News Briefs(continued from page 6)The courses, which range from databasetechnologies to graphic design, areaimed at preparing a person to re-enterthe local workforce. The program is apartnership between Metrotek Learning,Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon, WorkforceDevelopment, Time Warner Cableand Peak 10.People can register for training onlineat www.traincharlotte.com. Each month,organizers will randomly select peoplewho register for the training and providethose people with access to MetrotekLearning’s online training libraries for upto 30 days.To be eligible, the person must live inMecklenburg County. ❑“Today Show” fashionexpert coming toSouthParkBobbie Thomas, featured on NBC’s“Today Show” for her fashion and styleexpertise, is coming to SouthPark on Oct.22 and 23 for Simon Fashion Now.Thomas, who writes a column for “InTouch” magazine, will offer advice on thenewest fashion topics. The events kick offOct. 22 at 5 p.m. in Circle Court withTrends & Friends Night. The Go RedFashion Show, in support of the AmericanHeart Association, will follow.A children’s fashion show will start theactivities on Oct. 23, at 12:30 p.m., followedby other fashion trend discussionsand shows. Find more information onlineat www.facebook.com/SimonFashion-Now. ❑AAA <strong>Carolina</strong>s officeopens in BallantynePeople were treated to free barbecueand a performance from Sir Purr and theTop Cats Saturday, Sept. 18, at the grandopening of the new AAA <strong>Carolina</strong>s officein Ballantyne.Along with the entertainment, AAA officialsoffered free memberships, automotivemaintenance packages, Best Westerngift certificates and <strong>Carolina</strong> Panthersgifts. The Ballantyne office is located at11338 N. Community House Road, offBallantyne Commons Parkway. ❑Teal Toes’ campaignspreads across southCharlotteWomen across south Charlotteare encouraged to go tealnext time they get a pedicure.Several Charlotte-area salons are participatingin Ovarian Cancer AwarenessMonth, held each September, by offeringdiscounted teal-colored pedicures anddonating the proceeds to ovarian cancerresearch and awareness.Originally started by a small group inMaryland, the Teal Toes cause has spreadnationwide, and it holds special significanceto south Charlotte’s Carin RossJohnson, whose mother died from gynecologicalcancer three months ago.“When my mom was alive, painting mytoes teal was one way that I could expresssupport for her in a unique way,” Johnsonsaid. That’s why Johnson picked Sept. 19– her mother’s birthday – for her and 15of her friends to get painted up again atthe Ballantyne Resort and Spa.It’s an act they hope others will follow.“Teal is really an outstanding enoughcolor for people to ask about it,” Johnsonsaid. Once people ask, teal-toed womencan explain the importance of routinecheck-ups and explain about ovariancancer.Ballantyne Spa and Resort, 10000 BallantyneCommons Pkwy., already signedup to take part. People can get a variety ofspa treatments, including mini-massages,paraffin dips, mini-reflexology and tealpolish changes for hands and feet. Therealso will be a cash bar.The cost is $30 per person, with proceedsbenefiting Teal Toes and Teal Diva.CommunityCarin Ross Johnson and a number of herfriends went teal in honor of Johnson’s mom,who died this summer.Reservations are encouraged by calling704-248-4141.Other local salons taking part in theOvarian Cancer Awareness Month benefitare:• All Polished Up – Ballantyne, 12335N. Community House Road• Fiji Nail Spa, 11924 Elm Lane• Jon Ric-SouthPark, 4310 SharonRoad• Salon Avanti-Pineville, 10829Pineville Road• Suki Nails Spa, 6709 Orchard StoneRun. ❑(see News Briefs on page 16)Photo courtesy of Carin Ross JohnsonSINGLE TICKETS STARTING AT $26!CHRISTOPHER WARREN-GREENmusic director LeAnn Rimes has grownto become one ofcountry music’s mostgifted singers, and haswon two Grammys an,American Music Award,and has sold over 37million records. All concerts at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.www.thecharlotteweekly.comSouth Charlotte <strong>Weekly</strong> • Sept. 24-30, 2010 • Page 7