GRANVILLE COUNTY PARKS, GREENWAYS, AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Granville County Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee will host an open house for the public to review the draft results of the Granville County Recreation Master Plan.

The open house will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center (4185 US Highway 15, Oxford). The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All interested in attending can
drop by any time during that window to view the results and give feedback to county staff, elected officials, members of the advisory committee, and the consultant team.

The Recreation Master Plan will guide the future development and funding of recreation amenities in all parts of Granville County. County staff have worked with the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee to gather public input and develop strategies and goals for Granville County to achieve in the coming years.

For more information about the Granville County Recreation Master Plan, contact Deputy County Manager
Korena Weichel at (919) 603-1366 or email korena.weichel@granvillecounty.org.

GRANVILLE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS: The 2023 Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Effective with the 2023 Municipal Election, valid photo identification is required to vote. Information about approved forms of identification and North Carolina’s voter photo ID requirement can be found on the NC State Board of Elections website: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id

To verify your voter registration is current and valid, to view a sample ballot, or to confirm your precinct and polling place, please use the Board of Elections voter lookup tool: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.

An important note for this year’s election, the polling place formerly listed as Creedmoor Elementary School is now listed as G.C. Hawley Middle School, which relocated to the former location of Creedmoor Elementary (305 East Wilton Avenue, Creedmoor) earlier this year. Voters who are accustomed to voting at Creedmoor Elementary will still report to the same facility, which now has a different name.

A full list of precincts can be found here: https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp- content/uploads/2023/09/Precinct-List-Revised-July-2023-Voting-Locations-.pdf

Offices on 2023 Municipal Election Slate
• Town of Butner Council (3)
• Town of Butner Mayor
• City of Creedmoor Commissioner (3)
• City of Creedmoor Mayor
• City of Oxford Commissioner (3)
• City of Oxford Mayor
• Town of Stem Commissioner (2)
• Town of Stem Commissioner – Complete Unexpired Term
• Town of Stem Mayor
• Town of Stovall Commissioner (3)

For more information about voting in Granville County, please visit the Board of Elections website (https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/board-of-elections/) or call 919-693-2515.

HENDERSON, NC (October 27, 2023) — Vance-Granville Community College is excited to welcome Ramona Cox, Ed.D., as its incoming Associate Vice President of Student Services.

Cox is a proven educational leader with over 20 years of professional experience in higher education administration and student/academic support services. In addition, Cox holds 10 years of classroom teaching experience. Having a background in both academic and student affairs administration has afforded her the opportunity to effectively bridge these two areas in support of student success efforts.

Cox comes to Vance-Granville from Rio Salado College in Tempe, Arizona, where she served as the Dean of Student Affairs. Prior to this position, she served as the Executive Director for the Department of Defense STARBASE Maxwell program in Alabama. STARBASE is a nationally recognized STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education program that serves underserved and/or underrepresented student populations across the nation.

Cox has held several senior administrator positions within higher education, including Dean of Faculty & Student Services for Florida’s Miami Dade College and Division Director of Arizona’s Maricopa Center for Learning & Instruction (MCLI). During her time at Maricopa Community College, she and her team successfully supported the strategic efforts of ten college presidents, the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, and division administrators.

Cox previously spent more than a decade working at various North Carolina educational institutions, including the state’s public school and community college systems. In addition, she served as the Director of University - K-12 School Partnerships for North Carolina Central University and the Coordinator of Student Recruitment & Retention for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Education.

Cox holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership & Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a post-master’s certificate in College Teaching & Adult Learning from the same institution. She also holds two master’s degrees, including a Master of Arts in Instruction & Curriculum from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Dr. Cox is expected to assume her role at Vance-Granville Community College on November 13.

###

About Vance-Granville Community College: Established in 1969, VGCC is one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System. With a service area the size of Rhode Island, VGCC is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Contact: Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484

Granville County– October 30, 2023– Granville Health System (GHS) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Richard Pacca, who has been a dedicated Cardiologist at Granville Health System for more than 13 years, has made the significant decision to officially join our team as an employed provider at Granville Health System’s Granville Heart and Vascular practice. This move further solidifies Dr. Pacca's longstanding commitment to our community, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him as a permanent fixture within our healthcare family.

Dr. Pacca completed his medical journey at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and honed his skills during his residency in internal medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Subsequently, he acquired a specialized focus in cardiology during his fellowship at Lahey Clinical Medical Center in Burlington, MA. Over the years, Dr. Pacca has provided unparalleled service to Granville patients, demonstrating both clinical expertise and genuine compassion.

As a full-time provider at Granville Heart & Vascular, Dr. Pacca will continue to offer a wide range of cardiovascular services to our patients, including but not limited to:

• Diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions

• Cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing

• Interventional cardiology procedures

• Preventive cardiology and risk assessment

• Management of heart disease and related conditions

Dr. Pacca is known for his commitment to providing patient-centered care and fostering strong relationships with his patients. His passion for advancing cardiovascular health aligns perfectly with Granville Health System's mission to improve the well-being of the communities we serve.

Dr. Pacca stated, "I'm very excited to officially be a part of the GHS team. It's something I have thought about doing for a long time now, and I'm so glad we were able to make it happen. I look forward to working with GHS to improve Granville Heart and Vascular and cardiology care in the local community.”

Adam McConnell, Granville Health System's CEO, emphasized the significance of Dr. Pacca's move. "Having Dr. Pacca as a full-time member emphasizes the strength and continuity of our commitment to heart health. His immense knowledge and heartfelt dedication will continue to be assets we, and the community, treasure."

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Pacca at Granville Heart & Vascular, please reach out at 919-690-8853.

For a deeper insight into Granville Health System and our wide array of services, visit ghshospital.org.

Media Contact:

Lauren B. Roberson

Marketing & Foundation Director

919.690.2148

lbroberson@granvillemedical.com

OXFORD, NC – October 24, 2023 –Granville Health System (GHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam McConnell as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization. The decision was made by the Granville Health System Board of Trustees, following a comprehensive search process, and will take effect immediately.

David Smith, Chairman of the GHS Board of Trustees, commented, "The Board of Trustees is thrilled to officially appoint Adam McConnell as Granville Health's CEO," stated David Smith, Chair of the GHS Board of Trustees. "Adam's extensive experience within our organization, coupled with his strategic vision for healthcare delivery, made him the clear choice to lead us into the future. We have full confidence that his leadership will enhance our ability to provide top-quality care to our community."

Having devoted over five years to GHS, Adam McConnell's leadership has been instrumental. In his role as CFO, he brought innovative financial strategies to the forefront, bolstered hospital operations, and consistently championed the pursuit of excellence in Granville County's Health System. His tenure is marked by visionary leadership complemented by a consistent record of achievements within our organization.

Reflecting on his appointment, Adam McConnell remarked, “I am profoundly grateful for this new responsibility. My commitment remains steadfast to the ideals and objectives that position GHS as a pillar of trust in healthcare for our community. Alongside our passionate team, our focus will be unwavering on patient-centric care, and active community involvement.”

The Board of Trustees and the entire GHS community are excited about this appointment and look forward to the continued growth and success of Granville Health System under Mr. McConnell's leadership.

Granville Health System reaffirms its enduring pledge to provide unparalleled care and services to the residents of Granville County and its neighboring areas.

About Granville Health System:

For over a century, Granville Health System has been at the forefront of quality healthcare. To cater to the evolving needs of its community, Granville Health System has extended its services throughout Granville County, ensuring convenient medical care access for its residents. The Granville Health System main campus can be found at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more details, visit GHS online at www.ghsHospital.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lauren Roberson, Marketing & Foundation Director

919-690-2148

lbroberson@granvillemedical.com

GRANVILLE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: The Granville County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants to fill roles on several citizen advisory boards and committees. Most positions will be filled by citizens who reside in the district listed, but final appointment decisions are at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. Additionally, some positions must be filled by residents that reside within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of a municipality (ETJ), which is roughly a one-mile radius outside of the municipal limits. These appointees serve as county representatives on those municipal advisory boards.

Applications are available on the Granville County website at this link: https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BOC-Application-PDF2023.pdf. Completed applications should be returned to Debra Weary, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, by email at debra.weary@granvillecounty.org, hand delivered in person to the County Administration Office located at 104 Belle Street in Oxford, or by mail to PO Box 906 Oxford, NC 27565 to the attention of Debra Weary.

To verify your district, please visit the NC State Board of Elections website: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/ Look for the district number beside “County Commissioner” under “your jurisdictions.” If you need additional information, contact the Granville County Addressing and GIS Mapping Coordinator at 919-692-1278.

Detailed information about each committee can be found on the Granville County website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/other-boards-commissions/.

Vacant seats are available for the following boards and committees:

• Adult Home Care Community Advisory Committee (two At-Large seats). New members must complete a 36-hour training course completed in three phases.

• Butner Board of Adjustment (ETJ Alternate, should reside in District 7). The Butner Board of Adjustmentmeets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

• Butner Planning Board (ETJ, should reside in District 7). The Butner Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

• Granville County Planning Board (District 7). The Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

• Human Relations Commission (Districts 6 and 7). The Human Relations Commission meets monthly on Mondays at 7 p.m.

• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (District 7). The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council meets monthly on
Fridays at 10 a.m.

• Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (At-Large). New members must complete a 36-hour training course completed in three phases.

• Oxford Planning Board (ETJ – two seats). The Oxford Planning Board meets monthly on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

• Social Services (one appointed by Granville County and one appointed by the NC Social Services Commission). The Board of Social Services meets monthly on Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

The State of NC recently completed its annual inspection of all GCPS buses, including an audit of the Transportation Department’s inventory, control processes, and safety records. In conducting the inspection, officials assign point values to violations or defects, so the lower the score, the better the overall results. For the fourth year in a row, GCPS received an overall score better than the state average. 

This year’s score was 14.50, which was not only lower than last year’s score of 23.33 but also the district's best score ever. While this year’s bus inspections are ongoing in the region, the average for other schools in our region last year was 34.21. After reviewing the final official report, Superintendent Winborne offered his thoughts, saying, “Our Transportation Department has consistently shown they are dedicated to ensuring our bus fleet is as safe as possible for our students and staff. For the second year in a row, there were zero problems related to major safety violations with regard to brakes, tires, steering, or fuel leaks on our yellow school buses. The Transportation Department has done an excellent job.” 

All public school transportation departments receive an annual inspection from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and use a standardized inspection process. This process is extremely strict and allows for minimal errors of any kind related to the safe operation of school buses. 

Dr. Winborne went on to say, “While this report shows outstanding work from our Transportation Department, it also reflects our bus drivers’ daily commitment to bus safety. Our drivers are on the front lines of keeping our students safe as we transport them to and from school. Their contribution to our education program is immeasurable.” 

Dr. Chris Ham, the Director of Transportation, offered his perspective, stating, “We have worked hard to continue the trend of excellence in the GCPS Transportation Department. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of each person on this team. The score we earned this year is just one reflection of how seriously each member of our team takes this job. I am proud of this team.”

HENDERSON, NC (October 16, 2023) – Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) has teamed up with Richmond Community College to offer a new 911 telecommunications program to residents of Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

The two community colleges recently signed an agreement that will allow students at VGCC to enroll in RichmondCC’s online program to obtain an associate degree in 911 Communications & Operations. VGCC students will complete a majority of the core courses and the work-based learning portion of the program through RichmondCC while completing other general education requirements at VGCC.

“VGCC is pleased to partner with Richmond Community College to offer the 911 operator degree. Collaborations like these allow us to offer needed training and credentials to our community while being fiscally responsible,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC.

The online degree program provides a pathway for individuals who are interested in starting a career in this field, as well as providing skills enhancement for those already working as 911 telecommunicators.

The college curriculum program was developed when the NC 911 Board reached out to RichmondCC about a need for standardization in training 911 telecommunicators, plus a need to help elevate this career field. The college worked closely with the NC 911 Board and the NC Department of Information Technology to construct the online program.

“We appreciate Vance-Granville coming on board in this collaborative career training partnership to give 911 telecommunicators, who are true public servants, better educational opportunities and career growth,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “We look forward to working with our neighbors in the Piedmont.”

Unique in the state of North Carolina, RichmondCC’s 911 Communications & Operations program welcomed its first class of students during the fall 2023 semester.

RichmondCC has been reaching out to other community colleges in the state to make the 911 telecommunications program and its resources available to more students. VGCC is the fourth NC community college to create such a partnership with RichmondCC; Bladen Community College, Gaston College, and Stanly Community College will also be extending the program to their students.

Richmond Community College’s Main Campus is in the city of Hamlet, located near the South Carolina border between the cities of Charlotte and Fayetteville.

For more information about the online 911 Communications & Operations associate degree, call RichmondCC at 910-410-1700. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Leaders from Vance-Granville Community College stand with leaders from Richmond Community College. Pictured from left to right: Jamison Sears, RichmondCC 911 Communications & Operations Program Coordinator; Dr. Miriam Huntley, RichmondCC Dean of Business Technologies & Public Services; Kevin Parsons, RichmondCC Vice President for Instruction; Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC President; Dr. Kim Sepich, VGCC Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success; and Dr. Brandy Bowling, VGCC Dean of Arts & Sciences.

Raleigh, N.C. – October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the lives and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome, while raising awareness about the challenges they face and advocating for inclusivity and acceptance.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects approximately one in every 700 births in the United States, making it the most common chromosomal condition. Despite the challenges, individuals with Down syndrome lead fulfilling lives and make significant contributions to their communities.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to engage in meaningful conversations, challenge stereotypes, and foster a society where everyone is valued and included, regardless of their abilities or differences.

"Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a great opportunity to empower individuals with Down syndrome and encourage understanding and inclusion," said N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, R-Granville, Vance.

The National Down Syndrome Society enjoys celebrating individuals with Down syndrome all throughout the year, but especially in October. This year, NDSS is encouraging supporters to get involved in the following ways:

Join their 21 Day Inclusion Challenge

Join the Facebook Group Challenge yourself this October and commit to accomplishing a goal of your choice for 21 days out of the month. Join our Facebook group and start your fundraiser today and connect with other individuals in the community. Keep raising money to earn more swag!

Send a DSAM E-card

Make a donation to NDSS and send an e-card in honor of someone to celebrate this month!

Share our Down Syndrome Awareness Month facts on your social media channels. You can use the version we created or take the template and add your own photos on Canva.

Download DSAM Fact Cards*You will need to click 'Download' in the top left corner to access the zip file of 31 fact cards and an intro card to share on social media throughout the month of October!

Download editable DSAM Fact Cards*You can download an editable version and add your own photos of your loved ones through Canva

To learn more about Down syndrome and get involved in your local community, please visit https://ndss.org.

Contact Clai Keel, (919) 733-5824

###

The North Carolina General Assembly gave final approval to the 2023-24 Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget appropriates $30 billion to fund new projects across the state, including significant investments in water and sewer improvements, transportation, school safety, teacher and state employee raises, and economic development.

Over the biennium, taxes will be cut by $1.2 billion for families and businesses, ensuring hardworking citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money. Furthermore, the Rainy-Day Fund grows to nearly $5 billion for potential economic downturns and natural disasters.

Locally, Rep. Frank Sossamon secured the following items in the budget for Granville & Vance Counties:

1. $11.5 million for Vance-Granville Community College Advanced Manufacturing Center and Related Equipment

2. $10 million for City of Oxford Kerr Lake Regional Water

3. $5 million for Maria Parham Healthcare Center, Inc. Capital Improvements or Equipment for Improving Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outcome

4. $5 million for South Granville Water & Sewer

5. $4 million for Vance County Water

6. $3 million for Vance-Granville Community College Capital Improvements or Equipment for Transportation Center

7. $2.93 million for Dillon Juvenile Detention Center in Butner

8. $1 million for Granville County Economic Development

9. $691,536 for Vance County Sheriff’s Office Body-Worn Cameras and Other Equipment

10. $500,000 for Town of Butner Infrastructure Study & Downtown Revitalization

11. $500,000 for City of Henderson Aeronautics Authority Water Line Extension

12. $283,875 for the Division of Central Management to expand existing apprenticeship placements through Rural Health Group Inc.

13. $250,000 for City of Creedmoor City Hall Renovation

14. $200,000 for City of Henderson Water and Sewer

15. $150,000 for Vance County Economic Development

“I look forward to seeing the great impact these projects will have on my community,” said Rep. Sossamon (R-Vance, Granville). “This budget will allow our state to continue to receive recognition as a great place to own a business and live.”

The budget also includes additional funding for teacher pay supplements in rural and underserved areas. This will bring a yearly pay boost of $4,466 for Granville County and $4,158 for Vance County teachers.

Statewide budget highlights include:

1. 7.4% raise for teachers

2. 7% raise for state employees

3. 9% raise for bus drivers

4. 4% cost-of-living bonus for state retirees

5. Universal private K-12 school tuition assistance

6.  $2 billion for water and sewer improvement projects

7. $620 million for behavioral mental health programs

8. $70 million for school safety grants

GRANVILLE COUNTY VETEARNS SERVICES: Granville County recently welcomed Donique LaMar as the new  Veterans Services Technician (VST). LaMar will work under the direction of Veterans Services Officer (VS0) Albert  “A.J.” Spiess to assist local Veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access Veterans  resources at the state and federal level. 

Originally from Columbus, Georgia, LaMar comes to Granville County with five years of service in the United  States Marine Corps along with sixteen years of experience in various public sector fields including electrical  system maintenance, logistics, and customer service. He joined the Marine Corps in September 2001, just days  before September 11th and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom One and Operation Iraqi Freedom Two as Aviation  Technician in Electronic Countermeasures. LaMar was deployed consecutively for more than twelve months during this time. LaMar spent most of his military career stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Onslow County, NC. He achieved the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL) before leaving military service in 2006. 

Since entering civilian life, LaMar has earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s  degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He currently resides in Butner and has a five year old son. 

“I am honored and privileged to serve the Veterans of Granville County as their new Veterans Services  Technician,” said LaMar. “Serving and working with Veterans and their families has become my passion. I’m  excited to work with VSO A.J. Spiess to continue to improve the critical services offered by the Veterans Services  Office and make Granville County a top destination for Veterans to live. I know that my life experience, both  successes and failures, has led me to this position where my life experience will enable me to help Veterans who  have experienced similar moments in their life.” 

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro Street, Oxford with a satellite office  at Creedmoor City Hall (111 Masonic Street, Creedmoor). The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30  a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the Oxford location and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Creedmoor. To learn  more about the services and programs offered, visit the Granville County website  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/) or call 919-693-1484.