The 05-16-2025 Edition of Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly by Street Media

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MINT HILL – Town Manager

Brian Welch recommends a 2025-26 fiscal year budget that does not include a property rate increase.

Mint Hill commissioners held a public hearing on the budget during their May 8 meeting.

Welch kept it short and sweet, reading off the following line items: general fund ($29,422,304), Powell Bill fund ($1,498,800), stormwater fund ($683,219), police forfeiture fund ($50), capital projects-Bain Community Center ($12,702,900),

infrastructure fund ($50) and tourism fund ($405,000).This all adds up to a budget of $44,712,823.

The property tax rate will remain at $0.225 per $100 of assessed value.

Commissioner Patrick Holton pointed to Welch’s budget message that accompanied the proposed budget. It read that Mint Hill’s tax rate is “one of the lowest in the state for a municipality of our size.”

“Huge accomplishment to our staff and town manager as per usual,” Holton said.

Commissioner Dale Dalton said he was proud there was no tax increase. Commissioner Twanna

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools explored artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data privacy in public education May 7 during its second annual AI Data Privacy Summit.

“Over the past several months, we’ve been on an intentional listening journey to better understand how our CMS community wants us to approach artificial intelligence in our district,” said Candace Salmon-Hosey, chief technology officer. “Whether through focus groups, interviews or surveys, your voice has shaped where we are today. And that’s our commitment to you: to act on what you’ve shared with us, safely, strategically and always in service to our students, families and educators.”

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced recipients of its Teacher of the Year, Teacher Assistant of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year at its third annual Gem Awards. The award ceremony took place May 6 at Central Piedmont Community College.

Winners were as follows:

• Teacher of the Year: Gregory Gabriel (Winterfield Elementary).

• Teacher Assistant of the Year: Freddie Pinkney (Ardrey Kell High).

• Beginning Teacher of the Year: Sean Bryant (Newell Elementary).

“Teaching is a hard, yet rewarding, profession. Teachers teach way more than content,” Superintendent Crystal Hill said. “They teach students how to be curious, creative and confident. They help them become the people they are meant to be.”

Here is who won Teacher of the Year, Teacher Assistant of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year at schools in the Matthews and Mint Hill area:

• Albemarle Road Middle School:

Henderson thanked Welch and staff for a job well done.

“Thank you to the staff, especially in the room,” Mayor Brad Simmons said. “Town manager works through these numbers and then he passes off to them and you guys have to live with them all year long.”

Simmons also acknowledged the police and fire chiefs in the board chambers, thanking them for what they do to keep the tax rate down.

Some highlights from the budget are as follows:

• Five additional positions in the police department: three officers (pending a grant), one detective

Samantha Norris (teacher), Charlotte Smith (teacher assistant) and Kemryn Perry (beginning teacher).

• Bain Elementary School: Candice Dishman (teacher), Kathleen Jackson (teacher assistant) and Lillie Brock (beginning teacher).

• Butler High School: Steven Rusk (teacher) and Dionne Donaldson (teacher assistant).

• Clear Creek Elementary School: La'Brina McRae (teacher) and Kerry Ricks (teacher assistant).

• Crestdale Middle School: Brenda Thompson (teacher) and Katie Hartman (teacher assistant).

• Crown Point Elementary School: Emily Johnston (teacher) and Rania Haidar (teacher assistant).

• Elizabeth Lane Elementary School: Emma Tkach (teacher) and Karen Torti (teacher assistant).

• Independence High School: Corey Poole (teacher), Alivia Foster (teacher assistant) and Nicole Breckenridge (beginning teacher).

and one wiring technician.

• Three additional positions in the fire department as well as costs associated with the opening of a new fire station on Lebanon Road.

• Two additional positions, including a mechanic, in the public works department.

• A new assistant town manager position that will be filled via promotion.

• 4% market rate adjustment and 2.5% merit pool adjustment. The market rate adjustment becomes effective with the second payroll after Jan. 1, 2026.

• Five new vehicles as well as new computers, data storage and

CMS LAUNCHING DISTRICT VISION FOR AI IN EDUCATION

Mint Hill budget won’t have property tax hike Matthews faces a property tax increase

CMS recognizes top teachers

• Lebanon Road Elementary School: Emily Manuel (teacher), Diane Wheatley (teacher assistant) and Danielle Jinkins and Latrese Wood (beginning teacher).

• Levine Middle College High School: Erik Weghorst (teacher).

• Matthews Elementary School: Kaitlyn Linscheid (teacher) and Delores P. Walton (teacher assistant).

• McKee Road Elementary School: Lisa Rosthal (teacher) and Megha Kandala (teacher assistant).

• Mint Hill Elementary School: Kelly Hay (teacher) and Amy York (teacher assistant).

• Mint Hill Middle School: Kalilah Smith (teacher) and Che' Payne (teacher assistant).

• Providence High School: Scott R. Fernandez (teacher), Maria Blanzaco (teacher assistant) and Rod Stephen (beginning teacher).

• Rocky River High School: Deja CookBrown (teacher), Brosean Brice (teacher assistant) and Sean Mondichak (beginning teacher).

other technology for the police department.

• $1 million in street resurfacing.

• Funding for weekly curbside collection of one 96-gallon can, bi-weekly recycling and weekly debris pickup.

• Landscaping equipment for the parks and recreation department.

• Costs related to renovating the old Bain Elementary School into a community center.

“Mint Hill will continue all efforts to provide its residents with the highest possible level of service while striving to be good stewards of the town’s tax dollars,” Welch wrote in his budget message.

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Town Manager Becky Hawke presented May 12 a recommended budget for the 2026 fiscal year that includes increases to the property tax rate and stormwater fee.

Hawke said a property tax rate increase of 1.3 cents is needed to begin repaying debt service for $11 million in general obligation bonds issued this year. The majority of that debt will be used to pay for park improvements, namely the design and construction for Purser-Hulsey Park. With a 0.2795 tax rate per $100 of assessed value, the average $429,000 home would see an increase of $55.81 to their annual property tax bill.

Matthews homes will see an average increase of $2.12 per month in stormwater fees to maintain the system, which includes personnel, maintenance and improvements. Commissioners approved the rate increase in February. Hawke also highlighted the need to maintain market competitiveness when it comes to recruitment and retention of staff. Her budget includes a 3% cost of living adjustment and a 3% increase in the merit for performance pool.

Hawke’s recommendation for the 2025-26 budget is $37,646,985, which is $1,651,612 higher than the budget adopted for 2024-25. Hawke credited staff for their work putting together this year’s budget.

“They had a pretty strong edict this year that other than the tax increase that was already going to be coming related to the bonds that there was no room for anything else,” Hawke said. “We needed them to find ways to provide a budget that still allowed them to do what they needed to do operationally and that we would still be able to support our employees with appropriate additional compensation but otherwise we needed to hold the line as much as possible. I think you'll see that in the budget.”

Commissioner Leon Threatt asked Hawke if it was possible to present a budget without a tax increase.

“I can tell you there is not $909,000 in this budget (the amount needed for debt service) without drastically impacting operations and the health of how we fund things,” Hawke replied.

She said the vast majority of the budget goes to items the town has no control over, such as increases in retirement contributions and state health insurance. Other increases beyond her control include electricity rates, solid waste collection and risk management premiums.

Threatt threw out the idea of using the town’s fund balance, or savings, as a means of avoiding a tax increase for this year alone.

Hawke said using one-time dollars for ongoing expenses was not a fiscal best practice and the board would be delaying the inevitable tax increase for a year. After all, the hike is needed to pay for the debt service for the voter-approved general obligation bonds.

Threatt did not give up. He asked if staff, for him, would present a budget without a tax increase. Hawke said she would do that if that was the will of the board.

Mayor John Higdon said the board will be engaged in several budget meetings and will have opportunities to look at each line item in detail.

The public will have a chance to weigh in on the budget during a May 27 public hearing.

Rebecca Lehtinen, an Educational technology for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, chats with Ardrey Kell High School senior Zahara Mushinge about artificial intelligence. Photos courtesy of CMS

The AI Data Privacy Summit brought together educators, district leaders, and community partners.

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Spectrum awarding $1K to Iskcon

CHARLOTTE – Spectrum announced a donation of $1,000 to ISKCON of Charlotte through its employee-driven grants program.

Funding will support the ISKCON of Charlotte Food for Life program which provides meals weekly at their center and to various locations around the Charlotte area.

Last year, Charter Communications, Inc., which operates Spectrum products and services, announced its commitment to award $2.5 million over the next five years to local nonprofits through Spectrum Employee Community Grants. Charter pledges to support a minimum of 500 nonprofit organizations across its 41-state service area, impacting more than 70,000 community members, through 2028.

Berkadia negotiates townhome sale

CHARLOTTE – Berkadia announced the sale of Poplin Trace, a 99-unit townhome property in Indian Trail constructed in 2021.

Poplin Trace sold to an undisclosed buyer on April 22. The property was 93% occupied at the time of the sale.

“We continue to see a strong appetite from institutional capital for well-located build-to-rent communities across the Charlotte market,” Troop said.

Located at 857 Tyler Matthew Lane, Poplin Trace offers three-bedroom townhomes with 2.5 baths and attached two-car garages. Each home is

equipped with vinyl plank flooring, granite countertops and a five-burner gas range.

Caleb Troop and Matt Robertson of Berkadia Charlotte and Mark Forrester and Andrew Curtis of Berkadia Phoenix led the transaction on behalf of the seller, Arizona-based Belleview.

Town pays respects to public works

MATTHEWS – Mayor John Higdon has designated May 18 to 24 as National Public Works Week.

Higdon issued a proclamation urging citizens to recognize the contribution that public works professionals make to protect the national health, safety and well being for all.

The American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association sponsors National Public Works Week. This marks the 65th annual observance.

Charlotte Area Chamber events

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce offers a young professionals’ workshop, a Coffee with the Chamber and a Lunch and Learn.

• The Young Professionals group presents Money and Mindset: The Young Professional’s Gide to Wealth & Financial Security from 6 to 7 p.m. May 19 at Hygee (Camp North End), 330 Camp Road, Charlotte. The workshop is free for members and $15 for others. Register in advance.

• HIS Radio 96.5 presents a Coffee with the Chamber event from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 20 at Alloy Personal Training, 9824 Rea Road, Charlotte. Register in advance.

• The chamber hosts a Lunch & Learn on “Protecting Identity and Information in the Age of AI” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 22 at Hyatt Centric SouthPark Charlotte, 3100 Apex Drive, Charlotte. Members pay $35. Others pay $45. Register in advance.

Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Latin American Chamber events

CHARLOTTE – The Latin American Chamber of Commerce holds a free Zoom seminar.

• Digital marketing consultant Luciana Salanitri leads a free seminar “LinkedIn Mastery for Growth: From Profile to Profit” from 6 to 8 p.m. May 22 on Zoom. The seminar is free. Register in advance.

Visit lacccharlotte.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Matthews Area Chamber events

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hostas a ribbon cutting and street clean-up.

• Members celebrate the ribbon cutting of Sweet & Cozy Bakery from 11 a.m. to noon

May 21 at the chamber office, 352 E. Charles St., Matthews.

• The Young Professionals group meets for networking and its annual street clean-up from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 157 North Trade St., Matthews.

Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Mint Hill Chamber events

MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours and a ribbon cutting.

• Members network during Business After Hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 21 at Char Bar No. 7, 7312 Town View Drive, Mint Hill. Register in advance.

• Members hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new location of Ryan’s Place from 11 a.m. to noon May 23 at 4345 Morris Park Drive, Mint Hill. Register in advance. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Pineville NC Chamber events

PINEVILLE – The Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly social gathering.

• The chamber holds its monthly social gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 22 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 events

MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings for members and celebrates the career of outgoing president and CEO Pat Kahle.

• Members celebrate the relocation of Club Pilates from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. May 16 at 1000 Aspinal St., Waxhaw. Register in advance.

• Members celebrate the groundbreaking of Primrose School of Waxhaw from 4 to 4:30 p.m. May 21 at 2421 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw. Register in advance.

• The chamber holds a retirement reception for outgoing president and CEO Pat Kahle from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 28 at the chamber, 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe. Register in advance.

Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Waxhaw Business Association events

WAXHAW – The Waxhaw Business Association will host an update on the town.

• 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.

Charlotte Memory Gala sees big numbers

CHARLOTTE – More than 300 guests attended the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter annual Charlotte Memory Gala on May 3 at The Westin.

The gala raised more than $700,000 for Alzheimer’s research, education and quality care. This marks a 17% increase over last year’s total, making it a record-breaking event.

Steve and Dee Dee Leeolou chaired this year’s event, which featured a live and silent auction, seated dinner, and live music by Musically Yours and The Herringbones.

There were some moments that stood out during the gala:

• The Alzheimer’s Association showed a video highlighting advocates Carter Grine and Cate Mills. Carter was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at age 58 – just three years into their marriage. The couple’s story received a standing ovation.

• One of the live auction items included an in-home dinner experience from Cordon Bleu chef Christopher Zion, who shared his personal connection to the disease and honored his father through his culinary

contribution.

• Pat McKee and Julie Russon, owners of McKee Homes, received this year’s Award of Excellence for their decade-long commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association.

In honor of Pat’s father, Joe McKee, who battled Alzheimer’s for 10 years, the couple has pledged to raise and donate a cumulative total of $1 million over the next few years. Their passion also inspires the entire company to take action in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

“The generosity and passion shown at this year’s Charlotte Memory Gala are nothing short of

extraordinary,” said Katherine Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association –Western Carolina Chapter. “Raising over $700,000 not only sets a new record, but it also brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. Every dollar raised fuels critical research and provides vital support for the nearly 211,000 North Carolinians living with the disease and their 381,000 caregivers. We are deeply grateful to our community for standing with us in this fight.”

On the web: CharlotteMemoryGala.org

Association – Western Carolina Chapter

Pat McKee and Julie Russon, owners of McKee Homes, received this year’s Award of Excellence.

People attending the gala heard the story of Carter Grine and Cate Mills. Carter was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s three years into their marriage.

Steve and Dee Dee Leeolou chaired this year’s record-breaking event.

ISKCON of Charlotte shows off a big check received from Spectrum. Photo courtesy of Spectrum

May 16

Food Truck Fridays Food Truck Fridays, presented by Hand Crafted Market, features food trucks, live music, vendors and a beer tent at The Hangar.

5-9 p.m.; 251 N. Trade St., Matthews

Spaghetti Dinner

The Rotary Club of Matthews holds its Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at Idlewild Baptist Church. The dinner costs $15. No carryouts.

5:30-8 p.m.; 12701 Idlewild Road, Matthews

May 17

Mental Health Fair

Matthews United Methodist Church and Agape Christian Counseling hold a Mental Health Fair with workshops, brunch, coffee, resources and giveaways. This is a free community event.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 801 S Trade St, Matthews

Family Storytime

Children, ages 0-5, engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews

9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Family Storytime Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill

9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Paws to Read

Children, ages 5-11, read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews

10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Writing Group

The Mint Hill Writing Group

The summit served as a platform to deepen understanding, foster collaboration and launch the CMS AI Vision and Guiding Principles.

The summit included a Fireside Chat featuring CMS Executive Director, Educational Technology Rebecca Lehtinen and Ardrey Kell High School senior Zahara Mushinge, who is also a member of the superintendent’s student advisory council.

The conversation between Lehtinen and Mushinge emphasized the importance that student voice must guide how CMS approaches the opportunities and challenges of AI.

“On graduation day, I hope every CMS student walks across the stage knowing not just how to use AI, but how it works,” Mushinge said. “Whether someone’s going into law, nursing or any field, AI is going to be part of it. I love how CMS prepares us for what’s next, whether we’re enrolled, enlisted or employed.”

Keynote speaker Michael Sulmeyer, principal cyber advisor to the Secretary of Defense, shared insights on safety, infrastructure and policy readiness. Later in the summit, Jeremy Grant-Skinner, a senior fellow at ILO Group, addressed the future of AI in his talk, challenging educators to embrace innovation while safeguarding equity and trust.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

shares ideas and feedback on members’ work at the Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Kids Hairstyles

A stylist leads Styled with Love: A Parent’s Guide to Hairstyles for Kids at Matthews Library. Parents bring a brush to learn braids, twists and other techniques. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Fishing Frenzy

The Town of Matthews presents Matthews Fishing Frenze at Squirrel Lake Park. Kids fish from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Adults fish from 3 to 4:30 p.m. All skin levels can participate in the fishing tournament. Register in advance at matthewsfun.com.

1-4:30 p.m.; 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews

Chess Club

Children, ages 5 and older, as well as their families, meet for Chess Club at the Mint Hill Library. They’ll get to try out strategies to win. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill

3-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Summer Concert

Wonder Free performs classic rock during the Music and Brews Night at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. There will be beer and food vendors. All patrons will be required to provide ID prior to being served. This is part of Mint Hill Events’ Summer Concert Series. minthillevents.org

6:30-9 p.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill

May 19

Baby Storytime

Children, ages 0-2, engage in stories and songs during Baby Storytime at Mint Hill

Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the event. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Mint-Hill

9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Family Storytime

Children, ages 0-5, engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews

10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

English Storytime

Families learning English as a second language engage in a Learning English Together Storytime at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill

11:15-11:45 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Conversation Club

Matthews Library hosts an Intermediate Spanish Conversation Club for Pretteens and Teens with games and activities. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews

1:30-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Paws to Read Children, ages 5-11, read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews

3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Boards to Share Chef Shonali Thomas explains how to make a charcuterie board at Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Mint-Hill.

6:30-7:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

May 20

Family Storytime

Children, ages 0-5, engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews

10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30

a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Musical Storytime

Opera Carolina leads a Musical Storytime with a reading of “Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse” and a performance by singers at Matthews Library. The event is for ages 3-12. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews.

1-1:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Debate Club

The Teen Debate Club tries their skills on different topics at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 5-6 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

May 21

Baby Storytime Children, ages 0-2, build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at the Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Preschool Storytime Children, ages 3-5, engage in stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/

locations/Mint-Hill 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Baby Storytime Children, ages 0-2, learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 11:15-11:45 a.m. or noon12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Book Club

The Pocket-Size Book Club discusses “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene at Matthews Library. The club, which is for adults, talks about books under 300 pages. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews.

1-2 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Book Club

The Mostly Mysteries Book Club discusses “Lightning Strike” by William Kent Krueger at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews.

3-4 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Paws to Read

3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

May 22

Storytime at Park Mint Hill Library holds a

Family Storytime with stories, songs and movement activities at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 10-10:30 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Storytime in the Park Matthews Library hosts a storytime with stories and songs at Squirrel Lake Park. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 11-11:30 a.m.; 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews

Local History Dawn Funk, of the Mint Hill Historical Society, talks about early Mint Hill history at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Chess Club

Children, ages 5-11, learn how to play during Chess Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 4-5 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Pajama Storytime Families listen to stories and songs during Pajama Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Feel free to wear pajamas and bring a plushie. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 6:30-7 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

May 23

Job Search Matthews Library offers one-on-one help during Job Search Assistance. Register in advance. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Anime Club

The Anime Club meets to watch a few episodes at Matthews Library. The club is for teens. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Firm rallies around Claire's Army, earning it a $5,000 boost

MATTHEWS – Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Community One Insurance a 2025 Make More Happen Award for its partnership with Claire’s Army.

The nonprofit supports families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis by providing meals, emergency financial assistance and comfort during hospitalization.

The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for Claire’s Army, which can be doubled to $10,000 by having supporters vote online.

The Community One Insurance and Claire’s Army community story will be featured on the Make More Happen page at https:// www.agentgiving.com/ community-one-insurance/, where supporters can vote to help the team reach its donation goal. If the story receives a mix of at least 500 votes and comments, the $5,000 donation will be increased to $10,000.

has always been important to our team, and Claire’s Army has given us a way to make a real difference,” said Zachary Ligon, agency principal at Community One Insurance. “We are grateful to Liberty Mutual and Safeco for providing much-needed funds to continue their impactful work and thrilled at the opportunity to double the donation just by calling on the community to show their support.”

After hearing family testimonials at Claire’s Army’s gala, Ligon committed Community One Insurance to raising awareness and funds for the nonprofit. The agency raised $30,000 last year through a festival. This year, the firm aims to raise $50,000 to support Claire's Army further.

“Community One Insurance is an outstanding example of how agencies can make a real difference,” said Todd Hughes, Safeco Insurance senior territory manager. “We hope sharing their story inspires others to give back as well.”

South Charlotte resident Sterling Patterson, who serves as a parent representative and also participates on CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill's Parent Advisory Council, shared her takeaways with the group and spoke about her appreciation for being involved in the discussion.

was so impactful,” Patterson said. “ I am going to share my experiences with CMS families every chance I get.”

Hill emphasized the importance of shaping, not simply reacting to, technology in education.

“Sitting in the room and hearing firsthand how much work has been done over the past year and the purposeful intentional approach to AI

“AI is not the goal. It’s the catalyst,” Hill said. “And the question is not just, ‘How do we use AI?’ but ‘What can AI

do to help us learn, teach and operate better, together?’”

Hill encouraged participants to move forward with thoughtfulness and boldness, “If we do this well, we don’t just prepare students for the technology of today,” she said. “We prepare them for what’s next.”

On the web: cmsk12.org/ai

The $10,000 award will benefit 30 to 50 families through “Claire packages” filled with essentials like towels, groceries and gasoline gift cards. The award would also support emergency assistance and fund the meal program, which provides made-to-order meals from local restaurants to patients and families during treatment.

“Helping to make our community a better place

Throughout 2025, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will select up to 36 independent agencies nationwide for a Make More Happen Award, donating up to $360,000 to nonprofits they support. Agencies become eligible for the award by submitting applications showcasing their commitment to a specific cause.

Keynote speaker Michael Sulmeyer delivered a session, “Lessons from the Pentagon: What Education Leaders Need to Know About AI and Cybersecurity.”

AI from 1A

Candace Salmon-Hosey, chief technology officer, explains that the district has shaped its approach to

through focus groups, interviews and surveys. Photos courtesy of CMS

REGIONAL

The Amp Ballantyne hosting Royal Summer Jazz Series

CHARLOTTE – The Amp Ballantyne will play host in 2025 to the Royal Summer Jazz Series.

The series is part of a summer concert calendar with more than 20 events. Tickets are on sale for the four-concert series that includes Boney James on June 26, Najee and Regina Belle on July 10, Will Downing on July 24, and Dave Koz and Friends on Aug. 7.

Boney James has been making music for more than three decades, accumulating accolades such as four Grammy nominations, three NAACP Image Award

nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. James has released a new album, “Slow Burn.”

Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist and flautist Najee has performed and recorded with legendary vocalists, including Chaka Khan, Prince and Patti LaBelle. Regina Belle is an Academy Award-winning and Grammy-winning singer and songwriter with hits like “Make It Like It Was,” “If I Could,” “Baby Come To Me” and “This Is Love.” Will Downing’s career spans more than 38 years and

DINING SCORES

28 albums, with hits like “A Million Ways,” “Sorry I” and “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This.”

Dave Koz has collaborated with many artists over the years, including Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder. For his Amp Ballantyne performance, Dave Koz and Friends features Koz, Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P and Evan Taylor, plus Marcel Anderson.

The Amp Ballantyne, located at 11115 Upper Ave., is a 5,000-person capacity outdoor music venue with a reserved seating area and general admission lawn.

On the web: ampballantyne.com

Upcoming events at The Amp Ballantyne

• April 23: Chris Young

• May 9: Live at the Amp featuring Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton

• May 10: Michael Franti & Spearhead

• May 14: Yacht Rock Revue

• May 15: Wilco w/ Waxahatchee

• May 17: String Cheese Incident w/ The Wood Brothers

• May 29: Dark Star Orchestra

• June 5: Run the Jewels

w/ Trackstar the DJ

• June 7: The Beach Boys

• June 13: Live at the Amp featuring Foreigners Journey

• June 26: Royal Summer Jazz Series featuring Boney James

• July 10: Royal Summer Jazz Series featuring Najee and Regina Belle

• July 11: Live at the Amp featuring Same As It Ever Was

• July 13: Leftover Salmon & The Infamous Stringdusters w/ Kitchen Dwellers

• July 24: Royal Summer Jazz Series featuring Will Downing

• Aug. 7: Royal Summer Jazz Series featuring Dave

Koz and Friends

• Aug. 8: Live at the Amp featuring Shot Thru the Heart

• Aug. 12: Cypress Hill & Atmosphere w/ Lupe Fiasco, The Pharcyde

• Aug. 22: Ben Rector

• Aug. 23: Toad the Wet Sprocket w/ KT Tunstall, Sixpence None the Richer

• Sept. 12: Live at the Amp featuring BeginningsA Celebration of the Music of Chicago

• Sept. 21: Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear

• Sept. 26: Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers w/ The Charlotte Symphony

LIVE MUSIC

New album, tour has Quinn XCII feeling alive

CHARLOTTE – Multi-Platinum recording artist Quinn XCII (pronounced Ninety-Two) plans to release his seventh studio album, “LOOK! I’m Alive,” July 25 via AWAL.

The new album leans into a more mellow folk-pop sound, inspired by his recent roles as husband and father. The album’s first single, “Olive Tree,” serves as a reflective celebration of life’s quieter moments.

“This album is a product of a lot of self-reflection and gratitude that I needed now more than ever,” Quinn XCII said. “A gentle reminder that every moment is worth singing about.”

To date, Quinn XCII has amassed over 4 billion global streams with multiple Platinum singles, including “Straightjacket,” “Kings of Summer,” and “Love Me Less,” and Gold-certified hits such as “Stay Next To Me,” “Flare Guns,” “Another Day In Paradise,” “Stacy” and “Always Been You.”

He announced plans for the ‘LOOK! I’m Alive Tour,’ produced by Live Nation. The 19-city tour includes a stop at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte on Sept. 23. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. May 16 at quinnxciitour.com. VIP experiences are available at vipnation.com.

Quinn XCII has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting the Surfrider Foundation and its dedication to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches.

May 16

• Amos’ Southend: Ride the Lightning

• Char Bar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Remington

Cartee

• Evening Muse: bodie

ª Franklin Court Grille: Dose of Ocean

• Grapes Bistro and Wine Bar: Matthew Ablan

• Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Nowcat

• Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub: Analog Crash

• Middle James Brewing: Beth Gatlin

• Moochies Tavern: Hardwired

• Neighborhood Theatre: The Connells

• OMB Ballantyne: Knights of Flannel

• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Adam Daniels

• PNC Music Pavilion: Billy Idol

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: David Porter

• Stooges Pub & Grub: The Deep Shallow Band

• Symphony Park: Sol Fusion & Simplified Trio

• The Fillmore: Marilyn Manson

• The Trail House: Coconut Groove Band

• Visulite Theatre: Joe May

May 17

• Amos’ Southend: Driveways w/Seneca Burns

• Cork & Ale (Waxhaw): One Man Jack

• Evening Muse: Kim Richey

• Franklin Court Grille: Dual Drive

• Great Wagon Road Distillery: 485

• Local Logic: Tim Hong

• Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Randy Franklin & The Sardines

• Moochies Tavern: Shannon Lee & Tonya Wood

• OMB Ballantyne: Blake Anthony and the Campfire

• OMB LoSo: Just Serendipity & Friends

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Greg Parish

• Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre: Bullet For My Valentine & Trivium

• Southern Range Brewing: Analog Crash

• The Amp Ballantyne: The String Cheese

Incident

• The Trail House: Gruv Soup

• The Union Exchange: Alex Jancula & The Watchmen

• Visulite Theatre: School of Rock

Charlotte

May 18

• Amos’ Southend: Avi Kaplan

• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Kris Atom

• Moochies Tavern: Adam Daniels

• Neighborhood Theatre: Hunter Root

• The Fillmore: Central Cee

• Visulite Theatre: School of Rock Charlotte

May 19

• Evening Muse: Open mic

• Neighborhood Theatre: Lucius

• The Fillmore: Durand Bernarr

May 20

• Evening Muse: Richard Shindell w/ Laurelyn Dossett

• The Fillmore: MJ Lenderman & The Wind

May 21

• Evening Muse: Sam on Someday

• Peddler’s Paradise Bartique: Open mic

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Anna J

• The Fillmore: Insane Clown Posse

• The Underground: Of Mice & Men

May 22

• Amos’ Southend: Bailey Marie and Darren Deese

• Evening Muse: Gareth Asher

• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Open mic

• Symphony Park: Gump Fiction

• The Fillmore: Smino

May 23

• Amos’ Southend: Gump Fiction

• Evening Muse: Seth Walker & Ed Jurdi

• Grapes Bistro and Wine Bar: David Porter

• Neighborhood Theatre: Aneesa Strings

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Jarret Raymond

• Small Bar: Carrie Ann

• Southern Range Brewing: Justin Moyar

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Queen City Siren

• The Fillmore: Lil Poppa

• The Trail House: Dusk Till Dawn

• The Underground: Raveena

Live Music Venues

Charlotte

• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.

• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.

• Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St.

• OMB Ballantyne: 15025 Bowl St.

• OMB LoSo: 4150 Yancey Road

• PNC Music Pavilion: 707 Pavilion Blvd.

• Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre: 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

• Symphony Park: 4400 Sharon Road

• The Amp Ballantyne: 11115 Upper Ave.

• The Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.

• The Underground: 820 Hamilton St.

• Visulite Theatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.

Indian Trail

• Grapes Bistro and Wine Bar: 6461 Old Monroe Road

• The Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road

Matthews

• Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): 142 E. John St.

Mint Hill

• Char Bar No. 7: 7312 Town View Drive

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: 8111 Fairview Road

• Stooges Pub & Grub: 13230 Albemarle Road

Monroe • Dowd Center Theatre:

Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St.

• Home Brew Taproom

N.C.’s SHIIP program is under threat

By Mike Causey Contributor

A provision in the state Senate budget could sink our SHIIP program. SHIIP stands for the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program. Tens of thousands of North Carolina seniors seek help from SHIIP every year with their Medicare questions and choices. Last year, SHIIP helped more than 69,000 senior citizens.

The SHIIP program helped North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries save $53 million in 2024: $36 million through cost-saving enrollments and federal assistance program application submissions and $17 million through recovered benefits from complaints and medication program assistance.

Staff members from SHIIP help seniors navigate the Medicare maze and train counselors to help serve Medicare beneficiaries

Mike Causey

across the state. That means in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties, seniors with Medicare questions can either pick up the phone and speak directly with a Medicare counselor or go to their local senior center or aging office to get in-person help.

SHIIP is the only organization in North Carolina that provides unbiased, accurate, highly personalized one-on-one counseling about Medicare in all 100 counties at no cost to the consumer.

SHIIP isn’t selling insurance plans. SHIIP has no financial interest in which plan a Medicare beneficiary chooses. SHIIP’s purpose is to provide accurate and easy to understand information to seniors so they can choose the Medicare plan that’s best for them.

Carolina Theatre to show blockbusters from its ‘lost years’

CHARLOTTE – The newly restored Carolina Theatre will reclaim its “lost years” for 13 weeks this summer.

The Lost Years Summer Blockbuster Movie Series will kick off June 8 with a screening of Bruce Lee’s “Fist of Fury,” the last film shown before the theater closed its doors for 47 years in 1979.

After “Fist of Fury,” the Carolina Theatre will present a blockbuster movie from the subsequent year through 1990 that never had the opportunity to grace its screen.

“We can never get those ‘lost years’ back,” said Sean Seifert, executive director for Carolina Theatre. “But we can recreate the decades gone by with the nostalgia that will always live here.”

The schedule for the Carolina Theatre at Belk Place’s Lost Years Summer Blockbuster Movie Series is below. Movies start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m.: “Fist of Fury” (1978)

• Thursday, June 12: “Rocky II” (1979)

• Thursday, June 19: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

• Thursday, June 26: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)

• Thursday, July 3: “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” (1982)

• Thursday, July 10: “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983)

• Sunday, July 20, 2 p.m.: “Ghostbusters” (1984)

• Thursday, July 24: “The Goonies” (1985)

• Thursday, July 31: “Top Gun” (1986)

• Thursday, Aug. 7: “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987)

• Thursday, Aug. 14: “Beaches” (1988)

• Thursday, Aug. 21: “Batman” (1989)

• Thursday, Aug. 28: “Ghost” (1990)

Tickets for each movie cost $10. Buy them online at TheCarolina.com.

“Charlotte, welcome back to your Carolina Theatre,” Seifert said. “We couldn’t be there for you during those ‘lost years,’ but we’re back now and better than ever.”

Got to or get to –either way, it doesn’t sound like

By Tony Marciano Contributor

In ninth grade, I foolishly joined the cross country team. How hard could it be?

Tony Marciano

On my first day of practice, we ran one mile to the county park. Then we did eight miles at the park. We wrapped up running the one mile back to the locker room. Did I think girls were going to fall for a cross country runner the way they fell for a football quarterback? What if that runner was really slow? No, the girls didn’t throw themselves at me.

In my school, the next sport was basketball. I had a reprieve for a few months. March first came and track season began. This team included all the football jocks who couldn’t play baseball. They were “crazy.” We ran laps around the football field while the baseball team practiced. My track coach was very frustrated with me because I was a very slow runner. He put me in the locker room, showed me the bench press and told me not to come out until I could bench 100 pounds. I could barely get the bar, without any weights, over my head. Fast forward and its decades later. I’m retired. My community built a library with a gym. Did I tell you it was a free gym? I love free. I started going and focused on the weight equipment. As I write this, today was the hardest day. I had been doing light weights with a lot of reps. But there was one machine I pushed myself hard. I could feel the difference. I wasn’t going to do 50 reps casually. I did 10 reps and rested. Another 10 and rested. Another 10 and rested some more. Another set and much more rest. It was hard.

fun

I don’t enjoy going but I’m glad I am going. The comedian and entertainer Steve Harvey explained how we talk to ourselves has a big impact on how we see life. He said, “Do I got to go to the gym or do I get to go to the gym.” It’s only a change in one letter – an “O” gets swapped out for an “E”.

Steve continued with these phrases:

“I got to go to work” or I get to go to work”

“I got to clean the house” or “I get to clean the house”

“I got to make supper” or “I get to make supper”

Got makes it sound like a punishment. After all, we would rather be at the beach. By changing the “got” which sounds like a horrible thing to “get,” it makes it sound like something you ought to be thankful for. Not everyone gets to go to the gym. Not everyone gets to go to work. Not everyone has a house to clean. Not everyone has a family they need to make supper for.

As author, John Maxwell says, “Your attitude and my attitude is a choice.” We choose our attitudes. What we say doesn’t only affect our mind, it affects our body as well. Our body hears the sense of duty, the obligation, the drudge and says, “If I have to go to the gym, or work, or clean house, or make supper, I will. I don’t want to. It’s a punishment. Someone has to do it.”

Tomorrow morning, as you get out of bed, change your attitude. Start by saying, “I get to drive in rush hour traffic this morning.” I get to go to work.” I get to go to the gym before or after work.” “I get to……..” and fill in the blank. You’ll see how really blessed you are. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.

The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.

Seniors are barraged with television ads, mailers and phone calls, especially during open enrollment periods, where marketers offer a number of policies that may or may not be best for them. Medicare requirements and coverages can be overwhelming and confusing. SHIIP is there to help seniors navigate through the storm of information.

The Senate budget passed last month would cut 100% of in-state appropriated funding, or 11 full-time positions and $953,298. That’s penny wise and pound foolish, given that the department helped save seniors $53 million last year. Further, these cuts would not save a dime in general fund revenue. Whereas most state appropriations come from general fund revenue sources, such as income and sales taxes, the Department of Insurance reimburses the general \fund for its appropriations with monies from the insurance regulatory fund, which includes fees paid by insurance

companies and professionals to conduct business in North Carolina.

This proposal would have a devastating impact on SHIIP’s ability to assist North Carolina’s 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries. This potential cut comes at a time when the number of people eligible for Medicare is growing and the Medicare program is becoming increasingly more complex. Senior citizens across North Carolina have come to rely on the sound, unbiased advice SHIIP provides. SHIIP is a model program for the rest of the country and can still be saved. I’m working to encourage House members to not go along with the Senate plan to cut the SHIIP positions. I’m also asking our senators to reconsider and recognize the value the program provides to many senior citizens.

Mike Causey serves as North Carolina insurance commissioner.

Now is the right time to explore apprenticeships

By Ben Coulter Contributor

April 30 is recognized as National Apprenticeship Day. As an alternative to postsecondary degrees or professional certifications, which can be cost-prohibitive for many, it is time to fully expand apprenticeships in our country.

Of the 167 million people in the U.S. workforce, 62% do not have a postsecondary degree –meaning 103 million people are not being fully recognized for the talent and skill they’ve already developed through work. As many as two-thirds of jobs in the future are expected to require postsecondary credentials, either an industry-recognized certification or academic degree.

On March 25, Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order to form a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. Chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Sen. Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox, the Council is tasked with identifying workforce needs and amplifying strategies to help North Carolinians access the education and training needed for high-wage, high-demand and high-growth careers.

In 2019, North Carolina adopted with bipartisan support an ambitious goal from MyFutureNC of having 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 holding an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. Right now, about 1.7 million North Carolinians in that age range meet that criteria. There is still work to be done.

Apprenticeship programs, also known as work-based learning, allow individuals to earn income by working, learn from mentors in the workplace and classroom, and receive an employer credential while taking on little to no student debt. They offer significant value by developing both technical skills and essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace.

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and can help develop a strong work ethic, making apprentices highly desirable to employers.

As a U.S. Army veteran, I know that the United States armed forces recognize the value of apprenticeships, having created the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program to help active duty, reserve and guard members improve their job skills and earn recognition equal to their civilian counterparts.

Many college degree programs do not include a work-based learning component in the curriculum, which could create a gap for students who lack prior direct-related work experience. According on an article in Forbes, the U.K. and Germany have developed “apprenticeship degree” programs as one solution. Craft Education, a technology platform that integrates work-based learning experiences to expand degree apprenticeship programs, states that the five keys to apprenticeship degrees are efficiency, flexibility, relevance, affordability and professional capital.

The challenge for many apprenticeship programs is how to document the hours worked and skills learned by the apprentice. My employer, Western Governors University, recently acquired Craft Education in its endeavor to develop, launch and scale workbased learning pathways.

Apprenticeship programs present a winwin scenario for employers and employees. Employers can help fill their workforce needs by training, retaining and promoting individuals. Employees get paid, fill the “experience gap” missing from most degree programs, learn from experienced mentors and supervisors, and take on little to no student debt.

Employers, educators and career seekers can learn more about the value of apprenticeships at www.apprenticeship.gov.

Benjamin M. Coulter, Ed.D., is the Southeast regional director for accredited online Western Governors University and serves as chancellor of WGU in North Carolina.

CLASSIFIEDS

Spanish Teacher (6-8), CharlotteMecklenburg Schools (Multi Opnings), Charlotte, NC. Prep Span lang lssn & del mid sch (6-8) stud instr. M-F, 9:15a - 4:15p w/ occ aft hrs. Reqs bach in Ed/Span/rel/equiv. Mst have/elig for NC Span K-12 Tchng Lic. Reqs prof in Span as demnstrtd w/ NC Span K-12 Tchng Lic. Hires mst consnt to drg scrn & bg chck. Apply: resume to robert.ellyson@ cms.k12.nc.us & ref#116798.

IT Professionals: Entry Level to Senior Level (Multiple Positions) AI/ML Business Analysts are needed for our Charlotte, NC office. Must be willing to trvl to set up sys to var clients at unanticipated locations across the nation. Pls send resume, cover letter & salary reqmt to Tekrules LLC at 10402 Olde Ivy Way, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Multiple Positions, Charlotte NC Quality Assurance Analyst- Under s’vision, be involved in verification, validation, & process improve activities incl manual & auto s/ware testing; test planning, test case writing, scripting, test execution & test reporting. Salary $63,690/yr. Req. Bachelor’s (or foreign equi. degree) in Comp. Sci., Comp. Info. Sys., Electrical Engg, Comp. Apps., Bus. Admin., Engg. (any field), Math., MIS or rel w/ knowl of at least 7 tech’s. from the following list: NOSQL, Spring, Struts, Hibernate, C, C++, C#, JSP, Web Services, CSS, XML, XSL, HTML, JavaScript, Oracle, Java, J2EE, UNIX, AJAX, Visual Basic, Appium, Selenium WebDriver, JMeter, TestNG, JSF, Informatica, Business Objects, SQL Server, WebLogic, Crystal Reports, LINUX, Eclipse, JUNIT, UML, .Net, MVC, Singleton; COBOL and TOAD. WCF, Perl, PL/SQL, WebSphere, ASP.Net, ADO. Net, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, GitHub, GitLab, SVN, Postman, SonarQube, Jira, Trello, Mantis, Jenkins, Quickbuild; Windows, Linux, MacOS, Docker, AWS, Azure.

Business Analyst - Create & maintain (data entry, data audit) a d/base on sales & client relationship mngmnt the company; analyze sales data & generate reports for bus strategic decisions to grow bus & profit; as well as validate, extract, clean, manipulate, & analyze data, generate reports for mngmnt team. Salary $84,032/yr. Req’s Bachelor’s (or frgn equi. degree) Business Admn., Accounting, or rel w/ knowl of the following skills: Cost Accounting, Finc’l Mngmnt, Data Analysis & Stats as well as Bus Strategy.

Data Analyst - Analyze high volumes of data from multiple sources & provides recs to company based on data trends; analyze previous data to predict sales and support sales & marketing teams to devel effective strategies. Req’s Master’s degree (or foreign equi. degree) Comp Sci, Marketing Analytics, Math or rel w/ knowl of at least 5 of the following skills: Tableau, SQL, R, Python, Google Analytics, Microsoft Suite, Canva, SPSS or SAS.

Business Development Analyst - Conduct research on the market conditions of IT areas to ID strategic bus ops; collect & analyze market d/bases using finc’l/stat models & GIS application to forecast IT marketing & sales trends; get involved in project proposals; prep & analyze bus reports for mngmnt reviews; devel & formulate bus systs in conformance w/ bus devel initiatives. Trav to var unanticpt project worksites loc t/out the US. Salary $130,021/yr. Req’s Master’s (or foreign equi. degree) in Bus, Econ, Geoscience, Sustainable International Devel or rel w/ knowl of performing qualitative/ quantitative research; data collection & analysis; as well as project planning & devel. Apply PNK Connections, LLC 301 McCullough Drive, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC-28262

NASCAR drivers explain what makes Coca-Cola 600 special

CONCORD – NASCAR continues a Memorial Day weekend tradition by returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25 for the Coca-Cola 600.

For many drivers, the Coca-Cola 600 is more than a race. Here’s what some of them had to say about the experience.

Austin Dittllon, No. 3, Richard Childress Racing

“To me, it's probably one of the most special weekends of the year. The patriotism that we show at the Coke 600, there's no bigger weekend in our sport, getting to honor all of our military men and women out there who pay the ultimate sacrifice, and it's a fun racing weekend in all.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing

“It's always cool to enjoy the Memorial Day Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the Coke 600. It's just iconic for what it is and being able to have many of the members of the military there and having them be a part of the pre-race program and honoring them halfway and all that, it's a really special week and great race to kind of cap off the Memorial Day Weekend with.”

Chase Elliott, No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports

“It's honoring our troops and our service members, which I think NASCAR's done a great job of over the years. It's really become a great tradition of that race and that whole race weekend. I've always felt like NASCAR and Charlotte (Motor Speedway) and everyone

there has done a great job of honoring them and I hope we continue to do that.”

Ty Dillon, No. 10, Kaulig Racing

“My favorite thing about the Coca-Cola 600 is the Honor and Remember Program and remembering all the soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. That whole weekend is so special. We always carry fallen soldiers' names on our cars and get to interact with their families and that race is so much bigger than just about us, also the pageantry. The longest race of our year, it’s one of the special ones. Also, it's in my backyard where I grew up here in North Carolina.”

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing

“I think it’s unique because it's obviously the longest race we have in our sport. It’s one of the Crown Jewels, but it goes back to what it represents and with Memorial Day Weekend and everything that it represents. To me, it’s the one event that is bigger than the race and the 600 (miles) is secondary to that.”

Chris Buescher, No. 17, RFK Racing

“Memorial Day Weekend is always just a little extra special. We always get to do some really neat things with some different families, but to come out to the racetrack and show them our sport firsthand is always a little bit surreal. The pre-race activities are always very much over the top and just extra special. It makes for a very humbling race weekend.”

Chase Briscoe, No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing

“Every weekend I always look up in the stands and I kind of have this pinch-me

moment, but there are certain races throughout the year that have a little bit more extra significance and the Coke 600 is certainly one of those races that every single year I'm just like, ‘I cannot believe I'm racing in the Coke 600.’ As a kid, we would always watch the Indy 500 and watch the Coke 600. So, for me now to know that I'm part of this iconic race on this huge day of motorsports, but then also on Memorial Day Weekend, is the significance of that. It’s really really special. It’s a race that every driver dreams of winning and even just competing in it is always a super special privilege. I’m honored to get to do it every single year.”

Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing

“Memorial Day Weekend is always special because you're racing for so much more than just racing, and it's to honor and remember all the people who have given and who are currently giving to our great country.”

Joey Logano, No. 22, Team Penske

“The Mission 600 appearances are my favorite appearances of the year. Where you get to go to a military base and see, boots on the ground, what these men and women are doing for our country, for our freedom. People who are making the ultimate sacrifice. Not only them but their families too, for complete strangers, like you and I, that is the most incredible thing. So, for us to say thank you is really neat to build a relationship. From those days that I've got to spend there are awesome. Last year, we went to fly in an F-16, which was really cool. I became friends with the whole

squadron and our tagline this year is ‘Double Down.’ That's their squadron name and that's what our tagline is going to be this year. So, we got kind of a thing going together and it's really neat because they all came from Mission 600.”

John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42, Legacy Motor Club

“It means a lot to me to race on Memorial Day Weekend. Being a kid growing up at the Coke 600 with my dad, being able to see the pre-race festivities that are put on and ultimately honoring those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, to give us freedom in this country is a huge honor of ours. Being able to compete and do what we love every Sunday wouldn't have been possible without them. So being able to race in the Coca-Cola 600, Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, is truly special.”

Erik Jones, No. 43, Legacy Motor Club

“For me, it's always pretty special. I've had family that served, in the past, and so it brings a pretty special day of remembrance for a pretty special weekend and just to see what the track and what NASCAR does to honor those past and present members and especially with getting the names on the car, it's always been a really neat weekend.

Want to go?

Fans can buy Coca-Cola 600 weekend tickets at charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-3267. Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for $10.

BBB says AI tools, dark web sites pose risk

CHARLOTTE – Since 2021, identity and information theft reports to BBB Scam Tracker have totaled more than 16,600 and monetary losses are rising, according to a new study by the Better Business Bureau’s International Investigations Initiative.

Nearly every scam involves some sort of information theft, and scam survivors who lost money may not realize their personal information has also been compromised. Reports to BBB indicate that the landscape of identity theft is changing with the widespread adoption of AI tools and dark websites that allow sales of stolen information.

In the new study “AI tools and dark web power identity theft, BBB study shows, putting bank accounts, social security numbers at risk,” the International Investigations Initiative examines patterns of reports, reviews the amount of money lost and shares stories from those caught up in the scams so the public can avoid them.

Key findings

• Identity and information theft are a part of nearly every other scam, and it is nearly impossible to keep all sensitive information safe.

• Fraudsters target information that allows

them to impersonate people or create fake identities for additional scams, including passwords, bank routing numbers, Social Security Numbers and even social media profiles.

• Dozens of websites on the internet and dark web allow the sale of stolen information.

• Scammers trade tips on how to evade law enforcement, share new techniques to steal information and sell data to one another.

Identity and information theft scam reports across North America (20222024)

• 16,667 – BBB Scam Tracker

• 4,713,627 – Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network

• 40,639 – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Scam survivor stories

Sherease in North Carolina was contacted and offered a job in late March. Once she started completing tasks, the scammers continued to ask for money to complete additional tasks. She was promised by the customer service representative that after she deposited the last amount of money asked for, she would be able to withdraw her funds. Since then, the scammers have been

contacting her via WhatsApp trying to get her to deposit more money to cover the last task in the amount of nearly $9,000. The scammers even went as far as telling Sherease to get the money from a loan shark. Unfortunately, Sharease lost more than $3,000 and has been unsuccessful in recuperating her funds.

Ricky in North Carolina said that scammers hacked into his internet and used his personal information to take grants and loans out in his name. What are the signs of identity theft?

• Misspelled website URLs

• Suspicious links or attachments in unexpected emails

• Websites with low quality design

• Texts from unknown sources

• Unexpected messages on social media How can I protect myself from identity theft?

• Secure your personal information. Usernames, passwords, bank accounts and Social Security Numbers are just a few of the personal pieces of information you should be very wary about showing to anyone but fully trusted sources.

• Monitor your accounts. Information theft

is incredibly hard to avoid. Regularly checking your credit report and financial accounts can help you catch fraud in the earliest stages before costly scams occur.

• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Experts agree that multi-factor authentication is one of the best ways to safeguard your accounts. While it may add a step when you log in, it can make your most sensitive accounts nearly impenetrable to all but the most cunning scammers.

• Protect your financial identity. If you don’t need to open any new credit accounts soon, freezing your credit can stop scammers from ever getting the chance to use stolen information. Setting up fraud alerts can help you cut off scammers’ attempts before any damage is done.

For over a decade, BBB’s International Investigations Initiative has advocated for an ethical marketplace by conducting deep-dive research on the riskiest and most common scams reported across North America.

Visit BBB.org/scamstudies for more on information theft and other scams.

Visit BBB.org to check out a business or register a complaint and BBB Scam Tracker to report a scam.

How Women Experience Heart Disease Differently

FAMILY

Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death.

Although heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, according to the American Heart Association, symptoms are often overlooked or explained away as less worrisome conditions.

“Men and women experience many aspects of life differently, and heart disease is no exception,” said LeAnne Bloedon, MS, RD, vice president of clinical development, Esperion Therapeutics. “Symptoms of a heart attack aren’t as obvious as many women think, and failing to recognize the danger and get help can have catastrophic results.”

One heart disease risk factor, for example, is high LDL cholesterol. Often referred to as a “silent killer,” it doesn’t always present noticeable symptoms. In fact, data suggests women with high LDL cholesterol are not diagnosed or treated as early or aggressively as men, which can put women at an increased risk for cardiovascular events. Understanding how men’s and women’s risk and symptoms differ may help identify and treat a serious heart health problem before it causes lasting damage.

Anatomy Differences

Some differences between men and women are present in the body’s internal systems, including the cardiovascular system. Women generally have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels.

This can affect heart health in numerous ways, including less efficient stress responses and greater risk of widespread plaque buildup, especially in smaller vessels, called microvasculature, which can pose treatment challenges.

Cholesterol Buildup

Hormones influence aspects of the body’s function, including cholesterol levels. Estrogen, a female sex hormone, raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This may be why women tend to have more HDL cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol than men, especially before they reach menopause, though inherited high cholesterol can affect women of all ages.

“It’s critical to raise awareness about the importance of measuring LDL cholesterol, diagnosing high cholesterol and treating elevated LDL cholesterol per guidelines and individual patient needs,” Bloedon said.

Risk Factors

While there are shared risk factors for heart disease among men and women (such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes), some risk factors disproportionately affect women. For example, uncontrolled cholesterol in women, particularly after menopause, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Care and Treatment

“While you may not be able to fully prevent heart disease, you can understand the risks and take proactive steps,” Bloedon said. “Commit to a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle. Exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet with limits on processed foods, sugar, sodium and alcohol. Take any medications as directed by your health care provider.” Statins, which reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver and

Symptoms of Heart Attacks in Women

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