Living Here (2021)

Living Here 2021

N A S H

|

ROCKY nort h

E D G E C O M B E

MOUNT

c a ro l i n a

Explore the Twin Counties

ELECTRICITY GIVES US THE POWER TO GET LIFE DONE. BUT AT EDGECOMBE-MARTIN COUNTY EMC, OUR COOPERATIVE BELIEVES IN DOING MORE. WE ARE BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

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Living Contents Here ROCKY MOUNT Publisher Kyle Stephens

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EVENT CENTER

Editor Gene Metrick

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NCWC

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ECC

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NCC

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MRS. GEORGE’S PIES

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PEACEMAKERS

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UNITED WAY

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DEPC

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RED OAK KENNELS

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PRINCEVILLE HISTORY

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CSX

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PRIME SMOKEHOUSE

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ROCKY MOUNT MILLS

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NASHVILLE

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TARBORO

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CITY PARKS

Staff & Contributors Mary Tom Bass Alan Campbell Kelley Deal Amelia Harper Garry E. Hodges Chandler Johnson William S. Manley Stephen Mann Macy Meyer Paige Minshew Gabriel Strickland John H. Walker William F. West Advertising Kelly Ayscue Chris Taylor Design & Layout Becky Wetherington On The Cover Kids ride a roller coaster at the annual Blooming Festival, traditionally held on Mother’s Day weekend in Nashville.

Living Here is a publication of the Rocky Mount Telegram and Adams Publishing Group.

Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

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New Life Christian Academy in Rocky Mount, NC is a private Chris- they feel a special calling to work in a private Christian institution where tian School that opened in 2012 and offers classes from Pre-School they can talk freely about faith issues with their students.

New Life Christian Academy uses the A Beka Curthrough High School.

The purpose of New Life Christian Academy is to riculum for grades Pre-K-12. The God given ministry of “Train up a Christian schools is to lead young people to Christ and partner with the parents and the Church by providing child in the way train them in the Bible, Christian character, language, and a quality education for students that is fully integrated traditional subject matter. with God’s Word and Christian principles. he should go: Today’s students need to be taught the accumulated Why choose New Life Christian Academy?

Because your child deserves not only a good eduwisdom of the past from God’s point of view and trained and when he is in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). This lays a firm cation, but a loving and nurturing environment where old, he will not their faith can grow alongside their academics. Give foundation from which to evaluate the present and make your child a good foundation through New Life Chrisproper decisions for the future. depart from it.”

A Beka Book materials are developed with well estabtian Academy. For New Life's teachers, this is not just a job – it’s a ministry! Their teachers are committed to lished philosophical and research foundations, providing – Proverbs 22:6 an excellent educational program that is unashamedly loving your child and bonding with them through the Christian and traditional. You can go to ABeka.com to teaching process. The staff does what they do because learn more about this curriculum.

New Life Christian Academy is Founded on Christian Principles New Life Christian Academy “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” — Mark 10:14 812 Instrument Drive New Life Christian Academy is not just a school - it’s a ministry. The Rocky Mount staff imitates Jesus by welcoming all students in the community to our school and introducing them to Jesus through our Christ centered curric(252)443-6560 ulum. Everything New Life Christian Academy does is in response to our staff’s understanding of the Bible and upholding Christian principles. www.newlifeacademyrm.com

NLCA is a fully accredited school where upon graduation our students are ready for a four year university, a two year college, the military, or the work place.

The Area’s Most Affordable, Quality Christian Education 6

812 Instrument Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 443-6560 www.newlifeacademyrm.com

Over the moon at Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune is an upscale wom- ing and jewelry, shoes, handbags & en’s boutique owned by mother and even home accessories so that every daughter, Jerri Blanton and Amanda customer can find something wonSmith. Amanda has been fascinated derful. Overall, Clair de Lune’s ultiwith fashion from a young age and be- mate goal is to help every customer find the perfect piece gan working retail at and to feel their best 16 years old followed no matter the occaby degrees in both We have created sion. Our mission is fashion and business a space where from Meredith Colto love and serve our mothers, daughters lege. The two knew clients and communithat with Amanda’s ty not only by being a and grandmothers extensive experience can all shop together. fun place to shop, but in the fashion indusalso making your intry combined with store or online expeJerri’s knowledge of rience personal and the latest trends and love of people memorable.

“We have created a space where that it was time they brought Clair de mothers, daughters and grandLune to Rocky Mount.

Amanda and Jerri hand pick every mothers can all shop together. We item in CDL to create a balance of provide both sophisticated and contrendy pieces, basics, and classics temporary pieces to make you feel from local and international brands. your best while offering the best cusCDL offers a wide variety of cloth- tomer service possible” - Amanda

Pictured above are the ladies of CDL, from left: Marisa Pridgen, Amanda Smith, Jerri Blanton & Kim Polensky Pictured below is mother and daughter: Amanda & Jerri

“

”

WAYS TO SHOP Our website is available 24/7 and is constantly being updated with the latest & greatest fashion trends (www.cdlrockymount.com). Feel free to call us (252-200-4862) or Instagram message (@clairdelunerockymount) for any styling or sizing tips. And of course we would love to see you in-store (2927 Zebulon Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Monday-Saturday 10-5, closed Sunday) 7

YEARS IN 15Years

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in Business

Rocky Mount’s

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

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morganstermite918@gmail.com PO Box 961 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 918 Sutton Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801

Telephone (252) 446-2600 Fax (252) 446-5655 Owned & Operator By: Charles & Carol Morgan

Over 34 Years in AUTO • MOTORCYCLE HOME • COMMERCIAL 1020 Liberty Lane Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 442-8484

BOTTOMS INSURANCE SERVICES

We invite you to: Share By Donating Serve By Volunteering Save By Shopping

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our customers and friends for allowing us to supply your swimming pool needs.

1610 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (Across from City Lake)

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~ Affordable Coverage Options ~ Flexible Payments ~ Low Down Payments

Store Hours Monday-Saturday 10-6

•

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• Paints • Ladders • Brushes Rentals • Wallcovering • Festools • Custom Tinting, Any Color

945 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC

Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30

252-446-6045 Serving The Twin Counties For Over 59 Years!

92 Years in Business Serving the community since 1970

PROPANE DIESEL GASOLINE SERVICE 1818 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC daughtridgeenergy.com

252-446-6137 8

Swimming Pool & Spa Company for 45 Years!

Charles Morgan

“We’re All About Quality”

Custom Kitchen Countertops Bathroom Vanities • Fireplace Surrounds

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160 S. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 2 5 2 - 4 4 3 - 7 6 6 7 www.rockymountrehab.com

BUSINESS 93 YEARS IN BUSINESS

15 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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Serving our community for 55 years!

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SHEARIN

HEATING & COOLING, LLC doing business since 1981 1242 CONSTRUCTION DRIVE ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804

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53 Years in Business Looking for a lamp? Towel Town has a complete selection of beautiful ways to brighten your home.

Plus we will help you design your lamp, repair an old favorite or spruce it up with a new shade.

3022 Sunset Avenue (Englewood Square Shopping Center)

Rocky Mount 446-9383 M-Fri 9:30-5:00; Sat 9:30-4:00

Serving our community for over 28 years (since 1993)

Let me help you navigate this busy marketbuying or selling!

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CONSIGNMENTS • GIFTS •MONOGRAMMING JEWELRY• ACCESSORIES

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serving readers like you since

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EVENT center Like most public venues across the country, the Rocky Mount Event Center was forced to shut down operations in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

youth volleyball tournament that brought in

16 volleyball courts, locker rooms, 17 climbing

140 teams on Feb. 12.”

walls and an aerial ropes course. It also has

In addition to the volleyball tournament that marked the center's reopening in

banquet and breakout rooms, an arcade center and concession areas.

But the return of activity to the event

February, the center also was able to safely

“The Rocky Mount Event Center is a crucial

center earlier this year brought a hopeful,

host a dance competition at the same time as

central component of ... Rocky Mount’s long-

cautious return to a semblance of normalcy to

one of the sporting events in different areas

term strategy to redevelop and reinvent

downtown Rocky Mount.

of the building.

downtown Rocky Mount,” Joyner said. “Our

“On Valentine’s Day weekend, after getting

“The restaurants and hotels in the area

team’s focus is to make our facility a sought-

clearance and presenting our reopening plan

are ecstatic that we’re able to do these events

after state-wide destination that provides a

to the city manager, we were able to safely

again,” Joyner said. “These events always have

unique and excellent experience for sports,

reopen for sporting events and we were one

a big economic impact.”

entertainment and corporate and social

of the first venues of our size in the state to

The 165,000-square-foot, $48-million

do so,” said David Joyner, general manager of

event center opened in October 2018, and

Joyner said as safety restrictions were

the event center. “Since restrictions began

it immediately started attracting functions,

eased a bit, the facility became the scene of

to ease, we were able to begin booking

bringing in $1.2 million in revenue during its

limited-size conferences and meetings.

small events and small catering events and

first year of operation.

reopened for our first real sporting event, a

The Rocky Mount Event Center features eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, locker rooms, 17 climbing walls, an aerial ropes course, banquet and breakout rooms, an arcade center and concession areas.

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The facility features eight basketball courts,

events."

Joyner said he and the management team also began allowing the use of the Game Day

Will Robillard, left, chases Harlem Globetrotter Lucius 'Turbo' Winston in an attempt to steal the ball on Nov. 4, 2018, during the Globetrotters' performance at the Rocky Mount Event Center.

Adventure and Arcade area — except for the foam ball pit — by limited numbers of people on a reservation-only basis.

facility could reopen.

“Except for the management team and a few hourly staff members, most of our

That setup includes 20 arcade games, 19

staff had to be furloughed during that time,"

climbing walls, a ropes course with 12 different

Joyner said. "During that shutdown period, our

obstacles, an area where one can redeem

management team focused intently on the

prizes, four different party rooms, four foosball

aggressive marketing and selling of our venue

tables, two pool tables and cornhole games.

to position us for strong reopening.

“We have just about anything you can

“Our strategy was that we knew we had to

think of,” said Jajuan Mabry, the event center’s

be ready for whenever we were able to reopen.

box office and family entertainment center

We’re booked for almost every weekend from

manager.

now through the summer for sports.”

Joyner said the facility was opened to tours

Before the coronavirus disrupted life

by limited numbers of officials, event holders

around the world, the event center played

and tournament directors, both from inside

host to basketball and volleyball tournaments

and outside the state.

that attracted hundreds of visitors and dozens

“They think it’s one of the most impressive

of teams to the area.

facilities in the state,” he said. “They’re

"Our organization, Teammate Basketball,

extremely shocked that a community our size

has been fortunate enough to bring youth

has a facility this nice — and they all talk about

basketball

the versatility of the facility.”

Mount Event Center,” said Blake Thompson,

Many of the center's employees had to be furloughed during the pandemic until the

tournaments

to

the

The Rocky Mount Event Center features eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, locker rooms, 17 climbing walls, an aerial ropes course, banquet and breakout rooms, an arcade center and concession areas.

Rocky

Teammate Basketball owner. “(It) is a perfect setting for tournaments like ours.”

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George Collins plays a video game with his daughters Hope and Faith at Game Day Adventure & Arcade inside the Rocky Mount Event Center.

Players compete in the AAU Rocky Mount Grand Prix volleyball tournament at the Rocky Mount Event Center.

Troy Helton, director of Ethos Volleyball

KultureCity verification.

With the facility now at nearly normal

Club, organized a two-day tournament in

“This is an extensive sensory inclusivity

operations and a full slate of events and

2019, with 98 teams and more than 1,500

training that taught us how we can be more

tournaments booked, Joyner said he and his

spectators coming to the Rocky Mount area.

sensitive to the needs of all of our guests, from

staff are optimistic about the future of the facility.

“We were really impressed with the

those with autism to people who struggle

management, staff and venue,” Helton

with PTSD and anyone with a sensory-

“One interesting result of COVID is that

said. “The facility is first-class and kept in

inclusive need,” Joyner said. “We have quiet

businesses have had to innovate and adapt

immaculate condition. The staff was super

rooms in our facility and kits with things such

— and there are things that we’ve learned and

helpful and kept the parents and players

as headphones. We want to be accessible to a

are doing differently that we wouldn’t have

happy all weekend.”

diverse group of people who have a diversity

thought to do before,” Joyner said. “With the

of needs.”

new certifications and safety measures and

In bringing back the larger events, Joyner said they have had to learn new processes and

Over 40 staff members received the

everything, it’s given us an opportunity to

safety procedures to continue to comply with

KultureCity training, and it will continue

build an even stronger relationship with our

COVID restrictions. Part of this is participating

to be a mandatory part of training for all

local and state tourism partners.

in training through Count On Me NC, “a public

new employees. Joyner said that so far, the

“That’s something that I’ve been really

health initiative that empowers visitors,

response from the community has been very

proud of and our community should be

guests and businesses to help keep everyone

positive.

proud of, that the Edgecombe, Nash and

safe from COVID-19,” according to the Count On Me NC website.

“I’ve gotten messages on LinkedIn and

even Wilson tourism offices, we’ve all met

emails from people saying they have loved

together, and they all work together and use

Despite the lack of activity during the

ones with autism or have autism — and they’re

our facility as an anchor. It gives us the chance

shutdown, employees were still hard at

so excited that we’ve taken this step,” he said.

to be strategic and unified in marketing and

work to expand what the event center has

"It was really eye opening for me just how it

deciding our plans to make sure it benefits

to offer, including the achievement of a new

was for so many people.”

each county.”

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NCWC N.C. Wesleyan College won first place in the 2020 Exercise is Medicine On Campus Mascot Challenge video contest.

As N.C. Wesleyan College approaches its 65th year in October, there are a lot of great accomplishments to reflect on.

The college was officially chartered by

substance of those dreams. As our campus

for the students and faculty of our college to

the State of North Carolina on Oct. 25, 1956.

develops into a living reality, we, the students,

exert themselves to their fullest to fulfill your

The first yearbook, North Carolina Wesleyan,

o­ ffer our gratitude for the confidence in

dream and vision.”

was published in 1962 with a very moving

us which you have shown. Your belief in

dedication to the city of Rocky Mount.

democracy and tolerance extended to

sentiments still hold true. N.C. Wesleyan

Almost

sixty-five

years

later,

those

“The students of North Carolina Wesleyan

everyone has become a goal for us to uphold

College will celebrate its 65th year with its

College dedicate this, the first annual to you

while we organize and function in our di­

annual Founders’ Day. The 65th Founding

— the citizens of Rocky Mount. In the words

fferent capacities. The tradition of persevering

Anniversary Celebration will take place at 5:30

of Bishop Paul N. Garber, you have dreamed

in the face of seemingly unsurmountable

p.m. on Oct. 25 in Minges Auditorium of The

the dreams and seen the visions. Now, we

obstacles and always retaining faith in the

Dunn Center. Dr. A. Hope Williams, president

trust, you are beginning to see the material

future and honest e­ffort has been a stimulus

of North Carolina Independent Colleges and

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Universities, will be the featured speaker. The

space to the ActOne team so they can fully

Students will work with the ActOne team

public is invited to attend.

connect with staff and provide students with

of talent advisors and counselors to develop

hands-on career guidance and advice.

leadership skills and gain insight into a variety

Over the past year, there have been many exciting developments happening at N.C.

of professions. As an added benefit to N.C.

Wesleyan. One of which is the development

This partnership will provide students with

Wesleyan students, ActOne will provide two

of an agreement with the ActOne Group, a

access to a fully-dedicated team of staffing

to four internships per year, allowing students

global workforce solutions leader based in

professionals,

talent

to gain experience in customer service,

California with operations in North Carolina,

advisors and trainers on campus. In addition,

recruiting, front office systems and database

to provide extensive career development

ActOne will work with area organizations to

management.

services for current students and alumni.

meet their talent acquisition goals.

career

counselors,

In order to assist business professionals

Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and chief

To help enhance personal and professional

who are interested in developing specific

executive officer of the ActOne Group, is a

development, ActOne will provide N.C.

skills to improve their resume, increasing

native of Tarboro and N.C. Wesleyan board

Wesleyan students with college-to-career

their income, transitioning to a new industry

member.

transition classes, career preparation, career

or obtaining a promotion, the College has

At no cost to the college, ActOne’s team

building workshops and global awareness

created three new professional development

of professionals will work alongside N.C.

opportunities. In addition, ActOne will provide

certificate programs. The certificate courses

Wesleyan’s career services department to

access to an online library of training courses,

— Human Resource Management, Executive

enhance internships, career development,

skill assessments, and tutorials that will

Leadership and Healthcare Administration

and job placement for Wesleyan students

benefit all students, regardless of their career

— are 100 percent online with multiple start

and graduates. The college will allocate office

path.

dates. Students can finish in as little as four to

N.C. Wesleyan College was chartered by the State of North Carolina on Oct. 25, 1956.

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six months and these certificates can count

to N.C. Wesleyan for the first time in college

sales officer and CEO, alongside colleague and

toward a degree.

history, due in large part to the addition of the

brother, Austin Cameron, vice president for

Capitalizing on the new infrastructure

ISEF to the tennis complex. The new facility

chief global strategy, flew to North Carolina

on campus, N.C. Wesleyan hosted the first,

features four indoor tennis courts in addition

for the filming. The episode is set to air this

second and third rounds of the 2021 NCAA DIII

to a bevy of additional features including

men's and women's national championship.

squash courts, sports performance facilities,

coming fall.

The championship was held in the newly

exercise science classrooms and space for

minted Indoor Sports and Education Facility

expansion. The entire facility now features the

(ISEF) and the Slick Family Tennis Center at

availability of 16 total courts, which was a key

the Vernon T. Bradley Jr. Tennis Complex.

component of landing the tournament.

Throughout its history, N.C. Wesleyan College has seen substantial growth. The college continues to build upon its academic offerings,

infrastructure

and

community

relations. Now with 32 majors, 31 minors, two

The Bishop men and women had recently

In addition, the new Indoor Sports &

captured the 2021 USA South Championship

Education Facility was chosen this past June

in the same venue, with the men earning their

by Broadwell Air Domes to be featured

12th straight title and the women earning

with them in a national television show,

their third straight championship. The men’s

“World’s Greatest.” Broadwell Air Domes,

make meaningful connections and learn

and women’s tennis teams completed historic

the engineering and production company of

through innovative teaching approaches.

seasons with the men ranked 9th and women

N.C. Wesleyan’s dome, was selected and able

The distinctive Wesleyan experience equips

ranked 39th nationally.

to pick a recent project to be included in the

graduates to make a positive impact on the

episode. On June 16, Cam Cameron, chief

world.

The NCAA tournament regionals came N.C. Wesleyan College hosted the first three rounds of the 2021 NCAA DIII men's and women's national championships in the new Vernon T. Bradley Jr. Tennis Complex.

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graduate programs, three certificate programs and 10 satellite locations, N.C. Wesleyan provides students with opportunities to

70

th

U United nited Way Tar River Region

anniversary

Join Us To Help Our Community!

Give.

Advocate.

Volunteer. www.unitedwaytrr.org

252-937-2213

Davis Furniture Company 1989 to 2021

“Celebrating over three decades of excellent service.”

“Where You Are Treated Like One Of The Family!”

163 SE Main Street (Historic Downtown) Rocky Mount • 446-0163 M-F 9-5; Sat. 9-2 www.davisfurniturecompany.com

2270 Nash Street Wilson, NC

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Home Medical Supplies Wellongate Center 110 Jones Rd., Rocky Mount NC

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BEEF OR CHICKEN FAJITAS For one $1449 For two $2299 FIESTA FAJITAS Shrimp, Beef & Chicken!

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8

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17

ECC

Students in Edgecombe Community College’s Agribusiness Technology animal care class learn how to care for a baby goat.

Whether students want to improve job skills, transfer to a four-year institution or complete a credential and enter the workforce, Edgecombe Community College provides the edge to help students succeed.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the college has made meaningful progress in the last year and a half.

in health sciences at ECC.

extended because of students’ success with

Nursing and BLET programs earned

the High Altitude Balloon Team competition

continuing accreditation. Practical Nursing

and the achievements balloon team members attained through SkillsUSA.

In 2020, ECC launched a new program in

was ranked No. 5 in the state after receiving a

Agribusiness Technology to strengthen the

perfect score by a national nursing advocacy

local agriculture community.

organization.

This forward momentum has continued in 2021. Practical Nursing was ranked No. 4

The new Ophthalmic Medical Personnel

Also in 2020, ECC was the only community

in the state after receiving a perfect score by

program received initial accreditation from its

college in the nation to participate in a

Nursing Schools Almanac. Since the program’s

international accrediting body. Ophthalmic

celebration of Space Grant’s 30th anniversary

inception in 2011, 100 percent of first-time

Medical Personnel is the first evening program

in Washington, D.C. The invitation was

test takers have passed the National Council

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Edgecombe Community College nursing student Workinesh Nugussa practices inserting a nasogastric tube in a patient simulator.

Licensure Examination-Practical Nursing.

Medical Assisting graduates also passed on their first try the national exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant, resulting in a 100 percent pass rate for the class.

For two years in a row, ECC has been designated a Military Friendly College by Intelligent.com, a resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning.

Intelligent.com conferred the designation on only 49 colleges nationwide.

In April, ECC President Greg McLeod was one of 22 college presidents worldwide selected to receive a Paragon Award for New Presidents, presented by Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for students attending two-year schools. More than 500 college presidents were eligible to receive the award.

Paragon Awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students at their college.

agriculture education.

The Edgecombe Pledge is for all degreehas

seeking students, full time and part time.

continued to safely and effectively serve

Part-time students who take just one class are

students throughout the course of the

eligible to receive free tuition and fees.

Edgecombe

Community

College

COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to help students and their families recover from the pandemic, ECC has created a new scholarship program called the Edgecombe Pledge. Beginning this fall

ECC recently signed an agreement with

semester and extending through the Spring

N.C. A&T State University that will enable ECC

2023 semester, this unique initiative will fund

Agribusiness Technology graduates to transfer

in-state tuition and fees for all qualifying

into N.C. A&T’s bachelor’s degree program in

students.

Continuing education students who are enrolled in short-term workforce training programs leading to a state- or industryrecognized credential also qualify for the Edgecombe Pledge.

“We are so excited about this initiative and hope it provides the assistance and encouragement

for

everyone

who

is

interested in or needs to pursue an educational or workforce training credential,” McLeod said.

Also this fall, ECC will launch a new degree program in Emergency Medical Sciences.

The North Carolina Office of EMS is requiring all community college paramedic programs to develop an associate degree pathway for paramedic training. ECC is expanding its existing paramedic program to meet this requirement.

The college’s current paramedic program prepares

students

to

become

certified

paramedics. Additional clinical hours will not be required for students in the new pathway.

Rather, the added courses will be in general education, such as English and math, leading to a degree.

Edgecombe Community College students and staff, from left, Emilee Moore, Rebecca Stamilio-Ehret, Trey Cherry, Emily Brake, Garrett Parker, Harry Snell and college President Greg McLeod participated in Space Grant’s 30th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.

Fall semester classes began Aug. 19 at ECC. Learn more at edgecombe.edu, or call 252618-6526.

19

NCC

Instructor Shilo Lawrence works with students at Nash Community College.

Nash Community College continues to make a significant impact on students, workforce development and as an economic engine in Nash County.

Located at 522 North Old Carriage Road

intersection of U.S. 64 and Interstate 95.

Technology

in Rocky Mount, the two-year college was

While the primary service area is Nash County,

Industry Center and a five-star rated Child

founded in 1967. The campus has an open-

the convenient location attracts students

Development Center.

door admissions policy and approximately

from the surrounding counties of Edgecombe,

12,000 people participate in its programs

Franklin, Wake, Wilson and Halifax.

annually.

Nash Community College is situated on

Building,

the

Business

and

A recent study by EMSI found that in fiscal year 2020, there was $86 million total added

Modern facilities include the Continuing

income in Nash County resulting from Nash

Education and Public Services Building,

Community College’s operational, student

111 acres midway between Nashville and

Advanced

and alumni input. This breaks down to a $22

Rocky Mount, less than one mile from the

Cosmetology

20

Manufacturing Building,

Building,

Science

and

million impact from operational spending,

Members of Nash Community College’s High Altitude Balloon Team, ‘The Nashtronauts,’ successfully completed a balloon launch and payload recovery in May at the campus to complete a six-month-long, open-ended engineering project.

$62 million alumni impact and $2 million student spending impact.

Additionally, the college served 4,427 credit students, 5,493 non-credit students, and employed 397 team members during the same year. Total tuition revenue was $2.7 million and employee payroll and benefits totaled $18.9 million.

EMSI also concluded the return on Nash County’s investment in Nash Community College for the year was $30 for every $1 it funded at NCC. Over

the

summer,

NCC

received

the outstanding news that the college’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) was reaffirmed without conditions following an in-depth review.

NCC was found in compliance with all of the SACSCOC standards and requirements.

As part of NCC’s reaccreditation process and

Quality

Enhancement

Plan,

NCC

programs are offered that prepare students

citizenry in Nash County and the surrounding

established a Success Network that reflects

for jobs and provide a skilled workforce for the

area.

our commitment to enhancing institutional

area.

quality by focusing on student learning and success.

Students who began fall semester classes on Aug. 16 can expect increased support

For more information, visit nashcc.edu or

Additionally, the college offers Adult

submit an interest form at nashcc.edu/info.

Education, High School Equivalency and Adult

To schedule a campus tour, call 252-451-

High School to meet the diverse needs of the

8300 or email admissions@nashcc.edu.

services such as academic advising, tutoring and free clinical counseling.

The Success Network assists students by assigning them to success coaches for mentorship and guidance throughout their college career and connecting them to tutoring services and resources based on their individual needs Nash Community College offers academic programs leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Included are two-year technical and college transfer programs that give students

the

knowledge

and

expertise

required for challenging careers and successful transfer to four-year institutions. Vocational, occupational, business and industry-related

McKenzie Barbee takes notes during a parasitology class at Nash Community College.

21

MRS. GEORGE’S pies “

It took a long time to get the recipe just right, but with the help of

our taste-testers, we were able to recreate it to a T. - Brandy Kannan Rocky Mount Area Chamber President and CEO David Farris, Matt and Brandy Kannan and Mayor Sandy Roberson, from left, stand together during a ceremonial pie cutting for Mrs. George’s Pies at Books and Beans.

It’s a curious thing how certain foods can make us feel warm and fuzzy inside.

region in eastern North Carolina.

“Our hope is that this venture will bring

For instance, the chicken soup your mom

positivity and nostalgia to the people of Rocky

would give you as a child when you were sick

Mount who she loved so much,” she said. “We

or the ice cream you’d have on a hot summer

believe Rocky Mount is a great city because its

day while playing with friends. Food can make

people are great and we want to be a small

us nostalgic for a happier time, a simpler time.

part of its strong economic resurgence.”

the legacy of our dear Aunt Lucille George, or as many in the community knew her, ‘Mrs. George.’

“We may be biased, but it is our belief that if Rocky Mount had a taste that it would be Mrs. George’s World Famous Peanut Butter

Lucille George, better known as “Mrs.

Brandy Kannan spent several months

Pie. And if we could only pick one icon of this

George,” was the owner of The Carolina Cafe

perfecting the “secret” recipe. While she and

great city, we think that Mrs. George would sit

from 1942-87. While her delicious home-

Matt are withholding the identity of the person

at the pinnacle. We hope to honor her and

cooked meals were a staple of the Rocky

who gave up the recipe, they did recruit 30

make her proud in everything that we do.”

Mount food scene, her peanut butter pie is

taste-testers to help refine the pie. All testers

what made her an icon.

were original Mrs. George customers, so their

George’s nephew, Matt Kannan, and his

opinions were make or break for Brandy.

wife, Brandy, were eager to help revitalize

“It took a long time to get the recipe just

Rocky Mount. Brandy Kannan, a stay-at-

right, but with the help of our taste-testers,

home mom, said she wanted to contribute

we were able to recreate it to a T,” she said.

to the community in the midst of rebuilding

“We are Mrs. George’s Pies and our mission is

and rebranding itself as a social and economic

simple — to preserve, protect and celebrate

22

Books and Beans Coffee Shop at the Rocky Mount Mills recently welcomed Mrs. George’s Pies into its cafe in a special pie-cutting ceremony. Single slices of pie and whole pies are now part of the Books and Beans menu.

Orders for whole pies also can be placed at www.mrsgeorgepies.com.

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PEACEmakers

Freedom School student Lyric Bibbs raises her arms and sings the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus during the Harambee morning motivation at Peacemakers of Rocky Mount.

Like many organizations, Peacemakers of

development organization serving a low-

and exercise videos on our social media

Rocky Mount pivoted its well-laid plans when

income neighborhood, it was only fitting

platforms.”

the coronavirus pandemic struck last year.

that our plans shift as the needs of the area

The nonprofit had just moved into its new South Rocky Mount facility a month earlier,

increased.”

Peacemakers’

Online parent support groups launched with teachers and mental health professionals

programming

supports

as facilitators. Morning one-on-one tutoring

nearly doubling their space and facing the

community members in the areas of education,

began

need for extensive renovations. Located at

job preparation and community events to

needing extra support and Peacemakers

2221 West Raleigh Blvd., the building was

help empower people with knowledge that

continued providing tutoring for its existing

formerly South Village Nursing Home.

leads to successful, sustainable lives.

After School Program participants.

for

elementary

school

students

“When we said we had great expectations

“The governor’s executive order prevented

for how God was going to use this new location

us from opening at full capacity, so we did all

unexpectedly created a significant financial

to advance His kingdom in South Rocky Mount,

we could do to support parents and students

strain for a number of families,” Lewis said.

we had no idea those plans would begin with

virtually in their new normal with children

“Being the hands and feet of Jesus means

a pandemic,” Peacemakers Executive Director

learning from home,” Lewis said. “We shared

that we respond where we are needed. So

Jesse Lewis said. “Being a Christian community

daily read-aloud videos, parenting workshops

Peacemakers prepared weekly food boxes for

24

“Children

being

out

of

school

more than 70 Williford Elementary families in

from the federal Centers for Disease Control

out on vital support services,” Williams said.

need.”

and Prevention, Freedom School made

“We stepped in to cover those needs as well.”

The organization also continues its annual

adjustments to its usual curriculum.

Peacemakers has access to a mental health

Freedom School in the summer. The seven-

Whether virtually or in small groups,

week, full-time enrichment program helps

scholars still will have opportunities to engage

“The lack of intervention programs meant

young students fall in love with reading,

in a wide variety of learning experiences,

increases their self-esteem and generates

including interacting with professional guests

that we needed to provide cognitive and

more positive attitudes toward learning.

representing various career paths, visiting

Traditionally, many students start the

museums and science centers, touring college

academic year with achievement levels lower

campuses and participating in community

than they were at the beginning of summer

service and social projects, as safety guidelines

break. This is especially true for disadvantaged

allow.

students. The COVID-19 pandemic not only

“We as a community must take ownership

hampered their learning, but due to closures,

of our children’s education and not put it solely

many of these students also have lost access

on teachers,” Lewis said. “It’s up to all of us to

to services that were offered by schools.

ensure our children succeed.”

counselor and a speech therapist onsite.

behavioral therapy in order to make the best of their academic experience,” Williams said.

The nonprofit staff and children agree that they have turned difficult circumstances into an opportunity in more ways than they ever could have imagined.

“Helping our neighbors by equipping them with the skills they need to move forward despite adversity and to persevere through

At Freedom School, students participate

A few strategies have helped Peacemakers

challenges is exactly what we do,” Lewis said.

in high-quality STEM clubs providing an

staff pull off the tremendous task of supporting

“That has always been our mission. To show

in-depth learning experience in their area

their community during the pandemic.

people there is a way. We can only hope we have done that through the pandemic.”

of interest. The scholars engage in a wide

First, they made safety a priority. CDC

variety of learning experiences, including

safety protocols like social distancing, mask-

In addition to the educational programs

the exploration of career paths, learning

wearing and extra cleaning is in place. The

for young scholars, Peacemakers has also

about higher education and participating in

enrollment

continued its Hometown Hires program,

community service and social action projects.

COVID testing.

“The biggest change to Freedom School

“We

application

also

process

includes

a holistic job training and employment hired

people

from

our

in 2020 was that we had to move to two

neighborhood as instructional leaders and

half-day sessions instead of having the same

neighbors who could be here to encourage

scholars all day as we normally do,” Lewis said.

students, assist with scheduling and Bible

“However, in the end, it was more than worth

study,” Williams said.

it. Our scholars still improved their average

“It is incredibly rewarding to see the great

reading scores by one full grade level over

progress the students are making,” Williams

seven weeks last summer.”

said. “This would not have been possible

program that helps move families out of generational poverty despite barriers like criminal backgrounds, racial inequality and history of drug abuse, domestic violence and homelessness.

Additionally, through a partnership with Nash

Community

College,

Peacemakers

offers a large selection of adult education and

On average, scholars who attend Freedom

without the strong collaboration with Nash

School will raise their reading levels 14 months

County Public Schools. They have worked

or higher, Lewis said.

very closely with us to help the students stay

companies to help neighborhood residents

on top of their studies.”

find employment.

“We will need to work even more

job readiness courses and partners with local

“We saw early on that we had to address

To learn more about Peacemakers or to

up to grade level by the fall semester,” he said.

more than the academic needs. When children

schedule a tour of the facility, call 252-212-

While continuing to follow guidelines

do not go to school each day, they also miss

5044.

efficiently this summer to ensure students are

Freedom School student Tameia Alford laughs while working on a phonics worksheet with volunteer tutor Alex Stanley at Peacemakers of Rocky Mount.

Students work on computers at Peacemakers of Rocky Mount.

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UNITED way

A volunteer hands a food box to United Way Executive Director Ginny Mohrbutter on Sept.

20, 2020, outside the United Way Tar River Region headquarters on Sunset Avenue in Rocky Mount.

The pandemic greatly affected most nonprofit organizations in North Carolina.

Director Ginny Mohrbutter said.

In

response

to

the

pandemic,

community programs which has positively the

impacted over 30,758 children and families.

With the disruption of programs and

United Way Tar River Region addressed

The fund has supported homeless shelter/

services, many organizations feared they

the challenges for children, families and

feeding pantries, financial/rent assistance

would be unable to continue to care for the

individuals by launching the COVID-19 Relief

domestic

needs of the populations they serve. However,

Fund. United Way has been working with

child care programs, remote learning support

the United Way Tar River Region worked

nonprofit partners to address urgent needs in

and senior citizen meal programs.

diligently to “unite people and resources to

feeding, housing, individual/family stability,

As with many nonprofit groups nationwide,

build a stronger community.”

child care and youth, senior and special

fundraising efforts were hindered by the

populations.

pandemic. The normally fruitful United Way

“COVID-19 has created challenges for

violence

shelter/programming,

many businesses and organizations, and

Through an efficient and accountable

Tar River Region Community Campaign faced

United Way Tar River Region has not been

grants process, United Way COVID-19 Relief

a shortfall in its annual fundraising goal. United

immune to this,” United Way Executive

Fund poured in over $168,550 into 50

Way officials adopted new and innovative

30

Executive Director Ginny Mohrbutter launches confetti during the kickoff of the United Way Tar River Region’s 2020 fundraising campaign at Davenport Honda in Rocky Mount.

“

For a nonprofit like United Way, it is not about profit, it is about people.

- Ginny Mohrbutter, United Way Executive Director

ideas were implemented to connect with

2-1-1 for assistance and resources related

“Even in such a challenging time, (donor)

workplace giving campaigns and donors.

to the coronavirus. The NC 2-1-1 program is

support has helped United Way have

“United Way’s Community Campaign

an information and referral service where

tremendous impact in our community.

funding is the life blood for our organization

families and individuals can obtain free and

Contributions crossed many sectors and

doing such good work in our community,”

confidential information on health and human

helped thousands of individuals and families

Mohrbutter said. “For a nonprofit like United

service resources within their community 24

during this tumultuous time,” Mohrbutter said.

Way, it is not about profit, it is about people.

hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a

In our case, it is about utilizing donations to

year.

United Way Tar River Region board

help people through vital, local programs

The United Way Tar River Region provides

that touch all quality-of-life issues. It is

funding and support to bring 2-1-1 to

about children having educational programs,

Edgecombe and Nash counties.

fragile citizens having housing and food, and

“NC 2-1-1 is an important resource every

people having access to health programs and

day for families in our community who may

medications to keep them well.”

experience a crisis such as food insecurity or COVID-19

unemployment. During times like this with

impacted low-wage Americans the hardest,

the COVID-19 crisis, we are proud 2-1-1 is here

along with people of color and those lacking a

to help,” Mohrbutter said.

The

economic

fallout

of

Chairman Jonathan Boone echoed that sentiment.

“Although

responding

to

COVID-19

has proven challenging and has negatively impacted our annual fundraising campaign, our community has proven over and over again that we have the capacity to work together in times of need to help our friends and neighbors,” he said. “With that said, I am

college degree. To survive this unprecedented

Mohrbutter said the staff at the United

confident that working together we can find

time, people have had to borrow money from

Way Tar River Region thank the thousands

a way to sustain the work of the United Way

friends or gotten food from a food bank. Many

of donors, as well as the extensive network

Tar River Region and many local United Way

adults who lost a job due to the virus are still

of volunteers and nonprofit partners who

community partners that are on the front

unemployed.

believe in the power of positive change

lines working to help our community weather

through United Way.

the impact of this pandemic.”

People in need are encouraged to call

31

DEPC Jennifer Hammett laughs with her sons Ryan, left, and Kyle as they read ‘The Treasure of Pirate Island’ during National Summer Learning Day at the Down East Partnership for Children’s Discovery Park.

The Down East Partnership for Children since its inception has “committed to launching every child as a healthy, lifelong learner by the end of the third grade.”

However, COVID-19 has made fulfilling that mission challenging.

The pandemic has forced partnership

to adapt, persevere and continue to build

is a 16-week program that fosters healthy

resilience to move forward individually and as

development

a community dedicated to equity.

strengthening parenting skills and promoting

in

young

children

by

staff and clients to adapt the way they live,

In order to continue to support the

children’s academic, social and emotional

work and play. Executive Director Henrietta

communities it serves, the Down East

skills. To continue to support parents during

Zalkind said the theme for 2020 was “moving

Partnership for Children developed new

this time, the series has been offered virtually.

forward” no matter the obstacles that stood

programs and revamped current ones to

in their way.

practice social distancing.

Zalkind said she has been determined

32

The Incredible Years Parenting Program

Although not in a face-to-face setting, meal gift cards and gas cards and play incentive pick-ups are still awarded to participants. In

this setting, parents learn how to promote positive social and emotional behaviors in their pre-school age child and learn how to

Jeiquan Jackson plants a cabbage plant in the Down East Partnership for Children community garden at Discovery Park.

establish predictable household rules and routines. While physically isolated, it is a great opportunity to connect with other families.

For children under the age of 5, the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn groups, designed for families who want to learn fun ideas for hands-on learning, nurture their child’s positive social skills and increase their family’s healthy lifestyle habits, went virtual. Circle of Parents, a support group for families of children with special needs, is also held virtually each week.

When thousands of schools along with numerous day care centers closed as a result of the pandemic, millions of families around the country struggled to make their lives work.

Parents and their children were suddenly home together, all day, every day, but the expectation of working from home while monitoring their child’s virtual learning has proven to be for some, nightmarish.

The Down East Partnership for Children recognized this issue and continues to support families. When many child-care facilities reopened, providers are on the frontline providing essential services for families who are working.

The partnership continues to support Head Start and public schools where each follow special health and safety guidelines.

Down East Partnership for Children clients

also have received the benefits of the USDA’s

distributed food to staff and parents.

Farmers to Families Food Box program in

Zalkind continues to encourage clients to

partnership with Ripe Revival Market, L&M,

reach out to their elected representative and

Wards Produce and Greenville Produce to

those running for office and tell their stories of

distribute boxes of fresh produce to the

how the pandemic has impacted them, their

community.

families, their businesses and employees,

Through this program, thousands of boxes of fresh food were delivered to churches, the

making their needs known so policy makers can take action to address them.

Rocky Mount Housing Authority, summer

This school year has been like no other and

feeding sites, F.I.T. families (Families Involved

has served to reinforce the fact that healthy

Together) and all six F.E.E.D. child-care

kids are the result of healthy, supportive

centers who used the produce on menus and

families.

Melanie Wallace reads 'The Jacket I Wear in the Snow' to her daughters Sadie, left, and Clara during National Summer Learning Day at the Down East Partnership for Children's Discovery Park.

“Thank you so much to our early educators who continue to be on the front life providing essential services for families,” Zalkind said.

Although there are still several challenging in months ahead, Zalkind encourages families during this school year to “build something positive into your day every day, remember your social connections, set aside time to understand what is developmentally appropriate for your child’s learning, educate yourself about remote learning and as always, continue to reach out to Down East Partnership for help when needed.”

“We’ve been through many disasters together — none that have lasted this long, but we’ve always rebuilt better and stronger,” Zalkind said. “I’m confident we can do this again if we continue to work together.”

33

RED OAK kennels

Cindy Stancavish stands with her dog Boone outside the kennels at Red Oak Country Kennels.

For pet owners, being able to leave their

Kennels,” Stancavish said. “When I heard they

four-legged babies with someone they trust

closed, I was so upset. Greta was phenomenal

Lamberson and Stancavish re-opened the

is a priority.

at taking care of all the pets she kept. Like

kennel for business in May, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday.

indoor exercise area during bad weather.

That is why one local small business has

other pet owners, I was left wondering where I

been so successful. Opened a few years ago

would be able to take my dog where he would

Small is committed to helping the new

as a brand new boarding facility for dogs, Red

be happy, have plenty of space and I would

owners through the re-opening and will

Oak Country Kennels is trusted by pet owners

feel comfortable and confident knowing he

remain active in the business during the

in Nash County and beyond.

was getting the love, care and attention he

transition. Stancavish says the business will

deserves. After finding out that Greta was

pick up right where it left off.

When life events changed the course of owner Greta Small’s goals, she decided to sell the business in hopes that it would continue to operate under new ownership.

selling, it just made sense.”

“We have a love for animals and for

At Red Oak Country Kennels, pets have

helping people and we are ready to put

been spoiled in a comfortable, climate-

our entrepreneurial experience to work,”

Local residents Brian Lamberson and

controlled facility with individual indoor and

Stancavish said. “It takes a lot of trust for

Cindy Stancavish stepped up to the challenge.

outdoor runs, spacious outdoor play areas, no

someone to leave their pet, a member of

“I was a client of Red Oak Country

limits on the amount of outside time and an

their family, in the care of someone else. It

34

honors and humbles me that someone will have that trust in us. I have no doubt that pets will be happy with us. The love and personal attention are what will make the difference.”

Taking care of pets is something the new owners have been doing for many years.

“I

have

always

loved

animals

and

volunteering in pet adoption and rescue has always been my way of helping animals,” Stancavish said.

She is actively involved with Nash County Animal Friends, Promoting Animal Welfare and photographing homeless pets at the Nash County Animal Shelter for adoption and rescue.

“It will be business as usual at the kennels,”

Red Oak Country Kennels re-opened under new ownership on May 26.

In addition to the overnight boarding the

business that Greta built where dogs enjoy

kennel is known for, the new owners will be

a safe, fun environment while away from

adding day boarding for dogs.

home,” she said. “We want to continue to

she said. “We want people to receive the same

“This is different from doggie day care,”

great service and care that they have come to

Stancavish said. “With our day boarding, dogs

love and expect.”

will not participate in group play, but they

provide pet families peace of mind while they are away from one another.”

For

more

information

or

to

make

All breeds are welcome and each dog run

will have their own space where they can

has its own isolated outdoor space accessible

enjoy being indoors and outdoors with lots of

reservations, call or text 252-373-1104, email

through a dog door. The facility also has a

attention.

redoakcountrykennels@gmail.com or find Red

dedicated space for boarding smaller dogs.

“We really look forward to continuing the

Oak Country Kennels on Facebook.

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PRINCEVILLE history Kelsi Dew poses for a portrait outside the old history museum and the new mobile history museum.

What Kelsi Dew said stunned her mother into silence.

So why was she coming back?

There, in a course on African American

Kelsi couldn’t help herself. Like kinetic

history,

Kelsi’s

lifelong

disdain

for

her

“I’m moving back.”

attraction between two magnets, everything

hometown began to melt away. The passion

While those three words seem so simple,

in her life was pulling her back. But it wasn’t

for history started when Kelsi really learned

nostalgia.

about her hometown for the first time. When

Kelsi said them with such conviction that Karen Dew was floored.

It was history. She moved to Greenville

she really learned about the twin towns that

Kelsi grew up in the small town of Tarboro,

to earn her master’s degree in history and

represented each of her parents: her father in

in the heart of Edgecombe County, and she

then accepted a job as a historical outreach

Princeville and her mother in Tarboro.

swore she would never return when she left in

coordinator in Princeville, the town that

2017 to attend Appalachian State University.

straddles the Tar River with her birthplace.

“That’s why she chose App, because it was

Her

interest

started

in

a

“There was just all of these connections of ‘Holy crap, I live in a place that is so interesting,

cultural

and now I want to learn about it,’” Kelsi said. “I

the furthest she could go without going out of

anthropology course at Appalachian State

lived there for 18 years and had no idea about

state,” Karen said.

despite Kelsi not knowing what anthropology

all of these things that absolutely makes this

her

meant before enrolling in school. One course

place wonderful.”

hometown could not — space, time to grow, a

led to another until Kelsi was so deeply invested

Princeville is the oldest town incorporated

freshness that comes from a place where no

in the history and anthropology departments,

by African Americans in the United States.

one knows who she is or what her parents do

that she knew she had found her life’s calling.

After being established by formerly enslaved

or which house in the neighborhood is hers.

History consumed her.

peoples after the Civil War, the majority-

Boone

36

offered

Kelsi

everything

Black town has fought through social and economic difficulties relating to race disparity.

Princeville has survived through slavery, the Reconstruction period, the Jim Crow South, systemic racism and government negligence — and decades of tumultuous floods.

Between the years of 1800 and 1958 the Tar River, which splits Tarboro and Princeville, flooded the town seven times. A levee built in 1965 to regulate water levels failed in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd. The town was submerged for days, and homes were destroyed.

Kelsi can still feel her fear of the rising waters during the hurricane. She can still see the signs of water damage on the walls in her father’s home. It’s a permanent reminder of what they lived — and survived — through.

Life is defined by how many times a person’s house has been flooded. People know well the stress of evacuation, the hardship of displacement, the disappointment of waiting for FEMA, and the destruction of everything they had. From Floyd to Matthew in 2017 to Florence in 2018 to Dorian in 2019, residents barely began rebuilding before another

Kelsi Dew and her partner, James Goldberg, pose for a portrait in her late father’s home that they now live in together.

devastating flood arrived.

But in that classroom in Boone, Kelsi learned

Why didn’t she know about this? she wondered.

about Mayos Crossroads, the region where her

The simple answer is the element that gives

maternal grandparents owned a farm. She

life, but is often so intimately associated with

learned about her home, the cemeteries she

devastation in Edgecombe County: water.

visited as a child, the cemetery she would go to on her first date with her now-partner, James Goldberg. She learned about Princeville’s resilience. Not the flood disasters.

Because of the decades of floods, Princeville rarely can preserve its rich history.

“We are now collecting data, research and artifacts that represent the town of Princeville,”

Kelsi Dew feeds her chickens in her backyard of what used to be her father’s home.

37

Kelsi Dew stands in front of the slight flooding of the Tar River to show an image on James Goldberg’s phone of the same spot that captured when the flooding was almost to the bottom of the bridge.

“

Her energy is exactly what the town needs as it relates to building a community back bigger, better and bolder.

- Glenda Knight, Princeville Town Manager

Kelsi said. “Because of persistent flooding,

eventually, she hopes to share it with the

who are determined to stay there despite

there are a lot of artifacts and items that are

nation through a permanent museum that

the flooding. The misconceptions about the

lost, by no fault other than flooding.”

hosts exhibits of objects she is discovering now.

town — the rumors that Princeville is less-

When Kelsi moved back home, she made

“The information that Kelsi has so diligently

a commitment to preserving and protecting

collected, and continues to collect, will serve

than, and the associations with drugs and

history. Even when her father, a lifelong resident

a very instrumental purpose as we continue

of Princeville, grew sicker with complications of

to move forward wanting to share about the

hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver in 2017,

town of Princeville —not just locally, but across

Kelsi moved in to care for him while continuing

the state, across the nation,” Princeville Town

her research on Princeville’s history.

Manager Glenda Knight said.

Goldberg says Kelsi thrives in her historian work because she sees objects differently.

Kelsi’s research is her greatest commitment.

She knows the town like the back of her hand,

high-unemployment that give Princeville such negative connotations — only fuel Kelsi to prove them wrong.

“She’s able to show the history and preserve it, and it tells a story of who was here and how they got here,” Goldberg said. “It’s a great community that’s being reborn now.”

“Look what I found,” Kelsi will say with the

even a casual drive around the county consists

Princeville is historical, mysterious, gutted

giddy excitement of a child finding a new toy.

of Kelsi identifying every property passed and

and resilient, often nearly all at once. But that’s

Goldberg will look it over, squint, but settle with

a quick history lesson. Kelsi calls Edgecombe

what drives Kelsi to the greatest lengths —

responding back, “It looks like a piece of rust.”

County a gem, and to her, it is a treasure.

because Princeville has always been that way.

He doesn’t see what she sees. A conversation

“Her energy is exactly what the town needs

with Kelsi will prove to Goldberg just how

as it relates to building a community back

wrong he is, when Kelsi shows artifacts more

bigger, better and bolder,” Knight said. “Just to

than 100 years old, relaying the life history of

know she is that passionate about the town of

the previous owner.

Princeville is very special.”

The people have always been that way.

“These people have held the community down consistently for 135 years,” Kelsi said.

“You have this multi-layering of reasoning of why this community shouldn’t exist but it

A headstone shows Kelsi the wealth of a

From never returning to never leaving,

person, a brick shows skilled labor, coins and

Kelsi’s relationship with her hometown has

does. And it exists because of the people, and

metalwork and pottery paints a picture that

been tumultuous — much like the history of

working with what you have, and being happy

Kelsi interprets. She learns from the objects,

the town. But Kelsi feels the strength of the

with what you have. I’m just happy to be a small

then she shares that with residents — and

town, and the love from her fellow residents

part of it.”

38

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39

CSX The CSX Carolina Connector intermodal facility along U.S. 301 is scheduled for completion in September.

The future CSX intermodal facility is

for freight trains to arrive, with the freight to

scheduled to be complete sometime in

be off-loaded onto other trains or trucks for

September.

distribution.

Carolinas

Gateway

Partnership

the creation of something like 15,000 jobs.

“Now, we know not all of those are going to close, but we’re hot right now. And I think

Vice

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson said

the intermodal is something that we have to

President Oppie Jordan said that the project

he is thrilled with anticipation that the “long-

acknowledge has brought us to the dance,”

that has been taking shape across U.S. 301

awaited thing is now becoming real.”

Roberson said.

from N.C. Wesleyan College has prompted

“And seeing the impact that it is having in

Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce

inquiries to the downtown Rocky Mount-

terms of the number of inquiries for economic

President and CEO David Farris said it’s

based recruiter of businesses and industries

development in the city of Rocky Mount is just

“thrilling” that the intermodal facility is nearly

from other prospects.

beyond exciting,” Roberson said.

ready.

Jordan also said Rocky Mount is an

Additionally, Roberson, who is on the

emerging market that is being identified by

Carolinas Gateway Partnership executive

goosebumps to see things like the intermodal

site consultants and companies and that there

committee, said he believes if there could be

up and ready to open,” he said. “You know

is a lot of activity and excitement.

a securing of commitment from every single

it’s going to happen, just like with the DMV

“It’s unbelievable,” Jordan said.

business that has inquired about the area

relocation from Raleigh to Rocky Mount.

The CSX facility, which is called the

in the past 12 months, then there would be

“These are things that we have nobody else

Carolina Connector, is going to be a place

roughly $9 billion of capital on the ground and

in the state is going to have today, tomorrow

40

“It

puts

goosebumps

on

top

of

or anytime soon,” Farris said.

a gateway a bit to the west.

Of the future CSX intermodal, Farris

“And I think it’s a phenomenal opportunity

also said, “The volume of business going

for our area and also to attract new businesses

through there is going to be incredible — and

— and help existing businesses,” Daughtridge

what it does for us is just going to be hard to

said.

comprehend until you see it. It’s going to be nothing short of amazing.”

Don

Williams,

president

of

Lewis

Advertising and a past chairman of the

Farris also emphasized his belief in there

Carolinas Gateway Partnership board, said,

being three great teams of recruiters matched

“Rocky Mount has always been a city on the

with public and private support — Carolinas

rise. It’s going to rise more quickly now than it

Gateway Partnership, whose president and

has in recent years.

CEO is Norris Tolson; Nash County Economic

“And I think you’re going to see people

Development, whose director is Andy Hagy;

have a much more positive attitude about

and the Rocky Mount Area Chamber, whose

the Twin Counties and about relocating here,”

economic development director is Alan

Williams said.

Matthews.

“

It’s a phenomenal opportunity for our area and also to attract new businesses — and help existing businesses.

- Lige Daughtridge, City Councilman

Gov. Roy Cooper and scores of other

site of the future intermodal due to safety

City Councilman Lige Daughtridge said

VIPs and residents gathered in April 2019 on

restrictions resulting from the coronavirus

the intermodal facility is going to be a “game-

the lawn of the N.C. Wesleyan campus for a

pandemic.

changer for Rocky Mount and our region.”

dirt-turning ceremony signaling the start of

“It’s

certainly

going

to

help

with

employment. It’s going to attract businesses to our area,” he said.

Daughtridge also said he believes the

construction of the CSX facility.

The facility is just on the Edgecombe County side of the Nash County-Edgecombe County line.

intermodal is going to be a vital point of

Jordan said that workers from Ireland were

distribution up and down the East Coast and

delayed in coming to install the cranes at the

Farris made clear that he and his fellow officials and leaders are nowhere near content in terms of recruiting future businesses and industries.

“We’re just getting started,” he said. “We’re working on some projects right now as hard as we can.”

Cranes tower above the construction site of the CSX Carolina Connector intermodal facility along U.S. 301.

41

PRIME smokehouse Ed Wiley III and Yalem Kiros stand outside the entrance to The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond at the Rocky Mount Mills.

The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue &

location began serving customers.

the rhythm of the restaurant.”

Beyond recently relocated to a much larger

“I did a sneaky opening,” he said with a

“You always need to establish the rhythm

space at the Rocky Mount Mills after having

smile. “I didn’t tell anybody because I didn’t

of a new place because if you open it when

been downtown along East Thomas Street

want to be overwhelmed. And I knew we

you’re trying to figure out all these moving

since 2013.

would be overwhelmed.

pieces, then it will crash and burn,” he said.

The Prime Smokehouse is on the bottom

“I didn’t put it out to the universe. I didn’t

floor of the main brick building of the Rocky

even do a Facebook post. We’re not on the

Mount Mills, adjacent to the building’s lobby,

radio with it,” he said.

on the south side of the Tar River.

Ed Wiley III, 61, and his wife, Yalem Kiros, 58, own the restaurant.

Wiley said that rhythm is getting better.

As for how business has been so far, Wiley said, “It has been incredible. And I’m glad it

Wiley made clear the thinking was, “We’re

hasn’t been any more incredible than it has

just going to open it and let word of mouth

been right now because there were a lot of

sort of just create a trickle that would allow

pieces to this puzzle.”

Wiley said that the location downtown

me to be able to take and train staff, to hire

Wiley said one piece of the puzzle that was

was closed roughly a month before the new

staff on a steady basis and to be able to get

filled is offering complimentary valet parking.

42

The service is in place to reduce the distance of a customer’s walk to the restaurant due to there being a limited number of parking spaces immediately close to the main building of the Rocky Mount Mills.

As for the restaurant’s appearance, he said the feedback has been amazing.

“I mean, people didn’t really expect this when they walked in,” he said.

He said customers who have dined at The Prime Smokehouse in the past have known the establishment is going to be clean and serve good food.

Wiley said customers upon entering the new location are commenting along the lines of, “Oh my God, that’s in Rocky Mount.”

He credited his wife for the design of the

Kim and Larry Drexler dine at The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond at the Rocky Mount Mills.

interior of the relocated restaurant, including choosing the art to be placed on display and having every chair custom made.

“I mean, she has an amazing eye, amazing taste,” he said.

of the world.

year-round warm temperatures.

Kiros said some of her upbringing in Africa

In further commenting about her feelings

affected how the interior of the relocated

about how the inside of the relocated

restaurant looks.

restaurant looks, Kiros said, “It’s the image that

Kiros is originally from Ethiopia in eastern

“That is a beautiful sunset color in Africa,

Africa. She grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, also in

on the African savanna,” she said in reference

eastern Africa, and has lived in different parts

to that continent’s tropical grassland with

expresses my, I suppose my inner self, which, I think, is like a beautiful sunset or sunrise.”

The interior of the relocated restaurant

Co-owner Yalem Kiros shows a mural that in part pays tribute to her husband and restaurant co-owner Ed Wiley III’s late father and jazz musician Ed Wiley Jr., left, and Ed Wiley’s 87-year-old mother, Maye Wiley, at The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond.

43

Beverly Ringler prepares margarita flights at The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond at the Rocky Mount Mills.

Patricia Caceres holds a plate of seafood gumbo ready to be served at The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond at the Rocky Mount Mills.

also is decorated with art Kiros had at home

of the late jazz musician Louis “Satchmo”

the right vibe. It is fun and not what you would

after collecting the pieces over time.

Armstrong, whom the international airport in

expect in Rocky Mount. Ultimately, I believe

New Orleans is named for, and the late jazz

that these sorts of great spaces bring people

musician Thelonious Monk, who was born in

together. So, it’s just a wonderful place.”

“When I see an art piece that speaks to my heart, I insist that we should get it,” she said.

Additionally, the appearance of the interior

Rocky Mount.

of the relocated restaurant is a tribute to the

Wiley said that presently, The Prime

father of Kiros’ husband and restaurant co-

Smokehouse has 25 employees, but he needs

owner Ed Wiley III. That is because a likeness

about 20 more employees.

of Wiley’s father, the late jazz musician Ed Wiley Jr., is shown on a mural.

The mural also includes the likeness of Ed Wiley III’s mother, Maye Wiley, who is 87.

Wiley emphasized his belief that this is a

the city, I really do.”

“I just think we need it,” Courtney said.

great place to work and that he is putting out the word he is seeking servers and kitchen

with this in Rocky Mount at all.”

staffers.

Ed Wiley Jr., who was from Houston,

“I think that people will really love working in this environment,” Wiley said, noting the

venues frequented by Black musicians when

restaurant has a large smoker and a spacious

racial segregation codes were in place in the

kitchen. “I mean, they could hold a dance in

Deep South.

my walk-in refrigerator.”

Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not believe he

“I think it’s beautiful. I think it’s very good for

“There’s really nowhere, really, that compares

participated in the Chitlin Circuit network of

Ed Wiley Jr. during the days prior to the

Another recent patron, Kay Courtney said,

Customer Rita Wade said she loves the restaurant’s new location.

John Lane and his wife, Christine, recently dined at the restaurant for the first time at the new location.

John Lane said the food and service were always good at the previous location.

“But everything is better,” John Lane said.

“The location is better. The food is better.

Everything is better. A-plus.”

could trust eating anywhere where he had

“I’m so proud of Yalem,” Wade said. “She

to go via the back door to receive service. As

has worked so hard and she’s part of our

a result, Ed Wiley Jr. became a cook for his

women’s networking group — and so we know

p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from

bandmates while on the road and Ed Wiley III

her very well.”

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

learned from his father how to cook.

The mural also includes the likenesses

44

More specifically about the relocated restaurant, Wade said, “I just think that it has

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9

The restaurant also can be reached by phone at 252-972-7770.

We’re building homes a smarter way. Homes that are beautiful, strong and, most of all, affordable. Each of our models can be customized with features and upgrades right for you.

Call Now (252) 442-9988 2120 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount

of Rocky Mount

45

ROCKY MOUNT mills

Along the falls of the Tar River, Rocky

individual.

Mount Mills and along the Tar River, are homes

Mount Mills provides a great opportunity

The Power House is a versatile event space

that range in size from one to three bedrooms.

for people looking to make unforgettable

ideal for weddings, receptions, conferences

They are maintained by Rocky Mount Mills

memories.

and meetings. It is a spacious multi-level

and each home has its own unique character.

The restored 82-acre cotton mill complex

indoor event space with an attached open-

The village is perfect for everyone. Residents

has brought together residential, commercial,

air terrace. Outdoor courtyards with riverfront

can take a walk on the greenway, stop by the

cultural and entertainment amenities for

views can also be found.

Farmers Market on a Saturday or grill out with

thousands of people to enjoy. The campus

Rocky Mount Mills doesn’t only offer

is a restored cotton mill showcasing a bold

breweries, live music and good times. For

approach to historic preservation that honors

those who choose to enjoy a scenic view of

accommodations, River and Twine is a great

the past while also breathing new life into the

the Tar River, living at the Mills is the perfect

place to relax and enjoy the banks of the Tar

space.

place to call home. The Lofts at Rocky Mount

River. The resort consists of 20 tiny houses

friends.

For

those

who

seek

temporary

Throughout the year, the Mills hosts a

Mills offer a blend of historic and urban living.

available for nightly and extended rentals.

variety of activities from charity events to

Units are available to rent with one, two or

River and Twine is one of 12 tiny house hotels

live music. Meeting and convention spaces

three bedrooms.

in the country and is available for nightly rental

are also plentiful for the business minded

46

The Mill Village, located next to Rocky

and bookings. It is the first resort to feature 20

tiny houses built specifically for the site.

Manager

Evan

Covington

Chavez

said.

said she is looking forward to what’s ahead.

Five breweries help keep the nightlife alive

“Parents can enjoy the outdoor beer garden,

“We are excited about the recent addition

at the Mills:Mystic Brewing, Hopfly, Koi Pond,

outdoor patios and seating at our restaurants

of Prime Smokehouse and are exploring other

Rocky Mount Brewery and Tarboro Brewing

while also keeping an eye on their little ones.”

opportunities for growth,” she said.

Company’s TBC West.

Although the Mills is home to several local breweries, it’s still family-friendly.

Recent visitor Gregory Stephenson said, “Very unique place. Great selection of foods and drinks.”

The Prime Smokehouse joins a growing list of eateries at the Mills that also includes the Tap@1918, Tipsy Tomato, TBC West and the

“Kids will find big open green spaces for

Out-of-town visitor Jason Lavrenz said the

throwing a ball or Frisbee as well as a slack

Mills was a “great area and amazing concept

line and ninja warrior rope course near River

with the incubator breweries. I loved being

& Twine, a wiffle ball field near Tipsy Tomato,

able to walk around and try several local

Tar River, embrace the history of the mills,

Ga-Ga Pit and ping pong at TBC West, corn

microbrews in the same place. I’ll definitely be

have your share of craft beer and chow down

hole at Koi Pond and a hidden arcade at Tipsy

back the next time I’m in the area!”

on amazing food, give Rocky Mount Mills a

Tomato,” Rocky Mount Mills Development

As for the future of the campus, Chavez

Books and Beans coffee shop.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the

chance to check all of your boxes.

“

Throughout the year, the Mills hosts a variety of activities from charity events to live music.

47

TARBORO Motorists drive down Main Street in downtown Tarboro.

Tarboro is the ninth-oldest town in the

September of the same year, Joseph and Ester

and some were not sold for the 40 shillings

state and served the area as an important

Howell deeded 150 acres of their property

price.

colonial river port and thriving trade center

to the Rev. James Moir, Lawrence Toole, a

Tarboro officially became the Edgecombe

until the Civil War.

merchant, Capts. Aquilla Sugg and Elisha

County seat in 1764 and the General Assembly

Battle and Benjamin Hart for five shillings and

met there once in 1787 and again in 1987.

one peppercorn.

President George Washington is known to

Although it is generally agreed that the area around Tarboro was settled by 1733, Edward Mosley's map of that year shows only

As commissioners, these men were to lay

Tuscarora Indians in the area. In early days, the

out a town with lots of not more than one-

area was widely known as "Tawboro,” a name

half acre and streets not wider than 80 feet,

Nowadays, Tarboro has slightly less than

attributed to "Taw,” the Indian word for "river

with 12 lots and a 50-acre "common" set

11,000 residents and is governed by a mayor

of health.”

aside for public use. Lots were to be sold for

and council and a town staff that manages the day-to-day operations.

have slept in Tarboro during a visit on his 1791 Southern tour.

Tarrburg, as the town was called on maps

two pounds, with the proceeds to be turned

of 1770-75, was chartered Nov. 30, 1760,

over to the Howells; however, full payment

Candace Bailey Owens and her late

as Tarborough by the General Assembly. In

was not received for all of the 109 lots sold,

husband, Ambrose Lloyd Owens Jr., came to

48

Tarboro to settle down and raise a family in

for Innovation on the Tarboro campus. In

1968 and never left.

2018, Deborah Lamm retired as president of

“Oh, we’d talk about some place we thought

ECC, eventually being replaced by Gregory

we’d want to go,” Candace said, mentioning

McLeod, ECC’s fifth president and its first

Edenton and New Bern, among others. “But

black president.

we never left. We knew we could never leave Tarboro ... would never leave Tarboro.”

Back in 1937, another significant occurrence took place when, on Jan. 7, construction

Then, just as now, Candace says the people make Tarboro a welcoming and warm place.

commenced on 32 miles of electric lines from the Town of Tarboro to Hassell, and on April

“The old-timers says it’s a welcoming

17, 1937, the cooperative threw its first switch

community, but the newcomers have a

to energize the homes of 82 cooperative

tendency to call it cliquish,” Owens said.

members.

Still, it’s hard for someone to walk

This historical event made Edgecombe-

downtown or along Main Street and not be

Martin County EMC the oldest rural electric

greeted multiple times.

cooperative in North Carolina and one of the

It’s the same story in the cafes and coffee shops, as people are warm and friendly and welcoming.

oldest in the nation.

Tarboro is home to a 45-square-block historic district and a vibrant downtown

Today, Tarboro is the home of Edgecombe Community College, which opened as an

historic district with multiple home-owned As Mayor Joe Pitt has noted on multiple

Institute in 1967 and in 1968, held its first

occasions, the people are what make Tarboro

classes. In 1987, the college was renamed

special. They are opening and welcoming,

Edgecombe Community College and has

whether at one of the community’s many

since expanded its campus size.

festivals, the July 4 fireworks, the Christmas

January

2016,

45,000-square-foot

ECC

opened

a

Parade, a Tarboro High School Vikings school

and

activity or the newest activity in town, the

Medical Simulation Center on its Rocky Mount

Tarboro River Bandits collegiate league

campus and the 23,000-square-foot Center

baseball team.

Liquid Pleasure performs during a Downtown Live concert at Courthouse Square in Tarboro.

Biotechnology

New Year’s Eve revelers dance during the New Year’s Ball Drop in downtown Tarboro.

businesses.

extension unit of Wilson County Technical

In

A customer checks out a vendor’s display at the Tarboro Market under the portico of the Tarboro Brewing Co. on Main Street.

The annual Happening on the Common cultural arts festival is held in May on the Town Common in Tarboro.

“

Tarboro is home to a 45-square-block historic district and a vibrant downtown historic district with multiple homeowned businesses.

49

NASHVILLE A mural greets motorists as they enter downtown Nashville.

Years before Nashville, Tenn., emerged, the

earned the title most honestly.

municipalities in the area.

Town of Nashville, North Carolina, claimed the

“Nash County and Nashville are the only

Though the town limits only encompass

name and took its place as the county seat of

one of his namesakes that General Nash ever

about 4.14 square miles and the town’s

the newly-formed Nash County.

actually visited,” Brown said.

population is roughly 5,600, the Town

Construction began on the new county’s

Since those early years, the town, rooted in

of Nashville offers its own police force,

first courthouse in 1777 and the Town of

such a rich past, has emerged as a traditional

fire station, library and active cultural and

Nashville grew up around it. By 1780, the town

community with strong family values and

recreational programs in addition to all the

was named Nashville to honor General Francis

an eye toward progress. Now billed as the

county offices and resources that are located

Nash, who was killed during the Revolutionary

“original Nashville,” the town features a rare

in the town.

War.

collection of Queen Anne and Victorian style

Brown, who has been mayor sinde 2019,

Eventually, 12 other towns in the United

homes, a quaint and thriving downtown and

is enthusiastic about the town. She grew up

States would be named Nashville, but

multiple amenities that lie within walking

just outside the town limits and many of her

Nashville Mayor Brenda Brown said her town

distance. It is also known as one of the safest

early memories are tied to the place where

50

she worked and played in her youth.

businesses have sprung up on either side

“Nashville was a great town to grow up

of the traditional downtown tract, leaving

in,” Brown said. “It is so family-oriented and

that area with its small-town charm and

has high expectations of its citizens. Almost

easy walkability. The traditional downtown

everyone knew one another when I grew

area is quickly attracting niche eateries and

up, so we couldn’t get away with anything.”

stores that offer their own personal appeal.

Brown said Nashville still has that same

Though the latest census showed

vibe. She has been a resident of the town

that the Town of Nashville is the fastest

for 20 years and ran for mayor because of her love for Nashville, she said.

“When you drive through Nashville, it still has great appeal,” she said. “It still has that same family-friendly feeling. When I get up early in the morning to walk my dog, there are other people up walking the streets at 5:30 a.m. People feel safe here.”

Poised on the edge of U.S. 64 and within an easy commute to Raleigh, the town was and still is poised for growth. Though it has featured a railway and sawmill and building supply company since the early days, it now is also the home of Braswell Family Farms, which is the second-largest franchisee of Eggland’s Best Eggs in the United States. It is actively recruiting other industries in its own business park.

growing town in Nash County this century, Brown said town leaders are committed to balancing that small-town charm with progressive innovation. The town’s website proclaims, “It is our desire to make sure Nashville remains ‘A Great Place to Live, Work, and Play.’”

The town’s active Chamber of Commerce supports this notion with activities and events typically held throughout nonCOVID-19 years. The town is well-known for its annual Blooming Festival traditionally held on Mother’s Day weekend. The event, which has spanned two decades, features vendors, live music in the street, parades, carnival rides and the “Mother of the Year Award.” The Nashville Chamber of

The town has also gained other

Commerce also traditionally sponsors a

businesses over the past 20 years or so

Children’s Christmas Parade in downtown

while its growth rate has been 130 percent.

Nashville each year.

“When I was a child, we didn’t have any fast food restaurants,” Brown said.

Brown said the town welcomes visitors and new residents.

Now, multiple restaurant chains have

“I think people will feel at home here,”

invested in the small town because of its

she said. “Our citizens embrace newcomers.

prime location. But most of these new

You would feel like you belong.”

Downtown Nashville features a variety of small shops, restaurants, county government facilities and other businesses.

The annual Blooming Festival is traditionally held on Mother’s Day weekend in Nashville.

The Town of Nashville was named in honor of Gen. Francis Nash, who was killed during the Revolutionary War.

“

Since those early years, the town, rooted in such a rich past, has emerged as a traditional community with strong family values and an eye toward progress.

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CITY parks

People jog down one of the trails at Battle Park.

The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation

division operates two community centers. Both

The center also offers two banquet rooms

Department offers essential services to

centers are open to the public and are easily

available to rent. The rooms are perfect for

people in the community who are in pursuit

available to be booked for anyone interested.

social events such family reunions, wedding

of leisure, entertainment and recreation.

The South Rocky Mount Community Center

receptions and many others.

The city’s athletics division offers year-

is located at 719 Recreation Drive and the

The Booker T. Washington Community

round youth and adult athletic leagues and

Booker T. Washington Community Center is

Center offers activities for people without

sporting events. Pre-COVID, there were

at 747 Pennsylvania Ave.

athletic pursuits. The center is equipped with

approximately 40,000 participants and over

The South Rocky Mount Community

a computer lab with internet access and the

100,000 spectators in attendance at athletic

Center features a full-length indoor basketball

latest version of Microsoft. There are also two

facilities.

court, outdoor basketball courts, splash pad,

banquet rooms available for rental.

The Rocky Mount Recreation Services

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playground, football field and baseball field.

Rocky Mount manages a variety of parks

and trails for the entire community to enjoy.

field, skateboard park, four picnic shelters

The 7.1-mile City Trail System links several

and playground and a concession stand.

parks, when combined cover nearly 300

The Amusement Center at Sunset

acres of parkland. The trail system begins in

Park is open from Memorial Day weekend

Sunset Park, follows the Tar River through

through Labor Day weekend. The center

Battle Park, crosses the river at Stith-

includes a historic miniature train, antique

Talbert Park, travels into Dr. Martin Luther Jr.

carousel, spray park and bug kiddie ride.

Park and ends at the Rocky Mount Sports

Admission to the Amusement Center is $5

Complex.

per person while children 4 and under are

The Tar River Paddle Trail comprises 10

admitted free.

canoe and kayak locations that connect

Best Friend’s Dog Park is also part of

over 55 miles of the Tar River and Stoney

Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation. It’s an

Creek.

off-leash recreation and park setting for

Sunset Park is probably one of the

people and their pooches to enjoy. Best

most popular attractions in the city’s Parks

Friend’s Dog Park consists of nine acres

and Recreation park system. It features

divided into three fenced areas: one for

basketball and tennis courts, sand volleyball

small dogs and two for large dogs. The

courts, boat ramp access to the Tar River, an

park is open from dawn to dusk except for

18-hole disc gold course, baseball/softball

scheduled maintenance.

“

The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of events for the community.

Antwain Dunston shoots the eight ball into the corner pocket during a game of pool in the South Rocky Mount Community Center.

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Speaking of the dog park, local resident Amber Hunter said, “It has a nice small dog, big dog and agility park. It is a great place to go if your pups need some interaction with other dogs or if you don’t have a large backyard. My dog gets so excited when he hears “do you want to go to the park?”

Park patron Samantha Green echoed Hunter and said, “The park is huge and allows for your dogs to really stretch out and just run. I love that this park has an obstacle course that the dogs can have a blast at from jumping through hoops and bars and climbing. This park has water fountains and little kiddie pools. Overall, this is a simple yet excellent dog park.”

The

Rocky

Mount

Parks

and

Recreation

Department offers a variety of events for the community. The community can expect to enjoy lawn chair movie series, festivals, live theater performances, yoga, art classes and gallery exhibits.

The department caters to those who want to participate in athletics, those who want to socialize, hang out with dogs or learn a new skill. Its mission is to “advance the quality of life by providing positive, inclusive experiences through people, parks and

LJ White splashes through the water in the spray park at Sunset Park.

programs.

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Over the last year, Nash UNC has continued to provide superior quality healthcare during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic while also adding new services that our community needs. As chairman of the Nash UNC Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to review many of those new services, accomplishments, and improvements with you.

As the COVID-19 pandemic reached its peak in our community, Nash UNC was prepared and responded quickly under the leadership of the board, executive team, and a COVID-19 Task Force that included physicians, staff and departmental leaders. This team guided our organization during one of the most challenging times to face our hospital and community. We continued to provide needed medical care in a safe and clean environment for our patients, community, and staff, and also developed new services to help address the pandemic.

Nash UNC developed a state-of-the-art COVID unit and opened an outpatient COVID infusion clinic that administers monoclonal antibody treatments to COVID patients to reduce their risk of hospitalization.

We also focused on a community COVID-19 vaccination program to ensure an equitable and accessible rollout of the vaccine in our area. Nash UNC’s mobile vaccine team administered more than 3,000 vaccines at community events, area businesses, faith-based organizations, and the walk-in clinic at Nash Day Hospital. Including our staff vaccination clinic and community clinic at Eastern North Carolina Medical Group, more than 17,000 vaccines have been administered. We remain committed to vaccine education and equitable vaccination opportunities for our entire community.

Though we were faced with a challenging year, we also made strides in expanding health services. By working with UNC Health and our community, we added new providers to expand service offerings in cardiology, ENT, orthopedics, general surgery, urology, infectious disease, and more. These new providers have made our area their home and are enjoying being involved in our community.

with Rocky Mount Urology allows us to provide care to our growing urological patient population. Our general surgery practice has grown from two providers to five, and UNC Orthopedics at Nash moved into an expanded space with on-site orthopedic physical therapy.

Thanks to the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation, we expanded our community paramedic program and developed an inpatient food pantry to address social determinants of health, such as access to home medical care and proper nutrition. The Foundation raised more than $230,000 to support programs that improve health outcomes and access to healthcare in our community.

This past year, we received national quality of care recognitions. The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that collects and reports hospital performance data each year, gave Nash UNC an A rating for both the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 reporting periods.

We also received national recognition for our heart and stroke care.

We provided 14 scholarships for nursing students at Nash and Edgecombe community colleges, as part of our Nurse Scholars program. As community events ramped back up, we provided health education, vaccines, and employee volunteers to support.

We could not have accomplished this much during such a challenging year without the dedication of our staff and medical providers. I am excited to continue working together with our community to continue improving how we meet your healthcare needs in a safe, accessible, and high quality manner.

Sincerely,

John A. Barker, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Nash UNC Health Care

New partnerships expanded the services we are able to offer our community. The Nash Breast Care Center and OIC Family Medical Center teamed up to offer 3D mammography services at the Specialty Care Center in the Rocky Mount Event Center. A new partnership

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