FEBRUARY 2019
I Love My City: Active Engagement
Vernie King:
To Selma and Back
CHD:
Doing its Home Work
Healthy Living Cabarrus Business: On the Go
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Word on the Street February 2019 Volume 19 n Issue 2 President Pam Tolen Publisher Jason Huddle
Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Hillary Nicholson Contributing Writers Sydney Boatman Kim Cassell Contributing Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography City of Concord Cooperative Christian Ministries Douglas Development Vernie King Poor People’s Campaign WB Properties & Construction Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Cab•Co Media Group 296 Church Street N., Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-743-7498 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Kimberly Brouillette at 704305-7599, Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847 or Hillary Nicholson at 704-960-7096. Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com. All rights reserved. ©2019, Cab•Co Media Group, 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
Community activism. It’s a buzzword that gets circulated, but what does it really mean? To me, just because you’re the loudest one in the room doesn’t make you an activist. Activists gets down in the trenches. They get their hands dirty. They practice what they preach. They don’t just complain about the way things are, they actually do something about it. Those are the people and programs we want to celebrate this month. For instance, did you know that one of the greatest activists of all time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once came through Concord? Did you also know that a woman who is still an active member of our community met him? Ms. Vernie King sat down with Cabarrus Magazine to give some insight into that time in her life. Concord’s Housing Department has programs to help individuals and families learn and earn their way out of subsidized housing. Executive director of the department, Angela Jones Graham, describes her mission to Cabarrus Magazine, as well as discusses how the programs are helping many county residents. Finally, a program launched by cfa church and now spearheaded by Cooperative Christian Ministries is bringing the area together one weekend a year to accomplish projects and inspire community spirit. I Love My City is a campaign that encourages residents to find a project that needs to be completed and just do it! Every one of us can look out our window and see a need: an elderly neighbor with a fence needing painting, a co-worker needing direction in improving their living situation, someone being mistreated based on race or gender. Each one of these needs can be tackled if we just open our eyes and commit to being an activist. Remember, you don’t have to be the loudest. You just need to commit to making a difference for at least one person. What do you say? Sincerely,
Jason Huddle Publisher Cabarrus Magazine
This Issue... Community Activism 6
I Love My City: Active Engagement
10
Paw Prints: Cabarrus’ Adoptable Dogs
12
Vernie King: To Selma and Back
17
Healthy Living: The Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease
18
CHD: Doing its Home Work
23
Crime Stoppers: Stop for School Buses
24
Cabarrus Business: On the Go
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Volunteers from cfa church created a community garden and worked on curb appeal in the neighborhood adjacent to the church.
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By Kim Cassell
I Love My City: Active Engagement THE SIGNS CAN BE SEEN THROUGHOUT CABARRUS COUNTY. BUT WHAT DO THEY CONVEY BESIDES A NICE SENTIMENT? The I Love My City (ILMC) project first took root at First Assembly Church (now cfa church), but within the congregation. One Sunday afternoon each year was set aside for community projects but the event didn’t grow beyond the church. That’s when Cooperative Christian Ministries (CCM) was approached. Ed Hosack is CCM’s executive director. “CCM was unable to do it for two years because they were already involved with Kannapolis Cares Day. However, about five years ago, they realized the ILMC project was something that needed to be a countywide event. Our goal the first year was to have at least one project in each Cabarrus municipality. Those municipalities include Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant. The other change came by way of the date. I Love My City Weekend was moved to April; this year’s is set for April 26-28. The commencement is highoctane and begins with thanking Concord’s first-responders. “The first two years we did this, we asked each municipality to do a kick-off. What we learned is people weren’t interested in having breakfast, they were interested in starting their projects,” Hosack says. “So now we have partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) to host one kick-off event (Thursday, April 25, at zMAX from 10:00am-12 noon). On that morning, it will look like a parade of first-responder vehicles and they will unload a truckload of water and sports drinks from Coke to say thank-you for their service. It is a sight to see.” This year, Atrium Health is the I Love My City Weekend sponsor; Charlotte Motor Speedway and Coca-Cola are Kick-Off sponsors; and the YMCA is the
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Above: The ILMC 2018 Kick-off had the mayors from Cabarrus’ five municipalities in attendance. Above, right: Faith Deliverance Healing Ministries collected donations for police departments’ service.
organizing partner. Anyone can participate: churches, businesses, community groups, families, individuals and local government. By visiting Ilovemycityproject.com, volunteers are given the option of signing up from a list of existing projects or registering their own idea. “What’s really great is when people
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look out their window and create a project, then share with us what they accomplished. We put together five teams (one per municipality): one CCM representative, one municipality representative and a few others. There will be at least one project that benefits the municipality,” Hosack explains. “But this team also helps to stir
interest in getting people out to take on a project. We will start soliciting projects from all the local non-profits for project needs and people will then adopt them. Some people can’t physically participate but want to donate and that is absolutely fine.” The CCM website says, “Groups are encouraged to identify or create projects to address needs in their own communities or neighborhoods, and to assemble volunteers and resources and work with project coordinators to complete these projects during I Love My City Weekend. Larger projects may involve multiple days, while smaller projects may be a simple act of kindness. There is no project too small.” “Yard signs are placed when a project is registered and confirmed. There has been a lot of word of mouth and social media promotion; we advertise through the churches and social media,” Hosack adds. “As organizations connect with us, we do have the yard sign. If a non-profit has a project, they will place a sign. If a business is participating, we will place a sign.” And it’s working. In its first year with CCM, more than 200 projects were completed with 1,200 to 1,400 volunteers. In 2018, all five Cabarrus County municipalities joined in nearly 200 projects and 1,381 people reported they had participated. “We knew Cabarrus County was ripe for this type of initiative,” Hosack says. “It’s not a fundraiser. In fact, CCM
uses some of its own funds to bring this about. They do benefit because several projects get accomplished in a weekend but, more than that, we believe if we can create within our community the idea of looking beyond property lines, seeing a need and then doing something about it – that mentality is good for CCM and every non-profit in the community. If it builds a spirit of community, then it’s good for CCM. The logo is out there nationally, but no one owns it. The event itself is something that was created locally.” Hosack says there are no hard numbers related to projects or volunteers because no one is keeping score. “It’s still running about 140 to 200 projects per year, but if a church does a litter pick-up on three roads, is that one project or three? The numbers of people getting involved are growing incrementally each year. The active engagement continues to grow, which is what we want to see. “This is a community accomplishment, not a CCM accomplishment. Our only goal has been to see it grow. We want to see more volunteers and
Above: A food drive was held at Bethel Elementary School as part of an ILMC project. Above, left: Parishoners from Revolution Church took on a neighborhood trash pick-up.
projects every year. People love the idea. I think people love that it’s not for just one beneficiary. It’s whomever they choose.” April serves as the onset of spring here in Cabarrus County, so a majority of ILMC projects are tied to non-profit facility upkeep or outdoor landscape projects. “There are also things like roadside cleanup, public space cleanup and beautification,” Hosack shares. “We will also see elementary school kids send letters to soldiers, people serving food at senior centers or even food drives. Every group is different. “One of my favorite projects has been from cfa where they will pick a street in their neighborhood, meet with every homeowner on that street and discuss what they would like done to their home or property. It always seems to transform the environment on that street.
“We’ve seen school clubs do creek cleanup, which is very hard work. We’ve seen neighborhood block parties and providing opportunities for neighbors to mingle and meet. There have been prescription take-back events and electronic recycling events. There’s really no end to the kind of projects that get accomplished on this weekend. “I believe we will continue to see expanded involvement within the community and, with that, we will be able to accomplish more. It will continue to improve community relations. With the tremendous cooperative spirit that Cabarrus County has, there really is no limit.” Want to get involved? Go to Ilovemycityproject.com or send an email to Ilovemycity@ cooperativeministry.com. n
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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.
Meet SIRIUS, a big, lovable 70-pound, two- to three-year-old Labrador/ German Shepherd mix. He loves to be with people, especially kids. He goes on walks with enthusiasm, but is just as happy snuggling at home. He enjoys playing with other dogs and howls with joy; he is quite the entertainer. Sirius gets nervous when his family leaves him and may do best with a brother/sister. He is one amazing dog!
SUPREME is a one-year-old mix of Border Collie, Labrador Retriever and who knows what else. This very sweet, cuddly guy gets along with other dogs and would likely benefit from a fenced-in yard to play in. Supreme is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. Come pay him a visit at Ruth’s Memorial Shelter.
Cabarrus Pets Society P.O. Box 5042, Concord, NC 28027 704-786-7729 petpals@cabarruspets.com www.cabarruspets.com
Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County Ruth’s Memorial Shelter 2010 Wilshire Court, Concord 704-784-7387 www.cabarrushumanesociety.org
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This is SHELBY, a female Chihuahua/ Terrier mix between two and three years old. Shelby came to us inundated with fleas and with a lot of hair loss from flea allergies. She is very sweet, though, and loves attention. Shelby is housetrained if taken out on a regular schedule and would likely do best as the only dog in the house. Because of the situation she was in, she shows some food aggression with other dogs but not with humans. Mt. Pleasant Animal Rescue P. O. Box 1076, Mt. Pleasant 980-439-6505 mtpleasantanimalrescue@aol.com
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Vernie King, 88, was a teacher for 50 years. She believes an education is needed to be successful in life.
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By Kim Cassell
Vernie King: To Selma and Back REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S ASSASSINATION ON APRIL 4, 1968, WAS A HUGE BLOW TO ALL WHO REVERED AND FOLLOWED HIM IN HIS QUEST FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS.
Having widened his scope to awareness of issues affecting all races – the Vietnam War, unemployment, poverty – in addition to black American repression, this non-violent Baptist minister had been in Memphis, TN, to support sanitation workers on strike. He gave one of his most iconic speeches while there, saying, “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” King’s next march was to have been in Washington, DC, where he would address Congress. He didn’t make it out of Memphis, however, shot and killed by James Earl Ray. King had even canceled a visit to Charlotte scheduled for the day he was ultimately assassinated, to remain in Memphis. Within days after his death – and during the widespread riots that ensued – then-President Lyndon Johnson fast-tracked the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968), which he signed into law on April 11, 1968. He called it “a fitting legacy to King and his life’s work,” according to history.com. The Fair Housing Act amended the Civil Rights Act of 1866, “extending the protection to color, religion, sex and national origin,” Wikipedia.org states.
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Vernie King graduated from Barber-Scotia College in Concord.
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was “the law that declared all people born in the United States are legally citizens. This means they could rent, hold, sell and buy property. This law was meant to help former slaves, and those who refused to grant these new rights to slaves were guilty and punishable under law. The penalty was a fine of
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$1,000 or a maximum of one year in jail,” Wikipedia.org adds. Cabarrus County native, Vernie King, 88, remembers that era of unrest well. “After high school, I attended Immanuel Lutheran College and Seminary in Greensboro, NC, and received a degree in education. While in college, civil rights champion, Rosa J. Young, was encouraged by Dr. Booker T. Washington to write letters to colleges in the North asking them to encourage the graduates to consider teaching in what was known as ‘Alabama’s Black Belt’ because there was a shortage of teachers. “I and three of my classmates decided to see another part of the country and boarded a train in 1951 for Selma, Alabama. In the 1950s, Alabama was very different from Concord. We stayed with church members and on the campus of the Alabama Lutheran Academy & Junior College. I taught third grade for two years for very little money. “While in Selma, I taught Reverend
Ralph Abernathy’s son. They lived across the street from the school. Reverend Abernathy was instrumental in getting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to come to Selma and help organize the people.” In fact, Ralph D. Abernathy – Dr. King’s Mentor – helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Dr. King. It grew to become a renowned civil rights group in the South. “I had very little interaction with the community other than the students and church members because I lived on the college campus,”Vernie King explains. “During that time, Dr. King was a young pastor following in the footsteps of his father. Although I knew he was to help with civil and voting rights in Selma, I had returned to Concord and was not there when they marched across Pettus Bridge. King refers to the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, also called Bloody Sunday. “In March of that year, in an effort to register
black voters in the South, protesters marching the 54-mile route from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery were confronted with deadly violence from local authorities and white vigilante groups,” history.com says. “The historic march, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s participation in it, raised awareness of the difficulties faced by black voters and the need for a national Voting Rights Act.” “When I returned to Concord, I married William King from Southern Pines, NC. He attended NC A&T State University; I went to Barber-Scotia. I also received a master’s degree from UNCC,” Vernie King explains. “In 1963, Dr. King walked through Concord – on Union Street to Cabarrus Avenue – stopping at Barber-Scotia College as he returned to Georgia from the march in Washington, DC. He was stopping at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) near I-85. He ate lunch at Scotia, then talked to students and community members. My children met him. He then walked to Warren Coleman Boulevard and rode to Charlotte.” History.com says, “The March on Washington was a massive protest march that occurred in August 1963, when some 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Also known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the event aimed to draw attention to continuing challenges and inequalities faced by African Americans a century after emancipation. It was also the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s now-iconic I Have A Dream speech. “When I started teaching at Grace Lutheran Parochial and Logan, it was a dream come true,” Vernie King continues. Being able to work at the schools I had attended with some of my former teachers was wonderful. My children attended where I worked, along with other family and friends. “During that time many teachers
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stopped in Concord and Charlotte after this March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
lived in the neighborhood where they worked and attended churches in the area. So we saw children at every turn, we visited homes of students. I taught long enough that
I taught my classmates’ children and grandchildren. “We had two school systems in Concord when I started teaching: Concord City and Cabarrus County.
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The original Poor People’s Campaign (December 4, 1967-June 19, 1968) was formed to focus on unemployment, poverty and the lack of housing for the poor in the U.S. King said in 1967, “We are called upon to raise certain basic questions about the whole society.”
Prior to closing Logan, they moved some teachers from Logan to other schools in the city. I was moved with Alice Steele Robinson to Long Elementary. Later, I was transferred to R. Brown McAllister where I retired in 2001. “From 1951 to 2001, I taught students to set goals and try to achieve them, and to develop a thirst for knowledge. I also tutored students in my home and church. We opened our home to students in the community who needed a place to stay, to use our encyclopedias and other resources, as well as homebound students. “In the ‘60s, there were very few activities for young people, so my husband put up a basketball goal next to our house and young people would
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play ‘til it was too dark to see. We also allowed young people to have dances in our basement, and musical groups led by Johnny Jones, Kenneth Hosten and Terry Davis would practice in the basement. And the Masonic Lodge would sell food and give out school supplies in our front yard. “I was raised in a civic-minded family who always gave back and supported their church and community. I have always believed that you need an education to be successful in life, not necessarily a college degree but at least finish high school. We raised our children to feel the same way. “We have three children: Samuel, Wilma and Teresa. I encouraged my children, nieces and nephews to finish high school and go to college, and they
did. And I am proud to say each has continued the tradition in their major fields, such as education, social work and recreation. “I have been active in Cabarrus County, involved in political activities working at the polls during elections; neighborhood and civic events; church and religious work; and mentoring and volunteering on many boards and organizations. God has blessed me with the ability to do many things, and my life has been full of giving and sharing my talents. “Fifteen years ago I returned to Selma and saw one of my former students – Martha Jones. She remembered me and introduced me to her family. She also located other students I had taught; it was a wonderful reunion. I like to think all my students remember me fondly, as I remember them.” On January 22, 2013, a dedication ceremony was held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial built at the intersection of Cabarrus Avenue and Old Charlotte Road in Concord. The group of 75 that attended that day read aloud, “We gather in support of the community that is represented here and beyond. We stand in support of women, children, the disabled, the poor, the underprivileged, the undeserved, the ignored, the slighted, those of different racial and ethnic minorities, for those who speak different languages and have different cultures – for all the people who have been marginalized.” n
The Link Between Diabetes and Heart Disease Did you know that diabetes and heart disease are closely connected? Almost 4 million adults in North Carolina have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and it is one of the top 10 reasons for American deaths; however, most don’t realize these deaths are from related heart diseases. When you eat food, sugar is absorbed into your blood. From there, your muscles use this sugar for energy. When you have diabetes, your muscles have a difficult time with this, which leads to a lot of sugar floating around in your bloodstream not knowing where to go. All this sugar can be very damaging over time – especially to your heart. Here are just a few tips to keep your heart healthy with diabetes: • Get that blood flowing: Staying active is top of this list because it will help you lose weight and directly lower your blood sugar while your muscles use the sugar for energy. • Keep tabs on the silent killers: High blood pressure and cholesterol are sometimes referred to as the silent killers of the health world. You can go years with no symptoms, then experience a severe heart attack or stroke with no warning. Because diabetes increases your risk of both these events, it is most important to get regular checks and discuss treatment with your doctors. • Remember to take that pill: Missing your medication is much more harmful than most realize. You may not notice a change when you miss a dose of your blood pressure medicine, but these medicines are keeping you alive and away from the hospital. • Remembering your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier: Nutrition
is a complicated subject that should be individualized based on your lifestyle. Fortunately, many doctor’s offices in Cabarrus County offer nutrition
By Sydney Boatman, Pharmacist
Sponsored by Cannon Pharmacy
counseling by pharmacists with specialties in diabetes care at no cost. These nutrition specialists can help you create a plan that works for you. n
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Angela Jones Graham at the Neighborhood Network Technology Center, which gives residents access to technology that could help them improve their ability to succeed.
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By Kim Cassell
CHD: Doing its Home Work THERE ARE WIDE-RANGING VIEWS OF PUBLIC HOUSING: WHERE TO BUILD, IMPACT ON SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS, THE DISPLACEMENT OF FAMILIES WHO NEED HOUSING ASSISTANCE...
The reality is two-fold: there’s a three-year wait to move into Cabarrus County public housing. And the last decade has seen new initiatives put into place to aid residents in moving away from assistance. The City of Concord Housing Department (CHD) was initiated in 1956. It assists low-income individuals, families, the elderly and persons with disabilities in finding affordable housing throughout Cabarrus County. Angela Jones Graham has served as its executive director for 18 years – a job she loves. Her duties are far-reaching, overseeing the department’s operations, administration, management, development and finance…budget, expenditures, grants, legislative changes, program improvements and expansions, and compliance with Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity requirements. She has a staff of 15. Cabarrus County currently has 174 public housing units within four rental communities – Mary Chapman Homes, Logan Homes, Wilkerson Homes and Larkhaven – and 541 Section 8 Vouchers; the CHD oversees all of them. Section 8 refers to the Housing Choice Voucher program, managed by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program pays a large portion of the rents – called tenant-based rental assistance. Besides allowing the tenant to move from one public housing community to
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The City of Concord Housing Department manages 174 public housing units in four different communities, including Mary Chapman Homes and Wilkerson Homes.
another, monthly vouchers may be used for the purchase of a home. “Section 8 also authorizes a variety of ‘project-based’ rental assistance programs, under which the owner reserves some or all of the units in a building for low-income tenants, in return for a federal government guarantee to make up the difference between the tenant’s contribution and the rent in the owner’s contract with the government. A tenant who leaves a subsidized project will lose access to the project-based subsidy,” hud.gov explains. In addition, HUD and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) offer a program called Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or HUD-VASH. It makes available about 10,000 vouchers annually to eligible homeless and needy U.S. military veterans. “This program was created to pair HUD-funded vouchers with VA-funded services such as health care, counseling and case management.” According to HUD’s State of the Nation’s Housing Report 2018, “Rising construction costs, land prices and regulatory barriers have made developing new affordable housing difficult. The low level of single-family housing construction and for-sale
inventory coupled with the rise in home prices places homeownership out of reach for many Americans. The increase in home prices also raises down payment and closing costs, which can be even harder to finance than monthly housing payments. “Adding to the supply of affordable housing would help lower costs for renters but, for low-income families and individuals, subsidies are also critical for easing cost burdens and making housing more affordable. From 1987 to 2015, the number of very low-income renters increased by 6 million as the number of those assisted increased only to 950,000.” Cabarrus County feels that pinch as much as any other. “At this time, the waiting list is approximately three years long on all bedroom sizes (oneto four-bedroom units in Cabarrus County),” Graham says. “It is a goal of the City of Concord Housing Department to build more affordable housing. Housing and Urban Development challenges all executive
Feedback “I don’t know exactly what I was expecting when they told me that you would be doing a story about our school...I can tell you that I was in no way expecting four pages!! The article was awesome and the photography absolutely blew me away. This work was a tremendous gift and we are already reaping the benefits. Our classes for the rest of the week are absolutely packed out. Behold the power of print! Proof that it is indeed not dead. Keep up the good work. We are eternally grateful.”
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- Lori Kelley Owner, Cirq-U
directors of Housing departments to step out of the box and think of innovative and creative ideas to bring in revenue to build more affordable housing. “Concord Housing partners with the City of Concord’s Planning and Neighborhood Development Department to help build market rental properties and to help the City achieve their goal of building more affordable housing. I know I can’t solve the housing crisis but I can do my part and, with the help of others, brick by brick, step by step, we can each contribute and make it a little better for those families who need a home.” Graham continues, “Capital funds are allocated annually. These funds are used specifically for improvements to the public housing units. HUD maintains a guideline of eligible and ineligible activities for capital funds to be used in the community. Every year, housing authorities are challenged with maintaining the upkeep of public communities because of budget cuts.” No one wants or plans to be put in the position of needing help putting a roof over their head. While land use and construction costs continue to be a hot topic, advocates like Graham work hard to bring positive programs to those looking to get out of public housing altogether – with education, self-sufficiency and ultimate home ownership. One tool is the Neighborhood Network Technology Center, which opened in December 2008. “The Concord Housing staff wrote a grant and was awarded the funds to build the Neighborhood Network Technology Center,” Graham shares. “I had a vision and saw the need to hub all of our programs in one building. The goal is to give residents access to technology that could help them improve their ability to succeed at work or to advance to new and better jobs. The 3,000-square-foot building houses a state-of-the-art computer
The Villas at Logan Gardens, a 44-unit apartment complex for senior citizens, was built in 2011.
lab with printer and Internet access, conference rooms and a multi-purpose room that can be separated for various workshops. “The Technology Center hosts various programs, such as homeownership, health education, credit repair, programs for veterans and senior citizens, various programs for the youth, and employmentrelated workshops, including resume´ assistance and interviewing coaching and some financial workshops. “My goal was to have a one-stop shop to enhance the quality of life for not only our residents, but also for the community so they could become self-sufficient. We’ve had great success with our computer class. Some clients came in with no computer skills and graduated with Microsoft Office skills. Other residents enhanced their computer skills by learning Advanced Word and Excel spreadsheets.” Each family that completes an assessment and agreement with the
CHD for housing is also given the opportunity to sign up for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). “Our Family Self-Sufficiency Program is a five-year voluntary program whereby clients agree to work on their goals, self-sufficiency and self-improvement,” Graham explains. “The FSS coordinator meets with individuals on their goals and helps them to develop an individual service plan. We also link our clients to various partnerships to help them reach their goals. If one of the goals is homeownership, the clients are partnered with resources for housing counseling. Many of the counseling classes are held at our Technology Center.” The ROSS Homeownership Program is the next step in helping families commit to programs they need, whether that’s increasing their earned income, lowering or eliminating their need for welfare assistance or moving toward economic independence.
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Brooke Pointe Apartments, located in Concord, receives the Section 42 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and accepts Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
CHD is one of only five housing departments in North Carolina that received a grant for this program; it’s Social Services-backed and utilizes both public and private resources. “Our FSS and homeownership programs are successful and we’ve had several residents who have become homeowners,” Graham says, adding, “I look at housing as a stepping stone.
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You move in, up and out, and we give our residents the tools and guidance to become self-sufficient with the help of our partnerships within Cabarrus County. The amount of time that a tenant will remain in housing is dependent on their goals and how diligent they work toward obtaining them. It takes the whole community to help them move upward.
“I am grateful to the City of Concord for giving me the opportunity and support to enhance the quality of life for our residents. When you take a client who felt they had no hope or dreams of ever leaving public assistance and lead them down the path to self-sufficiency and/or homeownership, then you feel fulfilled and gratified.” CHD’s hard work pays off in other ways as well, like in recognition. The department has been honored by the Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment & Codes Officials with a Human Services Award for its Senior Connect Program, which works with the seniors, disabled and veterans in our community. HUD also honored the department for being a highperformer housing agency. For more information about housing assistance in Cabarrus County, call 704-920-6100 or visit concordnc.gov/ Departments/Housing. n
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On the Go Bring Your Four-Legged Friend – And Loop the Loop Loop the Loop is a fun way to track the distance of your walk, run or bike ride in downtown Kannapolis while earning great prizes. And, this year, we invite you to bring your dog along and they can earn prizes as well. Route distances are designated by different colors. Signage and sidewalk markers aid you as you complete the loops around the city. The goal, if you choose to track your mileage, is for you to complete 150 miles by the end of 2019. At the end of each quarter, you and your dog are eligible to earn prizes. Your dog can earn leashes and dog bowls Apollo while you can earn fun things for people. The program is open to everyone and is free. Get started today. It’s easy. Register online, download a map and track your miles by visiting kannapolisnc. gov/looptheloop. Please register yourself and register your dog (just write dog beside your pet’s name). Please be considerate and “scoop your poop on the loop.” In various locations downtown there are dog litter stations you are welcome to use. Loop the Loop is part of the City’s Discover a Healthy Life initiative and the Cabarrus Health Alliance REACH Program. The goal is to bring a friend, meet new friends and enjoy the scenic downtown, Village Park, Bakers Creek Park and Bakers Creek Greenway – all while exercising. There are also loops at all of the Kannapolis city schools. It’s a way to enjoy a healthy physical and social lifestyle.
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Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Noted for Economic Contributions Concord-Padgett Regional Airport’s (CRA) contributions to North Carolina’s economy is approaching $1 billion, according to a state report. In the report North Carolina: The State of Aviation, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is listed as one of 10 commercial service airports in North Carolina and airline partner Allegiant Air served nearly a quarter-million passengers in Concord, going to six destinations. The report analyzed data from 2017, and Concord’s contribution included $821 million in economic output, more than 4,500 jobs, more than $191 million in personal income, and $30 million-plus in state and local taxes. “We are pleased that ConcordPadgett Regional Airport continues to grow in economic impact,” Concord Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest says. “Our team members are proud to provide opportunities in the general aviation/corporate aviation industry, along with relatively recent development of additional commercial airline service to the region.” The airport is operated by more than 40 City of Concord Aviation Department coworkers who provide aircraft fueling, hangaring, tie-down, parking and customer service. Other aeronautical services, such as aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance and flight instruction, are offered through private operators leasing space on-site. CRA also has an on-site, staffed fire station operated by the Concord Fire Department and a control tower operated by contracted staff. The annual budget for the airport currently exceeds $10.8 million.
Greci Wins 2018 O. Bruton Smith Award As part of an ongoing effort to salute success across its eight worldclass motorsports facilities, Speedway Motorsports Inc. officials have named Matt Greci, Charlotte Motor Speedway executive director of events, as the O. Bruton Smith Award recipient for 2018. “Matt is an invaluable part of those CMS’ Matt Greci efforts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His hard work in organizing and managing Charlotte’s events truly set him apart after a remarkable year that included extensive planning surrounding the wildly successful Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. He is certainly deserving of this special award,” Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, says. Annually presented to one employee across all of Speedway Motorsports Inc. and its subsidiaries, the recipient of this prestigious award is someone who exhibits Speedway Motorsports’ Executive Chairman and Founder O. Bruton Smith’s traits: character, enthusiasm, drive, a heart for helping others, respect/ appreciation for team members, vision and determination. In his present role, Greci oversees development, execution and enhancement of major speedway events and daily operations at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track at Charlotte and zMAX Dragway. Greci also manages the booking and management of pre-race concerts and appearances at speedway events. “It is a tremendous honor to receive the O. Bruton Smith Award,” Greci says. “I feel privileged to have been a part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway family for more than a decade. Every year, the Events Department works hard to make sure the speedway builds on its legacy of unrivaled entertainment, and everyone in our department shares in that success. ”
Mark Your Calendars for the Spring Herb and Plant Festival The 14th Annual Spring Herb and Plant Festival takes place on Saturday, April 13. Held outside at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center – 4751 NC Highway 49 – 90-plus vendors selling a variety of garden-related products will be on hand from 8:00am to 4:00pm, rain or shine. For more information, visit mastergardenerscabarrus.org or facebookcom/ Cabarrus County Extension Master Gardener.
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Former Philip Morris/Alevo Plant Faces Demolition
History is being made once again as Bootsmead LeaseCo LLC – owners of the massive Highway 29 property once home to Philip Morris U.S.A. and Alevo – is clearing the building site in anticipation of luring new development. Currently called The Grounds at Concord, some 3.5 million square feet on 500 acres (2,000 acres total) will be razed beginning this month, taking most of 2019 to complete. “In consultation with state and local officials, the owners of The Grounds
at Concord have opted to clear the site in order to create a clean canvas that will appeal to potential users and economic development prospects interested in Concord and the greater Charlotte region,” Bootsmead said in a press release. “By making this investment to remove the plant, we believe we will be well positioned to demonstrate the incredible potential of The Grounds at Concord to prospective users and capture the imagination of job creators who want to be part of the region’s growth story,” Wellford Tabor, managing partner of Bootsmead, says. “We’re very excited to take this important step and start a new chapter with this phenomenal property and the Concord community.”
Registration Open for Jiggy with the Piggy
Program Expands to Help More Residents Heat Their Homes This Winter
This year’s Jiggy with the Piggy event will be held May 3-4, and registration is now open for vendors who want to participate. Sponsored by Smithfield, Jiggy with the Piggy has been a tradition for the past 38 years and includes hundreds of vendors, top entertainment, numerous family-friendly activities, a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned BBQ competition and more. In an effort to keep vendors diverse, the City of Kannapolis is once again limiting 20 vendors per category: arts & crafts, food and commercial. Spaces fill up very quickly, so register now. On-line registration is required. For more information or to register, go to kannapolisnc.gov/ JiggyWithThePiggy.
Through March 29, households in Cabarrus County can apply for help covering the cost of heating their homes. The program was previously limited to seniors and those who qualify for disability. The federally funded Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with a one-time payment to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of heating during the cold-weather months. Depending on the household’s primary heating source, the payment will be $200, $300 or $400. Last year, the program provided approximately $32 million to help 128,160 households nationwide pay their heating bills from December 2017 through March 2018. To be eligible, a person must: • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets eligibility criteria; • Have income equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty limit, such as: • For a household of one, an income of $15,782 or less; • For a family of four, an income of $32,630 or less; • Have resources, such as savings and checking accounts, cash on hand, at or below $2,250; • Be responsible for their heating costs. Cabarrus households that want to apply for energy assistance can only do so in person at the Cabarrus County Human Services Center (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis), Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. For more information on the Low-Income Energy Assistance program, go to ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance.
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“It is critically important that we have available real estate to accommodate the types of industries looking at North Carolina today, and The Grounds at Concord is responding to that demand,” Chris Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., says. “When demolition is complete, this site will join several other premier megasites across our state and will be an important asset as we recruit new business and economic activity to North Carolina.” D.H. Griffin Companies will be in charge of the demolition; Chase Monroe, Pete Pittroff, John Cashion, Louis Stephens and Britten Mathews of JLL Carolinas are marketing The Grounds at Concord in conjunction with Cabarrus Economic Development.
Cabarrus Celebrates Service Local Course Provides Powerful Tools for Adult Caregivers Milestones David Wilson didn’t know what to expect when he Cabarrus County leaders honored the work of employees who reached service milestones in a ceremony at the Cabarrus County Government Center. The group of 144 employees totaled nearly 1,700 years of service to Cabarrus County residents. “It is a great compliment that this group of celebrants have decided to stay here with us for so many years,” Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chairman Steve Morris said. “County commissioners come and go, but these employees have been here for the long haul.”
Thirty years of service: Jonathan Marshall, Pam Dubois, Richard Stancil. Not pictured: Jeff Hatley
Deputy County Manager Pam Dubois was one of four employees recognized for 30 years of service and has plans to retire this spring. “We are doing more than just local government,” she said. “We are trying to reach out to our citizens in need. Anything we can do to improve their quality of life.” Dubois said it’s exciting to see the impact and the change in the community, and knowing you had a part in that change. “That’s what a public position in government is about.” The County regularly updates job listings and actively seeks team members who are focused on quality customer service, collaboration and accountability. If you’d like to learn more, visit cabarruscounty.us/jobs.
enrolled in a Cabarrus County Department of Human Services course called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. The course is a component of the grant-funded Cabarrus County DHS Family Caregiver Support Program. After the Kannapolis resident was appointed as caregiver for his mother, he knew he needed to learn all he David Wilson could. He says he had no idea the six-part course would completely change his outlook. The newfound knowledge was instrumental in helping Wilson understand the importance of caring for himself while caring for his mother. That lesson is so important that it’s covered in the first chapter of the course text, The Caregiver’s Helpbook. “Everybody’s going through ups and downs when it comes to being a caregiver,” Wilson says. “And now I know that it’s crucial that I take care of myself.” Wilson’s situation is far from rare. There are 40.4 million unpaid caregivers of adults aged 65 and older in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. Of those, 44 percent are caring for a parent. Centralina Area Agency on Aging coordinates the full program, which offers care management, respite, resources, training, education and other supplemental services. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is part of the education portion. The free, six-week course meets one day a week for 2 1/2 hours. In class, attendees discuss ways to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, communicate effectively in challenging situations and manage their emotions. It also provides a place for people in similar situations to share stories in an understanding, supportive environment. “I see a change with everyone that attends,” says Susan Domann, a supervisor with Cabarrus County DHS Adult and Aging Services. “What we see is that the caregiver becomes a different person. They are stronger. They’re more knowledgeable. They no longer feel like they are isolated and alone.” Learn more about all the services provided by the Family Caregiver Support Program by calling 704-9201400 or visiting cabarruscounty.us/ departments/adult-aging-services. n
Have a business announcement? Added a new hire? Hosting a community event? Send copy and photos to Kim at kcassell@cabarrusmagazine.com.
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FEBRUARY SELF-GUIDED HISTORIC WALKING TOUR Daily Downtown Concord • Take a step back in time with the touch of a button when you download the Concord Downtown NC App to your Bluetooth-enabled device. • More than 50 historic sites; follow along at your leisure. • 704-784-4208; concorddowntown.com STUDENTS TAKE PART IN THE ARTS: GRADE 8 Through February 8 The Davis Theatre 65 Union Street S., Concord • The Charlotte Ballet Presents Black History Celebration • The journeys of historians Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. • The Cabarrus Arts Council provides a professional performance to students in grades K-12 each year. Each performance is related to the Common Core State and N.C. Essential Standards. • cabarrusartscouncil.org BLACK GOLD: NC SLAVERY AND REED GOLD MINE February 2, 9, 16, 23 • 1:00pm • $2 (8 and older) Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland • Focuses on the enslaved population of this area and its role in North Carolina’s gold mining history • larry.neal@ncdcr.gov; 704-721-4653
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HURRICANE COASTER 4TH ANNUAL BIKE SHOW & SWAP MEET February 2 • 8:00am-3:00pm Free admission • Parking: $5 cash Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 U.S. Highway 49N., Concord • Vintage bicycle swap and show; vendors, shopping and bike contests • Food, beer and music available inside and plenty of room! • 980-621-6005 PIEDMONT FARMERS MARKET February 2, 9, 16, 23 • 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; piedmont-farmersmarket.com ROCKY RIVER SUPER BOWL SCRAMBLE February 3 • 8:30am-2:00pm • $70 Rocky River Golf Club 6900 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord • Format: 2-person Captain’s Choice • Breakfast buffet available at 8:30am • 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for Gross and Net winners • 704-455-1200 A VET TOGETHER February 5, 12, 19, 26 • 9:00-11:00am Carm’s Cafe 42 Union Street S., Concord • Join Cabarrus Veterans Coalition for free coffee and conversation. • 704-960-4394 2ND SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS AT CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS February 9 • 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. • 704-784-9535; clearwaterartists.com
DADDY/DAUGHTER DANCE February 9 • 6:00pm • $40/couple Kannapolis City Hall 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis • Girls five and older, bring your father, stepfather, grandfather, brother or special gentleman in your life. • Attire: dressy to casual – suits with ties, khakis with polos • Tickets include refreshments, crafts, activities, dancing, entertainment, free 5x7 photo • RSVP: 704-920-4343; apm.active communities.com/kannapolisnc/ Activity_Search/701 DOCUMENT SHREDDING AND E-WASTE RECYCLING EVENT February 9 • 9:00am-12:00 noon Public Works Operations Center 1401 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis • Open to all City of Kannapolis residents • E-waste consists of computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, copiers, scanners, print-scanner-fax machines, televisions, VCRs, stereos, DVD/CD players • Document shredding limited to five file boxes per person • 704-920-4200; kannapolisnc.gov ADVANCE DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP February 11 • 5:00-7:00pm • Free Kannapolis Library 850 Mountain Street, Kannapolis • Review and complete your N.C. healthcare power of attorney and living will forms. • Have your advance directive forms notarized free of charge. • Learn what to do with your completed advance directive. • AtriumHealth.org/ YourCareYourChoice
VETERANS BREAKFAST February 11 • 9:00am Mt. Pleasant Senior Center 8615 Park Drive, Mt. Pleasant • All military veterans/spouses invited • Sponsored by Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks, What-ABurger #13, BrightStar Care and BBB • Join us for breakfast, speakers and fellowship every month! • Call 704-920-3484 to RSVP. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS February 12 • 5:00-6:30pm Concord Mills 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord • Premier networking event for business professionals; a relationship-building experience held in a relaxed setting that benefits you and your company through added contacts and resources. • Free for Chamber members; guests contact Paige Grochoske: 704-7824000, ext. 102 WINTER DISHES TO WARM THE SOUL COOKING CLASSES February 12 • 6:00-7:30pm • $10 February 26 • 6:00-7:30pm • $10 Cabarrus Health Alliance 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis • Classic comfort foods with a healthy twist, these inviting fresh dishes make for the perfect collection of delicious winter recipes that are easy to make for your family and friends. • Classes are open to all adults and children ages five and older. • To register/for information: 704-920-1324; mark.allison@ cabarrushealth.org
6TH GREATER CHARLOTTE HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO February 16 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 U.S. Highway 49N., Concord • Vendors showcasing healthy living products and services • Seminar Stage: Educational content on a variety of healthy living topics; Healthy Eating Stage: Learn simple nutritious meals; Get Moving Stage: Variety of styles of fitness classes • Fitness-based competitions; health screenings; Kids Zone; healthy samples • ncfitnessexpo.com CAROLINA ALPACA CELEBRATION February 16 • 8:00am-5:00pm • Free February 17 • 8:00am-4:00pm • Free Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 U.S. Highway 49N., Concord • Halter; Walking Fleece and Fleece Show Spinoff; Fiber Arts Competitions • Alpaca yarns/clothing; accessories; spinners’ roving and fleeces; live demonstrations; free seminars; fiber crafting and weaving supplies; fine art and more! • carolinaalpacacelebration.com LIVE PERFORMANCE: THE MODERN GENTLEMEN February 16 • 4:00/8:00pm • $45 The Davis Theatre 65 Union Street S., Concord • The voices of the Frankie Valli Show for the last 12 years, The Modern Gentlemen are bringing their own special brand of the Great American Songbook of the ‘60s-‘80s. • 704-920-2753; cabarrusartscouncil.org THE CABARRUS QUILTERS GUILD February 17 • 9:00am-12 noon Forest Hill United Methodist Church 265 Union Street N., Concord • New Quilter Workshop: Learn basic quilting skills taught by our guild members. • cabarrusquiltersguild.org
ART WALK February 22 • 6:00-9:00pm Historic Downtown Concord • Organized in conjunction with Cabarrus Arts Council’s exhibitions • Visual art displays, artists’ demonstrations, interactive displays, live music and refreshments • 704-920-2787; www.cabarrusartscouncil.org REPTICON EXOTIC ANIMAL & REPTILE SHOW February 23-24 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 U.S. Highway 49N., Concord • Premium reptile and exotic animal show • Vendors, presentations and raffles • repticon.com SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY February 23 • 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; concorddowntown.com ART LAB February 27 • 10:00-11:30am • Ages: 7+ • $5 per student The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • An immersive arts experience for students that includes a guided tour of The Galleries’ current exhibition and a fun hands-on art activity. • Limited to 12 students per class. Registration is suggested. • cabarrusartscouncil.org TAR HEEL KIDS CONSIGNMENTS February 28-March 2 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 U.S. Highway 49N., Concord • Specializing in children’s clothing infant through juniors, accessories, toys, furniture, equipment and maternity • tarheelkidsconsignment.com
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At a Glance CBD Oil Products Retail Stores Your CBD Store 9 Union Street N., Suite 110 Concord, NC 28025 704-784-8346 ConcordNC.CBDrx4u.com
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Churches New Hope Worship Center 452 Brookwood Avenue N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org
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Print & Technology Services
Northeast Digestive at Edison Square Page 2 10030 Edison Square Drive N.W., Ste. 204 Concord, NC 28027 704-783-1833 www.northeastdigestive.com
Modern Impressions Page 8 5029 West W.T. Harris Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com
Non-Profit Organizations
WTIX 98.3FM/1410AM 704-633-0621 www.memories983.com
Northeast Foundation Page 32 920 Church Street N. Concord, NC 28025 704-403-4121 www.givenortheastfoundation.org
Cleaning Services – Office Blue-J Serving Cabarrus County and Greater Charlotte Metro 704-589-3148 www.bluejcleaning.com
Gastroenterology
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Consignment Shops Two Blonde Chicks Fine Consign Page 2 904 Copperfield Blvd. Concord, NC 28025 704-956-2914 facebook.com/2 blonde chicks fine consign
Cosmetics/Salons Merle Norman & Edie’s Salon Page 2 1044 Copperfield Blvd., Suite 111 Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3008 facebook.com/merle norman cosmetics & edie’s salon
Pharmacies Cannon Pharmacy 760 Cabarrus Avenue W. Concord, NC 28027 704-788-6337
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1402 N. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-7948 www.cannonpharmacies.com
Photographers
Erectile Dysfunction Attention Viagra and Cialis Users Page 22 1-844-389-7687
Physical Fitness
Wilkinson Funeral Home Page 25 100 Branchview Drive N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
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Restaurants 73 & Main 1467 N. Main Street Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 704-436-2050 www.73andMain.com
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El Vallarta Bar & Grill Page 21 1480 Concord Parkway N., Suite 305 Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2020 www.ElVallartaNC.com
Michael A. Anderson Photography Page 16 38 Union Street S. Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com
Funeral Homes
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Chicken Salad Chick Page 9 8915 Christenbury Blvd., Suite 40 Concord, NC 28027 704-951-7323 www.chickensaladchick.com
1706 S. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-6337
iLoveKickboxing 3461 Highway 601 Concord, NC 28025 704-251-7903 www.ilovekickboxing.com
Radio Stations
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Technology Providers DISH 844-403-6138 www.dish.com
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Theatres – Live Old Courthouse Theatre 49 Spring Street N.W Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.octconcord.com
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