Announcements August 2005
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS from Aug. 2, 2005:
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Upcoming at the Forum:
Aug. 9: Donnie Simmons.
Candidates involved in Sept. 27 primaries will be invited to address the Forum in coming weeks. That list will be finalized when filing for office ends Friday, Aug. 5.
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Tuesday's Forum was devoted to a discussion of the group's operating agreements. The group decided to make no changes in the text below.
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City Council District 5 member Nancy Carter announced she had proposed a local summit on issues surrounding undocumented immigrants. She said she hoped to have Reps. Robin Hayes, Sue Myrick and Mel Watt participate. She asked Forum participants to encourage City Manager Pam Syfert to schedule the event.
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At-large County Commissioner Wilhelmenia Rembert said she has recommended a local summit on economic opportunity issues to educate people on public contracts, both for construction and for procurement and purchasing, "so they know what's available so they can compete."
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Dr. Vernon Herron was asked for details, so he announced that he would be lecturing at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 W. Sugar Creek Rd. His lectures on African-Americans in Mecklenburg coincides with a free-admission Revolutionary War re-enactment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. conducted by the North Carolina Sixth Regiment Re-enactors.
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Ken Simmons announced that he would serve as the next principal of Crossroads Charter High School on North Tryon Street. "Children want a different kind of setting," he said. Crossroads "is an option parents need." He asked for the group's resources and prayers.
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Blanche Penn of Parks & Recreation announced that the July 29 Announcements erred: West Charlotte Recreation is only seeking donations of school supplies, not cash. She also announced the following events at the center: Diabetes Education and Support, free on Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.; Seniors Walking Young Program, Monday-Friday at 10 a.m.; 4-H Club afterschool program from 3-6 p.m. returns Aug. 25; Father/Son Back to School Nonviolence All-Nighter, Friday, Aug. 26, 9 p.m. to Saturday at 9 a.m., $25 in advance, $30 at the door; and Mother/Son Badminton, Sept. 10, noon-2 p.m., $1 fee per player.
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Sherry Wilson of Parks & Recreation announced that a previously announced planning workshop for the new Revolution Regional Center had been put on hold while a staff committee works. She also announced a National Night Out celebration in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood at Beatties Ford Road and LaSalle Street, tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.
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Sarah Stevenson announced that Rep. Mel Watt would hold a town hall meeting at the Carole Hoeffner Center, 610 E. 7th St. on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m.
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Nancy Carter encouraged people to participate in tonight's National Night Out effort, at a scheduled event or simply by meeting neighbors in the streets tonight.
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Rachelle Latimer sent in a message that the NAACP would have a bus convoy going to Atlanta this Saturday, Aug. 6, to participate in a demonstration in support of extension of the Voting Rights Act. For further information, contact Rachelle Latimer at 704-264-9152 or [email protected]
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Democracy Charlotte sent in a message announcing a meeting this Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30-8 p.m. at the Aquatic Center at 2nd and McDowell Streets.
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At-large County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts sent in an invitation to a breakfast with Roberts at the Athens Restaurant this Friday, Aug. 5, at 8:30 a.m. The address is 1021 E. Independence Blvd. To reserve a space, message [email protected] or call 704-336-2574.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from Aug. 9, 2005:
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Upcoming at the Forum:
Candidates involved in Sept. 27 primaries will be invited to address the Forum in coming weeks.
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Neil Carroll of Park & Recreation announced that the Greenville Neighborhood Festival would return this Saturday, Aug. 13 from noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 2-6 p.m., at Greenville Park, 1330 Spring St. The Igunnuko Festival will be at Frazier Park, 1201 W. 4th St. on Labor Day weekend. For information about those events, call Dora DuBose at 704-353-1251. The second reading for the naming of the uptown park "Romare Bearden Park" will be at the next Central District II Advisory Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at First Mayfield Memorial Baptist, 901 Oaklawn Ave.
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Polly Little announced the annual Doris Cromartie Memorial Fundraising reception honoring Martha Alexander, Becky Carney and Beverly Earle, this Friday, Aug. 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Chip Player, 4610 Carmel Valley Rd. Contribution $25 with proceeds to Democratic candidates.
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The National Association of Gifted Youth and Touch, Inc. sent in an announcement of a Community Forum with a panel of invited guests on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Carole Hoeffner Center, 600 E. 7th St. Announced discussion topics: Why is Judge Manning so upset with CMS? Gang Patrol: Who's really in control? Will we help the police to help us? Charlotte youth: All dressed up with no place to go; and What can the business community do to make a positive difference? For further information: 704-491-3663.
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement that registration is open for "Search for Accountability," an Oct. 14 conference "geared toward promoting open conversation between ALL domestic violence service providers.... There will be Continuing Education Credits offered to Forensic Nurses and Attorneys. Social Workers can receive a Certificate of Completion good for eight (8) hours of class time." To register, call 704-432-1568 or e-mail [email protected] with Name, Area of Expertise (Social Worker, Advocate, Attorney, etc.) Agency or Program Name, Email Address, and Phone Number.
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Sarah Stevenson announced that she had tickets for The Black Political Caucus's 2005 Awards Banquet and Dance to be held Friday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Charlotte Executive Park Hotel, 5700 West Park Drive. An announcement sent in by the caucus listed the year's awardees: Retired N.C. Court of Appeals Senior Associate Judge Clifton Johnson; University Park Baptist Pastor Claude Alexander; Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon; 2005 Harding University High graduate Khristina Cunningham; Black Heritage Committee founder Thereasea Clark Elder; No Grease! barbershop owners Jermaine and Damien Johnson; retired CMS Supt. James Pughsley; and school board chairman Joe White.
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Thomas Moore invited all to attend joint church services this Sunday, Aug. 14, at Myers Park Presbyterian, 2501 Oxford Place, and Myers Park Methodist, 1501 Queens Road, where Moore and Anthony Heath "are bringing the white community together." The Methodist service is at 8:45 a.m., the Presbyterian service at 10 a.m. Taunted about whether those were the rich white churches, Moore replied: "Rich in some ways, and not in others."
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Sylvia Grier sent in a message that the Millions More Movement - Charlotte Local Organizing Committee continues to meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, 6116 Monteith Drive in Hidden Valley.
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Sylvia Grier also sent in an announcement of the monthly meeting of Carolinas Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs this Thursday, Aug. 11 at 2121 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 210.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from Aug. 16, 2005:
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Upcoming at the Forum: Candidates involved in Sept. 27 primaries will be invited to address the Forum in coming weeks. Next week: Charlotte City Council District 3 candidates Joel Ford and Warren Turner.
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Thomas Moore announced that he would be preaching Sunday, Aug. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Avondale Presbyterian, 2821 Park Rd. He also announced a hymn sing this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Myers Park United Methodist Church.
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John McClelland of Parks & Recreation announced a meeting Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Freedom Park indoor shelter to discuss the park's improvement plan.
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Sarah Stevenson announced that Rep. Mel Watt would tonight hold a town hall meeting at the Carole Hoeffner Center, 610 E. 7th St., from 6-7:30 p.m.
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement of the nominees for Women's Equality Day Awards, which will be presented by the Women's Commission Advisory Board on next Saturday, Aug. 27, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Marshall Park at Third & McDowell Streets. Awards will be presented in four categories.

-- The Elisabeth G. Hair Women's Equality Day Award. Nominees:
> June Kimmel, recently retired after 21 years as region director for the North Carolina Council for Women; member and former chair of the DVAC and the Oversight Committee of NOVA (New Options for Violent Actions); and leader in the League of Women Voters, North Carolina Women's Political Caucus, and Davidson Land Conservancy.
> Kimberly Nash Alexander, organizer of the annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Conference sponsored by the United Negro College Fund, former secretary of the Executive Board of the Afro-American Cultural Center, language and speech pathologist; licensed minister, and mentor to many mothers.
> Men for Change Committee, advocacy group and sponsor of fund-raising activities for the Shelter for Battered Women, including sports events; provider of education and promotion for ending domestic violence; operated under the auspices of United Family Services.
> Sarah Brownlee Bryant, leader and advocate for women's reproductive health, reproductive freedom, and the advancement of family planning; founder and first executive director of Planned Parenthood of Greater Charlotte; current member of the Board of Advisors, Florence Crittendon Home; and former member of Board of the Directors of the YWCA.
> Sherry Barnes, member and former chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Advocacy Council (DVAC), program coordinator for the United Family Services' Domestic Violence Healthcare Project at Carolinas Medical Center, and executive director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Forensic Medicine Program.
> Thelma N. McKoy, history teacher and community activist; founder of Carolina Advocates for Legal Reform; author, public speaker, and member of the National Council of Negro Women, North Carolina Association for Educators, and International Black Writers Conference.
> Violeta S. Moser, ethnic relations expert and partner in ReMark, Inc.; president of the Latin American Coalition of Charlotte; and current member of boards of the North Carolina Arts Council, Latin American Women's Association, and Latin American Chamber of Commerce.

-- Virginia Shadd Community Service Award. Nominees:
> Bernita Wells, member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, receiving the 2005 Northeast Region Rhoer Club Advisor of the Year Award; winner of numerous of employee awards at Wachovia Bank, including the Stellar Service and Outstanding Team Player Awards; and volunteer for the American Red Cross and other community organizations.
> Judy Harrison Barry, leader, advocate, and fund-raiser for the Florence Crittendon Home and other nonprofit organizations; political activist and lobbyist; former member of the North Carolina Banking Committee; member of the boards for the Charlotte Museum of History and Duke Mansion.
> Kimberly Nash Alexander, also nominated for Elisabeth G. Hair Women's Equality Day Award.
> Louise Speight Woods, District 4 Member, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, having served since 1995; community educator with United Family Services; and a member of the boards of the National Carolina School Boards Association, North Carolina Education Consortium, and Charlotte Advocates for Education.
> Mary Alice Foster Cherry, volunteer in the Lincoln Heights Communication Association, Northwest Community Service Center, LaSalle Association, Regional Aids Interfaith Network (RAIN), and Lincoln Heights Precinct; AARP team leader; Circle of Friends member.
> Mary Elizabeth Murphy, volunteer for the advancement of women in society; member and former president of Metropolitan Business and Professional Women; founder and former president of WomenFIRST; recipient of Small Business Administration's 2005 North Carolina Women in Business Champion of the Year Award.
> Olma Escheverri, member and former co-chair of the Hispanic Voter Coalition; member of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services Committee; secretary for the Democratic Women of Mecklenburg and chair of its Diversity Committee; advocate and organizer for voter registration.
> Pat Baldridge, executive director, Women's Initiative Network; member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Ewoman Network, and the National Business Woman's Week Committee; mentor and coach to individuals and companies; radio program host, writer, and producer.
> Sarah Brownlee Bryant, also nominated for Elisabeth G. Hair Women's Equality Day Award.
> Tonyia Rawls, community activist and founding member of People United for Education; creator of tutoring program for elementary students; founder of ministry for HIV/AIDS prevention and education; co-founder of only trade show dedicated to the development of African American retail manufacturing; member of Charlotte Domestic Violence Coalition.
> Thelma N. McKoy, also nominated for Elisabeth G. Hair Women's Equality Day Award.

--Women's Equality Day Business Award. Nominees:
> Men for Change Committee, also nominated for Elisabeth G. Hair Women's Equality Day Award.
> S.T.A.R. Resources, financial supporter and provider of training for the Displaced Homemaker Program sponsored by the Women's Commission, delivers training and support services at no cost or reduced rates to community and women's organizations, including the Charlotte March of Dimes.

--Women's Equality Day Youth Award
> Amber Koonce, member of high school and church groups and the Lott Carey Mission Group.
> Catherine Falkenbury, Girl Scout and organizer of a voting project for kids.
> Khristina Cunningham, volunteer for the Anita Stroud Foundation Youth Development Center, Friendship Trays, and Autism Society.
> Murrill Oakes, classically trained dancer and bass player; received Girl Scouts Silver Award for developing unique arts program and dance workshop; honor roll student at Charlotte Latin School.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from Aug. 23, 2005:
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Upcoming at the Forum:
Oct. 30: District 4 City Council: Michael Barnes, Maxine Eaves and Joyce Waddell; District 6 City Council Andy Dulin.
Sept. 6: All Democrats in at-large City Council race.
Sept. 13: School board candidates.
Sept. 20: School board candidates.
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Valerie Woodard encouraged people to speak up at a Board of County Commissioners public hearing on bonds, on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Government Center Meeting Chamber.
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Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon observed that of the approximately 980 people identified by the city as members of gangs, more than 600 are adults, not youth.
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T.B. Haynes announced that the 2nd annual Community Health Symposium, Minority Health: Defining the Disparity Dilemma with a focus on cancer and its impact on minorities, would be held Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Convention Center. Tickets are $60. "I'm sure your agency can find $60" and if not, he said, he knew where some grass needed to be mowed.
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Thomas Moore announced that Myers Park Methodist Church will hold its 8th annual hymn sing this Sunday, Aug. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Guests are the Amen Community Chorus, directed by Dr. Frances McClain, Music Therapy Professor at Queens University.
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ACORN organizer Robert Dawkins, who said he had been working in Lakewood and other neighborhoods, said he had learned to tell adults that if they wanted to clean up the drug use, crime and prostitution in their neighborhoods that they would have to be willing to turn in their own sons and daughters. "It's not snitching," he said.
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Blanche Penn announced that a community workshop would be held on the design of the new Revolution Regional Recreation Center on Monday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at a location to be announced at the next Forum.
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Ella Scarborough announced that Sprint was hiring 200 people as customer specialist employees. For more information, 800-229-4583.
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Rodney Moore announced that the Charlotte branch of the NAACP would meet this Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at Weeping Willow AME Zion Church, 2220 Milton Road. Also on Thursday, he said, at 7 p.m. the executive committee of the Mecklenburg Democratic Party will meet at the Monroe Road Fire House with N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on lobbying.
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Valerie Woodard asked Moore if he also meant to announce the NAACP's annual golf tournament on Sept. 8 and the NAACP annual awards banquet Sept. 9. Moore said he did.
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Natheley McElrath announced the Women's Equalty Day awards ceremony this Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall Park, Third & McDowell Streets downtown.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS from Aug. 30, 2005:
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Upcoming at the Forum:
Sept. 6: All Democrats in at-large City Council race.
Sept. 13: School board candidates.
Sept. 20: School board candidates.
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Polly Little announced that Rep. Becky Carney was helping organize a call-in campaign to encourage Gov. Mike Easley not to veto House Bill 706, a bill that Carney has championed that would allow experienced teachers coming in from out of state to bypass North Carolina's certification process. The bill's advocates say students are enduring poorly educated long-term substitutes when trained teachers can't get jobs. Little said Easley contends the bill would represent a lowering of North Carolina's standards. Little said the number for Easley is 1-800-662-7952.
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Chris Wilson announced that the University City Political Action Committee (UPAC) would hold a candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at Vance High School.
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Pamela Grundy announced a discussion with District 4 school board candidate Tom Tate on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at her home, 1713 Tippah Ave. in Plaza-Midwood. RSVP 704-375-4222.
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Rodney Moore announced a fund-raiser for City Council at-large candidate Darrell Bonapart tonight, Aug. 30, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the House of Jazz on College Street.
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Laura McClettie announced that the Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a public service sorority, would hold a candidate forum on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Ivey Hall off Cindy Lane.
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Valerie Woodard announced that the Black Political Caucus were seeking help with door-to-door get-out-the-vote efforts. She also encouraged people to attend a Sept. 7 public hearing about bonds to be held by the Board of County Commissioners. "Don't know what the response will be, but at least you would have been heard." She also encouraged people to attend a golf tournament and banquet held Sept. 9 and 10, with the banquet at the Westin at 7 p.m.
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Sylvia Grier sent in an announcement that Louis Farrakhan will be in Charlotte on Monday, Sept. 12. Call Grier at 704-333-1690 about attending a leadership meeting at the Marriott after a 12:15 press conference. A public rally will be held at Little Rock AME Zion, 7th and McDowell Sts., with doors opening at 5 p.m.

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The Forum welcomes all persons to its meetings beginning at 8 a.m. most Tuesdays of the year
at the West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2222 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, NC
down the hill from West Charlotte High School.