South Charlotte Weekly

September 25, 2015

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Vol. 15 No. 39

2015-16 Performing Arts Preview What’s inside: Matthews Playhouse, Providence Day, Charlotte Chorale and 2015-16 performance schedule. | Pages 9 to 18

Family launches fund in son’s memory Page 3

Development spurs traffic concerns Page 4

Road improvements in Ballantyne Page 6

Storage facility project delayed Page 22

Photo by Alisha Raquel Pictures

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 19 | Faith 21 | Calendar 23 | Sports 24 | Classifieds 27

Page 2 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 3

Mitchell’s Fund to hold 2015 Prescription of Hope luncheon

by Hannah Chronis hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Meg McElwain’s life changed forever in April 2014 when her 2-year-old son, Mitchell, died after battling a rare form of leukemia and the effects of chemotherapy for 19 months.

Through immense hardship and the struggle to define the new normal, McElwain, her husband Frank Turner, and their now 6-year-old son Frank Turner IV, are using Mitchell’s memory to drive the mission of “Mitchell’s Fund” – a fund established to help families financially and emotionally in their journey through a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

The fund supports families receiving care at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and its St. Jude affiliate clinic, and helps families pay for a variety of social needs, such as mortgages, utilities, car payments, insurance and funeral expenses.

McElwain’s story is one no parent should have to live through, and yet so many do.

Each year, approximately 16,000 parents will hear the words, “Your child has cancer.”

Mitchell’s battle began on the day of his baptism at Myers Park United Methodist Church, when his nanny noticed strange markings on his legs. McElwain and Turner had family in town celebrating joyous the occasion.

“The nanny noticed the marks and I was determined not to be the ‘Nervous Nancy’

I was with my first child,” McElwain said.

“When I called the nurse the next day and explained what was going on, they said, ‘Bring him in immediately.’”

Mitchell’s pediatrician ran a blood test, which showed that the 3-month-old was anemic and had an extremely high white blood cell count.

“I’m standing there holding my baby,” McElwain said. “The doctor was telling me all this and I said, ‘Stop it. Tell me what’s going on.’ He said, ‘Meg, best-case scenario, there’s an infection in his blood.

Worst case is that it’s cancer.’ From that moment on, I was in a vacuum.”

McElwain and Mitchell were immediately sent to the hospital, where he quickly received a blood transfusion – the first of 75 that he would receive over the next 19 months. During his battle, Mitchell spent 184 days in the hospital and underwent 417 chemotherapy treatments. He eventually achieved remission but later relapsed, was placed on life support and died just a few weeks after his 2nd birthday.

“When you go through a cancer diagnosis, you understand why the word ‘hope’ is so closely associated with the disease. You have to have hope,” McElwain said. “To watch your baby go through something like that and tell him, ‘It’s OK’ when it’s not – it’s awful.”

Through the grief of losing Mitchell, the family is using his namesake foundation to help others and learn how to live without their son.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Mitchell’s Fund will host its 2015 “Prescription of

Hope” Fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Charlotte Convention Center. Dr. Andy Mueller, senior vice president of Novant Greater Charlotte, will speak about the hospital’s partnership with St. Jude Research Hospital. Guests also will hear from McElwain and a parent who has received financial support from Mitchell’s Fund.

There is no cost to attend, but guests will be asked to consider making a tax-deductible financial contribution at the end of the program.

McElwain said Mitchell’s memory helps spur the organization’s mission and, even though there are days when she doesn't want to get out of bed and longs for the feeling of Mitchell in her arms, it’s his short life and the thought of other families dealing with pediatric cancer that keep her moving forward.

“God doesn't like cancer,” she said.

“Cancer is an example of evil in this life, especially cancer in children. If you look at Mitchell’s life – we first saw signs when he was baptized and he was diagnosed the next day. The opening hymn at his baptism was ‘Joyful, joyful we adore Thee.’ At the hospital on day two, the staff brought Mitchie a mobile that started playing, ‘Joyful, joyful we adore Thee.’

“God didn't abandon us... Over time my prayers became, ‘Either work a miracle, or Thy will be done.’”

Visit www.mitchellsfund.org for more information, or call Nancy Ratcliffe at 704-384-7337 for more information about the luncheon.

(From left) Frank Turner III, Meg McElwain, Mitchell Turner and Frank Turner IV at Mitchell’s baptism

Mitchell Turner, the namesake of “Mitchell’s Fund” Photos courtesy of Meg McElwain

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Page 4 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Project to attract ‘foodies,’ traffic Crescent Communities looks to develop 72 acres at busy Providence and Ardrey Kell roads with restaurants, homes

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

CHARLOTTE – A destination designed to attract “foodies” could give commuters heartburn.

Crescent Communities hopes to build a development on 72 acres off Providence Road that includes 30,000 square feet of commercial space, 425 multi-family units, 175 single-family detached homes and a 180-room hotel.

“At Crescent Providence Farm, we will create a community where Charlotteans share our passion for food will find every part of their passion inspired,” said Michael Tubridy, senior development manager for Crescent Communities.

This marks the third mixed-used development coming to the congested area of Providence and Ardrey Kell roads.

Crescent Providence Farm is expected to generate 8,000 trips per day. Waverly, just south of the site, will attract another 19,000.

Rea Farms, across the road, will yield another 32,000.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes wonders if the development would be too much for an area that’s already congested and projected to have upward of 8,000 people living and working there.

“At 58,000 trips per day, it starts becoming kind of ridiculous at some point,” Barnes said.

Charlotte City Council held a public hearing Sept. 22 that didn’t attract any criticism about the project – a promising sign for the developer – but city staff did not recommend approving the proposal next month, citing environmental, pedestrian and transportation concerns.

A proposed place for foodies

Crescent gathered stakeholders for a twoday canvas session to identify a vision for the project. Tubridy said they realized food allows people to connect.

“We believe in the power of food as a source of happiness and inspiration,” Tubridy said. “It is a tie that binds people together.”

Some of the initial ideas in the development include kitchens becoming focal points in the residential units, demonstration kitchens, monthly family dinners with executive chefs at Waverly restaurants, and events held in conjunction with a nearby Whole Foods.

Tubridy envisions food-type programming spreading to surrounding areas, turning south Charlotte into a “hot foodie scene.”

Crescent has been coordinating its streetscape design, sidewalks, signage, landscaping and lighting with the Waverly to create connections and promote walkability among the developments. The architecture will consist of worn, natural materials, like wood and stone, in a contemporary design.

“We believe this style well resonates with the taste residents expect to be drawn to the live-work-play lifestyle.”

City staff has beef with plans

The boundaries for Crescent Providence Farm resembles a knee-high boot outstretched to kick the I-485 and Providence Road interchange.

City staff broke the project into four segments, in which the development’s intensity lessens from the commercial space and hotel to the north connecting with Waverly to the single-family homes toward Six Mile Creek.

Ed McKinney, the city’s assistant planning director, credited Crescent Providence Farm for helping the area transition into an activity center. However, McKinney said the project proved inconsistent with the city’s I-485 area plan because it had higher density.

Staff also would have liked to have seen more commitment in protecting Six Mile Creek from some of the housing, more pedestrian-friendly features and other transportation connectivity issues addressed.

Jeff Brown, of Moore and Van Allen, said he thinks the petition is complex only because it’s providing opportunities to build on the connectivity and surrounding land uses with neighboring projects, like Waverly.

Brown said Crescent Providence Farm is working to resolve issues identified by city staff.

Some of the improvements they’ve made as late as the past week include dedicating four acres of buffer for a future greenway, completing a tree survey to identify areas to preserve and committing to reducing density.

Traffic could burst the seams

Each project will come with its own set of road improvements.

Providence Road will be six lanes through the area, as well as see more intersection improvements and traffic signals, according to Mike Davis, division manager of the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

Davis said the key to all this is building a local street network that allows for vehicles to circulate within the activity center without being so reliant on Providence Road.

Another benefit to these projects is the continued buildout of Ardrey Kell Road to Tilley Morris Road as an east-west alternative to the I-485 and Providence Road interchange, Davis said.

Councilman Ed Driggs directed staff to find out how the construction associated with widening I-485, set to tentatively start in 2017, will co-exist with ongoing development near Providence and Ardrey Kell roads.

“I think people are looking forward to the amenities that this offers,” Driggs said.

“There’s a lot of anxiety in the area about traffic, and that’s something we’ll need to continue to talk about.”

What are your thoughts? Send letters to the editor to hannah@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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The Weekly

Business Briefs Attorney with Charlotte-based office receives national award The College of Community Association Lawyers’ (CCAL) board of directors recently selected attorney Jim Slaughter as a recipient of the 2015 Community Associations Institute (CAI) Law Seminar Best Manuscript Award.

The CAI Law Jim Slaughter Seminar, now in its 36th year, was held in San Francisco and drew attorneys, community managers, insurance professionals and homeowners from across the U.S. The seminar is the nation’s premiere continuing legal education conference exploring trends and practices in community association law, according to a news release.

Slaughter is a partner with the Rossabi Black Slaughter, PA law firm, which has offices in Greensboro and Charlotte. He was honored for his session entitled, “Running a Darn Good Meeting: What You Need to Know About Parlaimentary Procedure.” The public can view the manuscript at http://bit.ly/1UUFDxN. Slaughter is the immediate past president of the national CCAL and is currently presi-

South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 5 dent-elect of the N.C. chapter of CAI, which is one of the nation’s largest chapters.

Rossabi Black Slaughter’s Charlotte office is located at 1927 S. Tryon St. Find more information at www.lawfirmrbs.com.

Rush Espresso scheduled to open new Ballantyne location Rush Espresso expects to open Friday, Sept. 25, after awaiting the green light from Mecklenburg County to open its new location in Ballantyne.

The café closed Sept. 13 to move across Ballantyne Village shopping center to its new site, at 14815 Ballantyne Village Way, suite 140, next to Abraham Joseph, according to a news release.

Rush Espresso expected to open Friday, Sept. 18, but delays from Mecklenburg County inspectors prohibited customers from visiting the café’s new location.

“County no-showed for permitting, so no Rush Espresso this weekend, guys,” the business said on its Facebook page last weekend.

However, Rush Espresso confirmed on Sept.

23 plans to open on Friday.

“We had a small lighting and plumbing issue to resolve ... (which is) all sorted now,” the business said on its Facebook page. “This means we’ll be rocking and rolling Friday morning in time for a killer weekend.

Visit www.rushespressocafe.com or find the café on Facebook for updates and more information.

Send your business news to josh@carolinaweeklynews papers.com

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Page 6 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Editorial Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Business Editor Josh Whitener Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Rev. Tony Marciano

Advertising Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson Andrea Mounts

Business Publisher Jonathan McElvy Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

News Briefs Free GMAT course at Wingate Wingate University Ballantyne will hold a free GMAT prep course on Oct. 20, a Tuesday.

The reservation deadline is Oct. 16 and seating is limited. There also will be an information session for its MBA programs for the upcoming spring 2016 semester on Oct. 13, a Tuesday.

Email p.tobin@wingate.edu to RSVP to the programs.

CRTPO looks to upgrade roads The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) will consider improving Ballantyne Commons Parkway among its priority highway projects.

Planners want to widen Ballantyne Commons Parkway from two to four lanes from Annalexa Lane to Williams Pond Lane. The 1.7-mile stretch sees 18,000 vehicles a day.

The CRTPO was scheduled to approve 22 highway projects in Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties to submit to the N.C. Department of Transportation for potential inclusion into the 2018-2027 Transportation Improvement Plan on Sept. 16. The NCDOT scores projects on factors such as congestion, safety and costs.

Two bicycle and pedestrian projects in the south Charlotte area also were up for vote.

They involve building missing sidewalk along the west side of Providence Road from Greentree Drive to Knob Oak Lane and the north side of Pineville Matthews Road from McPherson Drive to Rea Road.

County donates to Habitat Mecklenburg County is acquiring land and demolishing structures located in flood-prone areas of Charlotte, and donating building materials to Habitat for Humanity to fund low-income housing.

The county sought to acquire and demolish structures on 13 parcels in flood-prone areas in the south Charlotte area.

The land could become part of the county’s parks or greenway system.

Police pursuing lead on robbery The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Sept. 19 at Newk’s Eatery in the Blakeney Crossing shopping center.

Two suspects forced a 27-year-old employee back into the restaurant at gunpoint after midnight and stole an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as a wallet, according to the police report. The employee wasn’t hurt, but was forced to the ground during the robbery.

“Our robbery detectives are pursuing some really solid leads on that,” said Capt. Todd Lontz, commander of the South Division of the CMPD. The suspects potentially face charges of kidnapping, felony breaking and entering and armed robbery.

Lontz described Blakeney as a safe place, noting there were 14 crimes reported within a half-mile radius of the intersection of Ardrey Kell and Rea roads in the last month. Half of those were shoplifting charges.

The Target and Victoria’s Secret stores tend to be the biggest targets of shoplifters in that area, he said.

Shoplifters tend to target big-box stores, but the Target at Blakeney and the one a little further up the road tend to generate fewer thefts that ones in other parts of the city, Lontz said.

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, It is Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina and the NFL Carolina Panthers are playing with an outstanding dual-threat quarterback, Cam Newton. He is running and passing. Touchdown Cam Newton, fourth quarter. “Newton is one of the more athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, and if you don’t believe us, observe this two-yard touchdown run he had Sunday against the Houston Texans." –

By Darren Hartwell on Sunday, Sep. 20 at 3:56 p.m. The real story for Newton is his usage in the running game. In reviewing page 17 of South Charlotte Weekly dated Sept. 18, 2015, I would like to note that Ardrey Kell’s very own Bryce Maginley in week four has reached 437 yards, with 36 carries, in addition to his passing statics. How could this south Charlotte high school quarterback patterning after an NFL hometown player not be mentioned in an article about South Charlotte quarterbacks?

Nickole Branch Dear Editor, When I read the first two letters in this week's South Charlotte Weekly, I hung my head in shame knowing that I am part of a community who views low-income housing people as some kind of “other.”

I should not have been surprised that these letters had been written because in the previous week's SCW, your inflammatory front page declaration basically set the (see Letters to the Editor on page 22)

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 7

Opinion

You’re never too small to make a difference

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

K

ids have a way of teaching the most valuable lessons without even knowing they’re doing it.

I learned such a lesson recently from my 5-year-old son, Caleb.

Since he was about 18 months old, Caleb has gone through phases where he’s developed a fixation on random things. First, it was lights and lamps. Then, it was ceiling fans, followed by an imaginary Donkey Kong game he’d run around the house acting out.

Lately, it’s been road signs – “no outlet” and “dead end” are his favorites.

Caleb picked up quickly on what those two signs mean. Before long, he picked up on something else: all of the streets and neighborhoods around us had “no outlet” signs, except ours.

“Why can’t we have a ‘no outlet sign?’” he would ask me. “All of the other streets are just like ours and they have one.”

As a parent, I came up with every excuse in the book. “It costs money to install those signs;” “that decision has to go through the government;” and “it’s not up to us” became some of my go-to excuses when he persisted in asking about having a sign installed on our street.

Soon, I realized something – my 5-year-old was poking holes in my arguments, and they weren’t holding water. My wife and I finally told him, “If you really think we should have

a sign, then you can write the city government and ask them to put one in.”

Caleb jumped at the idea. With a little help, he handwrote a letter to the “government people” – the Monroe City Council – explaining in simple terms why we needed a “no outlet” sign on our street. I emailed a snapshot of the letter to the city council, having no idea what to expect.

Within four hours, we received our first response from a councilmember. Shortly afterward, we received another and, then, another – all confirming that a “no outlet” sign, indeed, was needed on our street, and that it should be easy to install.

One week later, WBTV “Good News” reporter Kristen Hampton and Monroe Mayor Pro Tem Dottie Nash were at our house filming a special for that day’s 5:30 p.m. news.

Two weeks later, the sign was installed.

There’s an oft-quoted Bible verse that begins with “out of the mouth of babes” – some translations say “children” – which I have always interpreted as meaning children, in their fervent faith, are sometimes wiser than adults. That certainly rang true for me a few weeks ago.

Caleb’s story re-affirmed my belief that one person, no matter how small, can make a difference. I’m somewhat ashamed to admit it, but I’ve adopted a somewhat cynical view of the workings of government over the years. I do my best to research candidates in depth and show up at the polls for each election. But, I often find myself asking these questions: “Does one vote really count?” and

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Social Media Posts

South Charlotte residents have a lot to say on social media about both the community and current events. Keep checking in and tagging South Charlotte Weekly on Facebook and Twitter to have your posts featured in the paper!

Edwin B. Peacock III @EdwinPeacockIII Sept. 14 We need a Mayor who will stop silly spending and instead invest in our shared interests.

Tricia Cotham @triciacotham Sept. 16 Trump is acting like he is smarter than Ben Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon. #clowncar Rep. Robert PIttenger @reppittenger Sept. 18 I just voted to #DefundPlannedParenthood, which I co-sponsored. The legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 241-187.

“Can one person really make a difference?”

As we head into the season of municipal elections – which affect us much more than most of us know – let’s remember that lesson.

Our opinions do matter. Our votes do count.

And one person truly can make a difference, no matter how small.

It’s true, I am a super-proud parent. But I think we all can learn a lesson from a 5-yearold’s simple request for a “no outlet” sign.

Josh W @AGuyNamedJ0sh Sept. 21 #AskTrump Why don’t you just shut up and disappear?

Babyface @AubreeRileyy Sept. 19 I need to go to South Park and Carolina Place today, but I’m really not trying to the be one to drive there. I really might call Uber. @southcltweekly

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Page 8 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores

Road – 95 • Skyland Family Restaurant, 4445 South Blvd. – 95.5 28210 • Domino’s Pizza, 8510 Park Road – 93

The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Sept.

14 to 17: Lowest scores: • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2921 Providence Road – 91 Violations included: Employee drink in area where chips were prepared; employee squeezed lime and added salt on chips without washing hands; plastic bag and lettuce left in sink; sink didn’t produce hot enough water; sanitizer not at appropriate concentration; brown rice not hot enough at steamer table; and wet pans were stacked together.

• 7-Eleven, 4401 Park Road – 91.5 Violations included: Certified food protection manager not on duty; employee drank drink and put on gloves without washing hands; sink needed soap; and spicy chicken wings and pizza slices not held at hot enough temperatures.

All scores: 28209 • Bojangles’, 231 E. Woodlawn Road - 95.5 • Jason’s Deli, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road 96.5 • Libretto’s Pizzeria, 1600 E. Woodlawn

28211 • Crunch Bistro, 4400 Sharon Road – 98.5 • Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, 6555 Morrison Blvd. – 95 • Leroy Fox, 705 S. Sharon Amity Road – 94.5 • Mezzanotte, 2907 Providence Road – 93 • Poppy’s Bagels and More, 2921 Providence Road – 93 • Rocky Top BBQ Company Catering, 3500 Latrobe Drive - 95.5 • Villa Pizza, 4400 Sharon Road – 94 • Yama Asian Fusion, 720 Governor Morrison St. - 93 28226 • Blanchard’s Deli, 5721 Carmel Road – 97 • Boneheads, 7926 Rea Road - 97 • Cantina 1511, 7708 Rea Road - 97.5 • Firebirds, 7716 Rea Road - 96 • La Catrina Mexican Grill, 8129 Ardrey Kell Road - 96 28277 • Arooji’s Wine room, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 96 • BT’s Burger Joint, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 95

The Weekly

Recipe Scrum-didli-umptious Black Bean Dip This week’s recipe is submitted by our very own Josh Whitener: My wife and I have two small children, so time is a commodity we don’t have a lot of. Thankfully, there are dishes like the “Scrum-didliumptious Black Bean Dip” – no, I did not come up with that name – that make our lives easier when we’re preparing food for ourselves and for guests.

The reason? It Josh Whitener only takes a few minutes, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser, as well. So, next time you’re looking for a side or main dish, but don’t have a lot of time to cook, try this out. I’ll guarantee it – you’ll be hooked.

Do you have a tried-and-true recipe your family loves?

Share it with us!

Email hannah@carolinaweekly newspapers.com with the subject line, “Recipe.”

Ingredients • One can of black beans, drained and rinsed • One 8-ounce block of cream cheese • One 16-ounce can of salsa (mild, medium or hot, depending on your preference) • One 8-ounce bag of shredded mozzarella cheese • One bag of “scooped” tortilla chips Directions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soften cream cheese and spread in the bottom of a glass baking dish.

• Spread black beans on top of cream cheese. Spread salsa over black beans.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over salsa.

• Bake in oven for 8 minutes, then let cool for 5 minutes.

• Enjoy with a bag of tortilla chips – the “scoop” kind work best.

Note: For an even more satisfying meal, add chicken to the dish. Cook two chicken breasts in the oven for 40 minutes on 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the chicken in a bowl mixer on high, then add to dish on top of the black beans layer.

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 9

2015 Performing Arts Preview

What’s Inside Bruce Long joins Carmel Christian New Fine Arts Director Bruce Long has big plans for the well-established arts program

11

Arts Notes Area arts and crafts shows, anniversary celebrations, special promotions and more

14

James and the Giant Peach Matthews Playhouse will put a local spin on the iconic production Oct. 9 to 18

14

Providence Day expands performing arts School looks to grow arts department with campus improvements.

13

Community Spotlight Get to know Church at Charlotte worship leader Julie Starcher

15

2015-16 School Performance Schedule Get our exclusive list of school plays and performances for the upcoming season 2015-16 Performing Arts Schedule Find when your favorite musicals and plays are coming to the greater Charlotte area

Photo by Abbe McCracken Photography

16-17 18

Page 10 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 11

Arts Preview

Carmel Christian School arts prepares for future expansion concerts, and the school’s musicals for fifthgrade, middle school and high school.

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Carmel Christian School, a private college-preparatory school in Matthews, holds a reputation for extravagant musicals and art performances.

Former Head of School Van Wade played a large role in making the shows come to life with special effects and lavish costumes. After his departure last spring, some might be left wondering what’s to come for Carmel Christian visual arts; however, a new face hopes to lead art students toward an art-filled future.

New face, new art programs

Bruce Long was hired at the beginning of the school year as Carmel’s new director of fine arts, and he plans to set the groundwork for future facilities and student pathways.

“Our focus is to evaluate where we currently are and begin to lay the foundation for the expanding curriculum,” Long said.

Carmel Christian seeks to prepare all students throughout their educational careers for their college and career paths.

Long said he’s also preparing for new facilities coming in the next couple of years to Carmel Christian, which he said will include some art-centered space, and potentially a new theater.

“Knowing that’s on the horizon, we’ve made a concerted effort to think of all the curriculum

A new career perspective

Photo courtesy of Carmel Christian

Carmel Christian School hopes to increase its arts offerings. The school has a strong reputation of its performing arts program, including graduate Ryan Alderman, who earned recognition in a Shakespeare competition.

needs and ways we can expand,” he said.

Long felt the current curriculum couldn’t expand as much as desired because of limited space, but believes the program can ride on its strong reputation to further develop the school’s offerings.

He hopes to expand the dance program through offering different disciplines, as well as continue to expand the music program, which currently includes a praise band, choirs, strings and more.

The Carmel Christian community can still expect its standard art favorites with the winter and spring art festivals, which include student artwork on display and music

Long, who has experience as a Broadway and West End theater producer, said he also hopes to bring a new perspective about arts careers.

He believes the traditional career pipeline, which includes high school, college and higher education and then career, works for most students, but an untraditional path should not be ignored, especially for arts students.

“There is a craft to the arts that we’re teaching these students and that sometimes that may be a program to find strong industry experience,” Long said.

He believes the traditional path may not work for individual circumstances, when high school seniors might be offered apprenticeships, internships or performance opportunities before attending university.

“Let’s get (students) prepared for college, recognizing that if something were to come along, it wouldn’t be too bad to take a broader sense of what’s to come,” Long said.

Long, who considers theater an apprenticeship industry, believes his experience in the entertainment industry can help students find their smaller niches within the broad industry, as well as help students navigate “traitorous and fickle industry.” He’s seen how nontraditional opportunities can

Carmel Christian Art Events Middle School Musical “Annie, Jr.”; Nov. 6 to 7

Winter Art Festival Lower School: Nov. 17 Middle and High Schools: Nov. 19

Fifth-grade Musical “Lion King, Jr.”; Jan. 14

High School Musical “Music Man”; March 10, 11 and 12

Spring Art Festival Lower School: May 3 Middle and High Schools: May 5

help prepare students for careers.

“There is a cycle in which we need to value craftsmanship in general and in the art world,” Long said. “It’s not inconceivable to think that some great opportunity that something might come along. It’s a viable option toward a higher degree. There might be an alternative course to a traditional path.”

He hopes to prepare students to be college- and career-ready, but also encourage students to take helpful and sometimes nontraditional opportunities.

Page 12 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Arts Preview

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‘James and the Giant Peach’ hits the stage Oct. 9

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MATTHEWS – Theater lovers can prepare for a larger-than-life fantasy adventure, as “James and the Giant Peach” hits the stage at Fullwood Theater next month.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will present the musical as the nonprofit’s annual larger-scale fall stage production. The show will run Oct. 9 to 18, with performances on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets cost $12 general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens, and are available at www.matthewsplayhouse.com. All performances take place at Fullwood Theater, located at 100 McDowell St. E. Show director Sidney Horton previously directed the non-musical version of “James and the Giant Peach,” so he jumped at the opportunity to direct the musical adaptation.

“I think the musical is so much better; there’s really good music in this show,” he said.

“It’s kind of fun and upbeat; there’s a lot of high-energy numbers in it.”

The show tells the story of James, an orphaned boy who escapes into a fantasy where a magic potion brings insects to life. Horton said a major theme of the play is family, as James eventually grows closer with the magical insects than he is with his two horrible, bloodrelative aunts.

Want to go?

Oct 9-18 $12 general admission $10 for students/seniors 7:30 p.m. on Fridays 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays “It kind of tells the story of ‘family is where you find it,’” Horton said. “(James) had to make family where he found it – with a bunch of insects.”

The cast of 18 includes performers from 7 years old to senior citizen-age. Horton said the combination of a solid cast and “awesome” costume and set designers have made the show “absolutely fabulous.”

“We’ve really captured the dark and creepiness (of the story) that I wanted at the beginning, and transferred to (a) more bright (atmosphere) at the end,” Horton said. “It’s a hard show to design … it has hard, hard music, but everyone is really giving it their all, and I’m really proud of them.”

He added audience members can “expect to see something a little creepy, but a whole lot funny. It’s an hour-long, fun-filled, fastmoving show, and I think the audience is just going to love it.”

Award-winning musicians to bring ‘contemplative’ concert to south Charlotte stage on Oct. 24

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Guitarist and music producer Will Ackerman will bring his Grammy-winning talent to south Charlotte next month, as Sharon Presbyterian Church hosts an acoustic, instrumental concert featuring Ackerman and guest musicians Stanton Lanier and Vin Downes.

The show, part of “The Gathering” concert series, will take place Oct. 24, a Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. at the 5201 Sharon Road church. Tickets cost $25 each, or $100 for a VIP package, which includes a front row seat, four autographed CDs and a private, pre-concert reception with the artists.

Ackerman is the founder of Windham Hill Records and Imaginary Road Studios.

He’s toured the world, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kremlin and for the Emperor and Empress of Japan. His 2004 album, “Returning,” won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album.

Despite his success, Ackerman doesn’t read music – he’s virtually self-taught and relies on instinct and emotion rather than formal training when writing and performing his own music.

“I don’t write music in any formal sense.

I don’t read standard notation, nor tablature for guitar,” Ackerman said. “It’s about con-

necting myself to the emotions I’m feeling.”

Ackerman said his music lends itself to folk balladry, focusing on the “contemplative side of things.” He said fellow guitarist Downes and pianist Lanier’s styles will complement his own, as they perform together on the south Charlotte stage.

The biggest focus of the concert, Ackerman said, will be on the emotions of the songs performed.

“I think that, in the sort of music we do, emotion is more important than technical performance. I love to have both – wonderful, brilliant players who are also really connected emotionally to what they’re doing,” he said. “But I don’t really care how fast you can play the guitar, I don’t really care how docile you are on the piano, unless you have something significant or unique to say.”

Lanier has released nine albums, six of which Ackerman produced. His album, “December Peace,” beat out Enya and YoYo Ma for the Zone Music Reporter (ZMR) Award for Best Holiday Album in 2009.

Downes teaches classical guitar at a public high school in New Jersey. His 2014 album, “Unlike the Stars,” ranked No. 1 on the United Kingdom’s One World Music Top 50 Albums list for July 2014.

Purchase tickets at www.sharonpcusa.org/ special_events.

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 13

Arts Preview

Providence Day School’s arts to grow with increased facilities

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Providence Day School’s performing arts department has a reputation for elaborate sets and devoted students and Performing Arts Chair Olivia “Libby” Tilson believes the department will only grow with the school’s soon-to-be changing campus.

Providence Day offers straight play and musical opportunities, chorus, AP music theory, a cappella groups and bands, including jazz and strings.

“We are hoping to reach students wherever they are with their talents,” she said. “We want to be able to be attractive to all types of students.”

Tilson wants to encourage students, who might not be interested in music or theater, to develop an appreciation for the arts. She also hopes to prepare students to participate in regional groups and reach beyond the school campus for art opportunities.

“I feel performing arts definitely increases a child’s creativity, a child’s’ ability to collaborate with others, work together and produce a common goal,” she added.

Tilson feels the arts provide a break from the core curriculum, while still teaching tools students will need in life.

“It would be a terrible loss if an education did not include as many choices that

we have to enhance the rest of the curriculum,” she said.

Providence Day begins theater classes in fifth grade as part of the curriculum, but the department chair hopes to expand the offerings to more elementary grades.

The school began fifth-grade art offerings with music immersion classes. Prekindergarten to fourth-grade students already participated in general music instruction, but department leaders wanted to develop music appreciation. Fifth-grade students could choose an instrument to learn to play in three ensembles or to join chorus, providing an opportunity to explore different repertoire, Tilson said.

Leaders later decided a theater class also would be beneficial, so students could learn about the audition process.

Tilson said the fifth-graders today perform in a minor production and seem to benefit from the class. She hopes to grow lower school offerings in a long-range plan to ultimately present a lower school production.

“Fifth-graders can zero in on something they may have a real interest in,” Tilson added. “They’re great opportunities for these fifth-graders.”

Tilson credits the collaboration amongst the performing arts department for its success. Each instructor specializes in a specific field, but they all work together on projects. The collaborative process also carries over to students.

“The kids (of all arts classes) come to

class at the same time and they excited each other about the arts,” the department chair said.

Students also help in all aspects of school performances, such as in the technical theater department and the pit band for a musical.

“I feel like also the campus in general, the school, is supportive of the performing arts and the kids feel that,” Tilson said. “(Instructors) feel that we’re supported and I think the kids feel that as well.”

The department also seeks to look for ways to improve, particularly with a strategic plan within the department to cater to students’ changing interests and needs, as well as the changing society.

“We are ever-changing, but at the same holding firm for excellence. We’re finding things the kids can really benefit from,” Tilson said.

The performing arts department is already planning to develop the lower school theater program and to include more applied and private lessons in voice and instruments.

Tilson also hopes the increased space the school plans to create with a newly announced capital campaign, Charging Forward will help expand art offerings and course selections. The new plan will include a new Academic Center, which will feature 35 classrooms, a lecture theater, collaborative learning center, a café and a new school store.

Photos courtesy of Providence Day School

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 14 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Four arts festivals worth the drive

The Arts Preview

Arts Notes Matthews UMC annual Arts and Crafts Show slated for Nov. 21 MATTHEWS – Matthews United Methodist Church will hold its annual Arts and Crafts Show on Nov. 21, a Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. The event is free to attend, and money from sales will help support local missions. This year’s vendors include: Attic Artist, Off the Envelope Postage Stamp Art, Willow Creek Primitives, Old Julian Pottery, Stone Throw Pottery, Madaline Made, Christmas Treasures from the Sea and many more.

Matthews UMC is located at 801 S. Trade St.

Mint Museum celebrates fifth anniversary Oct. 2 through 4 CHARLOTTE – Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte will celebrate its fifth birthday on Oct. 2 to 4, Friday to Sunday. Free admission will be offered at both locations all weekend, as well as a 5-percent discount at the museum shop and membership specials.

A day of celebration will be held Oct. 4, which will include: 1 to 2 p.m. – Music on the Terrace 1 to 3 p.m. – Project Ten Ten Ten Talks 1 to 4 p.m. – Collaborative Community Artwork 2 to 4 p.m. Thicket Talks 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Live Music 1 to 5 p.m. – Museum Gallery Tours Visit www.mintmuseum.org for more information.

Looking for family fun with an arts twist? Here’s a round-up of four of the most popular fall arts festivals happening in the next couple months.

mission, $9 for students (with ID) and $8 for Charlotte Film Society members.

• Sept. 25 to Oct. 3.

• Carolina Cinemas, 9630 Monroe Road, Charlotte; and Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14, 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte.

• www.charlottefilmfestival.com.

Festival in the Park

ArtFest of Matthews

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Photo courtesy of Tina Whitley

Kids will have the chance to participate in “Hands On” art activities during Matthews 30th annual ArtFest.

‘Spooky Bowl’ class at Dish It Out BALLANTYNE – Dish It Out pottery studio will hold a “Make It With Us” class on Oct. 4, a Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. Attendees will learn how to make a “spooky bowl” and work with bubble paint and stickers. The class costs $40, which includes a large bowl, materials and instruction. Registration and payment is required, and the deadline to sign up is Sept. 27.

Dish It Out is located at 7828 Rea Road in south Charlotte.

Annual ArtFest is Sept. 26 & 27 MATTHEWS – The 30th annual ArtFest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. The fine arts and master craft juried art show will feature more than 50 artists from across the Southeast, and guests will be able to purchase art and meet artists.

ArtFest also will feature live entertainment both days of the festival, a children’s “Hands On” art area and a high school senior art scholarship competition. The show will take place on the Town Green on Matthews Station Street in downtown Matthews.

Having been a part of Charlotte culture since 1964, the annual arts event has gained a reputation as one of the nation’s best festivals. Organizers estimate more than 120,000 people enjoyed its live music, arts and crafts vendors and performance art at last year’s event. Regional touring acts, such as Tiffany Ashton, Carson Hill, The Spongetones and Sunday Union are scheduled to perform on the main stage. Attendees also will find clowns, magicians, jugglers and youth performers on other stages.

• Sept. 25, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.; Sept.

26, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd., Charlotte.

• www.festivalinthepark.org.

Charlotte Film Festival

A few dozen films are showcased over the course of several days. Some of the films getting screened include documentaries “Chuck Norris Vs. Communism,” “Buskin’ Blues” and “20 Years of Madness.” Narrative features include “All In Time,” “Manson Family Vacation” and “Remake Remix Rip-Off.” Tickets cost $10 for general ad-

The 30th annual festival expects to have more than 50 artists showcasing fine art and crafts. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to meet and chat with the artists about their work. The event will also have entertainment and hands-on activities for kids.

• Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept.

27, from noon to 5 p.m.

• Matthews Station Street, Matthews • www.matthewschamber.org.

Renaissance Festival

Hundreds of costumed characters walk through the 25-acre fictional Medieval town of Fairhaven, giving visitors a purely interactive experience. Between 12 stages of entertainment, jousting, open-air shops, amusement rides, medieval demonstrations, and gainst roasted turkey drumsticks, it’s hard to be bored here. Advance tickets cost $23 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 12 years old and free for ages 5 and younger. Parking is free.

• Oct. 3 to Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.

• www.carolina.renfestinfo.com

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 15

Arts Preview

The Weekly

Community Spotlight

Julie Starcher helps lead worship at Church at Charlotte’s Saturday night “Café Live” service in south Charlotte. Her first album, “Love Songs from the Soul,” has sold hundreds of Julie Starcher digital and physical copies to raise funds for local and international charities benefitting children. The album is currently available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

When did you first discover your love for music?

From the time I could talk. My parents were wonderful about singing to me and surrounding me with music … and when Jesus became my Savior and best friend at the age of 4 years old, I sang to Him and about Him around the house and in church and school settings.

What inspired you to make “Love Songs from the Soul?”

While on a short-term missions trip to an orphanage in the Philippines, I was given the great privilege of helping care for a baby boy named Cedric, who was critically ill, as well as several adorable and lively toddler

boys. While holding them, singing to them … I was struck by the fact that God could use my love for children and my passion for singing to create an album that would raise money to help meet their needs.

How does the album support local and international charities?

Album sales have allowed my husband and me to donate over $2,000 to vulnerable children … In fact, 80 percent of the profits from any sales are donated to Christian organizations who care for children physically, spiritually, emotionally and holistically, such as Compassion International.

Which artists inspired your own personal style of the album?

Mindy Smith, Hillsong United and worship/lullaby albums, like “Sing Over Me,” as well as songs that impacted me from childhood, like “Jesus Loves Me” and “It Is Well with My Soul.”

Since releasing the album, you've shifted your focus to something else – creating multimedia curriculum for preschoolers. What was the inspiration behind that?

The inspiration literally came after being honest with God and telling Him that I didn’t have any idea how to bring these concepts to life in a way that fit my gifts and personality … As of last week, the videos (which include my brother as “Captain Mark” with his animated airplane “Connie” and are made possible by our very talented friend Tim Briggs) are becoming a reality for my precious 4- and 5-year-old students.

Charlotte Chorale preps for annual concert

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Christmas might still be several months away, but members of the Charlotte Chorale are busy at work preparing for their biggest annual concert.

The nonprofit singing group, which prides itself on performing a “great diversity of music,” according to conductor Kevin Gray, is looking for several additional singers – including two bass vocalists, a tenor and a first soprano.

“Our size fluctuates between 24 and 29 (members), so we’re categorized as a chamber choir,” Gray said.

Those small numbers make balancing the choir especially important, which is why Gray is seeking the right number of singers to give the group a solid blend.

“Correct balance in a chamber choir is very important. In a chamber choir, you can easily hear individual voices unless you work very hard on uniformity,” Gray said. “The smaller the group, the harder you have to work to make sure those proportions are correct.”

Learning the music, rehearsing and perfecting the choir’s blend might be considered “work,” but Gray strives to ensure that every member of the Chorale is enjoying the experience. Part of that comes with the music he selects.

Gray appreciates and promotes diversity, among both the choir members and the genres of music the group performs. The Chorale sings everything from classical pieces to selections from Broadway musicals to pop numbers a la The Beatles and Billy Joel.

Photo courtesy of Kara Lopp

Chorale members are currently working on their upcoming Christmas concert, “A Storybook Christmas,” scheduled for Dec. 5, a Saturday, at 7 p.m. at McGlohon Theater.

The show will include classical selections, such as “Festival Gloria;” standards, such as “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song;” and even fun, upbeat, modern tunes, such as “Hot Chocolate” from “The Polar Express” and “Let it Go” from “Frozen.”

Charlotte Chorale also performs a large annual spring concert and travels throughout the year to sing at various community events, many of which are charity-focused.

The group supports the Buy-A-Biscuit program for U.S. service members annually and partners with a different charity during each year’s Christmas concert. This year’s show will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte.

“We’re very charity-oriented,” Gray said.

“I always say, ‘You can have fun and do good work at the same time.’”

Charlotte Chorale rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Email Gray at jkevingraycomposer@hotmail.com for more information on how to join.

Find more information about Charlotte Chorale at www.charlottechoraleinc.org.

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Page 16 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Arts Preview

Local schools’ performing arts schedules

Area schools feature some of the best performers in the area, including soulful singers, booming orchestras, twirling dancers and more. Check out what your area schools have in store for this year.

Independence High School Theater All performances will take place at 1967 Patriot Drive in Mint Hill. Contact Paula Baldwin at paula.baldwin@cms. k12.nc.us for more information.

Oct. 27 – 7 p.m.

Preview performance of “A Young Lady of Property,” the school’s North Carolina Theater Competition Festival Entry Nov. 13 and 15 – 7 p.m.

Encore performance of “A Young Lady of Property” and Honor III class play, “I Know I Saw Gypsies” Dec. 3 to 5 – 7 p.m.

Honors IV class production, “The Spoon River Project” Feb. 18 to 20 – 7 p.m.; Feb. 21 – 2 p.m.

“Bye, Bye Birdie” April 21 to 23 – 7 p.m.

“An Evening of One Acts” presented

by Intermediate Theater classes April 28 to 30 – 7 p.m.

Honors II Class play: To be announced May 12 to 14 – 7 p.m.

Honors IV class play, “You Can’t Take It With You” Butler High School Performing Arts All performances will take place at 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Matthews. Any performances marked TBA may be cancelled by Theater Director

Barbara Mager. Contact b.mager@cms. k12.nc.us for more information.

Oct. 13 – 7 p.m.

Talent Showcase Oct. 27 – 7 p.m.

North Carolina Theater Competition Play – To be announced (TBA) Nov. 3 and 17 and Dec. 11– 7 p.m.

Plays – TBA March 3 to 5 – 7 p.m.; March 6 – 2 p.m.

Musical – TBA March 17 to 18; April 14 to 14 – 7 p.m.

Plays – TBA April 28 and 29 – 7 p.m.

Show Choir and Jazz Band Concert May 19 to 20 and 24 to 25 – 7 p.m.

Plays - TBA Oct. 20, Dec. 10, March 15 and May 17 - 7 p.m.

Butler High School Band Concerts Dec. 15 and May 10 - 7 p.m.

Butler Chorus Concerts Providence High School Performing Arts All performances will take place at 1800 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte. Contact Joshua Potter at joshuak. potter@cms.k12.nc.us or Kristen Johnson at kristenm.johnson@cms.k12.nc.us.

Oct. 24 Providence Cup Marching Band Competition Dec. 3 Band Winter Concert featuring the Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Players

Dec. 15 Band Winter Concert featuring Wind Ensemble and Concert Band March 3 Band Concert featuring Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band May 5 Band Spring Concert featuring Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band and Chamber Players May 17 Band Spring Concert featuring Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band Providence Chorus Concerts Oct. 6 – 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 – 6:30 p.m.

May 19 – 6: 30 p.m.

Mint Hill Middle School Band Dec. 3, Feb, 2 and May 17 All performances will take place at 11501 Idlewild Road in Matthews. Contact Amber Liachoff at amberk.liachoff@ cms.k12.nc.us.

Charlotte Christian School Performing Arts All performances will take place in the Lamb/Johnson Gymnasium, located at 7301 Sardis Road in Charlotte, unless otherwise noted. All music performances are free and advanced theater tickets can be purchased at www.charlottechristian.com/boxoffice. Tickets also will be available at the door.

Oct. 15 – 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 – 2 and 7 p.m.

Fall Musical: “Sleeping Beauty” Oct. 26 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra Concert

Dec. 2 – 7 p.m.

Middle School/Upper School Orchestra Concert Dec. 7 – 7 p.m.

Lessons and Carols by Middle and Upper School Choir Event will take place at Providence Baptist Church, located at 4921 Randolph Road in Charlotte.

Dec. 9 – 7 p.m.

Middle/Upper School Band and Jazz Band Concert Feb. 25 and 26 – 7 p.m.; Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Disney’s The Lion King Experience April 14 and 15 – 7 p.m.; April 16 at 2 p.m.

Godspell 2012 April 20 – 7 p.m.

Middle School/ Upper School Orchestra Concert April 25 – 7 p.m.

Middle/Upper School Band and Jazz Band Concert April 27 – 7 p.m.

Middle/Upper School Choir Concert Alexander Graham Middle School Performing Arts All performances will be held at Myers Park High School’s Auditorium, located at 2400 Colony Road in Charlotte, unless otherwise noted, and are free.

Oct. 28 – 7 p.m.

Masquerade Concert, which combines performances of both the school’s orchestra and band.

Dec. 15 – 7 p.m.

Winter and Alumni Band Concert

Dec. 17 – 7 p.m.

Winter and Alumni Orchestra Concert March 2 – 7 p.m.

Pre-MPA Concert, a requirement for eighth-grade performers of the band and orchestra.

March 17, 18 and 19 – 7 p.m.

“Bye Bye Birdie,” which will take place at the school’s theater at 1800 Runnymede Lane in Charlotte.

May 10 – 7 p.m.

Year End Band Concert May 18 – 7 p.m. (Date subject to change) Year End Orchestra Concert, which will take place at Alexander Graham Middle School, located at 1800 Runnymede Lane in Charlotte.

Myers Park High School Performing Arts All performances will be held at 2400 Colony Road in Charlotte. Contact Amanda Roberts at amandam.roberts@ cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

Oct. 20 – 7 p.m.

Chorus Concert Oct. 26 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert Oct. 27 – 7 p.m.

Band Concert Nov. 19 to 21 – 7 p.m.

MPHS Theatre Presents “May the Farce Be With You” Dec. 3 – 7 p.m.

Dance Concert Dec. 10 – 7 p.m.

Chorus Concert (see School Performing Arts on page 17)

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 17

School Performing Arts (continued from page 16)

Dec. 14 – 7 p.m.

Band Concert Dec. 17 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

concert tickets from Amanda McFarland at amandak.mcfarland@cms.k12.nc.us.

March 7 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

Oct. 26 – 6 p.m.

Orchestra Concert in conjunction with the Ardrey Kell Wind Ensemble

March 9 – 7 p.m.

Chorus Concert

Dec. 10 – 5 p.m.

Winter Choral Concert

March 15 – 7 p.m.

Band Concert

Dec.15 – 6 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

April 21 to 22 – 7 p.m.; April 23 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

MPHS Theatre Presents “Little Women”

May 19 – 6 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

May 5 – 7 p.m.

Dance Concert May 24 – 7 p.m.

Band Concert May 25 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert May 31 – 7 p.m.

Chorus Concert June 3 – 6 p.m.

MPHS Theatre Presents the Second Annual Festival on the Quad and “Much Ado About Nothing” Providence Day School Performing Arts All performances take place at the McMahon Fine Arts Center Theater, located at 5800 Sardis Road in Charlotte. All event are open to the public. Contact Karen Brand at karen.brand@ providenceday.org for more information.

Nov. 5 to 7 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Play: “Eurydice: Dec. 2 – 7 p.m.

Middle/Upper School Holiday Choral Concert Dec. 8 – 7 p.m.

Middle School Band/Strings Holiday Concert Dec. 9 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Band/Strings Concert Dec. 17 – 12:15 p.m.

Fifth-Grade Holiday Choral and Band/Strings Concert Feb. 4 and 5 – 7 p.m.; Feb. 6 – 2 p.m.

Middle School Musical: “Legally Blonde Jr.” April 7, 8 and 9 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Musical: “Anything Goes” April 25 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Band/Strings Spring Concert April 27 – 7 p.m.

Upper School Chorus and Upper School A Cappella Spring Concert May 2 – 7 p.m.

Middle School Band/Strings Spring Concert May 11 – 7 p.m.

Middle School Chorus and Middle School A Cappella Spring Concert May 26 – 12:15 p.m.

Fifth-Grade Spring Chorus and Band/Strings Concert Ardrey Kell High School Music Department All performances will take place at 10220 Ardrey Kell Road in Charlotte. Events are free, but due to seating restrictions, tickets are required for entry to some events. Request choral

May 24 Spring Song Choral Concert – A Pop Concert

East Mecklenburg High School Performing Arts All performances will take 6800 Monroe Road in Charlotte. Contact Amanda turner at amanda.turner@cms.k12.nc.us or Kathryn Heinen at kathryna. heinen@cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

Oct. 19 – 7 p.m.

Fall Choir Concert Dec. 8 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert Jan. 11 – 7 p.m.

Winter Choir Concert March 3 to 5 – 7 p.m.

High School Musical: “Footloose” May 20 – 7 p.m.

Orchestra Concert Carmel Christian Performing Arts All performances and events will take place at 1145 PinevilleMatthews Road in Matthews.

Contact Bruce Long at longb@ carmelchristian.org for more information.

Nov. 6 to 7 Middle School Musical: “Annie, Jr.” Nov. 17 Lower School Winter Art Festival Nov. 19 Middle and High School Winter Art Festival Dec. 13 – 7 p.m.

Winter Orchestra Concert Jan. 14 Fifth-grade Musical: “Lion King, Jr.” March 10, 11 and 12 High School Musical: “Music Man” Spring Art Festival Lower School: May 3 Middle and High Schools: May 5

Jay M. Robinson Middle School Fine Arts All performances will take place at 5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte. Contact Stacey Boone at stacey.boone@ cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

Nov. 18 to 21 The Lion King, Jr. Dec. 10 – 7 p.m.

Winter Orchestra Concert

South Mecklenburg High Performing Arts All performances will take place at 8900 Park Road in Charlotte and begin at 7 p.m. Contact Bonnie Hall at bonnie.hall@cms. k12.nc.us for more information.

Oct. 20 Fall Band Concert Nov. 5 Veteran’s Concert Dec. 10 Band Concert Dec. 15 Orchestra Concert Dec. 17 Choir Concert March 16 to 20 Spring Musical May 17 Jazz Band Concert May 19 Orchestra Concert May 24 Band Concert May 26 Choir Concert Covenant Day School Theater All performances will take place at 800 Fullwood Lane in Matthews. Visit www.covenatnday.org/finearts or contact Megan Fair at mfair@covenantday. org for more information.

Oct. 28 to 31 Middle School Musical: “Shrek Jr.” Feb. 4 to 6 High School Musical: “Fiddler on the Roof” Charlotte Country Day School Performing Arts All performances will take place at 1440 Carmel Road in Charlotte. Contact Thomas Delaney at tom.delaney@ charlottecountryday.org for more information.

Oct. 15 and 16 – 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 – 2 p.m.

Upper School One-Act Plays: “Cheating Death” and “I Dream Before I Take the Stand” Feb. 4 and 5 – 7 p.m.; Feb. 6 – 2 p.m.

Upper School Musical: “The Addams Family”

Carmel Middle School Performing Arts All performances will take place at 5001 Camilla Drive in Charlotte. Contact Ka’Shara Davis at kasharac.davis@cms.k12. nc.us for more information.

March 3 to 5 – 7 p.m.

“Suessical Jr.” Community House Middle School Performing Arts All performances will take place at 9500 Community House Road in Charlotte. Contact Dyanna Sorvillo at dyannah. sorvillo@cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

Nov. 6 and 7 – 7:30 p.m.

“Legally Blonde The Musical “

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Page 18 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Arts Preview

Matthews Playhouse Matthews Playhouse’s Fullwood Theatre is located at 100 McDowell St. Visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com or call 704-846-8343 for tickets.

James and the Giant Peach Saturday, Oct. 9 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 10 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11 – 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 18 – 2 p.m. $12 adults / $10 students Scrooge the Musical Friday, Dec. 4 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13 – 2 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20 – 2 p.m. $15 adults / $12 students Urinetown Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 – 8 p.m. $18 adults / $12 students Junie B. Jones the Musical Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 – 2p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 – 2 p.m.

Friday, March 4, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 – 2 p.m.

Storefront Theatre Storefront Theatre is located at 8100 Old Waxhaw Monroe Road. Visit www.storefronttheatre.org or call 704-243-7283 for tickets.

The Fragrance of Books Saturday, Oct. 3 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4 – 2:30 p.m. $15 Bob’s Your Elf Saturday, Nov. 14 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15 – 2:30 p.m. $15 Mold Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 – 2:30 p.m.

We Like Short Shorts Saturday, March 5, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 – 2:30 p.m.

The Fox on the Fairway Saturday, April 16, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17, 2016 – 2:30 p.m.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Belk Theatre is located at 130 N. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte. Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. Visit www.blumenthalarts.org or call 704-372-1000 for tickets.

Local performing arts schedule Beauty and the Beast Tuesday, Sept. 29 – 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4 – 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Belk Theatre $25 and up Spunk Wednesday, Sept. 30 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4 – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10 – 8 p.m.

Spirit Square $28 Menopause the Musical Thursday, Oct. 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Spirit Square $45 to $50 The Sound of Music Tuesday, Nov. 24 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 26 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27 – 8 p.m Saturday, Nov. 28 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 29 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket price TBD Ragtime the Musical Monday, Nov. 30 – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3 – 7:30 p.m.

Knight Theatre Ticket Price TBD Charlotte Ballet: The Nutcracker Thursday, Dec. 10 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – 2p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 17 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Belk Theatre $25 and up Wicked Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 – 2:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thuresday, Jan. 21, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket Price TBD Romeo & Juliet Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 – 2 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Belk Theatre $19 and up Matilda the Musical Tuesday, Feb 9, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket Price TBD The Book of Mormon Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 3, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 4, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket Price TBD The Wizard of Oz Tuesday, July 5, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 7, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 8, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 9, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 10, 2016 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket Price TBD If/Then Tuesday, July 19, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 21, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 22, 2016 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, 2016 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 24, 2016 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Belk Theatre Ticket Price TBD Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers All films will be shown at McGee Theater, located at 403 N. Camden Road in Wingate, with the exception of “1971,” which will be shown at Recital Hall, located at 220 N. Camden Road in Wingate. Visit www.southarts. org/touring-arts/southern-circuit for more information.

1971 Tuesday, Oct. 20 – 7 p.m.

Imba Means Sing Monday, Nov. 9 – 7 p.m.

Dorothea Lange: Grab A Hunk of Lightening Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 – 7 p.m.

American Made Movie Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – 7 p.m.

Althea Tuesday, April 5, 2016 – 7 p.m.

Central Piedmont Community College Performing Arts Pease Auditorium and Halton Theatre on CPCC’s campus are located at 1206 Elizabeth Ave. in Charlotte. Visit www.cpccfacilities. com for tickets and for more information.

The Trip to Bountiful Friday, Sept. 25 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27 – 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4 – 2:30 p.m.

Pease Auditorium Daughter of the King: The Musical Saturday, Oct. 24 – 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Pease Auditorium The Phantom of the Opera Friday, Nov. 13 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15 – 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 20 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22 – 2:30 p.m.

Pease Auditorium Defining Dances of Past and Present Friday, Dec. 11 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13 – 2:30 p.m.

Pease Auditorium I Love a Piano Friday, Feb. 12 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 14 – 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 19 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 21 – 2:30 p.m.

Halton Theater Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Friday, April 9 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 10 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 11 – 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 14 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 15 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 16 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 17 – 2:30 p.m.

Pease Auditorium

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

The Weekly

Education Briefs CMS-approved tutors needed at Myers Park Traditional School CMS-approved volunteers are needed to serve as tutors for kindergarten through fifth-grade students at Myers Park Traditional School.

The teachers are looking for tutors between 3:15 and 4 p.m. each day. No tutoring experience is needed. Tutors can pick a day each week that works best with their schedule.

Contact Nikki Harkleroad at nikki.harkle road@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

Eastover Elementary needs media center volunteers Eastover Elementary School is looking for helpers to conduct inventory of all the books in the school’s media center.

The school’s librarian, Dianne O’Neal, will show CMS-approved volunteers how to use the school’s new wireless scanner to help scan books into inventory.

The inventory will be conducted until Oct. 30.

Email d.oneal@cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

MeckEd to host ‘speed dating’ with school board candidates MeckEd, a Charlotte nonprofit, will host two “speed dating” sessions with Charlotte-Mecklenburg at-large school board candidates for

South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 19 the community.

The free sessions will feature small group discussions with each candidate.

Sessions will take place on Oct. 21, a Wednesday, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford Richardson YMCA, located at 1946 West Blvd. in Charlotte, and Oct. 22, a Thursday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church – West, located at 1801 Oaklawn Ave. in Charlotte.

Participants can register at www.eventbrite. com/e/meckeds-speed-dating-with-theschool-board-candidates-oct-21-9am-1030am-tickets-18609042146 for either session.

Co-sponsorship is available for both sessions and starts at $250. Contact eedwards@mecked. org for information about sponsorship.

National Merit, UNCF team up for new college scholarship The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and United Negro College Fund (UNCF) established the UNCF Achievement Capstone Program, which will grant financial assistance to high-achieving college graduates at historically black colleges and universities and predominantly black institutions in the U.S. The program will be launched in the spring of 2016.

UNCF Achievement Capstone Scholars will be nominated by their college or university presidents, chancellors and deans “based on outstanding academic performance, character, and demonstrated leadership honoring the legacy of the 1964 Civil Rights Act,” according to a news release.

Awardees can use the scholarship to pay off undergraduate educational costs at their current institutions or to finance additional degrees, professional certifications and continuing education programs.

Visit www.uncf.org for more information.

Student Spotlight

Country Day duo show off money savvy skills

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Charlotte Country Day School sophomores Tanisha Paul and Ameena Kapadia teamed up with The Echo Foundation interns to help students become more economically savvy.

The Echo Foundation conducts a yearly project to encourage students to create a curriculum on worldly topics – this year’s topic was education and economics.

Tanisha and Ameena began creating a curriculum with Echo Foundation student interns last year, based on former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his economic teachings. The project became “The Economics of Democracy: The Ben Bernanke Project,” which includes information about Bernanke’s life, the Federal Reserve, the 2007-09 economic decline and financial literacy.

Their project led a student dialogue with Bernanke and 850 area students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other districts on Sept. 17 in an Echo Foundation forum.

Bernanke discussed his experiences in the Federal Reserve and took questions from students about economics.

“I think Ben Bernanke used his own morals and ethics in saving the economy in 2008-09.

He talked a lot about having to make the right decision regarding politics,” Tanisha said.

The Country Day students hope students

Courtney Schultz/SCW photo

(From left) Country Day sophomores Ameena Kapadia and Tanisha Paul.

who engage in the curriculum and the Sept. 17 discussion take away important economic concepts and how they apply to their future lives.

“I think that if you start learning them when you’re younger, you’ll start to fully grasp the concepts,” Ameena said. “It’s also important to know about the history of the economic past because history does repeat itself and we can learn from our mistakes.”

The interns also raised $25,000 for a “Pay It Forward” project that they presented at a gala on Sept. 17. At the event, attendees received an envelope of $20 or $100 to gift to a teacher.

“We wanted to give back to teachers, as we learned about how hard it is to (create a curriculum) and how they go underappreciated,” Ameena said.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 20 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Education

Ballantyne Elementary makes record book for second consecutive year

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Ballantyne Elementary School students read their way into the record books again this year through the ninth annual Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.

Ballantyne Elementary earned a Top 20 spot among thousands of schools through a 13th-place ranking by logging 2,112,954 reading minutes in the challenge. Ballantyne, along with the other 19 top finishers, will be in “2016 Scholastic Book of World Records” for the most minutes read.

The challenge is a free, global summer reading program to encourage children to read and log their minutes in an effort to avoid the effects of “summer slide” – the learning losses which can occur when school is not in session.

Ballantyne students were among more than 267,000 children from across the U.S. and 28 countries that logged 286,611,349 combined minutes this summer. North Carolina was among the Top 5 U.S. states with the most summer reading minutes read by children, according to Scholastic.

This isn’t Ballantyne’s first year in the Top 20, as the school ranked 11th last year, logging 3,534,504 minutes of summer reading.

Anne Cooper, media specialist at the school, said keeping the library open during the summer contributed to Ballantyne earning Top 20 status.

She said she saw more patrons visit the library and she began a blog, which featured updates of the Scholastic competition. The

Photo courtesy of Anne Cooper

media specialist also allowed time and access during class to log minutes, as well as helped students find materials that interested them.

“Schools really went above and beyond to get their students excited for summer reading ranging from renting highway billboards to hosting weeklong read-a-thons to creating a waterpark day at their school,” Maggie McGuire, vice president of Scholastic Parents, Kids & Teachers Online, said in a news release. “…Our participants are now ‘reading ready’ for the new school year and we are confident that they will continue to discover the power and joy of independent reading all year long.”

Cooper said she plans to encourage reading throughout the school year through hosting a Battle of the Books Club that she hopes to turn into a competition with other schools, celebrate Read Across America Day and host book fairs.

“Students read to learn things, but reading can be for the pure pleasure of it,” Cooper said. “Children can read about what interests them, so they want to learn more about it and start to read on a personal level.”

State budget could mean less money for teachers

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The clock continued to tick all summer and into the school year as schools across North Carolina waited to know the fate of driver’s education, teacher assistants and teacher salaries.

N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and the General Assembly finally passed a state budget for the next two spending years. The wait is over, but concerns do not end there.

School districts waited all summer to see if approximately 5,000 teacher assistants would lose their jobs – the state Senate’s budget proposal in order to decrease class sizes and increase the number of teachers.

The state Senate compromised and the number of teacher assistants from last year will be retained, but with conditions that the funds would only be used for those positions.

However, this could prove troublesome for school districts, including CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, which use some of the teacher assistant funding to pay for teachers.

Last year, North Carolina school districts used $48.7 million intended to teacher assistants for other purposes – $42.3 million going to hire teachers. CMS used $13.5 million

last year for teachers from the TAs fund.

Legislators say the school systems have greater flexibility elsewhere in their budget to move money around for teachers. Already tight budget allocations will mostly likely feel the squeeze if CMS will have to shift funds.

However, parents of high schoolers can breathe a sigh of relief as driver’s education funding was instated for the next two years.

The budget also includes an increased base pay for all beginning teachers from $33,000 to $35,000, but no one-time raise of $750 for veteran teachers, and funding for education K-12 enrollment growth, as well as more funds for the controversial North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program.

“The final two-year budget will fund close to 6,000 student scholarships by the 201617 school year, up from 1,100 students in the Program’s first year (2014-15),” Darrell Allison, president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, said in a statement. “When you consider that the first year of the Opportunity Scholarship Program was only able to utilize roughly $5 million dollars due to legal challenges, it is truly significant to see that the final budget ends with $17.6 million for 2015-16 and $24.8 million for 2016-17 – a nearly 500percent increase.”

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 21

Faith

Real estate might be a good investment, but I make a lousy landlord

by Rev. Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

I was having one of those days. You know what I am talking about – a really bad day.

Can I say I was having a really bad week?

I called our national office and chatted with Rev. Tony Marciano the executive assistant to our national director. I thought I was just letting off a little steam; you know, getting a few things off my chest. I must have said more than I thought. She told her boss about my call. He called our national chaplain who called me.

That conversation started off by saying, “Are you OK? How are you doing?”

When I got off the phone with the chaplain, I paused to take a hard look at what was going on in my life. I also thought about our national director. He had faced some very difficult challenges.

They were real. He got through them, and so could I. Although the call was brief, it got me thinking even further. I had gotten good at “licking my wounds.” When someone

hurts me, I hold onto those hurts. I will continue to scratch those cuts so they don’t heal. In the process, I became a landlord. I had tenants – lots of tenants living in an apartment building I didn’t own. I didn’t sign up to be a landlord. I became one without realizing I had achieved that accomplishment. Did I tell you I was a lousy landlord? A really bad one.

I allowed my tenants to live rent free in my apartment building. I never collected any rent from them. In addition, I provided them with free food, free electric, free cable, free Internet, free Wi-Fi. Free everything. I never charged them for anything.

The apartment building was my head.

I let my tenants live rent free in my head.

I went into the apartment building and walked up to the apartment. I removed the door from the hinges and informed the tenant they had to leave. I let them know the water, electric, cable and Wi-Fi had already been shut off. I walked them out the door.

An article on forgiveness challenged me to consider that if we lose that old pain, we lose what we learned and might repeat our mistakes. The author went on to say, “Dwelling on the past is equally dangerous.” That’s when I had an idea.

I envisioned I had just walked my tenants out of my apartment building.

I took them across the street and let them move into a store that had large glass windows. I could see them but they couldn’t get out. (I changed the lock. It only opened from the outside.) Being able to see them reminded me that God called me to pray for them. I also knew they were not “safe people.”

I forgave them. Archibald Hart defines forgiveness as “giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me.” I’ve added, “It is not forgetting. It takes one to have forgiveness; it takes two to have reconciliation.”

Since they no longer lived in my head, I could drop my guard instead of always operating on “alert mode.”

By the end of that weekend, I felt free.

In a sense, I had “buried the hatchet.” I wasn’t going to “scratch” old wounds. I wasn’t going back into the landlord business with a lot of nonpaying tenants.

I told our national president what I did. He was pleased. I thanked him for setting the example that your past doesn’t have to take your present hostage.

I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www.charlotterescuemis sion.org for more information.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

St. Ann Catholic to feature cellist St. Ann Catholic Church will feature renowned cellist Raman Ramakrishnan as part of East Carolina University’s Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival touring ensemble. Ramakrishnan will perform at the church on Oct. 18, a Sunday, at 5 p.m. The event opens the sixth season of Gaudium Musicae, a concert series offered by St. Ann's to highlight local and regional musicians. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stanncharlotte.org.

St. Ann Catholic Church is located at 3635 Park Road.

Special services at Hope of Israel Hope of Israel Congregation will hold special services for the High Holy Days. All services are free and open to the public. Childcare will be available.

Sukkot “The Feast of Tabernacles” will take place on Oct. 3, a Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. Simchat Torah “Torah Celebration” will take place on Oct. 5, a Monday, at 7 p.m.

Visit hopeofisrael.info for more information. Hope of Israel is located at 11630 Elm Lane.

St. Mark AME Zion hosts seminar St. Mark AME Zion Church will hold a grant writing seminar on Oct. 3, a Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will learn what it takes to have a successful nonprofit, start a new business or secure a grant writer. Visit www. eventbrite.com/e/grant-writing501c3wealth-management-seminar-charlotte-nc-tickets-18540681678?fb_ action_ids=1164574373557794&fb_action_types=og. likes for more information.

St. Mark AME Zion is located at 605 Johnston Drive, Pineville.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 22 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Letters to the Editor (continued from page 6)

stage for this sort of divisive, knee-jerk response.

Last Friday evening, I sat in a local “exclusive” bar where some of my neighbors were espousing the stark reality confronting us. The consensus was "We'd better vote or this could be the end of everything."

Well done SCW! You managed to lower the level of debate to, "It's either them or us."

Does it ever cross anyone's mind that low-income people are just people? Does it ever cross their minds that the amount of money you earn does not make you a better person? In my “wealthier” neighborhood there are good people and bad people – you know what? I take that back. They are all just people. All of us are flawed. Most of us try to do our best in life and most of us fail miserably at times. But in this day and age, where wealthy kids' families can hire lawyers to get their kids’ indiscretions wiped clean based on the fact that “they do come from a good family,” and where poor peoples' kids are looked upon as some type of “other” (clearly evident from the content of these two letters) then what hope do we have?

This idea that living near poor people is going to ruin your lives is absolute nonsense. No one is suggesting that these people be given a house in Ballantyne Country Club for free. The best way to make the supposed underclass angry is to deny them fair rights and to separate them into “ghettos.”

If you are scared of these people, get over yourselves! The attitude to poor people is no better than our attitude toward factory farmed-chickens.

We know they are there. We exploit them. We think we would feel some empathy for them if we only bothered to look at how they are treated. But heck, isn't it easier just to put them out of sight and pretend that they don't exist?

Maria Fenwick

The Weekly

Development Briefs Henderson Properties opens south Charlotte sales office Henderson Properties held a grand opening for its new residential real estate sales center Sept. 12 amid the company’s 25th anniversary.

The office is located in the Park Selwyn Terrace shopping center, 5110 Park Road.

The new sales center houses five brokers with plans to add up to 15 more agents in the next year. Association and property management and maintenance services will continue to be located at the firm’s headquarters in east Charlotte.

v

Local realtor earns honors The N.C. Association of Realtors named Cindy Chandler its 2015 Realtor of the Year during a Sept. 13 conference in Hilton Head, S.C.

Chandler, who has practiced real estate for more than 30 years, owns The Chandler Group and has written the book, “The Insider’s Guide to Commercial Real Estate.”

She’s served as president of the NCAR, as well as the N.C. Real Estate Educators Association. She’s also had roles on the N.C. Real Estate Commission, Charlotte Zoning Committee and the CharlotteMecklenburg Planning Commission.

The Chandler Group is based at 6325 Gaywind Drive.

City concerned about housing City staff is concerned about road visibility for a plan to convert the New Life Church property off Pineville-Matthews Road into housing.

Copper Builders is requesting 4.3 acres between Rea Road and Windswept Drive be rezoned to allow up to 29 single-family attached dwelling units in buildings no more than two stories. This would allow for a density of 6.4 units per acre.

City staff does not recommend the proposal, instead recommending Copper Builders get an off-site easement and remove trees to improve the visibility from Pineville-Matthews Road. The developer could also incorporate access from Triveny Road.

Charlotte City Council will hold a public hearing on the project at its Dec. 14 meeting.

Zoning group to give storage facility another look Charlotte City Council will decide what to do with a rezoning request next month

involving a storage building and offices proposed for Ardrey Kell and Community House roads.

Residents of the Weston Glen neighborhood would rather the land stay residential; however, developers say that wouldn't be an ideal use given the size and location next to Ardrey Kell High School’s athletic fields.. They countered that the 5.67 acres will be commercial anyway and that a storage unit would be among the lowest potential trip generators.

Citizens have filed a protest petition. City council will consider sending the rezoning request back to the zoning committee Oct. 19. The zoning committee originally approved the proposal 5-1.

Decision on project delayed Charlotte City Council deferred a decision on a mixed-use development project on 10.8 acres at Providence, Fairview and Sardis roads to its Oct. 19 meeting.

Mallard Creek Associates #1 LLC wants to redevelop homes and shops with up to 95,000 square feet of shops and office space, 195 residential dwellings.

The Charlotte Department of Transportation said the project would have an adverse impact on one of Charlotte’s most congested intersections. CDOT encouraged that attention be given to ensuring walkability.

One way that the project could achieve walkability is through pedestrian crossings of Providence Road.

CDOT also noted it might not support southbound lane markings on Randolph Road as Sardis Road.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

The Weekly

Calendar September of The Mint 25 Friends Museum Celebrate 50 Friends of The Mint Museum, established in 1965 to stimulate interest in and support for the arts, will celebrate its 50th year of programs for members and the public. The museum will host a coffee gathering with a special program, presented by Lawrence Wheeler, director of North Carolina Museum of Art. 10 a.m.; Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Road

Club of 25 Whiskey Ballantyne The Whiskey Club of Ballantyne will explore North Carolina whiskey at its latest meeting. The culinary team at the Gallery restaurant will prepare a special menu to compliment the bourbon selections. Cost is $40 per person and reservations are required by calling 704-248-4100.

6:30 p.m.; Gallery, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

at St. Ann 26 Carnival Catholic St. Ann Catholic Church will host its 19th annual parish carnival. The carnival will feature a dual accelerator slide, bounce house, swings, extreme obstacle course, games, a bake sale, face painting, arts and crafts, bingo and more. Classic carnival food such as cotton candy, funnel cakes, barbecue and fries will be served. Admission is free. Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. and church tours will be offered and noon and 1 p.m.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road

26 Make a Racquet for Rally

Founding sponsor Ballantyne Country Club will join AmWINS Group to support BCC Rally, a local all-volunteer nonprofit that raises funds and awareness to fight breast cancer, with a tennis event. The co-ed event will feature a pro exhibition and clinic.

6:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Ballantyne Country Club, 11120 Ballantyne Crossing Ave.

Children’s 28 Levine Hospital Golf Benefit Eastwood Homes will host a charity golf tournament at Raintree Country Club benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon. Contact Stephanie Cox at scox@eastwoodhomes.com for more information.

Noon; Raintree Country Club, 8600 Raintree Lane

October

3

Great Grapes! Wine and Food Festival

Great Grapes! Festival will feature hundreds of wines available for tasting, food from local vendors and arts and crafts at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. There will be a kids area with

South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 23 games and activities. Tickets range from $20 to $49 and include VIP and designated driver packages.

Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road

3

Bark Making at The Secret Chocolatier

Professionals at The Secret Chocolatier will lead a bark-making class at its Ballantyne location. Attendees will learn about chocolate, tempering and choose from a variety of ingredients to make bark. Cost is $20.

6 to 7:15 p.m.; The Secret Chocolatier, 11318 N. Community House Road

4

Bone Appetit fundraiser

Spay Neuter Charlotte will hold a “Bone Appetit” fundraiser to help support the organization’s mission. Guests are encouraged to “dress like the cat’s meow.” Cost is $150 per person and all donations, including $75 of the ticket price, are tax deductible. The evening will include dinner, drinks and entertainment.

6:30 p.m.; Bentley’s on 27, 201 S. College St.

8

Infant CPR

9

Art Unleashed

This one-time class will teach parents and caregivers about infant safety and CPR techniques, and will provide hands-on practice with a model. The class does not provide American Red Cross certification in infant CPR. Cost is $15 for an individual or first registrant and $10 or a second registrant, if registering as a couple. Call 704-384-4949 for more information.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Community Rooms C and D, Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews

Spay Neuter Charlotte will host an evening of art and food to support Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue and FurBabies Animal Rescue. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Admission and parking are free.

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; 528 Brevard St.

12 Bibliofeast

WNBA Charlotte will hold its sixth annual Bibliofeast book and author dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy in SouthPark. The evening will feature best-selling author Elise Blackwell, debut novelists Julia Elliott and Brian Panowich, memoirists Cindy Henry McMahon and Richard Wall, and book review editor J. Peder Zane. Tickets cost $50 for WNBA members and $60 for nonmembers.

Visit www.wnba-charlotte.org/wnba/calen dar/bibliofeast-tickets for more information.

6 to 7 p.m.; Maggiano’s, 4400 Sharon Road

Club of 30 Whiskey Ballantyne The Whiskey Club of Ballantyne will explore Islay and Island Malts of Scotland. Cost is $40 per person and space is limited. Reservations are required. Call 704-248-4100 or email cbrobst@theballantynehotel.com for more information.

6:30 p.m.; Gallery restaurant, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

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Page 24 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Sports

Butler handles Hough, Myers Park survives Sun Valley

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

I was wrong. I picked Independence instead of Butler to win the Southwestern 4A in our preseason preview, but the first month of the season has made me a believer in the Bulldogs.

Butler, which is 3-1 and fresh off a dominating performance in its 35-3 win over Hough (4-1), is clearly the best team in Matthews-Mint Hill and possibly the entire greater area of Charlotte outside of Mallard Creek (4-1), but who knows what might happen if the Bulldogs and Mavericks meet in the playoffs.

Running back Benny LeMay can gash a defense, steamrolling defenders as a runner or can breeze past them as a pass catcher on screens, swing passes, dump offs and more. He tormented Hough, rushing 20 times for 176 yards and two touchdowns, and catching three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

“He does so much,” Butler coach Brian Hales said. “He’s such a strong kid. He’s got such great balance. He’s got the determination we need. Benny did a great job.

“That screen pass he scored on at the end, we were in the huddle during the timeout the play before and he said, ‘Coach, what about that play?’ We got the first down, and I was like, ‘Let’s try it,’ and that was the one that worked out. It’s good to have a smart kid that’s back there too.”

Clifton Duck gives the Bulldogs another game changer, as someone who can impact a game on both sides of the ball. He caught three passes for 53 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown against Hough.

The Butler defense, which has been dominant most of this season, forced the Huskies into three turnovers, but Hales won’t even begin to compare them to the units from when the Bulldogs won state championships in 2010 and 2012.

“You can’t compare them, because we

Ben Doster/MMHW photo

haven’t won a state championship,” Hales said. “If we get to that point and we do accomplish that, then we can talk about how they compare to those guys, but until you win a state championship you can’t be in that conversation.”

Butler isn’t the only team in our coverage area trying to be the king of the Queen City, and of the state, for that matter.

Charlotte Catholic and South Meck, both of which had byes last week, appear to be in the mold of contenders.

The Cougars, led by outside linebacker Xander Gagnon (Duke), defensive tackle/ defensive end Owen Hall and middle linebacker Greyson Krone, and the Sabres, led by defensive ends Zack Gilbert and Jake Lawler, linebackers DeAngelo Blair-Young and Holden Parker and defensive backs Jacobe Clement and John Brannon, play some of the stingiest defense in the city.

Catholic has only allowed six points in three games, pitching two shutouts, while South Meck yields just 8.5 points per game.

Butler and South Meck are superior athletically, but Catholic is more disciplined than the Bulldogs and Sabres.

Most teams are through nonconference play with league action beginning this week. The table is set for what is essentially a new season and will be an exciting road to the playoffs. It’s a new beginning for teams that would like to forget the first few games, and an opportunity for others to pad resumes and earn home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Week six football game previews Berry at Catholic Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Cougars are off to another strong start, and once again seem poised to compete for a conference championship and state title.

The game plan, which has worked all season for Catholic, is simple. Play great defense, don’t turn the ball over, and give the opposition a heavy dose of Jaret Anderson. Berry’s 3-1 record is deceiving, because the Cardinals haven’t beaten anyone of great significance. Catholic is capable of exposing Berry for what it is – a mediocre team.

East Meck at Independence Friday at 7 p.m.

This is a must win for both teams as they seek to stay in the playoff hunt and build their postseason resumes. Both squads have shown signs of life after rough starts, but still leave much to be desired.

Independence’s defense is solid and running back Quantavious McGill is emerging as one of the top backs, but it needs help from its passing game. East Meck fullback, Juan Powell, is a bruising runner and gets stronger as a game wears on, but can’t win a game alone. Whichever team can make the least amount of mistakes will come out on top.

Rocky River at Myers Park Friday at 7 p.m.

The Mustangs are only a game above .500, but have made strides every week. Defensively, Myers Park showed it’s metal when it held undefeated South Meck to 14 points. Offensively, the Mustangs are fueled by the arm of quarterback Jack Davidson, who has been effective in distributing the ball to the team’s playmakers at receiver.

Myers Park will have its hands full with dual-threat quarterback Tyshawn Carter, but Rocky River must play better defense and eliminate foolish penalties that have led to its demise in four losses this season.

The Weekly

Athletes

Week Six

Game Picks

Ardrey Kell at West Meck Berry at Catholic East Meck at Independence Garinger at Butler Harding at South Meck Providence at Olympic Rocky River at Myers Park Grace Crossing at Providence Day Ravenscroft at Country Day Charlotte Latin at Fork Union Carolina Pride at Charlotte Christian

Marco Garcia, South Meck Hannah Chronis

Ben Doster

Courtney Paschal

Ardrey Kell Catholic Independence Butler South Meck Providence Myers Park Providence Day Country Day Charlotte Latin Charlotte Christian

Ardrey Kell Catholic Independence Butler South Meck Olympic Myers Park Providence Day Country Day Charlotte Latin Charlotte Christian

Ardrey Kell Catholic Independence Butler South Meck Olympic Myers Park Providence Day Ravenscroft Charlotte Latin Charlotte Christian

Last week: 5-2

Last week: 5-2

Last week: 6-1

Overall: 39-9

Overall: 40-8

Overall: 38-10

Senior midfielder Marco Garcia, a team captain, has been an offensive catalyst for the Sabres (8-0-1) all season.

He scored 11 goals and dished out five assists in the last five games.

Moon Cheong, Charlotte Latin Charlotte Latin junior golfer Moon Cheong shot a 74 to lead the Hawks (5-1) to a 240254 win over Forsyth Country Day on Monday, Sept. 21.

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 25

Sports

Week five stats

Receiving

Player Team Games Rec

Passing

Player

Team

Games Comp

Att

Jack Davidson Myers Park 5 74 123 Davis Cheek Butler 5 65 105 Antonio Wallace South Meck 4 50 89 Bates Jones Latin 4 32 62 Tyshawn Carter Rocky River 5 73 108 Bryce Maginley Ardrey Kell 4 42 81 John Schweitzer Providence Day 5 44 109 Cole Bloomer Country Day 3 23 39 Khalil Gilliam East Meck 5 28 67 Garrett Schrader Christian 4 13 24 John Walton Catholic 3 18 34 Chase Eighmy Providence 4 20 32 John Turley Christian 4 33 37 Jack King Providence 3 3 7 Chad Ayers Providence Day 1 5 6 Drake DeIuliis Providence 3 13 30 Jack Cherry Christian 1 3 8

Yards 858 849 783 747 671 626 546 305 289 269 246 155 146 128 124 120 29

TD 7 5 10 7 4 8 6 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 0

Rushing Player

Team

Juan Powell Benny LeMay DeMarkes Stradford Bryce Maginley Khamal Howard Jaret Anderson Elijah Henry Gabe Montgomery Travis Prince Merrick Haston John Schweitzer Tyshawn Carter Warren Holland Nick Tennant B.J. Caldwell Nicco Crew Grant Henderson Justus Woods Elijah Deveaux

East Meck Butler Latin Ardrey Kell East Meck Catholic Rocky River Providence Day South Meck Ardrey Kell Providence Day Rocky River Country Day Country Day Myers Park Ardrey Kell Providence Day Christian Christian

Games Carries 5 5 4 4 5 3 5 5 4 4 5 5 4 4 5 4 4 4 4

96 89 60 36 84 63 63 59 56 58 42 81 40 36 48 23 29 26 43

Yards

TD

587 5 550 9 511 10 437 5 420 1 413 6 374 1 339 6 338 1 315 3 296 1 293 5 259 5 201 6 193 4 171 168 3 167 1 148

Int 3 2 3 4 1 2 9 3 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0

Melvin Rouse Brandon Adams Clifton Duck Jaylen Erwin Cameron Goldean A.J. Elam Kendall Lewis Cooper Hearn Moryah Johnson Benny LeMay Blake Proehl Johari Alexander

Latin Myers Park Butler Ardrey Kell Providence Day South Meck Rocky River Myers Park South Meck Butler Providence Rocky River

4 4 5 3 5 4 5 5 4 5 4 5

16 14 18 14 16 13 25 25 11 12 13 19

Yards 343 320 290 283 255 237 233 223 206 186 184 173

Defense Player

Team

Games Tackles

Christian Dixon Butler 5 57.5 Solomon Key Providence Day 5 51 Tyler Pistorio Providence 4 50 Austin Anderson Country Day 4 49 Jonathan Jones East Meck 5 45 Larry Blanton Rocky River 5 43 Ryan Gilmartin Christian 4 42 Alex Alvarez Myers Park 5 37 Jaylen Lesane Butler 5 36.5 Jordan Fehr Providence 4 36 Holden Parker South Meck 4 35 Cole Brown Providence Day 5 35 Jamal Watson Myers Park 5 35 Nicholas Radford Country Day 4 35 Beau Snuggs Christian 4 35 Noah Smith Myers Park 5 33 Julian Okwara Ardrey Kell 4 33 Davis Waldrop Christian 4 33

Player

Team

Jake Lawler Jonathan Jones Arman Azad Robert Fuller Julian Okwara

South Meck East Meck Providence Day Latin Ardrey Kell

Games Sacks 4 5 5 4 4

5.5 5 4.5 4 4

TD 4 3 1 3 0 1 2 1 4 2 1 2

Page 26 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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South Charlotte Weekly | September 25, 2015 | Page 27

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Page 28 | September 25, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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