Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Time to Unwind Concert

McGregor Hall to Livestream ‘Time to Unwind’ Concert July 16

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will present “Time to Unwind,” a musical concert featuring Greg Milton & Friends via Facebook on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

During this evening of music, the journey will consist of some spirituals, hymns, jazz standards, R&B classics, Gospel and much more. This concert will feature the amazing talent of Blakely Bates, Dr. Aliza McLean, Karen Leigh Allen, Stella Jones, and Alice Sallins, along with many more.

Tune in on the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center Facebook page on July 16 for this concert that is open to the public!

If you are able to give, a donation link will be provided to continue supporting the arts in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Madden, Exercise, Crafts & More Part of H-V Rec & Parks Summer Programming

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department announces its summer programming opportunities for youth and adults alike. Sessions include:

HVRPD Madden 20 Tournament: Test your Madden skills in the first Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Madden 20 Tournament. Play one-on-one in an online double-elimination tournament to be crowned Madden King. Winner will receive a copy of NFL Madden 21 when it is released. Participants can register July 6 – July 19 online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/  The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for youth.

For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

HVRPD 2K20 3V3 Tournament: Think your squad is the best in NBA 2K20? Team up with our H-V Rec’s 3v3 squad and play against 15 other teams in an online tournament to be crowned the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks NBA 2K20 3v3 Champions! Everyone on the winning team will receive a copy of NBA2K21 when it is released. Participants can register July 6 – July 19 online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ The cost is $15 per team for adults and $6 per team for youth.

For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Social Media Trivia Contest: The Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department will begin a Social Media Trivia Contest starting on Monday, July 6 and ending on Wednesday, August 5.  Two trivia questions will be posted Monday –Friday between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on our social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat & Twitter). The first person with the correct answer will receive three points, the second person with the correct answer will receive two points and the third person with the correct answer will receive one point. Questions must be answered the same day they are posted to receive points. The participant with the most points at the end of the contest will win a prize.

For more information, please contact Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 (tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Moving Mondays: Please join the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks staff to dance your way to happiness with popular line dances. This virtual dance class will be held live on the Henderson Vance Facebook page on Mondays at 10 a.m. July 6 through August 24.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Tyler Terry (252) 438-2670 (tterry@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Virtual Fall Prevention Exercises and Tips Program: The Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department will host a virtual fall prevention exercises and tips program. This program is designed to help prevent falls by improving your balance, increasing your strength and providing safety tips. This program will be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays July 7 –  August 27, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. You can join on Facebook Live at Henderson Vance Special Programs. 

For more information, please contact Tyler Terry at (252) 438-2670 (tterry@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Crystal Allen at 252-431-6091 (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Virtual Arthritis Exercise Class: The Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold a virtual Arthritis Exercise Class. This is a FREE low-impact, joint safe program developed for people with arthritis. This class has been proven to decrease pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion. This class is also suitable for every fitness level. You can join on Facebook Live at Henderson Vance Special Programs on Wednesdays and Fridays July 8 – August 28, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us ) or Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 (tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us).

DIY (Do it Yourself) Crafty Kids: The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department presents DIY (Do it Yourself) Crafty Kids. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase craft bags that will include crafts, coloring pages and stickers. Drive through pick up will be held on Friday, July 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Rd in Henderson). The cost is $5 per craft bundle and can be purchased online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ or in-person on the day of the event. You must bring exact cash.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Paint with DP: Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will be having another FREE “Paint with DP” Facebook live session. Tune in to participate or just watch. You can purchase affordable painting materials at Walmart, Ollie’s or Dollar General. Once we have completed the painting, participants can send pictures of their masterpieces. The best painting will receive a $25 gift card. The Live session will be held Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 2 p.m. on the Henderson-Vance Athletics page.

For more information, contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

GVPH Director Lisa Macon Harrison Elected NACCHO Board Vice President

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-Press Release, NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected Lisa Macon Harrison, Local Health Director of Granville Vance Public Health, to its 2020-2021 Board of Directors as vice president. NACCHO is the voice of the nation’s nearly 3,000 local governmental health departments.

Ms. Harrison assumed the Vice President role on July 1, 2020. She will then serve as president-elect in 2021-2022 and president in 2022-2023.

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected Lisa Macon Harrison, Local Health Director of Granville Vance Public Health, to its 2020-2021 Board of Directors as vice president. (Photo courtesy NACCHO)

 “It is an honor to be selected for this opportunity to work together with colleagues across the nation to elevate the practice of public health during such a critical time,” said Ms. Harrison. “Across rural and urban areas of our country, the local public health workforce remains dedicated, hard-working, and effective whether we are focused on communicable disease during pandemic response, on health equity and systems change, or on so many other population health focus areas that have not slowed down as our work has intensified. I look forward to advocating for public health and the incredible people working for the health and well-being of every community.”

“Lisa has been a strong volunteer leader within NACCHO’s Board and Executive Committee and has contributed significant amounts of time, energy, and expertise to the organization. I congratulate Lisa on her election to Vice President of NACCHO and look forward to her continued leadership in this new role,” said NACCHO’s CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman, MBA.

About Ms. Harrison

Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, has been the director of the Granville Vance District Health Department in North Carolina since 2012. Her previous roles in North Carolina public health thread through research, practice, advocacy, and policy development.

Lisa has been a member of the public health field for over 23 years and has served as director of the Office of Healthy Carolinians and Health Education at the North Carolina Division of Public Health; led the Public Health Incubator Collaboratives Program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, and directed the Southeast Public Health Leadership Institute (SEPHLI) at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health where she continues to stay connected as adjunct faculty in the Public Health Leadership Program. In 2015, Lisa served as the North Carolina Public Health Association president where she continues to stay involved in connecting public health research and practice.

As a local health director in a rural district, Lisa enjoys advocating for rural public health and provides mentorship for students interested in public health and rural health. Although a true Tar Heel by birth (in Chapel Hill, NC) and by training (UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health), Lisa is also happy to serve as a consulting associate at Duke University School of Nursing where she hosts national clinical scholars making rotations across NC health system opportunities at Granville Vance Public Health.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold July’s Scheduled Meeting This Evening

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

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, July 6, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

Agenda items:

ABC Composite Board to Reappoint Member and Chair to ABC Board

Brian Short, Emergency Operations – COVID-19 Response Update

Alan Helias, Alan Fitzpatrick, Kent Winrich – Open Broadband Update

Angie Blount, County Planner Rezoning Request – Case RZ20200409-1 ~ 12996 NC Hwy 39 North; Parcel 0325C03002

Water District Board

a. Committee Report

b. Monthly Operations Report

Committee Reports and Recommendations

a. Public Safety Committee

– Used Ladder Truck

– Animal Services Ordinance Amendments

– Redistricting

– Fire Reorganization

b. Properties Committee

– Shared Parking Agreement at Eaton Johnson – Henderson Institute

– Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO) Proposal – Eaton Johnson Kitchen/Cafeteria

Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

b. COVID-19 – Coronavirus Relief Fund

c. DSS Relocation Project Ordinance

d. Final Resolution – JP Morgan Chase Financing

County Attorney’s Report

a. REO Properties – New Offers

– Oak Ridge Church Road Lot (Parcel 0482 04006)

– Lot 4 Tanner Street (Parcel 0111 04009)

County Manager’s Report

a. Economic Development Director Search

b. CRF Funding Agreements

Consent Agenda Items

a. Budget Amendment

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Monthly Reports

d. Minutes

Miscellaneous

a. Appointments

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks’ Indoor Facilities Remain Closed; Most Outdoor Parks/Trails Open

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. During this time, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will remain closed to the public.

We understand the disappointment. Recreation is our business and our responsibility, therefore we are keeping our facilities, parks and playground equipment “closed” but will continue to encourage you to utilize the walking trails and tracks we have to offer. We are asking our Henderson-Vance community to continue to practice social distancing recommendations in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

The current status of Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks facilities includes:

Closed: 

➢ Aycock Recreation Center 

  • Aycock Aquatic Center

➢ Old Aycock Gym – Indoor Facility

➢ Fox Pond Park

➢ All Satellite Sites 

  • First Presbyterian Church 
  • Vance County Senior Center

➢ All Playground Equipment and Structures 

Remaining Open: 

➢ All Outdoor Parks, Trails and Tracks excluding Fox Pond Park 

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will monitor the situation and make an assessment on when it is safe to reopen some or all of the affected facilities.

Updates about facilities, classes/programs and events will be available on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter) and website at http://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks/.

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Sheriff Curtis Brame Offers Tips for a Safe July 4th Weekend

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Department

With the July 4th weekend approaching, Vance County Sheriff Curtis R. Brame asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday happy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Vance County citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 13,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging. 
  • Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution. 
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection. 
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” 
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. 
  • Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. 
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays. 
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. 

Sheriff Brame also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at a beach or at a pool. Brame said, “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.”

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

At a swimming pool, take the following precautions:

  • If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid.
  • Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
  • Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use.
  • Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool. The suction created by the pool’s circulating pumps can be very dangerous unless it is reduced by covers.
  • Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and rests.
  • If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

To reduce the risk of eye, ear, nose or throat infection from contaminated water, swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained. The water should appear crystal clear, be continuously circulated and be maintained at a level that allows free overflow into the gutter or skimmer. There should not be a strong odor of ammonia or chlorine.

While driving, take the following precautions:

  • Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.
  • When passing an automobile, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer – giving you an extra few seconds to respond.
  • You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise. Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.
  • Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
  • Drivers should always “aim high” in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you. Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as on-coming ones.
  • Never follow too close. Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you substantially longer to stop. Also remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you’re being tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

“Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving: be courteous and tolerant of other drivers.  Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones – just get out of their way,” Brame said in closing, “Let’s make this summer a safe one in Vance County.”

Maria Parham Health

Op-Ed: How the Pandemic Made Maria Parham Health Better

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Op-Ed: COVID-19: How the Pandemic Made Maria Parham Health Better

By: Bert Beard, CEO

In recent weeks, I have been reflecting on the unprecedented challenges that our community and our team at Maria Parham Health have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, I’ve been intentionally looking for every possible silver lining in a time when – let’s face it – we all need some positive news.

We are always seeking new ways to enhance how we care for our community and advance our mission of Making Communities Healthier. I truly believe that adversity is one of the greatest paths to improvement, and improving is exactly what we have done despite the difficult circumstances. And the truth is: there are silver linings everywhere.

First, I cannot say enough how proud I am of the way our team has weathered the storm together. When we saw that COVID-19 was beginning to spread overseas earlier this year, we began taking steps to prepare our facility before the virus was even detected in the United States. We implemented our robust emergency operations plan and executed it down to the final detail to keep our patients, providers, employees and community members safe. Every member of our team was ready to step up to the challenge of caring for our patients, and I saw our providers, employees and staff come together like never before. I’m so grateful for and inspired by their courage and selfless dedication.

Not only did the pandemic make our team stronger, but it has also made our hospital even safer. While we have always had strict infection prevention protocols in place, we introduced new processes and procedures – such as having everyone in our facility wear a mask, screening all who enter for COVID-19 symptoms and even putting up physical barriers in some cases – to further reduce the spread of germs. We took steps to isolate patients with the virus to a specific area of the hospital and also enhanced our cleaning and disinfection practices to ensure they exceeded healthcare industry standards. These are just a few examples of how we have fundamentally changed the way we work so we can better care for you and your family, and ensure a safe environment for everyone.

COVID-19 has truly turned life as we know it upside down, but I believe it has made us better in so many ways – especially when it comes to quality and patient safety. It has challenged us to be innovative, to think outside the box and to quickly adapt to change – all things necessary to successfully navigate our “new normal.” Because the reality we face is that, until there is a vaccine, we can expect that COVID-19 is here to stay. It’s something that we must learn to live with and do our best to protect against.

Since it isn’t going away, I hope you have every confidence that your hometown hospital is continuing to take every possible precaution to help protect you when you come for care. We want you to feel comfortable coming to see us and not ignore any health concerns you may have in hopes the pandemic will end soon.

Even as life returns to a “new normal,” you should know that we aren’t letting our guard down at Maria Parham. We have learned so much through our response to this pandemic, and we will continue looking for new ways to improve. Because of this experience, our team is stronger, our hospital is safer and we are even more deeply committed to caring for our community. These are all silver linings in my book.

Thank you, as always, for entrusting Maria Parham Health with your care. It is our privilege to serve you.

To learn more about Maria Parham Health’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit Mariaparham.com.

Howard Perry

Suspect in Kittrell Grocery, Bear Pond Market Armed Robbery Arrested

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to Kittrell Grocery located at 1365 U.S. 1 Kittrell, North Carolina and Bear Pond Fresh Market located at 3963 Raleigh Road, Henderson, North Carolina in reference to an armed robbery.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and began the investigation. A person of interest was developed.

Howard Perry, Jr. (VCSO photo)

After conducting interviews, Howard Perry, Jr., age 52, became a suspect. A traffic stop was conducted on Perry‘s vehicle on NC 39 South where he was taken into custody.

The Criminal Investigation Division made contact with other jurisdictions that had similar incidents in the Vance County area, and Perry was subsequently charged with one count of Common Law Robbery, one count of Attempted Common Law Robbery that occurred in Vance County and another count of Common Law Robbery that happened in the city of Henderson.

Perry‘s bond was set at $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Vance County District Court on August 4, 2020.

This investigation is continuing.

Nathan Currie

Vance Virtual Village Academy Names Principal

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is pleased to announce Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy.

Mr. Currie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having most recently served as the Superintendent of North Carolina Cyber Academy, an independent, virtual public charter school that serves over 2,500 students in grades K-12. While there, he networked with statewide and national school leaders, policymakers and heads of schools to promote digital learning and competencies. 

Vance County Schools has named Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Mr. Currie, a native of Wilmington, NC, received his Bachelor of Science from Livingstone College, his Master of Arts from the University of Phoenix and is currently a High Point University Doctoral student in the School of Education. 

Mr. Currie has served the public schools of North Carolina for over 20 years, beginning as an elementary and middle school teacher in Rowan-Salisbury Schools, later becoming an assistant principal, principal and director of middle schools. Currie went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Administration in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and later the Executive Director of North Carolina Connections Academy, a virtual public charter school. 

Currie has served on the YMCA Board, Community Action Agency, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and enjoys playing the piano and reading. Currie believes that technology is the surest way to upward mobility and that it creates a more equitable edge in connecting students to learning.

Having over 20 years of educational experience, VCS is confident that Mr. Currie will bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the newest Innovative School – V3. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020.

VCS Athletics Update

Vance Co. Schools Delays Opening of Summer Athletic Conditioning

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools continues to evaluate the timing of returning to athletics. VCS understands that summer workouts and conditioning are important; however, due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19, the opening of athletic workouts will be delayed to no earlier than July 20, 2020.

VCS will continue to monitor health and safety data, in consultation with NCDHHS and GVPH, to ensure student-athletes are able to safely return.