Newsletter from the Office of Sen. Angela R. Bryant


NEWS FROM RALEIGH…

I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door are always open to you!  As always, thank you for your support!

 

NEWSLETTER NEWS

 

  • Two Upcoming Education Forums –Nash/Edgecombe and Wilson Counties
  • Around the District and More: Warren County Education Forum
  • Successful Warren County Education Forum
  • The More You Know: Childcare in Wilson County; Latino Screening Day for HIV and Syphilis (English and Spanish version); Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Enrollment

           Information 2014-2015

  • Awards and Grants: Grants Awarded; Kate B. Reynolds Grant Opportunity for Halifax County
  • Legislative News: GK Butterfield; Former Intern – Attorney Porsha Robinson Swearing-In
  • Because You Care – We Thank you

 

 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND

TWO UPCOMING EDUCATION FORUMS!!

 

Goals: Educate, Empower, Listen, Caucus, Problem-Solve

 

Nash & Edgecombe County Residents

A Community Forum on education and services for students with special needs, students at risk of suspension and expulsion and their families, educators and communities.

Date:  Wednesday, December 3rd

Time: 6-8pm; Registration begins at 5:30pm

Location: Imperial Center, 270 Gay St. Rocky Mount, NC 27804

 

Wilson County Residents

 

Date: Tuesday, December 2nd

Time: 6-8pm; Registration begins at 5:30pm

Location: St. John AME Zion, 119 East Pender St. Wilson, NC

 

 

AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE

  • Handcraft Holiday Market, Nov. 22nd 7:30am to 3:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. To request a vendor applciation, call 252598-0814.
  • College Roundup Presents – College Admittance and Scholarship Workshop for Students 7th – 12th grade and parents. Edgecombe County Administration Building Auditorium, 201 St. Andrew St., Tarboro. Saturday, November 22, 2014, 10:00am-11:00am

Contact: Fay Smith @ Faysmith@Netzero.Net.  252-883-2667.

  • Join us for a GROW Workshop in Whitakers Saturday December 6, 2014, 8:30am – 4:00pm, Franklinton Center at Bricks, 281 Bricks Lane, Whitakers, NC

The day will include educational sessions, networking, lunch and a tour of the Franklinton Center garden for hands-on demonstrations of season extension techniques and pollinator gardens. For more information: Maria.Hitt@nccgp.org   919-525-5946 or Chester Williams   (252) 673-6218 abetterchanceabettercommunity@gmail.

  • 6th Grade Poster Contest, All Vance County 6th Graders Are Invited To submit posters, with the theme “Agriculture on my Mind, “365”.  Complete details available from Turner_Pride@ncsu.edu, Vance County 4_H (252-438-8188).
  • Free North Carolina Hospitality Training Saturday, Nov. 22, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Franklinton Center at Bricks “Fellowship Hall” located at 281 Bricks Lane, Whitakers, NC.  Lunch is at 12:00 pm. This is hospitality training for owners and business managers, front-line employees, those interested in promoting tourism, and customer service.  Training will also include activities, handouts, and training manual.  Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in NC Hospitality and will leave with a professional development plan.  Presenter for the training is Ms. Jamilla Hawkins, CRD Agent, Edgecombe County Center.  For more information contact Eunice Carrasco-Hill, Project Coordinator, at 252-437-1723. Confirm attendance by Nov. 17. 
  • The Halifax Community College Center in partnership with Main Street Roanoke Rapids will host a reception for local businesses in celebration of Small Business Saturday
  • The reception will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 in Building 400, Room 401 A/B.  The reception is free and open to the general public. For more information, contact Jerry Edmonds, Small Business Center Director at 252 536-7274. The NC Community College Small Business Center Network assists in starting an average of more than 650 businesses each year. Small Business Centers have an economic impact in 90% of all NC Counties each year including helping to create and retain over 3,000 jobs annually.
  • Enfield Christmas Parade, Sat. Nov. 29 at noon. For more information contact: Calvin Pittman, 252-578-1537.
  • Weldon Christmas Parade Dec. 4th at 6 pm. For questions contact Traci Storey 252-536-4836 or tstorey@historicweldonnc.com.   
  • Littleton’s Christmas Parade Dec. 6th at 11:00am. For information contact, Moira at moira555@embarqmail.com.
  • Wilson County Christmas Parade Dec. 6th at 11:00pm. For complete information contact Ginger Langley 919-604-4445 or Glhuff15@yahoo.com
  • Vance CountyChristmas Parade  Dec. 7th at 2:00pm, Henderson. For complete information contact, Dr. Alice Clark at 252-767-4579.
  • Nash County Christmas Parade Dec. 7th at 3:00pm, Rocky Mount. For complete information contacta at Pamela.casey@rockymountnc.gov.
  • Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade Dec. 7th, 2:00pm. For complete information contact, Joseph Shearer 252-533-2840.
  • Town of Halifax Christmas Parade Sat. Dec. 13th, 2:00pm. For complete information contact Sharon at 252-583-6571.
  • Edgecombe County Christmas Parade Dec. 13th at 11:00am, Sharpsburg Christmas Parade. For complete information contact at Robert Smith at 252-908-7919.
  • Warren County Christmast Parade, Dec. 13th at 5:30 Warren County Christmas Parade.  Prelude to Christmas is scheduled to begin at 4:30 and the parade is scheduled for 5:30pm. Raindate: December 14th.   For complete information contact Meredith at 252-257-3455.

 

 

Successful Warren County Education Forum

Nov. 13, 2014 – Warren County High School

Three Sessions – Youth, Elected Officials/Administrators & Teachers and Parents

           

 

 

THE MORE YOU KNOW…

 

Childcare in Wilson County

  • Approximately 4,010 children under the age of 6 reside with at least one working parent.
  • In March 2014, the county served 756 different children with child care subsidy and had 352 eligible children on the waiting list for subsidy.
  • Warren County has 33 licensed child care programs. 26 of which are centers and 7 are family child care homes. 58% of the centers and 14% of homes have a 4 or 5 star rating.
  • There are 1,646 children up to the age of 5, and 463 school-age children currently enrolled in these child care programs.
  • 60% of children in centers are in a 4-5 star licensed centers. 15% of children in daycare homes are in 4-5 star licensed homes.
  • Most families in Wilson County cannot afford the full cost of child care and need a child care subsidy.
  • Low income families and families with more than 1 child have to pay a high percentage of their income for childcare.
  • The NEW Reentry Council website is currently under construction. An important aspect of the website is a local service provider directory. If your organization would like to be included as a reentry resource on the NEW Reentry Council website, please complete the following form: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e9wwhx1ri0pf7k71/start
  • There is still time to complete the brief feedback survey for the last Council meeting- simply click here: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e9v1n7n6i08kfq54/start

 

English Version

 

Latino Screening Day for HIV and Syphilis

Latino Screening Day for HIV and Syphilis

Saturday, November 22, 2014

10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

J & L Supermarket, Inc.

685 Rockfish Road · Raeford, North Carolina

(Scurlock Community)

910.875.2881

Sponsored by

Hoke County Health Center, Raeford, North Carolina

&

Cape Fear Regional Bureau for Community Action, Inc., Fayetteville, North Carolina

In Conjunction with J & L Supermarket, Inc.

 

Take the antibiotic and the HIV and Syphilis test for the chance to receive $40 in groceries/gas

Sponsored by the Cape Fear Regional Bureau For Community Action, Inc.

 

Free Candy (Bags of candy for all that take the test)

 

For More Information Contact:

Ms. Helene Edwards/Ms. Ulva Little at 910.875.3717 or Mr. Ashley Rozier, II at 910.483.9177

 

Spanish Version

Dia de Chequeo Latino Para VIH y Syphilis

Sábado, Noviembre 22, 2014

10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

J & L Supermercado, Inc.

685 Rockfish Road · Raeford, North Carolina

(Scurlock Community)

910.875.2881

Auspiciado Por

Hoke County Health Center, Raeford, North Carolina

&

Cape Fear Regional Bureau For Community Action, Inc., Fayetteville, North Carolina

En Conjunto Con J & L Supermercado, Inc.

 

Tome el Antibiotico y el Examen Para el VIH y Syphilis Para la Oportunidad de Recibir $40 en Comestibles/Gasolina!

Patrocinado Por Cape Fear Regional Bureau For Community Action, Inc.

Golocinas Gratis (Bolsas de Dules Para Todos los que Lomen el Examen)

 

Para Más Información Contacto:

Ms. Helene Edwards/Ms. Ulva Little al 910.875.3717 o Mr. Ashley Rozier, II al 910.483.9177

 

 

Affordable Care Act Health Insurance

Enrollment Information 2014-2015

 

GET Covered NC         STAY Covered NC

OPEN ENROLLMENT November 15, 2014 ~ February 15, 2015

Over 300,000 North Carolinians enrolled through the Marketplace & 91% of North Carolinians who enrolled are receiving financial help.

Certified Healthcare Navigators are available in your county to provide fair, accurate, and impartial FREE assistance in:

  • Whether you qualify for financial assistance
  • Enrolling in a health plan through the Marketplace
  • Getting exemption from paying a fine if you do not enroll in a health plan

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA, a not-for-profit organization, CAN HELP.

CALL TODAY for an in-person appointment for your FREE Navigator Assistance near you:

 

For assistance in Halifax contact Porsha Robinson – 252.332.5124 ext. 233 or email Porshar@legalaidnc.org.  All other counties: 855-733-3711.

 

4 IMPORTANT DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

  1. November 15, 2014

Open Enrollment starts for 2015

  1. December 31, 2014

Coverage ends for 2014 Marketplace plans

  1. January 1, 2015

Coverage can begin for 2015 Marketplace plans

  1. February 15, 2015

Open Enrollment ends

 

 

Awards and Grants

 

Golden LEAF Foundation Grant to Nash-Rocky Mount Schools

 

The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors voted unanimously to provide $200,000, the maximum grant award possible,  to Nash-Rocky Mount public schools for Workforce Aligned STEM centers at two middle schools in the district.  The funds would pay for curriculum development, equipment, hardware, software and professional development to use project-based learning (i.e. real world) to prepare students for employment with regional large manufacturers.

North Carolina Department of Commerce

 

The following Community Block Development Grant has been approved for Nash County:

 

Town of Nashville (Nash County): $479,925 to assist in the construction of sewer lines to serve two new food processing facilities to be constructed by Carolina Innovative Food Ingredients, Inc. (CIFI). The start-up company will be a subsidiary of Universal Leaf Tobacco and intends to invest $25 million in constructing and equipping the two new facilities. CIFI will produce a sweet potato juice that will be sold as a wholesale product to other food processing companies. CIFI has committed to create 64 full-time jobs.

 

The following  Economic Infrastructure Project Grant has been approved for Nash County:

 

Town of Nashville (Nash County): $157,575 to be combined with $479,925 from the CDBG-Economic Development program to assist in the construction of sewer lines to serve two new food processing facilities to be constructed by Carolina Innovative Food Ingredients, Inc. (CIFI).

 

The RIA was established as part of the Rural Economic Development Division at the N.C. Department Commerce to assist with the review and approval of grants for rural areas in the state. The grants-making programs of the new Division include assistance for building reuse and restoration, water and sewer infrastructure, and economic innovation in rural communities.

 

Recent Federal Contract Awarded to NC Firm

 

Halifax Linen Services of Roanoke Rapids, NC (Halifax County) was awarded a $363,010.00 contract from the Department of Health and Sciences for Linen and Uniform Service for NIEHS at RTP, NC. 

 

 

GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR HALIFAX COUNTY

Health Care Division Funding Announcement: February 2015 Cycle

The grant application deadline is February 10, 2015, at 5:00 pm.

 

We are pleased to announce our grants process for the February 10, 2015, grants application deadline. The programmatic interests and eligibility criteria are consistent with those announced previously for the August 2014 cycle. 

 

FUNDING IN OUR CORE ISSUE AREAS

The Trust will accept applications in all four of the Health Care Division’s Issue Areas. As indicated below, proposals in these areas will be limited by the Tier Designation of the county served. We will accept applications based on the county’s Tier designation in both 2014 and 2015, should they change. Grantmaking will continue to represent our long-term commitments to our Healthy Places NC counties. We will announce four to five new Healthy Places NC counties in the coming year. 

 

Access to Primary Care

  • Proposals to provide direct health services will be limited to Tier 1 counties and must reflect efforts to build a system of care for the low-income uninsured.
  • Proposals to increase individual and small business insurance coverage, and other regional or statewide insurance models, will be accepted for work in Tier 1, 2 and 3 counties. Potential applicants must be aligned with various local, regional and statewide efforts. Priority will be given to strategies to enroll Latino residents and/or to educate consumers on how to use and maintain newly acquired insurance products.

Community Centered Prevention 

  • Proposals will be accepted from Healthy Places NC counties—Beaufort, Burke, Halifax, McDowell  and Rockingham.
  • A very limited number of proposals will also be considered for projects in Tier 1 counties that incorporate or expand existing Trust-funded community centered prevention work.
  • Proposals must continue to involve multiple local, regional and statewide stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the program.
  • Stay tuned, we will offer further clarification of our Community Centered Prevention funding interests in the spring of 2015 to better reflect the Trust’s long-term strategy to improve health.

Diabetes

  • Diabetes proposals will be accepted from organizations serving Tier 1, 2 and 3 counties that make a clear connection to primary care and show innovative thinking around business sustainability, recruitment/retention of program participants, and how to engage a variety of health care professionals and community-based organizations in the prevention and management of diabetes.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

  • Proposals will be accepted from organizations serving Tier 1 counties that demonstrate strong linkages with local systems of care and have an active relationship with the regional Local Management Entities (LMEs) or Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in their region.
  • A very limited number of proposals will be encouraged for integrated care work. These will only be entertained from organizations already demonstrating commitment to reaching strong levels of integration—whether Trust funded or through another funding mechanism.

Reminder: All applicants must recognize the importance of using data to track results.

 

CAPITAL FUNDING

The Trust will consider capital requests of up to $150,000 to support construction and renovation and up to $100,000 to purchase equipment for applicants working in our Issue Areas in our Healthy Places counties of Beaufort, Burke, Halifax, McDowell and Rockingham counties. Proposals must clearly tie to enhancing and/or expanding the opportunity to improve health for financially disadvantaged people and describe how the request to the Trust is critical for the implementation of the project.

 

NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE TASK FORCE ON RURAL HEALTH  

The NCIOM Rural Health Action Plan is out, and we encourage all applicants working in rural areas to use the report as a very robust guide for rural health improvement. Follow up activities and local events are currently being scheduled.  Find information about Action Plan follow up meetings in McDowell, Rockingham and Bladen Counties here.  The Institute of Medicine will continue to add information as additional events are scheduled.

 

CONTACT THE TRUST TO ASSESS FUNDING ELIGIBILITY

To engage in an initial conversation about proposals for the February cycle, we ask all interested parties to contact our program coordinator, Robin DeVane, by email at robin@kbr.org or by phone at 866-551-0690. All university-affiliated inquiries must be pursued in consultation with your school’s Trust liaison.

 

Depending on fit with our issues, interests and strategies, we may then schedule an appointment with you and your regional program officer. Please make sure your advance consultation is scheduled well before January 30, 2015.

 

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

 

For Release:  Immediate

 

Date:  November 19, 2014

 

Contact: Kezmiché “Kim” Atterbury             

             Office:    (202) 225.3101                

Butterfield Elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 114th Congress

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) was unanimously elected today as the 24th Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 114th Congress.  Beginning in January, Butterfield will lead the largest CBC in the organization’s history, which will be comprised of 45 members. 

 

“I’m moved by the unwavering support the CBC has shown me throughout the years,” said Butterfield.  “Each year they’ve continued to elect me to senior positions within the Caucus, solidifying their confidence in me to help steer and now lead the conscience of the Congress as Chair.  I do not take this endorsement lightly.”

 

Butterfield, whose ascension to Chair comes after serving eight years in the Caucus leadership, also thanked the current chair for her support.

 

“I’m grateful to outgoing Chairwoman Marcia Fudge for her hard work and commitment over the past two years.  There is no doubt that the CBC is better off as a result of her vision and leadership.”

 

Other CBC Members elected to leadership posts include Representatives Yvette Clarke, First Vice-Chair; Andre Carson, Second Vice-Chair; Karen Bass, Secretary; and Hakeem Jeffries as Whip.

 

“The new Congress provides a fresh start to address the issues that are important to us all.  Members of the CBC come from every region of the country.  While we each have our own priorities, we speak with a singular, powerful voice in our fight to deliver on the expectations of Americans—to have a government that works for us all. 

 

“I look forward to working with Caucus members as we implement a new agenda in the 114th Congress—one that respects the past, but boldly confronts the future.”

 

http://Butterfield.House.Gov

###

 

 

Swearing In – Former Intern

Attorney Porsha Robinson

Porsha Robinson with her mother, Margolyn Carter

October  2014

BECAUSE YOU CARE – WE THANK YOU

 

Sen. Bryant,

 

We are greatly appreciative of the time you spent with us today.  Your information was helpful as our students gain more knowledge in the way our government works for the people of our state. We see you as a strong supporter of education and our local community.  We thank you for all that you do!

 

Brenda Collins

 

Sen. Bryant,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time today to speak to me about my dissertation reasearch your insight and experience in the GA made you a very valuable resource.  Thanks again for your time and consideration.

 

Lela Baldwin

 

Sen. Bryant,

On behalf of the Vance County Arts Council I would like to thank you once again for your support of the arts.  This year we were in a better position financially since the decline of the economy.  Individuals reached into their pockets to assist us with various programs.  This year we were once again able to hire a professional artist for the imagination Art Station camp. Two-time Emmy winner Willa Brigham told stories, sang and encouraged the children to tell their own stories. The highlight of the 2013/2014 season was being able to serve almost twice as many exceptional children than in the past. The Arts council was also able to offer free art classes to seniors fifty and older. Overall, the 2014 year was a huge success because we did not have to cut programming; we were able to add additional programs. This was due largely to people like yourself who thought that the arts were important enough to lobby for the local councils.  Again, thanks and may God bless you as you try each day to make decisions affecting the people of North Carolina.

 

Respectfully Yours,

Dr. Alice Clark Sallins

Executive Director, VCAC

 

Dear Senator Bryant:

I am writing to thank you on behalf of Wilson Community College for your support of the North Carolina Arts Council.  Our college Foundation was a recipient of an Arts Council of Wilson Grassroots grant this year. It has made a tremendous impact on our ability to provide educational cultural arts activities for our students and our community.

 

Many of our students have never attended a concert or

book reading. Your support of the NC Arts Council enables them to fulfill their mission of promoting the arts to all of North Carolina’s citizens.

 

Respectfully,

 

Lynn Moore

Director of Institutional Advancement

Wilson Community College

Contact:  Senator Angela R. Bryant, North Carolina Senate • District 4•

North Carolina General Assembly • State Legislative Office Building • 300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 520, Raleigh, NC  27603 • 919-733-5878-P • 919-754-3289-F •Angela.Bryant@ncleg.net or

Karon Hardy, Legislative Assistant at  bryantla@ncleg.net.