Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues; Critical Need for Type O Donors

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-Press Release, American Red Cross

Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.

Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Maya Franklin of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”

There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25 – August 15, 2018:

Franklin

Youngsville

7/29/2018: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Youngsville Masonic Lodge #377, 110 W. Main Street

Granville

Creedmoor

7/27/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

8/9/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oxford Baptist Church, 147 Main Street

Vance

Henderson

8/13/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., MR Williams, 235 Raleigh Rd

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

McGregor Hall

Open Auditions for McGregor Hall’s Production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’

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-Information courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center website and Facebook page

We are pleased to invite you to open auditions for McGregor Hall’s fall production of “Beauty and the Beast.” All roles are available for audition including those of Belle and the Beast. Join us for the rare opportunity to perform in a 1,000-seat state-of-the-art venue with elegant professional costumes, a professional live orchestra, and top-flight tech and set.

  • You may choose to audition on either Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m. or Sunday, August 19 at 7 p.m. You may subsequently be asked to attend a callback audition on Monday, August 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Auditions will be held at McGregor Hall, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. Please enter through the backstage door facing Winder Street at the top of the handicap ramp.
  • All those auditioning must complete the online pre-audition form available by clicking here
  • The production opens on October 25 with two daytime performances for area school children.
  • There will be four 8 p.m. evening performances on October 26 & 27 and November 2 & 3. There will be two 2 p.m. matinee performances on October 28 and November 4.
  • Rehearsals will begin on August 27.
  • Onstage chorus members may be asked to purchase or rent costumes at their own expense.
  • A list of characters appearing in the production with their descriptions is available by clicking here
  • A printable flyer with additional information on audition requirements is available by clicking here
  • Break a leg!

Visit www.mcgregorhall.org/beauty-and-the-beast-audition-info for requirements, the pre-audition form and for more pertinent information. You may also email info@mcgregorhall.org for information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Graduates 19th ‘Tea & Etiquette’ Class

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has graduated its 19th “Tea and Etiquette” class with an Afternoon Tea highlighting the celebration.

The class held its final meeting and graduation ceremony on April 26 at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson with a tea party organized and carried out by the students of the class.

Graduating were Mary Adcock of Oxford, Vickie Bailey of Creedmoor, Jean Carter of Roanoke Rapids, Kay Currin of Oxford, Patty Currin of Oxford, Sandy Lehman of Roanoke Rapids, Frankie Marks of Oxford, Sharon Murrell of Henrico, and Dr. Paula Wood of Bracey, Va.

Above: Seen here in a parlor at First Presbyterian Church of Henderson are, from left, graduates Mary Adcock of Oxford, Sharon Murrell of Henrico, Kay Currin of Oxford, Dr. Paula Wood of Bracey, Va., the class instructor Dr. B.K. McCloud of Oxford, graduates Sandy Lehman of Roanoke Rapids, Vickie Bailey of Creedmoor, Jean Carter of Roanoke Rapids, Frankie Marks of Oxford, and Patty Currin of Oxford. (VGCC Photo)

The instructor for the class was Dr. B.K. McCloud of Oxford. Vance-Granville has been offering the class since it was founded by the late Constance Lue in 2006.

Among the tea selections for the graduation were Southern Tea Lady’s, Lemon & Ginger Delight Black, and Harney & Sons Fine Teas. On the menu were: for savories, Goat Cheese Pepper Boats, Petite Ham Biscuits, Quiche Florentine, and Aunt Virginia’s Asparagus Sandwiches; fruity scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves; and, for sweets, Luscious Lemon Bars, Salted Caramel Strawberries, Orange Blossoms and Brownie Tuxedos.

The graduation also included a rousing rendition of “The Old North State,” the official state song of North Carolina, written by William Gaston and collected and arranged by Mrs. E.E. Randolph.

In the course, students learn about the history of tea; the difference between an afternoon tea party, a royal tea party and “High Tea”; and the proper way to make the best pot of tea. They have tastings of a wide variety of teas (black, white, green, Oolongs and herbal) at each class meeting. Beyond the specifics of teas, students study grace, civility and etiquette.

For information about future tea classes, contact Gabbie Norfleet at (252) 738-3275 or ped@vgcc.edu.

View a photo album from the graduation on our Flickr site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/vancegranvillecc/albums/72157669044789608.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Individual & Community Health Topics of GVPH Door-to-Door Health Survey

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Lindsey Bickers Bock, health education supervisor for Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH), was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the health department’s current Community Health Assessment survey.

Conducted once every three years and required by all counties in North Carolina, this assessment is designed to identify the health needs of the community and to use the collected information to prioritize the various issues that receive attention and funding.

“All of the work Granville Vance Public Health does is really related to the Community Health Assessment,” said Bickers Bock.

The door-to-door process is nearing completion in Granville County, with surveying to begin in Vance County on Thursday, July 26 at 12 p.m. and concluding on Saturday, July 28.

The assessment includes questions on individual health behaviors, nutrition, physical activity, access to health care and awareness or opinions on community issues.

“The Community Health Assessment is the way we receive feedback from individual members across the county about their experiences related to their own personal health and how they view resources that either are or are not in place to support community health needs,” Bickers Bock said.

GVPH’s prior assessment, conducted in 2015, identified three major areas of need for Vance County: nutrition and physical activity, mental health and substance use disorders and education.

Results also demonstrated that poverty and health equity were two cross-cutting themes of the previous survey. “As a part of the [2015] health survey, we got feedback from both individuals and organizations in the county saying they saw poverty as an issue that impacts health and safety in the community,” said Bickers Bock.

To complete the 2018 survey process, the health department needs approximately 30 volunteers to serve over the three-day period. While Thursday and Friday are covered, there is a need for additional volunteers on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

According to Bickers Bock, survey volunteers are paired up and visit homes in randomly identified neighborhoods to ensure a cross-section of data from all areas of the county. Volunteers may be identified by a GVPH visor and will collect survey information on a tablet.

“We will provide training for interested volunteers,” said Bickers Bock. “Volunteers need to feel comfortable talking with community members, asking survey questions or supporting the person conducting the survey.”

Volunteers are provided lunch, a visor and a gas card if driving their own vehicle to conduct the survey. Those wishing to ride with someone else can be paired with a driving volunteer.

“If you’re not available to work as a surveyor, we hope people who are at their homes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and receive a knock on the door will be available to spend 10 minutes answering questions and sharing their experiences with our volunteers.”

Bickers Bock assured listeners that the information provided to surveyors is kept anonymous and participants are free to answer only the questions with which they feel comfortable.

A Steering Committee consisting of representatives from civic organizations, churches, hospitals and primary care physician offices will meet monthly through March 2019 to review data and provide feedback on survey results. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 9 at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center in Henderson.

Survey results will also be shared via community forums to be held in early 2019. Community members will have a chance to view the findings, ask questions and provide feedback.

If interested in volunteering as a surveyor or in joining the Steering Committee, please contact Bickers Bock at (919) 693-2141 – ext. 148. For more information on the Community Health Assessment, including reports from previous years, please visit the GVPH website.

Gov. Cooper to Meet with Teachers at E.M. Rollins Elementary School

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-Information courtesy Terri Hedrick, Public Information Officer, Vance County Schools

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper will visit the year-round STEAM Academy at E.M. Rollins Elementary School on Thursday, July 26 between 1 and 2 p.m.

School staff and invited guests are asked to arrive at the school by 12:45 p.m. on Thursday for assembly in the school’s auditorium.

Gov. Cooper will meet with a small group of teachers until 1:20 p.m. He will then tour the school for 20 minutes and, finally, will hold a press conference in the school’s auditorium that will begin at approximately 1:40 p.m.

Gov. Cooper is expected to make an announcement about a statewide school supply drive while he is at E.M. Rollins.

Vance County Logo

Public Safety Committee to Discuss Fire Redistricting – TOMORROW

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

The Public Safety Committee (Commissioners Wilder, Brummitt and Faines) will meet tomorrow, Wed., July 25, 2018, at 3 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss fire service redistricting, fire service restructuring and EMS matters.

Tony Bailey, OSFM, will be in attendance.

The meeting is open to the public.

Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging to Host Dementia Education Conference

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Dementia Alliance of North Carolina will host a Dementia Education Conference on Tuesday, August 7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The event will take place at the Vance-Granville Civic Center, 200 Community College Road, Henderson.

The event is open to the public including caregivers, students, local leaders and aging professionals. The cost includes $10 for caregivers and $40 for Aging and Health Professionals. Register online at www.dementianc.org/henderson. Deadline to register is Tuesday, July 31.

Conference topics include Aging and Memory: What’s Normal and What’s Not, Redefining Technology for Caregivers, Adjusting Activities as Dementia Progresses and more! Breakfast and lunch will be provided, courtesy of Chef Christian Brown with Lake Gastronomy Catering.

Contact Harvey Holmes, Family Caregiver Specialist, with any questions or concerns at 252-436-2040 or hholmes@kerrtarcog.org.

National Weather Service

Flash Flooding Possible Through Tuesday Night

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Central North Carolina through Tuesday evening. Periods of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain may produce flash flooding through Tuesday night. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with 5 inches locally, will be possible.

Recent heavy rain has led to nearly saturated grounds. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms will produce rapid runoff and possibly flash flooding. The heavy rain and storms may last well into the overnight hours Monday and Tuesday.

Flash Flooding often results in rapid water rises. Take precautions now! Visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov for more information on flood safety.

For more information on the flood hazard threats, stay tuned to our social media accounts, NOAA Weather Radio, and our website: www.weather.gov/rah.

Vance County Logo

Free Expungement Clinic to Offer Possibility of Fresh Start

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-Information courtesy Tracy Edwards, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, Vance County Child Support

Is your criminal record holding you back? Join us for a FREE Expungement Educational Clinic on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, to see if you are eligible for a
fresh start.

This Legal Aid Clinic is made possible by Vance County Child Support, Gateway to Employment, the New Start Reentry Program and Legal Aid of North Carolina. For further information, call Vance County Child Support at (252) 431-1200.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Summer Musical Movie Matinees for All Ages at Perry Memorial Library

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-Information courtesy the Perry Memorial Library website

2018 Summer Musical Movie Matinees at Perry Memorial Library:

Friday, July 27 at 1 p.m. – “Enchanted” – Rated PG

Thursday, August 2 at 1 p.m. – “Mary Poppins” – Rated G

Thursday, August 9 at 1 p.m. – “Grease” – Rated PG-13

Friday, August 17 at 1 p.m. – “The Sound of Music” – Rated G

Movies will be shown in the Farm Bureau Room of the Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson. Food and drink are allowed during the movie! All ages are welcome to attend.

(This is not a paid advertisement)