Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 |
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Governor Cooper Moves North Carolina to Phase 3 With Stable Numbers
Safety precautions set for large outdoor and some indoor venues
RALEIGH: North Carolina will ease cautiously some restrictions while continuing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the state’s metrics remained stable in September, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
“Our top priority remains getting children back to in-person learning. This month marks a major shift for many families now and in the coming months as schools open their doors, some for the first time since the pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “The virus continues to spread, so we must take the next steps methodically, and responsibly.”
Executive Order 169 begins Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. and continues for three weeks through October 23.
Its new provisions include:
- Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
- Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
- The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
- The 11 pm curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.
State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires October 23.
Read the slides from today's briefing.
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Governor Cooper Announces Nearly $40 million to Connect Students and Communities to High-Speed Internet and Help Educators With Remote Learning
Governor Roy Cooper announced nearly $40 million in funding for NC Student Connect, a new partnership created to address internet connectivity gaps that are a barrier to remote learning for many North Carolina students. When school resumed in August, superintendents estimated that at least 100,000 students still lacked a reliable internet connection at home.
Many North Carolina students are currently attending school remotely and need reliable internet access to be able to connect with their teachers and access their lessons. Students who are attending school onsite may also need internet access at home to be able to complete assignments.
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Governor Cooper Announces Additional $40 Million COVID Relief for Small Businesses
Some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” said Governor Cooper.
The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.
Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses. The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed; and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.
Eligible applicants include:
- Amusement parks
- Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
- Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
- Bingo parlors
- Bowling alleys/centers
- Dance halls
- Indoor fitness and recreation centers
- Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)
- Museums
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Sir Archie
The greatest thoroughbred in North Carolina history was the celebrated Sir Archie, foundation sire of champions Timoleon, Boston, Lexington, and Man O’War. In the era preceding the time when Kentucky became the nation’s center of horse racing and equine culture, North Carolina established a considerable reputation. For several generations Virginia and North Carolina horses dominated tracks throughout the country.
Foaled in Cumberland County, Virginia, Sir Archie (1805-1833) at an early age came to the attention of the nation’s first great trainer, William Ransom Johnson (1782-1849), a native of Warrenton, North Carolina. Johnson bought the horse for $1,500 and described him as “the best horse I have ever seen.” After Sir Archie won races in Richmond and Petersburg, Johnson was hard pressed to find competition. In 1809 William R. Davie of Halifax, Revolutionary War general and founder of the University of North Carolina, purchased Sir Archie for $5,000 and soon thereafter put him out to stud. Sir Archie’s offspring became the next generation of champion thoroughbreds. From 1817 to 1833 he was quartered at "Mowfield" plantation and is buried on its grounds. In the annals of turf history he has no peer.
In 1974 a State Highway Historical Marker was erected on US 158 one mile south of the "Mowfield" and west of Jackson in Northampton County. It is one of only two state markers dedicated to a four-legged mammal, the other being about a breed, the Plott Hound.
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Child Care Hotline Extended to Families Seeking Child Care for School-Age Children
North Carolina families in need of childcare can call the child care hotline 1-888-600-1685 to be connected with child care options in their communities for school-age children up to age 12.
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Connecting Residents to COVID-19
Isolation and Quarantine Support
Anyone who tests positive for or has been exposed to COVID-19 needs to quarantine or isolate for as long as 14 days, meaning that they need to separate themselves from others, including anyone in their household. Many North Carolinians struggle to safely quarantine or isolate and still meet basic needs.
In order to help North Carolinians who need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19, NC DHHS is covering the cost of certain support services to allow them to do so safely and
effectively. This document outlines how COVID-19 testing staff, case investigators, contact tracers, primary care providers (PCPs), Local Health Department (LHD) staff, and other partners can connect NC residents to these covered services
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Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit
The Rural Health Information Hub has developed a Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit. The toolkit compiles promising models and resources to support organizations implementing programs to address social determinants of health in rural communities. Topics include food access, health promotion, telehealth, and rural transportation. In addition, the toolkit offers strategies for evaluating programs, sustaining funding, and disseminating information.
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October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month
Did you know that one in 30 youth ages 12 through 17 has misused over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine for its dextromethorphan (DXM) ingredient — and one in five young adults has misused a prescription drug?
Help raise awareness of the dangers of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine and prescription (Rx) drug misuse during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month (NMAAM) in October. Take part in the Dose of Prevention Challenge, which promotes community engagement through a variety of virtual events and activities.
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New Funding Opportunity from the National Paralysis Resource Center
ACL's National Paralysis Resource Center (managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation) will open a new funding opportunity for community-based organizations that serve people living with any type of paralysis. The new application cycle for the Direct Effect Quality of Life (up to $25,000) and High Impact Quality of Life (up to $50,000) grants on September 9. Applications are due Thursday, October 22.
Direct Effect QOL grants offer up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations for projects that clearly impact individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. High Impact QOL grants will fund projects in the following high-priority areas: Transportation, Respite/Caregiving, and Disaster Response (grants up to $30,000); Nursing Home Transition (grants up to $40,000); and Employment (grants up to $50,000).
The High Impact Priority Employment grants are a top priority because it's one of the four pillars of the Americans with Disabilities Act and one of the most challenging obstacles to individuals living with paralysis. In addition, gainful employment allows people living with paralysis to achieve enhanced financial security, higher quality of life, and improved community connections.
Quality of Life (QOL) grants are federally funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL). Organizations that have previously been awarded a Quality of Life grant in any category may re-apply for funding one year following the close of their grant and notification of grant closure by the Reeve Foundation.
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Local Food, Local Places 2020-2021 Application
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture invite communities to apply for technical assistance to help revitalize their economy, promote local foods, improve health, and protect the environment. Local Foods, Local Places helps communities revitalize neighborhoods through development of local food systems. To date, 108 communities have benefitted from assistance with support from EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with participation from several federal and state partners.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit institutions and organizations proposing to work in a neighborhood, town, or city of any size anywhere in the United States. Special consideration will be given to communities with Opportunity Zone designations.
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 30, 2020.
How to apply to LFLP 2021: See complete application instructions at:
Application “How-to” Webinar: EPA will host a webinar to explain more about the program and selection process on October 9, 2020, 3:00-4:00 EDT. To register for the webinar, visit:
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North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan
While there is still much we do not know about COVID-19’s long-term impact, there is one thing we are certain of: we are all in this together.
We are learning how to adapt and evolve, together, day-by-day.
In response to the unique economic challenges of COVID-19, a consortium of public, private, and nonprofit partners have come together and launched an innovative recovery-lending program to help support entrepreneurs and stabilize North Carolina’s small business sector.
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USDA Announces New Rural Broadband Grant Funding
In late September, USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) opened the FY2021 funding round for its well-regarded Community Connect broadband funding program. Community Connect is a competitive grant program that distributes awards to rural, unserved communities demonstrating economic necessity. Awards range from $100,000 to $3 million and require a 15 percent cash match.
Expect the program to be competitive—historically only about 10 percent of applicants have received awards. Additionally, time is of the essence: The application window is currently open and closes December 23, 2020.
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) does not include a program budget, suggesting that there is some flexibility to the amount of funding available. In previous years, the program budget has been about $35 million. RUS has indicated that it expects to award 20 grants this funding cycle.
The FOA can be found here and the program application guide here.
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NC Healing Communities Fund
The North Carolina Healing Communities Fund provides critical resources for nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that have been impacted severely by COVID‐19 through revenue loss and increased demand.
The Fund’s focus is on marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by the virus and its economic impacts and have been underserved by other sources of financial assistance – specifically communities of lower wealth, communities of color, mostly rural communities and where English may not be the primary language.
The Fund provides an opportunity for philanthropy from corporations and other foundations that are interested in contributing to a collection of large donations which will then be distributed by the community foundation in a way that addresses unmet community needs in the flexible manner required in these tumultuous times.
Nonprofits are vital to meeting needs of communities, particularly the most vulnerable ones. The NC Healing Communities Fund supports these nonprofits in continuing to offer the services upon which so many rely for healthy living and well‐being.
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We are excited to share that UCPCOG and the UCP Broadband Task Force has been awarded a digital inclusion grant by BAND-NC. The grant funds will be used to implement a regional digital inclusion planning process with the goal of developing unique digital inclusion plan elements for each county in the region. Our staff and a Digital Navigator will work directly with member governments to deliver digital inclusion plans that are customized to each county’s specific challenges and desires.
This process is funded through the Institute for Emerging Issue’s BAND-NC grant program in partnership with Roanoke Electric Cooperative. Five planning teams will be assembled (one for each county) to ultimately identify and prioritize at least three digital inclusion projects. This will result in at least 15 digital inclusion projects identified and prioritized throughout the region, backed by data and expertise, which will position the region and members to apply for implementation grants.
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USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions and more.
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The 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference
The Outdoor Economy Conference connects, educates, and inspires leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that's intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities.
The 2020 Conference: The Future of Outdoors
With the outdoors more essential than ever, this year's conference will bring together outdoor leaders from around the country to advance 5 timely topics and ensure a better future for the outdoor economy, and for the people and places that it serves.
Healthy Communities Through Recreation
Growth Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Outdoor Innovation + Entrepreneurship
Next Generation Outdoors
Building Outdoor Communities
Join hundreds of your peers to take action together and grow an outdoor economy that works for all!
How Will the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference Work?
> Entirely online
> Every Thursday in October, from 12-4 EST
> Ample Networking Time With Peers and Presenters
> Attendees Will Have Access to All Conference Materials for 6 Months
> Get an All-Access Pass (Including Recordings & Special Perks) or...
> Buy Session Tickets A-La-Carte
> Group Rates and Community Team Packages Available
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New Resources for DCTA Recipients and Smaller Distressed Communities
HUD has developed a library of resources relevant to Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) recipients and smaller distressed communities impacted by a natural disaster. Explore this collection of resources, which features COVID-19 pandemic response resources as well as general resources. Check back regularly for new resources and information!
Resources and Guidance
COVID-19 Resources and Guidance
Webinars and Events
Upcoming Events
Studies, Reports, and Tools
COVID-19 Studies, Reports, and Tools
General Studies, Reports, and Tools
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
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Partnership Conference 2020
The Workforce Partnership Conference is going Virtual for 2020. From October 1 to October 30th several virtual sessions have been scheduled by workforce staff, partners and trainers. Governor Cooper will also present a message. Registration is needed per session. Visit the NC Works Training Center site www.ncworkforcetraining.com for details! Congrats to all workforce nominees this year and the winners!
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Large Employer Recruiting efforts
DMV is ramping up in Rocky Mount! Our NC Works Career Centers of the Region are working to assist in recruiting efforts for the new DMV location in Rocky Mount. Numerous interviews were held virtually and more recruiting efforts are being scheduled such as a virtual fair or drive up fair for this company. Stay tuned! For interest contact the Rocky Mount NC Works Career Center at 252-977-3306 for steps to take. Remember, Center staff is working remotely, however they will still assist.
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Manufacturing Day is Approaching
Manufacturing Day is the first Friday in October! Manufacturing Week is November 9th to 13th, 2020! Get in on the latest manufacturing events that may be scheduled in our State www.ncmep.org and a new site www.creatorswanted.org to see National efforts to support Manufacturing!
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It's the time of year where you and your residents' votes help to make a difference in our State and our Country. Recently, the NC Board of Elections provided NCSLA with a slideshow that describes all aspect of the voting process including provisions for persons with disabilities. Click the link below to learn more about the voting protocols in North Carolina.
For questions regarding the voting process, please contact:
Ted Fitzgerald
North Carolina State Board of Elections
(919) 935-7713
North Carolina Senior Living Association | 919.787.3560
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DD Councils rise to the challenge: Throughout this pandemic, the aging and disability networks have found creative and innovative ways to support our communities. A new report from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) - “State Councils on Developmental Disabilities COVID-19 Report: Council Activities, Initiatives, and Impact” - highlights how DD Councils have used resources and connections to help people with developmental disabilities and their families stay safe, healthy, and connected to community.
Getting ready for Medicare Open Enrollment: Medicare open enrollment is just a month away and many ACL grantees, including State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, are getting ready to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices. The ACL Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling's Managing through COVID-19 Workgroup has produced a toolkit to support grantees as they prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment. The toolkit includes resources on safety, confidentiality, marketing, counseling, and more.
The latest from the CDC:
Rethinking employment services: Many organizations and agencies that provide employment services for people with disabilities are adapting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, ACL participated in a webinar on rethinking employment services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 era. View slides from the webinar.
Creating connections - with or without technology: To help promote social connections among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, the engAGED Resource Center and the Eldercare Locator have compiled resources and activities to help older adults connect with technology and without technology.
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As a benefit to our members, stakeholders, and supporters during this challenging time, NCSEA will be offering each of these webinars free of charge!
Building Bipartisan Support for Clean Energy in North Carolina
Investment Capital in Clean Energy - Where We've Been and Where We're Headed
Integrating Clean Energy into Utility Resource Planning
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Register Now!
NC Rural Center Community Resiliency Webinar Series
With the support of the American Red Cross, and in partnership with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, the NC Rural Center is excited to announce an introductory series of four FREE webinars during the month of October on community resilience.
Participating rural leaders will learn:
· Key concepts that distinguish resilience strategies from natural disaster recovery practices.
· The climatic and economic conditions that make adaptation of resilience strategies so critical.
· Practical resilience strategies communities can adopt.
· Principles and practices for inclusionary planning.
· Strategies to address the ongoing needs of rural leaders so they too can be as resilient as their communities.
We encourage you to participate in all four of these 75-minute sessions.
Each session will conclude with time to ask questions of presenters. Questions we are unable to address will be collected and responded to in a questions and answers document that will be shared with participants.
Cost: Free
Dates: October 7, 15, 21, 28
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The NC Rural Center is excited to announce that we will be hosting a series of Homegrown Leaders regional economic and leadership development trainings across eastern North Carolina, as indicated by the map below, over the next two years.
The first training in this series is November 18-20, 2020 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will be virtual. The training is designed to reach a broad base of community leaders and emerging leaders from across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, government, nonprofit and faith-based, small business leaders and entrepreneurs, economic development professions and other community-minded people.
Participants for the November 18-20 training must live or work in one of the following counties: Edgecombe, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton, & Wilson counties.
If you are interested, please complete the application here.
If you know of a leader or emerging leader who is living or working in one of the eligible counties, please forward this announcement and application link to them.
For additional information about our Homegrown Leaders training program, click here.
The cost for this training is $150, and we have limited scholarships available. This is a competitive application process and successful applicants will be notified and invited to participate. If selected, we appreciate your commitment to the full three days of training.
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Upcoming Local Elected Leaders Academy Courses
Dates, topics, and links for course descriptions and registration are included below. As a reminder, CPLG is offering 25% registration discounts in recognition of the budget disruptions local governments continue to experience as the NC economy slowly recovers. Our continued use of virtual platforms provides wide access to these offerings. I hope you can take advantage of some of these important options to hone your local leadership skills.
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121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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