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Leaders take COVID precautions MATTHEWS – Town Commissioner Larry Whitley was saddened to hear how a former colleague’s 38-year-old daughter passed away from COVID-19 one day after experiencing painful symptoms and three days prior to getting the vaccine. “I’m hearing a lot of young people that are dying now,” Whitley said. “That’s really hurting my heart. In my con-
gregation, I tell my people, 'Get the shot. Don’t wait.'” COVID-19 has hit closer to home for the pastor. His sonin-law, as well as the young man’s cousin, wound up in the hospital from COVID-19. The cousin passed away at 42 years old. It’s one of the reasons why Whitley has supported Mecklenburg County’s public health rule requiring face coverings be
worn in indoor public places. That rule will go into effect on Aug. 31. Matthews, Charlotte and Mecklenburg County passed proclamations calling for the masks to be worn sooner. The town proclamation required them in indoor public places, businesses and establishments beginning Aug. 20. “Immediate action is needed to slow the spread of
COVID-19 in our community,” Mayor John Higdon said. “One of the most important things we can do now is wear a mask to protect ourselves and the people around us – particularly the most vulnerable among us and children under the age of 12 who are not eligible to receive the vaccine. Vaccinations remain critically important in fighting this virus, and I encourage everyone to get the vaccine.”
Whitley
Higdon
justin@cmgweekly.com charlottemediagroup.org
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Be prepared Go bags can save time in emergency, 2A
Park preview The conceptual plan approved by commissioners includes a reconfigured formation of monuments and storyboards. Photo courtesy of Town of Matthews
Matthews leaders get look at plans for new amenity by Justin Vick
Fighting cancer
justin@cmgweekly.com
Advocate participates in Lights of Hope, 2A
MATTHEWS – Representatives from Stewart provided town commissioners with conceptual designs Aug. 23 for Matthews Veterans Memorial Park. Commissioners created the park earlier this year from a slither of Stumptown Park. The engineering firm has been Urban working with town staff and members of parks and veterans advisory boards on what the new park will look like. The challenge is Garner making the park its own without detracting from Stumptown Park. “Stumptown Park, unfortunately,
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is a very tight, very limited space,” said Howie Labiner, chairman of the parks and recreation advisory board. “What we tried to do with come up with a design that would meet the needs of the veterans as well as the needs of the town because certain events such as Matthews Alive, BeachFest, the symphony and others require usage of pretty much every square inch of the existing park.” The plan recommended by both advisory boards included a pair of entry columns at both east and west approaches, educational storyboards to the left of the memorial plaza, a seating wall along one side of the memorial plaza, reconfigured memorial plaques enhanced by a scented garden and the ability to incorporate portable benches. Commissioners decided to move forward with the plan with the exception of the seating wall. Commissioner John Urban, an
Commissioner John Urban suggested some attention be placed on the northern part of the site in the event the property to the north is redeveloped. Photo courtesy of Town of Matthews
architect by trade, suggested more be done around the northern edge of the site in the event the adjacent property gets redeveloped. This would prevent cars and the dumpster pad from being visible from the park. Mayor Pro Tem Renee Garner wanted to see a larger sidewalk to accommodate wheelchairs and a few more benches around the perimeter.
She liked the idea of the educational storyboards. “I think all of you have done an excellent job with a ton of input and really coming up with the solution that fits the desires of a whole lot of different viewpoints,” Garner told Stewart. The firm estimates the plan will see PARK, Page 5A
Mural to connect Matthews to roots Art coming by Justin Vick
to downtown
justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Charlotte artist Osiris Rain will paint a large abstract mural outside of The Loyalist Market that shows the connection Matthews has with food. Christopher Sottile, owner of The Loyalist Market, approached the town about the possibility of the mural, according to Melissa Johnson, the town’s cultural arts manager. “This is something so different from any other mural that we have,” Johnson told commissioners Aug. 23. “It’s colorful. It’s something that would bring in a lot of people who are going to ‘do it for the Gram,’ meaning they are going to post it on Ins-
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
This is a digital rendering of what could be painted on the wall outside of The Loyalist Market. Photo courtesy of Town of Matthews
tagram.” The mural costs $7,500. The town is paying $5,900. Sottile is chipping in $1,600. Rain will paint the mural on a brick wall facing North Trade Street. The mural will measure about 5.5 feet high and 30.9 feet long. “I wanted to create a design that was bold and distinctly contemporary to set it apart from what one might expect to see in Matthews, but I still wanted it to tell the narrative of the town’s
rich history,” Rain wrote in his artist narrative for the piece. “I decided to abstract out the history and feeling of Matthews and its connection to farming and its current connection still with farming with slow food.” The work incorporates imagery of the town’s agricultural past, including a stagecoach, tree stump, cows and dogwood flowers. Visit www.osirisrainstudios. com to learn more about Rain and his work.
MATTHEWS – Downtown Matthews will soon become an outdoor sculpture gallery. Melissa Johnson, the town’s cultural recreation manager, pitched the concept to commissioners Aug. 23 after walking through the Tucker Gallery in Lenior. “We hope that it would bring visitors to Matthews,” said Melissa Johnson, cultural recreation manager. “It will be a unique opportunity to experience public art for residents here so they wouldn’t have to travel to Charlotte or other bigger cities to see interesting and unique sculptural art.” see ART, Page 5A
Page 2A • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
Go bag could help on the cusp of disaster 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
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Flashlights, jugs of bottled water, a first aid kit and ready-to-eat meal packs line the Ortiz family’s living room floor. The family isn’t going camping. They’re preparing for disaster by putting together a “go bag.” Giovanni and Veronica Ortiz never used to worry about natural disasters in Charlotte, but after the hurricanes, tornadoes and floods of 2020, they don’t want to leave anything to chance. Preparing in advance with a disaster-ready kit has helped families nationwide through extreme and abnormal weather events, which experts warn are on the rise. Jolted awake by a neighbor’s urgent knocking, Aaron and Jacqueline Pate were horrified to see the encroaching flames of the fast-moving Woolsey fire that had been miles away when they went to bed. It burned to within 100 feet of their Westlake Village home in 2018 as part of California’s deadliest wildfire season on record. “Because we had go bags, we
Giovanni and Veronica Ortiz are prepared in the event of an emergency. Photo courtesy of Jehovah's Witnesses of United State of America
weren’t running around trying to pack things at the last minute,” said Jacqueline. “We had the time we needed to comfort our kids and get everyone safely into the car.” The Pates credited the disaster-preparedness help they received as Jehovah’s Witnesses, both through periodic reminders at their congrega-
tion meetings and from tips for putting together go bags at www.jw.org. “Life is precious, so we encourage all to heed the Bible’s advice to take practical steps to protect ourselves from danger,” said Robert Hendriks III, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States. Go bags also have proven useful as
“stay bags.” When February’s Winter Storm Uri left millions of Texans without heat, electricity and running water, many go bags there saw their first-ever use outside of hurricane season. Houston residents Dan and Rhiannon Muey’s preparation enabled them to shelter in place for days, even as many in their area braved treacherous road conditions to scour barren store shelves for supplies. “Our hurricane ‘go bags’ became our winter storm ‘stay bags,’ but we were so glad we had them,” Dan said. “Instead of waiting in lines for hours to get basics like drinking water, we already had what we needed.” The Gauthier family regularly sit down to review and replenish the family’s emergency supplies. Their efforts paid off last August when Hurricane Laura hit them in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “Having our go bags allowed us to act faster,” said father-of-two Matthew. “If we had to start from scratch it would’ve slowed us down a lot.”
Cancer fighters to observe Lights of Hope Across America CHARLOTTE – Victoria Crocker will honor and remember her loved ones impacted by cancer Aug. 28 during the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Lights of Hope Across America. Thousands of bags will be decorated with the names of cancer survivors and those lost to the disease. The nationwide event will take place on the front porches, kitchen tables and neighborhoods of cancer patients, survivors, and advocates across the country. As a result of cancer patients’ increased vulnerability to the coronavirus, ACS CAN volunteers will not travel for the organization’s annual Lights of Hope ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Instead, advocates like Crocker will celebrate the annual event by bringing hope home to Charlotte
as part of a larger virtual event in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, which will be livestreamed on Sept. 18. Crocker will display more than 170 lights of hope bags at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Matthews Town Green in front of town hall. Each bag represents a person and their cancer story, and Crocker will be remembering her grandmother, who passed away from colorectal cancer as well as honoring her great aunt and her cancer fight. She will also be displaying bags decorated by donors and others in the community. As ACS CAN marks its 20th anniversary this year, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society ensures cancer remains a top priority for policymakers at every level of government by empowering volunteers to help influence public policy.
Lights of Hope is ACS CAN’s signature fundraising event that helps the organization continue its lifesaving public policy work to make cancer a national priority. This year, nearly 64,000 North Carolinians will be diagnosed with cancer, while approximately 20,100 residents will die from the disease. “Every year Lights of Hope sends an important message to lawmakers that we need their support in the fight against cancer. This year’s message is as important as ever,” Crocker said. “Throughout the pandemic, cancer hasn’t stopped and neither have we. I look forward to getting my neighbors, family members and friends in Charlotte involved in this heartfelt event to honor and remember our loved ones and their cancer fight, as well as remind everyone of the pandemic’s impact on cancer patients and families.”
Victoria Crocker won a state ware for her work with the American Cancer Society Action Network. Photo courtesy of ACS CAN
Want to participate? For details on how to dedicate a Lights of Hope bag, contact Crocker at victoriacrocker26@gmail.com or visit http://action.fightcancer. org/goto/victoria. Central Piedmont Community College recently had a donor give $1 million toward strengthening the college's arts programming. Photo courtesy of Central Piedmont
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CHARLOTTE – Central Piedmont Community College announced that as of Aug. 20, it has disbursed almost $1.1 million in North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant funding to more than 1,300 students enrolled in fall 2021 classes. Gov. Roy Cooper launched the program last May to provide 2021 North Carolina high school graduates, who planned to attend a North Carolina community college, with financial assistance to cover their tuition and fees toward a two-year degree or attaining transfer credit.
As part of the program, full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per academic year, for a total of two years. Parttime students may receive a partial award. The grant ends at the conclusion of the 2023 spring semester. With this funding in mind, Central Piedmont reminds area residents that: · Debt-free college is possible thanks to the upwards of $3 million in scholarships and grants it is able to provide, and · Seats remain available for the fall semester, including classes in its upcoming four-
and eight-week sessions. The college’s four-week sessions begin on Sept. 13, Oct. 13 and Nov. 10. Central Piedmont’s second eight-week session starts on Oct. 13. To learn how to register for fall 2021 classes, visit cpcc. edu/admissions/registration. For more information on the N.C. Longleaf Commitment Grant, visit cpcc. edu/financial-aid/grants/ nc-longleaf-commitment. To find information about all of the types of financial assistance available to Central Piedmont students, see cpcc.edu/financial-aid/attend-college-debt-free.
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Matthews UMC panel explores mental health MATTHEWS – Matthews United Methodist Church will hold a forum to discuss its role in helping those affected by mental illness as well as what those same people need from a faith community. The program, “Transforming Minds: The Role of the Church in Mental Illness.” starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St. Dr. Todd Clark, vice president of operations at Monarch, serves as the chief administrative officer of Minds Renewed, a North Carolina-based consortium of mental health, clergy and professionals from
across the country. His presentation, “What is Mental Illness and How are Other Churches Around the Country Helping,” will include a discussion of mental illness from a biblical and scientific perspective. A panel discussion will feature Dr. Gina Duncan, a psychiatrist at Eastover Psychological and Psychiatric Group; Rev. Tony Marciano, president/CEO of Charlotte Rescue Mission; Dr. Robert Dodd, Level Ground Christian Counseling; and Allycia Brown, AR Brown Life Consulting.
The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021 • Page 3A
FDA fully approves Pfizer's COVID vaccine by Casey Harper Contributor
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave full approval Monday to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, a major step that will likely have significant implications for vaccination mandates nationwide. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have not yet received full FDA authorization. The Pfizer vaccine previously received FDA authorization, which allowed its emergency use but did not give the full approval. Pfizer is the first company to receive full approval in the U.S. “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said. “While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires
of an approved product.” Many Americans have held off receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, arguing the FDA had not yet given full approval. Several companies and institutions had also held back implementing vaccine mandates, citing the same concern. Now that the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval, many companies will likely put in place those mandates, though it’s unclear how they would manage any mandates with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines not full approved. “This is a crucial milestone that will empower many more employers to mandate vaccination,” Leana Wen, a medical doctor and visiting professor at George Washington University, wrote on Twitter. “It will help people understand this vaccine as they do all others: safe, effective & life-saving.” Woodcock said the full FDA approval should increase vaccination rates in the U.S. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional
confidence to get vaccinated,” she added. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are still waiting for the FDA seal of approval. “Our scientific and medical experts conducted an incredibly thorough and thoughtful evaluation of this vaccine,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We evaluated scientific data and information included in hundreds of thousands of pages, conducted our own analyses of Comirnaty’s safety and effectiveness, and performed a detailed assessment of the manufacturing processes, including inspections of the manufacturing facilities. We have not lost sight that the COVID-19 public health crisis continues in the U.S. and that the public is counting on safe and effective vaccines. The public and medical community can be confident that although we approved this vaccine expeditiously, it was fully in keeping with our existing high standards for vaccines in the U.S.”
Atrium Health begins giving third shots to immunocompromised CHARLOTTE – Atrium Health is now offering a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to those with compromised immune systems to provide greater protection against the COVID-19 Delta variant, Data has not yet revealed if those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would benefit from a second dose. Atrium Health facilities throughout the Charlotte metro area are offering the vaccines. Make an appointment by visiting AtriumHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine or by calling 704-468-8888. To avoid bringing immunocompromised people into large gatherings, Atrium Health will not be hosting mass vaccination clinics to distribute these third-dose vaccines. As with the first doses of the COVID vaccines, these shots will be administered at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. In the weeks ahead, Atrium Health will
be preparing to deliver Pfizer and Moderna booster vaccines to everyone who is at least eight months removed from receiving their second dose vaccination. This was recently recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is pending review by the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Providing the immunocompromised with a third vaccine dose will give them added protection, but they should still stay safe, wear masks and be cautious in group settings,” said Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of infection prevention for Atrium Health. “We continue to urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to get a COVID shot to halt the spread of the Delta variant, reduce the chances of new variants emerging and protect from COVID-related hospitalizations and death.”
Avoid 6 Costly Errors When Moving to a Larger Charlotte Home and Save Thousands Charlotte - A new report has just been released which identifies the 6 most common and costly mistakes that homebuyers make when moving to a larger home. Unlike the experience of buying a first home, when you’re looking to moveup, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation. It’s very important for you to understand these issues before you list your home for sale. Not only is there the issue of financing to consider, but you also have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, just as bad, the dilemma of having no place to live during
the gap between closings. In answer to this issue, Industry Insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled “6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home.” These six strategies will help you make informed choices before you put your home on the market in anticipation of moving to a larger home. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-877-821-5640 and enter 1307. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out what you need to know to make your move-up to a larger home worry-free and without complication.
This report is courtesy of Cynthia Knight of KW Realty. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright ® 2021
Senate committee advances bill barring critical race theory by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
(The Center Square) – A North Carolina Senate committee has advanced a bill that would prohibit K-12 schools from promoting certain ideologies about racism and discrimination. The legislation stems from a partisan disagreement over critical race theory, which is centered around the idea that race is a social construct used to oppress people of color. The theory, developed by legal scholars in the late 1970s and 1980s, concludes racism in America is systemic. The theory gained new notoriety in response to the 1619 Project, a New York Times multimedia piece that connects slavery to capitalism. The Senate Committee on Education/Higher Education gave House Bill 324 a favorable vote Tuesday. Backers of the bill said the theory and liberal ideologies are being “indoctrinated” at public schools. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a strong proponent of the measure, launched a task force to examine indoctrination in the state’s schools. He released a report Tuesday, ahead of the committee hearing, with 506 statements from teachers and parents alleging incidents of indoctrination in schools. “What this is is an attempt to stop the abuse of the teaching profession by few who are using that profession to put undue pressure on young minds to accept their way of thinking,” Robinson said The names and information of the parents and teachers making the claims were redacted from Robinson’s report. Robinson said the report is evidence indoctrination is taking place in schools. One teacher said he or she was required to complete professional training on implicit racism. A parent said his or her child was required to write a paper on police brutality against “certain races.” The parent also said the student remained mute during virtual classes because she was told to “back down” after speaking against the teacher’s views on equality. Others also said their children were taught that Black people are oppressed and white people are privileged. “My child’s freshman history class was
told that if ‘you were white and Christian, you should be ashamed.’ My child’s junior history class was told that ‘it is possible that some Republicans could be good people,’ “ a parent wrote. The current version of House Bill 324 lists 13 concepts educators will be banned from promoting in public schools. The legislation prohibits schools from teaching race superiority and that people and the country are inherently racist or sexist. It blocks schools from teaching students to stereotype others as morally corrupt or prejudice based on their skin color or sex. The measure also stops schools from making students “feel guilt or anguish” because of their race, sex or actions of others in the past. It blocks schools from encouraging the idea that America was created by a certain subgroup to oppress others and bars schools from promoting overthrowing the U.S. government and that the rule of law does not exist. School districts would be required to provide at least 30 days notice to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the public before teaching or holding discussions on the listed concepts. They also must provide notice to the department if they invite a speaker or trainer to schools that have spoken about the concepts in the past. The N.C. House approved its version of HB 324, 66-40, on May 15. The proposal came after Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools assigned a book that suggests society is passively racist as summer reading for students. Democrats on the Senate Committee on Education/Higher Education said even though the report provides evidence of impartiality, it does not provide solid evidence of indoctrination. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, said there are other avenues for parents to address the issues. “If there are concerns about a book that is being taught that is inappropriate, almost all school board policies allow for the parent to object from them,” Chaudhuri said. “If there are concerns about the way the teacher is teaching, the State Board of Education has adopted a professional code of conduct, in which a teacher must abide by that.” The measure now must be reviewed by the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate before a full Senate vote.
LETTERS Police interact with the public during Speed Street in Charlotte. CMG file photo
North Carolina General Assembly approves police reform legislation by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
(The Center Square) – The North Carolina General Assembly has approved an extensive police reform bill, making resisting arrest while causing serious injury to an officer a felony and increasing police oversight. The Senate gave Senate Bill 300 final approval Tuesday, 42-0. The bill was a compromise measure between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. It cleared the Senate without debate Tuesday. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, launched task forces to develop law enforcement and criminal justice reforms last year after national civil unrest in response to police killing of Black Americans. Senate Bill 300 requires new mental health
and wellness training, psychological screenings and FBI criminal background checks for law enforcement officers. It creates an “early warning” system to track and document useof-force incidents. Officials would be required to create a public database of officers facing suspensions and revocations. If SB 300 becomes law, immediate family members would be able to see video footage within three business days after a serious police incident that results in death or serious injury after a request to the courts. Lawmakers pushed for the change after the case of Andrew Brown Jr., a Black man killed in April by Pasquotank County deputies. Officials stalled the release of the body-camera footage, amplifying outrage over the incident. The House had approved SB 300, 100-2. It now heads to Gov. Roy Cooper for approval.
A better explanation Recent editions of The Weekly have addressed state and federal unemployment, stimulus checks and eviction prohibitions. Another article reported North Carolina’s Education Lottery sales increased 25% from the last fiscal year, and the director stated the increase was due to “fewer entertainment options during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Isn’t it more likely the increase was the increase was the unemployment and stimulus funds people should have been using to pay for food, rent and utilities? S. David Ross, Matthews Let’s help Alzheimer’s caregivers In North Carolina, there are around 180,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease. The number of deaths from this devastating dis-
ease has risen 161% in our state since the year 2000. While these numbers are daunting, the reach of Alzheimer’s goes far beyond the individual. In many cases, family members provide significant care for people with dementia, often to the detriment of their own health. Our country’s complicated health care and social support system is only increasing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with dementia rely heavily on family members to provide care, which is often intrusive and exhausting. Thankfully, the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act (S.1125/ H.R.2517) would create a path to better dementia care and address shortcomings in the way dementia care is currently delivered.
Dementia care management helps caregivers and people living with dementia seamlessly navigate the health care and social support systems, and to obtain more timely access to care. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking US Senator Thom Tillis to co-sponsor the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act. This seemingly small act could significantly improve quality of life for thousands across our state. Please reach out to the Senator’s office and let your voice be heard! Laura Thomason, Charlotte Have something to say? Email letters to justin@ cmgweekly.com or mail them to Justin Vick, P.O. Box 1104, Matthews, NC 28106. We do not publish Justin Bieber fan fiction.
Page 4A • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
Seasonal work opportunities are available this fall Carolina Renaissance Festival holding job fair for roles spanning to Nov. 21
FedEx Ground expects to hire 1,200 people to help with a rise in e-commerce. Seasonal package handling jobs could lead to fulltime employment.
Samaritan's Purse hopes to hire 600 people over four weeks to help with Operation Christmas Child. Jobs range from customer service to CDL driving.
HUNTERSVILLE – It takes a village to organize the the Carolina Renaissance Festival, the region’s largest costume party. The festival hires 350 seasonal employees on an annual basis. Employees will have the opportunity to hawk turkey legs and ale, sell admission tickets and greet guests. The festival offers hourly wages of $12 to $15 per hour plus free festival admission tickets to share with friends and family. Job hunters can apply at www. RenFestInfo.com or attend one of several job fairs to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 27, Aug. 28,
Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 at the fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road. Applicants should be prepared to produce documents showing they are able to work in the U.S., if hired. Resumes are appreciated but not required for most positions. Questions can be directed to crfjobs@renfestinfo.com. The Carolina Renaissance Festival combines outdoor theater, circus, open air arts and crafts fair, jousting tournament and feast spans Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 2 to Nov. 21. On the web: www.Carolina. RenFestInfo.com
A unique cast of characters A preview of people you might bump into at the festival.
Students test drive auto careers at NASCAR Tech MOORESVILLE – NASCAR Technical Institute is celebrating another successful year of the Ignite program, a free, three-week introduction to automotive technician training for rising high school seniors in the greater Charlotte area. Five local students, including Porter Ridge’s Mario Duran and CATA’s Charver Perez, had the opportunity to earn credits toward a Universal Technical Institute program through intensive, hands-on training, while also learning about high-demand careers in the transportation industry. NASCAR Tech is a campus of Universal Technical Institute. “With so much demand for skilled technicians nationwide, it’s been exciting to see the Ignite program continue to serve our local students over the last few years,” said Jennifer Bergeron, campus president at NASCAR Tech. “There’s never been a better time to work in transportation and the skilled trades; the need is abundant, and there are many opportunities. Through Ignite, students earn real-world, on-the-job experience while having doors opened to careers they may never have considered. We look forward to continuing the program at full capacity in summer 2022.” Since the program’s inception, NASCAR Tech
There are no small roles to play in the fictional village of Fairhaven, where festival-goers interact with fairies, mermaids, royalty and many other unique characters. Photos courtesy of Carolina Rennaissance Festival
Union County students Charver Perez (left) and Mario Duran went through NASCAR's Tech's Ignite initiative. Photo courtesy of Universal Technical Institute
has hosted more than 50 students. Hundreds of high school juniors nationwide have received STEM training at no cost through Ignite and 60% of those students have enrolled to come back and attend UTI after they graduate high school. NASCAR Tech graduate Dallas Hoover was part of the campus’ inaugural Ignite class. He said the course structure helped him understand what would be expected of him as a NASCAR Tech student, and what training to become an automotive technician would be like. He made the decision to attend NASCAR Tech after high school because of his Ignite experience, and he’s now thrilled to be working in the industry as a technician at a dealership near his hometown. “I get to do what I like every day. I like working on the cars that come into our
dealership,” Hoover said. “I definitely would tell high school students to take the Ignite program if they’re interested in cars. Ignite gives you a feel for the industry and the careers available. It’s free and you have to take those opportunities when they come your way.” Ignite participants learn automotive basics as they complete courses, which provide an introduction to some of the programs completed by full-time UTI students. The Ignite curriculum allows students to explore career opportunities in the transportation field, receive hands-on training on today’s state-of-the-industry technologies and learn from UTI graduates and local employers about the career opportunities that may be available to trained technicians. Participants who complete the Ignite program are eligible to receive credit toward future UTI courses.
BUSINESS BRIEFS Ally Financial invests in Black-owned businesses
Oral, facial surgery center offers non-opioid option
CHARLOTTE -- Ally Financial is making a combined $30 million investment to help grow Black-owned businesses and fuel broad-based Black community development. The Ally investment consists of two parts: · A $5 million primary investment in Fearless Fund, a venture capital fund created by women of color for women of color. Ally and Fearless Fund executives will work on a series of programs that support Black entrepreneurship and wealth growth. · A $25 million investment in SoLa Impact’s recently launched $300 million Black Impact Fund which invests exclusively in Black and brown communities in major urban markets. SoLa Impact has been recognized as one of the leading urban real-estate platforms in the country.
CHARLOTTE – Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery recently adopted an approach to managing postsurgical pain without opioids known as multimodal pain management. The new regimen uses a combination of non-opioid pain medications before, during and after surgery to control postsurgical pain while helping patients remain alert and comfortable during their recovery. Part of the pain management regimen is EXPAREL, a numbing medication that is administered into the tissues around the surgical site to control pain.
Corsan expands to Indian Trail INDIAN TRAIL – Corsan- Logistics, Shipping, Packing recently leased nearly 227,000 square feet at 600 Radiator Road, which will serve as their second Charlotte-area location. The multi-building warehouse distribution campus totals more than 335,000 square feet. MPV Properties represented Selwyn Property Group in the leasing of 600 Radiator Road, which is now fully leased. Corsan, represented by William Maxwell and Terry Brennan of Trinity Partners, is an industry leading 3PL provider focused on delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions with operational efficiency to ensure reliable performance and minimize costs.
Charlotte sign company reaches 30-year milestone CHARLOTTE – FASTSIGNS of Charlotte - Independence Blvd., marked 30 years serving the Charlotte community this month as well as three years under the current ownership. To celebrate, FASTSIGNS is donating 30 food boxes to families in need through Shifa Clinic in addition to other charitable activities. “I’m so grateful to so many people in the community that sent the center congratulatory notes,” franchisee Yazan Alhakim said. The location launched in 1991 as the first FASTSIGNS franchise in Charlotte.
Coviak joins Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery CHARLOTTE – Dr. David Coviak has joined Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery. Coviak completed his residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Ascension St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital following receipt of his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University and completion of a year of general surgery training.
ABC Supply promotes Truex BELOIT, Wis. – Grant Truex, manager of ABC Supply Co. Inc.’s location at 3100 Parkside Drive, was promoted to managing partner. In this role, Truex will participate in ABC Supply’s National Branch Advisory Board and provide senior management with feedback on various topics. ABC Supply Co. is a wholesale distributor of roofing and building products.
Thoughtful Baking teams with The Batch Maker CHARLOTTE – Thoughtful Baking Co. (Mary Jayne Wilson) and The Batch Maker (Cristina Rojas) have teamed up to release a Peach Oatmeal Cream Pie that celebrates North Carolina produce and the end of summer. Thoughtful Baking Co. highlights the best of local in-season produce with its baked goods. The Batch Maker is known for its oatmeal cream pies. Buy them at the Thoughtful Baking Co. tent at the Uptown Farmers Market (300 S. Davidson St.) on Aug. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Entrepreneuers win awards with solutions to challenges Persistence pays off for No Mess SPF MONROE – Kim Harcelrode applied for the 53 Ideas Pitch Competition last year and did not make it past the first round. This year, she entered and won second place and $5,000 in the competition led by South Piedmont Community College with her No Mess SPF. “I attended all of the webinars and found a ton of value in asking questions and looking at things from scratch,” Harcelrode said. Getting to this point took hard work and dedication. “You reach out, call people, and you get a lot of noes,” Harcelrode explained. “There are a million reasons to give up, but I have to remind myself why I’m doing this.” The reason for her is personal. Both Harcelrode and her dad have struggled with skin cancer their whole adult lives. After doing some research, she found out that human error and lack of application of sunscreen is the culprit Harcelrode wanted to create a system that could guarantee good coverage.
App makes managing people easier
Kim Harcelrode improved sunscreen coverage after she and her family members have experienced skin cancer. Photo courtesy of South Piedmont Community College
Working with an engineer friend, Harcelrode developed a tower for adults and kids that houses three height adjustable nozzles to spray sunscreen from the neck down. Harcelrode is partnering with five local community pools to place her No Mess SPF. The large device will serve as a visual reminder to use sunscreen as visitors enter the pool area. According
to her, users will not need help to cover those hard-to-reach spots, because the machine will do it for them. Harcelrode is continuing to tweak her device and is looking to partner with a sunscreen company that uses natural ingredients. Part of her goals will also be to educate people about the risk of sun damage and the importance of sunscreen.
This experience of being stiffed for doing contracted work led James Wheeler to believe there had to be a better way. After exhaustive research, he found out there wasn’t. Wheeler and Jackson Sippe met in college while attending Appalachian State University. Sippe's family ran a construction company while Wheeler was handling guerilla marketing for companies. Both used contracted workers. Wheeler said it can be difficult to manage contracted workers since they work for themselves and often set their own schedules. Scheduling workers, planning work, and payment can all be a hassle.
Together, they developed a web platform called Worxstr that can help contractors and those who hire them. “Being able to network throughout the competition and gain resources was very helpSippe ful,” Sippe said. The next step for Wo r x s t r will be developing a Wheeler mobile app. Sippe said their plan was about $2,400 short until they won the competition. Their $2,500 winnings will help fill that gap. Watch the competition Visit the South Piedmont Facebook page (@SouthPiedmontCC) to view the competition in its entirety.
The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021 • Page 5A
Philadelphia Presbyterian to celebrate 250 years
NEWS BRIEFS
MINT HILL – It was once said that of the six smaller towns surrounding Charlotte, five grew and prospered because of a railroad. Mint Hill grew and prospered because of a church. The history of Mint Hill and Philadelphia Presbyterian Church have long been intertwined. The church is extending invitations to help remember its 250-year history and celebrate where God is leading the community and congregation. Initially scheduled for September 2020, Philadelphia Church postponed celebrating its 250-year anniversary until September 2021. The two-day event begins Sept. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Activities will include Voices from the Past tour, a Gospel Jubilee, historic brick-making, colonial hearth cooking, churned ice cream, horse and buggy rides. Guests are invited to make a brick with creek sand, red dirt and water from the faucet. Church history tells that German settlers from the Morningstar Lutheran Church taught members at Philadelphia to make bricks for the construction of the third sanctuary built in 1826. Two previous churches, both thought to be log structures, burned. That brick structure, now called the chapel, has been in continuous use for 195 years. In the Voices from the Past tour, members dressed
in period costumes will portray church and community leaders. These voices include the Rev. Alexander Craighead, fiery circuit preacher; John Bain, builder of Bain Academy; Adam Alexander, signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence; Josiah McCall, wounded at Jamestown; and many more. Guests are invited to visit the wall of memories inside the rotunda area, see the 250-year anniversary quilt in the sanctuary, listen to a gospel singing medley in the chapel, enjoy homemade ice cream, ride in a horse-drawn cart, listen to the Charlotte Folk Musicians and purchase a special handmade pottery coffee mug.
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects believed to have used stolen debit or credit cards. On three occasions, starting July 15, police said they purchased and attempted to purchase gift cards at the Sam’s Club at 1801 Windsor Square Drive with stolen cards totaling nearly $8,000.00. Contact Detective Dan Townsend at dtownsend@matthewsnc.gov or 704-8416708 with any details about the case.
PARK
board to determine a budget, in which they would address sidewalks and any other concerns. Mark Tofano, commander of the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235, offered a plan on behalf of his organization that would make the veterans park look more distinct. His plan would
come at no cost to the town. Labiner cautioned leaders from taking this approach. “The idea of a private group funding improvements in a public park sounds great, but you create issues of perceived ownership and control that may prove problematic down the road,” he told them.
(continued from page 1A)
cost $190,207, which doesn’t include design and engineering costs or design fees. Corey King, who serves as parks and recreation director, said a complete project would be brought to the
ART (continued from page 1A)
An outdoor sculpture gallery in Matthews will be slightly different from the one Johnson walked in Lenior. Matthews doesn’t have brick planters, so the town would opt for art to be placed in concrete or metal bases. Matthews won’t likely be placing the pieces in sidewalks either since the sidewalks here aren’t as large as they are in Lenior. Johnson hopes to have seven locations for the sculptures, including one at Matthews Town Hall, Matthews Community
Pre-Labor Day
Center, Purser Hulsey Park and two spots along greenways. They’ll be relatively close to ensure they are part of an art tour. “This is a starting point with these seven proposed locations,” she said. “It is something that can grow.” Artists would apply for an opportunity to showcase their art in the gallery for at least a year Submissions will be reviewed by town staff, an art advisory committee and town commissioners to ensure pieces are appropriate and safe for display. QR codes posted at each piece will help connect the community to more information for an interactive experience.
Police look for suspects in stolen credit card cases
Police look for theft suspect MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect stealing at 10 Cycles. The store, located at 10501 Monroe Road, was broken into at 2:18 a.m. Aug. 7. The company has been broken into twice within 30 days and police are asking for help in identifying this suspect. Contact Detective Dan Townsend at dtownsend@matthewsnc.gov or 704841-6708 with details about the case.
Police described one suspect in the stolen credit card case as a black female standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 175 pounds with a medium build. They described the other suspect as a black female standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 210 pounds with a heavy build. Photo courtesy of Matthews Police Department
Police: Raccoon had rabies MATTHEWS – A raccoon removed Aug. 20 from the Southwoods neighborhood has tested positive for rabies, according to the Matthews Police Department. There have been no reported human exposures, police said. Anyone who has been exposed to a raccoon in Southwoods or surrounding neighborhoods may call the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-614-6512 or 704-589-3242 for assistance. If an animal has been exposed to rabies, it may not show symptoms for 21 to 28 days.
Mint Hill police has unclaimed property MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Police Department is sending a notice of found property in its possession. The found property includes cellphones, smart watches, debit/credit cards, wallets, identifying documents, landscaping equipment, vehicle keys and firearms. Anyone who believe these items are theirs must have proof of that item by providing serial number verification and a photo ID. All inquiries are by appointment only. Contact the Mint Hill Police Department at 704-545-1085 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No walk-ins will be handled without an appointment.
This suspect broke into the 10 Cycles store. Photo courtesy of Matthews Police Department The police department can sell or dispose of the property after 30 days, according to state law.
Matthews thanks Elevation Church for financial support MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews publicly thanked Elevation Church on Aug. 23 for supporting its remote learning program last school year. “In summer 2020, CMS was making some of these decisions about remote learning,” said Corey King, who directs the parks and recreation department. “The town recognized there was a risk to some kids falling behind by reason of supervision or digital divide.” Elevation Church pledged $20,000 in scholarships so Matthews students could learn in a safe, supervised environment that the program provided. “Elevation Church has always been a fantastic community partner,” Mayor John Higdon said.
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Page 6A • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
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Community The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021 • Page 1B
Gas prices face downward trend CHARLOTTE – Crude oil prices saw a substantial decline of $5/bbl on the week as gas prices in the Carolinas see a downward trend that could spell good news for motorists. “Crude oil prices had a significant drop on the week and right now the price per barrel is the cheapest in three months,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “If this continues and cheaper prices are sustained, mo-
torists can expect to see relief at the pump in the near future.” North Carolina’s current gas price average sits at $2.89, seeing a 3-cent decline on the week. This is the same as a month ago and 86 cents more expensive than last year. And while today’s national average is just two cents cheaper than last Monday, by the end of the week it could be even less. All eyes are on gasoline demand, which has declined for three weeks straight.
The Energy Information Administration’s latest reading puts demand at 9.3 million b/d. That’s a healthy pandemic demand reading, but still about 6% below the same week in August 2019. The softer demand readings have pushed back gasoline stock levels over 228 million bbl. On the web: https://gasprices.aaa.com
Lidl, Piedmont Natural Gas, Dunkin’, Common Heart and Amazing Grace Luthern Church are among many organizations over the past 40 years to help Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina meet the growing needs of the Charlotte metro area. Contributed photos
40 years of feeding neighbors Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina launching two-month anniversary campaign
CHARLOTTE – Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina opened its doors in Charlotte in September 1981. Forty years later, hunger is at an all-time high due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a significant increase in requests for food since COVID-19 began in March 2020 September marks the 40th year of operation for the food bank, headquartered at 500-B Spratt St. The food bank has evolved from providing shelf-stable, nonperishable food items to distributing more than 65 million pounds of fresh produce, meat and dairy from March 2020 to June 2021. In the past 16 months, the food bank has distributed over 110 million pounds of food. Today, Second Harvest has a network of more than 800 partner agencies (pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, day cares and senior centers).
The food bank will celebrate 40 years of service beginning Sept. 1 with a two-month campaign to raise funds, food, volunteerism and awareness. From Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, the food bank will host a variety of activities that corporations, civic groups, churches groups and individuals can help those in need. These opportunities include: • 40 Fund and/or Food Drives: The food bank is looking for 40 companies or groups to host fund or food drives. Each group will be provided with commemorative supplies and marketing materials. • 40 Volunteer Group Projects: The food bank is hosting 40 volunteer projects in 40 days. • Monthly Donor Challenge: Second Harvest hopes to secure 400 monthly donors in 40 days. Visit www.secondharvest metrolinaBIG40.org for details.
BBB Scam Alert
Aspring influencers fall for phony sponsorships Changes to NCAA rules now allow college athletes to make money off sponsorships, opening the door for them to become social media influencers. But aspiring influencers need to beware of phony companies that promise bogus perks in exchange for posting product pictures. Instead of gaining followers and products, these “brand ambassadors” just end up losing money.
How the scam works A “company” contacts you through your Instagram, TikTok or other social media account. The company representative wants to know if you would be interested in becoming a “brand ambassador.” It sounds like a great gig and an easy way to receive a favorite product at a discount or even for free. All you need to do is post photos of yourself using the product.
In exchange, the company will give you a commission, send free products and provide exposure for your social accounts. However, there’s a catch! According to BBB Scam Tracker, several victims reported first having to buy items, anything from sunglasses to jewelry to cosmetics. According to reports, the items cost $50 or more and arrived broken or in some see SCAM, Page 4B
THRIVE OUTSIDE
MicroExpo
2021
TikTok star Charli D’Amelio signed a legit deal with Dunkin’, a brand she has enjoyed on her videos. Photo courtesy of Dunkin’
Tony Marciano Reverend
Love yourself where you are I refer to my wife as the “gorgeous blonde.” I’ve always been mesmerized by her beauty. When she was in junior high, her classmates called her ugly names. She internalized those names. When I tell her she’s beautiful, she sees herself through the words those junior high classmates called her. She tells me I’m biased. My response is, “Then I marry ugly women.” to which she counters, “That’s not what I said.” I got tired of this fight. I gave her the book, “Curvy and Confident.” After she read it, I asked if I could read it and she agreed. Thus began my journey. The book discusses women who struggled all their life with being overweight. It talks about women who gained a lot of weight while pregnant and never lost it. There was a woman who came down with cancer after getting engaged and was not able to lose the weight prior to her wedding. At her reception, an aunt asked her if she was pregnant? Some women would not go into the pool because they didn’t want to be seen in a bathing suit. They missed out on having fun with their children. A husband was graduating college and wanted his wife to get a new dress for his commencement ceremony. She took him shopping with her and tried on something that fit like a tent, covering every sag, wrinkle, and wiggly, jiggly arm. He sent her back into the dressing room with a more flattering dress. When she tried it on, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was gorgeous. The book challenges you to love the body you have at that moment. I have always had a weight problem. Except for the four years in high school when I ran cross country and track, I have not been in shape. As a kid, my mother always had to buy me the husky size (which was a kind way of saying “fat.”) As I became an adult, I found myself dealing with an aunt whose mission in life was to humiliate me about my weight in front of the larger family. One time I arrived late to church for a family function. I got there as the service was ending. The family was coming out as I was coming in. In front of all my cousins and family members she said, “Anthony, you’ve gotten so big.” It was said loud enough for everyone to hear. The next time I had driven two hours out of my way to visit her. As I stepped out of the van, she greeted me with the following sentences (in this order) “I can’t put my arms around you (I’m thinking she has bursitis). Second sentence, “You’ve gotten so big I can’t put my arms around you. Third sentence, “Hi Anthony.” Four years later she came to visit me. As she walked in, she said, “You’ve gotten so big.” I was prepared. My response was, “There is a famine coming. When it does, you will be dead, and I have enough fat on me to last another six weeks.” She never responded. I weigh 30 pounds less than I did in 2009. I’m still not happy with my weight. While I do work on it, I will no longer allow individuals to insult me. More importantly, I need to love myself where I am. Not if I am thin, or if I am in shape. I need to love myself where I am. This concept comes from God who loves me exactly as I am, a mess, imperfect and broken; and one more thing – overweight. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/ CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www. charlotterescuemission.org for details.
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.
Page 2B • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
Announcing a Partnership between Atrium Health and Union County Public Schools Connecting UCPS student athletes with top-tier sports medicine and wellness services
To improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. Atrium Health’s mission statement inspires its work every day, and those last two words are crucial. For all. They mean that healthcare shouldn’t stay in hospital rooms and doctors’ offices. It’s why Atrium Health brings care to neighborhood associations, places of worship and even homes. It’s why it partners with groups like The United Way and Girls on the Run. And now, Atrium Health will bring its award-winning care to twenty schools and athletic fields throughout Union County. Atrium Health is excited to announce a new partnership between Union County Public Schools (UCPS) and Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute (MSKI). For the next ten years, Atrium Health will provide sports medicine, as well as health and well-being services, for student athletes in ten high schools and ten middle schools throughout Union County Public Schools. “The relationship between our health system and the UCPS system demonstrates our leadership’s commitment to provide the absolute best care to our community,” says Claude T. Moorman, III, MD, President of MSKI. “Atrium Health now has the largest high school and middle school outreach program in the United States.” UCPS student athletes devote so much time and heart to their sports, and they deserve the support of a top-tier sports medicine program. MSKI will offer them the services of regional and nationally recognized physicians and connects them to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, named a U.S. News and World Report Best Children’s Hospital for Orthopedics. These students will gain access to MSKI’s lauded athletic training services, with a certified athletic trainer assigned to each high school. Trainers educate UCPS student athletes and their coaches in the prevention of athletic injuries. If an injury does occur, these trainers will likely be the first provider on the scene to help – and they’ll continue to guide the student through the management and rehabilitation of that injury through recovery. The goal is to keep student athletes safe on the field, and – should an injury occur – to restore their health so they can return to the sports they love as quickly and safely as possible. “Having the opportunity to work with one of the state’s largest and most successful school systems is a source of pride more than ever, as we look to further support Union County,” says Michael Lutes, president of the South Market at Atrium Health.
A Team Approach Just like the athletes it serves, Atrium Health believes in a team approach. MSKI athletic trainers collaborate with physicians across the health system. They tap into resources available through Atrium Health Urgent Care, Primary Care and Sports Medicine facilities, as well as Carolinas Rehabilitation, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center that was named a U.S. News and World Report Best Rehabilitation Hospital. Trainers even work alongside registered dietitians to support UCPS students’ wholebody health. “I’m truly honored to be part of this joint venture with UCPS and to expand Atrium Health’s exceptional musculoskeletal services into the Union County Public Schools systems to ensure athletes, students and faculty can be seen by nationally recognized medical experts such as Dr. Dermot Phelan, team cardiologist to the Carolina Panthers and a consultant cardiologist to the NBA, and Dr. Eric Kropf, who recently joined us after serving as the head team physician at Temple University and a consultant to the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers,” says Dr. Eric Warren, a sports medicine physician at MSKI. As part of this partnership, UCPS student athletes can attend Heart of a Champion Day each year. On this day, Atrium Health provides each athlete with a general medical evaluation, an orthopedic exam and heart tests. These comprehensive exams are available at no charge to these students.
Return to Play Amid COVID-19 This year, a major concern for families of student athletes who’ve had COVID-19 is the safe return to their sports. Early reports last year showed that the virus could lead to cardiac complications, including myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart that causes 10 to 20 percent of sudden deaths in young athletes. How common these cardiac complications are – and how best to prevent or reduce them – has been an active area of research. Atrium Health has been on the leading edge of this research since the beginning. Dr. Phelan co-authored a publication in a prestigious journal, JAMA Cardiology, that identified the risks of COVID-19 to athletes’ hearts and created a plan to help athletes return to play safely through cardiac screenings. Research has shown the risk of cardiac complications in young athletes to be lower than initially feared, but the importance of proper screening remains.
MSKI athletic trainers have access to the latest research and understand the risks, as well as the crucial role of heart screenings each year – but especially this year.
Concussion Education Concussions among student athletes continue to rise, and recent numbers have challenged assumptions about which athletes are at risk. The three high school sports that have the highest concussion rates are boys’ football, girls’ soccer and boys’ ice hockey. Girls’ volleyball has shown the largest increase in the rate of concussions in recent years. This is a risk Atrium Health takes very seriously. Atrium Health has long provided education to players and coaches in preventing, as well as effectively managing, a concussion. In addition, Atrium Health offers Immediate Post-Concussion Assessments and Cognitive Testing, as well as concussion baseline testing. Atrium Health has brought concussion education to middle schools, high schools, athletic associations and soccer clubs throughout the Charlotte area. Now, due to this partnership, even more students will have this important training and care so they can enjoy their sports while minimizing their risks.
Continuing a Long Relationship with Union County For more than 25 years, Atrium Health has collaborated with the leadership of Union County to elevate healthcare and to reduce health disparities. This county is a special priority of Dr. Warren, who has a long history with UCPS. “I’m extremely excited to again be serving as the medical director for the Union County Public School athletics programs and for all that Atrium Health can provide the student-athletes and community,” Dr. Warren says. By bringing healthcare into schools and onto athletic fields of Union County Public Schools, Atrium Health can more fully achieve its mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. “This exciting partnership with UCPS is another example of our vision to be the first and best choice for all,” Lutes says. “Over the next decade, this exclusive relationship will allow us to carry out our mission, and we could not be prouder.”
The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021 • Page 3B
TV, film industry expected to break spending record by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s filmmaking industry is expected to spend a record-breaking $409 million this year,Gov. Roy Cooper said. The revenue from TV and film production is the largest the state has seen since it launched the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant program in 2014. It also beat the previous record
of $373 million in 2012. provide a beautiful stage for This year’s productions are film projects of all sizes in expected to create 25,000 every corner of the state.” jobs in the state. The North Carolina Film “We’ve all worked hard and Entertainment Grant toward this banner year for program offers a 25% reNorth Carolina’s film indus- bate to production comtry,” Cooper said Aug. 19 panies on expenses rangduring a news conference at ing from $250,000 to $3 EUE/Screen Gems Studios million. Production comin Wilmington. “With our panies must meet direct resilient communities and in-state spending requireThe New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation local businesses, and our ments to qualify for grants. 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 growing reputation for in-Call:TV series can receive grants For Information 1-800-972-3550 clusion andFor diversity, North up to $122021 million a seaso Release Friday, July 16, Carolina will continue to Feature-length films can get
Crossword 28 Cause of a 2014 scare 30 “Rabbits” in a race 34 Sobriquet for 5 First country to international hipdiscover water hop star Pitbull on the moon 35 Scorsese film 10 Criticize added to the forcefully National Film 14 Nirvana, e.g. Registry in 1997 16 Part of the eye 36 “I want it!” 17 Computer file 37 “Minari” director arrangement ___ Isaac Chung 38 It doesn’t last 18 Sharp long 19 Manhattan, for 41 Bit of royal one regalia 20 Former major42 Abjure league slugger Adam nicknamed 46 Olympic “Big Donkey” figure skating commentator 21 Best Actor Johnny winner Malek 47 Spencer of 22 “I’d love to!” “Good Morning 23 [Is this thing on?] America” 25 Moving option 49 Goddess whose Roman 26 Celebratory shout counterpart is Victoria 27 Bud ACROSS
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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.
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up to $7 million, and commercials can qualify for no more than $250,000. Officials said the program continues to attract more production companies to the state. To date, 18 productions have been awarded the grants in 2021, including Lionsgate Studios’ “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” Netflix’s “Along for the Ride” and Blumhouse Entertainment’s “The Black Phone.”
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You won’t find a better-dressed pair than Zorro and Zoe. The pups celebrated their first birthdays dressed to the nines. Photos courtesy of Cheri King
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15 D.C.’s ___ Stadium, opened in 1961 23 Dish that can be prepared al pastor 24 Small 27 Put in hock 29 They might be twins 30 Tot toter, in Tottenham 31 Canon offering, in brief 32 “Blossom of snow,” in song
33 One studying for a bar or bat mitzvah, say 34 Cell boundary
35 Studio with “Chicago” and “Chocolat”
36 Start a stream, say 38 Get into a rhythm, informally
39 Long divisions? 40 Not casual
43 Pic that may have millions of likes 44 Keep under wraps 45 “African unicorn” 46 Question in a shell game 48 Las Vegas W.N.B.A. team 50 “Arguing with a fool proves there are ___”: Doris M. Smith 53 U.S. 1, for one: Abbr.
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 13 ___ Spirit, winner puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). of the 2021 Kentucky Derby Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
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Now is the perfect time to pay attention to your leg veins! So many of us can give a million excuses to ignore all the signs of leg vein issues and concerns. We’re here to tell you now’s the perfect time to put yourself first and get those legs checked out!
Easy on the wallet: From a financial perspective the second half of the year is often a great time to optimize lingering health issues. Many of us have already partially (or fully) met our insurance deductible, which makes getting your veins checked more affordable.
Time to get that vein check-up: We encourage you to schedule your initial appoint now. Although procedures to fix vein problems are quick, painless, and performed on a walk-in-walk-out basis, most insurance companies make you “jump through some hoops” before covering vein procedures. Some insurance companies require that you try wearing compression hose for 6 weeks (or 3 months) and many insurance companies require “pre-authorization” (basically submitting some forms for review) before allowing vein procedures to be scheduled. DON’T wait, act now! Your legs will thank you. Healthy legs healthy life.
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Page 4B • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
Emmy Squared bringing Detroit-style pizza to city CHARLOTTE – Emmy Squared Pizza is bringing Detroit-style pizza to Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood early September. Previously occupied by retail stores, the brand’s renovated, 4,800-square-foot space emulates existing locations in New York, the D.C. area, Philadelphia, Louisville, Ky., Nashville and Atlanta. Opening for dine-in, takeout
and delivery, Emmy Squared will serve its signature square shape, crispy bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy “frico” crust pizza alongside its menu of sandwiches, salads and appetizers. “Our team is dedicated to engraining ourselves in the local culture and getting involved in every way we can – with inclusivity, community and hospitality at the forefront of our mission,” said Emily
Hyland, partner and co-founder, who recently relocated to Charlotte’s South End neighborhood from New York City. Outdoor seating will be available in the previously unutilized alley space behind the restaurant as part of renovations. Additional elements include a semi-buyout option for private parties and a common table for community dining. Detroit-style pizzas include
DINING SCORES The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants from Aug. 13 to 19: Lowest Score • New China Taste, 8112 Idlewild Road, Charlotte – 88 Violations include: Two employees turned off faucet with bare hands; employee handled cut cabbage and vegetable mix with bare hands while placing into egg roll wrappers; sink was blocked by chair; sweet and sour chicken, cooked shrimp, raw meats, noodles and cut vegetables were uncovered in coolers; egg drop soup wasn’t holding hot enough; cooked pork, sweet and sour chicken, cooked chicken, cooked shrimp and cooked spare ribs didn’t have date mark labels; and inspector saw flies. • Jade Dragon, 7741 Colony Road, Charlotte – 88.5 Violations include: Certified food protection manager wasn’t available; employee touched head of cabbage with bare hands; raw chicken was stored behind cabbage pan while raw eggs were stored on shelf above vegetables; raw chicken wasn’t cooked hot enough; cooked chicken, thin noodles and chicken wings weren’t held cold enough; ready-to-eat foods didn’t have date marks; and kitchen had dead roaches on sticky traps. All Scores Charlotte (28209) • Amelie’s, 4321 Park Road – 94.5 • Co, 4201 Park Road – 96 • Little Spoon Eatery, 2820 Selwyn Ave. – 95 • Mocco Bistro, 4004 South Blvd. – 97 • Reid’s Fine Foods, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive – 94 • Sushi 101, 1730 E. Woodlawn Road – 97.5 • Taco Bell, 1800 E Woodlawn Road – 96 • Yame Asian Noodles, 4435 Park Road – 97.5 Charlotte (28210) • Canopy By Hilton, 4905 Barclay Downs Drive – 93.5 • Food Lion (produce), 10120 Johnston Road – 97 • Food Lion (seafood), 10120 Johnston Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (seafood), 8538 Park Road – 98.5 • Hilton Garden Inn Bar, 4808 Sharon Road – 99 • Hilton Garden Inn Grill, 4808 Sharon Road – 95 • Rusty Bucket, 4810 Ashley Park Lane – 94.5 • Rusty’s Deli, 8512 Park Road – 95 • Showmars, 9925 Park Cedar Drive – 92 Charlotte (28211) • Arthur’s, 4400 Sharon Road – 96 • Baku, 4515 Sharon Road – 96.5 • Circadian Food, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 95 • Koishi Restaurant, 120 N. Sharon Amity Road – 95 • Mandarin Express, 4400 Sharon Road – 91.5 • McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood, 4335 Barclay Downs Drive – 95 • Nori Japan, 4400 Sharon Road – 95.5 • Yama Asian Fusion, 720 Governor Morrison St. – 96 Charlotte (28226) • Barrington`s, 7822 Fairview Road – 97.5 • Brooklyn Pizza Parlor, 7725 Colony Road – 94 • Dunkin Donuts, 7845 Colony Road – 96 • Fox & Hound, 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road – 91.5 • Jade Dragon, 7741 Colony Road – 88.5
• Mr. Tokyo Japanese, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 95 • Outback Steakhouse/Tender Shack, 8338 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93 • Panera Bread, 3207 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98.5 Charlotte (28227) • King of Spicy, 8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 94 • La Luna 2, 8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 98 • La Luna 2 (meat), 8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 98.5 • New China Taste, 8112 Idlewild Road – 88 Charlotte (28270) • Everest Bistro, 9010 Monroe Road – 91.5 • Popeye’s, 1729 Sardis Road N. – 95.5 Charlotte (28277) • Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 96 • Be’s Noodles & Banh Mi, 11318 N. Community House Road – 98.5 • Blackfinn Ameripub, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way – 93 • Chaat N Dosa, 8624 Camfield St. – 91.5 • City Barbeque, 11212 Providence Road W. – 98 • Duckworth’s Grill, 14015 Conlan Circle – 98 • Earth Fare (deli), 12235 North Community House Road – 96.5 • Firebirds/Stonecrest, 7716 Rea Road – 92.5 • Hilton Garden Inn, 7415 Waverly Walk Ave. – 100 • Kabob Je Stonecrest, 7828 Rea Road – 93.5 • King Kabab, 14027 Conlan Circle – 97 • Ma Ma Wok, 11914 Elm Lane – 94 • Prime Fish, 11212 Providence Road W. – 97 • Publix (seafood), 11222 Providence Road W. – 100 • Red Robin, 3415 Toringdon Way – 92 • Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, 3429 Toringdon Way – 97.5 • Wendy’s, 11640 Providence Road – 96.5 • Wendy’s, 7712 Rea Road – 98 Matthews • Americana Restaurant, 1628 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 90 • Dorian’s Deli & Grill, 1240 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 96.5 • Starbucks, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 99 • Tropical Bakery and Cafe, 11100 Monroe Road – 95 Mint Hill • Harris Teeter (produce), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 97 • Pour 64, 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane – 99 Pineville • 7-Eleven, 105 S. Polk St. – 98 • El Veracruz Restaurant, 391 Towne Centre Blvd. – 97 • Firehouse Subs, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 91 • House of Hettie Mae Cafe, 10725 Pineville Road – 97 • Middle James Brewing Co., 400 N. Polk St. – 97 • Ruby Thai Kitchen, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 93.5 • Unwind Tea and Coffee, 333 Main St. – 98.5 • Waldhorn Restaurant, 12101 Lancaster Hwy. – 99 Union County scores weren’t available.
Colony² with pepperoni, pickled jalapenos and honey; The Emmy with banana peppers, red onion, ranch and side sauce; and the MVP with house-made vodka sauce, red sauce and garlic parsley pesto. Gluten-free options are available. Emmy Squared Charlotte’s menu will feature a specialty pizza inspired by the Queen City as well as beers from its neighbors, Pilot Brewing Company, Resident Cul-
ture Brewing Company, Protagonist NoDa, Wooden Robot Brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing and Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company. Wine and signature cocktails will be available. Emmy Squared will be located at 1508 Central Avenue. On the web: www.emmysquaredpizza.com
Tupelo Honey helps staff overcome obstacles through sale of biscuits CHARLOTTE – Tupelo Honey’s Biscuits for a Cause employee relief fund is helping two of its team members support their families while dealing with COVID-19. Amber Goodwin and Kimberly Davis each had to quarantine their families due to positive COVID tests and were unable able to work for two weeks. Biscuits for a Cause grants were distributed to each of them to help support their families and pay bills during their time away from work. “This grant is so important to me because I am a full-time mother working hard to make ends meet for my family,” Goodwin said. “Two weeks could really set me back, but because of this grant, I was able to support my family while recovering from COVID-19. This program speaks volumes about Tupelo Honey’s culture because most establishments don’t go above and beyond for their employees.” Davis’ youngest child had tested positive for COVID-19 and became severely ill which led to her having to take time off work. She was balancing having a sick child while trying to keep her other children
healthy, as well as trying to keep a roof over their heads. “Tupelo Honey cares not only about their employees, but also about their employees’ families,” Davis said. “I had to stay home to take care of my sick child. I worried that taking time off would put a financial burden on my family, but the Biscuits for a Cause relief grant helped me pay my bills and put food on the table for my kids.” The relief fund is a confidential, tax-free financial assistance program for all part- and full-time staff. Employees apply for grants through the human resources department. ‘Biscuits for a Cause’ is funded by sales of Tupelo Honey’s biscuit appetizer, which features two cathead buttermilk biscuits with blueberry jam and whipped butter. More than 150 teammates representing all 16 locations have received relief funding grants to date, totaling more than $250,000. Grants have been provided to help pay medical bills, avoid evictions, rebuild costs after fire, rebuild costs after weather damages, and other significant events. To date, the fund has raised more than $500,000.
Pizza Inn expands North Carolina presence CHARLOTTE – Pizza Inn recently announced it has executed a multi-unit development agreement with franchisees Peter and Sarah Solanki. Four new Pizza Inn buffet stores are planned in North Carolina, with the first scheduled to open its doors in Lincolnton in spring 2022. The Solankis have been Pizza Inn franchisees since 2019, with one buffet location in Vale, North Carolina.
SCAM (continued from page 1B)
other unusable state. Other times, the scammer charged victims upfront for a “background check.” No matter how the scam works, the outcome was the same. Victims paid upfront and the promise of being paid a commission or exposure never materialized. This Instagram user told BBB about their experience falling for an influencer con: “[The scammer] reached out to me on Instagram about being a brand ambassador. I had to buy clothes, and they gave me a 50% off discount. I used the discount not thinking of it being a scam
“Peter and Sarah are excellent franchisees and we are excited for them to bring Pizza Inn to more communities in North Carolina,” says RAVE Restaurant Group Chief Operations Officer, Mike Burns. “These four new locations will help build the foundation of Pizza Inn’s growth in the state.” Pizza Inn’s house-made pizza dough is made from scratch every morning in every store and is never frozen or made in a factory.
... They shipped my item, but never sent a tracking number. Then, I knew it was a scam. They have no phone number and no other contact info besides Instagram and email.” How to spot the scam • Ask questions: Targets of influencer cons told BBB Scam Tracker that when they asked for details, the scammer got evasive and stopped responding. Don’t hesitate to push back if something seems off. • Be very cautious of any job that asks you to hand over money. Scammers will often use the guise of running a credit check, setting up direct deposit or paying
for training. • If an offer looks suspicious, do a search. If something is a scam, victims are likely to have posted about it online. Also, the business’s website and/or social media should mention the partnership – if it’s real. • Know the signs of fake social media accounts: Make sure the business or charity contacting you is real. This article has detailed information about how to spot a phony Instagram account. • Learn how to spot job scams: This social media ambassador con uses many of the same techniques as a job scam. Read more about them at BBB.org/EmploymentScam.
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Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. HELP WANTED Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888-9278649 SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 855-993-0514! (M-F 8am8pm Central) DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855-419-7188 Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pickup. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-844-982-2392 Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-877-484-4025 HughesNet Satellite Internet - 25mbps starting at $49.99/mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST download speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation for lease customers! Limited Time, Call 1-855-942-3256 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-866-6946148 www.dental50plus. com/southern #6258 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-833-953-0224 Special financing for qualified customers. SERIOUSLY INJURED in an AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight for you! Our network has recovered millions for clients! Call today for a FREE consultation! 1-888-409-1261
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Software Engineer II in Charlotte, NC: Design and implement CA Advanced Authentication solution for external client identity and access management. Requires: Bachelor’s + 2 yrs. exp. Email resume with cover letter to Truist Bank: Paige Whitesell, Paige. Whitesell@truist.com Applicants must reference req#025.
Director - Data Governance - Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co, (Charlotte, NC) Lead entrprs -wide data gov & dvlp strategies for use of info as asset thr data acqstn, data prcssng, anlys, & data mining. Rqmts: Bach dgr or for equiv in Elec Engrg, Comp Engrg or rltd fld & 4 yrs of progr, post-bacc exp as IT Arch, IT Prog Mgr, Prog Mgr, Assoc Dir, Sys Anlyst or rltd pos invl prjct mgmt for entrprs data prcsng & data gov strtgs. 4 yrs of exp. must incl: Dsng & devel data prcssng pipelines & ETL flows; Data anlys & writing cmplx dtbs queries using SQL; Data mgmt & mdlng entrprs dtbs; Design & impl data gov strtgy for entrprs data assets; Reprtg & reslvg data quality issues; Defng data lineage strtgy & rqmts; Agile; Prjct Mgmt exp; & ITIL framework exp. Must have 2 yrs exp. utlzg Hive, Impala, Spark, Cloudera Navigator, Sqoop, Kafka, Sentry & Atlas; dsgng entrprs big data apps using Cloudera or Hortonworks Hadoop distribs & desgng & deployng big data Hadoop clusters on AWS & Microsoft Azure. Direct applicants only. Send resume to M.Berkowsky (RS1650), Equitable, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. EOE M/F/D/V.
HELP WANTED Accountant (Charlotte, NC) sought by TiMotion USA to develop, maintain and analyze budgets and prepare periodic and annual reports comparing budgeted costs to actual costs. Prepare accounting reports for corporations. Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation and budget preparation. Perform cost-benefit analysis to compare operating programs, review financial requests. Summarize budgets and summarize recommendations for the approval of funds requests. Propose new ways for reallocation of resources in meeting budgeting goals. Assist in IPOs. Requires a BBA, Fluency in Chinese and Mandarin, 6 months experience as Accountant prepping US/ Taiwan accounting docs and financial reports and IPO experience. CVs to Julie Lockerby, 1535 Center Pk Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217.
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Page 6B • The Weekly • Aug. 27, 2021
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Join Us For 4 Days Of Incredible Labor Day Savings FROM CHARLOTTE: I-77 North to I-40 West to Hickory, Exit 126. Left off ramp, then right onto Hwy. 70. Mart is on the left. 800-462-MART (6278) • www.hickoryfurniture.com I-40 West, Exit 126 • 2220 Highway 70 SE; Hickory, NC