Responding to the requests of Mecklenburg County ophthalmologist groups and practices, Central Piedmont Community College will open a new diploma program to train ophthalmic medical assistants in August 2013. Kathleen Rodgers, formerly of Horizon Eye Care in Charlotte, will serve as program chair and instructor.

The one-year program will prepare students for positions in ophthalmologist and optometrist offices. Upon completion of the program, students will take the national Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. CPCC’s program will be only the third ophthalmic medical assistant program offered by a North Carolina community college.

Officials say that given the Charlotte region’s aging population, eye physicians have a growing need for ophthalmic assistants. According to U.S. Dept. of Labor information, ophthalmic medical assistant is of the 30-most rapidly growing occupations in the nation.

On Wednesday, August 8, thirty local students in need will have the opportunity to visit the Midtown Target store to purchase school supplies, clothing, and other must‐have necessities just in time for back‐to‐school.

The Salvation Army and Target are helping K‐12 students across the city gear up for the upcoming academic year with the Target School Spree.

For the tenth consecutive year, The Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo L.L.P. is presenting its “Arrive Alive!® Don’t Drink and Drive” community outreach program to area high schools to help reduce tragedies related to underage drinking and driving.