Union County Weekly Nov. 5, 2021 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Don't fall for health care scams • Page 2A

Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 • Vol. 15 • No. 44

Nursing Foot Care

Dianne Nguyen, RN, CFCS

Trimming toenails Reducing thick toenails Reducing corns and calluses

$10 OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS Cell/text: (704) 957-5458 Web: www.TheraTouchFootCare.com 165 S. Trade Street | Matthews, NC 28105 (Inside Studio 165 Salon and Spa)

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261

thecharlotteweekly.com/ucweekly

@ucweekly

Were the

OTERS Right? See page 4A for listing of how residents plunked down votes



charlottemediagroup.org

WHAT'S INSIDE:



 With honor Tofano named state's top Legion leader, 1B

Craig Horn

Jason Hall

Tracy Wesolek

Tom Amburgey

Crystal Buchaluk

Dennis Gay

David Cleveland

Town of Weddington

Town of Waxhaw

Indian Trail

Lake Park

Elected mayor

Won 2nd term

Won 1st term

Retained as mayor

Time to salute Towns offer Veterans Day events, 1B

SPCC earns kudos for Wingate partnership

Power players Region's most followed TV personalities, 3B

Candy house Christmas trade show sounds very sweet, 4B Union County Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Houlihan hugs Wolfe School's Les Deming after he won Principal of the Year honors for the district. Photos courtesy of UCPS

Deming named top principal Worth a drive Landmark stringing up 4 million lights, 4B

MONROE – Union County Public Schools announced Wolfe School’s Les Deming as the 2021-22 Principal of the Year and Wesley Chapel Elementary’s Nicole Phelix as the 2021-22 Assistant Principal of the Year. Superintendent Andrew Houlihan, senior leaders, and Board of Education members surprised the leaders at their schools Oct. 27 with a plaque, balloons, flowers and gift cards. Both winners will be given see UCPS, Page 5A

Union County Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Houlihan presents an award to Nicole Phelix.

MONROE – South Piedmont Community College has been selected as a top 10 finalist in two of three categories for a Bellwether Award. South Piedmont is being recognized in the Workforce Development category for the Road2Wingate partnership with Wingate University. The program guarantees graduates admission to Wingate with 100% of credits transferring seamlessly. This partnership helps bolster the skilled labor shortage for Union and Anson counties. The partnership allows South Piedmont students to use Wingate facilities such as the library and wellness center. Students also have access to counseling services from their advising and financial aid staff. Also, to keep the cost of education low, the Gateway to Wingate scholarship allows SPCC graduates to attend Wingate for $2,500 a year or less. “There have always been some common agreements between community colleges and universities, but we wanted to look at things more creatively and stratePharr gically to better serve the students in our communities,” said Maria Pharr, president at South Piedmont. The second recognition for the Planning, Governance and Finance category highlights the success with a new mobile app, SPCC see SPCC, Page 5A

Community Pop Up Market

Back by popular Saturday, November 6th 10am-3pm demand! Come support your neighbors, local artist and vendors. Everything from furniture to jewelry, a variety of new and used items! Vintage goods, plus lots of handcrafted items. Live music, food and fun for the whole family! Feel free to bring your four-legged friends!

2328 CROWN CENTRE DR. | CHARLOTTE | 704-837-7890

Page 2A • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

Regional mobility plan gains support STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/ carolinaweeklynewspapers

CONTACT US PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway charlotte@cmgweekly.com Kate Kutzleb kate@cmgweekly.com SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR Aspen Earley aspen@cmgweekly.com

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our free email newsletter to stay on top of everything we are publishing in print and online, as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.

CHARLOTTE – The Centralina Regional Council and the Metropolitan Transit Commission have voted to endorse the CONNECT Beyond regional mobility plan. The first-of-its-kind plan serves as a blueprint for how to implement an interconnected transportaiton network that combines high-capacity transit lines, enhanced bus service and other mobility solutions. CONNECT Beyond will cover 12 counties, two states, four Metropolitan Planning Organizations, one Rural Planning Organization and two state Departments of Transportation. “Over the past two decades, our region has experienced unprecedented growth and remained resilient through turbulent cycles,” aid Geraldine Gardner, executive director of Centralina Regional Council.

“Access to safe, reliable, affordable and well-connected public transportation is critical so that everyone can benefit from this economic prosperity.” The plan’s 12-county region which consists of Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties in North Carolina as well as urbanized areas of Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina. “Time is our most incredible asset that each and every one of us have. And augmenting times becomes a determining factor in which mode of transportation we will choose as we are moving throughout the region,” said John Lewis, CEO of Charlotte Area Transit System. “This is an issue of competitiveness. Being able to give individuals back

the most amount of time in their commute and allows them more time pursuing business ventures, spending time with family and enhancing quality of life. And much of that is tied to our transportation system and our ability to connect.” CONNECT Beyond includes more than 150 recommendations that fit into five categories, known as Mobility Moves: Creating Mobility-Friendly Places, Expanding Mobility Choices, Strengthening Rural to Urban Connections, Building a Better Bus Network and Investing in Strategic Mobility Corridors. Some of the ways the plan would impact Mecklenburg County include: expanding sidewalk, bike and trail connections to downtowns and major employment centers; making it easier for riders to figure out how, when and where to use pub-

Beware of Medicare, ACA cons during special enrollment period The coronavirus pandemic left many Americans unemployed – and uninsured. To give people a chance to sign up for health care coverage, the U.S. federal government has opened Medicare.gov from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Healthcare.gov is open from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. Scammers often see open enrollments as a chance to trick people out of money and personal information. How the Scam Works: Anytime the government has an open enrollment, people understandably have questions and concerns. Scammers take advantage of this opportunity to confuse and mislead victims. BBB.org/ScamTracker gets many reports about scammers claiming to be a government representative who can help you navigate your Medicare or Affordable Care Act options. Scammers claim to be a “health care benefits advocate” or a similar title. These scammers allege they can enroll you in a better program than

lic transportation options to get to jobs, school, medical services and recreation; and supporting efforts for additional transfer opportunities for CATS riders. Visit www.connect-beyond.com for more detailed plan information. The next steps will entail Centralina and MTC working with transportation planning organizations, counties and municipalities within the project area to educate residents, facilitate cross-county coordination and secure resources to support early implementation priorities. “We are excited to begin rolling out the plan and working with local entities in the region to customize implementation and ensure mobility solutions for everyone,” Gardner said. “CONNECT Beyond is our north star in meeting the needs of our growing region.”

AAA: Gas prices losing steam

what you currently have. This new plan is cheaper, and you can keep all the same services. To get started, all you need to do is provide some personal information, such as your Medicare ID number. Of course, the call is a scam, and sharing personal information will open you up to identity theft. In another common scam, callers try to frighten rather than assist victims with their health care plans. In this case, scammers claim that your Medicare will be discontinued if you didn’t re-enroll. Fortunately, this “Medicare advisor” can fix the situation – if you share personal information with them. Watch out for similar scams this fall. Healthcare.gov does provide legitimate help with figuring out which plan is right for you. These people — sometimes called Navigators or Assisters — are not allowed to charge for their help. If someone asks you for payment, it’s a scam. You will also need to contact them. They will not call you out-of-the-blue.

CHARLOTTE – After increasing rapidly for most of the month, October ended with gas prices in the Carolinas experiencing very minimal increases over the week – leveling off over the past few days. “Although oil prices remain elevated, they seem to have leveled off, which helped prevent any additional spikes at the pump last week,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “Motorists could see another week of stagnant gas prices, unless there are any big shifts in what has become an extremely tight crude oil market.” The price of crude increased a total of 12% in October, settling at nearly

$84 per barrel on Oct. 29. The increased cost of crude raises the cost of producing gasoline. According to the Energy Information Administration, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also fell. The drop in demand has helped slow price increases, but elevated crude prices continue to put upward market pressure on pump prices, which will likely keep rising as long as oil prices are above $80 per barrel. North Carolina gas prices now average at $3.25 per gallon, having a 1-cent increase on the week. This average is 25 cents more than a month ago and $1.31 more than last year.

Bradington Young After Market

FALL SEATING SALE

BRADINGTON-YOUNG

Save an additional 15% Off Bradington Young sofas and all motion seating through November14th.

Many Styles Available In Fabric Or Leather RECLINING LEATHER COMFORT

SPECIAL ORDERS

CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES

FAMOUS NAME BRAND HOME FURNISHINGS AND SO MUCH MORE. STYLISH SEATING, DINING, BEDROOMS, ACCESSORIES & RUGS. 12 MONTHS SPECIAL BrandSource * FINANCING Citi MERCHAN Credit Card Program T PORTAL EN HA BrandSource Credit Card Program N CE Pineville-Charlotte NC • 11735 Carolina Place Parkway • 704.910.4045 M ENTS July 2019 La This commu unch nication Citi PORTAL 1) MERCHANT notification ENHANCEMENTS Invoice Numb provides of enhancem Mon - Sat 9:30 am - 7 pm Sun noon - 6 pm ents to the Fre 2) Promo Sea er Inclusion 07/17/ 19 launch edom Pay Por July 2019 Launch rch Functio nality tal which inc 07/24/19 lau lude: nch 1) The settlem ent report willof This communication provides notification enhancements to the Freedom Pay PortalNATIONWIDE which include: inform now inc ation. The lud e an ‘Invoice num ‘Inv oice numlaunch 1) Invoice Number Inclusion 07/17/19 lett ber ber ers ’ ’ column for bet or numbers field is a req goodshomefurnishings.com in that field. uirement at ter recDELIVERY onciliation of num 2) Promo Search Functionality 07/24/19 launch the point When tra ber fro Hickory NC • Hickory Furniture Mart • 828.322.3471 Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm Closed Sunday

m that particu

lar sale.

*12

of sales nsaction set tles, the settlem sale transaction and can include ent report wil

NEW l now show 1) The settlement report will now include an ‘Invoice number’ column for better reconciliation of sales invoice ice number’ Column field is a requirement at the point of sale transaction and can include information. The‘Invo ‘Invoice number’ letters or numbers in that field. When transaction settles, the settlement report will now show invoice number from that particular sale.

Months Special Financing available for qualified buyers with $1,500 or more purchase. Call or see stores for all promotional details. Some items may vary by location. NEW

‘Invoice number’ Column

7/16/2019

The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021 • Page 3A

AAA: Tips to avoid deer collisions and costly repairs CHARLOTTE – With deer mating season underway, AAA Carolinas is urging motorists to be cautious and extra vigilant on the roads to help avoid collisions, as October through December is considered to be the worst months of the year for vehicle collisions with animals. “This is the time of the year when deer are extremely active and the

chances of them darting into the roadway are much higher,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “We urge drivers to stay alert especially in animal-prone areas because a collision with a deer can be just as destructive as a collision with another vehicle.” According to NCDOT, there was an increase of more than 2,300

animal-vehicle crashes in 2019, with the overall figure reaching 20,331 crashes, of which 90% are assumed to be deer. The months of October through December account for 51% of those crashes. In the most recent data provided by SCDPS, South Carolina reported 3,086 collisions with animals in 2019 (No pertinent stats for 2020 due to pandemic

and less motorists on the roads). According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), from 2010 to 2019, almost 2,000 people were killed in animal-related crashes. “Colliding with a deer is not only dangerous, it’s also increasingly expensive even in a minor crash,” Wright said. “New technology, like cameras and wind-

Firms buy into advancing racial equity CHARLOTTE – A new $250 million public-private partnership to advance racial equity in Charlotte was announced Nov. 1 at Johnson C. Smith University. During the event, $80 million from the City of Charlotte and other public sources, $97 million in private philanthropy, and $19 million in low-return debt and equity were announced, for a total of $196 million toward the $250 million goal. Of the quarter-of-a-billion dollars the initiative seeks to raise, 84% will be in the form of philanthropic gifts and grants, as well as public dollars. Sixteen percent will be comprised of low-return debt and equity for investments in Charlotte’s six corridors of opportunity. Philanthropic grants will also be made in these corridors. “The issues we face as a community are bigger, broader and more deep-seated than any one organization can address alone,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “We need a significant commitment and investment from the private sector to complement and build upon the work being done by the public sector, the community and grassroots organizations. The vision for this effort is to establish a public-private partnership for achieving racial equity, social justice, economic opportunity and upward mobility. The response from our corporate partners surpassed even what I could have expected, and we have set a new standard for an American city. We will celebrate today’s milestone as we continue together on this critical path to opportunity and equity for all of Charlotte.” The initiative looks to invest $250

million to address inequities and remove barriers to opportunity through four key workstreams: bridging the digital divide and establishing a Center for Digital Equity; investing in Charlotte’s six “Corridors of Opportunity” neighborhoods; transforming JCSU into a top-tier, career-focused HBCU; and ensuring organizations commit to racial equity through advancing more Black and Brown leaders within their individual corporations. A lead private-sector gift of $40 million from The Duke Endowment will be directed to the Johnson C. Smith University workstream. “When our founder established The Duke Endowment in 1924, he named Johnson C. Smith University as one of four schools in North Carolina and South Carolina that he wanted his philanthropy to support,” said Minor Shaw, chair of The Duke Endowment Board of Trustees. “Johnson C. Smith has experienced many exciting changes in the nearly 100 years since, and The Duke Endowment is honored to have been one of its partners along the way. Our partnership continues today as we proudly support these critical efforts to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion for all. We are grateful for the opportunity to join with business and community leaders in this significant work.” In addition to The Duke Endowment’s $40 million pledge, other private-sector contributions announced Monday towards the campaign include: $25 million from Bank of America; $10 million from Lowe’s; $8 million from Truist; $6.1 million from Atrium Health; $5.7 million

from Queens University of Charlotte; $5 million each from Ally Financial and Ric Elias; $3 million from Novant Health and Duke Energy; $1 million each from CLT2020 Host Committee, EY, the Michael Jordan Family/ the Charlotte Hornets Foundation (a combined gift), National Gypsum/ CD Spangler Foundation (a combined gift) and Trane Technologies; $500,000 from Mary and Mike Lamach; and $220,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies. From the public sector, the City of Charlotte committed $72 million and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library committed $8 million. The Charlotte Executive Leadership Council answered the initial call from Mayor Lyles for a corporate response following the murder of George Floyd and other events in 2020 that exposed longstanding racial inequities. A corporate response team was established, led by Malcomb Coley, US central private leader and Charlotte managing partner of EY, and Janet LaBar, president and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. LaBar and Coley led the four workstreams, working with more than 90 business and community representatives over the past 18 months on initiative development. Coley, who will serve as 2022 chair of the CLT Alliance, and Mike Lamach, current chair of CELC, will serve as co-chairs of two oversight boards that will review benchmarks and authorize the distribution of dollars to each workstream, periodically, to maximize accountability. On the web: EquityCLT.org

shield sensors drive up the cost of repairs, which makes it more imperative to double-check your insurance coverage.” The average claim for hitting a deer in the Carolinas is $4,300. To avoid out-of-pocket expense, AAA recommends purchasing an auto policy including comprehensive coverage, which covers collisions with deer or other animals.

Charlotte Media Group's

Pet Hall of Fame We are collecting the cutest photos of pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties for Charlotte Media Group’s Pet Hall of Fame. Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on adding to it frequently. Email photos of your cute pets to justin@ cmgweekly.com or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for consideration. We’ll recognize new inductees each week! Our social media handles are @mmhweekly, @southcltweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.

Gracie enjoys getting into the Halloween spirit. Here she says, “Boo.” Photo courtesy of Ginny Copeland

SENIOR GUIDE POST INSURANCE AGENCY ABLE L I A V A S T N E ROLLM N E L A U T R I V COVID SAFE

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT STARTS OCTOBER 15TH LICENSED AGENTS

AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY OFFERING MOST MAJOR PLANS

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE PLANS, MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS, AND PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS CALL LEE SHORE FOR MATTHEWS, MINT HILL, SOUTH CHARLOTTE

704-575-6680

CALL DARRYL BRYANT FOR MONROE, WAXHAW & LANCASTER COUNTY, SC

704-258-6126

1811 SARDIS RD NORTH, SUITE 207, CHARLOTTE, NC 28270

www.seniorguidepost.org

A+

Page 4A • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

General Assembly gives new legislative maps initial nod by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor

(The Center Square) – After several breaks, lengthy debate and a slew of amendments, the North Carolina General Assembly gave new legislative maps preliminary approval Nov. 2. As accusations of gerrymandering and a lawsuit loomed over the redistricting process, racial demographics of the state led to debate over Senate district lines. Before the Senate Committee on Redistricting and Elections approved the new district map Nov. 2, committee co-chair Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, made it a point to discuss how and when racial data could be used in considering where to draw district lines. The data is of grave significance because a federal court ordered the state to redraw 28 districts that were found to be racial gerrymanders in 2016. Newton said the state now is in a tight spot. Voting advocates have sued because racial data was not used to draft the proposed maps. He said it contradicts the 2016 case that found the state’s maps were based on racial data. “So just to be clear, they litigated to limit our ability to use racial data. We’re choosing as we did in 2019 not to use racial data, and now they’re litigating saying we shouldn’t use racial data,” Newton said. The 2016 maps also were found unconstitutional by a court and were redrawn in 2019 because of partisan gerrymandering. Republican-led redistricting leadership also has said they did not consider partisan data in the drafting of the maps to safeguard the process. The Southern Coalition for

Social Justice and Common Cause filed a lawsuit Friday, asking a judge to stop the maps from being drafted without first examining racial data, which they said is a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The advocates said by excluding racial data, the Legislature doesn’t consider the needs of the majority-minority districts, which also violates the North Carolina Constitution. The Voting Rights Act prohibits redistricting plans that are discriminatory or have discriminatory outcomes, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue, D-Wake, offered an alternative to using the racial data by maintaining districts where Black candidates have consistently received 50% plus one of the vote, but Blue’s amendment was stuck down. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave the Senate map an F grade for fairness and a C grade for competitiveness. House Minority Leader Robert Reives, D-Durham, also presented an amendment to the House legislative map that directs lawmakers to draft districts that first address the Voting Rights Act. It was rejected. House Redistricting Chair Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said even though they did not use racial or political data to construct the map that the House approved, 67-49, on Tuesday, the process was transparent. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave Hall’s overall map an F grade for fairness and a C grade for competitiveness. House Democrats said they heard complaints from constituents about the lack of the public’s involvement in the process.

ELECTION RESULTS CORNELIUS MAYOR Woody Washam Jr. – 3,816 (90.28%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 411 (9.72%)

CORNELIUS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dave Gilroy – 2,886 (13.69%) Todd Sansbury – 2,670 (12.67%) Michael Osborne – 2,623 (12.45%) Colin J. Furcht – 2,423 (11.50%) Denis Bilodeau – 2,277 (10.80%) Thurman Ross Jr. – 2,202 (10.45%) Michael (Mike) Miltich – 1,974 (9.37%) Jim Duke – 1,941 (9.21%) Tricia Sisson – 1,929 (9.15%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 150 (0.71%) DAVIDSON MAYOR Russell B. Knox Jr. – 2,665 (92.15%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 227 (7.85%) DAVIDSON BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Jane Campbell – 2,118 (15.80%) Autumn Rierson Michael – 2,100 (15.66%) Matthew Dellinger – 2,082 (15.53%) Tracy Mattison Brandon – 2,021 (15.07%) Ryan Fay – 1,911 (14.25%) Dan Ryan – 1,201 (8.96%) Tim Neal – 950 (7.09%) Jeff Boyd – 899 (6.70%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 126 (0.94%) FAIRVIEW COUNCIL Patricia Helms Kindley – 330 (29.78%) Jerry Clontz – 286 (25.81%) Michael T. Eiss – 211 (19.04%) Breanne Taylor – 143 (12.91%) Alex Karakosta – 111 (10.02%) Matt Taylor – 18 (1.62%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 9 (0.81%) HEMBY BRIDGE ALDERMAN Kevin Pressley – 54 (47.79%) Rodney Mullis – 51 (45.13%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 8 (7.08%) HUNTERSVILLE MAYOR Melinda Bales – 3,151 (50.77%) Jill Swain – 3,007 (48.45%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 49 (0.79%) HUNTERSVILLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Stacy Phillips – 3,704 (11.54%) Amber Kovacs – 3,217 (10.02%) Dan Boone – 3,208 (10.00%) Derek L. Partee – 2,920 (9.10%) Lance Munger – 2,676 (8.34%) Rob Kidwell – 2,587 (8.06%) Nick Walsh – 2,549 (7.94%) Eric Rowell – 2,419 (7.54%) Jenn Davis – 2,074 (6.46%) Taylor Brock Hutto – 1,959 (6.10%) Patrick Chance Thomas – 1,938 (6.04%) Joe Sailers – 1,866 (5.81%) Nancy M. Reed – 756 (2.36%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 220 (0.69%) INDIAN TRAIL COUNCIL Dennis Gay – 1,248 (29.50%) Tom Amburgey – 1,134 (26.80%) Gordon B. Daniels – 802 (18.96%) Clarence Alsobrooks Jr. – 744 (17.58%) Cade Batchelor – 149 (3.52%) Jonathon Baer – 124 (2.93%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 30 (0.71%) INDIAN TRAIL COUNCIL (UNEXPIRED) Crystal Buchaluk – 1,074 (47.54%) Brian Cross – 849 (37.58%) Michael Faulkenberry – 318 (14.08%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 18 (0.80%) LAKE PARK MAYOR David A. Cleveland – 377 (69.17%) James Record – 168 (30.83%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 0 (0.00%) LAKE PARK COUNCIL Steve Tutor – 354 (33.62%)

Mark Richards – 300 (28.49%) Grace George Stanley – 161 (15.29%) Joseph Parente – 143 (13.58%) John T. Carlson – 60 (5.70%) Wayne Rentsch – 30 (2.85%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 5 (0.47%) MARVIN MAYOR Joe Pollino – 494 (81.65%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 111 (18.35%) MARVIN COUNCIL Wayne Deatherage – 482 (24.63%) Kimberly Vandenberg – 436 (22.28%) Andy Wortman – 429 (21.92%) Christopher Smith – 321 (16.40%) Brandi Smith – 279 (14.26%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 10 (0.51%) MINERAL SPRINGS MAYOR Frederick (Rick) Becker – 265 (90.75%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 27 (9.25%) MATTHEWS MAYOR John F. Higdon – 2,084 (94.30%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 126 (5.70%) MATTHEWS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Ken McCool – 1,669 (14.79%) Renee Garner – 1,648 (14.61%) Larry Whitley – 1,602 (14.20%) John R. Urban – 1,529 (13.55%) Mark Tofano – 1,434 (12.71%) Gina Hoover – 1,287 (11.41%) Danielle (Dani) Burnham – 1,282 (11.36%) Heather Spicer Laws – 665 (5.89%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 165 (1.46%) MINERAL SPRINGS COUNCIL Jerry Countryman – 242 (26.11%) Bettylyn Krafft – 205 (22.11%) Janet Critz – 196 (21.14%) Richard Helms – 123 (13.27%) Chelsey Felts – 117 (12.62%) Nicholas Altherr – 37 (3.99%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 7 (0.76%) MINERAL SPRINGS COUNCIL (UNEXPIRED) James Muller – 243 (79.67%) Charles Bowden – 62 (20.33%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 0 (0.00%) MINT HILL MAYOR Brad A. Simmons – 2,709 (95.52%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 127 (4.48%) MINT HILL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dale Dalton – 1,968 (17.77%) Patrick Holton – 1,623 (14.65%) Tony Long – 1,596 (14.41%) Twanna Henderson – 1,383 (12.49%) Scott Fandel – 1,323 (11.94%) Richard (Fig) Newton – 1,150 (10.38%) Rhonda Walker – 1,136 (10.26%) Beverly Blake Cannaday – 842 (7.60%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 55 (0.50%) MONROE MAYOR Marion Holloway – 1,507 (46.10%) Bob Yanacsek – 1,011 (30.93%) Angelia James – 744 (22.76%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 7 (0.21%) MONROE COUNCIL Gary Anderson – 1,554 (17.41%) Julie Thompson – 1,407 (15.76%) James Kerr – 1,386 (15.52%) Surluta B. Anthony – 1,295 (14.50%) Franco McGee – 1,191 (13.34%) Michele J. King – 1,012 (11.34%) Cress Barnes – 805 (9.02%) David Dotson – 245 (2.74%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 33 (0.37%) PINEVILLE MAYOR John Joseph Edwards – 273 (94.79%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 15 (5.21%)

PINEVILLE TOWN COUNCIL Ed Samaha – 271 (50.56%) Christopher McDonough – 247 (46.08%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 18 (3.36%) STALLINGS MAYOR (Meck) Wyatt Dunn – 12 (92.31%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 1 (7.69%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 01 (Meck) Graham Hall – 7 (53.85%) Brad Craver – 6 (46.15%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 0 (0.00%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 02 (Meck) David Scholl – 7 (50.00%) Rocky Crenshaw – 6 (42.86%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 1 (7.14%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 03 (Meck) Kevin Lindsay – 8 (53.33%) Taylor Rae Drake – 7 (46.67%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 0 (0.00%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 06 (Meck) Brad Richardson – 12 (80.00%) Gina M. Palandri – 3 (20.00%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 0 (0.00%) STALLINGS MAYOR (Union) Wyatt Dunn – 931 (70.64%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 387 (29.36%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 01 (Union) Graham Hall – 667 (58.77%) Brad Craver – 459 (40.44%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 9 (0.79%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 02 (Union) David Scholl – 695 (53.71%) Rocky Crenshaw – 593 (45.83%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 6 (0.46%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 03 (Union) Taylor Rae Drake – 660 (54.32%) Kevin Lindsay – 549 (45.19%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 6 (0.49%) STALLINGS COUNCIL DISTRICT 06 (Union) Brad Richardson – 778 (59.66%) Gina M. Palandri – 522 (40.03%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 4 (0.31%) WAXHAW COMMISSIONER Tracy Wesolek – 959 (23.97%) Jason Hall – 828 (20.70%) Brenda Byrd-McMillon – 821 (20.52%) Martin Lane – 586 (14.65%) Ryan Lougheed – 425 (10.62%) Joseph Sancinella Jr. – 339 (8.48%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 42 (1.05%) WEDDINGTON MAYOR Craig Horn – 961 (65.02%) Bill Deter – 321 (21.72%) Tracy Stone – 195 (13.19%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 1 (0.07%) WEDDINGTON COUNCIL DISTRICT 01 Jeff Perryman – 1,069 (96.57%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 38 (3.43%) WEDDINGTON COUNCIL DISTRICT 03 Brannon Howie – 968 (96.13%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 39 (3.87%) WESLEY CHAPEL MAYOR Amanda Fuller – 422 (95.91%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 18 (4.09%) WESLEY CHAPEL COUNCIL Deb Coates Bledsoe – 313 (37.80%) Mike Como – 296 (35.75%) Richard Stephens – 200 (24.15%) Write-In (Miscellaneous) – 19 (2.29%)

VETERANS & ACTIVE MILITARY

SAVE 20% CONTACT US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION. NEW practice name but the same team of experienced surgeons with over 20 years of providing outstanding LASIK results for Charlotte area patients. Visit our website, AccuvisionLASIK.com or call 704-765-2745 (704-76-LASIK) to schedule your FREE consultation. Offer may not be combined with other offers.

Call us today to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home. Sign with us and receive a $500 credit at closing.

Text MMHWEEKLY to 980-553-1530 for details! The Difference is

CLEAR.

AccuvisionLASIK.com VE T ER A N OWN E D

KIMBERLY BUDD & HOLLY DANNEKER 980-553-1530 - Call or Text keytothecarolinas@gmail.com www.keytothecarolinas.com

Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated

The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021 • Page 5A

UCPS (continued from page 1A)

$2,000 and $1,000 checks respectively from the Union County Education Foundation. Half of each check will be donated to their schools and the other half is for personal use. Shock and tears of joy flowed from Deming as the group surprised him at his school right after he was named principal of the year during a virtual principals meeting. “This means more to me than anything, but even more than that this means so much to my school,” Deming said. “My staff is awesome, and I can’t say enough about them, and the student’s families are incredible. My students are why I do my job.” Deming’s family was also present for the surprise visit, including his wife Lisa and three of their sons, his mother, and sister-in-law. “When you think about leadership in the pandemic last year, and all you did for the students, the families, and your community. We couldn’t think of a better leader to represent our wonderful school system we are so proud of you,” said Dr. Houlihan to Mr. Deming during the surprise visit. “We are very thankful for you and

for your steadfast leadership.” Wolfe School serves middle and high school students with disabilities in a specialized setting. As principal Wolfe School, Mr. Deming has the extraordinary task of principal, leader, and friend to the exceptional children at his school. Leading a school during a global pandemic was no small feat, but Mr. Deming met the challenge head-on. Mr. Deming worked closely with his staff to ensure there was proper contact with the students who worked from home during last year‘s school year. In addition, once it became an option he put a lot of effort into making sure the students who came to school for in-person learning stayed safe. He masterfully worked with every single parent to make sure that they knew their child was safe and he did everything within his power to ensure that each student stayed on track with their lesson plans and progress. “I believe that the principal is the most important role in public education. Being a principal at any school is a difficult job, so any way we can celebrate the work of our principals is time well spent,” said Dr. Sam Basden, UCPS director of high school per-

SPCC (continued from page 1A)

Navigate. Facing challenges with staff efficiency, safety, security and student access, South Piedmont hired a project manager to facilitate collaboration on new technologies. The app resolves the need for staff to speak in English and Spanish by having a chatbot that answers questions in both languages. The app includes an appointment-setting platform where students no longer have to wait in long lines but can be notified virtually while also eliminating the need for staff to make and track appointments manually. There is also a wayfinding solution that al-

formance. Dr. Basden has observed Mr. Deming’s positive problem-solving skills and his cheerful disposition as he moves through the workday with a smile. The group then traveled to Wesley Chapel Elementary to surprise Mrs. Phelix who was diligently working in her office. As the group filed into the front office she came out in total shock with a huge contagious smile on her face. She graciously accepted her plaque, flowers, and other awards. Before coming to UCPS, Nicole Phelix taught special education for three years in Baltimore City, Maryland. After that, she taught at Shiloh Elementary for seven years before transferring to Wingate Elementary. Mrs. Phelix spent the next five years as assistant principal of Wingate Elementary. Then in the summer of 2017, Mrs. Phelix was announced as the new assistant principal at Wesley Chapel Elementary. “I love coming to school every day. I love the students, the staff, and the community here,” said Mrs. Phelix. “It is an honor to represent the collective hard work, dedication, and passion of all the leaders in Union County Public Schools.”

Health systems prep for children's vaccine CHARLOTTE – Health systems, such as Atrium Health, Novant Health and StarMed Healthcare, have been registering children ages 5 to 11 for COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Nov. 4 following the FDA’s authorization the week prior. Officials with StarMed said the COVID-19 vaccination can protect children, as well as those around them, against the virus. Children and families are urged to continue social distancing, wearing masks in crowded places and washing hands, even after receiving a vaccination. “This is encouraging news and another great step toward ending the pandemic,” said Dr. Arin Piramzadian, chief medical officer at StarMed Healthcare. “It will

not only give our children the power to defeat the virus, it will also provide them, their families, and their extending families better protection to celebrate the holidays together.” Novant Health said appointments may be initially limited due to supply and demand. The system expects to receive more supply as part of the state’s phased allocation plan. A second shot will be needed three weeks after the first shot to fully protect children. StarMed said children will receive a scaled-down dose of what adults received as well as a smaller needle for the injection.

Get daily updates at

www.charlotteweekly.com

ATTENTION INDIAN TRAIL RESIDENTS Bulk & E Waste Pick Up

lows students and employees to find directions directly to a classroom or office. See scheduled picked up dates below: “I believe that we have an excellent chance *No reservations Required* of winning with either of these projects, but Items are picked up curbside on regularly scheduled recycle day it is a very worthy honor to have been named a finalist,” Pharr said. “I am so grateful for GREEN RECYCLE WEEK- NOVEMBER 1ST everyone’s efforts in developing and engaging in these projects.” ORANGE RECYCLE WEEK- NOVEMBER 8TH As a finalist in both categories, South PiedIf you have any questions regarding what is accepted and how mont will compete for the Bellwether Award to prepare items please call GB USA at 704-708-5872 at the 2022 Community College Futures or Indian Trail Town Hall at 704-821-5401 Assembly scheduled from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. Each team will Also, the list of acceptable and unacceptable provide a 60-minute presentation to an audiitems is online at www.indiantrail.org on the ence of their peers and an anonymous team T:9.889" solid waste page of judges.

Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

T:10.3"

TALK TO HER DOCTOR ABOUT COVID VACCINES. BECAUSE SHE’S IRREPLACEABLE. COVID hospitalizations of young people have tripled since the start of summer. However, vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths, even from the Delta variant.

Find COVID vaccines near you at vaccines.gov

Page 6A • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

When all three generations agree on anything, it must be pretty remarkable. Union County’s #1 choice for care.

Novant Health is Union County’s clear first choice for healthcare. Over the decades, we’ve helped thousands of Union County residents live happier, healthier lives. Union County chooses Novant Health because we care for you at every stage of your life. It’s a complete range of care that’s personal and personalized to suit your needs. And we give you

NovantHealth.org/UnionCounty

unprecedented access to care with convenient locations and virtual care for virtually anything. Whether it’s helping new parents through their baby’s first ear infection or helping save lives with advanced heart, stroke, and cancer care, the locals here know, when it comes to healthcare, they can expect remarkable at Novant Health.

Expect Remarkable

Community The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021 • Page 1B

We said we’d never forget: Will we? by Joseph Reagan Contributor

On Nov. 11, 1918, Ralph Lindsey wrote from his hospital bed in France, “Armistice signed at 11 o’clock. Grand celebration all over France. War is at last over and I am still alive!” Later in life if you asked him about the scars on his chest he would simply respond with a shrug and say, “I zigged when I should have zagged.” Ralph was my great-grandfather, and now, nearly 103 years after he wrote those Even before words our nation once the fall of again finds ourselves Kabul, many celebrating the conveterans tributions of our vet- complained erans during a period that while where their sacrifices they believed may be less visible Americans than they have during were the past 20 years of genuinely war. grateful for After returning from WWI, like many their service, others from his unit, few cared he found tremendous enough to success, he took over actually learn the family business, about the and raised a family. sacrifices our His friends H.A. all-volunteer Durkee and Fred military Mower, both former makes on infantrymen, started a their behalf. small company based • Joseph on a unique marshmallow confection. Reagan Another from his unit, Walter Brennan, is one of only three men to win three academy awards, his distinct voice the result of the same gas attack that wounded my great-grandfather. Take a moment to look at Brennan’s accomplishments – IMDb lists nearly 250 film credits and called him “In many ways the most successful and familiar character actor of American sound films.” To be clear, the end of the United States’ involvement in the Afghan war doesn’t mean our service members are serving without risk. Our military will continue to execute missions across the globe in support of our national security, some of those more sensitive missions, may never be known to us. That aside, superficially this Veterans Day will be much like years past with parades, speeches and free meal deals in honor of the nearly 19 million veterans living in our communities. Unfortunately, for many veterans – especially those who served in combat – may see this acknowledgment as at best, shallow and at worst, patronizing. Even before the fall of Kabul, many veterans complained that while they believed Americans were genuinely grateful for their service, few cared enough to actually learn about the sacrifices our all-volunteer military makes on their behalf. This civil-military divide is not only impacting the military’s ability to recruit new troops, but also our veterans’ ability to find meaningful post-service careers. A few years ago, I was traveling from a conference in D.C. in uniform, I was seated next to a young man who was wearing a sweatshirt from a very prestigious college in the D.C. area. He was clearly bright, affable, and I was enjoying our pre-flight conversation when he turned to me and said, “so you’re in the military, did you not get a chance to graduate high school?” This is just one of the many, many cringeworthy stories demonstrating the real-life challenges of this civil-military divide. This divide is even more pronounced in Congress where in the 1970s, nearly 80% of the members of Congress had served in the U.S. Military; today, less than 20% of the 117th Congress have ever worn a uniform. When my great-grandfather and grandfather returned from WWI and WWII,

“

The City of Charlotte has been renaming streets with connections to slavery or the Confederacy. The timing of the latest renaming (Montford Point Street) was fitting with Veteran’s Day right around the corner. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte

A salute to veterans

Charlotte unveils new Montford Point Street signs CHARLOTTE – The City of Charlotte unveiled the new Montford Point Street signs Oct. 28, marking the second street renaming to take place as part of the city’s Legacy Commission work. Montford Point Street replaces Phifer Avenue and is the second of nine streets to be renamed following the Charlotte City Council’s February 2021 approval to adopt Legacy Commission recommendations to rename streets that honor a legacy of Confederate soldiers, slave owners and segregationists. This renaming honors the legacy of the first African Americans that enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. Charlotteans were among the early Black recruits who trained at Camp Montford Point near Jacksonville and contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. “The ultimate goal of the Legacy Commission has always been about creating a sense of pride and respect for those who live, work and travel on these identified roadways,” Mayor Vi Lyles said. “To now bear the name of the heroes of Montford Point, who trained and fought for our freedom, certainly does fulfill our high standard of success.” Next Steps Replacement name voting for Aycock Lane, Jackson Avenue and Zebulon Avenue will conclude on Nov. 1. The new street names will be effective on Jan. 21. Community engagement for Hill Street and Morrison Boulevard began Oct. 26. Residents and property owners who live on any of the nine streets that will be renamed may locate resources by visiting charlottenc.gov/legacy, calling 311 or emailing legacy@ charlottenc.gov for assistance.

Veterans Day observances Charlotte

Veterans Bridge Home holds a Veteran’s Day festival from from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte. The event includes a group workout at 9 a.m., vendors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and awards from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Matthews

The Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 holds a ceremony with singers and 21gun salute at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St, Matthews.

Monroe

Warbirds Over Monroe decorates the skies with jumpers, aerobatics and a wall

of fire Nov. 6 and 7 at Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport, 3900 Paul J. Helms Drive, Monroe. Gates open at 9 a.m. Visit www. warbirdsovermonroe.com for details.

Waxhaw

The Town of Waxhaw holds a Veterans Day ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor, 109 E. N. Main St., Waxhaw.

Indian Trail

The James B. Crump VFW Post 2423 American Legion Post 458 presents a Veterans Day ceremony at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Garden, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.

Tofano named state’s top Legion leader MATTHEWS – Mark Tofano earned Commander of the Year honors at a fall conference of American Legion posts across North Carolina on Oct. 29 and 30 in Raleigh. Tofano leads Hooks-Orr American Legion Post #235 in Matthews, where membership has grown from 195 to 290 members over three years despite COVID-19 and sending members to a new post in Mint Hill. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment as commander came in increasing the prominence of a veterans memorial at Stumptown Park. He organized a

ding Spaces’

Inside: ‘Tra

coming to

SouthPark

Mall • Pag

fundraising campaign prior to Veterans Day that raised $62,000 in funding and inkind contributions. Matthews followed that effort up in March by naming that portion of the park “Matthews Veterans Memorial Park.” The post dedicated the park on Memorial Day. Hooks-Orr American Legion Post #235 has also supported baseball and fastpitch softball in the region, as well as connected students to Tarheel Boys State at Catawba College and formed a Sons of American Legion Squadron for youth. On the web: www.matthewspost235.org

page Turn to

owds act big cr se to attr

6, Friday, April

2018 • Vol.

18 • No.

ha Steeplec

US ABOUT1104

P.O. BOX NC 28106 Matthews, 61 (704) 849-22

. the race course 14 people of 12 and r where you are on have, you have “No matte r what ticket you ,” said Kevin and no matte view of horse racing pment didevelo a spectacular ’s Cup business Tobin, Queen rector.

n by Paul Nielse m ekly.co paul@cmgwe

y.com justin@cmgweeklly.com thecharlotteweek

-9389

704-458

/ m.vpweb.com cupcakedeliriu

see REMEMBER, Page 3B

201 8

e 5A

Mark Tofano cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the dedication of Matthews Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Day. Tofano not only advocated on behalf of renaming a portion of Stumptown Park for veterans, but he launched a fundraising campaign to spruce it up. CMG file photo

A Glance

At ’s Cup echase Cup Steepl a.m. – The Queen l Queen’s 10 SPRINGS better with age. 23rd Annua 28. Gates open at ood Race be g MINERAL ’s Cup will keeps gettin When: April ds of Brooklandw Steeplechase edition of the Queen Race Course Where: Groun $50; The 23rd at Brooklandwood of the best al Springs starting at 28 some about Course, Miner al Admission held April of Waxhaw and is one of lechase be on hand. gete Tickets: Generg at $150. and iation races just outsid rs and jockeys will ’s Cup Steep 2:05, 3:15 startin options keep ng The Queen Steeplechase Assoc/SCW photo Tailgating Races start at 1:30, and after the horses, traine , the tailgating top sporti National y. Paul Nielsen Schedule: And as alwaysbetter at one of the A crowd of 30 activities before the count inmiss the across and east. Don’t and the South Queen’s Cup. ting better of the event extravagant 4 p.m. events in is a big part and social 0 attended last year’sechase will benTailgating e gatherings are often outfits. Tail- race. www.queenscup.org t Web: nearly 20,00 Queen’s Cup Steepl ation for the dividual tailgat d in elegan groups The 2018 Alzheimer’s Associ Cup has do- with racing fans dresse $150 to $695 for ’s from local Queen range the the The efit gating spots tive year. charities over to various fifth-consecu Justin Vick $800,000 Editor nated over Managing years.

Join us in g celebratin women

ber may rememAnome of you sports editor, that our has been battling drew Stark, June 2017. since to throat cancer w hasn’t been able s, While Andre in recent month office work in the sit still. He’s written conhe just can’t and compiled aseveral storiesthree weekly newsp e. tent for our during his absenc week pers each d through interviewing g cancer I’ve learne people battlin are too dozens of of this disease that the effectssustained by a single be a costly fight strong to Often, it’s ual. endure. individ family must that an entire the work of organi That’s why Sandbox is so ims The zations like Sandbox helps familie and emoportant. The on practical, social with their so they can focus . tional needs n overcoming cancer their childre in this work so much ds from We believe ng procee Work donati that we are ral Women @ ased our inaugu the Ballantyne-b to helped eon has Lunch Sandbox charity. The 5,000 families since more than Women 2011. with the Our intent eon is to celebrate Lunch unity, as well @ Work our comm it most. I women in who need the as help those that you will leave have a feeling inspired. feeling luncheon

INDEX

grants can win Teachers ng, 2A ive thinki for creat

g act Balancin 10

Level Center trains 1B gymnasts,

ine extra

Onl e gives advic Attorney y divorce for mess

minated Strom eli e Voice’ ‘Th from

believed Preston. said he singer Blake Shelton unner in County musicated Charlotte be a frontr Baird to Shelton elimin Strom from the competition. all Jaron guys for 13 epresident “Thank you rt that has on the April “The ng suppo his team the hit show the amazi way from isode of NBC flooded my y with ‘The Voice.” med “Gre- start of my journe d April tweete Strom perfor Mars during Strom ’ a few Voice, Bruno ers. “I have , which nade” by out round t each 4 to follow g up and can’t the knock comin agains all in s you shows singer Pryor and meet pits two n preferred wait to see other. Shelto ion of “Will It person.” rendit s by Billy Baird’ in Circles” Go Round

Daly and host Carson . stands with round knockout Strom (left) during the Above: Jaron Voice.” Pryor Baird on “The contestant Mars song ms a Bruno Golden/NBC Strom perfor house. Tyler Right: Jaron is in his wheel said, Mars, he

..................

ABOU

700 Re 5 to Try

see VICK,

than E – More CHARLOTTwill work across rs 700 Realto g and Iredell counMecklenbur to help homeown20 safety ties April l repairs and ers with critica.

Johannes

s propo

FALL AR CLASS T ES

One of the many learned things I ing on while servlotte-Me the CharSchools cklenburg Educatio Board of Bailey educationn is that are fortu policy is not nate easy. We schools to in Mat have excellent thews, but the

on HB

514 • Pag

2018 •

e 6A

Vol. 11

in the Pa PPaaSatws w urday, s Mainy 5ththrke Park 10am-3

Chestnut

• No. 18

Square

on chart turday er schSa 10 oo:0l0abmil-3, Ml:0ay 5th Higdon: HB Ch 0pm itsparks

Park

andrec.

com

514 es is tnut ua for our still noSq schools t a re Park

good id ea

lem is there are them. The too few our town enormous grow of Sponso is putt on our ing mor th in by John red by: e stress package schools. The Matthews F. Higdon lates Mayor new schoholds little relie t bond schools, Pro Tem has alrea schools ols for Matthewf and no Just as House vote dy for this attempts repeated and will passed a State away. CM area are s. New fore the likely Sena disliked to try a ative to S can do noth decades short sessio te during the come being relimproves food rarely projects raising funds why I conti n. Here are a upcoming its for yet flavor, capi repeated suffe for not not in our nue to believe few reasons building rs the blamtal HB 514 best inter House readings of e schools 1. Given is Bill est: quickly not make 514 do new scho the choice to Higdon recom see BAIL palatable. it more have a munols for municipa mend EY, Page 4A allow Matt The bill, whic icipa sus those l charter lities that optio that build and hews and Minth would will favor the do not, I suspe n verFeatur operate ct CMS municipa Hill to latter ing : . I fear HB l charter 514 Summer

itspark sa

ndrec.c om Hits Aft er Six 4th Fri

day Fli

see HIGD

Daze Party Band

1813

Matthews Parkway,Township Matthews To Harr , NC

(Next

See our

is Teete

ad on page

Special Olymp ics Students part of

excited to tradition be , 3B

Southern

Deli Hold

It's tim

Fuzzy's Taco

introduci

ng the

town to

Fuzzy's

e for t

Shop opens first

MATTHE Taco Shop WS – Fuzz y’s bran will unique Baja-style bring its Soni ds, such as North Caro MO lina with fare to Taco c Drive-In and D Pizza, location Shop. its first Fuzzy's opening 2225 Matt “We May hews Tow 3 at Fuzz ’ve been Pkwy. fans y’s for nship we are look a long time of This is built, own the first Fuzz nally bein ing forward , so Armch by Matt ed and oper y’s concept g able to shareto fiair GM ern Deli hews-based Soutated commun with the Matt the Did Pan hews Hold ity,” said ther SD Hold ings LLC. h- McKinnie right draf s make the Merrick ings bega t day call? 1999 as Shop franc, Fuzzy’s n Taco a in our , 1B hisee. “We chise, but single-store guests franwill fall think into one has since grow with in love of the n froze our tacos, largest coun gauc and n marg aritas.” franchisee McAlister's try's The firm has s. The Matt Deli restauranfast-casual Mex hews ican expanded t will chisee footp its fran- and laid-back feature a cool ing and rint, now designed atmosphe ownthan 100 operating feel at to make patro re more six state restaurants acros will takehome. A full ns s with bar center in mult s stage and iple Doub

le troub

Rocky le Rive overcom r track has e hurd les, 1B

see TACO

Former police offi cer S, Page

by Karie Simmons karie@cm gweekly.co m

Fine pri

ON, Page

Schools noMa myin17 6:00p ated forCro Cars 3 BssingmmMa Paths lu Park eyy 25 @ Awards 6:0 Crooke d Creek 0pm Park

ings is

Att

May 4,

ayor: 514 haveMany critics of H n't even read it B prob by Paul F. Baile y Matthews Mayor

-based

nce

promise

Leaders split M Friday,

justin@ matthewsmicmgweekly.co nthillweekly.cm om

Matthews

Page 2A

se com

P.O. BOX US Matthews, 1104 NC (704) 849-2 28106 261

adsales@cmgweekly.com or call 704-849-2261

ffere make a di epare to altors pr

fficiency. toward self-suhousing is in poverty secure to lead peoplebelieves that safe, Realtors y Johannes, se how “Everyone said Tiffan see up-clo uate impacts an imperative,” “But Realtors inadeq housing crisis effort. affordable as renters,” said Julie Care Day chair. and what unsafe or and “Charlotte’s need is just as much Partnership great the like.” homeowners ent of The Housing board memhousing looks Porter, presid rtunity Foundation s simply ? ncome Oppo help in on fixed-i te their older Housing Want to y residents d food drive ber. “Man to maintain or renovaCare Day partzing a canneDay. The Charorgani rs are rs afford Realto Realto can’t Realtors Care on office (1201 is why our es, which r nction with will sociati

Leader

..................

s Bright idea

Inside:

Crime.................. .................. .................. Classifieds .................. ....... 2A .................. .................. Calendar .................. ....... 5B .................. .................. Faith .................. .................. ............. 6A .................. .................. Sports .................. ...........4B .................. .................. .................. Puzzles .................. ..... 1B ..................

helps ot hers

burden CHARLO and TTE – discovered stress,” Pura been a Kare polic with PTS was that I was nda said. “Wh years when e officer in em Puranda D and exces at I pote upside down his world Salisbury for had Pura sive burn ntially dealing was sudd eight chan nda knew . out.” he enly flipp After ge, ed a licen so he returnedhad to be an went froma moment of agent of sed profe poor judg being dicti ssion to school the com munity a well-respected ment, he ma ons specialist al counselor to become , clinical two indic to facin and certi profession officer g se ad tm fi

CHARLO leads area TTE – Cove nations schools with nant Day in the seven four School th annu nomial High known Musical Thea ter as The The Chri Blumey Awa Awards, stian scho rds. nominati rison Chasons for Best ol earned Actor (Har e), Best Jones), . Photo Best Featu Actress (Kell s court (Tori Win er red esy of SDH ing Actre sky) and Best Performer its prod ss (Elizabeth Supportuctio Bryan) for Blumenth n of “Mary recognize al Performin Poppins.” will inclu winners in g Arts will a of the nomde performan show that ces by inees at at Belk 7 p.m. some able at Theater. Tickets May 20 or 704- www.Blumenth are avail372alArts.org The prog 1000. ram celeb in high rates scho “While ol musical theatthe best er. are part competition and awar the Blumof the process, ds working ey Awards is getting to really abou together sical,” Blum to t enthal create a muGabbard Presi night can said. “Everyon dent Tom for what feel the colle e there that and paren these students,ctive pride ing hard ts have achieved teachers to in work put their er.” shows toget hSeveral othe nized, inclu r schools were recog • Inde ding: tions for pendence had Best ActreBest Actor (Max nominaSupportin ss (Jada Eve) Becker), ueva) for g Actress (Isab and Best 25th Ann its productio ela Villann ual Putn Bee.” am Co. of “The Spelling

Taco Shop

acos

state locatio n

see AWA

navigate mental health RDS, Page

cks

Page 2B • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

LOUD&LIVE

THINGS TO DO Pro Hockey Charlotte Checkers play Lehigh Valley Phantoms at Bojangles Coliseum. www.gocheckers.com 6 p.m.; 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte

Nov. 5

Fun Night The Town of Matthews offers laser tag during the November installment of Family Fun Night at Crews Recreation Center. Register in advance at www.matthewsfun.com for monthly events. 6-9 p.m.; 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

Pro Soccer Stumptown AC plays San Diego 1904 FC at Sportsplex at Matthews. www.stumptownac.com 7 p.m.; 2425 Sports Pkwy., Matthews

Comedy Show John Crist brings the Fresh Cuts Comedy Tour to Bojangles Entertainment Complex. Tickets start at $29. Buy tickets at 704-335-3100 or www. ticketmaster.com. 7 p.m.; 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte

Nov. 7

Pro Football Carolina Panthers host New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium. www.panthers.com 1 p.m.; 800 S Mint St.

book “Rescue from the Sky” at Duke Mansion. Watch the free program at mansion or at Zoom. Reservations are required for the free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nc—charlotte/ duke-mansion/. 3 p.m.; 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte

Nov. 12

Cruise-In The Monroe Downtown Cruise-In showcases trucks in downtown Monroe. This is the last scheduled event in the 2021 series. www.monroenc.org 6-8 p.m.; Downtown Monroe

Nov. 6

Pro Hockey Nov. 13 Dog Festival Charlotte Checkers play Lehigh Valley Phantoms Shred Event The Town of Matthews presents Pawsitively The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation at Bojangles Coliseum. www.gocheckers.com The Town of Indian Trail holds a free shred Matthews at Stumptown Park. The festival in- 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 1 p.m.; 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte event for residents at town hall. cludes a dog frisbee show, music, vendors and For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 315 Matthews-Indian Trail K-9 demonstrations. www.matthewsfun.com Author talk For Release Monday, April 23, 2018 Road, Indian Trail 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews Dr. Lee Fanning shares stories from his new

Crossword ACROSS 1 Radical Hoffman who wrote “Steal This Book” 6 Stimulating quality 10 Huff and puff 14 John who married Pocahontas 15 On the briny 16 Opposite of “on tape” 17 *Garnish for a cocktail 19 Takes advantage of 20 The “A” of A.D. 21 Zipped along 22 Tin Man’s desire 23 *Bureaucratic rigmarole 25 Place for drinks 26 *“Closer to Fine” folk-rock duo 32 How some home videos are stored 36 Disney World transport

37 53, in old Rome 38 Father, to Li’l Abner 40 Russian legislature 41 Dole out 43 Bit of land in the ocean 44 *Caution to slow down 47 Very long time 48 What the starts of the answers to the seven starred clues constitute 53 Fountain drinks 56 Letters suggesting “I’ll just go ahead and throw this out” 58 Anise-flavored liqueur 59 Taiwanese computer brand 60 *DC Comics superhero with the sidekick Speedy

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE M E D E V A C

A T O N E G O

A I R B A S E

L O U E L L A

L A T E R O N

L I T R E

S T T E U M S B O L R E E R N

C O P L E R E D I O O D C R I S H E E T A N T A N G E R N A T R E G I L E C P M S I S E P I N E S T

C A R E E R C R I M I N A L S

A P S T B A L O E W O R N O T D P O E D N R A V I I N E V E R O E S V D R E P E R D H E R E I S U I L E N

A N D I R O N

N E S T E G G

C O N V E R T

K N E S S E T

62 “30 Rock” star Fey 63 Shipwreck site, perhaps 64 Chili con ___ 65 Circular water current 66 Exerciser’s sets 67 Did a blacksmith’s job on DOWN 1 Loud, as a crowd 2 Carried 3 Flavorless 4 “Otherwise …” 5 Hosp. readout 6 Heated in a microwave 7 “Uh-huh” 8 Requirement 9 Cowpoke’s sweetie 10 *Symbols of happiness 11 Simpson with a high I.Q. 12 So last year, as a fad 13 Sunset’s direction 18 “Monday Night Football” channel 22 Victor who wrote “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” 24 Earthquake relief, e.g. 25 Small equine 27 Louvre Pyramid architect 28 Lincoln was its first successful standard-bearer, for short

Edited by Will Shortz 1

14 18

25 27

43 45

Nov. 9

42 Dove sounds 43 “Lord, is ___?”: Matthew 26:22 45 Intense sorrows 46 Actress Goldie 49 “Don’t Know Why” singer Jones 50 Beast of burden 51 Layer of the upper atmosphere 52 Superimpressed 53 One sock, to another

Tuesday, Nov. 9 Evening Muse: Matthew Mayfield & Garrison Starr Fillmore: Tesla Ovens Auditorium: Strait No Chase Trail House: Music trivia

Nov. 10

PUZZLE BY MICHAEL WIESENBERG AND ANDREA CARLA MICHAELS

29 ___ Julia, actor who played Gomez Addams 30 Tart, green fruit 31 Shutter strip 32 Neutrogena rival 33 Cairo’s river 34 It’s in a pickle 35 *Antique medical device used for electrotherapy 38 Lowly chess piece 39 Home of the Braves: Abbr.

Sunday, Nov. 7 Home Brew: Anne Haden Middle C: Rob Zinn & Tony Exum Jr. Neighborhood Theatre: Jack Broadbent Underground: Mayer Hawthorne Visulite: In the Midnight Hour Monday, Nov. 8 Evening Muse: Hayden Lee, Jason Manns & Billy Moran Fillmore: Cafe Tacvba Neighborhood Theatre: Adam Melchor Underground: Pouya

Nov. 6

Saturday, Nov. 6 Evening Muse: Sam Burchfield Franklin Court: Curbside Prophet Home Brew: Glen Murschel Mia Famiglia: Act Two Middle C Jazz: Alex Bugnon Milestone Club: Arcadia Grey Moochies Tavern: U-Phonik Neighborhood Theatre: Pete Correale Stooges Pub: High Fidelity Tap & Vine: Rod Caillouet Trail House: Flashback Band Underground: Sleepy Hallow Visulite: Harvest Moon Waxhaw Taphouse: Unknown Artist Band

Nov. 8

Beantown Tavern: Kris Atom Evening Muse: Aaron Lee Tasjan; Nordista Freeze Fillmore: Caamp Middle C Jazz: Alex Bugnon Milestone Club: Bob Fleming Mint Hill Roasting: Kris Anderson Moochies Tavern: Flashback Band Neighborhood Theatre: Carbon Leaf Southern Range: Carrie Ann Steady Eddy’s: Johnny Suspect Stooges Pub: Right Turn Clyde Tavern 74: Birds of a Feather Trail House: Unknown Artist Underground: Larry June Visulite: Amigo the Devil

Nov. 7

No. 0319

Nov. 5

54 Gastric ___ 55 Supply temporarily 56 They say there’s no such thing as this kind of lunch 57 Shed tears 60 Watchdog’s warning 61 Cooling units, for short

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

Wednesday, Nov. 10 Evening Muse: WeatherAmes Fillmore: Shakey Graves Was Here Middle C Jazz: Kristin Randles Moochies Tavern: Music bingo Trail House: Pluto for Planet Underground: Beabadoobee Visulite: Martin Sexton

Nov. 11

Thursday, Nov. 11 Evening Muse: Seth Glier and Will Dailey Fillmore: Mat Kearney Middle C Jazz: Special EFX Allstars Ovens Auditorium: Last Podcast On The Left Seaboard Brewing: Ali Rose Underground: Clozee Visulite: Circles Around the Sun

Nov. 12

Friday, Nov. 12 Beantown Tavern: Tonya Wood; Dusk Till Dawn Fillmore: Kip Moore Middle C: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute Moochies Tavern: Back Badcash Stooges Pub: Shot Thru the Heart Trail House: Jam Garden Treehouse Vineyards: The MOD 60s Visulite: The Hip Abduction

Nov. 13

Saturday, Nov. 13 Beantown Tavern: 485 Boys Coyote Joe’s: Scotty McCreery Evening Muse: Cameron Floyd Middle C: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute Moochies Tavern: Delta Fire Neighborhood Theatre: Yonder Mountain String Band Pineville Tavern: The Raisin’ Cain Band Southern Range: The Stark Reality Stooges Pub: Smilin’ Dogs Trail House: Living Temptation Treehouse Vineyards: DB Cooper Band Underground: Sainted Waxhaw Taphouse: New Local

Nov. 14 Comet Grille: Randy Franklin Home Brew: Open mic Middle C: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute

Venues Charlotte • BOplex: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Comet Grill: 2224 Park Road • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Middle C Jazz: 300 S. Brevard St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Ovens Auditorium: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Piedmont Social House: 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd. • Underground: 820 Hamilton St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Mia Famiglia: 7870 Idlewild Road • Tap & Vine: 6443 Old Monroe Road • Tavern 74: 2116 W. Roosevelt Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Get Me Some Green: 3555 Matthews-Mint Hill Road • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. Mint Hill • Mint Hill Roasting: 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road • Pour 64: 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St Pineville • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Stallings • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road Waxhaw • DreamChaser’s Brewery: 115 E. N. Main St. • Waxhaw Taphouse: 110 McDonald St.

Trademarks 101 What is a trademark or service mark? A trademark is any word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes your goods or services from those of others. “Trademarks go with trade.” A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it identifies and distinguishes services rather than goods. Why are trademarks important? Consumers use your company’s trademarks to differentiate you from your competition. This makes trademarks valuable to your business. How long does a trademark last? Good news: potentially forever. Unlike patents, trademarks don’t expire. Instead, they last as long as the owner uses them in commerce. Why should I conduct a trademark search? Offensively and defensively, trademark rights deal with the “likelihood of confusion” consumers might experience between and among marks and the goods and services the marks represent. The relevant slogan is “sight, sound, and meaning.” Conducting a specialized search of your mark before initiating use or filing an application may identify potential problems, such as a likelihood of confusion with another mark already in use. A search can reduce or eliminate the chance that you might need to rebrand a new enterprise, or risk infringing on another’s trademark, or sink costs into an unsuccessful application for registration. Do I need an attorney to submit a trademark application? US residents are not required to engage an attorney to file an application for Federal trademark registration. Nevertheless, the USPTO strongly encourages applicants to use an attorney. What are the benefits of using an attorney? An attorney can help make the application go more smoothly, and can save you time and money in the long term. Trademark applications can be confusing to the novice, and mistakes can be costly. The lay person is dealing with “unknown unknowns,” and a guide—an experienced intellectual property attorney—can help.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY It’s yours, your competitor’s, or everybody else’s. Summa PLLC protects yours. To learn more, visit www.summapllc.com 704.926.3756 501 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105

Experience. Integrity. Humanity.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

We are set up to handle all client needs remotely and safely during this crisis.

• Estate Planning & Administration • Civil Litigation • Corporate Law & Contracts • Divorce & Family Law • Appellate Law

704-841-0760 www.WeaverBuddLaw.com inquiries@WeaverBuddLaw.com 352 East Charles St. | Matthews, NC 28105

The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021 • Page 3B

power

players

The 100 most followed TV news personalities in the Charlotte region

Charlotte’s television media helps keep the community informed about important local, state and national news and events while also entertaining us throughout the day. Most use social media to better connect with their audiences. We looked at the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for 150 anchors, reporters, meteorologists and other on-air personalities to come up with this list. Numbers in parathesis are where the personality landed in last year’s inaugural list. 1. Brad Panovich, WCNC meteorologist (2) 2. Molly Grantham, WBTV anchor (3) 3. Kaitlin Wright, WCCB meteorologist (N/A) 4. Vanessa Ruffes, WCNC anchor/reporter (5) 5. Dave Faherty, WSOC reporter (8) 6. Maureen O’Boyle, WBTV anchor (6) 7. Gina Esposito, WSOC reporter (7) 8. Sarah French, WCNC anchor (12) 9. Kristen Miranda, WBTV host (11) 10. Morgan Fogarty, WCCB anchor (10) 11. Joe Bruno, WSOC reporter (16) 12. Kim Coon, WCCB contributor (N/A) 13. Eric Thomas, WBTV meteorologist (13) 14. Ann Wyatt Little, FOX 46 anchor (31) 15. Karla Redditte, Spectrum anchor (N/A) 16. David Whisenant, WBTV reporter (15) 17. Carolyn Bruck, WCNC anchor (14) 18. Allison Latos, WBTV anchor (23) 19, John Carter, WBTV anchor (17) 20. Mary King, WBTV anchor (19) 21. Alicia Barnes, FOX 46 anchor (N/A) 22. Ben Thompson, WCNC anchor (21) 23. John Ahrens, WSOC meteorologist (20) 24. Rachel Coulter, WBTV meteorologist (N/A) 25. Al Conklin, WBTV meteorologist (24) 26. Jon Wilson, WCCB reporter (18) 27. Ashley Stroehlein, WCNC sports (32) 28. Ken Lemon, WSOC reporter (28) 29. Leigh Brock, WBTV meteorologist (27) 30. Fred Shropshire, WCNC anchor (26) 31. Jamie Boll, WBTV anchor (29) 32. Erica Bryant, WSOC anchor (33) 33. Steve Udelson, WSOC meteorologist (37) 34. Nate Morabito, WCNC reporter (34) 35. Kendall Morris, WCNC reporter (38) 36. John Paul, WSOC anchor (36) 37. Kelli Bartik, WCCB sports (35) 38, Tina Terry, WSOC reporter (59) 39, Ted Pheaton, FOX 46 meteorologist (N/A) 40. Scott Wickersham, WSOC anchor (40) 41. Will Kunkel, FOX 46 sports (42) 42. Steve Crump, WBTV reporter (47) 43, Jason Harper, FOX 46 anchor (43) 44. Larry Sprinkle, WCNC meteorologist (48) 45. Morgan Frances, FOX 46 anchor/reporter (87) 46. Britni McDonald, Spectrum anchor (44) 47. Brien Blakely, FOX 46 anchor (61) 48, Brianna Dahlquist, WCCB news (N/A) 49. Abby Theodros, WBTV anchor (64) 50. Nicole Madden, WCCB meteorologist (52)

51. Mark Taylor, WSOC reporter (49) 52. Jason Stoogenke, WSOC reporter (54) 53. Mia Atkins, WCNC host (N/A) 54. Michelle Boudin, WCNC reporter (53) 55. Chandler Morgan, WBTV anchor/reporter (41) 56. Elisa Raffa, FOX 46 meteorologist (N/A) 57. Alex Giles, WBTV anchor (66) 58. Nick Ochsner, WBTV reporter (58) 59. Destiny McKeiver, FOX 46 reporter (56) 60. KJ Jacobs, WCNC meteorologist (N/A) 61. DaShawn Brown, WSOC reporter (57) 62. Derek James, WCCB anchor (65) 63. Ashley Kramlich, WSOC meteorologist (N/A) 64. Lindsay Clein, FOX 46 reporter (71) 65. Lauren McDonald, WCCB host (N/A) 66. Brittany Van Voorhees, WCNC meteorologist (N/A) 67. Kaci Jones, FOX 46 anchor/reporter (N/A) 68. Mike Solarte, Spectrum News (62) 69. Nick Carboni, WCNC sports (73) 70. Chris Mulcahy, WCNC meteorologist (75) 71. Paige Pauroso, WBTV reporter (74) 72. Dedrick Russell, WBTV reporter (63) 73. Kari Beal, Spectrum reporter (N/A) 74. Caroline Hicks, WBTV reporter (81) 75. Lana Harris, WCNC anchor/reporter (89) 76. Keith Monday, WSOC meteorologist (72) 77. Lexi Wilson, WCNC reporter (84) 78. Susanna Black, WSOC anchor (86) 79. Tara Lane, FOX 46 meteorologist (80) 80. Katy Solt, Spectrum News reporter (79) 81. Amanda Cox, FOX 46 meteorologist (78) 82. Elsa Gillis, WSOC reporter (82) 83. Robin Kanady, FOX 46 reporter (77) 84. James Scott WCCB meteorologist (N/A) 85. Richard DeVayne, WCNC reporter (94) 86. Ruby Durham, WCNC reporter (70) 87. Ron Lee WBTV reporter (N/A) 88. Damany Lewis, WSOC anchor (83) 89. Matt Harris, WCCB, contributor (N/A) 90. Hunter Sáenz, WCNC reporter (N/A) 91. Dee Dee Gatton, WBTV anchor/reporter (76) 92. Maranda Whittington, Spectrum reporter (N/A) 93. Indira Eskieva, WCNC reporter (N/A) 94. Briana Harper, WCNC reporter (97) 95. Estephany Escobar, Spectrum reporter (N/A) 96. Nate Wimberly, WBTV reporter (N/A) 97. Brandon Goldner, WCNC reporter (N/A) 98. Ashley Daley, WCNC reporter (N/A) 99. Drew Bollea, WCCB anchor/reporter (98) 100. Lileana Pearson, WBTV reporter (N/A)

Learn about Cigna Medicare Advantage choices for 2022 Attend a FREE Informational meeting

Page Fehling

Nick Kosir, FOX 46 meteorologist (1) | Works for FOX Weather Brigida Mack, FOX 46 anchor (4) | Left television Greg Suskin, WSOC reporter (9) | Hired by York County in August Brittney Johnson,  WBTV anchor (22) | Works for NBC 5 in North Texas Billie Jean Shaw, WCNC reporter (25) | Works as anchor at WIS in South Carolina Page Fehling, FOX 46 anchor (30) | Left television Iisha Scott, WCNC meteorologist (39) | Works for NBC Chicago Josh Sims, FOX 46 sports (46) | Works for FOX Sports Rachel Lundberg, WCNC reporter (50) | Works for CBS 42 in Georgia Savannah Levins, WCNC anchor/reporter (51) | Works for 11alive Georgia Jonathan Stacey, WBTV reporter (55) | Works for FOX 5 Atlanta Steve Ohnesorge, WBTV reporter (60) | Retired Blaine Tolison, WSOC anchor (67) | Became voiceover actor

DINING SCORES The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants Oct. 22 to 28: Lowest Score • Southern Pecan, 6706 Phillips Place Court, Charlotte – 88 Violations include: Several oyster tags weren’t dated as to last piece sold or served; soiled equipment was stored as clean; mac and cheese and corn soufflé weren’t cooked hot enough; jambalaya wasn’t held cold enough; several items in cold drawers weren’t held cold enough; and menus need correction regarding which foods were served raw or undercooked. Charlotte (28209) • Co, 4201 Park Road – 94 • Jason’s Deli, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road – 96.5 • Moosehead Grill, 1807 Montford Drive – 95 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road – 95.5

Charlotte (28211) • Little Caesar’s, 901 N. Wendover Road – 98.5 • McDonald’s, 1035 N. Wendover Road – 100 • Rexford Park Public House, 2200 Rexford Road – 97 • Sabor Latin Street Grill, 3920 Sharon Road – 98 • Shun Lee Palace, 4340 Colwick Road – 93.5 • Steak 48, 4425 Sharon Road – 93

Bring a friend and join your neighbors. Learn about the added benefits you could get with a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan.

Charlotte (28226) • Brooklyn Pizza Parlor, 7725 Colony Road – 92.5 • Brueggers, 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93.5 • It’s Just Great Food, 4519 Providence Road – 98.5 • Kabuto 51, 7724 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96

$0 monthly premiums $0 primary care doctor visits $0 for many prescription drugs Vision, dental and hearing benefits Virtual medical & mental health care And much, much more

REMEMBER (continued from page 1B)

Call or go online to find a meeting near you. Meetings conducted according to CDC guidelines.

1-855-980-3063 (TTY 711) Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

JoinUs.CignaMedicare.com Or use your smartphone to scan here 

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-855-980-3063 (TTY 711). Cigna contracts with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. ©2021 Cigna Y0036_22_102629_M

Missing from local television

Charlotte (28210) • Baoding, 4722 Sharon Road – 95.5 • Circle K, 6500 Fairview Road – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (deli/coffee), 8538 Park Road – 96.5 • Harris Teeter (juice bar), 8538 Park Road – 99.5 • Jersey Mike’s Subs, 4724 Sharon Road – 95.5 • Salsaritas Fresh Cantina, 8400 Park Road – 97.5 • Southern Pecan, 6706 Phillips Place Court – 88

Take home a $10 REWARDS CARD with no obligation to enroll.

› › › › › ›

Tara Lane, chief meteorologist for FOX 46, looks out at the crowd during the opening ceremony of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She is passionately involved because of her father’s diagnosis. Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association

AND008

respectively, they entered a job market that was saturated with fellow veterans, who understood them and the value they bring to our communities as did our elected representatives. A congressional study in the late 1980s looked at the return on investment on veterans programs (e.g., the GI Bill) found that for every dollar spent on veterans’ benefits, nearly $7 came back to the community through some form of economic output. Having worked with numerous veterans’ groups since leaving active duty I can tell you, this figure is an understatement. The truth about our veterans since the end of the draft in the 1970s has become increasingly diverse as individuals saw (and con-

• McDonald’s, 7721 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 • McDonald’s, 8824 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • The Wine Shop at Foxcroft, 7824 Fairview Road – 98.5 Charlotte (28227) • Los Reyes II, 7308 E. Independence Blvd. – 95.5 • Tacos El Potosino, 7146 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 Charlotte (28270) • Zaxby’s, 1930 Sardis Road N. – 96 Charlotte (28277) • Antojitos Arroyo, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 94 • Brown Bag, 5231 Piper Station Drive – 96.5 • Cast Iron Waffles, 9604 Longstone Lane – 96.5 • Flying Biscuit, 7930 Rea Road – 94 • Greco Fresh Grille, 9820 Rea Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (bakery), 10616 Providence Road – 97.5 • Inizio Vita Da Pizza, 10620 Providence Road – 98.5 • Papa John’s, 9805 Sandy Rock Place – 95 • The Q Shack, 10822 Providence Road – 98 • Regal Stonecrest, 7824 Rea Road – 96 • True Crafted Pizza,7828 Rea Road – 96 • Viva Chicken, 12206 Copper Way – 98 Matthews • Bojangles, 11137 E. Independence Blvd. – 95.5 • Delicious Foods, 11329 E. Independence Blvd. – 99 • Rey Taco, 11329 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 Mint Hill • 7-Eleven, 4300 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road – 96 • Big Guys Pizza, 6914 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97.5 • Chick-fil-A, 7404 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 98 • Rock Store Bar-B-Q, 7032 Brighton Park Drive – 98.5 • Vintners Hill, 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99.5 • Zaxby’s, 6911 Brighton Park Drive – 95 Pineville • Comfort Suites, 10415 Centrum Pkwy. – 99 • Four Points By Sheraton, 9705 Leitner Drive – 97 • Pineville Tavern, 314 N Polk St. – 91

tinue to see) the military as a way to achieve economic mobility. They are smart, driven, resilient and entrepreneurial – words that most Americans like my seat mate – don’t always associate with a veteran. After WWII nearly 50% of veterans owned their own business, like my great-grandfather; and most veterans outperform their non-military peers in the long run. There is still work to do, while many veterans thrive in their post-service years others struggle. Veterans continue to be over-represented in the homeless population, court system, substance mis-use disorders and suicide deaths. These are hard problems, but they are solvable ones. For the past 20 years Americans have claimed we support our troops, but how we choose to treat our veterans

over the next few years will be the measure of whether we meant it or not. As a nation we put an impossible burden on a small group of men and women who volunteered to serve – fully knowing the hazards of their chosen profession. If we are truly a grateful their service, we will invest in those individuals who have invested so much in our freedoms. Each generation of veterans have shown time and time again, that when they thrive, our communities and our nation thrives as well. Joseph Reagan is the military and veterans outreach director for Wreaths Across America. He has over 10 years’ experience working with leaders within government, nonprofit, and Fortune 500 companies to develop sustainable strategies supporting national security and veterans health.

Page 4B • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

Speedway preps for drive-thru light display

Marketplace Events will convert The Park Expo and Conference Center into a giant winter wonderland with food, shopping, displays and other forms of entertainment. The event includes a nonprofit piece, too. Photo courtesy of Marketplace Events

Southern Christmas Show returns with sweet decorations CHARLOTTE – More than 400 vendors will showcase the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor and gourmet goodies at the 54th annual Southern Christmas Show. Marketplace Events will host the show from Nov. 11 to 21 at The Park Expo and Conference Center. With “A Sweet Christmas” as the theme of this year’s show, guests will feel as though they’re strolling through a real-life gingerbread land thanks to candy-inspired decorations. Guests will be greeted by the smell of baked sugar cookies before they stroll through dazzling designer rooms by CGalloway Designs and Richeson Properties and Interiors LLC., hear old-fashioned carols from the LeafFilter Entertainment Stage and share their holiday wishes with Santa Claus. Guests will pass through Olde Towne, where the magic of the season comes alive with shops brimming with gifts, dolls, ornaments and decorations. Christmas Tree Lane will deck the halls with trees from the North Carolina mountains and ideas that range from traditional to whimsical. The show will also provide many ways to make mantels, doors and wreaths shine during this holiday season. Attendees can also take in the model train exhibits at the show or check out the talented work of skilled crafters and artisans from around the country show-

casing one-of-a-kind watercolors, sculptures and pottery. A variety of tasty food items including piping hot strudel, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and so much more will be available at the show. Guests can get a sneak peek at the show during a special preview from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 10 with a portion of each ticket sale donated to The Sandbox, which supports families who have children with life-altering illnesses. Attendees will get free parking, special entertainment and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets cost $24 online and at the door. The first 250 guests receive a gift. Want to beat the crowds? The Southern Christmas Show will host an Early Bird VIP morning from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Tickets for this opportunity cost $20 online and at the door.

The first 250 VIP shoppers will also receive a gift. No wagons, strollers or carts will be allowed on the show floor during the Early Bird VIP morning.

they drive through is well worth all the effort, and we’re proud to continue this wonderful Christmas tradition.” Speedway Christmas will again feature the infield Christmas Village, where visitors can exit their cars amid the lit displays and enjoy holiday activities from photos with Santa to shopping for gifts and making s’mores by the fire, every Thursday through Sunday night. Also on those nights, guests can enjoy a variety of popular drive-in Christmas movies, such as “Elf ” “Christmas Vacation,” “The Grinch” and “A Christmas Story” on the 16,000-square-foot speedway TV.

Want to go?

Speedway Christmas will open nightly from Nov. 19 to Jan. 16, with the exception of limited private bookings and Christmas Eve. Tickets are sold per vehicle (up to 15 passengers), starting at $30 every Monday through Wednesday night and $40 Thursday through Sunday. A new Fast Pass lane will allow guests to skip the lines on busier nights for just $70 per vehicle. The new Fast Pass route will feature entry off Morehead Road at Entrance P behind the speedway. Tickets are available online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or at the gate upon entry. Advance online purchases are recommended and fans should download their digital tickets before arrival.

Want to go? The Southern Christmas Show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. On-site parking cost $10. Valet parking can be purchased at the normal entrances to the main parking lot for $20 with cash or credit card. Tickets bought at the door cost $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free with a paying adult. Adult tickets can be purchased online on the show’s website for $13. Guests may also buy tickets at partici-

Fall into a lifestyle you’ll love at Waltonwood Limited availability! Waltonwood offers an abundance of life enrichment opportunities along with time-saving services and amenities so your days are free to spend doing the things you enjoy most with the people you love. Interactive dining experiences Forever Fit wellness programs | Life Enrichment programs Housekeeping, maintenance & personal care services

P ROVIDENCE

pating Harris Teeter stores for $12.50 with a VIC card starting Oct. 20. On the web: www.southernchristmasshow.com.

CONCORD – Charlotte Motor Speedway’s elves are already hard at work stringing lights for what’s billed as the Southeast’s largest drive-thru holiday light display, Speedway Christmas, which opens Nov. 19. For more than a decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway has transformed into a Christmas wonderland, welcoming fans from across the country to a festive holiday escape featuring more than 4 million twinkling lights strung throughout a 3.75-mile drive-thru course. Many of the lights will be synchronized to Christmas music guests can listen to on their car radio as they wind through the show. To bring the show to life, crews will rack up an estimated 5,000 work hours stringing, testing and connecting lights. More than 800 individual displays, including some more than 80-feet tall (eight stories high), will be assembled over the next several weeks. “Putting on an event of this magnitude is a huge undertaking, but visitors have come to expect the very best from Speedway Christmas, and our team always looks forward to delivering exactly that,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Crews started setup immediately following the Bank of America ROVAL 400 NASCAR weekend and they’ll be hard at work right up until opening night. The smiles on the faces of our guests as

Flexible tour options are available. Call today. 704-753-7123

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com

Residential and Commercial • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

a24/7 Emergency

Service Available. aWe Service All Makes and Models. aFREE 2nd Opinion on Major Repairs* aFREE Estimates on New Equipment. *Restrictions apply, call for details

Visit Our Website For

Money Saving

s & Discoun n o p u ts Co www.McClintockHVAC.com

McClintock

Heating & Cooling 704.321.5207

The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. HELP WANTED Cost Estimator (Charlotte, NC) F/T. Prep cost estimates for tile installation & related construction projects. Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products. Analyze blueprints & other documentation to prep time, cost, materials, & labor estimates. Confer w/ contractors, & subcontractors on changes & adjustments to cost estimates. Primary Position Reqmts: Bach’s deg or foreign educational equiv in Construction Mgmt, Civil Engg or closely related plus 24 months of exp in job offered or as Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Estimator or closely related. Weekly or monthly travel to unanticipated project/ client sites across the US reqd. The employer will provide free roundtrip transport to client sites from the employer’s main work address. The employer will fully cover all costs of any travel or incidentals during the travel. Alternate Acceptable Position Reqmts: HS or GED, or foreign educational equiv + 48 months of exp in job offered or as Construction Estimator, Cost Analyst, Estimator or closely related. Weekly or monthly travel to unanticipated project/ client sites across the US reqd. The employer will provide free roundtrip transport to client sites from the employer’s main work address. The employer will fully cover all costs of any travel or incidentals during the travel. Mail or email resume to ICC-International Ceramic Corporation LLC, Attn: Matthew Pyrtle, Managing Director (email: mpyrtle@ mullercorporation.com), 5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd., Ste 170, Charlotte, NC 28217.

SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT

Kelly’s Painting

Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service

Organizing & Delivery Local & Long-Distance Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated We will do the packing and cleaning for you! Assistance with storage and organization.

Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship “Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions

(704) 619-0253

Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate

Veteran owned and operated

A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 | NCUC: 4646 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777

FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

Paul Tant

Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters Fully Insured

Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair

Phone: (803)287-1971 | ptear50@gmail.com

THE HANDY MAN

704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...

Eng. Proj./Commercial Director Vesuvius USA Corp is seeking an Eng. Proj./ Commercial Director reporting to its HQ in Charlotte, NC May work from any U.S. location/ home. Perform the dsgn & executn of a full strategy, effectvly utilizg internal tech teams & assets to ensure that Vesuvius is positnd as the indstry leadg Tech Solutns Prvdr in the USA in the continuous casting molten metals industry & industrial prods. Reqs: Bach in Elctrcl/Elctrncs Eng & 2 yrs exp in job offrd or rltd occ to incl 2 yrs exp in: global/ internatl refrctry/insulatn sales & sales mgmnt exp; app eng mgmnt in refrctry sales & dsgn, incl exp in instructg, educatg, overseeg, & measurg results for the approp utilizatn & buildg of bus models, CAPEX requests for techn, engd equip (automated & mech), & Solutns packages; exp troubleshootg & leadg the resolutn of eng probs; & exp leadg sales, mrktg &/or eng grps. Emplyee may work from any U.S. state & will report to corp HQ in Charlotte, NC. Exp may be gained concurrently. Emplyr will accept any combo of edu, trn’g, & exp. Interested applicants should e-mail their resumes to Janice Thompson, HR Director Advanced Refractories NAFTA, at Janice.thompson@vesuvius.com & ref “Engineering Project/ Commercial Director” in the subject line.

Experienced s Insured s Reliable • PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING

• ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS

CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES

980-253-9496

Your Home CONCRETE WORK •••I G W T ••• Exterior Specialists n

rusT

Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks

Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting Pressure Washing • Water Damage & All Types of Flooring Tile Work • Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning

38 Years of Experience

Call Anytime!

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)

Insured - Binded • 29 Years Experience • Senior Discount Member of the BBB

Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

704-254-5381

980-622-7833

THE HOLY PAINTER Interior, exterior, residential only. Wall paper removal, popcorn painted fixed or removed, dry wall and kitchen cabinets. 30 years experience. Empty properties 20% off. Discount DeX painted sealed or stained. License and insured excellent reference available!

Call the expert 980-258-4148

• Trail Building • Light Grading FREE ESTIMATES • Tractor • Small Dump Truck • Skid Loader 980-240-7358 • Trachoe • Concrete Demo 704-622-6460 • Bush Hogging • Small Trees Cut **We are licensed and insured** • Footings **We have been in business for 20 years**

BF Construction Services

or call Betty Call Bill

Blank and Load Clean Up Upgrades Repairs Sales Service Calls

- Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer - Ballantyne & Indian Trail

randyscomputersllc@gmail.com www.randyscomputersllc.com HELP WANTED

Tony DeMarzo

Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

HELP WANTED Ally Bank seeks a Cyber Security Engineer in Charlotte, NC. Reqs: Bach’s deg in Comp Sci, IT, Info Systems, Comp Engg or foreign equiv +5 yrs of progressively responsible exp in n/ work system security & enterprise security. Mail Res w/ ref # J-L-510427 to Allyson Parker, 500 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226. EOE.

DeMARZO

HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS

3312 Highway 21 Suite 108, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Piano Instruction Pat Moehring 704-564-4275

WE PAINT INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND CABINETS

•Beginners thru college level •Creative and innovative techniques •Development of performance skills including performing opportunities

980-312-0258

ukiepainting.com

ukiepainting

HELP WANTED Software Quality Assurance Lead (Charlotte, NC): Review s/ware reqmts, specs & tech’l dsgn docs to provide timely feedback; track QA metrics such as defect densities & open defect counts; create detailed, comprehensive & well-structured test plans & test cases, etc. Req a Bach’s deg in Civil Engg + 5 yrs’ exp as Tech’l/ Test Lead or related. Email resume to Jenny.Johnson@ baker-taylor.com, Baker & Taylor, LLC, Charlotte, NC 28217.

Che outck us on

CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE Burial Plots at Sharon Memorial Section 11D, Last Supper, Lot 211 Space 1 Only Section 11D, Last Supper, Lot 212 Spaces 1&2 Current rate at cemetery is $4,595 per space, Willing to sell for $2,000 Entombment rights at Sharon Memorial Park Section E, Crypt BB/605 1/2 BB (Tandem Crypt) Current Rate is $18,995 Willing to sell for $8,000 Deed Transfer of $295.00 to each new purchaser. Contact Gary at 704-847-4832

@mmhweekly @ucweekly @southcltweekly

NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers! For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available. Contact us at adsales@cmgweekly.com for details.

Page 6B • The Weekly • Nov. 5, 2021

MARIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2945 MATTHEWS WEDDINGTON RD MATTHEWS, NC 28104 704-847-4884

2945 Matthews-Weddington Rd. | Matthews, NC 28104