Inside: How parents can block cyberbullying • Page 3A
Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 • Vol. 15 • No. 45
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UCPS continues to be mask optional by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MONROE – Staff with Union County Public Schools engages with Dennis Joyner almost daily regarding COVID-19, but members of the school board continue to be perplexed by the public health director's guidance. The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit, which UCPS follows for
COVID-19 protocols, allows people with positive antibody tests to exempt from quarantine if approved by the public health director. The school board was told Joyner hasn't accepted such tests due to a lack of manpower. School board member Gary Sides suggested the county invest some money into getting the health department help since the pandemic has stretched for more
than a year. He vowed that if his son gets a quarantine notice, he’ll take him to the doctor for an antibody test and rush those results to the county health department for an explanation. “How is it fair to UCPS parents to recognize some of the options of the toolkit and not all,” Sides said. “Why does he not agree to this?” Sides suggested the school board extend a formal invita-
tion for Joyner to meet with them and answer why he won’t accept antibody tests. UCPS voted 7-2 to remain mask optional. The Rev. John Kirkpatrick and Joseph Morreale cast dissenting votes. Kirkpatrick wanted colleagues to consider the upcoming holidays and colder weather season, emphasizing requiring masks will help keep students and staff safe and in school. If the school
board just considered a mandate of 30 days, he said, they would be very satisfied with the response from the community. “The goal of UCPS throughout this pandemic has been to keep students and staff in our buildings and to make them healthy and safe,” Assistant Superintendent Jarrod McCraw said. “We have done that throughout this pandemic.”
Quirky turkey
Sen. Johnson plans to run for reelection
Rescue Mission collects food boxes, 3A
Helping hand 8 ways to support caregivers, 4A
Gaby Gama was recognized before the game with the NC Farm Bureau Insurance Sportsmanship Award. Anna Ungerer received the MVP Award for the 1A state championship. Photos courtesy of UA
'Garden girl' Daisy Schenone expresses sentiment, 1B
Charging back Union Academy wins first volleyball championship
Check it out Library gets $1 million boost from bank, 4B
RALEIGH – Union Academy’s volleyball team won the first state championship in the volleyball program’s history on Nov. 6. After dropping the first set to Neuse Charter, coach Brooke Hill's squad came charging back to win the next three sets to claim the title. This is the third team state championship for Union Academy.
Fresh ideas Award-winning chef takes reins of eatery, 4B
UNIONVILLE – Todd Johnson will seek re-election to N.C. Senate, he announced Nov. 8. Johnson has represented District 35 since 2019. With the N.C. General Assembly redrawing the district maps, District 35 will now include Cabarrus County’s Midland area. “Union County has experienced tremendous growth the last 10 years,” Johnson said. “As such, the new region for District 35 will become more Johnson compact and smaller in size.” Johnson will fill out the filing documents for reelection in December. “My name alone goes on those documents,” he said. “I cannot overstate that the names not on that document – my wife and sons, my parents and siblings, my church family and individuals throughout our community make my service possible. They quietly serve every day.” Johnson chairs the Commerce and Insurance and Appropriations on Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources committees. He also serves on the Finance, Health Care, Rules and Operations of Senate and Transportation Standing committees. For the 2021-22 session, Johnson serves on the following non-standing committees: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Legislative Ethics, Joint Legislative Education Oversight and Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Capital Improvements. He also serves on the NC Child Fatality Task Force. Before the N.C. Senate, Johnson served from 2010 to 2014 as a Union County commissioner. Todd and wife Amanda have two boys, Tanner and Miles, that attend Union County Public Schools. They live in Unionville.
POWs, MIAs remembered at Dogwood Park by Deb Coates Bledsoe Contributor
Through the efforts of a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and an Eagle Scout, Dogwood Park in Wesley Chapel now has a symbol that honors not only the state of North Carolina, but also those either killed in action or taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. The recently completed project placed a flagpole on
either side of the one that currently flies the American Flag. The idea materialized when U.S. Marine veteran Sgt. Charles Caldwell proposed placing a flagpole in memory of the prisoners and missing soldiers of the Vietnam War. He donated the flagpole on which the POW/MIA flag will be flown. Caldwell had a personal interest in honoring his fallen comrades as his Lima Infantry Unit of the Marine
Corp served in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. A plaque on the flagpole reads, “You will not be forgotten. Let it fly here in Dogwood Park for them and the 82,000 who are missing since World War II.” In conjunction with this project, Eagle Scout Ross Bridgforth and fellow members of the Wesley Chapel Troop 46, donated another flagpole that will fly the North Carolina flag.
Organizers finished both projects in time for Veteran’s Day on Nov 11 and the Vietnam Memorial Day on Sept. 17. Once the project was completed, organizers held a ceremony, with local VFW Post 2423 presenting colors and Ananda Thompson singing the National Anthem. Wesley Chapel’s Scout Troop 46, led by Eagle Scout Ross Bridgforth, raised the North Carolina flag.
Marine veteran Sgt. Charles Caldwell, left, and Ross Bridgforth, of Wesley Chapel Scout Troop 46, raise the MIA/POW flag. Photo courtesy of Deb Coates Bledsoe
Page 2A • The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021
Goodwill unveils new mission, vision STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/ carolinaweeklynewspapers
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CHARLOTTE – After more than 50 years operating under the same mission statement, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont unveiled new mission and vision statements at its annual event, Good Morning, Opportunity. The nonprofit’s guiding statements now read: • Purpose Statement: Goodwill exists to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities, and prosper. • Mission Statement: Goodwill builds pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve. • Vision Statement: Goodwill envisions a community where equitable access to career opportunities is available for all. Goodwill is embarking on these redefined statements that better align with its goals and aspirations
after more than a year of conversations with stakeholders. “These words reinforce the role we play in the community, as our organization’s work stretches far beyond just employment,” said Chris Jackson, CEO and president of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “We believe these are unifying statements that not only guide our work but represent our holistic approach to supporting people in our community on their journeys and creating more equitable access to career and personal development opportunities throughout our region.” Goodwill has been serving the Southern Piedmont region of North and South Carolina since 1965. What started as an organization to help people find work has evolved to include skills training, career
counseling, employment tools and resources, financial needs programs, and community partnerships. These programs are available to anyone in the community looking for opportunities to grow – offered at no cost thanks to donations and purchases from the community. “Language is incredibly powerful and impacts the way we think, feel, and act, and we carefully constructed our new statements to provide clarity and direction,” Jackson said. “These statements are forward-thinking and represent Goodwill’s goals to lead our community toward addressing the obstacles that impact people’s ability to prosper and provide solutions for individuals that create equitable opportunities for all.” With 25 retail stores, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, the Goodwill Construction Skills
Impostors pose as Powerball winner Reports to BBB Scam Tracker indicate scammers are still using Powerball Winner Manuel Franco’s name to send out text messages, social media messages, phone calls or emails informing people they’ve “been chosen” to receive free money from Franco. Scams like this make it seem as if you are about to receive a sudden financial windfall. Instead, the people sending the messages are just phishing for your personal information or may even be after your money. You may recall, Wisconsin resident Manuel Franco came forward in April 2019 to claim a $768 million lottery jackpot. Prior to winning the lottery, he was working at a Target store. After winning, he was known to personally hand out some gift cards to random shoppers. “This scam involves impersonators attempting to lure in victims to steal their personal information”, said Tom Bartholomy, BBB Serving Southern Piedmont and Western N.C. CEO/president. “This is dangerous. We’ve seen this before, and it
will likely continue because con artists do what works for them.” There has been an uptick in this scam being reported; 188 reports have been submitted to BBB Scam Tracker from consumers across the United States since 2019. In 2021 alone, there have been 175 submissions to date, an increase from the previous year (2020) of 733%. Total losses reported in this scam are more than $13,000. Juliana O’Rork, of Charlotte, reported, “I received a text saying ‘I’m Mr. Manuel Franco, the Powerball winner in the Powerball Millions Jackpot. Click here to see my winning interview. I’m donating $50,000 to 200 random individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected after a spin ball’…To verify your winners send a text to this number.” A consumer from Colorado informed BBB that he lost $3,200 when he sent $200 to “activate his winnings”, and $3,000 for the IRS” as instructed in order to collect his winnings. He said he believed it,
A text message received from a scammer. Photo courtesy of BBB
“Because of COVID I was desperate for money.” BBB reminds people to protect themselves from impostor scams: • Be suspicious of irregular communications, especially via text, email or phone. • Don’t provide money or information to people that you don’t know or that promise you money in exchange.
Training Center, regional career centers, and business and educational partnerships, Goodwill employs more than 900 people in the greater Charlotte area and touches the lives of thousands annually. The organization has bold plans to open more than 25 additional retail stores and donation centers over the next five years. “Our hope is that the members of our community see themselves reflected in these statements in a way that honors their individual pathways to success,” said LaRita Barber, chief advancement officer. “While many feel that mission and vision statements are inward statements for an organization, we hope the impact of these words will reverberate throughout the community and definitively connect with those we serve.”
AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel to rise
CHARLOTTE – The Auto Club Group predicts 53.4 million Americans will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020.This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels for the 2019 holiday. The gap is closing even faster in North Carolina, as total travel figures are only 2% below pre-pandemic levels. AAA predicts nearly 1.5 million North Carolinians will travel for Thanksgiving, a 13% rebound from 2020 holiday. “It’s beginning to look more like a normal holiday travel season, compared to what we saw last year,” said Debbie Haas, of AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Now that U.S. borders are open, vaccinations are readily available, and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holidays.
The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021 • Page 3A
Humane Society connects older pets with homes CHARLOTTE-- The Humane Society of Charlotte is celebrating senior pet adoptions this month with adoption discounts on select animals. November is nationally recognized as Adopt A Senior Pet Month and the Humane Society of Charlotte is determined to help as many senior pets as possible find new loving families.
Select senior dog adoptions will feature a 50% discount, and senior cat adoptions are “Name Your Own Price.” Each adoption will help the Humane Society of Charlotte move closer to its goal of completing 3,000 adoptions in 2021. “My 15-year-old rescue beagle passed away in February 2020 and I thought my heart would never be mended. Luckily for me, a sweet se-
nior pitbull named Leroy stole my heart the first moment I laid eyes on him,” said Danielle Thibodeau volunteer programs manager for the Humane Society of Charlotte. “It’s an honor to provide his last years with the love he deserves and I would highly recommend anyone considering adopting to open their hearts to the senior pets. They are looking for a second chance on a
new family and will fill your home with so much love.” The Humane Society of Charlotte reasons that senior pets are often housetrained, often familiar with basic commands and manners, typically more relaxed and have outgrown their “puppy” energy, typically require less supervision and training and appreciate their humans more. They know
they’ve been rescued and they are so thankful. Senior dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Humane Society of Charlotte by appointment. To schedule an appointment to meet an animal, interested adopters can use its smart scheduler to find a day/time that suits their schedule.
Groups join Beat a cyberbully: Here’s forces to feed how parents can help 5,000 people CHARLOTTE – Food insecurity doesn’t take a break for the holidays. That’s why many nonprofits are joining forces this month to feed 5,000 Charlottteans a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 23. Working together in a Community Unity 5000 initiative, several nonprofits plan to bring people together in a safe Thanksgiving-themed gathering to eat a hot meal at the Ophelia Garmon-Brown Community Center, 2647 Freedom Drive. Meal boxes will also be handed out to those with vouchers provided in advance by one of the participating nonprofits. “The holidays are a special time of year to sit at a table and share food with family and friends. These community-focused groups are working together to share the joy of the season with Charlotte’s vulnerable populations,” said Kim Aprill, executive director of Feeding Charlotte. “We hope that the many people in the Charlotte area who want to give will consider volunteering their time or donating to this powerful partnership demonstrating our belief that food is love.” Volunteers are needed to assist both at the event and in advance of it preparing the food and meal boxes. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4eada823abfdc61-volunteer to sign up to volunteer. Turkeys are also needed. To donate a turkey or to make a financial donation, call Charles Robinson at 980-777-3362 or Beverly Davis at 704-612-6390. COVID testing and vaccines will be available onsite throughout the day.
While remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lowered reported instances of bullying, some parents fear that, for some students, going back to school will mean going back to being bullied – even if they are taking their classes online. “Bullying is something we worry about, especially with the beginning of each new school year,” said Keith Glover of his family of four in Mineral Springs. His two teenage daughters are both home-schooled and attend virtual classes via the internet. Now 15 years after the inception of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, technology’s ever greater presence in children’s lives has given bullying a new outlet. With just a click, cyberbullies can taunt, harass and threaten relentlessly, even reaching into the home via cellphone or computer. As a result, victims report feeling hopeless, isolated, and even suicidal. What can parents do to protect their kids? Taking an interest in their children’s online world can make a difference, says the National Parent Teacher Association. This interest does not necessarily require parents to become tech experts. Instead, the federal stopbullying.gov website advises parents to watch for subtle clues that something is wrong, such as their child becoming withdrawn, hiding their screen when others are nearby or reacting emotionally to what’s happening on their device. For Keith Glover and his wife, Ani-
ta, that has meant being keenly aware of what “normal” looks like for their daughters, ages 17 and 15 “Knowing my children’s moods is very important because I can then detect shifts or changes in their personalities that might signal something is going on,” said Keith. Talking with kids openly – and often – helps, too. “The more you talk to your children about bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it,” UNICEF says in its online tips for parents. As their two daughters enter their teens, Keith and Anita have found that talking less and listening more works best. “We try to focus on being approachable and listening actively without reaction,” Keith said. Beyond talking, listening and observing their kids, parents shouldn’t be afraid to make and enforce rules for online activities, experts say. The Glover girls are allowed to freely use the internet, but they’re expected to turn off the live chat feature to limit interactions with strangers. “We reassure the girls that we trust them and respect their privacy, but they have to stay within the boundaries we’ve set,” Keith said. The family also cited tips and reminders they’ve considered together with their kids from free resources available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Tony Marciano dressed as a turkey Nov. 8 to solicit donations for a food drive. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Rescue Mission
Rescue Mission holding food box drive
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Rescue Mission has launched its annual Thanksgiving food box drive to collect 4,500 food boxes. They will be distributed to families in need in partnership with 14 community organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Harvest Center and CW Williams Community Health Center. Donations have already been pledged by many churches, individuals and corporations, the largest coming from Brighthouse Financial, Food Lion and Good Friends Charlotte. “Our annual food box drive is a beautiful example of the how the Charlotte community comes together each year to care for its neighbors,” Executive Director Tony Marciano said. “It’s a privilege to play a role in that story.” The mission will collect donations Nov. 19 and 20. Those wanting to help can email pam. beam@charlotterescuemission.org for details.
Page 4A • The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021
N.C. education spending conflict leads to constitutional debate by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
(The Center Square) – Republicans and Democrats in North Carolina are at odd ends over an impending order that would force the state to spend more on education. Superior Court Judge David Lee is poised to sign an order Wednesday that would require the state to allocate nearly $2 billion more in K-12 funding to meet its constitutional obligation to provide a “sound, basic education” to all students. State Republicans contend the judge does not have the authority to dictate how taxpayers’ money is spent and the power lies with the state Legislature. Democrats say the funding is critical to address the state’s education needs. “North Carolina is in a strong financial position, however, to meet these obligations and, per-
haps, to do even more to provide funding that will ensure a sound basic education for every child, especially those that are left behind low-income and minority children,” Sen. Gladys Robinson, D-Guilford, said Tuesday during a news briefing. “This case and the actions that the court will take this week are about more than our constitutional obligations. It is a moral obligation.” In Leandro v. the State of North Carolina, plaintiffs claimed students in poor school districts were not receiving the same educational resources as wealthy school districts. They argued the state was not doing what it took to ensure it met its constitutional requirement. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered a plan be drafted to meet the state’s obligation. The plan called for $5.6 billion in new K-12 funding by 2028. Republican appropriation leaders
did not include the additional funding required under the Leandro plan in current spending plans. Plaintiffs now have asked the judge to order the Legislature to allocate $1.7 billion over the biennium from the state’s unallocated balance. Republicans said if Lee orders the state to pay the money, it will violate North Carolina’s Constitution. It states: “The power of the purse is the exclusive prerogative of the General Assembly, with the origin of the appropriations clause dating back to the time that the original state constitution was ratified in 1776.” Attorney General Josh Stein’s office said Monday in a court filing, however, the constitutional requirement to provide education equity is enough to authorize the court to order the allocation of the funds. “As a separate and coequal branch of government, this court
has inherent authority to order that the state abide by the constitution’s commands to meet its constitutional obligations,” attorneys for the state wrote. “In doing so, the Court’s Order will enable the State to meet its obligations to students, while also avoiding encroachment upon the proper role of the legislature.” Senate Republicans slammed Stein’s filing Tuesday, arguing it would override recent court rulings that uphold the Legislature’s spending authority. “Attorney General Stein’s ‘defense’ is yet more evidence that this circus is all about enacting Gov. (Roy) Cooper’s preferred spending plan over the objections of the Legislature, the only branch legally authorized to make spending decisions,” said Sen. Deanna Ballard, R-Watauga, who co-chairs the Senate Education Committee.
Bill to freeze jobless tax rate on Cooper's desk (The Center Square) – A bill that would keep the state's unemployment tax rate lower than prescribed in 2022 is on Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk. Unemployment tax collections support the state’s unemployment trust fund, which is used to compensate unemployed workers. Senate Bill 311 freezes the tax rate at 1.9% in 2022, reducing the tax burden on employers. “North Carolina is the best place in the country to start a business because of low-tax, low-spending Republican policies,” said one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon. The unemployment tax rate is determined by the trust fund’s balance. The base rate for the new year depends on the size of the state’s trust fund balance on Sept. 1. Under the current formula, the base rate for 2022 is scheduled to increase by 2.4%. According to legislation, when the unemployment trust fund balance as a percentage of total insured wages is greater than 1.25%, the rate is 1.9%. When the balance is equal to or below 1.25% and greater than 1%, the base rate is 2.4%, and when it is equal to or below 1%, the base rate is 2.9%. The state’s unemployment trust balance is $2.9 billion, but it fell when unemployment was at it’s peak during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support Alzheimer's caregivers during 5 tips to keep National Family Caregivers Month CHARLOTTE – November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Western Carolina Chapter and Eastern North Carolina Chapter are marking these events by recognizing and honoring the 358,000 family members and friends across North Carolina who are currently caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. In 2020, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 517 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $7.3 billion. According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, 83 percent of the help provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. And nearly half of all caregivers (48 percent) who provide help to older adults do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Caregivers of people with dementia report providing an average of 92 hours of care per month. The demands of being an Alzheimer’s caregiver are all-encompassing and increase over time as the disease progresses. This month, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to recognize Alzheimer’s caregivers for all they do every day to support people with dementia. “During this month and throughout the year, we celebrate the heroic contributions of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges caregivers face,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter. “Never have the efforts of caregivers been tested more than during the past year and a half. That is why we are committed to supporting caregivers now more than ever.” Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding and especially challenging. Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a big difference. The Alzheimer’s Association offers the ideas below to encourage people to lend a hand to a caregiver this month and year-round:
8 Ways to support
• Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – its symptoms, its progression and the common challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help. • Build a Team: Organize family and friends who want to help with caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association offers links to several free, online care calendar resources that families can use to build their care team, share takes and coordinate helpers. • Give Caregivers a Break: Make a standing appointment to give the caregiver a break. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment,
good staffers
The community turned out for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association's Western Carolina Chapter
participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver some relief. • Check In: Many Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers report feeling isolated or alone. So start the conversation – a phone call to check in, sending a note, or stopping by for a visit can make a big difference in a caregiver’s day and help them feel supported. • Tackle the To-Do List: Ask for a list of errands that need to be run – such as picking up groceries or prescriptions. Offer to do yard work or other household chores. It can be hard for a caregiver to find time to complete these simple tasks that we often take for granted. • Be Specific and Be Flexible: Open-ended offers of support (“call me if you need anything” or “let me know if I can help”) may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help. • Help for the Holidays: Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions, but they can be challenging and stressful for families facing Alzheimer’s. Help caregivers around the holidays by offering to help with cooking, cleaning or gift shopping. If a caregiver has traditionally hosted family celebrations, offer your home instead. • Join the Fight: Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by joining the fight against Alzheimer’s. You can volunteer with your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, participate in fundraising events such as Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day, advocate for more research funding, or sign up to participate in a clinical study through the Alzheimer’s Association’s Trial Match. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit alz.org/honor.
Additional programs
As part of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Western Carolina Chapter and Eastern North Carolina
Chapter are offering free education programs and support groups to help all North Carolina caregivers and their families. Featured programs include: • 10 Ways to Help a Family (virtual | November 18) - Often individuals don’t know how best to help a family affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease. Frequently caregivers are unsure how to ask for help or what assistance to even ask for. Join for a brief overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia and the challenges caregivers may face followed by a panel discussion exploring tips for how to help a family and caregiver. • Caregiving through the Holidays (in-person | Brevard, NC | November 4) - For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and goodwill. This program is designed to teach caregivers to care for themselves, their loved ones, and about holiday safety all while giving suggestions that may make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved ones. • Caregiver & Provider Roundtable - Dementia Resources, Opportunities and Challenges for the LGBTQ Community (virtual | November 9) – This presentation will focus on the latest updates to resources for the LGBTQ communities in North Carolina. Hear from representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team, as well as local organizations and faith leaders across the state. For a complete list of upcoming virtual programs or to register for a program, visit act.alz.org/ncmonthlyprograms or call 800-272-3900.
Additional Facts
• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. • More than six million Americans are living with the disease, including 180,000 North Carolina residents — a number estimated to grow to as many as 210,000 by year 2025. • More than 11 million family and friends, including 358,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States. • One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. On the web: www.alz.org/facts
The job quitting isn’t stopping: a record 4.3 million workers left their jobs in August – a milestone that followed the April landmark of 4 million Americans exiting their companies. Some people are leaving their jobs because the COVID-19 pandemic caused them to reconsider how much their companies value them. In that context, whether it’s a matter of pay, work demands, work-fromhome flexibility, or overall culture, it’s important that businesses seeking stability and growth know how they can retain their best employees, says Michele Bailey (www.michelebailey.com), ForbesBooks author of “The Currency of Gratitude: Turning Small Gestures into Powerful Business Results.” “With over 10 million employment vacancies, some people are leaving because they are confident they can find a better job, a better fit in line with the new perspective the pandemic has given them,” Bailey says. “So at this point, a good number of jilted employers should be asking themselves, ‘Why are talented people leaving my company? What can I do to change that, regain stability and grow?’ “The answer is often looking back in the mirror at them, and in how they treat people more as laborers than rare gems who are special – people who can make the workplace special. It’s fixable, but it’s all about putting your employees first.” Bailey says in terms of retaining top employees, companies and their leaders should think about these points: • Know the cost of replacing good employees. One report shows that it costs 33% of a worker’s annual salary to hire a replacement if that worker leaves. “Clearly, retention and development of existing employees makes the most sense if they are the right fit,” Bailey says. • Encourage professional development. Bailey says forward-thinking, growth-oriented companies hire talented people with the capability of taking on bigger responsibilities. “Professional development provides the opportunity for steps up in their career path,” Bailey says. “Employees who do not see a clear path are at risk of leaving.” • Build culture by acknowledging the whole person.
“Work-life balance” has gotten a lot of attention during the pandemic, but Bailey says good leadership ensures that balance is in place by going the extra mile to know employees, and to listen to their concerns, whether personal or professional. “The reality is that all of us bring our personal selves to work and our work selves home with us,” she says. “When something is going well or poorly in either space, it tends to seep into our attitudes and behavior in the other. When you address the overall wellness of your people as part of your business mandate, you have people well-aligned and rowing in the same direction.” • Create an army of brand ambassadors by empowering your employees. Employees who feel their voices are heard at work are nearly five times (4.6) more likely to feel empowered to perform their best at work. Employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged at work, 8% more productive, and 15% less likely to leave their jobs. “Many businesses tout themselves as collaborative workplaces with great cultures; however, worker frustration suggests that the reality is otherwise,” Bailey says. “A good culture is a place where they’re freed to flourish, energized and proud to represent the brand to clients.” • Reward and recognize. “Showing gratitude to your workforce is imperative to having a successful business,” Bailey says. “Eventually people want you to show them the money – and you must if you truly value them – but frequent shows of gratitude in any form should be consistent and timely.” “We can hold onto our talent and keep our people engaged,” Bailey says, “by creating an environment where employees become emotionally connected through gratitude to company leadership, to each other and to the company’s purpose.” About Michele Bailey Michele Bailey (www. michelebailey.com) is the ForbesBooks author of “The Currency Of Gratitude: Turning Small Gestures Into Powerful Business Results.” She also is founder/CEO of The Blazing Group, a brand and culture agency born of her strategy-first approach to business and desire to enhance employee wellness in pursuit of business goals.
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Across the Region The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021 • Page 1B
Ardrey Kell wins several stage awards CHARLOTTE – Ardrey Kell High School’s theater department is celebrating recognition from the 2021 NCTC High School Play Festival. The program, led by Hannah Daniels and John Harris III, presented “Digging Up the Boys” by Laura Lundgren Smith at the festival.
The performance not only earned a superior rating but also the Festival Spirit Award, Excellence in Stage Movement, Excellence in Ensemble Acting and Distinguished Play. Several people from Ardrey Kell won awards in acting (Meagan AuBuchon and J. Preston Stovall), directing (Hannah Daniels), stage
management/costume design (Keely Schmidt), make-up effects (Maggie Hacker) and set and poster design (Meghan O’Brien). This year, over 1,500 students from 71 schools are performing 89 plays at seven regional sites. The top 16 productions are invited to perform at the NCTC State High School Play Festival on Nov. 19
and 21 at Greensboro College. Schools travel to their regional festival sites with theatrical sets, costumes and props. Each school has 45 minutes to set up, perform the play and clear the stage. After the performance, students receive feedback from actors and directors with Broadway and Hollywood credits. Awards are given for act-
ing, design, technical craft, ensemble work and festival spirit. “We’ve worked hard to cultivate a spirit of community at the Play Festival, where students learn from each other and celebrate each other’s work,” NCTC Executive Director Angie Hays said. “They leave with new friends, feeling energized and inspired.”
Exploring Indigenous efforts in STEAM Daisy Schenone says she doesn’t paint objects as much as she expresses sentiments and emotions. She hopes that people viewing her art will get taken back to moments or dream of the future. Photos courtesy of Daisy Schenone
The Garden Girl Daisy Schenone offers presentations of romance by Heting Liu Contributor
With the sun shining through the trees, I walked in Daisy Schenone’s garden. There were more than 100 pots of succulents growing on her balcony. Looking down, I could see clematis, hydrangeas and roses … close to 400 plants were thriving and smiling to people who walked past. At the end of the garden, there was a small house, which was Daisy’s art studio. Daisy Schenone is a selftaught artist and a Chinese American who immigrated to the U.S. in 1989. She likes to use bold color and brushstrokes to portray landscapes and flowers. The abstract form has also become appealing to her in recent years. It was quite an accident for Daisy to start painting. In 2014, to prevent her 11-yearold daughter from spending too much time on her phone, Daisy suggested they could do some painting as a fun, family activity. At first, they painted on some cheap wood panels and ceramics, but surprisingly, interested buyers approached her after she posted the first few works on social media. This opened a path for a new career she had never thought of. As she gradually began her career as an artist, she started trying acrylic and oil painting. Being completely self-taught, Daisy learned her techniques from YouTube videos. She started with some master copies, and then painted landscapes from life.
Now she finds she can just spill her ideas and landscapes from her mind onto a blank canvas without having to look at any reference. However, she doesn’t like to focus too much on the tangible. “I am not painting an object. I am expressing a sentiment, an emotion,” she said. “A love story never fades, a waiting never withdraws. I hope my artwork brings my viewers back to even just a small piece of their past, connects them to one breathtaking moment or leads them to a dreaming second of tomorrow’s romance.” Many contemporary artists create artworks to express anger and rebel, but the purpose behind Daisy’s works is to love. Almost every work of hers is connected to her personal experience and love story. According to her, every single artwork she creates is a short story, a small presentation of romance. Talking about romance, Daisy has a lot to say. In 2013, She wrote an autobiographical novel that can be translated to “Mrs Daisy’s Lovers.” While writing, she immersed herself into her memories of romantic relationships. “I will never ever write again,” she said. “It was too painful.” Indeed, the recreation of the past using words is like cutting one’s heart using a sharp blade, digging out the most personal experiences and delicate emotions, showing them to the world, letting love and regret flow and spread. This is a very painful journey for sensitive see ARTIST, Page xB
LANCASTER – USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center will host its 16th annual Native American Studies Week, “Indigenous Contributions in STEAM,” celebrating Native contributions in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Events from Nov. 15 to 19 include an art exhibit reception, an artist talk and programs on the chemistry of Catawba pottery and Indigenous health practices. A talk on Indigenous foodways, “Indigenous Science and the Three Sisters Diet,” from Chef Dave Smoke-McCluskey will conclude the week. Based in North Augusta, McCluskey is the owner of Corn Mafia Hominy, specializing in small batch hominy. He has been the chef-in-residence for the Chickasaw Nation’s children’s art program for two summers. Originally from upstate New York, McCluskey is a forager who has been in foodways for over 40 years and teaches others about Indigenous foodways, hominy and nixtamalization, the process by which corn is treated and softened to make hominy. The chef will discuss the Three Sisters agricultural practice of growing corn, beans and squash in the same mound, as well as the loss of traditional foodways within Indigenous communities. The week’s events include: • Nov. 15, 12:15 p.m. - The Chemistry of Catawba Indian Pottery”- Art Greenberg, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of New Hampshire, discusses the science of art in this presentation analyzing the chemistry of Catawba pottery. Held in conjunction with the USC Lancaster Chemistry Club. Presented via Zoom. • Nov. 16, Noon - “Medicine among the Aztecs.” Kim Richardson, USC Lancaster Associate professor of history, explores the complexities of medicine, childbirth, sanitation, diseases and other issues within the Aztec Empire to discover what can be learned and applied to current concerns. Presented in person and via Zoom. • Nov. 17, 2 p.m. - “Indigenous Inventions Through the Ages” Special Reception. Learn more about Indigenous contributions to the STEAM field in this exhibit. Presented in person and via Zoom. • Nov. 18, 6 p.m. - Artist Talk: An Evening with Alex Osborn. Alex Osborn (Catawba), the center’s summer contemporary artist-in-residence, will talk about his residency in the center’s Five Points Gallery. Presented in person and via Zoom. • Nov. 19, Noon- November Lunch and Learn: “Indigenous Science and the Three Sisters Diet.” “Cod Chef” Dave Smoke-McCluskey (Mohawk), discusses the science of nixtamalization and its impact on the agricultural Indigenous diet. Presented in person and via Zoom. To attend the events in person, call 803313-7172 to reserve a spot on the guest list. To attend the events virtually, register at the Zoom registration links available on the center’s website.
Page 2B • The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021
Children’s author hits big with publisher LOUD&LIVE CHARLOTTE – Ashley Belote’s covers that this perfect house may be might not be just for him…in fact, new children’s book “The Me Tree” home to a number of uninvited guests. there seem to be quite a few residents is being released this week by Pen- The book is designed to engage early of this tree. The question is, will Bear learn how to share his Me Tree?” guin-Random House, one of the readers ages 4 to 8. “The Me Tree: story combines “The Me Tree is a story about the ups publishing world’s biggest and most charming characters with simple text, and downs, sorrows and joys of livrespected book publishers. Belote, of Charlotte, is a native lively illustrations, and laugh-out- ing together--and finding communiWest Virginian and the graduate loud humor to help boost kids’ con- ty even when you’re really, really not of the Mountain State’s Alderson fidence and create lifelong readers,” looking for it,” adds Ashley, who grew Broaddus University couldn’t be she said. “Bear just wants a tree for up in the book business-her mother more excited about bringing her sto- himself. No roommates, no guests, is Cathy Teets, the CEO of Headline just sweet solitude. So he packs up Books, the West Virginia-based winry to the world. The Times Sales hisYork things, findsSyndication a great listing for Corporation a ner of the “Best Indy Book Publish“The Me Tree” is a hilarious story of New 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. a bear who has had it with living with spacious tree, and moves in. At first,10018 er” title in 2020. For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 it’s perfect. Just what he wanted. But roommates. But when he finally finds For Release Tuesday, March 19, 2019 his own tree (“just for me!”), he dis- pretty soon he realizes that his tree
Crossword ACROSS 1 Fab Four hairdos 5 Spiced tea variety 9 Hail Mary, for one 13 Totally awesome 14 Defense in a snowball fight 15 Chops finely 17 Psychedelic stuff from the Evergreen State? 19 Shrek and Fiona 20 Nash’s “two-l” beast 21 Lure 23 A, to Beethoven 24 Inning : baseball :: ___ : curling 26 Underwear from the First State? 28 Gambler’s action in the Cornhusker State? 32 Member of Islam’s largest branch
33 Tennis serving whiz 34 National Hot Dog Month 37 Music genre for the Village People 39 Calder Cup rink org. 40 Forest animal in the state nicknamed Old Dominion? 42 Ate 43 Opposite of día 45 ___ stick 46 Snow blower maker 47 Birds on Canadian dollar coins
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Sunday, Nov. 14 Comet Grille: Randy Franklin & The Sardines Evening Muse: Senora May w/Kayla Ray Fillmore: MCrach the Barricade; Ashley McBryde Home Brew: Open mic Middle C Jazz: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute Underground: Noah Kahan Monday, Nov. 15 Evening Muse: Open mic Neighborhood Theatre: Clark
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18 “You ___?” (butler’s response) 22 “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” airer 25 ___ vu 27 Magician’s name suffix 28 Palindromic bread 29 Navigate like a whale 30 Sign of hospitality 31 Backside 35 British throne?
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Saturday, Nov. 13 Beantown Tavern: 485 Boys Coyote Joe’s: Scotty McCreery Evening Muse: Cameron Floyd with Oliver Padgett Grapes Bistro: Open mic Mac’s (Matthews): Makenzie Loudermilt Middle C Jazz: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute Moochies Tavern: Next O’Kin; Delta Fire Neighborhood Theatre: Yonder Mountain String Band Pineville Tavern: The Raisin’ Cain Band Southern Range: The Stark Reality Stooges Pub: Smilin’ Dogs Trail House: Living Temptation Treehouse Vineyards: DB Cooper Band Underground: Sainted Waxhaw Taphouse: New Local
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55 Diamonds, slangily 56 Someone ___ (not mine or yours) 58 Moving around fast 62 Entire range 64 Pasta from the Golden State? 66 Word next to an arrow on a maze 67 Hard ___ (toiling away) 68 Lo-cal 69 Frequent Sicilian erupter 70 Daddy-o 71 © follower, typically
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52 Music copyright org. 53 Old-fashioned “Cool!” 57 Salon sound 59 Ballet bend 60 “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” grp. 61 Belgian river to the North Sea 63 Coffee dispenser 65 Tiebreaker periods, for short
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Tuesday, Nov. 16 DreamChaser’s Brewery: Music Bingo Evening Muse: Smithfield w/Tom Mackell Neighborhood Theatre: Kevin Ross Trail House: Music Trivia Underground: Atreyu
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Wednesday, Nov. 17 Coyote Joe’s: Country 103.7’s 50th anniversary Evening Muse: Liz Longley w/Portair Fillmore: Tech N9ne Moochies Tavern: Music Bingo Pour 64: Music Bingo Waxhaw Taphouse: Music Bingo Trail House: Rusty Pilot Visulite: Tropidelic & Bumpin Uglies
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Thursday, Nov. 18 DreamChaser’s Brewery: Open Mic Evening Muse: Goldpark and The Thing With Feathers Seaboard Brewing: Lisa De Nova Trail House: Music Bingo Undground: Alina Baraz Visulite: Coddle Creek
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Friday, Nov. 19 Evening Muse: The Brummies w/ Vlad Holiday
Fillmore: Sullivan King Neighborhood Theatre: Junior Astronomers Trail House: Thurston Howell Visulite: The Brook & The Bluff
Venues Charlotte • BOplex: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Comet Grill: 2224 Park Road • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Middle C Jazz: 300 S. Brevard St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Ovens Auditorium: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Piedmont Social House: 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd. • Underground: 820 Hamilton St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Grapes Bistro: 6461 Old Monroe Road • Mia Famiglia: 7870 Idlewild Road • Tap & Vine: 6443 Old Monroe Road • Tavern 74: 2116 W. Roosevelt Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Get Me Some Green: 3555 Matthews-Mint Hill Road • Mac’s (Matthews): 142 E. John St. • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. Mint Hill • Mint Hill Roasting: 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road • Pour 64: 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St Pineville • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Stallings • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road Waxhaw • DreamChaser’s Brewery: 115 E. N. Main St. • Waxhaw Taphouse: 110 McDonald St.
The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021 • Page 3B Daisy Schenone is not only an artist who specializes in colorful landscapes, but she also works as a landscape designer. Both passions allow her to enjoy nature. Photos courtesy of Daisy Schenone
ARTIST (continued from page 1B)
people. At the time of writing this novel, Daisy was nearly 50, but she still had courage and energy to illustrate such a story. People with a heart of youth never age. Daisy likes to use her love of landscapes not only as a subject to paint, but also in her other profession as a landscape designer. The house she lives in is small but perfect for her because it has a big backyard. She loves to spend time outdoors, breathing fresh air and doing gardening work. “Good furniture and a big house can’t make me half as happy as nature does,” she said. It doesn’t matter if there is sun or drizzle, Daisy prefers to linger outside and carve the scenery in her mind. With her artistic talent, observation of landscapes and professional understanding of flowers, she has found herself in love with landscape design, a way that she can combine her creativity and her passion for nature. She and her husband just finished a landscaping project for a home slightly under 20,000 square feet after failure of three different landscaping companies. The homeowners were so happy and requested them to take care of their office buildings. Daisy loves to tell her clients: “I am an artist. I love to design your yard in an unique and artistic way.” Of course, some homeowners prefer a plain easy-care yard. “I always respect their opinions. But I believe that color brings things to life and there’s a better option than a plain yard,” she said. “Our hard-work and sincerity always gain clients’ trust and it ended up we were allowed to add color to the yard instead of just boxwood and nandina.” As her confidence grew, she attended some art festivals here in North Carolina and made friends with many other artists. “I always feel very grateful and lucky to have so many people who inspire me, help me, appreciate and collect my arts,” she said. Within a few years of painting, she already sold over 80 art pieces internationally. Her work has been exhibited in some prestigious galleries including Coffey & Thompson Art Gallery in Myers Park. She sold almost half of her paintings at the recent Festival in the Park. Daisy posts her works on the internet under the title “Unchained Color.” When people see her art, they are often amazed by the vivid and vibrant use of her palette. She doesn’t know why she likes strong color. “Maybe it’s because of my intensifying desire and straightforward personality,” she said. Since college, Daisy has developed a personality that translates to “individualist and persisting one’s own way” in Chinese, but she likes to translate it to “me walk me tofu,” which is the very literal meaning of the four Chinese characters.
Her love of nature and passion for life bursts out from her heart with strong color as the medium. You can see her red excitement, pink romance, yellow optimism and blue grief all in one place in her paintings. “When I see the canvas, I just want the whole thing to be covered in color and contents,” she said. “I don’t like white spaces like many other Asian artists do. I like expression. I like the simple feeling of letting go with my intuition.” In the Chinese community in the U.S., Daisy always refers to herself as “Garden Girl” or “Greenhouse Girl,” not only because she loves gardening, but the more important reason is the song of the same name by the Chinese rock and roll godfather, songwriter and singer Cui Jian. This song is forever a classic to people who were born in the 1960s and 1970s in China. It conveys a mixture of the rough and tender, the wild and the sad, expressing the inner entanglements and impulses of people who fall in love with each other mildly and directly. The main reason she loves the song so much is that she identifies with the lyrics: “You say I’m the strongest, I say you are the kindest.” She wants to become a strong and kind woman. Daisy Schenone, the Garden Girl, the artist. To her, kindness and strength are the superior quality to experience, appreciate and create life. And art is a very big part of her life. She paints flowers with strong color, feels nature with a burning heart, illustrates landscapes with deep emotions and builds gardens with warmth and passion. She loves to bring people happiness and beauty using her arts. “I don’t like people to call me a great artist. I am not. There is so much I need to improve,” Daisy said, “All that is certain about me is that I am romantic and humorous. Because I am romantic, I love life and treat others with kindness. Because I’m humorous, I face every moment and challenge with laughter and smile.”
DINING SCORES The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4: Lowest Scores China Express, 315 S. Polk St. – 88 Violations include: Raw beef was behind shrimp in the prep unit flip-top; garlic in oil and soy sauce on the cooking cart and dumplings in the drink cooler weren’t held cold enough; eggs weren’t marked with start/end times; and kitchen area had fruit flies. Poppy’s Bagels And More, 2921 Providence Road – 88.5 Violations include: Inspector said person in charge wasn’t able to ensure some rules were met by employees; employee washed hands then turned off faucet without using a clean barrier; a pan of cooked chicken breast in walk-in refrigerator didn’t cool fast enough; and sliced American cheese was held at room temperature at back grill area. Charlotte (28209) Amelies Park Road, 4321 Park Road – 96.5 Brueggers Bagel Bakery, 4327 Park Road – 96 Carmella’s Pizza Grill, 1513 Montford Drive – 94.5 Harris Teeter (deli & wine bar), 4101 Park Road – 98 Harris Teeter (deli), 5030 Park Road – 98.5 Mugs, 5126 Park Road – 97.5 Charlotte (28210) 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen, 6815 Phillips Place Court – 99.5 Hilton Garden Inn Grille, 4808 Sharon Road – 96 Hilton Garden Inn Homewood Suites Cafe, 4808 Sharon Road – 99.5 Sam’s Mart, 10222 Johnston Road – 100 Southern Pecan, 6706 Phillips Place Court – 95 Charlotte (28211) Little Mamas Italian Kitchen, 4521 Sharon Road – 94 Mandarin Express, 4400 Sharon Road – 91.5 Patty & The Dogs, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98 The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 4422 Colwick Road – 94 Poppy’s Bagels And More, 2921 Providence Road – 88.5 Renaissance Patisserie, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 97.5
Charlotte (28226) Barnes & Noble Cafe, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 Taqueria Los Dos Carnales, 7731 Colony Road – 99 Charlotte (28227) Best Western Plus, 2501 Sardis Road N. – 98.5 Kos Pool And Bar, 8829 E. WT Harris Blvd. – 98.5 La Luna 2 (restaurant), 8829 E. WT Harris Blvd. – 98.5 La Luna 2 (meat market), 8829 E. WT Harris Blvd. – 96.5 Tacos El Regio, 8829 E. WT Harris Blvd. – 93 Charlotte (28270) Famous Toastery, 1640 Sardis Road N. – 91.5 Charlotte (28277) Dominos Pizza, 6420 Rea Road – 91.5 Harris Teeter (deli), 7852 Rea Road – 93 La Victoria, 16139 Lancaster Hwy. – 97 Pearlz Oyster Bar, 7804 Rea Road – 94 Poke Cafe, 11318 North Community House Road – 98 Matthews Asian Buffet & Grill, 11032 E. Independence Blvd. – 92 El Cilantro, 4709 Margaret Wallace Road – 94.5 Jersey Mikes, 1909 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 97 Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 95 Pizza Spiga, 3509 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 92 Red Lobster, 9801 Independence Pointe Pkwy. – 95.5 Showmars, 9624 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5 Mint Hill O’Neil’s Pub, 8121 Fairview Road – 98 ` Pineville Chex Grill & Wings, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96 China Express, 315 S. Polk St. – 88 Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 10015 Lee St. – 94 Machu Picchu, 310 N. Polk St. – 94.5 Sam’s Club (market), 11425 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 99.5 Sri Balaji Caffe, 716 Main St. – 93.5
Page 4B • The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021
Bank of America commits $1M to library CHARLOTTE – Bank of America has announced a $1 million commitment to support Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s CommonSpark campaign for a new Main Library and their generosity will be recognized with the naming of the Bank of America New Resident Center. This grant is being awarded as the Foundation hosts One for the Books, a one-time, free opportunity for the community to honor the history of an uptown anchor, say goodbye to the current building and welcome the future together. The CommonSpark campaign is a public-private partnership to infuse $143 million back into the community by supporting a new main library; a new library administration center to permanently
house back-office operations; technology, innovation, and program ming initiatives throughout the library system; an endowment for the future; and annual operating support. Mecklenburg County generously invested $65 million and the Library Foundation is raising $78 million in private support. To date, more than $104 million has been collectively raised towards the goal. The new Main Library, which is planned to open in late 2025, is being called “a knowledge center for the future” and will combine community resources, collaborative spaces and cultural experiences that are open to all. The Library’s Bank of America New Resident Center will help new Charlotte community members connect to
21st century informational resources, including social services providers, schools, entertainment, and cultural institutions, as they acclimate to the region. The new library is also an integral part of the Charlotte Uptown community and ties to the North Tryon Vision Plan and the Mecklenburg County 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. In addition to this most recent $1 million commitment, Bank of America has supported the corridor where the new Main Library will be built by donating land that is now part of this overall project. This site is located on the current 7th & Tryon redevelopment project, which will provide a refurbished McGlohon Theatre, affordable housing, retail and other
community amenities. “The library has been fortunate to be the recipient of the Bank’s generous support and leadership for decades and we look forward to partnering on this special space for those who are new to our community,” said Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s CEO Marcellus Turner. “If you are from anywhere in Mecklenburg County or the state or visiting with us from other parts of the world, our New Main Library will provide access to essential resources for personal growth and learning and to connect with our community,” The Library’s belief in ‘access for all’ aligns to Bank of America’s efforts to advance economic opportunity in Charlotte. “Our library is one of the most
essential value propositions in this county we all call home, and a world of opportunities opens up with a library card,” said Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. “The new Main Library will provide everyone in our community, whether new to the region or established, access to education, jobs, skills, training, technology, and connection with others, and we hope our pledge will spark others in the community to give as well.” Every child in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools automatically receives a free library card and access to library resources; tens of thousands of adults use computers in the Job Help Center annually; and the Library’s Wi-Fi network is accessed millions of times per year.
Indaco hires Sean Galianese as executive chef Lanti presents
CHARLOTTE – Indaco, a rustic Italian restaurant at Atherton Mill in Charlotte’s historic South End neighborhood, recently welcomed Sean Galianese as the restaurant’s new executive chef. Galianese has more than 13 years of experience, working in some of the country’s most distinguished kitchens and a love of Italian cuisine instilled by his Italian American family. Galianese’s mastery of Italian cuisine is already on display with Indaco’s new weekend brunch menu, which launched Nov. 6. “His expertise in Italian cuisine and creative flair promises to secure Indaco’s place as a destination restaurant in the Charlotte area,” said Steve Palmer, managing partner of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. Galianese began his restaurant career at age 16 when he first worked at David Burke’s La Fromagerie. After college, Galianese moved to New York City to start his career in the food and beverage industry, working in establishments such as Bell Book
Sean Galianese has already worked his magic on Indaco’s brunch menu. Photo courtesy of Indaco
and Candle, Roberta’s, Egg and Whole Foods Market. Following a sous chef position with the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Dos Urban Cantina in Chicago, Galianese returned to his Italian roots and joined the James Beard award-winning
family of Vetri restaurants as chef de cuisine in Philadelphia and D.C. He later worked as executive chef for The Meatball Shop, opening the first location outside of New York City. Galianese entered the burgeoning Charlotte culinary scene when
he joined Fox Restaurant Concepts as executive chef and spent nearly three years opening multiple restaurants in the area. “Joining Indaco feels like a homecoming since it was in my Italian family’s kitchen where I first learned to appreciate the power of food to bring people together,” Galianese said. “I take those first smells and tastes that I experienced growing up and add my own modern twist to them for the menu that I am creating at Indaco.” Galianese’s first creations for Indaco can be seen on its new brunch menu, which will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Galianese has taken the traditional Eggs Benedict and replaced the English muffin with fried polenta cakes and the ham with pancetta. The Carbonara Burger is inspired, in part, by the classic carbonara pasta dish. Made with C.A.B. patty, pancetta, mozzarella, softfried egg, Pecorino Romano and black pepper aioli, the egg yolk runs over the burger once bitten into or cut. For the Soft Scrambled Egg Toast, Galianese uses eggs from Harmony Ridge Farm in Tobaccoville, N.C., showing his commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Galianese also includes the Black Pepper Tagliatelle, a staple on the dinner menu, on the brunch menu for those guests who come to Indaco for their favorite dish. To accompany the dishes on the brunch menu, bar manager Nicholas Mazzaroni has created a Bloody Mary that features charred lemon, Aleppo peppers and pancetta, in addition to tableside mimosas. Visit www.indaco restaurant.com for details.
‘Wizard of Oz’ INDIAN TRAIL – Audiences of all ages are invited to follow the yellow brick road and join Lanti Performing Arts for the stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.” The story follows Dorothy Gale as she travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. There she meets the Scarecrow, Tinman, Cowardly Lion, Munchkins and other colorful characters who help her contend with the Wicked Witch of the West as they journey through Oz to meet the Powerful Wizard. But can he help Dorothy return home? Co-directors Lindsey Bennett and Sarah Lantigua lead the cast of 56 students, ages 7 to 18 years old. Developed from the ev-
er-popular MGM film, the show contains iconic songs from the Oscar-winning movie score by Harold Arlen and E.Y Harburg, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way. See the performance at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Dowd Centre Theatre, 120 S Main St. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children 10 years & under and free for 3 years and younger. Tickets are available at www.lantiperformingarts.com In accordance with the City of Monroe, masks are required for patrons while in the facility. Social distancing seats are available in rows T-Y. Call 704-2698420 for questions about ticketing. On the web: www.lantiperformingarts.com
Toymaker appoints 8-year-old ambassador CHARLOTTE – Once upon a time, Schleich went searching for one special kid with superlative storytelling and imaginative superpowers to appoint its first chief storytelling officer. The brand searched at a live casting call at FAO Schwarz in New York City and asked kids all over the US to send in videos sharing their best stories. Over 150 kids applied for the job. “I can’t believe I’m the new chief storytelling officer!” shouted Marcello, upon being offered the role. Marcello is an 8-year-old from Queens, NY with no acting experience.
“There are a bajillion million kids in the world, and they picked me,” he said. Kelli Masilun, director of North American Marketing for Schleich USA, said having a team made up entirely of adults has its limits. “We knew that we would only be able to create the best stories for our brand if we had the help of our true storytelling superheroes--kids! When we met Marcello, we knew instantly that we had found a creative and energetic voice who could help inspire our brand in addition to the kids and grown-ups who love to tell stories.”
The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021 • Page 5B
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MISCELLANEOUS
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888927-8649 SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 855-993-0514! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855-419-7188 Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-844-982-2392 Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-877-484-4025 HughesNet Satellite Internet - 25mbps starting at $49.99/mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST download speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation for lease customers! Limited Time, Call 1-855-942-3256 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-866-694-6148 www. dental50plus.com/ southern #6258 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-833-953-0224 Special financing for qualified customers. SERIOUSLY INJURED in an AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight for you! Our network has recovered millions for clients! Call today for a FREE consultation! 1-888-409-1261 Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be canceled for non-payment. 1-866-915-2530 VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-866-863-0142. The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-855-913-2156 A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT!! FAST FREE PICKUP. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn programs. Your car donation could save a life. 855-701-6346
CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE
Burial Plots at Sharon Memorial Section 11D, Last Supper, Lot 211 Space 1 Only Section 11D, Last Supper, Lot 212 Spaces 1 & 2 Current rate at cemetery is $4,595 per space, Willing to sell for $2,000 Entombment rights at Sharon Memorial Park Section E, Crypt BB/605 1/2 BB (Tandem Crypt) Current Rate is $18,995 Willing to sell for $8,000 Deed Transfer of $295.00 to each new purchaser. Contact Gary at 704-847-4832 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
1st Saturday-1st Saturday-1st Saturday! Sidewalk Sale! 1stSaturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop! 10am-5pm 9229 Lawyers Rd
HELP WANTED
Lead Manager - Quality Assurance sought by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co for Charlotte, NC location to design, prototype, develop, test & implement IT solutions for Retirement product suite. Rqmts: Bchlr’s dgr or for equiv in Comp Engnrg, Elec Engnrg, or closely rltd IT fld plus 10 yrs of prgrssve, post-Bacc exp as Cnsltnt, Tech Lead, or rltd pos in IT prjct mgmt. Must have at least 4 yrs exp. in: Retirement Insurance app dvlpmt & utlzng OMNIPLUS, Omniscript, OmniVBA, COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, REXX, CICS, DFSORT, INSYNC, ENDEVOR, CA7, NDM, SQL, TRACEMASTER, DUMPMASTER, MQFTP, Autosys, IBM Mainframe, IBM DB2, SQL, AgileScrum, HP ALM, HP UFT 12.5 & Selenium. 40 hours/week. Direct applcnts only. Send resume: M.Berkowsky, Equitable, 1290 Ave of Americas, NY, NY 10104. Ref: UP1671. EOE M/F/D/V.
Page 6B • The Weekly • Nov. 12, 2021