Posts written by Lynn Allred

Commemorative book available for holiday gift-giving

Posted Dec. 1, 2021

In celebration of Granville County’s 275th anniversary, the commemorative book by local author Lewis Bowling is available for Christmas gift giving!

Looking Back: 275 Years of Granville County History can be ordered online from the Granville County Government website or can be purchased at a convenient location near you. Point of sale sites include:

• * Ace Hardware, 119 Hillsboro Street, Oxford;
• * Berea Branch Library, US 158, Oxford;
• * Butner Town Hall, 415 Central Avenue;
• * Creedmoor City Hall, 111 Masonic Street;
• * Granville County Chamber of Commerce, 124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford;
• * Granville County Administration Office, 104 Belle Street, Oxford;
• * Granville County Historical Society Museum, 1 Museum Lane, Oxford;
• * Oxford Public Ledger, 200 West Spring Street, Oxford;
• * Richard H. Thornton Library, 210 Main Street, Oxford;
• * Stovall Branch Library, 200 Main Street, Oxford;
• * South Branch Library, 1550 South Campus Drive, Oxford;
• * This ‘n That, 125 Main Street, Oxford.

A limited number of signed copies of Granville County’s 275th Anniversary book are also available!

Call 919-603-1308 for more details on this commemorative keepsake editon, or click here to visit the 275th Anniversary website: 275 Y.ears of History in Granville County – Granville County.

Heggie completes leadership development program

Posted Nov. 30, 2021

Monique R. Heggie, Internal Auditor for Granville County Government, has completed the “Leading for Results” program at the UNC School of Government as a Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) Fellow. Heggie was among 120 candidates to apply during a competitive selection process and was one of only 24 participants selected to participate in the leadership training program.

The “Leading for Results” program focuses on personal and professional development while introducing participants to management and leadership tools and strategies. LGFCU Fellows have an opportunity to gain insight into their individual leadership styles and strengths while practicing ways to improve effectiveness within their organizations.

As Internal Auditor for Granville County Government, Heggie assists the management staff in evaluating the efficiency of operations, while ensuring that the County has an effective operating system of internal controls. Her responsibilities also include ensuring that departments and employees follow proper policies and procedures through reviews and assessments.

“The Fellows program allowed me to engage with and learn from other government representatives with different careers across the state,” Heggie said of her experience. “My key takeaway was that ‘leadership is an action, not a position.’ Overall, it was a very positive experience.”

Heggie successfully completed the leadership program on Oct. 15.

To learn more about courses, publications, programs, and services provided by the UNC School of Government, please visit www.sog.unc.edu or call 919-966-5381.

Tourism Development Authority awarded for marketing campaign

Posted November 18, 2021

The Granville Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recently recognized with a Gold Award in Community Relations by the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA). The TDA earned the top honor for its virtual “Gathering in Granville County” campaign, a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has greatly impacted the tourism industry, causing us to miss out on events that bring visitors to our area,” said Angela Allen, Executive Director of the TDA. “We realized that members of our community were also missing out on opportunities to gather together, so this campaign was designed to help connect everyone virtually, encouraging the idea to get out and about while still practicing social distancing.”

Through this campaign, the TDA created a series of fun and safe social media “challenges” that showcased Granville County, taking advantage of the time of year to create outings that ranged from “Snow Day” activities to strawberry picking. On average, each installment of the campaign, which encouraged community involvement on Facebook and Instagram, reached approximately 7,000 people and created more than 250 engagements each.

“From an Association perspective, we especially value this award because it signifies how important the citizens of our state and Granville County are in delivering the unique and lasting memories found in North Carolina,” said Vince Chelena, Executive Director of the NCTIA. 

Wit Tuttell, Director of Visit NC Tourism, added that the NCTIA Award highlights the unique relationship Allen and the TDA has with Granville County.

“This is the second premier NCTIA award in the last three years for Angela,” Tuttell said. “It’s not a coincidence that both awards were based on community relations. It really shows the love and appreciation she has for her community.”

While the award was officially presented to the TDA, Allen credits the role the community played to the success of the campaign. “Everyone came together and created this campaign, and the TDA pushed it out on social media,” Allen said. “This is an award I accepted on behalf of the greater Granville community.”

For more information on this marketing campaign or to learn more about tourism events in Granville County, contact Allen by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or by phone at 919-693-6125. Those interested may also visit the Granville County Tourism website at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To learn more about the North Carolina Travel Industry Association, the premiere tourism association in the state, please visit nctia.travel.

“Thank A Vet” program continues through Register of Deeds Office

(Posted November 16, 2021): The Granville County Register of Deeds continues to provide Veterans with a FREE service through the “Thank A Vet” program. Initiated in 2019, the program provides a photo ID card that can be used for discounts at participating businesses and organizations in Granville County. This service is available to all Veterans who register – or have already registered – their DD214 form.

To register, Veterans should bring a valid, state-issued driver’s license or identification card, such as a military ID, and an original DD214 form.

If the DD214 form has already been registered through the Granville County Register of Deeds office, record verification will be provided prior to issuing the “Thank A Vet” program ID card.

Businesses and organizations offering discounts through this program include Air Works Heating and Air, Art and Antique Gallery of Oxford, Black’s Tire Service, Butner Car Care Service, Comfort Inn and Suites, Georges of Oxford, Granville Family Dentistry, Granville Little Theater, Dr. Mark Bostic (DDS), Mazatlan of Oxford, NAPA Auto Parts, Next Level Fitness of Butner. O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Oxford Car and Truck, Oxford Veterinary Hospital, Peace Point Guest House and Retreat, Premier Eye Institute, Professional Pharmacy, S.T. Owen Electric, Select Heating and Air Conditioning, Southern States of Oxford and Creedmoor, The Hub on Main, This ‘n That, Tobacco Wood Brewing, Verizon Wireless, and Whitco Termite and Pest Control. In addition, there are discounts on rental services at Lake Rogers in Creedmoor, Granville Athletic Park, and the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.

The Granville County Register of Deeds Office is located at 101 Main Street in Oxford, inside the Courthouse Building, and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact Kathy Taylor, Register of Deeds, at 919-693-6314, or at kathy.taylor@granvillecounty.org.

Annual “Fall Clean Out” scheduled for November 20

On Saturday, Nov. 20, residents of Granville County can bring recyclable and hazardous household items to the Expo and Convention Center in Oxford as the annual “Fall Clean Out” is held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Items to be collected for recycling and/or safe disposal include paint* and paint-related materials, household cleaners, old gasoline, drain cleaners, fluorescent light tubes, scrap metal, electronics, batteries of all types, pesticides/fungicides/herbicides, outdated medications, inhalers, sharps, diabetic supplies, ammunition, propane tanks, flares and fireworks.

In addition, an on-site document shredding service will be provided, as well as a collection station for donations of pet supplies such as dog/cat food, leashes, collars, crates, pet beds, kitty litter and towels.

“Last year’s event resulted in the collection of more than 26 tons of materials for recycling and proper disposal,” said Teresa Baker, Granville County’s Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator. “We are looking forward to another successful collection day and invite all Granville County residents to participate.”

Assistance will be provided at each designated station for convenient unloading. For more details, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

*Limit 15 paint cans per vehicle

Commissioners observe Dysautonomia Awareness Month

Proclamation for Dysautonomia Awareness Month

WHEREAS, dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “automatic” bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control and more.  Dysautonomia impacts over 70 million people around the world, and includes conditions such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy, vasovagal syncope, pure autonomic failure, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race or background, including many individuals living in Granville County;

WHEREAS, dysautonomia can be very disabling. This disabling, and this disability can result in social isolation, stress on the families of those impacted, and financial hardship. Some forms of dysautonomia can result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones;

WHEREAS, increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed, treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in our community.  Dysautonomia International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages communities to celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October around the world. We seek to recognize the contribution of medical professionals, patients and family members who are working to educate our citizenry about dysautonomia in Granville County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Commissioners of the County of Granville, State of North Carolina, does hereby proclaim the month of October as DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH.

This the 18th Day of October, 2021.

Free mulch available at Oxford Landfill through October 30

FREE MULCH is available at the Oxford Landfill from now until Oct. 30. Pickup times are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon, while supplies last.

Those interested are asked to check in at the weigh scales and staff will coordinate the loading of your mulch.

The Oxford Landfill is located at 6595 Landfill Road in Oxford. For more information, please contact Jason Falls at 919-691-0928.

Rabies clinic scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23

A FREE rabies clinic for dogs and cats has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23 at Union Bank in Oxford. Hours are from 9 am. until 11 a.m. for one- and three-year vaccines. Pet owners must have proof of prior rabies vaccination (paper certificate) before the three-year shot can be administered. (Rabies tags will not be accepted as proof.)

All dogs must be on a leash and all cats are to be in a carrier.

Union Bank is located at 108 College Street in Oxford. For more information, please contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749.  

Positive rabies test reported in Creedmoor area

Granville County Animal Control reports that a potentially rabid animal had been reported in the area of Lake Ridge Road and Bruce Garner Road in Creedmoor on Oct. 8. Testing confirmed that the skunk picked up from that location had rabies.

Animal Control Officers remind that per NC General Statute 130A-185, pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) over four months of age should have current rabies vaccinations, and that one-year vaccines are available by appointment for dogs and cats at the Granville County Animal Shelter. Vaccination hours are Monday through Friday from noon until 4:30 p.m. Cost for the vaccine is only $6.00.

The Granville County Animal Shelter is located at 515 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. Call 919-693-6749 for an appointment or for more information. 

To view NCGS 130A-185 and its requirements, please visit G.S. 130A-185 (ncleg.net).

For more information about rabies from Granville County Animal Control, please click here.

Tourism Director certified as ‘Travel Marketing Professional’

Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) Director Angela Allen has completed a three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College, earning certification as a Travel Marketing Professional. The recent graduate was among sixty travel industry professionals recognized during the STS Connections Conference in Spartanburg, SC on Sept. 28.  

Allen has served as GTDA Tourism Director since April of 2015. Through this role, she is responsible for administrative and marketing work in the promotion of travel and tourism in Granville County, bringing visitors to the area and working to increase visitor spending at local events and attractions. In 2017, Allen was named a “Rising Star” in the tourism industry as she was recognized with the Visit NC Destination Marketing Award for bringing statewide attention to the county she serves.

The STS Marketing College Program provides tools and working knowledge to travel and tourism professionals that can be immediately implemented in the promotion of destinations, attractions, and events. Topics covered in the training include online marketing strategies, the creation of effective print publications, research strategies, community engagement, economic impact, and budgeting.

As a Travel Marketing Professional, Allen joins more than 1,200 Travel Marketing Professionals completing the program since it began in 1992, and is part of a network that includes members from 13 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the Southeast Tourism Society, please visit SoutheastTourism.org. To learn more about tourism in Granville County, please click here: http://visitgranvillenc.com.