MONROE – e City of Monroe received funding that will help its Expressway Commerce Park attract future industrial investment.
e Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina approved Monroe’s Selectsite Readiness Program application March 27 for $440,200.
City o cials say the funding will cover key site readiness activities, including environmental assessments, engineering reports and even a sun ower study to determine if the endangered Schweinitz’s Sun ower is present.
WESLEY CHAPEL – Ten Union County families made an impact at Antioch Elementary School on March 29 that will last multiple lifetimes.
e group of parents and students planted 10 oak trees in two di erent playgrounds at Antioch. “We saw that it was an Arbor Day event, and we thought it was a great way to honor Lydia’s school,” Stephanie Chen said.
She and her husband, Kenneth, brought both their children (Lydia, 8, and eodore, 5) to the tree planting event.
Lydia was especially excited about the day and what it would mean for her future family.
“I want my son to see this tree when he comes to this school,” Lydia said. “He’ll say, ‘My mom made this.’ I like putting the dirt around the tree and making it perfect. I like working in the yard.”
e trees, which came in 15-gallon plastic pots, were about six years old.
Keith O’Herrin, the county’s urban forester, said the trees were purchased with money donated to TreesUnion (a 501c3 organization) costing between $60 and $80 each, plus mulch and compost.
TreesUnion Board Chair Meredith Marr brought family including her two children, Amelia, 8, and Coralise, 6.
“It’s a wonderful experience to bring your kids out and connect with nature,” Marr said. “ ey learn about how to care for a tree, how to get involved. It’s really meaningful to have that connection with nature. Kids intuitively connect with nature in a fundamental way. It’s a beautiful exercise to cultivate that relationship with nature, to start young.”
Cameron Logar and her husband, Rich, brought their three children (Hadley, 3; Carson, 8; and Reid, 6) to join in the tree planting adventure.
“I’ve always been passionate about the environment. I studied environmental science in college,” Cameron said. “We love to have our kids outside and love to have them understand the environment and how to help make the environment better. If we can start at their school, it’s a great place to start. It adds value to the earth, to our community and teaches our kids some good examples and lessons.”
MONROE – Adam Haas, of Rocky River Elementary School, has received the 2025 Career Award for STEM Teachers from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
The award honors five educators across North Carolina impacting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Expressway Commerce Park is located between North Sutherland Avenue and West Roosevelt Boulevard. e 74-acre site is zoned for light industrial use.
“ is funding from the Selectsite Readiness Program is a major step forward in our mission to attract high-quality precision manufacturing projects to Monroe,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “By investing in the necessary site assessments and infrastructure planning, we are ensuring that Expressway Commerce Park is ready for businesses that will create high-paying
jobs for our residents.”
e importance of trees is one of the most valuable lessons students learned.
“We need trees to breathe,” Mandy Simmons said. “We need more trees in our neighborhood since they’re developing our area. We need to rebuild some of that. e kids have been looking forward to it.”
Mandy’s daughter, Keira, 9, learned how to prepare her family’s tree for planting by cutting roots that were twisted up from growing inside of a plastic pot. Cutting the roots that have grown in a circle will allow them to grow outward rather than into the tree.
“It may seem like you’re damaging the tree, but we’re really only taking a small amount of the root mass,” O’Herrin said. “ e tree is really not going to miss it. “
e families all had one thing in common, planting for the future.
“We came to plant this tree and to make history,” said Manij Shrestha (who came with his wife, Bidhya, and children Mihir, 8, and Vidhi, 5.) “When my kids come here, they can see the tree and say, ‘Hey we planted that tree at the school.”
Haas brings technology and engineering challenges into his classroom, sparking curiosity and exploration among his students.
“I’m excited for our school, students and Haas because he is an extraordinary teacher,” Principal Cathy Haney said. “ e materials this grant provides will allow students to have hands-on experiences that challenge them, helping them see that they are scientists
Key funding will help Monroe industrial park get site-ready
long-term impact of the project.
Mayor Robert Burns emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in securing this funding.
“We appreciate the EDPNC’s con dence in Monroe and their support in advancing our economic development efforts,” Burns said. “ is funding represents a collaborative e ort between local and state leaders, working together to create new opportunities for our community.”
Council Member James Kerr highlighted the
Union County families impact health at school through trees
“ e site readiness e orts funded through this program will help position Monroe as a premier destination for industry and innovation,” Kerr said.
Council Member Franco McGee described the funding as “a crucial investment in Monroe’s future.”
“By preparing Expressway Commerce Park for development, we are strengthening our local economy and setting the stage for sustainable job creation,” McGee said.
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College invites parents and early childhood educators to explore its Smart Start Resource Center in honor of the Week of the Young Child.
e college describes the center as a convenient, a ordable lending library lled with carefully selected books, toys and learning materials for young children.
O’Herrin said there are numerous health advantages to spending time outdoors, some that may not be so obvious.
“Studies show that just spending 20 minutes outside in nature lowers the cortisol levels in your brain, your stress hormone,” O’Herrin said. “It shows improved grades in school and increased participation and attention span and
“ e Smart Start Resource Center is one of our community’s best-kept secrets,” said Stacey Fleming, director of South Piedmont’s Education Stars program, which oversees the center. “We encourage parents, caregivers and educators to stop by and see what we o er. I guarantee you’ll be impressed.”
Located on South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus, the Smart Start Resource Center is funded by and in partnership with the Alliance for Children.
Designed speci cally for children ages 0 to 5, the center o ers educational resources such as costumes, games, and puzzles; musical instruments and literature kits; art supplies and math manipulatives; puppets, outdoor play items, and STEM materials.
With more than 5,000 items available, families and educators can borrow materials for little to no cost.
e center o ers an annual membership of $5 per year that allows members to check out up to 15 items at a time. Free memberships are available for North Carolina pre-K teachers, as well as South Piedmont employees and students ( ve-item limit).
e center o ers free delivery to Union County childcare centers, preschools, licensed home-based childcare providers, and therapy/support organizations serving children ages 0 to 5.
“Young children grow and change so quickly,” Fleming said. “ e Smart Start Resource Center helps parents, educators and caregivers keep their materials fresh – without the high price tag of retail stores.”
Beyond lending materials, the Smart Start Resource Center is sta ed by early childhood specialists
Hadley Logar, 3, (holding the shovel) said she can’t wait to plant a tree. “I’m awesome at digging,” she said. Hadley is the daughter of Rich and Cameron Logar, who also brought their two sons, Carson, 8, and Reid, 6, to the recent tree planting at Antioch Elementary School.
Photos courtesy of Deb Coates Bledsoe Story continues, see TREES page 3A Story continues,
Rocky River Elementary School Principal Cathy Haney is excited for Adam Haas winning the 2025 Career Award for STEM Teachers and what it means for students. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Keith O’Herrin, Union County’s urban forester, standing, and TreesUnion Board Chair Meredith Marr, demonstrate the proper way to plant a tree.
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Children’s hospital brings care to the home
CHARLOTTE – Atrium Health
Levine Children’s Hospital is o ering full-service, hospital-level care to children in the comfort of their homes.
Building on Atrium Health’s hospital at home program for adult patients, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital at Home is designed to provide care for children who would otherwise require hospitalization. is service allows patients to receive medical care without the need for a traditional hospital stay, reducing the burden on families and freeing up beds for critically ill pediatric patients.
“Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital at Home represents a signi cant advancement in pediatric care,” said Dr. Stacy Nicholson, president of Atrium Health Children’s Services. “By bringing hospital-level care into the homes of our patients, we are improving their comfort and convenience while also ensuring they receive the highest quality medical attention.”
Levine Children’s Hospital at Home o ers a range of hospital-level medical services, including IV medications and uids, breathing treatments, wound care and post-surgical care.
Many children who meet the cri-
teria for hospitalization but are stable enough to be monitored at home are eligible for the program, which is available to those presenting to the emergency department at Levine Children's Hospital. e program also aims to transition in-person hospitalized patients to in-home care as their conditions improve but still need to be monitored before being discharged. Once transferred home from the hospital, each patient is equipped with a home monitoring kit and receives 24/7 monitoring, daily virtual visit with physicians and in-person visits by community paramedics.
“We’re constantly looking for unique ways to meet the needs of our communities. With this program, we can o er safe, family-centered, convenient care in the places our patients feel most comfortable – their homes,” said Callie Dobbins, senior vice president of Atrium Health Levine Children’s. “It also gives parents and caregivers the ability to be home where they too are more comfortable and can simultaneously attend to other responsibilities they may have, such as caring for other children.”
On the web: LevineChildrens. org/HospitalAtHome
Expedited eviction of squatters proposal passes committee
By David Beasley Contributor
( e Center Square) – Eviction of squatters, despite concerns from a police group that the legislation lacks due process provisions, could be easier for property owners if legislation passing a North Carolina committee on March 25 becomes law.
e Judiciary Committee in the House of Representatives positively favored Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons, also known as House Bill 96. Rep. Brian Biggs, R-Randolph, is a Realtor and made the presentation citing the story of a personal encounter with squatters.
“I sold a piece of property, a large tract of land, a couple of years ago,” he told the committee. “It had a small
house. It was run down, abandoned, boarded up, on the property.”
A few months later Biggs received a phone call from the local sheri , who told him that someone had taken the boards o the house and moved into the house, complete with their dog on the front porch.
e squatter said he was the grandson of the previous owner, now deceased, who had given him permission to live on the property for the rest of his life.
“We had to prove that he was lying,” Biggs said. “We had to go through all that procedure. It was a terrible situation.”
In another case, a squatter moved into a woman’s house while she was in a nursing home, Biggs said. at person also falsely claimed to be a
family member of the property.
Squatters will sometimes read obituaries and take up residence in the deceased person’s home, Biggs told legislators.
HB96 provides an expedited process to remove squatters, Biggs explained. It comes with sti penalties if the property owner wrongly accuses a person of squatting, said Biggs.
Fred Bagget, chief counsel of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, told legislators his organization has concerns about the bill because it does not require a judge to approve the evictions.
“I know of no analogy in the law that allows an individual to provide an affidavit to law enforcement which requires law enforcement to
take control of an individual and his property temporarily,” Bagget told the committee on March 25. “Law enforcement needs some type of judicial order in order to do that.”
An alternative procedure that could be accomplished in two or three days would require a brief hearing before a magistrate judge and an order from the judge before proceeding with the eviction, Baggett said.
“We continue to request that you consider that alternative and are very concerned about taking control of a person and his property without due process,” he told legislators. e bill advanced to the Rules Committee where it could generate support to then go before a full House vote.
Charlotte FC's comeback win overshadowed by frightening injury
By Sam Spencer Contributor
(SOCCER
SHEET)
–Charlotte FC’s 2-1 comeback win against Nashville SC was overshadowed by a moment no one wants to see.
It’s the 71st minute of play, and a tired Charlotte FC is down 0-1 to Nashville SC; it’s the only time the Crown has trailed at home all year.
Kerwin Vargas had an equalizer taken away by the o cials, a header from a set piece that he celebrated with his trademark flip before seeing the goal called o . Eager for another chance, he spots a ball coming toward his prime position between the penalty spot and the goal box.
Vargas, with unreal athleticism, jumps up at a 90-degree angle and attempts a flying kick to score on a volley. Nashville’s captain and star center back, Walker Zimmerman, sees the ball but not what Vargas is attempting. He goes for the ball with his head, jumping to make the play.
For a second, the play dees gravity. From the right angle, the parallel Vargas and slanted Zimmerman look like the letter “Z.” In a perfect world, the result would have been an exceptional defensive play or the MLS Goal of the Week.
Tragically, Vargas’ shin and boot connect not with the ball, but with Zimmerman’s nose and jaw.
Zimmerman goes down, bloody. Players immediately call for aid. Trainers, coaches and carts rush onto the pitch.
e referee shows Vargas the yellow card, but that discipline is nothing compared to the anguish Vargas feels inside. His hand is covering his face. He’s visibly crying, being consoled by Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood –someone who knows what it’s like to leave the pitch with a serious injury.
Westwood would tell reporters after the match that Vargas was “shaking” on the pitch.
Nashville midfielder Edvard Tagseth comes over and talks to Vargas, patting him on the back.
Zimmerman was loaded onto a stretcher and then a
cart, and taken immediately to Atrium Carolinas Medical Center, a Level I trauma center. After the match, we learned from Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan that the injury wasn’t life-threatening.
“He's been taken to a local hospital in stable condition. He is responsive,” Callaghan said. “So everything is being handled by the medical professionals and we'll let that process take place.”
Westwood, at a postmatch press gaggle, sidestepped the rst question to say what he needed to say:
“First of all, we just want to make sure Walker is alright,” said Westwood. “It wasn’t nice to see, and hopefully he’s doing alright. We send our best wishes as a team and as a football club to him and all his family … hopefully he’s alright; nothing else matters to me.”
He told reporters that Vargas was in the locker room, devastated. Vargas would later post on Instagram, “I'm so sorry about today, I apologize so much. I hope you get better and everything is okay.”
Luckily, the human story at the center of Saturday’s match had a happy ending. Soccer Sheet received a text from Nashville’s communications team that Walker received medical care and had been released from the hospital.
Later in the night at Furman University in South Carolina – where Zimmerman played college soccer – the Greenville Triumph beat the Charlotte Independence, an unexpected coda to a day that narrowly avoided tragedy.
Charlotte FC’s Slow Start
Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith’s original plan for the April 5 match against Nashville SC was a focus on defense to deal with the Music City club’s two main threats: former Premier League striker Sam Surridge and 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar.
The starting lineup brought Pep Biel from the mid eld to the wing, taking
Abada’s spot on the right. That move freed Smith to go with the more defensive trio of Westwood, Brandt Bronico and Djibril Diani in the mid eld.
Additionally, Ivorian fullback Souleyman Doumbia got the start due to his recent strong performances, moving Tim Ream to his natural position at center back and Andrew Privett to the bench for the rst time this year (Privett sat out the last match due to a red card suspension).
“My thoughts on ursday and Friday was that [lineup] was the way to go,” said Smith. “We never showed enough pace or tempo to get close to people because we decided to change the way we pressed them … they played through us at times, which was very unlike us and we never got close enough to to close them down. So we had to do something about that from the sideline.”
“In hindsight, we probably got it wrong,” Smith told Soccer Sheet. “ at's on me, but I have no regrets in terms of the decision making.”
In the rst half, Charlotte couldn’t nd a way to create chances, while Nashville dominated the o ensive stat sheet. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina would come up with six big saves throughout the match, but couldn’t keep out one brilliant team goal from Nashville and the familiar face of Mukhtar, who scored his fth career goal against Charlotte FC.
In the 32nd minute, Gastón Brugman sent the ball from Nashville’s right side up the eld to Surridge on the left corner of the penalty box. Surridge quickly passed to left back Daniel Lovitz, who made an excellent cross.
Kahlina got a couple ngers on the cross in midair, denying Lovitz his fourth assist of the year, but he couldn’t change its intended destination: Mukhtar, who had broken free from Doumbia on the right side of the goal box.
e erstwhile MVP easily volleyed the ball in for a goal.
‘In the second half, we actually came to play’
After the goal, Smith started making adjustments.
“Just a game of two halves,” said Smith. “First half, it was like watching a testimonial game; in the second half, we actually came to play. After they scored the goal and we had the drinks break, we could change a few things, which we did; and then we changed it again at halftime. So, them little breaks helped us change the momentum of the game.” Vargas subbed in for Diani at the half, making him the only Charlotte player with fresh legs – and he played like it. In the rst ve minutes, he had appeared to score on a header off of a Westwood setpiece, but the o cials called o the goal.
Smith was not happy with the explanation the o cials gave him.
“I'm confused by it,” said Smith. “We all saw it on the screen. I saw it five times and I asked the linesman and he said, ‘Because Brandt [Bronico] was interfering on the back post’ or something. [Kerwin] wasn’t offside, but apparently Brandt was interfering [by touching a Nashville player].”
Charlotte would continue their attack up until Zimmerman’s injury, which led to a long stoppage of play and major changes to the lineup. In addition to Jeison Palacios coming in for Nashville’s captain, Smith used the stoppage to bring in Privett for Doumbia, Eryk Williamson for Bronico and Idan Toklomati for striker Patrick Agyemang.
The momentum had already been moving in Charlotte’s direction, but the Zimmerman injury changed the tenor of the match. Nashville defender Daniel Lovitz told reporters, “I've played with Walker long enough to see him put his head in some crazy situations, and it's what makes him great and such a valuable part of our team and such a weapon offensively and defensively.”
e veteran Zaha immediately went to work, penetrating Nashville’s back line and
drawing a foul in the penalty area less than ve minutes after play resumed. Zaha easily trapped a long ball on the left side of the penalty box and beat Nashville defender Andy Najar, who – despite being on an early yellow card – tackled Zaha from behind.
Unlike last year, which saw multiple players take –and miss – penalty kicks for Charlotte, Zaha is the team’s designated taker this year. He easily converted the penalty in the 85th minute to tie the score.
“If he was on the pitch, [Zaha] was going to take the penalty,” Smith told Soccer Sheet after the match. “I know how good he is on penalties, and he took a really good one.”
Minutes later, Najar dragged Zaha to the ground again, but not before he moved the ball to Toklomati, who passed to Vargas for an open shot on target that was saved by Nashville keeper Joe Willis.
en, in the nal minute of regulation, Byrne and Vargas – who has steadily improved his box to box abilities at Charlotte – worked together to build one of the best team goals in Charlotte FC’s short history. While double teaming the striker, the pair was able to dispossess Surridge, with Byrne knocking the ball out and Vargas recovering it. Vargas then sent a great pass to Biel at mid eld, and Biel beat multiple Nashville players while nding Toklomati on the run. As Willis ran at Toklomati from the goal, the substitute striker made a perfect touch to send the ball to his right, catching Willis o guard. Toklomati easily found
•
his way around the goalkeeper, and his next touch put the ball in the goal.
"It was a good finish,” Toklomati said in a statement released to reporters. “I saw the goalkeeper go to the goal, and then the center back behind me. I just took the ball to the right leg and scored. I'm very excited right now. [Pep] did a good job, I saw him take the ball to his left foot and I know he has a good ball, so I made the movement.”
e pass from mid eld to a teammate on the run has become a calling card for Biel this year. Previously, similar passes from Biel led to a red card for a DOGSO on Zaha in Fort Lauderdale, and a goal for Bronico against San Jose.
“It is my skill, I think,” Biel said when asked about his ability to nd players on the run.
Next Up
With the win, Charlotte woke up fourth on the Eastern Conference table, with a 4-2-1 record and 13 points, while Nashville sits in ninth place with 10 points and a 3-3-1 record. Charlotte’s next challenge is a trip to Montreal on Saturday, April 12, while Nashville will host Real Salt Lake later that night. Charlotte returns home on April 19 to face San Diego FC for the rst time at home.
Players of the Match Here are Soccer Sheet’s staff choices for Man of the Match:
decreases rates of discipline intervention in kids. It’s very important.”
Trees planted at the elementary schools are usually planted around the playgrounds.
“It’s important because it puts shade on these playgrounds,” O’Herrin said. “Shade is very important because it helps keep kids cool while they’re playing during hot summers.”
He added there is an increased chance of skin cancer later in life as a direct result of rates of sunburn as a child.
e goal of TreesUnion is to increase the tree canopy in Union County, starting with,
who help patrons select age-appropriate resources tailored to their child’s developmental needs.
“You’re not just borrowing books and toys — you’re gaining a supportive community dedicated to helping your child thrive,” Fleming said. “We truly care about you and your little one, and we’re here to help you nd the best resources for your family or students.”
Visit the Smart Start Resource Center from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at South Piedmont Community College, Mobile Unit 1, 4209 Old Charlotte Hwy. Call 704-290-5894 or email smartstartresourcecenter@ gmail.com for details.
but not limited to elementary schools.
Last fall, the organization planted 24 trees at Stallings Elementary, 12 trees at Union Elementary and 13 trees along the greenway in Monroe. ese trees were mostly oak but there were other species as well, primarily shade trees and a few flowering ornamental trees.
e next opportunity to get involved in volunteering for TreesUnion will be Dickerson Park in Monroe on April 5. TU will plant 13 trees, including oak, cherry and river birch.
Email John Thomasson at thomajo@prodigy.net to get involved in future tree plantings.
and mathematicians. is award sends a strong message about what we value and what we see in our students.”
e award provides each recipient $175,000 over ve years to enhance training opportunities and expand STEM learning experiences for students.
is funding will allow Haas to implement new projects, integrate cutting-edge technology and continue to inspire his students to see themselves as future problem-solvers and innovators.
“ e project is to bring STEM to more kids in the county,” he said. “It’s twofold. First, we’re preparing to provide science professional development for teachers. And second, we’re getting materials into the classroom, including 21st-century tools that our kids wouldn’t otherwise have access to.” Haas emphasized the impor-
tance of hands-on problem-solving in the classroom and life.
“I love STEM. I live and breathe it,” he said. “I joke with my stu-
dents – I’m not a vacuum xer, but when my vacuum broke, I took it apart, thought about it, got aggravated as they do and gured it out.
Kenneth and Stephanie Chen brought their children (Lydia, 8, and Theodore, 5, wearing hat) to the tree planting event at Antioch Elementary.
Photo courtesy of Deb Coates Bledsoe
Rocky River Elementary School and Union County Public Schools celebrate Adam Haas’s achievement. Haas is known within the district for his creativity and collaborative approach to teaching. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Opera Carolina’s 2025-26 season includes standout events
CHARLOTTE – Opera Carolina has announced programming for its upcoming 76th season with a lineup of grand operas, special concerts, philanthropic events and community initiatives.
Expanding on its “Opera for All” theme, general director Shanté Williams and new artistic director/deputy general director Claudio Ferri are shaping the new season to merge tradition with innovation and celebrate diverse voices and stories in the opera world.
“We’re excited to o er an amazing lineup of programming and events that spotlight not only what we’re bringing to the stage but also how Opera Carolina is connecting in the community,” Williams said. “Audiences can expect powerhouse performances, compelling stories and a lot of fun from notable voices from opera houses around the world alongside our group of impressive local talent and upcoming artists.”
e 2025-26 season kicks o on Sept. 11 with a collaboration with Mint Museum Uptown to host the company’s first-ever 9/11 Commemorative Concert. e event will honor the victims with a featured performance of Pergolesi’s popular “Stabat Mater.”
LIVE MUSIC
Rachel Platten’s fight continues –in Charlotte CHARLOTTE – Rachel Platten struck such a strong chord with the hit, “Fight Song,” in 2015 that she performed it 10 years later during a Monday Night Football broadcast amid the California wild res. 2025 will be a big year for the Emmy Award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter. She is performing her first North American headline tour in nine years. e Set Me Free Tour visits Charlotte on May 5 at Neighborhood eatre.
She will also re-release an even more intimate version of the track, “Bad oughts,” in May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. e track is part of her latest album, “I Am Rachel Platten” and is meant to empower people on getting through their dark days. e album delves into topics like mental health.
April 11
• Americana Beer Co.: Avery Creek
• Amos’ Southend: Modern Alibi
• Blackfinn Ameripub: Trace Casanova
• Evening Muse: The Forum and Homemade Haircuts; Bakalao Stars
Following last year’s success of its inaugural A Night to Remember, Opera Carolina will return Nov. 1 to the Belk eater for the event, which pays tribute to Puccini’s heroines, in partnership with the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago.
Opera Carolina will bring three masterpieces to the main stage next season:
• “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi,” both by Giacomo Puccini, will be the emotional double bill arriving in January 2026. Broadway and television director David Warren makes his opera directorial debut with “Gianni Schicchi.” Italian director Davide Garattini Raimondi will helm “Suor Angelica.” Grammy Award-winning singer Latonia Moore leads the cast along with Eric Ferring and well-known Italian voices Daniela Barcellona and Natale De Carolis.
• Denyce Graves returns to Charlotte to perform the title role and serve as director of Gian Carlo Menotti’s gripping drama “The Medium,” scheduled for April 2026.
• Closing out the season is the production of “The Magic Flute” directed by Ivan Stefanutti. Th is co-production with Italybased Teatro Sociale di Como will revive its collaboration with the International Lyric
Brian Baker
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Kids in America
• The Club House: Hey L’80s
• The Fillmore: Larry Fleet
• The Trail House: Shotgun Saints
• The Underground: Strfkr
• Treehouse Vineyards: Justin Howl
• Visulite Theatre: Eggy
April 12
• Americana Beer Co.: Brice Parker
• Amos’ Southend: Thurston Howell Band
• Carolina Beer Temple: Save July
• Evening Muse: BabyJake; Satellite Dog and Casual Cadenza
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Dual Drive; John Hartness
• Jekyll & Hyde (Waxhaw): Dustin Yager
• Local Logic: AJ Holt
• Moochies Tavern: 485
• Neighborhood Theatre: Tyler Rich
• OMB Ballantyne: Knights of Flannel
• Ovens Auditorium: Jim Jefferies
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Anna Glynn
• Pineville Tavern: Mojo Stomp
• SmallBar Matthews: Lunch Money
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Stratosphere
• Spectrum Center: Disturbed
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Darrell Harwood
• The Trail House: Grüv Soup
• The Underground: Nightly
• Visulite Theatre: Naked Giants
April 13
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Charity
Concert
• Neighborhood Theatre: Penny & Sparrow
• Spectrum Center: Carin Leon
• The Fillmore: Chiodos
April 14
• Evening Muse: Open mic
• The Fillmore: Tyga
April 15
• The Underground: Marc Scibilia
April 16
• Evening Muse: Thomas LaVine
• Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Nowcat
• Neighborhood Theatre: The Weird Sisters
• The Club House: Dustin Yager
• The Fillmore: Johnnyswim
• The Trail House: Comfortable Shirt
• The Underground: Magnolia Park
• The Union Exchange: Analog Crash
Academy and feature an all-star cast alongside emerging international talents when it hits the stage at Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton eater in June 2026.
The organization’s signature fundraiser, Bella Notte, will take on a new look as it moves to New Year’s Eve, promising glamour, performances and a few surprises.
Additionally, a roster of visitors from other opera houses will include two of the brightest stars in today’s opera world – Erin Morley and Lawrence Brownlee – who will grace the Knight eater stage on May 2, 2026, for “Belcanto Incanto.”
Opera Carolina also continues its mission to nurture emerging talent and engage young audiences through learning, literacy and mentorship initiatives such as:
• The Resident Artist program to cultivate Charlotte’s regional opera artists.
• The Barbara Frittoli Academy, which annually hosts four 10-day vocal sessions.
• Lift Every Voice and Sing, a concert series celebrating the contributions of Black composers and artists.
• Musical Storytime, a 30-minute experience that features a community reader sharing a children’s book accompanied by Opera
April 17
• Evening Muse: Water Tower Band
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Open Mic
• Neighborhood Theatre: Yesness with Lo eld
• The Fillmore: Ole 60
• Visulite Theatre: Oceanic
April 18
• Americana Beer Co.: Coleson Comer
• Amos’ Southend: Abacab
• Blackfinn Ameripub:Ben Burton
• Evening Muse: Cassettique; Never Easy
• Franklin Court Grille: Dose of Ocean
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: The Violent Gypsies
• Independence Harley-Davidson: DJ Capress
• Moochies Tavern: Gump Fiction
• Neighborhood Theatre: Bailen
• OMB Ballantyne: Doc & The Doses
• SmallBar Matthews: Action Jaxxon
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Mike Nolan
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Black Glass
• The Club House:Wildmen from Borneo
• The Trail House: Deacon Black
• Visulite Th eatre: Sunsquabi w/ Chalk Dinosaur
• White Duck Taco: Matthew Ablan
April 19
• Americana Beer Co.: J&R Music
• Amos’ Southend: Tremont
• Evening Muse: Harvey Street and The Ocho
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Coconut Groove
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Jennifer Alvarado
• Neighborhood Theatre: Kyle Gordon
• OMB Ballantyne: Southern Wind
• Panzú Brewery: Analog Crash
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Even the Losers
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Sweet Talkin’ Johnny
• The Trail House: 485
• The Underground: Mike Venues
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.
• Blackfinn Ameripub: 14825 Ballantyne
Village Way
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
Carolina artists infusing the story with songs.
• Opera Xpress, the educational touring company of Opera Carolina connecting opera to the classroom.
• Family Opera, neighborhood-based performances that are free and open to families across the Charlotte region.
Other philanthropic highlights include the Classic Golf Tournament and a trunk show sponsored by fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
“Our 76th season re ects Opera Carolina’s bold vision for the future,” said Claudio Ferri, who will debut next season as the organization’s artistic director. “Our vision is to broaden Opera Carolina’s status amongst the international opera network by presenting world-class productions, co-productions, artists and management. ere is something for everyone to enjoy, and we can’t wait for audiences to join us on this extraordinary artistic journey.
Tickets for performances are currently on sale for Opera Carolina subscribers. Tickets will be available to the general public on May 1. Visit operacarolina.org for more details on the 2025-26 season.
• Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• OMB Ballantyne: 15025 Bowl St.
• Ovens Auditorium: 2700 E. Independence Blvd.
• Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St.
• The Club House: 16709 Orchard Stone Run
• The Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.
• The Underground: 820 Hamilton St.
• Visulite Theatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• Jukebox Pub: 5801 W. U.S. 74
• The Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road
Matthews
• Carolina Beer Temple: 215 N. Ames St.
• Independence Harley-Davidson: 9205 E. Independence Blvd.
• Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St.
• White Duck Taco: 131 E. John St.
Mint Hill
• Panzú Brewery: 7251 Matthews-Mint Hill Road
• Stooges Pub & Grub: 13230 Albemarle Road
Monroe
• Americana Beer Co.: 222 N. Main St.
• Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St.
• Hayne Street Tavern: 109 N. Hayne St.
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: 215 S. Main St.
• Independence Harley-Davidson: 9205 E. Independence Blvd.
• Local Logic: 128 S. Main St.
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: 105 W. Franklin St.
• Southern Range Brewing Company: 151 S. Stewart St.
• The Union Exchange: 2022 New Town Road
• Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St.
Pineville
• Middle James Brewing: 400 N. Polk St.
• Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St.
Stallings
• Moochies Tavern: 15054 Idlewild Road
• SmallBar Matthews: 4320 Potter Road
Waxhaw
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: 122 W. North Main St.
• Jekyll & Hyde: 216 W. N. Main St.
Daniela Barcellona Studio Amati Bacciardi photo
Erin Morley Chris Gonz Denyce Graves IMG Artists photo Latonia Moore Coco Jourdana Lawrence Brownlee Shervin Lainez
Rachel Platten won an Emmy for her performance of “Fight Song” on “Good Morning America.”
Photo courtesy of 2b Entertainment
(28209)
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Greco Fresh Grill, 4724 Sharon Road – 97
Harris Teeter (seafood/market), 8538 Park Road
96.5 • Tap & Vine, 8410 Park Road – 97.5 • Tortilleria Y Antojitos Iveth, 1417 Archadale Drive –92 Charlotte (28211) • AC Hotel, 1824 Roxborough Road – 95
Caring Hearts of America Catering, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99
Picture book takes a look at first time dog ownership
CHARLOTTE
– Some kids spend years begging for a dog. When one finally arrives, the joy of adopting a puppy is everything one can hope for but not everything goes as planned. at’s the lesson the protagonist learns in Marshall Silverman’s new book, “My Dog Red,” published by Warren Publishing.
In this sequel to Silverman’s “Can I Please Have a Dog?,” a little boy’s wish is nally granted when his family adopts Red, a lov-
able-yet-rascally mutt.
While their connection is instant, the boy quickly learns that having a dog isn’t all fetch and belly rubs. Red’s puppy enthusiasm runs wild, leaving a trail of muddy paw prints and mayhem for which his new best friend learns to take ownership.
For Silverman, these unforeseen complications don’t diminish the experience of getting a new dog. ey’re an important part of the process.
Why North Carolinians downsized governors
By John Hood Contributor
RALEIGH – There are many critters designated by law to symbolize North Carolina. For example, we have an official state bird (red cardinal), reptile (eastern box turtle), horse (colonial Spanish mustang), mollusk (Scotch bonnet), dog (Plott Hound) and mammal (eastern gray squirrel), as well as two state amphibians (the marbled salamander and Pine Barrens tree frog).
Although some might call it cheating, a tting addition to this menagerie would be a non-native species, Loxodonta africana — because an elephant never forgets. Neither do North Carolinians, it seems. at’s why our governors are so weak.
Our story begins 250 years ago. Back then, many North Carolinians were hopping mad (also a longstanding tradition). e Parliament in London, backed by King George III and his appointed governors, had repeatedly imposed their will on Americans through internal taxes, trade barriers and other restrictions. e colonists repeatedly fought back with protests and boycotts.
Although by the spring of 1775 it had been more than a year since the Boston Tea Party, its consequences lingered. e British decried the destruction of property and resented the broader implications. Americans detested the resulting Intolerable Acts that closed the port of Boston, revoked the charter of Massachusetts, stripped its courts of the power to adjudicate claims against royal o cials and con scated buildings for use as troop quarters.
Even North Carolinians whose opinions of New Englanders ranged from indifference to disdain were angry. If the British government could do this to Boston, it might do the same to Edenton, Wilmington, or Halifax.
On Aug. 25, 1774, delegates representing nearly every North Carolina county and town convened in the capital, New Bern, as the First Provincial Congress. As far as I can determine, it was the rst time any such body in North America called itself a “Congress.” Presided over by the longtime speaker of the colonial assembly, John Harvey of Perquimans County, that rst Congress approved a resolution supporting Massachusetts and insisting that only colonial legislatures, not governors or
Parliament, could levy taxes and appropriate the proceeds.
e royal governor, Josiah Martin, fumed about what he deemed an illegal legislative session, since most of the delegates to Congress were also members of the North Carolina House of Burgesses. But resolutions were toothless. He bided his time.
Precisely 250 years ago this week, however, John Harvey convened a Second Provincial Congress. e delegates arrived in New Bern on April 3, 1775 and met for ve days. eir main act was to approve the Continental Association. Devised by the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, it was a sweeping boycott of imports from Britain.
This Josiah Martin couldn’t tolerate. On April 8, he exercised his prerogative to dismiss the legislature and refused to call another.
“Dreams are essential – but sometimes, when that dream comes true, it’s not exactly what we imagined,” he writes. “ at’s OK! If we adapt and change our perspective just a little, reality can exceed our dreams.”
Silverman portrays the learning curve that comes with a new pet, providing an accessible way for kids to understand that love goes hand-in-hand with responsibility.
will do the packing and cleaning for you! Assistance with storage and organization.
e governor’s de ance proved ill-timed. About the same time, North Carolina leaders learned their representative body was dissolved, news of new British provocations in Massachusetts (which brought on the battles of Lexington and Concord) arrived in the colony. Outraged, a group of local patriots attacked Martin’s New Bern residence (the “Tryon Palace”) on April 24, 1775. He dispatched his family to New York and ed the capital, sailing down the coast on the HMS Cruzer to what is now Southport, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. ere Martin attempted to retain control of the province.
When a subsequent Provincial Congress drafted a constitution for the new state, its grant of executive power to North Carolina’s governor was highly circumscribed – and governors would be selected by the legislature for one-year terms. North Carolinians have since rewritten their constitution a couple of times and amended it many more.
ey’ve strengthened the o ce of the governor a bit, allowing for popular election and then, within the past half-century, giving governors a limited veto power and the ability to run for more than one term in o ce. Still, it’s a short leash. In formal power, North Carolina’s governor remains the weakest in the nation. Long memories, indeed.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk,” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Governor makes board appointments
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein announced boards and commissions appointments and nominations on April 4.
• Stein nominated Erin S. Hucks, of Union County, to the Governor’s Crime Commission. Hucks is the chief district court judge for Judicial District 30, where she created the Union County Family Drug Treatment Court. She serves on the Union County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Union County Child Fatality Prevention Team.
• Stein appointed Chad Robertson, of Mecklenburg County, to the N.C. Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Robertson is the co-owner and clinical director of Queen City Chiropractic & Sports Performance. He is a member of the National Athletic Training Association, N.C. Chiropractic Association and N.C. Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
• Stein appointed Felita Livingston, of Mecklenburg County, to the N.C. Respiratory Care Board. Livingston is a management and business technologies professor at Sandhills Community College.
Call 811 before digging into ground
CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are recognizing the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects to help protect underground utility infrastructure and ensure safety.
e national 811 “Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can make a free call to have underground utility lines clearly marked.
Anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. Utilities will send a crew to mark underground lines in the area with stakes, ags or paint.
Piedmont and Duke Energy reported more than 8,870 cuts to underground natural gas and electric lines last year in their service territories.
Charlotte Area Chamber Happenings
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce will mingle over coffee and celebrate a grand opening.
• Members mingle during Coffee with the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. April 15 at Henderson Properties, 3030 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry with a ribbon cutting from 5 to 6 p.m. April 16 at 8320 University Executive Park Drive, suite A, Charlotte.
Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Latin American Chamber happenings
CHARLOTTE – The Latin American Chamber of Commerce will log on to a Zoom workshop.
• Mark Dahle, business development specialist at the Small Business Administration, talks about SBA certi cations from 2 to 4 p.m. April 15 on Zoom. e chamber is a partner of the program. Register in advance. Visit lacccharlotte.com to learn more about
Marshall, of Charlotte, has a busy medical practice, where patients are encouraged to bring their furry friends.
“My Dog Red” can be ordered on Amazon. com, BarnesandNoble.com and warrenpublishing.net.
“Our expectations of something new and exciting are always sparkly and clean,” he said. “We never consider the dirt and broken lamps. And it’s ne if we don’t want to ruin the excitement that way, but when the ‘dirt’ does appear, don’t give up – just get out your dustpan and broom.”
the chamber and its events.
Matthews Area Chamber happenings
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce will host a business luncheon.
• The Matthews Police Department talks about policing during the Monthly Chamber Business Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews. Register in advance. Members pay $20. Others pay $25. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber happenings
MINT HILL – e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will offer networking over breakfast.
• Tara Goodfellow, of Athena Consultants, speaks about time management during the Women’s Networking Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. April 17 at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte. Register in advance.
Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber happenings
PINEVILLE – e Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce will gather for networking.
• Members meet for the monthly social gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 24 at Dave & Busters, 11049 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville. Register in advance. Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber happenings MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce will hold networking and programming for new members.
• The chamber hosts AM Power Networking from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. April 15 at 2505 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe. Register in advance. Members get in free. Others pay $15.
• New members learn how to get the most out of their membership during Get Plugged In from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. April 16 at 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Waxhaw Business Association happenings
WAXHAW – The Waxhaw Business Association will host an economic forum.
• The chamber hosts Economic Outlook - Behind the Headlines from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 16. Register in advance.
• Waxhaw Mayor Robert Murray gives an update on the town from 7:30 to 9 a.m. May 21. Register in advance. Visit waxhawbusinessassociation.org to learn more about the association and its events.
Quick Hits
• Auto Spa of Charlotte, located at at 2317 Statesville Ave., signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. It will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies.
QUALITY ENGINEER: Charlotte, NC
& various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S: Archt & dply test atomtn frmwrks for AWS connect Pltfrm. Dsgn, dvlp & mntn funcal atomtd scripts lvrgng dragon frmwrk u/Selenium & Java. Dvlp cmprhnsve test stratgs & create dtld test plns. Exec diff types of tests incl funcal, integ, end-to-end& rgrsn tests. Create Playwright-Typescript atomtd scripts u/POM. Create a test case u/Jira & Zephyr & exec & update in Jira Board for stories asgnd. Perf Cntnus perf & load test w/ JMeter. Master’s in Sci, Tech or Engg (any) is req’d. Mail resume: HR, SAAP Tech Solutions, LLC, 301 McCullough Dr, Ste 400, Charlotte, NC 28262 Staff Accountant (Charlotte, NC) Responsible for AR, AP and bank reconciliation; analyze transaction records; prepare profitability report and complete month-end close; assist tax preparation and generate payroll. Bachelor of Accounting with 2 years
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exp. Email your resume to alex@ aiartiststudio.com, A.I. Artist Studio Inc. Marketing & Innovation Analyst (Job ID#: MA0312) sought by Panorama Holdings LLC in Charlotte, NC: Conduct mkt research to identify trends, dvlpg statistical models using R, Python, or Excel, & performing ad hoc analysis. Execute digital mktg campaigns, tracking website traffic & campaign performance, & managing social media channels. Create reports & presentations, support investor relations by monitoring fin’l activities & updating investor presentations, & assist w/ public relations activities. Collaborate w/ internal teams, stakeholders, & external agencies for cohesive mktg efforts & successful project launches. Reqmt: Bach’s Deg in Mktg, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, or related field focused in mkt research; Proficient in using Python or R; Travel domestically w/ in the U.S. every 2 months for 2-3 days & int’lly,
Charlotte celebration presents dance from around the world
CHARLOTTE – Experience dance and circus arts from around the world at the International Circus & Dance Celebration. The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center presents the free community event from 1 to 5 p.m. May 3 at the Berewick Recreation Center in Steele Creek. Visitors can enjoy cultural dance performances, try their hand at dance and circus arts through interactive workshops, and take part in arts and crafts activities for all ages. Performers and workshop presenters include:
• Mallakhamb Federation USA –Mallakhamb performance and workshop (India).
• Satya – Belly dance performance and workshop (Middle East).
• Reba Bowens – Capoeira performance and workshop (Brazil).
• Athena He-Demontaron – Chinese folk dance performance and workshop (China).
• Matthew Sanchez – Breakdancing performance and workshop (New York, USA).
• Carolina Latin Dance Company – Latin
BBB Tip
Beware of unauthorized utility account changes
Have you noticed that your utility or phone bill is much higher than expected? Could your account have been switched over to a third party without your knowledge? If this sounds familiar, you may have encountered an unethical tactic known as “slamming.”
What is slamming?
Slamming is the practice of reassigning a consumer’s account to another provider without that consumer’s informed consent. It can take many forms but typically affects energy and telephone service suppliers and their customers.
Before a company can switch a customer’s account to another provider, it must receive informed permission from the authentic account holder. Permission can be obtained in verbal, electronic or paper document formats.
How can you avoid slamming?
• Avoid answering your phone or responding to questions from unfamiliar callers with the word “yes.” Scam callers may subsequently alter the call recording to falsely indicate that you verbally agreed to switch providers. Misleading contacts from deceptive businesses can also appear via emails and text messages (which may even contain malware from unscrupulous scammers, resulting in potential ID theft).
• Watch out for mailings that state your service provider will be switched if you do not take action (e.g., affirmatively opt-out) to prevent it or that announce a sudden and surprising rate increase. This may come from your current energy supplier as an “account drop notice” or from another party. If the account holder does not respond in a timely manner to opt out of the change to another provider, that may result in an unauthorized switch.
• Be wary of approaches from representatives in public spaces, or as door-to-door inquiries, offering gift cards or other incentives to consider switching. Some may make enticing claims about substantial savings on your service that turn out to be false, or only
• Javier Gonzales – Latin dance workshop (Latin America). e schedule is as follows:
• 1 to 4 p.m.: Stilt walking, juggling, German wheel, arts and crafts, and aerial stations.
• 1 to 1:30 p.m.: Opening and belly dance (Middle East).
• 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Latin dance (Latin America) and Chinese folk dance (China).
• 2 to 2:30 p.m.: Capoeira (Brazil) and African dance (Africa).
• 2:30 to 3 p.m.: Belly dance (Middle East) and breakdancing (New York, USA).
• 3 to 4 p.m.: Latin dance (Latin America) and Chinese folk dance (China).
• 4 p.m.: Performance.
The Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center inspires people to explore beyond their boundaries through dance and circus arts. Contact info@cltcirquedancecenter.org for details.
applicable for a very brief “introductory” period of time. Never consider switching your account without understanding all terms and conditions fully and demanding written statements regarding all rate policies, promises, and claims made by reps, specifically claims made orally.
• In some states, where laws make it easier for this to happen, a scammer who gets hold of your utility bill or account number may be able to engineer an unauthorized switch in your name. Make sure you have an understanding of the laws in your state pertaining to this practice and protect your utility bills; it’s a good idea to shred them when you no longer need them.
What can you do if slamming happens to you?
• Contact your original energy provider to state that your account has been fraudulently switched and ask for their help in restoring your account (inquire if they have a customer fraud department).
• Create a paper trail showing that the unauthorized switch has been challenged at the first bill as proof that you provided immediate notice before any further charges accrued to your account. You can also report the incident to the regulatory authority in your state that oversees utilities (to learn your customer rights and file a formal complaint where necessary), and to the Better Business Bureau.
• Check with your state Attorney General’s office if you are unsure which government agency in your state would handle such complaints.
• If you think your identity has been spoofed to make a scam switch happen, file an ID theft report with the police department and the Federal Trade Commission and notify all three major credit reporting agencies to place an immediate “freeze” on your credit. For tips to freeze your credit, check out BBB Tip: Credit freezes and fraud alerts. To be effective, a freeze must be separately set up with all three credit bureaus:
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Thinking
By Mike Causey Contributor
rev & und instr, elec & P&ID drwng & AutoCAD. Reqs 25% US & 25% intl trvl. Apply: res to: hannah.andrepont@ clariant.com & ref #115929.
Software Engineering ManagerTMIS U.S. Bank is seeking a full-time Software Engineering Manager - TMIS (Multiple openings) in Charlotte, NC. Duties: Lead TMIS software engineering and development team and manage the development of strong coding practices and solid software design decisions. Position supervises up to 22 Software Engineers/Developers (employees and contractors). Must have Bachelor’s degree or equiv in Comp Sci or Comp Eng & 5 yrs software or app dev exp in an agile environment. National (U.S.) travel required up to 5% of the time per year to attend company meetings. This position is with U.S. Bank, a U.S. Bank company. To apply go to https://careers.usbank.com or email recruiting.excellence@usbank. com, include job req. #2025-0007028 in subject line.
As we move into April and spring fever sets in, many of us are itching to get away for a nice vacation. Whether you are looking for a weekend trip, a spring vacation or planning ahead for a summer excursion, you’re likely to have an offer to purchase travel insurance.
If so, make sure you understand what you’re purchasing. Travel insurance generally covers unexpected expenses resulting from the disruption of your trip.
There are a number of places where you can buy travel insurance – from a travel agent, tour operator, cruise line operator or property management company.
First, check to see if you already have coverage for unexpected travel-related expenses. Some health, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies include travel insurance provisions, as do some credit cards. Check with your insurance agent or company, or with your bank or credit card company to find out what coverage you already have.
When shopping for travel insurance, pay close attention to:
• What is included and what is excluded in your policy. Claims paid due to weather conditions are contingent on mandatory evacuation orders. Travel insurance may not provide coverage for a storm that has already been named at the time you purchased the coverage.
• Special limitations and the list of property not covered in a baggage insurance policy. If you are traveling with valuables that exceed the limits of your policy, you may need to purchase additional coverage. Also, check with your insurance agent to see if you can get an endorsement to your homeowners’ or renters’ policy for coverage while you are traveling.
• How pre-existing health conditions are defined in your travel policy. Travel insurance policies generally have specific limitations and exclusions. If you’re thinking about buying travel insurance, make sure you pay attention to the fine print. Ask questions if you’re not sure what is and what is not covered.
Typical travel insurance policies include:
• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance. It reimburses you for any nonrefundable deposits you put down on a trip or cruise if you must cancel your insured trip because of sickness, death in the family or any other misfortune listed in the policy. You must first seek reimbursement from the trip provider before the insurance company will consider the claim. Some policies may reimburse you for the unused portion of a vacation if you or an immediate family member becomes seriously ill or injured while on a trip.
• Emergency medical assistance. This provides insurance for medical treatment if you become ill or have an injury while traveling. Some policies may pay for benefits that aren’t covered by a standard health insurance plan. Some of these policies may include a deductible that applies to each claim.
• Baggage insurance coverage. If your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during a trip, you may want to find out if the airline or trip operator offers any type of insurance for your belongings.
• Accidental death benefits. This provides coverage if you or family member dies from a covered injury or accident while traveling. If you have questions, the Consumer Services Division of the Department of Insurance is here to help. You may call the division at 855-480-1212 or visit www. ncdoi.gov.
Mike Causey serves as North Carolina insurance commissioner.
