Living Here

Living Here 2020

N A S H

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E D G E C O M B E

ROCKY

Explore the Twin Counties

nort h

MOUNT

c a ro l i n a

LOCAL DINING ECONOMIC EXPANSION SCHOOLS & HIGHER EDUCATION SPORTS & CULTURAL FACILITIES PARKS & RECREATION

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Open 7 Days A Week For Lunch, Dinner & Fiestas!

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Supporting Our Community Over 62 Years!

Davis Furniture Company

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$ 49

1989 to 2020 “Celebrating three decades of service.”

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Put The Team To Work For YOu!

JO ELLEN REAMS Broker/REALTOR®/ABR

252.883.0259

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JOE REAMS Broker/REALTOR®/ABR

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KENYA THOMPSON Broker/REALTOR®

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ANTALISA PHILLIPS

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AMANdA LANgLEY Broker/REALTOR®

919.796.9352

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ALISON RHOdES

CATHY LANgSTON

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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

8

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

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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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513 Old Mill Road, Rocky Mount 6:30 AM-6 PM EXCELLENT PRE-K !

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14 Years In BusIness

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serving readers like you since

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Sales & Service of Quality Name Brand New And Used Restaurant Equipment Bus (252) 212-0237 Fax (252) 977-3518 Website www.tracksideequipment.com

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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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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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

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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

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