Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Summertime Camps, Programs, Events For Young People

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-information courtesy of Vance County Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon

With school out now for kids in the area, parents and caregivers have plenty of options out there to keep from hearing those dreaded words: “There’s nothing to do – I’m bored.”

Vance Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Wykia Macon ran down a list of programs for youth, and many of them are free!

Take a look at some of the opportunities for young people:

  • June 17-21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Ag Summer Camp at VGCC South Campus in Creedmoor. This camp is free and open to rising 9th through 12th graders in Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties. Participants will need to bring their lunch daily. Contact Kelly Dixon at 252.482.4761 to learn more.
  • July 8-11, 9 a.m. to 12 noon – tennis at Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation, 127 Willow Creek Run. Youth between 5-18 years can come learn about tennis or hone their skills.
  • July 15-20, 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Tech Builders camp, in partnership with HubZone Technology Initiative. $10 per child for this STEM program for youth 8-18. They’ll learn how to build a mini computer.
  • July 27, 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Tea and Meditation – For ages 8-18, participants will learn about tea and how to calm their minds through meditation
  • July 22-24, 10 a.m. to 12 noon – Journey Into Science and Health Care – for youth 8-18 who want to explore opportunities within the health care field. Hands-on learning and who knows – maybe someone will discover a passion for science and working in health care!
  • July 29-31 – Ag Day Camp at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Beekeepers, master gardeners and producers will share their knowledge and love of agriculture with participants.

Visit the Vance County Cooperative Extension website to learn more about registering for the summer programs at https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/06/vance-county-4-h-summer-adventure/.

The Rev. William Brodie Receives Governor’s Service Award

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-information courtesy of the office of Rep. Frank Sossamon

Freedom Life Church of God pastor the Rev. William Brodie received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in a ceremony at the church on June 2.

Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award, which honors individuals and groups that embody the true spirit of volunteerism, making a significant impact through their selfless efforts, according to a press statement from Clai Keel from Sossamon’s office.

Brodie’s extensive volunteer work spans multiple roles and institutions and showcases his unwavering commitment to helping others, the statement read.

“It’s my hope and prayer that the good spirit of volunteerism displayed in Rev. William Brodie’s life will spread throughout our community and we’ll see an increase of people of all ages signing up to serve in some capacity in our community organizations,” Sossamon said.

In his role as a chaplain at Maria Parham Health, Brodie’s compassionate care and support provide comfort to patients and their families. His volunteerism extends to pastoral care at both Duke and UNC hospitals.

In addition to his work within healthcare facilities, Brodie dedicates his time to transporting local seniors to health appointments and ensures that military veterans have reliable transportation to and from the VA, reinforcing his commitment to serving those who have served our country.

Brodie’s volunteer efforts are not confined to health-related services, not by a long shot. His dedication to Freedom Life Church in Henderson is equally significant, where he continues to provide spiritual guidance and support. Moreover, Brodie is the proud founder and pastor of I Am My Brother’s Keeper Ministry, an organization dedicated to uplifting and assisting community members in need.

Brodie actively participates in community safety initiatives as well, such as volunteering for the Pinkston Street Community Watch and the Vance County Public Safety Task Force.

Lisa Radford, volunteer coordinator at Maria Parham Health, praised Brodie’s unwavering dedication, noting, “Mr. Brodie was one of the few pastors who continued to come to the hospital during the pandemic. He is known to always be dressed for success, wearing a fine suit and sometimes a matching fancy hat.”

Brodie’s remarkable volunteerism exemplifies the spirit of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, and his contributions have made a lasting positive impact on countless lives in the community.

Maria Parham Franklin’s Hope Benton Receives 2024 Mercy Award

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Information from Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications Coordinator 

A CNA II/Nurse Tech based at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg has received the 2024 Mercy Award for her exceptional dedication to healthcare, community service and advocacy.

Hope Benton is this year’s recipient of The Mercy Award, given to one employee at each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who touches the lives of others in profound ways and represents the spirit and values upon which the company was founded, according to information from Maria Parham’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator Donna Young.

 The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

Benton’s selection as the Mercy Award winner holds particular significance as she becomes the first Maria Parham Franklin-based recipient since the hospital’s reopening nearly six years ago as part of Maria Parham Health. Her commitment to restoring vital emergency services and addressing the region’s mental health crisis underscores her unwavering dedication to the community’s well-being.

From a young age, Benton said she felt a calling to healthcare, inspired by her family’s visits to local nursing homes. Her passion for helping others led to a 22-year career at a local assisted living facility, where she discovered her true vocation in healthcare.

As a highly skilled paramedic and now a nurse tech/CNA, Benton serves as a mentor and guide to her colleagues, earning a reputation as a go-to team member at Maria Parham Franklin. Known for her approachable demeanor and willingness to assist, she embodies the values of a star employee and Mercy Award recipient.

Beyond her clinical duties, Benton is an advocate for the hospital’s mission in the community, actively engaging in volunteer activities with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering partnerships and making a positive impact on community health initiatives.

Benton’s exceptional care extends to behavioral health patients in the Emergency Department, where she demonstrates uncommon empathy and compassion. Her dedication to preserving their dignity and well-being sets a standard for excellence in patient care.

“With such positive energy to serve our community and her home, Hope is making a difference in our health system daily,” said Bert Beard, CEO at Maria Parham Health. “Her unwavering commitment to compassionate care embodies the legacy of Scott Mercy, and we are proud to recognize her as our 2024 Mercy Award recipient.”

RCAPS “Pet Palooza” Event Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM

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Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society is hosting “Pet Palooza” on Saturday, June 8 at the former Boyd dealership on U.S. 158 and Ruin Creek Road in Henderson.

RCAPS President Brandon Boyd said the dealership lot will be filled with vendors and more who will be donating a portion of their sales to the local animal protection group.

The event is free and open to the public, and Boyd hopes lots of folks will come out between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and take part and enjoy food, crafts, décor and more, all to support the animal rescue effort.

Since 2011, this dedicated group of volunteers has rallied around the homeless animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter to connect them with rescue groups and ultimately, to the forever homes they deserve.

RCAPS is dedicated to fighting for the survival of impounded dogs, cats or any adoptable pet facing euthanasia at the animal shelter by providing emergency medical care, hope and a “Ride to Freedom” on the RCAPS van to rescues and safe havens along the Eastern Seaboard.

 

H-V Chamber: Next Women In Business Lunch And Learn June 27

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The next Women In Business Lunch and Learn session sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, June 27.

Carolyn Perry, director of the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College, will speak on the topic “Small Business Success in our Community.”

The lunch program will be held in the Farm Bureau Room at Perry Memorial Library. The $20 cost includes lunch.

Please register no later than June 20 to reserve your seat.

Contact Vanessa Jones at vanessa@hendersonvance.org or call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414.

Bike Rodeo For Kids At ‘Vance Cares’ Saturday

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The Optimist Club of Henderson, in collaboration with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, is having a Bike Rodeo this Saturday, June 8 during the Vance Cares Family Festival.

The festival, sponsored by Vance County Schools, will take place on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to information provided by Debbie Scott of the sheriff’s department.

Free bike helmets will be given to 100 young people who participate in the bike rodeo.

This free event will have local agencies providing community resources, as well as games, vendors, music, food trucks and kids’ activities.

Other groups partnering with VCS include Optimist International, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Kerr-Tar Regional Council Of Governments and Safe Routes To School North Carolina.

S-Line Rail Corridor

S-Line Info Session Scheduled During Upcoming ‘Vance Cares’ Event

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The public is invited to come to an information session Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the proposed S-Line mobility hub as part of the NCDOT passenger rail service project.

The event will be held in the courtyard of the Henderson Police Department, 202 Breckenridge St.

If you would like to learn more about what this project entails and how it may affect the future of passenger rail service in Henderson, this session is for you. If you know all about the S-Line project and want to share your input, this session is for you, too.

Visit

www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/s-line-projects to learn more.

 

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Library This Summer, Books, Programs, Opportunties

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Anyone who works with young people will probably offer this advice: Be ready for anything. Getting tweens and teens off their devices and into the library may be a tall order, but Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Director Melody Peters is up for the challenge.

“Reading’s boring,” they’ll say. “Oh, you just haven’t found the right book,” she’ll reply.

“I’m really interested in worms,” one announces, expecting Peters to come up empty-handed. Nope. She points them to a whole section of books about worms, or whatever the topic from out of left field may be.

“I find their interest,” she said, following up with “I guarantee there is a book that relates to that.”

“I love to get their ear for a moment,” Peters said Tuesday on The Local Skinny! If she can get their attention for even a short time, she’s got a chance to share her love of reading and of books.

For example, she recently visited Vance County High School for an outreach session that involved making bracelets and key chains. Nothing to do with books, but chances are she took a moment to talk to them about books and reading and visiting the library.

Sure, the library has books. Lots of books. But there’s also a Teen Zone, and lots of programs and activities that tweens and teens can take part in. “There’s so much more than books – but don’t forget the books,” she said.

One event that Peters is inviting readers of all ages to participate in is the June 18 kickoff of the summer reading program.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the library will be hoppin’ with carnival-style games, crafts and more as the library begins “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” which offers reading logs, incentives and prizes for all ages, from toddlers to adults.

Representatives from the local recreation and parks department will be there, as well Kerr Lake rangers, all offering information about programs they’ve got going on during the summer.

For her, finding a good book is like finding treasure, Peters said.

Come find some treasure of your own at your library.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to find out about all the programs and services the library offers.

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Council Members Split On Funding For McGregor Hall

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As members of the Henderson City Council continued budget deliberations at a work session Monday, they found themselves in lockstep to help displaced families find more permanent housing, but far apart on providing financial support for McGregor Hall.

The Council approved giving $2,000 to 22 families who had to move out of the Motel 121 in early May because it was deemed uninhabitable by inspectors.

Since then, five of the 27 families have found other places to live with help from Vaya Health, leaving 22 families – with 47 children – living in motels in Vance and Granville counties.

State money that has been paying for lodging is running out, and the families face being homeless again without some intervention.

“Twenty-two families, as of tomorrow, are going to be homeless again,” said City Manager Terrell Blackmon during the budget work session.

According to Mayor Melissa Elliott, the bill so far is roughly $144,000 in motel bills.

It would cost close to $40,000 to keep them in their current situation until the end of the month, she said.

After some discussion, the Council agreed to pay the $2,000 voucher to all 22 families and then request that the county reimburse the city for half. That way, the city will end up paying for 11 families and the county would pick up the other 11.

It was unclear when the vouchers would be distributed, where the money would come from or whether the families would be allowed to stay in their current lodging after check-out time Tuesday.

Elliott acknowledged that $2,000 is “not a lot of money to relocate…(but) we have to start somewhere.”

Blackmon said he and County Manager C. Renee Perry had been in communication about the situation, and he said that the feeling is the county would be open to help pay for the vouchers.

“I don’t think they’ll leave us hanging out there on this,” he told the council.

In further discussion, some Council members asked whether there are funds set aside in the budget for providing emergency housing.

Blackmon said there may be funds to provide temporary housing for people whose homes are being repaired with community development block grant funding, but he doesn’t think there is a pot of money that would help in situations like the one at Motel 121.

“This exercise, although unexpected, has shown us that we really don’t have the structure to accommodate and help families a little bit longer,” Blackmon said.

Geraldine Champion said she didn’t want anyone to go through what the families living at Motel 121 have gone through.

“We need to do something and we need to be proactive,” she said.

One option that came up is a shelter for displaced families that could operate in the city.

Blackmon said there typically is more funding available for programs than for brick and mortar projects. “We need to figure out how we can get that type of facility in the city,” he said.

The recommended budget, which totals roughly $45 million, could be adopted as early as June 10. Just as the recommended budget presented to Council in early May didn’t have any money designated for emergency housing, neither did it provide any funding for McGregor Hall.

At last night’s work session, two motions failed that would have provided substantial money to the performing arts venue – Garry Daeke’s first motion was for the full request of $75,000. That failed 5-2, with only Daeke and Council Member Sam Seifert voting in favor.

Daeke followed up with a motion, also seconded by Seifert, to provide $60,000. That motion failed, too. Commissioners Geraldine Champion, Sara Coffey, Ola Thorpe-Cooper, Michael Venable and Tami Walker voted no.

Council Member Lamont Noel was absent.

McGregor Hall Executive Director Mark Hopper – who is the venue’s only full-time employee – had requested $75,000 from the city and $60,000 from the county in this year’s budget cycle, all of which would be used to retire the mortgage debt. Blackmon said $124,620 in debt service is due in early July each year.

On the heels of the two failed motions, Coffey offered a motion, seconded by Champion, to provide $5,000 to McGregor Hall in the form of a one-year renewable grant, as well as placing a voting member of the council on the McGregor Hall board and to know how the funding would be spent.

“I don’t think $5,000 will get anyone the board,” Daeke said. “I would like to see it fully funded.”

Seifert said, “I can’t agree more with Mr. Daeke…We need economic development here in Henderson, and this right here is a beacon that draws it in,” he said of McGregor Hall. “This is a driver for many different things.”

Plans to purchase property owned by McGregor Hall continue, which would add up to $275,000 to the performing arts venue’s bottom line. Blackmon said there’s a CAF that is ready to be presented at the next meeting.

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