Union County Weekly Dec. 6, 2019 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Election complaint filed against Marvin mayor • Page 4A

Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 • Vol. 14 • No. 49

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

Shops hope to extend momentum from Small Business Saturday by Lee Noles Contributor

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MONROE – Shellee Comer is all smiles. Comer has owned Silver Lining for the last 22 years, and on a day known as Small Business Saturday, her fashionable boutique is full of shoppers. “I love it,” Comer said as she handed out a gift to a morning patron. “It’s great to see people out here supporting small businesses. It looks like it’s a good start.” Comer never imagined this type of turnout 10

years ago when competition against corporations during one of the busiest retail weekends of the year was a challenge for the local business owner. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers kick off the holiday spending season by offering blockbuster deals to entice shoppers to see BUSINESS, Page 6A

Lisa Gausman enjoys shopping local. That's what brought Gausman and several of her friends, including her mom, to Small Business Saturday in downtown Monroe. Lee Noles/UCW photo

WDZD donates food to ministry, 2A

Great Turkey Countdown

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Massage Envy Firm offers assisted stretching, 4A

More than 300 people volunteered Nov. 23 for the 13th annual Common Heart Great Turkey Countdown event, delivering frozen turkeys and fixings to 1,100 families in need throughout Union County, Matthews and Mint Hill. Keith Adams, executive director for Common Heart, said the program has grown so much over 12 years. In fact, the first program gave away just over 100 Thanksgiving baskets. Photos courtesy of Mnemosyne Studio

Warm clothes Optimist Club helps Monroe Middle, 2A

Weddington running back Will Shipley drags a Northwest Cabarrus defender with him on his way to his third touchdown of the game in Weddington’s 49-7 win. Shipley scored three touchdowns, tying him for the Union County single-season record. Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Mock

Well-rounded Weddington one win from title game by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

Unity Challenge Stamp raises money for PTSD, 3A

Election update Helms, Aikmus are running again, 3A

WEDDINGTON – Like many games this season, Weddington’s simply dominating 49-7 thirdround playoff win over Northwest Cabarrus was essentially over before it started. Northwest Cabarrus came in 12-1, sporting a shiny 25-2 record over the past two seasons, but in an instant that was literally gone. On the opening drive, the Warriors marched seven plays down the field in just over three minutes before superstar running back Will Shipley made his first impression, scoring on an eightyard touchdown run to start the scoring early. Northwest Cabarrus made a run at it on their next possession, driving all the way down to the Warriors 27 yard line before the Weddington defense tightened and they forced a turnover on downs.

Weddington wide receiver Kambridge Tuttle crosses the goal line with a touchdown reception in the Warriors dominating 49-7 win over Northwest Cabarus. Weddington hosts Watauga in the state semifinals on Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Mock

On the very next play, Shipley, the all-American junior running back ranked No.1 overall at his position, tore through the hole and was gone for a 73-yard score. Northwest Cabarrus never saw

it coming. That’s how it’s been of late, and the Warriors are deadly in all three phases of the game. see WARRIORS, Page 5A

THE BEER BABY

Ugly sweaters welcome at Southern Range by Kayla Berenson

Faster commute Expressway passes one-year milestone, 2A

INDEX Crime................................................................................ 3A Classifieds..............................................................5B News Briefs......................................................... 2A Calendar....................................................................4B Year in Quotes............................................... 1B Loud&Live.............................................................4B Puzzles.........................................................................4B

kayla@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Southern Range Brewing in Monroe has video games, board games, a graffiti mural and a variety of beers on tap. But unlike other breweries in Union County, they don’t have a production facility directly inside of the establishment. Rather, the brewers produce and can the beer in a large 30-barrel warehouse just minutes away from the brewery’s downtown Monroe location. Brewery owner Dustin Gatliff said many do not know about the warehouse location, but he thinks it’s a great space for making beer.

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Opening a brewery and using a production facility in Monroe was a “no-brainer” for Gatliff. “We chose Monroe because we live in Monroe,” Gatliff said. “There’s a really cool downtown, historic, a lot going on, plenty of things that could go on and we found a really good location downtown, a great taproom that had parking.” Three and a half years later, the brewery has many regulars and new customers, according to Gatliff. Southern Range features indoor and outdoor seating, a stage and televisions that broadcast sports games for guests to enjoy. see BEER, Page 5A

Southern Range Brewing in Monroe offers beers such as Hopsequences, Pinky Ring Bling, Hazy By Nature and Energizer Blondie. Kayla Berenson/UCW photo

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Page 2A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019

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WDZD 99.1 FM organized a food drive to support the Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry. Listeners dropped off bags and boxes of non-perishable items at the radio station’s lobby. One listener, who asked to remain anonymous, told the station about an arrangement to donate four pallets of food to the ministry as part of the Fun One Food Drive. Another donor covered the cost of a rental truck to take the donations to the ministry. In the photo, John Griffin, of WDZD 99.1 FM, chats with Gloria Barrino (left), executive director of Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry, and Joy Mungo, food pantry manager. Photo courtesy of Chris Melton

PUBLISHER Adrian Garson BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com

Counselor Michelle Frierson, Optimist Rick Beaulieu, Principal Kasha Giddins and Optimist Bill Deter show off some of the donations the Weddington Optimist Club gave to Monroe Middle School. Photo courtesy of WOC

MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Optimist Club partners with Monroe Middle school

NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

MOST POPULAR STORIES • Monroe Expressway celebrates one-year anniversary • ‘Star Wars’ superfan builds custom models • Hoops season gears up for big week of action • Glide into the holiday season with outdoor ice rinks • Massage Envy opens in Indian Trail

SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com CONTENT PRODUCER Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Thank you @rbdavis76 for volunteering your time each week as part of @UCPS_MonroeNC #ReadwithU campaign! #Literacy4U” – New Town ES, UCPS (@NewTownES) • “The Sun Valley High School Beta Club helped process thousands of shoeboxes for children in Columbia, as part of Operation Christmas Child on Saturday, November 30th, 2019. During Saturday’s processing event, over 90,000 shoeboxes were processed.” – Sun Valley High NC (@SunValleyHS_NC) • “#PRMSGivingTree is in the front office! If you would like to sponsor a child or family please contact one of our awesome counselors! “ – Porter Ridge Middle (@PorterRidgeMSNC

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WEDDINGTON – Monroe Middle School nurse Kathie Fenner saw many students who were not adequately dressing for colder weather. She reached out to the Weddington Optimist Cub seeking donations of sweatshirts. “Ms. Fenner was very sincere and concerned about her middles school students when she contacted me,” said Bill Deter, Optimist Club president. “I told her I would get with our membership and see what we could do”. Within 10 days, Optimists put together a plan, reached out to their contacts and provided 132 sweatshirts of assorted sizes and colors to meet the needs of students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. “We are a service organization serving our community and our motto is 'Friend of Youth,'” Deter said. The Weddington Optimist Club has been active in the community since 1980. Members have held essay and oratorical contests, computer scholarships, Breakfast with Santa and a Most Improved Student party. On the web: www.weddington-optimist.org

Union Academy soccer champs sign college deals

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CHARLOTTE –The Monroe Expressway celebrated its first anniversary Nov. 27. The expressway has seen over 25 million transactions, which are calculated every time a vehicle drives under a toll gantry. Officials say traffic continues to improve quarter over quarter. “We intend to serve the people traveling in the Charlotte region for many years to come, and we are grateful for a successful first year in the area,” said J.J. Eden, executive director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority. “We are hearing from customers who say they are making it to appointments and home from work faster and can spend more time with family and loved ones. That is why we do this work.” The toll collection program, managed by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority and NC Quick Pass, opened customer service centers ahead of the Monroe Expressway in Monroe and Charlotte. More than 33,000 people have visited a customer service center in the region. Customers are routinely saving over 25 minutes in one trip. NC Quick Pass customers also save 35% on tolls in North Carolina. Visit www.ncdot.gov/turnpike or www.nc quickpass.com for details.

Four suspects facing charges in car burglaries

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Wesley Chapel, Wensley Park and Bonterra. The Bonterra incidents occurred Nov. 18. The other cases happened Nov. 15. Orlando Trimel Montgomery II, 20; Jordan Edward Thomas, 19; and Joshua Omar Mungo, 16, face 11 counts of felony breaking and entering to a motor vehicle, one count of attempted breaking and entering to a motor vehicle, one count of larceny of a firearm, one count of felony larceny and one count of misdemeanor larceny. All of these charges are in association with St. John’s Forest, the Villages of Wesley Chapel and Wensley Park. Montgomery, Thomas and Robert Lee Ashcraft III, 20, all face similar charges associated with the Bonterra incidents. Those charges include 11 counts of felony breaking and entering to a motor vehicle, one count of felony larceny, one count of financial card theft and two counts of misdemeanor larceny. Since early September, the sheriff’s office has investigated more than 200 cases of breaking, entering and larceny from a vehicle. The majority of the incidents occurred overnight while vehicles were parked in the driveways.

MONROE – Sheriff’s detectives have filed charges against four suspects in connection with several recent motor vehicle breaking, entering and larceny cases reported in the subdivisions of St. John’s Forest, Villages of

MONROE – Union Academy celebrated three of its female soccer players who signed to play at the collegiate level. The three seniors, coached by Vic Johnson, are members of the 2018 and 2019 state 1A championship teams. They helped lead their team to establish a NCHSAA state record for most consecutive wins, which stands at 44. Midfielder Sarah Brown signed with the Charlotte 49ers. She was named MVP of the 2019 state championship 1A game, as well as all-state in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Forward Kelsey Havican signed to play with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn. Havican was named all-conference and all-region in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Goalie Chiara Coppin has signed to play at UNC Pembroke. Coppin, who is ranked eighth in the state and 69th in the nation for high school goalkeepers, earned PAC-7 Goalie of the Year. She was named to the all-region team 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the all-state team 2018 and 2019. All three are NCHSAA scholar-athletes.

NCSCA selects all-state soccer teams CHARLOTTE – The N.C. Soccer Coaches Association announced its annual all-state teams. Twelve players from schools in the coverage area of our three newspapers received the honor, including: Ryan Bayadi, Charlotte Catholic; Patrick Fenton, Charlotte Catholic; John Paul Escobar, Parkwood; Grant Sutherland, Marvin Ridge; and Fedrico Shannon, Cuthbertson.

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Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 • Page 3A

Stamp honors those suffering from PTSD

Election 2020 ballot begins to take shape by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

by Kayla Berenson

kayla@cmgweekly.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Mayor Michael Alvarez was leaving Harris Teeter on an icy day a few years ago when Garland Denny approached him, handed him a pocket-sized copy of the Ten Commandments and explained his mission to help veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Years later, Chuck Denny is continuing his late father’s dream with the PTSD postage stamp and the Unity Challenge. “Chuck grabbed his dad’s dream without hesitation,” Alvarez said. Denny said his father spent the last nine years of his life advocating to get a new postage stamp created to benefit those who suffer from PTSD. Denny said his father reached out to government officials in Washington, D.C. Denny himself reached out to Vice President Mike Pence about the mission. The stamp was released in Charlotte on Dec. 2. At 10 cents a stamp, proceeds will go toward the VA and post-traumatic stress relief “It doesn’t sound like a lot when you say it’s 10 cents a stamp,” Denny said. “But there’s a breast cancer stamp that was issued in 1997 that has raised over $90 million. We think, since this is for our veterans and how much our nation loves our veterans and first responders, when the public hears our message, it’s going to take off like wildfire.” Denny hopes to bring awareness to PTSD through the postage stamps and the challenge, which encourages people to make a year-long commitment of educating themselves and learning about PTSD. He said there is often a stigma around the issue, so he hopes this initiative allows for more open conversation. “We have to join together,” Denny said. “Some people, when you start talking about it, they want to push it to the side and they don’t want to deal with it and I understand

Chuck Denny takes a selfie with Indian Trail veterans, government officials and visitors. Kayla Berenson/UCW photo

that, and we’ll get there one day, but I would like people to start taking the time and learn on their own. Go out and learn what is PTSD.” Paul Belk, who is a veteran and commander for the Union County VFW Post 2423, said he plans to commit to the challenge. “This challenge is a great thing,” Belk said. “I suffer from PTSD. It’s not something you openly admit because there’s a stigma associated with it. I know a lot of veterans who do suffer from it and can’t openly talk about it because they’re worried that they won’t be able to function in a normal society.” Belk said he plans to first spread the message to his direct colleagues, then hopes to take it further. Denny said this is a non-political issue. He encourages people to put their politics aside and come together to support this cause. “They need to see that politics doesn’t matter and that we’re stronger than politics,” Denny said. “This is our answer.” The stamp will only last two years if it does not get enough attention, according to Denny. This is also the reason for the challenge. This cause has been in the works for a long time, Denny said. He hopes the end result will be a PTSD Stamp Act signed by Congress. “This started in 2006,” Denny said. “It started from a little spiral notebook with people signing their names in it and we had to fight to get here today and I will be damned if we are not going to come away like heroes doing this. We’re going to do something great for our country and we’re going to stand together and we’re going to be proud of when it happens.”

CRIME SCENE The Union County Sheriff's Office reported these incidents Nov. 22-28: Indian Trail Break-Ins, Coin Machine • 5900 block of Oakwood Lane Break-Ins, Vehicles • 4000 block of Sardis Church Road • 5100 block of West U.S. 74 Driving While Impaired • 4300 block of Old Monroe Road Extortion • 2000 block of Van Buren Avenue Hit & Run • 200 block of Postage Way • 200 block of South Fork Road Obtaining Property by False Pretenses • 13700 block of East Independence Boulevard • 13800 block of East Independence Boulevard Possession of Marijuana • 3500 block of West Unionville-Indian Trail Road • 5700 block of West U.S. 74 Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia • 2000 block of Fort Manden Drive Property Damage • 4800 block of Indian Trail-Fairview Road • 5200 block of Old Monroe Road • 5500 block of West U.S. 74 Thefts • 1300 block of Chestnut Lane • 5700 block of West U.S. 74 • 6100 block of Daybreak Drive • 7800 block of Idlewild Road Thefts, Fuel • 4000 block of Sardis Church Road Thefts, Vehicles • 1000 block of Downing Court • 4000 block of Sardis Church Road Marshville Break-Ins • 7600 block of Benton Edwards Road Cruelty to Animals • 5500 block of Old Kennedy Ford Road Monroe Break-Ins • 200 block of Alda Drive

• 1600 block of Sells Street Break-Ins, Vehicle • 100 block of South Crawford Street • 600 block of Kintyre Drive • 600 block of Waterlemon Way • 1000 block of Walters Street • 1300 block of Few Street • 1300 block of Georgia Avenue • 1300 block of West Franklin Street • 1400 block of Lancaster Avenue • 2700 block of Nottingham Lane • 4400 block of Kiddle Lane (2 cases) Cruelty to Animals • 3900 block of Sincerity Road Discharging a Firearm Inside Town Limits • 300 block of Monticello drive Disorderly Conduct • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Obtain Property By False Pretenses • 1400 block of Crescent Street Open Container • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 2100 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Possession of Cocaine • 2200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Possession of Controlled Substance in Jail • 3300 block of Presson Road (2 cases) Possession of Controlled Substance • 2100 block of Morgan Mill Road Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • 1200 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 1400 block of North Charlotte Avenue Possession of Heroin • 500 block of Morgan Mill Road Possession of Marijuana • 100 block of East Old U.S. 74 • 200 block of South Bragg Street Possession of Stolen Goods • 1900 block of Dickerson Boulevard Possession/Receive Stolen Vehicle • 500 block of Windy Drive • 2500 block of Carroll Street Property Damage • 500 block of Boyte Street • 600 block of Lasalle Street • 1200 block of East Sunset Drive • 2200 block of Moravian Falls Court

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• 3000 block of Weddington Road • 4900 block of Nesbit Road Resist/Delay/Obstruct • 3300 block of Presson Road Thefts • 400 block of English Street • 400 block of North Main Street • 1100 block of Winchester Avenue • 1600 block of West Franklin Street • 1600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard • 3200 block of Parkwood School Road • 4100 block of West U.S. 74 Thefts, Firearm • 600 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Theft, Vehicle • 3100 block of Crow Road Thefts, Vehicle Parts • 800 block of TJ Drive • 2600 block of Rolling Hills Drive Trespass • 2400 block of West Roosevelt Boulevard Stallings Animal Call Bite • 200 block of Marquis Court Possession of Xanax • 3600 block of Old Monroe Road Waxhaw Break-Ins • 7400 block of Sims Road Break-Ins, Vehicle • 1800 block of Grayscroft Drive Disorderly Conduct • 500 block of South Providence Street • 1400 block of Cuthbertson Road Possession of Weapon on School Property • 1500 block of Cuthbertson Road Property Damage • 1900 block of Smarty Jones Drive Thefts • 10000 block of Weiss Way Trespass • 7100 block of McCain Boulevard Weddington Break-Ins, Vehicle • 100 block of Timber Lane Thefts • 4900 block of Weddington Road

MONROE – Several local and state candidates lined up outside of the Union County Board of Elections Office on Dec. 2 to officially file their candidacy for the 2020 election. Filing opened Dec. 2 and will continue to be open through Dec. 19 at noon. Candidates running for county office, which consist of two commissioner seats, five board of education seats and one register of deeds seat, file their candidacy as well as their campaign finance paperwork at the office in Union County, according to Kristin Jacumin, the director of the Union County Board of Elections. Their campaign finance paperwork is due within 10 days of filing for office. Meanwhile, candidates running for state senate, house and attorney general seats file their candidacy in Union County, but turn in their campaign finance paperwork in Raleigh. Jacumin said the filing period for United States congressional district representatives had been put on hold, but is now open in Raleigh as of Dec. 2. All candidates must complete a notice of candidacy form, as well as verify that they are registered voters in the districts they wish to represent, Jacumin said. They must also pay a filing fee, which varies depending on the position they are running for. Jacumin also said candidates must answer if they are a felon and if they have completed their probation and parole. In 2020, North Carolina House of Representatives districts will change. However, state senate districts will remain the same. “Before, there were some precinct splits,” Jacumin said. “Now, the district lines run along with the precinct lines. We have new maps and we are changing that in our geocode and any voter that their House district has changed, we’ll be mailing them a card with their new district information.” One change is that District 55, currently represented by Republican Mark Brody, will include parts of Marshville. Brody is running for reelection and was one of the first 10 candidates to file on Dec. 2. He said his district is unique because most of it is rural farmland. If reelected, he hopes to address issues of urbanization of the land. He also hopes to address affordable housing issues, which he calls “attainable housing.” He said there are many economic and

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social issues at stake this election. “There’s just a lot of things that we’ve done that we’re really proud of and I think we need to continue this trajectory and to elect a Democrat in our place would completely stop that and turn back a lot of those things that we’ve done,” Brody said. Todd Johnson, who represents District 35 in the Senate, hopes to get a second term. “In Raleigh, we work on major policy initiatives that impact areas like education, health care, taxes, public safety and transportation,” Johnson said. “We read data. We study reports. We hear from staff and policy experts. They tell us North Carolina is moving forward.” Back home, Johnson says, he hears the challenges commuters face on the road and teachers have in the classroom. He said state leaders have put North Carolina on stable financial footing and that now is not the time to change that path. Locally, Richard Helms filed to run for re-election to the Union County Board of Commissioners. His seat, as well as commissioner Frank Aikmus’s seat, is up for grabs this election. Helms has served on the board since 2012 and was elected chairman in 2014. “We’ve made some incredible progress this past year,” Helms said. “We’ve got a new manager and a new management team and our accomplishments have been over the top this year, and I see opportunities to take Union County further in the next four years. I’d like to be a part of that.” Though he feels proud of the progress in Union County, he still plans to give this election his all. “You never take it for granted,” Helms said. “I am very fortunate and I’ve got some strong support out of the law enforcement and fire departments in the community so I’m encouraged by that, but will not take anything for granted.” A primary will be held March 3, 2020.

Filing so far Register of Deeds: Crystal Gilliard School Board At-Large: Todd Price County Commissioner: Richard Helms & Frank Aikmus House District 55: Mark Brody House District 68: Davis Willis House District 69: Dean Arp Visit the Union County Board of Elections Facebook page for more information on which Union County candidates have filed their candidacy so far.

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Page 4A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019

Marvin mayoral hopeful felt ‘threatened’ by opponents during campaign by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Tears filled Mary Shkut’s eyes as Marvin mayoral candidate Christopher Smith gave his testimony Dec. 2 at a special Union County Board of Elections public hearing regarding the Nov. 5 election. A write-in candidate won the Marvin mayoral race by 18 votes, beating Smith, who was the only one on the ballot. The Union County Board of Elections later revealed the write-in winner was Mayor Joe Pollino, who did not file for reelection prior. Events that allegedly took place the week before the election involving Pollino, Marvin planning board member Mike Lavelle, Village Commissioner Kim Vandenberg and commissioner candidates Bob Marcolese and Jamie Lien led Smith to file a protest Nov. 15, accusing them of unlawful election practices. The Union County Board of Elections dismissed the protest, making Pollino's win valid. The alleged events started after Smith endorsed Shkut’s write-in campaign for re-election of town commissioner, he said in his testimony. Smith said he felt Shkut was more qualified than Marcolese and Lien. He wrote her a letter of recommendation, which she published on her website. He said Marcolese, Lien, Vandenburg,

Pollino and Lavelle disagreed with this decision. Marcolese and Lien were elected to the village council Nov. 5. “Disagreement is to be expected in politics; even strong disagreement is to be expected in politics,” Smith’s lawyer Bo Caudill said. “But they didn’t just disagree. They didn’t just try to persuade voters that Chris was wrong. Instead, they engaged in a campaign of confrontation that included threatening phone calls and a verbal altercation outside of village hall on election eve that were designed to scare Chris and his supporters away from the polls on Election Day.” Caudill said the alleged events led Smith to change his campaign plan on Election Day. He also said the accused parties took one of Smith’s fliers and attached a written statement that said, “No More Mary,” which he said confused voters. Smith wanted a “free and fair election,” according to Caudill. In his testimony, Smith said after he endorsed Shkut, who was at the meeting as an observer and was not represented by an attorney, he received phone calls which he perceived as “threatening” from Pollino, Lien and Marcolese. He had not told anyone except Vandenberg that he would no longer support Lien and Marcolese. Smith alleged that over the phone, Pollino assumed Shkut had

Massage Envy opens new location in Indian Trail INDIAN TRAIL – Massage Envy celebrated its opening in Sun Valley Commons on Nov. 7 with staff providing demonstrations of rapid tension relief and hand peels, as well as skin analysis and chair massages. Massage Envy, located at 6431 Old Monroe Road, offers progressive therapeutic massage treatments, advanced skincare services with exclusive, highend skincare products and a proprietary assisted-stretching service, called Total Body Stretch. “Regular, therapeutic massage, assist-

bribed or blackmailed Smith to receive a letter of recommendation. Smith said he denied these assumptions to Pollino on the phone, and Smith alleged that after this, Pollino implied he would tell people about a scandal that did not happen involving a woman at Firethorne Country Club. Smith said he believed the alleged threat and was frightened. Smith’s wife testified that she heard the phone call and she also felt upset afterward. Smith alleged that after a planning board meeting the night before the election, things got more aggressive. He sits on the planning board and said he was late to the meeting, but when he got there, he saw Pollino, Lien and Marcolese, all of whom he said had no business at the meeting. Smith said that after the meeting, he was cornered outside by Pollino, Lien, Marcolese and Lavelle. He said they accused him of being a liar and yelled in his face. He said Lien got very close to him with a clenched fist and a pointed finger. However, nothing became physically violent. Planning board member Kelly Cates observed the interaction as she was walking to her car. She testified as a witness and recalled the events Smith spoke of. She said when she walked down, she saw Lien “aggressively pacing,” yelling and getting close to Smith, pointing his finger.

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“I work in a lot of gang neighborhoods in Charlotte,” Cates said. “I don’t get rattled very easily, but his behavior made me very uncomfortable. It did seem very aggressive … I don’t know him, so I don’t know what he’s capable of. It was very clear that Chris was very uneasy, but he was keeping it together. But I didn’t know what could’ve happened. It could’ve turned violent.” Cates said she was concerned about her safety and left while the alleged altercation was happening, though. She felt guilty about it when she got home. Smith said in his testimony that on Election Day, he planned to greet voters at Marvin Elementary. When he saw Pollino and Lien at the same location that morning, Smith said he decided to leave because he felt nervous. He would later go back to the school. None of the accused were present at the hearing Dec. 2. Kenneth Helms, who represents Pollino, Lien, Marcolese, Lavelle and Vandenberg, presented affidavits in their absence. Helms questioned Smith, asking if he had the option to ignore the phone calls. Smith said he did have the option and confirmed that no one prevented him from ignoring the call or hanging up the phone. Helms asked if it was true Smith did not call the police or report the phone calls to the Board of Elections, which Smith confirmed.

Marvin resident Diane DeMacio testified at the hearing, although she was not a witness and had never met any parties involved in the matter. DeMacio said she had been out of town in the weeks leading up to the election. The day before the election, she saw campaign signs for Pollino, whose candidacy she was unaware of. DeMacio said when she and her husband went to the polls the next morning, she was approached by Lien, who gave her a “huge bear hug” as soon as she got out of the car. DeMacio said she and her husband were “shocked” because they did not know Lien. She said Lien told them Smith had betrayed Lien and Marcolese and handed them the “No More Mary” flier, which she said she did not keep. DeMacio said she moved to Marvin three and a half years ago after working as a paralegal in Virginia for 25 years. “I am appalled by the conduct of the current Marvin village… and I am embarrassed to say that I live in the village of Marvin,” DeMacio said. “In my experience, even though they submitted affidavits… if a defendant doesn’t show up at a hearing, they’re admitting their guilt.” Deliberations continued into the afternoon and the next day. Attempts to reach Helm and Pollino were unsuccessful by press deadline.

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Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 • Page 5A

WARRIORS (continued from page 1A)

Offense Shipley is obviously the star. He ran 11 times for 151 yards and scored three times before packing it in during the second half. Shipley’s three touchdowns give him 36 on the season - 25 rushing, nine receiving, one interception return for a score and a fumble recovery touchdown - which ties the Union County record for a single season. But this offense is so much more. “With our weapons it doesn’t allow anyone to key on one guy,” said Weddington coach Andy Capone. “Everyone knows Will, but our kids are so smart and they do such a good job of moving around and being able to play multiple positions. They’re unselfish, too. They all understand it’s what’s best for the team. They don’t look at individual stats, how many catches, how many carries and all of that, they’re just focused on putting up points and winning football games.” Shipley has gone over 2,100 yards, but to Capone’s point, the Warriors are diverse. Kyle Parsons, Shipley’s backup, averages over 10 yards per carry and has over 450 rush yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Dante Casciola has thrown for 22 touchdowns, but when the Warriors feel like a change of pace they turn to jack-of-alltrades Dusty Mercer, who has completed 10of-11 passes for 317 yards and five scores and also spends time at running back and receiver. When games get out of hand, Grady Brosterhous comes in and does a nice job under center. Shipley and Mercer (34 catches, 508 and eight TDs) are the receiving stars, but guys like Landyn Backey, Colby Barsz, Kambridge Tuttle and running back Trey Gordon also contribute on a nightly basis. “That’s been one of the hardest things this year is trying to get everybody touches, but it makes my job easier knowing it’s an unselfish group,” Capone said. “That makes it fun for me as a play caller and really for our whole offensive staff to be able to move people around, change things up and show them different looks. This group has been a lot of fun with that, for sure. “For us, the big thing is to continue to fine-tune the little things and continue to play at a high level. We need to make sure we’re mentally ready for anything anyone is going to give to us.” Defense While the offense has been great, the de-

fense is history making. The Warriors have allowed a school record 5.4 points per game, allowing all of 76 points through 14 games. Northwest Cabarrus drove the ball down the field on their opening drive, but didn’t sniff the red zone again until the third quarter. They didn’t score until their final drive of the game, the Northwest Cabarrus starters going against Warrior reserves. But they’re not alone. In a 56-6 loss to Weddington in the second round of the playoffs, Parkland scored six points in the second quarter. That’s the only team to score on the Warriors in the first half since Monroe on Nov. 1, a span of five games. Alec Mock and Trey Alsbrooks have been the stars all season at linebacker, but this defense is stout and, much like the offense, very deep and talented with Malik Mustapha, Jalen Newman, Barsz, Joe Zovistoski, Noah Neimayer, Cole Weisman and Chase Turner making just as much of an impact on this defense. “Our team speed on defense is really good, but they enjoy hitting people, they enjoy running to the football and making plays out there,” Capone said. “They have everyone doing their job and playing team, disciplined defense. Our coaches give us a great plan every week, and they go out there and execute as best they can. They’re doing a great job. It’s a special group and we challenge them each week to strive for greatness and to not take their foot off the gas.” Special Teams The Warriors have a big weapon in senior kicker Ian Williams. Not only is he nearly automatic on extra-points and has range on field goals past 50 yards, the biggest gift he brings is on kickoffs. When Weddington beat rival Charlotte Catholic earlier this season, Cougar coach Mike Brodowicz said having to start his offense on the 20-yard line every time was one of the biggest detriments, but Williams regularly bangs balls into the end zone for touchbacks. “It’s huge to have a guy like that,” Capone said following that win over Catholic. “You have to be great in three phases of the game. I know we can be good, but we’ve been kind of inconsistent on special teams. Ian was awesome tonight. It’s hard for a team to drive 80 yards consistently, so having him as a threat is huge. I’m happy for him and I’m glad he’s back in his groove and doing big things for us.”

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This Week’s Matchup The Warriors are matching up this week with Watauga, an opponent Weddington knows well having defeated them 42-14 in the third round of last season’s playoffs. Watauga (13-1) enters the game with Anderson Castle, their dangerous quarterback who has run for over 2,100 yards and 35 touchdowns and thrown for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back Jaiden Bond has 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns, so they have a ground attack that could test the stingy Warrior defense. “We need to play good assignment football against them,” Capone said. “They’re option-based and use a lot of different formations, shifts and movement. We’ve got to make sure our kids watch a ton of film this week and our scout team does a great job.” With so much to like about the defending champs and the No.1-ranked 3A team in the state, the Warriors appear primed to play in Raleigh next week for a shot at another title. “It comes down to our we mentally ready, can we understand what’s going on and still play fast and can we tackle in space?” Capone said. “I think it’s another big challenge for us. Coach Habich does a great job, but I think our kids are excited and I think they are up for the challenge.”

BEER (continued from page 1A)

They also host events like “ugly sweater” parties and live music. Gatliff enjoys all aspects of running the brewery. He enjoys experimenting with the beer.He also gets to express his creative side through Southern Range’s beer cans, which he designs himself. “I originally went to school for graphic design,” Gatliff said. “I’ve always been a huge fan of it. It’s also very expensive to hire a graphic designer, so I tried it myself and learned a lot in the process.” Southern Range works with distributors in the Carolinas. Visitors can also buy cans at the brewery. Charlotte resident Christina Funk said while the brewery is far from where she lives, the beer’s quality and taste would definitely make her want to go back, or buy the beer where it is distributed. Southern Range has a wide variety of beers, but their most popular is “Hopsequences,” which Gatliff described as a New England-style IPA with hints of citrus. Other popular beers include the “Now That’s What I Call Juice” guava IPA, “Neapolitan Stout” and “Ice Cube’s A Pimp” IPA. Gatliff and the bartenders at Southern Range also enjoy naming the beers, as it gives them a chance to showcase their personalities. They try to include something for everyone. Online: southernrangebrewing.com

WEEEKLY WEB SERIES Weddington defender Trey Alsbrooks (33) drags down a Northwest Cabarrus player during the Warriors 49-7 win. The Warriors are allowing a school record 5.4 points per game. Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Mock

>> Newcomer Kayla Berenson explores the Charlotte region's growing brewery scene in our new web series, “The Beer Baby,” which airs Wednesdays on Instagram TV. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @ucweekly for updates.

Page 6A • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 the recession when, according to the American Express website, the company wanted to get people to shop more at small businesses during the holiday season. “It is harder to compete, but it’s comparing apples to oranges,” said Beth Tourtellot, who operates Peddler’s Paradise in downtown Monroe. “The big-box stores have a lot more resources, and they have more money.” Robin Laney has operated M-Bellish in Monroe for the last 12 years and notices more people attending Small Business Saturday. American Express estimated the economic impact for the first nine years for locally owned businesses across the United States reached $103 billion. “It’s very important for us,” Laney said. “It helps us. It helps the community when people shop locally. They are giving back whether they realize it or not.”

BUSINESS (continued from page 1A)

buy products. The expected gross this holiday season is to reach close to $730 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. What makes the numbers remarkable is how short the season is with the federation, which is the world’s largest trade association, defining its length between November and December. Small businesses, however, struggle to compete with the deals offered by larger corporations or publicize themselves to the extent bigger groups can. The discrepancy reverberated through the United States until American Express and the non-profit National Trust of Historic Preservation proposed the idea of a Small Business Saturday 10 years ago. The idea came about during

Some of the businesses in downtown Monroe have made things more appealing by offering a variety of discounts for shoppers. Comer gave away gift cards valued at $75 to $100. Laney had 25% off everything in the store, while Tourtellot gave away a gift with a purchase of $20 or more. Shops also teamed with the City of Monroe by holding a raffle where patrons got a ticket for every $10 they purchased. The winners received a $100 gift basket, which had items donated by downtown businesses. The drawings occurred in the middle of the week on Facebook by downtown coordinator Matt Black. “I appreciate Matt for getting involved to help promote small business,” 47K Marketplace owner Kay Klaren said. “In addition to what the business owners have done as well.” The impact isn’t lost on the customers who attended the Small Business Saturday this

year in Monroe. Lisa Gausman moved to North Carolina from New Hampshire in 1993 and made her way to Monroe 12 years ago. She was attending the event with her mother, Sue Fraser, and several of their friends. “We come here because we want to support our local businesses,” Gausman said. “It’s the uniqueness of it all. You can find something different than you would at the mall or a chain store.” The question now for several businesses is how to keep the momentum going. Several are involved in the monthly Sip and Shop while Tourtellot, Comer and Karen said they plan to stay open later for Monroe’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 7. “This is a big week for us,” Tourtellot said. “This is why we do it, so people can shop locally.”

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THE YEAR IN QUOTES Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 • Page 1B

“You’re giving a little bit of yourself with each quilt you make and you’re paying respect to all the women before who made quilts for others – our mother and grandmothers.” – Sandee Henricks, of Sew Blessed out of Mineral Springs United Methodist Church, on why she quilts. (July 12)

“I like the concept of trees. I am going to do that until I get it out of my system. … By next spring, I may be into cars. Who knows?” – Billy Colley on her favorite theme when creating custom tabletops (Nov. 22)

“

“We fight a lot. The way we come to an end result is by us fighting and then it’s over with and we get back to work.” – Billy Colley on how she and her partner, Phillip Ingold, create tabletops (Nov. 22)

“

THE

ARTS “I like the idea of waking up in the morning and going and getting a bright blue mug for coffee. Or a bright red strain for spaghetti. Something that is different.” – Kristen Horne on creating colorful and functional pottery (Nov. 1)

THE

“You sit a woman who’s been abused most of her adult or married life on the back of a 1,500-pound horse, and she realizes that she can ask it what she wants it to do. The horse will comply with her if she carries herself correctly. It changes something inside of her.” – Christine Davis, of Two Hearts One Language, on the power of working with horses (March 1)

ATHLETE Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025

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“I can look at each patch on this quilt and remember something about my wife. This allows me to get a memory back that was pleasant. It’s allowing us to heal. So for me, this is a healing blanket.” – Ray Roberts on receiving a quilt from Sew Blessed out of Mineral Springs United Methodist Church following the death of his wife. (July 12)

Everyone deserves a chance at recovery. – Lew Davis, executive director for The Bridge to Recovery, an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center in Monroe (Jan. 11)

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

“I’m happy with what I got. I can sleep late. I can go in the garage, work a couple of hours on a piece of furniture, then go inside and have a glass of iced tea. It’s my pleasure.” – James Handy on his post-retirement career Character Reclaimed (Sept. 6)

Some days I wanted to pull my hair out and drink a bunch of beer because of the stress. – David Snodgrass, of Fairview, on the challenges of building an eight-foot-long model of Jabba the Hut's sail barge from “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (Nov. 29)

“Once I saw my grandmother physically couldn’t make pieces, I knew then I didn’t want what she had created to wither away.” – Jordan Campbell on continuing his family’s pottery legacy (Aug. 30)

“Autism should be motivation. It should be a set of stairs an individual can climb to reach the light at the tunnel.” – Michael Wayne O’Neill told the Indian Trail Town Council on April 9 when he read his poem “Autism is a Miracle” (April 19)

20 19

"But you have to be able to read. It is the price of admission to a life of learning." – Stan Hojnacki on the demise of the Literacy Council of Union County and Common Heart working to pick it back up (Aug. 13)

“Horses are so therapeutic. They help a lot of people. Not only kids but also adults. And I use that component to help them overcome many issues.” – Carol Land, owner of Shea Rose Farm in Marvin (Oct. 4)

CONNOR HENDERSON PORTER RIDGE FOOTBALL The middle linebacker was named the Southwestern 4A Defensive Player of the Year this season. Henderson averaged more than 10 stops per game and finished with 132 tackles, five hurries and three passes deflected. Are you a coach and know an incredible athlete you’d like us to feature? email us at Andrew@cmgweekly.com

Page 2B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019

BUSINESS “This is the poster child on how to build a small business. You come into a community, you deliver what you promise and then you give back to the community.” – Pat Kahle, president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, on Henn Automotive celebrating 20 years of service (April 19) “A downtown full of educational and entertainment options will attract new restaurants and other businesses, benefiting not only our company’s 500-plus employees but also all the citizens of Monroe and Union County. When these projects are complete, we will all be able to find plenty of reasons to spend more time and resources here in Union County.” – Chad Griffin, senior vice-president of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry’s Plastics Division, upon his firm committing $1 million toward a capital campaign for the Center Theatre and Monroe Science Center (June 7) If they come and you don't have what they want, they might not come back." – David Simpson, of Indian Trail, on running the Kings Drive Farmers Market in Charlotte. (July 12)

"To be in business this long, we've got to be doing something right." – Darrell Simpson, – whose family has run the Kings Street Farmers Market since 1941 (July 12)

Left: The Simpson family sells produce from their farm in Indian Trail and from other farms in the Carolinas and across the East Coast. UCW file photo

"We can not sell Union County from our desks. We must go out and find those projects." – Chris Plate on how Monroe-Union County Economic Development takes recruiting trips to bring in leads (Aug. 16) “People pay thousands of dollars to insure their homes, hundreds of dollars to insure their cars. But if you ask them what are your most valuable possessions, what does everyone say? My pictures and my movies.” – Stallings resident Shane Hunt on his company Records Reduction (Oct. 11) “We’ve been doing this for a long time and it’s like all of a sudden, we can be thrown to the side at the drop of a hat. I’m just asking for some help." – Raymond Burrows Jr., of Whistle’s Body Shop, trying to convince county commissioners to let his family continue to operate their automotive

EDUCATION

Below: Mike and Susan Henn celebrate the 20th anniversary of Henn Automotive. UCW file photo body shop on residential property, a zoning violation (Oct. 18) “We're quirky. I feel like we're all just a bunch of goofballs and you can see that on the walls, in the decorations and the names of the beers. We're like a little family. I went and hired all of my friends.” – Rachel Pound, taproom manager of Sweet Union Brewing (Nov. 29) “Planes basically just consume gas, fly and pay taxes.” – Chris Plate on the value of Union County's new economic development aircraft incentive grant program (Nov. 29)

“This nourishes my soul to talk with the students and faculty and listen to them, learn from them." – NC Community College System President Peter Hans during a visit to South Piedmont Community College on Jan. 31. (Feb. 8) “We had a huge revelation that we could use this for something positive after this tragedy happened. The 5K allowed students to run for Carlos and support one another – to tell each other to keep going and not to give up.” – Jennifer Lodge, a school counselor at Monroe Middle School regarding the Follow Your Heart 5K on March 30 in honor of Carlos Rodriguez, a 13-year-old killed by a train (April 5)

About 150 students from Monroe Middle School ran at the fifth annual Follow Your Heart 5K on March 30 in honor of 13-yearold classmate Carlos Rodriguez. UCW file photo

“If I had a broken arm, I would have to go to the hospital and put on a cast so that I can get better. It’s the same with mental illness, but because it’s something that people can’t see, they don’t take it as serious.” – Micah Fagala, a Piedmont

High School senior who started a club to support students with anxiety and depression. (April 12)

tendent Andrew Houlihnn in summing up the 2018-19 school year (June 21)

“Today was a very somber day for the CATA family. Reed was known as a very kind, brilliant student who was soft spoken, yet had a very captivating presence. Our deepest condolences to the Parlier family and the UCPS/UNCC communities.” – CATA Vicki Merritt principal tweeted after the mass shooting at UNC Charlotte that took the life of Reed Parlier (May 10)

“We’ve done a really good job of assessing where our students are beyond their test scores. Those are important, but we’re also focusing on cultural aspects, empathy and acceptance.” – Kyle Pierce after starting his new role as head of lower school at Union Day School in Weddington (Sept. 20)

“Keep an open mind. It's a really accepting place, so if you have something weird about yourself, just own it. Nothing's considered strange at CATA.” – outgoing CATA senior Bryce Cooke on advice for underclassmen (June 14) “Working together, we will continue to move forward and make UCPS the best school system in the region, state and nation.” – Superin-

“You can change your life at any moment. You can meet someone who could change your life. If you are worried that you are stuck, you can go and change it. It’s up to you.” – Simon Barnes on taking a gap year (Oct. 11) “I lead with my heart because I believe that people are our greatest assets." – Sharyn VonCannon after winning 2019-20 Union County Public Schools Principal of the Year (Oct. 11)

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GOVERNMENT “You look at Charlotte, you look at here, it is going apartment crazy.” – Indian Trail Commissioner David Cohn while questioning a developer during an Aug. 30 public hearing (Aug. 30) “Dan Bishop was down 17 points 3 weeks ago. He then asked me for help, we changed his strategy together, and he ran a great race.” – President Donald Trump tweeted in support of Bishop before all the precincts were in for the Sept. 10 special election (Sept. 13)

Edwin Elam campaigns for Waxhaw mayor on election day. UCW file photo “I am more afraid of our national debt that I am North Korea. If we let our schools teach that socialism is more acceptable than capitalism, it is not going to go well.” – Fern Shubert, Republican candidate for US House during candidate forum held by the Sweet Union Republican Women on March 26 at the Old Courthouse (April 5) “I haven’t made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I have made some and that was the biggest one. If you guys would ask Dan McCready one question about abortion, taxes or anything else that he would actually answer, I would be glad to give you my sexual history from the loss of virginity.” – County Commissioner Stony Rushing when asked at a GOP forum how an extra-marital affair would affect his chances of winning the US House seat (May 10)

“The whole region needs this project. Indian Trail is stepping up here, what about Union County? Next year when there is a budget and Union County is going through their budget process, there is no reason that we can’t be down there and say we need some assistance.’’ – Jerry Morse upon Indian Trail approving contribute $5 million to help fund the multi-lane widening of Old Monroe Road. (Aug. 2) “I want you to carry on as we have done to date. Fight the good fight when necessary and compromise when you can. Don’t ever violate your conscious or your morals. I take with me many happy memories that include lots of hours of hard work to make the town of Stallings a better and great place to live.” – Deborah Romanow's parting words to Stallings Town Council on Aug. 12 (Aug. 16)

“I know the final decision isn’t ours, but when we approve anything, we want to make sure it’s fair and that it’s fine with our neighbors because that’s more important. You’re going to build and you’re going to be gone. You’re going to make your money and then leave. They have to live there.” – Cheryl Mimy appealing to Hopper Communities during a rezoning hearing for a project involving 174 houses on Oak Springs Road (Sept. 27) “Every cruise I’ve been on, I’ve wanted to go on a shore excursion, which meant I didn’t want to stay on the ship. So just because you’re a senior, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to have all the amenities that anyone would want and you’re not going to want to step out of that door.” – resident Gwyneth Dale in trying to convince county commissioners to vote against a senior housing project described as a "cruise ship on the ground" due to traffic (Oct. 18)

“Waxhaw is one of those towns 31 miles southeast of Charlotte that never saw or planned for the kind of growth we’re experiencing. People want to run from what it is that we should all be communicating with one another. And in America, there’s nowhere to run anymore. You have to make a stand and fight for the right issues that actually deal with all people.” – Edwin Elam during his campaign for Waxhaw mayor (Oct. 18) "They're being represented by a Realtor that's a council person in another town that has publicly stated that there's too much residential building going on, and now wants to annex 174 homes into Indian Trail after stating we're already overcrowding our schools." – Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez in reference to Lynda Paxton during a rezoning discussion involving 174 homes on Oak Springs Road (Nov. 1) “To say I don't want another house in Union County would be foolish, selfish and unrealistic. Sure, I'd prefer Union County remain a farming community untouched by development just like it was 50 years ago, but that's my personal interest, which I have to set aside.” – County Commissioner Jerry Simpson before voting for a rezoning that would allow an age-restricted community with up to 615 homes off Potter Road (Nov. 15)

SPORTS “It’s a slap in the face, but I guess a win is a win … Anything like that just fueled me. It threw gasoline on the fire. It burned me to have a guy shoot down a girl saying they can’t be good in any sport.” – Parkwood wrestler Amber Parker on some guys forfeiting matches rather than wrestle a girl (March 1) “This community has been our heartbeat. It’s a sense of pride these kids have playing for their hometown. I think a lot of times people bounce around from school to school, but our kids have grown up in this community and have a sense of pride playing for more than themselves. You can’t put a value on that.” – Matt Sides, coach at Forest Hills upon winning an opportunity to play in the state title game (March 15) “I wouldn’t want to change nothing. If we could replay it and I knew we were going to lose, I’d still do the same thing with my brothers because they mean everything to me because win or lose it’s a family forever. The community has our back no matter what win or lose. They got my back and I’ve got theirs.” – Forest Hills senior guard Trey Belin upon losing in the NCHSAA 2A title title game in March (March 22) “Whether I’m getting the ball or not, I’m doing all I can to help us win.” – Union Academy football player Derek Young Jr. on the pride he takes in blocking for teammates (Aug. 23) "...Golf is one of those sports where the results aren't going to be instantaneous. I had to be patient and I had to believe in myself and also everything that my coach had taught me. I think overall it worked

Alexis Sudjianto qualified for the U.S. Junior match play tournament. The four-time all-state recipient at Charlotte Latin has undergone a drastic swing overhaul but maintained her steady play throughout. UCW file photo

out well because it helped keep golf refreshed in my mind. I felt like a new player because there were magic moments where I felt like I just started playing because the change was so drastic." – Alexis Sudjianto on how hard work led to a scholarship from Carnegie Mellon (Aug. 9) “The sadness and tears that were shared in the locker room were because the journey and the time with these guys has ended.” – Matt Sides, Forest Hills basketball coach after losing in the state title game in March (March 22) “I like managing the game better. I like being removed from the emotion and make sound decisions. It’s a little unorthodox, but it works for us.” – Marvin Ridge coach Aubrey Carter on coaching from the press box versus the sidelines (Sept. 13) “I’m always ready to go, but it helps with the teammates that I have. Knowing I have them backing me up, I feel like I can do anything.” – Porter Ridge running back Kirkland Harris heading into the season (Aug. 23) "This is a special group. We're hard on them, but all we ask is for them to give us 48 minutes of effort out here and they definitely rose to the challenge." – Andy Capone, coach of the Weddington Warriors football team after defeating Charlotte Catholic 45-0 on Oct. 4. (Oct. 11) "We're not the underdogs anymore. People know that we went to the state championship last year and we're not going to sneak up on anyone. We have to push ourselves." – Cuthbertson sophomore guard Ruby Williams heading into the 2019-20 basketball season (Nov. 8)

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Above: Forest Hills celebrates after earning a shot to play for a state title. Left: Coach Matt Sides huddles with his team in the final seconds of the NCHSAA 2A state title team. UCW file photos

Page 4B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 Christmas music from Gina Gutierrez, train and trolley rides, strolling carolers, snow and a petting zoo. 3-8 p.m.; Downtown Monroe

THINGS TO DO Pearl Harbor The Museum of the Waxhaw observes Pearl Harbor Day with reenactors and a display by historian Jack Clay. Admission is charged. 704-843-1832 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw

Dec. 6

Harry Potter The Lois Morgan Edwards Library presents a Harry Potter Christmas. 704-624-2828 6-8 p.m.; 414 Hasty St., Marshville

Gingersnap 5K The 10th annual GingerSnap 5K raises money for Girls on the Run of Union County. www.gingersnap5k. com/ 8 a.m.; 200 W. N. Main St., Waxhaw

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Grand Opening Kravings Cafe holds a ribbon cutting with the Union County Chamber of Commerce. www. unioncountycoc.com/ Noon-12:30 p.m.; 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

Dec. 9

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Holiday Festival Santa arrives at the Holiday Festival of Lights in a firetruck. But the big attraction is the 500,000 holiday lights. The festival includes Christmas music, carnival games, rides and a live nativity. 4-8 p.m.; Downtown Waxhaw

Park Christmas Christmas Parade Stallings Christmas in the Park Businesses, schools and comincludes face painting, crafts, munity groups participate in the bounce house, music from LA Waxhaw Christmas Parade. Acoustics and tree lighting at Stall3-6 p.m.; Downtown Waxhaw Bird Count ings Municipal Park. Martina Nordstrand talks to the 2-6 340York Stallings Road,Syndication Sales Corporation Thep.m.; New Times Union County Wildlife Chapter Stallings The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 about the Christmas Bird Count 620For Eighth Avenue,Call: New York, N.Y. 10018 Information 1-800-972-3550 Santa at Library at the Union County Agricultural Tree Lighting Information 1-800-972-3550 and 22, elves2019 visit the Union Events Center. The City For ofFor Monroe hosts Friday, a Call: Santa Release March CountyApril Public1,Library 6:30-8:30 p.m.; 3230 Presson Christmas Bazaar at 3Release p.m. and tree For Monday, 2019for pictures. 704-283-8184 Road, Monroe lighting at 7 p.m. Look out for live

Dec. 7

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Team Trivia Team Trivia Charlotte presents trivia at Hickory Tavern. 704-2389111 7-9 p.m.; 6455 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

Dec. 8

Tree Lighting The Town of Marshville holds its Christmas Tree Lighting downtown. 6:30 p.m.; downtown Marshville

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5-7 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St. ,Monroe

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• Beantown Tavern: Delta Fire • Boplex: Jersey Boys • Coyote Joe’s: Jelly Roll • Evening Muse: Valentin Marx & Birds For Eyes • Fillmore: Incubus • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): The L.A. Maybe • Kristopher’s: Music Bingo • McGlohan Theatre: Kim and Kayla Waters • Middle James: Sunrise and the Smoke • Moochies Tavern: Coconut Groove Band • Neighborhood Theatre: Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris • Stooges Pub: Black Glass • Sweet Union: Shannon Lee • Trail House: Reverend O • Treehouse Vineyards: Don Kodzai Reggae • Vintner’s Hill: Matthew Ablan • Visulite: Cosmic Charlie

Dec. 7 • Dunwellz: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Dr. Bacon & Julia • Fillmore: Puddle of Mudd • Kristopher’s: Karaoke • Lounge 74: Music Bingo • Mac’s Speed Shop: Bill Miller Band • Moochies Tavern: Carmen Tate Band; Living Temptation • Pineville Tavern: Shotgun Saints • Queens South: Palmetto Road • Southern Range: Esther and the Exiles • Spectrum Center: Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Stooges Pub: Michael Tracy Brand • Stumptown Station: Mark & Brian • Sweet Union: The Kilted Peddler • Trail House: Pluto for Planet • Treehouse Vineyards: Scarlet Lemonade • Evening Muse: Julie Dean & Jesse Correll • Neighborhood Theatre: Kississippi & Heckdang • Visulite: Jump, Little Children

Dec. 9 • Evening Muse: The New Creatures

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• DreamChaser’s: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Cory Thompson • Fillmore: Summer Walker • Mia Famiglia: Music Bingo • Middle James: Music Bingo

Dec. 11 • Evening Muse: Open Mic • Hickory Tavern (Indian Trail): Music Trivia • Mac’s Speed Shop: Embarrassment of Riches

• Neighborhood Theatre: Tim Reynolds Tr3 • Trail House: FireByrd

Dec. 12 • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Evening Muse: Paul McDonald & Brooks Dixon • Fillmore: Nghtmre • Lake View Grill: Jade Moore • McGlohan Theatre: Dave Barnes • Moochies Tavern: Music Bingo • Neighborhood Theatre: Charming Liars & Silent Rival

Venues Charlotte • Boplex: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Hickory Tavern: 13900 Conlan Circle • McGlohan Theatre: 245 N. College St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Hickory Tavern: 6455 Old Monroe Road • Lounge 74: 6443 Old Monroe Road • Mia Famiglia: 7870 Idlewild Road • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Kristopher’s: 250 N. Trade St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Stumptown Station: 107 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Dunwellz: 7110 Brighton Park Drive • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Pineville • Middle James: 400 N. Polk St. • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Stallings • Lake View Grill: 9750 Tournament Drive Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road • DreamChaser’s: 115 E. N. Main St. • Queens South: 1201 N. Broome St.

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Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019 • Page 5B

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Page 6B • Union County Weekly • Dec. 6, 2019

Every day, more than 32,000 people choose us for their healthcare. From the region’s most advanced heart program and cancer institute to a nationally ranked children’s hospital, we remain strong in our commitment – not just to delivering better care, but to delivering the best care. For all.

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