The Charlotte Post Life! THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 SECTION B Hospice care changed by COVID crisis By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] Being a hospice social worker is trying and fulfill- ing work. Coupled with a pandemic, it is more essen- tial than ever. Denise McKnight, 41, is a hospice social worker for Novant Health Palliative Care. Service has always been her calling, down to the sorority she chose to join – Delta Sigma Theta – during under- graduate study at Johnson C. Smith Uni- versity, because of its members’ dedication to public service, particu- larly in the Black community. McKnight earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from JCSU and master’s in social BY ASHLEY MAHONEY | THE CHARLOTTE POST work at the University of South Caro- Zsa-Zsa Porter is co-owner of Exposed Vegan restaurant in City West Commons on West Boulevard. McKnight lina. While she initially did not consider hospice as a career option for social workers, McKnight made the switch two years ago and has not looked back. She knows she made the right call helping families cope with the death of Healthy food options loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic. “As we know with hospice services, before COVID- 19 people were transitioning, but with COVID-19 people are transitioning at a more rapid speed,” McKnight said. along West Boulevard The pandemic changed the nature of her work. Families often want to gather around loved ones in their final days, but gathering restrictions make it Exposed Vegan opens in City West Commons with pickup, delivery difficult to do so safely. Both families and patients By Ashley Mahoney the community. Salads, bowls, “We are very excited to provide rely on physical touch to make it through such a dif- [email protected] smoothies and vegan cookies are healthy options to West Boule- ficult period, from a hug to holding hands, but doing among the menu items. vard,” Porter said. “During the so during a pandemic comes with the risk of spread- Zsa-Zsa Porter and Nikkis Camp- Exposed Vegan is based in City pandemic we recognized that ing the virus. Some patients do not interact with bell are triathletes, mothers and West Commons, a location incor- there are so many [people] who people outside hospice staff, and the isolation entrepreneurs who want to expose porated into the city of Charlotte’s are looking for healthy options, caused by poor health can create a sense of loneli- the West Charlotte community to #StreetEats program, which especially if they are working from ness and isolation on its own. Add a pandemic, and a vegan lifestyle. wrapped on Nov. 22. The program home or are just not out and Please see HOSPICE|2B They opened Exposed Vegan turned parking and sidewalks into about. They need to get fresh food restaurant at 1540 West Blvd. ear- outdoor eating spaces to encour- or plant-based food, and we are lier this month with curbside age people to support restaurants excited to provide those options.” pickup and delivery and intend to amid capacity limitations brought West Boulevard is one of the N.C. has a shortage add a food truck to reach more of on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see VEGAN |2B of public school psychologists Holiday dishes prepared in minutes By Sergio Osnaya-Prieto UNC MEDIA HUB for those smaller family gatherings Bladen County, nestled between Fayetteville and FAMILY FEATURES recipe to feed your family Wilmington, has 13 public schools, more than 4,000 on early holiday mornings. students — and one school psychologist. In what’s certain to be a holiday season unlike any This simple, tasty brunch Holly Meggs has worked in the state’s public edu- bake can be easily prepped cation system for more than 20 years, and has been other, you can transform your seasonal menu in 20 the night before. Bladen County’s sole school psychologist for nearly While holiday gatherings five years. minutes of prep time or less by incorporating fla- may be smaller this year, Bladen County, she said, doesn’t have a movie the- spending time with family ater, or a bowling alley, which is partially why getting vorful ingredients that make ordinary dishes ex- can be made even more a second school psychologist for the county might special when sharing a be difficult. Still, she said, she does her best to pro- traordinary, ensuring the holidays are as special and homemade, holiday-in- vide the psychological services she was trained for. spired meal. Sherry Cherry “My personal belief is that God put me where I memorable as any other year. Pork Loin Roast, made in a needed to be, when I needed to be, whether I’m sat- time-saving slow cooker, isfied or not,” she said. “There are some days I’m not Stress-free holiday enter- taining at home begins provides an easy way to satisfied. But then, there are other days I’m very sat- bring your family together GETTY IMAGES isfied.” with ingredients like Hol- land House Cooking Wines for a flavorful holiday Sherry Cherry Pork Loin Roast can be prepped in 20 minutes. School psychologists offer a variety of services meal. that add an extra boost of Visit hollandhousefla- aimed at improving students’ mental health and This festive season, Hol- flavor to recipes like Tus- vors.com to find more holi- 7 tablespoons avocado or their success inside and outside of the classroom. land House Cooking Wines can White Bean Soup. Per- day-worthy dishes. grapeseed oil, divided These include counseling, suicide prevention initia- provide an easy way to de- tives, and working with teachers and staff to im- fect for chilly evenings, 2 large Vidalia onions, this recipe combines pan- light your family. They’re Sherry Cherry Pork Loin halved and thinly sliced prove students’ learning environments. available in four flavors – try staples and enticing Roast 4 teaspoons kosher salt, However, schools across the state are experiencing Marsala, Sherry, White and seasonings for an easy-to- Courtesy of Cate Meade of divided a shortage of school psychologists due to lack of Red – made using fine make soup that simmers in “Cate’s Kitchen Fit” 1pork loin roast (4-4 1/2 funding and candidates for vacant positions, accord- grapes and blended sea- the slow cooker. This Prep time: 20 minutes pounds), trimmed and ing to an April report by the state’s Department of sonings, aged to perfec- Sherry, Ham and Cheese Cook time: 5-6 hours patted dry Public Instruction. This has limited the services that tion, to offer bold flavor to Brunch Bake is another de- Servings: 8-10 Please see SHORTAGE | 3B licious and convenient your holiday cooking. Please see HOLIDAY| 2B «RIDES Cadillac’s CT5 has all the ingredients of high-end luxury By Winfred Cross in. The grille is medium cluster is a 10.0-inch touch than people. You can carry SPECIAL TO THE POST sized, flanked by thin, J- screen that controls many three in the rear in comfort. shaped headlamps and up- of the cars functions while The entire cabin is roomy, Does Cadillac still make right accessory lamps. My also displaying navigation but the rear has the edge. cars? Yes, indeed it does. test car was painted in the information. The screen is The CT5 is powered by a The CT5 is not only a optional Evergreen which bright and is very respon- 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Caddy, but one of the best looks black. Direct sunlight sive to touch. Apple Car- turbo that makes 237 sedans the company has makes it sparkle. The rear Play and Android Auto are horsepower. Not bad, but ever made. has Caddy’s signature up- included as well. my car had the optional The CT5 is Caddy’s top right taillamp which have a The front seats are ex- 3.0-liter, twin turbo V6. dog and comes in several muscular feel. tremely comfortable and The V6 makes 335 horses flavors, the spiciest being The interior is meticu- can be power adjusted in with 400 pounds-feet of the V-Series. Alas, this is lously crafted with lots of numerous ways. These torque. It’s mated to a 10- not V-rated but tasty just leather, wood and metal. seats also hold you in place speed transmission that the same. Its exterior is The dash is big and bright, when you decide to do clicks through its gears striking. Cadillac has al- using large LED screens as some aggressive driving. with ease and efficiency. ways liked sharp, crisp displays. The gauge cluster The rear seats have a 60/40 The combination really lines which this car has but can be configured to your split function in case you beckons for spirited driv- CADILLAC with a few curves thrown liking. To the right of the need to carry more stuff Please see CADDY| 2B The 2021 Cadillac CT5 has striking finish and luxury. 2B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 26, 2020 Vegan fare options Holiday dishes in minutes for smaller gatherings along West Boulevard Continued from page 1B of “Food, Folks & Fun” frozen hash brown pota- 3 teaspoons freshly Prep time: 15 minutes toes Continued from page 1B tor, so I am not someone who can help ground black pepper, di- Cook time: 8 hours 1/2 teaspoon salt city’s six areas in the Corridors of Op- people who are sick in that way, but I vided Servings: 8 1/2 teaspoon pepper portunity program, which targets can cook,” Porter said. “I can provide Sherry Cherry Sauce: 4 cups chicken stock 2 cups (8 ounces) shred- bridging gaps in infrastructure, work- healthy options. We recognized that a 3/4 cup Holland House 1 cup Holland House ded white cheddar cheese force, transportation, housing and plant-based diet can help someone Sherry Cooking Wine White Cooking Wine 1 cup (4 ounces) shred- code enforcement, business devel- with ailments, and it can help prevent 5-6 cloves garlic 1can (14 1/2 ounces) ded Parmesan cheese opment, public safety and urban de- several diseases. We felt our role to 1 cup frozen Bing diced tomatoes 8 ounces precooked sign. The $24.5 million initiative play was to provide those healthy op- cherries, divided 1 medium yellow onion, ham, cut into 1/2-inch kicked off in September on Beatties tions to everyone during the pan- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry diced small pieces Ford Road. demic.” mustard powder 1 cup celery, diced 8large eggs The West Boulevard corridor is a Porter’s conversion to a healthier 4 tablespoons Holland 1 cup carrots, diced 1 1/4 cups whole milk food desert, making the addition of lifestyle had a direct impact on her House Balsamic Vinegar 6 large cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dry mus- businesses like Exposed Vegan signif- health. Knee pain when running led to 2 tablespoons soy sauce minced tard powder icant in terms of providing healthy a diagnosis of severe arthritis and in- 1 bunch fresh parsley, 3 cans (15 1/2 ounces 2 tablespoons fresh options. flammation. Her doctor gave three op- large stems removed, plus each) cannellini beans, chopped dill “It is so important that we continue tions: medication, surgery or a diet additional reserved for gar- rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon fresh to provide healthy food options and change and weight management to re- nish 1can (13 3/4 ounces) ar- chopped dill, for garnish access to residents along the corridor, duce the stress on her knees, which 3 tablespoons cornstarch tichoke hearts, rinsed and (optional) because right now we don’t have were broken when she was 17. The (optional) drained 2 teaspoons freshly that,” City Council District 3 represen- latter worked best for her. In large slow cooker on 1 bay leaf grated Parmesan cheese, tative Victoria Watlington said. “We Porter pursued an Ironman triathlon high heat, add 2 table- 1 teaspoon poultry sea- for garnish (optional) want to invest in people’s education after turning 40, which meant tackling spoons oil, sliced onions soning Move oven rack to mid- and their economic mobility, but we a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles of biking and 1 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon salt dle position and preheat to also want to invest in their health. Part and 26.22-mile run. Her goal is to ex- Season roast evenly on 1 teaspoon ground black 400 F. Generously grease of doing that is partnering with pose myths and debunk stereotypes all sides with 2 teaspoons pepper 9-by-13-inch baking dish healthy food options with business about living a vegan lifestyle. salt and 1 tea?spoon 1/4 teaspoon dried rose- with butter; set aside. owners.” “I recognized there just something I pepper. mary In 10-inch nonstick skil- Said Porter: “There are some low-in- wanted to do for myself,” she said. “I Place large skillet over 4 cups kale (about 6 let, add olive oil and pre- come areas that we want to make sure have three kids, and I love to swim medium heat. Add 2 table- ounces), cleaned, des- heat pan over medium that we give back to.” and bike. So does my business part- spoons oil to pan. Sear temmed and chopped heat. Add shallots and Porter’s background is in financial ner. I decided to start doing triathlons. pork loin 3 minutes on 5 ounces pancetta or cook, stirring often, until services, specifically digital and mo- I started triathlons about four years each side until golden bacon, diced softened and golden, about bile. While she still has her corporate ago, and two years ago, I completed brown. Transfer roast to 8 teaspoons Parmesan 7-8 minutes. job, she felt called to provide some- my first Ironman. I have completed slow cooker on top of cheese, shaved (for gar- Stir in cooking wine and thing for the community amid the that twice.” onions. nish) cook until liquid is evapo- COVID-19 pandemic. On the Net: Cover and cook on low 3 Place chicken stock, rated, about 3-5 minutes. “I am not a nurse and I am not a doc- www.exposedvegan.com hours. white cooking wine, toma- Remove from heat. To make Sherry Cherry toes, onion, celery, carrots, Add frozen hash browns Sauce: In blender, blend garlic, cannellini beans, ar- to prepared baking dish. sherry cooking wine, gar- tichoke hearts, bay leaf, Pour melted butter over lic, 1/2 cup cherries, mus- poultry seasoning, salt, potatoes and add salt, tard powder, balsamic pepper and rosemary in pepper and caramelized Hospice care challenged by the vinegar, soy sauce, parsley, slow cooker. Cover and shallots. remaining olive oil, re- cook on low 7-8 hours or Use spoon to mix well. maining salt and remaining high 4-5 hours. Bake 30 minutes, or until expanding coronavirus crisis pepper until smooth; set About 30 minutes before potatoes are cooked aside. serving soup, stir in kale through and some edges Continued from page 1B until June due to the pan- without being judged and After pork loin cooks 3 and cover. are beginning to brown. it can feel unbearable. demic, yet still found ways told, ‘you can’t say that. hours, add Sherry Cherry In 10-inch skillet over Remove potatoes from Other patients wish to die to keep in contact with You can’t be tired of taking Sauce around pork roast. medium heat, cook pan- oven and reduce tempera- at home rather than going them. For instance, she care of your loved one.’” Cover and cook 2-3 hours cetta until crispy, about 4 ture to 325 F. to a hospital. would place fresh flowers With the holidays coming on low. minutes. Move pancetta to Sprinkle cheddar cheese “Our ultimate goal is to outside of the window of a up and North Carolina’s ex- To glaze, brush roast paper towel-lined plate to and 1 cup shredded Par- allow them to remain at patient who was a florist to ecutive order limiting the with warm sauce 3-4 times drain. mesan cheese evenly over home for as long as pos- let her know that she was number of people for in- in last hour of cooking. Ladle soup into bowls potatoes followed by ham. sible,” McKnight said. “Pa- not alone. door gatherings to 10, Once pork reaches inter- and sprinkle with pancetta In large measuring cup or tients like that I tend to go “Unfortunately, at one McKnight has been forced nal temperature of 145 F, and Parmesan cheese shav- small bowl, vigorously see once a week. Before point in time we were not to have a number of hard remove and let rest 15-20 ings. whisk eggs, milk, mustard COVID-19, you can hug going to homes anymore, conversations with fam- minutes before slicing. Sherry, Ham and powder and dill until fully them. You can give them and most of our patients ilies about why they To finish sauce, remove Cheese Brunch Bake combined and eggs be- that contact that they are older, so they don’t should not congregate for 1/4 cup cooking liquid and Courtesy of Jillian Wade come frothy, about 1 mi- sometimes need. When know how to do Zoom Thanksgiving. mix with cornstarch to of “Food, Folks & Fun” nute. COVID-19 happened you calls. We were doing phone “I have to say, ‘I know make a slurry. Whisk slurry Prep time: 20 minutes Pour egg mixture evenly had to be more cautious.” calls, and we’re not you love all the grand- and remaining cherries Cook time: 1 hour, 20 mi- over potatoes, cheese and McKnight is not as con- getting the same kids, but it is dan- into sauce. Cook in slow nutes ham. Store covered in re- cerned about catching the experience that On The Net gerous to have cooker on high 15 minutes, Servings: 10 frigerator if prepping night virus as she is about giving you would face /www.npaon- them in the stirring occasionally. 8 tablespoons salted before. it to a patient. to face,” line.org/na- house,’” she said. Slice roast 1/2-inch thick, butter, melted, plus ad- Bake 35-40 minutes, or “I would like to think I am McKnight said. tional-hospice Limiting visits garnish with fresh parsley ditional for greasing pan, until edges of casserole are healthy enough to beat As much as -and-pallia- and making sure and serve with Sherry divided golden brown and center COVID-19, but my patients McKnight’s work tive-care- everyone is Cherry Sauce and braised 2 teaspoons olive oil of casserole is set. are not,” McKnight said. revolves around month masked during them onions. 2 large shallots, minced Cool 5 minutes before “Under no circumstances being there for her is another way to safely Tuscan White Bean 1/2 cup Holland House slicing and serving. Serve are they healthy enough to patients, it often requires protect families during the Soup Sherry Cooking Wine with chopped dill and beat it.” holding space for care- holidays. Courtesy of Jillian Wade 1 package (20 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, if McKnight immediately givers as well. Taking care “With the holidays, I desired. began wearing a mask on of an ill relative or friend think more people are visits to patients when the often becomes a full-time going to get lonely,” virus made its way to the job. From cups of coffee McKnight said. “Where we States’ face-covering mandates United States. Some pa- and conversation to a step in is with hospice tients would tell her to re- phone call to check in on services is increasing our move her mask, because the caregiver, McKnight is visits and trying to be that leave disparities in protection they felt like she was afraid there for them as well. support they normally of their illness. “They need that person would not get. With some By Markian Hawryluk hospitalizations and Gandhi, an infectious dis- “I said, ‘I am not worried who understands what patients I will help them KAISER HEALTH NEWS deaths surge upward head- ease specialist at the Uni- about getting sick. I am they are going through, set up Zoom or Skype or Brady Bowman, a 19- ing into winter, many pub- versity of California-San worried about getting you and that person they can Facetime. I try to do things lic health experts wonder Francisco. “And that has sick. I could be asympto- express themselves to as to make them feel like they year-old student at the Uni- versity of whether it’s time to move been profoundly confusing matic,’” McKnight recalled. well without being are involved with their beyond the anything-goes for the American public, to “At the time I was in the judged,” she said. “Some- family.” Colorado-Boulder, and two friends strolled down 11th approach toward more have all these masks on the hospital as well as in the times they want to say, ‘it’s November is National standardization and market.” field.” hard. I want to give up. I Hospice and Palliative Care Street, all sporting match- ing neck gaiters branded higher-quality masks. Pres- Patchwork of regulations McKnight was unable to want to run.’ I’m that per- Month. ident-elect Joe Biden re- Masks have been shown visit patients from April son they can say that to with the Thomas’ English Muffins logo. He had re- portedly is mulling a to reduce the spread of res- ceived an entire box of the national face-covering piratory droplets that con- promotional gaiters. mandate of some sort, tain the coronavirus. And Cadillac’s CT5 has ingredients He thinks they are just which could not only in- the Centers for Disease more comfortable to wear crease mask-wearing but Control and Prevention than a face mask. “Espe- better define for Ameri- now says that masks not of high-end luxury vehicle cially a day like today, cans what sort of face cov- only help prevent people where it’s cold out,” he ering would be most from infecting others but sive conditions, the car still heavily. Platinum package, Continued from page 1B said, with the top of his protective. help protect the wearers feels more comfortable all-wheel drive, twin turbo ing. Attempt such and you gaiter pulled down below “Unlike seat belts, con- from infection as well. than sporty, but it gets the V6, driver assist, driver will be rewarded. The his chin. doms or other prevention According to a recent job done. There is always awareness plus and slick transmission never hunts, More stylish? Perhaps. strategies, we have not yet analysis by the Institute for the CT5-V if you have a green paint added $17,705 putting you in the proper More comfortable? Maybe. standardized what we are Health Metrics and Eval- true lust for handling – but to the bottom line and gear without a lot of fuss. But as effective? Not nec- recommending for the uation, implementing uni- that’s another story. that’s before destination. Picking this option also al- essarily. public,” said Dr. Monica Please see STATES | 3B The CT5 is a well-bal- Throw in destination and lows you to get all-wheel With states such as Col- anced automobile that will the as-tested price was drive, which only adds to orado requiring face cover- coddle you with a number $59,395. There is a lot to the fun. ings indoors to prevent the of standard amenities choose from in that price How much fun can you spread of COVID-19, while also giving you a category but the CT5 will have in this car? You can gaiters and bandannas sports car feel when nec- compete favorably with get to 60 miles per hour in have become popular ac- essary. The base priced is both foreign and domestic 4.9 seconds – really good cessories, particularly $40,695 and gives you a lot offerings. for the class. The steering among college students of car – just not then car I Pros: provides enough feedback and other young adults. drove. Leather seats, dual • Sharp styling and the AWD system keeps Less restrictive than climate zone, Apple Car- • Luxurious interior those tires planted even in masks, they can easily be Play, Android Auto, Si- • Balanced ride wet weather. pulled up or down as rius/XM sat radio, leather • Glorious engine The CT5’s suspension needed — and don’t con- wrapped steering wheel • Crisp handling monitors road conditions vey that just-out-of-the- with paddle shifters, wire- Cons: and helps determine if you hospital vibe. less phone charging, lane • OK fuel economy need more handling pro- But tests show those change alert, pedestrian • Pricey with options wess than comfort. The car hipper face coverings are braking and teen driver Email Winfred Cross at: is tuned to provide a near- not as effective as surgical settings are all included. [email protected]. perfect balance between a or cloth face masks. Ban- My test car was heavily comfortable and sporty dannas, like plastic face optioned, and I mean ride. Even under aggres- shields, allow the virus to escape out the bottom in aerosolized particles that can hang in the air for hours. And gaiters are We’re always open online! often made of such thin material that they don’t thecharlottepost.com trap as much virus as cloth masks. As new COVID cases, 3B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 26, 2020 States’ face-covering mandates leave disparities in protection Continued from page 1B tested anything that has where workers were versal mask-wearing in late not worked.” handed surgical or N95 September would have Call for standardization masks as they entered saved nearly 130,000 But Gandhi believes it’s showed a much higher American lives by the end time to raise the standards proportion of infected of February. for masks, ramp up the workers never developed Even so, many Americans production of disposable symptoms. That could ex- still aren’t wearing masks. surgical masks and en- plain why many Asian And in some states, they courage, if not order, countries, where mask- haven’t been required to Americans to wear them. wearing has been a cultural do so. Early in the pandemic, the norm for decades, have At least 37 states and the Trump administration re- been able to reopen their District of Columbia have portedly considered send- economies without seeing mandated face coverings ing masks to every death rates as high as in but show wide variation in American but ultimately the United States. defining what qualifies. decided against it. “Tokyo is a good exam- States such as Maryland Taiwan, on the other ple. It’s wide open, the and Rhode Island include hand, invested in manufac- people are walking around turing and distributing sur- shoulder to shoulder, ELIZABETH BRYANT | UNC MEDIA HUB bandannas or neck gaiters in their definitions, while gical masks, and it has one people are going to offices, South Carolina and Michi- of the lowest COVID death people are going to gan do not, according to a counts in the world: fewer school,” Gandhi said. “But Shortage of psychologists KHN review of the orders. than 10 deaths in a country they’re all masked and Some spell out the circum- of 24 million people. they have very low rates of stances in which coverings “It makes more sense to severe illness.” must be worn or establish standardize masks, to If she’s right, a national plague North Carolina mass-produce surgical mandate calling for surgi- enforcement policies. But according to Law- masks, which are not very cal masks could both re- rence Gostin, a George- expensive,” Gandhi said. duce transmission and public school districts town University law “We’re spending a lot more prevent serious disease. professor, many states are on everything else.” “We can’t wait,” Gandhi Continued from page 1B ence. training required to qualify not holding residents to She said surgical masks said. “We’ve had enough schools can provide to stu- Ina Nyko splits her time for the position — which those rules. Some state or might even reduce the sev- deaths from this infection. dents — an issue worsened as school psychologist at includes a degree from a local officials are choosing erity of COVID-19. Gandhi Our case fatality rates in a by the COVID-19 pan- Enloe High School and school psychology-specific not to enforce them. and several colleagues re- country of this degree of demic’s effects on instruc- Broughton High School training program, offered “We have a patchwork of cently wrote in a medical development are just tion methods. near downtown Raleigh. by only five public univer- inconsistent rules and laws journal article that ev- tragic.” The National Association “In Wake County, we sities in the state. around the country,” Gos- idence suggests the less It remains to be seen of School Psychologists really do have the re- The shortage eventually tin said. “And when we are virus a person is exposed whether Americans will be recommends a ratio of one sources,” she said. “So I do affects job satisfaction, as dealing with a nationwide to, the less sick they be- more willing to wear dowd- school psychologist per tests, of course, but I have school psychologists find pandemic, a patchwork come. ier, less comfortable but every 500 students. Ac- so much more time to do themselves unable to pro- just won’t get the job That’s been backed up in more effective masks to cording to Lynn Makor, other activities, I run vide comprehensive serv- done.” tests with lab animals ex- protect themselves and DPI’s school psychology groups that meet with stu- ices — which Makor called Cloth mask manufactur- posed to the coronavirus others. When Bowman, the consultant, North Caro- dents individually, I work a “vicious cycle,” ing was nearly nonexistent and with humans exposed Boulder college student, lina’s ratio is one school with parents.” “Even outside of the pay in the U.S. before the pan- to other, less dangerous was asked if he was wor- psychologist per 1,800 stu- For example, she said, factor, if they could, at demic, so public health of- respiratory viruses. ried that his gaiter might dents. she could spend an hour least be able to serve kids ficials opted early in the Other evidence also sup- not block as much of the The ratio also changes and a half preparing for a in the way that they were year to stress the impor- ports that theory. While the virus as a face mask, he significantly between dis- 20-minute meeting with a trained to, you know, to be tance of wearing any face CDC estimates about 40 seemed unconcerned. tricts, according to the DPI student, developing able to provide this gamut covering rather than trying percent of COVID cases are “As long as the other per- report, with some districts strategies to address the of services,” Makor said. to focus on one standard. asymptomatic, outbreaks son is wearing a mask,” he reaching a ratio of 1-to- student’s needs and reach- “It’s hard when you don’t As a result, Americans are in food processing plants said. 4,500. 42 school districts ing out to the student’s feel like you’re able to ever wearing a hodgepodge of reported having only one, parents. get there.” coverings, from home- none or only part-time “When we’re given that The COVID-19 pandemic sewn to commercial ver- Follow The Charlotte Post on social media school psychologists. resource of time, I’m able has created additional sions, with various levels As the only school psy- to build a relationship with challenges for school psy- of protection. chologist in her county, students, I’m able to de- chologists, who have had And what is worn Meggs has no such thing as velop activities to develop to adapt their services to matters. Dr. Iahn Gonsen- a “regular day.” Any given their skills so that they can remote instruction hauser, an infectious dis- day can involve meetings be successful in a school methods across the state. ease specialist at the Ohio with a student services setting,” she said. Meggs said the pandemic State University Wexner team, helping teachers’ in- Every school in Wake has made completing eval- Medical Center, said face terpret psychological tests County has a part-time uations and speaking to coverings generally fall or providing crisis counsel- school psychologist who teachers about their stu- into three categories of ef- ing. splits his or her time be- dents more difficult. She fectiveness. N95 masks Find the right But most of her days, she tween two schools, like also said Bladen County (not those with valves), said, are spent on eval- Nyko, according to infor- Schools is working on so- surgical masks and well- uations for students with mation reported by the dis- cial-emotional learning made cloth masks (con- learning disabilities. trict for the DPI’s report. programming for students church for your structed of tightly woven Many school psycholo- Several districts reported as they return for in-per- material, folded over two gists across the state work far more difficulties. son classes. or three times, and prop- within districts’ or schools’ For example, in the re- “When kids start to focus erly covering the mouth journey Exceptional Children pro- port, financial officers in on things that they can and nose) are in the highly grams — devoted to the Lee County Schools ex- control, they feel better effective category. evaluation and devel- plaining how the district al- about their circum- Bandannas, neck gaiters opment of students with locates school stances,” Nyko said. “So it and face shields lie at the BAPTIST disabilities. Makor said a psychologists to schools will be the same way when other end of the spectrum, school psychologist’s li- said: “We have been short kids reenter, it’s going to and most everything else cense is required for many for many years. Since we be that, what can I control? falls in the middle. of the evaluation services are never really fully What do I need to do, and “Bandannas are typically needed to determine if a staffed in that area, we are then we teach them how to a thinner material, so if student is eligible to join a limited in the services we do that. And then kids tend they’re not doubled or tri- special education program. can provide. Our psychol- to be more successful.” pled up, that can allow res- “It’s just that the ogists are not able to inter- Statewide, Makor said, piratory droplets, in numbers, as they grow, vene with regular the pandemic has in- particular, to move make it very difficult for education and (multi-tiered creased the amount of through the masks,” he the school psychologist to system of supports) like we time school psychologists said. “But the fact that be as accessible as they would prefer.” spend on evaluation serv- they’re open along the bot- really should be to be able Likewise, Cabarrus ices, as they try to address tom of the mouth and to support other pieces of County’s financial officers an already existing backlog neck, if they’re not tucked the system,” Makor said. said: “We have a really dif- created by the lack of li- into a shirt or something “So that’s the frustration ficult time trying to fill censed staff. like that, also allows for a that our field has, and con- open psychologist posi- “If there’s a need, I’m lot of that exhalation drop- tinues to have as a result of tions because of higher sal- there,” Meggs said. “But let to escape around the our numbers.” aries/supplements in with being the only psy- mask and become air- Meggs said a single eval- neighboring public school chologist, you know, you, borne.” uation can take about three units. I cannot offer them you do what you have to A plastic face shield can hours, without counting more money because there do to meet the needs of the block larger droplets but the time it requires to score is severely restricted ad- children. won’t stop aerosolized par- and write up a report with ditional funding available.” “Do I wish I could do ticles from flowing beyond the results. She said the Makor said North Caro- more of what I was trained its edges. district hired contractors lina’s school psychologists to do? Yes, absolutely. But The evidence around to assist with testing, face a disparity in pay I do have a good team that neck gaiters has been which has allowed the dis- compared to the level of we can rely on.” mixed, in part because so trict to conduct 50 eval- many materials and de- uations since August. signs are used. But recent According to the DPI re- testing suggests even the port, Meggs’ case is com- thin material commonly mon across the state. In a used to make gaiters is survey of school psycholo- nearly as effective as a gists, a majority of re- cloth mask if doubled over. sponses were related to a “With few exceptions, the disproportionate amount best mask is the mask that of time spent on student somebody is going to use evaluations, writing re- regularly and consis- ports and attending meet- tently,” Gonsenhauser ings. said. “It may be that the “And if I was able to do best technical mask is not more, if I only had a couple going to be the mask that of schools, I would be everybody’s going to be doing more with the stu- willing to wear all the dent services teams, work- time.” ing with interventions and Researchers at the Na- progress monitoring of tional Institute for Occupa- students,” Meggs said. tional Safety and Health C.M.E. “Having this bigger have found most of the number, it’s getting all of commercially produced the data you can together, cloth masks block 40 per- it’s doing evaluations, it’s cent to 60 percent of drop- talking to other agencies or lets, approaching the other schools to get every- effectiveness of surgical thing you can to make sure masks. our children’s needs are “You can’t possibly test met. 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RICHARD SHOTWELL | INVISION Taraji P. Henson attends the Fox All Star party at the Television Critics Association Winter press tour on Jan. 7, in Pasadena, Calif. Henson will host a new podcast series focused on the story behind the New Jack Swing music era. Wondery and Universal Music Group announced Oct. 15, that Hen- son will host "Jacked: The Rise of New Jack Swing." The six-part series premiered Nov. 17 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the Won- dery App. New Jack Swing’s backstory on podcast By Jonathan Landrum Jr. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Taraji P. Henson re- membered wearing her favorite outfit to a music festival where some of the biggest New Jack Swing tunes were CONTRIBUTED PHOTO being performed from Bell Biv Devoe’s Harding University High alumnus Joslyn Y. Hall stars in a pair of romantic holiday comedies, "Christmas in Carolina" “Poison” to Tony! Toni! Tone!’s “Feels and "A Nashville Christmas Carol" which debuted Nov. 21 on Hallmark Channel. Good.” At the time, Henson had no clue about the backstory behind the music era, which made its mark in the ’80s and ’90s. But now, the Oscar-nominated actor has a clearer view as the host of the new podcast series “Jacked: Rise of Most wonderful time the New Jack Sound,” which premiered this week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the Wondery App. “I was too busy living it to know ex- actly what was happening. I was enjoy- ing the music,” said Henson, who of year for rom-coms serves as a producer of the six-part series, which airs Tuesdays. The series Harding University High graduate Joslyn Y. Hall in two holiday movies examines the “rise and eventual fall” of what was essentially my hometown Hallmark Channel. While the film is the New Jack Swing movement. By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] was pretty much a dream come true,” set in Nashville and certain shots are “This podcast was very informative,” said Hall, whose family typically from Nashville, the film was actually she said. “Things I did not know make One of Charlotte’s own is in not one spends holidays together in South shot in Charlotte, including Blumen- sense now. Looking back in retrospect, but two Christmas movies this holi- Carolina, where the movie was shot thal Performing Arts’ Belk Theater in like how the executives were actually day season. on location. “How often does that Uptown. street dudes, they were mixing business Joslyn Y. Hall, a Harding University happen, especially hearing about a For Hall it was a combination of her with the street. I wasn’t really paying at- High School alumna, stars film coming out of South Carolina? first Hallmark movie and the oppor- tention to that back then, but that’s in the holiday roman- You don’t hear about that often.” tunity to film in her hometown. what was happening.” On The Net tic comedy “Christ- The film also stars Kellie Shanygne “There is something about filming “Jacked” delves into the complex re- mas in Carolina” as Christmas movies,” she said. “The www.imdb.com Williams and Darius McCrary of lationships between a group of teen- Elle. Her character energy, just the spirit of it, the at- /name/nm9275 “Family Matters” fame. The movie agers from Harlem who created the has given up on was filmed in six days last December, mosphere is amazing. Being on set musical sound. It features narration 689/?ref_=fn_al_ nm_1 love until she and it was released earlier this and filming a Hallmark movie, I mean from Henson along with dozens of in- meets Wesley, month. you guys know Hallmark. They have terviews — including band members played by former “Being able to work alongside two all of the decorations. It’s just Christ- and managers — and music from Uni- Queens University of Charlotte alum- powerhouses like them, oh my gosh, mas town. With Christmas being one versal Music Group’s catalog. nus David L. Rowell, who takes her it was amazing,” Hall said. of my favorite holidays, it was just The story involves a culmination of home to spend the holidays with his Hall also plays Luanne in Hall- such a pleasure being in that envi- “dashed hopes, jealousy, betrayal, family in South Carolina. mark’s “A Nashville Christmas ronment.” drugs, hip-hop and rivalries.” “Being able to shoot a movie in Carol,” which premieres Nov. 21 on Please see IT’S MOST | 6B Please see NEW JACK | 6B Scripted TV shows return Charlotte Ballet reimagines holiday classic By Ashley Mahoney to networks [email protected] Charlotte Ballet found a way to bring By David Bauder its Christmas classic to the stage de- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS spite the disruption of a pandemic. NEW YORK — After the coronavirus December in Charlotte signals “Nut- pandemic sidelined creators and led to cracker” season, but the annual pro- a delayed start of the traditional fall tel- duction of former artistic director evision season, scripted shows are be- Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s take on the ginning to return to network schedules. holiday favorite was canceled last Not all of them, not yet. But the return summer due to COVID-19. Charlotte was most apparent the week after the Ballet’s current artistic director Hope election, and already there are winners Muir and Charlotte Ballet II director and losers. Christopher Stuart reimagined what the Dick Wolf’s Chicago-based trilogy of show would look like adapted for phys- dramas is back, and all three shows fin- ical distancing. Enter “A Fairy-Tailored ished among the Nielsen company’s 20 Nutcracker,” which brings the dancers most-watched programs last week. back to the stage just in time for the CBS’ “Young Sheldon” led the path for holidays. Performances are scheduled comedies. ABC’s “Station 19” and for Dec. 12-23. “Grey’s Anatomy” were strong per- “This isn’t the ‘Nut- formers, along with CBS’ “NCIS: Los An- cracker’ audiences are CHARLOTTE BALLET geles.” On The Net used to seeing from https://char- Charlotte Ballet, but Charlotte Ballet is reimagining its holiday classic “Nutcracker” into “A Fairy-Tailored But there are signs that viewers aren’t Nutcracker,” for social distancing. Performances are Dec. 12-23. immediately returning to old habits. A lotteballet.org we can’t wait to CBS double-header of “S.W.A.T.” epi- share this reimag- people in order to provide at least six gleton said. “Adhering to indoor venue sodes fell flat, with neither episode ined telling of the feet between attendees. restrictions, we are excited to welcome reaching 3 million viewers. classic story,” Muir Charlotte Ballet initially planned to 25 guests for each performance of “A Similarly, NBC’s long-playing “Law & said in a statement. present a smaller rendition of “Sleeping Fairy-Tailored Nutcracker.” Charlotte is Order: SVU” reached only 3 million “You’ll see all your favorite characters Beauty” in place of the “Nutcracker” lucky to have a creative team led by people for its season debut. along the journey to meet the Sugar during December. However the creative Hope Muir—with little notice this artis- Former President Barack Obama had Plum Fairy in the land of sweets, but in team got busy and made a little magic tic team adapted and reimagined ‘Nut- drawing power. “60 Minutes” landed as a manageable, 40-minute perform- to conjure up the holiday favorite. cracker’ to bring joy to our Charlotte the week’s most-watched non-football ance.” “When we canceled our annual pro- community. We can all use a little joy.” program as it featured an Obama inter- Performances will take place at Char- duction of ‘Nutcracker’ over the “Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy-Tailored view hawking his new book. lotte Ballet’s Center for Dance at 701 summer, we hoped to be in a place Classic” has been rescheduled for NBC was the most popular network, North Tryon St. Attendees will be where we could safely present ‘Sleep- March 12-21. Tickets that were already averaging 5.9 million viewers in prime seated by ticketing group, with appro- ing Beauty,’ a smaller-scale production, purchased for “Sleeping Beauty” will be priate physical distance between in its place this December,” Charlotte informed by Charlotte Ballet with seat Please see SCRIPTED | 6B groups. Shows will be not exceed 25 Ballet executive director Douglas Sin- reassignments. 6B A&E | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 26, It’s most wonderful time Scripted TV programs make of the year for rom-coms return to network schedules Continued from page 5B Hall’s passion for acting Hall won as a senior that Continued from page 5B 3.36 million viewers for the week. The film was shot in began her junior year in flipped a switch for her time. ABC had 4.94 million viewers CNN had 2.36 million, MSNBC had early September and Oc- high school during a the- that she could pursue act- and Fox had 4.89 million. CBS aver- 2.15 million, ESPN had 2.04 million tober, with ample precau- ater class. ing as a career. aged 4.1 million, Univision had 1.2 and Hallmark had 1.67 million. tions in place due to the “My instructor was Ms. “I remember after win- million and both Ion Television and ABC’s “World News Tonight” led the COVID-19 pandemic, in- Sam, and I always say that ning that superlative I was Telemundo averaged just under 1 mil- evening newscasts, averaging 9.9 mil- cluding daily testing, she holds a special place in shocked,” Hall said. “I was lion viewers. lion viewers. NBC’s “Nightly News” masks on set and between my heart because she is like, ‘wow, maybe I am Fox News Channel was the most- had 8.3 million and “CBS Evening filming scenes. the one who really pushed pretty good at this for me watched cable channel, averaging News” had 5.9 million. “I am so blessed to be me and helped cultivate to win an award.’ That working during this pan- [my talent],” Hall said. “We really helped my con- demic,” Hall said. “It was would always put on little fidence as well. from there, different, but it was very performances and skits for it really struck a chord in safe.” the school, and we were me, and made me realize, Hall, who earned bach- doing really good. We got this is something I could CIAA goes big in embrace of elor’s in communication great feedback. It was to actually make a living out studies, with a minor in the point where the school of. It’s something I really radio from UNC Greens- really enjoyed the per- enjoy. This is a profession esports with another partnership formances we used to put that I could have. Ever boro, currently lives in At- has committed to creating committed to leaning on on.” since then, I’ve been full By Ashley Mahoney lanta. Her goal is to work opportunities for exposure one of our core principles Yet it was the superlative steam ahead.” [email protected] with Angela Bassett and to while providing resources and going all-in on cultivat- for Best Supporting Actress tell powerful Black stories. The CIAA is taking and access within the es- ing the HBCU esports eco- another move in laying ports industry for our stu- system that focuses not their esports foundation. dents, membership and only on scholastic league- New Jack Swing’s backstory The nation’s oldest his- the HBCU community,” based competition, but torically black athletic con- CIAA Commissioner Jacqie also on building a solid Continued from page 5B they did. Michael Jackson. had an impact on the ference, announced their McWilliams said in a state- foundation for their future Megaproducer Teddy ... C’mon, everybody music, which I thought was partnership with esports ment. “The move into es- careers, all while devel- Riley is known as the wanted to work with Teddy super interesting. It was league provider PlayVS, ports aligns with the oping a sense of com- leader of the New Jack Riley. Everybody. I re- something I really didn’t who will offer competitive educational experience in munity.”  Swing era and the musical member those days. I re- think about prior to work- gaming opportunities for STEM and overall strategic CIAA member Johnson C. mastermind behind pop- member it like it was ing on this series.” the conference’s 12 plan that remains consis- Smith University has been ular bands such as Guy yesterday.” Gagliano praised Hen- member institutions.The tent with efforts to con- instrumental in the and Blackstreet. The musi- The podcast series is the son’s bringing their words collaboration comes less tinuously grow our brand league’s esports expan- cal style was a fusion of first project between Won- to life. He and Hermann than a month after the and advance our stu- sion. JCSU became the first hip-hop, R&B, jazz and dery and Universal Music were not personally with league partnered with At- dents.” historically Black college to funk. Group since both an- Henson in the recording lanta-based nonprofit The PlayVS partnership launch an esports and Some of the popular nounced their partnership booth because of the coro- Cxmmunity (pronounced also provides CIAA gaming management pro- songs from the era in- last year. navirus pandemic, but Community) to establish member institutions with gram for undergraduate cluded Bobby Brown’s “My Journalists Andy Her- both agreed she did a stel- the CIAA’s esports and access to esports and gam- students. They unveiled Prerogative,” Wreckx-N-Ef- mann and Rico Gagliano lar job. gaming initiatives. ing events and leagues, the program earlier this fect’s “Rump Shaker,” were brought on to write “She knocked it out the Cxmmunity’s purpose is to such as a recently year, and it officially be- Guy’s “Groove Me” and “I the story. Both started park every time,” Gagliano expand minority participa- launched HBCU Esports came available during the Want Her” by Keith Sweat. about a year ago, spending said. “I didn’t think of her tion in esports and gaming. League. Students will have fall semester. JCSU’s pro- One of the most dec- countless hours research- as an audio actress, but Partnering with PlayVS pro- the opportunity to com- gram offers a four-course orated albums released ing before conducting in- she’s just great at it.” vides the conference with pete for championships, non-credit bearing certifi- during the era was Michael terviews and developing a Through the podcast, an official esports provider and will also be able to cate program, providing Jackson’s 1991 “Danger- script. Henson wants the New for gaming titles such as earn scholarship money insight from professionals ous,” a project co-pro- “It was really surprising Jack Swing story to be Fortnite, Rocket League and merchandise based on within the esports and duced by Riley that sold to learn about the back- turned into a film. and League of Legends. their performance. The gaming industries, an es- tens of millions worldwide. ground of a lot of these “I hope this podcast is a They intend to offer com- CIAA and PlayVS will also ports lab and an esports Henson said she signed guys who were creating steppingstone to getting petitive gaming seasons create esports and gaming club and the minor. Part- on to host “Jacked” be- this music,” Hermann said. their story out to the this fall.Partnering with educational and career ini- nerships with international cause it was a “nostalgic “There was a real struggle masses,” she said. “I be- PlayVS is the CIAA’s first tiatives for students. video gaming equipment time that I wanted to re- that a lot of them went lieve it’s that important. I step toward launching its “PlayVS is excited to be company Nacon Gaming live.” through growing up and signed on to bring the own esports conference partnering with CIAA dur- and Riot Games, a Los An- “It was a good time in coming out of Harlem in story to life.” league. ing this pivotal moment,” geles based esports organ- music,” she said. “With the ’80s during the height “We’re thrilled to be part- PlayVS CEO and Founder ization were also Teddy Riley, and Guy what of the crack epidemic. That nering with PlayVS, who Delane Parnell said. “We’re announced in September.

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