JCSU breaks new ground in the sciences

As part of its mission to transform education in the sciences, Johnson C. Smith University broke ground today on the 62,000-square-foot Science Center that will house innovative programs in the College of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The center will be built between the James B. Duke Memorial Library and the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church on the JCSU campus.
Funded by a $25 million grant from The Duke Endowment, the new center will house programs that will prepare students for emerging fields in renewable energy, medical informatics, homeland security and analytics. The new center is part of the STEM complex on campus, which also offers programs in electronics, cyber security and robotics. "As we continue to build this unique new model for colleges and expand beyond the traditional STEM education, we will ensure our graduates have the contemporary curriculum that provides the expertise they need," said Dr. Magdy Attia, dean of the College of STEM. Such a curriculum, he said "will give students a chance to compete more efficiently for post graduate schools and jobs."

Designed by Gantt Huberman Architects, the Science Center will enable the College of STEM to increase admission from 300 to 450 students by 2016. "The JCSU leadership has worked for months with architects to create an optimal learning environment for interaction among students, faculty and visitors," said Dr. Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University.
When complete, the three-story building will be the largest on campus. Special features will include a common atrium, teaching labs, offices and a 250-seat tiered lecture hall/auditorium to accommodate guest lectures, conferences and other multipurpose events.

Not only will the new Science Center benefit university students, the Charlotte community will be able to use the center as a resource through the JCSU STEM Innovation Center, providing training, mentoring, think tanks and STEM summer camps for students, teachers and professionals.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine continues to rank Johnson C. Smith University 18th in the nation in graduating African Americans in computer and information sciences. The university also ranks well above the national average in the number of female students in STEM.

Founded in 1867, Johnson C. Smith University is an independent, close-knit urban university located in Charlotte, N.C. It has a growing national reputation for integrating the liberal arts with business, the sciences and technology in ways that empower tomorrow's diverse entrepreneurial citizens and leaders. Offering 23 fields of study to more than 1,600 students from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, the university's excellent academic programs focus on servant leadership, civic engagement and global responsibility. For more information about JCSU, visitwww.jcsu.edu or follow the University on social media sites Facebook (www.facebook.com/smithites) and Twitter (@JCSUniversity).

Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers at Charlotte Nature Museum, Sat. October 27

Get ready for a web of bewitchingly good fun that celebrates the fall and the creatures that many people find haunting at Charlotte Nature Museum's October Creature Feature: Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers on Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Expert exhibitors at Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers will give you goosebumps with information about native and nonnative insects, arthropods and arachnids, bats and other critters and how they survive, help the environment and assist in controlling insect populations. Little visitors will shiver with excitement meeting fascinating but not-too-scary creatures, including the curly hair tarantula [Brachypelma albopilosum], giant millipede [Archispirostreptus spp, Scaphiostreptus spp] and scorpion [Hadogenes sp,], and brave visitors wanting a real treat can touch a Madagascar hissing cockroach. Energetic little goblins can practice hocus pocus outside at Fort Not-So-Spooky, which will feature interactive stations with pumpkins, spiders, a graveyard dig, a scavenger hunt and spider-themed games along the Paw Paw Nature Trail.

Spiders and insects weave a tangled web of amazing instincts and abilities. It may seem eerie but Madagascar hissing cockroaches [Gromphadorhina portentosa] produce a noise similar to the hiss of a snake and can bear as many as 60 nymph roaches at one time. Did you know that spiders have no bones because their tough skin serves as a protective outer skeleton?

"They might seem scary, but bugs and other species have important jobs as a part of our natural ecosystem," said Vonna Brown, coordinator of Charlotte Nature Museum. "For example bats are helpful for our gardens because they can eat from 2,000 to 6,000 insects each night, including agricultural crop pests like flies, mosquitoes and gnats."

Story Time will cast a spell with titles such as "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" by Iza Trapani, "Night Animals" by Millicent E. Selsami and "Noises in the Woods" by Judi Friedman. Make sure to catch the Puppet Show "The Unloveables", and scare some extra fun into your day by checking out special items for sale in Trail's End Gift Shop including a remote-controlled tarantula, scorpion lollipops and bug collection boxes.

Creature Features, supported by The Guild of Discovery Place, Inc., are monthly special events and include crafts, Puppet Shows and storytelling. Creature Feature activities are free with Museum admission. Admission: $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two and Members are free. Parking is free.

Charlotte Nature Museum is located at 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte. Hours are: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m.; and closed on Monday.

Charlotte Nature Museum offers visitors the chance to get close to wildlife and walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals inCreature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley or just hang out in Our Big Backyard. Visitors can learn together during workshops, summer camps and more. Daily programming including hands-on activities provide the opportunity for structured learning and informal play for kids of all ages. Charlotte Nature Museum is operated by Discovery Place, Inc.

Mint Museum Opens Two New Major Exhibits

Two new exhibitions celebrating nearly 200 years of American art from the early 19th century to present day are open to the public at Mint Museum Uptown for the next three months.

"The Mint is pleased to continue offering Charlotte audiences a range of exhibitions celebrating art that is beautiful, inspiring, and historically significant," said Dr. Kathleen V. Jameson, President & CEO of the Mint. "We look forward to our visitors engaging with these works and being transformed in ways that transcend the walls of our museum."

The Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art

The Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art, organized by the Brigham Young University Museum of Art and on view through January 20, 2013, is the first major exhibition to collectively examine the paintings of American artists Robert Walter Weir and his two sons, John Ferguson Weir and Julian Alden Weir, and in doing so it traces the trajectory of American art across the 19th century and into the 20th.

"I am delighted to be able to bring such an important exhibition to the Mint," said Jonathan Stuhlman, the Mint's curator of American art. "This exhibition traces almost the entire history of American painting in the nineteenth century through the lens of a single family, and does so with beautifully-executed paintings containing engaging subject matter."

Robert Weir was one of the first American artists to study in Italy, working there from 1824 until 1827. Upon his return to America, he became an associate at the recently-founded National Academy in New York in 1829 and, a few years later, an instructor at the United States Military Academy in West Point. He was renowned for his talent as a portraitist and a history painter and painted one of the murals in the Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. Robert's first son, John, trained with his father and in Europe. He then taught at Yale University for 44 years and established the first academic art program at a university in the United States. John's younger brother, Julian, was educated at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris from 1873 until 1877 and became one of the country's leading Impressionist artists.

Mint members have the opportunity to preview the exhibition at a members-only First Look Friday on October 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Mint will offer a number of lectures and other special events during the run of the exhibition, beginning with a Sunday Fun Day this Sunday, October 21 from 1-4 p.m. with activities celebrating the exhibition (FREE for children under 18; half-price admission for adults). On Tuesday October 30, David Park Curry, the Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, American painting and Sculpture at the Baltimore Art Museums, will visit for a FREE discussion of the life and career of James McNeill Whistler, who studied under Robert Walter Weir. A curator's tour with Stuhlman will be November 14 at noon and is free after museum admission. A FREE concert featuring local handbell choirs, celebrating the 1866 painting The Christmas Bell by John Ferguson Weir and other holiday-themed works in the exhibition, will be December 18. And a FREE ArtFusion event with a lecture and other activities will be held January 15. For more information on these and other events, visit www.mintmuseum.org/happenings.

The Weir Family, 1820-1920: Expanding the Traditions of American Art is organized by Weir expert Marian Wardle for the Brigham Young University Museum of Art. It is made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts and foundation sponsor, the Henry Luce Foundation. Additional assistance has been provided by Jack and Mary Lois Wheatley and the Milton A. and Gloria G. Barlow Foundation. Presentation in Charlotte of The Weir Family is generously made possible by McColl Brothers Lockwood and McColl Partners, and the Mint Museum Auxiliary. A fully-illustrated hardcover catalogue is available in the Mint Museum Shops for $49.95.

Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver

Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver, on view through January 6, 2013, celebrates the last decade of work by a North Carolina native artist who is renowned for her expression-filled, emotive canvases that commemorate her life and the lives of those closest to her – in particular, her mother Ethel, who passed away in 2004, and her sister, Renee, who is mentally disabled.

"Beverly McIver's vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes give voice to matters of identity and personal integrity. Having left the security of a tenured faculty position to honor a promise made to her terminally-ill mother to care for her disabled sister, Renee, McIver tracks the complex emotions of despair, hope and resiliency," said Curator Carla Hanzal. "This is a powerful show that speaks to difficult choices made by contemporary families."

McIver is a significant presence in contemporary American art, examining racial, gender and social identities through her experiences as an African-American female artist. Her family history allowed her to contemplate and illustrate complicated emotions that arrive from depression, frustration, compassion, and joy. "All of my portraits are self-portraits," McIver has said. "I use the faces of others who reflect my most inner being."

McIver's 2002 work Dora's Dance is a candidate for acquisition by the Mint through the museum's "Vote for Art" project, which allows museum visitors to cast ballots for their favorites from among six works of art. The winning work will be announced at the museum's Ballot Ball on November 9.

A documentary about McIver, "Raising Renee," will screen at the Mint for FREE on Tuesday, November 20. The artist herself will visit for a FREE discussion on Tuesday, November 27. For more details on these and other events, visit www.mintmuseum.org/happenings.

Reflections: Portraits by Beverly McIver is organized by the North Carolina Museum of Art. This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources; the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Inc.; and the William R. Kenan Jr. Endowment for Educational Exhibitions. An illustrated softcover catalogue is available in the Mint Museum Shops for $15.

ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM

As the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast, The Mint Museum offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via innovative collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs. The Mint Museum is a non-profit, visual arts institution comprised of two dynamic facilities: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.

Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte's Eastover neighborhood as the state's first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, fashion, European and African art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop offering merchandise that complements both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop. For more information, visit the NEW mintmuseum.org.

'Wipe Out Waste' Day Set For Nov. 17 in Mecklenburg

In the new era where protecting personal information and the environment are equally important, there is a much better solution to getting rid of dangerous stuff, and on the upcoming Wipe Out Waste (WOW) Day, you can do it safely and for free thanks to Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Services.

Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. - noon, all four Mecklenburg County Full Service Recycling Centers will have professionals shredding household documents and collecting old electronics for no charge. The first 25 cars to bring items to each recycling center will receive special giveaways. Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Huntersville Police departments will be on hand to ensure safety and secure document destruction.

Not sure what to bring? Email Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@mecklenburgcountync.gov for detailed information about what you can bring for disposal.

Mecklenburg County's Full Service Recycling Center locations:

• North Mecklenburg Recycling Center and Yard Waste
12300 N. Statesville Rd.

• West Mecklenburg Recycling Center
8440 Byrum Dr.

• Hickory Grove Recycling Center and Yard Waste
8007 Pence Rd.

• Foxhole Recycling Center and Yard Waste
17131 Lancaster Hwy.

These facilities are open during the week for collection of other household items such as trash, yard waste and household hazardous waste. Dial 311 for more information.

November events at Davidson College include "Danu"

Davidson College Public Events in November 2012 include the Irish ensemble "Danu," and many others:

Thursday, November 1
Literary Reading
Davidson College invites the public on Thursday evening, November 1, to a presentation by award-winning author and University of Kentucky writer-in-residence Bobbie Ann Mason. Mason will read from her work as part of Davidson's Fellowship of Southern Writers Benefit Reading Series. Her first book of fiction, Shiloh and Other Stories, won the Ernest Hemingway Award. Her new novel Girl in the Blue Beret, was published last year. There is no charge to attend the event, whichbegins at 7:30 p.m. in the Smith 900 Room of the Alvarez College Union. A book signing will follow. For information call 704-894-2472 or e-mail narandazzo@davidson.edu.

Sunday, November 4
"Liederabend"
Davidson College invites the public on Sunday evening, November 4, to a "Liederabend" vocal concert. Students of Artist Associates Diane Thornton, Jacquelyn Culpepper and Christopher Gilliam will come together for an evening of song. There is no charge to attend the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of the Sloan Music Center. For information call 704-894-2848.

Wednesday, November 7
Symphony Concert
Davidson College invites the public on Wednesday evening,November 7, to a performance by the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra. This performance will include music from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade" and student winners of the 2012 Concerto Competition. William Bolton will present a flute concerto, Thomas Reith will present a Chopin piano concerto, and Elizabeth Engle will present a Saint-Saëns piano concerto. There is no charge to attend the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. For information, call 704-894-2848.

Thursday, November 8
Political Science Talk
Davidson College invites the public on Thursday evening, November 8, to a talk about the civil war in Mali by Peter Chilson, professor of literature and writing at Washington State University. Chilson will address the topic, "We Never Knew Exactly Where – Conflict and Terrorism in Mali," beginning at 7 p.m. in the Smith 900 Room of the Alvarez College Union. There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2170 or e-mail makirti@davidson.edu<mailto:makirti@davidson.edu>.

Thursday, November 8
History Panel
Davidson College invites the public on Thursday evening, November 8, to a panel discussion by Davidson history professor Saeyoung Park, UNC Charlotte director of graduate studies Christine Hayes, and Davidson alumnus and Ph.D. candidate Brandon Byrd. The three historians will discuss "Studying History at Graduate School in the USA" beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Chambers Building room 2164. There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2284 or email sapark@davidson.edu<mailto:sapark@davidson.edu>

Thursday, November 8
Art Opening
Davidson College invites the public to an art exhibit opening on Thursday evening, November 8. The works on exhibit will be from the Davidson National Print and Drawing Competition, which was held from 1972-1976. The opening reception will begin at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Belk Visual Arts Center. There is no charge to attend the opening or the exhibit, which will be on display through December 12. The gallery is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. For information, call 704-894-2344.

Friday, November 9
Chemistry Lecture
Davidson College invites the public on Friday afternoon, November 9, to a talk by Clay Clark, professor of chemistry at North Carolina State University. Clark will address the topic "Capase allostery and cell death" beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the lecture hall of Martin Chemistry Building. Refreshments will be served at 2p.m. in the lobby. There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2307 or email kafilar@davidson.edu<mailto:kafilar@davidson.edu>.

Friday, November 9
Artist Series with Craig Karges
Davidson College invites the public on Friday evening, November 9, to a Smith ArtistSeries performance by "extraordinist" Craig Karges. Karges combines the art of magic and the science of psychology with the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible. Reserved seating is $20 for the public, $10 for faculty and staff, and $8 for Davidson students. To purchase tickets call 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or, purchase online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>. For information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu.

Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11
Guitar Class and Performance
Davidson College invites the public on Saturday and Sunday, November 10-11, to a guitar master class and performance by Mary Akerman and Robert Teixeira of the Akerman-Teixeira Guitar Duo. They will offer a combination performance and master class on November 10, and a Concert Series performance on November 11. Teixera is guitar instructor at Davidson and other area colleges. The master class is geared towards guitar students and youngmusicians, and begins at 3 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of the Sloan Music Building. Master class tickets are $5 and can be purchased weekdays from 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 704-894-2135. The Concert Series performance will feature guitar duets by Rossini, Scarlatti, Albéniz, Debussy, Bonfá and more. The Concert Series performance will begin at 3 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of Sloan Music Center. Tickets are $15 generaladmission, or $8 for seniors and $5 for youth 18 and under. To purchase tickets call 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or purchase online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>.

Monday, November 12
Talk by David Brooks
Davidson College invites the public on Monday, November 12, to a talk by New York Times columnist David Brooks. Brooks will speak about "What It Means: The 2012 Election and the Future of America" beginning at 8 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. Brooks has been an opinion columnist with the Times since 2003. He is also a regular commentator on The PBS Newshour and has written several books about politics and society. There is no charge to attend, but tickets are required and can be obtained by calling the Alvarez College Union ticket office at 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or for a small handling fee at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>. For more information call 704-894-2285 or e-mail ethics@davidson.edu.

Tuesday, November 13
Archaeology Lecture
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday evening, November 13, to a talk by Dennis Ogburn, associate professor of anthropology at UNC Charlotte. Ogburn will present a talk titled "Unraveling the Sequence of Expansion of the Inca Empire" beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Semans Lecture Hall of the Belk Visual Arts Center. There is no charge to attend. For information e-mail pekrentz@davidson.edu<mailto:pekrentz@davidson.edu>.

Tuesday, November 13
Literary Reading
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday evening, November 13, to a literary reading by acclaimed novelist Dorothy Allison. Allison will speak as part of the college's Fellowship of Southern Writers Benefit Reading Series. Her first novel, Bastard Out of Carolina, was a finalist for the National Book Award and became an award-winning movie. Hersecond, Cavedweller was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. There is no charge to attend the event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Smith 900 Room of the Alvarez College Union. A book signing will follow. For information call 704-894-2472 or e-mail narandazzo@davidson.edu<mailto:narandazzo@davidson.edu>.

Tuesday, November 13
Organ Concert
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday evening, November 13, to an organ concert. John Cummins, organist and choirmaster at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston Salem, will perform solo and will be joined by a tenor singing music by Vierne. There is no charge to attend, but donations towards future recitals will be accepted. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Davidson College Presbyterian Church. For information call 704-892-5641.

Tuesday, November 13
Chamber Music Recital
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday evening, November 13 to a chamber music recital. Small ensembles of students will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of Sloan Music Center. There is no charge to attend. For information call 704-894-2848.

Wednesday, November 14 through Sunday, November 18
Theatre Performance
Davidson College invites the public to a theatre department presentation ofAlexi Kaye Campbell's play The Pride from Wednesday, November 14, through Sunday, November 18. The Pride is a moving portrait of freedom, loyalty and identity, focusing on three characters who experience changing public opinions on sexuality from 1958 to 2008. Performances will be November 14-17 at 7:30 p.m. and November 18 at 2 p.m. in the Barber Theater of the Cunningham Theatre Center. General admission tickets are $10, or $8 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased through the ticket office at 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>. For more information call 704-894-2135 or email anwadman@davidson.edu.

Friday, November 16
Student Musicians
Davidson College invites the public on Friday, November 16, to a mid-day "Musical Interludes" concert by music students performing repertoire they have mastered during the fall semester. There is no charge to attend the concert, which begins at 12:30 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of Sloan Music Center. For information call 704-894-2848.

Saturday, November 17
Piano Recital
Davidson College invites the public on Saturday afternoon, November 17, to a piano recital by students of Artist Associates Cynthia Lawing and David Palmer. There is no charge to attend the concert, which begins at 3 p.m. in Tyler-Tallman Hall of Sloan Music Center. For information call704-894-2848.

Monday, November 19
Choral Concert
Davidson College invites the public on Monday evening, November 19, to a choral concert. Director of Choral Activities Christopher Gilliam will lead the Concert Choir, the Davidson Pro Arte Orchestra, and professional soloists in a program that includes Constant Lambert's "Rio Grande," Vaughn Williams's "Serenade to Music," Corigliano's "Fern Hill," and Copland's "The Tender Land." The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and $5 for youth 18 and under, and free for students with a valid ID. To purchase tickets call 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or purchase online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>. For information call 704-894-2848.

Tuesday, November 27
Talk on John Lennon by NPR Music Critic TimRiley
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday, November 27, to a multimedia presentation by NPR music critic Tim Riley titled "Lennon: The Man, The Myth, The Music." Riley has written a new book on the iconic late Beatle titled simply Lennon, and he previously published the book Tell Me Why: A Beatles Commentary. There is no charge to attend the presentation, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Smith 900 Room of the Alvarez College Union. For more information call 704-894-2192 or email minavas@davidson.edu.

Tuesday, November 27
Artist Series Holiday Performance
Davidson College invites the public on Tuesday evening, November 27, to a Smith Artist Series performance by the acclaimed Irish ensemble "Danu." The group will present a "Christmas in Ireland" concert including virtuoso players on fiddle, flute, button accordion and percussion, and vocalist Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. The performance begins at 8 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. Reserved seattickets are $20, or $8 for students. To purchase tickets call 704-894-2135 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or purchase online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>. For information call 704-894-2651 or email asowen@davidson.edu<mailto:asowen@davidson.edu>.

Wednesday, November 28
History Forum
Davidson College invites the public on Wednesday, November 28, to presentations by Davidson's Kelley History Scholars. These honor students will present their on-going historical research projects beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Hance Auditorium of Chambers Building. There is no charge to attend. For information e-mail miguasco@davidson.edu<mailto:miguasco@davidson.edu> or thpegelowkaplan@davidson.edu<mailto:thpegelowkaplan@davidson.edu>.

Thursday, November 29
Fun With Mathematics
Davidson College invites the public on Thursday evening, November 29, to an evening of math, magic and puzzles. Events will also include a screening of the new film "Flatland 2: Sphereland," which explores ideas about the fourth dimension. There is no charge to attend the event, which begins at 6 p.m. in Hance Auditorium of Chambers Building. For information call 704-894-2838 or e-mail tichartier@davidson.edu<mailto:tichartier@davidson.edu>.

Thursday, November 29
Academic Policy Panel
Davidson College invites the public on Thursday, November 29, to a panel discussion titled "Policy and the Academy." Davidson faculty members Caroline Fache and Shelley Rigger will join grants and contracts director Mary Muchane to discuss ways that government policy influences theacademy, and vice-versa. There is no charge to attend the event, which begins at 4:30 p.m. in Carolina Inn. For information call 704-894-2385.

Charlotte school students win top technology awards at state fair

Charlotte's Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology students took home top prizes in the web development and graphic design competitions at the North Carolina State Fair on Oct. 11. Students developed websites and graphics around the theme, "Discovering Local Foods." The students' work will be on display at the fair until Oct. 21.

"This was a great way to show creativity and how websites can be dynamic" said senior Yosh Mori, who also won first place in 2011. "I had no idea there were millions of farms in North Carolina until I did the research to upload a map on my website."

Below is the list of winners. Click on the links to view their designs.

Web Development: grades 11-12
First place: Yosh Mori
Third place: Daniel Blackman
http://ncstatefair.org/2012/Competitions/WebGraphic/winnerdisplay.asp?SelClass=HH1-101-24&type=web

Graphic Design: grades 9-10
Second place: Thong Nguyen
http://ncstatefair.org/2012/Competitions/WebGraphic/winnerdisplay.asp?SelClass=HH1-102-34

Web Development Open Competition: ages 13-18
Third place: Devon Gousby
http://ncstatefair.org/2012/Competitions/WebGraphic/winnerdisplay.asp?SelClass=HH1-101-27&type=web

Powerful Local Women's Advocacy Groups Join Forces to Provide Mentoring Across Difference Program

Two powerful women's advocacy groups are joining forces to provide a mentoring program for young women. The Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange (WIE) and Vision 2020 say this collaboration will provide professional mentors through a statewide Mentoring Across Difference program that is built on WIE's Mentoring Across Difference program created two years ago in Charlotte.

This year's collaborative program kicked-off in late September when 28 pairs of mentors and mentees from Johnson C. Smith University and Queens University of Charlotte met for the first time. Mentors and mentees will have the opportunity to attend six professional development workshops throughout the academic year focused on a variety of topics, from building trust and communication skills across differences to salary negotiation. The program intentionally pairs mentors and mentees across difference and works to provide the tools needed to build trust across gender, generation, race, culture, socio-economic, and disability.

"By bringing these two women's initiatives together, we are directly responding to critical issues facing the Charlotte area and other communities across the country," says Roberta "Bert" Harper, a Vision 2020 delegate for North Carolina.

Research shows while more women are enrolled in colleges and universities than ever before, they often have a difficult time transitioning from college to the workplace. Also, at a women's multi-cultural conference held in Charlotte last year, more than 80 percent of the participants said they wanted a mentor. And, there is a disturbingly low level of interracial trust in Charlotte, as shown in a social capital study conducted in 2000.

"Our two organizations bring professional women together with students to directly address these important issues," adds Stephanie R. Counts, co-founder and CEO of the Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange. "And we need the community's help to continue to expand this initiative. There are opportunities for sponsorships and becoming a mentor."

About the Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange

The Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange, founded in 2005 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, builds bridges of social capital among women of diverse cultures, fosters cross-cultural awareness and develops infrastructure for community dialogue, engagement and programs. For more information, go to: www.wi-ce.org.

About Vision 2020
Vision 2020 is a national initiative advancing women's economic and social equality through collaborations with affiliated organizations and members in 50 states. It was developed by the Institute for Women's Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Its first public event was held Oct. 21-22, 2010, when a congress of national delegates, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, gathered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to launch a campaign to move America toward equality by 2020, the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment. For more information, http://www.drexel.edu/vision2020/

Upcoming Davidson theatrical production "A Month in the Country"

The Davidson College Department of Theatre kicks off the 2012-13 season with the Mainstage production of A Month in the Country, Ivan Turgenev's best known but rarely performed comedy.

Assistant Professor of Theatre Mark Sutch directs a cast of eleven Davidson students and one community youngster in this tale of the subtle passions and manipulations of a family on a Russian countryestate in the 1840s. The wealthy and bored Natalya develops a crush on her son's young tutor, sparking a bitingly funny love triangle with attendant unrequited passion, fragile relationships, and disillusions of domestic life. Turgenev presents a picture of the Russian aristocracy that is at once bothpainfully bitter and joyfully nostalgic.

Productions will be October 26 at 8:15 p.m., October 27 at 8 p.m., October 28 at 2 p.m., November 2 at 8 p.m., andNovember 3 at 8 p.m., all in Duke Family Performance Hall. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for seniors, and $6 for students. Call 704-894-2135 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays for reservations, or purchase online at www.davidson.edu/tickets<http://www.davidson.edu/tickets>.

Turgenev was one of the most prominent authors of the Golden Age of Russian literature, and the first to gain an international reputation. He ranks as one of the greatest stylists in the Russian language, but was overshadowed in his lifetime by literary giants Lev Tolstoy and Feodor Dostoevsky. A Month in the Country is considered Turgenev's theatricalmasterpiece, and it influenced the psychological realism of Anton Chekov's plays. Unlike his contemporaries, Turgenev's works focused more on social reform than religious matters.

Professor of Theatre Joe Gardner designed the set for the Davidsonproduction, Carolyn Bryan and Barbara Wesselman designed the costumes, and Josh Peklo designed the lighting. The college actors are Kara Copeland '15, Haley DeLuca '15, Michael Diamant '13, Dylan Goodman '16, Sam Krusi '13, Derek Marsh '14, Nick McGuire '14, Christine Noah '14, Cea Rubin '13, Matthew Schlerf '16, and Ian Thomson '15.

The production will preserve the play's setting in Russia of the 1840s and 1850s with period costumes, but the set is simple, abstract and evocative. Director Mark Sutch explained, "I didn't want to load the play down with period detail. It was important that the focus be on the acting and the characters, and that we work to make those characters as approachable as possible."

Sutch originally considered producing a play by Anton Chekhov as a challenge to himself and his actors. Then he stumbled upon A Month in the Country, which is similar to a Chekhov play, but precedes Chekhov by 50 years. Sutch explained, "A Month In the Country felt lighter, simpler, and funnier than Chekov. It's unlike anything I've ever directed and I fell in love with it. I think it will be a tremendously exciting experience for the actors, and hopefully quite rewarding for the audience as well."

For more information about the production, call 704-894-2930.

Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for 1,900 students located 20 minutes north of Charlotte in Davidson, N.C. Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently regarded as one of the top liberal artscolleges in the country. Through The Davidson Trust, the college became the first liberal arts institution in the nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages, giving all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free. Davidson competes in NCAA athletics at the Division I level, and a longstanding Honor Code is central to student life at the college.
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CPCC receives additional $4.3 million Completion by Design Grant funding

In May 2011, five North Carolina colleges - Central Piedmont Community College, Guilford Technical Community College, Davidson County Community College, Martin Community College and Wake Technical Community College - began collaborating as part of a national effort to devise and share new approaches to help more young people obtain a degree, certificate or credential. At the time, the five schools shared a $500,000, 12-month planning grant to launch a five-year project in North Carolina. In recognition of the team's progress to date, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently awarded the participating colleges a two-year, $4.3 million Completion by Design grant to continue its focus on increasing graduation rates among community college students.

This new funding will allow the North Carolina Completion By Design partners to continue to research and develop a comprehensive plan, or student pathway, over the next year that will increase the number of low income, young adults who complete their college education. The plan will bepiloted at the five colleges in 2014 and eventually scaled up across the state in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System.

Since 2011, the North Carolina Completion By Design partners have conducted planning sessions and data analysis that has resulted in thedevelopment of a student pathway that includes: significantly redesigned and more prescriptive programs of study; a reduction in the number of students referred to developmental education, accelerating the movement of referred students; an intentional review and redesign of student service practices and processes; the implementation and use of technology; and local and statewide policy changes that support this new initiative. These proposed changes will provide students with clearer career exploration opportunities, intentionalguidance and counseling, and more.

"CPCC is extremely honored to be a part of this elite team," said Richard Zollinger, vice president for Learning at CPCC. "Our participation will help us provide students with the direction they need to be a successful college student, which includes helping them set achievable career goals, utilize the College's support services and adequately prepare to transition to the workforce or a four-year institution."

The North Carolina partnership is one of four chosen for the Completion by Design project. Thecolleges were selected because of their innovative ideas on improving the completion rates on their campuses. They were picked for the project after a rigorous competition that was announced in October 2010 at the White House Summit on Community Colleges.

Completion by Design aims to build on proven, existing practices already underway at these forward-thinking community colleges which are already working to address the needs of today's students. They are doing this by focusing on new approaches to areas such as financial aid counseling, course scheduling and advising.

Today, community colleges serve nearly 11 million students, and enrollment has surged as the recession caused many Americans to return for additional training and education. Community colleges also are evolving to serve today's students, who often are older and work full- or part-time to support families while attending school to obtain a degree or credential.

It's vital that these students achieve their education goals. A report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce forecasts that, by 2018, 63 percent of jobs will require at least
some postsecondary education. The report also shows that, without a dramatic change in course, the labor market will be short three million educated workers over the next eight years.

The North Carolina Completion By Design initiative will focus on the entire student experience from intake to completion and will build on the interdisciplinary work and strong connections between the five colleges involved.

About Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering close to 300 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.


About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H.Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at www.gatesfoundation.org<http://www.gatesfoundation.org/> or join the conversation at Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/billmelindagatesfoundation?ref=ts> and Twitter<http://twitter.com/gatesfoundation>.

Run, Walk or Roll at the Easter Seals UCP 13th Annual Walk With Me Charlotte Event on October 20th

Almost a thousand people with and without disabilities will take part in Walk With Me Charlotte, an annual fund raising event benefitting Easter Seals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) North Carolina & Virginia on Saturday, October 20 at Freedom Park. The non-competitive 5K walk or run starts at 10:00 a.m. Check-in and festival activities begin at 9:00 a.m. and a complimentary lunch for all participants will follow the walk. Individuals and teams can register for Walk With Me Charlotte online at WalkWithMe.org/Charlotte. The registration fee is $25 per person.

Walkers and runners are able to make a positive difference in the life of someone with a disability by participating and raising funds. Money raised supports Easter Seals UCP's lifelong programs and services that provide support, care and hope to children and adults living with disabilities and mental health challenges in the Charlotte metro community.

This year's goal is to raise $150,000 to support the nonprofit's mission of creating opportunities, promoting individual choice and changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities by maximizing their individual potential to live, learn and work in their communities.

"Walk With Me is a unique event because it brings people of all abilities together," said Brooke Porter, Charlotte area development manager for Easter Seals UCP. "Our walkers' support makes it possible for Easter Seals UCP to continue to provide meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities in our area to live with equality, dignity and independence."

More than 13 percent of the population in North Carolina lives with a disability - a 4 percent increase from just 2009 to 2010 according to the 2011 Annual Statistics Compendium compiled by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics. Easter Seals UCP has felt this significant growth with a 27 percent increase in service hours provided over the past year. Specifically in the Charlotte metro area, Easter Seals UCP provided 556,357 hours of service over the past year, which accounts for 17 percent of all children, families and adults served by the nonprofit serving North Carolina and Virginia.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to people managing disabilities and mental health challenges. Established in 1945, our nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families across North Carolina and Virginia through an array of community-based services and solutions. We light the runway, helping people find their own voices, make their own choices, and discover innovative solutions to their challenges. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com

Davidson College Receives $45 million support from the Duke Endowment

Davidson College is excited to announce the largest gift in its history: a $45 million grant from The Duke Endowment to transform the academic heart of its campus.

Beginning in 2013 with a comprehensive construction/renovation plan for six academic buildings, and continuing with new opportunities for curricular expansion, Davidson is embarking – thanks to the generous investment of The Duke Endowment – on a 10-year plan to remake the model of liberal arts education.

"Davidson graduates lead and serve in an increasingly interconnected, rapidly changing world," explains Davidson College president Carol Quillen. "To stay ahead of these changes, we need to shift how we work, both physically and intellectually. This bold campus plan will enable our exceptional faculty to create a curriculum centered on students doing original work. It will support our dedicated staff as they help students build bridges between learning and life. The Duke Endowment understands the opportunities that our changing world offers, and we cannot thank the Trustees enough for endorsing Davidson's vision."

"The founder of The Duke Endowment, James B. Duke, was a visionary in business matters and in philanthropy and I believe he would have taken delight in this historic grant," says Minor Shaw, chair of the Endowment's Trustees. "The Trustees of The Duke Endowment wanted to support Davidson's plan as a testament to our strong belief in the college, its leadership, faculty and staff, and student body."

The Duke Endowment's gift will enable Davidson to restructure the main academic portion of its campus to create learning spaces that foster new methods of interdisciplinary learning. Six buildings will be expanded, renovated or constructed over the next decade to create a "neighborhood" with flexible spaces and common areas that encourage the exchange and generation of ideas across conventional academic boundaries—between departments, between disciplines, and between the arts and sciences.

Faculty and staff will be grouped in these facilities by the resources they need and their potential interactions withothers. Community and flexible spaces such as a café, artist studios, learning labs, shared equipment, and computational facilities will be situated to promote interactions among all members of the campus community.

Clark G. Ross, Davidson College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty adds: "President Quillen has shown extraordinary academic foresight in working with the faculty to develop this exciting and ambitious initiative. With this creative interdisciplinary project, Davidson should be an academic beacon among the liberal arts colleges. The Duke Endowment gift helps demonstrate the exciting potential before us."

The new neighborhood configuration will provide for increased opportunities for collaboration with outside businesses, organizations, and universities, significantly enhancing Davidson's already considerable program of undergraduate research.

"This gift will help us demonstrate theinestimable value of what highly selective liberal arts colleges do—graduate talented individuals from across the socio-economic spectrum who exert a disproportionate impact for good in the world," says President Quillen.

The Duke Endowment, a private foundation in Charlotte, seeks to enrich lives and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina through its work with children, health care, higher education and rural churches. Davidson is one of four educational institutions that receive annual financial support from the Endowment. The others are Furman University, Duke University and Johnson C. Smith University. Since its founding in 1924, theEndowment has awarded $2.9 billion in grants, and now, with this gift, morethan $167 million to Davidson. The Endowment's founder is the same Duke behind Duke University and Duke Energy, but they are all separate organizations.

Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for 1,900 students located 20 minutes north of Charlotte in Davidson, N.C. Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently regarded as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Through The Davidson Trust, the college became the first liberal arts institution in the nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages, giving all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free. Davidson competes in NCAA athletics at the Division I level, and a longstanding Honor Code is central to student life at the college.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery and La Paz Host "Toss the Ta Ta's and Pink Margarita ta's" to Benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - October 19

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte is hosting a special event called "Toss the Ta Ta's and Pink Margarita ta's" to benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at La Paz restaurant located at 1100 Metropolitan Avenue.

Similar to the game of corn hole, except with silicone implants instead of bean bags, guests can pay $1 per toss with a 100 percent of the money raised going to the American Cancer Society in support of breast cancer research. Players who get three silicone implants in the hole in a row will receive a gift certificate towards a skin care treatment at Bednar Cosmetic Surgery. Raffle tickets will also be sold for $1.00 per ticket for a chance to win various popular skin care treatments at Bednar Cosmetic Surgery.

La Paz will be serving a signature margarita during the event and donate $1 from each drink to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery employees will be participating in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 20 at the Nascar Hall of Fame.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The American Cancer Society is the leader in the fight to end breast cancer by investing more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type - to find, prevent, treat, and cure the disease. The nonprofit is in every community providing free information and services to people fighting the disease. Today, one in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer turns to the American Cancer Society for help and support. The organization has helped more than four million women get potentially lifesaving breast cancer screening tests.

About Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte
Under the medical direction of Dr. Edward Bednar, a board certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of practice experience, Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte specializes in body and facial rejuvenation procedures and treatments. For more information, visit www.drbednar.com or call (704) 366-6700. Bednar Cosmetic Surgery of Charlotte is located at 439 North Wendover Road.

B.o.B Headlines 2012 Grave Diggers Ball

Pop star B.o.B will headline the East Coast's biggest Halloween celebration on Saturday night, October 27, as Kiss 95.1 presents the 2012 Grave Diggers Ball at Dixie's Tavern in uptown Charlotte.

Making an immediate impact on the charts, B.o.B's debut single "Nothin' on You" reached No. 1 in the country, his second single "Airplanes" peaking at No. 2., B.O.B's single "Magic", became his third consecutive top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. He was named the ninth Hottest MC in the Game of 2010 by MTV and on April 27, 2010 his debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was released climbing to No. 1 on the U.S. charts.

General admission tickets for Grave Diggers Ball are $20 in advance/$25 the day of the show and available online at DixiesCharlotte.com or Kiss951.com. Front Stage VIP tickets can be purchased for $60, which guarantees a spot in the VIP viewing area in front of the stage. $80 VIP Club Passes are also on sale and include complimentary beer, liquor and food.

Grave Diggers Ball will also feature its annual costume contest, the largest in Charlotte, giving away $10,000 in cash and prizes and a brand new car from Keffer Hyundai. Register for Best Costume and Sexiest Costume at the Kiss 95.1 tent on-site.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on October 27; Grave Diggers Ball is an 18-and-up event. Wrist bands from Gravediggers Ball also grant free admission to EpiCentre hotspots BlackFinn, Suite, StrikeCity and Whisky River.

Dixie's Tavern is located at 301 E 7th Street in uptown Charlotte.

Gravediggers Ball turns the Queen City into the Scream City every October with area's largest costume contest, DJs and live music performances by chart-topping acts. For over a decade, national recording artists such as Run DMC, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and Bret Michaels have performed for thousands of fans dressed up in entertaining and innovative costumes. Gravediggers Ball has garnered national attention as one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the country and has cemented itself as an annual Charlotte institution. Gravediggers Ball makes Charlotte scream every Halloween.

Charlotte Regional Realtors report increased sales for September 2012

Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association reports that the number of closings for September 2012 (2,244) increased 14 percent compared to September 2011, when closings totaled 1,968.

The average sales price in September 2012 ($206,051) was up 4.8 percent compared to the same period last year ($196,649), and the median sales price ($160,000) - the best measure of trends over a period of time - showed prices up 6.7 percent compared to September 2011 when the median sales price was $149,900. These indicators mark eight months of year-over-year price gains.

The average list price in September 2012 ($247,110) increased 3.1 percent when compared to the average list price for the same period last year ($239,732), bringing the percent of original list price received measure to 91.9 percent compared to 89.4 percent last September. September 2012 pending data showed contracts totaled 2,573, up 36.1 percent compared to the previous period when contracts totaled 1,891.

Association/CarolinaMLS President Jennifer Frontera said, "The Charlotte housing market is steadily improving with consistent gains in both closed sales and pricing. We are experiencing the perfect mix of favorable conditions: high affordability, fewer distressed listings, steady demand and inventory that has finally reached equilibrium at six months supply. Inventory along with the consistent gains in pricing shows us that we are no longer wedged in a buyer's market."

New residential listings in September 2012 totaled 3,290, a decrease of 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year when new listings totaled 3,409. Overall inventory for the CarolinaMLS region was down 26.9 percent compared to last September, leaving the CarolinaMLS region with an 6.4-months' supply of homes for sale.

Homes in September spent less time on market. The average number of days a property was on the market from the time it was listed until it closed (list to close) was 150 days, which is 18 days less than last September. Days on Market until sale (DOM) totaled 111 days, which is 15 days less than last September.

Foreclosures and short sales, or distressed sales, made up 12 percent of all new listings compared with 16.5 percent last year, while 15.3 percent of closed sales were distressed, down from 20.9 percent last September. Foreclosures continued to sell the fastest at 60 days list to close.

For more residential-housing market statistics, visit the association's website at www.CarolinaHome.com and click on "Community Data." For an interview with 2012 association/CarolinaMLS President Jennifer Frontera, please contact Kim Walker.

The Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association is a trade association that leads, educates and equips members to be productive. It provides more than 6,000 Realtor® members with the resources and services needed to conduct ethical, professional, successful and profitable businesses. The association is dedicated to being the region's primary resource for residential real estate information. The association operates the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (CarolinaMLS), which has approximately 7,200 Subscribers and is the private cooperative Realtors® use for access to tens of thousands of residential listings in a multi-county service area, including the high-growth Charlotte area, as well as listings outside this service area.

Mint partners with Halcyon and E2 for a "Taste of the Mint" on Oct. 16

The Mint Museum is partnering with two world-class restaurants who share space with Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts to offer visitors and tourists a brand-new, one-of-a-kind food and art experience. Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth and e2 emeril's eatery are joining the Mint for "Taste of the Mint," which will launch Tuesday, October 16, at 4 p.m. and will continue as a recurring program offered to both locals and visiting tour groups.

"Guests are invited to become food and art connoisseurs for the day," said Hillary Cooper, the Mint's director of communications and media relations. "They can explore a food tasting tour at two remarkable restaurants and then satisfy cravings for art at our world-class art museum."

The experience, lasting roughly three hours, begins at 4 p.m. at e2 emeril's eatery at 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts with a small plate and beverage pairing, accompanied by a talk from a restaurant expert about the food. After approximately 45 minutes, guests will then proceed up one floor to Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth, where they will receive another small plate and beverage pairing and presentation. Finally, they will enter Mint Museum Uptown for a customized tour of the groundbreaking new exhibition Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft, and Design. With museum hours lasting until 9 p.m. that night, guests can continue to journey through extraordinary works of art from the museum's American, Contemporary and Craft + Design collections.

Guests can reserve a spot in "Taste of the Mint" by contacting Kacy Harruff at kacy.harruff@mintmuseum.org or 704.337.2018, or registering online atwww.mintmuseum.org/happenings/events. The program costs $40 per person or $35 for Mint Museum members.

The Mint developed this program in cooperation with Visit Charlotte, which is responding to an increased nationwide demand for "experiential tourism," combining sightseeing with participatory experiences, among tour groups. Beginning immediately, the Mint and the two restaurants will accept reservations on demand for "Taste of the Mint" experiences from group tours of up to 25 people. "'Taste of the Mint' is aimed at fostering community engagement and bolstering Charlotte's tourism efforts. We look forward to introducing new audiences to each unique venue," said Cooper.

The program will again be offered to the public in conjunction with the upcoming Mint exhibition F.O.O.D. (Food, Objects, Objectives, and Design), scheduled to be on view from March through July 2013 at Mint Museum Uptown.
ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM

As the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast, The Mint Museum offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via innovative collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs. The Mint Museum is a non-profit, visual arts institution comprised of two dynamic facilities: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.

Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte's Eastover neighborhood as the state's first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, fashion, European and African art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop offering merchandise that complements both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop. For more information, visit the NEW mintmuseum.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Offers Holiday Heroes Scholarship Program for Students

High school and college students who will be home for the holidays will have a chance to win a "Holiday Heroes Scholarship" from the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC).

To qualify for a "Holiday Heroes Scholarship," students must: choose a blood drive location in their community; select a date between Nov. 18-25 or between Dec. 22-Jan. 6, 2013; recruit friends, family and neighbors to donate blood; and collect a minimum of 25 units. CBCC will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who collects the most units.

"Our regional blood supply tends to run low during the holiday season when kids are out of school and families are away from their routines," saidMartin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Students play a key role in our blood collection efforts as they make up over 20 percent of our donor base. We are committed to engaging and rewarding our young donors who have the opportunity to be 'heroes' this holiday season by helping save local lives."

Throughout the year, CBCC offers local students the opportunity to win more than $36,000 in scholarships. More information about CBCC scholarship opportunities is available at http://www.cbcc.us/sponsors/high-school-drives.php. For questions or to register for the "Holiday Heroes Scholarship" program, contact Kim Jones at 704-972-4727 or at KLJones@cbcc.us.

About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is a non-profit community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to 21 regional hospitals, serving 16 North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. CBCC focuses exclusively on gathering red blood cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives – every drop of blood collected remains here to help people in the Carolinas. CBCC is a member ofAmerica's Blood Centers, North America's largest network of community-based, independent blood centers providing more than 50% of the nation's blood supply.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

Follow the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.