Granville County Couple Named Extension’s 2025 Small Farmers Of The Year

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Elvin and Madeline Eaton, owners of Fairport Farms in Granville County, have been selected as the 2025 Small Farmers of the Year by N.C. A&T State University during the annual Small Farms Week celebration.

The Eatons decided to grow microgreens as a retirement venture, but they wanted to change things up and steer away from some of the more traditional farming practices. Their philosophy – a no-till, no commercial fertilizer or pesticide and keeping growing beds in place for multiple seasons approach – is paying off.

Using five 100-foot-high tunnels — greenhouses without air conditioning — on just one quarter of an acre of their 12-acre Century Farm, the Eatons have grown their retirement venture into a profitable, civic-minded enterprise. A certified Naturally Grown farm, they grow microgreens, kale, collard and mustard greens, broccoli and a variety of lettuces in addition to tomatoes, potatoes, onions and carrots, supporting a farmers’ market business and a direct-sell business

More than 400 farmers, ranchers, Extension agents and partners from across the state came to A&T’s campus to attend N.C. Cooperative Extension’s 39th annual Small Farms Week, which this year centered around the theme “Next Gen Agriculture” and included educational workshops and panel discussions focused on the needs of the next generation of growers.

“We’re more than surprised,” Elvin Eaton said after the award was announced during the annual banquet at A&T State.

“We grow so different — we grow all year long, we grow covered, we grow without chemical fertilizer or pesticides. Soil health is the basis of our farm. This is far out of the norm for people in our area, but when they see the results, a lot of people have been super receptive.

“We really didn’t think we had a chance. We were just happy being nominated, honestly.”

The weeklong annual celebration was launched by Extension in 1985 to connect with small-scale farmers — including minority farmers and those in underserved communities — to ensure they receive the latest research-based information on farming techniques, new tools and technologies. It also gives the public a chance to meet their agricultural neighbors and learn about farm operations and food production.

Learn more about Small Farms Week by clicking here and watch a video produced by NCA&T that highlights Fairport Farms by clicking here.

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Elvin and Madeline Eaton, center, of Fairport Farm in Granville County, North Carolina, became N.C. Cooperative Extension’s 39th Small Farmers of the Year on Wednesday, March 26, at the annual Small Farms Week luncheon on the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University campus. From left are Interim College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Dean Shirley Hymon-Parker, Chancellor James R. Martin II, Elvin Eaton, Madeline Eaton, Wendy Tatum of Granville County Cooperative Extension and Associate CAES Dean and N.C. A&T Extension Administrator M. Ray McKinnie.

Upcoming Community Resource Festival Shaping Up To Be Largest Yet

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With more than 100 vendors already registered, the Community Resource Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the largest resource gathering in two counties, and organizers are eager to provide the community with valuable information and a fun day of networking.

The third annual event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 16 at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center. In addition to VGCC, sponsors include Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, Granville County Chamber of Commerce and Huff Consulting, LLC

Michele Walker with Huff Consulting, LLC is one of the volunteer organizers. Interest in the event has been great, she said – so much so that some vendors have been placed on a wait list. If previously registered vendors know they cannot attend, Walker asks that they contact organizers as soon as possible to allow as many vendors as possible to take part.

“Thank you so much for making it happen and breaking records, yet again!” Walker said in a written request to vendors for door prizes and other donations.

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Walker asks vendors to share on social media outlets counts as the participation/registration fee, she said. Vendors are asked to “tag” the resource partners to help get the word out to as many people as possible.

Facebook users can add “Shelli Walker” to their tags for verification as well. Walker said she will accept all “follow” requests and she will be showcasing random vendors as a way to further promote the event’s activities and participants.

“Again, we can’t thank you enough for being a part of this Community Resource Festival and we hope you all have an amazing time yourselves! Network, Network, Network!” Walker said.

This year, vendors are eligible to win door prizes, she said. Vendors who are donating prizes are asked to inform organizers no later than Monday, Apr. 7 of the type and quantity of door prizes they’ll be providing.

There will be a table by the entrance to the Civic Center to drop donated items on the day of the event. That’s also where the winners will be announced. Previous door prizes have been gift cards, gift baskets, books and donated services.

Please send the following information to michele.walker@huff-consulting.com.

  1. Item (description)
  2. Quantity
  3. Name of Organization

Please include on each item the name of the donor organization as well as accurate contact information.

Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance Warren Beekeepers Association meeting will be on Monday April 14, 2025 at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Soil samples are now free as of April 1st.
  • Start spraying fruit trees as soon as blossoms fall.
  • Refrain from tilling garden soil if it’s wet.
  • Use row markers to identify what is planted in each row of your garden.
  • Reread owners manual of all power equipment.
  • You can plant spinach, irish potatoes, mustard, beets, kale, lettuce, carrots, peas, onions, radish. Get your copy of central piedmont planting guide.
  • Provide ventilation for plants in the greenhouse and cold frame.
  • Remember to wear Personal Protective Equipment when doing all garden chores.
  • Start checking your lawn care equipment.
  • Check areas for mice. Greenhouse, storage, and shed.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.      

The Vance County Cooperative Extension 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! April Excitement at Perry Memorial Library

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The staff at Perry Memorial Library has planned some extra activities for young people for the week leading up to Easter, when many traditional public school students will have Spring Break.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said the library is a gathering place for the whole community, and Spring Break is the perfect time for young people to come have some fun at the library while they enjoy a few days off from school.

In addition to the regular programming like the 11 a.m. Thursday Story Times for the little ones and Pajama Story Time on Tuesday, Apr. 8 at 6:30 p.m., the library team has put together

Arts and Crafts activities for Monday, Apr. 14, Movie Day on Tuesday, Apr. 15 and STEaM Club beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 17.

While those activities are geared for younger children, teens will have the Maker Space to call their own each afternoon during the week, Peters said. “You don’t have anything to do? – Come to the library!” The Maker Space will be open from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and teens can enjoy snacks, gaming and arts and crafts activities, she said.

Members of the library staff will be at the Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, Apr. 16 which will take place at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

This month’s First Friday activity takes place on Friday, Apr. 4 and features construction of a lava lamp, Peters said. First Friday programs feature a Science theme, and lava lamps are a perfect way to show kids how liquids mix – and separate.

“Add a little food coloring, and you’ve got a lava lamp,” she explained. Throw in an Alka-Seltzer just adds to the fun. The 10:30 program is for preschoolers and the 1 p.m. program is geared to multi-aged homeschool groups.

Then Michael Ellington from N.C. Cooperative Extension will help library patrons celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, Apr. 22 and will bring lots of hands-on activities for young people – think seed planting, Story Walk and more. “It’s going to be a great day,” Peters said.

Check out all the activities and programs at Perry Memorial Library at https://www.perrylibrary.org/

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The Local Skinny! Warren Correctional Institution Recommended For ACA Accreditation

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The Warren Correctional Institution has been recommended for accreditation following a recent audit by American Correctional Association auditors.

Warren Correctional is the 49th N.C. Department of Adult Correction facility that has either been recommended for accreditation or been awarded ACA accreditation.

It is the goal of the NCDAC to have 100 percent of its facilities and operations pursue this distinction.

Following the Mar. 17-19 audit, ACA auditors found that Warren Correctional met 100 percent of mandatory practices and 98.7 percent of non-mandatory practices, according to information from NCDAC.

The ACA Commission on Accreditation for Corrections will vote to formally grant accreditation at a future meeting.

“The staff of Warren Correctional Institution is dedicated every day, but they worked especially hard for us to meet this goal. I am extremely proud of them,” said Warden Kevin Barnes. “I also want to thank our department and Central Region leadership, as well as DAC’s accreditation and compliance specialists, for all the support and guidance they’ve provided throughout this process.”

Located in Manson, the facility houses approximately 670 men in minimum and medium custody levels. Opportunities for rehabilitative educational and vocational programs range from high school equivalency to the Correction Enterprises Janitorial Products Plant. Warren Correctional is also a site that hosts an ABEL (At Both Ends of the Leash) dog-training program.

ACA audits of performance-based standards evaluate fundamental correctional practices that

  • ensure staff and offender safety and security
  • enhance staff morale
  • improve record maintenance and data management capabilities
  • and improve the function of the facility.

As part of the accreditation process, ACA auditors spent three days conducting visual inspections, reviewing policies and procedures, and evaluating the work being done to ensure best practices are met at the prison.

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The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools District Leaders Recognized

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Two Vance County Schools administrators have completed the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendents Program.

Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney and Dr. Nealie Whitt III were among a cohort of 39 school and district leaders from across the state to graduate from the leadership program, designed to support school leaders in their current roles while honing their skill sets in roles as future superintendents.

The North Carolina Aspiring Superintendents Program is a highly specialized leadership development initiative tailored for select district leaders who have demonstrated exceptional success in their administrative roles and aspire to the superintendency. Offered through the NCSSA and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development, the program equips future superintendents with technical expertise, leadership strategies for navigating the complexities of the role and contemporary skills essential for 21st-century educational leadership. Participants engage in multiple face-to-face leadership development sessions and benefit from an embedded Executive Coaching component with proven leaders in the field. To date, 52 alumni from the program’s first eight cohorts have been appointed to superintendencies across North Carolina.

Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of Instruction and Innovation, said the program offered invaluable insights that apply to leadership at every level.

“The professional learning sessions were highly engaging, and connecting with fellow Cohort IX members has already proven beneficial to my work,” she stated. “I look forward to leveraging these new strategies and expanded professional relationships to further support the students, staff, and community in Vance County.”

Whitt, principal at Vance County High School, said, “Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. Through the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendents Program, I’ve learned that true leadership is built on vision, resilience, and the courage to make decisions that shape the future. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every student is a reason to lead with purpose.”

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said she is proud that the two VCS leaders had completed the Aspiring Superintendents Program. “Completing the North Carolina Aspiring Superintendents Program is a significant milestone that reflects not only Ross-Putney and Whitt’s dedication to educational leadership but also their commitment to continuous growth and excellence,” Bennett said. “Their participation in this program will strengthen their impact on our district and inspire those they lead.”

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Home and Garden Show

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The Vance County Cooperative Extension is hosting a community event on the eve of Opening Day of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – perfect timing to learn more about how what we eat and how we move affects our overall health and wellness.

The Food Farmacy, as it’s called, will take place at the farmers market on Friday, May 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

It’s a time for the community to come together to learn how food choices and physical activity can have a positive impact on health while addressing some health-related challenges facing the community.

Event organize and community developer Tyler Chisholm joined County Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon and Extension Agent Michael Ellington on Wednesday’s edition of The Home and Garden Show.

Chisholm said a similar event held in downtown Henderson in 2022 was well received and he’s looking to build on that success at the upcoming event.

Vance County has higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, Chisholm said, and a goal of The Food Farmacy is to promote broad access to food and also to spotlight exercise and physical activity as important components to overall wellness.

Chisholm said there will be many opportunities for education from a variety of vendors who plan to attend the event, but he also is confident participants will enjoy themselves, too.

Macon agrees. “It’s a time to hang out at the farmers market – time to talk to people about health and wellness,” she said.

Extension staff and others are working to reimagine the farmers market campus as a way to bring more foot traffic to the facility, now in its 10th year of operation.

It can be a gathering spot for the community, she said, whether it’s visiting the memorial garden filled with native pollinator plants to health and wellness fairs, the farmers market can be “that” place in the community for a variety of events.

And just like gardening, the idea is to start small and grow over time, Ellington said. Sustainability is key, Macon said, so sponsorships are being accepted for the new community garden being installed now.

The garden is taking shape, said Macon. With funds from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, plans are underway to construct a couple of garden plots that individuals or groups can rent for the year to plant, cultivate and harvest their own vegetables. There are a couple of volunteer work days coming up, too, if you’d like to help.

Visit https://go.ncsu.edu/vcrfmgarden to learn more and sign up.

But the community garden is the first step, she said.

There’s room to grow, she said – literally. The future could bring a walking trail or a food forest, hydroponics or aquaponics, and more.

Supporters want the farmers market to be “a place that people want to come to,” Macon said, “definitely for the market, but not just for the market.

Visions for the farmers market will help to create a brighter future for a healthier Vance County.

 

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‘Pink With A Passion’ Event Saturday, Apr. 12 In Warrenton

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The 4th annual Pink With A Passion Cancer Walk will take place on Saturday, Apr. 12 and the public is invited to come out and be a part of this inspiring community event, whose theme is “Walk With Strength: Fight Cancer In All Colors.”

The activities will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Warren County Recreational Complex, located at 840 US-158 bypass in Warrenton.

The Mammogram Bus will be onsite again this year, offering 25 free 3D mammogram screenings, according to Evelyn Tunstall Smith, one of the event organizers. Reserve a spot here: https://appointments.invisiondiagnostics.com/appoinment/

A Tree of Hope ceremony will provide a special moment of remembrance and strength for those who have lost their lives to cancer as well as survivors of the disease.

There will be a live band, a DJ, food trucks, vendors and plenty of kid-friendly activities – bring the whole family for a day full of fun, connection and celebration.

Register at  https://forms.gle/nqyZuxN9fDgayDM86

Event t-shirts are available, too. Order online and pick up on the day of the event, or contact Amena Wilson at 252.213.5735 before April 5 to arrange pickup before the event.  Purchase t-shirts at
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5EJMZKDZ5DTWS

To learn more about Pink With A Passion, visit: www.pinkwithapassion.org

(This story was originally published March 14, 2025 on WIZS Radio and WIZS.com)

The Local Skinny! Aviation Academies at the Henderson-Oxford Airport

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The Henderson-Oxford Airport is one of a dozen airports to get state funding to host summer academies for students in grades K-12 who want to learn more about aviation and the aerospace industry.

The N.C. Dept. of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has awarded grants of up to $5,000 for these smaller airports to have programs for young people, according to information from NCDOT.

“We’re thrilled to partner with airports across the state to offer these academies,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “Not only do students have an incredible time learning about aviation, but they also gain valuable insight into the career opportunities available in this dynamic and growing industry. It’s about sparking curiosity and showing them that the sky really is the limit.”

The academies are designed to engage students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life. Participants can look forward to flight simulator sessions, airport tours, aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to connect with aviation professionals who share their passion for the skies. Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg is also participating in the summer academy program.

The ACE Academy Grant Program is a key component of the Division of Aviation’s mission to support aerospace and aviation workforce development. By funding these academies, the Division is helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the state’s robust aviation sector.

Parents and students interested in participating in this year’s ACE Academies can learn more by visiting the NCDOT web page devoted to the academies, which contains contact information for each.

James N. Brown, Jr., director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College, is the contact person for both local airports. Contact Brown at 252.738.3520 or brownj@vgcc.edu.

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The Local Skinny! Community Listening Event Analysis from Jayden Watkins

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Among the more than 175 folks who came to Monday’s “Breaking the Cycle” community listening session sponsored by the Pathways to Peace Coalition for Vance County was Jayden Watkins.

Watkins wears a lot of hats – he’s an author, a pastor, an entrepreneur, a leader of the Empowered youth group, among other things.

His comments during that listening session, however, came from his unique perspective as a teenager. Watkins, 16, said it’s important that teenagers’ voices be heard in discussions like this one, where the talk centered around how to combat growing violence in the community.

Another hat Watkins wears – mostly when he’s on a break from school – is that of part-time employee at WIZS Radio. And he spoke Thursday about the listening session held earlier in the week and possible outcomes that could result from so many people coming out to talk and listen to one another.

“It was important to me that my perspective as a teenager was heard,” Watkins said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! Despite the fact that some teens are indeed involved in the senseless violence present in Vance County and elsewhere, Watkins said it’s not all teens. “Not all teenagers are lost or headed down a negative path—many are looking for ways to grow, lead, and contribute positively to society,” he said.

His youth mentorship organization, Empowered, has quickly grown from about 40 to more than 120 active members. They have “meet-ups” and talk about real stuff, Watkins said – mental health, trauma brought on by violence and more.

These teens are not “out on the street causing nonsense,” Watkins said. They’re in a safe space inspiring each other to grow stronger – empowering each other to make a difference.

Call Watkins at 252.425.0354 to sign up for Empowered or to make a donation to the nonprofit organization.

And while he sees the value in talking about the challenges this community faces, talking and listening alone aren’t going to solve the problems. “It’s equally important that we take action to bring those changes to life,” Watkins said. Change begins with action, he said.

Part of the change can come by making this a normal conversation, not just a group of people coming together for a couple of hours on one day and then having the community talk about it for a week before enthusiasm wanes.

Watkins called for adults – especially those in leadership roles who can implement policies and create roadmaps for change – to be consistent advocates.

“One person can start a movement,” he said, “but for a movement to grow, there has to be collective unity.”

And sometimes, just sometimes, it’s teenagers themselves who can come up with solutions. Watkins said, however, that “we aren’t recognized or our cry is not being heard” when grownups are talking about how to fix problems or address challenges that affect young people.

Involving youth in the discussions and decision-making can create possible solutions that may just work.

“I pray that those who attended the session don’t just walk away from the conversation with complaints or ideas of what needs to change,” Watkins wrote in remarks he prepared in advance of the radio program. He shared those remarks and we include some of them here:

“I hope we, as a city, will unite and take real action to spark…change. Progress will only happen if we work together to break down the limiting beliefs that hold us back. It all starts with changing our mindset.”

He said he encourages teens to stay in Henderson and be one of the changemakers the city needs. “We have the power to make a difference, but it starts with us—and with you,” he wrote.

“I encourage the adults in our community not to dismiss the dreams and visions of youth like me. Instead, do everything in your power to uplift and support us. If you hold a position of leadership, seek out a young person to mentor. Teach them not only how to lead, but how to lead better than you. If we don’t invest in us, Henderson will remain stagnant.”

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