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Lakers’ 104-103 loss to Charlotte features another sluggish third quarter

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Los Angeles Lakers’ Jeremy Lin (17) shoots past Charlotte Hornets’ Michael Kidd-Gilchrist during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The Hornets won 104-103. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)




Charlotte, N.C. The Lakers hear the warning nearly every time they leave the locker room and return to the hardwood. So much that some of the Lakers can repeat verbatim what coach Byron Scott instructs them before the second half begins.

“He always says, ‘They’re going to come out with a lot of energy,’” Lakers guard Wayne Ellington said. “So we have to pick it up.”

Rarely do the Lakers turn Scott’s words into action.

The Lakers’ 104-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday at Time Warner Cable Arena might have featured an undetermined outcome until the final moments. Hornets guard Mo Williams posted eight of his 20 points in the final 60 seconds, including a 3-pointer that gave Charlotte a 98-92 lead with a minute remaining. Although the Lakers’ Jeremy Lin (23 points on 9-of-16 shooting) and Jordan Clarkson (19 points on 9-of-19 shooting) led the team in scoring, Clarkson missed two open 3-pointers in the last two minutes.

But the Lakers (16-43) chalked up their second consecutive loss to another poor third-quarter start. The Hornets (25-33) stretched their 50-50 halftime tie into a 64-53 cushion in less than five minutes. The Lakers have lost 35 games when they trailed following the third quarter.

“We come out lackadaisical and the other team comes out with more aggressiveness,” Scott said. “It seems like it takes us three, four or five minutes to get back into it. We don’t have that type of room for error. We have to come out thinking we’re down 15 points and come out with more aggressiveness.”

Scott stressed this season-long trend has little to do with effort. He attributed it more to “not coming out prepared.” Lakers forward Carlos Boozer even joked, “Maybe we have to get out on the court quicker to get a better warm-up.” Yet, Scott did not joke on what he might do if the Lakers open the third quarter again with as much effectiveness as a dimming light bulb.

“In the first two minutes of that third quarter, if they’re not playing (well), I’ll take everybody out,” Scott said. “Maybe I have to try that the next game.”

Stay tuned for when the Lakers visit Miami today. Still, Carlos Boozer, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre did not play in the fourth quarter after opening the third period. Lin, Jordan Hill, Ed Davis and Wesley Johnson combined for 29 fourth-quarter points.

“I’m always ready to go back out,” Boozer said. “I’m trying to teach the guys how to win. If I see things out there, I’ll let them know what I see. It’s been a tough year for us, but we’re fighting through it together.”

But not in the third quarter.

The Lakers have allowed opponents to outscore them by an average of 3.6 points in the third quarter, a statistic that ranks last out of 30 NBA teams. In their latest third-quarter stretch, the Lakers missed their first seven shots and committed two turnovers. The Lakers did not record a field-goal until Kelly connected with Boozer for a dunk to reduce the Lakers’ deficit to 66-57 at the 5:58 mark of the third quarter.

“We were stagnant and didn’t move the ball,” Clarkson said. “I put that on myself. I should’ve gotten us into some stuff earlier by moving the ball.”

Editors note: The halftime score was 50-50. An earlier version of the story had the incorrect score, but this version has been updated with the correct information.

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White House denounces GOP schools bill

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Fagan, Augustine John

Augustine “Gus” John FaganAugustine “Gus” John Fagan peacefully departed this life on Friday, February 27, 2015.Gus was born in Everett, Massachusetts, the seventh of ten children to the late Augustine Fagan and Mary Ellen Williams Fagan, formally of Newfoundland, Canada. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Florence O’ Brien and Marie Doherty; a brother, Richard Fagan and wife, Ruth; and a brother-in-law, Jim Guzzo, all of Massachusetts.Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of forty two years, Carmel; his devoted daughter, Maureen Frink; his caring son-in-law, Daniel Frink; and his two dearly treasured granddaughters, Ann Marie and Dana Frink, all of Richmond ,Virginia. He is also survived by two brothers, James Fagan and wife, Patricia, and Lawrence Fagan and wife, Barbara; and four sisters, Margaret Fagan Guzzo, Norma Fagan Fenzel and husband, Fred, Claire Fagan Cahill and husband, Jack, and Linda Fagan Laurendeau and partner, Jim Bunton, all of Massachusetts. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and numerous faithful and caring friends.Gus grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts surrounded by a loving and supportive large family. He attended Arlington High School during which time he made the decision to enter the Priesthood at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary in Rural Alabama. During this period Gus and several of his fellow Seminarians in Alabama were active in The Civil Rights Movement. They were privileged to be able to participate in Doctor Martin King, Jr. March on Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. This experience at an early age helped him embody Dr. King’s message of making the world a better and fairer place for all people. Throughout his life, Gus’ efforts to live this message was evidenced in his sincere acceptance of all the people he encountered, regardless of their station in life.Seven years later he was ordained a Trinitarian Priest and completed a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy/Classics at Holy Trinity Mission Seminary. He continued his studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. from where he received a Master’s Degree in Philosophy. Later he attended Summer Sessions at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Administration [Ed.S.]As an ordained Trinitarian Priest, Gus was assigned to Father Judge Seminary in Monroe, Virginia, where he served as Teacher, Counselor, and Principal for several years. After his decision to leave the active ministry, Gus continued his work in a career of Public Service. Most of his life he lived and worked in Virginia. He held positions as Teacher of Latin and English at Middlesex County Public High School and later was offered a position as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for The Middlesex Public School System. Gus, his wife Carmel, and baby daughter Maureen resided in Urbanna,Virginia at that time.Having always had a desire to return home to Boston to live, he believed that while his daughter was still very young would be the perfect time to make the move. During that short stay in Boston, while seeking employment, he was offered a job by The AVCO Corporation to be on a startup team as Assistant Center Director at the then new Red Rock Job Corps Center in Pennsylvania. While working there, he was approached by AVCO Corporation offering him a position as Center Director for another new Job Corps Center in Virginia, scheduled to open that summer. To his amazement it turned out that new Center would be located at the former Father Judge Seminary in Monroe, Virginia, where he had previously served as Principal. Living and working here in the Lynchburg was definitely “meant to be.” He had returned to Virginia to continue to work with, and serve the people of Central Virginia.Gus always had a desire to provide a better life for the less fortunate, especially for people with disabilities. He was given an opportunity to begin this work when he accepted the job as Executive Director of Lynchburg Sheltered Industries, Inc. and later as Executive Director of Central Virginia Community Services, from which he retired after twenty years of service.One of his goals when he came to CVCS was to expand community housing for people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Over several years, CVCS in partnership with other agencies, was able to open group homes in Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox and Campbell. An apartment complex for people with mental illness was also built in Lynchburg. One of his most significant legacies was the development of the old Courtland building into a mental health /substance abuse treatment center. It is a beautiful example of a way to preserve an old historic building while bringing a variety of services under one roof. Gus was a very dedicated and hardworking individual, who brought innovative yet much needed services to parts of this area. As Executive Director of CVCS his vision was to provide quality services to all of their clients and he strove daily to fulfill that mission.While working here in Central Virginia, Gus was singled out for many Professional and Community honors. He was humbled, yet thankful for the following awards: The National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Citation, Virginia MHMRSA Services Board Volunteer Award, VACSB Outstanding Service Award, Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award, Leadership Lynchburg Certificate of Appreciation, Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association, Consumer Participation Award, The Arc of Central Virginia Professional Award and a Commendation from the Virginia General Assembly, House Joint Resolution 543. After his retirement, he was specially honored by The Board of Directors of Central Virginia Community Services by the renaming of the Administration Building to the Fagan Building in recognition of his significant 20 year contribution to the Agency.He was also a member of numerous local boards and associations. He was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for over thirty years. He taught in the Christian Education Program, served on Parish Council, and was Chairman of the Building Committee for twenty years. As Chairman he presided over the renovation of the church interior, the construction of the Common’s area, and new Parish Life Center. He was a member of The Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg, and of George Bean’s Men’s Study Group which met on Tuesday mornings. When not working or volunteering, Gus enjoyed reading, singing in the Jefferson Choral Society, and seeing a show on Broadway whenever possible. He enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod with his family and to Ireland to visit Carmel’s family. Gus was always known as a people person and he fell in love with the Irish people. In return, they loved and appreciated him – most especially when he sang “Oh Danny Boy” at family weddings and parties! Having played baseball with the Arlington High School team, the Pirates, Gus continued to follow the sport throughout his lifetime and became a dedicated Boston Red Sox fan. He cherished the times he attended games at Fenway Park with family and rarely missed a game on T.V. He frequently wore one of his many Red Sox hats while walking on the Black Water Trail here in Lynchburg. Even as his disease progressed, he still found great joy in hearing fellow walkers yell “Go Sox” as they passed him.Gus was the kind of leader who loved people without regard for their station in life, who protected the dignity of the staff and client alike, and who responded to need with a heart of compassion. He fervently believed in an open door policy, giving persons in need access to his wisdom and direction. Gus was especially attentive to clients who could not help themselves but needed an advocate. Part of his mission was to give a voice to those who were less fortunate and who needed skills he could teach them to exercise.Gus was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother to all of us left to cherish his memory. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.The family wishes to thank all those who cared for him in the last period of his life including the compassionate and dedicated staff of The Elms of Lynchburg and Generations Solutions. We appreciate the kindness showered upon him and the preservation of his dignity as he progressed in his disease.The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 5, 2015, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home at 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015, by Monsignor Kenneth Rush at Holy Cross Catholic Church.To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider giving a contribution to the charity of your choice or by doing a good deed for someone in need.Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424, to send condolences please go to www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

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Divisions arise in North Carolina over dredging funds

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Posted on March 4th, 2015

A North Carolina bill that would divert beach nourishment funds to pay for dredging an inlet is pitting a business community and a boating community against one another.

Representatives of both camps gave their opinions on draft state legislation that would allow the Dare County Board of Commissioners to divert occupancy tax revenue, including funds earmarked for beach nourishment, to pay for dredging the Oregon Inlet, according to the Outer Banks Voice.

About half of the 32 speakers at a county commissioners’ meeting favored using occupancy tax funds for dredging, saying the county’s boating and fishing interests were taking a huge economic hit because of severe shoaling at the inlet.

The other half objected to reallocating any funds without a plan to replace the lost revenue.

“If you look around this room, it’s pretty easy to distinguish the two sides,” Jim Tobin said. “All you have to do is look for neckties.”

Tobin, who supported the bill, said that users of Oregon Inlet also bring tourism revenue to the county from fishing tournaments and charter boat trips.

Two percent of the 6 percent occupancy tax is for beach nourishment. One percent funds the Dare County Tourism Board, and the rest goes to the towns and county for tourism-related spending.

The bill, which would allow the commissioners to use “some or all of the proceeds from occupancy taxes” toward the non-state share of dredging, is sponsored by Republican state Sens. Bill Cook, Harry Brown and Michael Lee.

The draft legislation comes at the same time that the county is planning beach nourishment projects in several areas.

Much of the funding for all of the efforts would come from the Dare County Shoreline Management fund, which is made up of the 2 percent share of the occupancy tax for beach nourishment.

Meanwhile, shoaling in the channel through Oregon Inlet is having a dire effect on the $100 million boatbuilding industry, forcing vessels to go 120 miles south for sea trials, said Paul Spencer, owner of Spencer Yachts.

“We’ve seen this coming for 40 years,” Spencer said. “It’s here now. The hourglass has run out. It’s time to take things in our own hands.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for keeping the inlet’s federal channel clear, but with declining federal funds, the state has been kicking in money to protect boats trying to navigate around the shoaling.

Millions are needed to maintain the channel. A $7 million effort to clear the channel to a depth of 14 feet and as much as 600 feet wide in 2013 was undone by shoaling within weeks.

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Beer tourism begins to boom in Carolinas

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Tourism is a major economic driver for the Greenville-Asheville region, and there are many popular attractions that lure tourists and their dollars.

But is beer really one of them?

You bet, and it has become one of the fastest-growing attractions that should be taken more seriously as such, say the people who count those incoming dollars.

Upstate breweries are among those that have become a hot draw, and the number likely will increase this spring and summer with the arrival of warmer weather, local brewers say.

The 40-plus breweries in Western North Carolina, including the big new Sierra Nevada plant near Asheville, have become a drawing card for craft beer drinkers in both Carolinas, including the Greenville market.

Tracking specific beer tourism is difficult, with no real studies available to say how many visitors are attracted here by breweries. But across the board, brewers agree that tourist traffic is strong and building. Visitation helps raise awareness of breweries and can lead to more sales in stores, pubs and restaurants.

Greenville has three breweries (Quest, Thomas Creek and Brewery 85) plus the Blue Ridge Brewpub; Travelers Rest is home to Swamp Rabbit Brewery; and RJ Rockers is located in Spartanburg. More breweries have announced plans to open in Greenville and Anderson.

The Sierra Nevada brewery, just an hour’s drive from Greenville, has had tremendous visitation, spokesman Bill Manley said. “We’re booked two weeks ahead for tour spots and a month ahead for weekends,” he said. With the brewery’s new taproom and restaurant opening in March, Sierra has just hired three more tour guides and is planning to to offer more tours.

Meanwhile, South Carolina breweries and beer spots already are feeling that bounce. At Greenville’s Brewery 85, about 35-40 percent of visitation is from tourists, “depending on what day it is,” said owner Will McCameron. “It’s really all of the Asheville breweries combined that serve as a magnet” for visitors.

The Community Tap craft beer and wine store sees a steady stream of visitors along with Greenville residents, said shop co-owner Mike Okupinski.

“You can only benefit from being close to a place like Asheville,” he said. “People are coming from all over. And being between Atlanta and Charlotte, people will ‘Google’ Greenville beer” and stop by.

Thomas Creek Brewery in Greenville sees 250-300 people a week in its tasting room, and 15-20 percent are from out of town, said spokesman Weston Gaskill. “We’ve had people from around the world visit the brewery, from as far away as Germany and Sweden.”

He expects Sierra Nevada and the New Belgium brewery, which will open later this year near downtown Asheville, to “help bring tens of thousands of tourists to the area,” he said. “Since Greenville is so close, I believe beer lovers will take the quick detour” to the Upstate.

Mark Johnsen, owner of RJ Rockers in Spartanburg, agreed. “We get a lot of people coming from ‘beer pilgrimages’ to Asheville,” he said. He thinks that beer bloggers are doing their part to boost brewery awareness.

Beer tourism has been growing across the Palmetto State, said Brook Bristow, executive director of the S.C. Brewers Guild. Twenty breweries and 14 brewpubs are open statewide.

“Charleston has eight breweries now, and several brewpubs and potentially, eight more coming,” he said. But closer to home here, “There is no doubt that our proximity to Asheville has greatly benefited Greenville in terms of craft beer culture.”

The upcoming Greenville Craft Beer Week celebration, April 19-25, will bring more visitation and attention to Upstate beer operations, he said. Details on this year’s events are still coming together, but last year they included beer dinners, rare beer tastings, a collaboration beer and a festival produced by the Community Tap.

In the Asheville area, beer tourism is booming. Asheville and Buncombe County, North Carolina, have 18 breweries, and more than 40 are open around the mountains, with more on the way.

Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, North Carolina, is already seeing an impact on visitation from Sierra Nevada, spokeswoman Anne-Fittten Glenn said. Visitors are coming there from up and down the East Coast.

Many Asheville breweries are adding outdoor venues this spring to enhance the visitor experience, including Highland Brewing and Green Man Brewery, where rooftop beer gardens are under construction.

Asheville beer festivals also have been a huge tourist draw. Events like Brewgrass and the Beer City Festival have brought thousands of craft beer fans, said Jennifer McLucas, director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, which represents Western North Carolina breweries.

At Sierra Nevada, last year’s Beer Camp festival pulled a sold-out crowd of 5,600 with strong attendance from Greenville, Atlanta, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Johnson City, Tennessee, Manley said.

The cluster of breweries on Asheville’s South Slope has also proven a draw itself. Six breweries are open there, with two more under construction.

“They create an area of destination,” said Julia Herz of the Brewers Association trade group in Boulder, Colorado. “People coming from outside the region to visit a brewery will usually visit more than one,” she said. “It’s clear that Asheville is a town where (beer fans) visit.”

At the Bruisin’ Ales specialty beer store in downtown Asheville, “we just had our busiest January and February since opening in 2006,” said store co-owner Julie Atallah. “A good portion of beer travelers are regional, especially during the winter months. But seasonally, we see plenty of people from around the country as well as international travelers. Asheville is on the ‘map’ now. People come here with lists seeking specific beers more than ever before.”

The recent launch of an online beer store at Bruisin’ Ales has resulted in sales across the U.S. and overseas, she said. “I believe this will be a record year for beer tourism and a time of transition,” she said. “The beer scene here always catered to locals. Now we’re finding new ways to cater to locals and travelers alike.”

Upstate SC, Asheville, WNC breweries: The Complete List

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Calendars belong with school districts

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To the editor:

Our current school calendars need attention by our General Assembly and Gov. McCrory immediately. The NC General Assembly took school calendar authority away from local school districts in 2004 which mandates when the public school instructional year could begin and end. School districts now cannot start till the Monday closest to August 26 and close Friday closest to June 11. Educational waivers have been eliminated altogether and school districts could provide fewer than 180 days of instruction during the school year as long as we meet the minimum 1,025 hours as noted in the 2012 calendar law change.

School districts should have the option to open earlier in order to finish first semester exams by winter break — essentially working with the same calendar as our local community colleges. We are using a one-size-fits-all statewide calendar and instead we should allow our local district schools the flexibility to determine the start/end dates as long as we are meeting the 185 days or the 1,025 minimum hours. Why not try to listen to those who have the most experience — school administrators, educational professionals and local school boards? You don’t ask your plumber to administer an influenza shot, do you?

Even the General Assembly’s House Study Committee on Education Innovation (2013) report found that presenters stressed the importance of flexibility in the public schools. The House Bill 1049, titled “Restore School Calendar Education Purpose Waiver” was filed on May 14, 2014, as a recommendation of the Committee and the bill was referred to the House Committee on Commerce and Job Development, but did not receive a hearing.

It appears to me that we are talking out of both sides of the mouth — one side declares the value of education and doing whatever we need to make our schools better with education reform while the other side thinks it is more important for families to spend the first three weeks of August vacationing in the state.

According to the 2013 North Carolina Visitor Profile by the N.C. Department of Commerce, 32 percent travel to North Carolina in the summer (June–August). July is the single largest month for travel to the state at 14 percent. Thirty-four percent of 2013 overnight visitors to North Carolina visited relatives, 22 percent shopped, 19 percent visited friends followed by visiting a beach, rural sightseeing, fine dining, visiting historic sites/churches and visiting state/national parks. If we look at vacation-designated dates historically in North Carolina — especially in the manufacturing segment — July 4th week is the most popular vacation week. Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford counties have the greatest impact of travel in North Carolina in state and local tax receipts. Within that study prepared for the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development by the U.S. Travel Association, only four out of the top 25 N.C. counties in state and local tax receipts are coastal counties.

I fully support the value of tourism in North Carolina, but the message out of Raleigh is different. I have heard countless times, “the Commerce Department would fight against local school districts having calendar control.” So, what are we going to do going forward? Currently, 62 school districts across North Carolina have filed resolutions on behalf of local control of school calendars and 14 bills have been filed this session on behalf of school districts by members in both the N.C. House and N.C. Senate. Are these bills being filed just as token bills or are we going to have real conversations? According to my North Carolina public schools education, 54 percent of our school districts are in support of local school calendar authority — that would win any election. You don’t need a $10 million pilot program or special committees to further “kick the can down the road.”

The education professionals have spoken loudly and in a majority for several years now; it’s time to act on our behalf.

Todd Cutler

Asheboro

Editor’s note: Todd Cutler chairs the Randolph County Board of Education.

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School news

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Send your school news to ginasmithschoolnews@gmail.com.

Compiled by Gina Smith

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Barnette Elementary

New principal: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recently appointed Leyanne “Missy” Gabriel as the new principal at Barnette. Gabriel is an assistant principal at Bradley Middle School where she has workedsince 1998. At Bradley, she also held the positions of academic facilitator, math facilitator and teacher.

Gabriel was a middle school teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 1988-1998. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Winthrop University.

Cornelius Elementary

Career Fair: Cornelius parents are needed to talk to students about their professions during the school’s Career Fair on April 29. For details or to participate, contact school counselor Aara Bunyan at 980-343-3905 or Aara1.Bunyan@cms.k12.nc.us.

J.V. Washam Elementary

Dance donations: The Father/Daughter Dance committee is seeking donations of certain items for the April 18 event. Parent volunteers are also needed who have decorating ideas and talent with building and painting. Items needed include: paint, beach balls, goggles, masks, snorkels, 11-inch-by-13-inch wood picture frames without glass, kiddie pools, hula hoops, beach hats, sunglasses, beach décor, paper lanterns, palm trees and a canoe or kayak, which will be returned. To help out, contact Aissa Vesely at aissa.vesely@gmail.com.

Torrence Creek Elementary

100 Days of School: On Feb. 4, Torrence Creek Elementary students celebrated 100 days of school with creative projects, 100-item snacks, a parade and readings of books such as “The Night Before the Hundredth Day.” Students in some classrooms brought in 100 canned goods per class, collecting more than 500 cans, which were donated to the Angels and Sparrows soup kitchen in Huntersville. Pictured from left are members of Amy Dawson’s kindergarten class, Luke Bissinger, Kaleiya Jones, Raegan Blickley, Liam McDonald, Raena Vogeli, Max Museler, Austin Nguyen and Hailey Blank.

Blanket and towel drive: Torrence Creek Elementary’s SWAG Club is kicking off its winter session with a blanket, towel and sheet drive to benefit local animal shelters. Donated items will be used for animals to sleep on to keep them off the shelters’ cement floors. Items may be in any condition, but must be recently washed and may not contain quilting or stuffing, which can be chewed up and swallowed. Bring donations to the school.

J.M. Alexander Middle

Merit Award: Alexander Middle was named a School of Excellence in the 2015 Magnet Schools of America Merit Awards Competition. The school has advanced from last year’s designation, which was School of Distinction.

Hough High

Parent registration sessions: Student Services is conducting parent registration sessions to help parents understand the registration process and have the chance to ask questions. Parents of underclassmen may attend one of the following sessions: 1 p.m. March 12 or 9 a.m. March 13, both in the Media Center. Parents of rising ninth graders may attend one of the following session: 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. March 11 in the Media Center or 6:30 p.m. March 12 in the cafeteria. The March 12 session for rising freshmen may be attended by both students and parents and includes a tour of the school. Rising ninth-grade parents must register for their sessions at http://houghregistration2015.weebly.com/.

Spring musical: The Hough Theatre program will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. March 19-21 and 3 p.m. March 21 in the school auditorium at 12420 Bailey Road, Cornelius. Advance general admission tickets are $8 for students, $10 for adults. A limited number of reserved seats are available in advance for each show at $15 each. General admission tickets will be sold at the door, if available, for $12 each. For details and advance tickets, visit houghtheatre.org.

North Mecklenburg High

​DECA awards: Several students from the North Mecklenburg High School DECA chapter recently participated in the N.C. DECA Career Development Conference in Greensboro on Feb. 27-March 1​. The chapter was the only Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools chapter to be awarded the competition’s Thrive Level Membership Campaign Award. The group also received the N.C. DECA Chapter of Distinction award and the N.C. DECA Foundation Support Chapter Award. In addition, chapter member Keon Regisford received a $1,000 scholarship to UNC Greensboro renewable for four years, and the group qualified to attend the 2015 DECA International Career Development Conference to be held April 25-28 in Orlando, Florida. Members are working to raise about $950 to help them pay for expenses associated with the Florida event. For details on making a donation, contact Elizabeth Lentz at Elizabeth.boggs@cms.k12.nc.us or call the school at 980-343-3840.

Individual and team award winners included:

First place, Financial Literacy Promotion Project – Chelsea Finney, Diamond Nance, Kelja Stevenson.

First place, Virtual Business Challenge Hotel – Sam Duis.

Second place, Public Relations Project – Alexis Jackson, Taylor Pellerin, Keon Regisford.

Second place, Accounting Applications – Madelyn Mahl.

Second place, Entrepreneurship Growing Your Business – Houston Beasley, Sam Duis, Dean Rabb.

Third place, Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling – Kennedy Parkins.

Fourth place, Principles of Marketing – William Haywood.

Fifth place, Entrepreneurship Promotion Plan – Kaela Carter and Keyondra Fox.

Fifth place, Learn and Earn Project – Rachel Brodof, Tommy Dail, Sarah Gardner.

Fifth place, Creative Marketing – Tynia Allison, M’Kailah Samuel, Cam’Ron Sorey.

Fifth place, Principles of Business Management and Administration – Justice Finch.

Top 10 finalists include:

Apparel and Accessories Marketing – Simone Lindsey.

Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan – Davis Comer.

Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling – Danyale Calhoun.

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making – Meg Houck and Colin Shields.

Travel and Tourism Marketing Team Decision Making – Aldo De Leon and Jorge Penaranda, Jon Pugliese and Mark Spytkowski.

Top test score medalists include:

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making – Meg Houck.

Principles of Business Management and Administration – Justice Finch.

Principles of Marketing – William Haywood.

Hospitality and Tourism Team Decision Making – Sam Duis, Sullivan Molinek.

Hotel and Lodging Management – Joelle Banks.

Accounting Applications – Madelyn Mahl.

Apparel and Accessories Marketing – Simone Lindsey.

Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling – Joelle Banks, Sullivan Molinek.

Top role-play medalists include:

Principles of Business Management and Administration – Justice Finch.

Principles of Marketing – Ola Badawey, William Haywood, Sidharth Kulgod, Sara Scoggins.

Hospitality and Tourism Team Decision Making – Rachel Brodof, Tommy Dail.

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Poplar Forest gets grant to promote craft-beer event

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Fagan, Augustine John

Augustine “Gus” John FaganAugustine “Gus” John Fagan peacefully departed this life on Friday, February 27, 2015.Gus was born in Everett, Massachusetts, the seventh of ten children to the late Augustine Fagan and Mary Ellen Williams Fagan, formally of Newfoundland, Canada. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Florence O’ Brien and Marie Doherty; a brother, Richard Fagan and wife, Ruth; and a brother-in-law, Jim Guzzo, all of Massachusetts.Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of forty two years, Carmel; his devoted daughter, Maureen Frink; his caring son-in-law, Daniel Frink; and his two dearly treasured granddaughters, Ann Marie and Dana Frink, all of Richmond ,Virginia. He is also survived by two brothers, James Fagan and wife, Patricia, and Lawrence Fagan and wife, Barbara; and four sisters, Margaret Fagan Guzzo, Norma Fagan Fenzel and husband, Fred, Claire Fagan Cahill and husband, Jack, and Linda Fagan Laurendeau and partner, Jim Bunton, all of Massachusetts. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and numerous faithful and caring friends.Gus grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts surrounded by a loving and supportive large family. He attended Arlington High School during which time he made the decision to enter the Priesthood at Saint Joseph’s Preparatory Seminary in Rural Alabama. During this period Gus and several of his fellow Seminarians in Alabama were active in The Civil Rights Movement. They were privileged to be able to participate in Doctor Martin King, Jr. March on Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. This experience at an early age helped him embody Dr. King’s message of making the world a better and fairer place for all people. Throughout his life, Gus’ efforts to live this message was evidenced in his sincere acceptance of all the people he encountered, regardless of their station in life.Seven years later he was ordained a Trinitarian Priest and completed a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy/Classics at Holy Trinity Mission Seminary. He continued his studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. from where he received a Master’s Degree in Philosophy. Later he attended Summer Sessions at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he completed a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Administration [Ed.S.]As an ordained Trinitarian Priest, Gus was assigned to Father Judge Seminary in Monroe, Virginia, where he served as Teacher, Counselor, and Principal for several years. After his decision to leave the active ministry, Gus continued his work in a career of Public Service. Most of his life he lived and worked in Virginia. He held positions as Teacher of Latin and English at Middlesex County Public High School and later was offered a position as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for The Middlesex Public School System. Gus, his wife Carmel, and baby daughter Maureen resided in Urbanna,Virginia at that time.Having always had a desire to return home to Boston to live, he believed that while his daughter was still very young would be the perfect time to make the move. During that short stay in Boston, while seeking employment, he was offered a job by The AVCO Corporation to be on a startup team as Assistant Center Director at the then new Red Rock Job Corps Center in Pennsylvania. While working there, he was approached by AVCO Corporation offering him a position as Center Director for another new Job Corps Center in Virginia, scheduled to open that summer. To his amazement it turned out that new Center would be located at the former Father Judge Seminary in Monroe, Virginia, where he had previously served as Principal. Living and working here in the Lynchburg was definitely “meant to be.” He had returned to Virginia to continue to work with, and serve the people of Central Virginia.Gus always had a desire to provide a better life for the less fortunate, especially for people with disabilities. He was given an opportunity to begin this work when he accepted the job as Executive Director of Lynchburg Sheltered Industries, Inc. and later as Executive Director of Central Virginia Community Services, from which he retired after twenty years of service.One of his goals when he came to CVCS was to expand community housing for people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Over several years, CVCS in partnership with other agencies, was able to open group homes in Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox and Campbell. An apartment complex for people with mental illness was also built in Lynchburg. One of his most significant legacies was the development of the old Courtland building into a mental health /substance abuse treatment center. It is a beautiful example of a way to preserve an old historic building while bringing a variety of services under one roof. Gus was a very dedicated and hardworking individual, who brought innovative yet much needed services to parts of this area. As Executive Director of CVCS his vision was to provide quality services to all of their clients and he strove daily to fulfill that mission.While working here in Central Virginia, Gus was singled out for many Professional and Community honors. He was humbled, yet thankful for the following awards: The National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Citation, Virginia MHMRSA Services Board Volunteer Award, VACSB Outstanding Service Award, Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award, Leadership Lynchburg Certificate of Appreciation, Virginia Mental Health Consumers Association, Consumer Participation Award, The Arc of Central Virginia Professional Award and a Commendation from the Virginia General Assembly, House Joint Resolution 543. After his retirement, he was specially honored by The Board of Directors of Central Virginia Community Services by the renaming of the Administration Building to the Fagan Building in recognition of his significant 20 year contribution to the Agency.He was also a member of numerous local boards and associations. He was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for over thirty years. He taught in the Christian Education Program, served on Parish Council, and was Chairman of the Building Committee for twenty years. As Chairman he presided over the renovation of the church interior, the construction of the Common’s area, and new Parish Life Center. He was a member of The Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg, and of George Bean’s Men’s Study Group which met on Tuesday mornings. When not working or volunteering, Gus enjoyed reading, singing in the Jefferson Choral Society, and seeing a show on Broadway whenever possible. He enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod with his family and to Ireland to visit Carmel’s family. Gus was always known as a people person and he fell in love with the Irish people. In return, they loved and appreciated him – most especially when he sang “Oh Danny Boy” at family weddings and parties! Having played baseball with the Arlington High School team, the Pirates, Gus continued to follow the sport throughout his lifetime and became a dedicated Boston Red Sox fan. He cherished the times he attended games at Fenway Park with family and rarely missed a game on T.V. He frequently wore one of his many Red Sox hats while walking on the Black Water Trail here in Lynchburg. Even as his disease progressed, he still found great joy in hearing fellow walkers yell “Go Sox” as they passed him.Gus was the kind of leader who loved people without regard for their station in life, who protected the dignity of the staff and client alike, and who responded to need with a heart of compassion. He fervently believed in an open door policy, giving persons in need access to his wisdom and direction. Gus was especially attentive to clients who could not help themselves but needed an advocate. Part of his mission was to give a voice to those who were less fortunate and who needed skills he could teach them to exercise.Gus was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother to all of us left to cherish his memory. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.The family wishes to thank all those who cared for him in the last period of his life including the compassionate and dedicated staff of The Elms of Lynchburg and Generations Solutions. We appreciate the kindness showered upon him and the preservation of his dignity as he progressed in his disease.The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 5, 2015, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home at 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015, by Monsignor Kenneth Rush at Holy Cross Catholic Church.To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider giving a contribution to the charity of your choice or by doing a good deed for someone in need.Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424, to send condolences please go to www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

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Civil rights landmark bridge is named for reputed KKK leader

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SELMA, Ala. (AP) — When the nation’s first black president steps onto the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor the marchers beaten there 50 years ago, he’ll be standing on a structure that’s at once synonymous with the civil rights struggle and a tribute to a reputed Ku Klux Klan leader.

The latter fact had all but faded from local memory until recently, when a Selma student group launched an online petition to rename the landmark bridge.

During his 50th anniversary address Saturday, President Barack Obama will be flanked on one side by a new historic marker commemorating “Bloody Sunday,” when white police beat demonstrators marching for black voting rights on March 7, 1965. The sign, erected earlier this year by the state tourism department, notes Obama’s 2007 appearance there just before his election and the accolades for “Selma,” the recent film about the march.

It offers no details about Edmund Winston Pettus, a Confederate general and U.S. senator who lived in Selma after the Civil War. The Encyclopedia of Alabama, an online database sponsored by the University of Alabama, Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Education, says Pettus held the title of grand dragon of the Alabama Klan in 1877 — an assertion that’s questioned by some historians.

Just beyond the other end of the bridge, a billboard erected recently bears a heroic image of another Confederate general, Klan founder Nathan Bedford Forrest. The ad, sponsored by a group dedicated to honoring Forrest, invites visitors to see Selma’s “War Between the States” historic sites; next month is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Selma, in which Forrest fought.

As the “Bloody Sunday” anniversary approaches, a student group in Selma is petitioning to rename the bridge, whose twin metal arches soar above the murky Alabama River. The online petition, addressed to Selma Mayor George Patrick Evans and to the National Parks Service, has been up for about two weeks. It does not propose a new name for the bridge.

John Gainey, executive director of Students UNITE, a racially integrated youth group that began the petition, said having a white supremacist’s name attached to the city’s most visible landmark illustrates the city’s deep racial divisions a half-century after the marchers were beaten at the bridge.

Just as in the 1960s, Gainey said, Selma is split by race. Blacks attend public schools, most whites go to private academies and many blacks still live in run-down shanties while whites occupy nice homes with manicured lawns, he said. Yet the town of nearly 20,000 people is about 80 percent black.

“We think it really does represent something larger,” said Gainey.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery, a veteran civil rights leader, agrees the bridge’s name should be changed to quit honoring someone with alleged Klan ties.

“They’re responsible for too much death and misery. We don’t need to honor them,” said Lowery, a lieutenant of Martin Luther King Jr. who participated in the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march. “I’m with the kids. Let’s change it.”

However, Selma historian Alston Fitts doubts Pettus had anything to do with the KKK. Although the city was a hub of racial animus in the 1960s, Selma was known as a “safe place” for blacks aligned with liberal Republicans after the Civil War during Reconstruction partly because of a lack of Klan activity, he said.

“He was a pretty lousy Klan leader if that’s what he was,” said Fitts.

Pettus’ views on race were widely known during Reconstruction. In July 1871, when Pettus testified before a congressional committee investigating the Klan, he made it clear he believed whites, not blacks, were the victims in the post-Civil War South.

Pettus asserted that any campaign of intimidation was being waged by Republicans and “carpet-baggers” seeking to incite blacks to commit “acts of aggression on their part against the white people,” according to congressional archives.

Michael Fitzgerald, a professor of history at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, is researching a book on Reconstruction-era Alabama. He said he hasn’t found “persuasive evidence” that Pettus was a Klan officer or even member, but he said Pettus was “almost certainly” involved with the White League, a later terrorist organization.

“He is a Confederate general, he is a Democratic leader when white supremacy is their slogan — is what they exist to do,” he said. “What I would say is Edmund Pettus is definitely a strong white supremacist.”

An attorney who entered the Confederate army as a major in 1861 and rose to the rank of brigadier general by 1863, Pettus was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1897 after Reconstruction and served until his death in 1907 at age 86.

Pettus’ legacy was still well known in Selma when the bridge was constructed just east of downtown in 1940, so the span was named for a man revered locally as a tenacious Southern leader. With Jim Crow laws still in effect, blacks had virtually no say in the decision.

And until now, there has never been a serious effort to rename it.

___

Breed, an AP national writer, contributed to this report from Raleigh, North Carolina.

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McCann Realty Partners and Guggenheim Real Estate Acquire 352-Home The …

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RICHMOND, Va. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. and ATLANTA, March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — McCann Realty Partners, LLC (“McCann” or “MRP”) and its equity partner, Guggenheim Real Estate, announced the acquisition of The Retreat at Johns Creek in Atlanta, GA.  Built in 1996, the 352-home, garden-style community located in Johns Creek in North Fulton County will be managed by Pegasus Residential, LLC.  The community amenities include a clubhouse, 5,000 square foot fitness center, and a resort style luxury swimming pool.  

“North Fulton County and in particular Johns Creek are seeing strong rent growth due to proximity to job drivers and the lack of new supply in the area.  McCann sees this as an opportunity to create value by upgrading interiors and updating the amenities on the property.  Atlanta’s rental growth rates are among the best in the country today,” said McCann’s Vice President of Acquisitions, Thomas Upson.  “The Retreat at Johns Creek provided us with the opportunity to purchase a well-built asset in a good location that will benefit from the dynamic long-term job growth expected to continue in North Fulton.”

Matthew T. Akin, President of McCann said, “We are excited to work with Guggenheim on this acquisition, our first together.  McCann is focused on finding investment opportunities where we can create value by focusing on renovations and operations to improve long term cash flows.” 

McCann continues to seek new acquisition and development opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Texas. For acquisitions and development in the Southeast, please contact Thomas Upson, Vice President of Acquisitions, at (804) 290-8870, ext 317.  For acquisitions and development in Texas, please contact Tre Banks at (713) 898-0740. 

About McCann Realty Partners, LLC

McCann Realty Partners and its principals have decades of diverse experience and a very strong track record in the apartment industry. With offices in Richmond, Virginia and Houston, Texas, MRP teams with institutional capital sources to acquire, develop and manage apartment communities in the Southeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic and adjacent regions. The Company is in the market continuously to acquire both Class A and value-add apartment communities of 150 units or more. MRP is also currently developing apartment communities in Texas.

Since inception, MRP has acquired 25 apartment communities totaling more than 6,500 homes in transactions valued at approximately $615 million. MRP has also completed or has under development 8 communities totaling 2,532 homes with an estimated completed value of $315 million.  For more information, visit www.mrpapts.com.

About Guggenheim Real Estate

Guggenheim Real Estate (GRE), a division of Guggenheim Partners, was formed in 2002 and manages approximately $1.2 billion of client assets as of December 31, 2014. GRE’s direct property investments include 9 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, and multi-family property throughout the U.S. GRE invests across the real estate spectrum on behalf of institutional and private clients. Guggenheim Partners is a global investment and advisory firm with more than $220 billion in assets under management.

Contact: Fleet Wallace, McCann Realty Partners (804) 290-8870

 

SOURCE McCann Realty Partners

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A plastic bag lobby exists, and it’s surprisingly tough

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Election officials said Monday  that a trade group had turned in enough signatures to qualify a referendum on California’s plastic bag ban law, suspending implementation of the nation’s first statewide ban until voters weigh in on the November 2016 ballot. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

For years, environmental groups have been pushing laws to limit the use of plastic bags, which they say are wasteful, harm wildlife and linger as litter for centuries.

Major cities have joined the effort in the past decade. Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Boulder require stores to charge fees for plastic bags; San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago and Seattle have banned the disposable bags outright.

[The surprising reason why those 5-cent charges for plastic bags actually work]

This year, though, the cause has suffered major setbacks. As it turns out, the plastic bag lobby — and one does exist — is anything but flimsy.

Last year, California became the first state to pass a statewide ban on plastic bags in stores. But the law, which was set to go in effect for supermarkets in July, has been put on hold after the American Progressive Bag Alliance submitted a petition with over 800,000 names. Last week, California officials announced that voters would have to ratify the law in a referendum on the 2016 ballot.

“This is a cynical ploy by out-of-state interests desperate to delay a ban already adopted in more than 100 communities across California,” a spokesperson for Gov. Jerry Brown (D) told the Associated Press.

The American Progressive Bag Alliance, which is supported by major plastics manufacturers, spent over $3 million on consultants and a petition management company between October and December, when it was collecting signatures. The group told the San Francisco Chronicle that plastic bags, like those handed out by restaurants and stores, are a $100 million- to $150 million-a-year business in California. That’s well worth the $3 million investment, Chronicle columnists Phil Matier and Andy Ross noted.

In Georgia, bag makers and retailers are going on the offensive. Last week, the Georgia Senate passed a sweeping bill that would protect the freedom of plastic bags and disposable foods everywhere. It’s a ban-ban bill, that special kind of legislation that would handcuff city and county governments from making their own local restrictions on the issue.

SB 139, which passed 32-19 Thursday, wouldn’t just outlaw local bans on plastic bags. It would bar cities from regulating “auxiliary containers” at all, which include bags, takeout containers and throwaway cups. They could not tax these products; they could not impose fees; they could not tell people how to use them. Only the state would be able to pass laws regulating these objects.

The bill is intended to help businesses. “Prudent regulation of auxiliary containers is crucial to the welfare of Georgia’s,” the bill explains. “Retail and food establishments are sensitive to the costs and regulation of auxiliary containers.”

Sen. Tyler Harper (R) sponsored the bill in reaction to the “regulatory mayhem” surrounding plastic bags in California, he told a local news service last week. It’s important, he said, that “our businesses in our state have some sense of certainty in regards to regulation in our state.”

In California, where many cities have individual rules about plastic bags, many grocery store owners supported the statewide ban. Having the bags outlawed everywhere makes things simpler, the president of the California Grocers Association told the L.A. Times.

Harper’s bill is advancing to the Georgia house just as the coastal city of Tybee Island prepares to consider an ordinance banning plastic bags. Locals there worry about the impact of plastic litter on the environment and tourism. For these same reasons, North Carolina banned plastic shopping bags on the Outer Banks five years ago.

“Our economy is based on a beachfront community,” said Bill Garbett, who sits on the Tybee Island council. “We have sea turtles nesting on the beach. They easily confuse plastic bags with jellyfish. It’s up close and personal to us.”

The issue is more than just an environmental one. Garbett said SB 139 has raised concerns in many of Georgia’s cities because it represents the state government meddling in local affairs. “That the legislature would come in and prohibit something as silly as bag bans also means they would control a lot of other issues,” he said.

Clarke County, which includes the city of Athens, Ga., has also talked about banning plastic bags, though nothing has materialized so far. Commissioner Sharyn Dickerson said she’s lukewarm on bag bans; she’s worked for years in waste management for the county and doesn’t believe that this is the right way to go about reducing plastic trash. But she also opposes SB 139.

She’s not a fan of the state government telling cities what they can or can’t do, and this bill is especially broad. “My concern is if this bill goes forward, it will take away our opportunity to do anything locally,” she said. “It would actually preempt some of our other initiatives downtown.”

Dickerson said that Athens representatives will soon meet with state lawmakers to discuss the bill. “We’ll see if we can’t get them to back off some on this legislation,” she said.

Correction: The Outer Banks are in North Carolina, not South Carolina.

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