South Charlotte Weekly by Charlotte Media Group

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Serving The Arboretum, Ballantyne, Blakeney and SouthPark communities

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Volume 15, Number 6 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015

New I-485 lanes look ready for drivers, but state says they’ll have to wait

The Ballantyne restaurant scene’s latest addition is Viva Chicken, a Peruvian dining experience you won’t want to miss. See Charles Jenkin’s full review on page 16.

Newly named superintendent addresses ‘state of schools’ by Courtney Schultz education@thecharlotteweekly.com

Newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Ann Clark shared “moments” regarding the district’s strategic plan during the annual “State of Our Schools” on Jan. 29 at East Mecklenburg High School. Clark, in her first public appearance as CMS’s new leader, discussed in her address, “This is Our Moment,” how well the district has carried out “Strategic Plan 2018: For a Better Tomorrow,” which was developed in 2013

by former superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison, and how the district plans to continue executing the plan. “Education cannot be accomplished in a single day, single test or single year – it’s a lifelong journey,” Clark said. Clark discussed the continued increase in the district’s test scores, including gains in proficiency, ranging from nine to 18 points, an increased graduation rate that is higher than Wake County with more than half of the district’s high schools with a graduation rate higher than 90 percent and (see Ann Clark on page 12)

While the expansion of Interstate 485 has created some rush-hour relief on the southwestern part of the highway, extra lanes built by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to be opened well in the future have created unrest among some drivers. When NCDOT opened a lane on each side of I-485 between Interstate 77 and Rea Road in December 2014, it became clear to drivers that the department built twice that amount, with another lane saved for use as a toll lane that won’t open for at least another five years. The addition of the toll lane during the most recent expansion project saved the state $18 million, according to the

NCDOT, and prevented another construction slowdown in the near future. However, the sight of the fully finished lane, blocked off by traffic cones until it can be used as a toll lane, has disgruntled some drivers as they continue to sit in traffic during peak hours on weekdays. Union County resident Tim McCulla recently brought up the issue in an open letter to state officials, asking them to immediately open the lanes to resolve traffic issues that still plague the interstate. In the letter, addressed to N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory, U.S. Sens. Thom Thillis and Richard Burr, McCulla calls on state officials to open the completed lanes on I-485 and cancel future plans to make them toll lanes. “To leave that existing lane unused for (see I-485 on page 4)

Ryan Pitkin/SCW photo

by Ryan Pitkin ryan@thecharlotteweekly.com

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; Culinary, 16; Summer Camps, 18; Calendar, 22; Sports, 24; Classifieds, 27

Page 2 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

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News

Ballantyne Breakfast Club and Chamber of Commerce host 2015 Priorities Meeting

Residents encouraged to attend and discuss pertinent topics for the upcoming year by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte residents will have the opportunity to discuss pertinent events and concerns with elected officials at the upcoming Ballantyne Breakfast Club’s Priorities 2015 Meeting, on Feb. 14, a Saturday, at 9 a.m. at the Ballantyne Hotel, located at 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. The meeting will feature representatives from multiple city, county and state government departments, as well as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials, the Ballantyne Chamber of Commerce, YMCA and Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority, among others. The event, which is free and open to the public, will give area residents the opportunity to speak with elected officials and experts on a variety of topics concerning Ballantyne, south Charlotte and the greater Charlotte area as a whole. Ballantyne Breakfast Club founder and organizer Ray Eschert encouraged south Charlotte residents of all ages to come to the Priorities Meeting. “An informed community is a better community,” Eschert said. “People need to have the

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opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation with these different groups of people and elected officials so there’s an exchange going.” Representatives from each organization will be set up at individual tables in the Ballantyne Ballroom, giving attendees the opportunity to meet and discuss topics directly with officials in an informal setting and gain insight on what their goals and priorities are for the upcoming year. Attendees also can share suggestions or concerns with the representatives. “Too often, people feel isolated to leadership in the community when they only see them on TV or in the paper,” Eschert said. “Here, they get to speak with them and share ideas and concerns in person.” “These meetings are very important as an opportunity to meet people conducting the government,” said Ed Driggs, District 7 representative of Charlotte City Council. “Often residents have dissatisfaction with the government and it’s extremely helpful when you can meet representatives, speak to them about important issues and give citizens a chance to express themselves.” Eschert said Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter will attend, along with mayoral candidates David Howard, Michael Barnes and Jennifer Roberts. He expects the mayoral race will be a hot topic at the upcoming meeting, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet candidates and ask questions.

Another topic of interest will be issues regarding the Interstate 485 toll lane, Eschert said. Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation will be available to answer questions regarding I-485, and officials from Charlotte Department of Transportation will be on hand, as well, to address local district road congestion. “There will be such a broad range of contacts available,” he said. “Whether it’s a new development, new restaurant or someone deeply committed to finding out what’s happening with the school system and all the growth, there will be people ready to answer questions and get conversations going.” Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to socialize and enjoy free coffee and pastries provided by the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. Eschert founded the Ballantyne Breakfast Club in 2001, and the politically-neutral organization is entering its 15th year. Fewer than 20 people attended the club’s first meeting. The meetings, held six times a year, now average around 200 attendees. “These meetings are a great model and I wish other parts of the city would follow it,” Driggs said. “This type of access to the public in an informal setting is unusual and a great opportunity.” Visit www.ballantynebreakfastclub.com or call Eschert at 704-651-1237 for more information.

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 3

News

Ryan Pitkin/SCW photo

I-485 (continued from page 1)

years will certainly cause further frustration, which will translate into political problems for those who choose not to perceive this (as) an issue,” McCulla wrote. McCulla added he hoped the state representatives would “immediately act upon the will of the people and not the dictates of an inept organization like the NCDOT.” Federal laws, however, restrict options for highways built with federal money. These highways are not allowed to switch a regular lane to a toll lane, meaning the NCDOT could not legally open the lane for regular use now and convert it to a toll lane when the time comes. Another obstacle in opening the lane lies in the bottleneck that already exists on the outer loop of I-485 at Rea Road, where the interstate returns to a twolane highway. Opening the fourth lane could clog traffic further at the Rea Road exit. In a release addressing residents’ concerns, the NCDOT said that McCrory and NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata will be meeting with local leaders and transportation officials “to consider all options” for the southwestern section of I-485. “I am committed to having our team sit down with local leaders as soon as possible to discuss solutions for inadequate design, infrastructure and funding issues that were created years ago, which have been causing serious traffic congestion on I-485,” McCrory said in the release. “We are open to reviewing and considering all viable options.” One option, raised by Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter in January, would be to turn the existing lane into a carpool lane until it is ready to be used as a toll lane. This action would require a process of studies and public meetings, and is presumably one of the options to be discussed between state and local officials in the coming months. Ed Driggs, who represents District 7 on Charlotte’s city council, said he hasn’t heard from any state officials, but he plans to research any options that Page 4 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

would benefit the drivers in his district, which covers the interstate as it passes through the Ballantyne area. Tata is scheduled to address City Council on this issue at its Monday, Feb.9, meeting. Driggs said he understands why the lane was built when it was, but hopes it now can be opened in any capacity that will give drivers relief. “We’re kind of stuck on the federal requirement,” Driggs said. “I see a situation that came about with good intentions, but became nonsense.” Currently, the toll lane is not expected to open until the next I-485 widening project is finished. This project aims to continue the widening that was finished in December with an extra lane on each side of I-485 between Rea Road and U.S. 74. According to Warren Cooksey, NCDOT spokesperson, the project has been approved for funding through the State Transportation Improvement Program, a new prioritization process used by NCDOT. If the NCDOT Board of Directors approves the project during a vote in June, it is scheduled to receive funding beginning in 2017 and ending in 2020. When that project is finished, the NCDOT can begin work on opening the toll lanes. The schedule for the next leg of I-485 is subject to change depending on availability of funds, Cooksey said. Driggs said he planned to meet with at-large councilmember Vi Lyles after South Charlotte Weekly’s press deadline to discuss the costs and safety issues involved with opening the lane as it is. Driggs emphasized that he is no road construction expert, but he believes the road seems safe to use, or close to being so. He plans to look further into it with Lyles on Friday, Feb. 6. “One thing that comes up is that there will be costs involved (with making the road safe),” he said. “It is built generally safe for use, so why it’s so complicated right now eludes me.” South Charlotte Weekly will continue to cover this story as discussions progress.

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News Boy Scouts to tackle local hunger through annual drive by Josh Whitener josh@thecharlotteweekly.com

Boy Scouts across Mecklenburg County will unite this weekend to fight hunger through the annual Scouting for Food endeavor. Members of the Mecklenburg County Council of the Boy Scouts of America have spent the past week distributing bags provided by Harris Teeter in neighborhoods throughout the county. Families are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishables and leave the bags outside their homes to be picked up by Scouts on Saturday, Feb. 7. This door-to-door effort collects canned goods for Loaves & Fishes, a Charlottearea organization that helps feed families in need. Last year’s Scouting for Food drive collected a record 240,848 pounds of food for Loaves & Fishes, according to a news release. “Food donated during Scouting for Food will help feed our neighbors in need. In 2014, Loaves & Fishes fed 78,602 people in Mecklenburg County, 48 percent of which were children,” read the release. The community also can become involved this weekend by taking food items to a number of local drop-off sites in south Charlotte – including the Arboretum Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Providence and Pineville-Matthews roads; Sharon United Methodist Church, located at 4411 Sharon Road; and Trinity Presbyterian

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Church, located at 3115 Providence Road. Tractor trailer trucks and local Boy Scouts will be at the dropoff locations on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8, Local Boy Scouts will col- from 12:30 to lect food for Loaves & 2:30 p.m. Fishes through the anPeople also nual Scouting for Food can help Scoutdrive. SCW file photo ing for Food by visiting local Harris Teeters between Feb. 7 and 15. Food collection barrels will be stationed in all Mecklenburg County Harris Teeters, and community members are encouraged to bring donations, or pick up some items to contribute during a shopping trip to the store. All nonperishables are welcome, but priority needs include canned meat, canned pastas, cereal, canned fruit and 100-percent fruit juice, the release said. Loaves & Fishes works with a network of 20 food pantries in Mecklenburg County to supply a week’s worth of nutritious groceries at no cost to families experiencing a crisis. Find more information at www. loavesandfishes.org.

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 5

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

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Features Editor

Layout Editor

Josh Whitener

Liz Lanier

Education Editor

Art Director

Courtney Schultz

Maria Hernandez

News Writer

A&E Editor

Ryan Pitkin

Dee Grano

Sports Writer

Faith Columnist

Ben Doster

Rev. Tony Marciano

ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson DISTRIBUTION Manager Mike Kochy PUBLISHER Associate Publisher Randi Trojan Founder Alain Lillie Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

News Briefs Luxury apartments open in SouthPark

New England-based Nordblom Co. has opened its first Charlotte project, MEZZO1, a 100-unit luxury apartment community in SouthPark. The community, located at the intersection of Colony and Roxborough roads, offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment at MEZZO1 includes a gourmet kitchen, modern fixtures, 9-foot ceilings and a balcony. The community’s clubhouse features a fireplace, Wi-Fi, outdoor fire pit, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool and barbecue pit. “So far, a wide range of people have been attracted to MEZZO1, with a broader demographic than we even anticipated,” said Michele Santorelli, spokesperson for Nordblom, in a news release. “Our tenants include both young and established professionals, and couples who want to be close to everything SouthPark has to offer. We’re also seeing interest from couples who live out of town but want a place in Charlotte for weekend getaways in the city.” Visit www.mezzo1.com or call 704-3624000 for more information.

South Charlotte resident receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine South Charlotte resident Bill F. Hensley received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s most valued and prestigious awards for those who have demonstrated a lifetime of service to the state. The award was presented to Hensley on his 89th birthday by his four children and seven grandchildren on behalf of Gov. Pat McCrory. Hensley’s service to the state included promotional positions for more than 65 years,

Page 6 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

MEZZO1 Apartments recently opened in the SouthPark community. Photo courtesy of Nordblom Co.

including Sports Information Director at North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University and Director of Travel and Tourism under two state governors. In 1977, Hensley opened his own public relations firm and helped promote state travel and golf entities. Hensley also spearheaded the state’s first successful mixed drink referendum for Mecklenburg County in 1978 and subsequently partnered with surrounding counties on best practices for Bill F. Hensley passing the referendum. “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is a great honor that is the crowning recognition of a career that I have thoroughly enjoyed,” said Hensley in a news release. “I’ve loved every minute of promoting and living in North Carolina. The only times I ever resided outside the state were while serving my country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then as an FBI agent in Connecticut and Illinois in the early 1950s. “I’ve traveled to every state in the country, and I’m always glad to get back to North

Carolina. I am so proud to call this state my home.” Hensley was born in Asheville and graduated from Wake Forest College in 1950. He resides in south Charlotte and continues his promotional efforts for golf-related events in the area.

Carowinds hiring 2,200 new employees Carowinds is hiring more than 2,000 employees for its 2015 season. Positions range from entry level to supervisory and are available in all departments including admissions, aquatics, cash services, entertainment, food and beverage, games, guest services, human resources, maintenance, merchandise, marketing, park services, rides, safety and security. “We’ve got so many new thrills planned for 2015, and we are looking for the perfect staff to accommodate all of the new excitement coming this season,” said Mike Fehnel, Carowinds vice president and general manager, in a news release. “Our goal is to put together a strong team with a gold star work ethic to deliver our guests their ‘best-day-of-summer.’” Applicants must be at least 15 years old and (see News Briefs on page 11)

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News

South Charlotte Weekly

Crime Blotter Myers Park student shot near home in Grier Heights Police responded to a convenience store near Billingsville Elementary School on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after 14-year-old Myers Park High School student D’Andre Martin was shot while skateboarding in the parking lot. Police say the moments leading up to the shooting were caught on a surveillance camera, but the victim went out of camera view before the shooting took place and the suspect was seen. D’Andre was skating in the parking lot, but at one point, near 6:45 p.m., his attention turned to a nearby field. He entered the field out of the camera’s rangewhen the shooting happened and police found him with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Lt. Shawn Crooks with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said D’Andre was going home from a nearby recreation center, something he does almost every day. Crooks said officials have received several tips from the community on the shooting, but they are still looking for more information. The incident happened near D’Andre’s home in the Grier Heights neighborhood. Police did not have any suspects in the case by South Charlotte Weekly's press deadline. D’Andre is a freshman at Myers Park High School. He was listed in critical but stable condition as of Thursday, Feb. 4.

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The following crimes were committed in the south Charlotte area between Jan. 31 and Feb. 4, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Home/Business Break-ins • 11700 block of James Jack Lane: $3,700 bicycle stolen form garage. Feb. 1 • 1100 block of Willhaven Drive: $2,000 stove stolen from garage. Feb. 3

Vehicle Break-Ins • 5900 block of Ballantyne Commons Parkway: Purse, credit cards, debit card, cash, wallet and heart rate monitor, worth $458 total, stolen and $500 damage done to Chevrolet Equinox stolen during break-in. Feb. 1 • 6700 block of Northbury Lane: $250 damage done to Chevrolet HHR during attempted break-in. Feb. 2 • 3300 block of Highview Road: Unknown suspect rummaged through victim’s car. Nothing listed as stolen. Feb. 2 • 13300 block of Edgetree Drive: Computer bag, cellphone, GPS device and insurance forms, worth $435 total, stolen from unlocked vehicle. Feb. 3

• 3200 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: $100 wallet containing $85 cash, identification, debit card and Social Security card stolen. Feb. 3

Vandalism/Hit-and-Run • 3100 block of Weddington Road: $500 damage done to Toyota Corolla in hit-and-run. Jan. 31 • 4600 block of Sharon View Road: Suspect shot pellet at car as it drove by. $200 damage done to Toyota 4Runner. Feb. 1 • 7700 block of Waterford Glen Loop: $300 damage done to Chevrolet Equinox in vandalism incident. Feb. 1 • 5600 block of Rea Road: $1,100 damage done to Toyota RAV4 in hit-and-run. Feb. 4

Financial Crimes/Fraud • 6900 block of Lenhart Drive: Suspect refused to pay $39 cab fare. Feb. 2 • Chipotle, 7724 Pineville-Matthews Road: Unlisted amount of money embezzled by employee between October 2014 and February 2015. Feb. 2 • 1800 block of Galleria Boulevard: $443 stolen through unauthorized use of victim’s credit card. Feb. 3 • Walgreens, 11200 W. Providence Road: $6 counterfeit currency found in cashier drawer after business closed. Feb. 4

Property Theft • Walmart, Arboretum Shopping Center: Suspect attempted to steal GPS device and prepaid cellphone, worth $400 total, from business. Upon arrest, suspect was in possession of marijuana, syringes, pipe and box cutter. Jan. 31 • Belk, SouthPark Mall: Suspect attempted to steal $148 shirt from business. Jan. 31 • 7900 block of Rea Road: $200 pair of headphones stolen. Feb. 1 • 5600 block of Chadfort Lane: Suspect kicked in victim’s bedroom door, caused $150 in damage, and stole $150 laptop. Feb. 1 • 10400 block of Blairbeth Street: $550 cellphone stolen. Feb. 1 • Goodwill, 16025 Lancaster Highway: $5 pair of shoes stolen from business. Feb. 2

Drugs • 8000 block of West Sharon Road: Possession of paraphernalia. Feb. 3 • 5900 block of Colony Road: Possession of marijuana. Feb. 4 • 2200 block of West Sharon Road: Possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Feb. 4

Miscellaneous • 5900 block of Quail Hollow Road: Simple assault. Feb. 3 • 14000 block of Labeau Avenue: Simple assault. Feb. 4 • 11200 block of Villa Trace Place: Reporting person found .380caliber handgun, ammunition and holster lying in driveway. Feb. 4

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 7

News South Charlotte Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4.

Lowest Score: • Gleiberman’s Kosher Mart & Restaurant, 5668-D International Drive, 28270 – 91.5 Violations included: No certified food protection manager; open package of hot dogs or kosher franks stored under a flat of shelled eggs on the bottom of the twodoor refrigerator; numerous items with food debris or build up present; old equipment, unused pallets, full-size car seats, empty boxes stored in the rear storage area leading to the coolers; and general cleaning needed. All Scores: 28210 No restaurants inspected this week. 28226 No restaurants inspected this week. 28270 • Gleiberman’s Kosher Mart & Restaurant, 5668-D International Drive – 91.5 • Subway, 1816-B Galleria Blvd. – 98

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28277 • Cru Wine Shop, 12206 Copper Way – 96.5 • Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, 15201 John J Delaney Drive, suite B – 94 • Moe’s Southwest Grill, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way – 95 • Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 10706 Providence Road – 93.5 • Terrace Café, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way – 92 • Tony Sacco’s Cole Oven Pizza, 5361 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., suite 200 – 95.5 28209 • 1900 Mexican Grill, 5110-1E Park Road – 94 • Jayla’s Gluten Free Goodness, 1515 Mockingbird Lane – 97 • Mellow Mushroom, 2820 Selwyn Ave., suite 100 – 94 • The Steak N’ Hoagie Shop, 3401-C South Blvd. – 98.5 • Tiki Hideaway, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road, suite 100 – 94 • Wendy’s, 4335 Park Road – 96.5 28211 • Bojangles’, 6555 Morrison Blvd. – 95.5 • Starbucks, 6701 Morrison Blvd. – 99 About the grades…Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79.

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South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 9

News

Ballantyne’s The Secret Chocolatier recovers from 2014 snow storm South Charlotte based chocolate and confections shop prepares for busy year by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

With Valentine’s Day approaching, local chocolate and confections shops like south Charlotte-based The Secret Chocolatier prepare for one of the busiest – and most profitable – times of the year. Last February, The Secret Chocolatier owners Robin and Andy Ciordia and Bill and Karen Dietz were busy prepping for the first Valentine’s Day at their Ballantyne location, at 11318 N. Community House Road off Ballantyne Commons Parkway. The store opened in November 2013, joining its sister store located at the corner of Sharon Amity and Providence roads. The Ballantyne store’s first holiday season was slow as the Ciordia’s and Dietz’s worked to promote the new location, so they were eager for the Valentine’s Day business to give them the financial bump they would need to carry them through the slower summer months. Then “Snowmageddon 2014” happened. The worst snow storm in a decade blanketed the southeast on Feb. 12, 2014 and kept pounding well into the next day as over 10 inches of snow covered parts of Charlotte. The confectioners behind The Secret Chocolatier readied their Ballantyne store for months

only to find themselves unable to open their doors on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 as individuals all over the area were confined to their homes due to the storm. “We were forced to close on Feb. 12 and the 13,” Robin Ciordia said. “Closing those two days really had an impact on the store for the rest of the year. It’s money we were counting on and it’s our buffer through the summer.” Owners of The Secret Chocolatier managed to shovel the snow and ice out of their driveways and opened the store on Valentine’s Day, but the city remained quiet due to the storm and business was slow. “No one was going into work and there wasn’t much going on,” she said. “Holidays are very important to us so it was difficult, especially with the location being so new… It’s hard to say what we could’ve made in those two days but it really set us back. We’re only now starting to feel the relief. Even our holiday season was still back pain from what happened from the snow storm.”

Page 10 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

One year later, The Secret Chocolatier in Ballantyne has made a name for itself in its new south Charlotte community and is ready for what 2015 has to bring. Robin Ciordia said it’s the store’s familial roots that have kept operations running even during tough economic times. The Secret Chocolatier is the brainchild of Ciordia’s parents, Bill and Karen Dietz. Bill Dietz, a pastry chef and chocolatier for 30 years, began the confections pursuit after encouragement from his Pennsylvanian grandfather in the business. After spending time with the Charlotte-based Sonoma Group, he partnered with his wife and began making handmade truffles and confections in 2008 and selling them to local retailers and at the Matthews Farmers’ Market. Ciordia and her husband, Andy, quickly began spreading the word about her parents’ chocolate creations. “We had a friend who ran a café in Rock Hill,” Ciordia said. “She wanted to carry (my father’s) truffles. He told her she could carry them but he didn’t want his name on it, since he was transitioning jobs. So she wrote on the truffles, ‘Handmade by our Secret Chocolatier’ and that’s where we would soon get our name.” Ciordia was a teacher at the time and her husband designed web pages but the two were

interested in joining the Dietz’s to make their chocolate dreams more than a farmers’ market staple and instead a free-standing store of their own. “We were all pitching in but we had full time jobs,” Cordia said. “At the start of 2010 we had a big meeting and said, ‘We’re getting tired. We can either take the leap and get our own place or we need to stop altogether.’ It was make it or break it for us and we decided to go for it.” One year later, The Secret Chocolatier opened its Sharon Amity location. When Ballantyne-based “Think Chocolate” closed in 2013, the Chocolatiers saw it as an opportunity to expand into south Charlotte. And despite a slow start, Ciordia said she’s excited for a busy 2015. “Ballantyne and Charlotte are totally different areas,” she said. “People in Ballantyne don’t know us yet but we’re getting there. “We’re getting our products in Harris Teeter and we’re growing our wholesale accounts. We’re also trying to get classes lined up, like cake decorating, bark making and wine pairing. We want to let people be part of the secret and we’re really excited, especially for the Ballantyne location, about the future.” Visit www.thesecretchocolatier.com for more information.

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News

News Briefs (continued from page 6)

should apply online at www.carowinds.com. After applying, candidates should visit the Carowinds employment office, open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carowinds opens March 28, a Saturday, and will be open on weekends until the summer season. Call Peter Smolowitz at 704-916-6163 for more information.

Elwoods Barbecue supports Morrison Family YMCA, Ardrey Kell Elwoods Barbecue & Burger Bar partnered with Morrison Family YMCA, Ardrey Kell High School and Marvin Ridge Middle School to donate $30,000 worth of “Elwoods Cash” to volunteers and students. Elwoods Cash works the same as money at the Ballantyne restaurant. Each organization received $10,000. The Morrison Family YMCA will distribute Elwoods Cash to volunteers, and the two schools will distribute the cash to deserving and involved students. “Building up a community is a group effort and it’s important to us to give back as much as we can,” said Elwoods Barbecue owner Jeremy Johnson in a news release. “If we can do something to make volunteers feel appreciated and for students to feel like their efforts have been noticed, we’re going to do it.” Johnson added he plans on continuing supporting organizations in the community. Elwoods Barbecue is located at 16139 Lancaster Hwy. in south Charlotte.

Chick-fil-A offers free coffee in February Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A is offering free hot and iced coffee for the month of February at restaurants nationwide. Chick-fil-A partnered with THRIVE Farmers to offer specialty-grade coffee in August 2014. The new coffee qualifies as specialty grade per the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, according to a news release. The sale of each cup provides direct revenue to the THRIVE Farmers network of family farmers in Central America. The offer includes 12-ounce hot or 16-ounce iced sizes and is available while supplies last. The offer is available anytime during regular restaurant hours and is limited to one cup of coffee per customer, per visit. No additional purchase is necessary and no substitutions are available. Chick-fil-A has several south Charlotte locations including: 3117 Pineville-Matthews Road, 4431 Randolph Road, 10001 Rea Road, 7910 Rea Road and 4400 Sharon Road.

Essex Richards attorneys named “Legal Elite” in North Carolina Five south Charlotte attorneys with Charlotte-based firm Essex Richards have been named North Carolina’s Legal Elite for 2015 www.thecharlotteweekly.com

by Business North Carolina magazine. The annual award is presented to the state’s top lawyers as judged by their peers. Fewer than three percent of attorneys in the state receive the Heather Culp honor. Myers Park resident Woody Connette has been recognized as a Legal Elite lawyer since the award’s inception in 2002. Connette was honored in two categories this year: litigaWoody Conette tion and employment. Heather Culp, a Cameron Wood’s resident, earned the honor in bankruptcy law, marking her fifth appearance on the Legal Elite list. Myers Park resident Marc Gustafson Marc Gustafson was honored for his employment law expertise. Eastover resident Steve Morris, one of Essex Richards’s founding partners, was honored for business law. Rob Blair, a family law Steve Morris attorney, received the honor for the eighth consecutive year. Legal Elite honorees are chosen by active members of the North Carolina State Bar. A record number of ballots were submitted, according to Business North Carolina. Essex Richards is a full service law firm of 13 attorneys. Practice area includes business law, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, personal injury and more. Visit www.essexrichards.com for more information.

Local Burger King franchise owner receives national award Local restaurateur and franchise owner Hugh Bigham received the Burger King Operator of the Year award for excellence in the 6-19 units category for restaurant owners. Bigham was selected from more than 7,000 Burger King operators across the U.S. Bigham, president of Golden B. Enterprises headquartered in Charlotte, owns 14 Burger King locations in the greater Charlotte area. The Operator of the Year award is based on criteria including inspection scores, sales increases and speed of service. “It is an incredible honor to receive this award,” said Bigham in a news release. “Our hardworking and dedicated employees at our 14 restaurants are the ones who truly deserve this recognition. They consistently put forth the required hours to make continual success possible.” Along with his Burger King locations, Bigham is behind The Pizza Peel & Tap Room in Plaza Midwood and Cotswold, The Flying Biscuit Café in Park Road Shopping Center and StoneCrest, The Improper Pig in Cotswold and Moe’s Southwest Grill at Northlake Mall. South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 11

Education

Ann Clark (continued from page 1)

top marks in the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for fourth and eighth grade students. The NAEP reported CMS fourth- and eighth-graders had the highest scores in math and second highest scores in reading among 21 cities. “(However), we have much more work to do to deliver college-ready students,” Clark said. The superintendent emphasized increasing educational and careeroriented opportunities, supporting passionate teachers and developing literacy through a new performance framework.

Greater Opportunities

CMS has created more access to rigorous courses for high school students, with 67 percent more students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which provides an opportunity to earn college credit. Clark said the district is still making progress and wants to continue increasing access to AP courses. The superintendent also wants to develop partnerships with companies that are “tailored to CMS” in hopes of creating career-oriented opportunities. Mark Rohlinger, plant technical

director at Bosch Rexroth, said Bosch Rexroth found they weren’t finding the skill sets they needed to fulfill necessary positions, so they worked collaboratively with CMS to create a CNCfocused (computer numerical control) machine shop in high schools to teach high school students those needed skills with hands-on access. “We wanted to develop those people in Ann Clark our own background,” Rohlinger said. Through the program, Bosch Rexroth also invested in hiring interns and apprenticeship students within the company. Clark hopes to continue partnerships with companies to help make “real world” connections between the classroom and workforce.

Keeping ‘passionate’ teachers in the classroom

The district also plans to expand teacher pay and roles through an opportunity culture model that allows teachers, who have the desire to stay in the classroom, to advance their career and

Page 12 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

reach more students with increased pay. CMS saw success with the model in Project L.I.F.T., a CMS learning community that reaches traditionally poor performing schools, in the importance of recruitment, in teaching and retaining of quality teachers, said Katie Morris, chair of The Belk Foundation, which funded the new model. They plan to extend the model across the district to 17 other schools outside of Project L.I.F.T. and “allow exceptional teachers to stay in the classroom,” Morris added. “I think everyone would agree that we want to keep teachers in the classroom and increase their pay,” Morris said. “These are thing we want to see happen.”

‘North star’ of performance

Clark said she considers literacy as the “north star” of success in schools, including listening, writing and reading across all subjects. Although the district saw more students reading on grade level compared to prior years, she said there is still work to be done. Administration created a school performance framework that Clark hopes will help develop the steps needed to further CMS’s work in literacy, as well as academia as a whole. The performance framework

determines the criteria in which the district will evaluate schools, based on: academic proficiency; student growth; providing academic help to students who need it; closing achievement gaps; providing access to rigorous courses; making students college and career ready; graduating students in four years; and creating a safe, engaging culture at every school. “We are committed to doing our jobs with pride and with excellence that our kids deserve and the community rightfully expects,” Clark said. Justin Ashley, social studies teacher at Community House Middle School in south Charlotte, said he plans to meet students at their specific learning level and connect with them to increase student proficiency. “As a teacher at CMS, I try to speak my students’ language,” Ashley said. “They know the language of fun.” Ashley used a texting application when teaching students about U.S. grievances with King George as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Students were “texting” King George to make the topic more interesting and fun, Ashley said. He wants to make things that might be uninteresting to students extraordinary, he added. (see Ann Clark on page 13)

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Education

South Charlotte Weekly

Education News & Notes

Charlotte Country Day head of school elected into national association Charlotte Country Day School’s Head of School Mark Reed was elected into the Headmasters Association, an organization of 100 secondary school educational leaders from across the nation, according to a news release. He is the only Charlotte-area member, and one of two members from North Carolina. “This is a great honor for Mark and for Country Day,” Louis A. Bledsoe, III, Country Day’s chair of the Board of Trustees and Country Day graduate, said in the release. “I know all our students and faculty will benefit from his participation in this highly selective organization.” Each February, the organization holds a conference exploring specific themes; this year’s theme is “Discord and Disaster: Differences that Divide Us.” “Each year at commencement, I advise our graduating seniors to continue learning and to follow their passions by sharing one of my favorite sayings: ‘Learning is the lifeblood of the human existence,’” Reed said in the news release. “As a lifelong learner, I am greatly looking forward to the

Ann Clark (continued from page 12)

Familiar face in leadership

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted at its Jan. 27 meeting to appoint Clark as the first female CMS superintendent. Clark will serve as superintendent through July 2016, when she plans to retire. The timing gives the board more time to conduct a comprehensive search for her successor, according to a news release. "I was excited to explore new opportunities to continue to serve the educational needs of our community," Clark said in the release. "I made the personal decision to postpone my announcement once Dr. Morrison resigned. The timing was no longer right. I care too much about CMS to leave during such a critical time of leadership transition." Clark fills a vacancy created by Morrison’s resignation in November 2014, after an investigation of his behavior came under fire. She took over superintendent duties after his departure. "Ann is a strong CMS and publiceducation advocate and I am excited about the leadership she will provide over the next year and a half,” Board of Education Chairperson Mary McCray said in the release. "We are making great strides as a district and she brings the stability we need to maintain our www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Mark Reed. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Country Day School

knowledge I will gain through my connection with other educational leaders in the Headmasters Association.” Reed joined Charlotte Country Day in July 2009. “Under his leadership, Country Day has enhanced campus safety, developed a multi-year Strategic Plan, increased endowment to $46 million, hosted several public art exhibits, improved athletic fields and campus aesthetics, and established an allschool convocation, Parent Speaker Series and Science Outreach Program,” read the (see Education Notes on page 14)

momentum." Clark has over three decades of institutional knowledge and educational experience, including at elementary, middle and high schools, to the new role. She joined the district in 1983 as a teacher of behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children at Devonshire Elementary School. After five years in the classroom, she moved into administration as assistant principal at Montclaire Elementary School in 1987. She then had stints as principal at Shamrock Gardens Elementary School and Alexander Graham Middle School, and became the first principal of Vance High School in 1996. Clark then took on a greater role in CMS and became assistant superintendent for high school curriculum and instruction, then regional superintendent for high schools and associate superintendent of education services. “I promise you I’m bringing my best head and my heart to the job,” Clark said. The current plan for Clark’s successor was laid out at the Board’s meeting: • Feb. 19: Special BOE meeting to discuss search process • March to April 2015: Additional meetings to further refine the search process • May 2015 to April 2016: Conduct a search and choose next superintendent

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 13

Education

Education Notes (continued from page 13)

release. “Mark Reed’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have pushed our school to expand in ways that have benefited our students, faculty, staff, and the community,” Ann Caulkins, vice chair of Country Day’s Board of Trustees, said in the release. Country Day is located at 1440 Carmel Road in south Charlotte. Charlotte Latin sisters selected for AllDistrict Bands Charlotte Latin sophomore Jasmine Leahy and her sister, eighth-grader Veronica Leahy, were selected to participate in the South Central District Bandmasters Association All-District Band Clinic, after an audition process. The clinic was held Jan. 30 and 31 in Hickory, where Jasmine served as the third chair trumpet player in the high school band and Veronica served as the first chair alto saxophone player in the middle school band. The students now qualify to audition in March for the North Carolina All-State Bands. Ardrey Kell HOSA members score high marks at regionals Ardrey Kell High School’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) scored

Charlotte Latin sisters Jasmine and Veronica Leahy were selected for the high school and middle school divisions, respectively, of the South Central District Bandmasters Association All-District Band Clinic. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Latin

big at the national career and technical student organization’s regionals at Hickory Ridge High School on Jan. 10. The club is advised by Ardrey Kell Career and Technical Education Health Occupation teachers Teresa Elshoff, Susan Busbee and Laura Kent. The following students placed in the Top 10 at HOSA Regionals: Shiva Bakhtiyari, first place in medical photography; Virali Shah, first place in knowledge test – nutrition; Anisha Ponnapati, fifth place in job seeking skills; Geetha Lingchetty, third place in extemporaneous writing; Sunnie

Page 14 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Kwak, fourth place in medical math (online test only); Salina Meharenna, fifth place in nursing assisting (online test); Irene Zhou and Jessica Wang, third and seventh place, respectively, in extemporaneous health poster; Ryesa Mansoor, Manisha Dubey and Saumya Ray, fourth, sixth and eighth place, respectively, in medical terminology (online test); two teams consisting of Jin Gao, Carissa Tai, Sarai Daniels and Lucas Lu; and Natasha Shah, Marina Sawires, Sanjana Kirpalani and John Casabonne, fifth and sixth place in HOSA Bowl; and three teams consisting of Margaret Rossow and Dana Donkle; Richard Kim and Katie Zhao; and Yeonjin Kang and Vaishnavi Vankayala, first, second and sixth place, respectively, in career health display. South Charlotte students appointed to Naval Academy U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger recently announced the appointment of two south Charlotte students to the United States Naval Academy. “This is one of the best parts of my job,” Pittenger said in a news release. “The Charlotte region is blessed with so many talented students, including these four young men who have dedicated themselves to serving America and protecting our freedom.” Cody Mendelow, a 2014 Charlotte County Day School graduate, is currently participating in Navy ROTC at North Carolina State University, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“I was raised to believe in the core values of honor, courage, and commitment and wanted to earn a spot at the Naval Academy since I was three years old,” Mendelow said in the release. He is the son of David and Geer Mendelow and lives in south Charlotte. Adam Thomas, a senior at South Mecklenburg High School, also received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Thomas serves as captain of South Meck’s cross country, swimming and track teams and said he looks forward to the rigorous challenges of the academy, according to the release. He is the son of William and Angela Thomas and lives in south Charlotte. A total of nine area students already have received U.S. Service Academy appointments for the 2015-16 school year, with additional appointments expected this spring, the release said. Charlotte Latin teacher selected as council scholar The World Affairs Council (WACC) has selected Charlotte Latin teacher Gretchen Frederick as a 2014-15 Council Scholar. Frederick will receive $2,500 for travel expenses abroad and will be given a lifetime membership to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and The Magellan Society, or Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. Frederick teaches Spanish in Charlotte Latin’s Upper School.

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South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 15

Culinary

Viva flavor! Viva Chicken! Peruvian Rotisseire Joint

by Charles Jenkin scwnews@thecharlotteweekly.com

Thousands of vehicles travel by Toringdon Circle shopping center on Johnston Road in south Charlotte. A few restaurants have come and gone within the circle without success, and it’s clear you have to be consistently delicious and perceived as a good value to make it in the south Charlotte culinary scene. A recent addition to Toringdon Circle might very well be a contender for 12206 Copper Way long-term culinary success. Viva Chicken is, as the sign reads, Hours: a “Peruvian rotisserie joint.” They specialize in Pollo a la Brasa, or rotisMonday to Saturday serie chicken, sourcing all natural, free range poultry and cooking it 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. fresh every 45 minutes. The chickens are first marinated in a blend of herbs Sunday and spices and then cooked in handbuilt Peruvian rotisserie cookers. Noon to 7 p.m. The restaurant style is fast casual, where you order and pay at the counPhone: 704- 341-8174 ter, take a table stand with a number, fill your cups with soft drinks and www.vivachicken.com find a comfortable table or booth. A

few minutes later a server arrives with your lunch or dinner. In addition to the dining room, you’ll find an enclosed patio that can easily accommodate larger parties. I find a limited menu allows the kitchen to get very good at a select number of items to prepare. It’s comprised of half a dozen appetizers, five sandwiches and wraps, four entrées and the signature Peruvian chicken. You’ll also be able to choose from several side dishes, a handful of desserts and signature drinks made in house daily. First, let’s talk chicken, as many of the dishes are centered on the rotisserie chicken. It’s slow roasted on a rotating spit over an open fire of hardwood charcoal. The best way to enjoy the chicken is to order a quarter, half or a whole chicken with sides. For a take-out dinner to bring home for up to four people, the whole chicken with three sides is ideal. The chicken is cut into individual pieces that have a scrumptious and unique flavor profile; it permeates each bite of the tender, juicy meat. Customers choose between three signature sauces for the chicken. Aji Amarillo, a hot yellow chili pepper, is muted in this mild sauce. I recommend the Huacatay ("wah-ka-tay") sauce; it contains Peruvian black mint infused with fresh herbs. It has medium heat with outstanding flavor that makes you sit up and take notice. If you really like spicy food, order the roasted

Viva Chicken

Page 16 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Charles Jenkin/SCW photo

Rocoto sauce, made with rocoto chili peppers. But, don’t say I didn’t warn you. The Viva Chicken Salad is a blend of organic mixed greens, pulled rotisserie chicken, cucumbers, onions, tomato, feta cheese, avocado and house dressing. The Famous Huancaina offers sliced potatoes, huancaina sauce, a Peruvian creamy cheese sauce, hardboiled egg and olive. A unique item is the Quinoa Stuffed Avocado, which includes organic quinoa, onions, cucumber, tomato, cilantro, olive oil, lime, rocoto mayo and house balsamic. You can get a half portion with the option of adding pulled chicken. On colder days, or whenever you’re in the mood, be sure to check out the Sopa de Pollo, with pulled rotisserie chicken, rice and vegetables in a tasty chicken broth with fresh cilantro. The soup tastes fresh and delicious, complimented by the shreds of yummy chicken. The sandwiches are offered on ciabatta bread, multigrain ciabatta or sundried tomato wrap. The Wow Lomito is marinated stir-fired sirloin, onion and (see Viva Chicken on page 17)

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Culinary

Photos courtesy of Viva Chicken

Viva Chicken (continued from page 16)

tomato; you can choose the sauce you want, along with a side dish. The steak has a nice marinated flavor, though I wish it had been a bit more tender. The Great is comprised of rotisserie chicken, onions, tomato, lettuce and rocoto mayo. It’s a good sandwich, but could benefit from a little more chicken. The Inca Wrap includes Peruvian canary beans, avocado, rice and salsa criolla (lime marinated onions and tomatoes) all in a sundried tomato wrap. For protein, you can add chicken, pork or steak if desired. Several of the side dishes are worth noting. The cilantroinfused rice was fresh and fluffy. The green beans are prepared with the flavor of fresh ginger and the sweet plantains are especially yummy – crispy on the outside, hot and flavorful on the inside. I think my favorite are the yucca fries. In addition to enjoying the rotisserie chicken, especially the leg and thigh, there are a couple of excellent entrées, to which you can add chicken, pork or steak. The Viva Tacu Bowl is a combination of Peruvian canary beans, rice, fresh cilantro and salsa criolla; it was

complimented very nicely by the pork. Most delectable, where Peru meets the Orient, is the Arroz Chaufa, made with fried rice, red peppers, green onions, eggs, ginger, and Peruvian soy sauce. Tallarin Saltado is linguine pasta, tomatoes, red onions, scallions, ginger and Peruvian soy sauce. The Classic Saltado is a mix of sirloin, red onion, Peruvian soy sauce, ginger, crispy fries and white rice. Dessert choices include Tres Leches and Maracuya Mousse, a passion fruit mousse topped with sweetened cream and cinnamon. Mil Hojas is a puff pastry layered with caramel, sweetened cream and chocolate. Viva Chicken is a restaurant that has its act together. The menu is simple and easy to understand. The folks who work behind the counter are friendly and helpful. The food has always been fresh and delivered quickly to the table. Viva Chicken is a friendly, casual restaurant with the ability to keep up on a busy weekend evening and offers unique flavors served up at reasonable prices. Visit Viva Chicken once, dine in or take out, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be back. Enjoy.

Three out of four stars www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 17

Summer Camp Guide

201 5

by Hannah Chronis hannah@southcharlotteweekly.com

The verdict is out from Punxsutawney Phil. The famous groundhog saw his shadow Monday, signaling another six weeks of winter. While some kids might be hoping for snow, others are already dreaming of the warmer temperatures of spring and summer. If your

All Day Chess Ages 5 to 15 June 24 to 28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $425

Chess instructors from across the country teach children of all abilities in the USA Chess summer camp. Experience chess lessons in a fun environment with professional instructors. All campers receive a chess set, notation book, camp shirt and

trophy. Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road

Art Detective

Ages 4 to 10 June 15 to August 7, weekly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $320

South Charlotte Weekly’s summer camp guide is a biweekly feature through April 17.

At Camp Myers Park, kinds will experience everything from arts and crafts to science projects. Club pros will provide campers with recreational golf and tennis instruction twice a week with 1.5 hours of recreational swimming each day.

Insects

Ages 3 to 12 June 22 to 26 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. $149

Discover cool 2-D and 3-D art in the Mint Museum’s galleries and create your own works using textures, lines, colors and shapes.

Atomz Lab introduces kids to the wonderful world of science through a variety of educational camps. Wild and Wonderful Animals and Insects will let campers explore butterflies, learn about animal habitats and make a bug catcher, investigate the oceans, learn about nocturnal animals and more. Make sure to bring a snack.

Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon Street

Atomz Lab, 9608 Longstone Lane

Grades 4 to 6 June 15 to 19 12:30 to 3 p.m. $100 members/$150 nonmembers

Atomz Lab: Wild and Wonderful Animals and

Page 18 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Camp Myers Park

children aren’t counting down the days until summer break yet, they will be if you sign them up for one of the many summer camps featured in our 2015 guide.

Myers Park Country Club, 2145 Roswell Ave.

Camp Summer Fest Grades K to 4 June 1 to 5 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. $130 Each week campers will experience different themes including: Wacky Wednesday, Beach Day, Carnival Day, Safari Day and more. Campers will participate in wild and messy

Summer Camp Guide continues on page 19...

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Summer Camp Guide

Summer Camp Guide (continued) crafts, make weekly homemade recipes and enjoy a daily lunch. Charlotte Country Day, 1440 Carmel Road

Creative Arts Camp: Under the Sea Ages 3 to 5 June 15 to 19 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $185

Dive into acting with stories from under the sea. Lead by professional teaching artists, this camp allows little artists to explore dance, theater, visual art and music. Camp concludes with a showcase for friends and family. Ballantyne Arts Center, 11318 North Community House Road

Charger Day Chill Camp Grades K to 5 June 1 to 5 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. $350

Campers will enjoy a wide variety of activities combining a traditional day

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camp with experiences to build lasting relationships and foster important values. Campers can choose from a variety of activities including capture the flag, kickball and crafts. Providence Day School, 5800 Sardis Road

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte: Disney’s Mulan Jr.

Photo courtesy of www.mygym.com

Grades 3 to 7 June 15 to 19 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $280

comprehension and related language skills. It includes daily silent and oral readings and a writer’s workshop. Math skills are reviewed using numerical games.

This one-week, full-day camp provides a unique musical theater experience that combines acting, music, art and dancing. The week concludes with a final camp performance for friends and family.

Charlotte Country Day, 1440 Carmel Road

Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road

FUN with FUNdamentals Grades 2 to 3 June 15 to July 11 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. $600

This program emphasizes reading

My Gym Summer Camp

Ages 3 to 11 June 1 to August 28, weekly 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $30 per day/$140 for 5 day pass/$500 unlimited Campers will enjoy a half-day of gymnastics, tumbling, games, team building, spaceflight and more. Campers will be divided into age groups. Summer Camp Guide continues on page 21...

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 19

Page 20 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Summer Camp Guide

Summer Camp Guide (continued)

Blvd.

Super Terrific Fun Camp Ages 6 to 13 June 8 to 12 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $195-225

Photo courtesy of www.sportsconnectionnc.com

My Gym Blakeney, 9852 Rea Road

1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville

Mixed Media Camp

Put me in the Zoo Camp

Campers’ creativity will be inspired by exposure to ageappropriate projects with varying art mediums, styles and techniques through hands-on exploration. Campers will also learn about famous artists and artistic movements.

It’s going to be a zoo for preschoolers! Join the YMCA for fun-filled songs, stories and crafts inspired by your child’s favorite zoo animals.

Ages 4 to 14 June 15 to August 21, weekly 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. $225

Covenant Recreation Center, 1000 East Morehead Street

Pineville Summer Camp Ages 6 to 12 June 22 to August 10, weekly 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $65 residents/$85 nonresidents Regular activities at Camp Pineville will include sports, arts and crafts, games and a field trip in a fun, safe environment. Campers and counselors work together to promote values of honesty, responsibility and respect.

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Ages 2 to 5 June 1 to 5 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $240

Ultimate Sleepover Spectacular for Girls Grades 2 to 7 June 1 to 5 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $450

Learn how to host the coolest sleepover at this camp just for Super Terrific Fun Camp is girls. Each day will be filled designed for boys and girls with making homemade snacks, that just can’t decide what they exciting games, a pajama want to do this summer. Do it fashion show, crafts and a fun, all at Super Terrific Fun Camp, party atmosphere. from indoor rock climbing to bowling to Laser Tag. Providence Day School, 5800 Sardis Road Sports Connection, 11611 Ardrey Kell Road

Morrison YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road

Speech Institute Summer Camp Grades 3 to 5 July 6 to 30 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. $950 for 3 weeks/$1200 for 4 weeks Speech Summer Camp is designed to improve communication and social skills over the summer. Students are grouped by age and will work with certified speech-language pathologists. Speech Institution, 1235 East

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 21

Calendar 2.6.15 Friday 7 to 9 p.m. Best Buy Video Game Tournament On the first Friday of every month, Morrison Family YMCA hosts a teen video game tournament in the Rachel Giblin Teen Center. The winner will receive a free copy of the game courtesy of Best Buy in Blakeney. Morrison Family YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte 2.7.15 Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lose to Win Weight Loss Challenge Dr. Holly Clemens and Dr. Kyle Loveless will host the Maximized Living Makeover event entitled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lose to Win: The Weight Loss Challenge.â&#x20AC;? This 30-day weight-loss challenge will help people of all ages create a game plan to overcome health hurdles. Visit losetowincharlotte.eventbrite.com or call 980422-2000 for more information. Raintree Country Club, 8600 Raintree Lane, Charlotte

2.7.15 Saturday Noon to 5 p.m. Screenplay Writing with Bob Hardison This writing class, sponsored by The Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Workshop, will discuss writing for the screen. Various formats, structures and techniques will be discussed, as well as tips on creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue. Attendees may bring screenplay ideas or synopses to the class. Instructor Bob Hardison is a graduate of UNCA School of Filmmaking. His work includes feature films â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marcusâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angry White Men.â&#x20AC;? Cost for the class is $75. Email writersw@gmail.com or call 828-254-8111 for more information. Providence Presbyterian Church, 10140 Providence Church Road, Charlotte 2.7.15 Saturday 8 p.m. Carolina Pro Musica Concert Carolina Pro Musica features Joseph-Hector Fioccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s setting of the verses from The Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah, arias by J.S. Bach and instrumental works by Marcello. Carolina Pro Musica appears with period instruments and voice. Concert costs $8-16 and tickets are available at www.carolinapromusica.org or at the door. St. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th Street, Charlotte

2.8.15 Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Demystifying the College Application The Jewish Community Center hosts a special seminar for future college applicants and their parents. The keynote speaker is a veteran college admissions chair and will speak on the college decision-making process. Attendees can choose from three different seminars covering a range of topics regarding the application process. Registration is open through Feb. 8. Call the Levine Jewish Community Center at 704-366-5007 for more information. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte 2.11.15 Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne Blood Drive Donate blood with the American Red Cross in Ballantyne Corporate Park. The blood drive will be at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;blood mobileâ&#x20AC;? located at Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne. Volunteer your time with the south Charlotte community to help save lives. Register online at www.redcrossblood.org/makedonation and enter sponsor code â&#x20AC;&#x153;ALOFT Charlotte.â&#x20AC;? Aloft Charlotte, 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte

Vacation Stop?

Yes, we offer that, too. /Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ?i>Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;iÂ&#x201C;>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;J DBSPMJOBXFFLMZOFXTQBQFST DPNĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;V>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;

Page 22 â&#x20AC;˘ Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ South Charlotte Weekly

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Calendar 2.11.15 to 2.14.15 Wednesday to Saturday 1 p.m. Princess Tea at Ballantyne Resort Ballantyne Resort and Lodge will offer a magical Princess Tea, ideal for families looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Princess Tea will feature a kid-friendly menu and decorations fit for royalty. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite princess gown, jewelry and tiara. Cost is $36 for adults and $18 for kids. Reservations are required. Call 704-248-4100 or more information. Ballantyne Resort, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte 2.13.15 Friday 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Jim Knight at Hood Hargett Breakfast Club A training and development veteran for over 30 years, Jim Knight facilitates on a variety of interactive topics, including sessions around organizational culture, world-class service, employee engagement, internal branding and performance management. Knight also was recognized by Training Magazine as representing one of the Top 125 training companies in the world, out of all industries and businesses. Carmel Country Club, 4735 Carmel Road, Charlotte 2.14.15 Saturday 8 a.m. 11th Annual Cupid’s Cup 5K Run and Walk The 5K course starts and finishes near CMCMyers Park at the corner of South Kings Drive and East Boulevard. Participants will enjoy a fast, scenic and rolling course through historic Dilworth. Proceeds from the walk and run benefit the Carolinas HealthCare System cardiac rehab programs at CMC, CMC-Pineville and CMC-Union. Email cupidscup5K@carolinashealthcare.org for more information. CMC-Myers Park, 1350 S. Kings Drive, Charlotte

Feb. 6 Send your events to news@ thecharlotteweekly.com! www.thecharlotteweekly.com

2.14.15 Saturday 6 p.m. Ballantyne Ball This annual community charitable gala is the first of its kind in the Ballantyne area. The gala is a masquerade ball that will support the Isabella Santos Foundation. Net proceeds from the gala will be donated to the foundation to bring new research and treatment options to Levine Children’s Hospital of Charlotte. Dress is black-tie optional and tickets are $200. Visit www.ballantyneball.org for more information. The Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte 2.21.15 Saturday 7:30 a.m. Charlotte 10-miler and 4-mile run Starting in Ballantyne, this course follows south Charlotte’s McMullen Greenway to 4 Mile Creek along paved trails. Race will start at the intersection of Johnston and Community House roads and end by Earth Fare on Johnston Road. The four-mile race will start at 7:30 followed by the 10-mile race 10 minutes later. Visit charlotte10miler.racesonline.com/ race-information for more information. Johnston Road, Charlotte 2.22.15 Sunday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Run! Ballantyne Training Group If you don’t consider yourself an established runner, but want to compete in a 5K road race, this group is for you. Attendees will work to improve running distances while training for an upcoming race. The group will meet at Ballantyne Village YMCA and run through Ballantyne Corporate Park with the goal of incorporating training in the Run! Ballantyne race. 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, suite 190, Charlotte 2.26.15 Monday 6 to 8 p.m. Spa at Ballantyne Open House The Spa at Ballantyne is hosting an open house featuring mini treatments, salon services, wellness tips, raffle prizes, cocktails and product giveaways. Guests also will receive 20 percent off services scheduled at the open house. Reservations are required. Spa at Ballantyne, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 23

Sports

Doster joins Carolina Weekly sports team by Ben Doster ben@thecharlotteweekly.com

Hello, South Charlotte Weekly readers. My name is Ben Doster and I am the new sports writer at Carolina Weekly Newspapers. I am very excited about the opportunity to cover local high school athletics in the south Charlotte area. Sports have always been a significant Ben Doster part of my life, starting with T-ball, watching games with my dad, playing high school football under the lights on a cool and crisp October

night (usually with a nice view from the bench), to covering ACC basketball and football. I moved around often as a kid before my parents finally planted roots in Morganton, in the foothills of western North Carolina, between Hickory and Asheville. I attended East Burke High School and current Ardrey Kell football coach Adam Hastings was my position coach while I played offensive line for the Cavaliers. After I graduated from East Burke in 2007, I attended Western Piedmont Community College and began my career in sports media covering local high school sports for the Morganton News Herald. I found myself in Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina two years later, studying journalism. I honed my craft as a writer and reporter in class and through great internships with the Durham Bulls, Inside Carolina and WCHL 1360 AM. After graduation, I accepted a job covering the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and North Carolina Tar Heels

for the Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports network. Now, I get to jump back into the prep sports world. I know this area is filled with great talent and tradition, whether it was Independence’s unprecedented run of state championship crowns in football or the Curry brothers lighting it up at Charlotte Christian, there are so many great memories of teams and players. I look forward to covering the schools, athletes and coaches around south Charlotte. If you see me on the diamond, by the court, gridiron or pitch don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. Also, I’m open and eager to get your feedback, criticism and story ideas. This is your sports page, and I want to do the best job I can reporting on the high school teams, student athletes and coaches in the south Charlotte area. The best ways to reach me are by phone at (704) 8492261 or e-mail at ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers. com. Follow me on Twitter @benddoster.

sports shorts by Ben Doster ben@thecharlotteweekly.com

Senior laden Ardrey Kell eyes postseason Ardrey Kell (20-1, 11-0 in So. Meck 8 play) has clinched the regular season So. Meck 8 conference championship and appears poised to take the crown in its conference tournament and make a deep run into the N.C. High School Athletics Association state playoffs. The Knights, led by seven seniors including Elon commit Steven Santa Ana, who eclipsed the 1,500-point barrier for his career, are riding a 19-game winning streak. Santa Ana is averaging 13.9 points and 6.2 rebounds on the season. “Moving forward we want to keep getting better each and every day,” Ardrey Kell coach Mike Craft said. “We try not to talk about the streak. We are trying to just worry about ourselves, trying to worry about Berry (on) Friday (Feb. 6) and nothing else and trying to enjoy it. “I’ve talked to a lot of coaches who say embrace it and try not to put any added pressure on keeping the streak alive. I think the seniors have been able to do a great job of being able to focus and being able to win the next game.” Craft added he and his team know the playoffs are coming, but the Knights are taking it one game at a time. Ardrey Kell travels to Berry on Friday, Feb. 6 for a 7:30 tip-off.

Myers Park takes conference crown Myers Park boys and girls’ swimming and diving teams swam and dove their ways to the top of the Southwestern 4A Conference Meet to earn the title of conference champions on Friday, Jan.

30. The boys were head and shoulders above their closest competition, edging Butler 771-436, while the girls were also dominant with a 752-435 advantage over Butler. Myers Park’s boys won the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1 minute, 40.81 seconds. Myers Park’s Cameron Miller took the boys’ 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:51.98, while his teammate Mark Griefe won the boys’ 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.45 and Miller finished second in the event at 23.36. Mustangs Luke Lawrence, Will Ritchie, Trey Spence and Ben Ritchie finished first through fourth in the boys’ one-meter diving competition with Lawrence getting the highest score of 124.40. Myers Park’s Jack Smith won the boy’s 100-yard butterfly with a time of 52.27, while his teammates Drew Warlick and Eric Zhu finished third and fourth respectively. Mustang Patrick Frith took first place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:48.28, while Myers Park’s Jack O’Donoghue and Charlie Herndon finished third and fourth. Frith, Jack Tynan, Miller and Griefe teamed to win the boy’s 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:31.68. Griefe also won the boy’s 100-yard backstroke with a time of 55.73, while Warlick took second Zhu third. Myers Park’s Joseph Hargrove finished first in the boy’s 100-yard breastroke with a time of 1:02.67. Zhu, Warlick, Frith and Smith teamed to win the boy’s 400-yard relay with a time of 3:27.63. Myers Park’s Amelia Cane, Annie Carr, Charlotte Hylinski and Grace Hylinski won the 200-yard medley

Page 24 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Ardrey Kell senior Steven Santa Ana has spearheaded the Knights 20-1 run. SCW file photo

relay with a time of 1:52.31, while teammates Catie Childs, Jett Primm, Amanda Jacobson and Erin Warlick took third place. Mustang Rachael Young finished first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:02.27, while teammates Emma Walker came in second and Cane placed third. Myers Park’s Lauren Houchin won the one-meter diving with the high score of 145.75, while Mustangs Alexandra Britt, Claire Folk and Emma Barnes finished second, third and fourth. Charlotte Hylinski won the girl’s 100yard butterfly with a time of 1:00.63, while Katherine Bowers, Carr and Turner Bobbitt placed second, third and fourth. Bobbit took the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 56.96, while Bowers finished second. Young won the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:28.72, and Walker took second. Cane finished first in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:01.69, and Warlick placed second.

Carr won the 100-yard breastroke with a time of 1:08.90, while Primm finished second and Mustang Alex Spratley came in third. Young, Cane, Bobbitt and Walker teamed to win the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:50.55. The NCHSAA swimming regionals take place on Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center.

South Meck wrestles its way to conference crowns South Meck rode its train of momentum from its So. Meck 8 regular season conference championship victory to win the conference tournament on Saturday, Jan. 31. “The kids did a great job,” South Meck coach Jeff Keiser said. “I’ve got four seniors who have led the charge all season, and I can’t say enough good things about what they’ve done from Collin Stewart to Jacob Norby to Blake (see Sports Shorts on page 25)

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Sports

Sports Shorts (continued from page 24)

Barber and Mason Armstrong. “They’re hard-working kids, and I think they had a goal. I think everybody kind of realized at the beginning of the season that we had something pretty special. We had the opportunity to achieve some pretty special things this season.” Sabre winners included Collin Stewart at 120 pounds, Carlos Medina-Lesmes in the 106-pound division, Chris Moungle in the 145-pound division, Blake Barber at 152 pounds, and Jacob Norby at 170 pounds. Providence finished in second place. Ardrey Kell took third and Charlotte Catholic finished fourth.

Ardrey Kell, Providence and South Meck runners place in area championships

Runners from Ardrey Kell, Providence and South Meck competed in the 3rd Annual Unofficial Charlotte Area Winter Championships, held Jan. 31 at Weddington High School. Ardrey Kell’s Kiley Aymar finished seventh in the girls’ 1600-meter with a time of 5 minutes, 28.76 seconds, while her teammates Katherine Wilder and Erin Maguire came in 13th and 15th respectively. The Knights’ Joshua Cooper placed fourth in the 300-meter with a time of 36.55. Wilder took 12th in the girls’ 3200-meter finals with a time of 14:14.53. Providence’s Tanner Sutter finished second in the

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Myers Park’s boys and girls swim teams dominated the Southwestern 4A conference meet. Photo courtesy of MPHS

boy’s 1000-meter with a time of 2:37.60, while Matthew Danze took sixth, Patrick Barley placed eighth and Sam Cohen came in 10th. The Panthers’ Kayla Glova won the girls’ 1600-meter with a time of 5:20.07. South Meck’s Haywood Ferguson took third in the boys’ 1000-meter with a time of 2:38.05, and Raymond Morrison came in ninth. “They both had their personal records Saturday,” South Meck coach Ken Davis said. “Haywood

Ferguson’s legit. We’re working on his finishes. His finish wasn’t very good Saturday, so we’re working on that.” The Sabres’ Ben Talbert came in 14th in the boy’s 1600-meter with a time of 4:51.89. South Meck’s Junpai Dowdy placed in fifth in the boy’s 300-meter with a time of 36.57. The Sabres’ Bruce Chambers finished in sixth in the boy’s long jump with a jump of 19-.40.

South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 25

Page 26 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

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South Charlotte Weekly • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • Page 27

Page 28 • Feb. 6 to 12, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly