Throughout the recent COVID crisis, the Rocky Mount YMCA family did their best to stay connected in the community. Likewise, the loyal members who also are part of “the family helped the “Y” to make a difference during the recent crisis time. All in all, with a great sense of community leading the way, the Harrison Family Rocky Mount YMCA did what they always have done. Made the community a better place and helped those who were in need. Now, after “lending their collective hands” to help, members will be excited to see that the facility has re-opened with limited services. Thus, in this post, we will detail exactly what activities have returned, and when you can enjoy them.  

While We Were Gone…We Stayed Busy Lending our Helping Hands

Almost 70 percent of the members of the Rocky Mount YMCA offered up their help from the start of the COVID pandemic in mid-March and still are assisting today. During that three-plus month period, the Rocky Mount YMCA was responsible for serving close to 4,000 meals to kids, seniors, and families in need. As a unit we are proud to also have helped provide more than 20 families featuring “essential” workers emergency childcare.

Outdoor Yoga is one of the many returning outdoor exercise activities at Harrison Family YMCA

Welcome Back to the Rocky Mount YMCA, Well, Welcome Partially Back!

In addition to these ways in which the public received assistance with the help of the Rocky Mount YMCA, there were even more. One other way in which the “Y” helped out was through collecting blood. 152 units of blood to be exact. These were gathered during 4 different American Red Cross blood drives hosted at the Rocky Mount YMCA. Likewise, the Harrison “Y” team made deliveries and made check-up calls to over 500 area senior citizens.

After complying with the governor’s original “stay-at-home” policy, the Rocky Mount YMCA was closed to any members for well over two months. Putting safety and the health of members first, this was the only rational decision given the rapid spread across the nation of COVID-19. Following sanitization instructions and social distancing guidelines that were laid out to keep the virus contained. Then with Governor Roy Cooper’s update to his executive order on May 20, several areas of the Rocky Mount YMCA fell under those being able to open their doors beginning June 1. 

Ok, so “partially back?” what exactly does this mean. Well, as a part of the Rocky Mount YMCA’s Stage One re-opening, the doors will be open for members to use the pool and outdoor exercises. All who intend to participate must complete a COVID waiver that can be found at harrisonfamily.org. Below is a complete schedule of events for the “Re-Opening” phase at the Rocky Mount YMCA.

What is Open at the Harrison Family Rocky Mount YMCA? And When is it Open?

Customer Service Hours in the Facility

Mondays – Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Water Fitness Classes (Beginning Monday, June 22nd)

Mondays & Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. 

Lap & Open Swim Reservations

Mondays – Fridays 7 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Walking Club 

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Outdoor Group Exercise Classes:

(If the weather calls for a cancellation, you will receive an email and we will do our best to offer that class in our Live Facebook Group.)

Pilates with Katya

Mondays 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.

BODYPUMP/Body Sculpt with Haywood 

Mondays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

HIIT with Abs 

Tuesdays 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.

Yoga with Kathleen 

Tuesdays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. 

Thursdays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Power Sculpt with Haywood 

Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Zumba with Diane

Fridays 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

BODYPUMP with Willie

Mondays 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.         

Zumba/Mixed with Diane

Tuesdays 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

BODYPUMP with Marvis

Wednesdays 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Cardio HIIT with Willie

Thursdays 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

In addition to these items above, there will be “Modified Swim Lessons” beginning on July 6. Also, the “Rec Pool” will be closed from 9-11 a.m. for Camp Programming. After pool use, starting on Monday, June 22, the Men’s and Women’s respective locker rooms on site will be available, too.

Reservations and Memberships at Rocky Mount YMCA

For information on reserving facility time slots, pool time, or, group exercise spots in addition to any answers you may need about membership, visit harrisonfamilyy.org

rocky-mount-real-estate

For nearly fifty years, an emphasis of a “client-first” philosophy was implemented by multiple-time “Realtor of the Year”, Kenneth Moorefield. This led to unmatched success in Rocky Mount home sales for him and his Rocky Mount real estate company. Likewise, the current team at Moorefield Real Estate implements the strategies and techniques they were fortunate enough to learn first-hand from Mr. Moorefield prior to his passing this past September. Many on the staff looked at Moorefield as a mentor and father figure in their real estate careers.

On more than one occasion I had an opportunity to share a few words with Ken. He pointed to several of his employees and it was clear he looked at them with admiration, pride, and confidence. Admiration as he spoke of their youthfulness. Pride is what he wore across his face as he pointed out the incredible statistics and accolades the employees which he spoke of. Confidence, well, Moorefield’s confidence was refreshing, in no way whatsoever arrogant, however, incredibly sure of the fantastic job and results that his top prized realtors would deliver.

Consequently, each realtor who had the opportunity to sit under Moorefield’s tutelage refers to Ken’s ideology often. Likewise, each proud member of the Moorefield Real Estate team strives daily to represent Ken’s namesake and carry on his near half-century tradition of excellence and relationship building with clients, customers, fellow employees, and any resident familiar with the Rocky Mount area.

The name Moorefield is the most trusted name in Rocky Mount real estate.

Carrying on The Moorefield Real Estate Tradition at Belmont Lake Preserve

When the Halle Companies made the purchase of Belmont Lake Preserve in late 2011, any Rocky Mount real estate company had to sit up and take notice. The Halle team began to invest, and invest largely in the over 1,400 -acre, spectacular, forested community, they did. Unlike a previous failed attempt by an ill-prepared suitor for the land, the Halle Companies was able to make the acquisition of Belmont Lake entirely through a cash purchase.

This afforded the Halle Companies the luxury of proceeding with patience and the ability to operate at the proper pace necessary to mold the Belmont Lake property exactly how they envisioned.

If the “top dogs” among any Rocky Mount real estate company had not noticed Belmont Lake Preserve to this point, they were about to. Keeping the community on sound financial footing as noted above, allowed in 2014 for the Halle Companies to begin adding amenities unlike any seen previously in Rocky Mount new home communities.

Unique Amenities and A Move To a Familiar Name in Rocky Mount real estate

These retreat-like additions would see the construction of the “Community Clubhouse.” This featured both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. It also has a state of the art work out facility. Likewise, a Golf Clubhouse was also built. This addition saw the launch of a full time on-site operational restaurant in the “clubhouse.” In addition was a full professional golf pro shop. Obviously, at the time, the “crown jewel” of the community, the Belmont Lake Golf Club, was also given a full revamp. Following the course renovations, the 18-hole, David Johnson professional design course has commonly been named among the state’s most enjoyable and decorated courses.

It would seem that all items were in place for Belmont Lake Preserve to be the premier Rocky Mount new home community. However, the one thing that the Halle Companies still is lacking, was the “realtor/client connection.” Enter Moorefield…

Moorefield and BLP: Rocky Mount’s Perfect Pairing

After very careful consideration, a decision was made to replace the initial “Broker-of-Record” at Belmont Lake Preserve. Residents who were asked “who do you trust?” in Rocky Mount real estate had one answer. Thus, as of July 2016, Moorefield Real Estate is brought in to be the property’s “Exclusive Realtor.”

Ken Moorefield spoke with jubilation us upon his company being Exclusive Realtor at BLP. “We are excited as the leading Rocky Mount real estate company for over four decades to represent the premier development in our city.” He continues, “I’m absolutely thrilled to work alongside, the Halle Companies, who also bring over 40 years of experience and excellence in residential development with them to the table.”

The founder of Moorefield Real Estate continues speaking with excitement about BLP. “With the unique amenities that are exclusive to this community, it’s golf course, the swimming pools, the restaurant, and so forth,” Moorefield starts. “We just can’t wait to put our brush to the canvas and paint this picture that we have been envisioning for all the families and residents of Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve.”

Moorefield Brings Out the Best for Belmont Lake Preserve

In the introduction to this post, I referred to the interaction that I personally had with Ken Moorefield. This was during the several years in which I had the pleasure of working with him. The conversations saw Ken showing an almost “parent to child” like relationship when speaking of his realtors. He was sure of their capabilities and proud to speak of them. Now as we move forward without Moorefield, no question that two of his “proteges” will continue to lead the way.

As far as the confidence Moorefield had in his “understudies,” well that confidence is something one earns through actions. Ken took great pride in training all of his Rocky Mount real estate company’s employees. However, his pride swelled when discussing the two brokers that came with him to BLP when the relationship started in 2016.

Doing the Moorefield Name Proud

Moorefield was a multi-million-dollar producer in every one of his near fifty years in real estate. As proud as he was of that feat, he no doubt saw some of himself in his “Broker-in-Charge, Jay Hooks. Jay brings a unique relationship with the Rocky Mount public that one only achieves through years of impeccable customer service. Again, like his mentor, Jay has reached a “double digits” in years that he’s been a multi-million-dollar producer. He also boasts several REALTOR Associate of the Year honors to his credit, too.

Much like Mr. Moorefield “lit up” when speaking of Jay, he also took a similar tone when talking of Trevor Foote. Mrs. Foote is also an annual lock for multi-million-dollar production. She too has received countless honors and accolades for her professionalism. She too, like Ken and Jay, shares that ability to form strong bonds and true relationships with her clients.

A “Client First” Philosophy Off into the Future Rocky Mount real estate

With his “proteges,” Hooks and Foote, leading the way, Moorefield Real Estate is in very good hands moving forward. While all involved miss their leader, there is no question each wears his company’s name as a badge of honor. Likewise, they look to do him proud in carrying on the legacy of his Rocky Mount real estate company.

The Moorefield Real Estate philosophy is one that echoes the approach that made Ken Moorefield number one. That philosophy in simplest form states “put the client first.”

This philosophy, at moorefieldrealestate.com basically states the following. “There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional.” Integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge are other traits given emphasis. Lastly, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills, and a high-quality professional network are important also. All of these traits are important pieces to the Moorefield puzzle. On the website it explains these, saying “all of which are hallmarks of how we work.”

Anyone familiar with the Moorefield name over the course of the last fifty or so years, would agree. These are without question hallmarks of how they work. Thus, despite losing a true mentor, Ken’s values live on with his Rocky Mount real estate company. Likewise, it lives on at Belmont Lake Preserve. He and his great team wouldn’t want it any other way.


To see all the great new homes in Rocky Mount currently available at BLP, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

Belmont-Lake-Golf-Club-Belmont-Lake-Preserve

Located inside the spectacular Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) new home community in Rocky Mount, the Belmont Lake Golf Club (BLGC) is one of North Carolina’s most celebrated and decorated courses. Since its initial build in 2007, BLGC has seen some changes. These include new ownership in 2013, renovations between 2013 and 2015 and more recently in 2017, another course revamp. However, despite a few changes over the years, it would seem those were for the better, as the course continues to draw accolades from respected golf publications and organizations throughout the state.

The most recent upgrade to Belmont Lake Golf Club, as mentioned above, was prior to the golf season in 2017. The course is known for its spectacular design. Likewise, its layout and great conditioning often receive praise. The 2017 update saw the greens on all 18n holes upgraded and converted to G-12 Bermuda grass. Word around the Belmont Lake Golf Club clubhouse is that the conditions and design with the addition of the G-12 greens are so good they actually will improve your score! Looking at the courses’ design, it all starts in 2007 when the luxurious layout was completed by award winning, professional golf course architect David Johnson. The gorgeous, 3,800 square foot BLP Golf Clubhouse was coming next (2014). This beautiful building features a full pro shop, in house restaurant, and more, the full BLGC set up really took full form.

On site PGA golf professional, Tim Wilke first came to BLGC following his work as course pro at both the Charlotte Country Club and Palisades Country Club. The dedication of all parties involved in both the golf course and Belmont Lake Preserve community truly resonated early on with Wilke, who was not surprised in. the least by the continuous efforts to improve the course. In a 2015 interview with “Triangle Golf Today,” Wilke summed this up well. “When I came here,” the PGA pro noted knew there was ample opportunity for progress to be made.” Wilke concludes, “It just took some energy and commitment and enthusiasm.”

The Belmont Lake Golf Club was ranked among the top courses in North Carolina


The Word Gets Out About Belmont Lake Golf Club

The continuous efforts to improve upon the Belmont Lake Golf Club for its members and prospective members alike has not been the only constant for the course. On the contrary, starting shortly after the Belmont Lake Rocky Mount, NC property purchase by the Halle Companies, it appears the word about this hidden gem of a course was starting to spread. However, as the news got out, it was not only golfers or local residents abuzz about the Belmont Lake Golf Club. This was evident starting in 2012, as the first of many accolades and awards from prominent publications and groups in the golf community took notice and gave recognition to the course.


Starting with the North Carolina Golf Panel, naming Belmont Lake Golf Club to its prestigious “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” rankings in 2012, the awards began rolling in. This, like the constant efforts to improve the course has become another “sure thing” at BLGC. As recently as this past year, the golf experts at Golf Advisor once again gave recognition to the course both on a state and national level.


Awards and Accolades Received by Belmont Lake Golf Club

  • “Top Golf Courses in NC” – # 11Golf Advisor Magazine
  • Overall Score (Based on Golfer Reviews) – 4.7 stars out of 5Golf Advisor Magazine
  • “Top Golf Courses for Pace of Play in United States”- #12Golf Advisor Magazine
  • North Carolina Golf Panel- “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in NC”
  • North Carolina Golf Panel- “Best Golf Communities in Eastern NC”- #10
  • Belmont Lake Golf Club Introduces the “Campaign to 200 in 2020”
  • Why NOW is the Time to Take Advantage and Join the Club : The “Campaign to 200 in 2020”


Belmont Lake Golf Club currently is the home of over 40 events annually, in addition to its normal everyday schedule. With experience in running all types of events ranging from corporate retreats to fundraisers for charity, the Belmont Lake Golf Club is the perfect spot to host your gathering. The club’s tournament coordinator can either provide “turnkey service” for you and your scheduled event or they can just simply carry out your requests.


In addition to being able host to your event, the Belmont Lake Golf Club also offers great deals both on its weekly schedule or for joining and becoming a member at BLP. With fees for membership starting right around $140 per month, there are many perks of signing on as a member.

Also, another reason that there has never been a better time to become a member at BLGC is the current incentive they are offering in an effort to get current members to get new members on board at the Club.

With this incentive, one can earn $200 credit towards their initiation fend $20 monthly credit for a full 12 months for new members who join. This same offer is available to a current member who refers a new member.

What Do We Include in a BLGC Membership?

The following items bullet pointed below are all the great perks you get by becoming a member at Belmont Lake Preserve.

  • Preferred Member Tee Times
  • Reduced Fees for Bringing a Guest
  • Member Only Golf Events (Member/Member, Club Championship, etc.)
  • Unlimited Rounds of Golf
  • 15 percent off all “Soft Goods” in the Proshop
  • BLGC is an official affiliate of the Men’s Golf Association.
  • Club Repair Services
  • Club Charging Privileges· No annual assessments

Daily Specials for those Without a Membership

Consequently, not everyone opts to become a member at BLGC, however, throughout the Spring and Summer months, there still are some fantastic deals that you will want to come out for. The traditional special pricing at Belmont Lake Golf Club is held on Tuesdays for “Throw Back Tuesday.” On the BLGC website, in promotion of these lower fees, they describe the special, saying, “every Tuesday, we turn back the clock.”

The following is pricing for “Throw Back Tuesday” throughout the summer months, To ensure a reservation, call ahead to reserve a tee time.

  • Before 2:00 p.m.- $39
  • After 2:00 pm- $24
  • Senior Citizens- $30
  • Students- $23
  • 9-Hole game- $ 24

Belmont Lake Golf Club is located in the heart of the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community. In the upcoming weeks and months, there is set to be many real promotional events at BLP, including deals for members in regard to homes or land in the community. For more information on Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.