Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Upcoming Events At Perry Memorial Library

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Parents, if you’re wondering just how you’re going to keep the kids busy when they get out of school, just tap in to some of the events and programs that are shaping up at Perry Memorial Library.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days that have the main programs for young people this summer, said Melody Peters, Youth Services director at the library.

Take the Summer Reading Program kickoff, for example. Stop in on Tuesday, June 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to get the particulars of the incentive program that’s good for young people and adults, Peters said on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny!

“We just really want all ages joining us – we want people reading all summer,” she said. One minute of reading equals 1 point. Accumulate points to earn rewards – it’s just that easy.

The kickoff event features carnival-style games for the kids, craft activities for all ages, inflatable bowling games courtesy of the local rec and parks department, and Pelican Sno balls. Rangers from the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area will take part, as well as beekeepers from Vance and Warren counties.

With “adventure” as part of the theme, Peters reminds all readers that you can “find adventure in your backyard or in a good book.”

There are movies scheduled for Thursdays at 11 a.m. during the summer, as well as other special live performances including an aerial storytelling performance and a kids’ band – both returning after an overwhelming response last summer.

A new literary club is forming for middle and high school aged youth; come from 12 noon to 1 on Thursdays beginning June 27.

There’s another new program called Sip n Read, which provides coffee and tea in the Farm Bureau Room for adults who just want some quiet time with a hot beverage and a good book. Stop by between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 and Wednesday, July 3 for a respite from the summer temps.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to check out a complete listing of all programs that await you at your library.

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Vance County Logo

County Tax Reval Info Session Draws A Crowd

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The room wasn’t packed, but there were plenty of residents at the Monday information session to learn more about the Vance County tax revaluation and appraisal.

The information was a review – nothing new – but Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry said revaluation can be a complex topic, so another presentation of the overall process, including legal requirements and more, may be something that county residents can learn from.

Property owners can contact the tax office for additional support, and staff is prepared to answer questions as they come in.

The main takeaway is that appeals may be filed until June 3, but the Board of Equalization & Review can continue to hear appeals through December.

Vance Tax Administrator Portia Brooks is creating flyersabout the exemption programs that are offered as well, like for the elderly and disabled, and also for veterans.

So if you’re new to the reappraisal process and you’re new to the appeals process and you’re feeling like that your property had an increase in value that you do not agree with, then keep in mind a couple of things based on the presentation today, downtown by the county and the tax office.

The notices that property owners received recently aren’t tax bills – they simply include new appraisal values. Until the board of commissioners sets the tax rate, property owners won’t know how much tax they’ll owe on their property.

The last revaluation was done in 2018, and many property owners saw their tax bills go down. This probably won’t be the case in 2024, but it all depends on whether commissioners choose a tax rate that is revenue-neutral. The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, May 28 to receive the proposed budget.

Not sure whether you should appeal your new appraisal value?

There’s basically a three-step process:

  1. review the information on file about your property at the Tax Office. You can view online to make sure the details are correct – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Or call the tax office to request a review of your property card.
  2. Compare your property to other properties that have recently sold. The revaluations are based on market value, so comps are important.
  3. If you still disagree with the reappraisal, you have to file the appeal online or in paper form and it needs to be received by June 3.

There also are programs that provide some relief for elderly, disabled and veterans. Visit https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/tax-overview/property-tax-relief-programs/ to find the necessary forms.

If you decide to appeal your revaluation, it’s important to bring supporting evidence with you. Think comparable prices if you’re appealing your home value. If it’s a business property, you’ll want to look at income and earnings.

But don’t go out and get another appraisal, because you won’t be comparing apples to apples. You’ll need a retrospective appraisal – one that looks at the property’s value as of Jan. 1, 2024.

TownTalk: Blessed Trinity Holds Week-Long Revival

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Blessed Trinity Ministries, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Almice Floyd Gill, is hosting a five-day Community Outdoor Revival at Back to Eden, located at 475 Satterwhite Point Rd.

The revival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 27 and continues nightly through Friday, May 31.

Gill calls it an “old-fashioned” revival that promises to be inspirational to those who attend in person. And thanks to technology, folks who can’t make it in person can still tune in using a variety of platforms. She’d love to see people from Vance County, as well as surrounding counties, take part in the revival – whether in person or attending remotely.

The theme of the revival is “God’s love, God’s power, God’s purpose, God’s plan,” and Gill said she said the various preachers will be bringing a message of hope.

“We serve a God of hope,” she said on Monday’s TownTalk. With so many people facing challenges these days, Gill wants people to come out – “they will be strengthened by the word of God,” she said.

Gill will preach on Monday, and there will be a different speaker each evening. Others scheduled to speak include:

Tuesday – Evangelist Geraldine Hargrove, associate minister at Brookston Missionary Baptist Church

Wednesday – the Rev. Seaman Rice, New Covenant Faith Ministries

Thursday – the Rev. Dr. Jeanette Floyd, pastor at Dickie’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Friday – Bishop Luther K. Brooks, Solid Rock International Ministries

Find Blessed Trinity Ministries on Facebook or join via conference call to listen to the revival each evening. Simply call 605.475.4700 and use Passcode 751573 to connect.

Anyone wishing to make a donation is welcome to do so, she said, adding that there are numerous ways to give: bring cash, check, cashier’s check or money order to the revival or mail to: Blessed Trinity Ministries. P.O. Box 3241 Henderson, NC 27536

Pay online as well using Gill’s number 252.438.0397 and Zelle, Apply Pay or Cash App to $meeciefg.

The proceeds will be used to defray the costs of the revival, including the venue and the guest speakers.

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Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Hosting Memorial Day Event – Gather ‘Round The Flag Poles On May 23 At 10 AM

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Maria Parham Health invites the community to a special Memorial Day event Thursday, May 23 to pay tribute to the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Let us come together as a community to honor and remember those who have selflessly served our nation,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us in this meaningful tribute to our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The commemoration will take place at the flagpoles of Maria Parham Health on Ruin Creek Road, beginning at 10 a.m., according to information from MPH Marketing & Communication Coordinator Donna Young.

This commemorative event will feature:

  • Prayers for those who gave their lives in service
  • Guest speakers sharing reflections
  • Music to uplift and inspire
  • The hanging of a Memorial Wreath
  • Reading of Names in Memoriam to honor individuals’ sacrifice

All members of the public are invited to join us as we come together to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Whether you have a personal connection to the military or simply wish to pay your respects, your presence is deeply appreciated.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to hospital auditorium to ensure the solemnity of the occasion remains undisturbed.

This special program comes on the heels of an earlier event on May 2, the National Day of Prayer. At 12 noon, team members from three area hospitals – Maria Parham Henderson, Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg and Person Memorial Hospital in Roxboro – gathered at their respective locations to offer prayers for the nation, their hospitals and patients, as well as for families.

Beard, who serves as Market CEO at Maria Parham Health and Person Memorial Hospital, expressed appreciation for those who gathered together at the three locations. “In  moments like these, we are reminded of the profound impact of collective prayer in fostering  hope, resilience and compassion within our community,” Beard said.

The National Day of Prayer observance provided an opportunity for hospital staff to come together in a spirit of solidarity, reflecting on the challenges faced by our nation and our healthcare system  while also offering gratitude for the tireless efforts of frontline workers and the resilience of  patients and families.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who participated in this meaningful observance,” added Beard. “Together, through the power of prayer and compassion, we can continue to support and uplift one another, fostering a culture of healing and unity within our hospitals and beyond.”

-information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

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Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Weekly Farmers Market Bounty: Berries, Greens, Potatoes And More!

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market Manager Pat Ayscue invites you to come out to the market Saturday – it’s all abuzz – with local honey and so much more! Strawberries are freshly picked, and you can almost taste the sweetness with your eyes. New potatoes are just-dug from local gardens, just waiting for customers to grab them up and take them home for dinner. Sweet potatoes are perfect for a sweet potato pie.

And don’t forget the greens: turnip salad, pointy-head cabbage and broccoli are just some of the early-season delights from area producers waiting to be scooped up and enjoyed.

Each new week, the farmers’ tables show that the season is moving forward. Jellies, pickles, and double WOW! at those fresh baked goods. Farm-fresh eggs gathered from some might well-loved and cared for hens. Handmade wood crafts and quilts. Soaps are designed for gifts and soaps for cleaning. Plants for home and garden. Fresh-cut flowers available for all occasions. Stop by and visit for that neighborhood and community feeling. Thanks for supporting your local farmer’s market.

The farmers market is located at 210 Southpark Drive and is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The market is set to open on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning in June.

Vance Commissioners to Receive Proposed Budget May 28

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The chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, Dan Brummitt, has called a special meeting for Tuesday, May 28 so commissioners can receive the proposed budget.

A period of transition in leadership positions within the county, including the finance director position, has apparently caused things to move more slowly than in previous years.  Just seven months ago the county manager, Renee Perry, started here locally, and just three months ago there were four department head vacancies.  It is also apparent Perry has been hard at work and making headway.

While no Vance County Government employee has said so on or off the record, the county is relatively and comparatively behind, not just versus past years’ budget proposals but next to Henderson and the surrounding counties this year.

Now, with the proposed budget originally slated to be made public on Thursday, May 16, the commissioners and residents will now not have anything official for another 12 days, unless it’s posted at vancecounty.org.  Those 12 days represent 25 percent of the remaining time before the budget must be adopted – this with revaluation questions remaining, revaluation appeals to go before the Board of Equalization and Review, which means a quorum of the County Commissioners, particular line-items like McGregor Hall funding making headlines and with two public hearings on the budget required before adoption.

The special meeting for commissioners to receive the budget and schedule budget hearings and other items as needed will start at 4 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

Vance County Logo

Tax Revaluation Info Session Monday, May 20

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Vance County will hold a tax revaluation information session Monday, May 20.

The session starts at 4 p.m. and will be held in the Vance County Administration Building (the old courthouse building).

On a flyer the County has indicated that it has answers to questions about the revaluation.