherine T. Hazlitt, will take place at the Freedom Bridge Resource Center, 936 W. Andrews Ave. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

The session is designed to increase awareness about overdose prevention, as well as providing life-saving strategies. It is open to anyone in the community who wants to learn more, including family members and service providers.

Registration is not required; just show up to attend the session.

Freedom Bridge Resource Center is a program of Community Partners of Hope.

(This information was originally posted on January 16th.)

Possible School Closings, Consolidations Topic Of School Board’s Jan. 21 Special Called Meeting

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The Vance County Board of Education is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21 to have a public hearing about the possible closing and/or consolidation of two of the county’s elementary schools.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Curriculum and Instruction area of the Vance County Administrative Services Center, 1724 Graham Ave., according to information from Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Board of Education Chair Ayana Lewis.

The most recent school consolidations came in 2018, when the school board voted to merge the two high schools and the two middle schools to form Vance County High School and Vance County Middle School. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, the high school was located on the campus of the former Southern Vance High School and the middle school was located on the campus of the former Northern Vance High School.

Here’s the statement in its entirety:

Pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. 115C-72 and N.C.G.S. 143-318.12 the Vance County  Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in order to  provide a public hearing to discuss with the general public the proposed closing and/or  consolidation of New Hope Elementary School with another school, and also the closing and/or  consolidation of Carver Elementary School with another school, having in mind and taking into  account the welfare of the students to be affected by such closings and/or consolidations,  including providing information regarding which the said Board has in its possession relating to  the practical and best use of its present school facilities and the costs and maintenance of all its  facilities, and the use of same, and also considering geographic conditions, increase or  decrease in school enrollment, the inconvenience or hardship that might result to the pupils to  be affected by such closings or consolidations, the cost of providing additional school facilities in  the event of such closings and/or consolidation, and such other factors as the Board shall  determine to be germane. 

Said hearing shall be held on January 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Curriculum and Instruction area within the Vance County Administrative Services Center located at 1724 Graham Avenue,  Henderson NC, and the general public shall be afforded an opportunity to express their views regarding said proposed closings and/or proposed consolidations. 

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Start your 2026 Garden Journal.
  • Start planning your spring garden on paper.
  • Conduct a germination test on any leftover seed.
  • When ordering any seed or plants make sure they are recommended for Zone 7.
  • Order newly released seed varieties ASAP.
  • Order seed after you have completed your seed inventory.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them.
  • Soil sample now to improve your 2026 garden.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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City Council Votes To Name Police Department In Memory Of Chief Melvin G. Smith

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In a unanimous decision, the Henderson City Council approved naming the Henderson Police Department in honor of the late chief, Melvin G. Smith.

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow made the request, which will require no money from the city – the $5,000 estimated to place signs at the front and rear entrances will come from a money generated through the taxation of unauthorized drugs seized locally.

Smith died in July 2025, but Barrow told the Council that he’d been considering the request long before.

Smith was the first Black police officer at the department, joining before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Barrow said.

“He wasn’t just the first (Black) police officer,” he continued. He was the first sergeant, lieutenant, the first and only African American major, Barrow noted.

“He was the most qualified person for any position he held,” Barrow said. “His 50 percent was better than anybody else’s 100 percent.”

Barrow knew Smith through the Basic Law Enforcement Training classes, when Smith was an instructor and Barrow a student.

“He was kind, thoughtful…he was an educator. He wanted us to learn…He was a tough man, but a fair man.”

Barrow proposes to install a large plaque at the front entrance and a smaller version at the rear entrance – one that officers use and can see and be reminded of Smith’s legacy.

“It’s time,” Barrow said. “The police department needs a name.”

What better name than Melvin G. Smith.

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The Local Skinny! Programs, Volunteer Opportunities For MLK Day Of Service

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With the upcoming annual observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, numerous organizations across the community have scheduled events to participate in the Day of Service that coincides with the holiday.

  • The local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is having a Jump-a-thon on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kearah’s Place, 946 W. Andrews Ave. (Suite O) in Henderson. This event is open to all ages and jumping abilities, and will include single-rope, double dutch, tricks and more.
  • Then on Sunday, Jan. 18, the Zetas will have a Finer Beginnings Community Baby Shower. This event will be held from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tiffany’s of Henderson, located at 110 S. Garnett St. There will be giveaways – including a raffle for a Spectra electric breast pump – along with distribution of information on vaccinations and maternal health. The winner must be present to claim the raffle prize. For more information, email zpb1996@gmail.com or send a text message to 252.213.5552.
  • Also on Sunday, Jan. 18, the Vance & Adjacent Counties Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance will host an MLK Jr. Celebration beginning at 3 p.m. at Dickies Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2996 Faulkner Town Rd., Henderson.The featured preacher is the Rev. Dr. Johnny B. Hill, pastor of Gethsemane Missoinary Baptist Church in Bunn, with appearances by VACIMA President the Rev. Charles E. Walton and Dickies Grove Pastor the Rev. Dr. Jeannette Floyd. There will be performances by the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church Choir.
  • The Henderson Family YMCA is hosting a Rise Against Hunger event on Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College Main Campus in Henderson. The goal is to pack 70,000 meals that will be sent across the world to fight global hunger. Volunteers are needed for the 10 a.m. to 12 noon shift and the 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift. Monetary donations are welcomed, as are non-perishable food donations for ACTS and ACIM. Visit https://www.hendersonymca.org/to register.
  • The Granville County Human Relations Commission will host its annual fellowship breakfast to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The event will be held at Oxford Baptist Church, located at 147 Main St. in Oxford.  The event will feature readings from the winners of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest. The theme of this year’s contest is “Keeping the Dream Alive: Dr. Martin Luther King’s Vision in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Students from J.F. Webb High School, South Granville High School and Northern Granville Middle School participated in the essay contest this year. Terry Green, Chief of the North Carolina State Capitol Police, will serve as the keynote speaker. Due to space limitations, tickets are required for entry. Donations to Area Congregations in Ministry food bank will be accepted at the event. For more information about the program or to request tickets, please contact the Granville County Administration office at 919.693.5240 or email jessica.todd@granvillecounty.org.

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on Monday, January 12th, 2026 from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Start your 2026 Garden Journal.
  • Write down garden goals for 2026.
  • Inventory your seed supply. Discard seeds 3 years or older.
  • Continue to plant trees and shrubs.
  • Consider constructing a small greenhouse or coldframe.
  • Order seed after you have completed your seed inventory.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them.
  • Soil sample now to improve your 2026 garden.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Great Events To Kick Off 2026 At Perry Memorial Library

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The holiday decorations are down, the kids are back in school and winter programming at Perry Memorial Library is returning to full swing. Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters and staff welcome patrons of all ages to the library for some social interaction and literacy fun.

Mother Goose Storytime fans can return Thursday morning, Jan. 8 at 11 a.m. Later that afternoon, kids can enjoy Lego Fun from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. One scheduling note is the Thursday afternoon story time, Peters said. She is pushing the start time back to 4:30 p.m., which she hopes will be a friendlier time for families with children.

Speaking of fun, Fun Fridays launch this Friday, Jan. 9.

Baby Rave runs from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the youngest kiddos, 0-2. There’ll be dancing and movement to music, complete with party lights and bubbles, Peters said.

The morning morphs into Parachute Play at 11:30 a.m. for a half hour of games and songs for children ages 3-5.

Fridays are busy at the library, with the Home School Social Hour cranking back up at 1 p.m.

This program helps connect homeschooling families – adults and children alike – allowing them to meet new people while they get together to share resources and other areas of interest.

Peters said she hears from homeschooling families routinely who want to find ways to connect with others. “If you’re new to the area, you may not know others nearby,” she said.

  • Pajama Story Time is another favorite for families who may not have time during the day because of work or school commitments.

It’s a short program, just 30 minutes or so, but Peters said it’s all about parents and children engaging in the story together.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues on Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Mar. 3 and April 7.

  • Teddy Bear Storytime kicks off the new program year on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Drop off your favorite stuffed animal or “lovey” at the library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 to take part in the “Teddy Bear Sleepover,” Peters said. Kids often ask what happens at the library at night, she said. “The animals take over the library, and we get to see the fun that they have,” she added. Lovey pickup is on Sunday, Jan. 25 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Check out all the library’s programs and activities at https://www.perrylibrary.org.

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Local Guardian ad Litem Training Begins Jan. 13, 2026

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The local Guardian ad Litem program is a statewide program designed to place trained volunteers to serve as advocates for neglected or abused children going through the court system.

The next six-week training session begins on Jan. 13, 2026. Area Supervisor Samantha Branch, who serves the five-county region that includes Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties, is seeking additional volunteers who want to become advocates for this very important program.

Formed in 1983, the Guardian ad Litem program serves in all 100 counties in North Carolina and is a division of the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts.

According to information on its website, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer GAL advocate and an attorney advocate to provide team representation to the child.

Program staff in each county work with the GAL child to provide support – legal and advocacy – to children as they go through the court process.

Advocates protect and promote the best interests of juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings, as well as report the child’s wishes to the court. They also could contribute to independent investigations to determine the facts, the needs of the child and identify resources appropriate to each case.

Learn more about the program at https://www.nccourts.gov/programs/guardian-ad-litem.

If you think you’d like to become a trained Guardian ad Litem advocate, call 252.430.5121 or visit volunteerforgal.org.

(Information above originally posted Dec. 17, 2025)

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