CATHY AKBARI was honored in Philadelphia, PA, by Bayada Nurses, a national home health care agency, for her tremendous bravery last year in risking her own life to save a baby from a fire. She was named Registered Nurse Hero of the Year.

CHRISTY GERRINGER has been named Central's Director of Youth and Children's Ministries during the summer months. Christy is a teacher for CMS.

GENE CRANCH was honored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Aging Coalition with the Evelyn Berger Advocator of the Year Award at its 15^th anniversary celebration for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the well being of seniors in Charlotte

KEVIN EUDY has been named director of a new venture to introduce youth and adults to the life of the homeless in a ministry called HOME-- Homeless Outreach Mission Experience. The project was started by Carolina Cross Connection (CCC), which has sent youths and adults into rural communities of the Western District United Methodist Church to do repair and building projects for individuals in need. HOME will operate in conjunction with the urban Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, NC, a church known for its work with homeless persons.

HOME participants will spend one of four weeks learning about and ministering to the homeless in Asheville. They will spend a week without a shower or comfortable bed; they will take the daily walk of a homeless person in Asheville; they will attend a Bible study led by a homeless person; they will work in a community garden and other services for the homeless. In the process they will befriend folks living in the streets and share Christ's love

JEANIE WELCH was Central's 2011 winner of the Charlotte District Laity Service Award given to women and men people who have served their church and community in the name of Jesus. She was honored at a church reception May 15 and recognized along with other Charlotte District winners at a dinner May 19.

Jeanie worked many, many hours to create a library/media center after ours was destroyed by the fire. She ordered materials, set up the room, and continues to work to maintain it. Our library is equipped with computers which Jeanie has used to teach job skills workshops for folks currently unemployed but seeking jobs. Jeanie serves on the Trustees and is active in various classes.

In addition to her work at Central, Jeanie holds offices in Lynton Place HOA, Becton Park HOA, Charlotte East Community Partners and Eastland Area Strategies Team, and the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. She maintains membership in Church and Synagogue Library Association, American Library Association, Spiritual Seekers Reading group, and Central's Reading group. Jeanie also volunteers with the Veteran's Administration Outpatient Clinic.