Rob Harrington took the oath of office July 1 to become mayor of Charlotte.
Harrington pledged to work with the Charlotte City Council in the remaining 18 months of Vi Lyles’ term to reach their collective goals.
Harrington thanked Lyles
Let's celebrate
Event billed as largest drone show in NC, 2A
Yummy
Try some new peanut recipes, 1B
Long journey
Novel explores immigration, 3B
Safety tips
Stay safe around the grill & fiireworks, 2B
for her service to Charlotte, including her nearly nine years as mayor, four years as a city council member and many years working as a staff member for the city.
“I want you to know that this city has given me so much more than I have ever anticipated,” Lyles said. “I’m just grateful to be able to pass it along to someone else that I consider a good friend and someone that’s going to do a great job.”
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Tributes to Toby Keith and Prince are among the headline performers for this year’s Matthews Alive. Executive Director Lee Anne Moore shared details about the festival June 22 with town commissioners. Moore has been working with
CHARLOTTE – 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 whose service has helped sustain public transportation across the region.
“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.”
see 50 YEARS, Page 3A
Key Signature Entertainment, exchanging ideas and videos on potential sounds to bring to the Labor Day Weekend festival. She is excited about this year’s lineup. Electric Avenue will headline Friday, Sept. 4, with 1980s new wave hits. Moore was taken by how amazing lead vocalist Kevin Spencer sounds. The American Ride Toby
Transit Management of Charlotte, whose history dates back to the launch of Charlotte’s first city-run bus service in
Harrington grew up in Florence, South Carolina. His parents valued education and imprinted on their five children the importance of service.
“The community that we found when we moved to Charlotte 27 years ago reflected and reinforced those values,” Harrington said. “The city is full of residents who serve their schools, their neighborhoods, their houses of faith, all to make Charlotte the great city
Harrington takes oath to become mayor
that it is.”
He mentioned three former mayors that shared those qualities: Harvey Gantt, Richard Vinroot and Vi Lyles.
“Drawing on the charge from my parents, armed with the examples of these great role models and driven by a desire to move this city forward,”
he said, “I pledge to lead with three lenses: trust, order and efficiency, and respect.”
He wants to work with the
50 years of transit
CATS emphasizes workforce at celebration
Matthews Alive leader previews 2026 festival
Keith Tribute will headline Saturday, Sept. 5. Lead singer Mike Suggs not only has the sound but also the look of the late country singer. Marshall Charloff & The Purple XPeRIeNCE will headline Sunday, Sept. 6, with a Prince tribute. Festival-goers may remember the band on the Matthews Alive stage 10 years ago. Moore was going for a
council to make life better for citizens. He specifically mentioned the challenges of public safety, affordable housing and transportation infrastructure.
“If we remain committed to each other, if we approach this time with trust and respect, if we remember the examples of Mayor Gantt, Mayor Lyles, Mayor Vinroot and other leaders, then we will grow even stronger,” Harrington said.
CATS plans to update fares
– The Charlotte Area
CHARLOTTE
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.
concert that pays respect to Prince on the 10th anniversary of his passing but the booking breaks a personal rule of hers not to repeat headliners.
“I have not tried to repeat bands in a single season,” said Moore, who doubles as special events coordinator for the town.
“If something’s happening in
see FESTIVAL, Page 3A
“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.
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
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.
50 YEARS
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1976, was also recognized during 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.”
As part of the celebration, Charlotte Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues joined Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority Chair David Howard for a conversation about teamwork, leadership, resilience and the
CALENDAR
importance of creating opportunity through strong, connected communities.
“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 major milestones in Charlotte’s transit history, including the launch of public bus operations in 1976, the creation of CATS in 2000, the opening of the first light rail line in 2007 and recent investments that will help shape the future of mobility throughout Mecklenburg County.
NEWS BRIEFS
No delay to trash schedule
CHARLOTTE – City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services will collect residential garbage, recycling and yard waste on Friday, July 3. Bulky waste will be collected as scheduled.
The city will be closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day, but there will be no delay to collection services. Be sure that carts are placed at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on collection day. It is an orange recycling week.
Solid Waste Services offers text alerts for collection updates, service disruptions, recycling and waste preparation tips, quick surveys and other important city service information. Residents who would like to receive updates can text their day of service to 73224.
Catholic wins Wells Fargo Cup
CHAPEL HILL – Charlotte Catholic
(6A) secured its first Wells Fargo State Cup in 17 years from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
State cup points are earned for top eight finishes and playoffs qualifications relative to a school’s classification. Schools accumulate points through each academic year’s fall, winter and spring seasons Charlotte Catholic won for 6A.
FESTIVAL
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the Beats ‘n Bites series or in Summerfest, I try not to use it in Matthews Alive.
I’ve kind of juggled that for the last 13 years or so, and I’ve tried not to repeat any Saturday or Sunday headliners at Matthews Alive for 13 years, but I am breaking my own rule this year.”
Organizers are looking for a company to sponsor the main stage for this year’s festival. The main stage will feature musical performances for most of the festival. Other performers include The Entertainers, Jim Shafer, Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue, Dustin Wilson & The Howlers, Stella Rising,
Elsewhere in the South Charlotte area, Myers Park ranked second second among 8A schools, trailing the champion by 20 points. Ardrey Kell came in fourth place.
I-485 toll rates adjusted to keep traffic moving CHARLOTTE – The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is adjusting select toll rates for the I-485 Express Lanes to help maintain reliable and predictable travel times as demand grows.
Beginning June 29, NCTA implemented limited toll rate changes in five segments of the I-485 Express Lanes during peak travel times. In lower-demand areas and times, some rates will be reduced to better balance traffic flow along the corridor. In higherdemand areas and times, some rates will increase by no more than $0.25 per segment.
The I-485 Express Lanes have seen over 750,000 total trips taken since opening in late February.
Customers with an NC Quick Pass can save 50% on North Carolina tolls and can pay tolls electronically in 19 states. Learn more at ncquickpass.com.
Lemon, Hughley book show
CHARLOTTE – Journalist Don Lemon and comedian DL Hughley
U-Neek Flavur, Distillery Cats and Thirsty Horses.
There’s also space in the commercial exhibitor area. Moore said this space provides an opportunity for attendees to look at products in a no-pressure environment.
“It is sponsors, exhibitors and vendors that form kind of the base of the festival, and without those space fees, the festival suffers,” Moore said.
There’s also space available to join the Matthews Alive parade at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 5. Organizers will continue with the change they made last year to the parade route with it traveling down Trade Street, turning right on John Street and disembarking at Covenant
have added 15 dates to their DL + DL “Anything Goes” tour, including a stop in Charlotte.
The pair will perform Sept. 19 at Ovens Auditorium. The live show blends comedy and political commentary, covering current events, race, pop culture and social issues. Lemon, host of “The Don Lemon Show,” and Hughley, host of “The DL Hughley Show,” launched the tour earlier this year. Tickets went on sale July 1 at ticketmaster.com.
Avelo Airlines adds FL routes CONCORD – Avelo Airlines has announced new routes at ConcordPadgett Regional Airport (USA) to Florida destinations of Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa.
Avelo will operate these routes"
• Fort Myers via Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): Begins Nov. 19, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays
• Orlando via Orlando International Airport (MCO): Begins Nov. 18, with service four days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
• Tampa via Tampa International Airport (TPA): Begins Nov. 20, with twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays
Church Lane. This was done for safety purposes.
“I want to thank the folks at Covenant Day Church and school for cooperating with us,” Moore said.
“We know they have a lot of activities and a lot of things happening down there during the weekends, so I want to thank them specifically for allowing us to crash their side of town with a much more safe, less chaotic end to the parade.” Matthews Alive will be using a new carnival company this year. The town used R&D Amusements during Summerfest in May.
“They’re going to be bringing some rides that are new or that are kind of reimagined,” Moore said.
“Different companies have different groups of things in
their arsenal, so hopefully everybody can enjoy some new attractions.”
Moore shared some challenges facing the Matthews Alive board of directors, including the restructuring of festival leadership, rising costs and future construction at Stumptown Park, which could potentially impact the arts, crafts and small shops area.
“That’s a big part of revenue,” she said. “That’s on our minds really at every single meeting, and we’ll just be ready maybe with some alterations, or maybe some things have to happen for a year or two and then go back to normal.” See the full schedule at matthewsalive.org.
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
(continued from page 1B)
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.
