New DHHS Secretary

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Governor McCrory Appoints Brajer

Secretary of DHHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           919-814-2100

Wednesday, August 5, 2015                                                              govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory today announced the appointment of Rick Brajer as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Brajer succeeds Aldona Wos, MD, who has served as secretary since January 2013.

“I want to thank Secretary Wos for her dedication and service over the last two and half years,” said Governor McCrory. “Under her leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone a dramatic transformation of efficiency and improvement. I am grateful for her role in making that happen.”

Under Secretary Wos’ leadership, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has finished with a cash surplus over the past two years. She has also championed improvements in mental health and substance use disorder services and was instrumental in helping complete the agreement with the City of Raleigh on the sale of the Dix campus.

Brajer comes to DHHS after decades of senior leadership roles in the healthcare and medical industry. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pronerve, Inc. Before that, he served as the President, CEO and Director of Liposcience, Inc. from 2003 to 2013. Other previous leadership roles including president of BD Diagnostics and president of BD Preanalytical Systems.

“I am honored to be asked by Governor McCrory to serve North Carolina in this role,” said Brajer. “I look forward to continuing building upon the progress that Secretary Wos has made at DHHS during her tenure.”

“Rick Brajer brings a unique set of experience and skills to DHHS,” said Governor McCrory. “His background in healthcare and in business is the perfect fit for the department and the work that lies ahead.”

Brajer earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his MBS from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife have three sons. An avid long distance runner since high school, Brajer has been active in the community as chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, and board of directors of Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Brajer will begin his role as secretary on August 17.

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City of Henderson Committees

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Volunteers Needed –The City of Henderson has Committee openings that need to be filled. You can help. These openings are for City Committees that usually meet once a month to (1) Hear citizens’ concerns and complaints (2) Review pending changes and make recommendations to the City Council (3) Make plans for upcoming events/organize subcommittees or group events.

Interested?  Openings are available for the following Committees for City residents.

  • Board of Adjustments (Zoning)
  • Henderson Community Appearance Committee
  • Planning Board (matters involving Land Use)
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation And Parks Commission

Applications are available on the City’s web site or from the City Clerk or by clicking here ci.henderson.nc.us. Applications are available for any of the Committees as openings are often available.

Below is a complete list of Boards, Commissions and Committees for the City of Henderson.  You can apply for any of these and the City will keep your application on file.

  • Airport Authority
  • E-911 Advisory Board
  • Henderson Community Appearance Commission
  • Henderson Planning Board
  • Henderson Redevelopment Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Human Relations Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Commission
  • Perry Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission
  • Henderson Board of Adjustment

TownTalk Tribute to Dr. Franklin Mills

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HENDERSON- Dr. John Franklin Mills, age 61, a resident of Henderson died Monday, July 27, 2015 at his home. Born April 30, 1954 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Dr. Randolph Dennis Mills and Marion Callaway Mills. He graduated from Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine.Dr. J. Franklin Mills

Dr. Mills was a well respected family physician at Duke Primary Care of Henderson, formerly Henderson Family Medicine. He loved his patients and had continued to make house calls until the day before his death. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church by Dr. Ronald S. Cava. He is survived by his wife, Janet Thigpen Mills of the home; his son, Benjamin Bryan Mills of Charlotte; his daughter, Taylor Callaway Winters and husband, Jeremiah of Richmond, VA; two sisters, Jane M. Hicks and husband, David and Kathy M. Williams and husband Paul of Henderson; his father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Thigpen of Williamston, NC; brother-in-law, Joel Thigpen and fiance Pam Kirks; sister-in-law, Jenny Thigpen; four grandchildren, Henry Lawrence Winters, Callaway Robert Winters, Mills Bryan Winters and Lindley Corrine Winters; and an aunt, Hallie Frank Mills Pegram, of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randolph D. Mills, Jr.

The family received friends following the service in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church on Wednesday and at other times were at the home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Henderson, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536 or Boys and Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC-Vance Unit), PO Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565.

Date of Death: Monday, July 27, 2015

Arrangements for Dr. John Franklin Mills by J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson.

Dog Flu in North Carolina

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WIZS is an affiliate of the North Carolina News Network, and NCNN programming can be heard hourly, Monday-Friday from 5:55am until 4:55pm.  NCN News is also available on WIZS Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

A highly contagious canine flu virus that blanketed the Midwest in the spring made it’s way to North Carolina in July. Dr. Patricia Norris — director of the State Ag Department’s Animal Welfare office — says just like the flu that we’re susceptible to, the dog flu is more worrisome with young dogs (puppies), older dogs, and those who may already have a medical condition. Otherwise…


So far only a handful of cases have been confirmed, but there may be more cases that health officials don’t know about, as canine influenza is not a reportable disease in North Carolina.

June Employment Figures Released

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Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 95 of North Carolina’s counties in June, decreased in four counties, and remained unchanged in one county.

Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 12.3 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 8.9 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 5.0 percent. The June not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 6.1 percent.

The full release is available here.

Vance County has a labor force of 17,988 with 1,683 unemployed, giving you a rate of 9.4 percent.  Granville County has 28,513 workers with 1,563 out of work, giving you a rate of 5.5 percent.  Warren County employs 7,250 with 653 out of work, giving you an unemployment rate of 9.0 percent.  Just south in Franklin County, there are 29,134 in the labor force with 1,795 out of a job, giving you a rate of 6.2 percent.

Vance County’s unemployment rate increased .6 percent from May to June.  May’s figure was 8.8 percent, while June’s is 9.4.  The unemployment rate in June of 2014 was 9.6 percent, meaning a .2 percent decrease when compared to one year ago.

Vance County has the fifth worst unemployment rate in the state with Graham, Scotland, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties respectively being the four counties with the worst rates.

june unemployment state

Vance Board of Commissioners Meeting

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The next regular meeting of the Vance County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6:00pm.  The Commissioners meet the first Monday of each month in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

On the agenda:

  • County-wide water planning committee reports including wrap up of Phase 1, information about five crews working in Phase 2, with discussion about road work, USDA grant applications and refunds of early sign up fees.  The Water Board previously (April 2014) approved issuing refunds in Phase 1A and also approved allowing residents within any phase who receive refunds to “reserve” the initial signup fee of $125 if county water service is made available to them in the future. With construction wrapping up in Phase 2, it is necessary to take action authorizing the refunds along those roads that will not be included within the current project. VANCECOUNTYThe committee recommended proceeding with the issuance of refunds along the roads indicated in the attachments. Anticipated Recommendation: Authorize staff to issue refunds in Phases 2A and 2B for those roads as presented where water will not be available for the foreseeable future.
  • The properties committee will report to the full board concerning numerous properties jointly owned by the City and the County.  Some properties have been foreclosed, others have pending sales while still more are dilapidated and in need of demolition.

 

Starting Your Own Small Business

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Dos and Dont’s to be Considered

Have a Game Plan.

  • What is the product or service? Location, home or in a known shopping area?  Having access to the business is very important. Who are going to be the workers? The new business will be time consuming and usually stressful.  Are you ready for this?
  • What is your financial/business plan? Where is the money coming from, Savings-Family-Your friendly banker?  If family/friends/banker, they are now your partners.  Even if you did not intend for them to be involved, they will.business (calc key)
  • Your financial plan needs to be in writing and should have a line for each expenditure, including the Salaries to be paid and Advertising/Marketing/Web Site. A detailed financial plan will provide the break even point for the business also known as the “Nut”.  Once the “Nut” is covered, the business will start to throw off cash i.e. working capital.  Until that point is reached, the business owner(s) need to provide the needed working capital.
  • Who are the vendors that will provide the product you are going to sell? How many are there for you to choose from? What are their terms of payment?  Are the terms long enough for you to sell their product and for you to get paid, before they are to be paid? This is all about working capital, the life blood of any business.
  • Don’t forget about paying taxes. Who will do the financial reporting, a bookkeeper or accounting service?  They all cost money and need to be in your financial plan and are a part of the monthly “Nut”.  Do not forget attorneys and insurance, a necessary evil if you are to make it past your first year.  Pay strict attention to any lease or rental agreements that you sign.  Look for things like – Who pays if the AC goes out? Who is responsible for electric wiring-Mold-Cracked front steps? Removal of graffiti, flower beds and cutting the grass, snow and ice removal?
  • Further Dont’s – Never underestimate costs including monthly rent. Never over project sales. This just digs the hole deeper.  A business loan always takes longer than you expected. Let’s not forget the competition.  If you came up with a good idea, then others can too.  How can you distance your business from competitors?
  • Do not expect family and friends to be your first and best customers. History indicates that many of them do not want you to be a successful business owner. You being a success brings out the worst in many. It’s called jealously.

New Animal Shelter Moving Forward

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A “New” animal shelter for Vance County is moving forward, although at a snail’s pace.  Vance County Commissioners recently agreed to move forward on a new 8,000 square-foot building that is to cost between $1.1 and $1.6 million.  The shelter will be built on five acres of donated land.

After much discussion and with Commissioner Deborah Brown casting the only NO vote, the project is moving forward. Commissioners have agreed to take the next step and have approved further review of plans for the new shelter.new animal shelter site

In addition, the County is working with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to receive a 30-year loan of $1.7 million.  If approved, the County will make a $17,000 contribution as a part of the USDA deal.

The current shelter was built 40 years ago and is considered to be out-dated and, with only 2,000 sq. feet, is very small relative to the current needs of the community.

The Boyd family donated the five acres three years ago and includes a sunset provision that has the property reverting back to the Boyds if construction is not started within five years of the original gift.

So far about $22,000 has been raised by active supporters and animal lovers for the new shelter.  You can help by donating to the Vance County Animal Shelter. Send your tax deductible donation to the shelter at 165 Vance Academy Road, Henderson, NC 27537.

As the old saying goes, “We are closer than ever” to having a New Animal Shelter in Vance County.

Changes to NC Immunizations for the 2015-16 School year

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If you are a parent of a child within the Vance County public school system or a private institution it’s important to know the health requirements which have been mandated by the state for enrollment and entry into the NC education system for the coming 2015-16 scholastic year. This information is vital for a quick application and acceptance into Vance County public and private schools and can help you and your family understand how your child as well as the student body as a whole will be protected against the possible spread of illness in the classroom and at home. Recently, changes have been made to the North Carolina vaccination requirements for students entering kindergarten and seventh grade. Students entering these grades during the 2015-16 school year will now be required to receive the following immunizations prior to attendance at any of the North Carolina public or private schools:

  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hib Disease
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

While this list details the required vaccinations for those entering kindergarten and seventh grade, NC health care officials strongly suggest that you complete the full list of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for elementary and high school students prior to the start of the new school year if they have not already received them. This list of vaccines, as well as qualifications for exemptions from these vaccines, can also be viewed at the “Immunizations for Children” page of the “North Carolina Department of Public Health” website which can be accessed here: https://www.immunize.nc.gov/family/immnz_children.htm.

 

 

Henderson 6th Annual Ducky Derby & Festival

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On August 29, 2015 Smart Start of Franklin Granville Vance Partnership will be holding its 6th annual Ducky Derby and festival on Breckenridge Street in Henderson, NC. The festival will feature food and non-profit vendors, games and rides for kids, library events including a book giveaway, SAFEKIDS car and safety seat check, as well as live music from both local bands and high school drum lines. The festival itself, held between the police station and library, will run from 10am until 2pm, at which point the Ducky Derby will commence on Garnett Street amid cheering participants and on-lookers wearing the Ducky Derby signature duck hats and blasting out a mighty “quack” from bill shaped duck calls.
A large concrete mixer courtesy of Greystone Concrete Inc. will be filled with 500 gallons of water and Untitled-8several thousand rubber ducks. Once released, the ducks will float down the street towards the finish line.  Those in attendance who are participating will watch their ducks race for the win in hopes of clenching one of the several cash prizes being awarded to the first, second, third and final duck to cross the finish line. The prizes awarded are as follows:

First duck to cross the line: $1000

Second duck to cross the line: $500

Third duck to cross the line: $250

Last duck to cross the: $100

At the end of the race, a prize of 52 Chick fil A meal tickets (free Chick fil A for a year) will be awarded at random to a participant in attendance.

Ducks can be purchased at $5 a piece or in a “Quack Pack” (6 ducks for $25) or a “Flock” (25 ducks for $100) and are available either by calling FGV Partnership or can be claimed at one of the following businesses participating in the event:

Easy Car Care

State Employees Credit Union

Dot’s Hallmark

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Tickets can also be purchased at the festival and derby itself. Proceeds for the event will go to fund Smart Start, a non-profit volunteer program dedicated to providing access to health services for children as well as an education and literacy program designed to aid children ages 0-5 in preparation for attending school.

For more details or to be a participant in the event you can call the FGV Partnership at 252-433-9110. You can also call this number if you would like to be a vendor or sponsor of the Ducky Derby, just ask for Gary.