Inside: Governor signs COVID-19 relief package • Page 2A
THE REGIONAL
A SPECIAL EDITION COVERING MATTHEWS, MINT HILL, WAXHAW, INDIAN TRAIL AND SOUTH CHARLOTTE
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Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 • Vol. 13 • No. 37
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HELP Center fundraiser reaches $100K by Karie Simmons
karie@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Last week, former Mayor Jim Taylor was a little worried the campaign to support the Matthews HELP Center wouldn’t reach its $100,000 goal by Labor Day. But a final bump in donations – $18,906 to be exact – was just enough to push the effort over the top. As of Sept. 8, the “Mat-
thews HELPing Matthews” GoFundMe raised $103,433. The amount is a combination of direct contributions to the HELP Center, donations made on the GoFundMe page and the value of in-kind donations from local corporations and businesses such as food, child care products, women’s apparel and restaurant gift cards. “When we ask the Matthews community for sup-
port and help, they come through in many, many ways,” Taylor said. “This is truly a great community and I’m very proud to be involved here.” “Matthews HELPing Matthews” first launched in April when community leaders asked the public to help the nonprofit meet an increased need due to COVID-19. The idea came from Mumukshu Brahmbhatt, owner of the UPS
store in the Sycamore Commons Shopping Center. Brahmbhatt helped organize a steering committee that included Taylor, Matthews Mayor John Higdon, video producer and photographer Steve Huff and other town leaders and business owners. The HELP Center, located at 119 N. Ames St., has been in Matthews for over 40 years and helps to ease poverty in zip codes 28104,
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All aboard Rocky River grad defies the odds by getting into Yale
I
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Virtual mission Ardrey Kell grad starts missionary work, 1B
Moving forwad UCPS puts members on diversity committee, 2A
Never too late Program builds literacy, confidence, 1B
MINT HILL – Years of hard work are paying off for Gina Coque, a recent Rocky River High School graduate attending her first semester at Yale University. Gina aggressively pursued scholarships, because she did not want to put herself or her parents in debt from having to pay for college. Gina had her heart set on attending Columbia University for about a year, but she learned two weeks before the May deadline that she would have to pay $2,000 more a year than she originally thought. So, she switched to Yale, an Ivy League school that offered her a better financial aid package. “The prestige does play a factor for me,” Gina said. “As someone who doesn't have generational wealth or family connections, Yale is a school that offers more opportunities that I can take advantage of.” Gina credits CollegePoint for helping her through the college application process. CollegePoint
“
see HELP, Page 3A
Adrian Garson
S M A E R D
Details emerge about Silver Line, 1B
28105, 28226, 28270 and 28079. In addition to its food pantry, the nonprofit also offers crisis assistance and runs back to school, backpack, Thanksgiving feast and holiday support programs. Part of what makes it possible to help so many in need is Matthews HELP Center’s Backporch Treasures boutique and thrift
Gina Coque, a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, excelled in the classroom at Rocky River, earning scholarships from many prestigious colleges. She chose Yale. Photo courtesy of CollegePoint
provides free virtual advising to high-achieving high school seniors from low- to moderate-income homes. Gina learned about CollegePoint through a pamphlet she received in the mail touting its free advising. The idea sounded appealing – almost too good to be true.
She Googled the organization to see if it was a scam before signing up. Soon, she was matched up with a Sarah Alford, an advisor based in North Carolina. “Gina was really self-motivated,” see YALE, Page 4A
As someone who doesn't have generational wealth or family connections, Yale is a school that offers more opportunities that I can take advantage of."
read a story published in The Atlantic six months ago that started with this wonderful paragraph: “Among the important steps you should take during this crisis: Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. And buy a subscription to your local newspaper.” If you don’t know the specifics of how our family of publications operates, we’re a newspaper group completely funded by advertising from local businesses. From our hospitals to our Realtors to our restaurants, banks and boutiques, our business model is simple, if not a bit outdated. We work really hard to create a news product worth reading each week. And if we do a good job attracting readers, local businesses want to be associated with that content. Whether you receive the South Charlotte Weekly, Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, The Weekly Waxhaw or Indian Trail Weekly, they are all completely free to our readers thanks to the advertising support of local businesses. Study after study shows the best advertising results come when surrounded by strong editorial content, and for almost two decades, see GARSON, Page 4A
Ballantyne couple opening massage spa in Matthews Hand & Stone will offer facials, hair removal too by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
More growth Retail rezoning lacks buy-in, 3A
PLUS:
Hall of Fame Two new inductees join our greatest pets, 6B
Giving back Sorority alumni honored for service, 6B
MATTHEWS – After a three-decade career at ADT Security Services, Joe O’Connell was burnt out and ready for a change. He wanted more work-life balance and something he and his wife, Jen, could do together. The Ballantyne couple spent the last year researching health and lifestyle business opportunities and eventually landed on Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a franchise with more than 450 locations across the country. They plan to open in the Matthews Corners Shopping Center at 2304 Matthews Township Pkwy., next month with a grand opening planned for Oct. 17. The location marks the 21st Hand & Stone in North Carolina.
“It was a natural draw for both of us and a little less hectic than the corporate world,” Joe O’Connell said. Part of that draw was Hand & Stone’s brand experience and its mission to bring quality spa and wellness practices to the masses. That includes the level of training required for owners, spa associates, massage therapists and licensed estheticians, Joe O’Connell said. Hand & Stone offers a variety of massages – Swedish, deep tissue, sports, hot stone, trigger point, prenatal, couples – as well as facials and full body hair removal. There are also special treatments like an anti-aging collagen facial, rosacea facial, lactic peel, salicylic peel, microdermabrasion and a peppermint scalp massage. Nicole Alburger, senior director of see MASSAGE, Page 5A
Right: Ballantyne couple Jen and Joe O'Connell will open Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Matthews Corners on Oct. 17. Photos courtesy of Hand & Stone
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Page 2A • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
Cooper signs $1.1B COVID-19 relief package by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
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CONTACT US PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway charlotte@cmgweekly.com Kate Kutzleb kate@cmgweekly.com Loura Hilliard loura@cmgweekly.com
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(The Center Square) – Gov. Roy Cooper signed North Carolina’s third coronavirus relief package into law, issuing additional federal aid for schools, colleges, unemployed workers, small businesses and parents. The $1.1 billion relief package draws from funds provided through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and EconomCooper ic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump in March. House Bill 1105 allocates more
than $400 million in stimulus checks for parents to help offset unexpected costs related to school closures and an additional $50 a week for unemployed workers. Parents who qualify for the federal child tax credit will receive a one-time $335 payment. Before the General Assembly approved the measure, Cooper proposed a spending plan for the CARES Act dollars and more than $500 million in state funds. Legislators bypassed most of the state spending and focused on allocating the federal aid. “This budget followed my recommendations on school enrollment funding and invested in important areas like high-speed internet access
and disaster relief, but legislators should have done more to expand Medicaid, support small businesses, pay our educators, assist with rent and utilities relief and further help unemployed North Carolinians,” Cooper said. “Obviously, I don’t agree with every provision, but the funding for pandemic support in this budget is critical and must move forward.” Lawmakers also included $6.5 million to expand school-choice vouchers for special-needs and low-income students seeking a private school education. Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, said the changes allow 2,500 students to move from the waiting list to the enrollment list at a new school.
“Parents of students with exceptional needs feel lost in the shuffle of moving to remote education," Kraweic said. "It broke my heart to know their pleas went unanswered.” HB 1105 secures per-student funding for public schools at last school year's level even if the school's population drops. The provision also protects principals’ salaries. The bill allocates aid for food banks, personal protective equipment, child care services and small business grants. Cooper signed the bill Sept. 4. The House voted, 104-10, to approve it Sept. 3. It was passed by the Senate with a 44-5 vote Sept. 2.
UCPS appoints members to diversity committee by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MONROE – Community leaders in the education, faith and nonprofit sectors are among those Union County Public Schools has selected to serve on its new citizens advisory committee on diversity. The school board launched the committee over the summer after member Travis Kiker shared insensitive posts on social media. Kiker resigned to avoid causing further distraction for the board. More than 60 people applied for the opportunity to serve on the committee, including Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez and Waxhaw Mayor Pro Tem Brenda McMillon, but the group is far from political. Ernestine Staton, who serves on the Marshville Town Council, was appointed; however, she works for UCPS and has two grandchildren in the district. Melanie Miller not only serves as executive director of The Arc of Union/Cabarrus, but she also has two children in UCPS. “As a nonprofit professional, I've dedicated my life to advocating for those who can be pushed to the sidelines – kids in Title I schools, senior adults with dementia, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabili-
ties,” Miller wrote in her application. “Our society already has diversity. What we do not have is inclusion and equity.” The committee drew students and adults from an array of backgrounds, including the LGBT community. Waxhaw Realtor Sergey Dzyk said in his application that he represents the Evangelical and Slavic communities. He has four children in UCPS and has served as a chaplain at the Billy Graham Evangelical Association. Joseph Ellis, a professor at Wingate University, has examined issues related to civil rights and desegregation in Union County Public Schools. “In short, I would like to serve on the council to provide a historical perspective to our discussions, and how this history can help make sense of our current climate,” Ellis wrote in his application. Members of the committee and the school clusters they represent are as follows: • Community members – Reggie Adkins (Marvin Ridge), Sandeep Berry (Weddington), Selina Campbell (Monroe), Joseph Ellis (Piedmont), Monique Holt (Sun Valley), ThomRobbins as LeGrand Jr. (Forest Hills), Melanie Miller (Porter Ridge), Kimberly Morrison-Hansley (Parkwood) and Joy Robbins
(Cuthbertson). • Faith community – Alisha Allen (Forest Hills), Sergey Dzyk (Marvin/Weddington) and Robert Capers (Monroe). • UCPS Students – Emily Adamo (Weddington), Audrey Ansel (Porter Ridge), Darby Burgett (Cuthbertson), Mia Cappella (CATA), Rylee Coyne (Cuthbertson), Lia Kondeti (CATA), Heidi Picazo-Gonzalez (CATA), Jade Robinson (CATA), Olivia Santos (Marvin Ridge), Rachel Skinner (Piedmont), Ava Tartaglia (Piedmont). • UCPS staff – Heather Diaz (South Providence), Mike Helms (Parkwood), Rebecca King (Piedmont), Garrett Malone (Porter Ridge), Cheryl Mimy (Sun Valley), Matt Sides (Forest Hills), Ernestine Staton (Monroe), Amanda Stinchcomb (Central Services). • UCPS Administrator – Maxie Johnson. “We did not have enough students for each cluster, so we just decided to vote for everyone who applied for it,” school board Matt Helm said during the Sept. 1 meeting. “That filled the slots for the students.” Melissa Merrell, who chairs the school board, said a facilitator has been selected but her fee has not yet been finalized. “We are not going to vote on a facilitator until we can speak to her and determine the scope of the work, how many meetings we want to have and what her fee will be,” Merrell said.
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The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020 • Page 3A
Commercial rezoning lacks buy-in from Wesley Chapel neighbors by Yustin Riopko Contributor
WESLEY CHAPEL — Union County commissioners will soon decide whether to let developers build up to 30,600 square feet for commercial and retail business at the intersection of Waxhaw-Indian Trail and Beulah Church roads. The parcel is currently zoned residential. The county’s planning board voted Sept. 1 to recommend commissioners approve the rezoning petition. The next step for Beulah Church Road Developers LLC will be to present the project to commissioners at a public hearing slated for Oct. 5. A decision won’t be made until Oct. 19 at the earliest. Mark Kime, a landscape architect with LandDesign, told planning board members 30,600 square feet is the max. “That doesn’t mean that’s entirely what we’re gonna build,” Kime said. “If a single user wants the whole lot for one specific use, we would certainly consider that and it might be significantly less in square footage.” Other than excluding gas stations and drive-thrus, developers don’t know yet what kind of businesses they’d be building for. If approved, the space could be used for any number of things, including animal grooming or training, business support, medical or vet offices personal improvement. According to applicant Dean Harrell, there’s no clear vision for the site at this time. It could be one big building for a single tenant or three smaller buildings with space for up to five different tenants. Adjacent property owners Jennifer and Chris Lowery said there are too many unknowns. “‘Well, it could be this or it could be that,'” Jennifer Lowery said. “A lot of those this and thats could bring noise and lights right into our neighborhood. We like to live where we are because it’s away from the hustle and bustle, but you can still get to things conveniently when you want
The site plan, which was presented Sept. 1 at the Union County Planning Board meeting, shows three commercial buildings on 5.3 acres currently zoned for agricultural uses. Photo courtesy of Union County
to. I don’t want that choice and right taken away from me and my family.” Chris Lowery worried about too much new traffic in and around the Casalino neighborhood. Other neighbors spoke up too, including Joshua Wilson, who pointed out there’s already 198,000 square feet approved and undeveloped less than two miles up the road. “If you go the other way down Potter Road toward Chestnut, we have a dentist’s office, animal care, 40,000 square feet that has just been built that is still empty. It’s not being used,” Wilson said. “You go the other direction down Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road to Old Monroe Road, and they have three other buildings that are sitting there empty. You go to the other side by New York Pizza — they can’t keep anybody in those places. “It concerns me,” Wilson said, “that we’re wanting to build yet another commercial establishment and we can’t keep the stuff filled that’s right out our door already.” Developers said they’re willing to build there, since so many new residential projects are underway nearby. “We understand that during this COVID, there’s plenty of empty space and more coming available daily,” Harrell said. “It’s out of our hands. However, as an investor and
a resident and builder in Union County, if I want to put my dollars into this corner and invest in building … I don’t think anyone should judge us for that.” Board member Louis Philippi wasn’t worried about the complaints. “The reality of the matter is, if you have a tenant who’s running a topless bar and people are out in the street screaming and yelling, the other places aren’t gonna be rented and the landlord’s gonna kick him out,” Philippi said. “No matter how you slice it, I’ve seen a million shopping centers in the course of my life. I’ve never seen a tenant who caused difficulty in the community, because it’s just not allowed.” Board member Jonathan Thomas said the traffic concerns are directly at odds with the concerns about vacant property. Thomas also lives adjacent to the parcel. “Obviously we’d all love for it to stay the way it is,” Thomas said. “I rack my brain as to what else goes here. No one wants to build a house on a corner of two busy streets. If it sits idle for too long and everything builds up around it, they’re going to have a better case for more density zoning, and more invasive zoning. I get concerned as a resident about what could happen in the future.”
HELP (continued from page 1A)
shop. Sales make up 65% of the organization’s budget. The rest comes from donations from the community. While the nonprofit is well positioned to provide for the “normal” level of need throughout the year, volunteers gave groceries to more people in the early months of the COVID-19 crisis than under normal circumstances. It is estimated more than a third of the people served were first-timers. The food pantry has since stabilized, but the need for housing assistance has exploded. Executive Director Sandra Conway said from April to August, the HELP Center gave $268,500 to help 227 families pay utility bills and housing costs. That’s roughly $113,000 more than what the nonprofit typically gives for housing. August alone totaled $92,000 – the most the organization has ever given out in a single month, Conway said. The need continues to grow as the economic impact of COVID-19 spreads, which is
why contributions from the community are so important. All of the money raised from the Matthews HELPing Matthews campaign goes directly to meeting this need, Conway said. “We are just overwhelmed by the gratitude and kindness of our community,” Conway said. “It’s really special and Matthews is really special and everybody who has contributed their time and money are part of our family now. Everything we’re able to do is because of them.” Despite the uncertainty last week, Conway wasn’t surprised the campaign met its $100,000 Labor Day goal. “I had great confidence in the community that they were going to rally together and even if they didn’t meet the goal, anything we could get is just huge,” she said. Want to donate? Visit www.gofundme.com/ matthews-helping-matthews to learn more about the Matthews HELPing Matthews campaign. Information about the Matthews Help Center can be found at www.matthewshelp center.org.
Mumukshu Brahmbhatt, owner of the UPS store in the Sycamore Commons Shopping Center, was the one who got the ball rolling in April on the GoFundMe campaign to support the Matthews HELP Center. CMG file photo
Page 4A • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
YALE (continued from page 1A)
Alford said. “I feel like I had very little to do with her success. She went after it.” Low-income students face challenges when it comes to applying for colleges. Alford describes the process as long and complex. “When you are a first-generation college student and don't have that direct knowledge and experience within your family, you have to find that from other places,” Alford said. Even if a student is lucky enough to attend a high school with a knowledgeable guidance counselor, Alford said the counselor could be overwhelmed with hundreds of students within their caseloads. “It's just really overwhelming to even know where to start,” Alford said. “It's also really difficult to go through the process without a guide.” Finances are another barrier. Students may not have the resources to pay for a tutor who can help them with classes or pay for that course to better prepare them for the SAT or ACT. They may not have time to get involved in extracurricular activities or commit to internships because they are working to support their families or taking care of younger siblings.
Alford generally begins working with students the summer before their senior year. Her goal is to talk with students monthly. She'll focus five core meetings throughout the year around key points in the college application process. She's also available for questions in between those sessions. “We have shown that virtual advising is not only doable but it's scalable,” program lead Nick Watson said, pointing to the use of technology as part of CollegePoint's foundation. The program provides advising via video conferencing, phone calls, text messages, social media and chatbots. “All of our advising, at the end of the day, is about meeting the student where they are at,” Watson said. CollegePoint works with students across the country who have at least a 3.5 grade point average and score in the 90th percentile of the PSAT, SAT or ACT. They also come from families with incomes of $80,000 or less. Gina earned the distinction of being valedictorian of Rocky River's most recent graduating class. She gained an appreciation for reading and writing while taking an Advanced Placement World History course at Rocky River. She wants to continue learning more about the power that words have.
GARSON (continued from page 1A)
we’ve produced excellent content. But today, I’m doing something I haven’t done before as publisher of Charlotte Media Group. It’s time I ask you to consider supporting your community newspaper. Your support goes directly to the overall mission we have of providing trusted, relevant content to the homes and businesses in our slice of the south Charlotte area. We employ real journalists whose sole responsibility is to vet and report on the stories that directly affect our communities. The news we cover isn’t always flashy or late-breaking, but it’s important because it affects our day-to-day lives. I’d be willing to bet many of you have had your student-athletes featured in our pa-
She understands that knowledge is power. “The more you can learn about things and the more you can spread it to make information accessible, maybe some more change can happen,” Gina said. “Sometimes people don't know why they are in certain circumstances and they don't know there are solutions around it.” Gina also has an interest in political science. She is particularly passionate about immigration reform. While immigration reform is often thought of as a hot-button topic for many, Gina can attach names and faces to the issue. “For me, these are my friends and people I know,” Gina said. As the daughter of immigrants, Gina enjoyed listening to the stories her parents told about their family in Colombia. The Charlotte native feels a connection to those relatives despite only seeing them twice. Gina has also heard stories about how friends of the family overcame struggles to integrate themselves within American society. She supports immigration reform not only because of who she is but also because she believes it is right. “Growing up and having to listen to politicians label people I know and love as criminals is a horrible, horrible thing,” Gina said. “I want to reverse that.”
per, or your nonprofit highlighted by one of our reporters. I’d imagine some of you have opened a new business in one of our markets and we’ve written a story about you. Sure, we cover economic development and, we’ve covered the pandemic on a local level, but we really enjoy telling stories about the people in our community. And, I speak for my entire team when I say, thank you for allowing us to tell your stories. Next week, you’ll find a letter from me inserted into your newspaper describing our Voluntary Pay Program. If you’re a longtime reader of ours, you may be familiar. We had our last Voluntary Pay Program in 2016. The choice to take a four-year pause on Voluntary Pay was by design. We’ve made a lot of changes to our publications in the last four years in how we support the communities we serve.
Outside of the classroom, Gina Coque served as president of the National Honor Society and Diversity Club. She also played soccer. Photo courtesy of CollegePoint
Teachers that made an impact Gina Coque credits a couple of teachers for making a difference in her education: • Shannon Weathers – She was Gina's English teacher in eighth grade at North Ridge Middle School. “She was an amazing teacher,” Gina said. “She's one of those teachers who you can tell they do it out of love and truly want students to learn.” • Zackary Joyner – He was Gina's world history, as well as speech and debate, teacher at Rocky River High School. “My interest in history and writing comes from his class,” she said. “He was the first one who said, 'Gina this argument is good but you can make it so much better.’”
Some of those changes include hosting community-wide events. We have held four Senior Expo events since 2018 where we support the older adults in our communities by feeding them a free breakfast and lunch while they browse dozens of senior-related vendors in our area. We host two events annually that are designed specifically to celebrate small business owners. In 2019, we hosted our very first political candidate forum in Matthews. This allowed for a moderated forum in which the community was given the opportunity to ask questions of Matthews commissioners and those running for office. We’ve hosted a women’s luncheon and supported a local charity in doing so, as well as started our very own networking group in Indian Trail in an effort to support small businesses in that market. From the moment I took on the role of
publisher, I have been humbled by the support we receive from the community whether it comes in the form of feedback on the work we do or monetary support from business owners and readers alike. Being a trusted resource in the markets we serve is our number one priority and we’ve learned this year more than any other time in recent history how important local journalism is in communities like ours. Right now, we do need to ask for your help. I’m humbled and forever indebted to the readers who have supported our mission over the years and I look forward to continuing to be a trusted resource for many more years to come. Want to help? Support the newspaper by visiting www. cmgweekly.com/donation.
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The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020 • Page 5A
MASSAGE (continued from page 1A)
franchise development for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, works directly with potential franchisees from the moment they call for information to the day they open their own location. “It’s really rewarding to see people able to fulfill what for most is a lifelong dream of being an independent business owner,” she said. At Hand & Stone, Alburger said the ideal franchisee is a hands-on operator that’s going to be immersed in the business. “We want them to be a people person. We want them to be able to manage and motivate their staff and at the end of the day, happy staff makes happy customers,” Alburger said. “We want to find the best people, which is what we found in Joe and Jen – they are going to be great operators – and then we want to match them with the best real estate in the market.” Jen O’Connell said the location in Mat-
thews Corners has good traffic with stores like Hobby Lobby, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ollie’s and Marshalls, as well as restaurants like Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s. “It’s a pretty busy part of Matthews,” Jen O’Connell said. The startup process has also been busy for the O’Connells, but Jen said the most exciting part has been watching the space evolve during the build. The spa features soft and soothing colors, a stone water wall, stone front counter and a lobby with seating and refreshments. There are three facial rooms and six massage rooms, one of which is for couples. Each room has its own sound, lighting and temperature controls that can be customized during a session. “The idea behind any good massage is that the customer is in control,” Joe O’Connell said. “They should be directing their therapist in how much pressure they want and how they want the room to be. It’s their experience and their therapist should be working toward making their experience terrific.” Of course, the O’Connells did not plan to become new business owners in the middle of a
pandemic, but they’re doing everything they can to make it work. This means adhering to state safety rules, mask mandates for staff and customers and heightened sanitization procedures. Jen O’Connell said all customers will be emailed a questionnaire about their health, as well as a COVID-19 form the day before their appointment. They must call when they arrive, wait in their car and get their temperature taken at the door. Staff also get their temperature taken every day and must wear masks while working. Estheticians wear a mask and face shield. Rooms are wiped down after every service and high-touch surfaces are cleaned regularly. All staff are required to pass a spa sanitation and illness prevention course, which includes a practical exam. Although not ideal, Jen O’Connell said opening a massage spa during a pandemic could actually be a blessing. She said many people are home-schooling their children and craving an hour of peace. Others are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety and need to relax, or just get out of the house.
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On top of that, there are those who canceled their vacations this year, but still want an escape. “The hope is that we are actually opening at a good time,” Jen said. As a corporate man, Joe O’Connell thinks about all the people now working from home. He said homes are not ergonomically designed like offices are, which means back and neck problems from hunching over a laptop at the kitchen table. Joe said his first massage helped him recover from back pain. “It really is a way to heal your body from a lot of different problems from sitting funny or pulling a muscle, whatever it may be,” he said. “It’s about taking care of yourself.” Want to go? A grand opening for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 2304 Matthews Township Pkwy., is scheduled for Oct. 17. Visit www.handandstonematthews.com for a list of services and follow @handandstonemat thews on Facebook to be the first to know about upcoming specials.
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Page 6A • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
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COMMUNITY The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020 • Page 1B
Task force discusses options for LYNX Silver Line “I don't want to see local people losing their jobs or business because of the construction of the CATS line.” - Committee member Natasha Edwards by Yustin Riopko Contributor
MATTHEWS – Slowly but surely, details are settling into place for the CATS LYNX Silver Line. The light rail project will stretch from Belmont through center-city Charlotte and Matthews, and could reach into Stallings. The town of Matthews created a 15-member committee of residents called the Silver Line Task Force. The committee's job is to recommend a path for the light rail to take through Charlotte's southeast corridor. Matthews Public Works Director C.J. O'Neill presented a brief history of the Sil-
ver Line to the task force at their Sept. 2 meeting. Until 2011, the plan had been for the rail to go in the median of Independence Boulevard, but that space was repurposed for managed traffic lanes. Since then, Charlotte has decided its portion of the line will come down alongside Independence, but switch over to enter Matthews tracing Monroe Road. CATS has hosted public meetings and surveys for input on what the Silver Line should look like. According to O'Neill, citizens came to think of bus and rail as serving different purposes. “Bus was seen as a regional connection,” O'Neill said. “It's made to bring people
ON A MISSION:
from Matthews to uptown Charlotte and back. So that's basically your commuter option for peak hours, for morning rush and evening rush, whereas the role of the rail was to be more of a destination corridor – one that brought you from destination to destination. Brought you from Matthews to say the Bojangles arena, to uptown Charlotte to watch a Panthers game and now to the airport." A majority of residents from the south Charlotte and Matthews area said they wanted a more efficient and reliable travel time even if it meant significant property would be required for a designated right of way. That told CATS that people preferred see LYNX, Page 2B
Dana Stoogenke, transportation planner for Matthews, summarized the task force's values for the CATS Silver Line in these seven points. • Beautification/Gateway/Infrastructure Improvements – Create new gateways into the town. • Create Transit Oriented Development – Create mixed use and walkable neighborhood concentrated around the stations • Minimize Commercial Disruption – Least amount of short-term and long-term disruption to business • Minimize Residential Disruption – Least amount of short-term and long-term disruption to housing • Pedestrian/Bicycle Friendly – Stations conveniently located for pedestrians/bicyclist use • Positive Impact to Tax Base – Provide additional residential and commercial development opportunities and support local businesses • Reliable Ridership Time – Run on schedule, with little interruptions from vehicles/pedestrians
Ardrey Kell graduate begins missionary service during pandemic, turn to Page 4B
Tony Marciano Reverend
9/11 defined a generation
W
Thomas Joffs is virtually receiving his training for missionary service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of MeKell Joffs
Common Heart literacy program opens opportunities for community INDIAN TRAIL – Dion Rymer didn’t know how his family – both locally and those still in the US Virgin Islands – would react when they found out he enrolled in Common Heart’s adult literacy program to improve his reading and writing skills. Rymer, 38, describes their reactions in two words: Very proud. He moved with his wife and their 16-yearold daughter to Indian Trail almost two years ago after hurricanes devastated his native islands. Rymer was working full-time to support his family, but he had a dream of going to college to prepare for a career in information technology. A quick online search led him to a new free program that he hoped could help: Common Heart Literacy Volunteers. Dion was the first student to sign up. Now, almost a year later, he’s completed the program and is enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College where he’s excited to take the first steps toward the career he wants. see LITERACY, Page 3B
Karen Leadermen not only has helped Dion Rymer improve his reading and writing skills through Common Heart's Literacy Volunteers program, but she has also helped him build his self-confidence. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
here were you on 9/11? I was on Park Road returning from a meeting with the board chair of the Charlotte Rescue Mission when I heard the news. At first, someone thought a small private plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. I arrived at our women’s division to hear someone mention the name of Osama Bin Laden. I had not heard that name before. When I arrived at our men’s division, we turned on the TV to watch smoke billowing from one of the towers. By this time, we learned it had not been a small private plane as some had thought. Instead, it was a commercial airliner that had changed its route and crashed into the tower. As we watched the live news coverage, we witnessed a second plane crash into the other tower. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon. While planes had been landed across the U.S., there was still one plane that was unaccounted for. Passengers took over that hijacked plane and crashed it in Pennsylvania. Each generation has its own defining moment. Many of those who served in World War I were defined by the Great Depression. There was no work. My grandfather lost several houses because he could not pay the taxes. My mother dropped out of high school to pay the mortgage on the last house he owned. I’ve seen my mother’s panic of running out of money. Baby Boomers were born from 1946 to 1964. They grew up in the prosperity years post World War II. I fall into that category. I can tell you where I was when I learned that President Kennedy had been assassinated. His death defined my generation. We started off the 1960s with quiet rock-n-roll and ended in 1969 with Woodstock and the anti-Vietnam war protests as we tried to find our way in this world as a generation. Generation Xers were born from 1965 to 1976. They witnessed the energy crisis, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Challenger Explosion and Operation Desert Storm. They coined the term latchkey children. Many would say they are lost as they don’t trust institutions and have become self-reliant. Millennials (Gen Y) were born 1977 see FAITH, Page 2B
Page 2B • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
August 2020
Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com Homes under $300,000 were not included
Home Sales ADDRESS
DATE SOLD
SALE PRICE
28079 Annandale 2000 Potomac Road Aug. 13 Bonterra 2005 Filly Drive Aug. 31 3011 Triple Crown Drive Aug. 26 1118 Cigar Lane Aug. 20 Brandon Oaks 9231 Innesbrook Court Aug. 27 2008 Envoy Lane Aug. 20 1018 Briarmore Drive Aug. 20 2004 Fripp Lane Aug. 14 3019 Rosewater Lane Aug. 11 Crismark 2004 Crismark Drive Aug. 11 Fieldstone Farm 3015 Gray Farm Road Aug. 14 Hunters Pointe 610 Powder Horn Lane Aug. 14 Lake Park 3617 Ruth St. Aug. 13 Sheridan 2015 Clover Hill Road Aug. 6 Taylor Glenn 8000 Magna Lane Aug. 18 1014 Equipoise Drive Aug. 10 28104 Brookhaven 6004 Stanbury Drive Aug. 26 7010 Stanbury Drive Aug. 14 4006 Ainsdale Drive Aug. 10 Callonwood 1211 Aringill Lane Aug. 21 1085 Stonedown Lane Aug. 17 1165 Stonedown Lane Aug. 3 Chestnut 3005 Strawberry Road Aug. 10 2013 Burlwood Court Aug. 3 Chestnut Oaks 1253 Saint Johns Ave. Aug. 21 Emerald Lake 1700 Caddy Court Aug. 21 2235 Flagstick Drive Aug. 4 Fairfield Plantation
$360,000 $377,000 $392,000 $390,000 $360,000 $311,000 $315,000 $366,000 $315,000 $435,000 $325,000 $385,000 $342,500 $345,000 $360,500 $327,500
$684,900 $670,000 $670,000 $485,000 $320,000 $327,000 $388,000 $395,000 $340,000 $428,000 $430,000
ADDRESS
DATE SOLD
6501 Brookgreen Terrace Aug. 21 Hadley Park 2225 Garden View Lane Aug. 28 Highgate 3034 Kings Manor Drive Aug. 14 4062 Blossom Hill Drive Aug. 13 4024 Blossom Hill Drive Aug. 6 Quintessa 7009 Caliterra Drive Aug. 21 Shannamara 5392 Shannamara Drive Aug. 25 4425 Shannamara Drive Aug. 14 8023 Glamorgan Lane Aug. 14 620 Drumcliff Court Aug. 12 5736 Bardsey Court Aug. 3 Stevens Mill 8228 Stevens Mill Road Aug. 28 Wedgewood 2362 Wedgewood Drive Aug. 17 28105 Ashley Creek 2019 Glendalough Lane Aug. 20 Benton Woods 9408 Sardis Glen Drive Aug. 28 Brightmoor 1420 Shady Knoll Court Aug. 28 1201 Old Pond Lane Aug. 17 808 Brightmoor Drive Aug. 13 2601 Willowdale Lane Aug. 10 Chestnut Hills 4019 Tilley Morris Road Aug. 21 Deerfield Creek 11110 Brush Hollow Rd. Aug. 18 Graygate South 114 Umi Court Aug. 17 Glen Devon 203 Mattridge Road Aug. 21 Mallory Manor 716 Stanhope Lane Aug. 7 Matthews Commons 2515 Macie Glen Court Aug. 18 2533 Ashby Woods Dr. Aug. 3 Matthews Ridge 6756 Fieldstone Manor Dr. Aug. 25 Oakcroft
SALE PRICE
$349,500 $745,000 $1,199,000 $1,244,700 $1,395,000 $688,756 $440,000 $425,000 $430,000 $510,000 $467,500 $347,000 $585,000
$323,000 $527,000 $325,000 $330,000 $300,000 $330,000 $385,000 $607,500 $398,500 $394,900 $642,500 $350,000 $330,000 $322,500
ADDRESS
DATE SOLD
3010 Stonehedge Court Aug. 28 Providence Hills 3225 Savannah Hills Dr. Aug. 3 Providence Manor 1526 Reverdy Oaks Dr. Aug. 17 Sardis Grove 308 Sardis Grove Lane Aug. 27 Sardis Plantation 314 Southern Cross Ln. Aug. 27 425 Walnut Point Drive Aug. 14 104 Foxfield Lane Aug. 14 Somersby 1119 Thornsby Lane Aug. 31 1325 Somersby Lane Aug. 27 Southwoods 12425 Woodbend Drive Aug. 20 2913 Firewood Drive Aug. 18 2933 Pinewood Hill Dr. Aug. 6 Stratordshire 424 Harrogate Road Aug. 13 The Heathers 2327 Heathershire Lane Aug. 19 Thornblade 1500 Ivy Bluff Way Aug. 14 Williams Station 2825 Williams Station Rd. Aug. 17 Winterbrooke 2332 Winterbrooke Dr. Aug. 25 2300 Winterbrooke Dr. Aug. 21 2418 Honey Creek Lane Aug. 3 Wyndmere 401 Sycamore Knoll Ct. Aug. 27 28134 Bridlestone 15005 Bridle Trace Lane Aug. 31 Cardinal Woods 13330 Edgetree Drive Aug. 26 12025 Harmon Lane Aug. 25 11611 Rudolph Place Dr. Aug. 12 Carolina Village 14310 Green Birch Drive Aug. 5 McCullough 13702 Jacks Lane Aug. 28 2223 Lochview St. Aug. 14 9520 Gladden Hill Lane Aug. 11
SALE PRICE
$326,500 $635,000 $615,000 $501,000 $440,000 $365,000 $360,000 $329,000 $325,000 $300,000 $305,000 $333,500 $413,000 $315,000 $329,000 $310,000 $369,000 $425,000 $528,000 $373,500
$395,000 $302,500 $309,500 $350,000 $320,000 $391,085 $428,000 $389,045
DATE SOLD
ADDRESS
13829 Jacks Lane Aug. 4 28173 Anklin Forrest 8908 Red Barone Place Aug. 14 Barrington 8409 River Walk Court Aug. 12 8328 Eucalyptus Ave. Aug. 12 2400 River Oaks Drive Aug. 10 Champion Forest 126 Dobson Drive Aug. 20 1137 Waynewood Drive Aug. 17 Chatsworth 1623 Hawkstone Drive Aug. 25 Chimneys of Marvin 2500 Creek Manor Drive Aug. 20 9903 Silverling Drive Aug. 10 10211 Alouette Drive Aug. 4 Cureton 8205 Caesars Head Dr. Aug. 28 8721 Soaring Eagle Ln. Aug. 24 2750 Collaroy Road Aug. 20 3037 Arsdale Road Aug. 18 2613 Bee Ridge Court Aug. 14 8340 Willow Branch Dr. Aug. 11 2711 Sandgate Ave. Aug. 10 3117 Scottcrest Way Aug. 7 Demere 1207 Mallory Lane Aug. 28 Drayton Hall Estates 8414 Cheverny Drive Aug. 6 Firethorne 1113 Baltusrol Lane Aug. 26 1056 Spyglass Lane Aug. 14 1012 Honors Court Aug. 6 1001 Medinah Court Aug. 3 1104 Berwick Court Aug. 3 Gardens on Providence 2029 Sherringham Way Aug. 10 Hollister 207 Tallow Tree Court Aug. 12 419 Deer Brush Lane Aug. 3 Hunter Oaks 804 Carisbrooke Lane Aug. 31
SALE PRICE
$384,660
$465,000 $511,000 $539,000 $492,000 $665,000 $577,000 $790,000 $523,353 $539,000 $637,000 $615,000 $431,000 $701,000 $420,000 $577,500 $388,000 $647,000 $304,150 $395,000 $725,000 $805,000 $824,500 $895,000 $1,145,000 $776,000 $710,000 $560,000 $575,000 $565,000
see HOME SALES, Page 3B
Now is the time to get the lifestyle you deserve!
Depending on the route the future LYNX Silver Line takes, the project could potentially result in more significant effects to property owners than the LYNX Blue Line (seen here), which runs alongside railroad tracks. CMG file photo
LYNX (continued from page 1B)
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Improved Appearance If you have ugly visible veins on your legs, another advantage of getting your veins fixed is your legs will likely look significantly better after vein procedures. Bulging leg veins can easily be eliminated. If you have smaller red, purple or blue veins these can also be treated. After your veins are fixed you’ll be able to wear whatever you like, without getting sideways glances from curious onlookers. Better Sleep Vein problems can cause nighttime leg symptoms that interfere with getting restful sleep. Nighttime leg restlessness and leg cramps are commonly experienced by people who have varicose veins and underlying vein problems. Quite often, people with vein problems have been dealing with restless legs and night cramps for years, without realizing that there may be an underlying vein problem. The sooner you get your veins treated, the sooner you could be sleeping soundly through the night. Covered by Insurance These days varicose vein treatment is covered by most insurance companies. If you suffer from leg fatigue, leg cramps, or leg swelling then give us a call. Health insurance will likely cover the cost of getting your legs evaluated and cover the cost of any procedures. Reach out to Vascular Solutions to get on your pathway to the lifestyle you deserve. Leading Vein Center Vascular Solutions is Charlotte’s premier center for vein treatment. Dr. Peter Ford is a board-certified vascular surgeon, and leading provider of vein care. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Visit our website https://www.vasc-solutions.com or call 704-544-7535 to review consultation options and book your new patient appointment today.
a separate alignment for the rail system. Respondents also suggested they would rather be able to get to more stops with a slower commute than just a few stops quickly. While the rail's exact route is still up in the air, some things are certain. Matthews residents told CATS planners the Silver Line should serve the Novant Health Medical Center, the Sportsplex, and downtown Matthews, although the exact station points are undecided. Every option the task force is considering includes a stop at Central Piedmont Community College's Levine Campus. “Overall we want to look at the long term, but I do think we need to consider the short term," committee member Natasha Edwards said. “There's so many valuable businesses and families in the community that would potentially have a big impact during the construction stage. We want to make sure [businesses] are viable and that they're able to continue. I don't want to see local people losing their jobs or business because of the construction of the CATS line." David Blackley agreed: “A lot of disruption of small businesses is going to take its toll. We've seen what four or five months of COVID does.” Committee member Wyatt Dixon said, “This is kind of like you decided you're gonna to have elective surgery. You're gonna have some real short-term pain for some long-term gain, and I think trying to balance that is going to be an interesting discussion.” Some other issues on the task force's mind are parking and traffic. One draft for the Silver Line that goes straight through Matthews has no parking for the station downtown. “I think in general for downtown areas to have a vibrant use of the rail, they're gonna
FAITH (continued from page 1B)
to 1995. They grew up with technology. Their defining event is 9/11. As Jason Dorsey explains in his TEDx Talk: “You cannot be born after 1995 and process the significance of Sept. 11, 2001, in the way those born before 1995 do.” They came of age at the commencement of the subsequent “war on terror.” Generation Z are those born 1996 to present. They don’t recall a moment when
have to park,” said Scott Phillips, committee member. “If they just scatter around town parking, that won't work. Where the track lies in relation to potentially either parking spaces or a parking deck will matter if we choose that route.” O'Neill suggested a downtown stop might be more for those treating Matthews as a destination. “If there were a station in Matthews that was walk-up, I would obviously walk to it if I lived in that area,” O'Neill said. “If I didn't, I would likely drive to it somewhere else on the line, where I knew there was parking, whether it be in the EMT or CPCC depending on where I'm coming from, and then using that to get to wherever I was going.” Task force member Lou Abernathy worried that if the Silver Line comes every 10 minutes and isn't synced up in both directions, that could mean bars go down every five minutes blocking traffic for the train. Dixon pointed out light rails pass quickly and consist of only two or three cars. Decisions before the task force at their next few meetings will continue to get more specific. "The devil is in the details," Abernathy said. "We need to know how wide the right of away is going to be required, because it will have a big impact on the businesses on the east side of the road. It will also have a financial impact on somebody – CATS or the town. Those are details but they're important details that relate to the impact of the plan,” O'Neill said. “It's great to put lines on a map, but if you can't build it, it's just a pretty picture.” Want to learn more? Protect Matthews Reports, a channel on YouTube, streamed the Silver Line Advisory Committee meeting, as well as other committee meetings in town.
the U.S. war on terror did not exist. They will not recall a time before there was a black U.S. President. Each generation has that defining moment that those in their age group rally around and understand. When I was young, the adults would say, “when I was a kid…” and talked from their perspective as if that was the only correct world view. Now I am that adult and have to avoid using that phrase. What defines me? It’s an incident that happened during my last year
of college. It wasn’t good. In fact, it was bad. It was what someone wanted to do to me. It shook me to the core. It rattled my faith. In the process, it defined me and my faith. It caused me to despise cliché Christianity. Instead, I have a pursuit for authentic Christianity. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www.charlotteres cuemission.org for details.
The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020 • Page 3B
HOME SALES (continued from page 2B)
910 Coachman Drive Aug. 21 $499,000 701 Coachman Drive Aug. 13 $538,000 8500 Brentford Court Aug. 11 $607,000 8608 Dansington Court Aug. 7 $425,000 Kingsmead 9314 Clerkenwell Drive Aug. 20 $882,500 Lawson 1116 Periwinkle Drive Aug. 31 $474,599 3904 Litchfield Drive Aug. 21 $495,000 1613 Great Road Aug. 19 $405,000 1605 Maize Court Aug. 12 $620,000 2513 Trading Ford Drive Aug. 12 $471,000 1612 Great Road Aug. 10 $472,000 1926 Abbotts Creek Rd. Aug. 3 $489,000 Marvin Creek 501 Running Horse Ln. Aug. 26 $735,000 816 Wandering Way Dr. Aug. 25 $1,167,500 MillBridge 2037 Lydney Circle Aug. 30 $355,180 2388 Creekview Road Aug. 30 $499,704 3001 Lydney Circle Aug. 30 $386,309 1124 Walbury Hill Aug. 30 $364,620 2384 Creekview Drive Aug. 28 $528,000 8004 Oakmere Road Aug. 28 $334,814 1004 Bloom Drive Aug. 28 $583,940 3049 Lydney Circle Aug. 28 $348,050 5009 Lydgate Drive Aug. 27 $445,000 4017 Petersburg Drive Aug. 24 $527,973 5044 Lydney Circle Aug. 24 $381,000 4001 Petersburg Drive Aug. 22 $519,250 2019 Lydney Circle Aug. 22 $357,922 8012 Oakmere Drive Aug. 21 $368,860 5005 Millbridge Pkwy. Aug. 21 $443,451 9036 Oakmere Road Aug. 20 $321,628 Prescot 4308 Glenduran Lane Aug. 31 $310,000 4407 Hampstead Heath Drive Aug. 20 $300,000 7905 Prescott Glen Pkwy. Aug. 7 $355,000 Providence Downs 9125 Monarchos Court Aug. 31 $1,325,000 Providence Downs South 1732 Funny Cide Drive Aug. 31 $1,050,000 1310 Venetian Way Dr. Aug. 13 $830,000 9802 Go For Gin Court Aug. 3 $1,015,000 Quellin 8002 Mynelle Court Aug. 31 $425,000 8005 Battersea Court Aug. 28 $423,000 2901 Thayer Drive Aug. 14 $390,000 The Reserve 10014 King George Ln. Aug. 20 $469,900 Silver Creek 5505 Silver Creek Drive Aug. 31 $450,000 Somerset 110 Alnwick Lane Aug. 18 $435,000 8917 Waltham Forest Ct. Aug. 10 $390,000 Stonegate 1611 Ambergate Drive Aug. 28 $405,000 1606 Ambergate Drive Aug. 13 $415,500 906 Applegate Parkway Aug. 7 $438,000 Waldon Pond 1807 Walden Pond Ln. Aug. 13 $705,000 Weddington Trace 7100 Yellowhorn Trail Aug. 12 $625,000 7225 Yellowhorn Trail Aug. 12 $690,000 7209 Yellowhorn Trail Aug. 7 $775,000 Wesley Oaks 711 Cavendish Lane Aug. 21 $420,000 401 Palmerston Lane Aug. 21 $400,000 505 Springwood Drive Aug. 6 $385,000 Willow Creek 8504 Royster Run Aug. 3 $525,000 Wyndham Hall Estate 517 Wyndham Lane Aug. 5 $778,000 28210 Park Crossing 10400 Kilmory Terrace Aug. 24 $630,000 10515 Tyne Court Aug. 17 $615,000 9215 Hanover South Trail Aug. 14 $445,000 10433 Kilmory Terrace Aug. 14 $675,000 9426 Tresanton Drive Aug. 13 $680,000 10311 Foxhall Drive Aug. 4 $545,000 28226 Carmel Valley 4104 Foxmoor Drive Aug. 31 $390,000 5006 Belford Court Aug. 14 $399,900 Chadwyck 7226 Jardiniere Court Aug. 28 $695,500 Challis Farms 8910 Dove Stand Lane Aug. 14 $1,100,000 Cottonwood 4411 Pebble Pond Drive Aug. 25 $455,000 4622 Cotton Creek Dr. Aug. 3 $550,000 Kingswood 4311 Denbigh Drive Aug. 31 $1,100,000 4329 Tottenham Road Aug. 17 $1,165,000 Montibello 4921 Sentinel Post Road Aug. 19 $855,000 5233 Morrowick Road Aug. 17 $680,000 5200 Hillingdon Road Aug. 14 $650,000 4944 Morrowick Road Aug. 4 $796,000 3204 Trefoil Drive Aug. 3 $790,000 Quail View 4200 Quail Hunt Lane Aug. 3 $482,000 Rea Woods 8845 Amberton Lane Aug. 28 $685,000 Rockbridge 4018 Old Stone Road Aug. 24 $379,000 Wessex Square 4746 Truscott Road Aug. 10 $470,000 28227 Ashe Plantation 10419 Hanging Moss Trail Aug. 31 $385,000 9910 Hanging Moss Trail Aug. 21 $318,000 Bainbridge 10023 Edwards Place Aug. 25 $325,000 10216 Edwards Place Aug. 7 $382,000 Brighton Park 4303 Patriots Hill Road Aug. 31 $320,000 Ellington Farm 10511 Olde Irongate Ln. Aug. 21 $625,000 10531 Olde Irongate Ln. Aug. 18 $510,000 10329 Spring Meadow Dr. Aug. 14 $372,500
LITERACY (continued from page 1B)
Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, many more Union County adults will learn to improve their reading and writing skills. It is part of more than $8.6 million in grants awarded to over 950 schools and organizations across communities Dollar General serves. The foundation has awarded over $182 million in grants to nonprofits since 1993, helping more than 11 million people take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. Dion’s story is a highlight for the Literacy Volunteers program, which allowed him to set and achieve reachable goals. He had plenty of help. It wasn’t until Dion first met with his volunteer tutor, Karen Leadermen, that the pair realized they lived in the same Indian Trail neighborhood and even used the same gym. That made for easy trips to tutoring ses-
Farmwood 7111 Old Oak Lane Aug. 14 $347,000 Hidden Forest 11341 Home Place Lane Aug. 12 $450,000 Lakehaven Estates 12101 Ranburne Road Aug. 25 $330,000 Olde Sycamore 10307 Clubhouse View Ln. Aug. 26 $529,900 6713 Olde Sycamore Dr. Aug. 7 $369,000 Stonebridge at Mint Hill 8628 Carly Lane Aug. 20 $639,000 9335 Stonebridge Way Aug. 19 $435,500 Summerwood 10628 Meg Meadow Dr. Aug. 28 $477,000 10312 Ponytail Lane Aug. 24 $522,000 13316 Pumpkin Way Dr. Aug. 14 $520,000 8809 Auburn Whisper Ln. Aug. 10 $531,182 10417 Sable Cap Road Aug. 7 $575,000 13518 Snooze Lane Aug. 3 $450,000 Telfair 12715 Telfair Meadow Dr. Aug. 28 $520,000 12607 Telfair Meadow Dr. Aug. 20 $525,000 28270 Alexander Hall 7401 Lawkins Lane Aug. 25 $515,000 Bellemeade 7220 Trevor Court Aug. 25 $670,000 Beverly Crest 720 Camaross Court Aug. 31 $401,720 7619 Rathlin Court Aug. 4 $376,500 Hampton Leas 6511 Pensford Lane Aug. 13 $383,000 Hampton Oaks 9620 Hampton Oaks Ln. Aug. 5 $455,000 Providence Plantation Estates 2302 Keara Way Aug. 26 $630,000 2727 Providence Spring Lane Aug. 3 $560,000 St. George Place 2407 Queensland Drive Aug. 17 $573,000 Willowmere 3111 Surreyhill Court Aug. 21 $395,000 4011 Manor House Drive Aug. 19 $374,000 3122 Surreyhill Court Aug. 18 $408,000 3138 Surreyhill Court Aug. 3 $382,900 28277 Allyson Park 10011 Allyson Park Drive Aug. 6 $649,500 Ardrey Woods 9828 Branchwater Ave. Aug. 31 $477,500 10122 Woodland Watch Ct.Aug. 20 $416,500 10104 Woodland Watch Ct.Aug. 17 $470,000 Ballantyne Meadows 10909 Valley Spring Dr. Aug. 5 $486,000 Berkeley 5427 Crosshill Court Aug. 21 $540,900 Bridgehampton 12131 Chatsworth Court Aug. 27 $840,000 14044 Lissadell Circle Aug. 10 $625,000 Cobblestone 10118 Victoria Mill Court Aug. 31 $450,000 Highgrove 9120 Summer Club Rd. Aug. 20 $850,000 Hunters Gate 12439 Covington Court Aug. 31 $515,000 6616 Fairhope Court Aug. 6 $440,500 Hunters Valley 11718 Brambleton Court Aug. 13 $415,000 Lake Providence Estates 10306 Crestwood Drive Aug. 25 $480,000 Landen Meadows 9314 Hanworth Trace Dr. Aug. 24 $340,000 9325 Hanworth Trace Dr. Aug. 20 $300,000 8444 Newton Lane Aug. 5 $355,000 Orchid Hill 6527 Red Maple Drive Aug. 27 $435,000 Piper Glen 7303 Timberneck Court Aug. 24 $950,000 4814 Titleist Drive Aug. 13 $572,400 7630 Seton House Lane Aug. 3 $625,000 Providence Crossing 13212 Providence Green Court Aug. 21 $600,000 Providence Country Club 12112 Pine Valley Club Dr. Aug. 14 $845,000 10801 Wicklow Brook Ct. Aug. 11 $1,052,500 Providence Pointe 14714 Provence Lane Aug. 25 $412,500 14616 Provence Lane Aug. 14 $448,000 14732 Provence Lane Aug. 12 $425,000 14224 Stewarts Bend Ln. Aug. 3 $435,000 Raeburn 12229 Bay Tree Way Aug. 20 $308,000 Raintree 3927 Rounding Run Rd. Aug. 28 $453,000 4827 Autumn Leaf Lane Aug. 21 $377,000 10117 Fairway Ridge Rd. Aug. 20 $300,000 3001 Shallowood Lane Aug. 17 $445,000 10205 Four Mile Creek Rd. Aug. 12 $395,000 4414 Woods End Lane Aug. 10 $334,000 8225 Strawberry Lane Aug. 6 $375,000 Reavencrest 8723 Darcy Hopkins Dr. Aug. 21 $380,000 12019 Humboldt Drive Aug. 17 $370,000 Stone Creek Ranch 924 Cactus Valley Road Aug. 31 $450,000 5827 Cactus Valley Rd. Aug. 14 $443,000 10637 Serape Road Aug. 14 $355,000 5123 Dragonfly Lane Aug. 13 $465,000 6225 Adobe Road Aug. 6 $379,000 10721 Serape Road Aug. 4 $378,000 7306 Firespike Road Aug. 3 $488,000 Thornhill 6926 Rock Dove Court Aug. 31 $464,000 6635 Charter Hills Road Aug. 20 $375,000 10900 Stonepath Lane Aug. 10 $552,552 Vanderbilt at Providence 11829 James Richard Dr. Aug. 20 $660,000 Vineyard 10212 Ventana Court Aug. 28 $458,100 Weston Glen 14209 Eldon Drive Aug. 4 $415,500 White Oak 9706 Ridgemore Drive Aug. 7 $322,000 Williamsburg 11419 Snapfinger Drive Aug. 28 $365,000 11937 Provincetowne Dr. Aug. 27 $435,000 11929 Provincetowne Dr. Aug. 24 $408,000 11740 Provincetowne Dr. Aug. 19 $499,500 11928 Provincetowne Dr. Aug. 6 $520,000
sions. Karen’s first task, she said, was to get Dion to see that he could learn and learn well. “In my approach, it was really important for me to take into consideration his age, his family status, his diversity that he comes to the table with and his goals as an individual,” Karen said. “Dion came with some insecurities about where he wanted to be as an adult male to represent himself, his extended family and the way he communicated. Some of the process was helping him develop some assertiveness and the ability to explain his needs and desires. He really did not have a cognitive understanding of his skills. I would tell him ‘Dion, you’re blowing me away,’ and he would not believe me.” There was always homework, but Dion didn’t mind. He amazed himself with how quickly his skills improved. His island accent sometimes caused a misinterpretation of a word and misspellings, but that was
something the duo worked through as well. They ended each session reviewing what they had accomplished that day. “We started with just the basics as I was building self-confidence,” Dion said. “Karen would say ‘don’t get flustered, it’s just a process.’ She basically explained to me I have a lot of raw talent, I just need someone to basically clean it up.” Karen’s encouragement was key to completing the program, Dion said, and he’s glad to have found a friend to help navigate his first college experience. “When I have Karen there, I think I’ll make it through,” he said. “She just always has the right words to say to keep me going.” Dion has some encouraging words for other Union County adults who want to improve their English reading and writing skills. “It’s never too late,” he said. “You just have to take that first step. It’s going to be scary, but you just have to do it.”
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Page 4B • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
Ardrey Kell graduate begins missionary service during pandemic by Kristen Anderson Contributor
CHARLOTTE – Thomas Joffs, a 2020 graduate of Ardrey Kell High School, began service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this month. Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, his experience will be different than expected. Like many 18- and 19-year-old Latter-day Saints, Joffs looked forward to submitting his missionary application. “Since I had been a little kid, I had the desire to go and serve a mission,” he said. Latter-day Saint missionaries serve voluntarily and fund the experience themselves. When they submit their mission papers to church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, they do not know where they will be assigned or whether they will have to learn a new language. These unknowns make receiving a mission call an exciting experience for families. Until recently, the notification came through the mail. Now it is delivered digitally. “You are assigned to labor in the Peru Trujillo South Mission and will prepare to teach the gospel in the Spanish language,” read Joffs’ call. Typically, a few months after a mission assignment is received, the missionary enters one of 10 Missionary Training Centers throughout the world. This is where new elders and sisters (as male and female missionaries are called) receive religious training, and if necessary, culture and foreign language
instruction. One of the MTCs is in Peru, so that is where Joffs was scheduled to spend the first eight weeks of his two-year assignment. With the continuation of the global COVID-19 pandemic, however, Joffs’ missionary experience is turning out to be much different than he had imagined. Approximately 50% of the more than 67,000 missionaries serving around the world had their assignments changed or shortened. Many are now serving in their home countries. Additionally, instead of visiting people in their homes, lessons are taught over the phone or through various video platforms. Instead of knocking on doors, they are using social media to reach people. All Missionary Training Centers are temporarily closed too, so new missionaries are receiving their training virtually in their homes. Though at first disappointing, Joffs has adjusted well to the new arrangement. He dresses daily in his missionary attire: a suit, white shirt, tie and missionary nametag. He has an assigned companion with whom he virtually studies with every day. He also follows all missionary rules, which means he doesn’t spend time watching television, playing video games or visiting friends. It has been easy for him to separate himself from previous pastimes, Joffs said. Although at home, his schedule is similar to what it would have been if he had been sent to the Peruvian MTC: waking up at 6 a.m. (7:00 a.m. in North Carolina), and preparing for the day by exercising,
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected many restaurants from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3. These three establishments scored the lowest: • Pearlz Oyster Bar, 7804 Rea Road, Charlotte – 85 Violations include: Certified food protection manager wasn't available; hand sinks
showering and eating breakfast. He then studies scripture and Spanish on his own for two hours. Virtual classes with a group of other missionaries, who are also learning Spanish, begin at 10 a.m. and last until 9 p.m., with breaks throughout the day. Joffs said having a job as a teenager helped him develop important management and interpersonal skills, but the training is still difficult. “I previously thought that when I was set apart as an elder I would immediately be made smarter and I would know exactly what to do in every situation,” he said. “We all have quite a ways to go before we are ready to go out into the field.” His local ecclesiastical leader, Bishop Jeff Herbst, is certain he will do well. “Elder Joffs has shown great faith in Jesus Christ the three years I’ve known him,” he said. “This faith, combined with his confidence and work ethic will allow him to have an everlasting impact on those he serves as a missionary.” That impact, for the time being, will be in Baltimore, Maryland, where Joffs has been reassigned until it becomes possible for him to serve in Peru. “I do wish that I had the chance to go directly to Peru where I was called, but [God] loves all His children across the world and I am grateful that I can serve His children here in the U.S. and in Peru,” he said. His family is finding a bright side to these changes as well. “While I prayed that my son would have the opportunity and ex-
had food residue; raw shrimp was placed over Brussel sprouts in cooler while raw oysters were placed over arugula in cooler; food pans and lids stored as clean had food residue; chowder and red rice weren't cooled fast enough; shucked oysters at bar were not held cold enough; some foods weren't marked by date; and spray bottle wasn't labeled. • Dakshin Indian Grill, 16640 Hawfield Way, Charlotte – 85.5 Violations include: Certified food protection
2020 Ardrey Kell High School graduate Thomas Joffs will spend the next two years serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Photo courtesy of MeKell Joffs
perience of the [regular] MTC, this experience has been wonderful,” said his mother MeKell Joffs. When he finishes his studies, “he shares his day with the family, a luxury that wouldn’t be afforded in a normal world … Sometimes we sit outside and talk while watching fireflies and sometimes we walk around the neighborhood. We are grateful for this missionary setback and the
manager wasn't available; staffer filled container with water from hand sink; raw chicken and raw lamb were stored above mint chutney in reach-in unit; sanitizer wasn't at proper concentration; rice in rice cooker wasn't held hot enough; and some foods were not marked by date. • Chaat N Dosa, 8624 Camfield St., Charlotte – 90 Violations include: Food rack holding pans of food was placed in front of hand sink; ma-
blessing it has been in our home.” As Joffs finishes up his training, he remains enthusiastic about the future. “I could not think of a greater time to be a missionary,” he said. “With the uncertainty and fear the world is facing right now, the message of life, peace, and love … will mean more to those we teach – now more than ever.”
sala, chickpea soup and tomato base weren't held hot enough; milk/yogurt/fruit blended drinks in display cooler weren't held cold enough; and some foods weren't marked by date. • Chili's Grill & Bar, 2861 W. U.S. 74, Monroe – 90 Violations include: Utensils and pans had food debris; inspector saw flies and a dead roach; and shelving inside walk-in and reachins had rust.
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PUBLIC NOTICE September 11, 2020
MECKLENBURG COUNTY 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation and Review Public Review & Comment Period
Public Notice is hereby given that Mecklenburg County has developed the draft HUD Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The CAPER document is intended to provide residents with a summary of the annual accomplishments of the Mecklenburg County CDBG program, and the effect program activities have on low and moderate-income households. The CAPER will be available for public review and comment for a fifteen-day period beginning on September 12, 2020 and ending September 26, 2020. Copies of these documents can be accessed at the following locations: www.MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or www.centralina.org or you may send requests for printed copies to Victoria Avramović at cedc@ centralina.org or (704) 688-6502. Send written comments to 9815 David Taylor Dr., Charlotte, NC 28262, Attn: Victoria Avramović, CDBG Program Administrator, or send an email to cedc@centralina.org. All letters and emails must be received by September 26, 2020 to be considered for the publication of the CAPER.
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Page 6B • The Regional Weekly • Sept. 11, 2020
Sorority alumni recognized for service MONROE – The Union County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. earned Chapter of the Year honors last month at the South Atlantic Regional Conference. Chapter President Mary Barber said she was humbled and honored the chapter's service was recognized. “As we enter our 10th year as a chapter, we strive to continue to make a difference in Union County,” Barber said. UCAC was recognized for chapter activities, partnerships and community involvement during the 2019-20 sorority year. UCAC held nearly 15 events for the community, including the fourth annual UCAC Free Market that provides shoes, clothes and school supplies for families; a financial seminar about economic stewardship and elder fraud; and participation in the The Union County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta 2020 Census campaign. Sorority has been a positive force in the community for nearThe chapter has developed several programs to support ly 10 years. Photo courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation youth. Programs, such as the annual debutante cotillion and 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Members made financial donations to the Community ShelDelta Gems and Academy, provide mentorship as well as inFor Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 sight into career options, budgeting, self-esteem, college ter of Union County and prepared breakfast for residents on For Release Friday, December 6, 2019 the third Saturday of the month. preparation and civic engagement.
Edited by Will Shortz
Crossword ACROSS 1 Von Trapp daughter in “The Sound of Music” 6 Range for 1-Across 10 Some bad joke tellers, stereotypically
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We are collecting the cutest photos of pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties for Charlotte Media Group’s Pet Hall of Fame. Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on adding to it frequently. Email photos of your cute pets to justin@ cmgweekly.com or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for consideration. We’ll recognize new inductees each week! Our social media handles are @mmhweekly, @southcltweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.
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While it’s good to get cuddles inside with the family, Honey Pascarella also enjoys getting outside and feeling the tickle of the grass. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Pascarella
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PUZZLE BY ROBYN WEINTRAUB
12 Array on an instrument panel
26 Ones turning up the volume? 27 Some mudrock 13 Super-hot 28 Yearbook grp. 15 Preacher’s 29 Monty Python charge genre 21 DVD special 30 Yiddish language feature author Sholem 22 Adage suggesting 31 Winter setting in the value Tinseltown of working 36 ___ Greene, expeditiously mobster in 24 The way “The Godfather” 25 Pay phone 39 Daily newspaper feature section
40 ___ one 41 Regatta markers 42 One of the Nereids 44 Not fooled by 45 Dangerous kind of shark 46 Post hoc, ___ propter hoc (common fallacy) 47 Fall location 49 Dismount surface 50 Realm of Otto I: Abbr.
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 10 Useful cryptography tool puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). to have on hand? Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 11 Not mature
Lucy, a 1-year-old rescue cat, has a habit of watching her mom work. She likes to jump up on the desk while her mom is on the computer. Photo courtesy of Doris Bowen
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