Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Families Living Violence Free

FLVF Hosts Quarter Auction Friday, Oct. 4

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Families Living Violence Free is having a Quarter Auction on Friday, Oct. 4 at Carlee Farms in Granville County.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m., according to information from FLVF Executive Director Amy Langston.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner and bidding paddle. All proceeds go to direct services for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Don’t forget to bring your rolls of quarters for bidding and some extra “folding money” to purchase products from vendors that will be on site for the event. For a $50 ticket price, bidders can upgrade their paddles to have unlimited bids on items during the auction. There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction held as well.

Carlee Farms is located at 1003 Carlee Farms Rd. in Granville County.

Purchase tickets by calling 919.693.3579.

Langston said businesses, organizations and others can provide extra support by becoming sponsors of the event. The sponsorship levels are Bronze: $50; Silver: $100; and Gold: $200.

Checks, payable to FLVF, can be sent to:

P.O. Box 1632

Oxford, NC 27565

The FLVF Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day. Call 919.693.5700; Spanish speakers can call 919.690.0888.

For more information, contact FLVF at 919.693.3579 or email info@flvf.org.

 

 

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Offers Prostate Cancer Screening Sept. 19

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– Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is sponsoring a free prostate cancer screening clinic Thursday, Sept. 19 as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

The American Cancer Society recommends an annual screening for men ages 50 and older. The screening event will be held from 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young. No appointment is necessary, just show up. The screening should take about 15 minutes.

African-American men and those with a history of prostate cancer are considered at higher risk, and should consider getting screened at age 45. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men; early detection is crucial and can be lifesaving.

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and this screening could make a  significant difference for you or a loved one.

For more information, please call 252.436.1656 or visit  https://www.MariaParham.com/event/56 

 

Relief Programs For Qualified Homeowners May Reduce Sting From Tax Bill

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The deadline to appeal 2024 property tax valuations has passed, and technically, so has the deadline for qualified homeowners to try to get some relief from those tax bills, due before Jan. 6, 2025 to avoid a 2 percent interest penalty.

June 1 was the deadline to appeal – and apparently to apply for the three programs listed on the Vance County Tax Office website, according to Vance County Deputy Tax Assessor Jennifer Williams.

“After that date, the Tax Office cannot approve or deny any applications, but citizens can appeal their late applications to the Board (of Commissioners) up until the end of the calendar year for which they are applying,” Williams explained in a response to a question sent via email to the tax office late last week.

Commissioners Chair Dan Brummitt said that, to his knowledge, the board has “never denied a senior, veteran, exemption. Folks don’t always see the dates, so we try to work with people,” Brummitt told WIZS News.

The 2024 tax bills were sent out in late August, following the most recent property revaluation required by the state to be completed at least every eight years. The last property revaluation in Vance County was completed in 2016. Some property owners have seen a significant increase over last year’s bill, and the county wants to make sure that eligible homeowners know about the three programs offered.

Below are details of those programs:

  • Elderly or disabled exclusion – this program is for homeowners at least 65 years old or who are totally or permanently disabled and whose 2023 income was $36,700 or less. The program excludes from taxation the first $25,000 or half (whichever is greater) of the assessed value of the permanent residence.
  • The circuit breaker tax deferment program limits the amount of annual property tax the owner owes. Taxes above a certain amount are deferred, but will be due – with interest – if there is a disqualifying event. This program requires the recipient apply each year; if annual income is $36,700 or less, taxes will be limited to 4 percent of  total income. If income is between $36,700 and $55,050, that limit is 5 percent.
  • A program for disabled veterans – or the unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran – excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence. For purposes of this program, a disabled veteran is defined as a veteran “whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions, and who has a total and permanent service-connected disability or who received benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101.” Although there is no age or income requirement for this program, part of the application must be completed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. For more info, about veterans services, visit  vancecounty.org … and click on departments and go to veterans-service-office

Find details on the three programs at:  www.vancecounty.org and click on departments then click on tax-overview and go to property-tax-relief-programs.

Or call the tax office at 252.738-2040 or email taxoffice@vancecounty.org.

Click Play!

 

Rebuild Communities NC, AARP Team Up To Offer Technology Classes For Senior Adults

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Information courtesy of Edythe Thompson, Rebuild Communities NC

Rebuild Communities NC has partnered with Senior Planet from AARP to help people over 50 learn new online skills. When you sign up for the Digital Skills Ready@50+ program, you’ll gain the essential skills you need to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Whether you’re hoping to stay connected with family and friends, interested in learning new technology, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for a job, the Digital Skills Ready@50+ lectures and workshops offer training on a wide range of technologies, from video conferencing and online job search tools to office productivity software.

To sign up for the classes, call Edythe Thompson at 252.915.1840 or email Deborah Hall-Robinson at dhallrobinson@gmail.com.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Perry Memorial Library’s Farm Bureau Room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The first session was held Tuesday, Sept. 10 and gave an overview of Smartphones.

Additional sessions include:

Thursday, Sept. 12: Finding information online

Tuesday, Sept. 17: Google Workspace

Thursday, Sept. 19: Google Maps

Tuesday, Sept. 24: Gmail Tips & Tricks

Thursday, Sept. 26: Staying Safe Online Workshop

Stay tuned for the October schedule, coming soon!

 

Local Government Commission Considers 2 Local Projects At Sept. 10 Meeting

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Vance County and the city of Henderson are on Tuesday’s agenda for assistance financing two water-related projects totalling close to $2 million.

The Local Government Commission is set to review more than $335 million in financing requests at its Sept. 10 meeting, according to a press release.

Vance County is asking for $1.6 million in U.S. Dept. of Agriculture revenue bonds to install 23.6 miles of water main lines to extend service to Kittrell Township for about 210 new connections, and also to refurbish Kittrell’s 100,000-gallon elevated water tank.

The city of Henderson is one of 16 municipalities from across the state set to be considered for loan approval from the State Revolving Fund to pay for surveys of lead water lines.

If approved, Henderson would get $400,000 to conduct the survey, which is required by the EPA and NC Dept. of Environmental Quality.

The inventory will show where lead water lines are located in anticipation of replacing them to protect public health, according to information from the LGA.

The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. in Raleigh at the Dept. of the State Treasurer, 3200 Atlantic Ave. Register to view the meeting online at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1960354907250441814

Rep. Sossamon Hosts Upcoming Forums About Dementia, Alzheimer’s

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State Rep. Frank Sossamon is hosting forums in Vance and Granville counties to share information with the community about Alzheimer’s disease and how to spot early-warning signs of dementia.

The first forum will be held on Monday, Sept. 23 at Clearview Church, 3485 US -158 Business in Henderson. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The second forum will be held Monday, Sept. 30 at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, 3237 Knotts Grove Rd. in Oxford, also from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lindsey Golden with the Alzheimer’s Association of NC and Michael Patterson with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging will educate and inform the public on the 10 early warning signs of dementia, as well as provide support for those living with the disease and for caregivers to those living with the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease, just one of many different types of dementia, is characterized by progress memory loss and cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 6.9 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s dementia.

Visit https://www.alz.org/about to learn more.

Bull Breeding Soundness Clinic

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There are a few slots left for the upcoming Bull Breeding Soundness Clinic that will take place Friday, Oct. 18 at the Granville County Livestock Arena in Oxford.

Contact Kim Woods at 919.603.1350 or Matthew Place at 919.495.2230 to reserve a time slot.

The breeding soundness exam is hosted by the cooperative extension services in Granville and Warren counties.

EnTech Mobile Lab Brings Technology To VCS Students

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Vance County Schools and community leaders were on hand Wednesday, Sept. 4 to officially roll out the EnTech Mobile Lab, a lab on wheels that will give students hands-on experiences with various forms of technology.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Vance County High School to launch the lab, during which time Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett thanked partner Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, the Vance County Public School Foundation and the team at the Center for Innovation for making the mobile lab a reality.

Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of Instruction and Innovation, along with Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott, HV Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson and Chamber Board Chair Margier White shared the impact this initiative will have on students in the district.

“The EnTech Mobile Lab exemplifies the district’s commitment to igniting interest in diverse career fields and ensuring that VCS students have access to innovative, experiential learning opportunities,” said Dr. Ross-Putney. “We are excited to see our students engage with these career-aligned stations, developing the skills and knowledge essential for the workforce of the future.”

The mobile classroom can offer cutting-edge learning opportunities to students throughout the district, providing students with hands-on exposure to STEM careers in real-world contexts.

The mobile lab travels to schools, delivering interactive experiences such as drone piloting, robotics, and virtual reality, all designed to foster critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. Each station provides students with valuable resources on the skills, coursework and education required for future careers, ensuring equitable access to career-focused learning experiences for all students.

The EnTech Mobile Lab provides tailored learning experiences that align with classroom needs, ensuring that the curriculum is enriched through experiential, hands-on activities. Through strong collaboration between the CFI team, school administrators, and teachers, the mobile lab will continue to deliver transformative educational experiences across the district.

The EnTech lab was established at the Center for Innovation in fall 2023 and Director Kristin Jeffreys, alongside Learning Specialists Stephen Jones and Patricia Burroughs, develop programs to enrich student learning.

Among the lab’s features are the Lu Interactive Playground, equipped with a laser projector, motion-sensing cameras and a robust sound system to foster immersive educational environments. Additional highlights include a dedicated drone cage, eSports capabilities and advanced robotics.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests got a chance to explore the mobile lab’s interactive stations and see demonstrations that included the zSpace lab, a drone zone, a robotic dog and an emergency simulation.

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. Chicken Plate Fundraiser Sept. 27

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It’s not too soon to be thinking about the fall barbecued chicken fundraiser at Rebuilding Hope, Inc. – circle Friday, Sept. 27 on the calendar and make plans to head over to eat in or pick up to-go plates.

The $10-a-plate dinners will be cooked and served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 414 Raleigh Rd., the location of RHI’s offices and warehouse.
The familiar menu will include green beans, potatoes and dessert.
Volunteers will deliver orders for five or more plates. Call and place your order. Dinners may be picked up in the drive-through area or enjoyed in the RHI dining room.
Volunteers are needed both the day before and the day of the fundraiser.
The day before, bread and desserts are bagged; cups are filled with barbecue sauce.

On fundraiser day, helping hands are needed to fill plates and keep the serving line supplied.

Visit https://rebuildinghopeinc.org/ to learn more about upcoming events and ways to help. For more information, call 252.438.5132 or email  info@rebuildinghopeinc.org

September Is Emergency Preparedness Month

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September is National Preparedness Month and Gov. Roy Cooper along with state emergency management officials are urging North Carolinians to review and update their emergency plans and supply kits.

“Recent events like Tropical Storm Debby that caused damage in our state highlight the importance of being prepared,” said Cooper. “It’s not a matter of if, but when North Carolina will face a significant storm or other disruptive events. We must be proactive and prepared.”

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, encourages all Americans to prepare for various types of emergencies. For resources on family disaster preparedness, visit ReadyNC.gov, which offers information on traffic, power outages, and shelters.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray highlighted the state’s comprehensive approach to preparedness: “In this all-hazards threat environment, we plan and train for a range of emergencies, including tropical and winter weather, critical infrastructure failure, cybersecurity incidents,and more. It’s crucial for North Carolinians to have an emergency plan and practice it, communicate it to family or friends, and maintain a well-stocked emergency supply kit with provisions for at least three to seven days.”

North Carolinians can check with their local emergency management offices to find out what local alerting resources are available in their community. Residents should enable emergency alerts on their mobile device to stay informed. Additionally, North Carolina’s Know Your Zone initiative helps eastern North Carolina residents and visitors understand evacuation procedures in coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other hazards. Learn more about your evacuation zone and how to prepare by visiting KnowYourZone.nc.gov.

CERT programs play a crucial role in community resilience, providing support in disaster aftermath and contributing to preparedness and response efforts.

Stay informed and prepared by following @NCEmergency on Twitter and Facebook throughout September for daily preparedness tips.