Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Dec. 4, 2020 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Santa scales back personal appearances • Page 2B

Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 • Vol. 13 • No. 49

Town staff could get raises Matthews is faring better amid pandemic than a lot of other cities by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Matthews Town Manager Hazen Blodgett will ask commissioners Dec. 14 for a 3% raise for his staff, beginning January 2021, as well as the ability to shift the pay scale Blodgett 3% to provide more competitive wages. Commissioners resisted the urge to give 3% raises when planning this year's fiscal year budget to see how well the town would do during the pandemic. Turns out, Matthews is outpacing last year's collection rates for property, sales and tourism taxes despite COVID-19.

Assistant Town Manager Becky Hawke shared these year-to-date budget figures during the Nov. 23 meeting (Keep in mind Matthews begins its fiscal year on July 1): • Property tax collection rate is 20.2% of the budget versus 14.7% at this time last year. • Sales tax collection rate is 18.9% versus 17.1% at this time last year. • Tourism tax revenue collection rate is 39.2% of budget versus 31.6% at this time last year. • Departmental expenses are in line with last year. • The town has seen lower recreation revenue and expenses due to canceled events and classes. • Investment earnings are at a $65,000

loss, which the town isn't concerned about. “We continue to watch everything closely,” Hawke said. “The pandemic is certainly lasting longer that I think any of us hoped that it would but at the same time, I think with our conservative projections on our revenues and our conservative budgeting that we went through this past spring, we are continuing to look to be positively positioned overall for the year.” Blodgett said $175,000 has been set aside for the raises in a line item waiting to be allocated. “We planned this back at the planning conference to put this money aside just to be sure that things didn't go all to hell and blow up with COVID,” Commissioner Dave Bland said Nov. 23. “We planned ahead and that was what the money was there for. Here

we are now. We need to do what we said we would do.” Mayor John Higdon told Blodgett that he often gets asked how the budget seems so healthy during the pandemic when a lot of other communities are struggling. “We did budget conservatively, to our credit,” Blodgett said. “We are not in the water and sewer business. That, in some parts of the state, was really hit hard. Sixty percent of our budget is property tax, which is what they would call inelastic which is very, very stable.” While sales tax stands to be the town's biggest vulnerability, Blodgett believes Matthews benefits from being in the Charlotte metropolitan area, which is one of the most vibrant in the country.

Sniffing for prospects

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

justin@cmgweekly.com matthewsminthillweekly.com

Feelers put out for dog park sponsors

WHAT'S INSIDE:

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Another study Regional transportation plan launches, 2A Unlike Squirrel Lake Park and Sportsplex at Matthews, Stumptown Park is a true community park, according to Howie Labiner, chair of the Matthews parks and recreation advisory committee. It's home to several community events, such as Matthews Alive (above) and military observances (below).

Listening tour

Veterans request renaming Stumptown Park by Justin Vick

N.C. Rep. Hunt chats with constituents, 5A

COVID vaccine Governor outlines who gets it first, 3A

justin@cmgweekly.com

The Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 has requested Matthews rename Stumptown Park to honor military veterans. This comes after the post restored the park's veterans memorial. Mayor John Higdon told town commissioners Nov. 9 the post requested the park be renamed Stumptown Veterans Memorial Park. He added a discussion item to the Nov. 23 meeting agenda, prompting members of the Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Committee to urge the

board to slow down and gather input from the whole community. “This request kind of came up organically from many of the veterans I was talking to as they were making improvements in Stumptown Park,” Higdon said Nov. 23. “That being said, I think the cart has been put before the horse.” Higdon recommended town commissioners revisit the issue sometime in the first quarter of 2021 after some vetting from the advisory board. Stumptown Park is home to several signature festivals, including Matthews Alive, BeachFest and Food Truck Fridays. That's why members of the advisory committee

recommended getting more input. “Because the park is an integral see STUMPTOWN, Page 5A

Winston may close schools without board approval by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

C h a r l o t t e - Me c k l e n b u r g Schools gave authority Nov. 24 to Superintendent Earnest Winston to shift individual schools from in-person to remote learning as needed through June 30 Winston to ensure the health and safety of students. School board member Thelma Byers-Bailey made the motion on the condition of three circumstances: • If the county health department directs an individual school building be closed for COVID-19. • When district staff believe remote learning

is needed. • When the superintendent determines staffing levels prevent the school from providing a safe environment. “It's important that we be as nimble as possible during this time when community levels of the virus are steadily increasing and fluctuating,” Byers-Bailey said. Otherwise, the school board would have to convene for a series of emergency meetings. Sean Strain asked Winston to walk school board members through scenarios in which he'd shift schools to remote learning. “I want to make sure that operationally that we are not sort of setting ourselves up to consistently go back and forth between in-person see CMS, Page 5A

HomeStyles Gallery & Specialty Shops Thank you for your patronage the last 21 years!

CMS: Vaccine should go to teachers second Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sent a letter to local, state and national health leaders requesting K-12 staff receive priority for a COVID-19 vaccine after healthcare providers. “We are slowly returning our students to classes and we are monitoring a variety of metrics to keep our students and staff healthy and safe,” reads the letter from school board members Elyse Dashew and Margaret Marshall. “However, once a vaccine is available, we believe that our staff who work directly with students should be included among those who receive priority after first-line responders. This priority would be in the best interests of students and staff.”

Over 50 unique boutiques from high fashion to holiday and home decorating!

The Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department asked town leaders if they had enough leash to seek private sponsorships for a future dog park. Corey King, who directs the parks and recreation department, said with the budget allocated to the Purser-Hulsey Park addition, they may not be able to add a nice agility course. He wanted to gauge leaders' feelings on stretching the budget through sponsorships. The sponsorship would be in the form of signage, but a company wouldn't have control of its use. Sponsorship may also include participation in town events like Pawsitively Matthews. King said most communities look at sponsorships on a case-bycase basis. Indian Trail Animal Hospital sponsors the fenced-in dog park within Crooked Creek Park a couple towns over. Mecklenburg County, on the other hand, opted not to go the sponsorship route with the Sportsplex at Matthews. “Most municipalities will look at the space and make that decision whether they would use private dollars to help make the project happen,” King said. Town Attorney Charles Buckley compared the proposal to the donor plaque outside of the Matthews Library. Mayor John Higdon favors restricting sponsorships to a few spaces in town. “I do think it's somewhat of a slippery slope,” Higdon said. “When I think of a dog park, maybe that would be all right. But then are we going to have the Coca-Cola Town Green?” Commissioners John Urban, Ken McCool and Jeff Miller were OK with the dog park sponsorship, but they didn't want sponsorships to get out of control. “I don't want to look like a NASCAR team with just advertising everywhere,” McCool said. “I think in certain places it's good. I'm in favor of it so long as we don't go too crazy and put a sponsor on everything.” If the town snags a sponsor for the dog park, then King will return before the board to show what the signage will look like.

HomeStyles G

Find one of a kind unique gifts for everyone on your list!

& Specialty Shops

11237 Lawyers Rd. 704-573-1510

Minutes from I-485, exit 47 Lawyers Rd. Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 5 pm

Page 2A • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

Garson: Grief is love with nowhere to go STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

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

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our free DAILY email newsletter to stay on top of everything we are publishing in print and online, as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.

Adrian Garson Publisher

t’s finally the last month of 2020. I tend to become sentimental around the holidays. I like to look back at various events that happened over the course of the year. As I was considering writing about all things 2020, I felt fatigued by it before I even began typing. This year has been heavy. This year has also been dark. But, I learned a long time ago that the only way to overcome the dark is to shine a light. So, over the next few weeks, I want to shine a light on the good that I have personally witnessed this year. Let’s spend some time together this December by looking at a few of the positive things that have happened during this remarkable year.

Let’s start with something that is still ongoing but a wonderful addition to the Matthews community. Back in May, I attended a Memorial Day service at Stumptown Park. The American Legion did a great job, as usual, honoring the fallen service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. If you attended that service, then you know that the park looks quite different today. As a matter of fact, just a few weeks ago, the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 unveiled a huge restoration project that included expanding the veterans memorial and giving it some much-needed TLC. Back in July, Post Commander Mark Tofano, shared with me his vision of restoring the memorial and how he planned to do so without it requiring any funds from the town while relying solely on the generosity of donors, local businesses and other veterans in the community. Over the course of a couple of months, I saw people getting behind this project and I saw others somewhat sur-

prised by the amount of support for the restoration. Thousands of dollars in materials were donated from local businesses, and volunteers spent hours cleaning up overgrown brush and planting new trees and bushes. I happened to be in the park one day when the bricks were being placed by hand. I come from a family of veterans so I wasn’t surprised to see the outpouring of support for this project. Both of my grandfathers were in the military and were proud to serve this country. I grew up listening to the stories my grandfathers would share about their time in the service. Often, those tales seemed like something right of out a movie. I mean, they jumped out of airplanes. Doesn’t that sound like something out of a movie? I also witnessed them choke back tears when they talked about their fellow service men and women. I never grasped the magnitude of hearing them talk about their military experience until I was much older. I know veterans

today that simply won’t discuss it at all, so I feel very privileged to have had that experience as a child. The veterans memorial in Matthews and others like it all over the country serve a great purpose. Grief is simply love with nowhere to go. Our service members grieve things that most of us will never know about or have the strength the endure. These memorials are a place of reverence and give our veterans a place to visit where they can not only grieve, but love. I think Matthews is fortunate to have a place such as this. A community of people came together under one cause to fulfill a need for folks who were willing to lay down their lives for us. The restoration of the veterans memorial in Matthews is not only a bright spot in 2020, it is and will be a beacon of light for many years to come. Want to learn more? Visit www.matthewspost235.org to learn more about the memorial.

Another regional road plan is launching, prompting concerns by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Two members of the Charlotte City Council have questioned the potential for redundancy regarding the region’s long-range transportation planning. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization provided an overview Nov. 30 of its 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties to the council’s transportation committee. The plan establishes funding priorities for the next 20-plus years. CRTPO will spend 2021 developing the plan in hopes of finishing it by March 2022. CRTPO Assistant Planning Director Bob Cook’s

FINISHING TOUCHES

presentation prompted several questions from Councilman Ed Driggs. Driggs asked Cook to describe the overlay between CRTPO and Charlotte Moves, a task force formed by Mayor Vi Lyles to recommend funding strategies for transportation projects. Driggs wanted to know if there would be redundancies. “They certainly won’t be redundant processes,” Cook replied, noting the CRTPO incorporates local projects into its regional framework. Driggs has pressed city staff to provide cost projections on transit plans. He asked Cook if CRTPO would be doing cost projections of city projects. Cook said there may be some analysis, considering

CRTPO spans three counties; however, his group would lean on existing efforts. He said CRTPO’s plan will coordinate with other regional transportation initiatives, including CATS 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, Connect Our Future and the Regional Freight Mobility Plan. Representatives from such initiatives will meet soon to ensure they are on the same page, Cook said. Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt would like a better understanding of these initiatives and their stakeholders. “I do get a little concerned that we’re going to have overlap and sort of be bumping into each other when it comes to funding and flexibility in funding,”

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization is creating a 20-year plan that prioratizes highway, transit and greenway projects. CMG file photo

Eiselt said. CRTPO will also come up with financial projections for funding and maintenance of projects at a time when NCDOT is having financial difficulties. It will also evaluate three whatif scenarios: connected

and autonomous vehicles, growth and development patterns, and work-fromhome trends. CRTPO will hold a virtual kick-off meeting for the plan from 4 to 5 p.m. Dec. 17. Learn more at www.2050mtp.org.

Hooker Furniture Accents! Chests, Consoles, Desks, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms And Much More.

New Hooker Furniture items in our Charlotte and Hickory Furniture Mart showrooms.

BrandSource Credit Card Citi MERCHA Program NT PORTAL E N HANCEMEN BrandSource Credit Program JulyCard TS 20112 9 LaMONTHS u

This commun nch ication prov PORTAL ENHANCEMENTS SPECIAL Citi ides notificat 1) MERCHANT Invoice Num io n of enhanc ements to th 2) Promo Se ber Inclusion 07/17/ e Freedom Pa 19 launch FINANCING* arch FuncJuly y Po tion 2019 Launch

ality 07/24/ purchases of $1500 or more.rtal which in 19 launch on With approved credit. See stores for details.clude: 1) The settle ment report Shop now and save! We make it easy! This communication provides to the Freedom Payweek, Portal include: willof inform noenhancements Shop online each as which our inventory w include an ation. Thnotification e ‘In ‘In vo vo ic ic e changes e numlaunch number’ often. 1) Invoice Number letterInclusion ber’ field is a s or numbers 07/17/19 column for be requirement in that field. tter reconcili num at the point 2) Promo Search Functionality launch When transa ber from that 07/24/19 ation of sale of sale transa ction settles, s particular sa ction and ca the settlemen le. n include t re port will now NEW show 1) The settlement report will now include an ‘Invoice number’ column for better reconciliation of sales invoice

voice numbe r’ Colum information. The‘In‘Invoice number’ is a requirement at the point of sale transaction and includeDELIVERED TO YOUR HOME. STYLISH IDEAS TO CREATE YOUR OWN HANDCRAFTED ACCENTS & can MORE n fieldLOOK.

or numbers in that field. Whenquality transaction settles, theand settlement reportinterest. will nowTraditional show invoice Hooker Furnitureletters captures your personal style with craftsmanship architectural classics to modern styles. We have it all.

number from that particular sale.

FAMILY OWNED

NEW

FINANCING AVAILABLE

DESIGN SERVICES

‘Invoice number’ Column

7/16/2019

Exclusive savings! 7/16/2019

goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US

11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045

Hickory Furniture Mart 828.322.910.3471

1 Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 7 pm Sunday noon - 6 pm

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6 pm Sunday Closed

*12 Months Special Financing available for qualified buyers with $1,500 or more purchase. Call or see store for details. Some items may vary by location.

The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020 • Page 3A

Dates to Remember Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7, 1941

Bill of Rights Day December 15

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 United States citizens who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941 which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

Bill of Rights Day is commemorated every year on December 15. The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments made to the United States Constitution, and its purpose is to spell out the personal freedoms and rights of the American people. The Bill of Rights was first written on September 25, 1789, and was later ratified on December 15, 1791, which is why Bill of Rights Day is celebrated on this date.

In 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The joint resolution was signed by President Clinton on August 23, 1994.

Bill of Rights Day is not a federal holiday, so businesses and schools are open and running as usual.

On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor Day is not a federal holiday – government offices, schools, and businesses do not close.

Bill of Rights Day was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt who issued a Presidential Proclamation on November 1941, declaring that this holiday should be observed on December 15, and encouraging people to be patriotic on this day. The first Bill of Rights Day was commemorated on the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the document.

Panama Operation Just Cause December 1989 - January 1990

The United States Invasion of Panama, codenamed Operation Just Cause, lasted over a month between mid-December 1989 and late January 1990. It occurred during the administration of President George H. W. Bush and ten years after the Torrijos– Carter Treaties were ratified to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by 1 January 2000. During the invasion, de facto Panamanian leader, general and dictator Manuel Noriega, who for a long time worked with the Central Intelligence Agency, was deposed citing racketeering and drug trafficking. Following the operation, the Panama Defense Forces were dissolved and President-elect Guillermo Endara was sworn into office.

Stumptown Veterans Memorial The Stumptown Veterans Memorial located within Stumptown Park, Matthews, NC, was unveiled on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020. At last, there is a place in Matthews where veterans can be honored and remembered with dignity and respect. Please visit the memorial, but before you do, visit the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 website for more information about the memorial along with videos about the construction. matthewspost235.org/about-mvmrp

MATTHEWS VETERANS M E M O R I A L R E S T O R A T I O N P R O J E C T

The construction of the main components of the memorial have been completed, but there are additional features that must be added, such as bronze plaques and a painted mural. While you are on the post website, please take the opportunity to donate to the Matthews Veterans Memorial Restoration Fund to bring the memorial to its full glory.

Lawmakers slam COVID-19 At-risk hospital workers at top of state's vaccine distribution plan lockdowns for state of schools by Jason Schaumburg

by Julie Havlak

Contributor

Carolina Journal News Service

(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s plan to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available includes prioritizing residents based on risk to receive the first set of available doses. “Health-care workers, people at longterm care centers and those at risk for severe illness will come first,” Gov. Roy Cooper said Dec. 1 during a news briefing. Health-care providers are being enrolled in the state’s distribution program based on their ability to reach the priority population for receiving the vaccine first, he said. N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said the North Carolina Institute of Medicine convened an independent COVID-19 vaccine advisory committee to determine who should get the vaccine first. Guidance from the committee and the National Academy of Medicine on equitable distribution of vaccines helped form North Carolina’s plan, Cohen said. The initial delivery of the vaccine will focus on hospital workers at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, to be followed by distribution to more hospitals and county

More students face repeating a grade than any time in the past century, says David Stegall, deputy superintendent of innovation at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Roughly 19% of students aren’t attending classes regularly. State officials predict fewer students would graduate or advance to the next grade. Republican lawmakers slammed remote learning as a “disaster” and a “wasted year,” grilling the leaders of the State Board of Education during a meeting of the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on Dec. 1. “We’re creating a greater divide than we ever had,” Stegall said. “It’s about opportunity and equity, and in the current environment, it will continue to grow.” Nine months after Gov. Roy Cooper closed schools to full-time, in-person instruction, 36% of students remain in a completely virtual format. On a given day, only 48% of students sit in a classroom, said Stegall. Almost one-fifth of students aren’t regularly attending class, and average daily attendance has dropped 4.28% since 2019. The state’s metrics don’t track the quality of that attendance, and so the data doesn’t capture full learning loss, said Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies. “We still don’t know what students are learning or not learning,” Stoops said. “We have no measures for achievement. And apparent-

Atrium Health has been on the front lines fighting COVID-19 and promoting prevention. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health

health departments to vaccinate additional high-risk health-care workers. Cooper said the vaccine will be free for North Carolinians regardless of a resident’s health insurance situation. Any fees associated with the administering of the vaccine will be paid for by insurance or the government, Cohen said. North Carolina anticipates first receiving the Pfizer vaccine, which requires cold storage. The state has identified health-care providers across the state with the ability to store the vaccine in cold storage. A record-high 2,033 people currently are hospitalized with COVID-19 complications in North Carolina.

REGIONAL BRIEFS Improvements coming for 25 miles of Union County roads MONROE – The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a contract recently to Lynches River Contracting out of Pageland, S.C. to improve several primary and secondary roads in Union County. The $5.1 million contract calls for milling, resurfacing and shoulder grading approximately 25 miles of roads, including a section of U.S. 74 between Dickerson Boulevard and Secrest Shortcut Road, and part of N.C. 84 from Silverleaf Lane to Wesley Chapel Road. Improvements for 13 sections of secondary roads are also included in the contract. Work can start in June 2021 and is scheduled to be complete by mid-August 2022.

Sproat wins service award MATTHEWS – The Matthews Human Services Council awarded the Nancy Glenn Community Service Award to Sue Sproat, ex-

ecutive director of C.O.S.Kids. The award is presented annually to someone who demonstrates the inspiration, dedication and commitment the award’s namesake exuded to the surrounding area. C.O.S.Kids works to "nurture families by providing educational, financial and spiritual support.”

Festival of Trees goes virtual MATTHEWS – Novant Health Matthews Medical Center kicked off bidding Nov. 19 for the 12th annual Festival of Trees. This year’s event is virtual due to COVID-19, so the community can’t see the trees in person. However, people can go online to see trees from the likes of Carotek, Chick-fil-A, Flooring Solutions and Trinity Prep School. Proceeds benefit the Matthews HELP Center, Matthews Free Medical Clinic, Levine Senior Center and C.O.S.Kids. Bid at https://one.bidpal.net/matthewsfestivalof trees/welcome through noon Dec. 14.

ly, we have no plans to assess elementary and middle school students during the school year.” But lawmakers offered glimpses of what students have lost to virtual learning. “I’ve got a 15-year-old and a 13-year-old who are struggling,” said N.C. Sen. Todd Johnson, of Union County. “My boys were A, B students pre-COVID, now we’re celebrating a C. They’re struggling mightily.” The effects will be long-lasting. Experts say students are losing months of learning, putting them behind in school, increasing their likelihood of dropping out and stifling their future earnings. “All of those are going to be huge gaping holes in our system going forward?” said N.C. Rep. Ashton Clemmons. “Those challenges will prohibit the growth of our state for years if we don’t have a plan now.” Stegall acknowledged the state has been reactionary in its response to the pandemic. But a future strategy can undo only so much of the damage done in the present, says Stoops. “Maybe it’s too late for that,” Stoops said. “That’s what I fear, that it’s too late to reach those students who aren’t attending school regularly – that these are the students who are falling way behind and will require significant remediation in the future.” Republicans pushed to return children to the classroom. They repeatedly pointed to Europe, where governments kept schools open despite rising case counts and economic lockdowns. Cooper spared only pri-

vate schools, allowing colleges, universities and other private schools to open long before public schools. Cooper only reopened public schools in July. He permitted elementary schools to return to full in-person learning in September. “Why is it that private schools can go full-time instruction and we can’t?” Johnson said. In North Carolina, most school districts now use the governor’s least-restrictive plans. About 82% of local education agencies reopened their classrooms under Plan A, or adopted Plan B’s mix of virtual and in-person learning. But 18% of local education agencies still offer only virtual learning under Plan C. Public school enrollment fell 51,565, dropping 3.3% from this time last year, with a “drastic reduction” in kindergarten enrollment. This year’s kindergarten class has 13,573 fewer students than in 2019. Time is running out to spend federal relief money. North Carolina still had 47% of the $302 million in its coffers at the end of October. Unspent relief money vanishes at the end of December, when any unspent cash will return to the federal government. The legislature allocated some $15 million for expanding access to Wi-Fi in homes and communities. The state had spent less than half that amount by the end of October. The department blamed state and federal restrictions. Stegall assured legislators only a “minimal amount” of the relief money would revert to the federal government.

Page 4A • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

Your neighborhood 21st century preschool. We’re proud to serve our community, by supporting 21st century learners and their families. It starts by following CDC guidance for a healthy, safe environment. Plus, we keep you connected with live streaming video of your child’s classroom and regular updates with our mobile app. Here, STEAM brings the world into every classroom, through hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math, as we prepare children for elementary school. • Infant and toddler care • Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten • Before- and after-school programs for school-age students

We offer flexible enrollment options to fit your schedule.

NOW ENROLLING. ASK ABOUT VIRTUAL TOURS! 2925 Providence Rd. • Waxhaw, NC 866.222.0269 • EverbrookAcademy.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Everbrook Academy, a Learning Care Group School. ©2020 Learning Care Group, Inc. HEA30

Page 5A • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

N.C. Rep. Hunt receptive to Matthews legislative agenda N.C. Rep. Rachel Hunt was receptive to a legislative agenda from Matthews commissioners based on the idea that the government closest to the people governs best. Hunt, who won a second term in the N.C. House, spoke with town leaders Nov. 23 about legislative topics. Matthews wants more authority over tax revenues and fewer instances of the state undermining municipalities. For starters, Matthews wants the ability to use prepared food and beverage taxes to improve landscaping and build structured parking. It also wants municipalities to have the ability to enact 1/4 cent local option sales tax to respond to citizen needs. “Revenue-wise our hands are kind of tied and we have a very dynamic community that is growing. Our citizens have a super high expectation of services,” Town Manager Hazen Blodgett said. “Any flexibility would be greatly appreciated.” Matthews opposes legislation that undermines local authority pertaining to zoning, aesthetics and tax revenues. Leaders specifically oppose unfunded mandates, tax reform

STUMPTOWN (continued from page 1A)

part of the Matthews community, whenever we decide to rename the park, I would like to see the input from the total community, including people who use this park a regular basis,” Sandi Lee said. Howie Labiner, who chairs the committee, said the consensus may very well

efforts that aren’t revenue neutral to the town and redirecting sales tax revenue away from urban counties. Hunt understood where leaders were coming from. She said the needs of western and eastern parts of the state differ as do the needs of rural and urban areas. Matthews worries about the shifting burden on municipalities to fund state road projects and underfunded maintenance on state roads through town. Leaders support maintaining the current schedule of road projects for Matthews and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization as well as maintaining data-driven funding formulas set by the Strategic Transportation Investments Act. The town also supports mass transit funding through a referendum to increase sales tax or other sources. Hunt told commissioners that COVID-19 is going to make it more difficult to have a balanced budget. “We are going to try as hard as we can to make sure people feel as little pain from this situation as possible because we know how much everyone has been hurting,” Hunt said.

support renaming the park after veterans. “That's great, but there's no harm in slowing the process down and doing things more like they have been done in the past,” Labiner said. Lee suggested the renaming of the park could coincide with an eventual redesign as the town envisions doubling the size of the oneacre park. They may happen

CMS (continued from page 1A)

learning and remote instruction and that we're doing everything possible to maintain that in-person learning experiences for our students,” Strain said. Winston replied that a scenario may involve staff members who are not only testing positive for COVID-19 but also those required to quarantine due to being in close contact with someone with the virus.

within the next five years, she said. “There is no great rush other than the fact that I would personally like to see a memorial name change in the relatively near future because so many of our veterans are getting on in age,” Higdon said, alluding to those who served during World War II and the Korean War. “I wouldn't want to put it off for a decade.”

“What we're seeing by in large is the number of staff members who are having to quarantine is really what is impacting staff levels,” Winston said. Board member Margaret Marshall suggested it might be advantageous for CMS to have an entire grade level go remote as opposed to the entire school, but her colleagues were concerned about drafting a complicated motion on the fly that could lead to unintended consequences. Byers-Bailey said it took quite a bit of “draftsmanship” to craft her motion.

Experience. Integrity. Humanity.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

We are set up to handle all client needs remotely and safely during this crisis.

• Estate Planning & Administration • Civil Litigation • Corporate Law & Contracts • Divorce & Family Law • Appellate Law

2020........

704-841-0760 www.WeaverBuddLaw.com inquiries@WeaverBuddLaw.com 352 East Charles St. | Matthews, NC 28105

C G C G Insider

Become A

Charlotte Media Group

Membership Perks include VIP Access to events, special discounts to local businesses, exclusive content and much more! For more information, visit www.thecharlotteweekly.com/become-a-insider

Page 6A • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

Make the holidays special with Make the holidays special with MARIO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT MARIO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & JOHN'S PLACE

Full menu available every day for Full menu available every day for DINE IN PICK UP DELIVERY DINEC AIN PICK UP DELIVERY TERING TRAYS TOO! & JOHN'S PLACE

USE O NV E NG I E NTTR CA A LY LS A HT EA CUAR TCEOR IN ODOP I!C K U P WU I NSD ROHNAVVEENU L IAVLELRAYHO E OOW U ROC I ESNDTEC EU AR DO P IRCDKE R U PT O YW OU RDDOOW OR - N CLTI V DEER LIY VO E RUYR A AB IN OR HO A VCEOUNST A DE OVRA DIELR T LOE !

*Limited YOUR DOOR - NO C O N TDelivery A C T D EArea LIVERY AVAILABLE!

Give the gift of good food this year! Give BUY the gift of good food this year! A $50 GIFT CARD BUY A $50 GIFT CARD GET A FREE $10 BONUS CARD GETBUY A FREE $10 BONUS CARD A $100 GIFT CARD BUY A $100 GIFT CARD GET A FREE $25 BONUS CARD BONUS CARD TO BE USED AT A LATER DATE GET A FREE $25 BONUS CARD PURCHASE NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2020 BONUS CARD TO BE USED AT A LATER DATE PURCHASE NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2020 2945 Matthews Weddington Rd. Matthews, NC 28104 2945 Matthews Weddington Rd. www.eatmariospizza.com Matthews, NC 28104 www.eatmariospizza.com

704-847-4884 704-847-4884

2945 Matthews Weddington Rd Matthews, NC 28104 www.eatmariospizza.com

704-847-4884

Community The Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 4, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 1B

Digital magazine shares nonprofit success stories In honor of Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, we created a special digital magazine called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks & Givingâ&#x20AC;? to share the stories of nonprofits making a difference in our communities. â?¤ď¸?đ&#x;? We hope these stories inspire you to donate, volunteer or simply spread the word.

Featured nonprofits Servantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart of Mint Hill Assistant programs and community boutique servantsheart.org Humane Society of Union County No-kill, foster-based rescue hsuc.org

Common Heart Food pantries, economic empowerment and literacy commonheart.org

Pineville Neighbors Place Assists Pineville residents with crisis financial, furniture and food needs pinevilleneighbors.org

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue Provides sanctuary, rescue and rehabilitation for wildlife, farmed and exotic animals. cwrescue.org

Charlotte Rescue Mission Christian-based residential addiction recovery program charlotterescuemission.org

C.O.S.Kids Matthews Child care with special outreach to single-parent families coskidsmatthews.org

Dottie Rose Foundation Camps and workshops for girls interested in technology dottierosefoundation.org

The Sandbox Helps families of children with rare or life-altering illnesses gotsandbox.org

Read the magazine at:

issuu.com/carolinaweeklynewspapers Like the magazine? Tell everyone đ&#x;&#x2019;Źand make sure to use our special hashtag #CMGGivingTuesday wherever you share it. Pineville Neighbors Place helps Lori and Frank with rent and utility bills during the pandemic

Three birds at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue you can C.O.S.Kids Matthews cares about sponsor today single-parent families

The Sandbox supports a family while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fighting to save their son Common Heart program helps Sarah and Sandy rise out of poverty

Why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t more girls into computer science? Dottie Rose Foundation aims to close gender gap in tech industry

Hundreds of Spectacular Poinsettias!

Gift Certificates Available!

We Grow our Own Poinsettias! Great Selection of Trees and Shrubs!

Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 8:30-5 524 Stallings Road â&#x20AC;˘ Matthews Just minutes off I-485 between Old Monroe Rd. & Hwy. 74 www.kingsgardencenter.com

704-821-7507

Monroe

Charlotte

â&#x20AC;˘Fresh Wreaths & Garland! â&#x20AC;˘Beautiful Containers for Holiday Arrangements! â&#x20AC;˘ Amaryllis, Christmas Cactus & Cyclamen!

Beautiful Holiday Containers!

Highway 74 Stallings Rd

Holiday Open House! 704-821-7507

Saturday, Follow us Dec. 5

I-485

Meet Pirate, a two-year-old hound-mutt mix with a wonky eye who was rescued, rehabbed and re-homed by the Humane Society of Union County

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greenhouse

Old Monroe Rd.

Visit Our

Garden Shop!

5.00 OFF

Your purchase of $25 or more!

WITH THIS COUPON

One per customer, may not be combined with other offers. Expires 12-23-20

Page 2B • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

A scaled-back Christmas COVID-19 restrictions alter community events Renewed efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 have prompted many communities in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties to exchange large regional Christmas events for smaller, less risky events. Holiday tree lightings have gone virtual while traditional parades have become smaller drive-thru events. Festivals that attracted hundreds or thousands of people across the region are now focused on neighborhoods. Some of the events even require advance registration. That's why we encourage you to check out the event online before you plan on going out there. Here's a roundup of how some communities are celebrating Christmas: Indian Trail: Santa's Cruise Thru Indian Trail had to make the tough decision to cancel its popular IT's a Wonderful Life Christmas Parade; however, the town continues spreading Christmas cheer by driving Santa through several neighborhoods. Children also have opportunities to write letters or hop on Zoom calls with Santa. When: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: TBA Details: www.indiantrail.org Lake Park: Christmas Tree Lighting John Sharp performs Christmas songs during the village's annual Christmas tree lighting. Antoinette King, who is reigning Ms. Elite Americas United States, will light the tree. The village is also engaged in a Toys for Tots collection campaign and participating in a homeowner association's decorating contest. When: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: Village center Details: https://lakeparknc.gov Matthews: Deck the House The Town of Matthews gave residents extra incentives to decorate their homes for Christmas via the Deck the House Holiday Light Competition. The contest judges Christmas decorations at houses, apartment homes and condos/townhouses/duplexes (that registered) within the 28105 zip code. The event includes a Facebook fan vote. When: Dec. 16-20, 6-9 p.m. (judging) Where: All over town Details: https://matthewsnc.gov/deckthehouse

Mint Hill: Great Christmas Decorating Contest In response to canceling its annual Christmas tree lighting and parade, Mint Hill is relying on residents to light up the holidays via the Great Christmas Decorating Contest. Following the heels of a successful scarecrow decorating contest, Mint Hill is encouraging residents and businesses to create displays on their doorsteps and yards. When: All month Where: All over town Details: www.minthillevents.org Pineville: Light the Night The Light the Night Holiday Drive-Thru will feature a lit-up park entrance with inflatables, crafts and cocoa. Kids can also drop-off letters to Santa. The town has a template on its website for children to fill out, confirming if they were good and ate all their vegetables. When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive Details: www.pinevillenc.gov Waxhaw: Drive-Thru Christmas Parade Waxhaw has scheduled a handful of holiday drive-thru activities, including a Drive-Thru Senior Citizen Christmas (Dec. 5), Drive-In Christmas Concert (Dec. 5) and Santa's annual ride through neighborhoods (Dec. 13 to 18). The highlight is the Drive Thru Christmas Parade. It's a role reversal with the attractions on the side of the road waving to residents as they drive by – perfect for social distancing. When: 3 p.m. Dec. 13 Where: Downtown Waxhaw Details: www. waxhaw.com

TIS THE

Driving with Varicose Veins – Should I Be Worried? With the holiday season approaching, many of us might be considering taking a road trip. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a trip to visit relatives you may find yourself spending a few hours sitting in a vehicle. It’s generally accepted that sitting in a stationary position for an extended period is not great for vein health. Whenever you’re sitting for a long time your calf muscles are not contracting or squeezing, and blood has a tendency to “pool” in the lower leg. Pooling of blood can result in swelling of the calf and ankles, which increases the risk of blood clot formation. These considerations are especially important for people who have a history of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis - DVT), family history of blood clots, known vein problems, or obesity. Fortunately, some easy things can be done to reduce leg symptoms and minimize the risk of a blood clot. One thing you can do to reduce your chances of developing a venous blood clot is simply stop the vehicle and walk around a short distance. No one knows for sure the ideal frequency of these stops but a brief walk around your vehicle every 60 minutes is a common recommendation. Another commonly recommendation is flexing and extending the ankle joint. When you push your foot down the calf muscles contract, which shunts venous blood out of the leg. It takes 5-10 calf muscle contractions to clear the blood from your calf, so if you are going to try this strategy multiple foot flexes is the way to go. From a mechanical perspective walking is more effective than simply moving your foot up and down, but in situations where you’re unable to get up or walk around this may be the best alternative. Compression stockings have been recommended to reduce leg and ankle swelling that can occur on long road trips. Although there is limited data to support the reduced risk of a venous blood clot with compression hose, there’s not much downside to trying this strategy. If you’ve had issues with leg or ankle swelling after road trips in the past you may want to consider trying a pair. At Vascular Solutions we take your measurements and sell custom fit compression hose. When should you see a vein doctor? If you experience leg pain or leg swelling that persists after a road-trip, it’s prudent to seek immediate evaluation at a medical facility that has access to venous ultrasound. Blood clots are fairly common, easy to diagnose (with ultrasound), and respond best to

treatment when caught early. When blood clots develop in the leg veins this can potentially be a potentially serious problem. Unfortunately, the location, size, and significance of a blood clot cannot be determined by symptoms or the appearance of your leg. If you have varicose veins, leg symptoms, or want to discuss vein health or treatment options your best bet is to call Dr. Ford and his team at Vascular Solutions (Tel: 704-5447535 www.vasc-solutions.com). His team is fully equipped to accurately diagnose and treat any vein problem including varicose veins, venous reflux disease, and deep vein thrombosis. They offer minimally-invasive treatment options and treat a wide variety of vein conditions in both men and women. Safe travels!

SEASON TO

sparkle and shine 15-40% OFF

2020........

Sale From Thanksgiving Until Christmas!

www.thekingsjewelry.com Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm • Closed Sundays 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 400 Matthews, NC 28105

704.841.2013

located in Matthews Festival Place (across from Harris Teeter)

Waltonwood Welcomes You Home for the Holidays...

D R I V E -T H RU

Holiday Open House December 10th, 2 - 4 p.m. Fresh baked tarts | Sensory experience to-go Tours by appointment only

Dr. Peter Ford www.vasc-solutions.com 704-544-7535 7800 Providence Road Suite 209, Charlotte, NC 28226

Social distancing guidelines apply. Please wear a mask.

RSVP by December 7th P ROVIDENCE

704-753-7123

Choose a doctor that trains other doctors!

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277

Regional physician training site for VenaSeal™ and ClosureFast™.

Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com

Proud to be Charlotte's Medtronic Center of Excellence

The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020 • Page 3B

Center, 7804 Rea Road, Charlotte • Details: www.jewishballantyne.com

Celebrate Chanukah around the region The Ballantyne Jewish Center is holding safe Chanukah celebrations throughout the Charlotte region. The Jewish holiday is observed from Dec. 10 to 18 in 2020.

First Night of Chanukah The highlight is the Menorah lighting in the Regal Theater parking lot, where guests can stay socially distant or watch from the safety of their vehicles. Other activities include juggling, balloon twisting, goody bags and latkes. • When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 • Where: StoneCrest Shopping Center, 7824 Rea Road, Charlotte • Details: www.jewishballantyne.com

of Charlotte so the organization can accommodate everyone safely. • When: 5 p.m. Dec. 13 • Where: Dick's Sporting Goods at SouthPark, 4325 Barclay Downs Drive, Charlotte • Details: www.chabadnc.org

Menorah Lighting The tradition of holding a MenoChanukah Wonderland rah lighting in downtown Waxhaw An immersive Chanukah expericontinues into a sixth year. This year's ence for kids. Admission costs $10 per event will require masks and social child (ages 3 and older). Adults get in distancing – a small price to pay for free. Reservations are required to keep latkes, doughnuts, music and crafts. physical distance between groups.The New Scissor York Times Syndication Sales Corporation Lift Menorah Lighting • When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15 New unfold York, N.Y. • When: 2-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1-4 620 Eighth Watch Avenue, the activities from10018• Where: East North Main Street at Forcomfort Information p.m. Dec. 13 the and Call: safety1-800-972-3550 of your vehi- Overhead Bridge in Waxhaw For Release Wednesday, January 22, 2020 • Where: StoneCrest Shopping cle. Register in advance with Chabad • Details: www.jewishballantyne.com

Crossword ACROSS

31 Public walkway 33 Craze

1 One walking sideways

34 Down-home and unpretentious 5 High in the Andes 35 Musing, part 2 9 Crew team member 38 Precipitated 14 Muscle car engine

39 ___-dink

15 Like most dorms nowadays

41 ___ bear

17 Start of a longwinded musing from an author

60 Wastes time feeling sad

61 Unrealistic part of many statues

45 Outlaw

2 Catchword in waste management

53 End of the musing, which could simply have been the shaded squares

28 “By all means” 29 Rimes of country music

57 Appropriate

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE L A S T S

A Y A R E D G A S

S L A M I S S C I N E C S S L H U I R L P E L A D S

W A S H G E N E

B J O E R O R K H R H S I C K H Y R A P A D E S S S D L A U E M E

A L F I E

G O F E R

L E P E R

O N E S

O G R A R Y

3 Some Spanish friends 5 Undesirable marks? 6 Fuel for a fire 7 Hot cupful 8 One who’s “out” 9 Crowd noise 10 Does a hit on 11 Article of equipment akin to a wakeboard 12 “S.N.L.” cast member Nwodim

23 29

33 35

46 49

PUZZLE BY MARGARET SAINE

31 Like the pattern on Minnie Mouse’s dress 32 Confederate

18 Blown up

34 ___ for oneself

19 ___-com

35 East Coast 7-Eleven competitor

26 Storied Prohibition agent

13 Call, as a game

24 Illustration for an ill tourist?

33 ___ en place (putting in place: Fr.)

23 Common street name

No. 1218

4 Dangerous dog

52 It may be gas- or oil-fired

25 Ones calling the shots, for short?

DOWN 1 Cheap and inauthentic

49 Modern marketing tool

23 Polite term of address

42 Animated picture file

47 Harry’s foil in Harry Potter

22 Beginner’s knitting project

P O S S E

62 Wire or cable

46 Julie Andrews or Helen Mirren

20 Oregon Ducks’ home 21 –– ––– .–. ... .

59 “___ story”

40 Had the rights to

16 Old enough

G R A P H M A D E A O D O R L E V E T I R E L B A D A S S O M E N H E A D L E O D S O P A L E F E A R L E S M U T T O T H A O J O E X P I S R E

58 Word before sauce or truck

Edited by Will Shortz

36 Jack Nicklaus, in 19 major golf championships 37 Chalice filler

38 Corn on the ___ 41 Appreciation of taste 42 Aplenty 43 Rapid breakup of a frozen stream in the spring 44 Gave shape to 46 Like most craft projects, in brief

51 Natural barrier that Hannibal surmounted 52 Frat members 53 It all adds up to this 54 G.I. entertainers

48 Breaks in relations

55 Dissenting vote

50 ___ mortals

56 High/low card

27 Word before sauce or milk

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). 30 Heroine of Tennyson’s “Idylls Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. of the King”

Rev. Tony: Sweet potato casserole vs. sweet potato pie Tony Marciano Reverend

rowing up in the North in a very Italian community, I learned that we eat macaroni (not pasta) three times a week. We only bought Ronzoni brand macaroni. The red stuff that went on top of the macaroni was called gravy and not sauce. My mother never bought a jar of Ragu in her life. The meal included meatballs and sausage. I had never eaten fried chicken until I came to the South. I never saw a collard green in my life while living in New Jersey. I thought a sweet potato was eaten like a baked potato. Fast forward and my middle child married a wonderful Southern gal. She is a delight and a joy to the family. She also had to educate us on Southern living. At her first Thanksgiving meal with us, she brought a sweet potato casserole. Trying to be nice, we thanked her and told her we would put it with the other desserts. In true Southern style, she explained that sweet potato casserole was a side similar to string beans or mashed potatoes. We were confused because she also brought a sweet potato pie. Why would you bring two of the same? Should my son really marry her? We were concerned. Once again, she explained you do not eat

sweet potato pie as a side. It’s a dessert. You also do not eat sweet potato casserole as a dessert. It is a side. The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping. Needless to say, we were confused. Our brains began to hurt. We silently wished for the familiar foods of the North where no one ever saw a sweet potato anything on Thanksgiving. Those were simpler times. But we didn’t live in New Jersey any longer. Let me ask you a question. What’s the difference between god and God? That’s easy; one is spelled with a capital “G” and the other with a lower case “G.” What else? When I think of “god,” I think of a “good orderly direction.” When I think of “God,” I think of what we, as Christ-followers celebrate at Christmas, God made flesh. One is about morality and the other is an encounter with the living God. So, I need your help. Can I eat sweet potato casserole as a dessert or is it only to be eaten with the turkey? I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Visit www.charlotterescuemis sion.org for details.

Season of Hope FREE EVENT with ways to support Roof Above & Common Heart!

DRIVE-THRU

BETHLEHEM DEC 5 & DEC 20 5-7 PM LIVE NATIVITY

ACTIVITIES for ALL AGES SPECIAL GIFT for CHILDREN

MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST • MATTHEWSUMC.ORG 801 SOUTH TRADE ST • ENTER AT COUNTRY PLACE

Page 4B • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Nov. 20 to 26:

Lowest Scores

• China Fun, 9020 Albemarle Road, Charlotte – 85.5 Violations include: Cook walked in kitchen from back door and didn't wash hands; employee washed dishes in hand sink; raw chicken was in container above cooked beef in reach-in cooler; multiple foods were not held cold enough; several foods held for over 24 hours didn't have date marking; and bottle of degreaser didn't have label. • Bricktop's Restaurant, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 90.5 Violations include: Employee handled raw chicken, put on gloves and handled ready-to-eat food without washing hands; slicer had dried food residue on blade and guard; ribs and turkey breasts weren't cooling fast enough; pans of mashed potatoes and cooked spinach weren't held hot enough; and bean sprouts, fish and raw beef weren't held cold enough.

Charlotte (28209)

• Anh Dao Market, 4325 South Blvd. – 96

Charlotte (28210)

• Cafe At 6100, 6100 Fairview Road – 96.5 • Mal Pan, 4625 Piedmont Row Drive – 95.5 • McDonalds, 6428 Fairview Road – 96 • Whole Foods Market (prepared foods), 6610 Fairview Road – 98

Charlotte (28211)

• Arthur's, 4400 Sharon Road – 97.5 • Bricktop's Restaurant, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 90.5 • Bulla Gastrobar, 4310 Sharon Road – 92 • Catracholand, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 91 • Cousins Maine Lobster, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99.5 • Food Lion (deli), 931 N. Wendover Road – 99 • Food Lion (market), 931 N. Wendover Road – 99 • Kool Runninz, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97.5 • Ooowee BBQ, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 95.5 • Yama Asian Fusion, 720 Governor Morrison St. – 94.5

Charlotte (28227)

Mint Hill

Charlotte (28270)

Monroe

• China Fun, 9020 Albemarle Road – 85.5

• A&A International Food, 1636 Sardis Road N. – 99 • BR Cafe 1431 Sardis Road N. – 93 • Chex Grill & Wings, 1609 Sardis Road N. – 95.5 • Domino's Pizza, 7211 E. Independence Blvd. – 98.5

Charlotte (28277)

• Another Broken Egg Cafe, 11324 N. Community House Road – 99 • Bahn Thai, 12206 Copper Way – 97 • Co, 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. – 96 • Earth Fare (deli), 12235 N. Community House Road – 96 • Hickory Tavern, 12210 Copper Way – 97.5 • IHOP, 5335 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 97 • Katz Deli, 8624 Camfield St. – 96.5 • Miro Spanish Grille, 12239 N. Community House Road – 92 • Panera Bread, 14835 Ballantyne Village Way – 93.5 • Red Robin, 3415 Toringdon Way – 97 • Sheng Ramen, 15201 John J Delaney Drive – 99

Indian Trail

• Sun Valley Cafe, 6751 Old Monroe Road – 100

Matthews

• Bonefish Grill, 10056 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 • Holiday Inn Express, 9420 E. Independence Blvd. – 99 • IHOP, 9253 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5 • International Truck of Tacos, 10734 Monroe Road – 94.5 • Shane's Rib Shack, 2309 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 96

• Arby's, 12936 Albemarle Road – 98.5

• Chipotle, 2335 W. Roosevelt Blvd.– 100 • Creative Food Concepts, 1809 Airport Road – 96 • Food Lion (deli), 250 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. – 97.5 • Food Lion (meat market), 250 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. – 97.5 • Mr. Tokyo, 2239 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95 • Oasis of Monroe, 116 S. Main St. – 99 • Taqueria La Unica, 1621 Walk Up Ave. – 98.5 • Tavern 74, 2116 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 99

Pineville

• 7-Eleven, 105 S. Polk St. – 96.5 • Dave & Busters, 11049 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 96.5 • El Veracruz, 391 Towne Centre Blvd. – 95.5 • Sri Balaji Caffe, 716 Main St. – 95

Stallings

• China Cafe, 15080 Idlewild Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (deli), 7800 J Stevens Mill Road – 98 • Harris Teeter (meats & seafood), 7800 J. Stevens Mill Road – 99.5 • Lucy's Bakery, 4522 Potter Road – 98 • Moochies Tavern, 15060 Idlewild Road – 96.5 • New Asia Market, 4400 Potter Road – 97 • Rock Store Bar-B-Que, 3116 Old Monroe Road – 98.5

Waxhaw

• China II, 1309 N. Broome St. –

Charlotte (28226)

• Tavern 51, 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96.5 • Thai House, 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road – 94.5 • Wan Fu Chinese Restaurant, 10719 Kettering Drive – 95

Ali Martin, of Charlotte, cuts pork in the galley of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt during the ship’s Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 26. Kyle Hafer/U.S. Navy photo

Vacation expert answers your pandemic travel questions My passport is expired and I’d really like to take my family somewhere tropical but do not want to have to go through passport renewals right now. Any suggestions? For U.S. residents, the only places that we can travel, outside of the states without a passport is the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and Puerto Rico. While they are open to U.S. travelers, they do require a negative COVID-19 test and they are all experiencing restrictions, closures, curfews, etc., so the vacation experience is affected. If you have an adult passport (issued when you were over the age of 16) and it has been expired for less than 5 years, you are eligible to renew it by mail. Just download and complete the DS82 form from travel.state.gov, get a new photo taken and include those with your payment and your current passport and your new one will be mailed to you within 6-8 weeks. While travel is currently restricted to many places even with a valid passport, it does open up more options and it is good for 10 years so it is a great investment. Plus, once we are past this and the world is opened up again, there will likely be a rush on passports causing delays. If you've done it already, you'll be ready for that much-needed vacation while everyone else is waiting on their passports! If you do decide to go ahead and renew your passport now, both Mexico and the Dominican Republic are allowing U.S. travels to visit without a COVID test or quarantine and they each have tons of amazing resorts to fit everyone's needs. How flexible are bookings right now? Hotels, cruises, even Disney? The important thing to look for when booking trips right now is a refundable deposit. Most of the cruise lines offer it, though it may be slightly more expensive than a non-refundable deposit. Hotels also offer refundable rates and Disney has always been fully refundable up until 30 days prior to travel. The other thing that is more important than ever is travel protection. Travel protection not only covers you in the event of a cancellation but also provides medical coverage while you are traveling. Right now to make sure that your investment is protected, you want to look for a policy that has both cash back and “cancel for any reason.”

About Jen Cron Jen Cron is a vacation specialist with Dream Vacations. Call her at 704-780-1599 for help booking your next getaway or email jcron@ dreamvacations.com.

What’s an ideal trip to take right now where social distancing is still possible? While travel is extremely restricted right now, there are still options to get away, take a break and be as safe as possible. If you want to stay in the states, the national parks are a great way for all ages to experience the beauty the U.S. has to offer. There are different accommodations to suit everyone's tastes as well as fun activities where you can maintain social distancing and have a wonderful time. If you are ready to take an international trip and looking for something more tropical, Mexico is fully open for business. The resorts are at reduced capacity so you can keep your distance from other guests while lounging by the pool or beach. They also have increased safety and cleaning protocols including temperature checks, sanitizing luggage upon arrival, etc. You can also book private transportation between the airport and your resort so that you don't have to ride with other travelers. Dream Vacations is a full service travel agency that helps take the stress out of vacation planning and is committed to making sure you get the absolute best value for your dollar. Submit your travel questions for Jen Cron to jcron@ dreamvacations.com

Residential and Commercial • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

a24/7 Emergency

Service Available. aWe Service All Makes and Models. aFREE 2nd Opinion on Major Repairs* aFREE Estimates on New Equipment.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

*Restrictions apply, call for details

1720872-01

I am able to safely handle the legal needs of my clients.

Visit Our Website For

Money Saving

on p u o C

s & Discoun

www.McClintockHVAC.com

McClintock

Heating & Cooling 704.321.5207

Matthews 624 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Suite 300 A (Street Level) 704-688-0505

Paul Tant

Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard • Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters

Fully Insured

Phone: (803)287-1971 ptear50@gmail.com

15% OFF

Services for ALL Military, Police, EMS workers and Hospital Staff.

The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020 • Page 5B

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

Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! FREE CONSULTATION 844-359-4330 A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted local advisors help solutions to your unique needs at NO COST TO YOU! Call 844-4323281 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 844-660-6943 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877661-6587 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 855677-0507 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. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/month (for 24 mos.) Call Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-877666-2821 Ask Us How To Bundle & Save! 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 1-855784-9695 FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% Risk-Free! 45-Day Home Trial. Comfort Fit. Crisp Clear Sound. If you decide to keep it, PAY ONLY $299 per aid. FREE Shipping. Call Hearing Help Express 1- 866744-6150 Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855528-4962 MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1-888-909-9978 18+.

(704) 619-0253

Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate

Mall • Pag

Phone: (803)287-1971 | ptear50@gmail.com

18 • No.

US ABOUT1104

P.O. BOX NC 28106 Matthews, 61 (704) 849-22 y.com justin@cmgweeklly.com thecharlotteweek

-9389

704-458

/ m.vpweb.com cupcakedeliriu

CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES

980-253-9496 n

38 Years of Experience

Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

980-622-7833

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

Pat Moehring 704-564-4275

• 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**

Locally Owned & Operated • Weekly, Bi-Weekly • 1-Time Cleaning • Move-In/Outs • Reliable & Affordable Service by Trained Professionals • Bonded, Licensed, Insured • All Equipment & Supplies Provided • Residential & Commercial • 18 Years of Experience

BF Construction Services

or call Betty

HEALTH & MEDICAL With Medicare, shopping around is key. Compare FREE Quotes from A-Rated Carriers to Save on a Medigap Plan Today! Get Covered and Save!! Call 855-399-9915 Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! 855-808-0483! 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

Call Bill

Your Health & Safety is Our Priority!

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

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION

MERCHANDISE WANTED

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

WANTED...CASH PAID! Comics, Records, Turntables, & More. Stop by Precious Restorations 10-4 Tues-Sat 315 W. John St. Downtown Matthews. 704-965-0074 Preciousrestorations.com

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! 10am5pm9229 Lawyers Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227

NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers!

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

For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available. Contact us at adsales@cmgweekly.com for details.

ber may rememAnome of you sports editor, that our has been battling drew Stark, June 2017. since to throat cancer w hasn’t been able s, While Andre in recent month office work in the sit still. He’s written conhe just can’t and compiled aseveral storiesthree weekly newsp e. tent for our during his absenc week pers each d through interviewing g cancer I’ve learne people battlin are too dozens of of this disease that the effectssustained by a single be a costly fight strong to Often, it’s ual. endure. individ family must that an entire the work of organi That’s why Sandbox is so ims The zations like Sandbox helps familie and emoportant. The on practical, social with their so they can focus . tional needs n overcoming cancer their childre in this work so much ds from We believe ng procee Work donati that we are ral Women @ ased our inaugu the Ballantyne-b to helped eon has Lunch Sandbox charity. The 5,000 families since more than Women 2011. with the Our intent eon is to celebrate Lunch unity, as well @ Work our comm it most. I women in who need the as help those that you will leave have a feeling inspired. feeling luncheon

INDEX

g act Balancin 10

Level Center trains 1B gymnasts,

ine extra

Onl e gives advic Attorney y divorce for mess

Daly and host Carson . stands with round knockout Strom (left) during the Above: Jaron Voice.” Pryor Baird on “The contestant Mars song ms a Bruno Golden/NBC Strom perfor house. Tyler Right: Jaron is in his wheel said, Mars, he

700 Re 5 to Try

see VICK,

than E – More CHARLOTTwill work across rs 700 Realto g and Iredell counMecklenbur to help homeown20 safety ties April l repairs and ers with critica.

Johannes

Leader

s propo

..................

ABOU

Leaders split M Friday,

justin@ matthewsmicmgweekly.co nthillweekly.cm om

FALL AR CLASS T ES

One of the many learned things I ing on while servlotte-Me the CharSchools cklenburg Educatio Board of Bailey educationn is that are fortu policy is not nate easy. We schools to in Mat have excellent thews, but the

on HB

514 • Pag

2018 •

e 6A

Vol. 11

in the Pa PPaaSatws w urday, s Mainy 5ththrke Park 10am-3

Chestnut

• No. 18

Square

on chart turday er schSa 10 oo:0l0abmil-3, Ml:0ay 5th Higdon: HB Ch 0pm itsparks

Park

andrec.

com

514 es is tnut ua for our still noSq schools t a re Park

good id ea

lem is there are them. The too few our town enormous grow of Sponso is putt on our ing mor th in by John red by: e stress package schools. The Matthews F. Higdon lates Mayor new schoholds little relie t bond schools, Pro Tem has alrea schools ols for Matthewf and no Just as House vote dy for this attempts repeated and will passed a State away. CM area are s. New fore the likely Sena disliked to try a ative to S can do noth decades short sessio te during the come being relimproves food rarely projects raising funds why I conti n. Here are a upcoming its for yet flavor, capi repeated suffe for not not in our nue to believe few reasons building rs the blamtal HB 514 best inter House readings of e schools 1. Given is Bill est: quickly not make 514 do new scho the choice to Higdon recom see BAIL palatable. it more have a munols for municipa mend EY, Page 4A allow Matt The bill, whic icipa sus those l charter lities that optio that build and hews and Minth would will favor the do not, I suspe n verFeatur operate ct CMS municipa Hill to latter ing : . I fear HB l charter 514 Summer

itspark sa

ndrec.c om Hits Aft er Six 4th Fri

day Fli

see HIGD

Daze Party Band

1813

Matthews Parkway,Township Matthews To Harr , NC

(Next

See our

is Teete

ad on page

Special Olymp ics Students part of

excited to tradition be , 3B

Southern

Deli Hold

It's tim

Fuzzy's Taco

introduci

ng the

town to

Fuzzy's

e for t

Shop opens first

MATTHE Taco Shop WS – Fuzz y’s bran will unique Baja-style bring its Soni ds, such as North Caro MO lina with fare to Taco c Drive-In and D Pizza, location Shop. its first Fuzzy's opening 2225 Matt “We May hews Tow 3 at Fuzz ’ve been Pkwy. fans y’s for nship we are look a long time of This is built, own the first Fuzz nally bein ing forward , so Armch by Matt ed and oper y’s concept g able to shareto fiair GM ern Deli hews-based Soutated commun with the Matt the Did Pan hews Hold ity,” said ther SD Hold ings LLC. h- McKinnie right draf s make the Merrick ings bega t day call? 1999 as Shop franc, Fuzzy’s n Taco a in our , 1B hisee. “We chise, but single-store guests franwill fall think into one has since grow with in love of the n froze our tacos, largest coun gauc and n marg aritas.” franchisee McAlister's try's The firm has s. The Matt Deli restauranfast-casual Mex hews ican expanded t will chisee footp its fran- and laid-back feature a cool ing and rint, now designed atmosphe ownthan 100 operating feel at to make patro re more six state restaurants acros will takehome. A full ns s with bar center in mult s stage and iple Doub

le troub

Rocky le Rive overcom r track has e hurd les, 1B

see TACO

Former police offi cer S, Page

by Karie Simmons karie@cm gweekly.co m

Fine pri

ON, Page

Schools noMa myin17 6:00p ated forCro Cars 3 BssingmmMa Paths lu Park eyy 25 @ Awards 6:0 Crooke d Creek 0pm Park

ings is

Att

May 4,

ayor: 514 haveMany critics of H n't even read it B prob by Paul F. Baile y Matthews Mayor

-based

nce

promise

P.O. BOX US Matthews, 1104 NC (704) 849-2 28106 261

Matthews

Page 2A

se com

..................

adsales@cmgweekly.com or call 704-849-2261

ffere make a di epare to altors pr

fficiency. toward self-suhousing is in poverty secure to lead peoplebelieves that safe, Realtors y Johannes, se how “Everyone said Tiffan see up-clo uate impacts an imperative,” “But Realtors inadeq housing crisis effort. affordable as renters,” said Julie Care Day chair. and what unsafe or and “Charlotte’s need is just as much Partnership great the like.” homeowners ent of The Housing board memhousing looks Porter, presid rtunity Foundation s simply ? ncome Oppo help in on fixed-i te their older Housing Want to y residents d food drive ber. “Man to maintain or renovaCare Day partzing a canneDay. The Charorgani rs are rs afford Realto Realto can’t Realtors Care on office (1201 is why our es, which r nction with will sociati

Inside:

Crime.................. .................. .................. Classifieds .................. ....... 2A .................. .................. Calendar .................. ....... 5B .................. .................. Faith .................. .................. ............. 6A .................. .................. Sports .................. ...........4B .................. .................. .................. Puzzles .................. ..... 1B ..................

believed Preston. said he singer Blake Shelton unner in County musicated Charlotte be a frontr Baird to Shelton elimin Strom from the competition. all Jaron guys for 13 epresident “Thank you rt that has on the April “The ng suppo his team the hit show the amazi way from isode of NBC flooded my y with ‘The Voice.” med “Gre- start of my journe d April tweete Strom perfor Mars during Strom ’ a few Voice, Bruno ers. “I have , which nade” by out round t each 4 to follow g up and can’t the knock comin agains all in s you shows singer Pryor and meet pits two n preferred wait to see other. Shelto ion of “Will It person.” rendit s by Billy Baird’ in Circles” Go Round

Call Anytime!

-Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer -Ballantyne area

A Glance

minated Strom eli e Voice’ ‘Th from

rusT

Piano Instruction

Join us in g celebratin women

grants can win Teachers ng, 2A ive thinki for creat

Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks

704-254-5381

At ’s Cup echase Cup Steepl a.m. – The Queen l Queen’s 10 SPRINGS better with age. 23rd Annua 28. Gates open at ood Race be g MINERAL ’s Cup will keeps gettin When: April ds of Brooklandw Steeplechase edition of the Queen Race Course Where: Groun $50; The 23rd at Brooklandwood of the best al Springs starting at 28 some about Course, Miner al Admission held April of Waxhaw and is one of lechase be on hand. gete Tickets: Generg at $150. and iation races just outsid rs and jockeys will ’s Cup Steep 2:05, 3:15 startin options keep ng The Queen Steeplechase Assoc/SCW photo Tailgating Races start at 1:30, and after the horses, traine , the tailgating top sporti National y. Paul Nielsen Schedule: And as alwaysbetter at one of the A crowd of 30 activities before the count inmiss the across and east. Don’t and the South Queen’s Cup. ting better of the event extravagant 4 p.m. events in is a big part and social 0 attended last year’sechase will benTailgating e gatherings are often outfits. Tail- race. www.queenscup.org t Web: nearly 20,00 Queen’s Cup Steepl ation for the dividual tailgat d in elegan groups The 2018 Alzheimer’s Associ Cup has do- with racing fans dresse $150 to $695 for ’s from local Queen range the the The efit gating spots tive year. charities over to various fifth-consecu Justin Vick $800,000 Editor nated over Managing years.

s Bright idea

• PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)

. the race course 14 people of 12 and r where you are on have, you have “No matte r what ticket you ,” said Kevin and no matte view of horse racing pment didevelo a spectacular ’s Cup business Tobin, Queen rector.

n by Paul Nielse m ekly.co paul@cmgwe

Experienced s Insured s Reliable • ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS

Your Home CONCRETE WORK •••I G W T ••• Exterior Specialists

Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience • Senior Discount

ha Steeplec

Tony DeMarzo

704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...

Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding Water Damage & All Types of Flooring • Tile Work Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning

owds act big cr se to attr 2018 • Vol.

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

The handy Man

page Turn to

6, Friday, April

DeMARZO

HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS

Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

201 8

e 5A

FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

Fully Insured

SATELLITE TV

SouthPark

Veteran owned and operated

| NCUC: 4646 A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777

Paul Tant

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 1-855-419-7188 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 888-753-3635

coming to

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

Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters

FOR SALE: Friedrich A/C, Heat Pump throughthe-wall unit (or in a window). Model YS12M33, 220 volt, 12,000 BTU cooling, 9400 BTU heat. Will easily cool and heat a large room or a 2 car garage. All manuals and instructions included. Energy Star qualified. Cost new $1056. $400. Call 704-589-0926.

ding Spaces’

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

Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Inside: ‘Tra

SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT

Kelly’s Painting

MISCELLANEOUS

helps ot hers

burden CHARLO and TTE – discovered stress,” Pura been a Kare polic with PTS was that I was nda said. “Wh years when e officer in em Puranda D and exces at I pote upside down his world Salisbury for had Pura sive burn ntially dealing was sudd eight chan nda knew . out.” he enly flipp After ge, ed a licen so he returnedhad to be an went froma moment of agent of sed profe poor judg being dicti ssion to school the com munity a well-respected ment, he ma ons specialist al counselor to become , clinical two indic to facin and certi profession officer g se ad tm fi

CHARLO leads area TTE – Cove nations schools with nant Day in the seven four School th annu nomial High known Musical Thea ter as The The Chri Blumey Awa Awards, stian scho rds. nominati rison Chasons for Best ol earned Actor (Har e), Best Jones), . Photo Best Featu Actress (Kell s court (Tori Win er red esy of SDH ing Actre sky) and Best Performer its prod ss (Elizabeth Supportuctio Bryan) for Blumenth n of “Mary recognize al Performin Poppins.” will inclu winners in g Arts will a of the nomde performan show that ces by inees at at Belk 7 p.m. some able at Theater. Tickets May 20 or 704- www.Blumenth are avail372alArts.org The prog 1000. ram celeb in high rates scho “While ol musical theatthe best er. are part competition and awar the Blumof the process, ds working ey Awards is getting to really abou together sical,” Blum to t enthal create a muGabbard Presi night can said. “Everyon dent Tom for what feel the colle e there that and paren these students,ctive pride ing hard ts have achieved teachers to in work put their er.” shows toget hSeveral othe nized, inclu r schools were recog • Inde ding: tions for pendence had Best ActreBest Actor (Max nominaSupportin ss (Jada Eve) Becker), ueva) for g Actress (Isab and Best 25th Ann its productio ela Villann ual Putn Bee.” am Co. of “The Spelling

Taco Shop

acos

state locatio n

see AWA

navigate mental health RDS, Page

cks

Page 6B • The Weekly • Dec. 4, 2020

HOLIDAY MELTDOWN SALE FREE SHIPPING & CURBSIDE SERVICE Since 1937

OPEN SUNDAYS

Third Generation Family Owned & Operated

Kurt Seelig

CHARLOTTE ARBORETUM SHOPPING CENTER

next to Harris Teeter 3351 Pineville Matthews Rd. Suite 100 Charlotte

704-541-7488

www.cardinalcamera.com

BRING IN ANY AD WE WILL BEAT THEIR PRICE!

WE BEAT AMAZON & INTERNET PRICING!

$40 OFF $20 OFF $10 OFF Any $600 Purchase Any $300 Purchase Any $100 Purchase Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp 12-15-20.

Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp 12-15-20.

a7C BODY ONLY! 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI Sensor BIONZ X Image Processor UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas 693-Point Hybrid AF System

$1798.00

$1299.00 $1399.00 - $100=

BODY ONLY! 20MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor DIGIC X Image Processor 4K60p and FHD 120p 10-Bit Internal Video Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization

w/18-55mm & 75-300mm lenses

$499.00

$2499.00

$3499.00

$899.00-$100=

20.0MP 1/2.3" CCD Image Sensor DIGIC 4+ Image Processor 8x Optical Zoom Lens 28-224mm (35mm Equivalent)

6 TAPES FOR $99

$799.00

$129.99 Done In House!

One Tape $19.99

No LIMIT. DONE IN HOUSE. Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp. 12-30-20.

Reel to Reel Movies to DVD

Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp 12-30-20.

W/ 18-55MM LENS 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor EXPEED 4 Image Processor No Optical Low-Pass Filter Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting

$499.00

BODY ONLY! 24MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI 693-Point Hybrid AF System

$1999.00-$300=

$1699.00

a6400

Tape transfers to DVD

10% OFF

$2499.00

a7III

WITH 18-55MM LENS 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor DIGIC 8 Image Processor 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen UHD 4K24p Video

ELPH 180

a7sIII

BODY ONLY! 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor DIGIC 6+ Image Processor 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor

D3500

T8i

BODY ONLY! 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal 16-Bit Raw Output, HLG & SLog3 Gammas

$3899.00

26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor DIGIC 8 Image Processor UHD 4K and Full HD 1080 Video 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor DIGIC 4+ Image Processor 3.0" 920k-Dot LCD Monitor EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens EOS Shoulder Bag 200ES

5d IV

BODY ONLY! 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor DIGIC X Image Processor 8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization

w/ 24-105mm lens

Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp 12-15-20.

Scan Slides to DVD

59¢ EACH

35mm only. Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp 12-30-20.

With a 16-50mm lens 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor Real-Time Eye AF XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF 3.0" 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Internal UHD 4K Video, S-Log3

$999.00

50 CARDS $19.99 Holiday Cards FLAT CARDS ONLY!

Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp.12-30-20. Online Code: Card1937

25% OFF Canvas Prints

DONE IN HOUSE Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp. 12-30-20.

Buy 1 Calendar at Reg. Price, Get 2nd

GREAT GIFT!

50% OFF

Not to be combined with any other offer. With coupon. Exp. 12-30-20