TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Sassafras Fork Township

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OK, local history buffs, here’s a question for you:

What do the Declaration of Independence, inventor of a Space-Age portable stereo and the poet Langston Hughes all have in common?

Ready for the answer?

Sassafras Fork township.

Northern Granville County residents may be more familiar with Sassafras Fork than others, but back in the 1760’s, Sassafras Fork encompassed the general area now known as Bullock, Grassy Creek, Gela, Stovall and Soudan, just across the NC/VA border.

WIZS’s Bill Harris and local historian Mark Pace talked about what that area used to look like in the recurring TownTalk segment “Around Old Granville.”

Now, here’s how those three seemingly unrelated items intersect in northern Granville County:

The town of Stovall recently held a Harvest Festival, featuring a celebration of one of its famous residents, John Penn. Penn was one of the state’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence and he moved from Virginia to North Carolina in part because there were too many lawyers where he was from in Virginia, but also because his wife’s family lived near Sassafras Fork.

Now, about that Space-Age portable radio…

Pratt Winston, who died in 2024, was an entrepreneur and inventor. He created the iconic Weltron radio product line, which sold all over the world into the late 70’s.

Winston’s home, Rose Hill, originally was part of the Speed holdings, still stands.

Pace said it’s probably the oldest brick home in the area, having been built around 1834. The two-story Greek Revival-style home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Ready to make the connection between Sassafras Fork and Langston Hughes?

“Shaw School was so well known back in the 1940’s and ‘50’s, Pace said, that it was able to attract numerous speakers of some renown.

The poet Langston Hughes, of Harlem Renaissance fame, visited the school in 1953 for a poetry reading, Pace said.

At the time of Hughes’s visit, Stovall was enjoying a population of close to 500, but over time, that number dwindled.

The 2010 Census reported just more than 400 people living in Stovall, and that number dropped to 324 in the 2020 count.

But Stovall once boasted a booming economy for the times – with a funeral home, doctors, a bank, factories, lumber mill, hotel, numerous churches and a railway station. There were close to 800 people living in Stovall in the 1920’s, Pace said.

A man named John Stovall gave land to have the rail depot put on his land, which is what prompted the name change from Sassafras Fork to Stovall, he said.

 

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TownTalk: Vance Commissioners Table Action On Updated Emergency Operations Plan, Vote To Terminate Fire Commission

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners were presented an updated version of the county’s approved Emergency Operations Plan but voted to table taking action to allow for more discussion.

Vance County Emergency Management Specialist Willie Kearney presented the draft document – the most recent update had been July 2019.

Kearney said the Vance County Rescue Squad has been removed from the EOP since it had been defunded by the county.

And since the 911 Communications and Emergency Management are no longer housed under Emergency Operations, Kearney stated that that Vivian Lassiter will oversee 911 and Kearney will oversee emergency management services in the plan.

Other proposed changes include an updated mutual aid agreement with the state of North Carolina. That agreement was signed on Sept. 23, 2025 by Assistant County Manager Jeremy Jones.

The local Department of Social Services responsibilities were amended in the EOP since DSS is no longer responsible for contacting medical/health care facilities to encourage development of emergency guidelines.

The existing EOP refers to a N.C. General Statute that was repealed and replaced with an updated G.S. concerning emergency declarations, and that also was updated in the draft document.

In other action taken by the board, County Manager C. Renee Perry said, at the direction of Chair Carolyn Faines, she is in the process of reviewing various county committees to determine whether they should be decommissioned.

First up was the Fire Commission, which Perry said she would suggest that the board decommission, since it was created for the specific purpose of resolving issues around the most recent fire study.

Since the commissioners have regularly scheduled work sessions, Perry said the work of individual committees could take place at work sessions instead. Commissioner Tommy Hester made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Leo Kelly, Jr. to decommission the Fire Commission. The lone dissenter was Commissioner Dan Brummitt.

Before the vote was taken, Brummitt said, “I still believe that committees are an essential part of the board. I don’t agree with getting rid of committees…I think we need to continue with our committees.”

Perry said commissioners earlier had decided to move the work of committees to regularly scheduled work sessions, allowing all board members to receive the same information at the same time.

“It’s always good for me not to be surprised with what questions are going to be asked at the meeting, so we can be prepared to answer those questions,” Perry said.

Speaking of work sessions, commissioners voted to cancel the upcoming Nov. 17 work session. Perry made the request, stating that the board would be together twice in December, once for the regular December meeting and the second for the annual retreat.

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TownTalk: Gill Wins Ward 4, Henderson City Council Seats Come December

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As a result of Tuesday’s runoff election for the Ward 4 seat on the Henderson City Council, Catherine “Kitty” Gill will join fellow newcomer Kenia Gomez-Jimenez and two incumbents to be sworn in at the City Council’s December meeting.

Gill beat incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper to take the seat.

Gomez-Jimenez beat incumbent Ward 1 at-large Council member Sara Coffey in the Oct. 7 election. Incumbents Garry Daeke (Ward 3) and Lamont Noel (Ward 2 at-large) also won their contests in the Oct. 7 election.

Gill led Thorpe-Cooper by 12 votes in the Oct. 7 election, prompting a runoff on Nov. 4. The unofficial tally was 132 to 84 in Gill’s favor. County elections officials will convene on Nov. 14 to certify the results of the Nov. 4 elections, which also included contests for mayors and council members in Kittrell and Middleburg.

Following the December installation, the Henderson City Council makeup is as follows:

  • Ward 1 – Geraldine Champion
  • Ward 1 at-large – Kenia Gomez-Jimenez

 

  • Ward 2 – Sam Seifert
  • Ward 2 at-large – Lamont Noel

 

  • Ward 3 – Garry Daeke
  • Ward 3 at-large – Michael Venable

 

  • Ward 4 – Catherine “Kitty” Gill
  • Ward 4 at-large – Tami Walker

 

The council members serve four-year staggered terms and the mayor serves a four-year term.

In the 2027 municipal elections, Henderson voters will vote for mayor, as well as Wards 1 and 2 aldermen, and Wards 3 and 4 at-large aldermen.

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TownTalk: The State of Economic Development in Vance County

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In his first year as the county’s economic development director, Ferdinand Rouse has become better acquainted with the area he is charged with promoting to recruit new business and industry. Rouse had set some short- and long-term goals for himself in his new role, and he said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that he’s satisfied those first-year goals and he looks forward to what the future holds.

“My one-year goal was to understand the community, take stock of our inventory – land and existing buildings, businesses and major employers,” Rouse said.

He said he feels well-equipped to go out and spread the word about why Vance County is the place that businesses should come to and invest in.

Change is inevitable, and Rouse said that there is lots changing in Vance County. “I just want to make sure that I’m providing the information and choosing and trying to create industry to make sure that change is a positive one” in Henderson and Vance County.

When it comes to economic development, Rouse said he and the Henderson-Vance Economic Development board are poised to make Vance County and Henderson a better place to live and to invest resources.

The board is eager to figure out new methods for us to either gain more resources, find new strategies to be successful in bot attraction of new businesses and retaining existing ones, he said.

One innovative idea – construction of a shell building in the industrial park – is just waiting for the right person or business to come along.

The shell building located in the industrial park has been a source of interest since construction began in late 2022. Proponents theorized that prospective buyers would be interested in being able to purchase a structure and then upfit it to meet their specific needs.

The news had been back in May that the shell building had a buyer, but Rouse said that deal had fallen through.

It’s a puzzle to Rouse and others why that building remains on the market, but he chalks it up to a combination of the uncertainties of the current national economic climate and plain old bad luck.

“The shell building has been caught up in unfortunate occurrences,” Rouse said, adding that nothing or nobody in particular is at fault. “The times haven’t been cooperating in selling this building and getting it off the market.”

A new enterprise locating off Poplar Creed Road is getting a little more traction, however.

Syntec Precision Technology, which Gov. Josh Stein announced in February 2025 would establish its first North American production and warehouse facility here, is upfitting the space to fit its needs and is in the process of hiring managers. The company engineers and produces precision machining parts for the hydraulic, life sciences and transportation industries.

Maintaining strong partnerships with entities like Vance-Granville Community College. the Kerr-Tar  COG, the local tourism authority and the Chamber of Commerce – not to mention the city of Henderson, are critical components to attract new business and industry to the area, Rouse said.

Syntec will add dozens of jobs when it opens, but Rouse said economic developers are always talking about “employment multipliers” when they are thinking about recruiting new business and industry.

“When you recruit industry, that industry creates direct jobs,” he said, but that industry also has a ripple effect out into the wider community. Those employees will need housing, they’ll eat in area restaurants, get haircuts, he said. Other businesses who supply materials or service machinery at that industry may decide to relocate, too. That ripple effect has a positive impact on the overall economy of the county, he said.

“That’s what we try to do – create an environment where folks invest in our community and bring in others.”

Sometimes, a prospective business may be attracted by certain incentives – often financial incentives in the form of grants or tax breaks – but Rouse said there are other types of incentives that could prove useful. Things like fine-tuning the permitting process to cut down on wait times may be beneficial. And for those companies that may be creating dozens or hundreds of jobs, well, they need to have some special designation, Rouse said, “to make sure they go to the front of the line.”

Rouse praised the county’s inspections and planning departments, adding that “we all have our part to play when it comes to creating an environment for our businesses to be successful.”

Sometimes, it’s visitors who help spread the word about Vance County and the opportunities that are to be had here, Rouse said. The county’s tourism authority does a great job with events like the recent car show, the annual fireworks display at Kerr Lake and, now the Catfish drop on New Year’s Eve.

“Tourism’s essential,” Rouse said. “A lot of the things that tourism does attracts visitors to our community.” As people move farther from Durham and Wake counties, we have an opportunity to attract additional industry and residential housing, he said.

The county’s recent designation as a Retirement Community, along with signage proclaiming Henderson a Purple Heart Community all serve to promote positive branding, he said.

 

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American Flag

Vance County America 250 Committee

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UPDATE 11-3-25:

UPDATE 10-30-25:

The Vance County America 250 committee convened Thursday afternoon to begin making plans to celebrate the 250th birthday of these United States.

Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse led the meeting, but the group will be chaired by Barbara Harrison, with Angie Ryan serving as vice chair and Tem Blackburn serving as secretary.

Dr. Tim Hall, K-12 Social Studies instructional coordinator for Vance County Schools, also was present at the meeting.

Harrison is Regent of the John Penn chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution located in Oxford and Blackburn is vice president of the Vance County Historical Society.

This initial meeting was a brainstorming session, and Rouse provided some context for the local group. The group will meet again on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. at a location to be determined.

The N.C. Department of Cultural Affairs is the point agency for North Carolina, and the official kickoff was in April 2025. Of course, the big event will be July 4 of 2026, but Rouse said events and activities may continue until 2033. The county group will have access to logos and emblems to use for local activities, both existing and new that the committee may create.

County Manager Renee Perry had told commissioners that the county had received a $10,000 grant to fund local America 250 activities and events.

There are existing activities that could be aligned with the special commemoration – think July 4 fireworks at Kerr Lake, for example.

And Blackburn said the historical society is working to secure grant funding to place two-sided banners on Garnett, Breckenridge and Chestnut streets to honor the 125 Vance County individuals who died in wars from World War I to the Iraq War.

Blackburn said the thinking is to put up the banners and have a special ceremony for each war, beginning with the 22 soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

They’ve got photos of 60 of the 125, but they’ll need help to continue tracking down photos – preferably of the individuals in their uniforms – of the others.

The Veterans Memorial that will be installed in front of the police station is another existing activity that can be aligned with the 250th celebration. Blackburn said the plan is to have that installation complete by July 4, 2026.

Harrison, who is Regent of the John Penn Chapter of the DAR in Oxford, said she’s put in a lot of hours working to get the 13-mile stretch of U.S. 158 between Henderson and Oxford officially recognized as the John Penn Highway.

Apparently, way back in 1927, the highway was given the designation, but there never were any signs placed.

“It’s been granted,” Harrison said of the name designation. “Now it’s a matter of getting the signs.”

Other ideas discussed included the possibility of having a special performance at McGregor Hall of the Broadway show “1776.” If not a live production, then at least a showing of the movie. Concerts by the Community Band or by school bands or choral groups with a theme of patriotic music also were discussed.

Visit https://www.america250.nc.gov/ to learn more about what’s happening at the state level to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.

To view a recording of the meeting, click  here – from the Vance County YouTube Channel.

But we will have more to post here soon.

UPDATE 10-29-25:

The Vance County America 250 Committee will meet October 30, 2025 for the first time.  The meeting will take place in the commissioner’s meeting room (old courthouse/Admin Building) starting at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to last as long as two hours.

The County intends to make it available on the County’s YouTube Channel as well (here).

Evidenced in the agenda below from the County’s web page, the committee intends to establish itself more formally and begin the earliest stages of planning.

  • Welcome and opening remarks – County Manager
  • Brief introductions of all attendees (name, role, and interest in the committee)
  • Nominations and election of officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer (if applicable)
  • Discussion of officer roles and responsibilities
  • Background on the national and state America 250 celebrations
  • Overview of local goals and opportunities for participation
  • Identify key focus areas (e.g., education, community engagement, heritage, arts and culture, events)
  • Brainstorming ideas for local America 250 events and initiatives
  • Identification of potential partners (schools, civic groups, historical societies, etc.)
  • Summary of decisions made and action items
  • Determine frequency of meetings (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
  • Set next meeting date and location
  • Closing remarks from the Chair

WIZS will continue to update this post and provide details on the radio.

TownTalk: H-V Rec And Parks Posts Q-And-A Video With Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott In ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign

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The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department went right to the top to land a special guest for ‘Know Your Rights’ video it created and posted on social media – Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott.

With a picture of the City of Henderson seal in the background, Elliott fielded questions from members of the department’s Youth Services Outreach program for just over 36 minutes, touching on topics that ranged from the mayor’s and City Council’s role in municipal governance to knowing your rights when interacting with law enforcement.

Antonio Perry, Youth Services Outreach administrator, and Rebecca Marcelin, Youth Services Outreach specialist, took turns asking questions to create an informal, but informative, session with Elliott, who was elected mayor in 2023.

Elliott described herself as an advocate, whether for the city she represents in a Tier 1 county or as the founder of Gang Free, Inc., which seeks to deter youth from gang participation.

In a Poli Sci 101 kind of way, she explained that the mayor “sets the vision” for the city. “The mayor has no control over employees,” she said. That’s the job of a city manager. The mayor presides over City Council meetings, but casts no votes unless there’s a tie.

She teased out the difference in “equal” versus “equitable,” and said one of her responsibilities as mayor is to ensure that all city residents are treated fairly, drawing a distinction between equal and equitable.

“Everything doesn’t work for everybody,” she said, “but everybody should have a voice.”

City residents can voice their opinions in several different ways, she said, from attending Council meetings and signing up to speak during the public comment periods.

“People have a lot they want to say and they may not come to City Hall,” Elliott said. “We encourage them to come to City Hall, but sometimes it’s user-friendly when you actually go to where they are.”

She said she’d like to revive the concept of Town Hall meetings, which would take City Council members into the community to interact with constituents on their own turf.

City residents can talk to their ward representative, contact the mayor’s office or even submit written requests when they have concerns that aren’t being addressed, Elliott said.

“Some people don’t do well in public speaking,” she said. “They can write it out and submit it. They can organize their neighbors and get a champion in their community to speak for everybody,” she said.

The important thing to remember is to make your voices heard and participate in local government.

“Your city needs you,” Elliott said. Not just your vote, she continued, but your voice, your ideas, your energy.

She said she has established a number of committees since she took office for various groups, including the faith-based community, Hispanics, LGBTQ and seniors. She also would like to form a Youth Council, to “give them space and let them talk – let them say what’s on their mind…let them give the answers,” Elliott said.

In a recent talk with young people at a school to discuss a walkability study, Elliott was curious about why youth weren’t walking.

“Know the number one reason why they didn’t walk? – no sidewalks,” Elliott said. “It wasn’t gunshots, it wasn’t ‘I’m scared to go outside,’” she continued. “Sidewalks and dogs – they were scared they were going to get bit.”

This is the kind of information that Elliott said, once city leaders know about it, it’s time to take action and find a solution.

Whether it’s finding a way to create sidewalks or improve lighting in certain areas to make folks feel safer, Elliott said she’s all about reaching into the community and listening to residents.

“Show up!” she said, “Show up in numbers – this city belongs to the community members. No one player…can say this is my city – this city belongs to us all. We need everybody’s voice at the table, not a select few. We need all people to come forward.”

In response to a question about how to interact with others – whether it’s by the police or when paying your water bill – Elliott said it’s important to be kind and courteous and to know your Constitutional rights.

“No one should be treated unfairly (or) unjustly,” she said.

If you feel like your rights are being violated in some way, request to speak to a supervisor, she said.

On the topic of affordable housing, Elliott said Henderson is thousands of units below where it should be when it comes to housing. “We do not have enough housing in our community,” she said, and added that the city is working to tackle some of the challenges to overcome the hurdles, from new homes on First Avenue to strengthening the minimum housing code.

A resource map is in the works that will be posted on the city’s website to assist residents who are looking for housing.

Recently, when a local motel was shut down, displacing numerous families who were living there, Elliott said the city took action. “We are not social services, but we can be innovative in our practices,” she said. Those families received $2,000 to aid them in finding new housing.

“We have the power to give people hope, no matter what color they are,” she said.

“I like doing that.”

View the complete interview at https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02CYZsXiBVTyRvUb7svYKQ8eSYdYjJfp7DjTKsCzKncSvSzQ29XvUXGiyvdxu5eQs7l&id=100063481573860

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Area Christians Together In Service Latest Needs List

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Food insecurity relief efforts continue to be a priority in Vance County for organizations like Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS), and the disruption to November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds will apply even more pressure here and across the state.

The Vance County Department of Social Services director, and other directors across the state, received written notice October 27 indicating: “The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to suspend the issuance of November 2025 … (SNAP) to the approximately 1.4 million North Carolinians who need assistance…”

Any assistance you may be able to provide to ACTS now may become especially important in the days to come as the federal government shutdown continues.

ACTS most recent needs list includes:

GENERAL PANTRY

  • Pinto beans, navy beans, great northern beans, pork and beans, baked beans, blackeye peas
  • Sliced/diced potatoes, mixed veggies, carrots
  • Collard greens, turnip greens, mixed greens
  • Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce
  • Tomato soup, chicken noodle soup
  • Canned chicken, canned beef, luncheon meat
  • Dry pasta, dry rice, dry beans, instant potatoes
  • Cereal, jelly, canned peaches

BACKPACK BUDDIES

  • Single serve (microwave) Chef Boyardee
  • Vienna sausages, Beanee Weenees

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Laundry detergent, dish detergent, bleach, ammonia-free glass cleaner, Awesome all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, steel wool/scouring pads, toilet paper, paper towels

The “TownTalk” radio show on WIZS is a public affairs presentation of WIZS News.

Disruption in SNAP Benefits in North Carolina as the Federal Government Shutdown Continues

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— from Gov. Josh Stein, Who Urges USDA to Deploy Contingency Funds

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the November benefits for the 1.4 million North Carolinians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be delayed if the federal government shutdown continues.

On Oct. 10, 2025, NCDHHS was directed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to delay the issuance of November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal shutdown. While October benefits are not impacted, this federal inaction means there is a significant risk that November benefits will not be issued on their normal schedule. As of Oct. 27, 2025, NCDHHS has not received the necessary federal funding for the program.

Additionally, the USDA sent guidance and a notice to states on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, stating it would not be using the roughly $6 billion in federal contingency funds available to keep the SNAP program running for November. The notice also explained that the federal government would not reimburse any state funds used to cover SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits in North Carolina represent about $230 million to $250 million each month. NCDHHS will stay in close communication with federal partners and will issue SNAP benefits to beneficiaries as soon as federal funding is provided.

“I am urging the USDA to take immediate action to prevent more than 1.4 million North Carolinians – including children, people with disabilities, veterans, and working families – from going hungry,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Specifically, USDA can deploy federal contingency funds and prevent a disruption of SNAP benefits on November 1. The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of the responsibility to support families and communities. Congress owes it to the American people to return to the negotiating table and come together to reopen the government, stop health care premiums from skyrocketing, and ensure stability for hardworking people across our state and country.”

“We know how vital these benefits are for children, seniors, and hardworking families in every corner of our state,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.  “Our priority is to be transparent and provide clear, factual information so families can prepare for a potential delay in benefits. We will continue to process applications and stand ready to issue benefits as quickly as possible once we receive authorization and funding from our federal partners.”

More than 600,000 households comprising 1.4 million individual North Carolinians are due to receive SNAP benefits to help put nutritious and healthy food on the table in November. Four in five North Carolina families participating in SNAP have either a child, senior or an adult with a disability. There are more than 580,000 children in North Carolina that rely on SNAP and more than 80% of people receiving SNAP benefits are working.

Additionally, NCDHHS does not currently have funding to maintain benefits past early November for the more than 262,000 people who depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This critical program provides healthy food, infant formula, nutrition education and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers and young children. While it is possible the federal government may allocate additional funding, at present there is no certainty that funding will be received. NCDHHS is currently exploring all options to maintain these benefits if NCDHHS does not receive federal funding for WIC.

The federal government shut down began on Oct. 1, 2025, because Congress did not pass a budget for the new fiscal year. The administration has paused or reduced many federal programs, and more than a million federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impacts may become.

NCDHHS is doing everything it can to reduce the impact on North Carolinians. The department understands the uncertainty can be very concerning for individuals and families who rely on these programs. NCDHHS is committed to being transparent and will share the latest updates on the www.ncdhhs.gov/shutdown website.

NCDHHS is providing the following guidance for people who depend on food and nutrition benefits:  

Continue to Apply and Renew: All residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent a backlog when funding is restored.

Check Your Balance: Any benefits currently on your EBT card are still available to use. Check your balance on the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card (1-888-622-7328).

If you or your family is in immediate need for food resources, please call 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources. You can also visit the NCDHHS website dedicated to food access to find a food pantry closest to you.

— press release from Office of Governor Josh Stein

Kerr-Tar Family Caregiver Conference November 13

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People who provide care to family members or loved ones with chronic conditions like dementia can face relentless challenges, running the gamut from finances to time management.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, in partnership with Dementia Alliance, will offer resources and services to caregivers that may prove useful in overcoming some of the challenges that go along with caring for family members with long-term health issues.

The conference is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, according to Michael Patterson, KTCOG family caregiver specialist. Registration is $10 for family caregivers and $25 for professional caregivers.

Professional caregivers can receive 1.5 continuing education credit. Register at www.dementianc.org/2025henderson. Patterson said walk-up registrations also will be taken the day of the conference.

“This is a great opportunity for our caregivers to receive resources, services and skills they need to support their caregiver journey,” Patterson said on Monday’s TownTalk.

The guest speakers include Michael Lewis, chief behavioral officer and senior financial advisor at Family Legacy Financial Solution, Dr. Delon Canterbury, a pharmacist consultant at GeriatRx, Inc. and Lisa Levine, executive director at Dementia Alliance.

Patterson said the half-day conference will give participants a chance to hear from experts that he said may be outside the traditional box of resources as they gain knowledge and make connections with local resources and services.

A caregiver’s main concern is on the safety, health and well-being of the care recipient, Patterson acknowledged, but finding support for that care provider is also very important, according to feedback he’s gotten as he networks throughout the KTCOG service area.

“Finances is a big challenge for our family caregivers,” Patterson said, so the session on financial resources is an important topic. The majority of those caregivers are providing that care for free – and it’s something that they may choose to do for their loved ones, but it can have an impact, he said, affecting personal and work lives.

Canterbury’s session will focus on how to be an advocate for loved ones when it comes to medications they are taking. The concept of “de-prescribing” focuses on reviewing medicines, understanding particular side effects and making sure a patient isn’t being over-prescribed.

The final session of the conference will turn to a lighter side of caregiving, highlighting the importance of self-care with a segment called Laughter Yoga.

Caregiving can be an emotional journey, Patterson said, and caregivers must balance, as best they can, caring for their loved one as they care for themselves.

It’s important to “bring joy to yourself and to those around you,” he said.

Once a family member has gotten a diagnosis of dementia or other long-term health condition, it’s also important to be proactive in setting up a process for care.

“The longer you wait, the more stressful it can be to try to find resources,” Patterson said.

To learn more, contact Patterson at 252.436.2040 ext. 6072 or by email at mpatterson@kerrtarcog.org

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Who: Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

What: Kerr-Tar Family Caregiver Conference

When: Thursday, November 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Where: Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center

Additional Details: Dementia Alliance of NC. Hear from Director of Dementia Alliance, Lisa Levine, and from Pharmacist Consultant, Dr. DeLon Canterbury. Learn practical skills for engaging and supporting those living with dementia, and how to care for yourself in the process. A Family Caregiver Ticket is $10 – For those caring for someone living with dementia, neighbors, friends, students, clergy and anyone else who would like to attend. Limited scholarships available. Professional Caregiver Tickets are $25. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided. To learn more about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael Patterson at (252) 436-2040 ext. 6072 or email mpatteron@kerrtarcog.org.

(Original post just above made Oct. 23, 2025)

State of Region – When Will Triangle Overflows Get to Vance

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Economists analyze data and then make projections about things that matter to individuals, governments and other organizations. They do research, make evaluations and help make sense of money, taxes and how much things cost.

N.C. State University professor emeritus Dr. Mike Walden shed some light on prospective growth in Vance County and surrounding areas on Wednesday during a ‘State of the Region’ event sponsored by the Kerr-Tar COG and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

There were no big surprises or ‘aha’ moments in Walden’s remarks to those who’d gathered for the lunchtime program at Henderson Country Club, but Walden’s observations served to rekindle some enthusiasm about what’s possible when it comes to economic growth.

Vance and Warren counties have taken a backseat to Granville and Franklin counties as growth from the Triangle area overflows outside the Raleigh-Durham metro area.

“The counties that have lagged the most were Vance and Warren. Franklin and Granville look better.”

Walden pointed out that Vance County has all the things that attract economic growth – great people, the community college, proximity to the interstate, among others.

And yet, Vance and Warren counties are “one row back” from that inevitable growth – the first wave is hitting Granville and Franklin first, he said. It boils down to one simple, yet immutable thing: Geography.

Walden noted that Vance County is not part of Gov. Josh Stein’s new program to expand internet access, but Granville, Warren and Franklin counties are. He said if he were a Vance County leader, he’d definitely check into that and find out why.

Vance County lags behind the state in households with internet access, for example. About 64 percent of households in the county have high speed internet, compared to 91 percent for the state, he said.

Internet accessibility will continue to be important for businesses looking to locate in the area, but also for residential growth to accommodate employees who may be looking to work remotely.

“I think that there are some positives for you for the future,” Walden said. “The biggest thing that will improve the economic outlook for your future,” he said, is that Vance County is in the path of growth.

Let developers know that Vance County is re-energized, he said, and geared up to work with businesses interested in coming to this part of North Carolina.

Hopefully, the takeaway from his remarks, Walden said, is optimism.

“The growth is going to come,” he said.

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