Union County Weekly April 29, 2022

INSIDE ▼ Heritage Festival launches logo contest PAGE 5A Friday, April 29, 2022 • Vol. 15 • No. 17

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Escape room idea wows sharks WINGATE – Sharks can be scary, unless you can get them to buy into your own scary idea.

That’s what Wingate senior Paul Janssen did April 26 at the university’s Shark Tank event with his presentation of Scare Tactic LLC, a horror-themed escape room.

The management major from Monroe laid out his business plan with a fast-moving, energetic and humor-laced pitch that had the judges nodding with approval. For his efforts, he

walked away with a $2,000 check and first prize in the competition.

“He made a great presentation; he obviously knew his market; and he approached it with creativity,” said Andrew Smart, CEO of DiscoverFresh Foods. A Wingate University alumnus and trustee, Smart quizzed Janssen about upfront costs and his plan for staying ahead of the competition.

Joining Smart on the panel of “sharks” were Sylleste Davis, a member of the S.C.

House of Representatives; Shante Williams, CEO of Black Pearl Global Investments; and Wingate alumni Nicole McCracken, founder and owner of KymNeco’s Salon, and Zach Machuca, founder and CEO of Auto-Nurture.

A grant from the John William Pope Foundation provided Janssen and fellow award-winners their prize money.

Marshville resident Chris see SHARKS, Page 5A

Judges described Paul Janssen as quick and confident in his answers. Photo courtesy of Wingate University

Pretty Colors Crayola bringing interactive exhibit, 2A

Inspiring youth is nothing new for Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run. She'll impart lasting wisdom on Wingate University graduates.

Bus Upgrades CATS supports clean air initiatives, 4A

Photos courtesy of Chesterbrook Academy Preschool

Preschool students release ladybugs

Good Vibes SOUL Expo highlights wellness, 1B

WEDDINGTON – Students at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool released 6,000 ladybugs April 22 onto the campus to help local vegetation.

Students were dressed as ladybugs, wearing red and black clothing. They also planted flowers in the school garden.

Leading up to Earth Day, students learned that ladybugs serve as a natural pesticide by feeding on insects that could otherwise harm the health of gardens, trees and shrubs.

Girls on the Run founder to speak at Wingate graduation

Special Tour Tickets go on sale for Lizzo performance, 1B

Senior Wellness Expo returning from lockdown The Senior Wellness Expo is back after a two-year COVID-prompted hiatus.

The annual free event by Council on Aging in Union County is set for May 4, 9 a.m. to noon at the Union County Agriculture & Conference Center. The event is being presented by Novant Health.

“We’re thrilled to hold this important event again,” said Andrew Friend, Council executive director. “Hundreds of older adults depend on the Expo to obtain much-needed information that allows easier and safer independent living. There’s a ton of information in one place.”

The Council expects 80-plus vendor tables

A time to inspire

with information ranging from in-home care to hearing services to age-related exercise and other activities, to even transportation, nonprofit pharmaceutical services, hospice care and much more.

In addition, the Expo features multiple free onsite screenings including weight, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, balance, spinal assessments, skin cancer screenings and hearing tests.

“The Expo is a win-win event for attendees and vendors,” Friend said. “Like the rest of North Carolina, our county population is aging and the need for services to encourage independent and health living is grow-

ing rapidly. The Expo connects providers to users.”

Door prizes will be drawn throughout the event, and Iron Horse Motorcycles will provide a shuttle service from the parking lot to the entrance.

The population of Union County residents ages 60 and older is anticipated to increase from 42,000 in 2018 to 89,000 in 20 years, for a 111 percent increase. This contrasts with the anticipated population growth of children birth to 17, which is expected to rise from 58,000 to 82,000, or a 41 percent increase.

Call 704-292-1797 for more information.

WINGATE – Wingate University undergraduates will hear from Girls on the Run International founder Molly Barker at their May 17 commencement.

Graduate students, who cross the stage on May 18, will get advice from award-winning education champion Russell Booker.

An Ashoka Fellow and globally recognized leader in girls’ education and development, Barker has a background in social work, counseling and teaching.

She started Girls on the Run in 1996 with 13 girls at Charlotte Country Day School. It has since grown to include groups in 200-plus cities across every state in the country and helped more than 2.1 million girls unleash their potential.

The 10-week, after-school program helps girls in third- through eighthgrade develop essential social, emotional and physical skills to navigate life and escape what Barker calls the “girl box.”

The program culminates with girls making a difference in their communities through service projects and celebratory 5K events. More than 330 5Ks are held each year.

The choice of Barker, an accomplished triathlete, for a commencement speaker is particularly fitting for Wingate this year, just six months after the University’s inaugural women’s triathlon team placed second nationally and triathlete Finja Schierl brought home the individual gold medal. A week later, see SPEAKER, Page 5A

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Page 2A • The Weekly • April 29, 2022

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Matthews Playhouse announces semi-finalists for 2022 Playwrights Festival MATTHEWS – The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts announced semi-finalists of the 2022 Playwrights Festival, a collaboration between Matthews Playhouse and African American Playwrights Group.

A panel of judges, including African American Playwrights Group founder Vickie Evans, reviewed this year’s Playwrights Festival submissions and selected the following works to be featured in the April 30 staged reading: • Kenyatt Godbolt “Nose Wide Open” • Donald Hall, “Benefit of the Doubt”

• Crystal Joseph, “Who’s That Woman in My Bed?” Now in its second year, the Playwrights Festival is an initiative to promote diversity, equity and Inclusion in the Charlotte theater community by highlighting original works by Black Indigenous People of Color.

The festival follows Evans’ model from AAPG’s Playwrights on Parade festival, which she held in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Selected playwrights will adapt their script to a 20-minute “preview” version that will be rehearsed and performed as a staged reading in front of an audience and a new

panel of judges on April 30 at 2 p.m. The free event is open to the public.

“We are committed to what we are doing – to provide an environment for BIPOC artists to feel safe, encouraged and supported to tell their stories,” Matthews Playhouse Production Manager Cassie Prodan said. “It was difficult to narrow down such close competition, but we are thrilled to see such vision in these initial play submissions.”

The judges will score the staged readings, and the play that receives the highest score from the panel will be incorporated into the

2022-23 Matthews Playhouse season and produced as a full-length show in August 2022.

Last season, the Matthews Playhouse produced “Greenwood,” an original play about the 1921 Tulsa massacre written by first-ever Playwright’s Festival finalist Coolidge Harris II. “I am determined to let America know about this once-thriving African-American community destroyed for no reason at all,” said Harris of his original piece. “My hope is that this play will inspire people to learn more about this massacre, to honor those lives lost in it.”

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NEWSLETTER

Crayola IDEAworks opening with immersive exhibits CHARLOTTE – Crayola IDEAworks, an immersive creativity experience, has just arrived in Charlotte for a limited engagement, opening on May 13 at Camp North End. The Southeast premiere of Crayola IDEAworks is the second stop on a multi-city, worldwide tour, having recently finished its inaugural run at Pennsylvania’s world-renowned museum, The Franklin Institute.

The event is expected to be highly attended and only limited tickets are available. Guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance at www.crayolaideaworks.com.

“Crayola’s mission has always been to help parents and teachers raise creatively alive children,” said Warren Schorr, Crayola VP of Business Development and Global Licensing. “We are very proud of Crayola IDEAworks, which helps unlock the creative skills behind design thinking, innovation and invention.”

Elect

plore, learn and discover in three distinct, interactive areas: • IDEA Workshop – Upon entry, guests will jump into challenges, questions, and puzzles that bring out their creative mind and sharpen their design-driven skills.

• The Colorverse – Guests will visit the bustling city of Crayopolis, travel out-of-this-world to the galactic Mars Station, and explore the curiosity-bending underwater SeaBase!

• Grand Finale – With one last scan of their RFID bracelet, guests will discover their unique creative style and attribute Craymoji based on personal choices highlighted during their adventure.

“We are thrilled to welcome Crayola IDEAworks to the historic Ford Building, which has quickly

Elect

LAURA BUDD

LAURA BUDD

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Bursting with color, the 17,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art, interactive exhibition challenges guests to explore their inner creativity.

Crayola IDEAworks is a personalized adventure for the whole family.

Guests are guided by Crayola Craymojis, characters that represent creative style personalities and track their progress via RFID wristbands, culminating in a customized summary of the creative strengths discovered throughout their journey.

“Guest’s imagination will be challenged through immersive, digital interactives, hands-on activities and enthralling displays unlike anything that has ever been produced,” says Clayton Ferguson, principal and executive producer of Agency808 and Innov8ive Exhibitions.

“This is an energetic, exciting event that families from across North Carolina will not want to miss!”

The exhibition features a multitude of activities for visitors to ex-

for NC H O USE

Photos courtesy of Immerse Agency

established itself as an ideal location for immersive art experiences by local creatives and international exhibits alike,” Tommy Mann, development director of Camp North End. “Crayola IDEAworks is a natural extension of Camp North End’s mission to inspire connection and creativity in people of all ages, across all industries.”

On the web: www.CrayolaIdeaworks.com

Elect

LAURA BUDD “Laura Budd is the type of leader we need in the House District 103 – she has a tremendous grasp of the local issues that matter the most and will fight for Mecklenburg County voters at every opportunity.” said current District 103 Representative Rachel Hunt. “In addition to an impressive background steeped in public service, she has deep ties to the local community. She has my full support.”

NC

for H O USE

JOIN LAURA BUDD FOR A MEET AND GREET

—R ACH EL H U N T (CU R R EN T NC H O USE D IST R ICT R EP, CAND IDAT E F O R NC SENAT E D IST R ICT 4 2)

Matthews Wine Cellar April 23rd • 4pm-7pm

“Laura has spent countless hours investing in our community. Laura’s commitment to listening, learning, and working to implement positive solutions is an impressive skill set. She is a clear-eyed advocate for our District and will serve us well in Raleigh.”

131 Matthews Station St Matthews 28105

—R . LEE M YER S , F O R MER MAYO R O F MAT T H E W S (19 91 - 20 0 9)

“As long as I have known Laura, her strength has been her integrity.”

—T IMOT H Y D. SMI T H, AT TO R NE Y

ENDORSEMENT LIST TO DATE: COMMUNITY LEADERS & ADVOCATES RACHEL HUNT

CU R R EN T DISTR I C T 10 3 STAT E R EPR E SEN TATI VE AND N C SEN ATE DIST. 4 2 CAN DI DATE

RENEE GARNER

GREG CLEMMER, ED. S.

R E T IR ED D EP U T Y SU PER IN T END EN T CH AR LOT T E -ME CK LENB U R G SCH O O L S

CALVIN YOUNG

M AT TH E W S BOAR D OF CO M M IS SI ON ER S

SCH O O L R E SO U R CE O F F ICER

JEFF MILLER

FORMER CANDIDATE FOR NC HOUSE DISTRICT #82

M AT TH E W S BOAR D OF CO M M IS SI ON ER S

DR. AIMY STEEL

R. LEE MYERS

RICHARD KRONK

FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN HALES

TIMOTHY D. SMITH

F OR M ER M AYOR OF M AT TH E WS

F. LEE WEAVER ERAN WEAVER PAUL JAMISON M. HEATH GILBERT

JOHN BURIC JASON JAMES

ENOUGH TALK. MORE ACTION. WE NEED ADEQUATE FUNDING for our schools, economic growth that creates real opportunity and jobs that provide a real living wage and criminal justice reform that supports and strengthens public safety.”

GREG SHELTON

–L AU R A BU DD

KIM SAXTON R. LEE ROBERTSON

COMMUNITY ADVOCATES/ ADVOCACY GROUPS CH AR LOT T E ME T R O LINA CEN T R AL L AB O R CO U NCIL

EARLY VOTING STARTS APRIL 28TH

★★★ PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 17TH

The Weekly • April 29, 2022 • Page 3A

Bipartisan panel says changes need to North Carolina announces $34M grant program to fund be made to state's education system summer college courses

by Victor Skinner Contributor

by Victor Skinner Contributor

(The Center Square) — North Carolina is offering $34 million in grants for summer college courses and funding for K-12 programs that address learning loss and mental health needs.

Gov. Roy Cooper last week announced $34 million in new federal funding North Carolina officials are appropriating for a series of education programs to help students continue to recover from the pandemic.

The governor devoted the largest amount — $27 million — to creating a Summer Accelerator grant program that will provide tuition assistance to college students who take summer courses to accelerate or stay on track towards graduation.

The program will provide grants of up to $5,000 to cover tuition, fees, books, housing, and other expenses based on the number of summer courses students take. The grants are open to North Carolina residents working toward their first college degree or credential, and will be available for the 2022 and 2023 summers.

“Many of the jobs of today and tomorrow require a degree or credential beyond high school,” Cooper said. “This funding will help students who lost ground during the pandemic to get back on track toward their degree and support K-12 students in need of mental health support.”

The Summer Accelerator program will provide grants to the UNC System, the NC Community College System, and independent colleges participating in state needbased grants through the State Education Assistance Authority. The UNC System will receive $16.3 million in funding, while the other entities each will receive just over $5.3 million.

“For community college students who are balancing a job, family and college, the Summer Accelerator grants provide a lifeline to shorten their time to earn a degree and enter the job market,” said Thomas Stith, president of the NC Community College System.

“These grants are critical, particularly at this time when our Great 58 community colleges

(The Center Square) — The Hunt-Lee commission — a bipartisan panel of lawmakers, business, philanthropic and education leaders — have released a report outlining needed changes in North Carolina’s education system.

The commission issued a report outlining 16 “consensus opportunities” both Republicans and Democrats can agree on to improve the state’s education system, broken down into three categories: “Build on What We Have,” “Invite and Test New Ideas” and “Implement Proven Solutions.”

The 32-member commission, created in August, is composed of state officials, business and philanthropic leaders and representatives of K-12 and higher education, and chaired by Democratic former Gov. Jim Hunt, former Sen. Howard Lee and Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover.

The commission is coordinated through The Hunt Institute to examine key education issues including access, alignment, funding, and transitions and completion, with a focus on offering policy recommendations over the next year.

“Over the course of four meetings, the Hunt-Lee Commission engaged in comprehensive conversations around key education opportunities including

around the state are helping fuel North Carolina’s job engine and growing economy.”

Other aspects of the funding package include $5 million to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to expand Youth Mental Health First Aid training. The training teaches adults who work with youth, such as teachers and school staff, how to identify and support youth ages 1218 who are experiencing mental health and substance use challenges and how to help in crisis situations.

“We know the COVID-19 pandemic increased mental health and substance use issues for many North Carolinians,” DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley said. “Recovering stronger together from this pandemic means prioritizing behavioral health and the well-being of our children and families. We are grateful for this investment in both areas which supports early intervention programs that will make a critical difference in many teenagers’ lives.”

Another $1.7 million will go to the North Carolina Business Committee for Education to expand the Tech Team initiative, a student technology help desk program that provides students with training on information technology to earn certifications recognized by employers.

The North Carolina Education Corps will also receive $726,000 to help accelerate learning recovery for public school students through one-on-one or small group literacy tutoring by corps members.

“The funding will be used to reimburse NCEC for expenses incurred in recruiting, training, and placing tutors with North Carolina public schools since July 1, 2021 and to plan for the possible expansion into math tutoring during the 2022-23 school year,” according to a Cooper press release.

The NCEC was created in fall 2020 as an independent non-profit partnership between the North Carolina Board of Education, governor, local schools and state Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.

transitions, structure and alignment, funding, and access. Through in-depth conversations and engagement with resource experts, we were able to find common ground on these topics,” according to the report issued on Monday. “The contents of this report dive deeper into each of these recommendations, providing a guidepost for how North Carolina can move forward with improving education systems for all students.”

Under the “Build on What We Have” category, the commission recommends improvements to the state’s longitudinal data system, modeling potential enhancements to the school funding system, increasing child care subsidies, reducing barriers to access for pre-K, and incentivizing excellent teachers to work in high-need schools.

The first category recommendations also include expanding the state’s Advanced Teaching Roles pilot program, expanding existing programs to grow the principal pipeline, and expanding operational flexibility for schools to better respond to student needs.

Suggestions under “Invite and Test New Ideas” category involve identifying opportunities to make early child education a financially viable career through bonuses and benefits, incentivizing providers to open more spaces for infant and toddler care, and improving transitions from

middle to high school.

The commission suggests ways to “Implement Proven Solutions” by expanding home visiting programs, renewing and sustaining the state’s financial support for students pursuing a twoyear degree, expanding eligibility for in-state tuition, increasing non-academic supports for postsecondary students, and increasing support for students to apply for federal financial aid.

Some of the recommendations will require legislative action, while others need only cooperation from state officials, but either way, Howard Lee told WRAL the commission is setting an example for how those involved can put aside partisanship in the name of progress.

“I’m thinking because of the committee’s work and the environment … it created through its work, that many of the barriers that we would expect to pop up won’t pop up moving forward,” he said.

Sen. Michael Lee, chair of the Senate Education Committee, echoed the former state senator’s remarks.

“We didn’t come into it trying to boil the ocean,” he said. “We came into it with certain topics and parameters that we felt like we could move the ball forward in a relatively short period of time, gain consensus, build relationships and then continue to move forward in these discussions.”

Daily updates: www.thecharlotteweekly.com

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Page 4A • The Weekly • April 29, 2022

CATS celebrates launch of Battery Electric Bus pilot program on Earth Day

Photo courtesy of Duke Energy

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Transit System celebrated April 22 the launch of its Battery Electric Bus pilot program.

The pilot program electrifies a portion of CATS’ bus fleet, in preparation for a full transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet. It also allows CATS to collect data and assess vehicle performance while operating on identified City of Charlotte Corridors of Opportunity throughout the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.

The pilot program, which spans 12 to 18 months, is part of a public-private partnership between CATS and eTransEnergy, a subsidiary of Duke Energy.

CATS received its first BEB in December 2021.. CATS began service of its first BEB vehicles on Route 16 South Tryon and Route 5 Wilkinson Blvd./Sprinter in March 2022.

“We appreciate working with

The pilot program supports the Strategic Energy Action Plan, which sets a community-wide goal for Charlotte to become a low carbon city by 2050.

The pilot program also received technical support through the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge, an effort to resource cities to take strong action to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change and impact public health.

“We are doing something in Charlotte to be admired and praised,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “Our commitment to the Strategic Energy Action Plan really makes a difference. Our city fleet and facilities have a goal to be powered by 100% zero-carbon sources by 2030. That is really significant as a commitment to this community, and I know we have much more to do, but this is an important step.”

BeachFest brings the Carolina Coast to Matthews MATTHEWS – The 14th annual BeachFest Matthews, presented

by Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, will feature the sounds of Blackwater, Carolina Soul Band, Rick Strickland Band, The Chairmen of the Board, The Party Parrot Band, and The Tonez The festival takes place May 13 and 14 at Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St. Admission is free.

Families can also enjoy carnival rides, interactive activities and a “small shops boardwalk.” Have lunch or dinner at Food Truck Alley, visit the commercial exhibits on Sponsor Row and dance to beach music on the Kinetic Main Stage dance floor. Attendees can also try their hand at axe throwing this year, with The Axe Dood’s mobile throwing lanes.

Trade Street will close between John and McDowell streets at 9 a.m.

Friday, May 13, to accommodate pedestrians and vendors. The Trade Street closure will move to Main Street from 5 p.m. until the event ends around midnight Saturday evening.

Visit www.matthewsnc.gov/special events to learn more.

ASC supports cultural experiences in Matthews MATTHEWS – Krista Terrell, president of the Arts and Science Council, prefaced remarks to the Matthews Board of Commissioners on April 25 by saying she was not there to ask for money but to thank thank leaders for their support of ASC. She also shared some upcoming cultural experiences that ASC has supported through grants.

• The Festival of India will feature dance performances and family activities from noon to 6 p.m. April 30 at Stumptown Park.

• Dapper Street Productions will present the Color of Jazz music series at Matthews Community Center with upcoming performances May 19 (jazz drummers) and June 23 (women in jazz).

• The Purple Charlotte Steppers will continue offering a weekly dance program Mondays through June 29 at Crews Recreation Center.

“We work every day to invest in people, programs and ideas that move us toward a more equitable, sustainable and innovative ecosystem,” she said.

Heritage Festival and Wild Turkey 5K organizers launch logo design contest MONROE – The Union County Heritage Festival Committee is accepting submissions through July 31 for its T-shirt logo design contest.

The winning design will be used on the Wild Turkey 5K Trail Run and Walk race T-shirt.

The winning design should reflect a family-oriented event, be colorful and graphically appealing, have lettering that is easy to read and have a great illustration of a wild turkey.

The design must include the text: Union County Heritage Festival Wild Turkey 5K Trail Run/Walk September 17, 2022, and include a fun, animated illustration of a wild turkey.

The contest is open to everyone with ties to Union County.

All designs will be voted on by a panel of the committee. Prizes include a cash award of $100, two free shirts with the winning design, artist’s name on the shirt and special recognition on the festival website and Facebook.

Visit https://www.unioncounty heritagefestival.org/contests for complete guidelines.

​​Town refreshing crosswalks MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews has begun remarking downtown crosswalks.

The town will remark most of the 35 crosswalks throughout the corridor and wait on the N.C. Department of Transportation to remarks crosswalks associated with its upcoming resurfacing of South Trade Street from Main to John streets, according to Public Works Director CJ O’Neill.

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CATS and the City of Charlotte to advance the city’s clean energy future,” said Brian Savoy, Duke Energy chief strategy and commercial officer. “Fleet electrification is a key component of our own clean energy transformation goal to reach net zero by 2050, and we look forward to working together on this pilot and eventually on newer and more exciting ways to lower carbon emissions here in our beautiful hometown.”

Over the course of the pilot program, CATS will receive a total of 18 BEB vehicles from Gillig and New Flyer, accompanying charging infrastructure from ABB and Siemens, and workforce development training.

CATS was awarded a Low or No (Low-No) Emissions Grant which is funding six of the 18 buses. The other 12 buses are funded through CATS’ Capital Investment Program.

NEWS BRIEFS

Leigh Altman For At-Large County Commission From Day One, I have been fighting for you.

www.LeighAltman.com • For a new jobs plan which prepares our residents for employment in our region

Early Voting Begins April 28th For Locations and Times: 704-336-2133 or www.meckboe.org

• For a strong mental health system to meet our residents’ needs • For expanded mass transit options • For better funded parks and more green spaces • For a science-based response to the pandemic which prioritized health and human life • For a comprehensive countywide non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ residents • And for transparency in government

Community Endorsements John Higdon Mayor of Matthews

Dan McCready

Lee Myers Former Mayor of Matthews

Rev. Dwayne Anthony Walker

Garry McFadden Mecklenburg County Sheriff

Rev. Henrico D. White

George Dunlap Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Commission

Rev. Dr. Monte Witherspoon

Mark Jerrell Mecklenburg County Commissioner

Virginia Keough

Laura Meier Mecklenburg County Commissioner

Karl Froelich

Environmental Stewardship Committee Member

Metropolitan Transit Commission Chair

Economic Development Committee Member

Early Voting Begins April 28th

For Locations and Times: 704-336-2133 or www.meckboe.org “As a mother, CMS parent, and County Commissioner, I know that families are PRIORITY NUMBER ONE, and I will fight for yours.”

PA I D F O R B Y L E I G H A LT M A N F O R C O U N T Y C O M M I S S I O N

The Weekly • April 29, 2022 • Page 5A

SPEAKER (continued from page 1A)

Wingate’s women’s cross country team finished fifth in the nation. Additionally, a number of Wingate’s female students serve as Girls on the Run coaches.

The author of several books, Barker is a recipient of the presidential Point of Light Award and has been named a Distinguished Alumna at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Russell Booker recently retired as superintendent of Spartanburg County School District 7 after 28 years in education. Since retiring, he has taken on two influential roles within South Carolina’s Spartanburg community: He is the executive director of the Spartanburg Academic Movement, a nonprofit committed to helping young people achieve academic and life success. He is also president of One Acorn, a company he and his wife founded to help organizations, individuals and communities fulfill their potential through authentic, values-based leadership.

A member of the Win-

gate University Board of Trustees, Booker earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Wingate in 1991 and received his doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

In 2015 he was named South Carolina’s Superintendent of the Year. Before joining District 7, he served as the Superintendent of York School District 1 and was honored by the York Chamber of Commerce with the 2008 Citizenship Service Award.

The same year, Wingate recognized him as an Outstanding Young Alumnus.

In 2013, the Urban League of the Upstate presented Booker with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Humanitarian Award. In 2015, he was inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumnus, and in 2016, he received the Heritage Committee Award from the Spartanburg African American Heritage Committee. He was awarded the Abernathy-White Humanitarian Award in 2019, and in 2020 he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian

SHARKS (continued from page 1A)

topher Weyant took second place ($1,000) with his plan for Sparkies Electric Inc., an electrical company specializing in swimming pool motors, controls and lighting.

Third place ($500) went to Garrett Waters, of Shelby, for his vision to bring tailorship to street clothing with Sheil Fashion and Tailorship.

Norlin Ochoa, who offered up his idea for Fútbol Friends, an indoor and outdoor soccer facility and community enrichment program, took fourth place ($250). He is from Charlotte.

Other student presenters were Spencer Blair of Lake Norman, who shared Ole Sailor, a fishing lifestyle and performance-based apparel business that he has launched, and Patrick Sheppard of Monroe, who shared his vision for starting a cannabis-based business called Higher Health.

All of the contestants are taking Entrepreneurship 410, a new-venture entrepreneurship class taught by adjunct faculty member Sam Spencer.

Janssen, who will graduate in December, credited Spen-

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Sergio Castello, dean of the Byrum School of Business, said he hopes to make the “Shark Tank” an annual spring event at Wingate. Photo courtesy of Wingate University

cer with challenging him and his 13 classmates to research and flesh out their ideas and get them ready for the Shark Tank competition.

“He’s been pushing us to do this from the beginning of the semester,” said Janssen, who is originally from Frankfurt, Germany.

The entrepreneur has also gotten support from his co-workers at Waxhaw Escape, where he has worked part-time for the past few years, honing his skills and considering ways to take the escape-room experience into new directions.

He told the judges that while he had found a few escape rooms with “weird mood lighting and a recording of someone crying in the corner,” the horror theme is virtually unclaimed territory and that scary escape rooms are often requested by customers.

He believes with $100,000 in startup funding, he could open two rooms. Laying out his group-based pricing structure, promotional plans and ideas for incorporating the sale of merchandise such as shirts and challenge coins to help “materialize memo-

ries,” Janssen made it clear that his priority would be hiring the right employees and making their work fun.

“Game-masters are the most important piece because they draw you into the experience,” he said. “I really want to create a working environment that people enjoy.

I recall my bosses wanting to hire me so I could work a job that brings me joy. And if that’s a feeling or experience I could give to someone my age then I’d say I’d have accomplished something great in my life.”

Williams quizzed Janssen about how often the rooms would have to be changed to attract repeat customers; Machuca offered tips on incentivizing customers to create immediate Google reviews; and Davis asked if he had differing marketing plans for teens versus families or other segments of his market.

After the competition ended, she said it was Janssen’s quick and confident answers to questions and his salesmanship that made her a believer in the business plan, even though she admitted she had never been to an escape room.

“He was so convincing that I wanted to give him money to get this started,” she said.

Spencer said he was thrilled with all the students’ confident and passionate presentations.

“It’s a very stressful situation to stand in front of not only their peers, but also a panel of critical judges,” he said. “They handled the judge’s questions with confidence and grace. I am also very pleased with their professionalism and decorum.”

He said the “Shark Tank” experience will help participants build critical thinking skills and apply constructive criticism.

“The judges offered honest criticism and suggestions based on their personal experiences. The best advice the presenters could hear is from people who are actual entrepreneurs that understand the perseverance and dedication necessary to be successful,” Spencer said. “The judges did an amazing job, and I am grateful to them for taking the time out of their schedules to help our students.”

Janssen appreciated the opportunity to practically apply his work and academic skills.

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Arts & Entertainment The Weekly • April 29, 2022 • Page 1B

Speed Street has new venue, headliners CONCORD – Charlotte Motor Speedway will become the new home of Circle K Speed Street on Memorial Day weekend.

Circle K Speed Street will offer A-list music acts, driver appearances, interactive games and displays from May 27 to 29.

“The pandemic gave us a great opportunity to look at Speed Street in an effort to reinvent the experience and bring even more en-

tertainment to the fans,” said Jay Howard, executive director of the 600 Festival, the nonprofit that, along with his team at CSM Production, has produced Speed Street for more than 25 years. “As we invest in growing the festival to make it an even bigger draw, working alongside our partners Charlotte Motor Speedway to create a onestop-party-spot on Memorial Day weekend, just makes a lot of sense.”

Four-time Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida will kick off this year’s music and motorsports celebration on May 27, while rock group Steve Miller Band will take the stage May 28 Flo Rida will give a 75-minute performance featuring internationally acclaimed hits like “Low,” “Right Round” and “My House.”

The Steve Miller Band will perform a 90-minute set featuring fan

favorites like “The Joker,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Jet Airliner” and “Jungle Love.”

In addition to the Circle K Speed Street stage each day, the 10-acre fan zone will include driver appearances by some of NASCAR’s biggest names, interactive games and displays, food trucks, souvenir haulers and partner activations.

Additional details on entertain-

ment, schedules and attractions will be forthcoming.

Circle K Speed Street will open each day to fans with a ticket to any of the weekend’s three NASCAR events May 27 to 29, including Sunday’s Cola-Cola 600.

“The Coca-Cola 600 has always been so much more than just a race; it’s an event in every sense of the word,” said Greg Walter, general manager at the speedway.

A&E BRIEFS Lizzo launches Special Tour CHARLOTTE – Lizzo plans to perform Oct. 20 at the Spectrum Center as part of The Special Tour.

The three-time Grammy winner is coming off the release of her new single “About Damn Time,” available via Nice Life Recording Company/Atlantic Records. The single herLizzo alds Lizzo’s upcoming album “SPECIAL,” due July 15.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off Sept. 23 in Sunrise, FL, and runs through November. Tickets go on sale April 29 at 10 a.m. on ticketmaster.com.

Lizzo has had a busy 2022 with a double duty hosting and performance gig on “Saturday Night Live” and visits to NBC’s “The TODAY Show” and CBS’s “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” She can also currently be seen in the Amazon Prime reality show, “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.”

Kelley goes on solo run

The SOUL Expo was founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Katie Sutton and Josh Vogt and their colleague, Holly Whitman, with the mission of creating an event to experience consciousness expanding products and presentations. Photos courtesy of The SOUL Expo

SOUL Expo highlights wellness CHARLOTTE – Organizers of the SOUL Expo strive to reunite the wellness community after two years of COVID isolation, inspire positive change, and bring awareness to alternatives to traditional education, health and business practices.

They aim to expose attendees to alternatives and encourage people to develop their own businesses around their passion.

“The goal of The SOUL Expo is to not only expose people to new healing modalities and information but also to let them know that there is a community of like-minded souls they can connect with,” co-founder Katie Sutton said.

“It’s time that we begin healing the collective trauma that we have experienced over the last two years and The SOUL Expo is a part of that.”

The expo will be held April

30 at the Central Piedmont Community College Harris Conference Center..

Twelve workshops and more than 40 vendors will be featured throughout the expo, including over 30 healers and readers practicing reiki, tarot, astrology, aura, ancestral eye readings, mediumship, massage and bodywork healing and sound therapy.

Buy tickets in advance for $35 or at the door for $45.

Visit www.thesoulexpo.com for details.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Brian Kelley, best known as the Florida half of the duo Florida Georgia Line, has launched the Made by the Water Tour to promote his first solo run. He’ll perform April 29 at Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte.

The Ormond Beach, Florida-native is introducing songs from his debut album, “Sunshine State of Mind” (Warner Music Nashville / Nashville South Records), on the 12-date Kelley tour presented by Boat Trader and his partners at Oyster City Brewing Co. Tickets and additional details can be found at officialbriankelley.com.

Kelley will continue tapping into new creative outlets this summer, helming “May We All: A New Country Musical” with his production company CuzBro Productions, in partnership with Lively McCabe Entertainment (Executive Producer Michael Barra). Visit TPAC.org for details.

Gentleman’s Ride to attract motorcyclists on May 22 CHARLOTTE – The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will be coming to Charlotte on May 22 as one of four locations in the state.

The event, founded in Australia, unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Riders in the Charlotte area are asked to register at gentlemansride.com, for details so the organization can continue to track the global participation and funds raised.. There is also a shortened link to visit the Charlotte Chapter at bit.ly/CLTDGR where riders and supporters can register or donate to show support.

Presenters include Cammy Benton, who is working with the nonprofit Compass Integrative Health to launch an integrative health center/ hospital, LitPro, a litigation and counseling service taking on Big Pharma, and educators who have created alternative schools and programs to the public education system.

UNCC student captures city, county’s path to cleaner future CHARLOTTE – Asher Queen, a student at UNC Charlotte, won the Leading the Charge electric vehicle decal design competition.

The first-time competition was open to local college students in Mecklenburg County.

Queen’s design will be placed on all Charlotte and Mecklenburg County low-emission vehicles. He will be awarded $5,000.

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“I am really excited to have a small part in what the city and county are trying to accomplish and love that they gave college students this opportunity,” Queen said.

In his design, titled “C a Cleaner Future,” Queen angled a stylized green leaf upward at 30 degrees to signify the city’s aspiration to create a zero-carbon fleet by 2030 and the county’s commit-

ment to transition its fleet to net-zero carbon energy sources by 2035.

“We appreciate everyone who participated in the contest and are excited to showcase our commitment to a low-carbon future with Asher’s design on our low-emission vehicles,” said Sarah Hazel, the city’s chief sustainability and resiliency officer. “This partnership between the city, county

and a community member is important because air pollution and emissions from transportation know no boundaries and it will take partnership and collaboration to reach ambitious climate goals.”

Erin Stanforth, sustainability & resiliency manager for Mecklenburg County, said Queen’s design shows the city and the county are on a road to a cleaner future.

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Erin Stanforth, sustainability manager for Mecklenburg County, said the project highlights student artwork while bringing attention to the county’s pledge to carbon neutrality. Photo courtesy of Mecklenburg County

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The Weekly • April 29, 2022 • Page 3B Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar’s Carolina Burger includes an Angus patty, pimento cheese, hand-breaded fried green tomatoes and candied bacon jam.

DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from April 15 to 21: Lowest Scores • Iron Thunder Saloon And Grill, 608 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe – 90 Violations include: Employees didn’t wash hands after touching pens, papers and soiled dishes; pieces of grilled chicken breasts weren’t held hot enough; shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chicken wings, coleslaw and ranch weren’t stored cold enough; and foods kept for over 24 hours weren’t labeled.

Charlotte (28209) • 7-Eleven, 2601 South Blvd. – 96.5 • Angry Ales, 1518 Montford Drive – 97.5 • Pasta & Provisions, 4700 Park Road – 96.5 • Yame Asian Noodles, 4435 Park Road – 98 Charlotte (28210) • Bentley’s Restaurant, 4620 Piedmont Row Drive – 98 • Bojangles, 231 E Woodlawn Road – 96.5 • Residence Inn, 6030 Piedmont Row Drive S. – 98.5 • Whole Foods Market (prepared foods), 6610 Fairview Road – 96.5 Charlotte (28211) • 7-Eleven, 801 N. Wendover Road – 94.5 • Jack in the Box, 4505 Randolph Road – 94.5 • Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4400 Sharon Road – 95.5 • Mama Sophie’s Soul Food, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96 Charlotte (28226) • Hello Chicken, 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road – 99 • Metro Diner, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 • Thai House, 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road – 95 Charlotte (28227) • Food Lion (produce), 9848 Monroe Road – 98 • Idle Mart, 9731 Idlewild Road – 98 • Jake’s Good Eats, 12721 Albemarle Road – 95 • McDonald’s, 9150 Lawyers Road – 95 Charlotte (28270) • Food Lion (deli), 9848 Monroe Road – 100 • Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, 1605 Galleria Blvd. – 96.5 • Pizza Hut, 9614 Monroe Road – 97 • Wendy’s, 1801 Sardis Road N. – 98.5

CALENDAR April 29 Outdoor Concert 20 Ride, a Zac Brown tribute band, performs at Beats ‘n Bites in Stumptown Park. The concert series blends music with food trucks. The series continues monthly through September. www. matthewsnc.gov 5-9 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews Spring Ballet Steps N Motion Dance Studio holds its inaugural spring ballet concert, “A Night at the Movies,” at the Matthews Community Center’s Fullwood Theater. Tickets are required. http:// stepsnmotion.com/ or 704-845-1180 6 p.m.; 100 W. McDowell St., Matthews

Charlotte (28277) • 12th Man Sports Pub, 12206 Copper Way – 96 • Buona Vita, 3419 Toringdon Way – 99 • Earth Fare (deli), 12235 N. Community House Road – 94.5 • First Watch, 6311 Providence Farm Lane – 94.5 • Hampton Inn and Suites, 11935 North Community House Road – 99 • King Kabab, 14027 Conlan Circle – 96 • McAlisters Deli, 8046 Providence Road – 100 • Open Rice, 9882 Rea Road – 96.5 • The Porters House, 7417 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95.5

April 30 Shredding Event The Town of Matthews and Record Storage Systems collaborate on a free document shredding event at Matthews United Methodist Church. The limit is four banker boxes per person. No paperclips, staples, metal or plastic allowed. 704-588-2820 9 a.m.-noon; 801 S. Trade St., Matthews

Indian Trail • Center Ice Tavern (Extreme Ice), 4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 97 • Food Lion (meat market), 4423 Old Monroe Road – 99 • Food Lion (deli/food stand), 4423 Old Monroe Road – 97 • KFC, 13900 E. Independence Blvd.

– 96.5 • Taco Bell, 13710 E. Independence Blvd. – 98.5

Pop Up Shop Mint Hill Coffee & Social House hosts a Spring Pop Up Shop with jewelry. 980-875-9584 or www.minthillroastingcompany.com 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Spring Tea Broadcaster Sheri Lynch speaks at the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce’s second manual spring tea fundraiser at Arlington Baptist Church. Register in advance at www.minthill chamberofcommerce.com.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 9801 Arlington Church Road, Mint Hill

India Festival The Indian Association of Charlotte presents Festival of India at Stumptown Park. This cultural experience includes art, food, dance and education. www.matthewsnc.gov Noon-6 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews

May 4 Business Networking The Matthews Chamber of Commerce holds a Happy Hour Networking Event for members at Mobility & More. www.matthewschamber.org 4-6 p.m.; 251 N. Trade St., Matthews

Playwright Festival Kenyatt Godbolt, Donald Hall, Crystal Joseph and Rona Siddiqui read from their works at the Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts’ Playwright’s Festival at Matthews Community Center. The event is free but reserve seats at www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

2 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews

May 5 Crestdale History Barbara Taylor, of the Matthews Heritage Museum, explains the Crestdale Heritage Trail outside the Matthews Library. Register in advance.

704-416-5000 or https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/ 11 a.m.-noon; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Comedy Show Joe Bob Briggs, known as America’s drivein movie critic, explains “How Rednecks Saved Hollywood” at the Dowd Center Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $45. https://dowdcentertheatre.com/ 8 p.m.; 120 S. Main St., Monroe May 1 Tea Party Waxhaw Parks and Recreation hosts a Mother’s Day Mini Tea Party at the Water Tower Community Corner. Tickets cost $10 each. Registration is required. Register online at https://hubs. li/Q018cw9Q0 or 704-843-2195 ext. 235.

12 or 1 p.m.; 116 McDonald St., Waxhaw May 2 Book Club The Mint Hill Mystery Book Club discusses “Strong Poison” by Dorothy L. Sayers at Wilgrove Park (unless weather acts up). The book club is for adults. Register in advance. https://cmlibrary. bibliocommons.com/ 2-3 p.m.; 7750 Jim Harper Lane, Mint Hill

May 6 Community Theater The Union County Playmakers present the opening of “Fabulous Fables: Belling the Cat” at Benton Heights Elementary School Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $5 for children 12 and under. Performances include 7:30 p.m. May 6, 7, 13 and 14 as well as 2:30 p.m. May 8 and 15. https://unioncountyplaymakers.org/ 7:30 p.m.; Cherry Street in Monroe May 7 Dog Festival Indian Trail Parks and Recreation presents Paws in the Park at Crooked Creek Park. The festival includes demonstrations, an off-leash area and vendors. 704-821-8114 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trial See more events at www.thecharlotteweekly. com.

Matthews • Char Bar No. 7, 3118 Fincher Farm Road – 92 • Food Lion (meat market), 9848 Monroe Road – 99.5 • Genghis Grill, 9727 E. Independence Blvd. – 95 • White Duck Taco Shop, 131 E. John St. – 97 Mint Hill • Dunwellz Custom Kitchen and Pour House, 7110 Brighton Park Drive – 96 • El Valle, 9229 Lawyers Road – 95.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 95 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 99 Monroe • Bojangles, 555 E. Roosevelt Blvd.

– 94 • Iron Thunder Saloon And Grill, 608 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 90 Pineville • Kit’s Trackside Crafts, 330 Main St. – 98 • Middle James Brewing Company, 400 N. Polk St. – 99.5 • Waffle House, 8220 Pineville-Matthews Road – 95 Waxhaw • Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St. – 97.5 • Stacks Kitchen, 1315 N. Broome St – 98 • Taco Bell, 2517 Cuthbertson Road – 99.5

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Page 4B • The Weekly • April 29, 2022

Summer Pops returning to SouthPark LOUD&LIVE

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte music from “Frozen,” “Pirates of the ny Park at Southpark.

Symphony’s iconic Summer Pops se- Caribbean” and “West Side Story.”

Summer Pops concerts have become ries returns to Symphony Park this Opera Carolina Artistic Director a summer tradition since 1983. summer for the first time since 2019. James Meena joins the CSO with a Get tickets at charlottesymphony.

The series kicks off with “Swing group of talented singers for the third org.

Into Summer,” a tribute to the big and final Summer Pops concert on band era with jazzy favorites from the June 2. “Opera Masterpieces” features Community concerts likes of George Gershwin and Duke memorable selections from operas like The Charlotte Symphony will The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation Ellington, led by Resident Conductor Carmen, La Bohème, and Turandot present free community concerts at Eighth New York,musicals N.Y. 10018 Christopher James Lees on June 12. 620and musicAvenue, from Broadway Stumptown Park in Matthews on June For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 Lees will also conduct “Hooray for For likeRelease Phantom of the Opera.

PerforTuesday, January 25, 202210 at 8:30 p.m and Pineville Lake Park Hollywood” on June 19, featuring mances begin at 8:15 p.m. at Sympho- in Pineville on June 30 at 8:30 p.m.

Crossword 29 With special importance

ACROSS 1 Bygone Russian ruler 5 Rock band whose name also forms the call letters for a rock radio station in San Antonio 9 Like some sprays 14 “The Simpsons” character with a palindromic name 15 Part of a foot 16 “The best is ___ come” 17 Capture the attention of 18 Not quite shut 19 Sing smoothly 20 Hawk’s home 22 Russia’s ___ Mountains 24 Dating ___ 25 Skiing and snowboarding 28 Fulfill completely

32 Sewing shop supply

35 Puts money (on) 36 Lens holder

37 Work hard for 38 B or C of the Spice Girls

39 Building with a loft 40 Prominent feature of a fennec fox 41 Pesky plant

43 Card suit that symbolizes a medieval weapon 45 Hare ___

47 Sight near an exit sign

48 Display of mentalism … or a hint to this puzzle’s shaded squares 52 www.nytimes .com, for one

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE W O R S T H A R S H

E M O T E E L I T E

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L E D E T H Y L I D E A S

53 Attempt, metaphorically 54 Reserve 56 Give away, as a story’s ending 58 Smooth (out) 60 Walkie-talkie word 61 Pinky and the Brain, for two 62 It may be printed on a place mat 63 ___-do-well 64 Put into the pot 65 First place?

66 Wapitis DOWN 1 Caesar dressing?

2 Scatter 3 Developer of the game Breakout 4 M.L.B.’s first Rookie of the Year (1947) 5 Sorento automaker 6 Cause harm to 7 Lasting marks 8 Explosion fragments 9 Home of the Met, the Whitney and the Frick, in brief 10 Make fizzy 11 Halts abruptly 12 Crowning 13 Actor Chaney nicknamed “The Man of a Thousand Faces” 21 List shortener: Abbr.

23 Plundered goods 26 U.F.O. pilots

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39 Singing voice meaning “heavysounding” 41 Question of identity 42 First and only chimpanzee to orbit Earth 43 Cronus, to Uranus 44 Whale groups 46 Long, thin strip used in building construction 47 Prepare, in a way, as chicken

Monday, May 2 May 2 • Evening Muse: Open mic • Neighborhood Theatre: The Spongetone Tuesday, May 3May 3 • Evening Muse: Local H

PUZZLE BY GUILHERME GILIOLI

27 Some N.F.L. blockers 30 Orpheus’ instrument 31 Urges 32 Ask for 33 Talk show host Jack 34 Ingredient in perfume and potpourri 35 Furniture depicted in Frida Kahlo’s “The Dream” (1940) 38 Interim period

30 Saturday, AprilApril 30 • Bank of America Stadium: Kenny Chesney • Evening Muse: Caroline Spence • Fillmore: Jacob Collier • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): Karaoke • Jekyll & Hyde (Matthews): Rusty Pilot • Mary O’Neills: Traxx • Matthews Wine Cellar: Randy Courtney • Mint Hill Coffee: Kris Anderson • Neighborhood Theatre: Houndmouth • PNC Music Pavilion: Jimmy Buffett • Southern Range: Blue Dog Junction Band • Tap & Vine: Tremar • Triple C Brewing: Mojo Ruckus • Waxhaw Taphouse: 485 • Woody’s: U-Phonik Sunday, May 1 May 1 • Evening Muse: Gavin Matts • Home Brew Craft Beer: John Krizan • Neighborhood Theatre: Diane Durrett & Soul Suga

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April 29 • Brickyard: Knights of Flannel • Fillmore: Trinity of Terror • Franklin Court Grille: Vince Koob • Hawthorne’s Pizza: Johnny Suspect • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): U-Phonik • Hickory Tavern (Indian Trail): DistilleryCats • Matthews Wine Cellar: Judy & Joanna • Neighborhood Theatre: Cruz Contreras • Piedmont Social House: Coconut Groove Band • Southern Range: Carrie Ann • Stooges Pub: Black Glass • Stumptown Station: Murphy • Suffolk Punch Brewing: New Local • Tap & Vine: Ryan Trotti • Trail House: High Fidelity • Visulite: Town Mountain • Zee’s Tavern: Jaxx & Jacks

49 Exposed for all to see 50 Work of fiction

51 One of Cyprus’s two official languages

52 “___ the housetop, click, click, click …”

55 Goofs

56 Subway stop: Abbr.

57 It may give you visuals 59 Sister

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.

Saturday, May 7May 7 • Courthouse Self-Pour Beer: Dylan Ray • Fillmore: LP • Gin Mill: Losing Jenny • Home Brew Craft Beer: Lee Knox; Tom Billotto • Independence Harley: Dani Kerr and the Skeleton Krew • Neighborhood Theatre: Built to Spill • Tap & Vine: RC Acoustic • Tommy’s Pub: Death of August • Trail House: Jeff Anderson & the Honky Tonk Revolution • Visulite: Long Strange Deal

May 8

• BOPlex: Ricard Arjona • Neighborhood Theatre: All That Remains • PNC Music Pavilion: AJR • Southern Range: Aaron Chance • Spectrum Center: Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short • Treehouse Vineyards: House 11 Duo

Venues

Charlotte • Bank of America Stadium: 800 S. Mint St. • BoPlex: 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

• Brickyard: 1411 S. Tryon St. • Courthouse Self-Pour: 101 W. Franklin St. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Gin Mill: 1423 S. Tryon St. • Hawthorne’s Pizza: 1701 E. 7th St. • Heist Brewery: 2909 N. Davidson St. • Hickory Tavern: 12210 Copper Way • Middle C Jazz: 300 South Brevard St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Piedmont Social House: 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd.

• PNC Music Pavilion: 707 Pavilion Blvd.

• QC Social Lounge: 300 N. College St. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. • Suffolk Punch Brewing: 2911 Griffith St. • Tommy’s Pub: 3124 Eastway Drive • Triple C Brewing: 2900 Griffith St. • Underground: 820 Hamilton St • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. • Woody’s: 11318 N Community House Road • Zee’s Tavern: 10403 Park Road

4 Wednesday, MayMay 4 • Evening Muse: Local H • Middle C Jazz: Troy Conn quartet • Trail House: Ephraim Scott Sommers

Indian Trail • Hickory Tavern: 6455 Old Monroe Road • Tap and Vine: 6443 Old Monroe Road • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road

Thursday, May 5May 5 • Evening Muse: Jeff Plankenhorn and Scrappy Jud Newcomb • Heist Brewery: The Talismen • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): Jukebox Rehab • Hickory Tavern (Indian Trail): Jake • Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Chris Marks Band • Neighborhood Theatre: The Wailers

Matthews • Harley: 9205 E. Independence Blvd.

• Jekyll & Hyde: 316 N. Trade St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Matthews Wine Cellar: 131 Matthews Station St. • Stumptown Station: 107 N. Trade St.

Friday, May 6 May 6 • Evening Muse: Tyler Ramsey • Hickory Tavern (Indian Trail): Xavier Peralta • Middle C Jazz: Marion Meadows • Neighborhood Theatre: Weathers • Pineville Tavern: Karaoke • QC Social Lounge: Lauren Mia • Stooges Pub: Action Jaxxon • Trail House: Ryan Perry

Mint Hill • Mint Hill Coffee: 7201 Matthews-MH Rd • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road Monroe • Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St. • Home Brew: 215 S. Main St. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyard: 301 Bay St. Pineville • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Waxhaw • Mary O’Neills: 116 West North Main St. • Waxhaw Taphouse: 110 McDonald St.

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.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

*Restrictions apply, call for details

1720872-01

I am able to safely handle the legal needs of my clients.

Visit Our Website For

Money Saving

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

McClintock

Matthews 624 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Suite 300 A (Street Level) 704-688-0505

Heating & Cooling 704.321.5207

ATTENTION INDIAN TRAIL RESIDENTS Bulk & E Waste Pick Up See scheduled picked up dates below: *No reservations Required*

Items are picked up curbside on regularly scheduled recycle day

GREEN WEEK RECYCLING MAY 2 -6 ORANGE WEEK RECYCLING MAY 9TH-13TH ND

TH

If you have any questions regarding what is accepted and how to prepare items please call GB USA at 704-708-5872 or Indian Trail Town Hall at 704-821-5401 Also, the list of acceptable and unacceptable items is online at www.indiantrail.org on the solid waste page

Call Call Us CallUs Us Call Us Today!

Today!

Today!

Today!

Apply Now

Decades of Educating Students in the Charlotte / Matthews / Mint Hill Area

SmallClass ClassSizes Sizes Small Class Sizes Small Small Class Sizes and Standard, Honors, andAP APClasses Classes Standard,Honors, Honors, and AP Classes Standard, Standard, Honors, and AP Classes OfferingBoth Both In-Person and OnlineInstruction Instruction Offering Both In-Person and Online Instruction Offering In-Person and Online Offering Both In-Person and Online DualEnrollment Enrollmentwith withCPCC: CPCC:Science, Science,Instruction Art, Engineering, Dual Enrollment with CPCC: Science, Art, Engineering, Engineering, and and CTE CTE Dual Art, and CTE Dual Enrollment with CPCC: Science, Art, Engineering, and CTE

WeeklyTours: Tours:Tuesdays Tuesdaysatatat10 1010 A.M. Weekly Tours: A.M. Weekly Tuesdays A.M. Monthly Open House: 2nd Tuesday 6:30 P.M. Monthly House: 2ndatTuesday Tuesday 6:30 P.M. Monthly 2nd 6:30 P.M. WeeklyOpen Tours:House: Tuesdays 10 A.M.atatat MonthlyGrant OpenHigh House: 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 P.M. Queen’s High School Queen’s Grant High School Queen’s Grant School 10323 Idlewild Road, Matthews 28105 10323 Idlewild Road, Matthews NCNC 28105 10323 Idlewild NC 28105 Queen’s GrantRoad, High Matthews School Phone: 704-545-0736 704-545-0738 Phone: |Fax: Fax:704-545-0738 704-545-0738 10323704-545-0736 Idlewild Road,| |Matthews NC 28105 Phone: 704-545-0736 Fax: admissions@queensgranthigh.org admissions@queensgranthigh.org Phone: 704-545-0736 | Fax: 704-545-0738 admissions@queensgranthigh.org See ourwebsite websitefor for details: www.queensgranthigh.org See our website www.queensgranthigh.org admissions@queensgranthigh.org See our fordetails: details: www.queensgranthigh.org

See our website| for details: www.queensgranthigh.org Facebook:@queensgranthighschool @queensgranthighschool | Twitter: Twitter: @queensgranthigh @gostallions Facebook: @queensgranthighschool |Twitter: @queensgranthigh |Instagram: Instagram: @gostallions Facebook: @queensgranthigh | |Instagram: @gostallions Facebook: @queensgranthighschool | Twitter: @queensgranthigh | Instagram: @gostallions

The Weekly • April 29, 2022 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

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HELP WANTED SR. ANALYST - MODEL VALIDATION SOUGHT

BY ALLY BANK IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA. Develop quantitative financial products used to inform individuals or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk. Investigate methods for financial analysis to create mathematical models used to develop improved analytical tools or advanced financial investment instruments.

Validate the underlying

methodology, statistical validity, performance, implementation process, and controls of financial/ economic models across Ally Banks lines of business.

Requires: Master of Science in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Analytics, Economics, or closely related, and one (1) year of experience with data modeling and model validation in the financial services or banking industries. May telecommute.

Send resume with reference number J-L-504464 to Marlyn D. Mangual at recruitment@ally.com.

CHECK OUT

THE WEEKLY’S CLASSIFIEDS TO RUN A CLASSIFIED AD, CONTACT:

704.849.2261 OR adsales@cmgweekly.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY Kelly’s Painting

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SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT

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Your

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

Tony DeMarzo

Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

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

yournyconnection.nc@gmail.com

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

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

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

THE HANDY MAN

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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) Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

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

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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.

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TrailBuilding Building BF BF Construction Construction Services Services ••Trail

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SmallDump DumpTruck Truck ••Small SkidLoader Loader ••Skid 980-240-7358 980-240-7358 ••Trachoe Trachoe ConcreteDemo Demo ••Concrete BushHogging Hogging 704-622-6460 704-622-6460 ••Bush SmallTrees TreesCut Cut ••Small **We **Weare arelicensed licensedand andinsured** insured** • Footings • Footings **Wehave havebeen beenininbusiness businessfor for2020years** years** **We

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Blank and Load Clean Up Upgrades Repairs Sales Service Calls randyscomputersllc@gmail.com www.randyscomputersllc.com 3312 Highway 21 Suite 108, Fort Mill, SC 29715

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

Piano Instruction Pat Moehring 704-564-4275

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WE PAINT INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND CABINETS

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Celebrate

Mother's Day Sunday May 8th, 2022

Brunch Buffet 10AM - 2PM All you can eat! $40 for Adults - $15 Kids 5 - 12 Under 5 Eat Free!

Dinner Buffet 4PM - 8PM All you can eat! $55 for Adults - $20 Kids 5 - 12 Under 5 Eat Free!

Reservations Recommended Ask your hostess or call to reserve a table Limited Menu Options Available Day Of Full Buffet Menu Coming Soon @ Eatmariospizza.com 704-847-4884

MARIO’S

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

2945 Matthews Weddington Rd. Matthews, NC 28104 704-847-4884 www.eatmariospizza.com