Tag Archive for: #masonichomeforchildrenatoxford

TownTalk: MHCO Homecoming October 9-11

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The weekend of October 9, 10 and 11 will feature Homecoming festivities at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford, but Saturday, Oct. 10 is the big day for the public including food, live music, rides for the children plus the parade route along College Street.

Alvis Billings, MHCO’s annual giving director said more than 30 Shrine units are wheeling into town for Saturday’s parade, which will once again delight parade watchers all along the route.

You won’t want to miss it – it’s the biggest Shrine parade in the state. The parade steps off at 10 a.m., Billings said on Monday’s TownTalk.

The ‘Pit’ will be cranking out all types of delicious barbecue on Saturday, Oct. 10 and the Embers will take the stage from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The public is invited to come out and enjoy the day, beginning with the parade at 10 a.m. and going through 3 p.m. Enjoy the barbecue – all you care to eat – for a $10 donation.

There are other events going on through the weekend for alumni and former residents of the home, which Billings said is the oldest children’s home in the state.

This is the 14th Homecoming festival, Billings said. Organizers expect several hundred former residents to return this weekend – to celebrate, remember and reminisce.

“It’s a fun time, but it’s also a very solemn time,” he said. The home’s mission, simply put, is to create a safe, nurturing and loving environment for children. “We create this space where kids can excel,” he said.

The home will celebrate 154 years in February and Billings called his work a passion. In his role as annual giving director, he keeps a sharp eye on what it takes to provide for the children.

The Freemasons do provide support, and the alumni association is active, but the children’s home relies heavily on financial donations, will and estates.

The Homecoming festival is a way to show appreciation for donors, as well as engage and inform the community about the home’s mission and needs.

Visit https://mhc-oxford.org/ to see a complete schedule of activities.

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TownTalk: Faith in Mental Health Forum Coming to MHCO in March

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The program called Faith in Mental Health is hosting an event on Monday, Mar. 16 and invites churches to become community partners to address mental health and substance use disorders.

Karl Johnson, PhD, is a team member of the Rural Academic Health Dept at Granville Vance Public Health.

The upcoming event is a continuation of a program that, so far, has had participation from roughly 100 people from about 40 churches in the area. The March 16 event will be held at The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There are several different levels of certification, Johnson told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Monday’s TownTalk.

The first level is more like an orientation to let participants know what types of services are available in the area for people who struggle with mental health issues or substance use disorder.

“The goal is to better equip and empower churches to address the mental health and substance use,” he said, whether within their own congregation or in the broader community.

Help needs to go beyond the biomedical aspects of clients’ issues, he said.

There simply aren’t enough medical providers to tend to everyone’s needs, so reaching out to churches seemed to be a natural next step.

The church is “one of those communities that people go to for a sense of hope, belonging, for a sense of camaraderie and support,” Johnson said. It makes sense, he added, to partner with churches to give them tools to help.

“It’s a way for others to care for and tend to their loved ones (or) neighbors who struggle with these kinds of challenges,” he said.

There’s been a tremendous response in the area so far, Johnson said. “Churches really are eager and willing to step up” with participation by pastors and lay leaders alike.

After completing that level 1 certification, Johnson said some churches have gone on to host forums, provide additional trainings and establish support groups.

Some pastors periodically devote sermons to the topic and even create ministries devoted to the work.

Different churches take different approaches to trying to help, and that’s just fine, Johnson said.

“The deeper goal is for them to become better equipped to address this need in their community,” he said.

If you’d like to learn more, contact Johnson at 616.298.5626 or email him at kjohnson@gvph.org.

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TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children At Oxford Has New CEO In Time For 2025 Homecoming Oct. 10-11

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The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford is having its annual Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 11. This year’s event marks the end of one administrator’s tenure and the beginning of new leadership. But no matter who’s at the helm, one thing’s for sure: MHCO is a place where children are nurtured and loved.

Kevin Otis had served for 13 years as MHCO administrator. Upon his retirement, Chris Allabaugh has been named the home’s chief executive officer. A welcome reception will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cobb Center on the MHCO campus, located at 600 College St., Oxford. The public is invited to drop in and welcome Allabaugh as he begins his new role. He will offer brief remarks at 6 p.m.

“I am excited to be here,” Allabaugh said. “The Masonic Home has a long, long history for doing good things,” and he added that he is looking forward to building on that history. He said the home had flourished under Otis’s leadership. “He built a solid, solid foundation that we can grow and build upon.”

Allabaugh said the team that makes up the staff at the home are dedicated to their mission. “They are world-class at what they do,” he said, adding that part of his job is “to clear a way for them to be able to do their work.”

Part of that work is what goes into the Homecoming celebration, which includes a parade on the campus at 11 a.m., barbecue cook-off and live music and carnival games for the kids.

Otis said folks should arrive on campus by 10 a.m. so they can get parked and ready for the day’s activities. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the parade, which Otis said “isn’t a real long parade, but it’s a really good parade.”

Barbecue plates are $10 and can be purchased beginning about 12 noon. And The Band of Oz takes the stage at 12:30 p.m. There are complimentary amusement rides, tours and more for participants of all ages.

Homecoming is a way for the home to say “thank you” to alumni, Masons and to the community for its support over the years.

The current residents help out, Otis said. They get to enjoy the day’s activities, but they also help get things set up and you’ll see others in the parade – from JROTC to the Homecoming float.

“It really is a celebration of the kids of today,” Otis said.

The children who reside at the home are resilient, Allabaugh said. “They’re incredible. They just need a fighting chance at being a kid…(I’m) confident that we will continue to do that.”

He said he looks forward to meeting people in the coming days and weeks – and hopes to get started this weekend at the Homecoming festivities.
“I am just thrilled to meet the people of Oxford this weekend…saying thank you for the support they’ve given over the years,” Allabaugh said.

Check out the complete Homecoming schedule at https://mhc-oxford.org/

 

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Masonic Home for Children

MHCO Gala Features UNC Basketball Legend Phil Ford

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The 3rd annual charity gala for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford was a success by all accounts. Attendees enjoyed fellowship over the course of the evening, and the live and silent auctions proved a fun way to raise money to support the children and families that MHCO serves.

But credit long-time Mason Gene Cobb with landing the guest speaker for the evening. They’d known each other since college, when Cobb was manager of the basketball team.

The school? Carolina.

The speaker? None other than Number 12 himself, Phil Ford.

“He kept the stats my senior game against Duke,” Ford told WIZS. In fact, Cobb presented the UNC legendary point guard with that stat sheet, along with a piece of the net that was cut down in that 87-83 win over the Blue Devils in Carmichael Auditorium in 1978.

“He’s a great friend…he’s been a Mason for years and he asked me to speak,” Ford continued.

MHCO Marketing & Events Coordinator Charlie Roberson said, “His heartfelt words, shared wisdom, and connection to The Masonic Home for Children made the evening even more impactful and inspiring for all who attended.”

Ford said he’d visited the Oxford home to spend time with the kids there when he was at Carolina, and later when he was playing pro ball.

“Any time you can do something for kids, or do something for someone else that really can’t do anything to pay you back,” Ford said, you will reap rewards later.

“So many people have stepped up and helped me in my life with the things that I’ve been through,” Ford said. “Coach Smith, my family. I don’t know where I would be without them.”

And that was the message that Ford had for those at the gala. “Basically, it was just thanking them for having the heart and the will to want to do something for someone else…for our fellow man,” Ford said.

Offering encouragement to others who share a passion for service and giving back to the community is a message that never goes out of style. And MHCO leadership recognized the efforts of its staff for their dedication to the children in residence, those in attendance for their support at the gala and throughout the year, and to the numerous Masonic groups and other individuals who sponsored the event.

“A special thanks goes to our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity made this event possible. Your commitment to our cause plays a vital role in ensuring that every child at The Masonic Home for Children receives the care, education, and love they deserve,” Roberson said in a press release following the event.

Sponsors include Wayne Baker, Eddie Gaskins, Luther Starling Jr., Braxton & Vickie Jones, Steve Safrit, Brandon & Terri Dunn, Larry Thompson, Larry Payne, The Herring Family, Oxford Orphanage Alumni Assoc., North Carolina Masonic Foundation, Randy Cline, Oasis Shriners, Pinnacle Financial, Patricia and Lou Smith, Amran Shriners, Sudan Shriners, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Otis, Steve Norris, Athelstan, Allan Mann, Johnny Surles, City of Oxford, Raleigh York Rite, WhiteStone Masonic & Eastern Star Community and Granville Medical Center.

To learn more about the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, visit www.mhc-oxford.org.

TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children Homecoming Recap

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The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford welcomed throngs of visitors to its campus last weekend for annual Homecoming festivities, which included activities for the kids, live music, food and tours of some of the facilities.

And don’t forget the parade, said MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis.

“The weather cooperated and a lot of people seemed to really have a great time,” Otis said Wednesday on TownTalk.

A couple of dozen barbecue teams got all set up on Friday in advance of the Saturday cookoff, which began shortly after the traditional parade.

The parade route, however, wasn’t the traditional march down College Street onto the campus – this year’s parade was contained on the campus itself. And Otis said it all worked out fine.

“It was a very good parade, with a lot of people coming to watch it,” he said.

“The entire parade route, even though it was short, had a lot of people” lining the drive to check out all the entries.

Otis was pleased with the community support, from school bands and Scout groups to dance teams and cheer squads.

Visitors got a chance to tour the chapel, museum galleries and even one of the residential cottages. Otis said he has received positive feedback from those who said they appreciated learning more about the children’s home and what it offers young people and families.

“What we’re doing is helping families in need,” he said, whether it’s caring for children while parents work to get back on their feet or grandparents who become guardians of their grandchildren.

Otis said cottage parents co-parent with biological parents or guardians to make sure the children’s needs are being met while in residence at the home.

But there also is an independent living program for young adults ages 18-21 who may be struggling to make it on their own. They get set up in their own apartment while learning how to become independent.

“We’re doing a lot of good work and not just for local kids, but all over North Carolina.

Learn more at 919.693.5111 or visit https://mhc-oxford.org/.

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TownTalk: MHCO Homecoming Oct. 11-13

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The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford has been in the business of caring for children for more than 150 years. Coming off last year’s sesquicentennial celebration, MHCO Administrator said Year 151 shines just as brightly as last year.

“It’s been an incredible journey and it’s just getting started,” Otis said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Alumni, Shriners, pit masters and more will converge on the historic campus next weekend for the annual Homecoming, which runs Oct. 11-13.

“This whole event is (a way) for the home to say ‘thank you’,” Otis said. Thank you to the community, thank you to alumni, Shriners and all the people who support the mission of the home.

Things kick off on Friday, Oct. 11 about 5 p.m. when the barbecue team get organized for the next day’s featured food. One team travels from Delaware each year to support MHCO, Otis said.

The community is invited to come out and mingle and then stay to hear music by Brightest Light, which takes the stage about 6 p.m.

Come back early the next day, Otis said, because everything kicks off about 10 a.m. There will be amusement rides for the kids – free of charge – and then the anticipated parade begins at 11 a.m.

This year’s parade route is different, so anyone who wants to watch needs to park on the MHCO campus and find a space along the main campus drive area – the parade will NOT take place on College Street, he noted.

He encourages parade watchers to bring a chair. There will be parking attendants and golf cart shuttles for those who need a ride from their cars to the middle of campus.

The barbecue pit opens at the conclusion of the parade and folks can sample meats and sides from the teams who’ve been cooking and preparing for hours.

“You give us a donation, we’ll give you a plate,” Otis explained.

Other activities include tours through the museum galleries at Cobb Center and one of the residential cottages, too. Cory Luetjen & the Traveling Blues Band performs in the afternoon and the day’s activities will conclude about 3 p.m.

There are so many things to see and experience during the course of the weekend’s activities, which Otis said is the result of a lot of work and preparation from staff and residents alike.

“Having the kids involved is an experience for them,” he said. They can enjoy all the fun of the weekend, but they can also take pride that they helped get things ready.

Just like the Shriners Hospital, the children’s home provides care for children without asking families to pay for anything, Otis explained.

Donations of any kind – from school supplies and money to fund a weekend excursion to remembering MHCO in your estate – Otis said it’s all put to good use to help provide children with the tools they need to be successful – in school, in their career and in life.

Otis said he’s always interested in hearing from married couples who think they want to be cottage parents.

Visit https://mhc-oxford.org/ to learn more.

 

Masonic Home for Children

Visit Sept. 15 Open House At MHCO To Learn More About Community Support Center

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Plans are underway to create a community support center on the campus of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford to offer resources, training and other services to families in the community.

Through a partnership with the Granville County United Way, FGV Smart Start, Granville Education Foundation and Baptist Children’s Home the Masonic Home for Children invites interested community agencies  to an open house on Thursday, Sept. 15. Drop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to learn more about how to identify and address family needs, provide services, network and make referrals for services on behalf of families in need.

Some of the proposed services include:

  • Parenting Education
  • Nutrition Classes
  • Family Counseling
  • Foster Care Training
  • Adolescent Group Counseling
  • Financial Management Education
  • Recreation
  • Networking to a variety of services

Visitors can come to the Parham Cottage at the children’s home, whose main campus is located at 600 College St., Oxford.

MHC Homecoming Oct. 7-9 Offers Something For Everyone – Music, Food, Fellowship

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The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford is gearing up for its Homecoming festival in early October – there’s a golf tourney, barbecue contest a parade and plenty of live music sure to provide plenty of entertainment for all in attendance.

The 10th annual festival, cancelled in 2021 because of COVID-19, is set for Saturday, Oct. 8, according to information from MHCO. The free event is open to the public and includes campus tours, food trucks and a kid zone as well as alumni and homecoming activities.

The barbecue contest teams assemble and set up on Friday afternoon, followed by DJ Reese’s music and then an evening performance by the band East Coast Rhythm and Blues.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, beginning at the fire department and continuing down College Street to the MHCO campus, 600 College St.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Don “Big Weather” Schwenneker, meteorologist for ABC11 Eyewitness News.

The Saturday schedule is jam-packed with activities, including an afternoon concert by the band Too Much Sylvia.

The 24th annual Chip Shots for Children charity golf tournament will take place on Friday, Oct. 7 at South Granville Country Club & Golf Course. Contact Eddie Dickerson at 919.441.3003 to learn more about registering for this event.

A light breakfast will be provided at registration, which begins at 7:30 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration fee is $75. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $700,000 for the Masonic Home for Children.

Teams of up to 5 people can register for the barbecue contest. Registration is $100 per team and contest details, as well as the complete schedule of events, can be found at https://mhc-oxford.org/masonic-homecoming-festival/

The Local Skinny! BBQ Fundraiser Will Benefit Masonic Home In Oxford

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The John H. Mills Masonic Lodge 624 in Epsom is having a barbecue fundraiser coming up on April 2, and Jeremy Hetrick, local lodge secretary, said tickets are on sale now from any lodge member.

Hetrick spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about the upcoming event on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny! One-pound containers of pork barbecue will be ready for pickup at the lodge on Saturday, April 2 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. The lodge is located on NC Hwy 39 in Epsom, just across from the fire department.

Proceeds will benefit lodge activities and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford.

Hetrick is retired from the U.S. Army and currently is commander of the Department of American Legion Division 1. He works full-time at Henderson Collegiate Charter School and also is a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge.

The Henderson and Epsom lodges are in the same 13th district of the Division 1, which includes a total of 49 lodges from Person County all the way to the Outer Banks and toward the Wilson area, he said.

The Epsom lodge was founded in 1935 by local farmers who decided to name it after a local minister and Mason, who was instrumental in the founding of the orphanage in Oxford.

Hetrick explained that it was Mills who recognized the need for a home for the numerous orphans at the end of the Civil War.

The group is being a little conservative this year with how many pounds of barbecue they’re producing, largely due to the fact that the fundraiser hasn’t been held in a couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re only going to do 500 this year,” Hetrick said, about half the amount as in previous pre-COVID-19 years.

He encourages anyone interested in purchasing a ticket to do so now – there won’t be many left as the April 2 event day nears. Lodge members will oversee the cooking, which will begin by mid-afternoon on Friday. The pork butts will cook all night and then will be chopped and put in containers Saturday morning in time for pickup.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Hetrick at 252.204.4742.

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COVID-19 Concerns Halt MHCO Homecoming Event For Second Straight Year

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The 2021 Homecoming celebration at Masonic Home for Children in Oxford has been cancelled, marking the second year in a row that plans have had to be put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis issued a statement to WIZS News stating that the event would be cancelled due to health concerns. The executive committee of the board made the decision, with staff input, Otis said.

“We’re going to have a quiet weekend,” Otis said, adding that perhaps some sort of special meal would be shared by those on campus.

The event had been scheduled for Oct. 7-9, with food trucks, children’s activities, parade, live music and a barbecue cookoff, just to name a few.

The homecoming weekend is a time when alumni, Shriners, Masons, staff and families converge to have fun, reminisce and conduct business.

Visit mhc-oxford.org to learn more about services MHCO provides or to donate.