Union County Weekly

Vol. 11 No. 16

April 15, 2016 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Power couple Twenty-four-year-old newlyweds Will and Amanda Carter launched their business, No Limits Dance & Fitness, two years ago. Now, they're outgrowing their space off Hwy. 74 while preparing for a local WSOCTV reality show, which premieres Saturday. Page 4

Also inside:

CATA students to perform ‘Ragtime’ Students will take audiences back in time to the turn of the century. Page 8

Shelter launches $3M campaign Union County Community Shelter launched a $3-million campaign to open a bigger building for the area's homeless. Page 5

Classroom Central helps teachers Nonprofit Classroom Central served 100 Union County teachers by donating supplies to give their highneed students. Page 9

Pirate soccer on the rise Porter Ridge girls' soccer team is off to a strong start and hopes to challenge Myers Park for the conference title. Page 12 !

Opinion 3 | News Briefs 6 | Education 8 | Faith 10 | Calendar 11 | Sports 12 | Classifieds 15

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Opinion

Son refuses my early retirement request

My wife and I own a couch, which is nice. We bought this couch to match the paint on the walls and the rug in our den – a concept apparently known as “normal” to people like my wife. (I’ve since learned comJonathan McElvy fort is no competitor to coordination, but let’s not digress.)

As you might imagine, we bought this couch for first-world reasons. We like to sit on cushions when we watch 2-hour movies.

Once upon a time, Meghan and I even used this couch to conduct semi-adult conversations about things like life, growth and the Zika virus.

This couch is not what it used to be. It is a trampoline, a hiding place, a canvass for Crayons.

More than two years ago – 31 months to be exact – I began writing a series of columns about our first born, Hank. Psychologists call these epistles “coping mechanisms.” I like to think they appeal to a segment of our loyal readership that either: 1) Knows the pains of which I speak, or; 2) Loves laughing at people like me because they have grown children and no longer face the tyranny of

toddlers.

Hank is not a tyrant – yet. He is simply a confused child in search of Oreos and mud.

That doesn’t mean he’s a slow child by any stretch. It’s that his entire life has just two consistent variables: Sleep and play – in no particular order and neither, necessarily, unto its own.

Sleep. A number of months ago, it became apparent Hank wanted his sleeping habits to change. Even though his mother and I had illusions the lad might enjoy the safe-haven of his crib for years to come (maybe until his wedding night), the thermal spy gear we installed in his room indicated otherwise.

First he stood at the edge of his crib and talked to different objects in his room. He’d do this for an hour, content just to carry on conversations; one night he sang a drunkish version of Hickory, Dickory, Dock to his stuffed dog.

Next, Hank realized he’d really like to grab some reading material off the shelf, so we watched the grainy monitor as he’d stand there and look lovingly across the room, attempting maneuvers that might launch him toward his stash of Little Golden Books.

As you all know, the boy did discover his crib was only a faux prison. One night, Hank scored a paltry 8.3 on his dismount from the railing, ending with a thud that simultaneously ejected mom and me from the coordinated couch. If he couldn’t stick

his landing, we’d have to lower the balance beam.

The next day, I came home from work and began the conversion of our son’s crib into a bed. By 10 p.m., Hank crashed with mom and me, cursed the Allen guy who created a wrench designed for mutants with dimesized hands.

Hank has not rested his bottom on that converted bed since. For nearly six months, he has slept on the floor of his room, which is fine because that’s where he wanted to be all along anyway.

What’s important is that he sleeps, because if he didn’t, I have no idea where he’d find the money to buy the amount of opiates he’d need to play at his current pace.

With all the adoration a father can muster, our son is Rain Man with a smile. More than a year ago, Hank fell in love with cars – you know, the ones you step on in the middle of the night and curse all the way to the kitchen.

I don’t know how many cars Hank owns because half of them are in the couch. What I do know is that I suffer from a disorder that seeks my son’s loyal affection. It doesn’t matter if we’re at a pharmacy or a grocery store. If there are cars on the toy aisle, I buy him one, and often a handful. My affliction of acceptance is mitigated by our son’s compulsiveness. The kid will spend minutes lining each of his cars across the coffee table,

only to crash them all into the TV console, which sends coordinated mom into near hyperventilation.

What intrigues me so about my son’s play is how he can completely forget he has 327 cars in a basket and, within seconds, turn his diminutive attention to the 328 plastic animals I’ve purchased for him at the Nickel Store. (When you step on a hard, plastic Stegosaurus, it hurts much worse than Lightning McQueen.)

But Hank’s favorite toy, it turns out, is me. That couch has become his trampoline, launching his 35-pounds of furor into my arms with zero notice. He hides under its pillows proclaiming that he’s seen a bear in the hallway and asking me to hide with him. And he’s discovered a new game that requires me to bench-press him toward the sky and drop him to the nearest pillow.

The other night, I pulled Hank aside and told him this fathering thing was a young man’s game. I even drafted retirement papers, right after my back recoiled into a block of steel. He refused my offer and told me I’m in it for the long haul.

My wife and I are exhausted, which means we’ve done the only sane thing two consenting humans can do. We’ve ordered Hank a brother, due to be shipped in late summer.

We’re gonna need a bigger couch.

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Reality show highlights Monroe dance, fitness business

by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Twenty-four-year-old newlyweds Will and Amanda Carter begin their day at 4 a.m. After a workout, quick breakfast and shower, they’re off to No Limits Dance & Fitness, a business they own and operate together off Highway 74 in Monroe.

The Carters have invested the last two years into their business, which combines a full gym and personal training with a separate dance studio. On April 16, that dedication will culminate with the premier of their reality show, “No Limits Reality,” on WSOCTV Channel 9.

The premier will begin with a red-carpet celebration and showing at Sun Valley Theater in Indian Trail and, though some business owners would take a much-needed vacation after seeing several years of hard work pay off, the Carters are just getting started.

“We have goals in mind and we know what we have to do,” Will said. “We’ve combined our two passions – dance and fitness – and, in life, if you’re not doing something you’re passionate about, then you’re wasting your time. You’ll never enjoy it and you’ll hate your life.”

Amanda, a graduate of Central Academy of Technology and Arts, moved to New York City after graduation to attend the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Program. After touring with a production company, she booked a job with Royal Caribbean cruises for a nine-month contract as a dancer and aerialist.

Fate intervened when she crossed paths with Will, and England native, who worked on the same ship as a personal trainer.

After a few months of dating, the two realized their backgrounds could be the perfect business venture.

“Dance and fitness are very compatible,” Will said. “At our studio, parents can drop their kids off for dance lessons and then go work out. They’re both so physical, so it makes sense, and there aren’t many places that have combined dance and fitness.”

The Carters launched No Limits Dance & Fitness two years ago, and were married in December 2015. Though running a business together full time while adjusting to married life would be enough for some couples to

call it quits, the Carters have embraced their roles as business owners and newlyweds.

“Honestly, we don’t see each other,” Amanda said. “I’m on one side with dance and he’s in the gym. By the time we get home around 9:30 at night, we’re both exhausted. But we’re doing what we love so it’s all worth it.”

Amanda helps develop the business in the morning, and teaches classes Monday to Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. in the afternoon.

She offers private lessons for children 2 years old and up, teaching everything from traditional ballet to tumbling.

Meanwhile, Will is in the gym, which is open 24 hours, training clients and developing meal plans to help members eat healthy.

The reality show will capture not only the Carters’ business, but their personal life, as well as the life of some of their clients.

The show will follow the stories of three of Amanda’s dancers and three of Will’s clients – one of whom suffered a spine injury during a cheerleading accident, after a lifetime of dancing, cheering and being physical active. Now, Will is helping her learn to walk again.

“I think I’m most excited for people to see what happens behind these doors,” Amanda said. “They’ll get to not only hear about what we do, but see it and see how much we love it.”

“Most people go 60 years of their life doing something they don’t enjoy and complaining about it,” Will added. “It all stems from doing something you’re not passionate about.”

The Carters hope the reality show and two-year anniversary of their business is just scratching the surface of what’s to come for No Limits Dance & Fitness. Ultimately, they hope to develop the concept into a chain or franchise.

“I think there’s so much opportunity for what we’re doing,” Will said. “For what we represent, there really are no limits. If you work hard enough, you can make anything happen in your life. No Limits is a brand that represents that.”

No Limits Dance & Fitness is located at 3306 W. Hwy. 74. “No Limits Reality” will air Saturday, April 16 at 11 a.m. after the 8:30 a.m. premier at Sun Valley Theater. Visit www.nolimitsdanceandfitness.com for more information.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Homeless shelter launching $3M building campaign dian income is decreasing.

“Our folks are normally paying 50 to 60 justin@cmgweekly.com percent of their income on housing, so they MONROE – The Union County Com- are just one financial crisis away from homemunity Shelter plans to launch a $3 million lessness,” Bragg said.

A typical scenario volunteers hear at the capital campaign next month to open a bigshelter is someone’s car breaks down, forcger building to serve the growing homeless ing them to forego a rent payment to make population. repairs.

Living paycheck to paycheck with The nonprofit is raising money to build no savings, some find themselves too deep a 20,000-square-foot shelter on 4.3 acres in debt to prevent eviction. it received from Monroe on Skyway Drive, The homeless shelter provided sleeping across from Jaycee Park. The location will alquarters for 292 single low for more emergenadults last year. cy shelter, job training Want to help?

The shelter has 20 and counseling.

Residents can find ways to help the beds for men and eight “We’re not building Union County Community Shelter by for women, but doesn’t anything that is going going to www.unionshelter.org. Executurn Union County to be a Taj Mahal,” Extive Director Kathy Bragg said comresidents away. Staff ofecutive Director Kathy panies can experience teambuilding ten outfit the dining or by serving lunch. Some 65 churches Bragg said. “We’re focused on functionality prepare and serve evening meals over living rooms with cots when beds are no lonthe course of the year. and practicality.” ger available.

The shelter has qui“We have folks that are sleeping on the etly raised $1 million in six months. The dining room floor or living room floor alpublic kick-off of its three-year campaign most every single night of the year,” she begins May 2 at Monroe Country Club. said.

Bragg said the shelter has outgrown its About half leave in less than 14 days. The “little teeny tiny building on Jefferson rest enroll in a 90-day program, where they Street.” Monroe donated the 7,000-squarego through job training and case managefoot space to the shelter. ment counseling to move toward permanent In five years, the shelter’s budget has grown housing. from $327,000 to $900,000. The shelter Case managers work with clients on issues employs three times as many employees and relating to accountability, addiction, housserves about three times as many homeless ing, income stability, disability decisions people. (see Shelter on page 6) Bragg said rent is increasing, just as meby Justin Vick

Union County Weekly | April 15, 2016 | Page 5

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Page 6 | April 15, 2016 | Union County Weekly

The Weekly

PO Box 471083 Charlotte, NC 28247 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Editorial Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Rev. Tony Marciano

Advertising Mike Gianpetro Natalie Grendel Johane Hirschfield

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Business President Jonathan McElvy Publisher Kelly Wright Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling Advertising: kelly@cmgweekly.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@cmgweekly.com Press Releases: hannah@cmgweekly.com

Union County Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

News Briefs Indian Trail hires new finance, human resources directors INDIAN TRAIL – Jim Wojtowicz and Tihisha Sharif are the newest members of the town of Indian Trail, having recently been hired as finance director and human resources director, respectively.

Wojtowicz has a number of years of experience in finance Jim Wojtowicz departments, having served as the comptroller for the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, for 13 years, and as the commissioner of finance for Poughkeepsie for seven years.

Tihisha Sharif comes to Indian Trail after several years with the town of Pineville, where she Tihisha Sharif served as human resources director and created the human resources department.

Indian Trail also has recently made other additions to its finance department, bringing in Rosemary Bernauer as accounting technician and Branden Chopelas as assistant finance firector.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring such intelligent and driven individuals to our town staff,” said Town Manager Scott Kaufhold. “Every one of them is excited about helping move Indian Trail forward.”

Poker Tournament to benefit Down Syndrome Association WAXHAW – The Southern Gentleman’s Foun-

dation of Charlotte will host its inaugural Shuffle Up & Give Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament benefitting the Patriot Military Family Foundation and Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte on April 23, a Saturday, at 4 p.m. The tournament will take place at the American Legion Hall in Waxhaw.

There is a $50 buy-in to participate. Chef Doug Allen will present a food tasting for $20, and Black Chicken Cellar will offer a wine tasting for $20.

Visit www.shuffleupandgive.myevent.com for more information.

Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform at Cuthbertson High WAXHAW – The Cuthbertson High School band program will host a performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra April 26, a Tuesday, at 7 p.m. The Glenn Miller Orchestra produces a unique jazz sound and will perform a repertoire including classics such as, “In The Mood,” “Sentimental Journey,” “At Last” and the band’s trademark “Moonlight Serenade.”

The Cuthbertson Café will open at 6 p.m. for dessert and coffee, with music provided by the high school jazz band. Advance purchase tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets at the door cost $25.

Email cuthbertsonbandboxoffice@gmail.com or call 980-269-6349 to purchase tickets.

ruption in socialism as well. With capitalism, there is no system in the history of the world that makes it possible for anyone to use their Godgiven ability and talents to lift themselves out of poverty, and use these talents to serve one another in commerce. The U.S. constitution guarantees a level playing field for all. That means there will be winners and losers. There will always be people who are more driven, and who fail trying. Who hasn’t been there?

Even with $22 trillion of government spending on the war on poverty since 1960, dependency is sky rocking. Why? Because 68 percent of children born in poverty are born out of wedlock, where the father of the home is absent with government taking their place. Government can’t fix moral issues. Despite what many believe, God is real, and Biblical history has shown repeatedly that the destruction of a society is done by people who did what was right in their own eyes, turning away from God. A transformed heart that only Jesus offers can change the social ills of the world, not government.

Danny Figueroa Indian Trial

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Socialism doesn’t work because it doesn’t incentivize and reward hard work. Carl Marx, the father of Socialism, believed the fruits of your labor don’t really belong to you, but are a part of a social collective. I don’t know about you, but I have learned in my 48 years the harder you work, and the more that is taken from you, the less motivated you are.

Why bust your behind if you’re not going to be rewarded for it? I hope others will not want to confiscate 70 or 90 percent of your children’s income if they become wealthy because some politician decided they make too much. Success and wealth should be celebrated.

You say capitalism is corrupt, but there is cor-

Shelter (continued from page 5)

and family reunification.

The shelter provided services to 67 families last year, including 170 children. The shelter sets them up with motel rooms, paying for up to three weeks of lodging as staff works to find them permanent housing.

“There is nowhere that is appropriate for them to stay at our shelter facility, because we are just way too small, so we have to put these folks up in local motel rooms,” Bragg said.

Ninety homeless households have moved to permanent housing, with 83 percent of families retaining that housing. However, the shelter spends $40,000 annually on motel fees.

The shelter’s work extends beyond the homeless. It operates a full-service soup kitchen that serves three meals 365 days a year. That amounted to 47,000 prepared meals from its kitchen last year.

The Union County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from April 4 to 8.

Lowest Score: • McDonald’s, 1101 W. Roosevelt Blvd., 28110 – 93.5 Violations included: Multiple employees unable to answer questions about employee health agreement contents and training; chlorine level in dish machine and in sanitizer solution with zero strength; food debris on slicer in clean storage; small burgers cooked to improper temperature; white cheddar lacking documentation for time holding; wiping cloths stored out of sanitizer solution; and build-up observed on exterior of ice chute at self-service station.

Visit www.unioncountyweekly.com for the full list of restaurant scores.

“We’re open not just to the homeless in our food services but to any low-income citizen in Union County that experiences a need for food,” Bragg said.

The nonprofit hopes the community will respond in-kind. Its board hopes to receive funding from private donors, businesses, government, foundations, civic organizations and the faith community.

Bragg said helping homeless people become self-sufficient and diverting them away from jail saves the county money, as well as improves the economy and housing market.

County Commissioner Stony Rushing’s perception of homelessness changed after visiting the shelter.

“You think about people on the streets – just a guy sitting on the street all day,” Rushing said.

He was amazed to see how many families the shelter serves and how many people are going back to work.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | April 15, 2016 | Page 7

The Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

Business Briefs

‘Matt and Ramona’ radio host to broadcast from MillBridge WAXHAW – Radio host Ramona Holloway will broadcast live from the grand opening of M/I Homes in MillBridge.

Holloway can be heard on the 107.9 The Link’s “Matt & Ramona” radio show.

The community can play games with the 107.9 The Link crew, eat free food, tour M/I’s new model home and register to win a $150 Visa gift card.

The event takes place April 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at 2008 Henshaw Road. RSVP by April 15 at 704-218-9969 or salescharlotte@mihomes. com. Visit www.mihomes.com/millbridgego for details.

Ad agency cutting ribbon MONROE – Big Ring Interactive will celebrate the recent opening of its new headquarters and its five-year anniversary on April 21, a Thursday.

The Union County Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at 241 North Church St. The company specializes in information technology support, digital marketing, branding, photography, video production and website design and development.

Visit www.bigring.com or call 877-704-7227 for details.

Repair shop celebrates growth MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce will help Alling’s Auto & Truck Repair celebrate its recent shop expansion with a ribbon cutting.

Glenn Alling has been repairing vehicles for a living since 1984, according to the company’s website.

The ribbon cutting takes place April 21, a Thursday, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at 1403 North Rocky River Road.

Visit www.allingsautorepair.com or call 704-635-8024 for details.

Mayor: Extend light rail to Union MATTHEWS – The Charlotte Area Transit System will consider input from a community meeting held April 5 at Matthews Town Hall to whittle four light rail options down to one by June.

The biggest difference among the four options is where they begin to diverge from Independence Boulevard. Three of the options involve the rail veering onto an expanded Monroe Road.

Mayor Jim Taylor said Matthews leaders have been vocal about transit options extending into Union County. He’d like to see light rail go through Stallings and Indian Trail into Monroe to eliminate some traffic congestion.

CATS needs approval from the Mecklenburg County’s Metropolitan Transit Commission to add the light rail project to long-range transportation plans. CATS will then be tasked with trying to secure funding and preserving future right of way.

Thrillist gives shout out to Tree house Vineyards MONROE – Treehouse Vineyards got a mention on the food, drink and travel website Thrillist.

Freelance writer Lauren Blake included the venue in her story, “The absolute coolest, most unique places to stay in North Carolina.”

Phil Nordan built a tree house overlooking the grape vines on his family farm so he and his wife, Diana, could have a proper date night.

The vineyard, located at 301 Bay St., specializes in Muscadine wines. It also hosts concerts, trivia and other special events.

Developers make national list CHARLOTTE – The National Multifamily Housing Council put two Charlotte companies on its 2016 rankings for the 25 Largest Apartment Developers.

Lennar Multifamily Communities ranked sixth and has started 4,582 units since 2015. Millbridge Traditions and Lawson Traditions in Union County are among its local communities.

Crescent Communities ranked 20th, having started 1,863 since that same span. There are seven multi-family communities, including Crescent South Park. Crescent Providence Farm is also under development.

New firms form in county Registered agents filed the following corporations with the N.C. Secretary of State from April 1 to 7: Indian Trail • Alan Express LLC – Rafael Memedov, 2019 Clover Hill Road.

• B&A Innovative Solutions LLC – Barbara Brown, 3008 Gambrill Falls Drive.

• Blue Horizon Transportation II Inc. – Charles Ford, 1221 Technology Drive, suite D. • Blue Monkey Ventures Inc. – Kevin Barlow, 1029 Preakness Blvd.

• Island Craze Restaurant LLC – Michelle Tucker, 4018 Rosewater Lane.

Getting Separated or Divorced?

Talk to Your Estate Planning Attorney, too.

by Eran L. Weaver Contributor

While a separation agreement or equitable distribution order can help untangle your assets from your ex-spouse’s, a review of your assets, agreement or order, and estate planning documents with an estate planning attorney can help ensure how your assets are handled or disposed of, if you become incapacitated or die during the separation proceeding or after divorce. The following isn’t a complete list of what you should review with an estate planning attorney; however, it’s a good start: • Your separation agreement or equitable distribution order: These documents will inform the attorney of a division of assets that has taken place or which need to be accomplished.

• Previously signed estate planning documents: If you named your former spouse as a fiduciary (e.g., executor, trustee, health care agent, attorney-in-fact, etc.) or beneficiary, provide copies of those documents to your attorney for review. For example, the separation agreement or court orders may not revoke your former spouse as the named attorney-in-fact in your financial power of attorney.

• Assets which have beneficiary designations: Make sure you change your designations.

Unfortunately, for qualified retirement plans such as a 401(k), you can’t change the beneficiary designation from your ex-spouse without a qualified domestic relations order (“QDRO”), or a consent document signed by your ex-spouse.

• Lists of assets and debts: Separate lists for

yours and your ex-spouse’s. Often, you and your ex-spouse have become jointly and separately liable on debts (e.g., mortgage), and court orders and/or separation agreements rarely change your liability on those debts; although they may require attempts to refinance the debts.

• Guardianship of minor children: Try to come to an agreement with your ex-spouse regarding who will be the guardian of your children if something happens to you both, to avoid argument between your and your ex-spouse’s families.

• List of primary and secondary fiduciaries: Decide who will handle your health and financial decisions (during your lifetime and after) for you and your beneficiaries. You may need a personal representative for your estate, trustee for any trust, guardian for any minor children, health care agent under a health care power of attorney, and attorney-in-fact under a financial power of attorney.

It’s important to seek an experienced attorney for legal advice regarding updating your estate plan while you’re handling your separation and/ or divorce.

Eran L. Weaver is an estate planning, estate administration and business attorney at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. Contact Eran at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. at (704) 844-1400.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and not to be taken as legal advice, nor to establish an attorneyclient relationship between the reader and Eran L. Weaver or the law firm of Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

Marvin • Soft Goods LLC – David Hunt Jr., 412 Streamside Lane.

Stallings • TNA Property Management LLC – Nathan Thompson, 1016 Yellow Daisy Drive.

Waxhaw • Create Amazing LLC – Michael Calloway, 6005 Lowergate Drive.

• C Wiriden Properties LLC – Charles Wiriden, 7319 Ivy Hill Lane.

• Fine Cut Construction LLC – Allen Bacon, 7404 Mockingbird Lane.

• Finished Carpentry Of The Carolinas Ltd. – Mindy Distante, 4804 Congaree Drive.

• HP Solution Inc. – Ping Hao, 8304 Skye Lochs Drive.

• IR Coordinates LLC – Kristin Steele, 8707 Edgewater Court.

• It's a Wonderful Cake LLC – Linda Dolan Ruggiero, 316 Montrose Drive.

• Karas's Farm LLC – Said Takla, 6040 Cane Creek Road.

• Marten Solar LLC – Robert Cox, 2600 Cricket Cove.

• mommy squared LLC – Melanie Roy, 3505 Sandberry Drive.

• Napalm Vapors LLC – Warren Wiggins, 6012 Jeanne Drive.

• R5 Consulting LLC – Bruce Reagan, 7900 Avanti Drive.

• Rabbit Solar LLC – Robert Cox, 2600 Cricket Cove.

• Tram & Trang LLC – Son Nguyen, 8145-D Kensington Drive.

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CATA brings racism, passion and triumph to the stage with ‘Ragtime’

by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Central Academy of Technology and the Arts will take audiences back in time to the turn of the century for the next two weekends with its production of “Ragtime: The Musical.”

“Ragtime” tells the stories of white suburbanites, African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants at the turn of the century, and develops those stories throughout the show.

The show acts as a living history lesson, portraying a time when women were searching for more independence and immigrants were chasing after the American Dream, while tensions between blacks and whites continued to grow.

“We chose it because we had the right cast for it – we knew that we could do this show with the students that we had,” said Larry Robinson, the show’s director. “We felt this (show) was part of our goal as a magnet school to give our students challenging material. ‘Ragtime’ is incredibly challenging.”

Robinson also said even though the show takes place in the earlier part of the 20th century, the themes are still relevant today. He pointed to experiences of racial tension in the country, such as Ferguson or the South Carolina confederate flag controversy, as parallels between “Ragtime.”

“For a story that takes place over 100 years ago, the theme are very present today,” Robinson said.

CATA’s theater department is coming off of an award-wining fall semester after its show “The Diviners” earned a place at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and won the North Carolina Theatre Conference. Robinson said even if no one says they’re expecting greatness from “Ragtime,” he still feels the pressure.

More recognition could be coming Robinson’s way, as “Ragtime” will participate in the 2016 Blumey Awards from Blumenthal Performing Arts.

Senior Amina Faye, who plays Sarah, said “Ragtime” has been her most challenging production thus far – vocally and emotionally. Her character falls in love with pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr., has her heart broken, and almost loses her son.

Amina said she had to learn to connect with those deep emotions and appear genuine, as Sarah endures a transformation over the course of the show.

“It’s such a tough show,” she said. “You have to step into it and have that mindset of that time.”

Amina said she plays Sarah a little more “sassy” than Audra McDonald’s interpretation, who originated the role. The audience doesn’t see as much of Sarah’s growth throughout the show, but she hopes audiences see more than her character’s tragic circumstances.

Courtney Schultz/UCW photo

Senior Emma Licata plays Mother, an upper-class woman who represents the change in women during the time. She said her role undergoes a transformation from a woman trapped in a traditional gender role to an opinionated, outspoken leader of her household.

Emma said the character was an acting and vocal challenge, but she found some connections between herself and Mother.

“She acts with her heart rather than her mind,” Emma said. “She acts with the kindness of her heart and you see her start to make her own decisions.”

She added audiences see Mother’s transformation in her vocals as well, as she starts the show with a head voice and, by the end, sings ballads.

Emma said this is the one role she’s been able to use her full range, and she’s cherished the challenge.

Senior Gaige Robinson, who designed the set for “Ragtime,” also plays Tateh.

Gaige sought to provide a sense of cohesiveness between the set, lighting, characters and costuming to emphasize the intermingling stories of the show.

“There’s not a ton of transitioning,” he said. “It can take you anywhere you need to go within the show.

“A show that is visually stunning, that’s vocally impressive is the icing on the cake.”

Amina said the show is solemn, but “it doesn’t have to be,” as she feels CATA’s cast found the light in the darkness of the show.

“Everything is there for a reason and it’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s hard to find the light, but I found it.”

CATA will perform the show for two weekends, with special performances from the understudy cast.

The show will run April 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., and April 24 at 2:30 p.m., featuring a dinner theater performance on April 23. Tickets cost $7 for general admission and $30 for dinner theater and can be purchased at cata.seatyourself.biz.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | April 15, 2016 | Page 9

The Weekly

Education Briefs UCPS to host career fair WEDDINGTON – Union County Public Schools will host its 2016 career fair on May 18, a Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Weddington High School, located at 4901 Monroe-Weddington Road.

Attendees can bring their resumes and discover the positions – certified and noncertified – open throughout the school system.

District staff is conducting market research to help fill positions, often noncertified, the district lost to other organizations because of salary. Chief Financial Officer Dan Karpinski told school board members they are looking to be competitive for non-educator UCPS employees, such as HVAC technicians and engineers.

Email hr@ucps.k12.nc.us for more information or apply for jobs online at www.ucps.k12.nc.us.

Girl Scouts Troops host open Wesley Chapel market event WESLEY CHAPEL – Girl Scout Troops 2684 and 878 will host the third annual Wesley Chapel Open Market at Siler Presbyterian Church on April 23, a Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Scouts are inviting community members and businesses to participate as vendors in the market. More than 30 vendors have already signed up.

The proceeds of the event will go toward a trip to New York City to visit Girl Scout Headquarters.

The group also is donating complimentary vendor spots to Union County Humane Society,

Furever Angels Dog Rescue and Union County Paintball Club. The girls will have a drop-off area for personal hygiene items to benefit the Union County Community Shelter.

Food trucks also will be on site, including 100Main BBQ, Maki Taco and the Plated Palette.

Contact Sanna Tucker at 704-996-3731 or helsinkilady@gmail.com for more information.

$22,153.00 ($221.53 per box). We are currently at capacity, which is great that teachers are taking advantage,” Lauren Johnson, Classroom Central director of communications and marketing.

Visit classroomcentral.org for more information.

The following teachers were recognized: Parkwood Middle’s Brian Davis; Sun Valley Middle’s Cathy Hess-Grove and Joanne Jones; Union Elementary’s Jennifer Baker Deaton; Wingate Elementary’s Rosilyn Brown and Stephanie Rickaby; Walter Bickett Elementary’s Geraldine Bacchus and Sherri Barber; Porter Ridge High’s Sandra Broadway Fugate; Rocky River Elementary’s Ashley Hammond; Monroe High’s Jonathan Harbin; Piedmont High’s Annette Harris; Forest Hills High’s Melissa Howell and Alicia Swackhamer; Poplin Elementary’s Michelle Martin; Cuthbertson Middle’s Tess Palmer; Marvin Ridge High’s Lori Payne Sgan; and Weddington High’s Donna Walton.

Girl Scouts honored for achieving Gold Awards Area Girl Scouts will host their annual market to raise money for their troops.

Photo courtesy of Sanna Tucker.

Classroom Central donates supplies to county teachers MONROE – One-hundred Union County teachers gathered at Monroe High School on April 7 to receive needed supplies from Classroom Central, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that provides classroom teachers with supplies to give their students.

Classroom Central seeks to provide “essential items” to high-poverty students who wouldn’t receive the supplies otherwise. The provide a mobile free store for teachers to collect the supplies, but don’t have to travel to the Charlotte “free store.” “(Approximately) 100 Union County teachers signed up to receive supply boxes valued at

Local teachers gained new supplies thanks to a Charlotte nonprofit. Photo courtesy of Lauren Johnson.

UCPS educators honored for National Board certification Twenty-one Union County Public School educators were honored for receiving or renewing their National Board certification during the April 5 Board of Education meeting.

Candidates must complete a portfolio containing entries related to evidence of teaching, community describing, analyzing and reflecting on the evidence.

They also are required to write an analysis of the instruction reflected in student work or video.

A renewal process is not re-certification, but rather a “Profile of Professional Growth.”

The Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council honored 29 area Girl Scouts on April 9 who have impacted their community through earning a Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts.

“The Gold Award is no easy feat,” Angela Woods, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council, said in a news release.

“These tremendous ladies have worked tirelessly to earn this recognition and most importantly they are leaving a lasting impact on the community.”

Girl Scouts must engage in training and carry out a project that positively affects the community and has sustainability.

“These are three remarkable examples of how the Girl Scouts foster the courage, confidence and character in girls to take on social issues and create solutions,” Woods said in the release. “We are truly molding tomorrow’s leaders through programs like the Gold Award.”

Visit www.hngirlscouts.org for more information.

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Page 10 | April 15, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Faith

I’m Tony, I’m codependent; and everyone said, “Hi Tony”

by Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

One of the most incredible privileges I have as executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission is attending alumni meetings of our graduates. Let me pause and explain who our graduates are.

Every man and woman who enters Charlotte Rescue Mission – either our Rebound men’s or Dove’s Nest women’s program – come to us because of an addiction to drugs and alcohol. They lost their jobs, their family and their children. We provide them with a free, Christian, comprehensive residential substance abuse recovery program. Ultimately, we want them to graduate, become gainfully employed and have a place of their own. Enough explaining – let me get back to the story.

At our Rebound men’s alumni event, George led the program. He is a graduate who comes back regularly to encourage the men at the Mission. He once sat in the same seat they occupy. Prior to the Mission, his family disowned him. Today, he is reconnected to his daughter.

Our women’s Dove’s Nest alumni event is a “hoot.” It is almost 100 women who graduated from the Mission. The energy in the room is electric. The woman who leads it is a graduate. Today, she has well over five years sobriety. I listened to women

share their stories of how their lives had crashed and burned. They lost custody of their children. They lost jobs. They couldn’t stop abusing drugs until they came to the Mission. One woman talked about her 20-year Rev. Tony Marciano journey of abusing drugs and was finally clean and sober.

When she finished, all the women in the room shouted for joy, celebrating that she had finally “got it together.”

Then the leader of the program said, “Tony, c’mon up and tell your story.”

I walked to the podium. The room was silent. Would I reiterate one of my workshops I taught every one of them? Would I encourage them? Or would I be honest about my own journey? I could almost hear God say, “Be real.”

I looked at the crowd and said, “My name is Tony and I’m codependent.” They all said, “Hi Tony.” I went on to tell my story. The most I had in high school was two beers on one senior night. I never smoked pot. I never drank or did drugs in college. Yet, I understand their story.

While I didn’t grow up in an alcoholic fam-

Mesopotamian History and Prehistory: An archaeological perspective on the roots of ISIS and the modern Middle East.

Wednesday, April 20th 7:00 p.m. at the Waltonwood Providence Theater

Presented by Dr. Steven Falconer, Professor and Department Chair Department of Anthropology, UNC Charlotte $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs

Reservations are required as seating is limited.

P ROVIDENCE

ily, I grew up in a rageaholic family. My father could verbally assault a waitress leaving her in a puddle of tears. They grew up in similar homes.

I went on to say how it affected my life.

I became a people pleaser. I desperately needed approval and affirmation. I had a hard time finishing projects I started. I could be very impulsive. These are all the characteristics of an alcoholic. Even though I never abused alcohol, I resonated with everyone in the room.

I finished my story explaining that, for more 20 years, God has been doing a work of grace in my heart and life, transforming me from the inside out. I’m not where I used to be, but I’m not where I want to be either. It’s been a fantastic journey of transformation where God has walked with me the entire time.

I’ve learned I only need God’s approval, not others. It’s OK to be honest. It’s OK to say, “I’m not perfect.” It’s OK to say I’m an unfinished work in progress. It’s OK to know that God isn’t finished with me yet.

It’s OK to be real.

If you’d ever like to attend an alumni event, call me. I’ll have you come as my guest. Your life will never be the same.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Find more information at www.charlotterescuemission.org.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

St. Matthew Catholic to hold healing prayer service April 28 BALLANTYNE – St. Matthew Catholic Church will hold a St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service on April 28, a Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. This healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. Call the church office at 704-543-7677 for more information.

Race Against the Odds 5K walk and run slated for May 7 WEDDINGTON – Weddington United Methodist Church and Soar With Grace will host a 5K run and walk on May 7, a Saturday, at 8 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on race day.

Funds raised from the race will benefit The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit aimed at assisting families battling cancer, as well as cancer research. Since its inception in 2007, the nonprofit has awarded more than $6.7 million in grant funding to help research around the world.

Registration costs $30 for adults and $20 for kids 17 years old and younger, and includes a T-shirt, snack and finisher’s prize. Prices will increase by $5 after May 2.

The race will begin at Weddington UMC, located at 13901 Providence Road.

Visit events.thecurestartsnow.org/rato-nc2016 to register.

Church Directory Advertise your church

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The Weekly

Calendar April

16 Spring Yard Sale

The village of Lake Park will host its semi-annual sale, in which participants can browse various sales at more than 1,100 homes. Each participating home will have their items for sale in their own driveways, Contact Susan Eyring at 704-804-2737 or sce.turtledove@gmail.com for more information.

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Lake Park Neighborhood

16 Family Fun Day

The Siskey Family YMCA will host a free event to tour its Camp Eagle Rock grounds and family fun doing camp activities. Programs will be led by all branch areas, including sports, aquatics, group exercise, youth fitness, home school, preschool, afterschool and more. Participants who register for Camp Eagle Rock at the event will receive a free gift.

1 to 5 p.m.; Hemby Program Center, 4780 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte

16

Trash and Recycling Drop-Off Day

The town of Indian Trail will accept large trash and recycling items for the community, as well as shredding services. The will accept items, such as batteries, bicycles, cardboard, electronics, furniture, metal, tires, yard debris and white goods, but will not accept air conditioners, industrial waste, engines, fire extinguishers, hazardous waste, smoke alarms, light bulbs, items containing mercury and radioactive items.

Visit www.indiantrail.org or call Susan Didier at 704-821-2541 for more information.

9 a.m. to noon; Food Lion parking lot, 5850 W. Hwy. 74, Indian Trail

18

“Chill Out” Day

Kona Ice will host its third annual national Chill Out Day on Tax Day to relieve taxpayers of the stress associated with meeting the federal deadline.

The island-inspired truck will be parked at Waxhaw Town Hall and Stallings Municipal Park to hand out free cups of tropical shaved ice and complimentary Hawaiian leis.

Visit ww.kona-ice.com/giveback-programs for more information.

4 to 6 p.m.; Waxhaw Town Hall, 1150 N. Broome St., Waxhaw or Stallings Municipal Park, 324 Stallings Road, Matthews

19

Ladies Night at the Y

The Siskey Family YMCA will host a free event for women in the community to learn more about what the YMCA has to offer. Personal trainers, nutritionists and local health and beauty vendors will be on hand.

Call 704-716-4200 for more information.

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

19 Essential Oils 101

Attendees can learn how to use “young living” essential oils to help support the immune system, substitute for toxic prod-

Union County Weekly | April 15, 2016 | Page 11 ucts and support overall wellness in this free event.

Park behind the Carolina HealthCare building.

RSVP to Jen Prelog at 262-844-2211 or jl noel09@hotmail.com.

7 p.m.; Carolina Medical Center, 2700 Providence Road S., Waxhaw

SEMI-ANNUAL •S�as • Bedr�ms • Dining R�ms FURNITURE CLEARANCE & RUG SALE To Make Room For New Market Merchandise

Chapel Open 23 Wesley Market The Union County Girl Scouts from Troop 2684 and 878 will host the third annual open market and a community yard sale.

Scouts are looking for local crafters, farmers, yard sellers, business owners and scouts that are interested in participating as vendors, with space indoors and outdoors.

Donations of products and services are welcomed to promote businesses during the open market. Contact Sanna-Maija Tucker at helsinkilady@gmail.com for more information.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Siler Presbyterian Church, 6301 Monroe-Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel

23 Shuffle Up & Give

KARASTAN RUG SALE

The Southern Gentlemen’s Foundation of Charlotte will host the inagural charity fundraiser to benefit the Patriot Military Family Foundation and Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

The events of the evening will include $50 buy-in Texas Hold’Em poker tournament with cash prizes, gourmet food tasting and wine and beer.

Visit www.shuffleupandgive.myevent.com for more information.

4 p.m.; American Legion Hall, 801 E. South Main St., Waxhaw

LOTS OF STYLES AND COLORS Pineville Showroom Mon-Sat 10-7 Sunday 12-5 11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045 goodshomefurnishings.com

27 LegoMania

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption

Children 6 to 12 years old can build with the library’s supply of LEGOs. 4:30 p.m.; Union West Regional Library, 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail

Name: Praline ID: A1103469 Breed Mix: Pit Bull/Lab Age: 1 year Weight: 59 lbs

May

7

Zumbathon Community Outreach Event

Participants can participate in a Zumba extravaganza with their favorite instructors to raise money for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s outreach campaign, which provides monetary resources for families to use the YMCA. A $10 donation is required per person.

9:30 a.m.; Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

Praline is a big girl who is very sociable and loves people.

She is ready to learn some skills for a “cookie” reward and to sit with you to get her ears rubbed. She has been enrolled in our training program to learn her basic obedience. She has been known to get along with other dogs. She would do best in a home with kids over 14. VIP: Only $10 to adopt!

PRALINE

CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road Name: Mary Jane ID: A1103644 Breed Mix: Lab/Pit Bull Age: 8 months Weight: 40 lbs

14 Spartan 5K

Sun Valley High School NJROTC will host its second annual Spartan 5K to support its travels to the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Parade.

The race will span across Wesley Chapel and Monroe roads and roads will reopen for drivers as the last runner completes each turn.

Walkers and runners are welcome and awards will be given in all age categories.

The race costs $25 for adults and $15 for Sun Valley students and children 16 years old and younger.

Visit racesonline.com/events/Spartan-5K to register.

8 a.m., Sun Valley High School stadium, 5211 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe

Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 3/31/16 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 4/4/16 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

Mary Jane is the cutest, most loving pocket pittie/lab blend. She is a true lap dog. She loves nothing more than to roll on her back and lay in your lap for belly rubs. She walks well on the leash, has a very gentle demeanor and is just the biggest love bug you could ask for. She is a sociable, happy girl and loves to lay down spontaneously for belly rubs. She likes to chase balls and appears intelligent and ready to learn some training cues.

She has been known to get along with other dogs. She would do best in a home with kids over 14. She is truly special and we would like for a very special family to adopt her.

MARY JANE

8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 12 | April 15, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Sports

Porter Ridge girls’ soccer cruising in conference

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Porter Ridge’s girls’ soccer team (12-2, 4-1 Southwestern 4A) is in the mix for a shot at the conference championship and possibly a deep run in the state playoffs. Its lone blemish in league play came at the hands of Myers Park in a 2-0 decision March 18.

The Pirates then stumbled to Cuthbertson, 2-0, in a non-conference game before reeling off four straight wins to keep them in contention for the conference title or at least a share of it.

“Going into the year, finishing second in conference the last two years, obviously the goal for the girls and myself would be to compete with Myers Park and win the conference – or at least being able to take one of the two games against them,” said Porter Ridge coach Ron Ladimir. “Obviously, finishing at least second or higher would be the general goal and to get better as the year goes on.”

He added it would be nice to get out of the early rounds of the playoffs.

“Once you get in the playoffs anything can happen,” Ladimir said. “I think we have a good enough team that we can compete. It depends on what kind of role you’re on when the season ends.”

Ladimir, who is in his 11th year as the head coach at Porter Ridge, has been at the helm

Photo courtesy of Ron Ladimir

since the program started. He has built it into a consistent winner. The Pirates advanced to the semifinal round of the state playoffs in the second year of the school.

Fortunately for Ladimir, Porter Ridge only has four seniors on its roster, which bodes well for the future as he seeks to take the Pirates to new heights. The roster is junior heavy, including nine players who are in their third year competing at the varsity level.

They took their lumps two years ago and even some last year after injuries began to take their toll, but the girls know what it

takes to compete in every game. The Pirates also have learned how to fight through close games, where last year they would have likely tied or lost the two previous seasons.

Senior center back Amber Freeney, a Gardner-Webb commit, is a four-year starter and the cornerstone of the team. She anchors the backline of defense.

She’s athletic, vocal, and is the engine that gets the rest of the team going.

“It’s the comfortability of knowing that she’s there and if we make a mistake you got someone that can right the ship if need be,”

Ladimir said.

Junior forward Lizzie Alexander provided the Pirates with scoring early in the season, but has battled some injuries that have left her a little banged up recently. The scoring load has since been carried by committee, giving Porter Ridge a balanced attack.

Porter Ridge picked up a meaningful benchmark victory when it beat Mount Tabor, 1-0, March 11. Ladimir said his players didn’t back down, and stayed the course to see that game through. It showed a marked improvement in the team’s overall maturity.

“We’re on the right track, and if we do what we need to do we’ll be in good shape moving forward,” Ladimir said.

That win over Mount Tabor proved Porter Ridge’s success early in the season wasn’t a fluke.

The bigger the stage, the better Porter Ridge plays, so expect the Pirates to be ready for their rematch with Myers Park, meetings with Independence and the postseason once it arrives.

“I think it’s a great group of girls,” Ladimir said. “They get along really well. They work hard at practice. They enjoy hanging out with each other. I think with girls sports that goes a long way. We don’t have those little cliques of those two or three that do their own thing.

“They are a very cohesive, unified unit, which begs for good success later on in the playoffs. We hope that carries through.”

Cuthbertson softball fighting for Southern Carolinas title

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Cuthbertson’ girls softball team isn’t just winning, but it’s winning at a high level. The Cavaliers have jumped out to a 10-4 (5-0 Southern Carolinas) start under coach David Johnson, who is in his first season at the helm following a head-coaching stint at Berry from 2008 to 2011, after a 7-12 (3-7) campaign in 2015.

The Cavs have won seven in a row, and sit atop the conference standings. Cuthbertson claims a one-game advantage over Marvin Ridge, which it defeated, 5-2, April 5. It even upended Sun Valley and Piedmont on the road, which is especially significant since those team’s have ruled the Southern Carolinas in recent years.

However, the conference appears to be on a more level playing field with greater parity, and a stronger chance of at least the top four teams – Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Piedmont and Sun Valley – knocking one another off on any given day.

“The girls have practiced really hard, and I think our pitching has kept us in the games,” Johnson said. “Our conference is so deep, any team in our conference can hold a team to one or two runs.

“It’s going to be tough for that other team to win when you got Piedmont with great offense

and pitching, Marvin Ridge has great offense and pitching, and Sun Valley has great offense and pitching. The list goes on, so I think the game-plan for all the teams in our conference is really kind of the same.”

Johnson added if Cuthbertson can hold its opponents to one or two runs, then it has a good chance of winning. He certainly has the pitching to do just that.

Junior pitcher Shannon McGuire (1.50 ERA), junior Kate Owsley (1.26 ERA) and senior Christine Carver (1.00 ERA) have made the difference with their efforts on the mound.

Carver, who is one of the team captains, earned all-state honors last season, and is committed to Coker College. Owsley is being recruited by multiple Division I schools.

“We’ve really played good defense, and the bats have gotten going,” Johnson said. “We haven’t scored a lot of runs, but we’ve been holding teams to two runs. Our defensive pitching has done a really good job, and the bats have been good enough for us to get four to five runs a game and win the game.”

Cuthbertson doesn’t allow many hits, but when the ball does get in play, the defense more often than not gobbles it up for the easy out.

Senior catcher Haylee Kobziak, a N.C. State commit, has been stellar behind the plate. Kobziak understands batters, and where the pitcher needs to put the ball depending on the situa-

tion. She’s a wall behind the plate, because she doesn’t let the ball get behind her. That, along with her strong arm, discourages runners from trying to advance.

Johnson said Carver, Kobziak and Owsley all have an innate competitive spirit.

“They are so competitive and so driven to be successful that it’s infectious to the team,” Johnson said.

“I’ve noticed some of the girls who weren’t necessarily as ultra competitive as those three have started to become more competitive, so I think their personality, work ethic and spirit have been infectious and spread to the rest of the team, and we’ve been able to have some good results.”

Cuthbertson is playing with greater focus and maturity this season. The Cavaliers are buoyed by Carver, Kobziak and fellow seniors Brittany Cooke and Kaitlyn Stuart, who want to end their final high school season on a high not. They have been pushing their teammates to make sure this is a successful season.

“I think the one thing that’s fun about this group is they really get along,” Johnson said.

“They’re like a family. They do things with each other outside of practice. They all have a really good bond with each other.”

Cuthbertson’s strong team bond gave it a strong foundation to build with.

The Cavaliers still have a long way to go with

rematches against Sun Valley (April 15), Marvin Ridge (April 22) and Piedmont looming (April 26). Cuthbertson will step out of Southern Carolinas play for a trip to Butler (11-6, 7-1 Southwestern 4A) April 20, which makes a challenging schedule even more daunting moving forward.

But the Cavs are more than capable of maintaining their high level of play, winning a conference championship and doing some damage in the playoffs.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | April 15, 2016 | Page 13

Sports

Porter Ridge athletes sign with colleges

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Monroe’s Sowell receives statewide honor

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Johnny Sowell is a fixture of excellence in Union County athletics, and now at the state level, too. The Monroe football, boys’ basketball and track and field coach will receive the Tony Webb Coach of the Year Award in Chapel Hill May 5.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association uses this award to recognize and honor coaches that are more than successful in the win, loss category, but also have made a positive impact in the lives of student athletes on and off the field, encouraging them to work hard in the classroom, and to be well-rounded individuals.

“I’m blessed and all the above,” Sowell said.

“It’s a special day. It’s a lot like when we won the championship. I’m one of those guys that if my kids once they graduate from Monroe High School and continue to come back and be around the other guys it lets me know we’ve done something, we touched them in some kind of way.

“I probably get more glory out of that than plaques. It’s nice to have them on the wall for people to see, but when you have former players and the community is supporting you, that’s big.”

Sowell guided Monroe to a 16-0 (5-0 Rocky River) record, culminating with a 38-19 win over Bunn in the NCHSAA 2AA state championship Dec. 12. He has served as the Redhawks’ boys’ basketball coach for 25 years, track and field coach for 22 years and football coach for 11.

Monroe has won state championships in all three sports during his tenure at the school, and he eclipsed the 400-win barrier in basketball this season. He has earned conference Coach of the Year honors 11 times in basketball, seven times in track and three times in football.

“Coach Sowell, by far, has the biggest impact on the youth of our school, over anyone else I have worked with.” Monroe athletics director Tim Niedermeier said in a news release. “He is caring, loving, disciplined and tough with all of his kids. The day Coach Sowell decides to hang up his whistle will be a sad day for all of Monroe.”

Sowell also will be given a $2,000 cash award and commemorative plaque.

He will be joined at the award ceremony by Niedermeier, Monroe principal Michael Harvey, assistant coach Daniel Goings, Sowell’s wife and son.

“Mr. Harvey, our principal, he was one of my assistant coaches years ago,” Sowell said. “To have him to be here his first year at Monroe it’s a great honor for him to be around.

“And then you’ve got Mr. Niedermeier, he’s been here a while as well. Coach Goings is my assistant head coach, and he does a great job.

He’s been with me going on 10 years, so to have those guys plus having your family there it’s special.”

Sowell has received several congratulatory messages from former players, coaches, teacher and folks in the community, which has made this moment even more special for him.

Porter Ridge baseball players Will Ruby and Hunter Yates signed national letters of intent to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level April 13.

Ruby will attend Erskine College in South Carolina, while Yates will go to Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory.

Ruby, a three-year starter at the varsity level, leads the Pirates in nearly every offensive category as the team’s leadoff hitter. He has played several positions in the infield, including second base, third base and catcher, but his most natural position is second base. However, he recently transitioned to third base, and has done a great job there.

“He’s a leader on the team as far as taking that role,” Porter Ridge coach Trey Staviski said.

“He’s been a big asset for us as far as being able to produce, get guys in, get on base, and leads the team in stolen bases. He’s a scrapper. He’ll play anywhere you want him to play. As far as our conference goes he’s one of the more versatile type players.”

Yates, an outfielder, has a strong arm, and gives Porter Ridge a power hitter.

“Hunter’s new to me. He was here as a freshman and sophomore and then moved to Florida and moved back this year. He’s got a great stick. He runs with a lot of speed. He kind of had a slow start this year, but he’s just now starting to find the groove.”

Porter Ridge is 10-8 (4-3 Southwestern 4A), and is fourth in the conference standings. The Pirates are still in contention for a postseason berth.

“I think from last year to this year our pitching staff has matured,” Staviski said. “We’re still young. I only have one senior pitcher on the staff, but we have six pitchers right now with wins, which in high school baseball is kind of unheard of. I’m looking forward for the next couple year as far as the growth these kids are making.”

Porter Ridge Wrestler Trey Merritt, who made the Union County Weekly’s wrestling Super Team after an impressive senior season, signed with Coker College April 13.

Trey Merritt

(From left) Trey Staviski, Hunter Yates and Will Ruby

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Page 16 | April 15, 2016 | Union County Weekly

bloom •

•

•

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WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

Join us for a celebrated springtime event with a special tea service honoring all the women and girls in your life.

T H IS FR EE E VE N T F E AT U R E S : !

!

!

! !

WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: The Women and Children’s Center at Carolinas HealthCare System Union RSVP: CarolinasHealthCare.org/SpringtimeTea or call 704-512-5707

RSVP today!

Carolinas HealthCare System This event is completely free! If you wish to, please donate prepaid Visa cards or gift cards to grocery stores, local fast food restaurants or clothing shops, all of which will be given to Turning Point, a shelter supporting victims of violence in Union County.