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-Press Release, Granville County Government
The five high school students selected for participation in Granville County Government’s Summer Civic Leadership Program have completed their summer rotations among county departments and with community partners. Now in its twentieth year, the program helps give insight into how local government operates and how it impacts the community and its residents.
Participants Sarah Elliott, Tanaura Harrison and Akoya Penny-Campbell (students of Granville Early College High School); Anthony Goreman (homeschooled); and Brooklyn Pridgen (J.F. Webb High School) were selected out of a pool of 15 applicants, which has been described as a “competitive” application process.
Program participants Anthony Goreman, Brooklyn Pridgen, Tanaura Harrison, Akoya Penny-Campbell and Sarah Elliott are pictured at the Aug. 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. (Granville Co. Govt photo)
Each rising high school senior followed “tracks” that focused on general government, human services, public safety and community services while learning how each department works together to benefit local residents.
At the August 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, these summer interns made a group presentation about their experience and their “take-aways” from the program.
As the only male participant, Goreman noted that he enjoyed the opportunity to work with the “amazing” people who “keep Granville County running safely and smoothly.” “Everyone was very welcoming and helpful,” he added.
Fellow intern Tanaura Harrison agreed. “I enjoyed interning for the different departments and being able to see how each department individually functions but also how they all work together,” she said. “In all, I truly enjoyed my experience.”
Each participant has been awarded educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.
“This program is not only a great opportunity for our young leaders to learn about careers in local government and the impact of local government, but it’s also a good lesson for our staff,” said Granville County’s Management Analyst Charla Duncan, who facilitated this year’s program. “We can see our roles through the eyes of our young citizens, and that’s an important lens to look through.”
Students interested in participating in next year’s Summer Civic Leadership Program can look for announcements beginning in March of 2020. To learn more, contact Duncan at 919-603-1639 or charla.duncan@granvillecounty.org.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, sponsored by Granville County Senior Services, has completed its 2018/2019 schedule, with organizers preparing for the 2019/2020 course offerings.
Almost 300 Granville County residents participated in the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 program, which included a variety of courses, activities and educational trips. Topics included Conversational Spanish, Marketing and Advertising, Tai Chi as Physical Therapy and many others, some of which were not limited to local seniors, but were open to any participant over the age of 18.
The CLL program will continue to be open to Granville County adults, ages 50+, as well as to those outside the county and/or over the age of 18. The program is now renewing memberships for the coming year, as well as accepting new members.
Among many new topics/experiences scheduled for Fall 2019, CLL will offer the educational series “My Former Life.” This course will focus on the professional experiences of Granville County seniors and their careers before retirement. According to organizers, the course will provide an understanding of some unique career choices and will offer a glimpse into the depth of knowledge of our senior citizen population.
New teachers are now being recruited for the upcoming Fall and Spring season and new classes are being developed on an ongoing basis. If interested in becoming involved, teacher applications are available online at www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/.
Participation in this program continues to be encouraged and new CLL members are welcome.
The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. For suggestions for future schedule additions or for more information about the program, contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) recently recognized outgoing Chairman Art Beeler for his years of service to the JCPC and to the youth and families of Granville County.
Beeler has served as JCPC District 5 representative for the past six years.
Pictured (left to right) are Incoming JCPC Chair Reverend Tolokun Omokunde, Outgoing Chair Art Beeler, and Vice-Chair Chief Keith King. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)
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At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter.
Dr. Bowden, a member of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, provides veterinary services at Oxford Veterinary Hospital and has been in practice for 19 years. She was nominated for the award in the category of animal welfare for her “outstanding commitment to volunteering with/for animals” by shelter staff members Matthew Pippins, Danya Rumple and Melissa McDowell.
At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter. Pictured left to right: Comm. Sue Hinman, Dr. Trudi Bowden, Danya Rumple and Matthew Pippins (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
“Dr. Bowden has volunteered at the shelter on a weekly basis to provide animals with proper checkups and special medications, in certain circumstances,” the nomination form reads, in part. “She has made herself openly available by answering important questions over text, dealing with emergency cases quickly, accepting night calls and being available after hours just to ensure each animal is in good physical condition to live a long and happy life. She truly has a deep passion for animal health and safety.”
Nominees must have made a substantial and long-term sustained impact in the community as a result of their service efforts. The County Manager’s Office and the associated advisory board selects award recipients based on merit and eligibility, with award selections based on the commitment of time, accomplishments, community impact and enhancement of the lives of others.
Dr. Bowden was presented the award by Commissioner Sue Hinman, with Animal Shelter staff members Pippins and Rumple standing alongside and offering words of appreciation.
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The Granville County Board of Commissioners met in February for its annual retreat. Held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, the work session provided an opportunity for Commissioners to hear updates on developments pertaining to the county’s five-year strategic plan.
Economic Development
Since 2017, approximately 20 new businesses have opened in the county including RiceWrap Foods, according to Economic Development Director Harry Mills, who added that opportunities are also being created by expansions at Revlon, Shalag and Altec.
Mills noted that the county’s re-designation as a Tier II county would be a factor in future grant eligibility. The N.C. Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties using factors of unemployment rate, household income, population growth and adjusted property tax base, assigning each county a tier designation. Granville County was ranked among Tier III counties last year which included Orange, Wake and Durham counties. During the grant application process, priority is often given to Tier I and Tier II counties, Mills reminded.
County Commissioners prepare to hear comments from community leaders at the Granville County Retreat, held Feb. 21 and 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)
Tourism
Granville County’s new tourism campaign was presented by Tourism Director Angela Allen and by Corey Hughes of the Hughes Marketing Group, who has been contracted to help develop a marketing plan. Using a survey of residents and visitors as a guide, it was determined that the area’s relaxed and hospitable lifestyle are an unexpected advantage, leading to a campaign centered around the area’s open spaces, welcoming people and close proximity to larger communities. With a tagline of “Uniquely Carolina,” the new campaign includes a promotion focused on gathering places and “hometown” living.
Human Resources
HR Directors Wendy Pennington and Justin Ayscue provided information pertaining to employee turnover in Granville County Government, which has seen a steady decline since FY 2014/2015. In the past few years, a 401K match has been implemented, as well as changes to employee benefits such as a 401K match, an enhanced wellness program and other upgrades. A recommendation was made to implement an employee longevity pay plan to help increase retention. It was also noted that an option to apply for employment online has dramatically increased the number of applications received for vacant positions.
Social Services
Social Services Director Lou Bechtel presented information on upcoming challenges, citing a need for an “on call” staff member for after-hours assistance and anticipated staff additions if Medicaid expansion is approved by the General Assembly. Staff members recently completed NC Fast training and will be “prepared to meet the challenge” of this new program, Bechtel said. Additional technology was requested to initiate the NC Fast mobile applications that will help serve residents with their immediate needs.
Comm. Edgar Smoak facilitates a public safety round table discussion with staff of Granville County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo courtesy Granv. Co. Govt.)
Senior Services
Granville County Senior Centers (3) have served almost 12,000 congregate meals from July 2018 to January 2019, Senior Services Director Kathy May reported, in addition to approximately 7,000 meals to homebound residents. Transportation, which includes a fixed bus route, medical transport, etc., are also provided and are funded through various grant sources, with total one-way trips numbering more than 16,000 last year.
Through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), 743 Medicare recipients were provided assistance over the past year. Those choosing the option to change their Medicare Part D plans during open enrollment had a total combined savings of $458,387.
The Creative Lifelong Learning program, offered through the Senior Center in Oxford, has “exceeded all expectations,” May said, with charter membership numbering 250+. More than two dozen classes have been scheduled during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Sheriff’s Office
A summary report for 2018, provided by Sheriff Brin Wilkins, showed a total of approximately 8,000 incidents and arrests through the Sheriff’s Office alone. Across the county, more than 54,000 emergency calls were dispatched last year from the Sheriff’s Office, the county’s five municipalities, Highway Patrol, local fire departments, Granville EMS, Animal Control and other agencies.
Trent Brummitt, Manager of the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, reported that from July 2018 to January 2019, more than 36,000 calls for service had been made. As the county’s population grows, calls to the 9-1-1 Center have seen a steady increase, Brummitt noted, with the highest number of calls received in 2016. This was the year that the Oxford Police Department consolidated its dispatch services with the county’s 9-1-1 Center. Now at its most optimum level, staffing for this department has numbered 18 employees since 2011.
A report from the Detention Center by Sgt. Edward Cash focused on mental health issues which impact Granville County inmates. Through a new telemedicine program, inmates can be evaluated on site and offered treatment and follow up, eliminating the need for transport to other facilities. Since September, the program’s professional psychiatrist has identified 25 inmates who were suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and other issues.
Administration
Finance Director Steve McNally provided a summarized review of the county’s financial status, noting that property taxes collected to date ($36.7 million) are at 89 percent of total budget and one percent higher than at this time last year. Property taxes make up 65 percent of the county’s general fund, McNally reported, adding that Granville County’s revenues and expenditures are “in line” with budget expectations as of Jan. 31, 2019.
The preliminary budget is to be submitted to Commissioners by May 6, according to County Manager Michael Felts, with the budget to be finalized in June. Felts also provided a progress report of projects underway and under review, which includes digital policy updates, a focus on strengthening partnerships, continued economic development, school renovations and financing, advancements in broadband and other priorities.
Granville County is now in the final year of the current five-year strategic plan and will be working with staff in October and November 2019 to develop a new five-year plan for the Board’s consideration during next year’s retreat.
Additional reports
The Board of Education and mayors of all five municipalities were on hand to provide respective reports. Elected officials Senator Mike Woodard, Rep. Larry Yarborough and Rep. Terry Garrison were also in attendance to address the 2019/2020 Legislative Goals as they impact Granville County. “What we should always keep in mind,” County Manager Felts concluded, “is where we are, where we are going and what we need to get there. It is important that we are all going in the same direction.”
The addition of thirty (30) recycle containers to the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) in Oxford will help keep the area clean and educate the public about the importance of recycling.
The bins were funded through a grant from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality and are being paired with existing outdoor trash containers. With a clear recycling message on each bin, the goal is to provide collection sites for plastic bottles and aluminum cans for visitor use at the GAP, which is one of the largest public spaces in Granville County.
The GAP is currently used by thousands of walking enthusiasts, high school sports leagues, traveling sports teams, daycares (playground equipment) and families who meet for local gatherings, competitions and for exercise.
“That’s thousands upon thousands of bottles and cans that have gone to one of two places at the GAP – in the trash can or on the ground,” says Granville County Recycling Coordinator Teresa Baker. “We hope that these new containers will prompt park visitors to choose recycling over garbage disposal, and will remind them to keep our park ‘green and clean.’”
Granville County Recycling Coordinator Teresa Baker is pictured with one of the new recycling containers recently installed at Granville Athletic Park. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
Before the installation of the new containers, the GAP had only two outdoor athletic bins that housed six 96-gallon recycle carts. Located near the baseball tournament fields, these bins filled up quickly in just one weekend – and even more often during tournament season. It is expected that the addition of thirty more containers throughout the 69-acre site will positively impact waste collection.
Baker notes that a tracking system will be put into place to monitor the waste stream and that an increase in tonnage recovered by Waste Industries is expected, decreasing input in the local landfill, as well as the associated costs that come with solid waste disposal.
Over the last seven years, a renewed effort has been made to address the litter issue in Granville County. According to Baker, progress has been made as there has been a push to increase the county’s recycling yield. Granville County has grown from having one of the lowest collection rates in the state to being among the top 20 counties with high recycling yields in North Carolina.
As the GAP works towards an eleven-acre expansion, recycling efforts will become even more significant as a targeted recycling program will carry over into the newest phase.
“The county must be a leader in recycling to encourage residents to be better environmental stewards,” Baker adds. “We want to remind park visitors to keep their trash off the ground and to put it in an appropriate location.”
These new recycling containers have a life cycle of 8 to 10 years and are placed in high-traffic locations throughout Granville Athletic Park. To learn more about recycling efforts in Granville County, contact Baker at (919) 725-1417.
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The Granville County Library System provides more than just books and informational resources, serving as a local cultural center with programs scheduled for all ages and backgrounds.
On Thursday, February 21, 2019, the Richard H. Thornton branch will welcome Buck Meek – a musician influenced by blues, jazz and western swing – as well as “Twain,” a longtime artist in folk music circles.
With musical roots in the Texas countryside, Buck Meek was taught to play the guitar by his mother, who showed him chords on an acoustic guitar when he was only six years old. His first “gig” was booked as a teenager playing rhythm for a local band as his love of music continued to grow.
Meek would later move to New York, where he met and formed a strong friendship with singer/songwriter Adrianne Lenker. The two became a duo and made recordings together while playing their songs at various events and venues as they developed a grassroots following.
Their partnership gradually grew into a band called “Big Thief” which included Lenker, Meek and Max Oleartchic on bass. Together they would play shows and make new recordings with their engineer, James Krivchenia, who later became the band’s drummer.
Their collaborative work became a collection of songs called “Masterpiece” in 2016. “Capacity” was recorded in 2017 as the band set out on a North American tour, performing all over the country.
Meek went on to record a new released self-titled solo album, and has scheduled tour dates in locations from California and Oregon on the west coast to Maryland and North Carolina on the eastern seaboard. North Carolina stops include Durham and Asheville, where concert tickets can be reserved in the $10 to $12 range.
Opening for Meek is “Twain.” Mat Davidson, a singer/songwriter in his own right and member of a multi-instrumental band, is a native of Franklin County, VA. Davidson has a long history in folk music circles and served as opening act for “Big Thief” on several occasions. He has performed with groups “Low Anthem” and “Spirit Family Reunion” as well as recorded several self-released albums.
Taking a break from their concert tour, Buck Meek and “Twain” will perform their music at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, from 6 until 8 p.m. on Feb. 21. This concert is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121. Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Library System.
Their partnership gradually grew into a band called “Big Thief” which included Lenker, Meek and Max Oleartchic on bass. Together they would play shows and make new recordings with their engineer, James Krivchenia, who later became the band’s drummer.