Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Kerr-Tar Regional to Hold Food Policy Input Meeting at Granville Expo Center

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Information courtesy Granville County Government

A Kerr-Tar Regional Food Policy Community Input Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center in Oxford.

Your input is needed to develop the Kerr-Tar region’s food strategy. Join the conversation to grow our region’s food economy, make healthy food available to everyone and support local farmers.

Refreshments and door prizes will be available to participants.

This event is free, but registration is required. Interested participants may use the link to register (click here).

Granville’s Emergency Services Director Honored at State Conference

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Emergency Services Director Doug Logan has been awarded the Colonel Phillip Nichlos Waters Award by the North Carolina Emergency Management Association (NCEMA). The recognition was made at the Fall NCEMA Conference and is awarded annually to the Emergency Management Coordinator/Director who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the local emergency management program while contributing to the overall good and advancement of the Emergency Management System in the state.

Granville County’s Emergency Services Director Doug Logan is pictured (center) with County Manager Michael Felts, Emergency Management Coordinator Robin Edwards, Safety Officer Reba Duke, Fire Marshal Donnie Boyd, and County Commissioners Sue Hinman, Tim Karan and Zelodis Jay. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

In his presentation remarks, NCEMA Awards Committee Chairman Jordan Rink called Logan “well-deserving” of this recognition as he has more than 30 years’ experience in emergency services. During his career, Logan has led the NCEMA as president, as well as chairing several Association committees, serving as Domestic Preparedness Region-4 (DPR-4) Chairperson and as the Emergency Management representative to the region’s Healthcare Preparedness Coalition. He was also instrumental, Rink added, in the development of the first Statewide Interoperable Communications Plan, helping the region gain valuable communications resources such as the VIPER radio infrastructure.

Locally, Director Logan has grown Granville County’s Emergency Management program from a single individual to a team of five, leading the county through Hurricanes Fran and Isabel as well as the winter storm of 2000 and recent tornado activity. During his tenure, Granville County has achieved Storm Ready status, a level of preparedness that helps save lives and property before, during and after a storm event.

During his career, Logan has been deployed to New Orleans to respond to the devastation which resulted from Hurricane Katrina, to Lake Lure for the “Party Rock Fire,” and to Jones County to assist with response and recovery after Hurricane Florence, as well as other deployments. He has served as Granville County’s Emergency Management Director for the past 25 years, with his retirement – announced earlier this year – effective Dec. 31, 2019.

Granville County’s newly-hired Emergency Services Director will report to work on Dec. 1. Jason Reavis will continue the work Logan has put into motion, leading the local Emergency Services team, which includes Emergency Management, Fire Marshal and EMS System Administration.

Also an award-winner, Reavis was recognized with the Vance E. Kee Award at the same NCEMA conference. This annual recognition is presented to the local Emergency Management staff person who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in their program through promoting it among other County and State agencies and elected officials. Reavis currently serves as Assistant Director for the Emergency Operations team in Vance County.

The North Carolina Emergency Management Association is the professional organization for Emergency Managers in North Carolina. Each year, the Association hosts a spring and a fall conference, where participants can gather together and learn more about what is happening in the field of emergency management while building relationships with their peers.

Four awards were presented at the 2019 Fall Conference, with Granville County’s current and incoming directors receiving two of the annual recognitions.

The 2019 NCEMA Fall Conference was held Nov. 3 through Nov. 6 in Wilmington, NC.

Granville County Public Schools

Young Among Finalists for NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

Twenty-seven teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Beginning Teacher of the Year Award for their dedication, innovation and ability to inspire students to achieve.

Bethany Young of Granville County Schools is a finalist.

One of these talented educators will be named the 2019 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year. The award will be presented for the first time on December 5, 2019, at the NCCAT Cullowhee Campus.

“We appreciate the enthusiastic response from all over the state for the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award,” said NCCAT Executive Director M. Brock Womble. “These finalists provide a snapshot of the lasting impact great teachers have on our students from the first to the last day they step into a North Carolina public school. We are excited about this opportunity to honor teachers for the important work they do in our state.”

The 2019 NCCAT North Carolina Beginning Teachers of the Year are:

–     Sara Bowen Andrews, Rockingham County Schools

–     Tina Brown, Beaufort County Schools

–     Melissa Canter, Alexander Schools

–     Tria Cope, Randolph County

–     Rebecca Dearien, Craven County

–     Kennedy Dockery, Mount Airy City Schools

–     Victoria Freeman, Gaston County Schools

–     Megan Houchins, Iredell Statesville Schools

–      Cristina Lane, Wake County Public Schools

–      Lara Johnson, Bladen County Schools

–      Sarah Lawrence, Bear Grass Charter School

–      Sydney Paladino, Envision Science Academy Charter

–      Kesli Pinkston, Haywood County Consolidated Schools

–      Robin Kent Pittman, Careret County

–      Damarius Prieto, Cumberland County

–      Allie Reitzell, Newton Conover Schools

–      Elizabeth Riddick, Perquimans County

–      Justine Riddick, The Point College Prep

–      Alaysha Rogers, Halifax County Schools

–      Leanne Rose, Mooresville Graded School District

–      Allison Snyder, Buncombe County

–       Rachel Somerville, Henderson County Public Schools

–       Erin Stewart, Lenoir County

–       Alison Stuart, Catawba County Schools

–       Reba Warren, Pitt County

–       Ziena Walker, Innovative School District

–       Bethany Young, Granville County Schools

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year process was developed to honor beginning teachers who are the future of education in North Carolina. Information about the program is online at www.nccatbtoy.com.

The NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year prizes include:

– $5,000 cash prize

– Participation in a GoGlobal NC trip to Australia in 2020

– Instructional supply funds for the teacher’s school

– $2,000 cash prize to the runner-up

Travel expenses for regional winners to participate in NCCAT professional development and leadership development.

Census 2020

Census Bureau Begins Job Recruitment Efforts

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

In preparation for the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting workers for temporary jobs, which include recruiting assistants, office operations supervisors, clerks, Census field supervisors and Census takers. The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for these positions online.

A Census representative will also be available Nov. 18, Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 at three branches of the Granville County Library System to provide additional information or to answer any questions about the recruitment process. Locations include:

  • The Stovall Library on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.;
  • The South Branch Library in Creedmoor on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and
  • The Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Applicants will be placed in an applicant pool for 2020 Census field positions for positions they qualify for and will be contacted as work becomes available in their area.

Every ten years, the U.S. Census is undertaken to provide an accurate count of the number of people who live here, as well as demographic information for each household. The data collected impacts decisions made pertaining to education, housing, transportation, health, environmental protection and other issues. From national to local concerns the Census plays a significant role in tracking growth and planning for our future.

For more information about the jobs available, which offer flexible work hours as well as daytime, evening and weekend shifts, visit the 2020 Census Jobs page or call 1-855-JOB-2020. Applicants may also contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov.

American Flag

Thank-A-Vet Program Launches in Granville County

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-Press Release, Granville County Government 

The “Thank-A-Vet” program is ready to launch in Granville County. Beginning November 12, the Granville County Register of Deeds will be providing Veterans with a FREE service as a photo identification card is offered that can be used for discounts at participating local businesses. This service will be available to all veterans who register or have already registered their DD-214 form.

A list of businesses offering discounts will be provided to each veteran who participates in this program and includes:

  • Air Works Heating and Air
  • Art and Antique Gallery
  • Black’s Tire Service
  • Butner Care Care Service, Inc.
  • Comfort Inn and Suites
  • Georges of Oxford
  • Granville Athletic Park (facility rentals)
  • Granville County Expo and Convention Center (facility rentals)
  • Granville Little Theater
  • Lake Rogers, Creedmoor (rentals)
  • Mark E. Bostic, DDS
  • NAPA Auto Parts
  • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts
  • Oxford Car and Truck
  • Peace Point Guest House and Retreat
  • Premier Eye Institute, OD, PLLC
  • Professional Pharmacy
  • T. Owen Electric Inc.
  • Select Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
  • Southern States of Oxford
  • The Hub on Main
  • This and That
  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Whitco Termite and Pest Control

To register for this service, veterans should bring a valid, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, such as their military ID, and an original DD-214 form. If the DD-214 form has already been registered with the Granville County Register of Deeds office, record verification will be provided prior to issuing this “Thank A Vet” photo identification card.

The Granville County Register of Deeds office is located at 101 Main Street in Oxford, inside the Courthouse building. Hours for issuing these cards will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Those with questions about this FREE photo ID service should contact Kathy Taylor, Granville County Register of Deeds, at kathyadcock@granvillecounty.org or at 919-693-6314.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Chamber to Hold Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 7:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center of Oxford Baptist Church, Main Street, Oxford.

Although there is no charge to attend the breakfast, attendees are requested to bring non-perishable food donations (canned food) for Area Congregations In Ministry (ACIM).

Attendees may expect the customary Southern buffet breakfast, prepared by volunteer men at Oxford Baptist Church. No one will leave hungry as we depart to begin the Thanksgiving holiday celebration!

The School of Graphic Arts/Masonic Home for Children is continuing its tradition of providing attendees with desk calendars for 2020.

Also, the Chamber will be officially kicking off its promotion for the National SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – SHOP LOCAL  – SHOP GRANVILLE by providing attendees with Shop Small tote bags filled with swag from Granville County small businesses. This annual event will be held on Saturday, November 30.

Reservations for the breakfast are REQUIRED with one of the Chamber’s offices by November 20. Please contact Wanda, 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com or Toni Anne, 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.

Bridgestone’s continued sponsorship of this annual event spans 25+ years. The November Thanksgiving breakfast began as an industry-sponsored breakfast, and Bridgestone has graciously remained the event supporter for all these years. The Chamber is grateful to Bridgestone plant manager Mark Highland and his staff for continuing their support and sponsorship.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Shop Small, Shop Local on Small Business Saturday – Nov. 30

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce announces its support and recognition of Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2019, to support small, local, independent businesses in Granville County, NC.

Small Business Saturday® was founded by American Express in 2010 to celebrate the small businesses that help support your neighborhood and is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday® has been embraced as part of the holiday shopping tradition as each year shoppers, businesses and public officials come together to Shop Small® and show their neighborhood pride.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce encourages consumers to take part in Small Business Saturday® by supporting small, local businesses. Continuing our five-year tradition, shopping bags with promotional items will be available at the Chamber’s Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast on Wednesday, November 27 at Oxford Baptist Church.

American Express created the Neighborhood Champions program to help rally communities around Small Business Saturday and is working alongside numerous business organizations to support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country.

Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials at www.shopsmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.

If your business has coupons, small items, special sale flyers, etc. you would like to include in the 200 Shop Small shopping bags to be given out at the Chamber’s Thanksgiving Breakfast on November 27, bring them to a Chamber Office by the end of the day on Monday, November 18. For the South Office, items may also be brought to the Nationwide Office next to the South Office.  The bags will be prepared by our Chamber Ambassadors at their 8 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

American Flag

Granville’s Veterans Parade to Honor Military Personnel & Families

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-Information courtesy Oxford NC, Historic Downtown 

The Annual Granville County Veterans Parade honors all those who have or are currently serving in the military and their families. Please come out and show your support on Sunday, November 10, 2019, in Downtown Oxford.

The parade starts at 3 p.m. and will leave from Belle Street, take a left onto Williamsboro Street, a right onto College Street and then right onto McClanahan Street ending in front of the Oxford Fire Station.

Bring your flags and support your veterans!

Masonic Home for Children

Masonic Home Administrator Thanks All Involved in Homecoming’s Success

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A 2019 Homecoming “Thank You” message from Kevin Otis, Administrator, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford:

We realize that good weather is important, but realize even more that the real success of Homecoming is the help so many provided. MHCO especially wants to thank everyone who lined College Street to watch the parade, enjoyed the BBQ, participated in the activities, and danced to the music!

So many people and groups were involved in making this weekend enjoyable for everyone. This year, MHCO had amazing volunteer supports from United Rentals, Wells Fargo, the Rainbow Girls, several individuals, alumni, masons, and MHCO Ambassadors. Their help allowed the staging to be more effective and timelier than in past years.

The Alumni hit a record with the Charlie Burton Chip Shots for Children Golf Tournament. Big thanks to Bill and Tina Gilreath for chairing the tourney and for their entire family’s contributions to the weekend. Many may not realize how much extra work goes on behind the scenes to promote the alumni portion of the weekend. Special thanks to all who help the alumni truly enjoy coming back home.

The BBQ teams continue to increase and are energized to participate. The Soggy Bottom Boys BBQ Team’s first Homecoming was three festivals ago when Hurricane Matthew washed out everything but our enthusiasm and commitment. They have been committed ever since. Before Homecoming they do a preparation cook-off. They receive donations for anyone wanting to sample what they prepared. This year they contributed $555 to go toward the pool.

We are also blessed that the Hub had two teams including Tobacco Wood. It is important and fantastic for local businesses to want to participate and help the Home. Let them all know your appreciation. Special thanks to Brother Charles Barrett for chairing the BBQ competition.

The Shrine Parade was impressive, and several more units participated this year. There were smiles on the faces of children of all ages as the parade went over one hour! The community groups were a hit also as three bands, three scout groups, and dance and karate teams shared their support for MHCO. Big thanks to Frank Long, Gene Purvis, and Chris Richardson for their continued leadership for the parade.

Oxford Police Department Oxford Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and the City of Oxford continue to support the Home in all areas, and this year was exceptional and safe. We applaud all they do to keep our kids, staff and the entire community safe.

Special thanks to our friends in the media as they helped MHCO get the word out so everyone knows the family-friendly fun that is available. We appreciate all their ongoing support. Thanks to Oxford Public Ledger, The Daily Dispatch, 98.3 FM, and WIZS 100.1 FM/1450 AM. We appreciate you sharing our good news. Special thanks to Granville County Public Schools for allowing bookbag flyers to be sent with the children to inform their families.

The music and entertainment were extraordinary this year. Special thanks to the Tams and Tonez as they got everyone dancing and grooving. As always, we appreciate Russell Ragland Productions, Ted’s Twisted Balloons, Scrap Exchange (sponsored by Creedmoor Rotary Club), Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Sheetz, and Gaming Unplugged.

Finally, we would like to thank the Board, staff and children for all their support and effort. The cottage booths are always a hit and the proceeds go toward cottage special needs and events. Special recognition to Board Members Dewey Preslar and the Andrew Jackson Boys for cooking for everyone on Friday, Nicki Perry for staying at the cottage booths all day, Don Steichen for his work on the float, and Tony Cozart for helping load up the fencing. To all, we hoped we thanked you personally, and if not, we appreciate each and every one of you.

What we collectively do for Homecoming is fantastic, but what we accomplish for the children every day is the really impressive work. If you know a family going through troubled times, please let them know to consider MHCO. If you would like to be a houseparent and help children overcome challenges and develop every day, please consider applying. If you want to help children today and tomorrow, consider setting up a recurring gift.

For any information please visit MHCO’s webpage www.mhc-oxford.org or call 919-693-5111. The children beam from the light you help shine.

Thank you all!

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Aims to Increase Number of Students Receiving School Breakfast

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

Did You Know?

1 in 5 kids in North Carolina grows up in a family that struggles with hunger.

  • Here’s what that means: In some families, the pantry is completely empty. In others, mom skips dinner a few nights a week so the kids can have something to eat in the evening. In others, families are making impossible decisions between paying the rent and buying groceries.
  • In Granville County, we fed 647,358 lunches but only 300,670 breakfasts for the 2018-2019 school year.
  • When kids aren’t getting the consistent nutrition they need, it’s harder to focus in class. Test scores drop, and students are more likely to miss class time because they’re in the nurse’s office with headaches or stomach aches. Discipline problems rise and attendance levels fall.

The Solution: School Meals

  • One of the most effective ways to make sure hungry kids are getting the nutrition they need is through school meal programs like school breakfast and lunch.
  • When kids eat school breakfast, it means calmer classrooms, better attendance rates and ultimately more time for learning.
  • Yet in North Carolina, school breakfast only reaches 58% of the kids who may need it.
  • One way to make sure more kids are starting their day with breakfast is by serving breakfast after the bell, making it more easily accessible to any child that needs it by overcoming common barriers like late buses, busy morning schedules and stigma.
  • The Granville County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department is working hard to implement alternative ways to get students to eat breakfast.