TownTalk: Lack Of Accredited Childcare Centers Locally And Across N.C.

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There are many challenges that face today’s working parents, no doubt about it. Who stays home with a sick child, for instance? And what about arranging carpools for after-school sports practices? And let’s not even get started on homework and preparing dinner.

But those challenges can pale by comparison to the challenges that come with finding quality child care for infants and toddlers – what’s a parent to do when there’s a wait list or when there simply are no satisfactory options?

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon doesn’t have the answers, but he said finding a solution begins with raising awareness through a couple of forums, the first of which takes place in Henderson on Tuesday, April 30.

“I’m trying to create awareness and then provide education…so we can move forward as a community,” Sossamon said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. The forum for the general public begins at 6 p.m. at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St.

Sossamon said the state of childcare is getting close to crisis level, with parents of young children finding either not enough options for adequate childcare centers or wait lists for centers to accept their child.

“They are not babysitting centers,” Sossamon emphasized, “they are child development centers” that support emotional, physical, psychological and nutritional development of young children so that they are prepared to start kindergarten.

Dr. Tony Cozart, director of Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, said that when he was a school principal, he could tell which kindergartners had attended a quality childcare center. “They were far ahead of those who hadn’t,” he said. Those who hadn’t had the benefit of a quality childcare experience are “children who will be behind from Day 1,” Cozart said.

Some experts have said this area is a “childcare desert,” citing statistics like five children are vying for a single spot in a child care center.

Sossamon said it’s staffing – of lack thereof – that holds childcare centers back from being able to open up spaces. Federal money that was used during the COVID-19 pandemic are drying up, and it’s going to affect childcare centers as much as any other sector, from public education to small businesses.

Cozart described what’s happening as “a slow death.” Existing centers remain open, but maybe they have to eliminate a classroom, reducing the number of children it can enroll. “The next thing you know, you don’t have enough (students and money) to function,” he said.

The upcoming forums will have an information session from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more about starting a childcare center. Entrepreneurs and others, including area church representatives, are invited to attend.

Sossamon said he would encourage churches to make use of existing facilities and consider launching a childcare center.

“If churches would look at it as an extension of their ministries,” he said, “a childcare center is is a good way to attract young families.”

Sossamon said he expects the childcare situation to be a topic during the upcoming legislative short session. “If we don’t get some additional dollars to fund those day care centers, they’ll fall off the cliff…because they don’t have the money to operate.”

He said it’s all of our responsibilities to help childcare centers survive – maybe there’s something that local government, or businesses or individuals can do to support them, Sossamon said.

He and his fellow legislators are going to have to come up with some money for childcare centers across the state – they understand the seriousness of the situation, and he emphasized the negative economic impact a lack of childcare can have in our own area.

“When we’re recruiting industry to come to our community, if we don’t have childcare, then there’s 99 other counties that they can look at,” Sossamon said. “We’ll miss out because of the lack of childcare centers.”

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Henderson CommUnity Cleanup Day Friday

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Friday’s Clean Up CommUnity Day will bring together groups and individuals from across the city who are going to roll up their sleeves and fill up bags with trash that’s cluttering up  Henderson’s roadsides.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said that having days like these serve to not only make the community cleaner and more attractive for residents, but it also helps to put the city’s best foot forward.

“We spread out throughout Henderson and we pick up litter,” Blackmon said. It’s a coordinated effort with NCDOT’s Clean Sweep initiative, and Blackmon said city crews would be on hand to pick up the filled bags as quickly as possible.

Participants can give a quick call to city crews when they’ve filled bags and Blackmon said they’ll go pick them up, same day. “We like getting bags up as quickly as we can to show the impact as quickly as we can.”

Things get underway at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 25. Contact Cindy Norwood at 252.430.5702 to sign up and to get information about getting bags and gloves to use for the clean-up event.

With each bag that gets filled, whether at the interchange at I-85 and U.S. 1, along downtown sidewalks or on Andrews Avenue, Blackmon said there’s a focus on making the city more attractive.

In fact, the clean-up event “goes a long way in what we’re trying to do,” Blackmon said, to meet the number 1 priority of the City Council’s strategic plan, which is to improve the appearance and perception of the community. “Efforts like this go a long way to help us meet that goal,” he said.

Henderson’s Ward 4 at-large Council Member Tami Walker is planning to have a team of 15-20 participants in her district out taking part in the event, Blackmon said.

Of course, keeping trash off the streets and placing it in proper receptacles is the ideal goal, and Blackmon said collaboration with local schools is one way to help educate the younger generation.

“If we start early enough, (students) can help reinforce what they’re learning about” and reduce litter.

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Granville Teen Court Group Brings Home Top Honors At Competition

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

 

Members of the Granville County Teen Court walked away with top honors at the recent Teen Court Statewide Mock Trial Summit Competition held over the weekend in Concord.

Seven youth from Granville County joined more than 200 others from across the state to showcase their skills in the 26th annual competition, hosted by the N.C. Teen Court Association. They assumed roles of attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and defendants to compete against other counties’ teams. Participants and their roles were: Defense Attorneys Cristina Portillo-Martinez and Jazlyn Usher, Prosecutors Joydan Johnson and Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Clerk of Court Iesha Landis, Bailiff Cassie Peele, and Defendant Caitlynne Horton.

These students dedicated weeks of diligent practice to perfecting their roles leading up to the competition. Amidst their regular schoolwork, extracurricular activities and ongoing Teen Court responsibilities, they carved out time to come in for extra sessions on evenings, Saturday mornings, and even during school breaks to prepare. Their perseverance paid off immensely as the team emerged victorious, claiming 1st place in the state competition. Additionally, two members received special recognition for their outstanding performance in the courtroom. Jazlyn Usher was honored with the title of “Best Attorney Courtroom A” in the Defense’s trial, while Jermaine Puryear, Jr. received accolades as “Best Attorney for Courtroom B” in the Prosecution’s trial, as well as the prestigious title of “Best Overall Prosecuting Attorney” across all courtroom trials.

Apart from the Mock Trial competition, the objectives for the three-day event encompassed several key goals: assembling volunteers from all Teen Courts across North Carolina; enhancing volunteer effectiveness in the courtroom; gaining practical experience through the Mock Trial Competition; fostering friendships; and exchanging information and experiences. On Friday night, youth engaged in a  team-building workshop. Following a tense morning of mock trial competition, students were treated to much-needed stress relief and fun at the Great Wolf Lodge water park. On Saturday night, they enjoyed a Dinner Theater presentation titled, “The Douglass-Lincoln

Debates, A One-Act Play and Discussion Event.” The play centered on the authentic and sometimes awkward humanity and vulnerability of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Before the awards were given out,  Glenn Smith, the executive director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc., gave a presentation to discuss restorative justice and the advantages of diversion programs like Teen Court.

Granville County Extension Director Charissa Puryear accompanied the group.

“This was an exhilarating moment for our youth volunteers,” Puryear said. “Throughout the year, they have dedicated themselves to serving the youth of Granville County through their teen court program. These young volunteers commit their time to offering an alternative for youth offenders in the county. The NCTCA summit provided them with the chance to showcase their skills among participants from across the state, and I am immensely proud of their dedication and achievements. As Granville County Teen Court marks its 15th anniversary this year, our volunteers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment and excellence.”

Granville County Teen Court gets funding support from agencies like Granville County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) and the County of Granville. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office also supports the effort, as well as the schools the students attend.

Key support comes from adult volunteers who play a crucial role in the Teen Court program, including Judge Katherine Burnette, S. Quon Bridges, and Lori Dutra, who provide invaluable support and feedback during Teen Court sessions, and who prepare youth for competitions throughout the year. Committed volunteers such as Tiana Jones, Nancy Pifer, Carol Wheeless, and Sonia Hernandez demonstrate unwavering dedication to supporting the youth and the program as well.

National Day Of Prayer Observance May 2 At Oxford City Hall

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The National Day of Prayer 2024 is Thursday, May 2 and a local pastor is having a prayer gathering in Oxford as part of the observance.

A Christian group headed up by Pastor Bruce LeGates will hold a Christian prayer gathering at 12 noon at the Veterans Memorial in front of Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St., the same location that has been used for many years.  You are invited and asked to invite your church and Christian friends to gather, join together in faith, and thank God and pray for his gift to us of these United States of America. For more information ahead of time, call Pastor LeGates at 919.497.6427.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Mini Gardening

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day May 7 In Downtown Raleigh

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The Alzheimer’s Association is sponsoring North Carolina Advocacy Day on Tuesday, May 7 in downtown Raleigh to promote awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The Eastern and Western chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association are teaming up to turn the State Capitol area purple from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but they need your help.

The event is free, but registration is required to ensure an accurate headcount. Attendees will be asked to participate in a training call prior to the event.  Sign up at tinyurl.com/ALZNCStateAdvocacyDay2024 or by calling 800-272-3900.

The event begins at the North Carolina Museum of History and will be an opportunity for the public and those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to take action and speak up for the needs and rights of people living with and their families. Attendees will learn about the legislative process, meet face-to-face with elected officials, share their stories with key decision makers and bring awareness to the importance of the Alzheimer’s Association’s public policy priorities.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most critical public health issues in America,” said Katherine L. Lambert, Alzheimer’s Association regional leader for the Carolinas and Georgia.

“This is why we unrelentingly advocate for public policies that increase quality of life and support all those affected,” Lambert said. “Representation from our communities across North Carolina is paramount. That’s why we urge as many people as possible to join us for our North Carolina Advocacy Day. By working together, we are making an impact.”

Attendees will hear an overview of the public health crisis of Alzheimer’s in North Carolina. They will also learn more about North Carolina’s first and only dementia-specific state respite care plan, Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty), including its current funding limits and why a funding increase has become necessary.  Advocates will be speaking to elected officials and their designated representatives regarding a few key areas:

  • Codifying the Dementia-Capable North Carolina State Plan to ensure infrastructure is established to address the growing dementia crisis.
  • Establishing evidence-based training for court appointed guardians for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
  • Learning of the importance of dementia-specific training for all Adult Protective Services workers in the field throughout North Carolina.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s at alz.org/facts.

Franklin Judicial Complex Expansion Could Begin As Early As October 2024

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The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved the next steps in the judicial complex expansion project

Oakley Collier Architects presented the updated site plan and building layouts for a renovated Courthouse Annex and a three-story addition to commissioners at their April meeting.

Construction could begin as early as October.

Back in October 2019, county leaders made the project a priority and commissioners approved funding for initial surveys and designs in November 2021. A few months after that, commissioners got a judicial update which provided options for placement of the judicial complex on the site. Ultimately, locating expanded facilities adjacent to the current Courthouse Annex in Louisburg minimized the need for more new construction.

This project is brought about by the population growth the county has experiences in recent years, which brings with it increased demands to the courts system and other offices housed in the facility, including the clerk of court’s office.

Dockets for District Court and Superior Court have grown as the County population has increased which has expanded District Attorney staff numbers.

According to N.C. General Statute 7A-302, “each county in which a district court has been established, courtrooms, office space for juvenile court counselors and support staff…shall be provided by the county….”

Legislators granted $15 million in the new state budget to be used for the construction of judicial facilities in Franklin County – taking some of the financial burden off of Franklin County and its taxpayers. The funds must be used by October 2025 per the FY23 State Budget.

 

“Franklin County leadership appreciates the support for this identified need from our state legislators,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.

Franklin County Historic Courthouse (Historic Courthouse) was built in the mid-1800s and has served for nearly 200 years. It was last renovated in 2014. The building houses the Clerk of Superior Court offices, Superior Court Courtroom and the Resident Superior Court Judge and supporting staff.

The Judge Hamilton H. Hobgood Courthouse Annex (Courthouse Annex) was built in 1995 – the last judicial construction in Franklin County – after the County renovated a hardware store to expand judicial facilities.  The Courthouse Annex contains the District Courtroom, a portion of the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, and the Resident District Court Judge and supporting staff offices. The Register of Deeds is also located in the Courthouse Annex.

Both buildings house portions of the District Attorney’s office, Guardian ad Litem and Juvenile Justice offices.

SportsTalk: Lee Dreams Of National Title For Louisburg College Softball

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Louisburg College Softball Coach Eric Lee has a dream.  “I’ve always dreamed of bringing a national title to Louisburg College,” Lee said.  Lee was a guest on Thursday’s SportsTalk.  Sometimes dreams can be funny things though and this year those dreams have almost become a nightmare.  “It’s been the most challenging season of my career,” Lee said.

Starting off the pre-season as the #1 team in the country, Lee found himself immediately dealing with a variety of on and off the field problems.  Injuries to key players have been a part of the challenges but off the field family issues for some of his players has meant that backups have been pressed into service.  “We have had players in games who I never thought would be on the field at all this year,” Lee said.

Nonetheless, Louisburg remains a top 5 team in the country and has compiled at 39-6 record.   The challenges have been beneficial to some degree.  “We are more prepared for the tournament this year than last year,” Lee stated.

The Hurricanes will host the regional and divisional tournaments and, if successful, will move on the World Series.  “I like our chances,” Lee said as a summation.

Louisburg faces Brunswick in a two game series, Friday at 4pm and Saturday at 1pm on the college campus in Louisburg.