Volume 2, Issue 4 | March 25, 2021 NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM THE CITY OF ROCKY MOUNT
Community Development and Fair Housing Month to be celebrated in April 

The city of Rocky Mount Community and Business Development Department is partnering with the Human Relations Department to celebrate Community Development and Fair Housing Month. The recognition will take place during April and is highlighted by four virtual presentations.

  • Thursday, April 1: City of Rocky Mount staff will offer a virtual presentation on government services including utility and water services, code enforcement and more
  • Wednesday, April 7: Local agencies will provide information about services including COVID-19 grants, down payment assistance and how to find grant money for installation of new HVAC systems
  • Thursday, April 22: “Fair Housing: More Than Just Words,” presentations will cover laws updates, with topics ranging from tenants rights to COVID-19 Cares Act funding assistance (rental, mortgage, utilities). 
  • Friday, April 27: Presentations will take on a business development focus and will include speakers on downtown incentives, financial literacy and minority contractors.

“We are excited about this series of wide-ranging discussions that will benefit our citizens in a variety of critical areas,” Human Relations Director Archie Jones said.

All virtual sessions will take place at 10 a.m. Stay connected to rockymountnc.gov as well as the city’s social media platforms for information on Zoom links.
Calendar
Monday, March 29
2 p.m.
SPECIAL CALLED Rocky Mount City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
George W. Dudley City Council Chamber, third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building

Monday, April 12
5 p.m.
Rocky Mount City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
George W. Dudley City Council Chamber, third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building

Monday, April 12
7 p.m.
Rocky Mount City Council Meeting
George W. Dudley City Council Chamber, third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building

Monday, April 26
4 p.m.
Rocky Mount City Council Meeting
George W. Dudley City Council Chamber, third floor of the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building
Meetings and events are subject to change.
City Beat returns

The city of Rocky Mount Communications, Marketing and Public Relations office has relaunched the video format of City Beat. The weekly discussions are designed to provide another platform for residents to receive the latest city news and information, and the episodes will feature guests including city staff, city leaders and elected officials.

Beginning the week of March 22, we will launch a new episode of City Beat on Suddenlink Channel 19 at 4 a.m. on Tuesdays. Replay times are 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and 4 a.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursdays. Episodes will be streamlined to be more social media friendly, and locations will vary throughout the city. Broadcast platforms include the city’s Facebook page as well as the CITY-TV 19 YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLGyeYlxhcs
Episodes also will be available via the city’s first podcast, “City Beat,” which will utilize Anchor by Spotify. The podcast will be available on all streaming platforms.

“The relaunch of City Beat highlights our efforts in continuing to provide accurate and timely information to our citizens,” City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney said. “We look forward to engaging our audience through useful, informative and insightful conversations.”
Imperial Centre to offer Easter treat bags

The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences will not hold its annual Easter Eggstravaganza, but staff is celebrating the upcoming holiday by offering free Easter treat bags. This is a drive-thru event, but you also have the option of receiving a bag during your trip to the Imperial Centre. Pickup times for the bags, which include colorful eggs, toys, coloring books and candy, are:

  • Saturday, March 27: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 28: 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday-Thursday, March 30-Apr. 1: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 3: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

The bags are available while supplies last. Contact the Imperial Centre at 252-972-1266 for more information.
Imperial Centre to offer 48 Hour Film Festival

The staff at the Theater at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is offering the public a chance to make and star in their own movie productions. The 48 Hour Film Festival will be held April 9-11 and will allow residents to write, shoot and edit their movies before the film is screened in front of an audience at the Imperial Centre.

On Friday, April 9, teams will draw a genre from a hat, and will be given a character, prop and line to include in their films. Submissions of the film must be received by 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, and the screenings will begin at 8 p.m.

“This high-octane competition has been happening all over the world for 20 years,” Artistic and Managing Director Brooke Edwards said. “If you have a cell phone, a creative mind, and a team to work with, you can make a short film in 48 hours.”

Registration is free, but is required for the event via imperialcentre.org. Winners will be chosen by a jury and awarded prizes. For more information, email Brooke Edwards at brooke.edwards@rockymountnc.gov.
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