Tag Archive for: #towntalk

TownTalk: ‘Way To GROW!’ Festival Coming To Downtown Henderson

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Say you’re organizing an event – complete with food, music and more – and you really want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves. One sure-fire way to make sure the whole community feels invited and welcomed is to get key leaders involved and interested.

Two people who fit that description in the Henderson area are Heather Joi Kenney and Tracy Mosley. They, along with other community partners, are introducing a street festival called Way to GROW! to focus on all aspects of entrepreneurship.

Kenney is president of Gateway CDC and Mosley is director of Helping All People Excel, a local nonprofit whose focus is access, exposure and opportunity for all youth.

They were guests on Thursday’s TownTalk to provide details about the Aug. 12 festival.

Actually, the week leading up to the Aug. 12 event is Entrepreneur Week at Gateway CDC, which is hosting a variety of workshops Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to share information about becoming a successful, sustainable entrepreneur.

Because of her love for this community, “the beauty of its people and of the downtown area,” Kenney said she applied for – and ultimately received – a grant from NC IDEA, a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to support entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship across the state. The Way to GROW! festival “provides an opportunity for people to be entertained and to shop” among dozens of vendors who are themselves entrepreneurs.

A plus for the vendors is that there’s no fee to participate, she said.

Once she had the grant funding, “Tracy came to mind immediately,” Kenney said, adding that if anyone could make it successful, it was Mosley. “She can make it happen!”

“I’m an event planner – I love events,” Mosley said. “It’s a passion of mine and I love Henderson and the community.”

The plan is to block off Garnett Street between Orange and W. Montgomery streets for the festival. The Breckenridge Street area to Chestnut Street, as well as Wyche Street, also will accommodate pedestrian-only traffic that day.

The idea is to show prospective entrepreneurs that it’s possible to take a passion and turn it into a successful and sustainable business.

It’s one way to create and support the idea of community, Kenney said. “We are responsible for one another…Henderson’s way to grow is collectively.”

Join the fun on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. for food, music, vendors, and more at the Way to GROW! festival in downtown Henderson. The Queens Court of Charlotte, Jim Quick & Coastline, DJ AK and DJ Scoop, along with Chanel Scott of CheMinistry are just some of the groups providing entertainment.

To sign up to volunteer or to become a sponsor, contact Gateway CDC at 252.492.6298.

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TownTalk: County Commissioners Adopt Strategic Economic Development Plan

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners adopted a strategic plan for economic development at its July 10 meeting that creates a roadmap for future growth over the next few years.

Crystal Morphis, with Creative Economic Development Consulting, walked commissioners through the basic framework of the strategic plan, which she and her team developed over the course of the last year.

Following the presentation, Commissioner Archie Taylor expressed appreciation for the work that went into the plan’s development.

“The easy part is planning – the hard part is doing,” Morphis replied.

As part of the development process, Morphis shared results of a SWOT analysis – the acronym stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats – derived from information from almost 100 respondents from across the county.

The plan lists “ordinance enforcement” as a weakness, and, when asked by Commissioner Taylor to explain in greater detail, Morphis said it dealt with appearance and first impressions when a newcomer or prospective business owner visits.

“Code enforcement is so important,” Morphis said, for a community’s beautification and appearance.

Morphis used information and data from the respondents to create a plan tailored to take into account the area’s strengths – interstate access and proximity to urban centers like Raleigh and Durham – while working to address some of the challenges – an unskilled workforce and a lack of available housing, just to name two.

The plan lists five goals and has a three-year implementation timeline that details specific items that need to be achieved over that period:

Goal 1 – Attract, retain and foster start-up businesses

Goal 2 – Make Vance County a choice location

Goal 3 – Attract, develop and retain talent to ensure a strong pipeline for the future

Goal 4 – Strengthen local and regional connections

Goal 5 – Strengthen the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission

During her presentation to the commissioners, Morphis provided information from the respondents on topics such as challenges to growing their business. Some of those challenges include workforce availability, wage growth pressure, workforce training, financing, housing for workforce and finding affordable space to operate a business.

Some of the areas that the respondents wanted to see the county invest more resources in were in attracting new business and retaining existing businesses, and developing amenities like retail, dining and recreation.

Almost half of the respondents – 49 percent – cited personal or hometown connections – to the county as the reason their company is located within Vance County, Morphis noted.

The Kerr-Tar region and the state are seeing a growth in population, but Vance County and its three municipalities all have seen a drop in their overall populations, according to data from the 2010 and 2020 Census. This can also affect the available work force, which also has shrunk in Vance County since 2017, when there was a workforce pool of 17,237 to a November 2022 level of 16,639.

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TownTalk: County Commissioners Hear from Vance Recovery

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Vance Recovery is part of the Vance County Substance Abuse Collaborative, a group of providers that work each day to help clients who are battling opioid addiction.

John Mattocks is Vance Recovery’s program director and he spoke on behalf of the county collaborative to Vance County Board of Commissioners during the public comment section of the July 10 meeting.

“We serve 400 people a day burdened by twin epidemics,” Mattocks said, referring to opioid use and overdose.

The individual groups joined forces as a collaborative to try to generate “energy and focus” in light of the risks brought on by opioid use.

“We are ready to serve in whatever capacity would be helpful,” Mattocks told the commissioners.

Vance County is scheduled to receive a share of the $26 billion nationwide opioid settlement and Mattocks said the collaborative stands ready to provide support to county leaders as they determine how and where to spend those funds.

Visit https://www.morseclinics.com/locations/vance-recovery to learn more about the services provided at Vance Recovery.

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TownTalk: Commissioners Take Up Fire Services At Board Meeting

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Thanks to the wonders of technology, Vance County Board of Commissioners meetings are recorded for the public to play – and, in some cases, replay. WIZS replayed a portion of the July 10 regular monthly meeting during Tuesday’s TownTalk segment, during which the contentious topic of a fire study was discussed.

At its July meeting, the commissioners were expecting to hear from Interim County Manager Scott Elliott about the status of the much-discussed fire study, including staff recommendations that would move forward two of the six bids received from entities interested in completing the work.

Instead, Board Chair Yolanda Feimster invoked her privilege to send to the Public Safety Committee all six bidders for review, after which the committee would make recommendations to the full board at a future meeting.

“So we’re not discussing this tonight?” asked Commissioner Tommy Hester, upon hearing Feimster’s request, who in essence interrupted Elliott as he prepared to make his report to the board.

When Hester asked Feimster the reason for her decision, she replied that she didn’t have to give one. Hester argued that the whole board approved that a study be done, and Commissioner Leo Kelly, Jr. echoed Hester’s sentiments that it should be the board’s decision to make and not the Public Safety Committee.

Hester then made a motion that the whole board consider the fire study, which Commissioner Archie Taylor seconded.

That motion later was withdrawn, however, following discussion by various commissioners – sometimes talking over one another – about how the process should be carried out.

A subsequent motion was made by Hester, seconded by Taylor, to postpone any decision until the August meeting.

Commissioners Hester, Archie Taylor and Leo Kelly, Jr. voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Sean Alston and Carolyn Faines voted against the motion, giving Feimster, as chair, the tie-breaking vote. The motion failed on her nay vote and the issue of the fire study will be sent to the Public Safety Committee for review.

County staff reviewed the six proposals and recommended two for consideration by the board – the whole board.

But now, the Public Safety Committee will review – again – all six proposals and is expected to make its own recommendation to the commissioners in August.

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TownTalk: Events In Granville County

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With the heat of summer in full swing, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen has some options for indoor activities to keep folks cool.

The National Teapot Festival continues at Cedar Creek Gallery through September 10, and Allen said a trip to this Creedmoor gem won’t disappoint. Part working studio, part art gallery, Cedar Creek is open seven days a week. The Teapot Show features hundreds of teapots on display.

In and around downtown Oxford, things are popping up as fast as a summer thunderstorm.

There’s karaoke on Wednesdays at The Orpheum. Enjoy a signature drink and the music from 8 p.m. to midnight, Allen said.

If you think you’d like to light up the night, visit The Orpheum on Saturday, July 22 for Glow Night. Allen said $5 gets you in the door, along with whatever you wear that glows – necklaces, clothing, use your imagination. It’s from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Check out Verdigris, Oxford Oaks Distillery’s restaurant.

On Wednesdays, stop in for Verdigris Vibes, live music by local artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ve got $10 tapas & cocktails on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visit https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com/ to learn more.

If you’re in the mood for pizza (and who isn’t?), reserve your spot now at Thorndale Oaks for Thursday, July 20. For $21.95, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and more. Make sure to call and reserve a spot at 919.603.3701. Follow Thorndale Oaks on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all their events.

The city of Oxford will observe National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Allen said local law enforcement agencies, including Oxford Police Department and Oxford Fire Department will be on hand as the community joins together to enjoy food, activities, games and more.

Learn about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/.

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Democratic Party

TownTalk: Brodie Works To Engage Local Democrats

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The Vance County Democratic Party is sponsoring an informational event next week designed to increase awareness throughout the community about a variety of issues including voter registration, as well as the state’s new voter ID law.

Joseph Brodie is first vice chair of the group and he said although the event, scheduled for Saturday, July 22, is sponsored by the local Democratic Party, it’s open to anyone who wants to learn more.

Maybe you just need to update an address or contact information – that can all be handled on July 22. The meeting will be held in the second-floor county commissioners’ meeting room, 122 Young St. Doors open at 9:30 and the meeting will begin at 10 a.m., Brodie said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

The Oct. 10 municipal elections are non-partisan, but Brodie said state and national elections are just around the corner.

“We’re trying to round up the troops to get ready for the next municipal election and the next Presidential election in 2024,” Brodie said.

He didn’t go too far down the path of endorsing candidates for president at this time, but Brodie did indicate that the local Democratic Party would be behind whoever the candidate is for the 2024 Presidential race.

The local party has a core group of officers who each bring their own issues and passions for consideration, Brodie said.

Angela Thornton is the local group’s chair. “She is really working hard for the voters out there and the Democratic Party as a whole,” Brodie said.

Others on the executive committee include local businessman Dennis Tharrington, second vice chair; Hilda Delbridge, third vice chair; Kathy Allen, secretary; Rev. Dr. Willie T. Ramey III, treasurer; Wanda Moncreith, assistant secretary.

The event is sponsored by the local Democratic Party – uppercase D – but Brodie said tackling challenges we face in our local community and across the nation is too big a task for just a few.

“It’s going to take a whole team of people to tackle some of these problems,” he said. “Some are just too big for one person or party…it’s going to take all of us working together.”

Brodie said the Democratic Party in Vance County is “at the point now where we can really serve the voters in Vance County. We have our foothold down and now it’s time to branch out” to support Democrats in the community.

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TownTalk: Williams Looks To Grow NAACP

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Jameel Williams has been an influence in the lives of young people as an educator in Vance County Schools for more than three decades. Now, as president of the local chapter of the NAACP, Williams has the opportunity to provide a different type of education.

“Together, we can move forward,” Williams said – more than once – during an interview on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

Just recently, the local chapter has added more than 30 new members to its list, and Williams said that’s a good start, but he’s not satisfied. “We need your membership,” he said, adding that adults can join for $30 a year and youth memberships are available for just $10 a year.

In fact, Williams joined the local chapter when he was in high school. The late Dr. Andrea Harris and Margaret Ellis, longtime school board member were the reason he got involved.

“We worked hard,” he recalled, knocking on doors back in the ‘70’s, ‘80’s and ‘90’s on behalf of the local chapter.

In 1984, he received a scholarship for $400 from the local chapter to attend St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh. He credits those two women with motivating him to be his best.

There are chapter-sponsored Fun Days to go along with the more productive work of the chapter, including voter registration drives and fish fry fundraisers. And plans are underway for a banquet, a once annual function that hasn’t been held in a few years. The date and location have been set – February 2024 at Vance Granville Community College – and now the banquet committee can hash out the details.

The other elected officers of the chapter include:

First Vice President – LaMont Noel

Second Vice President – Gregory Perry

Secretary – Lorelei Winckler

Assistant Secretary – Teresa Perry

Treasurer – Tony Peace

Assistant Treasurer – Michael T. Henderson

To learn more about the Vance County Chapter of the NAACP, contact Williams at Jam8251965@gmail.com or follow them on social media to stay updated on upcoming programs and events.

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TownTalk: VV Show’s Varonica Mitchell Works With Game Changers For Community Event

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Varonica Mitchell, that local 12-year-old social media sensation with her own online show is paying a visit to Henderson Sunday, July 16 to take part in an event sponsored by Game Changers and iDance Praise Academy.

There will be games for the kids, as well as food, clothing and school supplies that will be distributed – all free of charge, said Mitchell, who was a guest on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

She’ll have a “meet and greet” with her fans, with photo ops, selfies and autographs with the star of “The VV Show” throughout the event, which stretches from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the iDance Praise Academy, located at 902 Dorsey Ave., Henderson.

It’s just a way for her to give back to all her supporters, she said, which now number more than 1 million on various social media platforms. “They’ve helped me out…they uplift me,” she said. “I thought it was a good idea to give back to the community.”

She’s accomplished a lot in just a short time, and has been featured in movies, commercial ads and magazines, not to mention headlining events all over and being honored with awards on major platforms for her acting, her community service and her comedy/social media show, according to information from “The VV Show” marketing manager M. Davis.

Come be a part of the fun and speak with the young lady who’s capturing hearts with her insight and comedy all over social media.

Visit The VV Show – YouTube to see what VV’s up to.

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TownTalk: Twisdale Takes Over As Fire Chief

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Henderson Fire Chief Tim Twisdale said he learned at an early age the importance of service to others and being responsible for nurturing growth.

Those childhood lessons are paying dividends as Twisdale takes the helm as the city’s new chief.

As a youngster, growing up on the family farm, he was exposed to things that have helped him through the years – “Be responsible for things. Plant a seed and see where it goes,” he said.

Twisdale was a guest on Tuesday’s TownTalk and shared his story that started on the family farm in the Granville County community of Bullock.

He’s had mentors within the fire service, but it was his grandfather – a volunteer at the Bullock station – who started it all.

“I looked up to him,” Twisdale said, adding that his grandfather showed him the importance of “being part of the community and giving back. He enjoyed doing so.”

So Twisdale decided to follow in his granddad’s footsteps and he joined the ranks of volunteers at Bullock.

And he ran across an instructor named Steve Cordell who shared with him about being a career firefighter. As a 20-something, Twisdale acknowledged that it sure sounded more exciting than sitting behind a desk all day.

Since then, there have been many classes and many mentors who have helped Twisdale on this career path.

It will be his turn now to help other firefighters as they pursue their goals and dreams.

Twisdale said he hoped to name a deputy chief soon. “We’ve opened it up to internal applicants,” and that continues for another week. The department’s career ladder structure helps firefighters determine next steps and pathways for success.

“I anticipate having a good pool of applicants coming through,” he said. There will be an interview team assembled to ensure transparency in the selection process, although Twisdale will make the final decision.

Chief Cordell and retired Chief Danny Wilkerson were instrumental in instilling pride into the department, and Twisdale said he intends to keep it going for the future.

“I want to keep the pride and dedication and professionalism that our department has, and expand and grow as the city grows,” he said.

The department enjoys an ISO rating of 2, and is as close to a 1 rating as is possible. What stands in the way, Twisdale said, are two areas that the department and the city are aware of and are working on – increased staffing and a new fire station.

As battalion chief, Twisdale had to make sure fire calls were answered efficiently and effectively. In his new role as chief, he is responsible for more of the administration of the fire department. But efficiency and effectiveness remain top of mind, he said, and he plans to lead by example.

“I consider myself a servant leader. We all are here for the common good and to support one another…we want to look after our folks, our citizens – every time we go out the door.”

 

 

TownTalk: FSU Alumni Bronco Round Up And Send Off Happens July 22

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The local chapter of Fayetteville State Bronco alumni is having its annual Roundup and Sendoff later this month which serves as a way to reconnect with fellow graduates and to wish current students luck as they continue – or begin – their studies at the Fayetteville school.

Alumnae Tannis Jenkins and Katrina Tunstall were guests on Monday’s TownTalk and shared details of the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on July 23 at Fox Pond Park Shelter 1.

There will be food, fun and fellowship, and FSU alums from the four-county area are encouraged to RSVP Jenkins at 252.213.5977.

“This is a good way for the students who are going to FSU for the first time to connect with people in the area,” Jenkins said. It’s important for college students to have a support system, especially when they may be away from home for the first time.

Current students who attend the July 22 Roundup can learn more about the chapter’s scholarship, which Tunstall said is open to anyone in the four-county area. It is awarded each spring for the upcoming semester.

Students that find themselves in financial straits during the semester can reach out to anyone in the chapter – whether they need some help with purchasing books or other school-related items, the chapter is a resource.

“That’s our goal – to help kids…be successful at Fayetteville State,” Tunstall said.

They have reactivated a mentorship program to connect local alums with current students; mentors keep in touch with students to make sure they have what they need and don’t fall through the cracks as they continue their studies.

The alumni chapter also participates in community events like parades, she said, and work with admissions reps when they meet locally with high school students who may be interested in the school.

Both Jenkins and Tunstall graduated from FSU as transfer students.

Tunstall said her college experience began at Xavier University in New Orleans, but she found it wasn’t a good fit for her.

“Fayetteville State was just the right size, the right distance from home,” she added.

Jenkins concurs. “It was very nurturing,” she said, and it helped her on her career path that led her to school counseling in several N.C. counties, including Vance and Warren.

Fayetteville State is “like a small town in a big city,” she said.

Learn more about Fayetteville State University at https://www.uncfsu.edu/.

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