Union County Weekly by Charlotte Media Group

Union County

Helms’s House

Stallings artist puts kitchenware to creative use page 10

page 20

Serving Indian Trail, Marvin, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington and Wesley Chapel

Locally Owned & Operated www.unioncountyweekly.com

Volume 10, Number 4 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015

Marvin mom collaborates with Marvin Ridge junior to create children’s book by Courtney Schultz education@unioncountyweekly.com

A banner now waves in front of Providence Volunteer Fire Department to commemorate a jump in the department’s ISO rating Ryan Pitkin/UCW photo

Providence Volunteer Fire Department announces new, improved safety rating by Ryan Pitkin editor@unioncountyweekly.com

Jack Parks, president of the Providence Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD), announced to a room full of firefighters, their loved ones and government officials on Saturday that the department’s hard work had paid off to garner them an improved public protection rating from the state. The department was recently given a four rating by the North Carolina Office of the State Fire

Marshall (OSFM), putting it in the top 10 percent of North Carolina’s fire departments. The ISO rating, once given by the Insurance Services Office gave the grade, rates fire departments on all aspects of their operations as determined by an OSFM inspector. The inspector spends about a week with a department watching the firefighters work, running tests, looking into records of past tests and making other observations.

MARVIN – Marvin resident Melinda Nielsen has been a devoted mother for nearly two decades, which inspired her to write a children’s book that features illustrations from a Marvin Ridge High School junior. Nielsen recently published her first children’s book, “Oh, No. Not a Babysitter. Not Tonight!” which addresses the idea of having a babysitter from a child’s perspective. The Marvin resident said she became interested in writing children’s books after she had her two children, Bryce and Sarah, and reading countless books with them. “Whatever lights your child up is just magic, and you foster that love of reading as much as you can,” Nielsen said. “You hone in on what your child loves as much as you can.” Nielsen’s idea for the book came after she would sometimes leave Bryce, who today attends college, with a babysitter while the family lived in Florida. Being an only child at the time, her son was skeptical about any babysitter. “Not Tonight!” highlights different potential babysitters, such as aliens, monsters or clowns and explores how a child might perceive a babysitter. Nielsen always knew she wanted to be a writer, but experienced many obstacles before making her dream come true. She received multiple rejection letters

(see PVFD on page 4)

(see Local Author on page 12)

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Education, 12; Honor Roll, 14; A&E, 16; Calendar, 18; Sports, 20; Classifieds, 23

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Page 2 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Union County Weekly

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News

Walmart opens new ‘community-centered’ grocery store in Waxhaw by Ryan Pitkin editor@unioncountyweekly.com

WAXHAW – After many years of trying, Walmart has finally created a presence within Waxhaw, albeit a smaller one than what was proposed nearly a decade ago. On Jan. 7, the company opened a new Neighborhood Market location at the intersection of N.C. 16 and Cuthbertson Road. At 41,000 square feet, the store is about a quarter of the size of a Walmart Supercenter, one of which was denied by town council in 2006 after residents spoke against it. The new store mostly sells groceries, but also includes a pharmacy and a small amount of non-food items. Store manager Anna Stickle said the market has been “very well received” by customers in its first two weeks of operation. “People love the store, they love the variety,” Stickle said. “The smaller format is more convenient for the shopper, and they don’t have to fight the traffic that comes with a big box to get out.” She said the store has taken in more customers than her management team had originally planned for. “We were planning on a very good response, but it’s been a little more than even we estimated,” Stickle said. The store has had about 1,700 people walk through its doors daily since opening, she said. About 95 full-time and part-time employees work at the location. Stickle has lived in Waxhaw for 30 years. She has worked for Walmart for 25 years and been in locations such as Monroe, Charlotte and York, South Carolina. She said besides not having to fight traffic, she’s also happy to be working in her hometown because she is familiar with the community and constantly sees people she has known for years. “I’ve seen the growth of this community over the years,

and having a Walmart finally in this area I believe was well needed,” Stickle said. “The people that are moving into this area needed another avenue for shopping. I know they turned down the big supercenter many years ago, but the smaller format is where the company is going right now.” Stickle was referring to an attempt by Walmart to build a much larger store on Waxhaw Parkway in 2006 – an attempt that was denied by the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners. Waxhaw resident Gay Diller, who led the fight against that Walmart years ago, said the lack of opposition to the new Neighborhood Market had to do with size and location. The new store is further away from the historic downtown area, where many residents are protective of local businesses. In 2006, there were multiple local businesses in the area trying to get off the ground, and that hit a nerve with residents who didn’t want them affected, Diller said. The new store also meets size requirements put in place by commissioners after the first Walmart debate in 2006 to prevent a big box store, such as a supercenter, being built in Waxhaw. “Now it’s a different economic time and there are many more people living in the area,” Diller said. “It meets the new square footage requirements. I’m kind of neutral to it.” Diller said she has seen some backlash against the Neighborhood Market and Waxhaw Mayor Daune Gardner on social media sites. Gardner stated in 2011 that there would “probably never be a Walmart here.” Her appearance at the Neighborhood Market ribbon-cutting inspired heckles from residents on Waxhaw-related Facebook pages that Diller thought were unfair. “She is no hypocrite. She helped put in place requirements

Ryan Pitkin/UCW photo

to stop a large Walmart from coming,” Diller said. “You can’t ban an entire business from coming to town.” Gardner declined to comment for this story. Stickle said her management team has worked to make shopping at the Neighborhood Market a personalized experience, and will continue to do so. She said she has listened to requests from customers, many of which differ from the research done by the company’s home office, and worked to meet those demands. “People are asking for more organics in the produce area. We’ve found that our shoppers are more healthy eaters,” Stickle said. “If the overall response is that customers want these products, then we try to get them in the building.” Waxhaw resident Peggy Whitney was pleased with the new grocery option after shopping there recently. She believes the new store is more convenient, while not being overly crowded. “I’m glad that I don’t have to go to Monroe anymore for Walmart prices,” Whitney said. “And I like that it’s not a (supercenter).”

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

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Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 3

News

PVFD (continued from page 1)

STAFF WRITERS WANTED Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group has open positions in the newsroom. The group publishes the South Charlotte Weekly, Union County Weekly, MatthewsMint Hill Weekly, and The Pineville Pilot from our south Charlotte newsroom.

REQUIREMENTS These positions will be responsible for writing content for three weekly papers and one monthly paper in the Charlotte region. The right candidates should be prepared to write eight to 10 articles a week, take photos, copyedit and participate in weekly budget meetings to give input on story ideas from our editors. These positions will cover a variety of topics, ranging from government coverage to feature writing. The candidates should be versed in AP style; comfortable working mornings, evenings and weekends; and have experience covering community news. Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, references and three to five published articles. Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and a portfolio showing their recent work to Alain Lillie at alain@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.

Page 4 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Union County Weekly

The rating system works on a scale of one to 10, with one being the most effective. For many years, the PVFD operated with a six ISO rating. The jump to four during the most recent inspection was the result of years of constant training by the department, said Kenny Schott, chief of PVFD. “We were constantly working toward this every day with our daily activities,” Schott said. “We’ve been steadily preparing for this ever since the last one.” Parks made the announcement at the PVFD’s annual banquet, held at the Firethorne Country Club in Marvin. The crowd of nearly 35 firefighters and about 100 people total cheered when the number was unveiled by rolling back a sheet to uncover a banner that now flies in front of the station. In attendance were firefighters, fire officials and elected representatives on a local, county and state level. Parks welcomed a list of guests before announcing the new rating which included Weddington town councilmembers Don Titherington and Pamela Hadley; Union County Commissioner Chair Richard Helms; N.C. Rep. Craig Horn; and N.C. Sen. Tommy Tucker. Before the new rating, was announced some of the elected officials addressed the crowd shortly and thanked the PVFD for their work. “Our families, our kids and our neighbors look to you all and appreciate very much what you do,” Horn said. “The sacrifices you make, the training, the hours and the dedication; it’s a passion and it’s a calling and I can’t thank you enough.” Tucker spoke about some of the work he and Horn had done with other state legislatures in recent years to improve the state’s Workman’s Compensation Fund and help increase the retirement fund for firefighters as well. “I thank you for all that you do, on behalf of Weddington and (the western) end of the county,” Tucker said. “I don’t believe that there’s a better bang for your buck with any governmental agency than (for volunteer firefighters). Volunteer firefighters have put their efforts forward and their families make sacrifices so that they can serve the community.” Before announcing the new ISO rating, Parks defended the legitimacy of the rating itself, which

he said was discredited in a recent fire study about PVFD by McGrath Consulting Group. The report emphasized that a department’s operations are only taken into consideration as 50 percent of the ISO rating. Forty percent of the rating is related to water supply standards, such as water pressure and hydrant placement. Parks pointed out that in Weddington, where most of PVFD’s fire district is, issues with the water supply have left that responsibility up to the department itself. Large areas in the town lack fire hydrants and residents in the northern parts of Weddington have struggled with low water pressure for years. “The water supply does cover 40 percent (of the ISO rating). Nearly half of our coverage area does not have hydrants. We have to bring the water with our tankers and water shuttles,” Parks said. “In those areas, and even where the hydrants are, we are the water supply.” The remaining 10 percent of consideration for the ISO rating is related to communications, such as emergency dispatch. Parks said he was “extremely proud” of the department for not settling for a six ISO rating. “They could have gone through the motions to keep what they had or to slightly improve, but they did everything they could to get the best rating and the results show that,” he said. “The residents should feel comfortable knowing that they have one of the best fire department ratings available to them.” Of the 1,538 fire departments in North Carolina, 151 have a rating of four or better. The Monroe Fire Department, with a three ISO rating, is the only other department in Union County to be rated four or lower. The PVFD has the best rating among the 18 volunteer departments in Union County. For PVFD secretary Judy Johnston, the new rating is an acknowledgement of all the hard work she has witnessed over the years. “There’s no department around here that has been looked up one side and down the other the way the PVFD has,” Johnston said. “We have struggled for years with the county and then with forming a municipal fire district (in Weddington) to let people know that we’re a great department. This is vindication. We can begin to focus on our true intention, which is to serve the community.”

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News Charges dropped in murder case of Monroe teen by Courtney Schultz courtney@unioncountyweekly.com

The only man charged for the 2010 disappearance of 16-yearold Monroe student Phylicia Barnes was released by a judge in Baltimore, Maryland Phylicia Barnes on Jan. 20. Michael Maurice Johnson was charged with second-degree murder, among other charges, in Barnesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; disappearance, but the judge ruled there was insufficient evidence for the murder trial against Johnson to continue. The Union Academy studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body was found floating in the Susquehanna River in spring 2011, after she went missing in 2010 while visiting family in Baltimore. Investigators had ruled the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death a homicide and had said Johnson, who was the ex-boyfriend of Phylicia Barnesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sister, was the last person to see the 16-year-old alive. Prosecutors alleged Johnson raped the teen, strangled her, placed her body in a plastic container and threw the container in the water, where she was later found. A third trial date had been set last month for the murder trial to take place in March after two mistrials. A judge declared a

second mistrial in Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case on Dec. 22, 2014 because of complications with the prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evidence. The ruling came after evidence was submitted to jurors that the prosecution and defense agrees would not reach the jury, according to representatives from Maryland courts. The judge determined the mistake was not intentional. That trial came after a February 2013 conviction on second-degree murder charges was overturned after difficulties regarding a key witness, the Union County Weekly reported a few weeks ago. Barnesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family spoke to multiple media outlets stating they were â&#x20AC;&#x153;shockedâ&#x20AC;? and plan to â&#x20AC;&#x153;keep their daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory alive.â&#x20AC;? Prosecutors say they plan to appeal the judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision. Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby released a statement after the decision that read, "I want to be clear that there was no prosecutorial misconduct in this case. The court agreed there was no misconduct in its prior ruling in December, and again today. We respectfully disagree with the court's decision today based on the fact that the defense waived their right to a ruling on a motion for judgment of acquittal. According to State v. Sirbaugh, 27 Md. App. 290, 294, 339 A.2d 697, 699 (1975), the court had no jurisdiction to grant the acquittal and we will be seeking an appeal on those grounds."

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Union County Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5

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Roger Fish (left), who serves on multiple Indian Trail committees chats with Jason Tryon, assistant director of the Parks and Recreation department, chat at appreciation night. Photo courtesy of Indian Trail

Indian Trail shows appreciation for board and committee members INDIAN TRAIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the town of Indian Trail hosted an appreciation night for all members of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight boards and committees for the volunteer work they do behind the scenes. Indian Trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three boards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ABC Board, Board of Adjustment and Planning Board â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and five committees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC); Parks, Art, Recreation and Culture (PARC) Committee; Public Safety Committee; Stormwater Committee; and Transportation Advisory Committee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were well represented at the event, according to a press release describing the event. Town Manager Joe Fivas welcomed the nearly 30 attendees, as they snacked on hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and chatted with each other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We at the town of Indian Trail recognize the input and influence each board and committee member has in the town,â&#x20AC;? Fivas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thank them for everything they do.â&#x20AC;?

Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez and councilmembers Gordon Daniels, David Cohn and David Drehs also spoke at the event, according to the release. The elected officials thanked the boards and committees for their commitment to the town, while six chairs and one vice-chair were present to thank the town for its continuing support.

Woman holds Union County fundraisers to represent North Carolina in pageant Rebecca Edelman has been selected by Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. Miss scholarship program to represent North Carolina during four days of competition in Clearwater, Florida in July. While winning the North Carolina selection means Edelmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry fees will be covered, she still has to pay her own travel expenses. To help with those, Edelman will be holding two fundraisers in western Union County to help cover traveling expenses as well as raise money for local charities. On Monday, Jan. 26, Edelman will be hosting a fundraiser at Bisonteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza in Stallings that will help her travel to Florida and also will raise money for the Make-AWish Foundation, the U.S. Miss programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest sponsor. A certain amount of all purchases at the location on that day will go towards Edelmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts. She also plans to hold another fundraiser at Hwy 55 Burgers in Indian Trail on Feb. 26, a Thursday, from 5 p.m. until the business closes. Edelman has decided to donate at least 25 percent of the funds raised to the foundation even if she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach her goal for travel expenses. If she exceeds her goal, all remaining money will go to Make-A-Wish and to local domestic violence shelters. Edelman and her mother were victims of domestic abuse until Edelman turned

18, when the two of them decided to leave her abusive stepfather. She now hopes that success in beauty pageants will give her the chance to educate more young girls about the realities of domestic abuse and to let victims know they can find happiness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an experience that I learned from,â&#x20AC;? Edelman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to open peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes to a topic thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not very discussed. Winning the national competition would help get me out in the field and help kids around the country who are at risk or suffering through it.â&#x20AC;? Donations can also be made at www. gofundme.com/eb62xw.

Body of fisherman found in Cane Creek Park WAXHAW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After nearly a weeklong search, rescue crews pulled the body of local fisherman Josh Chapman from a pond at Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw on Thursday, Jan. 15. Chapman went into the water on Friday, Jan. 9 when the canoe he and his wife were fishing on capsized. His wife was able to swim to shore and call for help, but rescuers had to spend the next week searching for the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body in water that reaches 80 feet deep in some areas. In a release announcing the recovery, the office of the Union County Board of Commissioners (UCBOC) and County Manager thanked the Charlotte Fire Department, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe Fire Department, North Carolina Wildlife Commission, York County,, South Carolina Search and Rescue, Union County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Union County Emergency Management, Cane Creek Park staff and the Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross for its assistance and support during the search. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of Union County, I would like to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family of Mr. Chapman,â&#x20AC;? Richard Helms, chairman of the UCBOC, said.

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Page 6 â&#x20AC;˘ Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Union County Weekly

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News Union County Weekly

Crime Blotter The following people were arrested in western Union County between Jan. 15 and 21, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Indian Trail • Adrian Giles, 4000 block of Edgeview Drive: Simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 15 • Steven Walters, 3400 block of Braefield Road: Theft from motor vehicle. Jan. 15 • Everett Thomas, 4000 block of City Lights Drive: Assault on a female. Jan. 15 • Tyler Dellinger, 1000 block of Secret Garden Court: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 16 • Alexis Kramer, 1400 block of Cottage Creek Road: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 16 • Michael Fisher, 4700 block of Rocky Pine Court: Drunk and disruptive. Jan. 16 • Christopher Williams, 2200 block of Genesis Drive: Indecent liberties with a child. Jan. 16 • Everett Thomas, 4000 block of City Lights Drive: Assault by strangulation. Jan. 16 • Steven Walters, 3400 block of Braefield Drive: Felony breaking and entering. Jan. 16 • Cathy Blankenship, 13700 block of East Independence Boulevard: Shoplifting. Jan. 17

• Itzumi Hernandez, 5800 block of Brick Landing Drive: Communicating threats. Jan. 17 • Horace Taylor, 2600 block of Faircroft Way: Driving while impaired. Jan. 17 • Joseph Reasor, 3100 block of Faircroft Way: Driving while impaired. Jan. 17 • Lee Edge, 200 block of Bryson Road: Second-degree trespassing. Jan. 17 • Christy Horton, 3400 block of Haywood Road: Simple assault. Jan. 18 • Ie’shia Horton, 3400 block of Haywood Road: Assault and battery. Jan. 18 • Michael Oster, 400 block of North Catawba Circle: Misdemeanor larceny. Jan. 19 • Douglas Lambert, 9400 block of Machado Circle: Jan. 21

Lake Park • Krystal Hawkins, 6900 block of Creft Circle: Misuse of 911. Jan. 17

Stallings • Yelena Gurlov, 3000 block of Strawberry Road: Obtaining property by false pretenses. Jan. 15 • Reginald Jones, 14000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Driving while impaired. Jan. 17 • Frederick Birkmaier, 15000 block of Idlewild Road: Possession of marijuana. Jan. 17 • Julian Ramirez, 13000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Driving while impaired. Jan. 18

Waxhaw • James Allen, 9500 block of Huey Boulevard: Theft from motor vehicle. Jan. 16 • Byron Gaymon, 4000 block of South Providence Road: Driving while impaired. Jan. 17 • Keith Lawrence, 300 block of Howie Street: Assault on a child under 12. Jan. 18 • Johnathan Dini, 100 block of South Broome Street: Disorderly conduct. Jan. 20 • Thomas Braunius, 4100 block of Eutaw Drive: Injury to real property. Jan. 20

Weddington • Tiffany Greene, 13600 Providence Road: Simple assault. Jan. 20

Wesley Chapel • Jose Rodriguez, 5500 block of New Town Road: Driving while impaired. Jan. 17 The following crimes were committed in western Union County between Jan. 15 and 21, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Indian Trail Home/Business Break-ins • 5500 block of Orr Road: $150 hot water heater and $100 worth of hand tools stolen from commercial building during break-in. Jan. 15

• 3000 block of Unionville Indian Trail Road: $15,000 cash and $150 necklace stolen and $300 damage done to sliding door during home break-in. Jan. 20

Vehicle Break-ins • 3000 block of Thistlewood Circle: $350 cash stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 4000 block of Shadow Pines Circle: $12 in change stolen when two vehicles were broken into. Jan. 15 • 4000 block of Shadow Pines Circle: $1 in change stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 3800 block of Edgeview Drive: $1 in change stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 1100 block of Saratoga Boulevard: $3,500 in damage done to Chevy Malibu during break-in. Nothing was stolen. Jan. 15 • 1000 block of Bimelech Drive: Nothing listed as stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 4100 block of Hunters Trail Drive: Nothing listed as stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 2100 block of Hunters Trail Drive: $5 cash stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 15 • 3100 block of Hunters Trail Drive: Nothing listed as stolen when two vehicles were broken into. Jan. 15 • 4700 block of Granite Court: iPod, lighter and registration sticker, worth $80 total, stolen from vehicle during break-in. Jan. 18 (see Crime Blotter on page 8)

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News

Crime Blotter (continued from page 7)

Property Theft • Walgreens, 13720 E. Independence Blvd.: $27 worth of hygiene products and $18 thermometer stolen from business. Jan. 17 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $58 hunting pants stolen from business. Jan. 19 • 4100 block of Woodcreek Court: $300 weed trimmer stolen. Jan. 19 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: Attempted larceny of $80 worth of miscellaneous merchandise. Jan. 20

• 3900 block of Planters Place: Seconddegree trespassing. Jan. 17 • 2000 block of Great Falls Drive: Animal bite. Jan. 18 • 4300 block of Old Monroe Road: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 20

Waxhaw Property Theft • 2800 block of Julian Glen Circle: $25 key fob stolen. Jan. 15 • 1700 block of Crane Road: $500 iPhone stolen. Jan. 20

Vandalism/Hit-and-run Vandalism/Hit-and-run • 2000 block of Enderbury Drive: $75 in damage done to landscaping during vandalism incident. Jan. 16 • 1100 block of Kinder Oak Drive: $100 damage done to two homes in vandalism incident. Jan. 17

Financial Crimes/Fraud

• 8500 block of Chilcomb Court: $250 damage done to glass door of home in vandalism incident. Jan. 17

Miscellaneous • 1200 block of Farm Creek Road: Allowing livestock to run at large. Jan. 16

• 3000 block of Early Rise Avenue: Telecommunications fraud. Jan. 17

Miscellaneous

Wesley Chapel Financial Crimes/Fraud

• 6100 block of Flaggstone Lane: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Jan. 16

• 1100 block of Dobson Road: Credit card fraud. Jan. 19

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2015

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Health & Wellness (Content-focused Issues) As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year. Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyperlocal stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful featurestories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2

Summer Camp Guide (Content-focused sections) Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a costeffective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

Issue date:

Home Sales

Back to School

(Monthly section)

(Content-focused issue) It’s back to the books and basics with advertisements in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.

Issue date:

August 14

February 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

2nd Issue of the Month

Whether it’s branding, listings, open houses, or mortgage rates and offers, our monthly Home Sales section is a perfect fit. In the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area. Space is very limited, so don’t miss out and call to reserve your space today for this monthly section dedicated to your industry … home sales.

Performing Arts Preview 2015-2016 (Special pullout section) Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

Issue date:

September 25 South Charlotte, Union County and Matthews-Mint Hill 55,000 circulation

Culinary Corner (Monthly section) 1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the bestread sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

Arts & Entertainment (Bi-monthly section)

2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market. From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered.

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 9

News

Local artist goes all in, turning passion to profession Neva Starr stands in her Stallings backyard, which is filled with countless beautiful pieces of art that look ready for shipment. This large collection consists only of her works-inprogress. “That’s been the hardest part about this whole process,” said the hobbyist-turned-professional artist who turns household items and pieces from nature into enchanting yard art. “As an artist I can always look at a piece and see something that needs to be done to it. It’s taken a long time to get over that, to where I realize people really like this stuff as it is.” Starr has always been artistic. She used to practice photography, but the digital age made it hard professionally and she turned to making things out of wood and metal. One day she decided to place a couple of pieces she had built up on Etsy, an online marketplace where people sell and buy unique items. Her pieces sold quickly, and within six months she had quit her job and was selling her art full-time. “It was pretty quick,” Starr said. “Within six months or so, I was saying, ‘There’s just no way I can do both anymore.’ It all really took me by surprise.” Starr uses a mix of metal utensils, such as spoons that are sliced and bent to form fish (a design she recently acquired a patent for), and natural items such as driftwood that she collects with her family at local lakes. The dark brown wood contrasts with the glinting silver, sending rays of light bouncing in each direction. She makes many other pieces that range from glass bulbs to

Wellness

2015 As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year. Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyper-local stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful feature-stories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Circulation: 25,000 Readership: 54,675

Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Page 10 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Union County Weekly

art fairs. She has participated in shows in Charlotte, Concord and Matthews, but hopes to see some closer to home. “There is no arts scene in Stallings,” she said, laughing. “I think I am the arts scene in Stallings. I’m sure if I get out there and do more shows in the area I will meet more people doing artistic work, but working here at home, it’s hard to meet those people.” Visit Neva’s online shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ nevastarr.

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CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

Jan. 30 April 24 July 24 Oct. 2

Photo courtesy of Twisted Metals

beds • dinnerware • ID tags • travel gear

Health&

sculptures that resemble ivory. Starr said the transition to selling her art wasn’t scary, thanks to help from her husband Joe, who worked a successful job, albeit working third shift. In June, Joe was able to quit his job as well and he now helps her with shipping art while also doing lawncare services on the side. “We’ve been married for ten years and he’s been working third shift for most of that,” Starr said. “One of the goals I had with my shop was to be able to get it to the point to where he could leave his job. We finished that goal and here I am making more goals and I’m going to go from there.” Joe said it’s been “interesting” working with Neva whenever she needs the help. “Christmas was definitely an interesting time,” Joe said. “There were 40 to 50 orders coming in every day.” Neva said she is content with keeping her shop, titled “Twisted Metals” on Etsy, online and has no plans for expansion anytime soon. “Right now I have 800 to 1,000 people come through my shop every day,” Neva said. “To have a retail shop that pulls that kind of business, it would be extremely difficult to reach that point.” Neva currently works with about 50 wholesale clients worldwide, but would like to get more of her work in local stores – the only local venue that carried her art, Patina Home and Gift in Stallings, recently closed its doors. She also hopes to someday donate her work to public parks in Stallings or have it placed in areas where she has been allowed to search for driftwood, such as Lake Wylie. She also plans to continue to test the waters at local

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Construction crews have begun preliminary clearing work at a proposed retail site across from Ballantyne Town Center. Ryan Pitkin/UCW photo

Red Ventures not involved with land buys just north of Union County by Ryan Pitkin editor@unioncountyweekly.com

Despite speculation that South Carolina-based web marketing firm Red Ventures was behind the recent purchases of two blocks of land at the intersection of Johnston Road and Providence Road West, it appears the purchases are unrelated. While Red Ventures does have money invested in York Development Group, which currently owns a 12.5-acre parcel of land at the intersection, the company was not part of the decision to purchase the land, according to sources close to both companies. The intersection is less than three miles north of Marvin in Union County. The recent purchase of 7.5 acres of land connected to the York Development plot by another group, which is also affiliated with Red Ventures, sparked rumors that the marketing firm, which has been increasing its presence in Charlotte and Fort Mill, South Carolina over the past year, had plans to expand to Ballantyne. The relation between the two is simply a coincidence, said Charley Leavitt, senior vice president of Jones Lang Lasalle, a real estate firm representing York Development’s rights at the current site. “As far as I know, (Red Ventures) was not involved in the decision to buy that land,” Leavitt said. Officials with Red Ventures also denied any direct involvement with the purchase of the land, which sits directly across from Ballantyne Town Center, a Publix-anchored shopping center that opened within the last year. “Our campus is in Indian Land and that’s where we plan to expand in terms of employee space,” Maghan Cook, spokesperson for Red Ventures, said. “There are no current plans that I’m aware of to open any new space in Charlotte.” In June, Red Ventures opened a third, 180,000-square-foot building on the www.unioncountyweekly.com

Indian Land campus and announced plans to bring 1,800 new employees in by the beginning of 2015. The land recently purchased in Ballantyne sits only 3 miles from the current Indian Land location. As for the land at the corner of Providence Road West and Johnston Road, York Development plans to have it rezoned for retail space before building a 120,000-150,000-square-foot complex that will include retail stores, a hotel and a bank. Bank of North Carolina has already committed to building a branch at the site, Leavitt said. York Development is a Ballantynebased development group that owns multiple properties in the area, including the Five Guys site near the Johnston Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway intersection and retail developments on North Community House Road. It is still unclear what is planned for the smaller piece of land between the York Development parcel and Dixie Hills Drive. Red Ventures has opened one campus in Charlotte’s University area after leaving for Lancaster, South Carolina in 2009. They recently announced plans to expand that campus to 580 employees over the next five years. Technology firm Silver Lake announced this month that they would invest $250 million in Red Ventures, making the marketing firm a billion-dollar company. In 2014, Quantum Workplace, an independent leader in measuring employee satisfaction, named Red Ventures the “Best Place to Work” in Charlotte. Leavitt credited stories like that with the quickness for the reason many were quick to jump to conclusions about the company’s plans for Ballantyne. “It just becomes a better story when Red Ventures is involved,” Leavitt said. “But the company is not involved with the York development.”

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Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 11

Education

Local author (continued from page 1)

from potential publishers, had trouble finding an affordable illustrator and underwent a tug-and-pull with her publisher, Xulon Press, to make the text and illustrations fit into a cohesive book. Nielsen found an illustrator in Marvin Ridge junior Mariella Filippis after developing a close relationship with her family. Mariella typically paints realistic artwork that Nielsen describes as “breathtaking” and the junior had to learn to adjust her artwork to fit the genre. “It was an interesting experience. It’s not normally what I do,” the junior said. “Sometimes things got lost in translation and the fact that my personal style is more realistic than a children’s book and making sure I understood (Melinda’s) vision (was important).” Mariella has a passion for painting and often uses

her art to express herself. “I like the sense of creation, being able to put down thoughts in my art and convey a message,” she said. “(I like to) see myself represented in such a way.” After Nielsen and Mariella experienced difficulties with the publisher regarding the book’s look, Mariella’s family purchased software to help develop the pages themselves to ensure the book carried out Nielsen’s vision. “Mariella’s mom (Toni) used to joke that the only thing they didn’t have was a printing press in the basement,” Nielsen said. The junior said the completed product was the most rewarding part of the process because she could see how her illustrations completed the story. The Marvin Ridge student plans to pursue art as a profession. She said she may illustrate other books in the future, but knows other forms of art also will be in her future. Nielsen said she hopes the book resonates with

other children and serves as a starting point for parents to open up a conversation with their children about babysitters. “When you hear a child giggle, it’s all so worth it,” Nielsen said. The Marvin resident said her proudest moment was when she saw her book on the Barnes & Noble book list and on Amazon.com. She asked her husband to help her publish her book as a 50th birthday present because she wanted to “do something for (herself).” “In my soul, no one will ever take that away from me,” she said. Nielsen said she might publish other books in the future, possibly one dedicated to her daughter since her first book was for her son. She also said she’d love to plan some book signings. “If enough people were interested, I’d create an event,” Nielsen said, adding she’d want to host a signing in Barnes & Noble, in her neighborhood or even New York. The Marvin mom believes the writing process is a “journey” and has advice for other writers: “If you’ve written something that makes you say, ‘This is one of my pearls,’ and to you it felt right from the beginning and it was a thought process for you, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else,” Nielsen said. “Once you get that pearl, you just have to find your way of getting it out to other people. Look for a place to put it.” The book is available at barnesandnoble.com, XulonPress.com and Amazon.com. Contact Nielsen to request a book signing at MelindaNielsenauthor@ gmail.com.

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Education

What Union County parents need to know for kindergarten registration by Courtney Schultz education@unioncountyweekly.com

February brings along a milestone for 5-year-olds around Union County: kindergarten registration. Registration will run from Feb. 9 to 13, Monday through Friday, and parents can register their child at the elementary school located in their attendance area, according to a news release. School officials believe kindergarten is a special milestone in children’s lives and want parents to feel prepared for their child to take that next step. “Kindergarten is the foundation for developing new skills and future learning,” Dr. John Jones, UCPS assistant superintendent of instructional programs, said in the release. “During the kindergarten year, students will develop independence, confidence, relationships, behaviors and attitudes that will ensure a positive school experience.” UCPS believes it’s a collaborative effort between home and school in educating a child, with a built confidence and understanding between teachers and parents, according to UCPS’s booklet, “Your Child Entering Kindergarten.” Children eligible for kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2015 in order to enroll in a public kindergarten in North Carolina for the upcoming school year and must present documented evidence of received immunizations and physical examinations before enrollment. Kindergarten students learn about reading, writing, math, social studies and sciences during their first year. “Students will build a love for reading by engaging in multiple genres of books. Students will explore a variety of books and build academic language by talking about books and learning from each other,” Cindy Croffut, UCPS director of elementary education, said in the release. Union County Weekly has compiled a checklist to help parents prepare for enrollment and for their child to enter their first year in Union County schools through suggestions from UCPS’s “Your Child Entering Kindergarten” booklet: • Bring the following items to registration: child’s birth certificate to verify the child is 5 years old by the necessary date. Birth certificates can be obtained from county officials from the county where the child was born; a certified copy of the child’s immunization record that includes a doctor’s signature or a clinic’s stamp. Law requires the following immunizations: 5 DtaP/DT spots; 4 Polio shots; 2 MMR shots; 3 Hepatitis B shots, HIB shots; and 2 Varicella shots; a completed Kindergarten www.unioncountyweekly.com

Health Assessment Report (this form is online and available at any school); and two documents that provide proof of residence. • Help children understand reading concepts by providing a variety of books and print material to look at and listen to while they’re read to them; taking them to the library and selecting books to check-out; giving children a special place for reading; making reading a part of their daily routine; letting children see parents reading; and pointing out words they see every day, such as food labels, restaurants and stop signs. Parents can find more reading tips through UCPS’s “Your Child Entering Kindergarten” booklet. • Encourage and praise children’s writing, even if the child’s first attempt is illegible, and help children practice communicating. Drawings also are ways preschoolers and kindergarteners communicate. Parents can help prepare children for writing by: inviting children to talk about drawings; having a place, such as a refrigerator, to present children’s writing; and providing space and materials for children to explore writing. UCPS’s “Your Child Entering Kindergarten” booklet also provides more writing tips. • Help children understand numbers and geometric ideas through playing board games, using blocks or other items to recognize numerals, naming shapes in the environment and playing with building blocks of all shapes and sizes. • Prepare children to become more independent by practicing skills such as buttoning a jacket, taking care of toileting needs and tying shoes; give children simple tasks, such as putting away their toys or setting the table; and help children learn how to wash their hands. • Parents should set a positive tone for school and share fun experiences they had at school with their children. The first day of school can be a nervewracking time for young children, as they are often nervous about what to expect. Parents should discuss expectations about what kindergarteners will experience at school and should help them adjust to the school’s routine. • Parents need to continue their involvement once their child enters school. UCPS has identified the five “R’s For Parents” to make sure their child: “gets plenty of rest; eats really healthy food; attends school regularly; has routines and a schedule; and is read to everyday.” • Visit webcp.ucps.k12.nc.us/ forms_manager/documents/19/ kindergarten2014_07Jan2014_Web. pdf for more tips.

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Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

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2015-2016 sch ool year

For over 80 years, MACS has provided the academic excellence you expect from a Catholic school education. Children learn in an environment where the teachings of Jesus are promoted and upheld as core values of both school and life. MACS has nine schools serving PK-12. MACS admits students of any race, color, sex, religion and national or ethnic origin.

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www.MACS-schools.com Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 13

Education Union County Weekly

Honor Roll SUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Kim Jarzombek and her first-grade class at Walter Bickett Elementary. Photo courtesy of UCPS

Union County Weekly

Education News & Notes

Walter Bickett teacher named Union County’s January Hometown Hero MONROE – A Walter Bickett Elementary School teacher recently was named Union County’s January Hometown Hero. Kim Jarzombek, a first-grade teacher at Walter Bickett, was chosen to receive the monthly award, distributed by Charles G. Monett III and Associates. Jarzombek was honored earlier this month with a surprise presentation from Walter Bickett Principal Tom Childers and a representative from the law firm. Jarzombek said in a news release she was shocked and had no idea what was happening when she received the award.

A Weddington High School graduate, Jarzombek has been teaching for three years. “I totally love kids,” Jarzombek said in the release. “Some days they teach me more than I teach them.” Each month, Charles G. Monett III and Associates honors different teachers in Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Cabarrus and Union counties for their contribution to public education. Winners are chosen based on a number of votes through an online voting contest at the law firm’s website. Each winning teacher receives a $250 Visa gift card to be used for classroom supplies, as well as a Domino’s pizza party for his or her class. The nominations for the Hometown Hero Award are ongoing throughout the school year, and students, families and school faculty can nominate and vote for the teacher of their choice at www. carolinalaw.com/hometown-hero-teacherappreciation-program.aspx.

A Honor Roll Ninth grade: Adamczyk, Noah Michael; Alamos, Leila Ilean; Alzamora, Gonzalo Andres; Ardito, Alessandro; Baucom, Anna Louise; Benton, Eric S; Bryan, Krista Cynthia; Budzik, Zackary Thomas; Cherry, Amanda Rae; Chomicki, Scott Thor; Cleary, Emily Nicole; Coleman, Taylor Suzanne; Collins, Caitlin McNeely; Collins, Taylor Nicole; Cresci, Annmarie; Dawson, Sydney Michelle; Duxbury, Kayla Rose; Feddersen, Sarah Angela; Finger, Ishod Javon; Fiore, Brian Anthony; Gomez, Michael Alexander; Graf, Robert Christopher; Hall, Skyellar MiKayla; Helms, Kaitlyn Elizabeth; Hernandez, Maria; Jacob, Katelynn Elizabeth; Jeffcoat, Kelly Madison; Jones, Derek Austin; Karaivanov, Ivan Dobrev; Kavege, Marie-Denise Ayovi; King, Samantha Leigh; Kleinfelder, Jessica Taylor; Leekins, Jasmine Monique; LeGrand, Ethan Scott; Logan, Hannah Michelle; Lotharp, Sausha Nychelle; Maguire, Lilah Kathleen; Mann, Kaitlyn Elizabeth; Mannarino, Ryan; McWhirter, Megan Renae; Miller, Abigail Elizabeth; Milne, Brianna J; Montemayor, Morgan Ashley; Montemayor, Nicole Elizabeth; Munshi, Junaid S; Nieves, Krystal; O'Grady, Madeline Celeste; Patel, Ruchi Swapnil; Phillips, Hannah Leigh; Piccirillo, Nicholas Lorenzo; Raymond Falquez, Sebastian Andre; Rhyne, Hannah Louise; Robinson, Arianna Janette;

On the lookout for happy campers?

With the ever-increasing competition for children’s summer camp activities, get the competitive advantage by getting your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers. Each of our 6 Summer Camp issues will have dedicated editorial sections in all of our award-winning newspapers.

Rucci, Branden; Schmitt, Kaitlin Ruth; Schmitt, Kaitlyn Taylor; Shah, Khushmi Nitesh; Skorupski, Natia Helena; Starnes, Anna Caroline; Tracy, Griffin Beecher; Wallace, Danielle Meredith; Watson, Joyce Katelynn; Watts, Emily Grace; Weller, Madison; West, Trenten; Wiles, Serenity Roseann; and Williams, Valerie Alexis. 10th grade: Addison, Maurice Kobe; Alsobrooks, Cierra Elizabeth; Bowman, Brooke Taylor; Brooks, Rachel Nicole; Bryan, Ashley Nicole; Buffkin, Carol Anne; Bulla, Joseph Thomas; Campos, Axl Joseph; Crabtree, Kristen Michelle; Golovko, Oksana Anna; Grice, Hailey Nicole; Hinson, Zachary Thomas; Hipp, Paige Evonne; Hubbert, Adara Cecelia; Johnston, Victoria E; Kim, Soksamate; Leach, Savanna Nicole; Lyons, Andrew Kyle; Ohlson, Hannah Claire; Plott, Marcus Ross; Quizhpi-Vazquez, Angel Steven; Reaves, Demarco Keyshon; Reich, Colleen Frances; Reninger, Jared Alan; Rickard, Shelby Victoria; Schwaner, Olivia Rose; Sirico, Camilla Marie; Stout, Shane Walter; and Vue, Jessica Mya. 11th Grade: Allsop, Rodney Marvin; Heisler, Marisa Rose; Khan, Suraiya Isabella; Law, Benjamin Robert; Lee, Haejin; Li, Yucong; Lovitt, Caleigh Joy; McNeil, Joshua Alexander; Murdasova, Vera Vladimirovna; Rodriguez, Minelys; Taitano, Emaliah Margaret; and Todd, Kimberly Rebecca. 12th grade: Adamczyk, Hannah Elizabeth; Bates, Justine; Breuer, Alisa Lynn; Brienza, Anthony Joseph; Cheek, Parker Vance; Holt, Brianna M; Hopkins, Mallory Elizabeth; Jansen, Nicole Lin; Jewett, Christie Marie; Keller, Madysen Lynn; Lopez, Jonathan; Luke, John Samuel; Paszkiewicz, Kali Nicole; Pham, Hoang Dieu; Plott, Matthew Blake; Robinson, Erin Storm; and Robinson, Kenneth Ray.

ISSUE DATES: • February 6 & 20 • March 6 & 20 • April 3 & 17

Circulation: 25,000 Readership: 54,675

Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Page 14 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Union County Weekly

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2015

SPORTS CALENDAR

Football Previews 2015 (Special pullout section) The absolute must-read section of the year, our unrivaled football preview sets the standard with highlights of high school football teams in southern Mecklenburg and Union County, covering more than 40 private and public schools. These special pullout issues provide an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first touchdowns.

Issue dates:

August 21 Southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation August 28 Union County 17,000 circulation

Basketball Preview 2015 (Special pullout section) As the leader in high school sports coverage, our boys high school basketball preview is highly anticipated each year. The special pullout issue provides an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first tipoff.

Issue dates:

November 13 Southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation

Super Teams (Seasonal) The best of the best high school athletes are recognized for their season’s achievements. In addition to the rankings, the player of the year is highlighted with a feature story.

Issue dates: Football January 9 Swimming (Girls & Boys) March 13 Basketball (Girls & Boys) March 20 Golf (Boys) June 5 Track & Field (Boys) June 12 Track & Field (Girls) June 19 Tennis (Boys) June 26 Lacrosse (Boys) July 3 Lacrosse (Girls) July 10 Soccer (Girls) July 17 Softball July 24 Baseball July 31 Golf (Girls) November 20 Cross-Country (Girls) November 27 Cross-Country (Boys) December 4 Tennis (Girls) December 11 Volleyball (Girls) December 18 *Dates subject to change.

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Learn rock, Rachmaninoff at Ballantyne School of Music by Dee Grano ae@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Kelly Massaro didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always realize her daughter, Paolina, was musically gifted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Paolina was a baby, she had colic and screamed all the time,â&#x20AC;? Massaro said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now I know she was trying to sing.â&#x20AC;? As a tween, young Paolina Massaro enjoyed choir and competitive chorus. She tried out for â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Idolâ&#x20AC;? at 16 years old and made it through several rounds, but fell short of the one filmed for broadcast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The producers of the show said she had a beautiful voice, but that she just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ready,â&#x20AC;? said Kelly Massaro. Paolina, trained in traditional vocal performance, lacked stage presence for the kind music she wanted to perform. Then, they found Connie Cooper and Ballantyne School of Music. Ballantyne School of Music has helped Paolina Massaro, now 19 years old, hone her craft through years of lessons and coaching. Cooper connected Massaro with other female musicians who formed the all-girl rock band, The Reason You Stayed. Things have happened quickly for the group; they opened for LeAnn Rimes at the 2014 Charlotte Pride Festival and will release a demo this year. Kelly Massaro believes there is no better place for musicians with special promise. She has watched her daughter blossom at Ballantyne School of Music and hopes Paolina makes it big. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Connie provided that place where Paolina could feel supported and nurtured,â&#x20AC;? Kelly Massaro said. In addition to rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll preparation and performance, Ballantyne School of Music offers instruction and resources for musicians of all ages, expertise and genre. The foundation of the school has been private lessons in anything from songwriting to voice, guitar, traditional strings and more.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is so much to developing a musician,â&#x20AC;? said Cooper, who personally helps her patrons customize their music learning experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do they need theory? Are they preparing for a college audition?â&#x20AC;? Over the past several months, Ballantyne School of Music has become the first school in the Carolinas authorized to teach Yamaha Music Classes. Especially effective for teaching younger children, Yamaha starts with group experiences that motivate children to develop ensemble skills and cooperation in a supportive environment with parental participation. Children sing, move to music and play rhythm to learn the basics. Yamaha Music Classes give children the foundation they need to choose what appeals to them when they mature physically and mentally, rather than focusing on one instrument or style. The first Yamaha Music Classes will begin the week of Feb. 1. Cooper will offer free trial classes on Jan. 31, a Saturday, but registration is required. Find more information at www. ballantyneschoolofmusic.com. Though Ballantyne School of Music is an authorized Yamaha instrument dealer, Cooper specializes in offering boutique brands that are hard to find elsewhere as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the music scene of Charlotte.â&#x20AC;? Musicians can pick up strings, straps, cables and smaller items, in addition to merchandise and CDs from local bands like The Reason You Stayed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Supporting local musicians is paying it forward,â&#x20AC;? Cooper said. Cooper also organizes â&#x20AC;&#x153;jam sessionsâ&#x20AC;? where students have the chance to play in professional venues like Amosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SouthEnd and the Visualite Theatre in Charlotte. Cooper organizes participating students into bands that perform live in front of an audience with lights, sound and all the professional accoutrements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They learn what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to play to a full house â&#x20AC;Ś and sometimes not,â&#x20AC;? Cooper said.

Band members play at the Ballantyne School of Music. Photo courtesy of Ballantyne School of Music

Cooper understands â&#x20AC;&#x153;the businessâ&#x20AC;? first hand. She attended the University of Massachusetts for business administration, but met a lot of musicians and joined a band. As a â&#x20AC;&#x153;serious hobbyist,â&#x20AC;? she performed at weddings and special events. After college she launched a career in credit card banking that ultimately left her unfulfilled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did very well for myself, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about anymore,â&#x20AC;? Cooper said, adding she found purpose in educating musicians and opened her instruction business in early 2011. Her experience and formal training in finance and customer service has served her well. She developed her business by building a solid reputation on quality instructors. She moved into the Ballantyne Corners shopping center, on the second level within the Ballantyne Arts Center. Though she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affiliated with the YMCA, she offers reciprocal discounts to their members. Ballantyne School of Music recently expanded into adjacent space on the second floor and is more than 250 students strong. Cooper believes thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place for everyone at Ballantyne School of Music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hundreds of people start lessons each year for different reasons,â&#x20AC;? said Cooper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My focus is on finding the things that keep those students interested, excited and invested.â&#x20AC;?

Health& Wellness

2015

As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year. Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyperlocal stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful featurestories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

+BO t "QSJM +VMZ t 0DU Circulation: 25,000 Readership: 54,675

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Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Page 16 â&#x20AC;˘ Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Union County Weekly

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Arts & Entertainment

South Charlotte Weekly

Arts & Entertainment News & Notes

The Batte Center to host Mavis Staples, award-winning one-man show WINGATE – The Batte Center at Wingate University will host Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples on Jan. 30, a Friday, at 8 p.m. Staples is considered a “blues/soul/ gospel diva,” according to the Batte Center’s website, who was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Tickets cost $35. The Batte Center also will present “WANDERLUST: From Here to Timbuktu” on Feb. 6, a Friday, at 8 p.m. The one-man show, written and performed by Martin Dockery, tells the story of a man who journeys deep into Africa, trekking from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. “There he demands an epiphany. Any epiphany at all (in a) comic, true story,” the Batte Center said on its website. The show won the Best of Fest Award at the Orlando, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver Fringe festivals. Tickets for both shows are available at the Batte Center’s website, www. battecenter.org/events/batte-centerpresents/. The Batte Center is located at 403 N. Camden Road, in Wingate. ‘Widgets and Thing-a-ma-Jigs’ exhibit opens at Matthews Heritage Museum MATTHEWS – The Matthews Heritage Museum debuted its latest rotating exhibit, “Widgets and Thinga-ma-Jigs: An Exhibit of the Mostly Unknown,” on Saturday, Jan. 17. The exhibit features objects the average person might not be able to identify, such as tools from the past including a potato ricer, wool rug punch, ice shaver and glove stretcher. The items featured in “Widgets and Thing-a-ma-Jigs” are on display without labels in order to challenge visitors to guess what the items were used for. The museum, however, provides a key with a description of each item and how it was used. “These items as well as others on display were once used on a regular basis in the home or business. We hope (visitors) can learn about some www.unioncountyweekly.com

of these tools of yesteryear and come to recognize some useful utensils with which our ancestors were familiar,” the museum said in a news release. “…This is an excellent exhibit for school children, home schoolers, Scouts and senior groups.” People who guess all items correctly will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a free membership to the Matthews Historical Foundation for one year. The membership will include free admission to the museum, among other benefits, the release said. “Widgets and Thing-a-ma-Jigs” will remain on display through April 18 and can be viewed during the museum’s normal hours of operation. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission costs $4 for adults, $2 for visitors 11 to 17 years old and is free for children 10 years old and younger. Find more information at www. matthewsheritagemuseum.org, or call 704-708-4996. The museum is located at 232 N. Trade St. Carolina Voices to hold auditions Jan. 24 for MainStage Choir CHARLOTTE – Carolina Voices, Charlotte’s volunteer choral arts organization, will hold auditions for its MainStage Choir on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. Auditions will be held in Shalom Hall at Myers Park Baptist Church. Singers who wish to audition are encouraged to visit the Carolina Voices website’s audition page, www. carolinavoices.org/auditions, to learn more about what is expected during auditions, as well as expectations for Carolina Voices members. Audition appointments are required. Those wishing to audition can sign up online or by calling 704374-1564. The next show for the Carolina Voices MainStage Choir, “In the Groove: Music that Gets You Movin’!,” is scheduled for May 15 and 16, a Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. at Spirit Square’s McGlohon Theater in uptown Charlotte. More information about additional Carolina Voices performances is available on the organization’s website. Myers Park Baptist is located at 1900 Queens Road.

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Get Ready for Summer!

Summer Camp registration opens Feb. 2, for ages 3-18 at ImaginOn and satellites, including Charlotte Latin School! Planning info available online now!

704-973-2828 ctcharlotte.org Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 17

Calendar 1.24.15 Saturday 8 a.m. Wesley Chapel Winter Walk/5K

1.25.15 Sunday 3 p.m. Winter Author Event

1.27.15 Tuesday 6 p.m. Roller Skating Fundraiser

This race will take place at Dogwood Park and participants can run at their own pace or walk the course. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hematology Research Fund (CHRF), a fund that is part of the Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HealthCare Foundation. To register for the race, find the Wesley Chapel 5K on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Events Calendarâ&#x20AC;? at www.queencitytiming.com. Note: Lester Davis Road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the race.

Listen to author Kevin Winchester speak about his book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gotta Eat.â&#x20AC;?Â Winchester is the director of the writing center at Wingate University.Â A book signing and refreshments will follow his talk.

A fundraiser to help finish renovations on a new business in Monroe, New Kids Clubhouse, which will offer hourly child care to parents in Union County for affordable prices. Admission is $4, and all proceeds go to New Kids Clubhouse.

Dogwood Park, 121 Lester Davis Road, Wesley Chapel 1.24.15 Saturday 3 p.m. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players will dish out whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents at The Batte Center at Wingate University. This event is recommended for children 3 years old and older. Everyone, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased online at battecenter.org or by calling the Batte Center Box Office at 704-2338300 or Carolina Tix at 704-372-1000. McGee Theatre, The Batte Center at Wingate University, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate

Monroe Library, 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe 1.27.15 Tuesday 7 to 8 p.m. Libertarian Party of Union County Discuss libertarian solutions to local, state and federal issues at 201 Central. The cafĂŠ has free WiFi and snacks will be provided. 201 Central, 5939 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel

Send us your events!

Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skating Center, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail 1.27.15 Tuesday 7 p.m. Sweet Union County Republican Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meeting Don Brown, author of such books as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Treasonâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hostage,â&#x20AC;? who has appeared on the Amazon fiction bestseller list, will be on hand to discuss Sharia law and offer books for sale. Meeting begins at 7 p.m., with an optional dinner preceding the meeting at 6:30. Golden Corral, 2507 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

Want to see your event covered in our community calendar? Send an email to news@unioncountyweekly.com with all pertinent information. Be sure to include the date, time, cost to attend and a description of the event. Please send events at least two weeks in advance for the best chance of being included in the calendar. Items are not guaranteed publication, as we consider factors like relevance to the community and how close the event is to our coverage area.

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Calendar 1.28.15 Wednesday 10 a.m. to Noon Metabolic Syndrome Class for Veterans The W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rural Health Integration Program is offering a Metabolic Syndrome class at the Veteran Service Office. Veterans, families and friends are invited to attend this class and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle and how to prevent diabetes, hypertension and lowering cholesterol. All former and current military members and their immediate family members are encouraged to attend this free class. The class will be offered every Wednesday through Feb. 11. Veterans Affairs Office, 500 N. Main St., Monroe 1.28.15 Wednesday 4:30 p.m. Coffee Filter Heart Wreath Making for Teens Teens are asked to join the Union West Regional Library for an early Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day craft. Make one for yourself or give it as a gift. Call 704-821-7475 ext. 3 to register. The event is for teens in sixth through 12th grades. Union West Regional Library, 123 UnionvilleIndian Trail Road, Indian Trail 2.4.15 Wednesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Blood Drive As part of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (CBCC) sixth annual Pints for Pounds campaign, the organization will donate seven pounds of food to Second Harvest Food bank for every blood donation made in January and February. Call 704972-4700 or visit www.carolinadonor.org to make an appointment at any location. The CBCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minimum weight requirement for blood donors is 120 pounds. Carolinas Medical Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Union, 600 Hospital Drive, Monroe

Jan. 28

2.5.15 Thursday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chocoholic Frolic

Yes, we offer that, too.

Events will include a raffle drawing and a silent auction. Samplings will include Carolina Cake Artistry, Diamond Springs, Neetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweets, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tastefully Simple, The Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bake Shoppe and Tupperware. Tickets are on sale for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Visit www.chocoholicfrolic.org for more information. Swan Manor, 219 Ridge Road, Monroe 2.7.15 Saturday 6 p.m. Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gala

/Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ?i>Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;iÂ&#x201C;>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;J DBSPMJOBXFFLMZOFXTQBQFST DPNĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;V>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;

Attendees will enjoy a concert from the Union Symphony Orchestra, a dinner, a dance and an auction. There will also be a performance by the Union County Youth Ballet. Tickets start at $100. Visit www.unionsymphony.org to make a reservation. Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe 2.14.15 Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tree Seedling and Fruit Plant Sale A variety of trees will be offered, including dogwoods, redbud, trident maples, European hornbeam, American beech, river birch, tulip poplar and poplar cypress. Varieties of apples, peaches, blueberries, grapes and blackberries also will be offered, as well as beautyberry shrubs from the Extension Master Gardeners of Union County teaching garden. Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe 2.14.15 Saturday 2 to 6 p.m. Community Blood Drive As part of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (CBCC) sixth annual Pints for Pounds campaign, the organization will donate seven pounds of food to Second Harvest Food bank for every blood donation made in January and February. Call 704-972-4700 or visit www.carolinadonor.org to make an appointment at any location. The CBCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minimum weight requirement for blood donors is 120 pounds. Participants get a free movie ticket. Stone Theatres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sun Valley 14, 6449 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

www.unioncountyweekly.com

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Union County Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 19

Sports

Helms’s House by Hannah Chronis hannah@unioncountyweekly.com

At halftime of the Anson-Cuthbertson game on Jan. 9, the Cavs went into the locker room riding a narrow one-point lead at 17-16. A win meant the Cavs would stay among the Southern Carolinas conference elite; a loss would taint their chances of remaining one of the top teams in the conference vying for a title. That’s when senior guard Taylor Helms knew what she had to do. The sharp-shooting Helms came out of the locker room and led the Cavs to a convincing 49-40 win. She finished the night 8-for-10 from the free throw line and scored a career-high 33 points to secure the Cav win, making it one of the best performances in Union County girls basketball history. But for Helms, it was just another game. “We expect to win every game,” she said. “I was getting open shots that game and my team was doing a great job getting me the ball and helping me get open by setting good screens. I have to give it to them, too.” Helms, a four-year starter on the varsity team, has been the heart and soul of the Cav team that’s improved its record each season since Helms’s arrival. During her freshman season, the Cavs went 11-14 only to improve to 18-11 her sophomore campaign and finish 18-8 last year. Now, they’re 11-4 on the season – marking the best start in school history. Helms said there’s renewed energy in the Cav basketball program and

expects the wins to keep coming, hopefully resulting in a spot competing for the conference title. “We’re bringing in girls every year that want to play and want to work hard,” she said. “We try to always show the incoming freshmen how hard we work and that we expect to win. We hope that gets through their heads, too.” The winning mentality is certainly inherent in Helms. Last season, she joined the elusive 1,000-point club. This year, she’s averaging 21.2 points per game, five rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals. In her career at Cuthbertson, she’s scored an astounding 1,352 points and this year, she’s been the top scorer in 14 of the Cavs’ 15 games. It’s no wonder Wingate University was quick to offer Helms a spot on the team. Even with the accolades pouring in and her performances continuing to improve, Helms remains a humble star who points the success back to her coaches, family and team. “It’s been a lot of fun,” she said. “I’m really blessed to get to play and start all four years. I never expected to come up and start on varsity my freshman year but I had a lot of fun with all my teammates. We’ve gotten better and better each year and I’m really happy with our progress.” With just seven games left in the regular season and Helms’s high school career coming to an end soon, she’s ready to make the most of the time she has left. For her, that means competing for a conference championship. And she’s

sports shorts by Hannah Chronis hannah@unioncountyweekly.com

Union County schools compete in JDL mini meets Marvin Ridge, Cuthbertson and Forest Hills indoor track teams competed in the JDL mini meets, held Jan. 16 and 17, at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem. Three separate mini meets were held, with Cuthbertson and Forest Hills competing in mini meet No. 2 and Marvin Ridge competing in mini meet No. 3. Below are the county’s top five finishers.

Girls Event 1000 1000 1600 1600 3200 3200 3200 TJ

Name Jennae Jacob Alycia Higgins Lexi King Alexia Noch Lexi King Kylie Hennessey Nicole Renwick Lyndsey Mclain

School Marvin Ridge Cuthbertson Marvin Ridge Cuthbertson Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge

Time/Distance 3:13.61 3:21.00 5:19.91 5:38.06 11:28.46 11:32.75 12:13.46 35-02.00

Place 3 4 2 2 1 2 5 5

Hannah Chronis/UCW photo well aware that with Weddington and North Carolina commit Stephanie Watts in the same conference, it won’t be easy. “I definitely want to win a conference championship,” she said. “It’s never been done here and I’ve always wanted to do that. It’s been a goal since

Boys

Event 3200 300 300 55 55 HJ LJ LJ PV PV S S TJ TJ

Lexi King Page 20 • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Union County Weekly

Name Grant Wood Juwan Crowder Justin Titgen Juwan Crowder Justin Titgen Christopher Garrick Julian Gaines Bryson Williams Ron Campbell Frederick Bailey Ameed Elqadi D’mitri Emmanuel Julian Gaines Christopher Garrick

freshman year and we talk about it every year. I’m hoping we’ll at least get a chance to compete in that championship game. “I think it will come down to us and Weddington. I’m hoping we’ll have a really good night and who knows? We’ll see how it goes.” School Cuthbertson Forest Hills Marvin Ridge Forest Hills Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge Marvin Ridge

Time/Distance 10:29.52 36.76 36.69 6.48 6.72 6-10 21-06.25 18-00.75 13-06.00 13-06.00 46-00.00 43-11.00 44-07.00 43-08.75

Place 3 1 6 1 5 1 1 5 2 2 1 5 2 3

Christopher Garrick www.unioncountyweekly.com

Sports

Boys Basketball Stats POINTS

Name school Nick Dietrich Lake Park Cameron Tripp Piedmont Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge Jordan Barber Weddington Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina Hughston Finklea Sun Valley William Pleasants Lake Park RJ Filio Porter Ridge Name school Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina Cameron Tripp Piedmont Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Dennis Porter Ridge Ben Killion Union Academy Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson Ryan Schweiger Weddington Jalen Mathis Piedmont Albert Funderburke Sun Valley Tyrik Dawson Cuthbertson Jordan Barber Weddington Hughston Finklea Sun Valley

Games 14 10 7 16 20 10 14 15

Name school Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge Joseph Similton Lake Park Nick Dietrich Lake Park Jordan Sharpe Weddington Elijah Evans Sun Valley Matt Allen Cuthbertson Cameron Tripp Piedmont Hughston Finklea Sun Valley Jordan Barber Weddington

Games Assists 7 5.7 14 5.1 14 3.4 16 3.3 10 3.3 15 3.3 10 3.2 10 3.2 16 3.1

rebounds

Points 18.5 17.9 17.3 17.2 17.2 14.8 14.5 14.1

Games Rebounds 20 15.1 10 13 15 9.9 11 8.3 15 7.9 16 6.9 11 5.9 10 5.9 15 5.3 16 5.2 10 5.1

assists

steals

Name school Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson Jordan Barber Weddington Noah Blair Porter Ridge Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge Jordan Sharpe Weddington Hughston Finklea Sun Valley Hakeem Rowe Metrolina

Games steals 15 4.4 16 3.4 15 3 20 2.8 7 2.3 16 2.2 10 2.2 19 2

Name school Cameron Tripp Piedmont Tyrik Dawson Cuthbertson Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson Ryan Schweiger Weddington Jeremiah Miller Sun Valley Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina

Games 10 15 15 16 10 20

blocks

blocks 2 1.6 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.8

Girls Basketball Stats POINTS

Name school Stephanie Watts Weddington Alyssa Carbone CATA Taylor Helms Cuthbertson Zasha Barrett Monroe Sierra Lunn Union Academy Hannah Adamczyk Sun Valley Brittany Autry Parkwood Lauren Brown Parkwood Amanda Cherry Sun Valley

rebounds

Name school Zasha Barrett Monroe Cara McNulty Union Academy

Games 16 14 15 14 10 14 14 14 15

Points 30.3 22.1 21.1 19.5 16.6 15.8 14.6 11.7 11.1

Games Rebounds 14 13 10 10.6

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Name school Stephanie Watts Weddington Amanda Cherry Sun Valley Hannah Adamczyk Sun Valley Taylor Helms Cuthbertson Bria Roddy Monroe Brianna Ingram Cuthbertson Tanjai Stevenson Monroe Lillian Geehring Parkwood

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Games steals 16 4.9 14 4 10 3.8 10 3 14 2.8 15 2.7 18 2.6 10 2.4

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Union County Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 21

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Ln,Matthews,4BR/2. 5BA/2400+sf/2car,EI K,gas range,pantry,FR w/ gas fp,wet bar,formal LR,9\’ ceilings,new MBA,tankless gas W H , wa l k i n s, n e w h a r d w o o d s &carpet,fresh paint,corner lot cul-de-sac,fenced/ shaded B/Y w/deck/ patio,low maint,quiet neighborhood,close to shopping/schools/ parks.Asking $214500, call 7047718326/appt. Brokers OK. 022015

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HOME FOR RENT 3 bed/2 bath + bonus room home 2 car garage (2000 square feet) MATTHEWS location. Cul du sac. Fenced yard. 1 pet SS appliances--washer and dryer included. $1500 (704) 576-0955. 021315

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FSBO Oakshade

12201

all utilities included, internet wifi, washer/ dryer, furnished den/ dining, rent 475/dep. 475, m bedroom 575/ dep 575, call 704-2087891. 020615 Miscellaneous

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PROVIDENCE PET SITTING is licensed, insured, and pet CPR/ First Aid certified. We have been lovingly caring for pets for over 10 years. Contact us at 704-591-7274 for more info. 101014

22 22

Cats cradle boarding beautiful 5 star cats only kennel. Huge sunfilled suites, 3 levels, climbing tree. Pickup/ delivery. 20% Senior discount. For rates and requirements call 704.771.6052 www. Cat boardingcharlotte. Com. 072514

21 23 24

HELP: LOST DOG, \”Dotty\”, Australian Cattle mix, 7yrs, 35lbs. Lost 8/1/14, Rea Rd. Black/White, black patch right eye. pink/ grey collar. Contact Kim 704-763-3661. Her loving family misses her very much!

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1-866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

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Union County Weekly • Jan. 22 to 28, 2015 • Page 23

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