Union County Weekly

LOCAL WRITER PUBLISHES EXERCISE MOTIVATION BOOK Ideal gift for someone wanting to get in shape!

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Redhawks keep winning

Coach Johnny Sowell and the Monroe Redhawks have yet to lose this season. One game stands between them and the chance to return to the 2A state championship. Page 12 MillBridge Turkey Trot

Lion King at Porter Ridge

The MillBridge community in Waxhaw hosted its annual fourmile Turkey Trot on Nov. 26. See pictures inside.

Page 6

Athletes ‘take on’ sports

Porter Ridge Middle will perform “The Lion King JR.” this weekend, before attending the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta.

Page 4

Nonprofit Take On Sports offers athletic programs to individuals with special needs.

Now, the community is supporting their efforts.

Page 8

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 8 | Faith 10 | Calendar 11 | Sports 12 | Classifieds 15

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Page 2 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Adâ?¤ption

The Music and Arts Ministry of

Name: Babe ID: A1097475 Breed Mix: Pit Bull Age: 7 months Weight: 30 lbs

Weddington United Methodist Church presents

Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 10/22/15 (Surrendered) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

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Christmas at Weddington Dr. Reginald M. Houze, Conductor featuring

Babe is a young, energetic girl who loves to play and tug on toys. She would beneďŹ t from training and would be an excellent jogging partner.

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CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event

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the ďŹ rst Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road Name: Midnite ID: A1096134 Breed Mix: Shorthair Age: 1 year Weight: 6 lbs

The Children’s Choir Sunday December 6, 2015 Two Performances 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Reception in Helms Hall between the performances Childcare provided for children 5 and under

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Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 3

Business Briefs Carillon to host Christmas concert, Festival of Wreaths INDIAN TRAIL – Carillon Assisted Living will host a Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The concert will feature Christmas songs performed by The Holiday Singers, as well as “traditional holiday fare,” according to an event announcement.

The concert is free to attend; however, the center will collect monetary donations during the event to benefit Union County nonprofit Operation Reach Out, which provides assistance to local children and families during the holiday season and throughout the year. Find more information at www.opreachout.org.

Carillon also will host a Festival of Wreaths Celebration on Dec. 10, a Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event offers a “unique and fun way” for local businesses and other organizations to celebrate the holiday season.

The Festival of Wreaths will feature food and a silent auction where people can bid on various holiday wreaths. All proceeds will benefit The Alzheimer’s Association, which funds research on Alzheimer’s disease and provides support for those facing the illness.

Find more information at www.alz.org.

Call Tara Stone at 704-289-4555 for more information on either of the Carillon events.

Carillon Assisted Living is located at 5306 Secrest Shortcut Road.

INDIAN TRAIL - Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) recently announced it would donate $1.5 million to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, and 12 member food banks across Publix’s operating area.

The donation will provide funding to assist with the transportation needs of the food banks, according to a news release. Food banks are in need of refrigerated trucks to transport perishable items donated by food retailers.

Charlotte’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina – along with 11 other member food banks in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee – each will receive a $120,000 donation to acquire refrigerated trucks. The funding given to the 12 food banks will assist more than 4,800 agencies, the release said.

“We continue to hear about the need for fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy from Feeding America member food banks,” Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, said in the release. “Our foundation’s $1.5-million donation will help the food banks collect, safely transport and distribute even more wholesome, perishable foods to our local communities.”

Feeding America also will receive $60,000 toward its mission of feeding the hungry.

Each a dollar donated to Feeding America provides 11 meals, and PSMC’s contribution will provide an additional 660,000 meals to individuals and families in need.

As part of the program, Publix Super Markets will donate a trailer load of food to Second Harvest and each of the additional 11 Feeding America food bank members, total-

ing more than $660,000. Each trailer donation will include 22 pallets of food items that are in high demand by food banks, including hams, jelly, peanut butter, green beans, fruit cocktail, long grain rice, pasta sauce, apple juice, strawberry fruit and grain bars, toasted oats cereal, whole gran spaghetti and light tuna.

Find more information at www.publixcharities.org.

Publix has a store located just outside of Union County in the McKee Farms shopping center, at 3110 Fincher Farm Road in Matthews, near Stallings and Weddington.

Canada and the U.S. BBB Mexico is expected to join in the future, according to the release.

People reporting Union County business scams to the BBB of the Southern Piedmont can follow a four-step process to alert BBB of the issue: visit www.bbb.org/charlotte; click on the rotating “Report A Scam” button on the homepage; click on “Report a Scam;” and input scam details and click on “View Scams” to see the heat map in real time.

Better Business Bureau launches Scam Tracker Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently launched its BBB Scam Tracker to provide a way for consumers across North America to report scams and fraud, and to warn others of “malicious or suspicious activities,” according to a news release.

All 112 BBBs operating in Canada and the U.S. are now collecting information from consumers, processing data and sharing it with law enforcement agencies to help identify and prosecute scammers.

The free, interactive online tool is available at www.bbb.org/scamtracker and offers a “heat map,” showing where scams are being reported. Users can use a variety of filters to search for scams in their area, track a particular type of scam or see how much money has been lost. Users can also report scams that they hear about, even if they haven’t been victims, the release said.

BBB Scam Tracker launched in 2014 as an innovative test among nine BBBs. A grant from Target Corporation enabled the organization to expand the service to all BBBs in

New

n Tow

Map courtesy of Better Business Bureau

Ribbon cutting at NCG Cinemas slated for Dec. 10 MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week to celebrate the opening of NCG Cinemas in Monroe.

The ribbon cutting will take place Dec. 10, a Thursday, at 4 p.m. at the theater, located in the Union Square shopping center at 1911 Dickerson Blvd. Call the Chamber office at 704-289-4567 for more information.

Send business news to josh@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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Page 4 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Student performers bring ‘The Lion King’ to life

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Jareth a glimpse into the mind of a villain, and he said it’s important to consider any character’s motivation – whether they’re considered “good” INDIAN TRAIL – The iconic “Circle of Life” or “bad.”

“You have to put yourself in their mind, think will hit the stage this weekend as 30 student performers from Porter Ridge Middle School pres- what they would think,” Jareth said. “Scar is the ent their production of “Disney’s The Lion King younger brother of Mufasa, and he’s always felt like he was pushed down …

JR.” I just try to imagine the most Performances are schedWant to go? rage I can think of, and that’s uled for Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m. in the “The Lion King JR.” performances really the way I make the Porter Ridge High School will take place Thursday and Fri- character.” day, Dec. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m.

Performers also have reauditorium. The school also Both performances will be held at ceived guidance from three hosted a special performance Wednesday, Dec. 2, for near- Porter Ridge High School, located high school students, who at 2839 Ridge Road. have served as stage manly 1,000 students from Porter Tickets cost $3 for students and agers. Porter Ridge High Ridge, Stallings, Poplin and $5 for adults.

School senior Casey HuntHemby Bridge elementary Call 704-225-7555 for more inforley said she chose to work schools. mation. with the students because “The Lion King JR.” – reshe wanted a chance to be leased just this year – is a condensed version of the Broadway musical, based involved in a theater production. Casey said she’s on the popular animated Disney film. Bridget not only been able to provide insight for students, Burrows, Porter Ridge Middle’s music and cho- but she’s also learned a lot.

“I’ve learned a lot from them, and they’ve rus teacher, said she chose the show in part belearned a lot from me,” she said. “I kind of have cause of its universal, global appeal.

“The ultimate reason I really wanted to choose been thinking about going into theater education it is global,” Burrows said. “The kids are learning now.”

African culture. They’re learning to sing in Swahili, Zulu.”

The show goes on Auditions took place mid-spring. Two weeks It won’t all be over for students after Friday evebefore the 2015-16 school year started, students ning’s curtain call. in the show attended a “musical theater boot All students in the show will have the opporcamp,” Burrows said, where they learned some tunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, next month of the traditional African dance movements, read over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend for the Juthe script, worked on blocking and received their nior Theater Festival. They’ll perform 15 minutes character assignments. of excerpts from the show for a panel of judges, Burrows said the show has been “huge” for who will offer constructive criticism. The stuthe school, due to the challenging music and dents also will participate in workshops led by dance, and the more elaborate costumes. Porter real-life Broadway actors and actresses.

Ridge received a grant from the Union County Burrows said Porter Ridge Middle is the only Community Arts Council to helped pay for cos- public school in North Carolina to take an entire tumes. Burrows said several parents have been group to the festival. She said her students are instrumental in sewing the costumes, along with “beyond excited” and “talk about it every day.” students in the school’s yearlong art class, who Eighth-grader Hailey Canipe, who plays a Lihelped design the headpieces and masks. oness, said she’s most excited about hanging out “It really takes a village to do a show like this,” with fellow performers and performing again Burrows said. together.

Complex characters also have pushed student “I don’t really know (what to expect),” Hailey performers to step up their acting game. Take said. “I’m just really looking forward to hanging seventh-grader Jareth Dotson for example. Jareth out with friends and getting to go experience the plays Scar, the jealous and murderous uncle of different things.” main character Simba. Portraying Scar has given

by Josh Whitener

josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

www.unioncountyweekly.com

The Weekly

Community Spotlight

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission. He recently finished his 150th biweekly faith column for Carolina Weekly Newspapers.

Marciano is available to speak to church groups and other organizations. Find more information at www.charlotteresRev. Tony Marciano cuemission.org.

What led you to the Charlotte Rescue Mission?

In 1991, I prayed to God that if he loved me, he would never let me work in a rescue mission. Forgetting that prayer, two years later I began working at a rescue mission in Washington, D.C. While there, I interviewed at a Christian camp in Branson, Missouri for the president position. They had two candidates fly in the same day, stay in the same hotel room and eat at the same dining table later that night. When we returned to the hotel room, he said, “If you don’t get this job in Branson, I have a friend in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is on the board of a Christian Rehab Center.” He got

Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 5 the job in Branson. I got the call to come to Charlotte. In 1996, I came as executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Tell us about the organization.

Everything we do is about transformation. We help people struggling with addiction by working from the inside out to address the root cause of why they abuse drugs and alcohol. As a Christian ministry, we also share the hope of God that is found in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, we want our graduates gainfully employed having a place of their own to live.

Do you have a favorite memory of the Charlotte Rescue Mission?

My favorite memory is when someone realizes that God’s love is for them and them alone. It’s as if a light goes on in their soul.

Their eyes shine. They know their past does not define them. Their best days lay ahead.

This happens over and over.

What are the organization's biggest needs?

Prayer. Addiction is ultimately fatal.

When someone quits on themselves and walks out of the rescue mission, they can die from their abusing drugs and alcohol.

What's an interesting fact about you most people might not know?

I love to be in front of an audience or a camera. It’s what gives me energy.

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Page 6 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

The Weekly

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Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

News Briefs MillBridge hosts Turkey Trot to benefit Autism Society of NC WAXHAW – MillBridge, a residential community in Waxhaw, hosted its annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina. The run/walk took place on four miles through the MillBridge neighborhood.

“We host this sort of event in the spirit of connection, a focus area for us,” said Rebecca Holliday, Millbridge’s director of social programming, in a news release. “To us, a home isn’t just four walls and a roof. It’s all around – interacting with neighbors, friends and family who live in the neighborhood, as well as in Waxhaw and the surrounding areas. The Turkey Trot allows those in the outskirts of the Charlotte metro area to gather, socialize and exercise close to home for a well-deserving cause.”

Indian Trail Christmas Parade slated for Sunday, Dec. 6 INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” Christmas celebration will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6. The event will begin at 2 p.m. with the town’s inaugural Ugly Sweater Christmas Contest.

“All you have to do to enter is show up wearing your ugliest best,” said Indian Trail Events Coordinator Susan Didier in a news release. “Our judges will be secretly talking about you behind your backs, but that’s a good thing – hopefully they’re determining you are the best, or more appropriately worst, dressed in town.”

Contestants should arrive between 2 and 2:30 p.m. to register. Judging will end at 2:30 p.m. Winners will be announced after the parade.

The parade will begin at 3 p.m. Indian Trail Road will close at 2:45 p.m. Floats will line up on Post Office Drive and parking will be available at the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center

and behind the Union County Sheriff’s Office Bureau on Navajo Trail.

After the parade, hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts and Santa will be available in Crossing Paths Park. Lanti Music, Masterpiece Studios and local musicians will perform holiday classics. The town’s tree lighting will take place at dusk.

The town also will collect new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Holiday Heroes program.

Toys will be collected at the Cultural Arts Center.

“We’re very excited to be taking part in Holiday Heroes again this year,” Didier said.

“Our local heroes do such a good job in taking care of our Indian Trail families, and we’re honored to be able to help out in any way we can to make Christmas great for our neighbors.”

Toys are needed for boys and girls of all ages. Fire and law enforcement officials will coordinate with families in need to ensure they receive the gifts in time for the holidays.

Hospice of Union County to host Trees of Love in Monroe MONROE – Hospice of Union County will invite the public to purchase angel ornaments to support uncompensated patient care. Ornaments cost $10 and will be on sale next to Belk at Monroe Crossing Mall through Dec. 19. Donations also will be accepted. Volunteers are needed. Sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e48aeac6ff2-tree11.

Monroe Crossing Mall is located at 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd.

Donation based yoga class at Ja’Makin Me Dance Fitness INDIAN TRAIL – Ja’Makin Me Dance Fitness Studio is offering donation based yoga classes for the month of December. Guests are invited to join the studio for a class and donate to a good cause to help give back during the holiday season. Class schedules are available online at www.jamakinmed ance.com.

Ja’Makin Me Dance Fitness is located at 1101 B Technology Drive.

Photos courtesy of Drew Porcello

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Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 7

Opinion

Road Wars: Leaders to fight for CRTPO control

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Elected leaders in Lake Norman are so desperate to stop the Interstate 77 Express Lanes project, they are willing to wreck relationships with Charlotte and its neighboring towns.

State legislators Jeff Tarte and Charles Jeter recently Justin Vick headlined a summit about the publicly panned project, which involves adding lanes from uptown Charlotte to Mooresville that commuters pay to drive on.

Perhaps fueled by the incoming election year, Jeter told those attending the summit that he plans to submit legislation that would weaken Charlotte’s vote on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). After all, the CRTPO approved a long-range plan that included the I-77 Express Lanes project.

What Jeter is proposing is like using a spoon to comb your hair. At least use a fork!

Right idea, wrong solution

Jeter is targeting the CRTPO for good reason.

Nick Tennyson, state transportation director, is-

sued a statement on behalf of the governor’s office that the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) would be willing to work with Lake Norman leaders if the CRTPO voted to cancel the project.

The CRTPO consists of representatives from 21 cities and towns in Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties, with votes weighted by population. Charlotte has 31 votes, while the larger towns such as Matthews and Indian Trail each have two votes. Smaller towns, such as Pineville and Mint Hill, each have one vote.

Would Charlotte having fewer votes make a difference?

No, considering projects are prioritized by a formula and vetted by a less-publicized technical committee comprised of planners or administrators from each town.

The I-77 Express Lanes project was included in a long-range plan. The CRTPO approved the plan not because of Charlotte’s voting block. The plan was framed as an all-or-nothing vote.

Members were told they had to vote “yes or no” for the entire plan. They were not allowed to change the project list.

Had the CRTPO rejected the plan, dozens of road projects would have been delayed throughout Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties and possibly other transportation divisions.

In this context, Charlotte took the best course of action for the region.

Had the CRTPO been allowed to remove the I-77 project from the plan, I believe its members,

including Charlotte, would have done so.

What’s next?

The best thing Jeter and Tarte can do is encourage the CRTPO to seek the flexibility to pull out individual projects from long-range plans if they hurt multiple counties or towns.

You don’t want Charlotte vetoing a Matthews project due to politics and vice versa, but the CRTPO ought to line-item veto a project that adversely affects multiple counties or towns.

A line-item veto also would prevent latebreaking developments that turn a project sour.

In I-77’s case, the NCDOT negotiated with the developer.

The NCDOT maintains managed lanes have a longer lifespan than general-purpose lanes.

And a public-private partnership was the fastest way to get relief for I-77 (Express Lanes projects planned for I-485 and U.S. 74 won’t be funded this way).

Lake Norman leaders accepted this because they were sold the same all-or-nothing scenario.

They were told I-77 wouldn’t get extra lanes for many years without tolls. So they supported the project.

As details of the public-private partnership began to emerge, however, a growing number of people became concerned that the contract wouldn’t allow for future improvements to I-77.

The NCDOT should better address those concerns. If the population grows to a point when commuters can no longer drive 45 to 50

miles per hour in Express Lanes, then it’s time to add capacity to I-77.

Lake Norman residents have convinced their leaders to cancel the project. Leaders must now sell the rest of the region on why it’s in our best interests to cancel the project.

How much will it cost to break the contract since construction on the I-77 project has already started? How are we going to pay for it? These questions have to be addressed.

Once the dust settles, elected leaders in all three counties need to stop jockeying for position and start working together to get more transportation and infrastructure issues framed in a way that benefits the region.

The Weekly

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Page 8 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Education

Community rallies around sports program

Photo courtesy of Tim Crane

Union County nonprofit Take On Sports celebrated the end of the basketball season on Nov. 21. Take On Sports offers recreational sports to individuals with various disabilities.

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

When Tim Crane, owner of 911 Restoration of Charlotte, discovered nonprofit Take On Sports, he knew he wanted to help.

He had been looking for a youth sports team to sponsor and realized he could help more children. Today, he’s Take On Sports’ biggest sponsor.

Gina Fisher and her husband started Take On Sports in 2007, as part of Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association (WCWAA) to offer athletes with special needs a chance to participate in mainstream sports. They began the program offering baseball with only 23 athletes 6 to 17 years old. Take On Sports has since grown to offer six different sports and expanded its programs to adults.

“We don’t exclude anybody, from Attention Deficit Disorder to the severely disabled,” Fisher said. “All can participate.”

But the biggest benefit of Take on Sports, Fisher said, is community involvement. Volunteers work with peer buddies who accompany athletes while teaching them to play various sports, and looking out for their safety.

“It benefits the community,” she said. “Volunteers recognize that everybody is OK and everybody can participate. They realize (their dis-

abilities) don’t mean they’re not able; they’re just doing it differently.”

Many typically developing WCWAA athletes make up most of the 200 to 220 peer volunteers in the organization. She believes their participation helps breakdown barriers and misconceptions about individuals with disabilities.

Take On Sports is completely volunteer-run, including the leadership. Fisher and other board members have run the organization since it’s inauguration, but Fisher said she would be passing the torch to someone else in coming months.

Her family is relocating this summer, and with a heavy-heart, Fisher will step down as president of the organization. She’s calling on community members to fill the role.

“We need folks to step in,” she said.

Crane said once people realize how important the organization is to its athletes, they’ll want to be a part of it.

“They just do something so special for these kids and they feel so great about themselves,” he said. “What I’ve witnessed, it just melts you heart.”

Fisher said sponsorship is important to keeping registration fees low for athletes and considers Crane as a “key sponsor.”

Visit Takeonsports.org or WCWAA/Takeonsports.org for more information about sponsorship, how to become a volunteer and to register athletes for upcoming seasons.

Sardis Elementary receives makerspace from LIFT grant

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Sardis Elementary School students will explore their creative side, thanks to a grant from the Union County Education Foundation.

The foundation offers Leadership and Innovation Funding for Teachers (LIFT) grants for the first time this year and Sardis Elementary media coordinator Blair Austin applied for a $500 grant to create a “makerspace” in the school library.

“Makerspaces is all about creativity,” Austin said in a news release. “It’s where kids come in and make things.”

Austin, the first recipient of a LIFT grant, said the funding would enhance her school’s media center, and help accomplish her goal of providing more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiences at her school, according to

the release.

Amy Sperry, the executive director of the Union County Education Foundation, said the grant awards were based on unique ideas and judges were so impressed with Austin’s idea, they awarded her $1,500.

Twenty-four of the 68 teachers who applied for the LIFT grants, ranging from $250 to $1,500, were awarded their requested grant money.

Photo courtesy of UCPS

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 9

Education

Community waiting for answers regarding investigation of UCPS officials

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Union County Public Schools leaders – including Superintendent Mary Ellis – came under fire last month regarding their involvement with a private consulting firm, EDUcatr(X) Inc. The Board of Education (BOE) and Union County Board of Commissioners launched an investigation, but nothing has come to light.

The inquiry questions whether EDUcatr(X) Inc., formed by Ellis, UCPS Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Technology and Operations Dr. Mike Webb and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Tony Burrus and Jason Mooneyham, the executive director for public sector sales for Lenovo, a multinational computer company, has a conflict of interest with the school district’s contracted services with Lenovo.

Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey formally gave the investigation to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to perform in the interest of full transparency in early November, according to news release.

Shannon O’Toole, special agent with the SBI, said the “bones” of the inquiry are already complete, but the SBI is waiting to receive financial records.

O’Toole said once the SBI obtains the records, they will provide the Union County District Attorney’s Office with the finalized report. The SBI serves as a third-party pathfinder and leaves the DA to make choices about prosecution; the SBI would proceed from there.

“Essentially, there is a conflict of interest, which is the initial request,” O’Toole said. “The question is, did someone obtain a benefit?”

The school board retained Chris Campbell, of Campbell Shatley, PLLC, to conduct its own investigation, but has not released any information since Nov. 19.

“By law, the board cannot comment on certain personnel matters and it would not be appropriate to provide information while law enforcement is investigating. Therefore, the School Board will not respond with any new information at this time,” the BOE wrote in a statement.

“A decision on what information can be released publicly will be made once Mr. Campbell completes his review.”

Community members have taken to social media since early November to question UCPS officials’ involvement with Lenovo. UCPS has contracted services with and has purchased products from Lenovo at least since June

2012, a month before Ellis officially became superintendent, according to agenda minutes.

UCPS contracts include a “conflict of interest” clause that prohibits members of the school board or district staff from having any “personal or financial interest” or “benefiting from the performance of the Contract or (having) any interest in any Contract, subcontract or other agreement related to the Contract.” The seller also cannot permit staff to gain any interest or benefit “during the term of the Contract.”

Burrus and Webb have been credited for integrating the infrastructure needed for the district’s 1-to-1 technology initiative in the past couple years. Infrastructure included 24,000 Lenovo ThinkPad Chromebooks for students and 3,000 Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks for teachers.

Lenovo and UCPS have had two transactions since EDUcatr(X)’s incorporation in Delaware in 2014, including the purchase of Chromebooks and renewing and removing old computers.

BOE member Gary Sides questioned at the Dec. 1 board meeting whether the district should halt any further purchases from Lenovo until the end of the investigation, but

Webb said there were no immediate purchases coming in the next month.

Lenovo historically has pursued the education sector, particularly pushing tablets and laptops.

However, the computer company, which underwent its own investigation, say it has no affiliation to EDUcatr(X). Lenovo said in a statement the company has found no “inducements or benefits that influenced Lenovo’s sales” to UCPS. Some community members and county commissioners have questioned whether involved individuals should step down, but some of the officials in question stand their ground and have retained their positions.

“I believe all of my actions have been proper and that the investigations underway by the Board of Education and the SBI will corroborate this,” Ellis said in a statement. “I will cooperate with those investigations.

In the meantime, I will commit my efforts to leading Union County Schools.”

O’Toole said on Dec. 1 he didn’t have an estimated timeline when the finalized report would be complete and the SBI is simply waiting for approval from the courts to obtain records.

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Page 10 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Faith

What it means to be thankful through all stages of life

by Dr. Mark Harris mark.harris@charlottefbc.org

From Nov. 1 to 10, our family experienced two deaths and one birth.

While these experiences definitely put us on an emotional rollercoaster of sadness and joy, we saw many blessings in the midst of each one. In the two deaths, we experienced the blessing of lives lived to the fullest, and Dr. Mark Harris despite the disease process that ultimately claimed our loved ones, their passage through death to heaven was peaceful and they were surrounded by their loved ones.

The birth of our grandson was a joyous event with friends and family in the waiting room.

Through difficult process of labor and delivery, expert medical professionals surrounded our daughter-in-law with the ability to save her life should things have gone drastically wrong. In 10 exhausting days, we lived the extremes of human emotion.

Yet all of these processes fell in the natural order of things. Elderly parents must pass on some day.

Grown children will experience the joy of becoming parents themselves and parents gain the joy of becoming grandparents.

On Friday, Nov. 13, hundreds of families got the devastating news that their precious loved ones were taken from them suddenly, unnaturally and

violently by terrorists.

St. Augustine, in his “Confessions,” states that sins of violence and vice originate from the lust for power and the gratification of the corrupt nature.

This perfectly captures the sick narcissism of the sponsors of terror, who entice women and children to blow themselves up and delight in filming the most barbaric acts for display to the world on social media. It was impossible not to contrast the lives of my loved ones with the lives of those suffering under the tyranny of ISIS. It was impossible not to recognize what a blessing it is to live in a peaceful, stable society. It was impossible not to cry out to God for relief for the suffering of so many around the world.

As Thanksgiving season surrounds us, go ahead and be busy with food preparation, shopping plans, and thoughts of the joy of the holiday season. But also take a moment to stop and reflect on the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday. It commemorates the peaceful interaction of two very different groups and reminds us of the highest and best in humanity. It reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made by so many of our ancestors to build the nation we now call home.

Most of all, Thanksgiving reminds us to stop and thank our Creator for all of the blessings in our lives. Augustine recognized that forgetting God was the root of all violence, when “each of us proudly sets his heart on some one part of your creation instead of on the whole.”

Step back, see the big picture, and be thankful.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Kids Christmas crafts at First Baptist Weddington WEDDINGTON – First Baptist Church of Weddington will hold a Children’s Christmas Craft Day on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children 3 years old through sixth grade are invited to come to the church and make special Christmas crafts.

Cost is $10 per child, which includes lunch. Register in advance at the church’s Welcome Center or by calling 704-846-6770.

First Baptist Church of Weddington is located at 348 Providence Road.

Stallings United Methodist to host Christmas events STALLINGS – Stallings United Methodist Church will host several Christmas events to celebrate the season.

The church’s choir and orchestra will present “Fantasia Noel” on Dec. 5 and 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary, which will feature seasonal favorites and holiday classics.

The Union Chorale will present “Christmas Potpourri” in the church’s

fellowship hall on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The church’s children’s choir will perform “Wrapping all the Way,” in the sanctuary on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.

Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall after the performance.

The church also will hold a contemporary Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. and a traditional candlelight service at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Stallings UMC is located at 1115 Stallings Road.

Central UMC Monroe to host Christmas concert MONROE – Central United Methodist Church of Monroe will hold its ninth annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary.

The chorus will feature selections from Jonathan Willcocks “Magnificat.”

Brass, organ and handbell selections will be included in the concert. James O’Dell will direct this year’s concert.

Pre-concert music will be provided by the Union Symphony Youth Chamber group “Allegro Strings.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Central UMC Monroe is located at 801 S. Hayne St.

Send faith notes to hannah@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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The Weekly

Calendar December

3

Republican Party Meeting

The Union County Republican Party will hold its monthly meeting and all Republicans are welcome to attend to discuss conservative solutions to local, state and federal issues.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for dinner and fellowship.

All meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month.

Visit www.UnionGOP.com for more information.

7 to 8:30 p.m.; Hilltop Fish Fare & Steakhouse, 1602 E. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

4

Town of Weddington Annual Tree Lighting

Weddington will invite community members to its annual Christmas Tree lighting with music, special performances by local school and church groups and cookies and hot chocolate.

The town is collecting new toys and nonperishable food items to be given to the Union County Christmas Bureau during the event. Participants will earn a ticket to be entered to win a prize for donating.

There also will be a special visit from Santa and the 2015 Weddington High School Carousel Representative Amber Parker.

The rain date is scheduled for Dec. 5. Call 704-846-2709 for more information.

5 to 7 p.m.; Weddington town hall, 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington

4

Stallings Christmas Tree Lighting and Annual Parade of Trees

The town of Stallings will host a tree lighting to welcome the holiday season and give children a chance to meet Santa.

Children 4 years old and younger can meet with Santa from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and then all ages can meet with Santa at 6:30 p.m. after the tree lighting.

The event also will feature live music, free treats and a craft ornament.

Contact Dena Sabinske at 704-821-8557 or dsabinske@admin.stallingsnc.org for more information.

6:30 p.m.; Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road, Stallings

4

Robinson Presbyterian Church Ballet Program

The Robinson Presbyterian Church Ballet will perform the “Nutcracker� for the community at the Next Level Church.

Tickets are $10 for general admission; $5 for students (college students must show school ID); and free for children 5 years old and younger with the purchase of a general admission ticket.

Email Emily Sharpe at emily.sharpe99@yahoo.com for more information.

7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday; Next Level Church, 4317 Stevens Mill Road, Stallings

Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 11

5

GingerSnap 5K

The 5K, which will start and finish on West North Main Street in downtown Waxhaw, will benefit Girls on the Run of Union County, an all-girls program that encourages positive body image and healthy lifestyles.

Registration costs $25 through Dec. 4 and $30 on Race Day. Race Day registration starts at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m., with awards to follow Jogging strollers will be permitted, but will be required to start at the back of the group. Headphones are discouraged.

Visit www.gingersnap5k.com for more information.

8 a.m.; 103 E. North Main St., Waxhaw

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Santa Paws Party

Thursday, Dec. 10 from 6-8pm Open House, refreshments, & free pet pictures with Santa *************

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A Carillon Christmas Concert

Come and celebrate the holiday season with a free concert of your favorite Christmas songs from The Holiday Singers.

Monetary donations will be collected to benefit Operation Reach Out to help local children and families in need.

Contact Tara Stone at 704-289-4555 or tara. stone@carillonassistedliving.com for more information.

1 to 3 p.m.; Carillon Assisted Living at Indian Trail, 5306 Secrest Short Cut Road, Monroe

5

7

Christmas on Main Street

The Siskey Family YMCA will be filled with vendors for attendees to purchase handcrafted and specialty gifts for the holiday season.

Vendor items will include jewelry, bags, cooking and nutrition, crafts, upcycled goods, hand-kitted gifts and specialty gifts.

Contact Melody Richardson at 704-7164262 or melody.richardson@ymcacharlotte. org for more information.

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

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Middle School Madness

Middle school students can spend their Saturday night at a high-energy event rather than on the couch. The event will feature music, dancing, hoops, contests, indoor soccer, gaming tournaments, dodgeball, foosball, ping-pong and concessions.

Tickets cost $9 and can be purchased at the door.

Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-716-4222 or andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

7:30 to 10 p.m.; Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

Festival of Wreaths Celebration

The event offers a way for local businesses and groups to celebrate the holiday season.

Attendees can enjoy food and fellowship and can tour the wreaths.

The event will feature a silent auction for all wreaths on display and all the proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Contact Tara Stone at 704-289-4555 or tara. stone@carillonassistedliving.com for more information.

4 to 6 p.m.; Carillon Assisted Living at Indian Trail, 5306 Secrest Short Cut Road, Monroe

Send calendar events to courtney@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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Page 12 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Sports

Monroe poised for semifinal date with East Lincoln

by Ben Doster

ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Top seeded Monroe avoided a Thanksgiving hangover, destroying Franklin, 50-7, in the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2AA state playoffs to advance to the semifinals.

The Redhawks will put their 14-0 (5-0 Rocky River) record on the line with the opportunity to play for a state championship at stake when they host No. 2-seeded East Lincoln (14-0, 7-0 Southern District 7) Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Monroe coach Johnny Sowell was pleased with his defensive unit that held Franklin to 80 yards of total offense.

Senior defensive backs Melvin Bonilla (two interceptions) and Desmen Robinson (one interception) kept Franklin from getting into a rhythm with its aerial attack, and gave Monroe more scoring opportunities with the turnovers they created.

“The whole defense, it starts up front,” Sowell said. “Those linebackers are making tackles, and the guys up front are doing their job.”

Junior quarterback Zephaniah Wall was firing on all cylinders, completing 10-17 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Senior all-

purpose back Braxton Knotts was lethal, making big plays as a runner and receiver; he rushed nine times for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and caught three passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Izaiah Thomas was active on both sides of the ball. Thomas led the team with 12 tackles, and filled in for the injured sophomore fullback McKinley Nelson, who was out with a concussion. He rushed six times for 45 yards and two touchdowns in Nelson’s stead.

You are cordially invited to attend

“Christmas Potpourri” A one-hour choral concert featuring music of the season

Presented by

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Friday, December 11, 2015 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 12, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.

Stallings United Methodist Church 1115 Stallings Road / Stallings, NC 28104 Holiday Refreshments will be served

Admission is free.

For additional information, contact Sandy McReynolds at 704-238-1555

“You’ve got to give a lot of credit to Izaiah Thomas,” Sowell said. “He had to do double dose. He had an overall pretty good game.”

Sowell said he hopes to have Nelson and senior linebacker Dontaviaus Covington back in the lineup for Friday’s game.

Covington, who was injured against Forbush, is second on the team in tackles with 142, while Nelson is Monroe’s second leading rusher with 111 carries for 619 yards and four touchdowns.

East Lincoln will be without their dynamic, dual-threat quarterback Chazz Surratt, a senior, who is committed to North Carolina.

Surratt, who dislocated the elbow on his throwing arm, confounded opposing defenses with his playmaking ability this season, completing 204-285 passes for 3,530 yards and 48 touchdowns to only five interceptions. He also led East Lincoln in rushing with 134 carries for 1,342 yards and 15 touchdowns.

His absence will leave a signifi-

cant void, throwing freshman Matthew Graham under center. Look for Monroe to get after Graham early. If the Redhawks pressure and rattle him from the get-go it could be a long night for the Mustangs.

East Lincoln still has multiple offensive weapons.

Graham is supported by a talented duo of receivers – Sage Surratt (84 receptions for 1,632 yards and 23 touchdowns) and Cameron Dollar (53 receptions for 997 yards and 15 touchdowns). Senior running back Coleton Banks, who has been a load for opponents, has amassed 909 yards and 12 touchdowns on 130 carries.

“Any time somebody is replaced that’s a key player you still have to focus on that other kid as well,” Sowell said. “They probably won’t have their whole playbook for the freshman.”

Sowell said Graham looked impressive from what he saw on tape.

“We’re going to prepare for him and what we’ve seen, but we’re also going to prepare for what they do overall offensively,” Sowell said.

Monroe scrimmaged East Lincoln in the preseason, which gives it some familiarity with the Mustangs and how they operate on both sides of the ball, but this will be the Redhawks greatest challenge since they beat Weddington 45-38 in triple overtime Sept. 11.

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Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 13

Sports

2015 boys’ cross-country Super Team Jacob Lipsey Marvin Ridge

Runner of the year Mitchell Resor Weddington

Marvin Ridge junior Jacob Lipsey is an ever-improving young runner, who put Union County on notice for next season after a strong finish this fall. He came in 10th in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (17 minutes and six seconds) and ninth in the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (16:31).

Weddington’s Resor rose to an elite level others struggled to keep up with in his senior season with the Warriors. The North Carolina signee showed his college-ready talent on the biggest of stages, winning the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (15 minutes and 39 seconds), the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (15:29) and finished runner-up at the state championship (16:21.33).

Tate Johnson Metrolina Christian Metrolina Christian’s Tate Johnson has been the team’s No. 1 runner since he was an eighth grader. The freshman phenom won the MAC Championship (17 minutes and 22.7 seconds), and finished 12th in the NCISAA 3A state championship (16:53.30).

Matthew Conner Weddington Conner was consistently the Warriors No. 2 runner, making him him the second best runner in Union County. Conner finished runner-up in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (16 minutes and 11 seconds) and the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (15:47), and placed fourth in the state championship (16:43.51).

Grant Wood Cuthbertson Cuthbertson’s Grant Wood’s senior season was one to remember. Wood didn’t shy away from the major moments. The senior standout finished sixth in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (16 minutes and 53 seconds) and 13th in the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (16:39).

Colton Jordan Weddington Weddington senior Colton Jordan made the most of his final season with the Warriors. Jordan fought his way to third place in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (16 minutes and 27 seconds), persevered to fifth place in the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (16:09), and finished ninth in the state championship (16:57.24).

Kyle Hinson Weddington Weddington junior Kyle Hinson showed regularly throughout the season why he’s one of the elite runners in Union County, and should be at or near the top as a senior next fall.

Hinson placed fourth in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (16 minutes and 29 seconds), and came in 10th in the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (16:32).

Alex Hazan Weddington Alex Hazan enjoyed a successful senior season, as he helped lead the charge for the Warriors. Hazan performed well against elite competition, finishing third in the NCHSAA 3A Midwest Regional (16 minutes and three seconds) and fifth in the Southern Carolinas Conference Championship (16:40). He’s receiving interest from top-tier schools.

Coach of the Year Rick Spencer Weddington Second Team Josh Weirich CATA Alec Merrill CATA Gabriel Sosa CATA

Philip Abernathy Parkwood Greg Rinn Weddington Mason Bhatia Marvin Ridge Matthew Climbingbear Piedmont Will Cachine Cuthbertson

The Weekly

Sports Shorts Porter Ridge High School in search for new football coach to replace Bevilacqua Porter Ridge’s football program hasn’t been the same since Blair Hardin left following the 2012 season after guiding the Pirates to two consecutive state championship appearances.

The Pirates began to go downhill under Greg Neuendorf (8-5, 4-2 Southwestern 4A), who only coached Porter Ridge for one season.

Porter Ridge declined significantly under Zach Bevilacqua’s watch, which is why he was relieved of his duties. The Pirates went 3-19 (3-9 Southwestern 4A) during his two seasons at the helm.

Forest Hills High School football coach and athletics director to retire this year John Lowery coached his final football game at Forest Hills Nov. 13 when the Yellow Jackets (8-4, 4-1 Rocky River) lost to East Burke, 35-27, in the first round of the NCHSAA 2AA state playoffs.

Lowery spent 38 years at Forest Hills, where he also played high school football. He was the head coach for 30 seasons, and served as an assistant coach for eight seasons. Lowery compiled an overall record of 266 wins and 122 losses.

“Growing up here in this community, I really never thought of anything else,” Lowery said. “We were pretty successful.

The community was good to me. The school, the faculty, the administration was good. I was happy. I was able to stay close to my family and my wife’s family, so it was good.

“Obviously, I feel very fortunate to have been able to stay here and to be able to do the things we were able to do.”

Forest Hills athletics director Warren Taylor also will retire.

His final day at the school will be March 1. Taylor was on staff

at Forest Hills for 10 years. He also coached boys and girls’ basketball during his time with the Yellow Jackets.

“I have loved my time at Forest Hills,” Taylor said. “I have enjoyed the folks I work with. I’ve enjoyed the community, but most of all I just have a special place in my heart for the kids and particularly the athletes here. I can’t say enough about our kids. We’ve got really good kids at Forest Hills High School.”

Send sports news to ben@carolinaweekly newspapers.com

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 14 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

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980-622-7833

704-776-4250

Call

Lic. NC & SC & Insured Over 30 years experience

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Full Service Contractors

Home Repair & Remodeling

Call Mitch

704-622-0654

704-254-5381

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Turn to Union County Weekly for all your service needs!

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Union County Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 15

Carolina Weekly Classifieds Network

To advertise, visit www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

s #LASSIlEDS ARE ADVERTISED IN 3OUTH #HARLOTTE 7EEKLY 5NION #OUNTY 7EEKLY AND -ATTHEWS -INT (ILL 7EEKLY s Vehicles for sale

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MORE!

references. Call Martina at (704) 628-5504 or (516) 554-3960.

JETBLUE, BOEING, DELTA, AND OTHERS- START HERE WITH HERO MILES - to find out more HANDS ON TRAINING FOR FAA BEST PAINTERS 80.00 PER about how you can help our CERTIFICATION. FINANCIAL AID ROOM Best prices and service. service members, veterans IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION Our services include painting, and their families in their time INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE sheetrock repair and installation, of need, visit the Fisher House 1-866-724-5403 popcorn repair and removal, website at www.fisherhouse.org carpentry, handyman, light SWITCH & SAVE EVENT from plumbing and electrical. Free Acorn Stairlifts.

The DirecTV! Packages starting Estimates 704-240-2258 AFFORDABLE solution to your at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & SONIA E. PEREZ, CPA, PC Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/ Direct & SAVE. Please call DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Your taxes are my business 1-800-211-9233 for FREE DVD Ticket Included with Select 704-200-6659 and brochure.

Packages. Some exclusions Sonia.Perez.CPA.PC@gmail.com The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation myveryownaccountant.wordpress.com apply - Call for details 1-800Avenue, New York,Sales N.Y. Corporation 10018 The 620 NewEighth York Times Syndication AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH 421-2049 Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 620For Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 ForFor Release Monday, 23, 2015 Information Call:November 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, November 17, 2015

HELP WANTED Help wanted Looking for help cleaning office space in Monroe, Matthews nights and Concord during the day must have own car. Must be able to pass background check. Interested call 704-4389785 leave message.

FINANCIAL

FINANCIAL

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SERVICES

SERVICES

Providing care for your loved ones.

Sitter/companion with 15 years healthcare and rehabilitation therapy experience. (704) 275-4237 or (919) 771-6671.

Flooring Experts: tile, showers, backsplash, carpet.

Commercial & Residential hardwood, laminate, vinyl vct.

Insurance and 100% warranty free estimates. Call Francisco Escobar with Anything Custom Construction 704 977-7859.

121815 European cleaning woman looking for job cleaning house, office, or apartment. I have 18 years of experience and good

Miscellaneous MISCELLANEOUS

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Onlinesubscriptions: subscriptions:Today’s Today’spuzzle puzzleand andmore morethan than7,000 7,000past past Online puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

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Read Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords.

Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 16 | December 4, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Healthier together Sign up now for classes and events, or visit NovantHealth.org/localevents Preparing to parent a baby Dec. 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Learn the necessary tools to parent a newborn, including styles of parenting, bonding, sleep techniques, scheduling and self-care. Parents should attend during the last three months of pregnancy. $15 for individual, $25 per couple.

Registration required: 704-384-4949

Girlology: Conversations that Matter

Guyology: Just the Facts

Preparing for a hysterectomy Breastfeeding Basics

Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.

Dec. 13, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For fourth and fifth grade boys and their dads. When boys learn about puberty before it happens, they face it with greater confidence and even excitement. This is the perfect time to start healthy, factual conversations. $75 per parent-child pair. Registration required: girlology.com

Be prepared if you are having a hysterectomy or considering having one. Learn about the hospital experience and what to expect during recovery.

Support person is welcome. $10. Registration required.

Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Learn everything you need to know about getting a good start with breastfeeding. Expectant mothers are encouraged to bring their partner, support person or family member.

Taught by a board-certified lactation consultant. $30 Novant Health (support person attends free).

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Presbyterian Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte Registration required.

Novant Health 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte Novant Health Novant Health Matthews Presbyterian Medical Center Presbyterian Medical Center Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews For fourth and fifth grade girls and their moms. When girls learn about puberty before it happens, they face it with greater confidence. $75 per parent-child pair. Registration required: girlology.com

Take control of your health with our innovative, online tools. Visit MyNovant.org and schedule your own doctor’s appointment today.

Find health topics and classes based on your needs: NovantHealth.org/localevents. Call 704-384-CARE (2273) to register for classes, unless noted. Š Novant Health, Inc. 2015

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