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Simply submit via email at any time to: newsletter@currituckchamber.org

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Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty (formerly Rose & Womble Realty Company) on their successful ribbon-cutting ceremony! It was a momentous occasion, marking a significant milestone in their journey. We were delighted to be part of this terrific event, with a fantastic turnout of great people and delicious food!

Join us in celebrating their official name change and the exciting new chapter for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services RW Towne Realty. Their affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services brings added value and resources to our community.

Visit their website to learn more: https://www.rwtowne.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TowneRealty/

Pictured from the center: Cindy Mayberry (Manager), Barbara Wolcott (CEO), Van Rose (Chairman), Commissioner Owen Etheridge, along with agents, clients, Chamber members, friends, and family.

Ask for help.

The most important thing you can do is seek support as early as possible. Most challenges can be overcome with the right resources, tools and persistence. Preparation is your best bet for breastfeeding success. You can set up an appointment with an IBCLC or plan to have a consultant available on your delivery day.

Support for after you deliver.

Most hospitals offer on-site inpatient lactation counseling, and the BirthPlace at Chesapeake Regional also offers outpatient lactation counseling, along with a free Breastfeeding Support Group, breastfeeding classes, and opportunities for counseling, nursing bra fittings and more. If you are early in your pregnancy and your hospital does not offer these services, consider delivering elsewhere.

*Camden Heritage Festival ~ Sat. Sept. 23rd

10am-3pm

Camden Community Park (125 Noblitt Dr., Camden)

Join us for the 3rd Annual Camden Heritage Festival! The family-oriented festival includes contests, farm equipment, tractors, live animals, historical demonstrations, car show, live music, food and beverage trucks and so much more! Admission is FREE! The event is hosted by the Camden Festival Committee, Inc. and for further information please contact the Camden Festival Hotline at 252-621-3940.

Camden County welcomes you to join in our day of family fun!

PARKING: All attendees are asked to park at the Camden County High School (103 US Hwy 158 W, Camden, NC 27921) where you will ride a shuttle bus to the festival grounds.

*Dismal Day & 5K Fun Run/Walk ~ Sat. Oct. 21^st 

10am- 2pm

Dismal Swamp State Park (2294 US Hwy 17N, South Mills, NC)

Join the Dismal Swamp State Park for the 9th annual Dismal Day! Festivities will run from 10 am-2 pm and include craft vendors, food trucks, music, cultural exhibits, raptors, snakes, alligators, wagon rides, scavenger hunt, and much more! A 5K Fun Run/Walk will start at 9 am & registration is FREE. This family friendly event welcomes strollers and allows participants to walk/run at their own pace. Reserve your “Year of the Trail” souvenir t-shirt ~ limited quantity available ($)! Contact the Dismal Swamp State Park (252-771-6593) for vendor info, 5K Fun Run registration and t-shirt reservations. Do not miss this annual family festival celebrating history and nature! 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced that The Outer Banks Hospital received a 5-star rating in both the Physician Communication and the Nurse Communication categories.

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) utilizes these star ratings to summarize the patient experience, which is one aspect of hospital quality. The ratings are based on surveys that patients take after receiving care.

“The 5-star rating is the highest rating and it underscores the focus that Outer Banks Health places on the patient experience," noted Kimberly Hardman, director of experience.” “We know that listening to the patient and addressing concerns with compassion and high-quality treatment leads to better outcomes.”

“Our physicians and nurses are among the best of the best with only five North Carolina facilities achieving the 5-star rating in both categories,” said Ronnie Sloan, FACHE, president of Outer Banks Health. “It isn't just about our commitment to delivering quality care. It's about delivering quality care with compassion and our nurses and providers deliver it every single day.”

of incapacitation, a will has no legal authority, leaving your healthcare and financial decisions at risk.

Introducing trusts into your estate plan can address these concerns and more. Understanding the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts is crucial, as it can significantly impact your legacy. The right choice depends on your unique circumstances and future goals. Rachel Snead, from Hook Law, has recently published an insightful review of these two trusts. It will help you make informed decisions when creating your estate plans.

Take control of your future now! Explore the power of trusts in securing your legacy and safeguarding your wishes.

Link to full article: https://hooklaw.net/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-revocable-and-irrevocable-trusts

Elizabeth City, NC: NCWorks Career Center partners with Five Below to offer mass hiring event for the Elizabeth City area.

There was a lot of excitement and energy on Thursday July 27^th at the NCWorks Career Center as staff partnered with Five Below to host a mass hiring event for their new store location in the heart of Elizabeth City. During this event, job seekers showed up in pursuit of employment and had the opportunity to work with Career Center staff to help navigate the application process before meeting with the store manager. NCWorks staff were all-hands-on-deck while assisting 87 individuals seeking employment with Five Below. Hiring manger, Andrea Boyd, was beyond pleased with the turnout of job seekers. She stated “the phenomenal team lightened my shoulders” by assisting job seekers with registration and applications and with smooth transitioning throughout the entire event. “I had the most amazing time”, said Ms. Boyd. That was a shared sentiment. Interim Career Center Manager, Annette Barnes, stated, “It was great partnering with Ms. Boyd to assist Five Below with their hiring needs. Our staff look forward to this type of event. It brings lots of energy to the office”.

Hiring events and services at the NCWorks Career Center are provided at no cost and open to the public. We encourage job seekers and businesses to come by and see how we can assist them.

A visually appealing, comfortable, and dynamic workspace can lead to numerous benefits, not only for employees but also for the organization. In this article, we will explore the advantages of refreshing your office space and how it can positively impact productivity, employee morale, and overall business success.

Enhanced Productivity

One of the primary benefits of refreshing your office space is the potential to boost employee productivity. A well-designed office can inspire creativity, increase focus, and improve overall efficiency. By incorporating ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and well-organized workstations, employees are more likely to feel comfortable and motivated, which, in turn, leads to higher levels of productivity.

Additionally, a refreshed office can facilitate collaboration and teamwork. Open spaces with comfortable seating arrangements, communal areas, and innovative meeting spaces encourage employees to interact, share ideas, and work together more effectively.

Improved Employee Morale

The environment in which employees work significantly affects their mood and overall well-being. An outdated and drab office can lead to reduced job satisfaction and increased stress levels among employees. On the other hand, a refreshed and aesthetically pleasing office can uplift spirits, improve job satisfaction, and create a positive atmosphere.

Adding elements such as plants, artwork, or colorful accents can create a more inviting and enjoyable workspace. A well-thought-out office refresh shows employees that their comfort and happiness are valued, which can lead to increased loyalty and reduced employee turnover.

Attraction and Retention of Talent

In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a priority for any organization. A refreshed office space can play a significant role in attracting prospective employees and making a lasting impression during interviews. Job candidates are more likely to be drawn to a company that invests in providing a modern, engaging, and enjoyable work environment.

Moreover, a well-designed office can contribute to employee retention. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes their well-being and offers a pleasant and comfortable workplace.

Brand Image and Client Impressions

An office refresh not only benefits employees but also positively impacts clients and visitors. A well-organized, clean, and modern office space reflects positively on the company's brand image and professionalism. Clients are more likely to trust and have confidence in a business that takes pride in its physical workspace.

A refreshed office can also help showcase the company's values and culture. Thoughtful design elements that align with the company's mission and vision can leave a lasting impression on clients and reinforce the company's identity.

Adaptability to Change

As businesses evolve and grow, the office space needs to adapt as well. A refreshed office allows for the flexibility to accommodate changing needs and organizational requirements. With modular furniture, flexible layouts, and multi-functional spaces, companies can easily adjust their office setup to support different working styles and teams.

Conclusion

Refreshing your office space is not just about aesthetics; it's a strategic investment that can yield numerous benefits for both employees and the company. From increased productivity and improved employee morale to a more positive brand image and better talent retention, a well-designed office can contribute significantly to the overall success and growth of an organization. Embracing change and creating an engaging workspace demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of employees and sets the stage for a thriving and dynamic work environment.

Maryann Woods, CID, NCIDQ, IIDA 

President & CEO 

Board Certified Interior Designer 

757.563.2845

Holland and Associates Counseling is excited to announce the opening of our second

location in Jarvisburg on August 2, 2023! While our original office is in Nags Head, we

are working to meet the needs of Currituck residents with this expansion by offering

in-office and telehealth services. Karen Tejano is the primary provider at this location

and is open for new clients aged 18 and older seeking individual counseling. Karen is a

Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) as well as a Licensed Clinical Mental

Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She is an in-network provider with the following

insurance companies: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon (including Military

OneSource), Cigna, MedCost, Optima, and United Healthcare (including Veterans

Affairs Community Care Network). To get started, contact us by phone at (252)

255-2733, or by visiting https://hollandassociatesobx.com/ and filling out a secure

contact form. We look forward to celebrating with the community at a grand opening

with the Chamber of Commerce when our schedule allows.

Hemp House Wellness

Hemp House Wellness, a contemporary wellness boutique founded in Virginia Beach (2018), has recently made Moyock, NC the home of its newest business model. The Hemp House Wellness team has been evolving the concept of a mobile cannabis consultation and retail boutique since March 2023 when they first reached out to the Currituck Dept of Planning and Zoning.

In addition to their locations in Va Beach and Moyock, their e-commerce platform hemphousewellness.com (launched 2019) has allowed their brand to expand nationally, shipping products throughout the U.S. Education-backed expertise is the cornerstone of co-founders Rita Dahan and Sophia Woods’ mission to break down stigma associated with cannabis and create access to premium, legal hemp-derived products. Sophia is a University of Virginia graduate (2018) and was awarded a fellowship in the hemp industry while pursuing her masters degree at UVA. Rita is pursuing her masters degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (class of 2024) at University of Maryland’s College of Pharmacy. Fred Hackett, a master horticulturist, is the third key member of their team whose organic education further shapes inventory selection and product knowledge. In July Hemp House Wellness brought their newly built out mini-mobile to 451 Caratoke Hwy, located next door to the Moyock grain silos. They can be found there as well as integrated in community events throughout the county. The team is currently booking their fall events and welcomes invitations to pop-up at other business locations or personal events. They are planning their fall grand opening and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony to coincide with the five year anniversary of the Virginia Beach flagship boutique. For more information they can be reached at woods@hemphousewellness.com.

Join us at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center on August 31st from 10:00 to Noon for our Fall Gardening Workshop. This class will cover the nuances of fall gardening, including what to plant and when, how to deal with late fall heat and frosts, and more! There is a $15.00 registration fee for this class which covers transplants, seeds, and other fall gardening giveaways to get your garden started on the right foot! Reserve your seat today by completing the class registration and payment. We are accepting cash and check payments in addition to paying via credit card through Eventbrite. Please, make checks payable to NC State University. Checks and cash payments can be received at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center located at 120 Community Way Barco NC 27917, within 5 days of registration. Class size is limited and full registration, including payment, is required to hold your spot. If you have any problems registering please feel free to call us at 252-232-2261, and we will walk you through the process. If you need accommodations for persons with disabilities please contact Adam Formella at (252) 232-2261 or by email at adam_formella@ncsu.edu no later than 10 business days prior to class.

Read more at: https://currituck.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/08/fall-gardening-workshop-2023/

The Museum of the Albemarle will host our 2^nd monthly History for Lunch on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 12 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium. Caitlyn Randall, Communication specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will provide the inside scoop virtually on Got to Be NC’s new Homes in the Hometowns cookbook! 

The cookbook features “recipes from home kitchens across North Carolina,” highlighting the local North Carolina farms, ingredients, and businesses that make each of these recipes so special!

The Museum will offer the History for Lunch in-person and through Zoom. Register in advance through the Museum’s Facebook page or website to receive a link to attend the lecture virtually.

The virtual program is supported by Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle.

Founded in 2001, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s nonprofit mission is to protect, conserve, and responsibly manage the herd of Corolla wild horses (Bankers) roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks, and to promote the continued preservation of this land as a permanent sanctuary for horses designated as the State Horse and defined as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of the Fund’s mission and desired impact. The CEO will adhere to the Fund’s Strategic Action Plan and the implementation of the Wild Horse Management Agreement. As CEO, Chris will represent the Fund to the public, fostering important partnerships with key organizations, all government agencies, community and business leaders, and other relevant stakeholders. Through his work, Chris will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.

Spending much of his career in the nonprofit world, Chris Winter brings more than 11 years of nonprofit executive-level experience to the position. Most recently, Chris was President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. Before Make-A-Wish, Chris worked as the Director of Development for Living Water International. This faith-based nonprofit organization helps communities in developing countries to create sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. Chris cares about the world around him and will bring exciting new energy to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

“We are confident Chris can guide the Fund into the future, expand our resources, improve our programs, and continue to help the wild Banker horses of Corolla thrive for generations to come.” – Kimberlee Hoey, Corolla Wild Horse Fund Chairman of the Board.

Find out more about the Corolla Wild Horse Fund at www.corollawildhorses.org

Update tax withholding when a taxpayer divorces or separates, they usually need to update their proper tax withholding by filing with their employer a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate. If they receive alimony, they may have to make estimated tax payments. Taxpayers can figure out if they’re withholding the correct amount with the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov.

Tax treatment of alimony and separate maintenance

•                 Amounts paid to a spouse or a former spouse under a divorce decree, a separate maintenance decree or a written separation agreement may be alimony or separate maintenance for federal tax purposes.

•                 Certain alimony or separate maintenance payments are deductible by the payer spouse, and the recipient spouse must include it in income.

Rules related to dependent children and support

Generally, the parent with custody of a child can claim that child on their tax return. If parents split custody fifty-fifty and aren't filing a joint return, they'll have to decide which parent claims the child. If the parents can’t agree, taxpayers should refer to the tie-breaker rules in Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals. Child support payments aren't deductible by the payer and aren't taxable to the payee.

Not all payments under a divorce or separation instrument – including a divorce decree, a separate maintenance decree or a written separation agreement – are alimony or separate maintenance. Alimony and separate maintenance doesn’t include:

•                 Child support

•                 Noncash property settlements – whether in a lump-sum or installments

•                 Payments that are your spouse's part of community property income

•                 Payments to keep up the payer's property

•                 Use of the payer's property

•                 Voluntary payments

Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.

Report property transfers, if needed

Usually, if a taxpayer transfers property to their spouse or former spouse because of a divorce, there’s no recognized gain or loss on the transfer. People may have to report the transaction on a gift tax return.

More information:

Topic No. 452 Alimony and Separate Maintenance

Michael Bonin

Office Manager

H&R Block - Moyock Office

588 Caratoke Highway

Moyock, NC 27958

252-435-1040 Office

252-435-6427 Fax

252-339-6960 Cell

The following final plat applications were submitted and will be reviewed by the Technical Review Committee - TRC (August 9, 2023):

·        Fost: The applicant and owner, Moyock Development, LLC, submitted the final plat application for Phase 3A in Fost Planned Development. The final plat includes 43 townhouse units.

·        Waterleigh: The applicant and owner, Allied Properties, LLC, submitted the final plat application for Phase 5A in the Waterleigh residential subdivision. The final plat includes 26 residential lots.

The following major site plan applications were submitted and will be reviewed by the TRC (August 9, 2023):

·        Berry Warehouse: The applicant, Mancuso Development, Inc., submitted a major site plan for a warehouse facility at 147 Greyson Loop, Currituck Industrial Park. The proposed construction consists of a 2,400-sf warehouse and office.  The property is owned by Bryan and LeeAnn Berry.

·        Dollar Tree Grandy: The applicant Cedar Run Capital, LLC, submitted a major site plan application for a retail store at 6440 Caratoke Highway in Grandy. The proposed construction consists of a 10,062-sf retail store. The property is owned by Jason Roadcap.

The following text amendment applications were submitted and will be reviewed by the TRC (August 9, 2023), Planning Board (tentative date: September 12, 2023), and Board of Commissioners (tentative date: October 2, 2023):

·        Currituck County: The Board of Commissioners submitted a text amendment to the UDO, Chapter 2, to remove public comment from the order of proceedings for an evidentiary hearing.

·        Currituck County: The Development Services Department submitted a text amendment to the UDO, Chapter 2, to modify the Special Use Permit review standards to include a finding that the development complies with the requirements of the UDO.

QUASI-JUDICIAL DECISIONS

The following cases were submitted and will require the board to make a quasi-judicial decision. Board members are not allowed to discuss the case or gather evidence outside of the hearing. You may view the property in question before the hearing but may not talk about the case with the applicant, neighbors, or staff outside of the hearing. 



·        Algonquin:  The applicant/owner, Joel and Stacy Justice, submitted a 10-lot, Type I traditional, residential subdivision.  Jarvisburg Elementary School April enrollment exceeds 85% capacity (92%), and a special use permit will be required.   The property is located in Jarvisburg on Indian Kettle Road.

·        Windswept Pines, Phase 3:  The applicant/owner, Allied Properties LLC, submitted a preliminary plat/special use permit application for 14 residential lots located in Phase 3, Windswept Pines, Moyock.          

·        Buck Island, PUD:  The applicant, Albemarle and Associates, submitted an amended sketch plan/special use permit application to add two dwelling units (density) to Parcel Y in Buck Island, TimBuck II. Per TRC review, the application also includes preliminary plat/special use permit for creation of Parcel Y. The owner of the property is Golasa Holdings, LLC and the property is more specifically identified as 804 Ocean Trail, Corolla. 

·        Monteray Shores, PUD: The applicant/owner, CB Land Development, LLC, submitted an amended sketch plan/special use permit application to correct the summary data table and reduce the open space for the Monteray Shores, PUD, Phase 3, Corolla Bay. The application also includes a special use permit for 127 multi-family units in Phase 3, Corolla Bay. The proposed development is located at the northern end of Monteray Shores.

·        Pawn Shop:  The applicant, Kevin Stroud and Jeremy Bazzle, submitted a special use permit application to operate a pawn shop at 512 Caratoke Highway, Moyock. The property is owned by Olds Auto Supply and Service, Inc and is located at the intersection of Caratoke Highway and Camellia Drive.         

·        Ashbrook Estates: The applicant/owner, Ashbrook Estates, LLC, submitted a 52-lot, Type II conservation, residential subdivision. The property is located in Maple on Maple Road.

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