WINDSOR – Today is the day.

Beginning at 10 a.m. this morning (Saturday), The Hive’s Community Technology Hub and After School Program will officially open to the public. The grand opening of the facility is being hosted by the Bertie County Family Resource Center, Perdue Farms Inc. , Bertie County Schools and One Economy.

“The Hive will be the cornerstone of rebuilding the youth in our community,” said Vivian Saunders, Director of the Bertie County Family Resource Center. “Although proud of the Hive and its achievements, a small number of individuals are of the opinion that some of the things that we are doing for the students should be taking place in the home. In an ideal world, that happens; however, in the real world that is not always the case.

“It is going to take the community as partners to save our students and return them into the community as productive citizens. The Hive is here to stay, ” Saunders added.

The Hive has been operating on County Farm Road most of the fall and has already begun innovative work for students in the Bertie County Schools, including an after-school program and an alternative learning center.

The Hive’s After School Program and computer lab will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday. On Saturdays the center will be open from 4-9 p.m.

The Hive’s services, including use of internet accessible computers are free of charge.

“One Economy is excited expand our commitment to Bertie County, where leaders are using technology to make their community a better place to live, work and learn,” said Sonja Murray, senior vice president of One Economy.

Also pleased with the opening is Bertie County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Chip Zullinger.

“I think the opening means The Hive is going to be a really become a place for online community help resources,” Dr. Zullinger said. “The Hive is in the process of designing a website for Bertie County for resources to help families.”

Dr. Zullinger said those resources include aid for families having economic issues or those who need help with children’s homework.

“I think it’s huge not only for education, but for all the issues that face our families in Bertie County,” he added.

Earlier this fall, the Hive launched its one-of-a-kind recovery classrooms where students who had not been successful in the ninth grade are using technology to learn math, reading, technical and leadership skills. The program also includes guest speakers, college visits and staff professional development. The goal is to return students to Bertie High School on the path to college graduation.

The grand opening will be held at The Hive which is located at 117 County Farm Road in Windsor. It will include food, music and a computer