South Charlotte Weekly

October 23, 2015 Vol. 15 No. 43 www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Battle for District 7 Charlotte City Council District 7 candidates Republican Ed Driggs and Democrat Chris Turner sit down with South Charlotte Weekly in an exclusive Q-and-A discussing the most pertinent issues in south Charlotte.

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Gabs’ Goodies expands Former CMS guidance counselor Gabrielle Starr left the classroom to open up her own cake business, and her south Charlotte expansion is just the beginning. Page 8

Charger volleyball keeps winning

City approves Crescent Communities

Providence Day’s volleyball team has its eye on a state championship, and despite losing players last year, they’ve got the talent to get there.

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News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 10 | Faith 9 | Calendar 12 | Sports 12 | Classifieds 15

Charlotte City Council approved rezoning 72 acres at Providence and Ardrey Kell roads, but some city leaders are concerned the traffic might be too much.

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Page 2 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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Business Briefs Charlotte welcomes first gourmet Korean food truck Hiya The Charlotte area recently welcomed its first Korean food truck, Hiya, which offers a variety of gourmet Korean food to patrons in and around the city.

Hiya was scheduled to make stops over the past week in places such as Kannapolis, Pineville and the Sugar Creek area. The company posts schedule updates regularly on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/hiya. foodtruck.

Hiya’s menu includes “authentic and fusion” Korean food, including Bulgogi (a marinated beef barbecue), spicy pork barbecue, chicken katsu, veggie dumplings and more, according to a news release. The company provides catering upon request. Find more information at www.hiyafoodtruck.com.

Chamberlain nursing college launches Charlotte campus Chamberlain College of Nursing recently announced the opening of a new campus in Charlotte – the school’s first campus in North Carolina and 19th nationwide.

The campus will offer a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program and is now accepting applications for admission to classes that begin on Jan. 4, 2016.

Chamberlain’s Charlotte campus will offer an on-site BSN degree program. The campus

South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 3 houses a SIMCARE CENTER, which provides high-tech simulated patient care training in clinical learning environments, as well as a Center for Academic Success, which provides academic resources and support, according to a news release.

Dr. Jason T. Shuffitt will head the Charlotte campus. Shuffitt is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and previously served as associate dean of learning and health care technology innovations and as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing.

Open houses for prospective students will be held at the new Charlotte campus, located at 2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd., on Monday, Oct. 26, and Friday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Find more information at www.chamberlain.edu/ charlotte.

‘Rate the Racks’ event to support breast cancer awareness Carmen Carmen salon is partnering with local businesses to host a Rate the Racks fundraiser to fight breast cancer and support awareness of the disease.

Neighboring businesses have decorated “racks,” or bras, currently on display at the Carmen Carmen locations in Cotswald and Ballantyne through October. Salon visitors can purchase tickets to vote for their favorite bra, and all proceeds will benefit the Ballantynebased BCC Rally, a breast cancer-focused nonprofit.

Twenty-one businesses are participating in the fundraiser, according to a news release.

Cotswald’s Carmen Carmen held its fundraiser earlier this week, and the Ballantyne site will host its event on Monday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find more information at

www.carmencarmensalon.com.

Carmen Carmen of Ballantyne is located at 15235 John J. Delaney Drive.

Charlotte, located at 10200 Centrum Pkwy. in Pineville. Find more information at www. skyzone.com/charlotte.

Carolina Skin to hold annual Boo-Tox to fight skin cancer

Carepoint Inc. welcomes new client care manager

Carolina Skin will host its eighth annual Boo-Tox Spectacular fundraiser.

Visitors to the business can receive discounts on Botox and other fillers and skin treatments. There also will be opportunities to win designer handbags, gift certificates and more.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Purple Promise Foundation, a nonprofit that fights melanoma. Find more information at www.carolinaskin.com/bootox, or call 704-375-6766.

Carolina Skin is located at 1918 Randolph Road, suite 550.

Carepoint, Inc. recently announced the hiring of Victoria Hall as its new client care manager. “(Hall) brings considerable experience in both client management and customer relations along with sales, marketing and event coordination,” said Heather Rahrig, founder and agency director of Carepoint, Inc., in a news release. “Victoria’s experience and attention to superior service will undoubtedly serve our mission well – to be the best and most trusted home care agency in Charlotte.”

Carepoint, Inc. was founded in 2009 as a locally- and privately-held home care agency.

The business serves the greater Charlotte region, including Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, Cabarrus and Iredell counties in North Carolina, and Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina. The company is headquartered in south Charlotte.

“We are committed to the communities in which we serve while providing exceptional in-home care services to seniors and those with disabilities,” the business said in the release.

Find more information at www.carepointinc. com.

Sky Zone to host job fair, hire 20 additional employees Oct. 29 Sky Zone Trampoline Park of Charlotte will host a job fair on Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 6 p.m. for prospective employees.

The business, known as “the world’s first all-walled trampoline playing court,” according to a news release, is looking to hire more than 20 employees for positions such as court monitor, cashier, event host and event assistant.

“Sky Zone Charlotte is the local entertainment destination that leaves guests of all ages bouncing off the walls with popular activities, such as Ultimate Dodgeball, Sky Slam, SkyRobics and more for maximum active fun,” the business said in the release.

The job fair will take place at Sky Zone of

Send business news to josh@carolinaweekly newspapers.com

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Page 4 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

District 7 candidates discuss traffic, tax dollars in south Charlotte

by Hannah Chronis hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Election Day is less than two weeks away and Charlotte City Council candidates Republican Ed Driggs and Democrat Chris Turner are in their final stages of campaigning in hopes to earn a seat on the council, under either Edwin Peacock or Jennifer Roberts.

This week, South Charlotte Weekly takes a closer look at Driggs and Turner. Each candidate was asked the same four questions and responded through email. Visit www.thechar lotteweekly.com for more election coverage.

What do you see as the greatest issue facing south Charlotte residents, and how, if elected, would you address that issue?

Driggs: The rapid pace of development in south Charlotte has created congestion on our roads and strains on our infrastructure. If re-elected, I will continue to work with area residents to ensure that rezoning proposals incorporate appropriate traffic mitigation measures, and I will oppose any rezoning that makes our roads too crowded or unsafe. Development and growth are positives for any community because they promote prosperity and create jobs, but the impact on residents’ quality of life must also be accounted for.

Turner: Continued population growth.

Transportation and road infrastructure need to be a top priority. Developers need to incorporate road changes to enhance traffic flow in all plans they submit to the city council.

We need to work with our state and federal government to assist in funding transportation projections. We need to revisit the 2030 Transportation Plan and prioritize based on needs, considering issues of both economics and congestion. Current examples are improving the east/west corridor and the expansion of growth in the south.

Some south Charlotte residents argue the district does not see a return in its tax dollars, as money from District 7 goes to support projects elsewhere. Do you view this as a problem, and if so, what would you do to address it?

Driggs: District 7 provides one-quarter of Charlotte’s residential property tax dollars, but the city’s $816 million, eight-year Community Investment Plan contains almost no provisions for investment here. We need sidewalks, bike lanes and, most important, major improvements to old farm roads that have evolved into crowded thoroughfares.

For Charlotte to spend hundreds of millions

of dollars on an uptown streetcar while neglecting this area is not only unfair to our taxpayers, but also bad economic policy for the city as a whole. In my second term, I will continue to fight for economic common sense and fairness for District 7.

Turner: I’ve lived in south Charlotte all my life, and I feel we’ve gotten the attention we need from the city. I do hear that general concern, but when I ask voters what city services they feel we’re missing out on, no one has yet had an answer. I have listened carefully, and will continue to do so, and I stand ready to study the issues, whatever they are.

Personally, I think we all win when every part of this city prospers.

South Charlotte is undoubtedly growing, with major developments in the works, such as Waverly and Rea Farms. How do you plan for the area’s growth while balancing the impact it will have on infrastructure?

Driggs: I have actively lobbied on city council for more capital spending in District 7 and for new zoning policies that better reflect how development affects roads and schools. Growth is not necessarily bad, but we need to ensure that infrastructure investment keeps up.

In the Waverly and Rea Farms projects, developers are required to spend millions of dollars widening adjacent stretches of Ardrey Kell and Rea roads as well as improving nearby intersections. In time, Ardrey Kell will be extended and I-485 widened.

A traffic challenge will doubtless remain, but there are also benefits including job creation, amenities for residents and likely favorable impact on home values.

Turner: I give credit to the developers who are incorporating road additions and changes to help alleviate some of the traffic concerns, but this alone won’t resolve all of the traffic issues in a fast-growing area of Charlotte. I believe that people's desires are evolving – they want to be able to eat, shop and play close to where they live. Mixed-use housing allows for this, so I would make those projects a priority. Further, light rail and other public transportation alternatives need to be implemented so we can easily get to the center city, which will always draw residents for entertainment, sports and cultural offerings.

What makes you the best choice to represent District 7 on Charlotte City Council?

Driggs: In my first term, I have worked hard to ensure that all constituents that contact me with concerns about the city’s services or policies get a personal reply and, where appropriate, prompt follow-up from city staff. I have actively engaged with area residents to ensure that zoning decisions in

Ed Driggs Years living in south Charlotte: 13 Occupation: Retired banker and financial analyst Education: Princeton University (BS), Berlin and Oxford universities (MS) Political experience: Charlotte City Council District 7 representative (Dec. 2013 – present)

Chris Turner Years living in south Charlotte: 42 Occupation: Retired systems analyst with Allstate Insurance Education: Central Piedmont Community College Political experience: Lifelong grassroots activist

our district are well understood and fair.

On the citywide level, I have fought against property tax increases and wasteful spending. My background in economics and finance puts me in a strong position to make the case for better and fairer government, and I look forward to continuing to serve District 7 in the term ahead.

Turner: This is a very large and diverse district, and all of its residents deserve to be heard. Our current city council representative listens and responds to only a small portion of the district’s citizens. If elected, I would hold meetings throughout the district to allow residents to voice their concerns, because a big part of my job is to use that information to inform my decisions. Information regarding district and city issues should flow in both directions between the residents and their council representative.

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South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 5

City leaders struggle with south Charlotte rezoning

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Two mixed-use projects proposed for Providence Road, including a destination for “foodies,” has some Charlotte leaders feeling selfconscious about overstuffing south Charlotte’s strained infrastructure.

“I continue to struggle with our infrastructure investments and balancing those with the congestion that we’re going to experience in these areas,” said Vi Lyles, at-large Charlotte city councilmember.

Lyles frequently hears feedback from residents who can’t turn onto certain streets during rush hours, or get to work. She cautions colleagues to be mindful about street connectivity and roads when considering projects in major employment centers, such as SouthPark.

“It’s a really difficult area when you look at the entire SouthPark area and the footprint for development just like we have downtown and midtown,” she said. “It’s a real struggle. We are going to be facing congestion in ways we haven’t experienced.”

Crescent Communities sought to develop 72 acres at Providence and Ardrey Kell roads with 30,000 square feet of commercial space, 425 multi-family units, 175 single-family detached homes and a 180-room hotel.

The intent was to connect Crescent Providence Farm with the Waverly and Golf Links projects, both under development at the same intersection. Developers wanted to piggyback off the area’s burgeoning food culture with tieins to nearby restaurants.

Developers made several concessions to the site since last month’s public hearing. A revised site plan calls for rezoning only 38 acres of the site by changing the 175 single-family detached homes to up to 118 detached and attached units with a density of no more than eight units per acre.

City council approved the proposal, but it drew nays from Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes and at-large member Claire Fallon.

Barnes was concerned about the project’s effect on infrastructure, primarily Providence Road.

“My objection is the density and the number of people getting on that road that is so crowed now,” Fallon said. “You’ve got two other developments going in there. How much can we push in a small space?”

District 7 Councilmember Ed Driggs described the request as a “good proposal” that fit well with the adjacent properties.

“Unless we have a policy that says how we actually modify zoning proposals in response to traffic issues, I don’t want to go in arbitrarily and say ‘no,’” Driggs said.

“A lot is being done to alleviate traffic issues in the area but there is definitely cause for concern there,” he continued. “I just hope we’ll talk about in general how we deal with infrastructure restraints when we’re approving things like this.”

City council also approved a request to redevelop homes and shops on 10.7 acres at Providence, Fairview and Sardis roads with up to 95,000 square feet of shops and office space, as well as 195 multi-family residential units.

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The 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

News Briefs Ballantyne Ball hosts eightweek fundraising campaign

Advertising

Local nonprofit Ballantyne Ball will host an eight-week fundraising effort to fill “Love Baskets” for its 2015-16 charity partner, The Sandbox.

The campaign is underway and will run through Thanksgiving Day. Members of Ballantyne and the greater Charlotte area are asked to donate nonperishable food items, personal items and household supplies to help fill baskets and support families who have a child battling cancer or another life-threatening disease. Visit www. firstgiving.com/ballantyneball/filledwithlove to donate. Visit www.ballantyneball.org for more information on the 2016 Ballantyne Ball, which will be held Feb. 13, 2016.

Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson Andrea Mounts

Disney Store to host grand opening at SouthPark Oct. 24

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

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

South Charlotte Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

The Disney Store will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be in attendance at the opening for an exclusive meet and greet. Guests also will experience the store’s features, such as the Pixie Dust Trail, Magical Trees, Disney Store Theater, Storytelling Neighborhood and custom skylines. The opening begins at 10 a.m. and the first 500 guests will receive a free gift. Mickey and Minnie will be available in Center Court from noon to 4 p.m. The Disney Store is located at 4400 Sharon Road.

CPCC Ballantyne campus to expand ESL course offerings Central Piedmont Community College’s Ballantyne campus recently expanded its list of courses and will offer “Conversations in English III” – an intermediate English as a second language course. The course will be offered Nov. 2 to Dec. 7 on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ballantyne Center room 106.

“Of all the walk-in requests we’ve received since opening a few months ago, ESL is by far the most frequently requested course,” said

Mack McDonald, CPCC associate dean for business and industry learning, in a news release.

“CPCC has a long-standing tradition of responding to the immediate needs of today’s workforce; therefore, it made sense to make ESL the first course to be added to our already impressive list of course offerings in Ballantyne.”

During class, the instructor will focus on global awareness, critical thinking and information literacy to help students improve and enhance vocabulary and fluency.

The class fee is $150. All course materials can be purchased through the Levine Campus Bookstore, located on CPCC’s Levine Campus at 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews.

CPCC’s Ballantyne center is located at 11430 N. Community House Road.

Providence Day School to host basketball showcase Nov. 7

to improve the quality of care, access to care and the patient experience.”

Only 3.7 percent of hospitals across the country received the recognition.

Photo courtesy of Bissell

The Spa at Ballantyne introduced its partnership with Graper Cosmetic Surgery on Oct. 15.

Pictured from left: Dr. Robert Graper, F.A.C.S., Graper Cosmetic Surgery; Alicia Howell, Spa Director, The Spa at Ballantyne; and Joe Hallow, President & COO, Bissell Hotels.

The Weekly

Social Media

Providence Day School will again host a girls preseason basketball super scrimmage on Nov. 7, a Saturday. Twenty-eight of the top girls basketball programs in the state are slated to participate, including Providence Day, Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Catholic, Greensboro Day and more. Games will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Providence Day is located at 5800 Sardis Road.

Christopher Noble @christofurnoble Oct. 21 Ballantyne be like: all the trees must go.

Get rid of them. All of them. Bulldoze them.

Chop em down.

Carolinas HealthCare System receives national recognition

Jessica Nicole @stress_the_jess The Francesca’s at the SouthPark Mall needs to get it together. #dissatisfied

Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas HealthCare System was included in U.S. News & World Report’s “Most Connected” list for leading in technology and driving clinical excellence.

The system recently unveiled OpenNotes on its patient portal, MyCarolinas, where patients can view their doctor’s notes and radiology reports online. Patients also can stay connected to data on their FitBit or Runkeeper.

“Our focus has always been providing patients with high quality care and a great patient experience. Embracing technology and excelling at its application is an important part of our efforts to continuously improve for the benefit of our patients,” said Carolinas HealthCare System chief physician executive and executive vice president Roger Ray in a release. “This recognition is a reflection of how our system is implementing new technologies to empower patients and providers

Posts

Scott Stone @scottdstone Ardrey Kell with big win tonight over its rival. Providence’s streaker had their best run of the night. Get that boy a uniform!

Greg McDonald @gregmcdonald Oct. 18 DON’T ride your bike on Providence Road in the middle of rush hour Drake Bell @DrakeBell Oct. 18 What should we do here in Charlotte?

Haven’t been here in years!!!!! Is cookout still delicious?!

Jacobi @jacobischaefe Oct. 19 Not lying, a deer jumped out in front of tha whip. Slammed the brakes. Thankfully, me and chick fil a had seat belts. Love your loved ones.

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South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 7

Opinion

Mecklenburg to become 51st state

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Mecklenburg County should consider building a wall. Kind of like the fancy one Donald Trump is talking about along the Mexico border, only ours will be designed to keep state legislators out of our lives.

Scratch that. Let’s pound on the proverbial nuke button as if it were a snooze bar. It’s time for Mecklenburg County to wake up and secede from North Carolina. We, the people of Mecklenburg, should become the 51st state of the Union – the first state born of the 21st century – the state of the future.

North Carolina seceded from the United States 154 Justin Vick years ago in a sequence of events that led to the Civil War. And the people of Ballantyne love flirting with the idea of separating from Charlotte.

But Mecklenburg County doesn’t have time for flirting. We must thrust ourselves toward secession now before we see detrimental damage from the growing rift between North Carolina’s urban and rural counties.

Legislators recently sought to limit the amount of state funding going to light rail projects – an obvious slap in the face to progressive cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.

For years, the North Carolina General Assembly allowed politics to interfere with state transporta-

tion funding. The Charlotte region has long had some of the most congested roads, and the only way we could get improvements to them was to reluctantly add toll lanes. By the way, if you hate the idea of toll lanes, I’m sure Mecklenburg seceding from North Carolina would null and void the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s $500 million public-private partnership with Spanish company Cintra to build toll lanes from Charlotte to Mooresville along Interstate 77.

Forget toll lanes for our new state. Let’s just put a turnpike at our border, requiring visitors from North Carolina to pay us a small fee. Anyone with a government license plate would have to pay triple.

Then you have socialists masquerading as Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly. They want to redistribute our hard-earned sales taxes dollars to counties that aren’t making any effort to increase visitor spending.

Think about all of the economic development opportunities that required a significant amount of investment to infrastructure – Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets and NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Shouldn’t we be entitled to most of the sales tax generated from these attractions?

Becoming the 51st state would give us an opportunity to create an efficient state government from scratch. Naturally, Pat McCrory should get the nod to serve as our first governor until we have formal elections.

In his first act as governor, McCrory should dump his North Carolina pin in the trash and burn it as Charlotte native and 16-time world wrestling

champion Ric “Nature Boy” Flair applies the official Mecklenburg pin to his lapel. Coincidently, our state motto will be “Woooooooo!”

Life will change in other ways.

No more Common Core educational curriculum. School lunch rooms will serve pork chops in the shape of Mecklenburg County. Our state flag will be checkered – because we’re winners.

Mecklenburg should recruit adjacent counties to help expand our borders. Securing Union, Cabarrus and Iredell counties are especially vital to our state economy.

We need the Cabarrus County resources of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills, the North Carolina Research Campus and the Dale Earnhardt statute in Kannapolis.

Iredell County would allow us to consolidate the east side of Lake Norman and claim Mooresville’s NASCAR teams.

Union County makes sense because there are so many people commuting to Charlotte for jobs… and Union’s aerodynamics industry would add diversity to Mecklenburg’s economy.

New towns are sure to emerge from neighborhoods (Ballantyne, SouthPark and University City), and some of the region’s most popular local peronalities could very well become state and national leaders.

Despite being the architect of this new government, I prefer no recognition. But if the citizens must create a statue in my likeness, I hope the sculptor corrects my terrible posture and trims about 40 pounds.

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, It’s always a shame when a successful local business closes its doors, and this week, our part of south Charlotte will lose a longtime business: the Subway in the Camfield Corners Shopping Center. It’s been there a long time and has served thousands of customers with good, solid, healthy meals at inexpensive prices. The owner informed me that the bad publicity Subway endured a few months ago surrounding its past TV spokesman hurt his business. I honestly don’t see that, as evidenced by how many people are daily customers from the area, including other businesses. Regardless, losing a healthy food alternative nearby to where we live will be an unfortunate result.

Maybe someone else will buy it and re-open it. I sincerely hope so.

Jon Schuller Ballantyne We want to hear your opinion!

Send your letters to the editor to hannah@carolinaweekly newspapers.com.

Letters must not exceed 300 words and may be edited for clarity.

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Page 8 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Oct. 9 to 15: Lowest scores 28226 • Persis Biryani Indian Grill, 14027 Conland Circle – 84 Violations include: Inspector cited a “gross lack of oversight for date marking of required foods, reheating procedures, hot holding temperatures and cold holding temperatures;” raw fish in walk-in cooler stored over ready-to-eat foods; sanitizer supply bucket appeared to contain another chemical; onions cooked at inconsistent temperatures; fried onions, fried cauliflower, chili chicken and curry chicken below proper hot holding temperatures; rice curd and tomato chutney not at proper cold-holding temperatures; goat thawed in preparation sink under trickle of water rather than submerged; containers of oils and spices not labeled; ants crawling on lids of buckets containing dry foods; and some cooks not wearing hair restraints.

28209 • Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, 4435 Park Road – 93 • McAlister’s Deli, 4805 Park Road – 98 • Rock Salt, 512 Brandywine Road – 95 28210 • Flavors, 5900 Quail Hollow Road – 90 • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, 8400 Park Road – 96.5 • Terrace Café, 4625 Piedmont Row Drive – 96 28211 • Another Broken Egg Café, 3920 Sharon Road – 90 • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 2921 Providence Road – 95 • Hunan Express, 901 Wendover Road – 95

• I Love Juice Bar, 2907 Providence Road – 99 • Imani’s Fusion Café, 35355 Randolph Road – 95 • Libretto’s Truck, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96 • Taste of Heaven Catering, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 95.5 28226 • Circle K, 8925 Pineville-Matthews Road – 92.5 • Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 90.5 • Fresh Market, 7625 Pineville-Matthews Road – 91.5 • Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar, 4100 Carmel Road – 96.5 • Kabutos at 51, 7724 Pineville-Matthews Road – 94 • Pizza Hut, 8800 Pineville-Matthews Road – 90.5 28277 • Bamboo 7 Asian Cuisine, 1525 Lancaster Hwy. – 94.5 • Buona Vita, 3419 Torringdon Way – 99 • Chick-fil-A, 1001 Rea Road – 99.5 • Chick-fil-A, 8008 Providence Road – 97.5 • Domino’s Pizza, 6420 Rea Road – 96 • Edible Arrangements, 12239 N. Community House Road – 99.5 • JJ’s Red Hots, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 97.5 • Ma Ma Wok, 11914 Elm Lane – 95.5 • Miro Spanish Grille, 12239 N. Community House Road – 96 • Penn Station East Coast Subs, 11532 Providence Road – 98 • Persis Biryani Indian Grill, 14027 Conland Circle – 84 • Pio Pio Restaurant, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 98 • Regals Stonecrest, 7824 Rea Road – 96.5 • Riccio’s Pizza Villa, 9213 Baybrook Lane – 98 • Smoke Modern Barbeque, 7828 Rea Road – 94 • Starbucks Coffee, 6432 Rea Road – 99 • Taco Bell, 8000 Providence Road – 97.5 • Target Food Avenue, 7860 Rea Road – 99 • Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, 3429 Toringdon Way – 96 • Viva Chicken, 12206 Copper Way – 95 • Wendy’s, 16055 Johnston Road – 95.5

South Charlotte cake business to expand

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

WEDDINGTON – Gabrielle Starr needed a career change.

The Weddington resident was an education professional and worked as a guidance counselor in Charlotte-Mecklen- Gabrielle Starr burg Schools and Union County Public Schools before her children, now 3 and 6 years old, were born.

Starr had a knack for baking, along with a handful of cake recipes. The cakes she baked had received accolades from family and friends, which led Starr to consider making cakes her livelihood.

“Back in February of this year, I jumped in with two feet and gradually started doing it,” Starr said of starting her cake business, Gabs’ Goodies.

She jumpstarted her small business by baking out of her own kitchen for businesses, churches and people in the community. Starr encountered

various businesses that wanted to sell her cakes, such as The Butchers Market at 8410 Rea Road in south Charlotte. But there was a catch with some businesses, including The Butchers Market – the cakes had to be baked in a state-approved kitchen that undergoes regular, official health inspections. Various charity auctions Starr wanted to donate to also required an approved kitchen.

Rather than work to have her home kitchen state approved, Starr sought an alternative: cook elsewhere. As of Thursday, Oct. 22, Starr will expand her business by renting kitchen space at Switchin’ Kitchens in south Charlotte. This will allow her to bake items to be sold at The Butchers Market and Wesley Chapel’s upcoming Halloween festival in Dogwood Park, on Oct. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Starr is in talks to sell her cakes at other retail stores in south Charlotte and western Union County.

Gabs’ Goodies also takes orders online, offering coffee cakes and chocolate-chocolate chip, cinnamon streusel, pistachio, lemon pound, apple and pumpkin bundt cakes.

Find more information at www.gabsgoodies.weebly.com.

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South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 9

Faith

The T-shirt said, ‘Mom Likes Me Best,’ and I owned it

by Rev. Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

I don’t know where it came from, but somehow I came into possession of a Tshirt that had emblazoned on the front of it, “Mom Likes Me Best.”

It was royal blue with white letters that had red trim. Rev. Tony Marciano The letters themselves had to be at least three inches tall.

You could see it a mile away.

I never wore the shirt but didn’t want to give it away. After all, one day, (not sure when that day would come), I would actually wear it. The truth is, I never wore it. It was just great to own it. When going through my closet, I would see it and smile.

There is still sibling rivalry in my family. With an aging mother who lives with me, I’ve learned that as the children take care of their mother (mine has dementia and thinks I am her nephew) all the unresolved childhood issues begin to surface. It’s been amazing how well we have

worked together (or not worked together) to schedule what we call “Nana care.” It reminds me of the days where chores had to be done and who was able to get out of the work and who got “stuck” doing them.

Today, I have the role I played at 10 years old of being the referee between the three of us. So when I asked my mother the question “Who do you love the best?” the real reason for asking the question is that maybe we are still jockeying for the position we wanted when we were in grammar school. We wanted to hear, “Mom likes me best,” but mother was always on to us. She always replied, “I love you all the same.” Then she smiled.

After she said that, I always turned to my mother and said, “Remember mom, who takes care of your finances?” She’d smile, look at the three of us and say, “I still love you all the same.”

Recently, I read the book, “The Happiness Project.” The author challenged the reader to “clean out your closet.” I did that and felt so much better. I donated the shirt to the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

A few days later I saw “my shirt” being worn by one of the residents of the Rebound men’s program. I smiled each time I saw him wearing it. I learned he was really proud of it. When I saw him wearing

it, it reminded me of the message every one of us longs to hear, “We are loved.”

Author Sally Lloyd-Jones in writing “The Jesus Storybook Bible – a Children’s Bible” says this about what happened in the Garden of Eden: “Eve picked the fruit and ate some. Adam ate some too and a terrible lie came into the world.

It would never leave. It would live on in every human heart, whispering to every one of God’s children, ‘God doesn’t love me.’”

If we believe the lie, we fill the void in so many different ways. Prior to coming to the Rescue Mission, our residents filled it with drugs and alcohol. Other ways we fill that void is with food, work, sex, gambling, power, rage and religion (which is not a relationship to God). We fill the void with a “temporary fix” and feel-good about ourselves. But, those “feel good feelings” only last a few moments then we have to repeat it over and over to get that feeling back.

The shirt almost said it right. Instead of reading “Mom Likes Me Best,” I wish it read, “God Loves Me Best.”

And can I add, “He loves you and me unconditionally.”

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

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Carmel Presbyterian Church to host annual Trunk or Treat Friday, Oct. 30 Carmel Presbyterian Church will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will include a short program, carnival games, cupcake decorating and a costume parade. The event is free and open to the public.

Visit www.carmelpresbyterian.org for more information. Carmel Presbyterian is located at 2048 Carmel Road.

Forest Hills to hold Women Under Construction conference Nov. 16-17 Forest Hills Church will hold a Women Under Construction conference on Nov. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at the church’s SouthPark campus, located at 7224 Park Road. The service will be the same both nights so guests should just attend one event.

Marilynn Chadwick and special guest Erin Fede will share powerful stories of hope and the Bible’s promise that hope is “an anchor for the soul.”

Guests also will have a chance to shop at the Fashion and Compassion Marketplace, which will feature special collections of jewelry, bags and accessories, with proceeds empowering women and children around the world. Tickets cost $8 and must be purchased ahead of time. Child care will not be provided. Visit www.foresthill. org/events/women-under-construction.html for more information.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 10 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

Education

Magnet program changes could come to CMS

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools staff rolled out changes for the district’s magnet school programs at its Oct. 13 board of education meeting, which could mean new developments in south Mecklenburg.

The new plan could make a difference in the upcoming student reassignment that could blend varying ethnicities and socioeconomic status of district students, but the changes won’t take place at least until the next school year.

The district hopes to expand seats at current magnet school programs, particularly with “undersubscribed” schools, as well as expand magnet offerings.

Some students couldn’t participate in magnet programs because of identified transportation zones with specific shuttle stops at central locations the district established years ago to cut costs. They were limited in access to specific schools because of those zones. This means a Matthews or Mint Hill student could only receive transportation to schools in the “green” transportation zone and south Charlotte students could only receive transportation to schools in the “blue” zone, according to CMS. The district announced Oct. 13 to eliminate shuttle stop transportation in favor of “common stops” in the 2016-17 school year

to hopefully grow magnet school participation and access. Superintendent Ann Clark said at the meeting eliminating the shuttle plan will cost about $6 million in the 201617 budget, but a specific cost would involve various factors. Clark said she would have more details at the Nov. 10 meeting when the board is expected to vote on the plan.

“It is the recommendation from the superintendent, myself, and the staff that we eliminate all of shuttle stops to create equal opportunity across Mecklenburg County for all students to make that choice to attend a particular magnet school,” Clark said.

New changes also involve dropping admission requirements for some schools that were set to ensure students were prepared to attend the school. Staff hopes for schools with lower enrollment that more students can access the programs.

Additional programs in the coming years could include two more middle college high schools on Central Piedmont Community College campuses, such as Harper, expanding Motenssori programs into middle and high schools and potentially to create a new arts magnet or STEM or IB magnet program in the south or southwestern zone of the district, but no date or locations have been established.

The board of education must vote on the plan at its Nov. 10 meeting to comply with budget implications.

No word on CMS superintendent search

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Superintendent Ann Clark has had quite a year.

Last fall, Superintendent Heath Morrison resigned and Clark was hoisted into the role with the plan to retire in summer 2016 as a new superintendent was selected by the board of education.

However, there has been recent noise that some community and business leaders want to keep Clark in the leadership chair, while others want anything but that.

The board of education was tasked with determining what type of person they would like to see in the superintendent’s chair in July, but no word from the board has been presented since.

Despite the board’s silence, some parents have brought their opinions forward.

Colette Forest, a mother of third-grader in a CMS magnet school, said she believes there has been a disconnect along racial lines in which black communities were not effectively supported. She emailed many community members urging them not to support extending Clark’s contract.

“I ask that a school board demonstrate your stated commitment to educate all of our communities children by selecting a superintendent who will bring us together as opposed to tearing us apart,” Forest said during the Oct. 13 board of education meeting.

She suggested that some of the CMS leaders’ decision-making did not reflect all students, but rather a “callous disregard to some children,” namely those in the black community. In 2010, then-Superintendent Peter Gorman and CMS leaders closed multiple schools, many in mostly-black neighborhoods.

Forest called for a “unifying leader” in a superintendent, which she said might not be Clark.

“The predicament we find ourselves in (is) with the majority of our schools marked by racial, social and economic segregation and widespread distrust of CMS,” she said.

“Leadership and ability to address the challenges that we face requires that we select a superintendent who is truly capable of giving all parts of Charlotte the fresh start that it desperately deserves and needs.”

Forest was not alone, however, as multiple parents stood with signs and spoke in agreement.

The superintendent search, or lack thereof, will set the tone for future students’ reassignment, which could alleviate economic isolation and racial and socioeconomic segregation.

The boiling environment could deter future candidates from coming to CMS or provide an unsettling tone as CMS would have the fifth new leader in five years.

Some suspect the board of education will not come forward with an opinion until after Election Day at the risk of skewing political views.

Regardless, CMS parents will still have to wait.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

The Weekly

Education Briefs CMS awarded funds to improve student mental health services Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was awarded a $3.3-million grant to increase student access to mental health services and resources.

The money will fund school-based therapy sessions for students and families, additional student services support positions and behavioral health professional development for school-based staff, according to a news release.

“All students can succeed academically,” CMS Superintendent Ann Clark said in the release. “Sometimes they need extra support to overcome behavioral or emotional difficulties that can get in the way of learning. This grant expands access to free, school-based mental health services for students and their families.

We are thankful for this extraordinary gift.”

The grant will support and expand middle and K-8 school participation in the district’s School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) program, a collaboration between CMS, Mecklenburg County and health care providers Carolinas HealthCare System, Family First Community Services, Pride in North Carolina, Thompson Child & Family Focus and Turning Point Family Solutions.

Seventy-eight CMS schools participate in the program and Bailey Middle and Oaklawn Language Academy will be added as a result of the grant.

“All participating middle and K-8 schools will have access to funding for their students,” Dr. Cotrane Penn, CMS mental health program specialist, said in the release. “Some schools will receive increased school psychologist staffing or new student services facilitators who would relieve school counselors and social workers of administrative duties, allowing them to devote more time to school counseling and school social work. School counselors and social workers may also participate in professional development that is shown to have positive effects with youth experiencing conduct problems or who have been exposed to violence.”

The four-year grant begins January 2016 and ends December 2019. The district expects to fill new positions by the 2016-2017 school year.

South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 11 and on track for graduation, I am hopeful that these award winners will continue to share best practices and serve as models for districts and schools across the state.”

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Providence student to attend leader forum at Disney World Providence High School junior Jake Oringel, of The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, has been selected to attend Auntie Anne’s Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum at Walt Disney World this weekend with 50 other participants from across the nation.

The three-day forum will introduce participants to interactive sessions involving career development and community leadership from executives and franchisees of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest soft pretzel chain.

He also will learn about the franchising business model and what it is like to own and operate an Auntie Anne’s store.

Jake has been involved with First Tee since 2011 and is on the varsity tennis team. He also is active in his youth group and in the state champion financial literacy team.

St. Gabriel Catholic raises funds for Belmont’s Catherine’s House The students at St. Gabriel Catholic School spent their summer hosting lemonade and cookie stands to raise money for children at Catherine’s House, a home in Belmont that serves women and children facing homelessness due to domestic violence, unemployment or underemployment, the shortage of affordable housing, unexpected tragedies or lack of a support network.

Kindergarten-through-fifth-grade students hosted stands throughout south Charlotte to raise $2,034, a new school record. With that money, St. Gabriel students purchased clothing, shoes, jackets, and school supplies for three elementary school children who currently live at Catherine’s House. It was the first time some of the students had ever received new clothes with tags.

“St. Gabriel Catholic School is dedicated to helping others in our community,” St. Gabriel Principal Sharon Broxterman said in a news release. “These yearly lemonade stands not only teach our students to spread the love of Jesus Christ in everyday life, but they open their eyes to a world beyond their own driveways.”

The school has hosted the fundraiser for Catherine’s House for the last eight years.

State honors Ardrey Kell and Providence for high grad rates State Superintendent June Atkinson honored Ardrey Kell and Providence high schools earlier this month for having the highest fouryear graduation rate among all schools in the state for 2014-15 in specific categories.

Providence was honored for its 97.8-percent graduation rates in the 400 to 499 student cohort category and Ardrey Kell was honored for its 97.1-percent graduation rate in the 500 or more students cohort.

“I am so proud of the teachers, school counselors, coaches, principals and district leaders, and others who have worked tirelessly to make sure more students are graduating from North Carolina’s public schools than ever before … ,” Atkinson said in a news release. “As we honor the schools and districts that do an exceptional job keeping students in school

New firms form in south Charlotte

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Perry

St. Gabriel’s students raised money all summer with lemonade and cookie stands to support Catherine’s House.

The following is a listing of new corporations filed by registered agents with the N.C. Secretary of State from Oct. 9 to 15 by zip code.

28226 • Allen Hayes Investments LLC – William Allen Jr., 3129 Springbank Lane.

• Charlotte Tuesday Ministry – James Lee, 3715 Rea Road.

• David Lebels Music Company LLC – David Lebel, 6303 Carmel Road, suite.106.

• Good Sense Vison Services LLC – Sarah Heinrich, 3764 Winding Creek Lane.

• Maylin Lane LLC – Ellen Engelhardt, 11440 Carmel Commons Blvd., suite.105.

• Savesorb Services LLC – Marty McCarthy, 4205 Quail Hunt Lane.

• SCM Charlotte Realty Enterprises LLC – Sandra McDonald, 4825 Cambridge Crescent Drive.

• SF Enterprises LLC – Keith Jayma, 10716 Carmel Commons Blvd., suite 160.

28277 • 2MGadhia LLC – Mehul Gadhia, 10656 Rogalla Drive.

• 321 Delites LLC – C. Christopher Clark, 11325 N. Community House Road, suite 250.

• BEAT Stage Company Inc. – Jennifer Howard, 5901 Avelon Valley Drive, #923.

• Belmont Delites LLC – C. Clark, 11325 N. Community House Road, suite 250.

• Camberocarroll LLC – Erin Cambero, 14424 Myers Mill Lane.

• Charlotte Is Creative – Starrett Law Firm PLLC, 13850 Ballantyne Corporate Place, suite.500.

• Charming Tots LLC – Elizabeth Whitson, 9818 Cotton Stand Road.

• Chei Solar LLC – Entropy Investment Management LLC, 14120 Ballantyne Corp Place, suite 400.

• CHOLANZ LLC – Riswana Jinnah, 9217 McAlwaine Preserve Ave.

• EMG Technology L.L.C. – Armanda Brown, 7313 Morris Pond.

• Happy Solar LLC – Entropy Investment Management LLC, 14120 Ballantyne Corp Place, suite 400.

• Infiniti Pharmacy and Infusion Services Inc – Corporate Creations Network Inc., 15720 Brixham Hill Ave., #300.

• J Luxe Studio LLC – Jennifer Buchanan, 7008 Tomlin Green Lane.

• Kenneth Solar LLC – Entropy Investment Management LLC, 14120 Ballantyne Corporate Place, suite 400.

• KiddCo Group LLC – Edwin Kidd, 10224 Waterbrook Lane.

• LaxmiNarayan Inc. – Pinky Singh, 13326 Chasewater Drive.

• Mission Fitness LLC – Bruce Mann, 8843 Holland Park Lane.

• The MRM Freiberg Family Limited Partnership – Richard Freiberg, 14610 Ballantyne Lake Road, apt. 811.

• MSY Holdings LLC – C. Clark, 11325 N. Community House Road, suite 250.

• Murdock Solar LLC – Entropy Investment Management LLC, 14120 Ballantyne Corp Place, suite 400.

• New Hope Delites LLC – C. Clark, 11325 N. Community House Road, suite 250.

• PARTsolutions LLC – Gregg McCormick, 18003 Meadow Bottom Road.

• Prism LLC – Mark Bivens, 5904 Alexa Road.

• Rancher Charcoal Inc. – Menahem Gavia, 11647 Old Surry Lane.

• Sophia Henry Books LLC – Wendy Bennett, 8152 Oxford Commons Drive.

• US Biomedics - ABI LLC – Timothy Gavigan, 10700 Sikes Place, suite 375.

• US Biomedics - AL LLC – Timothy Gavigan, 10700 Sikes Place, suite 375.

• Zackary Hovatter LLC – C. Clark, 11325 N Community House Road, suite.250.

• Russian Language & Arts LLC – Vladimir Glukhoman, 6420 Rea Road, suite A1-310.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 12 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

The Weekly

Calendar October

24 barbecue

Fall craft fair and

Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church will hold a craft fair featuring homemade items including jewelry, home décor, Christmas décor, baked goods and more. Money raised will support the church’s youth live nativity. The craft fair also will be in conjunction with Boy Scout Troop 256’s barbecue and car wash.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road

24 Book Signing at Mugs

Kehlan Johnson, a local Charlotte resident, will be on hand at Mugs to discuss and sign his latest book, “The Agent.”

2 to 4 p.m.; Mugs, 5126 Park Road

24

Ghost Tour of Downtown Matthews

The Matthews Heritage Museum will host a Ghost Tour of downtown Matthews. The event will include two tours, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m., which will start at the Matthews Heritage Museum. Local historian Paula Lester will lead visitors on a tour of the Trade Street Historic District, teaching about Matthews history as guests “encounter a number of ‘spirits” from different time periods.” The mu-

seum will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. The tour costs $5 per person for adults, and visitors 17 years old and younger can attend for free. The museum recommends attendees wear comfortable shoes, and those on the 7:30 tour are encouraged to carry a flashlight. Call 704-7084996 for reservations.

6 and 7:30 p.m.; Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade St., Matthews

25 Flying Biscuit birthday

Flying Biscuit Café will hold a “Biscuit Birthday” celebration in honor of its anniversary. The restaurant will feature all-day celebrations, including a balloon artist, giveaways, prizes, a mascot appearance and more.

7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Flying Biscuit, 7930 Rea Road

25

Charlotte Music Collectors Show

This event is geared toward music lovers and vinyl collectors. It will feature music dealers from across the South selling rare vintage vinyl LPss, 45s, CDs, DVDs and more.

All day; Springhill Suites Ballantyne 12325 Johnston Road

27

LCI Cancer Support Group

This supper group is for anyone who has experienced cancer in the past or is currently in treatment. The group is facilitated by a Levine Cancer Institute professional and serves as a forum for sharing ideas and encouragement with others.

RSVP or receive more inform by contacting Marla Cesarlo at marla.cesario@ymcachar

lotte.org or 704-716-4293.

4 to 5:30 p.m.; Chapel, Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

Stew 30 Brunswick fundraiser The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home will hold a community fundraiser featuring Brunswick stew at James K. Polk Masonic Lodge. Only take-out is available, and plates cost $9 per quart.

Noon to 4 p.m. ; James K. Polk Lodge, 900 Hill St., Pineville

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@the ballantynehotel.com for more information.

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

Young 1980s 30 Forever Halloween The Duke Mansion will host an 1980s-themed Halloween Party with food and live music.

Guests will be able to bid on trips, jewelry and other items in a silent auction, which will support the preservation of the Duke Mansion. Dress in costume or in 1980s prom finest. Tickets cost $75 and can be purchases at www.dukemansionprom.eventbrite.com or by calling 704-714-4453.

7 p.m.; Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road

of Grave 31 Matters Importance Take a glimpse into the past, present and future of local cemetery history with local historian and preservation expert, Jason Harpe, who will give visitors an intimate look at historic cemetery preservation, and will demonstrate live preservation techniques in the Polk Family Cemetery. He also will hold a discussion session, during which participants can share their individual cemetery preservation experiences or questions. Cost is $5.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Polk Historical Society, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville

November

5

Moms Managing Media

7

Jason Moon PTSD Show

This event is for moms – and dads and grandparents – looking to find more “screen use” balance in their homes and learn tips to manage the impact of technology in their children’s lives. Email info@momsman agingmedia.com for more information.

9:30 to 11 a.m.; BeanTown Tavern, 130 Matthews Station St., Matthews

St. John Neumann Catholic Church will host is free-admission concert to provide support and healing for local veterans, their family and the community. Find more information at www.jasonmoon.org.

7 p.m.; St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte

Sports

Captains take the charge for Providence Day volleyball

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Providence Day volleyball is building for something special – a state championship. Judging from the start of their season, the Chargers (21-6, 8-2 CISAA) are well on their way.

But the success the Chargers are seeing this season has been a long time coming. It started with the players meeting at the school 27 times for open gym before the sun came up during the summer.

“They would come in with great attitudes and an incredible work ethic,” Providence Day coach Emily Carrara said.

“They treat each other like sisters. They are incredibly passionate about the sport, but also passionate about being a great teammate. We’ve got great kids at Providence Day, and I’ve got great kids on that court.”

Carrara, who is in her second year at the helm at Providence Day, knows something about what it takes to play at a high level. She’s previously served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Davidson College for three years and Queens University for three years.

Her first year with the Chargers was about starting fresh and creating with the players something they wanted to mold the program into.

Current Davidson freshman Ciera Cockrell led the Chargers last season as their go-to player. This year, the Chargers joined together to form a strong nucleus of veteran and talented players to fill vital roles.

The Chargers are led by captains senior outside hitter/set-

Photo courtesy of Providence Day

ter Caroline Bynum, junior libero Maddie Grace Hough, senior outside hitter Lexi Mitchell and junior setter/outside hitter Autumn Mitchell. The Mitchells are one of two sets of sisters on the team.

Lexi Mitchell is a go-to hitter. She leads the team with 386 kills, 64 aces and is second on the team with 250 digs and 25 blocks.

“Lexi is one of our most dynamic players,” Carrara said.

“Her job is not only to be that scorer, but also empower Erin (Whalen) and Caroline to also be scorers. Lexi brings competitiveness and fire and aggressiveness.”

Hough is a competitor, but also is a source of encouragement for her teammates, which Carrara describes as: “‘I’m going to tuck jump 10 times in a row when you get a kill,

and I’m going to do it, because I know you need to know that I’m so proud of you.’”

Carrara said Bynum gets the team fired up, whether she’s starting or cheering from the bench.

Autumn Mitchell is the pace setter, who controls the tempo of the Chargers offense. Carrara said she brings a hardworking mentality to practice each day.

“All four of them really blend well,” Carrara said. “We’re really balanced. It’s become more of a collective depth chart versus who’s going to get the kill for us. It’s we will all fight together to get the kill. Our team fights to make the person next to them better.”

Despite their undeniable talent, Carrara sees some room for improvement, specifically when it comes to serving and passing.

Doing small things well make a big difference in how a team executes, and if Providence Day wants to reach its goal of winning a state championship it must do the little things well to get the edge it needs to overcome a deep and competitive field once it reaches the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state playoffs next week.

Bynum said the Chargers are at their best when they play with confidence. They showed that and a spirit of relentlessness a team needs to win a championship when they beat traditional powers Covenant Day, 3-2 (Oct. 6) and Cannon, 3-2 (Oct. 13).

“This team’s like a family,” Hough said. “We play with relentless passion and especially chasing states. We have a hashtag, #DreamCatching2015, so we’re playing for that.”

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 13

Friday’s can’t-miss games Harding at Providence Friday at 7 p.m.

It appears the Panthers have nearly solidified a postseason berth, but a win over the Bisons would all but cement it. Drake DeIuliis isn’t going to beat opponents through the air, but has proven he can be a load for opposing defenses when it comes to rushing.

Providence’s suffocating defense enables it to compete with nearly any team, and should be dominant against Harding.

Defensive end Dru Seabrook and linebackers Tyler Pistorio and Jordan Fehr have led the charge, and have kept the Panthers in most games. The combination of Providence’s strong defense and improving offense doesn’t bode well for Harding.

Independence at Myers Park Friday at 7 p.m.

The Mustangs could have moved to the driver’s in the Southwestern 4A, but their loss to Butler has them playing catch up to the Bulldogs and Patriots. A win over Independence and a

The Weekly

Butler loss can change that, but the Patriots are no cupcake.

Independence has made significant strides since the first month of the season, winning five of its last six games. Myers Park quarterback Jack Davidson and wide receiver Brandon Adams will need to be on their game, but they’ll need help.

Independence’s defense, led by linebackers Rob Casanova, Tylon Clawson and Jerome Cochran yield little, and will be on the attack against the Mustangs.

Providence Day at Country Day Friday at 7 p.m.

The Chargers are on a roll with four straight victories, while the Buccaneers need a win to stop the bleeding after its three-game losing skid. However, a visit from Providence Day won’t be an easy obstacle for the Bucs to overcome.

Country Day is scrappy and plays solid defense, but the Bucs will have a difficult time holding Providence Day’s dualthreat quarterback John Schweitzer and running back Gabe Montgomery at bay for four quarters.

Athletes Boys Athlete of the Week Xander Gagnon, Charlotte Catholic Charlotte Catholic senior outside linebacker Xander Gagnon made 12 tackles and an interception in the Cougars 10-7 win over South Meck Friday, Oct. 16.

Girls Athlete of the Week Katie Soden, Myers Park Myers Park junior tennis player Katie Soden beat Charlotte Catholic sophomore Catie Nelson in two sets (6-2 and 7-6) Tuesday, Oct. 20 to lead the Mustangs to a 5-4 match victory.

Send your athlete of the week nominations to ben@carolinaweekly newspapers.com

Week Nine

Hannah Chronis

Ben Doster

Abe Wehmiller

Game Picks

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

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

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

Last week: 8-0

Last week: 8-0

Last week: 6-2

Overall: 71-14

Overall: 70-15

Overall: 65-20

Ardrey Kell at Berry Harding at Providence Independence at Myers Park Porter Ridge at Butler South Meck at Olympic West Meck at Catholic Providence Day at Country Day Grace Crossing at Charlotte Latin Victory Christian at Charlotte Christian

Page 14 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

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South Charlotte Weekly | October 23, 2015 | Page 15

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Exp., M-F, 9am to 5pm, Gather & analyze req.; Work w/ research teams to develop high performance distributed compute platform; Participate in product design reviews; Work in Agile dev. environment; Build test strategies & approach for QA activities; Prepare test plan, design & execution test plans; system & regression testing; Conduct reviews of test scenarios, cases & data; Review software documentation; Design & develop automated test tools; Troubleshoot system & network problems. Skills: Visual Basic, HP UFT/QTP, SQL, C#, Java, ASP.net, IBM Rational Clear Quest, JIRA, HP ALM. Send Resume to Euclid Innovations Inc., 212 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1370, Charlotte, NC 28202 Drivers: SE DEDICATED RUN NC,SC, FL, GA, TN, MS, AL Areas. Home Weekly/Full Benefit Pkg. 100% No Touch/75% Drop & Hook CDL A with 1 yr. experience 888-406-9046 PART TIME BOOKKEEPER FLEXIBLE HOURS QUICKBOOKS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED EMAIL RESUME TO MLPP53@YAHOO.COM Manetain Mobile Maintenance Experts has the following positions open: Business Development Manager. Duties to include marketing, building new relationships, maintaining existing ones, acquiring new agreements for service, conducting & attending events to build the Manetain brand. Excellent compensation with opportunity for bonuses.

PAST SALES OR MANAGERIAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Edited Edited by

by Will Will Shortz Shortz

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Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle($39.95 and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords a year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Read about and on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. .

Crosswords forcomment young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords.

Page 16 | October 23, 2015 | South Charlotte Weekly

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