Images Roanoke Valley, NC: 2012

2012 | imagesroanokevalley.com 速

Roanoke Valley, north carolina

SOUNDS IN THE VALLEY Enjoy live music at area festivals

taking care of business New facilities, infrastructure lead to economic growth

Making Waves World champion, many others use waterways for recreation

sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce

Roanoke Rapids

And you were expecting just a hotel room?

• Complimentary On The House™ breakfast • Complimentary high-speed Internet

• Hilton HHonors® loyalty program • Spacious lobby area with fireplace and cozy seating

• 32” high-definition LCD flat-screen TV, microwave, hair dryer, refrigerator, coffee maker, two phones and iron with board in every room

• Large work desk with data port, phone and voice mail

• All rooms and suites have two queen or king beds

• Business center

• Fitness center on-site • Outdoor pool

• Free local calls and no surcharge for using a calling card

• Meeting rooms • Suite Shop for 24-hour snacks and refreshments

I-95 at Exit 173 • 85 Hampton Blvd.

Roanoke Rapids, NC Managed by First Carolina Management Inc.

(252) 537-7555 www.roanokerapids.hamptoninn.com

Stop Dreaming … Start Living.

Nestled in front of a fireplace, family stories of days past and days to come, your home becomes the setting for dreams that will be treasured for a lifetime.

With one of the broadest ranges of listings in the Roanoke Valley and the expertise of a Heaton Real Estate agent by your side, we can help you make your dream a reality.

Stop dreaming and start living. Call us today.

HeatonRealEstate Our Dedication and Expertise Will Move You.

307 Long Circle Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 537-9873 hre@heatonrealestate.com www.heatonrealestate.com

Residential • Commercial • Resort • Land

2012 edition | volume 8 速

Roanoke Valley, North Carolina

co nte nt s F e atu r e s 12 Making Waves

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World champion, many others use waterways for recreation

16 Sounds in the Valley Enjoy live music at area festivals

20 taking care of business New facilities, infrastructure lead to economic growth

d e pa r tm e nt s 8 Almanac 24 Biz Briefs 27 Economic Profile 28 Image Gallery 32 Local Flavor 35 Health & Wellness 36 Arts & Culture 38 Sports & Recreation 40 Education 43 Community Profile 45 Through the Lens

on the cover Photo by Todd Bennett World-champion wakeboarder Adam Fields at Lake Gaston in Littleton

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All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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®

What’s Online imagesroanokevalley.com

Roanoke Valley, North Carolina editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Barbara Biehler, Melanie Hill, Lori Medlin, Chris Russell, Karen Schwartzman, Tiffany L. Williams Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician Alison Hunter Senior Integrated Media Manager ruth martineau Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./business Development Charles Fitzgibbon V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell V.P./Sales Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support Coordinator alex marks sales support project manager sara quint I.T. Director Yancey Bond system administrator daniel cantrell Web Creative Director Allison Davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web designer II Richard stevens Web developer i Yamel Hall, nels noseworthy

Photos & Videos Visually explore Roanoke Valley in our online photo and video galleries

Web Account Manager Lauren Eubank Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto 2012 | IMAgESrOANOkEVALLEY.cOM

Media Technology Director Christina Carden

®

Media Technology Analysts becca ary, Chandra Bradshaw audience development Director deanna nelson Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris

rOANOkE VALLEY, NOrTH cArOLINA

Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan

SOUNDS IN THE VALLEY

Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Enjoy live music at area festivals

TAkINg cArE Of bUSINESS New facilities, infrastructure lead to economic growth

Facts

Making Waves World champion, many others use waterways for recreation

Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more

Living here Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers

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SpONSOrED bY THE rOANOkE VALLEY cHAMbEr Of cOMMErcE

Digital magazine Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.

Images Roanoke Valley is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce 260 Premier Blvd. • Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Phone: (252) 537-3513 • Fax: (252) 535-5767 www.rvchamber.com Visit Images Roanoke Valley online at imagesroanokevalley.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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Almanac

Welcome to Roanoke Valley An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

You’ll Fly Away

Follow the Footpaths to Freedom

The Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport (IXA) is a modern general aviation airport that comprises a 5,500-foot runway, parallel taxiway, a first-class terminal facility, 23 T-Hangars, corporate hangars and fueling facilities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of conveniences, such as a large lobby, vending area, information center, conference room and other amenities.

Conveniently located near Interstate 95, the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport is world-class transportation asset that further enhances the Roanoke Valley’s position as an emerging logistics hub.

Set apart by its rich history, Halifax County played an important role in the creation of the United States. It was in this area that the Fourth Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, and with that action, North Carolina became the first colony to take an official step toward declaring independence from England.

Those interested in learning more about this historically significant site can visit the Historic Halifax Visitor’s Center, which offers a museum and brief film that outlines the town’s history, as well as living history demonstrations, a walking tour of historic structures, an archaeological exhibit, a revolutionaryera cemetery and annual events. Recently designated as a site on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail, the center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No Fowl Play Here The Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is an 18-acre facility with aviaries displaying more than 1,500 ducks, geese, swans and exotic birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Open since October 2006, the park’s mission is to entertain, engage and educate visitors through its various attractions and exhibits, such as the Bird’s Nest Treehouse and Beaver Pond Blind. Students can also enroll in education programs to learn about the importance of conserving wildlife and wetlands while participating in safe, supervised activities.

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Fast Facts

Start Your Engines

Photo Courtesy of Lakeland Theatre Company

Acting Up At the Lakeland Theatre Company in Littleton, breaking a leg is a good thing.

With 326 seats and an 11-piece orchestra pit, the Lakeland Theatre has been showcasing plays and concerts for several decades, and has undergone various renovations over the years since its founding in 1977 by Mark E. Taylor.

Guests can enjoy an array of productions and performances, such as All Shook Up, works from William Shakespeare and Disney’s 101 Dalmations.

Occasional acting classes and theatrical workshops are also offered, as well as holiday concerts and other special events.

Open since January 2010, the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research is a 630acre campus in Northampton County devoted to product research, testing and development for the automotive industry.

The NCCAR offers facilities for lease by engineering and academic clients on a daily, weekly or longer-term basis, as well as on-site equipment that includes a chassis dynamics laboratory, a two-axle dynamometer, client garages and a 3.7-mile ride-and-handling course designed to be world standard. NCCAR officials say their primary goal is to advance automotive technologies, fuel efficiency and alternative fuels, and propulsion systems.

n Often called North Carolina’s “cradle of history,” Historic Halifax is the birthplace of the Halifax Resolves, a precursor written April 12, 1776 to the Declaration of Independence. n Weldon is the “Rockfish Capital of the World” because of the large population of fish that make their spawning grounds. n Halifax County offers unlimited access to world markets via interstate highway, rail, air and major seaports.

A Well-Kept Canal At nearly 200 years old, the Roanoke Canal is an essential part of Roanoke Valley.

As a result, a local museum showcases much of its history.

The Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail is home to hundreds of artifacts related to the historic landmark. A walking trail also follows the canal’s original towpath for 7.2 miles between Roanoke Rapids Lake and River Falls Park in Weldon.

The canal was built in the 1820s to open trade and transportation to the western frontier. The emergence of railroads eventually forced its closure in 1880, but investors developed it into a source of water power to generate electricity.

n Roanoke Rapids Lake Park is a 17-acre recreation destination at the western terminus of the Roanoke Canal Trail.

n Aunt Ruby’s “World Famous” peanuts have been produced in the valley since 1945, and today enjoy a thriving mail-order business from their Enfield headquarters.

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Roanoke Valley in action

Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Roanoke Valley is in our quick videos at imagesroanokevalley.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Roanoke Valley has to offer.

imagesroanokevalley.com

Get Lost on Main Street Southern charm, rich history, a spectacular natural setting and mouthwatering dining are just a few of the delights that await you in the Roanoke Valley. One of the best ways to experience the Valley is by exploring area main streets. From Hobgood, at the southern end of the county, to Littleton, at the most western point, you will find opportunities to not only get away, but also to get back to what is important. Stroll through these simple small towns, steeped in tradition and blossoming with creativity.

You will find places like Drum Pharmacy in Enfield, King Street Deli in Halifax, Bell’s Countey Store in Hobgood, Blossoms in Littleton and the Farmers Exchange in Weldon. Step back in time in Scotland Neck by visiting Hometown Hardware and General Store. In Roanoke Rapids you can search through the many antique and unique shops.

Don’t miss this chance to remember a simpler time. For more information go to www.visithalifax.com/mainstreet.

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

Roanoke Valley At A Glance Population (2010 Estimate) Halifax County: 54,691, Northampton County: 22,099, Roanoke Rapids: 15,754, Enfield: 2,532, Scotland Neck: 2,059, Weldon: 1,655, Littleton: 674, Hobgood: 348, Halifax: 234

VIRGINIA 301

Lake Gaston

Gaston

Roanoke Canal Museum

Roanoke Rapids

158 1404

Location The Roanoke Valley is in northeastern North Carolina, 8 miles south of the Virginia border and 150 miles west of the Atlantic Coast.

For More Information Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce 260 Premier Blvd., P.O. Box 519 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Phone: (252) 537-3513, Fax: (252) 535-5767 www.rvchamber.com

Weldon 903

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Halifax 561

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N O R T H A M P TO N CO U N T Y 305 258

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Beginnings The Roanoke Valley encompasses Halifax County, formed in 1758 and named for the Earl of Halifax, and portions of Northampton County, formed in 1743 and also named for an English earl.

Roanoke Valley

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Tillery

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Enfield

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Scotland Neck 903 125

Hobgood 97 122

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Roanoke Valley, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesroanokevalley.com.

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Wav World champion, many others use waterways for recreation

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R oa n o k e Va l l e y

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By Todd Bennett

A

es

dam Fields grew up on Lake Gaston and spent a lot of time waterskiing with his family. Then he discovered the sport of wakeboarding and began training hard on the lake.

Today, Fields is a well-known champion wakeboarder. He has won numerous competitions throughout the United States and abroad, and even established a wakeboarding school at Lake Gaston called AF Wake.

“I have trained hundreds, maybe thousands of people from around the world to learn wakeboarding, and Lake Gaston deserves a lot of credit for all of the success,” Fields says. “I’m a professional with sponsors and I compete in many national events, and many of my students are now making money at wakeboarding at young ages.

All of those students got their starts at Lake Gaston.”

The sport of wakeboarding is a lot like waterskiing except that participants use a long board instead of two skis. The board is much like the board used in snowboarding, and wakeboarders use the bumpy wakes from their speedboats to jump into the air and do tricks.

“Lots of families come here for

World-champion wakeboarder Adam Fields

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“People come from all over the world to fish here for rockfish.” — Lori Medlin

wakeboard lessons and end up buying homes on Lake Gaston,” Fields says. “I’m happy to say that wakeboarding has really enhanced recreational tourism in this region.”

Wakeboarding lessons are available from Adam Fields at AF WAKE and Jay Baker at WakeSurfNC. Recreational tourism also extends to fishing, and the Roanoke Valley is known as the Rockfish Capital of the World. Every spring, starting around mid-March, rockfish (also called striped bass) swim from the Atlantic Ocean to the Roanoke River and into the rapids in Weldon, where they find the ideal water speed and temperature to spawn.

“People from all over the world tackle this world class fishery,” says Lori Medlin, president/CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Water, Water Everywhere Medlin says other water-based sports abound in the Valley, including water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and more. There are certainly enough waterways to enjoy such activities.

The Roanoke River, Roanoke Rapids Lake and Lake Gaston all have beautiful parks and public access points. Boat ramps abound in the area, making it convenient for anyone to launch their favorite recreational watercraft.

The Roanoke River Partners have constructed riverside camping platforms along the Roanoke River from the Roanoke Valley all the way to Albemarle Sound, which allow you to canoe to a site and enjoy a reserved camping platform beside the water’s edge. Each Fall the Halifax County CVB hosts the

Roanoke River Ramble, where participants can bring their own canoes and kayaks or rent boats from outfitters. This event gives even novice paddlers the chance to explore a nine-mile, smooth water section of the Roanoke River in the company of other more experienced paddlers.

Of course, the beautiful fall colors and wildlife along the way, as well as the delicious hot lunch at the end, are other great aspects of the event.

Two More Parks A pair of new public parks has been added to the outdoor landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“They are Lake Gaston Day Use Area and Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Park,” Medlin says. “Both have already joined the large list of popular outdoor destinations in the Roanoke Valley.”

Lake Gaston is popular for outdoor recreation such as fishing (above) and jet skiing (right).

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Photos Courtesy of Rick Diamond

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Sounds in the Valley Enjoy live music and fun activities at area festivals

Story By Barbara Biehler

R

country music acts Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Sugarland and more. Legendary rock group Boston, Styx, Christian-rock band Third Day and comedian Jeff Foxworthy have also performed at the park before large, enthusiastic crowds.

The Festival Park at Carolina Crossroads After Carolina Dirt, LLC purchased outdoor music venue Carolina Crossroads in October 2010, the new owners renamed the site The Festival Park at Carolina Crossroads, seeking to create a unique concert facility right off busy Interstate 95 that would appeal to music festival promoters. These one-of-a-kind single or multi-day concert events would feature on-site camping opportunities not typically available at other concert venues.

“It’s about creating a festival-type experience,” says Gil Cunningham, Carolina Dirt partner and co-owner of the newly revitalized park. “Whether it’s a one-day or multi-day event, the festivals offer a variety of attractions for the concert patron. Craft and retail booths, carnival rides and a wide variety of food concessions give the festivals their own unique flavor for the consumer to enjoy. The ultimate goal is to provide a variety of festivals featuring different genres of music.”

The Festival Park at Carolina Crossroads welcomes an eclectic mix of country, Christian, alternative rock and Americana concert events every year. Rapids Jam, the park’s flagship three-day music event modeled after major country music festivals like Country Thunder and Big Valley Jamboree, featured popular

Other Valley Music Festivals The annual Dream Acres Music Festival hosts more than 16 local and regional bands for a weekend of food, camping, music and fun. This event takes place in September and raises money for fine arts scholarships. Dream Acres supports the “Adrienne Ivey Daily Herald Memorial Scholarship Fund,” and event organizers have started their very own Dream Acres Scholarship.

“We’re just a group of old-fashioned kind of folks,” says Ann Meadows, founder/executive director of the Dream Acres Music Festival. “We enjoy the simple things in life like family, friends, nature, working with our hands and playing music. We also still believe in community and helping your neighbors. Through Dream Acres Music Festival we are able to do all these things.”

The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is a cornerstone of the Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District. This venue can be leased for a meeting, an evening, or a month to host concerts and entertainment opportunities. The facility has hosted such famous acts as Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, the Temptations Review and more. This 1,500-seat facility offers a superb experience for the audience with light and sound quality unmatched in any venue.

Contact the City of Roanoke Rapids for your opportunity today.

oanoke Valley music fans no longer have to trek to some distant city to see a great live music show. Local concert venues and area music festivals offer a variety of exciting live music events and fun activities in the Valley throughout the year.

Popular country music acts, such as Sugarland (top), Lady Antebellum (bottom right) and Darius Rucker (bottom left), perform at the Rapids Jam Music Festival at The Festival Park at Carolina Crossroads in Roanoke Rapids.

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The Roanoke Valley VIRGINIA

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The Roanoke Canal Museum tells the story of transportation on the Roanoke River.

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Littleton Lake Gaston offers a wide variety of water activities and the entertainment of Lakeland Theatre.

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Enfield Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts are processed at A&B Milling Co., and an annual Peanut Festival celebrates the crop.

Hollister One of the largest powwows on the East Coast is held each April.

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Scotland Neck The Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is home to about 170 spe­cies of birds, including more than half of the world’s known species of ducks, geese and swans.

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The Roanoke River is popular with kayakers, canoeists and anglers.

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The Cotton Festival is a popular fall event.

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Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins & Halifax Co CVB

OR T H A M P TO N OU N T Y 305 258

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Photo Courtesy of the CCT’s Remembering Tillery History Project

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Halifax The precursor to the Declaration of Independence, the Halifax Resolves was adopted in this historic town on April 12, 1776.

Tillery The site tells the story of a 1930s Resettlement Community, a part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Transplanted into an existing community, settlers were given the opportunity to purchase 40 acres and a mule. Tours are available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, but other tour times can be arranged by appointment.

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Taking Care of

Busine

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Business

ss Story By Lori Medlin

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

T

he Roanoke Valley is a hub of retail trade, services, entertainment, business and health care in northeastern North Carolina.

The Valley has many assets found in much larger markets, yet Halifax County maintains a small-town quality of life with an eye toward global commerce. Companies large and small have found that people in the Valley take care of businesses.

Approximately $65 million in new or expanding business and industry projects were announced in Halifax County, along with the creation of more than 700 new jobs during an 18-month period beginning in 2010.

“Halifax County has established itself as a prime location for a variety of industries,” says Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax Development Commission.

“Companies are attracted to Halifax County because of its strategic location along the I-95 corridor, abundant land for development, low tax burden, highly trainable workforce and a pro-business climate.”

Executives at LSA America, which manufactures light sport aircraft, agree. In 2011, the company established a manufacturing facility in Halifax County that will employ 35 people.

“We chose the Roanoke Valley because of the pro-business climate, available facilities and the transportation infrastructure we needed to be successful,” says LSA President, Doug Hempstead. i m ag e s r oa n o k e va l l e y. c o m

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“The area’s modern regional airport with capacity for business growth is highly attractive to us in growing our company here.”

Another recent success story comes from Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods of Beaverton, Oregon. Construction of Don Pancho’s tortilla production facility was completed in 2011. Reser’s

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discovered Halifax County’s competitive advantages in 1999 and constructed an $18-million chilled salad production facility.

Over the years, the company has continued to expand and diversify its food production with plans to add additional product manufacturing and hundreds of additional jobs in the future.

Built for the Future To keep the business recruitment and expansion momentum moving, Halifax County leaders have developed a new 700-acre industrial park adjacent to the HalifaxNorthampton Regional Airport.

The Halifax Corporate Park is a North Carolina Certified Industrial Park and shovel ready

locally produced fare such as strawberries, apples, blueberries and tomatoes.

To increase its appeal to diversified industries, Halifax County officials are working toward the development of a rail transloading facility at the Halifax Corporate Park to serve the needs of regional business and industry.

Proximity to both North Carolina

and Virginia Ports expands the viability of transloading operations and helps secure the Valley as a prime location for world-class business and industry.

Key econonomic players in the Valley include: Kapstone Paper & Packaging, Airboss Rubber Compounding, Weldon Steel, Kennametal, Patch Rubber and PCB Piezotronics, to name a few.

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

for business. Empire Foods, a food processing company, plans to open a 35,000-square-foot facility at the Halifax Corporate Park in 2012.

Empire Foods uses cutting-edge technology to preserve fresh, local produce that not only makes the food shelf-stable for up to a year without refrigeration, but also retains 98 percent of its antioxidants and nutrients. Empire focuses on

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define the roanoke valley’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$610 million Annual retail sales

$11,061 Retail sales per capita

$72 million Annual hotel and food sales

3,036 Total number of firms Photo Courtesy of Carol Hedspeth, Conway Photo Studio

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

Photo Courtesy of Steve Dennis at Digital Concepts

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

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dAVID’S RESTAURANT Biz: Restaurant/catering Buzz: For fine dining, try David’s Restaurant.

The establishment specializes in Southern cuisine, and has earned a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Roanoke Rapids.

The menu includes crab soup, fried oysters, steaks and salads. Don’t be surprised if David himself stops by your table to see how you like his cooking. David’s also offers full catering.

(252) 537-3262

Your Child’s Success is Our Mission.

1020 RESTAURANT Biz: Restaurant Buzz: What used to be called Timeless Tea has recently been transformed into 1020 Restaurant. Renovated from the inside out, the restaurant now features a larger seating area, expanded menu and several microbrews in order to appeal to a larger audience. The menu includes surf and turf, with items such as prime rib and swordfish with salsa. www.1020restaurantandpub.com BELLAMY MANOR & GARDENS Biz: Bed and breakfast Buzz: Bellamy Manor & Gardens is a bed and breakfast offering four rooms in beautiful surroundings. Owned by Suzann and Wayne Anderson, the classically inspired Southern manor offers expansive gardens, an eclectic library, full breakfasts and afternoon tea. Other amenities include wireless Internet and private baths in each room, as well as spa services. www.manorbnb.com RIVERSIDE MILL Biz: Antique & Unique Shops Buzz: Riverside Mill is the largest gallery of craft art on I-95, featuring work from all over North Carolina, including Seagrove pottery. The Mill offers a diverse antique mall with anything from furniture and glassware to vintage clothes and toys. The Mill is located along the historic Roanoke Canal Trail and the banks of the Roanoke River. One of its latest ventures is an outlet of quality designer apparel and accessories from America’s most shopped television network. www.riversidemill.net

• Five-star Pre-K center

• Advanced placement for college credits offered

• Rigorous, relevant curriculum

• Championship sports teams

• Academic and enriching extra-curricular opportunities

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

536 Hamilton St. • RoanokeRapids, NC 27870

(252) 519-7100 • www.rrgsd.org

Coastal Beverage Company and Miller Lite support the Roanoke Rapids community.

DRUGCO Biz: Pharmacy Buzz: Drugco offers a discounted alternative to national pharmacy chains, with all the usual pharmacy staples, including a one-hour photo and home care center. Drugco also offers home delivery to local customers and monthly automatic fills of prescriptions. The retail section sells pain relievers, home medical supplies, children’s products and much more. drugcopharmacy.com

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Today’s Tomorrow’s Future!

Weldon City Schools: Committed to the Success of All Students Moving forward in partnership with the Weldon community

(252) 536-4821 www.weldoncityschools.k12.nc.us 26

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economic profile Business climate

major employers

The Roanoke Valley is a major commerical hub in Northeast North Carolina. The area’s low cost of living and strategic transportation assets are key components of commercial and industrial growth here.

Lowe’s Regional Distribution Center 1,151 employees

taxes

Halifax Regional Medical Center 780 employees Kapstone Paper & Packaging 492 employees

$42,279

6.75%

Average Annual Household Expenditure

Sales Tax Rate

Safelite Glass 291 employees

transportation

eCONOMIC RESOURCES

Reser’s Fine Foods 240 employees

Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport 700 Gregory Farm Rd. Halifax, NC 27839 (252) 583-3492

Halifax Development Commission, 252-519-2630 www.halifaxdevelopment.com

Patch Rubber 185 employees New Dixie Oil Corporation 185 employees Kennametal 154 employees Halifax Linen 152 employees Flambeau Products 150 employees

income

$22,019

Residential • CommeRCial • industRial • agRiCultuRal Visit our showroom for a wide selection of Heaters • Gas Logs • Grills • Ranges • Water Heaters

1728 e. 10th st.

Roanoke Rapids

(252) 533-0101

Where ... “service is our most important Product” www.daughtridgeenergy.com

Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, 252-537-3513 www.rvchamber.com

Per Capita Income

“the only Propane gas Company of Choice in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax, Warren and north Hampton Counties”

611 main st. scotland neck

(252) 826-4131

Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau 252-535-1687 www.visithalifax.com

An Opportunity that Offers

FREEDOM:

Freedom to set your own schedule … Freedom to break away from the “paycheck to paycheck” rat race … Freedom to achieve real success … Freedom to advance at your own pace … Freedom to be your own boss … Freedom to enhance your lifestyle … and so much more!

Dale J. Bell • (877) 237-9422 • www.ihelppeople.info www.youtube.com/legalshieldvideo

AN OUTDOOR PARADISE • Hunting • Fishing • Birding

Living green starts from the ground up.

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant.

It's easy. That's living healthy and green.

Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

• Boating • Cycling • Riding Scotland Neck, NC • (252) 826-3152 www.townofscotlandneck.com

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Image Gallery

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The town of Littleton is proud of its location on Lake Gaston.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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Image Gallery

Roanoke River in Weldon Photo by Todd Bennett

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Mural in Roanoke Valley, North Carolina.

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

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Local Flavor

Finger-licking Favorites Barbecue is always cooking in the Roanoke Valley Todd Bennett

I

f you’re looking for barbecue, then look no further: the Roanoke Valley has plenty of finger-licking-good restaurants to choose from.

The secret: Some say it’s in the sauce. Just ask Kimberly Woodruff Amerson, owner of Ralph’s Barbecue in Weldon. She’ll tell you one reason the sauce in the area is so popular is because it “is a little more tangy.”

“Other areas such as Charlotte (N.C.) and Richmond, Va., they use a more ketchup-based sauce. In our sauce, we use crushed red pepper, a little salt, a little sugar,” she says.

“You’d think I’d get tired of it, but I don’t,” she says.

At Lynch’s Bar-B-Q & Grill in Hollister, the sauce is already mixed into the meat, not served on the side.

Holten Williams, who runs the Bar-B-Que Stand in Scotland Neck, says the way the barbecue is cooked makes a difference, too.

“Carolinians don’t smoke their ‘cue”, he says.

They typically use charcoal, wood or electric cookers.

Other great BBQ can be found at Abram’s in Scotland, Carolina Restaurant in Roanoke Rapids and Abner’s Restaurant, Fraziers in Weldon and Grandpa’s Kitchen in Littleton.

Barbecued Goodness

Other Food Favorites

Amerson says Ralph’s cooks its barbecue all night, which keeps visitors and locals flocking to the place.

“We cook every night, all night long, and we use the same recipe from 1941,” the year her grandfather, Ralph, opened the restaurant. “We also don’t use fillers,” which Amerson says absorb grease and ‘‘puff up’’ the barbecue, “like some other barbecue restaurants. We only use 100 percent pork.”

Ralph’s also offers an array of popular dishes, including fried chicken, coleslaw and Brunswick stew. The buffet stays stocked with home-cooked vegetables, keeping customers clamoring for more.

Amerson says her favorite dish is the barbecue.

If barbecue’s not what you crave, you can head over to Sharky’s Restaurant where they offer a variety of foods, including steaks, seafood, fried veggies, potato skins and more.

India King, who co-owns the restaurant with husband Dwight and friends Vinnie and Cathy Garner, says her favorite dishes include the steamed shrimp, beef tips and pork chops.

The WatersView Restaurant, located on Lake Gaston, boasts a menu full of food favorites, including what started the business back in 2005 – ice cream.

– Tiffany L. Williams

Right: Diners enjoy a meal at Abner’s Restaurant in Roanoke Rapids.

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Todd Bennett

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

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Health & Wellness

Experience Quality Care Halifax Regional Medical Center offers top-notch care in the Roanoke Valley

W

ith Halifax Regional Medical Center conveniently located in Roanoke Rapids, you don’t have to travel far to find quality health care in the Roanoke Valley.

This private, state-of-the-art health care facility on Smith Church Road has 206 beds and more than 800 medical personnel on staff. A $6.5 million expansion and modernization project for outpatient services is bringing an even greater focus on care and convenience for patients.

“This project is centered on comfort, convenience, privacy and safety for our patients,” says Will Mahone, medical center president.

Expanding Patient Convenience A 15,200-square-foot extension will reduce patient waiting time, allow surgeons to meet privately with families, and give patients more privacy and surgeons more space to prepare for surgery.

“With additional space to prepare and recover from surgery, the waiting time for patients having outpatient surgery will be reduced,” Mahone says.

Halifax Regional Medial Center has 126 active and courtesy physicians.

An enlarged recovery area will allow patients to be more comfortably accommodated after surgery and an expanded registration area will offer more privacy.

The daily hustle and bustle of the hospital has not stopped because of construction. The medical center, which serves Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties in North Carolina and Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Greensville in Virginia, still offers a number of acute health care services, including urology, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and more. The hospital also offers extensive women’s health services and provides hospitalist care from physicians who focus solely on inpatient care. A high-tech radiology department, dedicated joint-care center and specially trained emergency care center staff also set HRMC apart.

“Our goal is to focus on patients first and to improve the health of our entire community,” Mahone says.

– Tiffany L. Williams and Melanie Hill Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids

Todd Bennett

Acute Health-Care Services

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What’s Online Go to www.visithalifax.com for more information on The Roanoke Valley Rockfish Trail, see photos and descriptions of each fish, and like The Roanoke Valley Rocks page on Facebook.

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Arts & Culture

Get Hooked Fish lead to fun in Roanoke Valley

T

Absorb the History

here’s no shortage of fun activities in the Roanoke Valley.

Whether stepping back in time and exploring the Valley’s historic sites or gazing at breathtaking scenery and wildlife, one is sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy.

“The possibilities are endless,” says Lori Medlin, President/CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In fact, to highlight what an interesting place the Roanoke Valley is, we launched the Roanoke Valley Rocks campaign.”

The Roanoke Valley Rocks is a public relations/art campaign designed to uplift and inspire the area. The highlight of the campaign are brightly and creatively painted six-foot rockfish statues that are installed around the Roanoke Valley. The rockfish was chosen as the campaign mascot to pay homage to one of the world’s premier sport fish that returns home to the Roanoke Valley each spring. The project is a partnership between the Halifax County CVB, the Halifax County Arts Council and North Carolina’s Touchtone Energy Cooperatives.

The response has been so successful that visitors are searching out these fish. To that end, the Halifax County CVB has created a map that shows all the businesses and attractions that supported the program by “releasing” a fish at their location.

Find the Flock There are fish at the Becker Village Mall, home of the Roanoke

photos by Todd Bennett

Painted Rockfish can be found throughout The Roanoke Valley, an area known as the “Rockfish Capital of the World.”

This trail of fish winds through Historic Halifax, past authentically restored and furnished buildings from the 1700s, and leads to the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, which offers two adventures in one.

The trail follows the Roanoke Canal’s original towpath for 7.2 miles between Roanoke Rapids Lake and River Falls Park in Weldon. It’s ideal for hiking and biking and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Or head into the museum to see the many interactive exhibits and learn about the history of the Roanoke Valley, as it relates to the Roanoke River.

Valley Veterans Museum, which gives visitors a chance to witness history up close. Don’t miss the “feathered” fish at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, which contains the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl housed in six continentally themed aviaries.

Visitors can walk through the aviaries, where they can see more than 1,500 birds from more than 170 different species.

Visitors and residents can pick up “The Roanoke Valley Rocks” map from the CVB at the Halifax County Visitors Center and tour around the Valley to see each rockfish and all of the fantastic attractions in our area.

– Tiffany L. Williams

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Sports & Recreation

Go Ahead, Go Wild Alfresco fun in the Roanoke Valley

Rockfish Capital of the World The Roanoke Valley boasts an especially popular fishing season due to its proximity to the Roanoke River. In fact, Weldon, located in the heart of the Roanoke Valley, is known as the Rockfish Capital of the World. Every spring, the rockfish, or striped bass, swim upriver to spawn.

“We get tons of fishermen from all over the world,” says Christina Gordon, director of tourism and marketing for the Halifax County CVB. Shad fishing is also popular on the river during March and April.

And largemouth bass, crappie and catfish make for a fun day of fishing in the lake. With Gaston Lake, Roanoke Rapids Lake and Kerr Reservoir, there are plenty of lakes in the area to choose from.

“You can come in and fish to your heart’s content,” says Medlin.

Paddling is also popular in the area. The Roanoke River Paddle Trail and Moratoc Adventure Paddling make it easy to paddle along the river and camp.

Hunting is Huge Here Hunting also draws a crowd.

It’s “huge in our area,” Gordon says. “We’re No. 1 in the state for whitetail deer and wild turkey hunting.”

Though many enjoy hunting on their own, plenty of guides are available to show people when and where to go. Carolina Woods & Water, East Carolina Outfitters and Woodstock Guided Hunts are a few that can help hunters get the most out of their hunting experience.

The Bear Swamp Sportsmans Club, a hunting preserve comprising tall pines, swampy bottom lands and young pine thickets adjoining fields of green grasses, provides great deer and bird hunting. Dove and duck hunting are popular, too, in the Valley because of waterway access.

More Recreational Favorites Not into hunting and fishing?

Then play a round of golf at one of the Roanoke Valley’s many courses: Hickory Meadows Golf Club, Myrick Hills Country Club or Scotfield Country Club, to name a few.

The Aquatics Center in Roanoke Rapids, the T.J. Davis Recreation Center and the J.A. Chaloner Recreation Center also provide opportunities for recreational fun.

Explore the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park’s 18 acres and learn about the importance of waterfowl, wildlife and wetland conservation. Whatever you like to do outdoors, the Roanoke Valley has something for you.

– Tiffany L. Williams

Clockwise from top: Fishing the Roanoke River in Weldon; Lake Gaston in Roanoke Valley, North Carolina; Hunting is popular in the Roanoke Valley; There are many golf courses to choose from in the area.

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Todd Bennett

ast lands, heaps of wildlife, a river and three lakes make the Roanoke Valley a great destination for outdoors enthusiasts.

Fishing, hunting, kayaking, paddling and canoeing are only a few of the many activities that make this place a hub for alfresco fun and recreation.

“It’s a great place to live and visit,” says Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Staff Photo

V

Jeffre y S. OT TO

Photo Courtesy of Les Atkins, Atkins Ad Group

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Education

Smart Starts Halifax Community College offers a variety of programs

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alifax Community College was ranked as the 4th best community college in the nation by the Center for Digital Education.

With three transfer associate degree programs, it’s easy for students to go on to a four-year institution.

“Our transfer programs allow our students to seamlessly move on to college in the UNC (University of North Carolina) System and most private colleges throughout

the state of North Carolina,” says Ervin Griffin, president of HCC. Students can choose from 17 associate programs in applied science, ranging from accounting to computer information technology to interior design.

Seventeen diploma and/or certificate programs also provide options for students.

Griffin says the school’s most popular certificate and diploma programs include cosmetology, phlebotomy, practical nursing,

First-year dental hygienist students at Halifax Community College in Weldon Right: Halifax Community College

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welding technology and basic law enforcement training.

“We also offer an array of continuing education programs for our service region,” Griffin says.

Plenty of Partnerships HCC also has a number of partnerships with higher educational institutions in the region, including its Teacher Preparation Partnership with Elizabeth City State University

photo by Todd Bennett

Staff Photo

and East Carolina University’s Wachovia Partnership East. The Teacher Preparation Partnerships allow students to take their first two years at HCC and then transfer into the teacher education program at either of those two universities.

HCC has an Adult Degree Completion program with Chowan University as well, and a partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Halifax Regional Medical Center lets registered nurses pursue a Bachelor of Nursing degree through NCCU at HCC. The Roanoke Valley Early College (RVEC), implemented in 2009, is a partnership with Weldon City Schools that allows students to start their higher education journey while still in high school.

Electric Cooperatives …

Paving the way to a brighter Roanoke Valley POTENTIAL LOANS: NCEMC Business Development Loan Fund • Up to $400,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE PROGRAMS, CONTACT:

• 7 years, 0% interest

Training Programs Schools aren’t the only beneficiaries of HCC’s many programs. Their small-business center offers free consultation to local businesses and those who might want to start a business in the service region, offering customized training programs for both new and incumbent workers at regional businesses.

Griffin says he hopes HCC can start programs in the areas of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, robotics, HVAC repair and maintenance, and barbering. He also hopes to expand the school’s arts program by offering classes in the dramatic arts.

“We are a very diverse institution of higher education that serves the myriad of needs for the citizens of Halifax and Northampton counties,” he says.

“We look forward to expanding our programs to meet the expressed needs of our service region.”

– Tiffany L. Williams

USDA Rural Economic Development Loan • Up to $450,000 • 10 years, 0% interest

Marshall Cherry Roanoke Electric Cooperative Post Office Drawer 1326 518 NC 561 West Ahoskie, NC 27910 (252) 209-2236 www.roanokeelectric.com

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

• Assistance with site and building identification • Energy audit services • Assistance with market research • Flexibility in rate design • Power quality services • Loan and grant assistance • Demographic analysis

Brady Martin Halifax Electric Membership Corporation 208 W. Whitfield St. Enfield, NC 27823 (252) 445-5111 www.halifaxemc.com

Touchstone Energy® i m ag e s r oa n o k e va l l e y. c o m

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Community Profile Snapshot The Roanoke Valley offers great opportunities for entertainment and recreational activities. Small town charm with easy access to big city areas like Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA make the Roanoke Valley a great place to live, work and play.

Cost of Living

ECONOMY:

$28,781

58,635

Median Household Income

$70,052 Median Home Price

$579 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

Household Information

climate

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July Average High

25%

January Average Low

46” Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

Agricultural Crop Receipts

ETHNICITY:

36% White

60% Black

Hispanic

Median Resident Age

27°

$95.4 million

1%

AGE:

89.3°

Employees

3% Other

19 and Under

transportation

45%

20 minutes

20-54

Median travel time to work

time zone

30%

36,000

Eastern

55 and Over

Daily Traffic on I-95

This section is sponsored by

Roanoke Rapids sanitaRy distRict “Delivering Safe Drinking Water While Providing for Environmental Water Quality for Over 75 Years” 1000 Jackson st. • p.o. Box 308 Roanoke Rapids, nc 27870 (252) 537-9137 • Fax: (252) 537-3064 www.rrsd.org

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visit our

advertisers

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1

Citizens Community Bank www.ccbsite.com Coastal Beverage Company www.coastal-bev.com Daughtridge Gas www.daughtridgeenergy.com Halifax County Business Horizons www.halifaxdevelopment.com Halifax County Convention Visitors Bureau www.visithalifax.com Halifax Regional Medical Center www.halifaxregional.org Hampton Inn www.hamptoninn.com Heaton Real Estate www.heatonrealestate.com Hilton Garden Inn www.roanokerapids.hgi.com

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3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

KapStone www.kapstonepaper.com LegalShield – Dale J. Bell www.youtube.com/legalshieldvideo Reser’s Fine Foods Inc. www.resers.com Roanoke Electric Cooperative www.roanokeelectric.com Roanoke Rapids Graded School District www.rrgsd.org Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District www.rrsd.org State Farm Insurance – Chris Canady www.chriscanadysf.com Town of Scotland Neck www.townofscotlandneck.com Weldon City Schools www.weldoncityschools.k12.nc.us

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced the Roanoke Valley through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Roanoke Valley … I don’t remember much except seeing the water coming up fast as I nosedived into the lake, peeling back my eyelids as I crashed and burned. I’d finally surface and the first thing out of my brother’s mouth would be, “Wanna go again?” “Sure,” I’d say. I think I was still in shock at this point. Why would I ever subject myself to this much torture?

Either that or there was a short period of amnesia from my head impacting with the water.

I never managed to pull many tricks on a kneeboard, so I have a lot of respect for people that can. That includes people who can throw some awesome moves on a wakeboard.

When I was in Roanoke Rapids a few weeks ago, I got to meet world champion wakeboarder Adam Fields. He’s from the area and learned to wakeboard on Lake Gaston where his family owns a house. It’s also where he operates AF Wake, his wakeboarding school.

I took a ride with Adam and some of his friends as they took turns wakeboarding, pulling flips and soaring through the air …

Posted by Todd Bennett

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com. i m ag e s r oa n o k e va l l e y. c o m

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Ad Index

26 Citizens Community Bank

2 KapStone

25 Coastal Beverage Company

27 LegalShield – Dale J Bell

27 Daughtridge Gas

42 Reser’s Fine Foods Inc.

6 Halifax County Business Horizons

41 Roanoke Electric Cooperative

5 Halifax County Convention Visitors Bureau

25 Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

34 Halifax Regional Medical Center

C2 Hampton Inn 1 Heaton Real Estate C4 Hilton Garden Inn

43 Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District

26 State Farm Insurance – Chris Canady

27 Town of Scotland Neck

26 Weldon City Schools

Sleep deep, eat well and work smart while away from home at the Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids.

Our Hilton Garden Inn worries about the details so you don’t have to. Everything. Right where you need it.

Interstate 95 Exit 171 111 Carolina Crossroads Pkwy.

Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252) 519-2333 www.RoanokeRapids.hgi.com

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Full-service restaurant on site Evening in-room dining 24-hour pavilion pantry 24-hour indoor pool 24-hour fitness center Business center with complimentary printing services Lounge Complimentary Wi-Fi HD flat-screen TVs in all guest rooms Refrigerator, microwave & coffeemakers in all guest rooms Meeting rooms AV equipment rental Full-service catering Hilton HHonors® Loyalty Program