2. Page 2Summer 2016
The 26th Judicial District of North Carolina declared the month of
July as Juror Appreciation Month. This month is set aside each year
to encourage all residents of the 26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County)
to applaud the efforts of jurors who support the justice system and fulfill this
important civic responsibility on a daily basis, as well as to raise awareness of
the importance of jury service. Juror Appreciation Month included the
Sixteenth Annual Juror Appreciation Week from July 18—22 during which
time several events were held at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in the
Jury Assembly Room. Funding for Juror Appreciation Week is sponsored
primarily by Justice Initiatives, Inc.
A special recognition ceremony kicked off the event on Monday, July 18 at 9:30am in the Jury Assembly Room.
The Proclamation declaring July 18-22, 2016 as Juror Appreciation Week in the 26th Judicial District signed by
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge W. Robert Bell and Chief District Court Judge Regan A. Miller was read
aloud. Judge Yvonne Mims-Evans and Judge Rickye Mckoy-Mitchell spoke to jurors about the importance of
jury service. Jurors enjoyed live music, movies, light refreshments, and chair massages while in the Jury
Assembly Room. Also, court personnel held question and answer sessions throughout each day in the Jury
Assembly Room to give jurors the opportunity to learn about their roles in the court system.
July is for Thanking Jurors
Mecklenburg County issues between
5,000 and 8,000 jury summons per
month
3. Page 3Summer 2016
Every summer since 2009, the Trial Court
Administrator's Office has provided close to
400 teens from Charlotte and the surrounding area
the opportunity to participate in a unique week-long
summer program called Court Camp. During the
camp, students are exposed to the reality of our
judicial system, gain insight on what happens in the
courthouse on a daily basis, and learn what it is like to
be an attorney. Divided into four different sessions
with fifteen students each, Court Camp provides
experiential learning, as well as hands-on activities
and networking opportunities that each student can
use should they choose to pursue a career in the legal
field.
Each day of Court Camp is filled with new experiences
designed to give campers a full understanding of the
North Carolina Judicial Branch. From touring the
Mecklenburg County Courthouse to visiting various
court offices to observing real trials, Court Camp
exposes teens to numerous aspects of law. Students
have the opportunity to tour the Charlotte School of
Law where they meet law students and learn about
what it is like to study law. At the District Attorney’s
Office, they meet Assistant District Attorneys who
explain their role and share their experiences as a
prosecutor. A favorite field trip is the visit to the law
firm of Parker Poe where they learn about corporate
law and talk with working attorneys and paralegals.
At the end of the week, students experience what is
like to be a lawyer by preparing and presenting a
mock trial, which is held in an actual courtroom in the
courthouse.
Since the inception of Court Camp, other law camps
have been created by area colleges and universities,
but none offer the full range of hands-on, real-world
experiences teens are exposed to during Court Camp
many of which are often lead by actual practitioners.
This program features observing live trials, meeting
with judges and other court personnel who work in
court daily, and taking behind the scenes tours of
offices and other areas of the courthouse normally off
-limits to the public, including the Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Lab. The
newest addition to Court Camp is a session on the
role of Probation in our system of justice. Campers
meet with Probation Officers who explain their role
and demonstrate tools they use including satellite
ankle monitoring. This year, Session I met with
retired CMPD homicide detective Garry McFadden
who talked to them about collecting evidence at
crimes scenes. Court Camp also remains very
affordable and offers teens scholarships based on
financial need so everyone has an opportunity to
participate.
“I liked all the activities. It was interesting and fun!”
one teen stated on an anonymous survey. Another
COURT CAMP IS MORE THAN JUST KUMBAYA
Court Camp students had fun exploring the law library at
Parker Poe
Continued on next page
4. Page 4Summer 2016
teen commented, “I liked the different tours to different places and when we sat in on the cases in different
levels of courtrooms.” Parents also recognize the value of sending their children to Court Camp. “Our son
thoroughly enjoyed every day. The range of experiences were exceptional and covered all aspects of court. I
do believe his future career will be shaped from this experience. Thank you!!”
Court Camp is sponsored and supported by Justice Initiatives and would not be possible without the
continued support of our partners in the Charlotte legal community including the Mecklenburg County
Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Clerk of Superior Court’s Office, the
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the Department of Public Safety [Probation], The Charlotte School
of Law, the law firm of Parker Poe, and, of course, our judges. Showmars and The Courtside Café also
contribute by providing discounts on lunches and snacks for Court Camp.
Court Camp met Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn
-Gary and learned about the role of the Clerk’s
Office
Judge Ty Hands presided over the Court Camp graduation ceremony
Court Camp students took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mecklenburg County
Courthouse and were able to ask questions about the different offices
5. Page 5 Summer 2016
This summer marked the 5th Annual
Wellness Fair hosted by the 26th Judicial
District Worksite Wellness Committee. Over 200
court and law enforcement staff visited the fair,
which was held in the in the TCA Training Room and
areas outside the room on the 4th floor in the
courthouse. Participants were able to enjoy samples
of healthy foods, receive door prizes, free chair and
foot massages, all while gathering information from
local vendors on how to live a healthier life.
In addition to sampling food and checking out
vendors, attendees were able to participate in a
variety of exercise demonstrations that occurred
throughout the fair. First was a heart-pumping, foot
-stomping “Line Dancing with Monika” followed by
another session entitled “Athletic Conditioning.”
Next up, participants donned their boxing gloves for
an intense workout session by “9Round Fitness &
Kickboxing.” “Flex5” concluded the day’s exercise
demonstrations.
Vendors included Charlotte B-cycle, Charlotte
Radiology, Debbie Lehman Reflexology, dōTERRA ,
Flex5, Fresh Market, Great Harvest Bread Company,
Guided Hands Massage + Skin Care , Jamba Juice
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation,
Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners , 9Round-
Dilworth Fitness & Kickboxing , Run For Your Life,
Savory Spice Shop, Trader Joe’s, U.S. National
Whitewater Center and Whole Foods Market.
Court Employees Get Fit at Wellness Fair
Court staff enjoy Line Dancing with Monika
Court employees learn about athletic conditioning
6. Law students across the state and
country migrated to the
Mecklenburg County Courthouse this
summer to be a part of our judicial intern
pool. The schools represented include the
Charlotte School of Law, North Carolina
Central, Wake Forest, University of South
Carolina, and Washington and Lee University
School of Law. “This externship gives me the
opportunity to network and gain practical
experience,” says Dominique Caldwell, a
rising third year law student at Wake Forest.
Practical experience is exactly what each
judicial extern received this summer. From
drafting memos to observing trials and
shadowing judges, these externs were put to work. A judicial internship affords them an opportunity to
use the information they learned in the classroom by applying it to the work they perform for our judges
and magistrates.
Learning the Law from the Inside
“The interns have been a
tremendous help and
we’re grateful to have
their assistance.”
Civil Magistrate Thomas L. Avery
A few of the summer 2016 judicial interns
Judicial Interns during their orientation
7. Page 7Summer 2016
SHOWCASING RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Mecklenburg County SelfServe Center
kicked off their domestic violence lunch and
learn series in June. Those interested were invited to
bring their lunch and join the SelfServe Center and
guest presenters weekly on Wednesdays from 12:15-
1:15pm to learn about various local agencies and
their role in domestic violence response across
Mecklenburg County. Adonicca McAllister at (704)
686-0216 or Adonicca.M.McAllister@nccourts.org.
Sessions included presentations from the
Meckelnburg County District Attorney’s Office
Domestic Violence Unit, Cardinal Innovations, and
Safe Alliance Victim Assistance Program.
The inaugural session was lead by Assistant District Attorney Erik Lindahl, leader of the DA's Domestic
Violence Team, who lead the lunch and learn discussion about domestic violence and prosecutors' work to
end the cycle of violence.
ADA Lindahl was the inaugural speaker in a lunch and learn series
hosted by The SelfServe Center
8. Page 8Summer 2016
This spring, the Trial Court Administrator’s
Office and International House welcomed a
group of 21 foreign judges and court officials to the
Mecklenburg County Courthouse. The group
consisted of representatives from various countries
around the globe and is the largest and most diverse
group of international visitors we have ever hosted.
Although their job titles and occupations varied, the
visitors all held high-ranking positions in the legal,
government, or law enforcement fields in their
respective countries. They came to the United States
several weeks prior to their visit to Charlotte and
toured several large cities where they learned about
the local governments and how the American judicial
system works as a whole. Before Charlotte, the
group visited Washington D.C. and were scheduled
to travel to Texas after visiting Charlotte. Among
many experiences the visitors were exposed to
during their visit to Charlotte, they were able to
meet Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, tour the
District Attorney’s office before making their final
stop at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
After a presentation about the NC court system, the
group was given an extensive tour of the courthouse.
They were very impressed with how beautiful the
courthouse is and how well it is maintained. In
addition to their fascination with how our system
works, many of them were interested in America’s
gun laws and how citizens are able to purchase guns.
The international group learned a great deal about
the North Carolina judicial branch and, in turn,
shared information on how their justice system
works in their countries.
In a thank you letter from International House
Program Director Johnelle Causewell wrote, “On
behalf of International House and the U.S.
Department of State, Office of International Visitors,
thank you for meeting with our visitors. Our guests
greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange
valuable ideas and enjoy a wonderful professional
experience. This program exists thanks to gracious
supporters, like you, who are willing to contribute
their time, energy, hospitality, and expertise to
bridge our communities, foster a better professional
and cultural understanding, and further develop our
partnerships, economies, and friendships.”
Court Hosts International Visitors
The international group enjoyed an extensive tour of the
courthouse
Representatives from Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Slovenia
were represented in the group among many others
9. Page 9Summer 2016
A DECADE OF FUNDRAISING AND A NIGHT OF
FOOD, FUN, AND ENTERATIANMENT
On Thursday, April 28, Justice Initiatives, Inc. hosted its 10th Annual Evening at the Courthouse
event in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. This event is a wonderful opportunity for members
of the Charlotte community to learn about the important work being conducted by Justice Initiatives on
behalf of the court. It is also a great time to mingle with distinguished members of the judiciary, legislature,
county commission, city council and leaders of the legal, business and civic communities in a relaxed
atmosphere.
This year, veteran WBTV news anchor Paul Cameron was the Master of Ceremonies and kept things lively and
engaging. Guests enjoyed sampling of cuisine from some of Charlotte's finest dining establishments along
with live music from Jeff Brown, and participation in a silent auction. To help with fundraising, Earnest Perry,
owner of Perry’s of Southpark, donated several stunning pieces of jewelry to auction and personally
conducted the live auction himself. Thanks to the fundraiser, funds totaling $5,109 [a 103% increase from last
year] were raised via the silent auction and an additional $1,069 [a 1,114% increase from last year] in
donations was received at the event making a total of $6,178 raised during the event. The total amount
raised as a result of the fundraiser was $85,253.00 [a 23% increase over last year]. These funds will be
available through grants that can be used to provide much needed services, programs, training, equipment
and other needs of the court that would otherwise not be available.
Deputy Clerk of Court Melissa Beio was the winner of this year’s Raising the Bar Award. Each year, this award
is presented to honor an employee who has made a significant and notable contribution to the advancement
WBTV News Anchor Paul Cameron
Deputy Clerk Melissa Beio [R] holds her award
Poses with Clerk of Court Elisa Chinn-Gary
Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography
Continued on following page
10. Page 10Summer 2016
of the Mecklenburg County court system. Melissa
was first hired by the Mecklenburg County Clerk of
Court in the summer of2007 after moving from
Boston where she had worked as a paralegal. She
spent the first year or so archiving old files and
performing special assignments. She was promoted
to clerk of civil district court, courtroom 6330, in
June of 2008 and has worked in that courtroom ever
since. An excerpt from her nomination indicates
“Melissa Beio knows the inner-workings of civil
district court like the back of her hand. The breadth
of her knowledge extends well beyond her daily
clerical functions. Despite the stresses of her job, she
is always upbeat and cheerful; and she points out the
humor, in a good-spirited way, of situations that
arise in civil district court. Her contributions help
court run more smoothly; help the system serve
litigants with professionalism and respect; and
promote change in procedures that improve the
court's functioning for lawyers and litigants.”
The Evening at the Courthouse continues to be a
much anticipated event each year and generates
funds to provide much needed resources for the
public and legal community when it comes to access
to justice.
Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography
V.I. P. guests enjoyed special fare and live music on the 9th Floor
Terrace of the courthouse
Guests had a fun time posing on the red
carpet, which was a new feature this year
2008—Erica Adams (TCA)
2009—Cathy Fletcher (TCA)
2010—Elisa Chinn-Gary (TCA)
2011—Charles Keller (TCA)
2012—Mag. Karen Johnson
2013—Carol Swann (TCA)
2014—Stephanie Adelman (PD)
2015—Bart Menser (DA)
Past Recipients of the Raising the Bar Award
Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography
11. Page 11Summer 2016
BOWLING, ANYONE?
Hon. Regan A. Miller
Erica Adams [OP]
Maura Chavez [CAO]
Katie Hudson [CM]
Jennifer Kuehn [FC]
Janet Norwood [JS]
Lynette Richter [CM]
Suzanne Cavanaugh [DTC]
Elizabeth Wilhelm [OP]
Melissa Ibarra [OP]
Kenneth Hart [FC]
Salim Uqdah [FC]
The annual TCA Spring Fling always delivers good food and great fun for TCA team members and
judges and this year was no different. The members of the Rewards, Incentives, and Activities
Committee [RIAC] made arrangements for TCA , DTC staff and judges to enjoy lunch at Nan & Byron's on
South Boulevard. This time allowed for good food and fellowship. Afterwards, many folks took advantage of
the opportunity to go bowling at AMF Lanes. There was great fun and a little friendly competition among
the bowlers! This yearly outing offers those who participate an opportunity to get to know and mingle with
their coworkers who they otherwise may not interact with throughout the course of the business day. It is
also a wonderful occasion to relieve some stress at a fun and entertaining venue. Thanks to the members of
RIAC for planning this event!
Case Coordinator Adrienne White [FC] does a happy dance
after bowling a strike
TCA Todd Nuccio executes his best Fred Flintstone approach as
he prepares to deliver the ball over the foul line
The Members of RIAC
12. Page 12Summer 2016
WELCOME NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Adonicca McAlister
On July 1, 2016, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge W. Robert Bell [R]
administered the oath to Special Superior Court Judge Casey Viser [L]
who was appointed by Governor McCrory. Mrs. Viser held the Bible.
Adonicca McAllister is a graduate of the University of North
Carolina Wilmington and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal
Justice with concentrations in Women’s Studies and Sociology.
Upon graduation, Adonicca worked in domestic violence crisis
intervention the Domestic Violence agency in Wake County. She
previously served as the Crisis Line Coordinator and Lead Crisis
Counselor for the agency, and spent several years serving as the
Civil Court Advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual
assault, stalking, human trafficking, and similar crimes. Adonicca
is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public
Administration from Rutgers University while she serves as our
Domestic Violence Resource and Training Coordinator in The
SelfServe Center.
13. Page 13Summer 2016
Jessica Sheldon
Jessica Sheldon is our newest Official Court Reporter. Jessica
holds a Court Reporting Certificate from Monroe Community
College located in Rochester, New York and is certified
through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) as a
Registered Professional Reporter.
Jessica brings five years of Court Reporting experience and has
worked as a freelance Court Reporter in New York. She joined
the team of Court Reporters on Monday, March 14, 2016.
Katie Hudson
Katie Hudson is the newest addition to the Caseflow
Management team. Katie took her role as a Criminal
Caseflow Coordinator in mid-December, 2015. She
graduated from the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro with Bachelor’s degree in International
Studies and also studied in the UNC Charlotte Certified
Paralegal Program. Prior to coming to our office, Katie
worked in the service industry for the last five years.
Sheena Smith [not pictured] is now working out of The SelfServe Center. Sheena is an employee of
Mecklenburg County Child Support Enforcement, currently under the leadership of Director Joan Kennedy,
and has worked there for the past four years. During her first 6 months with the agency, she was a
nominee for the Employee of the Year award.
Sheena transitioned from her office at 5800 Executive Center Drive in February, 2016 and is currently
located in The SelfServe center. Sheena has earned a host of certifications over the years including
customer service, nursing, mediation, and management, to name a few. She manages a non-profit
organization that provides support to other non-profits in the surrounding area. Sheena says she loves to
participate in community projects and a host of other governmental projects to assist the community. She
is currently pursuing a degree in Theology.
14. Trial Court Administrators are hired by the Senior Resident
Superior Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge. This is
a state-funded position established to improve the admin-
istration of justice through professional management. Twelve
districts have trial court administrators who are responsible
for carrying out the policies of the Senior Resident Superior
Court Judge and Chief District Court Judge as well as providing
general management for the operations of the court system in
their districts.
The Trial Court Administrator's main function is civil case man-
agement to assure that civil cases move through the court sys-
tem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The TCA keeps
track of civil cases filed in both superior and district courts,
determine when cases are ready for trial and assist the judges
in preparing the calendar for terms of civil court.
The TCA also works directly and through staff as a facilitator
for change by initiating and coordinating discussions to identi-
Mecklenburg County Courthouse
832 East Fourth Street
Suite 4420
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Phone: 704-686-0260
Fax: 704-686-0340
E-mail: Charles.W.Keller@nccourts.org
Building public trust and
confidence through service,
excellence and leadership
Your feedback is welcome! If you have ideas for articles, news to share,
photographs, events, program news or staff news,
please email Charles.W.Keller@nccourts.org
About Our Office
TCA = Trial Court Administrator
OP = Operations
FC = Family Court
CAO = Community Access & Outreach
JS = Judicial Support
DTC = Drug Treatment Court
CSC = Clerk of Superior Court
DA = District Attorney
PD = Public Defender
GAL = Guardian Ad Litem
MCSO = Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s
Office
COURT OFFICES ABBREVIATIONS
