Union County Weekly

Vol. 11 No. 1

January 1, 2016 www.unioncountyweekly.com

2015: A Year in Review

Feb. 1

3

Dec. 18

March 27

Apr. 3

Turn to page 3 for a look back at Union County’s most captivating feature stories from 2015.

Leaders in Indian Trail Students at Indian Trail Elementary are becoming leaders in the community, thanks to a school-wide program. Page 8

Election guide The filing period for county, state and federal campaigns ended last week.

We’re taking a look at key area races.

Page 11

20 to Treasure It’s our second 20 to Treasure ranking of the year. Check to see which area football players made the final cut.

Page 13

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 8 | Faith 10 | Crime Blotter 11 | Calendar 12 | Sports 13 | Classifieds 15

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Page 2 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Healthier together Sign up now for classes and events, or visit NovantHealth.org/localevents The Amazing Human Body: Wonderfully Made!

Jan. 6, 1 to 2 p.m.

Join us for a look into the wonderful way our bodies are designed and why it’s important for our health and well-being to understand the incredible “teamwork” happening within us. This presentation begins a year-long series focusing on different body systems. Please register: 704-384-6393 Levine Senior Center 1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews

Breastfeeding Basics

Learn everything you need to know about breastfeeding. $30, free for support person.

Registration required.

Young stroke survivors support group

Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life, Presented by Novant Health

Jan. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Join physicians, stroke team members and other stroke Jan. 9, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. survivors to discuss strokeNovant Health Presbyterian related topics and ask questions Medical Center in a small, comfortable group 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte setting. Light refreshments will be served. Free, no registration Jan. 12, 6:30 to 9 p.m. required. Questions: Novant Health Huntersville dsorenson@NovantHealth.org Medical Center 10030 Gilead Road, Huntersville Novant Health Jan. 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews

Neurology Specialists 1918 Randolph Road, Charlotte

Open through May 1 Explore the human body in all its stages and discover the power we have to keep our bodies healthy throughout life.

Featuring more than 100 real human specimens, preserved through plastination. Discover the complexity of the human body. Purchase tickets: DiscoveryPlace.org or 704-372-6261 ext. 300

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

Online weight loss seminar Get started at NovantHealth.org/bariatric

Discovery Place 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

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

GCM-0084a

On the lookout for happy campers?

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

ISSUE DATE: • February 5 & 19 • March 4 & 18 • April 8 & 22

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Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

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

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Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 3

2015: A look back at the favorite feature stories of the year Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Students at Rea View Elementary jumped on board for the first time this year, making their own Valentines for the Wounded Warriors.

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

As a community-focused newspaper, feature stories on individuals, groups and organizations from our coverage area are an important part of what we do at Union County Weekly.

From the inspirational and motivational to the comical and downright bizarre, our newspaper constantly works to keep our readers entertained and informed through weekly feature stories on newsworthy events and accomplishments taking place in and around Union County.

Take a look back at some of our favorite feature stories from 2015. Read the entire stories online at www.unioncounty weekly.com by typing the article headlines in the search bar.

Animosity in the heart of Arkansas

By Courtney Schultz Featured in the Feb. 13 issue

Preparation pays off

By Ryan Pitkin Featured in the Feb. 20 issue

MONROE – Minnijean Brown-Trickey, a member of the Little Rock Nine, visited Central Academy of Technology and Arts in February to discuss her plight as a black student during the Civil Rights Movement. The Little Rock Nine was a group of nine black students who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

A mid-February ice storm left Union County residents scrambling to prepare for the extreme cold. School closings, road preparation from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and forecasts from newscasters warning residents to stay off the roads all led to a relatively safe day off from school and work for most people in the area.

Valentines for veterans

Weddington brothers rock out for vets

By Josh Whitener Featured in the Feb. 13 issue

The brothers were drawn to helping veterans because they grew up in Middletown, New Jersey, post-9/11.

After 75 years, Center Theatre begins on long road to re-opening

By Ryan Pitkin Featured in the April 3 issue

MONROE – Center Theatre in downtown Monroe opened its doors 75 years ago and previously was the epicenter of Union County entertainment. Leaders with Center Theatre Development Inc. hope to revive the theater, revamp the movie projector and eventually host live concerts, theater troupes and art displays to make the facility a happening hot spot once again.

By Crystal O’Gorman Featured in the March 27 issue

Students from Indian Trail Elementary School in Indian Trail and Rea View Elementary School in Waxhaw made Valentine’s Day a little brighter for individuals who dedicated their lives to serving their country. Indian Trail Elementary’s fifth annual Valentines for Veterans initiative sent dozens of student-made Valentines to service members with the Wounded Warrior Project in

WEDDINGTON – Local brothers CJ and Max Teas founded the classic rock duo CJ and Brother Max in May 2012 and have raised thousands of dollars for charities, including Patriot Charities and the Global Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Foundation, both of which provide services for U.S. military veterans.

(see Year in Stories on page 4)

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Page 4 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

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Year in Stories (continued from page 3)

Windows into the Soul: Ash Haffner’s parting message and the community’s response

By Crystal O’Gorman Featured in the April 3 issue

INDIAN TRAIL – The suicide of 16-yearold Porter Ridge High School student Ash Haffner made local headlines and fueled the conversation of bullying and how it relates to sexual identity and gender orientation in area schools. Ash struggled with her sexual identity and gender orientation, according to friends and family, and hadn’t decided if she identified as a transgender male or a lesbian female at the time of her death.

Parents plead for cameras in special education classrooms

By Courtney Schultz Featured in the June 19 issue

Union County parents of children with disabilities, Nora Bass, Kristine Pettler and Amy Oster, spoke at a June Union County Public Schools Board of Education meeting regarding placing cameras in self-contained classrooms to ensure the safety and well-being of children with disabilities. Bass believes her daughter, Hayley, was physically and verbally abused at school, and Oster claimed she witnessed a teacher’s aide forcefully yelling at children multiple times.

Heat wave sends area residents indoors

By Josh Whitener Featured in the July 2 issue

Record-breaking temperatures swept the region in mid-June, causing woes for farmers as crops dried up, as well as everyday citizens of all ages who fought to beat the heat as temperatures neared or hit triple-digit figures for nearly two consecutive weeks. May 30 to June 28 was the third warmest 30-day period on record for the Charlotte area, according to the State Climate Office of North Carolina. The average daily temperatures were 5 degrees above the normal average for the area in mid-June (91.5 degrees), with the maximum highs at 6 degrees above normal.

‘Eat local’ movement thriving

By Josh Whitener Featured in the Aug. 21 issue

Save on Stickley, John Widdicomb, Nichols & Stone, Marge Carson, Sherrill, Hooker and other famous manufacturers. Plus, the finest selection of hand-knotted Oriental Rugs and accessories.

Area restaurants, such as DFC Farms Trading Co. & Café and Stone Table Café & Catering in Monroe, turn to local farmers for produce – ranging from meats and breads to fruits and vegetables. The restaurants are following a movement to do away with processed meats, produce with tons of preservatives and prepackaged frozen foods.

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By Josh Whitener Featured in the Dec. 18 issue

WEDDINGTON – Fourteen-year-old Weddington resident Katie Greene worked to bring Christmas presents to children in area hospitals for the ninth year in a row. For the first time ever, her initiative, Katie’s Kidz, delivered presents to all 13 children’s hospitals in North and South Carolina. Katie’s Kidz also hosts toiletry drives and character Band-Aid drives throughout the year for local children’s hospitals.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

The Weekly

Business Briefs Mainely Cupcakes receives $4,000 grant from NASE INDIAN TRAIL – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) recently announced Indian Trail small business Mainely Cupcakes as one of three winners of NASE’s third quarter Growth Grants.

NASE, the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and microbusiness community, will provide $4,000 for Mainely Cupcakes to help the business leaders grown and expand the company.

Cassandra Tindell owns the Indian Trailbased Mainely Cupcakes, which provides baked goods for customers throughout the greater Charlotte area, as well as the southeastern United States, the release read. The business is active in its community by providing cakes for Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that works with terminally ill children and their siblings. Mainley Cupcakes also donates baked goods in support of the local school system, the release stated.

The Growth Grant program has awarded more than $500,000 in grants for small businesses since its inception in 2006. NASE announced earlier this year plans to expand its Growth Grants program to award more than $48,000 in small business grants in 2015 – up from the $20,000 awarded in 2014, according to a news release. Find more information at www.nase.org/Membership/Benefits/ Growth_Grants.aspx.

Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 5 Call 704-737-8674 or visit www.mainely cupcakes.com to learn more about Mainely Cupcakes.

Wesley Chapel employees named ‘Winner’s Edge’ WESLEY CHAPEL – Allen Tate Realtors recently announced the latest round of graduates from its “Winner’s Edge” training program, and four individuals with the company’s Wesley Chapel office made the cut.

Bruce Black, Kaye Fisher, Ramon Munro and Chris Sharkey were named “Winner’s Edge” graduates, according to a news release.

Exclusively for Allen Tate realtors, “Winner’s Edge” is a required, comprehensive real estate training program. The curriculum incorporates the latest in national real estate trends, technology, licensure law, sales and marketing techniques. Topics are integrated with detailed information about the local real estate market, the release read.

“As a result of this intensive course of study, realtors are equipped with the latest tools in the industry in order to serve their clients in a knowledgeable, caring and professional manner,” the company said in the release.

Allen Tate Realtors has worked to meet consumers’ needs through providing onestop shopping since 1957, the release read.

The company now has branches located throughout North and South Carolina and is the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, according to the release.

Find more information at www.allentate. com.

Send business briefs to josh@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS SERVING UNION COUNTY

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Page 6 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

The Weekly

News Briefs 10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.unioncountyweekly.com

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

Advertising

Business Publisher Jonathan McElvy Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling

Design

Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

MONROE – Local authors are invited to participate in Union County Public Library’s third annual Authors Alley on Jan. 31, a Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. The event will be held in Monroe Library’s main reading room.

The event gives area published authors living in Union County, or adjacent counties, the chance to discuss their works with other authors. They also will have the opportunity to sell copies of their books. The event is free and open to the public.

Contact the Monroe Library at 704-2838184 for more information.

Golf Club at Ballantyne to host annual Junior Open Feb. 13, 14

Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson Andrea Mounts

Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Local authors invited to library’s annual ‘Authors Alley’ Jan. 31

broke ground for its new location on Hemby Road. The Right Rev. Steve Wood, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Carolinas, led the service, along with the Rev. Cannon Filmore Strunk, All Saints Anglican Church Rector.

“This will be a historic day for the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA),” said Wood at the groundbreaking, “as this is my first ACNA parish west of Raleigh to build a church.”

All Saints Anglican Church formed in 2007 and meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel of Charlotte Catholic High School.

The new Weddington location will include a combination worship and fellowship space to seat 300 people, a kitchen, an office space, meeting rooms and an outdoor playground.

BALLANTYNE – More than 100 golfers from around the Southeast will compete at the 15th annual Ballantyne Junior Open, hosted by The Golf Club at Ballantyne, on Feb. 13 and 14, 2016. The open is a 36-hole stroke play tournament directed in partnership by The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour and Dana Rader Golf School’s Steve Bogdanoff and Jon Myeres.

Golfers will compete in divisions by age and gender, including: boys younger than 10; boys 11 to 13 years old; boys 14 and 15 years old; boys 16 to 18 years old; girls younger than 13 years old; and girls 14 to 18 years old.

An awards ceremony will take place on Feb. 14, a Saturday, at 3 p.m. The 2016 field will be capped at 108 golfers.

Registration is required and available online at www.hjgt.org through Feb. 3. A schedule of events, host hotel information, tour information and driving directions also are available online.

The general public can attend and admission is free. Spectator carts will be available for a fee.

All Saints Anglican Church breaks ground in Weddington WEDDINGTON – All Saints Anglican Church

The Weekly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, There is no better proof that I enjoyed (Jonathan McElvy’s) Dec. 11 article, “Newspapers are the last place to lean back and read” because your newspaper remained in our living room (Dec. 26) in a small stash of unfinished reading.

Every paragraph of your opinion article expresses my own. Subscription newspaper or otherwise, I cannot pass one by. The pub-

lished dates don’t really matter so much to me. If it’s not digital, that’s OK too. That alone must define me as “fossil.”

As a 50s child originally from Pittsburgh, our home subscribed to two full-sized daily newspapers, The Pittsburgh Press and the Post Gazette. The latter survives and we read it online.

I’m a clipper too – beautiful or informative articles for inspiration, education and news of community events. I’m starting to think it’s a gift to appreciate the beauty of newspapers, non-digital books and quiet time anywhere you can find it. It was a pleasure to read your shared opinion. It is clipworthy.

Betty Keenan Dear Editor, As we quickly approach Jan. 4, there is no question that the I-77 toll deal needs to be shown the door. This is like going to see a movie that has a bad review. We pay a ridiculous price to get in and find out halfway through the reviews hold true. Back in 2002, Cintra was looking to acquire the International Airport in Niagara Falls, NY. Like today, Cintra wasn’t bound to any real set of performance standards, they were about to get the keys to the kingdom making the deal a sale and not a lease, and had allegations of bribery brought up against them.

Unlike a few leaders in Charlotte, Niagara Falls had leaders that caught onto the game and ended the deal. It’s time to send a message to the community that we are the residents of Charlotte and surrounding areas and we are not going to wait for developers to come in and solve our problems. You think Cintra cares about us one bit? All they are about is greed. Speaking for myself, all I want is a deal that benefits the residents that make the area what it is, not a company’s profits or politicians campaign fund. If any of our leaders want to do something positive for this area, they will put a stop to this deal.

Let’s tell this company to take a hike.

Dom Cianchetti Email letters to the editor to hannah@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption

POPPY

Name: Poppy ID: A1096335 Breed Mix: Pit Bull Age: 4 years Weight: 41 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 11/29/15 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

Poppy is an energetic girl that would make a great jogging partner. She is in our Train-toAdopt program and knows “sit” and “down”. Poppy is amusing because she never misses a chance to roll over and turn her “down” into a plea for a belly rub which she greatly enjoys!!! She would do best in a home with kids over 14 years. Staff recommends a dog/dog test with potential adopters dogs before adoption. Poppy is a VIP: Only $10 to adopt.

CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road

MIDNITE

Name: Midnite ID: A1096134 Breed Mix: Shorthair Age: 1 year Weight: 6 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 9/23/15 Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

You’re working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper?

I’ll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I’ll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don’t you? I’ll help you with all your chores, and I’ll help you relax when we’re done. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without me. VIP = $10 to adopt!

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

C G Charlotte Media Group

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 7

Opinion

The new year doesn't have to be that bad I was drinking a cup of lukewarm Chick-fil-A coffee (my first mistake) the other morning while flipping through the New York Times (my second mistake) when a cartoon by Patrick Chappatte caught my eye.

The cartoon deHannah Chronis picted a man and a woman staring at two posters. The first poster read, “Year in Review: 2015” with sketches of ISIS and Donald Trump, among others. The second read, “What to expect in 2016.”

Staring at each other, the man says to the woman, “I don't know what scares me the most.”

I’m not naïve – 2015 wasn't easy. In April, our eyes were locked on television screens flashing pictures of burning cars and businesses, overwhelmed police officers and screaming protestors as riots swept the streets in Baltimore, causing an estimated $9 million in damage to the city.

In June, convicted murderers David Sweat and Richard Matt escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility.

That same month, nine African-Americans were shot and killed inside Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. Two months later, a former news anchor shot and killed a reporter

and her cameraman in Roanoke, Virginia while they were on air.

On Nov. 13, the world watched in horror when 130 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Paris. Less than a month later, a gunman in San Bernandino, California took the lives of 14 people.

Let’s not forget the tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, who left their war-torn country and made dangerous treks through Europe searching for protection.

That’s just scratching the surface.

The number of times I’ve heard my grandmother say, “The world is going to hell in a handbasket,” is too many to count. And she grew up in the Depression.

I’m sure many Americans agree with my grandmother, as well as the man in Chappatte’s cartoon. I’d be lying if I said I never worried about our current state of affairs, the effects our actions will have on my future children, or caught myself daydreaming about moving to a cottage in Cotswold where I would sip tea and read books all day while the rest of the world went up in flames.

What makes matters worse is our sources of information – whether that’s the Times, CNN or Twitter – thrive on big, bold, attention-grabbing headlines. We turn on (or read) the news and almost always leave feeling as though the world is worse than it used to be, back in the good ol’ days.

Sometimes, a healthy dose of perspective is needed.

In 1800, life expectancy in the U.S. was 39 years old. Now, it’s 79. Between 1990 and 2015, the global under 5-years-old mortality rate has declined by more than half, dropping from 90 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the United Nations, which also reports poverty has been reduced more in the last 50 years than in the previous 500.

Romans forced their slaves to fight to the death. At least we’re not doing that anymore.

And yet, we listen to stories of our grandparents told through rose-colored glasses while uploading Instagram pictures and think, “Life was so much easier back then. Life was so much simpler.”

That’s easy to say when you don't have to use an outhouse and aren’t at risk of falling over dead of dysentery.

For some twisted reason, much like our inability to look away from a car crash, we tell ourselves that things are getting worse and worse and worse.

But in fact, this generation is experiencing more freedom, leisure time, educational opportunities and technological advancements than any in history. And America – the land of “My 600 Pound Life” and Twitter accounts dedicated to Donald Trump’s hair – is still, despite our shortcomings, the greatest country in the world.

We’re the land of hope, the land of innovation, and I’d like to believe, the land of compassion. We’re the land of Apple. We’re the land of Amazon. We’re the land that still publishes political cartoons.

We’re nowhere near where we need to be,

and I’m not naïve enough to think a presidential election will solve all our problems, or even get us in the right direction, but let’s not make the mistake of entering 2016 with a doom and gloom attitude that will trickle down to our kids, and our kids’ kids.

Unfortunately, journalists don't make the front page by writing a story on how things, “aren’t that bad.”

Email Hannah at hannah@carolinaweekly newspapers.com

The Weekly

Social Media Posts

Stratton @StrattonMelton Dec. 20 Waxhaw night life is non existent.

Chelsea Reckdenwald @chellyreck Dec. 16 Forever wishing there was a Cookout in Waxhaw.

Collin Rausch @icrausch Dec. 17 Did Weddington High School forget they're a high school and not the DEA? Chris Murphy @MurphsWords Dec. 15 In the name of professionalism today, I'm wearing a Weddington T-shirt and a sweater. I still feel overdressed.

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www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 8 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Education

Indian Trail Elementary creates leaders of the future

Courtney Schultz/UCW photo

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

NCDOT TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF REA ROAD (S.R. 1316) FROM N.C. 16 TO WAXHAW- INDIAN TRAIL ROAD (S.R. 1008) IN WESLEY CHAPEL, UNION COUNTY TIP Project No. U-3467 The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Rea Road extension from N.C. 16 (Providence Road) east to Weddington Road (N.C. 84) on new location, and then widen existing N.C. 84 to Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road (S.R. 1008) in Wesley Chapel. The project is about 4.3 miles long.

The hearing will take place on Tuesday, January 26 at Graceway Baptist Church, located at 4700 Monroe-Weddington Road in Matthews, beginning with an open house from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a brief formal presentation at 7 p.m.

The primary purpose of the project is to improve the mobility and connectivity of N.C. 84 in the project study area.

Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above hours. NCDOT representatives will be available at the open-house to answer questions and receive comments regarding the project. Written comments can be submitted either at the meeting or later by mail or email through February 26. The formal presentation will include an explanation of the location and design of the proposed alternatives, land acquisition and relocation requirements, and project procedures. The presentation and the comments will be recorded. All citizens comments received will be included in the alternative selection process.

Maps displaying the proposed alternatives and the Environmental Assessment (EA) document will be available for public review at the following locations: s 6ILLAGE OF 7ESLEY #HAPEL 7EDDINGTON 2OAD 7ESLEY #HAPEL s 4OWN OF 7EDDINGTON 7EDDINGTON 2OAD 7EDDINGTON s 5NION #OUNTY .ORTH -AIN 3TREET -ONROE AND s .#$/4 (IGHWAY $IVISION $ISTRICT 3 3UTHERLAND !VENUE -ONROE s 4HE MAPS AND DOCUMENT CAN ALSO BE FOUND ONLINE AT http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/publicmeetings/ &OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT !NAMIKA ,AAD .#$/4 -AIL 3ERVICE #ENTER 2ALEIGH

BY EMAIL AT ALAAD NCDOT GOV

BY PHONE AT

OR BY FAX AT NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this hearing.

Anyone requiring special services should contact Laad as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Persons who speak Spanish and do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon REQUEST PRIOR TO THE HEARING BY CALLING Aquellas personas que hablan espaĂąol y no hablan inglĂŠs, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglĂŠs, podrĂ­an recibir servicios de interpretaciĂłn si LOS SOLICITAN ANTES DE LA REUNIĂ&#x2DC;N LLAMANDO AL

INDIAN TRAIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Indian Trail Elementary School (ITES) is preparing students to be leaders through a comprehensive leadership model.

For three years, ITES has adopted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leader in Meâ&#x20AC;? model based on Stephen Coveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;7 Habits of Highly Effective People.â&#x20AC;? The school community uses those seven habits, which include tasks such as being proactive, having a plan and working together, to build a school culture of leadership. ITES is the only Union County Public School to implement the model.

In 2011, the school-based committee started to look at ways to make students more â&#x20AC;&#x153;accountableâ&#x20AC;? for their learning, ITES Principal Candice Boatwright said.

After researching the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s options, Leader in Me became the answer, as both student-led conferences and student data notebooks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two components the team was looking for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were in the model.

Boatwright participated in Covey training, and teachers and parents visited Leader in Me schools.

The teachers were hooked, and began implementing Leader in Me components in their own classrooms before the school adopted the model.

By the end of the year, the faculty unanimously agreed to move forward with making the model school-wide, despite a hefty price tag. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buy-in,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which was huge. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t me telling them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is what we have to do,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and they wanted it,â&#x20AC;? Boatwright said.

Faculty underwent Covey training and reevaluated the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission and core values.

Teachers adopt the seven habits and start to â&#x20AC;&#x153;live them,â&#x20AC;? Boatwright said, which holds both students and teachers accountable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key here. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not something the kids do. The teachers have to be living the habits too,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids will call teachers out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just a program that you implemented for the kids. It was a cultural change here.â&#x20AC;?

Boatwright has seen stronger leadership in both students and teachers after the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s implementation, as well an increase in academic success.

When Boatwright came to ITES, the school spent about $50,000 to $55,000 on tutors. In the last two years, the school has spent no money on tutors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though Covey is an expensive price tag, you spread it out over four years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent that

same price tag that they were used to spending in one year,â&#x20AC;? Boatwright said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still getting the same or better results in our data. That says that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve changed their practices if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need those tutors coming in anymore.â&#x20AC;?

ITES has exceeded growth for the last three years and last year, the school was one of two elementary schools to exceed growth, Boatwright said.

The school community engages in goal setting collectively. Classrooms make a goal for each grading period and then students take ownership of those objectives through goal planning, according to fourth-grader Mandalynn Miller. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look at where you are now, what you want to get and how much time it will take you to do it,â&#x20AC;? she said.

All goals are posted throughout the school on interactive charts and posters, which is part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community and Leader in Me. Students also take on leadership roles within the school and adopt specific jobs. Both students and teachers form â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lighthouse Teamsâ&#x20AC;? that are broken into specific committees to help improve teacher morale and to give the community a stake in making changes in the school.

Committees adopt their own goals based on ITESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

Students also participate in â&#x20AC;&#x153;passionâ&#x20AC;? clubs every three weeks, in which they select a club at the beginning of the school year where they can engage in specific interests, such as babysitting, gardening, pet care, drama, art and cooking, among others.

Club members form a mission statement, vision and goal for their club to carry out throughout the year.

ITESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape also seeks to inspire students to take on leadership roles and accountability.

Each open space has art and inspirational messages on the concrete walls, painted by fifth-grade teacher Katie Rochefort. The habits also are displayed throughout the school through art and posters.

ITESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next step is to achieve â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lighthouse Status,â&#x20AC;? in which the school will have to pass prestigious criteria through Covey standards. Boatwright said theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to accomplish it this school year. Approximately 164 of 2,417 Leader in Me Schools have achieved Lighthouse criteria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our goal. We want to be a leader school,â&#x20AC;? Boatwright said.

Visit www.theleaderinme.org for more information.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 9

Education Briefs Cuthbertson Middle School ‘adopts’ Wingate, Marshville elementary schools WAXHAW – Cuthbertson Middle School’s “Cavalier Connection Kids” brought holiday cheer to Wingate and Marshville elementary schools this year.

Approximately 140 middle schoolers delivered jackets to every kindergarten student at Wingate on Dec. 10 and shoes to all Marshville’s kindergarteners on Dec. 16. The sixth-graders took on Wingate and the seventh- and eighth-graders helped out with Marshville.

The middle school students also played games and ate lunch with the students after delivering the jackets and shoes.

Photo courtesy of UCPS

A Wingate Elementary kindergartener, right, shows off his beaded candy cane to 11-year-old Enzo McIntyre, during a visit to deliver jackets to students.

Cavalier Kids seek to help those less fortunate, as well as help those in their community.

Wingate school counselors worked closely with the Cuthbertson counselors to make the event come to life.

“With winter months coming, we decided to do jackets for our kids,” said Wingate Elementary Principal Mike Henderson in a news release. “This is quite an undertaking, financially and from an organizational standpoint. They did so much making sure they secured jackets for all our students who are wanting and willing recipients of them.”

Every child will ‘succeed’ with new law Education leaders across the country applauded as President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law on Dec. 10 to succeed the No Child Left Behind law.

No Child Left Behind was designed in 2002 to bring attention to struggling students through accountability measures, but the test scores did not meet the proficiency the law mandate, which caused some states, including North Carolina to rearrange academic standards so more students could bass, according to state Sen. Joyce Waddell.

The new legislation allows greater flexibility for teachers and state leaders through placing less of an emphasis on testing.

The act requires standardized testing in math and English for third-through-eighth-grade students, but states have greater flexibility about how and when the tests are administered. States will lose federal funds if they don’t attempt to improve the bottom 5 percent of schools but states can set accountability goals under federal guidelines “The Every Student Succeeds Act creates a balance of power between North Carolina and the federal government in education policy. It is saddening that North Carolina ranks at the bottom of the nation in education funding. We must strive to raise the state’s low ranking and analyze ways to improve achievement in the classroom. Performance standards should be examined to ensure our students are prepared for the global economy. It is vitally important for every student to receive a world-class education,” Waddell said in a news release.

OPEN HOUSE 10323 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105

Nurturing the Desire to Learn

The Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, is now accepting applicants for two renowned programs for college students and recent graduates – the 2016 Steiner Summer Yiddish Program and the 2016-17 Yiddish Book Center Fellowship Program.

The summer program is an immersive program in Yiddish language and culture, with beginner and intermediate tracks, that is open to college and graduate students who are 18 to 26 years old. Participants can earn six college credits during the seven-week course.

Students also take a field trip to New York to attend Yiddish cultural events and will attend events at the Yiddish Book Center, including the annual Yidstock: The Festival of New Yiddish Music. Intermediate students also participate in paid internships through working on projects at the Center.

The summer program will take place June 5 to July 22, 2016 and applications are due Feb. 8. Find more information at yid dishbookcenter.org/steiner-summer-yiddish-program.

The Book Center Fellowship offers recent graduates with backgrounds and interest in Yiddish and Jewish studies the opportunity to gain professional experience as a full-time staff member, Fellows can serve as teaching assistants for college-level Yiddish classes, work on the Center’s Wexler Oral History Project, develop educational materials, assist with translation and digital accessibility projects or do bibliographic work with the Center’s extensive Yiddish book collection, according to a news release.

They receive a $30,000 stipend as well as healthcare coverage.

The 2016-17 Yiddish Book Center Fellowship Program runs from September 2016 to August 2017. Applications are due Jan. 4.

Find more information at yiddishbookcenter.org/fellow ship-program.

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A provision in the act aims to increase funding for “experienced educators,” according to the release, and North Carolina will receive an additional $24 million annually for professional development and retention of teachers.

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www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 10 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Faith

The Weekly

A favorite Christmas Memory

by Rev. Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

Growing up as a second generation Italian in America, pasta (or macaroni as we call it) was a basic staple. We ate it three times per week. No pasta dish ever went without my mother’s Rev. Tony Marciano homemade meatballs and sausage.

There was one meal a year when the macaroni was done differently; that was Christmas Eve. While you are probably familiar with penne pasta, I grew up on mezzani (same shape, different name).

We had mezzani all the time. We rarely had spaghetti. On Christmas Eve, we had a very thin spaghetti called vermicelli (c has a “ch” sound). The spaghetti sauce (or should I say, vermicelli sauce) had no meat base. Instead, it had walnuts and raisins. Not only did we change the sauce base from meat to walnuts and raisins, we changed the type of meat that was served.

My mother’s fabulous meatballs and sausage were replaced with fish. There was

flounder and shrimp, both in cocktail sauce as well as fried, and there were always scallops. The only day of the year we ate scallops was on Christmas Eve. Traditions are very important to me.

When I started dating my wife and realized we were serious, I told her I would expect to continue this tradition if we ever got married. I’m glad she agreed.

There was one year the Christmas Eve meal had more significance. In the early 70s, work for my father was hit and miss.

He worked construction and finances were tight. There wasn’t any “extra” for the wants. We were glad to have our needs met.

You can imagine my surprise when my father came home with fish for Christmas Eve. He didn’t spend a lot that year, but he did spend enough so we had a memorable Christmas Eve. You would have thought he just won the lottery. He was so proud that his family was continuing a Christmas Eve tradition that had been passed down from his mother to him and now to me. Rumor has it that my father’s mother preferred to spend Christmas Eve with us because she knew my mother always continued this tradition.

I don’t know what it cost my father that Christmas; I have an idea but I never asked. We were too important in his eyes to want to disappoint us. He sacrificed his

wants so we could have the Christmas Eve we had that year. It was important to him that we knew he loved us.

Maybe there is a connection with what my father did that Christmas Eve and what Christmas is about. My dad could have said, “Work has been light and the money isn’t there. We’ll have to skip the fish this year.” We would not have challenged that comment. We would have understood.

We would have enjoyed Christmas Eve. It would have been different, but he loved us too much to think about uttering those words.

I think God could have said the same thing that first Christmas. He could have said, “The world is a mess, they have no interest in me, they keep running from me, they don’t even think of me. I’m not going. They won’t miss me anyway.”

Instead God says, “Whatever the cost, no matter the sacrifice, I’ll go and become one of them. I’ll live in their world and feel every heartache and burden they experience, and I’ll pay for their mess with my own life because that’s what it will take to prove my love for them.”

That’s what we celebrate this Christmas.

God kept his promise. He didn’t disappoint us. He showed up.

I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Church Directory

Women’s Bible study at Stallings UMC STALLINGS – Stallings United Methodist Church will launch a six-week Bible study on Jan. 12, a Tuesday, at 2:30 p.m. The group will meet in the church’s Pairs & Spares classroom. The study will include a DVD and workbook.

All women are invited to attend. Call Donna Smith at 704821-8800 to secure a spot and a workbook.

Stallings UMC is located at 1115 Stallings Road.

‘Meet Weddington’ slated for Jan. 24 WEDDINGTON – Weddington United Methodist Church will hold “Meet Weddington” on Jan. 24, a Sunday, at 4 p.m. The event is for those interested in joining the church or learning more about church membership. The pastoral and ministry staff will be in attendance. The meeting will take place in the church’s Family Life Center Multipurpose Room.

Weddington UMC is located at 13901 Providence Road.

Forest Hills Church to hold ‘NEXT’ information session Sunday, Jan. 10 WAXHAW – Forest Hills Church will hold a “NEXT” information session on Jan. 10 at its Ballantyne and Waxhaw locations. The event will give visitors the opportunity to meet pastors and church members and learn more about Forest Hills’ beliefs and church membership. Meetings take place after morning services.

Forest Hills meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at Cuthbertson High School, and on Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. at Morrison YMCA in Ballantyne.

A Brief History of Church and State

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Faith Briefs

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www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 11

A first glance at upcoming county, state elections

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The filing period for the 2016 election ended Monday, Dec. 21, marking the official start of county, state and federal campaigns.

Races with multiple candidates in a given political party will face off in a March 15 primary. The general election will take place Nov. 8.

Here’s a look at how the ballot will look for key races: U.S. House of Representatives District 8

• Democrat: Thomas Mills • Republican: Richard Hudson • First glance: Richard Hudson, of Concord, reclaimed the District 8 seat for the GOP by defeating Larry Kissell in 2012 and held onto it by collecting 68 percent of the vote against Antonio Blue in 2014. He is flexing his conservative credentials, noting how the “National Journal” rated him the 12th most conservative member of the House.

He’ll campaign against Thomas Mills, publisher of the political blog PoliticsNC.com.

Mills, a Carrboro resident, has also worked as a political consultant and billed himself as an unconventional candidate. His campaign could make for some interesting reading.

U.S. House of Representatives District 9

• Republican: George Rouco and Robert Pittenger • First glance: Congressman Robert Pittenger, of south Charlotte, is seeking his third term. Locally, Pittenger has had to answer questions about a federal investigation into his family real estate holdings, but nationally he has distinguished himself as an authority on foreign policy, criticizing President Barack Obama on Middle Eastern relations. He’ll face George Rouco, a retired CIA officer-turned-attorney, in the Republican primary. The winner will face Christian Cano, of south Charlotte, in the general election. Cano has experience in hotel and hospitality management.

N.C. Senate District 35

Democrat: None Republican: Matt Daly and Tommy Tucker First glance: Tucker, a small business owner, was first elected in 2011. He co-chairs the state and local government committee, as well as the appropriations on general government and information technology. He used to be a county commissioner and mayor pro tem of Weddington. Political newcomer Matt Daly, of Waxhaw, is calling for more transparency in the N.C. Senate. His platform includes eliminating income tax, corporate welfare, Map Act and toll lanes.

He's also calling for education reform.

• Democrat: Christian Cano

The Weekly

Crime Blotter The Stallings Police Department reported the following incidents from Dec. 21 to 27: Home/Building Break-Ins • 13500 block of East Independence Boulevard. Dec. 21 • 13000 block of East Independence Boulevard. Dec. 23 Property Theft • 5300 block of Shannamara Drive. Dec. 21 • 3200 block of Shadowy Retreat Drive. Dec. 23 Vehicle Break-Ins • 12800 block of East Independence Boulevard. Dec. 23 The Union County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents from Dec. 18 to 24: Indian Trail Home/Building Break-ins • 5700 block of North Rocky River Road: $400 in prescription medicines stolen from home.

Dec. 23 Property Damage • 5000 block of Blue Stream Lane: $99 inflatable reindeer damaged. Dec. 19 • Uniform Color Company, 4423 Old Monroe Road: $500 damage to vehicle. Dec. 20 • 2000 block of Oakstone Drive: $500 damage to home siding. Dec. 21 • 3000 block of Haywood Road: $300 damage to fields/crops. Dec. 23 Property Theft • Indian Trail Hardware, 205 N. Indian Trail Road: $40 chainsaw blades stolen from store.

Dec. 18 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $49.94 of flashlights stolen. Dec. 19 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $19.94 paper towels, $278 microwaves, $10.92 footballs, $5.94 cleaners, $9.76 candles, $9.64 sponges, $9.88 car fresheners, $778 vacuums, $33.42 laundry goods, $9.76 mugs, $52.82 foggers, $25.62 auto sprays, $338 blenders stolen from store. Dec. 19 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $12.88 sleepwear, $19.48 girls hoodies, $25.84 girls dresses, $21.88 panties, $65.76 baby carriers, $39.92 gift sets, $3.88 baby oil, $30.18 socks, $35.88 bras, $40.64 shirts, $9.94 tattoos, $75.24 pants, $28.92 leggings, $23.48 capris, $29.76 tunics, $19.94 lanyards, $8.96 cupcakes and $1,172.20 other merchandise stolen from store. Dec. 20 • 4300 block of Old Monroe Road: $100 merchandise stolen from store. Dec. 20 Marvin Home/Building Break-In • 1200 block of Firethorne Club Drive: $17,458 jewelry and $25 crystal dish stolen from home.

Dec. 21 Waxhaw Property Theft • 1700 block of Roscoe Howey Road: $200 VISA gift cards stolen. Dec. 21 Wesley Chapel Property Theft • Target, 6350 Weddington Road: @59.96 games/controllers stolen from store. Dec. 18 • Target, 6350 Weddington Road: $149.99 headphones stolen from store. Dec. 21 • Target, 6350 Weddington Road: $79.96 jewelry stolen from store. Dec. 21 • Target, 6350 Weddington Road: $39.98 jewelry stolen from store. Dec. 22 • Target, 6350 Weddington Road: $100 video games stolen from store. Dec. 22

Democrat: Kim Hargett Republican: Mark Brody First glance: Mark Brody, a contractor from Monroe, is seeking his third term against a familiar foe, Kim Hargett, an educator from Marshville. This marks a rematch from the November 2014 election, when Brody defeated Kim Hargett by earning about 69.6 percent of the vote (10,087 votes). Hargett has served on the board of directors for the N.C. Association of Educators.

public utilities committee and vice chairs the appropriations committee. He’s running against Indian Trail Councilmember Gordon Daniels. Daniels, who campaigned to move Indian Trail forward in terms of economic development, filed for state office midway through his first term as voters put in three councilmembers who look to more closely manage the towns’ growth. He's served on the town's Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Alliance of South Charlotte Communities.

N.C. House District 68

Union County Board of Commissioners

N.C. House District 55

Democrat: None Republican: Craig Horn First glance: Craig Horn, a retired food broker from Weddington, is running for his third term. The Republican will barely break a sweat, considering he doesn't have an opponent in the primary or general election.

Horn wrote on his Facebook page that he was honored and relieved not to have competition. While concerned about "public dialogue" of state issues, he values playing a part in shaping North Carolina's future.

N.C. House District 69

Democrat: Gordon Daniels Republican: Dean Arp First glance: Dean Arp, a Monroe resident who owns an engineering firm, is seeking his third term. Arp not only serves as deputy majority whip, but he also chairs the

Democrat: Pam DeMaria Republican: Frank Aikmus and Richard Helms Sr. First glance: Frank Aikmus and Richard Helms Sr. are seeking re-election. Aikmus, vice chairman of the commission, has served on the board since 2012. The Monroe resident worked in banking and finance, as well as served on the N.C. Debt Affordability Advisory Committee. Helms, former chairman of the commission, has served on the board since 2012 and worked for IBM for 30 years. The Waxhaw resident has served on the Carolinas Medical Center Trustee Council. Pam DeMaria is fresh off her 2015 campaign for a seat on the Indian Trail Town Council. DeMaria used to serve as development director of the Siskey Family YMCA. She finished fourth among 11 candidates.

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Page 12 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

6

The Weekly

Calendar December New Year’s Eve 31 Annual Gospel Sing The Union Crime Prevention Committees, Inc. and The Union County Sheriff’s Office will present the annual New Year’s Eve Gospel Sing, featuring Deeper Shade or Blue, The Wishons, Valor III, The Cockman family and Bridge.

The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Earleen Hicks at 704-650-1996 for more information.

8 p.m. to midnight; Wingate University’s George A. Batte, Jr. Center, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate

in the New Year at 31 Ring John’s Place John’s Place/Mario’s Italian Restaurant will host a New Year’s Eve celebration with live entertainment by Roy Daye Jr. VIP packages are available, which include a four-course meal, complimentary champagne at arrival, a midnight toast and an early morning breakfast buffet; however, VIP is not required to join the celebration.

Email sheri@eatmariospizza.com or call 704-847-4884 for more information.

8 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Mario’s Italian Restaurant, 2945 Matthews-Weddington Road, Stallings

January

2

Horned Society of the Carolinas Workshop

The Horned Society of the Carolinas will welcome French horn players in middle and high school for a workshop to prepare for the all-district and all-state band auditions.

The workshop will give students a chance “to increase their knowledge, improve their performance skills and provide them an opportunity to play in small and large horn ensembles,” according to the society’s website.

Selected students will perform in a “master class” to demonstrate their audition-ready skills.

The workshop costs $30 per student and includes lunch, a T-shirt and a horn maintenance kit.

Students from private, public and home schools can register or find more information at hornsocietyofthecarolinas.org.

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Church at Charlotte, 2500 Carmel Road, Charlotte

5

Community Health Services Clinic

The Community Health Services of Union County will host a community health clinic that will offer health screenings including blood pressure, blood sugars, cholesterol and hemoglobin tests. Cholesterol screenings require the patient to fast for 12 hours prior to the screening, but drinking water is recommended.

Visit www.chsuc.org for more information.

9 to 11:30 a.m.; Monroe Mall, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

www.unioncountyweekly.com

The Amazing Human Body: Wonderfully Made

Ophelia Gramon-Brown will present “an inspirational insight” into the way bodies are designed and why it’s important for health and well being to understand it.

The presentation begins a yearlong series of community health programs with each monthly program focusing on a different body system. The speaker will highlight the system’s anatomy, function and health. The program is open to all adults.

Call Shannon Caddell at 704-384-6393 for more information.

1 to 2 p.m.; Levine Senior Center, 1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews

7

Garden Cleanup Class

9

Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night

Debbie Dillon, the Extension Master Gardeners of Union County Horticulture Extension Agent, will discuss the proper garden cleanup techniques and information to ensure health organic gardens. The class also will be offered on Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Contact ucmgwebsite@gmail.com or visit www.mastergardenersunioncountync.org for more information.

7 to 8:30 p.m.; Union County Agricultural Center, 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe

Area fourth- and fifth-grade students can enjoy a live DJ, dancing, games, prizes and giveaways, sporting tournaments, moonbounces and karaoke.

The event costs $8 and concessions will be sold.

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

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

11 “Canterbury Tales” Marvin Ridge’s

Marvin Ridge High School will perform Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic “The Canterbury Tales.”

The tales are presented as part of a storytelling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together on a journey from London to Canterbury in order to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

Email carren.heartley@ucps.k12.nc.us for more information.

7:30 p.m.; Marvin Ridge High School, 2825 Crane Road, Waxhaw

Union 13 Professionals County Inaugural

Luncheon

The Young Professionals Union County will host its first luncheon, which will feature a presentation from Network Team President Jeff Gaura. He will discuss why even the best confidence, discipline and coaching available is “worthless to most people.”

The luncheon costs $20 for Union County Chamber of Commerce members until Jan. 7 at 11:30 a.m. and will cost $25 after. The cost is $30 for nonmembers.

Call 704-289-4567 for more information.

Union County Chamber of Commerce, 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe

Send calendar events to courtney@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | January 1, 2016 | Page 13

Union County Weekly’s 2015 20 to treasure Offensive Player of the year Zephaniah Wall Monroe Wall is more than a distributor. He is a creator and a playmaker. The three-year starter worked wonders under center, as he helped lead the Redhawks to a state championship and 16-0 record. He completed 165-266 passes for 3,572 yards and 45 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. Wall, a dual-threat, also rushed 77 times for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named an all-conference player.

Defensive Player of the year MiQuille Bryant Monroe Bryant, a terror for opposing quarterbacks, built campfires and roasted s’mores in opposing backfields. The sack master was a catalyst for the Redhawks’ attacking defense in their run to perfection. He tallied 134 tackles, and outmaneuvered bigger offensive lineman to come up with a jaw-dropping 17.5 sacks.

Special teams Player of the year Keith Duncan Weddington

Coach of the Year JOhnny sowell Monroe Lance Moore Weddington Moore was a force for the Warriors, coming off the edge. The senior defensive end feasted on opposing quarterbacks, as he buried them time after time. Moore reminded opponents why he is one of the most feared pass rushers in Union County, finishing the season with 96 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.

Myles Moore Weddington Moore was a bell cow for the Warriors on defense, and, like his twin brother, will be sorely missed by Weddington. He made a team-high 132 tackles, and also recorded 19 tackles for loss, six passes defended, two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Austin Kendall Cuthbertson

Duncan was one of the Warriors most reliable players. He made 22-29 field goals, including a long of 54 yards, and was a perfect 58-58 on PAT. The Furman commit, who plans to major in criminal justice, also booted 67-87 kickoffs deep for touchbacks.

Kendall didn’t go out the way he wanted to, but will leave a lasting legacy as the Union County record holder in career passing yards (8,586) and career touchdown passes (90). The Oklahoma early enrollee battled through injuries to complete 182-285 passes for 2,627 yards and 23 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He also rushed 97 times for 268 yards and six touchdowns.

Sam Howell Sun Valley

Caleb Deveaux Marvin Ridge

Howell had a standout rookie season. Barely 15 years old, Howell assaulted opposing secondaries with a litany of airstrikes, completing 202-358 passes for 3,586 yards and 35 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He also rushed 83 times for 191 yards and seven touchdowns. Howell is on the radar of several college programs, and should have a long list of schools to choose from before it’s all said and done.

Deveaux is not afraid of contact, and often initiated it with his physical running style. He carried the ball 193 times for 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns. Deveaux, who earned all-conference honors, claims a scholarship offer from Pittsburgh, where his father and Marvin Ridge assistant coach, Glenn Deveaux, played.

Khris Missick Piedmont

Desmen Robinson Monroe

Missick, who was the focal point of the Panthers’ double-wing offense, set the field on fire with his feet that never stopped moving. The senior running back led Union County in rushing with 250 carries for 1,690 yards (school record) and 15 touchdowns to earn all-conference honors.

Robinson, an all-conference player, was a double duty player, helping to anchor Monroe’s secondary, a no-fly zone for opposing offenses, and was a reliable target for Wall on offense. He made 85 tackles, 15 pass breakups, 11 interceptions (Union County record), including one he returned for a touchdown, and forced three fumbles. Robinson, who leaves as the Union County all-time leader in interceptions (22), also caught 26 passes for 475 yards and nine touchdowns.

Braxton Knotts Monroe

Trayquan Price Monroe

Knotts, who is lethal in open space, was the toughest player to gameplan for in Union County and arguably the greater Charlotte area. The senior all-purpose back rushed 161 times for 1,375 yards and 18 touchdowns, and caught 40 passes for 1,051 yards and 14 touchdowns on his way to Rocky River 2A Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Price was right on point, and rarely lost scent of the ball. The tackling machine made 174 takedowns (team high), including 28 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Price also made five fumble recoveries and two interceptions on his way to allconference recognition.

Austin Colonna Marvin Ridge

J.T. Cauthen Cuthbertson

Colonna played an integral role in the Mavericks turnaround. He decimated opposing defenses, completing 217-309 passes for 3,066 yards and 24 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and rushed 86 times for 226 yards and four touchdowns. Colonna, who was named Team MVP, also earned all-conference honors.

Cauthen showed why he is one of the nation’s most coveted receivers. He was the Cavaliers go-to-target, making 50 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cauthen claims more than 20 scholarship offers.

Jeremiah Miller Sun Valley

D’Mitri Emmanuel Marvin Ridge

If stats are the soul indicator, then Miller was the best receiver in Union County and the surrounding area. He quickly emerged as a go-to-guy for the Spartans, and knew what to do with the ball in his hands. Miller caught 60 passes for 1,415 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Emmanuel put his run blocking and pass protection skills on display this season, grading out at 90-percent and recording 27 pancake blocks. The former rugby player, who moved to the United States from England after also spending time in Nigeria and Jamaica, made the Southern Carolinas all-conference team. He claims five scholarship offers.

Izaiah Thomas Monroe

Rudiger Yearick Metrolina Christian

Thomas pillaged and plundered opposing backfields, finishing the season with 151 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. He also rushed for just under 500 yards and eight touchdowns on 64 carries. Thomas was named Rocky River 2A Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Yearick was a true dual-threat, who was just as dangerous with his legs as he was with his arm. He completed 64-percent of passes for 1,635 yards and 19 touchdowns, and rushed 86 times for 1,006 yards and 14 touchdowns. Yearick, who will continue his football career at Liberty, led the Warriors to their first undefeated regular season in the history of the program, and earned all-state honors.

Emeka Emezie Marvin Ridge

Joey Hobbs Weddington

Emezie reinforced his place as one of the top receivers in Union County. He reeled in 69 receptions for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns, and also intercepted four passes in limited action on defense. Emezie, an all-conference selection, claims eight scholarship offers, including six from Power Five Conference teams.

Hobbs was an impact player on both sides of the ball, and a game changer with his ability to make plays and create turnovers. He made 104 tackles, five sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Hobbs also caught 22 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed 10 times for 71 yards and a touchdown.

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Page 14 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

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Page 16 | January 1, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Health& Wellness

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