Cooperative Christian Ministry Celebrates 30th Birthday

Last Friday night Cooperative Christian Ministry held a birthday party at Hotel Concord to celebrate 30 years of service to residents in Cabarrus and Southern Rowan Counties. The first office that CCM opened was in Kannapolis on Main Street in 1985 . Churches in Concord and Kannapolis came together to create the ministry in an effort to meet the needs of those in the community who asked churches for help during challenging times. Not only have churches partnered with CCM but so has the Salvation Army through the Soup Kitchen and the YMCA and Independent Tribune through the Empty Stocking Fund at Christmastime. CCM was instrumental in providing assistance to those who lost their jobs because of the Pillowtex layoff in 2003, the largest such layoff in the history of North Carolina. As fate would have it, one of the employees that lost their job during this time, Mr. Ed Hosack, would end up as the Executive Director of the organization. Ed is a Kannapolis resident. The ministry has branched out into other programs like My Father’s House; providing families with temporary emergency housing; the Teaching House program, providing transitional housing; and Mothers & Children Housing Ministry providing temporary housing for mom’s and small children at high risk for losing their homes. The City of Kannapolis has also partnered with CCM in the revitalization project in the Carver Community. A.L. Brown and Concord High School students support CCM by way of their canned food collection competition held prior to the teams annual meet up on the gridiron. CCM’s involvement in Kannapolis Kares Day is one of the reasons the event has been a success.

If you have free time and would like to help improve the quality of life for those in our community who are less fortunate, click here to contact them and see where your talents can be of service, or stop by their office at 246 Country Club Drive, Concord. CCM has truly made a difference in the lives of many of our area residents through Ed’s leadership, great staff members, many dedicated and caring volunteers and generous financial supporters. Congratulations Ed and CCM!

Summer Air Quality Study Results Released

Dr. Cindy Hauser of Davidson College discusses information accumulated during the air quality study conducted this summer covering seven counties. Dr. Hauser worked in conjunction with the Center for the Environment.

If you have been a subscriber to this blog for a while, you know that I have written several posts about our air quality and here is another one! Why do I keep harping on air quality? The primary reason is that it affects our health in ways many people don’t know about.

For instance, there is a direct correlation to incidences of asthma and other lung ailments if you live close to a congested and well traveled part of town like a busy intersection or near an interstate. When the summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, the course for the runners was closed to traffic for weeks prior to the event to basically clean the air. Statistics showed that people living in the route area who suffered from breathing maladies experienced substantially less trips to the ER than the same time the year before.

Ever driven through a roundabout? Most people in the US do not like them because they are foreign to us here, but, not only do they reduce the incidence of wrecks involving T-boning incidents but they improve air quality because drivers don’t have to stop and idle their cars and idling is one of the main causes of poor air quality. (Please cut off your engine if you have to sit for more than 10 seconds!)

Dr. Cindy Hauser from Davidson College addressed over 100 people in attendance at the Center for the Environment on Thursday night to share her findings from air quality data taken during the summer by a few of her students and volunteers from the Center.

The Center's Director, Dr. John Wear, moderates the panel discussion with Dr. Chris Magryta, Robert Van Goens, Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson, Rebecca Yarbrough and Dr. Hauser.

Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties are sites for NC Division of Air Quality ozone monitors and these counties have some of the worst ground-level ozone in the nation, as determined by the American Lung Association. The study wanted to determine if the surrounding counties without monitors had comparable air quality. Sample collectors were placed in York County, SC along with Gaston, Iredell, Davidson, and Cabarrus counties. The results showed that ozone levels were similar if not higher than in Mecklenburg and Rowan. That means that if I live in Iredell County and hear on the news that it is an ozone red alert day for Charlotte, I need to understand that I should heed that warning as well and not assume that only Mecklenburg County is affected.

Representatives from five government entities were present-Gaston County, Salisbury, Cabarrus County, Kannapolis and Concord, to understand how the air quality study findings impacts their areas. Charles Davis, ozone chemist for the NC Division of Air Quality in Raleigh, was also in attendance.

After the presentation by Dr. Hauser was complete, a panel took questions. The panel consisted of Dr. Chris Magryta of Salisbury Pediatrics, Robert Van Goens of Rowan WORKS and the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, Dakeita Vanderburg-Jackson of Healthy Cabarrus and Rebecca Yarbrough of the Centralina Council of Governments.

Dr. Magryta spoke about the toxins that we breath in as a result of poor air quality, especially particulate matter. He recommended that people eat fresh fruits and vegetables, organic if possible, to combat the environmental toxins that enter our bodies. Van Goens addressed how poor air quality impacts site selection when companies are looking for property.

One audience member asked about the many coal burning plants we have regionally and how that impacts our air quality. Another gentleman spoke incredulously about how poor his air quality was in Davidson County.

January, where are you going?!

The Christmas season was gone in a flash and January is going just as fast. The City of Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department had a successful December helping their community celebrate the Christmas season.  It all started with A Kannapolis Christmas Festival.  The weather cooperated with us and we saw between 6,000 and 7,000 people through Village Park for the festival and opening of the Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express.  As kids enjoyed the rides and petting zoo, parents mingled about the craft booths looking for that special Christmas gift.  The smell of the different food, from bar-b-que to chicken wings to pizza to donuts to funnel cakes, attracted many to food booths for a tasty snack.  As night approached many continued to enjoy the festival as others headed to the amphitheater lawn for the tree lighting ceremony.  The anticipation of the tree lighting grew as performers on the stage spread the Christmas Spirit with their songs, dances, and readings. Then a five minute barrage of fireworks signaled the lighting of the 34 foot Christmas tree.  The rest of the park then started to glow with over 200,000 lights and the Winterland Express chugged around the track. See the photo album to get a feel for what this event was like!

The Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express also had a successful season with close to 11,000 people visiting the park and 9,600 of those people riding the train through the lights.  Families and friends were also able to enjoy the light show on the amphitheater, the singing bears, and visit with Santa.  Many people then took the opportunity to go inside and warm up and see the Atlantic Coast S Guager’s interactive model train display. A hot chocolate and a s’mores seemed to be good way to top off an enjoyable night.

Entrance to the Bakers Creek Greenway

Now that the Christmas season has passed and a new year is well under way, many have made New Year’s resolutions to be healthier and more active.  As January is speeding by, we have continued to have nice weather.  This is the perfect opportunity to get out, enjoy the outdoors, visit the parks and walk the greenways.  Safrit Park offers a ½ mile greenway and the greenway loop that connects Village Park and Bakers Creek Park is about 2 miles in total length.  Even taking the kids outside and playing on the playground is a great way to connect with the family & be active!

To find out more about where the greenways are, download the Greenway Brochure!

So get out there and keep those resolutions and look for other ideas to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends in the coming months!

DNC Prequalification Process Open for Subcontractors

The application process is now open for subcontractors interested in securing a part of the work of renovating the Time Warner Cable Arena for the Democratic National Convention coming in September. The type of work involved relates to construction (electrical, carpentry, painting and wall covering, drywall, IT/cabling, metal framing and millwork), remodeling (acoustical panel ceilings, fencing and barricades, scaffolds, platforms, handrails), and related work on the Arena (removal, storage and reinstallation of arena seating; construction cleaning and post convention custodial work; and the rigging, transportation and storing of materials, both on site and off).

Read the Charlotte Business Journal article for more details or go to the Vendor Directory to register. The deadline for subcontractors to submit prequalification forms is March 1.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

The famed Concord-A.L. Brown high school football series is not the only gridiron rivalry between the cities of Concord and Kannapolis.  On Saturday, January 14, employees of both cities will join forces for some friendly competition and to raise awareness and funds for United Way of Central Carolinas.  The public is invited to attend this fun, family event and join the cause to help those in the community who need it most.

The cities, whose employees are in the midst of organizational United Way campaigns, will face off at Kannapolis Middle School in two flag football games on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  The first game will feature teams of less experienced but equally spirited athletes; the second game at 2:30 p.m. will have players seeking a more competitive environment.  There are no age or gender restrictions, and the only requirement for the players is employment with their respective city.

Admission to the game will be free, but attendee donations to United Way will be accepted.  In addition, food and beverage concessions will be sold with proceeds going to United Way.

City of Kannapolis coworkers have supported the United Way through volunteer efforts with United Way agencies and monetary contributions for several years. This year, Kannapolis’ “Get in the Game” campaign is designed to unite employees from Concord and Kannapolis and build relationships to better serve our communities.

United Way of Central Carolinas unites donors with local nonprofits, and makes both sides of that relationship more effective.  By partnering with over 90 health and human services agencies, United Way ensures that donations have the broadest possible impact, because no single agency can meet the community’s diverse needs. And by efficiently raising funds for each of these agencies, United Way reduces the overhead that each nonprofit would incur if they had to run their own corporate campaigns. Furthermore, some agencies leverage United Way funding – and the credibility that goes with it – into additional funding.

Come out and cheer us on!

CMC-Kannapolis Emergency Facility Opening

Another exciting happening this Saturday is the open house for the CMC-Kannapolis emergency facility next to the Fieldcrest Cannon baseball stadium on Lane Street. The $17 million facility is a freestanding 24-hour emergency care center affiliated with CMC-NorthEast and staffed by the same group of ER physicians.

Services available at CMC-Kannapolis include:

• a 24-hour emergency care center
• a full-service imaging center with CT scanner and ultrasound capabilities
• observation beds for patients who need may need extended examination and treatment
• laboratory services
• quick, convenient access for outpatient services

Click here to learn more about the facility and services.

The open house will be noon until 3pm on Saturday, with public tours, food, and activities for children. The address is 2711 Lane St, where the former Church of God was located.

CMC-Kannapolis will be open for business on January 16. This is great for emergency healthcare access for local citizens and also helps to support the business environment in Kannapolis.

Incorporate Local Food into Your 2012 Goals

For those who are making changes to their lifestyles as part of your annual goal setting, you might also think about incorporating a commitment to increase the proportion of your food that comes from local sources. Local food is fresher (due to reduced transport time), supports the state and regional economy, and can be more environmentally sustainable. It also helps establish a connection and appreciation for where your food comes from and what it took to get it here.

Your local options include:

• Indoor market on Thursday afternoons (3-6pm) in downtown Kannapolis at 120 West Ave (old Cannon Towel building).
• Winecoff market on Saturday mornings (8am-12pm) at 518 Winecoff School Rd.

Click on the NC Farm Fresh website for a list of other farmers markets. Grocery stores sometimes note which produce are grown locally as well. Happy new year and happy eating!

January Free Small Business Seminars

Start off your new year by finding fresh ways to grow your business or the motivation to start a new business! RCCC’s Small Business Center offers free seminars on a wide range of small business topics. Here are the upcoming ones for January.

• Tue, Jan 10 – Business Start-Up Overview, 6:30-8:3opm
• Thu, Jan 19 – Location, Location, Location! 6:30-8:30pm
• Thu, Jan 26 – Bootstrapping My Start-Up, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tue, Jan 31 – Online Marketing Tools, 6:30-8:30pm

Go to the Small Business Center website to get more details on the seminar topics and locations.

 

Cabarrus Chinese New Year Celebration

Lunar New Year is January 23. The Year of the Dragon, a Chinese symbol of power, strength, and good luck, will be celebrated by many across the world. The Chinese scientists here at the North Carolina Research Campus have formed the Cabarrus Chinese American Association and are organizing a Chinese New Year Festival.

The festival will be Saturday, January 14 at Cox Mill High School (1355 Cox Mill Rd in Concord) from 1pm to 6pm. The performances will begin at 2:30pm and will feature performers from the Raleigh area like the RTP Chinese Singers Club, Ruby Slippers Chinese Dance Club and the NC-RTP Chinese Music Instrument Ensemble, as well as Charlotte-area performers from Chinese Phoenix Arts and the Pacific Arts Troupe. Additional activities include childrens’ activities, Chinese crafts for sale, Chinese Culture showcase, and Chinese food for purchase. The website for the event has additional details.

The event is open to the public. Tickets when ordered online are $8 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12. Kids under age six are free. At the door, tickets are $10 for adults. Proceeds benefit the CCAA’s Chinese Language and Art School.

Air Quality Discussion at the Center for the Environment

Sadly air quality in Rowan, Cabarrus, Iredell, Davidson, Mecklenburg and Gaston counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina are comparable to those around interstates and businesses. Most people are shocked to know that the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury region ranks 10th in the nation for the worst ozone pollution, as stated in the 2011 State of the Air Report released by the American Lung Association.

From the American Lung Association website: Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can burn our lungs and airways, causing them to become inflamed, reddened, and swollen. Children, teenagers, senior citizens, and people with lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and others are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of ozone. Ozone exposure may lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing and coughing, increased risk of asthma attacks, and even premature death.

If you want to hear more about our air quality, plan to attend a presentation at Catawba College’s Center for the Environment at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, entitled “Air Pollution in our Backyards.”

A panel discussion involving the medical community, local government and educators will follow a presentation by Dr. Cindy Hauser of Davidson College. The event is free and open to the public. To register click here.

In August the Center hosted Dr. David Peden, a UNC Chapel Hill professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, Microbiology/Immunology and Toxicology, who directs the university’s Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology. To read more about his presentation on how poor air quality impacts our health directly, click here.

The Center has been a leader in educating residents about air quality and have partnered with schools, businesses and other organizations to get the word out about how to make it better. Their gas cap check initiative is about educating car owners that under-inflated tires, loose gas caps and improperly tuned engines impact gas mileage along with the air we breathe.

Last year the Center’s Sheila Armstrong worked with Kannapolis Middle School teacher Michele Pitts on an air quality study at the school focused on how idling while waiting to pick up students diminishes the air quality surrounding the school. Pitts is a charter member of the City’s Environmental Stewardship Commission and is the coordinator for the academically and intellectually gifted program at the middle school. Armstrong, leading the Center’s Campaign for Clean Air, supplied a  “No Idling Toolkit” for Pitt’s students to use.

Her students determined that cars idled for over six minutes each. They also worked in concert with science teacher Josh Clemmons. Fortunately, what they were doing with air quality fit nicely into the state’s science curriculum and analyzing the data fit well with the math curriculum.

Pitts thinks it is most important to implement the no idling study each year and expose other students to the concerns about our air quality. “The education of our children is imperative to changing the mindset,” she said.