Inside: Levine Senior Center feeds older adults • Page 4A
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Rodriguez-McDowell listens to school concerns by Yustin Riopko Contributor
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Gratitude Store gives gifts to mentors, 4A
Town Manager Hazen Blodgett expressed concerns to Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell about Matthews being overshadowed by bigger and faster-growing areas of the county. Rodriguez-McDowell connected virtually to the Dec. 14 town commissioners meeting. She represents the southern edge of the county, including Matthews, Mint Hill, Ballantyne,
Pineville and the Steele Creek area. “We have to be careful about equity because we all pay county tax," Blodgett told her. “Please keep in mind when these plans are developed that the towns need their fair share of the parks and recreation dollars. A good example would be extension of the Four Mile Creek Greenway down Trade Street headed towards Providence Road." Rodriguez-McDowell validated the concern, emphasizing the greenway ties perfectly into Charlotte's
2030 transit plan. “That's the lens I try to look through all the time,” she said. “[Trails are] a great way to get around between neighborhoods and things like that, so I think what you're talking about is spot on. It's very current to be talking about these things and to be planning ahead, because this is really important for our future.” Rodriguez-McDowell also agreed to look into hosting the county commissioner meetings in Mecklenburg towns other than Charlotte,
Moving
Justin Vick
Looking at last year's storylines
Five storylines to watch in 2021
The voices that defined 2020, 1B
I
outlined nine storylines last year that would linger into 2020. Here's what happened to each of those observations.
Big questions
Light rail What I said The Charlotte Area Transit System will engage the public more in 2020 to build consensus for a regional transit plan, which includes a LYNX Silver Line to Matthews and a LYNX Blue Line extension to Pineville and Ballantyne. What happened CATS held public meetings to collect more feedback for each segment of the Silver Line project. Charlotte leaders talked more about funding the entire transit plan at once. The Charlotte Moves Task Force recommended paying for transit and other transportation projects through a one-cent sales tax increase.
Here are some questions that will be answered this year that I'll address in upcoming editions: If public schools aren't open for in-person learning and COVID-19 numbers have not stabilized, will team sports kick off in late January as scheduled? Has Charlotte done enough to prevent rioting and violence in the event an unarmed Black person is killed somewhere in America by a police officer? Will the 2021 election continue the trend of competitive mayor and council races that we've seen the past couple of cycles? Will town managers in communities like Matthews and Indian Trail encourage elected leaders to consider property tax rate increases? Will companies return to work or double down on the digital experience?
Homicides What I said Charlotte leaders are trying to be more proactive in stopping violence as the city tallied more than 100 homicides in 2019 compared to 57 in 2018. What happened Charlotte once again crossed the 100-homicide threshold and reported more shootings into occupied dwellings. The Charlotte City Council approved a plan in the fall that attempts to tackle root causes, including funding nonprofits to address violence, assigning low-risk duties to non-uniform units, deploying crisis teams to mental health and homeless
A time to relax Rev. Tony needs a recharge, 2A
Health scores See how your fave restaurants fared, 3B
Step up Be the influencer we need in 2021, 2B
see LEADERS, Page 4A
Managing Editor
forward Year in quotes
such as Matthews. Commissioner Dave Bland suggested this idea to help keep the six towns surrounding Charlotte in county leaders' minds. The majority of the conversation though was about schools, especially money for upgrades. Mayor John Higdon mentioned he'd like to see Matthews Elementary rebuilt, since it's overcrowded and over 50 years old. Commissioner John Urban told Rodriguez-McDowell, “Every time we
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
2020 was a terrible year elevated to all-time worst status by an infectious disease that ruined many people’s lives. 2021 offers the promise of hope but will still be rife with challenges. Here are some storylines that will continue lingering into 2021 as we transition out of one of the worst years ever. COVID-19 vaccine Atrium Health, Novant Health as well as Mecklenburg and Union counties have already received shipments of one or two of the COVID-19 vaccines. Front-line health-care workers have been getting first dibs.
There is potential for chaos when its the general public's turn to get vaccinated. Much like the lines at grocery stores, fast food restaurants or movie theaters, people will try to jump to the front of the vaccine lines. We’ve heard some situational evidence of this nationally among health personnel. I also expect people will point to a small Band-aid on their arm as justification for no longer needing to wear a mask or staying home if they show symptoms of illness. “I got my shot … the hell with all y'all,” comes to mind. The stories of people dying of COVID-19 days or weeks before they were supposed to get see 2021, Page 3A
see LAST YEAR, Page 3A
Matthews responds to Cooper's COVID-19 orders by Yustin Riopko Contributor
Police Chief Clark Pennington described the town's approach to Gov. Roy Cooper's new orders as "education first, enforcement as necessary." "I do think we're doing pretty good here in the town," Pennington said. "We went out and proactively printed fliers that our officers were doing proactive COVID-19 checks of businesses. We were going in and if we were seeing anything that was not in compliance, we were immediately correcting
and educating, and then following up. We weren't seeing a repeat of those violations." Cooper signed Executive Order No. 181 Dec. 8 to take effect Dec. 11. The order requires N.C. residents to continue wearing masks in public, as well as close shop and stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Bars have to close at 9 p.m. These orders come in response to an increase in reported COVID-19 cases, which Town Manager Hazen Blodgett suspects reflects a Thanksgiving Day surge. Confirmed COVID-19 and cases and deaths in North Carolina have surpassed
445,000 and 4,900 respectively. Mecklenburg has seen the most cases and deaths of any N.C. county – more than 52,600 cases and 490 deaths. Wake County follows with over 35,700 cases and 320 deaths. Mayor Pro Tem Renee Garner said COVID-19 vaccinations will be distributed in waves. The state is receiving 85,000 doses and will prioritize workers who interact directly with COVID-19 patients. In the following weeks, vaccines will also go out to EMTs and EMS, citizens in congregational living, adults with two or more chronic conditions, and frontline workers like police,
firefighters and teachers. In the meantime, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen has called Matthews, pressing the town to enforce state orders. Mayor John Higdon said the town doesn't intend to be out there cracking a whip. "We're really relying on folks to look out for one another and do the right thing," Higdon said. "Police have more important things to work on than checking to see if everybody's got a mask on. For those areas where we do see blatant abuse, the chief will get involved as we receive complaints."
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Tony Marciano Reverend
T
he year 2020 was unlike any year we have ever experienced. Normally, crazy things happen in other countries, not the USA. Would it stop just before our borders? No, the virus came. In the beginning, we counted the number of people testing positive on our fingers. Those days are over. So how do we live in 2021? Back in March, I saw a post
where a friend said he wanted to navigate this virus well. He wanted to be able to look back a few years down the road when books would be written about the 2020 pandemic so he could say, “I navigated it well through faith in God.” Ours is not the first generation to be concerned about our welfare. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Americans didn’t know whether a nuclear attack would be launched on the USA. It's been to easy to think once Jan. 1 arrives, things will get back to normal. Yet, we are living in a “new normal.” Do we wait until 2022 or even 2023? Because my aging and very old mother lives with me, we have had
2021 (continued from page 1A)
the vaccine will be especially tragic. In-person learning I would be shocked if Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or Union County Public Schools went back to in-person learning five days a week before the end of the 2020-21 school year. Sorry, Class of 2021. Teachers have been vocal within both school districts about not wanting to go back. I doubt administrators want to make a big change in instruction once a nine-week cycle has started. It would make the most sense to vaccinate school personnel over the summer, so you wouldn’t have to worry about the logistics of staggering the shots. If that’s the case, there is a chance we could see a traditional fall semester. School board vs. county A few weeks ago, Mecklenburg County commissioners outright asked school board members how they were working to increase the performance of Black students. School board members couldn’t answer the question. Mecklenburg commissioners are tired of the rhetoric. They want to see results. I believe they would be satisfied with a display of transformational leadership or a detailed listing of social and academic interventions in plain terms that people outside of the education industry would understand. Union County Public Schools also has something to prove heading into budget discussions with county commissioners. They’ll have to convince commissioners that a school construction
to be extra careful to ensure we don’t bring the virus into our home. So, do I wait to live or do I live now? I choose to live now. A few weeks ago, I obtained a 2021 calendar and planned my vacation. Most likely, I will not be able to go to the beach as I did in previous years. 2020 was the first summer I didn’t visit the beach. What can I do? I mapped out my vacation time I would use to volunteer in a classic car shop. I enjoy watching skilled workers restore an old pile of rust and turn it into a work of art. The owner is teaching me how to repair a damaged fender. Because my mother’s care requires 24-hour coverage, I will not be able to go away. I still have options. I can
bond is necessary in March or November 2022. School board members bristled at County Manager Mark Watson’s suggestion to form a committee to evaluate future school needs, but the process may build more consensus for current needs and create more urgency for future ones. UCPS has done a lot of work already when it comes to tracking the number of housing units approved or planned within each school cluster. But school board members need to join the county with an open mind to discuss more qualitative issues, such as what instruction will look like in 10 or 20 years. Growth This year will see the approval of several longterm planning documents designed to manage growth. Charlotte, Union County and Mint Hill are in various stages of the process of developing comprehensive plans. Mint Hill has enlisted in a firm to lead the process while Charlotte and Union County are approaching the stage where they hold public hearings and adopt their plans. The Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan is based on goals such as equity, authenticity, integration and resiliency. It strives to improve access to goods and services throughout the city. Union County 2050 will identify areas for higher-density, commercial and employment while respecting the values of the 14 municipalities. If you plan on living in Mecklenburg or Union counties long-term, I highly recommend reading through these documents to gain an understanding of the logic behind growth and development. At the very least, you will have a more informed argument against bad rezoning proposals.
go to the lake for the day. I can go hiking. There are activities I can do to recharge myself. I can be sure to take off 10 consecutive days as a staycation. I can, as C.S. Lewis says, be found doing “sensible things.” In addiction recovery, we teach the Charlotte Rescue Mission’s residents to learn to live life on life’s terms. Even if you are not in recovery, let me encourage you to practice that way of living. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Visit www.charlotterescue mission.org for details.
Charlotte, Mint Hill and Union County are revising comprehensive plans to control growth. CMG file photo
Sales tax Both Mecklenburg and Union counties are heading toward voter referendums that will address transportation needs through sales tax increases. The Charlotte Moves Task Force recently recommended a one-cent sales tax to fund billions of dollars in road, bus, light rail, bike and pedestrian projects within the city. I believe the majority of the city council will support the recommendation, but the real challenge will come in convincing residents in neighboring towns to support a sales tax increase. Residents of the towns will want to know: What’s in it for me? Union County is not as far along. A draft of the Union County 2050 comprehensive plan mentions a quarter-cent sales tax could be used to expand transportation investments from $100,000 to $5 million. There may be some grumbling about moving forward on a sales tax increase so close to the pandemic, but I think it would pass given that traffic is the top thing Union County residents complain about.
You are worth more than red flags and broken mirrors. Love does not equal violence. There is help and there is hope. Experience. Integrity. Humanity.
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The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021 • Page 3A
LAST YEAR (continued from page 1A)
calls, and offering incentives for officers to live in priority areas. CMS relations What I said Matthews Mayor John Higdon had the votes to repair strained relations with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools over House Bill 514, which gave towns the option to open charter schools. What happened Town leaders voted Feb. 10 not to build a municipal charter school via HB 514, prompting the school board two days later to remove restrictions on future school construction in Matthews. Recently, some Matthews commissioners vented to Mecklenburg Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell about the need for more school capacity. Meanwhile, CMS is moving forward on construction of a new elementary school on the campus of Mint Hill Middle School. Quarter-cent sales tax What I said Following the defeat of a referendum to allocate a quarter-cent sales tax for the arts and teacher pay, it makes sense to focus such funding on building out the regional transit system. After all, voters tend to approve infrastructure improvements. What happened The Charlotte Moves Task Force considered numerous options to build out a regional transportation plan, which includes transit. Task force member thought a one-cent sales tax would be most palatable to voters. Charlotte City Council is vetting that recommendation now.
Above: Northwood Office has plans to transform the Ballantyne region so that it has more of a village vibe. Photo courtesy of Northwood Office Below: The Republican National Convention failed to meet expectations due to mass gathering restrictions as a result of COVID-19. CMG file photo
lotte's future Major League Soccer team. Also, Charlotte City Council will be discussing its headquarters at the former site of Eastland Mall. What happened The team hired a number of front office positions leading up to the official name and crest announcement on July 22. Charlotte FC signed players Sergio Ruiz and Riley McGree, as well as received seasons ticket deposits for 31,000 seats. The Charlotte Observer reported that the headquarters won't be at Eastland Mall.
Mint Hill planning What I said I wouldn't be surprised if Mint Hill began interacting with the public for a revision to the Unified Development Ordinance, considering the age of the plan and the planning board experience of Mayor Brad Simmons and Commissioner Tony Long. What happened I was close, but I think I mixed up my zoning terminology. Mint Hill commissioners hired a firm to help revise the town's comprehensive land use plan, which offers guidelines on future growth.
Republican National Convention What I said Locals would avoid Uptown Charlotte and the hassles of protesters and anti-protesters there to see President Donald Trump. I worried about national media focusing on all the drama. What happened Trump and Gov. Roy Cooper clashed on how many people could be allowed in the Spectrum Center due to COVID-19, prompting the President to direct the RNC be moved to Jacksonville. That didn't happen. Instead, a scaled-down version, was held in Charlotte, which failed to live up to the years of hype … again due to COVID-19.
MLS Soccer What I said We will hear announcements about the name, branding and personnel of Char-
Ballantyne Reimagined What I said I was curious what the housing mix would look like as Northwood Office pursued a re-
zoning to convert a business park and office space into a mixed-use development. What happened Charlotte City Council approved the rezoning in June. The first couple of phases will add 2,080 residential units, 300 townhomes, 200 hotel rooms, an amphitheater and 400,000 square feet of office space. The developer even threw in 260 affordable housing units. Cam's contract What I said Like the Kemba Walker situation the NBA's Charlotte Hornets faced a year prior, the NFL's Carolina Panthers would do some
soul searching about star quarterback Cam Newton. Would they cut him or trade him? At this point, the Panthers were without a coach, having fired Ron Rivera. What happened The Panthers hired Matt Rhule in January, cut Cam and signed Teddy Bridgewater to replace him in March and went with all defensive picks in the NFL Draft in April. Christian McCaffrey became the man but missed several games due to injuries. The Panthers are currently 5-10 and looking for a new general manager. Cam wound up replacing Tom Brady as quarterback of the New England Patriots (6-9), but he had a disappointing year highlighted by testing positive for COVID-19.
OF THE
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Rodriguez-McDowell: We must continue to make progress by Susan Rodriguez-McDowell County Commission District 6
Editor’s note: Susan Rodriguez-McDowell made the following remarks Dec. 7 after getting sworn in as District 6 representative of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. This is her second term on the board. My name is Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, and I want to say that it is an honor and a privilege to be re-elected to serve the great and diverse people of Mecklenburg County Commission District 6 and indeed all of Mecklenburg County. I recently learned that if District 6 was a city, it would be the eighth largest city by population in North Carolina. I am deeply grateful that my constituents have endorsed my style of positive, thoughtful, honest and measured leadership. Serving on this historic board — made up of seven women and two men for the first time in our history, the board of the largest county in the ninth largest state in the country — is something I am truly proud of. I have used my first term as a commissioner to build relationships and learn about the complex ways that our system has been set up. I will continue to look for ways to build support around my ideas and to dismantle the systems that hold our community back. I believe that government works best through collaboration and partnering by always challenging the status quo to see if we can do better. We face multiple crises in our community today, and we must continue making progress on multiple fronts. It’s a balancing act and a complex web of competing priorities. The time is now for us to focus on
that which brings us together, the similarities of our hopes, the recognition of our connectedness and how that affects the future that we all want to give to our children and to those that come after us. We must not let you down. The seat I have at this table is not taken lightly. I feel a tremendous responsibility to represent the values I share with the people who helped me get here. To those who trusted me with their votes, I say thank you. To those that voted for my opponent, I say please give me a chance. And to all of the above, I say please reach out to me anytime. I will always do my best to answer you and to understand your concerns. To the Mecklenburg County staff, from the executive team to public health, to the social workers, to the park and rec staff, to all of the over 6,000 of you who put your heart and soul into this work of serving the public, I applaud you and I say thank you for your commitment. Thank you for how you show up and make our community a better place. To my family, I say I wouldn’t be here without your support. Thank you for all of the ways you have sacrificed to help me be the servant that I desire to be. My husband, Gavin; our daughters, Katie and Maria; our son, Gavin; and my brother, Jim — you all have cheerfully done every crazy thing I’ve asked you to do and you’ve made me immensely proud. To my dedicated core campaign team, Janice Robinson, Charlene Gadarowski, Dan McCorkle and my growing number of volunteers and campaign donors, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have supported me with your time, encouragement and treasure. You have walked for miles to hang literature and stood out in the heat and the cold and the rain to help bring my message to voters with positive energy and goodwill on my
LEADERS (continued from page 1A)
approach CMS, they generally point the finger at y'all [the county]. CMS says it's other powers that be that hold the purse strings.” “Our schools are underfunded," Rodriguez-McDowell agreed. “At the state level is where the funding is really not coming through. We're having to fill in the gaps. Where do you think that money is coming from?" Commissioner Jeff Miller and Rodriguez-McDowell discussed meeting again with CMS's Municipal Education Ad-
behalf. I could not have done this without you. You know who you are — Kevin Kendrick, Sheila Houpe, Retha Williams, Cassandra Balosos, Paul and Kelly Dixon — I appreciate each and every one of you. To the Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County, you are my Democratic family, and you have been there supporting me through thick and thin. I thank you. I’m also grateful to the BPC, Equality NC, the Sierra Club, CMAE, Hispanic American Democrats, of course, the MCDP and chair Jane Whitley and all the groups that have supported me. To the honorable mayors John Higdon of Matthews and Jack Edwards of Pineville, you guys have stood behind me and probably took some heat for supporting me. I value our working relationships, and I thank you for being fair and honest as we work together for our shared constituents. My path to this seat has come through grassroots leaders. The base level of all political activity is the precinct leaders. They are the literal grassroots. So many patriots and hardworking people who believe in representative government and demand leaders who show up and listen. Kim Bines-Ume,Connie Green-Johnson, Kevin Muldowney, Dimple Shah, Barbara Proffitt, Virginia Keogh, Debbie Baynard, Gail Mason, Nick Clift and far too many more to name. You all are doing important work and you should all be very proud of keeping this seat against the odds. An incredibly diverse 104,000 people voted in District 6 from Steele Creek to Pineville, Ballantine to Matthews and Mint Hill — almost 33 miles from end to end, 33 miles of constituents, people, places, needs and hopes. I’m here to represent all of you to the best of my ability. We are all in this together, and we are all connected. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
visory Committee, which he said hasn't had a meeting since before the pandemic took full swing in March. "I think the only time we get involved [with the county] is when it's reactive," Urban said. "Something happens that we have to react to, as opposed to proactively looking at situations. “In light of the COVID pandemic, CMS has needed to seriously upgrade ventilation systems, build new schools, classroom sizes have to be reduced. Maybe this is fortuitous that the pandemic hit us. It may open up a better opportunity to work together for a more proactive approach for what schools need to be doing and how to actively address the needs in each community.”
Photo courtesy of Levine Senior Center
Levine Senior Center brightens holidays for older adults The Levine Senior Center served 275 people Dec. 18 during its holiday drive-by event. Staff gave older adults a pork lion meal with dessert, fruit basket and gift bag. While the center has been preparing meals weekly for older adults since April, staff wanted to do something extra for the holidays. “We are blessed to have had the opportunity to serve the seniors in our community,” Executive Director Dahn Jenkins said.
Photo courtesy of Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors supports Big Brothers Big Sisters Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson teamed up with Academy Sports + Outdoors on Dec. 10 to make holiday shopping a little easier for 30 mentors from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas. Jackson participated in a video chat with the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors and youth. Each mentor received a $150 Academy gift card to shop for gifts for their youth. Academy Sports + Outdoors also donated a $500 gift card to the Big Brother Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas.
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YEAR IN QUOTES The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021 • Page 1B
“I, personally, have such an affiliation with downtown Matthews and trying to drive it and make it a bigger destination for folks, and I’m going to continue to do that, regardless of if it’s Seaboard, or Beer Temple or Temple Mojo. I’m in it for Matthews first before I’m going to worry about any specific business.” – Rob Jacik on merging Temple Mojo and Carolina Beer Temple (2/07)
“It’s with great disappointment that I have to support a proposal to remove in-school instruction from our families. Unfortunately, our hand has been forced not by a global pandemic or by a local surge in disease prevalence but by our own state of preparedness to host students in the schools starting on the 17th of August.” – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Sean Strain on starting the year with remote learning (8/7)
“I am concerned for our community, especially those who are sick or at higher risk of becoming infected, as well as those who have either lost, or are at risk of losing their job or business. The consequences of this crisis are already deep and severe, and we’re not yet through the worst. I am confident, if we come together as a community and taking radical measures to protect ourselves, we will emerge from this crisis with resiliency and strength.” – Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons during the early days of the pandemic (3/27)
“We're all working to make the most unusual beginning of school we've ever had to work as smoothly as it can, given the circumstances. Every community in the country is dealing with the same problems we are.” – School board member Margaret Marshall of starting school in the fall (8/14) “I can not come up with a logical argument that says you can eat at a table if you socially distance, but you can’t sit at a bar if you socially distance.” – Mayor John Higdon on not supporting Mecklenburg County COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants (8/14)
“This was supposed to be our year. It almost feels like we got robbed. It’s not over yet, but as of now it’s hard to be optimistic.” – Butler senior second baseman Travis Ziefert on COVID-shortened season (3/27) “I love this town. I want to do what is right for the whole town. I had differing opinions, but I don't want this town to be torn apart.” – Matthews Commissioner Jeff Miller on his motion and vote to appoint Ken McCool to Barbara Dement's vacant seat on the town board (2/28) “This makes me very angry because I feel like the task force could have been more creative with coming up with graduations. A virtual graduation is not optimal for us because we're literally sitting through a video to hear our name called out for about two seconds and probably a picture. That is nothing compared to an actual graduation.” – Ashley Adam, a senior at Rocky River High, on her disdain for virtual graduation (5/15) “I've seen a lot of people giving of themselves to help those in need. That's something that I think this pandemic has brought out in a lot of areas and that's people helping other people.” – Mint Hill Commissioner Mike Cochrane on his thoughts about the pandemic (5/22) “Even in these uncertain times, it may feel as though our lives are in limbo, waiting for the next announcement to let us know whether another thing we have been awaiting for years has been postponed, canceled or switched to a virtual format.” – Carmel Christian valedictorian Grace Villanueva during her graduation speech (5/29) “COVID-19 cannot define your greatness or minimize the accomplishment of graduating. It can only make you stronger and prepare you for the many other challenges in life as a college student, as a working adult and as a productive citizen in our society.” – Butler High School Principal Vincent Golden to the Class of 2020 (6/19)
“If word gets out that I am an example of a thriving, successful and happy adult with high-functioning autism, I just know that this will create more hope for those adults who live with this diagnosis.” – Amanda Hebert Hughes on how she hopes her art inspires others (8/14)
the best of
what people said in 2020
“It is an extremely difficult decision to make, but we feel that it is the most responsible one – and the best way to keep everyone safe at this time. We hope to come back stronger than ever in 2021 and want you to be with us again when that time comes!” – Lee Anne Moore, executive director of Matthews Alive, on canceling the Labor Day festival (6/22)
“We're not fighting against the police. It's black people against racism. It's minorities against racism. That is the battle.” – Former XFL player Jack Tocho at a Black Lives Matter rally in June at Mint Hill Town Hall (6/19)
“The men and women who wear this uniform and stand with you in this crowd are just as upset with the actions of those men as you are. Remember, nothing upsets a good cop like seeing a bad cop degrade the trust of our community.” – Matthews Police Chief Clark Pennington during a June social justice rally at Matthews Town Hall (6/12)
“I see no reason why any adult who cares about kids, who cares about our community is not going to get a flu shot this year. I'm just going to put it out there. I need your children to get it, too, because this is really going to make a difference in how we stay open.” – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education member Margaret Marshall on the prospect of getting children back in the classroom (10/9) “It still doesn't need to look like Anywhere, USA. It needs to take into context Matthews.” – Matthews Commissioner John Urban during a rezoning case that would bring more senior housing to Matthews (10/23)
“To me, this isn't a health and safety issue. It's an operation failure and we are letting down our kids.” – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Rhonda Cheek on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools unable to get middle school students back in the classroom due to a bus driver shortage (11/13) “I don't think I've gotten more letters against a project since I've been an elected official than this one.” – Mayor John Higdon on a withdrawn rezoning proposal that would have added apartments and townhomes to nearly 17 acres off Weddington Road (11/13) “It's taken a little while but the future has caught up to us and we find ourselves needing these seats.” – Dennis LaCaria on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools wanting to add an elementary school to Mint Hill Middle School’s campus (11/20)
“We’re resilient. Theater and storytelling have been around since the very beginning of time. We will find a way to persevere.” – June Bayless, founder of Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, on coping during the pandemic (11/27) “Grief is simply love with nowhere to go. Our service members grieve things that most of us will never know about or have the strength the endure. These memorials are a place of reverence and give our veterans a place to visit where they can not only grieve, but love.” – Publisher Adrian Garson on the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235's restoring the veterans memorial at Stumptown Park (12/04)
“If you love your plants and care for your plants, they’ll grow better.” – Adhvik Pradeep, 9, of Matthews, on his produce and plant stand (8/7) “Tempers are flaring with all of this stress that we are all under right now in our community and within our school communities. People are terribly critical right now at teachers for expressing their concerns. I just want the teachers to hear that your concerns are valid.” – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education chairwoman Elyse Dashew on the pressure of reopening to in-person instruction in the fall (8/7)
“We are going to try as hard as we can to make sure people feel as little pain from this situation as possible because we know how much everyone has been hurting.” – N.C. Rep. Rachel Hunt on entering her second term (12/04)
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“With respect, we don't talk about the risk and damage when kids are not at school, which we have been told time and time and time again by public health officials at every level and by our medical partners here in the region that that is more substantial than the risk of having kids in the classroom during COVID.” – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education member Sean Strain as colleagues discussed in-person learning (10/9)
“It’s our way of doubling down on kindness. It’s what the world needs right now.” – Bella Tunno CEO Michelle Buelow on donating meals for every product sold (11/20)
“The current state, putting it generously, was disgraceful. It just did not properly give tribute to our fallen heroes.” – Mark Tofano, commander of American Legion Post 235, on the memorial area in Stumptown Park (7/31)
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“I think that’s one of the reasons why I won in 2018 was because our district has become so much more diverse than it ever was.” – Susan Rodriguez-McDowell during her reelection campaign (9/25)
“With everything in the news and all the politics going on, we thought we’d do the 'Star Wars' stuff because it makes people happy. Even if you don’t like ‘Star Wars,’ you’re not offended by it.” – Greg Thomas on his “Star Wars”-themed Halloween decorations (10/23)
“We can’t control all of the things in our own life but we can control our attitude. Attitude is a choice for all of us.” – Joey Burch, principal of Levine Middle College High School, to the Class of 2020 (6/19) “I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me. I think each representation of Charlotte, especially a predominantly conservative town, should hear a different side of the story than they've heard their whole lives.” – Arden Boyle on organizing a Black Lives Matter rally in June at Mint Hill Town Hall (6/19)
“Growing up and having to listen to politicians label people I know and love as criminals is a horrible, horrible thing. I want to reverse that." – Rocky River High School graduate Gina Coque on the issue of immigration prior to her first semester at Yale University (9/11)
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Page 2B • The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021
Be the kind of influencer the world needs in 2021
Seven simple changes you can make to start influencing others on a higher level To say 2020 was a tough year is a huge understatement. As we prepare our hearts and minds for 2021, we need to take a step back and look at the so-called “influencers” vying for our influence. From spiritually bankrupt politicians to super-wealthy tech geniuses to charismatic personalities who sway audiences to buy their favorite (sponsored) products, these larger-than-life figures dominate our headlines and social media feeds—but they don’t fill our yearning for authentic, heart-driven leadership. Paying too much attention to this style of influencer leads us down a path of unhappiness, said Karen McGregor. More and more people are realizing this. As we seek to find our way in a post-COVID world, we long for a new kind of influencer, one who creates good for themselves and everyone else. Best of all, anyone can become this type of influencer, including you. “You may not think of yourself this way, but the truth is you influence people all the time,” said McGregor, author of Wall Street Journal bestseller “The Tao of Influence.” “Everyone does, whether they’re an ‘official’ leader or not. Here’s the question: Is your influence driven by fear, or greed, or the desire to manipulate others, or the need for recognition – or by a deep longing to create a better world for everyone?” This is a hard question. We all want to think we have selfless or at least benevolent motives, but when we look within – with a sincere desire to know ourselves – we may find a different truth. Once we do, though, we can begin to influence others for the collective good. McGregor’s book lays out a path – rooted in the ancient wisdom of the 4,000-year-old Tao Te Ching – that you can follow to identify and break the “power patterns” that undermine your influence, block you from getting the results you want, lead to dysfunctional relationships and otherwise make you miser-
able. (For example, distorted power patterns mean that some of us are controllers, others are victims, still others withdrawers, etc.) She also lays out the three stages of influence that people move through in their lives. The first stage is self-centered; it’s all about attempting to get something we want. The second stage happens when we seek out winwins; our goal is for everyone involved in a decision or action to benefit. In the third stage of influence, we work toward a powerful outcome for all – for the planet, the community and the evolution of humanity. (This is the Tao at work.) McGregor hopes readers will recognize where they are and take steps to start moving to a higher stage of influence. “We have to do the inner work to do the outer work,” she said. “The beginning of a new year is a powerful time to start this journey.” A few tips to help you get started: Replace old, habitual, fear-based wording with a new language. Words are powerful: They can lift our spirits, or they can drag us down in an instant – and others with us. When your mind spins its story about what’s wrong with your world over what’s right, notice the words you say and find better words to use in their place. For example, instead of using the word “busy” to describe your life, say that it is “wonderfully full.” Instead of saying, “I’m tired,” say, “I’m going to have a nap, and when I wake up, I’ll feel refreshed, energized and ready to work or play.” When you feel angry or annoyed, focus on gratitude. This can help to supplant old power patterns you’ve relied on for years and years. If you are angry with someone or arguing endlessly, remove yourself and ask, What is the gift in this moment? Without blaming or shaming anyone, feel into your heart and
Life is Good at Waltonwood
ask, What am I grateful for? Try to reframe challenging circumstances as opportunities and practice appreciating them. This is a form of gratitude: to be able to see the good that is present in every situation. McGregor writes about how there has been loud construction behind her home every morning for the past year. Three neighbors moved away because of the noise. But McGregor says she was able to transform the noise into her morning alarm. “When I hear it now, I feel grateful for starting a new day, and I feel excitement and appreciation for waking up in a comfortable bed without having to set an alarm,” she writes. Stop begging and pleading and calling it prayer. Asking, bargaining and engaging in transactions lead to a one-sided relationship with the Divine. To better understand the power of prayer, McGregor journeyed to the Poor Clares Monastery in Duncan, British Columbia. The nuns there lived a solitary life of contemplative prayer. They taught her that prayer isn’t what most of us think it is. “The nuns said that prayer is many things,” she said. “It can be a meditative walk in nature, a feeling of deep gratitude or joy from being in the presence of a loved one, or simply saying a phrase like ‘thank you.’ It can be saying one of many names for God. All these ways to pray have one thing in common: to illuminate a relationship with the Divine.” Start paying attention to your need to be “right.” This very common “ego need” diminishes your power and weakens your ability to influence. It also takes the life out of creativity and destroys new solutions to old problems before they see the light of day. The key to stopping this behavior is to recognize where it comes from. Ask yourself: When did I first take on the belief that I am not OK? Or that there was something wrong or bad about me? “One of my spiritual mentors, Loree Cowling, helped me with one statement and two simple questions,” McGregor said. “They were: When building connections with another person, have an awareness of your individual agenda. Do you want to be altered by the interaction? Or do you want to alter the other person? Her questions invited me to look at how often I want to be right so that the other person would change, rather
than being open to being changed myself.” Resist the urge to label everything. We use words to label people, events and experiences as good or bad. As soon as we label something, our mind creates the opposite. If we label someone as a rational person, we will judge others to be irrational. If we label someone as smart, we will find others to judge as stupid. Catch yourself labeling, which serves only to separate “us” from “them” and choose to stop. As we release the language of duality and refuse to describe people according to our preferences, we relax and surrender into acceptance without trying to change them or defend ourselves. Create “environmental stillness.” A messy space at home contributes to a disorganized and chaotic mind. But if we can take small steps toward establishing stillness on the outside of us, we can experience more internal peace, wellness and harmony within. Observe each room you use every day and notice what creates unsettling thoughts. Does your office lack a system for filing bills or random pieces of information? Do your bedroom clothes and accessories not have a “home”? Take inventory, commit to doing something about it and set a date for when it will be done. The entire house can be completed in one month. When you encounter a challenging person, try thinking of them as a soul mate. Soul mates are actually not romantic partners but people destined to help you grow by presenting you with challenging personality traits and actions you don’t like. They challenge you to look beyond your preferences and surrender to what is. They invite you to accept the Law of the Impersonal while at the same time, saying “yes” to the opportunity to become a more kind, compassionate and loving human being. This mind shift may defuse anger or defensiveness and help you change the dynamic with “difficult” people who cross your path. “You really can change the world for the better when you set a resolution around realizing the true power of your influence,” McGregor said. “But becoming an influencer begins as an inside job. Once you do the inner work, you can start influencing those around you in a positive way, and the ripples you create will impact the whole world.” On the web: www.karenmcgregor.com
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The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021 • Page 3B
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Dec. 11 to 24:
Lowest Score
• Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St., Waxhaw – 84.5 Violations include: Certified person in charge wasn't available; employee food was above raw chicken in the walk-in cooler; employee didn't wash hands at proper times; raw pork was stored beside and below raw chicken in walk-in cooler; breakfast sandwiches weren't held hot enough; cooked eggs and cooked sausage were not held cold enough; cooked eggs, sausage and noodles, and open milk didn't have dates; and sanitizer wasn't at proper concentration. • Tienda Y Antojitos Mi Pais, 4200 South Blvd., Charlotte – 87.5 Violations include: Certified person in charge wasn't available; open can of soda was on prep table; em-
Charlotte (28211)
ployees went in and out of kitchen without washing hands; hand-washing sink in kitchen and restroom didn't have paper towels; raw eggs, raw turkey and raw chicken were stored above produce on three different shelves in the walk-in cooler; and cut cabbage, opened cheese, cooked rice, pico and other items didn't have dates.
ANSWER O L M O S
H E A D S P J A I C F E
F A K E N A M E S
F A M E D
N O L I E
I L U V U
U F O S R A I S E D H E L L
• Tienda Y Antojitos Mi Pais, 4200 South Blvd. – 87.5 • Viva Chicken, 4500 Park Road – 100
Charlotte (28210)
• Bojangles, 231 E. Woodlawn Road – 94.5 • Food Lion (bakery/deli), 10120 Johnston Road – 98.5 • Food Lion (seafood & market), 10120 Johnston Road – 98.5 • Hilton Garden Inn Grille, 4808 • Greystone Restaurant, 3039 Sharon Road – 95 South Blvd. – 94 • Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, • Jason's Deli, 1600 E. Woodlawn 10707 Park Road – 95 Road – 97 • Oak Steakhouse, 4777 Sharon • Little Spoon Eatery, 2820 SelRoad – 97 wyn Ave. – 96 • Palm Restaurant, 6705 Phillips • Maple Street Biscuit Company, Place Court – 95.5 2725 South Blvd. – 96.5 • Ruth's Chris Steak House, 6000 • McDonald's, 2625 South Blvd. The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation Fairview Road – 94.5 – 99 620 Eighth Avenue, N.Y.Catering 10018& Events, Your Custom • Pasta & Provisions, 4700 Park New •York, Wedgewood Drive – 99 Road – 96.5 For Information Call:4800 1-800-972-3550 • Rock Salt, Brandywine Road For512 Release Thursday, February 6, 2020 – 94.5
Charlotte (28209)
Charlotte (28226)
• Bonefish Grill, 7520 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Char Bar 7, 6300 Carmel Road – 95.5 • Chi Thai, 3333 Pineville-Mat-
Edited by Will Shortz
Crossword ACROSS 1 Sight on a dollar bill 5 Offerings at many coffeehouses 11 Rent 14 Ballet movement 15 Result 16 “For a quart of ___ is a dish for a king”: Shak. 17 Nyctophobic 19 1990 Sam Raimi superhero film 20 Zoophilist’s org. 21 Impermanent fixes 23 1967 thriller for which Audrey Hepburn received an Oscar nomination 26 Surprise winner 27 “A simple yes ___ will suffice” 28 Unit in a shopping cart 30 R.M.N. or L.B.J. 31 Battle stat 32 Crowning point
• Bar Marcel, 3920 Sharon Road – 93.5 • Cousin's Maine Lobster, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (wine bar), 112 S. Sharon Amity Road – 100 • Jack In The Box, 4505 Randolph Road – 96.5 • Maria’s, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97 • Momo Truck, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97.5 • Poppy's Bagels And More, 2921 Providence Road – 97 • Superica Strawberry Hill, 4223 Providence Road – 94.5 • Taco Green-Go, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99 • Wolfman Pizza, 106 S. Sharon Amity Road – 97.5 • Yafo Kitchen, 720 Governor Morrison St. – 96.5
34 Former Mideast 60 Where Darth alliance, for short Vader gets his strength … 36 Not know or what eight something others answers in this know puzzle share 64 Top gun 38 Cocktail made with ginger beer 65 Suck in again, scientifically 42 Independence in Washington, e.g.: 66 Didn’t doubt a Abbr. bit 67 Prospector’s 43 A-O.K. accessory 44 Fair-hiring inits. 68 Many John Wayne films, 45 Container in a informally tasting room 69 “The Night of 48 National park the Hunter” through which screenwriter the Virgin River James runs 50 Bio lab medium
DOWN 51 Post-sunset 1 Eponymous Belgian town 53 Sweet that lacks 2 Famously milk nonunionized 56 Uses as partial worker payment 3 Tel Aviv-to-Cairo carrier 58 Territory east of Ukraine on a Risk 4 Reach quickly, as board a conclusion 5 Wheels for four 59 Little peeve 6 Cash flow tracker, for TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE short N A R T C L I P 7 Like much freelance work S R A M A A O N E 8 Stinging plant C L I N I C L O L A E A U C A V I A R 9 Unoriginal voice K E L P R E V I E W S 10 N.B.A. All-Star Curry I S E D E N L T H E E B L O W 11 Hedy of old Hollywood T Y 2 K W A I V E D I O S E L V E S 12 Pass 13 Gets ready for a V E N P A L E R punch, say I N G D O R K A L P A S A D O S L O E 18 Critical hosp. area E N D O F S T O R K 22 Lose amateur R E A R R A N D O status A S S O B E S E 23 Baby’s first home
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PUZZLE BY ED SESSA
24 Grammy winner India.___ 25 “Nature’s great healer,” per Seneca 29 Perfume ingredient 32 Transport to remote areas, briefly 33 Bistro sign word 35 Ended a fast 37 Plain for all to see 38 Erstwhile iPod type
39 Entertaining lavishly 40 Spam, for one 41 Old days 43 Guy in a suit 45 Little shut-eye 46 “I bless the rains down in ___” (lyric from a 1983 #1 hit) 47 College of ___ Island (CUNY school) 49 Most bonechilling
50 #49 52 Once more in vogue 54 Checks 55 Planet of 1970s-’80s TV 57 Kind of butter used in cosmetics 61 Train schedule abbr. 62 Poor mark 63 Animal that sounds like you?
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.
v
thews Road – 95.5 • Flip-A-Los, 7629 Pineville-Matthews Road – 99 • Food Lion, (deli), 7400 Candlewyck Lane – 98.5 • Food Lion (meat market) 7400 Candlewyck Lane – 100 • Hawthorne's NY Pizza & Bar, 4100 Carmel Road – 95.5 • Pete's Red Hots, 5721 Carmel Road – 100
Charlotte (28227)
• Blackfinn Ameripub, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way – 97 • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 9030 Albemarle Road – 98 • Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins,7005 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99 • McDonald's, 2301 Central Ave. – 98 • Mi Barrio Halal Latin Grill, 7308 E. Independence Blvd. – 94 • Subway, 9009 Albemarle Road – 96.5 • Urban Air Trampoline Adventure Park, 9108 Lawyers Road – 100
Charlotte (28270)
• Circle K, 9726 Monroe Road – 97.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 1621 Sardis Road N. – 97 • Harris Teeter (market/sea), 1621 Sardis Road N. – 100
Charlotte (28277)
• Adams Mart, 11924 Elm Lane – 97.5 • Antojitos Arroyo, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 95 • Bay Leaf Indian Grill, 14027 Conlan Circle – 95 • Be's Noodles & Banh Mi11, 318 N. Community House Road – 97 • Burton's Grill And Bar, 9816 Rea Road – 96.5 • Cajun Yard Dog, 8036 Providence Road – 96 • Chick-fil-A, 7910 Rea Road – 95 • Chopt Creative Salad, 8022 Providence Road – 96.5 • Desano Pizza, 7315 Waverly Walk Ave. – 93 • Desarnos, 6420 Rea Road – 96.5 • Firebirds, 7716 Rea Road – 95.5 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 98 • Harris Teeter (market), 10616 Providence Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (market & seafood), 7852 Rea Road – 97.5 • Improper Pig Rea Farms, 9855 Sandy Rock Place – 93.5 • Island Thyme, 8129 Ardrey Kell Road – 95.5 • Kabob Je, 7828 Rea Road – 95 • Little Big Burger Rea Farms, 9904 Sandy Rock Place – 97 • Ma Ma Wok, 11914 Elm Lane – 96.5 • Midwood Smokehouse, 12410 Johnston Road – 97.5 • Pio Chicken, 9816 Rea Road – 98 • Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 11611 N. Community House Road – 99 • Publix, (meat market) 11222 Providence Road W. – 99 • The Q Shack, 10822 Providence Road – 97 • Red Sake, 8410 Rea Road – 93.5 • Ricos Acai, 8440 Rea Road – 98 • Sanctuary Bistro, 6414 Rea Road – 98.5 • Sushi 101 Noodle Bar, 5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 90.5 • The Ryal at Ballantyne Resort, 10100 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 95 • True Crafted Pizza, 7828 Rea Road – 94 • Via Roma, 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. – 94.5 • Whole Foods Market (Kei Jei Kitchen), 7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95 • Whole Foods Market (meat),7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 97.5 • The Wok, 11508 Providence Road – 91.5
Indian Trail
Done with this puzzle? Check back next week for a new challenge
• BP, 7805 Idlewild Road – 99 • Extreme Ice Center Snack Bar, 4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 91.5 • Food Lion, 4423 Old Monroe Road – 97 • Food Lion (deli), 4423 Old Monroe Road – 96 • Grapes Wine Bar, 6461 Old Monroe Road – 99.5 • Lam's Kitchen, 1369 Chestnut Lane – 96 • Taqueria La Unica, 4305 Old Monroe Road – 90 • The Trail House, 6751 Old Monroe Road – 99 • Tickle My Ribs, 6640 Old Monroe Road – 98.5 • Viva Chicken Sun Valley, 6461 Old Monroe Road – 100 • Wendy`s, 13810 E. Independence Blvd. – 98
Matthews
• China Express II, 3607 Mat-
thews-Mint Hill Road – 94.5 • Domino's Pizza, 3335 Siskey Pkwy. – 94.5 • East 74 Family Restaurant, 10915 Monroe Road – 95.5 • Go Go Empenada, 11229 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5 • Metro Diner, 10412 E. Independence Blvd. – 96 • Mooyah Burgers Fries And Shakes, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 99.5 • Publix (seafood) 3110 Fincher Farm Road – 99.5
Mint Hill
• Dunwellz Custom Kitchen And Pour House, 7110 Brighton Park Drive – 99.5 • Hawthorne's Pizza & Bar. 7319 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 95 • Mint Hill Rock Store Bar-B-Q, 7032 Brighton Park Drive – 95 • Papa John's, 7032 Brighton Park Drive – 97.5 • Thrashers Dawgs, 7732 Davis Road – 99
Monroe
• East Frank Superette and Kitchen, 209 E. Franklin St – 100 • Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, 2833 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 99 • Food Lion (meat market), 2118 Roosevelt Blvd. – 99.5 • Food Lion (food stand), 2118 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Jefferson Street Deli, 107 E. Jefferson St. – 96 • Jud`s, 1603 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 92.5 • Palace Restaurant, 1000 Lancaster Ave. – 99 • The Sea Hut, 354 E. Franklin St. – 95.5 • Shake Shake Seafood, 2841 W. U.S. 74 – 98 • Southern Roots Bar And Grille, 350 E. Franklin St – 96 • Sunset Tacos, 1113 Sunset Lane – 99.5 • Taino, 3816 Sardis Church Road – 98.5 • Taqueria Morelia, 1300 Skyway Drive – 90 • Taqueria Veracruz, 4420 U.S. 74 W. – 98.5 • Taqueria Veracruz Mexico, 1228 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • The Cupbearer, 410 John St. – 95 • The Smoke Pit, 1507 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 93.5 • Village of Woodridge Restaurant, 2414 Granville Place – 100 • Wendy`s, 1245 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 • Wow Supermarket, 1230 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5
Pineville
• Pineville Ice House, 400 Towne Centre Blvd. – 98.5 • Sky Zone, 10200 Centrum Pkwy. – 97
Stallings
• Emerald Lake, 9750 Tournament Drive – 93.5 • Enzo`s Italian Market, 4420 Potter Road – 91.5
Waxhaw
• Broome Street Burgers, 203 N. Broome St. – 97.5 • Cork & Ale, 113 E. North St. – 98.5 • Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St. – 84.5 • Frontier Meats, 8303 Lancaster Ave. – 100 • Mary O'Neill’s Irish Pub, 116 W. North Main St. – 95 • Maxwell`s Tavern, 112 E. South Main St. – 99 • Moe's Original BBQ, 8163 Kensington Drive – 94 • Provisions Waxhaw, 107 W. South Main St. – 94.5 • South Main St. Barbeque, 116 E. South Main St. – 97
Weddington
• Panda Chinese Restaurant, 13661 Providence Road – 98 • Rock Store Express, 13801 Providence Road – 96.5
Wesley Chapel
• Greco Fresh Grille, 6400 Weddington-Monroe Road – 95.5 • Kami Chinese Thai and Sushi, 5922 Weddington-Monroe Road – 90.5 • Nena's Market, 4824 Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road – 97.5 • Saveeda's American Bistro, 5922 Weddington-Monroe Road – 97.5
Going out to eat? Visit our websites before you dine to see restaurant scores from previous weeks: matthewsminthillweekly.com thecharlotteweekly.com thecharlotteweekly.com/ucweekly
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Page 4B • The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021
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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
SENIOR MOVING SERVICES
Develop an overall plan and timeline • Organizing • Sorting • Downsizing Customized floor plans • Disposal of unwanted items • Estate sale Local and Long Distance Moving • Professional packing Staging • Unpacking & setting up the new home • Cleaning
FINANCIAL Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.
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
NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers! For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available. Contact us at adsales@cmgweekly.com for details.
MovePackClean.com
Veteran owned and operated
CALL TODAY FORA+ABBB QUOTE! (704) 907-1777 | DOT: 2998402 | NCUC: 4646
The Weekly • Jan. 1, 2021 • Page 5B
NEW YEAR’S
Our new 2021 inventory has arrived and the selection, styling and pricing is incredible. All the famous names you love are on sale! SHOP NOW THROUGH JANUARY 4
FURNITURE SALE
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS BERNHARDT ISABELLA CASUAL STYLED SOFA WITH THROW PILLOWS
ENJOY EXCLUSIVE OFFERS DURING OUR NEW YEAR’S SALE AT BOTH SHOWROOMS
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS BERNHARDT CANDACE SOFA
NEW YEAR’S 12 MONTHS SPECIAL ** e Credit Card FINANCING Program PORTAL E
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS HOOKER CORSICA BEDROOM
COMPLIMENTARY ADDITIONAL SAVINGS BERNHARDT SANTA BARBARA DINING ROOM GROUP
ALSO ASK ABOUT SETTING UP A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT IN OUR 2 SHOWROOMS.
NHANCEME Card Program NTS ch ENHANCEMENTS f
y 2019 Laun
enhancemen ts to the Free aunch dom Pay Po rtal which inc lude: aunch
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IN-STORE DESIGN SERVICES
SHOP OUR ONLINE
ACCESSORIES
CLEARANCE
ents to the Freedom Pay Portal which include:
ON SALE
‘Invoice num ber’ column for better re quirement at conciliation the point of of sales sale transactio tion settles, n and can inc the settlemen lude t report will no w sh mber’ column for better reconciliation of ow sales invoice
at the point of sale transaction and can include the settlement report will ADDITIONAL now show invoice
SAVINGS CENTURY CREDENZA
1
1
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS SHERRILL PLAZA SOFA FAMILY OWNED
Newest Looks! **12
goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS HOOKER RUSTIC GLAM DESK
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
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.