Inside: See home sales in your neighborhood • Page 4A
Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 • Vol. 21 • No. 40
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County strengthens LGBTQ protections convinced colleagues to approve a policy that prohibits workplace discrimination in all employment settings. She described the action as a “small role in the advancement in the cause of justice.” Commissioner George Dunlap said he consulted with the county’s attorney to determine the risk in Altman’s amendment “Given the fact that what we proposed in the amendment is only applicable in the unincorporated area,
CHARLOTTE – The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 5 to strengthen LGBTQ protections in unincorporated areas. This follows a similar nondiscimination ordinance passed by the Charlotte City Council a few weeks prior. An initial draft of the protections allowed exemptions to businesses based on size. Commissioner Leigh Altman
it diminishes any exposure Mecklenburg County has,” said Dunlap, who chairs the commission. “I believe that we should not create these barriers between what happens inside the incorporated area and what happens outside the incorporated area, so that when people move one inch in another direction they are under a different set of rules.” LGBTQ advocates applauded the county’s stance. “Tonight’s discussion reaffirms
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the importance of LGTBQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances, in Mecklenburg County and across the state,” said Kendra Johnson, executive director of Equality North Carolina. “Measures like these will make Mecklenburg County a better place, especially for people with multiple layers of marginalization.” Visit www.thecharlotteweekly. com to read specifics about the protections.
by Kristen Anderson Contributor
Fall festivals A look at this month's regional events, 1B
New concept Grit Box Fitness arrives in Charlotte, 5A
Amisha and Ronak Ghelani collected more than 500 boxes of cereal to help Common Heart. They heard about the need while volunteering for the nonprofit. Photos courtesy of Common Heart
Helping seniors Iora Health has unique model of care, 2A
Taking reins Steeplechase has new executive director, 2B
Twins organize cereal drive for charity CHARLOTTE – Fourth-graders Amisha and Ronak Ghelani know what it means to put love in action. The 9-year-old twins from south Charlotte collected more than 500 boxes of cereal for Common Heart’s food pantries after seeing the cereal shelf was almost empty when they were volunteering at its Marshville location. The idea and execution was done without help from mom and dad. They made a flyer and walked their neighborhood to distribute
it. They asked friends and teachers at school to donate. They piled boxes up one by one in their living room and quickly exceeded their goal of 300 boxes of cereal. The most common donation? Honey Nut Cheerios – Ronak’s favorite. Amisha said she doesn’t like cereal but knows it’s important for families to have. “If everyone would do a cereal drive then nobody would be hungry,” she said. Common Heart Executive Director Keith Adams said the Ghelanis’ donation will feed a lot
of people said their desire to help their neighbors is encouraging. “It’s so inspiring to see students – especially some so young – really understand what it means to put ‘love in action,” Adams said. “They saw a problem and immediately took action to do something about it. We’re so very thankful for their kindness.” Amisha and Ronak want other people to follow their lead and donate to help neighbors. “It’s not hard,” Ronak said. “All you have to do is let people know about it.”
A colorful sign is posted near the entrance of the Galilee Center with the word “welcome” in eight languages. The Galilee Center is a gathering place and support center for refugee and immigrant families. Located in East Charlotte and sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, this community center hosts a variety of nonprofits that provide vital programs and services that feed the body, mind and spirit. On a recent Saturday morning, a group of interfaith volunteers of all ages gathered at the center to paint picnic tables and a fence that surrounds 43 garden plots reserved for refugee families. JustServe Charlotte and the Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network co-sponsored the event as one of their quarterly service projects to improve the community and promote unity. “Volunteering is a great way to switch your focus from yourself to others,” said Olivia Dial, a local JustServe.org director, who helped organize the event. “As we interact with other volunteers and serve community members, we realize how much we have in common. I feel more unified with others when I remember how alike we truly are.” The Galilee Center provides the space, water and protective fence for the community garden, but the families choose what to plant. “They grow crops familiar to them that are not available in grocery stores,” says Pam Isacks, the community garden coordinator. “Roselle, bitter melon, mohlokhia, long beans, a variety of chilies … many of them were farmers in their own countries, so they harvest large amounts of food to take home.” see VOLUNTEERS, Page 5A
Jimmie Johnson Foundation raises nearly half million for schools CHARLOTTE – Following the final INDYCAR race of his rookie season, Jimmie Johnson returned home to host the 14th Annual Jimmie Johnson Foundation Golf Tournament presented by Carvana on Oct. 4 at Quail Hollow Club. The event raised over $465,000. The Johnson golf tournament has raised more than $9 million in 14 years. Funds raised will benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Champions Grant program that supports K-12 public school programs in
the following areas: science and technology, language and literacy, health and wellness, school improvement and infrastructure, and the arts. Champions Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000 and are distributed across the country. Recipients of the 2021 Champions Grant program will be announced later in the year. The foundation hosted 148 golfers at Quail Hollow Club, home to the annual Wells Fargo Championship, host of the 2017 PGA Championship and the 2022 Presidents Cup. Among the guests were members of golf teams from five local Charlotte schools, including
Providence and South Mecklenburg high schools. “We are incredibly grateful for our event sponsors and supporters that made today’s sell out event possible,” said Alicia Morris Rudd, executive director of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. “We were able to bring together our donors, several local high school and college golf teams, and representatives from schools who have received the Champions Grants in past years. What a great day to bring together golf and giving back to the community.” On the web: www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org
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Jimmie Johnson poses with members of the South Mecklenburg High School golf team on Oct. 4 at Quail Hollow Club. Photo courtesy of JJF
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