Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly June 10, 2022

Page 1

INSIDE ▼ Matthews holding Juneteenth event PAGE 2B Friday, June 10, 2022 • Vol. 15 • No. 23

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

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fresh Start Bonefish Grill moving to new location, 5A

thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly

@mmhweekly

Gun violence concerns leaders by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County Commissioner Vilma Leake gets emails from older constituents saying they are afraid to go to church, the grocery store and other places in the community due to people with weapons. Leake said this is one of the most dangerous periods of time she has seen in her life. She said America is known around the world as the most violent country and it shouldn’t be. “Please value everybody’s life,” she said during the June 7 meeting. “Somebody loves somebody.

Especially to our children when we reach that low as citizens of America killing off our babies, our children who will not have an opportunity to contribute to this great country.” Leake’s remarks came two weeks after an 18-year-old man entered an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas with a gun and killed 22 students. At least 35 mass shootings have been reported since the Uvalde tragedy, according to the Gun Violence Archive. County commissioners passed a proclamation June 7 designating June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation encourages people to wear orange throughout the month to call attention to gun violence. It also

mentions commissioners are committed to reducing gun violence. “As we have witnessed horrific issues across the country and even locally with respect to gun violence, we know the issue should not be politically or ideologically driven although it too often is,” Commissioner Mark Jerrell said. “Tonight’s proclamation represents our resolve to education, to advocacy around addressing gun safety and reducing violence.” Sylvia Smith recalled how Commissioner Pat Cotham stood with her family as they mourned and celebrated the life of her 23-year-old son, Sam Stitt, to gun violence on Aug. 9, 2019. “I am so proud of Mecklenburg

experience

The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a community-based nonprofit theater committed to enriching the lives of children, adults and families by inviting them to participate in the performing arts and education. Photos courtesy of Matthews Playhouse

Matthews Playhouse launches summer camp for children with special needs

It's important that children and teens with special needs have more representation and opportunities to shine in the performing arts.

former on the Matthews Playhouse stage. She has portrayed Starfish, the lovable character in “Rainbow Fish The Musical” and The Blue Fairy in the 2020 production of “Pinocchio.” Multiple studies have linked theater education to stronger communication skills, the ability to follow directions, teamwork, organization and meaningful social interactions. “It’s important that children and teens with special needs have more representation

see GUNS, Page 5A

'Sister Act' coming to local stage

An inclusive theater

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts has added a new summer camp session developed specifically for children ages 10 to 14 on the autism spectrum or with a cognitive or developmental disability. Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight, or KiDS Camp for short, spans June 13 to 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will focus on performance activities designed to build confidence, positive social interactions and communication skills in a safe, supportive environment. KiDS Camp will be led by Amanda Mooney, a special education teacher at St. Ann Catholic School with more than 20 years of experience teaching children with special needs. Mooney is a familiar face in the Charlotte theater community and a regular per-

County in terms of addressing it with a proclamation,” Sylvia Smith said. “I want to be further proud of Mecklenburg County as you also put action behind the idea of addressing gun violence, with not just with education and awareness but with opportunities for those grassroots organizations that are in the community, that are touching the lives that are in District 2, District 5 and all over Mecklenburg County that need your support.” Sylvia’s husband, Michael Smith, has worked more than 23 years in mental health, substance abuse and jail diversion. “The proclamation and wearing

• Amanda Mooney Camp instructor and opportunities to shine in the performing arts,” Mooney said. “‘KiDS camp is a wonderful opportunity to explore the theater arts while strengthening social skills. We will incorporate theater games, props, music and movement to help campers make friends, build confidence, express emotions and use their imagination.” Visit https://www.matthewsplayhouse. com/kidscamp to learn more.

MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts continues its revival of live theater postCOVID with a production of the feel-good musical comedy smash “Sister Act.” “These last few years have been an especially trying time for live theater,” Executive Director Sarah Baumgardner said. “Bringing ‘Sister Act’ to Matthews and to the greater Charlotte community, and watching it performed live on stage as it was intended, is going to be a breath of fresh air.” Tickets for the show, which is based on the 1992 film, are available for all performances during its July 15 to 24 run at app.arts-people.com. “Sister Act” will be directed by Paula Baldwin and choreographed by Ron Chisholm. Ellen Robison serves as music director. Iris DeWitt leads the cast as disco diva Deloris Van Cartier. After witnessing a murder, Deloris is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior, played by Carol Weiner. “Sister Act” features original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (“Newsies,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Little Shop of Horrors”). The cast of Sister Act, at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, is as follows: Iris DeWitt, Carol Weiner, Corina Childs, Meredith Waller, Keenan McGrath, Corlis Hayes, Becky Kirby, Betsy Vance, Melissa Lozada, Mike Carroll, Kristopher Loretz, Griffin Digsby, Ra’Saun Elliott, Jamaas Britton and Neifert Enrique (Pablo). Ensembles include Jaylyn Powell, Lizzie Ruiz, Hannah Snyder, Ali Tyler and Isabela Villanueva as well as Alex Board, Le’Reese Hubbard and Daniel Keith. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $19 for students, seniors and children. There will be a Pay-What-YouCan Night on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from that performance will benefit Healing Vine Harbor, a nonprofit serving homeless or displaced young women.

MONDAY, SEPT. 12, 2022 Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation

SAVE THE DATE


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly June 10, 2022 by Charlotte Media Group - Issuu