Living Here 2020
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E D G E C O M B E
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Explore the Twin Counties
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Living Contents Here ROCKY MOUNT Publisher Kyle Stephens
6 DINING
Editor Gene Metrick
8 EDUCATION
Locally-owned restaurants offer wide variety of culinary choices
Public schools provide traditional, virtual and alternative learning
Staff & Contributors Amelia Harper Patrick Mason John H. Walker William F. West Crystal Hill Paige Minshew William S. Manley
10
J. Eric Eckard
20
Advertising Kelly Ayscue Chris Taylor Bryan Wilson Design & Layout Becky Wetherington On The Cover
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Big-time projects plan major business investments in area 14
FARMERS MARKET
Thriving market features fresh produce, baked goods, seafood and more 16
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Strategic location, aggressive recruiting promote ongoing growth EVENT CENTER
Facility hosts sports contests, concerts, social gatherings and other events 22 HOUSING Area builders, real estate agents strive to keep up with demand 28
IMPERIAL CENTER
City venue houses arts and science exhibits, planetarium and theater 32
HEALTH CARE
Extensive range of services available at area medical providers
Kimber Dail, left, attempts to hand-feed
34
ducks with her father, Steven Dail, at City
N.C. Wesleyan College continues to expand offerings, opportunities
Lake Park. (File Photo)
38
HIGHER EDUCATION
NINJA WARRIORS
State-of-the-art facility attracts competitors from across the country 42
PARKS & RECREATION
Area is home to a myriad of public parks and recreation programs 44
RIVER BANDITS
New team’s inaugural season brings baseball action back to Tarboro 46
ROCKY MOUNT MILLS
Mixed-use development along the Tar River a place to work, live and enjoy fine food and drink 48 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.
SPORTS COMPLEX
Athletic complex hosts tournaments, recreation leagues and range of events and activities
5
Customers enjoy lunch at LouReda’s: An American Table in Barkley Square. (File Photo)
DINING in style
By Paige Minshew Food probably isn’t the first thing that
and chef partner and Culinary Director Justin
“Barley & Burger is definitely one of our
comes to mind when thinking about Rocky
Gaines bring a wealth of experience to the
favorite places to go,” Blanton said. “They
Mount.
table in order to serve the crowd.
have burgers that are out of this world and an
But the city’s food scene is legendary to
An American Table offers comfort food
residents of Greenville, Zebulon and Wilson,
with a modern twist and bourbon-infused
For those with a distinguished palate, “The
just to name a few. If you’re in the mood for
cocktails. Fan favorites are the roasted beet
Godfather” burger with fried mozzarella,
modern American cuisine, hamburgers with
salad and crab cakes.
pepperoni, marinara sauce and fresh basil
amazing beer selection.”
a spin, classic pizza, Mexican, food with a
If you want a juicy hamburger loaded with
is a fine choice. And lovers of the Southern
Southern flair or a good steak, Rocky Mount
unique flavors, Barley & Burger is the place
favorite, pimento cheese, can have their share
is the place to go.
to go. Holly Blanton and her husband, Josh,
topped onto waffle fries with bacon.
Lou Reda’s: An American Table, opened its doors in the fall of 2013. Owner Lou Reda
6
make Barley & Burger a frequent date-night destination.
Who doesn’t love Mexican food? El Tapatio Authentic Mexican Restaurant has been the
If you’re in the mood for modern American cuisine, hamburgers with a spin, classic pizza, Mexican, food with a Southern flair or a good steak,
Rocky Mount is the place to go. Jose Emanuel, left, serves lunch to Gary and JoAnn Zimmerman on March 21, 2019, at El Tapatio Authentic Mexican Restaurant. (File Photo)
go-to Mexican restaurant in eastern North Carolina for years. “We have tried all of the other Mexican restaurants in town and we always go back to El Tap,” Blanton said.
The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond has “the best macaroni and cheese in town hands down,” Blanton said. Lifelong friends Ed Wiley III, his wife Yalem Kiros and Harold Worrell Jr. wanted to create
choices to satisfy their palates. If steak and mac-n-cheese is your thing, head to The Prime Smokehouse. If you want to watch sports and chow down on comfort
a space where the “food was absolutely
food, head to Moe & D’s. Fancy Mexican
Restaurant Grill & Bar if you’re in the mood
delicious,
cuisine? El Tapatio is the place to go. For
for either a laid-back atmosphere or a place
cosmopolitan and the service stellar,” thus,
to grub out on bar food while watching the
The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond
big game. Michael, Steve and Moe Deloach,
was born.
You can’t beat family-owned Moe & D’s
all natives of Rocky Mount, can provide any traditional comfort food you can imagine.
the
atmosphere
warm
and
Food enthusiasts from surrounding towns and cities have many diverse and interesting
the best burgers in the area, head to Barley & Burger. And for contemporary American cuisine, Lou Reda’s: An American Table is where you want to be.
Left, Brandon Clarke prepares a burger on Nov. 15, 2018, at Barley & Burger. Right, Clifton Ray Batte cleans off a table at Moe & D’s Restaurant Grill & Bar. (File Photo).
7
Jaide Mozingo, left, shares a laugh with Sydney Shearin as she helps her find a Google Docs folder during an AVID seminar on Jan. 16, 2019, at Nash County Early College High School. (File Photo)
EDUCATION is a priority By Amelia Harper The Twin Counties offers a wide range of
some of the Rocky Mount schools lie in
high school for students who face challenges
educational choices for families in Nash and
Edgecombe County, Edgecombe County is a
in a traditional setting. In addition, the school
Edgecombe counties.
partial funder as well.
district has two innovative high schools: the
The two public school districts, Nash
serves
Nash County Early College High School, which
County Public Schools and Edgecombe
roughly 15,000 students in a 591-square-
Nash
County
Public
Schools
works in partnership with Nash Community
County Public Schools, serve most of the pre-
mile area. The school district has 29 schools,
College to help students earn an associate
kindergarten to grade 12 students in the area.
including 16 elementary schools and six
degree in addition to a high school diploma,
But alternative options exist as well.
middle schools. However, three of the older
and CITI High School, which offers students
Nash County Public Schools was formerly
elementary schools in the northern part of the
the opportunity to earn career certifications in
known as Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools
county are slated for closure in the next two
addition to their diploma.
until the name changed in July 2020. Though
to three years. In their place, a new state-of-
Nash County Public Schools also offers a
the school district is composed of schools in
the-art consolidated elementary school will
Virtual Academy that allows students in K-12
Nash County and most schools in the City of
be constructed in the Red Oak area.
to learn at home under the auspices of the
Rocky Mount, it is now primarily funded by
The list of schools also includes four
the Nash County Board of Education. Because
traditional high schools and an alternative
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public school district using a district-approved curriculum.
Steve Ellis is the superintendent of Nash County Public Schools. Ellis joined the school district in March 2020 just prior to the closure
Cle’andria Boone, left, helps Zoey Watson with class work on Aug. 27, 2018, at Williford Elementary School. (File Photo)
of the classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Valerie Bridges is the superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools, which serves most students in Edgecombe County. The Edgecombe County school district provides instruction to more than 6,000 students
in
14
schools,
including
five
elementary schools and four middle schools. In addition, Martin Millennium Academy uniquely serves students in kindergarten through grade eight in a program designed to emphasize global strategies. Among these strategies is the option to begin the study of Spanish in an immersive program at an early age. Edgecombe County Public Schools is recognized by state education leaders as one of the most innovative school districts and is known for its emphasis on equity in education, resiliency training and paths for teacher advancement. These ideals are reflected in its equity vision statement: “Edgecombe County Public Schools will be a place where opportunities are no longer predicted by social, cultural or economic factors.” The Twin Counties also offers several nontraditional education options, including two charter schools, four private schools and a vibrant home school community. Rocky Mount Preparatory School in Nash County is one of the oldest charter schools in
the state. North East Carolina Prep in Tarboro is less than 10 years old but is steadily gaining momentum as one of the highest achieving schools in Edgecombe County. While there are currently no private schools in Edgecombe County, Nash County is host to Rocky Mount Academy, a private secular school. In addition, there are several religious private schools, including Faith Christian School, New Life Christian Academy and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School. With so many options to choose from, families in the Twin Counties are likely to find an educational setting that meets the needs of their children.
Nash County Public Schools also offers a Virtual Academy that allows students in K-12 to learn at home under the auspices of the public school district using a district-approved curriculum. Kenya Burden, right, teaches her fifth-grade class the 12 powerful words song on March 5, 2015, at Benvenue Elementary School. (File Photo)
9
The new CSX intermodal rail terminal is being built across from N.C. Wesleyan College along U.S. 301. Photo by Garry E. Hodges
ECONOMIC development By John H. Walker
Economic development is alive and well — despite being slowed a bit by the COVID-19
site for that facility was the day our telephones
more than $6,000 designated for the
really started to ring,” Tolson said.
Hartsease Volunteer Fire Department.
pandemic — according to Norris Tolson and
The big hit following CSX was Triangle
“There’s a lot going on (at Kingsboro,)”
Oppie Jordan of the Carolinas Gateway
Tire, and while trade difficulties between the
Gateway Vice President Oppie Jordan said.
Partnership.
United States and China have delayed start
“There are a lot of people looking out there,
Corning and FOCUS Call Services are
of construction, Tolson said his most recent
and almost every site is under consideration.”
both operational, while work continues on
conversation with Triangle officials included
the 65,000-square-foot spec building in the
assurances that the company is still planning
Tarboro Commerce Park.
to construct its first facility outside China at
Tolson said, “We’re pleased with the
the Kingsboro Business Park in Edgecombe
progress, because everything is in a slowdown
County.
due to COVID.”
To the west, the CSX Carolina Connector is progressing and the intermodal facility’s three cranes are due to be delivered from Norway around the first of August. When completed near the end of the year, the facility will have a capacity of 110,000 containers and increase the emphasis on the region as a transportation hub. “The day after we were announced as the
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And that facility will be enormous,
Jordan said she thought some of the sites would come to fruition.
He
added
that
the
Gateway
staff
encompassing 5 million square feet in four
is especially pleased with the way site
buildings.
consultants are working to gather information.
“They just paid their taxes and have requested their next tax bill,” Tolson said.
“The consultants we work with tell us that the global supply chain is going to come back
Indeed, Triangle Tyre USA paid $82,400 in
on shore (from overseas) and they are getting
Edgecombe County taxes in March, including
ready to bring it back,” he said, adding that the
“Ramp East is getting ready to ramp back Three sides and the roof are affixed to the 65,000-squarefoot spec building being build in the Tarboro Commerce Center along McNair Road. Photo by John H. Walker
Gateway staff was working to be ready. With as many as 10 firms inquiring about
up as we work Carolinas Gateway currently has between 50 and 60 prospects they are working.
the Tarboro Spec Building, Tolson said Gateway
“We’re always refining our list and I would
will be building more spec buildings, including
describe it as very strong,” he said. “We get
one at Kingsboro and Rocky Mount and one,
some leads from the (Economic Development
possibly two, in Nashville. The Kingsboro and Rocky Mount buildings will be 100,000 square feet, expandable to 250,000 square feet. The Nashville buildings will be limited to 10,000 square feet because of their location. Tolson said the interest in the Tarboro building has prompted the developer to begin discussions about building a second building. Both would be 65,000 square feet, expandable to 100,000 square feet.
Partnership) and some are what we refer to as
to develop our workforce to fill the jobs being
self-generated leads.” He explained that the self-generated lead is one that comes about from a referral from a previous prospect or client. Jordan said food processing firms are
created” - N orris T olson
encouraged, as are warehousing and logistics firms and manufacturing. “Ramp East is getting ready to ramp back up as we work to develop our workforce to fill
Tolson said there is a special project under
the jobs being created,” Tolson said. “We have
discussion for Kingsboro that is “very, very
plenty of good jobs available ... we just need
active.”
the workforce.”
The FOCUS call center currently employing 100 persons on the way to a workforce in excess of 200 at 115 E. Church St. in downtown Tarboro. Photo by John H. Walker The 800,000-square-foot Corning warehouse, located on Alternate U.S. 64 West at Hartsease, is completely full of product as Corning increases operations. Photo by John H. Walker
11
YEARS IN 14Years
15 Years in Business
in Business
1
# Rocky Mount’s
G MOR AN’S TerMiTe & PesT ConTrol
20 years in business
Charles Morgan
Manager
“We’re All About Quality” Free Estimates
~ Granite ~ Quartz ~ ~ Marble ~
Custom Kitchen Countertops Bathroom Vanities • Fireplace Surrounds
320 South Glendale Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27801
237-7906
Telephone (252) 446-2600 Fax (252) 446-5655
4129 London Church RD., Wilson NC Email: granitopsllc@centurylink.net Website: www.granitopsllc.com
Owned & Operator By: Charles & Carol Morgan
Over 33 Years in Business AUTO • MOTORCYCLE HOME • COMMERCIAL
BOTTOMS INSURANCE SERVICES
Phone: (252) 407-8938 Cell: (252) 883-7378 Fax: (252) 407-8937 Toll free: 1-866-407-8938
morganstermite918@gmail.com PO Box 961 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 918 Sutton Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801
WHOLESALE PAINT CENTER
•
• Paints • Ladders • Brushes Rentals • Wallcovering • Festools • Custom Tinting, Any Color
945 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC
Amy Wine
Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30
Agency Mgr./Agent
1932 Stone Rose Drive • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 •
252-446-1236
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)
252-446-7946
www.swimworldpoolsnc.com
91 Years in Business
“For Paint & Putty, We’re Your Buddy”
~ Affordable Coverage Options ~ Flexible Payments ~ Low Down Payments
252-446-6045 Serving The Twin Counties For Over 58 Years!
1020 Liberty Lane Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 442-8484
PROPANE DIESEL GASOLINE SERVICE 1818 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC daughtridgeenergy.com
252-446-6137
Serving the community since 1970
Store Hours Monday-Saturday 10-6 We do pick ups on Wednesday & Saturday
We invite you to: Share By Donating Serve By Volunteering Save By Shopping
12
Swimming Pool & Spa Company for 44 Years!
160 S. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 2 5 2 - 4 4 3 - 7 6 6 7
www.rockymountrehab.com
BUSINESS 51 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
22 Years in Business
Serving our community for over 25 years
SHEARIN
HEATING & COOLING, LLC doing business since 1981 1242 CONSTRUCTION DRIVE ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804
(252)937-4707
For all your Real Estate needs think First!
3151 Zebulon Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252-985-2321
CONSIGNMENTS • GIFTS •MONOGRAMMING JEWELRY• ACCESSORIES
Monday - Friday 10-5:30 Saturday 10-4:00
252-459-2083 A quality Consignment Boutique & Gift Shop 227 W. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856
TRACKSIDE
Restaurant Equipment
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serving readers like you since
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92 years in business
WILLIAMS FOODS, INC.
Serving our community for 54 years!
Tri County Industries
1250 Atlantic Ave. Rocky Mount NC 27801 252-977-3800
Food Service & Restaurant Equipment 615 N. Church St. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 977-3939 Fax (252) 977-3518 www.williamsfoodsinc.com
13
Alma Borquez of Mama Jean’s Produce prepares to make sales to customers on April 4 at the opening of the Nash County Farmers Market. Photo by William F. West
FARMERS market By Paige Minshew
The Nash County Farmers Market has served the community since April 2005.
agricultural products greatly determines the
new this year is a program geared towards
market’s operating schedule.
SNAP/EBT users called Fresh Bucks. Fresh
As a way to encourage local farmers to
As COVID-19 continued to ravage the
Bucks tokens are extra market dollars for
increase production of their products, the
world, the state Department of Agriculture
SNAP/EBT users to spend on fresh fruits and
Farmers Market provides a storefront for
and Consumer Services issued the following
vegetables at farmers markets. Fresh Bucks
retail sales. Products available for purchase
statement: “According to guidance from the
double the buying power of SNAP/EBT users
are local produce, homemade baked goods,
North Carolina Department of Health and
at farmers markets. For each dollar a SNAP
seafood and meats, flowers and personal care
Human Services, farmers markets fall under
user withdraws from their account to spend
products.
the same classification as grocery stores and
at a farmers market, they will be matched an
are considered an important source of food
additional dollar, up to a total of $20 of Fresh
for local communities.”
Bucks.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension believes this market philosophy is consistent with long-term
and
Recipients of Food and Nutrition Services
Fresh Bucks can only be used for fresh
preservation of the local farming community.
can now use their EBT cards to access
produce such as fruits and vegetables. Fresh
Seasonal availability of locally produced
benefits at farmers markets this year. Also
Bucks double buying power will only be
14
economic
development
Ann Dill, left, purchases eggs from Karen White of Twin Oaks Farm on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Photo by William F. West
available for a limited time.
the fresh and unique products
Local residents don’t mind
their
community
produces.
the heat that comes with North
Shoppers come to enjoy the
Carolina summers because the
Farmers Market experience and
Nash County Farmers Market is
get a first-hand opportunity to
such a fun retreat and a tradition
see what their community has to
for
offer.
many.
Resident
Kathy
Bowman said she enjoys the time she and her family spend at the Farmers Market. “Always a friendly face ready to help — great selection of fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, flowers and handmade crafts,” she said. “We always look forward to Saturdays where we know we’ll find special items.” The market isn’t just a place for farmers to sell their products for people to purchase. The market
“The Farmers Market in Rocky Mount is a great collection of produce vendors, personal care vendors and arts and crafts vendors,” John Haggerty said. “The people are wonderful to talk with and exchange daily stories and thoughts. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the market and look forward to the future.” The Nash County Farmers
is a thriving place full of people
Market
appreciating
work
Peachtree St. in the Rocky Mount
farmers undertake in growing and
Mills Village Historic District and
harvesting their products. It’s also
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
a great opportunity for people to
on Saturdays and from 3 to 6
socialize and learn more about
p.m. on Tuesdays.
the
hard
is
located
at
1006
The market is a thriving place full of people appreciating the hard work farmers undertake in growing and harvesting their products.
Damian Taylor of the Washington Crab & Oyster Co. sells crabs on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Joy Morgan of Farm 1839 puts baked goods out for sale on April 4 at the Nash County Farmers Market. Photos by William F. West
15
The entrance to Middlesex Corporate Centre from N.C. 231 is shown here on July 20. In the background is UNC Internal Medicine & Pediatrics at Middlesex. Photo by William F. West
FUTURE outlook By William F. West Nash County’s chief business and industrial
And of the Research Triangle Region, Hagy
recruiter sees part of his county’s future as
said, “They’ve got a tradition. They’ve got a
tapping into the brainpower and promotional
reputation. They’ve got credibility — and it’s
resources of the Research Triangle Region.
known worldwide.
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics at Middlesex, which offers primary care services. The
site
includes
an
available
62,500-square-foot shell building that is expandable to 100,000 square feet.
Andy Hagy, who reported for work at the
“And so just to be incorporated and a
start of this year, said Nash County is the 12th
member of that marketing structure and
Hagy also cited the presence of the
one to become part of the Research Triangle
campaign and initiative is going to, I think,
Highway 97 Industrial Site, which is just off
Regional Partnership.
raise Nash County’s profile drastically in the
Interstate 95 and also in the southern part of
eyes of new business and also the site location
the county.
Hagy said the county joined the partnership at the start of July and he said this was his idea.
consultants,” Hagy said.
The location is 118 miles from Richmond,
Hagy is particularly quick to cite the more
Va., 163 miles from the Port of Wilmington,
economic
than 320-acre Middlesex Corporate Centre,
130 miles away from the Port of Morehead
development organization designed to serve
which is just off the expressway-like U.S.
City and 150 miles away from the port in
as a connector between businesses looking to
264 in the southern part of the county and
Virginia’s Hampton Roads area.
expand or relocate, as well as the economic
approximately 25 minutes from the Interstate
And just off the Interstate 95-N.C. 4
development offices, government agencies
87/U.S. 64 interchange with the Raleigh
interchange in northern Nash County, there
and business organizations supporting private
Beltline.
is the always-busy Whitaker Business and
“I thought it was just a good fit,” Hagy said. The
partnership
sector growth.
16
is
an
The site already is the home of UNC
Industry Center.
That location is going to be
“And now the pandemic has
bolstered by being minutes away
hit us,” Evans said. “And to me
from the future CSX intermodal
it just seems like this engine has
facility just on the Edgecombe
just gotten off the emergency
County side of the Nash County-
exit,
Edgecombe County line.
anybody’s guess as to how long
temporarily,
I
hope.
It’s
The Twin Counties has scored
our economy is going to be sitting
big in landing future business and
on this emergency exit, but I think
industrial commitments.
the engine is still revving up very
They include securing state
strong.”
approval to shift the state Division
“And I think once the red light
of Motor Vehicles headquarters
goes to yellow and green, I think it’s
from Raleigh to the former Hardee’s
going to go back and take off again.
Food Systems building, which is
And I really believe that — and I
just on the Nash County side of the
think we’re going to benefit from
Nash County-Edgecombe County
that greatly,” Evans said. “So, I think once we come
line. They include Corning having
over the horizon or the hills of
a future distribution facility and
the COVID-19 pandemic, I think
a commitment by Triangle Tire
you’re going to see Edgecombe
to having a future manufacturing
County just pick right back up on
facility, both between Rocky Mount
a lot of the progress we’ve made
and Tarboro.
in industrial recruitment, business
Edgecombe County Manager
development,” Evans said.
believes
Evans also said a key to
that, prior to the spread of the
economic development in the
coronavirus, the economy was
future is going to be improving the
rolling at top speed almost across
public education system to turn
the country and in North Carolina
out the workforce the economy is
and there had been a lot of success
demanding.
Eric
Mark Roblee takes off from the Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport. Photo by William F. West
Evans
said
he
with projects in the county.
And Evans was quick to praise
“And by having a cross section of industry and manufacturing within a community, there’s a pretty good chance that there’s a job available for anyone who wants one. And that’s important.” - David Farris, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
Traffic flows in front of the former headquarters of Hardee’s Food Systems on Church Street. The building is going to become the new headquarters of the state Division of Motor Vehicles. (File Photo)
17
Edgecombe Community College President Greg
McLeod
and
Edgecombe
County
Schools Superintendent Valerie Bridges as
“We essentially can be the Global TransPark that was designed in Kinston,” Roberson said.
all don’t have the same abilities to do things,” Farris said.
the
“And by having a cross section of industry
having been thinking and working “outside of
approximately 2,500-acre industrial/airport
and manufacturing within a community,
the box” for years.
site offering access to air, highways, rail and
there’s a pretty good chance that there’s a job
the two international ports in the state.
available for anyone who wants one,” Farris
“I think in the future we will no longer have the chronically high unemployment rate like we’ve had in the past,” he said. And Evans spoke of the spin-off benefits for people being able to obtain and retain good jobs with livable wages, including having better access to health insurance and health care and better enrichment opportunities for
Roberson
was
referring
to
Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce
said. “And that’s important.
President and CEO David Farris said he
“It’s like your stock portfolio,” Farris said.
believes diversification in industries is helpful
“Your broker is never going to sit still and have
in terms of the types of jobs they create.
you have all of your retirement tied up in one
“We all don’t have the same skill sets. We
or two stocks.”
A shell building at Middlesex Corporate Centre is shown here on July 20. Photo by William F. West
families. “So I think that’s the future for Edgecombe County,” Evans said. “I really believe that.” Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson said he sees the area becoming a logistics hub because of the transportation infrastructure. Roberson cited the progress in the ongoing renovations of and upgrades to the Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport as an example. And Roberson spoke of having a railhead to tie into the aviation facility and to be able to load and unload goods and items.
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252-451-1015 Tharrington’s Auto Works & Collision Center is located at 1212 Construction Dr, Rocky Mount and grew from Scott’s love of vehicle repair and drag racing. The company’s roots run back to 1993 when he started his business. Scott and Lisa Tharrington selected the company’s Construction Drive site because of the central location in Rocky Mount and the opportunity to be able to expand at that location. They opened their business there in 2001 moving from a previous location. The company flourished there adding more employees and expanding the facility. Today, Tharrington’s Auto Works & Collision Center has grown to a staff of 18 full time employees. They are a full service Auto repair and Body shop. Other services they offer are brakes, oil changes, state inspections, engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, front end alignments, and tires just to name a few! If your car needs it, Tharrington’s does it. Tharrington’s Auto Works & Collision Center works with all insurance companies. They will help you make that accident a much easier process! The company is a member of the Nash/Edgecombe Independent Garage Owners Automotive Service Association and is ICAR certified. The family side of the business has grown to include their oldest son, Kyle Tharrington. He graduated from NASCAR Technical Institute and is FORD Factory Certified. Kyle specializes in diesel trucks of all kinds. He also loves to drag race them (legally at Brewer’s) on the weekends trying to beat his Dad! Scott’s older brother works in the collision center as a painter and his nephew is also employed at the company. Their youngest son also helps out after school and during the summers. It is definitely a family affair. There is always a Tharrington at Tharrington’s Auto Works for you!
19
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. (File Photo)
EVENT center By J. Eric Eckard
“The event center was built to be one of the anchors for Rocky Mount’s downtown revitalization efforts.” - David Joyner General Manager
20
In the 1970s, the mass exodus from
and reinvent downtown Rocky Mount,” said
downtowns across the nation was in full
David Joyner, the facility’s general manager.
swing.
“Our team’s focus is to make our facility a suburban
sought-after state-wide destination that
neighborhoods enticed businesses and
Malls,
strip
centers
and
provides a unique and excellent experience
residents away from city centers, creating in
for sports, entertainment and corporate and
some cases near ghost downtowns.
social events.
By the 1990s, cities were working to
“The net benefit will be that our venue
bring people back to their downtowns,
will be a significant catalyst and engine in
refurbishing historical buildings and investing
spurring growth and generating significant
in revitalization projects.
economic impact.”
Rocky Mount’s efforts over the years have
The 165,000-square-foot, $48-million
included numerous projects, including the
event center opened in 2018, and it
Streetscape program renovations, Douglas
immediately started attracting functions,
Block plan and construction of the Imperial
bringing in $1.2 million in revenue in its first
Centre complex.
year of operation. The facility features eight
The most recent effort to bring the city’s
basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, locker
downtown back to its glory was the 2018
rooms, 17 climbing walls and an aerial ropes
construction of the Rocky Mount Event
course. It also has banquet and breakout
Center.
rooms, an arcade center and concession
“The Rocky Mount Event Center is a
areas.
crucial central component of ... Rocky
Like most venues across the country, the
Mount’s long-term strategy to redevelop
event center shut down operations in March
Left, Brelyn Moses, left, Skylar Moses, center, and Lynn Jones react while playing a video game on Oct. 25, 2018, in the Rocky Mount Event Center. (File Photo). Right, 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. (File Photo)
in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave
owner. “(It) is a perfect setting for tournaments
Pritchett, chief operating officer of Sports
like ours.”
seafood specialties.” Both organizations are expected to bring their tournaments back in 2021.
Facilities Management, which operates the
Troy Helton, director of Ethos Volleyball
event center, said plans are being devised to
Club, organized a two-day tournament last
“We are anxiously awaiting and excited to
year, with 98 teams and more than 1,500
safely reopen the venue when it is deemed
safely reopen. But before the virus disrupted life around
spectators coming to the Rocky Mount area.
the world, the event center played host to
“We were really impressed with the
basketball and volleyball tournaments that
management, staff and venue,” Helton
attracted hundreds of visitors and dozens of
said. “The facility is first-class and kept in
teams to the area.
immaculate condition. The staff was super
“Our organization, Teammate Basketball, has been fortunate enough to bring youth
helpful and kept the parents and players happy all weekend.
responsible and safe to do so again,” Pritchett said. The event center has tentatively scheduled a basketball tournament in September that is expected to draw more than 1,800 attendees, Joyner said. “One strong positive sign is that there has been a substantial amount of calls to
basketball tournaments to the Rocky Mount
“Even the town of Rocky Mount lived up
Event Center now for two consecutive years,”
to its reputation as a hospitable historic town,
in, even as we navigate through COVID-19,”
said Blake Thompson, Teammate Basketball
with great local restaurants serving delicious
Joyner said. “Our team has been aggressively
our facility for future event inquiries coming
working to reschedule events month to month as we follow the state’s pandemic phase updates. “We also have been aggressively focused and working hard on booking events for later in this year, next year and for the coming years.” The event center was built to be one of the anchors for Rocky Mount’s downtown revitalization efforts, Joyner said. “And once we can begin to host events again, we are confident and excited about the thousands of people that we will bring to the George Clinton performs on Oct. 25, 2018, during the Grand Opening Celebration at the Rocky Mount Event Center. (File Photo)
... Rocky Mount area and the positive effect that this will have on the city’s downtown revitalization efforts and our local economy,” he added.
21
A crew works on a spec home at The Landing at Cooper Fields on July 20 in Nash County. The crew is working in a residential development of Four Seasons Contractors, which is quite busy constructing new homes.
HOUSING development By William F. West
The question of the state of available housing in the Twin Counties can depend
buyers, people looking to downsize – and
different price ranges, just trying to meet
the homes are just selling really quickly.”
the needs of a lot of different folks.”
Four
on whom one asks. For longtime real estate agents, the housing stock is the lowest they have ever seen, while for contractors, the market is
Seasons
primarily
works
in
said
because
Four
Seasons
primarily builds in Nash County, most of
neighborhoods.
the buyers want to be located more in the
“Most all of our homes are sold before we’re finished, which is a great situation
quite good.
Cobb
Nash County and has seven different
county, prefer larger lot sizes and prefer a more quiet community.
Kendall Cobb is director of sales and
for us,” Cobb said. “And we’re just trying
Cobb said buyers like the convenience
marketing at Nashville-based Four Seasons
to continue to build as quickly as we can,
of being close to Interstate 95 and the
Contractors,
develop new areas so that we can help
expressway-like
meet the demand in the area.”
ready access to retail shopping centers in
which
builds
and
sells
residences.
U.S.
64
and
having
Nashville.
“Consumer confidence seems to be
Asked what people want in their future
high. Interest rates are low. People are able
homes, Cobb said, “I think location is
And Cobb said Four Seasons is seeing
to upgrade their housing situation,” Cobb
always important, price is important. We
instances of residents who work in the
said. “We’re seeing some first-time home
try to cover different locations as well as
Raleigh-Durham area and do not want to
22
pay the cost of living there. And Cobb said Four Seasons is seeing instances of spouses in which, as an example, one works in Rocky Mount and the other works in the Raleigh-Durham area or in which, as an example, one works in Roanoke Rapids and the other works in the RaleighDurham area. And Cobb said Four Seasons is seeing instances of people who moved away from Nash County and are returning to retire. Michael Allen, who is with Boone, Hill, Allen & Ricks in Rocky Mount, said when he first entered the real estate business in 1996, there were approximately 1,200 residences listed on the market in the Twin Counties. Allen said his check of the count of the listings in mid-July was at only 171 in the Twin Counties, with the median price being
“I think location is always important, price is important. We try to cover different locations as well as different price ranges, just trying to meet the needs of a lot of different folks.” - Kendall Cobb, Four Seasons Contractors, Director of Sales and M arketing
$169,900. Allen said the housing supply is “as low as I’ve ever seen it.” “And it continues to get lower every day,” Allen said. Asked to what he attributes that reduced count, Allen said, “I think the demand and lack of new construction.” And Allen said a reason for the lack of new construction could be builders remain afraid of the predicament they got themselves into in connection with the burst of the nationwide housing bubble and the collapse of the financial markets on Wall Street. And Allen said some builders left the market to go work in other industries. “We are seeing more and more national builders and regional builders come in that are more tract-style builders, to come in and take advantage of our situation,” Allen said. Tract-style
residences
are
similarly
designed structures constructed on a stretch of land. Renee Silk and Ana Joyner are in business together at Nashville-based Market Leader Realty. Joyner noted she serves on the board of the Rocky Mount Area Association of Realtors, with the association comprised of 234 real estate agents. Of the housing market in the Twin Counties, Joyner said, “There’s not even
Mauricio Marroquin Pineda works on a spec home at The Landing at Cooper Fields on July 20 in Nash County.
23
enough for them to sell one home apiece.”
Joyner said another problem for those
and Peachtree Street has helped generate
Joyner was asked what she believes to
wanting to live in Nash County is being able
interest in residences minutes away along
be the “sweet spot” in terms of what buyers
to purchase a site because farmers want
Sunset, Beal Street and Thomas Street.
are looking for in a home.
top dollar for their land.
Joyner said she would say a list price of between $150,000 and $200,000, approximately 1,700 to 1,800 square feet and with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Silk also said there are not a lot of instances of resales of residences. “People are staying in their houses a little longer,” Silk said. Joyner also said she thinks as a result of
Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson would like to see a master plan in place to develop housing in the area over the long term. “And I think that with that, we can
Joyner said her check of the number of
the coronavirus, people locally are staying
achieve some pretty impressive things,”
houses in that price range in Edgecombe
close to their residences and are not doing
Roberson said. “And the other thing that
and Nash counties showed the count at
anything as a safety precaution.
a plan does is it allows the electorate, the
only 21.
Meantime in Rocky Mount, to give
community as a whole, to look at: This is
Joyner said she believes Four Seasons
one an idea of how much demand has
what we want to be, this is our vision and to
in truth is the only contractor in the Twin
increased, Joyner told of taking a rental
be able to measure this is how we’re doing
Counties with deep pockets.
home, long in bad condition along Sunset
it.
“The
other
builders
just
can’t
do
subdivisions,” Joyner said. Silk said part of the problem is the high
Avenue just southeast of Lakeside Baptist Church, revitalizing the property and putting the property on the market.
cost of putting in supporting infrastructure.
And Joyner said she secured a sale for
“They’re not able to just plop in some
twice the amount of the property’s tax
houses,” Silk said. “They’ve got to do
value.
“And if we’re not being successful, or as successful, as we want, then go ask the question as to why,” Roberson said. “And it allows you to tweak it, to change it, to improve it.
the streets, they’ve got to do the curb
Joyner and Silk were quick to emphasize
“Nothing’s perfect. Nothing ever will be,
and guttering, the lights. And that’s just
the presence of the Rocky Mount Mills
but it creates that opportunity,” Roberson
untouchable. You can’t afford to do it.”
mixed-use development along Falls Road
said.
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New Life Christian Academy in Rocky Mount, NC is a private Chris- special calling to work in a private Christian institution where they can tian School that opened in 2012 and offers classes from Pre-School talk freely about faith issues with their students. through High School. New Life Christian Academy uses the A Beka CurricThe purpose of New Life Christian Academy is to ulum for grades Pre-K-12. The God given ministry of “Train up a partner with the parents and the Church by providing Christian schools is to lead young people to Christ and child in the way a quality education for students that is fully integrated train them in the Bible, Christian character, language, and with God’s Word and Christian principles. traditional subject matter. 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 cation, but a loving and nurturing environment where in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). This lays a firm 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.” tian Academy. For New Life's teachers, this is not just A Beka Book materials are developed with well estaba job – it’s a ministry! Their teachers are committed lished philosophical and research foundations, providing – Proverbs 22:6 to loving your child and bonding with them through an excellent educational program that is unashamedly the teaching process. The staff does what they do because they feel a Christian and traditional. You can go to ABeka.com to 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 mission! Rocky Mount The staff imitates Christ by welcoming the children in the community and introducing them to Christ through their quality education program. (252)443-6560 Everything New Life does is in response to their understanding of the Bible and upholding Christian principles. www.newlifeacademyrm.com
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Charlotte Burns, left, and her sister Emmelene Burns play in the bubble bath ball tub on Aug. 8, 2017, in the Children’s Museum & Science Center at the Imperial Centre. (File Photo)
IMPERIAL centre By Paige Minshew
Located in downtown Rocky Mount, the
The Arts Center is designed to educate
budding artists to hone their skills. Weidrich
Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is
and inspire people of all ages in visual and
encourages these artists to attend opening
one of the premier cultural facilities in the
performing arts. Alicyn Wiedrich, art curator
receptions to meet other artists and speak to
area.
of the Children’s Museum and Science Center,
jurors.
The centre boasts 135,000 square feet of restored and renovated space from the
hopes “visitors are challenged to think about art in new ways.
“Connections like that are invaluable to budding artists,” she said.
former Imperial Tobacco Company and the
“I hear people say that ‘art isn’t for them’
Weidrich offers artists workshops that
old Braswell Memorial Library. The Imperial
or that they ‘don’t know enough about art to
focus on writing an exhibition proposal for the
Centre houses an Arts Center, Children’s
enjoy it,’” she said. “Through our exhibitions,
Imperial Centre. These skills are transferable
Museum and Science Center and community
interactives and programming, I hope to
so they can be used at other institutions as
performing arts theatre.
inspire all of our visitors to consider that
well.
Currently, the doors are shuttered to the
art is about emotion, changing your mind,
Weidrich frequently uses young, promising
public due to the coronavirus pandemic. In
experimentation, asking a question, being
artists as volunteers in the galleries. Higher
the meantime, the public and regular visitors
transported somewhere else and so much
level students have the opportunity to work
are encouraged to engage with the Imperial
more.”
in the galleries and gallery shop. Artists over
Centre through digital programs.
28
There are also plenty of opportunities for
the age of 18 can also submit their work to the
annual Arts Centre juried arts shows. Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to submit their work. The Children’s Museum and Science Center features
a
Live
Animal
Gallery,
Cummins
Planetarium, traveling exhibits and interactive permanent exhibits. The goal of the museum’s exhibits and displays is to offer visitors opportunities to learn about the world around them. The Cummins Planetarium, located inside the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences, features full-dome video and laser light shows. The entertainment is intended to educate and inspire audiences to expand their minds and gain an understanding of the amazing world above us. Stargazing parties and solar viewing activities are frequently hosted by planetarium staff throughout Rocky Mount. Members of the Tar River Astronomy Club, Braswell Memorial Library, Farmers Market and others assist in these parties and viewing activities.
Rebecca Smith lifts a 21-pound can of soda at the “What’s it Weigh?” display with her mother Megan Smith in the Children’s Museum & Science Center at the Imperial Centre. (File Photo)
The PNC Live Animal Gallery and Astronomy exhibits are the only permanent exhibits at the Children’s Museum and Science Center. Due to COVID-19, there are no traveling exhibits at this time. The Live Animal Gallery allows guests to experience the natural elements that make life on Earth possible: air, water and energy in the form of light and heat. Visitors can encounter a variety of animal life inhabiting our planet such as mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, insects and birds. Visitors also can learn about the flora and fauna throughout the Carolinas, from Murphy to Manteo. A mounted black bear, cub, mountain lion and
“I hope to inspire all of our visitors to consider that art is about emotion, changing your mind, experimentation, asking a question, being transported somewhere else
and so much more.” - Alicyn Wiedrich
other mounts are also featured. The Astronomy Exhibit seeks to educate visitors on space exploration, observational and stellar astronomy, planetary sciences, math,
The Imperial Centre houses an Arts Center, Children’s Museum and Science Center and community performing arts theatre. (File Photo)
physics, cosmology and other celestial topics. The Astronomy Exhibits explore space with a plethora of activities. Some of the activities in include: Learning about the lunar cycle by placing the Moon’s phases in correct order. Matching star patterns with their corresponding mythological characters. Discovering the true 3-dimensional nature of constellations seen from Earth. Operating a working kinematoscope (device aimed to present the illusion of motion) and seeing
29
why some stars always remain above
are always needed for all aspects
the horizon.
of production including acting, set
Adjusting the energy output
construction and painting, sewing
of a simulated star to see how
and altering of costumes, props
temperatures determine star color.
acquisition, stage management and
Using a 3D model to discover the
technical operations. Ushers, house
arrangement of planets in our solar
managers
system.
are also needed for performances
Noticing surprising differences
and
concessionaires
throughout the year. Due to COVID-19, the community
between the sizes of the sun, Jupiter
theatre will livestream performances
and Earth. Having your picture taken in a make-believe Apollo spacesuit or
for viewers to enjoy in the safety of their homes. While
rocket window.
the
Imperial
Centre
Touching a 5,000-year-old space
is closed to visitors, its staff is
rock and learning to tell a meteorite
encouraging the public to continue
from a “meteowrong.”
to engage with it through digital programs. The digital shows available community
now are a Handcrafted Juried Art
variety
of
Show, Markings of Wildness by Anne
productions, including comedies,
Wilson and a Juried Art Show. Also,
dramas, musicals and children’s
the Imperial Centre’s Theatre will be
theatre. Because the productions are
live on Facebook every Friday night
dependent upon volunteers, they
at 6 p.m. for free, live performances.
The theatre
Elijah Hodges plays with the Super 4 in Line game on Nov. 28, 2018, in the Children’s Museum and Science Center at the Imperial Centre. (File Photo)
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A Year of Growth at Nash UNC Health Care Benefits Community As chairman of the Nash UNC Health Care board of commissioners, I am pleased to share our progress over the last year for our patients and community. Many have experienced our changes at Nash UNC, evidenced by improved patient satisfaction scores and positive feedback from our community. NC Business magazine featured Nash UNC as a hospital on the comeback trail last year. What does this mean for our community? It means you can continue to expect superior, high quality services and advancements in care, delivered in a safe and clean environment. Our team has worked to improve quality of care, efficiency, and the patient and family experience. Your hospital achieved these improvements during a year that presented significant challenges and uncertainty due to COVID-19. We made changes to processes and staffing models to keep our patients, staff, and community safe while responding to the pandemic. A COVID-19 Task Force was formed, including senior leadership, physicians, medical staff and the board, to lead our organization during this challenging period of multiple, rapidly changing expectations from a novel illness. Difficult decisions were made with our community’s safety in mind, including implementing visitor restrictions and postponing certain services early in the pandemic. I am proud of our team for working together to develop a solid plan to serve our community effectively in this new environment. Nash UNC is and will remain well prepared to meet the projected healthcare needs of our community during the coming stages of COVID, and to deliver care in a clean, safe environment for our patients and staff. We are pleased that despite the challenges of 2020, our work with UNC Health and our community partners has expanded our cardiology, ENT, orthopedics, surgical, urology and other service offerings. UNC Cardiology at Nash launched as a partnership between Nash UNC and Boice-Willis Clinic to provide comprehensive community heart care. Our heart and stroke care programs continue to advance, each receiving multiple national awards. Eastern North Carolina Medical Group became affiliated with Nash UNC and UNC Physicians Network. Nash Surgery launched in June, with two well-known community providers and three new surgeons, expanding access to those services. We hired and retained quality nurses, keeping our nurse vacancy rate very low compared to other hospitals. Nash UNC invested in our community, donating over $350,000 this year through our foundation to local organizations for health education and service offerings. We are partnering with North Carolina Wesleyan College on a new RN to BSN program. We partnered with Nash County Public Schools to provide a sports medicine program for high school athletes. We provided 13 scholarships for nursing students at Nash and Edgecombe community colleges, as part of our Nurse Scholars program. We provided community health education programs, including the Healthy Heart Fair and Breast Cancer Lunch and Learn. Our employees are invested in our community, logging hundreds of community service hours last year. Our CEO, Dr. L. Lee Isley, used television and community visits to detail our strategic plan and share our vastly improved quality metrics, patient experience scores and financial performance, all of which are trending positively. As we work to overcome challenges from COVID in the coming year, I want our community to know that we are dedicated to your safety and the exceptional health care you deserve. I am excited to work with a remarkable team at Nash UNC and our dedicated staff and partners to ensure our community’s health needs are met now and in the future.
Sincerely, Jeffrey Batts, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Nash UNC Health Care
31
An Airbus EC135 medical transport helicopter operated by Carolina Air Care lands on the secondary helipad at Nash UNC Health Care. (File Photo)
HEALTH care By Amelia Harper
There are two primary hospitals in the Twin
beds available across several locations on the
rooms are especially designed for major
Counties: Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky
hospital campus. Through the years at Nash
traumas, minor surgeries, broken bones or
Mount and Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in
General Hospital and the added benefits of
special monitoring.
Tarboro.
the association with UNC Health, Nash UNC
The health care system also includes
Health Care now offers a growing number of
Nash Day Hospital, a surgical pavilion, a heart
specialty services.
center, a cancer center and a women’s center
Nash UNC Health Care offers an extensive array of medical services and primarily serves patients in Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax and
“Our staff and employees work hard to
Wilson counties. Established in 1971, Nash
make a difference in our community’s health,”
General Hospital has served patients in the
said Lee Isley, president and CEO of Nash
area for nearly 50 years.
UNC Health Care.
to meet specialized needs in updated medical environments. In addition, Coastal Plain Hospital offers psychiatric and substance abuse care to
In 2014, the former Nash Health Care
In addition to the main hospital facilities,
the community and the Bryant T. Aldridge
became affiliated with the UNC Health Care
the health care organization boasts a separate
Rehabilitation Center offers rehabilitation
system and changed its name to Nash UNC
emergency department with its own pediatric
services to patients who need additional
Health Care.
emergency unit and a total of 38 different
therapies before returning home.
Nash UNC Health Care has roughly 400
32
treatment rooms. Some of these treatment
“We have been heavily focused on
“Our staff and employees work hard to make a difference in our community’s health.” - Lee Isley, president and CEO of
Nash UNC Health Care.
Nurses Ashley Waters, left, and Allison Chapel attend to a patient at Nash UNC Health Care. Contributed Photo
improving quality of care at Nash
“As we continue to see cases rise in our community, we will continue
UNC Health Care,” Isley said. freestanding
to take the necessary precautions
facilities are located on the main
to ensure the safety of our patients,
Nash UNC Health Care campus on
visitors and staff,” Isley said.
Both
of
these
Curtis Ellis Drive in Rocky Mount
Vidant
Edgecombe
Hospital
in Tarboro was formerly known as
easily reached from U.S. 64. UNC
Heritage Hospital before it became
Health Care has also expanded the
a part of the Vidant Health System.
hospital’s connection to researchers
This smaller hospital has roughly 110
and treatments available through
acute care beds but offers expertise
that facility.
in more than 20 medical specialties
The
relationship
with
During the COVID-19 crisis, Nash UNC Health Care has been
including a birthing center. Vidant
Edgecombe
patients
in
primarily
providing specialty care and cutting
serves
edge therapies in special rooms
County. However, it also has its own
Edgecombe
designed to mitigate the spread of
onsite cancer center that provides
COVID-19.
chemotherapy and infusion services.
Nurse Practitioner Erica Mountjoy, left, checks patient Yvonne Murphy for jugular vein distention at the Heart Failure Clinic at UNC Cardiology at Nash. (File Photo)
Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Davis Miller, left, talks with Elaine Shingler about her son’s X-rays as Elisha Shingler, 10, watches television at the pediatric emergency department at Nash UNC Health Care. Photo by Alan Campbel
33
N.C. Wesleyan College student Jessica Brabble, center, leads a tour during an open house event on Nov. 17, 2018, at the college. (File Photo)
HIGHER education By Crystal Hill As North Carolina Wesleyan College enters its
Trustees, in their May 29 assembly, appointed Duff as
64th year, it is positioning itself for success in the new
president and extended his contract for an additional
decade.
two years. This extension positions Duff as president
Many changes have taken place at the college throughout the past year, which will help the institution
Duff earned his bachelor’s degree in business
achieve this success. Among these changes are the
administration from Mount Olive College, a master’s
appointment of a new president, the construction of
degree in administration from Central Michigan
a new Indoor Sports & Education Facility, the addition
University and a doctorate in organizational
of several new academic programs and the creation
leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He
of a new Strategic Plan with a revamped vision and
has held multiple leadership roles at the college since
core values.
2011 and served as provost prior to being appointed
In early June, Dr. Evan D. Duff was named the
Dr. Evans D. Duff
34
of the college through May 31, 2023.
as acting president.
eighth president of N.C. Wesleyan College. Duff had
During his time at Wesleyan, Duff has held
recently been appointed as acting president by the
positions as senior vice president of academic
Board of Trustees on June 10, 2019, and later accepted
affairs, vice president of adult & professional studies,
a two-year contract as interim president. The Board of
adjunct professor and provost. In these roles, he was
responsible for leading efforts to approve new majors, co-writing the college’s first graduate application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) and creating seven new off-site instructional locations. He was also responsible for facilitating the development of partnerships with 20 two-year and four-year colleges, which led to articulation agreements or memorandums of understanding between those colleges and N.C. Wesleyan. The college also announced in August
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Feb. 10 for the new Indoor Sports & Education Facility at N.C. Wesleyan College. Contributed Photo
2019 that it had received a commitment from an anonymous donor for the building of an Indoor Sports & Education Facility that would completely cover the cost of construction, along with a grant from the Nash County
area, namely squash and indoor tennis. The facility has potential for future growth
proper and enjoyable physical conditioning measures.
specifically
In addition, N.C. Wesleyan has created
within the college’s Exercise Science and
several new academic programs over the
Health Promotion programs. The leadership
past year: a Master of Business Administration
of the college, along with the faculty and staff
(MBA), an RN to BSN Program, a Bachelor
associated in these areas, desire to collaborate
of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain
with the local community to improve and
Management, a Bachelor of Science in
enhance the well-being of its citizens. The
Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of
Construction of the facility started in
sports and future educational pillars of this
Science in Sports Administration.
February on the northeast side of campus.
facility — athletics, scholarship and research
These new programs add to the exceptional
The
approximately
— have vast potential to develop training,
array of academic offerings already at
48,000-square-foot, air-supported structure
mentorship and tutoring programs for area
Wesleyan, giving students the ability to choose
was designed by Oakley Collier Architects and is
youth. The facility will also offer training and
from over 45 undergraduate degree options,
being constructed by Smithson Inc. The facility
education for students and local citizens
32 minors and two graduate degree programs.
will be a permanent structure, introducing
concerning prevention and management of
The MBA program is the second graduate-
sports not currently readily available in this
diseases and injuries, as well as will facilitate
level program launched by Wesleyan in less
Tourism Development Authority. The vision is to provide the college with the opportunity to enhance the scope of its educational and sports offerings, along with increasing partnerships and involvement in the local community through educational and sports programs for adults and youth.
state-of-the-art,
academically
and
athletically,
Students Ivan Cockman, left, and Jawuanna McAllister talk as they make boats from recyclable products with Joseph Lloyd during a recycling fair at N.C. Wesleyan College. (File Photo)
Many changes have taken place at the college throughout the past year, which will help the institution achieve this success. 35
N.C. Wesleyan College hosts the annual Rock the Mount event each August. Contributed Photo
than two years. The first graduate program, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, was offered in spring 2018. The MBA program, launched in January 2020, is 100 percent online and consists of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program consists of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session and ends with a final capstone class. Like other academic programs offered by the college, including its Adult Studies programs, the degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-
Over the past year, North Carolina Wesleyan
VISION AND CORE VALUES:
College has been in the process of developing
VISION STATEMENT:
a new Strategic Plan. The plan, recently
“At North Carolina Wesleyan College, we
approved by the college’s Board of Trustees,
The 100 percent online RN to BSN program
provide students with opportunities to make
will drive the institution’s priorities, focus efforts
is anticipated to begin classes in fall 2020 and
meaningful connections and learn through
and set goals for the next five years. The
is designed to help registered nurses achieve
college wanted to develop a planning process
innovative teaching approaches. The distinctive
the education necessary to broaden their skill
through which it could have meaningful input
set and advance their careers in nursing.
from all constituencies and members of the
week session. This program is the only MBA offered locally in the Twin Counties.
Beginning in the fall of 2019, N.C. Wesleyan
community.
Wesleyan experience equips our graduates to make a positive impact on the world.” CORE VALUES: Knowledge & Understanding
began offering a Bachelor of Science in
In December 2019, Wesleyan held a
Logistics and Supply Chain Management on
Community Day and Christmas lunch where
its main campus in Rocky Mount and online.
all faculty and staff were invited to participate
The degree is one of only two baccalaureate-
in a college-wide planning workshop hosted
level programs offered in the state, with N.C.
by Credo, an independent higher education
These new features at the college will help
Wesleyan being the only private college in the
consultant. This allowed employees to come
propel N.C. Wesleyan to the next level in the
state providing the declared major.
together and provide their thoughts and
new decade as the college continues to build
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare
input about N.C. Wesleyan’s future. From this
upon its academic offerings, infrastructure and
Administration degree will prepare graduates to
feedback, the college established its new
community relations.
work in the business operations side of medical facilities. Students will learn the financial, human resources, legal and ethical aspects, as well as quality control within a health care setting. The
Bachelor
of
Science
in
Sports
Administration degree will prepare graduates to work at all levels within sports, facilities and recreation management. Graduates will be prepared to work as a coach, facilities manager, athletic director, sports coordinator or be prepared for graduate school. The new certificate programs will help those looking to add specific skills in leadership, business and healthcare administration.
36
Jarred Westbrook unloads his grandfather's truck to move into his dorm room in Collins Hall on Aug. 19, 2016, at N.C. Wesleyan College. Photo by Allison Lee Isley
Integrity & Accountability Patience & Respect Kindness & Empathy
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Neil Craver climbs across the wind chimes obstacle while competing in an Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association qualifying event on May 26, 2018, at Ultimate Backyard Warrior. (File Photo)
NINJA warriors By Patrick Mason
A local Nash County man, a wholesale
filled courses dot the outdoor space, while
hosted athletes from Italy, Germany, Australia
car dealer who watches ninja warrior-style
more training equipment and obstacles can
and Alaska as well as nearly every state on the
competition shows in his free time, decided
be found indoors.
East Coast.
to get off the couch and try it for himself.
The local facility acts as a qualifying stage
When not in competition mode, the facility
Over the next four years, Mike Cook,
for the popular TV show “American Ninja
is open each day for drop-ins and classes for
armed with a passion and carpentry skills
Warrior.” Other large competitions with prizes
all ages and skill levels. Some obstacles look to
gained during a high school shop class, built
that include large cash amounts and vehicles
be able to satisfy the most daring of acrobats,
the largest outdoor ninja training facility
are held twice per year — on Memorial Day
while others offer attainable goals for those
in the world. He made Rocky Mount into a
and Labor Day.
looking to start the sport.
destination for a group of daredevils.
During those two days it becomes the
For Cook, the owner and founder of UBW,
Backyard
most diverse place in town. Athletes from
all of this began in his backyard. Cook was a
Warrior, sits on an unassuming patch of land
all across the world and country travel to the
longtime viewer of “American Ninja Warrior,”
off Church Street in Rocky Mount. Large
eastern North Carolina town to participate
which highlights athletes and their quest to
structures containing the various obstacle-
in the UBW competitions. Cook said he has
overcome obstacles.
Cook’s
38
business,
Ultimate
“Whenever I watched the show I was like ‘Man, this is so easy,’” Cook said. “How do these people fall?” In 2014, Cook told his family that he was going to apply for the show, compete in Orlando
Cal Plohoros attempts to complete the wind chimes obstacle while competing in the Ultimate Backyard Warrior competition on Sept. 1, 2018, at Ultimate Backyard Warrior. (File Photo)
and win the $1 million prize. The first step in the application process proved to be a difficult hurdle. The competition committee required new entrants to submit a video, and Cook discovered that would be a challenge in Rocky Mount. “I couldn’t find anything related to the show to do,” he said of filming the video. “So I went to Battle Park and jumped on rocks and climbed on rocks, I was hanging from trees and doing different things. I think I even walked on the handrail near the gazebo.” The whole experience left Cook in bewilderment and with a realization: He was going to have to build the equipment himself if he was really serious. It turns out that he was. Cook built a course with nine obstacles in the free space in his backyard and began training. When guests would visit, Cook showed off his homemade course and his ability to conquer the various obstacles. He felt ready for his first competition and competed in Orlando. He fell on the fourth obstacle. “I tried to attack it differently than what everybody else was doing and it was that fourth obstacle that got me,” Cook said. “But I met everybody and found that it was a tight-knit group where everybody loves on everybody. It was very
Mike Cook uses his facility and platform to encourage kids and adults alike to challenge themselves in a supportive setting.
encouraging and I fell in love with it to another degree.” In the weeks and months upon returning from Orlando, Cook built 115 obstacles in his backyard. And like his hardware bill, his exposure grew. He held his first competition in the fall of 2015. He estimates that almost 650 people showed up. Included among the guests was Jessie Graff, the female star of the 2016 ANW show. Video of Graff climbing an 80-foot rope in Cook’s backyard soon circulated the ninja warrior social media scene. Cook recalled the video receiving 174,000 views in the first 24 hours. “That immediately put me on the map super quick,” Cook said. “Then it grew and got bigger.” The event outgrew Cook’s backyard during the Bree Widener pulls herself to the top of the warped wall obstacle while competing in an Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association qualifying event on May 26, 2018, at Ultimate Backyard Warrior. (File Photo)
39
final home-hosted competition
show, he will work to recreate it
in September 2016. He had two
and add it to a course at UBW.
buses motoring back and forth from Red Oak Middle School to
He estimates he has more than 200 obstacles.
his home. The sheriff was called.
“I always put new ones out,”
He had to figure something else
he said. “I got to keep it new and
out.
fresh. Say if the show came out
Later that year, he bought
with something new — in two or
the space on Church Street and
three days I had it duplicated. If I
in January began construction.
see something, I can replicate it.”
By May 2017, Cook held his first
Cook, who waded into the
official competition. Thousands
sport as a challenge to himself, is
attend each year, and he has
now ingrained in the community.
grown into a legend in the
He said that he uses his facility
community.
and platform to encourage kids
He is invited each year to
and adults alike to challenge
the final competition test runs
themselves
for the course. During those
setting.
in
a
supportive
runs, organizers can analyze the
“It’s a feeling of fulfillment
difficulty of each obstacle and
when you make progress,” Cook
gauge what should be added or
said. “Like, man, I trained hard
subtracted from the course.
enough and practiced and got it.
Cook said that he is constantly
And when you fail, even getting
coming up with new obstacles.
closer and closer is a satisfying
And if he sees an obstacle on the
feeling.”
40
Luke Milman swings on the obstacle course on May 25, 2019, at the Ultimate Backyard Warrior competition at Ultimate Backyard Warrior. (File Photo)
41
Jozlyn Bridgers, left, slides down the sliding board with Kennedy Bridgers on her lap at Sunset Park. (File Photo)
PARKS and REC By Paige Minshew
The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department offers essential services to
T. Washington Community Center at 747
also offers two banquet rooms available for
Pennsylvania Ave.
rental.
people in the community who are in pursuit
The South Rocky Mount Community
Rocky Mount also oversees a system of
of leisure, entertainment and recreational
Center features a full-length basketball
parks and trails for the community to enjoy.
activities.
court, outdoor basketball courts, splash pad,
The 7.1-mile City Trail System links several
Rocky Mount’s Athletics Division offers
playground, football field and a baseball
parks, when combined are nearly 300 acres
year-round youth and adult athletic leagues
field. In addition to the sports facilities,
of parkland. The trail system begins in Sunset
and sporting events. There are approximately
the community center offers two banquet
Park, follows the Tar River through Battle Park,
40,000 sports participants served each year
rooms available for rental. These rooms are
crosses the river into Stith-Talbert Park, travels
with over 100,000 spectators present at
perfect spaces or family reunions, wedding
into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and ends at
athletics facilities.
receptions, and other events for socializing.
the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.
The Rocky Mount Recreation Services
The Booker T. Washington Community
The Tar River Paddle Trail comprises 10
division has two Community Centers. Both are
Center offers activities for the non-sports
canoe and kayak locations that connect over
open to the public and booking a room is easy.
individual. This community center offers a
55 miles of the Tar River and Stony Creek.
They are the South Rocky Mount Community
computer lab equipped with internet access
Sunset Park is probably one of the most
Center at 719 Recreation Drive and the Booker
and the latest Microsoft Software. The facility
popular attractions in the City’s Parks and
42
Recreation park system. It features lighted basketball and tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, boat ramp access to the Tar River, 18-hole disc golf course, Little League baseball/softball field, skateboard park, four picnic shelters, playground and a concession stand that serves ice cream, snow cones and many other summer refreshments. The Amusement Center at Sunset Park is open from Memorial Day Weekend through
Labor
Day
Weekend.
The
Amusement Center includes a historic miniature train, antique carousel, spray play water park and bug kiddie ride.
The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department offers a plethora of events for the community that include lawn chair movie series, festivals, live theater performances, yoga, art classes and gallery exhibits.
Admission to the center is $5 per person. Children age 4 and under are admitted free of charge.
Kimber Dail, left, attempts to hand-feed ducks with her father, Steven Dail, at City Lake Park. (File Photo)
Of Sunset Park, area resident Veronica Gaines-Lilly says “this park is so peaceful for my early morning walks, especially with the lake in the back. It is so serene, which encourages me to inhale emotional wellbeing and exhale stress and negativity. I enjoy walking here in the mornings.” Best Friend’s Dog Park is also part of Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation. It’s an off-leash dog park that offers a recreation and dog setting for dog lovers to enjoy. The park consists of nine acres divided into three fenced areas: one for small dogs and two for large dogs. The park is open from dawn to dusk except for scheduled maintenance. The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation
Jonathan Bryant Jr. encourages his family’s female Yorkie mix Abby to jump over the low bar in the agility area at Best Friend’s Dog Park. (File Photo)
Department offers a plethora of events for the community that include lawn chair movie series, festivals, live theater performances, yoga, art classes and gallery exhibits. The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation 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 Programs.” With
the
diverse
amount
of
opportunities offered, it truly meets its mission.
43
Cale Bolton delivers a pitch during a Tarboro River Bandits game at Municipal Stadium. Photo by William S. Manley
RIVER bandits By John H. Walker
Casey Karas runs up the first baseline during a Tarboro River Bandits game at Municipal Stadium. Photo by William S. Manley
Late last year, when the
The league did and Turnage
weather was still cold, Wayne
was up and running, operating
Turnage
began
the team through his Game
talking with Tarboro town officials
Time Prospects youth baseball
of
LaGrange
about the possibility of using venerable Memorial Stadium to serve as the home of a yet-to-beawarded franchise in the Carolina Virginia Collegiate League (CVCL). After some discussion backand-forth, Tarboro officials liked
After soliciting input from the community, Turnage picked the name “River Bandits” for the team and began putting his team together, starting with Brandon
what they heard and agreed to
Matthews as head coach, and
the deal.
announcing two or three players
Now, it was just up to the CVCL to award Turnage a franchise.
44
program.
at a time on the team’s Facebook page.
While the roster has players from as diverse locations as western Washington to south Florida to the Midwest, it has a definite eastern North Carolina flavor, with 17 players within a two-hour drive of Municipal Stadium. Trevon Smith slides into home during a Tarboro River Bandits game at Municipal Stadium. Photo by William S. Manley
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everything was surrounded by question marks ... the least of which being would there even be a season. In the end, the season was delayed, but allowed before limited crowds. And despite limited attendance, the team has proven to be a crowd favorite. More than once, Turnage opined that if
attendance restrictions were to be lifted, “This
season, as Whitley is a former Tarboro Viking
old house would be rocking.”
and Jernigan played his youth ball in Tarboro.
While the roster has players from as diverse locations as western Washington to south Florida to the Midwest, it has a definite eastern North Carolina flavor, with 17 players
Heading into the final two weeks of the season, the Bandits were in second place in the league as players got ready for the end-
within a two-hour drive of Municipal Stadium.
of-season championship tournament, hosted
A couple — Caleb Whitley and Trey Jernigan
by the River Bandits at Municipal Stadium and
— played on the Municipal turf before the
beginning July 29 and ending Aug. 1
Zach Whitacre takes a swing during a Tarboro River Bandits game at Municipal Stadium. Photo by William S. Manley
Jake Wolf pitches during a Tarboro River Bandits game at Municipal Stadium. Photo by William S. Manley
45
ROCKY MOUNT mills By Paige Minshew Despite these uncertain times, the Rocky
meetings. The Power House is a spacious multi-
to call home. The Village Homes are located next
Mount community can always be relied upon to
level indoor event space with attached open-air
to Rocky Mount Mills and along the Tar River.
make unforgettable memories.
terrace and outdoor courtyards with riverfront
These homes are equipped with spacious decks
views.
and outdoor patios, high ceilings and architectural
Along the falls of the Tar River, Rocky Mount Mills provides a great opportunity for those
There are also several other indoor and
experiences. The restored 28-acre cotton mill
outdoor venues at Rocky Mount Mills, including
complex has brought together residential,
the first- and second-floor main mill lobbies and
commercial,
outdoor venues such as the beer garden and
cultural
and
entertainment
amenities for thousands of people to enjoy.
front lawn.
Due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive orders
Rocky Mount Mills offers not only breweries,
pertaining to COVID-19 safety measures, this
live music and good times, it also offers
vibrant community has been at a stand-still for a
accommodations. For those who choose to enjoy
few months.
a scenic view of the Tar River, living at the mills
details inside. Each home has its own personality and fits in nicely within the mills community. The Village Homes range in size from one to three bedrooms and all landscaping is maintained by Rocky Mount Mills. All homes feature charcoal grills as well as unique backyard games, from bocco to horseshoes. If you’re after a more urban feel of living with
During normal times, however, the mills hosts
is the perfect place to call home. Residents are
a dash of city life, the luxurious lofts at Rocky
a plethora of activities from charity events to live
offered the ability to enjoy outside activities as
Mount Mills make for an ideal place to enjoy
music and also offers exceptional meeting and
well as good food and entertainment.
every day. By living in the lofts, you become part
For a more laid-back, family-oriented
of a community that offers easy access to local
The Power House is a versatile event space
atmosphere with bustling life just around the
amenities, highways and activities. Units are
ideal for weddings, receptions, conferences and
corner, the Village Homes may be just the place
available in one, two and three bedrooms.
convention spaces.
Top (L-R, clockwise) 1) Rocky Mount Mills Development Manager Evan Covington Chavez stands in front of the main mill building. 2) Megan Smith draws a beer at Koi Pond Brewing Company at Rocky Mount Mills. 3) Katie Davison, left, and Jody Gerhard share a laugh while enjoying pizza and beer on May 13, 2017, during Pondapalooza outside Koi Pond Brewing Company at Rocky Mount Mills. (File photos)
46
1) The annual Hop Drop is held on New Year’s Eve at Rocky Mount Mills. 2) Etaf Rum prepares a drink on Oct. 23, 2019, at Books and Beans at Rocky Mount Mills. (File photo)
Rocky Mount Mills is also home to some
of two African-American owned breweries in
of the most popular breweries this side of
North Carolina. In a recent blog post by Holly
Interstate 95. Five breweries help keep the
Regan, Beatty says she “loves seeing people
nightlife alive at the mills.
who are totally opposite finding themselves
BDD (Bucken Da Dicey!) Brewing
in the same place, having a conversation
Company — Founded by cousins Chazz
over a beer, and eventually finding common
Oesch and Matt Nichols, BDD heavily relies
ground.”
on its mascot Sasquatch as inspiration of
Tarboro Brewing Company — Tarboro
brew names. Some of the favorites include
Brewing Company tapped its first beer in
“I’m Squatchin You” pale ale, “Wild Man
February 2006. TBC makes craft beers that
Uncle” IPA, “Red Eyes” amber ale brewed with
are seasonal and spontaneous. In addition
cinnamon and chamomile, “Monkey Man”
to beer, it also offers chef-inspired tacos and
saison brewed with ginger and tangerine,
other dishes. TBC also operates food trucks
“Abominable Joe Man” French vanilla stout,
throughout Tarboro and surrounding areas.
“Squatch on the Beach” lemonade shandy,
By creating TBC, founders Stephen and
“el Quinametzin” Mexican lager, and “Squatch
Inez Ribustello, along with Franklin Winslow,
and the Giant Peach” a peach cobbler wheat
hoped to increase interest and tourism in
dessert beer.
Tarboro, therefore bringing more business
HopFly Brewing Company — Cameron Schultz joined the start-up brewery in 2017.
and helping the community make the community prosperous.
The brewery creates beers that are bold and
Lindsay Baker and Jason Boone of Wilson
approachable. Cam has heavily expanded his
are frequent visitors of Rocky Mount Mills.
brewery and has recently added a taproom at
When asked what’s the best thing about the
the mills.
mills, they emphatically replied, “knowing
Koi Pond Brewing Company —
our fur babies are welcome. Our dogs Mr.
Opened in 2016 as Rocky Mount’s first craft
Beauregard, Codex and Oswald always have
brewery, the brewery and taproom, known
the best time. We love how laid back the
as The Pond, features an ever-changing
atmosphere is — not a bad place to grab a
variety of unfiltered ales including pale ales
beer and delicious food.”
and IPAs, stouts, Belgian beers, saisons and
Ever wanted to experience living in a tiny
more. Koi Pond is family- and pet-friendly,
house? Well, now you can at the mills. River
offering wines and non-alcoholic beverages.
and Twine, a tiny house hotel, is a collection of
Customers are invited to bring in food from
20 boutique tiny houses crafted just for this
the restaurant of their choice.
idyllic setting by the Tar River. The hotel offers
Rocky Mount Brewery — Briana Brake and Celeste Beatty collaborated to create
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Tar River, embrace the history of the mills, have your share of craft beer and chow down on amazing food, give Rocky Mount Mills a chance to check all of your boxes.
guests unique accommodations in walking distance to the mills community.
Rocky Mount Brewery to brew signature craft
Nightly and extended rentals are available
recipes that celebrate the living culture and
in River and Twine’s 20 tiny homes. There are
history of Rocky Mount. Brake, founder of
also three guest suites located in a renovated
Spaceway Brewery, seeks to not only reinvent
1900s mill house. River and Twine is a great
simple and full-flavored craft-brewed beer
place to unwind and experience a world away
but to create a sense of community through
from your own.
craft brewing education, innovation, activities
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Tar
and festivals and community ownership.
River, embrace the history of the mills, have
Beatty has the same goals to raise the
your share of craft beer and chow down on
visibility of underrepresented groups in the
amazing food, give Rocky Mount Mills a
beer industry. Rocky Mount Brewery is one
chance to check all of your boxes.
47
King Howard climbs a rope ladder on the playground at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. (File Photo)
SPORTS complex By J. Eric Eckard For more than a decade, soccer parents
“The impact in Rocky Mount and the Twin
And 2020 was looking like another banner
and their equivalents in baseball, softball
County area is tremendous,” said Lynn Driver,
year, with state, regional and national events,
and other team sports have been flocking to
Rocky Mount’s sports complex supervisor.
such as the Top Gun Summer and Winter
Rocky Mount.
“And we look forward to continued growth.”
World Series tournaments on tap.
In 2007, the first phase of the Rocky
An economic impact study indicated
“The (Top Gun) events feature four
Mount Sports Complex was completed, with
that in 2019, the sports complex accounted
tournament weekends covering 12 days,”
11 baseball/softball fields. Later that year, the
for more than $8 million spent in the Rocky
Driver said. “Typical attendance is around
first tournament was held. In just the past five
Mount area.
400 teams for the winter event and over 330 teams for the summer event.
years, the complex has averaged 1,500 teams
Driver said the complex is in such high
accounting for 115,000 people entering the
demand, tournament directors and event
“Due to the size of this event, additional
gates each year.
schedulers book at least a year in advance.
fields from Nash County high schools,
48
J.R. Perry, left, and Vonqual Kirtz install home plate on one of the little league fields on March 19, 2018, at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. (File Photo)
safety measures will be enforced to make sure that the safety of our visitors, our citizens and our staff are a priority.” When sports do resume at the complex, precautions will include increased sanitation Tarboro Parks and Recreation, Wilson Parks and Recreation and Nash County Parks and Recreation are needed, thereby creating economic impact throughout the Tri-County region.”
of common areas, social distancing mandates, masks for attendees and appropriate signage, Driver said. But while waiting for the pandemic to ease, the city isn’t just sitting around waiting for the curve to flatten.
But COVID-19 forced officials to shut
“We are currently working on our 2021
down spring events. So far, 18 tournaments
schedule, and we remain in constant contact
and special events have been canceled
with our tournament organizations and Nash
because of the pandemic, including the Down
County Travel and Tourism to put together
East Viking Football Classic set for September.
a successful schedule for 2021,” Driver said.
Although the present plan calls for weekend
“We are confident that will continue to offer
events to restart on Aug. 10, fall tournaments
top level competitive travel competition that
for baseball, softball and other sports are in
will result in great economic impact to Rocky
limbo.
Mount and the Twin County region.”
“Once tournaments resume at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, [those] guidelines and safety measures will be enforced to make sure that the safety of our visitors, our citizens and our staff are a priority.” - Lynn Driver, Rocky M ount
Sports Complex S upervisor When it was built, the facility was one of the largest of its kind in the state. Since then, other communities have built multifield complexes, “partly due to our success at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex,” Driver said.
“Our staff remain fully engaged during the
The Rocky Mount Sports Complex was
COVID-19 pandemic,” Driver added. “We stay
built in three phases at a cost of about $12
up to date with recommendations put forth
million. It features 11 baseball/softball fields,
playing surfaces and facilities will continue to
by the CDC, the state Department of Health
eight soccer fields, three concession areas,
be viewed as some of the best in the state,”
and Human Services, as well as our local
playgrounds, basketball courts, a walking trail,
he said. “We continually think about all the
health departments.
sand volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit, a disc
modern amenities that might make a facility
golf course and three small ponds in which
more desirable for players or more attractive
you can fish.
to families.”
“Once tournaments resume at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, those guidelines and
Alayna Hendricks, 7, attempts to kick the ball as Jakelah Matthews closes in during a U-8 soccer match at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. Photo by Emma Tannenbaum
“We regularly plan upgrades so that our
N.C. Wesleyan’s Lindsey Sharpe, right, slides into third base as Greensboro’s Kierstin Mckenna waits for the ball on April 14, 2016, during the USA South Conference Tournament at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. Photo by Abbi O’Leary
49
YOUR LOCAL
REALTORS
Stephanie Webb
(252) 813-3109 stephaniewebbsemail@gmail.com
SUCCESS BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS 2311 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount www.boonehillallenricks.com 252-443-4148
Leeann U. MiLLer RealtoR Broker
Chris Bulluck
Kellie Roy
(937) 657-1188
ABR, GREEN, SRES, Broker
Broker/Realtor
252.883.1383 chrisbulluck@hotmail.com www.moorefieldrealestate.com
252.469-9649
kellieroyrealtor@gmail.com
2623 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804
2623 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Office: 252-937-6500 3801 Westridge Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804
3051 Sunset Avenue • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 • 800-849-8630 Tarboro Office • 252-823-1113 Email: C21Combs@aol.com
Joe & JoEllen
Reams
Brokers REALTORS®
Joe Reams Joe: 252.883.5834 Broker JoEllen: 252.883.0259 REALTOR®
joereams67@gmail.com 252.883.5834 joellenreams@gmail.com joe.reams67@gmail.com
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SALES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION SERVICES Each Office is independently Owned & Operated. 3051 Sunset Avenue | Rocky Mount, NC 27804
800-849-8630 Tarboro Office: 252-823-1113 252-937-2121 DAVID COMBS 252-937-2121
Over 30 Years Experience See All Our Area Properties at: C21Combs.com
Office Number 252-210-3881 120 N Franklin St Ste C Rocky Mount NC 27804 KefferReamsTeam.com
“Working with Buyers and Sellers with Commitment and Experience”
SaNdRa RuSS Owner/Broker/ABR/CRS/ CSSS/GRI/SRES 3120-B Zebulon Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Cell: (252)-904-2649 www.sandraruss.com dsjruss@mindspring.com
50
Kathy Akers
REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, SFR
(252)266-4038
www.KathyAkersHomes.com
Expert Care Close To Home SPECIALTY CARE
PRIMARY CARE
Wilson Gastroenterology
Wilson New Hope Primary Care
2605 Forest Hills Road SW, Wilson, NC 27893
252.243.7977
Mamun Shahrier, MD, PhD, FACP
2508 Ward Blvd., Wilson, NC 27893
252.243.0053 Brittany Fulghum, MSN, AGNP-C
Chris Gal, MD
Wilson Primary Care
Joining Fall 2020
1700 Tarboro St. SW, Ste. 200, Wilson, NC 27893
252.399.5310
Wilson Neurology
1700 Tarboro St. SW, Ste. 102, Wilson, NC 27893
Sopna Jacob, MD, FACP
252.399.5306
Rick Guarino, MD
Catherine Melin, FNP-BC, FNP-C
Medhat Sidaros, MD
Ben Thomas, MD
Wilson Pulmonary Associates
1700 Tarboro St., Ste. 202, Wilson, NC 27893
252.399.5316
Wilson Stantonsburg Clinic
312 Main St., Stantonsburg, NC 27883
252.238.2757
Bryan Dunn, MD
Phillip Perkins, MD
Wilson Regional Orthopedics
1700 Tarboro St. SW, Ste. 103, Wilson, NC 27893
252.399.5304
Lawrence Yenni, MD
John Wechter, MD
Ryan Mitchell, MD
Thomas Parrish, DO
Christian Selby, PA-C, ATC
Joining Fall 2020
Wilson Urology
2509 Wooten Blvd. SW, Wilson, NC 27893
252.243.5511
James Rounder Jr., MD, FACS
Dave DuVernois, PA-C
WilsonPhysicianServices.com
facebook.com/wilsonphysicianservices
51
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Donation from every vehicle sold to customer’s choice of 1 of 12 predetermined, “transformational” local non-profits • Car for a year each year to the Nash Public Schools Teacher of the Year • Car for a year each year to a lucky United Way contributor • Scholoarship for deserving Nash Community College student each year • Support many other local organizations through sponsorships of local events AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • Small Business of the Year (Chamber of Commerce) • Best Automotive Dealership - 10 straight years (RM Telegram Readers’ Choice)
• Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award (Joe Nelson) • Rotarian of the Year (Neill Nelson) • Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award (Joe Nelson) • NCADA Lifetime Achievment Award (Joe Nelson) • Honda’s President’s Award • Buick and GMC Mark of Excellence Awards
• Downtown Merchants Association • RM Chamber of Commerce • RM School Board • Wesleyan College • Carolinas Gateway Partnership • United Way • Boys and Girls Club • YMCA • Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation • Christian Fellowship Home • Rocky Mount Rotary Club • Tar River Kiwanis • Rocky Mount Jaycees
• FREE lifetime engine warranty • FREE pick-up and delivery for maintenance • FREE loaner cars and shuttle service • FREE multipoint inspections and car washes • FREE towing if necessary • FREE mobile app with mobile scheduling and mobile pay features • FREE rewards program earning 5% value in service and 10% in sales
600-650 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (252) 937-7500 • DavenportAuto.com
