Inside: Olympian attended Providence Day • Page 1B
Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 • Vol. 14 • No. 31
Nursing Foot Care
Dianne Nguyen, RN, CFCS
Trimming toenails Reducing thick toenails Reducing corns and calluses
thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly
CMS takes precautions for 2021-22 Strain asks district leaders which problem they are trying to solve by Justin Vick
$10 OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS Cell/text: (704) 957-5458 Web: www.TheraTouchFootCare.com
justin@cmgweekly.com Strain
165 S. Trade Street | Matthews, NC 28105 (Inside Studio 165 Salon and Spa)
Winston
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is requiring face coverings to keep students and staff in school, not in quarantine, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 raises the concerns of health experts.
The school board voted 8-1 in favor of Superintendent Earnest Winston’s recommendation to require students, staff, volunteers and visitors wear face coverings indoors,including buses, except for approved exemptions. The district will review the measure at the end of each academic quarter or when
local metrics and guidance changes. “We believe this is the best way to make sure that our students get maximum in-person time this school year,” Winston said. “We know in-person is how most of our students learn best and teaching and learning is our mission.”
27283 Waxhaw Parkway Saturday 9am - 12pm
www.waxhawfarmersmarket.org
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com charlottemediagroup.org
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Frozen empire Batt has opened 24 TCBY stores, 3A
Dr. J.D. Kisella checks in with Andrew Turner right before removing the 16-year-old’s wisdom teeth on July 28 at Carolinas Center for Oral, Facial, Cosmetic & Dental Implant Surgery. Justin Vick/CMG photos
College gets $10 million boost for arts, 4A
Student gets breathing room
Winning contest lifts burden of expensive surgery
Kelly Turner feels blessed her son Andrew (middle) received a free wisdom teeth removal from Dr. J.D. Kisella. Kisella has been serving Matthews for 16 years.
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Razzle dazzle Clown gets around to many parades, 3B
New to menu Chains offer new deals, meals to order, 2B
MATTHEWS – Andrew Turner visited Carolinas Center for Oral, Facial, Cosmetic & Dental Implant Surgery on July 28 to get his wisdom teeth removed, but what made this routine procedure unique was that it was on the house. Andrew, 16, was the recipient of the Matthews office’s Wisdom for Wisdom program. Families submit an application explaining how winning a free wisdom tooth extraction would impact their lives. Andrew’s mom, Kelly, wrote in the application that the
by Justin Vick
Military dog happy to see his handler, 4B
procedure would be a huge blessing for her family, alleviating the financial strain of paying for high school, college and oral surgery. Kelly, who works at Covenant Day, has put both of her children through the private school. Her older son attends college. Andrew is college-bound, too. “We’ve been saving for college for
both of our boys since birth,” Turner said. “We still don’t have anywhere close what we need for college.” The Turners have tapped into their college savings to keep up with Andrew’s tuition at Covenant Day. Turner views Andrew’s enrollment there as an investment. see WISDOM, Page 5A
Alzheimer's caregivers can get support justin@cmgweekly.com
Reunited
School board member Sean Strain, who represents southern Mecklenburg County, was the lone school board member to vote against the recommendation. Strain acknowledged COVID-19 is real as well as masks and vaccines work, but see CMS, Page 5A
BofA gives CMS 10K laptops
NEW LOCATION
Secret donor
@mmhweekly
MINT HILL – Lynn Smith launched an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group three years ago at Blair Road United Methodist Church after seeing members of her congregation inflicted with the disease and other forms of
memory loss. Smith contacted the local Alzheimer’s organization and realized there weren’t any support groups in the area. She launched a group at her church and was trained to educate members as far as the resources available to them. The Alzheimer’s Care-
giver Support Group convenes at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Call Smith at 704-545-6785 for details. Membership varies over time based on how far along people are with the disease. Smith also has a personal connection to Alzheimer’s. Her mother
had been diagnosed and showed very mild symptoms when she started the support group. “The hard thing about Alzheimer’s is you don’t know what is really coming because each person is so unique in how the disease affects them,” Smith said. “But you know it’s coming.”
CHARLOTTE – Bank of America is helping to close the digital divide by donating 10,000 Chromebooks for students to use in their homes. Distribution of those devices to the students and their families began July 29, in partnership with Novant Health, Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D), the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and CMS. The Chromebooks will support students with their education and help their families by providing connectivity to educational tools, job opportunities, online training and other resources. More than 90% of the households receiving devices are racially and ethnically diverse. Bank of America is also pledging 10,000 volunteer hours to support students this school year through tutoring, mentoring, and in other ways. “This effort will be transformative for students and their families as they navigate a world that is increasingly reliant on technology,” president of Bank of America Charlotte Kieth Cockrell. “Insufficient access to digital resources is a problem our residents have faced for years, and it has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. With the leadership of CMS Superintendent Ernest Winston, Pat Millen from E2D and numerous members of the public and private community, our city is coming together to solve it. I look forward to other companies in our region coming forward to help Charlotte become the first city in the nation to eliminate the digital divide.” These new devices are provided to the students and their families on a permanent basis, so that the entire household can benefit both during the school year and between academic calendar years. Select students from 69 schools, including 5 Title I high schools and their feeder elementary and middle schools, will be prioritized to receive the Chromebooks. “Access to technology is a crucial step in our commitment to equity and is necessary for success in the 21st century,” CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston said. “These Chromebooks will allow our students to readily engage in their education and open new opportunities for them and their loved ones.”
Page 2A • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/ carolinaweeklynewspapers
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway charlotte@cmgweekly.com Kate Kutzleb kate@cmgweekly.com SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR Aspen Earley aspen@cmgweekly.com
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our free email newsletter to stay on top of everything we are publishing in print and online, as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.
Gov. Cooper to honor end of federal jobless benefits in North Carolina by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
The Center Square – Gov. Roy Cooper said Aug. 3 he would accept the end of enhanced federal unemployment benefits in the state when they expire on Labor Day. Cooper said it was too late for the state to modify the benefits ahead of Sept. 6, when they are set to expire. Lawmakers must fill in the gaps to help workers, he said. “It’s critical that we get people vaccinated,” Cooper said during a Council of State meeting. “It is critical that we invest in quality child care, which has put so many parents in the middle here of having to
take care of their children at home and wanting to go to work.” Cooper made his remarks in response to a nudge from State Treasurer Dale Folwell, who urged the governor to “honor” the expiration date or let the panel of state officials vote on his decision not to honor the end of the aid. Republican state lawmakers passed legislation in late June that would have ended the federal aid, but Cooper vetoed the bill. Twenty-six other states opted out of the programs before the deadline. Folwell said North Carolina is facing an employment crisis. Many employers, including the state, are having a hard time filling positions,
he said. “What’s so disconcerting to people of all races, all creeds and all colors across North Carolina, they were saying the same thing, and that is that they cannot continue to pay into a system that forces them to compete against other federal benefits by taxing them and the workers who are there, and use that money to pay those that aren’t working,” Folwell said. Federal unemployment programs have paid additional employment benefits to workers since March 2020. North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Unemployment Security has paid $12.7
billion in unemployment benefits to workers since March 15, 2020. Only $1.9 billion of those benefits were regular state unemployment compensation. The federal programs paid an additional $100 to $300 weekly to unemployed workers. One program also extended benefits to workers after they maxed out state benefits. Under state law, unemployed workers can get up to 13 weeks of benefits in one calendar year and a maximum benefit of $350 a week Cooper called the state’s program Aug. 3 “the shortest and stingiest unemployment benefits systems in the country.”
Private sector begins vaccine mandates amid pushback by Casey Harper Contributor
(The Center Square) – After the federal government made the controversial decision to require that its employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine, multiple private companies are now following suit. Multiple major U.S. companies announced Tuesday they would require vaccinations for their employees, a decision that has sparked controversy and likely legal challenges. Tyson Chicken and Microsoft are two of the largest and most recent companies to make the announcement, saying their U.S. employees must be vaccinated. “As people have heard, new variants of COVID-19 are more contagious, more deadly and responsible for most cases in Amer-
ica today,” Tyson said in its announcement. “In some communities, doctors and hospitals are once again overwhelmed, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting nearly all hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. are among those who are unvaccinated. It is abundantly clear that getting vaccinated is the single most effective thing we can do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities." Tyson said all employees must be vaccinated by Nov. 1 and will receive a $200 bonus for doing so but did note that “team members that are members of a union will be subject to the results of union bargaining on this issue.” The decision has already drawn backlash from critics who point out the vaccine
has not yet received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA granted emergency use authorization for the vaccines last year. “UFCW is proud to say that we have high vaccination rates among our unionized food workers across the country, and as a result, we have helped reduce COVID-19 infection rates in many of our industries, including meatpacking,” Marc Perronne, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, said in response to the Tyson announcement. “While we support and encourage workers getting vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, and have actively encouraged our members to do so, it is concerning that Tyson is implementing this mandate before the
FDA has fully approved the vaccine.” Federal court rulings have backed institutions that mandated the vaccine, but legal challenges could still arise. Perronne said workers should get paid time off to recover from the side effects of the vaccine. “We believe the FDA must provide full approval of the vaccines and help address some of the questions and concerns that workers have,” Perronne said. “Additionally, employers should provide paid time off so that their essential workers can receive the vaccine without having to sacrifice their pay, and can rest as needed while their body adjusts to the vaccine and strengthens their immune system to fight off the virus.” The crackdown comes after the CDC announced even vaccinated Americans
should wear masks indoors if they reside in an area of the country experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases. This CDC reversal from its guidelines in May was followed by a wave of new mandates in the public and private sector. Other companies, like Google and Walmart, have already made similar requirements. “As we all know, the pandemic is not over, and the delta variant has led to an increase in infection rates across much of the U.S.,” Walmart said in its announcement last week. “Given this, we have made the decision to require all market, regional and divisional associates who work in multiple facilities and all campus office associates to be vaccinated by Oct. 4, unless they have an approved exception."
AN EVENING WITH THE
CANDIDATES
10
0 6 W e d n e s day
21
Moderated by Laura Budd and hosted in partnership with The Matthews-MintHill Weekly Q&A from Matthews Residents in Attendance
Submit your questions to the Candidates! Email your questions to Justin@cmgweekly.com LEVINE SENIOR CENTER IN MATTHEWS, NC DOORS OPEN AT 6PM | OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021 • Page 3A
Samuel and Rubina Batt's family has grown along with the size of their TCBY empire. It was starting a family that prompted the couple to turn to franchising. Photos courtesy of TCBY
Making time for family Following career change, Batt creates frozen yogurt empire and powers through COVID-19 pandemic
Carolinas Rehabilitation holds topping out ceremony
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Samuel and Rubina Batt moved from Philadelphia to the Charlotte area to start a family. And as soon as they began expecting their first child, Samuel started looking for new careers. The IT consultant wanted to cut down on travel to be with his growing family. Franchising made the most sense. He saw a sweet opportunity in TCBY, a frozen yogurt brand he had grown up eating that didn’t have a presence in town. He opened a TCBY’s first self-serve location in the nation at the Colony Place shopping center 10 years ago. The Batts now have four children and 24 TCBY stores. “I didn’t want to grow because I had to,” Batt told The Weekly on the eve of TCBY’s 40th anniversary celebration on Aug. 3. “I wanted to grow because it was the right thing to do.” Batt is one of TCBY’s biggest success stories. Publications like QSR Magazine and Franchise Times have shared stories of his rapid growth in the Charlotte market. Convincing corporate to let him open the first selfserve store was key to his success. He opened three more stores that same year. His goal was to secure the very best locations for his stores. Soon, corporate approached him about others wanting to open TCBY stores in the area. At that time, demand for frozen yogurt in the Charlotte region was at an all-time high. With first right of refusal of others entering the Charlotte territory, Batt became an area developer for TCBY so that he could be in a position to grow the brand in the best way possible.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Samuel Batt became a rock star at TCBY for opening the brand's first self-serve store in the nation.
Half of Batt’s 24 TCBY stores are in the Charlotte market. He also has eight locations serving the Charleston area, as well as some further out in Clemson, Lenoir and Wilmington. Recently, Batt acquired a Mrs. Fields shop in the King of Prussia, a mall outside of Philadelphia where he grew up. He has plans to co-brand that particular Mrs. Fields shop with a TCBY. He also signed up to become an area developer for the gourmet cookie brand and will be planning stores in the Philly and Charlotte areas. Like many business owners, the past couple of years have been hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the biggest challenges his stores are encountering post-2020 involve staffing and the supply chain. These issues have made it difficult to staff stores and may limit some frozen yogurt flavors and toppings. Batt tries to provide a great place for employees to work. Batt tried to keep stores open in circumstances where employees wanted to continue working and earning a paycheck. His shops have tried to overcome rising prices along the supply chain, as well as the inability to select items from distributors, by buying locally and being creative. “We’re hoping customers
can appreciate it and understand why there may not be the flavor they love or the topp8ing they love at all times,” he said. “Hopefully, they’ll continue to love coming into our stores. We’re just trying to create that same experience they had prior to the pandemic.” For all the effort being put into sanitizing stores during the pandemic, Batt doesn’t want to lose sight of the fact that people have traditionally come into TCBY to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones. The other day a couple came into one of the stores celebrating the anniversary of their first date from 27 years ago. Each year, they celebrate at a different TCBY. Batt gets excited when he hears customers share their stories about the brand. “We just want to continue to provide that for people,” he said. Area locations • Charlotte – Blakeney Town Center (9864 Rea Road), Colony Place (7731 Colony Road); Quail Corners (8502 Park Road), Rea Farms (9804 Sandy Rock Place), Selwyn Corner (2823 Selwyn Ave.). • Matthews – Plantation Market (3116 Weddington Road). • Waxhaw – 8133 Kensington Drive.
Kimberli’s Place honors beloved friend through service INDIAN TRAIL – Memories of Kimberli Lynn Stirling will live on through her family and friends as well as the many students she taught over the years at Union County Public Schools. But she is also being honored in a unique way. Friends Heather Klaus, Lorna Delucca and Brittney Klaus launched Kimberli’s Place in January in a familiar place. Toward the end of her life, Stirling opened a photo studio to pursue another passion. “Our office is in her original studio,” Heather Klaus said. “She used to love for all of us to come and hang out with her.” Kimberli’s Place operates primarily online but the boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or by appointment. The online store has plenty of home decor, jewelry, accessories, upcycled bags and wallets, plants and pots.
“We started actually as a small boutique and it just grew bigger,” Heather Klaus said. The boutique's goal is to help others. It has partnered with several nonprofits over the past six months including the Community Shelter of Union County, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, The Humane Society of Union County, National Alliance on Mental Health and Turning Point. The boutique also organizes outdoor open markets. The most recent one was held July 31 at Crossing Paths Park. “Indian Trail has been so welcoming for us,” Heather Klaus said. Want to learn more? Kimberli’s Place is located at 115 Unionville-Indian Trail Road beside the Indian Trail library. On the web: www.kimberlisplace.com/
CHARLOTTE – The transformation of the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center campus took another step forward on Aug. 3 with a topping out ceremony for the new Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation hospital. A beam signed by hospital teammates and construction workers was hoisted into place during the noon ceremony. When completed, the 150,000-squarefoot facility will offer 70 private patient rooms, a 9,300-square-foot outpatient clinic, an outdoor therapy challenge garden, an aquatic therapy program and a center for independent living. It will replace the existing hospital, which will be demolished to make way for a new Carolinas Medical Center bed tower.
AAA: Carolinians paying more at pump CHARLOTTE – Carolinians are paying a pretty penny to hit the roads this summer and the beginning of August will likely be just as expensive as July, especially as crude oil prices remain over $70 per barrel. “On average, motorists are spending a lot more at the pump to fill up since the beginning of May,” said Tiffany Wright, public affairs director of AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “If crude oil prices continue to increase then August could prove to be even more expensive.” North Carolina’s current gas price average sits at $2.93 per gallon, which is 4 cents more than a month ago and 96 cents more than a year ago. South Carolina’s current gas price average still sits at $2.89, not seeing any changes on the week, which is 8 cents more than a month ago and 99 cents more than a year ago. On the week, the national gas price average increased by 2 cents to $3.17 – a nickel more than a month ago and 99 cents more than a year ago. On the web: https://gasprices.aaa.com/
Duke Energy honored for veteran-hiring initiative CHARLOTTE – Disabled American Veterans recognized Duke Energy its Large Employer of the Year on Aug. 1 during the 2021 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Duke Energy has a dedicated military and veteran recruiting team to support hiring veteran talent. The utility employs 226 veterans with a disability status. Funded by a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, the nonprofit Enable America produces a series of Vet Connect job skills workshops for military members working through the Fort Bragg and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Wounded Transition Battalion to develop skills that enhance employment opportunities and integration into post-military life. By providing a grant to the USO of North Carolina, Duke Energy supports service members and their families as they transition to civilian life. The grant is used to connect service members and spouses with energy and trade positions and coaching.
Union County Community Foundation offering grants MONROE – The Union County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2021 grant program. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofit organizations, congregations, governmental and educational institutions. Grants will be awarded in support of a broad range of charitable purposes. Priority will be given to programs that provide professional development opportunities for Union County public school teachers and to projects that provide support for individuals with mental or physical disabilities due to visual or hearing impairments. All proposed projects and programs must serve residents of Union County. Award amounts will be determined based on the merits of the proposed project. To be-
gin the application process, visit fftcgrants. communityforce.com and select “Union County Community Foundation” to access the online application. Returning applicant organizations can log in to the Online Grants Center using their previously established ID and password. First-time applicant organizations can create a new account. Completed applications must be submitted by noon Aug. 27. Contact Nicole Fote with questions about the application process at nfote@fftc.org or at 704-973-4559.
MyChart Bedside available at 12 Novant Health sites WINSTON-SALEM – Novant Health has expanded MyChart Bedside to 12 hospitals across the communities it serves. MyChart Bedside is an extension of Novant Health’s patient portal, MyChart, and allows patients to access their health information on a tablet while in the hospital or from their own mobile device. The offering was previously available through a pilot program at three hospitals in Charlotte and is now available at the following locations: • Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center • Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center “Improving the patient experience is a top priority for Novant Health and that often starts with easier access to health information,” said Jill McKinney, Novant Health’s senior director of IT applications.
Badcock stores raising funds for American Red Cross MULBERRY, Fla. – W.S. Badcock Corporation is partnering with the American Red Cross in honor of Badcock’s 117th anniversary to help raise $117,000 for those impacted by disasters. Now through Aug. 16, guests at Badcock stores will be able to scan a unique QR code at checkout to make a donation, with contributions going directly to American Red Cross. The furniture company has pledged to match donations up to $58,500. “Supporting others through times of crises is important, and the Red Cross is an organization that does this tirelessly – in our local communities and throughout the world,” said Badcock President and CEO Rob Burnette. In addition to in-store donations via the QR code, people can donate here via credit or debit card, PayPal or Apple Pay. Payment is also accepted via mail or phone.
Duke Energy reaches 10,000MW renewable milestone CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy reached a significant milestone with the 144-megawatt Pflugerville Solar facility coming online in Travis County, Texas. It now owns, operates or purchases more than 10,000 MW of solar and wind energy throughout the U.S. from both its regulated and nonregulated businesses. Duke Energy renewables portfolio includes nearly 200 sites in 22 states, with over 1,000 megawatts of new projects under construction throughout the country, including Florida, Texas and the Carolinas. At peak output, the company’s current renewables portfolio capacity generates enough energy to serve the equivalent of approximately 2.4 million homes and businesses. “Renewables are playing a major role as we make strong progress toward our ambitious climate goals of at least 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050,” said Brian Savoy, Duke Energy’s executive vice president, chief strategy and commercial officer. “This next decade will be our biggest ever, and we’re well on our way to exceeding our decarbonization goals by growing our renewables portfolio to 16 GW by 2025 and 24 GW by 2030.”
Page 4A • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
College receives $10M gift from donor CHARLOTTE – A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has made a $10 million gift commitment to Central Piedmont Community College. The gift is the single-largest individual donation in Central Piedmont’s 58-year history. Central Piedmont will use the gift to transform its role as a community resource for arts and humanities programming and learning. Plans for the gift include: • Establishing an endowment that provides resources to attract and retain outstanding arts and humanities faculty members; • Creating a scholarship endowment to provide Opportunity Scholarships for students who are pursuing degrees in arts and humanities; • Creating and launching an arts and humanities series which will bring renowned authors, artists and performers to Central Piedmont for the benefit of students, faculty, staff and the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg community; • Establishing a public art fund,
which will provide resources to commission public art for the enhancement of outdoor spaces at the college, enriching the lives of students, faculty, staff and visitors on a daily basis; • Enhancing instruction in the visual arts; and • Creating an endowment to support and expand instruction and learning in the arts and humanities at the college. “This magnanimous gift will strengthen Central Piedmont’s capacity to educate, train and empower well-rounded individuals who will understand, appreciate, and participate in the rich and diverse cultural traditions that strengthen the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community,” said Kandi Deitemeyer, college president. “The generous donor believes regardless of students’ academic background and desired education and career pathway, their perspectives should include experiences in the arts and humanities to achieve a better comprehension of the past, a better analysis of the
The $10-million gift commitment comes to the college as part of its ongoing “Powering a Stronger Future campaign.” Photo courtesy of CPCC
present, and a better view of the future. Through our conversations, it’s clear the donor believes Central Piedmont is a critical community resource for Mecklenburg County residents beginning their higher education journey, seeking skills to build a family-sustaining career, or needing additional credentials for
career growth. “A gift of this magnitude will be transformative for the college and the community. As a result of this gift, Central Piedmont students will gain a greatly enhanced appreciation of the arts and humanities, aiding them as they build productive lives of meaning and service.”
Autobell gives staff scholarships CHARLOTTE – Autobell Car Wash has presented 98 of its team members in the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and Maryland with scholarships toward the college or university of their choice, with the year’s gifts totaling $150,000. Since 2000, the Autobell Car Wash Scholarship Program has awarded over 1,800 applicants more than $1.85 million in scholarship funding. The program is open to Autobell team members who have been employed with the company for 12 months and worked at least 100 hours. Winners include: • Charlotte – Connor Carroll, Shamim Chowdhury Sajid, Marshall Cook, Ellie Drescher, Maya Elden, Abigail Gallup, Andrew Garrett, Baudelio Hernandez, Olayemi Onasanya, Kayla Serepca, Dominic Silvestri and Matthew Trent. • Matthews – Alexandra Lee and Kaitlyn Rast. • Indian Trail – Sebasthian Hincapie. • Monroe – Quinton Farmer.
Pfeiffer University discharges student debt for 225-plus students MISENHEIMER – More than 225 students at Pfeiffer University have had their school debts eliminated. About $425,000 in unpaid tuition and fees were relieved through funds obtained from a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund federal grant. The students affected
were those with unpaid balances and enrolled at the university between March 13, 2020, and July 19, 2021. “Using the institutional share of Pfeiffer’s government aid was an easy decision for the university,” said Shivon Lee, controller of Pfeiffer University. “To me, this is
significant: Generally, if a student has a balance from a semester, they can’t proceed to the next semester until that old balance is satisfied. I am pleased the university chose to use these funds to allow our students to continue their educational pursuits.” Mackenzie Deanna Swetnam,
a 3-2 program student at Pfeiffer, is looking at a brighter future because Pfeiffer is waiving her tuition debts. She is finishing up a bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership and pursuing an MBA at Pfeiffer. Were it not for the HEERF assistance, she’d have to put her educa-
tion on hold for “several months” until she earned enough money to cover her summer bill. She’s now able to work and attend Pfeiffer at the same time. Lee stressed the writing off of students’ debt is not contingent on their enrolling at Pfeiffer.
The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021 • Page 5A
More guns reported stolen in Charlotte by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has seen an increase in the number of firearms stolen out of vehicles. CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said during a July 14 briefing that the community needs to do a better job securing firearms. “When those firearms are stolen out of someone’s vehicle – out of someone’s home – we’re seeing those firearms
back on the streets being used in the commission of a crime,” Jennings said. CMPD Det. Adrian Johnson said July 21 that 554 firearms have been stolen so far in 2021 compared to 334 during the same span in 2020. “Although there is no way to correlate the number of stolen firearms used in violent crimes with the (larcenies from automobiles) that are occurring, there have been several examples of those incidents happening with stolen firearms,” John-
son said. He recounted an investigation headed by the Independence Division that saw the closing out of three armed robbery cases and the arrest of two juvenile robbery suspects in a spree that spanned more than two weeks. Detectives served a warrant at one of those suspects’ homes and found eight firearms, two of which were stolen out of vehicles, according to Johnson. One of the vehicles was unlocked. Another was broken into by force.
“We just want to stress to the community to never leave your firearms in your car, for one” Johnson said. “Always lock your doors, always keep your valuables out of sight and report any suspicious activity immediately when seen.” CMPD’s Firearm by Felon program is one tool used to keep guns out of felons’ hands. The program pays out $500 cash rewards for tips that lead to the arrest of a felon in possession of firearms.
CMPD bomb squad deals with more calls by Yustin Riopko Contributor
CHARLOTTE – Imagine you’re strolling along the sidewalk when something in the grass median nearby catches your attention: an army-green claymore. A military-style landmine. That’s exactly what prompted one resident to call police while walking Queens Road near Freedom Park in the Myers Park neighborhood late in July. Sgt. Chad Strong, supervisor of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Arson/Bomb Unit, and Lt. Wes Jessup, a member of that unit, shed some more light on that scenario – and everything else they do – at a July 28 press conference. “What it actually ended up being,” Strong explained, “was a replica claymore… fashioned into a trailer hitch. You can buy these on Amazon actually … It ended up in the grass, facing up with a sign that says, ‘Point Toward Enemy.’” There may not have been any danger in this case, but the bomb squad supervisor was still grateful not only for the resident’s call, but also for pictures the resident sent before the team arrived. “That highlights the important part-
nership between the community and the police department,” Strong said. “If you see something that just doesn’t fit, we encourage you to call.” Whereas the bomb squad used to get about 60 calls a year, that number has increased over the past decade, surpassing 100 calls in years when Charlotte took on big events like conventions and games. In light of a nationwide trend in illegal firework-making, Strong is worried the bomb squad’s call volume will keep rising. The sergeant encouraged those who knew someone using, manufacturing or possessing illegal, homemade or improvised fireworks to call police. “The reason homemade fireworks have such a danger to them is because there’s no quality control in their manufacturing process,” Strong said. “They’re mixing explosives that they have either made or that shouldn’t be mixed and they’re not aware.” When materials degrade or dry out, DIY firework makers may experience consequences they weren’t expecting. Bomb squad technicians learn about these mistakes and much more during tech certification. To become a certified bomb technician, Jessup explained, you have to become a HAZMAT tech first. Char-
lotte officers doing HAZMAT training typically do it at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ga. Then, aspiring techs complete a series of courses from the Department of Homeland Security and attend the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School, also in Huntsville. In addition, CMPD bomb techs complete 24 hours of extra training every month and 40 more hours of elective training throughout the year. CMPD has 13 certified bomb techs, but its trained personnel aren’t its only asset. :We start with a robot,” Strong said. “If we can do everything without sending a bomb tech down range, we will.” CMPD’s bomb squad robots use five cameras, lift significant weight and disrupt small explosions with water projectiles made from 12-gauge shotgun shells. According to Strong, the robots “can do anything a onearmed person can do.” The bomb squad’s other technology includes EOD bomb suits, X-ray scanners and more disruption tools. Police said citizens torn on whether to dial 911 about a “suspicious or unattended device” should consider their surroundings and err on the side of caution if there are any significant buildings or events nearby.
CMS (continued from page 1A)
he wonders what problem the district was trying to solve by “imposing restrictions and restraints.” Margaret Marshall, who represents south Charlotte, said the conversation may have been different had the Delta variant not arrived in the Marshall community. She heard from more than 100 pediatricians urging Dashew the school board to require masks. “I think that in every email I have written about this, I’ve said my North Star is to keep kids in school,” Marshall said. “I think that’s the most important thing we can do. And based on the contagiousness of this disease, I
WISDOM (continued from page 1A)
“He’s very determined to get to college and do well,” she said. “I think it’s going to be worth our investment.” Andrew, a rising junior who plays football and lacrosse, enjoys attending Covenant Day. “I like the community around it,” he said. “Everyone knows each other.” Turner said she was excited that Dr. JD Kisella would be doing the procedure, as opposed to an intern from a dental school. Kisella, who she described as a straight shooter, actually extracted her older son’s wisdom teeth.
don’t see how we’re going to do that without some protection for those that haven’t been vaccinated.” She encouraged students-athletes to get the vaccine to ensure they are able to finish out their seasons. Elyse Dashew, who chairs the school board, said the district is following the advice from pediatricians, as well as advice from the local, state and federal health department. “Yes, masks are annoying,” Dashew said. “I had really gotten used to not wearing one anymore, but safety is sacred and also seat time in schools is sacred. That’s what we were elected to protect and preserve.” Coming soon Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly will publish its annual Back to School edition on Aug. 20. The issue will review summer and look toward the fall.
Kisella can vouch for how expensive college can be. He went through 15 years of additional education after high school. That’s four years of college, four years of dental schools and seven years of residency in medical school. He had $200,000 in student loans when it was all said and done. “What we’re trying to do is give back to the community that supports us and allows us to be able to do the things we do,” Kisella said. “Our hope is that by relieving some of that burden for the wisdom tooth removal, they could reallocate those funds towards their higher educational needs.”
SUMMER BEDDING SALE YOU DESERVE A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP
It’s not about selling you a mattress, it’s about improving your health with a better night’s sleep. SHOP OUR MATTRESS SALE this week and find the perfect comfort and firmness that matches your body type.
QUALITY BEDDING SETS AT SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS • DELIVERY AND SETUP • SLEEP SPECIALISTS
FREE DIAGNOSTIC SLEEP TEST
LUXURY KINGSDOWN MATTRESSES on sale this week! ALL ADJUSTABLE BEDS ON SALE Shop our new inventory. KINGSDOWN COMFORT You choose the size & firmness & save during this sale. FAMILY OWNED
Healthy Comfort! **12
goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US
VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS FOR A COMFORT SLEEP ANALYSIS
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.
Page 6A • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
ALL DINING ROOMS AND BEAUTIFUL PATIOS ARE OPEN! FOR DELIVERY or USE OUR CALL AHEAD DRIVE UP WINDOW
704-847-4884
The Best Kept Secret “Steakhouse” in Charlotte Check out our Weekly Steak & Chop Specials:
* 6 oz. Petite Filet Mignon * 8 oz. Filet Mignon * Surf & Turf
25 35 35
* 12 oz. Prime, Dry Aged NY Strip Steak * 14 oz. Ribeye Steak * 16 oz. Double Cut Pork Chop * 8 oz. Center Cut Salmon Filet * 20 oz. Prime Ribs Au jus (Sat Only)
26 30 28 25 30
Petite Filet & Grilled Shrimp
•••••••••••
Sunday Brunch 10am-2:00pm • • • • • • • • • • •
NOW G N I K O BO S! E I T R PA ACE
L P R U O Y RS! U O R O ! m a e T g n eri
at
C Call our
VOTED BEST ITALIAN!
4 8 8 4 7 04-84
$4 Guinness
Our Entire Menu Available for Take Out/Delivery
Eatmariospizza.com 10% off - On-Line Orders
Deliver and Take Out/Pick Up Window Hours Sun-Thur 11:00 am -10: 00pm Fri -Sat 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
7
2945 Matthews-Weddington Rd. | Matthews, NC 28104
Community The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021 • Page 1B
Lasting legacy by Ben Doster The Weekly Archives
Editor’s note: Providence Day alum Anna Cockrell didn’t win a medal in the 400m hurdles in the Tokyo Olympics, but she did represent the Charlotte region on a global stage. Here’s a look back at the last thing we published about her in the July 8, 2016 edition of South Charlotte Weekly. There aren’t too many Anna Cockrell’s running around. She is a unique talent, a true competitor and elite athlete, who might be on the world’s stage someday. Providence Day’s girls’ track team won’t be the same without her. Cockrell, who helped the Chargers win their fourth straight N.C. Independent
Schools Athletic Association 3A state championship, graduates as one of the state’s alltime great high school sprinters and hurdlers. Her chance to compete with the world’s elite might come sooner rather than later. She will compete in the 100-meter hurdles at the Olympic trials from July 7 to 10 at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. This will likely be the first of several Olympic trials Cockrell will compete in, as she hasn’t even reached the prime of her career. Cockrell doesn’t want to stress about the Olympic trials. She just wants to have fun. “I’m really trying to take it one round at a time, because I think if I start getting caught up and thinking about finals I’m not going to be present in the race when I need to be,” Cockrell said. “I just want to have a good showing and get a (personal record).”
il sum w w w.c ha rl o tte re ta
m it .c o m
Cockrell is the South Charlotte Weekly girls’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year once again. She had to start somewhere though, and she was quite nervous when she entered Providence Day as a freshman. Cockrell went home from one of her first practices and told her parents she thought Providence Day’s coach Carol Lawrence was insane. “I didn’t know Coach (Lawrence),” Cockrell said. “I thought she was crazy when I met her, because she is crazy. I didn’t know anyone on the team, and I didn’t know what to expect. As Cockrell improved, her sphere of influence grew, and she developed as a key leader on the team. Her mantra was ‘Back for more,’ which spread throughout the rest of the team this. When Providence Day won
A retail summit designed for startups and those looking to . scale their current biz
Oct 28, 2021
the state championship again last May several of teammates flooded Instagram with ‘Back for more’ hashtags and posts. Cockrell said that was cool for her to see. “There was no better way it (Providence Day’s track & field team) could have ended, because so many people stepped up in really big ways,” Cockrell said. “I think being a part of this has been really important. While I grew as an athlete I grew as a person as well, because I was surrounded by great people throughout this entire experience.” She plans to pursue a degree in communications at the University of Southern California, where she will continue her track career. She also is thinking about minoring or double majoring in Spanish or political science.
Embassy Suites Uptown Charlotte
Page 2B • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
What’s cooking?
Metro Diner Metro Diner is observing National Fried Chicken & Waffle Day by giving $5 certificates for future visits to anyone who orders the dish Aug. 7 and 8. The dish features a fluffy Belgian waffle topped with sweet strawberry butter and half a fried chicken with the diner’s signaThe New York Times Syndication Sales and Corporation ture sweet spicy sauce. 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018
McDonald’s
The Melting Pot
McDonald’s will begin selling The Saweetie Meal, inspired by the hip-hop artist, on Aug. 9. The meal features a Big Mac, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, medium Sprite, barbecue sauce and Sweet ‘N Sour sauce. Remix the meal, for example, by using dips or fries as toppings.
The Melting Pot is designating Thursdays in August as Thursdate. Thursdate features a fourcourse menu with choice of cheese fondue, followed by a fresh salad course and an entrée including tender filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, savory teriyaki steak and more.
For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, July 13,is2021 < Saweetie the latest pop star to collaborate with McDonald’s. Photos courtesy of Metro Diner, McDonald’s & The Melting Pot
Crossword 29 Occupies, as a desk 33 Winery container 34 Urban area around a church district? 36 Footnote abbr. 38 Lead-in to an alias 39 “Sorry Not Sorry” singer Lovato 40 Claim that a language in “The Lord of the Rings” is not extinct? 45 Button on a remote: Abbr. 46 Stew, steam or boil 47 Bubbly mixers 49 Peddle 51 Marina marker 52 Suggestion to friends on when to meet for lunch? 57 “Precision crafted performance” sloganeer
ACROSS 1 Part of a combo meal 5 Stew containers 9 Transparent hospital container, informally 14 Claim confidently 15 ___ Games, maker of Fortnite 16 With 22-Down, star of TV’s “Claws” 17 Actress Russell 18 Descartes who said “Cogito, ergo sum” 19 Letter-shaped construction piece 20 Checkout devices at Dublin supermarkets? 23 Ixnay 24 Figure skater Lipinski 25 “Too busy at the moment”
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A L P O
L A R D
S O H O
E W O K
H A L L E
I D E A L
O N G C B O R H I V A T E E H A R P A Y I S A M E E N M T E L C A S A R N A C A I D D E N C A M S V I R O I R A X S E G O
A D E P T A L A A B L E R
S E T V Y E
U P T F O F O R W E L O N L A Y I F O R Z O M I S M E R A O O K L W I T L N E Y G L
P L A Y A
C O R E R
S W O R D
A N N E
P I E R
E A S Y
T H R U
A I D E
P T S D
59 One-named singer with a 1988 Best Actress Oscar 60 Look attractive on 61 Tempter of Odysseus 62 Nintendo’s Mario ___ 63 Quechua speaker of old 64 “Bear” with black eye patches 65 “Amscray!” 66 A lo-o-ong time DOWN 1 “The Open Window” story writer 2 Set of six bowls, in cricket 3 Cosine vis-à-vis sine 4 Gotten up 5 Slim Shady, for Eminem 6 International grp. founded in Baghdad 7 Funny Fey 8 What a bloodhound follows 9 Temporary 10 Gave a soundless alert 11 Nectar collectors 12 Signature Obama legislation, in brief 13 Spot for some reps 21 Internet address starter 22 See 16-Across 25 Cornell and Columbia, for two
Edited by Will Shortz 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
No. 0608
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
26
27
28
34
29
30
38 41
31
32
35
37
40
39
42
43
46
44
47 49
51 53
58
45 48
50
52 57
13
24
33 36
12
22
23 25
11
54
55
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
56
PUZZLE BY CHRISTOPHER ADAMS
26 Monthly cost, for many 27 Like many unofficial agreements
28 Websites that allow collaborative editing
30 QB with the most touchdown passes in a single Super Bowl (six)
35 It might be represented by a floppy disk icon
48 Common golf course grass
37 Hemmed and hawed
52 Go bad
41 Doo-wop group with six songs on the “Grease” soundtrack 42 Cut down
43 Alter ego for Homer’s son on “The Simpsons” 31 Full metal jacket? 32 Works hard
44 Shock
50 Thrills
53 Old Iranian leader
54 Footlong, maybe 55 “I like what you did there” 56 Greek H’s
57 “Raiders of the Lost Ark” snake 58 Bad place for a mole, for short
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.
DINING SCORES The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants from July 23 to 29: Lowest Score • Waffle House, 4739 South Blvd. – 87 Violations include: Employee recontaminated hands by turning off faucet; utensils had food debris; chili and gravy weren’t held hot enough; and tomatoes and cheese in flip top weren’t held cold enough. Charlotte (28209) • 1900 Mexican Grill, 5110 Park Road – 97 • Burton’s Grill and Bar, 1601 E. Woodlawn Road – 97 • Lucky Lou’s Tavern, 5124 Park Road – 99 • McAlister’s Deli, 4805 Park Road – 99 • McDonald’s, 2625 South Blvd. – 98.5 • Pizza Hut, 3909 South Blvd. – 96 • Smoothie King, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road – 96 • Tacos Garcia, 4640 South Blvd. – 92 Charlotte (28210) • 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen, 6815 Phillips Place Court – 97 • Panera Bread, 5940 Fairview Road – 99 • Park 51 Cafe, 10703 Park Road – 94 • Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 4620 Piedmont Row Drive – 95.5 • Waffle House, 4739 South Blvd. – 87 Charlotte (28211) • Chickpeasy On Wheels, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97 • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2921 Providence Road – 99 • Ernie’s Smokehouse BBQ, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96.5 • Liltaco, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99.5 • Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe, 4400 Sharon Road – 91.5 • Poppy`s Bagels and More, 2921 Providence Road – 91 • Rollicious Ribs, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98 • Smashburger, 4400 Randolph Road – 95 • Subway, 108 S. Sharon Amity Road – 95
Charlotte (28226) • Great Harvest Bread Company, 6420 Rea Road – 97 • It’s Just Great Food, 4519 Providence Road – 99.5 Charlotte (28270) • Chin Chin Restaurant, 9856 Monroe Road – 96.5 • Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, 1707 Sardis Road – 94 • Wendy’s, 1801 Sardis Road N. – 96 Charlotte (28277) • Arooji’s Wine Room, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 95 • Chick-fil-A, 10001 Rea Road – 100 • Firehouse Subs, 7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 97 • Genghis Grill/Stir Fry Chef, 11324 N. Community House Road – 98.5 • Gong Cha, 7808 Rea Road – 95.5 • Pizza Hut, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 97 • Poke Cafe, 11318 North Community House Road – 98.5 • Shake Shack, 9824 Rea Road – 100 • Smoothie King, 9405 Bryant Farms Road – 94.5 • Switchin Kitchens, 8025 Ardrey Kell Road – 99.5 • The Q Shack, 10822 Providence Road – 96 • Viva Chicken, 12206 Copper Way – 98 Matthews • Azteca Restaurant, 9709 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5 • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 97.5 • Dairy Queen, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 97 Mint Hill • Taxco Mexican Restaurant, 7106 Brighton Park Drive – 97 Pineville • Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 10015 Lee St. – 98 • Global Restaurant, 314 Main St. – 98 • McAlister’s Deli, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 94 Union County inspections were not available.
Stumptown AC partners with NoDa Brewing Company CHARLOTTE – NoDa Brewing Company will serve as the official beer sponsor of Stumptown AC for the fall 2021 season. NoDa Brewing Company will supply and serve beer at all home games at the Sportsplex at Matthews. “Soccer and good beer have gone together for a long, long time and we are as happy as ever to welcome NoDa Brewing Company to the Sportsplex at Matthews for the fall season for our adult fans to enjoy,” said Fred Matthes, interim president of the National Independence Soccer Association.
Serving our local community and some surrounding areas for over 20+ years.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE Blank and Load Clean Up Upgrades Repairs Sales Service Calls
Residential and Commercial • Licensed • Bonded • Insured
a24/7 Emergency
Service Available. aWe Service All Makes and Models. aFREE 2nd Opinion on Major Repairs* aFREE Estimates on New Equipment. *Restrictions apply, call for details
Call Today!
Fast, Friendly Service!
803.547.4867 randyscomputersllc@gmail.com www.randyscomputersllc.com 3312 Highway 21 Suite 108, Fort Mill, SC 29715
NoDa Brewing Company will celebrate 10 years of business this fall. “Building local relationships are a vital part of our success in growing strong roots in our community,” said Kaily Ransom, marketing and community engagement director for Stumptown AC. In 2018, NoDa won the Association of Fundraising Professionals Charlotte Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award on National Philanthropy Day. A donation will be made to Trees Charlotte for every beer sold at the Stumptown AC games.
Visit Our Website For
Money Saving
s & Discoun n o p u ts Co www.McClintockHVAC.com
McClintock
Heating & Cooling 704.321.5207
The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021 • Page 3B
Variables make festival planning tough by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail Parks and Recreation had planned to host a fall festival Aug. 28, but the department is transitioning the event into more of a beach music concert with food and drink options, according to Director Hayden Kramer. The town also is looking at
shooting fireworks later in the year. “There are several items that need to align for this event to occur,” Kramer said of the fall festival. “These include our staffing, date availability of the facility, fireworks, rides and shuttles.” Being a month out from the event, those factors didn’t align and Kramer didn’t want to rush the planning of the festival. The spread of the latest COVID-19 variant
also provides a logistical challenge for town staff. “Our vision is to provide a memorable experience for the community,” Kramer told the Indian Trail Town Council on July 23. “With that vision, we need to ensure that we produce and execute an event that’s well thought out, executed at the highest level and marketed to the community.” Planning for the fall festival has
been tricky, which is why staff landed on Aug. 28 – 26 days prior to the first day of fall. Crooked Creek Park is booked with baseball and softball tournaments, which left Chestnut Square Park as the decent option for a festival. Aug. 28 was the only date open in which the town could take over the parking lot the park shares with Carolina Courts. The town is working with its
music vendor to firm up details for the Aug. 28 concert. Kramer vowed fireworks at some point in the year – even if he had to shoot them off himself. Town Manager Mike McLaurin told the council that staff may try to tie in the fireworks around the Christmas holidays, maybe even complementing the tree lighting ceremony.
Lottery establishes sales record Officials believe COVID-19 pandemic influenced ticket totals by Jason Schaumburg Contributor
(The Center Square) – Record sales of North Carolina Education Lottery tickets last fiscal year led to a record contribution for education, lottery officials announced Aug. 2. Lottery sales in fiscal 2021, which ran from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, were $3.8 billion, resulting in
$936 million for education programs in North Carolina. The sales total represented a 26% increase from fiscal 2020, and education earnings jumped 28% from the previous fiscal year. Lottery Executive Director Mark Michalko said the record-setting performance was the result of fewer entertainment options during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Just like other sales and
Save Invest Protect Retire Gabby Starr
Transamerica Agency Network
Licensed Life Insurance Specialist, Retirement Planning, Voluntary Employee Benefits.
3545 Whitehall Park Dr., Ste. 175 Charlotte, NC 28273 704-661-9996
Gabby Starr
marketing brands, we faced multiple challenges during these unusual times,” Michalko said in a news release. “We succeeded thanks to the loyalty of lottery players, the support of our retailers all across our state, and a tremendous effort by the lottery staff to find ways to safely complete our mission in raising money for education.” The N.C. Education Lottery paid players $2.4 billion in prizes in fiscal 2021. Retailers earned $262 million in commissions. State lawmakers determine each year how the lottery’s contribution Gabby Starrto educaTransamerica Agency Network tion is spent. Lottery officials Licensed Life Insurance Specialist, said theRetirement latestPlanning, contribution Voluntary Employee Benefits. was used to build and repair 3545 Whitehall Park Dr., Ste. 175 schools,Charlotte, for scholarships and NC 28273 704-661-9996 grants based on financial need, to help school systems with school workers and transportation costs and to support the NC Pre-K program, which is a prekindergarten program for at-risk 4-year-olds. The lottery said it has contributed $8.2 billion to state coffers since March 2006.
Razzle the Clown gives candy to those gathered for the Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2018. He’s been in parades in Matthews and Waxhaw. CMG file photo
Razzle the Clown dazzles parade crowds across region by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
INDIAN TRAIL – Hayden Kramer received a call a couple of days before the July 3 Parade from a guy named Razzle the Clown who wanted entry into the town’s first major event since the 2019 Christmas parade. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Kramer, the town’s parks and recreation director. Razzle the Clown delivered, dazzling the crowd with his unicycle riding with stuffed companion Clyde the Monkey. His wife, Karen, drove a Superbird with the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote strapped to it. The Union West Rotary took notice, awarding Razzle the Clown with the post-parade award for Most Creative entry. “I think he also won the award for most times up and down the parade route – about four or five on a unicycle, nonetheless,” Kramer said. Razzle the Clown is the alter ego of project manager Jeff Linson. And if you’ve been going to parades in the Charlotte region, you’ve probably seen Linson in clown makeup, riding a
Transamerica Agency Network Licensed Life Insurance Specialist, Retirement Planning, Voluntary Employee Benefits. 3545 Whitehall Park Dr., Ste. 175 Charlotte, NC 28273 704-661-9996
“
unicycle while juggling or maneuvering a stuffed monkey on a little unicycle. He has performed at Christmas parades in Mint Hill and Waxhaw, St. Patrick’s Day parades in Charlotte and the Matthews Alive over Labor Day Weekend. The July 3 Indian Trail parade was especially meaningful for him because it marked five decades of riding a unicycle. “Hopefully, he’s a regular for both July 4 and Christmas if we can pressure him into it,” Kramer said. Hayden described the July 3 Parade as a community event, because it wouldn’t happen without the involvement of businesses, emergency personnel, organizations, and other volunteers. Other winners The Union West Rotary awarded these parade participants with awards for their work during the Indian Trail July 3 Parade. • Most Creative: Razzle the Clown; • Most Spirited: Tru Fleet LLC; • Most Use of Red, White & Blue: 704 Church; and • Best Walking Group: Roar Taekwondo.
Hopefully, he’s a regular for both July 4 and Christmas if we can pressure him into it.”
Experience. Integrity. Humanity.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
• Hayden Kramer, Parks & recreation director
We are set up to handle all client needs remotely and safely during this crisis.
• Estate Planning & Administration • Civil Litigation • Corporate Law & Contracts • Divorce & Family Law • Appellate Law
OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
704-841-0760 www.WeaverBuddLaw.com inquiries@WeaverBuddLaw.com 1720872-01
352 East Charles St. | Matthews, NC 28105
I am able to safely handle the legal needs of my clients. Matthews 624 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Suite 300 A (Street Level) 704-688-0505
Page 4B • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
HOA tells town that e-leashes are not enough by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
INDIAN TRAIL – A board member from the Bonterra Village Homeowners Association has approached the Indian Trail Town Council about strengthening leash laws by excluding electronic leashes as a means of restraint.
Robert Roth, of the HOA, told the council July 27 that a jogger encountered what appeared to be a loose dog, but its owner assured her it was under control. After a couple of confrontations, law enforcement got involved. The dog owner told officers that he uses an electronic leash. “How do you know there’s a
leash there in the first place?” Roth said. “It could be inoperable. It could be turned off. It can break. The batteries could die. The dog may ignore it. And the person that is walking has no confidence that that dog is truly under control.” Roth told the council it would help the HOA if the town clarified its leash law by noting that elec-
tronic leashes are not considered a leash. Town attorney Karen Wolter said the ordinance offers examples of how to restrain dogs, including using a leash, fence, invisible fence or similar item. Wolter advised that the term “similar item” makes e-collars inclusive to the ordinance. To exclude electronic collars as a
measure of restraint, Wolter said, “would be an amendment to the ordinance but it would not be a challenging rewrite or text amendment.” Town Manager Mike McLaurin said staff would evaluate electronic leashes and report back to the council.
Charlotte Media Group's
Pet Hall of Fame We are collecting the cutest photos of pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties for Charlotte Media Group’s Pet Hall of Fame. Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on adding to it frequently. Email photos of your cute pets to justin@ cmgweekly.com or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for consideration. We’ll recognize new inductees each week! Our social media handles are @mmhweekly, @southcltweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.
Some dogs love to nap. Others have the kind of energy you had when you were a kid. Every dog has a unique personality. No need to write a mutt off because of one or two bad experiences. Photos courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society
Making the case for mutts
5 reasons you should consider adopting mixed breed dogs America has a long history of affection for mutts. Two of cinema’s most famous dogs – Spike from “Old Yeller” and Higgins from “Benji” – were mutts adopted from shelters. Heroic mutts such as Balto, the sled dog who brought lifesaving diphtheria medication to remote corners of Alaska, are immortalized in bronze statue form. Even the currently fashionable “doodles” selling for thousands of dollars are a mix of two dogs (which is really just a mutt). Ask veterinarian Erin Katribe, Best Friends Animal Society’s medical director, and she’ll tell you about two very special mutts that hold a place in her heart. “As an adult, the first dog I had was a rescue mutt that I encountered at the local non-profit clinic where I was volunteering before vet school. Akasha and I were immediately connected, and we spent the next 16 years together. She was my ‘heart’ dog,” Katribe said. More recently, Franklin, a Hurricane Harvey and distemper survivor, who is an indiscernible combination of breeds continues to teach Katribe. “In the beginning, it was about canine distemper, and now it’s about love and life, as only a dog can teach us humans,” she added. Those who have adopted pets all have stories like this. That’s why Best Friends Animal Society celebrated National Mutt Day this July 31 by sharing why mutts often make for the very best of friends: 1. No two mutts are alike. That can make your dog the talk of your block, the latest social media star or simply a great companion. “Every time I walk through a shelter, large or small, I see a stunning array of dogs of all shapes and sizes,” Katribe said. “Each one is beautifully unique.” 2. Mixed breed dogs (aka mutts) tend to have a lower risk of hereditary diseases than purebred dogs. “Even when breeders make efforts to remove dogs with heritable medical problems from their breeding pools, some conditions will get by undetected in earlier generations,” Katribe said. “Hereditary problems are very common at puppy mills or with irresponsible breeders, as breeding stock is not selected for based on any health criteria.” 3. The temperament of a mutt can be just as solid as a purebred. “While some breeds do have behavioral tendencies related to their breeding (for example, herding behavior in dogs bred for that purpose), there are no guarantees that a purebred dog will follow that tendency,” Katribe ex-
If you want a certain breed but can’t quite afford it, then maybe you can find a mutt that looks very similar.
plained. “The reality is that every dog is an individual.” 4. Most mutts are not born in cruel puppy mills or other unfortunate circumstances, Katribe noted. “For dogs that are bred and born in puppy mill situations or by irresponsible breeders, both the parents and puppies are often kept in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. While the puppies get sold, the parents can live in these horrible conditions for many, many years.” 5. If you really like purebreds, you can find a mutt that’s pretty close. “One strategy to get the best of both worlds – choose a mutt that is primarily of your chosen breed,” Katribe said. “You’ll get the hardiness of a mutt with the look and, potentially, behavioral tendencies of your chosen breed.” Whether you have a beloved mutt at home or are thinking of adding a dog to your family, Katribe suggests visiting your local shelter to see how you can help dogs awaiting adoption. “If you aren’t able to adopt right now, consider fostering or even taking a dog on a short outing to get them out of the stressful shelter environment for a night or a few hours,” she said. “If fostering is not an option, then volunteer or donate – shelters can’t save lives without the support of their community.” On the web: www.bestfriends.org.
Teddy (aka Teddy Rough Rider), a Hungarian Vizsla, loves his toys; however, food is a better motivator. Teddy is an active 14 month-old. Photo courtesy of Michael Piatti and Sandy Tricarico
Rules of the road 4 tips for smooth rides with Rover Gearing up to hit the road for a day trip with your pooch? Be sure to take the necessary measures to ensure your pet is happy and safe. 1. Secure your pooch: Use a pet seat belt, travel kennel, pet car seat or vehicle pet barriers. 2. Say no to heads out the window: Not only can they potentially fall or jump out, but they can also get injured by flying stones, dust, bugs, and other objects. Also, too much
persistent wind in the face can seriously hurt your pet’s eyes and ears. 3. Don’t leave your dog alone: Aside from dangers of overheating, an unattended pet can be a target for pet thieves. 4. Keep water handy The panting and excitement seems to add to their need to wet their whistles. 5. Make pit stops: Allow your pet to take potty breaks and stretch his legs. – Tr i p s W i t h Pe t s . c o m
American Humane reunites retired military dog with handler CLINTON – American Humane reunited Military Working Dog Chickel, a 9-year-old German Shepherd, with Staff Sergeant Kyle Johnson, an active duty dog handler with the U.S. Air Force stationed in Goldsboro. “American Humane is dedicated to ensuring a healthy, happy retirement for MWDs on American soil,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president & CEO of American Humane. “We are honored to reunite SSgt Kyle Johnson with Chickel, and hope this courageous canine enjoys a restful retirement.” SSgt Johnson’s family, including his wife and two young children, welcomed Chickel home with open arms. For three years, Kyle
has worked as a dog handler in the air force and plans to continue working alongside canines for as long as he can. “He’s more than a military dog to me, he’s family,” said SSgt Johnson. “I’m just happy to have him home – happy to show him what a regular dog’s life is like.” American Humane veterinarian Dr. Lesa Staubus traveled to North Carolina to ensure MWD Chickel’s health and safety during his long journey home from Korea. American Humane has worked alongside the U.S. Armed Forces for more than a century. Chickel served with Kyle at Osan Base in Korea, where he worked as a patrol dog. Chickel
was known on base to be a goofy, but loving dog. Other handlers and airmen reported that Chickel comforted them when they were going through difficult times. “American Humane is incredibly proud of our work supporting the nation’s veterans, including fourlegged military K-9s who play a crucial role in keeping their fellow troops safe,” Dr. Ganzert said. Retired MWDs often have medical issues stemming from their physical jobs. American Humane recently launched a Military Working Dog Reunification fund which will make it possible to bring even more of our K-9 veterans home thanks to the generous help of donors and supporters.
American Humane reunited military dog Chickel with his handler, Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson. Photo courtesy of American Humane
The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021 • Page 5B
Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. HELP WANTED Principal, Tech Analyst. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. Resp for req gather per proj & server selection, WebSphere App Server (WAS) PVU calc & license. Reqs at least Bach in Comp Sci, Comp Apps, IT/rel/equiv & 5 yrs prog total sys exp incl WAS 8.0 & up on AIX, RedHat platforms, 32 & 64 bit JDK, incl 3 yrs: IBM & Apache HTTP server; TCP/IP, Internet & Network Tech; utilize knwldge of sec configs (SSL/ TLS) in Apache / Web layer; Java Sys Interface Configs (JDBC, JMS / Integration Bus); WAS Cluster, Tomcat Cluster, Virtual Ent, HTTP server load balance, Firewall comm & Micro Svcs; Ent App & App server config options in WAS env; 2 yrs: Tomcat 6.0 & up on AIX, RedHat platforms, 32 & 64 bit JDK; Java App Server Platforms like: Tomcat, WebLogic / JBoss); & mng health care HIPAA comply apps. M-F 8 - 5, on-call aftr hrs 1x/mo. Must submit to drg scrn & BG chck. Apply: Courtney McDonald, 2400 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC 28217 Ref# 105171
HELP WANTED
Database Administrator-Data Analytics for Dentsply Sirona in Charlotte, NC. Using your experience performing in-depth risk assessment, incl. developing KPIs for risk domain & creating reports & dashboards, analyzing financial docs & key market trends & as a team lead for productivity improvement projects will lead data harmonization & data enrichment projects; create process design docs; extract complicated data in batch & in real time using SSIS & Python; generate business reports; create & modify the entity data model MDM database; develop & implement data quality standards; plan & develop security roles; & plan, develop & implement compliance risk exposure. MBA & 2 yrs of experience req’d. Resume to Tiffany.Brook@dentsplysirona.com. No calls.
HELP WANTED Sr. Tech. Consultant-Charlotte Consulting (Charlotte, NC): Design, develop, modify computer apps. & s/w; Analyze user needs; Design/develop custom s/w solutions; Unit test systems, apps. & s/w for functionality; Make mods. to correct errors. Min. Req.: Bach. Deg. or foreign equiv. in Comp. Sci., Comp. Eng., IT or rel. field & 2 years exp. in s/w analysis/development. Req. skills: Java, C#, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SSRS & MS SQL Server. Partial telecomm. benefit may be avail. Perficient, Inc. Resumes: J. Flader, 555 Maryville University Dr., Ste. 500, St. Louis, MO 63141
HELP WANTED Food Safety and Compliance Manager. Hissho Intl, LLC, Charlotte, NC. Lead HACCP validate, Food safety prog’s, risk assessmnts & QC/FS document mgt for Hissho Sushi locations. Supervise 2-3 subords. Reqs MS in Nutrition, Food Sci, Food Mgt, Public Hlth / rel / equiv. Reqs 2yrs related food ind exp incl 2 yrs; use knwldge of FDA, GMP, SOP, HACCP, SQF, sanitation, chem safety, pest control & food allergens; Genesis R&D implement; MS Office incl PP presentations, excel rprts, ShrePnt; FSMA req; food establishmt, manuf & process permits from regulatory Hlth depts, FDA, State Dept, Agric Dept; & 1yr rel food ind supervise exp. Reqs up to 70% US & intl trvl. Hires submit to cnty criminal BG chck & 10 panel drg tst. Apply: pennykirsch@hisshosushi.com Ref# 106260.
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 1st Saturday-1st Saturday-1st Saturday! Sidewalk Sale! 1stSaturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop! 10am5pm 9229 Lawyers
SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT
Kelly’s Painting
Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service
Organizing & Delivery Local & Long-Distance Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated We will do the packing and cleaning for you! Assistance with storage and organization.
Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship “Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions
(704) 619-0253
Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate
Veteran owned and operated
A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 | NCUC: 4646 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777
FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED
Paul Tant
Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters Fully Insured
DeMARZO
HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair
Tony DeMarzo
Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed
Phone: (803)287-1971 | ptear50@gmail.com
THE HANDY MAN
704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...
Experienced s Insured s Reliable • PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING
• ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS
CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES
980-253-9496
Your Home CONCRETE WORK •••I G W T ••• Exterior Specialists n
od
e
rusT
Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks
Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting Pressure Washing • Water Damage & All Types of Flooring Tile Work • Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning
38 Years of Experience
Call Anytime!
Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)
Insured - Binded • 29 Years Experience • Senior Discount Member of the BBB
Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com
704-254-5381
980-622-7833
THE HOLY PAINTER Interior, exterior, residential only. Wall paper removal, popcorn painted fixed or removed, dry wall and kitchen cabinets. 30 years experience. Empty properties 20% off. Discount DeX painted sealed or stained. License and insured excellent reference available!
Call the expert 980-258-4148
• 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 Call Bill
Blank and Load Clean Up Upgrades Repairs Sales Service Calls
- Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer - Ballantyne & Indian Trail
randyscomputersllc@gmail.com www.randyscomputersllc.com 3312 Highway 21 Suite 108, Fort Mill, SC 29715 HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Senior Software Engineer sought by MUFG Union Bank, N.A. in Charlotte, NC. Build & configure Reg Reporting tech apps to deliver quality s/ware solutions using SDLC & Agile methodologies; & transform Reg Reporting function by implmtg the AxiomSL Platform. Req. Bach’s Deg in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, S/ware Systems, or rel or foreign equiv deg + 7 yrs tech exp performing dsgn, dvlpmt, testing & implmtn of IT applications; & 4 yrs exp must be in the Fin’l/ Banking ind dvlpg fin’l reg reports (FR2052a, CCAR FR Y-14M & FR Y-14Q) using AxiomSL, WKFS, OneSumX, Lombard or OFSAA; & 2 yrs exp must incl dvlpg fin’l reg reports using AxiomSL. Reqd to work nights & weekends & be on-call during nonbus hrs as nec for tech support & maintenance purposes. Background checks & fingerprinting may apply. For app screening details & to apply go to https://careers. mufgamericas.com. Job # 35463. EOE.
Senior Systems Engineer. Compass Group USA, Inc., Charlotte, NC. Serve as SME for Linux & AWS. Reqs at least Bach in Comp Sci, Comp Engg /rel / foreign equiv. Reqs 5yrs prog resp sys engg exp incl 5 yrs: Linux or Unix admin; troubleshoot SW & HW issues incl root cause analysis; 3yrs: wrk w/ Monitoring tools like Splunk, Cloudwatch & Zabbix; security protocols (SSH, Winbind, NetApp); 2yrs: script in Linux; fundamental netwrking / distributed comp environ concepts like routing protocols, DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP. On call every 3rd wknd. Apply: Courtney McDonald, 2400 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte NC 28217 Ref# 106354.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or Generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Guaranteed, no prescription necessary. Call 855-398-1878
FINANCIAL HELP WANTED Charlotte United Church (Matthews, NC), a Korean American Presbyterian Church, seeks Senior Pastor to provide pastoral svcs. Req. MDiv or relt’d & ordination as Pastor/Minister. Resume to Charlotte United Church, 1115 Stallings Road, Matthews, NC 28104
Over $10K in debt? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of what you owe. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 866949-0934. ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 844606-1554 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)
Piano Instruction Pat Moehring 704-564-4275
•Beginners thru college level •Creative and innovative techniques •Development of performance skills including performing opportunities
WE PAINT INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND CABINETS
980-312-0258
ukiepainting.com
ukiepainting
ukiepainting
Page 6B • The Weekly • Aug. 6, 2021
Scam Alert
BBB: Watch out for fraudulent QR codes Companies use QR codes to point consumers to their apps, track packages or view menus. Because these codes can’t be read by the human eye, they have become a way for scammers to disguise malicious links. As QR codes get more popular, BBB Scam Tracker is seeing more reports of con artists using them to mislead consumers. How the Scam Works You receive an email, a direct message on social media, a text message, a flyer or a piece of mail that includes a QR code. You are supposed to scan the code with your phone’s camera, and it will open a link. In some scams, the QR code takes you to a phishing website, where you are prompted to enter your personal information or login credentials for scammers to steal. Other times, con artists use QR codes to automatically launch payment apps or follow a malicious social media account. These scams differ greatly, but they all have one thing in common. Scammers hope you will scan the code right away, without taking a closer look. QR codes often appear to come from legitimate sources, so make sure any correspondence is legitimate before you scan the code. For example, one victim told BBB Scam Tracker that they received a fraudulent letter about student loan consolidation. It contained a QR code that appeared to link to the official Studentaid.gov website. The QR code helped the program, which was a fraud, appear official. In addition, Bitcoin addresses are often sent via QR codes, which makes QR codes a common element in cryptocurrency scams. One consumer who was contacted by a “binary and forex trader” through Instagram about an investment opportunity
said, “after I had paid the withdrawal fee through the Bitcoin machine and sent it to the QR code I was provided, I received another email saying I needed to pay a Cost of Transfer fee. This is when I figured out that something wasn’t right.” How to Avoid QR Scams • If someone you know sends you a QR code, also confirm before scanning it. Whether you receive a text message from a friend or a message on social media from your workmate, contact that person directly before you scan the QR code to make sure they haven’t been hacked. • Don’t open links from strangers. If you receive an unsolicited message from a stranger, don’t scan the QR code, even if they promise you exciting gifts or investment opportunities. • Verify the source. If a QR code appears to come from a reputable source, it’s wise to double check. If the correspondence appears to come from a government agency, call or visit their official website to confirm. • Be wary of short links. If a URL-shortened link appears when you scan a QR code, understand that you can’t know where the code is directing you. It could be hiding a malicious URL. • Watch out for advertising materials that have been tampered with. Some scammers attempt to mislead consumers by altering legitimate business ads by placing stickers over the QR code. Keep an eye out for signs of tampering. • Install a QR scanner with added security. Some antivirus companies have QR scanner apps that check the safety of a scanned link before you open it. They can identify phishing scams, forced app downloads and other dangerous links.
Duke Energy offers tips to manage energy use, bills CHARLOTTE – As temperatures threaten to reach triple digits in the Carolinas, Duke Energy is providing tips and tools to help customers save energy – and money – and try to stay cool. Duke Energy has resources to meet customers’ energy needs and continues to monitor its power plants, power lines and other equipment to help ensure customers receive reliable service during the heat wave.
Low- to no-cost energy efficiency tips High temperatures can lead to higher energy usage and bills as customers combat the heat. Here are tips to manage energy use: • Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy. • Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be. • Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Keeping your blinds, drapes and curtains closed will help prevent the sun’s rays from heating your house. • Use a ceiling fan in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down into living spaces. Only use ceiling fans in rooms that are occupied; fans cool people, not things. • Grill outdoors. Using your electric oven and stovetop creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the grill out-
doors or prepare meals that don’t require cooking. • Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air conditioning system to work harder. Track and manage your energy usage Energy use typically spikes in the summer since air conditioning is one of the biggest energy users in your home. Customers can also easily track and adjust their usage during this week’s heat wave. • Customers with smart meters can check online to view their daily usage. Smart meters collect usage information by the hour, so checking spikes throughout the month – by day and even hour – can show what appliances and behaviors are increasing their bills. Video and b-roll available here. • Duke Energy customers with smart meters also receive usage alerts through email and/or text halfway through their billing cycle, well before their bill arrives, with their current usage amount and a projection of what their final monthly bill could be. • Customers can also set budget alerts, so they know when their bill reaches a specific dollar amount of their choosing, allowing them to adjust their usage and help save money on their bill. • Customers without smart meters can sign up to receive high bill alerts for when adverse weather is projected to increase their electric bills by at least 30 percent and $30 compared to historical usage. On the web: Duke-Energy.com/Summer
Panini launches rookie cards of new Hornets
Panini America, the official trading card partner of the NBA, have released the first rookie cards of Charlotte Hornets draft picks –
James Bouknight and Kai Jones. Cards are available online through 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at www. paniniamerica.net.
THRIVE OUTSIDE
MicroExpo
2021
SEPTEMBER 24TH 10am - 12noon CHESTNUT SQUARE PARK INDIAN TRAIL, NC
Browse multiple senior related businesses and services while connecting with the community, again! Swag bags, prizes and a to-go lunch will be provided to attendees.
- REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND -
Tickets are free, but mandatory for entry. Register now at https://bit.ly/2ULtTL7 or call 704-849-2261.
Call us today to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home. Sign with us and receive a $500 credit at closing.
Text UCWEEKLY to 980-553-1530 for details! KIMBERLY BUDD & HOLLY DANNEKER
980-553-1530 - Call or Text keytothecarolinas@gmail.com | www.keytothecarolinas.com Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated
We can not wait to see you again on Sept. 24th!