Tag Archive for: #granvillecountyncnews

Help patients, honor loved ones by donating blood with the Red Cross

DURHAM, N.C. (May 17, 2017) – Before busy summer schedules set in, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to roll up a sleeve to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need.

Donors of all blood types are needed now to help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving cancer treatment.

Kenneth Reed gives blood in his son’s honor. When Trace was 8 days old, he underwent heart surgery and received blood transfusions. “It’s the least I can do. If it wasn’t for donors, he wouldn’t be here with us today,” said Reed. “I don’t call it donating blood; I call it donating life.”

Giving blood is an easy and thoughtful way to honor a loved one who has relied on blood products, to follow in the example of a family member who gives regularly or to simply help others.

As a thank you, those who come out to donate May 26-30 will receive a Red Cross-branded visor, while supplies last. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can then also visit redcrossblood.org/cedarfair to enter to win one of three grand prize packages for four to Knott’s Berry Farm in California or Cedar Point in Ohio.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Granville

Creedmoor

5/26/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

6/15/2017: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Union Bank & Trust Company, 108 College Street

_______________

Person

Roxboro

5/29/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 605 Burlington Rd

_______________

Vance

Henderson

6/16/2017: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maria Parham Health, John T. Church Building, 566 Ruin Creek Rd

Henderson Students Dominate Inaugural Oxford Prep Graduation Marshal List

Marshals who will serve at the first Oxford Preparatory Commencement ceremony honoring the class of 2017 have been announced. Marshals are chosen from the sophomore and junior class. Students chosen from either class must have a weighted GPA above 4.25. The chief marshal will be chosen from the junior representatives and will be announced at the May 26th awards ceremony. Marshals for the 2016-2017 year are:

Layla Alashmli, junior from Henderson, NC

Megan Ayscue, junior from Oxford, NC

Alex Bare, sophomore from Creedmoor, NC

Andrew Crumpler, junior from Henderson, NC

Jason Corbett, sophomore from Henderson, NC

Andrew (Whitt) Daniel, junior from Henderson, NC

Zach Ellington, sophomore from Henderson, NC

Shawn Matthews, sophomore from Oxford, NC

Mira Patel, sophomore from Henderson, NC

Catherine Stallsmith, junior from Oxford, NC

Madeline Stallsmith, junior from Oxford, NC

Jackson Vaughan, junior from Henderson, NC

Jacinthia Wiliams, junior from Henderson, NC

Oxford Alive After 5 Postponed

Due to the weather predictions and uncertainty, a decision has been made to POSTPONE tomorrow night’s ALIVE AFTER FIVE until Thursday, June 29th.

Please know that this decision was made after careful consideration for the band, concession vendors, sponsors, volunteers, law enforcement — everyone we can think of!

The Chamber appreciates everyone’s support and understanding!  We will look forward to the June 29th event!

Ginnie Currin

Executive Director

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Two VGCC campuses to host Mini-Medical School summer camps

High school students from throughout the region are invited to learn about health sciences and careers in medicine by participating in the 2017 “Mini-Medical School” Summer Camp, conducted by the Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College.

The intensive, week-long day camp is being offered twice: June 12-16, at VGCC’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor, and July 24-28, at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus, just outside Louisburg. At either location, students will be on campus from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This will be VGCC’s fourth summer hosting a Mini-Medical School, which uses computational science (computer simulation) and hands-on activities to study key aspects of medicine. Topics include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cardiology, epidemiology, medical genetics and genomics. Becky Brady, a registered nurse and chemical engineer, will serve as the lead instructor.

Participants will not only learn about training for careers in the medical field, but they will also have opportunities to become certified in CPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid (for students aged 16 and over) during the course of the camp.

Campers will be able to learn more about VGCC programs that prepare students for medical careers, including Histotechnology, Nursing, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Pharmacy Technology, Human Services Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Occupational Healthcare.

Wake AHEC serves nine counties in central North Carolina from its office in Raleigh: Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Lee, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren counties. AHECs are located throughout North Carolina and are affiliated with the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Medicine. The mission of the statewide AHEC Program is to meet the state’s health and health workforce needs. NC AHEC provides educational programs and services that bridge academic institutions and communities to improve the health of the people of North Carolina with a focus on underserved populations.

The registration fee for the camp is $200, which includes materials, CPR and Youth Mental Health

First Aid Certifications, catered lunches and snacks.

For more information and to register, visit www.wakeahec.org/hchome.htm or contact Heather Schafer at hschafer@wakeahec.org or 919-350-0468.

 

–VGCC–

Oxford Prep Claims First Varsity Baseball Conference Championship

With the regular season over, the Griffins finished 14-10 overall and 11-1 in conference play, clinching their very first baseball conference championship.  The Griffins took another step forward in the young program’s history.  Last year, in the first season of varsity play the team finished 12-12 overall and 3rd in the conference.  The Griffins will likely earn a 4 seed in the Mideast Pod of the 2017 NCHSAA 1A Baseball Playoffs, where they will host a home playoff game on Wednesday against an opponent TBD.

Some of the highlights this year include a victory over Northern Vance, beating conference rivals Louisburg and Granville Central in the same week clinching the conference championship, and earning the right to host the first home playoff game in program history.  The Griffins were led by Senior Garrett Reaves with 6 pitching wins, Junior Trey Reese with 3 pitching wins and hitting .380, Freshman Ben Hester hitting .383 with 3 HRs on the year, and Senior Timari Perry hitting .356.

Oxford Prep Middle School jumps into Softball with an undefeated inaugural season

The Griffin’s Middle School softball team finished their inaugural season unbeaten.  “We are very proud of this team.  We go from not being certain if we have enough interest to actually have enough play, to having a history making season,” says Head coach Joe Don Cooper.  When Cooper and Assistant coach Eddie Blake opened try outs, they only had 12 young ladies interested in playing.  Coach Cooper remarked “this team is an example that overall great attitudes and work ethic breeds success.”

Plagued with some injuries early on, the Griffins adjusted quickly and blended inexperience with veteran softball players.  The coaches credit defense as a major factor for the success this season.  The defense was led by 8th grade standout Pitcher Jordan Dunn, as she partnered with 7th grade catcher Charly Cooper to create a very formidable battery.  Dunn only gave up an impressive 2 earned runs all season.   Solid and consistent play by veteran 8th grade players Emily Faucette, Claire Yancey, and offensive powerhouse Logan Privette (led the team in batting average) coupled with the effort and attitude of the cast of support players: Jaci Crute, Cayton Seivert, Averi Seivert, Ahlori Long, Laci Oettinger, Hallie Boone, and Ashlyn Roberson made for an incredible first season in Middle School softball.  Cooper stated “It’s really awesome to be a part of a team that when these girls look back 10 to 15 years from now when talking about Oxford Prep Softball, they can say ‘Hey, I was on the first ever middle school softball team there …and … We were undefeated!’”

The team finished 10 – 0 on the season and earned key victories against Falls Lake Academy and Vance CharterOxford Preparatory School will join the Central Carolina Middle School Conference, with local emerging rivals Falls Lake Academy and Vance Charter School.

GCPS Passes Budget, Includes $2.78 million in Budget Cuts

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

For Immediate Release

On Thursday, April 27, the Granville County Board of Education approved the budget for the 2017-2018 school year.  This year’s budget process was particularly difficult as the Board faced both increased costs and projected decreased revenues, which made necessary substantial cuts in personnel and program expenditures.  As a result, this budget includes more than $2.78 million dollars in total cuts from the previous year’s budget.

Specific areas where these cuts have been made include a reduction of the leadership positions in Central Services, including the elimination of two director positions and that of the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations, which will be made vacant by the retirement of Dr. Gillespie after July 1, 2017.  The following positions and job duties will be reorganized as a result of these changes:

 

Staff Member Current Position Title New Position Title and Responsibilities Effective July 1, 2017
Betty Crute Pre-K Coordinator Retired
Nancy Russell Principal, Creedmoor Elementary School Pre-K Coordinator
Ann Grey Newcomb Director of Professional Development Principal, Creedmoor Elementary School
Helen Lindsey Principal, CIL School Guidance Counselor
Calvin Timberlake Director of Innovative Services Principal, CIL

District Athletic Director

Driver’s Education Coordinator

 

Dr. Tonya Thomas Director of Middle Schools & AIG Director of Professional Development,

Student Services, &

AIG Services

Beth Cook Director of Testing & Accountability, The Arts Director of Testing & Accountability,

The Arts &

Community & Volunteer Coordinator

 

Dr. Lela Baldwin Director of Elementary Education,

Federal Programs &

Afterschool Programs

Director of Elementary Education,

Federal Programs,

Afterschool Programs &

McKinney-Vento Coordinator

 

Dr. Stan Winborne Director of High Schools, CTE & Public Information Officer Director of Secondary Schools (6-12),

Career and Technical Education &

Public Information Officer

Dr. Vanessa Wrenn Director of Instructional Technology Director of Instructional Technology &

District Webmaster

Russell Dixon Student Information Coordinator &

District Webmaster

Student Information Coordinator &

Student Transfer Coordinator

 

 

Additional cuts will be made in funding for Technology, Granville Online, teacher substitutes, and Central Services general expense items.  Projected reductions in student enrollment will also result in an accompanying reduction of the allotment for teacher assistants, teachers, custodians, guidance counselors, clerical positions and assistant principals.  No specific positions have been identified as the department of Human Resources will seek to accommodate these cuts through attrition first.

Superintendent Howard and Board Chair Dr. Tom Houlihan issued a joint statement, saying “This budget proposal is the result of conscientious steps taken by the Board and administration to provide human and material resources needed while at the same time reducing our dependence on fund balance.  For four years the school district has made significant budget cuts in an effort to be financially responsible, particularly with declining student enrollment and the fiscal limitations that are brought on by negative state and national budget changes.”

Boys & Girls Clubs Name Club Members of the Month

Meet Chris Blue 


Chris is the North Central North Carolina Region’s Youth of the Year for 2016 and 2017!
Chris grew up in Henderson and became a member of the Vance County Unit at a young age and is getting ready to graduate from high school and heading off to college. He will leave high school with two Associate degrees as well as his diploma. Currently he’s mulling offers between Fayetteville State University, UNC Greensboro, and UNC Charlotte. We are so proud of Chris and the amazing young man he has become.

Meet Nyree


Nyree is 8 years old and has been a member of the Franklin County Boys & Girls Club for one year. She is a 3rd grader and enjoys drawing and building with Legos. Nyree’s favorite subject in school is math and her favorite book is Geronimo Stilton. Nyree’s favorite video game is Super Mario Bros. and her favorite game to play at The Boys & Girls Club is dodgeball. Her favorite thing about the Boys & Girls Club is the awesome people and the awesome staff. She hopes to grow up and work as a staff at the club one day!

Meet Terrance


Terrance  is a club member at the Mariam Boyd Extension of the Warren Unit! He is an exceptional young man, always willing to help other club members and staff.  Very respectful and a model club member! He was chosen to be featured by club staff as member of the month! Terrance is a great joy to be around and admired by his peers.

Meet Lucas


Lucas is the member of the month at the Halifax Unit! Lucas is a first grader and the oldest of three boys. His favorite color is blue and favorite subject at school is math. Lucas loves karate and computer games, but his favorite thing to do is spend time with his family. When asked what is his favorite food, he said “anything my momma is making.” Lucas is the son of Clarissa and Christopher. You can see why Lucas is our member of the month!

Meet Landon


Landon is the Granville County Boys & Girls Club member of the month! He has been a member since August 2016 & has loved every second! He is in 3rd grade & very active in the club. His favorite activity at the club is Triple Play Dodgeball. He also enjoys hanging out with his buddies and eating snack. We are proud of Landon for representing us this month. He was chosen because he is often seen around the club completing random acts of kindness. He is always helping others & showing good character!

VGCC registering students for summer Science Camp

Vance-Granville Community College will offer a Science Camp for local middle school students this summer at the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. The camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Rising sixth, seventh and eighth-graders from Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties are invited to participate in the week-long camp.

Sessions will be taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science Department and other college programs. The VGCC Science Camp is now in its seventh year. “We will have fun, hands-on activities that involve various sciences and allow campers to explore STEM career fields like electronics, pharmacy and biotechnology,” said VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady. “Our outstanding VGCC faculty members collaborate each year to make this a learning experience that is unlike anything available in our four-county area.”

The cost to attend the camp is $125, which includes lunch each day and a camp T-shirt.

The deadline to register for Science Camp is May 12. Parents can now register their campers online at www.vgcc.edu/camps.

For more information, contact Steve McGrady at (252) 738-3339 or mcgradys@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

VGCC Radiography students seek local businesses for fundraiser

Radiography students at Vance-Granville Community College are planning a fundraiser to help them attend a major conference, and they are inviting local businesses to join them in a vendor event. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the gymnasium at the First Baptist Church of Creedmoor (108 South Main Street, Creedmoor).

Students are seeking vendors of all sorts to participate, including local crafters. So far, they have enlisted a variety of direct sales and craft vendors selling products ranging from apparel and home décor to personal health items and cosmetics. Vendor fees start at $40.

Door prize drawings will take place every hour, and attendees must be present to win. The Radiography students will be selling light refreshments at the event as well. All monies raised will go directly to the VGCC Radiography Club for program-related student expenses to help students achieve their goal of attending the next Atlanta Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc., Student & Radiographer’s Seminar & Educator’s Conference, scheduled for March 3-6, 2018.

“By attending this conference next year, students will be exposed to other imaging professionals and Radiography students,” said VGCC Radiography Clinical Coordinator/instructor Stacey Soles. “They will be able to actively participate in classes to prepare them for their national registry exam after graduation. The conference also includes opportunities for students to meet the authors of commonly used textbooks within the Radiography program.”

Based at VGCC’s South Campus between Butner and Creedmoor, the two-year Radiography degree program prepares graduates to be radiographers, skilled health care professionals who use radiation to produce images of the human body.

For more information or to apply to be a vendor, please contact Stacey Soles at soless@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–