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INSIDE ▼ Chef opens new sushi concept
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PAGE 1B Friday, May 22, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 20
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Operations leader opens AtWork office CHARLOTTE – AtWork has opened a new location at 10707-D Park Road near the Atrium Health Pineville. AtWork Charlotte South is locally owned and operated by James Woodward, who brings more than 30 years of operations and human resources experience to the table. A Charlotte resident for more than 25 years, Woodward began his career in transportation and logistics with UPS before moving into leadership roles
in industrial manufacturing, big-box retail, medical device manufacturing and at Amazon. Throughout Woodward his career, he has also provided leadership and development consulting, always focused on helping people advance their careers. He’s eager to bring that same
passion and expertise to supporting job seekers and employers through AtWork. “I’m excited to bring AtWork’s staffing solutions to even more people in the Charlotte area, supporting both the local workforce and our businesses that depend on it,” Woodward said. “Working with a company that truly puts people first lets me fuse my entrepreneurial ambitions with a purpose-driven mission that can have a real impact on lives in our
community.” For more than three decades, AtWork’s mission has been to connect people with jobs and jobs with people. With more than 100 locations nationwide, AtWork puts nearly 40,000 individuals to work each year in manufacturing, light-industrial, office and clerical, management-level, hospitality and other direct-hire roles at some of the nation’s largest and most recognizable companies. “We’re thrilled to strengthen
Olsen's nonprofit reaches milestone
WHAT'S INSIDE
Gratitude Global leader thankful for outreach, 2A
PlayNation Play meets purpose at new business, 3A
Shefalee Patel showcases her acrylics and inks artwork, "Branching Out Into Good Vibes," at Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center. Photos courtesy of Novant Health
STRESS RELIEVER Novant Health Ballantyne unveils soothing artwork
Refresh Johnson & Wales to upgrade housing, 3A
our presence in Charlotte with a second AtWork location, serving the needs of this dynamic and growing community,” said Jason Leverant, president and chief operating officer. “AtWork is committed to connecting job seekers and employers through authentic, personalized service, and James’s proven leadership and people-first approach make him the perfect partner to advance our mission in this region.” On the web: AtWork.com
CHARLOTTE Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center recently unveiled three new art pieces designed by local artists to create a more soothing environment. Work by Shefalee Patel and Kevin Spencer now hangs in the hospital lobby. Spencer also completed a mural in one of the hospital’s stairwells.
Shefalee announced plans for five new murals that will be created this year on the walls outside of the lobby and café area. Novant Health is partnering with Charlotte is Creative on installing work in hospitals in Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill and elsewhere. The health care system points to research that shows interaction with art lessens stress and anxiety.
James Spencer made "Prismatic Symphony" (top) and "Vitality Rising" (above).
CHARLOTTE – The 10th annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K brought the community together May 16 to support children living with congenital heart disease and their families. The event welcomed runners, walkers, families and supporters of all ages. “Ten years ago, we started this event with a simple goal: to rally the communities around families facing some of the toughest moments of their lives,” said Greg Olsen, founder of The Olsen HEARTest Yard and Receptions for Research. “Seeing how Charlotte has embraced this mission year after year is incredibly humbling.” The event has become a tradition, raising money that stays in the community to support Levine Children’s Hospital. Funding helps provide in-home care and resources for families navigating life with congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in every 100 babies born each year. “This event is deeply personal for families like ours,” said Chris Haas, father of Claire, who was born with congenital heart disease. “The journey with CHDs is see NONPROFIT, Page 3A
Northwest School of the Arts students win theater awards CHARLOTTE – Three students from Northwest School of the Arts celebrated wins at the 2026 Blumey Awards on May 17 at Belk Theater. The school’s production of “Head Over Heels” received wins for Best Supporting Actor (Wiley Seago), Best Supporting Actress (Andie Jones) and Best Student Stage Manager (Spencer Angel). “I am feeling beyond happy,” said Jones in a clip published by Blumenthal Arts on social media. “I am feeling just so proud of the entire cast. A show is impossible without every single person. It’s a puzzle and with one missing piece, it’s not complete.” Jones played Gynecia, queen of Arcadia. Her husband in the show, Basilius, was played by Seago. “This role has been so incredibly special to me for so many different reasons,” Seago
said in a clip that Blumenthal Arts posted on social media. “I have so many people out there tonight who love me and who are here to support me. That’s overwhelming to me.” Anna Jernigan, of Carmel Christian School, won Best Actress for her portrayal of Ariel Moore in Carmel Chrsitian’s production of “Footloose.” She will head to New York to participate in the Jimmy Awards. “One of the most rewarding parts of the Blumey Awards is watching these students step into what comes next,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “What we see on the Blumey stage is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It’s incredibly exciting to witness so many of them at the very beginning of their artistic careers.”
Fifty-nine high schools participated in the 2026 Blumey Awards, including Ardrey Kell, Ballantyne Ridge, Charlotte Catholic, Charlotte Christian, Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin, East Mecklenburg, Providence, Providence Day and South Mecklenburg. North Lincoln earned four awards, including Best Musical for “Hadestown Teen Edition.” “Tonight’s Blumey Awards were an incredible celebration of the talent, teamwork and heart on display across our high schools,” said Kieth Cockrell, president of event sponsor Bank of America Charlotte. “From the first moments of this program through the final ceremony, it’s inspiring to see students build confidence, discover new possibilities and develop skills that will serve them far beyond the stage.”
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Aside from the competition aspect of the Blumey Awards, students could learn from theater professionls. Fifty-nine schools participated in this year's Blumenthal Arts program. Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts