August '16

AUGUST 2016

Interstate 85:

Cabarrus is Driven

Harrisburg:

The Price of Progress

Healthy Living:

A Q&A with Dr. Mary Ann Lila

Cabarrus Business: On the Go

Cabarrus Crime Stoppers: The Bojangles’ Case

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August 2016 3 n

Word on the Street August 2016 Volume 16 n Issue 8 President Pam Tolen Publisher Jason Huddle

Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Elaine Marlowe Contributing Writers Kim Cassell PHHI at N.C. Research Campus Contributing Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography M/I Homes NC Department of Transportation N.C. Research Campus

Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N. Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-782-2353 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847 or Kimberly Brouillette at 704-305-7599.

Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com.

All rights reserved. ©2016, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies.

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.

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Rachel Fesko

Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell

Change is usually good. It is the transitional stage of change that typically causes the most headaches and, as a result, serves as a deterrent.

I have lived in Cabarrus County most of my life.

I have seen it graduate from a Charlotte bedroom community to having its own, unique identity.

But Concord Mills, the George Liles Parkway corridor and the NC Research Campus didn’t take shape overnight. A period of change was needed in order to build the infrastructure necessary to accommodate the tens of millions of people that now come through our county each year or have chosen to live here. Today, we find ourselves in another period of transition.

This issue, appropriately entitled Growning Pains, focuses on the most prominent projects in the county, like the I-85 widening and 29/601/South Main Street improvements near Carolina Mall. Many people don’t realize that the author of the best-selling book, Unthinkable Choice, is also the project superintendent for Blythe Construction heading up these jobs. He sat down with us to talk about their progress and what we can expect down the road.

In addition, we cover the Harrisburg railway project and the impact it’s having on motorists and residents there. And, speaking of growing, our friends at the Plants for Human Health Institute answer some of your pressing questions.

Folks, I know change is hard, but our magazine wouldn’t be here had it not been for the change that erupted in this area nearly 16 years ago. So, just remember, when you’re sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-85, take a deep breath and know it’s all for the greater good. See you on the road!

Best regards,

Jason Huddle

This Issue...

Growing Pains 6

Interstate 85: Cabarrus is Driven

14

Crime Stoppers: The Bojangles’ Case

15

Breaking Bread: Chef Bailes Dishes

16

Harrisburg: The Price of Progress

22

Cabarrus Business: On the Go

24

Healthy Living: A Q&A with Dr. Mary Ann Lila

27

Paw Prints: Cabarrus’ Adoptable Cats

August 2016 5 n

By Kim Cassell

Interstate 85: Cabarrus is Driven “An object at rest tends to stay at rest, especially if you’re behind it when the light turns green.”

- Robert Brault, author

WalletHub, a personal finance website, conducted a study over the course of six years – from 2008 to 2014 – in which the health of 515 cities across the country was compared based on 10 measurements. Those included population and job growth, median household income, growth in the business sector, median home prices, etc. The period had been a volatile one economically, so it says a lot that Concord was named the seventh fastest growing small city (under 100,000 residents) in the U.S. Kudos to Concord, and all who work to provide an enriching and economically viable place to live and work. With that, though, come the growing pains: dealing with increased traffic, expansions and improvements to infrastructure, and the need for additional housing and county and city services.

I-85 Sampson Parker is one of the most amicable men you’d ever want to meet.

He also has to have an abundance of patience as Blythe Construction’s project superintendent overseeing the Interstate 85 widening project here in Cabarrus County. "

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Looking north from Exit 58 on I-85, new bridges are being put in place that will be part of the diverging diamond configuration.

The 7.75-mile stretch of I-85 expansion will use 72,000 tones of asphalt.

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Heading up about 100 Blythe employees and subcontractors, Parker is currently working on the 7.75-mile stretch of interstate expansion that will see four lanes in either direction from just north of Highway 73 to just north of Lane Street in Kannapolis.

Referring to the segment of roadway between Blythe’s project and Rowan County, Parker says, “The interstate will go back down to two lanes from four, but the last section is under contract. Another contractor got the job and it will start next spring.”

That’s good news for commuters who will enjoy an eight-lane interstate from Charlotte straight through Cabarrus to Rowan County. In the meantime, Blythe has its hands full.

Having completed the I-485 northern leg in June 2015, they quickly moved on to this project, which will keep them busy through the end of 2016.

Quickly is the operative word.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) – operating with a $4.4-billion annual budget – has proven forward thinking, making improvements to this area of Cabarrus County ahead of original schedules and before the roadways exceed capacity, which was predicted to take place by 2035.

Funding for these state roads breaks down as 80 percent from the state and 20 percent from the federal government. About 60 percent of the state’s contribution comes from the Motor Fuel Tax, which currently stands at 34 cents per gallon. Twentyfive percent comes from NCDOT fees charged to motorists and 15 percent comes from the Highway Use Tax charged for vehicle title transfers.

On the federal level, a motor fuel tax and vehicle fees account for their contribution.

Funding for the projects we’re seeing taking place on our roads now was largely allocated by way of the Strategic Investments law (STI), passed by the state legislature in 2013. It “allows NCDOT to use its funding more efficiently and effectively to enhance the state’s infrastructure, while supporting economic growth, job creation and a higher quality of life.

This process encourages thinking from a statewide and regional perspective while also providing flexibility to address local needs,” NCDOT says.

“STI also establishes the Strategic Mobility Formula, a new way of allocating available revenues based on data-driven scoring and local input. It was used for the first time to develop

NCDOT’s current construction schedule, the 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The STIP, which identifies the transportation projects that will receive funding during a 10-year period, is a state and federal provision.

Federal law requires it to be updated at least every four years. NCDOT, however, updates it every two years.

According to Parker, the 7.75-mile stretch Blythe is currently working on will cost more than $200 million to complete. It will see 17 bridges replaced: four interstate bridges over water, one railroad bridge over I-85, 11 grade separation bridges over I-85 and one grade separation bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad. It will require 835,000 cubic yards of earthwork, 96,560 linear feet of storm drain and 572,000 tons of asphalt.

Utilizing new highway configurations is another component in keeping ever-increasing traffic "

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Left: This map of the I-85, Exit 58, expansion as well as the changes that will be made to Highway 29-601 and South Main Street is available in a larger format on www.ncdot.gov; Below: An example of a diverging diamond, this one at I-485’s Outer Loop.

moving. Anyone driving on Poplar Tent Road and Highway 73 has likely encountered the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at I-85. This double crossover diamond interchange (DCD) takes both directions of traffic to the opposite side of the road where they can then merge left onto the interstate or remain on the secondary road. “Motorists needing to access the interstate turn left on the on-ramp without having to stop for additional traffic signals or wait for oncoming traffic to pass. Motorists needing to drive straight through the intersection proceed through a second traffic signal and follow their lane back to the right side of the road. Pavement markings and signals direct motorists to where they need to go,� NCDOT says.

Diverging diamonds are also costeffective because already-existing bridges and land can often be

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resourced and upfit in a shorter period of time. Quicker construction means less of a negative impact on motorists.

Previously a cloverleaf, Exit 58 at I-85 is currently undergoing major changes. “Exit 58 will have two brand new bridges. It’s going to be a diverging diamond, but this one will have a lot more space so traffic can move more smoothly. The diamond moves traffic faster on and off the interstate,” Parker says.

Exit 60’s construction is limited at this point because utilities are being relocated. Parker says work to the new northbound loop is in progress.

“Exit 60 will have a new flyover bridge over the interstate,” he says. “The southbound traffic will merge near the rest area and the loop will be closed.

The existing bridge stays in place but will be widened with an extra lane.”

Flyover bridges are defined as overpasses built over an existing road or a railway. They utilize expansive concrete pillars to handle vehicle weight and are designed to efficiently handle large volumes of traffic; we’ve become accustomed to seeing them on local interstates.

The Exit 63 interchange at Lane Street will utilize yet another configuration. “Exit 63 will be roundabouts – one at each end of the bridge,” Parker says. There will be no traffic lights, keeping traffic flow moving.”

Roundabouts – or rotaries – are popping up all over this region. They can be defined as “circular intersections where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. There are no traffic signals or stop signs in a modern roundabout. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street.”

Parkway N. in the area fronting Carolina Mall and CHS-NorthEast.

Congestion in this area has been ongoing for years to the point that synchronized traffic lights do little to help. Again, relocation of utilities like Duke Power, Windstream and Time Warner dictates when work can begin.

The plan in this corridor is to provide more turning lanes as well as alter the path that South Main Street (NC 29A) takes after it crosses I-85 from the north. This particular facet of

the project has not set well with people like the Basile family, owners of the now-empty Tower Plaza across from the mall and hospital. The complex will be torn down as part of the South Main re-routing; about a half-dozen homes on Marietta Place near Central Drive have fallen victim to the new right-of-way as well. South Main will remain a two-lane street.

What the new roadway does do is take drivers off the section of 29-601 that stretches between Ridge Avenue "

Highway 29-601 (Concord Parkway North)/S. Main Street Once Blythe Construction is finished with the I-85 expansion, Parker and his crews will move on to Concord

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and Mall Drive, thus reducing traffic congestion there. South Main will meander along the opposite side of the railroad tracks before crossing back over, going through the Tower Plaza site from behind and connecting to Mall Drive.

Ridge Avenue will dead-end east of I-85 with the bridge there being removed. Drivers coming east toward Concord – from the opposite side of I-85 – will be able to turn left onto the new Main Street bridge and come to the mall/hospital corridor that way.

Another trouble spot has been the intersection of Country Club Drive at Highway 29-601. Businesses in that specific vicinity have been vacated – some already demolished – and the enlarged intersection will see turn lanes to ease back-ups there.

An interesting feature of this project is the pedestrian tunnel that Parker explains will run between 29-601 and S. Main Street – under the railroad – allowing people to walk to the Rider

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Transit Center on South Ridge Avenue for easy access to the bus system.

Winecoff School Road Railroad Crossing This is a difficult crossing to navigate, as motorists approaching the intersection from Ridge Avenue attempt to turn and cross the badly-graded tracks to South Main.

Winecoff School Road will be rerouted along Tremont Avenue, the old railroad crossing will be closed and a roundabout will be built at Stewart Street that will connect to South Main and a new bridge over I-85.

Highway 29 and Poplar Tent Road In the planning stages since 2010, Poplar Tent Road will finally become a superstreet if construction commences this fall as anticipated by Joe Wilson III, P.E., transportation director for the City of Concord. This project is a joint effort between Concord and the NCDOT. A superstreet limits left turns, thus reducing emissions given off by idling vehicles. Drivers will drive through the intersection, then make a u-turn to turn right. The Poplar Tent Road/ Odell School Road intersection is a completed superstreet.

Besides the concrete benefits these projects will give motorists traveling in Cabarrus County, Parker is quick to point out the local impact. Vulcan Materials Company on Poplar Tent Road is providing all the asphalt.

And factor in the number of local suppliers, vendors, employees and subcontractors.

And while Parker says lane closures occur at night – and that most of the work on the 29-601 project will take place at night – speeding vehicles and dealing with the volume of traffic while getting his trucks and equipment in and out are the biggest dangers he encounters on the job. Please consider the safety of the workers making these road improvements for us; it’ll mean smoother sailing ahead. n

8/1 7:05pm Charleston RiverDogs Belly Buster Monday, Kannapolis Citizen Appreciation Monday 8/2 7:05pm Charleston RiverDogs Two-For-Tuesday presented by Arby’s, BINGO presented by CEENTA, Senior Club Night 8/3 7:05pm Charleston RiverDogs Best Wings USA Charity Competition to benefit local charities 8/11 7:05pm Lakewood BlueClaws Kickoff to Football Season, Thirsty Thursday presented by Buffalo Wild Wings 8/12 7:05pm Lakewood BlueClaws Charity Spotlight presented by ACN, Freebie Friday giveaway

8/13 7:05pm Lakewood BlueClaws Disney Vacation Giveaway Night: One lucky fan will win a $2,500 vacation to Walt DisneyWorld in Orlando, FL. Must be in attendance to win. Fireworks presented

by East Coast Pyrotechnics.

8/14 5:05pm Lakewood BlueClaws Kids Eat Free (first 200 kids, age 14 and under) presented by Kannapolis Parks and Rec, Kids Day presented by Cornerstone Church, Cabarrus County Library Night

8/19 7:05pm West Virginia Power Back to School Night and School Supplies Drive, Freebie Friday giveaway 8/20 7:05pm West Virginia Power Military Appreciation Night, Noche de Beisbol Hispanic Heritage Night, Get Healthy Kannapolis Night, Logo baseball giveaway (first 1,000) presented by Pfeiffer University 8/21 5:05pm West Virginia Power Intimidators Baseball Card Giveaway, Kids Day presented

by Cornerstone Church

8/22 7:05pm West Virginia Power Belly Buster Monday, Kannapolis Citizen Appreciation Monday 8/26 7:05pm Columbia Fireflies Freebie Friday giveaway, Fan Appreciation Night 8/27 7:05pm Columbia Fireflies Post-game Fireworks presented by F&M Bank, Town of Harrisburg Night 8/28 5:05pm Columbia Fireflies Fan Appreciation Night, Kids Day presented by Cornerstone Church, All-You-Can-Eat Picnic for only $10

Buy One, Get One Free Reserved-Level Ticket!

Valid for any Intimidators home game in August 2016.

With this coupon, courtesy of Cabarrus Magazine

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Breaking Bread cabarrus magazine is happy to feature CHEF SKYLER BAILES. he WILL BE BRINGING ONE OF HIS OWN RECIPES TO CABARRUS MAGAZINE READERS EACH MONTH, so Bon Appetit!

Chef Skyler Bailes has been executive chef at Union Street Bistro for more than three years and has 15-plus years of professional cooking experience.

His previous cooking styles – other than American – have included French, Italian, Low-country, Asian and South American. Chef Bailes always enjoys the challenge and personal gratification of creating new dishes and exceeding customer expectations. n

Grilled Salmon Picata ingredients 1/3 cup quartered grape tomatoes 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 1/3 cup quartered artichoke hearts 1/8 cup capers with juice 2 tsp. minced garlic 1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil 1/8 cup julienne fresh basil

Juice of half lemon 1/2 cup white cooking wine 3 oz. heavy cream 3-4 oz. fettuccini pasta 1 oz. shredded parmesan cheese 6-8 oz. piece of fresh salmon (skin off) Salt and pepper

Directions In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Drop in fettuccini and cook for 7 minutes; drain, rinse in cold water and set aside. Preheat grill for 15 minutes on med-high heat (measure out and cut remaining ingredients while you wait). Rub 2 teaspoons olive oil on salmon, season with salt and pepper; place on hot grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side. When salmon is medium-well, pull it off the grill and set it aside. Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat and add all remaining ingredients except fettuccini and parmesan. Bring to a simmer. Add fettuccini and continue to simmer until almost all liquid has been absorbed. Pour pasta onto plate, top with salmon and parmesan. Enjoy!

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By Kim Cassell

Harrisburg: The Price of Progress The town of Harrisburg has been riding out infrastructure upgrades geared toward high-speed rail. It’s been a long, bumpy trip, but an end is in sight.

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At a cost of $831 billion to be utilized between 2009 and 2019, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – or the Stimulus Act – was signed into law by President Obama to help create jobs by investing in American communities during the recession.

According to wikipedia, “The North Carolina Railroad is a 317-mile stateowned rail corridor extending from Morehead City, North Carolina, to Charlotte, North Carolina. The railroad carries over 70 freight trains offered by the Norfolk Southern Railway and eight passenger trains (Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont) daily. It is managed by the North Carolina Railroad Company.”

In 2010, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $546.5-million grant to North Carolina from the Stimulus Act. Additionally, the federal government included $8 billion in its 2012 budget just for high-speed rail improvement and expansion.

Enter the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), which initiated its Piedmont Improvement Program (PIP); $520 million of the Federal Railroad Administration grant was directly earmarked for it. Besides accommodating more rail service and helping promote development in its "

Meant to separate traffic from trains and increase safety, three new bridges over the North Carolina railroad tracks have impacted Harrisburg during the PIP project.

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wake, the plan focuses on constructing new, safer bridges over existing rail crossings at street level and improving roadways impacted.

For example, the railroad crossing at Pharr Mill Road that saw an Amtrak/ tractor trailer accident in 2009 has been closed. In its place is a new bridge that stretches across both Highway 49 and the train tracks.

According to the NCDOT, rail travel between Charlotte and Greensboro is the busiest in the state; this includes both freight trains and high-speed Amtraks. Harrisburg’s leg of the $95million project, which is seeing the grading of new railroad foundation and the installation of a second set of tracks, will allow trains to run like a two-way street. The 12 miles extend from Orr Road in Mecklenburg County to just north of Harrisburg.

The NCDOT outlines features of the project as: • Adding 12 new bridges that will carry roadways over or under railroad tracks to separate traffic from trains and improve safety for motorists; • Adding 31 miles of parallel – or second track – and passing sidings to help freight and passenger trains move in a more reliable and timely manner; • Adding 12 miles of new highway construction; • Closing 23 public and 15 private railroad crossings to eliminate the potential for train and vehicle collisions; • Adding two daily passenger-train

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Left: A second set of tracks is being installed to accommodate more freight and high-speed train traffic; Above: School Road is currently closed for construction that will see an extension of Roberta Road and a four-lane bridge connecting it to Stallings Road.

roundtrips between Raleigh and Charlotte with seven stops in between; • Renovating train stations in Kannapolis, Cary, High Point and Burlington; • Refurbishing and adding passenger rail cars to the fleet.

Harrisburg Mayor Steve Sciascia has been in office since December 2013. Prior to that, he served on the Harrisburg Town Council for eight years. Having lived in Harrisburg since 1999, he’s seen the growth impacting

the town – welcomed or not.

“NCDOT reached out to us shortly after the funding (for PIP) was approved,” he says. “They held several town meetings that were met with lots of questions and opposition.”

That’s because Harrisburg had no input into PIP, although the NCDOT has updated the Harrisburg Town Council directly every other month at council meetings for about the last two years, allotting time for a Public Comment segment.

“The original plan only included bridges for two of five crossings,” Mayor Sciascia explains. “The plan was to shut down the other three.

We created a committee to continue the dialogue with NCDOT, which led to the creation of a third bridge (Roberta Road), which happens to be in the center of town. In addition, that extra bridge started out as a two-lane without sidewalks to a four-lane with sidewalks. This was a crucial addition for Harrisburg; without it we would "

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Residential Development Harrisburg’s residential development is skyrocketing as more builders submit proposals to the town’s Planning & Zoning Department. Step 1 in the process is receipt of a project application just prior to a neighborhood development meeting that sees the developer presenting specific information about the project and fielding questions; the public is invited.

The Planning & Zoning Department’s role is to review the application, layout, flood plain restrictions, road width, open space requirements, curb and gutter requirements, and sidewalks.

A public Advisory Board Meeting held monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:00pm in Town Hall makes recommendations to Town Council.

The proposed project then goes before Town Council at its monthly meeting on the second Monday at 6:00pm in Town Hall. Town staff presents the project with a brief summary description and reports the recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Advisory Board. A public hearing is held, during which time the general public is invited to speak for or against the proposed project. Town Council makes the final decision.

Under Construction

Blume

Blume • Rocky River and Hickory Ridge roads • 297 single-family homes • Opening 2018-2020 Courtyards at Harrisburg Phase II • 6822 Robinson Church Road • 22 age-restricted single-family homes • Opening 2016 Churchill Farms • 7711 Robinson Church Road • 103 single-family homes • Opening 2020 Grantham • 7220 Robinson Church Road • 248 single-family homes • Opening 2024 Holcombe Woods • Plaza Road Extension at Mecklenburg County line • 420 single-family homes • Opening 2024 Founders Reserve Phase II • Founders Way off Highway 49 at Mecklenburg County line • 58 single-family homes • Opening 2016

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Abbingdon Final Phase • Rocky River and Hickory Ridge roads • 363 single-family homes • Opening 2016 Bridge Pointe • Robinson Church Road at Fuda Creek • 199 single-family homes • Opening 2016 Kensington Forest • 956 Kensington Forest Drive • 188 single-family homes • Opening 2018 Hawthorne • Peach Orchard Road • 108 single-family homes • Opening 2016 Brookdale Commons • 9165 Perseverance Drive • 230 single-family homes • Opening 2016 Source: harrisburgnc.org

have cut the town in half and likely jeopardized the viability of many businesses.

“The Caldwell Road closure caused the most pain due to the number of businesses in an industrial park as well as the residential houses. That road was closed for almost two years. Pharr Mill was closed for over a year.”

The Caldwell Road and Pharr Mill Road bridges have replaced railroad crossings and are open. “The Harrisburg Veterans Bridge (Roberta Road) opening will close Robinson Church and already closed Hickory Ridge at the start of the project,” the mayor adds.

As with so many large enterprises of this kind, homeowners are also negatively affected. “Initial discussions showed more than five houses being demolished, but NCDOT worked hard to change their plans and only a few were impacted,” Mayor Sciascia says.

“And in the early stages of the project, Harrisburg only had one crossing open to traffic (Robinson Church Road). This created a traffic nightmare and required police officers to direct traffic at multiple intersections of our only open road.Each stage of the construction made it difficult to get to the center of town, forcing residents to shop elsewhere and our local businesses to lose money. The tracks split Harrisburg in half today; the road closure literally cut us in half.”

While the majority of the project that affects Harrisburg residents most directly is complete, the caveat for the NCDOT is the lifespan of the stimulus money. It’s scheduled to run out at the end of this year, so the pressure is on. Otherwise the state would have to complete the project on its own dime.

What is left to be completed are the School Road/Roberta Road Extension that will end at Stallings Road.0 At this point, that roadway – including that end of School Circle – is closed

Drivers in Harrisburg have become accustomed to road closures like this one at School Road, as motorists head north on NC Highway 49.

to traffic from Highway 49 to where it ends at Stallings Road. Blythe Construction hopes to open the new bridge this fall. What will follow will hopefully be some normalcy for those living and working in Harrisburg. The new normal, however, is continued development.

“The biggest benefit to Harrisburg is no longer being stopped by the train at rail crossings due to the new bridges,” Mayor Sciascia says. “Some homes obviously already experienced the sound of the trains. As a result of the bridges, the trains will not have to blow their whistles at each crossing, which would reduce the noise.” n

Cabarrus Magazine would like to thank its digital sponsors!

| Prominent position on homepage | Categorized business website listing | Logo placement with hotlink on every page of website | Company profile page To find out more about all of our great print and digital marketing opportunities, please call us at 704-782-2353.

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On the Go Elaine Marlowe Joins Cabarrus Magazine Staff

K1 Speed Celebrates Concord Opening with RibbonCutting

Cabarrus Magazine announces that Elaine Marlowe has joined its staff as account executive.

Marlowe most recently served as SERVPRO’s Elaine Marlowe marketing director; prior to that she was over sales and office management at Orkin Pest Control. Her new role will revolve around sales and marketing for the magazine, helping to meet the community’s needs in both print and web advertising.

A Charlotte native, she relocated to Cabarrus County in 2006. Married to husband, Justin, she has two children: Kendall and Jaxson.

Marlowe is very active with several fire departments in Cabarrus County, participating in fundraisers and community awareness programs. She enjoys hunting with her husband, and riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

For advertising information, give Marlowe a call at 980-406-8035.

Local government officials, NASCAR drivers and CMS’ Lug Nut were on hand for a ribbon-cutting celebration that was held last month at K1 Speed, a new go-kart and entertainment venue located on Derita Road.

Founded in 2003, K1 Speed is the premier karting company in America.

With kart racing centers nationwide, K1 Speed brings the thrill and excitement of indoor karting to a large audience. Offering highly-advanced and environmentally-friendly electric go-karts as well as large indoor entertainment venues that feature authentic racing memorabilia, pit cafes, meeting rooms and pool tables, K1 Speed is a great place to visit with family and friends or to host a corporate event or party.

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Midland Sees Growth in New Residential Housing Midland’s town council has approved construction plans for four new residential housing developments. The 295 lots will add more than $57 million to the town’s tax base.

Tucker Chase Phase II is currently under construction. Home values here are about New construction in Bethel Glen $200,000 and this phase will add 208 homesites.

Saddlebrook Phase II will also add 208 lots. Home values are about $180,000 and completion is anticipated in 2017 to 2020.

Wyndam Forest will offer 30 homesites with homes valued at about $250,000.

And Bethel Glen is adding 25 lots with all-brick homes valued at about $230,000.

Cabarrus County Economic Development Corp Hires President/CEO The Board of Directors of the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announces the appointment of Robert (Robby) J. Carney Jr. as president/CEO. Carney had served as executive director of the MooresvilleSouth Iredell Economic Development Corporation since 2010.

In his role there, he announced more than $3.2 billion in new projects and created 8,000-plus new jobs.

Robert Carney Carney will replace acting president/CEO, Terry Crawford, who led the EDC since late last year. Crawford says, “Cabarrus County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina with exceptional assets. Robby’s leadership and exceptional record in recruiting new business and industry will be beneficial for our community.”

Novant Health Names RCCC Nursing Skills Lab Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) held a ribbon-cutting for the Novant Health Nursing Skills Lab at the college’s North Carolina Research Campus facility.

The college’s Board of Trustees Foundation, Board of Directors and Novant Health representatives gathered for the special naming dedication.

The naming opportunity stems from a $40,000 donation from Novant Health to the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation’s Building a More Prosperous Community major gifts campaign. The gift aligned with a challenge grant awarded to the college by The Leon Levine Foundation, which promised a gift of $300,000 if the foundation raised $1.2 million for Healthcare Education prior to May 31, 2016. The RCCC Foundation is proud to have met the challenge with the help of Novant Health’s donation.

The Building a More Prosperous Community major gifts campaign has brought a new and exciting chapter for the RCCC Foundation as the first ambitious fundraising campaign in the more than 50-year history of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

World War II Veterans Invited to Spirit of ‘45 Celebration Dinner The Spirit of ‘45 Celebration Dinner will be held on August 28 and is hosted by Hospice & Palliative Care Center and Rowan Hospice & Palliative Care in conjunction with the program We Honor Veterans.

Free to all WWII veterans and one guest, The Spirit of ‘45 celebration is also open to those who want to honor and share the evening with these veterans. Individual tickets are $45 per person. The event will be held from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Charlotte-Concord/ Golf Resort & Spa, beginning with a group photo at 4:00, followed by dinner, a special recognition ceremony, a short program of speakers and entertainment by Letters from Home.

George “Pat” Waters, grandson of General George Patton, will be one of the speakers.

If you or someone you know is a WWII veteran, register today so an official invitation can be presented.

Sponsored tables are also available.

Join us for this very timely and important event. For more information or to register, call 336-331-1309 or visit www.hospicecarecenter.org and click on the Spirit of ’45 Celebration logo.

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Courtesy of NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute

A Q&A with PHHI’s Dr. Mary Ann Lila N.C. State University established a research arm in Kannapolis nearly 10 years ago as part of the N.C. Research Campus.

The Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) is a transdisciplinary effort employing research faculty focused on furthering the understanding of how plants – particularly food crops – contain preventative, curative or therapeutic properties that can improve human health.

Mary Ann Lila, PhD, has been the director of PHHI since 2008. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she is an internationally recognized research scientist who studies phytoactive compounds. Dr. Lila shares some insight and perspective on the work of PHHI and its promising future.

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Q: What is the mission of PHHI? Dr. Lila: Our mission statement is, “Leading the discovery and delivery of innovative plant-based solutions to advance human health.” A great deal of insight and shared vision went into crafting that statement, and I expect it will provide guidance for the next 10 years and beyond.

Mary Ann Lila, PhD, has been the director of PHHI since 2008.

In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she is an internationally recognized research scientist who studies phytoactive compounds.

Q: You expect to hire two additional faculty in the next two years; what will be their areas of interest?

Dr. Lila: For one position, we are likely to seek expertise in the area of gut microbiome and how gut microbes condition our body’s response to functional health foods. The other position will focus on food allergies and how to alleviate symptoms via diet and phytoactive compounds.

Q: What are a couple examples of the most influential research that has come out of the PHHI labs?

Dr. Lila: One is the genomic and metabolomic work that has risen out of the collaborative Plant Pathways Elucidation Project. These findings have provided some of the first rich sequencing work for non-model, economically influential plants, including blueberry, oat and broccoli.

Another example is the gut-mediated metabolism of plant flavonoids.

Three of our current researchers have a hand in different facets of this research and will continue to move our understanding of this forward.

Q: What do you hope the future holds for PHHI? Dr. Lila: Having recently hired faculty with world-renown expertise, I "

August 2016 25 n

Tara Vogelien In 2007, Tara Vogelien was the first hire for N.C. State University at the then-fledgling N.C. Research Campus. As the director of business and research administration, she set up shop in The Village, while the 100,000-square-foot building for the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) was completed. She was put in charge of a budget of nearly $9 million to spend the first year, outfitting future laboratory space with generalpurpose scientific equipment.

She anticipated reaching the full build-out of 12 to 15 faculty within five years. With the onset and repercussions of the economic recession from 2007 to 2009, Vogelien expects PHHI will finally reach full build-out, with two new positions to be hired in 2017.

expect the PHHI to become the global leader in functional foods and their effects on human metabolism. I expect we’ll become the go-to place for people coming on sabbaticals or

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international research internships to acquire knowledge and skills in stateof-the-art techniques and standards for bioactive compound analysis.

Dr. Lila looks for plant-based solutions to advance human health.

Q: What do you think is the community’s most common misconception about PHHI? Dr. Lila: There is a false belief that we are all funded by Dole and/or Mr. David Murdock, but, in fact, we are not! We do collaborate with Dole, but like all other academics we must secure grant funding for our research.

As far as our local community, I feel that they recognize the value of our research and are all voracious listeners to news reports about our research.

They are also wonderfully welcoming and enthusiastic participants in our community or clinical research trials. n

Give Me Shelter THERE ARE SEVERAL ANIMAL RESCUES IN CABARRUS COUNTY, USUALLY PAST CAPACITY, FILLED WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS, CATS AND MORE!

The saying goes, “People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” These are the faces of the abandoned, neglected and abused, and they’re looking for that second chance. If you’re looking for a furry family member, please consider pet adoption.

NFL football starts this month, and what’s a Cam Newton without a Luke Kuechly? Luke is a handsome and shy one-year-old panther.

He might hide and look at you a bit suspiciously at first, but who can blame him after being abandoned? With a patient home without small children, he’ll realize you are a “fan” and he’ll be in it to win you over. Luke is neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on his shots. Please give him a chance; come visit him at Princeton’s Meow!

Shirley is a beautiful one-year-old tortie with a sweet and loving personality. She and her babies came to us with a case of feline distemper and, sadly, we were not able to save her boys. But Shirley fought and, with the help of her foster mom, made it through. She is now spayed, microchipped and upto-date on her shots. We want to see Shirley have the most awesome home and life where she can live as a spoiled girl from here on out. This beauty gets along with other cats, does fine with kids and can be seen by visiting Princeton’s Meow.

Princeton’s Meow – Cabarrus Humane Society’s Cat Facility 29 Brookwood Avenue N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-721-6369 • www.cabarrushumanesociety.org

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What’s Happening Bojangles’ Summer Shootout August 1, 2 • 5:00-8:00pm Charlotte Motor Speedway • Adults: $8.00; children under 14: free • 8/1: Two cars from the NHRA J&A Service Pro Mod Drag Racing Series show fans just how loud and proud they can be.

• 8/2: Champions’ Night – Ten professional four-wheeler racers will take on the frontstretch quarter-mile.

• 800-455-3267; www.charlottemotorspeedway.com HARRISBURG FARMERS MARKET August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 3:00-6:00pm 6960 Robinson Church Road, Harrisburg • Enjoy fresh, local produce and other locallysourced goods.

• 704-425-7275; www.harrisburgnc.org/departments/parksrecreation/harrisburg-farmers-market CDDC ANNUAL PARTY August 4 • 7:00pm • $25 per person 21 Union Street S., Concord • A celebration of the previous year’s accomplishments while introducing key initiatives for the new fiscal year • Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres at Sundae Art Gallery • 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com Kannapolis Farmers Market August 4, 11, 18, 25 • 4:00-7:00pm Corner Vance St. and Dale Earnhardt Blvd.

• Fresh produce, dairy products, baked goods, honey and crafts • WIC vouchers, SNAP/EBT and credit cards accepted.

• www.kannapolisnc.gov TODDLER Story Time August 4, 11, 18, 25 • 10:30am Mt. Pleasant Branch Library 8556 Cook Street, Mt. Pleasant • Children from walking age to three years old with caregiver. Songs, stories, finger plays and more, followed by playtime for toddlers and networking for parents.

• 704-436-2202

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cABARRUS COUNTY FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY August 5, 12, 19, 26 • 5:00-9:00pm 363 Church Street N., Concord • Created for local food trucks to come and showcase their food and talent while promoting the closeness of families • 704-910-9612

Piedmont Farmers Market August 6, 13, 20, 27 • 8:00am 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord • Open year-round. Fresh local produce, honey, free-range eggs, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, chicken and pork.

• 704-425-5559; www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com

Concord Pedals & Pints August 5, 12, 19, 26 • 6:00-8:30pm • Free • A cycling club that holds weekly rides around Concord; open to anyone who owns a bicycle, all types of bicycles accepted.

• Both breweries donate $1 per rider each week to the Cooperative Christian Ministry.

• 603-831-1671; www.highbranchbrewing.com

Rotary Square Farmers Market August 6, 13, 20, 2 (9:00am-12 noon) August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (10:00am-1:00pm) 120 Union St. S., Concord • Fresh local fruits and vegetables, free-range eggs, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat • 704-425-5559; www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com

Movies in the Park: KANNAPOLIS August 5 • 8:30-10:30pm Village Park 700 West C Street, Kannapolis • Featuring Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (PG) • Most nights begin at 7:30pm with music and entertainment before the movie. Movie starts at dusk.

• Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics/coolers are permitted; concessions available • 704-920-4343; www.kannapolisnc.gov SURF SHACK: CATCH THE WAVE OF GOD’S AMAZING LOVE August 5-7 • Free All Saints’ Episcopal Church 525 Lake Concord Road N.E., Concord • Vacation Bible School for elementary schoolaged children • Please bring a white t-shirt for each child to make a camp shirt.

• Accepting school supply donations for Cooperative Christian Ministry • Register by calling 704-782-2024; www.allsaintsconcord.org

Carolina Bridal Fair August 7 • 12:00-5:00pm Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 Highway 49N., Concord • Registered brides receive $1,000 in Carolina Bridal Bucks • Prizes awarded throughout the day • 704-574-3977; www.carolinabridalfair.com The Cabarrus Quilt Guild August 8 • Doors open at 6:00pm Forest Hill United Methodist Church 265 Union Street N., Concord • Meet & Greet/refreshments: 6:15-6:45pm • Brief business meeting with covered dish “picnic” for all to share; presentation of 2016 challenge quilts.

• www.CabarrusQuiltersGuild.com chamber Business After Hours August 9 • 5:30-7:00pm Location TBD • Members are FREE; non-members are welcome three times per year: first visit is free, second and third visits are $10.

• Chemin Duffey: 704-260-8110; coordinator@ cabarrus.biz

children’s theater August 10 • 10:30am Veterans Park 119 North Main Street, Kannapolis • Featuring Storybook Tales with Bright Star • Kids of all ages will enjoy these free performances in the park!

• www.kannapolinc.gov Small Business Counseling August 10 • By appointment (second Wednesday of each month) Harrisburg Town Hall 4100 Main Street, Harrisburg • Free, confidential counseling for advice on business planning, growth, problem solving, funding, marketing • Complete the Request for Counseling form and you will be contacted within 48 hours: www.rccc.edu/sbc • Sponsored by RCCC: SBC • Barbara Hall: 704-216-7222 Thursdays on Main: Evening August 11 • 6:00-9:00pm Veterans Park 119 North Main Street, Kannapolis • Featuring Tim Clark • Free performances by various musicians, ranging from bluegrass to classical to country and rock music. Held under the oak trees, dinner will be available or attendees can bring their own picnics.

• 704-920-4343; www.kannapolisnc.gov 2nd Saturday Open Studios at CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS August 13 • 10:00am-4:00pm 223 Crowell Drive N.W., Concord • Several art studios on premises will be open with resident artists present to talk to, watch work, etc. Paved, free parking on-site.

Concord’s Historic Downtown and eateries close by.

• 704-784-9535; clearwaterartists.com Harrisburg Food Truck Rally August 13 • 5:00-9:00pm Hagler Street (Carl Parmer Drive), between Kee Lane and Main Street, Harrisburg • A family-friendly evening in Town Center.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

• Leashed dogs welcomed, no alcohol allowed.

• 704-545-7823; www.eatfromatruck.com KANNAPOLIS CRUISE-IN August 13 • 1:00-7:00pm • Free Corner of West Avenue and First Street, downtown Kannapolis • This family-fun event brings out thousands of show cars and spectators.

• 704-932-3808; www.cabarrusevents.org

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES August 13 • 7:00-10:00pm • Free Village Park 700 West C Street, Kannapolis • Featuring Delbert McClinton, with postshow fireworks • Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics/coolers are permitted; concessions available.

• Sponsored by the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department • 704-920-4343; www.kannapolisnc.gov Memory Cafe´ August 17 • Free (third Wednesday of each month) Faith Coffee & Sweets 5040 N.C. Highway 49, Harrisburg • Open to anyone experiencing dementia, their loved ones and/or their care partners.

Share time, stories and journeys together while having fun in a social setting.

• No preregistration is required.

• Michelle Marciniak: 704-698-6324; michelle.marciniakcarillonassistedliving.com CABARRUS CHRISTIAN Women’s Connection August 18 • 9:30am • $15 Cabarrus Country Club 3247 Weddington Road, Concord • Baby Shower with Mary Fainn of Gate Pregnancy Center. Donations of gifts cards, diapers in sizes 3, 4 or 5 and infant clothes sizes newborn to 24 months are welcomed.

• Overcoming Challenges & Changes by guest speaker, Rosemarie Hofmann. A former nurse who became an American citizen in 1996, she talks about her move from Germany.

• Brunch Music: Martha Campbell • For reservations (August 15 deadline) and information, contact Barbara at 704-786-2722 or barb1960@windstream.net.

Sponsored by the Cabarrus Christian Women’s Connection, an affiliate of Stonecroft Ministries

2ND ANNUAL WET & WILD FAMILY FUN DAY August 20 • 2:00-5:00pm • Free 7155 Hickory Ridge Road, Harrisburg • Bring your bathing suit: waterslide, 75-foot Slip ‘n’ Slide and Banana Split, inflatables, games, food vendors • Back-to-school supplies drive • Sponsored by Harvest Harrisburg Church • 704-454-5533; www.harvestharrisburg.org First Annual Craft and Artisan Fair August 20 • 10:00am-5:00pm The Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society 1100 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant • Woodworking, quilting, wreath and flower arranging, glass yard art and much more • Handmade pizza and baked goods • Museum will be open for tours • Complimentary admission for ECHS members; $3.00 for non-member adults; children under 12 free • 704-783-5240 kaleidoscope CULTURAL ARTS Festival & FOOD TRUCK RALLY: ZOMBIE WALK August 20 • 4:00-8:00pm Downtown Kannapolis • Singers, musicians, belly dancers, poets, painters, pottery makers, arts & crafts, jugglers, clowns, etc.

• Zombies will behave appropriately (no chasing or being too aggressive, etc.)

• 828-231-5037; www.kannapolisarts.com Kannapolis Wine Festival August 20 • 2:00-6:00pm Kannapolis City Hall 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis • Five to seven vineyards/wineries will be sharing a selection of their wines. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, hors d’oeuvres, music, door prizes, and local wine and crafts for purchase.

• 704-787-0351; downtownkannapolis.org

Union Street Live! Concert & Block Party August 18 • 6:00-9:00pm Historical Downtown Concord • Free outdoor summer concerts featuring regionally recognized musical entertainment in a family-oriented environment • Main Stage: Band of Oz; North Stage: Mike Strauss Band • 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

Stories Under the Stars August 20 • 7:00-8:00pm Village Park 700 West C Street, Kannapolis • Featuring Martha Reed Johnson, storyteller/ humourist • Join us for this unique literary performing arts event. Programs are geared toward families with children of all ages.

• 704-920-4343; www.kannapolisnc.gov

CONCORD ART WALK August 19 • 6:00-9:00pm Historic Downtown Concord • Galleries and shops display visual art and host artists’ demonstrations. There are often interactive displays, live music and refreshments.

• Sponsored by Cabarrus Arts Council • 704-784-4208; www.concorddown.com

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY August 27 • All Day Historic Downtown Concord • Make a purchase at any participating business and enter into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Concord Dollars to be spent in participating businesses.

• 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

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At a Glance Accounting Firms

Potter & Company 434 Copperfield Boulevard N.E Concord, NC 28025 704-786-8189 www.gotopotter.com

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Antiques & Collectibles

The Depot at Gibson Mill Page 12 325 McGill Avenue N.W., Concord, NC 28027 704-787-9351 www.depotgibsonmill.com

Banking/Financial Institutions

Bank of North Carolina Page 9 3890 Main Street, Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-455-1070 271 Copperfield Blvd., Concord, NC 28025 704-723-6300 www.bankofnc.com Wells Fargo Page 21 400 Ashdale Court, Concord, NC 28027 1501 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 50 Union Street, Concord, NC 28025 984 Concord Parkway N., Concord, NC 28027 5075 Highway 49S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 216 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081 868 Church Street, Concord, NC 28025 1-800-946-9524 www.wellsfargo.com

Business Development

Concord Downtown Development Corporation Page 26 30 Cabarrus Avenue W., Concord, NC 28025 704-784-4208 • 704-784-2421 (f) www.concorddowntown.com

Churches

New Hope Worship Center Page 3 452 Brookwood Ave. N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org

Civic Organizations

Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce 3003 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Suite 2 Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-782-4000 www.cabarrus.biz

Cleaning Services – Office

Blue-J Serving Cabarrus County and the Greater Charlotte Metro Area 704-589-3148 www.bluejsmallofficecleaning.com

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Computer Sales, Service and Repair

Carolina CompuTech Page 11 850 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-785-8066 • 704-785-8076 tech@carolinacomputech.com www.carolinacomputech.com

Dentists

FREEDOM DAY USA Zsambeky, Chaney & Associates Page 3 220 Branchview Drive S.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-782-2214 www.mzdds.com Smile Cabarrus 5000 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-455-3333 www.smilecabarrus.com

Event Venues

Gift Baskets

Stew Leonard’s Gifts 1-800-355-0482 www.stewgifts.com

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Meal Ingredients/Recipe Delivery Home Chef www.homechef.com

Meat Retailers

Omaha Steaks 800-663-8971 www.omahasteaks.com/fire19

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Crutchfield Veterinarian Mobile Services Inc. 704-620-0078 info@crutchfieldvet.com www.crutchfieldvet.com

Michael A. Anderson Photography 38 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com

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Plant-based Nutrition Research

Print & Technology Services

Modern Impressions Page 8 5029 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com

Professional Sports

Restaurants/Catering Services

Bistro Catering & Events 48 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 980-621-6333 www.bistrocateringandevents.com Page 18

Satellite TV and Internet Providers Dish 800-587-4370 www.dish.com

Senior Housing Page 10

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Mobile Veterinarians Page 19

Photographers

Kannapolis Intimidators P.O. Box 64, Kannapolis, NC 28082 704-932-3267 www.intimidatorsbaseball.com

Land Sales

American Land Corporation Charlotte 21031 Catawba Avenue, Suite 105 Cornelius, NC 28031 704-535-4100 www.americanlandcorporation.com

Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy Page 29 5006 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-454-RX4U (7948) www.harrisburgpharmacy.com

Plants for Human Health Institute Page 12 N.C. State at N.C. Research Campus 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-250-5400 www.plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu

The Laureate Center Page 11 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-920-4300 www.kannapolisnc.gov Rocky River Golf Club 6900 Bruton Smith Boulevard Concord, NC 28027 704-455-1200 www.rockyrivergolf.com

Pharmacies

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A Place for Mom 800-510-3640 www.aplaceformom.com

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Student Learning Centers

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Harrisburg - Town Center Page 2 4200 Main Street, Suite 105 Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-654-5253 www.kumon.com/harrisburg-town-center

Theatres – Live

Old Courthouse Theatre Page 9 49 Spring Street N.W., Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.oldcourthousetheatre.org