In Charlotte Rotary's first meeting of the new millennium, Mecklenburg's new county manager shared his vision for the county.
     "I want Mecklenburg County to be a community of choice. I want the people, the families and the businesses here to prefer to be here," said Southern Pines native Harry Jones.
     "I want diversity respected and appreciated. I want all of us — black and white, young and old, rich and poor — to share in the great prosperity of this community."
     "But for some inexplicable reason," the former head of community development for the City of Charlotte said, "servanthood has lost its luster. Being a servant is most important for county employees. There's nothing wrong with saying 'yes sir' and 'no sir.' I want our employees to give each citizen the best service we can."
     Spicing his comments with good-natured wit, Jones noted his connections to Charlotte Rotarians. He recalled how President Don as an assistant city manager had twisted his arm to leave Fayetteville in the early 80s and come to Charlotte. (The interview took place at a Steak and Ale restaurant. Jones intimated that our esteemed leader consumed more ale than steak.)
     "I had the privilege of working for Dave Burkhalter (noted jokester and former Charlotte city manager and Charlotte Rotary president) for three days before he retired," said the father of four.
     And he quipped that he was "indebted" to former County Manager Jerry Fox, his predecessor, "no pun intended." The county has $1.3 billion in bonds and another $900 million authorized. And, he noted, "things don't look too good on the home front" for his first budget.
     Jones, who served as an assistant county manager here since 1991, outlined several challenges he sees ahead for the county:
     • Growth issues as reflected in various ways — For instance, how to deal with a growing criminal justice system. Although it's not a direct county responsibility, the county does have to work with the state to provide space for the system and to house a growing jail population.
     • Schools — The continued progress of the county is "inextricably tied to the quality of our public schools."
     • Substance abuse — Nearly 80 percent of all persons "in the jail over there," he said, pointing to the county jail at Fourth and McDowell, are there because of some connection to substance abuse (drugs and alcohol). "The issue has appendages throughout our community," and shows up in so many other problems, Jones said.
     • Affordable housing — Although not traditionally a county function, Jones said he sees (his as another key issue related to continued community growth. "I think we are going to have to work with the city (he said as he nodded toward City Manager Pam Syfert who was at the head table) and the public sector to solve this continuing problem."
     • Alternative sources of revenue — "We must lessen the pressure on property tax."
     • Customer service — "We must be responsible to our citizens. Public confidence in government depends on it."
     A former administrator in Dallas, Texas, Jones noted that there is a spirit of cooperation in this community among the various levels of government in the county and in surrounding communities and the private sector that was not evident in that Texas city. "I couldn't wait to get back to that spirit of cooperation here."
     Jones noted some exciting possibilities on the horizon. The Hal Marshall property on N. Tryon St. offers "tremendous opportunity for development of an urban village" along with all the other things happening there.
     He also pointed out planning for the new $90 million courthouse for which bonds have been approved, potential expansion of the county's health and human services at the Billingsley Road site, work with the city on a government district master plan and continuing consolidation of city and county services.
     Jones noted that County Commission Chair Parks Helms has put the city-county consolidation idea back on the table. He said he didn't know where that issue would go but he said he and the city manager would continue to pursue consolidating functions such as radio dispatch services.
     President Don didn't miss an opportunity to press Jones to join our Club, and Jones, in the spirit of the occasion, noted that County Finance Director Harry Weatherly, a Club member, had been after him since he joined the county as an assistant county manager. "Harry will have to get credit if I join."
     The Club did welcome new members Nancy Dorrier, presented by Katie Tyler, and Russell Ranson, introduced by Sadler Barnhardt.
     Everyone was reminded of the Coat Drive for Crisis Assistance Ministries. The last day to bring any kind of usable clothes will be the meeting on January 9.
     Lee Morris introduced guests and visitors and Leland Park gave the usual fine health and happiness. Thomas Moore led the song, "This Little Light of Mine," as well as provided excellent piano music as usual. The Club handled the song fairly well but the clapping left a lot to be desired. Clapping and swaying to a set beat is not a Club strong point.
     Members at the head table included David Anderson, Bill Middlebrooks, Pam Syfert, Doug Bean, Eric Smith, who gave the invocation, and Hal Bouton, who introduced the speaker.

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New Member

MYRA   C.  JOHNSTON

2000

Community Caring House

Buddy Kemp Caring House
242 Colonial Ave (28207)
704-384-5223
FAX 704-316-0025
email: mcjohnston@novanthealth.org

     Myra is director of the Buddy Kemp Caring House and director of support services for the Presbyterian Cancer Center. She was the visionary who saw the need for a special haven for cancer patients and their families and friends. Sharing her dream with Rex Welton, they made it happen. The Buddy Kemp Caring House opened its doors on July 23, 1999. The facility is named for former NationsBank executive Francis "Buddy" Kemp, who died of cancer in 1990 at the age of 50. The house on Colonial Avenue gives people a place to learn about cancer and seek emotional support in an environment away from the intensity of the hospital. The first project of its kind in the region, the $1.4 million center was funded through corporate and individual donations. A $10 million endowment will be established over the next five years.

     One of 14 winners of the Lane W. Adams Excellence in Caring Award in 1999, Johnston was nominated by her fellow workers and two local cancer survivors. She is one of two social workers who received the award, along with two physicians, eight nurses and two other healthcare workers. Johnston was the only recipient from the Carolinas. This award from the American Cancer Society is for healthcare professionals who work with cancer patients.

     A Presbyterian Healthcare employee for 13 years, Johnston first worked as an oncology social worker. Eight years ago she became director of support services and oversees groups that deal with general education, bereavement, breast cancer, leukemia, pediatrics, prostate cancer, family support, young adults and gynecology-oncology. Johnston also coordinates programs for survivors, including an annual Cancer Survivor's Day celebration; Camp Phoenix — a camp for adults with cancer and their families, and the Cancer Center volunteer program. She is responsible for 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff, many dedicated volunteers, budgets and fundraising, and she facilitates a number of support groups. Prior to moving the services to Buddy Kemp, an average of 833 individuals per month accessed the services. Since moving to the Buddy Kemp Caring House, an average of 4800 individuals per month access the services provided. In her support groups, Johnston hears gut-wrenching stories about what people deal with from day to day. "We share tears, laughter, hope and faith."

   A past president of the North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia Society, Johnston helped the society organize the state's first leukemia support group at Presbyterian Hospital as well as subsequent ones around the state.

   Days after earning her masters degree in social work from the University of Tennessee, Myra came to Charlotte tu work in hospital social work. She received her BS degree in business from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She and her husband, George, live in the University area and are the proud parents of James, 5, Molly, 3, and Abby, 2.

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