Current Public Service Announcements

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LATEST –

• Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) will hold a “Twilight Market” this Tuesday, June 30, 2020, from 3:30 until 7:30 PM. This will be in lieu of an open market on Wednesday, July 1. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, VCRFM has required all vendors to wear face coverings/masks. Per Governor Cooper’s recent executive order, all VCRFM customers are now required to wear face coverings/masks as well. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC.
• Warren/Vance County Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce that a new series of the popular Backyard Ag 101 classes will begin Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 10 AM. Seven additional sessions are scheduled for every other Wednesday through late September. All sessions will meet on the Zoom video conference platform, which is a free app. More details and the registration link are available at http://go.ncsu.edu/backyardag101. Topics to be covered in this series include: Perennials/herbs, Pruning, Poultry, Beekeeping, Composting, Weed ID and Livestock Health. Join a Virtual Chat With Master Gardener Volunteers.You are invited to join Master Gardener volunteers for a fun and informative online chat each Thursday at 2 PM through the end of July.
  Each week, Warren/Vance Cooperative Extension will offer a brief featured presentation, timely gardening tips, links to on-line resources, and answers to your questions. For more details and to register, please visit http://go.ncsu.edu/mastergardenerchat.
• The Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC) Board, along with input from the Hot Sauce Committee and the City of Oxford, has decided to cancel the 14th Annual Hot Sauce Contest & Festival for the coming date of September 12, 2020 due to growing concerns of COVID–19 and guidelines surrounding physical distancing and enhanced precautions issued by the State of North Carolina. There will be no rescheduling this year. Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.
• The Cokesbury Fire Department and Board of Directors have decided to postpone the fireworks on July 4th until Saturday, September 5, 2020. Look for additional information on the rescheduled fireworks as it gets closer to September.
• Perry Memorial Library in Henderson announces a new curbside service available from 10 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday. Start by placing holds on materials through your library account or by calling the library at (252) 438-3316. If calling, have your library card number handy. Please make sure the library has the correct information to contact you when your holds arrive (email, phone or text). For curbside delivery, you can receive up to five books or audio CDs and two DVDs. When you receive notification that your holds are ready, come to the library and park in one of the designated spots in the parking lot on the Winder side of the building. Spots are near the entrance, next to the handicapped parking. Call or text the number on the sign and let library staff know you have arrived and your spot number. There is a table set up, and staff will bring your holds out and place them on the table under your spot number, give you a big wave, and you can grab your holds from the table. If you have books to return, please place them in the outside book drop. If you are unable to leave your house due to physical limitations or COVID precautions, please call (252) 438-3316, ext. 223, to arrange for no-contact delivery through the library’s adult outreach coordinator. Perry Memorial Library looks forward to getting books, audiobooks and DVDs back in your hands!
• Vance County Schools will continue distributing free meals Monday – Thursday from 11 AM until 1 PM through June 9, 2020. Meal distribution will not be available on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Meals are available at Aycock Elementary, Clarke Elementary, EM Rollins Elementary, EO Young Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, Vance County Middle and Vance County High. Meals are available at these locations in a drive-thru format. Meal units that are passed out Monday – Wednesday will include two meals – lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. Thursday distribution will include two breakfasts and two lunches.
• Families Living Violence Free is “still here” during the coronavirus crisis and is available to help those who feel unsafe at home and may be the victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. Families Living Violence Free will remain open during normal business hours to respond to client needs. After hours, the crisis line will remain open. Clients are strongly encouraged to conduct business via phone or email when appropriate. If further services are needed, you can contact advocates on the hotline at (919) 693-5700 (English) or (919) 690-0888 (Spanish). The hotline will be fully operational 24/7 for advocacy, connection to resources, supportive counseling and safety planning. Services will be provided by advocates. If you are in immediate physical danger, please call 911.
• Shopping Angels is an entirely volunteer-based program where volunteers grocery shop for individuals who are especially at-risk for COVID-19 and/or those with other health issues, seniors, parents of young children and those who are self-isolating due to possible COVID-19 exposure. Volunteers or “shopping angels” are matched with recipients and will contact them for a grocery list. Wearing a mask and gloves, volunteers will then go grocery shopping, bring the groceries to the recipient’s door, return to their car and call the recipient to let them know their groceries have arrived. The volunteers keep in touch with recipients throughout the process and, upon delivery, recipients exchange cash for their items or work out another payment arrangement that is more convenient. Clients are never expected to pay more than the exact cost of the groceries as reflected on the receipt, are never expected to pay before groceries are delivered and are not expected to pay gas money, tips or delivery fees. Shopping Angels allows you to request services for yourself or a specific person such as a family member by visiting www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and clicking on the “Request Services” tab. To volunteer, to request service or to become a sponsor, visit www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and complete the appropriate form. For those without computer access, those who need assistance with the forms or with general questions, please contact Scarlette Walker directly at (252) 226-0131. If Walker is unavailable, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.
• The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will remain closed to the public at this time. It is recommended that additional precautions be taken for community gatherings and that playgrounds remain closed but will continue to encourage you to utilize the walking trails and tracks we have to offer. We are asking our Henderson-Vance community to continue to practice social distancing in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The following is a list of Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities and their status. Closed: Aycock Recreation Center / Aycock Aquatic Center / Old Aycock Gym – Indoor Facility, Fox Pond Park, All Satellite Sites such as First Presbyterian Church, Vance County Senior Center and All Playground Equipment and Structures. Remaining Open: All Outdoor Parks, Trails and Tracks (excluding Fox Pond Park). Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will monitor the situation and make an assessment on when it is safe to reopen some or all of the affected facilities. Updates about facilities, classes/programs and events will be available on our social media platforms and website at http://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks/.
• North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at authorized online EBT retailers. North Carolina is the 10th state to implement this flexibility, which will remain permanently in place beyond the COVID-19 emergency. Currently, Amazon and Walmart are the only authorized retailers approved for online FNS purchases nationally. All EBT retailers in North Carolina have received information from USDA about how to become approved for online FNS purchases and other retailers are encouraged to seek approval for online purchasing. More information for retailers is available on the USDA website. More information about North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services can be found at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/food-nutrition-services-food-stamps. North Carolina individuals and families can apply for FNS at https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
• First Baptist Church – With the outbreak at Pelican Health, the need is greater than ever for our local healthcare workers. We have committed to work for three more weeks or 1,500 more gowns, whichever comes first. We need your help and our community’s help to reach this goal and meet this need. Beginning on Monday, May 4, 2020, we will resume our regular shifts of 10 AM and 2 PM weekly with evening shifts on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM. All shifts are currently at McGregor Hall (201 Breckenridge – entrance at the corner of Wyche and Winder Streets in downtown Henderson). If you are able to help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0449afad2fa7fb6-protective2. Volunteers are required to sign up online before participating. All volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers will be screened upon arrival and must have a temperature below 100, no symptoms, and no known exposure to COVID-19 (including no known exposure by anyone in their household). Please bring a mask and scissors with you. We are asking that all volunteers isolate as much as possible for the sake of each person who comes to give their time. All volunteers are required to wear masks, wash hands frequently throughout their shift and maintain social distance. With the beginning of this second phase, our financial need has also increased. If you would like to make a donation toward this project, go to this website: https://engage.suran.com/fbchenderson/s/give/new-gift and choose “COVID-19 Protective Medical Gown Project.”
• Boys and Girls Clubs – Evans and Jones were excited to announce that the Boys and Girls Clubs have resumed the distribution of hot, free meals to club members and\or any child between the ages of 5-18. Families are encouraged to drive through and pick up meals without getting out of their vehicles. Meals are provided Monday – Friday from 4:30 until 6 PM at the following locations: Granville Club – 105 West St. in Oxford, NC; Vance Club – 212 N. Clark St. in Henderson, NC; Roanoke Rapids Club – 116 W 3rd St. in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Volunteers are needed to assist with the distribution of prepackaged dinners. If you are able to assist, please send the following information to Jones at djones@bgcncnc.com: Your name and contact information, days/times that you can volunteer, desired club location where you can serve (Henderson, Oxford or Halifax) To ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers should bring a mask (scarf, bandana, or wrap) that will cover the nose and mouth. Gloves will be provided on-site. If you are sick, not feeling well or have been exposed to someone that is sick or not feeling well, please refrain from volunteering.
• Granville Vance Public Health Message Basic Info #1: There are lots of reports and information going around about coronavirus, but what we need from you is simple. Stay home as much as you can, and wash your hands a lot. Try not to touch your face and keep your home clean. Wear a mask in crowded places. Thank you for saving lives and protecting everyone in our community. Basic Info #2: What we’re doing is working. We are slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Vance County. You are keeping yourself and your community healthy by: Staying home when you can and eliminating optional trips to the store; Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds; Cleaning your doorknobs, faucets, cell phones, and other items you touch a lot; Wearing a mask when you can’t stay 6 ft away from people; Staying home if you feel sick. Basic Info #3; Connection is Strength. We’re being reminded just how connected we all are – and how much we depend on one another. And it’s not just the spread of the virus. For everyone who works from home, there are many more who make that possible by working at the hospital, the production facility, the grocery store, the delivery service, and others. This moment shows us how much we all need each other to keep going. Protect yourself and our community by washing your hands and practicing social distancing. Basic Info #4: Inspirational Tone. The sounds of empty streets are the sounds of people sticking together and keeping each other safe. Some of us can’t stay home, but everyone can work to make sure they are protected. Are you six feet away from anyone else right now? Then you are saving lives. Basic Info #5: Checklist. Have you cleaned the doorknobs in your house today? Washed your hands before and after leaving the house? Texted or called a friend? Then you’re a health hero! Follow Granville Vance Public Health on Facebook or visit gvph.org for more information about COVID-19 in our community.

JULY –

• Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church fundraiser date has changed from May 11, 2020 to July 6, 2020 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at 220 Seafood Restaurant in Henderson. Eat in or take out. Tickets are still the same price of $8.00 in advance or at the door.  Plates include trout, french fries, slaw and a drink is included only if you eat in.  Contact Dorothy Wimbush at 252-425-7366 for advance tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the door the day of the event.
• The Board of Elections office -filing for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor starts Monday, June 8, 2020 at 12:00 noon and end on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 12:00 noon. Filing fee is $5.00. The Board of Elections office will not close for lunch during the filing period. Anyone interested in filing, please call the Vance County Board of Elections office at 252-492-3730. If you would like to make an appointment before coming to file, you may do so. You will be required to wear a mask and have your temperature taking before entering into the Board of Elections office. We are allowing one person at a time in the Director’s office and the Deputy Director’s office. We have a waiting area in the hall for anyone that is to come in. We are asking that anyone who comes in to please practice social distancing.
• Granville Tourism Development Authority is inviting brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed from its original date in April and is now scheduled for July 26, 2020. The day includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues (The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks), as well as early access to a brand new venue, The Orpheum at Oxford, located in downtown Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies, etc. will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour as a variety of wedding service options are displayed.  Prior to the tour, registered participants will receive the tour schedule by email/text so that they can travel to each venue in the comfort of their own vehicles. The schedule is tentative and subject to change based on statewide restrictions and guidelines for events and social gatherings.  A number of venues have indoor and outdoor accommodations that will allow tour participants to move around freely. To ensure safety, each venue guide and vendor will wear face coverings and will practice social distancing. Each bride and guest should also wear a cloth face mask during the tour. It is also suggested that participants bring along hand sanitizer/disinfectant wipes for vehicle use. Sanitized restrooms will be available at each stop, and hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry and departure at each venue.  This annual event is presented by the Granville Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Interested brides should register online at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com. For more information about the Brides on Wheels Tour, please visit www.brides-on-wheels.com or contact TDA Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
• Families Living Violence Free (FLVF) invites the public to join its six-week Domestic Violence 101 Lunch & Learn series online via Zoom. Sessions will be held from 12 until 1 PM each Wednesday beginning July 8 and concluding August 12, 2020. Sessions Include: July 8, 2020 – Understanding Domestic Violence, July 15, 2020 – Why Victims Stay in Abusive Relationships, July 22, 2020 – Domestic Violence and the Effects on Children, July 29, 2020 – When Loving You is Hurting Me, August 5, 2020 – Healthy Relationships, August 12, 2020 – Personal Boundaries. Please visit FLVF’s website at www.flvf.org or call (919) 693-5700 to register. The link to each week’s Zoom session will be available on the FLVF website.
• Vance-Granville Community College is getting ready for its 36th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at the Henderson Country Club. The tournament was delayed from its traditional spring date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Gupton Services, Inc., of Henderson will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor for the first time. All proceeds from the tournament support the mission of the college and fund student scholarships. Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Businesses may also donate products or premium items featuring the company’s logo to be placed in golfers’ gift bags or to be given as door prizes. This year’s morning and afternoon rounds will begin with shotgun starts at 8 AM and at 1 PM. The afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings in the morning round. The format is four-person “Captain’s Choice Super Ball.” Golfers can form their own teams of four, or sign up and be put on a team. Teams will be handicapped based on handicaps supplied by each player. Trophies will be awarded for first net, second net and first gross. Other awards will be given for “closest to the pin” and “longest drive.” A hole-in-one on Hole 9 will be rewarded with a car, courtesy of Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. A player who hits a hole-in-one (with a $10 donation) on Hole 16 will win $5,000, while another $5,000 will be awarded to the VGCC Endowment Fund. The cost for one golfer to enter the tournament is $150. That fee includes greens fees, cart, meals, gift bag and practice balls. A light breakfast, lunch and dinner (immediately following the afternoon round) will be served in the HCC clubhouse. A silent auction and door prize drawings will be held in conjunction with dinner. For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

ONGOING –

• FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE:  24/7 Crisis line English 919-693-5700 and 24/7 Crisis line Hispanic 919-690-0888. There is always someone there to listen, to help! Everything is confidential. Please…you could be saving a life….it could be your own. As concern over COVID-19 continues to grow, Families Living Violence Free has implemented an emergency plan to continue to provide services to our clients. First and foremost, we are concerned for everyone’s health and well-being. Effective Immediately: Crisis Hotline: Will be fully operating 24/7 for advocacy, connection to resources, supportive counseling and safety planning. Services will be provided by our advocates. For Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Families Living Violence Free will remain open during normal business hours to respond to client needs. After hours the crisis line will remain open. Clients are strongly encouraged to conduct business via phone or email when appropriate. If you are in immediate physical danger, please call 911. If further services are needed, you can contact advocates on the hotline at: 919-693-5700(English) 919-690-0888(Hispanic). Families Living Violence Free has advocates trained in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to call FLVF at the above numbers at any time. Please be safe!
• Area Christians Together In Service: The Food Pantry at ACTS of Henderson can always use your assistance. Dry cereal, jars of peanut butter, boxes or packets of instant potatoes, “Helper” mixes (like Hamburger or Chicken Helper), canned fruit, ramen noodles, boxed mac & cheese and canned fruit are needed, at last check. Plastic zipper bags are needed as well–all sizes. Please consider picking up some of these items and dropping them by. ACTS is located at 201 South William Street in Henderson, and items may be brought between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need to bring them at another time, please call (252) 492-8231, and arrangements will be made.
• Granville Vance Public Health offers Medication Assisted Treatment within the Primary Care Clinic. Patients seen for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) will be treated with kindness and respect, no different from any other patient. This is a judgment-free zone. Most insurance is accepted for visits and medication. Lab testing will be billed through LabCorp for special low rates. For more information or to make an appointment call the Granville Co. Health Department at 919-693-2141 or the Vance Co. Health Department at 252-492-7915. One day off heroin or opioids is a successful start to a better quality of life.
• North Carolina Guardian ad Litem: Advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court. If you would like to find out more about being the voice for a child, visit www.volunteerforgal.org or call the Guardian ad Litem Office at 252-430-5121 or 919-497-4244.
• Salvation Army Family Store located at 218 Raleigh Rd. in Henderson, beside Dollar Tree. Consider donating.  Large items can be be picked up by calling 252-558-1050 and small items can be brought to the store. All items are sold at the store at a low price to fund the programs in Vance County that make a difference in people’s lives. Store hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
• Vance County Animal Shelter: Donations of cleaning supplies like Clorox and food for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats always needed and welcomed.
• Vance County Board of Elections — Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc. The staff will report to work their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the Director’s office for mail. Email fgill@vancecounty.org for more information.
• Vance County Superior Court, from Henry L. Gupton the Vance County Clerk of Superior Court — Due to the COVID-19 virus our operations have changed. Our office is still open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, our doors are locked. Please know that if your matter is not an emergency and can be delayed, we would appreciate you waiting until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. If it can be handled by phone or mail, please do so. We will continue to accept filings. All other court cases will be continued. You will be questioned at our two windows about your business. We have also set up a public computer terminal just outside our office so that everyone will have access to look up the information they need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 252-430-5100. Please continue to monitor the North Carolina Judicial on Facebook (click here) for any updates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. It is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.