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Announcements April 2009


ANNOUNCEMENTS from April 7, 2009:
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Natheley McElrath announced that she had $25 tickets for the Black Women's Caucus' 26th annual Blackberry Brunch on June 27 at Zion Renaissance Conference Center, 3165 Zion Renaissance Ln.
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Toni Freeman announced that Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education would sponsor a summit on public education on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 a.m. featuring Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 201 S. McDowell St. Cost is $45 per person or $400 for tables of 10. A panel after Pitts' speech will include District Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell, Chamber President Bob Morgan, CMS Supt. Peter Gorman and Pitts. Register at www.mecked.org/EducationForum.asp
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Ken Koontz announced that DVDs of "The Mountaintop: Five Historic Days," the WENS-TV Inauguration Week video coverage, are now available for sale. See Koontz for pricing details.
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Roslyn Allison Jacobs announced that Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education would hold a free community workshop on Thursday, May 14 on "basics of school testing and accountability, the rewards and consequences associated with school and district-wide performance, and how testing and accountability inform CMS administrative and school board staffing, operational and policy decisions." The session will be from 5-7:30 p.m. in Room 324 at the McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. More info: www.mecked.org/SaveTheDate.asp.
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Mary Klenz announced that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Women's Summit Political Action Team would present "A Woman at the Table: A Better Feast for All" on Tuesday, April 28 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at McKnight Hall, UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd. Cost is $20 ($30 after April 20) and covers parking, lunch and materials for a discussion of "linking public policy and personal action." Registration closes Thursday, April 23. More info: http://www.womenssummit.uncc.edu/feast.html
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Anna Hood announced that the Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs would honor County Manager Harry Jones on April 18 at its 32nd annual Founders' Day at Zion Renaissance Conference Center, 3165 Zion Renaissance Ln. See Hood, Sarah Coleman, or Sarah Stevenson for tickets.
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Joel Ford announced that the Mecklenburg Democratic Party would hold its annual convention at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Elizabeth Traditional School. Keynote speaker is mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx. Ford said a "special guest" would introduce Foxx.
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Thomas Moore announced that he would organize another chorus from participants at the Democratic Party Convention, to perform during the convention.
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Mary McCray announced that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Education has money for six $750 one-time scholarships for graduating high school seniors who aspire to be teachers. She said that they thus far had no takers for the scholarships. McCray said the group also had no takers for three scholarships to help teacher assistants in the process of becoming licensed teachers. "We want to give this money away," McCray said. Persons interested in receiving application forms should call the CMAE office at 704-374-0609 and ask for the David Butler scholarship application.
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement that today's Domestic Violence Lunch & Learn session is about the New Beginnings Program, which offers employment and training resources to survivors of domestic violence. Lunch & Learn is at 12:30-1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 7 at St. Peter's Catholic Church Education Center, 507 S. Tryon St.
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Michael Sexton passed along an announcement that Domestic Violence 101 programming will be offered at four library branches during April, "facilitated by local domestic violence professionals and will include information about domestic violence, local data and local community resources." The dates and times of the remaining sessions during April:
Tuesday, April 14, 7-8:30 p.m., North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Ln, Huntersville.
Wednesday, April 15, 4:30-6 p.m., Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Dr.
Thursday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m, Steele Creek Branch Library, 13620 Steele Creek Rd.
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor sent in an appeal for financial support for Inspire the Fire, a nonprofit headed by Dennis Reed Jr. that encourages artistic expression of young people. More info: www.inspirethefire.org. To watch the YouTube movie of a 2008 performance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1kyzS-aCxg&feature=related
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor passed along an announcement that the University Jaguars Coaching staff is taking registrations for players ages 8-13 for their Junior League Football teams. More info: www.universityjaguars.org.
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor passed along an announcement from Eshe Glover that GoodWorks Media Group is accepting applications for the first GoodWorks Youth Awards to recognize "outstanding work in the areas of diversity, education and the environment by young people in the Mecklenburg County region." "We are committed to encouraging and recognizing outstanding youth-led activities that set an example for improving our community in these three focus areas,'' said Rahman Khan, president of GoodWorks Media Group. "Through the GoodWorks Youth Awards we hope to encourage youth to continue doing good works now and in the future.'' Youth in grades 6-12, enrolled in public, private or home school in the Mecklenburg County region, who has initiated an activity that began after April 2008 in one of the following areas, may apply for recognition: Creating a better and more sustainable environment; Enhancing or developing effective educational efforts; or Building or sustaining groups that are more appreciative of and sensitive to diversity. "The activity must not solely benefit a family member or be for an IB or a school-mandated service requirement." The deadline for applications is April 17 and an awards ceremony will be held in Charlotte on May 29. More info: www.goodworksmediagroup.com.
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor passed along an announcement from H.E.L.P. Lead organizaer Chris Bishop that the Youth Job Connection, a partnership involving Helping Empower Local People, Goodwill Industries and the City of Charlotte, has identified over 500 potential job opportunities for youth for summer employment. "Many of those positions are targeted for rising seniors through the Mayor's Youth Employment Program which has been merged with the Youth Job Connection." Online registration: www.youthjobconnection.com. Walk-in services are available from 12-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 12-4:30 p.m. on Friday at Goodwill, 2122 Freedom Drive, 704-332-0271.


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ANNOUNCEMENTS from April 14, 2009:
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Ann Rosser, an Americorps volunteer with Hands On Charlotte, announced a new three-year neighborhood focus initiative in Thomasboro-Hoskins to develop neighborhood programs and identify neighborhood leaders.
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Marilyn Marks announced an organizational meeting of the Charlotte/Metro Food Policy Network for Tuesday, April 28 at 4 p.m. at the Mecklenburg County Health Department multipurpose room, 249 Billingsley Rd. Facilitator is Carol Hardison, executive director of Crisis Assistance Ministry. Marks added that her Society of St. Andrew would be gleaning strawberries in area fields in two weeks.
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Ken Koontz announced that DVDs of "The Mountaintop: Five Historic Days," the WENS-TV Inauguration Week video coverage, are now available for sale. See Koontz for pricing details.
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Johnnie Collins announced that she is collecting wearable adult and children's shoes for the private Ivy Hall Foundation and would collect shoe donations at the April 21 Forum. The shoes will be redistributed to needy families.
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Anna Hood announced that the Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs would honor County Manager Harry Jones on this Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at its 32nd annual Founders' Day at Zion Renaissance Conference Center, 3165 Zion Renaissance Ln. See Hood, Sarah Coleman, or Sarah Stevenson for the $40 tickets or to make tax-deductible donations in support of the Anna B. Hood Scholarship Fund, which will be present five scholarships to area youth.
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement of a march at The Square in uptown Charlotte this Thursday, April 16 at 12:15 to mark the shooting death of Yolanda Nikkia Hill, 41.
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Harvey Boyd, creator of the Mecklenburg County seal, invited comments on his website, www.harveyboyd22.com. Send e-mail to [email protected].
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement of a free training, "What Men Need To Know,'' presented by the Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau on Tuesday, April 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Child & Family Services Center, 601 E. Fifth St.
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Michael Sexton Sexton passed along an invitation to Crime Victims' Rights Week Awards Luncheon at noon on Thursday, April 30 at Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, 747 W. Trade St. Speaker is Police Chief Rodney Monroe. Cost is $15 by calling Shirley Rutledge at 704-338-3119.
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Michael Sexton sent in a reminder to register for the Avon Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at Quail Hollow Club in connection with the Quail Hollow Championship. Registration is at www.walkthecourseagainstdv.org.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from April 21, 2009:
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Chairperson Molly Griffin sent this e-mail on Sunday, April 19 as a follow-up to her April 7 presentation to the Forum:
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I am enclosing responses to the questions I could not answer when I was at the Tuesday Morning Breakfast forum.  I am sorry it has taken me this long to respond, but due to spring break it took me longer to get the answers than I had anticipated.

1. Why are we spending $1,000,000 on band uniforms in this difficult budget year?
     When a new school opens, band uniforms are purchased through the capital budget.  In other cases, we replace uniforms on a rotating cycle from the operating budget, typically replacing uniforms for 1 - 2 schools.  The costs for the last 4 years are reported below.  In some cases, uniforms are purchased by a booster club at a school, and these are not included in the figures below.
     2009 - Waddell    -      $23,585.39  (partial replacement)
               Hopewell   -      $48,261.43
     2008 - West Meck      $40,122.23
     2007 - Vance             $ 44,000.00
     2007 - Garinger           $38,674.35
               Ardrey Kell      $ 44,235.40  (New school - capital expense)
               Mallard Creek  $ 54,231.93  (New school - capital expense)
The differences in the amounts are based on the size of each schools band.

We are not opening a new high school next year,  so we can anticipate an expense in the $40,000 range.

2. Why hasn't Dr. Gorman met with parents at Lincoln Heights?
     There has clearly been poor communication in this situation.  Staff has tried to set up a meeting.  There is some disagreement over the first attempt, but I have an e-mail from Joel Ritchie to a Lincoln Heights parent leader dated April 3, offering to meet on Tuesday April 14 at 3:30.  On April 13, the parent responded that this time was not convenient for the parents.  Staff will try again to set up a meeting, but as you can tell from his on-line schedule it may take awhile to find a good time.  I am glad to report that Lenora Shipp, the principal at Sedgefield Elementary, has been assigned to Lincoln Heights as principal.  She has a very successful record of improving student achievement at Sedgefield, and I expect she will achieve great things at Lincoln Heights.

3. Why has the person hiring substitutes been laid off?
     CMS will continue to need substitutes, and there will be a person designated to handle this process.

4. Why can't CMS broadcast on a non-cable channel?
     We are in the process of evaluating CMS-TV in connection with the difficult budget situation.  We are considering consolidation and other options.  I have shared with Dr. Gorman the concern over the availability of the broadcast on a non-cable station.

As always, I enjoyed the chance to talk with the members of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum.  I hope to see you soon.

Molly Griffin

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Ken Koontz announced that DVDs of "The Mountaintop: Five Historic Days," the WENS-TV Inauguration Week video coverage, are now available for sale. See Koontz for pricing details.
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Sarah Stevenson announced free bus service to a May 16 event in Washington, D.C. marking the 55th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Eduction. Sponsor is the Education Equality Project co-founded by the Rev. Al Sharpton and NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. Buses will leave Charlotte at 3 a.m. May 16 and return to Charlotte at 9 p.m. For details: Sadrita Davis, 980-253-4491 or [email protected]; Gogi Raeford-Turner, 704-536-1201 or [email protected]; or John Williams, 704-298-00084 or [email protected].
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Sarah Stevenson and Ken Koontz announced the death last Friday of Lucille Mungo "Mama Ceil" Lynch. Rosary will be held this Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church on Statesville Avenue at 1235 Badger Ct. Funeral will be Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd E.
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Laura McClettie announced that the Census had people available to provide presentations and workshops to explain how groups can make the best use of Census data, as well as to raise awareness about the value of being counted in the 2010 Census.
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Sylvia Grier announced that the Genesis Project Family Wellness Center would present a Health Expo on Saturday May 2 from 9 a.m-1 p.m. at 5736 N. Tryon St., Suite 203.
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A flyer circulating at the Forum announced a day of prayer and thanking event tied to President Obama's First 100 Days, on Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at The Square at Trade and Tryon Streets downtown or at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2001 Catherine Simmons St.
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Michael Sexton sent in announcement of a free training, "What Men Need To Know,'' presented by the Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau at 6-7:30 p.m. today, April 21, at the Child & Family Services Center, 601 E. Fifth St.. Speaker is Tony Porter, co-founder of A Call To Men.
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Michael Sexton sent in a reminder that it is not too late to register online for the Avon Walk the Course Against Domestic Violence scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 at Quail Hollow Club in connection with the Quail Hollow Championship. Registration is at www.walkthecourseagainstdv.org.

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from April 28, 2009:
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Next week at the Forum: Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones.
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Sarah Stevenson announced a conference this afternoon, April 28, from 1:30-3:45 p.m. at Gethsemane AME Zion Church, 531 Campus St., to explore how faith communities can participate in the federal stimulus package. Lunch is at 12:30. For more information, contact Sarah Coleman.
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Sarah Stevenson said N.C. Rep. Tricia Cotham announced a video-linked public hearing on the state budget to be held by the Appropriations Committee of the N.C. House. The session will be held at the N.C. Museum of History and at 10 community college sites statewide, including at an unannounced location at CPCC. To participate, go to CPCC tonight from 6-9 p.m.
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Anna Hood announced that the Presbytery of Charlotte would bestow on Sarah Coleman an Outstanding Older Adult award at noon on Tuesday, May 12, at Covenant Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall, 1000 E. Morehead St. Tickets are $8. Checks payable to the Presbytery of Charlotte are due Monday, May 4, and can be sent to Anna Hood.
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Roslyn Jacobs announced that Mecklenburg Citizens for Public Education would hold a public workshop on Thursday, May 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. on understanding school testing and accountability systems. Speakers are Charity Bell, executive area director of the CMS West Learning Community and former principal of West Mecklenburg High; Kendall Jordan, director of public policy research at Raleigh-based N.C. Forum; and Jonathan Raymond, chief accountability officer for CMS.
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Jackie Edwards Walton announced the opening this morning at 10 a.m. of First Tee of Charlotte Learning Academy at the Revolution Golf Course, 2661 Barringer Dr.
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Ken Koontz announced that Wednesday would mark the end of the first 100 days of the Obama Administration. He encouraged people to watch and read analyses of the milestone. He added that DVDs of "The Mountaintop: Five Historic Days," the WENS-TV Inauguration Week video coverage, are still available for sale. See Koontz for pricing details.
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Darrin L. Rankin announced that he would kick off his candidacy for Charlotte City Council at-large at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Government Center downtown.
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Gwen Forney announced that Billingsville Elementary at 124 Sykland Ave. off Randolph Road in Grier Heights is seeking African-American professionals to participate as speakers at a May 28 Career Day. Speakers will be assigned 20 minutes with a class sometime between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Persons interested may contact Gwen Forney.
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Laura McClettie announced that the U.S. Census has people available to talk to groups about Census 2010, that workers are now verifying addresses and that the Census would next be hiring managers to open additional offices throughout North Carolina.
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Lucy Bush Carter announced that Friendship Trays was launching a new gardening program. "Bruce Parker has given us space and we've got beds and we're planting, and our goal is to teach and to provide fresh foods for the folks we're serving and, if we have an abundance, for other groups that serve, so we're getting our hands dirty.''
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Sarah Coleman announced a conference at Johnson C. Smith University on May 16 about writing proposals to get money for groups. Information: See Sarah Coleman.
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Michael Sexton sent in a listing of community events marking Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 26 to May 2. Events include the AVON Foundation walk in conjunction with this week's Quail Hollow Championship (registration: www.WalkTheCourseAgainstDV.org or call 866-646-2866); the Crime Victims Rights Luncheon on Thursday, April 30, at noon at Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, 747 W. Trade St., speaker Police Chief Rodney Monroe (information, 704-432-1568); and several events on campus at UNCC.
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor sent in an announcement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Officer Lisa K. Speas of "REVolution 161" for middle school youth on Friday, May 1 from 6:15-10:30 p.m. at Southwest Middle, 113426 Steele Creek Rd. sponsored by Steele Creek Youth Network, CMPD, Good Shepherd UMC, Christ the King, and LifePointe CC. Adult volunteers work with sixth- through eighth-graders. RSVP if you can volunteer to [email protected].
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Donna Jenkins (Dawson) Taylor forwarded an announcement from the Foxboro Tigers Youth Organization of an event on Saturday, May 2, from noon-3 p.m. at 6210 Old Pineville Rd. Free food. Registration for summer camp will be June 12 and spaces are limited. Information: Joshua Hawkins. president, Foxboro Tigers Youth Organization Inc., 980-226-2539, [email protected], and website www.leaguelineup.com/ftyo
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On April 21, Forum participant Legal Services Pro Bono Coordinator Sindy Neagle Maxwell wrote to say goodbye, writing that she had "become a victim of  the poor economy and will be leaving." On April 28, Legal Services of Southern Piedmont Executive Director Ken Schorr wrote to publicly thank Maxwell for her services over the last year and a half. "She placed many individual client cases with volunteers for both Legal Services of Southern Piedmont (LSSP) and Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC). This pro bono service is an important complement to the representation that our legal staffs provide. The budgetary strain and layoffs at LSSP reflect the downturn in the economy and its effect on our funding sources. LANC has also experienced this stress, with a hiring freeze since November 2008 and other stringent reductions. Both organizations are struggling to find money to replace attorneys who leave or to continue the work with fewer staff. We must continue the pro bono work with both LSSP and LANC as demand for our services increases, also due to the recession. Sindy's responsibilities have been reassigned to Rabia Javaid. Rabia has been working with LSSP as a Paralegal Advocate in the Consumer Protection and Legal Services for the Elderly Programs. She has an LL.B. from Islamabad School of Law and an LL.M. from the University of Houston Law Center. She has taken and is awaiting results from the New York Bar exam, but is not eligible to sit for the North Carolina Bar exam. Rabia is enthusiastic about her new assignment and looks forward to working with each of you in the future. You can reach Rabia on her direct line at 704-971-2584 or by email at [email protected]."
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