MATTHEWS – The Matthews Board of Commissioners has voted against a proposal to add 25 video cameras to downtown but that decision may not be permanent.
Commissioners felt rushed into making a decision before a holiday weekend. Some spoke about the need for more research and public engagement.
Commissioners were receptive
some
Safety tips
Stay
around the
to learning more about the camera system when Police Chief James Avens Jr. presented the idea June 22. They asked staff to bring back more information for the July 13 meeting.
But a special meeting was convened on July 1 because the cost of the police chief’s proposal was set to increase by $16,000 after July 3. “I am a little miffed that we had to have this meeting today under the threat of a price increase,” Mayor John Higdon said.
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews has promoted Jay Camp to assistant town manager.
Camp has worked for the town since 2006 and has served as planning director for the past seven years. He most recently served as interim assistant town manager.
Camp will lead efforts to shape and implement strategic
He preferred to give the public more time to weigh in on the issue.
Town Manager Melia James said company representatives had previously mentioned the possibility of a nationwide price increase.
Commissioner Brian Hacker agreed with Higdon about having the special meeting before a holiday weekend. He noted that the board tabled the issue until its July meeting to get answers to questions and engage the public.
CHARLOTTE – Transit employees, industry partners and local officials gathered June 24 to celebrate 50 years of public transit in the region.
The event featured one of Charlotte’s original transit vehicles, historic bus designs and recognition of employees.
“For 50 years, public transit has helped connect people to opportunity, but the true story of this milestone is the people behind it,” said Brent Cagle, interim CEO of CATS. “Every day, operators, mechanics, dispatchers, customer service representatives and countless others show up committed to serving our community and helping residents get where they need to go safely and reliably. Their dedication has touched generations of families, supported our region’s growth and helped make Charlotte the city it is today.”
Transit Management of Charlotte, whose history dates back to the launch of Charlotte’s first city-run bus service in 1976, was also recognized during
see 50 YEARS, Page 3A
initiatives that strengthen economic vitality, community character and long-term resilience. Primary areas of focus include community and downtown development, including business retention and expansion, capital planning, housing affordability and quality-of-life initiatives.
“Jay has consistently demonstrated thoughtful
Leaders reject camera proposal for now
“I just feel like we’re pushing this through,” Hacker said. “It’s got bad optics.”
Commissioner Jennefer Garrity said her biggest concern from the June 22 presentation centered on policy. She said the town doesn’t have a policy in place regarding the camera system.
“That’s a huge red flag for me,” Garrity said. “I feel like we’re getting the cart before the horse.”
She rattled off a list of topics she’d like the policy to address: purpose, scope of use, acceptable
50 years of transit
CATS emphasizes workforce at celebration
Matthews planning director earns promotion
leadership, sound judgment and a deep commitment to serving the Matthews community,” Town Manager Melia James said. “His collaborative approach, institutional knowledge and proven success in building strong relationships in the community make him an outstanding addition to the town’s executive leadership team."
uses, access to controls, oversight, auditing and security. The price increase didn’t sit well with her, either.
“I can’t speak for everybody here tonight, but I think we wanted to have this meeting because, obviously, if we can save $16,000, we want to do that,” Garrity said. “But I think we have to be mindful that we’re just not ready to make this decision, in my opinion.”
CATS plans to update fares
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Transit System plans to roll out programs to modernize and grow ridership while ensuring a convenient and secure experience for customers.
Fare Modernization will introduce new ways to pay for a ride.
New electronic ticket validators will be added to light rail platforms and onboard buses and streetcars, allowing CATS to monitor ridership trends for service planning and manage fare compliance.
Fare Modernization will simplify the fare payment process for riders through expansion of available CATS fare capping and reducing several existing fare products into one pay-as-you-go system. Riders will automatically receive daily, weekly and monthly fare caps rather than determining which product or pass best meets their service needs.
Pay-as-you-go allows riders to receive the benefits of unlimited daily, weekly or monthly passes through fare capping, without purchasing in advance.
Additional benefits of the Fare Modernization program include:
• Online account management to load value, check balance, view account history and track progress towards fare caps.
• Free transfers within a two-hour window for fares paid with the CATS-Pass app, contactless credit/debit card or smart card.
• Simplification of fare structure through reduction of the number of fare media and products.
• Expanded network of locations to purchase fare products and reload funds to registered accounts across the entire CATS service area.
• Expansion of reduced-fare eligibility and simplification of approval process.
CATS’ new Fare Ambassadors program will launch this fall in partnership with Block by Block. The program introduces a team of trained people tasked with conducting fare inspections, providing rider education and focusing on ways to reduce fare evasion.
Camp is honored to serve.
“Matthews is an exceptional community, and I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me," Camp said. "I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated employees, elected officials, residents and community partners as we move important projects forward and build on the town’s success.”
“These improvements make riding CATS simpler, more convenient and more customer-focused,” said Elizabeth Presutti, chief administration officer at CATS. “Fare Modernization and Fare Ambassadors will help us enhance the customer experience, ensuring all members of our community have a way to ride while supporting future system growth.”
CATS expects implementation of both programs to take 12 to 18 months.
Long journey
Novel explores immigration, 3B
Let's celebrate
Event billed as largest drone show in NC, 2A
Yummy
Try
new peanut recipes, 1B
NBA legend Muggsy Bogues joined the celebration to honor the workforce that has helped connect communities and keep the Charlotte area moving since 1976. Photos courtesy of CATS
safe
grill & fiireworks, 2B see CAMERAS, Page 3A
CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle addresses the crowd.
Charlotte celebration includes drones
CHARLOTTE
– The Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Knights and Charlotte Center City Partners will present a multi-layered Salute to America 250 on July 4 at Romare Bearden Park and Truist Field.
First, head to Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte on July 4 to celebrate America 250 with free performances and entertainment on the stage near Graham Street and a fireworks/drone show finale. The celebrations will begin at 4:30 p.m. America 250: Charlotte is presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated in partnership with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.
“We are excited for the
opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate this milestone for our nation,” said Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to stand with our partners and sponsors in creating a vibrant, engaging celebration that reflects our shared story.”
Inside Truist Field, the evening’s marquee event features a concert by the Charlotte Symphony in partnership with the Charlotte Knights, presented by Truist Bank. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performance is led by Kwamé Ryan, with an opening act
Chaplains deploy to Venezuela following earthquakes
CHARLOTTE – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Caracas, Venezuela, following earthquakes that impacted the area on June 24.
Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck less than one minute apart, causing widespread destruction and collapsing buildings in the capital city and surrounding communities.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are deploying to offer emotional and spiritual care to survivors, grieving families and first responders.
“Our hearts break for the people of Venezuela as they begin to navigate the overwhelming loss and devastation left behind by these earthquakes,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “So many families have lost loved ones, homes and any sense of normalcy. Our chaplains will walk alongside those who are grieving,
pointing them to the light and hope of Jesus Christ during one of the darkest times of their lives. As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you.’ We pray that those words become a source of comfort for many in the days ahead.”
The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also led by Franklin Graham. Together, the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who were impacted.
In addition to Venezuela, chaplains are ministering in southern Mississippi and Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following severe flooding, and in Charleston, Illinois, following a tornado.
The BG-RRT also continues to offer emotional and spiritual care to families who have been forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
featuring the North Carolina String Band All-Stars. Attendees will hear a performance that celebrates the spirit and sound of American music, from John Williams to Gershwin and Sousa. Gates open at 6 p.m. It all culminates with the WBT Skyshow program and fireworks, as well as the largest drone show in the Carolinas, presented by CocaCola Consolidated. Tickets start at $25.
Attendees in Romare Bearden Park will enjoy entertainment starting at 4:30 p.m. They can expect food trucks nearby on MLK Jr. Boulevard and Third Street, a kids’ zone and activities hosted by Coca-Cola Consolidated. The
evening’s concert will also be simulcast in Romare Bearden Park and will be sponsored by Bank of America. Attendees will then have a great view of the fireworks and drone show.
Want to go?
• Parking: Nearby decks at 420
• Bus Stop: CTC/Arena (10-minute walk)
• Light Rail: 3rd St./Convention Center Stop (6-minute walk) Learn more about America 250: Charlotte at uptowncharlotte.com/ do/america-250-charlotte.
CALENDAR
9:15-9:45
CAMERAS
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James clarified that the town has policies that govern artificial intelligence and body-worn cameras but they would need to be updated by the board to address the downtown camera system.
Commissioner Jonathan Clayton said he felt nervous about rushing the issue before July 4. He preferred locking in the price with the vendor and then discussing the issue July 13 as planned.
“I think this technology is somewhat intrusive, but if it could catch a child predator or something like that, I think it’s probably worthwhile to have,” Higdon said. “But if this vendor can’t hold their
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Conversation Club Preteens and teens practice speaking Spanish during Intermediate Spanish Conversation Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews Noon-1 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Chess Club Teens play and practice chess at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 1-2 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Book Club The Mint Hill Mystery Book Club discusses “Don’t Let Him In” by Lisa Jewell at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill 2-3 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Paws to Read Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at 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
July 7 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. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
price for two weeks, I would not vote to buy it from this vendor and pay $16,000 more. I think we would have to find another vendor, from my perspective.”
Commissioner Kerry Lamson felt like staff addressed his questions. He would like for any related policies to be transparent for the public.
“I think we should have a system like this in our town for the issues that we are talking about,” Lamson said. “I think we need more than the two cameras from the hardware side of this.
“I also believe strongly that we need to have a transparent, protective policy in place that is clear for everyone, protects the rights of our residents and
Family Storytime Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts in person 30 minutes before the event. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Mint-Hill 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 6840 MatthewsMint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Knot Just Knitting Adults work on knitting or crocheting projects during Knot Just Knitting at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews Noon-1:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Crafternoon Teens create crafts during Community Service Project: Crafternoon at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 2-3 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Marvelous Math Children ages 3-5 engage in math-themed stories and activities during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous Math at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 2-2:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime: Night Owls Storytime at Matthews Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 6:30-7 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
July 8 Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
also protects the power of our police and isn’t subject to public records requests without a court involved.”
Commissioners unanimously voted against the proposal after hearing from a few public speakers.
Commissioner John Urban was not at the meeting.
It’s not clear if commissioners will change their minds next month. While there is interest in getting a system in place by Matthews Alive, Garrity said it may depend on the information staff provides the board.
Commissioner Susan Chambers even threw out the idea of delaying a decision until September to allow for due diligence.
50 YEARS
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the celebration for five decades of service.
“TMOC’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of public transit in Charlotte,” said Seyi Osiyemi, general manager of bus operations for TMOC, WeDriveU. “For five decades, transit employees have shown up every day with a commitment to service, teamwork and community. We are proud of the legacy they have built and grateful for the generations of employees whose professionalism and dedication have helped connect people to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity.”
“While today is an opportunity to celebrate how far public transit has come over the last 50 years, it is also a chance to look ahead,” Howard said. “Charlotte continues to grow, and public transportation will remain essential to connecting people, supporting economic opportunity and improving mobility throughout our region. The investments we make today will help ensure future generations have access to a transit system that meets the needs of a growing and evolving community.”
The anniversary also highlighted milestones in transit history, including the launch of public bus operations in 1976, the creation of CATS in 2000 and the opening of the first light rail line in 2007.
Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues joined Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Chair David Howard for a conversation about teamwork, leadership, resilience and the importance of creating opportunity through strong, connected communities.
Sustain Charlotte releases I-77 South Mobility Report
CHARLOTTE – Sustain
Charlotte has released a new report, A Better Way Forward: Strategies to Improve Mobility, Reliability, and Safety on I-77 South, outlining a set of recommendations to improve one of the Charlotte region’s most important transportation corridors.
I-77 South serves commuters, freight movement, regional economic activity and daily travel between Mecklenburg County, York County and the broader Charlotte metropolitan area. As the region continues to grow, the corridor faces worsening congestion, unreliable travel times and safety concerns.
The report concludes that I-77 South’s challenges are real but more complex than a simple shortage of lanes. Some congestion is caused by traffic demand exceeding available roadway capacity. Other congestion results from operational turbulence, including short merge lanes, weaving movements, sudden braking, crashes, stalled vehicles, closely spaced entrances and exits, and inconsistent speeds.
“Improving I-77 South requires a more complete strategy than simply adding lanes,” said Shannon Binns, founder and executive director of Sustain Charlotte. “The region should evaluate practical operational improvements, stronger transit options, demand-management strategies, targeted ramp and interchange modernization, and long-term opportunities to reconnect communities. These tools are already being used in peer regions across the country, and many can be evaluated or piloted much sooner than a major highway expansion.”
The report recommends that state lawmakers and the North Carolina Board of Transportation work closely with the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization board members, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg
County, regional jurisdictions and other partners to evaluate and implement the recommendations without delay.
Key recommendations
1. Evaluate ramp metering at key bottlenecks
Ramp metering uses traffic signals on highway entrance ramps to control how quickly vehicles enter the freeway. By spacing vehicles before they merge, ramp metering can reduce turbulence, improve travel-time reliability, reduce stop-and-go traffic breakdowns and improve safety at key bottlenecks.
2. Modernize ramps and interchanges without expanding the highway footprint
Many ramps and interchanges along older urban freeways were not designed for today’s traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, safety standards or multimodal needs.
The report recommends evaluating targeted ramp, interchange and bottleneck improvements that reduce weaving, improve safety, simplify confusing movements, improve bicycle and pedestrian crossings, and avoid expanding into adjacent neighborhoods, parks, greenways, cemeteries or other valuable community assets.
The report also recommends evaluating ramp consolidation, ramp removal and right-sizing opportunities where they could reduce conflict points, improve local connectivity and reclaim land for public benefit.
3. Deploy Active Traffic Management Active Traffic Management uses real-time technology to manage traffic conditions. Strategies can include variable speed limits, lanecontrol signs, real-time incident warnings, queue warnings, dynamic shoulder use and traveler information systems. These tools can improve safety and reliability, particularly in corridors with
frequent incidents, heavy merging and variable speeds.
4. Pilot Bus on Shoulder operations on I-77 South North Carolina already operates Bus on Shoulder service in the Triangle region. The report recommends evaluating a Charlotte-region Bus on Shoulder pilot for I-77 South, in combination with express bus service, park-and-ride facilities and ramp metering. This strategy could help buses bypass congestion during peak periods and provide more reliable travel times for riders.
5. Preserve and expand regional express bus service
Existing bus service in the I-77 South corridor is limited. The report recommends improving regional express bus service connecting Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Pineville, Ballantyne, South End and Uptown Charlotte. Potential improvements include more frequent all-day and peakperiod service, park-and-ride facilities, direct service to major employment centers, queue jumps, transit priority treatments and future Bus Rapid Transit infrastructure.
6. Implement Transportation Demand Management Transportation Demand Management strategies reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, especially during peak commute periods. The report recommends employer-based strategies such as transit passes, vanpool and carpool incentives, preferential parking, parking cash-out programs, pretax commuter benefits, guaranteed ride home programs, hybrid work policies, staggered start times, park-and-ride partnerships and commuter marketing.
These strategies can begin before major infrastructure projects are complete and can make other transportation
investments more effective.
7. Advance the Blue Line extension and evaluate future high-capacity transit connections south
The report recommends continuing to prioritize the planned Blue Line extension to Pineville and Ballantyne while also evaluating whether longterm high-capacity transit should extend farther south toward Fort Mill and Rock Hill.
Options that deserve evaluation include a southern Blue Line extension or branch, Bus Rapid Transit between Rock Hill/Fort Mill and the I-485 Blue Line station, and phased combinations of these strategies.
8. Study regional commuter rail options
The report recommends evaluating whether regional commuter rail could connect Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Pineville and Uptown Charlotte using existing rail corridors where feasible.
Options should include shared use of existing Norfolk Southern tracks, dedicated passenger tracks within or adjacent to existing rail corridors, regional rail service with more frequent all-day operations or preservation of a separate passenger rail corridor if shared or parallel use is infeasible.
9. Evaluate highway capping, tunneling, ramp right-sizing, and community reconnection opportunities
Selective highway capping, tunneling, ramp right-sizing, and land reclamation could reconnect neighborhoods divided by highway infrastructure while creating opportunities for public space, development, safer walking and biking connections, and longterm economic value.
The report notes that Charlotte’s Reconnecting the West End study is already exploring how ramp and interchange redesign can support
community repair near I-77 and Uptown. Similar opportunities should be evaluated along I-77 South where appropriate.
Regional plans already point toward high-capacity transit
The report also notes that highcapacity transit in the I-77 South / U.S. 21 corridor is not a new idea.
Regional planning efforts dating back to 1988 have identified the need for stronger transit connections between Charlotte and communities to the south.
More recently, CONNECT Beyond identified the I-77 South corridor as a high-capacity transit corridor between Uptown Charlotte and Downtown Rock Hill, with connections to Fort Mill and surrounding communities.
Beyond 77 also identified regional high-capacity transit and dedicated bus lanes as part of the corridor’s mobility toolbox.
“The path forward is not a mystery,” Binns said. “For decades, regional planning efforts have pointed toward the same conclusion: growing congestion on I-77 South cannot be solved by highway expansion alone. High-capacity transit and other multimodal strategies have been recommended repeatedly. The question now is whether the region’s leaders are ready to act.”
Sustain Charlotte urges state lawmakers and the North Carolina Board of Transportation to work closely with CRTPO board members, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and regional partners to evaluate these recommendations quickly and transparently. The organization also encourages decision-makers to measure future transportation investments not only by vehicle speed, but by their ability to improve safety, move people efficiently, provide reliable travel choices, support economic opportunity, reconnect communities and strengthen the region for future generations.
MINUTES FROM BALLANTYNE
MODERN, ELEVATED LIVING
FEATURE IMPACT healthy brain goes beyond reading exercises and completing puzzles – it extends to the kitchen, too.
Emerging nutritional science is clear that what people eat doesn’t just fuel the body; it shapes memory, mood and cognitive health.
Among the foods you can include in your diet to give your brain a boost are peanuts and peanut butter, staples valued not only for their convenience but also for their cognitive benefits.
In fact, a study published in the “Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease” found adults
60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter.
It’s not just the older generation that can benefit. According to research published in “Clinical Nutrition,” a study of college students ages 18-33 showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
Consider this key information from the Georgia Peanut Commission before your next meal planning session.
Nutrients that Give the Brain a Boost
Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes:
n Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry”
n Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline
n Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the “Journal of Biological Chemistry”
n P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety
Peace of MIND
Peanuts are included in the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which specifically includes foods shown to benefit the brain.
Adding peanuts to your menu can be a breeze. Look no further than a powerful main course like Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad, a perfect accompaniment at potlucks and cookouts as an easy side or light main course. Make breakfast-on-the-go part of your daily commute with Flourless Blueberry Muffins that require just five ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, or add a pinch of protein to snack time with Protein Balls that can be refrigerated until hunger strikes.
Brain Food for Thought
Supporting your brain starts with the right nutrition, and evidence makes clear peanuts and peanut butter should be top-of-mind as you head to the grocery store. For help getting started, find more recipes and nutritional information by visiting GAPeanuts.com.
Start thinking about brain health
CHARLOTTE – The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center is encouraging individuals and families to prioritize lifelong brain health through education, healthy habits, early awareness and meaningful community support.
Conversations about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health continue to evolve, and while Alzheimer’s remains an important public health concern, brain health begins long before a diagnosis. Experts increasingly recognize the role that social connection, physical activity, quality sleep, nutrition, stress management and cognitive engagement play in supporting overall cognitive wellness throughout life.
“Awareness and education are some of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to brain health,” said Lynn Ivey, CEO and founder of The Ivey. “For many families, receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming and isolating. Our goal is to create a community where individuals feel supported,
INSPECTIONS
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empowered and reminded that they are not alone.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin years before symptoms appear, reinforcing the importance of proactive education, healthy lifestyle habits and early intervention.
Through specialized programming focused on socialization, movement, cognitive engagement and emotional wellness, The Ivey works to support individuals living with memory and cognition challenges while also offering support and guidance for caregivers.
“People often ask when they should start thinking seriously about brain health,” Ivey said. “The answer is simple: now.
It’s never too early – and it’s never too late – to take steps that support cognitive wellness.”
Since opening more than 16 years ago, The Ivey has continued advocating for a more compassionate and informed approach to dementia care. Programs are designed to encourage mental, physical and
social well-being through structured activities.
Stigma continues to prevent some families from seeking early support.
“There was a time when dementia was rarely discussed openly,” Ivey said. “Families often felt pressure to quietly manage the challenges on their own.
“Thankfully, we’ve seen progress over the years, but there is still more work to do in helping people understand that individuals living with cognitive decline still deserve joy, conversation, purpose and community. Removing stigma helps people seek help earlier, access resources sooner and recognize that a diagnosis does not diminish a person’s value and dignity.”
Because cognitive decline affects the entire family, The Ivey also emphasizes the importance of caregiver wellness, recognizing the physical and emotional demands often placed on families caring for loved ones with dementia-related illnesses.
On the web: theivey. com/programs
Novel explores immigrant experience
CHARLOTTE – Years of teaching, living on a working farm and raising three sons provided Penny S. Ledbetter with much inspiration for her writing. The concept for the middle-grade historical novel, “De Lange Reis: The Long Journey,” grew from the need to share the immigrant experience of her Dutch greatgrandparents and their nine children.
“Growing up, my family’s immigration story was heavily romanticized with imagery of Dutch almond cookies and fields of daffodils,” Ledbetter said. “But my research uncovered a much tougher reality. As the only surviving girl, my great-aunt Helena had to surrender her childhood to keep the household running and care for her younger brothers. I wrote this book to honor her actual strength and determination with an honest, vulnerable approach that history textbooks simply cannot replicate.”
By connecting historical struggles with modern themes like relocation, family conflict, illness and friendship, “De Lange
Reis,” explores immigrants’ pursuit of safety and prosperity, drawing parallels between 20th-century agrarian struggles and modern 21st-century immigration.
From the moment 8-year-old Helena Swart leaves the Netherlands in 1912 to immigrate to the United States, she is full of questions. What will America be like? Will my family be happy there? Will I make new friends? And will I ever see my best friend, Sofie, again?
After a grueling 10-day voyage on an overcrowded ship, Helena must quickly adjust to her new life: practicing English, milking cows and churning butter, tending crops, and cooking and cleaning endlessly. With eight brothers to care for and no sisters to keep her company, Helena often wonders if she’ll ever find her way.
“History becomes real for young readers as they see Helena live it out in real-time,” Ledbetter said. “Through her experiences, the reader can see how immigration affected the lives of those during that time period. She becomes familiar, not someone from long ago.”
“De Lange Reis: The Long Journey” is published by Warren Publishing.
200, Charlotte, NC 28213.
Data & Analytics Sr Data Delivery Manager, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC)
Responsible for the end-to-end delivery of data content & data mgmt capabilities to a business units or functional area. Responsible for the dvlpmt & on-going mgmt of data assets or solutions aligned to those same business units & functional areas. Must have Bach’s deg in Comp Sci, MIS, Analytics, Data Science or rltd field. Must have 10 yrs of progressive exp in data analytics or data mgmt positions. Must have at least 6 yrs of exp working w/in the fin’l services industry performing the following: Working as an advisor to fin’l services organizations; Driving data execution, incl data engg, s/ware delivery, business intelligence & reporting, & master & reference data mgmt; Meeting regulatory reporting obligations & operating in a highly regulatory environment; Leading a high performing team, incl identifying & recruiting talent, managing performance, mentoring, & making decisions about resource allocations according to predefined budgets, for F/T & contract resources across US & non-US locations; Using latest technologies for data ingestion, integration, transformation, storage, mining/warehousing, & advanced data analytics; Applying broad functional knowl in reqmt gathering, analysis, design, dvlpmt, testing, implmtn, & deployment of applications; Overall accts mgmt, incl basic acctg, accts growth, dvlpg strategies & roadmap for successful target completion; Managing profitability in business engagements by tracking work statements, budgeting entire proceedings, & providing optimum mgmt of time & resources; Collaborating w/ business units & technology service providers on delivery priorities & timelines; Communicating effectively w/ multiple business & IT stakeholders; & Utilizing exp w/ API & Microservices, MicroStrategy, Tableau, Java, AWS, Data Modeling, JIRA, & Traditional RDBMS (MS SQL Server). Must have 2 yrs of exp w/: Delivering IT solutions to business units that meet business reqmts in the assigned timeframe, incl IT/data reporting projects & target state technologies; & Planning & managing projects & solving complex problems by applying best practice. Position may be eligible to work hybrid/ remotely but is based out of & reports to Truist offices in Charlotte, NC. Must be available to travel to Charlotte, NC regularly for meetings & reviews w/ manager & project teams w/in 24-hrs’ notice. Apply online (https://careers.truist.com/) or email resume to recruitment@truist.com. Ref Job # R0115473.
Director, Oracle Supply Chain & Operations, PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC, Charlotte, NC. Lead engagements leveraging Oracle applicationbased solutions, focusing on selling, executing, and managing complex projects within the Oracle product suite. Req. Bach’s deg or frgn equiv in Engg., Info Sys, Supply Chain, Mgmt or a rel fld + 7 yrs of rel wrk exp. of which at least 5 yrs mst be pst-bach prgrssv rel wrk exp.; or a Mstr’s deg or
Chain Mgmt or a rel fld+ 5
telecommuting permitted. Must be able to commute to a designated local office. Domestic and/ or international travel up to 80% required. Sal. range: $233,000- $293,000 / Yr. Please apply by sending your resume to US_PwC_Career_Recruitment@pwc.com , specifying Job Code NC4954 in the subject line.
Ledbetter
Causey: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a fun, safe way
by Mike Causey Insurance Commissioner
We’re celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4. It will be a great celebration for a great nation. Festivities will include firing up the backyard grill and viewing fireworks.
As we celebrate our 250th birthday, I encourage you to leave fireworks to the professionals. Many cities, towns and communities across North Carolina have fireworks displays over the Independence Day holiday.
I understand that many want to have their own backyard displays. If you choose to do that, please follow these fireworks safety tips:
• Never let children light fireworks or use sparklers unattended.
• Use fireworks in a clear area outdoors, away from dry leaves, people, pets, buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions or anything combustible. Be aware of windy or drought conditions that could alter the trajectory of fireworks or start fires.
• Have a bucket of water or hose around in case of an unexpected fire or firework duds.
• Stabilize fireworks on the ground before lighting, preferably on a fire-safe surface such as a cement pad or a driveway. Never light a firework in your hand.
• Only light one firework at a time. Then move back quickly to a safe location.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never place any part of your body over a firework while lighting its fuse.
• Don’t pick up or try to re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak them in water.
• Never throw or point fireworks at anyone or ignite fireworks in a container.
Grilling out hot dogs and burgers always makes for an enjoyable time with family and friends. I hope you’ll consider these commonsense safety tips when firing up your grill:
• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed far away from the home and deck railings.
• Never leave your grill unattended and always open the gas grill lid before lighting it.
• Douse all spent fireworks with water and then place them in a covered metal trash can away from buildings or combustibles until the next day. Only purchase and use fireworks labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• If using starter fluid, use
only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. It’s our 250th birthday! Let’s give it the celebration it deserves. Let’s do it safely.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner for North Carolina.
