Inside: Teacher pay debate hones in on benefits • Page 1B
THE REGIONAL
100 A SPECIAL EDITION COVERING MATTHEWS, MINT HILL, WAXHAW, INDIAN TRAIL AND SOUTH CHARLOTTE Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 • Vol. 13 • No. 51
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com
Fall degrees Wingate grads adopt growth mindset, 1B
$2M gift Gross family supports heart institute, 1B
For the family Marine inspires mom to learn English, 3B
More beds Matthews hospital is expanding, 3B
Making moves Movement banks on charter schools, 4B
Cover photos clockwise from top left: Katherine DePrater (CMG file photo), Emmett Ballard (Courtesy of Common Heart), Vi Lyles (David Flower/City of Charlotte), Ray Singleton (Courtesy of "America's Got Talent") and Joe Edwards with Fred the Bulldog (CMG file photo)
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BIGGEST NEWSMAKERS OF 2021
Page 2A • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021
Matthews & Mint Hill's 100 Biggest Newsmakers Arts & Entertainment
June Bayless: Matthews Playhouse founder introduced new in-person events Joe Edwards: Created Butler Bulldogs sculpture that prompted much buzz Angela Mills: Her Spotlight Performing Arts won rave reviews nationally Lee Anne Moore: Enhanced holiday events after Matthews Alive was canceled Sheryl Smith: Mint Hill Events moved Mint Hill Madness to October Chris Sottle: Loyalist Market owner helped bring abstract mural to downtown Jim Taylor: Former Matthews mayor launched “Inside Matthews” podcast Sarah Walker Baumgardner: Took over as leader at Matthews Playhouse Emma Washburn: Providence High School student called writer of the future
Business
David Andrews: Hill Bar & Grill became a repeat Munch Madness winner Mac Brydon: Opened Bear Foods and moved gourmet peanut firm to Matthews Emily Buehrer: Served as point for the Ezell Farm Community Park rezoning Debbie & Joshua Chopas: Good Cup owners partnered with market for space Michelle Castelloe: Opened her third Moxie Mercantile store in Matthews Whitleigh Cook: Dance studio owner won Mint Hill Chamber leadership award Doug Cosby: Inner Peaks owner sought a permit to vertically expand Katherine DePrater: Gift Workshop owner pivoted during pandemic Vanessa Elias: Immigration attorney sought rezoning to grow practice Steve Harris: Granted looser restrictions to allow a Planet Fitness in Mint Hill Paige McKinney: Maintained business as usual with Mint Hill Chamber Steve Messer: Matthews Glen launched $59 million expansion Frank Scibelli: Pitched the idea of rooftop dining in downtown Matthews Matt Simpkins: Convinced Matthews leaders to allow micro-distilleries Wes Taubel: Sought to develop 165-unit, mill town-inspired development Jessica Tullar: Matthews Chamber held 30th annual auto reunion Michelle Tunno Buelow: Inc lauded CEO on Female Founders 100
Community
Carrie Flock: Retired boxer crowned Ms. NC America’s United States Kennedy Josey: She was first baby born at Matthews Medical Center in 2021 Ted Kiker: Former Matthews commissioner won Veteran of the Year honors Timothy McLaughlin: HOA president spoke out against 130 townhomes
Education
Akeisha Craven-Howell: Briefed leaders on future Mint Hill elementary school Aakriti Lakshmanan: Valedictorian won Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship Daysi Poggo: Matthews Elementary instructor among top teachers in CMS Christy Spurrier: Finalist for NC Charter Schools Principal of the Year Layla Stanley: Became principal of Crown Point Elementary mid-year Kwame Stith: Replaced Ericia Turner as principal at Rocky River High Sean Strain: CMS school board contrarian’s district was greatly altered Ericia Turner: Rocky River principal became CMS athletics director Earnest Winston: CMS leader got contract extension and raise for leadership
ABOVE: Debbie and Joshua Choppas hit another milestone with Good Cup Coffee thanks to the opening of their new location inside Fullwood Market. Here they are with children Titus and Lulu. CMG file photos
Faith/Nonprofit
Becky Griffin: Opened barn at Carl J. McEwen Historic Village Albert Leath: Retired after 18 years as Mint Hill Police Department chaplain Herbie Miller: His congregation at Philadelphia Presbyterian cheered 250 years Richard Peniston: Oversaw rezoning for Medhanie Alem Catholic Church Kim Rhodarmer: Celebrated Servant’s Heart’s $1 million in giving in five years Natisha Rivera-Patrick: She won the Nancy Glenn Community Servant Award Sandra Rose Conway: Continued helping people in crisis during pandemic Sue Sproat: Spread idea of community developing families via C.O.S. Kids Barry Steiger: Put spotlight on top cops as Rotary Club of Matthews president Barbara Taylor: Her research was included in new Crestdale Heritage Trail Becky Willard: Matthews Historical Foundation restored Roseland Cemetery
LEFT: Mark Tofano made headlines in the first half of the year building involvement with the American Legion. He made headlines during the second half campaigning for Matthews town commissioner.
Government
Hazen Blodgett: Matthews town manager announced plans to retire in 2022 Jay Camp: Facilitated long-term planning for I-485 and Idlewild Road Brett Canipe: NCDOT engineer explained funding delays to U.S. 74 widening Dena Diorio: County manager put financial pressure on schools to improve Steven Frey: Created a logo to help brand Mint Hill Public Works Susan Habina Woolard: Enthusiastically led talks on Matthews sidewalks Becky Hawke: Explained topics like tax increment financing and ARPAfunding John Hoard: Mint Hill planning director facilitated a dozen-plus rezonings Corey King: Worked with leaders and community on veterans park planning Andy Mock: CATS manager sought feedback on LYNX Silver Line project Brian Welch: Proposed $23.7 million Mint Hill budget without raising tax rate
Health/Safety
Jason Bernd: Announced $169 million expansion at Matthews Medical Center Gibbie Harris: County health leader promoted vaccines and retired Joseph Hatley: He was promoted to Mint Hill police chief Rob Kinniburgh: Led COVID efforts and rebranding of Matthews Fire & EMS David Leath: Mint Hill’s fire chief celebrated 25 years of service Jamie Matthews: Lieutenant returned to police after receiving a transplant Clark Pennington: Matthews police chief sought more proactive department Quincy Smith: Once shot and left for dead, he became a top cop in Matthews
Politics (Matthews)
Dave Bland: Attorney chose not to run for sixth term as commissioner Danielle Burnham: Edged out of Matthews commissioner race by four votes Renee Garner: Mayor pro tem pushed Matthews to fund sidewalk projects John Higdon: Matthews mayor advocated for staff and public to get vaccine Gina Hoover: Elected as Matthews commissioner in fourth attempt Ken McCool: Advocated for affordable housing; appointed mayor pro tem Jeff Miller: Matthews commissioner ruled out eighth term on the board Mark Tofano: Legion commander pushed for veterans park and got elected John Urban: Architect won fifth term with “happy with Matthews?” theme Larry Whitley: Matthews commissioner pushed for diversity among staff
Politics (Mint Hill)
Mike Cochrane: Retired bank exec didn’t run for third term on Mint Hill board Dale Dalton: Elected Mecklenburg GOP vice chair and Mint Hill commissioner Scott Fandel: Planning board member edged out of board seat by 64 votes Twanna Henderson: Became first Black woman elected to town commission Patrick Holton: Woof ‘N Hoof owner elected to second term on Mint Hill board Bobby Long: First elected mayor reflected leading up to town’s 50 years Tony Long: Won a second term on the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners Richard Newton: 3-term commissioner sought return to town board Brad Simmons: Mayor sought more long-range planning and was reelected Rhonda Walker: Pitched idea of mom, wife and person of color to serve
Politics (State/County)
Bill Brawley: Former state legislator intends to run for old N.C. House seat Laura Budd: Matthews attorney entering N.C. House District 103 seat Rachel Hunt: State representative seeking N.C. Senate District 41 in 2022 Jeff Jackson: State senator entered and departed U.S. Senate race Susan Rodriguez-McDowell: Disagreed with county’s approach to CMS
ABOVE: Brittany McDowell and David Andrews kept The Hill Bar & Grill cheery. RIGHT TOP: Officer Quincy Smith was one of several officers to receive a pat on back by Chief Clark Pennington. RIGHT BOTTOM: Mayor Brad Simmons cuts up.
Sports
Brian Hales: Coached Butler football team to state playoffs in spring and fall DJ McFadden: He became head coach of Independence Patriots football Davion Nelson: Butler football standout made CIAA All-Rookie Team in fall Jessica Timmons: Top Independence hoops guard joined NC State Wolfpack Rod Underwood: Began and ended tenure as Stumptown AC coach
Sean Strain
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education member tended to give the minority opinion on some issues. For example, he was the only member to vote against granting Superintendent Earnest Winston a contract extension in February. He helped ensure Crestdale students would be kept at Matthews Elementary instead of being redistricted to the new Mint Hill elementary school in 2022-23. His colleagues voted to remove Matthews and Mint Hill from his district.
The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021 • Page 3A
Page 4A • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021
Union County's 100 Biggest Newsmakers Arts & Entertainment
Nina Chaffin: Broke ground on new library next to Cuthbertson Middle Anthony Hamilton: His 10th studio album generated five million steams Sarah Lantigua: She won Indian Trail Citizen of the Quarter for arts Tom Risser: Sculptor created a heart-shaped centerpiece for Lake Park
Business
Joe Abate: Mia Famiglia won Union County Weekly’s Munch Madness Samuel Batt: Entrepreneur reflected on owning 24 TCBY stores Jeni Bukolt: Her agency won chamber’s Excellence in Small Business Kieth Cockrell: BofA exec presided over major charity announcements Nicole Hawthorn: Her concept won the 53 Ideas Pitch Competition Chris & Julie Helms: Their HVAC firm earned chamber award Ashley Nowell: Promoted Waxhaw as its downtown development director Tee Leitner, Ellie Bragg and Jordan Griffin: Lawyers won regional awards Christine Mann Darden: Monroe named science center after NASA scientist Chris Plate: Launched new economic development tool to recruit “whales” Dean Stump: His concept, The Courthouse, among area’s unique openings
Community
Charles Caldwell: Honored POWs with flagpole at Dogwood Park Joel Galex: Walmart associate’s can-do attitude earned key to Indian Trail Carmen Hill: Shared 9/11 near-death experience at Pentagon on Patriot Day Grace Laney: Pageant queen named parade marshal for community work Pauline Sherron: Led effort to name U.S. 74 bridge after Jeffrey Greene Michael Verardo: His injuries inspired state Wounded Heroes Day bill
Education
Carole Alley: Parkwood High principal retired after five years at school Rhett Brown: Formed committee to study college’s connection to slavery Donna Cook: Marvin Ridge High principal retired in fall after seven years Les Deming: UCPS recognized Wolfe School leader as Principal of the Year Sreethan Gajula: He represented the area in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Barney Harris: School mourned death of teacher; learned he was in shootout Andrew Houlihan: UCPS gave superintendent a raise after winning big award John Kirkpatrick: Appointed school board member was pro-mask supporter John Marshall: Union Academy principal adjusted to COVID outbreak Melissa Merrell: School board chair declared candidacy for county office Jared McGraw: Was liaision to UCPS and health department on COVID Hannah Park: Porter Ridge Elementary staffer named Teacher of the Year Maria Pharr: SPCC earned national recognition for workforce development Nicole Phelix: Wesley Chapel staffer was UCPS’s top assistant principal Gary Sides: School board maverick challenged state’s quarantine logic Alexia Vega-Franceschi: She won third consecutive UCPS spelling bee Liane Watson: Wanted to open Hope Montessori School in Indian Trail
TOP: Hannah Park made a splash via virtual teaching, earning Teacher of the Year honors from Union County Public Schools. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Faith/Nonprofits
LEFT: Monroe City Councilwoman Angelia James receives a thank you gift from shelter CEO Melissa McKeown for helping raise more than $68,000 in the nonprofit's Super Stars campaign. Photo courtesy of Community Shelter of Union County
Keith Adams: Common Heart opened East Union Empowerment Center Emmett Ballard: Competed in online Mr. Fitness contest to benefit charity David Casper III: Chamber heaped praise on Union Diversified Industries Liz Clayton: Stepped down as director of Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation Cindy Cole: Strived to help 250 patients self-manage their diabetes at home Andrew Friend: Council on Aging had waiting lists for services Bonnie Grote: Girls on the Run of Union County founder celebrated 15 years Ron Hinson: Chaired Union County Community Foundation board Scott Ireland: Back2School Bash lands pastor as parade grand marshal Melissa McKeown: Shelter director talked about pandemic’s affect on housing
Government
Brandi Deese: Indian Trail planning director stayed busy with rezonings Frank Deese: Marshville town manager touted EV charger as tourism magnet Edward Faison: Monroe council voted 4-3 to fire him as city manager in July Hayden Kramer: Redirected unused event money to Indian Trail parks Michael McLaurin: Indian Trail town manager instilled long-term planning Christina Neal: Led Behavioral Health Collaborative between UCPS and county Dena Sabinske: She secured funding for a downtown Waxhaw central park Mujeeb Shah-Khan: Monroe attorney outlined steps to oust council member Van Harrell: Tax administrator guided Union County through revaluation Mark Watson: County manager’s staff focusing on water/sewer in 2022 Jeff Wells: Waxhaw town manager introduced capital needs budget to board
Health/Safety
Johnny Blythe: Monroe Swiftwater Team trained to help flood victims Eddie Cathey: Sheriff made plans to run for sixth four-year term in 2022 Bryan Gilliard: Monroe police chief’s staff made quick arrests in murder cases Dennis Joyner: Public health director updated leaders on COVID Mike Lutes & Denise White: Atrium Health execs announced donations Ronald McGarvey: Veteran firefighter died on his way home from work Kevin Rigoli: County fire marshal instituted first burn ban since 2016
Politics
Michael Alvarez: Indian Trail mayor called NCDOT a “bureaucratic monster” Dean Arp: State rep worked to expand broadband service in North Carolina Mark Brody: NC rep added bill preventing transgender girls from girls teams Elizabeth Callis: Weddington mayor apologized to Smoky Bissell for meeting Richard Helms: Chaired the county commission for most of 2021 Marion Holloway: Won three-candidate race for Monroe mayor Craig Horn: Ex-lawmaker defeated ex-mayor to win Weddington mayor seat Bobby Kilgore: Monroe mayor opted not to run for reelection in 2021 Angelia James: Lost Monroe mayor’s race and faces removal from council Todd Johnson: NC senator moved bill to increase high school sports capacity Franco McGee: Monroe councilman worked with other towns on Juneteenth Peggy Neill: Mineral Springs mourned councilwoman’s passing mid-year Ron Pappas: Mayor marveled at Waxhaw becoming Union’s third largest town Lynda Paxton: Stallings mayor pro tem asked county for light rail funding Dennis Rape: Appointed chairman of county commissioners in 2022 Stony Rushing: Joined David Williams in jeering county water/sewer rate hike Tracy Wesolek: Waxhaw commissioner celebrated “cancerversary” Sept. 29 David Williams: Union commissioner didn't let COVID-19 quarantine stop him David Willis: State rep introduced a bill to recognize Wounded Heroes Day
Sports
Dustin Allen: Coached Cuthbertson to a 2021 track championship Thomas Davis: NFL player shared photos of suspects who stole luxury car Mathew Gates & Alexandra Zaretsky: Duo trained champion figure skaters Emmett Houlihan: Lacrosse All-American led Marvin Ridge to 2nd state title Chase Lowe: MVP of Weddington’s state championship in basketball Steve Poston: Retired as Wingate’s AD after 50 years with university Caleb Surratt: Union Academy golfer won second state championship Stephanie Watts: Drafted by WNBA team but now playing in Australia Jacob Wells: Earned MVP honors in Weddington’s spring soccer title
ABOVE: Sheriff Eddie Cathey brightens a kid's day. Photo courtesy of Community Shelter of Union County RIGHT: UCPS Superintendent Andrew Houlihan gets the COVID-19 vaccine. Photo courtesy of Union County
The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021 • Page 5A
South Charlotte's 100 Biggest Newsmakers Arts & Entertainment
Nikko Austen Smith: Ardrey Kell alum landed film and streaming roles Ray Singleton: Charlotte crooner performed on “America’s Got Talent” in July Christopher Warren-Green: Led symphony as music director for 90th season
Business
John Barton: Northwood Office transformed golf course into community park Smoky Bissell: Developer donated $30 million to Atrium Health Ric & Brenda Elias: Vowed to donate fortune through Giving Pledge Michael Jordan: NBA owner donated $10 million to Novant Health Howard Levine: Howard R. Levine Foundation gave $25M to medical school Kenneth Lin: Credit Karma CEO discussed $13 million expansion in Ballantyne Fidencio Mata: Hyatt Centric Southpark Charlotte GM welcomed travelers Tom Murray: Top tourism official remained optimistic about industry Lat Purser III: Developer co-chaired $13M campaign for Carolina Thread Trail Randy Thomas: SouthPark mall announced plans for West Plaza upgrades Luigi Villano: Portofino’s Ristorante won The Weekly’s Munch Madness
Education
Mark Bosco: CMS moved him out of Myers Park principal role after criticism Elyse Dashew: CMS board chair supported teacher pay raises and workdays George Dunlap: County chair played hardball with CMS over poor grades Robert Folk: Principal moved from Alexander Graham Middle to Myers Park High Barry Giller: Charlotte Christian saw construction progress on new middle school Mark Reed: Left Charlotte Country Day after 12 years as headmaster Sean Strain: CMS school board contrarian’s district was greatly altered Earnest Winston: CMS leader got contract extension and raise for leadership
Government
Tracy Dodson: Assistant city manager worked on several job expansions Marcus Jones: City manager presented a budget of “resilience and recovery” Taiwo Jaiyeoba: Planning director facilitated planning and transit discussions
Health/Safety
Alicia Campbell: Pineville hospital added more beds with new patient tower Saad Ehtisham: Novant Health exec touted future Ballantyne Medical Center Gibbie Harris: County public health director announced plans to retire Johnny Jennings: Police chief encouraged community to secure their guns Katie Passaretti: She was key figure in COVID-19 response at Atrium Health Scott Rissmiller: He was among 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives Eugene Woods: Atrium Health CEO announced plans for medical school
Nonprofits
Kay Carter: Cheered 40 years of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina Lane Holbert: Organized the 10th annual Tour de Turns fundraiser Katherine L. Lambert: Walk to End Alzheimer’s netted $572,000 Michael Marsicano: Foundation for the Carolinas helped arts amid uncertainty Shelly Moore: Humane Society of Charlotte completed 2,000-plus adoptions Jane Singleton Myers: Replaced Chuck Cole as leader of TreesCharlotte Jennifer Pagani: Warren Publishing released book of her CaringBridge blogs Katy Ryan: The 24 Foundation celebrated 20 years of 24 Hours of Booty Laura Yates Clark: United Way invested more than $1.2 million into the region
Politics
Alma Adams: President Joe Biden signed her Momibus bill into law Dan Bishop: U.S. rep introduced bills on mask mandates and critical race theory Tariq Bokhari: City councilman urged council to slow on comprehensive plan Ed Driggs: He cautioned about consequences of 10-minute neighborhoods Wesley Harris: Announced he was running for a third term in NC House Vi Lyles: Mayor advocated for affordable housing, transit and vaccines Pat McCrory: Announced on radio show he would run for U.S. Senate in 2022 Laura Meier: Urged county colleagues to collaborate with CMS school board Susan Rodriguez-McDowell: Disagreed with county’s approach to CMS DeAndrea Salvador: Became youngest Black woman to serve in N.C. Senate Ella Scarborough: Drew concern about her participation in meetings
Sports
Mike Brodowicz: Coached Charlotte Catholic football to fourth straight state title William Byron: NASCAR driver logged a win and 12 top 5 finishes in 2021 Anna Cockrell: Providence Day alum competed in hurdles in the Tokyo Olympics Jimmie Johnson: Retired NASCAR champion took on IndyCar in 2021 Rory McIlroy: Won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club Gary Sobba: Wells Fargo Championship returned in 2021 after year off
Visit www.thecharlotteweekly.com to read the rest of South Charlotte Weekly's 100 Biggest Newsmakers.
ABOVE: Racing legend Jimmie Johnson hangs with golfers from South Mecklenburg High School at a charity golf tournament. Photo courtesy of Jimmie Johnson Foundation. LEFT: City Councilman Ed Driggs was a speaker during the groundbreaking of the Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center. CMG file photo
Page 6A • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021
COMMUNITY The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021 • Page 1B
Teacher pay debate hones in on benefits by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
Caps, gowns and face coverings are becoming the new norm at Wingate University commencement ceremonies. Photos courtesy of WU
Graduating amid COVID At least 250 earn degrees during fall commencement WINGATE – The big themes at Wingate’s Fall Commencement on Saturday were, unsurprisingly, persistence and growth. More than 250 students received undergraduate and graduate diplomas in Cuddy Arena, amid high-fives, hugs and tears of joy. At the morning ceremony for graduate programs, 149 students were awarded degrees, with over 60% receiving health-sciences degrees. In the afternoon, 118 undergraduate degrees were conferred. Among the graduate students who celebrated on Saturday were 42 who received doctoral and master’s degrees and specialist certificates in education. They and the other graduates were treated to a Commencement speech by Charlesa Hann, interim dean of the Thayer School of Education. Hann relayed her struggles as a mother of four and breast-cancer patient trying to finish her doctorate.
The words of her doctoral advisor – “the doctorate is not a test that you are any smarter; it is a test of your persistence” – stuck with her as she plugged away despite several obstacles. The experience was ultimately instructive and taught her to learn from difficult times. “When you experience a sense of failure, stop, evaluate the process, learn from it, store it for future reference and keep moving,” she told graduates. “As you grow professionally, learn to see things less as failures and to appreciate more the small successes.” In the afternoon, biology professor Alison Brown echoed Hann’s words in her address to undergraduates. She talked about people who exhibit a “growth mindset” when presented with difficult challenges – those who take failure as an opportunity to grow rather than to see WINGATE, Page 2B
$2M gift to support Sanger Heart & Vascular CHARLOTTE – Atrium Health Foundation has received a $2 million gift from the California-based William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation to help further advance care at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. This is the second gift from the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation to support the Center for Cardiovascular Care Transformation within Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. In recognition of the support, the center will be named after the William, Jeff, and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation. It is housed in the new Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute at Kenilworth Medical Plaza.
Funding from the Gross family gift has helped build an advanced analytics team and transformed anticoagulation treatment for patients with cardiovascular disease, reducing by 65% the number of office visits solely for anticoagulation management. “We are thrilled with the center’s progress over the last two years and to learn of the regional impact,” said Jeff Gross, whose mother-in-law, Georganna Moore, was treated at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Gross added the family remains grateful for the care of the institute and Dr. Bill Downey, vice chair of quality and care transformation.
Dr. Hill Downey of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute says support from the Gross family will help overcome cultural barriers to success.
With the collective $4 million in philanthropic support, the Center for Cardiovascular Care Transformation will help close gaps in care within under-
served communities. “Too often, innovations in healthcare leave behind those who can least afford it,” Downey said.
(The Center Square) – North Carolina approved pay increases for teachers after two years without raises, but educators and policy analysts say lawmakers can do more. The state’s current and next fiscal year budget gives teachers a 1.3% increase for each step of the salary schedule and an average 5% pay raise. The North Carolina Association of Educators said the raises are not enough. Bob Luebke, a senior fellow at the John Locke Foundation’s Center for Effective Education, said the state should rethink benefit costs as a way to boost teacher salaries. “State lawmakers provided a budget that did the bare minimum,” NCAE Board of Directors President Tamika Walker Kelly said after the state budget was signed into law providing for teachers’ raises. “Educators should feel disappointed.” Teacher pay has been a point of contention for North Carolina lawmakers for some time. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the state’s previous biennium budget partially because the Republican-led Legislature did not propose a big enough pay increase Educators for teachers. are both Cooper told his professionals teacher advisory comand essential mittee he asked for a employees that 10% raise for teachers deserve higher in the current budpay and good get and higher pay benefits. for teacher assistants, school nurses, psy• Nicole Price chologists and counNCAE selors. North Carolina state employee benefits as a percentage of average salary has increased from nearly 29% to about 50% over the past decade, according to Luebke’s research. The dollar value of retirement, health and social security benefits also have increased in the past 10 years, from $13,376 to $22,279. The current state budget reflects the biggest increase in the state’s contribution to employee benefits over the past 10 years. North Carolina spent $3.4 billion on benefits for public school employees in 2021. The budget increases the state’s portion of health insurance by 11% and retirement by 1.09%. Luebke contends North Carolina could find more money for teacher salaries if lawmakers “learn to rein in the rising cost of employee benefits.” NCAE Associate Executive Director Nicole Price said in a statement Friday that “educators are both professionals and essential employees that deserve higher pay and good benefits.” The average teacher salary in North Carolina for the 2019-2020 school year was $54,150, according to the National Education Association (NEA), which ranked the Tar Heel State 42nd among other states and the District of Columbia. The ranking put the state three spots below where it was during the 2018-2019 school year, when North Carolina was 39th with an average teacher salary of $53,940. “Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys,” the NEA states on its website. North Carolina ranked 11th for the number of instructors in public schools in the 2019-2020 school year, the NEA said. Based on the NEA’s annual report, more than 500 additional teachers were employed in the last school year.
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What do you think? Email justin@cmgweekly.com to sound off on whether you believe teachers should get higher wages.
Page 2B • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021
Is peace on earth possible?
Alison Brown addresses graduates at the undergraduate ceremony. Grads also heard from Joe Patterson, chair of Wingate’s board of trustees, and University President Rhett Brown and Provost Jeff Frederickson. Photo courtesy of WU
WINGATE (continued from page 1B)
brood. “They are not afraid to face the unknown,” she said, “because those experiences, even the ones that didn’t work out, helped them learn and grow, and opened doors to opportunities that put them on the path where they were meant to be. Getting there was not about the final destination, but all about the journey.” Trevina Washington-Nixon, who earned her bachelor of science degree in biology, was thrilled to have Brown as her commencement speaker. “She’s everything — classy, smart and beautiful, my all-time favorite,” said Washington-Nixon, a Monroe resident. The former area manager for a medical equipment company will start her journey toward a master’s in physician assistant studies in January.
Kendrick McKnight, of Goldsboro, appreciated the advice about persistence and said he found success on the way to his communication degree by simply “continuing to push through.” He transferred to Wingate in 2018, having decided to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. “It has really helped get me out of my shell,” McKnight said. While at Wingate he was able to get hands-on experience working an internship with radio station WDZD in Monroe. He now has his sights set on earning a master’s at Full Sail University in Florida. The most popular undergraduate majors among graduates receiving degrees Saturday were human services (15 degrees conferred), biology (13), psychology (11), elementary education (9) and finance (9). On the graduate side, 53 physician assistant master’s
degrees were handed out, followed by 38 doctorates in physical therapy, 20 doctorates in education and 13 MBAs. The H.K. Helms Award, presented to the undergraduates who have achieved the highest academic average, went to Noemi Ambriz-Ruiz of Pageland, S.C; Peyton Anderson of Gastonia; Wade Johnson of Cleveland; and Kaitlyn Waters of Unionville. Anderson and Johnson were a part of Wingate’s Honors Program as was Washington-Nixon. Chandra Jernigan Eley of Elizabeth City and Laneika Kawanze Musalini of Anderson, S.C., doctor of education graduates, received special awards for their outstanding dissertations. Eley said her doctorate in educational leadership will help her better support educators and keep them in the classroom. A teacher when she started the pro-
gram three years ago, Eley is now an instructional coach in Bertie County Schools. Her dissertation was titled “What are the Factors that Influence Beginning Teacher Retention or Attrition in Title I Schools?” She chose Wingate’s doctoral program because of its flexibility. Musalini, director of Grants at Tri-County Technical College, has described Wingate’s Higher Education Executive Leadership program as a perfect fit for her. Perhaps creating an unintentional illustration of the persistence theme, New York native Connor Kennedy crossed the Cuddy stage on crutches. A Weddington High School alumnus, Kennedy said it was an incredible feeling to have earned his doctor of physical therapy degree and that the most challenging aspect was figuring out what study and time-management techniques worked best for him. Scheduled for ankle surgery the following Tuesday as the result of a scooter accident, Kennedy will undergo a bit of physical therapy of his own in the near future. He’ll have no lack of instruction and support as his fiancee, Courtney Lyn Arms from Rutherfordton also earned her DPT degree from Wingate. The two are planning at May 2023 wedding and will live in Waxhaw. Saturday’s ceremonies marked the fourth fall commencement at Wingate and the first time that the event has been split into two ceremonies. In addition to hearing from the main speakers, graduates got some words of wisdom from Joe Patterson, the chair of Wingate’s board of trustees, and University President Rhett Brown, who each addressed intellectual humility, and from Provost Jeff Frederickson, who introduced the speakers and presented the degree candidates.
In spite of the joy and cheer we talk about this time of year, for many people, the holidays are characterized by tension, resentment and conflict. And this year, the likelihood of having your celebrations spoiled by awkwardness and arguments may seem even greater than usual. As a tumultuous 2021 draws to a close, it’s natural to wonder: Is “peace on earth” out of reach? It doesn’t have to be, says Elaine Parke. This December, she wants all Americans to refocus our attention away from negativity and worrying about merchandise supply chains. Instead, she suggests we celebrate the gifts we don’t need to buy—the gifts of family, friends, and community. “No matter how big our differences, we have much more in common than not—as a nation and as individuals,” says Parke, author of “The Habits of Unity: 12 Months to a Stronger America…one citizen at a time” (Outskirts Press, 2021, ISBN: 9781-9772-4276-1, $21.95, www.12habits4allofus.org). “When we choose to focus on the things that connect us, bless us, and bring us joy, we’ll be on the path to healing our divided nation and the rifts that strain our relationships.” Parke doesn’t mean we all have to agree on everything. She does want us to begin treating others with more respect and compassion. When enough people start to celebrate and uplift each other, America will experience a sea change away from contention and toward connection. December, with its cultural emphasis on helping others and gathering with loved ones, is the perfect time to celebrate our relationships, community ties, and roles as Americans— but Parke urges you not to stop there. The Habits of Unity is structured around her scalable outcome-proven, color-coded, 12-month model for instilling “good citizenship” habits in readers (and improving their mental health in the process). Note December’s theme: • January: Help Others • February: You Count • March: Resolve Conflicts • April: Take Care of Our Environment • May: Be Grateful • June: Reach Higher • July: Become Involved • August: Know Who You Are • September: Do Your Best • October: Be Patient and Listen
• November: Show a Positive Attitude • December: Celebrate Community, Family, and Friends “The idea is to get everyone focused on the same branded behavior each month,” says Parke. “The plan is easy to put into practice. It feels good, so people want to keep doing it.” As you focus on celebrating community, family, and friends in December, consider the following tips excerpted from the book’s 365 days of “one-magicminute-a-day” motivationals: • Examine the energy you’re sharing. Are you a Bob Cratchit or a Scrooge? How are your family, friends, and coworkers affected by your attitude and behavior? Positive energy not only uplifts others; it improves your own outlook too. • Prioritize respect in your interactions. It’s the essence of the Golden Rule. Too often, the other person’s dignity and worth are buried in outbursts of anger and blame. When criticism is necessary, always balance it with praise. • Share your presence, not just presents. In addition to a shopping list, write out the people and places you want to visit this holiday season: family, friends, a senior home, soup kitchen, etc. • Try to see everyone as someone’s family. Every person you encounter—at work, school, the grocery store, etc.—is someone’s friend or family member. Try to treat them with the respect and consideration you give your own loved ones. • Weed your character garden. We all have “weeds”: a short temper, impatience, self-absorption, difficulty listening, etc. Choose one fault and start hacking away at it. (Then plant the seeds of consideration and compassion in the space you’ve cleared!) Remember, ’tis the season for giving! When we help others, healthy things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and connected in community. Participate with “friends to be” at a local food bank or community outreach. “Especially after the tumult and stress of the past year, we are all hungry for connection, kindness, and the knowledge that we are valued and loved,” says Parke. “When we commit to celebrating others, there’s a profound ripple effect.”
The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021 • Page 3B
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CHARLOTTE – Novant Health announced plans Dec. 17 to invest $169 million to build a new bed tower at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. The expansion will add 150,000 square feet to Matthews Medical Center and renovate 50,000 square feet of separate existing space. The project will take the acute bed count from 154 to 174, supporting the needs of the rapidly growing Matthews community.
“The investment by the Novant Health board into the future of Matthews Medical Center is a testament to the high quality, high service that this team has provided over the last 27 years, highlighted by our recent Leapfrog A and CMS 5-star rating,” said Jason Bernd, president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. “We are excited to see our facility expand to help support the growing needs of our community and enrich
the patient experience.” Key highlights of the project include a new surgical services area with seven operating rooms, three endoscopy rooms, post-anesthesia care unit and an ambulatory care unit. There will be three cardiac procedure rooms, including cardiac catheterization and vascular interventions, and support of future campus expansions up to 272 beds, as well as expanding the kitchen, pharmacy, materials, carpentry, pa-
U.S. Marine encourages mother to learn English
MONROE – Eriberta Gonzalez, of Monroe, is working toward becoming an electrician as she learns English through Common Heart’s adult literacy program. Thanks to an $8,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Gonzalez and other Union County adults are getting the chance to make their dreams a reality. Since 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $203 million in grants to nonprofits, helping more than 11 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. A single mom of three, Gonzalez heard about the adult literacy program earlier this year when she was picking up groceries at one of Common Heart’s food pantries. A native of Mexico, she’s always wanted to improve her English but was scared to take that first step. The encouragement to sign up came from an unlikely place: the U.S. Marines. It was her 20-year-old daughter, who is a Marine stationed overseas, who provided the push she needed. She also has a 14-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. “She told me, ‘Mom, you’ve
done so much for us, this is your turn to do something for yourself. This is your chance at a better life,’ Gonzalez said through an interpreter. “I’ll have more opportunities by learning English.” Life has been difficult for Gonzalez since coming to the U.S. with extended family when she was just 14 years old. She was expected to babysit the younger children and didn’t go to school herself. She then worked in a chicken processing plant for 17 years and about two years ago started working in a woodworking factory. But when COVID hit, she wasn’t getting enough hours and then was eventually let go. Since then, she started her own tamale-making business and has been selling them outside local factories where her friends work. She is focused on her dream. In addition to meeting at least
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Eriberta Gonzalez is taking steps toward greater financial stability. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
once a week with her Common Heart tutor and working on her own in the literacy computer lab, Gonzalez has signed up for English as a Second Language classes at South Piedmont Community College.
I’ve seen the commercials on TV with female electricians and construction workers and I feel like if they’re doing it, why can’t I? • Eriberta Gonzalez
Contest boosts Union County small businesses MONROE – The Union County Chamber and South Piedmont Community College’s Small Business Center are launching the Union County Minority Business Makeover Contest in January to provide a local small business with the opportunity to win a makeover. The winner will receive up to 50-hours of professional services from top consultants valued at $8,000. “Creating a thriving community means increasing access to resources so everyone can participate in a growing economy,” said Pat Kahle, president of the Union County Chamber. “The chamber is proud to partner with SPCC’s Small Business Center to develop focused programming for minority-owned small businesses in our community.” Services will include: • Accounting and tax advisory services by
TL Turner Group • Human resources services by Employers Advantage • Marketing and sales strategy by Digimatiq Marketing • Strategic and business plan optimization by Effició • Website assessment by Groopwork Minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and this contest will offer a catalyst for growth and continued success for the winning business. “There is work to be done to bridge gaps in resources and financial inequities particularly for Black, Hispanic and Indigenous-owned small businesses and this contest is the first step toward providing targeted resources for minority-owned businesses in our community,” explains Renee Hode, director of the SPCC Small Business Center. “Together
the chamber and SPCC will continue to develop targeted programs to increase equality and equity in small business.” How it works: • Businesses that meet the Kahle following criteria are encouraged to apply: • Located in the Union County, North Carolina • Business is 51% owned and actively managed by a raHode cial minority • Business has been legallyoperating for at least 1 month • Business is not a franchise The contest entry period spans Jan. 17 and closes on Feb. 7. The winner will be announced on Feb. 18. On the web: www.unioncountycoc.com/ ucmb/.
tient access and respiratory care. The project is expected to break ground during the first quarter in 2022. Bernd The first clinical space will open in summer 2024, starting with the new 24-bed medical-surgical nursing unit. Construction is expected to be done by summer 2025.
Benchmark Physical Therapy opens clinic MATTHEWS – BenchMark Physical Therapy, which has more than 20 outpatient clinics in the Charlotte region, opened a second Matthews location on Dec. 16. BenchMark offers in-clinic and telehealth options for outpatient orthopedic physical therapy and occupational therapy, including manual therapy, injury prevention, return to performance, total joint replacement, concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation programs. Clinic director Emily Brackett is an orthopedic clinical specialist and is certified in functional capacity evaluations, integrative dry needling, vestibular therapy and bike fitting. The new clinic is at 3016 Weddington Road, suite 700. It is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Call 980-920-8090 or visit benchmarkpt.com to make an appointment. BenchMark, which also has a clinic at 10020 Monroe Road, is part of the Upstream Rehabilitation family of clinical care. BenchMark offers access to care within 24 hours and works with all insurance types.
Jackson suspends U.S. Senate campaign CHARLOTTE – N.C. Sen. Jeff Jackson announced Dec. 16 that he is suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate and is endorsing former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, but everyone needs to know when to step aside,” Jackson said. “Cheri Beasley has served this state honorably for over two decades and has always fought for justice. She’ll be a great U.S. Senator for North Carolina. Unlike the Republicans in this race, we won’t be participating in a costly and divisive primary. If we’re going to flip this seat in November, we need to unite – and we need to unite behind Cheri.” Jackson ran a grassroots campaign highlighted by holding town halls in all 100 North Carolina counties in just 100 days and visits to more than a dozen colleges and universities.
Missouri Southern announces deans list JOPLIN, MO – Joshua Radey, of Matthews, made the deans list for fall 2021 at Missouri Southern State University. Students enrolled in 12 or more credit courses with a grade point average of 3.75 or above on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.thecharlotteweekly.com for daily news updates.
Page 4B • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Dec. 10 to 16: Lowest Scores • Tienda Mexicali, 10403 Park Road, Charlotte – 88 Violations include: Rice, beef and sauce in the reach-in weren’t held cold enough; pork inside of the hot line wasn’t hot enough; and chicken in the reach-in was dated Dec. 6. • The Lodge, 7725 Colony Road, Charlotte – 88.5 Violations include: Employee handled bread with bare hands; some foods were out of temperature control; Chipotle ranch, chicken wings, lettuce, cooked Portobello mushrooms, taco meat, pineapple salsa, rice, ribs, chub of ham, beans, and mac and cheese sauce did not have date marks; and inspector spotted three roaches during the inspection. All Scores Charlotte (28209) Greystone Restaurant, 3039 South Blvd. – 93 Mellow Mushroom, 2820 Selwyn Ave. – 94 Sir Edmond Halley’s, 4151 Park Road – 97 Charlotte (28210) Asian Wok, 10715 Park Road – 94 Dilworth Tasting Room Southpark, 4905 Ashley Park Lane – 98 Jimmy Johns #18618912 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 Mi Tierra Colombian Restaurant, 10405 Park Road – 97 Park Place Restaurant, 10517 Park Road – 96 Rh Rooftop Restaurant, 6903 Phillips Place Court – 96.5 Rusty’s Deli, 8512 Park Road – 97 Tienda Mexicali, 10403 Park Road – 88
Movement School has three locations: Freedom Drive Elementary, Freedom Drive Middle and Eastland. Its Southwest campus will open in fall 2022 near South Boulevard. Photos courtesy of Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage invests $100M into charter school network CHARLOTTE – Movement Mortgage will invest $100 million in its growing charter school network, fueling the leading mortgage lender’s vision of building 100 Title 1 charter schools across the United States in the next 10 years. The funding comes in the form of a dividend to its nonprofit, Movement Foundation, and follows a monumental contribution in 2020 of $200 million. Three Movement Schools – two elementary schools and one middle school – have been established in Charlotte with a total enrollment of more than 1,000 students. Additional campuses serving Pre-K through 5th grade are being developed near South Boulevard in Southwest Charlotte, scheduled to open fall 2022, and near Beatties Ford Road in Northwest Charlotte, scheduled to open fall 2024. The first phase of the “100 Schools in 10 Years” com- Movement Mortgage wants to break cycles of mitment will be focused on expansion in the Southeast, generational poverty, according to CEO Casey Crawford. which recent upward mobility research shows a need for high-quality charter schools, said Kerri-Ann Thomas, CEO Movement Foundation executive director. Movement School at Freedom is a prime example of this of Movement Schools. The organization is working with the Charter School Growth Fund to identify markets for model, with investments into the Mezzanine at Freedom the new schools, with preliminary targets including Atlan- affordable apartment community, a wellness center operated by Novant Health and the Ophelia Garmon-Brown ta, Houston and Dallas. Thomas said the goal is to have a significant presence in Community Center. “We want to build schools that help students, families and communities thrive,” Hurley said. selected communities to have meaningful impact. “Our vision is to create a national network of Title 1 “There’s an overwhelming sense of joy that comes from crecharter schools that transforms the educational opportu- ating a space where children are succeeding, and families nities for underserved children across America,” said Ca- and neighbors can come together to do good.” The operational model of Movement Foundation and sey Crawford, Movement Mortgage co-founder and CEO “Movement Schools will partner with federal and state Movement School is unique from other foundations. The governments to bring 100 new schools to some of the most foundation owns the real estate and pays for school renounderserved communities in our nation. We believe that vations and infrastructure. The school then leases the facilieducation is a critical conduit to break cycles of generation- ties from the foundation at a reduced cost and uses its state, al poverty. We also believe that our schools need to equip per-pupil funding to cover operating costs. Movement Mortgage, which has committed over $360 our children with financial literacy and values-based leadermillion to the Movement Foundation since its inception, ship skills to help them thrive as American citizens.” issued home financing to 110,000 families in 2021 while Movement Foundation also partners withYork communities The New Times Syndication Sales Corporation EighthinAvenue, York, N.Y. 10018 $30 billion in total mortgage value. funding approximately where its charter schools are located by620 investing afford- New Forpre-K Information 1-800-972-3550 the web: www.movementschool.com or www.moveable housing and shared resources such as centers, Call: On For Release Thursday, June 27, 2019 health clinics and community spaces, said Tim Hurley, mentfoundation.org
Crossword ACROSS 1 Game with a maximum score of 3,333,360 7 Host Allen of TV’s “Chopped” 10 *The outcome of a story might hinge on one 14 Get some air 15 Hotheadedness 16 Brief, abrupt changes in direction 17 *One might say “Home Sweet Home” 18 *Important spot on the body for acupuncture 20 Tempest in a teapot 21 Aid for making a sand castle 22 Vineyard vessel 23 See 42-Across 25 “Victory is ours!” 27 Unlikely homecoming court members 29 Contribute
30 *Viewing angle 31 White-petaled daisy 32 Vault 34 ___ boots 35 Who said “When I’m ready to fight, my opponent has a better chance for surviving a forest fire wearing gasoline drawers” 36 Bet (on) 38 “My heavens!” 42 With 23-Across, modicum 43 Nursing ___ 44 Vibe 45 Prominent 1990s Washington duo 48 *Kind of average 50 C7H5N3O6 51 Development centers? 52 Comic actor Seth 53 Fairly small hail size 54 Subtract a year or two from one’s age, say
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55 Mentally goes [grumble grumble grumble] 57 Gulager of old TV and film 59 & 61 What President Wilson proposed for a lasting peace … or what’s missing from the answers to the starred clues 64 Fictional schnauzer 65 Area of educ. 66 Nativity scene 67 *School overlooking the Hudson 68 Certain intersection 69 Drill command DOWN 1 *Locate precisely 2 Good “Wheel of Fortune” buy for CHEESE WHEEL 3 Time to indulge 4 Grp. that trademarked the phrase “Helping Survivors Survive” 5 Provides (for) 6 By birth 7 *Malcolm Gladwell best seller, with “The” 8 Something to run 9 Notarized paper 10 Attire not usually worn outdoors, informally 11 World’s mostvisited museum 12 Sweet Rosie of old song 13 ___ fly
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19 Title usually abbreviated to its first, fifth and sixth letters 21 Certain curtains 23 *Kind of pen 24 Flash of genius, say 26 Conservatory piece 28 *Touchdown follower 33 *Aid in a speaker’s presentation 35 Fort ___, Md.
37 Let up 38 Goes on and on and on 39 Visceral shock 40 Author Sarah ___ Jewett 41 *Part of a scatter diagram 43 *Sycophant’s reward 45 Hearty laugh 46 Useless 47 Counters 48 Homer’s home 49 Rerun
56 Certain cricket match 58 It might be attached to a car 60 Animal feared by Winston in “1984” 61 Survey fig. 62 July 4, 1776, for one: Abbr. 63 *Big moment in a tennis match
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
Charlotte (28211) Arthur’s, 4400 Sharon Road – 97.5 Baku, 4515 Sharon Road – 96.5 Bricktop’s Restaurant, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 92.5 Circadian Food, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97.5 Copain Catering Kitchen, 6601 Morrison Blvd. – 96.5 Cousins Maine Lobster, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99 The Cowfish, 4310 Sharon Road – 97.5 Crown Club Events, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 95.5 Doubletree Suites By Hilton, 6300 Morrison Blvd. – 99 Harris Teeter (deli), 6701 Morrison Blvd. – 95 Harris Teeter (deli), 112 S. Sharon Amity Road – 96.5 Leroy Fox, 705 S. Sharon Amity Road – 95 McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood, 4335 Barclay Downs Drive – 97 Mezzanotte, 2907 Providence Road – 95.5 Publix (produce), 4425 Randolph Road – 98.5 Roosters Wood Fired Restaurant and Wine Bar, 6601 Morrison Blvd. – 95 Sweetpeas Smuggles & Cakes, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99.5 Thai House, 110 S. Sharon Amity Road – 96.5 Toscana Ristorante, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 93 Charlotte (28226) Chi Thai, 3333 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96 Fresh Market (produce), 7625 Pineville-Matthews Road – 100 Harris Teeter (deli), 3333 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96.5 Harris Teeter (seafood), 3333 Pineville-Matthews Road – 100 The Lodge, 7725 Colony Road – 88.5 Lotus Cuisine Ii, 4100 Carmel Road – 90 Umami Pokerito, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road – 99.5 Charlotte (28227) Angela’s Pizza & Restaurant, 9705 Mintworth Ave. – 95 Food Lion (produce), 9021 Albemarle Road – 96.5 Food Lion (produce), 6275 Wilson Grove Road – 99 Magdalena’s Taqueria, 7146 E. Independence Blvd. – 92.5 Subway, 9009 Albemarle Road – 96.5 Wendy’s, 11801 Albemarle Road – 98 Charlotte (28270) Be Em Asian Kitchen, 1848 Galleria Blvd. – 94 Everest Bistro, 9010 Monroe Road – 92.5 Nourish, 1421 Orchard Lake Drive – 98.5 Charlotte (28277) Arbys, 9923 Sandy Rock Place – 95 Arooji’s Wine Room, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 95.5 Bahn Thai, 12206 Copper Way – 98 Burger 21, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way – 98 Burton’s Grill And Bar, 9816 Rea Road – 98.5 Chick-fil-A, 11530 Waverly Center Drive – 98 Chili’s Grill & Bar/Gk/It’s Just Wings, 9730 Rea Road – 95.5 Civetta, 7828 Rea Road – 97 Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 16131 Lancaster Hwy. – 94 Harris Teeter (meat market), 3333 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 Libretto’s Pizzeria, 15205 John J Delaney Drive – 95.5 Little Big Burger, 9904 Sandy Rock Place – 98 Marcos Pizza, 11218 Providence Road W. – 98 Miro Spanish Grille, 12239 N Community House Road – 94 Penn Station East Coast Subs, 39805 Sandy Rock Place – 93 Red Robin/Wing Department/Chicken Sammy’s/Fresh Set, 3415 Toringdon Way – 98.5 Sanctuary Bistro, 6414 Rea Road – 98 Thai 1st, 9824 Rea Road – 97.5 Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, 3429 Toringdon Way – 98.5 Wendy’s, 11640 Providence Road – 96 Woody’s Seafood Saloon, 11318 North Community House Road – 94 Zapata`s Mexican Restaurant, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 96 Indian Trail Chokh Di Noodle House, 14015 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5 Circle K, 13719 E. Independence Blvd. – 99 Circle K, 1071 Chestnut Lane – 97 Grapes Wine Bar, 6461 Old Monroe Road – 99 Juke Box Deli and Pub, 5801 W. U.S. 74 – 99 Mia Famiglia, 7870 Idlewild Road – 97.5 Migg’s Place, 5719 U.S. 74 – 96 Moe’s Southwest Grill, 6443 Old Monroe Road – 97 Panera Bread, 13880 E. Independence Blvd. – 100 Sabor Latin Street Grill, 14039 E. Independence Blvd. – 95 Special Touch Catering and Deli, 1310 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road – 99 Subway, 7802 Idlewild Road – 97 Tap And Vine, 6443 Old Monroe Road – 94 Taqueria La Unica, 4305 Old Monroe Road – 91.5 Viva Chicken, 6461 Old Monroe Road – 100 Matthews Domino`s Pizza, 3335 Siskey Pkwy. – 99 Firehouse Subs, 1808 Windsor Square Drive – 95.5 Mooyah Burgers Fries And Shakes, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 98 Quiktrip, 10621 Monroe Road – 98.5 Sub Station II, 11500 E. Independence Blvd. – 95 Subway, 2800 Campus Ridge Road – 98 Mint Hill Daphne’s Bakery, 7609 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99.5 Happy’s Grill, 9229 Lawyers Road – 96 Pizza Hut, 9229 Lawyers Road – 93 Monroe Claws, 812 N. Charlotte Hwy. – 95 Community Mart, 1002 South Rocky River Road – 94.5 Culver’s Butterburgers and Frozen Custard, 5122 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 93.5 El Vallarta, 1890 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 Franklin Court Grille, 232 E. Franklin St. – 97.5 Grateful Breads, 107 E. Jefferson St – 94.5 Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 2505 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97 Hong Kong, 813 E. Roosevelt Blvd. – 99 La Herradura Mexican Restaurant, 1701 Morgan Mill Road – 97 Olive Garden, 2983 Monroe Way – 99 Pizza Hut, 2111 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97 Quiktrip , 603 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 Ron’s Grill, 3621 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 95 Silvino’s Pork Rinds and More, 2805 Chamber Drive – 94.5 Sonic, 1243 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 Taino, 3816 Sardis Church Road – 98.5 Taqueria De Leon, 400 Durant St. – 99 Taqueria Monarcas, 402 Patton Ave. – 98.5 Taqueria Veracruz Mexico, 1228 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 100 The Smoke Pit, 1507 W. Roosevelt Blvd – 95.5 Tortilleria Los Paisanos, 1404 Skyway Drive – 96.5 Wow Supermarket, 1230 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 Zoom Express, 1114 Skyway Drive – 99 Pineville Pineville Ice House, 400 Towne Centre Blvd. – 99.5 Pizza Hut, 10860 Park Road – 99 Stallings Lucy’s Bakery, 4522 Potter Road – 97.5 Ngamart Dba Samsmart, 2700 Old Monroe Road – 100 Rock Store Bar-B-Que, 3116 Old Monroe Road – 100 Waxhaw Blue Lagoon Cafe, 203 N. Broome St. – 98.5 Capricci’s True Italian, 109 W. South Main St. – 96.5 China II, 1309 N. Broome St. – 96.5 Hacienda El Rey Mexican Restaurant, 3901 Providence Road S. – 98.5 Queens South Bar & Grill, 1201 N. Broome St. – 97 Weddington Panda Chinese Restaurant, 13661 Providence Road – 95.5 Papa’s Pizza To Go, 13649 Providence Road – 99 Subway, 2935 Weddington-Matthews Road – 98.5 Wesley Chapel Brooklyn Pizza Parlor, 6400 Weddington-Monroe Road – 96.5 Market Express, 6320 Weddington Road – 100 Saveeda’s American Bistro, 5922 Weddington-Monroe Road – 96.5
The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021 • Page 5B
Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 1st Saturday-1st Saturday1st Saturday! Sidewalk Sale! 1st Saturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop! 10am-5pm9229 Lawyers HELP WANTED PART TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings. Must be able to pass DMV background check. For more information, please contact: adsales@cmgweekly.com Director, Analytics and Informatics in Charlotte, NC: Provide guidance, direction & oversight for the mgmt & the performance of healthcare/clinical business analyst involved in creating & implementing both reports & analysis. Reqs.: Master’s deg. & 2 yrs. exp. Mail CVs to: Novant Health Inc., 108 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207, Attn: HR. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans. Team Lead, Development. AGDATA, LP, Charlotte, NC. May telecommute from w/ in Charlotte area. Maintain existing SQL processes. Apply implemented busi logic for processes & SSIS automation. Dev, test, QC & maintain code for client fulfill & internal apps. Supervise 7 subords. Reqs Bach Comp Sci / rel / equiv. Reqs 5yrs: prog resp SW dvlpmt exp incl 5 yrs: SQL; T-SQL; SQL Srvr Integration Svcs; SQL Debug; SQL Server Report Svcs / othr rprtng tools; Relation DB theory; 3yrs: data migration; Rprtng Srvcs; & Data cleanse mthds. Hires submit to BG chck. Send resume to: HR, 6801 Morrison Blvd, Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28211. Ref: #107394. Cloud Admin sought w/ Associate’s or Foreign Equi. in CIS or Business Admin & 24 months of work exp as S/ware Professional for N/work Admin & Application (Production) Support exp on various OS platforms incl Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, IBM AIX & Sun Solaris & Cognitive about dsgng, deploying & operating highly available, scalable & fault tolerant systems using Amazon Web Services (AWS). Managing File server EMC Isilon supporting both the protocols NFS & CIFS. Managing SSSD based AD integrated service account across all the Linux hosts. Planning, documenting, & supporting high availability, data replication, business persistence, failover, & failback using VERITAS Cluster Server for Unix (Linux/AIX) environment. Dsgn, dvlp & modify s/ware systems, using scientific analysis & mathematical models to predict & measure outcome & consequences of dsgn. TRAVEL MAY BE REQD TO UNANTICIPATED WORK SITE LOCATIONS. Aspiring candidates should mail their resumes to HR Manager, Enterprise IT Solutions LLC, 525 North Tryon St, Ste 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202. Job Loc: Charlotte, NC.
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Page 6B • The Regional Weekly • Dec. 24, 2021