Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Dec. 29 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Looking back at the year in quotes • Page 1B

Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 52

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261

FALL ART CLASSES

Calendar Jan. 3 Blood Drive The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas holds a blood drive at RHA Howell Healthcare Center. Visit www. cbcc.us for details. 2 to 5 p.m.; 11950 Howell Center Drive, Mint Hill Blood Drive The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas holds a blood drive at CrossFit Kaiju. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.; 626 W. Charles St., Matthews

Jan. 4 Blood Drive The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas holds a blood drive at CHS Mint Hill. 2 to 5 p.m.; 11304 Hawthorne Drive, Mint Hill

Jan. 5 Children’s Choir The African Children’s Choir performs children’s songs and Gospel favorites at a free concert at Arlington Baptist Church. A freewill offering will be taken. Visit www.africanchildren choir.com for details. 7 p.m.; 9801 Arlington Church Road, Charlotte

Jan. 7 Sunday Brunch Pine Lake Country Club offers Sunday brunch. Reservations are required. Guests should dress in casual attire. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for children (ages 6 to 11). 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5504 Lebanon Road, Mint Hill

Jan. 12 Children’s Choir The African Children’s Choir performs children’s songs and Gospel favorites at a free concert at Blair Road United Methodist Church. A free-will offering will be taken. 7 p.m.; 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill

Jan. 13 Elvis Impersonator Chuck Ayers, known as “Charlotte’s Voice of Elvis,” performs at Jonathan’s. Tickets cost $10, meal not included. Call 704-847-8911 for reservations. 7 p.m.; 10630 Independence Point Pkwy., Matthews

THE 100 ====

B I GG E S T

NEWS MA K E R S O F

2017

hile 2017 felt like an atomic bomb of negativity from a state, national and international perspective, Matthews and Mint Hill seemed to be shielded from much of the fallout. Here’s a look at people that made the year memorable.

Education

• Ann Clark – Clark retired as superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools with two major accomplishments this year, getting a $922 million bond referendum on the ballot and rolling out a re-assignment plan that affects 75 schools. • Kandi Deitemeyer – Deitemeyer arrived as president of Central Piedmont Community College in January. She helped break ground for a new building at the Levine Campus in Matthews, which will house the Georgia Tucker Fine Arts Hall. • Landon Dunn – Dunn chaired the Mayoral Task Force on Education, which examined options for Matthews to maintain neighborhood schools. One of the group’s most innovative ideas was a charter school campus with each school having a theme. • Krystil Irvin – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools recognized the Matthews resident as the East Learning Community Teacher of the Year for her work at Crestdale Middle School. • Katherine MacConnachie – MacConnachie was named the best teacher assistant in CMS's East Learning Community. She was recognized for her work with exceptional children at Crestdale Middle School. • Christy Morrin – Morrin serves as principal of Matthews Charter Academy, which dedicated its new building in January. It includes 28 classrooms, a gym and a media center. • Jennifer Schroeder – After a few years of service at Ardrey Kell High School, CMS promoted Schroeder to principal at Crestdale Middle School in January. • Sean Strain – Strain, an advocate for neighborhood schools, defeated Allen Smith to win Paul Bailey’s District 6 seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education in November. • Ericia Turner – Turner earned

Krystil Irvin (left) was among three staff members from Crestdale Middle School to make our list. Irvin was named last spring as a finalist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Teacher of the Year. MMHW file photo

Principal of the Year honors for the East Learning Community in part by improving the academic and behavioral culture at Rocky River High School. • Clayton Wilcox – Wilcox succeeded Ann Clark as superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, bringing a more personable tone to stakeholders. He sought to improve the school choice process.

Election

• Lloyd Austin – There was a time when Austin was the leading vote-getter in Mint Hill commission races, but he fell out of favor with voters in 2015. He tried to return to the board in 2017, but fell 412 votes shy. • Paul Bailey – After serving four years on the school board, Bailey sought a return to town politics. He ran for mayor, winning with 59 percent of the vote. • Ted Biggers – Mint Hill residents gave Biggers an 11th term as mayor, making him the longest tenured mayor in Mecklenburg County right now. • Mike Cochrane – After 38 years in banking, 35 of which were spent in Mint Hill, Cochrane ran for office. He became the newest face on the Mint Hill see NEWSMAKERS, Page 2A

Clayton Wilcox took over as superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools over the summer. MMHW file photo

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Page 2A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017

Matthews Commissioner John Urban officially submits paperwork to appear on the November election ballot. Voters granted him another term. MMHW file photo

18 years of elected service, capped by the opening of Sportsplex at Matthews.

NEWSMAKERS (continued from page 1A)

Board of Commissioners. • Barbara Dement – Dement was the newest face elected to the Matthews Board of Commissioners. The planning board chairwoman was the second-highest vote-getter. • Kress Query – Query, a walking encyclopedia of Matthews, won a seat as town commissioner, adding to a political legacy that includes mayor (1969 to 1974) and commissioner (1993 to 2015). • Larry Whitley – Whitley, pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, opted to run for mayor instead of a second term on the town commission. Whitley said Matthews was represented for some people, but not all people. • Chris Melton, Jeff Miller and John Urban – The trio of Matthews commissioners convinced voters that experience matters, earning additional terms on the board. • Norah Burke, Allen Crosby, Sebastian Feculak and Dimple Shah – This fantastic four ran for the Matthews Board of Commissioners, but each could only muster 7 or 8 percent of the vote in a 10-person race. • Eric Random and Alonzo Grier – These Mint Hill residents ran for town commissioner, but each commanded just 5 percent of the vote. • Dale Dalton, Richard Newton and Tina Ross – This trio

Government

Jim Taylor initially decided to run for re-election as Matthews mayor, but he changed his mind over the summer, creating a farewell tour spanning the fall and ending this month. MMHW file photo

won another term on the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners. Ross has served since 2003, Newton since 2013 and Dalton since 2015.

Politics

• Bill Brawley – Brawley sponsored 19 bills during the 201718 session of the N.C. House of Representatives, including one making it easier for the towns of Matthews and Mint Hill to form charter schools. Another bill creates a study on splitting large school districts.

• Mickey Ellington – Ellington, president of Ellington Funeral Services, decided to put his political career to rest after serving as a Mint Hill commissioner since 1998. The town sent him off with a montage of photos set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” • John Higdon – Higdon showed in his second term as Matthews commissioner that he wasn’t a fence-straddler. He often took bold stands like when he opposed the superstreet design along East John Street. • Bill James – James, serving in his 11th term as county commis-

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sioner, represented Matthews and Mint Hill on issues ranging from police service in unincorporated areas to determining whether to support pro soccer. • Robert Pittenger – Congressman Pittenger tried to build public support for an idea to turn U.S. 74 into an interstate, which would make commutes from Charlotte to Wilmington much faster. He also pushed for the Charlotte area to have its own National Weather Service station. • Jim Taylor – The Matthews mayor decided his fourth term would be his last, taking pride in

• Michelle Archer – Matthews Police Chief Rob Hunter promoted Archer to the rank of sergeant, after years in patrol and as a school resource officer. Commissioner Larry Whitley said he was proud to see minorities move up the ranks of the department. • Hazen Blodgett – The Matthews town manager proposed a 2017-18 fiscal year budget of $21.5 million that added four new employees and 3 percent performance-based salary pool with no tax increases. He also guided elected leaders through discussions with the N.C. Department of Transportation over the East John Street widening. • Scott Cole – The NCDOT engineer made trips to Matthews, Indian Trail and Stallings to answer questions and assure residents that superstreets were a safer, more efficient means to moving people along highways. • Dena Diorio – Diorio made national news when the county refused to pay a ransom after hackers hijacked some of its data. The county manager also recommended a budget that didn't increase property taxes, while seeking to increase access to county services through the formation of community resource centers. • Rob Hunter – Hunter retired as Matthews Police Chief in see NEWSMAKERS, Page 3A

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017 • Page 3A

Above: Marcus Plescia helped encourage health and wellness programs in the community, but the health department under his leadership faced a lot of scrutiny. Right: Ernesto Reina’s Jolly Rolls concept is snowballing toward success as he continues to open more stores. MMHW file photos

NEWSMAKERS (continued from page 2A)

October, a role he’s held since 1993. Town Manager Hazen Blodgett credited Hunter for building the police department from the ground up. • Lee Anne Moore – Moore had the huge task of overseeing the 25th annual Matthews Alive Festival during Labor Day weekend. The festival proved to be a smash, raising a record $141,207 for nearly 40 charities. • CJ O’Neill – O’Neill has had a busy year as public works director, especially with all of the construction projects being developed in partnership with the N.C. Department of Transportation. • Clark Pennington – The Town of Matthews announced that Pennington would be succeeding Rob Hunter in December as police chief. The Army veteran comes from a force in Frederick, Maryland. • Marcus Plescia – Plescia came to the county health department with incredible credentials, but he resigned Aug. 4 after getting negative press coverage. It didn’t help that his department failed to notify dozens of women about abnormal Pap smear results. • Brian Welch – Welch entered his 10th year as Mint Hill town manager. Welch proposed a 2017-18 budget of $12.5 million with no tax increase.

Business

• Sandy Barnett – Barnett left her post of executive director of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce to take a marketing position with Pine Lake Country Club. She led the chamber for 11 years. • Kelly Barnhardt – Aside from ribbon cuttings and expos, Barnhardt introduced a Women in Business Program at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also held a candidates forum for town elections. • Roland Bibeau – Bibeau serves as president of Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, which donates time and resources to community events, such as

Matthews Alive and Festival of Trees. • Tony and Sarah Brock – The Brocks tapped into the region’s craft beer craze by opening Pour 64 in downtown Mint Hill. It’s a destination for beer fans that like trying different breweries. • Laura Budd – Budd won Best Attorney honors in the Best of the Weeklies. She also won a rezoning that allows her to redevelop property at 352 E. Charles St. Then came the rebranding of her practice to Weaver Budd Attorneys at Law. • Eric Fairbanks – When Matthews-Mint Hill caught up with Fairbanks in May, he owned 11 Hungry Howies franchises and had plans to expand that to 17 stores in 2018. Hard to believe he began his empire in 2005 at the Sardis Crossing shopping center. • John and Martha Fisichello – The couple’s Mario’s Italian Restaurant won Best Italian Restaurant in the Best of the Weeklies readers choice vote. The Fisichellos also raised money for a young boy with a rare genetic disease. • Paige McKinney – McKinney took the reins of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce this year with hopes of increasing programming for women and improving its social media presence. • Donald and Caroline Naysmith – The couple bought the Morris barn on West Charles Street, which angered folks that wanted the Town of Matthews or Matthews Historical Foundation to preserve it. • Ernesto Reina – The 23-year-old has grown his Jolly Rolls rolled ice cream concept from his garage to multiple storefronts in the Charlotte region. He opened his Matthews store in April. • Richard Siskey – Siskey killed himself at the end of 2016 after the FBI began investigating his business dealings. Later in 2017, the Siskey YMCA became the Brace Family YMCA. • Sherry Taylor – Taylor joined the Pine Lake Country Club in August. The club showcased renovations and updates this year that didn’t detract from its rural nature. see NEWSMAKERS, Page 4A

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Eric Fairbanks rules over Hungry Howies locations throughout the Charlotte region. His headquarters is based in Matthews. MMHW file photo

Page 4A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017

Steven Furtick and Nate Huggins cheer up seniors at Blessed Assurance. MMHW file photo

Natisha Rivera-Patrick is no stranger to hard work when it comes to connecting struggling families with the resources they need to be successful. MMHW file photo

Amy Carr, Sue Sproat and Kaye McHan joined forces to help more poeple. MMHW file photo

NEWSMAKERS (continued from page 3A)

Faith/Nonprofits Adhvik Pradeep loves to read. Thanks to his efforts in collecting books for a TV station’s book drive, others may find as much pleasure in reading, too. MMHW file photo

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• Andrew Byrd & Randy Briscoe – The pastors merged their churches (Mint Hill Community Church and Garr Church) to form Greater Life Church on Mother’s Day. They won approval from Mint Hill to build a new place of worship on nine acres off Matthews-Mint Hill Road. • Kelly Brooks – Brooks led SHARE Charlotte in raising $7 million for charities through the #GivingTuesdayCLT campaign. Several area charities were involved, including Bright Blessings, Matthews Playhouse and YMCA of Greater Charlotte. • Alex Kennedy – Kennedy, senior pastor at Carmel Baptist Church, ushered in a new three-story discipleship center and gym that would be used for Carmel Christian School. • Natisha Rivera-Patrick – Rivera-Patrick took over as executive director for the

Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, which continued to provide affordable and decent housing to families in Matthews, Mint Hill and Stallings. The charity began building its 107th home in December. • Nate Huggins – Readers chose Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care as Best Assisted Living facility in the Best of the Weeklies reader choice awards. Huggins continued to get help entertaining and assisting seniors from the likes of Charlotte Catholic School and Elevation Church. • Adhvik Pradeep – The Matthews kindergartner collected 300 books for the WAXN-TV’s 64U Books for Kids Drive to help other kids develop a love for reading. • Amy Carr, Sue Sproat & Kaye McHan – The leaders of COSKids, Matthews Free Medical Clinic and Matthews Help Center pooled their resources together to maximize support for people in need. The Greater Matthews Local Family Network is what they called the alliance. see NEWSMAKERS, Page 5A

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017 • Page 5A

NEWSMAKERS (continued from page 4A)

Sports

• Sarah Billiard – Billiard excelled at Covenant Day in volleyball, basketball and track & field (high jump). Last month, the Virginia standout made the ACC All-Freshman Team for volleyball. • Devon Dotson – The Providence Day point guard announced he would play basketball for Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks in 2018. Dotson came into the season nationally ranked, having averaged 24 points a game last year. • Riley Ferguson – People around here remember Ferguson as a state championship quarterback for Butler. People elsewhere know him as the QB who threw six touchdowns to lead the Memphis Tigers in an upset over No. 25 UCLA. • Dillon Gooch – Gooch held the Carmel Christian boys’ tennis team to its second state championship. He also won all-conference and all-state honors. • Orlando Gray – Gray took over the Rocky River Ravens football program in the spring. The squad posted a 2-9 record in the fall. • Brian Hales – Hales returned to coach Butler football to a sixth conference title. The Bulldogs lost to Myers Park in the second round of the state playoffs to end the 2017 season with a 8-3 record. • David Houseton – The Covenant Day baseball coach earned a spot on the Team USA development squad, giving him a chance to work with some of the country’s top 14-year-olds. • Dan Kerr – Queen’s Grant athletics director and baseball coach Dan Kerr was proud to debut the school’s new baseball field in March. The field took a lot of hard work on his part and support from the community. • Xavier Lanear – Lanear graduated from Independence in the spring with a state wrestling title (220-pound weight class) with a 47-0 record. He played football in the fall with NC Central University. • Kenya Livingston – Livingston’s legend continues to grow by leaps and bounds. She has competed internationally in the high jump and won multiple Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Athlete of the Year awards. • Alina McCue – McCue certainly put up numbers at Covenant Day to become Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year, but she also had a compelling story and perspective. The college freshman plays for the Mercer Bears soccer team. • Jim McPhilliamy – The business exec’s Charlotte Independence began playing games at the newly minted Sportsplex at Matthews and discussed the possibility to moving to American

ABOVE: Before he became an NFL prospect with the Memphis Tigers, Riley Ferguson was a quarterback for the Butler Bulldogs. BELOW (Top): Sarah Billiard is one of the most decorated local athletes in history, having competed in basketball, volleyball and high jump. (Bottom): Butler football coach Brian Hales powered up the Bulldogs to a conference title. (Right): Jaylon Sharpe was a defensive gem for Rocky River. MMHW file photos

Legion Memorial Stadium, near Uptown Charlotte. • Mike Natoli – The Independence football coach opening lured Natoli from Statesville Christian, where he served as offensive coordinator. Natoli, the team’s fourth coach in five years, led the Patriots to a 4-9 record. • Farrell O’Quinn – O’Quinn coached the Covenant Day cross country team to its first state

championship in October. The top five scorers in the final meet were all underclassman, too. • Chris Satterfield – The N.C. Athletic Directors Association presented the Butler athletics director with its Braveheart Award for overcoming an injury suffered during a dodgeball game. He also endured debilitating health issues in youth. He now helps student-athletes reach

their potential. • Jaylon Sharpe – Rocky River only won two football games this season, but junior linebacker Jaylon Sharpe had a great year, as he was voted top defensive player by Southwestern Conference coaches. • Travis Snell – Snell not only maintained a 4.0 grade point average, but he also played four sports at Mint Hill Middle

School – all while living with Type 1 diabetes. • Andrew Stark – Stark returned to Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly to serve as sports editor while battling cancer. The community raised at least $11,000 for the Matthews resident through a YouCaring.com campaign. see NEWSMAKERS, Page 6A

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NEWSMAKERS (continued from page 5A)

Other

• June Bayless – The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts brought productions, such as “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Cinderella” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to the stage this year. Bayless founded the organization. • Lyla Chaudhary – The 7-yearold died in a car wreck June 30 off Sam Newell Road, prompting more than 2,700 people to sign a petition to add a guardrail there. Crown Point Elementary School released 120 balloon on her birthday, Dec. 15. • Becky Griffin – The executive director of the Mint Hill Historical Society unveiled a plaque in the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village after the landmark’s namesake. She continued to promote town history at events

throughout the year. • Paula Lester – Lester serves as president of the Matthews Historical Foundation, which owns the Matthews Heritage Museum and Reid House. Both won awards through Best of the Weeklies voting. • Romie Mizell – Mizell may have stepped down as president of Mint Hill Arts, but he’s continued to stay involved in the arts community by showcasing his work. Mint Hill Arts offered Romie and his wife, Judy, lifetime membership. • David and Shelly Shaeffer – The Shaeffers convinced Mint Hill leaders to change town ordinances to allow pygmy goats in smaller neighborhoods. They did not have to give up their beloved Friendly and Fennekin. • Klaus Siebert – Siebert was rewarded for years of service in the Marines, Army, Air Force and JROTC education by serving as grand marshal of the Mint Hill Madness Pa-

rade. • Barbara Taylor – Taylor continued to bring quirky exhibits to the Matthews Heritage Museum, including widgets and thingamajigs, as well as toys from decades past. • Pauline Wood – As market manager, Pauline Wood ushered in expanded space for tailgate vendors and new features at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market. • Renee Garner & Aana Lisa Whatley – Garner and Whatley were among a core group of Matthews residents putting pressure on town commissioners to ensure the John Street corridor be preserved from a state highway-widening project. Who was snubbed? Was there someone you think should have made the list? Email the editor at justin@cmgweekly.com to let him know. We may publish responses in an upcoming edition.

David and Shelly Shaeffer received support from neighbors to keep their two miniature goats. Eight signed a petition calling for town leadership to relax rules on ownership of minature goats. MMHW file photo

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Mint Hill Arts honored Judy and Romie Mizell by naming an exhibit after the Mizells. Romie stepped down as president of the organization. He served in that role since 2013. Photo courtesy of Mint Hill Arts

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Best of 2017 Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017 • Page 1B

A look at our favorite sayings Reporters use quotes in their stories to convey someone’s voice. They strive to use quotes that evoke emotion, feeling or profound ideas. Here are some of our favorites published in 2017. “Mint Hill is a great place to live. It really is. I know we got a traffic problem, but everybody’s got a traffic Ellington problem.” – Mickey Ellington in his final remarks as a town commissioner (Dec. 22) “There is no handbook on how to be a good dad; he just knows how to be one and he is always there. No Taylor matter what, in the middle of a meeting or not, he’s always there.” – Breanna Taylor on her father, former Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor (Dec 22) “One thing I am extremely proud of is the fact that this is a wonderful community and a wonderful job. But Taylor I never missed a band recital, soccer game or anything. I’m very happy about that.” – Jim Taylor’s reflections of being a mayor and father (Dec. 15) “Many of the projects we’ve had in the Town of Matthews that we look back on so fondly and say are some of the cornerstones in this community, came with a lot of opposition.” – Jim Taylor’s thoughts on his tenure as mayor (Dec. 15) “We got better bricks than Matthews.” – Mint Hill Commissioner Tina Ross during discussion of a brick monument at a roundabout (Dec. 1) “If guns kill people, then forks make people fat. You can’t blame the object because then you have to blame Zins the car; you have to blame the plane; you have to blame the fork.” – Brian Zins, of Point Blank Range in Matthews, regarding gun control (Dec. 1) “More times than not, you use Plan Z more than you use Plan A,” – Jonathan Goforth on the challenges of doing an Eagle Scout project. (Dec. 1)

Goforth

“I think the biggest problem facing us is traffic through the middle of downtown Matthews,” – Paul Bailey Bailey, campaigning for Matthews mayor during a Matthews Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (Oct. 27) “I’m sure our neighborhood is going to come together, and we’re going to fight the cut-throughs. They can spend money and cut through somewhere else.” – Danny Brown, of the Jefferson Colony neighborhood, drawing a line in the sand to Mint Hill commissioners over a proposed 247-home proposal next-door (Nov. 17) “First of all, I think four goats an acre is ridiculous. I’ve had goats for over 20 years. I know a lot about goats. I’m not against goats – that’s not what I’m going to tell you – but I am against cruelty to animals.” – Mint Hill Commissioner Richard Newton while discussing a change to the ordinance regarding pygmy goats (Nov. 17) “Education is the answer that will bring us together in our differences and bridge the economic divide – both in Charlotte and in our country,” – Kandi Deitemeyer during her inauguration as president of Central Piedmont Community College (Nov. 10) “I love being the underdog and I’ll take that all day long. I love seeing the faces of people when you prove Boddie them wrong. There is something about that, and I think we’ve done that very well this season.” – Providence running back Julian Boddie (Oct. 27) “Drama makes me love school so much more. It’s the only reason I come to school.” – Charles Ingmire on his drama classes at Northeast Middle School (Nov. 10) “Everybody loves the goats and that’s why this is so silly.” – David Schaeffer, of Mint Hill, on the possibility of losing his pygmy goats due to red tape (Nov. 3) “Matthews is represented for some people, but not all the people.” – The Rev. Larry Whitley, campaigning for Matthews mayor during a Matthews Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (Oct. 27) “Improv is about embracing the moment and saying yes to

new things. It forces you outside of your comfort zone and to be silly and weird and do things you would have never done before and you form these great connections with other people.” – Elizabeth Byland, director of Acting Out Studio (Oct. 20) “This will be a transformational project,” Cole said. “You will see when the project is done, development will come to this area, especially your downtown area.” – NCDOT engineer Scott Cole to Stallings leaders regarding the superstreet proposed for Old Monroe Road (Oct. 6) “I never imagined I would be rolling ice cream, but there’s nothing like owning your own business and working for yourself.” Ernesto Reina on the success of Jolly Rolls (Sept. 29) “We need to put residents ahead of roads,” – Renee Garner of the Preserve Matthews (June 23) “This is fantastic. The guys are so excited. It feels so positive about the whole atmosphere, the Sportsplex, the stadium, the field, everything is such a light year step up for us.” – Charlotte Independence Coach Mike Jeffries upon the opening of Sportsplex at Matthews (June 23) “Our goal is focused on strengthening families, promoting wellness and building community,” County Diorio Manager Dena Diorio on the creation of community resource centers (June 16) “I want to create a baboon habitat … for the children of Matthews.” – Editor Justin Vick being an idiot again (June 16) “Soccer fans are very social; they enjoy meeting and tailgating. I think the town of Matthews is a better environment for that sense of soccer community.” – Charlotte Independence owner Jim McPhilliamy on the transition from playing at Ramblewood in Charlotte to Sportsplex at Matthews (June 16) “Words matter.” – Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity Natisha Rivera-Patrick on the need for chari- Rivera-Patrick ties to put out a call to action after raising awareness (June 16) “I thought it was a girly sport

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“We’ve got 9,200 amazing teachers who teach kids for the right reasons, and they are going to make this hapClark pen regardless of what buildings or classroom they are in.” – CMS Superintendent Ann Clark on questions of how her student assignment plan would work (May 5) “I never helped the community before. It makes you feel good.” – Kindergartner Adhvik Pradeep on a charity book drive (April 21) “I’m not sold on this project. It’s got to be Matthews. It’s got to be the best you can put out there.” – Matthews Commissioner John Urban after calling a developer’s proposal ugly (April 14) “I think it is a disgrace that any child in Mecklenburg County would go into a building where we wouldn’t send adults to be. It’s a travesty that we all bear. So, what are we doing to make sure that every child enters into buildings that are decent?” – County Commissioner Trevor Fuller during a meeting with the CMS school board (March 24)

“Education is the foundation of our children’s lives, and we need strong educators in our classrooms. Know- Schroeder ing that salary is something preventing that from happening throughout our state is upsetting.” – Crestdale Middle School Principal Jennifer Schroeder on the biggest challenge in education (March 17) “I have never seen in my 18 years as a mayor or as a commissioner any entity explicitly ask for large sums of money to put support behind a project and threaten the developer and put pressure on commission that if they don’t get large sums of money they are going to rally the troops to oppose the petition.” – Mayor Jim Taylor regarding 250-apartment project across from the Family Dollar distribution center (Feb. 17) “We can all take pride in this beautiful complex. It is the community that has provided this world class facility and will continue to be an asset for our region for decades to come not to mention provide positive economic impact to our entire region with 30 to 40 tournaments annually.” – Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor upon the opening of Sportsplex at Matthews (June 23) “The neighborhood school might not be the best option for everybody. There are fabulous neighborhood schools in our area, but sometimes it’s not the best option for every child.” – Christy Morrin, principal of Matthews Charter Academy (Feb. 3)

Windsor Run is 75% sold out, so don’t wait to learn more. Call 1-800-591-2046 or stop by the Sales Center to view our construction progress. “Moving to Windsor Run is making a good investment. You know you’re getting 90% of your deposit back.” – Albert Leath moving from Mint Hill

January 5 • April 20 July 27 • Oct. 5 Circulation: 20,900 Readership: 54,675

“I was sharing earlier that for a student to say to you, ‘You changed my life,’ I can not imagine a greater Irvin reward, because we don’t know what environment kids are coming from. Sometimes the trajectory they’re on is a really bad one, and they may not have the support they need.” – Crestdale Middle School teacher Krystil Irvin talking about her experiences in the classroom (May 5)

“I think we’re making progress. They haven’t built a darn thing yet. They haven’t designed it yet. Until it’s actually being built, we have a chance to have an impact on it. I’m not giving up and I don’t think anyone else is giving up.” – Mayor Jim Taylor on changing NCDOT’s mind about building a superstreet through downtown Matthews (March 17)

Windsor Run, Matthews’ exciting new retirement community, opens in spring 2018! Dozens of your neighbors are getting ready to make this brand new community their home.

CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

Charlotte Media Group

(and) not that intense.” – College volleyball star athlete Sarah Billiard on her hesitation to play the sport at Covenant Day (May 19)

Why are your neighbors moving to Windsor Run?

2018

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Circulation: 21,000 Readership: 38,475

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Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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Page 2B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017

Favorite photos

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These colorful snowflakes were created by local children touched by the pain of poverty.

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Page 4B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017

Favorite covers Vol. 10 no. 17 April 28, 2017

Vol. 10 No. 34

August 25, 2017

www.mAtthewsminthillweekly.com

WWW.MATTHEWSMINTHILLWEEKLY.COM

HEART OF GOLD

Ringing in anOtheR yeaR

Back to School

Mr. T meets with fans during Fuze iced tea promotion,

kelly Barnhardt marks anniversary with chamber by launching health, women's programming.

page 3

Buses are revving up to transport children on time.

Page 3

page 8

Refreshed Look ALDI plans to reintroduce its remodeled Matthews store.

Page 13

Details inside: Women at Work edition page 16

Big Man on Campus

Grant Baldwin/MMHW photo

Jack Cherry lives out childhood dream as quarterback.

Comic books for a cause

Seeking Paul Bailey's seat

Page 15

Overcoming adversity

Geek culture helps promote reading at Mint Hill Middle School, page 15

District 6 Board of Education candidate favors idea of neighborhood schools, page 16

Butler athletics director recognized for his success despite the odds, page 17

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Aug. 25: Mr. T visiting a Family Dollar store to promote tea set up my favorite celebrity cover of all time. I was more excited to put Mr. T on a front page than I ever was with Barack Obama or Donald Trump. – Justin Vick

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*The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 3/1/2017 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 05/31/2017. **Contact McClintock Heating & Cooling for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited.

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation April 28: This one had different effects than our typical covers – full bleed photo, Kelly 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 BarnhardtFor popping out of theCall: action and the translucent bar of text over the photo. – JV Information 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Inside Today: Rep. Pittenger weighs in on DACA • Page 5A

Test scores

Half way

Superintendent cites Butler as success, 3A

Independence soccer team wants more than playoffs, 1B

Crossword

Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 37

ABOUT US

P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com matthewsminthillweekly.com

FALL ART CLASSES

Trailer park residents beg for help She and several residents have been pleading with town leaders not to allow the redevelopment of the property. Many say they love Matthews, but can’t find an affordable place to live. Ron Perrera, development manager at Bainbridge Companies, explained the Overcash family no longer has any living relatives in town. His company has been working with a relative in Charleston on the

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Rosa Sanchez learned one week after she and her three daughters moved into a mobile home in the Oakhaven trailer park that she might have to leave. Sanchez says the woman that sold her the mobile home didn’t tell her that the property could be redeveloped into an upscale 350-apartment community. “I don’t have the money that is

Elevations show how one of the proposed apartment buildings may look at the 1700 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Rendering courtesy of Matthews

needed to move the mobile home,” Sanchez said. “Basically, me and my

daughters are going to be left homeless.”

The Big Tease

see PARK, Page 6A

Birthday puts focus on fitness by Jarred Voss For The Weekly

Trouble for Monroe Rd widening by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail may become the latest town to push back on the N.C. Department of Transportation’s intent to widen Monroe Road with a superstreet design. The communities of Matthews, Stallings and Indian Trail have long been in favor of widening the road to a four-lane highway, but only recently has the NCDOT mentioned the idea of scrapping the four lanes in favor of a superstreet. Matthews residents have been especially vocal against the use of a superstreet design through its downtown, because the design would require more right-of-way. They contend the superstreet would harm the feel of downtown by adding a sea of asphalt and eat up more homes and businesses. Residents in Indian Trail, however, are becoming increasingly more vocal about concerns they have regarding traffic. Mayor Michael Alvarez’s biggest concern is with the Brandon Oaks neighborhood. “When you have 6,000 plus cars coming out of there on a daily basis, if they are forced to turn right, it’s going to create a mess,” he said. “I don’t think DOT realizes that.” The Indian Trail Town Council requested NCDOT hold a public forum after hearing concern from residents. The forum takes place 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road.

INDEX Crime............................................................................... 6A Classifieds.............................................................5B Schools .......................................................................6A Calendar................................................................... 3A Business ................................................................... 4A Opinion ........................................................................ 5A Sports............................................................................. 1B Puzzles ........................................................................3B

A worker repairs lines damaged Sept. 11 in downtown Matthews by winds from approaching Hurricane Irma. Grant Baldwin/MMHW photo

Irma was the least of my problems

As meteorologists began showing satellite images from the Caribbean of Hurricane Irma dwarfing the state of Florida, my first thought was not, “Oh no, I’m going to die.” My first thought was actually, “Oh no, this is going to mess up our first edition as a broadsheet.” Our staff wasn’t even finished with last week’s edition before I was on the phone with our corporate office talking about contingency plans if the hurricane were to head through the Caro-

COMMENTARY

Justin Vick Managing Editor

linas. Our corporate office is in Houston where Hurricane Harvey raised havoc. Everyone at that office was OK, but their

building sustained some damage from flooding. So, everyone was on edge about this hurricane. Initially, our plan was to send all of our files to Houston over the weekend and let them design the newspaper. Ultimately we worked it out to where our printer would allow us to use one of their offices. As Irma began to veer west of Charlotte, the concern was no see VICK, Page 6A

MATTHEWS – Curves is celebrating 25 years of making women healthy and strong. The Matthews-Mint Hill franchise offers women a diversified sisterhood that is joyful, caring and outgoing, while getting them into the best shape of their lives in less than 35 minutes. “I enjoy the classes,” member Patricia Brennan said. “It helps me concentrate on working out and not wonder about anything but my time at Curves.” What’s different about this location is the staff cares about help- Curves Complete ing “each female Coach Janette Pugsley leads network for fu- members through a ture jobs amongst ‘walk-class’ session. other women and Grant Baldwin/ it gives mothers a MMHW photo bonding moment with their daughters,” manager Gwen Fulp said. Founder Gary Haven’s mother gave him the idea to open Curves to help empower women and reach their goals whether it’s mentally, spiritually or physically. Its mission is to empower women to improve their lives, while giving them a trustworthy support system. “Curves helps its members with endurance, balance and the ability to feel stronger,” coach Vernere Barnes said. Curves offers advice and essentials, such as monthly coaching sessions, calcium supplements, multivitamins and three flavors of protein powders.

Butler grad becomes ‘History Gal’ Both history buffs and those who for fascinating people behind historic napped through history classes are cele- moments. Morgan interviewed Bethany Holt brating a contemporary – even entertainGregory about Queen ing – approach to getting of Mecklenthe inside story on the LEARN MORE Charlotte burg in the first episode. world’s most fascinating The first season of “The The episode shared little people. History Gal” features eight known facts about the Butler High School episodes that will air on Queen City’s namesake, alum Christine Morgan YouTube. Contact Morgan for sponsorship opportuincluding her oft-mislaunched the first of nities at 704-560-0359 or taken ethnicity. eight episodes Aug. 31 thehistorygalfaq@gmail. “As a performer, I that comprise season one com. know that great content of “The History Gal.” can also have great enThe bi-weekly YouTube show culls from her studies in theater and tertainment appeal,” Morgan said. “’The History Gal’ is all about getting the ‘inEuropean history. She presents episodes, each under 10 side scoop’ on key events and noteworthy minutes, with a casual style and passion figures in history.”

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Sept. 15: This edition marked our first as a traditional broadsheet newspaper. The week leading up to this issue was especially stressful because Hurricane Irma seemed to be approaching the Carolinas. – JV

33 Diarist Nin 34 Edward James ___, star of “Stand and Deliver” 35 Word before coat or rat 36 Contents of Pandora’s box 37 High winds? 38 El ___ (weather phenomenon) 39 “N.Y. State of Mind” rapper 40 Briefly, after “in” 41 Brand of candy hearts 42 1965 Beatles hit 45 Equine, in totspeak 46 Letters on exploding boxes in Angry Birds 47 Cause for a food recall 49 Advance

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A S S N

CHARLOTTE FURNITURE CO

(Originally The Purple Picket)

ACROSS 1 Staple of Chinese cuisine 5 Submit tax forms the modern way 10 Jockey’s accessory 14 Actor Epps 15 Charles or Ray after whom a chair is named 16 Onetime Ritz rival 17 Classic game needing no equipment 20 Event name suffix 21 One of the friends on “Friends” 22 Doing a pirouette, say 23 Start of the Lord’s Prayer 24 Common baby ailment 26 You might not want to touch something with this

C U T E

I M U P

D O B A T O N E T H A M L M I M E S L Y T A L P H R U R A O N O N S A N K E R G S

E N T E G O U G B O R N A L D A D A V I R I C K P E T A L T A R O S L I M H E L A W A S R L C G I E S H I G E I G H C A S T

On All Clothing On Select Shoes & Bric-a-Brac

Wacky Wednesday Join us Every Wednesday At All Locations 11328 E. Independence Blvd. Matthews, NC 28105 1011 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204 2901 Cloverleaf Pkwy. Kannapolis, NC 28081 8500 Pineville Matthews Road Charlotte, NC 28226 1876 S. New Hope Road Gastonia, NC 28054

On All Clothing On Select Shoes & Bric-a-Brac

R E S A L T O O N O G T S I I S E I A H H T S

N A M E L Y

E L U D E

S O L I D

S T E N O

M B E E S A A N T T O R W I N O

A R T S

X M A S

I S L E

C E L L

51 Yes, in Yokohama 54 Overly inventive … or a hint to the answers to 17-, 26- and 42-Across 58 Alan of “Bridge of Spies” 59 Music genre that’s sometimes “heavy” 60 Maven 61 Like omega, in the Greek alphabet 62 It’s a wrap 63 Big name in oil? DOWN 1 Drilling grp. 2 Texter’s qualifier 3 Third person 4 Muff one 5 Pessimist in Pooh books 6 Online help features, for short 7 “___ in the Morning” 8 Ang who directed “Brokeback Mountain” 9 Double curve 10 Words of encouragement 11 Anarchy queller 12 “This could be bad!” 13 One may be struck 18 Aligns 19 Sweetums 23 “Miss” with regrets

Edited by Will Shortz 1

No. 0829 9

15 18

23 27

45 47

31 35

PUZZLE BY ADAM G. PERL

24 “Saturday Night Live” specialty 25 Down Under critters

37 Is beholden to 38 Pond denizen

40 Singer Lavigne 26 Like the light from distant stars 41 One “hat” for an au pair 27 Acquired relative 43 Many a feline 28 Lies Facebook posting 29 Hardly a celebrity 44 Kind of income 30 Fauna’s a lending officer counterpart likes to see 31 Renaissance 47 List shortcut Faire weapon 32 Kindle download

48 RC, for one

49 Jared who won an Oscar for “Dallas Buyers Club” 50 Kind of history 51 Carry by semitrailer, say 52 ___ Romeo (Italian car) 53 Doubtful 55 Ambulance letters 56 Farm doc 57 Home for “Girls”

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Church Directory

South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017 • Page 5B

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Page 6B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 29, 2017

Favorite covers Vol. 10 No. 20

May 19, 2017 www.MatthewsMiNthillweekly.coM

Vol. 10 No. 6

February 10, 2017 www.matthewsmiNthillweekly.com

Just deserts

Football coach Jason Fowler leaving Rocky River Ravens for Olympic Trojans See page 12

page 16 East Mecklenburg High School Valedictorian Lac Phan and 26 other graduating seniors visited Crown Point Elementary on Tuesday, May 16, for the Senior Walk. The event allows graduates to walk the hall and receive high-fives and cheers from elementary school children. Grant Baldwin/MMHW photo

Barn burner

Brewing opportunity

Opening wider

Matthews leaders are irked by the sale of historic property, page 6

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply gives Matthews residents a taste of what is to come, page 3

Mint Hill Dentistry is adding two more rooms to its office, page 13

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May 19: Loved this photo of Crown Point Elementary School students cheering on graduating seniors. The people and text look like they are going to pop off the page. –Justin Vick

Vol. 10 No. 23

June 9, 2017 WWW.MATTHEWSMINTHILLWEEKLY.COM

Jason Fowler prepares a bowl of ice cream Feb. 1 prior to a staff meeting at Rocky River High School. Later that afternoon, news broke of the football coach leaving Rocky River for Olympic. Grant Baldwin/MMHW photo

Maintaining bright smiles

January home sales Thirteen area houses sell for at least $350,000 last month. page 4.

Technology meets theater

Starr & Dickens Orthodontics offers scholarships for dental services. page 7

Covenant Day School enhances theater production with digital animation. page 11

King’s Jewelry has the best gift for your Valentine

Movi� Grant Baldwin/MMHW photo

under the stars

June 9: Kudos to former layout editor Erin Kirby for jazzing up a Grant Baldwin photo and creating a cover that looked like one of those fancy schmancy film festival posters. – JV

704.841.2013 | www.thekingsjewelry.com

Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm • Open this Sunday 12pm – 5pm 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 400 | Matthews, NC 28105 (located in Matthews Festival Place (across from Harris Teeter)

Feb. 10: Seeing the phrase “just deserts” on a photo of a coach preparing a dessert confused readers, prompting many people to call me an idiot. – JV

Happy New Year from Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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