Up Front with Cabarrus Magazine

It is our hundredth episode and we are taking a look back at some of the memorable moments that have happened on this podcast since February, 2019. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may even want to binge listen all our episodes to experience them again! If you would like to hear the episodes featured in this episode, here are the links below:Episode 1: PilotEpisode 7: The Once and Future Cabarrus CountyEpisode 10: Special Episode on Mental Health Awareness (Pt.1)Episode 33: A Special Halloween Radio (Half) HourEpisode 38: A Cabarrus ChristmasEpisode 52: A Word of Encouragement in Dark TimesEpisode 63: Real Conversations on Race Relations (Pt. 2)Episode 93: As the School Board Turns

The Cabarrus Dream Center, located in Concord, recently celebrated its official opening and we wanted to tell you all about this wonderful community resource. The center is a location where those who are underserved can get the help they need in several areas, all under one roof. In this episode, we speak with Pastor Gwen Stowers, of Multiply Church, as she explains how the Dream Center came to be, hoe you can utilize its resources or help, and what the vision is for the center's future! For more information, please visit www.cabarrusdreamcenter.com!

This week we are talking with Julie Hinson with the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau about how the tourism industry has survived over the devastating past 12 months and what are some things we can look forward to as we emerge from the COVID pandemic era. For more information on the Cabarrus CVB, please visit www.VisitCabarrus.com.

Spring has sprung and we don't hav the shutdown as an excuse not to venture out anymore. Unfortunately, for many of us, our bodies have suffered from not exercising. But fear not! Cole Campbell from House of Steel is on this week's program to give you some basics on how to get started both physically and nutritionally, so you can begin the journey to a healthier you! If you need more information, visit www.houseofsteelnc.com

Page Castrodale is no stranger to the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, but she is settling into her new role as the CEO. In this episode, Page talks about what she brings to the table as the EDC's new leader, how the organization was able to keep rolling despite a pandemic, as well as what's ahead for Cabarrus County, including a broadening of the EDC's focus to include helping small businesses. For more information, check out www.CabarrusCenter.com

This week marks the one-year anniversary of the shutdown to caused this country to come to a complete stop as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode we join a panel discussion of frontline healthcare workers as they discuss what they've learned over the past year and where they think we're headed now. Joining us on this panel are: Dr. Katie Passaretti, Dr. James Hunter, Dr. Gary Little, Dr. Jasper Singh, Christian Shulz and Reverend David Carl, all of Atrium Healthcare.

If you've watched any of the Cabarrus County Board of Education meetings lately, you know they've been, well...interesting to watch. Between debating the safety protocols of returning students to schools, parent/teacher conflicts and, now, the sudden resignation of Superintendent Lowder, we had much to discuss with Board Chairwoman, Holly Grimsley. This week, we talk about all those things, plus we look at what is and is not acceptable for teachers to post online. Get your popcorn ready! This is gonna be good!

Years ago, Dave Zablotny, who was the head of Habitat Cabarrus, decided to retire and move out to the west coast. As he road towards the preverbal sunset, we waved and wished him the best on his new season in thankfulness of all he had done for those in need in our community. A few weeks ago, Habitat Cabarrus again found itself without an executive director. So, they call on our old friend to help steer the ship from afar until a permanent replacement can be found. This week, we talk to Dave from his home in Washington state, to discuss the challenges of leading this deserving non-profit from over 3,000 miles away, as well as the needs Habitat has after a rough year.For more information on Habitat Cabarrus, Click HERE!

Atrium Health has introduced a unique offering to the region - a virtual hospital! Host of this program, Jason Huddle, was recently a COVID patient in this program and this week we tell you all about it! Joining us on this episode are Dr. Jonisha Brown and paramedic, Scott Calloway. They are part of a team that is helping to revolutionize the way healthcare is being administered in this COVID world.

Many people thing Charlotte Motor Speedway as the home of motorsports racing in this region, but, in light of the pandemic, they have been so much more to this community. This week, we speak with GM, Greg Walter, as he talks about what the Speedway is doing to serve this community in any way it can, including serving as a clinic for people to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Plus, we discuss what's in store for the speedway in 2021!

As we review the last half of this year, we came across two themes ever several episode; the never-ending Cabarrus County School Board drama and non-profits that deserved recognition. In this final episode of 2020, we'll take a look back at these tow themes, as well as pay respects to Morgan Wetherbee and her family, as we remember their tragic story. Join as as we take a final look back at this year as we prepare for 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Up Front Returns Jan. 7!

We've almost made it out of 2020, but that doesn't mean we should look back as some highlights from the year. This week, we take a look back at some powerful moments from the first half of 2020 on Up Front with Cabarrus Magazine. Join us as we relive these moments and remember how much we all had to grow up very fast.Episodes featured this week:Episode 50: An Interview with Beth Troutman WhaleyEpisode 51: Cabarrus and COVID-19Episode 53: Special COVID-19 Edition: A Conversation with Rep. Richard HudsonEpsiode 63: Real Conversation on Race Relations (Pt. 2)

The Cabarrus County Board of Education has, once again, sent students back to all virtual learning in the wake of many staff having to be quarantined. The move comes as a shock to some as some of the proponents of all-virtual learning are no longer on the board. However, as Chairwoman, Holly Grimsley , explains, it is not about politics, it's about protection and logistics.This week, Mrs. Grimsley joins our broadcast to answer some tough questions after the Dec. 9 meeting that impacted so many in our county. Don't miss this episode to hear her responses and reasons for the move.

With all the information on social media and in the news regarding COVID-19, it is difficult to know what is true and what is myth. This week, we include you in our conversation with two respected doctors from Atrium Health who deal with this terrible virus everyday, Dr.'s Katie Passaretti and Mindy Sampson. They help us get through some of the misinformation regarding how you can contract the virus, what can be done to prevent it, as well as some questions regarding testing as well!

This week, we take the focus off ourselves and on to others as we talk to people making a difference in our community to help those in need. Our guests this week include Lt. Joshua Keaton, of the local branch of the Salvation Army, as well as Ed Hosack, from Cooperative Christian Ministry. Tune in to learn about what these organizations are doing to help those who need assistance and how you can help. Plus, if you're in need of help, we'll tell you how to get the assistance you need.For more information on these organizations, or to contribute, visit uss.salvationarmy.org and www.cooperativeministry.com

The week, we have conversations with two more newly elected officials, Keshia Sandidge and Denise Adcock, both preparing to take their seats on the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Join us as we discuss their priorities for their respective terms, why they decided to run and how they believe they were able to defeat their incumbent opponents.

Cabarrus County has elected four new people to office this year, one to the Cabarrus County Commission and the other three to the Cabarrus Board of Education. This week, we sit down with two of this people to learn more about who they are and what we can expect from their first terms in office. Our guests this week include Cabarrus County Commissioner-Elect, Barbara Strang and New Cabarrus County School Board member, Tim Furr. Plus, we have an exciting update on our Morgan Wetherbee story!

As this pandemic has gone longer than anyone expected, more children are entering the foster care system. As this is National Adoption Month, we thought it would be a good time to look back at some interviews with people doing what they can to help in this area, within our community. This week, we replay interviews with Cassandra Overcast and Staci Powell, of Overflow Ministries, as well as Shannon Wright, with Cabarrus DHS. Plus, we have an update on last week's episode about Morgan Wetherbee and how you, the listeners have come through for her family!

19 year-old Morgan Wetherbee was simply driving to her boyfriend's house when the unthinkable occurred. A oncoming car jumped the median and hit Morgan head-on. Almost six-months later, Morgan still fights for her life in a hospital bed, but the community is coming to gather to fight for Morgan. This week, we speak with Morgan's mother, Melody Wetherbee, and aunt, Melinda Hill, as they tell us Morgan's story and how people are rallying around them to help in any way they can, including an upcoming fundraiser. If you would like to contribute to Morgans' recovery fund, click HERE.

Growing up a grandchild of the owner of a professional football team. Marnie Schneider quickly developed a love for two things - travel and football. Now, with kids of her own, Schneider, who lives in nearby Mooresville, NC, has written several children's books featuring her beloved characters, Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog. In this episode, we talk to Marnie about her fascinating family history, the legacy of her grandfather and, of course, we get into Freddie and Fumble's wonderful adventure through the Carolinas. Plus, we discuss the charities that are benefiting from sales of her book!To order this and other books from Marnie, visit FootballFreddie.com or GamedayintheUSA.com.

With the election just weeks away, we asked Pastor Dale Jenkins, from New Hope Worship Center in Concord, back on to the program to help give us some perspective on how to navigate this volatile season, while remain true to our core values and beliefs. How do we have a conversation with someone who doesn't believe as we do, without it devolving into an all-out war? Have we lost the ability to have constructive conversations? What does the Bible say about submitting to leadership, even when we don't agree with it? These are some questions we will attempt to answer on this episode!For more information about New Hope Worship Center, visit www.newopewc.org

In July the Cabarrus County Board of Education reversed an earlier decision to go to Plan B for students and elected to move to Plan C (all virtual learning). Now, history has seemed to repeat itself. Just recently, the board elected to move to Plan for students in grades K-5, after Gov. Cooper said they could. Then, just this past week, the board reversed that decision and voted to go to Plan B. These instances of indecision have left many parents frustrated and confused. We wanted answers.So, this week, we welcomed three members of the school board, Carolyn Carpenter, Cindy Fertenbaugh and Holly Grimsley, on to the program to explain their decision and answer some tough questions.

Every year, thousands of young adults age out of the foster care system and are left to fend for themselves on the streets. Thankfully there are are some in our community who are willing to help. This week, we speak to Kathy Lista of the Open Door House. Almost ready to open in Concord, NC, this is a house that young adults, who are transitioning out of the system, can live in as they prepare to enter society. If you have a heart to help those in need, you don't want to miss this episode!For more information, visit; www.theopendoorhouse.org!To bid on their live fundraising auction, go to: events.handbid.com!

With the move to Phase 2.5, some museums and venues are starting reopen, at least on a limited basis. This week, we talk to representatives from two such places, Larry Neil from Reed Gold Mine and Noelle Rhodes Scott, of the Cabarrus Arts Council. They'll talk about what visitors can expect as they return to these local favorite locations. WE'll also tell you about some other places opening in the area as well!

This week, we take a look back at two episodes that helped us get through this insane season. We received some practical advice on how to remain professional and productive from businessman, Tom Cooper, as well as a special word of encouragement from Pastor Dale Jenkins, of New Hope Worship Center. Plus, we'll also let you in on some previously unreleased conversation that took place during a commercial break of our Race Relations episode. In a time where we don't know how much farther we have to go to get through this pandemic crisis, it reminds us of how far we've come.Links to the full episodes cited this week:https://www.cabarrusmagazine.com/2020/04/17/306823/up-front-has-advice-on-how-to-work-from-home-effectively https://www.cabarrusmagazine.com/2020/03/30/305342/up-front-interviews-local-pastor-for-word-of-encouragementhttps://www.cabarrusmagazine.com/2020/06/09/317815/up-front-takes-on-race-relations-in-powerful-episode

With so many questions surrounding the upcoming vote, we wanted answers. This week, we invited Martin Ericson, Chairman of the Cabarrus County Board of Elections, to discuss what everyone needs to know before they cast their ballots this fall. We discuss how mail-in and early voting will work, as well as precautions being taken to vote in-person safely. Plus, we also to to Steve Hall from the Mustang Owner's Museum to talk about this weekend's up coming Carolina Cruise!For more information regarding voting in North Carolina, visit http://ncsbe.gov,Cabarrus County Residents should also visit http://cabarruscounty.us/elections, and any NC residents who want more information on mail-in balloting should visit http://votebymail.ncsbe.gov.

The school year is underway, but many students find themselves at home, in front of a computer, rather than in a classroom. This week, we talk to Mandy Baldwin, a teacher with the NC Virtual Academy, who is also a parent, to discuss the frustrations some students are feeling, along with ways parents can make this experience more effective and fun!

Charlotte Motor Speedway has taken some serious hits this year - From having to run finless races to losing the All-Star Race altogether, CMS has had to undergo some serious pivoting. However, that hasn't stopped them from taking a day to give back to the community, as well was sit down with us to discuss what is next for the racing complex. Join host, Jason Huddle, as he talks with General Manager, Greg Walter, about what's in store for the speedway and why they chose to keep giving back in these difficult times. For more information about CMS, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com

Every year we lose over 2,300 teens to a driving accident and over 300,000 are injured, nationally. However, Cabarrus County houses a driving initiative and a safe driving program help to keep our young drivers safe. This week, we talk to Asma Warrich, of the Cabarrus Health Alliance, who also heads up the K.E.Y.S. program, which is a safe driving initiative for teens. We also welcome on, Doug Herbert, Professional racer and founder of the B.R.A.K.E.S. program, which teaches defensive driving techniques to teens. Herbert founded the program after losing both his sons in an auto accident. If you have a young driver in your circle, you want to pay attention to this week's episode. For more information on the K.E.Y.S. program, you can follow them on Instagram: @elevateyourself_trail, visit www.cabarrushealth.org or sign up for the newsletter by emailing asthma.warrich@cabarrushealth.org. From more information on the B.R.A.K.E.S program, visit Putonthebrakes.org.

Last year was the 25th season for the Carolina Panthers, but it was anything but memorable. After a 5-3 start, the Panthers failed to win even one of their final 8 games to finish 5-11.Now, it's a new year and a new team with a new head coach who is determined to make his mark in the NFL right away. Join us for our 2nd annual Panthers Season Preview with special guest, Mick Mixon, voice of the Carolina Panthers, as we break down who we've lost, who we've added to the roster and what we can realistically expect from the upcoming season.Also, during the "Shameless Plug" segment this week, we mentioned 'Up Front' is now available on Amazon Alexa. This is through the Tune In app. Click HERE for instructions on how to enable the app so you can listen to this podcast on your Amazon Echo devices! Note: Click HERE for the link to the Teddy Bridgewater press conference Mixon refers to during the interview.

Last week the Cabarrus County Board of Education voted to move from Plan B, where students would spend limited timed time at their schools each week, to Plan C, which means all learning will be done virtually.This week, we speak with three members oof the board, Carolyn Carpenter, Holly Grimsley and David Harrison, about the reasons behind this decision and what it means for our students, parents and teachers.

We're getting a lot of data about COVID-19, but little explanation. This week, we invited Ryan McGee from the Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) to explain the COVID-19 data on their website and what it means. Jump on to cabarrushealth.org and follow along as we talk about what these numbers actually represent and he answers some tough questions from our listeners!

As we celebrate our country this week, "Up Front' highlights a local non-profit organization called, Operation Decisive Victory (ODV), that helps veterans in a number of ways, from homelessness and medical care assistance to mental health and financial difficulties. This week we welcome Tuntu Parameswar and Ed Sverko, as they explain some of the challenges some veterans face after returning to civilian life. We also get their take on the political unrest and desecration of monuments and the American flag itself. For more information on ODV, visit www.operationdv.com.

If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the near future, this is the episode for you! This week, we've invited Meet Dennehy (Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group), Angela Kirsch (Keller Williams) and Rochelle Ogburn (Level Up Realty) to talk about the things you need to know before you make the move!

Things have been so tense on the who's, and in the world lately, that we decided people needed to stop and laugh for a few minutes. This week, we have the very funny comedian, Sid Davis, on the show to talk about life, the shutdown and how he's keeping a positive outlook. Plus, we're brought in a totally real, but completely fake studio audience just for the occasion! To check out more of Sid's material, check out www.siddaviscomedy.com!

This week we continue our discussion with guests, Sam Dozier and Addul El Ali on race relations in our community and our country. We dive deeper into some hot topics like white privilege, media manipulation and the repercussions of slavery. Join us for this very real and candid conversation, no matter your racial identity.

The death of George Floyd by a policeman's doing has reopened the racial wounds of this nation and they cut deep. But this cancer that plagues our nation can never heal without real talk and effort to gain perspective on both sides of the issue. This week and next, host Jason Huddle, will be speaking with two African-American gentleman from our community with two separate ideas on where our problems lie. Join them for some candid and real talk about how we arrived at this point and what we can do to improve race relations moving forward. Thank you to our guests for these important episodes, Sam Dozier and Addul El Ali.

Unfortunately, the 44th season of Old Courthouse Theatre (OCT) was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis, but that hasn't stopped them from moving forward with plans to open the theater for an incredible 45th season in late summer. this week, OCT board director, Will Baysinger, joins us to announce the lineup of this season and it will not be one to be missed! Join us as well discuss the upcoming season, plus other exciting things happening at OCT this year! Season tickets go on sale June 8th and you can purchase them, or get more information, by visiting www.octconcord.com

With the news that the Harrisburg 4th of July Festival would be cancelled, we wanted to get some answers as to how and why this decision was made, despite the fact that the state is now entering Phase 2 of reopening and the festival is over a month away. We invited Daniel Stines, Director of Harrisburg Parks and Rec. to be on the program and explain. He was gracious enough to give us his time to do exactly that. Plus he give some information on an alternate event being planned for later on this year. For more information, visit www.harrisburgnc.gov!

This summer is going to look a little different, especially for the kiddos. As they begin to wrap up their online learning from home, it's time to start thinking about what they will do when the state says we can finally come out of our houses. There are still many summer camps still happening this year, and some that have been cancelled. We've got Anjali Dighe, from Code Ninjas (Concord) to tell us about their upcoming camps and what adjustments they've made to ensure all the students are safe. We'll also take a look at some of the more popular camps in the area to find out which ones have been altered or even cancelled. Plus, host, Jason Huddle, reacts to the cancellation announcement of the Harrisburg 4th of July festival. For more information on Summer camps in the area, visit: http://www.cabarrusmagazine.com/2020/04/07/306141/2020-cabarrus-magazine-summer-camp-guide and for more information on code ninjas, visit: www.codeninjas.com

With the announcement that NC would begin the process of reopening the state by entering into Phase 1 of a 3-phase reopening process, we wanted to knwo what that will look like on a local level and how businesses in Cabarrus County have weathered the COVID-19 storm. This we, we have as guests, Johnson Bray (Concord Downtown Development Corp.) and Annette Privette Keller (City of Kannapolis) to give us perspective on how we've done and what the coming months will look like. For more information, visit; www.concorddowntown.com and www.kannapolisnc.gov.

The Stay at Home orders have been extended to May 8. People are beginning to get restless and business owners need to reopen their businesses. However, there is still a need for caution as reopening the state would create a risk for a resurgence of COVID-19. What should be done? This week, we talk with members of "Keep NC Closed", as well as "ReOpen NC", to gain their perspectives on the situation. Plust a breakdown and commentary of the newly announced plans to extend the restrictions and the three-phase plan to reopen, once restrictions are lifted. For more information on these groups, you can find them both on Facebook.

Working from home has been a major adjustment for many during the COVID-19 crisis. This week, we have local expert, Tom Cooper, on to talk about how to effectively and professionally continue to do business in these challenging times. For more information visit www.TomCooper.us/workfromhome