Tag Archive for: #oxfordnews

TownTalk: Festive Times in Granville County

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Santa is going to be one tired fella if he makes good on all his appearances this weekend in Granville County, but if he’s trying to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen, he’ll need an energy drink or two to keep him moving.

Allen said the next couple of weekends in Granville County are “jam-packed” with opportunities to get in the holiday spirit, from parades and shows, to special meals and light displays.

!!(The Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 19th.)!!

(POSTPONED) First up is the annual Lighting of the Greens on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning with a flurry of activities at 4 p.m. along Main Street.  (POSTPONED) The crowd will gather around the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. to witness the downtown decorations lighting up to officially kick off the holiday season. Stick around for the parade at 7 p.m., complete with Ol’ Saint Nick himself. He’s giving the reindeer the evening off, apparently, because Allen said to look for him on the back of a fire truck as the parade wends through downtown Oxford.

Santa’s going to make a couple of appearances in the southern part of the county that evening as well – he’ll be at Butner for Christmas in the Park at Gazebo Park on Central Avenue at 5 p.m. then he’ll head over to Creedmoor’s tree lighting at the Community Center, which begins at 7 p.m.

“To me, it’s all about community,” Allen said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The community comes together – schools, churches, businesses – to show off their holiday spirit and pride for the places where they live. For Allen, the weather may be cold this time of year, but seeing the togetherness all across the county is heart-warming.

Delrayno Baptist Church’s live nativity called Back To Bethlehem will be open for drive-through visitors on Dec. 13, 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The church parking lot is transformed with costumed characters, animals and sets to create something that is historical, traditional and spiritual all at the same time, Allen said.

“It’s a tradition that people don’t want to miss,” she said.

Parades, tree lightings and live nativity scenes may be some of the more traditional options for folks to enjoy, but Allen said Granville County has a nice assortment of unexpected things, too.

Take, for instance, the “Yuletide Experience” that will transform the Viking Experience village area this weekend into a wonderland of holiday festivities – all with “a very unique Norse twist,” Allen said.

Ticket packages are available for the Dec. 6-7 event at their website.
There will be games, holiday shopping and friendly competitions for the whole family.

Want to see what an award-winning light display looks like? Then head over to Campbell’s Christmas Display on Bob Daniel Road outside Oxford, where you’ll experience more than 80,000 synchronized lights creating different displays. The Campbells, you may remember, won first prize last year in ABC’s show “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”

They’ve been creating a light display for more than 20 years, Allen said, and welcome folks to not just drive through, but to stop in and visit. All they ask is that you bring along a donation of canned goods to support ACIM, the county’s food bank.

Campbell’s kicks off the season this weekend and continues through most of the month, Allen said.

“This is really nice that this family has taken it to another level,” Allen said, displaying their generosity by giving back to the community.

Another light display is at Granville Christmas Farm, located just off Highway 15 south of Oxford. From now through New Year’s Eve, carloads of folks will drive along and see vignettes from favorite Christmas movies like Rudolph, Christmas Vacation and more.

If full-length feature movies are more your style, then head over to the newly renovated OX Theater in Oxford’s City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7 or Monday, Dec. 8 to catch a holiday favorite, The Polar Express. Admission is $5. Visit https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com/ to register or call 919.603.1135. The Sunday show is at 3 p.m. and the Monday show is at 6:30 p.m.

The OX Theater will host Nashville Noel on Sunday, Dec. 14, bringing a blend of country and Christmas and the high-energy of the Nashville scene. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

In partnership with the Granville Little Theatre, the OX will host the annual live radio play of the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Performances are Dec. 11, 12 and 13. The Oxford Prep Jazz Band will perform following the Saturday performance.

Check out all the options and a schedule of all the upcoming events at www.visitgranvillenc.com and follow them on social media channels to stay updated on all the events and programs throughout the county.

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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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TownTalk: Granville County Spicing Things Up For September

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If you’ve driven around downtown Oxford recently, perhaps you’ve noticed the street decorations and banners that have been installed, creating a festive atmosphere to usher in the 19th annual N.C. Hot Sauce Contest and Festival.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen said this is the second year that the hot sauce festival will be a two-day affair, with evening music and other activities kicking off on Friday, Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13 is a full day of all-things-hot-sauce, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

“Things are getting hot and spicy in downtown Oxford,” she said.

More than 300 vendors will be set up throughout downtown to share samples of their sauces, rubs, jams, jellies and more that they’ve created with peppers. “It’s a foodie paradise,” Allen said.

Some vendors have participated 15 years or more, and they’ll set up their tents and tables alongside others who may be new or nearly new to the experience. They come from all over the state and elsewhere to share their creations with pepper enthusiasts who like a little – or a lot – of kick in their salsas and sauces.

Peppers may take center stage for the host sauce festival, but pumpkins are also a favorite for fall.

In addition to Cedar Creek Gallery’s glass pumpkin patch in the front gallery on exhibit through October, there are a couple of harvest festivals that will be popping up across the county for folks to get their fall “fix.”

  • Sept. 14 – Carlee Farms Harvest Festival, hosted by Kissing Booth boutique. More than 25 vendors will have fashion, homemade crafts, seasonal décor and treats available
  • Sept. 27 – Harvey Hills Farm’s Harvest Days each weekend through Oct. 26. Festive vendor market featuring fall produce, décor, pumpkins and mums
  • Sept. 27 – Indian Branch Farm hosting Roots and Rows from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 65 vendors featuring fashion, home décor, seasonal treats and more

Allen said farm festivals provide authentic experiences for people to meet farmers and craftspeople responsible for things we eat and things we put in our homes.

“It’s really awesome to go into these festivals and meet the people that actually make these things,” she said.

But it’s not all hot sauce and fall festivals in Granville County, she said. The city of Oxford has recently renamed the auditorium located in City Hall, and “The Ox” is set to host a varied lineup of live entertainment and performances through fall and into December.

The Granville Arts Council is bringing Red Bird Theater back, this time for a production of the play Revolution, on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m

Then, on Sept. 10, it’s “The Bad Moms of Comedy,” with a 7:30 performance.

Beach music fans will be happy to know that The Drifters are set to perform on Nov. 1 and then there are a couple of Christmas shows scheduled – Dec. 1 it’s Celtic Angels and Dec. 14 Nashville Nöel.

Check out https://visitgranvillenc.com/  to learn about all the events taking place across Granville County.

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Paws & Poses to Benefit Granville County Animals

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An upcoming yoga class planned for Saturday, July 26 at the Oxford Armory Farmers Market is shaping up to be like no other, and the event organizer said there will be some positively adorable pooches wandering among the yoga mats to perhaps meet their future owners.

Annie Drake, a rising senior at Vance Charter School, said ‘Paws and Poses’ is a service project to benefit the Granville County Animal Shelter.

The shelter staff will have numerous adoptable animals on the grounds from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The yoga class will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It’s going to be an interactive yoga session, and participants may find a wet nose or a wagging tail in their face as they stretch and transition from pose to pose.

“My hope was to get some animals adopted out,” Drake said.

“I’ve been wanting to do some sort of service project before I go off to college,” Annie said. “I enjoy being out in the community and helping people -I’ve never done something by myself, that’s all me and says who I am.”

She said she appreciates the help she got early on from her mom, Darcy. “Having her help was great,” she said.

The planning has gone pretty smoothly, but she admits that there are way more details than she thought there’d be. Dr. Bridget Waters of Dabney Drive Animal Hospital has been a big help, too. Annie said she’s been shadowing some of the staff at the local veterinarian’s office to learn more about animals.

Annie’s mom will be the instructor. Register for the class at www.yogaforgoodoxford.com

Even if you don’t sign up for the class, she’s set up a GoFundMe page. And all proceeds go to the Granville County Animal Shelter.

Shelter staff also will have a space to collect donations at the event. They are in need of dog toys and dog food, she said.

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The Local Skinny! Oxford Armory Farmers Market Off To A Strong Start

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The Oxford Armory Farmers Market has gotten off to a good start. In just a few Saturdays, organizers say the open-air market has had about 2,400 visitors. That number makes Wendy Tatum very happy, and hopeful for future sustainability.

Tatum is the Food and Built Environment associate with Granville County Cooperative Extension, a new position supported by N.C. A&T State University.

Using information from a 2022 needs assessment, Tatum assembled a core group of volunteers to create a place for local producers could sell their produce and farm products. What began as a series of pop-up markets in downtown Oxford morphed into dozens of vendors setting up shop on the grounds of the Armory.

“We’re very much centered around agriculture,” Tatum said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! with WIZS’s Scout Hughes. The market is open on Saturdays May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Craft vendors are at the market on the third Saturdays of each month.

She credits strong partnerships with the city of Oxford, the Granville County Board of Commissioners, the Kerr-Tar COG Food Council and many volunteers to get off on a positive note and to have such strong support from the community.

“We wanted a place that was highly visible,” Tatum said, in the choice made for the location of the market. “We needed it to be a walkable space – and comfortable,” she added. The Armory, located at 105 W. Spring St., is just a block or so away from the main downtown area of Oxford.

With a grant for $8,500 from Triangle North Healthcare, Tatum said the market buys produce from vendors at the end of the market day to stock the “Farm to Fridge” coolers located in library branches in the county.

Visit https://granville.ces.ncsu.edu/oxford-armory-farmers-market/ to learn more about the market or call Tatum at 919.603.1350.

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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Ramps Up

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Granville County is bustin’ at the seams with springtime events designed to get families out and about, from Quittin’ Time in downtown Oxford on Thursday evenings, live music in Bullock and a Memorial Day wreath-laying service at Butner Gazebo Park on Monday, May 26.

Angela Allen, now a decade in as the county’s Tourism director, said these are just a few of opportunities available in the coming weeks to keep folks entertained and connected with the community.

In her early days in the job, she said springtime events were much fewer. “All I had was the Easter Bunny,” she joked on WIZS’s TownTalk segment Wednesday. “Spring is springing all over the place,” she said.

The RedBird Theater is bringing Eureka Day to the city hall auditorium Saturday, May 24. The show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., combines comedy and drama to reveal how a progressive private school deals with making tough decisions about a measles outbreak and more divisive issues. There’s a link to purchase tickets at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Crokinole, anyone? How about disc golf? Oxford has clubs for both. Crokinole – pronounced CROW (like the bird) kuh nole – is a game played on a round tabletop board. The goal is to flick a small disc into the hole in the board’s center, sort of like shuffleboard, Allen explained.

The local club normally has Open Nights on Thursdays at Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. for anyone interested in learning more about the game, but Allen said it’s on pause for now because of Quittin’ Time. Check out their Facebook page to find out more.

Here’s a quick rundown of upcoming events in and around Granville County:

  • Thursday evenings in May and June: Quittin’ Time – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Oxford. Stroll from spot to spot and enjoy specialty cocktails and small plates, as well as live music and art exhibits. Get a “passport,” scan a QR code over the course of Quittin’ Time and have a chance to win prizes at the end of the nine-week run.
  • TWBC has paired brunch with local music and an open stage for others to perform. Brunch runs June through August. Email taproom@tobaccowood.co to sign up for your time on stage.
  • There’s a new farmers market in Oxford called the Oxford Armory Farmers Market to go along with the existing market on McClanahan Street across from the Oxford Police Department and the market in downtown Creedmoor. The new market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is set up on the grounds of the Armory at Linden Avenue and Spring Street with a wreath-laying ceremony to observe Memorial Day. The park is located at 416 Central Ave.
  • The Town of Butner continues a tradition Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony at Butner Gazebo Park, located at 416 Central Ave.
  • “Live After Six in the Stix” returns to Williamson’s Country Store and Grill in Bullock on June 5. Bring your lawnchairs and your dancin’ shoes, because JB and the Get Down Browns will perform. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tammy and Rod Williamson will have the grill fired up and the drink coolers stocked for you. The admission is free.
  • Saturday, June 14 is a shaping up to be busy – Oxford’s Juneteenth celebration takes place at Wall and Hunt streets from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and The Barn at Vino is hosting a beach music festival from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The annual Bee Jubilee and Food Truck Rodeo takes over the Granville Expo Center on Saturday, June 28 for a day of food, fun and all things “bee.”

Read more details at these and other events taking place in Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com

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The Local Skinny! Aviation Academies at the Henderson-Oxford Airport

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The Henderson-Oxford Airport is one of a dozen airports to get state funding to host summer academies for students in grades K-12 who want to learn more about aviation and the aerospace industry.

The N.C. Dept. of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has awarded grants of up to $5,000 for these smaller airports to have programs for young people, according to information from NCDOT.

“We’re thrilled to partner with airports across the state to offer these academies,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “Not only do students have an incredible time learning about aviation, but they also gain valuable insight into the career opportunities available in this dynamic and growing industry. It’s about sparking curiosity and showing them that the sky really is the limit.”

The academies are designed to engage students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life. Participants can look forward to flight simulator sessions, airport tours, aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to connect with aviation professionals who share their passion for the skies. Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg is also participating in the summer academy program.

The ACE Academy Grant Program is a key component of the Division of Aviation’s mission to support aerospace and aviation workforce development. By funding these academies, the Division is helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the state’s robust aviation sector.

Parents and students interested in participating in this year’s ACE Academies can learn more by visiting the NCDOT web page devoted to the academies, which contains contact information for each.

James N. Brown, Jr., director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College, is the contact person for both local airports. Contact Brown at 252.738.3520 or brownj@vgcc.edu.

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NC Coop Extension

The Local Skinny! Farmers Market Vendor Courses

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This is the time of year when local gardeners are perusing seed catalogs or checking in with local nurseries about when the vegetable slips will be ready to purchase.  The April 15 frost date seems a long way off, but gardeners are planning now in order to reap the benefits – literally – when spinach, peas, beans and more are ready to harvest.

Vance County Cooperative Extension is hosting a series of vendor workshops during March for anyone interested in participating in farmers markets in Vance, Granville or other nearby counties.

Vance County Agriculture Agent Michael Ellington said the classes will be held on Saturday mornings beginning Mar. 8 and will continue on Mar. 15, 22 and 29. The first three sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Mar. 29 session will last from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.

All sessions will be held at Salem United Methodist Church, 4151 Salem Rd., Oxford.

Each session has a different focus, Ellington explained.

  • 8 – the basics of business
  • 15 – marketing – product placement for optimum visibility on tables in the market
  • 22 – knowing your customers and follow-up to sales
  • 29 – basic food safety

Vendors often sell at more than one farmers market, Ellington said, so it just makes sense that these vendor trainings are offered to individuals from numerous counties throughout the area.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market may see a higher volume than some of the other area markets because of tourism – folks visiting Kerr Lake or traveling along I-85 may choose to stop in, he noted.

He would like to see the Vance market be an incubator market for others who are just getting started in growing produce or for those who are interested in expanding their existing production.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will have a new feature this year, if all goes according to plan.

Ellington said volunteers and others have been whacking away at kudzu to create a community garden on the campus of the farmers market.

More volunteers are needed at upcoming workdays, he said:

  • Mar. 21 – working on establishing garden borders – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Mar. 29 – marking walkways and preparing for stone installation – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Apr. 11 – installing garden beds – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We want to have the community realize that this is their market, and the garden is theirs,” Ellington said. The community garden would be a perfect spot for those who want a garden but lack the space or the confidence to plant, tend and harvest on their own.

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TownTalk: Love is in the Air with Granville Tourism

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February. It’s the shortest month, but that’s not stopping Tourism Director Angela Allen and Granville County from packing in a wealth of events and activities into 28 days.

From Cedar Creek Gallery’s ‘Cupful’ exhibit to the popular murder mystery dinner theatre, check out all that Granville County has to offer at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Allen said she’s constantly updating the website and blog posts to keep the area in tune with all the goings-on.

Whether you appreciate the beauty of handcrafted pottery or enjoy the hunt for a vintage vinyl record, Allen said Granville County offers “a little bit of everything” for people to do – there’s plenty of activities for people to do and things for people to love, she said on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

And she said the collaboration that’s going on among downtown businesses – retail and restaurants – is something to behold.

Take Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., for example. It’s now offering a Saturday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. But invited to join in the fun during that time is Ox4d Music, which offers a pop-up shop on Saturdays while the finishing touches are being put on its stand-alone Main Street location.

Previously located in the lower level of The Hub on Main, the record shop will open soon at its new location.

“We are so proud of them,” Allen said. “They’re definitely a staple in downtown Oxford.”

And Angel Wings Bookstore recently opened  in the space that previously had housed Harvest Restaurant, Allen noted. But they don’t just sell books – there’s a bistro located inside that is being operated by the folks that run Bigfoot BBQ.

Allen said her webpage has a whole tab of listings dedicated to Valentine’s Day. Check out the latest – “Love is in the Air”at https://visitgranvillenc.com/blog/#!/2097-Love-Is-In-The-Air-In-Granville-County-This-Valentines-Season to view all the options for singles, couples, friends and families.

 

Here are a few highlights of upcoming events across Granville County in February:

  • Saturday, Feb. 22 – Puppy Love Quarter Auction at The Barn at Vino in Stem. Tickets are $10, and Allen suggests to purchase soon. Sponsored by the local nonprofit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont, participants can expect a fun evening, great auction items and food and beverage trucks for food purchase. The doors open at 6 and the auction begins at 7. Bring a dog toy to donate and take part in a special drawing that evening. Call 919.283.1449 for more information or find details at https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/#!/288938-puppy-love-quarter-auction
  • Saturday, Feb. 8 – Couples can head over to Yoga for Good in downtown Oxford for a couples yoga class from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Once the class is over, participants can stop by Strong Arm Baking Co. with their yoga class ticket for a glass of bubbly, Allen said – the perfect wind-down after a yoga session.
  • Saturday, Feb. 8 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Take part in the Scavenger Hunt date night at Angel Wings Bookstore, 205 Williamsboro St.
  • Thursday, Feb. 13 – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Kids ages 7-12 are invited to Hix Gym for their own version of Valentine’s Day fun, with crafts, games , pizza and more. The cost is $6 per child and the registration deadline is 12 noon on Feb. 13.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 12 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Verdigris is the place to be to celebrate “Gal”entine’s with your best girlfriends. Finger foods, creative cocktails and music are on the menu.
  • Thursday, Feb. 13 6 p.m. – Angel Wings Bookstore hosts Book Besties Galentine’s Night. Wear comfy clothes and bring a book to share – as well as your book bestie for a cozy evening.

With all this talk about love being in the air, Allen just had to mention the annual spring Granville Wedding and Event Expo, scheduled for Sunday, Mar. 2 at the Creedmoor Community Center from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Admission is free for all who bring a donation to Families Living Violence Free, the nonprofit agency that helps families in domestic violence situations. “If you bring a donation with you that day or go to the payment link and pay, you can get in free,” Allen said.

Come check out all the different vendors who can provide services for weddings, reunions and other big celebrations, all under one roof.

Tasting tickets are $10 and a limited number of VIP packages, which includes a tasting ticket and a swag bag, are available for $20.

https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/weddings-events/

Find out all the details at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

 

 

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TownTalk: Oxford’s “The Sacred Witness” Military Art Mural

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About half a block off one of the main downtown streets in Oxford is something quite unique – in fact, it’s the first of its kind for the city. It’s a mural with a military theme and it tells a story that artist Aletha Williams wants to share with the community.

An unveiling was held at 4 p.m. Thursday to officially introduce to the public the 1200-square foot creation, during which Williams planned to talk about the significance of the mural and why it’s important to her and to other military veterans who may struggle to re-enter civilian life.

As a disabled military veteran, she said she has struggled with mental health issues associated with her service and with several traumatic events in her life. She said she understands only too well the difficulties veterans face as they leave family, friends and community and enter military service, and then when they come back home. The challenges are many and they can take their toll, she said. This mural captures some of the feelings and emotions of a veteran’s journey.

The mural is located at 117 Wall St., on one of the exterior brick walls of Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. Williams said it took her and a small team of volunteers and another artist 35 workdays to complete.

The team helped until the project was close to halfway finished, and then Williams took over from there to complete.

When you visit the mural – and Williams invites ex-military and civilians alike to stop by, take a look and reflect on its message – you’ll see painted near the middle an open book. That’s where the title of the artwork will be written: The Sacred Witness.

No matter how the art speaks to those who come to view it, Williams said “it will mean something to everyone,” soldier or not. She wants the mural to stand for the community coming together to support veterans and their service.

All branches of the military are represented in the mural, she said, as the “story” unfolds across the brick wall in a collage effect.

Williams moved to the area a couple of years ago from the state of Washington, and since then, she’s been working on a way to show support for military veterans.

Once the mural was down on paper, it went before city leaders for approval. With a grant from the N.C. Arts Council and “a collaboration of partners,” the labor of love was transformed into a work of art.

“For me, art allows me to be in that sweet spot…I can just be my natural, authentic self,” Williams said.

Whatever emotions the mural may evoke, Williams encourages viewers to just pause for a moment and reflect on how to support veterans in a positive manner as they find their way as a member of the community and transition from military service.

When she’s not creating murals, Williams concentrates on being an integrative wellness life coach and completing a doctorate in body wellness. Her business is called Inner Starr Compass Healing. Learn more at https://www.innerstarrcompasshealing.com/.

Post a photo and leave a comment about your experience with the mural on her Facebook and Instagram accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/innerstarrcompasshealing

https://www.instagram.com/innerstarrcompasshealing/

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