TownTalk: City Council Hears McGregor Hall Presentation

/by

The Henderson City Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday at McGregor Hall, giving Executive Director Mark Hopper an appropriate backdrop to emphasize the economic impact the performing arts venue has on the community as he asked the city’s elected officials for financial support.

In beginning his remarks, Hopper said he would try to condense six years of work into a 15-minute presentation. Using a multimedia approach, Council members heard from Hopper and saw videos recapping the significance of McGregor Hall in the larger community as well as on the lives of local performers.

With one full-time employee, five part-time employees and 300 volunteers, McGregor Hall has made quick work to become a stand-out venue in the greater Triangle area, Hopper said. McGregor Hall is under the governance of the nonprofit Embassy Cultural Center Foundation.

Through solid local partnerships and dedicated individuals and business sponsors, the venue has been able to accomplish a lot in a short time.

But, Hopper said, without some additional financial support from local government, the curtain likely will fall on McGregor Hall. One quarter of the venue’s total revenue goes to service the mortgage debt.

In a letter to City Manager Terrell Blackmon, and members of the City Council, Hopper outlined McGregor Hall’s needs – he’s asked the  Council for $75,000 to help keep the ship afloat. Hopper would like to get county leaders on board, too.

The cultural and artistic impact may be difficult to put a price tag on, but the most recent economic impact study shows that McGregor Hall has contributed $9.2 million to the local economy over the past four years – $5.1 in lodging bookings alone. McGregor Hall hosted more than 30,000 guests to its rental events, namely in the form of 15 weekends of spring dance competitions.

“What we need is help with our debt service,” Hopper told the City Council. “We will not survive 2025 without support.”

Hopper said that every single dollar of investment to McGregor Hall brings a return of $31 to the community.

About 40 percent of revenues come from ticket sales, which Hopper said is in keeping with the industry standard. Grant funding, rental fees and concessions each kick in 10 percent and 20 percent from local business sponsors.

It would mean a lot for local government leaders to put a price tag on what it means to have a top-notch venue in Henderson and Vance County that draws patrons from the Triangle to southside Virginia – both to watch performances as well as to be on stage for shows.

Hopper said McGregor Hall is helping to change the perception of Henderson and Vance County, one performance at the time.

“We’re bringing people together who otherwise wouldn’t interact on a personal level,” he said.

Following Hopper’s presentation, Council Member Garry Daeke said he hoped the full council would consider the request for funding as it continues through the budget process and “look at it in an affirmative manner.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

“HERricane” Program Highlights Careers In Emergency Management For Young Women

/by

North Carolina Emergency Management is partnering with several area counties to host the second emergency management experience for young women interested in learning about career in emergency management.

The deadline to apply for “HERricane” is April 19, and is open to any female student in grades 9-12 in the state. The students selected to participate in the program will learn about disaster response and public safety through field trips, training and disaster simulation exercises.

“Last year’s HERricane experience was such a success so we’re really excited to host this year’s event to encourage young women to consider careers in emergency management and public safety,” said Katie Webster, NCEM assistant director of planning. “Across the spectrum of emergency management and public safety personnel, there is a broad spectrum of women who thrive in their careers, and we want to empower the young women who attend HERricane to be the leaders of tomorrow in these fields.”

The event will take place from August 5-9 from 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. and will be hosted at the N.C. State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. NCEM intends to select up to 24 students to participate in the 2024 program. There is no cost for students to participate and NCEM will provide breakfast snacks and lunch for participants.

Participants will:

  • Learn about key emergency management and public safety jobs
  • Explore careers through field trips within Durham, Wake and Orange counties
  • Participate in a career fair and networking event

Visit www.ncdps.gov/nc-herricane to learn more and to download the application or email

HERricane@ncdps.gov to learn more.

Vance County Logo

TownTalk: County Commissioners April 1 Meeting Coverage

/by

Monday’s (4-1-24) Vance County Commissioners meeting was an example of local government at work: there was a little bit of everything, from employee recognition, a few zoning requests, a proclamation, a public comment period and some motions made and approved to keep things moving in the right direction.

Frankie Nobles introduced Michelle Green as the Employee of the Month and said she had received several different nominations from colleagues at the Emergency Operations Department. As a telecommunicator, Green goes above and beyond, Nobles told commissioners. With a mind on teamwork, Green’s initiative and motivation are ever-present when she steps in and steps up to cover shifts or lend a helping hand to colleagues.

Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry officially introduced Stephanie Williams as the county’s new budget and finance director. April 1 marked Williams’s first day on the job and she had taken her seat beside Perry.

As a formality, the board appointed Williams and it became official. Williams told commissioners that she is looking forward to working with the board and to help all the citizens of Vance County.

Commissioners observed April as National Fair Housing Month, and also reminded residents that the NC DOT Spring Litter Sweep runs from April 13-27.

One county resident signed up to address the board about concerns he has about people discharging guns in the vicinity of his residence.

View the meeting in its entirety on YouTube.

The next scheduled commissioners’ meeting is May 6.

CLICK PLAY for audio highlights!

 

Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! County Commissioners Discuss Unified Development Ordinance

/by

Vance County commissioners unanimously approved at the April 1 meeting a partnership with a company to help in the creation of a Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, designed to bring consistency to county regulations with regard to property development.

The county’s Planning/Environmental committee reviewed a proposal at its most recent meeting in mid-March from NFOCUS, and County Manager C. Renee Perry recommended to the full board that NFOCUS be given the job of bringing under one “umbrella” document the various sets of regulations that govern development within the county.

Perry told the commissioners that funding the project is in the current budget, with the second half of the payment to be made next year.

A UDO is a comprehensive document that brings together the full complement of a county’s policies and regulations and works to eliminate conficting language among the various sets of rules.

Perry also told commissioners that part of the scope of work of NFOCUS would be to align county regulations with existing state regulations; NFOCUS, she said, had identified several inconsistencies in county documents that do not comply with NC General Statutes Chapter 160D that talks about minimum model regulations.

NFOCUS will provide support to the county for two years after completing the project.

According to information from the UNC School of Government, “Chapter 160D of the N.C. General Statutes consolidated city- and county-enabling statutes for development regulations and reassembled them into a more logical, coherent organization. While the new law did not make major policy changes or shifts in the scope of authority granted to local governments, it did provide clarifying amendments and consensus reforms.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

Maria Parham Health Releases 2023 Community Benefit Report

/by

–information courtesy of Donna Young, MPH Health Market Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

Maria Parham Health has published its annual community benefit report for 2023, outlining the indirect impact it has on the community as well as the obvious impact to provide a variety of medical services and treatment available to patients.

The report outlines the various ways the hospital is working to support the health and economic vitality of the Henderson/Vance County community as part of its mission of making communities healthier®, according to hospital officials.

“As a leading healthcare provider in Henderson and Vance County, Maria Parham Health is committed to providing high-quality care close to home, investing in our region’s overall well-being and making a positive impact on those we serve,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “This year’s report highlights our continued efforts to provide compassionate care – both inside and outside our hospital walls,” Beard said.

In 2023, Maria Parham Health added 67 providers in anesthesiology, behavioral health, cardiology, family and emergency medicine,  gastroenterology, genetic counseling, neurology, OB/GYN, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, psychiatry,  radiology, wound care and more. Maria Parham Health also made more than $1.6 million in capital improvements, including an ultrasound machine for Women’s Health, new orthopedic workstations for blood testing and opening a new Franklin County physician office.

Additionally, Maria Parham Health donated nearly $63.6 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Maria Parham Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and where employees want to work. Last year, the hospital distributed more than $68 million in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 770 employees, while contributing more than $124,000 in professional development and tuition assistance to give all employees the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

MPH also paid $13,279,020 in local and state taxes to support local organizations and activities like Shop with a Cop and Friends, The Salvation Army and McGregor Hall.

“We are proud to call Henderson and Vance County our home, and we feel incredibly grateful for the continued support of all those who entrust us with their care. Our success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees, and volunteers,” said Beard. “As we look ahead to the future, we are so excited to continue improving the ways we serve our neighbors and communities.”

View the full community benefit report here:

https://www.mariaparham.com/community-benefit-report?query=community+benefit+report

 

 

Vance County Schools’ March Student Spotlight Honorees

/by

 

 

– Information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support

Two students share the March Student Spotlight in Vance County Schools as young people whose exceptional qualities and contributions make a difference in their school communities.

Rawan Almuntsr, a kindergartner at L. B. Yancey Elementary and Isabella Jaimes Hernandez, a 5th grader at Zeb Vance Elementary, demonstrate excellence in academics and show kindness to others, as well as a commitment to personal growth.

Rawan is celebrated for her warm character and her academic excellence. Rawan’s kindness shines brightly as she is always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers, uplifting words of encouragement to those around her and for sharing heartwarming hugs with her teachers, brightening everyone’s day. Rawan exhibits determination through her academic efforts and goals. She finds joy in participating in science experiments, as she loves to witness everything come to life. When she envisions her future, the excitement of becoming a doctor fuels her aspirations and dreams. Rawan appreciates learning in centers because they provide her with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects.

Outside of school, Rawan enjoys watching the Disney television show, Bluey in her free time. If granted a superpower, she wants the ability to run incredibly fast so she can play tag and win. With a magic wand, Rawan wishes for her favorite candy —a watermelon lollipop. Rawan’s advice to her peers is to always prioritize doing the right thing and to remain dedicated to school, especially reading. She admires her mom for her unconditional love and support in all that she does, but she gives credit to Ms. Taylor Evans as her motivation to attend school. She shared that Ms. Evans’s kindness to her and all of her classmates is one of her favorite things about being at L.B. Yancey Elementary. An inspiration to all, Rawan is a shining light and a source of inspiration for the entire Bulldog family.

Isabella was recognized for her genuine spirit and commitment to lending a helping hand. Nominated by her 5th-grade teachers, Isabella embodies kindness and responsibility in all aspects of school. She is known for always supporting classmates and teachers. She consistently goes above and beyond to lend a helping hand. Isabella is a member of the Beta Club, as well as the Safety Patrol. She is dedicated to all that she does and extends compassion to those around her that need support. With a passion for sports, Isabella loves soccer and basketball. Inspired by the late Kobe Bryant, Isabella aspires to become a professional athlete.

She enjoys math class, specifically equations, as well as doing experiments in science class. She also enjoys both physical education and art, adding to her well-rounded personality. Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence have allowed her to be a great friend to many. Her advice to others is “Don’t give up, keep trying, and keep up with doing your work.” She also shared that as long as students keep trying, they will never fail! With a rooted passion for helping others, Isabella shared that she could see herself as a firefighter one day, adding to her selflessness and determination. When she is not busy with her studies or sports, Isabella enjoys reading graphic novels and watching her favorite show, Spongebob Squarepants.

Given the opportunity to have a superpower, Isabella would love to fly and, given a magic wand, she would love to visit Myrtle Beach. Isabella’s heartwarming personality, along with her dreams and positive outlook, make her a true inspiration to her peers as the Student Spotlight for Zeb Vance Elementary.

Henderson’s CommUnity Clean Up Day Friday, Apr. 26

/by

The city of Henderson will sponsor a CommUnity Clean Up Day Friday, April 26 – churches, businesses and other groups are invited to take part and spruce up different areas of the city where litter may collect and create an eyesore.

The day’s event is held in conjunction with the NC DOT’s Spring Litter Sweep, a statewide effort to clean up along roadsides.

To learn more and to get the materials needed to help in the CommUnity Clean Up Day, contact Cindy Norwood, executive assistant to City Manager Terrell Blackmon at 252.430.5700.