H-V Rec. & Parks Director, Henderson Police Chief Stand Behind Proposed Park
Kendrick Vann, director of Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks, along with Tara Goolsby, facilities manager, and Victor Hunt, program specialist, were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss department updates.
According to Vann, the Recreation Department is currently working with City of Henderson and Vance County officials to obtain a park and recreation trust fund grant totaling $500,000 to build a new public park at the corner of Williams and Montgomery Street in Henderson. Vann said the current plan asks the City and County to match dollar for dollar up to $250,000.
If the grant is obtained, funding will be used to build a skate park, bike park, splash pad, outdoor exercise and fitness stations, a shelter for picnics and a walking trail that will encompass the park.
“We want to make Henderson one of the greatest cities in the area, and we want to show that by having a diverse park,” said Vann.
Vann said much of the planning was the brainchild of Recreation employees Alan Gill and Steve Osborne, along with the “hard-working” Recreation Advisory Committee who had the goal of accessibility in mind when creating the park’s design and layout.
“One of the biggest issues people tell us they have with using public parks and facilities is accessibility,” said Vann. “People aren’t always able to get to the Aycock Rec. Center, for example, because they say it is on the outskirts of town.”
After holding several pop-up community events at the corner of Williams and Montgomery Street, a spot some may recognize as the site of the former Vance Hotel, Vann said the committee realized they had an ideal park location.
“We started having community events such as ‘Stop the Violence,’ and we saw that it was a great location because we had a lot of attendance. The team discussed it and said that would be a great place to put a park, especially in conjunction with the happenings in downtown Henderson.”
Vann is referring to the close proximity of Perry Memorial Library, the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the future outdoor Breckenridge Pavilion, as well as restaurants, shops and special events such as the annual Vance County Relay for Life and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet Me in the Street” series.
The first of two scheduled public meetings for the community to hear additional information about the proposed park and to provide input was held Tuesday evening at City Hall.
While turnout was low, Vann hopes to see more of the Henderson-Vance community at the next meeting scheduled for tomorrow evening, Thursday, April 25, 2019. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.
“We invite the public to come out to hear the latest on park plans and to bring all ideas and questions that you have,” Vann implored.
Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, who stopped by during the live interview, weighed in on the proposed park. “It’s a key location for the City; it’s right downtown and it’s been empty for over 20 years. This is an element that the City has been missing for a long time and something that Kendrick has been pushing for, and I’ve pushed for it with him. He has a vision, and we’ve got to follow that vision. It will be great for downtown.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Vann in its entirety, including additional H-V Recreation & Parks updates from staff members, click here.
Vance Co. Schools: May 1 Declared Student Holiday, Optional Teacher Workday
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
After consultation with school system leadership and the Vance County Board of Education, Superintendent Anthony Jackson has recommended, and the Board of Education has approved, a change in our school calendar to accommodate the N.C. Association of Educators’ Rally for Public Education planned for Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Raleigh.
The day will be changed to an optional teacher workday in all Vance County Schools and a holiday for students.
This decision has been made because of the large number of educators in our schools who have asked for the day off to participate in the public education rally. The missed day of instruction will not be made up for students.
School system employees who want to be out of work on May 1 must use annual leave time or, if they don’t have available leave time, must take the day off without pay or report to work.
West End Community Watch Hears From Daeke; Positive Changes Ahead for Henderson!
-Notes courtesy Claire Catherwood
Notes from the West End Community Watch meeting held on April 16, 2019:
West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, April 16. The speaker was Garry Daeke. Daeke discussed the City Council’s progress and plans since his joining the council 12 years ago.
In 2006, the City Council was very short on funds and the city was in danger of shutting down. Finances are now greatly improved. Taxes are not expected to be increased any time soon.
Many streets need resurfacing, and they are now being done. Resurfacing is very expensive.
City employee salaries had to be increased because Henderson has not been keeping up with the pay for city employees in neighboring cities. The city is still not on par with surrounding areas.
New equipment has been added; this is also very expensive.
About 80% of city employees’ time is spent on water, sewer, and street maintenance. The city has 100 miles of water and sewer line.
Asked about the THM pollutant in the city water supply, Daeke noted that Henderson was “just over the edge” in recent tests. The problems existed only at the “dead ends” of water lines that were all outside of city limits.
The City Council realizes that changes must be made in housing and is working towards redevelopment through private and public funding. Cost is the problem. Some of the plans are expected to be “very unique.” Attention is being placed on the entryways to the city; particularly Highway 39/Andrews Avenue. Lighting and signage will soon be added to some areas.
Downtown development is expected soon. An outdoor theater on Breckenridge Street, just outside the police station, has been contracted and will be the final stage of “Breckenridge Commons.” Also, a grant has been procured for a park to be developed at the site of the old Vance Hotel. An “open-air market” and a park, to include a “splash pool,” is planned for the site.
Beckford Drive is to be widened soon. Original plans included Beckford being wider when first built, however, due to inflation, the money saved was insufficient by the time the road was built.
Dabney Drive is being redesigned. There are currently two separate, projected plans. One widens Dabney Drive only as far as Parker Lane. The second widens it all the way to the Hardees location.
Additional businesses are coming to Dabney Drive. A coffee shop and a bank are soon to be added to the new Aldi’s. After that, additional shops are expected to open. These will add to the traffic in this already congested area.
Daeke said he is pro-sidewalks, but they are very expensive. With the city population decreasing, little progress has been made on building sidewalks.
The council is trying to get more kids involved with the Recreation Center. There are many activities available to Henderson children, but many parents are not aware of offerings. To name just a few opportunities, Henderson has PALS, The Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the “Y”, the Henderson-Vance Recreation Department, Fox Pond Park, Aycock Recreation Center, Rollins Park, the Perry Memorial Library, etc.
From the floor, it was suggested that the police department and/or the City Council post a list on social media so that parents can see the many options open to their kids.
The City Council, realizing that the perception of the city needs to change, is soon to start a trash and litter program. Also, not enough people recycle. Daeke would like to see the existing garbage carts become recycle bins and smaller carts be used for garbage. Both of these goals require a change in the mentality of our citizens.
Complaints are often issued about the cost of the city’s water. Daeke noted that our water is actually much lower than areas around Henderson; however, it is expected that our rates will soon increase. Our sewer rates are, admittedly, already high.
The group asked about the development behind the hospital. Daeke noted that this is outside city limits and beyond the responsibility of the city council.
Parham Road Bridge Closure Starts Monday
-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
The Parham Road bridge over Interstate 85 in Henderson will be closed for three weeks starting Monday, April 29, 2019. The closure is needed so a contractor can safely put a concrete latex overlay in place on the bridge’s road surface, extending its life and making it a smoother ride for motorists.
Exit and on-ramps for I-85 at the location will remain open.
A signed detour will be in place. Travelers going east on Parham Road will be sent onto I-85 South to the next exit (N.C. 39), where they should turn left at the end of the ramp and then left again onto I-85 North to get back to Parham Road. Westbound drivers have a similar detour, instead going north on I-85 to the next exit (Satterwhite Road), where they can turn around onto I-85 South to return to Parham Road on the other side of the bridge.
Drivers should use caution as they approach the closure from either side and should anticipate needing more time to travel through the area because of the detour.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
New Location for Tri-County Shrine Club’s Annual Fish Fry
The Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly Henderson Shrine Club, will hold its 56th annual Shriners Fish Fry on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Changing the name to more accurately reflect the members’ residing counties, the Tri-County Shrine Club looks forward to the spring fish fry each year.
Treasurer Donald Seifert, who was interviewed on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, said the name of the club is not the only difference this year – the location has also changed.
“Our former fish fry location on Raleigh Road was leased and is no longer available,” said Seifert. “The Shrine Club has been meeting at 210 Industry Drive behind Lowe’s Home Improvement in Henderson for some time now, so we decided to adapt that location to work for this year’s fish fry.”
The fish fry will be drive-through pickup only; no plates will be consumed on the premises. Deliveries will be available for 10 or more plates.
For $8 a ticket, supporters will receive a “generous portion” of fried fish, coleslaw, potato salad and hushpuppies.
As in prior years, proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, a fact that Seifert says hasn’t changed throughout the fundraiser’s history.
“We certainly hope we can continue to support those hospitals because they do such great work for children. It’s a wonderful association.”
To purchase a ticket, please call Seifert at (252) 438-8355 or WIZS’ own John Charles Rose at (252) 432-0774. Rose has volunteered to help with deliveries on the day of the event.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Donald Seifert in its entirety, click here.
Education Veteran to Address VGCC Basic Skills Grads
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.
Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.
Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.
In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.
Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.
Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
Let’s End School Bullying! ‘Stop Bullying for Jacob’ Forum – May 6
-Information courtesy the Vance County Tourism Authority’s Facebook Page
BoHo’s Party Place & Restaurant, 214 Raleigh Rd in Henderson, will hold an anti-bullying forum titled “Stop Bullying for Jacob” on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
Parents, teachers, government officials and the media are invited to attend this event to discuss ways to prevent bullying and save lives.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Kerr Lake Park Watch: Upcoming 2019 Fishing Tournaments
-Information courtesy the Kerr Lake Park Watch Facebook page
From the US Army Corps of Engineers, here is a list of the permitted fishing tournaments according to the Corps’ Glenn Card:
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir Special Events List
4/27/2019 – 4/28/2019 New Horizon Bass Anglers NHBA Kerr Tournament, 6 – 8 Occoneechee
4/27/2019 – Piedmont Bass Classics, 75 Flemingtown Road
4/27/2019 – Hope Baptist Church Charity Fishing Tournament, 15 Longwood Boat Ramp
4/27/2019 – FlW T-H Marine BFL NC #3, 150 Nutbush Bridge
4/28/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra Kerr Spring Final, 30 Occoneechee
4/28/2019 – Meherrin Bassmasters Monthly Club Tournament, 15 County Line
5/4/2019 – 5/5/2019 VA BASS Federation Mr. Bass, 110 North Bend Park
5/4/2019 – Piedmont Bass Classics, 75 Flemingtown Road
5/4/2019 – 5/5/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 High School Champs, 70 Occoneechee
5/11/2019 – Halifax Vol. Fire Dept HVFD 18th Annual Tournament, 50 Staunton River State Park
5/11/2019 – Fishers of Men, Tournament FDM NC Central Legacy To, 20 Henderson Point
5/18/2019 – American Bass Anglers Bass Pro Shops ABA Open, 75 Nutbush Bridge
5/18/2019 – Region 8 Va Bass Federation Region 8 Tournament, 30 Eastland Creek
5/18/2019 – 5/19/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 Championship 90 Occoneechee
5/18/2019 – Region 1 Va Bass Federation Region 1, 25 Longwood Boat Ramp
5/18/2019 – Bojangles Pro-Am, 70 Henderson Point
5/18/2019 – 5/19/2019 – Ridgeway Bass Anglers Club Tournament, 20 Longwood Boat Ramp
5/25/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
6/1/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra 2019 CATT Championship, 100 Nutbush Ramp
6/2/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra 2019 CATT Championship, 100 Nutbush Ramp
6/2/2019 – Bass Nation Of Va Reg 2 Region 2 Stop #2, 20 Rudds Creek
6/8/2019 – Anglers Choice Choice Invit Team 150-200, Occoneechee
6/8/2019 – Carolina Anglers Team Tra Old Noth Qualifier, 40 Flemingtown Road
6/8/2019 – Jon Boat Bass Club of NC JBBC Camping Tournament, 20 Nutbush Bridge
6/15/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
6/22/2019 – 5 Alive Team Trail, 25 Ivy Hill
6/29/2019 – Southwestern VA Bassmaster Bass Tournament, 25 Ivy Hill
6/30/2019 – Pamunky River Mini-Series Bass Tournament, 21 Rudds Creek
8/31/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
9/14/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
9/28/2019 – 9/29/2019 – American Bass Anglers Bass Pro Shops ABA Open, 75 Nutbush Bridge
10/5/2019 – Jon Boat Bass Club of NC JBBC Points Tournament, 20 Longwood Boat Ramp
10/5/2019 – 10/6/2019 – BASS Nation Of Va INC 2019 Championship, 90 Occoneechee
10/5/2019 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Tournament, 20 Ivy Hill
10/12/2019 – 10/13/2019 Anglers Choice Invit Team, 150-200 Occoneechee
10/19/2019 – Meherrin Bassmasters Monthly Club Tournament, 15 County Line
11/9/2019 – 11/10/2019 – Virginia Bassmasters Club Bass Tournament, 11 Rudds Creek
1/27/2020 – Kerr Lake Bassmasters Fishing Tournament, 20-25 Longwood Boat Ramp
Bait up, boat up and remember in the boat or in the water, practice the US Army Corps of Engineers water safety motto: “Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns.”
Let’s be safe out there.