Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Boys and Girls Clubs

Put Donation To BGCNCNC On Your “To-Do” List

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The Thanksgiving holiday kicks off in earnest a season of giving, and there are several different ways to make donations that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina in the coming days and weeks.

Of course, a check mailed to BGCNCNC, P.O. Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565 is always welcome, said CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones, and something for individuals to consider on Giving Tuesday, coming up next week.

Jones said a link will go live on BGCNCNC’s Facebook page Wednesday to make a donation quick and easy.

There are two toy drives underway as well – one in Oxford by Will Jakes, whose Edward Jones office collects new, unwrapped gifts for club members in Granville County.

Jones said the Zeta Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity is sponsoring toy drives across the counties that have clubs as well. “They are really committed about spreading the love and supporting the counties,” Jones said.

Following is a list of collection locations and deadlines:

  • Vance County – Beckford Medical Center, 176 S. Beckford Drive, Henderson. Deadline is Dec. 16.
  • Granville County – Bobo’s Menswear, 216 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Oxford. Deadline is Dec. 20.
  • Warren County – Henderson and Henderson Dentistry, LLC, 516 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton. Deadline is Dec. 19.
  • Franklin County – Franklinton Town Hall, 101 N. Main St., Franklinton. Deadline is Dec. 15.

Through generous donations from the community last year, Jones said every club member received a gift for Christmas.

He said he hopes that financial contributions come in between now and the end of the year to help “give us a leg up in 2023.”

Whether it’s a check in the mail, a click on the Facebook page or a gift for a child, Jones said efforts from a caring community “truly make a difference for our young people.”

White House Announces 6-Week Media Blitz To Encourage COVID-19 Vaccine, Boosters

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The Biden Administration has announced a six-week campaign through the end of the year urging Americans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine. With winter and holiday gatherings right around the corner, more Americans getting their updated vaccine will help avoid thousands of preventable COVID-19 deaths.

Whether you’re watching a World Cup soccer match or visiting the local health department, expect to be informed – often – about the benefits of getting COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to promote community health. Ad campaigns and public service announcement across multimedia outlets and platforms are going to focus on senior adults and populations hardest hit by COVID-19.
More than 70,000 locations are offering the updated COVID-19 vaccines – the Granville-Vance Public Health has both the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters, which GVPH Director Lisa Harrison said protects against the omicron variant. But this is the time for providers to think outside the box with pop-up clinics and other mobile settings in rural and remote areas.

HHS will continue direct outreach in communities with community partners and messengers to provide easy access to updated COVID-19 vaccines and information on the benefits of vaccination.

The new enforcement guidance ensures nursing homes are offering updated COVID-19 vaccines and timely treatment to their residents and staff, according to the White House press statement. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing homes to educate their residents on the benefits of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccinations and to offer the vaccines to their residents. CMS will issue guidance today reminding health care providers of this requirement. In its guidance, CMS will make clear that nursing homes with low vaccination rates will be referred to state survey agencies for close scrutiny, and that facilities that do not comply with the requirement to offer and educate on the benefit of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccinations will face enforcement actions, including the need to submit corrective action plans to achieve compliance.

Hundreds of pop-up vaccination clinics to make it even easier for people to get their updated COVID-19 vaccines before the end of the year: National and local organizations, state and local health departments, K-12 school districts and higher education institutions, and pharmacies will continue to host pop-up vaccination clinics in urban and rural communities. Americans can also get vaccinated at ongoing events across the country run by schools, colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and state, county, research, and health fairs.

The “We Can Do This” public education campaign is airing TV and digital ads during the World Cup, as well as ads focused on reaching adults over 50 for Black, Latino, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, American Indian and Alaska Native and rural audiences.

The federal government is putting additional funding behind these efforts, including $350 million for community health centers to expand COVID-19 vaccines through mobile, drive-up, walk-up clinics with community partnerships and $125 million to get older Americans and disabled individuals vaccinated and boosted in vaccination events at senior and community centers, as well as providing transportation to help get individuals to clinics.

Terrell Blackmon

Blackmon Updates West End Community Watch Group On URA, Grants And More

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Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon spoke to members of the West End Community Watch group at its November meeting and provided some updates to plans for the current West End and Flint Hill urban redevelopment areas.

During the meeting, Blackmon explained a bit about progress being made in several areas, including awarding grants to homeowners to repair and renovate their properties, adding to the code enforcement staff and having an animal control officer whose job would be to work within the city limits.

The city got a $750,000 community development block grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce, and the Kerr-Tar COG has taken more than 70 applications from local homeowners who would like to get some of that money to rehabilitate their homes.

“We are in the process of performing title searches on the six selected properties to confirm ownership and we hope to bid out the construction in the 1st quarter of 2023,” Blackmon said in a follow-up conversation with WIZS News.

Blackmon said the city council approved in September funding for an additional animal control officer, and the city is working on a memorandum of understanding with county officials to fund and advertise the position in the first quarter of 2023.

The city also is working with county leaders to fund an additional code enforcement officer to assist with minimum housing and other enforcement issues in the city and extra-territorial jurisdiction, Blackmon said.

As plans continue for the West End URA, Blackmon said the city is acquiring numerous blighted properties that would become controlled burn sites for the fire department. “Our intent is to bundle these properties and put them in an RFP for the development of new multi-family or single-family housing,” Blackmon stated to WIZS.

“The city does not technically ‘build housing,’ he noted, “but we want to serve as a conduit to encourage private development of new housing.”

Maria Parham Health Earns “A” For Patient Safety From National Group

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Maria Parham Health has received an “A” rating from a national watchdog organization for its achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors.

The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that promotes patient safety, published its findings recently, said Donna Young, MPH coordinator for marketing & communications.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients.  Your hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

To view the complete report, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org or follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, and via its newsletter.

Sandra Wilkerson New President Of H-V Chamber Of Commerce

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Sandra Wilkerson has been named president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, effective January 1, 2023.

Wilkerson has been the Chamber’s director of programs for the past four years, and she said Friday that she is looking forward to her new role with the Chamber.

“I am excited to step into this leadership role for our community and look forward to working with the board and all of our current team members who make our chamber as strong and vibrant as it is,” she said in a press statement released Friday.

Wilkerson takes over from outgoing president Michele Burgess, who announced last month her plans to step down at the end of the year.

“We are excited to have Sandra step into this leadership role to continue the positive momentum within our Chamber as well as the community,” incoming board chairman Bert Long said in the press statement. “Sandra has made it clear that she hopes to foster collaboration and provide a pathway to business for all in our community,” Long said.

In addition to the past four years as the chamber’s director of programs, Wilkerson was employed for 32 years with the City of Henderson, where she served in various roles.

In 2011 she was honored as a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.  Among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina, it is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.

Vance Historical Society Spearheading Fundraiser For Clopton Marker

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Gill Clopton gave his time, talent and energy to shine a positive light on his community. He scanned tens of thousands of photos, documents as a way to preserve those bits of history and memories, file by file.

But friends who remember Clopton, who died Monday at the age of 61, have memories of him dropping by with a single photo of interest, covering high school sports and ringing the bell by the Salvation Army kettle at Christmas.

A visitation for Clopton will be held at Sossamon Funeral Home tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a funeral service Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army on Ross Mill Road.

The Vance County Historical Society is collecting money to help purchase a marker for Clopton, according to Mark Pace, as a small way to show appreciation for all the work Clopton did on behalf of the historical society and for the genealogical society. Send checks or money orders made out to Vance County Historical Society, 11 E. Spring St., Oxford, NC 27565, with

“Memorial Fund for Gill Clopton” in the memo line. Or call 919.603.5182.

Pace said that he and Clopton both were Class of 1979 graduates of Vance Senior High School, and although their paths crossed when they lived and worked in Raleigh years ago, it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that the two discovered their shared enthusiasm for history.

“I’ve talked to him practically every day for the last ten years,” Pace said, recalling moments when they would ask each other obscure questions about local history.

Pace estimated that Clopton probably scanned as many as 60,000 photos, many from the local newspaper, but others from private sources and from other local agencies like the Henderson Police Department.

While talking on Thursday’s TownTalk, Pace and Bill Harris praised Clopton’s efforts and diligence to the ongoing archiving project.

“I feel very confident that the work he’s done…it will be out there and people can have access to it,” Pace said.

“Gill had the inclination to do it, he had the time to do it…and he had the meticulousness to want to sit there and want to do hours of work,” often tedious and monotonous.

“I can’t tell you how much people in the future will benefit from the work that Gill did,” Pace said.

Officials Break Ground For Shell Building At H-V Industrial Park

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Local and state officials were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park Thursday to officially begin construction of a shell building on that campus.

“It’s a great day to see some dirt moving,” said Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen to the small group assembled on the chilly, blustery afternoon.

“This project is really about partnerships,” McMillen continued. From the city’s water and sewer extension and the nonprofit industrial park board that oversees the property to the county that is paying the bills and financing the project, McMillen said it would not be possible to build and grow without this multi-agency collaboration.

“This is a day we have anticipated for some time,” said Vance County Board of Commissioners Chair Leo Kelly. Having a shell building ready to be finished out by incoming industry puts Vance County in strong competition with other counties as companies look to locate or relocate their operations.

State legislators Lisa Barnes and Frank Sossamon, each coming off wins in the Nov. 8 midterm elections, were on hand for the ceremony. County Commissioner Tommy Hester credited Barnes for helping Vance County secure the funding for the shell building, but also for her role in getting $5 million for water projects in Henderson.

Hester also is president of the industrial park board. “Lisa stepped up and said ‘What can I do to help Vance County,’” Hester said, adding that whenever anyone asks that question, he is not shy to answer.

He said there could be a building on the site as early as January. “If you build it, they will come,” Hester told the group.

Meat Conference Dec. 6 In Rocky Mount

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The Northeast District Local Meats Conference will be held in Rocky Mount, NC on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The conference is designed for individuals interesting in creating or expanding a local meat marketing business.

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. at the East Carolina Livestock Arena, located at 1175 Kingsboro Rd. in Rocky Mount.

Some of the topics that will be discussed include N.C. Department of Agriculture meat handlers’ licensing, as well as rules and regulations, labeling claims and laws about meat sales.

In addition, there will be information about carcass evaluation, and planning, marketing and pricing.

Lunch will be included. Pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-district-local-meats-conference-tickets-419613434077

 

NC Forest Service

Forest Service Offers Veterans’ Discount On Tree Seedling Purchase In November

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To show its appreciation for service to their country, the N.C. Forest Service is offering a 25 percent discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November.

“North Carolina is home to many veterans and current military members, many of whom are forestland owners,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press statement.

November is also National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to celebrate both those who have served in the military as well as their families, for their contributions and sacrifices to the country.

“This discount is a token of appreciation as we honor them this Veteran’s Day and it also helps ensure the sustainability of forestland in the state.”

To qualify for the discount, proof of service is required. A valid military ID, Department of Defense Form  214/215 or National Guard Bureau Form 22/22A is acceptable. Standard shipping rates still apply. Tree  seedlings may be ordered by calling 1-888-NCTREES or by visiting www.buynctrees.com.

The discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $125 discount.

Vance “State Of The County” Focuses On Positives In Service, Economy And Business

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In Thursday’s “State of the County” address sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Henderson Rotary Club, county officials laid out a list of initiatives and programs, all of which bode well for Vance County, both in the immediate future and in the long-term.

County Manager Jordan McMillen painted a positive picture in remarks to the group of about 100 business and corporate leaders, elected officials and other key players.

“Vance County is alive and thriving,” McMillen said. “That’s not to say that we don’t have our challenges…but today’s going to be positive.”

Vance County Board of Commissioners Chairman Leo Kelly also spoke to the group assembled at the business luncheon held at Henderson Country Club.

Kelly highlighted four projects within the county that have helped to propel the county forward:

  • The $4.5 million renovation of the Eaton Johnson campus, which now houses several different agencies, from DSS and the Senior Center to GRRO and the city-county youth services
  • The second shell building in the industrial park
  • Sale of the former DSS building to the Henderson Family YMCA
  • Purchase of 2.5 acres beside the EMS building to prepare for construction of a new facility

“We’re real proud of what happened to that building,” Kelly said of the renovation of the former middle school campus. “The building is getting fantastic use.”

Finding ways to use existing buildings is one way the county has maximized its resources, but the shell building concept is one that has proven itself as well.

When Mako Medical was looking for a location in 2017, McMillen said, company leaders looked here “because we had a building.”

Public-private partnerships like the shell buildings are going to continue to play a vital role in moving the local economy forward, McMillen noted, and he encouraged the audience to continue to invest in the future of the county and their community.

The total value of all the property in Vance County comes to just shy of $3 billion, and that property generates about $26 million in tax revenue, he said. “That funds everything we do.”

More than three-quarters of the county’s total $55 million budget goes to three sectors: public safety, education and human services.

Other county services highlighted include:

  • Tax collection rates are at an all-time high, more than 97 percent
  • Senior Center provides more than 20,000 meals and in-home assistance to older citizens
  • Animal Services has a new facility and boasts the lowest euthanasia rate in the area
  • 911 answers an average of 236 calls a day
  • Veterans service staff helped more than 1,200 veterans and their dependents access $17 million in benefits
  • The kitchen at the county detention center provides meals for inmates, but also prepares meals for the Senior Center and for Meals on Wheels
  • Parks and rec programs – which gets 45 percent of its funding from the county – served 8,500 youth in its various programs and activities
  • Another 6,500 residents participated in Cooperative Extension activities and programs
  • Smart Start, the Boys & Girls Club, Gang Free, Inc. and the local children’s home all are supported by county funding.

Residential home construction is on the rise, and the county is getting more tourism dollars – and a record occupancy tax from hotels and motels. There’s plenty of room for more, McMillen said.

“We’re not there yet, but I think the state of Vance County is strong,” McMillen said.

To view the presentation, visit https://www.vancecounty.org/and click on the link titled State of the County under the heading Latest News.