Union County Weekly Dec. 7, 2018 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Not a great gift giver? Check out our holiday shopping guide • Page 1B

Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 • Vol. 13 • No. 49

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com

Providing hope can be hereditary

WEEKLY PICKS

The Waxhaw Christmas Parade is a place to get into the holiday spirit with festive displays (top) and sounds from high school marching bands (bottom). Photos courtesy of Town of Waxhaw

Nicole Jordan helps load Christmas presents at the Waxhaw Ray of Hope Community Outreach Christmas Party. Photo courtesy of Waxhaw Ray of Light

Santa plans to visit brunch in Waxhaw and a tree lighting in Marvin on Dec. 8, among other activities. Flip to the calendar on page 4B for details.

Wintry mix Snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected to hit the Charlotte region this weekend, which could prompt cancellations and delays of happenings around town. You may want to verify events with organizers.

Stage play The CATA High School PTSO presents “The Laramie Project” Dec. 7 and 8 in honor of the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death. See this and other events in our calendar.

Theater There aren’t many wide releases this week, which could mean a third consecutive week atop the box office for “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”

Streaming A boy raised by computed-animated wolves heads back to live with human villagers in this live action Netflix film, “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.” Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Benedict Cumberbatch star in this adaptation of “The Jungle Book.”

WHAT'S INSIDE

Nicole Jordan to serve as parade grand marshal just like her grandmother by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW – When Nicole Jordan was a child, the Waxhaw native hung out at work with her grandmother a lot. Jordan went to all kinds of events around town, even playing tic tac toe with the police chief at the time. Jordan had that kind of access because her grandmother, Lola Blackburn, was mayor in the early 1980s. Some years later, Jordan watched her grandmother ride downtown as the grand marshal at the annual Waxhaw Christmas Parade. Things have now come full circle for Jordan as the Waxhaw businesswomen and community volunteer will be the grand marshal at the Waxhaw Christmas Parade on Dec. 9. The parade begins at 3 p.m. Jordan wasn’t selected as grand marshal because of Blackburn, who passed away in 2006. see JORDAN, Page 3A

Good causes

There is a food pantry at Nicole Jordan's Sweet Repeats Resale shop in Waxhaw. Paul Nielsen/UCW photo

3-and-out: Regional football playoff edition

Waxhaw boutique has ethical fashion, 2B

by Andrew Stark

Storm may thwart Christmas parade by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW – It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in downtown Waxhaw. The streets and local businesses are aglow with decorations as the town prepares for its annual Christmas parade on Sunday, Dec. 9. And the weather may even feel like Christmas this weekend, but that may not be a good thing for the annual parade, which is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. The forecast for this weekend calls for a chance of winter precipitation and that may force town officials to postpone the parade to a later date. “We are monitoring the weather closely,” Waxhaw Events Manager Lisa Hoffman said on Dec. 3. “If there is a sleet-snow mix, we could likely cancel. But we won’t make that decision until Friday (Dec. 7).” If the parade goes off as scheduled, it will be larger than the annual July 4th parade. High school bands from Parkwood, Marvin Ridge and Cuthbertson will all march and play in the parade. In addition, hundreds of other participants will march or ride floats through the downtown Waxhaw area. Announcers cover the entire parade route to make sure spectators hear all of the details surrounding the entries that see PARADE, Page 3A

Swimming

Mavs boys, girls reload with titles in mind by Andrew Stark

andrew@cmgweekly.com

Speedy shopper How to shop SouthPark Mall in 60 minutes, 4B

INDEX Shopping Guide......................................... 1B Crime................................................................................ 6A Classifieds..............................................................5B Calendar....................................................................4B Dining Scores..................................................4B Puzzles.........................................................................4B In the Know.........................................................2B

The Western Regional finals are ripe with area football teams as Porter Ridge, Weddington and Charlotte Catholic are all still alive and just one win from playing for state championships. Charlotte Catholic went undefeated and won it all last year. They were tripped up by Charlotte Christian, the legendarily good private school power who went unbeaten and won their second straight title, but have rolled since. Weddington has been there with many of these same kids, winning in 2016 with current head coach Andy Capone as an assistant. Capone has made a seamless transition

Weddington linebacker Alec Mock makes a tackle during the Warriors’ win against Central Cabarrus in the first round of the playoffs. Mock has 135 tackles on the season. Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Mock

and has the Warriors playing great football. Porter Ridge is still alive in the 4-A bracket, using their unstoppable ground and pound attack to keep advancing. Quarterback Grayson McCall has been

special in this postseason run, and is looking to get them back to the championship for the first time since 2012. Below we’ll take a closer see FOOTBALL, Page 4A

WAXHAW – Over the past six seasons, the Marvin Ridge swimming and diving team has become the gold standard in the NCHSAA’s 3A classification. Part of that has to do with the arrival of coach Melissa King-Pierce, who came to Marvin Ridge seven seasons ago and has since helped lift the already successful boys and girls teams to even new heights. King-Pierce uses a different approach than other coaches, starting at the top with her stars, including senior 100-butterfly and 200-freestyle swimmer and North Carolina commit Ellie VanNote, senior freestyle specialist Charles Rothen-

berger and junior 100-butterfly and 50-freestyle swimmer Boyd Poelke. “I make these guys clean the bus up because if the freshmen see them cleaning the bus they won’t leave any trash,” King-Pierce said. “I lead from the top down instead of bottom up because it just works better.” King-Pierce holds her swimmers accountable, but all involved say it’s the culture that’s led to the success of both programs. Last season, the boys added to their rise of prominence with their second straight 3A title after finishing second in 2016 and third in both 2014 and 2015. The girls have been just as dominant. In 2014, the see SWIMMING, Page 5A

Join us for a joyful Christmas worship celebration for all ages!

Sunday, December 9 9:45 am & 6:00 pm Featuring the Calvary Choir & Orchestra and Student & Children’s Worship Choirs FREE — Bring family & friends! C A LVA R Y C H U R C H | 5 8 01 P I N E V I L L E – M AT T H E W S R OA D, C H A R LO T T E , N C 2 8 2 2 6 | C A L V A R Y C H U R C H . C O M / C H R I S T M A S SCW_CalvaryChurch_FrontPageStrip_Dec7.indd 1

C A LVA RYC H U R C H . C O M 11/28/2018 10:31:57 AM

Page 2A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

NEWS BRIEFS

IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK STAY CONNECTED • Twitter: @UCweekly • Like us on Facebook • Web: www.unioncounty weekly,com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

Harini Nirmalkumar grew a 24.7-pound cabbage to take the North Carolina title in the Bonnie Plants Kids Grow Green contest. Third-graders across the state competed. Photo courtesy of Bonnie Plants

MOST POPULAR STORIES • McGee earns Lifetime Achievement Award • Metrolina denied title on controversial play • Warriors into quarters for sixth straight year • Leaders expect new expressway to transform region • Houlihan favors dialogue when it comes to safety

TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “The CHS FFA Chapter recently competed at Lee County HS in the state Vet Science Career Development event. CHS FFA placed 8th in the state out of 54 teams. Way to go, Cavs! @UCPS_MonroeNC @AGHoulihan” – Cuthbertson High ‫@( ‏‬CHSCavaliers) • “Third graders are coding in the media center and celebrating Computer Science Education Week! #UCPScodes #CSEW #UCPSLibraryLife @AGHoulihan @UCPS_Monro eNC” – Sandy Ridge ES UCPS ‫@(‏‬SandyRidgeES_NC)

UPCOMING EDITIONS • Dec. 14: Arts & Entertainment

MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com CONTENT PRODUCER Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb adsales@cmgweekly.com

PRESS RELEASES justin@cmgweekly.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR justin@cmgweekly.com

wa lt o n wo o d p rov i d e n c e

Committed to Resident Wellness

Our Forever Fit health and wellness program offers ways for residents of all ages and abilities to improve balance, strength and flexibility, and ultimately maintain a more independent lifestyle.

P ROVIDENCE

Stop by and learn more today! (704) 753-7045

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghJobs.com

Waxhaw 1315 N. Broome St. 704-243-2024

Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025

Veterans Marshall Boston, Harry Watkins, Larry Berg and Bill Ruehle help bring the Veterans Coffee House to fruition. Photo courtesy of Union County

Veterans celebrate one year of camaraderie MONROE – Harry Watkins and Larry Berg started the Waxhaw Baptist Church Veterans Coffee House one year ago with a desire to give veterans a place where they could feel safe to share their experiences. They took their idea to Pastor Chris Whittaker and his wife, Laura. The Whittakers supported the idea, as their fathers are both veterans, and offered the church as a gathering place. Watkins and Berg were joined by Marshall Boston and Bill Ruehle, who assist each month. All four are veterans. Twenty people attended the first coffee in December 2017. The crowd has grown to 70 veterans and spouses. The coffee takes place 9 to 11 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at the church, 8213 Old Waxhaw Monroe Road. Speakers have included Anthony Parker, of the Union County Veteran Services Office; Waxhaw Police Chief Michael Eiss; Waxhaw Mayor Stephen Maher; and Lance Nelson, of the Vet Center, a counseling center for combat veterans. Watkins said he loves seeing veterans laughing, talking and enjoying the camaraderie.

Forum focuses on oncology skin care MATTHEWS – Jon’Ric International Massage & Wellness & Salt Spa presents a discussion of compromised skin conditions and oncology skin care. Participants learn what happens to the skin during and after cancer treatments, as well as how to overcome concerns with keeping it healthy and hydrated. They'll also discuss healthy and unhealthy ingredients. Each hour-long session will include a drawing for a free Green Tea Facial. Discussions take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 and 29 at Jon’Ric International Massage & Wellness & Salt Spa, 2935 Matthews-Weddington Road, Suite 300, Matthews. RSVP is required for the free event. Call 704708-4165 for details.

Transportation facility gets bid out MONROE – The lowest bid for a transportation facility came in higher than Union County Public Schools had budgeted, requiring the district to slightly scale back the very last 2016 bond project. The low bid was $13.3 million, but UCPS has a $12.5 million construction budget. The district decided to ask the county to tap into $685,266 in carryover funding from last year. The district is also scaling the project back by initially eliminating an equipment shelter and light duty asphalt paving. UCPS could add back the shelter depending on how much contingency funding is used over the course of the project.

voked. Narcotics detectives, responding to a citizen tip, encountered two people in a stolen vehicle at the Relax Inn in Monroe. They arrested Jody Allen Tarlton, 44, of Monroe and Stacy Amanda Manis, 41, of Polkton, on charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Tarlton faces additional charges related to fentanyl laced heroin and marijuana that detectives found, officials said.

Sheriff: Gun dispute happened in front of child MONROE – A child opened a bedroom door to find a man on top of a woman while pointing a handgun toward her head after 11 p.m. Nov. 19 at 5000 block of Pageland HIghway, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office reported the man fired a round into the wall over her head, turned the gun to his own head and fired a round into the ceiling before falling to the ground. No injuries were reported. Deputies arrested David Allen Myers on charges of assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling and misdemeanor child abuse. His next court date is Jan. 8.

UCPS buying real estate MONROE – Union County Public Schools plans to buy 17.4 acres next to Piedmont High School. The school board approved the purchase price of $191,400 during a Dec. 3 meeting. The district is using remaining funding out of its 2015-16 Capital Improvement Program, specifically savings recouped from 24 roofing projects, to make the purchase.

Monroe intersection closing for water main work MONROE – The City of Monroe will be closing the intersection of North Charlotte Avenue and Concord Avenue/Walnut Street to construct a new water main. This will take place on Dec. 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes. Call the City of Monroe Water Resources Department at 704-282-4601 with any questions or concerns.

Carolers visit Carillon Assisted Living INDIAN TRAIL – The Holiday Singers, a Victorian Christmas caroling group, performed free concerts Dec. 1 at several Carillon Assisted Living communities, including the Indian Trail location on Secrest Short Cut Road. Donations were raised during the events to benefit local charities, including Union County Christmas Bureau. The caroling concerts are part of a companywide effort to welcome families and friends to Carillon’s communities for a fun, festive celebration featuring Christmas traditions. “Our Carillon Christmas concert is a way to bring people together around the very traditions that unite us at the holiday season, and in effect, all year long,” President and CEO Karen Moriarty said. “And it is so important to center those festivities around our seniors, because they are the ones who taught us to honor those Christmas traditions and to pass them on to our children.”

High School Athlete of the Week

Police recover two stolen vehicles, arrest three people

WAYNE DIXIE

UCPS continues building classroom libraries

WEDDINGTON FOOTBALL

Dixie had a career day on the ground for the Warriors, who scored 42 straight points to rout Watauga 42-12 on Nov. 30. Dixie rushed 20 times for a season-best 131 yards and a touchdown. Teammate Will Shipley ran for 166 yards and scored three times. Are you a coach and know an incredible athlete you’d like us to feature? email us at Andrew@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – The Union County Sheriff's Office arrested three people Nov. 28 as deputies recovered two stolen vehicles. A sheriff's deputy, assisted by Marshville Police, initiated a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. James Ernest Lowery III, 26, of Wingate, was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and driving while license re-

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Union County Public Schools will soon stock middle school classroom libraries with new titles. Superintendent Andrew Houlihan explained to the school board's curriculum committee on Nov. 29 that UCPS has a three-year phase-in plan to buy more sets for classroom libraries. UCPS began two years ago with kindergarten through second grades and continued last year with third through fifth grades. Laurel Healy, director of secondary education at UCPS, said instructional coaches began inventorying middle school classrooms last spring. They determined what the greatest areas of need are, as well as solicited input from teachers. Other factors included how books compared to curriculum standards, reading levels

and cultural responsiveness. Classroom sets could be used for independent reading, book clubs, anchor texts referenced all year and interactive readalongs. “A lot of times, we think that's not appropriate for seventh grade but children still love to be read to,” Healy said of readalongs. “There's some very powerful messages from those types of books.” UCPS is looking at buying classroom sets from companies like Amazon, Columbia University and Scholastic. The district has already decided to move forward with an order from National Geographic. “We found most of these titles are for social studies,” Healy said of National Geographic. “That's what they do best, but there are also some for math and science. And because we hope to be able to do this with high school, there are some titles that are in Spanish and lower level readers that match the content there.”

Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018 • Page 3A

JORDAN (continued from page 1A)

But it was Blackburn’s service to her community that helped start Jordan on the path of being a community leader. Jordan lives in her grandmother’s old home and owns Sweet Repeats Resale nearby. Jordan also founded Waxhaw’s Ray of Hope Community Outreach, which has helped thousands of people since 2014. That is why the town selected Jordan to be the grand marshal. “When we select someone to be grand marshal of the parade we look at their contributions to the community,” Waxhaw Events Manager Lisa Hoffman said. “Nicole Jordan is the one behind Waxhaw’s Ray of Hope and they have done a lot of things for the community. She is the first to step forward when someone has a tragic event in the community. She is the epitome what we consider fulfilling the town of Waxhaw’s mission that the unique character of Waxhaw is preserved and enhanced through responsibly serving residents, visitors and the business community with integrity and innovation.” Jordan said she was surprised to find out that she had been selected as the grand marshal. “I was very shocked. I was speechless,” Jordan said. “You don’t do charity work for recognition. We all do this and we all help these kids. It’s just not me. It does mean a lot because my grandmother was the grand marshal years ago. She loved Waxhaw.” Blackburn was Waxhaw’s first female mayor after being elected in 1979. Jordan was 5 years old at the time. That was a year after Jordan’s father, Robert Wolfe, passed away unexpectedly. “That is why I spent a lot of time with my grandmother,” Jordan said. “My mom had to work two jobs. I had two older brothers and mom had to start working immediately. We were very, very poor. It was a rough childhood in that sense.” But Jordan got a lot of help along the way. People would provide free lunches and teachers would bring snacks while

PARADE (continued from page 1A)

pass by along the parade route. “Our theme for this year is a Storybook

others provided hand-me-down clothes. “That is how I grew up,” Jordan said. After graduating from Parkwood High School and going off to college and living for a time in Monroe and South Carolina, Jordan returned home with her family. But more obstacles popped up in Jordan’s life. “After I got divorced, my son had got sick and he was in the hospital for about three weeks,” Jordan said. “It came time for Christmas and he was worried that Santa would not find him in the hospital. I needed to find a Santa with a deep voice and I found a man named Roger Newland and he called my son and assured him that he would find him. They ended up sponsoring my son and my daughter that Christmas. He said he and his parents wanted to take care of them that Christmas. And they did.” Jordan was working two jobs at the time and saved up money to pay Newland and his parents back for their generosity. The Newlands would have none of that, however. “He said, ‘No, I want you to pay it forward,’” Jordan said. And that is what Jordan is doing in a big way with Waxhaw’s Ray of Hope Community Outreach. Ray of Hope has grown from a very small undertaking into an organization that sponsors several major events each year, including events helping children and families at Easter, at Thanksgiving, during prom season and when it comes time to go back to school. But the annual Christmas party, which is scheduled for Dec. 22, is the biggest event as the organization will provide a Merry Christmas for almost 120 children in the Waxhaw area. The first year about two dozen children were provided Christmas gifts. “It has just snowballed,” Jordan said. “The reason I named it Waxhaw’s Ray of Hope Community Outreach is because it is the community helping each other. Over the past six years, we have had over 100 different volunteers for our events.’’ Citizens and local businesses help support the group’s events by sponsoring chil-

dren, providing donations or providing monetary support. “It’s the whole community coming together,” Jordan said. “All the kids are from Union County and a lot of them are from Waxhaw. We help families get on their feet. People in this community go out and buy these kids brand new jackets, brand new Nikes. We have a lot of organizations that have come together for the greater good. “The Christmas party is huge. We give them all a hot meal, and that is the community coming in with all different food. Every kid gets a huge Santa sack full of toys. The kids get a free picture with Santa.” Jordan bought Sweet Repeats six years ago but the Waxhaw resident has a few more irons in the fire. “I have four or five jobs right now,” Jordan said with a laugh. “I am a wedding planner and I have a few other things but this is the main thing here.” And Sweet Repeats is more than a money-making business as Jordan uses the store as another means of giving back to the community. “Here at the store, if we have a family in need, I’m like, ‘Come in here and get whatever you need,’” Jordan said. “We have a food pantry back here. We have a closet that is free clothes for women. If someone needs clothes for an interview or for church, they can come in and it is 100 percent free. Those are donated by United Women for Change group and others.” Jordan said she is looking forward to being the grand marshal of the parade since she will have her granddaughter, Kennedy, by her side in the car. “I am nervous,” Jordan said. “My main worry is I don’t want people thinking I am doing this for the praise. When you give for the right reasons, you don’t need a pat on the back for it. It’s called a community outreach because it is all of us. We all help. So, I am going to have my granddaughter up there to try and draw some attention to her looking all cute. “We are trying to teach people that you can make a difference, you can do something.”

Christmas,” Hoffman said. “So, we have several organizations that are doing floats that represent that theme. We have a Christmas Story, we have the Grinch and we have Peter Pan Christmas among the entries.”

Typically, the Christmas Parade draws a crowd of between 2,000 and 4,000 spectators. Local businesswomen and community volunteer Nicole Jordan is the parade’s grand marshal.

Abstract art met with skepticism by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

INDIAN TRAIL – The Indian Trail Arts & Historical Society has offered to install a sculpture to honor former Indian Trail Elementary School principal George Miller on campus, but leaders at Union County Public Schools have several concerns. Miller, who died Oct. 6 at the age of 77, served as principal of the school in the 1970s and 1980s. Dave Burnette, facilities director for UCPS, told the school board's facilities committee Nov. 19 that the society had good intentions, but he acknowledged concerns over safety, liability, maintenance and repairs, should the art be vandalized. “Vandalism is a concern because then we have to somehow repair it and then, are we even capable of repairing it?” Burnette said. There's also the precedence of other schools adding similar installations. The 10-foot abstract sculpture is intended to be a waving hand. “Abstract art is certainly up for interpretation,” Burnette said. “We know as we are a public body, we're dealing with public perception and interpretations all the time. We try to guard ourselves from any negative opportunities. It's abstract art. Some people are not going to like it.” District officials aren't aware of other principals being enshrined with sculptures at any of its 53 schools, however, at least a couple have had benches dedicated in their honor. “When it comes to groups that want to come onto the school and do projects on our school grounds, it always brings up, who is going to maintain that?” board member Kathy Heintel said. School officials also worry children may get hurt trying to climb onto the sculpture or try to damage it by throwing objects. Board member Melissa Merrell said she thought the sculpture could be a challenge on school property, but she mentioned other places in town that it may be a safer choice, such as the new town hall. Mark Strickland, assistant superintendent for administration and operations, said he told the society he'd like to see something more concrete before the district makes a decision. “Dave and I are not used to dealing in the abstract but in the concrete, so we are not comfortable yet about the structure and what's proposed,” Strickland told the committee.

HE AR E AR I N G TA X AI D S D - US E YO EDUCT IBL UR H BEF E O RE SA / FS TH THE E END A OF YEA R!

Madison Levine, Owner

Maggie Page, Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Special Event: December 11th - 13th, 2018 • Complimentary Hearing Evaluation • Complimentary Demonstration of Newest Technology • Complimentary Cleaning of Current Hearing Aids

B O N U S S AV I N G S

Bring in this coupon to receive:

500 OFF

A pair of Starkey hearing aids

Valid on the purchase of a pair of premium hearing aids. Can’t be used on previous purchases or combined with other discounts.

Offer expires 12/13/18

3121 Springbank Lane Ste G CHARLOTTE, NC 28226

(704) 579-5655

www.levinehearing.com | Follow us

Appointments are limited so call today to book your slot!

(704) 579-5655

Call TODAY to schedule your appointment.

Page 4A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

FOOTBALL (continued from page 1A)

look at how they got there and play 3-andout with each matchup.

Balanced Warriors ready for speedy QB by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

4-A Playoffs

No. 6 Porter Ridge (10-4) at No. 1 East Forsyth (13-0) Ten key Pirates: Quarterback Grayson McCall; running backs Jaylen Coleman and Malcolm Hines; receiver Jaylin Daniels; defensive back/return man Kirkland Harris; kicker Jared Wheatley; lineman Connor Henderson; defensive back Colton Richardson; linebackers Davison Carroll and Dylan Burdette How’d they get here? Grayson McCall. Football is the ultimate team sport, but McCall is playing it as well as anyone right now. He was 3-for-4 for 75 yards when he took to the air, but he spent most of his night on the ground. Against West Meck, McCall ran 13 times for 143 yards and five touchdowns. The Pirates, who played at times without Coleman and Hines who both went down with injury, ran the ball on 51 of their 55 offensive possessions, gaining 442 yards and six touchdowns. Without Hines and Coleman fully healthy, sophomore Brandon Perry rushed 12 times for over 100 yards and a touchdown in a dominating performance. Burdette led a spirited defensive effort with nine tackles and the Pirates dominated in their 42-20 win. What’s next? East Forsyth went just 9-5 last season, but opened the season with a win and hasn’t stopped. They’ve outscored their two opponents 83-13 in the playoffs. 3-and-out: • East Forsyth opened the season with an 18-point win over Sanderson and a 21-point win over Mount Tabor. Since, only one game (a 16-10 win at West Forsyth) has been within three touchdowns. • Sophomore quarterback Ty’Shaun Lyles has thrown for 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns, but the Eagles run the ball on more than 70 percent of their snaps much like Porter Ridge. Junior Ahmani Marshall is the guy to watch in the ground attack and has over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. Robbin Smith has 500 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mizell Hall, Micah Crowell and Nick Childs are three very good receivers and combine for 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns when they get the ball. • Only two teams have scored as much as 21 points in a game on the Eagle defense, but RJ Reynolds and Grimsley both lost 5221. The key to the upset could be the Pirates’ ground control game that takes the air out of the Eagle offense and gives Porter Ridge a chance.

3-AA playoffs

No. 5 Weddington (13-1) at No. 3 Mount Tabor (10-4) Ten key Warriors: Quarterback Whitner Litton; running backs Will Shipley and Wayne Dixie; receivers Max Brimigion and

WEDDINGTON – Weddington has faced a number of quality quarterbacks this season and that won’t change when the Warriors take on Mount Tabor in the semifinals of the Class 3-AA playoffs on Dec. 7 in Winston-Salem. The winner will advance to the Class 3-AA championship on Dec. 15 at North Carolina’s Keenan Stadium. After taking over at quarterback early in the season, Mount Tabor senior JaQuan Albright has helped lead the Spartans to nine straight wins. Albright (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) has rushed for more than 200 yards in several games this season, including for 225 yards against Parkland in a win that gave the Spartans a share of the conference championship at the time. Albright also starts at defensive back for Mount Tabor (10-4) where he boasts several interceptions, including one for 105 yards and a touchdown. “The Albright kid is a special player,” said Weddington coach Andy Capone. “Albright is dynamic and if you give him a little seam, he is going to take it. He plays both ways so you know he is in good shape. When they put him back at quarterback, that flipped their season. Very, very dynamic and slippery and we haven’t seen a quarterback this fast all year.” Weddington is giving up just 12 points a game and the Warriors have forced 23 turnovers and come away with 13 interceptions and 10 fumbles. Weddington has given up just 20 points in three playoff wins against Central Cabarrus (48-0), South Iredell (33-6) and Watauga (42-14). “Our defense is relentless to the football and they fly around,” Capone said. “We have played a lot of different offenses and the kids have responded to whatever is in front of them.” Middle linebacker Alec Mock anchors the Weddington defense, and the junior has 135 tackles on the season. He has 12 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks. “Mock has been great and he has had a really good year,” Capone said. “He has come into his own and has become a leader that you expect out of a middle linebacker. We needed another voice out there and the kids respect him. I’m really happy where he is right now.” Mock said he feels the Warrior defense is up to the challenge of stopping Mount Tabor’s offense and especially Albright. “I think we are a very adjustable defense,” he said. “If an offense comes out in something we haven’t seen, we can adjust to that. We have the athletes to do that. We just have to do what we do

James Shipley; linebackers Eamon Murphy, Trey Alsbrooks and Alec Mock; kicker Ian Williams; lineman Joseph Zovistoski How’d they get here? Their run game. Over the course of the past two games the Warriors have really revved up their run game, leaning on sophomore Will Shipley and senior Wayne Dixie. Last week, in a 4212 beatdown of previously unbeaten Watauga. Shipley ran 18 times for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Dixie ran 20 times for 131 yards and a score. The defense allowed Watauga to score the first and last touchdown of the game, but a 42-0 spurt was more than enough. Brimigion, the all-state receiver, recently picked up an offer from Dayton, but this team is as complete as any. What’s next? Mount Tabor made a big in-season turnaround, going from 1-4 to 10-4. In the playoffs they’ve scored 100 points in three games combined, but allowed 63. 3-and-out • Mount Tabor began the season 1-4, but has reeled off nine consecutive wins. In the playoffs they haven’t necessarily won convincingly, but they’ve moved on with wins over Marvin Ridge (27-14), Erwin (49-28)

every week, play disciplined and play hard to the end. I think we will be able to stop them.” Four-year starter Eamon Murphy leads the team in tackles with 142, including 12 for losses. Murphy has two interceptions and has blocked a punt and a kick this season. Murphy’s father, Brian, coached in the NFL, including stints at Minnesota and Carolina. “Murph is a special player and you could tell that when he walked in the door as a freshman,” Capone said. “He is like another coach out there for us and he is so much more athletic this year. Murphy and Mock really get our defense going and you see those two guys all over the field.” Weddington, which is 5-1 on the road this season, has reeled off eight straight victories since losing to Charlotte Catholic 20-0 In seven of those eight wins, the Warriors have scored at least 42 points. Weddington has a dual threat in the backfield with running backs Will Shipley and Wayne Dixie. Shipley has rushed 176 times for 1,286 yards and 17 touchdowns while Dixie has added 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 134 carries. Shipley also has 28 catches for 323 yards and four scores. Senior quarterback Whitner Litton has completed 116-of-198 passes for 1,739 yards and 22 touchdowns to balance out the attack. Max Brimigion, who recently received a Division I offer from Dayton, has 45 catches for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns while James Shipley has 46 receptions for 583 yards and seven touchdowns. “Last week, we ran it 47 times and we passed it twice,” Capone said. “As a play caller, I would have never thought I would call that, but credit them because they continue to get after it. We have two really good backs in Will and Wayne and then you have to look outside and see who we have at receiver. We have a lot of weapons. “Obviously, we are going to have to be balanced against Mount Tabor. It’s a tough place to play. But I think our kids are excited about the challenge.” Capone said the Warriors must score points when they reach the red zone. “They are big up front,” Capone said. “The DBs are good. But what is really impressive is that when someone gets into the red zone, they really lock down and they are going to go get it. They have a lot of interceptions and a lot of turnovers in the red zone. They do a great job of forcing turnovers. We have to take care of the football. We have to be a little more balanced and we have to put pressure on them.”

and AC Reynolds (24-21) last week. • The Mount Tabor offense averages 29.5 points per game, but the defense has surrendered nearly 20 per game. Meanwhile, Weddington comes in scoring nearly 40 per game and allowing just 12.4. • This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

3-A playoffs

No. 5 Kings Mountain (12-2) at No. 3 Charlotte Catholic (13-1) Ten key Cougars: Quarterback Chris Walton; running backs Michael Neel, Paul Neel and Lamagea McDowell; receiver/defensive back Adam Robbe; defensive back Brian Jacobs; linemen Kevin Coss, Nick King and Ari Rodriguez; linebacker Liam Barbee How’d they get here? Defense and special teams. The Cougars usually can move the ball at will on the ground, but couldn’t against Huss. So they stepped up on special teams and defense to get a win that wasn’t always pretty but is a win nonetheless. Jacobs and Michael Neel scored special teams touchdowns. The Cougar defense got interceptions from Jacob Schachte, Robbe and Joseph Satori, while King (two sacks)

and Coss (one sack) wreaked havoc on the inside. Through 14 games the Cougar defense has allowed 89 points (6.4 per game). What’s next? Kings Mountain is 12-2 and shut out West Rowan 34-0 to open the playoffs. Since, they’ve had tougher games with Statesville (35-21) and Northwest Cabarrus (49-28). 3-and-out: • There are two common opponents between these teams in Cuthbertson and Huss. Cuthbertson lost 42-7 to Catholic and 48-19 to Kings Mountain, so that’s nearly a wash at least offensively. Catholic rolled Huss 28-7 last week on a night their offense wasn’t great, but Kings Mountain lost 38-21, their worst defeat of the season. • Kings Mountain has been able to outscore their opponents the last two weeks in the playoffs, but have allowed 21 and 28 points in those games. If Catholic controls the clock and field position, this one could be over quickly. • Senior quarterback Kaylon Wade is one to watch. He has already thrown for 3,063 yards and 42 touchdowns and run for 780 and 17 more scores. The 59 touchdowns are the second most for a single season in NCHSAA history.

WISHING YOU A MERRY

MARKETPLACE Advertise your business this holiday season for as little as $75! Email adsales@cmgweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018 • Page 5A

Wingate excels in football, volleyball by Lee Noles Contributor

WINGATE – After a slow start to the season, the Wingate Bulldogs (9-4) reeled off seven straight wins to reach the NCAA playoffs for the first time in back-to-back seasons. Wingate upset 10th-ranked West Georgia, 41-31, before falling to 17th-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, 21-17, in the second round. It marked the second time in program history the Bulldogs made it past the first round. Former Butler High running back Nijere Peoples finished first in the South Atlantic Conference this season in touchdowns (14) and yards (1,143 yards) to earn league freshman of the year honors. Peoples’ best performance came against league foe Limestone when he rushed for 239 yards on 25 carries and scored five touchdowns. The yardage was the second most by a Bulldog all-time and his five TDs ties for the most in a single game. Peoples has added to a prolific offense which finished second in the league at 33.8 points per game and averaged nearly 400 yards a contest. Quarterback Shaw Crocker, a redshirt freshman, threw for more than 2,200 yards and 26 touchdowns. J.T. Stokes was one of Crocker’s favorite targets as the senior receiver finished third in the league by hauling in nine touchdowns. SAC Defensive Player Of The Year Cardell Rawlings paced the Bulldogs by leading the conference with 17.5 sacks, which was also good enough for third in Division II football. He also added 82 tackles. Volleyball searching for national title This has certainly been another productive season for the Wingate University vol-

leyball program as conference and regional championships found their way into an already overflowing trophy case. Wingate’s season came to an end in the quarterfinals of NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Tournament national quarterfinals when they lost to Washburn University on Nov. 29. Washburn defeated the Bulldogs 3-0, 25-21, 25-20 and 25-17. Wingate ends the season with a 32-2 record. “As we close out this season after this match tonight, our team has some strong mixed emotions. In one sense, we are disappointed that we could not close out some of these sets after having a lead, but in another sense, we are really proud of our effort as well, as we played at times on a big stage tonight,” said Wingate head coach Shelton Collier. “Washburn is obviously a very good team and had recently beaten several top 10 teams, so we knew it would take an exceptional performance by us to win this match.” The Bulldogs swept their first two matches in the league tournament before dispatching Lincoln Memorial, 3-1, in the championship. It marked the 10th time in the program’s history where Wingate won both the SAC regular season and tournament titles in the same year. Rachel Alles earned the SAC conference and Southeast Regional player of the year as the junior setter finished second in the league with 1,046 assists. Alles contributed 308 digs, 89 kills and 23 aces to a Wingate’s offense, which ended the season ranked fourth nationally in kills per set (14.89) and assists per set (14.05). Senior hitter Phoebe Havenaar joins Alles on the all-conference list after finishing third in the league with 354 kills this season. Hannah Givens, Anna Holmquist and Taylor Williams each had over 200 kills.

Marvin Ridge swimmers (back, from left) Boyd Poelke and Charles Rothenberger are back to lead the defending state champion boys while North Carolina commit Ellie Van Note will anchor a strong Mavs’ girls team. Andrew Stark/UCW photo

SWIMMING (continued from page 1A)

Mavs ended Charlotte Catholic’s unprecedented 12-season string of state titles. Since, they’ve won championships in 2015, 2016, 2017 and were second last season to Charlotte Catholic. So what is the biggest factor why the Mavs have been able to be so good and so consistent? That depends on who you ask. “It’s the accountability that we hold each other to throughout the season to get to our end-of-season meet,” Poelke said. “You’ll see me on the deck, not yelling at people, but definitely encouraging people to really try their best. You know you have this end goal and that should be the driving force, but you should also have fun doing it, of course.” The Mavs all say the bond among each other is the strongest aspect of the team and the biggest reason for success as the seniors pass down traditions and expectations. Pierce-King remembers one swimmer she had who also played lacrosse and football, but said he told her there was no team as tight-knit and impactful as his time on the swim team. “I think it’s a family,” she said. “They all have their club teams and do that, but high school is so different than club, whereas if everyone does well, everyone is successful. It’s not so individual like it is with their club teams. That cultivates team building and everyone wanting everyone to do their best. “We have had success in the past, but it’s the legacy the seniors leave behind that I think is the driving force and keeps propelling it forward.” The boys pulled off their second straight title last year behind Poelke and Rothenberger, who have been default senior leaders each of the past two seasons. Rothenberger was third in the 100 freestyle, fourth in the 200 freestyle and teamed with Poelke now sophomore Nicholas Piscitelli and current senior Josh Stablein in the 200 freestyle relay to set a new 3A state record. Rothenberger, Poelke, Stablein and Matthew Shen, who graduated, combined to beat the meet record in the 400 freestyle, and Connor Charette, Piscitelli, Brayden Brewer and Stablein all scored individual points. Poelke is a national swim recruit who is ranked No. 3 in the state and within the top 90 in the nation by Collegeswimming.com. In addition to the relays, Poelke won the 50 freestyle and was second in the 100 butterfly. For the girls, VanNote is the unquestioned leader. Like Poelke, she’s already been through the recruiting process, signing with North Carolina over a number of suitors interested in her as Collegeswimming.com ranks VanNote 11th in her class and among the top 240 swimmers in the nation. “It was a lot of pressure with the recruiting process happening earlier and earlier,”

she said. “A year ago, I was really stressed out the same way Boyd probably is right now. But I’m really happy with my decision and I can’t wait.” Last season, she was second in the 100 butterfly – but would have set a new state meet standard had she won – and third in the 300 freestyle. In addition, the Mavs return Sydney Hayes, Madeline Tessin, Sydney Geada and Susan Mumford, who all scored relay points last season while Gaead, Caroline Duhamel, Anna Beth Scalise, Gianna Reinhart, Tessin and Mumford added individual scoring runs. “They’re all back,” King-Pierce said. “They’re faster and we’re OK. We lost some point scorers, but not real heavy and we gained a lot.” While the Cougar girls, who beat the Mavs by 58 points in the finals last season, lose three top-tier swimmers and around 80 points off the top – not including relays – both Marvin Ridge teams come back stronger. Girl newcomers include swimmers Charlotte Kaduson, Abby Ormiston, Grace Wagner and Lara Jaworski. The boys got one point from diver Elias Gonzalez last season, but added six divers including Luca Mangione, Sammy Olsen, Josh Giles, James McKenna, Dylan Macleod and Ryan Banash to make that a big strength and source of points. “We had a very strong team last year, but I think we’re even better than last year,” Rothenberger said. “We did not lose any depth from our seniors, really. Our three relays are going to be really strong and our underclassmen are getting much faster. Boyd and I have made a lot of improvements since last year. “We’re sitting comfortably, but we can’t let that get to our heads. Any given day someone can show up and take us by storm, but I think we’re all really confident in ourselves. At our last meet we all swam really well and I think we talk alot together and talk about what it takes to win states. And we know what it takes to do it.” The Marvin Ridge boys will be favored to win the state meet for a third straight time while the girls will compete with Southern Carolina Conference foes Weddington and Charlotte Catholic for statewide supremacy. Pierce-King knows her teams will need contributions from everyone up and down their lineup, but in the end it will likely come down to Rothenberger, Poelke and VanNote to power the Mavs again this year. “They’re leadership has been great,” KingPierce said. “I’ve kind of been grooming them for a while to be leaders and Boyd is only a junior, but he’s stepped up, too. “They’re three amazing swimmers. They don’t have to swim high school swim to make it to college. I get top swimmers here every year, and the fact that they all want to swim every year and come out. I think that goes back to the culture of the team. I have chills just sitting here because they’re all great kids.”

Page 6A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

CRIME SCENE The Union County Sheriff's Office reported these incidents Nov. 23 to 29: Indian Trail Break-Ins • 2300 block of Damascus Drive • 5800 block of West U.S. 74 Break-Ins, Vehicles • 300 block of Kennerly Drive • 5800 block of Autumn Trace Lane Forgery of Bank Notes/Checks • 400 block of Hollice Place Obtain Controlled Substance by Fraud/ Forgery • 13700 block of East Independence Boulevard Possession of Methamphetamine • 3800 block of Sardis Church Road Property Damage • 2100 block of Younts Road • 4800 block of Farmview Drive Thefts • 2100 block of Younts Road • 6700 block of Old Monroe Road • 13800 block of East Independence Boulevard Thefts, Vehicles • 5500 block of Poplin Road Thefts, Vehicle Parts • 15000 block of South Catawba Circle Monroe Break-Ins • 200 block of East East Avenue • 200 block of King Street • 500 block of Cherryridge Road • 1500 block of Walkup Avenue • 1700 block of Ashcraft Avenue • 1900 block of Skyway Drive • 3000 block of Waxhaw Highway • 4200 block of East Brief Road • 4300 block of Old Pageland Monroe Road Break-Ins, Vehicles • 500 block of East Franklin Street • 800 block of Seymour Street • 1800 block of Morgan Mill Road • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2000 block of Hasty Street

Public can help fund classroom projects • 2900 block of Silo Court • Driving While Impaired • 1600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3500 block of Weddington Road Hit & Run • 900 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2000 block of Hasty Street • 2000 block of Walkup Avenue • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Obtain Property by False Pretenses • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2100 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3300 block of Presson Road Possess/Receive Stolen Vehicle • 1800 block of North Charlotte Avenue Possession of Burglar Tools • 2600 block of Old Charlotte Highway Possession of Schedule Controlled Substances • 800 block of North Charlotte Avenue • 1100 block of Iceman Street Possession of Counterfeit Instrument • 2500 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2000 block of Seefin Court Possession of Heroin • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Possession of Marijuana • 500 block of Boyte Street Possession of Methamphetamine • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 1800 block of North Charlotte Avenue Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substances • 400 block of East Houston Street Property Damage • 500 block of Engleside Street • 800 block of Sanlee Drive • 1400 block of Torrens Drive • 2000 block of Hasty Street

• 2500 block of Carroll Street • 2900 block of West U.S. 74 (2 cases) Robbery • 200 block of IB Shive Drive Thefts • 400 block of East Roosevelt Boulevard • 1500 block of Walkup Avenue • 1600 block of Skyway Drive • 1800 block of Williams Road • 2000 block of Hasty Street • 2100 block of Phala Court • 2100 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2300 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard (3 cases) • 2500 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3200 block of Walkup Avenue Thefts, Vehicles • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Thefts, Vehicle Parts • 2500 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2900 block of Monroe Way • 3600 block of West U.S. 74 Unauthorized Use of Vehicle • 500 block of Colony Road • 3400 block of Wolfe Road Waxhaw Possession of Marijuana • 6800 block of Pleasant Grove Road • 8800 block of Tintinhull Lane Thefts • 1100 block of Cherry Laurel Drive • 7700 block of Waxhaw Creek Road The Stallings Police Department reported these incidents Nov. 19 to 25: Break-Ins • 3100 block of Smith Farm Road Credit Card Fraud • 900 block of Bailey Court Damaged Registration Plate • 5700 block of Stevens Mill Road Obtaining Property by False Pretenses • 100 block of Pine Tree Drive Property Damage • 1100 block of Drummond Lane Thefts • 2200 block Coatesdale Lane • 3200 block of Smith Farm Road • 3300 block of Smith Farm Road Thefts, Vehicles • 1200 block of Clover Lane

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

It's not uncommon to hear about teachers having to dig into their pockets to buy classroom supplies. DonorsChoose.org provides a crowd-sourcing platform for communities to support specific classroom needs. Teachers detail exactly how the money will be spent, while supporters can donate as much as they want, without having to register. Dozens of teachers throughout the Charlotte region have taken advantage of the platform. Below are some of the more interesting projects in Union County on DonorsChoose.org. Project: Engines For Small Engine Repair Class Amount sought: $866 Deadline: March 14 Description: Gregory Anderson, of South Providence, wants his students to gain experience taking apart vehicle engines, checking their specs and putting them back together. Project: Help My Personal Finance Students Not Be Normal! Amount sought: $206 Deadline: Feb. 16 Description: Michael Hicks, of Cuthbertson High, envisions Dave Ramsey's “ACT Your Wage!” board game helping his business and marketing students sharpen their personal finance skills. Project: Technology for 21st Century Learners! Amount sought: $1,018 Deadline: Feb. 8 Description: Elizabeth Rainey, of Union Day, seeks four Samsung Galaxy tablets for math and reading centers, as well as research projects, in her classroom. Project: Math in Motion Amount sought: $535 Deadline: Jan. 1 Description: Angela Gillett, of Cuthbertson Middle, envisions her math students programming LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots for various projects, but they're Chromebooks aren't capable of running the software. That's why she is looking for a specific computer. Project: Sketching Scholars Amount sought: $587

Deadline: Dec. 23 Description: Eileen Palamountain, of Stallings Elementary, needs sketchbooks for students to use just like famous artists like Picasso. Students will use their pads not just for drawing, but also for journaling and planning. Project: Full Symphonic Band Sound Amount sought: $2,182 Deadline: Jan. 15 Description: Sharen Bolder, of Union Prep Charter, hopes to buy a three-valve euphnium to help students that might not be able to afford a musical instrument in the fledgling band program. Project: STEM and Literacy Collide Amount sought: $479 Deadline: Dec. 21 Description: Emily Paxton, of Hemby Bridge Elementary, has identified a set of STEM-oriented paperback books and engineering-themed activity kits she'd like to put in front of her class. Project: How I Learn Best Amount sought: $550 Deadline: Dec. 25 Description: Julia Starnes, of Indian Trail Elementary, understands how children have trouble sitting still. She'd like to have four wobble chairs and 10 plastic stack stools to provide more flexible seating in her classroom. Project: Gotta Move It, Move It! Amount sought: $858 Deadline: Dec. 16 Description: Kimberly Peck, of Poplin Elementary, wants three tables that can be configured in various ways based on the activity. As an added bonus, students can write or draw on their marker-board surfaces. Project: Storage for Classroom Amount sought: $399 Deadline: March 18 Description: Lisa Goldberg, of Porter Ridge High, doesn't have the luxury of storage for her career-technical education classes. She's hoping to buy seven three-drawer storage carts to help organize her interior design and apparel supplies.

Dec. 7, 2018 Special Edition

Union County Weekly

Holiday Shopping Guide FASHION A CHANGE New boutique supports ethical practices, 2B

CLOSE TO HOME

Don’t forget these stores in downtown Waxhaw, 3B

‘TIS THE SEASON

Monroe Crossing Mall hosts holiday events, 3B

SPEEDY SHOPPER

How to shop SouthPark Mall in 6o minutes, 4B

FREE ESTIMATES Carpet • Tile • Hardwood Stop by today! Financing Available – 12 months no interest! See website for specials:

www.outlookflooring.com

MONROE’S NICEST SHOWROOM 2340 CONCORD HIGHWAY, MONROE, NC 28110

(704)774-1731

Page 2B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

Kim Henson and Alara Baltmiskis opened Siela Boutique in Waxhaw with a local mission to make global change, Photos courtesy of Abby Melrose Photography

Clothing with a conscience Siela Boutique supports fair wages, ethical practices by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW – Kim Henson and Alara Baltmiskis, owners of Siela Boutique, are not only new to Waxhaw’s downtown shopping scene, but the concept of their store is something the area hasn’t seen before. It’s based on the idea of clothing with a cause, or conscience, you could say. The longtime friends and former coworkers in the travel industry believe fashion should empower, not exploit; generational poverty can end through dignified jobs, not charity; and consumers can have a stylish wardrobe while also caring for their environment. It all started when Baltmiskis began learning about the negative social and environmental effects of the modern fashion industry and realized there wasn’t anywhere in the greater Charlotte area, or Union County, to shop for ethical clothing. She talked to Henson and they decided to take a risk and open their own store. However, they knew from the beginning they wanted it to be more than just clothes. “We wanted to share our passion to serve others and bring awareness to the waste, pol-

lution and human rights violations in the standard fashion environment,” Baltmiskis said. She explained that today’s consumers are spending less on clothing, but buying more than ever before, and fast fashion is the culprit. People are shopping on impulse, buying apparel that’s made to fall apart, then discarding or donating it after only an average of seven wears. This comes at a huge cost to the environment in the forms of enormous water consumption and pollution, the use and disposal of toxic chemicals and an alarming level of textile waste, Baltmiskis said. Polyester, for example, is the world’s most commonly used fabric. However, Baltmiskis said the cheap, synthetic fiber is petroleum-based, non-biodegradable and its production releases high levels of carbon dioxide emissions. The microplastic fibers that are released when polyester is washed are also bad for our waterways and oceans. Cotton is a natural fiber, but some growers use pesticides and the production process requires a lot of water. It takes over 700 gallons of water to make one cotton T-shirt. Everyone loves a bargain, Henson said, but cheap clothes are usually made by textile factories and garment manufacturers that pay low wages, have limited health care access, unsafe and unsanitary working conditions and forced overtime. And where there is extreme poverty, there is child labor and human trafficking.

“People today are starting to be more conscious about what they eat and put in their body, but nobody really thinks about what they’re wearing or where it comes from,” she said. “You can buy a $4 shirt at Walmart, but how much did it cost to make that shirt? The person who made it probably didn’t make a living wage that day.” “I always say, ‘What’s cheaper than buying a $4 shirt? Not buying a $4 shirt,’” added Baltmiskis. Henson and Baltmiskis opened their store at 318 S. Main St. in September and decided to call it Siela, which is Lithuanian for “soul.” “We kind of feel like we poured our heart and soul into it, so it just made sense,” Henson said. “And the makers pour their soul into their products, too,” Baltmiskis added. The items in the store are made in small batches and made to last by a person making a living wage. Products range from women’s apparel in all sizes, to jewelry, sleepwear, health and beauty, vegan leather bags and stocking stuffers like hair ties and bamboo toothbrushes. They also carry homeware, like salad bowls and tongs made in Kenya out of olive wood. Baltmiskis and Henson source their products from vendors that align with the store’s core values and beliefs. As a result, in-store purchases support fair living wages, safe working conditions and workers’ rights; access to clean water, educational opportunities and health care; the fight against forced labor trafficking and child labor; environmentally sustainable farming and manufacturing processes and the community through donations to local nonprofits. Even the price tags at Siela give back to the

environment. Each recycled, biodegradable card is embedded with a mix of wildflower seeds. Customers simply plant the entire card, add water and sunlight and watch their flowers grow. The women know the concept behind Siela Boutique is different, but they’re looking forward to spreading their message and making a difference. Hopefully, they said, the more people who stop in this holiday shopping season, the bigger the impact. “If you can buy a gift for someone that helps someone you don’t even know, it’s like giving twice,” Henson said. “It’s a gift you can feel good about giving.”

Siela Boutique carries jewelry handmade by artisans making a living wage, as well as ethically sourced clothing and accessories.

Dove Internal Medicine - Union West

Here to care for you, close to home. We’re happy to announce that we are now accepting new patients at Atrium Health’s Dove Internal Medicine - Union West. As your healthcare partner, we’re here when you need a physical exam, sick visit or help managing chronic conditions. We also offer specialized care services, including for women’s health and men’s health, skin conditions, a full service lab and same day appointments. Whatever care you need, we’ll help you find it close to home.

Call 704-246-2800 today to schedule an appointment. NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

• Most health insurance plans accepted • Same-day or next-day sick visits available

Andrew Kindel, MD

Dove Internal Medicine - Union West | 6030 W. Highway 74, Suite D | Indian Trail, NC 28079 Office hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday AtriumHealth.org/Dove-Internal-Medicine

Taisiya Netrebko, MD

Maleah Simpson-Meek, PA

Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018 • Page 3B

Don’t let scammers rob you of your money or good cheer The holiday season can bring out the best of people’s generosity of spirit. Travel, time spent with people we love, and efforts to reach out to help our Stein neighbors in need all enrich our enjoyment. But it’s also a busy time for scammers, who ramp up their efforts to steal your money or your personal or financial information. This holiday season, protect yourself and your finances from holiday scams by taking these precautions. If you’re shopping online or on your phone, watch out for fake websites or apps that look like they belong to a well-known store. These copycat websites and apps often closely resemble the business’s brand or have a URL that’s close to the real thing. Double-check the URL by looking for a lock icon and checking that it starts with “https:”. Only share financial information or make purchases when you’re on a secured WiFi network. If you send financial information over an unsecured WiFi network, it’s more susceptible to hackers. And no matter how you’re shopping, always use a credit card. If there’s an issue, you can dispute the transaction later. When you make an online purchase, watch out for potential delivery scams. Sometimes scammers will send fake emails claiming to provide shipping updates, but the phony links in these emails will ask you to share personal information. Scrutinize these delivery emails closely, and remember that

Mall hosts holiday events, Belk celebration MONROE – Monroe Crossing Mall is a popular destination for shopping, especially during the holidays. Here are a handful of events happening there if you need extra incentive: • Children can visit Santa Claus through Christmas Eve. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except 1:15 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 5:45 p.m.) Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. (except 3 to 3:34 p.m.) Sundays. Christmas Eve hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

UPS, FedEx, and other shippers won’t ask for personal information via email. Packages that stack up outside your front door or porch are an easy steal for porch poachers. Track your packages so you know when they’ll arrive and can ensure they are delivered safely. Consider opting for deliveries that require a signature, or ask a neighbor to collect your packages if you’re not around. If you plan to be out of town but expect deliveries, consider having your mail held at the post office until you get back. Charitable donations also increase during the holidays, when the spirit of goodwill is in full swing. But you want to make sure that your donation is going to help reputable charities, not to line criminals’ pockets, so do your research before giving. Watch out for charities with phony names that sound a lot like recognizable charities. Give to charities you are personally familiar with or that operate in your local community. You can find more tips about donating to charity and resources to research charities at ncdoj.gov/ charity. For more information on common holiday scams and how to avoid them, visit www.ncdoj.gov/dontgettaken. And if you think you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, file a complaint with my office’s Consumer Protection Division at http://ncdoj. gov/complaint or by phone at 1-877-5-NOSCAM. The holiday season is a special time of year. I pray yours is safe and happy. Josh Stein serves as attorney general for North Carolina.

• Belk holds its 130th anniversary celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. The event includes music by DJ Sir Charles, treats from Best Impressions Caterers and free gift cards to the first 130 guests. • Reigning Cats & Dogs Pet Boutique holds a Santa Paws Pawty 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. The event typically includes photos with Santa and refreshments. • Rue 21 is giving away prizes, including to the first 50 people who visit the fragrance bar during the trendy fashion retailer's Spritz & Save Event on Dec. 8.

Fear Free is Here.

Downtown roundup Here's a taste of what shoppers can find in downtown Waxhaw: Antique Clock Shop This family-owned business offers a large selection of vintage antique clocks, music boxes, watches and barometers. The shop’s staff is always searching for rare and unusual timepieces to buy and sell. They also offer restoration services to help bring your old heirlooms back to life. 202 N. Broome St. 704-843-4120 www.waxhawantiqueclockshop.com Bike Depot Not only is Bike Depot a full-service dealer of mountain, road and racing bikes, but the independent shop also offers professional tune-ups and fittings. 122 W. North Main St. 704-256-4126 www.bikedepotwxw.com Eight Legs Gallery This charming gallery carries art created by artists in the Carolinas, including oil paintings, watercolor, pastels, acrylics, wood art, pottery and fused glass. The gallery offers classes for beginners to advanced artists and is currently booking a fused glass class and wet on wet oil landscape class. 310 E. South Main St. 704-843-1662 www.eightlegsgallery.com The Indigo Pearl An artisan boutique with high-end handcrafted gifts, like jewelry, art, furniture, soaps and leather products. 101 E. North Main St. 704-221-3769 Refresh A bath, body and gift shop selling soaps, bath bombs, body butters and scrubs, jewelry, candles and hair accessories. Refresh also has local honey and treats, handmade knit items and can help customers personalize gifts with a variety of basket options. 318 E. South Main St. 704-497-8488 www.refreshgiftshop.com Black Chicken Inside this wine and bottle shop, shoppers will find an extensive selection of hand-selected fine wine and craft beer for sale – the perfect gift for any holiday party host. 113 E. North Main St. 704-843-7756 www.blackchickenwinecellar.com Reigning Cats and Dogs A unique shop for those with two legs as well as four, this pet boutique sells cat and dog items, as well as gift ideas for animal lovers. The shop is owned by a mother-daughter team and offers pet fashions, toys, beds, sports gear, collars and leads, plus a range of natural foods and treats. 700 N. Broome St. 704-243-1946 www.reigningcatsanddogs.biz Stella + Parker Created in The Foothills of Northern California, Stella + Parker is a boutique that brings the mountains, desert and love for the outdoors together. It offers a collection of furniture, housewares, clothing, textiles and found goods. 113 W. South Main St. 704-243-7577

Stewart’s Village Gallery This gallery is home to famous pottery artist Bill Stewart and offers handmade pottery, jewelry, iron, metal, glass and woodwork from a variety of artists. 116 McDonald St. 704-843-5638 www.stewartsvillagegallery.com Sweet Repeats Resale boutiques like Sweet Repeats are great for shoppers on a budget. The store carries gently used women and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as home decor and baby equipment like strollers, cribs, pack n plays, baby bedding, and swings. 615 W. South Main St. 704-843-1344 www.sweetrepeatswaxhaw.com Tangles Knitting on Main This shop offers a wide variety of fine yarns for the knitters and crocheters on your list. It also has a full line of needles, hooks and pattern books and hosts classes too. 200 W. North Main St. 704-243-7150 Waxhaw Antique Mart Purchase quality merchandise from the past at this antique mall that’s packed with vintage knickknacks, books, home décor, furniture and collectibles. 101 W. South Main St. 704-243-2223 Waxhaw Reading Room The Reading Room is a used books store set up by the Library Association of Waxhaw. Entirely operated by volunteers, the bookstore accepts used book donations and in turn resells the books at low cost to the public, which is great for bookworms and budget shoppers alike. All proceeds are directed to the Waxhaw Branch Library. 201 W. South Main St. www.libraryassociationofwaxhaw.org Waxhaw Tack Exchange Shopping for a horse lover this holiday season? The Waxhaw Tack Exchange, located in what was once the A.W. Heath Company Mill, carries an assortment of new and pre-owned tack, clothing, and equipment. The store also has a wide range of products for horses, riders and enthusiasts. 103 S. Church St. 704-843-0474 www.waxhawtackexchange.com Welte’s Antiques and More on Main This family-owned antique and vintage store is great for treasure hunters searching for unique gifts. 103 E. North Main St. 704-245-4160 Siela Boutique Look no further for ethical women's fashion and mindful gifts than Siela Boutique. Purchases support fair wages, workers' rights, environmental stewardship and economic development. 318 E. South Main St. 704-256-3716 www.sielaboutique.com Sassy and Classy A woman’s fashion and accessory store selling, handbags, hats and jewelry. 111 W. South Main St. 704-843-0507 www.sassynclassystore.com

CUTHBERTSON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

8th ANNUAL

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group wa lt o n wo o d c o t s wo l d

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

at Waltonwood Cotswold

Join us the third Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m., with lunch following Meetings are held:

Wednesdayfamily of Every Month People with Parkinson’s disease, their Third care partners, members, 12:00pm - Lunch to follow and anyone impacted by the disease areForwelcome to attend. More information, Please Contact:

Live Holiday Entertainment provided by

All MS & HS Cuthbertson Bands and other Cuthbertson Cluster Performing Arts Groups.

Me'Shell White or Kensey Rash at 704-496-9310

People with Parkinson's disease, their care partners, family members, friends,

Call for more information. 704-209-4083 C OTSWOLD

5215 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

Vendor spots still available!

www.Waltonwood.com | www.SinghJobs.com

cuthbertsonfundraising@ gmail.com

| 5215 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

1400 Cuthbertson Rd, Waxhaw NC

Featuring:

Local Vendors, Artisans & Businesses Handmade Gifts & Goodies School Club Sponsored Booths

Pictures with Santa!

and anyone impacted by the Disease are welcome to attend.

C OTSWOLD

Saturday, Dec. 15, 9am–4pm Cuthbertson High School

Sponsored by Cuthbertson Middle School & High School Bands. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cuthbertson Band Boosters.

Find us on Facebook at “Cuthbertson Bazaar”

Page 4B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

How to shop SouthPark Mall in 60 minutes by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – SouthPark Mall may seem like utter chaos during the holidays, and it can be if you don’t have a plan in place. Whether you have a busy schedule, waited until the last minute or just don’t enjoy shopping, nothing is worse than aimlessly wandering around, unsure of what to buy your friends and family. But fear not, for there is a way to get in and out of SouthPark Mall in roughly an hour, and you’ll still get something for everyone on your list. The list: Mom, dad, brother, sister, significant other and boss Starting point: The dining pavilion

SouthPark Mall, at 4400 Sharon Road in Charlotte, is large, but easy to maneuver through if you know where to go. Karie Simmons/UCW photos

1. From the dining pavilion, turn left into H&M. This trendy store is inexpensive and an easy place to start checking things off. You can even donate your old clothes to get 15 percent off your purchase. For your sister or mom: Black cross body bag ($19.99); multipack of socks (up to $14.99); gray pom-pom hat ($12.99); rings, earrings and statement necklaces ($6.99 to $12.99). For your bother or dad: Pack of socks ($12.99); flannel shirt ($24.99); dress shirt ($24.99); beanie ($5.99). 2. As you exit H&M, you’ll see a pop-up shop called Go! Calendars. It has a huge selection of calendars with themes like Marvel Comics, destinations and sceneries, animals, motivational quotes, TV shows and movies. It even has quirky games for the family and small desk calendars for your boss. 3. Next up is Bath & Body Works. You’ll notice the aroma way before you walk in, but

the good news is it smells amazing. This store has something for everyone – lotions, shower gels, candles, hand soaps, body sprays, home fragrances and pre-made gift sets – and there are always promotions and sales. It’s a gold mine for holiday shoppers. Plus, there are new scents this season, including “merry cherry cheer,” “winter candy apple,” “vanilla bean noel” and “twisted peppermint.”

5. If you haven’t crossed off at least half the names on your list by now, it’s time to head to Belk. This upscale department store has a huge variety of clothing, accessories and gifts from high-end brands like crown & ivy, Birkenstock, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Simply Southern, Free People and Lily Pulitzer. For your male significant other: Cologne (ranges in price). For your female significant other: Perfume (ranges in price); mix-and-match face masks, bath bombs and lotions (ranges in price).

4. Turn left out of Bath & Body Works, left again and walk until you see Godiva. This store may smell even better than the last and is a go-to place to buy a thoughtful gift for your boss. He or she will appreciate a box of Godiva’s patisserie dessert truffles and you may even get a raise. The boxes come in three different sizes and include flavors like

Church Directory Advertise your church

HERE! HERE!

704-849-2261

7. Did you find anything for the men yet? Good thing The Art of Shaving is on your way back to the dining pavilion, making it the last stop on your journey. Phew. If your guy is more of a mountain man, this store carries beard oil, brushes, wax and trimmers. If he likes to be clean shaven, there are a variety of pre-shaving oils, shaving creams and aftershaves to make his face feel smooth. You can buy products separately or build your own bundle to fit your budget and keep dad, brother or your significant other looking fresh going into the New Year. Happy shopping!

THINGS TO DO Dec. 7

Book Club Union West Regional Library's book club discusses David Baldacci's “The Christmas Train.” Call 704821-7475 for details. 10 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Harry Potter The Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library invites all ages to a magic evening of food and fun dubbed Harry Potter Christmas. Call 704-624-2828 for details. 6 p.m.; 414 Hasty St., Marshville Trivia Night Treehouse Vineyards combines ugly Christmas sweaters with teambased trivia for a fun night. Teams of up to eight play for prizes. Teams earn bonus points for wearing ugly sweaters. Call 704-283-4208 for details. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; 301 Bay St., Monroe

Dec. 7-8

Your ad Contact us to learn more.

chocolate lava cake, tiramisu, crème brulee, black forest, strawberry crème and vanilla dulce de leche: 6 truffles ($17.95); 12 truffles ($29.95); 24 truffles ($49.95).

6. Exit Belk through the perfume section, walk back into the mall and then take a left until you see Anthropologie. This store has a unique collection of clothing, accessories, home décor and gifts that are perfect for the women in your life. For your mom or sister: picture frame ($26 to $32); monogram candle ($24 but recently on sale for $15), cozy blanket scarf ($48); fold-up beanie knitting kit ($78). For your female significant other: Janie Lucite-handled tote bag ($68); Floreat Parker sleep shirt and pants ($68 and $58).

Stage Play The CATA High School PTSO presents “The Laramie Project” in honor of the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death. Tickets cost $5 are available at the door and at www.cata.seatyourself.biz. 7 p.m.; 600 Brewer Drive, Monroe JAARS Christmas JAARS hosts Passport to Christmas, an event that showcases cultures for children, ages 6 to 12, accompanied by an adult. Register in advance at http://bit.ly/2AbGgmn. The event happens again 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets cost $5

Come Join us at John’s Place in Matthews for New Years Eve!

Live Music by The Local Honey Band

Dinner Packages Available - $50 Per Person Includes Dinner & Champagne Toast

Reservations Required for JP Patio and Live Music Call 704-847-4884 for Details and Reservations!

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

per child or $20 max per household. 1:30 to 5 p.m.; 7405 Jaars Road, Waxhaw

Dec. 8

Book Signing Amy Clipston, author of the Amish Heirloom series and Kauffman Amish Bakery series, signs books at The Book Lady. Call 704282-0646 for details. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 3513 W. U.S. 74, Monroe Santa Brunch See how Santa Claus gets jolly for the holidays at The DreamChaser's Brewery. The venue offers photos with Santa and a food truck. Call 704-843-7326 for details. Noon to 2 p.m.; 115 E. N. Main St., Waxhaw Grand Opening Epcon Communities holds a grand opening at The Courtyards at Wesley Chapel. Take tours of a model home and ride a stagecoach. RSVP by calling Mary Lynn Knowles at 704-787-0320. 1 to 4 p.m.; 1707 Wesley Landing Road, Waxhaw Christmas Science Union West Regional Library invites all ages to engage in STEM activities while supplies last. Call 704-821-7475 for details. 2 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Chili Cook-Off VFW Post 5464 holds a chili cook-off fundraiser to help Scott Owens during his battle with cancer. Registration takes place 3 to 4:30 p.m. with $10 entry fee, followed by competition at 4:30 p.m. Tastings cost $6. DJ Jim Rainey performs from 5 to 9 p.m. 3 to 9 p.m.; 712 VFW Road, Monroe Tree Lighting The Village of Marvin promises a heart-warming event with festive music, live ice sculpture, teddy bear giveaways, dance performances, arts and crafts, s'mores, fire pit, hot chocolate, snow garden and visit from Santa at Marvin Efird Park. Drop off new unwrapped gifts to the event for Toys for Tots. 4 to 6 p.m.; 8909 New Town Road, Marvin Park Christmas The Town of Stallings presents Christmas in the Park at Stallings Municipal Park. Call 704-821-8557 for details. 4 to 8 p.m.; 340 Stallings Road, Stallings Winter Festival Santa reads “The Night Before Christmas” at the Town of Fairview's Winter Festival at Fairview Park. The festival includes a tree lighting and carols by Fairview Elementary students. 5 to 7 p.m.; 7350 Concord Hwy., Fairview Christmas Lights Light Up MillBridge features more than 4,000 luminaries along the streets. The event includes horse carriage rides and Santa Claus. 5 to 8:30 p.m.; 1401 Millbridge Pkwy. Waxhaw

Dec. 9

Sip N Shop Treehouse Vineyards offers a Holiday Sip N Shop with wine, vendors and raffles. Call 704-283-4208 for details. 1 to 5 p.m.; 301 Bay St., Monroe Christmas Parade Nicole Jordan, owner of Sweet Repeats, will serve as grand marshal of the Waxhaw Christmas Parade. Wave to her, people on floats and those marching down through the route. 3 to 5 p.m.; Downtown Waxhaw

Dec. 10

Computer Classes The Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library offers technology tutoring. Appointments are required. Call 704-624-2828 for details. 10 a.m. to noon; 414 Hasty St., Marshville Holiday Baubles Celebrate the season by learning how to make three kinds of ornaments at the Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library. Call 704-624-2828 for details. 4 p.m.; 414 Hasty St., Marshville Pub Poker Growler USA hosts Pub Poker with drink specials. Get free tickets at www.eventbrite.com. Call 704494-9445 for details. 7 to 9:30 p.m.; 6443 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

Dec. 11

Grand Opening Doodle Sasser Distilling, makers of Greatest Of All Time whiskey, holds a ribbon cutting with the Union County Chamber of Commerce. 10 to 10:30 a.m.; 268 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Book Club The Monroe Library Book Club discuss Gail Honeyman's “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” at the Monroe Library. Call 704-283-8184 for details. 5:30 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe Team Trivia Hickory Tavern holds Team Trivia on Mondays at its Sun Valley location. Call 704-238-9111 for details. 7 p.m.; 6455 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail Trivia Night Big Pop Trivia brings Trivia Night to The Trail House. Call 704-7764655 for details. 8 to 11 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

Dec. 12

Chamber Luncheon Leadership with the Union County Chamber of Commerce explains its strategic plan and rebranding at its office. Register by Dec. 7. Admission costs $18 for members and $25 for others. Call 704-289-4567 for details. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe Snowman Craft Union West Regional Library offers teens an opportunity to make a snowman craft. Register in advance. Call 704-821-7475 for details. 4:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Want to submit? Send calendar events to justin@cmgweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018 • Page 5B

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

MISCELLANEOUS HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800211-9233 for FREE DVD and brochure. AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH JETBLUE, BOEING, DELTA, AND OTHERS- START HERE WITH HANDS ON TRAINING FOR FAA CERTIFICATION. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 SWITCH & SAVE EVENT from DirecTV! Packages starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1-800-421-2049

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE WE ARE BUYING; Comics, Vinyl LP’s, Military items, Antiques, Collectibles & More. Stop by Precious Restorations in Downtown Matthews 315 W. John St. Tues-Sat. 104. 704 965-0074 or visit preciousrestorations.com. Address 2701 Kilborne Dr. Charlotte, NC 28205

MISCELLANEOUS PAID MARKETING RESEARCH! ($250 plus FREE HOTEL ROOM FOR 1 NIGHT) Share your opinions on Business or Leisure Travelers! $250 plus food voucher and FREE HOTEL ROOM FOR 1 NIGHT. If you would like to participate, please call Jane Harper at (610-356-1800) to answer a few quick background questions to see if this study is relevant to you. On behalf of Research America, we want to thank you for helping make our research efforts possible! www.researchamericainc.com

HELP WANTED

REAL ESTATE

HELP WANTED

Database Administrator III in Charlotte, NC: Design, install, configure, support, create databases and manage SQL servers instances in clustered and standalone environments. Requires: (1) Masters + 3 yrs. exp. OR (2) Bachelors + 5 yrs. exp. XPO Logistics, Inc. Please apply on-line at: https:// jobs.xpo.com/US/job/ Charlotte-Data-BaseAdministrator-III-NC28277/521274800/?lo cale=en_US

Home for Sale Stately Brick 4 Bedroom house located on 6 and 3/10ths acres of land. Established blueberries,muscadines, blackberries, figs, and pecan tries. Located 2 miles from downtown Matthews. Call 704-847-6362.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1-800761-9396

Kelly’s Painting

Professional gnitniaP rInterior oInterior iretnI laPainting nPainting oisseforP Professional Affordable “APrices ”tPainter surT• nOutstanding aYou C uoCan Y retTrust” nCustomer iaP A“ Service Can Attention Quality Neat, suo“A eClean, truPainter oC to dMeticulous, naDetail emYou iT-•nO On-Time ,suoluTrust” ciWorkmanship tand eM ,Courteous naelC ,taeN Neat, Clean, Meticulous, On-Time and Courteous Ken 35Kelly 20-916 )407(

(704) 619-0253 ylleK neK “Affordable” 619-0253 Free rotarEstimates epO/renwO Custom(704) Moldings Picture Owner/Operator Free moc.rr.anilorac@gn itniaPsHanging ylleKEstimates LicensedKellysPainting@carolina.rr.com & Insured Drywall Repairs KellysPainting@carolina.rr.com Light Electric & Call today for a Plumbing Free Estimate Storage Solutions

(704) 619-0253

Ken Kelly Owner/Operator setamitsE eerF

CLASSIC

i m ate

Professional gnitniaP roInterior iretnI laPainting noisseforP “A”Painter tsurT naYou C uoCan Y reTrust” tniaP A“

Ken35Kelly 20-9Tile 16 )-40Wallpaper 7( (704) 619-0253 ylleK neK Ceramic Owner/Operator setamto itsERoof eerF& Carpet Free rotaEstimates repO/renwO Repairs KellysPainting@carolina.rr.com moc.rr.an& iloPlumbing rac@gnitniaPsylleK Paint - Minor Electrical Flooring - Carpentry - Bathrooms AND MORE!

704-560-5299

SERVICES General Painting Company—Affordable painting services! $80.00 per room. Our services include painting, sheet rock, installation, popcorn removal and repair, wall¬paper removal, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical. We appreciate our cli¬ents. FREE ESTIMATES: (980)214-6048

LOWEST COST — HIGHEST QUALITY RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

NEW CONSTRUCTION

ADDITIONS & REMODELING

CEILING FANS & BATH FANS

ADD & REPLACE RECEPTACLES

LANDSCAPE & SECURITY LIGHTS

GARAGE & OUTSIDE BUILDINGS

SERVICE PANEL UPGRADES

CALL SOLO ELECTRIC Licensed and Insured

704-622-0654

The handy Man

FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

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

Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com

Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience • Senior Discount

Holiday Savings 10% off-Mention this ad. Exp: 1/15/2019

Your Home Exterior Specialists

BF Construction Services and Light Grading

704-254-5381

Fall is around the corner!

DeMARZO

HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS Tony DeMarzo

• Trail Building

980-253-9496

• Small Dump Truck • Trachoe

CONCRETE WORK •••I G W T •••

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Bill

• Concrete Demo

or call Betty

• Small Trees Cut

NC License Heating & Air Contractors Service / Repair Equipment Change Out New Installation – Equipment & Ducting Duct Blast Testing Zone Control Installation Load Calculation – Equipment Sizing Turkey Installation Goodman - Rhem - Train - American Standard Service Charge for Repair Visit $85.00

www.randstreetco.com

cmccrae@randstreetco.com

Experienced Licensed Insured (Since 1994)

rusT

Call Anytime!

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers) Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

**We are licensed and insured** **We have been in business for 20 years**

NC License General Contractors Small Projects Engineers & Architects (Subcontracted) New Construction Building Room Additions Roofing Concrete Projects – Incl. Stamped Retaining Walls Screen & Sun Rooms Masonry & Stone Installation

38 Years of Experience

980-240-7358 Construction (704) 375-3933

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

704-622-6460

• Bush Hogging • Footings

• PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING

CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES

• Tractor • Skid Loader

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

• Light Grading

980-622-7833

Dakota Glass

Licensed & Insured • Free estimates

Custom Glass Specialist

Frameless Showers/Mirrors

Specializing in Vinyl Replacement Windows

Call now for a FREE lime application included in any aeration package purchased!

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

Foggy Broken Windows

704.573.3117 sales@dakotaglass.biz www.dakotaglass.biz

NOW SCHEDULING SEEDING AND CORE AERATION

(704) 909-7561 STAR ECTRIC EL

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

RELIABLE INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS WE BEAT MOST ELECTRICAL ESTIMATES

Call Mitch

Roofing – Concrete – Masonry – Room Addition – HVAC

Application Engineer (BCF). American Truetzschler Inc. Charlotte, NC. Responsible for design quality controls w/ appropriate safety features for carpet & industrial yarn lines (BCF = bulk continuous filaments) in close collab w/ BCF engg team abroad. Reqs Bach degree in Electrical Engg/ rel/equiv & 2yrs: Controls or App Engg (Extrusion, Drawing & Winding), PLC (B&R 2003 & X20 generation); Siemens S7-1500 (ET200); Yaskawa drives (F7/V7 & A/V/T-1000 generation); B&R Automation Studio 2.4 & 4; VMware; Siemens TIA portal; & MS Visual Studio. Reqs German fluency (oral, written & reading). Reqs 5% domestic trav. Must be available 24/7 for technical support of control sys. Apply: jguglielmetti@am-truetzschler.com Ref#99980.

Call 704-847-6362

Home Repair Neat, suoeClean, truoC Meticulous, dn& a eRemodeling miT-nO On-Time ,suoluciand teM Courteous ,naelC ,taeN

Rand Street HELP WANTED

Stately Brick 4 Bedroom house located on 6 and 3/10ths acres of land. Established blueberries, muscadines, blackberries, figs,and pecan tries. Located 2 miles from downtown Matthews.

Affordable Electrical Contractor

Kelly’s gnPainting iPainting tniaP s’ylleK Kelly’s Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service

Kelly’s gniPainting tniaP s’yElslteFK REE

HOME WITH A SMALL FARM FOR SALE - $575,000

704.315.9944 TIM BALOGH starelectric.Tim@gmail.com

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

• RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL • SERVICE/PANEL UPGRADES • NEW WIRING • LIGHTING & OUTLETS • 120 & 240 VOLT CIRCUITS • TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR • INSPECTIONS & VIOLATIONS • FREE ESTIMATES

704-254-1321 clontslawncare@gmail.com

See us on Facebook and Instagram

PLUMBING

10% OFF

Local & Long-Distance Moves Commercial & Residential Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated

Service & Repairs

Senior Discount

704-256-4853

HOLIDAY ORGANIZING AND DELIVERY

Leaks Toilets Sinks Faucets Bathtubs Water Heaters

Drain Cleaning Sewer Cleaning Camera Inspections

Power Plumbing LLC

Veteran owned and operated

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

Complete Landscape & Hardscape Design & Build • Paver Walkways, Patios • Retaining Walls • Fire Pits

• Stove Vaneer Work FREE • Landscape Lighting 3D RENDERING • Tree/Plant Installation OF YOUR PROJECT with signed contract - $850 value • Grading/Drainage Solutions

Free estimate over 22 years experience Licensed & Insured • All credit cards accepted

704-321-1600

www.barnhardtlandscaping.com

Advertise Your Business Here For Service Directory advertising information e-mail brent@cmgweekly.com or call 704-849-2261

Page 6B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 7, 2018

DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants Nov. 23 to 29:

enough; and cooked shredded pork were stored in walk–in cooler without date mark.

Lowest Scores

Indian Trail

• Harris Teeter deli, 5920 Weddington–Monroe Road – 96.5 • Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill, 316 N. Trade St. – 96.5 • Outback Steakhouse, 9623 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3321 Siskey Pkwy. – 90 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 97 • South 21, 11450 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5

• Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3321 Siskey • Arby's, 13866 W. Roosevelt Blvd. Pkwy. – 90 – 97.5 Violations include: Uncovered • Biscuitville, 13703 U.S. 74 – 97 staff drink stored on prep counter; • Sun Valley Cafe, 6751 Old Monemployee didn't wash hands be- roe Road – 98.5 tween tasks; metal scouring pads and soiled wiping cloths stored in TheMatthews New York York Times Times Syndication SyndicationSales SalesCorporation Corporation hand sink; three metal containersThe New • China Express, 3607New Matthews– 620 Eighth Avenue, York, N.Y. 10018 Monroe 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 stored clean with food debris on For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 MintFor Hill Road – 97 Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 • Ala Azteca Butcher Shop, 2300 them; some foods weren't held hot

Release Monday, March ForFor Release Wednesday, March26, 21,2018 2018

Edited by by Will Will Shortz Shortz Edited

Crossword rossword C ACROSS ACROSS 1 Skirt bottoms 1 Trio in 5 Ticklish Muppet “Macbeth” 95 Gets thin on“To top Baldwin of 14 With: RomeFr. With Love” 15 Banquet Loving, maybe 169 Lewis and ___ 11 Expedition 435 members, for the House 17 GARFIELD +U= Beach V.I.P. 13 Marina facility 19 “___ at the Bat” 15 Sometime 20 City NW of Detroit babysitters 21 “Help me, 17 Actress Petty of Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Tank Girl” e.g. 18 Goes after 23 Home for Nixon Reagan: 20 and Beginner: Var. Abbr. 21 Anxious 24 “It’s a date!” 23 Suitable for 26 MADISON +A= sinking one’s “Me, teethtoo!” into 29 24 Shakespearean Gymnastics cries legend 30 Bounding Comanecimain 32 25 Pathetic Furnituregroup mover? 33 Mysterious the a 27 sighting “There’sinmany Himalayas man hath more 35 Some rulings on hair than ___”: PolitiFact Shak.

38 Mortgage, e.g.

66 COOLIDGE + P = Expressionist Narc’s four-footed Schiele helper

Thomas who his name 39 lent FILLMORE +V= to a “choice” Movie buff 29 of 42 Part Like racehorses’ Washington, feet D.C., known for 44 lobbying Who asksfirms “What can I help you 31 Home for Peter with?” on an Pan iPhone 33 “Grand Ole” 45 Author Silverstein thing 49 Act Soccer 34 as blocker 51 President pro ___ 36 Messes up 53 Lab eggs 37 Swiss canton where William 54 HARDING + P = Tell lived Squeezable 38 Vodka with exercise toola Russian name 57 Actor Snipes of 39 Citi Field team, “White Men Can’t on scoreboards Jump” 41 Aussie animal 59 Approves 42 Game of “love” 60 Famous ___ 44 Some cookiesuniv. instructors 62 River of Cologne 46 How the answer 63 to Uncle thisSam’s clue land, for short goes in the grid 28

49 shade 68 Purple Humdingers 51 parts 69 Vise Panache

52 Obama 70 Barack Pistol sound

2 1 3 2 43

14 9

21 24 25

73 “Fate First half of a 55 would

33 33

3938 40

DOWN Hungers in a presidential continued term

12 16

40 46

51 50 55

24 27 28

49 50 53

44 44

11 8

39 41

43 43

10 7

26 31

96 16

41 47 45

5251 57

53 58

3 Egoistic demand

No.0214 0219 No. 11

23 25

49 48

Dark, dirty 2 shade Wicked look

29 29

Two-year 571 Stories tomark, be

17 20

10 15

13 17

and Jimmy 71 Hybrid picnic Carter, utensil at the starts of their 72 political Philosophies careers Senate vote prove otherwise”

W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95.5 • Buffalo Wild Wings, 2109 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 • Carnitas Mexican Guanajuato, 2300 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Little Country Kitchen, 2526 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 99.5 • Los Pepe's, 1702 Walkup Avenue – 91.5 • Mac's Fish and Chicken, 2399 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Oasis of Monroe, 116 S. Main St. – 100 • Taqueria Veracruz Mexico, 1228 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98

4 National Mall, for a presidential inauguration DOWN

65 57

Six-foot bird 15 Deepest

6 feelings ___ years (when presidents are 2 Brilliant elected)

craftsmanship

Fair-hiring inits.

72 59

PUZZLEBY BYMARY BRUCE HAIGHT PUZZLE LOU GUIZZO

52Self-denial? Bygone Ford 43 make, briefly on weekday 26 Auto takebacks mornings, with 45 capital 55World Celebrated “The” founded by a Chinese-born 28 2003 #1 hit for ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE PUZZLE Like need the days conquistador architect 42OutKast Absorbs 58 “We a of 13 yore 28Power Aromasfailure S M P X A M G M A E L S C H O A government, Diving venues B O E T M A LS M 43Best “Star Wars” pilot 4756Steak 30 order T O E D R YI S P A R B B 31Attracted Gets ready to 9 ___, Sendbecause covertly, as 14 B A O Y T R A R N O T D S 58 Queen of ___ 46 There’s one to 32 Furniture shoot of the nature of an email A S O F I B E L I E V E S O (visitor of King honor presidents 49 Bounded Q U I E T T I M E I D T A G 15 Bad place for a mover, maybe Solomon, in the J. every February N N O F R A TI T A A 34bowling “Too richball for my S O E N S R R P E A S S TT S 10 humans”: Leader in aP.state or Bible) rovers O’Rourke 35 Game’s turning blood” S N A R F S I A 50 Range 47 The slightest roll call: Abbr. the mind M I C E T R E F O I L point? 61 Poetry amount O R G N I E L S C H A S M 36 QB Manning 6 Actor A S I A N S P R E S E N C E 11 Milan Cariou opera 16 Bastards competition 53 County P E R S E B A T C H E D I T 38 One getting 48 What hens do 37 Separate, as house room C H A N G F O A L W A L T Abbr. 7 Living 64divisions: Mink or sable 19 February smashed at a E R A T B O X E D A S T O whites from 49 Grave robbers C O M S E A L I O N L I T piece “You wish!” honoree party? R O M E R O S E S R A P S 12 accent colors 65 Query 50 Word after many 54 Parts of the O A A L M A T R B O E A PL M T O E N R A T O L N A S 8 They lead to 13 Like atria that may 22 of abeatnikrodeo 40 Unfulfilling presidents’ work 67body 40Start “Got it!,” Political S A M A D A M S D A N G E R S L Y L Y S E E M S E T A 18 love be wiggled cry assignments at first names style connections Onetime Pontiac T H E B E S T V E G A A B C D R U I D sight muscle cars E R I R C A A RJ OI N N G G Online A O R RI C K A A R A Onlinesubscriptions: subscriptions:Today’s Today’spuzzle puzzleand andmore morethan than7,000 7,000past past 9 Binge E O L SI OI D T E W A U T O A S K E R 22 What a majority puzzles, G A Y S M U puzzles,nytimes.com/crosswords nytimes.com/crosswords($39.95 ($39.95aayear). year). of campaign it! M B A G O R R E E 10 Beat A RI C E A S H T M E H E D E E M Read Readabout aboutand andcomment commenton oneach eachpuzzle: puzzle:nytimes.com/wordplay. nytimes.com/wordplay. spending goes S T S E D S EI TL S E S S N A O D W S 11 Game R C Y A E S toward 7 Maples formerly Bloke married to Donald Trump 4 Pic 3

25Actress Dickens’s Little 12 who

___ played Mrs. 27Cunningham Store sign on on “Happy Days” Presidents’ Day

41Fish-fowl ABC showlink 24

% Off 65 YEAR END SAVINGS

Up to Hurry while stock lasts

• Tienda Y Taqueria Romeros, 405 Sutherland Ave. – 93.5

Stallings • Enzo's Italian Market, 4420 Potter Road – 98 • Lucy's Bakery, 4522 Potter Road – 98.5 • Silvino's Pork Rhinds and More, 621 Stallings Road – 96

Waxhaw • GRITS Home Cookin', 7909 Lancaster Hwy. – 95

LOUD&LIVE Dec. 7 • Beantown Tavern: Coconut Groove Band • Mac’s Speed Shop: Stateline Crossing • Moochies Tavern: Carmen Tate • Neighborhood Theatre: Front Country • Petra’s: Jason Scavone, Barnwell & Matt Carlson • Southern Range: Analog Crash • Stooges Pub: Darrell Harwood • Sweet Union: The Longleaf Trio • Temple Mojo: Nate Randall • Trail House: SugarSmaX • Vintner’s Hill: Jaxx & Jacks • Visulite: Yarn w/ Coddle Creek

Dec.8 • Beantown Tavern: Up In Smoke • Coyote Joes: Riley Green • Grapes Wine: Denver Crites • Mary O’Neill’s: The Stark Reality Acoustic Trio • Mac’s Speed Shop: Pursey Kerns • Neighborhood Theatre: Wayne “The Train” Hancock • Petra’s: Bill Noonan Band, Brandy Lindsey & The Punch, & David Childers • Roasted Bone: Tantrum • Spectrum Center: Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Stooges Pub: Cloud 9 • Visulite: Abbey Road Live!

Dec. 9 • Fillmore: Robert Glasper • Underground: State Property

• Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Ovens Auditorium: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Petra’s: 1919 Commonweath Ave. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. • Underground: 820 Hamilton St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Grapes Wine: 6461 Old Monroe Road • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. • Temple Mojo: 195 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews Mint Hill Road Monroe • Roasted Bone: 350 E. Franklin St. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. Waxhaw • Mary O’Neill’s: 115 W. N. Main St.

Dec. 11 • Ovens Auditorium: Celtic Thunder

Dec. 12 • Beantown Tavern: Chuck Johnson Duo • Fillmore: Underoath • Neighborhood Theatre: Zo! + Carmen Rodgers • Petra’s: Karaoke • Visulite: Bayside w/ Golds

Spread the word about your next show! Contact us at 704-849-2261

Dec. 13 • Seaboard Brewing: Nate Randall • Visulite: The Hip Abduction

Venues Charlotte • Coyote Joes: 4821 Wilkinson Blvd.

MSRP

Hooker Crafted Casual Dining Room

Floor Samples, One-of-a-kinds and more! American Leather, Baker, Bernhardt, Bradington Young, Century, Craftmaster, Designmaster, Fine Furniture Design, Four Hands, Hickory White, Hooker, Kingsdown, Lexington, Palettes by Winesburg, Sherrill, Smith Brothers, Stanley, Stressless by Ekornes, Taylor King, Theodore Alexander, Universal, Uttermost, Vanguard and many others.

VISIT OUR ONLINE CLEARANCE INVENTORY OVER 1000 ITEMS Online (and in our stores). Our clearance is like new, often current collections...mostly showroom samples

(Recommended for 6+ years)

Nov. 30th - Dec. 16th Join us for this Christmas classic based on the movie of the same name. A nice old man who works as a department store Santa tries to convince a little girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus that he is Santa Claus. He ends up going to trial to prove he is the real thing.

Vanguard American Bungalow Sectional

Palettes by Winesburg Southampton King Bed

goodshomefurnishings.com Financing available for qualified buyers. *See store for details. Some items may vary by location. Some items are part of groups and must be sold as a group.

Charlotte Showroom Mon-Sat 10-7 Sunday 12-6

Hickory Furniture Mart Mon-Sat 9-7 Sunday Closed

11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045

2220 Hwy 70 SE Hickory, NC 828.322.3471

Special Financing Available*

Family Owned & Operated

704.846.8343 www.matthewsplayhouse.com