The Regional Weekly March 27, 2020

Inside: Updates on the spread of COVID-19 • Page 4-5A

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Mayor focuses on others despite losing arm

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Mayor Michael Alvarez may be losing his arm, but he is not giving up hope.

Alvarez was diagnosed with lupus as a child and endured organ failure and two kidney transplants. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a cancer affecting the arteries. Doctors were concerned with hot spots in his right arm.

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Pain has returned in recent months. Doctors determined the best course of action was to amputate his arm just above the elbow.

“This is something that was always on the table,” Alvarez said. “It's the only option if I want to live another 50 years.

Technology today for prosthetics is absolutely amazing.”

His daughter would like to see him with a prosthetic arm like Bucky Barnes, better known as the Winter Soldier in Marvel comics, but Alva-

rez will likely have something more modest.

It will take four to six weeks for his body to heal after the surgery. Then he'll have a custom-made computer prosthetic that connects to his nerves and muscles. He'll spend another six months learning how to use the prosthetic.

His time away from town hall comes as government buildings across Union see ARM, Page 2A

Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez shows his arm during a 2017 interview, noting it was giving him trouble. The arm will soon be amputated and replaced with a prosthetic. CMG file photo

TJ Elevator Fan's views continue going up

Justin Vick Managing Editor

How we're adjusting to COVID-19

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

TJ Burns has been filming himself going up and down elevators for 10 years. Photo courtesy of TJ Elevator Fan

Curb or to-go Restaurants fight for business, 1B

YouTuber films himself riding elevators across the region, country

by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

Lost spring Festivals we’ll miss in 2020, 3B

Fashion foward Shop has clothing with a cause, 4B

CHARLOTTE – TJ Burns started posting YouTube videos of himself riding elevators around Charlotte as a young kid. Ten years and more than 15 million views later, it remains one of his greatest passions.

His fascination with elevators began when he attended physical therapy for his mild cerebral palsy.

“It was really hard and there were a lot of times I didn’t like doing what the therapist would need me to do, but the building that she was located in had an elevator and she knew that I was fascinated with the elevator,” TJ said. “She would say, ‘If you do what you’re supposed to do in thera-

py and do a good job, we’ll go to the elevator at the end of the day.’”

Since then, he has posted more than 3,000 videos of elevators, hotels and other tours. He has filmed elevators all over the Charlotte region.

TJ has also traveled around the country to see different elevators.

He can recognize various makes and brands.

“Sometimes, you find some unique ones,” TJ said. “We’ve gone down to places before like Georgia and Florida where they have a lot of Mowrey elevators and those are not really common up here, so you do have some neat ones that you don’t find everywhere. And of course, it’s

kayla@cmgweekly.com

Arts & Entertainment....................... 1B Classifieds..............................................................5B Sports.............................................................................. 2A Puzzles.........................................................................2B

TJ Burns has traveled the region exploring elevators for his YouTube channel, TJ Elevator Fan. Here are some of the places he's been: • Ballantyne: Allen Tate office, Ballantyne Corporate Park, Ballantyne One building, Ballantyne Village and Hampton Inn and Suites.

• Matthews: Country Inn and Suites, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Express Inn, Matthews Playhouse (Matthews Community Center), Quality Inn and Sleep Inn. • Monroe: Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

• SouthPark: Hampton Inn, Phillips Place, Residence Inn and Terraces • Waxhaw: JAARS Day

see ELEVATOR, Page 3A

Family's lemonade has endured for over a century

by Kayla Berenson

INDEX

The places he's seen

CHARLOTTE – Patrick Steptoe remembers everyone bringing a signature dish to family reunions.

Chicken, pies and other food lined the tables as his family dug into their meal. His family’s contribution?

Lemonade. And his extended family couldn’t get enough.

This seemed unique to Steptoe as a kid and a teenager. He said his relatives came to the reunion with gallon-sized containers to take the lemonade home with them.

“That always struck me,” Steptoe said. “Not only how good the lemonade was, but how special it was as a constant connection through a beverage through see LEMONADE, Page 3A

This week's regional edition combines news you'd normally read from our four weekly newspapers. It's one of several measures Charlotte Media Group has put in place to stay afloat as we navigate uncharted waters disrupted by COVID-19.

As you are aware, local, state and federal officials have urged people to stay at home and avoid large groups of people.

Such restrictions have led many companies to temporarily close their doors or let go o f staff.

Considering our business model relies on advertising, we also have had to make difficult decisions, such as adjusting distribution and letting go of people we enjoy working with.

Hopefully, these measures are temporary.

If you have visited our websites in recent days, then you may have noticed that every story we post now includes a link to a page in which readers can make a financial contribution (www.cmgweekly.com/do nate). We realize budgets are tight and everyone is hurting. If you have a little flexibility in your budget and consume the content we put in print, online and across social media, then we appreciate any contribution you give. Regardless, we'll keep working.

We intend to provide updates on how our region is responding to COVID-19, as well as share stories of other things happening in our community. After all, I am hearing growing sentiment of coronavirus coverage fatigue.

Our staff takes pride in providingS online news without a paywall T R A T E G I E S G R O U P and distributing free copies of our newspapers directly to homes and retail racks in several communities.

We will continue to do this as long as we can.

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Page 2A • The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020

High school athletes worry they have played their last games

by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

When the N.C. High School Athletic Association announced March 13 as the final day of sports competitions amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, many coaches and players thought the break would be a short one.

Still, Providence baseball coach Danny Hignight took the opportunity to honor his five seniors with an impromptu senior night, even though the Panthers were playing on the road.

At that time, the NCHSAA said April 6 would be the first day of resumed practices, but it has since extended that date to May 18.

So that leaves the question: Will we have a spring sports season in 2020?

There won’t be one for NCAA college athletes, and that possibility is starting to look more and more possible as social distancing has taken over the roars of the athletic fields.

“This was supposed to be our year,” Butler senior second baseman Travis Ziefert said. “It almost feels like we got robbed. It’s not over yet, but as of now it’s hard to be optimistic.”

Ziefert, like many seniors, could have played his final game without realizing it.

Butler coach Rick Sambrotto said Ziefert is a great leader and role model for the young team the Bulldogs were fielding this season.

Now all of that is in limbo, with cancellations and postponements still very possible.

“I try not to look at it like that, but it would be devastating,” Ziefert said. “For most guys, this is our final game. There is no college baseball to look forward to and

even right now, you can’t watch professional sports. There’s nothing, so that makes it hard.”

The Butler team, like all others, are prohibited from training together.

One player has a batting cage in his yard, but Ziefert said he and his teammates were staying busy by practicing individually.

NCHSAA Deputy Commissioner Que Tucker hosted a conference call with media members on March 13.

Even then, she sounded like the April 6 date was certainly not a sticking point. Now, as the number of cases in Mecklenburg and Union counties rises daily, May 18 seems even less likely.

“The hardest thing is feeling for the seniors,” Hignight said. “There’s five of them here with me, but I think you have to stay positive. My plan is we’re going to practice when April 6 rolls around and we’re going to go play some games and compete. Until that time we’re going to do whatever the state tells us to. It is what it is. Life happens for a reason.”

Tucker said most of the state’s athletic directors have expressed frustration and disappointment with the situation, but that they are also understanding like Hignight.

But as a former coach herself, Tucker feels for the senior athletes across the state.

“The biggest concern I’ve heard is about the seniors,” she said. “They aren’t able to finish out what they started three and half years ago, and I feel for them. I coached at the high school level and I had seniors who played for me. I know what it was like to play that final game in your senior season. I understand their concerns and their sensitivities toward their players.”

Providence Day girls track and field coach Carol Lawrence said her

The Providence baseball team went 25-4 last season, winning the So. Meck 7 with a perfect 12-0 record and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. With the increasing threat of coronavirus, the Panthers aren’t sure when or even if they will be able to take the field again this spring. Andrew Stark/CMG photo

seniors were focused on repeating as state champs when they heard news the NCISAA had suspended sports indefinitely.

“The kids were not happy,” she said. “Even the ones who just started track and field were not happy with that news. The seniors have state championships on their minds. That’s the thing they’re all working on.”

The same is true for the Ardrey Kell lacrosse team, which went 20-3 last season and returned nine seniors from their state runner-up team.

One senior, all-conference football star Michael Hetzel, joined the team for the first time this spring.

“For me personally, I was really starting to get into it and enjoy it,” Hetzel said. “I was learning a new sport and coming close with the

team. That’s what I feel the worst about. It’s not me, but for the seniors who have been here all four years, who went through it last year and played in a state championship game. I feel more heartbroken for them than anything. It has to be terrible for them. When I think about how bad I feel about it, I have to stop and think about how they must feel.

This is my first year, and I’m pretty upset about it, so I can’t imagine. I try not to think about that.”

For Butler’s Ziefert, who has had two older brothers come through the program, it’s starting to sink in that his baseball career may have come to an end.

“It makes it more emotional thinking about it,” Ziefert said. “I remember watching my brother go through senior night. It was some-

Grier to lead Charger football Providence Day has hired Chad Grier to coach the football team.

He replaces Adam Hastings, who resigned to take the head coaching job at Indian Land High School.

Grier, 52, had been living the good life, in an apartment right on the water in the South Carolina Lowcountry with his nearly 1-year-old son, Hank, and wife, Nila.

After going 64-9 and winning four state

thing that I knew was coming, but I didn’t know it was coming so soon.”

Ziefert said it “would be like Christmas morning” if he were to get word the Bulldogs could get back on the field.

“I think it would be incredible,” Hetzel added. “I think everyone would play that much harder and with so much heart. It would be fun.”

Until then, we all wait for sports to return.

“It’s just a new normal,” Hetzel said. “I don’t think it’s fully kicked in for me right now and I don’t think I can fully comprehend how much of a difference it will be. We start online school next week, so I think that’s when it may start to kick in. It just feels surreal.”

titles at Davidson Day, he had taken over Oceanside Collegiate, a team that had gone 0-8 in 2016, when the Davidson Day football program folded.

The Landsharks were 7-3 in his first year, 8-3 the next and 8-5 last year, when they reached the S.C. 2A semifinals.

With school closed and no kids or teachers on campus, the transition is going to be weird.

Grier said he’s assembling a staff and will be ready to dive in with the Chargers this fall.

ty a reset on how to talk to each other – how to help each other,” Alvarez said. “We des(continued from page 1A) perately need it. We desperately need a reset for humanity.”

He's optimistic the federal government will County have been closed to the public due to the spread of coronavirus. The town is roll out a stimulus package that will help the still operating but has been limiting in-per- average American and the economy will recover once this passes. He beson interactions. lieves elected officials must put Alvarez said there is no people before partisan politics. rush to fill the town man“This brings attention to the ager vacancy after parting It's the only option fact that our healthcare sysways with Patrick Sadek last if I want to live tem needs attention,” Alvarez month. The town brought in longtime Albemarle town another 50 years." said. “We don't have enough • Michael Alvarez beds. We don't have enough manager Raymond Allen in services. We are not ready for the interim.

Alvarez describes Allen as an “amazing ad- this. That's the biggest issue in keeping people self-quarantined.” ministrator.”

Alvarez said his priority is taking care of The mayor wants to help residents stay positive amid the spread of COVID-19 and the health and welfare of Indian Trail resihelp connect people, especially shut-ins and dents.

“We need to think about each other rather the elderly, to the essentials they need.

“Hopefully what that does is give humani- than ourselves,” he said.

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ELEVATOR (continued from page 1A)

Denise Hairston cooks the vegan jambalaya, mac and cheese and lemon pound cake and other Southern comfort foods found at Luther Dryers Lemonade's table at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Kayla Berenson/CMG photo

LEMONADE (continued from page 1A)

our family history.”

Now, Steptoe leads Luther Dryers, a lemonade business named after his great-grandfather, who started making the lemonade in 1909.

Steptoe said his great-grandfather was a slave when he started making lemonade. Because slave owners gave their slaves leftovers, Steptoe said Dryers used already squeezed lemons to make the lemonade.

The key, Steptoe said, is extracting the pectin from the inside of the lemon and the oil from the outside of the lemon to create the perfectly bodied lemonade. He still uses that method today.

Dryers would also flavor the lemonade using the resources around him, like the plants from the ground and fruit from the trees. Today, Steptoe said Luther Dryers Lemonade comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry cheesecake, jalapeno, Carolina blueberry and apricot jam.

“It’s the same, practical sense of taking what God has provided you naturally and then that is the basis for a great lemonade – simple, yet unique and refreshing, but tastes totally different than what you would find today,” Steptoe said.

The business started while Steptoe was in college on a basketball scholarship. Before his last year, he injured his knee and found out he would need to sit out for the season, which would affect his scholarship. He did not want to leave school, but did not have a way to pay for his education.

He went home to St. Lou-

is that summer for another family reunion. There, he asked his grandmother for the lemonade recipe.

“She said she would give me the recipe under the condition that I would promise, since I would be the one carrying on the torch for the family, to turn this into a business and hopefully one day, develop it into something that could leave a legacy for our family,” Steptoe said.

Steptoe returned to college, but had nowhere to make the volume of lemonade the recipe called for. He resorted to lining his dorm room bathtub with plastic and making the lemonade there to sell on campus.

Then, he was able to get a store to carry it.

Months after giving Steptoe the recipe, his grandmother passed away.

“It is as much a part of a special process that creates a unique business, as it is also my link and attachment to my grandmother,” Steptoe said.

Luther Dryers Lemonade delivers to homes and businesses in the Charlotte-metro area and has a location at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. They also serve vegan, Southern comfort foods with the lemonade.

Denise Hairston cooks the vegan jambalaya, mac and cheese and lemon pound cake. She believes the hand-crafted aspect of Luther Dryers makes it unique and special.

“It’s all natural,” Hairston said. “You can see the fruit and vegetables in the actual juice, as opposed to buying lemonade from a store or any place else, you don’t see that. When you’re drinking Luther Dryers, it’s real strawberries, real pear or real

blueberries.”

Hairston also believes the concept of a lemonade stand resonates with a lot of people who have memories of running lemonade stands as children.

“People can see what real lemonade tastes like and what it used to be,” Hairston said. “They can get that feeling again. Everything great is coming back again, and that’s what’s happening with Luther Dryers.”

Steptoe plans to open the first Luther Dryers lemonade stand location this summer in Charlotte. He hopes to eventually franchise the business and sell all of the lemonade flavors, along with lemonade ice cream, lemonade pies and lemonade salad dressings.

When the location opens, he plans to hire more people and partner with businesses like Postmates and DoorDash to get a bigger reach.

As the business continues to grow, Steptoe hopes to position Luther Dryers as the lemonade that represents the Carolinas.

“We want to spread the gospel of my great-grandfather’s amazing recipe,” Steptoe said.

While Luther Dryers lemonade will be shared with a greater number of people, Steptoe still plans to pass the family recipe down to future generations.

“It’s no different than Hershey’s chocolate or Coca-Cola,” Steptoe said.

“The recipe is the proprietary side of the business.

That’s where the value is in that process. As simple as it may be, it’s the combination of ingredients that produces that one-of-akind taste.”

On the web: www.luther dryers.com

Luther Dryers has a new flavor: strawberry cheesecake lemonade. Delivered to you by the gallon. Made from fresh strawberries, fresh lemons and coconut cream with a taste like real strawberry cheesecake. So good, one sip at a time, it will take you away to lemonade pleasure.

always fun to ride glass elevators, too.”

His favorite elevator of all time is the fireplace elevator at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Around Charlotte, he said there are nice elevators, but they are not as unique as some of the ones he’s seen in other places.

Hotels and elevator brands began noticing TJ’s content in 2012. Hampton Inn declared him an Ambassador of Hamptonality. The Hampton Tunnel Road in Asheville dedicated an elevator in his honor.

“The vice president of Hampton noticed TJ Elevator Fan was appearing every time he would do a search of Hampton hotels on the internet,” said Jeff Burns, TJ’s father. “He got to noticing that and asked his assistant to find out more about what TJ was doing.”

TJ said he and his family seek out Hampton Inn or Hilton hotels to film or stay wherever they travel.

TJ’s fans have watched him grow up on his channel. He graduated from Hope Academy in May with honors and was the school’s first student to participate in the dual-enrollment program with Central Piedmont Community College.

Now, he’s an official college student, though he does not yet know what field he wants to go into. He and his father took a course together to get certified in television studio and control room operations, so that could be a possible career path.

No matter what field he ends up in, he plans to continue making and posting videos.

“I’ll ride elevators and post videos for as long as I can,” TJ said.

TJ's mother, Julie Burns, said his videos have made an impact on his viewers over the last 10 years. When he posted a video of Loretta Lynn’s childhood home, many of the county music singer's fans thanked him for giving them a chance to see it.

She’s most amazed by the impact TJ makes on children with medical conditions.

“Some of the viewers actually have worse health conditions than he does, and their mothers will say that TJ’s an inspiration for them to keep motivated,” Julie said. “That’s the most rewarding and proudest moment that I’ve gotten with his hobby.”

BALLANTYNE

MATTHEWS

MONROE

SOUTHPARK

WAXHAW

MECKLENBURG COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING and 30-DAY COMMENT PERIOD 2020 –2024 Consolidated Plan & Citizen Participation Plan 2020 Annual Action Plan 2019 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment #1 March 27, 2020 To All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Persons: Mecklenburg County would like your participation in the review of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, and the 2020 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These documents are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive federal assistance to address housing, economic development, and community development issues. The Consolidated Plan prioritizes funding needs over a five-year period that will address economic, physical, and human development needs in Mecklenburg County. The Citizen Participation Plan sets forth policies and procedures for citizen participation, which are designed to maximize the opportunity for participation in the community development process. The Annual Action Plan is a planning document Mecklenburg County submits each year to HUD detailing how the County proposes to spend CDBG funds during the next program year.

The 2019 Annual Action Plan (2019AAP) will be amended to reflect changes that include the removal of the Town of Cornelius’s Habitat Park Project ($56,500). The Town has elected to terminate the project due to the complicated nature of the associated activities. Funding will be transferred to ongoing projects.

The Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, 2020 AAP, and 2019 AAP Substantial Amendment #1 are available for public review and comment from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020.

Copies of these documents are available upon request; requests should be submitted to Mecklenburg County or the documents may be accessed online at MecklenburgCountyNC.gov/News.

There are two ways to participate: 1) Present your comments at the April 14th virtual public hearing. 2) Send written comments to 9815 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 ATTN: Victoria Avramovic, CED Assistant Director. All comments must be received by April 30, 2020 to be considered for the publication of the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan.

Due to public health concerns the County will hold a virtual public hearing to obtain comments on these documents and proposed activities for Mecklenburg County’s CDBG program on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Attendees will be able to access the virtual meeting via computer or telephone. To register for the virtual hearing, please contact Timmothy Tibbs. Anyone needing special modifications when attending this meeting, has non-English-speaking needs and/or if this information is needed in an alternative format because of a disability, please contact Timmothy Tibbs at (704) 432-1649 or Timmothy.

Tibbs@mecklenburgcountync.gov. We request at least 72 hours’ notice prior to the meeting to make the appropriate arrangements.

Page 4A • The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020

Seamstresses step up to sew masks

by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – The owners of a Charlotte-based custom design boutique are using their sewing skills to make masks for medical providers facing shortages during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Cheryl Anne and Kathy Laughlin of Dance Style Design specialize in dance and ice-skating costumes, but they are now trying their hand at sewing masks similar to the N95 respirators hospital workers wear to protect themselves from patients with respiratory viruses.

“We knew from the very beginning that there was going to be a need, but then we started seeing doctors and physicians posting on Facebook that there was a dire need. We thought this was something we could do,” Anne said.

Over the last few weeks, the coronavirus has put a strain on the supply of face masks and other personal protective equipment used by first-responders and medical professionals working in hospitals around the world. Some of the strain stems from a spike in demand caused by consumers buying N95 masks from retailers in the hopes of protecting themselves from the virus.

While the coronavirus is believed to be spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including coronavirus. People who are sick should only wear a face mask when they are around other people or before entering a healthcare provider’s office.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has also urged the public to save masks for medical personnel.

“Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!” Adams tweeted Feb. 29.

To help ease the demand, Anne and Laughlin are aiming to make two different kinds of masks that can be used by both medical and non-medical personnel, such as HVAC and construction workers.

“If we make masks for other people so the other masks can go to medical professionals, that’s big.

That’s huge,” Anne said. “I cannot consciously sit at my sewing machine every day making beautiful gowns, which is what we do, knowing that there are people in the medical profession who can’t get masks and are sewing them on their lunch breaks at the hospital.”

One type of mask will be made out of cotton and include a sewnin pocket for an N95-grade filter.

The other will be an N95 respirator, which Anne said will be prioritized for critical medical personnel.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, an N95 respirator fits to the face and blocks at least 95% of very small particles in the air transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. That’s different than a face mask, which may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, but does not block very small particles. Face masks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of its loose fit.

Anne said N95 respirators can be made using fabric from MERV13 air filters. She has already received some of this fabric through a partnership with Air 72 HVAC + Solar and its Mt. Holly-based filter supplier, FilterTime.

Christina Vogel is the marketing manager for Air 72, a residential heating and cooling company owned by her husband, John, that services Mecklenburg and Union counties. Vogel is also the daughter of Anne’s business partner, Kathy Laughlin.

In addition to donating some of Air 72’s unused N95 masks, Vogel also contacted FilterTime to order MERV-13 filter fabric to donate to her mother’s cause.

“We thought that was a good way for our two family businesses to

Leaders offer words of hope Elected leaders across the region spoke to constituents March 24 about the challenges ahead in the fight against COVID-19.

Vi Lyles

An N95 respirator is designed to protect against particulate matter such as dust, fumes, mists and smoke, as well as biological particles like pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses. CDC/ Debora Cartagena

pair up and do something to help amidst all the chaos,” Vogel said.

According to FilterTime’s website, filters with a higher MERV rating block more allergens and particles. MERV-13 is the highest-grade air filter the company carries. It protects from virus carriers, making it useful in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to time and labor, Anne and Laughlin have pledged to donate some of their own thread, elastic and cloth to make the masks. They’re asking for monetary donations to help purchase more cloth from a wholesaler, as well as more filter fabric from FilterTime.

They’re also asking for people who can sew, since each mask can take 10 to 30 minutes to make. Anyone interested in helping should email info@dancestyledesign.com for more information.

“We’re creating a community and it’s something we can do to help in our small little way,” Anne said.

“There’s nothing more isolating and lonely than feeling helpless.”

Anne said the goal is to donate the masks to county health departments who will then hand them out to people or clinics they know are in need. The question is, are these agencies ready to receive donations?

Novant Health announced on March 24 that it has enough personal protection equipment but will accept donations of critical medical supplies like masks, eye shields and disinfectants to ensure team mem-

bers can continue to safely provide care to their patients. Any vendor or supplier interested in donating supplies should email donatesupplies@ NovantHealth.org, where they will be contacted about next steps.

“Our supply chain team has worked diligently to ensure all team members have access to the supplies they need to provide remarkable care for our patients. We acknowledge there is a growing need for these critical supplies, and we plan to meet that need by increasing our inventory through donations from outside organizations," said Mark Welch, senior vice president of supply chain at Novant Health.

Megan Rivers, a public relations manager at Novant Health, said any donated or handmade supplies would have to meet the hospital’s medical standards.

“Those standards will be discussed individually with those who have the supplies,” Rivers said.

Chief Robert Graham, deputy director of emergency management in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, said in a virtual press conference March 24 that the county is still evaluating its supplies and personal protective equipment for medical professionals and first-responders. He said officials have not yet decided on the best way to handle and accept supplies, such as masks, that are donated from or made by community groups and businesses.

“Stay tuned,” Graham said.

Mayor of Charlotte >> “We're in this together. We're no better or no worse off than any other community out there, so when we work together, we'll make it happen. We're going to change this landscape. We're on the right path.

We can do this because we can do anything when we work together.”

Ed Driggs Charlotte City Council District 7 >> “Many people at all levels of government are working together to protect the health of the public and mitigate the consequences of the social and economic shutdown the virus has caused. The difficulty is finding the right balance between health and hardship, keeping people safe while avoiding unnecessary adverse consequences. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to adapt to the changing circumstances and chart a course that will get us back on track as soon as possible.”

Brad Simmons Mayor of Mint Hill >> “I am concerned for our community, especially those who are sick or at higher risk of becoming infected, as well as those who have either lost, or are at risk of losing their job or business. The consequences of this crisis are already deep and severe, and we’re not yet through the worst. I am confident, if we come together as a community and taking radical measures to protect ourselves, we will emerge from this crisis with resiliency and strength.”

Michael Alvarez Mayor of Indian Trail >> “While the world deals with this situation, stay humble and pray for each other. Check on your neighbor and help where you can. I’ve seen so many examples of our community coming together to help another.

I truly believe that we will come out on the other side of this as better human beings and a stronger community.”

BRINGING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP publishes your local community newspapers which include the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, South Charlotte Weekly, The Weekly Waxhaw and The Indian Trail Weekly. For over 15 years, we have been a direct source of news and information by connecting our readers to local businesses and the community.

During this extremely challenging time for all, we are committed to being a direct link for our local small businesses to educate and inform the community of the steps you are currently taking to offer your individual services; whether it be new hours of operation, take-out or drive-through hours, special pricing or specific measures your business has taken in order to offer your services during the Covid-19 crisis.

We, too, are a small business and we wouldn’t be doing our job well if we did not do EVERYTHING possible to help support our fellow small business owners during this current time of uncertainty. We would like to help your business reach our readers with your current changes to business operations or with a simple positive message for minimal cost, please contact CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP @ 704-849-2261 or email charlotte@cmgweekly.com.

Indian Trail

THE WEEKLY

BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY

BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY

The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020 • Page 5A

Mecklenburg County issues stay-at-home order, Union waits

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County ordered residents to stay at home from March 26 to April 16 to slow the spread of coronavirus as the number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 142 on March 24.

Residents may leave their homes to exercise, buy food and seek medications or treatment. Some residents may even work if they are deemed essential workers, which include medical staff, first-responders and grocery store employees.

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio told county commissioners that cases have been reported in nearly every zip code in the county, which indicates community spread. While health officials could trace the circumstances of the first several infections, such as travel, community spread is when health officials aren't sure where it was picked up.

Diorio said that 80% of the cases within the county are under the age of 59, which she said indicates younger residents are not heeding the warning to stay at home. She said Mecklenburg County had 25% of the state's total cases.

Diorio, as well as Public Health Director Gibbie Harris, have encouraged residents to think as if they have already been infected with COVID-19 and take steps not to spread it to others. This includes social distancing when you do leave the house.

Atrium Health and Novant Health submitted a joint letter to the county, encouraging the stay-at-home order.

County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said he was concerned Mecklenburg's hospitals could begin to strain from cases from other counties. Harris replied there are people in local hospitals who are not Mecklenburg County residents.

Union County reported 18 cases on March 24, but Deputy County Manag-

The Sandbox, a local nonprofit supporting the families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer, a rare, life-altering or terminal illness, has held window visits at Lakewood Care Center in Denver. “Our goal is to bless others in our service during these times, as it the only way we can conquer these days,” Executive Director Mara Campolungo said. Photo courtesy of The Sandbox

er Michelle Lancaster said during a Facebook Live video that leaders had no plans to issue a stay-at-home order like Mecklenburg County.

“At this time, Union County has no plans to make any changes to our operations,” Lancaster said.

“We did make some significant changes to how we operate to the public beginning Monday. We are following the advice and guidance of the state and federal agencies and we'll continue to do that as this time.”

Changes Lancaster alluded to included the closing of county buildings to the public. Waxhaw, Indian Trail and Monroe are among municipalities to close buildings as well. Most government business is being done virtually.

Want to learn more?

Residents in Mecklenburg and Union counties should visit their respective county's website daily to ensure they are getting updated safety information and warnings.

COVID-19 cases by zip code Mecklenburg County Cases as of March 23 28105: 1-3 28134: 1-3 28209: 4-6 28210: 7 or more 28211: 4-6 28226: 1-3 28227: 1-3 28270: 4-6 28277: 4-6 Union County Cases as of 3 p.m. March 24 28079: 6 or more 28103: Zero 28104: 4-5 28110: Zero 28112: Zero 28173: 6 or more 28174: Zero

The Charlotte helps Members enjoy their families and friends, and remain independent and happier as they age.

Assisted Living & Memory Care CALL TODAY • (704) 710-6968

Firm creates coronavirus app

by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

PINEVILLE – A mobile app developer from Pineville wants to help put accurate, up-to-date information about COVID-19 in the palms of people’s hands by a creating an app that does just that.

Edgy Design Group, a creative design firm specializing in mobile apps and branding, has developed an app called “Coronavirus Updates App.” The free app, which launched March 19 for Android users, captures and disseminates upto-the-minute information from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the coronavirus. App users will get access to updates on the pandemic, symptoms, prevention tips and live outbreak updates in any state or nation.

Renee Wilson, founder of Edgy Design Group, said she came up with the idea for the app after noticing the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus through social media. She said information about the outbreak changes by the minute and more and more people are searching for the most accurate and up-to-date facts, except they don’t know where to go.

Wilson said there are so many news outlets, organizations, businesses and government agencies releasing information about the coronavirus, it can be difficult to know what to believe. The Coronavirus Updates App, Wilson said, creates a centralized location for accurate information from trusted sources, like the CDC. “I know people always have their cellphones with them and an app is highly accessible for them to just click on and get all the information in one place,” she said.

Wilson originally saw the need for the

“

Coronavirus Updates App shares up-to-theminute information from Johns Hopkins University and the CDC about COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of Edgy Design Group

Coronavirus Updates App from the perspective of an app developer, but after a close family friend passed away from the virus, her motivation changed.

She learned a deacon from the church where she grew up in Indiana had died, and four other people from her hometown outside of Indianapolis, including her uncle, had tested positive for the coronavirus.

“It made me feel that me creating this app … it gave it even more purpose,” Wilson said. “If it could save a life; if it could help someone; if this app could do that, it would be a victory. It would be a success.”

Want the app?

Android users can download the Coronavirus Updates App at www.coronavirusandroid. com. Learn more about Edgy Design Group, located at 206 College St., suite 1371, Pineville by visiting www.edgydesigngroup.com.

We’re all in this together, so anything we can do to help each other we need to do it. Humanity should not be forgotten.”

• Renee Wilson, Edgy Design Group

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Page 6A • The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020

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The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020 • Page 1B

Popular deli warms hearts, fills bellies

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Steve Sileo realized a few weeks ago that people were going to struggle feeding their families with no money coming in. Instead of thinking about himself, he launched a series of good deeds at Sileo’s New York Deli.

Sileo calls the campaign the “Gift of Giving.” After explaining his vision to a couple of friends, he had $5,000 in donations within a day to help with the effort.

The Gift of Giving in-

volves delivering lunch daily to children who get free meals from Union County Public Schools. About 15 to 20 volunteers help with the effort.

He and others have been arriving at the restaurant as early as 4:30 a.m. preparing to distribute meals to children or picking up product from the store. They’ve served as many as 160 children on a given day.

Sileo’s New York Deli gave away free sandwiches to children between 10 a.m. and noon last Sunday. The day prior, the deli donated eight

pizzas to the community.

Sileo has also fed 80 people at the Union County Community Shelter.

One day this week, he wanted to spread the Gift of Giving to seniors. His 17-year-old son and one of his workers visited the Harris Teeter to give eight seniors $50 each to help pay for their groceries.

“The Gift of Giving is helping your neighbors, helping a person you work with – it’s just helping people right now,” Sileo said. “There’s just so much negativity that we need to have some positive.”

And who better to deliver that positive energy than Steve Sileo. He has coached youth baseball and flag football, as well as donated a percentage of store proceeds on spirit nights to Girl Scout troops and schools.

Mayor Michael Alvarez describes Sileo as a hero for his selfless giving.

Sileo has been in the Indian Trail community for years. Before he made sandwiches, he sold bagels for five years.

He credits developer see DELI, Page 4B

Steve Sileo, owner of Sileo’s New York Deli in Indian Trail, is trying to promote the idea of positivity at a time when many families are scared. Photo courtesy of Sileo’s New York Deli

Virtual concerts are now a thing

Mario’s Italian Restaurant in Matthews is among area restaurants trying to keep the fire burning as long as possible amid COVID-19. CMG file photo

Restaurants adapt to fluid environment Tighter restrictions nibble away at the culinary experience

by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

Munch Madness Last week, readers in Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail and Waxhaw were introduced to an NCAA Tournament-inspired bracket called Munch Madness: The Road to the Final Fork. Readers were encouraged to select winners in first round match-ups to narrow the field down to their favorite 32 restaurants. Due to space and timing issues, we weren’t able to get the brackets in the print edition, but you can find winners on our websites, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to vote for the second round.

MATTHEWS – Restaurants and businesses are already facing the harsh consequences of state and federal coronavirus precautions. They’re not giving up just yet.

After Gov. Roy Cooper ordered the closure of sit-down restaurants March 17 and the Center for Disease Control recommended to limit events to 10 people or less, restaurants and coffee shops cleared their tables and began transitioning to togo only options.

In a matter of 24 hours, Mario’s Italian Restaurant owner John Fisichello had to let go of more than half of his 80 staff members, Fisichello including waitstaff, bussers, hosts and food runners.

“It’s been quite devastating,” Fisi-

Mario’s Italian Restaurant has cultivated a following by creating an enjoyable dining experience inside its dining room, but the restaurant has had to take a more tactical approach of serving people via its drive-thru window. CMG file photo

chello said. “So many people are very shaken and upset and very scared.

People have kids and mortgages, so it’s very unsettling and upsetting to say the least. I feel powerless … I’m probably keeping quite a bit of excess compared to what I really need, but I feel terribly guilty with these full-time management people. I just don’t know what to do with them.

Unemployment, I don’t know. It just hit us so quickly.”

In the meantime, Fischello’s remaining staff are answering phones, making food, cleaning the kitchen, manning the restaurant’s new takeout window and delivering orders. Fisichello said he is expanding the delivery radius see RESTAURANTS, Page 2B

CHARLOTTE – With concerts being canceled all over the world due to the coronavirus, the music community in Charlotte has been live streaming shows and accepting virtual tips to recoup lost income and stay creative.

Together with the local music community, Music Everywhere CLT has created a home for all these virtual shows: Music Anywhere CLT: A Virtual Music Series for and by the Charlotte Music Community.

The goal is to offer a positive outlet for musicians, provide an easy way for audiences to support the local music community, as well as show the diversity and strength of Charlotte’s music scene and community.

Music Everywhere CLT will promote all area concert live streams on its Facebook page as well as list them on www.musicevery whereclt.com.

It’s not just the lost income that will be detrimental to these musicians.

“I firmly believe that when you take creative people, cut off their ability to express themselves or reach an audience, combine that with isolation, bad things will happen both emotionally and physically,” said Eddie Z, owner of The Playroom Rehearsal and Recording Facility. “We want to prevent as much of that as possible.”

The Playroom is planning a livestream series that will be promoted through Music Anywhere CLT. “Hopefully, this virtual experience can bring the city together while showing off the vibrancy of the Charlotte music scene,” said Charlotte musician and songwriter Harvey Cummings.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY RESTAURANTS (continued from page 1B)

and is willing to meet people halfway if need be.

He said the best thing the community can do right now is to order takeout or delivery service. After one day, he said the response has been great so far, though he will need to reassess as more

information and guidelines think it’s going to happen come in. until it does.”

“We have to see how it While it is frustrating, goes, but in the meantime, Fisichello said he underI’ve got all these payroll stands the need to keep the checks out and checks to community safe, and that is suppliers out and planning his top priority. on money coming in that’s Brakeman’s Coffee and not going to come in. It’s a Supply in downtown Matvery collapsing situation,” thews announced via InstaFisichello said. I’m trying gram that it would close its The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation York Times Sales toThe talkNew to the bank and Syndication exdoors for the Corporation foreseeable fu620 Eighth Eighth Avenue, Avenue, New New York, York, N.Y. N.Y. 10018 10018 620 plain myself, but it’s pretty ture after 5 p.m.

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The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020 • Page 2B

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ting down all businesses soon enough,” White said.

“They’d make recommendations, but people were still out and about. It takes one person to walk into the shop and infect three more, and it can only build from there.”

Even taking away the coffee shop’s seating would not reduce the problem because many people can be in the space at one time, including baristas and the owners.

“At the end of the day yesterday, that added up to over 100 people in there, including our staff,” White said. “That’s a lot of chance where something could happen and with the climbing number of cases in Mecklenburg County right now, we just found it was best for us and for the rest of the general public if we did our part to remove ourselves from potentially being contaminated.”

White said he and the owners of Brakeman’s are discussing different options at this time, including grab-and-go pickup with no human contact, selling retail items and coffee online and having a one-person stand with a limited selection of coffee. They also hope to set up a digital tip jar as a way to pay their employees.

While the store is closed, White said the best thing customers can do to help is buy an electronic gift card by emailing info@brake manscoffee.com.

Also located in downtown Matthews are Rob Jacik’s businesses, Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard Brewing. Jacik said it has been hard so far, but he is utilizing the options he has.

Seaboard Brewing is filling growlers that customers bring in and offering wine delivery within a five-radius

of the taproom. Exchange Pizza Depot, located on the same property as Seaboard, is receiving takeout orders and has reduced its pizza prices. Carolina Beer Temple is offering curbside pickup in which staff will deliver to customers’ cars.

So far, Jacik has seen a strong response from the community, with customers making great efforts to support, like leaving generous tips for staff.

“I’m stunned at how strong the response has been,” Jacik said. “I’ve had several customers today tell me that they came in just because we’re a small business and they want to support us.”

Full-time staff is working at both locations, Jacik said.

Part-time staff have gotten fewer, if any, hours. No layoffs have happened yet.

“I’m still evaluating and seeing how long things are going to last,” Jacik said. “It may be more beneficial to them to be unemployed so they can collect unemployment benefits. It’s something we’re looking into that we haven’t done yet.”

Jacik is known as a proponent of business and economic growth in downtown Matthews and he hopes to continue being a resource through this uncertainty.

He planned to meet with other business owners to strategize ways to team up.

“I think everyone’s probably in the same boat I’m in,” Jacik said. “Everyone’s scrambling to figure out how they’re going to deal with this over the last 24 hours and we really haven’t had much time to talk to each other.”

“This sucks,” Jacik added.

“But we are doing our best to get through this.”

Just like millions of Americans, travel professionals find themselves in an unprecedented position these days.

The industry is on the front lines of the current crisis and can be instrumental in helping the traveling public make good, sensible decisions regarding current and future vacations.

“Of course, our preference is to plan exciting adventures, “explains Roni Fishkin, Marketing Director at Charlotte based Mann Travels, “but now we serve an equally important role – we are a safety net and can advocate on behalf of our clients when plans and cancellations get complicated.”

Travel advisors can leverage relationships with all their partners to help clients move vacations without significant penalties or, in some cases, even obtain additional incentives. A good travel professional is dedicated to protecting their clients’ vacations, money, health – and therefore their overall peace of mind.

“Every cruise line or tour company has a different cancellation policy,” Fishkin says “and all the various rules and regulations surrounding travel insurance can also be confusing.”

Having a good professional navigate these issues can be very beneficial. Reports of extremely long hold times at reservation call centers or airlines can be avoided if your personal advisor is handling the details and being an advocate.

“We have a very clear message,” Fishkin adds “we want people to postpone, not cancel.” And, she says “the world will be open again and the desire to see and experience new destinations and cultures will never go away.”

Page 3B • March 27, 2020 • The Regional Weekly

LOST SPRING

Regional festivals we’ll miss in 2020

BROUGHT TO YOU BY 11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection According to some industry experts, there are over 33 physicals problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection. A new report titled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” identifies the most common problems found, and what to do before listing your home.

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Food Truck Fridays & Concert Series • Originally scheduled: April 10 & 24 • Venue: Stumptown Park in Matthews • Status: April 10 & 24 events canceled

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Hits After Six

• Originally scheduled: March 20 • Venue: Crossing Paths Park in Indian Trail • Status: March 20 & April 23 events postponed

The Town of Indian Trail postponed kick-off events of its Hits After Six concert series, as well as its Friday Flicks outdoor movie series. Tyris Live Jazz and New Kids, The Superfly 90s Tribute Band were supposed to perform. The jury is still out on future dates of Aug. 27 and Sept. 17.

THIS YEAR’S QUEEN’S CUP IS OFFICIALLY CANCELLED!

Queen’s Cup

• Originally scheduled: April 24 • Venue: Mineral Springs • Status: Canceled

The Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation was set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. The silver jubilee would have provided a great opportunity to tailgate with friends and enjoy the thrill of horse racing while raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

In response to an Executive Order issued from North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper and the canceling of all mass gatherings effective immediately, it is with great disappointment

that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Silver Jubilee Queen’s Cup that was to be held on Saturday, April 25. While this decision is disappoint-

ing for all of us, we fully support the mandate from our Governor and the directives of the CDC. The health, safety, and well-being of all involved with the Queen’s Cup is, and always will be, our primary concern.

Mint Hill Madness

• Originally scheduled: May 15-17 • Venue: Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park • Status: Postponed

While a lot of May events are still intact at this point, Madness organizers say there are so many moving parts to the festival that they don’t want to risk mistiming the makeup date if COVID-19 continues to spread. The festival is known for its fairway, outdoor concerts and fireworks.

We appreciate your understanding, support, and patience as we work through the procedure for processing credits and refunds. Further information will be posted on our website in the coming days.

Please make plans to join us on Saturday, April 24, 2021 as we celebrate our 25th running.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

WWW.QUEENSCUP.ORG

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020 • Page 4B

DELI (continued from page 1B)

Siela Boutique specializes in ‘clothing with a cause’

by Lee Noles Contributor

WAXHAW – Siela Boutique started with the idea to have topof-the-line shopping in a friendly atmosphere. But what separates this quaint and inviting store from others is its purpose.

Co-owners Kim Henson and Alara Baltmiskis offer clothing and décor that is ethical, not harmful.

Sustainable, never wasteful. A business driven not to ignore or masquerade the world’s problems with fashionable fabric and accessories, but to solve them by using what the longtime friends call clothing with a cause.

“We wanted to be something different,” Henson said. “We wanted to have a meaning – a purpose.”

The idea started in 2018 while at dinner with their husbands when Baltmiskis inquired about open-

ing a fashion boutique in Waxhaw. Henson was excited about the opportunity and jumped on board. One of the reasons Baltmiskis wanted to open the shop came after research she did on the fashion industry revealed exploitation practices that weren’t eco-friendly.

“I was so taken aback by it,” Baltmiskis said. “When we opened our eyes to that, we wanted to share it with other people. We had a connection. We had an investment in this.”

Henson and Baltmiskis found space at Shops at Millview off Main Street. Within months, the studs and steel frames were covered with decorative white walls and floors with wood paneling.

Waxhaw was the only place they wanted to open the store because of their desire to give back to the community where they live while bringing a different idea to the town.

“It’s surreal,” Baltmiskis said.

Kim Henson (left) and Alara Baltmiskis have been friends for more than 10 years and co-own Siela Boutique, a clothing store in downtown Waxhaw.

Photo courtesy of Alara Baltmiskis

“People come here and understand you and fall in love with what we are doing. It makes me happy to see that.”

Want to learn more?

Customers can shop online at www.sielaboutique.com. The shop is closed temporarily.

McClintock

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Dennis Moser for taking him under his wing and helping him open the popular deli at Sun Valley Commons.

“The Moser Group really started the Gift of Giving by giving me the opportunity to help the community,” Sileo said.

Sileo runs the deli with a small staff. His mindset is to get customers in and out of the store as quickly as possible through their takeout. The deli has also had curbside service in place for over a year now.

If Sileo didn’t enjoy making sandwiches so much, he’d probably be a gym teacher. Making sandwiches for children who need them feels about as natural for Sileo as ham and cheese.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

Want to go?

Sileo’s New York Deli is located at 6449 Old Monroe Road.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF UNION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION RE: DAVID SPRY v. LINDA ARCE TO: LINDA ARCE: TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action by David Spry in the District Court Division of Union County, 400 N. Main, Monroe, North Carolina.

The nature of the relief being sought is the Complaint for Absolute Divorce and an Judgment of Absolute Divorce. TAKE NOTICE that you are required to make defense to such pleading, no later than twenty (20) days after the first publication of this notice on 3/27/2020 If you fail to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This the 27th of March, 2020.

Lindsey A. Easterling, N.C. Bar No.: 48202.

Attorney for Plaintiff, Easterling Law, PLLC, 2526 Plantation Center Drive, Suite B, Matthews, NC 28105.

Telephone: (980) 272-1365 Fax: (704) 269-6220.

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE Have you been searching for an excellent learning environment for your child?

We invite you to tour our campus to learn more about our academic offerings.

Call 704.893.3607 today to schedule a tour and experience the difference yourself!

www.IndianTrailprep.org Union Preparatory Academy offers the following:

Call us before 3pm for pick up!!

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Serving Breakfast and Lunch all day!

Extra Curricular Free After School Tutoring Dynamic Clubs for Academics, Arts, and Athletics Competitive Sports Program Beta Club Science Olympiad Teams Chorus and Band National Junior Art Honor Society

Secure State-of-the-Art Facility Parent Involvement Uniforms Curriculum Personalized Learning Plans Positive Behavior Support Culture Foreign Language High School Language Lab Advanced Classes: Math 1 & 2, English 1 Field Trips Character Education Multi-Tiered System of Support Online Curriculum Programs

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A Family Focused Estate Planning Law Firm Estate Planning is Way More Than “Who Gets My Stuff?”

We will help you:

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UNION COUNTY’S ONLY BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE LAW WEDDINGTON CORNERS 1940 WEDDINGTON RD WEDDINGTON, NC 28104

• Avoid the costly, public probate process • Minimize or eliminate taxes • Protect your inheritance from divorce, creditors, predators, outsiders, and bankruptcy • Establish a succession plan for your business • Preserve your special needs child’s eligibility for government benefits without disinheriting them • Make sure your minor children never spend a moment in the hands of CPS or foster care

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The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

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Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877-661-6587 Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. For Information Call 855-677-0507 Offer: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates. Call today to learn more 1-855-6131407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern) DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package.

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DISH TV - $59.99/ month for 190 channels. $100 Gift Card with Qualifying Service! Free premium channels (Showtime, Starz, & more) for 3 months. Voice remote included. Restrictions apply, call for details. Call 1-855-784-9695 FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% RiskFree! 45-Day Home Trial.

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Organizing & Delivery Local & Long-Distance Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated We will do the packing and cleaning for you!

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“Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions

Beware of loan fraud.

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

Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair

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The handy Man

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• Trail Building • Light Grading FREE ESTIMATES • Tractor • Small Dump Truck • Skid Loader 980-240-7358 • Trachoe • Concrete Demo 704-622-6460 • Bush Hogging • Small Trees Cut **We are licensed and insured** • Footings **We have been in business for 20 years**

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Suffering from an ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call Today to speak with someone who cares. Call NOW 1-877-753-4281 Attention: Oxygen Users! Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills! Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 855-338-5462 Lung Cancer? Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or military may be the cause. Family in the home were also exposed. Call 1-866-7953684 or email cancer@ breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit.

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Want to place a classifieds in the Weekly?

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HELP WANTED

SATELLITE TV

Systems Engineer, Analyst Senior in Charlotte, NC: Perform and facilitate complex analysis, development, testing, and documentation of new or existing applications, web based interfaces, and business to business solutions for the business. Requires: (1) Masters + 2 yrs exp. OR (2) Bachelors + 5 yrs. exp. Please mail resume with cover letter to: XPO Enterprise Services Inc., 11215 N. Community House Road; 6th Floor Charlotte, NC 28277. Attn: Recruiting, Refer to job code 2020-12-4193.

DIRECTV SELECT PACKAGE! Over 150 Channels, ONLY $35/ month (for 12 mos.) Order Now! Get a $100 AT&T Visa Rewards Gift Card (some restrictions apply) CALL 1-877-666-2821 DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855419-7188 EXPIRES SOON: Switch to DISH + get $50 gift card (Courtesy of Satellite Deals)! Plus get Free Premium Channels for 3 mos. & Free Installation (up to 6 rooms)! Call 888753-3635

HELP WANTED PART TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED - Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings.

Must be able to pass DMV background check.

For more information, please contact: adsales@ cmgweekly.com

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clontslawncare@gmail.com

Piano Instruction -Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer -Ballantyne area

•Beginners thru college level •Creative and innovative techniques •Development of performance skills including performing opportunities •Accelerated Summer Study

Pat Moehring EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA Technician certification.

Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)724-5403

CEMETERY LOTS Burial Plots Sharon Memorial Park 2 plots for $2,000 each and transfer fee to be paid by seller Entombment rights at Sharon Memorial Park Tandem crypt $7,500 and transfer fee paid by seller Please call Gary at 704 661-7781

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 1st Saturday-1st Saturday-1st Saturday!

Sidewalk Sale! 1stSaturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop! 10am-5pm 9229 Lawyers Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227

• Lawn mowing • Landscape design and installation • Core Aeration and over seeding • Fertilization and weed control • Clean ups • Mulch and pine needle installation • Leaf removal

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AVON - Earn Extra $$. Sell online or in person from home or work.

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For more info, Call: 844613-2230

704-564-4275

Your Best “STOP” For A Drip From a drip to a leak, turn to the Weekly Classifieds to turn those headaches off.

Call to advertise (704) 849-2261

Page 6B • The Regional Weekly • March 27, 2020

GOD’S GLAD TIDINGS In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, you are urged to read God’s glad tidings.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER WAY TO BE SAVED. THE ALTERNATIVE IS ETERNAL DAMNATION.

This, the one and only way to salvation, can be verified by reference to the Holy Scriptures, which are the Infallible Word of God.

Inserted by: Michael Stewart 704 901 6740 mikestewart35@gmail.com

Anton Jurgens 704 488 7294 jurgens.anton@gmail.com

Timothy Pudney 865 361 3125 timothypudney@gmail.com

Duncan Morley 704 901 4923 duncanmorley100@gmail.com

Ricky Pudney 865 361 3582 rickypudney117@gmail.com

GodsGladTidings.info