December, 2018

DECEMBER 2018

Memories of Holidays Past The Holiday Historic Home Tour: Dressed in Style

Lionel:

Laying Down Tracks at Concord Mills

Healthy Living Breaking Bread Cabarrus Business on the Go

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Word on the Street December 2018 Volume 18 n Issue 12 President Pam Tolen

Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Contributing Writers Kim Cassell Jackie King and MacKenzie Catanese Contributing Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography The Caudle Family Jim Ramseur Residents of Historic Concord Scott Schmeiser

Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N., Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-743-7498 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Kimberly Brouillette at 704305-7599 or Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847.

Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com.

All rights reserved. ©2018, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.

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Rachel Fesko

Publisher Jason Huddle

I’m going to be honest with you, this year has been a rough one for me. I have lost family members – one due to old age and one to tragedy at far too young an age. These events have shifted my perspective on some things. There is a renewed sense for me to get back to what’s important. I found I have sometimes put my family and friends on the back burner in favor of other things. Some of those things now seem trivial to me.

I yearn for a simpler time. There was an age, in the not-too-distant past, when people came together during the holidays and actually spent quality time with one another. I don’t mean just to have a meal, but, rather, to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

It was in this mindset that we at Cabarrus Magazine wondered, ‘What was Christmas like for the people of Cabarrus County all those years ago?’ So we spoke with some senior residents about their childhood experiences and holiday traditions. We also looked back at the 2016 Holiday Historic Home Tour, which takes place this year on December 2. Lastly, we caught up with Lionel. The iconic train retailer has taken up shop in Concord Mills Mall.

In this vein of an old-fashioned Christmas, we’ve titled this issue Making Spirits Bright in the hopes that it will inspire us to slow down, enjoy the season and those around us because this time will never come again. Oh, the holiday season will return in a year, of course, but things will be different. The changes around us may be slight, or major, but they will be there nonetheless. Regardless, I implore you to not learn that lesson the hard way, as I have this year.

Instead, I close this year with the same words spoken by angels more than 2,000 years ago to some lowly shepherds. ‘Peace on Earth. Good will toward men.’ Peace and good will? Now that would be a nice change indeed.

Merry Christmas,

Jason Huddle Publisher Cabarrus Magazine

This Issue...

Making Spirits Bright!

6

Memories of Holidays Past

11

Breaking Bread: Chef Stephen Armstrong Dishes

12

The Holiday Historic Home Tour: Dressed in Style

18

Paw Prints: Cabarrus’ Adoptable Dogs

19

Crime Stoppers: The BB&T Case

20

Lionel: Laying Down Tracks at Concord Mills

27

Healthy Living: Don’t Struggle to Pay for Medications

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By Kim Cassell

Memories of Holidays Past OUR HEARTS GROW TENDER WITH CHILDHOOD MEMORIES AND LOVE OF KINDRED, AND WE ARE BETTER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR HAVING, IN SPIRIT, BECOME A CHILD AGAIN AT CHRISTMAS-TIME. - LAURA INGALLS WILDER

In the age of technology and electronics, one of the most popular gifts under the tree in 2018 might be virtual reality headsets. The family might pile into the SUV and head to the mall or go see the latest movie in high-definition while reclining in stadium seats.

For those who were children in the first half of 20th century Cabarrus County, of course, Christmas was much different.

Cabarrus Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with a few seniors from that era who gave us some insight into their own holidays years ago. In addition, Mike Anderson of Michael A. Anderson Photography shared some Cabarrus County Christmas photos he’s uncovered in his studio. It was previously home to the Lawson Bonds/Oxford Studio and contains a treasure trove of old images.

Bill Caudle Bill Caudle grew up in what is now Harrisburg; he still lives on his family’s property. “We were on the county line, so actually went to downtown Charlotte on Saturdays. My mother would set four kids loose, and me and my brother would take off together to the pawn shops up and down Trade Street.

“Kress’ (S.H. Kress Company, a five-and dime-store on 17-19 North Tryon Street) was on the square; we got hot dogs without chili for 12 cents (with chili:

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From left: Roland Helms, Bill Caudle and Tom Caudle in their Hopalong Cassidy outfits

Going to town, from left: Tom Caudle, Peanut Caudle Lambert and Bill Caudle

13 cents). That became K-Mart. Sugar Creek and Tryon Street was the last stoplight coming out of Charlotte,” he adds.

Caudle says that Christmas was the best day of the year. “My daddy started

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getting presents in the summertime.

He was an insurance man – the weekly premiums type – and he had a route.

He would meet people that made things and he would buy them for the kids.”

He remembers the family cutting down cedar trees on land nearby for use as their Christmas tree. “One year we cut one down and, after a few days, all these flies that had laid yellow eggs in the tree, hatched. There were flies everywhere.”

He also remembers getting a shotgun for Christmas when he was about 12. “I unwrapped and put it together.

Then I walked up and down the street showing off my gun. I still got that shotgun…and my .22,” he says.

For the holiday, Caudle’s father made eggnog. “A dessert type,” he says. “Everybody went to Daddy’s and Mama’s house. We had ham because we’d had turkey for Thanksgiving – the only time we ate turkey.”

Later in life, Caudle became the second Santa in both Locust and Mt. Pleasant for a time. “I built a float and was in all the parades, but then it got too hot,” he recalls.

“Peanut” Caudle Lambert Caudle’s older sister, Teresa Lambert – better known as Peanut – says, ”My mama didn’t like the needles from a live tree all over the house so we got an artificial tree. One year I got a hat and a scarf and it all matched. I thought that was the greatest thing.

“I usually got baby dolls for

Mary Church Caudle (the youngest) and her siblings

Christmas. Daddy wrapped them up in newspaper and big ol’ scotch tape.

The Sunday funnies gave them some color.”

Mary Church Caudle Bill Caudle has been married to Mary for 54 years. “I was born in Cabarrus County Hospital in 1948,” she says.

The youngest of three sisters and a brother, their family also went out and got a cedar out of the field.

“We made decorations for it. We strung popcorn and we colored notebook paper for decorations,” she adds. “We didn’t have much money so we didn’t get a lot. A bicycle was a big gift.

The Caudles with great-grandson, Hayden

“One year Daddy got me a little lamb (Mary had a little lamb). We got hard candy and I always got a doll every year.

“We went into downtown Concord every Saturday. I remember Belk’s, Sears and Cato; Mama had a charge

account at Cato and Belk’s. That’s why I remember them,” she laughs.

I don’t remember what year it was, but I was 12 or 13 and we were out of school two weeks…it was cold! One of our neighbors made a homemade sled.”

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Over the decades the Concord Christmas Parade has remained a popular event in kicking off the holiday season. These photos go back to the 1940s and ‘50s.

Martha Stacy Martha Stacy, 91 years young, grew up in Russellville, SC, but has been a Concord resident since 1955.

“We had a live tree practically every year,” she remembers. “I wanted to try an artificial tree, but my children wanted a real one.

“Shopping wasn’t near like it is now; I love seeing all the cars downtown (Concord). I went to Charlotte and shopped some, and to Kannapolis. I went to Charlotte – to Sears – to get my daughter a doll. That was really something to go walking downtown to shop.”

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James Lentz James Lentz, 80 and a former Cabarrus Councilman, grew up on Gold Hill Road in Concord. Like so many other families at the time, his went out in the field and cut down a cedar tree for Christmas.

“We had handmade ornaments and decorations,” he says.

“I’m from a family of 10 kids, and I was the third. My mother was always the most thoughtful person you could imagine. I didn’t think 10 kids was a lot at the time, until I had two.

“I would get something like a little tractor for Christmas, and BB guns.

We’d shoot critters. Christmas was always big. My mother cooked turkey.

My brother, drafted into the Army, was in Texas one Christmas; it was the first Christmas without him. So my mom left the Christmas tree up until he came home. Today, we still leave our tree up all the time.”

These folks get together at the Cabarrus County Senior Center each Wednesday to enjoy lunch, Bingo, friendship and laughs. We thank them for taking the time to reminisce. Merry Christmas! n

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DECARLO performed recently at Chez Francois Music Hall.

By Kim Cassell

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks Dressed in

Holiday Style

AND THOSE SIDEWALKS LEAD TO A SELECTION OF DOWNTOWN CONCORD HOMES DRESSED IN THEIR FINEST FROM FLOOR TO CEILING.

The 2018 Holiday Historic Home Tour takes place on Sunday, December 2, from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Six beautiful homes as well as First United Presbyterian Family Worship Center are part of this year’s tour. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Visit residentsofhistoricconcord.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

If you can’t make it to this year’s home tour, Cabarrus Magazine is happy to lead you through the historic homes that participated in the last tour – in 2016.

Besides the wonderful displays of holiday decorations, these houses provide a look back at the architecture and design details prevalent in the period.

Residents of Historic Concord Inc. (RHC), a non-profit organization run by a member-elected board of directors, is responsible for presenting the tour, coordinating it with accommodating homeowners nice enough to open their doors to the public after they’ve done the decorating themselves. Because it’s a labor-intensive and costly endeavor, it’s held every two years.

Opposite and above: The F.Y. Ketner house at 79 Washington Lane

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Above and right: The First Presbyterian Fellowship House, formerly the E.T. Cannon House, at 70 Union Street N.

Concord’s downtown is sectioned into three registered Historic districts.

North Union encompasses streets from Peachtree Avenue N.W. to Corban Avenue S.W., and from Cromwell Drive to Church Street. Edgewood is made up of a small swatch along Edgewood Avenue N.E. while South Union runs down both sides of Union Street S. from Corban to just past Blume Avenue S.W. Residents of Historic Concord’s goal is to maintain the infrastructure, if you will, of these majestic neighborhoods dotted with Queen Anne Victorians, Colonial Revivals, Neo-classicals, Italianates, Second Empires, American craftsman bungalows and so on. Most were constructed from around 1850 to 1930, during the area’s textile mills boom.

The organization’s passion for Concord’s history shines particularly bright during the holiday season and homes tour, which has become its largest community fundraiser.

Above, right and next page: The Bill and Nita Grady house at 60 Washington Lane

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The Dr. F.Y. Ketner House Located at 79 Washington Lane (see pages 12 and 13), this fine Tudor Revival residence was built in 1935.

“It was designed by Charlotte architect William H. Peeps, who also designed the E.T. Cannon house on North Union,” RHC says. “The home displays mock half-timbering and a brick ground floor and portico, which shelters the entrance.

“The interior of the house is arranged in a center hall plan. It includes an ornate living room mantle with scrolllike foliated brackets, unusual cutout balusters adorning the stairs, and fourpanel doors.”

First Presbyterian Fellowship House/ E.T. Cannon House The E.T. Cannon home, built in the late 1920s, was owned by Eugene –

one of James William Cannon’s six sons. Today, the home serves as the Fellowship House for First Presbyterian Church.

“This splendid Jacob Ethan revivalstyle brick residence is the only example of this style in Cabarrus County. It was designed by Charlotte architect, William Peeps, who designed various houses throughout the Historic District,” RHC explains.

“It features Tudor arches for interior and exterior doorways. The house exhibits brick construction with decorative concrete trim, bay and oriel windows, corbeled chimneys with separate shafts for each flue, and parapeted rooflines.

“The highly elegant interior centers around a grand staircase of ceremonial proportion. Several first-floor rooms have exceptionally fine plaster ceiling moldings that display foliage designs.

“It was purchased by the church from Emma Cannon Whitman in 1958. The first wedding in the new chapel in the Fellowship House took place in 1961. Over the past 55 years, there have been many small weddings, as well as funerals in the chapel.

The chapel has also been the home of Sunday School classes and early church.”

The Bill and Nita Grady House Located at 60 Washington Lane, this cottage style-home was built in 1930 off Union Street S., near the downtown business district.

“As is typical of this design, the home features an overscaled chimney on the front of the house, a crossgabled roof with projecting eaves and casement windows,” according to RHC. “The home is designed with an asymmetrical floor plan, which flows casually from room to room. The interior features decorative built-ins in the dining room, a pink marble fireplace, concrete kitchen countertops and a powder room complete with pink bathroom fittings.

“During renovations in 1999, the

owner found school papers hidden in the second-story eaves. They belonged to the Grady’s son, Tom, who put them there to hide any bad grades from his parents.”

The Willford House This Colonial Revival home, at 422 Union Street S., was built in 1913 by former Concord mayor, Mr. Crawford, for his son-in-law and daughter.

RHC says, “The home has a

symmetrical three-bay façade with a centrally placed hip-roof dormer and wraparound porch. It maintains much of the original woodwork throughout the house, including pocket doors, original oak mantles, heart-of-pine floors and seven fireplaces.”

Other homes on the tour included 95 Washington Lane, 154 Union Street S., 391 Union Street S. and 122 Union Street N. Unfortunately, photography was limited.

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Above and left: The Willford house at 422 Union Street S.

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RHC’s Small Grants According to its website, “The purpose of Residents of Historic Concord is to preserve, protect and promote the historical, architectural and cultural characteristics of Concord, North Carolina. We work in cooperation with several other organizations such as the City of Concord, the Chamber of Commerce, Concord Downtown Development and Historic Preservation Commission.”

Throughout the year, RHC conducts fundraisers – neighborhood yard sales and parties, workshops and the holiday homes tour, among others.

Proceeds go toward the organization’s Small Grants program.

“The Residents of Historic Concord sponsor a small grants program to facilitate projects initiated by groups or individuals, which will improve an aspect of life in or around the residential historic districts of Concord,” its website says. “The purpose is to provide community benefit through projects in the following areas: beautification, education, entertainment or community service.”

In the last two years, RHC has awarded grants/provided volunteer support to Cabarrus Arts Council; Concord Downtown Development Corporation’s (CDDC) tour of historic downtown businesses; landscaping at Concord High School; building maintenance and a fundraiser at Old Courthouse Theatre; an RCCC student

art exhibit at ClearWater Artist Studios; Historic Cabarrus Association’s annual fundraising dinner; and decorating a tree for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Cabarrus County’s Festival of the Trees fundraiser.

“The biggest thing we have going on is that we made a $10,000 grant to Cabarrus Time Savers toward the restoration of the Old Courthouse Tower Clock in downtown,” Amber Yuill, RHC Board of Directors president, says. ”We are really excited about partnering with them on this project.

“Other than that, we are exploring ideas for other community involvement opportunities, such as possibly a ghost tour or a mystery dinner for fall of 2019.”

The A.S. Hotchkiss Restoration is the name given to the restoration of the historic courthouse clock because the time piece was manufactured by Hotchkiss/Seth Thomas. Installed in the bell tower upon the courthouse’s

completion in 1876, some parts are still original.

Cabarrus Time Savers – also a non-profit – is working to, hopefully, restore it to working order. They removed the clock from the tower in August; however, this is a painstaking task that could take years.

“Layers upon layers of dirt, debris, bird and bat unmentionables and, unfortunately, a ‘newer’ paint job need to be removed,” according to Scott Schmeiser on Cabarrus Time Savers’ online blog. “Virtually no original paint has been found on any of the wheels or moving parts. It seems anything that could be unbolted was removed, stripped and repainted. The chassis itself has the only original paint, so far. It appears that it was sanded to prep for the ‘newer’ black paint job, thus destroying a lot of the original handpainted artwork as well.

A bit remains, but all is in bad repair.”

Visit RHC’s website for more information or to become a member;

RHC has provided a grant to Cabarrus Time Savers to restore the clock in the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse.

visit cabarrustimesavers.blogspot.com for more information about Cabarrus Time Savers and the A.S. Hotchkiss Restoration project. n

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Give Me Shelter THERE ARE SEVERAL ANIMAL RESCUES IN CABARRUS COUNTY, USUALLY PAST CAPACITY, FILLED WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS, CATS AND MORE!

The saying goes, “People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” These are the faces of the abandoned, neglected and abused, and they’re looking for that second chance. If you’re looking for a furry family member, please consider pet adoption.

Beautiful BELLAH is a six-years-young German Shepherd. She has good energy, without being hyper, and loves bouncy balls, going for walks, getting belly rubs and playing with other dogs.

Bellah’s original family split and could not keep some of their pets but she has been greatly loved. She would do best with a fenced-in yard since she may bolt if she sees a little critter. Because she has a prey drive, she should be in a home without cats or little critters.

She does well walking on a leash but is working on that prey drive. Bellah would make an amazing companion for the right person/family.

Cabarrus Pets Society P.O. Box 5042, Concord, NC 28027 704-786-7729 petpals@cabarruspets.com www.cabarruspets.com

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BUZZ is a six-year-old Chihuahua/ Maltese mix. He is the sweetest little guy, loves people, does well with other dogs and doesn’t mind cats. All Buzz wants for Christmas is a warm lap to sit on and a forever owner he can give kisses to. He’s also house-trained.

Buzz’s adoption includes his neuter and vaccinations.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Rescue P. O. Box 1076, Mt. Pleasant 980-439-6505 mtpleasantanimalrescue@aol.com

LINUS is a handsome two-year-old Hound mix. This gentle boy needs a patient owner that can help him with his shyness and fears. The reward? A sweet and loving forever companion.

Linus is neutered and current on his vaccines. Come meet him at Ruth’s Memorial Shelter.

Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County Ruth’s Memorial Shelter 2010 Wilshire Court, Concord 704-784-7387 www.cabarrushumanesociety.org

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One of four fully interactive train displays at Lionel’s Concord Mills retail location

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By Kim Cassell

Lionel:

Laying Down Tracks at Concord Mills IN OCTOBER 2014, LIONEL – THE ICONIC 118-YEAR-OLD MODEL TRAIN MANUFACTURER – MOVED ITS HEADQUARTERS FROM NEW YORK TO PERFORMANCE DRIVE IN CONCORD. Within its headquarters and warehouse building, it also opened the first Lionel retail store in North Carolina.

Four years later and the company has opened a flagship location in Concord Mills, closing the original retail space. Howard Hitchcock is president of Lionel.

“While the prior retail store that was located in our office building was very successful, we felt strongly that if we had a traditional retail location that gave us room to let folks try out trains for themselves, it would lift not just our sales revenue, but the Lionel brand in general,” he says.

Some of the most frequently received feedback from visitors to the original store was its size. Lionel took that to heart and quadrupled its square footage to more than 5,000. As the first of its kind for Lionel, the hope is that this store will serve as a catalyst for further retail expansion into other U.S. markets.

The space also affords Lionel the opportunity to expand its offerings. Hitchcock plans to host educational workshops for train hobbyists, race car driver signings and special events in conjunction with Simon Properties.

“One of our key focuses is to engage children in the train hobby and grow them up to be model train enthusiasts,” he explains. “What better way to do that than in a fun, interactive location that’s in their own backyard?”

In that vein, he adds, “We now have room for large train layouts, kid-size train tables and a large NASCAR die-cast section. It’s big and bright, and the trains running in the front windows make you want to come inside and play.

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“We have four fully interactive train displays that give customers of all ages the chance to run our trains for themselves. The giant, multi-track display toward the back of our store was actually custom built specifically for this space by members of the Lionel team. The display in the center aisle was formerly housed in the FAO Schwarz toy store in Manhattan and, in 2011, had a cameo in The Smurfs movie.”

If you missed National Lionel Train Day on December 1, there’s still much

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to experience in the midst of the Christmas holiday shopping season.

“The Polar Express set is a perennial favorite and a must-have train for underneath the tree,” Hitchcock says.

“This year, we’ve added several sets to our lineup that we’re excited about, like our Hot Wheels LionChief set with Bluetooth capability and two Disney sets that feature Mickey Mouse and friends.”

Other favorites? The website, Top Ten Reviews, actually gave 11 testers

about 20 hours to try out 10 model and toy trains, basing their reviews on functionality, design, durability and fun.

At just under $300, the Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer was named Best Overall. “This train is a sight to behold.

It’s an O gauge train so it was one of the larger trains we tested, but it’s still breathtakingly detailed,” Top Ten Reviews says. “The set comes with five train cars in total, including a boxcar with a working door and a locomotive

with a working headlamp. Right away we were thrilled because this train actually has a working smoke stack and comes with a small bottle of liquid smoke.”

The Flyer’s 12-piece track assembles into a 60-inch by 40-inch oval. The train runs by a wireless remote that can activate the engine’s bell, whistle and announcements, and the tester clocked the train speed at more than two feet per second. There is no on-off switch on the train or volume control, and the Bluetooth capability raises the price about $50 and can be challenging; the model is also available without Bluetooth.

“This train has everything you could ever want – it’s fast, durable, easy to assemble and a ton of fun,” the website notes. “You don’t need to have a lot of patience with this model because you can assemble it in a few minutes and start having fun right away. Its design, smoke stack, speed and user-friendly features make it the best train out there.”

At about $100, the Mickey Mouse Train Set was named Best for Young Children. “You get a large 73.2-inch by 50-inch oval track in 31 pieces, though you can use fewer pieces and create track layouts in varying shapes.

The train is a massive O scale model and requires AAA batteries for the remote and C batteries for the engine.

Once you’ve installed the batteries you can start playing right away,” Top Ten Reviews says.

The testers ran the four train cars up

Opposite: A giant multi-track display built by members of the Lionel team specifically for the Concord Mills store; Above: Concord’s Lionel flagship now offers a wider selection of NASCAR die-casts.

to 1.75 feet per second. The headlamp works, and the train makes chugging sounds as it circles the track. You can also activate bells, whistles and audio with the remote.”

So, whether you’re a race fan and want to pick up the latest NASCAR

Authentics die-cast produced in 1:64 scale or you’re a serious, seasoned train hobbyist, check out the new Lionel store. It’s located in Neighborhood 6, across from Concord Mills’ Dining Pavilion. All aboard! n

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On the Go Piedmont Choral Society Announces Concert Dates

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The 60-voice Piedmont Choral Society (PCS) will present its free Christmas concerts, with professional orchestra, on December 7 at 7:00pm and December 9 at 3:00pm. Both will be held at Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union Street N., in Concord.

The all-volunteer choir – aged 16 to 87 – is directed by Joseph Judge, associate professor of music at Pfeiffer University, and accompanied

by Dr. Don Simmons, organist/choir director at Kimball Lutheran in Kannapolis and adjunct professor of music at Pfeiffer. Beautiful arrangements of classic Christmas carols and seasonal favorites will be featured, as well as orchestral pieces.

PCS presents two formal concerts each year – in May and December – as well as other performances throughout its season. These include its annual Old Fashioned Hymn Sing and food drive, and the All Patriotic Music Concert series.

Each June the group chooses an area non-profit as the beneficiary of the donations received at one of its patriotic concerts. It has raised more than $30,000 for these non-profits.

Piedmont Choral Society is a 501c3 non-profit, supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Cabarrus Arts Council, as well as many private and corporate donors. Love offerings are accepted at each concert. Visit piedmontchoralsociety.org for more information.

Parking Deck Construction to Affect Downtown Streets Through the month of January, workers will periodically close the lanes of two downtown Concord streets to accommodate further construction of the Cabarrus County Courthouse parking deck.

The closures will sporadically affect Corban Avenue S.W. and Spring Street S.W., with alternate routes being marked as needed.

The closures will allow crews to complete work on the building façade, curbing and landscaping around the parking deck, which sits at the corner of Corban and Spring across from the courthouse.

The new deck will add more than 600 spaces to downtown Concord to help with increased courthouse parking needs. Construction is expected to last through March 2019.

The County contracted with Messer Construction Company, Morris Berg Architects and engineers Kimley-Horn to help build the five-story structure.

For more information about the project, visit cabarruscounty.us/ resources/county-parking-deck.

Master Plan is Underway for Gem Theatre When the City of Kannapolis purchased downtown properties, it became the property owner of the Gem Theatre. As part of the Downtown Revitalization Plan, the City is looking at opportunities for improvement of the Gem experience and how to accommodate future growth while preserving the theatre.

The City has hired Clearscapes, an architectural firm experienced with historic theatre projects, to develop a master plan for the theatre. They are looking at ways to improve circulation and flow, provide handicap-accessible restrooms, and increase the lobby and event space. In addition, there are opportunities to provide access to the second floor space for future office or commercial uses. Clearscapes will continue to look at ways to improve the function of the theatre, while also seeking consideration to put the Gem on the National Register of Historic Places.

The operations of the Gem Theatre are managed and owned by Steve Morris.

“I am pleased that we are master planning for the theatre. It has been a vital part of the city’s culture for 82 years and we want to see it continue to be a vibrant feature of downtown Kannapolis,” he says.

As part of the master plan, citizens’ input was sought through an online survey; more than 4,000 people completed it. Affordability and the historic character and ambiance were the most frequently mentioned reasons for people to visit the Gem. In addition to movies, respondents are also interested in attending concerts, plays and children’s programming there.

The public will continue to be informed of the master plan process. If you are interested in staying informed or being involved in this project, please visit kannapolisnc.gov/gem.

ECHS Recognizes Veterans, Commemorates Anniversary On November 11, the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society (ECHS) in Mt. Pleasant joined Americans across the country in tolling bells to recognize the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice. That day is now recognized every year as Veterans Day. During the ceremony in front of ECHS President Bill the historical society’s museum, the Lutrick honors Corporal Mt. Pleasant High School JROTC Everett McAllister. He was the first Cabarrus County presented the colors and led the casualty in WWI. Pledge of Allegiance. Drew Vogel, vice-commander of Black-Phillips American Legion Post 433, rang the 21-bell salute, and attendees were invited to ring the bell in honor of individual service men and women.

ECHS President Bill Lutrick honored Corporal Everett McAllister of Mt. Pleasant. McAllister was the first World

War I casualty from Cabarrus County.

Quilts of Valor were presented to six local veterans: Mike Herring, Wayne Herring, Arthur Lee Kluttz, Carl Kluttz, Charles Suther and Richard Wines. Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts made by local quilting guilds and presented to service Quilt of Valor recipients (top, left to members touched by right): Charles Suther, Mike Herring, war. The quilts represent Richard Wines; (bottom, left to right): Wayne Herring, Carl Kluttz, comfort, healing and love.

Arthur Lee Kluttz For more information on Bells of Peace, visit worldwar1centennial.org. For more information on Quilts of Valor, visit qovf.org.

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Destination Guide Recognized with Two Industry Awards The 2018-19 Cabarrus County Destination & Motorsports Guide has received two Tourism Achievement Awards from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA).

The guide earned a Platinum award for the highest score in the Leisure Marketing category and was chosen as Best Innovation of all submissions in the category for exemplifying an innovative approach to communication, organization or promotion.

The purpose of the Tourism Achievement Awards is to honor and showcase innovation, best practices, creativity and the results accomplished through the tourism industry’s marketing efforts. Recipients were honored during NCTIA’s annual conference held in Winston-Salem.

The 76-page publication is a free, comprehensive resource to the county’s attractions, lodging and shopping options, full-service restaurants, historical sites, sports and recreation facilities and more.

To request a copy of the Destination Guide, go to VisitCabarrus.com. The guide is also available at the Cabarrus County Visitor Center, major Cabarrus attractions, participating restaurants and in all Cabarrus County hotels.

RCCC Prepares for Future by Expanding South Campus Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) announces the purchase of land to expand its South Campus location in Kannapolis.

South Campus currently sits on 23 acres and these properties – located directly across Trinity Church Road – were identified as desirable land in an evaluation of potential growth of the college’s facilities in Cabarrus County.

The Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees reviewed the information and recommended the board approve the contract to purchase two parcels of land totaling 16.44 acres near South Campus from Crown Court, LLC. Additionally, Cabarrus County purchased a third parcel of property adjacent to the two college properties, totaling 8.87 acres with a purchase price of $1.24 million.

Besides this expansion project, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s South Campus has recently undergone several renovations: the South Campus Student Center in Building 3000 and the new Spirit Store in Building 1000. In addition, an electric vehicle charging station has been installed in the Building 2000 parking lot area.

For more information about RowanCabarrus Community College, please visitrccc.edu/apply or call 704-216RCCC (7222).

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It’s a Change of Season in Cabarrus County Parks Cabarrus County’s parks – Camp T.N. Spencer, Frank Liske, Rob Wallace and Vietnam Veterans – have changed their operating hours to Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 9am-5 pm.

These hours are in effect until February 28, 2019. The paddle boats and miniature golf at Frank Liske Park are closed for the season and will reopen April 1, 2019.

There are still plenty of opportunities for family fun during this last month of 2018: • Woodland Christmas, December 8, 10am-12 noon, at Frank Liske Park.

Get in the spirit with s’mores, hot cocoa, nature crafts and a snowball fight.

• Adventures in December, December 19-21, 9am-1pm, at Frank Liske Park.

Take advantage of the holiday break with cosmic dodgeball, Nerf gun battles and even animal encounters.

Rob Wallace Park in Midland

Cabarrus County parks feature disc golf courses, dog walks, picnic areas, tennis courts, softball fields, nature and bike trails, outdoor fitness equipment and fishing ponds.

For a complete listing of events or to register, visit cabarruscounty.us/register.

To learn more about parks in Cabarrus County, visit cabarruscounty.us/alp, call 704-920-3484 or follow us on Facebook at CabarrusCountyActive LivingandParks. n

Don’t Struggle to Pay for Medications ‘Tis the season to be joyful. But when your money is tight and you are already struggling to pay for medications, it can become less than joyous.

Well, there may be a potential “gift” waiting for you under this tree…I mean paragraph! Patient assistance programs are available to help people when the cost of their prescription medications has become a burden.

The two most common sources are grant programs and manufacturer assistance programs. Grant programs are disease specific, intended specifically for patients on Medicare Part D. The majority are funded by donations from the public and other organizations to support people with certain unfortunate diseases. The approval process is generally immediate, so savings can begin instantly.

Manufacturer assistance programs, on the other hand, can be utilized by people on Medicare or those without insurance. They tend to have a longer approval process and do have financial and/or out-of-pocket spending requirements.

Often, an online or physical application must be completed and submitted to your prescribing physician, along with documents such as proof of income, Part D insurance card, and proof of ID and out-ofpocket spending on your prescription drugs for the current calendar year.

The application is then submitted to the manufacturer for review and determination.

This is when a Patient Advocate can help patients find the best program to meet their unique needs, as well

as navigate them through obtaining assistance and potentially save them thousands of dollars per year.

The final thought is, “If in doubt,

By Jackie King and MacKenzie Catanese

Sponsored by Cannon Pharmacy

check it out.” Ask your doctor about the availability of a Patient Advocate.

If there is not one available, Cannon Pharmacy is happy to help. n

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DECEMBER SELF-GUIDED HISTORIC WALKING TOUR Daily Downtown Concord • Take a step back in time with the touch of a button when you download the Concord Downtown NC App to your Bluetooth-enabled device.

• More than 50 historic sites; follow along at your leisure.

• 704-784-4208; concorddowntown.com EXHIBIT: CLAY Through January 26 • 9:00am-5:00pm The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • The work of 20-plus ceramicists from North Carolina; a free event • 704-920-2753; cabarrusartscouncil.org SPEEDWAY CHRISTMAS Through December 31 • 6:00-10:00pm • $25-$175 per vehicle Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord • More than 3 million lights, infield Christmas Village, drive-in movies on speedway TV and the chance to drive the track • 800-455-3267; charlottemotorspeedway.com SUBARU SHARE THE LOVE Through January 2 Subaru Concord 853 Concord Parkway S., Concord • Purchase or lease a new Subaru from Subaru Concord and designate Subaru America to donate $250 on your behalf to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels.

• 704-932-3412 WINTERLAND EXPRESS AND CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS Through December 30 (closed Dec. 24/25) • 6:00pm • Free Village Park 700 West C. Street, Kannapolis • More than 250,000 lights, carousel, Winterland Express rides • See if you can find all 12 Days of Christmas; roast marshmallows and make s’mores; visit with Santa in his studio; watch performances by Kannapolis Singing Bears • Tickets to ride train and carousel are $2 per person per ride.

• kannapolisnc.gov

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2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AT CABARRUS HOLIDAY MARKET December 1 • 10:00am-5:00pm • Free Cabarrus Brewing Co. 329 McGill Avenue N.W., Concord • 100+ artists, services and other vendors set up to help you find that perfect gift. The best part is, they’re all local businesses.

• A letter to Santa writing station and hot chocolate for the kids and the kids at heart • 704-490-4487

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: GREAT GINGERBREAD CANDY HUNT December 1 • 11:00am-2:00pm Downtown Concord • Free horse-drawn wagon rides; children can participate in a Gingerbread Candy Hunt where they visit participating businesses along Union Street collecting edible decorations to create a gingerbread house to take home ($10 per child) • Reservations: 704-784-4208; info@concorddowntown.com

A GOLDEN CHRISTMAS December 1 • 10:00am-4:00pm • $0-$3 Reed Gold Mine 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland • See how miners in the 1800s would have celebrated the holidays, and the Germanic origins of some holiday traditions.

• Demonstrations, locally produced crafts, refreshments, hayride to Mansion Hill and the family cemetery location • 704-721-4653

MT. PLEASANT CHRISTMAS PARADE December 1 • 11:00 am • Free Downtown Mt. Pleasant • Marching bands, beauty queens, military, equestrian and, of course, Santa!

• 704-436-9803; mtpleasantnc.org

THE BAREFOOT MOVEMENT CHRISTMAS SHOW December 1 • 4:00 & 8:00pm • $10/$20 Davis Theatre 65 Union Street S., Concord • This charming, acoustic band takes listeners back to a simpler place and time. Whether you’re seeking emotional ballads or rip-roaring barn-burners, you can expect a collection of music that offers something for everyone.

• 704-920-2753; cabarrusartscouncil.org COOKING FOR THE HOLIDAYS COOKING CLASS December 1 • 10:00-11:30am • $10 December 5 • 6:00-7:30pm • $10 Cabarrus Health Alliance 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis • Fresh and festive ideas for celebrating the holidays. What better way to gather around the kitchen table with friends and family?

• Classes are open to all adults and children ages five and older.

• To register or for more information: 704-920-1324; mark.allison@cabarrushealth.org

PIEDMONT FARMERS MARKET December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 8:00am 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord • Open year-round. Fresh local produce, honey, free-range eggs, antibiotic and hormone-free beef, chicken and pork.

• 704-425-5559; piedmont-farmersmarket.com SIP & SHOP AT THE GALLERIES December 1 • 11:00am-4:00pm • Free Cabarrus Arts Council 65 Union Street S., Concord • Give the gift of North Carolina pottery this year while sipping hot apple cider until 5:00, then a selection of wines during the evening.

• 704-920-2787; cabarrusartscouncil.org WINTER SILHOUETTE BONSAI SHOW December 1 • 10:00am-9:00pm • Free December 2 • 9:00am-3:00pm • Free N.C. Research Campus 150 N. Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis • Exhibitors and vendors from all over the country show in a four-story marble-lined atrium.

• Demonstrations by William Valavanis, Owen Reich, Tytler Sherrod and Rodney Clemons • Bonsai auction and dinner by reservation Saturday evening • winterbonsai.net

2018 HOLIDAY HISTORIC HOME TOUR December 2 • 1:00-6:00pm • $20/$25 Downtown Concord • Homes in Concord’s Historic District beautifully decorated for the holiday • All tickets sold online can be picked up at Ritchie Hill, 391 Union Street S., during the tour or mailed for a $5 shipping charge.

• 919-757-1688; residentsofhistoricconcord.org CARING SANTA BY CONCORD MILLS December 2 • 9:00-11:00am • Free Concord Mills Mall 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard • A private photo experience for children with special needs and their families. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and have their photo taken with him.

Concord Mills will make necessary adjustments to the environment to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children of all abilities for this special event.

• To register: eventbrite.com A VET TOGETHER December 4, 11, 18 • 9:00-11:00am Carm’s Cafe 42 Union Street S., Concord • Join Cabarrus Veterans Coalition for free coffee and conversation.

• 704-960-4394 HEALTHCARE SUMMIT December 7 • 8:00-11:30am • $25/$40 Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast/Atrium Health in Roper Commons (below cafeteria) 920 Church Street N., Concord • Topics include health insurance and the impact on small businesses, healthcare facilities and challenges, and updates on Healthy Cabarrus and the Mental Health Task Force.

• Alison Paladino: apaladino@cabarrus.biz HOLIDAY SPIRIT TRAIL December 7-9 • $40/passport • Go to seven different venues, including wineries, a craft brewery and a restaurant to sample different offerings at each, all for the price of one passport.

• 704-788-2746; cougarrunwinery.com 2ND SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS AT CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS December 8 • 10:00am-4:00pm 223 Crowell Drive N.W., Concord • Several art studios on premises will be open with resident artists present to talk to, watch work, etc.

• 704-784-9535; clearwaterartists.com

80TH ANNUAL KANNAPOLIS CHRISTMAS PARADE December 8 • 6:00-9:00pm • Free 125 N. Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis • Parade begins at the intersection of Main Street and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard. Thousands come out each year for this nighttime event, so make sure you get your spot early!

• 704-920-4343; kannapolisnc.gov REPTICON EXOTIC ANIMAL & REPTILE EXPO December 8 • 10:00am-5:00pm December 9 • 10:00am-4:00pm $12 & under Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord • Vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise • Live presentations • repticon.com THE CABARRUS QUILTERS GUILD December 10 • Doors open 6:00pm Forest Hill United Methodist Church 265 Union Street N., Concord • Meet & Greet/refreshments: 6:156:45pm • Annual Christmas party and pot luck dinner: no workshop • cabarrusquiltersguild.org VETERANS BREAKFAST December 10 • 9:00am Mt. Pleasant Senior Center 8615 Park Drive, Mt. Pleasant • All military veterans/spouses invited • Sponsored by Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks, What-A-Burger #13, BrightStar Care and the BBB • Join us for breakfast, speakers and fellowship every month!

• Call 704-920-3484 to RSVP. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS December 11 • 5:00-6:30pm 44 Mills 6189 Bayfield Parkway, Concord • Premier networking event for business professionals; a relationship-building experience held in a relaxed setting that benefits you and your company through added contacts and resources.

• Free for Chamber members; guests contact Paige Grochoske: 704-782-4000, ext. 102

5TH ANNUAL JINGLE BULL 5K AND FUN RUN December 15 • 8:00-11:00am • $15-$25 Hickory Ridge High School Campus 7221 Raging Ridge Road, Harrisburg • Registration: 7:30am; Timed 5k: 9:00am; Fun Run: 9:30am • Families and kids welcome to Fun Run – jingle bells provided; activities; sponsor booths; mascots; and SANTA CLAUS! • Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each class • Prizes awarded for best holiday costume • T-shirts to first 100 participants • runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/ Harrisburg/Jinglebull5k HANDMADE HOLIDAY MARKET December 15-16 • 1:00-6:00pm • Free Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company 7285 Westwinds Boulevard N.W., Concord • A two-day popup market – come shop local and grab all your goodies!

• Pottery, accessories, jewelry, woodworking, paintings, pet supplies, fiber art and much more!

• 980-277-2337 RUN KANNAPOLIS - FROSTBITE 5K December 15 • 10:00am Downtown Kannapolis • One-mile and 3.1-mile runs starting at YMCA Drive • Children of all ages and parents with strollers are welcomed.

• All proceeds benefit Cannon Memorial YMCA Annual Support Campaign • runkannapolis.com ART LAB AT THE GALLERIES December 19 • 10:00-11:30am • $5 Cabarrus Arts Council 65 Union Street S., Concord • An immersive arts experience for students that includes a guided tour of The Galleries’ current exhibition and a fun hands-on art activity.

• Registration for children 7 and older is suggested.

• 704-920-2787 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY December 22 • All Day Historic Downtown Concord • Make a purchase at any participating business and enter into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Concord Dollars to be spent in participating businesses.

• 704-784-4208; concorddowntown.com

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At a Glance Accounting Firms Potter & Company 434 Copperfield Boulevard N.E Concord, NC 28025 704-786-8189 www.gotopotter.com

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Consignment Shops Two Blonde Chicks Fine Consign Page 3 904 Copperfield Blvd.

Concord, NC 28025 704-956-2914 facebook.com/2 blonde chicks fine consign

Cosmetics/Salons Merle Norman & Edie’s Salon Page 3 1044 Copperfield Blvd., Suite 111 Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3008 facebook.com/merle norman cosmetics & edie’s salon

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Wilkinson Funeral Home Page 23 100 Branchview Drive N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Cannon Pharmacy 760 Cabarrus Avenue W. Concord, NC 28027 704-788-6337

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Restaurants

Funeral Homes

Omaha Steaks 844-220-8812 www.omahasteaks.com

Print & Technology Services Modern Impressions 5029 West W.T. Harris Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com

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Pharmacies

Cleaning Services – Office Blue-J Serving Cabarrus County and Greater Charlotte Metro 704-589-3148 www.bluejcleaning.com

Nova Credit Union 169 Dale Earnhardt Blvd.

Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-734-2800

Meat/Food Gift Retailers

Churches New Hope Worship Center 452 Brookwood Avenue N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org

iLoveKickboxing Page 3 3461 Highway 601, Concord, NC 28025 704-251-7903 www.ilovekickboxing.com

275 Branchview Dr. S.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-795-0088 www.novacu.com

Automotive Sales Ben Mynatt Nissan 629 Jake Alexander Boulevard (I-85, Exit 75) Salisbury, NC 28147 704-633-7270 www.benmynattnissan.com

Physical Fitness

Attention Viagra and Cialis Users Page 26 1-844-389-7687

Financial/Lending Institutions

Antiques & Collectibles The Depot at Gibson Mill 325 McGill Avenue N.W. Concord, NC 28027 704-787-9351 www.depotgibsonmill.com

Erectile Dysfunction

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1706 S. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-6337 1402 N. Cannon Boulevard Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-7948 www.cannonpharmacies.com

Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography Page 22 38 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com

73 & Main 1467 N. Main Street Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 704-436-2050 www.73andMain.com

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El Vallarta Bar & Grill Page 23 1480 Concord Parkway N., Suite 305 Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2020 www.ElVallartaNC.com Mike’s Deli & Bagels 5303 Poplar Tent Road Concord, NC 28027 704-956-2306 mikesdeliandbagels.com Vortex Bottle Shop 4469 School House Commons Harrisburg, NC 28075 980-258-0827 vortexbottleshop.com

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Theatres – Live Old Courthouse Theatre Page 31 49 Spring Street N.W., Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.octconcord.com

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