THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
While COVID-19 restrictions have forced the cancellation of popular Granville County events such as the Lake Holt Fourth of July fireworks show, the Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in downtown Oxford and the Creedmoor Music Festival, Allen said there are still plenty of outdoor activities available this summer.
Outdoor Activities:
- Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
- Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.
- Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – opened in the spring of 2016, the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.
- Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.
- Lake Rogers Park – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.
- Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.
The Granville Athletic Park, Grassy Creek Recreation Area, Central Avenue Gazebo Park and Wilton Slopes on the Tar River Paddle Trail also offer a wide variety of outdoor, and in many instances free, activities. Allen reminded listeners that usage of some outdoor equipment, such as children’s playgrounds, may be temporarily restricted due to State mandate.
For more information on events and activities in Granville County, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Switching gears to discuss an upcoming big event for Granville County Tourism, Allen announced the annual Brides on Wheels Tour that was postponed from its original date in April is set to move forward with social distancing guidelines in place on July 26, 2020.
Brides on Wheels Tour:
Brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding are invited to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day.
The 2020 Brides on Wheels Tour includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues: The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks. Participants will also have early access to the newly renovated The Orpheum at Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies and more will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour.
Registered participants will receive the tour schedule prior to the day of the event so that they can travel to each venue in their personal vehicles. “We really wanted to revamp and revise the tour in a way where people felt safe and secure about coming this year,” Allen said.
Interested brides may 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 Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Vance Co. Schools Announces K-8 Online Summer Learning, Bus Hot Spots
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools’ Facebook page
Vance County Schools is excited to provide the opportunity for continued learning experiences throughout the summer months for all students in grades K-8.
Visit the VCS’ website, www.vcs.k12.nc.us, and click on the K-8 Summer Learning tab at the top. From there, follow the instructions to sign-in. You will then have access to a variety of reading, writing, word work, and math learning experiences, along with links to projects related to various careers to explore.
VCS is also committed to ensuring connectivity is available for students. Click here to see information on the VCS School Bus Hot Spots. The map is updated as the buses change locations.
Stay up-to-date with the latest locations and directions on connecting at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
FGV Smart Start Awarded Grant to Aid Vance Co. Adolescent Parenting Program
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the June 2020 FGV Smart Start Newsletter
Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start has been awarded $1,000 to aid the Adolescent Parenting Program (APP) from the Vance County Unrestricted Endowment, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation. APP provides intensive, family-centered services to pregnant and parenting adolescents in Vance County.
The Vance County Community Foundation is a growing family of philanthropic funds, a source of grants for local causes and a partner for donors. VCCF was founded in 1997 and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that helps build community assets through the creation of permanent endowments, makes grants and leverages leadership – all for the benefit of Vance County.
The VCCF board advises the Vance County Community Fund, the unrestricted community grantmaking fund, to support local needs. This competitive grant program is held annually.
Funds from the Foundation will be used for the 25 teen parents who are participating in the program to purchase school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The goals of the APP are for participants to not have a repeat pregnancy, to stay active in school until graduation, and for graduates to enroll in post-secondary education.
HVRPD’s ‘Recreation Rocks’ Scavenger Hunt to Offer Thrill for Young Treasure Seekers
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent
Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department presents a “Recreation Rocks” Scavenger Hunt for youth ages 17 and under. Participants will design and submit rocks for the scavenger hunt.
Registration and rocks may be submitted at Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Rd. in Henderson) Monday –Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All rocks must be submitted by Friday, July 17, 2020, at 5 p.m.
Participants will receive an e-mail at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, with clues to find the location of the decorated rocks. Participants take pictures with each rock and submit to Lauren Newlin by email (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us) or any HVRPD social media site (Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram). The FIRST participant to submit ALL pictures with rocks will win a gift basket filled with goodies from HVRPD.
For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 ( lnewlin@henderson.nc.us).
Re-Entry Plans, Budget Amendments Topics of July 13 Granville School Board Meeting
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Monday, July 13, 2020, at 1 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Education to review budget amendments, consider technology purchases and receive updated information on school re-entry plans for the upcoming school year.
However, due to the current statewide State of Emergency, and in order to protect the health and safety of board members, staff and the public, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream.
To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link:
https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj
The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.
To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.
Town Talk 07/09/20: Parks/Trails Open in Granville Co.; Upcoming Brides on Wheels Tour
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
While COVID-19 restrictions have forced the cancellation of popular Granville County events such as the Lake Holt Fourth of July fireworks show, the Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in downtown Oxford and the Creedmoor Music Festival, Allen said there are still plenty of outdoor activities available this summer.
Outdoor Activities:
The Granville Athletic Park, Grassy Creek Recreation Area, Central Avenue Gazebo Park and Wilton Slopes on the Tar River Paddle Trail also offer a wide variety of outdoor, and in many instances free, activities. Allen reminded listeners that usage of some outdoor equipment, such as children’s playgrounds, may be temporarily restricted due to State mandate.
For more information on events and activities in Granville County, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Switching gears to discuss an upcoming big event for Granville County Tourism, Allen announced the annual Brides on Wheels Tour that was postponed from its original date in April is set to move forward with social distancing guidelines in place on July 26, 2020.
Brides on Wheels Tour:
Brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding are invited to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day.
The 2020 Brides on Wheels Tour includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues: The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks. Participants will also have early access to the newly renovated The Orpheum at Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies and more will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour.
Registered participants will receive the tour schedule prior to the day of the event so that they can travel to each venue in their personal vehicles. “We really wanted to revamp and revise the tour in a way where people felt safe and secure about coming this year,” Allen said.
Interested brides may 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 Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
ACC Fall Olympic Sports Delayed
/by CharleneGreensboro, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today that each of its fall Olympic Sports will delay the start of competition until at least September 1. The decision allows each campus to further focus on ensuring return to competition protocols are in place to facilitate the resocialization process.
The delay in competition includes all exhibition and non-conference games in the sports of men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball.
The decision was unanimously approved by the ACC Board of Directors.
ACC institutions will continue with their respective return to competition protocols in anticipation of a fall season. Any rescheduling of contests will also be determined by each school.
The league continues to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on fall schedules and competitions with the understanding that there may be future changes, and that the priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes.
WIZS Local News 07/09/20 Noon
/by John C. RoseWIZS Local News 07/09/20 Noon
Your Community Voice
‘Skills & Drills’ Videos Designed to Keep Youth Athletes Physically Active
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many restrictions currently placed on youth athletics. Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department’s number one priority is the safety of our citizens. While we don’t recommend partaking in group competition at this time, we also understand the importance that staying physically active has on your overall health.
Because of this, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will be working with coaches to put together skills and drills videos that your child can use to help develop their skills right at home. We will post links to our videos regularly on the Henderson-Vance Athletics Facebook page (click here) starting Friday, July 10, 2020.
For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).
‘Paws, Tails and Boots’ Veterans Dog Walk Scheduled for Fall
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information and flyer courtesy Mark Ferri
The “Paws, Tails and Boots” Veterans Dog Walk will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd., Henderson, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m.
The public is welcome, with veterans, first responders and their families strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will be walking and interacting with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.
Service animals are welcome; however, participants are asked to leave other pets at home.
The event was founded by veteran and shelter volunteer Mark Ferri. Ferri began the program in 2016 as a way to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans.
For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and their services, please visit their website at www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com.
Grant Application Process to Support Local Artists Now Open
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-Press Release, Warren County Arts Council
Artists in all disciplines are eligible to apply for grants to support their professional and artistic development through a partnership of the North Carolina Arts Council and the Warren County Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council, Halifax County Arts Council, and Franklin County Arts Council.
Artist Support Grants will be distributed to eligible applicants by the Warren County Arts Council in the following counties: Warren, Vance, Halifax, Northampton, Granville, and Franklin Counties.
Applications for the grants are available at www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant or at www.warrencountyartsnc.org. The deadline is October 1, 2020. Grant awards will not exceed $1,200. Artists may only submit one application.
A virtual workshop discussing the grant guidelines will be held at a future date. Please follow the Warren County Arts Council website and Facebook page for that information. Guidelines for grant applications can also be found at www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant.
Emerging or established artists are encouraged to apply to support a range of professional and artistic development including the creation of work, improvement of business operations, or expanding capacity to bring work to new audiences. Artist fees are also allowable expenses.
Artists in all disciplines are eligible to apply. To learn more about the Artist Support Grants visit www.ncarts.org/artist-support-grant.
“The Artist Support Grants program responds to the impact of the pandemic by ensuring that artists and the state’s arts infrastructure have the resources needed to help our state make a strong social and economic recovery,” said Wayne Martin, executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council.
“We are honored to serve as the lead arts council in this new initiative,” said Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council. “Working with our regional partners in this new consortium of rural counties gives us a chance to impact local artists in ways we haven’t been able to do before.”
For more information or questions, please contact the Warren County Arts Council at warrencountyartscouncil@gmail.com or by calling Charla Duncan, Chair of the Warren County Arts Council, at 336-686-2676. The Warren County Arts Council can be found online at warrencountyartsnc.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @wcartcouncil.