Town Publishes FY 2020-21 Recommended Annual Operating Budget
The Town Manager’s Office has published the Recommended Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
The budget will be presented at the May 19, 2020 Town Council Regular Meeting. and The Town Council will hold Budget Work Session on May 20, 2020 from 9am to 5pm at Town Hall.
The Town Manager’s Office has published the Recommended Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
The budget will be presented at the May 19, 2020 Town Council Regular Meeting. See the agenda and agenda summary HERE.
The Town Council will hold Budget Work Session on May 20, 2020 from 9am to 5pm at Town Hall.
View the full Recommended Budget HERE.
Garner Police Department Co-Hosting Blood Drive on May 13
The Blood Connection is teaming up with the Garner Police Department to host a blood drive during the 2020 National Law Enforcement Week. The drive will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 2-7 p.m.
The Blood Connection is teaming up with the Garner Police Department to host a blood drive during the 2020 National Law Enforcement Week.
The drive will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 2-7 p.m. in the upper parking lot between the police station and the library at 912 7th Ave.
You can scan the QR code on the flier to make an appointment or visit donate.thebloodconnection.org.
Garner Town Council Meeting Expected to Be Held Remotely
the April 21 Town Council meeting is still scheduled to be held, but we expect it to happen remotely. We will have details soon about how the public can view the meeting and submit public comments in advance of it.
Town Hall remains closed to the public as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 20 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. However, as of the publication of this newsletter, the April 21 Town Council meeting is still scheduled to be held, but we expect it to happen remotely. We will have details soon about how the public can view the meeting and submit public comments in advance of it.
Keep up to date on local pandemic information and learn about available resources by visiting and bookmarking https://www.garnernc.gov/about-us/covid-19.
Stay well, stay home.
Re-published Courtesy Town of Garner
Unprepared Trash and Yard Waste Collection to Resume on April 27
The Town's spring unprepared trash and yard waste collection, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume April 27. Here are the routes remaining to be collected: Thursday (Purple and Yellow), Friday (Brown and Blue) and Tuesday (Green, Gold and Tan). It may take several weeks to cover these remaining routes. We appreciate your patience as crews work to provide this special service.
The Town's spring unprepared trash and yard waste collection, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume April 27. Here are the routes remaining to be collected: Thursday (Purple and Yellow), Friday (Brown and Blue) and Tuesday (Green, Gold and Tan). It may take several weeks to cover these remaining routes. We appreciate your patience as crews work to provide this special service.
Please do not approach our crews while they are out collecting the debris and waste.
For more information about resumption of this service, please email Public Works at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or call 919.772.7600 (staff will be back on duty at the service desk Monday).
Also, All-Star Waste is now offering yard waste rollout carts (96 gallons, same as the tall green containers for garbage; see photo above) for sale for $50. They'll deliver it to you. Pre-order by texting 919.989.1562. You will be able to use the cart to put loose yard waste (not bound or in bags) curbside as part of your regular weekly collection. For other ways to prepare your yard waste for regular weekly collection, please visit this page on our website.
Garner UDO Re-Write Virtual Meeting Scheduled for April 15
The Town of Garner is updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs land use and development regulations in the Town’s jurisdiction. The UDO update will be guided by the Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan.
Public input is an important part of the UDO update, and members of the public are invited to attend a first public meeting--an online forum--to learn about the update process and timeline. This virtual meeting will be hosted by our consulting team from Stewart, Inc., and will be held on April 15 at 2 p.m.
The Town of Garner is updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs land use and development regulations in the Town’s jurisdiction. The UDO update will be guided by the Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan.
Public input is an important part of the UDO update, and members of the public are invited to attend a first public meeting--an online forum--to learn about the update process and timeline. This virtual meeting will be hosted by our consulting team from Stewart, Inc., and will be held on April 15 at 2 p.m. We will live stream it on our Facebook page, facebook.com/townofgarner. You can ask questions and offer input during the forum by posting comments on Facebook. We will also put the videotaped presentation on our website so residents can view it after the forum. This will not be your only opportunity to weigh in on the UDO update.
We will soon have more specifics here on the Town website concerning pre-meeting materials. Please also check the UDO Re-Write page for more general project information.
In late 2019, the Town of Garner contracted with Stewart, Inc.'s Municipal Planning & Mobility team to undertake a re-write of the Town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). It is anticipated that this will be a 2-year project. Bookmark or subscribe to this page for updates.
What is a UDO, and what does a re-write project entail?
A UDO is a regulatory document that combines traditional zoning and subdivision regulations along with other desired regulations such as design guidelines, sign regulations, and floodplain and stormwater management into a single easy-to-read reference document. A UDO is intended to eliminate redundant or conflicting codes provisions, help streamline the development review and approval process, and clarify the procedures and requirements with clear illustrations and language.
The Garner UDO update process will:
Update existing regulations and provide new standards for existing land development codes
Implement the applicable vision and goals of the Garner Forward Comprehensive & Transportation plans
Introduce form- or design-based code elements where applicable - including transit-oriented development requirements supportive of the Wake Transit Plan
Standardize and streamline definitions, procedures, and enforcement processes
Create a document that is easier to use, understand, administer, and enforce
Assure the document is consistent with the latest federal law and North Carolina General Statutes, including the state’s new enabling legislation for municipalities: Chapter 160D
Update street, access & connectivity standards
Provide a standardized use table (LBCS with local amendments) - including guidance for interpretation and clarification on allowances for accessory/secondary/multiple use
Clearly define home occupation standards that are observable, enforceable and defensible
Modify existing zoning districts and introduce potential new base and/or overlay districts
Simplify the conditional district rezoning process
Be consistent with City of Raleigh Public Utility Standards
Revise or add graphics and charts that clearly illustrate the intent of the UDO
Census 2020: In 2 Minutes Learn About the 2020 Census & Why it Matters to Garner.
For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. The process will be quick and secure.
You can respond to the census in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. You’ll still be able to respond by mail.
For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. The process will be quick and secure.
You can respond to the census in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. You’ll still be able to respond by mail.
Everyone Counts
Hospitals. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census is more than just a head count, it can shape many different aspects of Garner and Wake County.
The Latest
Census invitations will arrive between March 12 - 20 with instructions for responding online.
Areas less likely to respond online will also receive a paper questionnaire.
If you need help completing the 2020 Census, you can call a toll-free phone number.
Plan to include everyone you expect to live in your home on April 1.
You can respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more.
Learn more at 2020census.gov.
Why is the Census Important?
Results are used to help determine:
How more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities. These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
The number of seats each state gets in Congress.
How state and local officials draw boundaries for congressional districts, state legislative districts and school districts.
It’s critical that you’re counted. By April 2020, households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. You'll then have three options to respond.
Wake County is committed to educating our residents about the importance of the U.S. Census. Our representatives will be out and about at local events over the next year. Be on the lookout for the Wake Counts team, and get your questions answered one-on-one. See where they’ll be here.
What is the 2020 Census? (30 Seconds)
This short video explains the importance and purpose of the 2020 Census. This questionnaire records every person living at your address on April 1st, 2020. This effort is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
How Do I Take The 2020 Census? (20 Seconds)
In March 2020, every household will get an invitation to complete a simple questionnaire. The three ways to respond are: online/mobile, by phone call, or sending the census by mail. Local census takers will assist those who do not respond.
How Will 2020 Census Data be Used? (30 Seconds)
Learn how census data helps governments make funding decisions, nonprofits perform services, and businesses create jobs. Understanding changes in a population helps communities for the better.
Is My 2020 Census Data Safe? (30 Seconds)
The Census Bureau keeps your personal information safe and secure. By law, it cannot be shared with other government agencies, law enforcement, or landlords. Complete your 2020 Census with peace of mind.
Governor’s Task Force Encourages North Carolinians to Increase Preparedness Measures for COVID-19
EDITOR’S NOTE
THIS RELEASE IS FROM 2/26/2020 AND IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
EDITOR’S NOTE
THIS RELEASE IS FROM 2/26/2020 AND IS OUTDATED. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
Press Release
Raleigh
Feb 26, 2020
Governor Roy Cooper’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force continues to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 infections occurring in North Carolina and is encouraging businesses, schools, health care providers, communities and individuals to prepare as well. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that Americans should be anticipating and preparing for the possibility of widespread COVID-19 in the United States. Since late January, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and NC Emergency Management (NCEM) have been operating a team to coordinate efforts around the state’s response. In early February, Governor Cooper formalized this effort with the creation of the COVID-19 Task Force.
“NCDHHS has been coordinating with the CDC and state and local partners to prepare for COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak in China,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS. “We are asking North Carolinians to continue to plan ahead for the possibility of the spread of the infection, while the risk for North Carolina is currently low.”
NCDHHS and NCEM are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and respond to any potential isolated cases that might occur in the state and prepare North Carolinians to be ready in the event of more widespread, national COVID-19 transmission. The Task Force is developing response plans that address a range of possible scenarios. NCDHHS continues to host regular calls with local health providers and partners, develop and disseminate information and guidance and respond to questions from providers and communities.
“We have been working closely with our Public Health and Office of Emergency Medical Services partners to ensure our preparedness for all scenarios as it relates to COVID-19 infection,” said Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry, who co-chairs the Governor’s Task Force with Dr. Tilson. "We would rather be over prepared to protect the health and well-being of North Carolinians."
The following are common-sense measures all North Carolinians can take to prepare for potential widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the state:
Individuals, Families and Communities
NCDHHS recommends everyone continue taking precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses, which includes COVID-19.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
It is also good practice to start being more aware of the number of times a day your hands touch an object or hard surface and then touch your face without being washed. Limiting the exposure of your nose, mouth and eyes to unwashed hands can help to protect from the spread of all germs and illnesses.
Have a plan in case you need to miss work or other responsibilities due to personal illness or to care for a sick family member.
For pregnant women and children, review the information and guidance available on the CDC website.
Businesses and Employers
Practice good hand hygiene and encourage your employees and patrons to take common-sense precautions to protect themselves from the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Review your policies and procedures for remote or teleworking where possible.
Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences.
Review absenteeism policies to make sure employees are not being encouraged to come to work if they are sick.
If you have not already, establish a relationship with your local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.
Look for more updates and guidance for businesses available on the CDC website.
Health Care Providers and Hospitals
Review policies and procedures for infection prevention and mitigation, and make sure that all employees are aware of and following the appropriate steps.
Consider how to maximize the use of telemedicine, nurse triage lines and other options to prevent sick people from coming to clinics and emergency rooms if they have mild illness and do not need treatment.
Continue implementing the NCDHHS and CDC guidance for COVID-19 and continue working closely with your local health department and NCDHHS.
Look for more updates and information for health care professionals on the CDC website.
College, Universities, K-12 Schools and Child Care Facilities
Make sure all students, faculty and staff are aware of and practicing good hand hygiene and taking common-sense precautions to protect from the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Review absenteeism policies and procedures to make sure students or children, faculty and staff are not being encouraged to attend or work if they are sick.
If you have not already, establish a relationship with your local health department and communicate with them if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19.
Learn more about COVID-19 on the CDC website, and look for updates and information for schools, colleges and childcare.
No one group, ethnicity or population in the US is at a higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 infection than others. While some people may be worried or have concerns about COVID-19, it is important to not let fear and anxiety lead to social stigma towards friends, neighbors or members of the community. Treat all people with compassion and speak up if you hear others making statements that cause stigma against people in your community.
All North Carolinians can better prepare for COVID-19 by getting up-to-date information directly from reliable sources like NCDHHS and the CDC. The COVID-19 outbreak has been accompanied by a global flood of misinformation from unreliable sources. Be thoughtful about what you read or hear about the virus and make sure you are separating rumor from fact before you act.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. North Carolina resources can be found on the Division of Public Health website at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
If you have questions or concerns, call the COVID-19 Helpline toll free at 1-866-462-3821. To submit questions online, go to www.ncpoisoncontrol.org and select “chat."
February 19, 2020 Garner Update
We're heading over to the senior center for their Black History Month Celebration in this edition of Garner Update. We'll also check in at town hall where Garner Magnet High and South Garner High students visited and took part in a mock town council meeting through their leadership academy. And learn how you can view the Wake Transit draft plan for 2021 and see how Garner fits into the bigger picture of local transit.
We're heading over to the senior center for their Black History Month Celebration in this edition of Garner Update. We'll also check in at town hall where Garner Magnet High and South Garner High students visited and took part in a mock town council meeting through their leadership academy. And learn how you can view the Wake Transit draft plan for 2021 and see how Garner fits into the bigger picture of local transit.
Courtesy Town of Garner
Garner Parks and Recreation & Cultural Resources Unveils Ten Year Comprehensive Plan
The Town of Garner unanimously approved the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s Comprehensive Plan in January.
The Town of Garner unanimously approved the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s Comprehensive Plan in January.
The plan outlines the department’s priorities for the next ten years and is a culmination of nearly two years of study which involved community input through focus groups and surveys.
“It’s been about a two year process from start to finish,” said Sonya Shaw, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, in remarks at the Town Council meeting on January 21.
The department will build between 33 – 42 miles of greenway in accordance with the Greenway Network Plan and two new parks, being referred to as Meadowbrook and Yeargan. Long term goals include nearly 100 miles of greenway in total, acquiring land for a third new park and working towards a second indoor recreation center.
“I think it’s always important for us to really see our comprehensive plan as a community plan. It’s certainly one that involved a number of community agencies and groups. Roughly about 35 different community groups have been involved in this process,” Shaw said.
The plan also outlines the need for increasing programs focusing on health and wellness and cultural resources, particularly serving the teenaged and senior populations, and addresses staffing needs, funding needs and maintenance.
January 22, 2020 Garner Update
The first edition of Garner Update in 2020 takes a look at our annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We'll also preview Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources popular Groundhog Day event at White Deer Park and don't forget to purchase your tickets now to the next Broadway Voices show coming to the Garner Performing Arts Center next month..
The first edition of Garner Update in 2020 takes a look at our annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We'll also preview Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources popular Groundhog Day event at White Deer Park and don't forget to purchase your tickets now to the next Broadway Voices show coming to the Garner Performing Arts Center next month.
Courtesy Town of Garner
Garner Police File Charges on December 28th Home Invasion
Garner Police investigators have filed charges in the December 28th reported home invasion at 108 Cedar Lane. Devon Christopher Reese, 23, of Apex, was charged with Felony Breaking and Entering with Intent to Terrorize or Injure, First Degree Kidnapping, and Attempted First Degree Rape.
Garner Police investigators have filed charges in the December 28th reported home invasion at 108 Cedar Lane.
Devon Christopher Reese, 23, of Apex, was charged with Felony Breaking and Entering with Intent to Terrorize or Injure, First Degree Kidnapping, and Attempted First Degree Rape.
The suspect, armed with a handgun and dressed all in black with a mask, allegedly was inside the home at 108 Cedar Lane when the victim returned home at around 12:42pm.
The victim briefly struggled with the suspect before she was able to get away and go to a neighbor's home. The suspect knew the victim and had been in a dating relationship with her prior to the incident.
The suspect was located and arrested in New Jersey. The Wake County District Attorney's Office has agreed to have Reese extradited back to North Carolina to stand trial.
Town of Garner 2019 Year in Review
Garner certainly was on the move in 2019. Check out this terrific video and enjoy a look back at all the great things that happened in our dynamic town in 2019.
Garner certainly was on the move in 2019. Check out this terrific video and enjoy a look back at all the great things that happened in our dynamic town in 2019.
We’re thankful for all the hard work of Town staff and engaged residents who helped make our successes possible this year. In addition to what you see in this fast-paced video, there were a number of accolades the Town earned in 2019—including a Triangle Business Journal Space Award for the Amazon redevelopment project; the national award White Deer Park won for its educational work involving pollinators; the six statewide awards staff won for communications work; and the national awards the Finance Department won (again) for the Town’s budget document and financial reports.
Happy New Year! We look forward to serving you in 2020.
Republished Courtesy Town of Garner
Town of Garner's 2019 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)
The Town of Garner's 2019 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, is now available.
The Town of Garner's 2019 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, is now available.
The report is a reader-friendly summary of the much longer 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which also was recently published by the Town.
To review other Town financial documents, please visit garnernc.gov/departments/finance.
December 23, 2019 Garner Update
In the last Garner Update of 2019 we welcome our newly elected officials that were sworn into office this month. We'll also recap the historic depot move and tell you what the future plans are for the depot and caboose in downtown Garner. We hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family this holiday season.
In the last Garner Update of 2019 we welcome our newly elected officials that were sworn into office this month. We'll also recap the historic depot move and tell you what the future plans are for the depot and caboose in downtown Garner. We hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family this holiday season.
Courtesy Town of Garner
New Garner Town Council Inducted in Midst of Christmas Parade Cancellation Disappointment and Frustration
Town Officials and Public Discuss Christmas Parade
The cancellation of the Garner Christmas Parade which was scheduled for December 7th became the topic of the night at the Garner Town Council Meeting on Monday December 2. Members of the community gathered to share their concerns as new council members were sworn in.
After serving 12 years on the council, Ken Marshburn was sworn in as mayor. Also sworn in were new council members Demian Dellinger, Elmo Vance, and Phil Matthews.
Kathy Behringer was elected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Outgoing mayor Ronnie Williams and council member Buck Kennedy were recognized for their service.
Eight people made public comments and the meeting is available for viewing below.
The Parade
Councilmembers seated during the decision said the issue should have been discussed months before, spoke on the length of the parade route and the difficulty in securing an event that is not contained to one location, and said that law enforcement provided the information that led to the cancellation.
Possible litigation issues coupled with complaints from Garner residents about the inclusion of controversial groups were said to also be a part of the issues surrounding the parade while the safety of children seemed to be a unanimous and paramount concern of everyone involved in the decision, council and staff.
Credible threats gleaned through law enforcement monitoring of social media and online forums and websites weighed heavily; threats similar to those made against the Wake Forest Christmas parade which Wake Forest officials had initially signaled would continue in the aftermath of Garner’s cancellation.
However, Wake Forest officials announced the cancellation of their Christmas parade on December 4th, providing the following statement found here.
Public Comment
Public comments ranged from anger at cancellation of the parade and bowing threats by outsiders to condemnation of certain groups participating at all. Nearly all were deeply concerned with the precedent set by the cancellation and implications for the future of the parade and other town events.
Watch Public Comments in their entirety below.
Comments from Town Officials
With councilmembers and the mayor newly inducted and given the sensitive and passionate nature of the town’s decision to cancel the Christmas Parade, Mayor Mashburn suspended protocol and allowed each councilmembers to make a brief statement after the petitions and comments from the public. Selected are presented below comments below.
“I think people get misled because they think ‘oh they made some comments on facebook and twitter’. These groups, there are all kinds of chat rooms on the dark side of the internet that not only the Garner police monitor; SBI monitors, high patrol monitors. Chief Binns shared some information with us that you are not going to find on facebook and twitter...The difference in Pittsboro, in Chapel Hill, in Durham, and in Charlottesville is this: they were all adults. The parade involves kids, this is why I’m so upset…I wish we had discussed this months ago.”
𑁋Council member Gra Singleton
“To echo what’s already been said, it was a tough decision...It’s one that we have to look at in the future...We should be celebrating peace, we’re looking at frustration and anger right now...It’s imperative that a lesson has been learned, that we have to think things through, and make those hard decisions early on, and debate them out early on so that this will not happen again.”
𑁋Council member Elmo Vance
“I’d rather err on the side of personal safety for the good citizens of this town, rather than to be known as a town where a terrible tragedy occurred. I think if some of you visited the good people in Charlottesville today you would hear of the trauma that many are still undergoing as a result of the bad things that have happened in terms of their reputation...I do think that we will have an opportunity as a new council to discuss some of these very concerns that have been mentioned here this evening. I don’t personally believe that this is the end of our Christmas parade, and I will do all I can as mayor to either put together an organization or group that can basically study and look at this issue...This was not a flippant decision, it wasn’t based on skewed information, it was based on very solid information as far as I’m concerned and indicates that public safety is something that we can’t guarantee.”
𑁋 Mayor Ken Marshburn
Watch full Town Council Member statements below
The Garner News is continuing to gather verified information and will continue its coverage of the Christmas Parade issue as it continues in to 2020.
Town Announces Cancellation of Christmas Parade
The Town of Garner has decided to cancel the 2019 Garner Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, due to concern that the event could be targeted for disruption.
Post Date: 11/27/2019 11:15 AM
The Town of Garner has decided to cancel the 2019 Garner Christmas Parade, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, due to concern that the event could be targeted for disruption.
The Town is especially concerned about the possibility of bystanders—including children—being caught in the middle of disruptive actions.
Town officials apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment the parade cancellation may cause; however, the Town’s foremost responsibility is always to ensure public safety.
Garner’s annual tree-lighting festival, Light Up Main, will proceed as planned on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street in historic Downtown Garner.
Media Contact
Rick Mercier
Communications Manager - Town of Garner
919-773-4418
garnerpio@garnernc.gov
November 13, 2019 Garner Update
Don't miss out on the latest episode of Garner Update. We're recapping the latest municipal election results and saying farewell to Garner's Chief of Police, Brandon Zuidema. Take a closer look inside the new Amazon Fulfillment Center on Jones Sausage Road and be sure to head out to our next Pop-Up Town Hall where we'll be focusing on the town's partnership with Garner Fire-Rescue. Finally, The Wall that Heals is making it's way to Garner. Learn more about why the traveling monument is stopping in our All-America City next year.
Don't miss out on the latest episode of Garner Update. We're recapping the latest municipal election results and saying farewell to Garner's Chief of Police, Brandon Zuidema. Take a closer look inside the new Amazon Fulfillment Center on Jones Sausage Road and be sure to head out to our next Pop-Up Town Hall where we'll be focusing on the town's partnership with Garner Fire-Rescue. Finally, The Wall that Heals is making it's way to Garner. Learn more about why the traveling monument is stopping in our All-America City next year.
Courtesy Town of Garner
Garner Celebrates Its Heroes
Garner celebrated its heroes on Monday, Nov. 11 during its 11th annual Veterans Day Observance at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Garner celebrated its heroes on Monday, Nov. 11 during its 11th annual Veterans Day Observance at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Aversboro Road Baptist Church welcomed a large group for a breakfast furnished by the Poole Family YMCA, a 30-minute concert by the Garner Magnet High School wind ensemble and a brisk-paced celebration of the community’s many veterans.
Veterans Day is a day of celebration. Memorial Day remembers those service members who were killed while in the service, but Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in our nation’s military.
The heroes who died while in the service were remembered, but so were those who survived. There were veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. In fact, retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Ripley fought in all three of those wars and was sitting on the fourth row.
All the veterans in attendance were recognized as the ensemble played “Armed Forces Medley of the United States” and again as Rodney Dickerson, the town manager doubling as the master of ceremonies, spoke from the heart as he thanked the service personnel for answering the call of country.
Dr. Jeffrey Sholar, the pastor of Aversboro Road Baptist, opened with an invocation that spoke of honor, respect and thanksgiving and just about summed up the entire event beneath a gleaming stained-glass window that filled the ceremony with a soft light befitting the occasion.
As is the tradition of the event, the Aversboro Elementary School Choir, under the direction of Christy Root, sang and provided the link between all the service men and women who have served and the future of the country.
Cindy Parsons, a spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, was the keynote speaker and told her story, a story filled with grief, brutality, resiliency and hope.
Her 17-year-old son Shane wanted to enlist in the military the day after the United States was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. She persuaded him to wait until he graduated from high school.
Shane joined the U.S. Army and was in Iraq when he volunteered to go on a mission, even though it was supposed to be his day off.
An explosive device destroyed his Humvee and amputated his legs above the knee. He suffered a severe brain injury and only exceptional medical care saved his life. Years of rehabilitation have given him a new life.
He moved from hospital to hospital and kept repeating his mantra, “You can be bitter or you can get better.”
He probably will never be able to read or write again. But he is getting better and is active in sports, including downhill skiing, parachuting, hand bikes and sled hockey.
Earlier in the observance, the wind ensemble, under the direction of Melissa Holmes, played an inspiring version of “It Is Well,” a song written by Horatio Spafford soon after his four daughters drown in an ocean liner collision.
It really is well despite the horror, the pain, the anguish, Parson said.
“If Shane wheeled into here today _ he cannot use prosthetics because his injuries were too high _ and you asked him if he would do it again,” Parson said, often pausing with emotion. “Would he enlist and go to Iraq, knowing what would happen to him.
“He would say, ‘Yes. I love my country.’”
Garner Veterans Day Observance, Featured Speaker Cindy Parsons
Cindy Parsons, who is an advocate for recovering U.S. military personnel, will be the featured speaker Monday at the Town of Garner’s annual Veterans Day observance at Aversboro Road Baptist Church.
Cindy Parsons, who is an advocate for recovering U.S. military personnel, will be the featured speaker Monday at the Town of Garner’s annual Veterans Day observance at Aversboro Road Baptist Church.
The Poole Family YMCA is providing a free pancake breakfast beginning at 9:30 a.m. and a mini-concert by the Garner Magnet High School wind ensemble follows at 10:30. The program begins at 11 a.m.
Parsons’ son Shane was a U.S. Army soldier who was critically injured in Iraq in 2006. Parsons became his caretaker and has become a strong advocate for wounded service members.
She participated in the Wounded Warrior Project Caregiver Summer in Washington, D.C., in 2009 and lobbied for the passage of the Caregiver and Veteran Omnibus Health Service Act in 2010. The act provides assistance and support for caregivers of injured service personnel.
Parsons and Shane speak at events to educate on traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
She is passionate about promoting public awareness of our injured warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mayor Ronnie Williams, Aversboro Road Baptist Church pastor Jeffrey Sholar, the Town of Garner Police/Fire Department Honor Guard, and the Aversboro Elementary School choir also will participate.
Rodney Dickerson, the Garner Town Manager, is the Master of Ceremonies.
Free guided tours of the Garner Veterans Memorial, located at Lake Benson Park, will be conducted following the program.
Garner Veterans Day Observance
Monday, November 11th
Pancake Breakfast Starts at 9:30
Program Starts at 11:00
Aversboro Baptist Church
1600 Aversboro Rd, Garner, NC 27529
October 14, 2019 Garner Update
In this episode of Garner Update Arlie Kidd takes you behind the scenes of a new play coming to the GPAC, we'll catch up with Garner Police and learn about their partnership with the Ring App and don't forget about downtown Garner's Trick- or- Eat food truck rodeo happening this weekend on Main Street.
If you're looking for the latest news and events happening right now in Garner then you've come to the right place! In this episode of Garner Update Arlie Kidd takes you behind the scenes of a new play coming to the GPAC, we'll catch up with Garner Police and learn about their partnership with the Ring App and don't forget about downtown Garner's Trick- or- Eat food truck rodeo happening this weekend on Main Street. All that and more in this edition of Garner Update.
Courtesy Town of Garner