Inside: Government must fix PPP problem • Page 4A
Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 • Vol. 13 • No. 51
Ledford retiring from law enforcement
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261
by Justin Vick
justin@cmgweekly.com matthewsminthillweekly.com
justin@cmgweekly.com
WHAT'S INSIDE:
End is near? Atrium Health has COVID-19 vaccine, 2A
Police Chief Tim Ledford is retiring from law enforcement Dec. 31 after more than 46 years of service. Ledford joined the Mint Police Department as chief in August 2008. Town commissioners approved a resolution Dec. 10 allowing Ledford to leave the role with his badge and service weapon as permitted by state law. Commissioners took the opportunity to share their appreciation for Ledford's service. “I stand in your honor,” Mayor Brad Simmons told Ledford as he presented him the resolution. “We appreciate all your hard work to the Mint Hill Police Department. It's been
exemplary, and I can't think of a better person that we could have selected back in 2008 to lead our department. We thank you for all that you've done.” Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly has profiled Ledford and his police department a few times over the years. One of the hallmarks of his tenure has been the tendency to get out of the office and interact with the community. “I want to make sure I get out and talk with citizens on a regular basis,” Ledford told us in 2008. “I’ve attended several meetings with organizations, such as the Lion’s Club and Rotary. I’ve gone on several ridealongs with officers and asked for input – what works, what doesn’t work. From my see CHIEF, Page 5A
Tim Ledford (right) already had 30-plus years of law enforcement experience when he arrived in Mint Hill in 2008. This photo is from October 2008. CMG file photo
Little bird brings big joy
Big gift United Way invests $21.7M locally, 2A
by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
Realignment Prep teams shaken up a bit, 3A
Older adults Thriving in a year of strife, 1B
Giving back Helms fosters service, protects history, 2B
Julian and Becky Aldridge haven’t had many visitors since beginning their self-imposed quarantine earlier this year. The couple – 83 and 80 years old – order supplies online and rarely leave their home in the Winterbrook neighborhood of Matthews. There is one friend, however, who stops by to see them every day: an Eastern phoebe wild bird they named “Tweetie Pie” after the cartoon character of the same name. “We were out on our deck and we realized that little bird isn’t afraid of us,” Julian said. “All of the other birds would fly away as soon as we went out and he was just hopping around.” The Aldridges first saw Tweetie around Oct. 20. Since then, the bird appears every time they step out onto their deck and even comes when Becky calls. He was hesitant at first but now eats birdseed right out of her hand. “When he came to my hand, it was amazing,” Becky said. “I couldn’t imagine, but he has no fear.” “My wife is a good person, so I think that bird knows when you’re a Saint Francis,” Julian said, referring to St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and environment. At first, the couple thought Tweetie was someone’s escaped pet or had been rescued by humans since he (or she) was so comfortable around people. Curious about his origin, they showed pictures of the bird to employees at Wild see BIRD, Page 5A
NEWS BRIEFS
Levine Middle College welcomes new principal
Mint Hill commissioners OK rezoning for new school
Brian Bambauer will transition from principal of Randolph IB Middle School to lead Levine Middle College High School in Matthews. Bambauer has led Bambauer Randolph IB Middle since 2014. He'll take over for Joey Burch, who is retiring after 41 years with the district, including six as head of Levine Middle College. “I look forward to continuing the great work of principal Burch and the staff of Levine,” Bambauer said during the Dec. 8 school board meeting. “I'm eager to serve this school, which provides such an amazing opportunity for our students as they earn their high school diploma while simultaneously earning two years of college credit.” Prior to Randolph IB Middle,
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools can move forward with the construction of a new elementary school on the campus of Mint Hill Middle School after town commissioners approved the rezoning Dec. 10. The decision came without discussion, but commissioners Mike Cochrane and Dale Dalton said during the November public hearing they liked how the project would improve vehicle queuing on the campus during pick-up and drop-off. Mayor Brad Simmons also said the town was looking forward to the 2017 bond project coming to fruition. Construction on the 45-classroom school is scheduled to start in early 2021. It is projected to open in August 2022.
CMS botched joint meeting with county
C Photos courtesy of Julian Aldridge
“
It certainly has brought joy to us this time of season when we need it so badly." • Becky Aldridge
harlotte-Mecklenburg Schools went into a joint meeting with county commissioners last week like the know-it-all kid that shows up for a mid-term exam after skipping several days of class. The school board seemed caught off guard by county commissioners wanting to hear specific steps they were taking to improve performance among Black students. County commissioners were looking for a plan. School board members could only provide data and goals. A few members alluded to a 2024 Strategic Plan but they didn't elaborate during the meeting. I looked at the plan after the meeting. It has some great ideals to put on a vision board, but it lacks the tactical strategy commissioners wanted to hear. The problem with the school board, and perhaps CMS administrators, is that they focus too much on trying to provide context about why schools are failing instead of explaining what they're going to do about it. District leaders blame the community for its problems. They blame parents for not being involved. They blame county and state leaders for not giving them enough money. What county commissioners, and the community at large, want to see is some accountability. CMS says it cares about equity, but leaders can't demonstrate what they're doing to promote it. The only steps I heard after much prying from county commissioners is that the see VICK, Page 5A
Bambauer served as principal at Lansdowne IB Elementary (2011 to 2014) and Rama Road Elementary (2007 to 2011). He was an assistant principal at Hickory Grove Elementary (2004 to 2007).
Simmons applauds public works for decorations Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons gave a shoutout during the Dec. 10 commissioner meeting to the town's public works department for the Christmas decorations outside town hall. Simmons has noticed from his office people taking pictures and eating Subway sandwiches around the tree. “They've always done just a fabulous job out there, but this year I think they went above and beyond,” Simmons said. “A lot of time our public works staff doesn't get the compliments that they deserve for all the hard work they do.”
HomeStyles Gallery & Specialty Shops Thank you for your patronage the last 21 years!
Justin Vick Managing Editor
Over 50 unique boutiques from high fashion to holiday and home decorating!
This map shows how the new elementary school will improve vehicle stacking during drop-off and pick-up at Mint Hill Middle School. Photo courtesy of Mint Hill
HomeStyles G
Find one of a kind unique gifts for everyone on your list!
A
L
L
E
R
& Specialty Shops
Y
11237 Lawyers Rd. 704-573-1510
Minutes from I-485, exit 47 Lawyers Rd. Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm • Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Page 2A • The Weekly •Dec. 18, 2020
Atrium Health administers COVID-19 vaccine STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway charlotte@cmgweekly.com Kate Kutzleb kate@cmgweekly.com Loura Hilliard loura@cmgweekly.com
NEWSLETTER
Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of infection prevention at Atrium Health, was the first in North Carolina to receive the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer. Atrium Health was the first health system in the state to administer the vaccine, which the health system says is the best way to prevent infection from COVID-19. “This is a moment of hope as this vaccine has the potential to change the course of where we are with the pandemic,” Passaretti said Dec. 14. “I couldn’t be more excited. I feel perfectly fine and I haven’t had any issues or complications with the vaccine. I would highly encourage everyone to talk with your doctor and consider getting vaccinated when it is available for you.” Pfizer reports its vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 among people who had no evidence of prior infection. Due to limited initial supply and based on national and state guidance, the first batch of the Pfizer vaccine is being given to Atrium Health staff in high priority, patient-facing areas, such as the emergency department and medical intensive care unit, and areas where health-care workers are at a higher risk for COVID-19 exposure. “Today, my spirit is certainly lifted with the vaccine arriving and Dec. 14 will be a historic day I will remember for the rest of my life," said Eugene Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health. “This has been a year that has tested all of us, and after fighting in the trenches 24/7, I am so happy that the cavalry is finally starting to arrive. Teams have been working around the clock at Atrium Health to prepare for vaccine distribution, and while we still have some months of heavy lifting, our frontline heroes have started to get the protection they deserve as we continue to provide health, hope and healing to each com-
COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer is stored at Atrium Health. High-priority patient-facing staff will be among the first in the nation to receive Pfizer vaccine. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health
munity we are privileged to serve.” Atrium Health said it remains critical for everyone to continue wearing a mask, social-distancing and handwashing, before and after having been vaccinated. To date, Atrium Health has conducted 10 clinical trials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Atrium Health also opened a voluntary vaccine research registry, which allows people to learn more about vaccine research and development. People who take part in the registry may be invited to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials in the future and will be provided with convenient access to trials should they be interested. Partic-
ipating in clinical trials is a way for people to receive potentially lifesaving medications before they become FDA available. Novant Health's vaccine efforts Novant Health has been working with federal, state and county officials to develop and align allocation and distribution plans for the vaccine. This includes a four-phase vaccine prioritization framework, which begins with patient-facing health-care workers and first-responders, longterm health facility workers and residents, as well as adults with more than two chronic conditions. On the web: NovantHealth.org/Coronavirus
United Way of Central Carolinas announces $21.7M investment Subscribe to our free DAILY email newsletter to stay on top of everything we are publishing in print and online, as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.
Crisis Assistance Ministry allowed 40 nonprofits to pick up some of the free kitchenware for their clients after receiving four 18-wheeler truckloads of kitchenware from Electrolux. Photo courtesy of Crisis Assistance Ministry
Call us today to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home. Sign with us and receive a $500 credit at closing.
Text UCWEEKLY to
980-553-1530 for details!
KIMBERLY BUDD & HOLLY DANNEKER 980-553-1530 - Call or Text keytothecarolinas@gmail.com www.keytothecarolinas.com
Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Get Your Holiday Survival Kit!
Tuesday, December 22nd Pick up between 1 - 3 p.m. Holiday Survival Kits are available for drive-thru pick-up compliments of Waltonwood Providence senior living.
P ROVIDENCE
Call Carrie or Cara and reserve yours today! 704-753-7123
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com
United Way of Central Carolinas is investing $21.7 million into communities across the Charlotte region. The nonprofit is awarding grants to more than 100 agencies in five counties that are building stronger neighborhoods, improving racial equity, boosting economic mobility and helping people meet basic needs in the pandemic. Thanks to thousands of corporate and individual donors, the investment includes $10.7 million for United Way initiatives and partner agencies in fiscal year 2021. The funding includes a $1 million contribution from Mecklenburg County to expand United Way’s Unite Charlotte initiative to improve racial equity, which was seeded by Wells Fargo in 2016. United Way also broadens its reach by welcoming 36 new partners with first-time grants to programs aligned with its mission. The investment also includes $9.2 million for agencies providing relief for people facing hardships due to the pandemic. The money, which began going out in July, is part of the COVID-19 Response Fund co-launched in March by United Way in partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas. The remaining $1.7 million represents additional United Way community investments and donor-directed funding for nonprofits. “United Way continues its evolution toward taking on this community’s highest priority needs, and there’s no question the pandemic and the urgent cry for racial equity top the list,” President and CEO Laura Yates Clark said. “At the same time, we continue our focus on fueling economic mobility in a city that lags behind in creating opportunity for those living in poverty. And that work begins at the ground level with empowering neighborhoods.” United Way’s Board of Directors boosted the 2021 funding by committing up to $3 million from its reserves to keep the overall funding pool for agencies the same as last year’s. Without dipping into reserves this year, overall grant funding would have declined due to a decrease in community contributions. United Way has awarded 127 grants totaling $10.7 million in partner funding to 119 agencies beginning in January. Highlights include: • $1.1 million will dramatically expand the Unite Charlotte effort, going to build capacity and fund 33 grassroots organizations working to advance racial equity and create opportunity. Grants range from $15,000 to $40,000 and recipients include such groups as Our Turn, Profound Gentlemen and Southside Rides, most of them led by people of color. • $800,000 will continue funding for United Way’s United Neighborhoods program. Grants will go to 16 groups and eight neighborhood ‘quarterback’ organizations that work together to identify – and address – specific needs within their communities. • $8.8 million in Community Impact Grants will go to 70 agencies, ranging from $6,250 to $777,500, in Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties. Recipients include longtime partners such as Roof Above and Mental Health America, as well as new partners such as Socialserve,
Time Out Youth and Promise Resource Network. United Way also played a role in the COVID-19 Response Fund for emergency relief in the pandemic. United Way and Foundation For The Carolinas partnered to raise funds, assess needs and distribute grants beginning in March as North Carolina’s economic shutdown began. The Charlotte region responded to the call for help, with more than 1,100 donors contributing $23.6 million throughout the year. Grants flowed to agencies on the frontlines based on decisions made by a special grants committee of community leaders. United Way also helped find housing for residents of the Lake Arbor apartment community after owners decided to sell the property – leaving more than 300 low-income families without homes. “United Way has always functioned as the go-to agency when our community is in need, but what this organization has done in 2020 is remarkable and unprecedented,” said Scott Vaughn, chairman of United Way board Chair and a partner at McGuireWoods. “United Way is far more than a funding organization; it’s a convener and leader with a vast network of partners that together make a collective impact in our community far beyond what agencies might do individually.” Select Union County agencies and funding Community Health Services of Union County ($90,000) Council on Aging in Union County ($35,625) HealthQuest of Union County ($17,325) The Arc of Union/Cabarrus ($53,000) Turning Point - 97,500) Union County Community Shelter ($90,000) Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry ($109,375) Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity ($40,000) Select Mecklenburg county agencies and funding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas ($165,000) Care Ring ($410,000) Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center ($325,300) Child Care Resources ($495,550) Communities In Schools of CLT-Mecklenburg ($423,750) Crisis Assistance Ministry ($164,500) Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont ($131,000) Mental Health America of Central Carolinas ($225,520) NC MedAssist ($327,000) Roof Above ($300,000) Safe Alliance ($443,500) Salvation Army - Charlotte Area Command ($777,500) Urban League of Central Carolinas ($171,750) YMCA of Greater Charlotte ($100,000) Young Black Leadership Alliance ($100,000) YWCA Central Carolinas ($445,000)
The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 3A
NCHSAA realignment brings sweeping changes Schools in Mecklenburg, Union counties affected by adjustments to 2021-24 plan by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
Every four years, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association takes a look at conference boundaries and schools' average daily membership (enrollment) numbers to realign its member schools into conferences – oftentimes moving schools up and down from classifications based on enrollment. Last week, the NCHSAA came up with its first of four drafts of its conference realignment plan that would go into effect beginning Aug. 1, 2021, and running through August 2024. The second draft is set to come out in mid-January, and there is an appeals process for schools who wish to make their case heard with potential concerns about the changes. However, if the past three realignments serve as any indication, there will not be many if any changes made from this point forward. The final draft is set to come out in March, but if the state stays closely to what it’s proposed, there’s going to be some major changes coming to the schools in our coverage area. 4A The first big change comes in Union County, where Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Piedmont, Sun Valley and Weddington move up to 4A after previously competing in the Southern Carolinas at the 3A level. They will join “Conference 58” with Porter Ridge, who remains in the 4A classification but leaves the Southwestern 4A Conference they have been a part of for the past eight athletic seasons. This new conference should remain a highly competitive league across the board. That’s not the only big change, however. Former Southern Carolinas stalwart Charlotte Catholic is taking the step back into 4A themselves
and will provide a shot in the arm to the Southwestern 4A, bringing with them a strong athletic pedigree in football, tennis, swimming and diving and soccer. Other members of that league, dubbed “Conference 59” on the state’s draft, include long-time SW4A members Butler, Independence, Rocky River, East Meck and Myers Park. Providence will move back into this league, after the Panthers have spent the past eight in the So. Meck Conference. That’s where we move next, and that conference will see some pretty big shifts as well. Entitled “Conference 49,” the league will feature mainstays Ardrey Kell and South Meck along with Olympic, Harding and Berry as traditionally has been the case. That conference, presumably still the So. Meck, also includes newly minted 3A schools West Meck and West Charlotte, who drop from 4A. NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said the state’s new realignment plan is not shying away from creating mixed-classification leagues as they did for the past four years. "The number of split conferences in this alignment draft represents the realignment committee’s desire not to limit those,” she said. “It also takes into consideration the protection of natural rivalries and strongly considers geography and travel time. Of course, this means the way of getting into the playoffs must be reviewed and updated. That will come later.” 3A The So. Meck is one of many conferences across the state’s four classifications to have shared-class leagues. “Conference 44” is basically the old Rocky River 2A/3A. It will house Union County schools Central Academy and Parkwood as 3A members along with 2A teams Monroe, where the Redhawks
Butler (above) could be playing the likes of Providence and Charlotte Catholic (below) within its conference in addition to familiar foes Myers Park, Independence and Rocky River. CMG file photos
move down from 3A, and Forest Hills, who stays in 2A. Anson and West Stanly, a pair of 2A schools, round out the blended conference. 1A/2A Union Academy stays in the 1A classification, but is in a mixed league featuring 1A opponents Albemarle, Apprentice Academy, Gray Stone Day, South Stanly and 2A foes Jay M. Robinson, Mount Pleasant and North Stanly. The conference will be different after moving out of the Big South for the Cardinals, but they will again be traveling long distances to road conference games. Overall, it seems the NCHSAA is even further trying to cut down on travel time to away games and keep group like-sized schools together. It seems strange, though, that Ardrey Kell, typically one of the state’s largest and most overcrowded schools, would be in a blended league with a pair of 3A
schools, but sometimes it’s unavoidable like in Union Academy’s case. Either way, it should make for
some fun new rivalries mixed with a good amount of the traditional ones fans crave.
BRADINGTON YOUNG
Leather Sale YOUR CHOICE. CUSTOMIZE YOUR NEW SOFA OR OTTOMAN IN FABRIC OR LEATHER.
BRADINGTON-YOUNG
CUSTOM LEATHER SEATING YOU CHOOSE THE STYLE AND YOU CHOOSE THE LEATHER COLOR.
LOTS OF OPTIONS
12 MONTHS SPECIAL FINANCING* on purchases of $1500 or more. With approved credit. See stores for details. Shop now and save! We make it easy! Shop online each week, as our inventory changes often.
Program mNCEMENTS A
MENTS
Freedom Pa y
Portal which
include:
Pay Portal which include:
n for better reconciliatio n of sales of sale transa ction and ca n include ent report w ill now show ter reconciliation of sales invoice
FAMILY OWNED
FINANCING AVAILABLE
DESIGN SERVICES
11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045
Hickory Furniture Mart 828.322.910.3471
Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 7 pm Sunday noon - 6 pm
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6 pm Sunday Closed
ansaction and can include rt will now show invoice
Handcrafted!
goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US
1
*12
Months Special Financing available for qualified buyers with $1,500 or more purchase. Call or see store for details. Some items may vary by location. 1
Page 4A • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020
McElvy: Government must fix the gaping PPP problem by Jonathan McElvy CEO of McElvy Partners
One of the most effective tools implemented by the federal government in the fight against this enemy called McElvy COVID was the Paycheck Protection Program. If you haven’t followed the specifics, this program allowed small businesses to apply for a “forgivable” loan that would offset payroll and other operating costs, and it was a raging success. Businesses were able to pay employees during the worst five-month span since the Great Recession. Expenses such as rent, utilities and telephone were offset with proceeds from the loan. The Paycheck Protection Program could come back to haunt small businesses when they see how impacts taxes. There are different analyses on the topic, but the Small Business Administration estimates 51 million jobs were spared thanks to the dissemination of PPP funds. I will openly admit that our company’s ability to secure PPP funds saved the jobs of nearly half of our employees. That’s the good news, and anyone who reads this should understand how important the Paycheck Protection Program was to millions of small businesses across the na-
tion. Today, however, the federal government seems destined to ruin the very businesses it rescued seven short months ago. If you are a small business owner, or if you work for a small business (under 500 employees), or if you know someone who fits in that category, which means all of you, please take the time to understand how this piece of federal legislation, known as the CARES Act, could completely backfire on small businesses. Please make sure you are educated on how the same government that sought to prop up businesses now could force the same businesses to lay off millions of people. You’ll have to excuse this brief lesson on business finances, but there’s no other way to explain it. You own a business called Barry’s Boxes. Obviously, you sell boxes. Unfortunately, you don’t have a contract with Amazon. In 2019, before the world came crashing down, you had a good business bringing in $1 million a year in revenue. You had 10 employees (including yourself ) each earning a $40,000 salary, and your total expenses for the year (payroll, rent, boxes, etc.) were $900,000. That means your business showed a profit of $100,000 in 2019, and you had plans to open a second location in 2020. Except that never happened because of COVID. When the federal government
Stith is new leader of state community college system by Julie Havlak Carolina Journal News Service
The N.C. Community College System elected Thomas Stith III to lead it through the coronavirus pandemic and steep enrollment losses. Stith will become president of a system of 58 community colleges that enroll about 700,000 students a year. He now serves as district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, a federal agency that secured more than $16 billion in coronavirus relief for N.C. small businesses. Stith also was chief of staff to former Gov. Pat McCrory from 2013 to 2017. He succeeds interim president William Carver and former President Peter Hans, who
passed the CARES Act, and when banks said they were finally accepting PPP loan applications, you did all the calculations, which were fairly simple. Your total salaries in 2019 were $400,000, and if we avoid all the math, it means you were eligible to receive a PPP “forgivable” loan of $83,300. Within a week of your application, your bank deposited $83,300 into your account, and you breathed a huge sigh of relief. While your business was still open, you only had 70% of the customers you had in 2019, and you projected revenue to drop to $700,000. Before getting the loan, you considered laying off five of your employees just to make it through the year. Immediately you put a plan in place to spend the money the right way. You kept your employees paid. You caught up on your rent checks. You paid for the power and your internet connection. Today, most of those PPP funds are long gone, and you used the money exactly as the government told you to use it. That’s a good thing, because the government promised the loan would be forgiven if you played by the rules. As Barry’s Boxes nears the end of this year, the business made some needed adjustments, used the PPP money, and will still show a loss. You did $700,000 in revenue (down 30%), and you were able
left in August to become president of the University of North Carolina System. As president of the community college system, Stith will help determine North Carolina’s comeback from the coronavirus shutdowns. But he faces a stark challenge. Stith will have to define his presidency against the pandemic and expected funding shortfalls from the economic downturn. He begins Jan. 11, three days after Gov. Roy Cooper’s coronavirus curfew is set to expire and months before vaccines can achieve herd immunity. “My vision for the North Carolina Community College System is guided by the principle that education translates into opportunity,” Stith said in a news release. “The North Carolina Community College System will lead our state’s economic recovery by providing education and training for our diverse population. The system will become a national model for
to cut almost every other expense in your company, allowing you to spend $730,000. In other words, you only lost $30,000 this year, which you offset with the money you made last year. So much for expanding your location, but at least you’re still in business. I imagine if you surveyed 1,000 small businesses, that wouldn’t be far off from the reality of what has happened to most of them. They’re going to show a loss this year, but the government’s stimulus plan (PPP) allowed them to stay open, and hopefully, regroup once the world reopens. Except that’s not what will happen. There’s a problem with the way the government defined “forgivable.” You see, Barry’s Boxes is going to have to take the $83,300 it received from the government, and when Barry determines if he made money (thus paying taxes) or lost money (not paying taxes), he has to reduce his expenses by the amount of the loan. Based on the language of this federal legislation, Barry has to reduce his $730,000 in expenses by $83,300, which means his actual expenses were $646,700. All of a sudden, Barry’s financials show he actually made a profit in 2020, even though we all know he didn’t. That’s right. The way the legislation currently reads, Barry now has to pay taxes on $53,000 in profit. And while that doesn’t sound like a
educational excellence.” Stith will have to grapple with the dramatic drop in enrollment that community colleges face across the country. The pandemic upended hands-on learning, restricted colleges’ ability to offer classes and slashed the budgets of low-income students and adult learners. “Working adults are struggling right now, and lower-income students are struggling in their ability to go to college this year,” said Scott Ralls, Wake Technical Community College president. “His challenge is to help us make sure we have some level of budget-enrollment stability, so we’re able to deal with the economic-recovery issues once the pandemic moves out of the forefront.” But to do that, Stith must also take on longstanding problems that stand in the way of recovering the enrollment growth of the past year. Community colleges have long struggled
lot – maybe he only has to pay 21% – that means he has to write a check for $11,000. And guess what, Barry is like every other small business out there, and he only has $25,000 left in his business account. The numbers get bigger as the companies get bigger, but the reality is the government is coming back to recoup a chunk of the money most small-business owners thought was forgivable. And I can promise there are thousands upon thousands of business owners who are at the end of their ropes, are considering closing down for good, and who will opt to throw in the towel if they have to part with much more of their remaining cash. I know this seems technical, but it’s vitally important that politicians on both sides of the aisle fix this problem. If they saddle small businesses with a tax that goes against the intent of the legislation, the loss of jobs will impact the people you know and love. Please consider emailing your U.S. senators and representatives. Ask them to fix this legislation before even more jobs are lost. Jonathan McElvy is the CEO of McElvy Partners. His company includes the Greensheet, The Leader, Fort Bend Star, Charlotte Media Group, Coastal Bend Publishing and Texas Printers. He has managed and owned small businesses for 20 years.
to recruit teachers from industries that offer higher wages. Lower teacher pay has left community colleges hard-pressed to offer students a way into growing industries. “Stith takes the reins at a critical time for the N.C. Community College System,” said Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation director of education studies. “Stith’s most formidable task will be to find a way to boost investments in high-demand programs without sacrificing affordability.” Stith doesn’t have a strong background in higher education, but that’s relatively common within the system. Past presidents often had political backgrounds that bolstered the community colleges’ relationship with the legislature. Stith spent five years as economic development program director at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.
JANUARY IS OUR FREE VEIN SCREENING EVENT MONTH Do you suffer from Varicose veins? Spider Veins? Leg pain or swelling? Restless legs? Leg cramps?
If the answer is yes... You may have underlying vein problems
CHARLOTTE’S PREMIER VEIN CENTER
Experience. Integrity. Humanity.
Vascular solutions makes it easy for you to get an expert opinion.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Weekend and evening appointments available!
352 East Charles St. | Matthews, NC 28105
“I was impressed with how easy and fast the procedure was. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.” Sarah, 43 year old female
Choose a doctor that trains other doctors!
R
OF EXCEL
N CE
704-841-0760 www.WeaverBuddLaw.com inquiries@WeaverBuddLaw.com
Screenings are brief (approx 15 mins) and informative. Receive direct advice from Peter Ford MD & Kristin Hartman PA.
TE
Proud to be Charlotte's Medtronic Center of Excellence Regional physician training site for VenaSeal™ and ClosureFast™.
TR AI N
T
E
2020........
LE
• Estate Planning & Administration • Civil Litigation • Corporate Law & Contracts • Divorce & Family Law • Appellate Law
Call or email us to schedule your in-person or virtual visit today, your legs will thank you!
CEN
We are set up to handle all client needs remotely and safely during this crisis.
I IN G S
Choose a doctor that trains other doctors • Medtronic Center of Excellence • Regional Training Center for VenaSeal & ClosureFast
704-544-7535
Bilingual Staff Peter Ford MD FACS RPVI info@vasc-solutions.com | http://www.vasc-solutions.com Accepts Most Insurance Board-certified Road vascularSuite surgeon 7800•Providence 209, Charlotte NC 28226
• Vascular training at UNC, Chapel Hill • Over 13 years experience
Easy Street Level Access
Located across from Arboretum Shopping Center
Page 5A • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 self – favorable then, favorable now,” Long said. “I'm excited to see all of the young faces in the police department because of (Ledford), the town manager and others who continue to do what we have to have a good force going forward for our community as we grow.” Commissioner Mike Cochrane credited Ledford for getting out in the community and being friendly and knowledgeable to businesses. “I can't tell you that every police officer you had under your command liked you but every doggone one of them respected you,” Cochrane said. “I'd rather have a man's respect than I had his like anytime. You were not only well-respected from your police officers under you but you are well-respected from the town and the community.” Commissioner Dale Dalton praised Ledford for the police department's volunteer program, the professionalism of his officers and the chief's approachable nature. Dalton said he hopes to see Ledford around town post-retirement.
CHIEF (continued from page 1A)
standpoint, if something is going wrong I need to know about it.” Last year, we caught up with Ledford during the Mint Hill Police Department's Coffee with a Cop program, where he chatted with the community over drinks at Mint Hill Roasting Company. “The concept is let’s meet in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, as opposed to the side of the road when someone is maybe getting a citation for something,” Ledford told us last year. “If you have issues with the police department, this is a great time to talk about it. We have had good success with it. I have had two show up, and I have had 50 show up. The people have overwhelmingly given us positive feedback about being accessible to the public.” Commissioner Tony Long remembers meeting Ledford at a Showmars around the time he was hired as police chief. “He came forward and introduced him-
New & Improved Online Ordering!
Chief of Police Tim Ledford (right) talks with a Mint Hill resident during the department’s monthly Coffee with a Cop program last year. CMS file photo
VICK
New & Improved New & Improved & Improved Online Ordering! NewNew & Improved Online Ordering! &Online Improved New & New Improved Online Ordering! Ordering!
(continued from page 1A)
district wants to hire better teachers, streamline curriculum and invest in more training. Sounds pretty routine to me. People want to see more urgency. An achievement gap exited before the pandemic and has gotten worse due to remote learning. The time is now for transformational leadership. I'm not convinced we'll get that from CMS. I wonder what would have happened if CMS entered that joint meeting with a worksheet that outlined the Order at GoldenCorral.com 20 most common reasons Comfort students can't read, do math Order at GoldenCorral.com Food To Go! Order at GoldenCorral.com or graduate. And under each GoldenCorral.com reason, they listed three ways Order at GoldenCorral.com they are trying to overcome it with the resources they Comfort Order at GoldenCorral.com have available now. Then Food To Go! they could explain a proposed program for each
Online Online Ordering! Ordering! New & Improved
Online Ordering!
Comfort New & Improved New & Improved Online Comfort Ordering! FoodOrdering! To Go! Online Comfort
Comfort Food To Go! To Go! Comfort Order at GoldenCorral.com FoodFood To Go! Food To Go! Comfort
Food To Go!
$5 OFF $5 OFF $5 OFF Comfort $5 OFF $5 OFF
Order at
To Go purchase To Go of purchase $30 or more! To Go purchase To Go purchase of $30 or more! Comfort To Go purchaseofOrder at GoldenCorral.com Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO To Go purchase $30 or more! of $30 or more! Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO To Go orders only. Not valid on holidays, or of $30ToorGo! more! Food of or in combination with any other ooer. Tax and Go orders only. Not valid$30 on holidays, ormore! CouponToCode: 5OFF30TOGO
Food To Go!
$5 OFF
$5 OFF
reason that leans on a community partner for support or requires more funding from the county and state. I think county leaders would feel more comfortable giving CMS millions of dollars. But CMS focused too much of its message on the context of why they are failing rather than offering solutions to succeed. I've been critical of county commissioners in the past, mostly for professionalism, but I think they did a great job of holding CMS accountable. George Dunlap, Mark Jerrell, Leigh Altman and Vilma Leake were especially good in this meeting. Dunlap explained they were only bringing up concerns raised by their constituents. Issues of equity are nothing new for city and county commissioners. They've been demanding it for years. There have been times when
city or county staff offered a solid plan and elected leaders pressured them to do more. The difference between our government leaders and school board is that city and county leaders can point to actionable steps toward equity. School board members can't communicate that. Perhaps the school board should develop elevator speeches that quickly convey what steps they are taking to improve educational outcomes for Black students, Hispanic students, low-income students, disabled students, Matthews-Mint Hill students, south Charlotte students, all students. Right now, the message is clunky and getting lost. I get the impression that CMS wants to drive the bus when it comes to the equity issue. CMS, you are not ready to drive. Instead, focus on things you can control … like test scores.
To purchase $5 OFF Order at Go GoldenCorral.com Order at GoldenCorral.com
gratuity not included. Expires Valid BIRD Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO in combination with any other ooer. and 1/31/21. Coupon Code:To Go 5OFF30TOGO orders only. Not valid on holidays, or Tax Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO
only at the Matthews, NC location. (continued from page 1A) gratuity notany included. Expires To Go orders only. Not valid on holidays, or in combination with other ooer. Tax1/31/21. and NotValid To Go orders only. valid on holidays, or only at the Matthews, NC location. Towith Goany orders only. Not valid on holidays, or in combination other ooer. Tax and gratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid in combination with any other ooer.Birds Tax and Unlimited who identified it as an Eastgratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid only at theother Matthews, NC Tax location. in combination with any ooer. andnot included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid gratuity only at the Matthews, NC location. ern phoebe. only at the Matthews, NC location.
Go purchase of $30 orTomore! CERTIFIED SAFE They learned Eastern phoebes make their nests under the eaves of houses, leading them To Go orders only. Not valid on holidays, orSAFE CERTIFIED to wonder if Tweetie lives under their deck. SAFE CERTIFIED SAFE in combination with any other ooer. Tax CERTIFIED and They also like mealworms, but maybe Tweetgratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid To Go purchase ie likes them a little too much, Julian said. only at the Matthews, NC location. “After we gave him mealworms, I told ofCERTIFIED $30 or more! SAFE Becky, ‘Oh my, you’ve opened Pandora’s gratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. of $30 orValid more! Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO CERTIFIED SAFE only at the Matthews, Coupon NC location. Code: 5OFF30TOGO
$5 OFF
$5 OFF
To Go orders only. Not valid on holidays, or in combination with any other ooer. Tax and gratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid only at the Matthews, NC location.
To CERTIFIED Go purchase SAFE SAFE of $30 orMATTHEWS, more! MATTHEWS, NC NC
CERTIFIED Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO
Box,’” Julian said. “Now we turn around and there he is.” To Go orders only. Not valid on holidays, or One aspect still up for debate is whether in combination with any other ooer. Tax and Tweetie is a he or a she. Becky thinks Tweetie gratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid is a boy because of his appetite, while Julian only at the Matthews, NC location. isn’t so sure. 11025 E Independence Blvd 11025 E Independence Blvd “Men are always hungry and want some(704) 246-7568 11025 E Independencething Blvdto eat,” Becky said. (704) 246-7568 11025 E Independence (704) Blvd 246-7568 11025 To GoE Independence orders only.Blvd Not valid on holidays, or The Aldridges have a close-knit family (704) 246-7568 (704) 246-7568 with three married children and six grandin combination with any other ooer. Tax and children who live in Asheville and the Ragratuity not included. Expires 1/31/21. Valid leigh-Durham area. Out of caution, they 11025 E Independence Blvd haven’t seen each other since the start of the only at the Matthews, NC (704) location. 246-7568 pandemic. “This has been the first time we have ever been separated from them and last Christ11025 E Independence Blvd mas was the last time we were all together as a family, so this has been extremely trying for (704) 246-7568 us,” Julian said.
MATTHEWS, NC MATTHEWS, NC Coupon Code: 5OFF30TOGO MATTHEWS, NC
CERTIFIED SAFE
MATTHEWS, NC
MATTHEWS, NC MATTHEWS, NC
11025 E Independence Blvd (704) 246-7568
CERTIFIED SAFE
"Tweetie Pie" comes to Becky Aldridge whenever she calls and even eats out of her hand. Photo courtesy of Julian Aldridge
Tweetie’s daily visits help break the monotony and have given the couple something to focus on. “It certainly has brought joy to us this time of season when we need it so badly,” Becky said.
MATTHEWS, NC
11025 E Independence Blvd Best (704) 246-7568
Best resources for cancer survivors Best innovative treatments Best safety protocols Best cancer care
MATTHEWS, NC
11025 E Independence Blvd (704) 246-7568 If you’re facing cancer, the choice is clear. The region’s only cancer program nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Pub: Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Size: 9.875”x6.125” Insert: 12/17
Client: Atrium Job No: ATRW-04631 Title: LCI
Page 6A • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020
Make the holidays special with Make the holidays special with MARIO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT MARIO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & JOHN'S PLACE & JOHN'S PLACE
Full menu available every day for Full menu available every day for DINE IN PICK UP DELIVERY DINEC AIN PICK UP DELIVERY TERING TRAYS TOO!
CUAR TCEOR IN ODOP I!C K U P USE O NV E NG I E NTTR CA A LY LS A HT EA E OOW U ROC I ESNDTEC EU AR DO P IRCDKE R U PT O WU I NSD ROHNAVVEENU L IAVLELRAYHO IN OR HO A VCEOUNST A DE OVRA DIELR T LOE ! YW OU RDDOOW OR - N CLTI V DEER LIY VO E RUYR A AB YOUR DOOR - NO C O N TDelivery A C T D EArea LIVERY AVAILABLE! *Limited
Give the gift of good food this year! Give BUY the gift of good food this year! A $50 GIFT CARD BUY A $50 GIFT CARD GET A FREE $10 BONUS CARD GET A FREE $10 BONUS CARD BUY A $100 GIFT CARD BUY A $100 GIFT CARD GET A FREE $25 BONUS CARD C A R D T O$25 BE USED A T A L A T E R CARD DATE GETB O NAU SFREE BONUS P U RBCOHNAUSSE C NA ORW GSHE D D EACTE M 1 SDTA , T2E0 2 0 D TTH ORBOEUU A BLEART E3R PURCHASE NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2020 2945 Matthews Weddington Rd. Maatttthheew wss ,WNeCd d 2i8n1g0t4 2945 M on Rd. w wMwa.teta o sCp 2 i z8z1a0. 4 com h tem wasr, iN
Dinner Special:
25
$
w w w . e a t m a r i o s p i z z a . c o mper
person
Pork Tenderloin Milanese 7 0 4 - 8with 4 7 - 4Individually 8 8 4 packed for Delivery garlic mashed potatoes house 7 0 4& -8 47-48 8 4Out Order by Tuesday, or Take December 22, 2020. vegetables plus garlic knots.
2945 Matthews Weddington Rd | Matthews, NC 28104
www.eatmariospizza.com
704-847-4884
Thrive over 55 The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 1B
Egbe Monjim bo (left) raised more than $7 while Helen ,600 during th Wright’s Mem e Walk to En ory Team (top Photos courte d Alzheimer’s right) hauled sy of Alzheimer , in at least $2 ’s Association ,300. - Western Caro lina Chapter
Thriving during a year of strife Charlotte Media Group committed in January to publishing a monthly section dedicated to issues of interest to older adults. We branded “Thrive Over 55” to match our biannual senior expos. As a precursor to next week's special edition outlining 2020's biggest newsmakers, we thought we'd walk through memory lane to highlight some of the biggest issues affecting older adults this year. The nature of events change Charlotte Media Group postponed its Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo from March 20 to May 16 (eventually getting canceled) shortly after Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency March 10 in response to COVID-19. This was before we would see Cooper's mass gathering restrictions and Dr. Anthony Fauci's warnings to wears masks. At that time, COVID-19 was assumed to affect mostly older adults, so we didn't want to put our readers at risk. Shortly after, other events and large gatherings began getting postponed or canceled. Soon, events like the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, went virtual. That particular event raised $577,000 despite the pandemic. Eventually, the Levine Senior Center, Matthews Rotary Club, Town of Waxhaw and other organizations began holding drive-thru events to distribute food and supplies to older adults and veterans. Counties identify outbreaks at nursing homes Nursing homes in Charlotte, Matthews, Monroe and Pineville
were among the first in the region to report COVID-19 outbreaks of two or more positive cases in April. Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties guided prevention as well as containment. Many of these places instituted strict safety protocols among staff, ensuring the most vulnerable weren't exposed to the virus. North Carolina required biweekly COVID-19 testing at nursing homes in August. Patriotism reverberated through neighborhoods Steve Davis, a retired Air Force staff sergeant, stood outside his Matthews home and played “Taps” for Memorial Day, but the salute to the fallen became a daily ritual beloved by neighbors. Members of the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 rolled up their sleeves to restore the veterans memorial at Stumptown Park in Matthews. Led by Commander Mark Tofano, they sought to give a proper tribute to fallen heroes. The post showed off its work during its annual Veterans Day observance. Indian Trail and Waxhaw held virtual events to honor veterans. Waxhaw unveiled a new patriotic sculpture for American Legion Post 208 at the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor. Towns saw more senior housing projects Cities, towns, villages and unincorporated areas continued to see high demand from the development community for age-targeted and age-restricted housing projects. Developers even touted
Waltonwood Cotswold, a senior living community in the Charlotte area, thanked staff during National Nurses Week by placing signs around the community depicting staff in superhero garb. Photo courtesy of Waltonwood Cotswold
a new form of a housing in Matthews – the unbundled senior living experience. These types of projects saw the most resistance in the western portions of Union County, where higher density projects were proposed just outside of town boundaries. Southminster opens doors to $120 million expansion Southminster welcomed new residents in the fall to a new hybrid villa concept and unveiled a 200,000-square-foot health center with four skilled nursing neighborhoods as well as assisted living apartments. These enhancements to the south Charlotte campus were part of a $120 million expansion. A tour of the expansion revealed large open floor plans with the feel of a custom home and a connectedness to amenities in the health center.
Happy trails Some of the Charlotte region's most powerful leaders decided to leave the limelight in 2020. • Roland Bibeau: Bibeau closed the book on 12 years of growth and community involvement as chief operating officer for Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. • Kathy Bragg: The CEO of the Community Shelter of Union Coun-
Above: The apartments at Southminster Terraces ranged from 1,400 to 2,000-plus square feet, giving downsizing older adults more space to breathe. CMG file photo Left: Neighbors in Country Place enjoyed listening to Air Force veteran Steve Davis playing “Taps” in his yard. Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Neubert
ty passed the torch to Chief Operating Officer Melissa McKeown after 10 years of expanding building capacity and programming. • Tim Ledford: As chief of the Mint Hill Police Department for 12 years, Ledford was known for being approachable in the community. He's riding off into the sunset later this month. • Kerr Putney: Putney retired in July as police chief of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department after more than 30 years of service to the city.
Bragg
Bibeau
Ledford
Putney
Make this Holiday Memorable Open 7 Days a Week 20,000 Sq Ft of Shopping! 2328 CROWN CENTER DR. | CHARLOTTE, NC 28227
704-837-7890
Lighting
sic Clas
Han
dma
Storage
de
Compact
Purchase item right off the floor! Delivery & Curbside Pickup Available!
Page 2B • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020
Helms promotes service, protects history thews a better place through service. Helms was the 2016-17 recipient of that justin@cmgweekly.com very award. The Matthews Human Services Council has When Bill Helms took an early retirement been working to improve the quality of life from Wachovia, the corporate leader wanted in the region for 25 years. A celebration was to give back to the community. scheduled to mark its silver anniversary, but He got involved with his homeowners assoCOVID-19 threw a wrench in those plans. ciation as well as organizations like the MatThirty-four nonprofits are part of the counthews Historical Foundation and the Matthews cil. They meet once a month to find ways to Human Services Council. He's served on the help people. board of directors for both organizations. “It really is a unique organization in terms As president of the Matthews Human The New York Times Syndication Corporation of nonprofits working Sales together for a common Services Council, he recently presented 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 cause for the community,” Helms said. “I look C.O.S.Kids Executive Director Sue Sproat For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 for opportunities probably at least every other with the Nancy Glenn Community Servant For Release Tuesday, February 4, 2020 month to bring another large organization, Award. It goes to someone who makes Matby Justin Vick
Crossword ACROSS
29 Trip through the bush 1 Diving gear 31 *Decorative 6 Home to seven garden feature “-stan” countries with fish 10 Drive-up bank 33 Many an adopted conveniences pet 14 Wagner on a very 36 Star pitchers valuable baseball 37 *Almost-identical card pair, figuratively 15 James of Her Majesty’s Secret 41 ___ Sea (mostly dried-up lake) Service 42 Country on an 16 Actress Patricia isthmus of “Hud” 43 *It flows through 17 *Currency Turin replaced by the euro 46 Big name in sunglasses 19 ___ a soul (no one) 50 Clinch victory in 20 G.O.P. fund51 Result of a coup raising org. 54 Top-notch 21 Makes a boo-boo 55 Preachers preach 22 Apply suddenly, it as brakes 57 Oodles 24 Not go bad 59 Periods after the 26 Just one small fourth qtr. bite 60 Duchess of ___ (Goya subject) 28 Pigeon’s sound
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A I M S
S C A T
O D D S
R E A P
A D Z E S
L E A S H
H A E L R G A E A M H O C A A N M O E A R R B U M I N O T I R E T E R E D S
T W A R A I N E R I N E D N O R S A P E A R C S N A R O H O N I O O N U M F E S M O N A R I P E A
O T T
C A R O U S E L
L E N O I D E Y A L R L
I N O R D E R
G O O D E
A S T I N
R E S E T
A R R A E L L I A C L B A
S I P S
E A S E
L I O N
S P A T
61 Common New Year’s resolution -- as hinted at by the answers to the four starred clues 64 “Dear Santa” requests 65 Like 2, 4, 6, 8 … 66 The mermaid in “The Little Mermaid” 67 Magnetite and cassiterite 68 Common first word 69 “___ after class” DOWN 1 Neglects, as responsibilities 2 It’s reshaped by Lasik surgery 3 Humanitarian org. since 1946 4 Clear tables in a restaurant 5 Tennis’s Arthur ___ Stadium 6 Call off, as a mission 7 Composer whose work might be appropriate during March Madness? 8 Alternative to an Airbnb 9 Supplements 10 Elsa’s sister in “Frozen” 11 Fans of Conan O’Brien, colloquially 12 Cast away, like Crusoe 13 Subtle acknowledgments
maybe in Charlotte or another small town, to tell us what we can do and see if there's ways we can partner and interact with them to help us or them.” Helms is also involved in the Matthews Historical Foundation, which manages the Matthews Heritage Museum and the Reid House. The foundation has been upgrading the Reid House by adding a back patio and disability ramp, for a better gathering experience once COVID-19 subsides hopefully in the spring The Charlotte Regional History Consortium recognized Helms last year with the Dandelion Award for his work in preserving area history.
Edited by Will Shortz 1
2
3
4
5
6
14
8
9
10
15
17
25
29
22 26
37
34
36
38
39
40
42
43
44
50
51
Charlotte (28209)
45
46 52
56
47
53
57
48
49
54 58
60
61
64
65
66
67
68
69
62
39 Limited, as a search 40 Doctors’ org. 41 Thank you, in Tokyo
63
49 Big name in chocolate and bottled water 52 Zapped at a riot, perhaps
44 Eggs on sushi
53 Kagan on the bench
45 Like some teeth, pork and punches
56 Comment at a bridge table
47 Get down on the dance floor
62 Egg cells
48 “God Save the Queen,” for one
• Burton's Grill and Bar, 1601 E. Woodlawn Road – 95 • Reid's Fine Foods, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive – 96
59
PUZZLE BY EVAN KALISH
18 Give kudos 23 Floral necklace 25 Sentence shortener 27 Yarn purchase 30 Gym lifter’s unit 32 Tropical fruit with orange flesh 34 Mafia bosses 35 Olympics chant 37 Like the French and Italian flags 38 Silently bids adieu
Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Dec. 4 to 10:
• Thai House, 110 S. Sharon Amity Road – 90 Violations include: Employee didn't wash hands after cracking eggs and employee turned off faucet with bare hands; raw eggs were stored above raw lettuce in walk-in cooler; two containers of red curry, yellow curry and green curry didn't meet cooling parameters; and several items didn't have date labels.
32
35
DINING SCORES Lowest Score
28
31
41
13
23
27
30 33
12
19
21
24
11
16
18
20
55
7
No. 1231
Bill Helms presents the Nancy Glenn Community Servant Award to Sue Sproat. CMG file photo
58 Herbal brews
63 Emotion that’s “raised”
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Charlotte (28210)
• H.A. Pigsmiths Southern Science, 7224 Park Road – 98.5
Charlotte (28211)
• 131 Main, 5970 Fairview Road – 96 • 7-Eleven, 801 N. Wendover Road – 98 • Eddie's Place, 617 S. Sharon Amity Road – 97.5 • Thai House, 110 S. Sharon Amity Road – 90 • Toscana Ristorante, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 94.5
Charlotte (28226)
• Blanchard`s Deli, 5721 Carmel Road – 95 • Bonchon, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Chili's Grill & Bar, 8302 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 3333 Pineville Matthews Road – 97 • It's Just Great Food, 4519 Providence Road – 99 • Tacos4Life, 3351 Pineville Matthews Road – 95.5 • Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Pkwy. – 95.5
Charlotte (28227)
• Aggies Restaurant, 7209 E W T Harris Blvd. – 94.5 • Big Air Trampoline Park, 2408 Sardis Road N. – 98.5 • Circle K, 8910 Albemarle Road – 96 • Halal Food Cart, 7308 E Independence Blvd. – 93 • Mi Barrio's Halal Food Cart, 7308 E Independence Blvd. – 94.5
Charlotte (28270)
• Best Wok, 1717 Sardis Road N. – 95 • Subway, 1816 Galleria Blvd – 96.5
Charlotte (28277)
• A Worthy Dog (mobile Food), 8140 Providence Road – 100 • Bamboo 7 Asian Cuisine, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 95 • Big View Diner, 16637 Lancaster Hwy. – 95 • Bojangles, 6308 Providence Farm Lane – 97 • Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, 9820 Rea Road – 96.5 • Chick-fil-A, 11530 Waverly Center Drive – 98 • Chick-fil-A, 10001 Rea Road – 97 • Chipotle, 7800 Rea Road – 96.5 • Dakshin Indian Grill, 16640 Hawfield Way – 90.5 • Domino's Pizza, 6420 Rea Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 9720 Rea Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 16625 Lancaster Hwy. – 99 • King Kabab, 14027 Conlan Circle – 98 • Nothing But Noodles, 7930 Rea Road – 98 • On The Border, 10710 Providence Road – 93 • Pizza Hut, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 94.5 • Queen City Craft and Gourmet, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 97 • Switchin Kitchens, 8025 Ardrey Kell Road – 97.5 • Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe, 7107 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95.5
see DINING, Page 4B
OF THE
Nominate a local business person making an impact in our communities! visit thecharlotteweekly.com to submit nominations.
The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 3B
SCORE Charlotte elects three new leaders Helen Ruth Harwell and Danny Fischer were elected president co-chairs of SCORE Charlotte, an organization of active and retired executives who provide free mentoring to small businesses. The role of president was split into two cochairs to handle the numerous and growing responsibilities of the position. The organization also has a new treasurer in Carolyn Clarke. Due to COVID-19, SCORE Charlotte has set-up remote mentoring sessions via phone, e-mail and videos for small business owners or those wanting to start, expand or reopen an existing business. SCORE Charlotte partners with the Small Business Administration. Its offices are within SBA offices in the SouthPark area. Helen Ruth Harwell Harwell has been president and owner of Harwell Law Firm PA since 2007. The firm focuses on transaction legal matters including business law, estate planning and Harwell administration, and probate administration of estates. She has over 20 years of experience in corporate and transactional law, estate planning and probate administration of estates. She moved to Charlotte in 1998 after graduating from law school and worked for a law firm. Harwell has been active in SCORE Charlotte since 2014. Besides SCORE Charlotte, Harwell is active in numerous organizations, including the National Association of Women Owners and the Matthews Women’s Club Service League. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar Association. Danny Fischer Fischer is a consultant for DBFI LLC in Matthews and a travel advisor with Cruise Planners-Journeys with Juli.
He has worked as a project manager, data quality analyst, divisional operational manager, portrait studio owner, franchise specialist, funding consultant and entrepreneur Fischer over the span of 30 years. Fischer joined SCORE Charlotte in 2015. He received his second Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for his support of the chapter across the different client areas. He is also involved in the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. Carolyn Clarke Clarke joined SCORE Charlotte in May after retiring. Her career spanned 32 years in finance, accounting and auditing. She began her career in Clarke New Jersey with AT&T as a senior internal auditor in 1988, advancing to district finance manager in 1999. Clarke moved to the area in 2007. She joined Belk Corporate Offices in 2008 for five years, first as an internal audit manager, then advancing to interim chief audit executive and director of internal audit. She later became an engagement director in Charlotte with Clifton, Larson, Allen Custom Accounting Solution Team. In 2016, she became a senior consultant (director) of audit with Lincoln Financial Group in Greensboro. Her other volunteer organizations include immediate past chair, chair and board treasurer for Dress for Success from 2011 to 2019.
STUNNING NEW HOMES
at Windsor Run
Want some mentoring Small businesses that want to talk or be assigned a mentor served by SCORE Charlotte can download a “Mentor Request Form” at www.Charlotte.SCORE.org or www.score. org. This can also be done by emailing char lottescore47@cltscore.org or by calling 704344-6576 and leaving a message.
TIS THE
SEASON TO
sparkle and shine 15-40% OFF
Introducing White Oak Terrace, new residences coming soon to Windsor Run, the premier senior living community in Mecklenburg County. This brand new building features a variety of new floor plans with open layouts and elegant finishes.
Don’t wait to learn more! Call 1-800-591-2046 for your FREE brochure.
2020........
Sale From Thanksgiving Until Christmas! www.thekingsjewelry.com
Open This Sunday 12/20 12pm-5pm 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 400 Matthews, NC 28105
12856896
Open: Mon – Sat 10am-6pm
Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com
704.841.2013
located in Matthews Festival Place (across from Harris Teeter)
With Appreciation, We Say Thank And Wish You
You
Season’s Greetings!
C G Charlotte Media Group
Page 4B • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020
Rev. Tony: You knew I was having a tough day when… Tony Marciano Reverend
L
et me take you back to August when my wonderful assistant, Pam, started receiving emails about our Thanksgiving Food Box outreach campaign. Those individuals were so excited about blessing a neighbor with a complete Thanksgiving meal! Families in need are given a frozen turkey along with all the fixings, which includes dressing, string beans, cranberry sauce, yams, dessert and so much more. Each year, we receive more and more requests for food boxes. Although we had commitments for food boxes, we were run-
ning short on turkeys. Each day, Pam reported that more and more people were committing food boxes without turkeys making the number of turkeys needed fall shorter and shorter. Eleven days before Thanksgiving, we created a media event where I wore a turkey hat while asking the community for turkeys. Five TV stations showed up and the turkeys began to come in. The Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving brought over 500 vehicles onto the campus of Charlotte Rescue Mission delivering food boxes and turkeys. We had so many turkeys we had to build a wall at the back of the freezer truck to contain them. The Monday before Thanksgiving is our big Thanksgiving Food Box giveaway. Our partnering agencies come to pick up the food and deliver it to our most fragile neighbors. One problem, Pam was out. She is the queen of our Thanksgiving Food Box pro-
Service Available. aWe Service All Makes and Models. aFREE 2nd Opinion on Major Repairs* aFREE Estimates on New Equipment. *Restrictions apply, call for details
Money Saving
Co
upons & Discoun
ts
www.McClintockHVAC.com
McClintock
Heating & Cooling 704.321.5207
The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/ CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Visit to www.charlotterescuemission.org for details.
• Ted's Montana Grill, 7404 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95 • The Fresh Market (deli & cheese), Providence Road – 95.5
Indian Trail
Mint Hill
(continued from page 2B)
Visit Our Website For
virus. It became more than a statistic; it was a real person whose life was taken from this world. I needed peace. Not just calm, I needed an inner-peace in this storm of life. I now must wear a mask and put a bag over my hand every time I pump gas. None of this surprised God. This Christmas, you will hear phrases such as “Peace on Earth.” As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, may we be ever reminded that true peace begins in our heart. When I was 15, someone handed me a Billy Graham track titled, “Steps to Peace with God.” It took me through the process of turning my life over to God, trusting the one whose death on the cross could let me know I was “good with God” not because of what I did or would do with my life, but because of what Jesus did – dying for my sins. Once I have peace in my heart, I can share that peace with others. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.
Road – 96 • Miki's Restaurant, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 95.5 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 94.5 • Stacks Kitchen, 11100 Monroe Road – 96 • The Portrait Gallery, 118 E. Charles St. – 96
DINING
Residential and Commercial • Licensed • Bonded • Insured
a24/7 Emergency
gram. Another staff member agreed to take on the task. By the time we were done, we distributed 5,100 Thanksgiving food boxes and 7,221 turkeys. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving was my day to catch my breath. I was so very grateful that God did what He always does – He showed up. Once again, He moved the hearts of so many people to make Thanksgiving a memorable day. We calculated that the program served over 20,400 individuals. Just one problem… (And please forgive me, I’m not trying to use seventh-grade bathroom humor). I’m in the bathroom of the Rescue Mission’s Community Matters Café. I looked down and saw the tag on my underwear. “That’s strange,” I thought. “The tag is supposed to be in the back.” It is then I realized that I had my underwear on backward for several hours and didn’t know it. I laughed. What was I going to do? I also realized that I was tired and not just from Thanksgiving. 2020 has been a year that will go down as one of the most bizarre years of my life. COVID-19 hijacked so many plans. The virus changed how all of us do business. I lost a friend and a co-worker due to the
• 100 Main Beef And BBQ, 7878 Idlewild Road – 95.5 • Chinatown Buffet, 140 U.S. 74 E. – 93 • First China, 6640 Old Monroe Road – 98 • Food Lion, 5850 E. U.S. 74 – 100 • Johnny K's, 138 N. Indian Trail Road – 98 • Omega Coney Island Family Restaurant, 3901 Old Monroe Road – 97.5 • Panera Bread, 14035 U.S. 74 – 97 • Popeyes,13800 E. Independence Blvd. – 95 • The Bridge, 5902 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 98.5 • The Trail House, 6751 Old Monroe Road – 99 • Your GG's Kitchen, 5719 W. U.S. 74 – 99.5
Matthews
• Cantina Do Brasil, 4709 Margaret Wallace Road – 97 • Fujisan, 1801 Windsor Square Drive – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (meat & seafood), 3100 Weddington Road – 98.5 • Jersey Mikes, 3116 Weddington
• Circle K, 9201 Lawyers Road – 95.5
Monroe
• Culver's Butterburgers And Frozen Custard, 5122 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 96.5 • Dairy Queen Grill And Chill, 400 W. Roosevelt Blvd – 97 • Franklin Court Grille, 232 E. Franklin St – 98.5 • Golden Corral, 2507 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 • Logan`s Roadhouse, 2336 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Waffle House Monroe, 1229 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97
Pineville
• The Chefs, 10725 Pineville Road – 96.5 • Chick-fil-A, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 99.5 • Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Towne Centre Blvd. – 96.5 • McAlisters Deli, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98 • Ruby Thai Kitchen, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95
DRIVE-THRU BETHLEHEM Dec 20, 5-7 PM Ways to Support Roof Above & Common Heart -Donation List Online-
• Sarku Japan, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95.5 • Sbarro Italian Eatery, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95 • Waldhorn Restaurant, 12101 Lancaster Hwy. – 98.5 • Wasabi Sushi, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98 • Wingz American Grill, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 92
Stallings
• Emerald Lake, 9750 Tournament Drive – 93.5 • Mario's Pizza Italian Restaurant, 2925 Weddington-Matthews Road – 93
Waxhaw
• Broome St Burgers, 203 N. Broome St. – 97.5 • Frontier Meats, 8303 Lancaster Ave. – 100 • Ming Fu, 8139 B Kensington Drive – 93 • South Main Street Barbeque, 116 E. South Main St. – 97
Wesley Chapel
• Harris Teeter (deli), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (meats/seafood), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (produce), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Hot Wok Restaurant, 5943 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5
The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 5B
Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. MISCELLANEOUS SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! FREE CONSULTATION 844-359-4330 A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted local advisors help solutions to your unique needs at NO COST TO YOU! Call 844-4323281 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 844-660-6943 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877661-6587 Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. For Information Call 855677-0507 Offer: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates. Call today to learn more 1-855-6131407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern) DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/month (for 24 mos.) Call Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-877666-2821 Ask Us How To Bundle & Save! DISH TV - $59.99/ month for 190 channels. $100 Gift Card with Qualifying Service! Free premium channels (Showtime, Starz, & more) for 3 months. Voice remote included. Restrictions apply, call for details. Call 1-855784-9695 FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% Risk-Free! 45-Day Home Trial. Comfort Fit. Crisp Clear Sound. If you decide to keep it, PAY ONLY $299 per aid. FREE Shipping. Call Hearing Help Express 1- 866744-6150 Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855528-4962 MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1-888-909-9978 18+.
HEALTH & MEDICAL With Medicare, shopping around is key. Compare FREE Quotes from A-Rated Carriers to Save on a Medigap Plan Today! Get Covered and Save!! Call 855-399-9915 Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! 855-808-0483! Suffering from an ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call Today to speak with someone who cares. Call NOW 1-877-753-4281 Attention: Oxygen Users! Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills! Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 855-338-5462
Kelly’s Painting
Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship
(704) 619-0253
Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate
“Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions
Paul Tant
Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters Fully Insured
Organizing & Delivery Local & Long-Distance Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated We will do the packing and cleaning for you! Assistance with storage and organization.
Veteran owned and operated
A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 | NCUC: 4646 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777
FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED
DeMARZO
HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair
Tony DeMarzo
Phone: (803)287-1971 | ptear50@gmail.com
The handy Man Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding Water Damage & All Types of Flooring • Tile Work Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning
704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...
Experienced s Insured s Reliable • PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING
• ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS
Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed
CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES
980-253-9496
Your Home CONCRETE WORK •••I G W T ••• Exterior Specialists n
od
e
rusT
Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks
38 Years of Experience
Call Anytime!
Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers) Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com
Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience • Senior Discount
704-254-5381
980-622-7833
Piano Instruction -Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer -Ballantyne area •Beginners thru college level •Creative and innovative techniques •Development of performance skills including performing opportunities
Pat Moehring 704-564-4275
Locally Owned & Operated • Weekly, Bi-Weekly • 1-Time Cleaning • Move-In/Outs • Reliable & Affordable Service by Trained Professionals • Bonded, Licensed, Insured • All Equipment & Supplies Provided • Residential & Commercial • 18 Years of Experience
• Trail Building • Light Grading FREE ESTIMATES • Tractor • Small Dump Truck • Skid Loader 980-240-7358 • Trachoe • Concrete Demo 704-622-6460 • Bush Hogging • Small Trees Cut **We are licensed and insured** • Footings **We have been in business for 20 years**
BF Construction Services
or call Betty
Your Health & Safety is Our Priority!
Call Bill
Your Best “STOP” For A Drip From a drip to a leak, turn to the Weekly Classifieds to turn those headaches off. Call to advertise
(704) 849-2261
FINANCIAL Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.
SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT
EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)724-5403
HELP WANTED PART TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED - Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings. Must be able to pass DMV background check. For more information, please contact: adsales@ cmgweekly.com
NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers! For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AVON - Earn Extra $$. Sell online or in person from home or work. Free website included. No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844-613-2230
Contact us at adsales@cmgweekly.com for details.
Thank you for considering a contribution to the local journalism we provide at
Charlotte Media Group. Our Voluntary Pay programs runs through October 15th and your contribution goes directly to funding our mission of providing hyperlocal, unbiased, vetted news in the communities we call home. Visit www.cmgweekly.com/donation to make an online contribution. Or, you can mail us a check at PO BOX 1104, Matthews NC 28106. We sincerely appreciate your support!
Adrian Garson
C G C G Charlotte Media Group
Charlotte Media Group
Page 6B • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020
When every day can be a challenge, we’re here to give you strength. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare is a specialized health plan designed to coordinate care for North Carolinians in 20 counties with complex health needs. We serve those who receive Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured, and need treatment for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness for these residents whose circumstances present enormous challenges every day – made more so by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to improving how we operate and partner within each county, and how we listen and respond to consumers in order to protect and preserve their safety and wellbeing. We have developed a new action plan that focuses on: •
Supporting children and families through an entirely new child welfare program
•
Expanding our network of providers for more choice and quality
•
Improving access to care and services for all members
•
Reducing Emergency Department utilization and partnering more effectively with hospitals
•
Improving how we interact, engage and support our members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
In addition, Cardinal Innovations recently launched **ASK, which can be dialed from any mobile phone during a mental health emergency for immediate help and resources. And we are proud to be one of six health plans in the country chosen to work with the Center to Advance Consumer Partnership, through a grant funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to strengthen the way we engage and support our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have never been more determined to find solutions that bridge gaps in care, cut through red tape and overcome obstacles for our members. It is a new era for Cardinal Innovations as we work with counties and the state to enable better, longer, happier and healthier lives for those we care for.
For more details and to provide feedback, visit:
cardinalinnovations.org/aNewEra