Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Senior Center Recertified As “Center Of Excellence”

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The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford has been recertified as a Center of Excellence from the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services. The five-year certification continues through 2027.

The voluntary certification is designed to strengthen senior centers across the state by documenting the achievements of centers that are providing quality programs and services.  The Granville Center previously completed certifications is 2012 and 2017, according to a press statement from Terry A. Hobgood, Jr., Granville County public information officer.

It received special commendations for programs like the Creative Lifelong Learning Program, Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s patients, the Community Aging Fund and the Senior Welfare Program partnership with the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. These programs were noted as showcasing the strengths of senior services in Granville County by the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Designation as a Center of Excellence means that “the center provides exemplary services and opportunities in their community and serves as a mentor and model to other senior centers” according to the state.

Senior centers may seek the designation to enhance professionalism, provide accountability, assure quality, improve credibility, promote consistent standards and to identify excellence among senior services providers. It also allows for senior centers to receive additional state funding for service enhancement and equipment/furniture purchases.

For more information about programs and services provided at the Granville County Senior Center, as well locations in Creedmoor and Stovall, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/ or call 919.693.1930.

Mark Pace

TownTalk: Mark Pace Named Granville Citizen Of The Year

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Mark Pace said he is scheduled for ten appearances in which he portrays the historical figure John Penn – a signer of the Declaration of Independence with ties to Granville County. No doubt Pace has done his fair share of research into Penn’s life, which was lived in relative obscurity after he signed that historic document. There were no awards given to those original signers – no acceptance speeches or thank you’s to be found.

Too bad, because Pace could have drawn upon Penn’s reactions when he himself was called to the dais to receive the John Penn Citizen of the Year award at Monday’s Granville County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Annette Myers presented Pace with the award, and in comments leading up to announcing his name, she talked about the many hats that individuals wear in the community. Just before the announced his name, Myers put on the hat that Pace wears as part of the Penn costume.

Lauren Roberson, executive director of the Granville Chamber, told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk that the John Penn winner is one of the highlights of the annual banquet.

Pace is well-known as a local historian and North Carolina Room specialist at the Richard Thornton library in Oxford. Roberson said he spreads his knowledge across the county – and beyond, and his genuine enthusiasm for history shines through

“He never turns down a request from the community” to provide assistance or research information, she said.

The annual banquet is usually held in January, but this year’s event was rescheduled because of COVID-19 safety protocols. Roberson said the evening went off without a hitch, which she said is a result of wonderful collaboration.

Outgoing president Cecilia Wheeler presided over the evening’s events. “She is such a trouper and an amazing woman,” Roberson said. Dan DeCarlo, general manager of Creedmoor Forest Products, is incoming president. “The board is excited for his leadership and vision,” she added.

UNC basketball legend Phil Ford was the evening’s keynote speaker.

“He gave an amazing keynote speech,” Roberson said. He talked about everything from his childhood to playing ball at Carolina and then in the NBA, with a focus on faith and where he is now, she said, which was both inspirational and motivational.

In a phone interview with WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, Ford said it was an honor to be at the banquet. There were “a lot of nice people, very welcoming. I was amazed at the camaraderie among the people there –  everybody seemed like one big family, everybody seemed to know each other…everybody seemed to be pulling for each other,” he said.

“It was an amazing evening and I was happy to be a small part of it.”

There was a good amount of Carolina blue among the attendees, too, and Ford graciously spoke to fans before and after the event, signing programs and taking pictures.

 

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

The Local Skinny! Voting On Public Health Assesement Ends March 31st

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Public health professionals have been on the front lines for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. From vaccine clinics to sharing information about community spread, it seemed like Granville Vance Public Health was always working to prevent new cases of the Delta variant, then the more pervasive Omicron.

More than likely, fighting a global pandemic was not one of the top three priorities listed on the most recent GVPH Community Health Assessment. And yet, it quickly became a priority and has remained so over the past couple of years.

GVPH Director Lisa Harrison invites all adults who live in Granville or Vance counties to take a very brief survey as her agency finishes up another community health assessment – a year-long process to identify priorities on which to focus energy and funding. The survey ends Thursday, March 31.

The community health assessment team already has conducted surveys, held focus group sessions and analyzed data trends to generate a list of priority areas for the two counties.

“Please take a moment to look at the top list of priorities that have emerged in this process and vote on your own top ones,” Harrison said in her weekly email update. “We are eager to continue our work in communicable disease prevention and also, in developing programs, interventions, partnerships and services that address our top health priorities in Granville and Vance counties.”

Before you vote, you may want to watch a 12-minute video overview of the data: https://go.unc.edu/GVPriorities-DataSummary

Click here to vote: https://go.unc.edu/GVPriorities2022

GVPH has offices in Henderson, 115 Charles Rollins Rd. behind Maria Parham Health and in Oxford 1032 College St., near Granville Health System.

Visit www.gvph.org to learn more.

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TownTalk: GEF Hosts “Arts In Bloom Gala” April 28

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There’s a certain satisfaction artists have when they create something that others also admire and appreciate – “budding” artists (pun intended) in Granville County will have the chance to experience that feeling of satisfaction next month at the Granville Education Foundation’s Arts in Bloom Gala and Silent Auction.

GEF Executive Director Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter invites the community to come out to The Granville Museum, 1 Museum Lane in Oxford, beginning Thursday, April 28 to see local students’ artwork. Carpenter spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk about the event, which is the first of its kind offered by GEF.

She and Amy Rice, GCPS’s STEAM coordinator (STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) both said they are excited about the event, which will culminate on May 3 at 4 p.m. when the winners of the silent auction will claim their art.

Carpenter said GEF came up with the idea “to showcase (student) talent, promote the visual arts and to give back to the community.”

She said that all schools located in Granville County have been asked to submit at least three items to be included in the art exhibit and silent auction, which will include students in grades K-12.  It will be a distinct opportunity for students to be able to see others appreciate, enjoy – and bid on – their artwork, she said.

Rice, whose career in education began as a Science teacher at J.F. Webb High School, said that, for her, “the most exciting part is to showcase the talent of our students.”

Teachers bring the completed artwork to Rice at GCPS Central Services. “I love seeing the artwork as it comes in,” she said.

A teacher recently brought in some entries and commented to Rice that this event allows students to feel successful. Not all students make the A honor roll, Rice said, and the art gala is an important way for students to demonstrate talent in areas other than academics.

Arts in Bloom kicks off with a light reception from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 28. The event continues on Sunday, May 1 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3.

Musical entertainment will be provided on Apr. 28 by students of Granville Central High School musical director Joshua Carter, himself a recipient of three GEF mini-grants in 2021-22 totaling more than $7,000.

The GEF awards grants to Granville County educators who submit applications for projects to enrich and enhance their students’ educational experience. GEF also funds cultural arts programs that bring in the arts to schools in the county.  Carpenter said the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on the cultural arts arm of GEF programming, but she is happy to report that it will resume this spring.

The art submissions are not limited to paintings or drawings, Carpenter said, adding that students may choose to create in any medium – “we wanted to allow the kids to be creative,” she said, adding that entries could be as varied as crochet, quilting or beadwork.

Proceeds provide resources and enrichment programs for students in all Granville County schools.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for Arts in Bloom, too – $500 Rose event sponsor, $250 Daisy supporting sponsor and $100 Tulip featured sponsor. The deadline to submit sponsorships to GEF is April 7. Details about sponsorship and more can be found at www.GranvilleEdFoundation.org.

Email Carpenter at GranvilleEdFoundation@outlook.com or phone 919.693.7047.

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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Cases Continue Downward Trend In Vance, Granville

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New cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in Vance and Granville counties over the past week, and Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison said that while this is good news for the community, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening outside the community – even on other continents – to remain vigilant about safety precautions.

Vance County reported 10 new cases in the 7-day period ending Mar. 18; Granville reported 16 new cases in that same time frame. Both counties are in the low category for percent positivity – 2.7 percent for Vance and 1.7 percent for Granville, according to information from GVPH.

Both counties are now below the state’s percent positive rate of 2.3 percent.

There have been 14,173 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,809 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 25,982 across the health district.

Granville County has documented 111 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 112 deaths for a total of 223 deaths across the health district.

“It is true that we are in a much better and much different place than we have been during the pandemic,” Harrison said. “It is also true the pandemic is not over. Never underestimate the power of data, of your public health teams, health care provider teams, education support teams, and in general, where many of us turn often: Faith, Hope, and Love. Whatever the future brings, we have the courage and the tools to navigate it,” she said.

Beginning Wednesday, Mar. 23, the DHHS dashboard summary will reflect how the state’s health offiicials are continuing to keep a close watch on COVID-19 trends in the state. The following seven metrics will be used, with less emphasis of the percentage of positive tests:

 

  • Wastewater surveillance, which can detect COVID
  • Emergency department reports of people coming in with COVID-like illnesses
  • Hospital admission numbers
  • Case trends
  • Booster shot rates
  • Prevalence of variants
  • Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on community spread in the states.

This change is being made because so many people are testing themselves at home and not necessarily reporting results to DHHS, Harrison said.

She added information on a recent increase in cases and hospitalizations in the United Kingdom and  other European countries. There are several possible reasons for this increase, Harrison noted: the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron variants, more people gathering more often without masks and waning immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

State public health and political leaders held a press conference on Thursday, Mar. 17 and the main points of the press conference were:

  • We can look forward with the belief that the worst of this pandemic is behind us and it’s also important to take stock at how far we have come.
  • There are COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, testing supplies, and improved infrastructure to help people make choices as they live amid the virus.
  • Now we turn the page on the pandemic to a new phase – “one of individual responsibility, preparedness, and prosperity.”

“While COVID is now a threat we can manage, it has not disappeared,” NC DHSS Secretary Kody Kinsley said. “We will remain vigilant and we will work to equip you with the information and tools you need to make choices that are best for you and your family.”

Four principles will guide the DHHS response, Kinsley said, to “ensure a fast and fair response that improves the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”

The guiding principles are:

  • Empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families
  • Maintaining health system capacity
  • Collaborating with local partners
  • Prioritizing equity in access to vaccines, treatments and other tools, as well as crucial information

Stay up-to-date by visiting https://gvph.org/

Granville Summer Leadership Program for Rising High School Seniors Application Period Open Until April 8

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Granville County’s Summer Civic Leadership Program is back on for rising high school seniors who live in Granville County.

The program, put on pause for the last couple of summers because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is accepting applications, which can be found on the county’s website https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/administration/summer-civic-leadership-program/

or by contacting Debra Weary, clerk to the board, at 919.603.1307.

Eligible students must apply before April 8, according to information from Terry Hobgood, county public information officer. Interviews will be conducted in April and selected candidates will be notified in May.

The leadership program gives high school students the opportunity to gain work experience in local government with hands-on job training across all aspects of county operations and aligns with Granville County’s commitment to developing the next generation of local workforce talent and foster edication and  passion for public service.

Eligible students will be selected to participate in one of the four service-area tracks:

  • Community Services: Cooperative Extension, Economic Development, Landfill, Library System, Planning  and Inspections, Recreation and Parks, and Tourism.
  • General Government: Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Tax  Administration.
  • Human Services: Senior Services and Veterans Services.
  • Public Safety: Animal Control, Detention Center, Emergency Communications, Emergency Management,  and Sheriff’s Office.

Successful completion of the Summer Civic Leadership Program will entitle students to educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.

Plant A Tree In Honor Of Arbor Day

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-story courtesy of N.C Dept. of Agriculture

Today is Arbor Day in North Carolina, a day to remember the important role trees play in the lives of the state’s human residents, but also to the many animals who need wildlife habitats to thrive.

This year marks the 150th observance of Arbor Day, which first was observed in Nebraska in 1872, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

“Trees clean our air, filter our water and are essential to wildlife habitats, which are benefits to all of us,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

One goal identified in the recently updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan is to conserve and enhance the sustainable management of urban forests. Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level including community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources in North Carolina.

“Planting trees is an easy way we can all contribute to the sustainable management and preservation of North Carolina’s forests for future generations,” Troxler said.

North Carolina is fortunate to have a variety of state forestry programs that protect forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree-planting, site preparation and forest improvement, said David Lane, state forester. Among these are cost-share programs such as the Forest Development Program and the Urban and Community Forestry grant program, both managed by the N.C. Forest Service. The NCFS Urban and Community Forestry program also oversees the application and award process for Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA.

Learn more about N.C. Forest Service urban and community forestry programs and services at www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm. Learn more about the updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan at www.ncforestactionplan.com/.

 

Reserve Your Place Today For Rescheduled Granville Chamber Banquet

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The deadline to reserve tickets for the upcoming Granville County Chamber of Commerce banquet is fast approaching – members have through Friday, Mar. 18 to register to attend, according to information from Chamber Director Lauren Bennett.

The banquet is scheduled for Monday, Mar. 28 at 6 p.m.  at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center. The speaker is UNC basketball legend Phil Ford.

The Chamber also is accepting nominations for 2021 Small Business of the Year.

Click form to complete a nomination form.

All nominations should be returned to the Granville Chamber by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 18.

Nominations may be submitted in several ways:

Hand deliver:    124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford, N.C.
Mail:                            P.O. Box 820, Oxford, N.C. 27565
Email:                        lauren@granville-chamber.com

Avian Influenza Still A Threat To Local Poultry

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Poultry owners are being encouraged to step up biosecurity measures due to the continued threat of a highly contagious bird influenza responsible for more than 100 bird deaths since mid-January.

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin said poultry owners from backyard chickens to commercial facilities should be aware that High Path Avian Influenza continues to be a concern in the state. He said poultry should stay indoors if possible.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, along with the United States Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has been tracking the highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza first identified in January in wild waterfowl in our state.

“Since Jan. 16, more than 100 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in North Carolina,” Martin said. “The wild waterfowl that tested positive in our state are still wintering in the Carolinas. HPAI has also been confirmed in 17 commercial poultry farms across seven states and 10 backyard/independent flocks in seven states. These positive cases in domestic poultry flocks in other states continue to rise, which is concerning. North Carolina has not had a case of HPAI in domestic poultry.”

This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but is dangerous to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry.

If your birds are sick or dying, report it right away to your local veterinarian, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division, 919.707.3250, or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System 919.733.3986.

If you have questions about migratory birds, hunting, or wild waterfowl found dead on your property, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website at www.ncwildlife.org.

Granville County Sheriff

Investigation Continues Into Inmate Death At Granville Co. Detention Center

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The SBI and Granville County Sheriff’s Office are investigating to learn what happened last week that left one inmate dead and sent a second inmate to the hospital.

At 5:04 a.m. Friday, Mar. 11, , two inmates were found unresponsive in their cell at the Granville County Detention Center, according to a press statement from Granville County Sheriff John B. Hardy III.

Life-saving measures were undertaken by Granville County Sheriff’s Office personnel and EMS  was called. EMS also attempted life-saving measures, but one inmate was pronounced dead at the scene. The inmate’s name is being withheld at the request of his family at this time.

Inmate Kevin Burton Munn was transported for medical treatment and remains hospitalized. The Granville County Sheriff requested assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation and the SBI will investigate the matter.

WIZS has reached out to the SBI but has not heard back as of this publication.