Union County Weekly June 7, 2019 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Sport Clips offers MVP experience in Wesley Chapel • Page 2A

Friday, June 7, 2019 • Vol. 14 • No. 23

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

Nursing Foot Care Trimming toenails Reducing thick toenails Reducing Dianne Nguyen, RN corns and calluses Cell/text: (704) 957-5458 Web: www.TheraTouchFootCare.com 7928 Council Place, Suite 106 Matthews, NC 28105

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sharing her love for the game Fink organizes soccer camp for children with autism WAXHAW – As a soccer player at Cuthbertson High School, Samantha Fink did more than help lead the Lady Cavaliers to state playoff semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2015 and to a Rocky River Conference title in 2013. She also made her mark off the field, volunteering with Street Soccer 945, Urban Ministry and Take on Sports.

Fink is doing the same now as a rising senior at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. The forward on the Blue Hose women’s soccer team recently organized a one-day soccer camp at Martin Stadium for children with autism. Stefan Wiecki, a history professor at PC and Fink’s academic advisor, approached her about the idea

of the soccer camp. “I wanted to help out with this camp because there aren’t very many options for people with disabilities to be involved in sports in this area,” Fink said. “My brother has a disability and had the opportunity to participate in sports in my hometown. see FINK, Page 4A

Former Cuthbertson standout Samantha Fink leads a soccer camp for autistic children at Presbyterian College. Photo courtesy of Presbyterian College

PARTY CRASHER

Readers give me chuckles

$1M boost

ou never know what you’re going to find when you sift through the ballots of our annual Best of the Weekly readers choice competition. A few ballots had poop on them. Well, a few of them had the word “poop” written in the Best Bank category. I had to do due diligence by googling “poop bank.” They exist, all right. Fortunately, financial banks had more votes. One reader noted how there wasn’t a good place in Monroe for dates, steaks, seafood and Italian food. Another reader put how their house was home to the best barbecue, wings, steak and cupcakes, but to my dismay failed to leave an address. Best Date Night had a slew of responses, ranging from a church to a tattoo shop. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. One reader used the ballot to briefly explain how happy hour doesn’t exist. True, North Carolina only lets bars offer food specials, not booze. Maybe we should move Best Happy Hour to the food category rather than drinking category. The important thing to note is that nearly 300 categories across our three weekly newspapers have been tallied. We will announce our winners in a special edition on June 28. We’re also doing something a little extra special for winners. We will throw a celebration for them June 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at The Portrait Gallery Restaurant in Matthews.

Charlotte Pipe supports Monroe projects, 3A

Celeb Q&A Sports editor interviews rising NASCAR star, 1B

Smith touts Green Party New Deal Congressional candidate last campaigned for school board by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

Welcome home Weddington church brings in new bishop, 3A

CHARLOTTE – Green Party candidate Allen Smith brought his 9th Congressional District campaign to the Duke Energy Center in Uptown Charlotte on May 30. Smith and the Green Party want to see the multi-billion-dollar energy company, and other utilities like it, become publicly owned. That is part of the party’s Green Party New Deal, which also includes the elimination of fossil fuels by 2030, 100% renewable energy by 2030, redirecting see GREEN, Page 4A

Teen lobbyer Kabir Dewan champions diabetes research, 3A

Justin Vick Managing Editor

In addition to protecting the planet, Congressional candidate Allen Smith's platform includes ideas about the economy, education and immigration. Paul Nielsen/MMHW photo

LEARN MORE: Visit www.allenforcongress. com for a full list of issues Allen Smith stands for, as well as ways to donate or volunteer.

see VICK, Page 2A

Thales Academy enters Charlotte market Campus will eventually serve kindergarten through eighth grade by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

Great start Mavs baseball excels under rookie coach, 6B

INDEX Crime................................................................................ 5A Classifieds..............................................................5B Calendar....................................................................4B Sports.............................................................................. 1B Puzzles.........................................................................4B

WAXHAW – Thales Academy showed off its new school to members of the Union County Chamber of Commerce on May 23, and it probably won’t be its last ribbon cutting ceremony in the Charlotte-metro region. The private school opened in September serving kindergarten through fourth grade. It will become K-5 school later this year. The current location on Newtown Road has enough space to expand to K-8 in the coming years. A future junior high and high school are also on the drawing board. Waxhaw location is Thales’ eighth lo-

cation, with the other seven sites in the Raleigh area, including a junior high and a high school. Over 3,000 students attend school on the eight campuses. Thales is also looking to possibly add locations in Charlotte as well as in Nashville, Tenn., Richmond, Va., and Houston, Texas. “This is just a first step,” said Tim Hall, director of operations and academics. “We thought the Charlotte area would be a good place to land. Coming to Waxhaw was really about land, finding available land that was affordable.” Thales Academy was founded in 2007 by Bob Luddy, president and founder of see THALES, Page 5A

Thales Academy administrator Kelsey Zoda points to one of the many murals at the Waxhaw campus. Thales showed off its new school on May 23. Paul Nielsen/UCW photo

Summer BRIDES JUNE 21ST

C G Charlotte Media Group

SEE PAGE 6B FOR MORE DETAILS

Page 2A • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK STAY CONNECTED

Couple ignites community shelter's capital campaign

• Instagram: @ucweekly • Twitter: @UCweekly • Like us on Facebook • Web: www.unioncounty weekly,com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

Waxhaw Vet Explorers presents a Summer Kick-Off Pet Social on June 8 at Waxhaw Animal Hospital, 601 N. Church St. The event includes food, drink, doggie treats, music, children’s games and adoptable animals. Bring friends, family and pets. Visit www.fidofest.com for details. Photo courtesy of Waxhaw Animal Hospital

PUBLISHER Adrian Garson BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MOST POPULAR STORIES • Thiessen to give foreign policy lecture at Jesse Helms Center • Storm drain cleaning requires ramp closures at I-485 interchanges • Firehouse Subs helps expand Stop the Bleed program • Providence Latter-day Saint congregation welcomes new bishop • Isabella Santos Foundation continues to honor namesake

NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Special thank you to Union County BB&T for their generous donation to @BdayBlessings Bright Blessings and time to volunteer in their center for homeless and impoverished children in our area. Thank you @toddfprice for making this happen! @UCPS_MonroeNC @AGHoulihan” – Melissa Merrell‫@( ‏‬MMMerrellTnT) • “Members of Cavs for a Cure Club along with adviser Ms. Jessica Marchand made tie fleece blankets for the children at Levine's Hospital.” – Cuthbertson High (‫@‏‬CHSCav aliers)

CONTENT PRODUCER Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

NEWS BRIEFS

ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com

Roundabout construction to start at intersection

ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb adsales@cmgweekly.com

UPCOMING EDITIONS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR justin@cmgweekly.com

• June 14: Graduation • June 21: Arts & Entertainment • June 21: Bridal • June 28: Best of the Weekly

Summer Kick-Off

Summer Kick-Off Pet Social Pet Social

Hosted by the Waxhaw Vet Explorers

Summer Social HostedKick-Off by the Waxhaw Pet Vet Explorers Saturday, June 8th, 2019 Saturday, June 8th 4-6pm 4-6pm

Saturday, June 8th, 2019 4-6pm Hosted by the Waxhaw Animal Hospital Vet Explorers.

Bring your family, pets, and friends—Open to the community! Bring your family, pets, and friends - Open to the community!

Group Event. Bring your family, pets,Rescue and friends—Open to the community! Rescue Group Event.

   

Music • Food • Drinks • KidsGroup Games • Adoptable Animals Rescue Event. Door Prizes • Silent Action • Cool Doggie Treats Music  Adoptable Animals 

Music



Food



Drinks

Food

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Kids Games Kids Games

The Community Shelter of Union County recognized Don and Betty Wilburn (center) on June 1 for making the first gift to the capital campaign for its new facility. A bronze plaque recognizing their vision, generosity and compassion will be displayed in the new facility. They also were given a plaque with a golden hammer for their home during the major donor recognition ceremony. Standing with them (from left) are board chair John Schooley, CEO Kathy Bragg and Vice Chair Penny Hefner. The nonprofit will hold a ribbon ceremony at 4 p.m. June 17. Photo courtesy of Community Shelter of Union County

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Adoptable Animals

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Door Prizes

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Silent Auction

Door Prizes

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Silent Auction

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Cool Doggie Treats  Cool Doggie Treats

MONROE– N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews started building a roundabout June 3 at the intersection of Rocky River Road and N.C. 75. The $1.1 million project is expected to be completed in mid-July. Crews will first close Rocky River Road and Old Waxhaw-Monroe Road to traffic. Drivers heading north on Rocky River Road will follow a signed detour along Doster, Corinth Church, Fletcher Broome and New Town roads, returning to Rocky River Road. Southbound drivers will follow this detour in reverse. Motorists on Old Waxhaw-Monroe Road will also be detoured to Doster, Corinth Church and Fletcher Broome roads, back to N.C. 75. Both detours will be in place up to four weeks. In mid-June, N.C. 75 will close for two weeks to continue construction. Eastbound traffic will be detoured from N.C. 75 to Potter and New Town roads. Westbound drivers will follow this detour in reverse.

County asks customers to limit yard irrigation MONROE – A spike in yard irrigation has stressed Union County’s available supply of treated water. Until there is consistent rainfall, the county is urging customers to temporarily refrain from watering their yards. The county is capable of supplying 25 million gallons per day of treated water for its customers’ use. On a typical day, residents consume 14 to 16 MGD. In the week leading up to May 31, up to 23 MGD was consumed due to a significant increase in yard irrigation. As the county nears its available capacity, customers may experience fluctuations in water pressure and water quality until the water treatment plant is able to keep up with demand on the county water system.

Residents asked to report ATV operation on sanitary sewer

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MONROE – The City of Monroe is encourages property owners to report non-city activity along sanitary sewer easements to help the city control dumping, vandalism and possible damage to utilities. The city also would like to remind residents that operating ATVs on sanitary sewer easements is illegal without the expressed consent of the landowner on which the easement is located. Residents are urged to contact the police department at 704-282-4700 when they see illegal ATV operation on sanitary sewer easements or public streets. Call the water resources department at 704-282-4601 for details.

Furr, Gurian receive professional certifications MONROE – Susan Furr, emergency communications operations manager, and Jason Gurian, emergency communications training

VICK (continued from page 1A)

Winners will be treated with hors d’oeuvres and drink tickets for wine/beer. Addition-

coordinator, have received their Emergency Number Professional certifications. Furr and Gurian have made commitments to become leaders in the 9-1-1 industry. They have undergone a nearly year-long study program and were recently certified under the National Emergency Number Association Institute. Receiving an ENP certification is one of the most prestigious achievements a public safety professional can obtain. The program requires years of on-the-job experience, training and service to the 9-1-1 profession.

Colonial Tavern Night takes you back to 1780 WAXHAW – The Museum of the Waxhaws holds its annual Colonial Tavern Night fundraiser with entertainment, colonial music and stories about the Buford Massacre. Plan to spend time with George Washington and other colonial reenactors, including Nora Brooks as Abigail Adams. The event takes place June 22. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served in two seatings, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The museum closes at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Admission includes dinner and two tickets for beer or wine or games of chance that could win additional drink/ game tickets. Buy them at www.museumofthewaxhaws.org.

Sport Clips to open in Wesley Chapel’s Village Commons WESLEY CHAPEL – Sport Clips Haircuts will open June 11 in the Village Commons shopping center on Hwy. 84. “With the support of Sport Clips’ real estate team and technology, we identified this location and believe it will be a perfect fit,” shop owner James Bailey said. “Sport Clips has been such a popular hair care option for men and boys in the area, and we’re excited to grow our presence.” The shop offers haircut services, including the “MVP Experience” that includes a precision haircut, massaging shampoo, hot steamed towel treatment, and neck and shoulder massage. There's also large, flat-screen TV playing sports programming at each haircut station and in the lobby, as well as massaging chairs in the shampoo area. Walk-ins are welcome. Online check-in is available Visit www.haircutmenwesleychapelnc.com for details.

Barry endorses Womack for NCGOP chairman MONROE – Former Union County Chairman Dan Barry endorses Jim Womack for NCGOP chairman. With the NCGOP Convention on June 7 to 9 in Concord, delegates will select party leadership for the next two years. “Jim embodies the integrity, experience and passion we need in our next party leader,” Barry said. “Jim understands the role of the party and its governance.” Womack’s experience as a county chairman, where he regularly elects Republicans in-spite of the Democratic Party registration advantage, will be vital to re-energizing and reviving the party, Barry said

ONLINE EXTRA: Familiar faces acting in latest Matthews Playhouse production

al tickets are available for purchase. Email Adrian Garson at adrian@cmgweekly.com for details about this fun event. I’m hoping some of the mojo from many of the best people in our coverage area rubs off on me.

Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019 • Page 3A

Waxhaw teen advocating for diabetes research

Monroe officials plan for the Center Theatre to house local, regional and national arts productions. Rendering courtesy of City of Monroe

Downtown Monroe projects get $1M boost Campaign to help fund programming for science center, theater MONROE – Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's Dowd Foundation has committed $1 million to a capital campaign for the Center Theatre and Monroe Science Center, two projects expected to spur downtown's revitalization over the next decade. The theater, which first opened in 1940, is being transformed into a regional performing arts center, while a children’s science center is under construction at the site of a former grocery store. Both projects are scheduled to open in 2020. “This gift also represents a great way to announce the capital campaign, which we will be launching in the fall,” Mayor Bobby Kilgore said. “Charlotte Pipe is such an amazing corporate partner, and we are proud of their level of commitment to the community and to their employees.” In recognition of the support of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry and the Dowd Foundation, the Center Theatre will be named the Dowd Center Theatre of Monroe. This donation will also fund an exhibit at the Monroe Science Center that will showcase Charlotte Pipe’s manufacturing assets and capabilities in Monroe. “A downtown full of educational and entertainment options will attract new restaurants and other businesses, benefiting not only our company’s 500-plus employees but also all the citizens of Monroe

and Union County,” said Chad Griffin, senior vice-president of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry’s Plastics Division. “When these projects are complete, we will all be able to find plenty of reasons to spend more time and resources here in Union County.” The combined projects represent a nearly $10 million investment in downtown by both the City of Monroe and the Monroe Tourism Development Authority. The campaign, dubbed Get Centered, will seek to raise $2.5 million in private dollars to acquire the hands-on exhibits that will fill the new Monroe Science Center and to help underwrite the theater's first several years of programming. The Center Theatre's new design includes roughly 560 seats with balcony level, a meeting/pre-function area, dressing rooms, a catering kitchen and storage. The Monroe Science Center will feature interactive exhibits geared to preschool, elementary and middle school-aged children. Exhibits will focus on aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing and health care. There will also be event space. “Both these projects can succeed only through a combination of private and public support,” Kilgore said. “The city can’t to do it all and keep taxes low. Likewise, the private sector can’t take on such highly public projects by itself.” Want to chip in? Call Pete Hovanec at 704-282-4542 to learn more about the Get Centered campaign.

WAXHAW – After having suffered migraines and vision-related seizures for months, Kabir Dewan suffered a stroke in the visual cortex of his brain. That's Dewan when doctors diagnosed him with type 1 diabetes. JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research, has selected the 16-year-old Waxhaw resident to join a delegation of youth advocates next month in Washington, D.C. Delegates will lobby their representatives in Congress to remind them of the vital need to continue supporting diabetes research that could reduce the burden of this disease

Providence Latter-day Saints congregation welcomes new bishop by Ashley Wright Contributor

CHARLOTTE – The Providence congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a new bishop. Aaron Roome succeeds Eric Kerr, who served for five years. The Church of Jesus Christ has a lay ministry. Bishops and other local leaders serve voluntarily, without pay, and do so in addition to family, employment and other community responsibilities. Members do not generally request specific positions. Instead, local leaders extend assignments after seeking guidance from the Lord through prayer. After Roome expressed his willingness to accept this new calling, his name was presented to the Providence congregation for approval. Bishop Roome has lived in Charlotte with his wife, Amee, and two children for almost nine years. He is currently a managing director in corporate and investment banking and also serves on the board of OneWater, a nonprofit providing sustainable water filtration to families in Nicaragua. Charlotte residents Paul Anderson and Scott Fish are serving with Bishop Roome as counselors. They will help him carry out

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and ultimately find a cure. The children, ages 4 to 17, will participate in numerous activities on the Hill, including a congressional committee hearing to share personal testimonies that highlight the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes and the need for continued funding for research projects such as the Special Diabetes Program. “Every day our children and we as their parents face the burden of type 1 diabetes, so when these courageous children share their stories, they become powerful advocates in the fight to end this disease,” said Christina Barnes, of JDRF. Kabir wants to advocate for mandatory blood sugar checks at all annual pediatric check-ups to prevent complications like he experienced from happening to others. “My family and I look forward to going to Capitol Hill alongside so many other inspiring kids to meet with our senators and representatives,” Kabir said. “Together, we have a chance to make a difference in the lives of people with T1D.”

Aaron Roome (center) is the new bishop for the Providence congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His two counselors are Paul Anderson (left) and Scott Fish (right.) Photo courtesy of Ashley Wright

the responsibility of ministering to the spiritual and temporal of the congregation. “The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought so much joy to my life,” Roome said. “I am both humbled and excited to serve in this capacity and strengthen the youth and good people of our congregation.” The Providence congregation meets at the church, located at 5897 Hemby Road in Weddington. Visitors are always welcome to join worship services Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

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Page 4A • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

FINK (continued from page 1A)

“When I heard about the kids wanting to do a camp, I couldn’t help but think of him.” Twelve children from Project Hope in Greenwood and Bridging the Gap in Greenville attended the camp. Fink recruited players from PC’s men’s and women’s soccer teams to help with the effort. Fink led the children in soccer drills that she and the Blue Hose soccer players practice themselves. During the passing drill, Fink and the soccer players kicked balls back and forth with the soccer newcomers. Most of the children had never kicked a soccer ball. The PC soccer players taught the children how to control the ball in the dribbling drill. Some children dribbled the ball from one end of Edens Field all 120 yards to the other end. And, in everyone’s favorite, the children lined up and practiced kicking the ball into the goal. Teaching the children soccer was one part of the camp. Another important piece was giving the children an opportunity to practice social interactions. “The soccer camp was their therapy for the

day,” said Niki Porter, a case supervisor with Project Hope. “Some of our families would never take their kid out to a soccer camp because they don’t know what it would be like. This camp was a really cool way for them to practice doing things in a group and for their parents to see that having a soccer camp with a shadow wouldn’t be so bad.” Each child’s ABA therapist was there to help throughout the day. According to Porter, the children benefited most from listening to Fink and the other players on the soccer teams. “For them to hear instruction from players is nice because they spend all day with us,” Porter said. “It’s nice for the children to learn from other adults who are teaching them.” This social interaction helps the children understand they can listen to others when they’re away from the typical ABA setting. Kathryn Thompson-Feith, a mother of one of the attendees, went to an autism conference recently and heard young adults on the spectrum say over and over how they wished they had more opportunities for social interactions. “They all said they figured out the academics, but still didn’t know how to interact with

Samantha Fink’s camp allowed autistic children an opportunity to learn a new sport and gain greater exposure to social interaction. Photo courtesy of Presbyterian College

people,” Thompson-Feith said. “I am very grateful and excited that PC has been not only willing to try but was excited and enthusiastic to welcome the children to campus.” Fink enjoyed organizing the camp and

GREEN (continued from page 1A)

half of military spending and enacting a comprehensive Medicarefor-all. Smith, who lives in south Charlotte, is facing Republican Dan Bishop, Democrat Dan McCready and Libertarian Party nominee Jeff Scott in the Sept. 10 special election. The special election was called after last November’s election was invalidated by the North Carolina Board of Elections after alleged absentee ballot fraud emerged in Bladen County on behalf of thenGOP candidate Mark Harris. Harris endorsed the call for a new election but did not run in the GOP primary, citing health issues. Smith last appeared on local ballots in 2017, when he earned

Howie Hawkins (New York) is seeking the Green Party nomination for U.S. President. Paul Nielsen/UCW photo

42% of the vote in a losing race to Sean Strain for the District 6 seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board. “We need a real Green New Deal, an eco-socialist transforma-

tion, not only to combat climate change and revolutionize our infrastructure, but to re-engineer our social order,” Smith said. “A Green New Deal that says no to war and imperialism by taking

helping the children with their soccer and social skills. “It was a joy to give these kids an opportunity to play a sport that’s so close to my heart,” she said.

the billions of unnecessary dollars that we pour into our Defense Department. We need to redirect those resources into sustainable programs that fulfill basic human rights like healthcare by providing Medicare-for-all.” Smith told supporters that Duke’s control of the state’s energy grid through a government-protected monopoly must end. “That means in our state, if you use electricity in your home or your business, chances are you’ll be paying Duke Energy for it,” Smith said. “I have a friend, whose name I won’t use because her boss might find out. Let’s call her Erin. She is a working mom, and like a lot of working parents, she can’t afford a higher electric bill. She has to wrestle with whether to buy groceries or pay down her electric bill. “She works for a thriving local

business, but her employer won’t let her work more hours because they would then have to provide health insurance. When Duke raises her rate, she will have no choice but to pay up or have her family’s electricity shutoff.” Green Party presidential candidate Howie Hawkins was also at the event supporting Smith. Hawkins, who announced his candidacy for the Green Party nomination in late May, has run for governor in New York three times, getting more than 50,000 votes in each election, which keeps the party’s ballot status in the state. “I was the first candidate to campaign in the United States on the Green New Deal when we were coming out of the Great Recession,” Hawkins said. “I have been fighting these utilities since we fought nuclear power in the 1970s.’’

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CRIME SCENE The Union County Sheriff’s Office reported these incidents May 24 to 30:

Indian Trail

Thales Academy in Waxhaw opened in September with 60 students and the school is on a year-round calendar. Paul Nielsen/UCW photo

THALES (continued from page 1A)

CaptiveAire System, the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation equipment. “The first school was in the back of Mr. Luddy’s corporate office,” Hall said. “We have added four campuses in the past four years with an additional 1,500-plus students. Next year, we will probably be at 3,500 on all of our campuses.’’ In K-5, Thales Academy uses a research-based teaching method known as Direct Instruction, which employs rapid pacing, grouping by ability level and teaching to mastery so teachers can lead classes efficiently and students can learn more effectively. “It is teacher-directed,” Hall said. “It includes oral responses, and it builds foundational knowledge for students in reading and math, which is important for the rest of their academic careers. It is built toward mastery. If a class isn’t at or above 85% mastery, then the teacher reteaches the lesson. So, no child is left behind, so to speak. When a student leaves here, they will be at the fifth-grade level in reading and math, and maybe higher.’’ All of the school’s campuses use the same design elements. The Waxhaw location sits on four acres and is 33,000 square feet in size. The school has a state-of-the-art technology lab and a music room,

as well as a space for physical education classes and other school events. “You will recognize us wherever you go,” Hall said of the design of all the schools. Waxhaw administrator Kelsey Zoda said the school has 60 students but it has the capacity for 450 students. Currently, only the first floor of the two-story school is being used but that will change as the school grows to K-8. “We brought a new model to a new city, and we are pleased with our numbers for the first year,” Zoda said. “We currently have six teachers and two front office staff. We have a very strong curriculum, and there is a very strong sense of community here.” Zoda said the success at Thales Academy starts with the teachers. “We are looking for people that are willing to learn something new,” said Zoda, who has experience teaching in private and public schools. “We want teachers who have a lot of energy. We want teachers that love kids and who want to see them reach their highest potential.’’ Tuition at the Waxhaw location costs $5,000 a year, and scholarships are available. The school operates on a year-round calendar. “We believe our tuition is very competitive with private schools here,” Zoda said. “Our whole mission is high-quality education at an affordable cost.’’

Animal Call Bite • 2000 block of Canopy Drive Break-Ins • 100 block of Coventry Drive • 3300 block of Brooktree Lane (2 cases) Break-Ins, Vehicles • 1000 block of Kemp Road • 1800 block of Travis Court • 2100 block of Flaggstone Lane • 2100 block of Younts Road • 3000 block of Alice Flagg Lane • 3100 block of Flaggstone Lane • 3300 block of Brooktree Lane (2 cases) • 3300 block of Hard Rock Court • 3400 block of Brooktree Lane • 4100 block of Northland Court • 5000 block of Jacquelyne Drive • 5100 block of West U.S. 74 Consume Alcohol Underage • 3000 block of Semmes Lane Driving While Impaired • 3200 block of Brooktree Lane • 4300 block of Sardis Church Road • 13900 block of East Independence Boulevard Obtain Controlled Substance by Fraud/ Forgery • 100 block of South Indian Trail Road Possession of Marijuana • 2000 block of Emerson Lane • 4700 block of Roger Road Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance • 8100 block of Stinson Hartis Road Property Damage • 2000 block of Formosa Drive • 2000 block of Hyde Park Drive Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon • 1000 block of Jeweled Crown Court Thefts • 2100 block of Younts Road (4 cases) • 2900 block of West Unionville-Indian Trail Road • 3000 block of Dataw Lane • 4000 block of Helmsville Road • 5700 block of West U.S. 74 • 5800 block of West U.S. 74 • 5900 block of North Rocky River Road Thefts, Fuel • 14000 block of East Independence Boulevard Thefts, Vehicles • 2100 block of Younts Road • 6400 block of Old Monroe Road • 4800 block of West U.S. 74 • 5700 block of West U.S. 74 • 6700 block of Old Monroe Road Thefts, Vehicle Parts • 14600 block of East Independence Boulevard Vandalism • 1000 block of Matilda Lane • 5800 block of West U.S. 74

Lake Park

Animal Call Bite • 5500 block of Frederick Street Possession of Marijuana • 6100 block of Trevor Simpson Drive Thefts • 3900 block of Etheredge Street

Marshville

Driving While Impaired • 6600 block of East Marshville Boulevard Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance • 7400 block of White Store Road Possession of Marijuana • 100 block of South Forest Hills School Road

y n n Thing Fu Happened on the way to the

Forum

• 6000 block of West Marshville Boulevard Thefts • 7300 block of East Marshville Boulevard Thefts, Dog • 4700 block of New Salem Road

Mineral Springs

Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance • 5800 block of Waxhaw Highway

Monroe

Animal Call Bite • 400 block of Kellyfield Drive • 1700 block of West U.S. 74 Break-Ins • 300 block of Quarry Road • 500 block of McIntyre Street • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 700 block of Castle Road • 1500 block of Walkup Avenue • 6700 block of Rape Road Break-Ins, Vehicle • 200 block of Walnut Street • 1200 block of East Sunset Drive • 1600 block of Sumpter Lane • 2100 block of Commerce Drive (2 cases) • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3000 block of Grey Pond Lane Carrying Concealed Weapon • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Credit Card Fraud • 1500 block of Heather Lane Curfew Violation • 1800 block of Dickerson Boulevard Discharging Firearm • 600 block of Stafford Street Driving While Impaired • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3700 block of East U.S. 218 Harassing Phone Call • 1500 block of Faulk Street Hit & Run • 1200 block of Ridge Road • 1400 block of Dove Street • 2900 block of West U.S. 74 Identity Theft • 4500 block of Red Hook Road Obtain Property by False Pretenses • 100 block of East Sunset Drive (2 cases) • 3300 block of Joe Griffin Road Open Container • 2500 block of Pageland Highway Possession of Cocaine • 100 block of South West Street Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • 100 block of East Houston Street • 600 block of South Johnson Street • 1600 block of Morgan Mill Road • 3700 block of Weddington Road Possession of Heroin • Secrest Short Cut Road • 100 block of North Westover Drive Possession of Marijuana • 20 block of Donald Street • 100 block of North Johnston Street • 600 block of North MLK Jr. Boulevard • 2000 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 7300 block of Morgan Mill Road Possession of Methamphetamine • 400 block of Fairley Avenue Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 1700 block of Maurice Street Possession of Stolen Firearm • 2000 block of Union Street Property Damage • 200 block of Hough Street • 200 block of Waterlemon Way • 600 block of Waterlemon Way • 1700 block of Goldmine Road • 4100 block of Weddington Road Robbery • 4100 block of West U.S. 74 • 4600 block of Stack Road

Thefts • 300 block of Dexter Place • 400 block of Patton Avenue • 500 block of Fincher Street • 500 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 600 block of First Street • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard (2 cases) • 800 block of North Johnson Street • 1200 block of Stevens Road • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard (2 cases) • 1600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2100 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2200 block of Walters Division Road • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2500 block of Walkup Avenue • 2900 block of West U.S. 74 (2 cases) • 4200 block of North Rocky River Road • 6100 block of Sunrise Lane Thefts, Vehicle • 2500 block of Woodbrook Lane (2 cases) Thefts, Vehicle Parts • 900 block of Hart Street • 2500 block of Old Charlotte Highway Unauthorized Use of Vehicle • 500 block of Harris Lane • 4800 block of Aspengold Court

Stallings

Animal Call bite • 12000 block of Guion Lane Driving While Impaired • Stallings Road • 3500 block of Stallings Road

Waxhaw

Break-Ins • 8800 block of Kentucky Derby Drive Break-Ins, Vehicle • 2200 block of Legacy Oak Drive • 8900 block of New Town Road • 9800 block of Tompkins Lane • 9900 block of Tompkins Lane • 10000 block of Royal Colony Drive Disorderly Conduct • 1400 block of Cuthbertson Road Financial Card Theft • 6900 block of Spruce Pine Trail Obtain Property by False Pretenses • 1200 block of Churchill Downs Drive Property Damage • 700 block of Beauhaven Lane • 2800 block of Crane Road (2 cases) • 8300 block of Victoria Lake Drive

Weddington

Possession of Marijuana • 4900 block of Weddington Road

Wesley Chapel

Property Damage • 1100 block of Woodwinds Drive The Stallings Police Department reported these incidents May 27 to June 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife) • Undisclosed location Assault on a law enforcement officer • Undisclosed location Break-Ins, Coin Machine • 15000 block of Idlewild Road Clandestine Meth Lab • 1000 block of Vickie Lane Communicating Threats • Undisclosed location Credit Card Fraud • 9200 block of Tenby Lane Fraud • 4600 block of West Lawyers Road Fraudulent Use of ID • 3400 block of Shadow Lake Lane Thefts • 4400 block of Potter Road Thefts by Employee • 13000 block of East Independence Boulevard

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Page 6A • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

Dr. Ann Walters, Headmaster · Mr. Jim Zorn, High School Principal

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2019 !

Charleny Ambriz Johnny Bernard Anderson III Magaly D Ballines Joyce Sharon Barroso Charles Dean Beckstead Gabriel Albert Bernhard *Leah Caitlyn Black Jacob Lars Bowlin Emma Ward Brewer *Dylan Scott Brooks Hayden Parker Brown *Caleb Mackenzie Burch *Phillip Kelby Cail Jenna Marie Carpenter Ada Hashary Carrillo Sean Michael Carton Hannah Lynne Conner *Christopher Michael Damato *Gabriel Justin Dean Paige Lauren DeWaele Mary Margaret Dodge Madison Paige Drum *Samantha Ashley Ferko Austin Luke Ferriell Jarod Paul Fronczak Caitlin Janae Gann *Hunter James Gibson *Jackson Peter Gill

*Ashlyn Nicole Gillard Hayden Marcus Gosnell Carson Robert Green *Benton Robert Griffin *Caitlin Elizabeth Griffin Thomas John Griffin Alyssa Grace Hagler Nicholas Taylor Hagler *Taelor Frances Hart *Rebecca Faith Hartung Daniel Lee Hasty, Jr. *Kiley Ann Heim Jackson Heath Helms Brandon Robert Henn *Katherine Taylor Hilgers Kelsi Cierra Hill Kala Madison Humble Yakov Alexandrovich Kaprelov Hunter Wade Kessinger Joylene Gaimah King Zachary Michael LaCombe *Ashley Ardele Larkins Mya Alexi LeBron Darius James Ledbetter Vivian Mae Long *Leanna Marie Mahle *Carson Michael Malone Adam John Wayne Mantione

*Eli Douglas Marlow Cristobal Jose Mateo Calderon Thomas Raymond Mattison Elizabeth Morgan McCormick Brandon Joseph McCrorey Avery Lynn Mekus *Victoria Leigh Millett Peyton Elizabeth Mitteer Christopher Kenneth Morgan Luke Duncan Mullen *Emma Joy Munday Danny Akira Newman Madison Ann Newton Caitlin Jaye O'Grady Enrique Luis Padilla Tricia Mae Pagnotta Evelyn Gloria Palomba Autumn Victoria Pete Cameron Dylan Phronebarger Eli Garrison Pierce *Cailyn Grace Plummer Amanda Rose Pressley Jonathan Rushing Preston Kelly Anne Privett Lauren Elizabeth Pyrock *Sydney Grace Rose Blaise Philip Ross Abbigail Elizabeth Sanders

Autumn Nichole Scruitsky Ajdin Sefic *Hannah Grace Siler Shanna Celeste Simpson MaKayla Chevelle Smith Zacary Makyah Smith Ma'Kayla Briana Sullivan Katherine Grace Sumrell Rebekah Ann Sumrell *Taylor Nicole Swain *Samuel Rex Swigart Michael Wayne Swinney III Septina Mariama Taylor Peyton Chloe Tenold Molly Elizabeth Turk Brayden Anthony VanMilligan Helen Kathryn Wallace Lauren Rae Watkins Tyler Ryan Way Ashton MacKenzie Wood Kendrick Anthony Yelverton Sarah Dawn Yumet Christopher Kenneth Zambrotta *Union Academy “lifers” who attended UA from kindergarten through grade 12.

Senior Class Officers

Brayden VanMilligan Student Council President

Maggie Dodge Student Council Vice President

Leah Black Senior Class President

Emma Brewer Senior Class Vice President

Ada Carrillo Senior Class Secretary

Kelsi Hill Senior Class Treasurer

2019 Senior Awards Ken Templeton Headmaster Award Dylan Brooks

Excellence in Art Maggie Dodge

El Premio De La Excelencia en Español Tricia Pagnotta

Ron Brown Cornerstone Award Ashley Larkins

Excellence in Science Leanna Mahle

Excellence in Theatre Ashley Larkins

Excellence in English Yakov Kaprelov

Excellence in Vocal Music Hannah Conner

Excellence in Technology Lauren Pyrock

Excellence in Math Jackson Gill

Excellence in Instrumental Music Cailyn Plummer

Senior Outstanding Female Athlete Emma Munday

Excellence in Social Studies Lauren Pyrock

Senior Outstanding Male Athlete Dylan Brooks

2019 Senior Statistics Total Graduates: 114 · Graduation Rate: 97% · Total Scholarship Dollars Offered: $8,042,377 2019 Graduates enrolled into college (2– or 4– year) or career-education programs: 96% Members of the 2019 Union Academy class contributed approximately 17,910 hours in their high school years. Thank you, seniors, for your dedication to our school and community.

SPORTS Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019 • Page 1B

Cardinals grit out final to cap perfect season by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Looking at the sterling 23-0 record, the still-growing state record 44-game win streak and now a second consecutive NCHSAA 1A girls soccer championship, it would be hard to think that there was much wiggle to the Cardinals roll through the season. But, in fact, this may have been Vic Johnson’s best coaching job since taking over the Union Academy program seven seasons ago as he pieced together a team that didn’t start the same

lineup twice all season and battled untimely injuries to key players throughout their playoff run. Johnson joked that last year’s title run seemed easy compared to this one as the 2018 Cardinals won 21 straight games down the stretch and throttled Franklin Academy 6-1 in the championship game. This year, seven games – including the championship and three other playoff games – were decided by just one goal. “This was a very hard-working, blue-collar team,” Johnson said. “They never quit, they never gave up and

they never worried about what the score was because they knew they were going to fight for the whole game until the whistle blew because that’s what we had to do. It was next girl up and they had to go in and try to do what the girl in front of them did. Sometimes it was more of a fight – but not in a physical way – than it was a soccer match, but they wouldn’t give up.” In the championship game, the Cardinals were undermanned. Senior Catie O’Grady, the Cardinals third-leading scorer with 19 goals and see SOCCER, Page 2B

The Union Academy girls soccer team defeated Franklin Academy 2-1 in four overtimes to win their second consecutive title. The Cardinals are riding a state-record 44-game win streak heading into next season. Photo courtesy of Union Academy

HOMEGROWN TALENT

Weddington scored 10 unanswered goals to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 10-1 advantage en route to the Warriors third straight state title. Photo courtesy of NCHSAA

Shipleys fuel Warrior 3-peat title by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

NASCAR named William Byron among the 12 drivers announced for NASCAR Next’s Class of 2015-16, which represents the sport’s next generation of stars. John Hunter Nemechek was also in the class. Getty Images for NASCAR

CLT’s Byron accelerates toward NASCAR stardom by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – The best NASCAR drivers from around the world converged on Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 18 for the All-Star Race and May 26 for the Coca-Cola 600. Both races featured Charlotte’s own William Byron, the reigning Sunoco Rookie of

the Year. Byron, a 2016 Charlotte Country Day grad who still lives in south Charlotte, placed ninth in both races. I caught up with Byron before the Coca-Cola 600 to talk hometown and more. Andrew Stark: How cool is it going to be this weekend being back home in see NASCAR, Page 3B

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Liberty Patriotic Chevrolet, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 23. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Cougars stars, depth lead to repeat title on links Health, Hackett tie for second; Catholic wins state title by 21 strokes by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Catholic coach Shawn Panther said he always knows what he’s going to get from his top two golfers, but the Cougars were going to need more to repeat as state champions. Last year, Catholic won the 3A title for the first time and won their first state tournament since 2004. Senior Drew Hackett sank the winning putt in last season’s championship and has been the Cougars leading scorer by a hair. The UNC Wilmington commit is steady and consistent after finishing fourth in

the state last year. He is a big-time team leader as one of just two seniors. Junior Jack Heath is lefty with a sweet swing. As a sophomore, Heath had followed up his great showing at the state tournament with a commitment to Tennessee. After the Vols coach retired, Heath has re-opened his commitment and is attracting a host of Power 5 schools hot on his trail. “Drew and Jack have been there all year,” Panther said. “I know they’re going to show up. They may have been be the two best players in the see GOLF, Page 6B

The Charlotte Catholic golf team stormed out to a 13-stroke lead after Day 1 of the state tournament and extended their lead to a 21-stroke win as the Cougars claimed their second straight state title. Photo courtesy of Shawn Panther

WEDDINGTON – Chapel Hill struck first in the NCHSAA 1A/2A/3A boys lacrosse championships, but then Weddington turned to its star brother tandem to secure the Warriors’ third straight state title with a 16-5 win. Weddington coach Britton Short, who took over the team last season, said Chapel Hill’s first goal was a shock just 1:11 into the first quarter but his team knew what to do with all of the experience gained from a core group of players who have accumulated a 54-4 record. “They came down and got a quick one on us,” he said. “I told everyone, ‘Hey, it’s OK. We’ve been here and we’re fine now.’ We knew they’d come out amped up and really fired up and ready to go. We knew we needed to be smart with our energy and not come out hot and fizzle out.” That’s when the Shipley brothers made it happen. Just over a minute and a half later, all-American James Shipley tied the score at one. At the 7:24 mark, Shipley scored unassisted again to give Weddington a 2-1 lead they would not surrender. By the time sophomore Will Shipley scored at the 5-minute mark of the first quarter, the floodgates had already opened for Weddington’s offense, which would go on to outshoot Chapel Hill 38-28 on the night. By halftime, James Shipley and Will Shipley would have six goals combined and the brothers had the Warriors rolling toward their third straight title as Weddington turned a 1-0 deficit into a 10-1 lead entering halftime. “Both of those guys do get a lot of press, but they deserve all of it,” Short said. “Those kids are so humble, but they’re something special. They know how to carry a team for sure. When see LAX, Page 2B

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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

Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025

CHIARA COPPIN

UNION ACADEMY

Coppin was part of the Cardinals state championship defense that allowed just six goals all season. The junior goalkeeper was rewarded with an all-state selection this season.

Page 2B • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

LAX

SOCCER

(continued from page 1B)

we need something to happen, they’re the ones who want the ball and the ones who at least get the ball rolling. They did it for us again on Friday night, but they’re just so consistent all the time.” Eamon Murphy, Chase Jones, Jarrett Papke and Anthony Todaro all added first half goals for the Warriors. James Shipley would add a goal and three assists in the second half to earn Most Outstanding Player honors. The senior standout has also been named the Most Outstanding Player in two Warrior football championships, including this past fall. “We’re lucky to have those guys,” Short said. “But it’s all of the guys, and especially this senior class. It was so important for me as a coach to have them buy into what I wanted to do as a coach. They bought in as juniors and that’s a big deal. They really accepted my philosophy that everyone matters the same. It doesn’t matter if you’re James Shipley, Eamon Murphy or Tanner Cox or a freshman playing JV because everyone matters. Those older guys all understood that and did a great job leading. “When they buy in and you get the stamp of approval from those guys then everyone follows suit and say, ‘OK, we’re going to roll with these guys.’”

12 assists, had just been cleared to play after a bout with mono the day before the championship game. Junior Kelsey Havican scored in the title game, but was just cleaned before the playoffs from her bout with mono that caused her to miss several games. The Cardinals adjusted their lineup and relied on their toughness. “They were a better soccer team than us and they were more experienced with six senior starters,” Johnson said of Franklin Academy. “We tried to do some things that were going to cause them some problems and hopefully help us and we tried to limit our problems by not doing things to get us in trouble. It’s sounds iffy, but it’s basically play smart and don’t make any mistakes.” The Cardinals did that to perfection. All-state centerback Mya Manivanh keyed a defense that allowed just six goals all season as inexperience and personnel forced the Cardinals to go to a three-back set instead of the more traditional four backfielder set. Manivanh teamed with senior captain Emma Brewer and Rachel Roncace to form the defensive front ahead of all-state star keeper Chiara Choppin. Roncace hadn’t played much as a freshman when two four-year starters roamed the back line, but she started all year. With her improvement, the defense got better and better and only allowed just two goals over the final 13 games of the season. “We knew our defense was going to be very, very different back there and a little scary at first,” Johnson said. “Those three kids and our goalkeeper gelled really well. Now it took a couple

Weddington scored 10 unanswered goals in the finals to beat Chapel Hill and win the state title. Photo courtesy of NCHSAA

James Shipley, Murphy and Ryan Goldstein were key attackers and along with faceoff specialist Whitner Litton, Cox, Papke and Jones, the core senior group has all meant a great deal to the success the Warriors have enjoyed over the past three seasons. Short said the cupboard is far from bare. On offense, Todaro, Will Shipley and Will McKeehan will be among the stars coming back, but Short said a great deal of this year’s success comes from the emergence of goalkeeper Andrew Miller. Miller made 20 saves in a win over Charlotte Catholic earlier this season and made a few key stops late in the 9-8 regional final win over Marvin Ridge. “Andrew Miller I think was the biggest surprise to everyone outside of us,” Short said. “I think people figured we’d take a big step down at goalie, but we didn’t. Andrew played his tail

off all year for us. He was super motivated and wanted to prove some people wrong about what he could do in the goal. Obviously the defense in front of him helped him, but he single-handedly won us some games with really big saves. “We’re losing a bunch of people, but I’m really excited for next year. I think people are going to think we’re really down, but I’m excited to show some people the kids we have coming up that didn’t get to play a ton this year.” But for now, Short said he’ll take some time to enjoy this win. “I’m proud of them and all the work they put in,” he said. “I can’t ask any more . They’ve done what any coach has asked of them since they’ve been in high school. I was so happy to send the seniors out that way because they earned everything they received. They earned it all.”

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024426Waxhaw2QSMBBetterBiz502x1325.indd 1

5/21/2019 1:48:10 PM

of weeks, but they came together back there and when they figured it out we didn’t give up goals at all.” With the defense frustrating Franklin in the final, and with the clock winding down, junior all-state midfielder Sarah Brown took over the game as she had so many times during the season. Brown had three game winners over the five playoff wins, and it was her goal with under a minute to play in quadruple overtime that lifted the Cardinals to their 2-1 win and their second title. Brown led the team with 29 goals and 15 assists this season after breaking an NCHSAA record with 53 assists last year. “She’s special,” Johnson said. “She knew she had to step up even though she was hurt because we didn’t have Kelsey and we didn’t have Catie – our second- and third-leading scorers – so it was basically all on her shoulders and she came through for us. We knew we were up against the wall with what we had, but the girls just fought like they had all year long.” Johnson said the girls rarely talked about the 44-game win streak they can extend next season, but there were times the girls made it clear they wanted that to continue as long as possible. For Johnson, the title was a special one for all of the ups and downs his team faced throughout the year. And for the will his team showed becoming champions once again. “Even in some ways, this win was more rewarding than last year,” he said. “I hate to use the word easy, but last year’s win was kind of easy and this was definitely not easy. We didn’t have any easy games all year so it was very satisfying to see a young and inexperienced team fight their way to an undefeated state championship season.”

Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019 • Page 3B

NASCAR (continued from page 1B)

Charlotte on your home track? Byron: Yeah, it’s my second year for the 600 but I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to (putting into place) what we learned in the All-Star Race. Going into this race, it should help us with the notebook we have from last week, for sure. Stark: How much does last year’s experience help you specifically when it comes to the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway? Byron: It helps a lot. This is a very temperature-sensitive track, so you have to take a different approach. You have to do it during the daytime, and then have a nice transition to night time when it really counts. I’m trying to learn a lot from what that day-to-night transition is for us and hopefully that’s successful. Stark: What area of town do you live in right now? Byron: I live in south Charlotte in an apartment complex near Park Road Shopping Center. I’ve been living in Charlotte my whole life and I’ve been in that area, within about five or 10 minutes or so, my whole life. I really like that area. It’s home for sure, and it makes it really easy to come home after the races and have a nice place to go to. Stark: What are some of your favorite hot spots to hang out around town? Byron: I really like the Cotswold area and the South End area because there’s a lot of people my age, and there are a lot of really good restaurants there. I spend most of my time in the Cotswold area. Stark: Back to racing for a minute, can you tell me how you first got involved with Hendrick Motorsports and what’s it like to have the support and backing of a Hall of Fame owner and his team? Byron: I started my relationship with Hendrick Motorsports when I was coming out of the truck series in 2016. I was racing in the truck series and had won a few races when I first got the call from ‘Mr. H’ in July of 2016. That was the first big breakthrough in my career and obviously a huge deal. The connection has grown into the Cup Series and the opportunity I have now is definitely a great one. Stark: What’s it like to have the backing of that behind you? Byron: It’s great. It gives you a big sense of confidence knowing you’re with a great team that has the potential to win races. That’s all you can ask for, and that’s what it’s all about. So, yeah, it gives you a lot of confidence and the ability to do everything I need to do. I’m very fortunate for that, and I’m also fortunate for being on a team I looked up to as a kid. That’s really important. Stark: Do some of the recently retired Hendrick guys like Jeff

William Byron celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Granite State 70 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 17, 2015 in Loudon, New Hampshire. Todd Warshaw/NASCAR via Getty Images

Gordon still come around and give you advice or do you get to see those guys a lot, too? Byron: Yeah, they do. Jimmie Johnson, obviously being my teammate, is a big help to me and he’s able to guide me and coach me through some things and that’s really important. Outside of that, I’d say Jeff Gordon for what he does for Hendrick Motorsports and in the broadcasting booth. I get a chance to talk to him most every week about what we’re doing and he helps quite a bit and has helped with my progression. Stark: Has there ever been a moment meeting someone in racing where you’ve become a little bit starstruck? Byron: Yeah, I’d say Jimmie because he was a big part of my childhood growing up when I’d watch racing. I’d say I was a little starstruck when I first met him and got to be teammates with him and having interaction every week. But, that would probably be about the only guy. Stark: You started racing Legends cars when you were 15, which is relatively late. You’ve had to push through this a little faster than some guys. How has that helped you in your career? Byron: It’s definitely been a shorter projection for me coming from a shorter background and not coming from a racing family. I always persevered and I loved racing myself. Nobody else pushed me into it, and I think that’s something that has helped me progress without feeling that pressure from the outside. I think that’s always been a good thing for me. There’s been less pressure – over really the only pressure I put on myself – so I think that has been the biggest difference because I haven’t had that outside pressure to do anything. I’ve been

William Byron poses after affixing the winner’s decal to his car in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, 2017. Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

on my own patch to get here. Stark: You’ve always been a south Charlotte guy and you were a Charlotte Country Day graduate. How long did you go there and when did you graduate? Byron: I went to Country Day my whole childhood and graduated in 2016. I was there from kindergarten through 12th grade, so it was a home for me. I kind of knew everybody because not a lot of the people leave or change over the years, so that was a cool thing and an important part of my childhood. Stark: What was the best part of that small-school environment? Byron: I think it was cool. I got a chance to know everyone from scratch, play sports with everyone through the years and things stayed the same for the most part. I had the ability to be very comfortable in that environment, play sports with

the same kids I grew up with. It was a comfort factor. I think it allowed me to pursue other things and not have to worry about the social aspect of things. I think I had a really good environment where I got to pursue racing as a career. Stark: What are your memories of growing up in this area? Byron: Playing Pop Warner football off Carmel Road for a few years. We were the Falcons and that was a lot of fun. I built a lot of relationships that way and kind of had to learn how to be tough. That’s helped me all along my racing career as far as being tough and being able to stand up for yourself. I broke some bones doing that, but it was a lot of fun. I think it led me toward racing because of the similarities between the two. And then there’s starting my career here. I was racing Legends cars up in Concord every Friday and Saturday night

and really learning a lot from that. Stark: What are some of your goals this season? Byron: My goal is to try to win a race. I think our overall goal is to win the playoffs, but we’d like to win a race and we have a lot of potential to do that. I’m real excited about what’s ahead for us, and I feel like we’re on the right path. Stark: It seems that way with Rookie of the Year. What does that do for you as far as motivating you and assuring you’re trending in the right direction? Byron: It is motivation. Being recognized for the work you’ve put in and the things you’ve accomplished is good. Really, my inner drive comes from my will to succeed and from what racing means to me and what I do it for. That’s the most important thing to me, but outside recognition is nice, too.

ARE YOU ON TWITTER? WE ARE TOO! FOLLOW US @UCWEEKLY FOR NEWS AND SPORTS EXTRAS

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Page 4B • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

THINGS TO DO June 7 Cruise In Classic Cruisers of Monroe holds the Hwy 51 Cruise In at Mint Hill Festival Shopping Center. 704-719-6662 5-9 p.m.; 6908 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Outdoor Concert Aerial View Band performs during the Jammin’ by the Tracks at the Waxhaw Water Tower on the first Friday of each month. 7-9 p.m.; Downtown Waxhaw Tribute to Summer Bless the Rains performs Toto hits during the Stallings Tribute to Summer concert series at Stallings Park. 7-9:30 p.m.; 242 Stallings Road, Stallings Charlotte Symphony The Charlotte Symphony performs a free show at

Stumptown Park J’Michael Peeples opens the show. The event includes food trucks. 704-321-7275 7-10 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews

June 8 Farmers Market The Waxhaw Farmers’ Market shares homegrown produce and other goods Saturdays behind Stewart’s. www. waxhawfarmersmarket.org 9 a.m.-noon; Downtown Waxhaw

ACROSS

Issue 6 Fodder for sports analytics 11 Place, as a bet 14 What a current flows through 15 Dickens’s ___ Heep 16 “Aladdin” monkey 17 Nickname for a glitzy author? 19 It contains M.S.G. 20 Emmy-winning Falco 21 Stark of “Game of Thrones” 22 A cluttered one is a sign of a cluttered mind, it’s said 23 [Don’t touch my bone!] 25 Nickname for a clumsy composer?

29 30 31

33 35 39 43 44 45

46 48 50 51

W O R S H I P

T I G E R

A M I G O

S E R E N A D E

A T E A W A Y A T

R I E D V E A L L I M L A A N B N G E L R E A M S

P E D D J E D S O Y

J U R I S

B A B Y B L A U P E R S G O R P I U S S T

Book Signing Wendy Fedan, author of “Somewhere In-Between,” signs books at a meet & greet at The Book Lady. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 3513 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

Pop-Up Temple Mojo Growler Shop holds a pop-up shop featuring Hardy Boys Records. 704246-8196 1-4 p.m.; 195 N. Trade St., Matthews

D-Day Anniversary The Museum of the Waxhaws celebrates the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Tickets cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for children. Buy tickets at www.eventbrite. com. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw

Outdoor Concert U-Phonik headlines the latest installment of the Mint Hill Summer Concert Series at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. 704-545-9726 7-9 p.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill

Sunken track Key below Z, on a Mac Country singer Tillis John who played an older Kunta Kinte on “Roots” “The bay in the fifth,” for one Actress McDonald Nickname for a sloppy painter? “Get Happy” composer Gangster’s gun Setting for 46-Across on a very hot day See 45-Across “___ official …” Compete Nickname for a fiery philosopher?

P O P O N O G O T O A G S T A D O O R I T F C O M I K E E T F A L R A N D A N G C I R Y R U L E

June 10 Cornhole Tournament The Trail House holds a weekly cornhole tournament on Mondays. (704) 776-4655 7-10 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

For Release Wednesday, June 20, 2018

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A T I L T

Pop-Up Shop The DreamChaser’s Brewery holds a Father’s Day popup shop. 704-843-7326 Noon-4 p.m.; 115 E. N. Main St., Waxhaw

JAARS Day JAARS invites the community to JAARS Day, where they can ride in a helicopter or plane, record their voice into Pet Adoption the Jesus film and learn how The Greater Charlotte the organization shares the SPCA holds a pet adoption Bible. 800-890-0628 event at PetSmart. www. 9 a.m.-4 The New p.m.; York 7405 TimesJaars Syndication Sales Corporation charlottespca.org 620 Eighth Avenue, New 11 York, N.Y. Road, Waxhaw a.m.-2 p.m.;10018 9905 E. IndeFor Information Call:pendence 1-800-972-3550 Blvd., Matthews

Edited by Will Shortz

Crossword 1

Pop-Up Market Indian Trail Hardware holds a pop-up market. 704-8219448 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 205 Indian Trail Road N., Indian Trail

A F L A C D U C K

D R I V E I N S

A S A N A

M U T T S

D O E E Y E D

S E E S T

56 57 58

59 61

66 67 68 69 70 71

Shape of a swan’s neck Get under the skin of ___ grecque (served with olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings) Names in film credits City where trap music originated: Abbr. Classic hairstyle … or a hint to the puns in 17-, 25-, 39- and 51-Across Prefix with colonialism According to Chair designer Charles Parched Prime minister called “Pandit” Address, with “to”

DOWN ___ Mahal Start of every ZIP code in Pennsylvania 3 Jigsaw, e.g. 4 Named, for short 5 Toyota coupe sold from 1970 to 2006 6 Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson, briefly 1 2

30 33

35 41

PUZZLE BY JONATHAN SCHMALZBACH AND BILL ALBRIGHT

Focus of a Facebook sidebar 8 Put on TV 9 Kind of bike or kayak 10 Miss identification? 11 Freeway divisions 12 Deep, deep pit 13 Eliciting an “ugh,” maybe 18 Have as a customer 22 Port at the west end of Lake Superior 23 Persona non ___ 7

26 27 32 34 36 37 38 40 41 42

It might begin “Did you hear …?” Old blues singer Johnny Fellow bringing roses, perhaps Sordid sort Hard throw, in baseball Rush-hour TV host Philbin Bodily complaints First word of “The Raven” Secular Hook up (to)

47 49 51 52 53 54 55 60 62 63 64

Bike Night Growler USA holds a bike night with drink specials at the Sun Valley Shopping Center. 704-494-9445 6-9 p.m.; 6443 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

June 12 Park Days The Town of Waxhaw hosts Fun Days in the Park, which explores nature, fitness and backyard games. Register in advance at www.waxhaw. com/parksandrecprograms. 9:30-11:30 a.m.; Various sites Classic Cruisers Classic Cruisers of Monroe holds its Wednesday Nite Cruz In at Poplin Place. 6-9 p.m.; 2889 W. U.S. 74

June 15 Father’s Day The 2019 Queen City Father’s Day Festival features more than 50 vendors, food, sports games and entertain-

Few and far between Schedules ___ X Soda bottle unit Bronze, but not silver or gold Beth’s preceder More rational Give and take Item above a kitchen stove Grand finale? “The vasty deep,” in Shakespeare “What a shame!”

ment at the Carole Hoefener Center. Register for the event on www.eventbrite.com. 803370-2634 1-5 p.m.; 615 E. 6th St., Charlotte Pro Soccer The Charlotte Independence plays Birmingham Legion FC in USL action at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Tickets are required. 704206-1515 7 p.m.; 1505 Tank Town Road, Matthews

Ongoing Community Theater The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 7 to 23, at the Matthews Community Center. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors. 704-321-7275 Various times; 100 McDowell St., Matthews

LOUD&LIVE June 7 • Beantown: Tim Apple Solo • Evening Muse: Rooney • Hinson’s Drive In: Ali Rose • Milestone Club: Demiser • Moochies Tavern: Rod Caillouet Acoustic; Too Much Sylvia • Pineville Tavern: Carolina Roads Band • Southern Range: RJ Adams • Steady Eddy’s: Jason Brigner • Stooges: Red Dirt Revival • Temple Mojo: Longleaf (Matt Ablan & Denys Gorski) • Underground: The Lemonheads • Vintner’s Hill: Jaxx & Jacks

June 8

45 48

44 46

19 21

18 20

No. 0516

June 11

• Beantown: Jade Moore • Dunwellz: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Caroline Spence & Charlie Whitten; Cal Maro & Meyru • Fillmore: Yacht Rock Revue • Mac’s Speed: Friction • Mary O’Neill’s: Palmetto Band • Milestone Club: Violent Life Violent Death • Moochies: Moses Jones • Neighborhood Theatre: Darrell Scott • Southern Range: Lee Knox & Encore • Stooges: Badcash • Sweet Union: Mr. Vague Trio • Trail House: Next O’ Kin • Underground; Xavier Wulf • Vintner’s Hill: Kris Anderson

June 9 • Evening Muse: Cave Twins & Vanessa Peters • Treehouse Vineyards: Jacob & Forrest

June 10 • Evening Muse: Open Mic • Spectrum Center: Ariana Grande

June 11 • DreamChaser’s: Music Bingo • Fillmore: Catfish and the Bottlemen • Neighborhood Theatre: Sleep & Big Business

June 12 • Beantown: Chuck Johnson Duo • Evening Muse: Stray Fossa • Fillmore: Gojira

• Milestone Club: Esham • Neighborhood Theatre: The New Respects & Apollo LTD

June 13 • Bellè Grille: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Blue Water • Iron Thunder: Lonesome Carolina • Milestone Club: Bask • Neighborhood Theatre: Josh Wolf & Sarah Tiana • Pizza Peel: Music Bingo • Trail House: Music Bingo

Venues Charlotte • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Milestone Club: 3400 Tuckaseegee Road • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. Indian Trail • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown: 130 Matthews Station St. • Bellè Grille: 3022 Weddington Road • Hinson’s Drive In: 2761 CPCC Lane • Mac’s Speed: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Pizza Peel: 110 Matthews Station St. • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. • Temple Mojo: 195 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Dunwellz: 7110 Brighton Park Drive • Stooges: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Iron Thunder: 608 W. Roosevelt Blvd. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Pineville • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Waxhaw • DreamChaser’s: 115 E. N. Main St. • Mary O’Neill’s: 116 W. N. Main St.

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Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019 • Page 5B

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Page 6B • Union County Weekly • June 7, 2019

Putman pushes Mavs to playoff brink by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

It didn’t take first-year Marvin Ridge baseball coach Trey Putman long to realize he was inheriting a special team. Putman took over this season for Mark Mennitt, a Mavs legend who had led the school to state championships in 2015 and 2016 and a regional final in 2017. Along the way, Mennitt won 234 games with the Mavs, but he stepped down earlier this season. Putman, a former assistant under Mennitt, was thrown right to the fire with the first three games coming against regional powers Ardrey Kell, Providence and Hough. Marvin Ridge ended up winning all three while shutting out Providence and Hough with a sound pitching staff and a world-class defense. “I felt like after we played those first few games we had a special group and that we could do some good things,” Putman said. “But this was an easy group to coach. They were highly motivated, they had goals in place and they wanted to do some special stuff and they got to do some special stuff because of how they played. These guys were highly motivated from the beginning, and when you have that culture that was already set in place by Mark Mennitt, it makes it easier when you have kids that want to do well for the program and for themselves.” The Mavs would win their first six games and go 11-2 to start the season as the Marvin Ridge bats sizzled with production as the team averaged nearly five runs per game. Steven Gonzalez, Matt Dugan, Maxwell Hyman, Michael Neal, Andrew Kerry, Joshua Schwartz and Jake Machado among others would take turns all season long coming up with the big hit or key situational play that put the Mavs in position to win. But, after defeating Weddington 1-0 in the first game of a midseason best-of-three series, the Mavs went on to lose the next two and the series to the rival Warriors. Putman said it wasn’t a huge deal, but something that certainly got the

Marvin Ridge coach Trey Putman addresses his team after the loss to New Hanover in the state championship series. The Mavs went 26-8 in Putman’s first season as head coach. Photo courtesy of Marvin Ridge athletics

Mavs attention. “Once we lost that series it kind of pushed us back in reality and got us going a little bit. That got us hungry and made us knew we had to play our best baseball to get where we needed to get,” Putman said. “The teams in our conference are so good, so losing a series isn’t devastating. It hurts and it was a motivational factor, but that’s the good thing about this conference is that it’s going to make you better because you’re playing a quality opponent every time out.” The Mavs would win nine straight games and go 15-4 the rest of the way, with another loss to the Warriors in the conference tournament, before falling 2-0 to New Hanover in the best-of-three state championship. “The players had a motivation that I’ve not seen on a lot of teams,” Putman said. “They wanted to go out and be the best in every setting whether it was our live (at-bats) in the fall and once we started playing early in the season. This group had a tenacity, a drive and a way they play the game that’s tough to find.” One of the Mavs biggest strengths, Putman said, was the dominant pitching his team fielded. Ace junior Kyle McKernan was spectacular, making 13 starts with a 10-1 record. Senior Tyler Hall had 14 appearances and went 8-3. Senior Drew Cognac led the Mavs with 15

appearances and nine saves and sophomore Logan Smith served as a starter and out of the bullpen. “Our pitching was huge this year,” Putman said. “Back in the fall we weren’t sure exactly what we were going to get. We knew who are 1 and 2 were and we had a good idea about who our 3 was going to be, but as a whole those guys battled all year and kept us in games. “We swung the bats really well in the beginning of the season, but in the middle of the year, we hit a slump as a team. During that stretch in the middle of the year, our pitching and defense kept us in games and allowed us to win. They were consistent all year and gave us a chance to win every game.” The Mavs showed their meddle in the Western Regional after falling in Game 1 and taking a 1-0 deficit in the best-of-three series. Marvin RIdge won the next two games by one run both games as Carson scored four runs in the seventh of both games putting pressure on the Mavs who never flinched. “We knew Carson was going to keep grinding and compete for seven innings so to see our kids respond to that, to have some adversity and to be able to overcome it was huge in my book,” Putman said. “It didn’t end how we hoped, but those guys played as hard as they could play and they did everything right.”

GOLF (continued from page 1B)

city all season and I’m blessed to have them.” But with the loss of a couple of seniors who scored regularly on last year’s team, two new front runners were going to need to emerge from an unlikely source. Juniors Alex Campbell and John Fahey were part-time golfers who also star on the Cougar soccer team. Last season, neither Fahey or Campbell qualified for the state tournament but Panther thought they could benefit from traveling with the team, seeing the atmosphere and preparation that goes into such an event and maybe gain some experience for this season’s run. And it worked as Campbell, Fahey and Hampden-Sydney commit Alex Rubino, the other senior on the roster with Hackett, shined. The Cougars had some bumps along the road as they lost in a conference match to Marvin Ridge marking the first time the Mavs had ever beaten Charlotte Catholic. They finished fourth at a prestigious event in Durham featuring all of the previous year’s runners-up and state champions. “I think that’s when the kids started to realize we were always going to get everyone’s best shot,” Panther said. “Last year was fun.This year it was a little different being the hunted. When we showed up at a tournament, everyone noticed and we were the team everyone wanted to beat.” The Cougars entered the postseason on a mission. They ran away with the conference title, avenging their loss to Marvin Ridge. In the regionals, Heath was the 3A West medalist with a low round of 69. Hackett followed with a 70, Rubino shot

a 74 and Mitchell Tanis carded a 75 to lead the Cougars to a 16-shot win. Campbell shot a 77 and failed to score at the regional tournament, but he and Fahey were about to help lock up Catholic’s second title the following week. “You never know how kids are going to show up when it matters, but they played some of their best golf and gave us some separation there at the end,” Panther said. “To have those two kids who weren’t in the top five last to show up under pressure and to play the way they did was the key.” At the state meet, Heath carded a 69 on the first day followed by Hackett (70), Campbell (75) and Fahey (77) as Catholic built a 13shot Day 1 lead over runner-up Clayton. “Jack and Drew played their top two even, but we just had so much depth,” Panther said. “Alex Campbell and John Fahey beat Clayton’s 3 and 4 players by 22 shots and we won by 21. We played 10 rounds and we were the only school not to put anyone in the 80s. Every other school had at least three scoring rounds they had to take in the 80s and we didn’t have one player even shoot in the 80s the two days.” Hackett and Heath ended up tying for second place with two-day scores of 147. Campbell tied for seventh with a 151 and Fahey fired a 154, good for a tie for 15th. “To win two titles in the first 53 years of the school and now we’ve won two backto-back is special. It’s a great program-builder and we’re definitely building something here,” Panther said. “Now that we’ve established ourselves and won two in a row, we’re going to have an even bigger target on us next year. I think the kids like it but we know we’ll have to keep after it.”