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R O C KINGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNT YNC.COM 3
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Publisher & Content Editor Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com Directors of Content Jamie M. Rorrer, Robin Yount Content Editor Paul Seiple paul@showcasemagazine.com Creative Designer Kim Demont demontdesign@verizon.net Ad Designers Kim Demont, Paul Seiple Finance Manager Cindy Astin cindy@showcasemagazine.com To Advertise in the Next Edition 877.638.8685 Director of Sales and Marketing Larry Oldham larry@showcasemagazine.com Ad Executives Misty Brooks misty@showcasemagazine.com Lee Vogler lee@showcasemagazine.com Rockingham County Economic Development & Tourism 371 NC HWY 65 Wentworth, NC 27375 www.VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com 336-342-8138 Contributing Writers Cindy Adams, Michael Brandt, Flavel Collins, Jan R. Critz, Michael Dougherty, Jenny Edwards, Ken Gamble, Lance Metzler, Dennis Paschal, Mason Porter, Bob Scott, Dr. Mable Springfield Scott, Judy Yarbrough Contributing Photographers Gordon Allen, Tom Barbour, Andrew Scott Brooks, Gary Joyce, Kevin Lee of Studio Place Tigermoth Creative, Tim Talley Nancy Sidelinger of News & Record
Table of Contents
Created for the Rockingham County Economic Development & Tourism by the Andrew Brooks Media Group
ABUNDANT SPIRIT................................................................................. 6 ABUNDANT RESOURCES A WEALTH OF RESOURCE - ROCKINGHAM COUNTY HAS IT ALL . .. 8 ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITY................................................................. 14 ABUNDANT GIVING: BETSY-JEFF PENN 4-H CENTER, MEALS ON WHEELS, UNITED WAY, GOODWILL INDUSTRIES........... 16 NCWORKS - ROCKINGHAM’S CAREER CENTER HELPS JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS.. ........................................... 22 ABUNDANT COMMUNITY: EDEN, MADISON......................................... 24 MAYODAN, REIDSVILLE, STONEVILLE & WENTWORTH ABUNDANT BUSINESS & INDUSTRY...................................................... 38 ABUNDANT COOPERATION - EDEN JOINS FORCES WITH ITS VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS, WALKING TRAILS..................... 48 KING’S CHANDELIER COMPANY.. ................................................ 50 MAYODAN OUTDOOR SPORTS.................................................... 52 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THE MAD BEAN.. ............................. 54 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: TREE ENTERPRISES........................... 56 ABUNDANT TRANSPORTATION - RCATS, SKAT & SHILOH AIRPORT....... 58 ABUNDANT RECREATION - BIKE TRAILS, TENNIS & WALKING TRAILS.... 60 ABUNDANT WATER FUN RIVER COUNTRY.......................................................................... 64 LAKE COUNTRY........................................................................... 66 STATE PARKS.. ............................................................................... 68 ABUNDANT AGRICULTURE - FARMER’S MARKET.................................. 70 AMANDA’S DAYLILIES PROVIDES AN ABUNDANCE OF COLOR... 72 OAKHAVEN FARM.. ...................................................................... 73 WINERIES - AUTUMN CREEK VINEYARDS & RIVERBIRCH VINEYARDS.... 74 ABUNDANT SENIOR LIVING.. ............................................................... 78 ABUNDANT EDUCATION - PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ROCKINGHAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE & FOUR YEAR UNIVESITIES...................... 80 ABUNDANT CULTURE THE FLOURISHING ARTISTIC COMMUNITY.. ................................... 88 HISTORY AND HERITAGE.............................................................. 90 ABUNDANT FUN.. ................................................................................ 92 ABUNDANT HEALTHCARE-SERVICES.. .................................................. 94 ANNIE PENN HOSPITAL, MOREHEAD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FREE CLINIC OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, HOSPICE OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY ABUNDANT WILDLIFE-SCENERY THE BEAUTY OF FLOWING WATER.. ............................................. 100 SHARING ABUNDANT WILDLIFE.. ................................................ 102 THE BIRDING TRAIL.. ................................................................... 104 ROCKINGHAM COUNTY ANNUAL EVENTS........................................ 106 GENERAL INFORMATION.................................................................. 108 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY.. ............................................................... 110 AREA MAP.. ...................................................................................... 112
On the Cover: Photo by Kevin Lee of Studio Place shows the waterfall on Fall Creek in the Anglin Mill area in northwest Rockingham County that is a part of the Mayo River State Park. It is accessible from the DeShazo Access on DeShazo Mill Road. Contact Mayo River State Park for more info: 336.427.2530.
© 2015 Andrew Brooks Media Group
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Abundant Spirit!
entrepreneurial spirit can be found in houses of worship and among our community volunteers. Rockingham County’s rich, historical roots date back to 1785. In 1840, North Carolina’s first public school opened in Rockingham County, Williamsburg Elementary. In 1937, the public library established one of the state’s first bookmobiles. In the early 60s, Rockingham County had one of the first, public libraries in NC to integrate. Continuing that progressive trend, in the 80s, it was one of the first libraries in NC to automate materials and provide Internet access.
by Dr. Mable Springfield Scott As soon as you reach the calm, relaxing, rural roads of Rockingham County, North Carolina, you realize you’re someplace special. Traffic slows. Everybody waves. Deer dart. Turkeys trot. Rockingham County, NC is not too big and not too small. It’s the “just right” pace to live, work and play. Almost 75 percent of the county’s population was born in the state and love calling North Carolina home. While an infusion of new residents from across the country and globe, celebrate the region’s colorful traditions, foods, music, dance, theater, and art.
Rockingham County strives to be a forward-thinking, futuristic community with cutting-edge ideas and industries. Rockingham County designed and built an efficient, green building in the first Justice Center in the eastern United States to earn the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification. Residents have established a robust heritage of civic pride fueled by a 70 percent home-ownership rate and an over 60 percent voting rate. There is an authentic work-ethic evident in a diverse labor force accustomed to demanding jobs in manufacturing, production, sales, home-grown businesses, and farming. This
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Tap into 21st-century technology and soak up sun, scenic beauty, and southern hospitality year-round. Enjoy incredible opportunities to hike, bike, and hunt; for camping, canoeing and kayaking; and for flying, fishing, and family. Midway between North Carolina’s mountains and beaches, you’ll find oldfashioned values where neighbors and colleagues ask how you’re doing and attentively wait for your response. The community demonstrates benevolent attitudes through United Way, Meals-On-Wheels, Lunch Buddies, and Hospice. Farmers and gardeners dole out fruits and vegetables to family, friends, and folks with no one to help. Citizens share a sincere concern for dogs and cats
needing forever homes. One elementary child’s sensitive yearning to reach out and touch a heart led her to donate all her birthday dollars to support the Rockingham County Animal Shelter. Ladies blessed with long locks of hair contribute some of their curls to produce wigs for cancer survivors. Many give
hundreds of dollars in love as they willingly offer the gift of life at bloodmobiles.
abundant spirit of the folks in Rockingham County.
Rockingham County’s big attraction is not just the jobs, the quality of life, the festivals, the cruise-ins, the cost of living, or low taxes. This community’s enticing attraction is the awesome,
Dr. Mable Springfield Scott is the Public Information Officer for the Rockingham County Government.
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Abundant Resources
ARockingham Wealth ofCounty Resources has it all By Lance Metzler Not unlike the thousands of dedicated citizens I serve as county manager, Rockingham County has truly become the place I live, love, and proudly call my home. The best word I use to describe our County, as I most often do to so many throughout the state, is simply abundance. Quite frankly, when I speak about our County I use this simple yet truthful statement – we have it all here. That abundance is why I chose this community as my home. When I first arrived in late 2011, it took very little time to adapt and recognize the remarkable scenery, natural resources, culture, and good spirited people no matter where I visited. Whether here at home or traveling throughout the United States, one consistent
message that both the Board of Commissioners and I continuously use is: “we are open for business!” This strategic approach to messaging has been the driving force behind every initiative over the past few years. As I look back at our past accomplishments and those which are still in progress, I am amazed at the transformation taking place almost every day in Rockingham County Government. We believe our communities are packed with hardworking, dedicated, and proud citizens that deserve a transparent, trustworthy, and efficient local government that recognizes its role. We are a “government by the people and for the people” that intends always to work toward continuous improvement in efforts to operate efficiently and effectively as stewards
of the public’s money. The many projects and initiatives that are completed or still in progress display a consistent focus in proving to our citizens and industries that we are a local government that does not stand in the way, stand still, or allow the constituents we serve to stand alone. The information below highlights just a few of the many exciting accomplishments and initiatives to which we continue to devote our time and resources: CENTRAL PERMITTING: We redesigned our entire planning, zoning, inspections, and permitting functions into a “one-stop-shop” that continues to evolve. This new unit, known as Central Permitting, provides a customer-friendly atmosphere that is inviting, flexible, and easily accessible to all citizens, business owners, builders, and entrepreneurs. As we move forward, we will begin introducing material and processes through e-government in efforts to continue extending our services not only efficiently onsite but easily accessible online. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Early in 2014 we began executing an Economic Development Strategy that involved consolidating several agencies that provided economic development services and assistance. Beginning in fiscal year 2015, the County reorganized the economic development service delivery structure in efforts to improve and focus on economic development
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outcomes. We reorganized multiple country organizations into one countywide agency that we firmly believe will propel our economic engine forward. We hired a new Economic Development Director and merged our Economic Development Partnership, Business Technology Center, and Tourism Agency to make our county as efficient, effective, and focused as possible.
TOURISM: We have continued to be forwardlooking when it comes to tourism in our county. We are implementing targeted marketing campaigns that proudly advertise our County as everyone’s next tourism destination. We have rebranded the county with new logos and slogans and are focused on showcasing all the unique destinations within the region.
We have set aggressive goals and objectives. We are focused on strategically seeking out new industries from all over the country. We are encouraging innovation through attracting venture capitalist, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We provide businesses and industries of any size the assistance and resources necessary to succeed. We have established close partnerships with our major industries that serve as an economic foundation.
EMERGENCY 911 COMMUNICATIONS CONSOLIDATION: On April 7th, 2015, Rockingham County opened our brand new, state of the art, 8,500 square feet, hardened facility that serves as the central command for all public safety 911 communication operations. We take the safety of our citizens seriously, and this project’s primary focus was the citizens of this County – this project is what we call “government done right.” This $7.826 million
facility is the culmination of nearly four years of careful planning and cooperation between the County and Municipalities (Eden, Reidsville, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville, and Wentworth). We were able to execute a vast and difficult multi-year project consolidating critical operations with no disruption to public safety throughout the County. We merged all dispatch operations for Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services, and Rescue Squads for all of Reidsville, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville, and Wentworth. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CONSOLIDATION: The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners formally approved the creation of a consolidated county Health and Human Services agency using statutory authority to effectively consolidate all services provided through the Continued to page 12
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Abundant Resources
A Wealth of Resources Continued from page 9.
Departments of Public Health and Social Services into one Health and Human Services Agency. The primary intent is to create efficiency and effectiveness by breaking through traditional boundaries in efforts to eliminate clear redundancies through duplication of services, combine administrative operations, create a customer friendly central intake, and ultimately improve all health and human service delivery to our citizens. There can be no doubt that Rockingham County has unlimited economic growth potential as we look toward the future. We are a large, rural county that contains one of the most competitive workforce pools in the state of North Carolina with a proven history of hard work built upon a culture of values and strong work ethic. We have an extreme abundance of natural resources such as lakes and rivers and numerous and readily available tracts of land ready for development. Our existing facilities located near vital transportation routes require little up-fit. We have a
modern infrastructure in place such as water, sewer, natural gas, and several high-speed Internet options. We have top notch programs with several community partners that are eagerly ready and willing to provide workforce development assistance, key statistics and data, and accommodate almost any request. There could not be a more strategically located County in close proximity to Greensboro, Burlington, Winston-Salem, High Point, Danville, and Martinsville where the transportation options of rail, airports, and major routes such as HWY 14, Business 29/Future I-785, and US 220/Future I-73 are easily accessible from every corner. Also, major highway improvements over the past
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few years still continue providing connectivity to I-40 and I-85. Rockingham County is conveniently located 20 minutes north of Greensboro, two hours from Raleigh-Durham metro, and two hours from Charlotte metro making airport travel an easy task, whether you choose the Piedmont Triad International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Rockingham County Government is committed to providing the best quality of life educationally, economically, and environmentally to all who wish to visit here, do business here, or already call this home. Whether you wish to enjoy your next outdoor adventure in one of the many locations throughout our County or face the critical decision of where to locate your business, your future awaits in Rockingham County North Carolina.
Lance Metzler is the County Manager for Rockingham County.
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Abundant Opportunity
By Jan R. Critz What an exciting time it is in Rockingham County, NC! As the County’s new Director of Economic Development & Tourism, I see so much opportunity all around us. Rockingham County is truly an exceptional place to live, work and play! Like most rural communities in North Carolina and America, Rockingham County’s economy is still in a state of transformation. With advantages such as available land and existing manufacturing facilities plus a workforce that is hardworking, adaptable and loyal, Rockingham County has attracted and retained many great companies. This community has seen some great economic successes in recent years, and we are all working hard to ensure that we see greater success in the future. We have recruited some new industries that are thriving and growing here. We have seen significant expansion activity among our “legacy” industries such as textiles, which are re-shoring and shifting many operations back to the U.S.
is why small business and entrepreneurial services are a key piece of our economic development strategy, as well as recognizing the tourism industry as a vital segment of our economy. Tourism in Rockingham County is as vibrant as ever, and we have efforts underway to use our tourism assets for economic development purposes. Our community is blessed with many natural attractions and our leaders and citizens now recognize that these assets attract outof-town visitors who contribute to our economy. We have a growing reputation for the quality and variety of outdoor recreation here and
Rockingham County’s economy is truly diverse and made up of a wonderful mix of homegrown and international companies. We are proud of the products made and distributed here— everything from aluminum cans, firearms, tee-shirts, moonshine, Karastan rugs, wet wipes and more! Our unique, small businesses are just as important. That
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plans for building on those opportunities. In the pages that follow, you will get just a small glimpse of “Our Town.” You will see the abundant opportunity here and why this is a good place for businesses, residents, visitors and more. Welcome to Rockingham County! We are open for business, adventure, a quality of life and much more!
Jan R. Critz is the Director of Rockingham County Economic Development & Tourism.
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Abundant Giving
One way to truly judge a community is by how dedicated its citizens are to giving back. Rockingham County is well-known for its community first spirit. There are many diverse non-profit and faith-based organizations operating hand-in-hand to support the region. In this issue, we are highlighting three: One organization is focused on delivering a healthy active lifestyle to children; One organization focuses on making sure our elders are treated with the respect they’ve earned; And one organization is focused on empowering those with developmental challenges live a productive and satisfying life.
Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center provides a variety of camping opportunities for North Carolina youth, ages 6-17. These programs allow campers to grow by challenging themselves in an environment where they feel safe and accepted. Beginning with a cookout on Sunday afternoon, and culminating with fond farewells and hugs on Friday morning, a week camp can be the highlight of a child’s summer. Packed with activities, new friends, and new opportunities, the week seems to go by way too fast.
The Center maintains full 24hour supervision, with at least a 1 to 8 staff to camper ratio. Staff attempt to bring life skills and personal growth into all interactions and activities, while following the methods endorsed by 4-H nationally — “learning by doing!” Campers live in single-sex cabins and coed activity groups according to age and request (when possible). Activity groups stay together throughout the day, participating in various camp activities and sharing meal times. The cabins have a modern feel and are equipped with multiple indoor showers and
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restroom facilities. Each cabin houses up to 22 participants with at least two counselors available to provide steady and safe supervision. Campers bring their sleeping bags and bed linens, as well as clothing and toiletries. Betsy-Jeff Penn provides all the specialized equipment needed to canoe, climb, negotiate the ropes course, ride horseback, camp out, and explore the
environment. Nutritious, balanced meals are served family-style, three times a day. Snacks and juice are served mid-mornings and evenings. The camp store is open in the afternoons for ice cream, soft drinks, snacks, and souvenirs. The summer camp staff is dedicated to carrying out the mission of BetsyJeff Penn. They are highly trained, energetic and enthusiastic about the programs and participants. As an operation of North Carolina State University, the Camp offers access to some of the best training on youth development techniques and programming available in the State. All program staff undergoes extensive background checks. For more information visit bjpenn4h.org or call 336.349.9445.
Six-Day Residential Programs for 6-14 Year-olds
Placed in coed activity groups according to age, campers participate in horseback riding, canoeing, archery, climbing, swimming, arts & crafts, cookouts, campfires, nature exploration, team-building, high ropes, and much more. Adventure programs offer older youth opportunities to gain compass, GPS, and other outdoor living skills, plus participate in rock climbing, river canoeing and more.
Daily Onsite Sessions for 6-14 Year-olds
Day Camp is an option for local youth to experience the fun of camp activities Monday thru Friday while spending each evening and weekend at home. Each two-week session has a theme and includes activities such as swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, archery, arts & crafts, fishing,
environmental studies, games and more.
Environmental Day Camp
Participating campers spend their day enjoying many of the same activities as their resident camp counterparts. Rotating from activity to activity, campers swim, ride horseback, canoe and explore the natural surroundings of Penn’s campus. They also participate in specialized programs designed solely for day camp, such as creating their own entrepreneurial community. Older campers also participate in team challenges and high ropes elements. Of course, the day ends at 5:30, at which time campers return home to their family.
Leader-In-Training Program
Older campers may choose the popular Leader-In-Training Program. Where they help the cabin consular and still get to participate in the activities.
Continued to page 18
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Abundant Giving
That means a lot. Just the simple question — how are you doing today? You don’t know how much that means until you don’t have anyone to ask it. I’m thankful for the meals, and I’m thankful for the people. Don’t know what I’d do without it.” To qualify for the Meals on Wheels program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, homebound except for medical appointments, and have no one who is able to provide a noontime meal for the person.
Abundant Giving
Meals on Wheels
Since 1987, Meals on Wheels has served the homebound elderly in Rockingham County. The program provides in-home meals Monday through Friday to homebound seniors in city limits and ten frozen meals every two weeks to those living in rural areas. Each meal serves as one-third of the daily recommended nutritional value. Frieda, an 89-yearold widow who has lived in Rockingham County for more than 60 years, says, “I would struggle without it. I can’t stand up to cook anymore.” In October 2014, Frieda was selected to receive Meals on Wheels’ one-millionth meal. Frieda is a NASCAR fan, so it was only fitting Jeff Gordon
Continued from page 17
delivered her meal. She says, “It made my whole year!” Meals on Wheels does much more than just provide a hot meal. Friendly visits by the program’s caring volunteers serve as wellness, safety, and security checks. “The safety and security check and friendly visit proves just as important in helping some of our most frail and elderly neighbors remain in their homes,” says Ann Boyte, the program director of Meals on Wheels. Rex, an 88-year-old recipient of the programs says, “All the volunteers are so nice, every one of them that comes to my door with the meal takes the time to talk to me and ask me how I’m doing.
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Volunteers are critical in helping to make sure the meals are delivered. Director of Community and Volunteer Relations, Kristin Perry says, “Meals on Wheels is built on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. The volunteers (more than 525 of them across our community) are a huge part of what makes this program great. The care they bring to their roles is truly incredible, and we are thankful for the community’s continued support.” Last year, volunteers spent over 6,000 hours and drove more than 45,300 miles, delivering 29,500 meals. Volunteers also made sure another 15,800 frozen meals were distributed. Edith, a 90-year-old recipient, enjoys the socialization offered by the program. When volunteers visit, she’ll be waiting for you. If it’s chilly outside, Edith will invite you in to warm up. On hot days, she’ll insist you come in for a drink of water. To Edith, Meals on Wheels is “the best thing. I know I’m gonna have something to eat every day and the food is good. I can’t
cook like I used to, but I really enjoy the people. I get to meet so many new people, and they’re all so nice. They come, with my meal, even if it’s raining, even in the snow sometimes. They are good people. I like to learn where
they’re from, and I try to remember their names too. I’ve made some good friends.” Neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends, that’s the mission of Meals on Wheels. If you ask Frieda, Rex,
Meals on Wheels currently serves 300 seniors in Rockingham County. There are eight hot routes delivered by volunteers five days a week: • 3 in Reidsville • 3 in Eden • 1 in Madison/Mayodan • 1 in Stoneville. • There are four frozen distribution sites and five frozen delivery routes serving those who live outside of the city limits. For more information, contact 336.349.2343
and Edith, they will tell you, mission accomplished. For more information visit RockinghamMealsonWheels.org or call 336.349.2343.
United Way
For over 80 years, United Way of Rockingham County has cared for and serviced the Rockingham County community. The organization began in 1927 as the Community Chest of Reidsville at Betsy Penn’s home, The Chinqua -Penn Plantation. Betsy, along with other community-minded individuals, came together to create a group to help those in need throughout the community. As the Community Chest grew, others organizations around the country formed with similar missions of supporting people in need in their communities. Eventually, all evolved into a single institution known today as the United Way. Leaders in other regions of Rockingham County saw the opportunity to help those in need and created their own United Ways to strengthen local communities. In 1998, the four United Ways operating in Rockingham County (Reidsville, Eden, Madison, and Stoneville) joined to form the United Way of Rockingham County. In 2000, The United Way, along with partnering agencies, conducted Preparing for Tomorrow, a study to determine the best ways to address community concerns. The conclusion was the future depends on coming together Continued to page 20
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Abundant Giving
Abundant Giving
Continued from page 19
helping communities through donations and its retail stores, but there are many other ways Goodwill is helping to strengthen community bonds in Rockingham County. as a community to provide the best possibilities for everyone, from the young to the elderly. The United Way of Rockingham County and partnering agencies strengthen the community daily by helping to better the lives of those in need through workplace campaigns, new fundraising strategies, and enlisting a new generation of donors. The organization has created opportunities to allow people to volunteer in an effort to keep the community strong and make it a great place to work and live. Since the beginning days of the Community Chest of Reidsville, the world has changed, but the mission of caring and service has not changed. The United Way of Rockingham County has three full-time staff members and 25 board members. It funds 31 programs provided by 19 partner agencies that directly affect over 30,000 community members annually. The United Way honors Betsy Penn’s legacy by urging Rockingham County to Give, Advocate, Volunteer, and Live United. For more information visit uwrockingham.org.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is known for
In Mayodan, the Goodwill Career Center offers professional career service needs to those looking for employment in the community. The Career Center provides comprehensive services including resume updates, cover letter techniques, interview preparation, career counseling, online job search assistance, and more primarily to those unemployed or underemployed. Goodwill Industries views career development as a lifelong process. Career Centers are committed to building strong relationships to assist those seeking jobs in reaching their goals. Goodwill Community Resource Centers in Reidsville and Eden bring together Goodwill and local community colleges to boost access to services, programs, and credential completion. The NC Community College system affiliation includes classroom upfitting for specialized training programs, Continuing Education Units (CEU), college registration and instruction, and credential certifications. Goodwill Industries firmly believes that taking advantage of concrete and supportive services advances employment opportunities which in turn leads to financially stable families and stronger communities.
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In the fiscal year 2013-2014, the Goodwill centers that make up Triad Goodwill reported that 3,212 individuals that used the centers secured competitive employment, resulting in over fifty million dollars in earning potential added to the local economy. Very importantly, Goodwill also offers inexpensive clothing to the community through its thrift shops. These shops not only employ people, but they also provide a vital resource for clothing to tens of thousands of shoppers each year. These stores are convenient, offer inexpensive and high-quality products, and are an addictive shopping experience for many who call it their favorite store. For more information visit TriadGoodwill.org or call 336.275.9801
Goodwill Locations in Rockingham County Eden 303 East Arbor Lane 336.623.5600 Mayodan 6625 NC HWY 135 336.548.2481 Reidsville 1551 Freeway Drive 336.637.1005
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Abundant Giving
NCWorks
Rockingham’s Career Center Helps Job Seekers and Employers by Mason Porter Rockingham County doesn’t have an unemployment office—it has an NCWorks Career Center!
One-on-One Service
The career center helps job seekers find work and the career path that fits them and provides access to training opportunities. Each career center provides one-on-one assistance through formal and informal assessments, developing individual employment plans, searching for jobs online, writing résumés and cover letters, and earning a Career Readiness Certification. The center also provides individuals with access to computers and free Internet access, as well as telephones and fax machines. If job
seekers need help, then staff are quick to assist and recommend the best services available to meet that person’s needs. Staff also help employers screen applicants and help set up hiring events and job fairs. Employers can also learn more about On-the-Job Training, which helps them train individuals for a position and reimburses the business up to 50 percent of the employee’s wages during the time of their training.
NCWorks Online
In addition to the help provided by career centers, job seekers can also take advantage of the services available on NCWorks Online. The website pulls job postings from other online resources, giving users access to a broad range of career opportunities. Career Center staff are available to help people who aren’t tech savvy and need help using the website and its many features, such as building a powerful résumé, creating a generic application ready to be printed and signed, searching for jobs, and using up-to-date labor market information to make well-informed career decisions. “NCWorks Online is a onestop online resource for job seekers and employers in North Carolina,” said Sherry Marsh, career facilitator for the career center. “Job seekers can maximize their job search, create resumes, and find information on education and training.” Employers can also take advantage of the online
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system to post job orders and recruit talented applicants. Business users can search through registered job seekers’ résumés for specific skills. The system can arrange candidates based on how well they meet the requirements for a job. Employers can also choose their preferred contact methods. If needed, career center staff are available to help business users.
Working Together to Serve You
The staff at the NCWorks Career Center are trained and ready to help job seekers and employers. The career center works in close collaboration with Rockingham Community College, N.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, the Educational Opportunity Center, and Project Reentry. And while the career center is always looking for ways to improve its services, it will never change one thing: its devotion to serving its community. “The one thing that has never, and will never, change is our dedication to delivering world-class customer service to our Rockingham County community,” said Leslie Murphy, employment counselor for the career center. “Our doors are open, our staff is ready, and you are always welcome!” For More Information: The career center is located at 8340 NC 87 in Reidsville. It is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon. For more information, call 336.634.5600.
Serving Eden and Rockingham County Since 1934 with Dignity and Integrity
Fair Funeral Home is a state-of-the-art facility, offering traditional viewing and procession services, cremation programs, military honors, and special family requests. Fair also offers professional guidance for those requesting pre-planning, internment options, and grief counseling.
fair
funeral home 432 Boone Road Eden, NC 27289 (336) 623-2161
www.FairFuneralHome.com
Available for the following types of events: Receptions or events of 100 or less guests, family meals and gatherings before and after funeral services at Fair Funeral Home, Rehearsal Dinners, Small Banquets, Business Meetings, and Family Reunions
morehead fair house 420 Boone Road Eden, NC 27289 (336) 623-2161
www.MoreheadFairHouse.com
For
DAN RIVER • HAW RIVER • MAYO RIVER • SMITH RIVER VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com • 800.316.ROCK R O C K I NGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 23
Abundant Community Within the pages of this publication, you’ll find many of the things that make our region great. The best thing about Rockingham County is that it is so much more than the sum of its parts. Our Region is a community of communities, each with its individual identity and personality. Together they represent a unified group of people with a common goal to live fulfilled and prosperous lives. The cities and towns are like siblings within one happy family. And the best way to get to know the cities and towns is through the words of the people who know them best.
Eden, NC
Eden Will Surprise and Inspire You by Cindy Adams Coordinator of Tourism & Special Events, City of Eden At the point where the Dan and Smith Rivers meet, there is a bit of paradise to discover. Eden, NC is a place that invites you to find new adventures and to stop, relax, and stay awhile. The city was recently designated a Certified Retirement Community by the North Carolina Department of
Commerce. So what makes Eden such a warm, inviting place where you might find yourself hanging around for a while? It’s hard to know where to begin. The motto of Eden is “Small Town, Big Outdoors,” and those outdoors really are expansive. There are so many adventures to be found in Eden whether it is kayaking, canoeing, or tubing on the Dan River, watching the rich diversity of wildlife at one of several river access points, or taking a hike under the canopy of trees on the
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Smith River Greenway. The possibilities for new memories and exciting moments are endless in the bountiful nature of Eden. If you want to seek out some of that adventure, Eden is making it easier for you. On their website ExploreEdenNC. com you can check their brand new “River Blog” titled “Eden Loves The Dan.” It’s a great feature that highlights everything from excursions on the river to news features like the current river conditions, so you know what to expect before hitting the water.
And while nature is big in Eden, don’t let the term “small town” fool you. Eden is a thriving hub of shopping, dining, music, and entertainment. Annual festivals like Riverfest, Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest, and the increasingly popular Oink and Ale are great ways to try a little bit of everything that Eden has to offer. You can shop ‘til you drop through the historic Old Leaksville and Draper Shopping Districts, get some curbside service at the historic Circle Drive-In or Dick’s Drive-In restaurants, or catch a movie at the Eden Drive-In Theatre. Our drive-in theater is one of only about 350 left in the United States and is the largest movie screen in Rockingham County! Eden, NC is full of so many remarkable features that provide something for
everyone. New ways to find adventure are constantly emerging that only add to the already rich historical heritage of the city. So come to Eden, where no matter how you spend your time, you’re sure to come away surprised and inspired.
Madison
by Bob Scott, Town Manager Located just about a 30 minute drive from the cities of Greensboro, WinstonSalem and High Point, North Carolina and Martinsville and Danville, Virginia, you find the perfect location for small town living – Madison, NC! In Madison, you will find a charming, vibrant and friendly community without the hustle and bustle of a big city. A stroll through Madison’s
quaint downtown district offers something for everyone. You will meet our local business owners who run restaurants, craft shops, antique stores, and all things in-between. Many of these small, familyowned businesses are housed in historic storefronts offering a bit of nostalgia to patrons. Located outside of the downtown shopping area are three additional shopping centers. Within this area, you will find businesses large and small, from department stores to restaurants and specialty shops. You will find medical facilities, banking services and numerous service centers such as hair and nail centers to convenience stores. The Town of Madison is a participant in the NC STEP program, which assists in economic development Continued to page 28
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Located in Historic Downtown Madison for 20 years
Museum
A Unique & Friendly Shopping Experience
www.madisonDdrygoods.com
104 West Murphy Street-Downtown Madison,NC 336.427.7099 or 336.402.9479 Mon-Thur 10am-6pm Fri-Sat 10am-8pm Closed Sundays
Tour Buses & Group Tours Welcome
Country Store 26 VISIT R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • R O CKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
Retail
ExploreEdenNC.com
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Abundant Community Abundant Community for small communities. This project is allowing us to improve our river access points, provide walking trails, provide additional educational opportunities for our youth, and renovate the historic Rosenwald School. Because of NC STEP, the Town was able to assist in providing county-wide transportation to our citizens through SKAT, a public transportation bus service that now provides several stops in Madison. Madison’s historic downtown is often full of activity with a number of annual events. From May through September,
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the first Friday evening of each month features our Downtown Cruise-In where antique car owners meet to display their collectible vehicles. Be sure to visit the first weekend of October when the streets are filled with vendors, music and entertainment as the Madison Heritage Festival takes place. During the hot summer months, Madison’s two river access points provide tubing, canoeing, or kayaking enthusiasts the perfect place to begin a lazy trip along the Dan River. The Dan River is a great spot to cool off on those hot summer days. In August,
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visitors come from all across the region and neighboring states to participate in the 2.5 mile Dan River Boat Race, which is sponsored by the Madison-Mayodan Recreation Department. Idol Park is available throughout the year for recreational uses, such as picnics, playground areas, basketball and walking trails. One of Madison’s greatest achievements is the quality of life presented to every individual that comes into our Town. Our Town is full of friendly people, always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. We hope you will visit Madison and enjoy our historic downtown
and friendly atmosphere. We know you will be captivated by the charm, beauty and uniqueness of our Town.
Mayodan
by Michael Brandt, Town Manager On behalf of the community, welcome to the Town of Mayodan. Nestled in the Mayo River valley 30 minutes north of Greensboro and Winston-Salem, Mayodan is an intact example of a traditional North Carolina mill town. Now over 115 years old, the community was established when Henry Fries built Washington Mills along the lower rapids of the Mayo River. While the mill itself is now a memory, the compact downtown and residential areas of mill houses remain as a reminder of this history. As with many mill towns, the 1990s were tough on the
community with the closing of major textile mills. But Mayodan has come back strong by investing in its natural advantages of water and sewer infrastructure and location along the future Interstate-73 corridor. Mayodan strives to diversify its manufacturing base by actively recruiting companies large and small. In addition to three active textile mills, you will find aircraft tire retreading at Bridgestone Aircraft Tire, production of an environmentally friendly cleaning product invented locally and sold internationally by Charlies’ Soap, and most recently, Sturm, Ruger & Company has begun manufacturing firearms right here in Mayodan. Downtowns are built on their independent small businesses and shop keepers, and Mayodan is no different in that over 20 independent
businesses make up our downtown business district. You will find everything from a second-hand bookstore supporting the local library, to hair salons, a gift shop, and an outdoor sporting store, plus four restaurants serving everything from traditional southern blue plate specials and BBQ to burgers and Italian specialties. A proud member of the North Carolina Main Street Program, Mayodan’s downtown is has seen façade improvements and beautification efforts such as new downtown street banners and hanging baskets, and new special events like the Downtown Christmas Stroll. Recently, the Downtown Merchants began a unique community-wide event in the fall called “Hayodan.” During “Hayodan,” local businesses, churches, non-profits, and Town staff decorate hay bales Continued to page 32
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NC YOU’RE IN A GOOD PLACE
A GOOD PLACE TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS FURTHER
Low cost operating environment and plentiful land availability 900,000+ available workforce in 50-mile radius Close proximity to Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte Excellent highway system, and nearby major airports and east coast ports Renowned North Carolina University and Community College system and institutions
myrockinghamcountync.com
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R O C K I NGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 31
Abundant Community
Abundant Community in funny and creative ways to celebrate the season. In the first year what started as 12 installations mushroomed into 25 sculptures depicting everything from wicked witches, giant spiders, and bats to fire extinguishers, sunflowers, and even an enormous bicycle. The community had great fun seeing the bales being transformed and wondering where they would appear next. This fun event also attracted many visitors and on-lookers to Mayodan. We like to say “our backyard is larger than yours” because just 10 minutes from downtown Mayodan is Farris Memorial Park, at 280 acres it is one of the largest parks in Rockingham County. Here you will find
Continued from page 29
baseball and soccer fields, a driving range, miniature golf course, walking trails, fishing ponds, paddle boats, and a new three-mile mountain bike trail! In the heart of town are Elliott Duncan Park and Jake Atkinson Ball Park, once the site of the original school and minor league professional baseball field respectively, these parks provide a gathering place for the community for events and activities. Mayodan is also home to the Mayo River State Park. This linear park stretches for many miles along the Mayo River from the Virginia border to the confluence with the Dan River. While the park is one of the newest in the state system, there are opportunities for river and pond fishing, rafting
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and kayaking the Mayo, and hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. So whether you are looking for a fun day trip, a business opportunity, or a beautiful, quaint, and affordable, place to call home come see what Mayodan can offer you.
Reidsville
by Judy Yarbrough Penn House/Market Square Manager, City of Reidsville “Live Simply. Think Big,” Those four words say a lot about the City of Reidsville. Incorporated in 1873 and named for future NC Governor David Settle Reid, Reidsville was built on a strong tobacco heritage. While tobacco is no longer our mainstay, it does still play a role in our community through
farming and manufacturing. The City recognizes our economy is changing, and small business/entrepreneurial growth is on the rise in America and in Reidsville. Our downtown has seen a large influx of new businesses opening, including awardwinning restaurants, specialty shopping, antiques and much more. New businesses are opening all the time and, in an effort to stay ahead of the curve, a Business Development Director was hired to increase business growth in Reidsville. The City has been designated as an All-America City from the National League for its humanitarian projects such as the Free Clinic of Rockingham County, the Reidsville Outreach Center, and the Reidsville Teen Center. All of these groups strive to serve our lower income community. Reidsville cares about its citizens, and this is certainly
true of our “seniors”. Ground was just broken on a brand new state-of-the-art Senior Center scheduled for completion by mid-2016. Market Square is a beautiful park and amphitheater located in the heart of downtown Reidsville. This venue not only houses the local Farmer’s Market, which is the largest market in Rockingham County, but also serves as an entertainment center for the local community and beyond. Since it was built, Market Square has become the hub for the center of our City. This venue entertains our local community and attracts many people from outside the area into our downtown. Events are held monthly April through October and can bring large crowds of up to 3,000 people. The Reidsville Downtown Corporation organizes the Reidsville Fall Jubilee Festival the third weekend in October.
This is the biggest festival in Rockingham County, and it features a variety of entertainment from Bluegrass, Beach, Country, Motown and Rock to take the stage at Market Square. This event brings in over 100 vendors and 300 classic cars from across the southeast. Recreation and quality of life are vital to our City. Lake Reidsville is one of our jewels. This 725-acre lake offers boating, skiing, camping and fantastic fishing, canoeing and bird watching. It also houses a championship disc golf course designed by Russell Schwartz of Innova Disc Golf and is home to several State tournaments throughout the year. The Lake Reidsville Hiking and Biking Trail is a loop that measures almost one mile, and it provides walking, running, hiking and biking opportunities to park visitors daily. Continued to page 36
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LIVE SIMPLY.
for information call:
336-349-1099
34 VISIT R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • R O CKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
THINK BIG.
or visit us at:
www.ci.reidsville.nc.us
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Abundant Community
Abundant Community Continued from page 33
Located just across Water Works Road, the trail is the beginning phase of the Reidsville Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts to increase trail opportunities in Reidsville and Rockingham County. The City is home to nine neighborhood parks including three ball fields. Greenway trails have been built throughout Reidsville offering our citizens a great place to exercise. Weddings are big business for Reidsville. The Penn House, a gorgeous historic home built by the Lucky Strike Cigarette inventor, Charles Penn, and owned by the City of Reidsville, is home to weddings and events every weekend and opens to the business community for functions. There are several other wedding venues in the City making it a wedding destination.
Stoneville
tobacco, and manufacturing. At one time, Stoneville had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in North Carolina. The town has seen the decline of the economic forces that have been so important to it and other mill towns, but Stoneville is now back on the rise. Hightech manufacturing of fibers and glass, as well as textiles, woodworking and a variety of other innovative businesses, fuel Stoneville’s 21st-century economy. Through all of these changes, Stoneville has maintained its small town spirit of hard work, friendliness, and optimism. It is a place we love to come home to, and we hope you will as well.
The Town of Stoneville is a small, tight-knit community of 1,056 people in Rockingham County off Highway 220 near the Virginia state line. Like most mill towns, it owes its rise and history to the railroad,
Our historic downtown has buildings dating back to the Reconstruction. In fact, downtown is the original onestop shopping experience. You can park and check out a book at the library, drop off a package at the post office, get some cash at the bank,
All of these amenities, along with our beautiful residential areas, quality housing, deeprooted values, small and large business opportunities, and caring citizens, show that Reidsville “Lives Simply and Thinks Big.”
by Ken Gamble, Town Manager
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browse a large selection of antiques, experience an old time barber shop, have your nails and hair attended to, chat with the pharmacist about your prescription, pick out hand cut meats for dinner and then enjoy a down-home country meal. For the health conscious, we have a growing network of sidewalks and trails that connect downtown to our beautiful neighborhoods and park. Speaking of parks and recreation, we have a wide variety of activities for youth and adults including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. We take pride in opening our programs to any child who wants to play regardless of their family’s financial situation. Our programs are closely tied to Stoneville Elementary School (K-5), and many utilize the school gymnasium. Our recreation motto is “Come Play Where You Live!”
Stoneville residents have great pride in their community and want to share it with others. Come and join us on the third Friday of the month 5p-8p from May – October for the Cruise In. If you have a classic car or a new classic polish it up and drive to downtown Stoneville to show it off and see the other amazing vehicles of Rockingham County. Also mark your calendar for the last Saturday in September for the Rotary Fall Festival where we pay a fond farewell to summer with music, contests, food, libation and new friends. Welcome home to Stoneville!
Wentworth
Our County Seat by Dennis Paschal, Mayor The Town of Wentworth was originally chartered in 1798. That charter lapsed soon after. But even in its unincorporated state, Wentworth maintained its community identity and continued to function as the County Seat for Rockingham County through the late 1990s.
of Rockingham County, Wentworth is comprised of large land areas in a mostly rural setting. Hunting is still legal within town limits. But the residential population of just under 2,800 is supplemented daily due to the presence of educational and governmental agencies. Wentworth is the only municipality in Rockingham County serving students ranging from kindergarten through second-year college. Rockingham Community College along with Wentworth Elementary, Rockingham County Middle School, Rockingham County High School, and the Early College High School all call Wentworth home. Additionally, UMAR, a transitional day activities, vocational, and arts program for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities is located in Wentworth. As one might expect of a county seat, the Rockingham County Courthouse, the Sheriff’s Office, the
County Jail, Emergency Management Offices, and the newly constructed 9-1-1 Communications Center occupy a stretch along Justice Center Drive. The Rockingham County Governmental Center is a close neighbor of the Employment Security Commission, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility, and the National Guard Armory. Attractions like the Museum and Archives of Rockingham County (MARC), the Arts Council of Rockingham County, and the BetsyJeff Penn 4-H Center are included in town. Hospice of Rockingham County to the east and the Department of Motor Vehicles License Office to the West, both on NC 65, are short distances from town limits. Wentworth exists to serve a variety of needs as it continues to maintain its historically rural flavor.
In 1996, the threat of forced annexation motivated a grassroots group of local residents to form and work toward establishing a new town charter. The passage of House Bill 653 July 24, 1997, and the subsequent referendum by the voters within newly established boundaries of the town resulted in the reactivation of Wentworth as a municipality on July 1, 1998. Located in the center R O C K I N GHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 37
Abundant Business & Industry
Gildan Activewear, Inc.
Rockingham County’s economy is very diverse and international. A dozen international companies operate in the county and the products made or distributed locally range from aircraft tires to aluminum cans to t-shirts and sweatshirts to firearms to wet wipes. With advantages such as available land and existing manufacturing facilities, plus a workforce that is hardworking, adaptable and loyal, Rockingham County has attracted and retained many great companies. But it’s not just about the large industries. Unique, homegrown businesses are the backbone of our local economy and are adding to Rockingham County’s prosperity. Here are a few of the companies who call Rockingham County home.
Gildan
Gildan Activewear, Inc. is a vertically-integrated marketer and manufacturer of quality branded basic apparel. The company is the leading supplier of active wear for the screenprint market in the U.S. and Canada. Gildan has been operating a wholesale distribution facility in Eden for more than ten years and is an important partner in the Rockingham County community. The distribution center, located on Meadow Road in Eden, is primarily dedicated
to servicing the screen print channel in the United States. The company has expanded four times since opening, and it now encompasses 1.2 million square feet with more than 300 employees. The products distributed from Gildan’s Rockingham County facility include T-shirts, sport shirts and fleece that are sold in large quantities to wholesale distributors as undecorated “blanks”, which are subsequently decorated by screen printers with designs and logos. Consumers ultimately purchase the company’s products, with the
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Gildan label, in venues such as sports, entertainment, and corporate events, and travel and tourism destinations.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy has been a pillar of the Rockingham County economy since 1949 when it began operating the former Dan River Steam Station in Eden. In late 2012, Duke Energy completed a significant investment in the local community with the construction of its new, $750 million Dan River Combined Cycle Power Station. The new Power Station began full
production in December 2012, and it produces more than twice the amount of power that the former coal-fired plant generated before it was retired earlier that year.
in the automotive industry; for turbine propellers that generate wind power; and precise die-cutting used in mobile phones and digital cameras.
The new gas-fired plant in Eden is highly efficient in producing 620-megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power nearly 500,000 homes. Having the new plant in full operation also provides lasting benefits to the regional economy with a more reliable grid and better support for businesses that may choose to locate in Rockingham County in the future.
KDH Defense Systems
Loparex
Founded in 2003, KDH began with a mission to provide law enforcement, federal agencies, and the United States Department of Defense with the highest quality American-made body armor available in today’s continually evolving protective apparel market. Thousands of U.S. military servicemen and women, federal, municipal and local enforcement personnel depend on KDH Defense Systems to provide them with the best in life-saving protection, comfort, mobility and functional performance.
Loparex is a leading, global manufacturer of poly-coated and siliconecoated papers and films used in a wide variety of adhesive applications. The company located in its 115,000 square-foot Fieldcrest Road facility in Eden in 1995 and currently employs 140 people. Since its opening in Rockingham County, Loparex has completed three manufacturing expansions. Often known as the slick paper that is thrown away on numerous adhesives, Loparex’s extensive product line has been designed to meet the varying needs of the medical, hygiene, graphic arts, label and tapes industries, and in other specialized industries and applications. The company’s products are critical components of many medical supplies and devices, including backings for heart monitor electrode pads and transdermal patches that deliver medicine through the skin. Loparex products and processes also are used
KDH Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of American-made custom solutions for body armor for military, law enforcement, and federal agencies. The company’s Eden facility includes armor cutting, sewing, and ballistic design, as well as product development, sales, and administration.
KDH located its production and headquarters in Rockingham County because of the available manufacturing space in a vacant building and access to skilled textile workers due to the region’s rich history in the textile industry. The state-of-the-art factory has helped KDH, win a number of significant military contracts and continue to be a leading supplier to the U.S. Army and U.S Navy.
Weil-McLain
Weil-McLain, the nation’s top manufacturer of cast iron boilers for residential, commercial and institutional use, located its assembly and logistics plant in Eden in 2004. The company has more than 150 employees. In addition to its assembly and logistics operations here, Weil-McLain’s Eden facility also serves as a showroom and training facility for contractors and distributors.
TigerTek Industrial Services
Headquartered in Stoneville, NC, TigerTek Industrial Services was established in 1983, and today is one of the largest industrial motor repair centers in the region. The company repairs electric motors, pumps, gearboxes and servo motors, which are critical to the continued operation of their customers, which include local manufacturing plants, municipalities (water and wastewater facilities), universities, food plants (dairies, bakeries), plastic and chemical plants, just to name a few. TigerTek also sports a large machine shop for fabricating precision parts. When TigerTek got its start, textile companies made up its core customers. TigerTek went against the odds and adapted when textiles moved overseas and automation began to dominate manufacturing. The company took a risk and invested in the knowledge to repair a new technology called “servo motors,” highly specialized motors used in automated manufacturing facilities. Continued to page 40
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Abundant Business & Industry
Abundant Industry
Continued from page 39
Today, TigerTek is one of the largest servo motor repair shops in the U.S. with about 40 employees.
Remington Arms Company, LLC
America’s oldest gun maker, Remington Arms Company, LLC, moved its corporate headquarters to Madison area in 1996. Remington designs, produces, and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products. In addition to its headquarters here, the company also operates a call center that located across the street from the NC Highway 135 corporate offices in Rockingham County. Remington currently has about 200 employees in Rockingham County. Remington operates three manufacturing plants and a technical center in different states across the country.
TigerTek Industrial Services
dedicated entirely to the production of clay pavers and is a totally automated, high-tech facility. Pine Hall Brick is the largest supplier of clay pavers in the United States and is headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC.
Piedmont Distillers
Piedmont Distillers has been making moonshine in Madison
for more than a decade now, and this small distillery that was the first legal distillery in North Carolina has come a long way. Piedmont’s first product was Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine, a spicy blend that harkens back to the moonshining days-of-old with its corn recipe, secret flavors, copper still and small batch process.
Pine Hall Brick
Pine Hall Brick has been a leading manufacturer of facebrick, pavers, and specially shaped brick since 1922. With three manufacturing plants in Madison and more than 150 employees, the company is an important component of the Rockingham County economy. In fact, Pine Hall Brick’s Madison Paver Plant is the only plant in the country 40 VIS I T R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
Piedmont Distillers
In 2007, the company partnered up with NASCAR and moonshine legend, Junior Johnson and created a new brand of products: Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon. The Johnson family recipe and fame helped demand for the products surge, forcing Piedmont to expand and relocate from its original location in the former train depot in downtown Madison to a larger facility. The Junior Johnson Midnight Moon family of spirits now includes the original recipe and 100 Proof plus eight, handcrafted, real fruit inclusions: Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Peach, Raspberry, and Strawberry.
Bridgestone Aircraft Tire USA
Bridgestone Aircraft Tire USA moved its retreading operations to Mayodan in 2007 from Miami, Florida. The company was attracted to Rockingham County because of the advantages it offered in having a readily available workforce, proximity to major customers and transportation corridors, and an available manufacturing building. The Mayodan facility is Bridgestone Aircraft Tire’s headquarters for its North America division, which is part of the global Bridgestone Corporation based in Japan. With a team of more than 100 full-time employees, the company retreads tires for commercial aircraft in the 160,000 square foot facility in Rockingham County. Bridgestone Aircraft serves the aviation industry with only the highest quality aircraft tires and retreading services. With
70 years of expertise in aircraft tire manufacturing, the Bridgestone brand represents quality in the aviation industry.
Kalo Foods
Kalo Foods, a gluten-free, commercial bakery that got its start in Rockingham County in 2011, continues to grow and expanded their product distribution. Kalo Foods, LLC is a service disabled veteran owned small business and operator of an exclusively glutenfree commercial wholesale bakery facility located in Stokesdale, Rockingham County, North Carolina. Born out of a need in their family, the Cusato brothers—Michael and Gerald—founded the company to produce better tasting food for people suffering from gluten intolerance. Kalo, which is a Greek word for “good,” is growing its reputation and distribution along the east coast. The company currently services
grocers from Greenville, South Carolina to Annapolis, Maryland. Kalo has over 20 employees and produces gluten-free bakery products and dry mixes. Their products are sold under the Kalo brand in grocery stores throughout the southeast and through the company’s website.
Sturm, Ruger & Company
One of Rockingham County’s largest economic projects in decades was the location of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.’s firearms manufacturing plant in Mayodan in 2013. Ruger is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market, and a major producer of precision steel investment castings. The company produces hundreds of thousands of firearms each year for hunting, target shooting, collecting, selfdefense, law enforcement, and government agencies. Continued to page 42
Kalo Foods
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Abundant Business & Industry
Abundant Industry
Continued from page 41
Ruger’s Mayodan plant is its third manufacturing plant in the United States. The company located in a former textile manufacturing plant and currently has over 100 employees. Ruger plans to eventually employ about 400 people in the Mayodan plant. The company selected Mayodan and Rockingham County following a competitive site selection process between North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Florida. Ruger ultimately chose Rockingham County because of the available workforce here.
Blow-Molded Solutions
Blow-Molded Solutions is a homegrown plastics company that is located in Mayodan. The company opened in 2010 and a variety of plastic molded products such as nursery containers, automotive components, construction materials, and consumer products. BlowMolded Solutions serves the
Blow-Molded Solutions
recreation, agricultural, large truck, construction equipment, and consumer markets.
Charlie’s Soap
Originally created to clean textile machines in the mills, Charlie’s Soap is a homegrown, family company in Mayodan that manufactures a line of cleaning products. Founded by Charlie Sutherland, Jr., the company has been in business for over 30 years and is another success story of reinvention.
When the textile mills moved overseas, the second generation of Sutherlands— Charlie’s sons Taylor, James and Morgan—restructured and grew the business beyond industrial cleaning. Using the same basic formula, which is all natural, environmentally safe and hypoallergenic, Charlie’s Soap now includes a full line of cleaning products from laundry detergent, allpurpose cleaners, indoor/ outdoor cleaner, and more. The company sells products online as well as through over 500 retailers. Still a family-run business with about a dozen employees, Charlie’s Soap’s growth can be attributed to a quality product that works well and is safe for the environment and sensitive skin.
Southern Finishing
Furniture industry supplier, Southern Finishing, has been operating in Rockingham County for more than 30 years. The company manufactures furniture and cabinet components, such as prefinished moldings, accessories, panels, doors, kitchen and bath cabinet components, and bed rails. It Sturm, Ruger & Company
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partners with manufacturers such as American Woodmark, Marsh Furniture, Armstrong Cabinets, Quality Cabinets and Thomasville Furniture. Southern Finishing has its headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Stoneville in addition to over 325 total employees in seven locations.
Albaad USA
Albaad USA is an Israeli wetwipes manufacturer that located its first U.S. production facility in Reidsville’s Industrial Park in 2004. The company, which was the first tenant in the industrial park, makes wet-wipes for a variety of uses, including personal, home and automotive care. Albaad employs about 200 people in Rockingham County and since its opening, the Reidsville plant has experienced continual growth, having expanded more than once. As a world leader in non-woven textiles, Albaad makes private-label and branded products that are sold in more than 35 countries. The Reidsville plant is a full-production facility consisting of manufacturing, converting, packaging and distribution. The company was attracted to Rockingham County and North Carolina because of our talented and skilled labor force, location along the east coast transportation corridor, and accessibility to ports and the new FedEx hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport.
plant in Reidsville. Amcor is a global company that is headquartered in Australia and operates over 300 facilities throughout the world. Amcor’s Reidsville Plant is one of 20 tobacco packing plants in the world. The Amcor Tobacco Packaging in Reidsville is a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant located at 124 North Technology Drive in the Reidsville Industrial Park. The Reidsville facility opened in 2006, bringing another international company to Rockingham County, and it currently has more than 130 full-time employees.
Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation is a world leader in metal beverage, food, household products and
aerospace containers. The company operates a 320,000 square-foot metal beverage packaging plant in Reidsville, which primarily manufactures 12 and 16-ounce beer cans for MillerCoors in Eden. The “can plant” as it is known locally, opened in 1978 to supply Miller with its aluminum beer cans. Ball acquired the facility in 1998 from Reynolds Metals Company, and it has a total of 190 employees in Rockingham County. Located at 1900 Barnes Street in Reidsville, the company has been an important piece of the local economy and community for more than three decades.
Commonwealth Brands Commonwealth Brands, now a division of Imperial
Continued to page 44
Amcor
Amcor, a worldwide leader in tobacco packaging, operates a tobacco packaging Albaad USA
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LLC is a leading contract prefinisher of hardwood flooring and panels for the cabinet and furniture industry. The company has been in Rockingham County since 2002 and currently more than 50 full-time employees. Premiere Finishing expanded its warehousing and distribution operations in Reidsville in 2013. The company moved into an additional 60,000 square feet of space near its main plant and offices, which are located at 642 Grooms Road in Reidsville Ball Corporation
Abundant Industry
Continued from page 43
Tobacco Group, began manufacturing cigarettes in Reidsville in 1996 when it acquired the local American Tobacco Company plant, which had been a mainstay of the local economy since the early 1900s. The company is the fourth-largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States. Commonwealth has more than 250 employees in its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Reidsville.
DyStar
DyStar is a batch chemical company in Reidsville that provides products to the textile and leather industries. The Reidsville plant makes chemicals that make dyes work on textile and leather products. The company has been in Reidsville since 1981 and was originally Boehme Filatex. Dystar has more than 50 employees in Rockingham County.
Henniges Automotive
Henniges Automotive is a world-class sealing system solutions provider to the global automotive market with a manufacturing facility in Reidsville. Headquartered in Michigan, Henniges’ Reidsville plant opened in 1994 as Metzeler Automotive. The company currently employs about 220 people in Rockingham County and produces rubber automotive door and window seals at the local plant for automobile brands such as Ford, Chrysler, and BMW. The Reidsville plant is one of 11 Henniges plants throughout the world. The company has a total of more than 4,500 associates located across three continents.
Premiere Finishing & Coating
Premiere Finishing & Coating,
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Textiles Alive & Well
The textile industry was the backbone for much of Rockingham County for several decades. While most of the large, “powerhouse” plants have become just a part of our history, textiles are still a vital segment of our local economy. In fact, Rockingham County has experienced quite a bit of expansion by textile companies in recent years, and we are proud that this industry remains one of our top employers, accounting for approximately 2,000 jobs.
Global Textile Alliance
Global Textile Alliance is one of those local textile companies that thrives in Rockingham County. Headquartered in Reidsville, Global Textile Alliance manufactures bedding and upholstery fabrics that are sold to several major U.S. furniture brands. The Reidsville plant is home to the company’s corporate headquarters,
distribution, design, sales and marketing, finance and quality control divisions. There are currently more than 140 people working at the facility. Global Textile Alliance recently announced an expansion that includes a $7.4 million investment and 55 new jobs in Reidsville.
Frontier Spinning Mills
Rockingham County is proud to say that one of the world’s largest yarn spinners, Frontier Spinning Mills, operates two manufacturing plants in Mayodan. The company produces 100% cotton and cotton blend spun yarns for the knitting and weaving industries. Frontier began operating in Rockingham County in 1992 and continues to flourish here, employing about 500 people total between its two local plants.
McMichael Mills
McMichael Mills is another textile company still finding success in Rockingham County. The company was established in 1993, and it has
manufacturing, distribution and headquarters operations in Mayodan. McMichael Mills, which employs nearly 200 people, produces high-quality covered elastic yarns for uses in a variety of products such as the hosiery, narrow fabrics and medical markets.
Unifi
Unifi, a world leading producer and processor of multifilament polyester and nylon textured yarns, remains one of Rockingham County’s largest employers. The company has had operations here for more than 40 years. It has nearly 800 total employees in Rockingham County between its nylon plant in Madison and its package dye operation in Reidsville. In 2015, Unifi announced that it would be increasing its polyester texturing capacity up to 10 percent to support growing demand for synthetics. New equipment has been added to the Madison plant to support this demand, which supports the growth of premier product lines for customers
like Ford, The North Face and more.
SANS Technical Fibers
Another successful textile company here is SANS Technical Fibers LLC (STF), a manufacturer of specialty yarns for high specification end-uses. It is a global business and holds leading positions in several targeted niche markets. The company has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Stoneville with over 100 employees where it produces a broad range of specialty nylon and air-jet textured yarns. STF recently completed a $10 million expansion of its nylon manufacturing capabilities in Stoneville, which enables the company to increase its position in the automotive, military and apparel markets in both industrial and textile applications. Sans Technical Fibers, LLC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AECI LIMITED, a Johannesburg stock exchange listed chemical company. (AFE – JSE). Continued to page 46
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Abundant Business & Industry
Abundant Industry
Innofa USA
At its plant in Eden, textile company, Innofa USA manufactures circular knitted products for the mattress and furniture ticking, medical supply and auto seat industries. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company opened its first U.S. plant in Rockingham County in 2003 and currently employs around 40 people.
SGRTEX USA
India-based textile company, SGRTEX USA announced its first U.S. location in Eden in 2014. SGRTEX opened a
Continued from page 45
state-of-the-art open end yarn spinning plant in a former Hanesbrands building, and the company plans to create over 80 new jobs by the end of 2017. SGRTEX USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shri Govindaraja Textiles. Shri Govindaraja Textiles is one of the leading yarn manufacturers in India, based in Aruppukottai, Tamilnadu. It is a part of the Jayavilas group, which is the largest spinner in India with a capacity of 1 million spindles and growing, with a workforce of 30,000 and interests in transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and food processing.
Karastan
Karastan’s story as an innovator dates back to the 1920s when its “wonder rug” first amazed visitors at two World’s Fairs. What was so impressive about the Karastan rug manufactured in Eden then, as it still is today, was that it brought the first high quality, machine-made Oriental rug to consumers at reasonable prices. The Karastan mill that sparked the brand’s history and great reputation opened in Eden in 1928. Today, Karastan remains a vital industry to Eden and Rockingham County with around 200 full-time employees. Now a division of Mohawk Industries, Karastan has continued as an innovator, implementing new technology to refine its manufacturing process but the result remains the same: elegant, machine-made rugs that rival their handmade counterparts. In 2015, Mohawk announced it would expand the Karastan plant in Eden, creating more than 100 new jobs and investing $8 million in improvements in the plant. This expansion represents a revitalization of one of Eden’s and Rockingham County’s historic companies.
Karastan
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Not only does Rockingham County still have an abundance of textile operations as mentioned above, but companies like Gildan, with its major textile distribution center in Eden, and small businesses such as Tree Enterprises, are all part of our local, thriving textile industry.
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the Virginia state line. We share a common workforce, demographics and history with our northern neighbors. The Commonwealth of Virginia has deemed “south side,” which includes Henry, Pittsylvania, Patrick and Halifax Counties, as those most in need of attention to help reverse significant job losses. The Virginia Tobacco Commission has demonstrated a willingness to invest in this park along with other area foundations. Studies show that Rockingham, Stokes, and Caswell County residents will all benefit from jobs coming to this industrial park. It just makes sense to take a regional approach to economic development.
Abundant Cooperation
Eden Joins Forces with Its Virginia Neighbors by Michael Dougherty, Director of Economic Development, City of Eden Today’s economic development climate is fiercely competitive. There are more than 37,000 places companies can locate within the United States alone. Once a textile powerhouse, U.S. trade laws and corporations seeking lower labor costs eroded Eden’s industrial base over the last twenty years. On the positive side, Eden industry is now more diverse and vibrant. Gildan Activewear has expanded four times in as many years, And an Indian company is completing work on its yarn-spinning operation. Investment from India could be the first of many such foreign investments in the city.
In 2008, Eden was invited to partner with its northern neighbors in the Berry Hill Regional Mega Park, a 3,500acre industrial park located along Berry Hill Road between Eden and Danville, VA. A collaborative effort between the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, VA, this park is designed to attract a game-changing industry. Estimates are the park could employ between 7,000 and 12, 000 people at full build-out. The City of Eden was asked to provide water and sewer utilities to the park. Eden has already extended a sewer line to the Virginia state line, the first step in this collaborative process. Why partner with Virginia? Eden is approximately six miles from
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Beyond industry, efforts are being made to determine if a regional tourism marketing plan would benefit both Virginia and North Carolina. The Smith and Dan Rivers traverse both states. River enthusiasts can enjoy abundant boating and fishing opportunities. A recent visitor from the Greensboro, NC area commented this way after canoeing the Dan River: “This is the best-kept secret in the Triad.” More people will soon learn about the beautiful natural resources available in both states. Economic and tourism development involves more than one community. There is strength in numbers and in this case power in collaboration. The efforts being made by interstate partners will enable the Northern Piedmont Region, which includes the border counties in both states, to thrive in the future.
Residential. Commerical. Land.
THE HIGGS TEAM Boyd and Vonda 116-A W. Meadow Road - Eden, NC 28288
336.552.5841 or 336.932.9878 www.ncnorthstarrealty.com
Office: 336.627.1050 Home: 336.623.6235 Fax: 336.627.1055 boydhiggs@gmail.com vondahiggs1@gmail.com
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Abundant Business & Industry
Small Business Spotlight:
King’s Chandelier Company One of the world’s most wellrespected makers of exquisite chandeliers was born in Rockingham County. As their motto says, King’s Chandelier Company in Eden has been making the world sparkly since 1935. The company began as a family business more than
80 years ago in an outhouse in the small town of Leaksville, which was one of the three mill towns that merged to form Eden. The prominent King family operated an antique store in town. DF King, Sr. loved
to tinker with gasoliers and to convert them for use with electricity. He decided to start designing original chandeliers and thus King’s Chandelier Company was born. King’s Chandelier operates a factory and a 4,000 squarefoot showroom in Eden where it makes, repairs and restores chandeliers and other fixtures. The company operated for many years as a small, mailorder company. Today it is a unique destination shopping venue and one of a kind on-line store. All design and assembly work is done on site, so the final product is truly a handcrafted, Americanmade, custom chandelier. King’s does business all over the world and takes pride in working one-onone with its customers. The company specializes in helping customers select the perfect crystal chandelier, and many of their pieces are heirloom quality. In fact, many of King’s customers are second and third generations and the company provides
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replacement and component pieces years after the initial purchase. The company’s products can be found in private homes all over the world, museums, historic attractions, and upscale resorts like The Homestead. King’s Chandeliers have been featured in numerous magazines, photography sets, and even on the big screen in movies such as The Patriot. Not only does King’s Chandelier design and create brilliant chandeliers and fixtures, but the company also provides expert advice from selecting the right fixture, to style suggestions, installation, and maintenance. Family is still at the heart of the business with every employee taking great pride in the company. Their goal is to provide customers with the best possible experience and stunning fixtures so that future generations will come back. King’s products include Swarovski crystal chandeliers, traditional crystal chandeliers, Victorian chandelier reproductions, wall sconces, chandelier and lamp parts, and restoration and repair services. Typical production of a King’s Chandelier takes two to four weeks from start to finish. The company also offers other lighting options for the home markets such as lamps and other home décor products in its showroom. King’s Chandelier Company 729 South Van Buren Road Eden, NC 27288 Showroom Hours: MondaySaturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.chandelier.com R O C K I N GHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 51
Abundant Business & Industry
Rockingham County’s newest outdoor retailer and paddlesports outfitter is Mayodan Outdoor Sports Inc. Located in Mayodan’s downtown, Mayodan Outdoor Sports is a full-service sporting goods shop providing gear and supplies for fishing, hunting, and paddle sports.
Small Business Spotlight:
Mayodan Outdoor Sports
Owner Scott Dalton and his wife Tiffanie are Rockingham County natives and opened the store in 2014. “I grew up on the rivers in Eden and had a fishing rod in my hands since the time I could walk, said Dalton. “I love anything and everything outdoors and I wanted to share this passion with other people.” The couple says they wanted to open an outdoor store to give the people of Rockingham County somewhere local to shop for supplies. As an avid fisherman and all-around outdoorsman, Scott also felt he could share his vast knowledge about Rockingham County’s rivers, fishing spots and paddling to residents and visitors. Mayodan Outdoor Sports sells a variety of supplies for fishing and hunting--from rods and reels, fishing line,
hooks, floats and all kinds of accessories. They also carry live bait, and Dalton builds custom fishing rods. The store is a federal firearm licensed business offering a full line of ammunition, special order firearms, and dealer transfers. Mayodan Outdoor Sports is a North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission License Agent so they can sell hunting and fishing licenses and conduct vessel registrations. The store is also an outfitter providing kayak, canoe, inner
tube and stand up paddle board rentals. “Rockingham County’s rivers offer different styles to people at different levels. We are trying to get people outdoors to enjoy them, to unplug and have fun,” added Dalton. Mayodan Outdoor Sports also carries a variety of outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories. The store sells well-known outdoor brands such as Yeti, Calcutta, ENO, Salt Life, and Sanuk to name a few. They also carry several lines of North Carolina and southern themed tee shirts. In addition to the items sold in the store, Dalton also provides regular fishing reports and condition updates on the shop’s website. Mayodan Outdoor Sports 400 West Main St. Mayodan, NC 27027 Hours: M-TH 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. F-SAT 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. SUN 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.mayodanoutdoorsports.com
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For
Get time traveling in Rockingham County here: VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com • 800.316.ROCK
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Abundant Business & Industry
wireless service and live music. Located in one of Madison’s renovated historic storefronts, the Mad Bean provides a rustic, artistic atmosphere for patrons. It features exposed beams and bricks, local art displays, and plenty of room to dine at tables or lounge on sofas. “I wanted to provide a place for people to come and hang out. We strive to have an atmosphere that radiates with local art, live music, and an eclectic style,” said Joyce. In addition to the delicious coffee, the Mad Bean hosts regular open mic nights and live music as well as North Carolina wine tastings. Check the Mad Bean’s Facebook page for more information about events. facebook.com/ TheMadisonBean
Small Business Spotlight:
The Mad Bean
Madison native Daniel Joyce took a step closer to fulfilling a life-long vision in 2015 when he opened The Mad Bean coffee shop in the downtown area. Joyce grew up in Madison and has always wanted to do something to help revive the historic downtown. The Mad Bean is just another great addition to the attractions in downtown Madison that attract people, especially young adults. It’s the genuine version of the types of shops national companies attempt to replicate in larger cities. In Madison, you get the real deal.
array of coffee blends and crafted drinks, baked goods, wine tastings, smoothies,
Located at the corner of Market and Murphy Streets, the Mad Bean is a full-service coffee shop, featuring a full 54 VIS I T R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
The Mad Bean 100 S. Market Street Madison, NC 27025 Open: Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
T
ake on our NEW 3-mile bike trail! It’s the latest addition at Farris Memorial Park, 270 acres for family adventure that also includes all this fun stuff: • Driving Range • Miniature Golf • Hiking • Fishing • Paddle Boats • Tennis • Basketball
• Horseshoes • Soccer • Softball • Picnics • Concessions • Wedding chapel
2878 Park Road, Mayodan, NC 336.548.2789 • TownOfMayodan.com/Fun R O C K I NGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 55
Abundant Business & Industry
Small Business Spotlight:
Tree Enterprises
Tree Enterprises is a small, family-owned textile business in Rockingham County that began producing custom crib sheets for daycare centers more than 30 years ago. Jim Jefferson, who started the company to provide sheets for a friend’s child care center, made and sold the sheets out of the basement of his Stoneville home. “Those sheets were cut out by hand on our kitchen table from Fieldcrest sheeting that we bought from the “thirds and worse” box at the factory outlet. The colors were the worst of the worst, but the quality was the best of the best,” said Tish Terry, Jim’s daughter, and current owner of Tree Enterprises. It was that high-quality sheeting that grew Tree Enterprises’ reputation and success, allowing the company to be run by the next generation now. Jim’s daughter Tish Terry took over the family business about ten years ago and is growing the company, doubling the sales over time.
When Fieldcrest closed, Tish began importing sheeting fabric from China that is pre-sewn for the final step of adding locally-made elastic. The decision allowed her to expand the company’s product line and now offer a range of colors, including three exclusive custom prints that her daughter, Alexa Terry, designed. “The great news is that we no longer get the “thirds” in colors and now have 10, in-stock solid colors, plus the custom prints,” added Tish. Tree Enterprises now offers a diverse variety of specialty products to complement the sheeting line. The company manufactures nearly 200 variations of 14 different products, which includes sheets, burp cloths, blankets, pillows, play mats and more. Tish has also grown the business by expanding into more child care centers over a broader geographic base. She also developed a significant business by supplying US Military child care centers. She continues to expand Tree Enterprises into new markets and most recently earned several national Head Start accounts as well as new business from
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franchise daycare centers. All this growth resulted in a new facility for Tree Enterprises about two years ago when Tish built a new facility in Reidsville. The company has also added three part-time positions. Though the company’s competition tends to be large commodity suppliers, Tish has been able to differentiate the products based on high quality— higher end materials designed to last longer and be easier to clean and reuse. Customer service and customer relations are also essential to the company’s growth and the perfect complement to its premium product line. “High-quality sheeting is what our customers have grown to expect from us and we will not deviate from that expectation from our manufacturers now. Ours is a true family business, and when you call you will likely talk to me, my mom or my daughter Alexa,” said Tish. To find out more about Tree Enterprises and its products, visit www.treeenterprises.com.
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Abundant Transportation
all non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid recipients in and out of Rockingham County through contracts with three other service providers. This partnership allows for trips outside of the County. With all of the paperwork and verifications handled inhouse, this makes scheduling appointments easier by not having to call several telephone numbers.
Public Transportation
“The public transportation system is strong in Rockingham County,” says Senior Director of Transport Service, Meggan Odell. The County’s public access transportation system is comprised of RCATS Transportation and the skat Bus. The Aging, Disability, and Transportation Services of Rockingham County operates the system which offers reliable and safe travel to contracted agencies as well as the general public. “It’s great to see residents from all over the county access services that they otherwise would not be able to,” Odell continues. RCATS has a fleet of 24 vehicles offering travel to the major health and human services in the County for citizens within the confines of the County. Odell says, “Public transportation
is essential in connecting communities by providing service to those residents who need access to health care or other life-sustaining resources.” Wheelchair accessible van lift service is available along with standard conversion van service for ambulatory passengers. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6 am to 6 pm. Services are available only to dialysis passengers on Saturday. In order to ensure that all passengers are returned home in the evenings before the vans stop operations, 3 pm is the cut-off time to schedule appointments. The administration staff at Aging, Disability, and Transportation Services can schedule and coordinate
Rockingham County’s fixedroute transportation system that serves residents and visitors is called skat. This service is comprised of 25-foot buses running a circular loop around towns and stopping at designated locations every hour on the hour. Service is provided six days a week (Monday through Saturday) from 7 am to 8 pm. skat serves many common destinations, offering access to work, school, shopping, and more. Travel only costs 1 dollar every time you board the vehicle. Complete skat schedules are available online at rideskat.org. For more information on the Rockingham County Public Transportation system call 336.349.2343 or online, for RCATS visit http://www.adtsrc. org/rcats.html and for skat visit www.rideskat.org.
Shiloh Airport
Rockingham County Shiloh Airport is a county-owned airport that is operated and maintained by an airport manager and overseen by a seven-member Airport Authority appointed by the County Commissioners of Rockingham County. From its beginnings in the early 70s as a small airstrip consisting of a runway, a trailer and limited ramp space, it has grown to include 18 buildings, nearly a mile of one 100-foot-wide runway with a full length parallel taxiway. “We have done a lot 58 VIS I T R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
of capital improvements that have resulted in a $10 million value to the county. This is a very significant investment with a tremendous economic impact,” says Neil Fair, Chairman of the Rockingham County Airport Authority. The Airport covers an area of 220 acres (89 ha) at an elevation of 694 feet (212 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 13/31 with an asphalt surface measuring 5,199 by 100 feet (1,585 x 30 m). Shiloh Airport is home to 60 plus aircraft including two corporate jets. “We offer inexpensive fuel which brings business to the region which contributes to the tax base,” Fair continues. “Shiloh Airport is an excellent economic tool for the county.” The airport contributes to the future economic development of the county by attracting industry and business into the area by giving them easy access for shipping and receiving as well as corporate visits. Each year the Airport hosts an open house event on the second weekends of April that provides a fun filled day for all of the community. This ever-growing event includes entertainment and activities for the whole family. To learn more about Shiloh Airport, visit www.shilohairport.com or call 336.573.3115.
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“get dirty with Dan River Basin Association” and help build the trails, contact Jenny Edwards at jedwards@danriver.org or (336) 339-6169. Mayodan Mountain Bike Trail (Farris Memorial Park) 2878 Park Rd., Mayodan, NC Lake Reidsville Bike Trail 630 Water Works Road Reidsville, NC
Tennis
Rockingham County Tennis Association (RC Tennis) focuses on introducing the game of tennis to youth ages 6-18 and creating a pathway for them to enjoy the game as they grow. The Association focuses most of its effort on getting the children and families of Rockingham County out on the courts…or in the gym…or in their driveways and parking lots with rackets in hand…playing tennis. Since May 2014, RC Tennis has participated in over 100 free youth and family events by sharing youth tennis rackets, ball, and mini-nets to highlight the fun of playing tennis.
Bike Trails
Rockingham County has two public mountain bike trails and more on the way. The longest trail to date is the Mayodan Mountain Bike Trail located in Farris Memorial Park in Mayodan. Thanks so support from Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Reidsville Area Foundation, REI, Blue Ridge Trail Works, Town of Mayodan, Dan River Basin Association, and Duke Energy volunteers, this approximately 3.5 mile trail is suitable for novice and intermediate mountain bikers of all ages. It is the home trail of the McMichael High School Mountain Bike Club led by Coach Sedlock.
Using the best management practices for sustainability and just plain fun-to-ride trail, the Mayodan Mountain Bike Trail features plenty of banks and rock beds. It runs near a section of Big Beaver Island Creek, a beautiful tributary to the Dan River. Lake Reidsville currently has a 1-mile hiking and biking trail, and thanks to funding from REI and other support from the City of Reidsville and the Dan River Basin Association, that trail will soon be extended. The City and Dan River Basin Association are working with Blue Ridge Trail Works on that project. For more information on either of these trail or opportunities to
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The mission of promoting and developing tennis in Rockingham County requires help from the community. Executive Director, Shelby Rhyne says, “We’ve trained 20 volunteer coaches to engage our young players. These volunteers vary in age and skill level. One of our coaches is Bitrus Istafanus, a Professional Tennis Registry-certified instructor based at the Eden Family YMCA.” In June 2015, RC Tennis hosted Butch Staples, a national youth tennis trainer, for a USTA Youth Tennis Workshop at the Western Rockingham YMCA. “Attendees at this workshop included RC Tennis Board Members and volunteer coaches, summer high school interns, professional tennis coaches, and interested parents, grandparents, and
youth program providers,” Rhyne continues. Seven Rockingham County organizations have invested in youth tennis equipment. You’ll find kids on the courts, gym, or parking lots playing at the Eden Family YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Eden, Bridge Street Recreation Center, Reidsville Family YMCA, Parkview Village, RCS Kids Companion Camp, and Madison Mayodan Recreation Center. Throughout the school year, Rockingham County Schools (RCS) and Rockingham County Youth Services host Kids Tennis Clubs at after school fitness clubs and Reidsville Family YMCA after school care, and at the Students of Success program. Beginning in the 201516 school year, RCS elementary schools will have youth tennis equipment at four elementary schools and all RCS physical education teachers will receive on-site schools tennis training provided by USTA NC. RC Tennis hosts weekly Kids Tennis Club clinics at five Rockingham County summer day camps. Eaglemania at Rockingham Community College offers two weeks of youth tennis camp. There are Family Play Days at Carlyle Lewis Tennis Courts in Madison throughout the summer where instruction, equipment, and fun are provided for youth ages
Did You Know...
... there are 43 tennis courts in Rockingham County? Or that two of them are indoors at the Western Rockingham YMCA in Mayodan? 6-18 and their families. RC Tennis also addresses the competitive edge of the sport. Rhyne says, “We offer opportunities for our young players to learn about competitive play by joining a USTA Junior Team Tennis program offered each spring and fall ,and to play in one-
day sanctioned USTA junior tournament events designed to give new players their first competitive experience on the court. Xerox Corporation, Reidsville Area Foundation, USTA NC, NC Tennis Foundation, and the Southern Tennis Patrons Foundation have provided funds to support the tennis programs. Rhyne adds, “Join us soon to have fun, get fit, make new friends, and play more tennis. We’ve got ‘game’ in Rockingham County.” For more information about tennis for all ages in Rockingham County, visit www.rockingham.usta.com and follow RC Tennis www.facebook.com/RCYouthtennis. Continued to page 62
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Abundant Recreation Abundant Recreation Walking Trails
Become one with nature when you explore the many trails and greenways located in Rockingham County. There’s something for every type of nature enthusiast. The Smith River Greenway in Eden meanders along the river to add a little extra tranquility to your walk. Downtown Reidsville offers walkers three different routes varying in length from a half a mile to a mile-and-ahalf. The routes are designed to showcase many of the popular downtown points of interests. The Knight Brown Preserve located near Belews Lake is a scenic backdrop of nearly three miles of walking trails that are home to an abundance of wildlife and plants, including the rare Eastern Leatherwood shrub. And if you need a break, there
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are handmade benches where you can just rest and take in the beauty. For bird lovers, there is the Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail, located on the Upper Piedmont Research Station near the historic Chinqua-Penn Plantation. Featured in NC Birding Trail Guidebook, this trail is a favorite spot for migrating songbirds such as the Eastern Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting, and Eastern Bluebird. Along the trail, there are also many points of interests including a stone quarry, and small waterfall, and Turkey’s Pond. No matter your mission, whether it be for exercise and health, bird watching, or just simple relaxation the rails and greenways of Rockingham County have you covered.
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Rockingham County Trails and Greenways
Bridge Street Recreation: 2 tracks (1/6 mile., 1/4 mile) 319 N. Bridge Street Eden, NC 27288 336.623.5559 Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail: 1.7 mile trail 2138 Wentworth Street Reidsville, NC 27320 336.349.8347 Draper Recreation Center: 1/4 mile track 1720 Mill Avenue, Eden, NC 27288 336.635.1910 Farris Memorial Park: 1 mile trail 2919 Park Road Mayodan, NC 27027 336.427.2700
Freedom Park: 1/4 mile track, 1 mile track 121 N. Edgewood Road Eden, NC 27288 336.623.4531
Rockingham Community College: 1/4 mile track, Walking Nature Trail NC Hwy 65, Wentworth, NC 27375 336.342.4261
Stoneville Memorial Park: 1/4 mile track 100 Priddy Drive toneville, NC 27048 336.548.9393
HK Griggs Park: 1/4 mile track 400 Marcellus Place Reidsville, NC 27320 336.349.1090
Rockingham County Animal Shelter Trail: 1/3 mile 250 Cherokee Camp Road Reidsville, NC 27320
Smith River Greenway (Island Ford Landing): 1.7 mile trail loop Meadow Road; Eden, NC 27288 336.323.2110
Haw River State Park: 6 miles - multiple trails 339 Conference Center Drive Brown Summit, NC 27214 336.342.6163
Rockingham County Veterans Park: 1/2 mile trail NC Hwy 65, Wentworth, NC 27375
YMCA - Eden: 1/2 mile track 301 S. Kennedy Avenue Eden, NC 27288 336.323.8496
Idle Park: 1/2 mile paved trail Westview Drive Madison, NC 27025 336.427.0241
School Loop Trail: 1/5 mile track Carmel Street Madison, NC 27025 336.548.9572
YMCA - Reidsville: Walking track 504 S. Main Street Reidsville, NC 27320 336.342.3307
Jaycee Park Trail (Reidsville Greenway): 1.3 mile trail connecting Jaycee Park with the Jaycee Ball Park fields. 125 Jaycee Park Reidsville, NC 27320 336.349.1090 Knight Brown Nature Preserve: 189-acre preserve featuring trails, streams, picnic areas and more. Waterfield Lane, Stokesdale, NC 336.691.0088 Lake Reidsville Recreational Park: 3 miles 630 Waterworks Road Reidsville, NC 27320 Madison/Mayodan Recreation Department: 1/4 mile paved trail 300 S. Second Avenue Mayodan, NC 27027 336.548.9572 Mayo River State Park: Long Trail 1.8 mile loop, Short trail 1/2 mile loop 500 Old Mayo Park Road Mayodan NC 27027 336.427.2530 Morgan Road Community Park: 4 tracks (1/4 mile—1/2 mile) Orchard Drive, Eden, NC 27288 336.623.1226
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Abundant Water Fun Rockingham County is blessed with a beautiful rolling landscape and an abundance of water. Four rivers—the Dan, Haw, Mayo and Smith—provide more than 60 miles of flowing waters. Two large lakes— portions of Belews Lake and Lake Reidsville—provide access to more than 4,500 acres of water fun. Two riverside state parks offer tremendous outdoor recreation. This abundance of water makes Rockingham County an ideal place for outdoor fun as well as for powering industries.
River Country River recreation has become the premier attraction of this rural community’s tourism industry. The four rivers in Rockingham County offer an alternative to whitewater with recreational paddling for all skill levels. Here, you can have a leisurely canoe or tube trip on easy-flowing water. But if thrills are what you are seeking, you can take an excursion across Class II and III rapids set amidst some of the most beautiful landscape in the Piedmont Triad region. Plus, you can spend some time playing in our two riverside state parks, Haw River State Park and Mayo River State Park. There are several local outfitters
in Rockingham County that can assist with planning your trip—from gear rentals, shuttle service, guided trips, and even overnight camping trips. More experienced paddlers also have the option of bringing their own gear and creating their own trips. With a number of public access points, you can plan your experience for just a few hours or several days.
The Dan River
Known by local paddlers as the “lazy river,” the Dan’s calm waters are well-suited for paddlers of all skill levels— from novice to experienced. Because of its leisurely pace, the Dan is considered one of
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the best places to learn to paddle in North Carolina with water in the Class I category. Here you can float along, spending the day in nature where almost nothing modern is encountered. Many favor The Dan for its relaxing pace, beautiful scenery, wildlife and historical significance. The Dan flows 38-miles through Rockingham County along wide floodplains, high banks and tree-covered corridors. It is virtually free-flowing with few modern improvements, and its waters are plentiful enough that even in times of drought, visitors can still canoe, kayak or take tube trips.
During the 19th century, the Dan played an integral role in the development of Rockingham County as bateau crews and small steam launches used its waters for commercial river transportation. The Dan’s bateau systems are some of the only that remain in the country and were the first to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A bateau is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed wooden boat propelled by crewmen using poles. These boats were considered the “18-wheelers” of their era and disappeared from the rivers more than 100 years ago with the development of the railroad. But the reliable waters of the Dan are still a major attraction for industries in the area.
The Mayo River
The 16-mile section of the Mayo River in Rockingham County flows through a scenic gorge featuring rock bluffs and two natural waterfalls. The river can be divided into two sections and truly offers something for everyone—from beginners to thrill seekers with Class I, II and III rapids The first part of the Mayo, the northernmost section, features thrilling Class II and III rapids and is only recommended for very experienced paddlers. Here, the river flows around rock outcroppings, which create several rapids including the infamous “Boiling Hole” Class III rapid. Avid paddlers say this section offers the best whitewater in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The lower section features deep, smooth water with a steady current to carry paddlers down river. Beginners and less experienced paddlers will enjoy this section of the Mayo. As with the Dan, the scenery on the Mayo is spectacular. Sights to see include well-preserved Native American fish traps, early
dams used to generate power in Mayodan, and a variety of plants and wildlife. The Mayo River is also the focal point of The Mayo River State Park. Though the park is in the early stages of development, it currently consists of nearly 2,000 acres along the Mayo River in corridor in Mayodan. Its interim facility, Mayo Mountain Access, is open to the public.
The Haw & Smith Rivers
Portions of both the Smith and Haw Rivers flow through Rockingham County. The Smith begins in Virginia and runs approximately five miles through Eden until it converges with the Dan. Paddle trips on the Smith River are perfect for those who want to enjoy just an hour or two on the water, or a full day by starting upstream in Virginia. The Smith is very scenic with lots of rock outcroppings, foliage, and wildlife. Experienced paddlers will even find Class II and Class III rapids on this river. There is
one public access point on the Smith River at the Smith River Greenway in Eden. This access will provide a 2.5-mile float trip to the confluence with the Dan River. Three Rivers Outfitters in Eden has private accesses and offers several trips on the Smith River. The Haw River flows from Guilford County into Rockingham County just south of Reidsville. There are currently no public access points on the Haw River in Rockingham County. The Haw River State Park and Summit Educational Center are located right on the county line between Rockingham and Guilford counties on approximately 300 acres of beautiful Piedmont land. While this state park in still in the early stages of development, the Summit Educational Center was the first major acquisition and is open to the public. Continued to page 66
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Abundant Water Fun Abundant Water Fun Continued from page 65
Lake Country Lake Reidsville
Picturesque Lake Reidsville offers more than 750-acres of year-round, action-packed fun—from camping, fishing, boating, paddling, water skiing, bird watching, disc golf, duck hunting, hiking, picnicking and more (swimming is not permitted). Lake Reidsville is a recreational lake and park. It is a favorite spot for anglers and fishing tournaments because of its abundance of big bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. Fishing is allowed from boats, two fishing piers, and designated areas on the banks. The Lake’s amenities also include a 26-slip boat dock, which makes it easily accessible by boat.
Lake Reidsville is also known for its large, wellequipped campground. The campground includes 46 campsites along the lake that provide water and electricity. In addition, 28 of those sites have full hook-up capacity. The campground also features shower and restroom facilities, a separate bock dock area with ten slips, a fishing pier, and nature trails. Other amenities found at Lake Reidsville include picnic shelters that are available for rent, picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the park, a playground area, a large amphitheater, and camp store. Lake Reidsville also features many sporting opportunities, including an outdoor basketball court, a fenced-in grass volleyball court, three horseshoe pits, a soccer field, a practice softball field, and several
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nature trails. The Lake is also an excellent site for bird-watching and is a featured site on the North Carolina Birding Trail. Lake Reidsville’s sporting options also include the Lake’s Edge Disc Golf Course, which is the first of its kind in Rockingham County. The championship quality course is geared for family and professional play. The Lake’s Edge course has become a popular site for Disc Golf tournaments and special events. Numerous special events at Lake Reidsville keep visitors coming throughout the year. Some of the Lake’s most popular events include monthly fishing tournaments, the 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks, Stone Soul Picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, Kids Day Fishing Rodeo, as well as a variety of concerts and dances. Check the
Lake Reidsville website for a complete list of special events and fees associated with the Lake’s activities, including gate entry fees. Lake Reidsville 630 Water Works Road, Reidsville 336.349.4738 www.ci.reidsville.nc.us/ government/lake_reidsville/ index/
Belews Lake
A portion of Belews Lake in western Rockingham County provides access to more outdoor water fun. Though the entire lake is not completely in Rockingham County, this tranquil lake spans more than 88 miles and over 3,800 acres. It is centrally located to many Piedmont Triad cities and provides many options for fishing, water sports, and camping. It is also the home of Carolina Marina, a fullscale boating marina, service center, and camping facility. Open year-round, Carolina Marina offers the best in marine products and services, boat and RV storage, wet slips, lakefront and lake view villas, park models, RV’s, and more. Belews Lake was created in 1973 to provide cooling water for Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station. There are several public access areas to the lake including Carolina Marina. The lake is a popular fishing and boating spot for people throughout the Piedmont Triad region as it touches Forsyth, Rockingham, and Stokes counties. Regular catches on Belews Lake include bass, catfish, crappie, and panfish. Popular activities include sailboating, speed boating, paddling, camping, hiking, and all types of water sports. Belews Lake and Carolina Marina 548 Shelton Road, Stokesdale 336.427.0498 www.carolinamarina.com
Rockingham County Outfitters: Dan River Adventures 724 Webster Road Stoneville NC 336.427.8530 Canoe, kayak & tube rental, Shuttle Service www.danriveradventures.com
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Mayodan Outdoor Sports 400 West Main Street Mayodan 336.548.6296 www.mayodanoutdoorsports.com
Three Rivers Outfitters 413 B Church St, Eden NC 336.627.6215 Canoe/Kayak Rental, camping trips, guided trips, shuttle service www.3-r-o.com Troublesome Creek Outfitters 413-B Church St., Eden 336.627.6215 River Trips, Canoe Sales www.troublesomecreek.com
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Abundant Water Fun
State Parks Rockingham County’s Two Riverside State Parks The Mayo River State Park
The Mayo River State Park was established in 2002 and consists of over 2,200 linear acres along the serene Mayo River corridor in Rockingham County. The park’s interim or “hub” facility, Mayo Mountain Access, opened to the public in 2010. Located at the site are a visitor contact station, picnic shelter, 1.8-mile and .5-mile hiking trails, restrooms, catch and release fishing pond, and a maintenance facility. Mayo Mountain Access sits on a 398acre site just north of Mayodan on N.C. 220 Business and is known locally as Mayo Park. The site was originally developed in 1948 by the Washington Mills textile company as a community recreation area and was open to the public until the early 1970s. The former Mayo Park site included the picnic pavilion, a cooking shelter and a bathhouse designed by renowned architect Antonin Raymond, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright who introduced a Japanese style of architecture to the U.S. incorporating natural materials. The pavilion and cooking shelter were fully restored in wood and natural stone. The bathhouse was deemed too dilapidated for restoration, although portions of the structure were salvaged for potential later use as exhibits. The Park hosts quite a few educational and recreational events each year including free canoe trips, themed hikes,
astronomy programs, nature programs and more. At this time, there is no public river access managed by Mayo River State Park. Mayo Mountain Access is located at 500 Old Mayo Park Road, Mayodan, NC 27027. Contact the park for more information at 336.427.2530.
The Haw River State Park The Haw River State Park was authorized in 2003 when an area along the Haw River corridor in both Rockingham and Guilford counties was identified for a future state park. The park would be in both counties and be Rockingham County’s 2nd state park. Purchase of the Summit, a retreat and conference center formerly owned by the Episcopal Diocese, was the first major acquisition in the development of this state park. The Summit now operates as a complete environmental education, retreat, and conference center. It sits on nearly 300 acres of Piedmont forest, fields, wetlands and uplands at the headwaters of the Haw River. The Summit includes amenities for lodging,
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meeting, recreational, and special programming for overnight groups ranging from 10 to 180 and day use groups ranging from 10 to 200. It features eight indoor meeting spaces, motel and dormitorystyle lodging, and recreation facilities including a six-acre lake. As land acquisition continues, and the Haw River State Park grows, the park will be able to provide additional resource protection of the Haw River Corridor and recreational opportunities for park visitors. Until more properties are acquired for the state park, there are no facilities for general public use. Visitors are welcome to visit the Summit but are encouraged to call ahead. The Summit is located at 339 Conference Center Drive Browns Summit, NC 27214 336.342.6163 For a complete Rockingham County Rivers Guide with map, contact Rockingham County Economic Development & Tourism at 800-316-ROCK or ryount@myrockinghamcountync.com.
Rivers Map
CAUTION: Dams pose a significant danger. Always use caution around the dams and avoid running over the dams. To spot a dam, look for a shallow line in the water that reaches from one side of the river to the other. Also avoid fallen trees and other debris.
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Abundant Agriculture
Farmers’ Markets
The Most Environmentally-Friendly Way to Feed Your Family With communities becoming more health conscious, farmers’ markets are garnering a lot of attention. The benefits of local farmers’ markets expand well beyond fresh fruits and vegetables. Thriving farmers’ markets help to strengthen the physical environment as well as social and economic environments. Buying local goods supports local agriculture which in turn helps the community economically. Shopping at farmers’ markets gives consumers the opportunity to meet local farmers and ask them questions about the food grown in the area. Some farmers offer recommendations and recipes for their goods. There is a tremendous environmental benefit to farmers’ markets as well. Not
only are you getting the freshest goods, but you’re also helping the environment buying locally. On average food in the United States travels 1500 miles before reaching your belly. Food purchased from farmers’ markets travels tens-of-miles instead of thousands-of-miles, reducing carbon footprints and eliminating agricultural by-products often used in conventional agriculture. The Chinqua Penn Market is in Reidsville, offering fresh meats to seasonal fruits and vegetables. Located at the former Rockingham County Market, hours of operation are Wednesdays, 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm. For updates, visit www.facebook. com/RockinghamCounty FarmersMarket. At the West Rock Farmer’s
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Market in Mayodan, you’ll find locally sourced food from the Dan River Valley region. All produce and other foods are grown within a 70-mile radius of Mayodan to ensure the freshest product available. West Rock accepts EBT and offers double SNAP credit to seniors age 60 and older. Seniors who ride the SKAT bus service receive 2 dollars in free market tokens. Hours are, Saturday 7 am to 12 pm, and Wednesday 3 pm to 6 pm, May through October. For more information, visit www. westrockfarmersmarket.com. Rockingham County offers many options for locally grown goods. In Reidsville, the farmers’ market has been a mainstay for 30 years. The Market Square Farmers’ Market hosts local and regional vendors, providing the community with an abundance of healthy and fresh choices. Market Square Farmer’s Market is open from May through October on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm. The Market now accepts SNAP/EBT.
Market Square Farmer’s Market is Thriving Farming has been a major part of Reidsville’s history. Tobacco was the cash crop for many years. Now Rockingham County grows mosty produce, and the Market Square Farmer’s Market is a fantastic place to buy and sell it. The Farmer’s Market in Reidsville has been around for 30 years. It started in a parking lot with a few farmers. When Market Square was built in 2008, one of its functions was to house our market. Since then the market has grown tremendously. Opening the beginning of May and running through October, you can get fresh local produce, fruits, baked goods, eggs, herbs, soaps, BBQ- sauce, jewelry and so much more, all summer and fall. Everything you purchase at the market is grown or made by the vendors. This year to provide a larger variety of items, vendors can sell products that are part of the Got To Be NC Program, but they must be items not already offered at the market. In keeping with the trend of the growing artisan movement, there are many artists to check out. The market is thriving as the community and many different partners have embraced fresh local foods. In the past year, the market has received close to $100,000 in grants and funding to assist in expanding the market’s growth, especially in the lower income community. The Reidsville Area Foundation gave the market $30,000 to hire a market assistant through 2016. For the first time in its history, it
has a dedicated person who works each market. Through a program provided by the USDA, the market now accepts credit/debit and, foremost, SNAP/EBT. The USDA also gave the market $50,000 through 2016 to promote our SNAP/EBT program. Advertising is being done on television not only in Reidsville and Rockingham County but also in the Piedmont Triad as well. Other avenues of advertising include radio, new brochures, billboard, and newspaper. We are also partnering with Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) on the Fresh Bucks Program. This program allows EBT customers to double their dollars up to $10 a day at the market for the purchase of fresh veggies and fruit. UNC-SNAP -Ed Department has assisted us in creating a marketing message to reach the EBT customers along with
providing market tours and professional chef demos. The Kate B. Reynolds Foundation is assisting us as well by helping make the connections to be successful and supporting us in so many ways. It has certainly been a “win-win” for our market. Transportation to the Farmer’s Market is also available to the community through the skat Bus. Saturday markets include music, special events, cooking demos, kids corners and many other opportunities for the community to gather. We are striving to make our market a destination. The market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s just one of the events held at Market Square, which also features, concerts, pop series, movies on the lawn, Clam Jam and the Reidsville Fall Jubilee Festival. For more information, visit www.ci.reidsville.nc.us/
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Abundant Agriculture Farming is a tremendous part of the spirit of Rockingham County. From small family farms to large working farms, the region covered by vast expanses of farmland. Farming has evolved over the centuries but not so quickly as it has over the last few decades. This area has been blessed with many individuals and families who have evolved with the times and helped keep farming as a vital part of our economy. Here we profile two farms on different ends of the agriculture spectrum.
Amanda’s Daylilies Provides an Abundance of Color What began as a hobby has now bloomed into a genuine family business and gardens brimming with color for one Mayodan couple. Rockingham County Commissioner Zane Cardwell and his wife, Amanda, operate Amanda’s Daylilies on their family farm in the rolling countryside of Mayodan in Rockingham County. The farm consists of about three acres of daylily beds, water features, and garden areas. There are now about 1,500 different varieties of daylilies on the farm, a far cry from the initial 200 hundred that the Cardwell’s started out with back in 2002. The daylilies that started it all for the Cardwells belonged to Amanda’s mother. Her father
cared for the flowers, and when he passed away, Zane and Amanda moved them to their property. “It was just a hobby at that time, and we had intended to put the plants along the driveway,” said Amanda. “We visited some daylily farms up in Virginia and saw how beautiful they were and that they were such low maintenance,” added Zane. “So we thought, why not try it? No one else in this area had any kind of farm like it.” Now the couple’s front yard is covered in a sea of colors from their thousands of daylily plants. Amanda handles the business side of things while Zane prides himself on seeking out and finding new varieties. “We probably added about 40 new varieties in the last year,” he said.
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The farm includes display beds, which contain the mother plants. Once the plants get big enough, the Zane & Amanda Cardwell Cardwells dig them up, divide them, and then put them in the digging bed. The digging bed is where customers may select and purchase their daylilies. Customers may come anytime from May through October to buy daylilies. The average cost runs anywhere from $5 to $45 depending on the size and variety of the plant. Customers can buy their plants directly at the farm or can have them shipped. Customers of Amanda’s Daylilies receive not only highquality plants but also heaps of advice and tips that the Cardwells have learned over the years. “Daylilies are so easy to grow, and you get so much beauty for so little work,” said Amanda. “We want more people to enjoy how beautiful these flowers really are.” The prime time to see the daylilies at their peak is generally about the last week in June. The last Saturday in June the Cardwells host an annual Open Garden, which is an all-day celebration where people can come and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. “We always have our Open Garden that last Saturday in June because the flowers are prettiest then. And it commemorates my father’s birthday,” said Amanda. The Cardwells say their farm
adjoining sun porch hosted lady’s luncheons for the Danville Garden Club as well as entertained Dibrell Tobacco Company representatives. The Farm has remained in the Dibrell family, being passed from one generation to the next. Today, Patience Ergish, Louis’s granddaughter, is the third generation owner. Under Patience’s leadership, Oakhaven has evolved into a wonderland for nature lovers without losing any of the charm of the past.
attracts people from all over. “We want people to know that they are welcome at any time during the season to come by and just enjoy looking at the flowers and sit a while in the garden areas,” said Amanda. The couple allows people to have pictures made in the gardens for a small fee, and they say they would eventually like to be able to host small weddings as well. “This farm is truly a labor of love for us and we just want to share it with people,” added Zane. Visit Amanda’s Daylilies from May to October at 480 Manuel Road in Mayodan, NC Hours: MondaySaturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit Amanda’s Daylilies on Facebook.
Oakhaven Farm In the early 1920s, Louis N. Dibrell and family, of Danville, VA., were in the market for a vacation getaway. With three primary goals in mind — to rest, recover, and entertain — Oakhaven Farm, a 1,300-acre property comprised of beautiful scenery and natural settings
became the perfect location. Under Dibrell ownership, Oakhaven established itself as a true working farm. Through the 1950s, the primary source of revenue was tobacco. In the late 50s and early 60s, income shifted, and a flourishing dairy operation led the financial way for the Farm. Remnants of early dairy operation are still represented by the old milking facility and silos nestled against a natural backdrop of rolling hills and forest. Based on the knowledge and experience of raising dairy cows, the Farm shifted once again in 1971 and became a beef cattle operation, which still operates today. Farming was only one of the charms of Oakhaven. Due in part to its overwhelming beauty, the Farm was a hot commodity for social gatherings. In the 20s and 30s, invitations to join the Dibrell family at the Farm were highly coveted by locals. Through the years, Oakhaven Manor’s dining room and
In 2014, a 37-acre solar farm was created to reduce the operation’s environmental impact. Recently, Oakhaven opened to the public. “We have finally opened our little getaway, so that that those who care to come can experience all that Oakhaven has to offer,” Ergish says. And Oakhaven has more to offer than just beef cattle. The unmatchable landscape has made the Farm a premier wedding venue. An abundance of wildlife makes Oakhaven a must for hunting, fishing, or just nature watching. Lodging is available at the Manor House, which offers guests luxuries such as plush robes and elegant toiletries. The five bedrooms can accommodate 10 to 12 people comfortably. There is also a dedicated office area. If you are looking for a memorable place to host an event or party, look no further than Oakhaven. The Farm can host indoor as well as outdoor events and can coordinate activities such as walking tours and boating that will make the event memorable for years to come. Oakhaven Farm is located at 1434 Dibrell Road in Pelham, North Carolina. For more information call 336.589.4973 or visit www.experienceoakhaven.com.
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Abundant Agriculture
perfect time to unwind and share a bottle of wine with friends. We offer two incredible log cabins that are within walking distance of our Tasting Room. The Cabin in the Vines and The Cabernet Cabin are luxurious, rustic, and elegant. Both are nestled on the edge of the grape vines giving you a spectacular view of our vineyards. The Cabin in the Vines is a wonderful getaway. Great for honeymoons, anniversaries, or just to relax for the weekend! It includes one full bedroom and one full bathroom as well as a half bath and a loft. This cabin has a balcony which has a view of the vineyard and a pond so you can relax outside with a glass of wine.
Autumn Creek Vineyards Autumn Creek Vineyards is nestled in the beautiful rolling countryside of Northwestern Rockingham County. We grow and harvest all of the grapes for the wine selections we offer including Merlot, Riesling, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Viognier, plus many more French varietals that grow well in this region. Come and experience North Carolina’s Wine Country at its best with a picturesque view of the vineyard. With over 100 acres of farmland and roughly 18 acres of grape vines, we offer an ideal setting for wine tastings, cabins, weddings & special events. Visit the vineyard and relax in our two thousand square foot Tasting Room which offers a relaxing atmosphere being modern yet rustic. Open five days a week, we offer wine tastings where you can sample
all types of varieties, evaluate the wines and learn what you like. Surrounded by a large deck, the patio is the perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful scenery and a glass of your favorite wine. The Tasting Room can also be used for rehearsal dinners and smaller functions such as bridal showers, birthday parties, class reunions, or whatever the occasion may be. With breathtaking views of the vineyard, we are the perfect destination for any social event. Year around we host an ongoing “Music in the Vines” concert series featuring local artists. The concerts are held in and around The Tasting Room. Genres range from blues, classic country, southern rock, hits from the sixties, seventies, and eighties plus much more! Almost every other weekend you can catch a complimentary concert on Saturday afternoons. It’s the
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The Cabernet Cabin is perfect for two couples. This cabin is great to relax with friends over a bottle of wine. It has two identical full bedrooms and full baths. This cabin has a porch along the front which has a great view of the vineyard. Rustic, yet naturally elegant are the best words to describe our six thousand square foot Pavilion. It is the perfect location for your wedding reception or any other special event. We can accommodate up to three hundred guests inside. The surrounding area is a large stone patio great for greeting your guest, serving cocktails before your event or for additional seating. No matter what type of event you’re hosting or even if you’re just looking to get away for a bit and relax, Autumn Creek Vineyards is the perfect setting to “Create Memories.” We are located only six miles off of highway two twenty in Mayodan, North Carolina. Bottoms Up!
purchase at the family’s Farm Stand and many local specialty stores. “We like to keep our products local for family and friends to enjoy,” Paul says.
Riverbirch Vineyards & Farm Riverbirch Vineyards & Farm is operated by fifth generation tobacco farmers who farmed alongside their grandparents for many years. Paul and Kristi Marshall are proud of the conversion. Fields that once grew tobacco now are lined with five acres of Scarlett, Nesbitt, Noble, and Carlos muscadine grapes that grow on an easy to reach singletrellis system. Along with the four varieties of muscadines, dessert pears and apples are grown at Riverbirch, which is in the Bethany Community, off Highway 65, in Reidsville. Kristi says, “Our black Noble muscadine makes our red muscadine juice and our bronze Carlos muscadine is an improved scuppernong. The scuppernong comes from the oldest vine in the nation, the 400-year-old Mother Vine growing on Roanoke Island, and the Scuppernong is our state fruit. The vineyards and farm are operated as an environmentally friendly farming operation, with Paul and Kristi’s children,
grandchildren, and neighbors pitching in to help during harvest time. The vineyards and orchard are managed pesticide-free, with carpeted greens for easy access to the fruit. Lots of fresh country air and sunshine help the vines mature and produce plump and sweet tasting muscadines. “We proudly support the Voluntary Agriculture District program in Rockingham County. We are a USDA GAP-Certified farm (GAP=Good Agricultural Practices), which demonstrates our continued commitment to growing and packaging our products safely for your family,” Kristi says. Muscadine juice, jellies, and pears produced at Riverbirch are available for
Riverbirch Vineyards & Farm understands the importance of community involvement and togetherness. “We believe in supporting other local growers and producers and our community. We are members of the Western Rockingham Farmer’s Market, Piedmont Grown, and the Got-to-be-NC program sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture,” Kristi says. “Paul is a member of the Rockingham County Extension Horticultural Advisory Board, and we are patrons of the Museum and Archives of Rockingham County. We support Adopt-AHighway, and local fundraising efforts of organizations including the Rockingham County Animal Shelter and the MadisonMayodan Rotary Club.” Join Riverbirch for Muscadine Weekends in September and October and pick your own little bit of sunshine. Kristi says with a smile, “It’s a fun, familyfriendly environment where all generations of your family can come together and pick your own muscadines.” For more information, call 336.339.5230 or visit www.riverbirchvineyards.com.
Heart-healthy and great-tasting
Muscadines have more than seven times the concentration of resveratrol as other grapes. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that may fight cancer and prevent heart disease. And just one cup of muscadines can double your daily intake of antioxidants. R O C K I N GHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 75
You can spend hours online searching for the right hotel or reviews of a great vacation spot – But how do you choose your doctor?
Finally a tool that guides you in finding the right doctor . Routine mammograms, controlling seasonal allergies, the risk of heart disease… when you need a doctor, where do you start? Finding the right doctor is one of the most important things you will do for yourself and your family. Don’t leave such an important decision to chance or a random GoogleTM search. Call today and our our experts will help you find the right services to fit your needs perfectly.
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W
e’re named for two rivers, both full of rapids and game fish. And we’ve got two mountains, one state park, quiet country roads and plenty of space to hike, paddle, tube, cycle and explore with the whole family. When you’re ready to step outside, make a day trip to Mayodan. And be sure to bring all your gear, or find it here!
336.427.0241 • TownOfMayodan.com/Natural R O C K I NGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 77
Abundant Senior Living
Retiring in Rockingham County Rockingham County Keeps Retirees Moving
North Carolina is known nationally as the place to retire. With mild seasons, endless things to see and do, and affordable housing, Rockingham County is at the top of many new retirees list of possible destinations. One of the most important considerations is it’s centrally located right in the middle of everything.
Eden, North Carolina by Michael Dougherty Rockingham County is located in the Piedmont Triad area comprised of 12 counties around Greensboro, WinstonSalem and High Point. Major highways near Eden include U.S Highway 29, future I-73, 311 and 158 and North Carolina Highways 14/87 and 700/770. Eden is within two (2) hours from the mountains and five (5) hours from the North Carolina coast, making travel convenient. Additionally, Eden is approximately 35 miles away from The Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI). PTI provides frequent direct and connecting flights to the nation’s top destinations at competitive prices. In recent years, North Carolina has received national attention as a leader for retirement destinations. Living up to its namesake, Eden offers an abundance of services,
amenities, and opportunities ideal for maintaining an active senior lifestyle. The state of North Carolina recognized Eden as a Certified Retirement Communities in 2013, and the City continues to position itself as a premier choice for retirees. There are a variety of housing options in Eden. With the cost of living approximately 13 percent lower than the national average, Eden fosters an independent and affordable way of life. Retirees can choose from new construction, historic neighborhoods, and maintenance-free living in apartments, condominiums, townhomes, or retirement communities. Morehead Memorial Hospital, a past recipient of “Top 100 Hospitals in the U.S.,” administers quality care and health services. In 2015, Consumer Reports recognized the hospital as scoring above four area hospitals in consumer safety and quality.
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Whether it’s fishing with grandchildren or enjoying a quiet kayak ride with friends, experiencing nature’s beauty is easy in Eden. Nestled on the banks of the Dan and Smith Rivers, Eden has a strong connection to nature. Walkability is the top requirement among new retirees for any community in which they relocate. The Smith River Greenway, Freedom Park, and the newly created John E. Grogan Park fill that need. Lynrock Golf & Swim Club and Oak Hills Golf Course are great locations for an afternoon tee off. Along with outdoor activities, Eden has numerous fitness centers that offer specialized classes geared towards seniors that focus on health and wellness. Eden’s annual Get Fit Eden program attracts more than 750 participants so you can join your neighbors in keeping active. Eden’s drive-in theater is one of its most endearing attractions. This historic venue consistently draws patrons seeking a nostalgic night out. Additionally, Eden hosts numerous festivals and events that highlight the community’s charm and friendliness. RiverFest, Oink & Ale, and Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest are popular events that gather the community as a whole. The Dan River Basin Association and the Eden Preservation Society are just some of the volunteer opportunities in Eden that encourage involvement in the community. The City of Eden creates a unique atmosphere with its big outdoor feel and a small town community, meeting the needs of a senior lifestyle. To discover more about the City of Eden, visit www.exploreedennc.com or call (336)623-2110.
Reidsville, North Carolina by Judy Yarbrough Reidsville offers a unique combination of small-town lifestyle with access to both urban and rural amenities. The State of North Carolina also designated Reidsville as a Certified Retirement Community. Reidsville is a close-knit community where people know and care for each other. It offers high quality, free entertainment at its brick art inspired downtown amphitheater, Market Square. For those seeking camping and boating opportunities, Lake Reidsville offers excellent amenities. The local hospital, Annie Penn Hospital, has also been nationally recognized recently by the Guardian of Excellence award and the Leapfrog Annual Top Hospital award, placing it in the top 99% of hospitals in the United States. Reidsville will soon be only the second city in North Carolina that provides a combined senior center and adult day care center with onsite medical care. This facility is scheduled for completion in 2016 and will provide tremendous opportunities for seniors to stay active and well, physically and mentally. Reidsville’s proximity to rural amenities such as river access for paddle boating and fishing, hiking trails, as well as hunting grounds, provides for the active outdoor lifestyle that many retirees desire. Reidsville is also only 30 minutes from
metropolitan amenities, sitting almost equidistant between Greensboro, NC, Burlington, NC and Danville, VA. Sitting atop the Piedmont Crescent of North Carolina, Reidsville provides quick access to interstate highways that provide quick travel time to both the mountains and beaches of North Carolina. The combined senior center and adult day care facility is an enormous strength for retirees in Reidsville. For those who simply want a group of seniors with whom they can regularly engage, to those who need day care services while their loved ones work, Reidsville provides it. A newly renovated fitness center that charges only five dollars per month for memberships provides another low-cost means for seniors to stay active and healthy. The national award-winning hospital also provides peace of mind to seniors and their families when emergencies or major health screenings are necessary. For entertainment, Market Square offers outdoor family-style entertainment through concerts, movie nights and guided exercise programs. It also hosts our local farmers’ market, bringing easy access to the surrounding area farmers and their goods. The cost of living in Reidsville is another major strength, providing significantly lower housing costs than the surrounding metropolitan areas while still providing easy access to them.
Reidsville’s tag line is “Live Simply. Think Big.” It embodies that marketing message fully. Reidsville is a quaint little town, but it is also a town that looks for big ideas to improve life for its citizens and businesses. Having invested in downtown revitalization to rebirth its city center to now expanding the city’s main commercial thoroughfare, Reidsville looks for ways to improve the area’s quality of life and invests in doing so. Reidsville proactively attracts retirees and has already invested over $5 million in a combined senior center and adult day care facility. Reidsville officials have now identified a need to attract a senior living community to Reidsville that offers a full range of services from independent living to a full-service rest home. Additional residential lofts in downtown will also be evaluated to increase housing options for those retirees who enjoy city living with walkable access to restaurants and entertainment. Reidsville will also continue to develop its entertainment and recreational amenities offered at its various parks and downtown amphitheater. The City of Reidsville creates a community atmosphere that encourages you to live simply and think big. It offers all the modern conveniences to seniors while allowing them to live life at whatever pace they choose. To discover more about the City of Reidsville, visit www.ci.reidsville.nc.us/
Rendering of the Reidsville Senior Center
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Abundant Education
Excellence in Public Education Rockingham County Schools (RCS) is an innovative, transformational, focused and successful school system providing for the diverse needs of over 13,000 students - the finest students in the nation. It believes in empowering all students to compete globally and approaches each student with not only a nurturing attitude but one of encouragement and celebration.
middle and high schools collaborate to provide quality instructional services that enhance student opportunities. This collaboration includes special programs such as Academically/Intellectually Gifted, Exceptional Children, Career and Technical Education, JROTC, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement courses for college
The school system is comprised of 15 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 traditional high schools, 1 alternative school, and 1 Early College High School. RCS’ newest facility, Douglass Elementary, opened August 2011 as a stateof-the-art, Silver-LEED certified school. RCS features a strong academic program with numerous opportunities to explore and enhance the Common Core Curriculum and the North Carolina Essential Standards. The elementary,
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credit, Arts Education and a strong technology focus. Technology plays a vital role in Rockingham County Schools. The district boasts 975 21st Century Classrooms where technology is integrated with traditional instruction. The use of interactive whiteboards, projectors, document cameras and web-based instruction
are all regular educational experiences. Additionally, all certified teachers are issued laptops for use with planning and instruction. In August 2012, RCS implemented the1:1 mobile learning initiative. Students in grades 9-12 receive a Chromebook computer to use in the classroom and at home for projects and homework assignments. When it comes to educating more than 13,000 students, the “one-size-fits-all” philosophy does not apply to RCS high schools. RCS offers an early college option located on the campus of Rockingham Community College and high school academies at each of the four traditional high schools. The academies are specialized instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. The continued success of Rockingham County Schools can be attributed to two factors – the dedicated staff and the people of Rockingham County. As the largest employer in Rockingham County with 2,000 employees, school staff are dedicated individuals with one common focus – quality service for the students. The second factor is the people of Rockingham County – individuals and business and community leaders who value education and support the mission of educating all students. There is also an 11-member elected school board that feels passionate about education. Collaboration is essential to the success of each school. Partnerships with Rockingham Community College, UNCGreensboro, the Reidsville Area
Foundation, the Rockingham County Education Foundation and other local agencies, businesses, and the faith community are a valued part of the educational programming. Academic excellence, strong student-centered programs,
and a focus on technology create an outstanding school district in Rockingham County. Rockingham County Schools is the CHOICE that ROCKS! For more information on Rockingham County schools and a listing of the schools, visit www.rock.k12.nc.us.
Recognitions Rockingham County Schools strives to be the best academically and athletically. The school district has been recognized by state and national organizations for achievements in a variety of areas: • NC Teacher of the Year - 2003 • NC Outstanding Media Coordinator of the Year - 2009 • NC Outstanding School Nutrition Director of the Year - 2010 • NC Music Educators Association Honor Administrator of the Year - 2012 • NC School Community Health Alliance Superintendent of the Year - 2012 • National Best of the Web Award for Best School District Website - 2012 • A. Craig Philips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year - 2015 • National Title I School of Distinction South End Elementary - 2010 • State Champion - Athletic Teams & Individuals
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Make memories in Rockingham County here: VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com • 800.316.ROCK R O C K I NGHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 83
Abundant Education
Rockingham Community College
online or study on the ECU campus.
RCC Visits 1,000 Businesses in 100 Days
Teams of workforce development partners from Rockingham County are making plans to visit local businesses in a statewide effort to learn more about the challenge of finding and retaining high-quality employees. These visits are part of Governor Pat McCrory’s “1,000 in 100” initiative to have local teams visit 1,000 businesses in all 100 counties during the last 100 days of 2014.
RCC’s New Aviation Machinist Pathway
earn industry-recognized credentials.
Rockingham Community College will offer an Aviation Machinist Pathway program of study to current high school students beginning fall semester 2015. A unique partnership between RCC, Rockingham County Schools, Junior Achievement, East Carolina University, HAECO Aviation, PEMMCO Manufacturing, and Machine Specialties, Inc. will provide the opportunity for students to participate in an educational pathway designed for careers in the aviation industry.
“Ultimately, we want to get students in Rockingham County into high-wage, highskill jobs that are in demand,” said RCC President Dr. Mark Kinlaw. Anytime local business and industry can partner with educational institutions to close the skills gap in our workforce, the county makes progress.” Discussions with local business and industry, county officials, and Rockingham County Schools began this fall and the group soon learned that a pathway such as this would enhance our workforce.
Students who enter the Aviation Machining Pathway have the potential to earn a high school diploma and a certificate from RCC by the end of their senior year in high school. Upon graduation, these students will be prepared to enter the workforce or to continue the program at RCC with the goal of earning an Associate in Applied Science – Computer Integrated Machining. Throughout the process, students will receive workbased learning experiences, career counseling, and will
RCC received an NCWorks Career Pathways grant totaling $70,000. Funding will be received over a twoyear period and will assist the college with start-up costs for the program. And the news just gets better. RCC’s graduates who earn a qualifying Associate in Applied Science degree will be accepted into East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Transfer Program. Students in this program can take courses
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The 1,000 in 100 initiative is an opportunity to listen to the needs of business and industry, carefully review their concerns and respond based on our network of partners and services in the most effective efficient manner. This initiative will become a new way of doing business. Employers will be encouraged to have confidence in North Carolina’s workforce system and for employers to look to the network of workforce partners as strong collaborators in meeting their business needs. The results were 568 employees of nine industries in Rockingham County received 1,180 hours of training to meet the needs of their employers.
Surgical Technology Merit Award
Rockingham Community College has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 90% pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination for the cycle of August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014. Graduates obtaining national
certification as a CST demonstrate, by examination, understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The CST is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation and is required for employment with many local, state and national health care organizations. The national pass rate average for the Certified Surgical Technologist examination was 69.8% for this reporting period.
RCC Designated Military Friendly
Rockingham Community College has been designated a 2015 Military Friendly ® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds. Now in its sixth year, Military Friendly ® Schools designation and list by Victory Media is the premier, trusted resource for post-military success. Military Friendly ® provides service members transparent, datadriven ratings about postmilitary education and career opportunities.
Eagles Baseball and Volleyball
The RCC men’s baseball team completed its regular season with a record of 17-23, won the Division III conference tournament and proceeded to compete in a district tournament held in Maryland for the opportunity to move on the NJCAA Division III World Series. Although RCC did not win the district tournament, this year’s team surpassed previous accomplishments in the baseball program both on the field and in the classroom. Houston Miller and Jeffrey Sawyer received the NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement and Michael Matthew received the NJCAA
Pinnacle Award for Academic Achievement. The women’s volleyball team won the second most games this season in school history, hosted the Haley Jo Plummer Classic, and a Dig Pink Tournament to raise awareness of breast cancer. Lady Eagles Chanteona Joyce, Claudia Moore, and Brandy Scherer were named to the All-Region 10, Division III team.
RCC Received $250,000 Investment from Duke Energy
Duke Energy and Rockingham Community College today announced a $250,000 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funds will be used to provide equipment enabling the college to establish an Industrial Automation Manufacturing Center. The Continued to page 86
RCC Quick Facts Programs of Study Curriculum • 3 College Transfer Programs • 21 Associate in Applied Science Degrees • 14 Diploma Programs • 41 Certificate Programs Non-Credit Programs • Basic Skills Program • Criminal Justice • Customized Training • Fire and Rescue • Personal Interest/Enrichment • Small Business Center • Workforce Training/ Outreach
Enrollment 2013-2014 • Curriculum Fall 2014 – 1,958 • Non-Credit Fall 2014 – 6,454 Top Four Programs Based on Enrollment • Associate in Arts • Early College High School • Associate in Science • Criminal Justice Technology Average Age of Students – 24 • Full-time students – 39.3% • Part-time students – 60.7% Number of Employees • Full-time -164 • Part-time - 178
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Abundant Education
during the advising and registration process. Installation of 13 emergency call boxes throughout campus is complete and is expected to increase security efforts on campus.
Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation Students Achieve Success
Abundant Education center will train students in automation and industrial manufacturing processes. The funds will be used to purchase a robot arm, a CNC mill, an electromechanical maintenance cell, a refrigeration training cell, and a conveyor system. The robot arm will allow students to program operations while performing simulated advanced manufacturing processes. The EM cell also will simulate automated manufacturing operations. The refrigeration training cell will expose students to the refrigeration cycle, and students can perform machine set-up and manufacture parts on the CNC mill.
Capital Improvement Projects
Renovation of the Owens Human Services Building for a simulated hospital awaits final inspection and is estimated to open for students and faculty this fall. Within this state-ofthe-art learning facility, health sciences students will benefit from the interdisciplinary approach to education in health sciences. The hospital is a teaching site where student use a variety of low and
Continued from page 85 high-fidelity programmable mannequins, video and computer equipment to practice developing skills in a safe setting. This environment of learning provides students, the community and the region with a realistic case scenarios for the educational and clinical training needs of healthcare students and practicing professionals. Renovations to the biology and chemistry labs within the Science Building are complete and ready for students. Construction of new chemistry labs, biology labs, chemistry storage room, biology storage room and four restrooms completed the project. In addition to the renovations, ventilation has been improved due to the added fume hoods in the chemistry lab and exhaust arms in the biology lab. Ventilation was also improved in the cosmetology lab. The upper lounge are of the Whitcomb Student Center has been renovated for a student advising center, as part of the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan. In addition to converting four office spaces in to six, painting, carpeting, and new furnishings were part of the renovation designed to give students a better experience
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Students in RCC’s Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation (BDF) program are being hired by breweries throughout the triad region even before they earn a degree. In fact, 81% of BDF students are working in the field or are still enrolled in the program. Program Coordinator and Instructor Cindy Vickers describes her students as a very diverse group. Some are teachers who are planning a second career, there are local farmers enrolled who are interested in growing hops, and even one student from Bulgaria. Students who are employed while enrolled work for a variety of companies located in the region such as: Red Oak Brewery, Natty Greene’s Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, MillerCoors, and Tryon Distributing. Students are mastering the skills needed to advance in this growing industry and brewing beer is just a part of the program. The college offers students a variety of options to match their career interests. Students who enroll in the Associate in Science in Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation technology program can earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Certificates in Brewing, Specialty Agriculture and Craft Brewing are also available. Continuing education classes are offered for personal interest hobbyist as well as
third party credentials such as Cicerone I and II training. Some continuing education classes can have the option of stackable credits towards a certificate or degree. This program prepares individuals for careers in the brewing distillation and fermentation industry. Classes are held in science labs on campus as well as the off-campus brewery in Eden. Coursework includes production, operations, safety and sanitation, yeast, malt and hops cultivation, marketing, legal issues, inspection, equipment maintenance and repair, facility operations, and associated process technologies. Instructors are nationally recognized and currently work in - or have worked in -the brewing field at local breweries. Graduates are eligible to sit for the professional Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) certification exams.
Fermented Foods and Beverages Series
Four Year Universities Schools within 150 miles of RC with at least 500 students
Apex School of Thelogy
Durham, NC
81 miles
Appalchian State University
Boone, NC
125 miles
Barton College
Wilson, NC
144 miles
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, NC
126 miles
Bennett College for Women
Greensboro, NC
32 miles
Concord, NC
94 miles
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
Catawba College
Salisbury, NC
115 miles 78 miles
Davidson College
Davidson, NC
103 miles
Duke University
Durham, NC
71 miles
Elon University
Elon, NC
38 miles
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC
126 miles
Greensboro College
Greensboro, NC
30 miles
Guilford College
Greensboro, NC
32 miles
Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
117 miles
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
116 miles
Lees- McRae College
Banner Elk, NC
143 miles
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, NC
109 miles
Living Art College
Raleigh, NC
102 miles
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC
77 miles
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC
93 miles
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
124 miles
North Carolina A&T University
Greensboro, NC
32 miles
In the fall of 2015, RCC began offerin a new series of courses for the foodie who is interested in eating healthy.
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC
75 miles
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
95 miles
Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, NC
91 miles
Queens University-Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
The buzz word of the day is probiotics as related to diet and nutrition. In this series of courses students learn how to prepare fermented beverages such as the fermented milk drink, kefir; the immortal Chinese health elixir, kombucha; as well as the benefits of ginger beer and other fermented sodas.
Saint Augustine’s University
Raleigh, NC
98 miles
Salem College
Winston-Salem, NC
40 miles
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC
The Art Institue of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Both Asian and Ukrainian cultures promoted the consumption of fermented foods for their nutritional value and to optimize the immune system. Foods such as sauerkraut, hummus, turmeric tea, pickles along with a variety of tomato-based condiments and mustards will be prepared.
University of North Carolina
122 miles
98 miles 123 miles
University of North CarolinaChapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
70 miles
University of North CarolinaCharlotte
Charlotte, NC
107 miles
University of North CarolinaGreensboro
Greensboro, NC
30 miles
School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, NC
41 miles
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
40 miles
William Peace University
Raleigh, NC
96 miles
Wingate University
Wingate, NC
138 miles
Winston Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
39 miles
Averett University
Danville, VA
33 miles
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Abundant Culture
The Flourishing Artistic Community
Throughout the years, Rockingham County has flourished into an arts haven. Here you can explore and experience a variety of art forms. Within this diverse community, art brings the people together. Rockingham County is home to hundreds of potters, painters, musician, quilters wood-turners, authors, chefs, dancers and more. Folk music is steeped in the local history and is the vernacular of generations. Vibrant dance, drama, and captivating photography are part of the local scene. Local kilns turn out unique and functional pottery. You can also find original designs in stained glass. Look a little further and you’ll discover unusual brick sculptures, award-winning woodworking, acclaimed songwriting and even locally made banjos. Heritage crafts abound, with
artisans creating in clay, wood, metal, glass and textiles. With such an eclectic collection of artists in once place, Rockingham County is the perfect destination for art aficionados. Art lovers come to study and learn, too. This community has many galleries and studios offering art and education that encourages students to explore their own creativity. International best-selling author P.T. Deutermann calls Rockingham County home. Local chef and cookbook author, Lisa Shively’s Kitchen Helper, offers Quick Meal Mixes to create delicious homecooked meals. Lucky Fish Art Gallery, owned by Madison resident Melanie Golter, brings Moldovan and Romanian paintings from obscurity to the attention of American
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buyers. The Theatre Guild of Rockingham County brings high quality full scale stage productions to the community throughout each year. Hawk Spirit Studio potter Bill Moore and glass artist Susan Moore are well-known for their awardwinning artwork and the events they have at their studio.
Visual Arts
Brad Spencer’s medium is as common as the clay in Rockingham County: brick. Spencer designs walls and forms of traditional building brick, and then sculpts illustrative designs into the face. His work can be found throughout Rockingham County and North Carolina. Spencer bonded
with Rockingham County as a young artist who decided to make a home for his work in an affordable small town. He’s worked here for over 27 years and participates in the local arts scene as an innovator and an instructor. Public art can be found in both Eden and Reidsville. “River Boat Men” by Kitty Williams is found in the Old Leaksville Historic District in Eden. It captures the era of early river commerce when The Dan and Mayo Rivers were once plied by rugged “bateaux” (boats) often captained by free AfricanAmericans in the 18th and 19th centuries. These boats are often referred to as “the 18-wheelers” of that time. It is the backdrop for the small park found at the corner of Washington and Henry Streets.
Facebook at www.facebook. com/FineArtsFestival Association OfRockinghamCounty.
Rockingham County Arts Council
The Rockingham County Arts Council (RCAC) was founded in August of 1969 as a nonprofit arts organization. The Arts Council is governed by a volunteer board of directors and employs an executive
director. Funding for the Council is provided by individual and business memberships, contributions, annual fundraising events and grants. For more information on the arts, and the Arts Council, visit www.artsinrockingham.org, call 336.349.4039, email info@ artsinrockingham.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RockinghamCounty ArtsCouncil.
Reidsville’s public art is a striking mural that showcases the city’s rich history and provides a familiar backdrop for community events and festivities. The mural is located at the corner of South Scales and Gilmer Streets.
Fine Arts Festival Association
The Fine Arts Festival Association of Rockingham County was organized in 1946 and strives to educate, promote, and strengthen the arts community in our area. With a focus on music, literature, and two- and three-dimensional art, the FAFA organizes and sponsors the annual Fine Arts Festival. The popular festival awards prizes to local artists for their artwork. Approximately 300 pieces of art are entered into the festival annually. For more information or to volunteer go to www.fafarc.org or call 336.349.2060 or on R O C K I N GHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 89
Abundant Culture
History and Heritage
Eden Historical Museum
One fact about life is that as time passes, memories fade. If we aren’t careful, the memories that make up a collection of history can be lost forever. Rockingham County was crafted by history. Each town or city has a unique past that will always continue to mold its future in some form. The Eden Historical Museum, located in the historic Leaksville area of Eden, has taken on the mission of cataloging and presenting the history of the area to the community. It mainly focuses on the municipalities that later formed Eden (Leaksville, Spray, and Draper) and showcases the strength of what made each area unique and how they eventually merged into the City of Eden. The museum is run solely by volunteers and has
received donations from many people giving either financially or by contributing artifacts from the area. Jean Harrington, one of the people who helped found the museum said, “We have leaned heavily on the support of the community. People have been generous with their time and resources.” When the museum first opened in 2009, it had truly been a labor of love. As everyone knows, nothing appears out of thin air, and the Eden Museum took many people coming together with plans and visions to make a dream become reality. The idea first took root in 2007 when a building, built in 1985, became available. It was from there that Jean Harrington and others such as Patrick (Pat) and Melissa Whitten began to form out the ideas for the museum. Pat built many of the exhibits, and others helped find
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support through grants and fundraisers. Jean said, “We came out like gangbusters! There was such enthusiasm and energy within the people who were involved.” As time passed, the museum was also able to acquire a collection of photos from the family of Francis Photography, a local photographer who had taken pictures of many families within the different municipalities that make up Eden. Not only did the collection come with his photos,
but also two other collections that he saved from previous photographers, Adams and Gilly. When you take a tour through the museum, you will be amazed at the history these three areas have. Going in chronological order you will be able to follow the timeline of William Byrd all the way to the Charter of Eden, North Carolina. Take the time and experience the history that has made Eden a place many call home. The Eden Historical Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by special appointment for groups of 10 or more. For more information visit the Eden Historical Museum on Facebook at www.facebook. com/edenhistoricalmuseum or to schedule a tour please call 336.623.0773.
The Museum & Archives of Rockingham County
The Museum & Archives of Rockingham County (MARC) is Rockingham County’s firstever county-wide historical museum. Located in the historic Rockingham County Courthouse, the MARC officially opened on August 11, 2012, with a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition called “Journey Stories” and an exhibition by America’s Photographer, Carol M. Highsmith.
artifacts and archival records; a support network for the various smaller museums, historic sites, and arts organizations; an educational supplement to the school system; a venue for community programs and an attraction to draw visitors to the area.
become a venue where county organizations and associations meet and hold special events. It is an off-campus location for Rockingham Community College courses and an affordable leisure time activity for local people and visitors to the area.
Since its opening, the MARC has welcomed over 5,000 visitors, exhibits have been refreshed and new ones added. Over 1,500 students have visited the museum and historic site on field trips. Subsequently, the superintendent of schools has instructed its 4th and 8th-grade teachers to include a field trip to the MARC in the coming school year.
The MARC continually offers new exhibits, programs, and community events. It also accepts artifact donations on a weekly basis.
Additionally, MARC has
The Museum & Archives of Rockingham County (MARC) 1086 NC HWY 65 Wentworth, NC 27375 336.634.4949 Hours: Wed-Fri, 1-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.themarconline.org
The MARC is the realization of the five-decades-long dream of a core group of Rockingham County citizens, centralized in the County’s Historical Society. That dream is now reality with the MARC, which is comprised of the former Wright Tavern Historic Site (1816) and the Rockingham County courthouse (1907) and jail (1910). In addition to the historic buildings, MARC is the County’s central repository for R O C K I N GHAM COUNTY, NC • VISITROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM 91
Abundant Fun
1933 in New Jersey. Popularity peaked in the late 50s and early 60s with over 4,000 driveins operating in the United States. Today, there are less than 350. As years went by and technology advanced, driveins faced a variety of hurdles including sound issues. The latest and biggest hurdle facing driveins is Hollywood’s desire to shy away from 35-millimeter films in favor of digital format. This decision brings limited options with the only viable one being to invest in digital projectors. The Robertson family, who owns the Eden Drive-In, bought the proper equipment needed to show current films. While the investment was steep, continuing to provide the drivein experience to Rockingham County and surrounding communities was well worth it.
The air is cleaner in Rockingham County. The lakes are more refreshing. The sky is bluer. All of those things may seem like hyperbole. But, in reality, when you’re having fun, everything is better. One would think Rockingham County was designed around the word fun. There are many things you can do here you can’t do in a major metropolitan area. Can you go to a drive-in movie in Atlanta? Can you go on a hayride in LA? Can you hunt in Miami? Is there a rope swing in Phoenix? Rockingham County has them all and a whole lot more.
only is it operating, but it is also flourishing. The first drive-in opened in
Eden Drive-In
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The Eden Drive-In encapsulates a family event for moviegoers. For children, there is a playground. The concession stand offers all of the favorites — hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and for the adventurous, there are “picklesickles” made from frozen pickle juice. Keeping with the family affair, some movie watchers
bring small grills and cookout beside their cars. The drive-in experience is loaded with fun and easy on the wallet. Adult admission is seven dollars and for children, ages six to eleven, admission is four dollars. Double features make the trip more worth it. The Eden Drive-In is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The Robertson family also operates the Rockingham Theatre in Reidsville, which is also fully digital, and Kingsway 4 in Eden, which is now 3-D capable. For more information and movie times visit, www. edendrivein.com, www. rockinghammovies.com, www.kingsway4.com
Mayodan Hay Bales
In fall of 2014, Mayodan developed a unique way to promote downtown businesses in the community — hay bale sculptures. The Town is a part of the NC Department of Commerce Small Town Main Street Program. One of the goals of the program is the promotion of downtown businesses. The downtown businesses and departments of Mayodan initially created ten hay bale sculptures. Mayodan Town Manager, Michael Brandt, says, “It was so popular that by the end, there were two dozen participants.
the names of the sculptures in 2014, the hay bale project is a very tongue-in-cheek event that is meant to be funny and a little quirky. Based on their popularity, the hay bales returned in full-force in the fall of 2015, with hopes of this
becoming an annual tradition. “We feel it is a great way for the community to be involved in something that does not cost a lot of money, but enables us to welcome visitors to Mayodan to see the bales and enjoy some time in our community,” Brandt adds.
Judging by
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Abundant Healthcare-Services
Annie Penn Hospital For 85 years, Annie Penn Hospital has served the people of Rockingham County and the surrounding communities of Guilford and Caswell Counties as well as southern Virginia. Located in Reidsville, NC, just 20 miles north of Greensboro, the 110-bed facility offers a broad range of medical and surgical services, serving inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care patients. The hospital became part of Cone Health in July 2001. Through this affiliation and in partnership with many of the community-based physicians, the hospital provides exceptional specialized care that is unique for a hospital of its size. In 2011, Annie Penn Hospital received two significant designations pertaining to patient care. As a result of its focus on caring for the aging population, it was designated a NICHE Hospital (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) by the
Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing. There are 300 hospitals with this designation internationally. The program provides principles, tools and resources to help hospitals better care for older patients. Also in 2011, the Endoscopy Department at Annie Penn Hospital was recognized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) as a high-quality endoscopy program. This certificate recognizes that our program adheres to ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and infection control by incorporating them into its practice and policies. Administration at Annie Penn Hospital understands that employee satisfaction is the key to a successful organization. The Hospital is committed to creating an environment that cultivates high employee engagement, in turn, creating a place where everyone loves coming to work.
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This commitment has delivered exceptional results. Annie Penn has ranked in the top 1 percent of hospitals across the United States for employee satisfaction. This accomplishment earned the Hospital one of the most prestigious awards given for employee satisfaction — The Press Ganey’s Guardian of Excellence Award. Annie Penn has won the award three years in a row. In 2013, Annie Penn was designated a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for its national leadership in quality and patient safety. The staff and leadership at Annie Penn Hospital are also dedicated to the communities in Rockingham County. One of its core values is Caring for Our Community. The Hospital accomplishes this by staying extremely active in the community. Annie Penn’s Community Outreach nurses participate in local festivals and provide screenings at area health fairs and businesses. Being a partner in the community helps the
Hospital meet its mission of serving communities by preventing illness, restoring health and providing comfort, through exceptional people delivering exceptional care. The founding principles of community service and superior patient care are the cornerstones of Cone Health and Annie Penn Hospital. For more information, call 336.951.4000 or visit www. conehealth.com/locations/ annie-penn-hospital.
Morehead Memorial Hospital Morehead Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, 108-bed, community hospital which has been serving the health care needs of Rockingham County since 1960. Located on a 22- acre campus in central Eden, the hospital has a state-of-the-art emergency department, an intensive care unit, a birthing center, cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management
services, and a modern outpatient surgery center. Since 1964, Morehead Memorial Hospital has been providing the latest in cancer care. In 1994, the hospital built the first free-standing cancer center in Rockingham County – the John Smith, Jr.Dalton McMichael Cancer Center located on the main campus. The center provides both medical and radiation oncology, including cancer treatment planning. Community education and screening programs, support groups, nutritional support counseling and patient referral are also available. The center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Morehead Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, also located on the hospital’s main campus, has 121 long-term beds and 13 rehabilitation beds in its facility. Both private and semi-private rooms are
available for residents. Major amenities provided by the center include short-term rehabilitation, a rest home unit for residents with separate dining room and day room, nursing home beds with separate dining rooms and day rooms, and an enclosed courtyard for residents and families. Morehead Memorial Hospital’s birthing center provides a safe and caring environment for mother and child during labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum period. Rooms are tastefully furnished and have a rocker/recliner/chair-bed, television, and stereo system. Each room has a private bath with shower massage. Birthing beds feature the latest technological innovations with the benefit of emergency equipment hidden from view, but easily accessible if needed. In 2014, Morehead entered into an affiliation with Novant Continued to page 98
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We’ve got 2 state parks, dozens of municipal parks, miles of trails and hours of peace and quiet.
Get roaming with Rockingham County trail maps here: VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com • 800.316.ROCK 96 VISIT R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • R O CKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
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Abundant Healthcare-Services
Abundant Healthcare-Services Health, a well-known and trusted healthcare leader in the region. Morehead remains an independent hospital, but through the affiliation with Novant, the Hospital gains expanded resources and healthcare expertise. This partnership provides remarkable healthcare for Rockingham County. In addition to the main campus, Morehead Memorial Hospital has two off-campus sites. The Wright Diagnostic Center, 618 S. Pierce St., Eden, houses the Lou McMichael Mericle outpatient breast imaging suite, a wound healing center, and patient financial services. Morehead Rehabilitation Services, located in Meadow Greens Shopping Center, 640 S. Van Buren Rd., Eden, provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and functional capacity evaluations.
Continued from page 95
Morehead Urgent Care-West, located on Highway 135 in Mayodan, provides medical services to patients in Western Rockingham County. The Center offers individuals with minor injuries and illness an alternative to the emergency room. Morehead Memorial Hospital is accredited by DNV Healthcare, Inc., the leading accreditor of US Hospitals integrating ISO 9001 quality compliance, and authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For more information call 336.623.9711 or visit www.morehead.org. For Morehead Urgent CareWest call 336.635.6816.
Free Clinic of Rockingham County Founded on the belief that health and well-being create the foundation for all human
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endeavors, the Free Clinic of Reidsville & Vicinity, Inc. opened its doors on May 28, 1998 in an effort to provide free, basic medical, dental, and pharmacy resources to a particular subgroup—lowincome, working, uninsured, individuals residing within a sixmile radius of the facility. The brainchild of retired Reidsville physician, Dr. Paul A. Mabe, Jr. and a First Baptist Church planning committee, The Clinic is truly “community built” as over 130 volunteer workers and area businesses united to turn vision into reality with the completion of a 2,800-squarefoot health care facility at 315 S. Main Street, Reidsville. The Clinic recognizes the right of low-income, uninsured citizens of Rockingham County to have access to health care that compassionately meets their essential medical, dental, and pharmacy needs. It is designed to reduce the burden placed on hospital emergency rooms by closing the access gap in the local health care delivery system. Executive Director, Kim Rider, says, “Patients receive medical treatment for many types of illnesses, both acute such as bronchitis and chronic such as diabetes or heart disease. If a patient’s needs exceed the clinic’s ability to provide treatment, they may be referred for further testing or to a specialist at one of our volunteer provider’s offices.” By providing primary and preventive medical care to those who do not have health insurance or the means to pay for health care, The Free Clinic
patients experience improved health status and are able to be productive members of the workforce and provide for their families which produces a ripple effect of economic benefit across the county. In October 2005, The Free Clinic’s Board of Directors heeded the cry of the uninsured across the county by expanding the original service radius to incorporate all of Rockingham County. The name of the organization changed accordingly (Free Clinic of Rockingham County, Inc.) to reflect its expanded service population. A private, non-profit organization, The Free Clinic receives no governmental funding to support its operation and is entirely dependent upon the generosity of private donations and charitable trusts and foundations. Volunteers, both professional and nonprofessional, serve in various capacities—reception, eligibility screening, medical (doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses), dental (dentists, hygienists, assistants), and office work. Rider continues, “We are so fortunate to live in a community that so generously supports the Free Clinic. We rely solely on donations and fundraising special events to remain a health care home for over 600 patients.” It is only because of this spirit of volunteerism that the Clinic can offer comprehensive health care services with only a nominal $10 administrative contribution requested* of patients. (*Patients are never denied access to services due to an
inability to pay.) The Free Clinic of Rockingham County, Inc. prides itself on being an out-of-the-box deliverer of quality health care by having its own community garden for patients to tend and reap the benefits of fresh, homegrown vegetables and an incentivized obesity treatment program for select participants. To learn more about The Free Clinic of Rockingham County please visit their website at www.freeclinicofrockinghamcounty.org or call (336) 349-3220.
Hospice of Rockingham County Hospice of Rockingham County, Inc. (HRC) is the only full-service non-profit hospice located in Rockingham County. Providing the highest quality end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, the HRC staff has more than 175 years’ collective hospice experience and has cared for more than 7,500 patients in and around the county since admitting its first patient in 1987. HRC cares for patients and their families in Rockingham County as well as the surrounding counties of Caswell, Guilford, and Stokes. A unique interdisciplinary team approach is used to provide care to the patient as well as support for their family members. This team of registered nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains/bereavement coordinators, and trained volunteers work with HRC’s medical director and the
patient’s own physician to design and execute a plan of care. This plan not only addresses the physical/ medical needs of the patient but the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their caregiver as well. The HRC campus houses the administrative offices as well as the hospice facility; centrally located just west of Wentworth, the site is an easy drive from all parts of the county. HRC cares for patients in their own homes, assisted living facilities, longterm care facilities, group homes, retirement homes, and in their own eight-bed Hospice Home. Featuring eight spacious private rooms, family room/kitchen/dining room, community room, and private chapel, this state-of-the-art facility is a unique resource in Rockingham County. Hospice services are reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, but HRC is very proud to say they have never turned away a patient who had no insurance or resources to pay on a sliding fee scale. Strong community support through memorials, fundraisers, and United Way donations allow HRC to continue to serve all patients, regardless of their coverage or financial status. To learn more about Hospice of Rockingham County, end-of-life care, or advance care planning, please visit their website at www.hospiceofrockinghamcounty.com or call them at (336) 427-9022.
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Abundant Wildlife-Scenery The Beauty of Flowing Water Photos by Gordon Allen
George Washington Carver once wrote: “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting system, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” Residents and visitors know there is no place better than Rockingham County, North Carolina to tune in to whatever greater voices you aspire to hear through time in nature. The County abounds with clean rivers, miles wooded trails, river accesses, Knight Brown Nature Preserve, and Mayo River State Park. This “best kept secret” in North Carolina has much to offer birders, fishermen,
paddlers, cyclists, and hikers. It’s no wonder that every municipality in the County has embraced their natural resources and developed high quality outdoor recreational venues for residents and visitors of all ages. Eden decided the best way to show off its native wildlife would be to photograph and exhibit some of the riverside and woodland creatures along its beautiful trails and river accesses. Last year, the City contracted with nature photographer Gordon Allen to capture images of wildlife that live along Eden’s Smith and Dan Rivers. Allen
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spent hours captivated by the abundant natural river inhabitants and crafted a collection of beautiful photographs that are currently on exhibit at Eden City Hall as part of Eden’s “Small Town; Big Outdoors” campaign. REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) of Greensboro and the Dan River Basin Association provided
support for the display. “The images are utterly charming,” says Jenny Edwards of the Dan River Basin Association, “and illustrate the rich wildlife and stunning beauty of the Dan and Smith Rivers. Truly, spend any amount of time on those rivers, and you’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife just like this.”
images Allen presented to City of Eden Coordinator of Tourism and Special Events Cindy Adams inspired her. “Gordon Allen has uncovered the best-kept secret about
Eden’s rivers which is the remarkable amount of natural inhabitants that even the casual observer would want to see,” remarks Adams. “We hope this display will remind people of the reason our city’s name is linked to history’s most famous garden.”
“Using the Draper, Island Ford, and Leaksville Landing and the Smith River Greenway as access points,” Gordon Allen says, “I quickly realized the rivers were a photographer’s playground.” The striking
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Abundant Wildlife-Scenery
Sharing Abundant Wildlife Gordon Allen spent his career helping people. He worked for the North Carolina Employment Security Commission in Rockingham County for 36 years—work that he felt was his calling. “It was meaningful work, helping people improve their lives by finding jobs and helping employers find quality employees,” he said. Allen is retired now and found what is surely his second calling: wildlife photography specializing in birds, waterfowl and nature. Allen got his start as a young boy when he would sneak off and use his father’s camera to take pictures of rabbits, birds and just about any animal he could catch. “My dad was our family photographer. He
was always taking pictures, and I have to laugh about what he must have thought when he went to develop his film and found all my pictures of birds and bunnies.” Allen named his photography business On The 5th Day as a tribute to his dad, who was a minister and sparked his passion for photography. That early love of photography continued with Allen throughout his life though it became more of a hobby. A couple years before his retirement he decided to he wanted to get more serious about it and invested in a good camera. He had also been inspired by another wildlife photographer who became one of his
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mentors, Frank Greenaway. “Frank worked for the Smithsonian as a taxidermist and he was also a renowned wildlife photographer. He really helped me along the way, giving me tips and advice,” said Allen. Allen now applies that same zest he had in his career for helping people to his photography. “I enjoy being behind the camera so much and spending the day out in the field,” he said. “Every day it’s something new and different and I love sharing
what I see with people. I love to share the stories behind the photos and see people smile.” He says people are often surprised by the types of birds and animals he has been able to capture right here in Rockingham County, especially the bald eagle, which took him three weeks to capture in just the right way. “North Carolina is truly a photographer’s paradise, and Rockingham County is my photography playground,” said Allen. “I like to go out to those remote locations and really study my subjects. I will spend hours waiting to get just the right, unique shot.” Allen’s photography can be viewed online at his website or on display in the Eden City Hall, 308 E. Stadium Drive in Eden. For sales and additional information, visit www.gordon-allen.artistwebsites.com, call 336.342.4802, or email Gordon.alleniii@gmail.com.
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Abundant Wildlife-Scenery
The Birding Trail Photos by Gordon Allen
When you have the extraordinary scenery and variation of the outdoors, like in Rockingham County, it is only reasonable to expect to find a large selection of the types of birds found here. Listed on the North Carolina Birding Trail, Rockingham County has three amazing places for bird watching. From Prairie Warblers, Indigo Buntings, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many more, if you are a bird lover you will not be disappointed.
Lake Reidsville There is a small entrance fee to the park but after you enter, the beauty of the area will amaze you. The two nature trails in the park provide the best bird watching opportunities at Lake Reidsville. Walking the nature trails you will be able to see the lake, soccer field, discgolf course and campground,
and truly experience nature in its purest form. Species commonly seen at Lake Reidsville include the Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting and many wintering waterfowl.
Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail This public walking trail, located beside ChinquaPenn Plantation, offers over 1.5 miles of exceptional views and is part of the Upper Piedmont Research Station. The sites along the trail include a small waterfall, Turkey Pond, the Penn’s Stew Site, an old log barn, a stone quarry, and many other interesting sights. At the beginning of the trail is an informational kiosk to highlight the history of the area and give insightful facts about the trail. Watch for migrating and breeding songbirds in the forested portions of the trail. Common species seen along the trail include the Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting, and Eastern Meadowlark, as well as Redtailed and Red-shouldered
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Hawks soaring overhead.
Dan River Located between Madison and Eden, the Dan River offers 38 miles of bird tracking adventure in Rockingham County. This birding trail is good for those who like to canoe and is easy enough to follow for those who may be novice or intermediate paddlers. Bird watching enthusiasts should request a copy of the Rockingham County Rivers Guide in order to plan a trip along this trail. Paddlers along this section of the river may hear the songs of species such as the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Hooded Warbler and Summer Tanager. Other species frequently heard or spotted along the Dan include the Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Red-shouldered or Red-tailed Hawks, Wood Duck, and Great Crested Flycatcher. To find out more information about the North Carolina Birding Trail visit www.ncbirdingtrail.org.
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Rockingham County’s Major Annual Events
APRIL
• Earth Day Festival in Eden • Hospice Walk to Remember • Reidsville Downtown Cruise-In, second Friday of each month (April-September) • Rockingham County GO FAR 5K & Fun Run/Walk
MAY
• Eden Chamber of Commerce Business Expo • Family Fishing Day at Mayo River State Park • Farmer’s Market at Market Square in Reidsville (May-October) • Keystone Cops for the Arts Bike Ride, 5K Run & Walk • Madison Cruise-In, first Friday of each month (May-September) • The Eden Cruise, second Saturday of each month (May-October) • Oink & Ale in Eden • Stoneville Cruise-In, third Friday of each month (May-October)
• West Rock Farmer’s Market in Mayodan (May-October)
JUNE
• Charlie Poole Music Festival in Eden • Piedmont Pottery Festival in Eden
JULY
• Independence Day Celebrations in Eden, Mayodan and Reidsville • July 4th Fun Parade in Eden • Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest in Eden • Shagging in the Vines at Autumn Creek Vineyards
AUGUST
• Clam Jam in Reidsville (every other year) • Dan River Boat Race in Madison
SEPTEMBER
• Mayodan Homecoming Festival • Riverfest in Eden • Stoneville Fall Festival
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OCTOBER
• Madison Heritage Festival • Reidsville Fall Jubilee • Reidsville Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase
NOVEMBER
• Historic Leaksville Nighttime Christmas Parade in Eden • Reidsville Christmas Parade • Stoneville Christmas Parade • Veteran’s Day Parade in Eden
DECEMBER
• Dan River Arts Market Holiday Open House • Downtown Open House & Tree Lighting in Reidsville • Madison-Mayodan Christmas Parade • Mayodan Christmas Stroll & Tree Lighting • Wentworth Christmas Parade All Events are subject to change.
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General Information
AREA DEMOGRAPHICS COUNTY STATS • County Size: 572 sq. miles • County Workforce: 46,000 (approximate) • County Tax Rate: $0.696 per $100 valuation • County Seat: Wentworth POPULATION (2014 US Census Bureau Population Estimates) • County Population: 91,600 (approximate) • Eden: 15,400 (approximate) • Madison: 2,200 (approximate) • Mayodan: 2,400 (approximate) • Reidsville: 14,000 (approximate) • Stoneville: 1,048 (approximate) • Wentworth: 2,700 (approximate) LOCAL WEBSITES • Eden: www.edennc.us • Madison: www.townofmadison.org • Mayodan: www.townofmayodan.com • Reidsville: www.ci.reidsville.nc.us • Stoneville: www.town.stoneville.nc.us
• Wentworth: www.townofwentworth.com Rockingham County: • County Government: www. MyRockingamCountyNC.com • Economic Development: www. GoRockinghamCountyNC.com • Tourism: www.VisitRockingham CountyNC.com MEDIAN AGE • Rockingham County: 44 • North Carolina Avg.: 38
CLIMATE • Annual average high - 69ºF • Annual average low - 47ºF • Annual average rainfall 49 inches • Annual average snowfall 12 inches • Annual average humidity - 54%
LOCAL HOSPITALS • Annie Penn Hospital (part of the Cone Health System) 618 South Main Street Reidsville, NC 27320 336-951-4000 www.conehealth.com
• Morehead Memorial Hospital 117 E Kings Hwy Eden, NC 27288 336-623-9711 www.morehead.org
UTILITIES NATURAL GAS: • Piedmont Natural Gas 1-800-752-7504 ELECTRICITY: • Duke Energy - 336-634-4611 • EnergyUnited - 336-548-1229
LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS EDEN • Baymont Inn & Suites 716 Linden Dr 336-627-0472 • EconoLodge 110 E Arbor Lane 336-627-5131 • Eden Inn 213 Van Buren Rd 336-623-9161 • Hampton Inn 724 S Van Buren Rd 336-627-1111 • Shayona Inn 115 W Kings Hwy 336-623-1500 MADISON - MAYODAN - STONEVILLE • Autumn Creek Vineyards 2 Cabins 364 Means Creek Rd, Mayodan (7 miles off US 220) 336-548-WINE • Budget Inn 3980 US 220 ByPas 336-548-6011 REIDSVILLE • Budget Inn 1681 US Hwy 29 Bus 336-349-6540 • Colonial Inn & Suites 2100 Barnes St 336-342-0341 • Days Inn, 2205 Barnes St 336-342-2800 • Holiday Inn Express 101 Express Dr 336-361-4000 • Quality Inn, 2203 Barnes St 336-634-1275 • Royal Inn, 1631 Freeway Dr (US Hwy 29 Bus) 336-349-9988
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• Williams Motel 1914 Freeway Dr (US Hwy 29 Bus) 336-349-8457
• Rockingham Movie Theatre 205 Gilmer St., Reidsville 336-349-5673 www.rockinghammovies.com
CAMPGROUNDS
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
• Dan River Campground 724 Webster Rd. Stoneville 336-427-8530 www.danrivercamping.com • Humphrey’s Ridge 548 Shelton Rd., Stokesdale 336-427-3949 www.humphreys ridgemarina.com • Lake Reidsville 630 Water Works Rd. Reidsville 336-349-4738 www.ci.reidsville.nc.us
• EDEN 678 S. Van Buren Rd., Eden 336-623-3336 www.edenchamber.com • REIDSVILLE 140 S. Scales St., Reidsville 336-349-8481 www.reidsvillechamber.org • WESTERN ROCKINGHAM (Madison-Mayodan-Stoneville) 112 W. Murphy St., Madison 336-548-6248 www.westernrockingham chamber.com
THEATRES • Eden Drive-In 106 Fireman Club Rd. 336-623-9669 www.edendrivein.com • Kingsway Cinema 220 W. Kings HWY, Eden 336-627-0682 www.kingsway4.com
GOLF COURSES 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE • Dan Valley Golf Club 18-hole (public) 6564 Hwy 135, Stoneville • Deep Springs Country Club 18-hole (public) 160 Country Club Dr, Stoneville 336-427-0950 • Greensboro National Golf Club 18-hole (public) 330 Niblock Dr, Summerfield 336-342-1113
• Lynrock Golf Club 18-hole (public) 636 Valley Dr, Eden 336-623-6110 • Monroeton Golf Club 18-hole (public) 213 Monroeton Golf Course Rd, Reidsville 336-342-1043 • Oak Hills Golf Club 18-hole (semi-private) 436 E. Stadium Dr, Eden 336-623-6381 • Plantation Golf Club 18-hole (public) 190 Clubhouse Dr, Reidsville 336-342-6191 • Wolf Creek Golf Club 18-hole (public) 722 Wolf Island Rd, Reidsville 336-349-7660 9-HOLE GOLF COURSES • Pennrose Park Country Club 9-hole (private) 1622 Country Club Rd, Reidsville 336-349-5163 DISC GOLF Lake’s Edge Disc Golf Course 630 Water Works Rd., Reidsville (at Lake Reidsville) 336-349-4738
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Please Support Local Businesses
ADVERTISING DIRECTORY 616 Farm to Table Restaurant............................. 107 Andrew Brooks Media Group..................... 107, 111 Angelo’s Pizza Pub................................................. 10 Annie Penn Hospital............................................. 114 Atkinson Real Estate................................................. 4 Autumn Creek Vineyards...................................... 77 Bill Wright Cabinet Shop........................................ 59 Butler Lighting....................................................... 105 Carolina Apothecary............................................ 53 Carolina Fuels......................................................... 21 City of Reidsville...................................................... 34 Collie Equipment Co........................................... 103 Dan River Basin Association.................................... 4 Danville Gastroenterology Center, PC................ 49 Danville Museum of Art and History..................... 96 Danville Regional Medical Center....................... 76 Danville Toyota..................................................... 115 Demont Design.................................................... 107 Downtown Mayodan............................................ 31 Eden Tourism........................................................... 27 Eddie R. Barker, Price & Associates...................... 21 Elizabeth’s Pizza Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria..... 13 EnergyUnited.......................................................... 15 Fair Funeral Home.................................................. 23 First Piedmont Corp................................................ 10 Gildan...................................................................... 49 Gordan Allen Photography................................ 105 Holiday Inn Express Reidsville................ Back Cover HomeTrust Bank ....................................................... 2 Kings Inn Pizza Parlor.............................................. 59
The Mad Bean........................................................ 55 Madison Dry Goods............................................... 26 Museum and Archives of Rockingham Co. . ..... 21 Martinsville Economic Development & Tourism................................... 77 Morehead Fair House............................................ 23 Morehead Memorial Hospital............................... 97 North Star Realty Co.............................................. 49 Performance Spine & Sports Specialists, PA........ 11 Piedmont Occupational & Urgent Care............. 83 The Powell-Barefoot Agency, Inc......................... 21 Preventive Maintenance Service of America, Inc.................................... 10 Price & Associates Real Estate & Auction........... 13 Reidsville NC Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center....................... 57 Reidsville Lanes......................................................... 4 Rockingham Community College....................... 82 Rockingham County Economic Development & Tourism .......... 23, 30, 53, 83, 96 Rockingham County Government Who to Contact................................................ 47 Rockingham County Tennis Association............. 59 Round About Way................................................. 13 ShoLogo................................................................ 113 Solex Architecture.................................................. 96 Town of Mayodan.................................... 55, 77, 113 Western Rockingham Chamber of Commerce.................................. 15 The Wright Company............................................... 3
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Area Map
Rockingham County
Guilford County
112 V I S I T R O C K I N G H A M C O U N T Y N C . C O M • ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NC
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pend some time at a small town pace. Yet you’re just minutes from cities, Interstates and airports. We’re a friendly, walkable community of parks, churches, rivers, shops and restaurants. With our green rolling hills, historic buildings and tidy neighborhoods, when you come to visit you just might decide to stay. Stop by soon!
336.427.0241 • TownOfMayodan.com/Real
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Cone Health
Annie Penn Hospital
National Leader in Quality & Patient Safety Proudly Serving Rockingham County Recognized nationally as a Top Hospital for patient safety and quality by the Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score program, Annie Penn Hospital delivers exceptional care to patients across Rockingham County and Southern Virginia. Annie Penn Hospital offers a broad range of medical and surgical services, advanced diagnostic and treatment procedures and access to specialized healthcare through its affiliation with Cone Health, the region’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare network. Ranked in the top 1% nationally for employee satisfaction and engagement, Annie Penn Hospital has earned the Guardian of Excellence Award annually since 2012. The hospital features a Surgery Center, Cancer Center, Sleep Center, and Urology, Cardiology and Teleneurology programs along with a state-of-the-art emergency department. Annie Penn Hospital. Exceptional people. Exceptional care. Visit us for•more information. COUNTY, NC 114 VISatI Tconehealth.com/anniepennhospital ROCKINGHAMCOUNTYNC.COM R OCKINGHAM
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