McGregor Hall

Embassy Foundation to Mull Proposal for McGregor Hall Economic Impact Study

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The Embassy Cultural Center Foundation is in the planning phase of conducting an economic impact study of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on the Henderson economy.

The foundation recently sought a proposal from the Municipal Research Lab at North Carolina State University for completion of the study. Representatives from NC State responded with a proposal that included a breakdown of proceedings, a completion timeline and a total project cost of $17,500.

The proposal included the following proceedings:

  • Conduct an examination of pertinent data including economic, demographic, income, and employment, as well as studies that relate to the economy of the town.
  • Conduct an examination of pertinent data from McGregor Hall, including costs associated with maintaining the venue and revenues from events.
  • Conduct an examination of the local tax receipts and spending patterns throughout the county.
  • Meet with members of the foundation, as well as local community and business leaders and other stakeholders, to gain insight into the role of the venue in the community, as well as to gain a better understanding of the local economy.
  • Establish conclusions and recommendations for action, including recommended actions and strategies to guide the town in its development plans, as well as to overcome identified shortcomings.

According to NC State representatives, the completion time for the study is estimated at four months, with the project to begin on January 7, 2019, and the final report to be submitted by May 6, 2019.

Researchers would begin the process by meeting with Embassy Cultural Center Foundation representatives, requesting data on McGregor Hall and reviewing local government tax receipts. A draft of the report would then be submitted to the Center for review by mid-April, with final presentations and findings reported in May.

According to Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, the study would serve a twofold purpose, “The Embassy Foundation has reached out to NC State in regards to this study to get a better understanding of the current economic impact of McGregor Hall as well as to establish ways we can expand upon that impact moving forward.”

The next step in the process, Jarvis said, is for community partners to discuss the proposal and to determine how to proceed. “There will be discussions with the Downtown Development Commission, the County, the City, McGregor Hall and the community in general to determine our next move.”

Rebuilding Hope Looking For Helping Hands With Backlog of Requests

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Churches, do you have groups who can lend a hand and help Rebuilding Hope build wheelchair ramps? Your participation would help reduce a backlog of more than 30 requests – and help us all reach our communities for Christ.

Here are answers to some questions you might have:

What preparations are made before work begins?

Before work begins, an RHI volunteer will visit the job site and assess the owner’s physical and spiritual needs. The volunteer will take measurements and draw a plan. Job sites are different and custom plans are necessary.

What about materials and tools?

RHI will gather the materials and deliver them to the job site and provide tools, as needed.

Are building permits required?

RHI will obtain the required permits.

Who will supervise and be responsible for the work?

An experienced RHI crew leader.

How long does building a ramp take?

Depending on the ramp (e.g., straight ramp or ramp with a landing) and the number of crew members, it’s a day to a day-and-a-half job.

Where are job sites located?

In all the communities we serve, but every effort will be made to assign work in the vicinity of your church.

Can work be scheduled on Saturdays?

Yes.

For more information, please call the RHI office at (252) https://rebuildinghope.radiantwebtools.com/438-5132.

If you can help, we’ll put you in touch with Bill Overby of Enterprise Baptist Church, our team leader in Warren County. Or Steve Timberlake of Oxford Baptist Church, our team leader in Granville County. Or, in Vance County, Steve Lyles of Raleigh Road Baptist Church, Vann Wester of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, or Cliff McClanahan of Central Baptist Church.

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Vance Co. Water Committee to Discuss Phase 1B of Water System

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

Please be informed that the county’s water committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor) is scheduled to meet Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 4 p.m. in the administrative conference room – 122 Young Street, Henderson.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Phase 1B of the water system.

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H-V Chamber of Commerce Announces Upcoming Business After Hours

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Join the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce for a Business After Hours event at Concordia Care Health and Rehabilitation (formerly Guardian Care), 280 Beckford Drive, Henderson. The event will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 5:15 – 7 p.m.

News 10/26/18

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Last ‘Meet Me in the Street’ for 2018 Only One Week Away!

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, along with Presenting Sponsor NC Towing & Recovery, will host the last of this year’s “Meet Me in the Street” free community concerts on Thursday, November 1, 2018. This is the postponed date from the originally scheduled September 27 event.

The third and final concert of the season will feature “Liquid Pleasure.” After more than two decades of bringing audiences to their feet, this band has become a multi-cultural icon. Veteran member Melvin Farrington says “We love being in touch with people like us, who love a variety of good music, and appreciate hearing it performed live.” Liquid Pleasure presents a mix of oldies, beach music and disco.

In addition to the live music and dancing, the kids can enjoy a section all their own sponsored by Maria Parham Health.

Sponsors for this year’s concert series are: NC Towing & Recovery – Presenting Sponsor; Duke Energy and Maria Parham Health – Gold Sponsors; BB&T, Mars Petcare, Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC #6091 – Silver Sponsors; and 3hc, Benchmark Community Bank, Carolina Sunrock, Express Employment Professionals, Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and Waste Industries – Bronze Sponsors.

Contributing Sponsors are CenturyLink, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Franklin Brothers Nursery, Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, Hoyle’s Tire & Axle, NC Motorsports Park and Woodforest Bank.

Promotional Sponsors are Brewer Cycles, Fidelity Bank, Satterwhite Point Marina, Servpro and Union Bank.

The concert is free to the public and will be held at the corner of North Garnett and Breckenridge Streets in downtown Henderson from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

 

Maria Parham Health Launches Helpline to Assist Medicare Beneficiaries

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-Information courtesy the Maria Parham Health website 

Maria Parham Health announced the launch of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also keeping in-network access to the doctors and hospital services they trust.

The new toll-free helpline, run by MedicareCompareUSA, connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program, it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is in-network with Maria Parham Health and its affiliated doctors. Patients can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website mariaparham.com.

“Seniors are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer. “This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.”

In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that frequently occur on an annual basis. Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers.

Beard points out that Maria Parham Health is not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change on an annual basis. If a patient enrolls with a health plan with which Maria Parham Health does not have a contract, they may experience increased out-of-pocket expenses for receiving care from the doctors they know and trust.

“Our patients trust us to be their healthcare partner,” said Beard “This helpline will assist Medicare patients in making an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all local seniors to take advantage of this free service.”

News 10/25/18

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Authorities Make Arrest in Vance County Hit-And-Run

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety – State Highway Patrol

The driver sought in a hit-and-run collision that occurred in Vance County was located by investigators Monday, October 22, after an intensive search.

On Saturday, August 25 at approximately 2:50 p.m., the State Highway Patrol was called to investigate a two-vehicle collision on NC 39 near Gillburg Rd. A 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jacob Aaron Elliott, 32, of Henderson, was traveling south NC 39. As Mr. Elliott slowed to make a left turn, he was struck from behind by a white SUV.

As a result of the collision, both Mr. Elliott and his passenger, Hunter Elliott, 6, of Henderson, were ejected from the motorcycle. Both were transported to Duke Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the SUV, identified as Christopher Ryan Tyndall, 25, of Kenly, fled the scene after the collision. Troopers charged Mr. Tyndall with felony hit and run, reckless driving and driving without a license. He was transported to the Vance County Jail where he was given a $75,000 secured bond.

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City Manager Frazier Talks Redevelopment Master Plan, Veterans’ Memorial

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City Manager Frank Frazier was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide listeners with updates regarding the City of Henderson.

Major topics of discussion included the City’s Redevelopment Master Plan, the progress of the Breckenridge outdoor pavilion in downtown Henderson and the creation of a Veterans’ Memorial in the city.

Henderson’s Redevelopment Master Plan

The City of Henderson is currently working with a firm to develop a master plan for redeveloping areas that have been in decline for several years. “We are looking at areas to redevelop in such a way as to help aid growth and help our tax base,” said Frazier. “Unfortunately, a lot of funding sources have declined through the years.”

According to Frazier, the plan would start with an area that the City feels redevelopment efforts would benefit the most. “We will begin with an area that we feel will be successful and will grow. We don’t want to bite off too much more than we can chew.”

Redevelopment efforts are expected to include the reconfiguration of existing streets, the addition of sidewalk or greenways, studying existing infrastructure and remodeling or building new homes.

“We are also looking at areas for small industrial or commercial use to appeal to businesses,” said Frazier.

The entryways into the city, including Andrews Ave., I-85 and parts of US-1, are also being reviewed. “In conjunction with the master plan, we’re looking at our corridors in order to improve the view when coming into the city,” said Frazier.

City of Henderson and Vance County leaders are all keen on heavily factoring the downtown area into the redevelopment plan. “Downtown has to be marketed as a destination where people can come and enjoy the city,” Frazier said. “We are a friendly town and we want you to have confidence that you can run a successful business here.”

Part of that marketing campaign is already underway as City officials are busy developing drafts of new signage to appeal to drivers on I-85 as well as around town. Many drafts are completed and the City is now working on receiving estimates for printing, according to Frazier.

Frazier believes the completion of the years-long I-85 construction work will bring more visitors to the area as well. “A lot of the I-85 work is winding down, thank goodness. From what I understand, it’s even a little ahead of schedule.”

While the redevelopment plan is still a work in progress with timeframes being determined, Frazier expects to have some preliminary mock-ups to share with both the City Council and the public in the next 2-3 weeks.

“We think it’s important that whatever we do, the public fully understands what we are trying to accomplish.”

Breckenridge Outdoor Pavilion/Veterans’ Memorial

The architectural firm hired by the City has completed their blueprint for the outdoor Breckenridge pavilion. The pavilion, to be located near the Henderson Police Department in downtown Henderson, will serve as the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project and as the corner piece of the block.

“Right now, the City has obtained pricing from several contractors and we are waiting on a few additional bids,” explained Frazier. “My goal is to have something back to the City Council at our November meeting.”

City officials are also currently working with veterans on creating a Veterans’ Memorial to be located on the back of the Henderson Police Department.

Speaking of the area comprising the police department, Perry Memorial Library, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the future site of the outdoor pavilion, Frazier said, “We feel that the memorial would tie all of these things together; a new park for our veterans.”

In order for the memorial to become a reality, Frazier said fundraising would be necessary. He believes the very nature of the memorial would make any fundraiser for the project a success.

To listen to the interview in its entirety, click here.